bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Cerebrospinal Fluid Level of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Is Increased in Cerebrospinal Fluid from Alzheimer’s Disease Patients and Correlates with Severity of Dementia
Authors: Fukuyama Ryuichi , Izumoto Taneno , Fushiki Shinji 
Published: April 2003

To gain insight of the underlying mechanisms of astroglial response to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the level of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from controls and AD subjects were immunochemically determined, and the correlation between that level and dementia severity of AD patients was evaluated. Means and SD of CSF levels of GFAP for the young control group (from 1 to 25 years, mean ± SD 14.2 ± 5.0, n = 13) adult control (from 26 to 55 years, 41.6 ± 10.1, n = 9) and senescent control (older than 56 years, 65.4 ± 8.0, n = 8) were 2.96 ± 1.04, 2.80 ± 1.46 and 3.99 ± 1.55 ng/ml, respectively, and the CSF level of GFAP was not dependent on age (ANOVA, p = 0.17). While that of the AD patient group (n = 27, 70.8 ± 8.0 years) was 8.96 ± 7.80 ng/ml, significantly higher than that of both the all-control (3.19 ± 1.39 ng/ml, t test, p < 0.001) and age-matched senescent (3.99 ± 1.55 ng/ml, t test, p < 0.005) control groups. The receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the GFAP concentration at 5 ng/ml in CSF could serve as a cutoff value. The CSF level of GFAP in the moderately to severely demented patients (MMSE ≤ 17, 13.2 ± 9.10 ng/ml, n = 9) was approximately by two-fold higher than that of the mildly to moderately demented patients (MMSE ≧ 18, 6.85 ± 5.76 ng/ml, n = 18; ANOVA, p < 0.05). These findings together with our previous report on an increase in the CSF level of apolipoprotein E suggest that degeneration and stimulation of astrocytes takes place concurrently in the AD brain.
Elevated Nitric Oxide Level in Aqueous Humor of Patients with Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Chiou Shih-Hwa , Chang Charn-Jung , Hsu Wen-Ming , Kao Chung-Lan , Liu Jorn-Hon , Chen Wen-Lu , Tsai Der-Chong , Wu Chi-Chiao , Chou Ching-Kuang 
Published: April 2003

Nitric oxide, a noxious and free-radical gas, plays a key role in vasodilatation, inflammation, immunity, and neurotoxicity. Studies have shown that a recently detected NO synthase inducible isoform, found in astrocytes in the optic nerve heads of glaucoma patients, could stimulate excessive production of NO. The purpose of our study was to elucidate the role of NO production in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. We measured the concentrations of NO in aqueous humor from 11 patients with acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) and 14 patients with cataract. All samples were collected from patients who were free of any other systemic disease. Utilizing a chemiluminescence assay, we found that in AACG patients the NO levels in aqueous humor samples (83.2 ± 6.7 µ<i>M</i>) were significantly higher than in cataract patients (27.1 ± 3.6 µ<i>M</i>; p < 0.001). We therefore concluded that excessive NO in AACG patients reflects the degree of ocular impairment demonstrated by concomitant retinal cell and optic nerve cell damage.
Significance of Fluorescence Cystoscopy for Diagnosis of Superficial Bladder Cancer after Intravesical Instillation of Delta Aminolevulinic Acid
Authors: Ehsan Amgad , Sommer Frank , Haupt Gerald , Engelmann Udo 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> Most lesions of superficial bladder cancer may be easily missed during conventional white light cystoscopy. The aim of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of endoscopic fluorescence diagnosis of superficial malignant bladder tumours following intravesical instillation of δ-aminoleviulenic acid. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> 30 patients of suspected or previously diagnosed bladder cancer were subject of evaluation. All patients received 50 ml of a 3% δ-ALA solution intravesically, 2–3 h prior to diagnostic cystoscopy. Fluorescence excitation intraoperatively was achieved by a violet-blue light from a xenon light source. <i>Results:</i> A clear strong red fluorescence colour was observed emitting from all malignant vesical lesions. A diagnostic sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 65% has been determined for this novel diagnostic modality. <i>Conclusion:</i> Fluorescence cystoscopy using δ-ALA is a reliable procedure that can be offered to all patients with suspected bladder cancer lesions.
Nitric Oxide, Peroxynitrite and cGMP in Atherosclerosis-Induced Hypertension in Rabbits: Beneficial Effects of Cicletanine
Authors: Szilvássy Zoltán , Csont Tamás , Páli Tibor , Droy-Lefaix Marie-Thérèse , Ferdinandy Péter 
Published: April 2003

We studied the effect of the furopyridine derivative antihypertensive drug, cicletanine, on blood pressure, vascular nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cGMP) content in the aorta and the renal and carotid arteries, aortic superoxide production, and serum nitrotyrosine level in hypertensive/atherosclerotic rabbits. The effect of cicletanine was compared to that of furosemide. Rabbits were fed a normal or a cholesterol-enriched (1.5%) diet over 8 weeks. On the 8th week, the rabbits were treated per os with 2 × 50 mg/kg daily doses of cicletanine, furosemide, or vehicle for 5 days (n = 5–6 in each groups). The cholesterol diet increased mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) from 86 ± 1 to 94 ± 2 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Cicletanine decreased MABP in atherosclerotic rabbits to 85 ± 1 mm Hg (p < 0.05), but it did not affect MABP in normal animals. Furosemide was without effect in both groups. In normal animals, NO content (assessed by electron spin resonance after in vivo spin trapping) in the aorta and the renal and carotid arteries was increased by cicletanine, and the drug increased cGMP in the renal artery as measured by radioimmunoassay. The cholesterol-enriched diet decreased both vascular NO and cGMP and increased aortic superoxide production assessed by lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence and serum nitrotyrosine determined by ELISA. In atherosclerotic animals, cicletanine increased NO and cGMP content in the aorta and the renal and carotid arteries and decreased aortic superoxide production and serum nitrotyrosine. Furosemide did not influence these parameters. We conclude that cicletanine lowers blood pressure in hypertensive/atherosclerotic rabbits. The antihypertensive effect of the drug in atherosclerosis may be based on its beneficial effects on the vascular NO-cGMP system and on the formation of reactive oxygen species.
Role of Early Continuous Regional Arterial Infusion of Protease Inhibitor and Antibiotic in Nonsurgical Treatment of Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis
Authors: Takeda K. , Sunamura M. , Shibuya K. , Kobari M. , Matsuno S. 
Published: April 2003

This paper reviewed our experience with the nonsurgical management of acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) by continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) of protease inhibitor (nafamostat mesilate, 240 mg/day) and antibiotic (imipenem, 0.5 g every 12 h). 47 patients with ANP admitted within 7 days were treated with intensive care and CRAI for 5 days prospectively. 40 patients responded to CRAI therapy and the mortality rate in these patients was 2.5%. 7 patients (14.9%) did not respond to CRAI. 5 of 7 nonresponders died of multiple organ failure although pancreatic necrosis was persistently sterile. The remaining 2 patients who underwent necrosectomy for infected pancreatic necrosis recovered after surgery. In 34 patients treated with CRAI in the early stage within 72 h after the onset, 31 (91.2%) responded. The mortality rate was 5.9% and the incidence of infected pancreatic necrosis was 2.9% in these 34 patients. These results demonstrated that most patients with ANP responded to conservative management combined with CRAI with nafamostat and imipenem when employed within 72 h after the onset. Early intervention of CRAI with protease inhibitor and antibiotic has a significant role in the nonsurgical management of ANP.
High Correlation between Results of the [1-<sup>13</sup>C]-Phenylalanine Breath Test and Phenylalanine Hydroxylase (EC 1.14.16.1) Activity of the Liver in Rats
Authors: Ito Asuka , Kohno Tadashi , Hosoi Isaburo , Ohshima Junko , Ishii Yukimoto , Asai Satoshi , Ishikawa Koichi , Shibata Kunihiko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i><sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> is decreased in patients with end-stage liver disease by the [1-<sup>13</sup>C]-phenylalanine breath test. Decreased <sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> is supposed to be caused by the decreased ability of the liver to oxidize phenylalanine. However, no direct evidence has been reported. <i>Methods:</i> The [1-<sup>13</sup>C]-phenylalanine breath test was performed in galactosamine hepatitis rats (n = 14) and control rats (n = 8). Plasma phenylalanine concentration before intravenous administration of [1-<sup>13</sup>C]-phenylalanine, the elimination rate of phenylalanine and the phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH; EC 1.14.16.1) activity of the whole liver were examined. <i>Results:</i> Increase of <sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> in the breath [Δ<sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> (‰)] of galactosamine hepatitis rats 2 min after administration of [1-<sup>13</sup>C]-phenylalanine was only 1/5 of that in control rats. The concentration of plasma phenylalanine and the elimination rate of plasma phenylalanine in hepatitis rats did not show significant differences compared to control rats. On the other hand, a clear difference in the activity of PAH was observed between hepatitis rats and control rats. Δ<sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> (‰) 2 min after administration of [1-<sup>13</sup>C]-phenylalanine was highly correlated to the PAH activity of the whole liver (r = 0.917). <i>Conclusion:</i> It was strongly indicated that decreased Δ<sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2 </sub> in hepatitis rats was the result of decreased activity of PAH.
Influence of Interleukin-10 on the Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist/Interleukin-1β Ratio in the Colonic Mucosa of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Ishizuka Kisei , Sugimura Kazuhito , Homma Terasu , Matsuzawa Jun , Mochizuki Tsutomu , Kobayashi Masaaki , Suzuki Kouji , Otsuka Kazuaki , Tashiro Kazunori , Yamaguchi Osamu , Asakura Hitoshi 
Published: April 2003

A decrease in the ratio of IL-1ra/IL-1β produced regionally by the colonic mucosa of patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) is believed to play a role in the pathogenesis of UC. To investigate factors influencing intramucosal IL-1ra/IL-1β ratios, we evaluated polymorphism of the IL-1ra gene and the production of mucosal cytokines in Japanese patients with UC. Colonic biopsy specimens of mucosal tissue were placed in organ cultures for 24 h. Then, the supernatant concentrations of IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-8, IL-4, IL-10, and TGF-β were assayed by ELISA. Genomic DNA was extracted from patient peripheral blood samples, then IL-1ra gene polymorphism was determined using PCR amplification. The mucosa from patients with active stage UC showed a tendency toward a decreased IL-1ra/IL-1β ratio. In the resolving stage, IL-1ra/IL-1β ratios increased with increasing IL-10 and TGF-β concentrations. The addition of human recombinant IL-10 to the culture supernatants produced concentration-dependent inhibition of IL-1β. In Japanese patients with UC, the IL-1ra allele gene 2 phenotype had no effect on the IL-1ra/IL-1β ratio. Our findings suggest that a relative deficiency of IL-10 in patients with UC may contribute to persistent inflammatory changes.
Improved Healing of Extraperitoneal Intestinal Anastomoses in the Early Phase when Surrounded by Omentum
Authors: Pierie J.P.E.N. , de Graaf P.W. , van Dijk M. , Renooij W. , van Vroonhoven T.J.M.V. , Obertop H. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The extra-anatomical position of a cervical oesophagogastrostomy is a reason for impaired anastomotic healing, but transposition of the omentum that is covered with mesothelial cells may be a way to improve that. <i>Method:</i> This hypothesis was tested in a rat model. An end-to-end jejuno-jejunostomy was placed subcutaneously in group I (n = 29), subcutaneously surrounded by omentum in group II (n = 29) and intra-abdominally surrounded by omentum in group III (n = 20). After 3, 7 or 14 days, the rats were sacrificed and bursting pressure (BP) of the anastomosis or jejunum was measured and the hydroxyproline (HP) level was determined. <i>Results:</i> In group I 5/29, in group II 2/29 and in group III 0/20 rats died following anastomotic leakage (nonsignificant) and were excluded from other measurements. BP was decreased after 3 days in group I (60 ± 9 mm Hg) compared with group II (101 ± 8 mm Hg) and group III (107 ± 11 mm Hg) (p = 0.002). After 7 days, BP in groups I (122 ± 10 mm Hg) and II (132 ± 10 mm Hg) were lower as compared with group III (230 ± 8 mm Hg) (p < 0.001). Differences in HP levels were not statistically significant between the groups after 3, 7 and 14 days. <i>Conclusion:</i> The healing of intestinal anastomoses in an extraperitoneal position is improved in the early phase only when surrounded by omentum.
Serum Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor as a Predictor of Lymph Node Metastasis in Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Murakami Saburo , Sakata Hideto , Tsuji Yoshitaka , Okubo Kastuhiko , Hamada Setsuo , Hirayama Rennzo 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> In the present study, we investigated the clinical significance of serum soluble IL-2R as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in patients with early gastric cancer. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> Seventy-four patients with early gastric cancer were enrolled in this study. Levels of serum soluble IL-2R were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. <i>Result:</i> Significant differences in serum soluble IL-2R between the control group and cases of T1 were not recognized. On the other hand, levels of serum soluble IL-2R in 74 patients with early gastric cancer (T1) were significantly lower than those of T2, T3, and T4 (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in serum soluble IL-2R between cases of mucosal and submucosal invasion (379 ± 42 vs. 382 ± 35 U/ml). Six of 35 patients with submucosal invasion (17.1%) had lymph node metastasis, but none of the 39 patients with mucosal invasion. In the 6 cases showing lymph node metastasis, the macroscopic types were IIc + Ul(+) in 4, and IIc + IIa and IIc + IIb in 1, respectively. Histopathologically, there were 5 poorly and 1 moderately differentiated adenocarcinomas. In 6 cases with lymph node metastasis, serum soluble IL-2R levels were significantly higher than in those without lymph node metastasis (556.8 ± 73 vs. 329 ± 22 U/ml, respectively, mean ± SEM, p < 0.05). Five of these 6 cases demonstrated statistically significantly increased levels of serum soluble IL-2R (sensitivity 83%, specificity 63%), suggesting serum soluble IL-2R as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> According to these data, in patients of early gastric cancer with increased levels of serum soluble IL-2R, endoscopic mucosal resection or minimal invasive gastrectomy without dissection of regional lymph nodes should be avoided, since there is a high risk of lymph node metastasis.
A New Visual Rating Scale for White Matter Low Attenuation on CT
Authors: Mendes Ribeiro H.K. , Barnetson L.P.D. , Hogervorst E. , Molyneux A.J. 
Published: April 2003

The pathological substrate and clinical significance of white matter low density change on computed tomography (CT) remains incompletely understood, hampered by suboptimal rating scales. We developed a new scale and applied it to 647 CTs in 382 patients. White matter change was categorised by region (anterior and posterior frontal, parietal, occipital), severity (mild, moderate, severe) and extent (periventricular, extending to deep white, full thickness). Multiplying extent by severity gave regional scores, which were summated to give an overall score. CTs were read separately by 2 radiologists. Intraobserver reliabilities were 0.69 and 0.55, interobserver 0.70 (ĸ values). Each assessment required only 1 min.
Elevation of Serum Hyaluronan Level in Werner’s Syndrome
Authors: Tanabe Manabu , Goto Makoto 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> There is a well-established association between Werner’s syndrome (WS) and hyperhyaluronic aciduria; however, to date hyaluronan (HA) in the serum has not been statistically linked with WS. Recently, the gene that causes WS has been defined as a DNA helicase on chromosome 8, and 19 different mutations in WS patients have been identified. It is not known whether the mutation type of the Werner helicase gene affects the levels of serum and urine HA in WS patients. <i>Objective:</i> To evaluate the association of serum HA with WS, and the relationship of the serum and urine HA levels to the mutation type. <i>Methods:</i> HA both in the serum and the urine was measured in 40 patients with WS and 114 normal controls. The serum and urine HA were quantified by sandwich binding protein assay and competitive ELISA-like method, respectively. The muation on WS helicase gene was analyzed by mutant-allele-specific amplification and oligomer ligation assay. <i>Results:</i> WS patients showed significantly higher levels of HA in the serum (mean ± SD: 115.7 ± 119.8 ng/ml, p < 0.001) and urine (1,040.8 ± 777.3 ng/mg creatinine, Cre, p < 0.001) than age-matched controls (serum HA: 15.8 ± 14.2 ng/ml, urine HA: 379.7 ± 124.2 ng/mg Cre). The serum and urine HA levels of WS patients are almost equal to those of normal controls over 80 years (serum HA: 118.5 ± 108.4 ng/ml, urine HA: 914.5 ± 712.1 ng/mg Cre). There was a significant correlation between serum and urine HA levels in WS patients (r = 0.42, p = 0.007). Analysis of the mutation on the helicase gene in 22 WS patients showed that among 44 chromosomes, 3 (6.8%) chromosomes had type 1 mutation, 22 (50.0%) had type 4 mutation, 14 (31.8%) had type 6 mutation, and the rest had other mutations. The serum and urine levels of HA did not show any significant association with the mutation type. <i>Conclusion:</i> The hyperhyaluronic aciduria in WS reflects the high level of serum HA. The serum and urine HA levels are useful biochemical markers for WS irrespective of the muation type of the Werner helicase gene.
The Relationship between Apolipoprotein E4 and Lipid Metabolism Is Impaired in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Dupuy A.M. , Mas E. , Ritchie K. , Descomps B. , Badiou S. , Cristol J.P. , Touchon J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Human apolipoprotein (Apo) E4 (ApoE4) is an important determinant of lipid metabolism and cell-to-cell cholesterol transport. It is also a major genetic risk factor for both vascular disease and familial and sporadic late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Since vascular pathology could dramatically reduce neuronal reserve capacity, a biological chain of events between ApoE4, hypercholesterolemia and AD has been postulated. The aim of the present study is to explore the relationship between lipid metabolism and ApoE isoforms in a large series of elderly subjects in relation to the presence or absence of AD. <i>Methods:</i> Of 332 referrals to a neurology clinic specializing in memory disorders, 146 were given a diagnosis of AD (age, mean ± SD 76 ± 13.1 years, 64.4% women) according to DSM-IIIR criteria. One hundred and seventy-six subjects were included as controls (age 80 ± 5.6 years, 58% women). The ApoE phenotype was determined by the isoelectrofocalization method, cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, ApoA and ApoB were determined by routine chemistry. <i>Findings:</i> A significant association was observed between the E4 allele and AD (χ<sup>2</sup> = 13, p < 0.001) only below age 80. In the control group, cholesterol levels were found to be significantly higher in men but not in women with an E4 allele (6.35 ± 1.3 mmol/l) as opposed to those without (5.8 ± 1.2 mmol/l). ApoB levels were also found to be higher in the presence of ApoE4, with no gender effect. Within the AD group no significant relationship was found between ApoE4 and cholesterol levels (mean 6.05 ± 0.9 mmol/l in E4-AD subjects versus 5.8 ± 1.21 mmol/l in non-E4-AD subjects). Similar observations were made in relation to triglycerides and phospholipids. <i>Interpretation:</i> Our results demonstrate the disappearance of the ApoE4-raising effect on serum cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid levels in AD suggesting a more complex relationship between AD and lipid metabolism than has previously been supposed. This lipid abnormality may further contribute to the progression of AD.
Expression of Ovarian Prolactin Receptor in Relation to Hormonal Changes during Induction of Ovulation in the Rat
Authors: Kinoshita Hiromi , Yasui Toshiyuki , Ushigoe Kenjirou , Irahara Minoru , Tanaka Minoru , Nakashima Kunio , Aono Toshihiro 
Published: April 2003

We examined the relationships between the expression of the short and long forms of the prolactin (PRL) receptor (PRLR) mRNA in the ovary and changes in the levels of serum hormones such as sex steroid hormones and PRL during induction of ovulation in the rat. The expression of both forms of PRLR mRNA in the ovary was examined by Northern blot analysis in immature female rats treated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Ovarian tissues and blood samples were obtained before treatment, 24 and 48 h after PMSG injection and 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h after hCG treatment. Serum levels of 17β-estradiol, progesterone and PRL were determined by radioimmunoassay. Serum levels of 17β-estradiol rapidly increased to a maximal level 48 h after PMSG injection and then rapidly declined until 4 h after hCG injection. Serum levels of progesterone gradually increased after PMSG treatment, markedly increased to 114.2 nmol/l 8 h after hCG treatment and remained high until 48 h after hCG treatment. The serum level of PRL peaked at 66.2 µg/l (p < 0.01) 48 h after PMSG injection, and a temporary decrease after hCG treatment was followed by a continuously high level from 8 to 48 h. The expression of the long form of PRLR mRNA increased significantly (p < 0.01) to 688% of the control level after PMSG treatment, while that of the short form increased to only 184% of the control level. The expression of the long form of PRLR-mRNA rapidly declined until 6 h and then gradually increased until 48 h after hCG treatment. On the other hand, the expression of the short form of PRLR mRNA decreased to a nadir 12 h after hCG injection and then increased significantly (p < 0.01) to 142% of the control level. Our results showed that the changes in the short and long forms of PRLR mRNA differed in a time-specific manner and that these two forms are involved in different functions in the rat ovary during induction of ovulation. It is thought that the long form of PRLR mRNA is involved in folliculogenesis, while the short form of PRLR mRNA may play an important role in the formation and maintenance of the corpus luteum in the rat ovulatory cycle.