bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proinflammatory Effects in Experimental Mesangial Proliferative Glomerulonephritis of the Immunosuppressive Agent SDZ RAD, a Rapamycin Derivative
Authors: Daniel Catherine , Ziswiler Ruth , Frey Brigitte , Pfister Marc , Marti Hans-Peter 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> The new immunosuppressant SDZ RAD, a rapamycin derivative, inhibits growth factor driven cell proliferation. SDZ RAD designed for transplantation may also be a candidate agent to treat inflammatory kidney diseases. Therefore, we investigated the effects of SDZ RAD in two different animal models of glomerulonephritis, in anti- Thy1.1 nephritis and in acute puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis. <i>Methods:</i> Eighty-seven male Wistar rats were investigated. Anti-Thy1.1 nephritis: healthy rats (n = 9), SDZ RAD-treated healthy rats (n = 6), nephritic rats (n = 9), SDZ RAD placebo treated nephritic rats (n = 6), SDZ RAD-pretreated nephritic rats (n = 9), and early (n = 6) as well as delayed (n = 6) SDZ RAD-posttreated nephritic rats. PAN nephrosis: healthy rats (n = 6), SDZ RAD-treated healthy rats (n = 6), nephritic rats (n = 12), and SDZ RAD-pretreated nephritic rats (n = 12). In a separate study, 12 male Sprague-Dawley rats were analyzed in anti-Thy1.1 nephritis: healthy rats (n = 3), nephritic rats (n = 3) and pretreated nephritic rats (n = 6). SDZ RAD and SDZ RAD placebo were given at single doses of 2.5 mg/kg body weight per day by gavage. The experiments lasted until days +2 and +9 after induction of anti-Thy1.1 nephritis and until day +13 in the case of PAN nephrosis. <i>Results:</i> In anti-Thy1.1 nephritis, SDZ RAD demonstrated marked proinflammatory effects in a time-dependent manner, as reflected by severe focal damage to glomerular histology including inhibition of mesangial cell proliferation, reduction of creatinine clearance, and increase in plasma creatinine levels as well as proteinuria. Almost identical results were obtained in both rat strains. In contrary, SDZ RAD ameliorated significantly the development of PAN nephrosis. Animals pretreated by this agent showed a significant reduction of proteinuria and of glomerular invasion of monocytes/macrophages. <i>Conclusion:</i> Some caution is warranted for the use of SDZ RAD in inflammatory glomerular diseases, since it accentuated glomerular damage induced by anti-Thy1.1 antibodies.
Konnatale Schädelimpression
Authors: Rieger-Fackeldey E. , Kloos S. , Winkler P.A. , Korell M. , Genzel-Boroviczény O. , Schulze A. 
Published: April 2003

Ein reifes Neugeborenes einer III. Gravida, II. Para wurde nach unauffälliger Schwangerschaft bei pathologischem Kardiotokogramm, Polysystolie und mekoniumhaltigem Fruchtwasser per Sectio caesarea entwickelt. Der pH des Nabelarterienblutes war 7,03, als Apgar-Werte wurden 1/4/7 nach 1, 5 und 10 min vergeben. Das 3250 g schwere Kind bot eine 5 × 7 cm grosse, 1,5 cm tiefe, feste Impression links temporoparietal, ohne Ödeme oder Hämatome der Weichteile in diesem Bereich bei unauffälligem neurologischem Status. Im kranialen CT fand sich an dieser Stelle keine Frakturlinie, der darunterliegende Kortex wirkte etwas verdichtet. Über ein Bohrloch wurde der eingedrückte Teil der Parietalschuppe im Alter von 11 Tagen gehoben. Das postoperative CT zeigte keine Kontinuitätsunterbrechung der Kalotte. Das Kind konnte 8 Tage nach Operation klinisch unauffällig entlassen werden. Bei der Nachuntersuchung im Alter von 6 Monaten sahen wir ein altersgemäss entwickeltes Kind in gutem Allgemeinzustand. Wir diskutieren anhand dieses Falles die Ätiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie der konnatalen Impression des Schädels.
Ligand Blot Analysis of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-Binding Proteins using Biotinylated Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I
Authors: Grulich-Henn J. , Grulich-Henn J. , Spiess S. , Spiess S. , Heinrich U. , Heinrich U. , Schönberg D. , Schönberg D. , Bettendorf M. , Bettendorf M. 
Published: April 2003

A nonradioactive method for the detection of insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBPs) was developed utilizing human recombinant insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) biotinylated with N-hydroxysuccinimido-biotin. Human plasma samples were separated by 15% SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose by Western blotting. The nitrocellulose sheets were incubated overnight with IGF-I-biotin at 4°C. The next day streptavidin-peroxidase was added for 1 h, and IGFBPs were visualized by an enhanced chemiluminescence system. Five characteristic bands with molecular weights of 41 and 39 (IGFBP-3), 34 (IGFBP-2), 30 (IGFBP-1) and 24 kD (IGFBP-4) were detected. Binding was specific for IGFs, since unlabeled IGF-I inhibited IGF-I-biotin binding. IGFBP ligand blots with biotinylated IGF-I and <sup>125</sup>I-IGF-I yielded comparable results. The suitability of the new assay for clinical purposes was demonstrated by several clinical examples. In summary, a rapid, reliable, nonradioactive assay for qualitative analysis of IGFBPs has been developed.
Experience with Growth Hormone Therapy in Turner Syndrome in a Single Centre: Low Total Height Gain, No Further Gains after Puberty Onset and Unchanged Body Proportions
Authors: Schweizer R. , Ranke M.B. , Binder G. , Herdach F. , Zapadlo M. , Grauer M.L. , Schwarze C.P. , Wollmann H.A. 
Published: April 2003

The experience gained since 1987, through observation of 85 girls with Turner syndrome under growth hormone (GH) treatment, has enabled the analysis of one of the largest cohorts. Our results show that age, karyotype and height reflect the heterogeneity of the patients examined at our growth centre. In 47 girls, followed over 4 years on GH (median dose 0.72 IU/kg/week), the median age was 9.4 years and mean height SDS was –3.55 (Prader) and –0.14 (Turner-specific), while height and other anthropometrical parameters [weight, body mass index, sitting height (SH), leg length (LL) SH/LL, head circumference, arm span] were documented and compared to normative data as well as to Turner-specific references established on the basis of a larger (n = 165) untreated cohort from Tübingen. The latter data are also documented in this article. Although there was a trend towards normalization of these parameters during the observation period, no inherent alterations in the Turner-specific anthropometric pattern occurred. In 42 girls who started GH treatment at a median age of 11.8 years, final height (bone age >15 years) was achieved at 16.7 years. The overall gain in height SDS (Turner) from start to end of GH therapy was 0.7 (± 0.8) SD, but 0.9 (± 0.6) SD from GH start to onset of puberty (spontaneous 12.2 years, induced 13.9 years) and –0.2 (± 0.8) from onset of puberty to end of growth. Height gain did not occur in 12 patients (29%) and a gain of > 5 cm was only observed in 16 patients (38%). Height gain correlated positively with age at puberty onset, duration, and dose of GH, and negatively with height and bone age at the time GH treatment started. Final height correlated positively with height SDS at GH start and negatively with the ratio of SH/LL (SDS). We conclude that, in the future, GH should be given at higher doses, but oestrogen substitution should be done cautiously, owing to its potentially harmful effect on growth. LL appears to determine height variation in Turner syndrome and the potential to treat short stature successfully with GH.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with an Increased Vascular Reactivity in the Human Mammary Artery in vitro
Authors: Henrion Daniel , Amant C. , Benessiano Joëlle , Philip I. , Plantefève G. , Chatel D. , Hwas Ulrich , Desmont J.M. , Durand Geneviève , Amouyel P. , Lévy Bernard I. 
Published: April 2003

A gene polymorphism of the angiotensin II (AII) type 1 receptor has been described previously (A to C transversion at position 1166). Besides the epidemiological studies needed to determine a possible relationship between the polymorphism and some cardiovascular diseases, no study has been conducted to determine the impact of the polymorphism on vascular functions. At subthreshold concentrations, within the physiological range, AII potentiates α-adrenergic-dependent vascular tone. We investigated phenylephrine-induced tone and its amplification by AII (10 pmol/l) in human internal mammary artery rings mounted in organ baths. We performed concentration-response curves to phenylephrine (0.1–100 µmol/l) before and after pretreatment with AII (10 pmol/l). Patients had the genotype AA (n = 20) or the A to C transversion (AC/CC, n = 30). Contractions to phenylephrine (0.1–100 µmol/l) were significantly higher in rings from AC/CC than from AA patients (maximum response: 1.47±0.07 vs. 1.22±0.06 mN/mg, p < 0.001). AII (10 pmol/l) induced a significant potentiation of phenylephrine-induced contraction (e.g. 58.9% increase in tone with 1 µmol/l phenylephrine, p < 0.001) which was significantly lower in the AC/CC than in the AA group (46±9 vs. 66±7% with 1 µmol/l phenylephrine, p < 0.01). Contractions to AII (1 or 100 nmol/l) were not significantly affected by the genotype. Although the study was performed in arteries from patients with a coronary artery disease, these changes in vascular reactivity might be of interest in the understanding of the relationship between a possible higher probability of cardiovascular disorder and the genetic polymorphism of the AII type 1 receptor.
Simultaneous Measurement of Brain and Core Temperature in the Rat during Fever, Hyperthermia, Hypothermia and Sleep
Authors: Sundgren-Andersson Anna K. , Östlund Pernilla , Bartfai Tamas 
Published: April 2003

The neuropathological outcome of metabolic, vascular or mechanical insults to the CNS depends on brain temperature; mild hypothermia is neuroprotective, whereas elevated brain temperature can cause additional neural damage. Studies in both animals and humans have shown that the core and the brain temperature do not always concur with one another. It is therefore important to develop methods for monitoring brain temperature. This paper describes an animal model (the rat) in which we have developed a method to measure, at thermoneutral ambient temperature, the brain and core temperature concomitantly, during different drug treatments. We have used this animal model to study body temperature during fever (induced by human recombinant IL-1β, 5 µg/kg, i.p.), stress-induced hyperthermia (handling of the animal), hypothermia (induced by (±)-8-hydroxy-2-dipropylaminotetralin hydrobromide, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) and sleep (non-induced, other than by light and diurnal variation). We show that the thermal curves are similar in the brain and the peritoneum, independent of the thermal state.
Hippocampal Perfusion and Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Murialdo Giovanni , Nobili Fl avio , Rollero Alessandro , Gianelli Maria Vittoria , Copello Francesco , Rodriguez Guido , Polleri Alessandro 
Published: April 2003

The hippocampus is involved in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and regulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA). Enhanced cortisol secretion has been reported in AD. Increased cortisol levels affect hippocampal neuron survival and potentiate β-amyloid toxicity. Conversely, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) are believed to antagonize noxious glucocorticoid effects and exert a neuroprotective activity. The present study was aimed at investigating possible correlations between hippocampus perfusion – evaluated by SPECT – and HPAA function in AD. Fourteen patients with AD and 12 healthy age-matched controls were studied by <sup>99m</sup>Tc-HMPAO high-resolution brain SPECT. Plasma adrenocorticotropin, cortisol, and DHEAS levels were determined at 2.00, 8.00, 14.00, 20.00 h in all subjects and their mean values were computed. Cortisol/DHEAS ratios (C/Dr) were also calculated. Bilateral impairment of SPECT hippocampal perfusion was observed in AD patients as compared to controls. Mean cortisol levels were significantly increased and DHEAS titers were lowered in patients with AD, as compared with controls. C/Dr was also significantly higher in patients. Using a stepwise procedure for dependent SPECT variables, the variance of hippocampal perfusional data was accounted for by mean basal DHEAS levels. Moreover, hippocampal SPECT data correlated directly with mean DHEAS levels, and inversely with C/Dr. These data show a relationship between hippocampal perfusion and HPAA function in AD. Decreased DHEAS, rather than enhanced cortisol levels, appears to be correlated with changes of hippocampal perfusion in dementia.
<i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> Exotoxin Has Limited and Transient Effects on Cochlear Electrophysiology
Authors: Hsu Wey-Jim , Anniko Matti , Kubo Takeshi , Lundholm Monica , Huang Tsun-Sheng 
Published: April 2003

Seven ears of Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to 20 µl <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> exotoxin suspension by injection via the tympanic membrane into the round window niche. Another 6 ears were exposed to 20 µl broth as controls. ABR was performed in the interval 2–31.5 kHz immediately before and 1, 2, 5, 7 and 10 days after the exposure. Although threshold changes could be found in the toxin-exposed group but not the control group in the frequency range 10–20 kHz, there were only statistically significant threshold changes – at 31.5 kHz – on the 1st, 2nd, 5th, and 7th days after the exotoxin injection. <i>S. aureus</i> exotoxin has minor transient but reversible effects on the inner ear, causing chiefly high-frequency threshold and latency changes.
Optic Neuropathy Caused by an Isolated Mucocele in an Onodi Cell
Authors: Ogata Yoichi , Okinaka Yoshihiko , Takahashi Masahiro 
Published: April 2003

A rare case of retrobulbar optic neuropathy caused by an isolated mucocele in an Onodi cell is presented. A 63-year-old man suffering from left recurrent optic neuropathy had shown improved visual acuity with steroid treatment at the age of 48 and 56 years. Impaired visual acuity and blurred vision in the left eye appeared again, and a marked inferior decrease in the left visual field was noted. Although axial computed tomography (CT) showed no abnormal findings, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a small squamous-shaped lesion (17 × 17 × 7.3 mm) in the left posterior ethmoidal air cell (Onodi cell) hanging over the left optic nerve. Endoscopic sinus surgery was performed. The optic canal was extruding into the Onodi cell cavity, and the superior bony wall of the canal was eroded by the mucocele. The isolated mucocele in the Onodi cell seemed to be compressing the optic nerve downward and causing retrobulbar optic neuropathy. An Onodi cell lesion, even if it was isolated and small, would cause optic neuropathy. MRI and coronal CT scanning should be performed for the diagnosis and preoperative planning in a case of retrobulbar optic neuropathy.
Effect of Mometasone Furoate by Topical Application on Allergic Rhinitis Model in Rats
Authors: Sugimoto Yukio , Ishizawa Keisuke , Saitou Kouichi , Suzuki Genzo , Tarumi Tadatsugu , Nakahara Hiroto , Kirino Yasushi , Kamei Chiaki 
Published: April 2003

The effects of mometasone furoate on experimental allergic rhinitis in rats were studied in comparison with that of fluticasone propionate. Topical application of both drugs inhibited dose-dependently the increase of nasal symptoms (sneezing and nasal rubbing) after antigen challenge to the nasal cavity of actively sensitized rats. Mometasone furoate and fluticasone propionate at concentrations of 0.01 or 0.1% significantly inhibited both nasal rubbing and sneezing 1 h after topical application of both drugs. The relative potencies of mometasone furoate in nasal rubbing and sneezing compared to fluticasone propionate were 5.01 and 6.87, respectively. Mometasone furoate (0.02%) and fluticasone propionate (0.1%) significantly inhibited the increase of antigen-induced nasal rubbing even 6 h after topical application, indicating that both drugs have a long-lasting effect.
The Effect of Speaking Style on a Locus Equation Characterization of Stop Place of Articulation
Authors: Sussman H.M. , Dalston E. , Gumbert S. 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Locus equations were employed to assess the phonetic stability and distinctiveness of stop place categories in reduced speech. Twenty-two speakers produced stop consonant + vowel utterances in citation and spontaneous speech. Coarticulatory increases in hypoarticulated speech were documented only for /dV/ and [gV] productions in front vowel contexts. Coarticulatory extents for /bV/ and [gV] in back vowel contexts remained stable across style changes. Discriminant analyses showed equivalent levels of correct classification across speaking styles. CV reduction was quantified by use of Euclidean distances separating stop place categories. Despite sensitivity of locus equation parameters to articulatory differences encountered in informal speech, stop place categories still maintained a clear separability when plotted in a higher-order slope × y-intercept acoustic space.
Voice Onset Time in Speech to Infants and Adults
Authors: Sundberg Ulla , Lacerda Francisco 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Investigations of the phonetics of infant-directed speech (IDS) have mainly focused on prosodic aspects, showing extreme values or overspecifications in comparison to adult-directed speech (ADS). On the other hand, studies of segmental properties, especially consonantal ones, are very rare. The lack of knowledge of phonetic characteristics of the infant’s speech input is problematic, considering that the infant’s perceptual development seems to be attuned towards properties in the ambient language, as suggested by infant perception experiments. In the present study voice onset time (VOT) was measured in Swedish mothers’ IDS and in their ADS. VOT was significantly shorter in IDS than in ADS in both voiced and voiceless stops. The impact of stress was very clear in both IDS and ADS, showing significantly longer VOT in stressed positions as compared to the unstressed. The results are discussed in a framework assuming a differential weighting system of different phonetic aspects such as prosodic, consonantal and vocalic, as a function of infant development.
The Source-Filter Frame of Prominence
Authors: Fant Gunnar , Kruckenberg Anita , Liljencrants Johan 
Published: April 2003

AbstractOne aim of our study is to discuss some of the relations of prosodic parameters to the speech production process, e.g. how speech intensity is related to the vocal tract filter and the voice source and the underlying aerodynamics. A specific problem of phonetic interest is the role of subglottal pressure and fundamental frequency as intensity determinants and their covariation in speech. Our speech analysis displays, incorporating perceptually scaled syllable prominence, are suitable for multilevel studies of speech parameters. A new intensity parameter, SPLH, related to sonority is introduced. In combination with the standard sound pressure level it provides information on the voice source spectral slope. In Swedish, high long stressed vowels approach a semi-closed target, and thus a sonority minimum, which suggests a motor component in prominence perception.
Modeling and Perception of ‘Gesture Reduction’
Authors: Carré René , Divenyi Pierre L. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe phenomenon of vowel reduction is investigated by modeling ‘gesture reduction’ with the use of the Distinctive Region Model (DRM). First, a definition is proposed for the term gesture, i.e. an acoustically efficient command aimed at deforming, in the time domain, the area function of the vocal tract. Second, tests are reported on the perception of vowel-to-vowel transitions obtained with reduced gestures. These tests show that a dual representation of formant transitions is required to explain the reduction phenomenon: the trajectory in the F<sub>1</sub>–F<sub>2</sub> plane and the time course of the formant changes. The results also suggest that time-domain integration of the trajectories constitutes an integral part of the auditory processing of transitions. Perceptual results are also discussed in terms of the acoustic traces of DRM gestures.
Searching for an Auditory Description of Vowel Categories
Authors: Diehl Randy L. 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
This paper examines three auditory hypotheses concerning the location of category boundaries among vowel sounds. The first hypothesis claims that category boundaries tend to occur in a region corresponding to a 3-Bark separation between adjacent spectral peaks. According to the second hypothesis, vowel category boundaries are determined by the combined effects of the Bark distances between adjacent spectral peaks but that the weight of each of these effects is inversely related to the individual sizes of the Bark distances. In a series of perceptual experiments, each of these hypotheses was found to account for some category boundaries in American English but not others. The third hypothesis, which has received preliminary support from studies in our laboratory and elsewhere, claims that listeners partition the vowel space of individual talkers along lines corresponding to relatively simple linear functions of formant values when scaled in auditorily motivated units of frequency such as Bark.
Deriving Speech from Nonspeech: A View from Ontogeny
Authors: MacNeilage Peter F. , Davis Barbara L. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractA comparison of babbling and early speech, word patterns of languages, and, in one instance, a protolanguage corpus, reveals three basic movement patterns: (1) a ‘Frame’ provided by the cycles of mandibular oscillation underlying the basic mouth close-open alternation of speech; this Frame appears in relatively ‘pure’ form in the tendency for labial consonants to co-occur with central vowels; (2) two other intracyclical consonant-vowel (CV) co-occurrence patterns sharing the alternation: coronal consonants with front vowels and dorsal consonants with back vowels; (3) an intercyclical tendency towards a labial consonant-vowel-coronal consonant (LC) sequence preference for word initiation. The first two patterns were derived from oral movement capabilities which predated speech. The Frame (1) may have evolved from ingestive cyclicities (e.g. chewing). The intracyclical consonant-vowel (CV) co-occurrence patterns involving tongue position constraints common to consonants and vowels (2) may result from the basic biomechanical property of inertia. The third pattern (LC) was a self-organizational result of pressures for interfacing cognition with action – a result which must have numerous analogs in other domains of movement organization.
Japanese Mora-Timing: A Review
Authors: Warner Natasha , Arai Takayuki 
Published: April 2003

AbstractJapanese is often called a ‘mora-timed’ language, and contrasted with ‘stress- timed’ or ‘syllable-timed’ languages. The definition of what constitutes mora-timing has undergone several revisions, and a wide variety of experimental evidence both for and against mora-timing has been presented. This article reviews the hypotheses, the means of testing them, and the results of nearly 40 years of experimental work on mora-timing in Japanese, and suggests directions for future work in this area.