bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No Excess of Factor V:Q506 Genotype but High Prevalence of Anticardiolipin Antibodies without Antiendothelial Cell Antibodies in Retinal Vein Occlusion in Young Patients
Authors: Scott J.A. , Arnold J.J. , Currie J.M. , Broadfoot C. , Davidson M. , Kelly K.F. , Graham A. , Kirkpatrick J.N.P. , Greaves M. 
Published: April 2003

Factor V:Q506 (factor V Leiden) is associated with venous thrombosis and has been reported to be a risk factor for retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA), also associated with RVO, are a marker for the prothrombotic condition antiphospholipid syndrome, in which antiendothelial antibodies (AECA) are also frequently present. This study reviewed 45 younger patients ≤55 years old (21 with branch, 22 with central and 2 with hemispheric RVO) to examine: (1) the rôle of factor V:Q506 in the pathogenesis of RVO, and (2) the prevalence and titre of ACA and AECA in this group. No patient had the factor V:Q506 mutation indicating no increase in frequency above background. Our data suggest that primary screening for factor V:Q506 is not indicated for young patients with RVO who do not have historical evidence suggesting familial thrombophilia. Twenty-nine patients had low-titre ACA (>10 GPL units); in 6 of these, the titre was >20 GPL units (population reference range = 0–10 GPL units). No patient had antiendothelial cell reactivity. The low-titre ACA may therefore represent a non-specific response to vascular injury.
Thalidomide and Prednisolone Inhibit Growth Factor-Induced Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cell Proliferation in vitro
Authors: Kaven Corinna , Spraul Christoph W. , Zavazava Nicholas , Lang Gerhard K. , Lang Gabriele E. 
Published: April 2003

Thalidomide and prednisolone were recently introduced as treatment modalities in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Growth factor-induced activation of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells is a crucial event in this disease. The purpose was to examine the effect of thalidomide and prednisolone on growth factor-preactivated RPE cells. Human RPE cells were stimulated with 10 ng/ml platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for 24 h. Afterwards, thalidomide (50 µg/ml) or prednisolone (100 ng/ml) were added for 24 h. RPE cell proliferation was determined by [<sup>3</sup>H]-thymidine incorporation. PDGF and bFGF significantly stimulated human RPE cell proliferation (p < 0.005), the value for VEGF stimulation was not significant (p = 0.3). The effect of the growth factors was diminished after addition of thalidomide and prednisolone (p < 0.005). The current study shows that the inhibitory properties of thalidomide and prednisolone remain even after growth factor activation of the cells.
Effect of Bradykinin on Cultured Bovine Corneal Endothelial Cells
Authors: Yang Suk-Woo , Lee Woon Kyu , Lee Eun-Jung , Kim Kyoung-Ah , Lim Young , Lee Kweon-Haeng , Rha Hyoung Kyun , Hahn Tae-Won 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To clarify the effect of bradykinin on cytosolic free calcium mobilization and cell proliferation in cultured bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC). <i>Methods:</i> The cytosolic free calcium concentration (Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub>) was measured with the InCa<sup>TM</sup> Imaging System after the treatment of bradykinin (10<sup>–11</sup> to 10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i>) alone or with the pretreatments of EGTA, bradykinin receptor (Bk<sub>1</sub> and Bk<sub>2</sub>) antagonists and an inhibition of phospholipase C (U-73122). Also, the effect of bradykinin on cell proliferation in BCEC was evaluated using cell counts. <i>Results:</i> In BCEC, [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> in the resting state was 87 ± 9 n<i>M</i>. Bradykinin induced an increment of [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> in a concentration-dependent manner and its 50% effective concentration was approximately 5 × 10<sup>–11</sup> <i>M</i>. A [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increment at 10<sup>–8</sup> <i>M</i> bradykinin was inhibited with the pretreatment of EGTA, an extracellular calcium chelator. U-73122 (5 × 10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>) attenuated the bradykinin-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increment. The pretreatment of HOE-140 (Bk<sub>2</sub> antagonist) almost attenuated the bradykinin (10<sup>–8</sup> <i>M</i>)-induced [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> increase, but des-Arg<sup>9</sup>-[Leu<sup>8</sup>]-bradykinin (Bk<sub>1</sub> antagonist) did not suppress it. To investigate the physiological effect of bradykinin, the effect of bradykinin on cell proliferation was studied. 10<sup>–8</sup> <i>M</i> of bradykinin produced a significant increase in cell numbers. This mitogenic effect of bradykinin was inhibited by the Bk<sub>2</sub> antagonist. <i>Conclusions:</i> Bradykinin-induced stimulation of the signal transduction pathway in BCEC is coupled with the Bk<sub>2</sub> type receptor. Furthermore, bradykinin produces the mitogenic effect in BCEC.
Effect of Sulfur Hexafluoride Gas on Antibacterial Activity of Antibiotics in vitro against Agents Causing Endophthalmitis
Authors: Yanyali Ates , Cetin Sila , Talu Haluk , Vahaboglu Haluk 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>We conducted a study to evaluate the effect of sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF<sub>6</sub>) on the antibacterial activity of antibiotics in vitro against <i>Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis </i>and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, which are common endophthalmitis-causing agents. <i>Methods: </i>In this experimental study, antibiotic susceptibility tests were prepared according to the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards macrobroth dilution method. Müller-Hinton broth was the test medium. Standard <i>P. aeruginosa </i>(ATCC 27853), <i>S. epidermidis</i> (ATCC 12228) and <i>S. aureus</i> (ATCC 29213) strains were studied. For <i>P. aeruginosa</i> ceftazidime, ofloxacin and tobramycin dilutions, and for <i>S. epidermidis</i> and <i>S. aureus</i>, cefazolin, ofloxacin and tobramycin dilutions were prepared identically in two sets of tubes. One set of tubes, into which pure SF<sub>6</sub> was injected, was defined as the SF<sub>6</sub> group. The other set of tubes, into which no SF<sub>6</sub> was injected, was taken as the control group. To determine the minimal bactericidal concentrations of the antibiotics, subcultures were made onto Müller-Hinton agar, and the colonies were counted after 18 h of incubation at 37°C. <i>Results: </i>The minimal inhibitory concentrations of the antibiotics in the SF<sub>6</sub> group were found to be identical with those of the control group. However, the minimal bactericidal concentrations of the antibiotics were found to be at least two dilutions lower in the SF<sub>6</sub> group than in the control group, except for the minimal bactericidal concentration of cefazolin for <i>S. aureus</i>, which was found to be one dilution lower in the SF<sub>6</sub> group. <i>Conclusion: </i>SF<sub>6</sub> was found to potentiate the in vitro antibacterial activity of ofloxacin and tobramycin against <i>S. aureus, S. epidermidis</i> and <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, ceftazidime against <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, and cefazolin against <i>S. epidermidis</i>. Experimental animal studies are required to determine the role of SF<sub>6</sub> in the management of endophthalmitis.
Risk Factors for the Development of Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma following Surgery for Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Upper Urinary Tract
Authors: Koga Fumitaka , Nagamatsu Hideki , Ishimaru Hisashi , Mizuo Toshiyuki , Yoshida Ken-ichiro 
Published: April 2003

To determine the risk factors for development of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder (BTCC) following surgery for TCC of the upper urinary tract (UUT-TCC) in patients without history of BTCC, 85 patients surgically treated for UUT-TCC (34 female, 51 male; median age 66, range 42–85 years) were reviewed retrospectively. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the association of relevant clinicopathologic factors with BTCC-free survival in patients without a history of BTCC and TCC-specific survival in all. Median follow-up duration was 35 (range 1–193) months. Six patients (7%) had previous histories of BTCC, and 6 others (7%) had concurrent BTCC at the time of surgery for UUT-TCC. Of 70 patients who had no history of BTCC and underwent follow-up cystoscopy, 24 (34%) developed BTCC during follow-up after surgery. Univariate analysis identified female sex, postoperative systemic chemotherapy, and incomplete distal ureterectomy as significant risk factors for new development of BTCC. After multivariate analysis adjusted for age and pathological (p) T stage in the TNM classification, all three factors remained significant, with respective hazard ratios of 5.56 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.99–15.6; p = 0.001), 3.19 (95% CI, 1.34–7.62; p = 0.009) and 2.99 (95% CI, 1.08–8.26; p = 0.03). Only pT stage was a significant independent risk factor for TCC-specific death. Female sex and postoperative systemic chemotherapy, as well as incomplete distal ureterectomy, are possible riks factors for development of BTCC following surgery for UUT-TCC.
Propentofylline in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia: A Review of Phase III Trials
Authors: Rother Matthias , Erkinjuntti Timo , Roessner Martin , Kittner Barbara , Marcusson Jan , Karlsson Ingvar 
Published: April 2003

Propentofylline, a neuroprotective glial cell modulator, has been shown in preclinical studies to address some of the common pathological processes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), including glial cell activation and increased production of cytokines, free radicals, and glutamate. To examine whether propentofylline (300 mg t.i.d. taken 1 h before meals) would provide beneficial effects in patients with AD and/or VaD, 901 patients with mild-to-moderate AD and 359 patients with mild-to-moderate VaD were enrolled in four double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies ranging in duration from 6 months to 56 weeks. Propentofylline was found to provide consistent improvements over placebo in efficacy assessments for both AD and VaD patients. In addition, results from a drug withdrawal study suggested that propentofylline does not merely relieve dementia symptoms but slows the progression of the disease itself. Propentofylline had a good safety profile and was generally well tolerated.
Occipital Glucose Metabolism in Dementia with Lewy Bodies with and without Parkinsonism: A Study Using Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: Imamura Toru , Ishii Kazunari , Hirono Nobutsugu , Hashimoto Mamoru , Tanimukai Satoshi , Kazui Hiroaki , Hanihara Tokiji , Sasaki Masahiro , Mori Etsuro 
Published: April 2003

Reduction of glucose metabolism in the occipital lobe is reported in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s disease. If dysfunction of the nigrostriatal system is responsible for occipital hypometabolism, (1) DLB patients with parkinsonism would show a lower occipital metabolism than do patients without parkinsonism, and (2) DLB patients without parkinsonism would show an occipital metabolism comparable to those of normal subjects and patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). To examine these hypotheses, we studied the regional cerebral metabolic rate of glucose (rCMRglc) in patients with a clinical diagnosis of DLB or AD, using <sup>18</sup>F-fluorodeoxyglucose and positron emission tomography. The subjects consisted of 15 DLB patients with parkinsonism, 7 DLB patients without parkinsonism and 7 AD patients without parkinsonism. The medial and lateral occipital rCMRglc was significantly lower in the DLB patients without parkinsonism than in the AD patients. There were no significant differences in occipital metabolic rates between the DLB groups with and without parkinsonism. DLB patients without parkinsonism showed a significant reduction of occipital glucose metabolism which is comparable with that of DLB patients with parkinsonism. The neurobiological bases of occipital hypometabolism in DLB may be pathological processes in the brainstem or basal forebrain structures other than the nigrostriatal system.
Relationship between Blood Flow Kinetics and Severity of Alzheimer’s Disease: Assessment of Severity Using a Questionnaire-Type Examination, Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Scale, Cognitive Sub-Scale (ADAS<sub>cog</sub>)
Authors: Nebu Akihiko , Ikeda Manabu , Fukuhara Ryuji , Shigenobu Kazue , Maki Naruhiko , Hokoishi Kazuhiko , Komori Kenjiro , Yasuoka Takuo , Tanabe Hirotaka 
Published: April 2003

We assessed hemokinetics associated with changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) severity in 90 AD patients by researching the relationship between AD Assessment Scale, cognitive sub-scale (ADAS<sub>cog</sub>) scores and regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF). In the present study, we employed the questionnaire-type ADAS<sub>cog</sub> examination to accurately assess the severity of AD. Between five groups classified on the basis of ADAS<sub>cog</sub> score, significant differences were observed in parietal, lateral temporal and superior frontal rCBF. In addition, in parietal and lateral temporal regions, significant correlations were also observed between ADAS<sub>cog</sub> score and rCBF. In superior frontal rCBF, significant differences were noted only between group 5 (&#8805;40 ADAS<sub>cog</sub> points) and each of the other groups; there was no significant correlation between rCBF and ADAS<sub>cog</sub> score. Thus, we propose the following mechanism for blood flow kinetics associated with changed severity: In an early stage of AD, blood flow in the medial temporal cortex is impaired, and gradually involves the temporoparietal regions. While the medial temporal impairment of blood flow reaches a plateau, temporoparietal blood flow continues to be impaired well into a severe stage, at which point blood flow impairment in the frontal region is initiated.
Topical Metronidazole in Seborrheic Dermatitis – A Double-Blind Study
Authors: Parsad Davinder , Pandhi Roma , Negi K.S. , Kumar Bhushan 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To evaluate the role of topical metronidazole gel in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis. <i>Methods:</i> Forty-four patients with seborrheic dermatitis were enrolled in the study. All topical treatments were stopped for at least 2 weeks before the patients were allocated at random to receive either metronidazole 1% gel or placebo for 8 weeks. The severity score was measured at the initial evaluation, and the patients were followed up at 2-week intervals for 8 weeks. A global evaluation of improvement was done at 8 weeks. <i>Results:</i> Thirty-eight patients completed the study; 21 patients in the metronidazole group and 17 patients in the placebo group could be evaluated. There was a statistically significant decrease of the mean score even at week 2; the difference became highly significant at 8 weeks (p < 0.001). On the final evaluation at 8 weeks, 14 patients in the metronidazole group showed marked improvement to complete clearance as compared to only 2 patients having moderate improvement in the placebo group (p < 0.001). <i>Conclusion:</i> The present trial has demonstrated the effectiveness of topical 1% metronidazole gel in seborrheic dermatitis.
Explanted Glomeruli: Utility and Limitations
Authors: Kitamura Masanori , Ishikawa Yoshihisa , Konta Tsuneo 
Published: April 2003

Ex vivo incubation of isolated glomeruli has been used for many years to investigate biochemical properties of glomeruli. However, little has been understood about whether and how isolation and explanation per se affect the structure and function of the glomerulus. We recently reported that ex vivo incubation of isolated normal glomeruli results in severe apoptosis of podocytes, activation of the family of mitogen-activated protein kinase and expression of several genes regulated by activator protein 1. In this article, we summarize our current findings and discuss the utility and limitations of explanted glomeruli.
Induction of Urokinase Receptor Expression in Nephrotoxic Nephritis
Authors: Xu Yichun , Berrou Jeannig , Chen Xin , Fouqueray Bruno , Callard Patrice , Sraer Jean-Daniel , Rondeau Eric 
Published: April 2003

The urokinase receptor (uPAR) is a multifunctional molecule involved in pericellular, fibrinolytic, and proteolytic activities, as well as in cell adhesion and chemotaxis and may play a role in the pathogenesis of tissue remodeling occurring during glomerulonephritis. We analyzed sequentially the expression of uPAR by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization in an accelerated model of nephrotoxic nephritis in rats. A strong induction of uPAR mRNA expression was observed in glomeruli as soon as 1 h after nephrotoxic serum injection. The intensity of glomerular uPAR mRNA and antigen expression increased and peaked at 24 h. At that time, numerous glomerular fibrin deposits, monocyte/marcrophage infiltration, and heavy proteinuria were observed. Fibrin deposition was detected at 6 h, peaked at 24 h, and progressively declined over the next 3 weeks, while uPAR antigen expression remained elevated until the end of the study (3 weeks). By double labeling, we showed that the expression of uPAR was mediated by both intrinsic glomerular cells and infiltrating macrophages. Severe podocytic lesions developed within 3 days after antiserum injection, and glomerulosclerosis rapidly progressed within 2–3 weeks. These results show that glomerular uPAR expression is induced in nephrotoxic nephritis and suggest that uPAR may promote local proteolysis and also tissue remodeling, leading to the late development of glomerulosclerosis.
Effects of Age on the Relationship between Drinking and Atherosclerotic Risk Factors
Authors: Wakabayashi Ichiro , Kobaba-Wakabayashi Rie 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Drinking modulates the progress of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases by affecting atherosclerotic risk factors. However, age-dependent effects of drinking on atherosclerotic risk factors have not been clarified in detail. <i>Objective:</i> In this cross-sectional study, we investigated whether the relationship between drinking and atherosclerotic risk factors is influenced by age in male workers (12,386 men aged from 20 to 69 years) in Yamagata, a district of Japan. <i>Methods:</i> The subjects were divided into five age groups, and each group was further divided into three subgroups according to ethanol consumption. The mean levels of each atherosclerotic risk factor were compared among the groups. <i>Results:</i> Neither body mass index nor fasting blood glucose levels were significantly affected by drinking at any age. In the heavy drinkers (ethanol consumption of 30 g per day or more) in all age groups, blood pressure, serum triglyceride and HDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher and serum LDL cholesterol level and the atherogenic index were significantly lower than in the nondrinkers. In the light drinkers (ethanol consumption of less than 30 g per day) in all age groups, serum HDL cholesterol level and the atherogenic index were also higher and lower, respectively, than in the nondrinkers. However, light drinking significantly increased blood pressure only in the middle aged and relatively elderly groups (40–49, 50–59, 60–69 years of age) and significantly decreased the serum LDL cholesterol level only in relatively young and middle aged groups (30–39, 40–49, 50–59 years of age). Thus, the effects of light drinking on blood pressure and serum LDL cholesterol are dependent on age. The serum triglyceride level was not significantly affected by light drinking in any age group. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our results suggest that light drinking increases blood pressure in the middle-aged and the elderly but not in the young, while its beneficial effects on serum HDL cholesterol and atherogenic index are not changed with age.
Macroangiopathy – Does It Play a Role in Young People?
Authors: Donaghue K.C. , Robinson J. , McCredie R. , Fung A. , Silink M. , Celermajer D.S. 
Published: April 2003

Using a novel ultrasound method, brachial artery endothelial and smooth muscle physiology were studied in 20 adolescents with IDDM and in 20 nondiabetic subjects matched for age (13–22 years), gender and vessel size. Endothelium-dependent dilatation (EDD) was assessed in response to flow (EDD) and endothelium-independent vasodilatation after sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (GTN). Both EDD and GTN were reduced in those with IDDM compared with controls: 5 vs. 9%, (p = 0.0002) and 14 vs. 21% (p = 0.002). Abnormal EDD was found in 12 IDDM adolescents (diabetes duration 3.3–14.9 years). The mean urinary albumin excretion rate of the diabetic group with abnormal EDD was 5.76 ± 2.82 vs. 8.05 ± 4.88 µg/min in those with normal EDD (p = 0.25). In the diabetic adolescents there was no significant correlation observed between the test for early large vessel disease, HbA1c and tests for diabetic microangiopathy.
Structure Quality Management in Pediatric Diabetes Care
Authors: Borkenstein M.H. , Limbert Catarina , Reiterer Elke , Stalzer Christina , Zinggl E. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of all diabetes treatment in childhood and adolescence is to counteract the development of complications (acute as well as late), to achieve normal growth and development, and to provide the patients with as good as possible a quality of life. Many studies have confirmed the benefits of intensified medical management regarding the prevalence and/or the progression of diabetic microvascular complications. Intensified medical management means of course much more than intensified insulin substitution; diabetes care includes diet, physical exercise, diabetes education, continuous monitoring, and psychosocial support. To improve the outcome of patients with diabetes mellitus, optimizing structure quality is one of the goals. A number of prerequisites (regarding the social-socioeconomic-health care system) are not yet fulfilled everywhere; structures necessary to provide qualified diabetes care (e.g. pediatric diabetes center, team of experts, outpatient care) are not yet sufficiently available in some areas. According to both the declarations of St. Vincent and of Kos, every effort should be made to enhance structure quality in an attempt to improve the situation and the outcome of our young patients with diabetes.
Effects of 22K or 20K Human Growth Hormone on Lipolysis, Leptin Production in Adipocytes in the Presence and Absence of Human Growth Hormone Binding Protein
Authors: Asada N. , Takahashi Y. , Honjo M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective and Method:</i> We studied the effects of human growth hormone (hGH) on leptin production and lipolysis stimulation in the presence or absence of human growth hormone binding protein (hGHBP) using 3T3- L1-hGHR adipocytes which efficiently express human growth hormone receptor. <i>Results and Conclusion:</i> It was clarified that (1) hGH decreases leptin secretion after hGH-induced lipolysis stimulation, and (2) the reduction of leptin production and lipolysis stimulation by 22K hGH was attenuated with hGHBP, whereas that by 20K hGH, which is a naturally occurring isoform of 22K hGH, was not affected with hGHBP.