bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Plasma Concentration of Atrial Natriuretic Hormone in Myotonic Dystrophy
Authors: Parlapiano C. , Antonini G. , Vichi R. , Fragola P.V. , Campana E. , Rota C. , Borgia M.C. , Tonnarini G. , Negri M. 
Published: April 2003

Atrial natriuretic hormone (ANH) concentrations were measured in 16 patients affected with myotonic dystrophy (MyD) undergoing 24-hour Holter ECG and in 15 age-matched normal subjects. Although the MyD patients did not show overt left ventricular function impairment, their plasma ANH levels were found to be higher (183.76 ± 113.25 pg/ml) compared to those of the control subjects (39.73 ± 9.95 pg/ml, p < 0.001). Nine patients with arrhythmias and some echocardiographic alterations formed subgroup A. Seven patients without cardiac alterations formed subgroup B. No significant difference in ANH emerged between the two subgroups. This evidence suggests that high plasma ANH levels in MyD cannot always be related to overt or latent heart failure and to arrhythmias.
Reproducibility of Brain MRI Lesion Volume Measurements in Multiple Sclerosis Using a Local Thresholding Technique: Effects of Formal Operator Training
Authors: Rovaris Marco , Rocca Maria A. , Sormani Maria Pia , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo 
Published: April 2003

The assessment of lesion load (LL) on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is widely used to monitor disease evolution, natural or modified by treatments. In this study, we evaluated the effect of formal operator training on the intra- and inter-observer reproducibility of LL measurements obtained by several operators in a setting similar to that of clinical trials. Proton-density (PD)-weighted, unenhanced and enhanced T1-weighted brain MRI scans were obtained from 10 MS patients. Five naive technicians assessed LL on these images, using a semiautomated local thresholding technique for lesion segmentation and marked hardcopies as a reference. Measurements were performed twice before and twice after a 20-hour operator training. Mean intra-observer measurement coefficient of variations (COV) before and after the training were 3.1 and 1.6% for PD-weighted LL, 4.3 and 1.8% for unenhanced T1-weighted LL (p < 0.001), 4.9 and 2.0% for enhanced T1-weighted LL (p = 0.002). Mean inter-observer COV were significantly reduced after training (from 10.0 to 5.6% for PD-weighted, from 11.0 to 7.3% for unenhanced T1-weighted and from 16.0 to 6.8% for enhanced T1-weighted LL). Our data indicate that LL assessment on serial MRI scans from MS patients performed by technicians, using a local thresholding technique for lesion segmentation, is characterized by low measurement variability which may be significantly improved by a short and cost-effective training.
Blood Pressure Elevations in Riluzole-Treated Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Scelsa Stephen N. , Khan Intazam 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To determine whether riluzole is associated with blood pressure elevations in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). <i>Background:</i> Though previously reported, hypertension is not considered a frequent adverse effect of riluzole. <i>Methods:</i> We reviewed data from 35 consecutive ALS patients on riluzole, and 88 randomly selected controls without and 20 patients with ALS who were not on riluzole. <i>Results:</i> A significantly greater number of ALS patients on riluzole had blood pressure elevations (28 of 35 patients) compared to controls (26 of 88, p < 0.001; 8 of 20, p = 0.007). Median systolic and diastolic blood pressures were both significantly higher in riluzole-treated (140/86 mm Hg) than in control patients without ALS (120/70 mm Hg, p < 0.001). Systolic, but not diastolic, blood pressures were significantly higher in riluzole-treated patients than in controls with ALS (126 mm Hg, p = 0.002). <i>Conclusions:</i> Riluzole treatment may be associated with mild blood pressure elevations. Future prospective trials of riluzole should closely assess hypertension.
Changes in Cerebral Hemodynamics during Simple Partial Motor Seizures
Authors: Niehaus L. , Wieshmann U.C. , Meyer B.-U. 
Published: April 2003

Changes in cerebral perfusion were studied during nine short-lasting simple partial motor seizures (SPS) in an 11-year-old girl. Blood flow velocity changes in both middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were assessed by transcranial Doppler sonography during simultaneous EEG monitoring. Within 7.4 ± 1.4 s after electroencephalographic seizure onset, flow velocity in the MCA ipsilateral to the electrical discharges started to increase and then gradually rose up to 70% above baseline values. Spread of the epileptic activity to the other hemisphere in the late stage of seizure was associated with a slight increase in blood flow velocity (<30%) in the contralateral MCA. After the end of the seizure, flow velocities returned to baseline within 47 ± 7 s. Our findings indicate that focal epileptic seizures evoke asymmetric perfusion increases which are closely related to the onset and cessation of the electroencephalographic seizure activity.
Low-Dose Gabapentin Combined with either Lamotrigine or Carbamazepine Can Be Useful Therapies for Trigeminal Neuralgia in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Solaro C. , Messmer Uccelli M. , Uccelli A. , Leandri M. , Mancardi G.L. 
Published: April 2003

Paroxysmal symptoms occur frequently in multiple sclerosis (MS). Usually they are treated with carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenytoin, although these medications are often interrupted due to adverse effects. We report 11 MS patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN): 6 intolerant to a therapeutic dosage of CBZ, showing serious adverse effects and subsequently treated with a combination of low-dose CBZ and gabapentin (GBP) (group 1); 5 treated with lamotrigine (LMT), showing adverse effects and subsequently treated with GBP (group 2). Subjective pain level and impairment in performing daily activities were rated utilizing a 3-point scale at time 0 and at optimal dosage time (T1). GBP was initiated at 300 mg daily and titrated, until pain control was achieved without new adverse effects, to a maximum dose of 1,200 mg daily. CBZ or LMT were reduced to a level which no longer produced adverse effects, although resulting in a lack of efficacy in relieving pain. Pain control was obtained in all patients but 1, with no side effects. The plasma level analysis, performed in 5 patients, resulted in normal values. The mean dosages at T1 were: group 1 CBZ 400 mg and GBP 850 mg daily; group 2 LMT 150 mg and GBP 780 mg daily. Combining drugs with complementary modes of action may provide a rational pharmacological approach to the management of TN in MS.
Application of a Novel Method for Subsequent Evaluation of Sinusoids and Postsinusoidal Venules after Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury of Rat Liver
Authors: Kondo T. , Okamoto S. , Todoroki T. , Hirano T. , Schildberg F.W. , Messmer K. 
Published: April 2003

Although several intravital fluorescence microscopic studies demonstrated that microcirculatory derangement is induced during liver ischemia-reperfusion, these data were obtained from randomly selected microvascular areas and microvessels. Repeated observation of the identical microvessels has not been performed yet. Using a specially designed cover glass, it is now possible to relocate desired sites of observation repeatedly over the whole reperfusion time. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of reperfusion time on hepatic microvascular perfusion state. Twenty minutes of ischemia induced a significant decrease in sinusoidal perfusion rate (29.1 ± 10.2%) as compared with baseline values (98.0 ± 0.3%). At 30, 60, and 120 min of reperfusion, the percentage of perfused sinusoids recovered to 62.8 ± 6.6, 67.5 ± 5.7, and 77.2 ± 5.4%. The number of stagnant leukocytes in the same sinusoids was 6.2 ± 1.9/lobule at baseline and increased to 22.3 ± 3.6/lobule at 120 min of reperfusion. The number of leukocytes adhering within postsinusoidal venules was 53.5 ± 12.5/mm<sup>2</sup> before ischemia and increased to 414.2 ± 62.5/mm<sup>2</sup> at 120 min of reperfusion. We have demonstrated that during 120 min of reperfusion, there was a steady increase in both sinusoidal and venular leukocyte adhesion along with an attenuation of the initially severely depressed sinusoidal perfusion. A no-reflow phenomenon at an early phase of reperfusion and subsequent reflow were proven.
Comparison of Euro-Collins Solution, Low-Potassium Dextran Solution Containing Glucose, and ET-Kyoto Solution for Lung Preservation in an Extracorporeal Rat Lung Perfusion Model
Authors: Bando T. , Albes J.M. , Nüsse T. , Wada H. , Hitomi S. , Wahlers T. , Schäfers H.-J. 
Published: April 2003

We have recently developed a modified ET-Kyoto solution by adding N-acetylcysteine, nitroglycerin, and dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate to the previously reported ET-Kyoto solution. The purpose of this study was to compare the new ET-Kyoto solution with the regular Euro-Collins solution and a low-potassium dextran solution containing glucose (Perfadex<sup>®</sup>) in an isolated rat lung perfusion model. Rat lung blocks were preserved with ET-Kyoto solution, with Euro-Collins solution, or with Perfadex for 4 h. Arterial oxygen tension, shunt fraction, peak inspiratory pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and pulmonary vascular resistance were assessed up to 50 min after reperfusion. ET-Kyoto solution provided a significantly better lung function after reperfusion than Euro-Collins solution and Perfadex, while Perfadex was also superior to the Euro-Collins solution. We conclude that lung preservation with ET-Kyoto solution is significantly superior to Euro-Collins solution and to Perfadex in an isolated rat lung perfusion model.
Inhibition of Myointimal Proliferation by Octreotide in Canine Vein Interposition Grafts
Authors: Ulus A. Tulga , Işcan Zafer , Saritaş Zülfikar , Can Cevat , Yamak Birol , Katircioglu S. Fehmi , Bayazit Murat 
Published: April 2003

<b>Purpose:</b> The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of octreotide in modulating the progression of intimal hyperplasia in autogenous vein bypass grafts in a canine model. The effect of the drug on the progression of intimal hyperplasia was measured with the Gilman parameter, a measure used extensively as a wound-healing descriptor. <b>Methods:</b> 12 mongrel dogs were randomly and equally divided into two groups. The first group (octreotide group) was administered octreotide 20 µg/kg/day. The control group (group II) received saline solution by subcutaneous injection. Each dog had 8- to 10-cm segments of autogenous jugular vein bypassed to the femoral arteries. Quantitative data on luminel narrowing over time from intimal hyperplasia were compared from calculated Gilman parameters after image analysis of retrieved, histologically processed graft sections. Each vein graft was analyzed by computerized morphometric analysis. <b>Results:</b> The mean Gilman parameter for distal graft segments was 0.47 ± 0.17 mm in the control group and 0.25 ± 0.07 mm in the octreotide group 6 weeks after operation (p < 0.05). Distal graft segments between the control and octreotide groups were statistically significant. In proximal, medial and distal graft segments, the mean Gilman parameters were 0.51 ± 0.16 mm in the control group and 0.37 ± 0.18 mm in the octreotide group, the difference being statistically significant (p < 0.01). <b>Conclusion:</b> Octreotide significantly inhibits myointimal thickening, and these data support the efficacy of octreotide in reducing intimal hyperplasia in arterialized vein grafts during the short postoperative period. Further investigations are required to as certain whether this beneficial effect of octretide persists in the long term.
Recognition of a Gastroesophageal Reflex in Dogs and Its Role in Lower Esophageal Sphincter Competence
Authors: Shafik A. 
Published: April 2003

The present communication describes a reflex which we call ‘gastroesophageal reflex’ and discusses its significance. Fourteen dogs were anesthetized, and two balloon-tipped catheters were introduced: one in the stomach and the other one in the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The LES pressure response to gastric distension with a balloon filled with H<sub>2</sub>O in increments of 10 ml up to 100 ml and to the increase of the intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) was recorded. The gastric pressure response to LES distension with water in increments of 2, 4, and 6 ml was also registered. Gastric distension led to LES pressure increase; the greater the gastric distension, the higher the LES pressure increase. An increase of the IAP, too, effected the LES pressure increase. In contrast, LES distension caused insignificant gastric pressure changes. The results were reproducible. The constant response of the LES to gastric distension as well as the reproducibility postulate a reflex relationship between the two actions. We call this relationship ‘gastroesophageal reflex’. This reflex is suggested to play an important role in prevention of gastroesophageal reflux. It tightens the LES upon increase of gastric or IAP pressure. This is important in cases of full stomach or during coughing, sneezing, or straining at defecation or micturition. The ‘reflex theory’ is advanced to explain the mechanism of gastroesophageal competence. It seems that the gastroesophageal reflex, rather than the pressure of a controversial anatomical LES, is responsible for gastroesophageal competence. The reflex may prove to be of diagnostic significance in gastroesophageal competence disorders.
Tetraploidization Is a Physiological Enhancer of Wound Healing
Authors: Ermis A. , Oberringer M. , Wirbel R. , Koschnick M. , Mutschler W. , Hanselmann R.G. 
Published: April 2003

To investigate the role of chromosomal alterations in the process of wound healing on the cellular level, we analyzed biopsies from well-healing (10) and chronic defect (8) wounds. Classical chromosome preparation and fluorescence in situ hybridization were performed with cultured cells and smear preparations. Results from both techniques showed an unusual high rate of tetraploid cells (4 n) in granulation tissue of well-healing wounds (6.5–60%), whereas we found only a low amount of tetraploid cells (from 0 to 5.5%) in chronic wounds. In fibroblast control cultures, there was a percentage of 2–5.5%. In chromosome preparations, we noticed an increased number of nonclonal structural and numerical chromosome aberrations in both well-healing and chronic wounds. Our data show clearly that especially tetraploidization is a typical phenomenon in the well-healing wound, where it apparently supports the healing process.
Xenogeneic, Extracorporeal Liver Perfusion in Primates Improves the Ratio of Branched-Chain Amino Acids to Aromatic Amino Acids (Fischer’s Ratio)
Authors: Schön M.R. , Heil W. , Lemmens H.-P. , Padval D. , Matthes M. , Puhl G. , Neuhaus P. , Hammer C. 
Published: April 2003

In fulminant hepatic failure (FHF), the development of hepatic encephalopathy is associated with grossly abnormal concentrations of plasma amino acids (PAA). Normalization of the ratio of branched-chain amino acids to aromatic amino acids (Fischer’s ratio) correlates with clinical improvement. This study evaluated changes in PAA metabolism during 4 h of isolated, normothermic extracorporeal liver perfusion using a newly designed system containing human blood and a rhesus monkey liver. Bile and urea production were within the physiological range. Release of the transaminases AST, ALT and LDH were minimal. The ratio of branched (valine, leucine, isoleucine) to aromatic (tyrosine, phenylalanine) amino acids increased significantly. These results indicate that a xenogeneic extracorporeal liver perfusion system is capable of significantly increasing Fischer’s ratio and may play a role in treating and bridging patients in FHF in the future.
A Rabbit Model of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Associated with Intimal Thickening
Authors: Matsushita M. , Kobayashi H. , Oda K. , Nishikimi N. , Sakurai T. , Nimura Y. 
Published: April 2003

A model of abdominal aortic aneurysm with intimal thickening was developed in the rabbit. A segment of the abdominal aorta just proximal to the bifurcation (1 or 2 cm in length) was dissected and isolated with clamps. This segment was perfused by injecting physiologic saline or 100 U/ml of hog pancreatic elastase from the lumen. Perfusion was performed manually for 5 min and the peak pressure in the segment was between 300 and 400 mm Hg in order to cause aortic wall injury. After 4 weeks, animals that had received perfusion with elastase had aneurysms in the perfused segment on arteriography. None of the other animals developed aortic aneurysms. Histologically, the segments of aorta perfused with saline exhibited intimal hyperplasia. In addition to the intimal hyperplasia, the segments of aorta perfused with elastase solution showed lysis of the elastic lamellae in the media that resulted in aneurysm formation.
Appropriate Blood Flow for Arterio-Portal Shunt in Acute Hypoxic Liver Failure
Authors: Suzuki O. , Takahashi T. , Kitagami H. , Manase H. , Watanabe S. , Kondo S. , Kato H. 
Published: April 2003

Hepatic arterial interruption inevitably leads to fatal liver hypoxia when all the collateral arteries to the liver have been eradicated. To prevent such hypoxia, we aimed to determine the appropriate flow of arterial blood in the arterio-portal shunt (APS). After division of all the arteries to the liver, we created three types of APSs between the common hepatic artery (CHA) and the portal vein in dogs, using catheters which were adjusted to pass blood flows of approximately half (group I), equal to (group II) and twice (group III) the CHA blood flow before shunting, except in the control (no-shunt) group. Postoperatively, at 1 and 48 h, we examined the hemodynamics of the liver biochemically and pathologically. After shunting, portal blood flow and oxygen saturation markedly increased, whereas portal venous pressure did not rise significantly. The serum alanine aminotransferase level was significantly higher in the no-shunt group and group I than in group II. Only in group II was the preoperative energy charge maintained, and light- and electron-microscopic examinations revealed no degeneration of the hepatocytes. APS blood flow similar to the original CHA (as in group II) is most appropriate for preventing liver hypoxia.
Donor Lung Pretreatment with Prostaglandin E<sub>1</sub> Does Not Improve Lung Graft Preservation
Authors: Vainikka Tiina , Heikkilä L. , Kukkonen Sinikka , Toivonen H. , Verkkala K. , Mattila S. 
Published: April 2003

Prostaglandin E<sub>1</sub> (PGE<sub>1</sub>) is widely used to improve early graft function after lung transplantation, but some studies have questioned its benefits. Therefore we evaluated the effect of donor pretreatment with PGE<sub>1</sub> in our porcine model of single lung transplantation. Donors received PGE<sub>1</sub> or placebo intravenously before flushing the pulmonary artery with modified Euro-Collins solution. After cold storage, the excised left lung was transplanted. Ischemic time was 4 h. We used our right side heart bypass model to measure standardized pulmonary vascular resistance and to study blood flow distribution between recipient’s native and transplanted lung. Systemic and pulmonary hemodynamics and gas exchange were also measured. After transplantation, pulmonary vascular resistance was significantly higher in the transplanted lung, which received only one fourth of the total pulmonary blood flow. PGE<sub>1</sub> pretreatment did not improve pulmonary hemodynamic parameters, or gas exchange.
Adenosine-Stimulated Intracellular Calcium Increase in Cultured Human Uterine Myocyte
Authors: Tsai E.M. , Chiang P.H. , Lee J.N. 
Published: April 2003

The effect of adenosine on intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub>) was studied in human uterine myocyte. Adenosine 10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i> elicited a rapid followed by a maintained increase in [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> in Fluo-3-loaded myocytes. Compared with basal [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> level, adenosine induced a 2.6-fold increase in the absence of extracellular calcium, and a 2.4-fold increase in the presence of extracellular calcium. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the initial response. After depletion of intracellular calcium stores by repetitive caffeine (10 m<i>M</i>) applications, adenosine could not induce increase in [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub>. The initial rise could be induced in the absence of extracellular calcium, whereas the maintained phase after 120 s of adenosine application was dependent on the presence of extracellular calcium. The maintained phase response was 1.39- and 0.90-fold compared with basal [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> level in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium respectively. There was significant (p < 0.01) maintenance of [Ca<sup>2+</sup>]<sub>i</sub> in the presence of extracellular calcium, which appeared to be associated with calcium influx. The data suggest that in human uterine myocytes, adenosine stimulates release of Ca<sup>2+</sup> from intracellular stores and influx of extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> through Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry pathway.
Localization of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in Uterine Endometrium and Ectopic Implants
Authors: Wenzl René J. , Heinzl Harald 
Published: April 2003

We performed an immunohistochemical study on paraffin-embedded tissues to evaluate the invasion pattern of endometriotic implants by determination of matrix metalloproteinase (gelatinase A) expression. Endometriotic tissues (n = 32) and uterine endometria (n = 18) of patients with endometriosis and uterine endometria of normal-menstruating women without endometriosis (n = 11) were examined. Endometriotic tissues showed statistically significantly stronger staining compared with uterine endometria. However, we did not find differences in staining between uterine endometrium of women with endometriosis and normal controls. Compared to uterine endometrium, ectopic endometrium has a significantly higher capacity to produce the latent forms (72 kD) of gelatinase A. This leads to the conclusion that endometriotic implants express the protease enabling the invasion of surrounding tissue.
Evaluation of Ovarian Cysts following GnRH-a Treatment in Patients with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Gregoriou O. , Vitoratos N. , Konidaris S. , Papadias C. , Chryssikopoulos A. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ovarian cysts appearing during GnRH-a/hMG treatment in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A total of 35 women with PCOS were included in the study. All women received 3.75 mg IM of long-acting leuprolide acetate on the first day of the menstrual cycle. On the 15th day of the menstrual cycle, transvaginal ultrasound examination (US) and determination of serum E<sub>2</sub> were done. A total of 90 cycles were studied in this way and during these cycles, 14 (15.5%) ovarian cysts with a diameter of ≥ 20 mm developed. According to the serum E<sub>2</sub> levels, 11 cases (group A) had E<sub>2</sub> concentrations > 35 pg/ml and 3 (group B) had serum E<sub>2</sub> levels < 35 pg/ml. Group A patients attained a significantly larger mean size of ovarian cyst than group B patients (42 ± 7.3 vs. 24.2 ± 3.2 mm, p < 0.001). When the serum E<sub>2</sub> concentrations were < 35 pg/ml, the ovarian cysts were disregarded and ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins was initiated. In case that serum E<sub>2</sub> levels were > 35 pg/ml, the initiation of the ovarian stimulation with hMG was postponed until serum E<sub>2</sub> levels indicated down-regulation, which was achieved after 5.8 ± 2.9 days. In both groups the ovarian stimulation resulted in ovulatory cycles, while four pregnancies in group A and one in group B were achieved. In conclusion, our results indicate that in patients with PCOS the GnRH-a administration may cause follicular cysts at an incidence of 15.5%. These cysts do not constitute a contraindication for ovarian stimulation provided that serum E<sub>2</sub> levels are low.