bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of <i>L</i>-Carnitine Supplementation on Renal Anemia in Poor Responders to Erythropoietin
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Amano Izumi , Hirose Shinichi , Tsuruta Yoshinari , Hara Shigeko , Murata Michio , Imai Tsuneki 
Published: April 2003

While renal anemia can be successfully treated by use of erythropoietin (EPO) in most hemodialysis (HD) patients, some patients have anemia that is refractory to treatment with a high dose of EPO. We examined whether <i>L</i>-carnitine treatment could raise hematocrit (Hct) levels in such patients. Fourteen HD patients who showed a poor response to EPO and no evident factors which inhibit a response to EPO were selected to receive oral <i>L</i>-carnitine (500 mg/day) in a 3-month trial. During the study, 36% of the patients showed Hct increases of more than 2%. Statistical analysis revealed significant increases of Hct (p = 0.003) and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) (p = 0.050) and a significant decrease of ferritin (p = 0.005). In addition, we found that red blood cells (RBCs) in HD patients contained a comparable level of carnitine to normal controls, despite the presence of serum carnitine deficiency, and that RBC carnitine was not removed through HD, in contrast to serum carnitine. These results suggest that RBC carnitine may be essential for RBCs to perform their metabolic function in renal anemia and that oral <i>L</i>-carnitine treatment could improve anemia in poor responders to EPO.
Thrombus in Vertebrobasilar Dolichoectatic Artery Treated with Intravenous Urokinase
Authors: DeGeorgia Michael , Belden John , Pao Linda , Pessin Michael , Kwan Eddie , Caplan Louis 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia is often found in patients with posterior circulation ischemia. Brain ischemia is caused by abnormal flow in the dilated artery and obstruction of paramedian arteries or intraluminal thrombus with artery-to-artery embolism. We report a patient with vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia and luminal thrombus treated with intravenous urokinase who did well but died 2 months later of subarachnoid hemorrhage. <i>Case Description:</i> A 60-year-old man developed right-hand clumsiness, dysarthria and ataxia. Computed tomography showed vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia and thrombus in the basilar artery. Symptoms quickly resolved on heparin but recurred on warfarin and again resolved on heparin. Two weeks later, while on warfarin and aspirin 325 mg, he developed hand numbness, oscillopsia and ataxia. Symptoms again resolved on heparin. Angiography showed severe dolichoectasia of the distal right vertebral artery and basilar artery. A large mural thrombus was detected in the ventral part of the distal basilar artery narrowing the lumen by 50%. He was treated with intravenous urokinase 4,400 units/kg as a bolus followed by 4,400 units/kg/h for 12 h. Repeat angiography showed almost complete recanalization and improved filling of basilar artery branches. He was maintained on warfarin and aspirin 81 mg and had no further ischemic episodes. He died 2 months later of rupture of the basilar artery and subarachnoid hemorrhage. <i>Conclusion:</i> Some patients with thrombosis of vertebrobasilar dolichoectactic arteries continue to have ischemic symptoms despite adequate anticoagulation. Intravenous thrombolysis may be effective in reducing the risk of stroke, but the risk/benefit ratio needs to be assessed in each patient.
Vocal Cord Paresis in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Venketasubramanian N. , Seshadri R. , Chee N. 
Published: April 2003

We prospectively determined the frequency of vocal cord paresis (VCP) among first-ever acute ischemic stroke patients. Vocal cords were examined endoscopically within 48 h of stroke onset, at 1 week and 1 month. Of the 54 study patients, 64.8% had lacunar (group 1), 22.2% cortical/large subcortical (group 2), 9.3% lateral medulla (group 3) and 3.7% other brainstem (group 4) infarcts. VCP was found in 11 (20.4%): 11.4% of group 1, 16.4% of group 2, 100% of group 3 and 0% of group 4. VCP was contralateral to the brain lesion in groups 1 and 2, and ipsilateral in 80% of group 3. VCP was strongly correlated with dysphonia (p < 0.0001) and resolved in 2/11 patients after 1 week and in 5/11 after 1 month. Our finding of VCP among acute ischemic stroke patients questions the belief that the nucleus ambiguous is invariably bilaterally innervated by supranuclear centers.
The Detection of Microembolic Signals in Patients at Risk of Recurrent Cardioembolic Stroke: Possible Therapeutic Relevance
Authors: Batista Paulo , Oliveira V. , Ferro J.M. 
Published: April 2003

The clinical predictors and potential therapeutic implications of microembolic signals (MES) were investigated in 104 patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack associated with high-risk (n = 60) or low-risk (n = 44) cardiac emboligenic conditions. Patients with artificial valves and carotid stenosis were excluded. MES counts were based on 30-min bilateral middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler (TCD) monitoring recordings. MES were detected in 15 subjects (14%). The mean number of MES per hour was 1.9. MES prevalence and counts were influenced neither by age, gender or type of cerebral event, nor by cardiac disease. MES were more frequently detected and greater in number in patients with multiple cerebral ischemic events and in subjects monitored within 1 month of the last event. By multiple logistic regression, TCD recording within 1 month of the last event [Odds ratio (OD) = 13.5; 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 3.3–54.3] and multiple cerebral events (OD = 4.7; 95% CI = 1.3–17.3) were the best MES predictors. MES were detected in 40% (4/10) of patients on heparin, 5% (2/4) of untreated subjects and 13% (5/39) of those on antiplatelet drugs. For patients on warfarin, MES counts and prevalence were similar in subjects with international normalized ratios (INR) below and within/above the therapeutic range. MES were detected in only 2 out of 16 subjects with INR <2 and in 1 with INR >2. MES detection can be potentially relevant to the selection of antithrombotic treatment in acute stroke associated with cardioembolic disease, but further studies are necessary to assess its effectiveness as an additional guide to monitor oral anticoagulant intensity.
Effect of Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors on Rat Embryo Development in vitro
Authors: Del Bigio Marc R. , Seyoum Girma 
Published: April 2003

Matrix metalloproteinases appear to play a role in cell migration and tissue remodeling and are postulated to be important in the development of embryos. We hypothesized that inhibition of these proteinases with the synthetic inhibitor batimastat or with endogenous tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) would alter in vitro development of day 9 rat embryos. Batimastat had a dose-related effect on embryo growth and viability following 48 h in culture, with significant inhibition at 1.0 μ<i>M</i> concentration. Dying cells were observed in many organs of living embryos. TIMP-2 at 3.0 μg/ml had a similar effect on embryo growth. TIMP-1 alone or used in combination with TIMP-2 had no obvious effect. No focal malformations were observed. The effective concentrations are comparable to those which inhibit enzyme activity in cell culture. We conclude that matrix metalloproteinases are probably important in mammalian embryo development.
Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study of Pituitary Folliculostellate Cells during Aging in Rats
Authors: Cónsole G.M. , Jurado S.B. , Riccillo F.L. , Gómez Dumm C.L.A. 
Published: April 2003

The impact of aging on pituitary folliculostellate (FS) cells is not well known. The aim of the work reported here was to carry out a quantitative immunohistochemical assessment of the FS population in male and female rats during aging and to correlate the findings with possible changes at the ultrastructural level. Young (4 months), old (20 months) and senescent (29 months) Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were sacrificed by rapid decapitation, their pituitaries dissected and processed by both light immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Serial sections (4 µm) were obtained at different levels and immunostained by means of rabbit anti-S100 serum as the primary antibody and a peroxidase-mediated EnVision System (Dako). Measurement of volume density (VD) and cell density (CD) was made in S100-reacting elements by means of an image analysis system (Imaging Technology, Optimas). These parameters were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in old and senescent rats as compared to young animals. In senescent females, which presented a high incidence of microprolactinomas, a significant (p < 0.01) increment of VD and CD was observed in FS cells in the area surrounding the adenomas, together with a marked decrease in those parameters within the tumors. Sexual dimorphism was not found except for the prolactinoma-bearing female group. The ultrastructure of FS cells showed the typical characteristics previously described in the pituitary gland. Only moderate changes in the endoplasmic reticulum were observed in old and senescent animals. We conclude that aging has a clear effect on the morphology of the pituitary FS cell population.
Effect of Mechanical Load on Articular Cartilage Collagen Structure: A Scanning Electron-Microscopic Study
Authors: Kääb Max J. , Ito Keita , Rahn Berton , Clark John M. , Nötzli Hubert P. 
Published: April 2003

Little is known about the morphological effect of a mechanical load upon articular cartilage. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the deformation of the articular cartilage collagen structure of the tibial plateau under static loading. Whole intact rabbit knee joints were loaded in vitro by simulating a quadriceps force of 3×, 1× or 0.5× body weight (high, medium, low) over durations of 30 or 5 min (long, short). Specimens were cryopreserved while under load and prepared for morphological evaluation by field emission scanning electron microscopy. Under high force and long duration loading the collagen fibers exhibited high deformation with an increased thickness of the layer of collagen fibers oriented almost parallel to the surface and a cartilage thickness reduced to 54%. Collagen fiber deformation occurred mostly in the transitional and upper radial zone. The area of tibial indentation and the cartilage thickness reduction increased with magnitude and duration of load. The collagen matrix did show a bulging edge at the border of the meniscus and exhibited remarkable deformation under the meniscus.
Decreased Immunosuppressive Effect of Cortisol on Natural Killer Cytotoxic Activity in Senile Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Solerte Sebastiano Bruno , Cerutti Nadia , Severgnini Silvia , Rondanelli Mariangela , Ferrari Ettore , Fioravanti Marisa 
Published: April 2003

Former studies have indicated alterations of the cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells in senile dementia of the Alzheimer type (SDAT). These changes may be related to the increased reactivity of NK cells with cytokines, even if an impairment of the immunosuppressive effect of glucocorticoids cannot be excluded. In the present study we have demonstrated a lower immunosuppressive effect of cortisol on NK cytolytic function in patients with SDAT than in healthy elders and in patients with dementia of multi-infarct origin (MID). This suppression is completely lacking when cortisol is employed at low concentrations (10<sup>–7</sup> <i>M</i>) and is significantly reduced after incubation at physiological (10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>; p < 0.001) and supraphysiological concentrations (10<sup>–5</sup> <i>M</i>; p < 0.001). The addition of IL-2 (50 and 100 IU/ml/cells) significantly antagonizes the effects of cortisol in SDAT, whereas the cortisol-dependent immunosuppression is partially maintained in healthy elders and in patients with MID. Our data indicate that the defect of the immunosuppressive effect of cortisol may play a role in NK dysregulation in SDAT, contributing to the cytokine-mediated NK overactivity in this disease.
Effect of Presentation Rate on Word List Learning in Patients with Dementia of the Alzheimer Type
Authors: Heun R. , Burkart M. , Wolf C. , Benkert O. 
Published: April 2003

The efficacy of simple interventions for the improvement of memory performance in patients with dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) has rarely been evaluated. Therefore, we examined the effects of presentation duration and task practice on word list learning in this sample: 19 patients with DAT and 21 control subjects (with remitted major depression) repeatedly performed modifications of a word list learning task using five different presentation durations (i.e. 1, 2, 5, 10 or 20 s/word). In agreement with previous observations, prolonged visual presentation of words significantly improved recall and recognition in demented subjects, whereas task practice did not improve memory performance. The performance in the demented sample after long presentation times (20 s/item) does not reach the level of performance of the comparison group after short presentation times (1 s/item). Consequently, it seems unlikely that memory dysfunction is caused by increased item processing times in patients with dementia. To reach comparable performance of demented and controls for intervention or activation studies, presentation times must be shortened below 1 s/item in the control sample.
Relation between Cerebral Blood Flow and Extracellular Glucose in Rat Striatum during Mild Hypoxia and Hyperoxia
Authors: Lowry John P. , Demestre Maria , Fillenz Marianne 
Published: April 2003

Rats were exposed to mild hyperoxia and hypoxia by the administration of oxygen/air and nitrogen/air mixtures through plastic tubing held close to their snouts for periods of 3 min. Changes in tissue oxygen were monitored at an implanted carbon paste electrode; local cerebral blood flow (rCBF) at an implanted platinum electrode using the hydrogen clearance technique; extracellular brain glucose at an implanted glucose oxidase-based biosensor and changes in lactate were measured using microdialysis. The nitrogen/air mixture led to a decrease in tissue oxygen, an increase in rCBF, a decrease in extracellular glcuose, and an increase in lactate. The oxygen/air mixture led to an increase in tissue oxygen and extracellular glucose but no change in lactate or rCBF. The effects in unanaesthetised rats were compared with those in rats given 350 mg/kg cloral hydrate. The increase in lactate was greater in unanaesthetised than anaesthetised rats. The results show a dissociation between changes in rCBF and extracellular glucose and suggest that changes in oxygen affect utilisation rather than supply of glucose to the extracellular compartment.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Multiple Acute Cocaine Injections on Maternal Behavior and Aggression in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Johns Josephine M. , Nelson Christina J. , Meter Kathleen E. , Lubin Deborah A. , Couch C. Destine , Ayers Andy , Walker Cheryl H. 
Published: April 2003

Rat dams, which had no prior drug treatment, were either nontreated controls or were injected subcutaneously 4 times during a 10-day period with a single dose of 30, 15 or 7.5 mg/kg of cocaine hydrochloride HCl, or normal saline. Injections were given immediately postpartum following delivery of their final pup (PPD 1), and again on postpartum day 3 (PPD 3), postpartum day 6 (PPD 6) and postpartum day 10 (PPD 10). Dams were observed 30 min following injections for maternal behavior (MB) towards 8 surrogate male pups on PPD 1 and PPD 3 and for aggression towards a male or female intruder in the presence of their litter on PPD 6 and PPD 10. Compared to saline and untreated controls, cocaine-treated dams exhibited more disruptions in MB on both PPD 1 and PPD 3 and were less aggressive towards an intruder, regardless of intruder sex, on PPD 6 and PPD 10. In most cases MB was altered in a dose-dependent manner with the higher doses of cocaine resulting in a greater disruption of behavior.
The Neuroprotective Effects of Non-NMDA Antagonists in the Cerebellum of the <i>spastic</i> Han Wistar Mutant
Authors: Nisim A.A. , Hernandez C.M. , Cohen R.W. 
Published: April 2003

Excitotoxicity resulting from the dysfunction of glutamate receptors has been attributed to neurodegeneration seen in many brain disorders. In our laboratory, the spastic Han Wistar mutant is currently utilized as a potential model of excitotoxicity. The mutant is characterized by progressive neuronal degeneration, hindlimb paresis and ataxia which culminates in the animal’s death at approximately 65 days of age. In this study, neuroprotection derived from acute administration of the non-NMDA antagonist GYKI 52466, and chronic administration of the non-NMDA antagonist CNQX was examined in order to determine the potential roles of non-NMDA receptors in the observed neurodegeneration. Mutants injected with GYKI 52466 (15 mg/kg), twice a week for 3 weeks, exhibited increased life spans (14%) and extended motor activity than their vehicle-treated mutant siblings. In a separate group of mutants, CNQX (either 50 or 500 μM) was infused directly into the third ventricle of the mutant’s brain utilizing osmotic pumps. A statistically significant increase in motor activity (22%) was detected for mutants treated with a dose of 50 μM CNQX compared to their vehicle-treated siblings. Finally, cerebellar histological evaluations of mutants treated with both 50 and 500 μM CNQX showed dose-dependent higher cerebellar Purkinje cell counts. These findings suggest that non-NMDA receptors play a significant role in neurodegeneration in this animal.
Three Cases of Pityriasis rubra pilaris Successfully Treated with Cyclosporin A
Authors: Usuki Kazunari , Sekiyama Mitsuhiro , Shimada Tokihiko , Shimada Shoko , Kanzaki Tamotsu 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is reported to respond poorly to cyclosporin A (CsA). <i>Objective:</i> We attempted to determine the efficacy of CsA in the treatment of classic adult-type PRP. <i>Methods:</i> Three patients with classic adult-type PRP were treated with 5 mg/kg/day CsA. <i>Results:</i> A sustained clinical response was achieved within 2–4 weeks of therapy. Relapses were noted when the CsA dose was decreased to 1.2 mg/kg/day. <i>Conclusion:</i> CsA should be considered in the treatment of classical adult-type PRP.
Pemphigus foliaceus Induced by Exposure to Sunlight
Authors: Kano Yoko , Shimosegawa Masako , Mizukawa Yoshiko , Shiohara Tetsuo 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Although there are many reports on photo-induced pemphigus, careful analysis in the development of acantholytic blister have rarely been performed in the lesions induced by photochallenge. <i>Objective:</i> The study was intended to elucidate the mechanisms by which ultraviolet light (UV) radiation causes the skin lesions of pemphigus foliaceus. <i>Methods:</i> Photochallenge-induced lesions were examined histologically and immunohistochemically over the time course with three biopsy specimens. Neutrophil adhesion assay was performed using the specimens prepared from the photochallenged lesions as substrates. <i>Results:</i> A small number of neutrophils were seen at 5 h after photochallenge in the dermis and epidermis, and slight acantholysis was detected at 72 h. In neutrophil adhesion assay, greater numbers of neutrophils adhered to the upper epidermis of the skin obtained at 5 h after challenge. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our results suggest that both enhanced binding of autoantibodies to the epidermis after UV radiation and preferential adhesion of neutrophils to the UV-irradiated epidermis contribute to the development of acantholysis in photo- induced pemphigus foliaceus. Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression on keratinocytes is not primarily responsible for the epidermal migration of neutrophils.
Intestinal Leiomyosarcoma as the Cause of Severe Hemoperitoneum
Authors: Reina Angel J. , Fuentes Orlando , García Ana , González Cristina , Sánchez Belén , López-Cantarero Manuel , Bravo Francisco , Torné Pablo 
Published: April 2003

Leiomyosarcomas represent 10–20% of malignant tumors in the small bowel and 1% of those located in the large bowel. These tumors have aspecific symptoms depending on their size, location and histology. Intestinal leiomyosarcomas may be the cause of numerous types of surgical emergency. We report 2 cases of intestinal leiomyosarcoma in the jejunum and transverse colon. Both were diagnosed during an emergency exploratory celiotomy. The clinical features on admission were similar to those of acute abdomen. The main cause of surgical emergency was an extremely rare complication of gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma: a severe hemoperitoneum. We briefly describe the surgical emergencies caused by intestinal leiomyosarcomas as well as the surgical methods employed in these cases.
Laparoscopic Partial Hepatectomy in the Rat: A New Resectional Technique
Authors: Krähenbühl Lukas , Feodorovici Michael , Renzulli Pietro , Schäfer Markus , Abou-Shady Mohamed , Baer Hans U. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> Rats are widely used for basic research in laparoscopic surgery. We have developed a new technique of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy in the rat. <b>Methods:</b> 40 American Cancer Institute rats were randomized into 3 groups. Group A (n = 14) underwent laparoscopic liver resection using a CO<sub>2</sub> pneumoperitoneum. Group B (n = 14) was operated on with a gasless laparoscopic technique using a lifting device. A control group C (n = 12) underwent conventional open liver resection. In each group half of the animals underwent single lobectomy and the other half bilobectomy. <b>Results:</b> The liver resection was performed successfully in all 40 rats. No conversion to open surgery was necessary. No mortality or morbidity was observed. <b>Conclusions:</b> This new technique of laparoscopic partial hepatectomy proved to be feasible and safe. It is the first description of a laparoscopic hepatic resection in the rat that could prove valuable in further investigations of liver physiology and pathology.
Duodenal Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Petralia G.A. , Hansen P.D. , Bowyer R.C. , Williamson R.C.N. 
Published: April 2003

Malignant stromal tumours of the duodenum are rare. The efficacy of surgical resection for duodenal leiomyosarcoma was assessed in 5 patients treated over an 11-year period, probably the largest series treated by a single surgeon. There were 3 women and 2 men with an age range of 27–52 years. Tumours were large (8.5–21 cm diameter) and partly cystic (4 cases). They arose from the second (2), third (2) and fourth parts of the duodenum. Resection was a major undertaking and comprised either partial duodenectomy (n = 4) or Whipple resection. Two patients required a right hemicolectomy in addition. Two patients with positive resection margins had adjuvant radiotherapy. Operative time ranged from 4.0 to 6.25 h and blood loss from 1.8 to 4.5 litres. Two patients developed complications: a transient low-output biliary fistula and an infected haematoma requiring percutaneous drainage. The 2 patients with incomplete resection died of recurrent disease at 3 and 15 months. The 3 survivors are free of disease at 24, 60 and 66 months. The results support a policy of aggressive resection despite the technical difficulties posed by these large and vascular tumours.