bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatocytes Entrapped in Alginate Gel Beads and Cultured in Bioreactor: Rapid Repolarization and Reconstitution of Adhesion Areas
Authors: Falasca Laura , Miccheli Alfredo , Sartori Elisabetta , Tomassini Alberta , Conti Devirgiliis Laura 
Published: April 2003

The maintenance of the differentiated hepatocyte phenotype and its specific physiological properties is known to depend on several factors, such as chemical signals, cell-cell and extracellular matrix molecular interactions, as well as the use of three-dimensional matrices. The entrapment of hepatocytes within Ca-alginate at high cell density and the culture under continuous flow favour the development of three-dimensional organization and promote expression of the differentiated hepatic phenotype. This system could represent an improvement in hepatocyte cultivation for basic studies of liver physiology and metabolism; it could also be applicable in toxicology, hepatocyte transplantation or development of bioartificial organs. This report describes the effect of alginate entrapment and culture in a bioreactor on hepatocyte aggregate formation, with particular attention to the re-establishment of cell polarity, cell junctions and three-dimensional re-organization of the cytoskeleton. Oxygen supply and cell oxygen consumption rate were monitored in order to evaluate possible changes in hepatocyte energy requirement. Our data show that after only 6 h of perfusion in the bioreactor, actin and cytokeratin localize along the adhesion areas of the plasma membrane, in which reconstituted bile canaliculi were also observed. Moreover, the presence of connexin at the level of joined membranes of neighbouring cells suggests the establishment of gap junctions between hepatocytes. After the first 30 min of perfusion the oxygen consumption rate remained constant throughout the experimental period.
Motoneurons of the Lateral and Medial Rectus Extraocular Muscles in Squirrel Monkey and Cat
Authors: McClung J. Ross , Shall Mary S. , Goldberg Stephen J. 
Published: April 2003

The goal of this study was to examine and compare the number and size of motoneurons in the cat and squirrel monkey abducens nucleus. We also examined medial rectus muscle motoneuron compartmentalization in the squirrel monkey oculomotor nucleus and compared those cells to abducens nucleus motoneurons. Retrograde labeling of the motoneurons, using cholera toxin conjugate of horseradish peroxidase (CTHRP) injected into cat and monkey lateral or medial rectus muscles, was observed after 24 h. The CTHRP was histochemically localized with tetramethylbenzidine. The slide-mounted sections were analyzed using a computerized imaging system. Cat abducens nucleus motoneurons showed a wide range of cell sizes (26.0–66.0 µm, mean = 37.2 ± 6.2 µm), four or more dendrites per cell and an average of 1,418 cells within a relatively loosely packed nucleus. Squirrel monkey abducens nucleus motoneurons were significantly smaller than those in the cat with a narrower range of cell sizes (20.0–44.0 µm, mean = 31.7 ± 3.8 µm), four or more dendrites per cell and an average of 2,473 cells densely packed within the nucleus. Squirrel monkey medial rectus muscle motoneurons were organized into MRa, MRb and MRc subgroups. MRa motoneurons comprise the primary innervation for the medial rectus muscle and were similar in size to abducens nucleus motoneurons while the MRc subgroup cells were significantly smaller in size. Similar relationships among medial rectus motoneurons have been seen in rhesus monkeys. The relationship of these anatomical findings to previous physiological results regarding the generation of extraocular muscle force in the squirrel monkey is discussed.
Effect of Pathological Perinatal Conditions on the Maternofetal Transfer of Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Brune Thomas , Koch Hans Georg , Plümpe Ulrike , Coenen-Worch Verena , Harms Erik , Louwen Frank 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> It is known that mononuclear cells can cross the placenta in both directions: from mother to fetus and the other way. In addition, it has been shown that perinatal pathological conditions can affect the fetomaternal cell transfer. This study has focused on the question whether perinatal conditions will also support the transfer of maternal cells in the fetus. <i>Methods:</i> Minisatellite polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a sensitivity of 1:100 was used to examine blood samples of 36 mother-child pairs for transplacental mononuclear cell transfer (group 1). Furthermore, 28 blood samples of mother-child pairs were examined by allele-specific PCR (sensitivity 1:1,000) for maternofetal mononuclear cell transfer; only 9 of these mother-child pairs were informative (group 2). <i>Results:</i> Three cases of maternofetal and 2 additional cases of fetomaternal mononuclear cell transfer could be documented in group 1; 2 of the 9 informative samples in group 2 showed a maternofetal mononuclear cell transfer. In conclusion, 9 of 40 cases lacking maternofetal cell transfer and 4 of 5 cases with maternofetal cell transfer were high-risk deliveries (p < 0.01). <i>Conclusion:</i> The current study shows that certain ante-partum conditions like placental insufficiency or chorioamnionitis increase significantly the chance that maternal cells enter the fetus.
Effect of Ob/Gyn Residents’ Fatigue and Training Level on the Accuracy of Fetal Weight Estimation
Authors: Ben-Aroya Zahi , Segal David , Hadar Amnon , Hallak Mordechai , Friger Michael , Katz Miriam , Mazor Moshe 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To determine the effect of Ob/Gyn residents’ fatigue and training level on the accuracy of their clinical and ultrasonographical estimation of fetal weight (EFW). <i>Methods:</i> In this study, clinical and ultrasonographical EFWs were performed by various residents. Actual birth weight, gravidity, parity, gestational age, body mass index, presence or absence of diabetes and hypertensive diseases, presentation and amniotic fluid index were recorded. All EFWs were divided into 3 groups according to the hour they were performed. All residents were divided into 4 groups according to their training level. The accuracy of EFW as compared with actual birth weight was then analyzed according to the shift and to the residents’ seniority by using the ANOVA test. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the factors that significantly and independently affected the weight evaluation. <i>Results:</i> Statistically significant differences were found between the clinical EFW and the birth weight among the working shifts for birth weights of 2,500 g and more (p = 0.032 and p = 0.035). For clinical EFW, night shifts were the most inaccurate (9.27, 8.05 and 9.78% of error for day, evening and night shift, respectively; p = 0.03). The accuracy of ultrasonographical EFW was not affected by the residents’ fatigue level. The residents’ training level did not alter the accuracy of either clinical or sonographical EFW. The accuracy of clinical EFW was affected independently by the work shift (p = 0.01), whereas no factor was found to independently effect the accuracy of ultrasonographic EFW. <i>Conclusions:</i> Ob/Gyn residents’ fatigue affects the accuracy of clinical but not ultrasonographical EFWs. Residents’ training level does not alter either the clinical or sonographical EFW.
Inverse Relationship between Platelet Density and Reactivity Alterations at Coronary Angiography
Authors: Järemo P. , Lindahl T.L. , Fransson S.G. , Milovanovic M. , Logander E. , Richter A. 
Published: April 2003

This work investigates relationships between platelet density and reactivity. 21 individuals subject to coronary angiography were studied. Peak platelet density was analyzed using a newly developed electronic device. The apparatus measures light transmission through test tubes containing density-separated platelets, thus allowing an estimation of the platelet distribution in the gradient. A flow cytometry technique was used for determining platelet reactivity after stimulating with ADP. Platelet counts, mean platelet volumes, peak platelet density and platelet reactivity were determined immediately before (day 1) and 24 h after cardiac catheterization (day 2). For all parameters changes during the day of angiography were compared with platelet density alterations. The subjects were divided into two groups according to density changes at angiography. Group 1 individuals showed density alterations (i.e. day 2 – day 1 value) ≧–8 × 10<sup>–5</sup> kg/l. In contrast, group 2 subjects either displayed density changes <–8 × 10<sup>–5</sup> kg/l or grossly disturbed platelet density patterns on day 2. Before angiography both groups had similar platelet counts and volumes. Then platelet reactivity when stimulating with ADP did not differ significantly between the two groups. After angiography, the number of fibrinogen-positive cells when stimulating with ADP rose by 6 ± 8% for group 2 patients. The corresponding figure for group 1 was –1 ± 6%. The difference was significant (p = 0.01). No such relationships were found when comparing density alterations and changes of platelet counts and volumes. We conclude that in this study platelet density alterations at coronary angiography are inversely related to variations of platelet reactivity.
Prevalence of Macroprolactin Detected by Elecsys<sup>®</sup> 2010
Authors: Sánchez-Eixerés M. Rosa , Mauri Montserrat , Alfayate Rocío , Graells M. Luisa , Miralles Carmen , López Alicia , Picó Antonio 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Macroprolactin or big-big PRL is, usually, a complex of little prolactin (PRL) with anti-PRL autoantibody. There are some patients with hyperprolactinemia showing a high proportion of serum macroprolactin. However, its clinical significance is not clear. Immunoassays used to determine PRL differ in their ability to detect macroprolactin. Moreover, in recent years, PRL assays have changed from isotopic methods (radioimmunoassays and immunoradiometric assays) to non-isotopic automated immunoassays. The effect of macroprolactin on currently used methods is often unknown. The aim of this work was to study the different reactivity of macroprolactin in two immunoassays systems, Elecsys 2010 and ACS Centaur, and to assess the clinical repercussion of this condition. <i>Methods:</i> We studied retrospectively 956 consecutive routine patients. Samples with a PRL value >636 mIU/l (211 samples) were subjected to the polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation test to detect macroprolactin, and 2 of them also to gel filtration chromatography for further confirmation. PRL was measured by Elecsys 2010 and, alternatively, by ACS Centaur. <i>Results:</i> By Elecsys 2010, macroprolactin was detected in 19 patients (9%). After removing macroprolactin, PRL levels were within the normal range in every case but one. When original sera from patients with macroprolactin were processed with ACS Centaur. PRL levels were normal or only marginally elevated. The correlation of PRL values in samples with and without macroprolactin assayed by both systems was 0.64 and 0.98, respectively. <i>Conclusions:</i> Nearly 9% of hyperprolactinemic patients detected by Elecsys 2010 may have macroprolactin, but the detection rate obtained using ACS Centaur is much lower. As macroprolactin seems to have minimal clinical relevance, it would be important that the users of PRL assays be aware to what extent macroprolactin interferes with their assays, and have available a validated method, such as the PEG precipitation test, to confirm the presence of macroprolactin.
Effects of Growth Hormone Treatment on Left Ventricular Dimensions in Children with Noonan’s Syndrome
Authors: Noordam C. , Draaisma J.M.T. , van den Nieuwenhof J. , van der Burgt I. , Otten B.J. , Daniels O. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To study the effects of long-term growth hormone (GH) treatment on left ventricular (LV) dimensions in children with Noonan’s syndrome (NS). <i>Methods:</i> Echocardiographic measurements of LV dimensions were performed before and during GH treatment in 27 participants (21 boys, 6 girls) in a partly controlled 3-year trial of high-dose GH treatment (0.15 IU/kg/day). Nineteen children had a congenital heart defect, 1 of them had hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. In the first 3 years, the children were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: group A with discontinuation of GH treatment in the 3rd year, or group B without GH treatment in the 1st year. After the 3rd year, 12 of the 27 children were followed up for 2 additional years to evaluate the long-term effects of GH treatment on the heart. <i>Results:</i> At baseline, LV internal diameters were smaller, while posterior wall thickness were thicker than normal. Over the 1st year, changes in LV dimensions were comparable between the 2 groups. No significant differences were found in LV dimensions between the situation at baseline and after 4 years of GH treatment. <i>Conclusion: </i>Long-term high-dose GH treatment does not have clinically significant adverse effects on LV dimensions in children with NS.
Kinetics and Effect of Percutaneous Administration of Dihydrotestosterone in Children
Authors: Charmandari Evangelia , Dattani Mehul T. , Perry Leslie A. , Hindmarsh Peter C. , Brook Charles G.D. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Percutaneous administration of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has been successful in promoting phallic growth in infants and children with 5α-reductase deficiency raised as males. We investigated whether percutaneous administration of DHT is similarly effective in patients with micropenis due to alternative diagnoses. <i>Methods:</i> Six patients (age range 1.9–8.3 years) with micropenis of variable etiology were studied prospectively. 2.5% DHT gel was applied to the phallus once daily at a dose of 0.15–0.33 mg/kg body weight. Serum DHT concentrations were measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h following application of DHT gel. <i>Results:</i> Peak DHT concentrations were attained within 2–8 h after application of the gel and subsequently remained within the normal adult range in all but 1 patient, who had received the lowest dose of 0.15 mg/kg. An increase in phallic growth, ranging from 0.5–2.0 cm, was achieved after 3–4 months of treatment in all patients whose DHT concentrations were maintained within adult range. <i>Conclusion:</i> Percutaneous administration of DHT in a dose of 0.2–0.3 mg/kg once daily for a period of 3–4 months may be useful in the management of patients with testosterone biosynthetic defects, who have sufficient masculinization to warrant male sex assignment, or in patients with micropenis prior to reconstructive surgery.
cDNA Cloning, Biological and Immunological Characterization of the Alkaline Serine Protease Major Allergen from <i>Penicillium chrysogenum</i>
Authors: Chou Hong , Lai Hsiu-Yu , Tam Ming F. , Chou Ming-Yuan , Wang Soo-Ray , Han Shou-Hwa , Shen Horng-Der 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i><i>Penicillium chrysogenum (Penicillium notatum)</i> is a prevalent airborne <i>Penicillium</i> species. A 34-kD major IgE-reacting component from <i>P. chrysogenum</i> has been identified as an alkaline serine protease (Pen ch 13, also known as Pen n 13 before) by immunoblot and N-terminal amino acid sequence analysis. <i>Methods:</i> In the present study, Pen ch 13 was further characterized in terms of cDNA cloning, protein purification, enzymatic activity, histamine release and IgE cross-reactivity with alkaline serine protease allergens from two other prevalent fungal species – <i>P. citrinum</i> (Pen c 13) and <i>Aspergillus flavus</i> (Asp fl 13). <i>Results:</i> A 1,478-bp cDNA (Pen ch 13) that encodes a 398-amino-acid alkaline serine protease from <i>P. chrysogenum</i> was isolated. This fungal protease has pre- and pro-enzyme sequences. The previously determined N-terminal amino acid sequence of the <i>P. chrysogenum</i> 34-kD major allergen is identical to that of residues 116–125 of the cDNA. Starting from Ala116, the deduced amino acid sequence (283 residues) of the mature alkaline serine protease has a calculated molecular mass of 28.105 kD with two cysteines and two putative N-glycosylation sites. It has 83 and 49% sequence identity with the alkaline serine proteases from <i>P. citrinum</i> and <i>A. fumigatus</i>, respectively. The recombinant Pen ch 13 was recovered from inclusion bodies and isolated under denaturing condition. This recombinant protein reacted with IgE antibodies in serum from an asthmatic patient and with monoclonal antibodies (PCM8, PCM10, PCM39) that reacted with the 34-kD component from <i>P. chrysogenum</i>. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified native Pen ch 13 is identical to that determined previously for the 34-kD major allergen in crude <i>P. chrysogenum</i> extracts. The purified native Pen ch 13 has proteolytic activity with casein as the substrate at pH 8.0. This enzymatic activity was inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride or diethylpyrocarbonate. Pen ch 13 was also able to degrade gelatin and collagen but not elastin. Basophils from 5 asthmatic patients released histamine (12–73%) when exposed to the purified Pen ch 13. In ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) experiments, IgE for Pen ch 13 was able to compete with purified Pen ch 13, Pen c 13 or Asp fl 13 in a dose-related manner. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results demonstrated that the 34-kD major allergen of <i>P. chrysogenum</i> is an alkaline serine protease. These results also indicated that atopic patients primarily sensitized by either of these prevalent fungal species may develop allergic symptoms by exposure to other environmental fungi due to cross-reacting IgE antibodies against this protease.
Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase Activating Polypeptide and Neuropeptide Y Regulation of Gonadotropin Subunit Gene Expression in Tilapia: Role of PKC, PKA and ERK
Authors: Gur Gal , Bonfil David , Safarian Helena , Naor Zvi , Yaron Zvi 
Published: April 2003

There is ample information on the hypophysiotropic function of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) in fish as in mammals, although evidence as to their direct effects on gonadotropic cells is scarce. We have previously reported that NPY and PACAP38 augment gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-induced expression of glycoprotein α (α) subunit gene in the teleost fish, tilapia. The aim of the present study was to elucidate possible direct effects of these peptides on gonadotropin subunit gene expression in culture of tilapia pituitary cells, as well as the transduction pathways involved. Both NPY and PACAP38 (0.001–10 n<i>M</i>) increased the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) dose-dependently, reaching a peak at 0.1 and 0.01 n<i>M</i>, respectively. Inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) by GF109203X (GF; 0.01–10 n<i>M</i>) suppressed NPY-stimulated pERK levels and its effect on α and luteinizing hormone (LH) β subunit mRNA levels. However, NPY had no effect on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) β mRNA levels. NPY-elevated α, LHβ mRNA and pERK levels were also attenuated by inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) with H89 (0.01–10 n<i>M</i>). Exposure of the cells to the MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor (PD98059; PD 10, 25 and 50 µ<i>M</i>) completely blocked NPY-induced ERK activity. In addition, this inhibitor abated the α and LHβ mRNA responses to NPY. Similar experiments conducted to elucidate PACAP38 signaling revealed that PACAP38 (0.01 n<i>M</i>) elevated all three-gonadotropin subunit gene expression via both PKC-ERK and PKA-ERK cascades. It is suggested that both NPY and PACAP38 act directly on gonadotropes to elevate gonadotropin subunit gene expression. Whereas the expression of α and LHβ subunit genes is regulated by both NPY and PACAP, the effect on the FSHβ transcript is elicited only by PACAP38. NPY and PACAP38 stimulatory actions are mediated via protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA), converging at the MEK-ERK cascade. These findings represent one of the fine tuning levels that differentially regulates gonadotropin subunit gene expression.
Comparison of 5-Day and 10-Day Cefixime in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis
Authors: Lorenz Joachim 
Published: April 2003

The focus of a multicenter trial conducted in Germany was to investigate whether a 5-day short course of cefixime 400 mg was equivalent to a 10-day standard therapy of cefixime 400 mg in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis (AECB). In the 167 patients who were evaluated, on day 11 following treatment with once-daily oral cefixime resulted in clinical success in 91 and 89% of cases in the 5-day and 10-day treatment groups, respectively. At days 6, 11 and 30 after treatment there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 dose groups (p < 0.01). Bacteriological equivalence was also demonstrated. Gastrointestinal adverse events showed a tendency to occur less frequently in the 5-day group, but the difference was not significant. The results indicate that a short course therapy is equivalent in efficacy to the standard 10-day therapy in patients with AECB, and may thus offer cost advantages.
Renal Sparing by Amphotericin B Colloidal Dispersion: Clinical Experience in 572 Patients
Authors: Gurwith M. , Mamelok R. , Pietrelli L. , Du Mond C. 
Published: April 2003

Data from five clinical trials of amphotericin B colloidal dispersion (ABCD) in the treatment of invasive mycoses were pooled to analyze the renal sparing effects of ABCD. Serum creatinine levels at baseline and either during or at end of treatment were available for 499 of 572 patients (87.2%). The median cumulative dose of ABCD administered to the 499 evaluable patients was 4,050 (range: 30–74,250) mg, and the median duration of treatment was 18 (range: 1–407) days. For the entire group of evaluable patients, the median change in serum creatinine during treatment with ABCD was –0.1 mg/dl; for the subgroups of patients enrolled in the trials because of amphotericin B toxicity or preexisting renal impairment, the median changes in serum creatinine were –0.3 and –0.2 mg/dl, respectively. There was no trend of increasing serum creatinine with increasing cumulative dose of ABCD (correlation coefficient = –0.016). ABCD was prematurely discontinued in 19 of 572 patients (3.3%) because of elevated serum creatinine levels. Unlike conventional amphotericin B, ABCD is not associated with dose-dependent nephrotoxicity.
The Population Pharmacokinetics of Amphotericin B Colloidal Dispersion in Patients Receiving Bone Marrow Transplants
Authors: Amantea Michael A. , Bowden Raleigh A. , Forrest Alan , Working Peter K. , Newman Mary S. , Mamelok Richard D. 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to identify the pharmacokinetics of Amphotericin B Colloidal Dispersion in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantations with systemic fungal infections and to assess the influence of ABCD on renal function. Seventy-five patients (42 females, 33 males) with a median age of 34.5 years and median weight of 70.0 kg were enrolled in the study. The plasma concentration data was available in 51/75 patients and was best described by a two-compartment model; both plasma clearance and volume of distribution increased with escalating doses; the overall average terminal elimination half-life was 29 h. Serum creatinine values over the duration of therapy were available in 59/75 patients. Overall, there was no net change in renal function over the duration of therapy.