bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Deficits and Polymorphism of Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Łuczywek Elżbieta , Nowicka Anna , Pfeffer Anna , Czyżewski Krzysztof , Styczyńska Maria , Łałowski Maciej , Barcikowska Maria 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to test the relationship between apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes and patterns of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). All subjects were diagnosed as probable AD patients on the basis of the DSM-IV and NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Each subject was examined for (1) ApoE genotype, (2) general level of mental activity (Global Deterioration Scale and Mini-Mental State Examination) and (3) cognitive functions by means of a battery of neuropsychological tests. On the basis of ApoE genotype, patients were subdivided into two groups: the first group consisted of patients with at least one &#917;4 allele (&#917;4+ group), while the second one consisted of patients without the &#917;4 allele (&#917;4– group). Our results showed that several cognitive processes depended on the ApoE genotype. In early stages of AD, patients from the &#917;4+ group had greater deficits in delayed recall of new information. On the other hand, working memory appeared to be more impaired in the &#917;4– group of patients. Independent of the genotype, both groups showed similar impairment of learning ability without, however, deficits in remote memory.
Identification of Genes in the Oligodendrocyte Lineage through the Analysis of Conditionally Immortalized Cell Lines
Authors: Campagnoni Celia W. , Landry Charles F. , Pribyl Thomas M. , Schonmann Vilma , Kampf Kathy , Handley Vance W. , Watson Joseph B. , Bongarzone Ernesto R. , Campagnoni Anthony T. 
Published: April 2003

The mouse oligodendrocyte cell lines, N19 and N20.1, were used as sources of potential stage-specific RNA in order to construct a subtraction library enriched in cDNAs expressed early in the oligodendrocyte (OL) lineage. From this library, 23 clones were examined and three were examined in most detail. The mRNAs of the three library clones were preferentially expressed in the N19 (progenitor) compared to the N20.1 (immature) OL line. One of these corresponded to the intermediate filament protein cytokeratin K19, which has not been reported to be expressed in OLs previously. Another was identified as the mouse homolog of T-cadherin, previously reported not to be present in OLs. Antisera raised against a T-cadherin peptide indicated the protein colocalized with the OL lineage markers A<sub>2</sub>B<sub>5</sub>, A007, and 01 in mouse primary glial cultures. However, small round cells resembling OL precursors labeled intensely with T-cadherin, but were negative for the other markers, suggesting that this gene might be expressed earlier in the lineage. In early postnatal brain, in addition to the expected neuronal tracts, the T-cadherin antibody labeled small bipolar cells, ∼8–10 µm in diameter, in white matter tracts. These cells had the morphology of OLs or their precursors and were identified within the cerebellar white matter and the corpus callosum, regions rich in OLs. The third clone, 3g5, was homologous to the P8 clone isolated from rat pancreas. It encoded an 80-amino-acid polypeptide with a protein kinase C domain suggesting a possible role in signal transduction. Antisera to this peptide also colocalized 3g5 with cells expressing A<sub>2</sub>B<sub>5</sub>, A007, and 01 in culture and in cells within white matter tracts which had the same morphology as those labeled by T-cadherin in these regions. In addition to these, β<sub>10</sub> thymosin and mevalonate kinase clones were also isolated from the screen.
Sensory and Biomechanical Responses to Distension of the Normal Human Rectum and Sigmoid Colon
Authors: Petersen Poul , Gao Chunwen , Rössel Petra , Qvist Peter , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Gregersen Hans , Mohr Drewes Asbjørn 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Visceral pain is a major clinical problem. The aim of the present study was to compare the pain and biomechanical responses to standardized distension of the human colon. <i>Methods:</i> The relation between pain intensity and pressure, cross-sectional area (CSA) and tension-strain relations of the rectum and sigmoid colon were studied in 11 normal subjects following standardized distension using impedance planimetry. The bag was inflated stepwise with pressures up to 6 kPa. The subjects, who were blinded for the distension procedure, rated their pain intensity using an aggregate visual analogue score (VAS) combining the intensity of the feeling of air, urge to defecate and pain. <i>Results:</i> The distensions produced an initial rapid increase in CSA followed by a phase of slow increase until a steady state CSA was reached after 0.5–1 min. Several phasic contractions (observed as short-term decreases in the CSA) were recorded in the rectum from the end of the rapid phase to the end of distension at pressures from 1 to 5 kPa. The CSA in the rectum and sigmoid colon was 3,706 ± 426 mm<sup>2</sup> and 2,305 ± 426 mm<sup>2</sup> at the maximum bag pressure of 6 kPa (F = 52.4, p < 0.001). The tension-strain relation did not differ between the normal rectum and sigmoid colon. The VAS score for every modality (air, defecation and pain) revealed an increase in intensity as a function of pressure. The VAS score in the rectum and the sigmoid colon as a function of tension and strain did not show any differences. <i>Conclusions:</i> The biomechanical properties in the sigmoid colon and rectum were alike. For a given wall tension and circumferential strain the sensibility seems equal in the rectum and the sigmoid colon. The observed difference in perception between the two segments was related to the greater CSA in the rectum.
Evaluation of the T&T Olfactometer by Mapping c-fos Protein in an Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Kawamoto Masahiro , Ohno Koji , Tamura Manabu , Kawasaki Yoshiaki , Kubo Takeshi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives: </i>Although in Japan the T&#38;T olfactometer is most commonly used in patients suffering from smelling disorders, no scientific analysis has been performed so far. The objective of this study was to clarify whether the five odorants used in the T&#38;T olfactometer are suitable or not. We mapped the glomeruli activated by the five test odorants employed in the T&#38;T olfactometer. The expression of c-fos protein as a marker of neuronal excitation was monitored using an immunohistochemical technique. <i>Study Design:</i> The expression of c-fos protein in the rat olfactory bulb was investigated to determine what part of the olfactory system is activated by five odorants used in the T&#38;T olfactometer. <i>Methods:</i> Each rat was isolated in a clean cage for 120 min to reduce the basal expression of c-fos protein. Each rat was fixed in the cage and exposed to one of five test odorants for 90 min. The expression of c-fos protein was measured using an immunohistochemical technique. <i>Results:</i> Each odorant activated numerous glomeruli and the patterns of distribution of activated glomeruli were specific to each odorant. Glomeruli in most regions of the bulb were activated by all five test odorants. <i>Conclusion:</i> We assume that in the T&#38;T olfactometer the optimal ((five)) odorants are employed, because the glomeruli activated by those odorants showed unique patterns in the immunohistochemical assay.
Changes in Renal and Systemic Hemodynamics after NO-Synthase Inhibition in Males with Family History of Hypertension
Authors: Berger Elke D. , Bader Birgit D. , Rüb Norman , Rauscher Matthias A.S. , Rebenschütz Ingo , Gaber Oliver C. , Enderle Markus D. , Risler Teut , Erley Christiane M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the regulation of blood pressure and renal hemodynamics. <i>Methods:</i> To further investigate the role of NO in human hypertension, we studied the effect of systemic injection of N<sup>G</sup>-monomethyl-<i>L</i>-arginine (L-NMMA) on renal hemodynamics, urinary sodium excretion (FE<sub>Na</sub>), systemic hemodynamics and several vasoactive hormones in 5 healthy male subjects with (group H) and without (group N) family history of hypertension. An intravenous infusion of L-NMMA (3 mg/kg over 10 min) or placebo was given in a randomized, double-blinded manner. GFR and ERPF were measured by inulin- and PAH-clearances. Norepinephrine infusion (0.1 µg/kg/min over 60 min) served as vasoconstrictive control infusion. <i>Results:</i> L-NMMA induced a significant decrease in ERPF (–135 ± 49 vs. 7 ± 31 ml/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup> with placebo, p < 0.05), a decrease in FE<sub>Na</sub> (–1.2 ± 0.6% with L-NMMA vs. 0.0 ± 0.1% with placebo), and a significant increase in diastolic blood pressure (+7 ± 1 vs. –2 ± 1 mm Hg with placebo) in group N, only. A sustained drop in plasma renin activity (–0.1 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 ng/ml/h with placebo) could also be seen in this group, only. Subjects with family history of hypertension showed minor or even no response (changes in diastolic blood pressure: L-NMMA: 5 ± 3 mm Hg, placebo: 0 ± 2 mm Hg; changes in ERPF: L-NMMA: –89 ± 57 ml/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>, placebo: –34 ± 28 ml/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>; changes in plasma renin activity: L-NMMA: –0.0 ± 0.3 ng/ml/h, placebo: –0.1 ± 0.2 ng/ml/h). The vasoconstrictive effect of norepinephrine infusion did not differ between both groups. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our data indicate that systemic NO synthetase inhibition by L-NMMA results in a blunted effect on systemic blood pressure and the renal hemodynamic system in subjects with family history of hypertension.
Characterization of Human IgE and Mouse IgG1 Responses to Allergens in Three Mosquito Species by Immunoblotting and ELISA
Authors: Jeon Soung-Hoo , Park Jung Won , Lee Bong Hee 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> IgE-mediated allergic reactions caused by mosquito bites are a common problem all over the world. This study was undertaken to determine IgE levels in subjects, to elucidate human IgE and mouse IgG1 binding patterns and to investigate the cross-reactivity of salivary gland antigens with three mosquitoes. <i>Methods:</i> Mosquito larvae of <i>Aedes togoi, Culex tritaeniorhynchus</i> and <i>Culex pipiens pallens</i> were collected and maintained in the laboratory. Salivary gland extracts (SGE) and whole-body extracts (WBE) were prepared from female mosquitoes of each species. Mosquito-specific IgE levels in 17 subjects were measured by ELISA. Polypeptide patterns were analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Immunoblotting was performed with sensitized human and immune mouse sera, and elucidated human IgE and mouse IgG1 binding patterns to SGE. For the determination of cross-reactivity to the three types of mosquitoes, ELISA inhibition tests were performed using sera from mice sensitized by biting of <i>A. togoi</i>. <i>Results:</i> The 9 sera out of 12 with positive skin reactions to SGE of <i>A. togoi</i> by skin prick test showed significantly higher anti-mosquito SGE IgE levels than in those without skin reactions. Protein band patterns of the SGE and WBE of the three species were different from one another. Specific human IgE reacted to the protein in SGE of 30.5, 33, 37 and 57.5 kD from <i>A. togoi,</i> of 38, 43 an 68 kD from <i>C. tritaeniorhynchus,</i> and of 23, 33, 34, 43, 44, 60, 74 and 93 kD from <i>C. pipiens pallens.</i> There were specific mouse IgG1 reactions to the bands of 30.5, 33, 37 and 57.5 kD in the SGE of <i>A. togoi.</i> The ELISA inhibition studies disclosed almost no cross-reactivities between <i>A. togoi, C. tritaeniorhynchus</i> and <i>C. pipiens pallens.</i><i>Conclusions:</i> Immunoblot analysis disclosed that allergenic proteins in the SGE of mosquitoes and their patterns were remarkably similar between human and mouse sera to the SGE of <i>A. togoi.</i> Species-shared allergens may not exist among the three mosquito species prevalent in Korea.
Evaluation of Splanchnic Perfusion and Oxygenation during Positive End-Expiratory Pressure Ventilation in Relation to Subcutaneous Tissue Gases and pH
Authors: Jedlińska Barbara , Mellström Å. , Månsson P. , Hartmann M. , Jönsson K. 
Published: April 2003

Evaluation of splanchnic perfusion and oxygenation was performed by measurements of serosal tissue oxygen tension (PserO<sub>2</sub>) and intramucosal pH (pHi) in relation to subcutaneous oxygen tension (PscO<sub>2</sub>), subcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (PscCO<sub>2</sub>) and subcutaneous pH (pHsc) in pigs subjected to oleic acid-induced lung injury during ventilation with increasing levels of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Lung injury resulted in a general hypoxia and redistribution of perfusion away from the subcutaneous and splanchnic tissues, illustrated by a decrease in PaO<sub>2</sub> from 93 to 37 mm Hg (p < 0.01), PscO<sub>2</sub> from 45 to 17 mm Hg (p < 0.01), PserO<sub>2</sub> from 80 to 30 mm Hg (p < 0.01) and pHi from 6.84 to 6.74 (p < 0.05) and a decrease of porta flow from 0.77 to 0.57 l/min. Application of PEEP up to 10–15 cm H<sub>2</sub>O resulted in an increase of portal vein oxygen tension (PportaO<sub>2</sub>) from 21 to 34 mm Hg (p < 0.01), PscO<sub>2</sub> from 17 to 26 mm Hg (p < 0.05) and PserO<sub>2</sub> from 30 to 55 mm Hg (p < 0.05). At PEEP 20 cm H<sub>2</sub>O PserO<sub>2</sub> decreased to 47 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Porta flow decreased continuously with increasing levels of PEEP. PserO<sub>2</sub> correlated with PportaO<sub>2</sub> (r = 0.7, p < 0.001). pHi correlated poorly with PportaO<sub>2</sub> (r = 0.2) and porta flow (r = 0.4). PscO<sub>2</sub> and PserO<sub>2</sub> correlated well (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). In summary, splanchnic perfusion and oxygenation was better reflected by serosal oxygen tension than pHi in the colon. Changes in serosal oxygenation of the colon paralleled changes in subcutaneous tissue oxygenation.
Hormonal Treatment for Unilateral Inguinal Testis: Comparison of Four Different Treatments
Authors: Bertelloni Silvano , Baroncelli Giampiero I. , Ghirri Paolo , Spinelli Claudio , Saggese Giuseppe 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Hormonal treatment of cryptorchidism has been used since the 30s, but controversies persist on its efficacy. It is also unclear whether there are differences with the use of different hormonal trials. <i>Aims:</i> To evaluate the efficacy of four hormonal treatments on testicular descent in a homogeneous group of cryptorchid boys. <i>Patients:</i> 155 patients (age 10–48 months) with unilateral inguinal palpable testis were studied. <i>Methods:</i> The patients were subdivided into four groups according to hormonal treatment: group 1 = hCG [500 IU/week (if the chronological age was <2 years) or 1,000 IU/week (if the chronological age was >2 years) for 6 weeks]; group 2 = hCG + hMG (hCG as in group 1 + hMG 75 IU/week for 6 weeks); group 3 = GnRH (1,200 µg/daily for 28 days); group 4 = GnRH + hCG (1,200 µg/daily for 28 days + 1,500 IU/week for 3 weeks, respectively). The results were evaluated at the end of the treatment period and 6 months later to exclude temporarily positive results. <i>Results:</i> At the end of the hormonal therapy, scrotal testicular descent was present in 30 of 155 boys (success rate 19.3%). Seven testes relapsed during follow-up (23.3%). The long-term success rate was 14.8% (23/155 testes). No significant differences were observed in success rates as well as in relapse rates among the four groups. <i>Conclusions:</i> Hormonal therapy induced permanent testicular descent in a minority of young cryptorchid boys with inguinal palpable testis. Similar results were obtained with four different trials.
Effects of Alcohol on Blood Pressure and Production of Vascular Aldosterone and Corticosterone
Authors: Zhang Yongsheng , Sun Tiejun , Jiang Feng , Chu Liyun , Yu Wengone , Wei Li , Pang Jien , Liu Yong , Su Guangzhi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aims:</i> The aims of this study were to search for the role of alcohol in blood pressure regulation in rats and to investigate the effects of alcohol on the production of vascular aldosterone and corticosterone. <i>Methods:</i> Male Wistar rats received alcohol 0.7 g · kg<sup>–1</sup> · day<sup>–1</sup> (alcohol-treated group 1) or 1.4 g · kg<sup>–1</sup> · day<sup>–1</sup> (alcohol-treated group 2) or 2.1 g · kg<sup>–1</sup> · day<sup>–1</sup> (alcohol-treated group 3), orally, for 3 months, and blood pressure was monitored by a pressure transducer. Systolic blood pressure increased in Wistar rats treated with alcohol compared to control rats. Mesenteric artery perfusion ex vivo was performed and pressor responses to norepinephrine were determined. The pressor responses to norepinephrine in mesenteric arteries treated with alcohol were significantly increased. The perfusate from the mesenteric arteries was collected and applied to a Sep-Pak C 18 cartridge column for reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and aldosterone and corticosterone levels were determined by radioimmunoassay, aldosterone was decreased but corticosterone was increased in the perfusate from arteries treated with alcohol. <i>Results:</i> Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed that alcohol inhibited the expression of 11β-HSD2 and CYP11B2 mRNA in mesenteric arteries. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results reveal that alcohol is able to induce hypertension and provide evidence that alcohol inhibits the transcriptions of both 11β-HSD2 and CYP11B2 in the vasculature, leading to lower aldosterone and higher corticosterone production in vessels, and increased vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine.
Dietary Support to Underweight Patients with End-Stage Pulmonary Disease Assessed for Lung Transplantation
Authors: Førli Liv , Pedersen Jan I. , Bjørtuft Øystein , Vatn Morten , Boe Jacob 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Undernutrition in hospitalized patients is often not recognized and nutritional support neglected. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is frequently characterized by weight loss. No data exist on the effects of nutritional supplementation in underweight lung transplantation candidates during hospitalization. <i>Objective:</i> To evaluate the effects on energy intake and body weight of an intensified nutritional support compared to the regular support during hospitalization. <i>Methods:</i> The participants were underweight (n = 42) and normal-weight (n = 29) patients with end-stage pulmonary disease assessed for lung transplantation. The underweight patients were randomized to receive either an energy-rich diet planned for 10 MJ/day and 45–50 energy percentage fat and offered supplements (group 1), or the normal hospital diet planned for 8.5–9 MJ/day and 30–35 energy percentage fat and regular support (group 2, control group). The normal-weight control patients (group 3) received the normal diet. Food intake was recorded for 3 days. <i>Results:</i> During a mean hospital stay of 12 days, the energy intake was significantly greater for the patients on intensified nutritional support (median 11.2 MJ) than for the underweight patients on the regular support (8.4 MJ; p < 0.02) and the normal-weight patients (7.0 MJ; p < 0.001). The increase in energy intake in group 1 resulted in a significant weight gain (median 1.2 kg) compared with group 2 (p < 0.01) and group 3 (p < 0.001). <i>Conclusions:</i> In a group of underweight patients with lung disease assessed for lung transplantation, it was possible to increase energy intake by an intensified nutritional support which was associated with a significant weight gain, compared to the regular nutritional support during a short hospital stay.
Hering-Breuer Reflex in Normal Adults and in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Interstitial Fibrosis
Authors: Tryfon S. , Kontakiotis T. , Mavrofridis Eu. , Patakas D. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> It has been suggested that the Hering-Breuer reflex (HBR) is unimportant in adults during normal tidal breathing and that it is elicited only if tidal volume is increased above a certain critical threshold. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of this study was (1) to study the occurrence of the HBR in adults with normal pulmonary function and (2) to examine if changes in lung mechanics have any effect on the HBR. <i>Methods:</i> We examined 11 adults with normal pulmonary function, 8 patients with chronic destructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and 3 with interstitial fibrosis (IF). All subjects were lightly sedated with fentanyl, intubated and ventilated with a Servo-900 ventilator. Inspiratory and expiratory flow (and after integration, volume) and mouth pressure were recorded from the endotracheal tube with a pneumotachograph and a pressure transducer. Pressure support ventilation was applied in all patients and functional residual capacity (FRC) was measured with the N<sub>2</sub> washout method. Mean (Te<sub>mean</sub>) and maximal expiratory time (Te<sub>max</sub>) were determined for each individual for 20 breaths. Following several breaths to establish a stable baseline the airway was occluded at end inspiration by a shutter. A positive HBR was interpreted as longer Te<sub>occ</sub> than Te<sub>max</sub> (Te<sub>occ</sub>/Te<sub>max</sub>, %). Occlusion was maintained until negative airway pressure occurred and the occlusion time (Te<sub>occ</sub>) was measured. We attempted occlusions after the addition of 5 cm H<sub>2</sub>O positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and subsequently with 10, 15 and 20 cm H<sub>2</sub>O PEEP. Te<sub>occ</sub> was measured of progressively larger lung volumes. To examine the HBR sensitivity in the three groups, we plotted the lung volumes of occlusion against the corresponding Te<sub>occ</sub>/Te<sub>max</sub>. <i>Results:</i> The ratio Te<sub>occ</sub>/Te<sub>max</sub> increased from 167.5 ± 82.5 at normal FRC to 474 ± 200.2 s (PEEP<sub>20</sub>). On the contrary, in patients with COPD, Te<sub>occ</sub>/Te<sub>max</sub> increased from 125.2 ± 34 to 193.7 ± 74.2 (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> The HBR was positive in all subjects. COPD patients were found to be less sensitive to volume changes when compared with normal controls and with IF patients.
Iatrogenic Pneumothorax: Marker Gas Technique for Predicting Outcome of Manual Aspiration
Authors: Kiely David G. , Davey Wayne A. , Mahadevan Venkateswaran , Seaton Douglas 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Although manual aspiration is used for treating pneumothorax, the post-aspiration radiograph may not be a reliable indicator of whether the pleural leak remains. We have previously shown that marker gas can identify an air leak in patients with spontaneous pneumothoraces. <i>Objective:</i> This study examines whether a marker gas technique can be safely used to manage patients with iatrogenic pneumothoraces. <i>Methods:</i> 10 patients with iatrogenic pneumothorax were identified among a cohort referred for manual aspiration of pneumothorax, using a marker gas technique, in which inspired metered-dose inhaler propellant gas is detectable in pneumothorax aspirate using a portable flame ioniser. The presence of marker gas was taken to imply a persistent air leak. <i>Results:</i> Marker gas was detected in the aspirate from 3 out of 10 pneumothoraces. 2 required intercostal tube drainage because of lung collapse following initial aspiration and 1 was treated conservatively. Marker gas was not detected in 7 cases (2 post-pacemaker insertion, 5 pleural aspiration ± biopsy), and in all these cases, manual aspiration resulted in sustained re-expansion of the lung. There was a trend towards a significant relationship between the presence or absence of marker gas and the need for a further intervention (p = 0.055). <i>Conclusion:</i> The presence or absence of a pleural leak during manual aspiration of iatrogenic pneumothorax can be demonstrated by this technique. The absence of marker gas in the aspirate implies that manual aspiration will be successful, whereas its presence, in most cases, predicts either failure of manual aspiration to expand the lung or early re-collapse of the lung.