bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcitriol Therapy Modulates the Cellular Immune Responses in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Tokuda Noriaki , Kano Motonori , Meiri Hiroyuki , Nomoto Kikuo , Naito Seiji 
Published: April 2003

We studied the in vitro and in vivo effects of calcitriol (1,25D) on the cellular immune responses in 19 hemodialysis (HD) patients. In vitro 5-day treatment with 1,25D markedly reduced the HLA-DR expression by peripheral blood CD14<sup>+</sup> monocytes from both HD patients and normal subjects in a similar fashion. The HLA-DR expression by monocytes and the phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced superoxide production (SOP) by neutrophils were significantly higher in the HD patients than in the normal subjects (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The phagocytic activity in the HD patients was significantly lower than that in the normal subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, the mitogen response of HD peripheral blood lymphocytes against pokeweed mitogen (PWM) was significantly lower than that of the controls (p < 0.01) but was only slightly and insignificantly lower against Con A. Oral 1,25D pulse therapy resulted in a marked decrease in the HLA-DR expression by peripheral blood monocytes 2 and 4 days after the first 1,25D administration (p < 0.01) in HD patients. Moreover, the treatment significantly enhanced the PMA-induced SOP 2 days after the treatment (p < 0.01). However, the phagocytic activity by neutrophils and the mitogen responses to Con A and PWM by lymphocytes were not significantly affected by this treatment. These results suggest that 1,25D plays a significant role in the regulation of both the monocyte and neutrophil functions in HD patients.
Use of Teicoplanin in Preterm Neonates with Staphylococcal Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Degraeuwe Pieter L.J. , Beuman Gert H. , van Tiel Frank H. , Maertzdorf Wiel J. , Blanco Carlos E. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> To study the clinical pharmacology of teicoplanin in babies admitted to a newborn intensive care unit, by monitoring serum levels, efficacy and potential side effects. <b>Methods:</b> An open, nonrandomized descriptive study was performed in the neonatal intensive and high care unit of the Universtiy Hospital Maastricht, The Neterlands. Twenty-three preterm neonates, gestational age ranging from 26 to 32 weeks (median 28.4 weeks), postnatal age from 5 to 47 days, and birth weight from 570 to 1,740 g, presenting with (suspected) late onset septicemia, were studied. Of 21 culture-proven septicemias, 20 were caused by staphylococci. The teicoplanin loading dose was 15 mg/kg i.v., followed by a maintenance dose of 8 mg/kg every 24 h. Intravenous gentamicin was also administered pending blood culture. Serum teicoplanin concentrations were measured by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. Clinical and microbiological cure/failure rates were determined and possible side effects were monitored. <b>Results:</b> The study of individual pharmacokinetics during multiple-dose intravenous infusions was rendered impossible by apparently inaccurate dosing. Peak (30 min after end of the infusion) and trough teicoplanin levels were stable throughout the study and averaged 27.8 (interquartile range 23.7–32.9) and 12.3 (interquartile range 9.1–16.8) mg/l, respectively. The microbiological and clinical cure rates were 90% in gram-positive septicemia. There was no apparent toxicity. <b>Conclusions:</b> Inaccurate drug administration was a problem in this study, making a multidose pharmacokinetic study impossible. It is possible that inaccurate drug administration and not current dosage guidelines yielded trough levels below 10 mg/l in 57 (32%) of 176 instances. This pharmaceutical aspect clearly warrants further study. However, microbiological and clinical cure rates were high in gram-positive septicemias. No side effects attributable to teicoplanin therapy were encountered.
Effects of Endotoxemia and Sepsis on Bilirubin Oxidation by Rat Brain Mitochondrial Membranes
Authors: Allen Jeffrey W. , Tommarello Steve , Carcillo Joseph , Hansen Thor Willy Ruud 
Published: April 2003

Sepsis is believed to increase the risk of bilirubin brain toxicity, but the mechanism is not known. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with either 20 mg/kg <i>Escherichia coli</i> lipopolysaccharide, ≈5 × 10<sup>9</sup>/kg CFU <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i> or vehicle 48 h prior to sacrifice. Rats were killed with an intraperitoneal injection of pentobarbital. Mitochondrial membrane fractions were produced by homogenization of the brains and differential centrifugation in 0.32 <i>M</i> sucrose. The mitochondrial pellet was resuspended in distilled water and sonicated to rupture the mitochondria. The protein concentration of the suspension was standardized to 2.5 mg/ml. Bilirubin oxidation was assayed in a pH 8.2, 0.1 <i>M</i> barbital buffer containing 10 µ<i>M</i> bilirubin, 5 m<i>M</i> EDTA, and 500 U/ml catalase. Optical density was measured at 440 nm before and after a 60-min incubation at 37.5°C. There were no differences between the control, endotoxemic, and septic groups as far as the ability of brain mitochondrial membranes to oxidize bilirubin (bilirubin oxidation rate: 289 ± 11 vs. 295 ± 9 vs. 296 ± 12 pmol/min/mg protein, mean ± SD). We conclude that endotoxemia or sepsis do not change the ability of brain mitochondrial membranes to oxidize bilirubin. If sepsis truly increases the risk of bilirubin encephalopathy in neonatal jaundice, this is likely to involve other mechanisms.
Hyperglycemia in Extremely- Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Meetze William , Bowsher Ronald , Compton Joyce , Moorehead Helen 
Published: April 2003

The cause of hyperglycemia in extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants is not well understood. We studied infants weighing <1,000 g to investigate the relationship of hyperglycemia to blood levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I and IGF-II. We also compared two methods of treatment for hyperglycemia: continuous insulin infusion and reduction of glucose intake.Fifty-six ELBW infants were enrolled on day 2 of life. Intravenous glucose intake was increased incrementally to a maximum of 12 mg/kg/min on day 6. Infants who developed hyperglycemia were randomly assigned to receive reduced glucose intake (n = 11) or insulin infusion (n = 12). Infants whose blood sugar remained normal served as controls (n = 33). Blood was drawn on days 3, 8 and 15 in all infants, and again when they developed hyperglycemia. Nutritional intake and laboratory results for the treatment groups were compared with controls.Hyperglycemic infants had lower birth weights than controls. Hyperglycemic infants treated with glucose reduction remained <60 kcal/kg/day longer than control or insulin infusion groups (8.6 ± 1.3 days vs. 4.1 ± 0.2 and 5.5 ± 0.6 days). No infants became hypoglycemic during insulin infusion. There was no difference in baseline blood levels of IGF-I or IGF-II among the groups, and these growth factors did not change in response to hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemic infants had baseline levels of insulin which were similar to normal controls, and endogenous insulin increased in response to hyperglycemia in 15 of the 23 infants who developed hyperglycemia.IGF-I and IGF-II are not related to hyperglycemia. In our population, hyperglycemic infants did not have baseline insulin deficiency and most had a normal insulin response to hyperglycemia. Insulin infusion appears safe in these infants and helped to maintain normal caloric intake, whereas glucose reduction was associated with a prolonged caloric deprivation.
Postasphyxial Reoxygenation Reduces the Activity of Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase in the Erythrocytes of Newborn Piglets
Authors: Vásárhelyi Barna , Dobos Mariann , Temesvári Péter , Ábrahám Csongor , Pintér Sándor , Tulassay Tivadar 
Published: April 2003

The aim of our study was to determine whether the impairment of Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup> pump is detectable in erythrocytes during hypoxia and reoxygenation. Acute asphyxia was induced in 10 newborn piglets for 1 h by bilateral pneumothorax. The Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase activity, Na<sup>+</sup>, K<sup>+</sup> and ATP content of RBCs were determined in baseline condition (p<sub>a</sub>O<sub>2</sub>: 60.4 ± 9.3 mm Hg), at the end of the hypoxic period (1 h) (p<sub>a</sub>O<sub>2</sub>: 30.2 ± 10.3 mm Hg), then hourly during the reoxygenation phase (2, 3, 4 h) (p<sub>a</sub>O<sub>2</sub>: 54.8 ± 9.0, 56.1 ± 8.7, 57.2 ± 9.6 mm Hg). The Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase activity was constant during the first 3 h. However, it decreased at 4 h (676 ± 168 versus baseline 833 ± 141 U, p < 0.05). The highest ATP content was measured also at this point (4.32 ± 0.57 versus baseline 3.27 ± 0.45 mmol/l RBC, p < 0.01). The Na<sup>+</sup> content was lower at 1 and 2 h (14.0 ± 1.8; 13.8 ± 1.2 versus baseline 15.7 ± 1.2 mmol/100 g Hb, p < 0.05), but later it became normal. Plasma monovalent cationic levels and intracellular K<sup>+</sup> content did not alter during the experiment. Our results indicate that the deterioration of enzyme activity occurs within the same time-frame that previously described morphological alterations in brain tissue develop, so the RBC Na<sup>+</sup>/K<sup>+</sup>-ATPase activity might reflect the progress of posthypoxial brain damage.
Detection and Characterisation of Transforming Growth Factor-Beta in Porcine Colostrum
Authors: Xu Ruo-Jun , Doan Q.C. , Regester G.O. 
Published: April 2003

Porcine colostrum and milk collected at different stages of lactation were assessed for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) activity using an epithelial cell bio-assay. A high level of TGF-β activity was recorded in all colostrum samples after transient acidification treatment, ranging between 126 and 260 ng/ml for samples collected at the time of parturition and 73 ng/ml for the sample collected 12 h after parturition. Without transient acidification treatment TGF-β activity was detected only in 2 samples collected at the time of parturition (12 ng/ml) and 12 h after parturition (9 ng/ml), respectively. TGF-β activity was undetectable in milk collected 5 days after parturition. These results suggest that TGF-β exists mainly in latent form in porcine colostrum and the concentration declines rapidly as lactation proceeds. After enrichment with cation exchange chromatography a low level of TGF-β activity was detected in porcine milk. Further separation by size exclusion chromatography revealed two molecular mass forms of TGF-β in both colostrum and milk samples, a major peak of about 80 kD and a minor peak of about 25 kD representing latent and active forms of TGF-β, respectively. A further experiment showed that the latent form of TGF-β in colostrum can be activated at pH 3.5 or less. It is speculated that TGF-β found in the colostrum may play a physiological role in regulating postnatal adaptation of the gastro-intestinal tract in new
borns.
Factors Influencing Pulmonary Surfactant Protein A Levels in Cord Blood, Maternal Blood and Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Cho Kazutoshi , Matsuda Tadashi , Okajima Satoru , Matsumoto Yoshinori , Sagawa Tadashi , Fujimoto Seiichiro , Kobayashi Kunihiko 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to evaluate factors that influence pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A) levels in cord blood, maternal blood and amniotic fluid, as well as to establish the normal range of serum SP-A. Labor significantly influenced cord blood SP-A levels. The SP-A levels in maternal blood after delivery were correlated with, but higher than those before delivery. There was a correlation between SP-A levels in amniotic fluid and cord blood. Neonatal serum SP-A was not correlated with maternal SP-A levels. The normal range of SP-A in cord blood was 2.7–21.7 ng/ml following cesarean section without labor, 4.8–50.2 ng/ml after labor at gestational weeks 36–38, and 12.2–44.6 ng/ml at gestational weeks 39–41. SP-A levels in maternal blood before and after delivery and amniotic fluid were 6.0–74.0, 9.6–73.6 and 403.4–24,540 ng/ml, respectively.
Hormonal Control of Rat Fetal Pancreas Development
Authors: Morisset Jean , Lainé Jean , Mimeau-Worthington Tracy 
Published: April 2003

Rat fetal pancreas development and maturation were investigated in vitro and in vivo, and the informations available on their controls do not agree. Our main objective was to reinvestigate fetal pancreas growth in vivo through treatments of the dams during their entire pregnancy. Pregnant rats were thus implanted subcutaneously with Alzet minipumps and received cerulein (0.25 μg kg<sup>–1</sup> h<sup>–1</sup>), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP; 0.18 μg kg<sup>–1</sup> h<sup>–1</sup>), GRP antagonist (12 μg kg<sup>–1</sup> h<sup>–1</sup>), pentagastrin (2.38 μg kg<sup>–1</sup> h<sup>–1</sup>), L-365,260, a cholecystokinin B (CCK<sub>B</sub>) receptor antagonist (120 μg kg<sup>–1</sup> h<sup>–1</sup>), and hydrocortisone (417 or 833 μg kg<sup>–1</sup> h<sup>–1</sup>). After sacrifice at the end of pregnancy, the pancreata of the dams and those of their fetuses were excised for weight, protein, RNA, DNA, and digestive enzyme determinations. In the fetus, pancreas growth defined as hyperplasia was observed only in response to hydrocortisone, while aplasia occurred in response to cerulein. Gastrin and the GRP antagonist were the most effective hypertrophic agents, and the effect of the CCK<sub>B</sub> receptor antagonist was atrophic. In conclusion, hydrocortisone caused proliferation of the fetal rat pancreas, whereas gastrin induced its differentiation and maturation probably through CCK<sub>B</sub> receptor occupation.
Cross-Desensitization to Furosemide and Salbutamol in Isolated Neonatal Guinea Pig Airways
Authors: Gelber Rebecca P. , Christ Michael J. , Iwamoto Lynn M. , Marinkovich G. Andre , Fujiwara Naomi , Nakamura Kenneth T. 
Published: April 2003

Airway hyperresponsiveness in neonatal chronic lung disease is treated with both furosemide, a diurectic that inhibits the Na-K-2Cl cotrasporter, and salbutamol, a β<sub>2</sub>-adrenoceptor agonist. Tachyphylaxis to both drugs in vitro has been described. This study was conducted to determine if the relaxation response in newborn guinea pig airways to furosemide and salbutamol can be cross-desensitized in vitro. Tracheal ring segments from 4- to 7-day-old guinea pigs were suspended in HEPES buffer for measurement of isometric tension. Segments were pre-treated with either furosemide (300 μ<i>M</i>, 1 h) or salbutamol (10 μ<i>M</i>, 30 min). After constriction with 3 μ<i>M</i> acetylcholine, relaxation response to salbutamol or furosemide, respectively, was measured. Pretreatment with furosemide diminished relaxation response to salbutamol [87 ± 3% (n = 11) vs. 117 ± 8% (n = 10), p < 0.05], as compared to saline-treated controls. In addition, pretreatment with salbutamol diminished relaxation response to furosemide [53 ± 2% (n = 11) vs. saline-treated (83 ± 7%, n = 7, p < 0.05) and DMSO-treated controls (69 ± 5%, n = 5, p < 0.05)]. Measurements of <sup>86</sup>Rb uptake, cyclic AMP levels and responses in the presence of charybdotoxin make it unlikely that Na-K-2Cl cotransporter activity, stimulation of cAMP, or opening of maxi-K<sup>+</sup> channels are mechanisms involved in the cross-desensitization to furosemide and salbutamol in vitro.
Is the CRIB Score (Clinical Risk Index for Babies) a Valid Tool in Predicting Neurodevelopmental Outcome inExtremely Low Birth Wei ght Infants?
Authors: Lago P. , Freato F. , Bettiol T. , Chiandetti L. , Vianello A. , Zaramella P. 
Published: April 2003

The study aimed to assess how well the severity of clinical conditions in extremely low birth weight infants in the first 12 h of life, as measured by the CRIB (clinical risk index for babies), relates to hospital outcome and subsequent disability at 18 months of age. The CRIB was confirmed as a valid index of initial neonatal risk, even in extremely low birth weight infants, predicting hospital outcome (death or major brain lesions) more accurately than birth weight or gestational age. However, an adjustment of the CRIB score for gestational age might enhance its positive predictive value in relation to short-term developmental outcome in this particular population.
Indomethacin Treatment Decreases Renal Blood Flow Velocity in Human Neonates
Authors: Kang Nam Soo , Yoo Kee Hwan , Cheon Haewon , Choi Byung Min , Hong Young Sook , Lee Joo Won , Kim Soon Kyum 
Published: April 2003

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of indomethacin (ID) on renal perfusion in 13 neonates with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Serial blood flow velocity in the left renal artery was measured just before and at 10, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min after ID administration. Serum creatinine (Cr), sodium (Na), and osmolarity were measured just before, at 12 and 24 h, and at 3 days after ID administration. Timed urine also was collected for measurement of amount, fractional excretion of Na (FE<sub>Na</sub>), and creatinine clearance (C<sub>Cr</sub>). ID decreased end-diastolic flow velocity of renal artery and increased Pourcelot’s index, starting at 10 min and lasting for 75 min (p < 0.05). Serum Cr significantly increased at 12 h, and hourly urine output and C<sub>Cr</sub> decreased for 24 h. Serum Na and osmolarity decreased for a period of at least 3 days (p < 0.05). FE<sub>Na</sub> decreased at 12–24 h (p < 0.05). We conclude that ID treatment can induce significant renal dysfunction due to diminution of renal perfusion in human neonates.
Decreased mRNA Expression of G-CSF Receptor in Cord Blood Neutrophils of Term Newborns
Authors: Gessler Peter , Neu Stefan , Brockmann Yvonne , Speer Christian P. 
Published: April 2003

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) promotes neutrophil production and enhances neutrophil function. The effects of G-CSF are mediated by binding to its receptor. Since neutrophils are an essential part of the neonatal host defense system, we studied G-CSF receptor expression in neonatal neutrophils. We determined protein and mRNA expression of G-CSF receptor in freshly isolated neutrophils from cord blood of healthy term newborns (n = 16) and of adults (n = 6) as well as the in vitro effect of supplemented recombinant human G-CSF (rhG-CSF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on G-CSF receptor expression of neutrophils. Expression of G-CSF receptor on the surface of neutrophils of cord blood was significantly lower compared to adults (61 ± 6 vs. 89 ± 2%). G-CSF receptor mRNA transcripts of neutrophils from newborns compared to adults was lower, too (77 ± 14 vs. 152 ± 33%). Neutrophils isolated from cord blood showed a decrease of G-CSF receptor expression within 24 h of culture. Moreover, we were able to show that supplemented rhG-CSF is necessary for maintenance of G-CSF receptor expression. TNF-α, however, down-regulated G-CSF receptor expression. We conclude that low protein and mRNA expression of G-CSF receptor in neutrophils of neonates compared to adults may adversely affect granulopoiesis and neutrophil functions by decreased responsiveness to G-CSF. Furthermore, G-CSF receptor expression on neutrophils was modified not only by G-CSF itself, but also by TNF-α.
Brain Hemodynamic Changes in Preterm Infants after Maintenance Dose Caffeine and Aminophylline Treatment
Authors: Dani C. , Bertini Giovanna , Reali Maria F. , Tronchin M. , Wiechmann Lisa , Martelli Elena , Rubaltelli F.F. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To investigate the acute effects of low-dose caffeine and aminophylline on cerebral blood flow in preterm infants, using both near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and cerebral Doppler ultrasonography. <i>Methods:</i> Preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks and birth weight of <1,500 g were randomized to receive either caffeine or aminophylline treatment for apnea of prematurity. The study period went from 30 min before to 60 min after the administration of the maintenance dose of pure caffeine (2.5 mg/kg once a day) or aminophylline (1.25 mg/kg twice a day). NIRS was used to measure changes in oxygenated hemoglobin (O<sub>2</sub>Hb), deoxygenated hemoglobin (HHb), oxidized-reduced cytochrome aa3 (CtOx), and mean cerebral oxygen saturation (SmO<sub>2</sub> = O<sub>2</sub>Hb/total Hb). Changes in cerebral blood volume (ΔCBV) after caffeine or aminophylline administration were calculated. Cerebral blood flow velocity (CBV) in the pericallosal artery was evaluated by cerebral Doppler ultrasounds. <i>Results:</i> Data collected by NIRS and cerebral Doppler ultrasounds did not show significant differences before and after caffeine treatment. We observed a significant increase in O<sub>2</sub>Hb and HHb concentration and in CBV at 30 min after the infusion of aminophylline, which tended to return to baseline at the end of the study period. <i>Conclusion:</i> Caffeine does not significantly affect brain hemodynamics, while aminophylline induces a significant transient increase in O<sub>2</sub>Hb and HHb concentration and CBV.
Surfactant Tracheobronchial Lavage for the Management of a Rabbit Model of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Authors: Lam Barbara C.C. , Yeung C.Y. , Fu K.H. , Wong K.Y. , Chan F.L. , Tsoi N.S. 
Published: April 2003

We evaluated the effect of tracheobronchial lavage with diluted surfactant solution (bovine lipid extract surfactant, bLES) in a rabbit model of meconium aspiration. All animals were anaesthetized, tracheotomized and given 3–4 ml/kg of 25% slurry of human meconium into the endotracheal tube and mechanically ventilated for 1 h. The animals were then randomly assigned to surfactant lavage (n = 12) with 15 ml/kg of diluted surfactant at a concentration of 5.4 mg phospholipid/ml administered in aliquots of 2 ml; or simple endotracheal suction (control n = 12) when the oxygenation index (OI) was ≥15. Changes in the arterial blood gases and the histomorphological and radiological appearances of the lungs were recorded. The OI and arterial/alveolar oxygen tension (a/A PO<sub>2</sub>) of the surfactant lavage group improved significantly at 5 min post-treatment, and these improvements were observed throughout the ensuing 4 h of ventilation. There was significantly more solid content recovered by surfactant lavage compared with the control group (p = 0.0001). Radiologically, the post-treatment air space opacification scores of the lavage group were significantly lower compared with the control (p = 0.002). The post-treatment radiographs of the lavage-treated rabbits were rated by the radiologist, who was blinded to the treatment groups, as much improved in 5 and improved in 4, whereas the control rabbits were rated as much worse in 3 and worse in 4. Histological examination showed the lungs of the lavaged rabbits had significantly more normal airway (p < 0.0001), more fields showing completely normal airspace (p = 0.0001) and less fields showing severe overdistension with meconium (p = 0.0005). We concluded that lavage with diluted surfactant solution effectively washed out the meconium, improved gases exchanges, and improved the histological and radiological appearances in the rabbit model of MAS.