bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating Levels of Carboxyterminal Propeptide of Type I Procollagen and Left Ventricular Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Takino Toshitake , Nakamura Motoyuki , Hiramori Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2003

Alteration in myocardial collagen metabolism is an important factor in the progression of ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI). This study examined sequential changes in circulating levels of carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) as a collagen synthesis marker in order to assess the value of PICP for predicting the progression of left ventricular remodeling after MI. The study group comprised 20 patients with first MI undergoing reperfusion therapy. Peripheral blood samples were obtained on admission and serially up to 4 weeks after admission. Circulating levels of PICP and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), a tentative biochemical marker for the severity of MI, were measured by direct radioimmunoassay. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index (EDVI) in acute and chronic phases were determined by left ventriculography, and changes (Δ) in EDVI were used as an index of left ventricular remodeling. Plasma PICP levels in the non-dilation group (< median ΔEDVI) showed no significant change. However, in the dilation group (> median ΔEDVI) PICP started to increase significantly 3 days after admission, peaking on day 14 (from 74 ± 6 to 104 ± 19 ng/ml, p < 0.05). ΔEDVI was significantly correlated with plasma PICP at 2 and 3 weeks, and with plasma BNP at 1, 2 and 3 weeks. Plasma PICP 2 weeks after MI was the only independent predictor of ΔEDVI (p < 0.001). These results suggest that an increase in plasma PICP levels 2 weeks after admission is a useful biochemical predictor of the progression of ventricular remodeling after MI.
A Quick Simple Method of Determining Platelet Aggregability following Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibitor Administration
Authors: Poullis Michael 
Published: April 2003

Platelet aggregation assessment after therapeutic administration of a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor has been difficult in routine practice due to the inherent nature of platelet preparation and aggregometry. Platelet microaggregation was performed via the utilisation of a Coulter counter. Citrate and heparin were evaluated as the anticoagulants, and ADP and adrenaline were evaluated as the stimulants. Aprotinin was also assessed. ReoPro was utilised in all assays as the GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor. Platelet microaggregation using the described methodology provides a quick, simple, reliable, and clinically valid method of assessing the percentage platelet inhibition due to the presence of a GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor.
Hemodynamic Abnormalities in the Left Atrial Appendage in Patients with Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation, with Special Reference to Albumin-Contrast Echocardiographic Aspects
Authors: Kato Hiroshi , Yoshida Masahiro , Takata Kotaro , Kanehara Hideo , Maekawa Naomi , Ohnishi Teiji , Murakita Hajime , Kuriyama Toyoko , Yamamoto Makoto 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aim:</i> We assessed the prolonged dysfunction of the left atrial appendage caused by paroxysmal atrial fibrillation. <i>Methods and Results: </i>Transesophageal echocardiography with intravenous albumin-microspheres (Albunex, 0.2 ml/kg) was performed in 100 consecutive patients (44 patients in sinus rhythm without previous paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: 13 patients in sinus rhythm who had had previous episodes of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation; and 43 patients with sustained atrial fibrillation). We compared the left atrial appendage ejection fraction and degree of opacification in the left atrial appendage with Albunex in the groups. Patients with previous paroxysmal atrial fibrillation had lower left atrial appendage ejection fractions than patients in sinus rhythm without paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (33 ± 14 vs. 47 ± 14%, p < 0.001). More than half of the patients (7/13 [54%]) with previous paroxysmal atrial fibrillation showed delayed and incomplete opacification of the left atrial appendage with Albunex. <i>Conclusion: </i>We conclude that paroxysmal atrial fibrillation causes left atrial appendage stunning, at least in some patients.
Soluble VCAM-1 and E-Selectin, but Not ICAM-1 Discriminate Endothelial Injury in Patients with Documented Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Semaan Husam B. , Gurbel Paul A. , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Muhlestein Joseph B. , Carlquist John F. , Horne Benjamin D. , Serebruany Victor L. 
Published: April 2003

It has been shown that endothelial cell adhesion molecules play an important role in the development of coronary atherosclerosis and inflammatory disease. We sought to test whether soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and E-selectin are increased in patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD). Plasma levels of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin were measured in 40 patients with documented CAD, 20 subjects with angiographically documented normal coronary arteries, and 14 healthy volunteers. Patients with documented CAD exhibited significant elevation of VCAM-1 (535 ± 227.1 ng/ml, p = 0.0001), E-selectin (69.4 ± 29.4 ng/ml, p = 0.006), but not ICAM-1 (320.5 ± 65.1 ng/ml, p = 0.9) concentrations as compared to subjects with normal coronary arteries (252.3 ± 79.8, 49.7 ± 22.0 and 311.4 ± 40.2 ng/ml), and healthy controls (110.0 ± 17.7, 29.0 ± 2.0 and 237.5 ± 46.5 ng/ml), respectively. Soluble markers of endothelial injury are not uniformly increased in patients with documented CAD as compared to those with normal coronary arteries and healthy controls. However, VCAM-1 and E-selectin, but not ICAM-1 could identify endothelial injury in such patients.
Once versus Thrice Daily Tobramycin Alone and in Combination with Ceftazidime, Ciprofloxacin and Imipenem in an in vitro Pharmacodynamic Model
Authors: Zelenitsky Sheryl A. , Karlowsky James A. , Hoban Daryl J. , Kabani Amin , Zhanel George G. 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to compare once daily (To24) and thrice daily (To8) tobramycin dosing regimens alone and in combination with ceftazidime, ciprofloxacin and imipenem against a clinical and ATCC strain of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. A one-compartment in vitro pharmacodynamic model was used to simulate bacteremic infection. Pharmacodynamic parameters, including rate of bacterial kill following the first dose or time to achieve a 99.9% reduction in bacterial counts (T<sub>99.9%)</sub>), extent of bacterial kill with subsequent doses and bacterial count at 24 h were characterized for each regimen. Compared to To8 alone, the combination regimens had a shorter T<sub>99.9%</sub> (p = 0.045) and greater extent of bacterial kill following the first dose (p = 0.045). Compared to To24 alone, the combination regimens demonstrated similar rates (p = 0.067) and extents of bacterial kill following the first dose (p = 0.32), however, produced lower bacterial counts at 24 h (p = 0.045). The various combination regimens appeared equally effective considering rate and extent of bacterial kill following the first dose and residual inocula at 24 h. Ciprofloxacin-containing regimens demonstrated the most bacterial kill with subsequent doses, however, bacterial counts at 24 h were similar to those of other combination regimens.
Paclitaxel Is an Effective Antiproliferative Agent on the Human NCI-H295 Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cell Line
Authors: Fallo Francesco , Pilon Catia , Barzon Luisa , Pistorello Matteo , Pagotto Uberto , Altavilla Giuseppe , Boscaro Marco , Sonino Nicoletta 
Published: April 2003

In view of a potential clinical use, we assessed the antiproliferative effect of paclitaxel on the human steroid-secreting NCI-H295 adrenocarcinoma cell line. By MTT, paclitaxel induced a dose-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation, with IC<sub>50</sub> lower than blood levels of the drug achieved in patients treated for other malignancies. Cell exposure to paclitaxel for 24 h at the different IC<sub>50</sub>s produced a dose-responsive increase in DNA fragmentation, morphologically confirmed by electron microscopy. A time-dependent decrease in aldosterone, cortisol and testosterone was observed. Paclitaxel is an effective antiproliferative agent in this human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line. Apoptosis induced by the drug is involved in neoplastic cell death. A potential role of the drug in the treatment of patients with adrenocortical cancer could be considered.
Role of Fluconazole in the Management of AIDS-Related Cryptococcosis, according toDaily Dosing
Authors: Manfredi Roberto , Chiodo Francesco 
Published: April 2003

No unanimous consent has been reached about treatment guidelines of cryptococcosis in the setting of AIDS, as well as about optimal fluconazole dosing in both initial and suppressive therapy. In order to evaluate the relationship between fluconazole dosing and clinical and microbiological outcome of AIDS-related cryptococcosis, a retrospective study was carried out on 30 consecutive patients. Among the 12 subjects treated with fluconazole doses <400 mg/day, an unfavorable course was significantly more frequent (early mortality, poor clinical and microbiological response, appearance of early relapses) compared with the 18 patients who received daily doses ≥400 mg, while no differences were observed between the two treatment groups according to known risk factors for a poor prognosis. When assessing maintenance treatment (22 evaluable cases), the 15 patients receiving oral fluconazole at doses <200 mg/day showed earlier disease relapse and mortality as opposed to the 7 individuals treated with high-dose fluconazole (≥200 mg/day), in the absence of significantly different risk factors for disease recurrence. Our experience pointed out a significant difference in clinical activity of fluconazole in AIDS-related cryptococcosis according to its daily dosing, and suggested 400 and 200 mg as the threshold daily dose for an effective initial and suppressive therapy, respectively, since the probability of treatment failure seemed greater with low-dose drug administration, after controlling data for prognostic markers of disease severity. Controlled studies are warranted, comparing high-dose fluconazole with standard regimens containing amphotericin B in the treatment of AIDS-associated cryptococcosis, and identifying the best fluconazole dosing for both acute-phase and maintenance treatment.
Genetic Analysis of Serotype 23F <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> Isolates from Several Countries by Penicillin-Binding Protein Gene Fingerprinting and Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Yoshida Ryoji , Hirakata Yoichi , Kaku Mitsuo , Tomono Kazunori , Maesaki Shigefumi , Yamada Yasuaki , Kamihira Shimeru , Jacobs Michael R. , Appelbaum Peter C. , Kohno Shigeru 
Published: April 2003

We characterized 21 strains of serotype 23F <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> isolated in various countries with various levels of penicillin susceptibility by penicillin-binding protein (PBP) gene fingerprinting and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Pneumococci isolated in Israel, Hungary, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Rumania, France, the United States, Spain and Japan were included. These strains were classified into 12 and 18 groups by PBP gene fingerprinting and PFGE, respectively. Some of the pneumococci isolated in Spain, the United States and France appeared to be genetically related by PFGE, showed the same PBP gene pattern and had similar antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. One penicillin-susceptible Bulgarian strain, with a similar PFGE pattern but a different fingerprinting pattern, may be an ancestral recipient strain that became transformed into the resistant variants. Rumanian and Israeli strains were also genetically related by PFGE. These results indicate the existence of widely spread but related pneumococci in the world. PBP 2X gene profiles of pneumococci with MICs of 0.25 µg/ml were different from each other and from penicillin-susceptible pneumococci (PSP). PBP 2B gene profiles of these resistant strains were identical. PBP 2B gene profiles of pneumococci (penicillin MICs ≥0.5 µg/ml) were different from PSP. PBP gene profiles may not only be useful for genetic analysis but also for presumed penicillin susceptibility.
Effect of Fluconazole on Human Polymorphonuclear Leucocyte Functions ex vivo against <i>Candida albicans</i>
Authors: Gürer Ümran Soyoǧul , Çevikbaş Adile , Johansson Candan , Derici Koray , Yardımcı Turay 
Published: April 2003

Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) are important components of host defence against fungi. We investigated the ex vivo effect of fluconazole on chemotaxis, adherence, superoxide anion (O<sup>–</sup><sub>2</sub>) generation and intracellular killing of <i>Candida albicans</i> blastoconidia after the administration of fluconazole (300 mg per os) to healthy volunteers. With regard to chemotaxis in response to zymosan-activated serum (ZAS), as measured using an agarose gel technique, fluconazole neither increased, nor decreased the chemotaxis of PMNs. The adherence was significantly enhanced after exposure of PMNs to fluconazole under ex vivo conditions, whereas, O<sup>–</sup><sub>2</sub> production after stimulation of PMNs with ZAS was not affected by fluconazole. The effect of fluconazole on intracellular killing of <i>C. albicans</i> blastoconidia by PMNs was determined by viable colony count, after release of yeast cells from disturbed neutrophils. Fluconazole under in vitro conditions, at a therapeutic concentration, significantly increased the intracellular killing of <i>C. albicans</i> by PMNs at 30 min when compared with the results obtained in ex vivo experiments (p < 0.001). During 90 min of exposure, no significant difference was found between in vitro and ex vivo conditions (p > 0.05).
Comparative in vitro Antifungal Activity of Amphotericin B Lipid Complex, Amphotericin B and Fluconazole
Authors: Carrillo-Muñoz Alfonso-Javier , Quindós Guillermo , Tur Cristina , Ruesga Maite , Alonso Rocío , del Valle Oscar , Rodriguez Virginia , Arévalo M. Pilar , Salgado Javier , Martin-Mazuelos Estrella , Bornay-Llinares Fernando Jorge , del Palacio Amalia , Cuétara Marisol , Gasser Isabel , Hernández-Molina Juan Manuel , Pemán Javier 
Published: April 2003

Amphotericin B (AMB) is considered the gold standard in the treatment of serious systemic mycoses in spite of its nephrotoxicity and adverse effects. Association with lipids enables larger doses of AMB to be given with a longer t<sub>½</sub> and C<sub>max</sub>, without the toxic effects at lower concentrations. Liposome-encapsulated AMB shows a lower affinity for mammalian cells and improves V<sub>d</sub>, thus decreasing toxicity. Amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) is an AMB formulation associated with a biodegradable phospholipid matrix (5% molar) from which the drug is released by cell phospholipases. ABLC is recommended for serious mycoses refractory to conventional antifungal therapy or when AMB is contraindicated. We compared the in vitro antifungal activity of ABLC, AMB and fluconazole (FLZ) against 328 strains of clinically significant opportunistic fungi using a microdilution method (NCCLS, M-27A). 64.9% of the yeasts were inhibited by MIC of ABLC ≤ AMB resulting in a similar or slightly superior efficacy compared to AMB when tested against <i>Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. guilliermondii, C. parapsilosis</i> and <i>C. tropicalis.</i> Effectiveness against <i>C. krusei</i> was lower for ABLC (5.99 μg/ml for ABLC, 1.58 μg/ml for AMB). However, for <i>Aspergillus fumigatus,</i> the activities of AMB and ABLC were 1.62 and 2.46 μg/ml, respectively; <i>A. niger</i> 0.72 μg/ml, 0.76 μg/ml (ABLC and AMB, respectively); <i>A. clavatus, A. candidus, A. tenuissima, A. corymbifera</i> and <i>Exophiala jeanselmei, Scedosporium</i> spp. and <i>Miceliophtora</i> spp. showed a low susceptibility to both AMB formulations. ABLC is a useful alternative to AMB or FLZ for the treatment of severe fungal infections, due to the broad spectrum of antifungal actions observed in this study.
Neural Control of the Gallbladder: An Intracellular Study of Human Gallbladder Neurons
Authors: Hillsley K. , Jennings L.J. , Mawe G.M. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background/Aims:</b> Gallbladder neurons are important governors of gallbladder function. In animal models, gallbladder ganglia can be regulated both by neural and hormonal inputs. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining recordings from human gallbladder neurons. <b>Methods:</b> Human gallbladders (n = 33) were bathed in oxygenated Krebs solution (37°C) containing the vital fluorescent stain 4-Di-2-ASP to localize the ganglia. Cells were characterized using conventional intracellular recording techniques. <b>Results:</b> The mean resting membrane potential of human gallbladder neurons was –51.2 ± 1.8 mV (n = 11). Depolarizing current pulses elicited only 1–4 spikes regardless of the amplitude or duration of the stimulus. Afterspike hyperpolarizations had a mean duration of 144.5 ± 19.2 ms (n = 10). Anodal break excitation was not recorded with hyperpolarizing current pulses. Fiber tract stimulation elicited fast excitatory postsynaptic potentials in all neurons tested. <b>Conclusion:</b> Intracellular recordings of human gallbladder neurons utilizing 4-Di-2-ASP are thus feasible, but are very problematic due to the density of connective tissue overlying the ganglia. As human and guinea pig gallbladder neurons have similar basic electrical properties, the guinea pig may be an appropriate model for further electrophysiological studies into gallbladder disease.
Increased Cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> Amplifies Oxygen Radical-Induced Alterations of the Ultrastructure and the Energy Metabolism of Isolated Rat Pancreatic Acinar Cells
Authors: Weber H. , Roesner J.P. , Nebe B. , Rychly J. , Werner A. , Schröder H. , Jonas L. , Leitzmann P. , Schneider K.-P. , Dummler W. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> Oxygen radicals have been implicated as important mediators in the early pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis, but the mechanism by which they produce pancreatic tissue injury remains unclear. We have, therefore, investigated the effects of oxygen radicals on isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells as to the ultrastructure, cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration and energy metabolism. <b>Methods:</b> Acinar cells were exposed to an oxygen radical-generating system consisting of xanthine oxidase, hypoxanthine and chelated iron ions. Cell injury was assessed by LDH release and electron microscopy. Cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> levels and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined by flow cytometry; adenine nucleotide concentrations by HPLC. Mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity was measured by spectrophotometric assay. <b>Results:</b> Oxygen radicals damaged the plasma membrane as shown by a 6-fold LDH increase in the incubation medium within 180 min. At the ultrastructural level, mitochondria were the most susceptible to oxidative stress. In correlation to the pronounced mitochondrial damage, the mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity declined by 70%, whereas the mitochondrial membrane potential was enhanced by 27% after 120 min. Together this may cause the 85% decrease in the ATP concentration and the corresponding increase in ADP/AMP observed in parallel. In addition, an immediate 26% increase in cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> was found, a change which could be inhibited by BAPTA, reducing cellular damage. <b>Conclusion:</b> Cytosolic Ca<sup>2+</sup> synergizes with oxygen radicals causing alterations of the ultrastructure and energy metabolism of acinar cells which might contribute to the cellular changes found in early stages of acute pancreatitis.
Triple Therapy with Omeprazole, Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin Is Effective against Helicobacter Pylori Infection in Gastric Ulcer Patients as well as in Duodenal Ulcer Patients
Authors: Habu Yasuki , Mizuno Shigeto , Hirano Seiichi , Kiyota Keisuke , Inokuchi Hideto , Kimoto Kunihiko , Nakajima Masatsugu , Kawai Keiichi 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background/Aims: </b>There have been few reliable published studies permitting assessment of therapeutic regimens for <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection in gastric ulcer (GU) patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of omeprazole-based dual and triple therapy regimens, both including clarithromycin, for the cure of <i>H. pylori</i> infection in active GU and duodenal ulcer (DU) patients. The study was conducted in Japan, a country in which GU is more prevalent than DU. <b>Methods: </b>Two hundred and thirty-four consecutive peptic ulcer patients (GU: n = 124; DU: n = 103; GDU: n = 7) suffering from <i>H. pylori</i> infection were randomly treated with either omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. + amoxicillin 500 mg q.i.d. + clarithromycin 400 mg b.i.d. (OAC) or with omeprazole 20 mg b.i.d. + clarithromycin 400 mg b.i.d. (OC) for 14 days. <i>H. pylori</i> infection was evaluated by histology and culture from antral and corpus biopsies 6 weeks after completing antimicrobial therapy. <b>Results: </b>Follow-up data were available in 202 patients. The cure rates of <i>H. pylori</i> infection in GU patients were 83.9% (47/56) with OAC and 59.2% (29/49) with OC. Corresponding rates in DU patients were 91.5% (43/47) and 70.5% (31/44), respectively. The cure rates with OAC were significantly higher than those with OC (p < 0.001, χ<sup>2</sup> test). The cure rates in GU patients were lower than those in DU patients for both regimens, but these differences were not statistically significant. Side effects were generally mild and did not interfere with compliance. One patient in the OAC group and 2 patients in the OC group complained of severe side effects that led to therapy discontinuation. <b>Conclusions: </b>Triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is a safe and effective regimen for the cure of <i>H. pylori</i> infection in GU patients as well as in DU patients. We recommend this triple regimen as a first-line treatment in all patients with peptic ulcers associated with <i>H. pylori</i> infection in Japan.
Monitor Peptide (Rat Pancreatic Secretory Trypsin Inhibitor) Directly Stimulates the Proliferation of the Nontransformed Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line, IEC-6
Authors: Fukuda Masako , Fujiyama Yoshihide , Sasaki Masaya , Andoh Akira , Bamba Tadao , Fushiki Tohru 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background/Aims:</b> The growth-stimulating activity of monitor peptide [rat pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor (PSTI)-61] was evaluated in the rat intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6. In response to food intake, monitor peptide induces cholecystokinin release and the subsequent secretion of pancreatic enzyme into the rat small intestine. <b>Methods:</b> Monitor peptide was purified from rat bile-pancreatic juice. The proliferation of IEC-6 cells was determined by both counting cell number and [<sup>3</sup>H]-thymidine incorporation. Ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity was assessed by radiometric technique using <i>L</i>-[1-<sup>14</sup>C]-ornithine. <b>Results:</b> Monitor peptide (10<sup>2</sup>–10<sup>5</sup> ng/ml) induced a significant increase in the incorporation of [<sup>3</sup>H]-thymidine into IEC-6 cells, and this effect was observed in a dose-dependent manner. A significant increase in the cell number was also observed. An antibody specific for the synthetic NH<sub>2</sub>-terminal fragment of monitor peptide completely abrogated the growth-stimulating effects of this peptide. In addition, monitor peptide effectively increased the ODC activity of IEC-6 cells. <b>Conclusions:</b> These results indicate that monitor peptide stimulates the growth of intestinal epithelial cells, and suggest that polyamine metabolism may be involved in this mechanism of growth induction.