bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of von Willebrand Factor by Human Pulmonary Endothelial Cells in vivo<footref rid="foot01"><sup>1</sup></footref>
Authors: Müller Annette M. , Skrzynski Carmen , Skipka Guido , Müller Klaus-Michael 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Objectives:</i> Whether von Willebrand factor (vWf) is variably expressed by endothelial cells (EC) of the human vascular tree or not is not known. Studies on animals showed that the varying degrees of vWf expression in pulmonary vessels was a reflection of EC heterogeneity. Neither the influence of age or sex nor that of pathophysiological factors such as pulmonary hypertension (PH) on vWf expression has been systematically analysed up to now. However, such information is essential for the design and delivery of site-selective drugs and genes as well as for the analysis of EC culture systems. <i>Methods:</i> The variable degrees of vWf expression in lung tissue specimens from 64 patients (age: 6 weeks to 86 years) with and without PH were studied immunohistochemically and analysed statistically. <i>Results:</i> CD31-specific antibody was used as a control stain for EC. It produced equally strong staining reactions in all pulmonary EC. In contrast, vWf-specific antibody yielded negative or weakly positive staining reactions in capillary EC. The staining intensities increased hand in hand with vessel calibres. Besides, they increased statistically significantly with age and PH. Sex had no influence on vWf expression. <i>Conclusion:</i> These findings show that (1) vWf expression by pulmonary EC is heterogeneous and specific for individual types of vessels, (2) age and PH enhance vWf expression, (3) vWf expression is indicative of altered EC activation but not of EC defects, and (4) elevated plasma levels of vWf correlate positively with raised coagulatory activities in older patients and in patients with PH.
Variations in Flow, Duration, and Concentration Do Not Change the Final Lung Concentration of Melphalan after Isolated Lung Perfusion in Rats
Authors: Romijn S. , Hendriks J.M.H. , van Putte B.P. , Guetens G. , De Bruijn E.A. , van Schil P.E.Y. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> The influences of flow, perfusion time, and concentration on melphalan (MN) lung levels in a rat model of isolated lung perfusion (ILuP) were studied. <i>Methods:</i> ILuP was performed in WAG/Rij rats by using a single-pass system with 0.5, 0.05, 0.01, and 0.005 mg of MN. Subsequently ILuP with 0.05 mg MN was performed during 30 min with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min, during 60 min with a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min, and during 30 min with a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. <i>Results:</i> The lung MN levels of 0.05 mg were significantly lower as compared with 0.5 mg (p = 0.02). In the second experiment, no significant differences were seen in lung levels of MN between the different groups. <i>Conclusion:</i> The final lung MN levels were only determined by the absolute amount administered.
Goblet Cell Hyperplasia in the Airway of <i>Nippostrongylus brasiliensis</i>-Infected Rats
Authors: Tomita Masaki , Kobayashi Takahiko , Itoh Hiroshi , Onitsuka Toshio , Nawa Yukifumi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> In rats, the intestinal parasite <i>Nippostrongylus brasiliensis</i> is recognized as a strong inducer of intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia. Although this parasite migrates through the airways during the course of its infection, airway goblet cell response remains unknown. <i>Objective:</i> This study was designed to examine airway goblet cell response during the course of <i>N. brasiliensis</i> infection in rats and to characterize these goblet cells. <i>Methods:</i> Airway goblet cells were stained with Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff. To characterize the goblet cells, mebendazole treatment, lectin histochemistry, and RNA blot analysis using probes for rat MUC2 and trefoil peptides were examined. <i>Results:</i> Airway and small intestinal goblet cell hyperplasia were observed at days 14 and 21 after infection but not at day 7. In rats treated with mebendazole, goblet cell hyperplasia was not present in the small intestine, but was observed in the lung on day 14. These results indicate that airway goblet cell hyperplasia may be induced by local pulmonary factors. By lectin histochemistry, the stainability of airway goblet cells at day 21 was similar to that of small intestine goblet cells even though rat MUC2 and trefoil peptide mRNA were not detected in the lung. <i>Conclusions:</i> Airway goblet cell hyperplasia observed at days 14 and 21 after <i>N. brasiliensis</i> infection may be induced by local factors. Airway goblet cells have characteristics that differ from those of the small intestine.
Indications for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Insertion: Ethical Aspects
Authors: Niv Yaron , Abuksis Galia 
Published: April 2003

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a popular technique for long-term enteral nutrition. However it is not beneficial in all cases, and may even prolong the process of dying. The present article discusses the main indications for PEG insertion, and the ethical considerations involved. Three main questions need to be answered: (1) for what purposes should PEG be used; (2) for what type of patients, and (3) when should PEG be inserted in the natural history of the patient’s illness? PEG is used in patients unable to maintain sufficient oral intake. It has been found to improve quality of life and/or to increase survival in patients with head and neck cancer, acute stroke, neurogenic and muscle dystrophy syndrome, growth failure (children) and gastric decompression. It led to no improvement in nutritional or functional status in patients with cachexia, anorexia, aspiration (and aspiration pneumonia), and cancer with a short life expectancy. Several court decisions have stipulated that PEG need be offered in patients in a persistent vegetative state or patients with senile dementia who have lost the ability for self-determination. Since the 30-day mortality after PEG insertion is very high for patients hospitalized in a general medical center, a ‘cooling off’ period of 30–60 days should be scheduled from the time of the PEG request to actual insertion.
Augmentation Cystoplasty in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Zachoval Roman , Pitha Jiri , Medova Eva , Heracek Jiri , Lukes Martin , Zalesky Miroslav , Urban Michael 
Published: April 2003

<i>Introduction:</i> Augmentation cystoplasty is an effective approach to the detrusor hyperreflexia which is refractory to conservative treatment. Sporadic data have been published in patients with progressive diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). <i>Materials and Methods:</i> Augmentation ileocystoplasty (Goodwin ‘cup-patch’) was performed in 9 patients (7 females, 2 males). The average Expanded Disability Status Scale score was 4.1 (range 3.0–6.5); 7 patients had relapse-remitting MS and 2 patients secondary-progressive MS. The indication was a detrusor hyperreflexia refractory to conservative treatment in 8 patients and a detrusor hyperrefluxia with third degree bilateral vesico-ureteral reflux and renal insufficiency in 1 patient. Pre- and postoperative objective parameters were evaluated by urodynamic examination, imaging methods and laboratory examination. Subjective evaluation was performed using a questionnaire on micturition symptoms (score 0–5) and on quality of life (score 0–6). <i>Results:</i> With a follow-up of 6–19 months, we recorded an average increase of the maximum detrusor capacity from 105 to 797 ml and decrease of maximum detrusor pressure from 53 to 30 cm H<sub>2</sub>O. Postmicturition residual urine >25% of the maximum capacity was present in 6 patients who performed clear intermittent autocatheterization postoperatively (2 patients preoperatively). In all patients there was a significant improvement in the irritation micturition symptomatology (pollakisuria, nycturia, urgency and urge incontinence) and the quality of life score improved on average from 5 to 0.7. In the case of the patient with renal insufficiency, the creatinine level decreased from 286 to 150 µmol/l; in the other patients renal function remained normal. <i>Conclusions:</i> Augmentation cystoplasty is a safe and effective method for indicated patients, which significantly enhances their quality of life.
Lymphoscintigraphy in the Sentinel Lymph Node Technique for Breast Tumor: Value of Early and Late Images for the Learning Curve
Authors: Rousseau C. , Campion L. , Curtet C. , Classe J.M. , Dravet F. , Fiche M. , Sagan C. , Chatal J.F. , Resche I. 
Published: April 2003

As the performance of early (H+1 to H+4) and late (D1) lymphoscintigraphic images raises organizational problems in outpatient surgery for breast cancer, only early images are generally obtained. The present study evaluated whether two series of images are better than one and defined the advantages of both methodologies. One hundred and eighteen patients with infiltrating breast carcinoma (T<sub>0,</sub> T<sub>1</sub> and T<sub>2</sub>) were included in the study: 87 in group A (early and late images) and 31 in group B (only early images). All patients received two peritumoral injections of <sup>99m</sup>Tc-sulfur colloid, 15–18 MBq (group A) and <15 MBq (group B). During the operation, the patent blue bye technique was associated with radioactivity detection. The two groups were comparable for histological type and tumor size and localization. Successful localization of sentinel nodes on early lymphoscintigraphic images was significantly greater for group B. The identification of a sentinel node focus on early lymphoscintigraphy increased by 10% during the study. Sentinel node detection by the isotopic method alone, or the two methods combined, was comparable for both groups. In radioactivity detection, the count rate for sentinel nodes versus background (contralateral breast) was similar for the two groups. During the learning phase, two series of images gave a definite advantage. Subsequently, lymphoscintigraphy performed at +2 h was sufficient (the results for the two groups became indistinguishable).
Possibility of Progenitor Cell Mobilization during the Hematological Recovery following Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Autograft
Authors: De Propris Maria Stefania , Meloni Giovanna , Cordone Iole , Capria Saveria , Bellucci Roberto , Trisolini Silvia , Simone Francesca , de Fabritiis Paolo 
Published: April 2003

Twenty-four patients with hematological malignancies were studied during recovery following autografting in order to establish the proportion of patients that show CD34+ cell mobilization and the kinetics of mobilized CD34-positive cells. The patients showed a peak in peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells after a median of 14 days (range 12–20) following reinfusion. According to the number of circulating CD34+ cells, two groups could be clearly distinguished: 17 patients (group A) with <10 PB CD34+ cells/µl (median 1.2, range 0–5) and 7 patients (group B) with >10 CD34+ cells/µl (median 51, range 13–123). Compared to group A, patients of group B showed a faster hematological reconstitution of both polymorphonuclear leukocytes >500/µl (12 vs. 15 days) and platelets >50,000/µl (12 vs. 17 days). The expression of the β1 integrin CD49d was similar in the two groups of patients, while a lower expression of the β2 integrin CD11a and a greater expression of the L-selectin CD62L were observed in the PB CD34+ cells of group B patients. Both in the PB and in the BM, the number of CFU-GEMM, CFU- GM, CFU-E and BFU-E of group B was significantly greater than that of group A. However, when the clonogenic potential of a single CD34+ cell was evaluated, no major differences in the number of colonies produced per CD34+ cell were found between the two groups.
Emergence and Evolution of the Circadian Rhythm of Melatonin in Children
Authors: Ardura Julio , Gutierrez Regina , Andres Jesus , Agapito Teresa 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To assess the age at which the circadian rhythm of melatonin begins. <i>Methods:</i> 55 children, divided into groups from the neonatal period to 24 months of life, were studied. Urine samples were taken from 28 newborn babies to measure 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s). Salivary samples were collected from infants (27 cases), to measure melatonin (aMT). aMT was measured by RIA and aMT6s by ELISA using commercial kits. Changes in the levels of aMT6s and aMT were evaluated using the Friedman test and Wilcoxon matched pair test. <i>Results: </i>The group aged 27–41 days showed statistically significant differences in daily aMT6s and aMT concentrations. The highest values were always found between 24.00 and 8.00 h. This day/night difference persisted from 2–3 to 13–24 months of age. <i>Conclusion:</i> The data indicate that the circadian melatonin rhythm appears at the end of the neonatal period and persists thereafter.
Comparative Evaluation of Anoxomat and Conventional Anaerobic GasPak Jar Systems for the Isolation of Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Shahin May , Jamal Wafaa , Verghese Tina , Rotimi V.O. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> To evaluate the performance of the Anoxomat, in comparison with the conventional anaerobic GasPak jar system, for the isolation of obligate anaerobes. <i>Method:</i> Anoxomat, model WS800, and anaerobic GasPak jar system (Oxoid) were evaluated. Anoxomat system utilized a gas mixture of 80% N<sub>2</sub>, 10% CO<sub>2</sub> and 10% H<sub>2</sub>, while the GasPak used a gas mixture of 90% H<sub>2</sub> and 10% CO<sub>2</sub>. An anaerobic indicator within the jars monitored anaerobiosis. A total of 227 obligate anaerobic bacteria comprising 116 stock strains, 5 ATCC reference strains and 106 fresh strains, representing different genera, were investigated for growth on anaerobic agar plates and scored for density, colony sizes, susceptibility zones of antibiotic inhibition and the speed of anaerobiosis (reducing the indicator). <i>Results:</i> The results demonstrate that the growth of anaerobic bacteria is faster inside the Anoxomat jar than in the anaerobic GasPak jar system. Of the 227 strains tested, the colonies of 152 (67%) were larger (by size range of 0.2–2.4 mm) in the Anoxomat at 48 h than in the GasPak jar compared with only 21% (range 0.1–0.3 mm) that were larger in the GasPak than in the Anoxomat. The remaining 12% were equal in their sizes. There was no measurable difference in the colony sizes of the reference strains. The <i>Porphyromonas asaccharolytica</i> strains failed to grow within the GasPak system but grew inside the Anoxomat. With the Anoxomat, anaerobiosis was achieved about 35 min faster than in the GasPak system. The density of growth recorded for 177 (78%) strains was heavier in the Anoxomat than in the GasPak jar. The zones of inhibition of the antibiotics tested were not different in the two systems. <i>Conclusion:</i> The Anoxomat system provided superior growth, in terms of density and colony size, and achieved anaerobiosis more rapidly. Evidently, the Anoxomat method is more reliable and appears to support the growth of strict anaerobes better.
Penetration of Levofloxacin into Human Aqueous Humor
Authors: Kobayakawa Shinichiro , Tochikubo Tetsuo , Tsuji Akiyoshi 
Published: April 2003

This study was designed to measure the concentration of levofloxacin in aqueous humor after topical and oral administration in patients undergoing cataract extraction. Patients were randomly divided into four groups. Levofloxacin concentration in the aqueous humor was the highest in the group in which 600 mg was given orally plus five topical instillations before surgery. The aqueous humor levels of levofloxacin after topical and oral administration exceeded the minimum inhibitory concentrations for certain bacterial species that frequently cause intraocular infection.
Successful Fetal Surgery for the Repair of a ‘Myelomeningocele-Like’ Defect Created in the Fetal Rabbit
Authors: Pedreira Denise A.L. , Valente Paulo R. , Abou-Jamra Rogério C. , Pelarigo Cláudio L. , Silva Lilian M. , Goldenberg Saul 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To study the correction of a ‘myelomeningocele-like’ defect in fetal rabbits. <i>Methods:</i> Twelve pregnant rabbits had a spinal defect surgically created in 40 of their fetuses at 23 days of gestation. Immediate repair was performed in 30 fetuses (group I), and 10 remained uncorrected (group II). After 30 days, the fetuses were harvested and the anatomopathological aspects where compared using Fisher’s exact test. <i>Results:</i> Three different techniques to apply a cellulose graft were used for correction in 8 (technique A), 7 (technique B), and 15 animals (technique C), but only one (technique C) was successful. The survival rate at 30 days was 66.7% (10/15) in group I and 80% (8/10) in group II. A ‘myelomeningocele-like’ defect was present in all fetuses in group II, while in group I the defect was successfully repaired in 80% of the surviving fetuses (p < 0.01). <i>Conclusion:</i> The surgically created spinal defect was successfully repaired, and also the fetal rabbit could be established as a model for the study of intrauterine correction of a myelomeningocele-like defect.
Decrease of Activated Lymphocytes Four and Nine Hours after a Subcutaneous Injection of a <i>Viscum album</i> L. Extract in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Stoss Matthias , Peter Ellen , Gorter Robert W. 
Published: April 2003

The immunomodulatory substance, VaQuFrF (an aqueous extract of <i>Viscum album</i> L. of the oak tree) is used as an adjuvant and as monotherapy in the treatment of cancer and AIDS. After subcutaneous injection, there is a local inflammatory reaction at the injection site and systemic elevation of activated lymphocytes. The immunomodulatory effect of VaQuFrF in the first 24 h after subcutaneous injection on blood leukocyte and lymphocyte subpopulation was investigated. Because a significant natural circadian variation of these cellular parameters exist, the influence was studied in regard to this. In two groups of healthy volunteers, one group receiving VaQuFrF, the following parameters were measured every 2–3 h over a period of 24 h: leukocytes, band form, segmented and eosinophilic granulocytes, monocytes, total lymphocytes and CD4-, CD8-, CD3/25- and CD8/38-positive lymphocytes in count and percentage. In regard to the natural circadian variation 24 h after injection of VaQuFrF, a statistically significant fall in the absolute numbers and percentage of CD3/25- and CD8/38-positive lymphocytes was observed. Also, monocytes in percent and absolute numbers show a transient fall 6–9 h, lymphocytes only in absolute and CD4-positive lymphocytes only in percentage 2 h after injection. The results demonstrate that there is increased extravasation of (activated) lymphocytes and monocytes after subcutaneous injection of 1 mg VaQuFrF.
Hepatoprotective Effect of <i>Angelica archangelica</i> in Chronically Ethanol-Treated Mice
Authors: Yeh Mei-Ling , Liu Chi-Feng , Huang Chun-Liang , Huang Tian-Chyuan 
Published: April 2003

<i>Angelica archangelica </i>(AAA) has been effectively used in folk medicines as a remedy against stomachal and intestinal disturbances, arthritic disease, etc. However, there is still lack of scientific proof about its antioxidant capability. This study aimed at investigating the effects of total AAA against chronic ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity. ICR mice were divided into five groups, each consisting of 10 animals. A single dose of ethanol (70%, 0.1 ml, p.o.) was used to induce hepatotoxicity in these mice which resulted in a significant elevation of the activities of serum GOT and GPT. Treatment of mice with AAA (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg p.o.) after 2 weeks ameliorated the ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity effects. Hepatotoxicity was evidenced by a significant increase in hepatic lipid peroxidation manifested as the presence of malondialdehyde. It was found that AAA inhibits the malondialdehyde formation in mouse liver homogenates both in vitro and in vivo. AAA is cytoprotective agent effective against chronic ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity, possibly through inhibition of the production of oxygen free radicals that cause lipid peroxidation, and hence indirectly protects the liver from oxidative stress.
Intracellular Activity of Fosfomycin against Two Distinct Enteropathogenic Bacteria, <i>Salmonella enterica</i> and <i>Listeria monocytogenes,</i> Alive inside Host Cells
Authors: Okada Nobuhiko , Nishio Miki , Danbara Hirofumi 
Published: April 2003

We studied the effect of fosfomycin (FOM) on the intracellular growth of two different facultative intracellular bacteria, <i>Salmonella enterica</i> serovar Typhimurium and <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>, in an enterocyte-like cell line, Caco-2. These bacteria replicate in different compartments within the host cells; <i>Salmonella</i> serovar Typhimurium grow inside phagosomes, whereas <i>L. monocytogenes</i> escape the phagosomal environment and multiply in the cytosol of the host cells. At concentrations equal to 0.25 of the MIC and 4 times the MIC, respectively, FOM effectively decreased the number of intracellular <i>Salmonella</i> serovar Typhimurium. Although FOM was ineffective at inhibiting the extracellular growth of <i>L. monocytogenes</i> in vitro, this antibiotic induced a marked reduction in intracellular <i>L. monocytogenes</i>, indicating that, comparatively, FOM may be more effectively taken up by <i>L. monocytogene</i>s in the intracellular environment.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and Vitamin Score: Correlations with Silent Brain Ischemic Lesions and Brain Atrophy
Authors: Polyak Zeev , Stern Felicia , Berner Yitshal N. , Sela Ben-Ami , Gomori John M. , Isayev Marina , Doolman Ram , Levy Shmuel , Dror Yosef 
Published: April 2003

Elevated fasting plasma total homocysteine concentration (tHcy) and lower vitamin status are associated with atherosclerotic states. Silent brain ischemic lesions and brain atrophy, prevailing in the elderly, are affected by tHcy and vitamin status. The study was performed on 56 outpatients who had undergone brain computed tomography (CT) before the onset of the study. According to brain CT evaluation, three groups were set: minor brain ischemia, brain atrophy and control. Brain CT, tHcy, plasma pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), vitamin B<sub>12</sub>, folic acid and cognitive and functional capacities were measured or evaluated in all of the subjects. Plasma vitamin score for three vitamins was calculated. In subjects with minor brain ischemic lesions (n = 21), tHcy was higher by 5.6 µ<i>M</i>, whereas vitamin score and cognitive function were lower than in controls (n = 24). In subjects with brain atrophy (n = 11), plasma PLP and cognitive function were lower. Particular attention should be paid to tHcy monitoring, vitamin status assessment and brain impairment evaluation.