bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
mRNA D<sub>2</sub> Dopaminergic Receptor Expression after Hypoxia-Ischemia in Rat Immature Brain
Authors: Cantagrel Sylvain , Gressens Pierre , Bodard Sylvie , Suc Annie-Laure , Laugier Jean , Guilloteau Denis , Chalon Sylvie 
Published: April 2003

Previous studies have shown a reduction of dopaminergic D<sub>2</sub> receptors (D<sub>2</sub>R) in the striatum after hypoxia-ischemia in newborn rats. We show here an early and transient reduction of mRNA D<sub>2</sub>R in nonatrophic brains following hypoxia-ischemia. The left carotid artery of P7 rats was ligated followed by hypoxia for 2 h. The rats were sacrificed after 24 h, 48 h and 14 days. D<sub>2</sub>R mRNA was studied by in situ hybridization, the cell number by conventional histology, and neuronal and astrocyte differentiation by immunohistochemistry. A 20% reduction of striatal mRNA D<sub>2</sub>R occurred 24 h after hypoxia-ischemia, whereas no reduction was observed after 48 h and 14 days. There were no differences in total cell number and in the expression of neuronal (MAP-1, MAP-2) and astrocyte (GFAP) markers between both brain hemispheres nor between control and hypoxia-ischemia animals. The early decrease in mRNA D<sub>2</sub>R could explain the delayed reduced D<sub>2</sub>R after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia.
Thyroid Function in Healthy and Sick Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants – Thyrotropin and Free Thyroxine Levels until the Sixth Week of Age
Authors: Dembinski J. , Arpe V. , Kroll M. , Bartmann P. , Hieronimi G. 
Published: April 2003

Hypothyroxinemia in preterm infants without congenital hypothyroidism is associated with developmental delay. Longitudinal information on thyroid function in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW, <1,500 g birth weight) infants is limited: we present data on thyroid function in sick and healthy VLBW infants until 6 weeks of age. Free T<sub>4</sub> and TSH levels routinely obtained on days 14–21 and days 35–49 in 92 consecutive VLBW infants were correlated retrospectively with neonatal morbidity. Free T<sub>4</sub> levels were positively correlated with gestational age; an independent effect of neonatal disease on thyroid function was not detectable.
Effect of Dexamethasone on IL-10 and IL-12p40 Production in Newborns and Adults
Authors: Bessler H. , Kagazanov S. , Punsky I. , Sirota L. 
Published: April 2003

The effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12p40 production was examined in preterm newborns, term infants and was compared to that in adults. Mononuclear cells isolated from newborn cord blood (CBMC) and peripheral blood from adults (PBMC) were incubated with lipopolysaccharide in the absence or presence of DEX at concentrations between 10<sup>–8</sup> and 10<sup>–5</sup> <i>M</i>. Cytokine concentration in the supernatants was tested using ELISA kits. DEX induced a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-10 production by PBMC from adults whereas CBMC from newborns were mostly unaffected by the drug. DEX caused a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-12p40 secretion by cells of the three age groups, although to a different extent. Since IL-12 plays a critical role in the development of a protective immune response to fungal infection, it is conceivable that the inhibition of IL-12p40 secretion caused by DEX may contribute to the increased occurrence of fungal infections in preterms treated with this drug.
Brain Excitatory Amino Acid Concentrations Are Lower in the Neonatal Pig: A Buffer against Excitotoxicity?
Authors: Darling Bryan K. , Abdel-Rahim Maged , Moores Russell R. , Chang Audrey S. , Howard Robin S. , O’Neill J. Timothy 
Published: April 2003

Hypoglycemic brain damage has been associated with high levels of the excitatory amino acids (EAA) aspartate and glutamate in the newborn and adult. We hypothesized that newborn piglet EAA would be different from those of older pigs when stressed with severe insulin-induced hypoglycemia (<30 mg/dl). Brain EAA were measured in piglets and adolescent pigs via microdialysis. Eleven of 12 newborn normoglycemic piglets had no detectable baseline levels (<0.5 µ<i>M</i>) of EAA, while pigs had aspartate and glutamate concentrations of 1.78 ± 0.44 and 3.43 ± 1.14 µ<i>M</i> (mean ± SEM), respectively. Piglet aspartate and glutamate concentrations reached but did not significantly exceed normoglycemic pig levels after 2 h with plasma glucose values ≤20 mg/ml. Elevations in EAA were only detected in piglets whose EEG activity ceased. Aspartate and glutamate concentrations did not increase in insulin-treated pigs nor in control animals. We speculate that newborns with blood glucose less than clinically acceptable values (35 mg/dl) may be protected from EAA-associated neuronal damage during acute hypoglycemia. Lower normoglycemic and hypoglycemic levels of EAA in newborns when compared to older pigs provide this protection.
Interpretation of High Wedge Pressure on Exercise in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Chabot François , Schrijen Francine , Poincelot Françoise , Polu Jean-Marie 
Published: April 2003

In a retrospective review of patients subjected to right heart catheterization, case records from 109 consecutive patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and wedge pressure ≧15 mm Hg on exercise were analyzed. Patients were separated into group 1, resting wedge pressure (Pw) <15 mm Hg and difference between Pw and right atrial pressure (Pra) change on exercise <5 mm Hg (n = 54), group 2, same Pw at rest but increase in Pw on exercise ≧5 mm Hg, being higher than that of Pra (n = 34), and group 3, Pw ≧15 mm Hg at rest (n = 21). The occurrence of left heart disease increased from group 1 to group 3 (19, 53 and 71%, respectively), and the slope of the Pw/stroke index relationship was lowest in group 3. High Pw on exercise can be explained by the pressure rise in the cardiac fossa associated with lower lobe gas trapping in group 1, which showed the most severe airflow limitation, decreased left ventricular compliance in group 2, and heart failure in group 3.
Linear Hyperintensity Objects on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Related to Hypertension
Authors: Hiroki Masahiko , Miyashita Kotaro 
Published: April 2003

Linear hyperintensity lesions, which are sometimes recognized in the cerebral white matter on T<sub>2</sub>-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images, have never been studied from the clinical viewpoint. We refer to these lesions as linear hyperintensity objects (LHOs) and have investigated them quantitatively. Twenty-six consecutive patients underwent routine 1.5-Tesla MR imaging. LHOs were found in 24 patients. We measured the width and number of LHOs at the upper corona radiata level on T<sub>2</sub>-weighted images (repetition time: 4,500.0 ms, echo time: 96.0 ms) using a scale loupe. The diameters were significantly correlated with the stages of hypertension (WHO classification). The LHOs may associated with the dilated perivascular spaces of cortical medullary arteries and may become an indicator for hypertensive small vessel disease.
Intravenous Thrombolysis in Proximal Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Schneweis Susanne , Grond Martin , Neveling Michael , Schmülling Susanne , Rudolf Jobst , Heiß Wolf-Dieter 
Published: April 2003

Subgroup analyses of data from an open-label study of intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) administered to stroke patients were performed. Clinical outcome and incidence of intracranial hemorrhage were evaluated in 20 patients diagnosed by transcranial Doppler ultrasound as having proximal middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion. Additionally early infarct signs and size of final infarction were assessed. A favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) was seen in 30% of all patients. The incidence of symptomatic intracranial hematoma (10%) in patients with proximal MCA occlusion was higher than the overall hemorrhage rate of intravenous rt-PA treatment, but comparable to the data on intra-arterial thrombolysis in this stroke subgroup. All patients except 1 developed ischemic infarction in the MCA territory. Intravenous rt-PA treatment within 3 h may also be effective in patients with proximal MCA occlusion. The risk of intracerebral hematoma does not seem to be greater than in intra-arterial thrombolysis.
Argyrophilic and Glucagon-Immunoreactive Cells in the Ileum and Colon of the Developing Opossum <i>Didelphis albiventris</i> (Marsupialia)
Authors: Fonseca C.C. , Nogueira J.C. , Barbosa A.J.A. 
Published: April 2003

The ontogenesis of glucagon-producing cells of the ileum and colon of pouch young and of weaned and adult opossums <i>Didelphis albiventris</i> was studied in comparison with the endocrine argyrophilic cell population development. In the ileum, the mean population of argyrophilic cells/mm<sup>2</sup> increased with ontogenesis from 122.9 ± 18.7 in the pouch young to 211.4 ± 48.9 in adult animals, while the number of glucagon-immunoreactive cells/mm<sup>2</sup> remained practically constant, i.e. 29.2 ± 7.3 in the pouch young and 28.1 ± 5.0 in the adult animal. In the colon, the population of argyrophilic cells/mm<sup>2</sup> remained constant throughout ontogenesis, i.e. 45.8 ± 6.2 in the pouch young and 48.9 ± 10.4 in the adult animals. In turn, the enteroglucagon-producing cells increase in number from 4.5 ± 2.9 to 14.6 ± 5.2 cells/mm<sup>2</sup> from the pouch young to the adult. We conclude that the intestinal glucagon-producing cells of <i>D. albiventris</i> present a differentiated development in the ileum and colon. This fact suggests that glucagon-immunoreactive cells may play a distinct role in these segments of the intestine during ontogenesis.
Employment of Confocal Microscopy for the Dynamic Visualization of Domes in Intact Epithelial Cell Cultures
Authors: Rotoli B.M. , Orlandini G. , Gatti R. , Dall’Asta V. , Gazzola G.C. , Bussolati O. 
Published: April 2003

Many epithelial cells cultured on plastic ware form domes, fluid-filled localized raisings of the cell monolayer. Domes are due to active vectorial ion transport and their presence demonstrates the maintenance of a differentiated polarized phenotype and of tight junctional complexes. Through a confocal laser microscope equipped with a special flow chamber, intact domes were evaluated in real time for prolonged experimental periods. Both in CAPAN-1 pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma cells and in renal tubular LLC-PK1 cells, vertical sections of calcein-loaded cultures provided a clear visualization of dome outlines during the slow deflation induced by specific agonists (respectively, 1 µ<i>M</i> secretin or 10 µ<i>M</i> vasopressin). Section series of calcein-loaded domes were used for three-dimensional reconstructions. In CAPAN-1 cultures, cell depolarization induced by secretin was detected with the potentiometric dye bis-oxonol. In the same cells pyranine, a fluid phase marker that is cell impermeant, visualized dome compartment and paracellular pathways, also providing an evaluation of dome fluid pH. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of domes represents a convenient device for the functional assessment of living epithelial cells.
Pharmacokinetics in Rats of N-Dimethylaminoacetyl-Partricin A 2-Dimethylaminoethylamide Diascorbate (SPK-843)
Authors: Bruzzese T. , Galmozzi M.R. , Buffa G. , Sala P. , Bonabello A. 
Published: April 2003

Single- and multiple-administration trials in rats were performed in this study to assess the serum and tissue concentrations of SPK-843 (N-dimethylaminoacetyl-partricin A 2-dimethylaminoethylamide diascorbate), a new polyene antibiotic with a heptaene structure. A dose of 1.25 mg/kg (roughly 1 mg/kg of free base) by intravenous route was used both for the single- and multiple-administration trials. The single-administration trial was carried out in comparison with amphotericin B (AmB) at intravenous doses of 1 mg/kg. Plasma samples were drawn at intervals from 15 min to 96 h after injection. The elimination half-lives were 22.15 and 18.15 h, and the area under the curve to infinity (AUC<sub>0–∞</sub>) values were 35.52 and 10.33 µg·h·ml<sup>–1</sup>, respectively, for SPK-843 and AmB. Both drugs showed an extensive tissue distribution, with higher uptake by the kidneys, followed by the liver, spleen and lungs for SPK-843, and higher uptake by the spleen, followed by the lungs, liver and kidneys for AmB. The multiple-administration trial (1.25 mg/kg/day for 7 days) led to sustained serum and tissue concentrations. On the seventh day, the rats were bled at intervals from 5 min to 96 h after dosing. The serum elimination half-life and AUC<sub>0–∞</sub> values were roughly twice those of the single-dose study (41.4 h and 72.1 µg·h·ml<sup>–1</sup>, respectively). Also, the half-lifes and AUCs from 0 to ∞ of tissues were greater than those in the single-dose trial.
Cisplatin Pharmacokinetics and Its Nephrotoxicity in Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Najjar Tawfeeg A.O. , Saad Sherif Y. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> This study was designed to investigate the relationship between the attenuation of cisplatin (CDDP)-induced nephrotoxicity in experimental diabetic rabbits and the plasma pharmacokinetics of the free ultrafilterable and total plasma platinum (Pt) levels. <i>Methods:</i> Two groups of age-matched male New Zealand white rabbits were used; the first group consisted of rabbits with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (single i.v. bolus dose of streptozotocin of 65 mg/kg in citrate buffer, pH 4.6), and the second group of nondiabetic rabbits treated with the same volume of citrate buffer. Both groups were treated with CDDP (5 mg/kg, single i.v. bolus dose) 3 days after induction of the diabetic state in the first group. The plasma Pt levels were followed for 4 h after CDDP administration, in which the free ultrafilterable and total plasma Pt concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The pharmacokinetic parameters of free ultrafilterable plasma Pt were determined using a noncompartment pharmacokinetic model of analysis. <i>Results:</i> The total plasma Pt levels declined in a biphasic manner and were adequately described by a two-compartment model. No significant change was observed in the pharmacokinetics of either the free ultrafilterable or total plasma Pt levels in the diabetic group in comparison with the control nondiabetic group (p > 0.05). However, 4 h after CDDP administration, the total plasma Pt level of the nondiabetic group was significantly higher than that of the diabetic rabbits (p < 0.001). Indices of nephrotoxicity were determined 7 days after CDDP administration. The results revealed that the diabetic state protected against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. The nondiabetic rabbits exhibited highly significant elevations in the serum creatinine and urea levels and a decrease in the serum albumin level (p < 0.001) in comparison with the diabetic group. <i>Conclusions:</i> These findings might suggest that the reduction in CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity in diabetic rabbits is not due to a change in the plasma pharmacokinetic profile within the drug follow-up period. It could be anticipated that the rapid decline in the total plasma Pt level after CDDP administration to diabetic rabbits, as well as the reduction in the terminal elimination half-life of the total plasma Pt level might be responsible for the reduction in CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. Also, alterations in the how kidneys of diabetics deal with the renal excretion of Pt and reduction of its accumulation in kidney tissue are not excluded.
Antituberculous Activity of Norfloxacin Mannich Bases with Isatin Derivatives
Authors: Pandeya S.N. , Sriram D. , Yogeeswari P. , Ananthan S. 
Published: April 2003

Mannich bases of norfloxacin were synthesized by reacting them with formaldehyde and several isatin derivatives. The compounds were evaluated in vitro against <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis </i>H<sub>37</sub>R<sub>v</sub> at 12.5 µg/ml in BACTEC 12B medium using the BACTEC radiometric system. Among the compounds tested, S-10 showed promising activity, with 100% inhibition at a concentration lower than 6.25 µg/ml.
Identification of IgE-Binding Proteins in Soy Lecithin
Authors: Gu Xuelin , Beardslee Tom , Zeece Michael , Sarath Gautam , Markwell John 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Soy lecithin is widely used as an emulsifier in processed foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Soy lecithin is composed principally of phospholipids; however, it has also been shown to contain IgE-binding proteins, albeit at a low level. A few clinical cases involving allergic reactions to soy lecithin have been reported. The purpose of this investigation is to better characterize the IgE-binding proteins typically found in lecithin. <i>Methods:</i> Soy lecithin proteins were isolated following solvent extraction of lipid components and then separated on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The separated lecithin proteins were immunoblotted with sera from soy-sensitive individuals to determine the pattern of IgE-binding proteins. The identity of IgE-reactive bands was determined from their N-terminal sequence. <i>Results:</i> The level of protein in six lecithin samples obtained from commercial suppliers ranged from 100 to 1,400 ppm. Lecithin samples showed similar protein patterns when examined by SDS-PAGE. Immunoblotting with sera from soy-sensitive individuals showed IgE binding to bands corresponding to 7, 12, 20, 39 and 57 kD. N-terminal analysis of these IgE-binding bands resulted in sequences for 3 components. The 12-kD band was identified as a methionine-rich protein (MRP) and a member of the 2S albumin class of soy proteins. The 20-kD band was found to be soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor. The 39-kD band was matched to a soy protein with unknown function. <i>Conclusions:</i> Soy lecithin contains a number of IgE-binding proteins; thus, it might represent a source of hidden allergens. These allergens are a more significant concern for soy-allergic individuals consuming lecithin products as a health supplement. In addition, the MRP and the 39-kD protein identified in this study represent newly identified IgE-binding proteins.
Mitochondrial ATP-Sensitive Potassium Channel Plays a Dominant Role in Ischemic Preconditioning of Rabbit Heart
Authors: Nakai Y. , Horimoto H. , Mieno S. , Sasaki S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The ATP-sensitive potassium (K<sub>ATP</sub>) channel has been shown to be important in the ischemic preconditioning (IPC) response. Recently, the mitochondrial rather than the sarcolemmal K<sub>ATP</sub> channel has been focused on due to its energy-modulating property. Hence, this study was undertaken to elucidate the role of the mitochondrial K<sub>ATP</sub> channel in IPC by modulating the mitochondrial K<sub>ATP</sub> channel in isolated perfused rabbit hearts. <i>Methods:</i> Seven hearts served as a control with no interventions. Seven hearts underwent IPC consisting of two 5-min cycles of global ischemia followed by 5 min of reperfusion. Seven hearts received the selective mitochondrial K<sub>ATP</sub> channel blocker 5-dehydroxydecanoate (5-HD, 100 µ<i>M</i>) for 5 min before IPC, and 7 hearts received the selective mitochondrial K<sub>ATP</sub> channel opener diazoxide (50 µ<i>M</i>) for 5 min. Then, all hearts were subjected to 1 h of left anterior descending coronary artery ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion. Left ventricular pressures, monophasic action potentials and coronary flow were measured throughout the experiment and infarct size was detected at the end of experiment. <i>Results:</i> (1) The mitochondria-selective K<sub>ATP</sub> channel opener diazoxide reduced infarct size as compared to control (p < 0.05); (2) IPC reduced infarct size and preserved postischemic diastolic function as compared to control (p < 0.05), and (3) the mitochondria-selective K<sub>ATP</sub> channel blocker 5-HD reversed these effects. <i>Conclusion:</i> The mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel may be a potential site of cardioprotection.
Activity Budget and Positional Behavior of the Mysore Slender Loris (Loris tardigradus lydekkerianus) : Implications for Slow Climbing Locomotion
Authors: Nekaris K.A.I. 
Published: April 2003

Both predator defense and feeding ecology models have been proposed to explain the relatively slow climbing locomotion of the Lorisinae. During a study of the socioecology of the Mysore slender loris (Loris tardigradus lydekkerianus) in Tamil Nadu, India, six categories of behavior and eleven different postures were recorded to estimate a general activity budget for the slender loris, and are examined here particularly in relation to slow climbing locomotor strategies. Reactions to potential predators are also described. The main study population was composed of 15 animals. Activity budgets were compiled in three ways: all instantaneous point samples collected over 1,173 h pooled (n = 13,717), the means of individual lorises (n = 15) and behavior at the moment of first contact (n = 357). No significant difference was found between these three data sets. Approximately 45% of the activity budget was spent in inactive behaviors including sitting vigilant, resting and sleeping. Foraging and traveling comprised nearly half the activity budget, with the rest of the time spent grooming. The most common postures assumed by lorises were sitting and quadrupedal walking. Individual lorises were relatively gregarious and spent up to half their activity budget with other animals. Unlike pottos and angwantibos, lorises did not freeze, head butt or drop from branches in reaction to potential predators, but either ignored them, fled or made loud calls. Cryptic and slow climbing locomotion were used before traveling on open ground between discontinuous substrates, thereby supporting hypotheses relating to predator pressure, and also before capturing fast moving insect prey, supporting hypotheses relating to diet. It is proposed that a divergence in foraging strategies between bushbabies and lorisines may be the best adaptive explanation for their behavioral and morphological differences, including predator defense mechanisms.
Vertex Epidural Hematoma with Communicating Bifrontal Subgaleal Hematomas Treated by Percutaneous Needle Aspiration
Authors: Strowitzki Martin , Eymann Regina , Schleifer Jochen , Steudel Wolf-Ingo 
Published: April 2003

The case of an 11-year-old boy is presented who suffered a bicycle accident with a parasagittal skull fracture, a small vertex epidural hematoma, frontal contusions and a frontal subgaleal hematoma. Enlargement of the vertex epidural hematoma was diagnosed after development of a slight paraparesis on day 11 with the aid of MRI. Three percutaneous needle aspirations of the subgaleal hematoma with a total of 59 ml being evacuated led to quick recovery and disappearance of the subgaleal as well as the vertex epidural hematoma. It is speculated that both hematomas communicated via the skull fracture thus making the evacuation of the epidural hematoma by subgaleal punctures possible.