bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Nicorandil Administration on Survival Rate and Arrhythmias during Reperfusion in Anesthetized Rabbits
Authors: Das Biswadeep , Sarkar Chayna , Karanth K. Sudhakar 
Published: April 2003

The aim was to study the effects of nicorandil (an ATP-sensitive K<sup>+</sup> channel opener) and tolbutamide (an ATP-sensitive K<sup>+</sup> channel blocker) on reperfusion-induced arrhythmias in pentobarbitone and ketamine anesthetized rabbits. Arrhythmias were induced by reperfusion for 20 min following a 15-min ligation of the left main coronary artery with a silk ligature. Rabbits were pretreated with nicorandil (0.47, 0.93 or 1.86 mg/kg i.v.) or tolbutamide (180 mg/kg i.p.) or vehicle (dimethylsulfoxide/saline) before the coronary artery occlusion. In the control group (n = 10), only 60% of the animals survived during reperfusion. Intravenous pretreatment with 0.47, 0.93 or 1.86 mg/kg of nicorandil increased the survival rate to 86% (n = 7), 75% (n = 8) and 86% (n = 7), respectively. Nicorandil pretreatment significantly decreased the incidence and duration of reperfusion-induced life-threatening arrhythmias and increased the number of animals that survived without developing any arrhythmia. Tolbutamide pretreatment was associated with a decreased survival rate of 50% (n = 12) and an increase in the incidence and duration of reperfusion-induced arrhythmias. Pretreatment with nicorandil may result in protection against reperfusion-induced arrhythmias and increased survival in anesthetized rabbits.
Effect of Hexasulfobutylated C<sub>60</sub> on the Isolated Aortic Ring of Guinea Pig
Authors: Huang Shiang Suo , Mashino Tadahiko , Mochizuki Masataka , Chiang Long Y. , Chih Lan Hui , Hsieh Hung Ming , Teng Chen Ming , Okuda Kensuke , Hirota Takasi , Tsai Ming Cheng 
Published: April 2003

The effects of hexasulfobutylated C<sub>60</sub> (FC<sub>4</sub>S) and monomalonic acid C<sub>60</sub> (MMA C<sub>60</sub>), the fullerene C<sub>60</sub> derivatives, on isolated endothelium-containing or endothelium-denuded aorta of guinea pig were studied pharmacologically in vitro. In the endothelium-containing preparation of the aortic rings, phenylephrine (PHE) elicited contracture and acetylcholine (ACh) elicited a relaxing effect on the PHE-precontracted preparation. In the PHE-precontracted preparation, MMA C<sub>60</sub> (10 µmol/l) did not elicit a relaxing effect on the PHE-precontracted preparation. However, MMA C<sub>60</sub> (10 µmol/l) significantly reduced the maximum response of the relaxation elicited by ACh. FC<sub>4</sub>S itself significantly relaxed the PHE-precontracted aortic rings. ACh-induced relaxation in PHE-precontracted endothelium-containing strips of the aortic rings was significantly potentiated if pretreated with FC<sub>4</sub>S (10 µmol/l). In the denuded aortic rings, FC<sub>4</sub>S did not elicit the relaxing effect in the PHE-precontracted preparation. The relaxing effect of FC<sub>4</sub>S on the PHE-precontracted preparation was not altered when superoxide dismutase (250 units/ml) was pretreated. However, the relaxing effect was reduced when N(G)-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine methyl ester (<i>L</i>-NAME, 1 mmol/l) or methylene blue (1 µmol/l) was pretreated. These results demonstrated that the vasorelaxation effect of FC<sub>4</sub>S on the PHE-precontracted aortic ring is partly dependent on the release of nitric oxide (NO) or an NO-derived substance from the vascular endothelium.
Diminished Inibitory Action of Ethanol on the Contraction of Gallbladder Isolated from Chronically Ethanol-Fed Guinea Pigs
Authors: Masui Hidehisa , Wakabayashi Ichiro , Siogawa Kenichi , Koizumi Naoko 
Published: April 2003

Ethanol is known to decrease the gallbladder contractility. The purpose of this study was to clarify the mechanism of tolerance to the inhibitory action of ethanol on the gallbladder contractility. Male guinea pigs were fed ethanol (3%) or calorie-matched sucrose in the drinking water for 4 weeks. Then, the gallbladder was isolated, and its isometric tension was measured. The contractile responses to KCl, BAY K8644, histamine, and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate in the normal medium were not different between the gallbladder strips from ethanol-fed and control guinea pigs. Ethanol at 25 mmol/l in vitro did not affect the contractile responses to KCl and BAY K8644 in the gallbladder strips from both ethanol-fed and control guinea pigs. On the other hand, ethanol at 25 mmol/l in vitro significantly inhibited the contractile responses to histamine and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate in the gallbladder strips from the control guinea pigs, but it did not affect the contractile response to histamine and significantly augmented that to phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate in the strips from the ethanol-fed guinea pigs. Diphenhydramine, a selective H<sub>1</sub> receptor antagonist, abolished the histamine contraction in gallbladder strips from both control and ethanol-fed guinea pigs, while cimetidine, a selective H<sub>2</sub> receptor antagonist, did not affect histamine contraction, implying that histamine-induced contraction of guinea pig gallbladders is mediated only by H<sub>1</sub> receptors. Verapamil (1 µmol/l) completely inhibited the phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate-induced contraction of the strips from both ethanol-fed and control guinea pigs. The histamine-induced contraction was partly inhibited in the absence of Ca<sup>2+</sup> in the medium. In the gallbladder strips from both ethanol-fed and control guinea pigs, ethanol at 25 mmol/ in vitro did not affect the histamine-induced contraction in the absence of extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup>. Tolerance to the inhibitory action of ethanol developed selectively on contractile responses to histamine and phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate. Chronic ethanol administration produces tolerance to in vitro gallbladder contractility mediated by the Ca<sup>2+</sup> entry through L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels linked with protein kinase C activation.
Developmental Trends in Voice Onset Time: Some Evidence for Sex Differences
Authors: Whiteside S.P. , Marshall J. 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
This study reports on an investigation into the voice onset time (VOT) patterns of the plosives /p b t d/ in a group of 30 children aged 7 (n = 10), 9 (n = 10) and 11 (n = 10) years. Equal numbers of girls and boys participated in the study. Each child named a series of letter objects to elicit /p b t d/ in a syllable onset position with a fixed vowel context. VOT data were examined for age, sex and plosive differences with the following hypotheses: Firstly, that there would be sex differences in the VOT patterns of preadolescent children. Secondly, that the sex differences in VOT patterns would be linked to age and development, and that these would eventually become marked by the age of 11 years, by which time adult-like VOT values should have been achieved. Finally, that the extent of sex and age differences would be dependent upon the plosive being investigated. Results indicated patterns of decrease with age in the VOT values of /p b/ for the boys, with some evidence of increases in the VOT values of /t/ for the girls. In addition, ‘voiced’ and ‘voiceless’ cognates showed a more marked bimodal distribution in the girls‘ VOT patterns. This bimodal distribution was investigated by examining the degree of difference between the VOT values of voiced and voiceless cognate pairs /p b/ and /t d/, and examining the effects of age, sex and cognate pair. These results indicated that more marked sex differences in the ‘voiced’/‘voiceless’ contrast emerged between the data of the 9- and 11-year-olds, a pattern, which was more marked for the alveolar plosives. These preliminary results confirmed all three hypotheses. The findings are presented and discussed both within a developmental and sociophonetic framework.
Short-Term Group Therapy for Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Söderberg Stina , Evengård Birgitta 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> This study presents experiences of focused short-term group therapy for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). <i>Methods:</i> Fourteen women diagnosed as CFS patients were randomly placed into two groups. The control group received group therapy 5 months after the first group. The project consisted of 10 group sessions of 1.5 h per week. Sense of coherence (SOC) was used for measuring coping resources, and self-rating scales of quality of life and of fatigue were compared before and after group therapy. <i>Results: </i>The most valuable aspect was the sharing of experiences. More than half of the patients also felt that the sessions had improved psychological well-being through adjustment of ambitions and improved coping with symptoms. <i>Conclusion:</i> The study encourages further research. If group therapy is chosen as treatment for these patients, a longer period is recommended. A possible alternative is individualized short-term therapy adapted to each patient’s needs, problems and circumstances.
Immunomodulation Induced by Avène Spring Water on Th1- and Th2-Dependent Cytokine Production in Healthy Subjects and Atopic Dermatitis Patients
Authors: Portalès P. , Ariès M.-F. , Licu D. , Pinton J. , Hernandez-Pion C. , Gall Y. , Dupuy P. , Charveron M. , Clot J. 
Published: April 2003

Avène spring water (ASW) is commonly used in France for treating atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Previous works demonstrated modulation of cell membrane fluidity by ASW. The aims of the present study were (a) to investigate a possible in vitro effect of ASW on Th1- and Th2-dependent cytokine production using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals and (b) to investigate both the in vitro effect of ASW on AD patients’ cells and the in vivo cellular and clinical modifications induced by a 3-week Avène Medical Spa water cure (AMSWC). The effect of ASW was tested on lymphocyte cultures, which were stimulated in vitro by various mitogens and a superantigen of staphylococcal origin. The lymphocyte proliferation and the production of the cytokines IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ were tested. The results showed that ASW-containing medium enhanced the lymphoproliferative response to some mitogens. IL-2 and IFN-γ production were also increased in stimulated culture supernatants. Conversely, ASW-containing medium induced a decrease in IL-4 production by normal peripheral blood lymphocytes. Furthermore, AMSWC was able to amend the clinical features as well as the immunological Th2 profile of atopic dermatitis.
In vivo Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Brain Tumors
Authors: Fountas Kostas N. , Kapsalaki Effie Z. , Gotsis Stathis D. , Kapsalakis John Z. , Smisson III Hugh F. , Johnston Kim W. , Robinson Jr. Joe Sam , Papadakis Nicholas 
Published: April 2003

The ability of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to differentiate neoplastic brain cells and their metabolic and structural characteristics is evaluated. We examined 120 patients with brain tumors using a 1.5-tesla MRI unit and MRS. The peak areas of N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), phosphocreatine-creatine (Pcr-Cr), choline-containing compounds (Cho), lactate, lipids, myoinositol, amino acids and the ratios of NAA/Pcr-Cr, NAA/Cho and Cho/Pcr-Cr were calculated by a standard integral algorithm. In normal brain tissue, the following metabolites were identified: NAA at 2.0 ppm, Pcr-Cr at 3.0 ppm and Cho at 3.2 ppm. The different concentrations of the metabolites examined and their role in the biochemical profile of different types of tumors are discussed. The confidence interval of the MRS versus pathology was between 0.9 and 0.954, while it was between 0.52 and 0.631 for MRI versus pathology. The Cho/Pcr-Cr ratio is a very important malignancy marker for histologic tumor grading of astrocytomas. The greater this ratio, the higher the grade of the astrocytoma. NAA/Pcr-Cr together with Cho/Pcr-Cr help specify the presence or absence of a neoplasm. Proton MRS is a useful and promising diagnostic modality not only in diagnosing but also in grading solid brain tumors.
Expression of Transcription Factors in the Brain of Rats with Perinatal Asphyxia
Authors: Lubec B. , Labudova O. , Hoeger H. , Kirchner L. , Lubec G. 
Published: April 2003

No information is available on transcription factors (TF), the main regulators of gene expression, in perinatal asphyxia (PA), and as pathomechanisms in PA are different, data on TFs from ischemia or hypoxia cannot be simply extrapolated to PA, and no studies have been reported to show an expressional pattern or the concerted action of TFs. We, therefore, used a gene-hunting technique, subtractive hybridization, to show sequences different in brains of normoxic and perinatally asphyxiated (10 and 20 min of asphyxia) rats. These subtracted sequences were identified by gene bank and assigned to individual genes. At 10 min of PA the TFs NFI/CAAT-binding protein, NF-kappa-B p65, N-myc, basic helix loop helix protein D82868, and c-myc intron binding protein were upregulated. At 20 min of PA the TFs SOX4 and neuronal death factor were upregulated, whereas the TFs c-maf, PEBP major transcription factor, brn-2, homeodomain protein Af004431, and zinc finger transcriptional factor M65008 were downregulated. The biological meaning of our findings is the demonstration of a pathophysiological pattern of TFs including POU, zinc finger, homeodomain, and basic helix-loop helix motifs in PA, proposing pathomechanisms for brain damage from PA, explaining transcriptional changes in general (as, e.g., NF-kappa-B p65, etc.) or in specific terms (as, e.g., neuronal death factor).
Relationship between Whole-Body Protein Turnover and Serum Creatinine in Chronically Uremic Patients
Authors: Biolo Gianni , Toigo Gabriele , Ciocchi Beniamino , Morena Gianpaolo , Situlin Roberta , Vasile Alfonso , Carraro Michele , Faccini Luigi , Guarnieri Gianfranco 
Published: April 2003

To investigate the relationship between decline in renal function and alterations of protein metabolism we determined the rate of whole-body protein turnover in a group of 15 postabsorptive chronically uremic patients (9 males and 6 females) with different levels of serum creatinine concentrations (average 5.7 ± 0.4 (SE) mg·dl<sup>–1</sup>; range 3.3–9.1). Patients’ age and body mass index were 53 ± 4 years (range 26–73) and 24.7 ± 0.6 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (range 20.3–28.7), respectively. Nutritional status (plasma albumin 3.6 ± 0.4 g·dl<sup>–1</sup>) and acid-base equilibrium (arterial pH 7.38 ± 0.01) were fairly controlled by therapy. Whole-body leucine rate of appearance (Ra), an index of whole-body protein turnover, was assessed using a stable isotope technique. <i>L</i>-[1-<sup>13</sup>C]leucine was continuously infused and plasma [1-<sup>13</sup>C]α-ketoisocaproic acid enrichment was determined in steady-state conditions as a marker of the intracellular leucine enrichment. The average leucine Ra was 2.03 ± 0.13 µmol·kg<sup>–1</sup>·min<sup>–1</sup> (range 1.29–3.19). Using simple linear regression analysis, the coefficient of correlation between the individual values of serum creatinine concentration and leucine Ra was 0.59 (n = 15; p = 0.02). Leucine Ra did not significantly correlate with blood pH or plasma albumin. In conclusion, we found a positive linear relationship between the values of plasma creatinine concentration and the rate of whole-body protein degradation. This correlation suggests that the progression of renal insufficiency is associated with accelerated rates of turnover of body proteins.
Solute-Free versus Electrolyte-Free Water Clearance in the Analysis of Osmoregulation
Authors: Shimizu Kurakazu , Kurosawa Takeshi , Sanjo Teizo , Hoshino Masanobu , Nonaka Tatsuya 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Although attention has recently focused on electrolyte-free water clearance (E-C<sub>H2</sub>O) as a replacement for solute-free water clearance (C<sub>H2</sub>O), especially from the viewpoint of plasma sodium regulation, a thorough comparison of the two has yet to be conducted. <i>Methods:</i> C<sub>H2</sub>O and E-C<sub>H2</sub>O were systematically compared in normal subjects in different diuretic stages, including furosemide-induced solute diuresis, and in patients with renal disease. <i>Results:</i> The normal renal ability to conserve free water based on E-C<sub>H2</sub>O was only 41% of that based on C<sub>H2</sub>O. E-C<sub>H2</sub>O remained positive until the urinary osmolality exceeded 500 mosm/kg H<sub>2</sub>O, markedly different from the 300 mosm/kg H<sub>2</sub>O for C<sub>H2</sub>O. The difference between E-C<sub>H2</sub>O and C<sub>H2</sub>O could ultimately be attributed to urea osmolar clearance, i.e., urea excretion rate/plasma osmolality, which accounted for about 40% of the osmolar clearance. C<sub>H2</sub>O underestimated the free water clearance by about 1 ml/min on average at all diuretic stages. <i>Conclusions:</i> E-C<sub>H2</sub>O is a more correct parameter than C<sub>H2</sub>O with regard to the regulation of both plasma sodium and plasma osmolality. However, there is the opinion that the concept of E-C<sub>H2</sub>O is difficult to understand and that E-C<sub>H2</sub>O is still not a generally accepted parameter. It is expected that the results of the present study will lead to more general acceptance.
Pericarditis due to Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Brook Itzhak 
Published: April 2003

This review describes the microbiology, diagnosis and management of pericarditis due to anaerobic bacteria. The predominant anaerobes recovered from patients with pericarditis were: gram-negative bacilli (mostly of the <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i> group), anaerobic streptococci, <i>Clostridium</i> spp., <i>Fusobacterium</i> spp., and <i>Bifidobacterium</i> spp. Anaerobic bacteria can be isolated in pericarditis resulting from the following mechanisms: (1) spread from a contiguous focus of infection, either de novo or after surgery or trauma (pleuropulmonary, esophageal fistula or perforation, and odontogenic); (2) spread from a focus of infection within the heart, most commonly from endocarditis; (3) hematogenous infection, and (4) direct inoculation as a result of a penetrating injury or cardiothoracic surgery. No differences were found in the clinical diagnostic features between cases of pericarditis due to anaerobic bacteria and those due to aerobic and facultative bacteria. Anaerobic gram-negative bacilli have increased their resistance to penicillins and other antimicrobials in the last decade. Complete identification and testing for antimicrobial susceptibility and lactamase production are therefore essential for the management of infections caused by these bacteria. Treatment of pericarditis involving anaerobic bacteria includes the use of antibiotic therapy effective against these organisms.
Obstructive Jaundice Alters CD44 Expression in Rat Small Intestine
Authors: Sheen-Chen Shyr-Ming , Ho Hsin-Tsung , Chen Wei-Jen , Eng Hock-Liew , Wu Chih-Hsiung 
Published: April 2003

<i>Hypothesis:</i> CD44 is an adhesion molecule expressed by neutrophils, lymphocytes and epithelial cells. CD44 is involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix binding. In addition to lymphocyte trafficking, CD44 also plays a crucial role in the maintenance of intestinal villus integrity. We hypothesize that obstructive jaundice may alter CD44 expression in the rat small intestine and oral glutamine intake can restore the altered CD44 expression in the small intestine of the rat undergoing obstructive jaundice. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> In a prospective animal model study at a university hospital, 41 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to 4 groups. Group A (n = 13, control) underwent a sham operation. Group B (n = 12, obstructive jaundice for 1 week) underwent common bile duct ligation. Group C (n = 8, obstructive jaundice for 2 weeks) underwent common bile duct ligation. Group D (n = 8, obstructive jaundice for 2 weeks) underwent common bile duct ligation with oral glutamine intake daily. After 1 and 2 weeks, segments of the proximal jejunum and distal ileum were harvested from groups A and B and groups C and D, respectively. Immunohistochemical expression of CD44 on the cell surface was then evaluated and recorded. Comparisons among the 4 groups were performed. <i>Results:</i> In the 1-week obstructive jaundice group, 173.8 ± 24.0 cells/1,000 enterocytes of the proximal jejunum expressed surface CD44, while 137.0 ± 13.8 cells were stained in the control group (p < 0.001). In the 1-week obstructive jaundice group, 169.8 ± 20.7 cells/1,000 enterocytes of the distal ileum expressed surface CD44, while 119.5 ± 20.8 cells were stained in the control group (p < 0.001). In the 2-week obstructive jaundice group, the number of cells expressing surface CD44 were significantly decreased both in jejunum (112.1 ± 17.0, p = 0.002) and ileum (100.1 ± 12.5, p = 0.028) when compared with those of the control group. With daily oral glutamine intake in group D, the number of cells expressing surface CD44 in the jejunum (149.3 ± 29.7) was restored to that of the control group (p = 0.302) and the number of cells expressing surface CD44 in the ileum (140.4 ± 23.0) was even higher than that of the control group (p = 0.045). <i>Conclusion:</i> Obstructive jaundice for 1 week initially upgraded CD44 expression in the rat small intestine and the CD44 expression later became significantly depressed after obstructive jaundice for 2 weeks. Oral glutamine intake daily could effectively restore the CD44 expression in the small intestine of the rat undergoing obstructive jaundice for 2 weeks.
Suppression of Puberty in Girls with Short-Acting Intranasal versus Subcutaneous Depot GnRH Agonist
Authors: Tuvemo Torsten , Gustafsson Jan , Proos Lemm A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> Central precocious puberty (CPP) is more common in females than in males. During the last few decades a new group of patients with CPP has been seen frequently in Northern Europe, namely children adopted from developing countries. GnRH analogue preparations, administered either as intranasal spray or as depot preparations, are the drugs of choice for inhibiting the release of gonadotropins. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of buserelin given by intranasal spray with that of the same compound given as a subcutaneous depot preparation. <i>Methods:</i> The study group comprised 46 pubertal girls below the age of 9.5 years, adopted from a developing country. During the first 2 years, the treatment used was buserelin acetate 300 µg 6 times daily as a nasal spray. During the third year the treatment was changed to Suprefact Depot, 6.3 mg, given as a subcutaneous implant every 8 weeks. Half of the girls were randomized to growth hormone treatment in addition to the pubertal inhibition. <i>Results:</i> GnRH provocation tests after 6 weeks, 1 year and 2 years of treatment with intranasal GnRH analogue showed suppression of gonadotropin secretion except in 1 case of noncompliance. During the third year, when the long-acting depot preparation was used, suppression was more pronounced. The peak LH response, especially, was considerably lower than during treatment with the nasal spray preparation. In all cases the clinical inhibition of puberty was adequate both during the first two years and during the third year. <i>Conclusion:</i> Even though the clinical suppression of puberty was adequate with both modes of administration, the effect of the depot preparation, in this study Suprefact Depot, was more pronounced in terms of gonadotropin suppression and less dependent on patient compliance.