bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Bidirectional Transfer and Fetal Vascular Pressure ChangesDue to the Presence of  125I‐Labeled Inhibin A in the ex-vivoHuman Placental Model
Authors: Bawdon Roger E. , Ghetie Victor 
Published: September 2005

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the transport of inhibin A and to determine its effects
on fetal vascular pressure at elevated levels in the human placenta using  125I
‐labeled synthetic glycoprotein.Methods: Synthetic inhibinAwas prepared and was shown to be consistent with the natural form by high‐pressure
liquid chromatography (HPLC) and molecular weight determination by gas‐chromatography mass spectrometry.
The standardized Na 125I
process yielded  125I
‐labeled inhibin A with a radioactivity of106
cpm/μg. This compound
was placed in the human placenta in maternal–fetal and fetal–maternal studies using antipyrine and  14C
‐labeled
inulin as controls to determine the bidirectional transfer of the compound.Results: Maternal–fetal and fetal–maternal clearance indices were 0.045± 0.003 and 0, respectively. In eight
placentas there was no evidence of vascular pressure changes due to the presence of up to 5000 pg of inhibin A.Conclusions: There is minimal maternal–fetal transfer and no detectable fetal–maternal transfer in normotensive
and pregnancy‐induced hypertensive placentas. In addition, there are no pressure changes in the fetal vascular
system due to the clinically significant levels of inhibin A.
Bacterial Sacroiliitis Probably Induced by Lumbar Epidural Analgesia
Authors: Edelstein Shimon , Edoute Yeouda 
Published: September 2005

Background: Properly administered, lumbar epidural analgesia provides adequate pain relief during labor and
delivery, and is considered to be a safe procedure with limited complications. The prevalence of infection after
lumbar epidural analgesia is negligible.Introduction: Infection of the sacroiliac joint, although very close to the pucture area, has never been reported as
a procedure complication.Case: In this report, we describe a patient who experienced bacterial sacroiliitis a few days after lumbar epidural
analgesia for labor. No portal of entry was identified, and we evoked a new potential risk factor that has never
been proposed before, namely lumbar epidural analgesia.Conclusion: Sacroiliitis must be considered as a rare but serious complication of lumbar epidural analgesia.
Second‐Trimester Pregnancy Loss at an Urban Hospital
Authors: Heller Debra S. , Moorehouse-Moore Charlene , Skurnick Joan , Baergen Rebecca N. 
Published: September 2005

Objectives: Second‐trimester spontaneous pregnancy losses are less common than first‐trimester losses, and are
often associated with ascending infection and/or acute chorioamnionitis. A Medline search revealed only two
large studies published in the recent literature, reporting incidences of chorioamnionitis of 39.3% and 58.2%,
respectively. These studies did not address the use of histopathology for the identification of organisms. Since
ascending infection is likely to be a significant cause of second‐trimester loss in the inner‐city population at the
University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey, we sought to evaluate the usefulness of stains for microorganisms,
which are rarely utilized on these specimens.Methods: Retrospective review of the medical records and pathologic material for cases of spontaneous
abortions seen at the University Hospital in Newark between January 1999 and March 2001 was undertaken.
Stains for microorganisms were performed on archival placental tissue for cases with histologic acute
chorioamnionitis.Results: A total of 67 cases were available for review, of which 38 cases (56.7%) showed histologic acute
chorioamnionitis, similar to the rates in one previous study, but significantly higher than those in the other
(p = 0.01). Of 25 cases with histological chorioamnionitis for which appropriate fetal material was available,
13 cases (52%) showed polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in the fetal lungs, one case (4%) showed PMNs
in the fetal stomach, and seven cases (28%) showed PMNs in both the lung and the stomach. Of the 38 cases
with chorioamnionitis, Gram stains showed Gram‐positive cocci in six cases, two of which were culture
positive for group B streptococcus. Warthin–Starry stains showed filamentous organisms consistent with
Fusobacterium sp. in the placenta in three cases.Conclusions: Acute chorioamnionitis is associated with second‐trimester pregnancy loss at this inner‐city hospital,
and may be related to the high incidence of risk factors in this population. A small proportion of cases can be further
characterized by the inclusion of Gram and Warthin–Starry stains in the evaluation. Selection of cases with
histologic acute chorioamnionitis for further study with special stains may provide additional information on the
causative organism.
Vulvovaginal Trichosporonosis
Authors: Makela Paul , Leaman Debbie , Sobel Jack D. 
Published: September 2005

Objective: Isolation of Trichosporon species from vaginal secretions is a rare event, and no data are available on
its pathogenic role. A case series is presented to determine the pathogenic role of Trichosporon species in
vulvovaginal infections.Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients seen in the W.S.U. Vaginitis Clinic in order
to identify patients from whom Trichosporon species were isolated.Results: Between 1986 and 2001, a total of 13 patients had a total of 18 positive vaginal cultures for Trichosporon species. All 18 vaginal isolates were T. inkin. In general, positive vaginal cultures were accompanied by low
yeast colony counts. Four out of 18 positive T. inkin cultures were obtained from visits by asymptomatic patients.
Of the remaining 14 positive T. inkin cultures from patients with symptoms, nine out of 14 cultures had other
diagnoses (Candida albicans, six cases; bacterial vaginosis, two cases; Trichomonas, one case). Five positive T. inkin
cultures were obtained from visits at which patients had symptoms and no associated diagnosis. In only one of the
five episodes could we establish a clear pathogenic role for Trichosporon. In this case the patient was treated with
boric acid and had resolution of symptoms and a negative culture at follow‐up. In-vitro susceptibility tests revealed
that T. inkin was resistant to flucytosine and susceptible to all topical and oral azoles.Conclusions:T. inkin is occasionally found in vulvovaginal cultures and is usually a non‐pathogen. Transient
colonization tended to occur in women, usually of African—American origin, with major perturbations in vaginal
flora (bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis) and increased pH. Pathogenic consequences of Trichosporon colonization
appear to be rare.
Toxoplasmosis‐Related Knowledge and Practices AmongPregnant Women in the United States
Authors: Jones Jeffrey L. , Ogunmodede Folashade , Scheftel Joni , Kirkland Elizabeth , Lopez Adriana , Schulkin Jay , Lynfield Ruth 
Published: September 2005

Background: Infection with Toxoplasma gondii during pregnancy can lead to severe illness in the fetus. Many
T. gondii infections are preventable by simple hygienic measures.Methods: We surveyed pregnant women in the US to determine their knowledge about toxoplasmosis and
their practices to prevent infection. Volunteer obstetricians selected to be demographically representative of the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recruited the participants.Results: Of 403 women responding to the survey, 48% indicated that they had heard or seen information about
toxoplasmosis; however, only 7% were aware of being tested for the disease. Forty percent of responding women
knew that toxoplasmosis is caused by an infection, but 21% thought that a poison causes it. The highest level of
knowledge was about cats and T. gondii ; 61% responded that the organism is shed in the feces of infected cats and
60% responded that people could acquire toxoplasmosis by changing cat litter. There was a low level of knowledge
about other risk factors; only 30% of the women were aware that T. gondii may be found in raw or undercooked
meat. Nevertheless, a high percentage of women indicated that they do not eat undercooked meat during
pregnancy and that they practice good hygienic measures such as washing their hands after handling raw meat,
gardening or changing cat litter.Conclusion: Except for the risk of transmission from cats, knowledge among pregnant women about
toxoplasmosis is low. However, toxoplasmosis‐preventive practices are generally good, suggesting that providers
should continue to offer education about practices that help prevent foodborne diseases in general as well as
information about preventing toxoplasmosis specifically.
Hypertension‐Independent Microvascular Rarefaction in the Obese Zucker Rat Model of the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: FRISBEE JEFFERSON C. 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTObjective: To test the hypothesis that reduced skeletal muscle microvessel density (MVD) in obese Zucker rats (OZR) is independent of chronic elevations in mean arterial pressure (MAP).Methods: Microvessels in cross sections of gastrocnemius muscle from lean Zucker rats (LZR) and OZR were labeled with Griffonia simplicifolia I lectin, visualized with fluorescence microscopy and vessel number within sections was determined using imaging software. Rats were used at different ages to assess correlations between the temporal development of hypertension and microvascular rarefaction. Additionally, rats were chronically treated with captopril or hydralazine as antihypertensive therapies to examine the development of microvascular rarefaction in the absence of elevated blood pressure.Results: MVD in muscle of OZR was reduced by ∼ 17% versus LZR by 10–11 weeks of age, prior to any elevation in MAP. By 15–17 weeks, OZR exhibited a ∼ 23% reduction in MVD and a ∼ 25 mmHg increase in MAP. Treatment with hydralazine prevented elevated MAP in OZR, although this was not associated with an improved MVD. Captopril treatment also prevented elevated MAP in OZR, although a partial recovery of MVD toward normal levels was observed. This observation was associated with an improved insulin resistance.Conclusions: These results suggest that microvessel rarefaction in skeletal muscle of OZR manifesting the metabolic syndrome does not depend on an elevated mean arterial pressure and that other factors associated with the metabolic syndrome, possibly insulin resistance, may underlie the progressive reduction in MVD in these animals.
L‐NAME Induces Direct Arteriolar Leukocyte Adhesion, Which Is Mainly Mediated by Angiotensin‐II
Authors: NABAH YAFA NAIM ABU , MATEO TERESA , CERDÁ‐NICOLÁS MIGUEL , ÁLVAREZ ÁNGELES , MARTINEZ MARIA , ISSEKUTZ ANDREW C. , SANZ MARIA‐JESUS 
Published: September 2005

ABSTRACTObjective: Acute inhibition (1 h) of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with L‐NAME causes leukocyte recruitment in the rat mesenteric postcapillary venules that is angiotensin‐II (Ang‐II) dependent. Since 4‐h exposure to Ang‐II provokes arteriolar leukocyte adhesion, this study was designed to investigate whether subacute (4‐h) NOS inhibition also causes this effect.Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with saline, L‐NAME, or 1H‐[1,2,4]‐oxidazolol‐[4,3‐a]‐quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ). Leukocyte accumulation in the mesenteric microcirculation was examined 4 h later via intravital microscopy. Some groups were pretreated with losartan, an AT1 Ang‐II receptor antagonist.Results: At 4‐h, L‐NAME caused a significant increase in arteriolar leukocyte adhesion and leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions in postcapillary venules. Mononuclear cells were the predominant leukocytes attached to the arteriolar endothelium. Administration of losartan inhibited L‐NAME‐induced arteriolar leukocyte adhesion by 90%. L‐NAME provoked increased expression of P‐selectin, E‐selectin, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1 in arterial endothelium, which was attenuated by losartan pretreatment. Inhibition of guanylyl cyclase with ODQ mimicked the effects exerted by L‐NAME and losartan also reduced these effects.Conclusions: NOS inhibition for 4‐h results in the attachment of leukocytes to the arterial endothelium, a critical event in disease states such as hypertension and atherosclerosis, which could be prevented by the administration of AT1Ang‐II receptor antagonists.
Much Ado about Little: The Foreign Policy of the Second Berlusconi Government
Authors: Croci Osvaldo 
Published: September 2005

SummaryThis article provides a review and an assessment of the foreign policy of the second Berlusconi government. The first section summarizes the changes Italian foreign policy underwent at the end of the Cold War. The second focuses on the question of continuity and change regarding the two traditional pillars of Italian foreign policy, the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance, during the second Berlusconi government's time in office. The article concludes that if the current government has brought changes to Italian foreign policy, they concern its tone and style more than its substance, and that the claim that Italy has embarked on a new foreign policy course is a political exaggeration.
Neuroimaging studies of brain corpus striatum changes among heroin‐dependent patients treated with herbal medicine, U'finer ™ capsule
Authors: Jia SW , Wang W , Liu Y , Wu ZM 
Published: September 2005

AbstractChronic exposure to heroin is associated with structural changes in dopaminergic (DA) neurones. The present study examined the effects of a new herbal medicine, U'finer TM capsule, on the brain corpus striatum and DA systems, comparing pre‐ and post‐ treatment in 36 heroin‐dependent patients. Neuroimaging studies were performed by using single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with 99m Tc‐TRODAT‐1 as radiotracer. The results show that U'finer TM significantly repaired the damaged bilateral corpus striatum, restoring it to a ‘panda eye? shape, analogous in size and shape to that of the healthy volunteers. DA transporter (DAT) function in the bilateral corpus striatum was restored to a normal state after recovery from neurotoxic insult. These findings suggest that U'finer TM is a reliable herbal medicine in the treatment of heroin dependency
Effects of MPEP on expression of food‐, MDMA‐ or amphetamine‐conditioned place preference in rats
Authors: Herzig Volker , Capuani Eleonora , Kovar Karl‐Artur , Schmidt Werner 
Published: September 2005

AbstractRecent studies have revealed the effectiveness of 2‐methyl‐6‐(phenylethynyl)pyridine (MPEP), a highly selective antagonist of metabotropic glutamate receptors subtype 5 (mGluR5), in conditioned drug reward. In a previous study we showed that MPEP blocks expression of context‐conditioned morphine‐ but not cocaine reward in the rat. The present study now examines the effectiveness of MPEP in the expression of context‐conditioned food, MDMA (‘ecstasy?) or amphetamine reward. Therefore, three groups of rats were conditioned either to food, MDMA or amphetamine in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. After conditioning, CPP expression and locomotion were determined simultaneously in the presence and absence of the respective reward (i.e. food or drug), or after application of 50?mg/kg MPEP (the dose that was most effective in reducing morphine CPP expression in our previous study). As a result, MPEP reduced locomotion in all groups. Furthermore, only expression of amphetamine CPP was inhibited by MPEP, while expression of food and MDMA CPP was not affected, suggesting that the MPEP‐induced inhibition of amphetamine CPP expression was not causally linked to the reduction of locomotion. Overall, we conclude that MPEP reduces expression of context‐conditioned amphetamine but not MDMA or food reward.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of naltrexone in the treatment of alcohol dependence in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Ming‐Chyi , Chen Chun‐Hsin , Yu Jeng‐Ming , Chen Chiao‐Chicy 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of naltrexone in Taiwanese Han males with alcohol dependence. In conjunction with limited supportive psychotherapy, 40 alcoholic patients, who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual version III revised (DSM‐III‐R) criteria for alcohol dependence, were assigned to a randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial of naltrexone hydrochloride (50?mg/day) for 14 weeks following alcohol detoxification. Among recruited patients, 45% (n = 9/20) of the naltrexone‐treated subjects and 35% (n = 7/20) of the placebo‐treated subjects dropped out (p = 0.374). The relapse rates between the two groups were not significant (p = 0.671). Subjects taking naltrexone reported less alcohol craving compared with placebo‐treated subjects. In support of previous reports, the present results suggest that naltrexone may be safe and effective in craving reduction in alcohol‐dependent subjects.
Oxcarbazepine versus carbamazepine in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal
Authors: Schik G , Wedegaertner FR , Liersch J , Hoy L , Emrich HM , Schneider U 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIn a single‐blinded and randomized pilot study efficacy and tolerability of oxcarbazepine versus carbamazepine were investigated in 29 patients during therapy of alcohol withdrawal. No initial differences were found regarding sociodemographic data and alcohol‐related parameters, indicating successful randomization. The oxcarbazepine group showed a significant decrease of withdrawal symptoms and reported significantly less ‘craving for alcohol? compared to the carbamazepine group. Subjectively experienced side effects, normalization of vegetative parameters and improvement in the cognitive processing speed did not reveal differences for both groups. Therefore, oxcarbazepine might be an interesting alternative to carbamazepine, and having almost no addictive potential, no clinically relevant interaction with alcohol and no prominent sedatory effect, possibly also to other drugs such as benzodiazepines or clomethiazole, in the treatment of alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
Polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene and response to treatment in African American cocaine and alcohol‐abusing individuals
Authors: Mannelli Paolo , Patkar Ashwin , Murray Heather , Certa Kenneth , Peindl Kathleen , Mattila‐Evenden Marja , Berrettini Wade 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe serotonin transporter (5‐HTT) regulates serotonin transmission and modulates behavioral effects of drug of abuse. A polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTTLPR) yielding a short (S) and long (L) allele has been associated with severity of substance abuse. The aims of the study were to investigate whether 5‐HTTLPR genotypes differed in their response to treatment in cocaine‐ and alcohol‐abusing patients. Polymerase chain reaction‐based genotyping of a 44 base pair insertion/deletion polymorphism was performed in 141 African American cocaine‐dependent patients with concurrent alcohol use who were entering a 12‐week behaviorally oriented outpatient treatment program. In treatment, end of treatment and 6‐month follow‐up outcome measures included changes in Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores, urine drug screens, days in treatment, individual/group sessions, dropout and completion rates. As expected, there was a reduction in substance abuse by the end of treatment and follow‐up (F = 5.15, p = 0.000). However, there were no differences in the reduction in cocaine use across the LL, LS and SS genotypes. Interestingly, individuals with the S allele showed greater severity of alcohol use at admission (F = 4.84, p = 0.03), and the SS genotype showed less improvement in alcohol measures than the LL at follow‐up (F = 3.68, p = 0.03), after controlling for baseline variables. While we found no association of the 5‐HTTLPR variants with severity of cocaine abuse or any cocaine‐related outcome measures, the data suggested that the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism may distinguish responders from non‐responders to behavioral treatment in terms of alcohol use. Further investigations are required to determine the role of the 5‐HTTLPR polymorphism in influencing treatment – outcome among substance abusers.
Post‐Operative Radiotherapy for Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Anterior Compartment of the Thigh: Should the Sartorius Muscle be Included?
Authors: Barnett Gillian C. , Hoole Andrew C. F. , Twyman Nicola , Jefferies Sarah J. , Burnet Neil G. 
Published: September 2005

Purpose: The clinical target volume (CTV) of post‐operative radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma of the limbs
conventionally includes the whole of the transverse cross‐section of the affected anatomical compartment. In the anterior
thigh sartorius appears to lie within its own fascial compartment and can be safely excluded. We investigated the potential
impact of omitting sartorius from the anterior muscle compartment on patients with soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh.Patients and methods:We used the planning CT data from six patients who had previously received post‐operative
radiotherapy for soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh. The anterior compartments were outlined twice, initially including and
then excluding the sartorius muscle. The volumes of the anterior compartment (i.e., the CTVs), both with and without
sartorius, and the corresponding planning target volumes (PTVs) were calculated. Treatment plans were prepared for each
PTV. For both volumes the unirradiated normal tissue corridor was outlined on each CT slice. The volume and
circumference of the unirradiated corridor were then calculated.Results: For all six patients there was an important improvement in normal tissue sparing by excluding sartorius. The
mean reduction in volume of the anterior compartment when sartorius was excluded was 10% (95% Confidence Interval
8–12%), whilst the mean decrease in PTV was 11% (95% CI 7–14%). There was a substantial increase in the volume of the
unirradiated normal tissue corridor, with a mean value of 77% (95% CI 41–114%) when sartorius was excluded.
In addition, the percentage increase in the size of the unirradiated normal tissue corridor, expressed as a percentage of
the whole leg circumference, was 10% (95% CI 8–13%). When sartorius was included in the anterior compartment,
the circumference of the unirradiated corridor was less than one‐third of the whole leg circumference in four of the six
patients. When sartorius was excluded, the circumference of the unirradiated corridor was greater than one‐third of the leg
circumference over the entire length of the target volume in all patients.Discussion: It is essential to know the anatomy of the sartorius muscle to be able to exclude it from the anterior
compartment. The increase in the size of the normal tissue corridor when sartorius is excluded should deliver clinical
advantage by decreasing the normal tissue adverse effects.