bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonnutritive Sucking during Heelstick Procedures Decreases Behavioral Distress in the Newborn Infant
Authors: Corbo M.G. , Mansi G. , Stagni A. , Romano A. , van den Heuvel J. , Capasso L. , Raffio T. , Zoccali S. , Paludetto R. 
Published: April 2003

We investigated if nonnutritive sucking (NNS) during heelstick procedures alleviates behavioral distress in neonates. In our NICU, 26 neonates without severe complications (mean Minde score 0.8, range 0–3), undergoing heelstick procedures at least twice a day, in the first 2 weeks of life, were enrolled in the trial (mean gestational age 33.9 weeks, range 26–39 weeks, mean birth weight 1,988.5 g, range 1,200–4,010 g, mean Apgar score at the first minute 6.7, range 4–10, at the fifth minute 8.5, range 6–10). Two heelpricks were performed in each neonate with NNS randomly assigned. Behavioral states, transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO<sub>2</sub>), heart rate, and respiratory rate were monitored before, during and after the heelstick procedures. Heelstick procedures lasted for a mean of 109 s (range 50–230 s) with NNS, and a mean of 128.8 s (range 20–420 s) without NNS. Compared with baseline, heart rate and behavioral distress increased and respiratory rate decreased during heelstick and after heelstick. Oxygen tension did not change. Nonnutritive sucking had no effect on respiratory rate or transcutaneous oxygen tension, but reduced the time of crying and the heart rate increase during the procedure. In conclusion, NNS can be recommended to reduce distress in newborns undergoing invasive routine procedures. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of NNS on respiratory rate and blood gas levels.
Bioactive Transforming Growth Factor-Beta in the Lungs of Extremely Low Birthweight Neonates Predicts the Need for Home Oxygen Supplementation
Authors: Lecart C. , Cayabyab R. , Buckley S. , Morrison J. , Kwong K.Y. , Warburton D. , Ramanathan R. , Jones C.A. , Minoo P. 
Published: April 2003

Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is a peptide implicated in tissue injury and repair but its role in the premature human lung remains unclear. In the present study, we used a TGF-β responsive-promoter-luciferase construct in mink lung epithelial cells to quantify levels of biologically active TGF-β (BA-TGF-β) in the endotracheal aspirate (ETA) fluid from 16 extremely low birthweight neonates [6 M/10 F, mean GA 26 weeks (range 23–30), mean BW 774 g (range 555–1,075)]. ETA fluid was obtained on day 1 and then every 4 days up to 32 days. BA-TGF-β levels were low (92 ± 19 pg/ml) in the first 24 h of life and then increased 5- to 10-fold with peak BA-TGF-β levels (400 ± 50 pg/ml) on day 20–25. BA-TGF-β levels were higher in male than female infants (p = 0.0056). Prenatal steroids decreased significantly the amount of BA-TGF-β recovered. High initial levels of BA-TGF-β persisted over time and were predictive of the need for oxygen therapy at home. We conclude that abundant BA- TGF-β is present in the lungs of preterm infants and speculate that it may be involved in inflammatory and repair processes encountered in acute and chronic lung disease.
Effects of Anti-CD18 Monoclonal Antibody, R15.7, on the Cardiopulmonary Manifestations of Group B Streptococcal Sepsis in Piglets
Authors: Bandel Jack W. , Goldberg Ronald N. , Suguihara Cleide , Nagoshi Ren , Martinez Octavio , Rothlein Robert , Ruiz Phillip , Bancalari Eduardo 
Published: April 2003

We hypothesized that anti-CD18 monoclonal antibody, R15.7, a murine IgG<sub>1</sub> antibody which blocks leukocyte-endothelial cell adherence, might ameliorate the cardiopulmonary manifestations of sepsis secondary to group B streptococci (GBS). Twenty-six anesthetized, mechanically ventilated newborn piglets received a continuous infusion of GBS (7.5 × 10<sup>9</sup> cfu/kg/min) and were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving R15.7 (1 mg/kg i.v.) 15 min prior to GBS infusion or to a control group. Cardiopulmonary measurements, arterial blood gases and peripheral blood leukocytes were obtained over 120 min of R15.7 infusion. GBS infusion caused significant increases in pulmonary artery and systemic arterial blood (Psa) pressures, pulmonary vascular (PVR) and systemic vascular (SVR) resistances, and PVR/SVR ratio with decreases in cardiac output and stroke volume. R15.7-treated piglets maintained significantly higher Psa (p < 0.003), dynamic lung compliance (p < 0.04), PaO<sub>2</sub> and pH (p < 0.05), and lower total lung resistance (p < 0.01) and PaCO<sub>2</sub> (p < 0.04). A longer median survival time was observed in the treatment group (p < 0.01). These data suggest that administration of a CD18-blocking agent prolongs survival in a young animal model of GBS sepsis, possibly secondary to improved tissue perfusion, lung mechanics and acid-base status.
Biphasic Response of the Ductus arteriosus to Combined Administration of Indomethacin and <i>L</i>-NAME in Fetal Rats
Authors: Takizawa Tatsuya , Horikoshi Emiko , Kamata Akira 
Published: April 2003

We studied the combined effects of indomethacin, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and N<sup>G</sup>-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine methyl ester (<i>L</i>-NAME), a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor, on the patency of the ductus arteriosus (DA) in fetal rats. Pregnant rats were administered indomethacin (3 mg/kg) orally 3 h before cesarean section, and then <i>L</i>-NAME (5 and 50 mg/kg), <i>D</i>-NAME, an enantiomer of <i>L</i>-NAME (50 mg/kg), or methylene blue, a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor (100 mg/kg), was injected intraperitoneally at various times before the cesarean section. Using rapid freezing and shaving methods, the calibers of the DA were measured. Compared with the indomethacin alone group, <i>L</i>-NAME caused a rapid and marked increase in the DA caliber 0.5 h after injection in fetal rats in which the DA was constricted by treatment with indomethacin. Subsequently, the transient ductal dilatation was completely reversed by 3 h after the <i>L</i>-NAME injection. Methylene blue also caused a biphasic response, but <i>D</i>-NAME did not affect the DA caliber. We conclude that the inhibition of both cyclooxygenase (indomethacin) and NO synthase (<i>L</i>-NAME) or NO action (methylene blue) causes a biphasic effect on the DA caliber in fetal rats.
Assignment of a novel bifurcated SET domain gene, SETDB1, to human chromosome band 1q21 by in situ hybridization and radiation hybrids
Authors: Harte P.J. , Wu W. , Carrasquillo M.M. , Matera A.G. 
Published: April 2003

We have identified a human gene encoding an unusual bifurcated SET domain protein containing a large “insertion” between the most highly conserved parts of the SET domain. The existence of an evolutionarily related <i>C. elegans</i> gene encoding a similarly bifurcated SET domain suggests that SET domains may generally be composed of two functionally distinct subdomains. We mapped this gene, called SETDB1, to human chromosome 1q21. This region is targeted by a large number of recurrent translocations, suggesting that like the SET domain protein MLL, mutant forms of SETDB1 may be associated with human neoplasias.
Comparative chromosome analysis (R- and C-bands) of two South African murid species, <i>Lemniscomys rosalia</i> and <i>Rhabdomys pumilio</i> (Rodentia, Murinae)
Authors: Ducroz J.-F. , Granjon L. , Lombard M. , Volobouev V. 
Published: April 2003

We carried out a comparative chromosome analysis (R- and C-bands) on two South African murid rodent species, <i>Lemniscomys rosalia</i> and <i>Rhabdomys pumilio,</i> whose banded karyotypes are reported here for the first time. The study revealed that, in spite of minor differences in diploid number and the number of autosomal arms (48 vs. 46 and 58 vs. 60, respectively), these species differ by at least 10 structural rearrangements, comprising seven Robertsonian translocations (two of which share monobrachial homology), two tandem translocations, and one pericentric inversion. Despite the high level of chromosomal differentiation observed, almost complete homologous banding patterns were detected between the two species. The present study therefore strengthens the hypothesis about the close phylogenetic affinities between <i>L. rosalia</i> and <i>R. pumilio</i> and their belonging to a set of genera referred to as “arvicanthine” rodents.
The integrin α10 subunit: expression pattern, partial gene structure, and chromosomal localization
Authors: Lehnert K. , Ni J. , Leung E. , Gough S. , Morris C.M. , Liu D. , Wang S.-X. , Langley R. , Krissansen G.W. 
Published: April 2003

Herein we report the cloning of cDNAs and incompletely processed hnRNAs from endothelia and heart that encode the α10 subunit forming part of the novel collagen type II-binding integrin α10β1 of chondrocytes. Analysis of hnRNA clones and reported expressed sequence tags revealed the positions of 17 putative intron-exon splice junctions shared with those of the p150,95 (ITGAX) gene. Human α10 transcripts of 5.4 and 1.8 kb were not restricted to chondrocytes but, instead, were widely expressed in a panel of 24 tissue types, where the highest expression was found in muscle and heart. The human α10 subunit gene (ITGA10) was localized to band q21 of chromosome 1.
Frequency and Determinants of Microembolic Signals on Transcranial Doppler in Unselected Patients with Acute Carotid Territory Ischemia
Authors: Koennecke Hans-Christian , Mast Henning , Trocio Jr. Samuel H. , Sacco Ralph L. , Ma Weidong , Mohr Jay P. , Thompson John L.P. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background and Purpose:</b> Few data exist regarding to the occurrence of microembolic high-intensity transient signals (HITS) on transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) in unselected acute stroke patients. The aim of this study was to investigate prospectively the frequency and determinants of HITS in acute carotid territory ischemia. We hypothesized that carotid artery disease, cardiac abnormalities, and nonlacunar infarcts were independent predictors of HITS in acute stroke. <b>Methods:</b> We investigated 145 consecutive patients with acute internal carotid artery territory ischemia. The median time interval between stroke and TCD examination was 2 days. TCD monitoring was performed for 30 min on each middle cerebral artery. The frequency of HITS was cross-classified with carotid artery status, potential cardiac sources of embolism, and nonlacunar infarct subtype. Multivariate logistic regression models determined the independent relationship of these variables to HITS. <b>Results:</b> Microembolic signals were detected in 35 patients (24.1%), Ipsilateral carotid artery disease was significantly and independently associated with HITS (odds ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.4–7.8, p = 0.007), whereas potential cardiac sources (OR 1.07, 95% CI 0.48–2.4, p = 0.84) and infarct subtype (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.29–2.4, p = 0.75) were not. <b>Conclusions:</b> High-intensity transient signals can be found in almost 25% of patients with acute anterior cerebral circulation ischemia and are significantly more prevalent among those with symptomatic carotid artery disease. Future clinical studies are required to determine whether HITS are a marker of increased stroke recurrence and can help to clarify stroke etiology in patients with competing stroke mechanisms.
White Matter Medullary Infarcts: Acute Subcortical Infarction in the Centrum ovale
Authors: Read Stephen J. , Pettigrew Louise , Schimmel Laetitia , Levi Christopher R. , Bladin Christopher F. , Chambers Brian R. , Donnan Geoffrey A. 
Published: April 2003

Acute infarction confined to the territory of the white matter medullary arteries is a poorly characterised acute stroke subtype. 22 patients with infarction confined to this vascular territory on CT and/or MRI were identified from a series of 1,800 consecutive admissions to our stroke unit (1.2%) between August 1993 and March 1997. 19 patients had small infarcts (<1.5 cm maximum diameter) and 3 large infarcts (>1.5 cm). Small infarcts were associated with a history of smoking (69%), hypertension (58%), and hyperlipidaemia (37%), and less frequently with atrial fibrillation (21%). Significant (>50%) ipsilateral carotid stenosis (16%) was a less frequent finding in this group. Patients most commonly presented with weakness and/or sensory disturbance affecting mainly the upper limbs, but dysarthria, dysphasia, and ataxia were also seen. Large infarcts were infrequent in our series, but did not differ significantly from small infarcts with respect to clinical presentation or risk factor profiles (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). The majority of symptomatic patients with white matter medullary infarcts are associated with small (<1.5 cm diameter) lesions and a risk factor profile consistent with small vessel disease. More data are required to elucidate the mechanism of larger (>1.5 cm) infarcts. Because of the potential overlap between white matter medullary infarcts and internal watershed infarcts, suggested criteria for each are presented.
Ebselen in Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion: A Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Ogawa Akira , Yoshimoto Takashi , Kikuchi Haruhiko , Sano Keiji , Saito Isamu , Yamaguchi Takenori , Yasuhara Hajime , for the Ebselen Study Group & 
Published: April 2003

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of ebselen was conducted in patients with complete occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Ebselen or placebo granules suspended in water (150 mg b.i.d.) were orally administered within 12 h of onset and continued for 2 weeks. The major end points were the maximum volume of cerebral infarct measured on follow-up computed tomography and the Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 1 month. One hundred and five patients were enrolled in this trial. Although the intent-to-treat analysis of 99 patients (43 given ebselen and 56 given placebo) did not reach statistical significance in reduction of the infarct volume (p = 0.099), the protocol-compatible analysis of 83 patients with complete occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (34 given ebselen and 49 given placebo) determined a significant reduction using ebselen treatment (p = 0.034). A good outcome was seen in approximately 15% more patients from the ebselen group, but the difference between the 2 groups was not significant (p = 0.129). There was a corresponding significant reduction in the volume of cerebral infarct and an improvement in the outcome of patients who started treatment within 6 h of onset. These findings may suggest that ebselen protected the brain from ischemic damage in the acute stage.
Predisposing and Precipitating Factors for Delirium in Hospitalized Older Patients
Authors: Inouye Sharon K. 
Published: April 2003

Delirium is a common and serious problem for older hospitalized patients. This investigation proposes a multifactorial model of delirium etiology, involving a complex interrelationship of predisposing (vulnerability) factors and precipitating factors (acute insults). An overview of risk factors for delirium identified in 14 studies published since 1980 is provided. Although these studies identify key risk factors for delirium, they do not allow the examination of the interrelationship of predisposing and precipitating factors. Thus, we present two prospective cohort studies by our group which empirically examine: (1) predisposing (vulnerability) factors, (2) precipitating factors, and (3) the interrelationship of predisposing and precipitating factors. Understanding these risk factors is the key to developing appropriate preventive strategies and to target intermediate and high risk patients for intervention efforts.
Neuropathological Substrates of Dementia and Depression in Vascular Dementia, with a Particular Focus on Cases with Small Infarct Volumes
Authors: Ballard Clive , McKeith Ian , O’Brien John , Kalaria Rajesh , Jaros Evelyn , Ince Paul , Perry Robert 
Published: April 2003

The neuropathological substrates of dementia and depression were evaluated in 30 patients with cerebrovascular disease and significant cognitive impairment (VaD), with a particular focus on patients with small infarct volumes (<15 ml). VaD patients with small infarct volumes had a similar degree of cognitive impairment to those with larger infarct volumes (>15 ml) but were significantly more likely to be depressed and to have areas of microinfarction. A review of individual cases with small infarct volumes suggested that the combination of microinfarction, diffuse white matter disease and perivascular changes, or the overlap of neurodegenerative pathologies and microvascular changes were particularly important. Microinfarction was also significantly associated with major depression.
Keratoacanthoma Developing on a Pigmented Patch in Incontinentia pigmenti
Authors: Sakai Hiroyuki , Minami Masako , Satoh Emi , Matsuo Shinobu , Iizuka Hajime 
Published: April 2003

Cutaneous manifestations of incontinentia pigmenti (IP) have classically been described as three sequential stages: an initial vesicobullous stage, a verrucous stage and a stage of swirled pigmentation. Verrucous lesions tend to last longer than vesicobullous eruptions, often persisting until 1 year of age. However, adult patients with verrucous lesions are rare. We report a case of keratoacanthoma with marked dyskeratosis on a pigmented patch in a 20-year-old woman. This tumor, like subungual keratotic tumors of IP, might have been developed as one of the late manifestations of the disease.
Oral Supplementation of L-Arginine Prevents Chronic Cyclosporine Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Yang Chul Woo , Kim Yong Soo , Kim Jin , Kim Young Ok , Min So Youn , Choi Euy Jin , Bang Byung Kee 
Published: April 2003

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of <i>L</i>-arginine (<i>L</i>-Arg) on the prevention of chronic cyclosporine (CsA) nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats pair-fed a low-salt diet (0.05%) were given CsA (15 mg/kg/day s.c.), CsA and <i>L</i>-Arg (<i>L</i>-Arg group, 1.25 g/l water), CsA and N-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine methyl ester (<i>L</i>-NAME group, 70 mg/l water) or vehicle. After 28 days, the <i>L</i>-Arg group had a higher glomerular filtration rate compared to the CsA (0.42±0.05 vs. 0.31±0.06 ml/min/100 g, p < 0.05) and the <i>L</i>-NAME groups (vs. 0.19± 0.04 ml/min/100 g, p < 0.05) and a significantly lower serum creatinine level compared to the CsA (0.70±0.06 vs. 0.92±0.12 mg/dl, p < 0.05) and the <i>L</i>-NAME groups (vs. 1.21±0.17 mg/dl, p < 0.05). The <i>L</i>-Arg group had less fibrosis, tubular injury (TI), and arteriolopathy than the CsA (fibrosis 0.39±0.14 vs. 0.74±0.15; TI 1.3±0.3 vs. 2.0±0.1; arteriolopathy 33±7 vs. 48±17, p < 0.05, respectively) and the <i>L</i>-NAME groups (fibrosis vs. 1.67±0.32, TI vs. 2.6±0.3, arteriolopathy vs. 63±10, p < 0.05, respectively). Plasma renin activity in the <i>L</i>-Arg group was less than in the CsA (18±2 vs. 23±3 ng Ang I/ml/h, p < 0.05) and the <i>L</i>-NAME groups (vs. 30±3 ng Ang I/ml/h, p < 0.05). Nitric oxide production in <i>L</i>-Arg group was higher than in the CsA (24.2±1.7 vs. 11.1±1.5 µmol/24 h, p < 0.05) and the <i>L</i>-NAME groups (vs. 8.4±1.0 µmol/24 h, p < 0.05). In conclusion, the nitric oxide pathway is associated with the pathogenesis of chronic CsA nephrotoxicity, and exogenous <i>L</i>-Arg supplementation is effective in reducing chronic CsA nephrotoxicity in rats.
Mechanical Stretch/Relaxation Stimulates a Cellular Renin-Angiotensin System in Cultured Rat Mesangial Cells
Authors: Becker B.N. , Yasuda T. , Kondo S. , Vaikunth S. , Homma T. , Harris R.C. 
Published: April 2003

Angiotensin II (Ang II) may play a significant role mediating intraglomerular hypertension and glomerular sclerosis. Therefore, we investigated whether a model of pressure-induced stress, mechanical stretch/relaxation, affected the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cultured rat mesangial cells. Type 1 Ang II receptor (AT<sub>1</sub>R) expression was assessed by <sup>125</sup>I-Ang II binding and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Stretch/relaxation increased steady-state AT<sub>1</sub>R mRNA levels as well as specific [<sup>125</sup>I]Ang II binding. Increased AT<sub>1</sub>R expression was associated with altered AT<sub>1</sub>R signaling. Ang II (100 n<i>M</i>) increased total phosphoinositide hydrolysis in control cells (186 ± 25%, n = 6; p < 0.025 vs. no treatment). However, stretch/relaxation for 48 h further augmented AT<sub>1</sub>R-mediated PI hydrolysis (293 ± 38%, n = 6; p < 0.025 vs. Ang II treatment alone). We examined other RAS components in mesangial cells subjected to stretch/relaxation. Angiotensinogen, determined by radioimmunoassay of Ang I generation in conditioned media, increased with stretch/relaxation, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated increased angiotensinogen gene expression in stretch/relaxation-treated cells. However, renin activity and angiotensin-converting-enzyme-like activity were unaffected by stretch/relaxation. Thus, mesangial cells maintain a local RAS similar to those described in other tissues, and AT<sub>1</sub>R expression and angiotensinogen production in this cellular RAS are increased by stretch/relaxation. It is likely that mesangial cells in vivo, exposed to variations in intraglomerular pressure, may regulate their responses via a local RAS.
Evidence for Atrial Natriuretic Factor Induced Natriuretic Peptide Receptor Subtype Switching in Rat Proximal Tubular Cells during Culture
Authors: Mistry Sanjay K. , Chatterjee Prabal K. , Weerackody Roshan P. , Hawksworth Gabrielle M. , Knott Rachel M. , McLay James S. 
Published: April 2003

Culture and natriuretic peptide dependent changes in the expression of the natriuretic peptides atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and the natriuretic peptide receptors A, B, and C in primary cultures of rat proximal tubular cells were demonstrated using polymerase chain reaction analysis and cyclic guanosine monophosphate response to ANF and CNP. Freshly isolated cells expressed mRNA coding for the natriuretic peptide receptor C only, with no expression of the natriuretic peptides or the natriuretic peptide receptors A or B. At confluence natriuretic peptide receptor C expression was lost, while mRNA transcripts for both ANF and BNP and the A and B receptors became apparent. The appearance of mRNA transcripts for the natriuretic peptide receptors A and B during cell growth correspond with a significant increase in the cyclic guanosine monophosphate respone to both ANF and CNP, confirming the presence of functionally active guanylate cyclase linked A and B natriuretic peptide receptors. The observed changes in peptide receptor expression during culture were preceded by changes in natriuretic peptide mRNA expression, suggesting the possibility that natriuretic peptide receptor subtype switching may be under the control of endogenous peptide release. Incubation of freshly isolated proximal tubular cells with ANF, BNP, or CNP for 3 h induced similar changes in receptor expression. Incubation with ANF induced expression of the natriuretic peptide receptor B and CNP while inhibiting natriuretic peptide receptor C. Incubation with BNP induced expression of the natriuretic peptide receptor B and CNP. Incubation with CNP induced expression of the natriuretic peptide receptors A and B and CNP. These results suggest that primary cultures of rat proximal tubular cells may experience natriuretic peptide and natriuretic peptide receptor subtype switching as they approach confluence under the control of endogenously expressed natriuretic peptides.