bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Sigmoid Colon Distension on the Rectosigmoid Junction
Authors: Shafik A. , El-Sibai O. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose</i> The sigmoid colon (SC) is the site of stool storage. The stools accumulate in the SC until, at a certain volume, the mechanoreceptors in the SC wall are stimulated, evoking the sigmoidorectal junction inhibitory reflex with a resulting SC contraction, rectosigmoid junction (RSJ) relaxation and passage of the stools to the rectum. However, the RSJ status during stool accumulation in the SC has been scarcely addressed in the literature. The current study investigated this point. <i>Methods:</i> A balloon-ended tube was introduced into the SC of 21 healthy volunteers [mean age (± SD) 36.8 ± 10.3 years; 15 men and 6 women]. The pressures in the SC and RSJ were measured by means of a perfused tube, at rest and during balloon inflation with carbon dioxide at two rates: slow (3 ml/min) and rapid (150 ml/min). The tests were repeated after individual anesthetization of the SC and RSJ. <i>Results:</i> During slow SC distension up to 80 ml included, the RSJ pressure progressively increased while the SC exhibited no pressure response (p > 0.05). At a distending volume of 100 ml, the pressure in the SC rose (p < 0.01) and declined in the RSJ (p < 0.05), and the balloon was dispelled to the rectum. Rapid SC distension up to 40 ml included, effected no SC pressure response (p > 0.05) while the RSJ showed progressive pressure elevation. At 60 ml distension, the SC recorded a pressure rise (p < 0.001) and the RSJ a pressure decrease (p < 0.05); the balloon was dispelled to the rectum. The pressure in the RSJ did not respond to distension of the anesthetized SC. <i>Conclusion:</i> The study has shown that, during accumulation of stools in the SC, leakage to the rectum seems to be prevented by a reflex action which we call ‘rectosigmoid junction tightening reflex’. This reflex probably acts to control both storage and emptying of the SC contents. Reflex dysfunction might lead to defecation disorders. We suggest that the RSJ tightening reflex be included as an investigative tool in the diagnosis of defecation disorders.
A Comparative Study of Intraperitoneal Carboplatin versus Intravenous Carboplatin with Intravenous Cyclophosphamide in Both Arms as Initial Chemotherapy for Stage III Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Polyzos A. , Tsavaris N. , Kosmas C. , Giannikos L. , Katsikas M. , Kalahanis N. , Karatzas G. , Christodoulou K. , Giannakopoulos K. , Stamatiadis D. , Katsilambros N. 
Published: April 2003

Cisplatin (C) or carboplatin (CBP) plus cyclophosphamide (CTX) was until recently considered standard chemotherapy for advanced ovarian cancer (OC). Attempts to maximize platinum and its analog activity against OC include its administration directly into the peritoneal cavity. In the past we have shown that intraperitoneal (IP) CBP administration is a safe and effective treatment for OC [Polyzos et al: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res 1990;31: 1120]. In the present study we aimed to compare the effectiveness and toxicity of CBP administration either intravenously (IV) or IP plus CTX IV. Since 1990, 90 evaluable patients with stage III OC were prospectively randomized to receive CBP 350 mg/m<sup>2</sup> IV or IP plus CTX 600 mg/m<sup>2</sup> IV (in both groups) every 3–4 weeks for six courses. The randomization incorporated stratification according to performance status and the amount of residual tumor (maximum diameter ≤2 or >2 cm). Clinical assessment was performed with abdominal CT and serum CA-125. Responses were observed in 33/46 = 72% (95/CI 56.5–84.0) of the IV group and in 33/44 = 75% (95/CI 59.7–86.8) of the IP group with 48 and 45% clinical complete responses, respectively. Times to progression were 19 months (8–62+) for the IV group and 18 (6–72+) for the IP group. Median survivals were: 25 months (6–80+) and 26 months (6–72+), respectively. Significantly more patients in the IV group than in the IP group had grade 3 or higher leukopenia (p < 0.01) and grade 3 thrombocytopenia (p < 0.09). Morbidity due to infectious complications in the IP group was minimal. It seems that IP CBP is equally effective to IV administration in terms of response and survival with less myelotoxicity. The favorable results on survival demonstrated in studies with IP C administration in patients with small volume disease [Alberts et al: N Engl J Med 1996;335:1950–1965] could not be repeated in the present study applying CBP in patients with variable tumor size and a relatively small number of patients. The likelihood that patients with large volume disease would benefit from a regional approach compared to systemic administration is small and this explains the inability to detect a difference between the two arms.
Gestational Age and Origin of Human Milk Influence Total Lipid and Fatty Acid Contents
Authors: Rueda Ricardo , Ramírez María , García-Salmerón José Luis , Maldonado José , Gil Angel 
Published: April 2003

The human milk composition may be influenced by several factors, such as gestational age or genetic characteristics and dietary habits of different populations. To analyze the total lipid and fatty acid contents of human milk, we have conducted two studies, one on mothers who had delivered preterm and term newborns and another on mothers from two different sociocultural backgrounds (Spain and Panama). The total lipid content (g/100 g wet weight) was significantly higher in term (2.76 ± 0.66; mean ± SD) than in preterm mature milk (1.06 ± 0.4). The relative amount of 18:1n-9 was significantly higher in preterm than in term milk for transitional and mature milk, whereas that for the colostrum followed the opposite trend. Concerning the comparison between milk from mothers born in different countries, the relative contents of each of the fatty acids 16:0, 16:1n-7, 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, and 22:5n-3 were higher in Panamanian than in Spanish milk, whereas the mean percentages of saturated fatty acids <14:0, of 16:1n-9, and of 18:1n-9 were higher in Spanish than in Panamanian milk. Statistically significant differences were found during the three periods of lactation considered for almost all the fatty acids mentioned above, especially for 18:1n-9 and 18:3n-3. Although the potential biological significance of the changes in oleic acid content between preterm and term milk remains unclear, differences in fatty acid content between Spanish and Panamanian milk reflect the different composition of the diet among women from these countries.
Effects of <i>L</i>-Carnitine Supplementation on Cardiac Morbidity in Hemodialyzed Patients
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Sato Motoyoshi , Ohashi Hiroshige , Araki Hajime , Tadokoro Mitsunobu , Osumi Yukio , Ito Hiroyasu , Morita Hiroyuki , Amano Izumi 
Published: April 2003

Cardiac diseases are well known among patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD), and carnitine deficiency may be an important factor in cardiac morbidity. We studied the effects of low-dose <i>L</i>-carnitine treatment (500 mg/day) on chest symptoms (dyspnea on exertion, chest pain, palpitation), cardiac function, and left ventricular (LV) mass in 9 HD patients with reduced ejection fraction (EF). After 6 months of <i>L</i>-carnitine treatment, most patients had at least some improvement in chest symptoms, while LVEF was increased and LV mass was decreased. Carnitine fractions increased and reached plateaus at 2–3 times the baseline levels. These results suggest that prolonged low-dose <i>L</i>-carnitine treatment can improve the cardiac morbidity by restoring decreased carnitine tissue levels and impaired oxidation of FFA.
Early Elevation of Cochlear Reactive Oxygen Species following Noise Exposure
Authors: Ohlemiller Kevin K. , Wright James S. , Dugan Laura L. 
Published: April 2003

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in a growing number of neurological disease states, from acute traumatic injury to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Considerable evidence suggests that ROS also mediate ototoxicant- and noise-induced cochlear injury, although most of this evidence is indirect. To obtain real-time assessment of noise-induced cochlear ROS production in vivo, we adapted a technique which uses the oxidation of salicylate to 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid as a probe for the generation of hydroxyl radical. In a companion paper we described the development and characterization of this method in cochlear ischemia-reperfusion. In the present paper we use this method to demonstrate early elevations in ROS production following acute noise exposure. C57BL/6J mice were exposed for 1 h to intense broad-band noise sufficient to cause permanent threshold shift (PTS), as verified by auditory brainstem responses. Comparison of noise-exposed animals with unexposed controls indicated that ROS levels increase nearly 4-fold in the period 1–2 h following exposure and do not decline over that time. Our ROS measures extend previous results indicating that noise-induced PTS is associated with elevated cochlear ROS production and ROS-mediated injury. Persistent cochlear ROS elevation following noise exposure suggests a sustained process of oxidative stress which might be amenable to intervention with chronic antioxidant therapy.
Improved Survival with Resectionafter Transcatheter ArterialChemoembolization (TACE) for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Fan Jia , Tang Zhao-You , Yu Ye-Qin , Wu Zhi-Quan , Ma Zeng-Chen , Zhou Xin-Da , Zhou Jian , Qiu Shuang-Jian , Lu Ji-Zhen 
Published: April 2003

<b>Aim:</b> This retrospective study was undertaken to analyze the outcome of hepatic resection in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) that shrunk after transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in 65 patients with unresectable HCCs between June 1987 and September 1996. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Among these 65 patients, the median diameter of the tumor was 9.9 cm (5.6–20.0) prior to the first TACE, after 1–6 times of TACE (median 3) the median tumor diameter reduced to 3.7 cm (1.9–12.5) prior to resection. The duration between the last TACE treatment and sequential resection varied from 1 to 9 months (median 2.5). Serum α-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were abnormal in 39 out of the 65 patients. In AFP producing HCCs, the AFP level returned to normal (≤20 µg/l) in 14 out of 39 patients (35.9%). Hepatic segmentectomy, multiple hepatic segmentectomy or partial hepatic resection were performed in 61 patients, right hemihepatectomy in 1, left trisegmentectomy in 2, and left hemihepatectomy in 1. <b>Results:</b> Tumor necrosis ranged from 40 to 100% and pathologically and complete tumor necrosis occurred in 11 patients (16.9%). Of 14 patients with AFP levels decreased to normal, 10 still had microscopic living tumor foci. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of the 65 patients were 80.0, 65.0 and 56.0% respectively. <b>Conclusion:</b> TACE treatment can provide a chance of tumor resection for those patients with initially judged unresectable HCCs, and liver resection should be performed when the tumor has shrunk to be resectable, even when the AFP level has returned to normal.
Laparotomic vs. Laparoscopic Rectopexy in Complete Rectal Prolapse
Authors: Boccasanta Paolo , Venturi Marco , Reitano Maria Carmela , Salamina Giovanni , Rosati Riccardo , Montorsi Marco , Fichera Giuseppe , Strinna Mario , Peracchia Alberto 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aim:</i> The aim of this study was to compare the functional and clinical results of laparotomic and laparoscopic rectopexy in 2 homogeneous groups of patients with complete rectal prolapse and fecal incontinence. <i>Methods:</i> Between January 1989 and December 1997, twenty-three patients underwent abdominal rectopexy. Thirteen patients (group A, 12 females and 1 male, mean age 57.3, range 22–76 years), and 10 patients (group B, 10 females, mean age 52.3, range 26–70 years) were submitted respectively to either Wells laparotomic or laparoscopic rectopexy by the same surgical team using the same surgical technique and materials. Before the operation a detailed clinical history was collected, and the patients were studied by inspection and digital examination of the anorectum, proctosigmoidoscopy, pancolonic transit time, dynamic defecography, anorectal manometry and anal electromyography. After the operation all patients underwent perineal physiotherapy, external electric stimulation, and perineal biofeedback. Mean follow-up was 37.1 (range 6–90) months in group A and 25.7 (range 6–49) months in group B. Values were compared by χ<sup>2</sup>, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests as appropriate. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05. <i>Results:</i> In both groups dyschezia and fecal incontinence improved significantly (p < 0.05) after the operation. The basal pressure of the anal sphincter, squeezing pressure and rectoanal reflex improved without significance, and anal-perineal pain was not significantly reduced. In group B the postoperative hospital stay was lower than in group A, with a reduction in costs. <i>Conclusion:</i> Laparoscopic Wells rectopexy has the same clinical and functional results as laparotomic rectopexy, but with a shorter postoperative hospital stay and lower costs.
Bilateral Angle Closure Glaucoma and Visual Loss Precipitated by Antidepressant and Antianxiety Agents in a Patient with Depression
Authors: Kadoi Chiharu , Hayasaka Seiji , Tsukamoto Eiki , Matsumoto Masayuki , Hayasaka Yoriko , Nagaki Yasunori 
Published: April 2003

A 71-year-old woman with depression had been treated with an antidepressant (maprotiline) and antianxiety agents (clotiazepam and alprazolam). She had previously complained of ocular pain and blurred vision. However, thorough ocular examination was not performed at those times. On examination, visual acuity was no light perception OD and hand motion OS. Intraocular pressures were 33 mm Hg OU. Moderately dilated pupils, atrophic irises, shallow anterior chambers and closed angles were seen in both eyes. Despite treatment, her visual acuity decreased to no light perception bilaterally. Psychiatrists and ophthalmologists should be aware that antidepressants and antianxiety agents can precipitate angle closure glaucoma in susceptible eyes.
Effects of Isoproterenolon the Orbicularis oculi andStapedius Muscles
Authors: Ishii Kosuke , Zhai Wei Gang , Akita Masumi 
Published: April 2003

The effect of the β-adrenoceptor agonist, isoproterenol, on the orbicularis oculi and stapedius muscles was studied. Rats were injected with isoproterenol (5 mg/kg) every day. The animals were sacrificed after 1 and 2 weeks, and the orbicularis oculi muscle and stapedius muscle were removed. Muscle fibers were separated into single fibers, and cytochrome oxidase enzyme staining was applied with 1% MnCl<sub>2</sub>, DAB + H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. The density of cytochrome oxidase enzyme reaction products and the diameter of individual muscle fibers were analyzed by computer-assisted measurement. The administration of isoproterenol increased the activity of cytochrome oxidase as well as the diameter of muscle fibers in the orbicularis oculi muscle and stapedius muscle. It was suggested that these muscle fibers exhibited increases in functional activity after the administration. The results showed that the diameter and cytochrome oxidase enzyme activity of the orbicularis oculi and stapedius muscles increased. We conclude that isoproterenol induces hypertrophy of the orbicularis oculi and the stapedius muscle fibers, and promotes cytochrome oxidase enzyme activity.
The Effect of Interferon-γ and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α on the Expression of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR Molecules on Cells of a Human Germ Cell Neoplasm and Their Susceptibility to Lysis by Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cells
Authors: Eisenthal Avi , Marder Oleg , Maymon Batya , Misonzhnik Faina , Skornick Yehuda , Brazowski Eli , Czernobilsky Bernard , Walt Heinrich , Lifschitz-Mercer Beatriz 
Published: April 2003

The ICAM-1 molecule plays a role in the interaction of NK cells with a variety of tumor cells, including carcinoma, melanoma and glioblastoma cells. In the present study, we analyzed the effect of IFN-γ and TNF-α on both the expression of HLA-DR and ICAM-1 molecules on HGCN (Germa-2), and on their susceptibility to lysis by LAK cells. Our results show that 1,000 U/ml IFN-γ induced a substantial increase in the expression of both ICAM-1 molecules and HLA-DR on the cell surface, while the effect of TNF-α on the expression of these molecules was substantially less prominent. When Germa-2 cells, previously exposed to 1,000 U/ml IFN-γ, were employed as target cells in a 4-hour <sup>51</sup>Cr release assay, a statistically significant increase in the lysis by LAK cells was noted. These results show that in the presence of IFN-γ, Germa-2 tumor cells undergo modulation which affects both the expression of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR molecules as well as their susceptibility to lysis by LAK cells.
Effect of Ramiprilat or Captopril on Myocardial Infarct Size: Assessment in Canine Models of Ischemia Alone and Ischemia with Reperfusion
Authors: Black Shawn C. , Driscoll Edward M. , Lucchesi Benedict R. 
Published: April 2003

Cardioprotective effects of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors captopril and ramiprilat were studied in two in vivo canine models of myocardial ischemic injury: 90 min of regional ischemia with 18 h reperfusion (protocol I) and 6 h of continuous ischemia without reperfusion (protocol II). In protocol I, neither ramiprilat (50 µg/kg) nor captopril (5 mg/kg + 0.25 mg/kg/h) reduced infarct size after 18 h of reperfusion (vs. controls). In protocol II, drugs were administered directly into both left anterior descending coronary artery and left circumflex branch. Compared to controls, continuous intracoronary administration of ramiprilat (40 ng/kg/min) or captopril (400 ng/kg/min) did not reduce infarct size. Thus neither captopril nor ramiprilat protected the heart from injury under conditions of ischemia with reperfusion or ischemia without reperfusion.
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Inhibits Proliferation and Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Secretion in Cultured Human Mesangial Cells
Authors: Osawa Hiroshi , Yamabe Hideaki , Kaizuka Mitsuaki , Tamura Naoyuki , Tsunoda Satoru , Baba Yoshiko , Shirato Ken-ichi , Tateyama Fumiko , Okumura Ken 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Mesangial cell proliferation and matrix accumulation are hallmarks of various progressive glomerular diseases. We examined whether C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) that is known to regulate the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells could modulate these pathological processes using human glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) in culture. <i>Methods:</i> Proliferation of GMCs cultured with different concentrations of CNP-22 for 48 h was determined by a colorimetric assay using a tetrazorium salt. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and type IV collagen secretion into the culture media by GMCs in the presence or absence of CNP-22 were evaluated by ELISA. Expression of mRNA for natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B), a specific receptor for CNP, was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). <i>Results:</i> CNP-22 (1–10 µ<i>M</i>) inhibited serum-induced GMC growth in a dose-dependent manner. The amount of MCP-1 in the culture supernatant was increased approximately 2.4-fold by 5 µg/ml of lipopolysaccharide. This increase was inhibited by CNP-22 at 0.1–1 µ<i>M</i> in a dose-dependent fashion. CNP-22 (10 µ<i>M</i>) inhibited GMC type IV collagen secretion stimulated by 20 ng/ml of platelet-derived growth factor. Expression of NPR-B mRNA was confirmed in GMCs by RT-PCR. <i>Conclusions:</i> CNP suppresses GMC proliferation and MCP-1 and type IV collagen secretion by GMCs. It may have a therapeutic potential against human proliferative glomerular diseases, especially those with the involvement of monocytes.
Effects of Rotational Stress of Different Duration on NK Cell Activity, Proinflammatory Cytokines, and POMC-Derived Peptides in Mice
Authors: Hale Kimberly D. , Ghanta Vithal K. , Gauthier Dorothy K. , Hiramoto Raymond N. 
Published: April 2003

Previous studies have shown that the same stressor, depending on intensity, controllability, or duration, can have different effects on the immune system. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 10- and 20-min rotation on natural killer (NK) cell activity and also to establish if changes in body temperature, proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) levels, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptide (ACTH and β-endorphin) levels parallel the changes in NK cell activity in mice. We found that 10-min rotation significantly increased NK cell activity as compared to both the control (home cage) group and the 20-min-rotation group, while NK cell activity in the 20-min group was not significantly changed compared to the control group. Both 10 and 20 min of rotational stress decreased body temperature and induced significant changes in the proinflammatory cytokine and POMC-derived peptide levels as compared to the control group. The pattern of proinflammatory cytokine expression was quite different between the 10- and 20-min rotation groups. All three proinflammatory cytokines were expressed sequentially (at 0 h after rotation TNF-α, at 6 h IL-1β and IL-6, and at 24 h IL-6) in the 10-min rotation group, while the 20-min rotation group had a small increase in IL-1β (6.7 ± 1.8 pg/ml) at 0 h and increased levels of IL-6 at 6 and 24 h. There was a dissociation of ACTH and β-endorphin expression in both groups resulting in significantly more β-endorphin (p < 0.05) in the 10-min group at 6 h and significantly more ACTH (p < 0.04) in the 20-min group at 6 h. IL-1β and β-endorphin have both been shown to have a direct stimulatory effect on NK cell activity. Therefore, we suspect that the significant increase in both IL-1β and β-endorphin at 6 h in the 10-min-rotation group may be involved in the increased NK cell activity observed at 24 h in the 10-min-rotation group.
Intraocular Pressure Response to Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in the Treatment of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Gračner Tomaž 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To evaluate the intraocular pressure (IOP) response to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in the treatment of uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in a prospective clinical study. SLT is a new laser procedure that selectively targets trabecular meshwork (TM) cells without coagulative damage to the TM. <i>Methods:</i> 50 eyes with uncontrolled POAG were treated with a frequency-doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). A total of approximately 50 nonoverlapping spots were placed over 180° of the TM at energy levels ranging from 0.40 to 0.92 mJ/pulse. After SLT, the eyes were maintained with the identical hypotensive medical therapy as that before treatment. IOP was estimated before and 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after treatment. <i>Results:</i> The mean pretreatment IOP was 22.48 mm Hg (SD 1.84). At the end of 1 month of follow-up IOP was reduced with a mean of 4.86 mm Hg (SD 2.38) or 21.6%; after 3 months, IOP was reduced with a mean of 5.66 mm Hg (SD 2.40) or 25.2%; at the end of 6 months of follow-up, IOP was reduced with a mean of 5.06 mm Hg (SD 2.37) or 22.5%. <i>Conclusions:</i> SLT is an effective method for lowering IOP in the treatment of POAG.