bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Prolonged Fetal Monitoring with Normal and Pathologic Outcome Probabilities Determined by Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Maeda Kazuo , Noguchi Yasuaki , Matsumoto Fujihiko 
Published: August 2003

<i>Objective:</i> The purpose of this study was to objectively evaluate prolonged fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring, which has been difficult to do with conventional cardiotocogram (CTG). <i>Methods:</i> FHR was analyzed by an artificial neural network computer that calculates probabilities of normal, pathologic and suspicious outcome. Earlier normal and pathologic outcome probabilities (OPs) recorded during 15-min intervals are averaged every 5 min. Initially, two curves (the averaged normal and pathologic OPs) are compared. Furthermore, a single curve traced for each difference between the averaged normal and pathologic OPs and its value are studied. Our FHR probability data are of 9 cases reported in a previous paper on neural network FHR analysis. <i>Results:</i> In the 4 cases of normal neonatal condition, the trends of the averaged curves and the last averaged values were higher for normal OP than for pathologic OP, and the final values of the difference were >0. On the other hand, in the 5 cases of neonatal depression, the trend of the two curves and the final values were lower for normal than for pathologic OP; and the final difference values of averaged probabilities were <0. For prolonged monitoring, the single parameter is more useful than the comparison of the two curves. <i>Conclusion:</i> A useful single parameter is obtained for the accurate and objective evaluation of prolonged FHR monitoring. The present method is promising for prospective studies using the combined system of experts and neural computers.
Impact of Ultraviolet Radiation and Ozone on the Transepidermal Water Loss as a Function of Skin Temperature in Hairless Mice
Authors: Thiele J.J. , Dreher F. , Maibach H.I. , Packer L. 
Published: August 2003

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation or ozone leads to skin damage including oxidation of skin biomolecules, as well as to depletion of constitutive antioxidants. The highly organized stratum corneum forming the main barrier against most xenobiotics is particularly susceptible to such damage and possible barrier perturbation may be the consequence. Whereas ample evidence exists for an increased permeability for different solutes including water after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, such an effect has not yet been reported for ozone. This study reports on the effect of such oxidative stressors using the hairless mouse as the skin model and measuring temperature-controlled transepidermal water loss (TEWL) as an indicator for skin barrier integrity. First, a strong dependency of the TEWL on skin temperature was observed, an effect that was clearly more pronounced than that found in man. Given this temperature dependency in untreated animals, we proceeded to determine the effects of both ultraviolet radiation and ozone on TEWL over a relevant physiological skin temperature range. Solar-simulated ultraviolet radiation (0.75–3 minimal erythemal dose) resulted in a delayed and dose-dependent skin barrier disruption over the entire temperature range investigated. Conversely, daily ozone exposure at 2 ppm for 1 week, however, did not significantly alter TEWL up to 72 h after the last exposure. The results demonstrate a differential response of the epidermis to two environmental stressors associated with oxidative damage; they suggest that chronic ozone exposure at relevant environmental levels does not lead to a detectable skin barrier defect, while solar UV exposure was demonstrated to increase epidermal water loss. Furthermore, experimental evidence clearly suggests that future studies applying TEWL measurements in animal models should be performed under carefully controlled skin temperature conditions.
Detection of Chronic Endometritis by Diagnostic Hysteroscopy in Asymptomatic Infertile Patients
Authors: Polisseni Fernanda , Bambirra Eduardo A. , Camargos Aroldo F. 
Published: August 2003

Chronic endometritis has been related to infertility and recurrent abortion. It is usually asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is rarely clinically suspected. We performed a prospective study to evaluate both the role of diagnostic hysteroscopy in the detection of chronic endometritis in infertile patients and <i>Chlamydia trachomatis </i>is a potential etiologic factor. Fifty consecutive patients who sought treatment for infertility in a tertiary academic hospital were submitted to diagnostic hysteroscopy and an endometrial biopsy for histopathological study and for diagnosis of <i>C. trachomatis</i> by polymerase chain reaction. The patients’ mean age was 33.7 ± (SD) 5.4 years, and the duration of the couples’ infertility ranged from 1 to 18 years. The overall prevalence of chronic endometritis was 12% (6 patients). Among all patients, no cases of chlamydial infection were detected by polymerase chain reaction. In the detection of chronic endometritis, with 95% confidence intervals, the hysteroscopy sensitivity was 16.7% (range 0.9–63,5%), the specificity was 93.2% (range 80.3–98.2%), the positive predictive value was 25% (range 1.3–78.1%), and the negative predictive value was 89.1% (range 65.6–95.9%). These data suggest that hysteroscopy is not useful in the screening for chronic endometritis in asymptomatic infertile women. Further studies are needed to establish the etiology of endometritis in infertile patients.
Gender and Age Effects on Pulsatile Ocular Blood Flow
Authors: Geyer Orna , Silver David M. , Mathalon Nurit , Massey A. David 
Published: August 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To examine gender and age effects on pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF). <i>Methods:</i> Normal subjects, 152 females and 107 males, were separated into younger (40–50) and older (50–60) age groups. <i>Results:</i> For younger women, mean POBF (15.3 ± 3.7 µl/s) was significantly different (p < 0.01) than for older women (13.8 ± 3.5 µl/s), younger men (13.2 ± 3.3 µl/s), and older men (13.3 ± 3.1 µl/s). The mean POBFs for each of the latter three groups were not significantly different (p > 0.41) from one another. The four groups showed no significant differences in intraocular pressure (p > 0.07) or refraction (p > 0.46). Pulse rate for younger women was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than for the older two groups, but there were no significant pulse rate differences (p > 0.08) between other groups. POBF was not correlated with IOP (r<sup>2</sup> < 0.04), refraction (r<sup>2</sup> < 0.009) or pulse rate (r<sup>2</sup> < 0.04). <i>Conclusion:</i> Gender and age play an important role in POBF.
Interleukin-8, Nitric Oxide and Glutathione Status in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Cicik Erdoğan , Tekin Hasan , Akar Solmaz , Ekmekçi Özlem Balcı , Donma Orkide , Koldaş Lale , Özkan Şehirbay 
Published: August 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To evaluate interleukin-8 (IL-8), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) profiles in vitreous humor and blood samples in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and in patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and to compare the levels with those of controls. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> NO concentrations were determined by using the Greiss reaction in plasma and vitreous humor samples. GSH levels were determined in both blood and vitreous humor samples, using DTNB, a disulfide chromogen. Vitreous IL-8 were assayed by ELISA. Twenty-three patients with PDR, 18 patients with PVR and 21 cadavers as the control group were included in the study. <i>Results:</i> Plasma and vitreous NO levels were found to be<i></i>25.6 ± 2.1 and 36.9 ± 3.0 µmol/l in patients with PDR, 27.0 ± 4.7 and 34.3 ± 2.9 µmol/l in patients with PVR and 17.4 ± 2.7 and 15.9 ± 1.4 µmol/l in controls, respectively. Vitreous humor and plasma NO levels did not show any statistically significant difference between PDR and PVR groups. However, the values for vitreous in both groups were significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.0001). Although IL-8 levels in vitreous samples of patients with PDR were not significantly different (79.6 ± 9.7 pg/ml) from those of patients with PVR (42.2 ± 7.3 pg/ml) (p = 0.06), the levels in both groups were significantly higher than those of controls (19.0 ± 3.9 pg/ml) (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Blood and vitreous<i></i>GSH levels were found to be<i></i>5.3 ± 0.4 µmol/g·Hb and 0.58 ± 0.16 µmol/l in patients with PDR and 8.4 ± 0.5 µmol/g·Hb and 15.7 ± 2.2 µmol/l in patients with PVR and 12.0 ± 1.1 µmol/g·Hb and 0.26 ± 0.03 mmol/l in controls, respectively. Vitreous and blood GSH levels were significantly lower in patients with PDR compared to those with PVR (p < 0.0001 for both). <i>Conclusion:</i> Elevated levels of vitreous and plasma NO and vitreous IL-8 in PDR and PVR implicate a role for these parameters in the proliferation in these ocular disorders. GSH concentrations both in vitreous and blood samples of the PVR and PDR patients were much less than those observed in the control group. Lower GSH concentrations detected in PDR in comparison with those in PVR in vitreous humor and to a lesser degree in blood may play an important role in pathogenesis of new retinal vessel formation in patients with PDR. This also suggests that oxidative stress may be involved in the pathogenesis of PVR and particularly that of PDR.
Oxidant Preconditioning Protects Human Proximal Tubular Cells against Lethal Oxidant Injury via p38 MAPK and Heme Oxygenase-1
Authors: Lee H. Thomas , Xu Hua , Ota-Setlik Ayuko , Emala Charles W. 
Published: August 2003

Ischemic preconditioning protects the kidney from subsequent ischemic injury but the signal transduction pathways involved are unknown. Human proximal tubular (HK-2) cells were protected from injury with 2.5 m<i>M</i> H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> by preconditioning with a single 15-min exposure to 500 µ<i>M</i> H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> followed by 16 h of recovery (oxidant preconditioning). To identify the signaling pathways involved in oxidant preconditioning, we utilized inhibitors of several signaling intermediates (MAPK/ERK kinase I, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C and tyrosine kinase). A rapid but transient increase in p38 MAPK was observed following oxidant preconditioning and an inhibitor of p38 MAPK (SB203580) abolished the protection provided by oxidant preconditioning. Oxidant preconditioning was also associated with heat shock protein-27 phosphorylation (by p38 MAPK) and an increased synthesis of heme oxygenease-1 (HO-1). Stimulation or inhibition of HO-1 with hemin or Zn(II) protoporphyrin IX, respectively, mimicked or abolished oxidant preconditioning-mediated cytoprotection. Inhibitors of new protein synthesis (cycloheximide) and gene transcription (actinomycin D) also blocked the cytoprotection by oxidant preconditioning. We conclude that oxidant preconditioning protects HK-2 cells against more severe oxidant injury via activation of signaling pathways that include p38 MAPK and increased synthesis of HO-1.
Does Helicobater pylori initiate or perpetuate immune thrombocytopenic purpura?
Authors: Michel Marc , Cooper Nichola , Jean Christelle , Frissora Christine , Bussel James B. 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
To determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection in North American patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and the effect of H pylori eradication on the platelet count, a prospective study was performed. Seventy-four patients aged 10 years and older (mean age of 41 years) with chronic ITP and a platelet count below 60 × 109/L were enrolled. H pylori infection was found in 22% of patients by means of a breath test and could not be predicted by gastrointestinal symptoms. H pylori–positive patients (52.5 years of age) were older than H pylori–negative patients (38.5 years of age; P = .0035). Fifteen of the 16 H pylori–positive patients were treated and the bacteria was eradicated in 14 (93%). After 3 months, a significant response (platelet count &gt; 50 × 109/L and doubling the initial count) was observed in only one patient. After a median follow-up of 11.5 months, none of the 14 patients had responded. Ten H pylori–negative patients treated with the same regimen also did not increase their platelet counts. In conclusion, unlike several previous reports, this study does not implicate H pylori in the pathogenesis of ITP since the prevalence of H pylori infection was low and eradication of H pylori did not positively influence the course of the ITP.
Caspase-independent cell death in AML: caspase inhibition in vitro with pan-caspase inhibitors or in vivo by XIAP or Survivin does not affect cell survival or prognosis
Authors: Carter Bing Z. , Kornblau Steven M. , Tsao Twee , Wang Rui-Yu , Schober Wendy D. , Milella Michele , Sung Hsi-Guang , Reed John C. , Andreeff Michael 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
Survivin and XIAP, members of the protein family known as the inhibitors of apoptosis, interfere with the activation of caspases, called the “cell death executioners.” We examined Survivin (n = 116) and XIAP (n = 172) expression in primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts and assessed the impact of their expression on prognosis. They were detected in all samples analyzed. However, no correlation was observed with cytogenetics, remission attainment, or overall survival of patients with AML. To investigate the importance of caspases in chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in AML, we treated OCI-AML3 cells with Ara-C, doxorubicin, vincristine, and paclitaxel, which induced caspase cleavage and apoptosis. Blocking of caspase activation by pan-caspase inhibitor abolished poly(adenosine diphosphate [ADP]-ribose) polymerase cleavage and DNA fragmentation but did not prevent chemotherapy-induced cell death and did not inhibit, or only partially inhibited, mitochondrial release of cytochrome c, Smac, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), or loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Caspase inhibition also did not protect AML blasts from chemotherapy-induced cell death in vitro. These results suggest that expression levels of Survivin or XIAP have no prognostic impact in AML patients. Although anticancer drugs induced caspase cleavage and apoptosis, cell killing was caspase independent. This may partially explain the lack of prognostic impact of XIAP and Survivin and may suggest caspase-independent mechanisms of cell death in AML. (Blood. 2003;102:4179-4186)
Transient in vivo selection of transduced peripheral blood cells using antifolate drug selection in rhesus macaques that received transplants with hematopoietic stem cells expressing dihydrofolate reductase vectors
Authors: Persons Derek A. , Allay James A. , Bonifacino Aylin , Lu Taihe , Agricola Brian , Metzger Mark E. , Donahue Robert E. , Dunbar Cynthia E. , Sorrentino Brian P. 
Published: August 2003

Abstract
One of the main obstacles for effective human gene therapy for hematopoietic disorders remains the achievement of an adequate number of genetically corrected blood cells. One approach to this goal is to incorporate drug resistance genes into vectors to enable in vivo selection of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Although a number of drug resistance vectors enable HSC selection in murine systems, little is known about these systems in large animal models. To address this issue, we transplanted cells transduced with dihydrofolate resistance vectors into 6 rhesus macaques and studied whether selection of vector-expressing cells occurred following drug treatment with trimetrexate and nitrobenzylmercaptopurineriboside-phosphate. In some of the 10 administered drug treatment courses, substantial increases in the levels of transduced peripheral blood cells were noted; however, numbers returned to baseline levels within 17 days. Attempts to induce stem cell cycling with stem cell factor and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor prior to drug treatment did not lead to sustained enrichment for transduced cells. These data highlight an important species-specific difference between murine and nonhuman primate models for assessing in vivo HSC selection strategies and emphasize the importance of using drugs capable of inducing selective pressure at the level of HSCs.
Rapidly Increasing Concentrations of CFC Alternatives (HFC-134a, HCFC-141b, and HCFC-142b) in the Atmosphere as Observed in Hokkaido and Antarctica
Authors: Shirai Tomoko , Makide Yoshihiro 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Sharply increasing trends were observed for recent atmospheric concentrations of CFC alternatives by GC/MS analysis of samples collected in Hokkido, Japan and Syowa Station, Antarctica. These trends were consistent with those calculated based on the world production/release statistics for HFC-134a and HCFC-141b, but inconsistent for HCFC-142b, suggestive of some inaccurate release estimations.
Delayed Onset of Oculogyric Crisis and Torticollis with Intramuscular Haloperidol
Authors: Jhee Stanford S , Zarotsky Victoria , Mohaupt Stephen M , Yones Cynthia L , Sims Steve J 
Published: August 2003

Objective To report a case of delayed-onset dystonic reactions, oculogyric crisis (OGC), and torticollis after treatment with intramuscular haloperidol lactate injection. Case Summary A 22-year-old Mexican American woman received intramuscular haloperidol lactate 7.5 mg followed 4 hours later by 10 mg. Twenty-six hours after the first injection, the patient reported that she was unable to lower her gaze and that her neck was stiff. She was immediately given intramuscular benztropine 2 mg; there was a nearly complete remission of symptoms within 15 minutes of treatment. An objective causality assessment revealed a probable relationship between the OGC/torticollis and haloperidol therapy. Discussion Dystonic reactions have been reported in 10–60% of patients treated with neuroleptic medication, most commonly when patients just start or increase the dose of the drug. The highest frequency of dystonic reactions has occurred in patients receiving high-potency neuroleptics. It has also been suggested that haloperidol-induced dystonic reactions are a result of the toxic metabolites of that agent. Conclusions OGC and torticollis reactions may occur 12–24 hours after treatment with a high-potency neuroleptic, even in the absence of symptoms of extrapyramidal side effects (EPSEs). The delayed dystonic reaction may begin suddenly (no early EPSE symptomatology).
Treatment of Hypertension in Bahrain
Authors: Khaja Khalid A Jassim Al , Sequeira Reginald P , Damanhori Awatif HH 
Published: August 2003

Objective To evaluate the adequacy of blood pressure (BP) control and therapeutic appropriateness of antihypertensive drug(s) prescribed, taking into consideration laboratory parameters and the presence of comorbidities, in hypertensive patients. Methods Therapeutic audit of medical records of hypertensive patients from 9 primary care health centers in Bahrain using World Health Organization/International Society of Hypertension guidelines criteria. Results The recommended target BP <140/<90 mm Hg was achieved in 37 (16.5%) patients with a mean BP of 126 ± 6 / 80 ± 5 mm Hg. Groups with inadequate BP control were 15 (6.7%) with normal systolic BP (SBP) and high diastolic BP (DBP), 59 (26.3%) with high SBP and normal DBP, and 113 (50.4%) with high SBP and high DBP. Pulse pressure of the controlled group was 46.3 ± 5.9, whereas pulse pressures of the inadequately controlled groups with BP cutoffs <140/≥90, ≥140/<90, and ≥140/≥90 mm Hg were 37.4 ± 6.1, 72.7 ± 13.5, and 59.7 ± 13.6 mm Hg, respectively. Of the 281 treated hypertensive patients, 56.6% were on monotherapy; BP of patients on combination therapy versus monotherapy did not differ. The choice of antihypertensives in relation to comorbidities and laboratory findings revealed that many hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia were on β-blockers and diuretics, 39.3% of patients with ischemic heart disease were on β-blockers, approximately 20% of patients with hyperuricemia were on diuretics, and 27.6% and 10.4% of patients with isolated systolic hypertension were on diuretics and calcium-channel blockers, respectively. Conclusions BP control was achieved in 1 of 6 treated patients. In several instances, metabolic abnormalities and comorbidities were apparently not considered while prescribing antihypertensives. A rational drug therapy approach is needed in treating hypertension to achieve better control rates.
Aspirin and Warfarin versus Aspirin Monotherapy after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jeddy Azzah S , Gleason Brenda L 
Published: August 2003

Objective To review data concerning combined aspirin/warfarin versus aspirin alone for secondary prevention after myocardial infarction (MI). Data Sources Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–September 2002). Search terms included aspirin, warfarin, secondary prevention, and myocardial infarction. Data Synthesis Despite use of low-dose aspirin after an MI, risk of subsequent death and ischemic events remains high, making strategies for secondary prevention imperative. Relevant, large, long-term studies focusing on dual aspirin/warfarin versus aspirin alone in post-MI patients were evaluated. Conclusions Aspirin 75–325 mg/d should remain first-line therapy for secondary prevention after MI. Combining aspirin 75–81 mg with warfarin to maintain the international normalized ratio at 2.0–2.5 may provide added benefit, but should be considered only for patients at high risk for thromboembolic events.
Safety of COX-2 Inhibitors in Asthma Patients with Aspirin Hypersensitivity
Authors: West Patricia M , Fernández Cristina 
Published: August 2003

Objective To review the safety of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors in asthma patients with aspirin hypersensitivity. Data Sources Clinical studies were identified using MEDLINE (1966–September 2002). Key search terms included cyclooxygenase inhibitors, aspirin, asthma, and hypersensitivity. English-language articles were identified and included. References from the identified articles were also reviewed. Data Synthesis The literature provides information regarding the safety of COX-2 inhibitors in asthma patients with aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD). The mechanism of AERD involves inhibition of cyclooxygenase, particularly COX-1. Inhibition of COX-1 causes an increased production of certain inflammatory mediators, which results in the reactions seen with AERD. Considering this mechanism, COX-2 inhibitors may be an alternative to aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in a patient with AERD. This article analyzes 4 studies to evaluate the safety of COX-2 inhibitors in this population. Results The 4 studies evaluated included a total of 172 patients with AERD. All patients included demonstrated intolerance to aspirin or NSAIDs and tolerated the selective COX-2 inhibitor administered. Conclusions COX-2 inhibitors provide a potentially safe alternative for treatment of inflammatory conditions in patients with AERD.