bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nodal Gamma/Delta T Cell Lymphoma in Complete Remission following Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation from an HLA-Matched Unrelated Donor
Authors: Aoyama Yasutaka , Yamane Takahisa , Hino Masayuki , Ota Kensuke , Hasegawa Taro , Sakamoto Chikahiko , Nakamae Hirohisa , Yamamura Ryousuke , Koh Ki-Ryang , Takubo Takayuki , Inoue Takeshi , Tsubaki Kazuo , Tatsumi Noriyuki 
Published: April 2003

Gamma/delta T cell lymphoma is very rare, and usually occurs as an extranodal tumor. We describe the case of a 16-year-old Japanese man with an unusual nodal gamma/delta T cell lymphoma with generalized lymphadenopathy and bone marrow involvement. No tumor involvement was observed in the liver, spleen, or nasal cavity. Examination for surface antigens on lymphoma cells revealed a unique phenotype, positive for CD3 and T cell receptor (TCR) gamma/delta, but negative for CD2. Genotypic analysis revealed the tumor to be of monoclonal origin and characterized by TCR gamma-chain gene rearrangement, but there was no rearrangement of the TCR beta-chain gene. Our patient’s tumor responded to combination chemotherapy and subsequent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an HLA-matched unrelated donor. He has remained well and free of disease for 35 months.
Bone Mineral Density in Patients Beginning Hemodialysis Treatment
Authors: Pečovnik Balon Breda , Hojs Radovan , Zavratnik Andrej , Kos Martina 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Our study was designed to determine bone mineral density (BMD) in patients beginning hemodialysis (HD) treatment, a possible correlation with the duration of renal failure prior to treatment, a possible correlation with the basic disease and the association with the concentration of intact parathormone (iPTH). <i>Methods:</i> Our prospective clinical trial included 50 patients beginning HD treatment. Cortical bone mineral density (BMDc) was measured at the left femoral neck and trabecular bone mineral density (BMDt) in the region of the lumbosacral spine. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by quantitative digital radiography using a Hologic 2000 plus device belonging to the third generation of densitometers based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. <i>Results:</i> In patients (PTS) beginning HD, the average BMDc was 82 ± 15% of BMDc in a healthy population of corresponding age and sex. The average BMDt was 91 ± 16% of BMDt in a healthy population of corresponding age and sex. The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). There is a negative correlation between iPTH and BMDc r = –0.34 (p < 0.02). Patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) had a statistically significantly higher BMDc (g/cm<sup>2</sup>) (p < 0.01) than those with analgetic nephropathy (AN). PTS with AN have lower BMDc (g/cm<sup>2</sup>, %) (p < 0.02) and BMDt (p < 0.005) than the rest of the PTS, iPTH in PTS with AN is higher than in the rest of the PTS (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> In PTS at the beginning of HD, BMD is lower than in healthy people of corresponding age and sex. This means that BMD already decreases prior to HD. BMDc was statistically significantly lower than BMDt (p < 0.00005). PTS with AN have lower BMD than those with GN and all remaining PTS. A negative correlation between iPTH and BMDc was found.
Relationship between Plasma Retinol and Infectious Diseases in the Elderly
Authors: Chau Nearkasèn , Tébi Ambroise , Créton Christine , Belbraouet Slimane , Debry Gérard 
Published: April 2003

This study assessed the relationship between plasma retinol deficiency and infectious diseases. The plasma retinol, anthropometric (Body Mass Index, triceps skinfold thickness, mid-arm muscle circumference) and biological indices (proteins, albumin, transferrin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein) of protein-energy malnutrition of 63 patients with infectious diseases (ID) were compared to those of two control groups of similar age: 527 patients with other diseases (C1) and 92 healthy people (C2). Plasma retinol, albumin, transferrin and prealbumin were significantly lower in the ID group than in the C1 group. A lower body mass index was noted in men only. The ID and C1 groups had lower values for all indices (except for mid-arm muscle circumference). The ID group had lower albumin, transferrin, and prealbumin than the C1 group. The percentage of patients with plasma retinol below 300 µg/l was higher in the ID group (48.0% in men, 39% in women) than in the C1 group (25.0 and 21.5%); the odds ratio adjusted on age and sex equaled 2.46, 95% CI (1.39–4.37). It was lower than 2% in the C2 group. The results obtained with multiple regression analysis showed that, in the patients, the association between plasma retinol and infectious diseases remained significant when age, sex, anthropometric and biological indices were taken into account. Consequently, it is useful to check up the food intake habits of the elderly.
Plasma Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate Reflecting the Severity of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
Authors: Turanlahti M. , Pesonen E. , Pohjavuori M. , Lassus P. , Fyhrquist F. , Andersson S. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the plasma concentration of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and pulmonary pressure and hypoxia defined by oxygenation index (OI) in newborn infants with severe persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) on inhaled nitric oxide (NO). In this prospective study, 18 newborn infants having Doppler ultrasound-diagnosed PPHN and treated with NO were investigated. The ratio of pulmonary artery to systemic artery pressure (PAP/SAP) and OI was assessed before treatment and at 0.5, 1, 12, and 24 h from the beginning of NO. At these time points, plasma concentrations of cGMP could be determined in 11 patients. The association of birth asphyxia as assessed by Apgar 1 min and 5 min and plasma cGMP before the NO treatment was examined. The initial median plasma concentration of cGMP was 37.3 pmol/ml (IQR 13.3–79.6). After the start of NO, cGMP increased significantly within 60 min (p = 0.003) and peaked at 12 h. Initial plasma cGMP was associated with Apgar score (1 and 5 min). OI decreased within 30 min of NO and PAP/SAP within 60 min. Persistent high PAP/SAP after 1 h of NO was associated with low cGMP concentration (r = 0.70, p = 0.02). We conclude that a significant increase in plasma cGMP is already evident after 60 min of NO therapy. This effect is accompanied by changes in oxygenation index and in pulmonary artery pressure. Initial plasma concentrations of cGMP were associated with hypoxia assessed as Apgar score.
Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor, Granulocyte Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor and Neutrophils in the Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Premature Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Papoff Paola , Christensen Robert D. , Calhoun Darlene A. , Juul Sandra E. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) promote clonal maturation of neutrophil and macrophage progenitors and increase functional activities of mature cells. The number and activity of neutrophils and macrophages in the lung affect healing and remodeling following respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). <i>Questions of the Study:</i> (1) Are G-CSF and GM-CSF present in the airways of preterm neonates with RDS? (2) Do airway G-CSF and GM-CSF concentrations correlate with neutrophil and macrophage number in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid? (3) Are alveolar macrophages a source of airway G-CSF and GM-CSF? (4) Is in vitro expression of G-CSF and GM-CSF by airway macrophages modified by dexamethasone, endotoxin, or hyperoxia? <i>Methods:</i> Eighteen preterm neonates with RDS requiring mechanical ventilation within the first 24 h of life underwent BAL on days 1, 3, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, and 28 if still intubated. BAL G-CSF and GM-CSF concentrations were measured by ELISA, and neutrophils and macrophages were counted. Alveolar macrophages were cultured, and G-CSF and GM-CSF expression measured in the presence and absence of dexamethasone, endotoxin, and hyperoxia. <i>Results:</i> G-CSF and GM-CSF were present in the BAL of intubated preterm neonates. In infants who did not develop chronic lung disease (CLD) (n = 5), G-CSF and GM-CSF concentrations were highest in the first days of life, falling thereafter, while in those who did develop CLD (n = 13) these concentrations increased over time. Neutrophil concentrations in BAL fluid followed a similar pattern. Macrophages from BAL were identified as a source of G-CSF and GM-CSF mRNA and protein. G-CSF and GM-CSF expression by these macrophages was increased by endotoxin, decreased by dexamethasone, and unchanged by hyperoxia. <i>Conclusions:</i> G-CSF and GM-CSF are present in neonatal BAL, and may contribute significantly to the accumulation of alveolar neutrophils.
Race, <i>Candida</i> Sepsis, and Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Tadesse Misrak , Dhanireddy Ramasubbareddy , Mittal Mahdur , Higgins Rosemary D. 
Published: April 2003

The objective of this observational cohort study at Georgetown University Hospital from January 1, 1994 through December 31, 1997 was to investigate race, <i>Candida</i> sepsis, and duration of oxygen exposure in infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with birth weight ≤1,000 g. The incidence of ROP was 70.8% (114/161). The incidence of stage III or greater ROP in the Caucasian infants was significantly higher at 46.7% (14/30) than in the African-American infants at 23.8% (20/84) with p < 0.02. In addition, the incidence of threshold disease was higher in Caucasian infants 33.3% (10/30) when compared to African-American infants 9.5% (8/84) with p < 0.002. Using multiple logistic regression, African-American race was found to be an independent protective factor against developing severe ROP [adjusted odds ratio 0.39; 95% confidence interval (UCI) 0.16–0.97]. Extremely-low-birth-weight African-American infants with comparable severity of illness (including birth weight, gestational age, duration of supplemental oxygen exposure, and <i>Candida</i> sepsis) are less likely to develop severe ROP than Caucasian infants.
Meconium Enhances the Release of Nitric Oxide in Human Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Khan Amir M. , Lally Kevin P. , Elidemir Okan , Colasurdo Giuseppe N. 
Published: April 2003

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the perinatal period. Despite the clinical relevance of MAS, its pathogenesis is poorly understood and the role played by epithelial-derived metabolites not well defined. In this study, we evaluated whether exposure to meconium affects the release of nitric oxide production in human airway epithelial cells. Monolayers of A549 cells, a transformed human epithelial cell line, were incubated with various concentrations of meconium. Control cells were incubated with serum-free medium in a similar manner. The supernatant fluid was removed at various time points and assayed for nitrite production. In selected experiments, the effects of dexamethasone (10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>), <i>L</i>-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>) and indomethacin (10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>) on nitrite release were evaluated. Results were obtained in terms of pmol/mg protein and expressed as % control (mean ± SE). We found exposure to meconium produced a significant release of nitrite from A549 cells. Dexamethasone, L-NAME and indomethacin inhibited meconium-induced release of nitrite. Our findings demonstrate meconium enhances the production of nitric oxide from A549 cells suggesting that airway epithelial cells and their metabolic products may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MAS.
Evolution of Calls and Auditory Tuning in the <i>Physalaemus pustulosus</i> Species Group
Authors: Wilczynski Walter , Rand A. Stanley , Ryan Michael J. 
Published: April 2003

In species within the <i>Physalaemus pustulosus </i>species group, male frogs produce a whine-like advertisement call consisting of a frequency sweep typically descending from 1,000 to 400 Hz (depending on the species). One species, <i>Physalaemus pustulosus</i>, the túngara frog, has evolved a second call syllable, the chuck, which males place after their whine. Most energy in the chuck is above 1,500 Hz and peaks at 2,400 Hz. We investigated whether the evolution of this new call component in <i>P. pustulosus</i> coincided with evolution of auditory tuning. We used multiunit electrophysiological recordings of auditory-evoked activity in the midbrain to characterize auditory tuning in <i>Physalaemus pustulosus</i>, four other <i>Physalaemus </i>species within the <i>P. pustulosus</i> clade, and three additional, closely related <i>Physalaemus</i> species as outgroups. All eight species had similar sensitivity profiles, with a broad area of enhanced sensitivity from 100 to 1,100 Hz, which we presume represents amphibian papilla (AP) tuning, and a second, narrower area of enhanced sensitivity centered above 2,100 Hz, which we presume represents basilar papilla (BP) tuning. For all species, the whine stimulates the AP. The <i>P. pustulosus</i> chuck stimulates the BP. The frequency with greatest AP sensitivity differed significantly among species. Although in all cases the AP peak lay within the frequency sweep of the whine, phylogenetically corrected correlations revealed no significant relationships between AP tuning and any spectral feature of the whine. BP tuning was similar among all species, with mean BP best excitatory frequencies (BEFs) around 2,100–2,200 Hz, with the exception of <i>P. pustulatus</i>, with a mean BP BEF of 2,549 Hz. <i>Physalaemus pustulosus</i>, the only investigated species that produces a call component stimulating the BP, had a BP BEF that was not significantly different from any of the species within its clade except <i>P. pustulatus</i>, or from any of the outgroup species. A phylogenetic reconstruction of ancestral BP tuning confirms that the only point of evolutionary change in BP tuning is in the line of descent leading to <i>P. pustulatus</i>, not in the line leading to <i>P. pustulosus</i> despite this being the species using the BP for communication. The results indicate that BP tuning around 2,200 Hz is a conserved trait in the <i>Physalaemus pustulosus</i> species group and that no evolution of BP tuning accompanied the subsequent evolution of the call component (the chuck) that stimulates it. This supports the sensory exploitation idea, which posits that signals evolve to match preexisting features of receiver systems.
Acute Effects of a Class IA Antiarrhythmic Drug on the Ventricular Evoked Response Amplitude in Patients with Cardiac Pacemakers
Authors: Schuchert Andreas , Meinertz Thomas 
Published: April 2003

Some newer cardiac pacemakers are able to control the efficacy of the ventricular pacing pulse beat by beat and to adjust the ventricular output to the actual pacing threshold. This capture verification is based on the detection of the ventricular evoked response amplitude, which has to be detected immediately after the pacing pulse. The sensitivity of the pacemaker to detect the evoked response amplitude must be adjusted individually to avoid the simultaneous detection of lead polarization. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acute effects of a class IA antiarrhythmic drug on the evoked response amplitude and polarization in 13 pacemaker patients. The implanted pacemaker was the VVIR pacemaker Regency (St. Jude Medical), which provides the automatic capture verification algorithm Autocapture. The patients received 50 mg of ajmaline intravenously within 1 min. The evoked response amplitude and polarization were measured before and 2, 4, 6 and 8 min after ajmaline injection. The evoked response amplitude significantly decreased from 8.0 ± 4.0 mV to a minimum value of 6.4 ± 3.1 mV 2 min after drug administration. The decrease remained significant from the end of the application up to 6 min. The recommended sensitivity setting for the evoked response significantly (p < 0.05) decreased from 4.0 ± 2.3 mV before to 3.1 ± 1.3 mV 2 min after administration. No significant changes were observed for polarization. After the ajmaline application in 2 patients, the pacemaker recommended the deactivation of Autocapture for 9 min in 1 patient and 12 min in the other. The reasons were a decrease in the evoked response amplitude from 3.1 to 1.9 mV and from 9.0 to 5.7 mV, respectively, with a polarization ranging to about 3.0 mV. In conclusion, the ajmaline injection decreased the evoked response amplitude for some minutes. These findings indicate that antiarrhythmic drugs can alter the automatic capture verification function.
Biochemical Markers of Ischaemia for the Early Identification of Acute Myocardial Infarction without ST Segment Elevation
Authors: Haastrup Benedikte , Gill Sabine , Kristensen Søren Risom , Jørgensen Poul Jørgen , Glatz Jan F.C. , Haghfelt Torben , Hørder Mogens 
Published: April 2003

Blood was collected on admission and after 1–2 h in 130 consecutive patients admitted with typical chest pain in order to assess the capacity of myoglobin, fatty-acid-binding protein (FABP), CK-MB mass, and troponin I (TnI) in the early identification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) without ST elevation. Using the maximum value within 6 h of onset of symptoms, AMI was detected with a 90–95% sensitivity and a 81–94% specificity by FABP at a cut-off level 8–12 µg/l, or 81–86% and 89–93%, respectively, by myoglobin at a cut-off level 70–90 µg/l. CK-MB mass and TnI had low sensitivity, albeit very high specificity. As almost all AMI patients were identified within 6 h, serial measurements of FABP or myoglobin ruled out AMI with a very high degree of certainty. Due to the low prevalence of AMI (16%), the positive predictive values were modest (47–73%), yet increasing the probability of AMI by a factor 3–4. Myoglobin and FABP are very useful markers in the early triage of chest pain patients.
Autonomic Nervous System Function in Patients with Acute Brainstem Stroke
Authors: Meglič Bernard , Kobal Jan , Osredkar Joško , Pogačnik Tomaž 
Published: April 2003

Dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) often complicates the clinical course in patients with acute stroke. The studies of the function of ANS in patients with brainstem stroke are scarce. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the function of ANS in the early period after acute brainstem stroke and to find out whether the location of stroke in brainstem influences the function of ANS. We studied heart rate variability (HRV) and plasma levels of catecholamines in 14 eligible patients with medullary (6 patients) and non-medullary (8 patients) brainstem stroke during the first 6 weeks after stroke. Integrals over the low- (LFB; 0.04–0.15 Hz) and high-frequency bands (HFB; 0.15–0.40 Hz) of power spectra were calculated. When compared to controls, the integrals over HFB in the hyperacute (p < 0.001) and over LFB in the hyperacute (p < 0.005) and in the acute (p < 0.05) phases were significantly smaller in patients with medullary strokes. Integrals over LFB and HFB in patients with non-medullary strokes did not differ significantly from controls, regardless of the phase of the disease. Plasma levels of epinephrine in patients with non-medullary stroke in the hyperacute and in the acute phases were significantly higher than in controls (p < 0.005). We conclude that there is transient dysfunction of ANS in patients with acute medullary stroke, in contrast to those with non-medullary brainstem stroke.
Intracarotid Abciximab Injection to Abort Impending Ischemic Stroke during Carotid Angioplasty
Authors: Ho David Sai Wah , Wang Yan , Chui Michele , Wang Yiqing , Ho Shu Leong , Cheung Raymond Tak Fai 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Abciximab, a platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonist, prevents ischemic complications during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and was recently shown to open occluded vessels in patients with acute myocardial infarction when used alone or in combination with other thrombolytic agents. In an animal model of arterial thrombosis, abciximab was found to be safe and effective for the prevention of carotid artery thrombosis. However, the safety and efficacy of abciximab in the treatment of acute ischemic cerebrovascular events is unknown at present. <i>Case Description:</i> We describe 3 patients who experienced ischemic cerebrovascular events with symptoms involving the middle cerebral artery territory while undergoing percutaneous angioplasty and stenting to their internal carotid arteries. Abciximab was administered to each patient within 10 min of symptom onset as a bolus (0.25 mg/kg) into the ipsilateral common carotid artery followed by continuous intravenous infusion (9 µg/min) for 12 h. All patients’ symptoms resolved completely (by 25 min, 40 min and 5 h, respectively) with no further neurological complications. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our preliminary observation suggests that abciximab may improve neurological outcome following middle cerebral artery ischemic events associated with carotid angioplasty and stenting. Large prospective studies are warranted to establish the safety and efficacy of abciximab in acute ischemic stroke, either as a primary treatment modality or an adjunct to carotid angioplasty and stenting.
Regulation of Embryonic Chick Insulin Cells: Effect of Retinoic Acid and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1
Authors: Kramer Beverley , Penny Clem 
Published: April 2003

We are interested in the regulation of early pancreatic differentiation, particularly with regard to factors that enhance insulin cell proliferation. Both retinoic acid and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are known to be important in the proliferation and differentiation of insulin cells. Individually, they have the ability to increase the proportion of insulin cells when added to cultures of chick dorsal pancreatic buds. The aim of this study was to define the action of retinoic acid (RA) in combination with IGF-1 on the proportion of insulin cells. The dorsal pancreatic bud of 5-day-old chick embryos was excised and the endodermal component, with minimal adherent mesenchyme, was explanted onto Matrigel. RA (10<sup>–6</sup> <i>M</i>) and IGF-1 (50 ng/ml) were added to Ham’s F12 culture medium containing transferrin (5 µg/ml) and selenium (10<sup>–10</sup> <i>M</i>) (F12.TS). Control explants were cultured in F12.TS alone or in F12.TS containing dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) [F12.TS (DMSO)]. After 7 days in culture, insulin and glucagon cells were localized immunocytochemically; numbers of insulin cells were expressed as a percentage of insulin plus glucagon cell counts. Addition of RA plus IGF-1 to the medium increased the proportion of insulin cells markedly (23.43%) compared with the proportions in control explants (11.3% with F12.TS (DMSO), 13.2% with F12.TS). This increase represents a more than twofold increase in the proportion of insulin cells over that of control explants.