bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy, Tolerability and Safety of Oral Eletriptan and Ergotamine plus Caffeine (Cafergot<sup>®</sup>) in the Acute Treatment of Migraine: A Multicentre, Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Comparison
Authors: Diener Hans-Christoph , Jansen Jan-Peter , Reches Avinoan , Pascual Julio , Pitei Daniela , Steiner Timothy J. 
Published: April 2003

The 5-HT<sub>1B/1D/1F</sub> agonist eletriptan, at an oral dose of 80 mg, has been shown to be more efficacious than sumatriptan 100 mg and placebo in the treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura. Another commonly prescribed oral treatment for migraine attacks is Cafergot<sup>®</sup> (1 mg ergotamine tartrate with 100 mg caffeine per tablet). The efficacy, tolerability and safety of 40- and 80-mg doses of eletriptan and 2 tablets of Cafergot<sup>®</sup> were compared in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial involving 733 migraine patients. Patients recorded symptoms at baseline (before treatment) and 1, 2, 4 and 24 h after dosing. Headache intensity was assessed on a 4-point scale (3 = severe pain, 2 = moderate pain, 1 = mild pain, 0 = no pain). Significantly more eletriptan-treated patients (80 mg, 68%; 40 mg, 54%) than Cafergot-treated patients (33%; p < 0.001) reported headache response (improvement from moderate-to-severe to mild or no pain) at 2 h. Substantially more eletriptan recipients reported no pain (80 mg, 38%; 40 mg, 28%; Cafergot, 10%; placebo, 5%; p < 0.001). Eletriptan headache response rates at 1 h were significantly higher (80 mg, 39%; 40 mg, 29%; Cafergot, 13%; placebo, 13%; p < 0.002 for each comparison). Both doses of eletriptan were significantly more effective than Cafergot in reducing nausea (p < 0.0001), photophobia (80 mg, p < 0.0001; 40 mg, p < 0.002), phonophobia (80 mg, p < 0.0001; 40 mg, p < 0.003) and functional impairment (p ≤ 0.001) at 2 h. Adverse events were generally mild or moderate and transient. This randomised trial shows that oral eletriptan is more efficacious in the acute treatment of migraine than oral Cafergot and is well tolerated.
Adie’s Tonic Pupil-Induced Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Leibovitch Igal , Kurtz Shimon , Almog Yehoshua 
Published: April 2003

A 52-year-old woman was diagnosed as having Adie’s tonic pupil in her right eye. She reported few episodes of blurring of vision in her right eye in the recent few months. On one of the routine follow-up visits, right intraocular pressure (IOP) was 70 mm Hg and on gonioscopy the angle was closed 360°. Medical treatment resulted in IOP reduction and laser iridotomy was then performed. This is, to our knowledge, the first description of intermittent angle-closure glaucoma attacks induced by a tonic pupil. The possibility of angle-closure glaucoma should be considered in patients with a tonic pupil, especially with symptoms of blurred vision or ocular pain.
In vitro Toxicity of Rivastigmine and Donepezil in Cells of Epithelial Origin
Authors: Goldblum David , Gygax Monika , Böhnke Matthias , Garweg Justus G. 
Published: April 2003

Neurospecific acetylcholinesterase inhibitors have been shown to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal rabbits and might have additional neuroprotective effects. This study was set out to explore and compare the toxicity of two selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, rivastigmine and donepezil, on two standardized cell lines of epithelial origin. Chang and Vero cells were incubated with various concentrations of rivastigmine or donepezil. Acute toxicity (4 h) was assessed by monitoring the permeability of cells to propidium iodide. Chronic toxicity (7 days) was determined by monitoring the effect of the two drugs on esterase activity and cell proliferation. The viability of cells was also assessed morphologically by microscopic inspection. Signs of acute toxicity became manifest at a rivastigmine concentration of 50 mg/ml in both Chang and Vero cells. Indications of chronic toxicity became obvious at concentrations of as low as 1 × 10<sup>–5</sup> mg/ml. In contrast, degenerative morphological changes became manifest only at a concentration of as high as 1 mg/ml. In donepezil-treated cells, acute toxicity was not observed in the concentration range tested, whereas chronic toxicity was detected at 1 × 10<sup>–1</sup> mg/ml in both Chang and Vero cells, a concentration at which degenerative morphological changes became evident as well. In contrast to rivastigmine, donepezil elicited no signs of acute or chronic toxicity in either Chang or Vero cells at the IOP-lowering concentration of 1 × 10<sup>–4</sup> mg/ml. At this dose, the drug is therefore unlikely to evoke deleterious effects on ocular surface tissues in the clinical setting.
Suppression by Verapamil of Bombesin-Enhanced Peritoneal Metastasis of Intestinal Adenocarcinomas Induced by Azoxymethane in Wistar Rats
Authors: Iishi Hiroyasu , Iishi Hiroyasu , Tatsuta Masaharu , Tatsuta Masaharu , Baba Miyako , Baba Miyako , Yano Hiroyuki , Yano Hiroyuki , Sakai Noriko , Sakai Noriko , Uehara Hiroyuki , Uehara Hiroyuki , Nakaizumi Akihiko , Nakaizumi Akihiko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The effects of combined administration of bombesin and verapamil hydrochloride (verapamil), a calcium channel blocker, on the incidence of peritoneal metastasis of intestinal adenocarcinomas induced by azoxymethane (AOM) and the labeling index of intestinal cancers were investigated in male Wistar rats. <i>Methods:</i> From the beginning of the experiment, rats were given 10 weekly subcutaneous injections of AOM (7.4 mg/kg body weight) and subcutaneous injections of bombesin (40 µg/kg body weight) every other day, and from week 16, intraperitoneal injections of verapamil (10 or 20 mg/kg body weight) every other day until the end fo the experiment in week 45. <i>Results:</i> Bombesin significantly increased the incidence of intestinal tumors and cancer metastasis to the peritoneum. Although verapamil administered at either dose had little or no effect on the enhancement of intestinal carcinogenesis by bombesin or on the location, histologic type, depth of involvement, labeling index, apoptotic index or tumor vascularity of intestinal cancers, it significantly decreased the incidence of cancer metastasis. Verapamil also significantly decreased the incidence of lymphatic invasion of adenocarcinomas, which was enhanced by bombesin. <i>Conclusion:</i> These findings indicate that verapamil inhibits cancer metastasis through actions that do not affect the growth of intestinal cancers.
Aerodynamics of Esophageal Voice Production with and without a Groningen Voice Prosthesis
Authors: Schutte Harm K. , Nieboer G.J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> Aerodynamic aspects of esophageal voice production in laryngectomees have been studied to clarify and compare the physiology of injection (IE) and button-assisted (TE) esophageal voice. <i>Methods:</i> Simultaneous measurements of intratracheal, sub- and suprapseudoglottic pressure, transpseudoglottic flow and sound pressure level (SPL) in laryngectomees were carried out. Efficiency of substitute voice production and pressure loss over the prosthesis were calculated. Relationships between the variables were computed by means of regression analysis, and Pearson’s product-moment correlations. <i>Results:</i> (1) TE speakers use a higher subpseudoglottic pressure and a higher mean airflow rate during phonation than IE speakers; (2) in TE and IE speakers SPL values are about the same; (3) in assessing voice performance of TE speakers intratracheal air pressure is the most important aerodynamic variable. <i>Conclusion:</i> The aerodynamic model of button-assisted esophageal voice production presented here provides a basis for future studies in this field.
Unexpected Prolonged Neuromuscular Block after Mivacurium: A Case Report
Authors: Hemadri Makani , Purva Makani , Traykova Vesselka 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To present a case of unexpected prolonged apnoea following the administration of mivacurium, a short-acting muscle relaxant and to identify the factors for early diagnosis and management. <i>Clinical Presentation and Intervention:</i> A 19-year-old physically fit lady without personal or family history suggestive of anaesthetic problems had an excision of fibro-adenoma from the breast. She did not recover as quickly as was expected from the anaesthetic, which included the administration of mivacurium. She had prolonged neuromuscular blockade. She was kept ventilated and sedated. Five hours after the last dose of mivacurium, she showed signs of spontaneous respiration and at 6 h she was extubated and fully recovered. It was shown later that the patient had a pseudocholinesterase deficiency. <i>Conclusion:</i> Pseudocholinesterase deficiency is an uncommon occurrence but should be highly suspected in cases of prolonged paralysis following the administration of a short-acting muscle relaxant. The use of a nerve stimulator is recommended whenever muscle relaxants are used. Muscle relaxants should be used only when facilities for prolonged ventilation are available.
Antigen Presentation by Murine Peritoneal Cavity Macrophage-Derived Dendritic Cells
Authors: Makala L.H.C. , Nishikawa Y. , Kamada T. , Xuan X. , Nagasawa H. 
Published: April 2003

Murine peritoneal cavity macrophage derived dendritic cells (PEC-DC) generated using early growth factors, interleukin 4 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor followed by maturation in interferon-gamma plus either, <i>Toxoplasma</i> lysate antigen (TLA) or lipopolysaccharide, bind TLA by a nonspecific mechanism and continue to express major histocompatibility complex class II antigens after 24 h of culture in vitro. Moreover, the proliferation of CD3+ spleen T cells from mice immunized with <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> homogenate, induced by PEC-DC-mediated antigen presentation was statistically significant and of consistent amplitude. This accessory function of PEC-DC is antigen specific.
Inward Remodeling Follows Chronic Vasoconstriction in Isolated Resistance Arteries
Authors: Bakker Erik N.T.P. , van der Meulen Esther T. , van den Berg Bernard M. , Everts Vincent , Spaan Jos A.E. , VanBavel Ed 
Published: April 2003

The hypothesis was tested that chronic vasoconstriction is followed by a structural reduction in lumen diameter, measured at full dilation. An in vitro model of pressurized rat skeletal muscle arterioles was used. During a 3-day experimental period, constriction of active vessels was achieved with fetal calf serum or endothelin-1 (ET-1). Maximal dilation revealed inward remodeling from 179 ± 6.5 µm lumen diameter on day 0 to 151 ± 6.3 µm on day 3 at 75 mm Hg in vessels incubated with serum (n = 8). Similarly, ET-1 induced inward remodeling from 182 ± 5.2 to 164 ± 3.7 µm (n = 6). When constriction during organoid culture was inhibited with papaverin or verapamil, inward remodeling was fully prevented: 184 ± 6.3 to 184 ± 5.8 µm for papaverin (n = 6) and 174 ± 5.5 to 177 ± 7.4 µm for verapamil (n = 6). A chronic reduction in diameter without tone was achieved in vessels that were kept at a low pressure (2–5 mm Hg; n = 6). Here, no remodeling was found, thereby ruling out that a chronic reduction in diameter alone is sufficient for inward remodeling. These data show that a persistent active reduction in lumen diameter is followed by inward remodeling of arterioles.
Role of Capsaicin-Sensitive Afferents in Fever and Cytokine Responses during Systemic and Local Inflammation in Rats
Authors: Gourine Alexander V. , Rudolph Karin , Korsak Alla S. , Kubatko Justin , Tesfaigzi Johannes , Kozak Wieslaw , Kluger Matthew J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective: </i>Peripheral afferents play an important role in fever. In the present study, we investigated the role of capsaicin-sensitive afferents in fever and cytokine responses during systemic (induced by intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide, LPS) and local (induced by injection of Freund’s incomplete adjuvant, FIA, into the paw) inflammation. <i>Methods: </i>Fevers in rats (8–10 weeks of age) whose capsaicin-sensitive afferents were depleted by neonatal capsaicin (50 mg/kg) treatment were compared to those of rats treated as neonates with vehicle. To investigate a possible involvement of cytokines, plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were measured during LPS- and FIA-induced fever in rats after capsaicin-induced desensitization. Body temperature was measured by biotelemetry. IL-6 and TNF bioactivities in plasma were determined using bioassays. <i>Results: </i>The initial but not the late phase of LPS (50 µg/kg)-induced fever was markedly higher (∼1.0°C) in rats whose capsaicin-sensitive neurons were destroyed by neonatal capsaicin treatment. Capsaicin-induced desensitization also resulted in significantly higher plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF 1 but not 4 h after LPS challenge. In contrast, the day after injection with FIA (0.1 ml), rats treated with capsaicin had significantly lower body temperatures compared with vehicle-treated animals. No differences were found in plasma levels of IL-6 and TNF between capsaicin- and vehicle-treated animals in response to FIA. <i>Conclusions:</i> These data indicate that the role of capsaicin-sensitive afferents in fever depends on the type of inflammatory response. During systemic inflammation, capsaicin-sensitive afferents may be involved in modulating fever by regulating the levels of pyrogenic cytokines. During local inflammation, the late phase of fever is partially mediated via capsaicin-sensitive afferents.
The Neurobiology of Tobacco Dependence: A Commentary
Authors: Balfour David J.K. 
Published: April 2003

This commentary summarises the evidence that nicotine has the pharmacological properties of a psychostimulant drug of dependence. Behaviourally it serves as a reinforcer in self-administration experiments. Within the brain, acute nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine (DA) in the shell of the nucleus accumbens whereas repeated nicotine results in selective sensitization of its effects on DA overflow in the accumbal core. These effects are thought to play a central role in the acquisition of responding for nicotine and the development of associations between delivery of the drug and cues that predict its delivery. These responses, therefore, are thought to be pivotal to its ability to cause dependence. The commentary also emphasises the evidence that cigarette smoke provides a vehicle for nicotine that maximises its addictive potential since it delivers nicotine directly into the lungs and, within 10–15 s, to the brain. For habitual cigarette smokers, this process is repeated frequently and regularly and in the context of many other sensory cues within the smoke that potentially provide additional conditioned reinforcers. This, it is argued, explains the strong addiction that many smokers develop to tobacco smoke. Smoking cessation is also associated with the expression of an abstinence syndrome that can, largely, be attributed to nicotine withdrawal and is also likely to contribute to the maintenance of the habit. The commentary closes with a brief review of the pharmacological mechanisms that may contribute to the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy and Zyban<sup>®</sup> (bupropion) as aids to smoking cessation.
Comparison of Ondansetron with Metoclopramide in the Symptomatic Relief of Uremia-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Authors: Ljutić Dragan , Perković Dijana , Rumboldt Zvonko , Bagatin Jugoslav , Hozo Izet , Pivac Nediljko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Nausea and vomiting are well-known gastrointestinal complications in chronic renal failure and are frequent indications for the commencement of dialysis. Although the administration of antiemetic drugs (metoclopramide and, recently, ondansetron) is usually mentioned, there are scanty data on their effects. <i>Methods:</i> A double-blind crossover study was done in 10 uremic patients. All the patients were uremic and suffered from nausea and vomiting. The drugs were randomly administered intravenously (either metoclopramide 10 mg or ondansetron 8 mg) 2 h after blood drawing for laboratory tests either on the 1st or on the 3rd study day at the same time. The outcomes were scored after 24 h of follow-up by (1) one of us (D.P.; 1–3 points: 1 = no effect; 2 = moderate effect – decreased frequency of vomiting, and 3 = good effect – no vomiting), and (2) by the patients (1–5 points). <i>Results:</i> The results obtained showed that ondansetron was more effective in controlling nausea and vomiting than metoclopramide, either objectively (2.80 ± 0.422 vs. 1.40 ± 0.699, p < 0.005) or subjectively (4.10 ± 0.738 vs. 2.10 ± 0.994, p < 0.005). <i>Conclusions:</i> We conclude that at the dosage level studied ondansetron is about twice as effective as metoclopramide in the symptomatic relief of uremia-induced nausea and vomiting.
Immunochemical Characterization of Two <i>Pichia pastoris-</i>Derived Recombinant Group 5 <i>Dactylis glomerata</i> Isoallergens
Authors: van Oort Erica , de Heer Pleuni G. , Lerouge Patrice , Faye Loïc , Aalberse Rob C. , van Ree Ronald 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Grass pollen of the Poaceae grasses are known to be highly allergenic. Major allergens from the species <i>Lolium, Phleum, Poa</i> and <i>Holcus</i> have been cloned and expressed as recombinant proteins, but of the important species <i>Dactylis glomerata</i> no recombinants are available. <i>Methods:</i> Dac g 5 was cloned by PCR on the basis of homology with Lol p 5 and expressed in <i>Pichia pastoris.</i> Recombinant Dac g 5 (rDac g 5) was affinity purified and compared to natural Dac g 5 (nDac g 5) by immunoblot, radioallergosorbent test (RAST), RAST inhibition, basophil histamine release assay (HRA), competitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, N-terminal sequencing, concanavalin A (Con A) binding, circular dichroism spectrum measurements and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass-spectrometric analysis were performed. <i>Results:</i> Clones were obtained that coded for pro-Dac g 5 and two mature isoforms of Dac g 5; the deduced amino acid sequences of both isoforms differed by 4 amino acids. Both mature isoforms were expressed in <i>Pichia</i> at a concentration of ∼15 mg/l. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that rDac g 5 had an apparent M<sub>r</sub> approximately 10 kD above nDac g 5. By mass spectrometry this difference was shown to be around 2.5 kD. Positive Con A staining suggested (O-linked) glycosylation as an explanation for this increase in M<sub>r</sub>. Whereas both purified recombinants showed a tendency to dimerize, purified nDac g 5 contained a 12-kD peptide not observed for rDac g 5. RAST, RAST inhibition and HRA showed that the IgE reactivity of rDac g 5 was similar to that of nDac g 5. A small subgroup, however, clearly demonstrated decreased IgE reactivity to rDac g 5.02. Differences in immune reactivity of both isoforms were confirmed by monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based sandwich ELISA. <i>Conclusions:</i> Dac g 5 was successfully cloned and expressed in <i>P. pastoris</i>. Minor differences in primary structure between isoforms influence their immune reactivity.
Endothelin-1 and Big-Endothelin Concentrations Are Elevated in Liver Graft Tissue during Cold Storage and Reperfusion
Authors: Kraus T. , Golling M. , Mehrabi A. , Fernandes L. , Angelescu Michaela , Gebhard Martha-Maria , Herfarth C. , Klar E. 
Published: April 2003

Endothelin (ET) and its precursor big-ET were synchronously analyzed by RIA in liver biopsies and systemic plasma during porcine orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) before graft harvesting (phase A), after cold storage (phase B), and early (phase C) and late reperfusion (phase D). Tissue and plasma concentrations were correlated with length of survival and reperfusion. Increased tissue ET/big-ET levels were already detected during phase B (ET: 46 ± 20; big-ET: 245 ± 119 pg/mg cytosolic protein) and remained elevated in phase C (ET: 49 ± 16; big-ET: 306 ± 144 pg/mg) compared to baseline (ET: 32 ± 13; big-ET: 185 ± 164 pg/mg; p < 0.05). In phase D, a rapid concentration decline was detected (ET: 36 ± 26; big-ET: 163 ± 138 pg/mg). Systemic ET levels were elevated in phase B (3.4 ± 3.0 pg/ml), C, (2.8 ± 1.2 pg/ml) and D (2.6 ± 2.0 pg/ml), compared to baseline (1.7 ± 1.1 pg/ml; p < 0.05). ET/big-ET kinetics in liver tissue and systemic plasma showed analogous characteristics. Intrahepatic ET accumulation during storage and early reperfusion could be of relevance for harvest-related disturbances of hepatic microcirculation.
Effect of CO<sub>2</sub> Pneumoperitoneum on the Systemic and Peritoneal Cytokine Response in a LPS-Induced Sepsis Model
Authors: Matsumoto T. , Dolgor B. , Ninomiya K. , Bandoh T. , Yoshida T. , Kitano S. 
Published: April 2003

We studied the effect of carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) pneumoperitoneum on the systemic and peritoneal cytokine response in a rat model of intraperitoneal sepsis. After intraperitoneal injection of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg), rats were divided into 3 groups (n = 49 in each group): control (abdominal puncture); CO<sub>2</sub> pneumoperitoneum, and laparotomy. Blood and peritoneal lavage fluid (PLF) were sampled at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 h after LPS challenge. Blood cell counts, plasma endotoxin level, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the plasma and PLF were measured. Blood cell counts did not differ between the 3 groups. Plasma endotoxin levels in the pneumoperitoneum group were significantly increased immediately after the procedure (p < 0.05). Although peak plasma TNF-α levels in the pneumoperitoneum group were seen immediately after the procedure, other changes in plasma cytokine levels did not differ significantly between the 3 groups. PLF TNF-α and IL-1β levels in the pneumoperitoneum group were significantly lower than levels in the control and laparotomy groups soon after the procedure (p < 0.05). PLF IL-6 levels in the pneumoperitoneum group tended to be lower than those in the laparotomy group. In conclusion, CO<sub>2</sub> pneumoperitoneum might induce different responses between systemic and peritoneal cytokines soon after the procedure in a rat model of intraperitoneal sepsis.