bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of the Anal Striated Musculature in a Human Fetus
Authors: Fröber R. , Krebs U. , Haas A. , Fischer M.S. , Schier F. , Linss W. 
Published: April 2003

Conflicting opinions in the recent literature indicate that the morphological organization and function of the anorectal continence organ has, up to now, not been clearly understood. But a clear imagination of the spatial arrangements of this compound muscle system is of clinical relevance for the pediatric surgeon performing reconstructive surgery. We analyzed 18-µm sections of the pelvic region of 4 human fetuses in order to describe the individual components of this muscle complex. A series of 630 Azan-stained sections was the base for the computer-assisted 3D reconstruction of the levator ani and the external sphincter complex in a male human fetus (14th week p.c.). In this context, special attention was paid to the intermediate muscle layer of the puborectalis which develops ventrally from the funnel-shaped levator ani and joins the tripartite ring system of the sphincter muscle dorsally. Our findings lead to a clear imagination of the spatial arrangement of this intermediate layer and characterize the anorectal muscle complex as an integrated ensemble in which the puborectalis holds a key position.
Developmental Morphological and Histological Studies on Structures of the Human Fetal Shoulder Joint
Authors: Aboul Mahasen Laila M. , Sadek Sohair A. 
Published: April 2003

In the present work, morphological changes in the interior structures of the developing human shoulder joint were studied at different prenatal ages (9, 12, 16, 23 and 40 weeks) and were compared with the same structures in the adult joint. It was found that the shoulder joint had gone through important developmental changes during the 12th week of the prenatal life and it is assumed that genetic factors operative during this stage of development were more important than mechanical factors. A subsequent development of the intracapsular glenohumeral ligaments was present at the 16th week. The glenoid labrum, the biceps tendon and the three glenohumeral ligaments formed a complete ring around the glenoid fossa which constituted a functional unit, which seemed to have a role in stabilizing the joint. In the present work, histological prenatal studies were done on sagittal and radial sections from the glenoid fossa and its associated structures and the results were compared with the same structures in adults. At a crown-rump length of 30 mm (9 weeks), intermingling of the collagen fibres of the superior labrum and the biceps tendon was observed and the superior labrum could be considered as an extension of the biceps tendon. While the superior and inferior parts of the labrum appeared fibrous, the posterior labrum appeared as a primitive cellular condensation. At the 12th week, it became a fibrocellular structure and changed to a fibrocartilaginous structure at the 16th week. But until full term, no definitive fibrocartilage was found due to its hypercellularity compared to the adult. It was found that at all ages, the capsule was formed of cellular and fibrous elements, its collagenous content was progressively increased with age and at full term, it became generally fibrous but was still different compared to adults. In all stages of development, the synovial tissue of different regions of the same joint exhibited marked variations in thickness, vascularity, cellular density and collagenous content. It lined the capsule, surrounded the biceps tendon and reflected on the labrum. Its cell density as well as their vascular and collagenous contents were progressively increased with age. At full term, the synovial tissue was thickest at its inferior reflection and forming large folds. The synovial tissue lining the capsule was thinner than the synovial tissue at its reflection from the labrum, many villi and processes arising from it and projecting into the joint cavity.
A Cross-Sectional Study of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate in Prepubertal Children with Myelomeningocele
Authors: Trollmann Regina , Langhans Beate , Strehl Elisabeth , Wenzel Dieter , Dörr Helmuth G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To assess biochemical characteristics of adrenarche in patients with myelomeningocele (MMC), we examined serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) in prepubertal MMC patients. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> The study included a total of 54 prepubertal patients with MMC and shunted hydrocephalus: 13 patients (2 m, 11 f; aged 4.6–10.1 years, mean 8.1 ± 0.4) with isolated pubarche (Tanner stage PH 2–4, B1 or testes volume ≤3 ml) and 41 prepubertal MMC patients without pubarche (17 m, 24 f; aged 2.0–11.9 years; mean 6.8 ± 2.5). DHEAS levels were measured directly by chemiluminescence immunoassay (Nichols, USA). Auxological data (supine length, body mass index (BMI), arm span) and bone age (BA) were recorded. <i>Results</i><i>(mean <i>±</i> SD):</i> Basal DHEAS levels correlated with chronological age (CA) (r = 0.32, p < 0.05), BA (r = 0.65, p < 0.01; n = 23), BMI (r = 0.54, p < 0.01) and pubic hair stage (PH1 vs. PH2–4, r = 0.49, p < 0.01). 10/11 patients aged 2–4 years had DHEAS levels in the normal range, whereas 18/40 (45.0%) of the 5- to 9-year-old patients showed elevated levels (>+2 SDS). Ten patients with isolated pubarche (10/13; 2 m, 8 f; CA 8.3 ± 1.5 years) and 9 patients without pubarche (9/41; 6 m, 3 f; CA 6.9 ± 2.1 years) had elevated DHEAS levels (+6.34 and +4.05 SDS, respectively). The values correlated with BA/CA ratio (p < 0.05, n = 23). There was a trend to higher BMI SDS levels in patients with elevated DHEAS levels. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our data show an early and increased activation of adrenal androgen secretion in MMC patients.
Annexin 5 Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Expression in Pituitary Gonadotropes Is Induced by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) and Modulates GnRH Stimulation of Gonadotropin Release
Authors: Kawaminami Mitsumori , Etoh Seishi , Miyaoka Hiroko , Sakai Mina , Nishida Mayumi , Kurusu Shiro , Hashimoto Inoru 
Published: April 2003

Our previous studies on annexin 5, a member of the annexin family of proteins, have shown its expression in the anterior pituitary gland, its preferential distribution in gonadotropes, and its increase after ovariectomy. In the present study, we examined (1) whether annexin 5 is synthesized in gonadotropes, (2) whether its expression is under the control of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and (3) the effect of annexin 5 on gonadotropin release. Large cells, also called castration cells, appeared in anterior pituitary tissue 3 weeks after ovariectomy. These cells have been confirmed to be hyperfunctioning gonadotropes and are easily discriminated from other pituitary cells without immunostaining. Using in situ hybridization with a digoxigenin-labeled ribonucleic acid probe, enhanced expression of annexin 5 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in these gonadotropes was clearly demonstrated. Northern blot analysis showed an increase in the level of annexin 5 mRNA expression 3 weeks after ovariectomy. It was lessened 3 h after the injection of Cetrorelix (GnRH antagonist, 10 µg i.v.). Administration of a GnRH analog [GnRHa; Des-Gly 10 (Pro9) GnRH ethylamide, 0.2 ml of 2.5 µg/ml saline ten times intraperitoneally at 30-min intervals] significantly increased pituitary annexin 5 mRNA. In primary cultures of anterior pituitary cells, recombinant rat annexin 5 stimulated luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) release in a dose-dependent manner. Concomitant administration of annexin 5 (1 µg/ml) and GnRHa augmented the LH and FSH release induced by GnRHa. After a 1-hour incubation, cycloheximide (10 µg/ml) apparently inhibited the LH response to GnRHa, while annexin 5 (2 µg/ml) moderated this inhibition. Further, the antisense oligodeoxynucleotide to annexin 5 mRNA blunted the LH response to GnRHa. It is thus concluded that annexin 5 is synthesized in the gonadotropes under the effect of GnRH, and it is suggested that annexin 5 synthesis mediates at least partly GnRH receptor signaling to stimulate gonadotropin secretion.
Lymphocyte Activation with Localized pGL1-TNF-Alpha Gene Therapy in a Glioma Model
Authors: Gridley Daila S. , Li Jun , Kajioka Eric H. , Dutta-Roy Radha , Andres Melba L. , Timiryasova Tatyana M. , Fodor Istvan 
Published: April 2003

The major goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), delivered as pGL1-TNF-α, on hematological variables, as well as C6 tumor growth in athymic mice treated with and without radiation. pGL1-TNF-α was administered intratumorally at low to high doses (15, 150 and 450 µg) in all three phases of this study. In phase A, pGL1-TNF-α expression within tumors was dose dependent and transient, with highest levels seen at 18 h after injection, whereas no TNF-α protein was detected in plasma. Low erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were associated with tumor presence, but the reduction in these variables was most striking in the group receiving 450 µg of pGL1-TNF-α, the group that also exhibited thrombocytopenia at 72 h. In phase B, treatment with pGL1-TNF-α at 15 or 150 µg resulted in the greatest degree of splenomegaly, increased spontaneous blastogenesis by splenocytes, and high leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers in the spleen. In these same two groups, flow cytometry analyses of spleen cells showed that high levels of natural killer (panNK+) cells, B (CD19+) lymphocytes, and cells expressing the CD71 and CD25 activation markers were present (p < 0.05). An enhancing effect was also noted in some of the measurements with parental plasmid p WS4 and tumor presence. In phase C, the slowest tumor progression was observed in the groups receiving 15 and 150 µg pGL1-TNF-α together with radiation; tumor volumes were 51 and 43% smaller, respectively, than for PBS-injected controls by the end of the study. Collectively, these results show that localized treatment with pGL1-TNF-α is hematologically nontoxic at low doses and support the premise that activation of lymphocytes may contribute to the antitumor effects of radiation against a highly aggressive brain tumor.
Treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis with Amphotericin B Colloidal Dispersion
Authors: Berman J. , Dietze R. 
Published: April 2003

Amphotericin B is an effective antileishmanial agent whose use is limited by drug toxicity. The development of less toxic, lipid encapsulated formulations of amphotericin B as antimycotic agents has made these formulations available for testing against visceral leishmaniasis, a disease ideally suited for ‘liposomal’ therapy since the parasites are only found within reticuloendothelial macrophages. In phase II experiments of Amphotericin B Colloidal Dispersion (ABCD) for Brazilian kala-azar, 10 of 10 patients were cured with 2 mg/kg/day for 10 days; 9 of 9 patients were cured with 2 mg/kg/day for 7 days; 9 of 10 patients were cured with 2 mg/kg/day for 5 days. The ability to cure 90% of kala-azar patients with a regimen of merely 5 days is remarkable considering that 20–40 days of treatment with pentavalent antimonials and a 28–40 day course of (every-other-day) amphotericin B desoxycholate therapy are otherwise needed. Although ABCD did frequently cause a syndrome of fever and respiratory distress during infusion for children less than 6 years of age, the virtual absence of kidney toxicity was striking.
Penetration of Minocycline Hydrochloride into Lung Tissue and Sputum
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Watanabe Akira , Anzai Yoshiyuki , Anzai Yoshiyuki , Niitsuma Katsunao , Niitsuma Katsunao , Saito Miwako , Saito Miwako , Yanase Kenji , Yanase Kenji , Nakamura Mikae , Nakamura Mikae 
Published: April 2003

Penetration of minocycline hydrochloride (MINO) into lung tissue and sputum was investigated. MINO (100 mg) was intravenously infused over 30 min to 14 patients before lung surgery: the concentration of MINO was determined in 16 lung tissue samples which were collected between 0.25 and 5.0 h after infusion. The mean concentration of MINO in lung tissue sample was 2.92 ± 1.43 µg/g, and the mean lung tissue/plasma ratio of MINO concentration was 3.71 ± 2.36. MINO was infused intravenously over 60 min twice daily to 5 patients with a chronic respiratory disease for 3–7 days. The concentration of MINO in sputum and in serum was determined on day 3. The mean maximum concentration of MINO in sputum sample was 2.12 ± 2.20 µg/g, and the mean sputum/serum ratio of MINO concentration was 0.56 ± 0.47. The concentration of MINO in sputum showed little time-related variation and remained as high as 0.74 µg/g until 10 h after infusion. The concentration of MINO in sputum and in serum after intravenous drip infusion was about twice as high as that after oral administration at the same dose. The breakpoint was 1.88 for MINO, as calculated by the formula established by the Japan Society of Chemotherapy.
In vitro Susceptibility to Everninomycin of Gram-Positive Nosocomial Pathogens Isolated from Intensive Care Units in Germany
Authors: Kropec Andrea , Kropec Andrea , Frank Uwe , Frank Uwe , Jonas Daniel , Jonas Daniel , Thriene Wolfgang , Thriene Wolfgang , Schmidt-Eisenlohr Elke , Schmidt-Eisenlohr Elke , Daschner Franz Dieter , Daschner Franz Dieter 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Gram-positive bacteria are increasingly found to be causative pathogens in nosocomial infections, and the occurrence of vancomycin resistance in enterococci as well as staphylococci has prompted the investigation of alternative antimicrobial agents active against these strains. Everninomycin, a new oligosaccharide antibiotic, has excellent in vitro activity against gram-positive bacteria, including those resistant to vancomycin. However, avilamycin, a related compound, has been used in Europe as a growth promoter in animal food for years and concern has been raised that cross-resistance in clinical isolates may arise. <i>Methods:</i> We studied a collection of 268 nosocomial gram-positive isolates from intensive care unit patients with nosocomial pneumonia, urinary tract infection and sepsis, using standard in vitro susceptibility testing. <i>Results:</i> It could be shown that all species tested were exquisitely sensitive to everninomycin (MIC<sub>90</sub> of 0.38 µg/ml for <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, 0.5 µg/ml for enterococci and 0.75 µg/ml for coagulase-negative staphylococci). Furthermore, no difference could be observed between methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive <i>S. aureus</i> or between <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> and <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>. <i>Conclusions:</i> These results suggest that everninomycin is a promising antibiotic for the treatment of nosocomial infections in intensive care unit patients and that the use of a related substance as an additive in animal food has not yet promoted resistance in clinical isolates.
<i>Bacteroides fragilis</i>-Induced Intra-Abdominal Abscess in an Experimental Model Treated with Telithromycin (HMR 3647)
Authors: Thadepalli Haragopal , Thadepalli Haragopal , Chuah See Kean , Chuah See Kean , Qazi Shugufta , Qazi Shugufta , Thadepalli Fernando , Thadepalli Fernando , Gollapudi Sastry V. , Gollapudi Sastry V. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Telithromycin (HMR 3647), a novel ketolide, is known to have activity against <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i> in vitro. <i>Methods:</i> We tested this ketolide in an animal model of intra-abdominal abscess produced by intraperitoneal injection of <i>B. fragilis</i> with sterile feces and BaSO<sub>4</sub> mixture. Telithromycin was tested at two doses, 1.25 and 2.0 mg/dose twice daily, and compared with clindamycin, cefotetan or metronidazole, all given at 2.0 mg/dose twice daily for 10 days. Absence of bacteria at the infected site was considered a cure and a positive culture considered a failure. <i>Results:</i> The cure rate was 18% (5/28) on saline therapy, 74% (20/27) on telithromycin and 82% (23/28) on clindamycin, whereas it was 61% (17/28) on metronidazole and 59% (16/27) on cefotetan therapy. A high tissue antibiotic concentration (3–5 times the MIC) of telithromycin was found and this is presumably related to its superior efficacy. Delayed therapy initiated 7 days after infection instead of immediate therapy cured only 32% of the animals treated. The lower dose of telithromycin (1.25 mg/dose twice daily) was as effective as the higher dose (2 mg/dose twice daily). <i>Conclusions:</i> We found that telithromycin is as effective as clindamycin and more effective than metronidazole and cefotetan in this experimental model. These results suggest that telithromycin may be tested in future for the treatment of <i>B. fragilis</i> infections in humans.
Experimental in vitro Efficacy Study on the Interaction of Epiroprim plus Isoniazid against <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i>
Authors: Dosso Mireille , Ouattara Lassina , Cherif Abdou Magid , Bouzid Samir Amor , Haller Louis , Fernex Michel 
Published: April 2003

Thirty <i>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</i> strains (8: INH<sup>R</sup>/INH<sup>R</sup>, 12: INH<sup>R</sup>/RIF<sup>S</sup>, 10: INH<sup>S</sup>/RIF<sup>S</sup>) were examined against MICs of epiroprim (EPM) and isoniazid (INH) separately or in association. EPM alone proved to be insufficiently active against the various mycobacterial isolates (MIC ≧256 µg/ml). The observed average sensitivity to the association of EPM plus INH was, in contrast, considerably increased, as reflected by reduced MICs and lower percentages of resistant strains. MICs ranged between 16 and 32 µg/ml EPM and 2 and 4 µg/ml INH for INH<sup>R</sup> strains. All INH<sup>S</sup> isolates were inhibited by a concentration of 0.125 µg/ml EPM and 0.06 µg/ml INH. The fractional inhibitory concentration indices indicated an additive activity on INH<sup>R</sup>/RIF<sup>R</sup> strains and a synergistic activity on INH<sup>R</sup>/RIF<sup>S</sup> and INH<sup>S</sup>/RIF<sup>S</sup> strains. The synergistic activity of this drug association needs to be confirmed in an animal model.
In vitro Effect of Amikacin, Imipenem, Cefodizime, IFNα-2a Alone and Combinations of Antibiotics with IFNα-2a on Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Function in Chronic Hepatitis Patients
Authors: Adalati Rıza , Gürer Ümran Soyoğul , Çevikbaş Adile , Johansson Candan 
Published: April 2003

The in vitro effect of amikacin (8 µg/ml), imipenem (30 µg/ml), cefodizime (10 µg/ml), interferon α-2a (IFNα-2a) (10 IU/ml) and antibiotic combinations with IFNα-2a on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions (phagocytosis and intracellular killing of <i>Candida albicans</i> blastospores) was investigated in chronic hepatitis B patients. Phagocytosis and candidacidal activity was not affected after pretreatment of PMNs with amikacin and imipenem (p > 0.05). Phagocytic activity was enhanced after pretreatment of PMNs with cefodizime and IFNα-2a compared with that of control PMNs (p < 0.05), but candidacidal activity was not affected by the same drugs (p > 0.05). Phagocytic and intracellular activity of PMNs were not affected by combinations of IFNα-2a and antibiotics (p > 0.05).
Effects of Cefepime and Meropenem on the Gastrointestinal Colonization ofSurgical Patients by <i>Candida albicans</i>
Authors: Samonis G. , Thomakos N. , Liakakos T. , Macheras A. , Mandrekas D. , Kanavaki S. , Bafaloukos D. , Maraki S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The study evaluated the effects of cefepime and meropenem on the gastrointestinal (GI) colonization of surgical patients by <i>Candida albicans</i>. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> Twenty adult surgical patients who received intravenously either of these antibiotics as monotherapy for the treatment of an existing infection were studied prospectively. Ten patients received cefepime (2.0 g twice a day), and another ten meropenem (1.0 g every 8 h) for 7 days. Quantitative stool cultures for <i>C. albicans</i> were performed immediately before, at the end, and 1 week after the end of antibiotic treatment. <i>Results:</i> Both antibiotics increased the GI colonization of patients by <i>Candida</i>. Meropenem caused a higher increase (2.0 log<sub>10</sub> CFU/g of stool) as compared to cefepime (1.7 log<sub>10</sub> CFU/g of stool). However, these increases were statistically not significant. <i>Conclusion:</i> Cefepime and meropenem when given to sensitive patients do not increase significantly the risk of <i>Candida</i> infection originating in the GI tract.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Three Preparations of the New Antifungal SPK-843
Authors: Bruzzese T. , Galmozzi M.R. , Ferrari V.M. , Sala P. , Bonabello A. 
Published: April 2003

The pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of three preparations of SPK-843 (N-dimethylaminoacetyl-partricin A 2-dimethylaminoethylamide diascorbate), a new polyene antibiotic with a heptaene structure, were compared in rats after a single 1.25 mg/kg intravenous administration. Blood and tissue samples were obtained at 0.25–96 h after injection. The serum pharmacokinetics of the three dosage forms of the antibiotic, A (5% glucose solution), B (10% lipid emulsion at pH 5.3) and C (10% lipid emulsion at pH 7.5), did not show large differences, the half-lives being 22.2, 26.5 and 23.2 h and the AUC<sub>0–∞</sub> 35.5, 40 and 44.8 µg·h·ml<sup>–1</sup> for preparations A, B and C, respectively. The tissue uptake of the two lipid-based preparations, particularly the spleen uptake, was greater than that of the glucose preparation, suggesting an active role of the lipid vehicle in tissue distribution.
The Management of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy in the United Kingdom
Authors: Nathwani Dilip 
Published: April 2003

In a study in Scotland, skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) accounted for 10% of hospitalizations, with mean stays of approximately 5 days, and were the second most common reason for hospital-based intravenous antibiotic therapy lasting more than 48 h. A total of 125 patients with SSTIs were recently treated using an outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) service. The patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy for a mean duration of 5.32 days. The two primary agents administered were once-daily ceftriaxone and teicoplanin. Of the 125 patients, 123 (98.4%) were cured or improved; 2 worsened and required surgery. Patient satisfaction was very high. OPAT saved the inpatient facility 665 bed days. Economic benefits were realized despite use of more expensive agents. Data indicate that if the hospital stay of patients with SSTIs were reduced by only 1 day, savings would amount to £½–1 million per year. OPAT is a feasible alternative to inpatient management of SSTIs and may safely, effectively and cost-effectively reduce the number of hospital days for these infections.
Comparison of the Sensititre YeastOne Colorimetric Microdilution Panel and the NCCLS Broth Microdilution Method for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing against <i>Candida</i> Species
Authors: Bernal Samuel , Aller Ana Isabel , Chávez Mónica , Valverde Anastasio , Serrano Carmen , Gutiérrez M , Quindós G. , Martín Mazuelos Estrella 
Published: April 2003

We evaluated the commercially prepared Sensititre YeastOne colorimetric antifungal panel to determine the susceptibility of 170 <i>Candida</i> spp isolates to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and flucytosine. The NCCLS reference microdilution method (M27-A document) was used as reference method. The YeastOne panel was performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the colorimetric method, MICs were determined at 24 h of incubation. MICs for the NCCLS reference method were read at 48 h of incubation. The overall agreement within ±2 dilutions by both methods was calculated against the four antifungal agents. This agreement was 92.9, 68.2, 77.6 and 80% for amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and flucytosine, respectively. Thirteen isolates (7.6%) showed very major discrepancies for fluconazole and 12 (7%) for itraconazole. We found that the reading of MIC with the YeastOne panel was somewhat easier than the reading of reference MIC, although the determination of endpoint was sometimes difficult, especially for azoles, because the trailing effect appeared in a high percentage of isolates.