bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current-Induced Vasodilation during Water Iontophoresis (5 min, 0.10 mA) Is Delayed from Current Onset and Involves Aspirin Sensitive Mechanisms
Authors: Durand S. , Fromy B. , Bouyé P. , Saumet J.L. , Abraham P. 
Published: April 2003

Study of the microcirculation by iontophoresis is potentially confounded by any non-specific effects of current application. Laser Doppler flow (LDF, mean ± SD; arbitrary units; AU) was recorded on the forearms of healthy volunteers during and 20 min following application of 0.10-mA current for 1, 3 and 5 min, using deionised water as a vehicle. Local heating to 44°C was then applied for 24 min to assess maximal vasodilation. Cathodal current applications resulted in delayed and prolonged vasodilation (peak values: 78 ± 29, 75 ± 19, 80 ± 37 AU) whereas anodal peak LDF was 13 ± 6, 27 ± 34 and 72 ± 40 AU for 1-, 3- and 5-min periods of current applications, respectively. From current onset, inflexion points in the responses to 3- and 5-min anodal current applications occurred at 4.5 and 6.5 min, respectively, and at ∼1.5 min for all cathodal current applications. For 5-min current applications: a preliminary tourniquet ischaemia neither changed the time course nor the amplitude of the response to current application. In this situation, local anaesthesia abolished the current-induced vasodilation. Chronic capsaicin pretreatment decreased the amplitude of the vasodilation. Pretreatment with 500 mg oral aspirin decreased the cathodal vasodilation and abolished the anodal vasodilation, even in the absence of preliminary ischaemia. We conclude that vasodilation to prolonged application of 0.10-mA continuous monopolar current after transient tourniquet ischaemia cannot be exclusively the result of an axon reflex initiated by current onset. This current-induced vasodilation is at least partly dependent on capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibres and relies on aspirin-sensitive mechanisms at both polarities.
Intravenous Immunoglobulin G in the Treatment of Patients with Chronic Glomerulonephritis: Clinical Experience Lasting 15 Years
Authors: Monova Daniela , Belovezhdov Nicolay , Altunkova Iskra , Monov Simeon 
Published: April 2003

In our study, we collected data on 116 patients with biopsy-proven idiopathic or lupus glomerulonephritis who were treated with high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) (Veinoglobuline or Immunovenin-intact). In all patients a severe nephrotic syndrome (edema, proteinuria >6 g/24 h, serum albumin <22 g/24 h) had been observed. 34 patients had renal failure (serum creatinine up to 504 µmol/l) and 96 hypertension. 98 patients were previously for a long time treated with corticosteroids, immunosuppressors and anticoagulants without any effect. 18 patients had no therapy before IVIG. IVIG had been applied in a dose of 85 mg/kg/24 h 3 times every other day. Depending on the clinical improvement afterwards (in case of therapy resistance or relapse) these boli had been repeated in 84 patients after 1 month (and every 3 months for maintenance of remission) to 7 years. Proteinuria disappeared and full remission occurred in 36 patients. Partial remission was present in 48 patients. 32 patients went into end-stage renal failure and/or died (15 of them of a nonrenal cause). In 13/34 patients with impaired renal function serum creatinine levels go back to normal after treatment. Our results suggested that IVIG therapy may be recommended in patients unresponsive to aggressive conventional treatment.
The Mouse <i>(Mus musculus)</i> T Cell Receptor Delta Variable (TRDV), Diversity (TRDD) and Joining (TRDJ) Genes
Authors: Bosc Nathalie , Contet Valérie , Lefranc Marie-Paule 
Published: April 2003

‘The Mouse <i>(Mus musculus)</i> T Cell Receptor Delta Variable (TRDV), Diversity (TRDD) and Joining (TRDJ) Genes’, the 15th report of the ‘IMGT Locus in Focus’ section, comprises 7 tables entitled: (1) ‘Number of mouse <i>(Mus musculus)</i> germline TRDV genes at 14D1–D2 and potential repertoire’; (2) ‘Mouse <i>(Mus musculus) </i>germline TRDV genes at 14D1–D2’; (3) ‘Mouse <i>(Mus musculus)</i> TRDV allele table’; (4) ‘Mouse <i>(Mus musculus)</i> germline TRDD genes and alleles’; (5) ‘Mouse <i>(Mus musculus) </i>germline TRDJ genes’; (6) ‘Mouse <i>(Mus musculus)</i> TRDJ allele table’, and (7) ‘Correspondence between the different mouse <i>(Mus musculus)</i> TRDV gene nomenclatures’. These tables are available at the IMGT Marie-Paule page from IMGT, the international ImMunoGeneTics database (http://imgt.cines. fr:8104) created by Marie-Paule Lefranc, Université Montpellier II, CNRS, Montpellier, France.
Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Global and Regional Left Ventricular Remodeling during 1 Year after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Schroeder Anne Pauline , Houlind Kim , Morre Pedersen Erik , Toftegaard Nielsen Torsten , Egeblad Henrik 
Published: April 2003

Biplane long-axis cine MRI was performed in 51 patients 1, 13, 26, and 52 weeks after their first AMI. LV mass index (LVMI) was significantly increased 1 week after AMI (84.3 ± 16.9 vs. 68.1 ± 11.4 g/m<sup>2</sup> controls, n = 48, p < 0.001), presumably owing to edema of the infarcted myocardium. Six months after AMI, LVMI decreased to 76.5 ± 16.4 g/m<sup>2</sup>, but had again augmented after 1 year (81.8 ± 17.3 g/m<sup>2</sup>, p < 0.05), suggesting late, compensatory left ventricular hypertrophy. In patients treated with primary percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, LVMI decreased 5% over 1 year, while LVMI increased 10% in patients receiving thrombolysis (p < 0.05). In the entire population, the global increase in LVMI 1 year after AMI seemed to reflect global cavity dilatation with unchanged thickness of the vital myocardium. In conclusion, in patients receiving contemporary treatment, LV remodeling only partially complied with the classical patho-anatomical concept.
Neurosonology in Cerebral Ischemia: Future Application of Transcranial Doppler in Acute Stroke
Authors: Egido Jose A. , Sánchez Carmen 
Published: April 2003

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) has become a general practice in recent years in the diagnostic study of patients with cerebral ischemia. This is due to the fact that it is a rapid, noninvasive, reproducible and dynamic examination of intracranial circulation. In the acute phase of cerebral infarction, it can detect MCA occlusion with a good correlation with angiographic findings and, what is even more important, the patients who will later suffer lacunar infarctions almost always show a normal Doppler examination. Acute abnormalities can also demonstrate the mechanism of the clinical signs; the examination informs us of the existence of collaterals and severe occlusions or stenoses of the extracranial arteries, and can change the priority in the search for the etiological diagnosis. The diagnosis of intracranial stenoses as a cause of clinical signs is another immediate application of TCD, right from the acute phase. If in the future anticoagulation is shown to be an optimum treatment for secondary prophylaxis in intracranial stenoses, TCD will probably become the diagnostic technique of choice. The ability to predict the prognosis based on parameters obtained by TCD opens up the possibility of using it as an auxiliary technique for the selection of patients for reperfusion treatment, having in its favor that it is quick and easy to perform, and therefore suitable for treatment monitoring. It seems clear that the data obtained by Doppler in the first 6 h are a good predictor of both spontaneous improvement and early impairment, which could help to avoid treatment in patients in whom a rapid improvement can be expected. Finally, the hemodynamic data of the TCD could be of inestimable value in the assessment and monitoring of intracranial hypertension treatments and for hemodynamic management of the patient, allowing the treatment margins of the acute phase of arterial hypertension to be reliably established without compromising the perfusion pressure. In conclusion, TCD will possibly be more widely used in the future in the acute phase of cerebral infarction as a guide to diagnostic procedures, for treatment selection and for monitoring of cerebral hemodynamics.
Genome Segment S8 of Grass Carp Hemorrhage Virus Encodes a Virion Protein
Authors: Qiu Tao , Zhang Jing , Lu Renhou , Zhu Zuoyan 
Published: April 2003

The complete nucleotide sequence of the genome segment S8 of grass carp hemorrhage virus (GCHV) was determined from cDNA corresponding to the viral genomic RNA. It is 1,287 nucleotides in length and contains a large open reading frame that could encode a protein of 409 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 44 kD. The S8 was expressed using the pET fusion protein vector and detected by Western blotting analysis using the chicken egg IgY against intact GCHV particles, indicating that S8 encodes a virion protein. Amino acid sequence comparisons revealed that the protein encoded by S8 is closely related to protein σ2 of mammalian reovirus, suggesting that the deduced protein of S8 is an inner capsid protein.
Hepatic Tissue Engineering on 3-Dimensional Biodegradable Polymers within a Pulsatile Flow Bioreactor
Authors: Török É. , Pollok J.-M. , Ma P.X. , Vogel C. , Dandri M. , Petersen J. , Burda M.R. , Kaufmann P.M. , Kluth D. , Rogiers X. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> An optimal method for hepatocyte transplantation is not yet determined. With the principles of tissue engineering in vitro conditioning of hepatocytes on biodegradable polymer in a flow bioreactor before implantation forming spheroids may achieve increased cell mass and function to replace lost organ function in vivo. <i>Methods:</i> Biodegradable poly-<i>L</i>-lactic (PLLA) polymer discs were seeded with rat hepatocytes in a concentration of 10 × 10<sup>6</sup> cells per ml and exposed to a medium flow of 24 ml/min for 1, 2, 4 and 6 days. The number and diameter of spheroidal aggregates was measured by phase-contrast microscopy. H&#38;E histology was performed. Albumin production as hepatocyte specific function was determined by ELISA. <i>Results:</i> Spheroids of viable hepatocytes of 50–200 µm in diameter were formed. Both the number and diameter of the spheroids increased during the first 2 days and then remained constant until day 6. Albumin production was maintained throughout the culture period. <i>Conclusion:</i> Short (2– 3 days) pre-transplant conditioning of hepatocytes in a flow bioreactor on biodegradable PLLA resulted in formation of spheroids with a liver-like morphology and preserved specific metabolic function. Tissue engineered hepatocyte spheroids on polymer may represent a functionally active and easy transplantable neotissue and may serve as an in vivo substitute for lost liver function.
Establishment and Evaluation of Polymerase Chain Reaction for Detection of Y-Chromosome-Specific Fetal DNA in Maternal Blood Circulation during Pregnancy and after Delivery
Authors: Al-Yatama M.K. , Mustafa A.S. , Omu A.E. , Ali S. , Abraham S. , Zohra K. , Khaja Nawal 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To establish and evaluate nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Y-chromosome-specific fetal DNA in maternal blood circulation during pregnancy and its clearance several days after delivery. <i>Materials and Methods: </i> Genomic DNA was isolated from a male donor to amplify Y-chromosome-specific DNA sequences by using four pairs of oligonucleotide primers targeting single or multiple copy genes in standard and nested PCR. The nested PCR was evaluated for detection of Y-chromosome-specific sequences in the maternal blood circulation of pregnant women bearing a male fetus during pregnancy and at 2 and 24 h and 7 days after delivery. <i>Results:</i> Although both standard and nested PCR assays were established by using genomic DNA from a male donor to detect Y-chromosome-specific DNA sequences, the nested PCR was 10 times more sensitive than standard PCR. Further experiments showed that nested PCR was able to detect Y-chromosome-specific DNA in the peripheral blood cells as well as in the plasma and serum of pregnant women carrying a male fetus. When tested with plasma samples from women carrying male fetuses during pregnancy, nested PCR was positive with 53/55 (96%), 22/22 (100%), 16/22 (73%) and 0/30 (0%) specimens obtained before and at 2 and 24 h and 7 days after delivery, respectively. These results showed that fetus-specific Y-chromosome DNA was cleared from maternal circulation within 7 days of delivery. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our results suggest that nested PCR is useful in fetal sex determination and that prenatal diagnosis can be done without interference from previous pregnancy.
Effects of Isopropyl Unoprostone Ophthalmic Solution on Cultured Rabbit Corneal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Wang You-Dong , Kashiwagi Kenji , Chen Hai-Bo , Jin Ming , Ou Bo , Iizuka Yoko , Tanaka Yuko , Tsukahara Shigeo 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To investigate the effects of isopropyl unoprostone (referred to as unoprostone) ophthalmic solution on the barrier function of cultured rabbit corneal epithelium grown on permeable supports. <i>Methods:</i> Rabbit corneal epithelial cells cultured on collagen-coated filter inserts were administered one of the following for 30 min: unoprostone in vehicle solution (polysorbate 80), unoprostone in vehicle solution with a preservative (benzalkonium chloride), preservative only or vehicle only. For a control, no chemicals were added to the medium. After administration, the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) measurement, a sensitive method by which to investigate the barrier function, and morphological observation using phase-contrast microscopy were performed before exposure and at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after exposure. The transmission electron-microscopic observation was performed before and 72 h after exposure in all experimental conditions. <i>Results:</i> The cells exposed to unoprostone with the preservative showed a significant decrease in the TER, although no morphological changes were observed. The corneal epithelial cells exposed to unoprostone without preservative, the vehicle only or the preservative only did not show any differences from the control group at any measurements. <i>Conclusion:</i> The corneal barrier function is damaged by a combined solution of unoprostone and preservative, but not by a single solution of unoprostone, in vitro.
Autochthon in Deutschland erworbene Ophthalmomyiasis externa: Kasuistik und Literaturübersicht
Authors: Weinand Frank S. , Bauer Christian 
Published: April 2003

Infestation with larvae (maggots) is known as myiasis. Ophthalmomyiasis externa refers specifically to infestation that involves the lids and conjunctiva in man. Ophthalmomyiasis which originates from Germany is unusual, because the vector of the <i>Oestrus ovis</i> larvae is most prevalent in the warm climate of Mediterranean countries. The sheep nasal botfly (<i>Oestrus ovis</i> sp.) is responsible for most cases of external ophthalmomyiasis. This case report gives a detailed description of the larvae, their life cycle and an overview of infestations in Germany as well as the therapy of ophthalmomyiasis. <i>Case Report:</i> At the end of August 1999, a 28-year-old man attended the outpatient department of Giessen University Eye Clinic with a foreign body sensation in his left eye. He reported that something hit his left eye while he was climbing on his motorbike in the early evening hours. Shortly afterwards he had a foreign body sensation in his left eye. On history taking he reported no other ophthalmologic problems in the past. Slitlamp biomicroscopy revealed white, vivid, approximately 1.5-mm-long, light-sensitive maggots on the conjunctiva and under the upper lid. These were removed mechanically and the conjunctiva rinsed with saline. Local therapy was not applied. <i>Conclusion:</i> Infestation with larvae of <i>O. ovis</i> has to be considered not only in tourists from Mediterranean countries, but also in Germany in the late summer.
Effect of Ketanserin Administration on Intraocular Pressure
Authors: Tekat Düriye , Güler Cenap , Arici Mustafa Kemal , Topalkara Ayşen , Erdoğan Haydar 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> We evaluated the effect of oral single-dose (20 mg) ketanserin on intraocular pressure (IOP) in normotensive and hypertensive eyes. <i>Methods:</i> This study included 15 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with ocular hypertension. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, IOP and pupil diameter were recorded at baseline and at 1-hour intervals for 6 h, in addition, tonographic outflow facility was studied at the third hour after the administration of placebo or an oral single dose of 20 mg ketanserin given in a randomized double-blind crossover fashion. The alternative treatment was applied a week later. <i>Results:</i> In both groups, oral single-dose (20 mg) ketanserin significantly lowered IOP and SBP (p < 0.01). No variation was observed in DBP, heart rate and pupil diameter (p >0.01). Moreover, after drug administration, the total outflow facility measured by conventional tonography increased in a statistically significant way (p < 0.01). Placebo did not induce any significant reduction in IOP and SBP in either group. <i>Conclusion:</i> The results showed that systemic ketanserin can be used in the treatment of glaucoma patients to reduce IOP.
Increased Store-Operated Ca<sup>2+</sup> Entry into Contractile Vascular Smooth Muscle following Organ Culture
Authors: Dreja Karl , Bergdahl Andreas , Hellstrand Per 
Published: April 2003

Ca<sup>2+</sup> inflow via store-operated Ca<sup>2+</sup> channels was investigated in rings of rat tail and basilar arteries kept in serum-free organ culture, which is known to preserve the contractility of the vascular smooth muscle. After culture for 3–4 days, Ca<sup>2+</sup> release from intracellular stores in response to caffeine (20 m<i>M</i>) was augmented 2- to 4-fold. Following depletion of intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> stores by caffeine and thapsigargin (10 µ<i>M</i>), addition of Ca<sup>2+</sup> (2.5 m<i>M</i>) caused an increase in the intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration which was 2–3 times greater in cultured than in freshly dissected rings, and was not affected by verapamil (10 µ<i>M</i>). In contrast, L-type Ca<sup>2+</sup> channel currents were decreased by 20% after culture. While freshly dissected rings developed no or very little force in response to the addition of Ca<sup>2+</sup> after store depletion, cultured rings developed 42% (tail artery) and 60% (basilar artery) of the force of high-K<sup>+</sup>-induced contractions. These contractions in cultured vessels were insensitive to verapamil but could be completely relaxed by SKF-96365 (30 µ<i>M</i>). Store depletion by caffeine increased the Mn<sup>2+</sup> quench rate 3- to 4-fold in freshly dissected as well as cultured tail artery, while there was no increase in freshly dissected basilar artery, but a 3-fold increase in cultured basilar artery. Uptake of Ca<sup>2+</sup> into intracellular stores was twice as rapid in cultured as in freshly dissected tail artery. This study shows that organ culture of vascular smooth muscle tissue causes changes in Ca<sup>2+</sup> handling, resembling the pattern seen in dedifferentiating smooth muscle cells in culture, although contractile properties are maintained.
Incidence Patterns of Lyme Disease and Cutaneous B-Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the United States
Authors: Munksgaard Lars , Frisch Morten , Melbye Mads , Hjalgrim Henrik 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Several reports have suggested a link between infection with <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> (the spirochete causing Lyme disease) and development of cutaneous B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (CBCL). <i>Methods:</i> We did a correlation analysis of CBCL and Lyme disease using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results program and from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. <i>Results:</i> We could not demonstrate a geographic correlation between incidence rates of Lyme disease and CBCL. <i>Conclusion:</i> This observation suggests that infection with <i>B. burgdorferi</i> is not a major risk factor for CBCL in the USA.
Antidesmoglein Autoantibodies in Silicosis Patients with No Bullous Diseases
Authors: Ueki H. , Kohda M. , Nobutoh T. , Yamaguchi M. , Omori K. , Miyashita Y. , Hashimoto T. , Komai A. , Tomokuni A. , Ueki A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Pemphigus is an autoimmune bullous disease characterized by the presence of antidesmoglein autoantibodies. However, the mechanism of its autoantibody production remains unknown. In previous reports, we have described rare cases of pemphigus and pemphigoid associated with silicosis. It is well known that during long-term silicosis, some autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, can occur. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of this study was to explore the presence of pemphigus or pemphigoid autoantibodies in silicosis patients without clinical bullous diseases or collagen diseases. <i>Method:</i> The presence of pemphigus antibodies was examined in 54 silicosis patients with no associated bullous diseases, using immunofluorescence, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for desmoglein 1 and 3, and immunoblotting methods. In the antibody-positive cases, HLA genotyping of peripheral lymphocytes was performed with PCR-RFLP. <i>Results:</i> Seven out of the 54 patients were found to be positive for pemphigus antibodies and 1 for bullous pemphigoid by immunofluorescence. In addition, by ELISA, 6 patients were found to be positive against the desmoglein 1 antigen, 2 against the desmoglein 3 antigen and 2 against both desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3. <i>Conclusion:</i> The results of the present study strongly suggest the occurrence of pemphigus and pemphigoid autoantibodies in patients with silicosis. It remains unclear whether such patients will develop an autoimmune bullous disease in the future. Accordingly, long-term follow-up of antibody-positive patients is required.
Effect of Ketoconazole 1% and 2% Shampoos on Severe Dandruff and Seborrhoeic Dermatitis: Clinical, Squamometric and Mycological Assessments
Authors: Piérard-Franchimont C. , Piérard G.E. , Arrese J.E. , De Doncker P. 
Published: April 2003

Ketoconazole (KET) is active to control dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Objective assessments comparing the 1% and 2% shampoo formulations are scant. This open, randomized parallel-group trial was carried out to differentiate the effectiveness of KET 1% and 2% in severe dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis. A total of 66 patients with severe dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis were randomized to each of the two groups. A 2-week run-in phase was followed by a 4-week treatment phase, in turn followed by a 4-week follow-up. The efficacy of treatments was evaluated by combining squamometry X, <i>Malassezia</i> spp. counts and clinical assessments. After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, KET 2% was significantly superior over KET 1% (p < 0.001) for decreasing both in flakiness and <i>Malassezia</i> density from baseline. The same trend was observed in the mean change from baseline in the overall dandruff severity score. Only 6 mild adverse events were reported. During follow-up KET 2% showed a trend to fewer relapses than KET 1%. KET 2% had superior efficacy compared to KET 1% in the treatment of severe dandruff and scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis. Biometrological evaluations were correlated with the clinical improvements and therefore useful to incorporate in future dandruff studies.