bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperventilation in Panic Disorder and Social Phobia
Authors: Nardi Antonio E. , Valença Alexandre M. , Nascimento Isabella , Mezzasalma Marco A. , Zin Walter A. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of our study was to observe the induction of panic attacks by hyperventilation in a group of panic disorder and social phobia patients (DSM-IV). We randomly selected 26 panic disorder patients, 22 social phobics and 25 normal volunteers. They were drug-free for 1 week. Hyperventilation (30 breaths/min) was induced for 3 min. Anxiety scales were taken before and after the test. 61.5% (n = 16) of panic disorder patients, 22.7% (n = 5) of social phobics and 4.0% (n = 1) of control subjects had a panic attack after hyperventilating (p < 0.01, panic disorder vs. control; p < 0.05, panic disorder vs. social phobia; p = n.s., social phobia vs. control). Both anxiety disorder groups were more sensitive to hyperventilation than normal volunteers. The induction of panic attacks by voluntary hyperventilation may be an easy and useful test for validating the diagnosis in some specific panic disorder patients.
Do Urea/Ammonium Lactate Combinations Achieve Better Skin Protection and Hydration than Either Component Alone?
Authors: Gloor M. , Fluhr J. , Lehmann L. , Gehring W. , Thieroff-Ekerdt R. 
Published: April 2003

Twenty subjects with healthy skin were treated with the following formulations for two weeks: drug-free W/O vehicle, 5% ammonium lactate (CAS 52003-58-4) in W/O vehicle, 5% urea (CAS 57-13-6) in W/O vehicle, 3% ammonium lactate + 3% urea in W/O vehicle, 5% ammonium lactate + 5% urea in W/O vehicle. These formulations were applied in randomized order to 6 test areas on the forearms; one area was left untreated. Repetitive washings were additionally performed in the second treatment week. TEWL, stratum corneum water content (corneometry-determined electrical capacitance), and cutaneous blood flow (laser Doppler) were measured at baseline, day 7, and day 14. 5% urea and both ammonium lactate/urea combinations produced significant stratum corneum hydration and improved stratum corneum barrier function; there were no significant differences between these three treatments.
Modulating Effects of Oatmeal Extracts in the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Skin Irritancy Model
Authors: Vié K. , Cours-Darne S. , Vienne M.P. , Boyer F. , Fabre B. , Dupuy P. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of two topically applied oatmeal extracts, i.e. <i>Avena sativa</i> and Avena Rhealba<sup>®</sup>, using the sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) irritation model. At baseline, test areas on the volar surface of the upper arms of 12 healthy individuals were pretreated with the two extracts and their vehicle (petrolatum ointment) under occlusion for 2 h, and one site was left untreated. Then a patch with a 1% SLS solution was applied to the test sites for 24 h. Irritation was determined at each period by measuring by chromametry and laser-Doppler. In a dose-ranging study with the Avena Rhealba extract alone, the 20 and 30% concentrations exerted a slight inhibition of the a* parameter increase and a marked reduction of the blood flow increase (p < 0.05, compared to vehicle). Then, the effects of the two extracts at the concentration of 20% were compared. All extracts displayed a statistically significant counteracting effect on both parameters (p < 0.05), but no statistically significant difference between treatment groups could be demonstrated. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the preventive effects of oatmeal extracts on skin irritation in the SLS model.
Roles of Superoxide Dismutase in Rat Mast Cell Granules
Authors: Fukuishi Nobuyuki , Takahashi Hideaki , Harada Naoko , Kanoh Reiko , Matsui Nobuaki , Akagi Masaaki 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> It has been suggested that in the granules of rat mast cells there is some kind of superoxide dismutase (SOD), but details of this SOD in mast cells remain unclear. In the present study, we studied the mode of existence of SOD in mast cells and its releasing mechanism from the granules. In addition, we discussed the physiological role of SOD in allergic events. <i>Methods:</i> Purified rat mast cells were disrupted with a sonic disrupter and granules (sample I) were separated from supernatant (sample II) by centrifugation. The granules were treated with 1 m<i>M</i> Ca<sup>2+</sup>, and the supernatant (sample III) was separated from the pellet (sample IV). Sample III was applied to a heparin column and the eluate was used as sample V. SOD activity was measured in these samples. <i>Results:</i> SOD existed in mast cell granules as a heparin-binding and an inactive form. However, when granules were released and exposed to high Ca<sup>2+</sup> concentration, SOD was discharged from heparin and shifted to the active form. The expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha mRNA was enhanced when hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) or sample III with the xanthine-xanthine oxidase system were added to the culture media. <i>Conclusions:</i> These findings suggest that in stimulated rat mast cells, the released SOD may transform the generated superoxide anion into H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, and the generated H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> may enhance the expression of chemokine mRNA in the mast cells.
Plasma Oxytocin during Intense Exercise in Professional Cyclists
Authors: Chicharro José L. , Hoyos Jesús , Bandrés Fernando , Gómez Gallego Felix , Pérez Margarita , Lucía Alejandro 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aims:</i> This study was designed to explore the plasma oxytocin (OT) response to exercise until exhaustion in trained male cyclists. <i>Methods:</i> Twelve professional cyclists (EXP group; age: 26 ± 2 years; VO<sub>2</sub>max: 4,804 ± 549 ml) and 10 sedentary young men (CONT group; age: 23 ± 2 years; VO<sub>2</sub>max: 3,146 ± 602 ml) performed a maximal incremental exercise test on a cycle ergometer. Evaluation was made of the oxygen uptake (VO<sub>2</sub>) and concentrations of blood lactate and plasma OT immediately before, during and immediately after the tests, respectively. <i>Results:</i> Significant increases (p < 0.01) related to exercise were recorded in VO<sub>2</sub> and lactate concentration within each group, while no such changes were observed in OT levels. OT values, on the other hand, were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in EXP than in CONT throughout the tests. <i>Conclusion:</i> It was concluded that plasma OT shows no response to graded exercise until exhaustion in professional cyclists.
Leptin Concentrations Are Elevated in Newborn Infants of Diabetic Mothers
Authors: Tapanainen Päivi , Leinonen Erja , Ruokonen Aimo , Knip Mikael 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>Infants of diabetic mothers have been characterized by macrosomia due to hyperinsulinism. A relation has been observed between circulating levels of leptin and the intrauterine growth pattern. <i>Methods: </i>We studied the leptin and insulin concentrations in the cord blood of 29 newborn infants of mothers with type 1 diabetes (iT1DM), 70 newborn infants of mothers with gestational diabetes and 105 newborn infants of nondiabetic mothers. <i>Results: </i>There were significant differences (p < 0.001) between the 3 groups with the highest leptin levels 24.9 µg/l (range 1.7–94.1) in infants of mothers with iT1DM and the second-highest levels 14.0 µg/l (range 2.6–74.9) in infants of mothers with gestational diabetes (iGDM), whereas the control infants had the lowest leptin levels 10.0 µg/l (range 0.10–45.9). Girls had higher leptin concentrations than boys among the iT1DM and control infants. The insulin concentrations were 18.1 mU/l (range 1.9–123.3), 6.1 mU/l (range 1.1–51.4) and 3.6 mU/l (range 0.5–21.5) in the 3 groups (p < 0.001), respectively. A significant correlation was observed between leptin and insulin concentrations in iGDM and control infants (r = 0.51; p < 0.001 and r = 0.25; p < 0.05). Both absolute and relative birth weights correlated with leptin levels in all 3 groups (r = 0.60, p = 0.01 and r = 0.51, p = 0.05 in iT1DM; r = 0.51 and 0.56, p < 0.001 in iGDM and r = 0.42 and 0.59, p < 0.001 in control infants). <i>Conclusion: </i>Our results confirm the relation between leptin concentrations and birth weight. They also suggest that leptin may be involved in the increased accumulation of adipose tissue characteristic of infants of diabetic mothers.
Effects of Cyclosporin A on Cell Fusion in a Monkey Kidney Cell Line Persistently Infected with Measles Virus
Authors: Watari E. , Shinya E. , Kurane S. , Takahashi H. 
Published: April 2003

The authors studied the effects of immunosuppressive peptide cyclosporin A (CsA) on cell fusion efficiency in cells persistently infected with measles virus (448-PI-Vero cells). Treatment of 448-PI-Vero cells with 5 µ<i>M</i> CsA enhanced the infusion. In addition, the expression of measles virus antigen on cell surface was increased by treatment with CsA. The addition of phenothiazine, an anti-calmodulin drug, enhanced the fusion of 448-PI-Vero cells in the presence of CsA, although treatment with phenothiazine alone did not affect polykaryocyte formation. The enhancement of fusion efficiency in 448-PI-Vero cells by CsA was suppressed by oligopeptide Z-<i>D</i>-Phe-Phe-Gly, a synthetic oligopeptide that inhibits fusion induced by measles virus. Since the cell content of major virus-specific polypeptides, such as hemagglutinin, nucleoprotein or matrix protein is the same as in untreated controls, this fusion enhancement may be related to transport and accumulation of measles virus glycoproteins.
Correlation between Endoscopic and Angiographic Findings in Patients with Esophageal and Isolated Gastric Varices
Authors: Chikamori Fumio , Kuniyoshi Nobutoshi , Shibuya Susumu , Takase Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> The correlation between angiographic vascular patterns and endoscopic findings in portal hypertension is not sufficiently known, and knowledge of the vascular anatomy may contribute to an improvement in endoscopic embolization and transjugular retrograde obliteration procedures. We propose a new vascular map that should prove useful for this purpose. <i>Methods:</i> Between April 1985 and December 1997 we performed percutaneous transhepatic portography in a selected group of 75 patients (16 women and 59 men), aged 43–71 years, from whom informed consent was obtained. All patients had been diagnosed endoscopically as having either esophageal or isolated gastric varices. According to the Child-Pugh classification, class A, B, and C cirrhosis was seen in 19, 40, and 16 patients, respectively. We created a vascular map of esophageal and isolated gastric varices, based on the opacification of the portal venous collaterals on percutaneous transhepatic portography. We compared the patients in both variceal groups in terms of portal venous pressure, main blood supply, and drainage routes. <i>Results:</i> We found that the portal collateral system was divided into two systems: the portoazygos venous system and the portophrenic venous system. The former contributed to the formation of esophageal and cardiac varices and the latter to the formation of isolated gastric varices located at the fundus or at both the cardia and fundus. The left gastric vein participated as blood supply in 70% of the isolated gastric varices and in 100% of the esophageal varices (p < 0.01). The posterior gastric vein participated as blood supply in 70% of the isolated gastric varices and in 24% of the esophageal varices (p < 0.01). We classified the main blood drainage routes of isolated gastric varices functionally into three types: gastrorenal shunt (85%), gastrophrenic shunt (10%), and gastropericardiac shunt (5%). The portal venous pressure in patients with esophageal varices was 358 ± 66 mm H<sub>2</sub>O, whereas in patients with isolated gastric varices it was 262 ± 44 mm H<sub>2</sub>O (p < 0.01). <i>Conclusion:</i> We suggest that this new vascular map will be useful in endoscopic embolization and transjugular retrograde obliteration procedures for esophageal and isolated gastric varices.
Treatment of Adrenal Metastases after Hepatic Resection of a Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Shuto Taichi , Hirohashi Kazuhiro , Kubo Shoji , Tanaka Hiromu , Yamamoto Takatsugu , Higaki Ikko , Takemura Shigekazu , Kinoshita Hiroaki 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The adrenal gland is a common site of extrahepatic metastases from a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, treatment of adrenal metastases has not been well characterized. <i>Methods:</i> Of 562 patients who underwent hepatic resection for a HCC, 91 developed extrahepatic metastases. We reviewed the medical records of 10 patients with adrenal metastases (9 males and 1 female; mean age 63 years at the time of hepatic resection). <i>Results:</i> The mean diameter of the primary tumors was 5 cm, and all were located in the right lobe of the liver. The mean interval from hepatic resection to recurrence was 18 months. Seven patients underwent treatment of intrahepatic recurrence. To treat the adrenal metastases, surgical resection was performed in 4 patients, and transcatheter arterial embolization was performed in 1 patient. The patients treated had no other extrahepatic metastases. The mean diameter of the resected adrenal tumors was 6 cm. There was no hospital mortality. With surgical resection, 1 patient has been alive 63 months after recurrence. <i>Conclusions:</i> Adrenal metastases from a HCC were often large at the time of diagnosis. Since surgical resection was a safe procedure, and some patients could be alive for a long time, it should be performed whenever possible.
Mechanisms of Endothelin-1 Elevation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients with Nocturnal Oxyhemoglobin Desaturation
Authors: Trakada G. , Marangos M. , Spiropoulos K. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>Nonapneic, oxyhemoglobin desaturation associated with sleep has been described in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hypoxemia stimulates endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion. Once released, ET-1 can act locally to elicit sustained pulmonary artery vasoconstriction, bronchoconstriction and activation of alveolar macrophages. <i>Objective: </i>The aim of this study was to examine a possible correlation between ET-1 levels and nocturnal, nonapneic, oxyhemoglobin desaturation during sleep, in patients with COPD. <i>Methods: </i>We examined 48 COPD patients with formal polysomnography (EEG, ECG, airflow, respiratory muscle movement, oximeter) to detect the presence of nocturnal, nonapneic, oxyhemoglobin desaturation. Twelve of them were disqualified because of inadequate sleep or sleep apnea syndrome. Nineteen of them desaturated below a baseline sleep saturation of 90% for 5 min or more, reaching a nadir saturation of at least 85%. We collected arterial samples to measure ET-1 levels, after 5 min of the first period of desaturation, in each of the 19 patients. We also collected arterial samples in the morning, before the study, to measure baseline ET-1 levels in all patients. <i>Results: </i>Baseline arterial ET-1 levels during the day were very significantly higher in ‘desaturator’ COPD patients (2.058 ± 0.252 pg/ml) compared to ‘non-desaturator’ COPD patients (1.382 ± 0.159 pg/ml; p < 0.001). Also in ‘desaturator’ COPD patients ET-1, levels during the night were significantly higher (4.297 ± 1.107 pg/ml) compared to those during the day (p ≤ 0.001) and a significant negative correlation was observed between ET-1 levels and degree of desaturation (p < 0.0001, r = 0.9305). <i>Conclusions: </i>According to our study we can conclude that (1) ET-1 levels are significantly higher in ‘desaturator’ COPD patients both during the day and during the night, and (2) ET-1 levels correlate negatively significant with the degree of the oxyhemoglobin desaturation. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that ET-1 plays a very important role in the pathophysiological manifestations of COPD patients.
Reproducibility of a Standardized Titration Procedure for the Initiation of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Wiest G.H. , Fuchs F.S. , Harsch I.A. , Pour Schahin S. , Lampert S. , Brueckl W.M. , Hahn E.G. , Ficker J.H. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Manual titration of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) under polysomnographic control is the method most commonly employed to establish the minimal effective pressure (P<sub>eff</sub>) for the treatment of the obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSA). To date, however, the reproducibility of P<sub>eff</sub> titrated in this way has not been investigated in any detail. <i>Objectives:</i> The present study aims to establish the reproducibility of P<sub>eff</sub> determined by manual titrations of CPAP under polysomnographic control in the sleep lab. <i>Methods:</i> In a group of 50 patients (5 women), with a mean (SD) apnoea-hypopnoea index of 39.3 (21.8), apnoea index of 28.1 (20.9) and oxygen desaturation index of 39.3 (22.6), with newly diagnosed OSA, manual titration of CPAP was performed on two consecutive nights using the following standard titration protocol: starting at 4 mbar, CPAP was increased by steps of 1 mbar at intervals of at least 5 min, until no signs of airway obstruction could be seen, and arousals were no longer elicited. When no airway obstruction was detected over a period of 30 min, the pressure was lowered once during the night in steps of 1 mbar at intervals of at least 10 min, until obstructive events reappeared, whereupon the pressure was again increased as described above, until, once more, no signs of airway obstruction and no arousals occurred. The second titration was carried out in a blind manner, that is the lab technician did not know the results of the first pressure titration. <i>Results:</i> The mean (SD) P<sub>eff</sub> for all titrations was 8.1 mbar (2.9). A high level of correlation was found between the P<sub>eff</sub> titrated on the first night and that titrated on the second night (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.89). In a few individual cases, however, differences of up to 3 mbar were found between P<sub>eff</sub> on the first night and P<sub>eff</sub> on the second night. On average, the P<sub>eff</sub> measured on the second night was 0.5 mbar (SD = 1.3, range: –2.0 to 3.0 mbar) higher than that of the first night. <i>Conclusions:</i> With standardization of the manual titration of CPAP, P<sub>eff</sub> is readily reproducible. In individual cases, however, a difference of as much as 3.0 mbar between the two titrations is possible.
Addition of ATP and MgCl<sub>2</sub> to the Preservation Solution Attenuates Lung Reperfusion Injury following Cold Ischemia
Authors: Hirata Toshiki , Fukuse Tatsuo , Ishikawa Shinya , Miyahara Ryo , Wada Hiromi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> In lung transplantation, reperfusion injury following cold ischemia is one of the crucial problems for recipients. <i>Objective:</i> We evaluated the protective effect of adding a combination of ATP and MgCl<sub>2</sub> to the preservation solution against lung reperfusion injury following cold ischemia. <i>Methods:</i> Using an isolated rat lung perfusion model with fresh rat blood as the perfusate, the rats were divided into five groups (n = 6). In the fresh group, the study lungs were flushed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), then immediately reperfused for 120 min. In the control group, the study lungs were flushed with PBS, then cold ischemia was induced for 9 h (4°C), after which reperfusion was performed. In the other three groups, the protocols were the same as for the control group except that ATP and/or MgCl<sub>2</sub> were added to the PBS: ATP group (100 µ<i>M</i> ATP), MgCl<sub>2</sub> group (100 µ<i>M</i> MgCl<sub>2</sub>) and ATP + MgCl<sub>2</sub> group (100 µ<i>M</i> ATP + 100 µ<i>M</i> MgCl<sub>2</sub>). <i>Results:</i> In the ATP + MgCl<sub>2</sub> group, the intrapulmonary shunt fraction, peak airway pressure and wet to dry lung weight ratio were significantly lower than those in the control group. No improvement was observed in the ATP or MgCl<sub>2</sub> groups. Histological examination supported these physiological results. In all groups, flush time and lipid peroxide levels in the lungs after cold ischemia did not show any significant differences. <i>Conclusion:</i> The addition of ATP and MgCl<sub>2</sub> to the preservation solution attenuated reperfusion injury following cold ischemia in rat lungs.
Breast Carcinoma Metastatic to the Eyelid Presenting as the First Sign of Insufficient Chemotherapy
Authors: Colombo Fernando , Cursiefen Claus , Holbach Leonard M. 
Published: April 2003

Metastatic eyelid tumors are uncommon. Their presentation may vary markedly. We describe a 61-year-old female who presented with a tender nodule in her right upper eyelid shortly after chemotherapy for metastatic disease. She had undergone right mastectomy and radiotherapy because of an adenocarcinoma 16 years ago. Histopathologic findings were consistent with metastatic carcinoma. Knowledge of the diverse clinical and histopathologic features of metastatic breast carcinoma to the eyelids is essential for the appropriate management of these patients. Breast carcinoma metastatic to the eyelid represented in this patient the only sign of insufficient chemotherapy.
Effects of Contact Lenses on Corneal Endothelium – A Morphological and Functional Study
Authors: Chang Shu-Wen , Hu Fung-Rong , Lin Luke Long-Kuang 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose: </i>To study the corneal endothelial morphological changes and endothelial barrier function in contact lens wearers. <i>Methods:</i> Specular microscopy and anterior segment fluorophotometry were performed on 116 controls (group 1) and 76 daily wear soft contact lens wearers. Group 2 patients (n = 34) had been wearing contact lenses for less than 5 years and group 3 (n = 42) for more than 5 years. The relationship of corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, hexagonal cell percentage, coefficient of variation in cell area, corneal autofluorescence and corneal endothelial permeability to the contact lens wear duration was studied. <i>Results:</i> The average corneal thickness of contact lens wearers did not differ significantly from controls (0.533 ± 0.031, 0.538 ± 0.044, 0.532 ± 0.031 mm for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; p = 0.89). However, there was a significant tendency toward corneal thinning with a longer history of contact lens wear (r = –0.31, p = 0.002 in groups 2 and 3). The percentage of hexagonal cells decreased with both increasing hours of contact lens wear per day (r = –0.36, p < 0.001) and the duration of contact lens wear in years (r = –0.33, p < 0.001), but there was no significant change in endothelial cell density in contact lens wearers. The coefficient of variation in cell size correlated more closely with increased hours of contact lens wear per day (r = 0.35, p = 0.002) than with the duration of contact lens wear in years (r = 0.12; p = 0.31). In the functional study, corneal autofluorescence increased in contact lens wearers (5.13 ± 0.71 ng/ml in group 1, 6.45 ± 2.03 ng/ml in group 2 and 7.21 ± 1.51 ng/ml in group 3, respectively, p < 0.001) and the mean endothelial permeability decreased in contact lens wearers (3.89 ± 0.95 ×10<sup>–4</sup>/cm in group 1, 2.71 ± 0.73 × 10<sup>–4</sup>/cm in group 2 and 2.95 ± 0.91 × 10<sup>–4</sup>/cm in group 3, respectively, p = 0.003). <i>Conclusions:</i> Daily wear soft contact lenses caused morphological changes in the corneal endothelium. With an increasing span of contact lens wear, there was a significantly increased variation in cell size, a decreased hexagonal cell percentage, an evident intercellular dark area and rosette formation. The corneal autofluorescence increased and the overall endothelial permeability decreased as a consequence of contact lens wear. Contact lens wear also caused corneal thinning, and the cornea became thinner with increasing duration of contact lens wear.