bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sublethal Endotoxemia Promotes Pulmonary Cytokine-Induced Neutrophil Chemoattractant Expression and Neutrophil Recruitment but Not Overt Lung Injury in Neonatal Rats
Authors: Tillema Mary S. , Lorenz Kathryn L. , Weiss Marc G. , Dries David J. 
Published: April 2003

Gram-negative sepsis and septic shock remain major causes of morbidity and mortality in the newborn. Respiratory failure is a common feature in neonatal sepsis regardless of the presence or absence of associated pneumonia. In adult animal models, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) is a potent chemoattractant for neutrophils and believed to play a role in endotoxin-induced lung injury. We examined this in a neonatal model. Ten-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with <i>Salmonella enteritidis</i> endotoxin (ETX) 0.03 mg/kg i.p. and sacrificed at baseline, 30 min, 1, 2, 4, 8 and 16 h post-ETX. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture. After bronchoalveolar lavage, lung tissue was collected and evaluated for neutrophil (polymorphonuclear leukocyte) recruitment by myeloperoxidase assay (MPO). Lung CINC expression was measured by Northern blot and ELISA. Peripheral blood leukocytosis was noted at 1 h (p < 0.001) with counts below baseline at 2 and 4 h. Differential counts revealed neutrophilia at 8 h (p < 0.001). MPO revealed pulmonary PMN recruitment peaking at 1 h (p < 0.05) and CINC RNA and protein expression peaked slightly later at 2 h (p < 0.001). No overt lung injury was noted by bronchoalveolar lavage cell counts or by histology. Therefore, pulmonary CINC expression and neutrophil recruitment follows LPS exposure in neonatal rats. This may represent priming of the lung tissue and a secondary event may be necessary for injury to occur
Reproducibility in Ultrasonic Characterization of Carotid Plaques
Authors: de Bray J.M. , Baud J.M. , Delanoy P. , Camuzat J.P. , Dehans V. , Descamp-Le Chevoir J. , Launay J.R. , Luizy F. , Sentou Y. , Cales P. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background and Purpose:</b> Echolucent carotid plaques compared with echogenic plaques could carry a significant risk of transient ischemic attacks and strokes, but the reproducibility of new ultrasonic methods has not yet been proved. The objective was to evaluate interobserver and intraobserver agreement in characterizing the carotid plaques studied by both B mode imaging and color Doppler imaging, which is the only ultrasonic method available for recognizing anechoic lesions. <b>Methods:</b> Fifty-three carotid plaques greater than 40% in diameter were selected from four centers and simultaneously analyzed by 9 observers. Five types of plaques were defined by their echo structure: class I = uniformly anechogenic, class II = predominantly hypoechogenic with >50% hypoechogenic area, class III = predominantly echogenic with >50% echogenic area, class IV = uniformly echogenic, class V = unclassified plaques. The luminal surface was characterized as either 1 = regular, 2 = recess of more than 2 mm in depth and width, or 3 = unclassified. Agreement of these variables was calculated by using the kappa index, agreement proportion and an intraclass correlation coefficient. <b>Results:</b> Interobserver reproducibility was only fair for type I (kappa = 0.47) and for the luminal surface (class 1, kappa = 0.52 and class 2, kappa = 0.41). Agreement proportion was 0.51 in hypoechoic plaques and 0.64 in the determination of the regular surface. Mean intraobserver agreement was fair (kappa = 0.47 ± 0.1) for plaque echogenicity to good (kappa = 0.63 ± 0.19) for surface. <b>Conclusion:</b> This study shows that the semiquantitative classification, first developed by Gray-Weale, then by Nicolaides, could be improved, thus giving rise to a new outlook in the debated field of ulcerations.
The Carotid Compression Test for Therapeutic Occlusion of the Internal Carotid Artery
Authors: Hetzel A. , von Reutern G.-M. , Wernz M.G. , Droste D.W. , Schumacher M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The anterior communicating artery is a key collateral pathway in patients with internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions. Diagnostic balloon or manual occlusion of the ICA is a qualified test for the collateral function of the circle of Willis. The aim of our study was to test whether transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) with manual carotid compression is able to predict the degree of cross-over flow and tolerance of ICA occlusion. <i>Methods:</i> A prospective study was performed on 88 patients suffering from neck tumors or inoperable ICA aneurysms with planned ligation or permanent balloon occlusion of the ICA. Preceding a balloon occlusion lasting 20 min we performed TCD with manual carotid compression test. Insufficient cross-over flow during transient carotid occlusion was defined angiographically as missing opacification of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) after selective injection of contrast media in the contralateral ICA, and sonographically as a decrease greater than 60% in flow velocity of the MCA ipsilateral to the carotid occlusion. <i>Results:</i> TCD and angiography could be compared in 70 of 88 patients. Angiography showed no or insufficient collateral flow in 26%. All patients (n = 10) with a decrease in MCA velocity greater than 60% on angiography showed missing or poor cross-over flow. A greater than 50% increase in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) predicted moderate or good cross-over flow in 98%. Clinical observation revealed 11 transient neurological deficits. Eight of them showed insufficient cross-over flow angiographically and sonographically. In 2 of 11 only TCD revealed such low collateral supply. Neither technique predicted hemodynamic ischemia in only 1 of the 11. <i>Conclusion:</i> TCD with carotid compression test is a valid method for predicting interhemispheric flow and clinically relevant hemodynamic compromise in cases of occlusion of the ICA.
Serum Amino Acid Levels after Permanent Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion in the Rat
Authors: Puig Núria , Dávalos Antoni , Adan Jaume , Piulats Jaume , Martínez Josep Maria , Castillo José 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Purpose:</i> High levels of glutamate in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been demonstrated in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Whereas this glutamate increase in CSF is only evidenced during the first 6 h in stable ischemic stroke, it is sustained for 24 h in progressing stroke. The aim of this investigation was to study the evolution of serum glutamate levels after stroke in a rat model of permanent cerebral artery occlusion. <i>Methods:</i> Glutamate, glycine, aspartate, taurine and tryptophan were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography from serum samples taken before and at different times after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and from sham-operated rats. <i>Results:</i> After MCAO, a 3-fold increase in glutamate and a 2-fold increase in glycine and aspartate were observed in rat serum. The onset of this amino acid increase began 4–6 h after ischemic induction, reached peak values at 8–24 h and returned to preischemic values by 48–72 h. Serum concentrations of taurine and tryptophan were not modified after MCAO. Sham-operated rats did not exhibit changes of basal amino acid concentrations in serum. <i>Conclusions:</i> The serum excitatory amino acid profile in this experimental model confirms that the early detection of increased concentrations of glutamate and glycine at systemic circulation observed in patients with acute stroke is a consequence of the cerebral ischemic process.
Embryotoxicity Screening Using Embryonic Stem Cells in vitro: Correlation to in vivo Teratogenicity
Authors: Scholz Gabriele , Pohl Ingeborg , Genschow Elke , Klemm Martina , Spielmann Horst 
Published: April 2003

Blastocyst-derived pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells of the mouse can be induced to differentiate in culture into a variety of cell types, including cardiac muscle cells. The embryonic stem cell test that makes use of the differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes in a standardized in vitro model was developed to offer an alternative method to comprehensive in vivo studies in reproductive toxicology about toxic effects of chemicals. ES cells of the mouse cell line D3 are investigated for their preserved capability to differentiate following drug exposure, and both ES cells and differentiated fibroblast cells of the mouse cell line 3T3 are comparatively analyzed for effects on viability. The following endpoints are used to classify the embryotoxic potential of chemicals into three classes of in vitro embryotoxicity (non-, weakly or strongly embryotoxic). These endpoints are: (1) the inhibition of differentiation of ES cells into cardiomyocytes after 10 days of treatment, and the decrease of viability (cytotoxicity) of (2) 3T3 cells and (3) ES cells after 10 days of treatment, determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. 50% inhibition concentrations for differentiation (ID<sub>50</sub>) and cytotoxicity (IC<sub>50</sub>D3 and IC<sub>50</sub>3T3) are calculated from concentration-response curves. Applying linear analysis of discriminance, a biostatistical prediction model (PM) was developed. This procedure identified three variables, the lg(IC<sub>50</sub>D3), the lg(IC<sub>50</sub>3T3) and the relative distance between IC<sub>50</sub>3T3 and ID<sub>50</sub>, that improved the separation of the three classes of embryotoxicity compared to the prediction model that was originally proposed after test development. Unlike the orginal PM, the improved PM incorporates as one variable the relative distance between IC<sub>50</sub>3T3 and ID<sub>50</sub>, instead of the ratio ID<sub>50</sub>/IC<sub>50</sub>D3 that was used previously.
Morphological Characteristics of Neuromuscular Junctions of the Opossum <i>(Didelphis albiventris)</i> Extraocular Muscles: A Scanning-Electron-Microscopic Study
Authors: Matheus S.M.M. , Soares J.C. 
Published: April 2003

Three types of neuromuscular junctions were described in the extraocular muscles of the opossum. The present study demonstrates the three-dimensional characteristics of these neuromuscular junctions after HCl connective tissue digestion. Adult opossum of both sexes were used and the neuromuscular junctions of the extraocular muscles were examined after removal of the intramuscular connective tissue and basal layer. This material was examined with a scanning electron microscope. Two types of ‘en plaque’ neuromuscular junction were described: the continuous type revealed elongated and branched primary synaptic grooves separated from each other by sarcolemma protuberances with different sizes, and the discontinuous or punctiform type which presents very shallow and discontinuous grooves when compared with the former. The multiple neuromuscular junctions were observed as two or three junctions associated with the same muscular fiber. The multiple junctions were present in thin fibers (around 11 μm caliber); the en plaque junctions were associated with large diameter fibers (around 21 μm). This study confirms and reveals the detailed morphological characteristics of the three neuromuscular junction types previously described by transmission electron microscope in the extraocular muscles of opossum.
Early Bone Healing Events following Rat Molar Tooth Extraction
Authors: Devlin Hugh 
Published: April 2003

Healing of the rat tooth extraction socket occurs rapidly, indicating a mechanism for cancellous bone formation occurring swiftly throughout the matrix. The residual periodontal ligament is evident at 2 days after extraction and its rich collagen type III fibre content may form a template for future cancellous bone formation. In the remainder of the early tooth extraction socket, fibronectin staining was generalized. The widespread distribution of fibronectin staining has given rise to speculation that the function of fibronectin may be important in granulation tissue formation, by providing a template matrix for fibroblast migration. Osteoprogenitor cells migrated into the socket from the surrounding bone, and produced decorin and proMMP-13 (procollagenase-3). ProMMP-13 was only expressed at sites of new bone formation, e.g. the border of the recently formed trabecular islands or the periphery of the closing socket. Collagen type I fibres were formed later, and were especially evident at 6 days after extraction. The pattern of distribution of both collagen type I and III fibres were similar as they passed from the bone margin towards the centre of the socket – in the same direction as the forming bone trabeculae. Bone formation occurs by rapid movement of the osteoprogenitor cells along these collagen fibres to allow a rapid healing, rather than that of resorption followed by slow bone deposition.
Capillarity, Fibre Types and Fibre Morphometry in Different Sampling Sites across and along the Tibialis anterior Muscle of the Rat
Authors: Torrella Joan Ramon , Whitmore Jessica M. , Casas Mireia , Fouces Vicente , Viscor Ginés 
Published: April 2003

Capillarity, fibre types, fibre cross-sectional areas and perimeters were studied along and across the rat tibialis anterior muscle. The muscle was sectioned at three different levels (proximal, equatorial and distal) choosing five sampling fields for measurements at each level (from anterior to posterior and lateral to medial zones). Significant differences were found in the percentage of fibre types and capillarity between different fields of the same muscle section. Slow oxidative fibres were confined to the posterior muscle zone with a maximum of 3.7%. The posterior fields also had a greater percentage of fast oxidative glycolytic fibres at proximal (72.3%) and equatorial (61.3%) levels, but a lower value at the distal level (44.8%) and lower capillary density counts in total cross-section means (758 vs. 1,069 capillaries/mm<sup>2</sup> in equatorial and 1,035 capillaries/mm<sup>2</sup> at proximal levels). The uneven distribution of both fast fibre types and the different degrees of capillarisation along the muscle are statistically significant and may be due to different biomechanical performances along the rat tibialis anterior. Fibre size was significantly larger at the distal level, but no morphometric differences were found across the section of the same level. At the distal level, the mean total fibre area of fast glycolytic fibres (5,130 μm<sup>2</sup>) and fast oxidative glycolytic fibres (2,493 μm<sup>2</sup>) contrasted with values at the proximal (fast glycolytic: 4,070 μm<sup>2</sup>, fast oxidative glycolytic: 1,970 μm<sup>2</sup>) and equatorial (fast glycolytic: 3,535 μm<sup>2</sup>, fast oxidative glycolytic: 1,714 μm<sup>2</sup>) levels. The differences along and across the muscle show the need to design a standardised procedure for sample location when performing comparative studies of morphofunctional adaptive changes in skeletal muscle. A significant difference between individuals (animals) in all parameters was evident and should be taken into consideration when analysing the variability: the factor ‘animal’ should be considered in multiway ANOVAs, especially when low sample sizes are used.
Simulated Microgravity and Hypergravity Attenuate Heart Tissue Development in Explant Culture
Authors: Lwigale Peter Y. , Thurmond Joel E. , Norton William N. , Spooner Brian S. , Wiens Darrell J. 
Published: April 2003

Exposure to altered gravity may disturb the cytoskeleton-cell surface-extracellular matrix (ECM) interface of embryonic cells. Development of organs such as the heart depends on dynamic interactions across cell surfaces. Fibronectin (FN), for example, a glycoprotein that links the ECM to the cytoskeleton through integrin surface receptors, is required for normal heart development. Thus, altered gravity may perturb organogenesis. We cultured precardiac explants from chick embryos in a rotating bioreactor vessel to simulate microgravity (μG), or in a tissue culture centrifuge, for 18 h during heart development. Bioreactor μG did not alter external morphology of explants, but did significantly reduce the proportion that developed contractions. Immunostaining for FN of explant sections showed that it also significantly reduced the linear extent of staining present in basement membrane regions. Analysis of ultrastructure revealed a significant reduction in the number of desmosomes per unit area and other differences. Hypergravity dramatically abolished development of contractions and altered morphogenesis. The results indicate a probable sensitivity of cardiomyogenic development involving FN to altered gravity.
The Superficial Anulus Fibrosus Ligament
Authors: Hanson P. , Qvortrup K. , Magnusson S.P. 
Published: April 2003

A previously unknown ligament, the superficial anulus fibrosus ligament (SAFL), situated on the ventral part of the L5 intervertebral disc (ID) was observed and described from autopsy material. Twenty-eight cadaveric specimens from 12 black and 16 white persons aged 17–30 years were studied during routine forensic autopsies. The anterior longitudinal ligament was separated from the ID and the ventral part of the SAFL was visualized. The SAFL samples were removed, measured and studied with both conventional histology and examination by transmission electron microscopy. The SAFL was a completely separate ligament at the level of the L5-S1 ID situated between the anterior longitudinal ligament and the anulus fibrosus of the ID. The fibers of the ligament were vertically oriented. A difference in distance between the L5-S1 vertebral bodies ventrally was noted in the two groups studied (18.7 ± 1.2 mm in the black vs. 15.2 ± 1.0 mm in the white, p < 0.001), indicating a difference in the ventral thickness of the intervertebral disc. Also, there was a difference in the length (black: 17.7 ± 1.6 mm vs. white: 14.1 ± 1.1), thickness (black: 3.3 ± 0.3 mm vs. white: 2.1 ± 1.9), and the cross-sectional area (black: 58.2 ± 6.7 mm<sup>2</sup> vs. white: 26.5 ± 2.7 mm<sup>2</sup>, p < 0.001) of the SAFL. Conventional light microscopy revealed no obvious differences. However, transmission electron microscopy revealed notably larger collagen fibril diameter in black than white subjects. In conclusion, the interbody distances were greater in the black group, indicating a greater intervertebral disc thickness, compared to that of the white. Furthermore, the SAFL was significantly longer and thicker in the black than in the white group. Albeit unsubstantiated, these race-specific macroscopic findings may have implications for understanding the etiology of various low back stress problems.
White Matter Lesions in Alzheimer Patients Are Influenced by Apolipoprotein E Genotype
Authors: Bronge Lena , Fernaeus Sven-Erik , Blomberg Mari , Ingelson Martin , Lannfelt Lars , Isberg Bengt , Wahlund Lars-Olof 
Published: April 2003

To analyse the influence of apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype on the extent of white matter lesions (WMLs) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), we examined 60 AD patients with magnetic resonance imaging. The WMLs were rated visually in different brain regions. The patients with the APOE genotype σ4/4 had more extensive WMLs in the deep white matter than patients with genotypes σ3/3 and σ3/4. There was a correlation with age for WMLs in the deep white matter in patients with the APOE σ3/3 genotype. In patients carrying at least one σ4 allele, the WMLs showed no age correlation. The results could imply that in APOE allele σ4 carriers, the WMLs represent a pathological process related to the aetiology of the disease.
Acute versus Chronic Pain Experience in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Scherder Erik J.A. , Bouma Anke 
Published: April 2003

The low use of analgesics in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), compared to nondemented elderly persons, is generally explained by (1) a lower prevalence of painful conditions in the former group and (2) undertreatment of pain due to a decrease in communicative abilities in AD. However, considering the neuropathology in limbic areas in this disorder, a decline in pain affect may also explain this phenomenon. In the present study, a newly developed questionnaire was applied to 20 elderly persons without dementia, 20 patients in an early stage and 20 patients in a midstage of AD. The questionnaire includes 10 pairs of painful situations, each pair consisting of an acute and a chronic affective painful situation. It was hypothesized that, compared to controls, AD patients during the course of the disease would report to suffer increasingly more from an acute than from a chronic, affective painful situation. The results support our hypothesis. Limitations of the present study are discussed.
Quantification and Characterisation of Fluctuating Cognition in Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Walker M.P. , Ayre G.A. , Perry E.K. , Wesnes K. , McKeith I.G. , Tovee M. , Edwardson J.A. , Ballard C.G. 
Published: April 2003

Fluctuating cognition (FC) is a common and important symptom in dementia, particularly dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), although it has not been empirically quantified or characterised. Forty subjects (15 DLB, 15 AD, 10 elderly controls) were evaluated using a clinical FC severity scale, as well as receiving measures of variability in attentional performance and slow EEG rhythms across 90 s, 1 h and 1 week. DLB patients had significantly more severe FC and more severe variability in attentional and slow electrocortical measures than either AD patients or normal controls in all time frames. Attentional and EEG variability also correlated significantly with independent clinical ratings of FC. Clinical quantification and measures of attention and EEG variability can therefore make an important and standardised contribution to the assessment of FC in dementia, facilitating future treatment studies with important implications for the potential causative mechanisms and differential diagnosis.
Mucocutaneous Junctional and Flexural Paresthesias Caused by the Holoplanktonic Trachymedusa <i>Liriope tetraphylla</i>
Authors: Mianzan Hermes , Sorarrain Dora , Burnett Joseph W. , Lutz Linda L. 
Published: April 2003

Multiple stages of <i>Liriope tetraphylla</i> caused paresthesias leading to chafing and excoriations in swimmers along the Southern Uruguayan and Northern Argentinean Atlantic coasts. These episodes appear seasonally in the summer and affect groups of bathers in shallow water (1–3 m).
Management of Large Rectal Wall Defects with Open Pedicle Grafts of Small Intestine
Authors: Demetriades Ch. , Botsios D. , Tsalis K. , Manafis K. , Zisiadis A. , Dadoukis J. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible repair of large rectal wall defects using an open pedicle ileal graft as a mucosal patch. This experiment was carried out in 14 adult mongrel dogs. By excision of a portion of the antimesenteric wall comprising 50–70% of the circumference and measuring 5–6 cm in length, a suitable full thickness defect was created in the lower part of the rectum. A segment of the distal ileum was then isolated on a mesenteric pedicle and opened from its antimesenteric border. This was sutured over the defect in two layers. The animals were observed for a period of 15 days to 12 months. All the animals survived the operation apart from 1 dog that died of fecal peritonitis. Function of the rectum generally remained normal. Barium X-ray did not show any obstruction, shrinkage of the patch, lumen dilatation or extravasation. At the time of autopsy pedicles of ileal grafts appeared intact and pulsating. On gross examination there was no evidence of focal hemorrhage, ulceration or any cicatricial thickening of the grafts. Healing was good and the ileal mucosa retained its villi and general characteristics without any major inflammatory reactions. There was an increase in the number of goblet cells which returned to normal in 6 months.