bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virulence Factors of <i>Escherichia coli</i> Contribute to Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Kreft Burkhard , Pagel Horst 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The development of acute renal failure (ARF) significantly enhances the mortality of patients with Gram-negative septic shock. The role of specific bacterial virulence factors different from lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the deterioration of renal function in septic shock remains to be determined. <i>Methods:</i> An <i>Escherichia coli</i> wild-type strain (536/21 WT, O6:K15:H31) was isolated from a patient suffering from a urinary tract infection. The strain expresses various virulence factors (e.g. hemolysin, fimbriae) genetically encoded by pathogenicity islands. The spontaneous deletion mutant 536/21 Del lacks the expression of these virulence factors. Isolated rat kidneys were perfused with a suspension (5 × 10<sup>4</sup>/ml) of the respective strain or control perfusion medium and the renal functional parameters were analyzed. Intrarenal deposition of <i>E. coli</i> was detected by immunohistology and Gram staining. <i>Results:</i> The perfusion of the isolated perfused rat kidney with a uropathogenic <i>E. coli</i> wild-type strain (536/21 WT) caused an acute deterioration of renal function which was not observed in kidneys exposed to a deletion mutant of <i>E. coli</i> 536/21 lacking the expression of virulence factors. The glomerular filtration rate and the urine flow rate significantly decreased only in kidneys perfused with the <i>E. coli</i> wild-type strain, while there was no change versus controls in kidneys perfused with the deletion mutant. <i>Conclusions:</i> Distinctive bacterial virulence factors different from LPS such as hemolysin and the presence of different fimbriae may contribute to the development of ARF in sepsis induced by <i>E. coli</i>. Anti-LPS strategies may not be sufficient to reduce the risk of ARF in Gram-negative septic shock.
Cellular Localization of Aquaporin 7 in the Rat Kidney
Authors: Ishibashi Kenichi , Imai Masashi , Sasaki Sei 
Published: April 2003

The cDNA for the seventh mammalian aquaporin (AQP7) was isolated from rat testis, and its expression was demonstrated at the tail of late spermatids [Ishibashi et al: J Biol Chem 1997;272:20782–20786]. AQP7 is also expressed in the kidney. The localization of AQP7 in the kidney is unknown. We examined the cellular localization of AQP7 in the kidney with Northern blot, reverse transcribed PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry in the rat kidney. In Northern blot, AQP7 was expressed in the cortex and the outer medulla but absent in the inner medulla of the kidney. Reverse transcribed PCR of rat nephron segments revealed the selective expression of AQP7 at the proximal straight tubules (PST). Western blot of the membrane fraction of outer medulla revealed a single band of ∼33 kDa. Immunohistochemistry of the rat kidney showed the selective expression of AQP7 at the brush border membranes of PST (S3 segment). AQP7 is now shown to be localized selectively at the brush border membranes of PST in the rat kidney. The result suggests that AQP7 may function as a pathway for transcellular water transport in PST in concert with more widely expressed AQP1 in proximal tubules. Alternatively, as AQP7 transports urea as well as water, AQP7 may function as a passive urea secretory pathway in this segment and may play a role in the formation and/or maintenance of the medullary urea concentration gradient.
ACE Inhibition Preserves Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycans in the Glomerular Basement Membrane of Rats with Established Adriamycin Nephropathy
Authors: Wapstra F.H. , Navis G.J. , van Goor H. , van den Born J. , Berden J.H.M. , de Jong P.E. , de Zeeuw D. 
Published: April 2003

The gradual onset of the antiproteinuric effects of ACE inhibition suggests that structural effects on the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) may be involved in their renoprotective action. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of lisinopril (5 mg/kg/24 h) on proteinuria, focal glomerulosclerosis (FGS) and glomerular heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan (HSPG) GBM staining in rats with established Adriamycin nephrosis. Treatment was started 6 weeks after disease induction. As expected, lisinopril reduced blood pressure, proteinuria and the FGS score. In control rats, Adriamycin nephrosis was associated with significantly impaired GBM staining for both HSPG core protein (assessed from BL-31 staining) and HS staining (assessed from JM-403 staining) 12 weeks after disease induction. In rats treated with lisinopril (5 mg/kg/24 h) GBM stianing was significantly better preserved for HS as well as for HSPG core protein. These data suggest that structural effects on the GBM, improving glomerular permselectivity, may be involved in the renoprotective effects of ACE inhibition in proteinuria-induced renal damage.
Prenatally Diagnosed Fetal Neck Teratoma
Authors: Gagnon Alain L. , Bebbington Michael W. , Kamani Ali , Solimano Alfonso 
Published: April 2003

A case of fetal neck teratoma diagnosed at 32 weeks’ gestation is reported. Planning before delivery included consultations with the neonatologist, the anesthesiologist, the otolaryngologist and the social worker. Delivery by cesarean section under epidural anesthesia was carried out at 34 weeks because of preterm labor. The head was delivered and the fetus was intubated within 4½ min using a rigid bronchoscope. Magnesium sulfate and nitroglycerin provided uterine relaxation allowing fetal oxygenation via the uteroplacental circulation. Umbilical artery blood gases were satisfactory. The early neonatal course was complicated by hemorrhage from the teratoma externally as well as intratracheal bleeding and ventilatory problems. The baby died at 40 min of age in his mother’s arms.
Peripartal Temporal Course of Endothelin 1, Angiotensin II, and Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in Pre-Eclampsia and Normotensive Pregnancy
Authors: Zunker P. , Happe S. , Louwen F. , Evers S. , Ringelstein E.B. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objective:</b> To investigate the temporal peripartal course of plasma endothelin 1 (ET-1), angiotensin II (ANG II), and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in patients with pre-eclampsia as compared to women with normotensive pregnancy. <b>Methods:</b> Levels of ET-1, ANG II, and ANP were measured by means of radio-immunoassay twice a week in 17 patients with pre-eclampsia and in 17 women with normotensive uncomplicated pregnancy during four different periods: (a) from admission to 1 week before delivery, (b) 1st week before delivery, (c) 1st week after delivery, and (d) 2nd week after delivery. <b>Results:</b> ET-1 levels were not statistically different between the two groups. ANG II concentrations were lower in the pre-eclampsia group than in the control group with statistical significance in period c (2.8 ± 3.0 vs. 7.1 ± 5.9 pg/ml, mean ± SD). ANP levels were higher in pre-eclamptic women than in the control group, the difference being statistically significant in period a (54 ± 46 vs. 11 ± 16 pg/ml) and in period c (122 ± 134 vs. 39 ± 22 pg/ml). <b>Conclusions:</b> There are considerable differences in ANP and ANG II concentrations during the peripartal period between patients with pre-eclampsia and normotensive pregnant women. Decreased ANG II and elevated ANP levels in the 1st week postpartum may reflect the clinical observation that some women deteriorate in this period.
Fetal Glioblastoma: Rapid Growth during the Third Trimester
Authors: Kamitomo Masato , Sameshima Hiroshi , Uetsuhara Kouichi , Tomosugi Tetsuzou , Matsuda Yoshio , Ibara Satoshi , Sueyoshi Kazunobu 
Published: April 2003

We present a case of fetal glioblastoma which appeared after 28 weeks’ gestation. The first ultrasonographic finding was an enlarged fetal head with right shifted falx cerebri at 31 weeks’ gestation. At 33 weeks, a large and high echogenic mass in the left hemisphere and right enlarged ventricle was identified. Magnetic resonance imaging showed that the tumor was localized in the left hemisphere and a margin of the tumor was defined. Because fetal well-being judging from biophysical parameters was good and we considered that the tumor was resectable, a male fetus weighing 2,670 g was delivered at 34 weeks’ gestation by cesarean section. However, he was inoperable due to consumptive coagulopathy and rapid growth of the tumor, and died on the 41st day of life.
Frequencies of Fetal Nucleated Red Blood Cells in Maternal Blood during Different Stages of Gestation
Authors: Kuo Pao-Lin 
Published: April 2003

Nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) isolated by a triple density gradient from 100 ml peripheral blood samples of 100 pregnant women and 30 women postpartum were subjected to morphological analysis and PCR quantitation. The number of NRBCs steadily increased from 5.3 (frequency: 2.4 × 10<sup>–7</sup>) in early gestation to 98.2 (frequency: 4.2 × 10<sup>–6</sup>) near term. The number of male cells increased from 6 (frequency: 2.7 × 10<sup>–7</sup>) in early gestation to a peak of 31 (frequency: 1.48 × 10<sup>–6</sup>) in the second trimester, and slightly decreased to 27 (frequency: 1.31 × 10<sup>–6</sup>) near term. Both NRBCs and male fetal cells rapidly disappeared after delivery. The result implies that a significant proportion of NRBCs in maternal blood are of fetal origin before 24 weeks of gestation while in late gestation the majority of NRBCs may be of maternal origin.
Induction of Labor in Patients with Term Premature Rupture of Membranes
Authors: Hallak Mordechai , Bottoms Sidney F. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To determine whether delayed induction of labor in patients with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term has beneficial effects on the mother or the infant. <i>Study Design:</i> Retrospective analysis of our database revealed 576 patients >37 weeks of gestation with PROM, who delivered live-born infants without major congenital anomalies. We analyzed the frequencies of primary cesarean, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, and oxytocin use by time since hospital admission and interval until onset of labor. <i>Results:</i> NICU admission increased from 1.9% in <3 h between admission to onset of labor to 13.3% after >18 h. Admission-onset of labor interval, birth weight of <2,500 or >4,000 g and meconium were all more important determinants of NICU admission than gestational age, duration of labor, PROM, and ROM. Prolonged admission-onset of labor interval was associated with an increased risk of variable decelerations (p < 0.001). Primary cesarean rates increased progressively with longer intervals between admission and onset of labor. Stepwise discriminant function analysis revealed that labor duration, admission-onset of labor interval, gestational age, and birth weight of <2,500 g were all more important determinants of primary cesarean delivery than the durations of PROM or ROM. <i>Conclusions:</i> The increased frequencies of NICU admission, variable decelerations, and primary cesarean suggest that delayed labor induction after hospital admission was linked to worsened perinatal outcomes. These results may have been influenced by usually performing a single digital examination as part of initial evaluation of term patients who present with PROM. Based on our data, we suggest immediate induction for PROM at term, especially if digital examination has been performed.
Rapid Prenatal Diagnosis of Aneuploidies in Uncultured Amniocytes by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization
Authors: Eiben Bernd , Trawicki Witold , Hammans Wilhelm , Goebel Richard , Pruggmayer Michael , Epplen Jörg T. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective: </i>A new method in prenatal diagnostics allows to demonstrate certain numeric chromosomal aneuploidies in amniotic cells within 24 h in contrast to conventional methods which take 1–3 weeks. <i>Materials:</i> The experience with this rapid fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method is compared to standard karyotyping and its clinical relevance is described in a large clinical pilot study. FISH on uncultured amniocytes has been performed from 12 weeks of gestation to the third trimester using commercially available chromosome-specific DNA probes for chromosomes 13, 18, 21, X and Y. <i>Results:</i> FISH was performed successfully in 3,150 prenatal cases. All trisomies 13, 18 and 21 and all cases with gonosomal aberrations were detected by FISH analysis. Neither false-positive nor false-negative results were obtained using FISH. For all analyzable disorders the FISH results were in complete agreement with standard cytogenetics. <i>Conclusions:</i> In our experience, FISH is a valuable and reliable method for rapid diagnosis of numeric chromosomal aneuploidies.
Influence of Antenatal Ultrasound on the Management of Fetal Exomphalos
Authors: Holland Andrew J.A. , Ford W.D. Andrew , Linke Rebecca J. , Furness Margaret E. , Hayward Christina 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To determine the influence of antenatal ultrasound on the management of exomphalos. <i>Methods:</i> Retrospective case note review of 23 fetuses and infants referred to our institution with either a pre- or postnatal diagnosis of exomphalos over a 7-year period. <i>Results:</i> There were 21 cases of exomphalos of which 18 were correctly diagnosed on antenatal ultrasound by 18 weeks’ gestation. There were 2 false-positives and 3 false-negatives, including 1 case of amniotic band syndrome with an abdominal wall defect and 1 morphologically normal fetus. Associated anomalies were correctly identified in 12 but incorrectly reported in 8. Maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels were abnormal in 61% of cases of abdominal wall defects in this series. Amniocentesis was performed in 12 and cordocentesis in 1. There were 13 terminations, including 2 trisomy 18s and 1 trisomy 13. Two fetal deaths followed amniocentesis. Of the 10 live births, 9 had their exomphalos repaired with a 1-year survival rate of 89%. Prenatal diagnosis did not appear to influence outcome. <i>Conclusions:</i> Antenatal ultrasound diagnosed 86% of cases of exomphalos and correctly reported 67% of associated anomalies. Amniocentesis may have led to the death of 1 morphologically normal fetus.
Prenatal Diagnosis of a Congenital Bladder Diverticulum
Authors: Gaudet Rodolphe , Heim Nazbanou , Merviel Philippe , Lemercier Delphine , Dumont Alexandre , Audry Georges , Uzan Serge 
Published: April 2003

A case of congenital bladder diverticulum diagnosed at 37 weeks of gestation (measured from the first day after the last day of the last menstrual period) is reported. Delivery took place 24 h later. A postnatal urologic work-up confirmed the diagnosis of asymptomatic congenital bladder diverticulum. The infant underwent laparotomic surgery at the age of 6 months, with an extravesical diverticulectomy and ureteral reimplantation. There were no complications. This is the first case reported in the literature of a prenatal diagnosis of a congenital bladder diverticulum. This new aspect allows early management and avoidance of the diagnostic meanders to which the discovery of a pelvic mass might lead, as well as the complications that can follow bladder diverticula.
Effect of Steroids on Arterial Doppler in Intrauterine Growth Retardation Fetuses
Authors: Senat M.V. , Ville Y. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Antenatal steroid administration decreases fetal mortality and morbidity in preterm neonates. However, maternal steroids administration can cause a transient reduction in fetal heart rate variability and can also alter biophysical profile parameters. Other methods to assess fetal well-being in high-risk fetuses are therefore needed, when steroids are given in high-risk pregnancies. <i>Objective:</i> To study the effect of betamethasone and dexamethasone on placental and fetal arterial circulation in 40 growth-retarded fetuses. <i>Methods:</i> Forty fetuses with intrauterine growth retardation were exposed in utero to a single course of betamethasone (n = 25) or dexamethasone (n = 15). Blood flow waveforms were recorded from uterine arteries, umbilical arteries, descending aorta and middle cerebral arteries and analyzed prospectively. Doppler recordings were compared before (baseline), during (24–48 h) and after treatment (4–7 days). <i>Results:</i> No significant changes were found in the pulsatility indices (PI) in any of these vessels during the course and after the treatment was stopped. However, the PI in the middle cerebral arteries showed a trend to decrease 24–48 h and 4–7 days after steroids were given to the mother when compared to pretreatment values. <i>Conclusion:</i> Since antenatal steroids do not seem to affect Doppler measurements, they might be useful to assess well-being in high-risk fetuses during the course. It might allow to differentiate transient iatrogenic changes in fetal heart rate variability from the effect of hypoxemia.
In utero Diagnosis of Trichothiodystrophy by Endoscopically-Guided Fetal Eyebrow Biopsy
Authors: Quintero Rubén A. , Morales Walter J. , Gilbert-Barness Enid , Claus Jennifer , Bornick Patricia W. , Allen Mary H. , Ackerman Jeanne , Koussef Boris 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To describe the prenatal diagnosis of trichothiodystrophy (TTD) through endoscopically-guided fetal eyebrow biopsy. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> A 32-year-old patient, gravida 4, para 3, with a history of 2 previous infants affected with TTD was referred at 17<sup>5</sup>/<sub>7</sub> weeks for fetal hair biopsy. DNA repair studies had been normal in the previous children. Four 1-mm biopsies were obtained from the external aspect of the fetal eyebrows under direct endoscopic guidance. Fetal hair samples were assessed with polarized microscopy, electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and were also sent for analysis of sulfur content (cystine levels). <i>Results:</i> The fetal eyebrows were the only adequate source of hair in the early second trimester. The biopsy samples yielded adequate material for all tests. Polarized microscopy showed characteristic banding patterns, but trichoschisis was not apparent. Cystine levels (19 μmol/l) in the biopsy sample were significantly lower than an age-matched (fresh spontaneous abortion) control (368 μmol/l). <i>Conclusion:</i> Prenatal diagnosis of TTD is possible in the second trimester through endoscopically-guided eyebrow biopsy. An adequate amount of hair is present in the eyebrows by then, and the disease is already manifest. Analysis of sulfur content of the hair samples is preferred over polarized or electron microscopy, as many classic microscopic findings of TTD may not be present in the early second trimester.
Visual Analogue Scales for Pain Assessment in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Scherder Erik J.A. , Bouma Anke 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> In earlier studies, pain assessment in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was conducted by interview, for which reliability is questionable considering the decline in expressive and receptive language abilities in AD. As similar language problems occur in young children, the reliability of pain assessment in this latter population is increased by employing visual analogue scales. <i>Objective:</i> By employing visual analogue scales, the current study investigated whether (1) nondemented elderly persons and AD patients comprehend the purpose of the scales and (2) AD patients, compared to nondemented elderly persons, report suffering less pain intensity and pain affect. <i>Methods:</i> Three visual analogue scales, i.e. the Colored Analogue Scale (CAS), the Faces Pain Scale (FPS), and the Facial Affective Scale (FAS) were administered to patients in an early and midstage of AD and to nondemented elderly persons. <i>Results:</i> The results show that the percentage of subjects who comprehended the CAS, FAS and FPS was for the nondemented elderly persons 100, 75 and 100%, respectively, for the early AD group 100, 50 and 60%, respectively, and for the midstage AD group 80, 20 and 30%, respectively. Furthermore, elderly persons without dementia reported experiencing more intense pain and pain affect than the early and midstage AD group. Interestingly, the early and midstage AD patients did not differ in reporting pain affect. <i>Conclusion:</i> Visual analogue scales may improve pain assessment in those AD patients who fully comprehend the meaning of the scales. As only the minority of midstage AD patients understood the purpose of the FAS and FPS, the search for tools, particularly to assess pain affect in this population, must continue.
Genomic Distribution and Gonadal mRNA Expression of Two Human Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Exon 1 Sequences in Random Populations
Authors: Tsai-Morris Chon Hwa , Geng Yi , Buczko Ellen , Dehejia Anindya , Dufau MariaL. 
Published: April 2003

Exon 1 of the human luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) gene coding region exhibits at least two forms of sequence heterogeneity between 37 and 60 bp, spanning the junction of the signal peptide and the amino terminus of the mature protein. The LHR 1 differs from the LHR 2 by the insertion of 6 bp in exon 1 but is of identical sequence in the 5′ flanking region. RFLP analysis of the two haplotypes within a random population of 63 individuals revealed allele frequencies of 0.37 and 0.63 for LHR 1 and LHR 2, respectively. 94% of the samples contained at least one LHR 2 allele, whereas only 68% contained the LHR 1 allele. No gender differences were observed, and both homozygotes and heterozygotes displayed apparently normal reproduction. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain-reaction analyses of LHR mRNA from testes and ovaries revealed that both haplotypes are transcribed in normal individuals, with no difference in tissue specific distribution. Thus, at least two functional polymorphic forms of exon 1 coding region of the same LHR gene are present in a random human population.
Identification of a New Transthyretin Variant (Ile49) in Familial Amyloidotic Polyneuropathy Using Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry and Nonisotopic RNase Cleavage Assay
Authors: Nakamura Masaaki , Yamashita Taro , Ando Yukio , Asl Kamran Hamidi , Tashima Kazuhiro , Ohlsson Per-Ingvar , Kususe Yukio , Benson Merrill D. 
Published: April 2003

Mutation of the transthyretin (TTR) plasma protein and gene in a Japanese patient with amyloid polyneuropathy was investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nonisotopic RNase cleavage assay (NIRCA), respectively. ESI-MS analysis showed normal TTR peaks and additionally a variant TTR with 12-dalton-higher molecular weight than normal TTR. NIRCA suggested that the mutation existed near either the 5′ or 3′ end of exon 3. Direct DNA sequencing revealed both a normal ACC (threonine) and a variant ATC (isoleucine) at codon 49, which was located near the 5′ end of exon 3. The molecular weight shift of this mutation was 12 D, consistent with the result of ESI-MS.