bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Diazepam Exposure Functionally Alters the GABA<sub>A</sub> Receptor That Modulates [<sup>3</sup>H]Noradrenaline Release from Rat Hippocampal Synaptosomes
Authors: Martire Maria , Altobelli Debora , Cannizzaro Carla , Maurizi Silvia , Preziosi Paolo 
Published: April 2003

In rats, exposure to diazepam (DZ) during the last week of gestation is associated with behavioral alterations (in some cases sexually dimorphic) that appear when the animals reach adulthood. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of prenatal DZ exposure on the function of the γ-aminobutyric (GABA)<sub>A</sub> receptor complex. The method used – perfusion of rat hippocampal nerve terminals labeled with [<sup>3</sup>H]noradrenaline (NA) – allowed us to evaluate the effects of DZ on a specific native GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor subtype which is located on hippocampal noradrenergic nerve endings and mediates the release of NA. Muscimol stimulated synaptosomal release of [<sup>3</sup>H]NA in a concentration-dependent manner; maximal stimulation (50%) was achieved with a concentration of 30 µ<i>M</i>, and the ED<sub>50</sub> was 1.7 µ<i>M</i>. The effect of muscimol was potentiated by the positive allosteric modulators DZ and 3α-pregnan-5α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-P; allopregnanolone), which displayed similar maximal effects and affinities. In the presence of DZ (0.1 µ<i>M</i>), muscimol stimulated the release of [<sup>3</sup>H]NA with an ED<sub>50</sub> of 0.5 µ<i>M</i>; in the presence of 3α,5α-P (0.1 µ<i>M</i>), the ED<sub>50</sub> of muscimol was 0.3 µ<i>M</i>. Prenatal DZ exposure did not modify the concentration-effect curve for muscimol, but it did abolish the potentiating effects of DZ and 3α,5α-P. These findings demonstrate that prenatal exposure to DZ produces functional modifications of the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor subtype we investigated. This effect may be related to the relative contributions of the various protein subunits that compose the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor complex. Exposure to DZ while the GABA<sub>A</sub> receptors are developing might influence the expression of these subunits, giving rise to a receptor that can be activated by muscimol but is not susceptible to allosteric modulation by DZ or 3α,5α-P.
Impact of Treatment of Dyslipidemia on Renal Function, Fat Deposits and Scarring in Patients with Persistent Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Gheith Osama Ashry , Sobh Mohamed Abel-Kader , Mohamed Kefaia El-Sayed , El-Baz Mahmoud Abdo , El-Husseini Fatma , Gazarin Sana Sayed , Ahmed Hassan Abd-El-Hady , Rasem Mahmoud Wageh , Amer Galal Mohamed 
Published: April 2003

In this study 43 patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome were randomly distributed into 2 age- and sex-matched groups. The first group was given fluvastatin while the second was used as control. The cases in the 2 groups were evaluated clinically, biochemically (creatinine clearance, albumin, 24-hour proteinuria, and lipogram), neurologically, and histopathologically (examination of renal biopsies obtained basally and after 1 year of treatment with fluvastatin). In the fluvastatin-treated group but not in the control group, we observed a significant reduction in cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride. Clinical and laboratory assessment showed satisfactory tolerance of the drug by the patients. Proteinuria, serum albumin and creatinine clearance values were significantly better in the statin-treated patients. There was no difference in glomerular sclerosis between the 2 groups while interstitial fibrosis and renal fat deposits were less in the statin-treated group. The reduction in renal fat deposits in the statin-treated group was highly significant, while that of interstitial fibrosis was not. We conclude that: (1) statin can be safely and effectively used in the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with persistent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome; (2) control of dyslipidemia in nephrotic patients is associated with better control of proteinuria and creatinine clearance; (3) statin treatment may cause regression of renal fat deposits in patients with nephrotic syndrome, and (4) longer term studies are still required to study further possible beneficial effects on renal histology and disease progression.
Effect of Fasting for Two Days on the Excretion of Ammonium in Dogs with Chronic Metabolic Acidosis
Authors: Halperin Mitchell L. , Cheema-Dhadli Surinder , Chen Ching-Bun 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The source of glutamine for renal ammonium production is ultimately dietary protein in the fed state and body proteins in fasting. <i>Objective:</i> Our objective was to determine if less NH<sup>+</sup><sub>4</sub> would be excreted by fasted dogs with chronic metabolic acidosis resulting in conservation of lean body mass. <i>Methods:</i> Acid-loaded fed and fasted dogs were given 10 mmol NH<sub>4</sub>Cl/kg for 5 days; the fasted group had food withheld on days 4 and 5. <i>Results:</i> The renal production of NH<sup>+</sup><sub>4</sub> was not significantly different in both acid-loaded groups, yet the rate of NH<sup>+</sup><sub>4</sub> excretion was significantly lower in the fasted dogs (8 vs. 21 mmol NH<sup>+</sup><sub>4</sub>/mmol creatinine). The urine pH was significantly higher (6.0 versus 5.5) while titratable acid and the urine flow rate were significantly lower in these fasted dogs. Despite nearly equal urine flow rates and Na<sup>+</sup> excretion rates after an infusion of saline, the fasted dogs failed to increase the rate of excretion of NH<sup>+</sup><sub>4</sub> to rates seen in the fed group. <i>Conclusions:</i> The lower rate of excretion of NH<sup>+</sup><sub>4</sub> in fasted, acidotic dogs appeared to be due to a lower distal H<sup>+</sup> secretion. This may help preserve lean body mass during fasting.
Acid-Base State in Patients after Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Frangiosa Annamaria , De Santo Luca Salvatore , De Santo Natale Gaspare , Anastasio Pietro , Favazzi Pietro , Cirillo Eleonora , Cotrufo Maurizio , Adroguè Horacio J. 
Published: April 2003

Patients with advanced heart failure commonly develop simple or mixed acid-base disturbances. The altered acid-base homeostasis can occur as a consequence of the heart failure itself, the therapeutic interventions, or associated conditions. The present study examined acid-base disorders in patients with heart failure who received successful heart transplantation. The information collected should provide light on the determinants of acid-base disorders in this patient population. Seventy status 2 UNOS (United Network Organ Sharing) patients listed for heart transplantation were enrolled in this study. All patients received loop diuretics, spironolactone, ACE inhibitors, carvedilol and digitalis as needed. Patients were studied again at discharge after transplantation, under cyclosporine, azathioprine, steroids, loop diuretics and ACE inhibitors. After heart transplantation, a significant increase of ejection fraction from 19.7 ± 0.63 to 53.6 ± 0.9% (p < 0.0001) occurred along with a concomitant reduction of central venous pressure (p < 0.0001) from 12.6 ± 0.20 to 6.9 ± 0.21 mm Hg. Before heart transplantation there was high-normal pH (7.43 ± 0.009), slight loss of hydrogen ions (35.4 ± 0.4 nmol/l), slightly reduced pCO<sub>2 </sub>(37.6 ± 1.1 mm Hg). After heart transplantation a stability of blood pH and hydrogen ion concentrations was found but bicarbonate increased significantly (p < 0.02) from 24.2 ± 0.61 to 26.2 ± 0.51 mmol/l and pCO<sub>2</sub> from 37.6 ± 1.1 to 39.3 ± 0.7 mm Hg (p < 0.05). Plasma renin activity averaged 3.80 ± 0.6 pg/ml before heart transplantation and 2.82 ± 0.4 pg/ml after (p < 0.01). Aldosterone concentration averaged 380 ±15 pg/ml before heart transplantation and 280 ± 10 pg/ml after (p < 0.01). These data suggest that in patients before heart transplantation there is a mixed acid-base imbalance that includes respiratory alkalosis and metabolic alkalosis. After transplantation the recovery of the abnormal circulatory status erased the initial respiratory alkalosis but metabolic alkalosis persisted and accounted for a further rise in plasma bicarbonate.
Hippocampal Volume in Schizophrenia and Its Relationship with Risperidone Treatment: A Stereological Study
Authors: Savas Haluk A. , Unal Bunyami , Erbagci Hulya , Inaloz Serap , Herken Hasan , Canan Sinan , Gumusburun Erdem , Zoroglu S. Salih 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this study was to assess the significance of the hippocampal volume differences and its relation with risperidone treatment in schizophrenia. In schizophrenic patients who were on risperidone treatment (n = 11) and in healthy volunteers (n = 11), volumes of the hippocampi were estimated using magnetic resonance images (MRIs). A detailed systematic series of coronal MRIs of the entire brain (3 mm thickness, T<sub>1</sub>-weighted, TR/TE 400/10 ms) was obtained for each subject. All estimations were done according to Cavalieri’s method by a modified point-counting grid placed on surface areas of hippocampal slices. The mean right and left hippocampal volumes in schizophrenics and control subjects were 1,059.4 and 1,003.2 mm<sup>3</sup>, and 1,780.1 and 1,589.1 mm<sup>3</sup>, respectively. The corresponding coefficients of errors were 0.05 and 0.068, and 0.059 and 0.081, respectively. The volumes of left and right hemispheres were not significantly different in both schizophrenic patients and controls (p > 0.05). However, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found between hippocampal volumes of the schizophrenic patients and controls. In conclusion, the hippocampal volume of the schizophrenic patients is significantly smaller than of the healthy controls. The patients who responded well to risperidone treatment had significantly greater hippocampal volumes than the patients who did not respond properly. Thus, hippocampal volume may be a predictor of the treatment response of schizophrenics to risperidone.
Acquisition of Serial Complexity in Speech Production: A Comparison of Phonetic and Phonological Approaches to First Word Production
Authors: Davis Barbara L. , MacNeilage Peter F. , Matyear Christine L. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractComparison was made between performance-based and competence-based approaches to the understanding of first word production. The performance-related frame/content approach is representative of the biological/functional perspective of phonetics in seeking explanations based on motor, perceptual and cognitive aspects of speech actions. From this perspective, intrasyllabic consonant-vowel (CV) co-occurrence patterns and intersyllabic sequence patterns are viewed as reflective of biomechanical constraints emerging from mandibular oscillation cycles. A labial-coronal sequence effect involved, in addition, the problem of interfacing the lexicon with the motor system, as well as the additional problem of initiation of movement complexes. Competence-based approaches to acquisition are within the generative phonological tradition; involving an initial assumption of innate, speech-specific mental structures. While various current phonological approaches to acquisition involve consideration of sequence effects and intrasyllabic patterns, they do not adequately establish the proposed mental entities in infants of this age, and are nonexplanatory in the sense of not considering the causes of the structures and constraints that they posit.
Articulation of Extreme Formant Patterns for Emphasized Vowels
Authors: Erickson Donna 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThis study examined formant, jaw and tongue dorsum measurements from X-ray microbeam recordings of American English speakers producing emphasized vs. unemphasized words containing high-front, mid-front and low vowels. For emphasized vowels, the jaw position, regardless of vowel height, was lower, while the tongue dorsum had a more extreme articulation in the direction of the phonological specification of the vowel. For emphasized low vowels, the tongue dorsum position was lower with the acoustic consequence of F1 and F2 bunched closer together. For emphasized high and mid-front vowels, the tongue was more forward with the acoustic consequence of F1 and F2 spread more apart. These findings are interpreted within acoustic models of speech production. They also provide empirical data which have application to the C/D model hypothesis that both increased lowering of jaw and enhanced tongue gesture are consequences of a magnitude increase in the syllable pulse due to emphasis.
Diagnosis of Pediatric Varicoceles by Physical Examination and Ultrasonography and Measurement of the Testicular Volume
Authors: Çayan Selahittin , Akbay Erdem , Bozlu Murat , Doruk Erdal , Yildiz Altan , Acar Deniz , Kanık E. Arzu , Ulusoy Ercüment 
Published: April 2003

<i>Introduction:</i> The differentiation of unilateral versus bilateral varicoceles and testicular volume measurements are important in determining the need for adolescent varicocele surgery and also in following patients after varicocelectomy. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare the findings of physical examination and color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of pediatric varicoceles and to compare the findings using the Prader orchidometer and scrotal ultrasonography in the measurement of testicular volumes. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> This study included 68 boys with varicoceles, ranging in age from 8 to 19 years. Varicoceles were diagnosed using both physical examination and scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography. The testicular volumes of 136 testicles were measured using the Prader orchidometer and scrotal ultrasonography. A difference of more than 10% or 2 ml in each testicular volume was considered significant. <i>Results:</i> The mean age of the boys was 13.5 ± 2.3 years. On physical examination, a left unilateral varicocele was diagnosed in 46 boys (67.6%). The other 22 boys (32.4%) had bilateral varicoceles. Color Doppler ultrasonography detected bilateral varicoceles in 4 of the 46 boys (8.7%) who were diagnosed by physical examination as having only left unilateral varicoceles (grade 3 in 3 patients and grade 2 in 1 patient). A different of more than 10% or 2 ml in testicular volume using the Prader orchidometer versus scrotal ultrasonography was detected in 3 out of 136 testicles (2.2%). The correlation between ultrasonography and Prader orchidometer results in the measurement of testicular volumes was statistically highly significantly consistent using the intraclass correlation test (r = 0.997 and p < 0.001 for the left testis; r = 0.998 and p < 0.001 for the right testis). <i>Conclusions:</i> Although the management of subclinical varicoceles remains controversial, these data show that color Doppler ultrasonography may be necessary in the diagnosis of bilateral varicoceles, especially in boys with high-grade left varicoceles. In contrast, scrotal ultrasonography, if considered the gold standard, did not show superiority over the Prader orchidometer in measuring testicular volumes.
Hematological Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: El-Hazmi Mohsen A.F. 
Published: April 2003

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed and developing countries. Several underlying genetic and environmental factors have been implicated in its etiology. Some of the hematological risk factors implicated in the development of coronary heart disease include antithrombin III deficiency, protein C and protein S deficiency, factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin gene (20210A) mutation hyperhomocystinaemia, elevated factor VIII levels, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 and dysfibrinogenaemia. In general, these factors result in thrombosis, thus having a negative effect on the heart and blood vessels. This paper presents an overview of some of the hematological risk factors involved in the development of CHD.
Nitrogen Oxides Reduce Albuterol-Induced Bronchodilation in Patients with Bronchial Asthma
Authors: Kanazawa Hiroshi , Hirata Kazuto , Yoshikawa Junichi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> We have previously found that asthmatics exhibit higher levels of nitrogen oxides (NOs) in exhaled air and in induced sputum than normal controls, and that NOs altered β<sub>2</sub>-adrenoceptor (β<sub>2</sub>-AR) function in an experimental animal model. <i>Objectives:</i> To determine whether NOs influence the bronchodilator activity of albuterol in asthmatic patients. <i>Methods:</i> We simultaneously measured the levels of NOs in exhaled air and in induced sputum in 20 asthmatic patients. The bronchodilator activity of albuterol was expressed as spontaneous recovery (before methacholine) and recovery from the lowest value in FEV<sub>1</sub> evoked by the methacholine challenge (after methacholine). After the first study, 400 µg of beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) was administered twice daily for 1 week to all patients, and the above-mentioned protocols were repeated. <i>Results:</i> The recovery of FEV<sub>1</sub> (before methacholine) after albuterol was not significantly correlated with either baseline FEV<sub>1</sub> or PC<sub>20</sub> methacholine. Nor was the recovery of FEV<sub>1</sub> (after methacholine) after albuterol significantly correlated with the maximal fall in FEV<sub>1</sub> after the methacholine challenge and PC<sub>20</sub> methacholine. However, the recovery of FEV<sub>1</sub> after albuterol was inversely correlated with the nitric oxide levels in exhaled air (before methacholine: r = –0.556, p = 0.0151; after methacholine: r = –0.684, p = 0.0028), and the concentration of nitrite and nitrate in induced sputum (before methacholine: r = –0.459, p = 0.0448; after methacholine: r = –0.830, p = 0.0003). After treatment with inhaled BDP for 1 week, there was no significant change in baseline FEV<sub>1</sub>. However, there was a significant decrease in the concentration of nitrite and nitrate in induced sputum (p < 0.0001). The changes in nitrite and nitrate levels in induced sputum after 1 week of BDP therapy were significantly correlated with the changes in bronchodilator activity of albuterol before and after BDP therapy (before methacholine: r = 0.704, p = 0.0022; after methacholine: r = 0.727, p = 0.0015). <i>Conclusions:</i> We demonstrated that NOs in the airways reduced albuterol-induced brochodilation in asthmatics.
Karyologic evidence of diversification of the genus <i>Thrichomys</i> (Rodentia, Echimyidae)
Authors: Bonvicino C.R. , Otazu I.B. , D’Andrea P.S. 
Published: April 2003

Karyologic analysis of <i>Thrichomys</i> specimens from different Brazilian localities, in Pantanal, Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, shows different chromosome complements. The 2n = 34, FN = 64 karyotype is found in Mato Grosso do Sul state; the 2n = 30, FN = 54 karyotype in Bahia, Pernambuco, Piauí and Ceará states; the 2n = 30, FN = 56 karyotype in Goiás and Tocantins states, the 2n = 28, FN = 50 karyotype in Minas Gerais state, the 2n = 28, FN = 52 and 2n = 26, FN = 48 karyotypes in Bahia state. Comparisons of G-band patterns allowed the identification of homologies shared by all karyotypes and show that the two karyotypes with the lowest diploid number (2n = 26 and 2n = 28) belong to two different evolutionary lineages. The most proper names for each karyomorphic population are: <i>Thrichomys pachyurus</i> for 2n = 34; <i>Thrichomys apereoides apereoides</i> for 2n = 28, FN = 50; <i>Thrichomys apereoides laurentius</i> for 2n = 30, FN = 54 and <i>Thrichomys inermis</i> for 2n = 26. Two karyotypes (2n = 28, FN = 52 and 2n = 30, FN = 56) could not be attributed to any subspecies. These different karyomorphotypes are allopatric and/or parapatric.
Rapid Uncoupling of Serotonin-1A Receptors in Rat Hippocampus by 17β-Estradiol in vitro Requires Protein Kinases A and C
Authors: Mize Amy L. , Alper Richard H. 
Published: April 2003

17β-Estradiol decreases R(+)8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [<sup>35</sup>S]GTPγS binding [an index of serotonin-1A (5-HT<sub>1A</sub>) receptor coupling] through the activation of estrogen receptors. We hypothesize that this occurs as a result of activation of protein kinase A (PKA) and/or protein kinase C (PKC) and phosphorylation of 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptors. Hippocampus from ovariectomized rats was incubated with 17β-estradiol in HEPES buffer (37°C). Cytosolic and membrane fractions were prepared to assess PKA and PKC activities, respectively. In separate experiments, membranes were prepared to measure R(+)8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [<sup>35</sup>S]GTPγS binding. 17β-Estradiol (50 n<i>M</i>) increased PKA and PKC activities approximately 2- to 3-fold. PKC activity was elevated at 10, 30 and 60 min, whereas PKA activity was increased at 10 and 30 min. The ability of 17β-estradiol to increase PKA and PKC was blocked by the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (1 µ<i>M</i>). A selective PKA inhibitor (KT 5720, 60 n<i>M</i>) blocked 17β-estradiol-stimulated PKA but <i>not</i> PKC activity. Conversely, the PKC inhibitor calphostin C (100 n<i>M</i>) blocked the increase in PKC activity produced by 17β-estradiol but <i>not</i> the PKA response. The protein kinase inhibitors individually blocked the effects of 17β-estradiol on R(+)8-OH-DPAT-stimulated [<sup>35</sup>S]GTPγS binding. By contrast, preincubation with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (200 µ<i>M</i>) or the mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase kinase inhibitor PD 98059 (50 µ<i>M</i>) was without effect. Incubation of hippocampus with 17β-estradiol (50 n<i>M</i>, 60 min) caused the phosphorylation of a protein consistent with the 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptor. These studies demonstrate that 17β-estradiol acts on estrogen receptors locally within the hippocampus through nongenomic mechanisms to activate PKA and PKC, phosphorylate 5-HT<sub>1A</sub> receptors and uncouple them from their G proteins.
High-Dose Oral Misoprostol for Mid-Trimester Pregnancy Interruption
Authors: Ramin Kirk D. , Ogburn Paul L. , Danilenko Diana R. , Ramsey Patrick S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To evaluate the efficacy of high-dose oral misoprostol for mid-trimester pregnancy interruption. <i>Methods:</i> We reviewed our experience with high-dose oral misoprostol for mid-trimester pregnancy interruption from November 1995 to May 1999. Patients undergoing labor induction for intrauterine fetal demise or medically indicated pregnancy termination at 13–32 weeks of gestation with a non-dilated cervix were evaluated. Patients received 400 µg misoprostol orally every 4 h. Women undelivered within 24 h were considered failures and were treated with high-dose oxytocin as previously described. For comparison, a group of women treated with high-dose oxytocin were evaluated. <i>Results:</i> Forty-seven pregnancies were managed with misoprostol (n = 23) or high-dose oxytocin regimen (n = 24). Both groups were similar with respect to induction indication, gestational age, maternal age/parity, laminaria use, and initial cervical dilation. Induction-to-delivery interval (mean ± SD) was significantly shorter in the misoprostol cohort (15.2 ± 6.7 h) compared with those treated with oxytocin (21.7 ± 11.0 h; p = 0.02). Additionally, a significantly greater percentage of women treated with misoprostol delivered within 24 h (91.0%) compared with the oxytocin group (62.0%; p = 0.04). Adverse outcomes and side effects were not significantly different between the study groups. <i>Conclusion:</i> High-dose oral misoprostol is more effective than concentrated oxytocin infusion for mid-trimester pregnancy interruption.