bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nerve growth factor and asthma
Authors: Bonini S. , Lambiase A. , Properzi F. , Bresciani M. , Sacerdoti G. , Bonini S. , Aloe L. 
Published: March 2003

An increasing body of evidence shows that nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts biological activity not only on the central and peripheral nervous system, but also on the immune system thereby influencing allergic diseases and asthma.(1) NGF circulating levels are increased in patients with allergic diseases and asthma, and are related to the severity of the inflammatory process and disease. In vernal keratoconjunctivitis, NGF plasma levels correlate with the number of mast cells infiltrating the conjunctiva, and NGF mRNA is increased in nasal mucosal scrapings of patients with allergic rhinitis who have high levels of NGF in serum and nasal fluids; NGF is further increased in nasal fluids after specific allergen challenge.(2) NGF is produced and released by several modulatory and effector cells of allergic inflammation and asthma, for example T‐helper 2 lymphocytes, mast cells and eosinophils.(3) NGF receptors are expressed on the conjunctival epithelium of patients with allergic conjunctivitis and the number of NGF‐receptor positive cells is increased in the conjunctiva of these patients. Indeed, local administration of NGF induces fibroblast activation and healing processes of human corneal ulcers, which suggests that NGF plays a role in tissue remodelling processes occurring in asthma.(4) NGF increases airway hyperreactivity to histamine in an animal model of asthma, while anti‐NGF treatment reduces airway hyperreactivity induced by ovalbumin topical challenge in the sensitized mouse.
A new case of dup(3q) syndrome due to a pure duplication of 3qter
Authors: Faas BHW , De Vries BBA , Van Es‐van Gaal J , Merkx G , Draaisma JMT , Smeets DFCM 
Published: March 2003

The characteristic clinical features of the dup(3q) syndrome include typical facial features, mental and growth retardation, and (often) congenital heart anomalies. However, pure duplication of 3qter is rare because most of the reported cases are patients who carry an unbalanced translocation and, in addition to the duplication for 3qter, have a deletion for another chromosomal segment. A new case with a pure duplication of 3q detected in a 2‐month‐old boy is presented here. Extensive cytogenetic analysis revealed an inverted duplication of the distal part of 3q (chromosomal band 3q26.3 up to the telomere), with no (detectable) loss of the original telomeric sequences. Clinical evaluation revealed several phenotypic hallmarks characteristic for the dup(3q) syndrome. By comparing the duplicated region of this patient with the duplicated regions of the other patients with a pure duplication of 3q, we were able to localize the critical region for the dup(3q) phenotype to band 3q26.3.Alongside this new case with a pure duplication of 3q, an overview of six previous cases is given.
Cold preservation of the human colon and ileum with University of Wisconsin solution
Authors: Kawashima Yoshiyuki , Takeyoshi Izumi , Furukawa Hiroyuki , Lee Randall G , Starzl Thomas E , Todo Satoru 
Published: March 2003

The inclusion of the colon in the intestinal graft resulted in worsening patient and graft outcome and increased the incidence of infection and rejection. In this study, we examine the role of ischemia on the barrier function of the epithelium during cold ischemia.Samples were collected from 15 harvested and transplanted human donor grafts (colon, 10; ileum, 6), which were immersed in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. Ischemia (6, 12, 24, and 48 h) and reoxygenation were performed to evaluate the mucosal electrical status using the Ussing chamber technique. The functions of enterocytes and crypt cells were tested by glucose and theophylline challenge. Modified Park's classification was applied to evaluate the severity of mucosal damage under light microscopy.The colon had higher levels of baseline potential difference, short‐circuit current, and resistance than the ileum during 6–48 h of ischemia. Colonic epithelial cells responded well to theophylline stimulation at 24 h of ischemia, while there was no ileal response. The colonic mucosa was histopathologically well preserved in UW solution for 48 h, and mucosal damage induced by reoxygenation was less than in the ileum. In conclusion, electrophysiologically and histopathologically, the colon is less susceptible to cold preservation damage than the ileum during storage with UW solution.
The impact of ethnic miscegenation on tacrolimus clinical pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Felipe Claudia R , Silva Helio T , Machado Paula GP , Garcia Riberto , Da Silva Moreira Silvia R , Pestana José OM 
Published: March 2003

Abstract: The impact of ethnic miscegenation on tacrolimus clinical pharmacokinetics and therapeutic drug monitoring. We sought to determine the influence of ethnic miscegenation on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics and trough concentrations during the first 6 months after transplantation.Methods: Tacrolimus concentrations were measured in blood samples obtained from 22 transplant recipients during the first week of transplant, within pharmacokinetic profiles, and throughout the first 6 months post‐transplant, using the Pro Tac II ELISA method. Pharmacokinetic parameters and between‐ and within‐subject blood concentration variability were compared stratifying the total population in two distinct ethnic groups of white (W) and non‐white (NW) patients, according to a stringent criterion.Results: Between‐subject variability in dose‐adjusted concentrations during dosing interval varied from 38.8 to 69.5%. Compared with W patients, NW patients showed higher variability in blood tacrolimus concentrations during dosing interval (37.40 ± 5.64 vs. 56.95 ± 11.49, p < 0.001) and lower drug exposures (AUC: 229.4 ± 55.5 vs. 66.9 ± 67.1 ng × h/mL, p=0.036). The correlation coefficients (r2) betweenC0,C12orCmaxand AUC were 0.83, 0.91 and 0.5, respectively. An equation derived from early time concentrations (C0,C1.5andC4) accounted for 94% of the variability observed in AUC. Compared with W patients, a higher proportion of tacrolimus blood determinations during the first week were below 10 νg/mL in NW patients (24% vs. 62%, p=0.028). Tacrolimus absorption increased from week 1–4 (1.1 ± 0.53 vs. 1.73 ± 0.97 νg/mL/mg, p < 0.0001) but was still showed high between‐ (41.6–70.4%) and within‐subject (18.2–32.5%) variability, regardless of ethnicity, after stabilization.Conclusion: Non‐white patients show higher tacrolimus variability and lower drug exposures after transplantation compared with W patients. Therefore, higher initial tacrolimus doses and intensive monitoring are recommended when administering tacrolimus‐based immunosupressive therapy to NW patients of this transplant population.
Reduced dose Thymoglobulin®, tacrolimus, and mofetil mycophenolate results in excellent solitary pancreas transplantation outcomes
Authors: Tan Michael , Cantarovich Marcelo , Mangel Roman , Paraskevas Steven , Fortier Michelle , Metrakos Peter 
Published: March 2003

Abstract:  Background:  Graft survival following solitary pancreas transplantation has traditionally lagged behind that of simultaneous pancreas–kidney transplants. Thymoglobulin® (TMG), a polyclonal rabbit‐derived antilymphocyte antibody was originally introduced as treatment for acute rejection of renal allografts. However, data regarding the efficacy of TMG induction in solitary pancreas transplants is lacking. We present the 1‐yr graft survival and acute rejection rate of 22 solitary pancreas transplants performed at the McGill University Health Centre using reduced dose TMG induction with lower dose tacrolimus and mophetil mycophenolate.Patients and methods:  Eighteen pancreas after kidney and four pancreas transplants alone were performed between January 1998 and October 2000 at McGill University. Induction therapy with TMG at a starting dose of 1.5 mg/kg/d was started 12 h post‐operatively. The daily dose of TMG was held if the total leukocyte count was <2500/mm3 or if the lymphocyte count was <100/mm3. Maintenance therapy was initiated with steroids (tapered to 20 mg prednisone orally once a day) tacrolimus (2 mg twice a day), and mofetil mycophenolate (1 g daily).Results:  Patients received three to seven doses of TMG over the first seven post‐operative days at a dose of 0.85 ± 0.27 mg/kg/d (mean ± SD). The mean follow‐up was 1.28 ± 0.14 yr. The 1‐yr patient and graft survival was 100% (22 of 22) and 96% (21 of 22), respectively. The 1 yr acute rejection rate was 27.3% (six of 22). Five of the six rejections responded to steroid boluses. One was refractory to steroids and TMG resulting in graft loss. Presumed rejections were diagnosed on the basis of decreasing urine amylase and/or hyperglycemia.Discussion:  Monitoring the total leukocyte and lymphocyte count resulted in a 43% reduction in the amount of TMG used compared with the recommended dosing. Despite the reduced amounts, patient and graft survival were excellent with acute rejection rates comparing favorably to other published series.
Impact of HLA‐compatibilities in patients undergoing liver transplantation for HBV‐cirrhosis
Authors: Neumann Ulf P , Langrehr Jan M , Naumann Uta , Lang Martina , Rayes Nada , Steinmüller Thomas , Radtke Cornelia , Neuhaus Peter 
Published: March 2003

Liver transplantation (OLT) for end‐stage chronic hepatitis‐B‐virus (HBV) infection is frequently complicated by HBV recurrence. In the present study we investigated whether human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matching influences the outcome after OLT.In a retrospective analysis we reviewed 84 recipients of liver transplants for end‐stage HBV‐cirrhosis and complete HLA‐typing for outcome after OLT. Follow‐up ranges from 1 to 110 months (median=55.6 months). Immunosuppression consisted of Cyclosporin A (CsA)‐based quadruple induction therapy or Tacrolimus‐based induction protocols.Immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin was started at OLT and continued long‐term.Actuarial 1‐ and 5‐yr graft survival figures were 90.5 and 80.4%, respectively. Hepatitis‐B recurrence was responsible for 15 of 20 (75%) graft failures. We observed a significantly improved graft survival in patients with more HLA‐A, ‐B compatibilities (p=0.02), whereas the degree of HLA‐DR compatibilities did not influence the outcome. The occurrence of HBV‐reinfection was significantly lower in HLA‐A, ‐B matched grafts (p < 0.05). Additionally, graft survival was prolonged in patients with HBV‐reinfection and 1 or 2 HLA‐B compatibilities when compared with patients with HBV‐reinfection and a complete HLA‐B mismatch (p=0.02).In conclusion, this retrospective analysis shows that more HLA‐A, ‐B compatibilities seems to be associated with an improved graft survival in patients after OLT for end‐stage HBV infection.
Significance of serial real‐time PCR monitoring of EBV genome load in living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Matsukura Tadashi , Yokoi Akiko , Egawa Hiroto , Kudo Toyoichiro , Kawashima Mayumi , Hirata Yoshihiro , Tanaka Hirokazu , Kagajo Kiyoko , Wada Hiromi , Tanaka Koichi 
Published: March 2003

Background: Quantitative analysis of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) genome has been recently reported to be helpful for early identification of EBV viremia which could reduce the risk of post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD).Aim: To demonstrate the significance of serial monitoring of EBV genome load by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after living donor liver transplantation.Methods: From March 1999 to April 2000, the EBV genome load in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) was measured serially in a total of 15 recipients of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) who had a symptomatic EBV infection.Results: In 15 patients, the mean values of the highest EBV DNA levels from the patients who had fever, URS, diarrhea, ascites, lymphadenopathy and PTLD were 36 232, 16 040, 15 968, 2485, 336 858 and 60 486 copies/μg DNA, respectively. Patients were treated by reduction or discontinuation of immunosuppressives and/or antiviral agents. The EBV DNA levels decreased in all these patients following the recovery from their symptoms. We encountered two cases of PTLD during this study period. One of them was referred to us after the onset of PTLD and one had been undergoing aggressive immunosuppression treatment for severe rejection. Both were successfully treated.Conclusions: Serial quantitative analysis of the EBV genome load by means of real‐time PCR are thought to be useful for preventing PTLD through adjustment of the immunosuppression level in response to the viral genome load following symptomatic EBV infection.
Childhood mania, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and conduct disorder: a critical review of diagnostic dilemmas
Authors: Kim Eunice Y , Miklowitz David J 
Published: March 2003

Objectives:
Significant debate exists on whether early onset bipolar disorder is mistakenly attributed to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or conduct disorder (CD), or whether ADHD and CD are frequently misdiagnosed as mania. We review the literature on the extent to which these disorders can be reliably differentiated, and describe the diagnostic confusion that may be the result of features common to both classes of disorders.
Methods:
The review focuses on research studies that have examined whether overlapping symptoms of bipolar disorder, ADHD, and CD contribute to misdiagnosis of the two classes of disorders, the prevalence of early onset bipolar disorder with comorbid ADHD or CD, and theories regarding the origins of this comorbidity.
Results:
Reliable and accurate diagnoses can be made despite the symptom overlap of bipolar disorder with ADHD and CD. Children with bipolar disorder and ADHD may have a distinct familial subtype of bipolar disorder. Some findings suggest that manic symptoms may represent `noise' that indicates the general severity of psychopathology in a child or adolescent.
Conclusions:
Further prospective studies may confirm whether early onset bipolarity can be successfully differentiated from ADHD or CD, whether all three types of disorders can be recognized in comorbid cases, or whether comorbid cases represent a distinct subtype of bipolar disorder.
Thyroid function in mixed and pure manic episodes
Authors: Cassidy F , Ahearn EP , Carroll BJ 
Published: March 2003

Objectives:  Associations of both overt thyroid disease as well as subclinical thyroid abnormalities with affective disorders have been well established. Similar associations have been reported with mixed mania and rapid cycling bipolar disorder. We tested for differences in overt and subclinical thyroid disease and subclinical differences in a large series of bipolar patients examined during mixed or pure manic episodes.Methods:  Rates of previously diagnosed thyroid disease were compared by sex, race and manic subtype (mixed versus pure) in 443 patients. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) concentrations obtained from patients with no clinical thyroid disease collected during manic and mixed bipolar episodes were compared using ANOVA statistics. Race was also included in the model and age was covaried.Results:  Rates of thyroid disease, in particular hypothyroidism, were higher in females and white people, and increased with advancing age. No differences were noted between subjects sampled during mixed or pure manic episodes. In patients with no history of thyroid disease, serum TSH and FT4 concentrations did not differ between manic subtypes or between sexes. TSH levels however, were significantly lower in African Americans.Conclusions:  We did not confirm past reports of associations of overt or subclinical thyroid disease with mixed manic episodes. African Americans had significantly lower serum TSH concentrations than white people, while FT4 levels did not differ.
Prediction of maternal and fetal complications in preeclampsia
Authors: NISELL HENRY , PALM KERSTIN , WOLFF KERSTIN 
Published: March 2003

Introduction. Preeclampsia is associated with an increased risk for maternal and fetal morbidity. The aim of this study was to identify factors predicting for maternal or fetal complications.Material and methods. One hundred and eleven patients with preeclampsia were included. Endpoint variables were maternal and fetal complications. Any of the diagnosis eclampsia, hemolysis elevated liver low platelet (HELLP) syndrome, oliguria or placental abruption was considered a maternal complication. Fetal complications were: small for gestational age (SGA) infant, umbilical artery pH<7.10 and admittance of the infant to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Independent variables were maternal age, parity, gestational age, renal function, platelet count, liver enzymes and blood pressure. Logistic regression analysis was used for statistical evaluation.Results. The following independent significant predictors were identified: Maternal complication (n=10) was predicted only by diastolic blood pressure; odds ratio (OR) 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.25). SGA (n=21) was associated with maternal prepregnancy weight, OR 0.94 (0.89–0.99) and gestational age at debut of preeclampsia, OR 0.97 (0.94–0.99). NICU admittance (n=31) was only predicted by gestational age at delivery, OR 0.80 (0.67–0.96). No association was found between any of the independent variables and a low umbilical artery pH (n=10).Conclusions. In the surveillance of patients with established preeclampsia, the value of serial blood and urine sampling, which is common practice in many obstetrical units, might be questioned.
Effects of electro‐acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: STENER‐VICTORIN ELISABET , WALDENSTRÖM URBAN , TÄGNFORS ULRIKA , LUNDEBERG THOMAS , LINDSTEDT GÖRAN , JANSON PER OLOF 
Published: March 2003

Background. The present study was designed to evaluate if electro‐acupuncture (EA) could affect oligo‐/anovulation and related endocrine and neuroendocrine parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods. Twenty‐four women (between the ages of 24 and 40 years) with PCOS and oligo‐/amenorrhea were included in this non‐randomized, longitudinal, prospective study. The study period was defined as the period extending from 3 months before the first EA treatment, to 3 months after the last EA treatment (10–14 treatments), in total 8–9 months. The menstrual and ovulation patterns were confirmed by recording of vaginal bleedings and by daily registrations of the basal body temperature (BBT). Blood samples were collected within a week before the first EA, within a week after the last EA and 3 months after EA.Results. Nine women (38%) experienced a good effect. They displayed a mean of 0.66 ovulations/woman and month in the period during and after the EA period compared to a mean of 0.15 before the EA period (p=0.004). Before EA, women with a good effect had a significantly lower body‐mass index (BMI) (p<0.001), waist‐to‐hip circumference ratio (WHR) (p=0.0058), serum testosterone concentration (p=0.0098), serum testosterone/sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) ratio (p=0.011) and serum basal insulin concentration (p=0.0054), and a significantly higher concentration of serum SHBG (p=0.040) than did those women with no effect.Conclusion. Repeated EA treatments induce regular ovulations in more than one third of the women with PCOS. The group of women with good effect had a less androgenic hormonal profile before treatment and a less pronounced metabolic disturbance compared with the group with no effect. For this selected group EA offers an alternative to pharmacological ovulation induction.
The effect of vaginal pH on the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor
Authors: GUNALP SERDAR , BILDIRICI IBRAHIM 
Published: March 2003

Background. Misoprostol was reported to be an effective agent for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Our purpose was to evaluate whether vaginal pH affected the efficacy of misoprostol for induction of labor.Methods. The vaginal pH of 103 women admitted for induction of labor were measured. According to the vaginal pH, two groups were generated, those with a vaginal pH <5 (n=65), and those with a vaginal pH ≥5 (n=38). All women received intravaginal misoprostol tablets, 50 μg every 4 hours up to three doses. Further medication was not given after entry into active labor or spontaneous rupture of membranes. In cases of failed induction or arrest disorders oxytocin augmentation was used.Results. The average interval from start of induction to vaginal delivery was shorter, and oxytocin augmentation was required less commonly in the lower pH group. We did not find any significant difference in cesarean section rates, or incidence of adverse maternal or fetal outcome.Conclusion. Vaginal pH may affect the pharmacokinetics of vaginally administered misoprostol, and may cause an alteration in induction to delivery interval.
Swedish maternal mortality in the 19th century by different definitions: previous stillbirths but not multiparity risk factor for maternal death
Authors: ANDERSSON TOBIAS , BERGSTRÖM STAFFAN , HÖGBERG ULF 
Published: March 2003

Background. The high maternal mortality levels in today's developing countries were also found throughout the history of currently affluent countries. The parish information system in Sweden offers unique possibilities for research in historical cohorts. Furthermore, vital events surveillance systems are scarce in today's developing countries.Methods. This cohort study covers 42,387 mothers who gave birth to 150,932 infants during the 19th century in the Skellefteå and Sundsvall areas. Among these women, 1 237 were dead within one year after delivery. The analysis of the cause of these deaths was done according to the various ICD definitions. Parity five and above was defined as grand multiparity.Results. Maternal mortality ratios, deaths per 100,000 live births were as follows: 256.4 (direct obstetric deaths), 320.7 (direct and indirect obstetric deaths), 489.2 (pregnancy‐related deaths), 347.8 (late maternal deaths) and 837.0 (maternal deaths and late maternal deaths). In this study, 59% of all maternal deaths occur within the first 42 days of delivery, two thirds of them having direct and indirect obstetric causes. Of the late maternal deaths, the bulk were infectious or other indirect deaths, mirroring more general female mortality and the pre‐existent endemic situation of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases. The combination of previous stillbirth and infant death represented the highest risk ratios, RR 2.77–3.62, while grand multiparity was not associated with increased risk. Urbanized and industrialized areas tended to have higher maternal mortality.Conclusions. In conclusion, this study shows that the mother's reproductive history was the most important risk factor measured for all definitions of maternal death. Grand multiparity did not increase the risk of maternal death. Maternal mortality ratio varied threefold in the study population, depending on the definition used. The high mortality ratios found in this study, only declining by the end of the century, should be interpreted as a general condition of the society since no significant differences could be perceived regarding social class, while unmarried women were more at risk.