bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Postdialytic Rise in the Plasma Total Homocysteine Concentration Is Delayed
Authors: Arnadottir Margret , Wingren Kerstin , Hultberg Björn , Hegbrant Jörgen 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> The mechanism behind the uremic hyperhomocysteinemia has not been elucidated. Possibly, dialyzable uremic toxins play a role, e.g. as enzyme inhibitors. If so, the conditions for enzymatic removal would be expected to improve after dialysis. Therefore, we studied the postdialytic pattern of the plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration. <i>Methods:</i> We collected blood samples from 19 stable, vitamin-supplemented hemodialysis patients before and at 5, 60, as well as at 480 min after a dialysis session. The patients were studied after dialysis with a low-flux dialyzer (Polyflux 6L) and a high-flux dialyzer (Polyflux 14S). <i>Results:</i> The mean predialytic plasma tHcy concentration was 13.3 µmol/l which is considerably lower than the concentrations observed in our previous studies. In all patients, the plasma tHcy concentration fell during treatment with both types of dialyzers (average decrease 28 ± 7%, p < 0.0001, and 31 ± 8%, p < 0.0001, respectively). No postdialytic change in the plasma tHcy concentration was observed at 60 min after low-flux dialysis, however, after high-flux dialysis, the plasma tHcy concentration was significantly lower at 60 min postdialysis than at 5 min (3 ± 8%, p < 0.05). At 480 min after dialysis, a significant postdialytic increase in the plasma tHcy concentration was found (6 ± 9%, p < 0.01, and 11 ± 5%, p < 0.0001, respectively) both in the case of low-flux and high-flux treatment. <i>Conclusions:</i> In the postdialytic phase, we observed a short-lived stability in the plasma tHcy concentration, and in the case of high-flux dialysis, even a slight decrease in the plasma tHcy concentration. The results support the hypothesis that dialyzable substances interfere with homocysteine removal.
Prospective Evaluation of the Impact of Amoxicillin, Clarithromycin and Their Combination on Human Gastrointestinal Colonization by <i>Candida </i>Species
Authors: Maraki S. , Mouzas I.A. , Kontoyiannis D.P. , Chatzinikolaou I. , Tselentis Y. , Samonis G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Amoxicillin and clarithromycin have been used extensively for the eradication of <i>Helicobacter pylori. </i>However, no study has examined the impact of their combination on the <i>Candida albicans</i> concentration of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is the first study examining and comparing directly the effect of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and their combination on the <i>C. albicans</i> concentration of the human GI tract. <i>Methods:</i> Thirty-three adult patients (11 in each antibiotic group) were studied prospectively. Quantitative stool cultures for <i>Candida</i> were conducted at the beginning, the end and 1 week after the discontinuation of antibiotic treatment. <i>Results:</i> All three regimens increased the GI colonization in patients by <i>Candida</i>. The combination of amoxicillin with clarithromycin caused the highest increase; however, this was not statistically significant. <i>Conclusion:</i> Amoxicillin and clarithromycin used either alone or in combination cause a small to moderate increase in GI colonization by <i>Candida.</i> Hence, these drugs could be safely used in patients at risk for candidiasis originating from the GI tract.
Altered Expression of Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup> Exchanger Isoforms 1 and 3 in Clipped and Unclipped Kidneys of a 2-Kidney-1-Clip Goldblatt Model of Hypertension
Authors: Khan Islam , Al-Qattan Khaled K. , Alnaqeeb Majed A. , Ali Muslim 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Functional differences between the clipped and unclipped kidneys in a 2-kidney-1-clip (2K-1C) hypertension model have been reported. However, the molecular basis of these changes is poorly understood. <i>Objectives:</i> Expression of NHE-1 and NHE-3 isoforms and sodium pump activity (PNP), and their modulation by blood pressure (BP), PGE<sub>2</sub> and TXB<sub>2</sub> were examined in the kidneys of 2K-1C rats treated with cilazapril for short- (4 and 24 h) and long-term (7 days) periods. <i>Methods:</i> 2K-1C rats were divided into two groups. Group 1 (short-term) animals were treated with a single dose of cilazapril for 4 or 24 h. Group 2 (long-term) animals received a daily dose of cilazapril for 7 days. 2K-1C animals receiving water served as clipped controls, and sham-operated animals were normal controls. Western blot analysis was used to estimate the protein levels and ELISA for PGE<sub>2</sub> and TXB<sub>2</sub>. <i>Results:</i> Levels of NHE-1 and NHE-3 protein in the unclipped kidneys of both treatment groups were increased, whereas levels of α-actin, PNP activity and crude microsomes remained unchanged. These changes were significantly reduced by long-term, and not by short-term treatment with cilazapril. In group 1 clipped kidneys, NHE-3 and α-actin proteins were increased, and crude microsomes and PNP activity were decreased. In group 2 clipped kidneys, both NHE-1 and 3 isoforms were induced, whereas PNP activity was decreased. Cilazapril did not reverse the changes in the clipped kidneys in both groups, but reduced the crude microsomes. Group 2 unclipped kidneys showed hypertrophy, which remained unaffected by cilazapril treatment. Induced levels of BP, PGE<sub>2</sub> and TXB<sub>2</sub> in both groups were reduced significantly except for the 24-hour post-cilazapril treatment. <i>Conclusions:</i> These findings demonstrate a differential expression of NHE-1 and NHE-3 isoforms which is dependent on the rise in BP, PGE<sub>2</sub> or TXB<sub>2</sub> in the long-term treatment group, but not in the short-term treatment group. Thus, the changes in NHE isoforms and sodium pump activity, together, contribute to functional differences that exist in the 2K-1C kidneys.
Prevention of Intraabdominal Adhesions Produced by Polypropylene Mesh
Authors: Besim H. , Yalçın Y. , Hamamcı O. , Arslan K. , Sonışık M. , Korkmaz A. , Erdoğan S. 
Published: April 2003

Polypropylene mesh (PPM) is widely used in ventral hernia repair, however is also associated with visceral adhesions when the mesh is exposed to intraabdominal organs. In this study, a composite mesh [ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroehylene) + PPM] and sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethyl cellulose (NaHA/CMC) membrane laid under PPM are evaluated in terms of adhesion formation in a rat model of ventral hernia repair. In this experimental study, a 2 × 1 cm of peritoneum and underlying muscle defect was created at the right side of the anterior abdominal wall of 37 male Wistar albino rats. These defects were repaired with 2.5 × 2 cm PPM in group 1 (n = 13), with composite mesh in group 2 (n = 12) and with PPM+NaHA/CMC in group 3 (n = 12). Rats were sacrificed after 14 days and the prosthetic materials were examined for the calculation of surface area percentage covered by adhesions, for organ involvement in the adhesions and for histological evaluation. There was a reduction in the adhesion-covered area in group 2 and group 3. Organ involvement was predominantly seen in group 1. Neoperitoneum was perfect in group 2. Fibrosis and inflammation were higher in group 1. All groups showed adhesiogenic potential to some extent. This potential was maximum with PPM. Both ePTFE and NaHA/CMC displayed similar effects in preventing adhesion formation.
Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup> Exchanger Inhibitor HOE642 Offers Myoprotection in Senescent Myocardium Independent of Ischemic Preconditioning Mechanisms
Authors: Nakai Y. , Horimoto H. , Mieno S. , Sasaki S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Inhibition of Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup> exchange has been shown to provide functional protection during ischemia and reperfusion in mature heart. This study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup> exchange inhibitor HOE642 in the aged rabbit heart. <i>Methods:</i> Isolated rabbit hearts were subjected to 1 h of left descending coronary artery (LAD) ischemia and 1 h of reperfusion. To determine the effects of HOE642 on ischemia/reperfusion injury, seven aged or mature hearts received the Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup> exchange inhibitor HOE642 (1 µ<i>M</i>) for 15 min before the ischemia and for 30 min after reperfusion. Seven aged (more than 135 weeks) or mature (15–20 weeks) rabbit hearts served as a control (untreated) with no interventions. Left ventricular pressures, monophasic action potentials and coronary flows were measured throughout the experiment and infarct size was detected at the end of experiment. <i>Results:</i> (1) In the mature hearts, HOE642 improved postischemic functional recovery (63.1 ± 5.0% vs. 84.4 ± 5.4%, mature untreated vs. mature HOE, p < 0.05) and reduced infarct size as compared to untreated hearts (42.0 ± 2.5% vs. 24.8 ± 2.3%, mature untreated vs. mature HOE, p < 0.05). (2) Although infarct size in aged untreated hearts was significantly decreased as compared to mature untreated hearts (42.0 ± 2.5% vs. 19.3 ± 1.6%, mature untreated vs. aged untreated, p < 0.05), there are no significant differences regarding postischemic functional recovery between mature and aged untreated hearts (63.1 ± 5.0% vs. 59.5 ± 5.9%, mature untreated vs. aged untreated, p = n.s.). (3) In the aged hearts, HOE642 improved postischemic functional recovery as compared to untreated hearts (59.5 ± 5.9% vs. 85.9 ± 8.1%, aged untreated vs. aged HOE, p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> Na<sup>+</sup>/H<sup>+</sup> exchange inhibitor HOE642 is effective against ischemia-reperfusion injury in senescent as well as mature hearts.
Differences in Quantitative Characteristics of Intracranial Pressure in Hydrocephalic Children Treated Surgically or Conservatively
Authors: Eide Per Kristian , Due-Tønnessen Bernt , Helseth Eirik , Lundar Tryggve 
Published: April 2003

This study reports the results of quantitative analysis of continuous intracranial pressure (ICP) recordings in 33 hydrocephalic children. The aim of the study was to compare the exact numbers of increases in ICP during sleep or the awake state in hydrocephalic children who were treated either surgically or conservatively. At the time of ICP monitoring, the ICP curves were assessed by the calculation of mean ICP and visual inspection for the detection of plateau waves. Quantitative analysis was performed with the software Sensometrics<sup>TM</sup> Pressure Analyser, which presented the ICP curve as a matrix of numbers of ICP elevations of different levels (20–40 mm Hg) and durations (0.5–20 min). In each case, the numbers of ICP elevations were standardized to 10 h of recording time, providing the opportunity for comparisons of ICP curves between individuals. Compared to the surgery group, there was a rather high number of ICP elevations of 20 mm Hg of various durations in the nonsurgery group, e.g. ICP elevations of 20 mm Hg lasting 10 min occurred in 13 of 19 children (68%) in the nonsurgery group. There was no apparent relationship between ICP and age or between the size of the cerebral ventricles and ICP. In children with hydrocephalus, the presentation of the ICP data as a matrix of ICP elevations of different levels and durations may enhance the informative value of continuous ICP monitoring, as compared to the calculation of mean ICP and visual detection of plateau waves.
Circulating Adhesion Molecules in Patients with Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Okulla Thorsten , Gass Sabine , Böhme Katja , Tiemann Klaus , Harbrecht Ursula , Klockgether Thomas , Pohl Christoph 
Published: April 2003

To study the association of plasma concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin) with atheroslerotic lesions at the origin of the internal carotid artery (ICA). 179 subjects were investigated by color Doppler ultrasound of whom 133 had and 46 had no plaques at the ICA origin. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that hypertension (p < 0.001), sICAM-1 concentrations (p < 0.01) and smoking (p < 0.05) were independently associated with the presence of ICA plaques. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that sICAM-1 concentrations in subjects with plaque were negatively associated with the degree of ICA stenosis (p < 0.01) and positively associated with previous cerebral ischemia (p < 0.01), coronary heart disease (p < 0.05) and peripheral artery disease (p < 0.05). In conclusion, elevated sICAM-1 concentrations are independently associated with atherosclerosis of the ICA origin and are predominantly increased in patients with low-grade lesions and with clinical manifestations of vascular disorders.
Increased Expression of Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV in Human Mesothelial Cells by Malignant Ascites from Ovarian Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Kajiyama Hiroaki , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Maeda Osamu , Suzuki Takahiro , Ino Kazuhiko , Mizutani Shigehiko 
Published: April 2003

Cell surface aminopeptidases play an important role in biological processes through degradation of small peptides. There are many bioactive peptides in ascites and these peptides are involved in carcinoma cell dissemination and infiltration. In human mesothelial cells dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV) shows the highest expression mostly in four cell surface aminopeptidases: aminopeptidase A, neutral endopeptidase 24-11, aminopeptidase N and DPPIV. Since mesothelial cells are always in contact with ascites, we examined the influence of malignant ascites on DPPIV. DPPIV enzyme activity in mesothelial cells was enhanced by the addition of ascites obtained from ovarian carcinoma patients in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, and flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry also revealed an increased expression of DPPIV on the cell surface of mesothelial cells. The <3-kD fraction of malignant ascites increased the DPPIV enzyme activity to the same level as the total ascites. Northern hybridization demonstrated that DPPIV mRNA was increased 3-fold by the addition of the <3-kD malignant ascites. In conclusion, DPPIV is highly expressed in human mesothelial cells and was regulated by ascites.
Stepwise Hook Extension Technique for Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Masahiro , Ikeda Kenji , Someya Takashi , Akuta Norio , Suzuki Fumitaka , Tsubota Akihito , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Satoshi , Arase Yasuji , Kumada Hiromitsu 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Our study was designed to examine the efficacy of stepwise hook extension technique for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma in a randomized controlled study. <i>Method:</i> Twenty patients with hepatocellular carcinoma measuring <25 mm were divided randomly into two equal groups. RFA was applied using our new stepwise hook extension technique in patients of group 1, and the full extension method in group 2. The 10-hook electrode of LeVeen needle was deployed in four steps to full extension during ablation in group 1, and full extension at start of treatment in group 2. <i>Results:</i> Roll-off was achieved in all 10 patients of group 1, indicative of sufficient tumor coagulation, but only in 3 of 10 patients of group 2. The median time to completion of treatment was 6 min and 55 s (range 3 min to 14 min and 3 s) and 15 min (6–15 min), respectively. The total power output used for RF was lower in group 1 than in group 2 (median 271 vs. 1,045 W·m). The diameters of RFA-induced lesions were not significantly different between the groups (group 1: 27, range 23–37 mm; group 2: 23, 0–42 mm). <i>Conclusions:</i> Application of RFA using stepwise hook extension technique is superior to the full extension method since it produces the same therapeutic effects within a short period using a lower energy.
Effect of Topical Iganidipine on Experimental Elevation of Aqueous Flare Induced by Prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> and EP Agonists in Pigmented Rabbits
Authors: Yanagisawa Shuichiro , Hayasaka Seiji , Zhang Xue-Yun , Hayasaka Yoriko , Nagaki Yasunori 
Published: April 2003

We evaluated the role of topical iganidipine on experimental aqueous flare elevation in rabbits. Transcorneal diffusion of prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> (PGE<sub>2</sub>), 25 µg/ml or 7.09 × 10<sup>–2</sup> mmol/l, or highly selective agonists for prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> receptor subtypes (EP), 25 µg/ml, was achieved with the use of a glass cylinder to produce aqueous flare elevation in pigmented rabbits. Iganidipine was topically administered before application of PGE<sub>2</sub> or EP agonists. Aqueous flare was measured with a laser flare cell meter. Topical instillation of 0.1% iganidipine once or twice inhibited 64 ± 8% (p < 0.01) and 84 ± 9% (p < 0.01) of PGE<sub>2</sub>-induced aqueous flare elevation, respectively. Two instillations of 0.1% iganidipine inhibited 95 ± 5% (p < 0.01) of EP2-agonist(ONO-AE1-259-01)-induced flare elevation and 98 ± 3% (p < 0.01) of EP4-agonist(ONO-AE1-392)-induced flare rise. Topical iganidipine may have anti-inflammatory activity in the eye.
The Synthesis by Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cultures of IL-7, IL-16 and IL-18 Is Significantly Associated with Acute Rejection in Kidney Transplants
Authors: de Oliveira José Gerardo Gonçalves , Xavier Paula Dias Pinto , Sampaio Susana Moreira , Tavares Isabel Salomé , Mendes Armando Augusto 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> T-cell activation, the key event in the development of acute allograft rejection, depends on co-stimulatory signals delivered by antigen-presenting cells (APC). APC-derived cytokines may provide co-stimulation and modulate alloimmune reaction. We have studied cytokine synthesis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) culture and we found significant differences for interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-10, M-CSF and IL-1ra on comparing acute rejection versus stable kidney transplant patients. We report our findings on FNAB cultures synthesis of IL-7, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18 and RANTES (regulated upon activation, normal T-cell expressed and secreted), all potential modulators of anti-graft reaction. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> Kidney transplants (KTX) treated with CsA-AZA-Pred from the beginning, were divided into four groups. Group I: day 7 post-KTX, stable; II: day 7 post-KTX, 6.5 ± 5.5 days before acute rejection; III: first day of acute rejection; IV: day 14 post-KTX, stable. Patients from I and IV remained rejection-free for the first 6 months, at least. All rejection episodes were confirmed by classical core renal biopsy. FNAB samples were cultured according to our published methodology and culture supernatants were collected at 48 h and analysed by ELISA for IL-7, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18 and RANTES. <i>Results:</i> Group III synthesized significantly higher amounts of IL-7, IL-16 and IL-18 than stable patients (groups I and IV). RANTES production did not show significant differences among the four groups. We did not find any trace of IL-15. <i>Conclusions:</i> IL-18 may play the activation role that has been attributed to IL-12 which previously, we did not find to correlate significantly with acute rejection in KTX. IL-16 seems to play an activation role rather than an inhibition of anti-graft reaction. We confirm that RANTES is not significantly associated with acute rejection in KTX.
The Herbal Medicine Sairei-to Inhibits Proliferation of Rat Mesangial Cells
Authors: Awazu Midori , Fujita Hisayo , Omori Sayu , Hida Mariko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The herbal medicine Sairei-to is efficacious in renal diseases where mesangial proliferation is a key event. We examined whether Sairei-to inhibits proliferation of cultured rat mesangial cells and investigated its mechanism of action. <i>Methods:</i> The effect of Sairei-to on [<sup>3</sup>H]-thymidine incorporation stimulated by serum was assessed. Cell cycle was analyzed by flowcytometry. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity was determined by immunecomplex kinase assay. Tyrosine phosphorylation of cellular proteins, and phosphorylation of ERK and Raf-1 were analyzed by immunoblot. Cyclic AMP was measured by radioimmunoassay. <i>Results:</i> Incubation of mesangial cells for 18 h with water-soluble but not insoluble fraction of Sairei-to inhibited serum-stimulated [<sup>3</sup>H]-thymidine incorporation. In subsequent experiments, water-soluble fraction, at a dose required for a half-maximal response (2 mg/ml), was used. Sairei-to inhibited S-phase entry stimulated by serum. Serum-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of p44 and p42 ERK was inhibited by Sairei-to, but that of other cellular proteins was not affected. Suppression of serum-stimulated ERK activation by Sairei-to was confirmed by immunecomplex kinase assay. Activation of Raf-1, an upstream activator of ERK, was also attenuated by Sairei-to. Incubation of cells with Sairei-to significantly increased the generation of cAMP. <i>Conclusions:</i> Sairei-to inhibits serum-induced DNA synthesis of rat mesangial cells by suppressing Raf-1/ERK cascade probably via cAMP.
Manganese Deposition in Basal Ganglia due to Perioperative Parenteral Nutrition following Gastrointestinal Surgeries
Authors: Iwase Kazuhiro , Higaki Jun , Mikata Shoki , Tanaka Yasushi , Kondoh Haruhiko , Yoshikawa Masato , Hori Shinichi , Kamiike Wataru 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Serial changes in blood manganese (Mn) levels and brain MRI examinations following perioperative parenteral nutrition (PN) were investigated. <i>Methods: </i> Six cases undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), 4 cases undergoing thoracic esophagectomy (TE), 18 cases undergoing total gastrectomy (TG) and 20 cases undergoing colorectal surgeries (CR) with daily administration of 20 µmol of Mn per day were studied. Cases undergoing PD, TE, TG or CR without Mn administration served as controls. <i> Results: </i>Hyperintense lesions in the basal ganglia on T1-weighted MRI and elevated blood Mn levels were recognized after PN in 4 of 6 cases in the PD group, in 3 of 4 cases in the TE group, in 1 of 18 cases in the TG group and in 2 of 20 cases in the CR group. No abnormalities were recognized in the control groups. <i> Conclusion:</i> The possible Mn deposition in the basal ganglia caused by perioperative PN should be especially noted in cases undergoing PD or TE.
Central Antinociceptive Activity of Acetylsalicylic Acid Is Modulated by Brain Serotonin Receptor Subtypes
Authors: Sandrini Maurizio , Vitale Giovanni , Pini Luigi Alberto 
Published: April 2003

Male Wistar rats were treated with ondansetron (1 and 2 mg/kg s.c.), ketanserin (0.2, 1 and 5 mg/kg s.c.) or NAN-190 (1, 3 and 5 mg/kg i.p.) 15 min before acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 400 mg/kg i.p.), and 30 min thereafter the pain threshold was evaluated. The antinociceptive activity of ASA in the hot-plate test was variously affected by ondansetron, ketanserin and NAN-190: at the highest dose (2 mg/kg s.c.) ondansetron abolished it while ketanserin (5 mg/kg s.c.) significantly reduced it, and NAN-190 (1–5 mg/kg) did not significantly modify the effect of ASA. Binding experiments indicate that both ondansetron and ketanserin completely prevented the decrease in the maximum number of 5-HT<sub>2</sub> receptors (B<sub>max</sub>) provoked by ASA. These data indicate that the central antinociceptive activity of ASA is modulated in a different manner by serotonin receptor antagonists, and that 5-HT<sub>2</sub> and 5-HT<sub>3</sub> receptors may exert a pivotal role in nociception, alone or in association.