bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Course of Patients with Coronary Ectasia
Authors: Takahashi Keiko , Ohyanagi Mitsumasa , Ikeoka Kiyomitsu , Tateishi Jun , Iwasaki Tadaaki 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To compare the clinical prognosis between patients with diffuse coronary ectasia and those with localized coronary ectasia. <i>Design:</i> Patients with coronary ectasia were divided into two groups based on the Markis classification (group D: types I–III and group L: type IV), and the clinical manifestations and prognosis were compared between the two groups. <i>Results:</i> Group D patients (52.1 ± 4 years) were significantly younger than group L patients (62.5 ± 7 years). During the study, 4 patients in group D died suddenly. Three of the patients had type I coronary ectasia, and 1 had left main coronary ectasia. <i>Conclusion:</i> The results of the present study indicate that patients with diffuse coronary ectasia and left main coronary ectasia should be followed carefully.
Reversal of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy following Once Daily Administration of Felodipine for Two Years to Elderly Subjects with Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Authors: De Rosa M.L. , Giordano A. , Della Guardia D. , Maddaluno G. , Lionetti F. , Marsicani N. , Vigorito C. 
Published: April 2003

Left ventricular mass sometimes decreases during the treatment of hypertension. In a two-year open study, we investigated the ability of extended release (ER) felodipine (5 or 10 mg), plus chlorthalidone (25 mg), given once daily, to reduce left ventricular mass in 84 elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension. Drug dosage was determined in an initial stepped-care titration phase lasting six weeks. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased after two years of treatment with 5 or 10 mg of felodipine (p < 0.001) and the left ventricular mass index decreased too (p < 0.0001). One or two weeks after withdrawal of therapies, blood pressure returned to pretreatment values. We concluded that left ventricular mass can be reduced in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension and ventricular hypertrophy who receive felodipine 5–10 mg once daily. This treatment was generally well tolerated.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea as a Risk Marker in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Schäfer Harald , Koehler Ulrich , Ewig Santiago , Hasper Ekkhard , Tasci Selcuk , Lüderitz Berndt 
Published: April 2003

<i>Study Objectives:</i> Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with a range of cardiovascular sequelae and increased cardiovascular mortality. The aim of our study was to assess the prevalence of OSA in patients with symptomatic angina and angiographically verified coronary artery disease (CAD). In addition, we analyzed the association of OSA and other coronary risk factors with CAD and myocardial infarction. <i>Methods:</i> Overnight non-laboratory-monitoring-system recordings for detection of OSA was performed in 223 male patients with angiographically verified CAD and in 66 male patients with exclusion of CAD. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess associations between risk factors and CAD and myocardial infarction. <i>Results:</i> CAD patients were found to have OSA in 30.5%, whereas OSA was found in control subjects in 19.7%. The mean apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in CAD patients (9.9 ± 11.8) than in control subjects (6.7 ± 7.3). Body-mass-index (BMI) was significantly higher in patients with CAD and OSA than in patients with CAD without OSA (28.1 vs. 26.7 kg/m<sup>2</sup>; p < 0.001). No significant difference was found with regard to other risk factors and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) between both groups. Hyperlipidemia (OR 2.3; CI 1.3–3.9; p < 0.005) and OSA defined as AHI ≥20 (OR 2.0; CI 1.0–3.8, p < 0.05) were independently associated with myocardial infarction. <i>Conclusions:</i> There is a high prevalence of OSA among patients with angiographically proven CAD. OSA of moderate severity (AHI ≥20) is independently associated with myocardial infarction. Thus, in the care of patients with CAD, particular vigilance for OSA is important.
Uni- and Bipolar Pacing Threshold Measurements with Capturecontrol, a New Automatic Pacemaker Function for Capture Verification
Authors: Schuchert Andreas , Meinertz Thomas 
Published: April 2003

It is mandatory in pacemaker patients to determine the pacing threshold at each follow-up visit. To facilitate the pacing threshold measurements, complete automatic pacemaker tests are being developed. A new pacemaker algorithm for automatic capture verification (Capturecontrol) detects the presence of the evoked response signal 70–100 ms after the pacing pulse. The aim of this study was to determine the uni- and bipolar pacing thresholds using this automatic pacemaker function and compare them with the manually determined threshold. The study included 14 patients with the DDD pacemaker Logos (Biotronik) connected to the high-ohmic ventricular pacing lead Synox SX 60-BP (Biotronik). At predischarge and 8, 14, 20 and 26 weeks after implantation the uni- and bipolar pacing thresholds were assessed manually and with the automatic pacemaker function at 0.4 ms duration. Mean pacing thresholds determined with the automatic pacemaker function were not different from the manually measured values. This applied to uni- and bipolar pacing. Seventy percent of all unipolar and 67% of all bipolar measurements had no deviation. A deviation of 0.1 V between manual and automatic threshold measurement was observed in 25% (unipolar) and 28% (bipolar), respectively. A 0.2-volt difference occurred in 3% in the unipolar measurements. Deviations ≥0.3 V were found in 2% of all unipolar and in 5% of all bipolar measurements. In conclusion, automatic pacing threshold measurements using the Capturecontrol algorithm were similar compared to the manually determined thresholds. The excellent agreement between the two methods was observed for bipolar as well as unipolar pacing and on condition that all patients had a high-ohmic ventricular pacing lead. Therefore, fewer requirements are necessary for Capturecontrol than for presently available systems. Such pacemaker functions can help to speed up the measurements during follow-up visits.
A Randomized Crossover Evaluation of Antianginal Efficacy and Safety of Nitrolingual-Spray and Nitroglycerin Tablet Form in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Chien Kuo-Liong , Sung Fung-Chang , Chao Chia-Lun , Su Ta-Chen , Chen Ming-Fong , Lee Yuan-Teh 
Published: April 2003

Twenty-eight coronary artery disease patients with more than 50% stenosis in at least one major coronary artery completed this randomized crossover clinical trial for the comparison of efficacy and safety of Nitrolingual-Spray and nitroglycerin (NTG) tablets. Exercise time was lengthened to 399.1 s (spray) or 408.5 s (tablets), compared to a baseline of 387.3 s. Ischemic burden decreased to about –4.0 mm with both forms, compared to –7.5 mm at baseline (ANOVA: p = 0.003). The ischemic time improved to 137.2 s (spray) or 152.9 s (tablets), compared to 253.4 s at baseline (ANOVA: p = 0.005). Patients taking tablets experienced more episodes of hypotension and/or headache compared to patients taking the spray. Nitrolingual-Spray is as effective and safe as NTG tablets for the treatment of symptomatic coronary heart disease.
Left Ventricular Structure and Function in Primary Hyperparathyroidism before and after Parathyroidectomy
Authors: Näppi Satu , Saha Heikki , Virtanen Vesa , Limnell Vilho , Sand Juhani , Salmi Jorma , Pasternack Amos 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Our aim was to study the effect of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) on left ventricular (LV) wall thicknesses and systolic and diastolic function. <i>Methods:</i> Fifteen patients with untreated PHPT were evaluated by applying Doppler and digitized M-mode echocardiography before and 2–3 months after PTX. Fifteen age- and sex-matched healthy controls were also examined echocardiographically. <i>Results:</i> Prior to PTX, interventricular septal thickness (IVST), LV mass (LVM), aortic root dimension and left atrium dimension were greater and LV fractional shortening was slightly decreased in patients as compared to controls. Significantly increased LV peak late diastolic velocity (A<sub>max</sub>) and isovolumic relaxation time, and a slightly decreased ratio of peak early to peak late diastolic velocities (E/A<sub>max</sub>) in the patients indicated impairment of LV diastolic function in hyperparathyroidism. PTX reduced serum total Ca from 2.79 ± 0.13 to 2.39 ± 0.09 mmol/l (p < 0.001) and tended to reduce IVST [10.6 ± 2.1 vs. 10.4 ± 2.0 mm; not significant (n.s.)], LV posterior wall thickness (9.6 ± 2.0 vs. 9.2 ± 1.0 mm, n.s.) and LVM (250 ± 102 vs. 213 ± 42 g; n.s.). Before PTX, there was a significant correlation between serum total Ca and LVM (r = 0.63, p < 0.05), and the PTX-induced change in serum total calcium correlated with the change in LVM (r = 0.59, p < 0.05). PTX induced no significant changes in LV systolic or diastolic function during the follow-up of 2–3 months. <i>Conclusions:</i> The present findings indicate that PHPT induces LV hypertrophy, slight impairment of LV systolic function and significant impairment of LV diastolic function, which are not substantially improved after TX and 2–3 months of normocalcemia.
Effects of Long-Term/Low-Dose Clarithromycin on Neutrophil Count and Interleukin-8 Level in Pyometra
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Kawazoe Kyoko , Sato Yasumasa , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: April 2003

We investigated the effects of clarithromycin (CAM) on clinical and endometrial immune responses in chronic intrauterine infection (pyometra). CAM was orally administered in a dose of 200 mg once a day for 4 months (long-term/low-dose treatment) in patients with pyometra. Lavage fluid of the uterine endometrial cavity was obtained from 5 healthy women (controls) and 5 patients with pyometra to investigate the levels of neutrophil and interleukin-8 (IL-8), which is a neutrophil chemotactic factor. All patients showed clinical improvement at the end of treatment. In the assessment of the immune responses, neutrophils were accumulated in the lavage fluid of the uterine endometrial cavity in pyometra (p < 0.001, versus controls) and decreased by CAM treatment (p < 0.001). The level of IL-8 was significantly higher in the lavage fluid of patients with uterine endometritis than in the controls (p < 0.001), and decreased by CAM treatment (p < 0.01). There was a close correlation (r = 0.982) between neutrophil count and IL-8 level in the endometrial lavage of patients with pyometra. The reduction of the uterine endometrial neutrophil migration in chronic inflammatory sites may partially be a direct effect of CAM.
Efficacy of Amphotericin B and Azoles Alone and in Combination against Disseminated Trichosporonosis in Neutropenic Mice
Authors: Kamberi Perparim , Atsuro Hashimoto , Takayoshi Tashiro , Masaru Nasu 
Published: April 2003

The activities of amphotericin B, miconazole, fluconazole, and itraconazole against <i>Trichosporon beigelii</i> were assessed in a mouse model of disseminated infection. Cyclophosphamide plus prednisolone-immunosuppressed ICR mice, intravenously challenged with a lethal inoculum of (6 × 10<sup>6</sup> CFU/mouse), were assigned to receive 7 days of therapy with amphotericin B (0.5 or 2 mg/kg/day), miconazole (10 or 40 mg/kg/day), fluconazole (10 or 40 mg/kg/day), or itraconazole (10 and 40 mg/kg/day). The efficacy of a combination of amphotericin B (1 mg/kg/day) with fluconazole (10 mg/kg/day) or itraconazole (20 mg/kg/day) with that of each agent alone was also compared. Both amphotericin B and azoles improved survival and reduced the fungal counts in kidneys of infected mice in a dose-dependent pattern. In general, fluconazole was superior to amphotericin B and the other azoles, whereas the latter two drugs were as effective as amphotericin B. The activity of amphotericin B combined with fluconazole appeared to be superior to that of each agent alone, especially in reducing the organ fungal burden. The other combination (amphotericin B plus itraconazole) had a weaker effect, but no antagonism was observed. In conclusion, azoles may be an alternative to amphotericin B for the treatment of <i>T. beigelii</i> infection. Furthermore, their combination with amphotericin B may improve the poor outcome seen in profoundly neutropenic patients with disseminated trichosporonosis.
Therapeutic Effects of Cefozopran on Polymicrobial Infections Associated with Enterococcus faecalis in a Rat Pyometra Model
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Kawazoe Kyoko , Sato Yasumasa , Izumi Koji , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> plays an important role as a pathogen in polymicrobial infections. We evaluated the efficacy of cefozopran (CZOP) using polymicrobial pyometra rats. Rats were infected with a mixed intrauterine inoculation of <i>E. faecalis</i> plus either <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i> or <i>Prevotella bivia</i> (minimal inhibitory concentration of CZOP; <i>E. faecalis:</i> 6.25 µg/ml, <i>B. fragilis:</i> 12.5 µg/ml, <i>P. bivia:</i> 12.5 µg/ml). Immediately after inoculating 10<sup>5</sup> CFU of each organism/rat, CZOP (either 40 mg/kg, i.v., q.i.d., for 5 days or 80 mg/kg, i.v., b.i.d., for 5 days) was administered. The intrauterine inflammatory change and bacterial counts in the CZOP-treated group were compared with those in the nontreated control group. CZOP significantly (p < 0.01) decreased the bacterial counts except for <i>B. fragilis</i> in the regimen of 80 mg/kg b.i.d. However, the 40 mg/kg, q.i.d., regimen significantly (p < 0.05) reduced bacterial counts compared to 80 mg/kg, b.i.d. These results suggest that CZOP in a more divided dose is efficacious for the treatment of polymicrobial infections associated with <i>E. faecalis</i> in pyometra.
Effect of Zidovudine Therapy in Patients with HIV Infection on Endogenous Interferon Plasma Levels and the Hepatic Cytochrome P450 Enzyme System
Authors: Brockmeyer N.H. , Barthel B. , Mertins L. , Goos M. 
Published: April 2003

In this study, we wanted to investigate if there are differences in endogenous interferon (IFN) plasma levels in patients with different stages of HIV infections before and after therapy with zidovudine (ZDV) and determined the influence of ZDV therapy on the hepatic monooxygenase system by measuring the antipyrine pharmacokinetics. Therefore we investigated the endogenous IFN plasma levels in patients with asymptomatic HIV infection (CDC/WHO A1, n = 10) and patients with AIDS (CDC/WHO C3, n = 10). In AIDS plasma IFN-α and IFN-γ levels are elevated (15.6 ± 5.8 U/ml; 2.1 ± 0.7 U/ml) compared to patients with an asymptomatic HIV infection (6.1 ± 3.3 U/ml; 0.6 ± 0.3 U/ml). The antipyrine clearance was significantly reduced in the group of AIDS patients (43.1 ± 7.2 ml/min compared to 56.4 ± 8.7 ml/min). In a second study with 11 patients in stage CDC/WHO A1/2 and CDC/WHO B/C3 each, we studied the effect of a 14-day administration of ZDV on the endogenous plasma IFN levels and the CYP450 enzyme activity using the antipyrine pharmacokinetics as a parameter. We investigated the antipyrine clearance, clearance to metabolite and half-life by using HPLC. IFNs were measured by RIA or ELISA, respectively. In the first group no significant alterations of antipyrine kinetics or plasma IFN levels were observed after treatment with ZDV. In contrast to these results, we found a significant decrease in IFN-α and IFN-γ (19.8 ± 3.6 U/ml, 4.6 ± 1.5 U/ml before; 7.9 ± 2.6 U/ml, 1.9 ± 1.3 U/ml after administration of ZDV), a decrease in antipyrine half-life, an elevation of the antipyrine clearance (49.8 ± 15.7 ml/min, 57.3 ± 13.7 ml/min) and an elevation of the clearances to metabolite.
In vitro and in vivo Antibacterial Activities of AM-1155 in the Fields of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Kawazoe Kyoko , Sato Yasumasa , Hayasaki Yoh , Izumi Koji , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: April 2003

AM-1155 is a new 8-methoxyquinolonecarboxylic acid with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. It inhibited more than 90% of clinical isolates of <i>Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Peptostreptococcus magnus, Bacteroides fragilis</i> and <i>Prevotella bivia</i> at the concentration of 3.13 mg/l. The antibacterial activity of AM-1155 was almost equal to that of sparfloxacin. The in vivo efficacy of AM-1155 was evaluated using a polymicrobial pyometra (<i>E. coli</i> and <i>B. fragilis</i>) model of rats. The accumulation of neutrophils to the uterus in the AM-1155-treated group was less marked than that of the nontreated group, as well as the bacteriological response. These results suggest that the new antimicrobial agent AM-1155 might be useful for the treatment of polymicrobial infections in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Cefozopran in a Murine Model of Haematogenous Pneumococcal Meningitis
Authors: Iizawa Y. , Hiroe K. , Nakao M. , Okonogi K. 
Published: April 2003

Antimicrobial regimens for the treatment of pneumococcal meningitis are not established. We have produced a murine model of haematogenous pneumococcal meningitis and have examined its usefulness for determining the required dosage and term of antimicrobial agents. <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i> serotype 6 was injected intraperitoneally (inoculum: about 1 × 10<sup>4</sup> CFU) into mice. Although half of the mice died within 2 days, the surviving mice showed positive bacterial cultures, increase of the protein level, decrease of the glucose level and infiltration of polymorphonuclear leucocytes into cerebrospinal fluids (CSF). When cefozopran was administered subcutaneously twice a day for 1–3 days starting 2 days after infection, dose- and duration-dependent effects were observed and all mice treated with 20 mg/kg of cefozopran for 3 days survived. The penetration rate of cefozopran from blood to CSF in infected mice was 44.7%, which was 6 times higher than that obtained in uninfected mice. This model may be useful for investigating the pathogenesis of haematogenous pneumococcal meningitis and its therapy.
Effect of Different β-Lactams in Combination with β-Lactamase Inhibitors in the Presence or Absenceof Tobramycin against Some Enterobact eriaceae Producing Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamases
Authors: Ferrara Anna , Dos Santos Conceicão , Cimbro Monica 
Published: April 2003

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) production among members of the family Enterobacteriaceae generally involves resistance to oxyimino-cephalosporins and monobactams, while implying different susceptibility profiles with other antimicrobial agents. We have investigated the activity of some β-lactam antibiotics, alone or in double and triple combinations with β-lactamase inhibitors, in the presence or absence of tobramycin (TOB), against some Enterobacteriaceae producing ESBL by means of time-kill curves. Antimicrobials employed were ceftazidime (CAZ), cefotaxime (CTX), TOB, ampicillin (AMP), ampicillin-sulbactam (ASL), amoxicillin (AML), amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (AMC), piperacillin (PIP) and piperacillin-tazobactam (TZP), at 1/4 minimum inhibitory concentration for susceptible strains and at achievable serum concentrations for resistant strains. Only the combinations CTX-ASL, CAZ-ASL and PIP-ASL were synergistic, both at 6 and 24 h, on some strains of <i>Klebsiella</i> species.
In vitro Activities of E1101, a Novel Oral Cephalosporin, against Bacteria Causing Infections in Obstetric and Gynecological Patients
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Sato Yasumasa , Hayasaki Yoh , Kawazoe Kyoko , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: April 2003

E1101 is a new oral cephalosporin with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. It inhibited more than 90% of clinical isolates of <i>Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli</i> and <i>Peptostreptococcus magnus</i> at the concentration of 3.13 mg/l. E1101 was the most active agent against <i>S. agalactiae</i> and <i>E. coli.</i> Since none of the compounds was sufficiently active against the <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i> and <i>Prevotella bivia</i> isolates, they are not appropriate in the treatment of patients with infections caused by these organisms. The results of this study suggest that, subject to confirmation by clinical trials, E1101, in combination with an agent with reliable activity against anaerobic bacteria, is suitable as empirical therapy of patients with obstetric and gynecological infections.
Effect of a 17-Member Azalide on Tumor Cell Growth
Authors: Grdiša Mira , Lopotar Nevenka , Pavelić Krešimir 
Published: April 2003

The action of the 17-member azalide 4′-demycarosyl-20-deoxo-20-(di-N-benzylamino)-8a-aza-8a-homotylosin was examined in vitro using five different human cell lines: laryngeal carcinoma (Hep2), pancreatic carcinoma (MiaPaCa2), breast carcinoma (MCF7), neuroblastoma, and normal diploid fibroblast (Hef522). After exposure, the cell growth was arrested, and morphological changes occurred in a dose-dependent manner. At a concentration of 10<sup>–4</sup> <i>M</i> the azalide completely inhibited the growth of all cell lines examined and induced morphological changes such as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and DNA fragmentation. These features point to apoptosis.
Inhibition of Malaria-Infected Erythrocytes by Deoxyspergualin: Effect on in vitro Growth of Malarial Cultures
Authors: Midorikawa Yutaka , Haque Quazi Manjurul , Nakazawa Shusuke 
Published: April 2003

The effect of deoxyspergualin (DSG) on the K1 strain of human malarial parasite <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> in vitro was studied to test a possible new antimalarial chemotherapy. Hypoxanthine labeled with tritium (<sup>3</sup>H) was used to assess macromolecular synthesis. The inhibitory effects of DSG on the parasite peaked after 72 h of incubation. Parasitemia without DSG treatment was 9%, whereas at a DSG concentration of more than 156 µg/ml it was less than 1%. The amount of [<sup>3</sup>H]hypoxanthine taken up decreased with increasing DSG concentration. DNA synthesis of malarial activity decreased with increasing DSG concentration. These findings provide more evidence for the effects of DSG on this malarial parasite. As in previous in vivo studies done with DSG, the in vitro findings showed that DSG may be a new antimalarial drug.
In vitro Activities of Pazufloxacin,a Novel In jectable Quinolone, against Bacteria Causing Infections in Obstetric and Gynecological Patients
Authors: Mikamo Hiroshige , Sato Yasumasa , Hayasaki Yoh , Kawazoe Kyoko , Tamaya Teruhiko 
Published: April 2003

T-3762 is an injectable new quinolone with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Pazufloxacin (T-3761) is an active form of T-3762. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of pazufloxacin for 50% of the clinical isolates tested were 3.13 µg/ml for <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i>, 6.25 µg/ml for <i>Gardnerella vaginalis</i>, 0.025 µg/ml for <i>Escherichia coli</i>, 0.78 µg/ml for <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, 6.25 µg/ml for <i>Peptostreptococcus magnus</i>, 6.25 µg/ml for <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i> and 12.5 µg/ml for <i>Prevotella bivia</i>. The MICs of T-3762 for 90% of the clinical isolates tested were 3.13 µg/ml for <i>S. agalactiae</i>, 6.25 µg/ml for <i>G. vaginalis</i>, 0.10 µg/ml for <i>E. coli</i>, 12.5 µg/ml for <i>P. aeruginosa</i>, 25 µg/ml for <i>P. magnus</i>, 12.5 µg/ml for <i>B. fragilis</i> and 25 µg/ml for <i>P. bivia</i>. The results of this study suggest that, subject to confirmation by clinical trials, T-3762, in combination with an agent with reliable activity against anaerobic bacteria, is suitable as an empirical therapy of patients with obstetric and gynecological infections.