bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Central Sympathetic Modulation of Tissue Cytokine Response to Hemorrhage
Authors: Molina Patricia E. , Abumrad Naji N. 
Published: April 2003

Hemorrhage is associated with altered immune responses as well as with early increases in circulating levels and tissue content of proinflammatory cytokines. The present study determined the effects of central chemical sympathectomy on the early increase in tissue content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) following fixed-pressure (40 mm Hg) hemorrhage as well as on the associated activation of the opiate and glucocorticoid systems. Conscious unrestrained nonheparinized male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive either 6-hydroxydopamine intracerebroventricularly or equal volumes of saline (5 µl). Half of the animals in each group underwent hemorrhage followed by fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer’s solution, and were sacrificed at completion of the resuscitation period. Hemorrhage elevated TNF-α and IL-6 content in spleen (30–47%) and lung (∼40%). Central chemical sympathectomy did not alter tissue cytokine content or circulating levels of β-endorphin and corticosterone. However, central chemical sympathectomy attenuated the hemorrhage-induced increase in lung and spleen TNF-α, enhanced the IL-6 response in spleen and blunted the rise in circulating β-endorphin levels. These results demonstrate central modulation of the inflammatory and opiate responses to hemorrhagic stress.
Differential Regulation of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist by Proopiomelanocortin Peptides Adrenocorticotropic Hormone and β-Endorphin
Authors: Kovalovsky Damián , Pereda Marcelo Páez , Stalla Günter K. , Holsboer Florian , Arzt Eduardo 
Published: April 2003

We have previously described the regulation of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) protein secretion and expression by IL-1, glucocorticoids and corticotropin-releasing hormone in monocytes in culture. In the present work, we analyze the direct effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and β-endorphin on the expression and secretion of IL-1ra by human monocytes in culture. ACTH exerted a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced IL-1ra production and mRNA expression. Basal IL-1ra levels were not affected by treatment with any ACTH dose. In contrast, on human monocytes, β-endorphin at concentrations as low as 10 pg/ml produced an increase of basal IL-1ra protein secretion and mRNA expression, this effect being reverted by pretreatment with naloxone. No effect of β-endorphin was observed either in IL-1ra mRNA expression or protein secretion when cells were treated with LPS. The different effects of ACTH and β-endorphin could account for their differential contribution to the inflammatory response: while ACTH contributes to the glucocorticoid overall control of the inflammatory response, β-endorphin exerts an inhibitory tone on the resting IL-1 system. Because IL-1ra is essential in setting the level of monocyte and inflammatory response its differential regulation by the HPA axis hormones contributes to regulating the IL-1/inflammatory temporal response.
Castration of Sexually Immature Rats Affects Sympathetic Innervation of the Adult Thymus
Authors: Leposavić Gordana , Ugrešić Nenad , Pejčić-Karapetrović Branka , Mićić Mileva 
Published: April 2003

It has been hypothesized that maturational processes within the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and thymus are reciprocally regulated via neural pathways. To test this hypothesis, in the thymi of adult rats orchidectomized (ORX) at age of 1 (ORX-1), 7 (ORX-7) and 30 days (ORX-30): (i) noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) contents and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were measured and (ii) the distribution of monoamine- and AChE-containing nerves and cells was examined by a sucrose phosphate glyoxylic acid (SPG) method and enzyme histochemistry, respectively. In all groups of ORX rats, the thymus weight was significantly increased over that in sham-ORX control rats. In the ORX-1 rats, the increase in the thymus weight was accompanied by a proportional increase in the content of both catecholamines and 5-HT; consequently the concentration of each of them remained unaltered. In these animals, the density of both SPG-stained thymus nerve fibers and cells also remained unchanged. In the ORX-7 rats, the rise in the thymus weight was followed by a proportional increase in the content of all monoamines, except for NA which was reduced. Therefore, in these rats neither the thymus concentrations of DA nor that of 5-HT differed from controls, while the concentration of NA was significantly decreased. The reduction in both NA content and concentration reflected a diminished density of SPG-positive nerve profiles. In the ORX-30 rats, the increase in thymus weight was neither paralleled by a proportional increase in the DA content nor in 5-HT, while the content of NA was decreased. Thus, in their thymi the concentration of both NA and DA, as well as that of 5-HT, were significantly reduced. In parallel with these changes, a decreased density of thymic SPG-positive nerve fibers and cells was found. In all ORX rats, the pattern of intrathymic distribution of SPG-positive fibers and cells remained unchanged. Orchidectomy affected neither the activity of AChE (expressed per gram of tissue) nor the density of AChE-positive nerves and cells in the thymus. As the changes in the density of adrenergic nerve fibers in the thymus from ORX rats were not followed by similar alterations in the density of AChE-containing nerve fibers, it does not seem likely that NA and AChE are colocalized in the thymus nerve fibers. The results also suggest that there is a critical period during ontogenesis when changes within the HPG axis evoked by orchidectomy can affect the sympathetic nerve input to the rat thymus and therefore, most likely, development and function of the organ.
Natural Killer Cell Activity and Resistance to Tumor Metastasis in Prepubescent Rats: Deficient Baselines, but Invulnerability to Stress and β-Adrenergic Stimulation
Authors: Giboney Page Gayle , Ben-Eliyahu Shamgar 
Published: April 2003

Although young children and animals exhibit high rates of tumor development, little is known about natural killer (NK) cell activity in the very young. We recently provided direct evidence that reduced levels of NK activity in prepubescent rats underlie higher levels of susceptibility to metastasis. The aim of the current study was to further characterize NK activity and tumor resistance in prepubescent rats, specifically with respect to the effects of stress and sex, as these factors have been shown to modulate tumor development in adult populations. Two NK outcomes were assessed: levels of whole blood NK cytotoxicity and lung tumor retention of NK-sensitive MADB106 tumor cells which metastasize only to the lungs. The corticosterone (CS) response to surgery was also assessed. In the first set of experiments, prepubescent males and females (36 days of age) and mature males (98 days) were subjected to abdominal surgery and 5 h later were either tested for plasma CS levels or challenged with MADB106 tumor cells. The findings indicated that whereas surgery increased CS levels in the young rats to similar levels observed in mature animals, surgical stress did not increase lung tumor retention in the young animals, despite exerting marked and significant effects in the mature rats. These findings persisted when lower tumor loads were used in the young rats to compensate for the markedly reduced resistance to metastasis in this population. Because surgery involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) which is known to regulate NK activity, we assessed the impact of the β-adrenergic agonist, metaproterenol, on NK activity and on lung tumor retention. Metaproterenol (0.8 mg/kg, 1 h before testing) resulted in a large suppression of NK activity and resistance against MADB106 metastasis in mature males and females, but not in prepubescent animals. In mature, but not in young animals, males exhibited higher baseline levels of NK activity. Taken together, these findings indicate that NK cells of prepubescent rats are resistant to β-adrenergic stimulation, and suggest that prepubescent rats are markedly less responsive to SNS-induced suppression of NK activity, which may underlie their invulnerability to the effects of surgery on MADB106 metastasis.
Effects of Fentanyl and Low Doses of Alcohol on Neuropsychological Performance in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Schneider Udo , Bevilacqua Carmine , Jacobs Roland , Karst Matthias , Dietrich Detlef E. , Becker Hinnerk , Müller-Vahl Kirsten R. , Seeland Irina , Gielsdorf Dirk , Schedlowski Manfred , Emrich Hinderk M. 
Published: April 2003

The effects of the opioid fentanyl and low doses of alcohol on neuropsychological functions in healthy volunteers were measured. Twenty-four healthy male volunteers participated in this study. Two randomised placebo-controlled cross-over trials were conducted. In group 1, 6 subjects received fentanyl (0.2 µg/kg body weight) in the order of fentanyl/placebo and 6 subjects in the order of placebo/fentanyl. Group 2 received alcohol in a similar procedure by continuous intravenous infusion, leading to a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.03%. Impairment was measured via different neuropsychological tests. The results indicate that fentanyl in concentrations commonly used in out-patient surgical procedures produces pronounced cognitive impairment (auditory reaction time, signal detection, sustained attention, recognition) in comparison to placebo. After application of low doses of alcohol (BAC 0.03%) only visual reaction time was impaired in comparison to placebo.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Benign Creatine Phosphokinase Elevations in Chronic Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Terao Takeshi , Matsuda Shinya , Kojima Hideki , Okuno Kanae , Hori Hiroko , Kaku Akiko , Ueda Nobuhisa , Etoh Akira 
Published: April 2003

There have been few studies focusing on the creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevations in chronic psychiatric patients. The survey was conducted prospectively to investigate the incidence and risk factors of CPK elevations in chronic psychiatric patients during a 2-year follow-up period. Sixteen of 32 (50%) patients had maximums of more than 230 U/l (upper limit of our normal range) and 7 (22%) patients had maximums of more than 500 U/l. Surprisingly, 4 (13%) patients had maximums of more than 1,000 U/l after exercises such as swimming and walking. Nonetheless, none of the 16 patients with the CPK elevations developed severe conditions such as rhabdomyolysis despite an absence of therapeutic intervention, and their CPK elevations were proven to be benign. According to the path analysis, usual physical activity and neuroleptic doses seemed to underlie CPK elevations directly. The present findings suggest that not a few chronic psychiatric inpatients may have at least one CPK elevation per 2 years. Patients engaging in more physical activity or receiving higher neuroleptic doses are at greater risk of developing such CPK elevations. However, most of these increases are benign, and it is not considered necessary to treat them.
Usefulness of Fluorescein Angiographyin Predicting the Size of the Atrophic Areaafter Surgical Excision of Choroidal Neovascularization
Authors: Giovannini Alfonso , Mariotti Cesare , Scassellati-Sforzolini Baldo , D’Altobrando Edmondo 
Published: April 2003

Twenty consecutive patients affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) complicated by subfoveal and juxtafoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) underwent a surgical removal of the membrane. The patients were divided into two groups: group A = CNVs ≤2 months; group B = CNVs >2 months. The surgical excision of the CNV was also performed in 10 cases of multifocal choroidopathies and idiopathic CNV. The atrophic area after surgery was larger in AMD than in multifocal choroidopathies or idiopathic CNV (p < 0.001). In AMD the atrophic area after surgical excision of the CNV was larger in group B than in group A (p < 0.05). The area of the CNV + the hyperfluorescent halo observed in the late phase of fluorescein angiography before surgery was 84.6% of the atrophic area after surgery. Our observations could be helpful to the surgeon for a more accurate evaluation of the expected size of the atrophic area after surgical removal of a CNV, thus allowing a better selection of the patients for whom surgery could be of some benefit.
The Effect of Hydroxyurea on Rabbit Subconjunctival Fibroblast Culture and Use of Hydroxyurea in Rabbits after Glaucoma Filtration Surgery
Authors: Yücel İclal , Bagci Gülseren , Duranoglu Yaşar , Öztürk Arzu , Aksu Güler , Lüleci Güven 
Published: April 2003

In an in vitro study, rabbit subconjunctival fibroblasts were cultured and the effects of an antineoplastic drug, hydroxyurea (HU), on fibroblast proliferation and fibroblast attachment was investigated. The effects of HU were compared with those of mitomycin C (MMC). Different concentrations of HU and MMC were added to culture medium. The HU doses which led to 50% of inhibition (ID<sub>50</sub>) and the dose which led to about 90% of inhibition (subtoxic high dose, STHD) were determined to be 8 and 1,000 μg/ml, respectively. ID<sub>50</sub> of MMC and its STHD which led to about 100% inhibition were found to be 0.01 and 1 μg/ml, respectively. Reversibility studies revealed that inhibition disappeared depending on the dose and incubation period of both HU and MMC. In an in vivo study, glaucoma filtration surgery (GFS) was performed in rabbits which were treated with HU (treatment group) and distilled water (control group). Tissue samples were taken from the subconjunctival area treated at 1 h, 1 day, 5 days and 30 days postoperatively. The biopsy specimens were then placed in tissue culture media. Fibroblast outgrowth rates detected in the HU group were found to be significantly lower than those in the control group in the specimens taken at the end of the first hour. The difference was significant on culture days 9–15 in the biopsy specimens taken on day 1 while it was not significant in those taken on days 5 and 30.
Effects of 0.005% Latanoprost on Optic Nerve Head and Peripapillary Retinal Blood Flow
Authors: Seong Gong Je , Lee Hyung Keun , Hong Young Jae 
Published: April 2003

Fifty-two eyes of 26 healthy volunteers were recruited for evaluating the effects of 0.005% latanoprost on optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary retinal blood flow. In a randomized double-blind design, one eye received one drop of 0.005% latanoprost and its fellow eye received one drop of a placebo eyedrop. Intraocular pressure (IOP), ONH and peripapillary retinal blood flow were measured with Heidelberg retinal flowmetry (HRF) before, 2 and 24 h after administration of eyedrops. IOP was decreased significantly in latanoprost-treated eyes at 2 and 24 h after administration (p < 0.05). In the volume, flow or velocity of ONH and peripapillary retina, there were no significant changes from the baseline values at 2 and 24 h after latanoprost administration in either latanoprost-treated eyes or their fellow eyes (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found in the measured quantities between latanoprost-treated eyes and their fellow eyes at each time point (p > 0.05). This result may suggest that 0.005% latanoprost in healthy subjects does not have any adverse effect on ONH and peripapillary retinal blood flow.
Cataract Induced by Short-Term Administration of Large Doses of Busulfan: A Case Report
Authors: Kaida Tomoko , Ogawa Tsukihiko , Amemiya Tsugio 
Published: April 2003

Busulfan is a carcinostatic which is used for myelocytic leukemia. A 42-year-old Japanese woman given high doses of busulfan for a short time was referred to us because of decreased visual acuity and blurred vision in both eyes. She received 212 mg/day of busulfan for only 4 days. Ophthalmoscopic examination demonstrated a posterior polar subcapsular opacity of the lens in both eyes. Although the occurrence of cataract due to busulfan has been reported after long-term administration of busulfan, this is the first clinical case of cataract caused by high doses of busulfan for a short period. It is necessary to pay more attention to busulfan cataract.
Palatal Mucoperiosteal Free Graft: Another Reconstruction Option for Oral Defects
Authors: Dulguerov Pavel , Kerner Marc M. , Marchal Francis , Lehmann Willy 
Published: April 2003

Traditional methods of repair for medium-size (3–5 cm) oral defects include allowing granulation, primary closure, skin grafts, and buccal mucosal grafts. Each of these methods has several disadvantages, and all tend to result in significant scar contracture and often lack sufficient bulk. In 10 patients, the defect left by resection of cancer lesions was reconstructed with a free palatal mucoperiosteal graft. In all patients, the grafts survived with little contracture, allowing for adequate tongue mobility. Because of the thickness of the palatal mucoperiosteum, local depressions typically associated with floor of the mouth defects could be avoided. The palatal donor site was left to granulate and recovered in 2–3 weeks with little residual deformity. In 4 patients a through-and-through resection of a floor of the mouth cancer was performed in continuity with a neck dissection. A palatal mucoperiosteal free graft was utilized exclusively in the reconstruction, without the development of salivary fistula.
Diagnostic Criteria for Otitis media in Children
Authors: Alho Olli-Pekka , Koivunen Petri , Luotonen Jukka 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objectives:</b> To determine the accuracy of various symptoms in predicting acute otitis media and the accuracy of pneumo-otoscopy and minitympanometry in identifying middle ear fluid in children. <b>Patients:</b> Symptoms were recorded and compared to pneumo-otoscopic findings in 354 children suffering from acute illness, to analyze the validity of various symptoms in predicting acute otitis media. Pneumo-otoscopic findings were recorded in 76 children and minitympanometric findings in 162 children referred for surgery due to recurrent or chronic otitis media and compared to the myringotomy finding to assess the validity of various pneumo-otoscopic signs and type B minitympanogram in identifying middle ear effusion. <b>Results and Conclusions:</b> The ear-related symptoms were specific, but too unsensitive, and the general symptoms too unsensitive and unspecific to be used alone as criteria for acute otitis media. The abnormal position and impaired mobility of the tympanic membrane in pneumatic otoscopy were very specific signs of middle ear effusion but only the latter had a moderately high sensitivity. When combined by an experienced otoscopist into an overall subjective judgement, however, they afforded an acceptably high sensitivity (81%) and specificity (86%). Type B minitympanogram was reasonably sensitive (79%) and had a high specificity, but only in cooperative children (93%), the specificity in uncooperative children being very low (38%). All in all, penumatic otoscopy and minitympanometry, the latter in cooperative children, are acceptably accurate methods to be used in the diagnosis of both acute otitis media and chronic otitis media with effusion.
Perilymphatic Fistulae
Authors: Kohut Robert I. , Ryu Jai H. , Hinojosa Raul , Burke Alan J.C. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objectives:</b> To provide information regarding the challenge and refinement of our understanding of perilymphatic fistulae (PLFs) by systematic clinical observations coupled with human temporal bone histopathologic/clinical studies. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> (1) Traditional human temporal bone collection for histologic study (representing subjects having disorders of hearing or balance); (2) special human temporal bone collection for histologic study (from consecutive autopsies representing a cross-section of society); (3) clinical data corresponding to human temporal bone specimens of both types; (4) predictive experimental paradigm (histopathology predicts clinical signs and symptoms and vice versa); (5) clinical study parallel to human temporal bone study using the same medical and surgical variables; (6) outcome analysis of clinical study (5-year follow-up – 173 patients with diagnosis of PLF); (7) temporal bone specimens for histopathologic study of patients from the clinical study having the diagnosis of PLF. <b>Results:</b> (1) The accuracy of the clinical diagnosis for PLF criteria was defined: p < 0.001, sensitivity 59% and specificity 91%. (2) The histologic diagnostic criteria for PLFs were defined. (3) The prevalence of labyrinthine capsule patencies related to PLF was determined with fluid permeability/impermeability of patencies as identified variable. (4) The duration of symptoms before the diagnosis of PLF was determined and a comparison of medical versus surgical management was made (symptoms: complete resolution, improvement, persistence and recurrence). (5) Human temporal bone histopathologic findings from patients with PLF diagnosed during life were consistent with the predictive PLF studies and revealed variables related to surgical methods. <b>Conclusions:</b> (1) Clinical criteria for the diagnosis of PLF can be used to predict patencies of the labyrinth capsule at the fissula ante fenestram, fissure of the round window niche (and sometimes the fossula post fenestram) which are related to disorders of hearing and/or balance. (2) Current treatment methods result in less than ideal success rates – medical management should precede surgical intervention. (3) It appears that no reliable perilymph tracer is yet identified for clinical or surgical use.
Embolisationsbehandlung der akuten Blutung bei Morbus Osler
Authors: Wörner Bertold , Richter Bernhard , Siekmann Ralf , Schumacher Martin 
Published: April 2003

<b>Fragestellung: </b>Zur Behandlung der Epistaxis bei M. Osler-Weber-Rendu existiert eine Vielzahl von Therapieansätzen, wobei bezüglich der Embolisationsbehandlung bisher nur vergleichsweise wenige Berichte vorliegen. Ziel der vorliegenden Untersuchung war es, die Erfahrungen anhand unserer eigenen Patienten mit M. Osler-Weber-Rendu darzustellen, die in den letzten 10 Jahren interventionell neuroradiologisch behandelt wurden. <b>Patienten:</b> Wir behandelten 7 Patienten mit akuten Blutungen im HNO-Gebiet bei M. Osler-Weber-Rendu durch Embolisation. <b>Methoden:</b> Über einen transfemoralen Zugang wurden nach angiographischer Darstellung in allen Fällen eine endovaskuläre Embolisation mit Polyvinylalkoholpartikeln (Partikelgrösse: 150–1000 μm) und in einem Fall eine zusätzliche Spiralenembolisation durchgeführt. <b>Ergebnisse: </b>Bei 5 Patienten liess sich durch Embolisation mit Polyvinylalkohol die akute Blutung bereits in der ersten Sitzung stillen, in 2 Fällen musste nachembolisiert werden. Bei einer Patientin mit einem atypischen M. Osler-Weber-Rendu, bei der sich 9 Aneurysmen im Bereich der rechten Arteria facialis und eine ausgedehnte arteriolokapilläre Fehlbildung mit langsamem Fluss im Bereich des Zungengrundes zeigten, liessen sich die Aneurysmen durch Spiralenembolisation vollständig, das Zungenangiom zu überwiegenden Teilen ausschalten. <b>Schlussfolgerungen:</b> Die endovaskuläre Embolisation bei M. Osler-Weber-Rendu erwies sich bei unseren Patienten als eine sinnvolle Ergänzung zu den bekannten Therapieverfahren und als eine vergleichsweise wenig belastende Therapie von akuter Epistaxis und Blutungen bei Gefässmalformationen im Carotis-externa-Stromgebiet.