bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Oxygen Supplementation on the Arterial Ketone Body Ratio in Human Cirrhosis
Authors: Froomes Paul R. , Ghabrial Hany , Morgan Denis J. , Angus Peter W. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Data from studies in experimental models have suggested that the impairment of mitochondrial function and altered redox state that occur in cirrhosis may be due to impaired hepatic oxygenation. Since interventions that improve oxygen delivery to hepatocytes may improve mitochondrial functions, we studied the effects of oxygen supplementation on the arterial ketone body ratio (AKBR) in normal volunteers and patients with cirrhosis. <i>Methods:</i> After a 2-hour fast, ketone bodies were measured in arterial blood taken from patients and controls while breathing room air and then after breathing oxygen via a face mask at 12 liters/min for 60 min. <i>Results:</i> The AKBR was reduced in cirrhotic patients compared with controls, 0.74 ± 0.23 and 1.51 ± 0.4, respectively (p = 0.002). Oxygen supplementation significantly improved the AKBR in cirrhotic patients, from 0.74 ± 0.23 to 1.04 ± 0.28 (p = 0.001) but did not affect the AKBR in controls. <i>Conclusion:</i> These findings suggest that reduced hepatocyte oxygenation contributes to impaired hepatic mitochondrial function in cirrhosis. Strategies at increasing hepatic oxygen delivery may improve hepatic mitochondrial function in patients with chronic liver disease.
<i>ABCA4</i> Sequence Variants in Chinese Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration or Stargardt’s Disease
Authors: Baum Larry , Chan Wai Man , Li Wai Ying , Lam Dennis S.C. , Wang Peng Bo , Pang Chi Pui 
Published: April 2003

<i>ABCA4</i> gene sequence alterations cause Stargardt’s disease (STGD) and may cause some age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We sought to shed light on these associations among Hong Kong Chinese by genotyping 140 AMD, 18 STGD and 95 normal control subjects for 15 <i>ABCA4</i> exons which were reported to often contain AMD- or STGD-associated mutations. Sequence alterations R212H, T1428M, V1433I, T1572M, I2166M, IVS6–5T>G and IVS33+1G>T were found in AMD patients. T1428M and R2040X occurred in STGD patients. Control subjects displayed all the above missense alterations but no splicing or nonsense changes. Therefore, <i>ABCA4</i> splicing mutations may be associated with a small proportion of AMD cases.
Suppression of TSH in Congenital Hypothyroidism Is Significantly Related to Serum Levels and Dosage of Thyroxine
Authors: Brown J.J. , Datta V. , Sutton A.J. , Swift P.G.F. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aim:</i> To assess thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone; TSH) suppression and serum thyroxine (T<sub>4</sub>) concentrations in infants with congenital hypothyroidism in relation to T<sub>4</sub> dose and pretreatment parameters. <i>Method:</i> A retrospective study of all cases treated in a single centre since neonatal screening began was performed. <i>Results:</i> In 54 infants treated with a mean daily T<sub>4</sub> dose of 9.8 µg/kg, the TSH concentration was suppressed (<6 mU/l) in 65% of the cases by 6 months with the serum T<sub>4</sub> level at the upper end of the infant reference range. Infants who suppressed their TSH later did not differ in pretreatment serum TSH or T<sub>4</sub> concentration. T<sub>4</sub> dose and serum T<sub>4</sub> level were lower in infants whose TSH was not suppressed. <i>Conclusions:</i> TSH suppression in congenital hypothyroidism is significantly related to serum levels and dosage of T<sub>4</sub>. We suggest that a delay in TSH suppression is mainly due to undertreatment.
The Water-Soluble Fraction (<10 kD) of Bee Venom <i>(Apis mellifera)</i> Produces Inhibitory Effect on Apical Transporters in Renal Proximal Tubule Cells
Authors: Han Ho Jae , Yoon Byeong Cheol , Oh Young Joon , Park Soo Hyun , Lee Jang Hern , Mar Woong Chon 
Published: April 2003

Human envenomation caused by bee stings has been reported to cause acute renal failure and the pathogenetic mechanisms of these renal functional changes are still unclear. Bee venom is also a complex mixture of enzymes and proteins. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the effects of bee venom (BV, <i>Apis mellifera</i>) fractions on apical transporters’ activity and its related signal pathways in primary cultured renal proximal tubule cells. Whole BV was extracted into three fractions according to solubility [a water-soluble fraction (BVA), an ethylacetate-soluble fraction (BVE), and a hexane-soluble fraction (BVH)]. BVA fraction was further separated to three portions according to molecular weights: BF1 (>20 kD), BF2 (10–20 kD), and BF3 (<10 kD). Each fraction was treated to the PTCs to the ratio of BV (1 µg/ml). BVA (930 ng/ml) significantly decreased cell viability, but BVH (27 ng/ml) and BVE (43 ng/ml) did not. BF3 (710 ng/ml) among BVA fractions predominantly decreased cell viability and inhibited α-methyl-<i>D</i>-glucopyranoside (α-MG), phosphate (Pi), and Na<sup>+</sup> uptake. In addition, BF3 increased [<sup>3</sup>H] arachidonic acid release, lipid peroxide formation, and Ca<sup>2+</sup> uptake. These effects of BF3 were blocked by mepacrine and AACOCF<sub>3</sub> (phospholipase A<sub>2</sub> inhibitors) or N-acetylcysteine, vitamin C, and vitamin E (antioxidants). In conclusion, BF3 (<10 kD) among BV fractions is the most effective portion in BV-induced inhibition of α-MG, P<sub>i</sub>, and Na<sup>+</sup> uptake and these effects of BF3 are associated with phospholipase A<sub>2</sub>-oxidative stress-Ca<sup>2+</sup> signal cascade in the primary cultured rabbit renal proximal tubule cells.
Induction of Reversible Antifertility with a Crude Ethanol Extract of <i>Citrullus colocynthis</i> Schrad Fruit in Male Rats
Authors: Chaturvedi M. , Mali P.C. , Ansari A.S. 
Published: April 2003

A crude 50% ethanol extract of <i>Citrullus colocynthis</i> Schrad was administered orally to male albino rats for evaluation of antifertility effects. The animals were divided into five groups: group A was a vehicle-treated control group; treatment groups B, C, and D received 100 mg/kg/day <i>C. colocynthis</i> extract for periods of 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, and group E animals received the extract at 100 mg/kg/day for 60 days followed by 60 days of recovery. For androgenicity evaluation of the extract, the animals were divided into four groups: group F animals were castrated 30 days before the experiment to serve as controls, and group G, H, and I were subjected to castration 30 days before the experiments, followed by administration of fruit extract (100 mg/kg/day p.o.), testosterone propionate (0.01 mg/rat/alternate day s.c.), and fruit extract along with testosterone propionate, respectively, for 30 days. Significantly reduced cauda epididymis sperm motility and density, number of pups, fertility, and circulatory levels of testosterone were observed in all treatment groups. The weights of testes, epididymis, seminal vesicle, and prostate were significantly decreased in groups B, C, and D. The weights of all organs in the different groups of the androgenicity study were markedly decreased in group F when compared with group A, in group G when compared with group F, and in group I when compared with group H, and increased in group H when compared with group F. The serum testosterone levels also showed a similar pattern. The concentration of testicular cholesterol was significantly elevated, while protein, sialic acid, acid and alkaline phosphatase concentrations were decreased. The histoarchitecture of the testes showed degenerative changes in the seminiferous epithelium, arrest of spermatogenesis at the secondary spermatocyte stage, cytolysis, and the lumen filled with eosinophilic material. Histometric parameters except Sertoli cell nuclear area and number of round spermatids showed marked alterations. All altered parameters restored to normal in group E. No changes were observed in body weight, litter size, hematology, and serum biochemistry. In conclusion, a 50% ethanol extract of <i>C. colocynthis</i> showed an antiandrogenic nature, thereby reduced reversible infertility in male albino rats.
Phacoemulsification and Intraocular Lens Implantation Combined with Trabeculotomy for Open-Angle Glaucoma and Coexisting Cataract
Authors: Kubota Toshiaki , Touguri Ichiro , Onizuka Naoko , Matsuura Toshie 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To study the outcome of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation combined with trabeculotomy. <i>Methods:</i> We performed trabeculotomy combined with phacoemulsification and foldable lens implantation in 25 eyes with open-angle glaucoma and coexisting cataract in 18 patients. The series comprised 9 males (13 eyes) and 9 females (12 eyes). Mean age of the patients was 73.4 ± 10.9 years (45–87 years). Mean follow-up period was 14.3 ± 6.0 months (6–24 months). <i>Results:</i> The preoperative intraocular pressure was 21.4 ± 3.7 mm Hg. The postoperative intraocular pressure 6 months after the surgery was 12.8 ± 3.4 mm Hg. A postoperative tension spike (>30 mm Hg) was observed in 2 eyes. Six months after the operation, the intraocular pressure was controlled under 21 mm Hg in all eyes, and under 16 mm Hg in 18 eyes. The medication score (one point per antiglaucomatous medication) was 2.0 ± 1.6 before the surgery and 0.4 ± 0.7 after the surgery. The mean refractive error after the operation was –0.8 ± 0.7 D (range –2.4 to 0 D). The deviation of the actual refractive error from the predicted one was +0.29 ± 0.54 D (range –0.52 to +1.10 D). <i>Conclusion:</i> The outcome of the combined operation for open-angle glaucoma and coexisting cataract was promising.
Diabetes mellitus and Lung Function
Authors: Boulbou Mary S. , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos I. , Klisiaris Vasilios K. , Tsikrikas Thomas S. , Stathakis Nikolaos E. , Molyvdas P.A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives: </i>To assess the nature of pulmonary dysfunction in type 1 diabetes and the relationship of pulmonary function tests to diabetic factors and complication. <i>Subjects and Methods:</i> Sixteen type 1 diabetic patients and 26 control subjects matched for age and sex were studied. We performed spirometry measurements and measured pulmonary diffusing capacity (DL<sub>CO</sub>) in sitting and supine position by the single-breath method corrected by alveolar volume (VA). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA<sub>Ic</sub>), retinopathy and microalbuminuria were included as parameters of metabolic control and diabetic complications. <i>Results:</i> Diabetic patients showed a significant reduction of the following pulmonary function tests (% predicted value) as compared with control subjects: total lung capacity (TLC, 92.6 ± 14.5 vs. 113.9 ± 17.5, p < 0.001), lung diffusing capacity in sitting position (DL<sub>CO</sub>, 90.4 ± 21.1 vs. 107.7 ± 15.6, p = 0.004), lung diffusing capacity in supine position (DL<sub>CO</sub>, 88.3 ± 19.3 vs. 111.9 ± 19.9, p = 0.001). The differences in diffusing capacity corrected by alveolar volume in sitting and supine position (DL<sub>CO</sub>/VA) were not significant. By changing the posture from sitting to supine position both diabetic patients and control subjects significantly increased DL<sub>CO</sub>/VA (103.4 ± 17.7 vs. 112.7 ± 22.3, p = 0.046 and 99.5 ± 13.4 vs. 114.4 ± 13, p < 0.001, respectively). There was no correlation between pulmonary function tests and diabetic complications. <i>Conclusion:</i> These data indicate that type 1 diabetic patients showed reduced TLC and DL<sub>CO</sub>, features of pulmonary restrictive dysfunction. There was no correlation between abnormal pulmonary function and the presence of other diabetic complications.
Effect of a Recombinant Lectin, <i>Viscum album</i> Agglutinin on the Secretion of Interleukin-12 in Cultured Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and on NK-Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity of Rat Splenocytes in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Hajto Tibor , Hostanska Katarina , Weber Klaus , Zinke Holger , Fischer Janos , Mengs Ulrich , Lentzen Hans , Saller Reinhard 
Published: April 2003

A plant lectin, <i>Viscum album</i> agglutinin-I (VAA-I) has been shown to increase the number and cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells in animal models, but the mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of the recombinant form of this lectin (rVAA) on secretion of interleukin (IL)-12 and on NK-mediated cytotoxicity against K562 target cells in cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as well as against YAC-1 target cells in cultured rat spleen cells. In 24-hour cultures of PBMC, 10 ng/ml plant VAA-I and 50 ng/ml rVAA induced significant increases in the secretion of total IL-12. Its biologically active heterodimeric form, p70, was also significantly induced by rVAA. Preincubation of PBMC or splenocytes for 48 h with rVAA in concentrations ranging between 10 pg/ml and 100 pg/ml resulted in moderate enhancements of NK-mediated cytotoxicity. However, coincubation of a low dose of rVAA (100 pg/ml) together with IL-2 and IL-12 (60 U/ml and 2 U/ml, respectively) led to additive stimulation of NK activity. In in vivo experiments, rVAA showed an enhancing effect on NK activity with a bell-shaped curve of efficacy. Forty-eight hours after a single intravenous injection of its most effective doses, 0.5 and 1 ng/kg, into Wistar rats, the NK cytotoxicity of splenocytes against YAC-1 targets doubled, and the frequency of large granular lymphocytes in peripheral blood showed 2.1- and 3-fold increases as compared to control animals. Twenty-four hours following these low lectin doses, the number of large granular lymphocytes was also significantly elevated. After 48 h, 0.5 ng/kg rVAA induced a significant augmentation in the percentage of peripheral Mac-1+ mononuclear cells, including activated monocytes and NK cells. The present results suggest that rVAA augments the secretion of an active form of IL-12 and potentiates the cytokine-induced NK activation. These effects of rVAA may be related to its stimulatory effects on MHC-unrestricted cytotoxicity in vivo.
Local Intra-Arterial Fibrinolysis in Acute Hemispheric Stroke: Effect of Occlusion Type and Fibrinolytic Agent on Recanalization Success and Neurological Outcome
Authors: Eckert Bernd , Kucinski Thomas , Neumaier-Probst Eva , Fiehler Jens , Röther Joachim , Zeumer Hermann 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> To evaluate the effect of occlusion type and fibrinolytic agent on recanalization success and clinical outcome in patients undergoing local intra-arterial fibrinolysis (LIF) in acute hemispheric stroke. <i>Methods:</i> LIF was performed in 137 patients with angiographically established occlusion in the carotid circulation within 6 h of stroke onset. Retrospective analysis included recanalization success, recanalization time, type of occlusion and fibrinolytic treatment mode. Five types of occlusion were categorized: intracranial bifurcation (carotid ‘T’) of the internal carotid artery (ICA; n = 35); proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA; n = 66); distal segment of the MCA (n = 20); extracranial ICA with MCA embolism (n = 8); multiple peripheral branches of the anterior cerebral artery and the MCA (n = 8). Neurologic outcome was evaluated after 3 months by Barthel Index (BI) as good (BI >90), moderate (BI 50–90), poor (BI <50) or death. <i>Results:</i> Recanalization was achieved in 74 patients (54%). Mean recanalization time in recanalized patients was 91 min. Neurologic outcome was good in 48 patients (35%), moderate in 34 (25%), poor in 30 (22%) and 25 died (18%). Outcome was significantly better in recanalized than in nonrecanalized patients (p < 0.001). Treatment results were significantly better in proximal and distal MCA occlusion than in carotid ‘T’ occlusions (p < 0.001). Recanalization success hardly differed between urokinase and rt-PA. Combined treatment with rt-PA and lys-plasminogen tended toward a faster recanalization. Parenchymal hemorrhage occurred in 13 patients (9%). <i>Conclusion:</i> The type of occlusion is of high prognostic value for successful fibrinolysis in the anterior circulation. However, recanalization is a time-consuming process even with an intra-arterial approach. Recanalization did not differ between type or dosage of plasminogen activators. Further innovative attempts are warranted towards hastening recanalization time in endovascular acute stroke treatment.
1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D<sub>3</sub> Stimulates Osteopontin Expression in Rat Kidney
Authors: Han Ki-Hwan , Jung Ju-Young , Cha Jung-Ho , Kim Hyang , Madsen Kirsten M. , Kim Jin 
Published: April 2003

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secreted phosphoprotein expressed constitutively in the descending thin limb (DTL) and papillary surface epithelium (PSE) of the kidney. Although its function is not fully established, a role for OPN in the regulation of calcium-mediated or calcium-dependent processes has been proposed. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D<sub>3</sub> (vitD), a hormone involved in the regulation of calcium homeostasis, on renal OPN expression. Four groups of rats were studied: acute vehicle (single intraperitoneal [i.p.] injection of 0.1 ml 10% ethanol-90% propylene glycol, 12 h before being killed); acute vitD (single injection of vitD, 2 ng/g i.p., 12 h before being killed); chronic vehicle (daily subcutaneous [s.c.] injection of 0.1 ml 10% ethanol-90% propylene glycol for 7 days); and chronic vitD (daily s.c. injection of vitD, 0.5 ng/g, for 7 days). Kidneys were processed for light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and Western blot analysis. In vehicle-treated animals, OPN mRNA and protein were expressed primarily in the DTL and PSE. In the acute vitD group, OPN mRNA and immunoreactivity appeared in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of the inner stripe of the outer medulla, and increased slightly in the DTL and PSE. The proximal tubules exhibited strong OPN immunoreactivity, but no hybridization signal. In the chronic vitD group, there was a marked increase in OPN mRNA and immunoreactivity in the distal tubule, including the TAL, as well as in the DTL and PSE. A weak hybridization signal and immunostaining were also observed in some proximal tubules. Administration of vitD causes a marked increase in OPN mRNA and protein in the rat kidney, mainly in the distal nephron, but also in the DTL, PSE, and proximal tubules. These results indicate that vitD is involved in the regulation of OPN expression in the kidney.
Resveratrol blocks interleukin-1β–induced activation of the nuclear transcription factor NF-κB, inhibits proliferation, causes S-phase arrest, and induces apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells
Authors: Estrov Zeev , Shishodia Shishir , Faderl Stefan , Harris David , Van Quin , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Talpaz Moshe , Aggarwal Bharat B. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractResveratrol, an edible polyphenolic stilbene, has been reported to possess substantial antileukemic activities in different leukemia cell lines. We investigated whether resveratrol is active against fresh acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and its mechanism of action. Because interleukin 1β(IL-1β) plays a key role in proliferation of AML cells, we first tested the effect of resveratrol on the AML cell lines OCIM2 and OCI/AML3, both of which produce IL-1β and proliferate in response to it. Resveratrol inhibited proliferation of both cell lines in a dose-dependent fashion (5-75 μM) by arresting the cells at S phase, thus preventing their progression through the cell cycle; IL-1β partially reversed this inhibitory effect. Resveratrol significantly reduced production of IL-1β in OCIM2 cells. It also suppressed the IL-1β–induced activation of transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), which modulates an array of signals controlling cellular survival, proliferation, and cytokine production. Indeed, incubation of OCIM2 cells with resveratrol resulted in apoptotic cell death. Because caspase inhibitors Ac-DEVD-CHO or z-DEVD-FMK partially reversed the antiproliferative effect of resveratrol, we tested its effect on the caspase pathway and found that resveratrol induced the activation of the cysteine protease caspase 3 and subsequent cleavage of the DNA repair enzyme poly (adenosine diphosphate [ADP]–ribose) polymerase. Finally, resveratrol suppressed colony-forming cell proliferation of fresh AML marrow cells from 5 patients with newly diagnosed AML in a dose-dependent fashion. Taken together, our data showing that resveratrol is an effective in vitro inhibitor of AML cells suggest that this compound may have a role in future therapies for AML.
The role of autocrine FGF-2 in the distinctive bone marrow fibrosis of hairy-cell leukemia (HCL)
Authors: Aziz Khalil A. , Till Kathleen J. , Chen Haijuan , Slupsky Joseph R. , Campbell Fiona , Cawley John C. , Zuzel Mirko 
Published: April 2003

AbstractBone marrow (BM) fibrosis is a central diagnostic and pathogenetic feature of hairy-cell leukemia (HCL). It is known that fibronectin (FN) produced and assembled by the malignant hairy cells (HCs) themselves is a major component of this fibrosis. It is also known that FN production is greatly enhanced by adhesion of HCs to hyaluronan (HA) via CD44. The aim of the present study was to establish the roles of fibrogenic autocrine cytokines (fibroblast growth factor-2 [FGF-2] and transforming growth factor β [TGFβ]) and of different isoforms of CD44 in this FN production. We show that HC adhesion to HA stimulates FGF-2, but not TGFβ, production and that HCs possess FGF-2 receptor. In a range of experiments, FN production was greatly reduced by blocking FGF-2 but not TGFβ. Moreover FN, but not FGF-2, secretion was blocked by down-regulation of the v3 isoform of CD44 and by addition of heparitinase. These results show that autocrine FGF-2 secreted by HCs is the principal cytokine responsible for FN production by these cells when cultured on HA. The central role of FGF-2 in the pathogenesis of the BM fibrosis of HCL was supported by our immunohistochemical demonstration of large amounts of this cytokine in fibrotic BM but not in HCL spleen where there is no fibrosis. As regards CD44 isoforms, the present work demonstrates that CD44v3 is essential for providing the heparan sulfate necessary for HC stimulation by FGF-2, whereas the signal for production of the cytokine was provided by HA binding to CD44H, the standard hematopoietic form of the molecule.