bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adjustable Silicone Gastric Banding: Can We Continue the Original Technique of Kuzmak?
Authors: van Eerten P.V.van , Hunfeld M.A.J.M. , Tuinebreijer W.E. , Cuesta M.A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Kuzmak developed a horizontal gastroplasty for morbid obesity using his adjustable silicone gastric banding (ASGB). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency at weight loss, early and late morbidity and mortality. <i>Method:</i> The records of 44 patients (mean age 36 years) were reviewed. The indication for ASGB was a BMI >40 (group A = 37 patients) or a BMI between 35 and 40 with obesity-related morbidity (group B = 7 patients). The mean preoperative BMI was 44 (±5). The paired t test was used to evaluate the BMI. <i>Results.</i> Early complications occurred in 5 patients: splenic injury (n = 1), aspiration pneumonia (n = 1), wound infection (n = 1), gastric perforation (n = 2); mortality was 2%. Late complications occurred in 19 patients: 17 patients (39%) had a functional stenosis with pouch dilatation (FSPD) and 6 patients had an injection port leakage (14%). At the 1-year follow-up, the mean BMI (of the 39 patients available) was 30 (±5) and remained stable. At 36 months, 54% of group A and 100% of group B had a BMI <30. <i>Conclusion:</i> The original technique of Kuzmak is effective to lose weight. However the technique must be adjusted in order to decrease the unacceptable high incidence of FSPD.
Gastric Emptying in Trauma Patients
Authors: Carlin C.B. , Scanlon P.H. , Wagner D.A. , Borghesi L. , Geiger J.W. , Long C.L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> The aim of this study was to obtain quantitative data on gastric emptying following trauma. <i>Methods:</i> In order to assess gastric emptying for early enteral feeding, we evaluated the absorption of an amino acid, <i>L</i>-[1-<sup>13</sup>C]phenylalanine, within 24 h of admission and 7 days later in 14 trauma patients (injury severity score 36 ± 2). Following nasogastric administration of 100 mg <i>L</i>-[1-<sup>13</sup>C]phenylalanine, the plasma <i>L</i>-[1-<sup>13</sup>C]phenylalanine enrichment at 30 and 60 min and the expired <sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> for 1 h in the breath were used to measure the degree of gastric emptying. <i>Results:</i> The plasma <i>L</i>-[1-<sup>13</sup>C]phenylalanine enrichment concentration at 30 min was 0.53 ± 0.23 mmol/l during the first study and 2.46 ± 0.62 mmol/l during the second study (p = 0.006, a fivefold increase). The <i>L</i>-[1-<sup>13</sup>C]phenylalanine plasma level in historic controls was 4.57 ± 1.48 mmol/l. The percent of the dose oxidized and expired as <sup>13</sup>CO<sub>2</sub> in 1 h was 0.51 ± 0.17 during the first 24-hour study compared to the second study of 3.37 ± 0.68 (p = 0.0008) 7 days later (an over sixfold increase). The percent of the dose oxidized in 1 h in 37 normal historic controls was 7.08 ± 0.33. <i>Conclusion:</i> These data indicate delayed gastric emptying with limited recovery in 1 week. We conclude that gastric feeding should not be employed, and the route for early nutritional intervention should be transpyloric for the trauma patient.
Beneficial Effects of Hydrocortisone in a Model of Experimental Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Osman Maher O. , Jacobsen Niels O. , Kristensen Jorgen U. , Larsen Christian G. , Jensen Steen L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-8 have been thought to play a pivotal role in the propagation of severe acute pancreatitis (AP) and the development of its systemic complications, particularly acute lung injury. <i>Objective:</i> To investigate the effects of pretreatment with hydrocortisone on the production of cytokines and the occurrence of acute lung injury in rabbits with AP. <i>Methods:</i> AP was induced in 17 rabbits by infusion of 5% chenodeoxycholic acid into the pancreatic duct, followed by ductal ligation. The rabbits were allocated to pretreatment with subcutaneous and intravenous hydrocortisone (25 mg/kg, respectively; n = 7) or 0.9% saline (n = 10) 30 min before induction of AP. Rabbits were observed for 12 h. Serum amylase, lipase, TNF-α, IL-8, glucose, calcium and leukocyte count were measured every 3 h. At the end of the experimental period, ascitic fluid was collected and tissue specimens from the pancreas, lungs and kidney were obtained. <i>Results:</i> Hydrocortisone pretreatment improved survival from 40 to 100%. Serum TNF-α and IL-8 were lower in the hydrocortisone group than in the control group at 6 h (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). Hydrocortisone abolished leukopenia (p < 0.001), hyperamylasemia (p = 0.05), the occurrence of acute lung injury and reduced the volume of ascites. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our findings suggest a role for TNF-α and IL-8 in mediating the progress of AP from a local disease into a systemic illness. Hydrocortisone should be tested experimentally after the induction of AP and clinically as a prophylactic measure to avoid severe AP induced by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography.
Need for a Standard Report and Future Directions in Pancreatic Resections for Cancer
Authors: Birk Dieter , Bassi Claudio , Beger Hans Günther 
Published: April 2003

The ability to compare treatment results is essential for the proper evaluation of treatment protocols. Especially in the case of exocrine pancreatic cancer different classifications and documentation systems hinder the comparison between institutions and do not allow multicenter analysis across the world. This might explain the vastly different results of similar therapeutical trials and studies. In the classifications used at present, the features included, as well as terminology and description, vary greatly. First attempts to stage pancreatic malignancies according to UICC criteria were mentioned in the 1987 edition. These rules were predominantly based on the suggestions of the AJCC Cancer of the Pancreas Task Force of 1981 and have since not been changed. In Japan a different staging system has emerged and was first published by the Japanese Pancreatic Society (JPS) in 1986: General Rules for Surgical and Pathological Studies on Cancer of the Pancreas. The major difference between the two classifications concerns the evaluation of local tumor growth and the extent of lymph node involvement. Unfortunately most attempts to ‘restage’ Western patients postoperatively according to the JPS criteria, or vice versa, in order to compare treatment results have not added to a clearer understanding. Much in contrary, the results were frequently confusing since <i>not</i> comparable data were nevertheless retrospectively compared. Thus, a uniform standard report is needed, leading to prospective data acquisition and biometric analysis of outcome. The report should serve as a standard format for worldwide data acquisition and documentation and thereby become the common language to describe diagnosis, treatment, pathology and outcome of pancreatic cancer patients undergoing surgical therapy. It should enable: (1) inter-institutional data exchange from different staging systems; (2) comparisons between institutions on an international basis; (3) quality management in clinical practice and studies, and (4) reliable insight into tumor biology and differences in growth patterns.
The Human T Cell Receptor Beta Diversity (TRBD) and Beta Joining (TRBJ) Genes
Authors: Folch Géraldine , Lefranc Marie-Paule 
Published: April 2003

‘Human T cell Receptor Beta Diversity (TRBD) and Beta Joining (TRBJ) Genes’, the 10th report of the ‘IMGT Locus in Focus’ section, comprises 6 tables: (1) ‘Human germline TRBD genes’; (2) ‘Human TRBD allele table’; (3) ‘Nucleotide and protein displays of the human TRBD alleles (overview)’; (4) ‘Human germline TRBJ genes’; (5) ‘Human TRBJ allele table’, and (6) ‘Nucleotide and protein displays of the human TRBJ alleles (overview)’. These tables are available on the IMGT Marie-Paule page from <i>IMGT</i>, the international ImMunoGeneTics database <i>(http://imgt.cines.fr:8104) </i>created in 1989 by Marie-Paule Lefranc, Université Montpellier II, CNRS, France.
Role of Physical Activity Training in Attenuation of Height Loss through Aging
Authors: Sagiv Michael , Vogelaere Peter P. , Soudry Michael , Ehrsam Rolf 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Although the genetic contribution to variability in bone mass has been estimated to be as high as 80%, evidence continues to accumulate suggesting that factors such as physical activity can influence bone mass which may avoid compression of the vertebrae leading to slower stature decline with age. <i>Objectives:</i> This study examines whether regular exercise has the potential of positively affecting the aging process with regard to height loss. <i>Methods:</i> The height of 957 females and 1,088 males who were 35–55 years of age in 1965 were measured again in 1995. Based on a questionnaire, the subjects were divided into four groups. Group A (80 females, aged 73.2 ± 6 years, and 141 males, aged 72.1 ± 5.7 years) represented subjects who were engaged in moderate vigorous aerobic activity throughout their lives; group B (95 females, aged 73.6 ± 5.5 years, and 207 males, aged 71.7 ± 6.1 years) were subjects who started their moderate vigorous aerobic activity around the age of 40 and kept their activity until the present time; group C (362 females, aged 73.2 ± 5 years, and 390 males, aged 71.1 ± 6 years) were persons who were active as young adults, but did not continue to exercise, and group D (425 females, aged 72.8 ± 5.3 years, and 350 males, aged 70.9 ± 6.1 years) were subjects who had not exercised regularly throughout their lives. <i>Results:</i> All subjects lost height due to aging. However, significant (p < 0.05) differences in rate of height loss were found among the A, B, C, and D groups: for females 3.4 ± 0.7, 3.5 ± 0.8, 6.0 ± 0.5, and 6.5 ± 0.7 cm, respectively; for males 2.6 ± 0.5, 3.1 ± 0.4, 5.3 ± 0.4, and 5.5 ± 0.5 cm, respectively. In addition, the females’ height loss rate was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the males in all four activity categories. <i>Conclusions:</i> These data suggest that lifelong moderate endurance training, especially after the age of 40 years, is associated with attenuation of height loss in both sexes. However, the magnitude of the attenuation is significantly higher in males.
Ureaplasmapneumonien und Nachweis von <i>Ureaplasma urealyticum</i> im Tubussekret bei Früh- und Neugeborenen
Authors: Zotter H. , Urlesberger B. , Reiterer F. , Dornbusch H.J. , Sixl B. , Müller W. 
Published: April 2003

Bei wie vielen Frühgeborenen ≤1250 g und bei wie vielen Neugeborenen >1250 g mit klinischer Symptomatik <i>Ureaplasma urealyticum</i> im Tubussekret nachweisbar war und bei wie vielen eine Pneumonie auftrat. <i>Methodik:</i> Die Patienten wurden in zwei Gruppen unterteilt (Gruppe 1: Geburtsgewicht ≤1250 g, n = 25; Gruppe 2: Geburtsgewicht >1250 g, n = 45) und diese wiederum in zwei Subgruppen (Subgruppe a: <i>U. urealyticum</i> im Tubussekret ohne Pneumonie; Subgruppe b: <i>U. urealyticum</i> im Tubussekret mit Pneumonie). <i>Ergebnisse</i>: Bei 9 Patienten der Gruppe 1 (36%) konnte <i>U. urealyticum</i> nachgewiesen werden, und 5 dieser Patienten (20%) hatten eine Pneumonie (Gruppe 1b). Frühgeborene mit einer Ureaplasmapneumonie hatten im Vergleich zu jenen mit einer blossen Ureaplasmabesiedelung signifikant höhere Beatmungsparameter, eine längere Beatmungsdauer und einen grösseren Sauerstoffbedarf. Bei 6 Patienten der Gruppe 2 (13%) konnte <i>U. urealyticum</i> nachgewiesen werden, und 2 von ihnen (4,4%) hatten eine Pneumonie. <i>Schlussfolgerungen:</i> Bei neonatalen Pneumonien bei sehr kleinen Frühgeborenen, aber auch bei reifen Neugeborenen, sollte stets <i>U. urealyticum</i> in die Differentialdiagnose miteinbezogen werden.
New Perspectives for Treatment of Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Simonneau G. 
Published: April 2003

Subcutaneous low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) have been shown to be as safe and effective as intravenous unfractionated heparin (UFH) for the initial treatment of patients with deep vein thrombosis and acute symptomatic pulmonary embolism. In comparison with UFH, LMWHs have a longer half-life, greater bioavailability and more predictable antithrombotic effect when administered in fixed doses, thus obviating the need for laboratory monitoring. It is therefore feasible that LMWH preparations may replace UFH for the treatment of pulmonary embolism in the future. It is recommended that LMWH should be administered for 5–10 days and should overlap with oral anticoagulant therapy by at least 4 days. Surgical pulmonary embolectomy should only be considered in patients with life-threatening pulmonary embolism who have failed to respond during the first 3 h of thrombolytic therapy. The systematic use of vena cava filters is not recommended in patients presumed to be at high risk for pulmonary embolism.
Enoxaparin Reduces Cerebral Edemaafter Photothrombotic Injury in the Rat
Authors: Pratt J. , Boudeau P. , Uzan A. , Imperato A. , Stutzmann J.-M. 
Published: April 2003

This study investigates the effect of enoxaparin (Lovenox, Klexane), a low-molecular-weight heparin, on edema following a photothrombotic lesion using rose bengal dye in the rat. An area of cerebral ischemia was provoked in the right hemisphere of rats. Edema developed over 24 h after the lesion, as seen comparing water content of a core sample from the right hemisphere to that of a similar sample from the left hemisphere of each rat. Enoxaparin at 0.5 mg/kg i.v. plus 2 mg/kg s.c. reduced edema 24 h after lesion induction by 32% (p < 0.01) when the treatment was started 2 h after photothrombotic insult, with maintenance doses of 2 mg/kg s.c. enoxaparin at 6 and 18 h. When the same initial treatment with enoxaparin was started 18 h after insult, there was still a significant reduction of 20% (p < 0.01) in cerebral edema. Administration of enoxaparin 18 h after insult reduced cerebral edema in a dose-dependent manner. There was no evidence of intracranial hemorrhages in any of the animal groups and when the hemoglobin content of the brain samples was assayed by the method of Drabkin, no increase in hemoglobin content was seen compared to sham-operated animals.
Relation between Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Platelet Surface Activation and Endothelial Cell Markers
Authors: Ramsis Nevene , El-Hawary Ahmed A. , Ismail Emad 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The role of platelet activation and endothelial cell damage in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis was investigated. <i>Methods:</i> Flow-cytometric detection of platelet activity was accomplished by measuring the surface expression of activated platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (activated CD41) and the lysosomal integral membrane protein (CD63). Levels of thrombomodulin (TM) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) were estimated by the ELISA technique as markers of endothelial cell damage. These procedures were performed in healthy male subjects without obvious signs of atherosclerosis. Also, the intima-media thickness of the carotid artery was measured with high-resolution B- mode ultrasound to quantitate the presence and/or the extent of carotid atherosclerosis. <i>Results:</i> According to ultrasound findings patients were divided into those with apparent evidence of atherosclerosis (AS+) with intima-media thickness >1.1 mm (n = 19) and those without such evidence (AS–) with intima-media thickness <1.1 mm (n = 17). The percentages of activated CD41 and CD63 surface antigen expression were significantly increased in the AS+ compared to AS– subjects. TM levels were elevated in the former group compared to the latter, while vWF levels were not different in the two groups. Multivariate analysis indicated the independent association of carotid atherosclerosis with each of the expression of activated CD41, CD63 as well as TM levels after adjustment of other risk factors. <i>Conclusion:</i> This study demonstrates that platelets circulate in an enhanced activation state in asymptomatic atherosclerosis, which is closely related to the degree of endothelial cell damage as expressed by increased plasma levels of TM. The detection of platelet activation can be used as a potential marker for oncoming atherosclerosis.
The Beneficial Effect of a β-D-Xyloside, Iliparcil, in the Prevention of Postthrombolytic Rethrombosis in the Rat
Authors: Chicaud P. , Rademakers J.R. , Millet J. 
Published: April 2003

The effect of Iliparcil, a new orally active β-<i>D</i>-xyloside venous antithrombotic, was studied on the rethrombosis following thrombolytic therapy in rats, using a modified Umetsu model. The drug was administered by oral route prior to thrombolytic therapy, which consisted of administering a combination of heparin and urokinase (H/U) at 37.5 and 70,000 IU/kg, respectively. Time to reocclusion increased from 3.9 min with saline to 10.5 min following H/U injection. When Iliparcil (30 mg/kg, oral route) was administered 4 h before H/U injection, the time to reocclusion was increased by 250% compared with H/U alone (p < 0.001). Similarly, dermatan sulfate (DS), administered intravenously (3 mg/kg) 5 min before thrombus induction, also increased the time to reocclusion (300% compared with H/U alone; p < 0.001). It was also shown that times to reocclusion following Iliparcil or DS treatments were still increased even when heparin dosage was decreased. These results suggest that an antithrombotic product derived from the β-<i>D</i>-xyloside family could be advantageously used in combination with thrombolytic treatment instead of heparin, which causes complications and side effects.
Conjectures and Refutations on the Mode of Action of Heparins
Authors: Béguin S. , Welzel D. , Al Dieri R. , Hemker H.C. 
Published: April 2003

Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs), like unfractionated heparin (UFH), exert their action primarily by accelerating the interaction between antithrombin (AT) and thrombin. At the levels of aXa activity that are attained in human pharmacology, it does not cause significant (>15%) inhibition of the clotting system. The essential differences between LMWHs and UFH are: (a) LMWHs attain higher plasma concentrations after subcutaneous injection (high bioavailability), and (b) in contrast to LMWHs, UFH contains very large heparin molecules with a putative hemorrhagic action. The reputedly higher aXa activity of LMWH can be shown to be largely due to the absence of Ca<sup>2+</sup> using the current laboratory methods to estimate this activity. Via this artifact the apparently high aXa activity of LMWHs is <i>correlated</i> but not <i>related</i> to their favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Consequently dosage guidelines for the use of different LMWHs cannot be based upon their aXa activity. Until better laboratory methods are available, clinical results are the only reliable guideline to heparin dosage.
Identification of Sunflower Seed IgE-Binding Proteins
Authors: Kelly Jack D. , Hlywka Jason J. , Hefle Susan L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Sunflower seed can cause severe anaphylactic reactions in some susceptible individuals. It is conceivable that the 2S sunflower seed protein is an allergen based on its high degree of homology (34%) with the allergenic mature 2S albumin protein of the Brazil nut. The first step in determining the allergenicity of sunflower seed proteins is to identify IgE-binding proteins. <i>Methods:</i> Sera from sunflower seed-sensitive individuals were evaluated by radioallergosorbent test (RAST), isoelectric focusing (IEF) and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis immunoblotting with sunflower seed proteins. <i>Results:</i> Positive RAST scores (>2) were observed in 3 individuals and immunoblotting demonstrated IgE-binding to 2–7 distinct proteins ranging in size from 10 to 50 kD. Two out of 3 sera recognized two proteins between 16 and 17 kD. The lower molecular weight protein (16 kD) approximates to the prepo region of the precursor methionine-rich 2S albumin protein found in sunflower seed (SFA-8/SSA). IEF followed by immunoblotting demonstrated several IgE-binding proteins, including two proteins with isoelectric points of 5.97 and 5.3, respectively, which are consistent with the mature and immature forms of the SFA-8/SSA region. <i>Conclusions:</i> Sunflower seed contains several IgE-binding proteins, including regions of the high-methionine 2S albumin SFA-8/SSA.
Specific IgE Levels to <i>Cicer arietinum</i> (Chick Pea) in Tolerant and Nontolerant Children: Evaluation of Boiled and Raw Extracts
Authors: Martínez San Ireneo Mercedes , Ibáñez Sandín Maria Dolores , Fernández-Caldas Enrique , Marañón Lizana Francisco , Rosales Fletes Maria José , Laso Borrego Maria Teresa 
Published: April 2003

The chick pea, <i>Cicer arietinum</i>, is a legume commonly consumed in Spain and other Mediterranean countries. The sera of 29 children (mean age: 8.4 years) with a current or past history of allergic reactions after ingestion of chick pea, and positive skin tests to this legume, were used to study the allergenic composition of raw and boiled chick pea extracts. The patient population was divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 19 patients with clinical sensitivity confirmed by either positive oral challenges or a convincing recent history of anaphylaxis after eating chick peas, and group 2 consisted of 10 patients with clinical sensitivity in the past, but tolerant at the time of blood extraction. Six atopic children, not allergic to legumes, were included as controls. Specific IgE to the raw and boiled extracts was measured by ELISA. The allergenic composition of both extracts was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and immunoblots. There were no significant differences between specific IgE levels to the raw and boiled extracts (p = 0.23). The mean levels in group 1 were significantly higher than in group 2 and controls (p = 0.0001). Multiple IgE binding proteins/peptides were detected in both extracts in the molecular weight range of 10–106 kD. Only nontolerant patients recognized a similar number of bands in both extracts. Chick pea extracts contain a majority of heat-stable allergens, which could be responsible for the clinical sensitivity to chick pea. Patients with a current clinical allergy to chick pea have statistically higher specific IgE levels than tolerant patients and controls.
Beclomethasone Decreases Elevations in Phosphodiesterase Activity in Human T Lymphocytes
Authors: Crocker I. Caroline , Church Martin K. , Ohia S. Edet , Townley Robert G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> We recently reported that CD4+ T cells that have been activated in vivo or in vitro contain elevated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity. Since both phosphodiesterase inhibitors and glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory activity, we sought to investigate the effect of beclomethasone on PDE activity. <i>Methods:</i> PDE activity was measured in CD4+ T cells after 24 h of culture with beclomethasone. Cells were obtained from the peripheral blood of nonatopic persons (nCells), pre-seasonal (pCells), seasonal (within the first 2 weeks; sCells) and mid-seasonal (mCells) allergic rhinitics and asymptomatic allergic asthmatics (aCells). In addition, the effect of beclomethasone on Th2 cell lines and cells that had been activated in vitro with PHA or interleukin (IL)-2 was determined. <i>Results:</i> PDE activity was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by incubation of mCells, Th2 lines and PHA or IL-2-activated CD4+ T cells with beclomethasone (p < 0.05). However, beclomethasone did not modulate PDE activity in nCells, pCells, sCells, or aCells. <i>Conclusions:</i> Beclomethasone only decreases cAMP PDE activity in CD4+ T cells when it is increased by cell activation either in vitro or in vivo.