bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental Changes in Progenitor Cell Responsiveness to Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Differentially Modulate Progressive CNS Lineage Fate
Authors: Mehler Mark F. , Mabie Peter C. , Zhu Gaofa , Gokhan Solen , Kessler John A. 
Published: April 2003

Although multipotent progenitor cells capable of generating neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are present within the germinal zones of the brain throughout embryonic, postnatal and adult life, the different neural cell types are generated within discrete temporospatial developmental windows. This might suggest that multipotent progenitor cells encounter different signals during each developmental stage, thus accounting for separate waves of lineage commitment and cellular differentiation. This study demonstrates, however, that progenitor cell responses to the same class of signals, the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), change during ontogeny, and that these same signals may thus initiate progenitor cell elaboration of several different lineages. BMPs promote cell death and inhibit the proliferation of early (embryonic day 13, E13) ventricular zone progenitor cells. At later embryonic (E16) stages of cerebral cortical development, BMPs exhibit a concentration-dependent dissociation of cellular actions, with either enhancement of neuronal and astroglial elaboration (at 1–10 ng/ml) or potentiation of cell death (at 100 ng/ml). Finally, during the period of perinatal cortical gliogenesis, BMPs enhance astroglial lineage elaboration. By contrast, oligodendroglial lineage elaboration is inhibited by the BMPs at all stages. Further, application of the BMP antagonist noggin to cultured progenitors promotes the generation of oligodendrocytes, indicating that endogenous BMP signaling can actively suppress oligodendrogliogenesis. These observations suggest that developmental changes in neural progenitor cell responsiveness to the BMPs may represent a novel mechanism for orchestrating context-specific cellular events such as lineage elaboration and cellular viability.
Cutaneous Ulceration after Injection of Polyethylene-Glycol-Modified Interferon Alpha Associated with Visual Disturbances in a Melanoma Patient
Authors: Heinzerling Lucie , Dummer Reinhard , Wildberger Hannes , Burg Günter 
Published: April 2003

Interferons are used in the therapy of multiple sclerosis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, hepatitis and melanoma. Their short half-life that requires frequent injections can be increased by polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. A 50-year-old patient was diagnosed as having an acrolentiginous melanoma (Breslow >5 mm, Clark level IV) and inguinal lymph node metastases. After surgical excision and lymphadenectomy, immune therapy with 6.0 μg pegylated interferon α<sub>2b</sub>/kg body weight, s.c., was started. Cutaneous ulcerations at the injection sites developed 9 months after treatment initiation. The patient also developed blurred vision and presented with binasal scotomas and pathological visually evoked potentials and electroretinogram. The cutaneous ulcerations slowly healed under local therapy and reduction of the concentration of the PEG-modified interferon from 0.86 to 0.43 mg/ml. The dosage was maintained. Two months later, the therapy was stopped due to disease progression. Vision subsequently recovered. Cutaneous reactions evolved at the sites of subcutaneous injections of PEG-modified interferon α<sub>2b</sub>. Changes in vision can probably be attributed to immunotherapy.
Investigation of Annexin V Binding to Lymphocytes after Extracorporeal Photoimmunotherapy as an Early Marker of Apoptosis
Authors: Gerber Annegret , Bohne Marisela , Rasch Janet , Struy Heinz , Ansorge Siegfried , Gollnick Harald 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Induction of programmed cell death is assumed to be a possible effect of extracorporeal photoimmunotherapy (ECPI). <i>Objective:</i> In the present study lymphocytes of patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma undergoing ECPI were investigated for early apoptotic events. <i>Methods:</i> Annexin V, known for its selective affinity to phospholipids, was used to detect early phases of apoptosis. Simultaneous staining with propidium iodide binding to DNA allowed detection of late apoptotic/necrotic cells. <i>Results:</i> At 1 h after ECPI, an increase in early apoptotic cells was found indicating a direct effect of ECPI. At 20 h after each ECPI session, a delayed increase in the number of apoptotic lymphocytes was observed in early apoptotic annexin-stained cells and in late apoptotic cells, whereas in nonirradiated cells no remarkable changes were found. Apoptosis was confirmed by altered light scattering properties and DNA fragmentation. <i>Conclusion:</i> The apoptotic cell death of reinfused lymphocytes is supposed to be a therapeutic effect of ECPI.
Cocaine-Related Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Authors: Hofbauer G.F.L. , Burg G. , Nestle F.O. 
Published: April 2003

We report the case of a 26-year-old student with erosive skin changes on his oral and genital mucosa and skin as well as on his thighs twice after cocaine snorting. The second of these two episodes was documented histologically, and other underlying causes of disease were excluded. A diagnosis of recurring Stevens-Johnson syndrome was made. Treatment was initiated with bed rest, systemic prednisone at 1 mg/kg body weight and liquid nutrition. Mucosal changes resolved within 4 days. On follow-up the patient remained free of symptoms while abstaining from the particular cocaine street mix in question. Cocaine has been involved in seizures, headaches, ischemic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral vasculitis, Churg-Strauss vasculitis, palpable purpura and Henoch-Schönlein vasculitis. Bullous skin disease in association with cocaine has been reported in 1 patient. To our knowledge, we report the first case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated with cocaine snorting.
Effect of Cisapride on Gastroduodenal Reflux and Gall Bladder Motility in Patients with Gallstones
Authors: Baxter P.S. , Maddern G.J. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this work was to assess the effect of 10 mg of cisapride twice daily for 1 week on symptoms, gastroduodenal reflux and gall bladder emptying in patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Seventy-seven patients, 29 male and 48 female, underwent a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 1-week treatment period between studies before cholecystectomy. Fifty-one of these patients were suitable for gall bladder emptying ejection fraction analysis. Gastroduodenal reflux and gall bladder emptying were assessed using Milk <sup>99</sup>Tc<sup>m</sup> DIDA scans. Cisapride did not significantly alter gastroduodenal reflux but gall bladder motility was altered after cisapride treatment (p < 0.05).
Laparoscopy versus Laparotomy:Compari son of Adhesion-Formation after Bowel Resection in a Canine Model
Authors: Schippers E. , Tittel A. , Öttinger A. , Schumpelick V. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Aim:</b> The purpose of the study was to compare adhesions following laparoscopic and conventional operations. <b>Methods:</b> In 14 dogs cecal resection and a deserosation of the abdominal wall were performed laparoscopically (n = 7) or by laparotomy (n = 7). After 8 days all dogs were reexamined and the adhesions were quantified by computer-aided measurements. The significance of any differences were tested using Student’s t test. <b>Results:</b> The extent of adhesions after laparoscopy (630 ± 360 mm<sup>2</sup>) and after laparotomy (3,300 ± 1,007 mm<sup>2</sup>) differed significantly (p < 0.0001). Extensive adhesions to the abdominal incision and interenteric adhesions were found after conventional operations. Identical manipulations, such as cecal resection or deserosation of the lateral wall, led to the same frequency and extent of adhesions in both operation groups. <b>Conclusion:</b> Laparoscopic procedures are associated with significantly less adhesions in comparison to conventional operations. Therefore the risk of adhesion-related complications should be reduced after laparoscopic operations.
Management of T Tubes for Common Bile Duct Stones: A New Technique
Authors: Stein David E. , Sclafani Salvatore J.A. , Kral John G. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> The optimal treatment of common bile duct (CBD) stones is controversial, and depends on local expertise, the patient’s medical condition and the time of diagnosis. Current practice entails a wide variation in the duration of leaving T tubes in place, anywhere from 7 to 30 days, and in the time to postoperative cholangiogram. Here we present a new technique for T-tube placement and management of secondary or retained CBD calculi that reduces T-tube duration to ≤ 5 days. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> After CBD exploration and clearance, we place a 10- to 18-French T tube through a 22- to 34-French straight rubber catheter with side holes acting as a sheath. The two tubes are exteriorized together, with the sheath protruding 1–2 cm. We place a colostomy bag for collecting possible abdominal drainage over the site and run the T tube through the colostomy bag into a bile bag. <b>Results:</b> Our method allows early removal of the T tube in patients with cleared ducts and early radiologic instrumentation of the CBD through the sheath to extract retained calculi. This obviates the need for postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography. <b>Conclusion:</b> This method reduces the length of hospital stay, the number of outpatient office visits and postoperative studies, and the duration of T-tube drainage, potentially decreasing the incidence of complications of T tubes, improving patient satisfaction.
Laparoscopic Approach to Hepatic Hydatid Disease
Authors: Ertem Metin , Uras Cihan , Karahasanoglu Tayfun , Erguney Sabri , Alemdaroglu Kemal 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> The aim of this paper is to present our brief experience on laparoscopic hydatid cyst surgery; we estimated the reproducibility of used techniques in conventional surgery with this relatively recent and attractive method. <b>Methods:</b> Fifteen cysts in 12 selected hydatid disease patients were treated laparoscopically. Cystotomy, partial cystectomy and drainage were performed in 9 patients. Omentoplasty was added to the procedure in the remaining 3 cases. <b>Results:</b> The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.9 days. There was no mortality, and 1 patient developed bile leakage. Mean follow-up is 18 months. No recurrence was observed during this period. <b>Conclusion:</b> We suggest that laparoscopic treatment of hydatid disease is feasible in selected patients respecting the principles of open surgery and seems beneficial concerning postoperative comfort, hospital stay and return to daily activities.
Effect of a Microwave Coagulator on Implanted Liver Neoplasms in Rats
Authors: Chen H.H. , Cooper A. , Taylor I. , Johnson C.D. 
Published: April 2003

An experimental study was conducted to determine the applicability of a microwave (MW) source for coagulation and dissection of metastatic tumour and liver parenchyma. Twenty PVG rats were studied after implantation of MC28 tumour cells into the liver. Eleven days later they underwent sham laparotomy (control) MW coagulation of the tumour deposit, local resection of the tumour deposit with 2 mm clearance or resection of the tumour with MW coagulation of the resection zone. The control animals all died with blood-stained ascites and heavy tumour burden in the liver. After MW coagulation, tumours disappeared in all but one rat. Local resection also led to tumour clearance in 4 of 5 rats. MW coagulation of the resection zone allowed rapid bloodless resection, and no tumour recurrence was observed after 40–89 days. We conclude that MW coagulation is a potentially useful tool for ablation of hepatic metastasis and as an adjunct to hepatic resection.
Effects of Perioperative Treatment with TNP-470 on the Resistance of Colonic Anastomoses in Rats
Authors: García-Olmo D.C. , Payá J. , García-Olmo D. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aims:</i> The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of perioperative treatment with TNP-470 on the resistance of colonic anastomoses. TNP-470 is a drug that was developed as an inhibitor of angiogenesis. <i>Methods:</i> A colonic anastomosis was constructed in Sprague-Dawley rats. From 4 days before surgery to 4 days afterwards, each animal received daily intraperitoneal treatment that differed according to the group to which it belonged: the control group, which received gum arabic, or the TNP group, which received 30 mg/kg TNP-470 in gum arabic. The size of the cecum and the diameters of the pre-anastomotic and post-anastomotic colon were measured at operation and 4 days after surgery, when all animals were sacrificed. At this time the presence of adhesions was also investigated. Each segment containing an anastomosis was removed and the bursting pressure (BP) and bursting wall tension (BWT) were determined. <i>Results:</i> Loss of cecum caliber and decreases in pre-anastomotic diameter were significantly greater in the TNP group than in the control group (p = 0.017 and p = 0.004, respectively). Dilatation and obstruction of the colon were more frequent in the control group, but the difference between the groups was significant only with respect to dilatation (p = 0.005). Moreover, loss of body weight was greater in the TNP group than in the control group (p < 0.001). BP and BWT were significantly lower in animals that had received TNP-470 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). With respect to post-anastomotic diameter, general adhesions and adhesions to the anastomotic line, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups. <i>Conclusions:</i> Perioperative treatment with TNP-470, an inhibitor of angiogenesis, affects the healing and reduces the resistance of colonic anastomoses.
Influence of Aging on Cortical and Trabecular Bone Response to Estradiol Treatment in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Gaumet N. , Braillon P. , Seibel M.J. , Pointillart A. , Coxam V. , Davicco M.J. 
Published: April 2003

Three groups (n = 15/group) of 6-, 12- and 30-month-old (mature, old and senescent animals, respectively) female Wistar rats on a diet (6 g/100 g BW/day) containing 0.8% calcium and 0.8% inorganic phosphorus were studied. Within each group, 10 rats were ovariectomized surgically and 5 injected s.c. with 17β-estradiol (E rats, 10 µg/kg BW/48 h) and 5 with solvent alone (OVX rats) from day 2 until day 60 after ovariectomy. Five other rats were sham-operated (SH rats) and received solvent only. All rats were killed by exsanguination 60 days after ovariectomy. Neither ovariectomy nor estradiol treatment had a significant effect upon tibial mechanical properties in 6-, 12- and 30-month-old animals. Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) of the distal femur and BMC of the whole femur were decreased by ovariectomy in 6- and 12-month-old rats, but were not different in the SH and E groups. In senescent animals, in which the lowest BMD and BMC were measured, estradiol treatment was more effective in increasing these parameters than in adult and old rats. Image analysis of the distal femoral diaphysis showed that estradiol treatment prevented trabecular bone loss induced by senescence and/or ovariectomy. In each group, urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion and plasma osteocalcin concentration were higher in the OVX animals than in the controls, consistent with increased bone turnover in the estrogen-deficient state. Both biochemical turnover markers were reduced in the estrogen-treated groups. These results indicate that 17β-estradiol is particularly effective at preventing high-turnover-induced osteopenia in 30-month-old animals.
Peripheral Serotonin Levels in Women: Role of Aging and Ethnicity
Authors: Kumar Adarsh M. , Weiss Sharlene , Fernandez Jesus B. , Cruess Dean , Eisdorfer Carl 
Published: April 2003

Serotonin has been implicated to play an important role in regulating emotions and behavior, and it is well accepted that the platelet serotonergic system mirrors the presynaptic central serotonergic system. Since prevalence of psychiatric problems increases with age and women are known to be more vulnerable than men, the present investigation was carried out to study the relationship between serotonin activity and age in women. Levels of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and its metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured in platelets and plasma in women (n = 49) aged 40– 84 years (30 women aged 40–60 years and 19 women aged 61–84 years). There was a significant age difference between the two groups (mean: 47.6 ± 5.91 years in the younger and 73.0 ± 6.83 years in the older women, respectively, p < 0.00001). Platelet 5-HT as well as 5-HIAA levels were significantly higher in older women as compared to those in the younger women (89.41 ± 21.95 ng/10<sup>8</sup> platelets in younger vs. 112.9 ± 36.07 in older women, p < 0.02, and 1.20 ± 1.10 in younger vs. 2.19 ± 1.88 ng/10<sup>8</sup> platelets in older women, p < 0.05, respectively). Pearson correlation coefficients determined in the combined group (n = 49) showed a significant positive correlation between platelet 5-HT and age (r = 0.31, p < 0.03). Plasma 5-HT levels on the other hand were lower in older women compared to those in the younger women (4.50 ± 3.20 in younger vs. 1.04 ± 1.28 ng/ml plasma in older women, p < 0.0001) and a significant negative correlation was observed between plasma 5-HT and age (r = –0.44, p < 0.002). Plasma 5-HIAA concentration did not differ between the two groups. Platelet 5-HT levels in the younger group were independent of ethnicity. Since high serotonin activity has also been associated with psychiatric problems, our results of increased concentration of platelet 5-HT as well as 5-HIAA with age may have implications in predisposing aging women to behavioral/psychiatric problems.
Effects of Low-Impact, Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training with and without Wrist Weights on Functional Capacities and Mood States in Older Adults
Authors: Engels H.-J. , Drouin J. , Zhu W. , Kazmierski J.F. 
Published: April 2003

This study examined the effects of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise training with and without wrist weights (0.68 kg·wrist<sup>–1</sup>) on functional capacities and mood states in older adults (age 68.6 ± 5.6, mean ± SD). Twenty-three senior citizens residing in the community were randomly assigned to wrist weight (WW; n = 12) and no-wrist weight (NW; n = 11) exercise groups while 11 matched subjects served as non-exercise controls (NE). Exercise training was performed for 10 weeks, 3 days/week, for 60 min/session and consisted of low-impact aerobic dance (50–70% of maximal heart rate) combined with exercises to promote muscular fitness, flexibility, and balance. Before and after the intervention, each participant’s aerobic fitness, muscular strength, flexibility, static and dynamic balance, skinfold thickness, and psychological mood states were assessed under standardized testing conditions. Exercise training resulted in significant improvements in peak oxygen uptake, lower extremity muscle strength, and psychological vigor (p < 0.05) but did not affect other fitness components (p > 0.05). There were no differences between the WW and NW exercise groups for any of the same variables studied (p > 0.05). No significant pre- to post-test changes were found for the NE control group (p > 0.05). It is concluded that 10 weeks of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise training of the type that can be considered well-rounded in nature provides a sufficient stimulus to augment aerobic fitness, beneficially affects leg strength, and increases feelings of vigor in older adults. The present observations indicate that the use of light wrist weights has no beneficial or adverse effects on the measured training outcomes.
Serum Free and Total Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I, Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-1 and Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3Levels in Healthy Elderly Individuals
Authors: Janssen J.A.M.J.L. , Stolk R.P. , Pols H.A.P. , Grobbee D.E. , Lamberts S.W.J. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> Little is known about the influence of the free insulin-like growth factor-I/insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGF-I/IGFBP) system on the quality of health and on disability in the elderly population. <b>Design:</b> In a cross-sectional population based study of 218 healthy elderly subjects (age 55–80 yrs) fasting free and total insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels were measured. Subjective quality of health was assessed by asking all participants whether they judged the quality of their health as better, the same or worse than that of their peers. Disability was determined by the Disability Index of the Stanford Health Questionnaire. <b>Results:</b> Mean serum-free IGF-I levels were significantly lower in the 21 subjects who experienced their health as worse than those of their peers, compared to the 181 subjects who experienced their health as better or the same as their peers 0.069 (SE 0.009) vs. 0.093 nmol/l (SE 0.004) (p = 0.04). Mean IGFBP-1 levels were significantly higher in subjects, who felt less healthy than their peers 1.23 (SE 0.26) vs. 0.73 nmol/l (SE 0.82) (p = 0.01). Free and total IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 levels, were not different in subjects with the lowest and the highest Disability Index Score. <b>Conclusion:</b> Low free IGF-I and high IGFBP-1 levels are associated with a decreased self-reported quality of health, but are not related to physical disability in the elderly.
The Adherent Gastric Antral and Duodenal Mucus Gel Layer Thins with Advancing Age in Subjects Infected with <i>Helicobacter pylori</i>
Authors: Newton Julia L. , Jordan Nicola , Pearson Jeff , Williams Gareth V. , Allen Adrian , James Oliver F.W. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Peptic ulceration and <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection increase with advancing age. In the upper gastro-intestinal tract the first line of mucosal defence is the adherent mucus gel layer. <i>Objective:</i> We have examined, using a novel histological fixation technique, the thickness of the adherent mucus gel layer (1) in the gastric antrum and (2) in the duodenum in relation to advancing age and <i>H. pylori</i> status. <i>Methods:</i> The subjects had macroscopically normal stomach and duodenum at endoscopy. Measurement of the gastric antral mucus thickness was carried out on four antral biopsy specimens from within 2 cm of the pylorus (<i>H. pylori</i> positive n = 25, negative n = 21). The duodenal mucus thickness (D1) was measured from two biopsy specimens (<i>H. pylori</i> positive n = 7, negative n = 13). All specimens were snap frozen and cryostat sections stained using a modified PAS/AB stain. <i>Results:</i> In all sections the mucus layer was continuous. In both duodenum and gastric antrum, the mucus thickness was not significantly different between <i>H. pylori</i> positive and <i>H. pylori</i> negative age-matched samples. In duodenum and gastric antrum from <i>H. pylori</i> negative subjects, there was no correlation between mucus thickness and age. However, in <i>H. pylori</i> positive subjects, there was a significant thinning of the adherent gastric antral mucus gel layer (p = 0.005, r = –0.54) and the duodenal mucus thickness (p < 0.001, r = –0.99) with advancing age. <i>Conclusion:</i> This study shows a significant thinning of the adherent mucus gel layer in <i>H. pylori</i> positive individuals, as stomach and duodenum age. In those without <i>H. pylori</i>, the mucus gel thickness is preserved in stomach and duodenum.