bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preconditioning with Sodium Arsenite Inhibits Apoptotic Cell Death in Rat Kidney with Ischemia/Reperfusion or Cyclosporine-Induced Injuries
Authors: Yang Chul Woo , Kim Byung Soo , Kim Jin , Ahn Hee Jong , Park Joo Hyun , Jin Dong Chan , Kim Yong Soo , Bang Byung Kee 
Published: April 2003

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of heat-shock protein (HSP)70 induction with sodium arsenite (SA) on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) or cyclosporin A (CsA)-induced injuries in rat kidney. Rats were classified into five groups (sham, I/R, SA+I/R, I/R+CsA and SA+I/R+CsA groups) according to both the status of SA pretreatment and treatment with CsA. SA (6 mg/kg, i.v.) pretreatment was accomplished 12 h before I/R injury, and CsA (20 mg/kg, s.c.) was given subsequent to I/R injury. The effect of SA pretreatment on I/R injury was evaluated using measurements of renal function, the histopathology score, and assays for apoptosis (DNA fragmentation analysis, TUNEL staining, mRNA expressions of the pro-apoptotic genes and caspase activities). In addition, mitochondrial morphology was examined by electron microscopy. Induction of HSP70 with SA improved both renal function and the histopathology score as compared to the group without HSP70 induction. The assays for apoptosis revealed that SA pretreatment decreased the DNA laddering pattern, TUNEL-positive cells, mRNAs expression of pro-apoptotic genes and caspase activities as compared with the group without SA pretreatment. In addition, the mitochondrial morphology was well preserved in the groups with SA pretreatment. In conclusion, SA pretreatment prevents subsequent I/R or CsA-induced injuries in the rat kidney, and this renoprotective effect appears to be mediated by induction of HSP70.
Apoptosis and Angiotensin II: Yet Another Renal Regulatory System?
Authors: Bonnet Fabrice , Cao Zemin , Cooper Mark E. 
Published: April 2003

Apoptosis plays a key role in the regulation of normal renal structure and kidney remodeling in various renal diseases. Angiotensin II plays a prominent role in renal injury through its receptor subtypes, the type 1 (AT1) receptor and the type 2 (AT2) receptor, which involve different molecular mechanisms. In addition to its haemodynamic actions, angiotensin II induces apoptosis. Angiotensin II also increases proliferation in the kidney. A close correlation between renal cell proliferation and apoptosis has been shown in renal diseases as well as in the angiotensin II infusion model. Angiotensin induces upregulation of p53 and other pro-apoptotic proteins. Recent studies suggest that both AT1 and AT2 receptors influence the apoptotic process in the kidney. These apoptotic effects of angiotensin II should be considered as representing another regulatory mechanism that may modulate the balance between cell growth and proliferation within the kidney.
High Glucose Concentrations Stimulate Renal Papillary Phosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis
Authors: Setton-Avruj Clara P. , Speziale Emir H.S. , Sterin-Speziale Norma B. 
Published: April 2003

The effects of a high glucose concentration (HGC) on renal phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) biosynthesis were studied. In control rats, HGC increased papillary PtdCho biosynthesis. In chronic diabetic rats, an increase above that induced by diabetes was observed. Such glucose-responsive phospholipid pools were shown to be transient in adult control rats, while in acute diabetic and aged control and chronic diabetic rats they seem to be of slow breakdown or permanent. Deoxyglucose evokes the HGC effect only in the presence of 5 m<i>M</i> glucose. Neomycin, which blocks phospholipase C action, corrected the HGC effect in control and chronic diabetic rats, but not the increase due to diabetes. CDP-choline: 1,2-diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase activity was increased by both in vivo and simulated diabetes. Therefore, transient high extracellular glucose levels promote a reversible increase in papillary <sup>32</sup>P-PtdCho, while diabetes causes an irreversible increase resulting in PtdCho accumulation, possibly related to papillary necrosis.
Institutionalized Older Adults in a Health District in the United Arab Emirates: Health Status and Utilization Rate
Authors: Margolis Stephen A. , Reed Richard L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Little is known about the rate of institutionalization and health status of nursing home (NH) type patients living in the Middle East. This study was set in the Al-Ain Medical District, a geographically discrete region of the United Arab Emirates, a country with a developing economy located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. NH-type patients were defined as people aged 60 years and older who were admitted to a hospital or a long-term institutionalized setting for at least 6 weeks and with no evidence of an expectation of discharge at the time of the evaluation. <i>Objective:</i> To determine the clinical, functional, cognitive, and nutritional status of NH-type patients living in a defined community within a developing country. <i>Method:</i> Cross-sectional survey. <i>Results:</i> All NH-type patients were identified, and all were included in this study (n = 47, 100% participation rate). All were located within three public institutions, none of which was a dedicated NH facility. The rate of institutionalization was 7.0–14.0 per 1,000 people aged 65 or older. The age distribution was 30% (60–74 years), 49% (75–84 years), and 21% (85+ years). The length of stay was 3.8 years. The female:male ratio was 1.6. All except 1 had a neurological disorder, and 89% had dementia. The cognitive deficits were severe with only 61% alert, 41% able to speak, 17% orientated in place, and 15% orientated in time. The functional status was also poor: 98% received assistance with all instrumental activities of daily living, 85% received assistance with five activities of daily living, and 94% were bed bound. The nutritional status was also impaired with a mean body weight of 45 ± 14 kg and a mean albumin level of 3.1 ± 0.6 g/dl. When compared with the USA data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the study population was younger, had a longer length of stay, a lower female:male ratio, a higher rate of neurological diseases and dementia, and were far more dependent and disorientated. The rate of institutionalization was one sixth to one third of that in the USA. <i>Conclusion:</i> From these data we concluded that this region has a distinctly different population of institutionalized older people who demonstrate greater impairments in all domains of health status.
Antiviral Activity of Amantadine in Elderly Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Torre F. , Campo N. , Giusto R. , Ansaldi F. , Icardi G.C. , Picciotto A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide problem of public health. Epidemiological studies have shown a significant higher prevalence of infection in the elderly. Amantadine is an antiviral agent active against the influenza A virus that has been used in cases of chronic hepatitis C. <i>Objectives:</i> To evaluate the antiviral activity and the safety of amantadine (200 mg daily for 6 months) in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C. <i>Methods:</i> The study group consisted of 23 consecutive patients over 65 years suffering from chronic hepatitis C. Aminotransferase (ALT) levels were tested at baseline, at 15 days and then monthly until the end of therapy. HCV genotype was determined at baseline. A quantitative HCV-RNA measurement was performed at baseline, at 15 days and at the 1st, 3rd and 6th month of treatment. <i>Results:</i> 13 males and 10 females were enrolled (mean age 70.1 ± 3.4 years; range: 65–75). The mean ALT levels did not change significantly during therapy except in 1 patient subsequently returned normal. The HCV-RNA remained detectable in all patients, but a significant difference in response was observed in patients infected by genotype 1b. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our results confirm the antiviral activity of amantadine against HCV, mainly for genotype 1b with initial high viral load. No consistent effects on aminotransferases were observed.
Doppler Flow Velocity Waveforms and Vasoactive Effects of Serotonin in Human Umbilical Arteries
Authors: Haugen Guttorm , Rognerud Halvor 
Published: April 2003

The vasoactive effect of serotonin was investigated by in vitro perfusion in human umbilical arteries in which antenatal Doppler ultrasound examination revealed abnormal velocity waveforms. The results were compared to those obtained in preparations from normotensive uncomplicated term pregnancies as well as from preterm deliveries in which antenatal Doppler ultrasound examination showed normal velocity waveforms related to gestational age. Serotonin induced a monophasic vasoconstriction or a biphasic pressure response with a transient pressure decrease succeeded by a constrictory response. In all groups serotonin induced a significant (p < 0.001) constrictory response, whereas no significant differences were observed between the groups. At a serotonin dose of 10<sup>–7</sup> mol/l, the frequency of preparations with a biphasic pressure response was significantly smaller in the preparations with abnormal diastolic flow as compared to the term control group (5/18 vs. 13/19, p = 0.02), but not significantly different from that of the preterm control group (3/9). The umbilical arterial responsiveness to serotonin does not seem to be dependent on antenatal Doppler velocity waveforms.
Maternal Arrhythmias of Normal Labor and Delivery
Authors: Berlinerblau Rubin , Yessian Annie , Lichstein Edgar , Haberman Shoshana , Oruci Edward , Jewelewicz Raymond 
Published: April 2003

Labor and delivery are associated with significant hemodynamic changes, as well as pain and anxiety, all of which could be fertile ground for arrhythmias. In order to establish whether cardiac arrhythmias occur more frequently during labor and delivery in healthy parturients and whether it clinically affects the mother or the newborn, 100 pregnant women admitted for delivery had Holter monitoring before, during, and up to 1 h postpartum. Our results show that, excluding sinus rhythm variations, only a slight majority of the study subjects had arrhythmia at all, while only 2% had more complex arrhythmias, none of which required any therapeutic intervention. We conclude that cardiac arrhythmias occurring during labor, delivery, and postpartum in the healthy parturient are no more frequent than in the general female population of the same age and are without clinical consequences for the mother and the newborn.
Cirsoid Aneurysm after Hysterectomy
Authors: Kanaoka Yasushi , Hirai Kouzo , Ishiko Osamu , Ogita Sachio 
Published: April 2003

Cirsoid aneurysm, an uncommon abnormal either congenital or acquired arteriovenous communication, is described. As massive life-threatening bleeding can be a consequence, diagnosis is very important. Earlier, angiography was the only imaging method available for visualizing vascular lesions and recent developments in imaging techniques have made diagnostic imaging of cirsoid aneurysms possible using ultrasonography, color flow mapping, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography. In this report, a patient with intrapelvic cirsoid aneurysm posthysterectomy who died 8 h after she had been kicked in the abdomen is described and the results obtained by various imaging techniques are discussed.
Effect of the Supine Position on Uterine and Umbilical Blood Flow during the Third Trimester of Uncomplicated Pregnancies in Multiparous Patients
Authors: Jaffa Ariel J. , Gull I. , Amster Reuben , Lessing Joseph B. , Wolman Igal 
Published: April 2003

We established the effects of the supine position on umbilical blood flow when measured during the third trimester in 30 multiparous, normotensive patients. Blood flow in the umbilical and uterine arteries and blood pressure in the brachial and popliteal arteries were blindly taken by two different observers: first in the lateral and 5 min later in the supine position. There was a significant difference in mean blood pressure between the two postures. However, there was no statistical difference in the pulse pressure or in systolic/diastolic ratio in the umbilical and uterine arteries between the two positions. Postural changes in normotensive multiparous patients do not affect uterine and umbilical blood flow during the third trimester of uncomplicated pregnancies.
Low Areal Bone Mineral Density Values in Adolescents and Young Adult Turner Syndrome Patients Increase after Long-Term Transdermal Estradiol Therapy
Authors: Gussinyé M. , Terrades P. , Yeste D. , Vicens-Calvet E. , Carrascosa A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To study the effects of long-term estradiol therapy on areal bone mineral density (aBMD) values in young adult Turner syndrome patients. <i>Methods:</i> The effects of 2-year transdermal estradiol administration on lumbar, L2–L4, aBMD values were evaluated in 12 Turner syndrome patients, 15.41–21.85 years old, who had reached adult height and had low aBMD values. Puberty was induced in all at a chronological age above 12 years and menarche appeared between 13.82 and 15.40 years. The patients were on oral estrogen/gestagen therapy from then until the start of the study. Adhesive patches of 17-β-estradiol designed to be worn for 72 h and deliver 100 µg of estradiol per day, which results in a steady mean serum estradiol level of 75 pg/ml, were used for 21 days. From day 11 to day 21, 10 mg of oral didrogesterone were also added. Nutritional and physical activity habits were evaluated at the beginning, after 1 year and at the end of the study. <i>Results:</i> aBMD values significantly increased from 0.910 ± 0.065 to 1.005 ± 0.086 g/cm<sup>2</sup> (10.06 ± 3.37%) and the z-score from –2.38 ± 0.63 to –1.54 ± 0.71 (0.81 ± 0.30 z-score). No significant differences were observed in body mass index, calcium intake and physical activity habits at the start, during and at the end of the study. <i>Conclusion:</i> In summary, our results underline the importance of estrogens for bone mass peaking and suggest that this therapeutic protocol may be useful in the therapy of Turner syndrome patients with low bone mass.
Transient Pseudohypoaldosteronism with Complex Malformation of Internal Genitalia
Authors: Iliev D.I. , Petruch U.R. , Ranke M.B. , Binder G. , Leriche C. , Strotbek G. , Wollmann H.A. 
Published: April 2003

At the age of 3 weeks, a girl presenting with acute dehydration was admitted to our hospital. Clinical and laboratory findings revealed malformations of the genitourinary tract, an acute urinary infection and electrolyte disturbances (severe hyponatremia at 115 mmol/l and mild hyperkalemia at 5.6 mmol/l). According to anamnestic data, the child was born to healthy, nonconsanguineous parents. Vaccum extraction was done in the 38th gestational week due to pathological cardiotocography (CTG) findings. Auxological parameters were within the normal range for gestational age. Normal values for 17-OH progesterone and ACTH ruled out congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Pathologically high aldosterone and plasma renin activity (PRA) confirmed the diagnosis of pseudohypoaldosteronism with salt-wasting crisis which proved to be transient.
IL-4 Induces Eotaxin in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Mochizuki Mitsuru , Schröder Jens-M. , Christophers Enno , Yamamoto Shoso 
Published: April 2003

A common feature of Th2-mediated skin diseases is selective eosinophil (Eo) infiltration in the affected dermis. However, the mechanisms of selective Eo recruitment are not yet fully understood. Our recent findings indicated that dermal fibroblasts actively participate in the accumulation of Eo in Th2-mediated skin inflammation. Following stimulation with IL-4, dermal fibroblasts produce eotaxin, which is the only biologically active Eo attractant detected in the supernatants. Natural eotaxin is comprised of a mixture of N-terminal-truncated and <i>O</i>-glycosylated variants. The expression of eotaxin mRNA is upregulated within 1 h after stimulation. TNF-α markedly enhances eotaxin mRNA expression and release of the protein product from IL-4-stimulated fibroblasts. As mast cells and Th2 cells produce both cytokines, it is probable that Eo recruitment into sites of allergen-induced, Th2-mediated skin reactions is, at least in part, due to IL-4-stimulated induction of eotaxin in dermal fibroblasts.
Whole-Blood Flow-Cytometric Analysis of Induction of Adhesion Molecules Expression on Eosinophils Stimulated by Phorbol-12-Myristate-13-Acetate/Ionomycin
Authors: Saito Norihiro , Kayaba Hiroyuki , Honda Kohei , Yamada Yoshiyuki , Cui Chang-Hao , Kamada Yumiko , Kuwasaki Tomoe , Oyamada Hajime , Chihara Junichi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Activation of eosinophils is closely associated with the pathology of allergic inflammatory disease, especially bronchial asthma. We recently investigated the activation of eosinophils by applying whole blood to a flow cytometer. We measured here β<sub>1</sub> and β<sub>2</sub> integrin on eosinophils stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)/ionomycin to evaluate eosinophil activation in vitro using whole blood. <i>Methods:</i> Heparinized whole blood was diluted with the same volume of RPMI 1640, then cells were incubated in the presence or absence of PMA and ionomycin for 45 min at 37°C. After hemolyzation with lysing solution, flow-cytometric findings for CR3, LFA1-α, LFA1-β and VLA-4 expression on eosinophils were examined. <i>Results:</i> Mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of CR3 and LFA1-β stimulated by PMA and ionomycin was significantly higher than that of the unstimulated control. MFI of LFA1-α showed no significant difference from the unstimulated control. On the other hand, MFI of VLA-4 tended to decrease. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our method to distinguish eosinophils from various cell groups in whole blood is simple and time-saving, similar to conditions in vivo and may allow intensive investigation of eosinophils in clinical laboratories as well as in research laboratories. We are currently investigating the influence of different kinds of stimulations, regulation factors or agents on eosinophils using this method.
Effect of Eotaxin on the Generationof Reactive Oxygen Species from Eosinophil Cell Line, YY-1
Authors: Honda Kohei , Yamada Yoshiyuki , Cui Chang-Hao , Saito Norihoro , Kayaba Hiroyuki , Kobayashi Yoshimi , Oyamada Hajime , Kamada Yumiko , Kuwasaki Tomoe , Tsurufuji Susumu , Chihara Junichi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The CC chemokine eotaxin is a selective chemoattractant for eosinophils. Eosinophils have been considered to be the major effector cells in allergic inflammation, since not only eosinophil-specific granule proteins but also reactive oxygen species (ROS) from eosinophils may cause the damage to the cells or tissue of the mucosal epithelium. In this study, we examined the effect of eotaxin on ROS from an eosinophil cell line, YY-1. <i>Methods:</i> ROS in luminol-dependent reaction were examined. Calcium ionophore A23187 were added to the mixture of YY-1 cells with luminol, and then ROS were determined. <i>Results:</i> Eotaxin primed the production of ROS from YY-1 cells. ROS from untreated YY-1 cells evoked with calcium ionophore A23187 in luminol-dependent chemiluminescence gave a maximal value of 1,928 ± 223 intensity counts (IC; mean ± SE, n = 4) and an integral value of 17.04 ± 1.51 IC (×10<sup>–4</sup>), while eosinophils that were treated with eotaxin gave a maximal value of 2,264 ± 86 IC (10 n<i>M</i>), 2,691 ± 124 IC (100 n<i>M</i>) and an integral value of 21.22 ± 0.67 IC (×10<sup>–4</sup>; 10 n<i>M</i>), 26.20 ± 1.41 IC (×10<sup>–4</sup>; 100 n<i>M</i>). <i>Conclusion:</i> Eotaxin might play important roles in the pathogenesis of allergic inflammation through eosinophil activation by priming of eosinophil oxidative metabolism as well as involvement in selective eosinophil chemotaxis.
Identification and Characterization of Cross-Reactive Natural Rubber Latex and <i>Ficus benjamina </i>Allergens
Authors: Chen Zhiping , Düser Maria , Flagge Angelika , Maryska Silke , Sander Ingrid , Raulf-Heimsoth Monika , Baur Xaver 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> An association between allergy to <i>Ficus benjamina</i> and natural rubber latex (NRL) has been suspected based on clinical and immunological observations. The responsible cross-reactive allergens have not been identified yet. This study was undertaken to investigate the cross-reactivity between hevein (Hev b 6.02, 4.7 kD), a major allergen of NRL, and <i>F. benjamina</i> and identify its counterpart in <i>F. benjamina</i>. <i>Methods:</i> 89 serum samples from subjects allergic to NRL were used in the study. Skin prick tests were performed with highly purified hevein and sap extract of <i>F. benjamina</i>. Specific IgE antibodies to NRL, <i>F. benjamina</i> and Hev b 6.02 were determined by the Pharmacia CAP method. Cross-reactivity among these allergens was investigated by means of CAP and immunoblot inhibition experiments. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis separation and protein microsequencing were performed to identify the cross-reactive allergens in <i>F. benjamina</i>. <i>Results:</i> 67 out of 89 (75%) sera showed elevated IgE to hevein. Specific IgE to <i>Ficus</i> were found in 22 (24.7%) sera, and with 1 exception, all these sera also had IgE to Hev b 6.02. Results of CAP inhibition assays using 11 sera showing IgE to both Hev b 6.02 and <i>Ficus</i> demonstrated that the IgE to <i>Ficus</i> could be completely inhibited by Hev b 6.02 in 6 of 11 sera. Immunoblots and immunoblot inhibition assays revealed that a protein of about 45 kD in <i>F. benjamina</i> is strongly recognized by serum IgE. In addition, the IgE-binding reactivity to this 45-kD protein could be completely inhibited by preincubation of the sera with Hev b 6.02. N-terminal protein sequencing of 14 amino acids indicated that this 45-kD protein has a hevein-like domain at the N-terminal region and may belong to the endochitinase family. <i>Conclusion:</i> Latex-allergic<i></i>patients are at higher risk of becoming sensitized to <i>Ficus</i>. Hev b 6.02 in latex is a major cross-reactive allergen and its counterpart in <i>F. benjamina</i> is an acidic protein with a molecular weight of about 45 kD and a hevein-like N-terminal domain.
Reduced Interferon-γ Production and Mutations of the Interleukin-12 Receptor β<sub>2</sub> Chain Gene in Atopic Subjects
Authors: Kondo Naomi , Matsui Eiko , Kaneko Hideo , Fukao Toshiyuki , Teramoto Takahide , Inoue Ryosuke , Watanabe Mizuho , Kasahara Kimiko , Morimoto Naoko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The atopic patient has a predisposition to selective synthesis of IgE antibodies to common environmental antigens. IgE production is upregulated by interleukin-4 (IL-4) and downregulated by interferon-γ (IFN-γ). IL-12 is a cytokine that induces IFN-γ production. The signal of IL-12 is transduced through the IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) and Stat4. <i>Methods:</i> We examined IFN-γ production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) following stimulation with IL-12 or phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in healthy controls and atopic patients. Moreover, sequences of the IL-12R β<sub>2</sub> chain gene were analyzed. <i>Results:</i> The serum IgE levels were negatively correlated (p < 0.001) with IFN-γ production. In 24 out of 75 atopic patients, IFN-γ production in PBMCs following stimulation with IL-12 was under the detection limit, but PHA stimulation elicited detectable IFN-γ production. Sequence analysis of the cDNA of IL-12R β<sub>2</sub> revealed three kinds of distinct genetic mutations (2496 del 91, 1577 A to G and 2799 A to G) in 10 unrelated subjects of the 24 whose IFN-γ production following IL-12 stimulation was under the detection limit. PBMCs cultured with IL-12 and PHA in these 10 subjects showed decreased tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat4. <i>Conclusions:</i> The results of our study indicate that atopic diseases are caused, in part, by impairment of the IL-12 signal cascade, which downregulates IgE production, and that the mutation of the IL-12R β<sub>2</sub> chain gene is one of the causative genes for atopy.