bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver Support – A Task for Nephrologists? Extracorporeal Treatment of a Patient with Fulminant Wilson Crisis
Authors: Manz Tanja , Ochs Andreas , Bisse Emmanuel , Strey Christoph , Grotz Wolfgang 
Published: June 2003

<i>Background:</i> Patients with Wilson’s disease may present with cirrhosis, acute hepatitis or fulminant hepatic failure. Without urgent orthotopic liver transplantation, a fulminant Wilson crisis has a mortality of 100%. We report on an 18-year-old female patient with fulminant hepatic failure due to Wilson crisis. <i>Methods:</i> The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) was used to eliminate albumin-bound toxins and to bridge waiting until an organ became available. <i>Results:</i> A total of 18 MARS sessions and 4 plasma exchange sessions were performed. Bilirubin levels and hepatic encephalopathy improved under MARS therapy. A total of 75 mg copper was removed until serum copper levels were within the normal range. Copper elimination was measured in 15 MARS treatments, which removed a total of 12.9 mg copper. Four plasma exchange sessions, with a total exchange of 11 liters of plasma, removed 12 mg copper. Urinary copper elimination with penicillamine was 50 mg. <i>Conclusion:</i> MARS was an effective method to stabilize a patient with Wilson crisis, contributed to copper elimination and gained time for liver transplantation. The risk of high-urgency transplantation could be avoided. Liver support was easy in the hands of nephrologists familiar with extracorporeal therapy.
The Effect of the Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitor N-Nitro-<i>L</i>-Arginine-Methyl Ester on Neuropeptide-Induced Vasodilation and Protein Extravasation in Human Skin
Authors: Klede Monika , Clough Geraldine , Lischetzki Grischa , Schmelz Martin 
Published: June 2003

Endogenous neuropeptides released from nociceptors can induce vasodilation and enhanced protein extravasation (neurogenic inflammation). The role of nitric oxide (NO) in the induction of neurogenic inflammation is controversial. In this study, dermal microdialysis was used in awake humans (n = 39) to deliver substance P (SP; 10<sup>–7</sup> and 10<sup>–6</sup><i>M</i>) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP; 5 × 10<sup>–7</sup><i>M</i> and 2 × 10<sup>–6</sup><i>M</i>). Neuropeptide-induced local and axon reflex erythema was assessed by laser Doppler imaging. Total protein concentration in the dialysate was measured to quantify local protein extravasation. The responses were assessed in the absence and the presence of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine-methyl ester (<i>L</i>-NAME) added to the perfusate at concentrations of 5, 10 or 20 m<i>M</i>. <i>L</i>-NAME (5 m<i>M</i>) applied via the dialysis catheters reduced local blood flow by approximately 30%. In addition, <i>L</i>-NAME inhibited SP-induced vasodilation by about 40% for 10<sup>–7</sup><i>M</i> SP and 30% for 10<sup>–6</sup><i>M</i> SP (n = 11, p < 0.01). In contrast, CGRP-induced vasodilation was only marginally inhibited by <i>L</i>-NAME. SP, but not CGRP, provoked a dose-dependent increase in protein extravasation. <i>L</i>-NAME (5 m<i>M</i>) inhibited this increase by up to 40% for both SP concentrations used (n = 11, p < 0.01). Higher concentrations of <i>L</i>-NAME did not further reduce SP- or CGRP-induced vasodilation or SP-induced protein extravasation. Exogenously applied SP induces vasodilation and protein extravasation, which is partly NO mediated, whereas CGRP-induced vasodilation appears to be NO independent.
Osteoporosis in Male Hypogonadism: Responses to Androgen Substitution Differ among Men with Primary and Secondary Hypogonadism
Authors: Schubert Markus , Bullmann Catharina , Minnemann Timo , Reiners Christoph , Krone Wilhelm , Jockenhövel Friedrich 
Published: June 2003

<i>Background:</i> No randomized study exists comparing the effects of different modes of androgen substitution on bone mineral density (BMD).<i> Methods:</i> We performed a prospective, randomized, trial assigning 53 hypogonadal men to the following treatment groups: mesterolone 100 mg p.o. daily, testosterone undecanoate 160 mg p.o. daily, testosterone enanthate 250 mg i.m. every 21 days, or a single subcutaneous implantation of 1,200 mg crystalline testosterone. The BMD was determined by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. <i>Results:</i> At baseline, men with secondary hypogonadism (n = 33) had a lower BMD (–1.52 ± 0.23 SDS; Z-scores) than men with primary hypogonadism (n = 20, –0.87 ± 0.23 SDS, p < 0.01). In men with primary hypogonadism, the BMD increased dose dependently (crystalline testosterone +7.0 ± 1.3%, testosterone enanthate +4.8 ± 0.2%, testosterone undecanoate +3.4 ± 2.5%, mesterolone +0.8 ± 1.6%) after 6 months of therapy. Only secondary hypogonadal men treated with testosterone enanthate experienced an increase of the BMD. <i>Conclusions:</i> In primary hypogonadal men the BMD responds dose dependently to testosterone substitution, whereas in secondary hypogonadism only testosterone enanthate treatment significantly increased the BMD.
Bioavailability of Clobetasol Propionate in Different Vehicles
Authors: Franz T.J. , Lehman P.A. , Feldman S.R. , Spellman M.C. 
Published: June 2003

Topical clobetasol propionate is widely used for the treatment of psoriasis. One formulation of clobetasol propionate, Skin Cap, was thought by some practitioners and patients to be more effective than other formulations. Differences in corticosteroid bioavailability could account for differences in efficacy. The purpose of this study is to compare the relative bioavailability of clobetasol propionate from Skin Cap to two FDA-approved formulations of clobetasol propionate (Olux foam and Temovate scalp application). The bioavailability was assessed by measuring the percutaneous absorption of clobetasol propionate in vitro on scalp skin, using the human cadaver skin model. There was no significant difference in the percutaneous absorption of clobetasol propionate between Olux foam and Skin Cap (2.09 and 1.93% at 48 h, respectively) or between Olux foam and Temovate scalp application (3.70 and 3.46%, respectively) when applied under unoccluded conditions. Under occluded conditions, there was greater absorption of clobetasol propionate from the Olux foam as compared with Skin Cap (4.94 and 1.57%, respectively; p < 0.05). The Skin Cap vehicle does not provide more bioavailable clobetasol propionate than currently available, FDA-approved products. Other differences, including those in patient compliance, could account for the perceived efficacy of the product.
Evaluation of the Pseudo-Absorption Method to Quantify Human Stratum corneum Removed by Tape Stripping Using Protein Absorption
Authors: Lindemann U. , Weigmann H.-J. , Schaefer H. , Sterry W. , Lademann J. 
Published: June 2003

Tape stripping is a well-known method to study the barrier function of the stratum corneum (SC) and penetration processes of topically applied substances into the horny layer. The quantification of the removed corneocytes for each tape strip is the prerequisite for these studies. The pseudo-absorption of the corneocytes was proposed as a measure for the quantification of the removed corneocyte aggregates. In this study, the pseudo-absorption of the corneocytes in the visible range (430 nm) is compared with the protein absorption in the UV range (278 nm) and an absorption at 652 nm obtained after staining of the SC proteins with Trypan blue. Both the protein absorption and the absorption measured after staining correlate well with the pseudo-absorption measured at 430 nm (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.92 ± 0.04 and R<sup>2</sup> = 0.95 ± 0.04, respectively).
Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Activates the 12-Lipoxygenase Pathway in the LβT2 Gonadotrope Cell Line
Authors: Limor Rona , Naor Zvi , Weisinger Gery , Naidich Michal , Knoll Esther , Sharon Orly , Stern Naftali 
Published: June 2003

Previous studies have indicated that arachidonic acid and its lipoxygenase (LO) metabolites play a role in the post-receptor effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) but the exact role and nature of these putative eicosanoids remain unclear. The potential role of arachidonic acid and LO in GnRH receptor-mediated signaling was investigated in the LβT2 gonadotrope cell line, which expresses gonadotropins (LH and FSH) and GnRH-receptor mRNAs. Western immunobloting of LβT2 cell extracts, performed with a murine leukocyte polyclonal antibody against 12-LO, showed a 70-kD band, suggesting the presence of 12-LO protein in these cells. GnRH nearly doubled the release of 12-hydroeicosatetraenoic acid, a product of the 12-LO enzyme, within 10 min. A specific reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with a set of primers based on the reported sequence of rat brain 12-LO yielded a 170-bp band which showed 100% homology with the expected rat brain 12-LO sequence. Exposure of LβT2 cells to pulsatile GnRH treatment (10 n<i>M</i>, 90-min interpulse, one and three pulses) led to a ∼3-fold increase in 12-LO mRNA levels. In conclusion, we provide evidence for the presence of a 12-LO enzyme in LβT2 cells, the expression and activity of which are increased by short-term/pulsatile exposure to GnRH. LβT2 cells represent a potential model to further study the involvement of 12-LO in GnRH receptor signaling.
Assessing Mass Media Reporting of Disease-Related Genetic Discoveries
Authors: Mountcastle-Shah Eliza , Tambor Ellen , Bernhardt Barbara A. , Geller Gail , Karaliukas Reda , Rodgers Joann Ellison , Holtzman Neil A. 
Published: June 2003

Objective: To develop an instrument to assess the content and balance of media stories about genetic discoveries relevant to human diseases and assess its ability to detect variability. Methods: Consumer focus groups to help develop the instrument, and surveys of scientists and journalists to evaluate the items. Ratings by at least two readers assessed reliability. Variability was measured by comparing scores of 47 stories emanating from two discoveries. Results: Reader agreement on content items was good (kappa = 0.74). Consumers, scientists, and journalists were in substantial agreement about what content items should be included. Some items deemed essential by journalists appeared in very few stories. One-third of stories exaggerated the benefits of the discovery and one-third presented a balanced selection of expert opinion. Coverage of specific items varied from 11.5 percent to 84.6 percent. Conclusions: The instrument is reliable; contains items deemed important by consumers, scientists, and journalists; and detects variability.
Fatigue of Severely Deformed Metals
Authors: Vinogradov A. , Hashimoto S. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractIn this brief communication, we would like to review present data on fatigue performance of ultra‐fine grain materials fabricated by severe plastic deformation (SPD) and to discuss the possible mechanisms of their plastic deformation and degradation in light of currently available experimental data. The most prominent effect of SPD is often associated with significant grain refinement down to the nanoscopic scale. The other evident effect, which accompanies intensive plastic straining, is the dislocation accumulation up to limiting densities of 1016 m–2. Since namely these two factors, the grain size and the dislocation density, govern the strengthening of polycrystalline materials, we shall primarily confine ourselves to their role in cyclic deformation of severely pre‐deformed metals.
Five year research update (1996–2000): evaluations for competence to stand trial (adjudicative competence)
Authors: Mumley Denise L. , Tillbrook Chad E. , Grisso Thomas 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThis article reviews and evaluates publications during 1996–2000 with relevance for assessments of competence to stand trial (also known as adjudicative competence). The review focuses specifically on articles that provide new concepts or data supported by research or case analyses. The studies are reviewed under the following headings: (i) the systemic context of evaluations of adjudicative competence (AC); (ii) conceptual guidelines for AC evaluations; (iii) research on AC assessment methods; (iv) empirical correlates of AC judgments and psycholegal abilities; (v) quality of AC evaluations and reports; (vi) interpretation of AC evaluation data; (vii) issues in AC assessment of special populations (e.g., juveniles, persons with mental retardation, and women); and (viii) treatment to restore competence. Suggestions are offered for further research to advance the quality of clinical evaluations of adjudicative competence. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Involuntary competence
Authors: Morse Stephen J. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThis article addresses whether the state has the right to medicate involuntarily a defendant who is incompetent either to plead guilty or to stand trial for the purpose of restoring legal competence. It first presents the constitutional background concerning incompetence and the right of prisoners generally to refuse psychotropic medication. Then the article examines the individual and state interests that must be considered to decide specifically whether the state may involuntarily medicate a criminal defendant solely for the purpose of restoring competence. Although the individual interests are strong, the article contends that the state does have a right to medicate involuntarily defendants charged with most crimes to restore trial competence, and that adequate remedies are available to ensure that medicated defendants receive a fair trial. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigorous Modeling of Reactive Absorption Processes
Authors: Kenig E.Y. , Kucka L. , Górak A. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractAbsorption of gases in liquid solutions accompanied by chemical reactions, or reactive absorption, represents one of the most important industrial operations. The advantages of this process are enhanced solution capacity, low impurity concentrations up to the ppm range, moderate operation pressure, and selective removal of contaminants. Reactive absorption is based on a combination of various kinetically controlled phenomena, the focus being on the coupling of chemical reactions and mass transfer in multicomponent mixtures. Therefore, the process description using the equilibrium concept is often insufficient and kinetic modeling is required. This paper describes the basics of rigorous modeling of reactive absorption processes. Several case studies are used in order to validate the models. In addition, a discussion of necessary model parameters, like diffusion coefficients and reaction kinetics, is given. A reduced model with lower computation time is obtained via detailed sensitivity analysis. This model is successfully used in dynamic simulations. In this respect, a proper consideration of the film reactions appears to be crucial.
Redox Phenomena during Adsorption of Aniline on Fe‐ and Zn‐bound SDS Micelles
Authors: Talens‐Alesson F.I. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractThe co‐adsorption of aniline by complex‐formation with Zn‐bound and Fe‐bound micelles of anionic surfactant SDS (sodium laurylsulphate) causes redox reactions. This happens both in cases where micelles become insoluble due to Fe‐induced flocculation and in cases where micelles remain in solution. The interest in the phenomenon is that micellar flocculation is a means of pollutant removal by itself and synergistic effects between both flocculation and oxidation may exist.
Non‐Invasive Process Imaging – Principles and Applications of Industrial Process Tomography
Authors: Dyakowski T. , Jaworski A.J. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractIn chemical industries, process diagnostics have traditionally been achieved using discrete sensors installed in the critical plant locations and linked into a plant control system. The usefulness of such an approach is limited, as important information about the processes is lost. This paper demonstrates a different way of looking into the spatial and temporal characteristics of the industrial processes by employing techniques of industrial process tomography. The principles behind tomographic measurements are outlined and examples illustrating the capabilities of this approach are presented. These include imaging of the processes confined within process vessels such as fluidization and nylon polymerization, as well as an example of a transport‐dominated process – flow in a pneumatic conveyor. The advantages, limitations and potential future uses of process tomography are discussed.
Triggering of Toll‐like receptors modulates IFN‐γ signaling: involvement of serine 727 STAT1 phosphorylation and suppressors of cytokine signaling
Authors: Dalpke Alexander H. , Eckerle Susan , Frey Markus , Heeg Klaus 
Published: June 2003

AbstractMicrobial stimuli activate cells of the innate immune system by triggering Toll‐like receptors (TLR). Activation of macrophages and dendritic cells is further enhanced by secondary signals like IFN‐γ. Here we analyzed the interplay of IFN‐γ and TLR signaling in cells of the innate immune system. Using a STAT1‐dependent reporter construct we show that IFN‐γ signaling can be enhanced as well as inhibited by simultaneous stimulation with either defined TLR agonists or whole‐bacterial lysates. Short costimulation resulted in the amplification of IFN‐γ signaling and was attributable to the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐dependent phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)1 on serine 727. In contrast, prolonged co‐incubation as well as pre‐incubation with TLR agonists led to an inhibition of IFN‐γ signaling. TLR triggering induced expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)‐1, SOCS‐3 and cytokine‐inducible SH2 domain‐containing protein (CIS). Overexpression of SOCS‐1 and, to a lesser extend, of SOCS‐3 and CIS inhibited IFN‐γ signaling as measured by activation of STAT1. Moreover, pre‐incubation with TLR‐dependent stimuli impaired IFN‐γ‐induced MHC class II regulation but enhanced CD40 and CD86 expression. Taken together, the results indicate a tight interplay between TLR and IFN‐γ signaling pathways which involve induction of SOCS proteins and serine phosphorylation of STAT1.
Cell‐surface bound pertussis toxin induces polyclonal T cell responses with high levels of interferon‐γ in the absence of interleukin‐12
Authors: Wakatsuki Ayako , Borrow Persephone , Rigley Kevin , Beverley Peter C. L. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractPertussis toxin (PTx), an exotoxin produced by Bordetella pertussis, has long been used as a mucosal adjuvant. We examined the T cell stimulatory properties of PTx in order to dissectits mechanisms of adjuvanticity. PTx or the B‐oligomer of PTx (PTxB) failed to activate purified murine CD4+ or CD8+ T cells, as measured by a lack of proliferation or expression of early T cell activation markers. However, these T cells proliferated extensively in response to the toxin in the presence of syngeneic DC, and proliferation was accompanied by a high level of IFN‐γ production in the absence of IL‐12. Interestingly, such responses were independent of signals mediated by MHC–TCR interaction. Both PTx and PTxB were found to bind stably to the surface of DC, and increased the adherence of DC to surrounding cells. These data suggest that polyclonal T cell responses mediated by the toxin are likely to be caused by the toxin bound on the surface of APC, either cross‐linking cell surface molecules on T cells, or directly stimulating T cells together with the co‐stimulatory molecules expressed on APC. B. pertussis may use this toxin as a mechanism to evade a specific immune response.
Characterization of the B cell response of patients with anti‐liver cytosol autoantibodies in type 2 autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Lapierre Pascal , Johanet Catherine , Alvarez Fernando 
Published: June 2003

AbstractAnti‐liver cytosol type 1 (LC1) autoantibody is detected in 30% of sera from patients with type 2 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and is the only circulating autoantibody in 10% of cases. Human formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD) has been shown to be the specific liver antigen recognized by anti‐LC1 autoantibodies. The aim of this study was to identify the dominant epitope on human FTCD and to analyze antigenic‐site sequences for clues on the development of AIH. Recombinant proteins and peptides covering the entire cDNA of human FTCD were tested against anti‐LC1 autoantibodies. Conformational epitopes were found throughout the protein but linear epitopes were found exclusively in the C‐terminal 146 amino acids. Two groups of sera with different reactivities were found: 69%of the sera recognized two specific linear epitopes at positions 428–434 (NTPEEKD) and 440–447 (LQEGLRRA) of human FTCD; others reacted only with a discontinuous epitope between the amino acids at position 395 and 528. FTCD autoantibody production is thus a polyclonal‐antigen‐driven B cell response. Autoantibodies against conformational or discontinuous epitopes were found in all patients and two‐thirds also recognized linear epitopes on human FTCD.
Intrathymic NKT cell development is blocked by the presence of α‐galactosylceramide
Authors: Pellicci Daniel G. , Uldrich Adam P. , Kyparissoudis Konstantinos , Crowe Nadine Y. , Brooks Andrew G. , Hammond Kirsten J. L. , Sidobre Stephané , Kronenberg Mitchell , Smyth Mark J. , Godfrey Dale I. 
Published: June 2003

AbstractNKT cell development takes place in the thymus, beginning when these cells branch away from CD4+CD8+ mainstream thymocytes upon expression of the Vα14Jα18 T cell receptor (TCR) and recognition of the CD1d molecule. Although NKT cells express an invariant TCR α chain, the diverse TCR β expression leaves open the possibility that the development of these cells is shaped by glycolipid antigen recognition in the context of CD1d. Here, we show that the presence of an agonist glycolipid ligand, α‐galactosylceramide, while NKT cells are developing in vitro or in vivo, specifically ablates their development. In contrast, the delayed introduction of this compound in vitro or in vivo, after NKT cells have developed, does not deplete these cells. These data indicate that NKT cells pass through a developmental window where they are susceptible to TCR‐mediated negative selection, and suggest that NKT cells with a potentially high level of self reactivity can be removed from the NKT cell repertoire before they exit the thymus.