bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Anterodorsal Pallidal Stimulation on Gait Freezing (Kinesia paradoxa) in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Katayama Yoichi , Kasai Masahiko , Oshima Hideki , Fukaya Chikashi , Yamamoto Takamitsu 
Published: April 2003

The results of a double-blind evaluation of the effects of internal globus pallidus (GPi) stimulation in 7 patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease are summarized. The evaluation was performed 6–8 months after surgery while the patients were on medication with an optimal dose and schedule. The stimulation was turned off for at least 12 h. It was turned on in the morning (or maintained turned off), and the best and worst scores during their daytime activity were recorded as the on-period and off-period scores, respectively. A significant reduction in the total score on part III of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale was induced by GPi stimulation at the off-period (–57%) as well as the on-period (–36%). Clinically important improvement was also achieved in severe gait freezing (kinesia paradoxa) in 2 patients when stimulation was applied to the anterodorsal portion of the GPi. Such an effect was observed during unilateral stimulation of the right side alone.
Generalized Seizures Induced by an Epileptic Focus in the Mesencephalic Reticular Formation: Impact on the Understanding of the Generalizing Mechanism
Authors: Hashizume Kiyotaka , Tanaka Tatsuya , Fujita Tsutomu , Tanaka Shigeya 
Published: April 2003

The mode of seizure propagation was studied using a generalized seizure model induced by microinjection of kainic acid (KA) into a unilateral mesencephalic reticular formation (MRF) in cats and rats. Stereotactic surgery was performed under pentobarbital anesthesia; an injection cannula was placed into a unilateral MRF, and bipolar electrodes were implanted into the MRF and the thalamus. Microinjection of KA induced generalized seizures. Focal electrical seizures were elicited in the injected site of the MRF starting 30 min after the injection. The initial clinical change during each seizure was behavioral arrest. These seizures immediately developed to generalized seizures, which were characterized by generalized tonic convulsions with short-term clonic convulsions. On EEG, each generalized seizure started at the same time in all the sites of the brain recorded. Autoradiographic study using a rat model demonstrated high glucose utilization in the MRF, bilateral thalamus, forebrain and bilateral cerebral cortices. The results demonstrated an active participation of MRF in the mechanism of generalized seizures.
Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma with Inferior Vena cava Tumor Thrombus
Authors: Matsui Yoshiyuki , Fujikawa Keita , Oka Hiroya , Fukuzawa Shigeki , Takeuchi Hideo 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> The prognostic implication of radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy for renal cell carcinoma is still controversial. We investigated the type of renal cell carcinoma with vena cava tumor thrombus for which surgical resection was beneficial. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> We retrospectively reviewed the records of 16 patients with renal cell carcinoma and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus. Of these, 10 received surgical treatment and 6 did not. We evaluated the association between the pretreatment serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and the efficacy of surgery. <i>Results:</i> Among the 8 patients with an elevated pretreatment serum CRP level (CRP ≧1.0 ng/ml), there was no significant difference of the median disease-specific survival between those who did (20.2 months) and did not undergo surgery (8.2 months; p = 0.1946). On the other hand, among the 8 patients who had a pretreatment serum CRP level within normal limits (CRP < 1.0 ng/ml), the median disease-specific survival of those who did not undergo surgery (80.6 months) was significantly better than that of those who did (50.2 months; p = 0.0136). <i>Conclusion:</i> This study suggested that conservative treatment can be recommended for patients with renal cell carcinoma and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus when the pretreatment serum CRP level is normal because tumor progression is usually slow and surgical treatment may actually worsen the prognosis.
Chromosomes of the antelope genus <i>Kobus</i> (Artiodactyla, Bovidae): karyotypic divergence by centric fusion rearrangements
Authors: Kingswood S.C. , Kumamoto A.T. , Charter S.J. , Houck M.L. , Benirschke andK. 
Published: April 2003

G- and C-banded karyotypes of four species of the genus <i>Kobus</i> were compared using the standard karyotype of <i>Bos taurus</i>. Chromosomal complements were 2n = 50–54 in <i>K. ellipsiprymnus</i>, 2n = 50 in <i>K. kob</i>, 2n = 48 in <i>K. leche</i>, and 2n = 52 in <i>K. megaceros</i>. The number of autosomal arms in all karyotypes was 58. Fifteen autosomal pairs were conserved among these four species, including the 1;19 and 2;25 centric fusions, and autosomal differences involved eight centric fusion rearrangements. Five centric fusions were each unique to a particular taxon: 3;10 (<i>K. leche</i>), 3;11 and 6;29 (<i>K. kob</i>), and 5;17 and 7;11 (<i>K. ellipsiprymnus</i>). The 4;7 fusion occurred in <i>K. leche</i> and <i>K. megaceros</i>, whereas the 5;13 fusion occurred in <i>K. kob</i> and <i>K. leche</i>; the 6;18 fusion was found in three species but was absent in <i>K. kob</i>. Differences between the X chromosomes of the four <i>Kobus</i> species were attributed to heterochromatic additions or deletions, and Y-chromosome differences may have been the result of pericentric inversion. G-banded karyotypes of putative <i>K. l. leche</i> and <i>K. l. kafuensis</i> appeared identical, as did C-banded karyotypes of the two subspecies. Karyotypes of <i>K. e. ellipsiprymnus</i> and <i>K. e. defassa</i> differed as a result of the 6;18 centric fusion, which was polymorphic in <i>K. e. defassa</i>, and the 7;11 centric fusion, which was polymorphic in <i>K. e. ellipsiprymnus</i> but absent in <i>K. e. defassa</i>. Several centric fusions were related by monobrachial chain-IV complexes; however, records of hybridization indicate that reproductive isolation between at least certain species of <i>Kobus</i> is incomplete. Karyotypic differences between <i>K. ellipsiprymnus</i> (including <i>K. e. ellipsiprymnus</i> and <i>K. e. defassa</i>), <i>K. kob</i>, <i>K. leche</i>, and <i>K. megaceros</i> support the validity of these taxa, as well as the need to manage them as separate populations.
Cloning and molecular characterization of three Ubiquitin Fusion Degradation 1 (Ufd1) ortholog genes from <i>Xenopus laevis, Gallus gallus</i> and<i>Drosophila melanogaster</i>
Authors: Ratti A. , Amati F. , Bozzali M. , Conti E. , Sangiuolo F. , Berloco M. , Palumbo G. , Botta A. , Pizzuti A. , Novelli G. , Dallapiccola B. 
Published: April 2003

The yeast ubiquitin fusion degradation 1 (Ufd1) protein is involved in a degradation pathway for ubiquitin fused products. The human ortholog gene (UFD1-like, UFD1L) is deleted in patients affected by the DiGeorge/velocardiofacial syndromes. We report the cloning of UFD1L orthologs from <i>Drosophila</i><i>melanogaster</i> (dufd1l), <i>Xenopus laevis </i>and<i> Gallus gallus.</i> The 1,125-bp <i>Drosophila</i> cDNA encodes a protein of 316 amino acids, showing 60% identity with the human and murine proteins. The identity to the <i>G. gallus</i>, <i>X. laevis</i>, <i>C. elegans </i>and <i>S. cerevisiae</i> proteins is 95%, 83%, 32%, and 36%, respectively. Northern expression data in <i>Drosophila</i> indicate that dufd1l is expressed through embryonic, larval and pupal development, as well as in the adult fly.
Piaget’s Framework for a Scientific Study of Consciousness
Authors: Ferrari Michel , Pinard Adrien , Runions Kevin 
Published: April 2003

While largely unacknowledged, Piaget’s views on the epistemology of consciousness presaged key positions now held by contemporary philosophers and psychologists. This paper examines Piaget’s views about two fundamental epistemological problems central to any theory of consciousness: (1) the general problem of the subject-object relationship in any type of knowing; and (2) the specific problem of the physical-mental relationship within the knowing subject. Piaget adopts a unique form of internal interactionism toward the first issue and a sophisticated form of parallelism toward the second; he aimed for an eventual integrative monism while providing compelling reasons why such a monism may always exist in name only. While his approach to these problems did not solve them, his examination of the problems – and his proposed coordination of philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience – is an important path toward consilience in the scientific study and understanding of consciousness.
Using Tandem Scanning Confocal Microscopy to Predict the Status of Donor Kidneys
Authors: Andrews Peter M. , Khirabadi Bijan S. , Bengs Benjamin C. 
Published: April 2003

Tandem scanning confocal microscopy (TSCM) is a noninvasive form of vital microscopy that can be used to evaluate superficial uriniferous tubules in living kidneys. Because TSCM has a number of advantages over conventional microscopic examination of renal biopsies, the present study was undertaken to determine whether the histopathological images obtained by TSCM correlate with post-transplant renal function. The kidneys of New Zealand male rabbits were harvested, flushed with Euro-Collins solution, and stored at 0–2°C for periods of 24, 48, 67 and 72 h prior to transplantation. TSCM observation of the kidneys prior to their transplantation revealed characteristic histopathological changes of the superficial proximal convoluted tubules that correlated closely with subsequent post-transplant renal function. These observations indicate that TSCM may be of significant value in evaluating the status of donor kidneys prior to their transplantation.
Measurement of Inflammatory Mediators of Eosinophils and Lymphocytes in Blood in Acute Asthma: Serum Levels of ECP Influence the Bronchodilator Response
Authors: Di Lorenzo Gabriele , Pacor Maria Luisa , Morici Giuseppina , Drago Agata , Esposito-Pellitteri Maria , Candore Giuseppina , Lo Bianco Claudia , Caruso Calogero 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to assess the relevance of immunoinflammatory markers on the response to short acting β<sub>2</sub>-agonist in acute asthma exacerbation. Thus, we measured serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels and sIL-2R at acute exacerbation in 52 adult patients with atopic asthma, and assessed forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV<sub>1</sub>) before and after the administration of aerosolized salbutamol. After a cumulative dose of salbutamol causing a 10% improvement in FEV<sub>1</sub> from baseline [CD10, i.e. cumulative doses of salbutamol (800 µg) causing an improvement in FEV<sub>1</sub> from baseline to 10%] the patients were divided into two groups: group A with CD <10 and group B with CD >10. The bronchodilator response, as defined by a ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> (percentage of predictive value of FEV<sub>1</sub>) of ≧10 predictive value, was shown by 40% of the patients. After 200, 400 and 800 µg of salbutamol, significant differences of FEV<sub>1</sub> with respect to baseline values were, respectively, p = 0.049, 0.0039 and 0.0014. In contrast, no significant difference of the means of FEV<sub>1</sub> between the doses of salbutamol was observed. Significant differences of ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> between 200 and 400 µg (p = 0.0002) and between 200 and 800 µg (p < 0.0001) were observed, but not between 400 and 800 µg of salbutamol. There were significant correlations between baseline values of predictive FEV<sub>1</sub> and serum ECP levels (rho = –0.60, p < 0.0001) and sIL-2R levels (rho = –0.35, p = 0.01) respectively. Besides, a correlation between ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> and serum ECP levels (rho = –0.53, p < 0.0001) was observed, whereas no correlation was found between ΔFEV<sub>1</sub> and sIL-2R. By analyzing differences between the two groups (A and B) for serum ECP levels, sIL-2R and blood eosinophil count, a significant difference was found for serum ECP levels. We conclude that subjects with acute exacerbation of asthma show high serum levels of ECP and sIL-2R and, more interestingly, that the response to brochodilator was higher in patients with lower serum ECP levels.
Tuning of T Cell Clone Size and Activation Threshold by Control of CD25 Expression through Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways
Authors: Bitegye Christina , Hannier Sigrid , Guérif Stéphane , Valitutti Salvatore , Demotz Stéphane 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Following T cell receptor (TcR) engagement, CD25 expression is upregulated by T cells and controls their proliferation. It is not known how CD25 expression levels differentially influence T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cell physiology. <i>Method:</i> CD25 upregulation, and other T cell functions, were studied in human Th1 and Th2 clones following stimulation with various stimuli. The effects of pharmacological substances were then evaluated to identify the signaling pathways controlling CD25 upregulation. <i>Results:</i> Upon TcR engagement, one Th2 clone was induced to express substantially more CD25 than a Th1 clone, although both clones downregulated CD3 with similar dose responses. It was also found that the amount of antigen needed to elicit proliferation and cytokine production was considerably lowered in the presence of interleukin-2 (IL-2) for the Th2 cells, while for the Th1 cells the threshold of activation was not modified by the presence of IL-2. It was then shown that PP2 and cyclosporin A strongly inhibited CD25 expression in both clones, while wortmannin and Ro-31-8220 had more limited effects. In contrast, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors had strikingly different effects on CD25, blocking its expression in the Th2 cells, while augmenting it, or leaving it unaffected, in the Th1 cells. <i>Conclusion:</i> These unexpected observations suggested that in some T cells TcR-mediated activation of the MAPK pathways may inhibit CD25 expression rather than promoting it. Absence of this negative control mechanism may endow Th2 cells with a growth advantage over Th1 cells and their effector functions may be elicited at lower antigen doses.
Endolymphatic Deafness: A Particular Variety of Cochlear Disorder
Authors: Tran Ba Huy Patrice 
Published: April 2003

Experimental and clinical data made us consider some types of perceptive hearing loss secondary to an alteration of the secretory structures of the cochlea including stria vascularis, spiral ligament and supporting cells. These structures are responsible for the secretion of endolymph, a fluid characterized by a high potassium concentration (150–180 m<i>M</i>), a low sodium concentration (<1 m<i>M</i>) and a positive potential (80–100 mV). This intracellular-like fluid fills the endolymphatic compartment and is essential in the transduction process which takes place in the organ of Corti. Experimental studies have shown that drugs such as loop diuretics induced marked histological lesions in the stria vascularis and profound alterations in the electrochemical features of endolymph. Histopathological data have demonstrated that several entities such as prebyacusis, sudden deafness, and congenital or acquired progressive hearing loss could be related to strial abnormalities. Recent genetic studies have shown that a mutation of genes encoding connexins, a gap junction protein present in the secretory structures, was involved in some dominant or recessive forms of congenital deafness. Finally, the evaluation of labyrinthine fluids in humans has evidenced a decreased endocochlear potential in two cases of progressive flat hearing loss. All these arguments suggest that among the various types of so-called ‘sensorineural’ deafness, several entities including strial presbyacusis, diuretic-induced ototoxic deafness, some forms of congenital hearing loss and sudden deafness should be classified as endolymphatic deafness. Such an identification seems necessary since these entities result from different pathogenetic mechanisms, do not have the same evolution nor will they probably benefit from the same therapeutic management.
Acetylcholine-Induced Vasodilation in the Uterine Vascular Bed of Pregnant Rats with Adriamycin-Induced Nephrosis
Authors: Yousif Mariam H. , Adeagbo Ayotunde S. , Kadavil Elizabeth A. , Chandrasekhar Bindu , Oriowo Mabayoje A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> This project was designed to study endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the uterine vascular bed during experimentally induced preeclampsia in rats. <i>Methods:</i> Uterine vascular beds were isolated from nonpregnant and pregnant rats with or without treatment with adriamycin (ADR) and perfused with physiological solution. Thereafter, vasodilator responses to acetylcholine were recorded. <i>Records:</i> Pregnant ADR-treated rats displayed symptoms of preeclampsia including hypertension and proteinuria. Blood pressure was 110.0 ± 4.7 mm Hg (n = 5) in control pregnant rats and 136.0 ± 5.3 mm Hg (n = 5) in ADR-treated pregnant rats, and urinary protein concentrations were 0.35 mg/ml (n = 5) and 13.2 ± 3.6 mg/ml (n = 9), respectively. Both blood pressure and proteinuria values were significantly (p < 0.05) different between controls and ADR-treated rats. However, acetylcholine-induced dose-dependent vasodilator responses in the vascular beds were not significantly different between the pregnant and nonpregnant rats. Although acetylcholine-induced vasodilation was significantly reduced by Nω-nitro-<i>L</i>-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L-NAME) in both groups, the residual response to acetylcholine was not affected by indomethacin, suggesting that prostanoids were not involved in this response. The L-NAME-resistant component, endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF), was greater in ADR-treated uterine beds than in those of the controls, indicating a significant contribution from EDHF in these vessels. In the presence of an elevated external potassium ion concentration, acetylcholine produced similar vasodilator responses, indicating that the release of nitric oxide was not impaired. <i>Conclusion:</i> These results indicate that endothelium-dependent vasodilation was not impaired in this model of preeclampsia.
Ionic Radiocontrast Media Disrupt Intercellular Contacts via an Extracellular Calcium-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Schick Cornelia Sonja , Bangert Renate , Kübler Wolfgang , Haller Christlieb 
Published: April 2003

Direct cytotoxic effects of radiocontrast (RC) agents have been implicated in radiocontrast nephropathy (RCIN). The interaction between extracellular calcium, which plays a central role in intercellular contacts, and the in vitro toxicity of RC was tested in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell monolayers grown on permeable supports. Cell viability was determined by trypan blue exclusion. The function of intercellular junctions was assessed by measuring the electrical transmonolayer resistance (TMR). The cell contacts were examined with indirect immunofluorescence microscopy using antibodies against the junctional proteins E-cadherin, ZO-1 and occludin. The ionic RC agents diatrizoate and ioxaglate (74 mg iodine/ml), but not the nonionic compounds iohexol or iodixanol, decreased ionized calcium (Ca<sup>2+</sup>) in the incubation media from 1.48 ± 0.04 m<i>M</i> (control) to 0.89 ± 0.06 m<i>M</i> (diatrizoate), respectively to 1.05 ± 0.08 m<i>M</i> (ioxaglate). Diatrizoate, and to a lesser extent ioxaglate, reduced the number of viable MDCK cells and showed a redistribution of the E-cadherin, ZO-1 and occludin immunofluorescence signal with a parallel decrease of the TMR indicating an impaired monolayer integrity. A similar reduction of extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> through EGTA failed to reproduce these effects. Conversely, raising Ca<sup>2+</sup> in diatrizoate-containing media to control levels did not abrogate its toxicity. In conclusion, the ionic RC agents diatrizoate and ioxaglate, but not the nonionic compounds iohexol or iodixanol, reduce extracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup> in vitro. However, this reduction of Ca<sup>2+</sup> does not explain their cytotoxic effects which could contribute to the pathogenesis of RCIN in vivo by opening intercellular junctions.
Inhibin B Levels in Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Salardi Silvana , Zucchini Stefano , Cicognani Alessandro , Gualandi Stefano , Barbieri Eveline , Cacciari Emanuele 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective/Methods:</i> To assess exocrine and endocrine testicular function in subjects with diabetes, we evaluated serum inhibin B, gonadotrophins and testosterone levels in 33 male adolescent and young adult patients affected by type-1 diabetes (age 21.0 ± 5 years; range 14.2–33.3), with a mean disease duration of 12.7 ± 5.8 years (range 1.5–25.3) and various metabolic control (HbA1c 7.8 ± 1.5%; range 5.5–13.2) and compared them with those of an age-matched group of 36 healthy control subjects (age 19.5 ± 4.1 years; range 13.6–28.1). Both patients and controls had a testicular volume ≧15 ml. Inhibin B was measured by ELISA method. <i>Results/Conclusion:</i> Diabetics and controls had comparable inhibin B (203 ± 74 vs. 221 ± 69 pg/ml, respectively) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels, while luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels were significantly higher in the diabetic group. Inhibin B was negatively correlated both in patients and controls with FSH, while a negative correlation with LH was found only in the diabetic group. We conclude that our young diabetic males, after a mean disease duration of 12 years and various metabolic control, had inhibin B and FSH levels comparable to those of normal subjects. Therefore, they seem to have a regular testicular function and in particular a normal seminiferous tubule/Sertoli cell activity despite sustained hyperglycemia.
The Effect of Diltiazem on the Healing of Traumatic Urethral Inflammation
Authors: Dündar Mehmet , Koçak Izzet , Erkus Muhan , Erol Haluk 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To investigate the effect of diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker, on healing of the traumatic urethral inflammation when applied systemically or locally. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> 21 adult male Wistar rats (230–250 g) were assigned to group 1 (n = 7) = control, group 2 (n = 7) = local application or group 3 (n = 7) = systemic application. In group 1, only a urethral injury was achieved at the 12-o’clock position by gently introducing and drawing a tiny hook in the urethra until urethral bleeding occurred. In group 2, after the same procedure, 10 mg/kg diltiazem was applied retrogradely via a 22-gauge Angiocath intraurethrally for 5 consecutive days, while the same account of the drug was administered intraperitoneally in group 3. After 21 days, the rats were sacrificed for urethrectomy. Pathologically, the thickness of connective tissue, the regularity of the epithelial lining, the presence of the inflammation and the density of collagen were evaluated with Masson’s trichrome staining. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analyses. <i>Results:</i> The mean connective tissue thickness was 0.77 ± 0.39, 1.01 ± 0.77 and 0.93 ± 0.53 µm in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The differences between the groups were insignificant (p > 0.05). The hyperplastic epithelial lining in the study groups, with both systemic and local applications, was markedly infrequent and the inflammation was less prominent. However, these differences did not reach statistical significance. <i>Conclusions:</i> Diltiazem appears not to have any preventive effect on connective tissue formation when applied locally or systemically in our urethral injury model.