bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurotransmitter Mechanisms in Gabapentin Antinociception
Authors: Dixit R.K. , Bhargava V.K. 
Published: April 2003

The present study was done to investigate the neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in gabapentin antinociception in healthy albino rats. The formalin test was used to asses antinociception. Gabapentin (10–120 mg/kg s.c.) decreased the pain score in the formalin test. In order to study the putative neurotransmitter mechanisms involved in gabapentin action, the effect of gabapentin (30 mg/kg s.c.) alone and in rats pretreated with different receptor blockers, e.g. bicuculine, saclofen, naloxone, mecamylamine, atropine, <i>DL</i>-<i>p</i>-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride, glibenclamide, theophylline, and <i>L</i>-arginine was assessed. Gabapentin decreased the pain score, and the ED<sub>50</sub> of gabapentin was 36.8 ± 8.2 (30.2–43.1) mg/kg s.c. Pretreatment with different receptor blockers did not modify gabapentin (30 mg/kg s.c.) antinociception except for <i>L</i>-arginine which increased the pain score from 1.68 ± 0.29 (gabapentin) to 2.29 ± 0.41. Results suggest the involvement of <i>L</i>-arginine nitric oxide pathways in gabapentin antinociception.
Regional Differences in Yolk Platelet Degradation Activity and in Types of Yolk Platelets Degraded during Early Amphibian Embryogenesis
Authors: Komazaki Shinji , Tanaka Noriko , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: April 2003

We compared the various regions of amphibian embryos before and during gastrulation to look for differences in activity and character in the degradation of yolk platelets (YPs). Cationic ferritin was used to examine YP degradation activity, the number of cationic-ferritin-containing endosomes and degrading YPs being compared among the various embryonic regions. In addition, we looked for differences in the types of degrading YPs among the various embryonic regions during early development. YP degradation activity was greatest in the animal and dorsal regions, and while large YPs (major axis more than 7 µm) were degraded preferentially in the animal region, small YPs (major axis less than 2 µm) were degraded preferentially in the dorsal region. These results suggest the possibility of different levels of YP degradation activity in different regions of the embryo, and also of regional differences in the types of YPs degraded during amphibian embryogenesis.
Serum Cystatin C Is a More Sensitive Marker of Glomerular Function than Serum Creatinine
Authors: Shimizu-Tokiwa Ayumi , Kobata Mami , Io Hiroaki , Kobayashi Noriyoshi , Shou Ichiyu , Funabiki Kazuhiko , Fukui Mitsumine , Horikoshi Satoshi , Shirato Isao , Saito Kensuke , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: April 2003

We determined the relationship between the levels of serum cystatin C or creatinine (s-Cr) and the grade of creatinine clearance (CCr) in patients with various glomerular diseases. Serum samples from 96 patients with glomerular diseases were obtained from our hospital. The levels of serum cystatin C were measured using the Dade Behring Cystatin C assay with the automated Dade Behring Nephelometer II (BNII). CCr levels were classified into six groups according to the Guidelines of the Japanese Society of Nephrology as follows: grade 1 (normal renal function); grade 2 (slight decrease of renal function); grade 3 (moderate decrease of renal function); grade 4 (severe decrease of renal function); grade 5 (renal failure), and grade 6 (uremia). The mean levels of serum cystatin C in grade 3 patients were significantly higher than those in grade 1. The mean levels of serum cystatin C in grades 4, 5 and 6 patients were also significantly higher than those in grade 1. However, the mean levels of serum Cr in grade 3 patients were not significantly higher than those in grade 1. The levels of s-Cr in grades 4, 5 or 6 patients were significantly higher than those in grade 1. In this study, an increase of serum cystatin C levels occurred earlier than that of s-Cr in various glomerular diseases. It appears that the levels of serum cystatin C may provide early prognostic marker of patients with various glomerular diseases rather than the levels of s-Cr.
Chronic Hypercortisolemia Inhibits Dopamine Synthesis and Turnover in the Nucleus accumbens: An in vivo Microdialysis Study
Authors: Pacak Karel , Tjurmina Olga , Palkovits Miklós , Goldstein David S. , Koch Christian A. , Hoff Thomas , Chrousos George P. 
Published: April 2003

Over 60% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome suffer from major depression, which frequently abates after correction of the hypercortisolism. The mesolimbic and mesocortical dopaminergic (DAergic) systems are thought to participate in psychiatric disorders. In this study, we investigated whether hypercortisolemia affects indices of DAergic activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of freely moving rats. Cortisol (CORT, 25 mg/kg/day) was infused subcutaneously for 7 days via an osmotic minipump. Microdialysate collection (30-min periods, 2 µl/min) began 24 h after probe placement. Concentrations of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in interstitial fluid in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and perifrontal cortex (PFC) were measured before and after local perfusion with NSD-1015, an irreversible inhibitor of <i>L</i>-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, to assess local dopamine (DA) biosynthesis. The sum of microdialysate DA, dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, and homovanillic acid was used as an index of local DA turnover. DOPA accumulation after NSD-1015 was markedly attenuated in CORT-treated compared with saline-treated animals (5,703 ± 1,849 vs. 10,902 ± 2,454 pg/ml; p < 0.01). In contrast, the two groups did not differ in DOPA accumulation in the PFC. Values for the turnover index of DA were also significantly lower in CORT-treated animals in the NAc but not in the PFC. The results indicate that CORT inhibits DA synthesis and turnover in the NAc but not in the PFC. Region-specific CORT-induced inhibition of DAergic activity may help to explain depressive symptoms in patients with chronic hypercortisolemia and normalization after medical or surgical correction of hypercortisolism.
A Prospective Comparative Study on IVF Outcomes with Either Purified FSH or Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin in Downregulated Normogonadotrophic Women
Authors: Ismail Aboul Foutouh , Hesham Al-Inany , Salah Zaki , Khaled M. , Fouad Nahas , Ashraf Nasr , Hatem Shawky , Hamdi Badrawi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> In compare the use of purified follicle-stimulating hormone with that of a preparation containing follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in infertile females undergoing IVF. <i>Design:</i> Open-labelled prospective controlled single-center study. <i>Setting:</i> Nile Badrawy IVF unit. <i>Participants:</i> 153 infertile females undergoing their first cycle of IVF divided into 2 groups. <i>Interventions:</i> Ovarian stimulation was done with either highly purified FSH for group 1 (n = 75) or human menopausal gonadotrophin group 2 (n = 78) after pituitary desensitization commenced in the midluteal phase of the preceding cycle. Monitoring was performed by ultrasound transvaginal oocyte retrieval followed by IVF and transfer of three embryos. <i>Outcomes:</i> Number of oocytes >18 mm at day of hCG, fertilization rate, embryo transfer rate, clinical pregnancy rate and incidence of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. <i>Results:</i> The response to ovarian hyperstimulation was similar in both groups. The number of follicles >18 mm achieved at day of hCG was 12.3 ± 0.9 (mean ± SEM) following stimulation with 38.3 ± 0.9 ampoules of Fostimon The Menogon-treated group needed 39.1 ± 0.8 ampoules to produce 11.6 ± 0.7 follicles. Fertilization rate (2PN/cell) was 58.6 vs. 64.2% in the Fostimon and Menogon group, respectively (p > 0.05). The number of embryos transferred per woman was 3.1 ± 0.1 in the Fostimon group and 3.6 ± 0.1 in the Menogon group. The pregnancy rate per woman was 33.3 vs. 25.6% in the Fostimon- and Menogon-treated groups, respectively (p > 0.05). Miscarriage rate was 16 vs 20%, respectively. However, the incidence of multiple pregnancies was significantly higher in the Fostimon-treated group (32%) vs. 10% only in the Menogon-treated group (p < 0.01). <i>Conclusion:</i> Purified FSH yields similar clinical outcome to hMG in terms of oocytes retrieved and clinical pregnancies in a standard IVF regimen.
Electrical Stimulation for Epilepsy: Stimulation of Hippocampal Foci
Authors: Velasco Francisco , Velasco Marcos , Velasco Ana Luisa , Menez Diana , Rocha Luisa 
Published: April 2003

Subacute and chronic continuous electrical stimulation at the epileptic focus in the hippocampus or parahippocampal cortex at 130 Hz, 0.21– 1.0 ms, 2.5–3.5 V (about 200–300 µA) induces a decrease in focal EEG epileptic interictal activity and also in the occurrence of clinical seizures. This may represent an alternative for the treatment of temporal lobe seizures originated in bilateral independent temporal lobe foci or occurring in patients where one is uncertain whether memory deficit might result from ablative procedures.
In vitro Effects of Leptin on Human Adipocyte Metabolism
Authors: Elimam A. , Kamel A. , Marcus C. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Leptin receptors are expressed in adipocytes, suggesting potential autocrine/paracrine effects. Studies on the direct effects of leptin on adipose tissue metabolism in different species have yielded controversial data. To assess the in vitro effects of leptin on human adipocyte metabolism: lipolysis, the insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis and lipogenesis were studied in adipocytes obtained from infants and adults. <i>Methods:</i> Lipolysis was studied by incubating adipocytes with increasing concentrations of leptin or isoprenaline. Glycerol in the incubation medium was measured as an indicator of lipolysis. For the lipogenesis and insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis experiments, the cells were preincubated with 0, 25, or 250 ng/ml of leptin for 2 h. <i>Results:</i> Leptin did not stimulate lipolysis in human adipocytes, either in children or adults. Preincubation with leptin did not affect the insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis, but decreased the insulin-induced lipogenesis (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusions:</i> This study shows that leptin has no direct lipolytic effect in human adipocytes. The lack of effect on the insulin-induced inhibition of lipolysis and the negative effect on lipogenesis indicates that the effect of leptin is not at the proximal insulin-signalling pathway but further downstream.
Plasma Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 Levels Are Increased in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Nephropathy
Authors: Güler Serdar , Cakir Bekir , Demirbas Berrin , Yönem Arif , Odabasi Ersin , Önde Ufuk , Aykut Ömer , Gürsoy Gül 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) is a mediator in the recruitment of leukocytes in the glomerular cells. The role of ICAM-1 in diabetic complications is still a matter of debate. This study was performed to investigate the relation of plasma soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) to nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. <i>Methods: </i>Ninety-three patients (24 males and 69 females) with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included into the study. Fifty patients had nephropathy, and 43 were free from nephropathy. Fifty healthy subjects (14 males and 36 females) served as the control group (group 1). Twenty-five of the diabetic patients had microalbuminuria (group 2), 25 had macroalbuminuria (group 3), and 43 had neither micro- nor macroalbuminuria (group 4). The plasma sICAM-1 levels were measured in blood samples drawn after fasting. <i>Results:</i> The mean plasma sICAM-1 levels were not different in the 93 diabetic patients as compared with the healthy controls (392.7 ± 119.5 vs. 350.1 ± 90.2 ng/ml, p > 0.05). The mean sICAM-1 level was significantly higher in the diabetic patients with nephropathy than in those without nephropathy (430.3 ± 78.2 vs. 368.2 ± 122.5 ng/ml, p = 0.03) and in the controls (430.3 ± 78.2 vs. 350.1 ± 90.2 ng/ml, p = 0.016). The difference in sICAM-1 levels between groups 2 and 3 was not significant (p > 0.05). The plasma sICAM-1 levels were significantly higher in both groups 2 and 3 than in both groups 1 and 4 (434.5 ± 129.2 vs. 427.2 ± 113.7 ng/ml and 368.2 ± 122.5 vs. 350.1 ± 90.2 ng/ml, respectively). <i>Conclusions:</i> The plasma sICAM-1 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus are not significantly different from those in nondiabetic subjects. High levels of sICAM-1 suggest that sICAM-1 may play a role in the development of nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Endocarditis due to Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Brook Itzhak 
Published: April 2003

This review describes the microbiology, diagnosis and management of endocarditis due to anaerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria are an uncommon but important cause of endocarditis. Most cases of anaerobic endocarditis are caused by anaerobic cocci, <i>Propionibacterium acnes</i> and <i>Bacteroides fragilis</i> group. Predisposing factors and signs and symptoms of endocarditis caused by anaerobic bacteria are similar to those seen in endocarditis with facultative anaerobic bacteria with the following exceptions: the gastrointestinal tract was the most common source for <i>B. fragilis</i> group endocarditis, the head and neck were the most common origin for <i>Fusobacterium</i> and <i>Bacteroides</i> spp., and the head and neck and genitourinary tract were the most common source for peptostreptococci. Complications with anaerobic endocarditis include valvular destruction, multiple mycotic aneurysms, aortic-ring abscess, aortitis, cardiogenic shock, dysrhythmias and septic shock. The mortality rate for patients with anaerobes endocarditis is 21–43%. Treatment of endocarditis involving anaerobic bacteria includes the use of antibiotic therapy effective against these organisms.
The Relevance of Psychiatric and Somatic Comorbidity in Depressed Chronic Benzodiazepine Users
Authors: Couvée Jaap E. , Bakker Abraham , Zitman Frans G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Comorbid conditions may add to the burden of depressed patients and hamper their treatment. We therefore investigated the impact of anxiety disorders and somatic comorbidity in a group of depressed chronic benzodiazepine users on disease status, treatment, benzodiazepine history and discontinuation outcome. <i>Methods:</i> At screening for a discontinuation programme, full psychiatric status was determined using the MINI-interview and psychopathology was assessed using several rating scales. Relevant medical history, including surgeries, was recorded as well. <i>Results:</i> Patients with comorbid anxiety disorders were 8 years younger (p < 0.001), more anxious (p = 0.004) and reported more benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms (p = 0.011) than depressed patients without comorbid anxiety disorders. They also had been using more long-acting benzodiazepines (p = 0.003), in higher dosages (p = 0.019). However, this did not result in more difficulty in tapering off benzodiazepines, either at post-test, or at follow-up 2.3 years later. Somatic comorbidity was not associated with the level of psychopathology and not related to the outcome of the discontinuation programme. <i>Conclusions:</i> Comorbid anxiety disorders are associated with a more severe disease status in depressed chronic benzodiazepine users, but have no influence on the benzodiazepine discontinuation. Somatic comorbidity has no impact on the severity of the psychopathology, or on benzodiazepine discontinuation.
Comparative in vitro Activity of Levofloxacin and Ciprofloxacin against Bacterial Isolates from Neutropenic Patients
Authors: Di Bonaventura G. , D’Antonio D. , Catamo G. , D’Ercole S. , Piccolomini R. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Novel fluoroquinolones have been recently introduced in the management of neutropenic patients because of their increased activity against gram-positive and gram-negative micro-organisms. <i>Methods:</i> The activities of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were determined by the E test against 223 bacterial isolates from patients with haematological malignancies. <i>Results:</i> In general, the activity of levofloxacin was comparable to that of ciprofloxacin. Levofloxacin was somewhat more active against methicillin-resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> isolates. All methicillin-susceptible <i>S. aureus</i> isolates were inhibited by ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin at a concentration of ≤0.5 and ≤0.25 µg/ml, respectively. Among gram-negative isolates tested, levofloxacin was significantly (p < 0.001) more active than ciprofloxacin against <i>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</i>, inhibiting 68 and 53% of these isolates, respectively. <i>Conclusions:</i> Levofloxacin was not superior to ciprofloxacin in its overall antibacterial activity, although small differences between these agents were seen depending on the species tested. In particular, our data suggested that levofloxacin may potentially be used for the management of <i>S. maltophilia</i> infections in neutropenic patients.
Antiviral Activity of <i>Petiveria alliacea</i> against the Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus
Authors: Ruffa M.J. , Perusina M. , Alfonso V. , Wagner M.L. , Suriano M. , Vicente C. , Campos R. , Cavallaro L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Natural products are a relevant source of antiviral drugs. Five medicinal plants used in Argentina have been assayed to detect inhibition of viral growth. <i>Methods:</i> Antiviral activity of the infusions and methanolic extracts of <i>Aristolochia macroura, Celtis spinosa, Plantago major, Schinus areira, Petiveria alliacea</i> and four extracts obtained from the leaves and stems of the last plant were evaluated by the plaque assay. <i>Results:</i><i>P. alliacea</i>, unlike <i>A. macroura, C. spinosa, P. major and S. areira</i>, inhibited bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) replication. Neither <i>P. alliacea</i> nor the assays of the other plants were active against herpes simplex virus type 1, poliovirus type 1, adenovirus serotype 7 and vesicular stomatitis virus type 1. Four extracts of <i>P. alliacea</i> were assayed to detect anti-BVDV activity. Ethyl acetate (EC<sub>50</sub> of 25 µg/ml) and dichloromethane (EC<sub>50</sub> of 43 µg/ml) extracts were active; moreover, promising SI (IC<sub>50</sub>/EC<sub>50</sub>) values were obtained. <i>Conclusion:</i> BVDV is highly prevalent in the cattle population, there are no antiviral compounds available; additionally, it is a viral model of the hepatitis C virus. For these reasons and in view of the results obtained, the isolation and characterization of the antiviral components present in the <i>P. alliacea</i> extracts is worth carrying out in the future.
Mechanisms of Cisplatin Resistance in Clear Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary
Authors: Itamochi Hiroaki , Kigawa Junzo , Akeshima Ryoji , Sato Shinya , Kamazawa Shunji , Takahashi Masakuni , Kanamori Yasunobu , Suzuki Mitsuaki , Ohwada Michitaka , Terakawa Naoki 
Published: April 2003

Resistance of clear cell carcinoma (CCC) of the ovary to platinum-based chemotherapy is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the mechanism underlying the resistance of CCC to platinum has not yet been understood. We conducted the present study to clarify the mechanism of cisplatin (CDDP) resistance in CCC cells. Eleven CCC and 5 serous adenocarcinoma (SAC) cell lines were used in this study. The IC<sub>50</sub> to CDDP ranged from 1.3 to 18.0 µ<i>M</i> for CCC cells and from 2.2 to 13.0 µ<i>M</i> for SAC cells. There was no correlation between multidrug resistance-associated protein expression and the sensitivity to CDDP in CCC cells. In contrast, the doubling time for CCC cells was significantly longer than that for SAC cells (61.4 vs. 29.8 h). A significant reverse correlation between the S-phase fraction and the response to CDDP was observed (r = 0.647, p < 0.05). The present study suggests that the resistance of CCC to CDDP may be caused by low cell proliferation.
High-Dose 5-Fluorouracil with Uridine-Diphosphoglucose Rescue Increases Thymidylate Synthase Inhibition but Not 5-Fluorouracil Incorporation into RNA in Murine Tumors
Authors: Codacci-Pisanelli Giovanni , van der Wilt Clasina L. , Smid Kees , Noordhuis Paul , Voorn Daphne , Pinedo Herbert M. , Peters Godefridus J. 
Published: April 2003

5-Fluorouracil (5FU) shows a steep dose response curve in several experimental systems, but the clinical use of high doses is hampered by the toxic side effects of this drug. Uridine diphosphoglucose (UDPG) rescue allows an increase in the maximum tolerated dose of 5FU in mice from 100 (FU<sub>100</sub>) to 150 mg/kg (5FU<sub>150</sub>+UDPG) and the higher dose is more effective than the standard treatment against several tumors. In the present paper we report on the effect of high-dose 5FU on thymidylate synthase (TS) levels and on 5FU incorporation into RNA. In the resistant murine tumor (Colon 26A) high-dose 5FU inhibited TS catalytic activity 8 h after treatment (4-fold; p = 0.00041) and the inhibition persisted until day 3 (p < 10<sup>–4</sup>). Standard-dose 5FU did not significantly inhibit TS activity. In a relatively sensitive tumor (Colon 26-10), there was no difference in the initial extent of TS inhibition by the two 5FU doses, but TS was still inhibited (2-fold) on day 3 after (5FU<sub>150</sub>+UDPG) while it was within the normal range after 5FU<sub>100</sub>. In both tumor types TS activity showed an impressive rebound (3-fold) on days 3–7, and this occurred after both 5FU doses. In Colon 26A, however, a new 5FU injection on day 7 was still able to inhibit TS but not as effectively as the first dose. 5FU incorporation into RNA reached similar peak values (8 pmol/µg RNA) after the two 5FU doses, but the clearance was faster in mice receiving UDPG rescue. We conclude that UDPG does not interfere with the extent of TS inhibition by 5FU, but UDPG allows the use of a higher dose of 5FU resulting in enhanced TS inhibition. UDPG, however, increases 5FU clearance from RNA. In this experimental system the inhibition of TS seems essential in order to obtain a good antitumor activity, while 5FU incorporation into RNA does not seem to play a role in the antitumor activity of 5FU. Since preliminary results indicate that UDPG is well tolerated by patients, the use of higher 5FU doses may improve the response rate of human tumors.
Latin American Guide for Psychiatric Diagnosis (GLDP)
Authors: Berganza Carlos E. , Mezzich Juan E. , Jorge Miguel Roberto 
Published: April 2003

Culturally competent diagnostic systems are necessary for an effective and ethical clinical practice, as cultural diversity of patients increase around the world. Latin American psychiatrists hold a long-standing commitment to this enterprise. Recently, two main Latin American adaptations to the international psychiatric classification have emerged: the <i>Cuban Glossary of Psychiatry</i>, and the project of the <i>Latin American Guide for Psychiatric Diagnosis</i> (GLADP). Keeping ICD-10 as the basis for nosological organization, GLADP is being developed with contributions by mental health professionals from Latin American countries. GLADP comprises 4 parts: (1) historical and cultural framework, (2) comprehensive diagnosis and formulation, (3) psychiatric nosology and (4) appendixes.