bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Calcium Carbasalate plus Metoclopramide versus Ergotamine Tartrate plus Caffeine in the Treatment of Acute Migraine Attacks
Authors: LeJeunne C. , Gómez J. Pascual , Pradalier A. , Titus i Albareda F. , Joffroy A. , Liaño H. , Henry P. , Lainez J.M. , Geraud G. 
Published: April 2003

This randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, multicenter, parallel-group study aimed at comparing the efficacy and safety of calcium carbasalate (equivalent to 900 mg aspirin) plus metoclopramide 10 mg (CM) with ergotamine tartrate 1 mg plus caffeine 100 mg (EC) administered in the treatment of 2 acute migraine attacks. A total of 296 patients fulfilling the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for migraine were enrolled. In total, one or two migraine attacks were treated in 268 and 235 patients, respectively. The primary endpoint for the first treated attack was headache relief, with intensity decreasing from moderate or severe to mild or absent 2 h after drug intake. Usual secondary efficacy endpoints were assessed. A superiority of CM over EC was observed for both treated attacks for the main endpoint: success in 54 versus 36%, p = 0.003 for the first attack and 60 versus 44%, p = 0.02 for the second attack. CM was also significantly superior to EC during the first attack for complete headache relief (20 vs. 8%, p = 0.006), nausea (42 vs. 63%, p = 0.007) and willingness to take the drug again (90 vs. 80%, p = 0.043). The global efficacy evaluation, rated by the investigators, was significantly more favorable to CM for both attacks (p = 0.001 for the first attack and p = 0.02 for the second). The patients’ evaluation was significant for the first attack (p = 0.002). The global incidence of adverse events was 45% higher with EC, though not significant (32 vs. 22%, p = 0.075). They were most often unspecific and mild to moderate in intensity. Gastrointestinal side effects were significantly less frequent with CM than EC (7 vs. 21%, p = 0.001). Thus, CM is more effective and has a better gastrointestinal safety than EC in the acute treatment of migraine attacks.
Gabapentin as Treatment for Hemifacial Spasm
Authors: Bandini Fabio , Mazzella Luca 
Published: April 2003

Hemifacial spasm, a life-long condition characterized by involuntary unilateral contractions of the facial muscles, is a disabling disorder often resulting in patient irritation and social embarassment. Its probable etiology is neurovascular compression of the facial nerve at its root exit zone. The current medical treatment consists of either baclofen or anticonvulsant drugs, with limitation due to side effects or low efficacy. In recent years botulinum toxin injection and microvascular decompression of the facial nerve have been shown to be highly successful. However, both procedures share some complications and require special techniques. We present 5 patients affected by hemifacial spasm who responded well to the novel anticonvulsant drug gabapentin. Gabapentin was administered at a dose ranging from 900 to 1,600 mg daily, with rapid and clear improvement of spasms and absence of any remarkable adverse effects. Our findings suggest that gabapentin may be an effective treatment for patients with hemifacial spasm with a very good ratio of therapeutic effects to side effects when compared with other drugs currently used.
A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Iron in Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Davis Bradley J. , Rajput Alex , Rajput Michele L. , Aul Edward A. , Eichhorn Gerald R. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Previous open-label trials have shown iron to be efficacious in the treatment of restless legs syndrome. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of iron sulfate. <i>Methods:</i> Twenty-eight patients were randomized to receive either ferrous sulfate 325 mg b.i.d. or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcome measure was the dichotomous variable of improvement or no improvement in average quality of sleep as recorded by a visual analog scale nightly over a 2-week period, comparing a pretreatment 2-week baseline to weeks 13–14. Secondary outcome measures included a comparison of the quality of sleep as measured by a visual analog scale, effect of restless legs syndrome on life as a whole as measured by a different visual analog scale, and the percentage of nights patients were symptomatic. <i>Results:</i> No significant differences were noted between iron and placebo groups for both primary and secondary outcome measures. Responders taking iron did have a significant increase in their iron saturation compared to nonresponders taking iron. <i>Conclusions:</i> Iron sulfate does not appear to be an effective empiric treatment for restless legs syndrome.
Bleeding and Subsequent Anemia: A Precipitant for Cerebral Infarction
Authors: Kim Jong S. , Kang Suck Y. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Objectives:</i> The relationship between bleeding and subsequent anemia (BSA) and the occurrence of stroke has not been sufficiently studied. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the characteristics of stroke associated with BSA. <i>Methods:</i> We studied 16 consecutive patients with acute stroke associated with anemia (hemoglobin level on admission ≤9.0 g/dl) and compared their stroke subtypes with those of 32 control subjects. <i>Results:</i> The cause of anemia was upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 11 patients (ulcers in 8; carcinomas in 2, and hemorrhagic gastritis in 1), bleeding from a hemorrhoid in 2, uterine cervical bleeding in 1, ecchymosis probably related to medication in 1, and chronic blood drainage in 1. At least 10 patients had a history of recent (<1 week), active bleeding. Clinical and imaging studies showed that all the patients had infarcts and none had intracerebral hemorrhages. Thirteen patients had infarcts in the region of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (total MCA region in 2; partial, cortical area in 5; subcortical area in 5, and lenticulostriate artery region in 1), 2 had anterior cerebral artery (ACA) region infarction, and 1 had cerebellar infarction. All 11 patients who underwent vascular imaging studies showed significant stenosis and/or occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA) (n = 5), the MCA (n = 4), both the ICA and MCA (n = 1), or the ACA (n = 1). Of the different stroke subtypes (large vessel infarction (LVI), small vessel infarction, cardiogenic embolic infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage), LVI was significantly (p < 0.05) more frequent in patients with stroke associated with BSA than in the controls, even though the demographics and risk factors were similar in each group. <i>Conclusions:</i> The close temporal relationship between the bleeding and the onset of stroke, as well as the predominance of the LVI subtype in the BSA-associated group as compared to controls, suggest that BSA may precipitate atherothrombotic cerebral infarction. A hemodynamic alteration, enhanced thrombosis or a combination of these appears to be the pathogenic mechanism.
Increased Expression of Laminin 1 in the Skin of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Ono Seiitsu , Imai Takashi , Shimizu Natsue , Nagao Koichi 
Published: April 2003

Abnormalities of collagen and glycosaminoglycans of skin have been reported in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, little is known concerning laminin in ALS. The aim of this study is to evaluate laminin 1 immunohistochemistry of skin in ALS patients. We studied laminin 1 immunoreactivity of skin from 17 patients with ALS, 17 patients with other neurological or muscular diseases (control group A) and 10 patients without neurological or muscular disorders (control group B). The dermis, the epithelial basement membrane of the epidermal layer and the basement membrane of skin appendages and blood vessels of skin in ALS patients were significantly higher than in control groups A and B, and showed a significant positive correlation with the duration of illness in the optical density for laminin 1 immunoreactivity. In addition, there was an appreciable positive relationship in the laminin 1 immunoreactivity between the dermis and the basement membrane in ALS patients. These data suggest that alterations of laminin 1 in the skin of ALS patients could be related to the pathogenesis of ALS and may contribute to changes in the mechanical properties of the skin, resulting in the absence of bedsores in ALS patients.
Remote Effects of Chronic Botulinum Toxin Treatment: Electrophysiologic Results Do Not Indicate Subclinical Remodelling of Noninjected Muscles
Authors: Fertl Elisabeth , Schnider Peter , Schneider Barbara , Auff Eduard 
Published: April 2003

This study investigates the remote effects of botulinum toxin injections by examining the motor unit architecture of noninjected distant muscles. In 21 dystonia patients treated with botulinum toxin (n = 11, mean cumulative dose = 815 mU; n = 10, mean cumulative dose = 7,207 mU) and 10 control individuals, a blinded single-fiber electromyography of the vastus lateralis muscle was performed. The main outcome measure was fiber density (FD), thus measuring the effect of different cumulative doses on remote reinnervation. FD was normal in all patients treated with botulinum toxin. FD did not differ between the three groups studied. No relationship was found between FD and cumulative dose. Therefore, in this specific patient population, muscles remote to the site of injection showed no FD change months after the injection. We conclude that there was no evidence of remote reinnervation and remodelling of motor units with cumulative chemodenervation.
Liver Ischemia Modifies the Concentration of Plasmatic Catecholamines after Reperfusion in the Rat
Authors: Zonta F. , Barbieri Annalisa , Frattini P. , Pettenazza P. , Gaspari Annalisa , Maestri M.O. , Zonta A. 
Published: April 2003

Pulmonary hypertension is one of the most frequent and severe consequences of liver ischemia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of humoral vasoactive mediators, generated during liver ischemia, which could be able to determine the onset of pulmonary hypertension. Thus, we evaluated the plasmatic concentration of catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine) during the immediate reperfusion period. Wistar rats were used. Animals (n = 89) were divided into four groups. Group 1 served as control (sham-operated). In group 2 animals underwent 60 min of left hepatic exclusion. In group 3 animals underwent to bilateral adrenectomy. In group 4 animals had both bilateral adrenectomy and liver ischemia. Ischemia in group 2 and 4 was induced by interrupting the vascular supply to the left and median lobes, so avoiding the use of a portal shunt. Blood samples were collected from the suprahepatic inferior caval vein immediately after reperfusion. Strips of the main pulmonary artery were put into an isolated organ bath and tested for the response to noradrenaline, adrenaline and plasma samples. Plasma samples collected after ischemia caused a significantly greater (p < 0.01) contraction of the pulmonary artery compared to controls. Plasma samples collected after adrenectomy caused a weak contraction which was not different from that obtained in the adrenectomy + ischemia group. Plasma concentrations of catecholamines after liver ischemia were significantly increased in the control group (p < 0.01). In adrenectomized rats only the adrenaline level was greatly reduced. However ischemia did not increase plasma catecholamines as it occurred in sham-operated rats.
Development of a Model for Measurement of Adhesion Strength of Fibrin Sealant to Human Tissue
Authors: Kjaergard H.K. , Velada J.L. , Pulawska T. , Ellensen V.S. , Larsen S.S. , Hollingsbee D.A. 
Published: April 2003

It is crucial for the surgeon to know the physical properties of a surgical sealant. Current test methods of fibrin sealant involving animal testing or in vitro testing of sealant using artificial substrates have little clinical relevance. Most of these test methods also lack accuracy and reproducibility. A new model was developed for testing strength and in vitro adhesion of fibrin sealant to vital human tissue using fresh vein leftover from coronary artery bypass grafting. The vein leftover was cut into samples and fastened in a tensiometer linked to a computer. Patient-derived fibrin sealant (0.1 ml) was applied to the tissue, and the surfaces of the tissue samples were held together for 5 min, and then automatically pulled apart by the tensiometer. Data were generated in a load cell and recorded and analysed by the computer. The reproducibility for the adhesion strength was 6.6%, adhesion energy 9.8%, and elongation at break 8.4%. The method has been considered ethical and has good reproducibility. The method can be used for standardised measurements and comparison of different types of fibrin sealant without the sacrifice of animals.
Three-Dimensional Ultrasonographic Visualization of Multiple Pregnancy
Authors: Hata Toshiyuki , Aoki Showa , Miyazaki Kohji , Iwanari Osamu , Sawada Kohji , Tagashira Toshihiro 
Published: April 2003

Our purpose was to describe interrelationships and contacts between twins in utero by use of three-dimensional ultrasonography with a specially developed abdominal three-dimensional transducer. Thirteen twin pregnancies (3 monochorionic and 10 dichorionic pairs) and one triplet pregnancy (trichorionic triplet) from 9 to 36 weeks of gestation were studied with a specially developed abdominal three-dimensional transducer (3.5 MHz). This imaging system can provide conventional two-dimensional ultrasonography images and can also generate within seconds high-quality three-dimensional images in the surface and transparent mode with no need for an external workstation. Interrelationships and contacts between twins or triplets are described. Various types of contacts (head/body/arm/leg) and interrelationships were clearly visualized. Crowding of in utero twin fetuses increased with advancing gestation. Sometimes two placentas and dividing membrane were beautifully depicted. In one triplet pregnancy, the interrelationships among 3 fetuses and dividing membranes were easily recognized. Three-dimensional ultrasonography provides a novel means of visualizing multiple pregnancies in utero. These results suggest that three-dimensional ultrasonography has the potential to be a supplement to two-dimensional ultrasonography and would be useful in evaluating the interhuman contacts and crowdings of twin and triplet fetuses in utero.
Influence of 5-Lipoxygenase on in vitro Growth of Human Mammary Carcinoma Cell Line MCF-7
Authors: Przylipiak A. , Hafner J. , Przylipiak J. , Köhn F.-M. , Runnebaum B. , Rabe T. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the direct effect of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) on the growth of human mammary cancer cells MCF-7 in vitro. Cell growth was measured according to the level of <sup>3</sup>H-thymidine incorporation. 5-LO was shown to inhibit <sup>3</sup>H-thymidine incorporation. The inhibitory effect was 19, 42 and 78% when administered at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 or 0.5 U/ml, respectively. Its effect was time- and dose-dependent and was statistically significant at concentrations of 0.2 and 0.5 U/ml. We have also shown that the specific 5-LO inhibitor MK-886 (1 µ<i>M</i>) lifts the inhibitory effect of 5-LO (0.2 U/ml). Moreover, when treated with an activator of 5-lipoxygenase calcium ionophore A23187 (10 µ<i>M</i>) MCF-7 cells synthesize LTB4. The results of this study are evidence of the role of 5-lipoxygenase in the regulation of human mammary cancer cells growth in vitro.
GnRH Analogues and Uterine Leiomyomas
Authors: Rintala Sirpa , Kujansuu Erkki , Teisala Klaus , Rantala Immo , Kivinen Seppo , Tuimala Risto 
Published: April 2003

Cell proliferation in uterine leiomyomas treated preoperatively with either nafarelin (400 μg/day) for 3 months (7 patients) or nafarelin plus hormone (oestradiol + norethisterone) add-back therapy (6 patients) was investigated by automatic image analysis of frozen tissue sections using immunohistochemistry with anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen antibody. GnRHa therapy decreased cell proliferation in leiomyomas to a level corresponding to the situation previously seen in postmenopausal leiomyomas. However, there was no consistent correlation between cell proliferation and shrinkage of leiomyomal size. The hormone add-back therapy moderated the influence of GnRHa on cell proliferation and completely blocked a decrease in size of leiomyomas in our patients.
Management of Heparin-Associated Thrombocytopenia in Pregnancy with Subcutaneous r-Hirudin
Authors: Huhle G. , Geberth M. , Hoffmann U. , Heene D. L. , Harenberg J. 
Published: April 2003

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II is a serious, immune-mediated complication of heparin therapy. Due to its low cross-reactivity with heparin-associated antibodies (10–20%), danaparoid has successfully been administered in these patients. In recent studies, r-hirudin as a potent and specific thrombin inhibitor, was demonstrated to be a safe and effective anticoagulant. We report a pregnant woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and recurrent venous thromboembolism who suffered from heparin-induced thrombocytopenia type II while treated with dalteparin sodium. Positive cross-reactivities with danaparoid were found. Anticoagulation with 15 mg subcutaneous r-hirudin was performed twice daily from the 25th week of pregnancy until delivery. No thromboembolism or bleeding or fetal toxicity of r-hirudin was detected. Recombinant hirudin is a potent and specific thrombin inhibitor that can be used as a safe and effective anticoagulant in pregnancy.
Type of Human Papillomavirus and Expression of p53 in Elderly Women with Cervical Cancer
Authors: Saito J. , Hoshiai H. , Noda K. 
Published: April 2003

To clarify the age-related genetic events in cervical cancer in elderly (≧65 years) women, 66 tissue specimens obtained from patients with stage Ib–IIb cervical carcinoma among two groups of women, 64 years of age or younger and 65 years of age and older, were analyzed for human papillomavirus (HPV) typing via polymerase chain reaction, the expression of p53 via immunohistochemical study, and clinical behavior. The prevalence of HPV DNA was higher in the younger group than in the older group (84.0 vs. 50.0%) as was the detection rate of HPV 16 (44.0 vs. 6.3%). In contrast, HPV 18, 33, 52, 58, and X were frequently detected in older patients. The positive rate of p53 overexpression in the older group was similar to that in the younger group (46.7 vs. 48.8%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of lymph node metastasis, histology, and the distribution of clinical stage between the two groups. Thus, in elderly Japanese women with stage Ib–IIb, the association of HPV of types other than HPV 16 is suggested to influence the progression of cervical cancer.
Amniotic Fluid Index and Labor Length of Pregnancies Induced Beyond 41 Weeks of Gestation with Unfavorable Cervix
Authors: Rizzo Nicola , Farina Antonio , Santarsiero Giuseppe , Di Luzio Luisa , Vitarelli Marisa , Bovicelli Alessandro , Carinci Paolo , Bovicelli Luciano 
Published: April 2003

We evaluated if the response to prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> (PGE<sub>2</sub>) induction, in pregnancies completing 41 gestational weeks, is correlated to amniotic fluid index (AFI) values. A follow-up was performed from the time of the induction to the time of delivery of 63 pregnancies resulting in a spontaneous delivery showing unfavorable cervical examination at 41 weeks of gestation. This was induced by means of intracervical administration of PGE<sub>2</sub> gel (Dinoprostone 0.5 mg). If the cervix was still unfavorable after 12 h, another gel administration followed. The number of PGE<sub>2</sub> administration and AFI were both used as variables to correlate the time remaining before the delivery and the probability of delivery (Kaplan-Meier and Cox algorithms). Gestational age, parity, neonatal weight, and APGAR 5′ were used as covariates. A cut-off of AFI >6 better discriminates two groups regarding the probability of delivery at paired hours from the beginning of the induction. A statistically significant difference was demonstrated in only those patients which did not deliver within 12 h (44 cases). Multivariate analysis (Cox regression) yielded an adjusted odds ratio associated to the probability of delivery of 0.47 (0.23–0.95, 95% CI, p value = 0.0354) for AFI≤6 vs. AFI >6.
Serum Angiogenin Levels during Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy
Authors: Hayashi Keiji , Yanagihara Toshihiro , Hata Toshiyuki 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To evaluate alterations in maternal circulating angiogenin levels with advancing gestation and to assess the effect of labor stress on serum angiogenin levels in neonates delivered vaginally and by cesarean section. <i>Methods:</i> The maternal circulating angiogenin concentrations were compared in 37 normotensive nonpregnant women, in 60 normotensive pregnant women from 7 to 41 weeks of gestation, and in 12 normotensive postpartum women on the 3rd puerperal day. The serum angiogenin concentrations were also measured in 12 patients with threatened premature labor. Moreover, maternal and fetal serum angiogenin samples before and after delivery were used to determine differences in 12 neonates delivered vaginally and in 11 neonates delivered by elective cesarean section. The serum angiogenin level was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. <i>Results:</i> There was no significant difference in serum angiogenin levels during each phase of the menstrual cycle. The serum angiogenin levels were decreaseing until 15 weeks of gestation and increasing thereafter. There was no significant difference in serum angiogenin levels between normal pregnant women and in patients with threatened premature labor. Labor stress did not affect either maternal or fetal serum angiogenin concentrations. The serum angiogenin levels of the neonates were significantly lower than those in maternal serum after both vaginal delivery and delivery by cesarean section. <i>Conclusion:</i> These results suggest that regulatory mechanisms of angiogenin may exist during pregnancy.