bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adrenocorticotropin Inhibition by Restoration of Normal Evening Cortisol Levels: A Measure of Putative Hippocampus-Mediated Glucocorticoid Feedback in Humans
Authors: Goldman Morris B. , Wood Gordon John 
Published: April 2003

Hippocampus-mediated glucocorticoid negative feedback is thought to be relevant to the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders, but no reliable method of measuring it in humans has been developed. Converging lines of evidence indicate that basal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity during the unstressed circadian trough is primarily regulated by this feedback process. To assess whether negative feedback can be demonstrated under these circumstances, we studied normal controls (n = 5) who were pretreated with metyrapone to lower their basal evening cortisol levels. On two separate occasions, in double-blind randomized order, subjects received an infusion of cortisol or of saline. Restoration of normal evening plasma cortisol by the cortisol infusion produced a drop in plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) apparent in the last sample obtained at +200 min (p < 0.05). The ACTH response in schizophrenic patients (n = 4), whose mental illness may arise from hippocampal dysfunction, was relatively blunted compared to that seen in normals (p < 0.02). 11-Desoxycortisol levels paralleled the ACTH responses across conditions and subject groups. These preliminary data suggest that hippocampus-mediated glucocorticoid feedback can be measured in normal subjects and may provide an index of hippocampal dysfunction in neuropsychiatric patients.
C-Type Natriuretic Peptide Expression in Olfactory Regions of Rat Brain Is Modulated by Acute Water Deprivation, Salt Loading and Central Angiotensin II
Authors: Cameron Vicky A. , Cumming Sarah A. , Espiner Eric A. , Nicholls Gary , Richards Mark 
Published: April 2003

To elucidate the central role of c-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), levels of CNP mRNA in control rat brain were compared with levels following acute water deprivation, salt loading and central administration of angiotensin II (AII), using Northern blot and in situ hybridisation. Rats with water deprivation (WD) had no access to water for 48 h, rats with salt loading (SL) had access to 2% saline for 48 h, and control rats had free access to water. Both WD and SL significantly raised plasma sodium (Na). Levels of CNP mRNA in olfactory regions were significantly decreased in WD and increased in SL. In the medulla, WD and SL both increased CNP mRNA, but levels of CNP mRNA elsewhere in the brain were not significantly altered. Intracerebroventricular AII (500 ng) increased water intake, and induced a significant increase in CNP expression at 4 h in olfactory regions, but not in other brain sites. In summary, CNP expression is regulated in olfactory regions of the rat brain in response to acute challenges to water and salt balance and by central AII.
Regulation of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Gene Expression during GnRH Neuron Migration in the Mouse
Authors: Simonian Sharon X. , Herbison Allan E. 
Published: April 2003

The mechanisms underlying the migration of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons from the nose into the forebrain are not resolved. In an attempt to characterize further the migrating GnRH neurons, we have employed in situ hybridization techniques and transgenic mouse models to examine levels of GnRH mRNA and GnRH gene transcription in GnRH neurons during migration in the mouse. In the first experiment, cellular levels of GnRH mRNA in neurons located throughout the nose and forebrain were examined in embryonic day (E) 12.5, 14.5, 16.5 and 19.5 mice using in situ hybridization. The GnRH mRNA content of cells located in both the nose (p < 0.01) and forebrain (p < 0.05) was found to increase significantly from E12.5 to E19.5 and from E14.5 to E19.5, respectively. However, cellular levels of GnRH mRNA were not significantly different in neurons located in the nose compared with the brain at each developmental age. In the second experiment, levels of GnRH gene transcription were investigated at E14.5 using two different GNLZ transgenic mouse lines in which 13.5 kb of GnRH gene sequences direct the expression of the LacZ reporter to the nucleus of GnRH neurons. Migrating GnRH neurons displayed up to a 3-fold increase (p < 0.01) in transgene expression, an index of GnRH transcription, precisely as they approached and entered the forebrain. These results indicate that GnRH gene expression in migrating GnRH neurons is likely regulated by temporal as well as spatial factors and that, as found postnatally, this may involve both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms.
Restraint Stress Modulates Brain, Pituitary and Adrenal Expression of Angiotensin II AT<sub>1A</sub>, AT<sub>1B</sub> and AT<sub>2</sub> Receptors
Authors: Leong Darren S. , Terrón José A. , Falcón-Neri Alicia , Armando Ines , Ito Takeshi , Jöhren Olaf , Tonelli Leonardo H. , Hoe Kwang-Lae , Saavedra Juan M. 
Published: April 2003

Angiotensin II (Ang II) AT<sub>1</sub> receptors are involved in the regulation of the stress response. In adult male rats, acute restraint increased AT<sub>1A</sub> mRNA in paraventricular nucleus. Repeated restraint increased AT<sub>1A</sub> mRNA and AT<sub>1</sub> binding in paraventricular nucleus and AT<sub>1</sub> binding in subfornical organ and median eminence. AT<sub>1B</sub> and AT<sub>2</sub> receptors were not expressed in brain areas involved in the stress response. Acute restraint increased anterior pituitary AT<sub>1A</sub> mRNA and AT<sub>1</sub> binding and decreased AT<sub>1B</sub> mRNA. During repeated restraint, the increase in AT<sub>1A</sub> mRNA in the anterior pituitary was maintained, but AT<sub>1B</sub> mRNA and AT<sub>1</sub> binding returned to normal levels. In adrenal zona glomerulosa, AT<sub>1B</sub> mRNA, AT<sub>1</sub> binding, AT<sub>2</sub> mRNA and AT<sub>2</sub> binding decreased during acute restraint. Receptor mRNA and binding returned to normal after repeated stress, with the exception of rebound increase in adrenal zona glomerulosa AT<sub>2</sub> mRNA. In adrenal medulla, AT<sub>1A</sub> mRNA increased and AT<sub>2</sub> mRNA decreased during acute restraint. AT<sub>1A</sub> mRNA remained increased during repeated restraint, while alterations in AT<sub>2</sub> mRNA were no longer present. Expression of AT<sub>1A</sub>, AT<sub>1B</sub> and AT<sub>2</sub> receptors in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is tissue specific and is different in acute and repeated stress. Increased brain, pituitary and adrenomedullary AT<sub>1A</sub> receptor expression correlates with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stimulation, supporting the hypothesis of Ang II, through selective AT<sub>1A</sub> receptor stimulation, as an important determinant of the acute and repeated stress response. Decreased adrenal zona glomerulosa and anterior pituitary AT<sub>1B</sub> receptors during acute stress can be interpreted as compensatory to increased stimulation by Ang II. There may be additional roles for adrenal AT<sub>2</sub> receptors during acute stress, possibly related to interaction or cross-talk with AT<sub>1</sub> receptors.
Oral Combination of Cyclophosphamide, Uracil plus Tegafur and Estramustine for Hormone-Refractory Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nishimura K. , Nonomura N. , Ono Y. , Nozawa M. , Fukui T. , Harada Y. , Imazu T. , Takaha N. , Sugao H. , Miki T. , Okuyama A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective: </i>To evaluate the clinical usefulness of an oral combination of cyclophosphamide, uracil plus tegafur (UFT) and estramustine in the treatment of patients with hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC). <i>Methods: </i>Twenty-one patients were treated with oral administration of cyclophosphamide (100 mg/day), UFT (400 mg/day) and estramustine phosphate (560 mg/day). The median age of the patients was 70 years. Twelve patients had symptomatic bone metastasis, 6 had asymptomatic bone metastasis, 5 had lymph node metastasis, while 2 had only biochemical progression evaluated by prostate-specific antigen (PSA). <i>Results: </i>Twelve (57%) out of 21 patients showed a PSA decline of 50% or greater. The median response duration was 7 months (range 2–15 months). Among the 20 patients assessable for bone pain, 2 (10%) improved, 12 (60%) remained stable and 6 (30%) progressed. Among the 10 patients assessable for bone metastasis, 1 (10%) improved, 5 (50%) were stable and 4 (40%) progressed on bone scan. Among 3 patients assessable for measurable disease (lymph node metastasis), 2 (67%) showed partial response and 1 (33%) progression. Most toxicities were mild. <i>Conclusions: </i>The combination of cyclophosphamide, UFT and estramustine is an active and well-tolerated regimen for HRPC. To evaluate the survival benefit, further randomized studies are required.
Phase II Trial of a Paclitaxel-Carboplatin Combination in Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Pivot X. , Cals L. , Cupissol D. , Guardiola E. , Tchiknavorian X. , Guerrier P. , Merad L. , Wendling J.L. , Barnouin L. , Savary J. , Thyss A. , Schneider M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Twenty-seven patients with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck were entered in a multicenter study to determine the efficacy of the paclitaxel-carboplatin association. <i>Methods:</i> Standard eligibility criteria applied, i.e. measurable disease, and chemotherapy given as induction treatment or concomitant chemoradiotherapy was allowed if completed more than 6 months prior to the study. Every 21 days, paclitaxel 175 mg/m<sup>2</sup> and carboplatin AUC 6 were administered. The patient group included 3 females and 24 males with a median age of 61 years (range 39–75 years). <i>Results:</i> All patients were assessable for toxicity and 24 for responses. Main grade 3–4 toxicities were: neutropenia (62.9%), febrile neutropenia (18.5%), anemia (11.1%), thrombocytopenia (14.8%), mucositis (7.4%) and vomiting (7.4%). Among the intent-to-treat population, 29.6% of patients had an objective response, with a median response duration of 4.2 months (range 1–5.7 months). Stable and progressive disease were observed in 11.1 and 48.1% of patients, respectively. The median overall survival was 7.2 months (range 0.5–10.9 months). <i>Conclusion:</i> From these data, paclitaxel-carboplatin seems to have an activity in recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, but the high level of toxicity highlights the need to search for a safer chemotherapy combination.
Intracameral Levels of Intravenously Injected Fluorescein, Cefmenoxime, and Chloramphenicol in the Prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub>-Administered Eyes of Albino Rabbits
Authors: Kato Tsuyoshi , Hiraki Shigeyoshi , Hayasaka Seiji 
Published: April 2003

We evaluated the effects of inflammation and physicochemical nature of selected agents on the intracameral levels of intravenously injected drugs in albino rabbits. Transcorneal diffusion of prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> (10, 50 or 250 µg/ml) using a glass cylinder was used to produce inflammation of the anterior segment in the right eyes. As a control, a vehicle was applied to the left cornea. Immediately, 2, 5, or 11 h after prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> administration, a mixed solution of fluorescein, cefmenoxime, and chloramphenicol (50 mg each/kg body weight) was injected intravenously. One hour after injection of the drugs, the primary aqueous humor was withdrawn. The intracameral levels of protein and these drugs after prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> administration increased at 1 h in a dose-dependent manner. These levels then gradually decreased. One hour after prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub> administration, the intracameral levels of protein and these drugs in the prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub>-administered eyes were significantly higher than those in the vehicle-administered eyes, except chloramphenicol after administration of 10 µg/ml prostaglandin E<sub>2</sub>. Our findings indicate that the intracameral levels of intravenously administered drugs are altered not only by the severity of inflammation but also by the properties of drugs.
Human Immunoglobulin Preparations for Intravenous Use Prevent Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis in Rats
Authors: Obrador Esther , Peinado Enrique , de Kozak Yvonne , Ruiz-Moreno JoseM. , Alio JorgeL. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> We analyzed the preventive effect of immunoglobulins for intravenous use (IVIgs) in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU), a disease related to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) production. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> EIU was the experimental model in Lewis rats, injecting a systemic dose of 150 µg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the rat’s footpad. Half of them were treated with 5 serial intravenous doses of 100 mg of IVIg during the 5 days prior to LPS injection. Eyes were repeatedly examined with a slitlamp, rats were killed and their eyes enucleated for histopathologic study at the 2nd, 16th and 24th hours. TNF-α serum levels were measured in aqueous humor at several time intervals by a bioassay using L-929 mouse fibroblasts. Aqueous humor proteins were detected by the Bradford method. <i>Results:</i> IVIg treatment prevented EIU development, treated animals showing a lower grade of ocular inflammation beyond the 2nd hour (Fisher test, p > 0.05). Inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly reduced in the iris, ciliary body and anterior chamber at a 24-hour interval (Wilcoxon test, p < 0.05). This protection was associated with lower levels of TNF-α in serum at all time intervals and in aqueous humor at 16 h (Student’s t test, p < 0.05), while differences were not significant between the samples of aqueous humor collected at 2 h. Protein exudate was not reduced in the treated group. <i>Conclusions:</i> Repeated IVIg injections could be useful in the preventive treatment of EIU probably mediated by a decrease in TNF-α release.
Involvement of Oxygen Free Radicals in Experimental Retinal Ischemia and the Selective Vulnerability of Retinal Damage
Authors: Kuriyama Hiroshi , Waki Mitsunori , Nakagawa Masashi , Tsuda Motoyuki 
Published: April 2003

Protective effects of CV-3611, a free radical scavenger, on retinal ischemic injury in the rat and on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in a cell line were evaluated. Transient retinal ischemia was induced by raising intraocular pressure of rats to 110 mm Hg for 45 min, and the electroretinogram (ERG) was measured to evaluate retinal function. No ERG could be recorded immediately after reperfusion, and thereafter the ERG gradually recovered. Recovery of the a-wave latency and the amplitudes of the a and b waves in the CV-3611-treated (10 mg/kg, p.o.) group were significantly better than those in the control group up to 24 h after reperfusion. In both the control and CV-3611 group, the b wave showed better recovery than the a wave up to 6 h after reperfusion, while the relationship was reversed after 24-hour reperfusion. Glutamate (10 m<i>M</i>)-induced cytotoxicity in the N18-RE-105 cell, a neural retina-neuroblastoma hybridoma, was quantified by measuring lactate dehydrogenase. Three and 10 µ<i>M</i> of CV-3611 significantly attenuated the glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in N18-RE-105 cells. Thus, the radical scavenger (CV-3611) promoted the recovery of retinal function after ischemia-reperfusion injury and ameliorated glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. These results suggest that oxygen free radicals play an important role in the early phase of retinal ischemic injury. Moreover, differential recovery processes of the a and b waves after ischemia suggest that the selective vulnerability of the retina to ischemia could change functionally during the period of reperfusion.
Effect of Pneumatic Suction Ring Placement on Intraocular Pressure in Cats
Authors: Li Bing 
Published: April 2003

<i>Purpose:</i> To determine the effect of placing a pneumatic suction ring on intraocular pressure (IOP) in the cat and to design an improved method to generate a stable elevation of IOP. <i>Methods:</i> A pneumatic suction ring was applied to the eye in cats while the IOP was monitored. Three groups of animals (10 per group) were used. A vacuum pressure of 450 mbar was applied in one step to eyes of group 1 (anesthetized) and to group 2 (euthanized) cats. In group 3 (anesthetized) cats, an initial vacuum pressure of 250 mbar was applied, followed by a vacuum of slowly increasing pressure at a rate of 5 mbar/min for a total of 40 min to 450 mbar. <i>Results:</i> After the one-step application of a vacuum (450 mbar) to the eyes of anesthetized cats (group 1), IOP peaked within the first minute from a basal value of 25 ± 2 mm Hg (mean ± SD) to 90 ± 7 mm Hg. It then rapidly decreased to 69 ± 2 mm Hg 5 min later and continued to decrease to 39 ± 4 mm Hg 40 min later. This sharp peak and decline of IOP were also observed in eyes of euthanized cats (group 2). The basal IOP of these eyes was 8 ± 1 mm Hg. It rose to 18 ± 2 mm Hg immediately after the application of vacuum pressure (450 mbar) and returned to the basal level 5 min later. In contrast, the eyes of group 3 receiving an initial vacuum of 250 mbar followed by a 5 mbar/min vacuum increment exhibited a rapid increase in IOP and a very stable plateau (mean IOP = 62–68 mm Hg), lasting the whole study period (40 min). <i>Conclusion:</i> IOP after a one-step application of a vacuum via a pneumatic suction ring is self-adjusting and declines rapidly over time. This decline in IOP can be overcome by a supplementary increment in vacuum pressure.
Successful Use of Rib Grafts for Cranioplasty in Children
Authors: Taggard Derek A. , Menezes Arnold H. 
Published: April 2003

Numerous materials are available for use in cranioplasty including bone, plastics and metals. Rib grafts as a construct for cranial reconstruction offer several advantages: autologous bone source, a formable platform, low infection, regeneration at the donor site and high fusion rates. Criticism of rib graft cranioplasty includes scarring and pain at the donor site, irregular contour at the graft site and graft reabsorption. Since 1988, we have performed rib autograft cranioplasty on 13 patients. Seven females and 6 males combined for an average age of 6 years (11 months to 20 years) at the time of surgery. The mean follow-up from surgery is 27 months (2–48 months), with 11 subjects having at least 12 months. The commonest reasons for cranial reconstruction were: post-traumatic calvarial defect (n = 4), defect from previous craniotomy (n = 3), ‘growing’ skull fracture (n = 2), and defect from previous encephalocele closure (n = 2). Mean defect size was 41 cm<sup>2</sup> (8–144 cm<sup>2</sup>) and average number of ribs harvested was 1.75 (1–3). Simple rib cranioplasty had a mean time in the operating room of 6 h and 30 min. No donor site complications were noted (pneumothorax, significant post-operative pain) and no post-operative infections were encountered. Excellent cranial contour was achieved in each of the 11 patients followed for a minimum of 12 months. One subject required staged reconstructive procedures owing to the size of the defect.
Hyperthermic Enhancement of the Apoptotic and Antiproliferative Activities of Paclitaxel
Authors: Othman Timothy , Goto Shinji , Lee Jeong-Beom , Taimura Akihiro , Matsumoto Takaaki , Kosaka Mitsuo 
Published: April 2003

The antineoplastic agent paclitaxel (PTX), a microtubule-stabilizing agent, is known to arrest cell cycle progression and induce apoptosis. Mild hyperthermia (HT) also disrupts the microtubule system and triggers apoptosis. We therefore investigated whether concurrent exposure of murine breast cancer cells to 10 µmol/l PTX and 43°C HT will promote improved anticancer effects. To do this, we exposed FM3A murine cancer cells to: (1) 10 µmol/l PTX for 1 h at 37°C followed by exposure at 43°C HT for 1 h; (2) 10 µmol/l PTX at 37°C for 2 h; (3) 37°C for 1 h followed by 43°C HT for 1 h, and (4) untreated cells at 37°C for 2 h which served as the control. Treatment No. 1 resulted in an enhanced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and cytotoxicity. Exposure to 43°C HT alone or 10 µmol/l PTX alone induced lesser apoptosis and cytotoxicity than the two treatments concurrently applied. The apoptotic cell death occurred in a time-dependent manner as follows: (1) concurrently applied 43°C HT and 10 µmol/l PTX (5.6 ± 0.5, 16.5 ± 2 and 27.6 ± 1%); (2) 43°C HT alone (4.3 ± 1, 6.6 ± 0.3 and 12.7 ± 1%) and (3) 10 µmol/l PTX alone (4.4 ± 0.3, 8.6 ± 1 and 12.8 ± 1%) at 1, 6 and 24 h postexposure respectively compared to control of 2.0%. These data indicate that while both HT and PTX can individually induce apoptosis and antiproliferation in FM3A cancer cells, they may offer synergistic benefits when used concurrently.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy in Ureteral and Kidney Malformations
Authors: Gallucci Michele , Vincenzoni Andrea , Schettini Manlio , Fortunato Pasquale , Cassanelli Antonella , Zaccara Antonio 
Published: April 2003

<i>Introduction:</i> Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) has long been accepted worldwide in the treatment of kidney stone disease. Upper ureter calculi in ureteral and kidney malformations are rather frequent (10–25%). The aims of this retrospective study were to determine whether malformations might impair fragment expulsion. <i>Material and Methods:</i> From 1986 to 1995, 203 patients with ureteral and kidney malformations were treated and followed up for a minimum of 1 year to a maximum of 9 years. Malformations included: ureteropelvic junction stenosis, horseshoe kidney, renal malrotation, renal ectopia, duplicated ureter, nonobstructive megaureter, medullary sponge kidney and caliceal diverticula. As pretreatment workup, all patients underwent conventional studies prior to SWL treatment: X-rays, renal ultrasound, intravenous pyelography, routine blood tests and urinalysis. All examinations were repeated at regular intervals for the first 6 months. Patients with metabolic disorders were excluded from the study. We also excluded patients with a follow-up of under 1 year. We considered three groups of patients: (1) stone-free patients at plain X-rays and ultrasound; (2) >90% elimination, i.e. stone-free patients at plain X-rays and positive at ultrasound; (3) patients with residual fragments at plain X-rays and ultrasound. <i>Results:</i> 96 (55%) patients were in group 1 (stone free), 40 (19%) were in group 2 (>90% elimination) and 67 (26%) were in group 3 (residual). Residual stones were more frequent in patients with medullary sponge kidney (82%). In patients with renal ectopia the residual stone rate accounted for only 13% of cases. <i>Conclusions:</i> There is evidence that SWL should always be offered to patients with ureteral and kidney malformations. These patients should however be considered at high risk for recurrences and so they need to be carefully followed up.