bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of renovascular disease with percutaneous stent insertion: Long‐term outcomes
Authors: Perkovic Vlado , Thomson Ken R , Mitchell Peter J , Gibson Robert N , Atkinson Noel , Field Peter L , Becker Gavin J 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYRenal artery stenosis is a common, progressive cause of hypertension and renal impairment, and is frequently treated with percutaneous transluminal dilatation and stenting. The outcome of this procedure is still being evaluated. The records of 198 consecutive patients who had stents inserted at the Royal Melbourne Hospital were analysed retrospectively, and adequate follow‐up information on 148 (75%), in whom a total of 182 renal arteries had been treated was obtained. Technical success was achieved in 144 patients (97%). Complications occurred in 19 patients (13.3%), with major complications occurring in 10 (7.0%) and one death occurring in relation to the procedure. A fall in average systolic blood pressure of 13.2 mmHg (12.1–14.3 mmHg) was seen and a fall in diastolic blood pressure of 10.1 mmHg (9.3–10.9 mmHg), without an increase in the number of antihypertensive drugs used. Renal function remained stable in the majority of patients, particularly those who had minimal baseline renal impairment. Restenosis was common after 6 months, occurring eventually in 29% of screened patients, but was not shown to affect clinical outcomes. Insertion of renal artery stents is a safe and effective treatment for renal artery stenosis.
Comparison of chronic exposures received by radiation workers using different biological end‐points with the doses recorded by TLD
Authors: Venkatachalam Perumal , Paul Solomon FD , Prabhu Balasubramonian Karthikeya , Mohankumar Mary N , Jeevanram Rani K 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYThe frequency of different biological end‐points such as translocation, dicentrics (DC) and micronuclei (MN) was studied in 14 radiation workers and 21 non‐radiation workers. The average frequencies for different types of aberrations were significantly higher in radiation workers compared to those of respective aberrations in non‐radiation workers. Out of 14 radiation workers, eight subjects showed a dose above the detection limit as per translocation and seven subjects as per DC frequency and no patient showed a dose above the detection limit as per MN frequency. Regression analysis carried out between the recorded doses according to Thermo Luminescence Dosimeter (TLD) and the dose estimated as per translocation frequency gave a correlation coefficient of 0.32, whereas that obtained with TLD dose and the dose estimated as per DC was 0.81. When the correlation was made between the TLD dose, which was above 0.15 Gy (the detection limit for translocation), and the dose estimated as per translocation frequency in these subjects, a correlation coefficient of 0.98 was found. A similar analysis between the TLD dose above 0.5 Gy (the detection limit for DC) and the dose estimated as per DC frequency in these subjects, a correlation coefficient of 0.26 resulted. This paper discusses the reasons for the poor correlation obtained between TLD dose and dose estimated as per DC and MN frequency.
Giant bleeding renal angiomyolipoma: Diagnosis and management
Authors: Ashebu Samuel D , Dahniya Mohammed H , Elshebiny Yahaya H , Varro Joseph , Al‐khawari Hana 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYA case of a giant bleeding renal angiomyolipoma is presented. The patient was a 40‐year‐old Egyptian male with no clinical or radiological evidence of tuberous sclerosis. The radiological features and management, including the role of angiography are briefly discussed and the medical reviews on this subject are briefly considered.
Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy due to skull base metastasis from breast cancer
Authors: Pavithran Keechilat , Doval Dinesh Chandra , Hukku Shelley , Jena Amarnath 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYWe describe a 44‐year‐old woman who presented with an isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve paralysis caused by a skull base metastasis from breast cancer. The patient had a modified radical mastectomy followed by local radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Fourteen months later she presented with difficulty in speaking. Physical examination revealed an isolated left hypoglossal nerve paralysis. The MRI scan showed a mass lesion involving the left occipital condyle extending into hypoglossal canal.
Cardiac hydatid disease: Report of two cases
Authors: Snodgrass Duncan , Blome Steven 
Published: March 2003

SUMMARYCardiac involvement in hydatid disease is rare, occurring in less than 2% of cases of hydatid infection. It can occur as part of a widespread systemic infection or as an isolated event. It may be asymptomatic for a long period before presenting with a myriad of non‐specific symptoms. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis, surgical planning and follow up of cases. Current treatment involves attempted surgical resection (cystopericystectomy) with long‐term follow‐up chemotherapy (Albendazole). Both the disease and its surgical treatment carry a high complication rate, including rupture leading to anaphylaxis and death.
Spontaneous duodeno‐ureteric fistula
Authors: Srivastava Deep Narayan , Singh Darshendra Kumar , Wishard Navin Jonathan 
Published: March 2003

SummaryDuodeno‐ureteric fistula is uncommon and its spontaneous development is extremely rare. We describe here a case of duodeno‐ureteric fistula that was successfully treated by surgery. The possible causes of its formation are discussed.
BARRIER MECHANISMS IN THE BRAIN, II. IMMATURE BRAIN
Authors: Saunders NR , Habgood MD , Dziegielewska KM 
Published: March 2003

1. It is widely believed that ‘the’ blood–brain barrier is immature in foetuses and newborns.2. Much evidence in support of this belief is based on experiments that were unphysiological and likely to have disrupted fragile blood vessels of the developing brain. Some confusion about barrier development arises from insufficient recognition that the term ‘blood–brain barrier’ describes a complex series of mechanisms controlling the internal environment of the brain.3. We present evidence showing that the brain develops within an environment that, particularly with respect to protein, is different from that of the rest of the body and that possesses a number of unique features not present in the adult.4. Barriers to protein at blood–brain and blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) interfaces (tight junctions) are present from very early in development; immunocytochemical and permeability data show that proteins are largely excluded from extracellular space in developing brain.5. Cerebrospinal fluid in developing brain contains high concentrations of proteins largely derived from plasma. This protein is transferred from blood by an intracellular mechanism across the epithelial cells of the immature choroid plexus. Only a small proportion of choroid plexus cells is involved. The route is an intracellular system of tubulo‐endoplasmic reticulum continuously connected across the epithelial cells only early in brain development.6. High concentrations of proteins in CSF in developing brain are largely excluded from the brain’s extracellular space by barriers at the internal and external CSF–brain interfaces. These consist of membrane specializations between surfaces of cells forming these interfaces (neuroependyma on the inner surface; radial glial end feet on the outer surface). In contrast with tight junctions present at the blood–brain and blood–CSF barriers, at the CSF–brain barriers of the immature brain, other junctional types are involved: strap junctions in the neuroependyma and a mixture of junctions at the outer CSF–brain barrier (plate junctions, strap junctions and wafer junctions). These barriers are not present in the adult.7. Permeability to small lipid‐insoluble molecules is greater in developing brain; more specific mechanisms, such as those involved in transfer of ions and amino acids, develop sequentially as the brain grows.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION
Authors: Hinojosa‐Laborde Carmen , Chapa Irene , Lange Darrell , Haywood Joseph R 
Published: March 2003

1. Females are protected against the development of hypertension. The purpose of the current review is to present the evidence for gender differences in the regulation of the sympatho‐adrenal nervous system and to determine if these differences support the hypothesis that, in females, the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is altered such that sympatho‐adrenal activation is attenuated or sympatho‐adrenal inhibition is augmented.2. The central control of sympatho‐adrenal function is different in females and responses vary during the oestral and menstrual cycles. Pathways regulating the SNS appear to be less sensitive to excitatory stimuli and more sensitive to inhibitory stimuli in females compared with males.3. Gender differences in arterial baroreflex sensitivity suggest that females may have a greater baroreflex sensitivity, such that alterations in blood pressure are more efficiently controlled than in males. Cardiopulmonary reflex inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity is greater in females, possibly resulting in a greater renal excretory function.4. An attenuated sensitivity to adrenergic nerve stimulation, but not to noradrenaline (NA), suggests that gender differences in noradrenergic neurotransmission may protect females against sympathetic hyperactivity. Gender differences in the regulation of NA release via presynaptic α2‐adrenoceptors, the vasoconstrictor response to the cotransmitter neuropeptide Y and the clearance of catecholamines are consistent with this hypothesis.5. Similarly, attenuated stress‐induced increases in plasma catecholamines in women suggest that females are less sensitive and/or less responsive to adrenal medullary activation. This is supported by findings of gender differences in adrenal medullary catecholamine content, release and degradation.6. We conclude that there is strong evidence that supports the hypothesis that, in females, the regulation of the SNS is altered such that sympatho‐adrenal activation is attenuated or sympatho‐adrenal inhibition is augmented.
EFFECT OF PROPRANOLOL ON CENTRAL NEUROTRANSMITTER RELEASE IN WISTAR RATS ANALYSED BY BRAIN MICRODIALYSIS
Authors: Okuda Naoki , Kohara Katsuhiko , Mikami Hiroshi , Moriguchi Atsushi , Yamada Kazuo , Higaki Jitsuo , Ogihara Toshio 
Published: March 2003

1. The effect of propranolol on amino acid neurotransmitter release in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) was examined in urethane‐anaesthetized male Wistar rats.2. Amino acids released in the RVLM in response to intravenous administration of propranolol (0.4 mg/kg per min; n = 6) or nitroglycerin (0.02 mg/kg per min; n = 5) were determined by the brain microdialysis method.3. Amino acids in dialysates were analysed by high‐ performance liquid chromatography and were quantified by ultraviolet absorbance.4. Administration of both intravenous propranolol and nitroglycerin significantly decreased arterial blood pressure. Heart rate was decreased only by propranolol.5. The reduction in arterial blood pressure produced by intravenous propranolol was accompanied by a decrease in the release of the excitatory amino acid glutamate in the RVLM.6. The reduction in arterial blood pressure following intravenous nitroglycerin was not accompanied by a release of glutamate.7. There were no significant changes in the levels of other amino acids (glycine, taurine, GABA) following either propranolol or nitroglycerin.8. The decrease in glutamate release in the RVLM may account, in part, for the central depressor mechanism of propranolol.
EFFECTS OF CICLETANINE ON THE PROGRESSION OF RENAL FAILURE IN 5–6 NEPHRECTOMIZED HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Nakamoto Hidetomo , Suzuki Hiromichi , Ohishi Akira , Katsumata Hiroshige , Sakaguchi Hiroshi , Saruta Takao 
Published: March 2003

1. The effect of cicletanine, a novel antihypertensive agent with natriuretic activity, on blood pressure and progression of renal failure in 5–6 nephrectomized spontaneously hypertensive rats with salt loading was examined.2. All nephrectomized rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups and their diet was changed from a normal‐ to a high‐salt (5.5% NaCl) diet for the next 10 weeks. Either 10 or 50 mg/kg per day cicletanine (low‐ and high‐dose cicletanine, respectively) or 10 mg/kg per day trichlormethiazide were administered to rats during this period once a day. During the experimental period, urine volume, urinary excretion of sodium, protein, prostaglandin (PG) E2 and 6‐keto‐PGF1α and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were measured every 2 weeks.3. Systolic blood pressure was significantly reduced by the administration of trichlormethiazide and the higher dose of cicletanine, but not by the lower dose of cicletanine.4. In contrast with changes to SBP, levels of serum creatin‐ ine in rats treated with both doses of cicletanine were significantly lower than in controls (0.57±0.12, 0.78±0.12 and 1.68±0.26 mg/dL for high‐ and low‐dose cicletanine and control, respectively).5. Urinary excretion of both PGE2 and 6‐keto‐PGF1α were significantly increased in groups treated with high and low doses of cicletanine compared with control. In rats treated with trichlormethiazide, PGE2 and 6‐keto‐PGF1α levels were significantly decreased compared with control.6. In contrast with changes in SBP, marked glomerular sclerosis with hyalinosis found in the control group was not ameliorated by trichlormethiazide treatment. These changes were not observed in rats treated with low‐ and high‐dose cicletanine, particularly those treated with the higher dose of cicletanine.7. These data suggest that administration of cicletanine has a beneficial protective effect regarding the progression of renal failure, regardless of the level of blood pressure, through a direct and/or indirect action on the glomerulus.
INTRACELLULAR Ca2+ AND ADRENERGIC RESPONSIVENESS OF CARDIAC MYOCYTES IN STREPTOZOTOCIN‐INDUCED DIABETES
Authors: Ha Tuyen , Kotsanas George , Wendt Igor 
Published: March 2003

1. The contractile function of diabetic hearts is impaired. In addition, the responsiveness of diabetic cardiac muscle to sympathetic stimulation is altered. Previous studies have revealed a depressed response to β‐adrenoceptor stimulation; however, the response to α‐adrenoceptor activation remains controversial. Because α‐ and β‐adrenoceptor agonists increase cardiac contractility, largely through increased mobilization of intracellular Ca2+, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of α‐ and β‐adrenoceptor stimulation on intracellular Ca2+ handling in cardiac myocytes from streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats.2. Intracellular Ca2+ was measured using fura‐2. Under basal conditions (27°C, 2.5 mmol/L extracellular [Ca2+], 0.3 Hz stimulation), there was no significant difference in resting or peak Ca2+ levels between control and diabetic cardiomyocytes. However, the time course of the intracellular Ca2+ transient was significantly prolonged in cells from diabetic hearts.3. The β‐adrenoceptor agonist orciprenaline (at 10−7 and 10−6 mol/L) increased the amplitude of the Ca2+ transient in both groups; however, the extent of potentiation was less in diabetic compared with control cardiomyocytes. Orciprenaline decreased the duration of the transient to the same extent in both groups.4. The α‐adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine (at 10−7 and 10−6 mol/L) had no effect on the Ca2+ transient in control myocytes but caused a significant concentration‐dependent increase in its amplitude in diabetic cardiomyocytes. Phenylephrine had no effect on the time course of the transient in either group.5. These results demonstrate differential effects of insulin‐ dependent diabetes on the responsiveness of cardiomyocytes to α‐ and β‐adrenoceptor stimulation. The heightened response to α‐adrenoceptor stimulation observed in diabetic cardiomyocytes may partly compensate for the diminished myocardial β‐adrenoceptor response.
ACTIONS OF ENDOTHELIN‐1 ON CULTURED RAT RENOMEDULLARY INTERSTITIAL CELLS ARE MODULATED BY NITRIC OXIDE
Authors: Maric Christine , Aldred G Peter , Antoine Arianne M , Eitle Eveline , Dean Rachael G , Williams David A , Harris Peter J , Alcorn Daine 
Published: March 2003

1. Cultured renomedullary interstitial cells (RMIC) isolated from 4‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley rat kidneys possess ETA receptors, as identified by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).2. Treatment with endothelin (ET)‐1 (10−6 mol/L) increases the intracellular inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate concentrations within 10 s and intracellular calcium concentrations after 7 s.3. Endothelin‐1 (10−7 and 10−10 mol/L) induced increases in intracellular cAMP concentrations, but only in the presence of Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine, a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor. Addition of ET‐1 (10−10 mol/L) to the RMIC culture led to increases in intracellular cGMP concentrations through activation of NOS.4. In the presence of ET‐1 (10−7 and 10−10 mol/L) and during NOS inhibition, RMIC responded with increased cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis. These responses were abolished by BQ‐123 (10−6 mol/L), suggesting mediation via the ETA receptor subtype. The proliferative effect of ET‐1 was also abolished by atrial natriuretic peptide (10−6 mol/L).5. The present study provides evidence that binding of ET‐1 to ETA receptors on RMIC activates several intracellular second messenger systems that mediate cell proliferation and ECM synthesis.6. These results also highlight an important interaction between ET‐1 and nitric oxide in the control of RMIC function.
BOTH EXTRACELLULAR ATP AND SHEAR STRESS REGULATE THE RELEASE OF NITRIC OXIDE IN RAT CAUDAL ARTERY
Authors: Kwon Young Mi , Shinozuka Kazumasa , Kagota Satomi , Yamaguchi Yu , Nakamura Kazuki , Kunitomo Masaru 
Published: March 2003

1. To elucidate the physiological role of nitric oxide (NO) in regulating vascular tone, the effects of NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME), an NO synthase inhibitor, on the vasoconstrictor response to noradrenaline (NA) in rat caudal artery was examined.2. NG‐Nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester significantly potentiated the NA‐induced increase in perfusion pressure in the perfused caudal artery, but did not affect the NA‐induced contraction in caudal artery ring preparations. In addition, an increase in perfusion pressure mechanically produced by a stepwise increase in flow rate was not affected by L‐NAME.3. Noradrenaline evoked a significant increase in the release of endogenous ATP and its metabolites from the perfused artery, whereas increased perfusion pressure as a result of increased flow rate did not evoke release of endogenous ATP.4. In the presence of exogenously applied ATP, L‐NAME significantly potentiated the increase in perfusion pressure produced by increased flow rate.5. These results indicate that perfused vascular tone is regulated by endogenous NO and suggest that extracellular ATP may participate in the synthesis and release of NO by shear stress in endothelial cells in the rat caudal artery.
TRANSCRIPTIONAL CONTROL BY CORTICOSTEROIDS OF CHIF GENE EXPRESSION IN THE RAT DISTAL COLON
Authors: Brennan Francine E , Fuller Peter J 
Published: March 2003

1. Previous studies have shown that levels of CHIF mRNA are increased in the distal colon of the rat in response to corticosteroids. We have recently reported that this response occurs within 2 h of a single dose of either dexamethasone or aldosterone and that the response is mediated via both the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors.2. In the present study we sought to further define the nature of the various transcripts detected by a CHIF coding region cRNA probe in northern blot analysis of corticosteroid‐ stimulated colonic RNA. The identification of an intronic sequence was used to synthesize an intron‐specific cDNA probe to characterize the transcripts.3. The presence of an intronic sequence in the originally published sequence was confirmed using coupled reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reactions with primers spanning and within the intronic sequence. The intronic cDNA probe hybridized to the higher molecular weight transcripts detected by the cRNA probe. These transcripts are induced in response to both corticosteroids.4. Taken together with our observations that the increase in CHIF mRNA levels in the distal colon in response to corticosteroids is not blocked by prior cycloheximide treatment, the increase in the levels of the primary transcript and partially spliced forms argues that this is a primary transcriptional response. This is the first clear demonstration of an aldosterone‐induced gene in vivo in a mammalian system.
ANGIOTENSIN RECEPTORS: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND SIGNALLING
Authors: Inagami Tadashi , Kambayashi Yoshikazu , Ichiki Toshihiro , Tsuzuki Satoshi , Eguchi Satoru , Yamakawa Tadashi 
Published: March 2003

1. The active peptide hormone angiotensin II (AngII) is formed from its prohormone angiotensinogen by way of inactive angiotensin I. The highly specific protease, renin, responsible for the initiation of this system was elusive and considered unstable. We isolated it in a pure and stable form from the kidney of the pig, human, rat, and land submandibular glands of the mouse. It was shown that there is only one type of renin with highly stringent substrate specificity, except certain strains of the mouse which have two gene products.2. The well‐known diversity of action of AngII can be attributed to the presence of more than two subtypes, AT1 and AT2, as well as multiple signalling pathways for both of them.3. The first subtype AT1 was shown to mediate most of the traditionally recognized AngII functions such as vasoconstriction, electrolyte homeostasis etc.4. Although the identification of the signalling modes of the second subtype AT2 still remains elusive, we and others have shown evidence that its action is generally antagonistic to that of AT1. AT2 inhibits AT1 (growth factor‐stimulated cell growth), AT2 attenuates the vasoconstriction induced by AT1. Since AT2 seems to mediate nitric oxide formation in the renal cells, it may initiate a natriuretic pathway in contrast to the sodium‐retaining action of AT1‐mediated AngII action.5. Newer mechanisms and functions of these and other receptors will be clarified by the combination of molecular, cellular and integrated physiological studies.