bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MICROSCOPIC HAEMATURIA IN PREGNANCY
Authors: Brown Ma , Murray N , Mangos G , Curtis J 
Published: July 2002

Objectives to determine (1) the prevalence of microscopic haematuria in pregnancy (2) whether this is a marker for adverse pregnancy outcome, and (3) whether this persists post‐partum.Methods 951 women attending the antenatal clinic were enrolled in a prospective study of urinalysis and urine microscopy in pregnancy. Urinalysis was performed using an automated device on a carefully collected midstream urine sample at each antenatal visit. After initial or de novo dipstick microscopic haematuria was confirmed at a second antenatal visit, urine infection was excluded by urine culture. In the absence of infection women were referred for assessment by one of two nephrologists, including repeat urinalysis, urine microscopy and measurement of antinuclear antibody, serum creatinine and renal ultrasound. Women were followed up at delivery and three months post‐partum.Results 106 (11%) women were referred for haematuria. 56% had only a trace of haematuria and 16% had associated proteinuria. All were normotensive at referral. At nephrologist assessment haematuria persisted in 79% of women, 56% being a trace only and 54% having dysmorphic haematuria. Creatinine was normal (≤ 0.08 mmol/L) in all cases, as was ANA. One ultrasound revealed asymptomatic renal calculi but no other abnormalities were found. To date 30 women have delivered, 4 with hypertensive complications (13%).Conclusion Microscopic haematuria is a common occurrence in pregnancy but is generally mild and does not appear to be associated with an increased incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Further data will determine whether assessment of such women can be left until persistent post‐partum haematuria is documented.
X‐LINKED DOMINANT CHARCOT‐MARIE‐TOOTH NEUROPATHY: ANALYSIS OF A PEDIGREE WITH A NOVEL MUTATION OF CONNEXIN 32
Authors: Fabrizi G.M. , Polo A. , Cavallaro T. , Pinardi C. , Taioli F. , Corra' C. , Rizzuto N. 
Published: July 2002

Objective: To report a family with X‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy (CMTX) with a novel mutation of connexin 32 (Cx32).Background: Cx32, a gap‐junction protein, is expressed in various neural and non‐neural tissues. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Cx32 is expressed by the Schwann cell and it is believed to form reflexive gap‐junctions at the Schmidt‐Lantermann incisures and paranodes; in the central nervous system, Cx32 is expressed by neurons and oligodendrocytes. Mutations of Cx32 causes an apparently tissue‐specific disorder of PNS: CMTX.Methods: We examined, clinically and electrophysiologically, 2 brothers with CMT and their asymptomatic mother. We performed a sural nerve biopsy in the 29‐year‐old proband and analysed the Cx32 gene (GJB1) by direct nucleotide sequencing.Results: We detected a novel GTA→GAA of GJB1 that is predicted to cause a Val23Glu substitution in the first transmembrane domain of Cx32. NCV studies disclosed features of a demyelinating neuropathy in the severely‐affected hemizygous brother, and slowing of the sensory conduction velocity in the sural nerve in the mother who showed pes cavus and areflexia. In all three examined patients, BAEPs showed both delayed wave 1 and prolonged interpeak‐latency‐time (IPL I‐V); central motor conduction time by MEPs was normal. The nerve biopsy in the proband was consistent with a primary axonal degeneration.Conclusions: Cx32 mutations may lead also to a dysfunction of the CNS. Electrophysiological abnormalities of the CNS pathways may orientate the diagnosis of CMT towards Cx32.
NEUROPATHY AND S.L.E. (REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE AND PERSONAL RESULTS)
Authors: Francia A. , Restante R. , Finamore L. , Martini L. , Vitale A. , Manfredi M. 
Published: July 2002

In 1950, for the first time, some authors described neuropathy in patients affected by SLE. This manifestation rarely was described like a beginning symptom, its incidence increased during the last ten years (from 1% to 10%).Pathogenesis is usually linked up to the evidence of vasculitic lesions due to the presence of self‐antibodies which precipitation produce vasa nervorum occlusion or promote relasing of inflammatory factors.Neuropathy has until now four well‐known main manifestations:–Sensory‐Motory Polineuropathy: the most frequent assonal, symmetric, distal, and subacute neuropathy.–Radicular Neuropathy: with acute beginning, axonal and demielinating damage with a pathogenesis linked up to the presence of Antifosfolipidi antibodies.–Mononeuropathy Multiplex: it can be a SLE beginning symptom, assonal, also with the involvement of cranial nerves.–Autonomic Neuropathy: it can be isolated or it can be only one manifestation of a wide nervous system involvement.Between Sept. 1998 and Dec. 1999, we studied 30 patients affected by SLE; 5 patients presented a polineuropathy prevalently sensitive, assonal, distal, involving frequently inferior limbs, which represents 16.6% of the population.Even if we think necessary an enlargment of the casistic, we consider appropriate to point to the increase of neuropathy incidence in SLE patients, probably due to a neurological approach. Immunological study of these patients usually doesn't allow a correct evaluation of the peripheral nervous system involvment.Therefore, peripheric and central nervous system complications of SLE must be considered important for the course of the systemic disease and for therapeutic choice.
VASCULITIC NEUROPATHY ‐ 8 YEARS FOLLOW‐UP STUDY ON PATIENTS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL
Authors: Martini L. , Francia A. , Vitale A. , Finamore L. , Manfredi M. 
Published: July 2002

International literature doesn't succeed in clarifing both clinical features and epidemiologic importance of isolated and nonisolated (associated with a systemic disease) vasculitic neuropathy.During a three years period (1990–1993), 284 patients affected by peripheric nervous system disease were admitted, as Day Hospital patients or like ordinary hospitalization, into the III Clinic of Neurologic Science Department at “La Sapienza” University‐Rome. Seventy‐two patients in our group were affected by polineuropathy.From an epidemiologic point of view, only 5–6% of population conformed with vasculitic polineuropathy diagnostic criteria; this percentage comprises equally systemic and isolated vasculopathy. After first admission, patients underwent clinical and instrumental checks through which modifications of nosographic classification were recordered.At the end of the study period, in 1998, 13.8% of patients had a vasculitic neuropathy diagnosis expressed: 70% during systemic disease, 30% as isolated vasculopathy of peripheral nervous system. Simultaneously with the increase of vasculitic neuropathy, we noted a considerable decrease of cryptogenetic neuropathies, the incidence of which changed from 30% to 22%.Diagnostic evaluations more suitable for nosographic change seem to be:Clinical and Neurophysiological monitoringSierologic and cerebral spinal fluid monitoringHistologic examination of the nerveEvaluation of systemic involvment and of its peculiar features that, in our experience, is frequently difficult to frame.Our results do not differ greatly from those found in international literature and confirm the need of a detailed follw up for a proper nosographic classification.
CLINICAL, MRI, AND SKIN BIOPSY FINDINGS IN SENSORY GANGLIONOPATHIES
Authors: Sghirlanzoni A. , Pareyson D. , Grisoli M. , Lombardi R. , Lauria G. 
Published: July 2002

Unlike peripheral motor disorders, sensory disturbances are rarely diagnosed by the probable site of pathology. This approach is useful in the differential diagnosis between chronic sensory axonal neuropathies and ganglionopathies, in which routine clinical and neurophysiological evaluation alone often do not provide definite clues.Methods: Thirty patients with peripheral sensory disturbances were investigated. MRI was performed at cervical level in all cases. Four patients also underwent thoracic and lumbar MRI. Seventeen patients underwent skin biopsy at the proximal thigh and the distal leg. In 4 of them, further skin biopsies were taken at C5 dermatome and at the hand. Density of intra‐epidermal nerve fibers (IENF) was quantified.Results: In 22 patients, sensory ganglionopathy was suspected. Disease was idiopathic in 7 cases; paraneoplastic in 3 cases; and associated with Sjögren, AIDS, autoimmune chronic hepatitis, and cisplatin neurotoxicity in 4 cases. One patient had a hereditary sensory autonomic neuropathy. Four patients had vitamin E deficiency and 3 patients a spinocerebellar syndrome. In 8 patients, sensory axonal neuropathy related to diabetes, alcoholism, and AIDS on antiretroviral treatment, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance was diagnosed.MRI findings: All ganglionopathy patients showed posterior columns hyperintensity on T2‐weighted MRI. Conversely, MRI was negative in all axonal sensory neuropathy patients.Skin biopsy findings: In neuropathies, IENF density was significantly lower at the distal leg than at the proximal thigh, while ganglionopathies did not show any change with respect to the rostral:caudal orientation. A similar pattern of epidermal denervation was observed in the arm.Discussion: The degeneration of both central and peripheral sensory pathway in a fashion that is not length‐dependent localizes the disease to T‐shaped sensory neurons Early ataxia and cutaneous sensory symptoms involving the proximal regions of the body reflect this pattern of denervation and should prompt the diagnosis of ganglionopathy. This can be confirmed by T2‐weighted hyperintensity in the posterior columns and a distinct pattern of IENF loss.
MAY ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY DIFFERENTIATE CHRONIC INFLAMMATORY DEMYELINATING POLYNEUROPATHY (CIDP) AND POLINEUROPATHY WITH ANTI‐SGPG ANTIBODIES?
Authors: Capasso M. , Torrieri F. , Lugaresi A. , Uncini A. 
Published: July 2002

Demyelinating polyneuropathy with anti‐MAG/SGPG ab is elecrophysiologically characterized by a disproportionate distal slowing of motor conductions. A terminal latency index TLI = 0.25 in at least two nerves has been proposed to differentiate polyneuropathy with anti‐MAG/SGPG ab from other chronic demyelinating disorders (Kaku et al. 1994).We reviewed and compared the electrophysiogical studies of 18 patients with CIDP and 8 with polyneuropathy anti‐SGPG antibodies. The Anti‐SGPG group showed: (1) lower CMAP amplitudes and longer motor distal latencies; (2) lower TLI and longer F wave latencies; (3) higher percentages of nerves with TLI = 0.25; (4) much fewer conduction blocks; (5) more frequent absent SAPs.CIDP and polyneuropathy with anti‐MAG/SGPG seems to be, as groups, electrophysiologically different. However, three patients with CIDP showed at least 2 nerves with TLI = 0.25 and one, although displaying all the additional electrophysiological features characteristic of anti‐MAG/SGPG polyneuropathy, was negative for ab search at diagnosis and one year later, and did not have immunoglobulin deposits in sural nerve. On the other hand, one patient with anti‐SGPG antibodies did not have distal disproportionate slowing of motor conduction velocities.In conclusion, demyelination seems to be in anti‐MAG/SGPG polyneuropathy a length‐dependent process, whereas in CIDP it tends to be patchy and multifocal, which strengthens the view that these are two different pathophysiological entities. Electrophysiological findings can suggest an anti‐SGPG polyneuropathy and address the search of ab, but they are not pathognomonic in the individual patient.
Electric field dependence of reactivity of state-selected and oriented methylhalides
Authors: Bulthuis J. , Milan J. B. , Janssen M. H. M. , Stolte S. 
Published: July 2002

The energies and eigenfunctions of hyperfine levels belonging to the J=‖K‖=1 rotational manifold of the methylhalides have been calculated as a function of the strength of an applied electric (dc) field. From the eigenfunctions, the molecular orientational distribution function P(cos ϑ), where ϑ is the angle of the principal axis relative to the electric field, has been obtained. In the case of interest (J=1), the Legendre expansion of P(ρ), with ρ≡cos ϑ, can be characterized by two moments only: 〈P1〉 the orientation and 〈P2〉 the alignment. The calculated moments have been compared with data available from different molecular beam experiments, without recourse to a specific collision model. For the passage of the molecules through different electric fields, the adiabatic approximation has been assumed to apply, except for curve crossings with extremely small gaps. For methylfluoride and methylchloride, the calculated orientations are in agreement with the measured steric effects of the reactive collisions with Ca atoms, down to a field strength of a few volts per centimeter.
At lower field strengths the orientation falls off more rapidly than predicted by the theory. This behavior is tentatively attributed to the variation in the direction of the electric field, and hence in the axis of quantization, across the reaction volume, at low field strengths. This may, in addition, cause a breakdown of the adiabatic approximation. In the case of methyliodide, quantitative agreement between the theoretical and the experimental asymmetry parameters of photodissociation is obtained if the latter ones are provisionally corrected for systematic errors. Contrary to earlier preliminary conclusions, the results show that within experimental error the adiabatic approximation is applicable. Up until now, no experimental data has been available for methylbromide. The calculations clearly demonstrate the inadequacy of restricting theoretical calculations to limiting cases, i.e., weak field and strong field, particularly because the Stark curves reveal the presence and the precise position of avoided crossings. Dependent on the field strength used for state selection and focusing, these crossings may, in principle, have a marked effect on the orientation obtained, given that the final orientation field at the reaction site remains the same. In addition, knowledge of the detailed Stark curves suggests a novel and feasible way to reverse the orientation of the molecules without interference with the detection system, which may be particularly useful if ionic products are formed.
The structure of casein aggregates during renneting studied by indirect Fourier transformation and inverse Laplace transformation of static and dynamic light scattering data, respectively
Authors: Bauer R. , Hansen M. , Hansen S. , O/gendal L. , Lomholt S. , Qvist K. , Horne D. 
Published: July 2002

Aggregation of casein micelles after addition of the proteolytic enzyme chymosin has been studied by static and dynamic light scattering at three different concentrations of casein corresponding to dilutions 1:100, 1:500, and 1:1000 of native milk. The static light scattering data have been analyzed by an indirect Fourier transformation method which gives the distance distributions as a function of time. From these curves radius of gyration and an average number of casein micelles in the aggregates have been derived as a function of time. The dynamic light scattering experiments give the hydrodynamic radius as a function of time after the addition of rennet. The initial radius of gyration for the intact casein micelles is 140 nm. The corresponding hydrodynamic radius is also 140 nm. This shows that the casein micelles are not solid spheres. Inspection of a plot of relative mass versus radius of gyration for the aggregates appearing after the addition of chymosin shows that two processes take place. First extended linear aggregates are built up to a relative mass of the aggregates of about 10 and then restructuring of aggregates occurs such that increasingly compact objects are formed. Whereas the first process exhibits a relatively fast growth in size, the aggregates grow slowly in size during the second process. Further evidence of the formation of linear aggregates followed by more dense aggregates was obtained by forming the ratio between the radius of gyration and the hydrodynamic radius.
This ratio increases to values of about 2.5 (indicating that linearly extended molecules are present followed) by a decrease to about 1. The log–log plot of mass versus radius of gyration is linear up to relative masses of about 10 with a slope of about 2. This extends up to sizes of 1 μm in diameter. The slope then increases to values indicating branching and thereby the formation of more compact aggregates. For relative masses below 10 and sizes below 1 μm sedimentation is unlikely to occur and information about the mechanism of aggregation can be obtained. The aggregation number as a function of time has been analyzed in terms of Smoluchowski’s equations with a rate constant including both functionality and a changing barrier height as a function of the extent of proteolysis. The functionality obtained from Smoluchowski’s equations is about 2.1.
Augmentation of NKT and NK cell‐mediated cytotoxicity by peptidoglycan monomer linked with zinc
Authors: Mrakovčić-Šutić Ines , Radošević-Stašić Biserka , Šimin Marija , Muhvić Damir , Rukavina Daniel 
Published: July 2002

Background: Peptidoglycan monomer (PGM), which was originally prepared by biosynthesis from culture fluids of penicillin‐treated Brevibacterium divaricatum, is an immunostimulator, the activities of which might be improved by addition of zinc (Zn) to the basic molecule.Methods: To test the possible cytotoxic effects of this new analogue, we analyzed the ability of PGM‐Zn and PGM to change the phenotypic profile of hepatic and splenic mononuclear lymphatic cells and to affect the growth of malignant T‐cell line YAC‐1 and syngeneic thymocytes.Results: Pretreatment of C57BL/6 mice primarily with PGM‐Zn over 6 days (10/mg/kg intraperitoneally) significantly enhanced the proportions of NK1.1high+, CD4-CD8-, CD69+, and CD3intermediate/NK1.1
+/IL2R‐β+ (NKT) cells in the liver, and major histocompatibility complex class II+, CD69+, and CD8+ cells in the spleen. Both types of cells were highly cytotoxic against YAC‐1 and syngeneic thymocytes, increasing the destruction of YAC‐1 by 70% on addition of hepatic cells and by 30% on addition of splenic cells. Destruction of thymocytes increased by 10 and 50%,
respectively.Conclusion: The results point to PGM‐Zn as a potent cytotoxicity‐inducing agent, which also generates autoreactive NKT cells.
Impaired sleep during the post‐alcohol withdrawal period in alcoholic patients
Authors: Watanabe Kei‐ICHIRO , Ogihara‐Hashizume Aki , Kobayashi Yaweko , Mitsushio Hiroshi , Komiyama Tokutaro 
Published: July 2002

AbstractTwenty‐seven patients who suffered from alcohol dependence syndrome and who were admitted to the Department of Psychiatry at NCNP were investigated for impaired sleep. The incidence of “insomnia night”, when a patient has trouble getting sufficient sleep even after taking additional drugs for insomnia, was used as the index for impaired sleep. “Insomnia night” was observed among 51.9% (14 of 27) of the patients during administration; 18.5% (nine of 27) experienced “insomnia night” only during the withdrawal period. The mean incidence was 3.5 nights of 10 nights for 0–9th day after abstinence and 2.0 nights of 10 nights for 10–19th day after abstinence; 33.3% (nine of 27) claimed “insomnia night” even after the withdrawal period and the highest incidence was the 160–169th day after abstinence, average frequency being 4.4 nights of 10 nights. Impaired sleep emerging after the withdrawal period neared the clinical course of Komiyama's protracted withdrawal symptoms, thus suggesting that it might be one of the protracted withdrawal symptoms.
Local Excision Without Radiation for High‐Grade Soft‐Tissue Sarcoma ofthe Extremity and Superficial Trunk
Authors: Weir Lorna M. , Vanbergeyk Anthony B. , Masri Bassam A. , Grafton Clive A. , Duncan Clive P. , Goddard Karen J. , Joe Howard A. 
Published: July 2002

Purpose. Limb‐sparing surgery combined with radiation treatment
has become the accepted treatment for patients with high‐grade soft‐tissue sarcoma.
Adjuvant radiation was not routinely used at this institution for patients with clear margins
after surgery.This retrospective review analyses the outcome of this group of patients.Patients and methods. Patients studied were referred from 1984 to 1995,
were over 16 years of age, were diagnosed with primary high‐grade soft‐tissue sarcoma
of the extremity or superficial trunk, had clear margins after excision and did not receive
radiation as a part of their initial treatment. A total of 46 patients were identified.Results. At 5 years, the local control rate was 87%, disease‐specific
survival was 75% and overall survival was 68%. Of the 6 local recurrences, 3 were located
in the buttock (from a total of 7 patients with primary tumours of the buttock), 3 had a
primary size of ≥ 10 cm (from a total of 8 primary tumours of that size) and all were deep
tumours.Discussion. Our data, and those from other reports, suggest that in
carefully selected patients appropriate surgery alone results in acceptable local control
and survival, and that the morbidity of radiation can be avoided.
EORTC Group Phase II Study of Oral Etoposide for Pretreated Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Keizer H. Jan , Crowther Derek , Nielsen Ole Steen , Oosterom Allan T. Van , Muguiro Javier Hornedo , Pottelberghe Christine Van , Somers Renier , Tursz Thomas 
Published: July 2002

Purpose. This study investigates the efficacy and toxicity of daily oral etoposide in
chemotherapy for non‐heavily pretreated advanced and metastatic soft tissue sarcoma (STS).Subjects. Twenty‐seven patients with progressive and measurable disease were treated. Median age was 53 years
(range 20–71 years) and performance status WHO 0 or 1. Histologies included mainly leiomyosarcoma (8),
malignant fibrous histiocytoma (4), rhabdomyosarcoma (4), liposarcoma (2) and synovial sarcoma (2). Fifteen
patients had received prior radiotherapy, of whom three included sites with haematopoiesis. All patients had received
prior chemotherapy, including adjuvant therapy (7) and mostly consisted of one two‐drug schedule (ifosfamide and
doxorubicin) or two single‐drug regimens.Methods. Chemotherapy consisted of etoposide (VP16‐213), 50 mg m−2
day−1 × 21 q 4 weeks. Blood cell counts
were done weekly. Dose reductions and a maximum delay of 2 weeks was allowed depending on cell counts during
treatment and at the start of a new 4‐week treatment cycle.Results. No objective response was observed. Progressive disease was observed after two treatment cycles in 17/27
patients (68%) and after three cycles in 22/27 patients (81%). The other patients received three to five cycles.
Twenty‐four patients went off study due to progressive disease. Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia was observed in eight
and one patients, respectively. Thrombocytopenia grade 3 was seen in two patients. Non‐haematological toxicity
grade 3 (nausea, diarrhoea or alopecia) was observed in three patients, and grade 4 (dyspnea, hypotension or
haemorrhage) in three patients.Discussion. No objective response was obtained. Oral etoposide at a dose of 50 mg m−2
day−1 × 21 q 4 weeks is
inactive in chemotherapy of pretreated STS. Disease progression occurred within three cycles in the majority (81%)
of patients. Toxicity of this regimen in non‐heavily pretreated patients is low.