bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
β-Carotene Plasma Levels and Content in Oral Mucosal Epithelium Is Skin Type Associated
Authors: Gollnick Harald P.M. , Siebenwirth Carina 
Published: April 2003

β-Carotene is one of the important antioxidants in the defence mechanisms of the body against reactive oxygen species and, in particular, against UV radiation in the skin. The aim of our study was to measure if differences of β-carotene in the peripheral blood and oral mucosa exist in relation to skin types I–IV (according to Fitzpatrick). One hundred and seventy-four subjects were studied with regard to β-carotene plasma levels. Out of these, 63 healthy volunteers (24–28 years) with skin type I–IV were studied with regard to plasma levels and content of β-carotene in the oral mucosa. Ten millilitres of venous blood was obtained and oral mucosa cells (OMCs) were taken by gently brushing the oral cavity without contamination of capillary leak blood. A modified method by Stich et al. was used for preparing cells and measuring β-carotene in OMCs by HPLC. Plasma levels of skin type I were 0.1565 µmol/l and increased via skin types II with 0.2989 and III with 0.5457 to 1.221 µmol/l in skin type IV. A similar skin type-dependent increase in β-carotene could be measured in the oral mucosa epithelium (OMC) either when measured in micromoles/litre (0.0056–0.0217) or in nanograms/10<sup>6</sup> cells (0.2090–0.9989). Smokers had significantly lower levels of β-carotene in plasma and OMC as compared with non-smokers. Non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancer patients also showed lower β-carotene plasma levels and in the OMCs as well. From our results, we conclude that plasma levels and content of β-carotene in the cytoplasm of OMCs show marked and significant differences with regard to skin types I–IV. The question arises whether these differences are genetically controlled.
Effect of Changes in Load Carriage while Walking on the Left Ventricular Function in Highly Trained Elderly Subjects
Authors: Sagiv Michael , Ruddoy Jacob , Sagiv Amira , Ben-Gal Shlomo , Ben-Sira David 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> In previous studies, the effect of isometric stress on the dynamic performance of a graded exercise test in normal subjects augmented afterload and brought about changes in left ventricular function more often than did results from physical exercise. <i>Objective:</i> This study used the metabolic charts and echocardiography to examine the influence of two different types of load carriage during 30 min of treadmill walking on left ventricular function, hemodynamics, and cardiovascular responses. <i>Methods:</i> Fifteen elderly (age 66.1 ± 3.5 years) aerobically well-trained male subjects (VO<sub>2 peak</sub> 44.2 ± 5.0 ml·kg<sup>–1</sup>·min<sup>–1</sup>) volunteered in this study. The subjects walked on a treadmill (at a speed of 4.5 km·h<sup>–1</sup>), carrying a load of 20 kg during one session and a load of 30 kg during a second session. <i>Results:</i> Following the 30-min exercise in each session, significant (p < 0.05) differences were noted between the 20-kg and the 30-kg work loads with regard to cardiac output (6.8 ± 0.5 and 7.8 ± 0.4 l·min<sup>–1</sup>), heart rate (114.0 ± 11.0 and 126.0 ± 10.0 beats·min<sup>–1</sup>), diastolic blood pressure (79.4 ± 5.0 and 84.3 ± 5.0 mm Hg, mean arterial blood pressure (104.0 ± 4.0 and 109.2 ± 3.0 mm Hg), and left ventricular contractility ratio (3.3 ± 0.4 and 3.6 ± 0.3). No significant differences were noted between the work loads with regard to systolic blood pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular volumes, and ejection fraction. <i>Conclusions:</i> This study suggests that in the highly trained elderly, the influence of the autoregulation mechanism dominates during combined dynamic and isometric exercises, thus the opposing force to the left ventricular ejection is reduced which in turn does not change left ventricular global function.
Age-Related Modifications of Circadian Rhythm of Serum Leptin in Healthy Men
Authors: Zhao Zi-Yan , Fu Yue-Rong , Li Xin-Hua , Li Yu-Yang , Bogdan André , Touitou Yvan 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Leptin, the product of the ob gene, is secreted by the adipocyte and is involved in the regulation of body weight, energy homeostasis and a wide spectrum of biological activities. <i>Objective:</i> We studied how variations in circadian serum leptin levels change as people age. <i>Methods:</i> Serum leptin levels were studied on a circadian basis in 26 men, 6 overweight (BMI >27.8) and 20 with normal weight. The normal-weight men were divided into four age groups: (A) in their 30s, (B) in their 40s, (C) in their 50s, and (D) in their 60s. Serum samples were drawn at 2-hour intervals from 8:00 to 22:00 and hourly from 22:00 to 8:00 for a total of 24 h. <i>Results:</i> A significant circadian variation of leptin levels was found whatever the age with a peak at night and a trough around noon. The circadian leptin levels were higher in the older normal-weight groups (50s and 60s) and in the groups with a BMI >27.8. <i>Conclusion:</i> Our study demonstrates that changes in the characteristics of the circadian rhythm of serum leptin in healthy men are associated with both advancing age and increased BMI.
The Association between Disease Severity and Sleep-Related Problems in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Happe Svenja , Lüdemann Peter , Berger Klaus 
Published: April 2003

Although sleep-related problems are a frequent finding in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), the aetiology is still unknown. We examined the associations between disease severity, sleep-related problems and social status in 116 PD patients participating in the FAQT Study, a prospective, German cohort study evaluating determinants of quality of life in PD patients. 47.4% of the patients reported sleep onset difficulties, 26.7% sleep interruptions, 14.7% had five or more sleep-related events during the night and 71.6% showed symptoms of increased daytime somnolence. The disease severity was significantly associated with sleep-related events (p = 0.01), the depression score with sleep onset difficulties (p = 0.04), sleep interruptions (p = 0.01) and the levodopa dose (p < 0.01). We conclude that depressive symptoms and increasing levodopa doses in PD patients mainly cause sleep onset difficulties and sleep interruptions, while the severity of motor symptoms contributes to sleep-related events like sleep walking, heavy sweating and nightmares.
A Dose-Escalation Study of Oxaliplatin and Vinorelbine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Kakolyris S. , Kouroussis C. , Koukourakis M. , Mavroudis D. , Malas K. , Vardakis N. , Bozionelou V. , Kalbakis K. , Georgoulias V. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> Vinorelbine (V) and oxaliplatin (OX) have shown interesting activity in a wide range of solid tumors. A phase I study was conducted in order to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) of their combination in patients with refractory solid tumors. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> Thirty-eight patients with histologically confirmed non-small-cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer who had failed at least one prior chemotherapy regimen were enrolled. The patients’ median age was 60 years, 33 were female, and 27 had a performance status (WHO) of 0–1. V was administered on days 1 and 8 as a 1-hour intravenous infusion at escalated doses ranging from 20 to 27 mg/m<sup>2</sup>. OX was administered on days 1 and 8 at escalated doses ranging from 40 to 55 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, following V administration. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. <i>Results:</i> At the dose of V 27 mg/m<sup>2</sup> and OX 55 mg/m<sup>2</sup> 3 out of 6 enrolled patients presented DLTs (2 patients grade 4 neutropenia and 1 treatment delay at day 8), and, thus, the recommended MTD for future phase II studies are V 27 mg/m<sup>2</sup> and OX 50 mg/m<sup>2</sup>. A total of 131 treatment cycles were administered. Grade 3/4 neutropenia complicated 23 (18%) treatment cycles. There was one septic death. The main nonhematologic toxicities were grade 2/3 nausea/vomiting (17 cycles; 13%), grade 2 neurotoxicity (6 cycles; 5%) and grade 2/3 asthenia (21 cycles; 16%). One CR (4%), 5 PR (20%) and 4 SD (16%) were observed amongst the 25 evaluable patients. All responses were observed in patients with ovarian and breast cancer. <i>Conclusions:</i> The results of this phase I study demonstrate that V and OX can be combined at clinically effective and relevant doses to be further evaluated in patients with breast and ovarian cancer.
A Phase I Study of Weekly Docetaxel, 24-Hour Infusion of High-Dose Fluorouracil/Leucovorin and Cisplatin in Patients with Advanced Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Li-Tzong , Liu Tsang-Wu , Wu Chew-Wun , Chung Tsai-Rong , Shiah Her-Shyong , Jan Chang-Ming , Liu Jacqueline Ming , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Chang Jang-Yang 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) of both docetaxel and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) when administered weekly in a regimen of docetaxel, 5-FU/leucovorin and cisplatin (DFLP) for 2 consecutive weeks every 3 weeks. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> A total of 31 patients with chemo-naive, advanced adenocarcinoma of the stomach were enrolled in the study. Cisplatin and leucovorin dosages were fixed throughout the study at 30 and 300 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, respectively. 5-FU dosage was fixed at 1,600 mg/m<sup>2</sup> while docetaxel was evaluated at weekly 1-hour infusion dosages of 30, 40 and 50 mg/m<sup>2</sup> to determine the MTD. Cisplatin, 5-FU and leucovorin were administered together as a 24-hour continuous infusion following docetaxel. Weekly 5-FU dosages of 1,600, 2,000 and 2,400 mg/m<sup>2</sup> were then evaluated after setting the docetaxel dosage at the MTD. <i>Results:</i> A total of 95 chemotherapy cycles were administered, with a median of three cycles per patient. The MTD of docetaxel was defined at 40 mg/m<sup>2</sup>. At a docetaxel dosage of 50 mg/m<sup>2</sup> per week, the dose-limiting events of grade 4 febrile neutropenia and grade 3 hypomagnesemia occurred. With fixation of docetaxel to 40 mg/m<sup>2</sup>, the DLT for 5-FU was found at 2,400 mg/m<sup>2</sup> per week. This incurred grade 4 neutropenia such that the MTD of 5-FU was defined at 2,000 mg/m<sup>2</sup>. Grade 3/4 neutropenia occurred in 14 patients (45%), with 2 patients developing febrile neutropenia. Grade 2 and 3 hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia occurred in 9 (41%) and 4 (18%) patients, respectively, of the first 22 patients treated with a 24-hour infusion of cisplatin and 5-FU/leucovorin immediately following docetaxel. Following a change in the cisplatin administration schedule to a 3-hour infusion after 5-FU/leucovorin infusion, no such complications were observed in 9 subsequently treated patients. Grade 2 diarrhea was recorded in 11 patients (35%). Grade 2/3 asthenia occurred in 9 patients (30%), which resolved after correction of electrolyte disorders. Twenty-six patients were assessable for response analysis. There were 2 (7.8%) complete and 14 (53.8%) partial responses, with the overall response rate being 61.5% (95% confidence interval, 41.5–81.6%). Responses were observed at all dose levels. <i>Conclusion:</i> Two consecutive weeks of DFLP infusions every 3 weeks appear to be an active regimen with a tolerable toxicity profile in advanced gastric cancer. For further phase II studies, the recommended dose for this combination is 40 mg/m<sup>2</sup> of docetaxel and 2,000 mg/m<sup>2</sup> of 5-FU per week.
Acute Urinary Retention in the Elderly: An Unusual Presentation of Appendicitis with a High Perforation Risk
Authors: Liu Chun-Chu , Yen David H.T. , Lu Ching-Liang , Chern Chii-Hwa , Lee Chen-Hsen 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Urological manifestations are rare in acute appendicitis. Although acute urinary retention (AUR) is more commonly found in elderly patients, any previous cases reported have been under the age of 30. <i>Objective:</i> The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence, clinical presentation, and results of adult appendicitis patients presenting with AUR. AUR is defined as the sudden inability to urinate with obstructive symptoms. <i>Methods:</i> A retrospective case note review of 480 adult patients (≧18 years) with appendicitis, diagnosed at the Veterans General Hospital-Taipei over a 3-year period, was carried out. <i>Results:</i> Six patients (1.3% of the adults or 3.9% of the elderly patients), 5 men and 1 woman averaging 71.5 years of age, presented with AUR. Associated existing diseases were benign prostatic hyperplasia in 2 of the males and surgical repair for uterine prolapse in the only female. The mean duration from initial gastrointestinal symptoms to AUR was 1.7 days. The quantity of residual urine ranged from 180 to 450 ml. All patients had persistent right lower quadrant tenderness and hematuria. Five (83.3%) were found to have a perforated appendix at operation, and their average hospital stay was 14.7 (8–29) days. <i>Conclusions:</i> AUR may occur as an initial presentation in acute complicated appendicitis in the elderly. It has been reported that the prolonged hospital stay might be related to the delayed diagnosis and resulting complications arising in these patients. Primary care physicians need to be reminded that this common genitourinary complaint may arise in patients with acute appendicitis. When confronted with a geriatric patient presenting with AUR, one should entertain an alternative diagnosis and a reexamination of the patient is mandatory.
Intrathecal Bradykinin Administration: Opposite Effects on Nociceptive Transmission
Authors: Sot Urszula , Misterek Krystyna , Witold Gumułka Stanisław , Dorociak Anna 
Published: April 2003

Injected intrathecally, bradykinin (BK) produced either hyperalgesia (0.15 µg) or antinociception (6.0 µg) in rats when thermal noxious stimuli were used. Similarly, des-Arg<sup>9</sup>-BK at the lower dose (0.15 µg) decreased, whereas at the higher dose (6.0 µg) it increased the threshold to thermal noxious stimuli; however, these effects were less pronounced than those of BK. The antinociception induced by BK was abolished by HOE 140, a B<sub>2</sub> receptor antagonist, injected intrathecally at a dose of 1.3 ng and was markedly attenuated by des-Arg<sup>10</sup>-HOE 140, a B<sub>1</sub> receptor antagonist (1.15 ng i.t.). The results obtained in this study showed that – depending on the dose used – BK and des-Arg<sup>9</sup>-BK could produce pro- as well as antinociceptive actions. Both B<sub>2</sub> and B<sub>1</sub> receptors are involved in the action of intrathecally applied BK.
Temozolomide in Patients with Glioblastoma at Second Relapse after First Line Nitrosourea-Procarbazine Failure: A Phase II Study
Authors: Brandes Alba A. , Ermani Mario , Basso Umberto , Paris Myriam K. , Lumachi Franco , Berti Franco , Amistà Pietro , Gardiman Marina , Iuzzolino Paolo , Turazzi Sergio , Monfardini Silvio 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> To investigate the efficacy of temozolomide (TMZ) in relationship to progression free survival at 6 months (PFS-6), median time to progression (TTP), response rate and toxicity, a phase II study was conducted in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) following surgery plus radiotherapy and a first-line regimen based on nitrosourea, procarbazine and vincristine. <i>Methods:</i> Forty-two patients with GBM were administered TMZ at the dose of 150 mg/m<sup>2</sup>/daily for 5 days every 4 weeks. <i>Results:</i> The PFS-6 and at 12 months (PFS-12) was 24% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 14–42%) and 8% (CI = 2–27%), respectively, with a median TTP of 11.7 weeks (CI = 9–22 weeks). The response was assessed in all 42 patients; we observed 2 complete responses (CR) (4.7%), 6 partial responses (PR) (14.3%), and 9 stable disease (SD) (21.4%), with CR+PR = 19% (CI = 7–31%). <i>Conclusion: </i>TMZ as a second line regimen is a valid option in patients with heavily pretreated GBM.
Circulating Levels of Thrombopoietic and Inflammatory Cytokines in Patients with Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Hsu Hui-Chi , Lee Yuan-Ming , Tsai Wen-Hui , Jiang Mei-Lan , Ho Chau-Hung , Ho Chi-Kuan , Wang Sheng-Yuan 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>The regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis and thrombopoiesis appears to be under the control of an array of hematopoietic growth factors. The regulatory mechanism of endogenous cytokines in circulating platelet counts of thrombocytopenic patients with acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is still not clear. <i>Methods: </i>We measured the serum levels of both thrombopoietic and inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood and bone marrow samples collected from 52 patients with either AML or MDS along with 35 normal control samples. The levels of thrombopoietin (TPO), interleukin (IL)-11, IL-6, IL-8 and stem cell factor (SCF) were determined by ELISA. <i>Results: </i>Platelet counts in the AML/MDS patients during initial diagnosis, chemotherapy and complete remission were 71.2 ± 11.6, 47.2 ± 6.1 and 181.4 ± 26.3 ×10<sup>9</sup>/l, respectively. The median value of TPO in AML/MDS patients during diagnosis was 150.6 pg/ml and increased significantly during chemotherapy (median: 828 pg/ml; p < 0.05) but then decreased following complete remission (median: 221.4 pg/ml). However, these levels were all significantly higher in patients than in normal subjects (p < 0.05, p < 0.05 and p < 0.05; respectively), and no significant change was noted in the levels of IL-11 and SCF during treatment of patients or in normal controls. The level of IL-6 was not detectable in normal serum samples but was markedly increased in the AML/MDS patients (median level during diagnosis: 6.7 pg/ml; chemotherapy: 25 pg/ml; complete remission: 7 pg/ml). The level of IL-8 in patients with AML and MDS was markedly elevated during diagnosis (median: 27.5 pg/ml; range: 0–1,587 pg/ml), but decreased to the level of the normal controls when patients were under chemotherapy or in complete remission. <i>Conclusions:</i> The endogenous levels of TPO, IL-6 and IL-8 are elevated in the thrombocytopenic patients with AML and MDS. Our results are consistent with previous mechanistic studies and suggest that TPO and IL-6 may be active mediators of platelet production.
Cerebral Oxygenation Is Affected by Filling Mode and Perfluorochemical Volume in Partial Liquid Ventilation of Healthy Piglets
Authors: Burkhardt Wolfram , Proquitté Hans , Krause Susann , Wauer Roland R. , Rüdiger Mario 
Published: April 2003

Intrapulmonary administration of perfluorochemicals (PFC) has been suggested for reasons other than respiratory insufficiency. PFC application has been described to affect cerebral Hb concentration, however, data for healthy lungs are missing. Newborn piglets were randomized into 3 groups (30-ml slow-filling, 10-ml slow-filling and 30-ml rapid-filling), orally intubated and mechanically ventilated. Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) was initiated by filling the lung with PF5080 (10 or 30 ml/kg) at a rate of 1.5 ml/min (slow filling) or within 45 s (rapid filling). Vital signs, blood gases, tidal volume (VT) and changes in the cerebral concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO<sub>2</sub>) and total Hb were determined for up to 20 min. Rapid administration of PFC caused an immediate drop in HbO<sub>2</sub>, PaO<sub>2</sub> and VT. The concentration of oxygenated and total Hb increased thereafter and remained high. We found a slow increase in PaCO<sub>2</sub>, HbO<sub>2</sub> and total Hb in the 30-ml slow-filling group, but almost no changes in the 10-ml slow filling group (except for a decrease in PaO<sub>2</sub>). According to our data, PLV with 10 ml/kg should be preferred since cerebral alterations are minimal. If complete filling of the lung is needed PFC should be administered slowly to minimize side effects.
Association between Nutrition and Gender during Lactation Influencing Glucose Homeostasis and Blood Pressure of the Adult Offspring
Authors: Moura Anibal Sanchez , Franco de Sá Cristiano Cosme Nascimento , Lopez da Costa Celia , Vicente Luciana Leão , Guerreiro Sabrina Mendonça , Pinto Alessandra Maria Silva 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that the association between nutritional status and gender of rat pups during the early postnatal period (lactation) induces changes in glucose homeostasis and blood pressure of the pups when becoming adults. The results indicate that undernourishment during lactation is associated with gender and affects glucose homeostasis and blood pressure of female adults. In our experiments, the blood glucose level at the end of a clamping was significantly different in the undernourished females (FU) compared with the female controls (FC) (FC: 11.2 ± 0.9 mmol/l; FU: 26.9 ± 2.1 mmol/l; p ≤0.001). On the other hand, the undernourished male (MU) group, when compared with the male control (MC) group, showed constant and similar glycemia during clamp-induced hyperglycemia, despite there being a significant reduction of plasma insulin (at the end of the clamping, MC: 595 ± 35 pmol/l and MU: 210 ± 4 pmol/l) in this group. In addition, in contrast to the control groups and the MU group, the systolic and diastolic (d) pressures at the end of the experimental period of the FU group were significantly lower than those of the FC group (FC: 15.3 ± 0.30 mm Hg and FU: 14.7 ± 0.25 mm Hg, p < 0.001; FCd: 7.7 ± 0.25 mm Hg and Fud: 6.8 ± 0.4 mm Hg, p≤0.001). Therefore, our results provide clear evidence that nutrition is associated with gender during the early postnatal period by inducing persistent changes in physiological outcomes.
Blood Transfusion in Anemic Infants with Apnea of Prematurity
Authors: Westkamp Eva , Soditt Volker , Adrian Sophie , Bohnhorst Bettina , Groneck Peter , Poets Christian F. 
Published: April 2003

We found recently that blood transfusions had no effect on bradycardia and hypoxemia, the clinically important components of apnea of prematurity, in mildly anemic infants. Here, we wanted to know whether this also holds true for more severely anemic patients. Nineteen preterm infants, median gestational age at birth 25 (range 22–30) weeks, age at the time of study 5.5 (range 1–13) weeks, for whom a blood transfusion was ordered because of recurrent episodes of bradycardia and/or hypoxemia in conjunction with anemia (median hemoglobin level 78 g/l, range 63–98 g/l) were investigated. One infant received two transfusions and was thus studied twice. 4-hour recordings of pulse oximeter saturation (SpO<sub>2</sub>), pulse waveforms, electrocardiogram, breathing movements, and nasal airflow were performed immediately before transfusion of 20 ml/kg packed red blood cells and again 24 h later. The recordings were analyzed for baseline heart and respiratory rates and SpO<sub>2</sub>, all measured during regular breathing, as well as for apnea (≧20 s), bradycardia (heart rate <2/3 of baseline for ≧4 s), and episodic desaturation (SpO<sub>2</sub> ≤80% for ≧4 s). There was no significant change in the combined frequency of bradycardia and desaturation, the primary study end point – median 6.4/h (range 3.0–13.5/h) before versus 4.6/h (range 0.6–15.7/h) after transfusion –, although there was slightly less bradycardia – 0.8/h (range 0.0–8.8/h) versus 0.7/h (range 0.0–5.1/h; p < 0.05). Baseline heart and respiratory rates decreased, respectively, from 163/min (range 140–182/min) and 58/min (range 34–98/min) to 152/min (range 134–172/min) and 55/min (range 36–82/min; p < 0.01). We conclude that blood transfusions significantly reduced heart and respiratory rates in these anemic infants, but had little effect on apnea of prematurity.