bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on Micronutrient Profiles in HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Rousseau M.C. , Molines C. , Moreau J. , Delmont J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> To assess micronutrient variations in HIV/AIDS patients before and after HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy). <i>Methods:</i> We evaluated the nutritional status and micronutrients in 44 patients over 3 years. The first nutritional evaluation was conducted in 1995 before HAART, the second was conducted in 1998 when most patients received HAART. <i>Results:</i> Thirty-four (77%) of the patients were intravenous drug users. In 1995, 35 (80%) were receiving antiretroviral therapy, but none had a protease inhibitor. A comparison made between patients in the group with CD4 <250/mm<sup>3</sup> (group A) and patients in the group with CD4 >250/mm<sup>3 </sup>(group B) revealed significantly lower levels of plasma selenium concentrations (p < 0.05). In group A women, zinc was significantly lower than in men of the same group (p < 0.05). On the contrary, selenium plasma concentrations were significantly lower in group A men than in group A women (p < 0.05). No significant differences were noted for other micronutrients. In 1998, when most patients were treated with HAART, differences between the two groups were no more significant, neither for selenium nor for zinc matched with sex. Micronutrient values did not significantly differ between patients with viral load below 5,000 copies/ml and patients with viral load above 5,000 copies/ml. Patients treated with HAART had practically no weight loss. Although patients who did not receive HAART had a good immune status, the mean weight loss was up to 4.6 kg. <i>Conclusions:</i> Selenium and zinc deficiencies are dependent on immune status and sex in HIV/AIDS patients. Other micronutrients do not seem to be influenced by the immune status in these patients. HAART reduces selenium and zinc deficiencies and may help avoid weight loss independently of the CD4 cell count.
Metabolic Transit and in vivo Effects of Melanoidins and Precursor Compounds Deriving from the Maillard Reaction
Authors: Faist Veronika , Erbersdobler Helmut F. 
Published: April 2003

Metabolic transit data on food-borne advanced MRPs (Maillard reaction products) termed melanoidins are yet not completely elucidated and it is still an open question whether isolated melanoidin structures undergo metabolic biotransformation and subsequently cause physiological effects in vivo. Advanced MRPs, acting as premelanoidins, and melanoidins are formed under severe heat treatment of foods and are ingested with the habitual diet at considerable amounts. Metabolic transit data are known for Amadori compounds classified as early MRPs, like, e.g., fructose-lysine. For rats and humans, the percentages of ingested free versus protein-bound fructose-lysine excreted in the urine were found within ranges of 60–80% and 3–10%, respectively. Balance studies on free advanced MRPs are still lacking, but protein-bound low-molecular-weight premelanoidins and high-molecular-weight melanoidins have already been investigated in animal experiments using <sup>14</sup>C-tracer isotopes. The amount of ingested radioactivity absorbed and excreted in the urine was found at levels ranging from 16 to 30% and from 1 to 5% for premelanoidins and melanoidins, respectively. These different metabolic transit data of premelanoidins and melanoidins can be explained by the following mechanisms involved: (i) intestinal degradation by digestive and microbial enzymes; (ii) absorption of these compounds or their degradates, and (iii) tissue retention. Structure specific in vivo effects have been identified for protein-bound premelanoidins on intestinal microbial activity, xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes and further glycation reactions. The latter are hypothesized to be involved in the aging process and in the course of different diseases. Further investigations are needed to clarify synergistic in vivo effects of dietary ingested melanoidins and endogenously formed glycation products.
A Study of Intensified Dietary Support in Underweight Candidates for Lung Transplantation
Authors: Førli Liv , Bjørtuft Øystein , Vatn Morten , Kofstad Johan , Boe Jacob 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background: </i>No data is available on dietary intervention in candidates for lung transplantation and on the effect of different strategies for dietary support in this cohort. <i>Aim: </i>We therefore wanted to evaluate the effects of intensified nutritional support compared with simple support on energy intake and nutritional status. <i>Method: </i>Our participants were underweight (n = 42) and normal-weight (control group, n = 29) candidates for lung transplantation. The underweight patients were randomized into two groups. Group A received intensified dietary counselling, ready-made liquid nutritional supplements free of charge and regular follow-ups, while group B received only one session of individual dietary counselling, no supplements and no follow-ups. <i>Results: </i>The mean intervention time was 21 weeks. Groups A and B both increased their energy intake and gained weight. Group A increased their energy intake from a median of 8.7 to 10.1 MJ (p < 0.01 compared with the control group after intervention) and gained a mean of 2.9 kg body weight (95% CI 1.2; 4.7, p = 0.005 compared with the control group), while group B increased from 7.4 to 10.8 MJ (p = 0.005) and gained 2.3 kg (1.2; 3.3, p = 0.002). Only group B increased their fat-free mass. In this group, an increase in O<sub>2</sub> saturation and a decrease in PaCO<sub>2</sub> were suggested. None of the groups improved its physical performance. <i>Conclusion: </i>In candidates for lung transplantation we were unable to confirm the hypothesis that intensified nutritional support compared with a simple support increased compliance. Both groups achieved the goal for energy intake and gained weight.
Effect of Preeclampsia in the Mother on the Leucine Metabolism in the Newborn Infant
Authors: Saenz de Pipaón Marcos M. , Wattimena D.J.L. , van Beek R.H.T. , Lotgering F.K. , Sauer P.J.J. 
Published: April 2003

The leucine turnover in newborn infants is influenced by factors such as nutritional state and corticosteroid treatment. Little is known about maternal factors influencing the leucine turnover in the newborn. In order to approach the effect of preeclampsia in the mother on neonatal protein turnover, we studied the leucine turnover in preterm infants soon after birth and again after 7 days. Ten infants from preeclamptic mothers (birth weight 1,280 ± 240 g, gestational age 31 ± 2 weeks) and 15 control patients (birth weight 1,320 ± 210 g, gestational age 30 ± 2 weeks) were enrolled. The leucine turnover was measured using a primed constant 5-hour intravenous infusion of [1-<sup>13</sup>C]leucine within the first 24 h after delivery and again on day 7 of life. The turnover (leucine flux; µmol·kg<sup>–1</sup>·h<sup>–1</sup>) was calculated from the enrichment in α-ketoisocaproic acid in plasma. The leucine turnover on day 1 was 300 ± 65 in the preeclampsia group and 358 ± 70 in the controls (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The values on day 7 were 474 ± 73 in the preeclampsia group and 485 ± 80 in the control group (n.s.). To conclude, the leucine turnover on day 1 is lower in infants of preeclamptic mothers as compared with controls. This difference has disappeared on day 7 of life after receiving the same protein and energy intake.
Potential Cardioprotective Effect of Mibefradil in the Long-Term Treatment of Hypertension
Authors: Waeber Bernard 
Published: April 2003

During the last 2 decades, remarkable progress has been made in the treatment of hypertension with the discovery of new drugs lowering blood pressure by various mechanisms, e.g. calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists. These antihypertensive agents are now widely used as first-line therapy although there is still no definite proof that they have a cardioprotective effect and reduce the mortality rate in patients with coronary heart disease. Mibefradil is a new calcium antagonist with a novel mechanism of action since it is the only drug available so far able to block T channels. This compound might be particularly effective in preventing cardiac morbidity and mortality. It reduces heart rate when lowering blood pressure, has no negative inotropic effect, allows regression of cardiac hypertrophy and is effective in the treatment of angina. Mibefradil produces a sustained blood pressure reduction with a close to optimal trough:peak ratio. A major advantage of this novel compound is its excellent tolerability over the dose range recommended (50–100 mg/day). In particular, leg edema is seen clearly less often during mibefradil treatment than during therapy with dihydropyridines. Mibefradil has therefore an attractive profile in terms of both efficacy and safety and represents a promising first-line option to treat hypertensive patients.
Twenty-Four-Hour Blood Pressure Changes in the Course of Lacunar Disease
Authors: Yamamoto Yasumasa , Akiguchi Ichiro , Oiwa Kaiyo , Hayashi Masamichi , Imai Keisuke 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Changes in blood pressure (BP) over time have not been considered in investigations on the relationship between BP and cerebrovascular disease (CVD). <i>Objective:</i> To investigate BP changes throughout a 24-hour period in lacunar infarct patients with different outcomes. <i>Methods:</i> Twelve control subjects (group 1) and 56 patients with symptomatic lacunar infarcts were studied. The infarct patients were divided into three groups: group 2, 25 patients with a fair outcome without any cerebrovascular attack or progressive dementia (mean follow-up period: 4.4 years); group 3, 14 patients with worsening of clinical dementia rating and silent lesions, which included lacunae and diffuse white matter lesions (4.5 years), and group 4, 17 patients who developed symptomatic infarcts (1.7 years). MRIs and ambulatory BP monitoring were performed for each patient on two separate occasions. No patient was treated with antihypertensive agents during the course of the study. <i>Results:</i> In group 2, the second measurements were significantly higher than the first for 24-hour systolic BP (SBP), daytime SBP, 24-hour diastolic BP (DBP), daytime DBP (p < 0.01, for all) and nighttime DBP (p < 0.05). In group 3, the second measurements were significantly lower than the first for 24-hour SBP, daytime SBP, 24-hour DBP, and daytime DBP (p < 0.01, for all). In group 4, the second measurements were significantly lower than the first for 24-hour SBP and daytime SBP (p < 0.01). The correlation between BP and pulse rate became positive for group 2 in second measurements, but was not positive for groups 3 and 4. <i>Conclusions:</i> BP tended to elevate over time in patients with a fair outcome. In contrast, BP tended to decrease in those who developed dementia and symptomatic infarct. Autonomic functions including sympathetic activity might play a role in changes in BP in lacunar infarct patients during the course of disease.
Treatment of Acute Cerebral Infarction with Arginine Esterase: A Controlled Study with Heparin
Authors: Kim Jong S. , Yoon Sung S. , Kwon Sun U. , Ha Jeong H. , Suh Eul J. , Chi Hyun S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Purpose:</i> There is no treatment proven to be of definitive benefit for ischemic stroke. Arginine esterase, a natural product from a snake venom, has been shown to reduce the serum fibrinogen level in human beings and may be useful in the treatment of ischemic stroke. In the present study, we compared the therapeutic effect of arginine esterase with that of heparin. <i>Subjects and Methods:</i> We studied 50 consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to the Asan Medical Center. We randomly administered either arginine esterase 0.005 unit/kg × 2 times/day or heparin (activated partial thromboplastin time 2–3 times of baseline value) intravenously for 7 days. Antiplatelets were administered afterwards in both groups. Blood fibrinogen, fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) and D-dimer levels were measured at 0, 6, 12, 18 h and 1, 2, 3, 7 and 30 days after the onset of stroke. NIH stroke scale was measured daily by 2 neurologists while Barthel index and Rankin scale were assessed at 7 days and 1 month after the onset of stroke by a research nurse. All these investigators were blinded to the therapeutic regimen each patient received. <i>Results:</i> There were no significant differences in the mean age, gender proportion, stroke subtypes and baseline neurological severity between the two groups. One patient in the arginine esterase group died in an acute stage due to massive herniation and 1 in the heparin group underwent surgery for herniation. One (arginine esterase group) died of massive gastrointestinal bleeding due to previously unrecognized stomach cancer. Otherwise, no significant clinical and laboratory side effects were observed in both groups. In the arginine-esterase treated group, D-dimer and FDP levels were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated, and fibrinogen level significantly (p < 0.05) decreased at 2–7 days after the onset of stroke compared to the heparin-treated group. However, there was no significant difference in the neurological improvement reflected by NIH stroke scale, Barthel index and Rankin scale. <i>Conclusion:</i> Arginine esterase seems to be safe and has significant fibrinolytic effects when administered in the patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, in this preliminary study, it was not superior to heparin in terms of the improvement of neurological deficits. Further studies with larger doses and a larger number of subjects are required.
Quantitative Regional Cerebral Blood Flow Measurement Techniques Improve Noninvasive Detection of Cerebrovascular Vasospasm after Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Horn P. , Vajkoczy P. , Bauhuf C. , Münch E. , Poeckler-Schoeniger C. , Schmiedek P. 
Published: April 2003

Adequate therapy of vasospasm (VS) in patients suffering from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage critically depends upon early and reliable diagnosis of cerebral hypoperfusion. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of quantitative regional blood flow (rCBF) analysis as an adjunct in noninvasive prediction of VS. Therefore, 33 transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) studies assuming cerebrovascular VS (TCD flow velocity >120 cm/s) were followed by <sup>s</sup>Xe/CT and cerebral panangiography (PA). TCD plus <sup>s</sup>Xe/CT significantly increased the predictability of VS from 34 to 91%, proving that a combination of TCD and rCBF studies improves the noninvasive detection of VS and might help to prevent unnecessary angiographic examinations.
Comparison of Cefepime versus Ceftriaxone-Amikacin as Empirical Regimens for the Treatment of Febrile Neutropenia in Acute Leukemia Patients
Authors: Borbolla José R. , López-Hernández Manuel A. , González-Avante Mauricio , DeDiego José , Trueba Elvira , Alvarado Martha L. , Jiménez Rosa M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> High-intensity regimes of chemotherapy have led to longer and more severe episodes of neutropenia with a resulting increase in morbidity and mortality due to infections. Which empiric antibiotic regimen to use in these cases is still under debate. <i>Methods:</i> We performed a randomized comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of cefepime versus ceftriaxone plus amikacin as the initial treatment in an escalating, empirical, antibiotic therapy regimen in febrile neutropenic patients. Both adults and children were included. All patients had less than 500 neutrophils/µl at the time of infection. Patients were randomized to receive either cefepime or ceftriaxone plus amikacin. If infection continued 72 h later, patients in both groups received vancomycin, and if infection had not disappeared 7 days after starting antibiotics, amphotericin B was started. <i>Results:</i> Twenty patients were included in each group. Both treatment and control groups were comparable for age and sex, among other factors. There were 18 cures in the cefepime group and 17 in the ceftriaxone plus amikacin group (p = 0.9). No patient discontinued therapy because of toxicity. <i>Conclusions:</i> Cefepime is a safe and very effective therapy for patients with acute leukemia and febrile neutropenia; in addition, it is a cheaper regimen in our country, and lacks the potential toxicity of the aminoglycosides.
Effect of the Noncompetitive NMDA Antagonists MK-801 and Ketamine on the <i>Spastic</i> Han-Wistar Mutant: A Rat Model of Excitotoxicity
Authors: Brunson Kristen L. , Khanna Aparna , Cromwell Howard C. , Cohen Randy W. 
Published: April 2003

The neuroprotective effects of the NMDA antagonists MK-801 and ketamine were analyzed in a mutant strain of Han-Wistar rats which develop neurodegeneration in the hippocampus and cerebellum. Previous experiments have shown that the progressive neuronal degeneration observed in this mutant may be the result of a dysfunctional glutamatergic system. For MK-801 studies, mutants were injected in a chronic paradigm with (+)MK-801 or its weaker acting isomer (–)MK-801 at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Ketamine studies consisted of both acute (50 mg/kg once) and chronic (10 mg/kg multiple times) injection paradigms. MK-801-treated mutants exhibited longer life spans (8–23%) compared to saline-injected mutants. Ketamine-injected mutants in both paradigms also lived slightly longer (6–9%) than the saline mutants. Motor skill deterioration was monitored in an open-field test, and after 50 days of age the MK-801 and ketamine mutants displayed over 20% greater motor skill activity than the saline mutants. In the cerebellum, mutants treated with ketamine and both forms of MK-801 had 10–20% more Purkinje cells surviving at 55 days than the saline mutants. Further, the density of CA3c pyramidal hippocampal neurons in ketamine and MK-801-treated mutants as compared to saline mutants appeared to be greater upon qualitative analysis. This study shows that these mutants derive some protective effects from the NMDA antagonists MK-801 and ketamine, confirming glutamate-induced excitotoxicity as a possible cause of neuronal degeneration in this mutant strain of rat.
Inhibition of α(1–6)-Linked Fucose Decreases Inner Retinal Cells and Increases Photoreceptors in Chicken Retinal Reaggregates
Authors: Willbold Elmar , Rothermel Andrée , Huhn Jutta , Stelck Simone , Layer Paul G. 
Published: April 2003

We investigated the developmental role of α(1–6)-linked fucose, applying <i>Aleuria aurantia</i> lectin to a specific retinal regeneration system. Thereby, dissociated retinal cells of chicken embryos reaggregate, proliferate, and differentiate in vitro into histotypical spheres, so-called retinospheroids. Under the influence of <i>A. aurantia</i> lectin, processes of proliferation, differentiation and histogenesis of retinospheroids were disturbed. Extending these in vitro studies, we here show that <i>A. aurantia</i> lectin treatment decreases cells of the inner half retina and their processes into inner plexiform layer areas, as revealed by quantitative enzyme histochemistry for butyryl- and acetylcholinesterase, and immunohistochemistry using antibodies to acetylcholinesterase, Pax-6, calbindin-D, and F11. Concomitantly, the number of rod and red/green photoreceptors dramatically increases, using the antibodies rho4D2 and CERN901 (both specific for rods) and CERN906 (specific for red/green cones). These findings show that glycoproteins exhibiting fucose in α(1–6)-linkage are involved in processes determining retinal cell fate, strongly shifting the relative ratio of cells of the inner towards cells of the outer retina.
Comprehension of Written Health Care Information in an Affluent Geriatric Retirement Community: Use of the Test of Functional Health Literacy
Authors: Gausman Benson Jennifer , Forman Walter B. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The comprehension of written health care information, e.g. prescription bottle labels or an informed consent form, impacts on communication with patients and their ability to understand medical procedures, as well as goals of therapy. <i>Objective:</i> To determine if the problem of literacy was present in a population of affluent Albuquerque retirement community dwellers. <i>Methods: </i>We administered the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHL) to 93 residents (71 women and 22 men), using a one-on-one directed examination conducted by one of the authors (J.G.B.). <i>Results:</i> The group studied had a mean age of >70 years, were not acutely ill, had no known loss of mental function, were better educated and had a high standard of living compared to national standards. However, 30% (95% confidence level) of our group were unable to adequately comprehend written information as measured by the TOFHL. The subgroup with poor comprehension (21 women and 7 men) had a mean age of 85 years (versus 82 years in the group with good comprehension) and a mean of 13 years (versus 15 years in the group with good comprehension) of formal education. Multivariate analysis was consistent with a negative effect of age (p = 0.04), a positive effect of years of formal education (p = 0.0005) and no effect of gender on the TOFHL score. <i>Conclusion:</i> Two recent studies, one in an emergency room setting and the other among Medicare enrollees, demonstrated similar results to ours. The high prevalence of poor comprehension in these groups should alert providers to the need to develop additional or different communication skills that can address the problem of poor reading comprehension across at least three diverse groups of people, with particular attention to those over the age of 65.
Role of the Fas System in Liver Regeneration after a Partial Hepatectomy in Rats
Authors: Taira K. , Hiroyasu S. , Shiraishi M. , Muto Y. , Koji T. 
Published: April 2003

Apoptosis is involved in the homeostatic control of organs. The aim of this study was to define the in vivo role of apoptosis-related proteins including the Fas system and Bcl-2 in liver regeneration following a partial hepatectomy (PH). We used 70% hepatectomized rats which were serially sacrificed from 12 h to 28 days. The expressions of Fas, Fas ligand, and Bcl-2 were examined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Liver regeneration, as examined by PCNA staining, peaked from 24 h to day 3, and declined from day 5. On the other hand, hepatocyte apoptosis, as examined by TUNEL staining, was seldom observed until 24 h, but increased from 1 week after PH. In the RT-PCR study, Fas showed an early decline by 24 h, followed by a later peak from days 3 to 5, and then a constant expression thereafter. Meanwhile, the Fas ligand was also low until day 3, but showed a remarkable increase from days 5 to 7, followed by a gradual decrease. On the other hand, Bcl-2 showed an early peak until 24 h, followed by a decline from day 5. In an immunohistochemical study, the time courses of these protein expressions were almost synchronous with their mRNAs in the RT-PCR study. We thus conclude that the coordinated interplay between these apoptosis-related proteins and hepatocyte apoptosis suggests the possible involvement of these proteins in the course of liver regeneration.