bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Tamoxifen on Lipid Profile and Coagulation Parameters in Male Patients with Pubertal Gynecomastia
Authors: Nóvoa F.J. , Boronat M. , Carrillo A. , Tapia M. , Díaz-Cremades J. , Chirino R. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aim:</i> The estrogenic actions of tamoxifen on lipid profiles and hemostasis have been extensively demonstrated in women. Due to limited experience with this drug in males, it is uncertain whether these effects are also present in men. The aim of our study was to assess the response of blood lipids, lipoproteins, and coagulation parameters in a group of men taking tamoxifen. <i>Methods:</i> We studied 15 healthy boys with pubertal gynecomastia who were given 10 mg tamoxifen per day. Total testosterone, sex-hormone-binding globulin, estradiol, serum lipids, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, lipoprotein(a), fibrinogen, antithrombin III, von Willebrand factor, and markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis were determined at baseline and 1 and 3 months after beginning of the tamoxifen treatment. <i>Results:</i> Total cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) showed moderate but significant decreases from baseline. Low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations as well as triglyceride and apolipoprotein B levels became lower, but these changes were not statistically significant. Among clotting parameters, antithrombin III was reduced, and von Willebrand factor increased significantly. Markers of activated coagulation and fibrinolysis remained unchanged throughout the period of therapy. <i>Conclusions:</i> The effects of tamoxifen on blood lipids and hemostasis we found in this group of healthy young men were qualitatively similar, but lesser than those previously described in women.
Ectopic ACTH Syndrome: Discrepancy between Somatostatin Receptor Status in vivo and ex vivo, and between Immunostaining and Gene Transcription for POMC and CRH
Authors: Kristiansen Mikkel T. , Rasmussen Lars M. , Olsen Niels , Asa Sylvia L. , Jørgensen Jens O.L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To characterize somatostatin receptor status in vivo and ex vivo and immunoreactivity and gene transcription for proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in a case of Cushing’s syndrome caused by a sporadic metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). <i>Methods:</i><sup>111</sup>In octreoscan, analysis of tumorous mRNA transcripts for somatostatin receptor subtypes (SSTR) as well as for POMC and CRH. <i>Results:</i> The tissue was intensely positive by <sup>111</sup>In octreoscan but expressed only SSTR 1, 3 and 5. There was immunopositivity only for CRH, but gene transcription for both POMC and CRH was seen. <i>Conclusions:</i> (1) This first comparison between somatostatin receptor status in vivo and ex vivo in MTC shows a marked positive octreoscan despite absent SSTR 2 expression, and (2) this is the first report of a discrepancy between immunostaining and gene transcription for POMC and CRH.
Neodymium-YAG Laser Core through Urethrotomy in Obliterative Posttraumatic Urethral Strictures after Failed Initial Urethroplasty
Authors: Dogra P.N. , Nabi G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To assess the feasibility, problems and results of Nd-YAG laser core through urethrotomy in the management of failed urethroplasty for posttraumatic bulbomembranous urethral strictures. <i>Material and Methods:</i> 61 patients with obliterative posttraumatic urethral strictures were treated by Nd-YAG laser core through urethrotomy between May 1997 to April 2000. Of these, 5 patients had failed end-to-end urethroplasty done as an initial procedure at various periods of time. The procedure was performed as day care and patients were discharged within 6 h of procedure. <i>Results:</i> At 24–30 months of follow-up, all patients are voiding well and are continent. Auxiliary procedures were required in 2 cases. <i>Conclusion:</i> Nd-YAG laser core through urethrotomy is a feasible day care option for patients of obliterative urethral strictures following failed initial urethroplasty with successful outcome.
Selective Induction of MCP-1 in Human Mesangial Cells by the IL-6/sIL-6R Complex
Authors: Coletta Isabella , Soldo Lucia , Polentarutti Nadia , Mancini Francesca , Guglielmotti Angelo , Pinza Mario , Mantovani Alberto , Milanese Claudio 
Published: April 2003

Interleukin (IL) 6, an autocrine growth factor for mesangial cells, and chemokines, which are released from activated mesangial cells and induce leukocyte infiltration, play a critical role in the progression of immune system mediated renal diseases. Since the reciprocal relationship between IL-6 and chemokines in renal inflammation has been barely investigated, we have analyzed whether IL-6 (500 ng/ml), alone or in combination with the soluble form of its receptor (sIL-6R, 200 ng/ml), can induce normal human mesangial cells (NHMC) to release alpha and/or beta chemokines: MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1), IL-8, Rantes (regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted), and MIP-1α (macrophage inflammatory protein 1α). Whereas IL-6 or sIL-6R alone were ineffective in inducing significant chemokine release from NHMC, the simultaneous treatment with IL-6 and sIL-6R showed a significant interaction, leading to a strong synergic effect on MCP-1 synthesis and release without exerting any relevant activity on IL-8, Rantes, or MIP-1α. Consistently with the unresponsiveness to IL-6, mRNA and protein expression analysis of the two subunits which form the functional IL-6 receptor showed that NHMC express only the gp130 signal-transducing chain and not the subunit-specific IL-6R (gp80). These findings support an unexpected role of the IL-6 system in kidney inflammatory reactions through the selective regulation of monocyte recruitment.
Prevalence of Japanese Cedar Pollinosis among Schoolchildren in Japan
Authors: Ozasa Kotaro , Dejima Kenji , Takenaka Hiroshi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Japanese cedar pollinosis is an important allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in Japan in spring. We investigated the relationship between the amount of pollen in the air and the prevalence of the disease and sensitization to Japanese cedar pollen in this ecological study. <i>Methods:</i> The IgE antibody to Japanese cedar pollen (JCP-IgE) was determined in human serum and rhinoconjunctival symptoms were surveyed in 407–510 children in May or June every year from 1995 to 2001. Japanese cedar pollinosis was defined as being JCP-IgE ≧1.5 IU/ml and having any rhinoconjunctival symptom lasting 3 weeks or longer in March or April. <i>Results:</i> Prevalence rates of Japanese cedar pollinosis were 13.8–22.9%. Prevalence rates of being JCP-IgE ≧1.5 IU/ml were 39.0–50.1%, and those of being JCP-IgE ≧15.01 IU/ml were 11.4–23.2%. All prevalence rates were significantly related to the amount of pollen in the air. The proportion of subjects with rhinoconjunctival symptoms was relatively constant in each stratum of low JCP-IgE levels (<0.35, 1.50–2.99, 3.0–14.9 IU/ml). <i>Conclusion:</i> High exposure to Japanese cedar pollen was associated with higher levels of JCP-IgE antibody and a high prevalence of Japanese cedar pollinosis. The relationship between the level of JCP-IgE and the proportion of subjects with symptoms was relatively constant.
Improvement of Anemia in Hemodialysis Patients Treated by Hemodiafiltration with High-Volume On-Line-Prepared Substitution Fluid
Authors: Bonforte Giuseppe , Grillo Paolo , Zerbi Simona , Surian Maurizio 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is associated with a lower incidence of neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and partial correction of anemia. HDF with on-line-prepared substitution fluid (OL HDF), as compared with conventional hemodialysis, increases the treatment tolerance and, as compared with standard HDF, avoids storage problems and allows a higher substitution volume at low cost. <i>Methods:</i> Thirty-two hemodialysis patients treated by OL HDF for at least 9 months were studied. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, iron metabolism, serum albumin, dialysis dose and dry body weight were determined under a settled condition with regular hemodialysis 3 months before the transfer to OL HDF. The same parameters were analyzed 3, 6 and 9 months after the beginning of the new treatment modality. <i>Results:</i> During OL HDF, hemoglobin values significantly increased in patients without addition of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO): baseline vs. 6 months 11 ± 1.7 vs. 12 ± 1.8 g/dl (p < 0.01); baseline vs. 9 months 11 ± 1.7 vs. 12 ± 1.6 g/dl (p < 0.05). In patients on a maintenance dose of rhuEPO, this could be significantly reduced, while the target hemoglobin levels were maintained (10.6 ± 0.9 g/dl): baseline 99.8 ± 50.4 U/kg/week, 3rd month 76.2 ± 43 U/kg/week, 6th month 64.3 ± 37 U/kg/week, and 9th month 59.4 ± 38.6 U/kg/week (p = 0.007, p = 0.0006, and p = 0.0007, respectively, vs. baseline). Iron metabolism, dialysis dose, dry body weight and serum albumin levels did not significantly change during the follow-up period. Further, a stability of the rHuEPO supplementation was observed in 14 patients followed up for 24 months. <i>Conclusions:</i> OL HDF influences anemia and rHuEPO dose. It allows considerable anemia correction in patients without rHuEPO treatment, while it significantly reduces rHuEPO doses in those on rHuEPO treatment as compared with standard hemodialysis. The rHuEPO costs are consequently reduced.
Limb Constriction as a Complication of Intra-Uterine Vesico-Amniotic Shunt: Fetoscopic Release
Authors: Chan Fung Yee , Borzi Peter , Cincotta Robert , Burke John , Tudehope David 
Published: April 2003

Complete fetal bladder outlet obstruction was first diagnosed in a fetus at 13.5 weeks. After sequential vesicocentesis had shown good renal function, a vesico-amniotic shunt was inserted at 17 weeks with a Rodeck catheter. The procedure was successful and amniotic fluid volume re-accumulated to normal levels. A detailed scan at 20 weeks showed that the distal free end of the catheter was wound round the left fetal thigh. As the fetus grew, there was progressive constriction of the fetal thigh by the catheter. By 29 weeks, Doppler blood flow changes to the left leg were apparent. Fetoscopic surgery was performed at 30 weeks to release the constriction. The catheter was divided successfully, but the divided end of the shunt subsequently retracted into the fetal abdomen, producing urinary ascites, bilateral hydroureter and hydronephrosis. The baby was delivered at 31.5 weeks in good condition. Endoscopic resection of anterior and posterior urethral valves was performed at 6 months of age. At 2 years, the child has normal renal function, growth parameters and developmental milestones. Mild indentation of the left thigh was still apparent, although there was no functional impairment.
Comparison of Dialysis and Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Frequent and Occasional Hemodialysis-Associated Hypotension
Authors: Tislér András , Akócsi Katalin , Hárshegyi Ibolya , Varga Gábor , Ferenczi Sándor , Grosz Mária , Kulcsár Imre , Löcsey Lajos , Sámik József , Solt István , Szegedi János , Tóth Eszter , Wágner Gyula , Kiss István 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Symptomatic dialysis hypotension (DH) continues to be a common problem. By comparing patients prone and resistant to DH, several dialysis session and patient related characteristics have been identified that confer susceptibility to DH. Less is known, however, about the comparison of patients with frequent and only occasional DH. The aim of the study was to compare clinical and dialysis-session- (complicated by hypotension) related data between those with frequent (fDH) and those with occasional dialysis hypotension (oDH). <i>Methods:</i> Nine hundred and fifty-eight patients at 11 dialysis units were followed for 10 months and characteristics of patients with fDH (≧10 hypotensive events necessitating medical intervention) (n = 96) were compared to that of patients with oDH (1 or 2 events/10 months) (n = 130). Significant and independent predictors of fDH were obtained by multivariate logistic regression. <i>Results:</i> Significant differences between fDH vs. oDH patients were older age (64.4 vs. 56.9 years, p < 0.001), more females (66 vs. 46%, p < 0.005) in fDH. More fDH patients had diabetes (27 vs. 15%, p < 0.05) and less had glomerulonephritis (15 vs. 35%, p < 0.001) as the cause for ESRD. Coronary artery disease (68 vs. 50%, p < 0.01) and long-acting nitrate treatment (51 vs. 30%, p < 0.001) was more frequent while treatment with ACEI (33 vs. 48%, p < 0.05) or Ca-channel blockers (40 vs. 53%, p < 0.05) were less frequent in patients with fDH. Patients with fDH had higher serum phosphorus levels (1.99 vs. 1.79 mmol, p < 0.005). Dialysis session related data were similar but the hypotensive episode occurred earlier during dialysis in fDH (136 vs. 156 min, p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, significant independent predictors of fDH were older age (OR = 1.04 [1.02–1.07]), lack of glomerulonephritis as renal diagnosis (2.63 [1.18–5.87]), high phosphorus levels (5.0 [2.45–10.0]), lack of use of Ca-channel blockers (2.09 [1.12–3.91]), and the use of nitrates (2.38 [1.24–4.55]). <i>Conclusion:</i> Features of the dialysis sessions complicated by DH seem to be similar between patients with fDH and oDH, while patient characteristics such as older age, renal diagnosis other than glomerulonephritis, higher serum phosphorus levels, use of nitrates, and lack of use of calcium channel blockers are significantly and independently associated with fDH.
Long-Term Effects of the Substituted Benzamide Derivative Amisulpride on Baseline and Stimulated Prolactin Levels
Authors: Schlösser R. , Gründer G. , Anghelescu I. , Hillert A. , Ewald-Gründer S. , Hiemke C. , Benkert O. 
Published: April 2003

In the present study, we investigated the long-term effects of treatment with amisulpride, a substituted benzamide derivative, as compared with the effects of treatment with flupenthixol, a thioxanthene, on the prolactin levels in schizophrenic patients. After completing 6 weeks of medication with either amisulpride or flupenthixol, the patients entered a long-term maintenance treatment with amisulpride 200–600 mg/day or flupenthixol 5–15 mg/day for a maximum of 12 months with a subsequent drug-free follow-up until month 15. Eighteen initially included patients were still participating in the study at month 6. In the flupenthixol group, only 1 patient treated reached month 12, and none of the patients reached month 15. For the amisulpride treatment group, months 12 and 15 were completed by 9 and 6 patients, respectively. After 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment, and finally 3 months after cessation of treatment, the basal and thyrotropin-releasing hormone-stimulated secretions of prolactin were investigated. The prolactin plasma levels were elevated in both treatment groups during the course of maintenance treatment with a maximum effect at month 1. Flupenthixol treatment initially raised the prolactin levels about two- or threefold, and a subsequent decline during months 3 and 6 occurred. However, only the changes for month 1 reached the level of a statistical trend. The prolactin secretion was initially increased over tenfold by amisulpride. The prolactin levels at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 were significantly elevated as compared with the baseline values. A continuous decline of prolactin levels in both treatment groups occurred over the course of the next months. The prolactin response after the thyrotropin-releasing hormone challenge was not significantly changed over the long-term course. Notably, in the amisulpride group, 3 months after cessation of treatment at month 12, the elevated levels of prolactin returned to baseline at month 15. In summary, amisulpride demonstrated more pronounced effects than flupenthixol on the prolactin levels. However, the findings indicate also that treatment with amisulpride at clinically effective doses can be achieved at significantly lower prolactin levels during the long-term maintenance phase than during the prior acute phase.
Endovascular Therapy of Acute Vertebrobasilar Occlusion: Early Treatment Onset as the Most Important Factor
Authors: Eckert Bernd , Kucinski Thomas , Pfeiffer Gustav , Groden Christoph , Zeumer Herrmann 
Published: April 2003

In view of the poor prognosis for patients with acute intracranial vertebrobasilar occlusion (VBO), factors were sought that predict survival and good neurologic outcome after acute endovascular treatment by means of local intra-arterial fibrinolysis (LIF) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). LIF was performed in 83 patients with angiographically established acute VBO. A significant residual stenosis after LIF was treated by additional PTA in 8 patients. The types of occlusion were classified as either embolic occlusion (EO) or atherothrombotic occlusion (AO). Outcome was evaluated after 3 months by the Barthel Index (BI) as favorable (BI >90), unfavorable (BI <90) or death and compared for each of 3 diagnostic or treatment variables: recanalization success, occlusion type and time to treatment. Four fibrinolytic treatment modes [urokinase, low-dose and high-dose recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA), rt-PA + Lys-plasminogen] were also analyzed. The outcome was favorable in 19 patients (23%), unfavorable in 14 (17%) and 50 died (60%). Recanalization was successful in 54 patients (66%). The neurologic outcome was better in recanalized than in nonrecanalized patients (favorable outcome: 30 vs. 10%, mortality: 54 vs. 72%; p = 0.118). The neurologic outcome was better in EO than in AO (favorable outcome: 31 vs. 17%, mortality: 47 vs. 70%, p = 0.112). Under combined treatment by LIF and PTA in 8 patients with AO, 4 survived, 3 with a favorable outcome (38%). Early treatment onset (≤6 h) led to a significantly better neurologic outcome than delayed treatment onset (>6 h; favorable outcome: 36 vs. 7%, mortality: 52 vs. 70%, p = 0.005). Although no statistically significant differences were found between the types of fibrinolytic agents, treatment with rt-PA and Lys-plasminogen tended toward better results. Early treatment onset proved to be the most important factor for successful endovascular therapy in acute VBO, whereas recanalization and presence of an embolic occlusion also tended toward better results. Additional PTA may be a promising therapy in cases of significant residual stenosis after LIF.
Effect of Physical Activity on the Pharmacokinetics of Ceftazidime in Mice
Authors: Rule R. , Giampieri J. , Marchetti S. , Prozzi G. , Buschiazzo H. , de Buschiazzo P.M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The aim of the present work was to assess comparatively the pharmacokinetic profile of ceftazidime (CAZ) in trained and non-trained mice. <i>Methods:</i> The study was performed on 256 mice divided at random into four groups: long-term physically trained mice with (E1a) and without (E1b) physical activity prior to the administration of CAZ, and untrained mice with (E2a) and without (E2b) physical activity prior to the administration of the antibiotic. CAZ was administered intramuscularly (25 mg/kg) to all mice, and blood samples were obtained at differen time points. The plasma concentrations of CAZ were determined by HPLC and analyzed by non-compartmental models. <i>Results:</i> The area under the curves in groups E1a and E2a (27.3 and 22.9 µg·ml<sup>–1</sup>·h, respectively) were different compared to the other groups [(E1b) = 11.1 and (E2b) = 15.6 µg·ml<sup>–1</sup>·h; p < 0.05]. Differences were observed between the concentration-time of CAZ in E1a compared to E1b, E1a versus E2a, E1a versus E2b, E1b versus E2a and E1b versus E2b (p < 0.05). <i>Conclusion:</i> Physical activity performed prior to CAZ administration modified the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug administered to mice.
Green Tea <i>(Camellia sinensis)</i> Protects against Selenite-Induced Oxidative Stress in Experimental Cataractogenesis
Authors: Gupta S.K. , Halder N. , Srivastava S. , Trivedi D. , Joshi S. , Varma S.D. 
Published: April 2003

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is a multifactorial disease primarily associated with oxidative stress produced by free radicals. The protection offered by various antioxidants in cataract development is well established. Polyphenolic compounds present in green tea <i>(Camellia sinensis)</i> are reported to possess antioxidant property in various pathological conditions. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anticataract potential of green tea leaf (GTL) extract in the development of lens opacification. Enucleated rat lenses were randomly divided into normal, control and treated groups and incubated for 24 h at 37°C. Oxidative stress was induced by sodium selenite in the culture medium of the two groups (except the normal group). The medium of the treated group was additionally supplemented with GTL extract. After incubation, lenses were subjected to glutathione and malondialdehyde estimation. Enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase was also measured in different sets of the experiment. In vivo cataract was induced in 9-day-old rat pups of both control and treated groups by a single subcutaneous injection of sodium selenite. The treated pups were injected GTL extract intraperitoneally prior to selenite challenge and continued for 2 consecutive days thereafter. Cataract incidence was evaluated on 16th postnatal day by slit lamp examination. There was positive modulation of biochemical parameters in the organ culture study. Green tea was also found to reduce the incidence of selenite cataract in vivo. The results suggest that green tea possesses significant anticataract potential and acts primarily by preserving the antioxidant defense system.
Prolactin-Releasing Peptide Releases Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone and Increases Plasma Adrenocorticotropin via the Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus
Authors: Seal Leighton J. , Small Caroline J. , Dhillo Waljit S. , Kennedy Adam R. , Ghatei Mohammad A. , Bloom Stephen R. 
Published: April 2003

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP) is known to increase plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cause <i>c-fos</i> expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). We hypothesize that this is the site at which PrRP acts to increase plasma ACTH. We have used ICV injection and direct intranuclear injection of PrRP into the PVN to investigate the sites important in the stimulation of ACTH release in vivo. To investigate the mechanism of action by which PrRP increases ACTH, we have used primary culture of pituitary cells and measured neuropeptide release from in vitro hypothalamic incubations. ICV administration of PrRP increased plasma ACTH 10 min post-injection (PrRP 5 nmol 81.0 ± 23.5 pg/ml vs. saline 16.8 ± 14.1 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Intra-PVN injection of PrRP increased ACTH 5 min post-injection (PrRP 1 nmol 22.9 ± 5.0 pg/ml vs. saline 10.3 ± 1.4 pg/ml, p < 0.05). This effect continued until 40 min post-injection (PrRP 1 nmol 9.9 ± 1.5 pg/ml vs. saline 6.2 ± 0.5 pg/ml, p < 0.05). In vitro PrRP (1–100 nmol/l) did not effect basal or corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-stimulated ACTH release from dispersed anterior pituitary cells. PrRP increased hypothalamic release of CRH (PrRP 100 nmol/l 1.4 ± 0.2 nmol/explant vs. the basal 1.1 ± 0.2 nmol/explant, p < 0.05) but not arginine vasopressin. PrRP also stimulated neuropeptide Y release (PrRP 100 nmol/l 56.5 ± 11.8 pmol/explant vs. basal 24.0 ± 1.9 pmol/explant, p < 0.01), a neuropeptide known to stimulate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Our data suggest that in vitro PrRP does not have a direct action on the corticotrope but increases plasma ACTH via the PVN and this effect involves the release of hypothalamic neuropeptides including CRH and neuropeptide Y.