bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
46 Hypercalcemic Nephropathy and TNFα in Patients with Bronchial Carcinoma
Authors: Čakalaroski K , Crvenkova S , Ivanovski N , Jovanovski D 
Published: February 2005

Background  The phenomenon of “paraneocrinia” is very pronounced in patients (pts) with malignant tumors. Life‐threatening hypercalcemia (H) is a very frequent condition in pts with planocellular bronchial carcinoma (PBC), and many may be related to “parahormonal” (PTH‐RP), prostaglandins, TNFα, and OAF‐activity.Aim of the Study  The aim of the study is to demonstrate the mechanisms of humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM) associated to PBC, their clinical presentation and our therapeutic possibilities.Material and Methods  In a 3 year period (1998–2001) we treated 436 pts with primary lung carcinoma. Five pts (5/436; 1.15%) suffering from PBC have developed bone metastases with clinically and laboratory evident HHM and hypercalcemic nephropathy (decreased PO4, metabolic alkalosis, hypochloremia, hypoalbuminemia, polyurodipsia, light reverse uremia, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, itching, lethargy, and coma).The blood calcium concentration and 24 h urinary Ca excretion were augmented (between 2.88 and 3.30 mmol/L for total calcemia and ll.80 to 13.30 mmol/L for calciuria; diuresis, 2.9–4.6l /day) with characteristic electrocardiogram (ECG) signs (bradycardia, prolonged pulse rate and shortened ST‐intervals) and moderately elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN; 10.11 ± 3.30 mmol/L), respectively serum creatinine (141.22 ± 38.73 µmol/L). The serum TNFα was significantly high in all hypercalcemic patients (N = 5) (105.40 ± 23.85 pg/L; RV = 10.80 ± 6.8 pg/L). The routinely applied nephrologic investigations (kidney ultrasonography, s.c. “kidney, ureter, bladder” X‐ray radiography) were negative. The therapeutic measures consist in prohibition of oral Ca‐intake, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NAID), and H2‐receptor antagonists. The volume expansion (300–500 mL/h saline, 0.9%), furosemide (20–80 mg/4–8 h), bisphosphonates (pamidronate, 75 mg/i.v./every 4 weeks) and corticosteroids (1–2 mg/kg/bw/4–8 h) were introduced immediately when the diagnostic of HHM was obvious. Two pts were complementarily treated with Salmon calcitonin (5 IU/kg/bw).Results and Conclusion  Laboratory improvement with complete withdrawal of clinical symptoms was noted in four pts. One patient died because of irreversible coma. Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy in PBC is a relatively rare condition and may be almost certainly discovered and treated early if the serum TNFα concentration is at least 10 times more in comparison with the reference values.
47 Glomerular Filtration Rate in Convalescents with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Authors: Tulumović D , Mešić E , Hukić M , Živković N 
Published: February 2005

Objectives  Bosnia and Herzegovina is a known endemic region for Hantavirus infection. In this region at least two different Hantaviruses, the Dobrava viruses (DOBV) and Puumala viruses (PUUV) have been found. The aim of the study was to determine glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in patients with a history of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) 9 to 10 years after the acute phase of the disease.Design and Methods  We prospectively reviewed clearance of technetium marked diethyl three amino pentacetic acid (Tc99m DTPA) in 42 male convalescents with serologically confirmed HFRS, 13 patients with PUUV infection and 29 patients with DOBV infection.Results  The tubulosecretory phase of the GFR was prolonged in six patients (46%) with PUUV infection and 23 patients (79%) with DOBV infection (P < 0.05). Total and separate clearance EDTA were significantly statistically lower (P < 0.001) in patients with serologically confirmed DOBV infection. In patients with DOBV infection elimination of radio pharmac was prolonged.Conclusions  Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome can cause sustained renal damage that very rarely progresses into renal failure. The tubulosecretory DTPA phase was prolonged in 46% of examinees with PUUV and in 79% of examinees with DOBV infection. Elimination of radio pharmac from the kidney was prolonged in both groups of patients. The DTPA clearance rate was lower in patients with serologically confirmed HFRS than in normal populations, especially in patients with DOBV infection.
48 Polymorphisms In α‐Adducin (G460w) and G‐Protein β‐3 Subunit (C825t) Genes In Essential Hypertension
Authors: Marčun Varda N , Zagradišnik B , Vokač N Kokalj , Gregorič A 
Published: February 2005

Objectives  Essential hypertension (EH) has a multifactorial origin and is thought to arise from an interaction between susceptibility genes and environmental factors. A number of candidate genes have been proposed. In our study, the role of polymorphisms in α‐adducin (ADD1) and G‐protein β‐3 subunit (GNB3) genes in EH was investigated.Design and Methods  Ninety‐three children and young adults, aged from 4 to 27 years, with both parents, were included in our study, giving 93 nuclear families. Two polymorphisms were detected using the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR). Investigating the C825T polymorphism of GNB3 the C allele was identified by the presence of 152 and 116 bp signals and the T allele was present when a non‐digested 268 bp long band was detected. The allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to study the G460W polymorphism of ADD1. For statistical analysis the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) was used. By using non‐transmitted alleles as the control population, problems of population admixture and mismatched controls are avoided.Results  The following genotype frequencies for G460W polymorphism in ADD1gene were observed: 67 (72.0%) were GG homozygotes, 23 (24.7%) were GW heterozygotes and 3 (3.3%) were WW homozygotes. Using the TDT test, 44 nuclear families were used. There were 63 transmitted G alleles, 25 transmitted W alleles, 60 non‐transmitted G alleles and 28 non‐transmitted W alleles. The observed difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 0.24, P = 0.62).The following genotype frequencies for the C825T polymorphism in GNB3 gene were found: 50 (53.8%) were CC homozygotes, 35 (37.6%) were CT heterozygotes and 8 (8.6%) were TT homozygotes. 73 nuclear families were used. There were 95 transmitted C alleles, 51 transmitted T alleles, 84 non‐transmitted C alleles and 62 non‐transmitted T alleles. The observed difference again was not statistically significant (χ2 = 1.75, P = 0.19).Conclusions  Our study found no association of the polymorphisms in ADD1 and GNB3 genes with EH, respectively. However, our sample size was rather small. It seems very likely that many genes with small effects (such as the gene variants above) account for the heritability of EH.
4 Endemic Nephropathy in Croatian Registry for Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Čala S 
Published: February 2005

In endemic regions along the River Sava, chronic progressive tubulointerstitial nephritis, driven by an unidentified environmental factor, is the frequent cause of renal failure and need for renal replacement therapy (RRT).The Croatian Registry for Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRRT) has collected individual patient data from the year 2000. Reports on 161 patients with endemic nephropathy (EN) are available for 81 women and 80 men, 111 alive and 50 dead.The highest concentration of EN patients on dialysis is in Slavonski Brod (31%), Vinkovci (26%), and Sisak (13%). The overall frequency of EN in Croatia is much lower. In the year 2002, EN was the primary renal disease in 3.6% of 3100 patients on RRT, and in 3.1% patients starting dialysis. Prevalence was 25 cases per million population (pmp) and incidence was 3.6 pmp.In EN patients starting RRT from 2000–2002, median age was 64 years (62 years in all incident patients in 2002.). Endemic nephropathy patients live longer on RRT (median vintage 4.5 years, compared to 3.5 years for all patients on RRT). Favorable course is evident in spite of older age and higher burden of neoplasms. Malignant disease is present in 7% of living patients, and in 20% of deceased patients.A trend of decline is indicated by a small but sustained decrease in the incidence and prevalence of EN patients on RRT. In the years 2000, 2001, and 2002, the prevalence was 28 pmp, 27 pmp, and 25 pmp respectively. Incidence declined from 4.1 pmp to 4.0 pmp, and to 3.6 pmp. Incident patients are getting older. During the last 3 years, the youngest EN patient starting RRT was 46 years old. The youngest patient in CRRRT was 33 years old at the start of RRT in 1988.Changes in life style may have lowered the exposure to the detrimental environmental factor. Younger generations are spared, and in those entering RRT now, more time was needed to cumulate a toxic dose, producing progressive kidney sclerosis.
6 The Most Important Factor for Cardiovascular Morbidity in Hemodialysis Patients is Microinflammation
Authors: Lavre J , Vujkovac B , Šabović M 
Published: February 2005

In hemodialysis (HD) patients, cardiovascular (CV) morbidity is 10 to 20 times higher than in the general population. Dyslipidemia, malnutrition, and non‐traditional CV risk factors are well‐known important determinants in the increased CV morbidity. We therefore measured levels of serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), albumin, ferritin, cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), lipoprotein(a) (Lpa) and body mass index (BMI) in 22 HD patients (age 62.8 ± 12.8) on maintenance HD for 65.16 ± 33 months. All patients received standard dietary guidance with an average protein intake of 1.2 g/kg/day, 35 kcal/kg, phosphate and potassium restriction. Twenty of 22 patients had well treated high blood pressure. Two patients had non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus treated only with diet. The patients were not treated with lipid lowering drugs, and only one patient was a smoker.The mean values of serum CHOL (4.31 ± 0.88 mmol/L), TG (1.77 ± 1.1 mmol/L), HDL (1.09 ± 0.35 mmol/L) and LDL (2.43 ± 0.53 mmol/L) were normal. The patients had elevated values of serum CRP (10.63 ± 12.56 mg/L), IL‐6 (1.49 ± 1.66 pg/mL), TNF‐α (7.26 ± 5.52 pg/mL) and Lpa (0.17 ± 0.15 µg/dL). The mean value of serum albumin (41.03 ± 2.38 g/L) was also normal; the mean value of BMI (26.32 ± 4.34 kg/m2) was mildly elevated. The patients had elevated serum ferritin (518 ± 342 mmol/L), but within the expected range. The mean value of Kt/V (1.86 ± 0.23) was high normal.Our patients have elevated CRP, IL‐6 and TNF‐α. In contrast with other studies our patients had normal lipid status and also normal nutritional status. No significant relationships were found between CRP, IL‐6, TNF‐α, or ferritin and age, history of dialysis, albumin, and BMI. There was only a significant correlation between months on dialysis and HDL (r = −0.46, P = 0.048), but no significant correlation between months on dialysis and albumin, BMI, CHOL, TG, LDL, and Lp(a).We concluded that in our HD patients, the most important factor for high CV morbidity was microinflammation. Dyslipidemia and malnutrition are well controlled in optimally treated HD patients and seems to be only a minor factor for CV morbidity.
7 Menstrual Dysfunction in Female Dialysis Patients
Authors: Resić H , Alajbegović A , Sahović V , Mesić E , Suljić E 
Published: February 2005

Introduction  Uremia is associated with different endocrinologic abnormalities, which in some cases induce polyendocrinopathia. Female patients on dialysis are often subject to menstrual disorders that are variously manifested. The aim of our paper is to evaluate the etiology of menstrual dysfunctions in female dialysis patients.Material and methods  Anamnesis, clinical and hormonal tests were performed on 25 female patients that were in chronic dialysis programs 4 hours, 3 times per week. Oligomenorrhea is considered as menstrual interval between 35 and 90 days and amenorrhea as cease of menstruation in the last six months.Results   All patients had had normal menstrual cycles before the dialysis. Mean age of patients was 42.7 ± 9.96 years and mean dialysis duration was 75.5 ± 62.41 months. Out of the 25 patients, 10 developed amenorrhea when beginning dialysis and 5 of them regained regular menstrual cycle after one year. Seven patients had oligomenorrhea and 8 patients had an early menopause. Prolactin concentration was significantly higher in the group which developed menopause (N = 8), cpr = 1222.3 ± 1013.4, amenorrhea (942.2 ± 1061.2), oligomenorrhea (860.4 ± 897.2), compared to the group with a regular menstruation cycle (444.8 ± 299.7). The luteinizing hormone (LH) level in serum was increased in all groups. FSH was insignificantly higher in groups with oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea and amounted to 51.1 ± 69.9, while β‐estradiol and progesterone were in normal ranges. Hemodialysis duration influenced the prolactin level and after one year of follow up prolactin level significantly decreased in the group with amenorrhea that regained regular menstruation (cpr = 596.2 ± 297.2).Conclusion  Different menstrual disorders are developed in dialyzed patients. Hyper prolactinemia was present in our dialysis population. Significant lowering of prolactin level in 20% of patients led to normalization of menstrual cycle.
9 The Effect of Handgrip Training and Intermittent Compression of Upper Arm Veins on Forearm Vessels in Patients With End‐Stage Renal Failure
Authors: Rus R , Ponikvar R , Kenda R B , Buturović‐Ponikvar J 
Published: February 2005

Background  It has already been shown that handgrip training has a beneficial effect on arteries and veins, and intermittent compression of upper arm veins alone improves the diameter of forearm veins. The purpose of our study was to investigate the additive effect of handgrip training and intermittent compression of upper arm veins on the forearm arteries and veins.Methods  Eighteen chronic hemodialysis patients performed daily handgrip training and intermittent compression of upper arm by elastic band (Eschmarch) for 8 weeks. The activities were performed on the arm without vascular access. The forearm circumference and maximal handgrip strength were measured before exercise, and after 4 and 8 weeks, together with arterial and vein parameters including endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasodilatation obtained by ultrasonography measurements.Results  The maximal handgrip strength and the forearm circumference increased significantly. The radial artery diameters were significantly higher after 8 weeks of training (1.89 mm ± 0.10 at the beginning, 1.95 mm ± 0.10 after 8 weeks). Endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation was also found to be markedly increased after 4 and 8 weeks of training, but endothelium‐independent vasodilatation remained unchanged. The venous diameters before tourniquet placement increased significantly after 8 weeks (2.40 mm ± 0.16 at the beginning, 2.62 mm ± 0.17 after 8 weeks). The venous diameters after tourniquet placement increased significantly after 4 and 8 weeks (3.36 mm ± 0.17 at the beginning, 3.51 mm ± 0.18 after 4 weeks, 3.68 mm ± 0.18 after 8 weeks). Distensibility of veins was preserved.Conclusion  Our study suggests that both activities performed daily, such as handgrip training and intermittent compression of upper arm veins, increase the diameters of both arteries and veins. The endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation was also improved.
Implant‐Supported Facial Prostheses Provided by a Maxillofacial Unit in a U.K. Regional Hospital: Longevity and Patient Opinions
Authors: Hooper S.M. , Westcott T. , Evans P.L.L. , Bocca A.P. , Jagger D.C. 
Published: February 2005

Purpose: The aim of this study was to acquire information on the types and longevity of implant‐retained facial prostheses and the opinions of patients on several factors related to their prostheses.
Materials and Methods: A survey of 75 maxillofacial prosthetic patients currently under treatment and review at the Maxillofacial Unit, Morriston Regional Hospital was conducted through a 23‐question postal questionnaire. These patients were selected as representative of a group of individuals receiving treatment or under review for the fabrication of maxillofacial prostheses.
Results: Of the prosthetic replacements, 83% were ear prostheses, 8% nose, 6% eye, and 2% combination prostheses. Of the 47 respondents, 8 (17%) reported that they were currently wearing their original prostheses. The remaining 39 (83%) respondents had all been provided with at least 1 replacement prosthesis. The mean lifetime of the prostheses was found to be 14 months (range: 4–36 months). The majority of replacement prostheses in this study were provided as a result of color fade or wear of the silicone material of the previous prosthesis. Individuals with no previous experience wearing a prosthesis had an unrealistic expectation of their prosthesis longevity, with a mean value of 17.8 months. In comparison, individuals with previous experience had reduced expectations, with a mean of 14.4 months. In terms of the patients' opinions of the overall quality of their prostheses, the results demonstrated that a large number of patients were satisfied. Thirty‐five patients rated their prostheses as excellent and 9 as good. At 7–12 months, 4 patients rated their prostheses as excellent and 8 as good. At 13 months, 4 patients rated their prostheses as excellent and 5 as good.
Conclusions: It is important that advice be given to patients on the expected average longevity of their prostheses, together with information on factors affecting the longevity (i.e., environmental staining, cosmetics, and cleaning regimes). In this study, 26% of the replacement prostheses were provided due to color fading of the original prosthesis. This highlights the need for continuing research in the development of materials used for the construction of facial prostheses with improved properties, and in particular, improved color stability.
Evaluation of gingival blood flow by the use of laser Doppler flowmetry following periodontal surgery. A pilot study
Authors: Donos Nikolaos , D'Aiuto Francesco , Retzepi Maria , Tonetti Maurizio 
Published: February 2005

Objectives:  The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the applicability of laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) in recording the gingival blood flow following periodontal surgery.Material and methods:  Five patients suffering from advanced chronic generalized periodontitis were included in the study. After completion of basic periodontal therapy, full‐mouth plaque score, bleeding on probing, gingival recession and clinical attachment level were recorded. The upper anterior areas with a pocket probing depth of 6 mm or more were treated with an access flap. LDF recordings were performed in both the buccal and palatal aspect of the operated areas with the aid of an individual acrylic stent at the day of the surgery, prior to local anaesthesia, 3 min following anaesthesia, immediately after the operation and at days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 15, 30 and 60 following operation.Results:  Overall, the blood flow decreased immediately following anaesthesia and remained in lower values compared to baseline immediately following operation. The gingival blood flow presented an overall increase in comparison to baseline values until the 7th day following surgery at the buccal and palatal interdental sites, as well as at the alveolar mucosa sites. By the 15th day, as well as at the following observation periods of 30 and 60 days, the gingival blood flow values at the palatal and alveolar mucosa sites were very similar to baseline. Increased blood flow changes were observed at 30 and 60 days following operation at the buccal interdental sites.Conclusion:  The results of the present pilot study suggest that the LDF might present clinical applicability in recording changes in gingival blood flow following periodontal surgery.
Er:YAG laser irradiation increases prostaglandin E2 production via the induction of cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Pourzarandian A. , Watanabe H. , Ruwanpura S. M. P. M. , Aoki A. , Noguchi K. , Ishikawa I. 
Published: February 2005

Background and objectives:  It has been reported that both prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and Er:YAG laser irradiation accelerate wound healing. The stimulatory action of laser seems to occur during the proliferative stage of healing by stimulation of prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), which are crucial early mediators in the natural healing process. We have then investigated the effect of Er:YAG laser irradiation on PGE2 production and COX‐2 gene expression in human gingival fibroblast in vitro.Material and methods:  Cultured fibroblasts were exposed to low‐power Er:YAG laser irradiation with an energy density of 3.37 J/cm2. The amount of PGE2 production was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). COX‐2 mRNA level, which is a critical enzyme for PGE2 production, was analyzed by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR).Results:  Er:YAG laser significantly increased PGE2 production by human gingival fibroblasts. COX‐2 mRNA, which was hardly detectable in control, increased dramatically after irradiation. COX‐2 inhibitor, NS398, completely inhibited the PGE2 synthesis stimulated by Er:YAG laser irradiation.Conclusion:  Our results showed that Er:YAG laser irradiation appears to exert its stimulative action on gingival fibroblasts proliferation through the production of PGE2 via the expression of COX‐2. This should be considered as one of the important regulatory pathways to accelerate wound healing after Er:YAG laser irradiation.
CONTROL OF STORAGE‐RELATED PHYSIOLOGICAL DISORDERS OF “D’ANJOU” PEARS BY INTEGRATED REDUCED DOSAGE OF ETHOXYQUIN AND LOW OXYGEN TREATMENTS1
Authors: MIELKE EUGENE A. , DRAKE STEPHEN R. 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT A 1000‐p.p.m. ethoxyquin drench containing 528 p.p.m. thiobendazol (TBZ) fungicide prior to controlled atmosphere (CA) storage effectively controlled the development of superficial scald (SS) for 1 month regular air (RA) storage following 5 months CA storage. The preharvest drench was not effective in controlling the development of SS in fruit returned to RA storage following 7 months CA storage. Application of a 1750‐p.p.m. ethoxyquin line spray (without TBZ) following 5 months CA storage effectively extended the control of SS to 2 months under RA conditions. The 1750 p.p.m. ethoxyquin line spray was effective in controlling SS for 1 month RA storage following an additional 2 months CA storage period. This represents a 36% reduction in the amount of ethoxyquin currently used on fruit stored for short periods of time. Minor, noncommercial amounts of pithy brown core (PBC) developed during storage, demonstrating that 1% O

2

and 1% CO

2

in a flow‐through system can be safely utilized for the storage of pears. Growing location (Oregon vs. Washington) made no difference in the sensitivity to CO

2

injury and packing and handling damage.
DETECTION OF COW MILK IN BUFFALO “MOZZARELLA” BY POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) ASSAY
Authors: DI PINTO ANGELA , CONVERSANO MARIA CHIARA , FORTE VITO TONY , NOVELLO LUCIA , TANTILLO GIUSEPPINA MARILIA 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT The authors used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay on buffalo mozzarella, a typical Italian dairy product, from the Apulia markets to evaluate the presence of cow milk and verification of the mozzarella label. The results obtained from 30 mozzarella samples demonstrated the presence of the cow genome in 22/30 samples, highlighting contamination as probable fraudulent adding of cow's milk or use of the same equipments in both working cycles.