bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Short-Term Recombinant Growth Hormone Administration on Plasma Lipoproteins in Elderly Adults
Authors: Angelopoulos Theodore J. , Seip Richard L. , Cole Thomas G. 
Published: April 2003

To characterize the effects of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) on plasma lipids and lipoproteins, rhGH was administered daily at a dose of 40 µg·kg<sup>–1</sup> (Genentech) for 14 days in 7 healthy elderly male (67.4 ± 1.9 years, 75.8 ± 2.6 kg) adults. Six other healthy males (63.9 ± 0.7 years, 77.8 ± 3.8 kg) served as concurrent controls. Total plasma cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein-TG (VLDL-TG) and apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein B were determined after an overnight fast before and after the 14-day period of rhGH administration. Subcutaneous rhGH administration was physiologically effective, as shown by a threefold increase in insulin-like growth factor-I (from 110.8 ± 8.2 to 355.5 ± 41.6 ng·ml<sup>–1</sup>; p < 0.05). Plasma fasting insulin also increased from 38.0 ± 6.5 to 129.9 ± 43.8 µmol·l<sup>–1</sup> (p < 0.05) at the end of the 14 days of rhGH treatment. With respect to plasma lipid/lipoprotein changes, rhGH administration increased plasma TG levels (from 1.5 ± 0.3 to 2.2 ± 0.4 mmol·l<sup>–1</sup>; p < 0.05) and VLDL-TG (from 1.1 ± 0.3 to 1.8 ± 0.4 mmol·l<sup>–1</sup>; p < 0.05), but did not change TC (from 5.0 ± 0.4 to 5.2 ± 0.3 mmol·l<sup>–1</sup>) or any other lipid/lipoprotein variables measured. No significant lipid changes were noted in the control group over the 14-day period. These data suggest that short-term rhGH treatment significantly alters plasma variables of TG profile, perhaps by altering metabolic parameters (i.e. synthesis and/or clearance rates) of VLDL metabolism.
Effect of Butylated Hydroxyanisole on Catalase Activity and Malondialdehyde Content in Aging <i>Zaprionus paravittiger</i> (Diptera)
Authors: Bains J.S. , Garg S.K. , Sharma S.P. 
Published: April 2003

Catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured in whole body and mitochondrial homogenates of the banana fruit fly, <i>Zaprionus paravittiger</i>, fed on control and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, 10 m<i>M</i>) mixed diets. Catalase activity increased during the reproductive period and decreased thereafter with age. However, the MDA content increased with advancing age in both sexes. In general, females exhibited higher catalase activity and lower MDA content as compared to their male counterparts. BHA feeding increased catalase activity significantly during all age intervals in both sexes. Mitochondrial fractions had lower catalase activity and lower MDA content than whole body homogenates. However, the pattern of changes was similar in both homogenates with age as well as on antioxidant feeding. These results suggest that BHA strengthens the defense mechanism of the insects by increasing catalase activity and reducing MDA content which may be responsible for increased longevity of insects.
Brisk Walking and Postural Stability: A Cross-Sectional Study in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Brooke-Wavell K. , Athersmith L.E. , Jones P.R.M. , Masud T. 
Published: April 2003

This study compared body sway, a measure of postural stability, between regular brisk walkers and control subjects. Furthermore, the relationship between body sway and physical activity duration in postmenopausal women was examined. Subjects were 31 healthy postmenopausal women, aged 61–71 years. They were recruited from a randomized controlled study of the influence of brisk walking on bone: 16 women had been completing 20 min d<sup>–1</sup> brisk walking, whilst 15 controls had been completing habitual activities only. Body sway was measured using a swaymeter that measured displacement at the waist whilst subjects stood on a compliant surface, with eyes closed, for 1 min. The activity was measured using activity monitors which were worn at the waist for 3 consecutive days. Body sway (eyes closed, standing on a compliant surface) was lower in walkers than in controls: 2,958 ± (SE) 270 versus 5,225±371 mm<sup>2</sup> min<sup>–1</sup>, respectively (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between body sway and minutes of physical activity (r = –0.47, p < 0.01). Analysis of variance revealed that body sway differed significantly (p < 0.05) between groups of differing physical activity participation, being 4,839 ± 499, 4,167 ± 516, and 2,877 ± 362 mm<sup>2</sup> min<sup>–1</sup>, respectively, in women completing <20, 20–40, and >40 min d<sup>–1</sup> of physical activity. Body sway was significantly lower in the most active group than in the least active (p < 0.01). These data suggest that postural stability is better in regular walkers than in control subjects. Furthermore, a dose-response relationship was observed between physical activity and postural stability in postmenopausal women. These findings provide a preliminary indication that brisk walking, a low-cost and acceptable form of physical activity for the elderly, could be incorporated into strategies for improving balance in the elderly.
Oral Flora of Elderly Patients following Acute Medical Admission
Authors: Preston A.J. , Gosney M.A. , Noon S. , Martin M.V. 
Published: April 2003

The human oral microflora is diverse and is usually predominately composed of Gram-positive bacteria. It is uncommon to find Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) in healthy mouths. The incidence of infection with GNB rises in institutionalised, frail elderly subjects. There is also evidence of an association between intra-oral GNB presence and denture wearing. There have been few studies which have investigated intra-oral GNB carriage in acutely ill elderly patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral flora of a group of elderly patients during an acute medical admission and to investigate any associations between the oral microflora and existing medical or oral factors. A total of 28 patients (17 females and 11 males; age: 74–93 years) on a care for the elderly ward were studied. Epidemiological data, detailed medical histories and oral examinations were undertaken. In addition, oral swabs of the palate area were taken to determine their oral flora. Twelve (43%) of the patients had GNB in their oral cavities. These patients were suffering from a variety of medical conditions and were on various drug regimes. There was a correlation between oral GNB presence and denture use. There was no association between GNB presence and denture hygiene. As oropharyngeal GNB colonisation can be associated with infections such as aspiration pneumonia, it is important in patients at risk that intra-oral organisms are identified and managed.
Trimethoprim-Induced Hyperkalemia: An Analysis of Reported Cases
Authors: Marinella Mark A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Trimethoprim has been recently implicated in the development of hyperkalemia when administered at standard doses to immunocompetent patients. However, many clinicians are unaware of this potentially dangerous adverse effect. <i>Objective:</i> To review reported cases of trimethoprim-induced hyperkalemia in immunocompetent patients and identify predisposing factors, treatment, and outcome. <i>Methods:</i> A MEDLINE literature search was performed using the key words ‘trimethoprim’ and ‘hyperkalemia’. All English-language case reports and bibliographies of immunocompetent patients with trimethoprim-induced hyperkalemia were reviewed. <i>Results:</i> Nine cases were identified. The mean patient age was 77.6 years, and the mean duration of therapy was 10.2 days. Seven patients received standard oral dosages of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for common infections, and 2 patients were concurrently receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The mean pretreatment levels of creatinine and potassium were 1.01 mg/dl and 4.55 mmol/l, respectively. The mean peak serum potassium level was 7.0 mmol/l. No deaths attributable to hyperkalemia occurred. <i>Conclusions:</i> Hyperkalemia due to trimethoprim typically affects elderly patients administered standard oral dosages, even in the presence of a normal serum creatinine level. Concurrent angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy may increase the risk of hyperkalemia. The prognosis is favorable with standard therapy for hyperkalemia and withdrawal of trimethoprim.
Urinary Calcium Loss in Elderly Menon a Vegetable:Animal (1:1)High-Protein Diet
Authors: Moriguti J.C. , Ferriolli E. , Marchini J. Sérgio 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> A high purified protein intake has been shown to induce urinary calcium loss. However, these findings could not be reproduced with a high-protein meat diet. Also, most studies have been carried out in young subjects and the applicability of their results to the elderly population on a mixed vegetable:animal diet remains unclear. <i>Objectives:</i> To study whether a mixed vegetable:animal high-protein intake increases urinary calcium loss in elderly volunteers, as has been shown for younger subjects on a purified high-protein intake. <i>Methods:</i> Eight male volunteers, with ages ranging from 66 to 88 years, recruited from the University Hospital Geriatric Medicine Outpatients Clinic, were studied. 24-hour urinary calcium, phosphorus, and creatinine were measured during a period of usual protein intake (approximately 0.6 g/kg/day) and during 7 days of vegetable:animal (1:1) high-protein intake (2 g/kg/day). Calcium and phosphorus intake were adjusted to be kept constant (1 g/day of each) during the whole study. <i>Results:</i> Mean calcium urinary levels did not change significantly during the study (1.89 and 1.83 mmol/24 h during the usual and high-protein diet, respectively). Urinary phosphorus and creatinine levels also remained stable throughout the entire study. <i>Conclusions:</i> This study has not detected any increased calcium urinary excretion in male elderly volunteers submitted to the mixed vegetable:animal high-protein diet. Therefore, it does not support the suggestion that a high-protein intake is a risk factor for urinary calcium loss in elderly men.
Does the Plasma Endothelin-1 Concentration Reflect Atherosclerosis in the Elderly?
Authors: Sayama Harumi , Nakamura Yasuyuki , Saito Noboru , Konoshita Masahiko 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Objective: </i>Recently, attention has been focused on endothelin-1 (ET-1) as an indicator of atherosclerosis. However, normal levels of ET-1 are frequently found in elderly patients. We investigated the relationships between echocardiographic findings and ET-1 in 117 inpatients for rehabilitation. <i>Methods: </i>The patients were 34 men and 83 women, 83.4 ± 0.8 years old (mean ± SE), with the following diseases: cerebrovascular diseases (n = 83), cardiovascular diseases of New York Heart Association Class I or II (n = 57), diabetes mellitus (n = 11) and hyperlipidemia (n = 12). Ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI) were calculated by echocardiographic studies. <i>Results: </i>The average ET-1 was within the normal range, but a significant positive correlation was observed between age and ET-1 (ET-1 = 1.8 ± 0.1 pg/ml, r = 0.248, p < 0.01). Moreover, plasma ET-1 was positively correlated to total cholesterol and to low density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with a history of hypertension (n = 41, r = 0.318 and r = 0.314, both p < 0.05). Gender was not a significant factor. There was no significant difference in ET-1 between patients with mild renal dysfunction (n = 54) and patients with normal renal function (n = 63) (blood urea nitrogen = 30.9 ± 2.4 vs. 15.1 ± 0.5 mg/dl, serum creatinine = 1.03 ± 0.06 vs. 0.59 ±0.02 mg/dl, ET-1 = 1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.1 pg/ml), or between patients with (n = 50) and without (n = 67) left ventricular hypertrophy (LVMI = 146 ± 6 vs. 83 ± 2 g/m<sup>2</sup>, ET-1 = 1.8 ± 0.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.1 pg/ml). There was no difference in ET-1 between patients with EF <50% (n = 27) and EF ≥50% (n = 90) (ET-1 = 1.8 ± 0.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.1 pg/ml). <i>Conclusion: </i>There were no significant relationships between echocardiographic findings and ET-1 in elderly subjects without overt heart failure. However, in patients with a history of hypertension, measuring ET-1 may be useful for estimating the extent of atherosclerosis.
Combination Reperfusion Therapy with Eptifibatide and Tenecteplase for Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Roe Matthew T. , Giugliano Robert P. , Harrington Robert A. , Gibson C. Michael , Strony John , Kitt Michael M. , Califf Robert M. , Braunwald Eugene 
Published: April 2003

Combination reperfusion therapy with partial-dose fibrinolytics and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors for patients with acute myocardial infarction has been shown to accelerate and improve reperfusion compared with fibrinolytic monotherapy. Tenecteplase is a single-bolus fibrinolytic agent that has been shown to have equivalent efficacy to alteplase (the current ‘gold-standard’ fibrinolytic agent), and thus has the potential to simplify fibrinolytic dosing. Eptifibatide is a synthetic GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor that has been evaluated as an adjunct to fibrinolytic therapy. The combination of various doses of tenecteplase with eptifibatide will be evaluated in the dose-finding phase of the Integrilin and Tenecteplase for Acute Myocardial Infarction (INTEGRITI) trial to determine the optimal dose to use in the dose confirmation phase. Tenecteplase monotherapy will be compared with optimal-dose tenecteplase plus eptifibatide in the dose confirmation phase of the trial. The primary end point of both phases of the trial will be Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) grade 3 flow in the infarct-related artery at 60 min. INTEGRITI will also evaluate other useful indicators of reperfusion efficacy, including the corrected TIMI frame count, the TIMI myocardial perfusion grade, ST segment resolution assessed with serial static electrocardiograms and continuous ST segment monitoring, and plasma/serum markers. Thus, the INTEGRITI trial will extensively evaluate the relative benefits of combination reperfusion therapy for the treatment of acute myocardial infarction, and will aid in the planning of a subsequent large-scale phase III trial.
Water and Sodium Retention during Short-Term Administration of Growth Hormone to Short Normal Children
Authors: Lampit Meir , Nave Tova , Hochberg Ze’ev 
Published: April 2003

GH treatment of adult patients with GH deficiency (GHD) or healthy volunteers results in weight gain and fluid and sodium retention. In the present study we have challenged normal short children with dehydration and water load, and evaluated their water and sodium clearance, plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone over 4 weeks of GH administration. Eleven prepubertal short normal children, aged 4–9 years, were the subjects of this study. Recombinant GH was administered daily at a dose of 2.5 units/m<sup>2</sup>. Dehydration and water load experiments were conducted before GH (day 0) and on days 3, 7 or 28 of GH. An initial 15-hour fast ended with a 3-hour urine collection. A tap-water load of 800 ml/m<sup>2</sup> was given orally. Urinary volumes were followed hourly for 3 h, as were urinary and serum creatinine, Na, K, aldosterone, plasma osmolality and PRA. Before GH therapy the subjects excreted within 2 h a mean 42% and within 3 h a mean 65% of the load. After 3 days of GH therapy the same children retained water significantly and excreted only 22 (p < 0.02) and 45% (p < 0.05) of the load volume, respectively. Calculating the free water clearance revealed no effect of GH therapy, whereas the fractional excretion of sodium and potassium decreased significantly by day 3 of GH administration, along with an increase in PRA and serum aldosterone. All these changes normalized by days 7 and 28 of GH therapy. It is concluded that short-term administration of GH to short normal children results in a transitory mild retention of sodium and a secondary water retention, and suggests that the primary event leading to sodium retention during the early phase of GH therapy of short normal children is an inappropriate increase in PRA.
Effects of Dexamethasone and Dexamethasone plus Naltrexone on Pituitary Response to GnRH and TRH in Normal Women
Authors: la Marca Antonio , Torricelli Michela , Morgante Giuseppe , Lanzetta Danila , De Leo Vincenzo 
Published: April 2003

The hypothesis that glucocorticoids have a direct central inhibitory effect on the reproductive axis is sutained by the identification of glucocorticoid receptors on GnRH-secreting neurons and gonadotropic pituitary cells. It has been proposed that glucocorticoids and opioids interact centrally in the regulation of the GnRH-LH axis. The inhibitory effect of glucocorticoids may manifest not only directly through the hormone-receptor link, but also indirectly through an increase in opioid tone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of glucocorticoids and glucocorticoids combined with an opioid antagonist, in the regulation of basal and GnRH- and TRH-stimulated secretion of LH, FSH and Prl in 7 women with normal menstrual cycles. Blood samples were obtained every 10 min for an hour. GnRH (50 μg) and TRH (200 μg) were administered and blood sampling was continued every 15 min for 2 h (day 1). At 5 a.m. the next day, naltrexone (50 mg) was given and at 8 a.m. the GnRH-TRH test was repeated (day 2). At 5 a.m. on day 3, the patients took 2 mg oral dexamethasone and the test was repeated. At 5 a.m. on day 4, the patients took naltrexone and dexamethasone and at 8 a.m. the GnRH-TRH test was repeated. Administration of naltrexone did not cause significant changes in basal concentrations of LH and FSH and their response to GnRH. The area under the curve of the LH response to GnRH on day 3 was significantly less than on days 1, 2 and 4. Administration of naltrexone (day 2) did not cause any significant increase in basal and TRH-stimulated levels of Prl with respect to day 1. On day 3, dexamethasone caused a reduced response of Prl to TRH. Pretreatment with naltrexone (day 4) prevented this reduction. These results suggest that suppression of the response of LH to GnRH induced by dexamethasone may be partly mediated by endogenous opioids. Dexamethasone led to a reduction in the response of Prl to TRH, and naltrexone blocked this suppression. Hence the suppression of Prl and LH by dexamethasone must be partly mediated by endogenous opioids, which must therefore inhibit pituitary secretion of Prl.
Long-Term Treatment of Growth Hormone Insensitivity Syndrome with IGF-I
Authors: Ranke M.B. , Savage M.O. , Chatelain P.G. , Preece M.A. , Rosenfeld R.G. , Wilton P. 
Published: April 2003

A total of 33 patients (17 female, 16 male) with Laron syndrome (n = 31) or hGH-1 gene (n = 2, type IA deletion) from 22 centres in 12 countries were enrolled in a study conducted by Pharmacia & Upjohn, Stockholm, which was designed to test the efficacy, in terms of growth promotion and safety, of IGF-I (Igef<sup>TM</sup>). The patients were treated with 40–120 μg/kg IGF-I s.c. twice daily after meals. After the study ended, the patients continued to be treated on an individual basis. The results of 17 patients, who were treated for 48 months or longer were available for the present analysis. Six patients were treated for up to 72 months. When treatment started, the mean age of these patients (8 female, 9 male) was 9.1 (3.7–13.5) years and mean height was –6.5 ± 1.3 SDS. At the end of the observation period, the mean age of the 17 patients was 14.2 (9.1–17.7) years and mean height was –4.9 ± 1.9 SDS. All patients showed a significant increase in growth during the final year on IGF-I, with two of them reaching the age-corresponding 3rd centile. The total gain in height (ΔHT) was 1.7 ± 1.2 SDS. ΔHT SDS correlated negatively with age at onset of treatment (R<sup>2</sup> = –0.78, p < 0.02). BMI was 0.6 ± 1.8 SDS at start of treatment and 1.8 ± 1.5 SDS at the end of observation. Total ΔHT SDS correlated positively with total ΔBMI SDS (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.59, p < 0.01). Long-term treatment of patients with GHIS thus proved to be effective in promoting growth. If treatment is started at an early age, there is considerable potential for achieving height normalisation. The treatment modalities need to be optimized with respect to the growth-promoting and metabolic effects of IFG-I.
Hypoglycemic Effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 in Experimental Uremia: Can Concomitant Growth Hormone Administration Prevent This Effect?
Authors: Kovacs G.T. , Worgall S. , Schwalbach P. , Steichele T. , Mehls O. , Rosivall L. 
Published: April 2003

The risk of hypoglycemia limits the clinical application of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Our studies aimed to evaluate the mode of occurrence as well as the prevention of this side effect. Acute administration (i.v. infusion) of IGF-1 in subtotal nephrectomized uremic (U), sham-operated ad libitum fed control (C) and sham-operated pair-fed control (P) rats led to hypoglycemia, though more expressed in P. Serum glucose levels decreased within 60 min after the IGF-1 administration by 40% in U, by 45% in C and by 52% in P (p < 0.05, U vs. P). Chronic administration (7 days) of 1, 4 and 8 mg/kg/day IGF-1 in U rats led to hypoglycemia in an increasing manner as the dose of IGF-1 increased. On the first day, 2 h after injection, serum glucose levels were 116.5 ± 8.6, 110.4 ± 12.4, 60,3 ± 19.2 and 50.6 ± 18.3 mg/dl, respectively (p < 0.01). One week later, IGF-1 therapy proved to be less hypoglycemic in all the groups. On day 7, 2 h after injection the serum glucose levels were 118.9 ± 23.8, 89.0 ± 23.9 and 66.0 ± 32.0, respectively (in comparison to day 1 for 4 and 8 mg/kg/day IGF-1 p < 0.05). The combined effect of 4 mg/kg/day IGF-1 and 10 IU/kg/day growth hormone (GH) was also studied in U and P animals. Two hours after the first injections of IGF-1 serum glucose levels decreased in U from 120.0 ± 11.3 to 49.2 ± 21.6 mg/dl, while IGF-1 plus GH decreased the glucose level from 122.0 ± 15.5 to 81.3 ± 24.7 mg/dl (p < 0.05 IGF-1 vs. IGF-1 + GH). The hypoglycemic effect of IGF-1 was less expressed by long-term treatment and simultanous administration of GH overcame the glucose-lowering effect of IGF-1 (serum glucose levels on day 11 one hour after the injections: 73.7 ± 15.3 mg/dl with IGF-1, and 111.0 ± 7.8 mg/dl with IGF-1 + GH). Methylprednisolone (MP) did not significantly alter the former effects of IGF-1 and GH. In summary, IGF-1 leads to hypoglycemia in control and uremic rats in a dose-dependent manner. This effect becomes less expressed after prolonged administration. GH attenuates the hypoglycemic effect of IGF-1. This suggests that the combined GH and IGF-1 treatment is more effective and less dangerous in correcting uremic growth failure.
Effect of Vitamin D<sub>3</sub> Treatment in the Neonatal or Adolescent Age (Hormonal Imprinting) on the Thymic Glucocorticoid Receptor of the Adult Male Rat
Authors: Csaba György , Inczefi-Gonda Ágnes 
Published: April 2003

Single neonatal treatment with 25 μg vitamin D<sub>3</sub> significantly decreased the thymic glucocorticoid receptor density (B<sub>max</sub>) of 6-week-old male rats. In females, a similar treatment did not cause any changes. Single vitamin D<sub>3</sub> treatment (50 μg) during adolescence (i.e. 6-week-old animals) significantly increased the glucocorticoid receptor density in adult (10-week-old) males. No significant changes in receptor affinity (K<sub>d</sub>) could be observed. Considering that in earlier experiments similar neonatal treatments influenced bone mineral mass and sexual behavior, the hormonal imprinting effect of vitamin D<sub>3</sub> and its harmful effect on the development of other members of the steroid receptor superfamily, seems to be unquestionable.