bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Stripping Technique: In vitro Absorption and Penetration of Five UV Filters on Excised Fresh Human Skin
Authors: Potard G. , Laugel C. , Schaefer H. , Marty J.-P. 
Published: April 2003

This article gives the results of a study whose aim was to compare the compartmental distribution and absorption of 5 UV filters, in vitro, by fresh human skin, after exposure times of 30 min and 16 h. These UV filters from BASF (octyl methoxycinnamate, benzophenone 4, benzophenone 3, octyl triazone and octocrylene) were incorporated separately in a simple oil-in-water emulsion. The composition of the emulsions was designed in order to obtain a sun protection factor of 5. Therefore the UV filters were introduced into the emulsions at different concentrations. We show that the affinity for each skin level [stratum corneum (SC), viable epidermis, dermis and receptor fluid] is different according to the test substance used. Some substances accumulated in the SC, whereas others passed through the skin very quickly and were quantified in the receptor fluid. The stripping technique allowed us to see that more than 94% of the chemical compound in the SC was in the first eight tapes. The problem of individual values below the limit of detection was raised, a correlation between the two exposure times was found (y = 1.702x – 0.105; R = 0.94) and a classification of products according to their affinity for the SC was determined.
Comparative Study of Therapeutic Effect of Dibenyline, Finasteride, and Combination Drugs for Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Kuo Hann-Chorng 
Published: April 2003

<b>Objectives:</b> A prospective study was conducted in a community hospital in order to evaluate the therapeutic effect of dibenyline, finasteride, and a combination of the two drugs for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). <b>Methods:</b> 190 men suffering from severe prostatism entered this study. They were assessed by IPSS symptom score, digital rectal examination, transrectal sonography of the prostate, uroflowmetry and residual urine. The patients were randomly selected for medical treatment with dibenyline 10 mg b.i.d. (n = 71), finasteride 5 mg q.d. (n = 54), and a combination (n = 65). Clinical assessments were carried out before treatment and 3 and 6 months after starting treatment. Patients who could not complete the treatment and those with prostatic cancer were excluded from the final statistics. The quality of life after 6 months of treatment and side effects were also assessed. <b>Results:</b> A total of 172 patients completed the treatment course and 153 patients completed the periodic clinical assessments. Improvement in IPSS was noted in all 3 groups of patients both at 3 and 6 months. The prostatic volume was found to decrease in the finasteride group and the combination group at 6 months by 24.3 and 10.5%, respectively. Maximal flow rate (Qmax) was significantly improved in the dibenyline and combination groups but not in the finasteride group at 3 months. At 6 months a significant increase in Qmax was noted in all groups with a mean increase of 1.4–1.8 ml/s. The quality of life after treatment was satisfactory in 71.9% of the dibenyline group, 70.4% of the finasteride group and 83.1% of the combination group. Side effects were higher in the dibenyline than the finasteride or combination group. The dropout rate was higher in the dibenyline group (15.5%) than in the finasteride (7.5%) and combination (4.6%) groups. After 6 months of treatment, some of the patients discontinued medication and symptom relapse was noted in 92.6% of the dibenyline group, 57.6% of the finasteride group, and 71% of the combination group. <b>Conclusions:</b> Medical treatment is effective in treating symptomatic BPH. Combination dibenyline and finasteride provides a weak synergistic clinical effect without additive side effects.
Magnesium Hydrogen Carbonate Natural Mineral Water Enriched with K<sup>+</sup>-Citrate and Vitamin B<sub>6</sub> Improves Urinary Abnormalities in Patients with Calcium Oxalate Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Bren Andrej , Kmetec Andrej , Kveder Rado , Kaplan-Pavlovčič Staša 
Published: April 2003

The influence of drinking magnesium hydrogen carbonate natural mineral water enriched with potassium citrate on urinary metabolic abnormalities was prospectively studied in 27 patients with recurrent calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis. The mean 24-hour urinary pH shifted from 6.34 to 6.93 (p < 0.01), the mean urinary magnesium/urinary creatinine ratio rose from 0.47 to 0.67 (p < 0.01), the mean urinary citrate/urinary creatinine ratio increased from 0.26 to 0.35 (p NS), and the mean 24-hour urinary calcium decreased from 7.98 to 6.05 mmol (p < 0.05). The effects of magnesium hydrogen carbonate natural mineral water enriched with potassium citrate were found to be favorable on urinary calcium, urinary magnesium/urinary creatinine ratio and urinary pH in patients with calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
Increased Transforming Growth Factor β1 Plasma Level in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma:A Tumor-Specific Marker?
Authors: Wunderlich H. , Steiner T. , Kosmehl H. , Junker U. , Reinhold D. , Reichelt O. , Zermann D.H. , Schubert J. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Purpose:</b> The most worrying problem with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) seems to be the prediction of metastases by means of tumor-specific markers. Therefore, much effort is committed to the development of new markers. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> The level of latent transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) was measured in plasma samples by ELISA. These samples were collected from patients with RCC before they underwent radical nephrectomy, from patients 1 h after extracorporeal lithotripsy, from patients with pyelonephritis, and from healthy controls. <b>Results:</b> In all cases of RCC the levels of latent TGF-β1 in plasma were much higher (n = 20, 41.0 ± 13.9 ng/ml, range 19.3–78.1 ng/ml) than in healthy controls (n = 20, 3.8 ± 2.9 ng/ml, range 0.6–9.9 ng/ml, p < 0.0001). The TGF-β1 levels in plasma after extracorporeal lithotripsy (n = 20, 7.4 ± 4.64 ng/ml, range 2.9–21.7 ng/ml, p < 0.01) and in patients suffering from pyelonephritis (n = 20, 18.93 ± 14.2 ng/ml, range 4.2–46.7 ng/ml, p < 0.001) were also higher than in healthy controls. <b>Conclusion:</b> We conclude that increased levels of latent TGF-β1 are common in the plasma of RCC patients. The TGF-β1 plasma level in RCC was found to be significantly higher than in cases of inflammation. Thus, TGF-β1 is a possible tumor-prognostic marker in RCC.
Detection of Prostate-Specific Antigen Immunoreactivity in Amniotic Fluid
Authors: Wolff J.M. , Heyl W. , Borchers H. , Brehmer Jr. B. , Rath W. , Jakse G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To examine whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is present in amniotic fluid, whether the amniotic fluid PSA concentration changes with gestational age, and whether there is an association between amniotic fluid PSA and fetal sex. <i>Methods:</i> The PSA concentration was measured in the amniotic fluid of 48 pregnant women. Thirty-four samples were obtained during routine amniotic fluid analyses performed during gestational weeks 16–18, whereas 14 samples were obtained during cesarean section performed after gestational week 36. <i>Results:</i> PSA was detected in all amniotic fluid samples. The median amniotic fluid PSA was 0.193 ng/ml during gestational weeks 16–18 and 0.39 ng/ml after gestational week 36 (p = 0.1). Furthermore, no significant association was seen between amniotic fluid PSA and fetal sex. The median amniotic fluid PSA level was 0.233 ng/ml for the 21 boys and 0.222 ng/ml for the 27 girls investigated (p = 0.72). <i>Conclusions:</i> These results confirm recent literature reports that PSA may serve as a growth regulator during normal fetal development. However, further studies are necessary to elucidate the exact role of PSA during fetal development.
Induction of Polyploidization by Jaspamide in HL-60 Cells
Authors: Nakazawa Hideyuki , Kitano Kiyoshi , Cioca Daniel P. , Ishikawa Masayo , Ueno Mayumi , Ishida Fumihiro , Kiyosawa Kendo 
Published: April 2003

Jaspamide, a natural peptide isolated from the marine sponge <i>Hemiastrella minor</i>, was used in the study of polyploidy in HL-60 cells. Jaspamide at 5 × 10<sup>–8</sup> <i>M</i> concentration exhibited antiproliferative activity and an increased CD4 and CD14 surface expression. After 2 days of cultivation, 56.3% of the exposed cells became multinuclear compared with 2.4% in controls. Moreover, the size and the number of nuclei of the cells increased in a time-dependent manner. An increased number of metaphase chromosomes was observed by microscopical enumeration after colcemid treatment for 60 min. The analysis of the DNA content of these cells, measured by propidium iodide staining, revealed a significant increase in the cells percentage with increased DNA content. Taken together, these findings indicate that the jaspamide treatment induces polyploidization in the HL-60 cell line.
CD4+/CD45RA+ ‘Naive' T Cells and Immunological Response to Influenza Virus Vaccine in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Patients
Authors: Marotta Giuseppe , Bucalossi Alessandro , Galieni Piero , Bigazzi Catia , Nuti Sandra , Valenzin Pier Egisto , Bocchia Monica , Lauria Francesco 
Published: April 2003

B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B-CLL) is characterized by a high frequency of infections, including those of viral aetiology. Previous reports have demonstrated a specific immunologic response to influenza virus vaccine in B-CLL patients with normal IgG levels. In this study, we have evaluated different immunophenotypically defined B and T cell subsets in 18 B-CLL patients before immunization with killed-influenza-virus vaccine. A correlation between immunological response to vaccination and both absolute numbers of CD4+/CD45RA+ naive T cells and CD5– B cells was found. These data may suggest a supporting role of the CD4+/CD45RA+ T cell subset in the specific antibody response to vaccination with influenza virus vaccine in B-CLL patients.
Efficacy of Further Attempts to Mobilize CD34+ Peripheral Stem Cells with Alternative Procedures after Primary Failure
Authors: Kröger N. , Rauhöft C. , Zeller W. , Renges H. , Hassan H.T. , Krüger W. , Schuch G. , Wacker-Backhaus G. , Colberg H. , Kuse R. , Gutensohn K. , Löliger C. , Zander A.R. 
Published: April 2003

19 patients who failed the target collection of at least 2.5 × 10<sup>6</sup> CD34+ cells/kg underwent further mobilization procedures either with granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) alone after failure to chemotherapy plus G-CSF (group 1), or with chemotherapy plus G-CSF (group 2), or with high-dose G-CSF (24 μg/kg) alone (group 3) after failure to respond to standard dose of G-CSF (10 μg/kg) alone. In all groups, an increase in median CD34+ cell yield could be observed following alternative procedures (1.1- to 1.9 × 10<sup>6</sup> kg; p = 0.02). The highest increase in CD34+ cell harvest was achieved in group 1 (0.85 to 2.2 × 10<sup>6</sup> kg), followed by group 2 (1.2 to 1.7) and group 3 (1.0 to 1.4), but without statistically significant difference between the mobilization technologies. All patients with more than 1.0 × 10<sup>6</sup> CD34+ cells/kg in the first apheresis procedure reached the overall target of 2.5 × 10<sup>6</sup> CD34+ cells/kg after a second or subsequent mobilization procedure. In contrast, only 3 of 8 patients (37%) with less than 1.0 × 10<sup>6</sup> CD34+ cells in the first harvest could reach the target of 2.5 × 10<sup>6</sup> CD34+ cells after further mobilization attempts.
p53 Pathway in Apoptosis Induced by All-<i>Trans</i>-Retinoic Acid in Acute Myeloblastic Leukaemia Cells
Authors: Zheng A. , Mäntymaa P. , Säily M. , Savolainen E.-R. , Vähäkangas K. , Koistinen P. 
Published: April 2003

The role of the p53 pathway in apoptosis induced by all-<i>trans</i>-retinoic acid (ATRA) was studied in 5 human acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cell lines, OU-AML-3, -4, -5, -7 and -8, previously established and characterized by the authors. Although all the cell lines have a wild-type (wt) p53 gene, the protein is in a mutant conformation detectable by the anti-p53 antibody PAb 240. Exposure of the cell lines to 1.0 μ<i>M</i> ATRA for 72 h caused induction of apoptosis detectable by morphology and the annexin V assay. The number of apoptotic cells according to the annexin V assay varied from 16 ± 8% (OU-AML-7) to 61 ± 4% (OU-AML-3) in ATRA-treated cells, while it was 7 ± 6% in control cells. Western blotting and flow cytometry showed down-regulation of the p53 protein by ATRA. The conformation of p53 remained unchanged, being detectable in flow cytometry by PAb 240, but not by PAb 1620 (an antibody which only detects p53 in wt conformation). At the same time bcl-2 was down-regulated as shown by Western blotting and flow cytometry, while no induction of bax was observed by ATRA. On the basis of these results, ATRA-induced apoptosis in these AML cell lines is independent of the p53 pathway, although it is associated with the down-regulation of bcl-2.
Th1 and Th2 Cytokine Profiles in Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Raghupathy R. , Haider M.Z. , Azizieh F. , Abdelsalam R. , D’Souza T.M. , Adekile A.D. 
Published: April 2003

We have investigated the levels of Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines in the plasma and supernatants following peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture and mitogen stimulation in a group of 39 patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) made up of 29 SS, 8 Sβ-thal and 2 Hb SD in steady state. Five SS patients were studied during 7 episodes of vaso-occlusive crisis. Twenty-four control (3 Hb AS and 21 Hb AA) were also studied; 10 were acutely ill while 14 were healthy at the time of the study. The plasma levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were similar in the patients and the controls. However, plasma IL-4 was significantly higher among the steady-state SS patients than in the controls. While there was no significant difference in cytokine levels following mitogen stimulation in the different groups, plasma IL-2 to IL-4 and IFN-γ to IL-4 ratios were significantly lower among the steady-state SS patients, indicating a possible Th2 bias in our sickle cell patients and suggesting a possible mechanism to explain the predisposition of SCD patients to bacterial infections. However, SS patients with good splenic function showed a relative Th1 bias, which may be an additional explanation for the protection against bacterial infections in such patients.
More on Heparin-Associated Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Berlot Giorgio , Lucchese Francesca 
Published: April 2003

Even if we appreciate Dr. Fisher’s remarks, we still do not feel that our approach has been inadequate. Our opinion is based on some evidence, although we could not perform any laboratory investigation to better define the type of heparin-associated thrombocytopenia (HAT) [1]. First, as is clearly demonstrated in figure 1 of our paper, the platelet count started to decrease on the day following the administration of heparin [2]. In our patient, we could exclude any previous exposure to heparin, which, according to the current literature, represents a prerequisite for the occurrence of HAT II immediately following the initiation of heparin therapy. In the absence of such an exposure, HAT II is reported to occur after some days of heparin treatment [3].
Lipid Composition of Platelets in Patients with Uremia
Authors: Vecino A. , Navarro-Antolín J. , Teruel J. , Navarro J. , Cesar J. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Aims:</b> The lipid composition of platelets and the function of these cells in patients with uremia were studied. <b>Methods:</b> Fourteen patients and 14 normal volunteers were studied. Platelet lipids including phospholipids and cholesterol, as well as the platelet aggregation response to agonists, were studied. <b>Results:</b> The amount of platelet phospholipids was decreased in patients compared to controls (338.0 ± 79 vs. 511.6 ± 125 nmol/10<sup>9</sup> cells; p < 0.001), while the percentage of the five main specimens of these compounds was normal. The content of platelet cholesterol in patients (97.8 ± 17.0 µg/10<sup>9</sup> cells) was similar to that in controls (91.7 ± 26.0 µg/10<sup>9</sup> cells). Consequently, the cholesterol:phospholipid ratio in uremic platelets was increased (0.75 ± 0.1 vs. 0.46 ± 0.1; p < 0.01). Although this feature is associated with hyperreactive platelets, the aggregation tests were defective for adenosin diphosphate (p < 0.01), arachidonic acid (p < 0.01), epinephrine (p < 0.01) and collagen (p < 0.001). This behavior is probably due to the multifactorial platelet defect described in uremia.
Study of Renal Metabolic Disturbances Related to Renal Lithiasis at School Age in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Children
Authors: Monge Margarita , García-Nieto Victor M. , Domenech Eduardo , Barac-Nieto Mario , Muros Mercedes , Pérez-González Ernesto 
Published: April 2003

We studied 34 asymptomatic children who were born with a very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) and had no perinatal history of acute renal failure nor treatment with furosemide. The study was done at preschool or school age, looking for echographic changes and renal tubular disturbances which are known to predispose to renal lithiasis. The results were compared with those of a control group of 18 children who had been born at term with a body weight >2,500 g. One or more renal tubular disturbances were found in 64.70% of the VLBW children. Most frequently found were decreased ammonium excretion in response to furosemide (38.23%), enhanced N-acetylglucosaminidase excretion (35.29%), hypercalciuria (26.47%), and hypocitraturia (23.53%). Echography revealed renal cortical hyperechogenicity (17.65%) and renal lithiasis (8.82%) in some of the VLBW children. We found a significant positive correlation (r = 0.7) between the perinatal level of plasma phosphate and the total amount of H<sup>+</sup> excreted in response to furosemide at preschool or school age. Because these renal tubular anomalies may be precursors of future lithiasis, and the renal function and echography tests are not invasive, we suggest that renal tubular function be measured and followed up in every VLBW child, particularly when perinatal hypophosphatemia has occurred.
Biocompatibility of a Glucose-Free, Acidic Lactated Solution for Peritoneal Dialysis Evaluated by Population Analysis of Mesothelium
Authors: Wajsbrot Valeri , Shostak Avshalom , Gotloib Lazaro , Kushnier Raisa 
Published: April 2003

Glucose-enriched, racemic lactate buffered solutions for peritoneal dialysis induce a significant reduction of cell viability as well as a hypertrophic, senescent phenotype of the exposed monolayer. The present study was designed to verify whether the aforementioned changes resulted form the buffer, from the osmotic agent, or from a combined effect of both. Mice were acutely (2 h) and long-term (15 and 30 days) exposed to daily intraperitoneal injections of a racemic lactate, heat-sterilized, low-pH (5.2), glucose-free solution. Imprints of the monolayer were taken at the end of each time interval. The glucose-free lactated buffer used in the present study did not induce significant changes in density distribution, mean cell size, mean cytoplasmic surface area, prevalence of large cells, multinucleation, proportion of observed cells in mitosis, and cell viability. So far, the previously mentioned hypertrophic phenotype appears to derive from substantial alterations in the cell cycle of mesothelium exposed to high concentrations of glucose and/or advanced glycosylation end products and unrelated to lactate.
Apo(a) Phenotypes and Lp(a) Concentrations in Renal Transplant Patients
Authors: Kandoussi A.M. , Hugue V. , Cachera C. , Hazzan M. , Dracon M. , Tacquet A. , Noël C. 
Published: April 2003

Plasma lipoprotein (a) (LP(a)) concentrations are increased in patients with end-stage renal disease. Considering the influence of the apolipoprotein (a) (Apo(a)) polymorphism and the mode of dialysis in this prospective longitudinal study, we compared Lp(a) concentrations before and after the first 6 months of a successful kidney transplantation in 125 recipient patients. Apo(a) phenotyping was performed by using SDS-PAGE and SDS-agarose, isoforms were classified into high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW). Before the graft, the Lp(a) concentrations were significantly higher in CAPD than in hemodialysis patients (p = 0.021). Six months after transplantation, Lp(a) fell in both treatment groups. This decrease occurred within both LMW and HMW but to a different extent: median relative variations were –35 and –50%, respectively (p = 0.048). Among patients with Lp(a) concentration >30 mg/dl 6 months after transplantation, 74% had LMW Apo(a) isoform while the remaining 26% had HMW isoform. Successful renal transplantation leads rapidly to a correction of Lp(a) concentrations, especially in patients treated with CAPD who have higher Lp(a) levels. The most important factor seems to be the LMW status corresponding to high Lp(a) levels.
Platelet-Leukocyte Activation during Hemodialysis Detected with a Monoclonal Antibody to Leukocyte Integrin CD11b
Authors: Hernández M.R. , Galán A.M. , Lozano M. , Bozzo J. , Cases A. , Escolar G. , Calls J. , Ordinas A. 
Published: April 2003

Platelet activation is commonly monitored with a battery of monoclonal antibodies against different platelet epitopes with controversial results. The transient expression of platelet markers and their role mediating interactions with other cells could easily explain these discrepancies. The present study has evaluated whether the analysis of a leukocyte activation antigen (CD11b) could provide more reliable results than detection of platelet activation markers. Cytometric techniques with specific monoclonal antibodies were used to compare the reliability of platelet and leukocyte markers to detect activation. Modifications in the presence of platelet glycoproteins GPIb (CD42b), GPIIIa (CD41) and GPIV (CD36), expression of specific platelet markers (P-selectin (CD62P) and lysosomal protein (CD63)) and leukocyte integrin (CD11b) were assessed during hemodialysis. Platelet antigens remained in uremic patients at levels similar or slightly above those detected in a group of healthy subjects. Modifications of platelet antigens during hemodialysis produced inconclusive results. However, numbers of leukocytes expressing CD11b increased progressively during hemodialysis (17.2 ± 5.1% at 15 min and 21.3 ± 6.6% at 2 h, p < 0.05, vs. baseline 6.9 ± 0.2%). The hemodialysis procedure caused an increased formation of leukocyte-platelet aggregates. Detection of leukocyte CD11b may be a useful marker of overall cellular activation during the hemodialysis procedure.
Immunochemical Localization of Transforming Growth Factor-α-Related Protein in the Rat Kidney
Authors: Díaz-Ruiz Carmen , Asbert Mónica , Pérez-Tomás Ricardo 
Published: April 2003

Transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) is a 50-amino acid polypeptide synthesized as part of a larger precursor of 159 amino acids. Its expression has been reported in normal and neoplastic kidney. In this report, we characterized a renal TGF-α-immunoreactive protein, which we named TGF-α-related protein (TGF-α-RP). It was found to be present in the final part of the collecting tubules of the normal rat kidney. Western blotting analysis of kidney samples revealed a protein of 38 kD and pI = 5.5. In nonreducing conditions immunoreaction for this protein decreased and a TGF-α-immunoreactive protein of 150 kD was observed. The expression of TGF-α-RP seems to be highly conserved in the kidney of mammals and chickens. Therefore, TGF-α-RP may have an important role in the normal development and function of the kidney.