bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pressure-Flow Studies in Men with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy before and after Treatment with Transurethral Needle Ablation
Authors: Minardi D. , Garofalo F. , Yehia M. , Cristalli A.F. , Giammarco L. , Galosi A.B. , Muzzonigro G. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> In this study we wanted to examine the effects that transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) might have on the urodynamic characteristics of bladder outlet obstruction and to evaluate the clinical changes and the safety profile in patients undergoing the TUNA procedure, including the effects on erectile and ejaculatory function. <i>Materials and Methods:</i> We evaluated 24 patients, aged between 66 and 81 (mean 73.4) years with a mean prostatic volume of 57 ± 15 ml. Before treatment, the clinical history was collected, then prostate-specific antigen (PSA) analysis, digital rectal examinations, I-PSS and quality-of-life (QOL) tests, uroflowmetry with residual volume, and pressure-flow studies were performed in all patients. After treatment, all the patients were evaluated at 6, 12 and 24 months by the same parameters. <i>Results:</i> After treatment, the I-PSS and QOL scores were considerably improved, and the mean flow rate and the residual volume were also improved. The serum PSA level remained unchanged. The prostatic volume was almost unchanged, and pressure-flow studies showed a reduction in the mean opening pressure and detrusor pressure at maximum flow after treatment. None of the patients complained of alterations in sexual activity nor retrograde ejaculation. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our study confirms that in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, the TUNA procedure results in no major complications and in significant clinical improvements. There was an improvement in the subjective and objective variables, such as symptom scores and frequency-volume charts and, in the majority of patients, subjective and objective improvements were sustained for the duration of this study, which included a 2-year follow-up with pressure-flow studies. From our experience we can say that the ideal candidate for TUNA treatment should be younger than 70 years, with a prostatic volume of <60 cm H<sub>2</sub>O, with a baseline detrusor pressure at maximum flow of <60 cm H<sub>2</sub>O, with a pretreatment residual volume of <100 ml and with a QOL score of <5.
Protein Metabolism in Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Druml Wilfred 
Published: April 2003

The hallmark of metabolic alterations in acute renal failure (ARF) is accelerated protein breakdown which, unfortunately, cannot be suppressed effectively by provision of exogenous nutritional substrates. Causes of excessive protein catabolism are manifold and present a combination of unspecific mechanisms induced by the acute disease process and underlying illness or associated complications, effects induced by the acute loss of renal function and, finally, the type and intensity of renal replacement therapy. Specific uremic toxic effects, insulin resistance, hormonal derangements, metabolic acidosis, circulating proteases, inflammatory mediators, and dialysis-related losses of nutritional substrates all contribute to the activation of protein degradation. Metabolism in ARF is also affected by an impairment of the multiple metabolic and endocrine functions of the kidney. Various amino acids are synthesized or interconverted by the kidneys and may become conditionally indispensable. The kidney is also an important organ in the degradation of peptides, such as peptide hormones. As a consequence of these metabolic aberrations, imbalances in amino acid pools in plasma and in the intracellular compartment occur in ARF and elimination and utilization of infused amino acids is altered. Protein or amino acids requirements are influenced more by the nature of the illness causing ARF, by the extent of hypercatabolism, by associated complications, and by the type and frequency of renal replacement therapy than by renal dysfunction per se. In noncatabolic patients, an intake of 1 g/kg body weight per day may be sufficient, while in critically ill hypercatabolic patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy, 1.5 g amino acids/kg body weight per day should be provided to minimize nitrogen losses. For the future, we need to identify safe methods to control the accelerated catabolism in order to improve the efficiency of nutritional interventions in patients with ARF.
Mechanisms of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I-Induced Accelerated Recovery in Experimental Ischemic Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Hirschberg Raimund , Ding Hu 
Published: April 2003

Exogenous administration of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor I (rhIGF-I) to normal rats or humans increases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In rats with ischemic acute renal failure (iARF) the peptide accelerates the recovery of renal function and tubular integrity. These latter effects may be caused by renal hemodynamic actions of IGF-I or may result from direct actions of IGF-I on injured tubular cells. To examine this hypothesis, in vivo studies were performed in rats with iARF and in vitro experiments were conducted using a model of anoxia/reoxygenation injury in primary cultures of rat proximal tubular cells. In rats with iARF, IGF-I ameliorates the rise in serum creatinine, improves GFR, increases the rate of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation and the mitosis score, and reduces the number of apoptotic bodies. In acutely injured proximal tubular cells, IGF-I receptor mRNA levels decrease, but the remaining receptors are functional as indicated by ligand-induced phosphorylation of the IGF-I receptor β-subunit. In anoxia/reoxygenation-injured cells, exogenous rhIGF-I improves ATP repletion, increases <sup>3</sup>H-thymidine and BrdU incorporation and reduces the incidence of apoptosis as determined by the TUNEL method. We conclude that rhIGF-I accelerates the recovery of renal function in rats with iARF probably through hemodynamic effects, but in addition through direct metabolic, mitogenic and antiapoptotic actions on injured tubules.
High-Protein Diets Augment Albuminuria in Rats with Heymann Nephritis by Angiotensin II- Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms
Authors: Kaysen George A. , Webster Sarah , Al-Bander Hamoudi , Jones Jr. Hardin , Hutchison Florence N. 
Published: April 2003

Urinary albumin excretion (U<sub>alb</sub>V) increases following dietary protein augmentation (DPA) in nephrotic humans and rats. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) blunt, but do not entirely prevent, increased U<sub>alb</sub>V at doses that reduce blood pressure and entirely block the pressor effect of exogenously administered angiotensin I (Ang-I), suggesting that angiotensin II (Ang-II) might not mediate the effect of DPA on U<sub>alb</sub>V. We determined the effect of losartan (Los), a specific Ang-II receptor antagonist, and compared its effect to that of enalapril (En), an ACEI, on DPA-induced increase in U<sub>alb</sub>V in rats with passive Heymann nephritis (HN). When Los was administered to HN rats for 48 h prior to DPA from 8.5 to 40% casein. U<sub>alb</sub>V increased in an identical fashion in treated and untreated rats, even though Los caused hypotension and prevented the pressor effect of infused Ang-II. Only on day 6 after DPA did U<sub>alb</sub>V decrease. We then measured the effect of duration of pretreatment with Los on Ang-II binding to isolated glomeruli. Maximal inhibition of Ang-II binding required treatment with Los for 6 days. We then pretreated HN rats with either En or Los for 6 days prior to DPA. In contrast to administration of Los for 2 days prior to DPA, pretreatment with either Los or En for 6 days entirely prevented any increase in U<sub>alb</sub>V. We then increased dietary NaCl from 0.2% to 2% (HS) to determine whether En or Los would modulate U<sub>alb</sub>V after DPA when Ang-II activity was suppressed. En reduced the DPA-mediated increase in U<sub>alb</sub>V regardless of dietary NaCl, while Los was effective only in when dietary NaCl was reduced (0.2%), suggesting that under these conditions ACEI reduces U<sub>alb</sub>V by a mechanism that is independent of inhibition of Ang-II and that high protein diets augment U<sub>alb</sub>V by both Ang-II-independent and Ang-II-dependent mechanisms.
Hypophosphatemia in Acute-Phase Response Syndrome Patients
Authors: Ferreira da Cunha Daniel , Modesto dos Santos Vitorino , Pontes Monterio Jacqueline , Freire de Carvalho da Cunha Selma 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background:</b> Hypophosphatemia is common in acutely ill patients and possibly may occur in the acute-phase response syndrome (APR), secondary to hyperglycemia and shifts of extracellular phosphorus into cells. <b>Aim:</b> To compare the frequency of hypophosphatemia in patients with or without APR. <b>Methods:</b> All plasma phosphorus results (n = 822) corresponding to a 6-month period were searched using an university hospital mainframe. Relevant laboratory and clinical details were also registered. All cases of alcohol withdrawal, diabetic ketoacidosis, parenteral nutrition, and chronic respiratory alkalosis and patients receiving antacids or intravenous dextrose (5%) in water at a rate higher than 50 g glucose/day were excluded. APR was defined on the basis of severe trauma or infection and at least two of the following: fever, leukopenia (WBC < 5,000/mm<sup>3</sup>), or leukocytosis (WBC >9,000/mm<sup>3</sup>). Hypophosphatemia was defined as a serum phosphorus concentration <2.0 mg/dl. <b>Results:</b> A total of 227 patients were studied. Thirty-five (15.4%) patients fulfilled the criteria for APR. Hypophosphatemia was observed in 11.4% of the APR-positive patients, in contrast to 0.5% in the APR-negative group. Hyperglycemia was more common in APR-positive patients (60.0 vs. 36.8%). <b>Conclusion:</b> Our results suggest that hypophosphatemia may be attributed to increased serum glucose levels secondary to tissue injury and infection in APR-positive patients.
Fluoride Concentrations in Saliva and Dental Plaque in Young Children after Intake of Fluoridated Milk
Authors: Petersson L.G. , Arvidsson I. , Lynch E. , Engström K. , Twetman S. 
Published: April 2003

This study determined fluoride (F) concentrations in whole saliva and dental plaque after intake of fluoridated milk using a randomised crossover experimental design. Eighteen healthy children (6–8 years) were subjected to each of four different 3-day drinking regimens: (a) 200 ml F-free tap water; (b) 200 ml tap water with 1.0 mg F; (c) 200 ml standard milk, and (d) 200 ml standard milk with 1.0 mg F. A washout period of 7 days was organised between the different drinking regimens. All children used F-free toothpaste prior to and during the trial and were instructed to avoid F-rich food and drinks. F concentration in unstimulated whole saliva was determined at baseline and after 15 and 120 min and in plaque samples at baseline and after 2 h. The mean baseline values ranged from 0.01 to 0.02 mg F/l in saliva and between 10.4 and 14.2 mg F/l in dental plaque. A statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase of F was disclosed in saliva 15 min after drinking F-containing milk and water (0.052 and 0.058 mg F/l, respectively). After 2 h, the salivary F<sup>–</sup> concentrations were back to baseline values. In the plaque, however, a statistically significant (p < 0.01) twofold increase was found at 2 h after the intake of fluoridated milk and water, respectively. The results indicate that consumption of fluoridated milk contributes to a F storing process with significantly elevated F concentrations in dental plaque up to 2 h after intake. Further studies are required to determine the ‘therapeutic concentration’ of F in dental plaque after intake of fluoridated milk.
Is Platelet-Activating Factor Produced during Hemodialysis with AN-69 Polyacrylonitrile Membrane?
Authors: Iatrou Christos , Afentakis Nicolaos , Nomikos Tzortzis , Dinas Christos , Stavropoulos-Giokas Catherine , Antonopoulou Smaragdi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Platelet-activating factor (PAF) production during hemodialysis (HD) with cuprophane (CU) membrane has previously been demonstrated, while the results regarding PAF production during HD with AN-69 polyacrylonitrile membrane are dubious. In this study an attempt is made to show that PAF is produced during HD using AN-69 membrane while comparing this production with the corresponding one from HD with CU. Since previous studies have indicated that PAF, like the complement system, could also be implicated in HD-related leukopenia and thrombocytopenia (especially when CU membrane is used), the circulating leukocyte and platelet counts as well as the C3a-desArg and SC5b-9 (soluble, nonlytic form of the terminal complement complex) levels were measured. <i>Methods:</i> Ten hemodialyzed patients were subjected to HD with CU and AN-69 membranes for 2 consecutive weeks (first week with CU and second with AN-69). During the third HD session of each week and at different times (0, 2, 5, 15, 30, 60, 180 and 240 min), the PAF levels in the blood as well as the leukocyte and platelet counts were measured, while the circulating levels of the C3a-desArg and SC5b-9 were measured at 0, 5, 15, 60 and 240 min. PAF was detected by ethanol extraction, followed by purification by column chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography and finally quantified by bioassay. The C3a-desArg and SC5b-9 fractions of the complement were measured by immunoassay while an autoanalyzer gave the leukocyte and platelet counts. <i>Results:</i> Circulating PAF levels were detected at all time intervals during HD with AN-69 (PAF<sub>AN-69</sub>) and CU (PAF<sub>CU</sub>) membranes. At all time intervals PAF<sub>AN-69</sub> < PAF<sub>CU</sub>, however, statistically significant differences (s) between the two membranes existed only at 15, 30, 60, 180 and 240 min. The highest PAF<sub>AN-69</sub> and PAF<sub>CU</sub> occurred at 5 and 15 min into dialysis, respectively. The same observations were made for circulating C3a-desArg levels (s existed additionally at 5 min as well). The reduction of the circulating leukocytes had almost a mirror image with the C3a-desArg as well as PAF levels while the maximal reduction of platelets was observed after 2 min into dialysis with both membranes (i.e., simultaneously with the first increase in PAF secretion). <i>Conclusions:</i> PAF is indeed produced during HD with AN-69 membrane, as it is during HD with CU. At all time intervals during the HD procedure, PAF<sub>AN-69</sub> < PAF<sub>CU</sub>. PAF seems to contribute to HD-related leukopenia and thrombocytopenia with both membranes.
Self-Reported versus Measured Height, Weight and Body Mass Index in Spanish Mediterranean Teenagers: Effects of Gender, Age and Weight on Perceptual Measures of Body Image
Authors: Farré Rovira Rosaura , Frasquet Pons Isabel , Martínez Martínez Maria Isabel , Romá Sánchez Raquel 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> To have a good physical appearance is a determining factor by which adolescents show a tendency to worry excessively about their weight. The aim of this work is to study the possible relationship between actual and perceived body weight, how it is considered and what strategies are followed for weight control among adolescents residing in Valencia. <i>Methods:</i> A sample of 568 students, 325 girls and 243 boys, aged 14–20 years, were selected from public high schools in Valencia. Their height and weight were used to calculate their actual body mass index (BMIO). The subjective perception of their physical measurements (BMIS) was evaluated by means of a questionnaire. The statistical treatment of data was done with commercially available software. <i>Results:</i> There is a relatively large proportion of underweight subjects among the participants of the survey. Differences between the BMIO and BMIS indicate a misperception of height (overestimated) and weight (underestimated) that is greater in girls than in boys. Girls tend to undergo restrictive dietary measures when they consider themselves overweight. A general lack of knowledge about adequate weight was observed. <i>Conclusion:</i> Valencia teenagers show a poor knowledge of their body size and of the weight that should be adequate for their age and tallness.
Factor VII Deficiency and a Copper Metabolism Disorder in a Patient with Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome
Authors: Mueller Nicolas J. , Schiller Peter , Shimizu Norikazu , Flury Renata , Aschwanden Markus , Widmer Urs , Enzler Thomas 
Published: April 2003

We report on a patient with Klippel-Trenaunay (KT) syndrome, a factor VII deficiency and a copper metabolism disorder. The KT syndrome involved the left leg and, histologically, the liver. Dermatological examination, duplex ultrasonography and a skin and liver biopsy verified the KT syndrome. A long prothrombin time prompted clotting studies revealing a factor VII deficiency while the other factors were in the normal range. Further laboratory examinations showed a copper metabolism disorder similar to Wilson’s disease with a low serum ceruloplasmin level, elevated copper concentration in the urine and increased copper deposition in the liver. Neither liver cirrhosis nor a Kayser-Fleischer corneal ring was present. Sequencing analysis of the Wilson’s disease gene ATB7B showed no mutations. The occurrence of these three uncommon pathologies in a single patient has not been described to date, which may suggest a mutation in a hypothetical common regulatory gene leading to this unusual phenotype.
Transport Kinetics of Alpha-Aminoisobutyric Acid and Water in Pre-Eclamptic Pregnancies: An in vitro Study
Authors: Nandakumaran Moorkath , Omu Alexander , Diejomaoh Michael , Al-Yatama Majda , Harouny Assem K. , Sugathan Thattaruparambil N. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To investigate the transport kinetics of a model amino acid, alpha-aminoisobutyric acid (AIB), in the maternal-fetal direction in placentae from pre-eclamptic pregnancies. <i>Methods:</i> Transport kinetics of the amino acid was assessed in vitro using perfusion of human placental lobules. Control placental lobules were perfused for comparison. National Culture and Tissue Collection-135 medium diluted with Earle’s buffered salt solution was used as the perfusate, and tritiated water served as the internal reference marker. AIB along with reference marker was injected as a single bolus into the maternal arterial perfusate, and serial perfusate samples were collected from maternal and fetal venous circuits for a study period of 5 min. <i>Results: </i>The differential transport rate of the amino acid for various efflux fractions differed significantly between control and experimental groups when compared to that of the reference marker. The transport rate (corresponding to 50% of efflux into the fetal vein), transport fraction, absorption and elimination rates of the amino acid differed significantly compared to the reference marker values in study and control groups. <i>Conclusion:</i> The results indicate that amino acid transport function is compromised in placentae of pre-eclamptic pregnancies.
Direct Actions of Estradiol on the Anterior Pituitary Gland Are Required for Hypothalamus-Dependent Lactotrope Proliferation and Secretory Surges of Luteinizing Hormone but Not of Prolactin in Female Rats
Authors: Yin Ping , Kawashima Kengo , Arita Jun 
Published: April 2003

Estradiol induces surges of prolactin (PRL) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion as well as lactotrope proliferation in female rats. We examined whether these hypothalamus-dependent events require the direct action of estradiol on the anterior pituitary gland by selective blockade of its peripheral actions, using ICI182,780 (ICI), an antiestrogen that cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Injection of ICI into ovariectomized rats, at a dose of 250 µg/day for 4 days, almost completely inhibited estradiol-induced growth of the uterus, proliferation of lactotropes as determined by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and afternoon surges of LH secretion. However, ICI only partially inhibited estradiol-induced surges of PRL secretion and had no effect on estradiol-induced tonic inhibition of LH secretion even at the highest dose of 1,000 µg/day. The inhibitory effects of ICI found at 250 µg/day were attributable to its selective peripheral, but not central actions since ICI did not alter hypothalamic expression of progesterone receptors, an estradiol-dependent brain process. Estradiol-induced increases in the number of progesterone receptor-immunoreactive cells in the hypothalamic ventromedial nucleus and the medial preoptic area were not inhibited by this dose of ICI but were inhibited by 500 µg/day tamoxifen, an antiestrogen that can cross the blood-brain barrier. Treatment of cycling female rats with 250 µg/day ICI beginning from diestrus day 2 was also effective in blocking estrous lactotrope proliferation and preovulatory surges of LH secretion but not PRL secretion. Finally, in ovariectomized estradiol-treated pup-deprived lactating rats, ICI did not affect suckling-induced PRL secretion but completely blocked lactotrope proliferation. These results suggest that a direct estradiol action on the anterior pituitary gland is required for lactotrope proliferation and the positive feedback action on LH secretion but not for the secretory surges of PRL or for negative feedback.
An Investigation into the Mechanism of Action of Almitrine on Isolated Rat Diaphragm Muscle Fatigue
Authors: Markos F. , Campion D.P. , Carey M. , O’Connor J.J. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Previous studies have shown that almitrine bismesylate, a respiratory stimulant which acts on the mitochondrial electron transport chain, enhances recovery of rat diaphragm muscle from fatigue. <i>Objectives:</i> Our aim is to investigate if the enhanced recovery is due to an anti-oxidant property of almitrine, since the electron transport chain is a major site of intracellular free radical production. <i>Methods:</i> A low-frequency fatigue protocol was used (30 Hz; 250 ms; delivered once every 2 s for 5 min), and the effects of almitrine before and after fatigue onset were compared to those of the anti-oxidant compound N-acetylcysteine (NAC). <i>Results:</i> Almitrine (6 and 10 µg/ml) given before fatigue gave better recovery rates than postfatigue application. In contrast, NAC (100 µ<i>M</i>) application before fatigue onset was not as effective as NAC given immediately after the cessation of the fatigue protocol. However, almitrine (6 µg/ml) completely reversed the reduction in baseline twitch tension brought about by a free-radical-producing mixture of FeCl<sub>3</sub> + ADP (1 m<i>M</i> + 2.5 m<i>M</i>, respectively). <i>Conclusion:</i> The results of this study confirm that almitrine enhances recovery from fatigue and, in contrast to NAC prefatigue application, is more effective. Also, almitrine was shown to have an anti-oxidant effect, but it does not act like a typical anti-oxidant.