bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined evaluation of resting IGF‐I, N‐terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and C‐terminal cross‐linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) levels might be useful for detecting inappropriate GH administration in athletes: a preliminary report
Authors: Sartorio Alessandro , Agosti Fiorenza , Marazzi Nicoletta , Maffiuletti Nicola A. , Cella Silvano G. , Rigamonti Antonello E. , Guidetti Laura , Di Luigi Luigi , Muller Eugenio E. 
Published: October 2004

Summaryobjective  To verify whether combined measurements of GH‐dependent parameters might be useful in detecting exogenous recombinant GH (rGH) administration in male athletes from different disciplines.methods  Sixty‐six athletes (control group) were sampled for the evaluation of resting IGF‐I, N‐terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and telopeptide type I collagen (ICTP). Cut‐off values (mean + 2 SD) for IGF‐I, PIIINP and ICTP were calculated and arbitrary scores (1·5, 2·0) were assigned to abnormal parameters. By using the sum of individual parameter scores, positive (≥ 3) or negative (< 3) scores were obtained. In addition, a subgroup of six athletes was treated for 3 weeks with rGH (0·09 IU/kg body weight, 6 days/week) and was similarly evaluated at the end of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week (i.e. 18 samples).results  Abnormal IGF‐I, or PIIINP or ICTP levels were found, respectively, in one, two and four subjects (1·5–6·1%) of the control group (in the younger athletes); only one 19‐year‐old subject of this group obtained a positive score. Abnormal IGF‐I, PIIINP and ICTP levels were found in 61·1–66·7% samples of the treated group. Positive cases were 3/6 at the 1st and 2nd week and 6/6 at the 3rd week. The sensitivity of the screening approach was 50–100% (at the 1st−2nd and 3rd week, respectively) and specificity was 98·5%.conclusion  This ‘first level’ screening test is safe, acceptable and relatively inexpensive. Further additional investigations of ‘second level’ (i.e. GH secretory profile, GH response to a GH‐releasing peptide) can be retained to validate or exclude rGH administration or for the early diagnosis of infrequent endogenous GH hypersecretion.
Novel therapeutic approach for cancer using four cardiovascular hormones
Authors: Vesely D. L. , Clark L. C. , Garces A. H. , McAfee Q. W. , Soto J. , Gower W. R. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground  The atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) gene synthesizes four cardiovascular hormones, i.e. vessel dilator, long‐acting natriuretic peptide, kaliuretic peptide and ANP, which decrease the number of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells in culture by 65%, 47%, 37%, and 34%, respectively.Methods and materials  None of the cardiovascular hormones has been investigated to determine whether they inhibit the growth of cancers in vivo. These four hormones were evaluated for their ability to inhibit the growth of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas in athymic mice.Results  Vessel dilator (139 ng min−1 kg−1 of body weight) infused for 14 days completely stopped the growth of human pancreatic adenocarcinomas in athymic mice (n = 14) with a decrease in their tumour volume, while the tumour volume increased 69‐fold (P < 0·001) in the placebo (n = 30)‐treated mice. When these peptide hormones (each at 1·4 µg min−1 kg−1 body weight) were infused for 4 weeks, vessel dilator, long‐acting natriuretic peptide and kaliuretic peptide decreased tumour volume after 1 week by 49%, 28%, and 11%, respectively, with a one‐ and 20‐fold increase in the tumour volume in ANP‐ and placebo‐treated mice. Cyclic GMP (2·4 µg min−1 kg−1 body weight) inhibited after 1 week the growth of this cancer 95%.Conclusions  These results suggest that these peptide hormones have useful anticancer properties, as they each inhibited the growth of the human pancreatic adenocarcinomas in vivo and three of the four peptide hormones decreased the volume of the tumours (up to 49%, i.e. vessel dilator). Part of their mechanism of action appears to be mediated by cyclic GMP.
Granulocyte function in patients with L‐ferritin iron‐responsive element (IRE) 39C→T‐positive hereditary hyperferritinaemia–cataract syndrome
Authors: Fritsche‐Polanz R. , Wallner M. , Cohen G. , Eberle C. , Sunder‐Plassmann G. , Födinger M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground  Hereditary hyperferritinaemia–cataract syndrome (HHCS) is an autosomal dominant trait associated with mutations in the iron responsive element (IRE) of the ferritin light‐chain (L‐ferritin) gene. Patients typically show elevated serum ferritin concentrations without iron overload and a bilateral cataract. Hyperferritinaemia can be associated with granulocyte dysfunction in patients with thalassemia beta and in haemodialysis patients. The effect of increased L‐ferritin levels on granulocyte function in patients with HHCS is unknown.Material and methods  We examined glucose uptake, oxidative burst, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, apoptosis and intracellular calcium concentrations in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNLs) of five affected members of a family with HHCS and in five healthy individuals matched for age and gender.Results  Mutation testing revealed a 39C→T transition in IRE in all five patients with HHCS. Serum ferritin levels of patients ranged between 907 and 2030 µg L−1, respectively. In comparison with healthy individuals, PMNLs of patients with HHCS showed a significant increase in PMA‐mediated stimulation of the oxidative burst, as well as a significantly higher stimulation of glucose uptake but no difference with respect to chemotaxis, phagocytosis, apoptosis and intracellular calcium concentrations.Conclusion  In summary, our study suggests that hyperferritinaemia in patients with IRE 39C→T‐positive HHCS is associated with activation of PMNLs but not with disturbance of fundamental PMNL function.
Cholesterol saturation rather than phospholipid/bile salt ratio or protein content affects crystallization sequences in human gallbladder bile
Authors: Venneman N. G. , Portincasa P. , VanBerge‐Henegouwen G. P. , Van Erpecum K. J. 
Published: October 2004

SummaryBackground  In model biles, cholesterol crystallization (an important factor in gallstone formation) mainly depends on phospholipid/bile salt ratios with characteristic sequences of plate‐like (monohydrate) vs. non‐plate‐like (presumed anhydrous: arcs, needles, tubules, spirals) cholesterol crystals (Wang, J Lipid Res 1996; 37: 606). We now investigate whether the same phenomenon occurs in human bile.Methods  Appearances of plate‐like and non‐plate‐like cholesterol crystals were determined in filtered bile of 80 cholesterol gallstone patients, and related to biliary lipid and pro‐nucleating protein composition.Results  Non‐plate‐like crystals appeared before plate‐like crystals in 9 biles, on the same day in 24 biles, and after plate‐like crystals in 31 biles. In 16 biles only plate‐like crystals were observed. Crystal sequences did not depend on biliary lipid or protein composition. Cholesterol saturation indexes were higher in biles with than without non‐plate‐like crystals (150 ± 6 vs. 125 ± 12, P = 0·02). In contrast, phospholipid/(bile salt + phospholipid) ratios, bile salt species, phospholipid classes, concentrations of mucin, IgG, IgM, IgA, haptoglobin and α‐1 acid glycoprotein did not differ.Conclusions  Cholesterol crystallization sequences in human bile depend on cholesterol saturation index rather than on phospholipid/bile salt ratio.
Lipid‐lowering and anti‐inflammatory effects of tetradecylthioacetic acid in HIV‐infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Fredriksen J. , Ueland T. , Dyrøy E. , Halvorsen B. , Melby K. , Melbye L. , Skalhegg B. S. , Bohov P. , Skorve J. , Berge R. K. , Aukrust P. , Frøland S. S. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground  Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) often leads to a dramatic improvement in clinical, viral and immunologic parameters in HIV‐infected individuals. However, the emergence of long‐term side‐effects of HAART and in particular dylipidaemia is increasingly reported. Based on the potential lipid‐lowering and immunomodulatory properties of tetradecylthioacetic acid (TTA) we examined whether TTA in combination with dietary intervention could modify lipid levels in peripheral blood in HIV‐infected patients on HAART.Materials and methods  Ten HIV‐infected patients on protease inhibitor‐based HAART with hyperlipidaemia followed a cholesterol‐lowering diet throughout the study period (8 weeks). During the last 4 weeks of the study all patients received TTA (1 g qd) in addition to the cholesterol‐lowering diet.Results  Our main and novel findings were: (i) TTA in combination with dietary intervention reduces total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL/HDL cholesterol in these patients, and a particularly suppressing effect was observed during the TTA phase regarding total cholesterol. (ii) During the TTA phase, the cholesterol‐lowering effect was accompanied by a significant reduction in plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor α. (iii) Our studies in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from these patients and in the liver from wild‐type mice receiving TTA suggest that the hypolipidaemic effects of TTA may involve up‐regulation of scavenger and LDL‐receptor expression.Conclusions  Although few patients were studied, the present pilot study suggests that TTA combined with dietary intervention could be an interesting therapeutic approach in HIV‐infected patients on HAART, potentially resulting in both hypolipidaemic and anti‐inflammatory effects.
N‐acetylcysteine enhances multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 mediated doxorubicin resistance
Authors: Akan I. , Akan S. , Akca H. , Savas B. , Ozben T. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground  Resistance of cancer cells against anticancer agents is caused partly by multidrug resistance‐associated protein 1 (MRP1). The exact mechanism of MRP1‐involved multidrug resistance has not yet been clarified, although glutathione (GSH) is likely to have a role for the resistance to occur. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) is a pro‐glutathione drug. DL‐buthionine (S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO) inhibits GSH synthesis. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of NAC and BSO on MRP1‐mediated doxorubicin resistance in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and its MRP1‐transfected 293MRP cells.Materials and methods  Human embryonic kidney cells were transfected with a plasmid encoding the whole MRP1 gene. Both cells were incubated with doxorubicin in the presence or absence of NAC and/or BSO. The viability of both cells was determined under different incubation conditions. Glutathione, glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were measured in the cell extracts obtained from both cells incubated with different drugs.Results  N‐acetylcysteine increased the resistance of both cells against doxorubicin. DL‐buthionine (S,R)‐sulfoximine decreased NAC‐enhanced MRP1‐mediated doxorubicin resistance, indicating that induction of MRP1‐mediated doxorubicin resistance depends on GSH synthesis. Doxorubicin decreased the cellular GSH concentration and increased GPx activity. Glutathione S‐transferase activity was decreased by NAC.Conclusion  Our results demonstrate that NAC enhances MRP1‐mediated doxorubicin resistance and this effect depends on GSH synthesis. DL‐buthionine (S,R)‐sulfoximine seems a promising chemotherapy improving agent in MRP1 overexpressing tumour cells.
Insulin activates vascular endothelial growth factor in vascular smooth muscle cells: influence of nitric oxide and of insulin resistance
Authors: Doronzo G. , Russo I. , Mattiello L. , Anfossi G. , Bosia A. , Trovati M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground  We aimed to evaluate whether insulin influences vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) synthesis and secretion in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) via nitric oxide (NO) and whether these putative effects are lost in insulin‐resistant states.Materials and methods  In VSMC derived from human arterioles and from aortas of insulin‐sensitive Zucker fa/+rats and insulin‐resistant Zucker fa/fa rats incubated with different concentrations of human regular insulin with or without inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase (PI3‐K), mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and guanosine 3′,5′cyclic monophosphate(cGMP)‐dependent protein kinase (PKG), we measured protein expression (Western blot) and secretion (ELISA) of VEGF.Results  We found that in VSMCs from humans and from insulin‐sensitive Zucker fa/+rats, insulin increases VEGF protein expression and secretion, with mechanisms blunted by wortmannin and LY294002 (PI3‐K inhibitors), PD98059 (MAPK inhibitor), L‐NMMA (NOS inhibitor) and Rp‐8pCT‐cGMPs (PKG inhibitor). Also the NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the cGMP analogue 8‐Bromo‐cGMP increase VEGF protein expression and secretion, with mechanisms inhibited by wortmannin and PD98059. The insulin effects on VEGF are impaired in VSMCs from Zucker fa/fa rats, which also present a reduced insulin ability to increase NO.Conclusions  In VSMCs from humans and insulin‐sensitive Zucker fa/+rats: (i) insulin increases VEGF protein expression and secretion via both PI3‐K and MAPK; (ii) the insulin effects on VEGF are mediated by nitric oxide. The insulin action on both nitric oxide and VEGF is impaired in VSMCs from Zucker fa/fa rats, an animal model of metabolic and vascular insulin‐resistance.
Patients’ experience of the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer
Authors: Winterbottom Anna , Harcourt Diana 
Published: October 2004

Purpose.  This paper describes the experience of being diagnosed with skin cancer from the perspective of patients.Background.  Despite the number of people with newly‐diagnosed skin cancer increasing each year, the psychological impact of receiving such a diagnosis has received little attention. Research in this area is sporadic and has predominantly focused on malignant melanoma and used a quantitative approach.Method.  Sixteen patients were interviewed about their experiences of being diagnosed with malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. The interview transcripts were analysed using thematic content analysis.Findings.  Similar themes for the two non‐melanoma forms of skin cancer patients emerged. Information and knowledge of skin cancer appeared as a key theme, and influenced experiences in a variety of different ways. Patients with malignant melanoma recounted similar experiences to those with basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma. People with malignant melanoma, however, used a wider variety of strategies in order to cope with the diagnosis. Satisfaction with the care experienced by each of the three groups played a crucial role in minimizing the experience for the patients.Conclusions.  Patients with skin cancer should not be conceived as a homogeneous group, but one in which there are a number of diagnoses which differ in prognosis, and so may result in a variety of different consequences and thus experiences for patients.
Nursing competencies for spiritual care
Authors: Van Leeuwen René , Cusveller Bart 
Published: October 2004

Aim.  This paper aims to answer the question: What competencies do professional nurses need to provide spiritual care?Background.  Nursing literature from The Netherlands shows little clarity on the qualities that nurses require to provide spiritual care. Although the international literature provides some practical guidance, it is far from conclusive on the required qualities of nurses.Method.  A qualitative literature review was conducted to draw together information from the nursing literature in order to formulate nursing competencies. A format developed for higher nursing education in The Netherlands was used; this consists of description of a general domain, specific competencies, vignettes, key focus and objectives.Results.  The resulting competency profile has three core domains (awareness and use of self, spiritual dimensions of the nursing process, and assurance and quality of expertise) and six core competencies (handling one's own beliefs, addressing the subject, collecting information, discussing and planning, providing and evaluating, and, integrating into policy).Discussion.  Spirituality is a field in nursing that is still in its infancy.Conclusion.  This literature review yields a competency profile that may help to structure future care, research and education in spiritual care by nurses. Implications of the work for future research and education are discussed.
Central venous catheters: a survey of ICU practices
Authors: Rickard Claire M. , Courtney Mary , Webster Joan 
Published: October 2004

Aim.  This paper describes the current infection control practices for CVC care and compares these to evidence‐based practice guidelines.Background.  Intensive care patients with central venous catheters (CVCs) are at risk of catheter‐related infection, which increases morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Infection control practices, including care of intravenous administration sets and catheter sites, are undertaken by nurses in an attempt to avoid infection. Although practice guidelines are available, infection control practices may vary between practitioners and institutions; however, current practice has not been formally surveyed.Method.  A prospective, cross‐sectional descriptive survey was carried out. Intensive care units (n = 14) in Australia were surveyed about their infection control policies for CVC care. Results were tabulated and compared with evidence‐based practice guidelines.Results.  A wide variety of responses was received about duration of administration set use for standard, parenteral nutrition and propofol (lipid‐based anaesthetic) infusions; ad hoc administration set connection technique; dressing frequency, materials and solutions; and barrier precautions used during procedures. There was inconsistent adherence to the guidelines.Conclusion.  There is variation in the infection control approach to CVC care. Greater adherence to existing Centers for Disease Control Guidelines would assist in the standardization of best practice and facilitate evidence‐based care.
Application of systematic review methods to qualitative research: practical issues
Authors: Jones Myfanwy Lloyd 
Published: October 2004

Aim.  This paper explores practical methodological issues which arise from the application of systematic review and meta‐synthesis techniques to qualitative research studies in the context of a pragmatic health services research question.Background.  The emphasis on, and volume of, qualitative research is increasing. As a result, there is a need to integrate and disseminate qualitative research findings. However, relatively little has been written about the methodology of systematically reviewing and meta‐synthesizing qualitative research studies, and about the practical issues which arise in the course of these processes.Methods.  A systematic review and meta‐synthesis was undertaken of qualitative research studies reporting data relevant to the pragmatic health services research question: ‘What factors facilitate or impede role development and/or effective practice as a clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, advanced nurse practitioner or consultant nurse based in acute hospital settings?’Findings.  The identification of relevant studies is substantially more time‐consuming than the identification of relevant studies for a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. A substantially larger proportion of papers has to be retrieved for full reading. Articles with unclear titles which lack abstracts cannot be dismissed as irrelevant. Study appraisal and data analysis, being iterative processes, are also more time‐consuming than the appraisal and meta‐analysis of quantitative studies. It may be possible to reduce the frustrations inherent in the distance between the reviewer and the participants in the primary research by using full project reports rather than published articles.Conclusions.  Conducting a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative research studies is a rewarding but demanding activity, and adequate time and resources must be made available. Some recommendations are made which may facilitate those processes.
Assessing mothers’ concerns in the postpartum period: methodological issues
Authors: Lugina Helen I. , Nyström Lennarth , Christensson Kyllike , Lindmark Gunilla 
Published: October 2004

Aim.  This paper reports a study evaluating the sensitivity of a semi‐structured interview schedule and card sort methods in assessing postpartum concerns of women.Background.  Several methods have been used to assess postpartum maternal concerns and the process of becoming a mother, but few studies have evaluated the methods with respect to their sensitivity for obtaining information.Method.  A cohort of mothers was followed‐up at one (n = 110) and 6 weeks (n = 83) after childbirth in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Women with a minimum of 7 years of primary education were interviewed and they also sorted cards. Those with less fewer than 7 years of primary education were interviewed only. The methods were used in alternate order to assess method interaction.Results.  In the interviews at 1 week, mothers more often expressed worry and interest related to the baby or themselves when they had sorted cards first. The extent to which women expressed worry and interest about specific baby‐ and mother‐related topics was generally higher for women who had sorted cards before the interview at both 1 and 6 weeks. Independent of whether they were interviewed only, interviewed after sorting cards or before, mothers more often expressed a higher degree of interest than of worry about the baby and self at both 1 and 6 weeks. The order of the data collection methods did not influence the way women sorted cards as being worries and interests.Conclusion.  Compared to interview using a semi‐structured interview schedule, our findings suggest that the card sort is more sensitive in obtaining information about women's concerns. Although the interview method has the advantage of reaching less educated people, the card sort is a technique that is associated with fewer barriers and is a more participatory method for those who can use it.