bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Factors in Patients with Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Receiving Systemic Chemotherapy
Authors: Ueno Hideki , Okada Shuichi , Okusaka Takuji , Ikeda Masafumi 
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to determine prognostic factors in patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PC) receiving systemic chemotherapy. The relationship between patient characteristics and prognosis was examined in 103 consecutive patients with metastatic PC. The overall median survival time and 1-year survival rate were 3.2 months and 5.6%, respectively. Among the 20 potential prognostic variables investigated, only three variables, a serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level of ≧5 mg/dl, the performance status of 2–3 and a serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) level of ≧10,000 U/ml were identified as the factors independently associated with a shorter survival. A prognostic index based on the regression coefficients of these three factors was proposed to classify the patients into three groups, with good, intermediate and poor prognosis. The median survival time for these three groups was 5.2, 2.6 and 1.4 months, respectively. The findings of this study may be useful in determining treatment strategies and in designing future clinical trials of systemic chemotherapy for metastatic PC.
Value of the Serum Alpha-<i>L</i>-Fucosidase Activity in the Diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ayude Daniel , Fernández-Rodríguez Julia , Rodríguez-Berrocal Francisco J. , Martínez-Zorzano Vicenta S. , de Carlos Alejandro , Gil Emilio , Páez de la Cadena María 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objectives:</i> The purpose of this study was to assess the value of the serum levels of α-<i>L</i>-fucosidase activity in the diagnosis of patients with colorectal cancer. <i>Methods:</i> Using a fluorometric method we analyzed the α-<i>L</i>-fucosidase activity in preoperative sera from 137 colorectal cancer patients and in sera from 232 donors. <i>Results:</i> The enzymatic activity of α-<i>L</i>-fucosidase was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in patients (4.8 ± 3.09 U/ml) than in donors (10.5 ± 5.46 U/ml). Using the ROC curve, the ideal cut-off for the diagnostic value of α-<i>L</i>-fucosidase activity was determined to be 5.6 U/ml. The diagnostic efficiency for colorectal cancer of α-<i>L</i>-fucosidase activity was higher than that observed for carcinoembryonic antigen (cut-off 5.0 ng/ml), especially for tumors at an early stage. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our results suggest that preoperative serum α-<i>L</i>-fucosidase activity may be used as a cheap and easy complementary test, in addition to standard clinical procedures routinely used for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
Qualitative Analysis of Human Milk Produced by Women Consuming a Maize-Predominant Diet Typical of Rural Mexico
Authors: Villalpando Salvador , Butte Nancy F. , Flores-Huerta Samuel , Thotathuchery Mary 
Published: April 2003

The milk composition of women on a typical rural Mexican diet was compared with that secreted by American women, consuming a diet typical of affluent countries. Milk concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesterol, total amino acids, and selected key minerals were analyzed at 4 or 6 months postpartum. The total milk fat concentration was lower in the Otomi (22.7 ± 6.7 mg/g milk) than in the American women (31.3 ± 5.4 mg/g milk, p = 0.001). Although the absolute concentration did not differ, cholesterol, expressed in terms of total lipid, was higher in the Otomi milk (3.9 ± 1.1 vs. 3.1 ± 0.7 mg/g fat, p = 0.005). Saturated medium-chain (C10:0–C14:0) and unsaturated intermediate-chain fatty acids (C16:1 and C18:2) were higher in the Otomi than in the American milk (p < 0.03). The concentrations of C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1 were significantly lower in Otomi than in American milk. The milk concentrations of protein and nonprotein nitrogen were comparable between the two groups. The concentrations of serine, proline, cystine, methionine, and tryptophan were higher in the Otomi than in the American milk (p < 0.05–0.001). The concentrations of valine and isoleucine were significantly lower in the Otomi milk (p = 0.05). Expressed per gram of milk protein, the cystine, methionine, lysine, and tryptophan concentrations were higher, and the glutamine/glutamate, valine, isoleucine, and arginine levels were lower in the Otomi milk. The concentrations of phosphorus and copper were lower in the Otomi than in the American milk at 4 months postpartum (p = 0.05). These differences in milk fatty acid and amino acid patterns and mineral content are unlikely to affect infant growth, but may have other biological consequences yet to be ascertained.
Validation of Predicted Total Body Water and Extracellular Water by Multi-Frequency Impedance in Young Indonesian Adults
Authors: Bartz Michaela , Küpper Jutta , Schultink Werner , Lukito Widjaja , Deurenberg Paul 
Published: April 2003

To investigate the validity of the prediction of body water compartments by multi-frequency impedance in Indonesians, 42 adults (19 males and 23 females) were recruited in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Extracellular water (ECW) and total body water (TBW) were measured with dilution techniques and predicted from body impedance at 1 and 100 kHz, respectively, using prediction formulas developed in a Dutch population. Furthermore, body weight, body height and body density were measured and as a measure of body build TBW/height and ECW/height were calculated. Percent ECW of body weight in both males (26 ± 3%) and females (23 ± 2%) was higher compared to the Dutch reference population, and also the body water distribution (ECW/TBW) was higher (0.46 ± 0.04) compared to the reference population. TBW/height and ECW/height appeared to be considerably lower in the Indonesian group compared to the reference group, indicating a more slender body shape. TBW was overestimated by 1.8 ± 2.4 and 2.5 ± 1.3 kg in males and females, respectively. ECW was underestimated in males by 0.1 ± 1.2 kg and slightly overestimated in females (0.1 ± 1.0 kg). After corrections for differences in body build and body water distribution the bias of the predicted TBW was markedly reduced from 2.2 ± 1.9 to 1.3 ± 1.8 kg (males and females combined). For ECW the bias after correction for body water distribution and body build was 0.3 ± 0.6 kg (males and females combined). It is concluded that multi-frequency impedance is suitable for the prediction of body water compartments at the population level but, due to differences in body build and body water distribution, validation in a larger group of Indonesian subjects is needed to avoid systematic prediction errors.
Fatty Acid Composition of the Belgian Diet: Estimates Derived from the Belgian Interuniversity Research on Nutrition and Health
Authors: Staessen L. , de Bacquer D. , de Henauw S. , de Backer G. , van Peteghem C. 
Published: April 2003

The major objective of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition of the Belgian diet. Food consumption data from a large representative sample (n = 11,302) of the Belgian population between 25 and 74 years of age (BIRNH study) were analyzed with regard to the intake of fatty acids. The fatty acid composition of the major fat sources in the Belgian diet was determined and used to calculate average intakes for fatty acids from C4 to C22. In addition, results are compared to other studies and to guidelines for n–3 and n–6 fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids provide 17% of the energy intake in the Belgian diet, polyunsaturated fatty acids 7%, and monounsaturated fatty acids 14%. The intake of total n–6 fatty acids is very high (6 en%), particularly of linoleic acid. The intake of n–3 fatty acids is low, only 0.8 en%, which results in a low ratio of n–3 to n–6 (0.15). The most important sources of n–6 and n–3 fatty acids are margarine and meat, respectively.
Absorption of Cholesterol Oxidation Products from Ordinary Foodstuff in Humans
Authors: Linseisen Jakob , Wolfram Günther 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background: </b>Information on the absorption of cholesterol oxidation products (COP) from ordinary foodstuff in humans is scarce. <b>Methods: </b>Five healthy young men were offered a salami- and Parmesan-containing meal naturally rich in COP. Plasma and lipoprotein COP concentrations were measured over the following 9 h. <b>Results: </b> The mean plasma free (nonesterified) COP concentration showed its maximal increase 3 and 5 h after meal consumption. In contrast, the raise in plasma total COP concentration began 6 h after the meal with a maximum at 8 h and was statistically significant for 7α- and 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol. The increase in plasma total cholesterol concentration was comparable to that of total COP. Comparing the COP composition of the chylomicrons and the test meal, cholestanetriol, 7-ketocholesterol, and to a lesser extent cholesterol-α-epoxide were underrepresented in the chylomicrons as was the opposite for 7β-hydroxycholesterol. In very-low-density lipoprotein, a steady increase in the COP:cholesterol ratio was observed from 6 h on. <b>Conclusion: </b>COP from ordinary foodstuff were absorbed in the human intestinal tract but differences in the bioavailability of the single COP compounds were found.
Effect of Training on Zinc Metabolism: Changes in Serum and Sweat Zinc Concentrations in Sportsmen
Authors: Córdova Alfredo , Navas Francisco J. 
Published: April 2003

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of daily physical training on serum and sweat zinc concentrations in professional sportsmen between October and December, during the competing season. Twelve volleyball players and another 12 control subjects have participated in this study. Tests were made in October and December which consisted of a progressive bicycle ergometer test (increasing 30 W every 3 min to reach maximum tolerated power). Blood samples were obtained at rest and immediately after exercise. Total serum zinc increased significantly after maximal exercise in both sportsmen and control subjects. In athletes, the change after exercise was significantly higher in December than in October. The percentage of ultrafiltrable zinc (ZnUf) in October was similar in sportsmen and in controls. In December, however, after exercise, the percentage of ZnUf was higher in athletes. With respect to sweat zinc, it was in the same range both in controls and in sportsmen in October. In December, however, sweat zinc was significantly higher in athletes as compared with the situation in October and with respect to the control group. In October, the zinc concentration of urine was similar for sportsmen and controls. In December, the sportsmen showed an increase in urinary zinc excretion with respect to control subjects. Cortisol in athletes increased significantly after exercise in December. In conclusion, a daily and maintained practice of exercise is probably responsible for an alteration of zinc metabolism. The results suggest that ZnUf control, zinc supplementation and/or stress control appear to be indicated in athletes to prevent the diminution of active ZnUf. In our practical opinion we think that alterations in zinc metabolism with increases in zinc excretion and stress levels lead to a situation of latent fatigue with a decreased endurance.
Protein Malnutrition: Some Aspects of the in vitro Adhesion of Peritoneal Mouse Macrophages
Authors: Borelli P. , Souza I.P. , Borojevic R. , Dagli M.L.Z. , Kang H.C. 
Published: April 2003

Protein calorie malnutrition and disease are frequently associated. Protein malnutrition modifies both the specific and nonspecific resistance of the organism to infectious agents. The exact mechanisms underlying these findings are not clear. Cellular adhesion is a crucial step in the process of phagocytosis as well as cellular migration. The effect of a low-protein diet on adhesion of macrophages was studied using an experimental murine model. We used malnourished mice that had lost 30% of their initial body weight. We then injected them with a suspension of sodium caseinate and harvested the peritoneal macrophages after 5 days. The cells were then allowed to adhere to cover slips in the presence or absence of 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in the medium for time periods of 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Macrophage adhesion to glass slips whose surface had been covered with type I collagen was performed only for 90 min. The expression of fibronectin was studied using an immunohistochemical technique only in the 90-min assay. The results indicate that (1) protein malnutrition impairs the activation potential of macrophages, decreasing their adhesion and expression of fibronectin; (2) when FCS is present in the medium, there is a decrease in the number of adhered cells.
Growth in Human Milk-Fed Very Low Birth Weight Infants Receiving a New Human Milk Fortifier
Authors: Porcelli Peter , Schanler Richard , Greer Frank , Chan Gary , Gross Steven , Mehta Nitin , Spear Michael , Kerner John , Euler Arthur R. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> Human milk fortification has been advocated to enhance premature infants’ growth. We, therefore, undertook this study of a new human milk fortifier containing more protein than a reference one. <i>Methods:</i> Open, randomized, controlled, multiclinic trial, with weekly growth parameters and safety evaluations in premature infants <1,500 g. <i>Results:</i> The 2 groups did not differ in demographic and baseline characteristics. The adjusted daily milk intake was significantly higher in the infants fed reference human milk fortifier (n = 29; 154.2 ± 2.1 vs. 144.4 ± 2.5 ml/kg/day, mean ± SE; p < 0.05). Both human milk fortifiers produced increases over baseline in weight, length, and head circumference, with greater gains observed in the new human milk fortifier-fed infants for the former two parameters (weight gain 26.8 ± 1.3 and 20.4 ± 1.2 g/day, p < 0.05; head circumference 1.0 ± 0.1 and 0.8 ± 0.1 cm/week; length 0.9 ± 0.1 and 0.8 ± 0.1 cm/week, respectively). Serum chemistries were normal and acceptable for age. Study events were typical for premature infants and similar in both groups. <i>Conclusions:</i> This new human milk fortifier had comparable safety to the reference human milk fortifier and promoted faster weight gain and head circumference growth.
Dietary Supplementation of a Natural Isomer Mixture of Beta-Carotene Inhibits Oxidation of LDL Derived from Patients with Diabetes mellitus
Authors: Levy Yishai , Zaltsberg Haya , Ben-Amotz Ami , Kanter Yoram , Aviram Michael 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Accelerated atherosclerosis is common in patients with diabetes mellitus which may be linked to increased lipid peroxidation. Therefore, we compared the oxidation of LDL derived from patients with diabetes to normoglycemic controls and followed-up the effect of dietary β-carotene supplementation on LDL oxidation. <i>Methods:</i> Twenty patients with long-standing non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus were studied in comparison with age- and sex-matched control subjects. <i>Dunaliella bardawil</i>-derived β-carotene was supplemented to the patients for 3 weeks, 60 mg daily dose. LDL oxidation was analyzed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid peroxides (PD), and conjugated dienes (CD) generation in response to CuSO<sub>4</sub>-induced oxidation. LDL lipid composition and the LDL associated vitamins A, E and carotenoids were also measured. <i>Results:</i> LDL susceptibility to oxidation by CuSO<sub>4</sub> was increased in the patients by 40% with a 35% shorter lag time required for the initiation of LDL oxidation, i.e. 56 ± 6 min in patients vs. 85 ± 9 min in controls (p <0.01). Patients showed increased cholesterol/phospholipid and polyunsaturated/saturated ratios, as well as reduced content of LDL associated vitamins. Upon β-carotene supplementation, there was a significant elevation in plasma and in LDL all-trans β-carotene [from 0.296 ± 0.020 to 0.968 ± 0.133 μg/mg LDL protein (p < 0.01)] paralleled by a significant reduction in LDL susceptibility to oxidation, as exhibited by increased lag time up to 115 ± 10 min (p < 0.01) and reduction in MDA and PD generation (by 25 and 40%), respectively (p < 0.01). <i>Conclusions:</i> Increased susceptibility to oxidation of LDL derived from patients with diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormal LDL lipid composition and antioxidant content. Natural β-carotene dietary supplementation normalizes the enhanced LDL oxidation and consequently may be of importance in delaying accelerated development of atherosclerosis in these patients.
Dietary Habits and Cardiovascular Risk in the Spanish Population: The DRECE Study (I)
Authors: Ballesteros-Pomar M.D. , Rubio-Herrera M.A. , Gutiérrez-Fuentes J.A. , Gómez-Gerique J.A. , Gómez-de-la-Cámara A. , Pascual O. , Gárate I. , Montero R. , Campiña S. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Backgrounds/Aims:</i> To investigate dietary habits and their evolution with regard to cardiovascular risk status in Spain. <i>Methods:</i> Cross-sectional study performed in two phases in 1991 and 1996 in 43 primary care clinics. One thousand and two hundred people classified as ‘with cardiovascular risk’ and 600 ‘without risk’ were studied. Each participant answered a food frequency questionnaire. <i>Results:</i> The risk group did not change oil, cereals and dairy products consumption, decreased egg, legume and meat, and increased fish, fruits and vegetables intake. The control group differed in increasing dairy products and not decreasing eggs and vegetables consumption. A small decrease in energy intake happened, from 11,315.1 to 10,941.5 kJ in the risk group (p < 0.05). Carbohydrates intake showed a not statistically significant falling trend from 41.3 to 40.6% in people at risk and 41.8 to 40.7% in those without risk. Protein intake increased in both groups up to 16.5% and fat consumption kept at around 42.9% in both groups. The decrease in saturated fat and increase in polyunsaturated fat were statistically significant in people at risk (p = 0.000). High cholesterol intakes were found. <i>Conclusion:</i> People with cardiovascular problems changed their dietary habits in a ‘healthier’ way than people without risk.
Effects of Age and Diabetes on Blood Flow Rate and Primary Outcome of Newly Created Hemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistulas
Authors: Lin Shuei-Liong , Huang Ching-Huai , Chen Huan-Sheng , Hsu Wei-An , Yen Chung-Jen , Yen Tsan-Shin 
Published: April 2003

To study the feasibility of creating a radiocephalic hemodialysis fistula in elderly and diabetic patients, we prospectively studied 176 patients undergoing the first permanent vascular access creation and followed the outcome of fistula until primary failure or success was assessed. Color duplex ultrasonography was used to measure the blood flow rate. Fistula blood flow rate was significantly smaller in elderly patients, however, it was >400 ml/min in over 78% of the elderly patients with successful fistulas. There was no difference in fistula blood flow rate between nondiabetics and diabetics. Dialysis adequacy (Kt/V) via fistula was the same between age groups and between diabetes mellitus status. Old age or diabetes per se did not significantly predispose a new fistula to primary failure, but concurrent old age and diabetes markedly increase the risk. In conclusion, a good primary outcome of newly created radiocephalic fistula and adequate dialysis via fistula were demonstrated for elderly and diabetic patients. However, the longevity of fistula in elderly and diabetic patients needs further study.
Evaluation of Renal Tubular Functions in Convalescent Phase of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Authors: Kim Gheun-Ho , Han Jin Suk , Earm Jaeho , Jeon Un Sil , Kim Yon Su , Ahn Curie , Kim Suhnggwon , Lee Jung Sang 
Published: April 2003

To evaluate renal tubular functions and to investigate the causative factors of urinary-concentrating defects in the late stage of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), 11 HFRS patients in the convalescent phase were studied and compared with 8 acute renal failure (ARF) patients in convalescence (disease controls) and 9 healthy adults preparing for kidney donation (normal controls, NC). Minimal urine osmolality induced by water loading was higher (p < 0.05) in HFRS (89.5 ± 22.1 mosm/kg) and ARF patients (84.8 ± 14.7 mosm/kg) than in NC (47.8 ± 4.6 mosm/kg), but the solute-free water clearance of HFRS patients (9.0 ± 1.3%), measured at maximal diuresis, was not different from that of ARF patients (6.7 ± 1.2%) or NC (10.5 ± 1.4%). After 12-hour water deprivation + vasopressin stimulation, HFRS had lower urine osmolality (433.7 ± 31.1 versus 850.0 ± 35.1 mosm/kg; p < 0.05), urine-to-plasma osmolality ratio (1.47 ± 0.11 versus 2.91 ± 0.11; p < 0.05), and solute-free water reabsorption (0.53 ± 0.07 versus 0.91 ± 0.12%; p < 0.05) than NC. As compared with ARF patients (1.09 ± 0.16%) or NC (1.49 ± 0.16%), HFRS patients (0.43 ± 0.20%) had lower solute-free water reabsorption measured at maximal antidiuresis induced by water deprivation + vasopressin stimulation + hypertonic saline infusion (p < 0.05). In HFRS, the plasma vasopressin level and plasma vasopressin/osmolality ratio increased from 3.9 ± 0.8 to 6.1 ± 1.1 pg/ml and from 0.013 ± 0.003 to 0.020 ± 0.004 pg/ml/mosm/kg after 12-hour water deprivation, respectively (p < 0.01). However, neither basal nor stimulated values of the plasma vasopressin level or plasma vasopressin/osmolality ratio was different among the 3 groups. HFRS patients were not different from ARF patients or NC in lithium clearance, urinary-acidifying capacity, and fractional excretions of sodium, potassium and bicarbonate. We conclude that in the convalescent phase of HFRS, the urinary-acidifying ability is not disturbed, the urinary-diluting defect is mild, and the urinary-concentrating capacity is obviously impaired. This study suggests that the most important factor contributing to the urinary-concentrating defect in HFRS is the reduced collecting duct responsiveness to vasopressin.
Collagenofibrotic Glomerulonephropathy Associated with Immune Complex Deposits
Authors: Hisakawa Naoko , Yasuoka Nobukazu , Nishiya Koji , Kumon Yoshitaka , Okamoto Kazuo , Itoh Hiroyuki , Hashimoto Kozo , Moriki Toshiaki 
Published: April 2003

A 66-year-old Japanese male, who suffered from persistent proteinuria and leg edema, underwent renal biopsy. Light microscopy revealed marked narrowing of the glomerular capillary lumen with a diffuse accumulation of weakly PAS-positive material. By electron microscopy, abundant abnormal collagen fibers were observed predominantly in the subendothelial space and occasionally in the mesangial matrix. The fibers had a periodicity of about 60 nm and were immunoreactive for anti-type III collagen. Subendothelial electron-dense deposits were also found in some of the capillary walls. The serum level of procollagen III peptides was elevated and changed in parallel with the amount of proteinuria during the patient’s clinical course. On the basis of these findings, a diagnosis of the collagenofibrotic glomerulonephropathy was made. A review of the literature, including 29 similar or identical cases, failed to reveal the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease. We suggest that this disease may be divided into two different clinical subtypes, an adult-onset type and a pediatric type.