bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of LH-RH Analogue 1-Month Depot and 3-Month Depot by Their Hormone Levels and Pharmacokinetic Profile in Patients with Advanced Prostate Cancer
Authors: Tunn U.W. , Bargelloni U. , Cosciani S. , Fiaccavento G. , Guazzieri S. , Pagano F. 
Published: April 2003

In an open, randomized phase II pharmacokinetic study conducted in Germany and Italy, a total of 42 patients with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (PCa) were treated for 9 months with the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue (LH-RH-a) leuprorelin acetate depot in two different formulations. Fifteen patients received the 1-month depot and 27 patients received the newly developed 3-month depot, containing 3.75 mg and 11.25 mg, respectively. In both groups, subcutaneous injections of leuprorelin acetate injected monthly or at 3-month intervals produced a complete down-regulation of the pituitary and led to persistent suppression of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone to the castrate range (≤50 ng/dl for testosterone) within the first month of treatment, which thereafter could be maintained over the entire observation period of 9 months. In 10 patients, pretreatment with an antiandrogen for the prevention of clinical flare-up resulted in a slightly more profound and earlier drop in serum testosterone. The 3-month depot showed a higher median peak serum concentration (C<sub>max</sub>) of leuprorelin at 20.8 ng/ml than the 1-month depot at 10.7 ng/ml but, conversely, this did not influence the rise in serum testosterone levels. C<sub>max</sub> occurred at 3 h for the 3-month and at 1 h for the 1-month depot formulation. During the steady state, constant release could be detected, starting on day 3 and day 7 for the 1-month and 3-month depot, respectively. A marked decrease in median prostate-specific antigen levels of 97.8% (1-month depot) and 96.6% (3-month depot) compared with baseline was observed, indicating an objective clinical response for more than 80% of all patients in both arms. Based on European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer criteria, the best response in terms of complete/partial remissions and stabilization was comparable in the two arms at 86.7% (1-month depot) and 85.2% (3-month depot). 6.7% in the 1-month group and 3% in the 3-month depot group showed progression of the disease. The most common side effects in both treatment groups were related to hormone deprivation. Both formulations of the potent LH-RH-a leuprorelin acetate were highly effective in the treatment of advanced PCa and led to comparable endocrine and clinical effects.
Dynamic of nucleolus organizer regions and karyotype evolution in Indian pygmy field mice
Authors: Bardhan A. , Sharma T. 
Published: April 2003

Ag-NOR staining and fluorescence in situ hybridization with rDNA probes showed an unusually high number of NORs in the Indian pygmy field mice, <i>Mus booduga </i>and the <i>M. terricolor</i> complex. The chromosomal location of the NORs was also altered in <i>terricolor</i>, they were shifted from the proximal regions of the long arms to the tips of the perceptible heterochromatic short arms of the acrocentric autosomes. The results suggested dispersion of the NORs in the <i>booduga-terricolor </i>lineage probably by transposition, and relocalization of the NORs in the <i>terricolor</i> complex by centric reorganization during the process of replacement of the <i>Mus musculus</i>-related AT-rich heterochromatin with the <i>terricolor-</i>specific heterochromatin.
Osteopontin Expression in the Kidney during Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction
Authors: Kaneto Hiroyuki , Morrissey Jerry , McCracken Ruth , Reyes Alvaro , Klahr Saulo 
Published: April 2003

Osteopontin is a bone protein also expressed in other tissues. Increased osteopontin is thought to be associated with tissue inflammation. We used immunocytochemical analyses and polymerase chain reaction amplification of mRNA to examine osteopontin expression and regulation in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) in rats, a model of inflammatory kidney disease. In the obstructed kidney, osteopontin mRNA and protein were significantly increased. The increase reached 4-fold after 1 day of UUO and persisted at this level for the 5-day duration of UUO. Immunocytochemical analyses showed increased osteopontin protein in tubular cells of the obstructed kidney cortex from days 1 through 5 of UUO. No such significant increase was apparent in the glomerulus or interstitium. Increased osteopontin mRNA and protein likewise occurred in the tubular cells of the obstructed kidney of rats that had undergone whole-body irradiation to eliminate macrophage infiltration into the experimental kidney. Purified osteopontin was found to be a chemoattractant for macrophages isolated from the rat peritoneum. Enalapril treatment, which decreases macrophage infiltration of the obstructed kidney, had no effect on the increase in osteopontin mRNA but significantly attenuated the increase in protein in tubular cells. Western blot analysis of whole cortical homogenates revealed that the osteopontin antibody recognized one protein of 67 kD. The amount of this protein was substantially decreased in kidney homogenates obtained from enalapril-treated compared to untreated animals. Increased osteopontin synthesis may, therefore, contribute in part to the inflammatory response that characterizes obstructive nephropathy.
Magnesium Deficiency Induces Bone Loss in the Rat
Authors: Rude Robert K. , Kirchen Mary E. , Gruber Helen E. , Stasky Audrey A. , Meyer Martha H. 
Published: April 2003

Disorders in which magnesium (Mg) depletion is common have an associated high incidence of osteoporosis. Mg depletion in humans results in hypocalcemia, low serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 1,25(OH)<sub>2</sub>-vitamin D levels, as well as PTH and vitamin D resistance which may serve as mechanisms for the development of osteoporosis. In order to determine if isolated Mg depletion will result in bone loss, we have induced dietary Mg deficiency in the rat. Adult (290 g) female rats were given either a low-Mg diet (2 mg/100 g chow; n = 6) or a normal control Mg diet (63 mg/100 g chow; n = 6). Dietary calcium (Ca) was normal in both groups (592 mg/100 g chow). At 12 weeks, blood was obtained for serum Mg, Ca, PTH, 1,25(OH)<sub>2</sub>-vitamin D, and osteocalcin determinations. The rats were then euthanized and the femurs obtained for mineral analysis and histomorphometry. Serum Mg in the low-Mg group was less than control (0.4 ± 0.2 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2 mg/dl, p < 0.001; mean ± SD) while serum Ca was higher (11.7 ± 0.5 vs. 9.3 ± 0.4 mg/dl, p < 0.001). PTH was suppressed in the Mg-deficient group (36 ± 16 vs. 109 ± 30 pg/ml in controls, p < 0.002). Serum 1,25(OH)<sub>2</sub>-vitamin D was also suppressed in the Mg-deficient animals (7.1 ± 4.8 vs. 28.5 ± 8.2 pg/ml in controls, p < 0.002). Serum osteocalcin levels were not different (19.8 ± 2.5 ng/ml in Mg-deficient rats vs. 15.3 ± 3.4 ng/ml in controls). While the ash weight of Ca and phosphorus in the femur did not change, the ash weight of Mg fell (low-Mg group 0.55 ± 0.01%, controls 0.65 ± 0.02%, p < 0.001). Histomorphometry demonstrated reduction in bone mass; the trabecular bone volume in the femur of the low-Mg group was reduced from control (7.7 ± 0.2 vs. 13.7 ± 1.9%, p < 0.002). A surprising new observation was an increase in osteoclast (OC) bone resorption with Mg depletion. The number of OC per millimeter bone surface was 16.9 ± 1.3 in the low-Mg group versus 7.8 ± 1.5 in controls (p < 0.001). The percentage of bone surface occupied by OC was 38.3 ± 3.7 in the low-Mg group versus 17.7 ± 2.4 in controls (p < 0.001). This increased resorption occurred with an inappropriate non-altered bone-forming surface relative to control (% osteoid surface: low-Mg group 2.4 ± 0.7 vs. controls 2.6 ± 0.4; % osteoid volume: low-Mg group 0.25 ± 0.09 vs. controls 0.38 ± 0.06; number of osteoblasts per millimeter bone surface: low-Mg group 0.9 ± 0.3 vs. controls 1.3 ± 0.3). No increase in bone-forming surface or osteoblast number despite an increase in OC-resorbing surface and OC number strongly suggests impaired activation of osteoblasts and an uncoupling of bone formation and bone resorption. Our data demonstrate that Mg depletion in the rat alters bone and mineral metabolism which results in bone loss.
Combination Treatment of Influenza A Virus Infections in Cell Culture and in Mice with the Cyclopentane Neuraminidase Inhibitor RWJ-270201 and Ribavirin
Authors: Smee Donald F. , Bailey Kevin W. , Morrison Ann C. , Sidwell Robert W. 
Published: April 2003

Treatment of virus infections with compounds acting by different mechanisms may lead to more potent effects when these agents are used in combination. Under this premise, two known active influenza virus inhibitors, ribavirin and the novel cyclopentane influenza virus neuraminidase inhibitor (1S,2S,3R,4R)-3-[(1S)-(acetylamino)-2-ethylbutyl]-4-[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]-2-hydroxy-cyclopentanecarboxylic acid (RWJ-270201, BCX-1812) were studied. Experiments in cell culture demonstrated that RWJ-270201 plus ribavirin synergistically reduced extracellular influenza A/NWS/33 (H1N1) virus yields at low concentrations of each inhibitor. Mice were treated with ribavirin at 20 and 6.25 mg/kg/day combined with RWJ-270201 at 1, 0.32, or 0.1 mg/kg/day, or used alone. Treatments were twice daily for 5 days starting 4 h before exposure to influenza A/NWS virus. Only RWJ-270201 alone at 1 mg/kg/day significantly prevented mortality. In contrast, most drug combinations increased survival significantly compared to the placebo group. Doses of the two compounds used in combination delayed the mean day of death, and improved arterial oxygen saturation levels, as measured on day 11 of the infection. The combination of the two inhibitors produced additive to synergistic interactions in these mouse experiments with no enhancement of host toxicity. Treatment of influenza infections in the clinical setting may benefit by these two agents in combination.
Contrast Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound in the Detection of Right-to-Left Shunts: Comparison of Echovist<sup>®</sup>-200 and Echovist<sup>®</sup>-300, Timing of the Valsalva Maneuver, and General Recommendations for the Performance of the Test
Authors: Droste Dirk W. , Jekentaite Ruta , Stypmann Jörg , Grude Matthias , Hansberg Tjark , Ritter Martin , Nabavi Darius , Nam Eun-Mi , Dittrich Ralf , Wichter Thomas , Ringelstein E. Bernd 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background and Purpose:</i> Cardiac right-to-left shunts (RLS) can be identified by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as well as by transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) using contrast agents, such as Echovist<sup>®</sup>-200 or Echovist<sup>®</sup>-300 in conjunction with a Valsalva maneuver (VM) as provocation procedure. Both Echovist preparations are in use. Currently, the appropriate timing of the VM is still under debate. <i>Methods:</i> Sixty-four patients were investigated by both TEE and bilateral TCD of the middle cerebral arteries. The following protocol was applied in a randomized way: (1) no VM, (2) VM for 5 s starting with the beginning of Echovist-300 injection, (3) VM for 5 s starting 5 s after the beginning of Echovist-300 injection, (4) VM for 5 s starting 10 s after the beginning of Echovist-300 injection, and (5) VM for 5 s starting 5 s after the beginning of Echovist-200 injection. <i>Results:</i> In 27 patients, an RLS was demonstrated by both TEE and contrast TCD (shunt-positive). Twenty-two patients were negative in both investigations, no patient was positive on TEE but negative on TCD, 15 patients were only positive on at least one TCD investigation but negative on TEE. Tests 3 and 5 were the most appropriate ones; test 3 was slightly superior to test 5. <i>Conclusions:</i> TCD using Echovist-300 or Echovist-200 is a sensitive method to identify TEE-proven cardiac RLS. To achieve the best diagnostic accuracy, the VM should be performed for a duration of 5 s starting at 5 s following the beginning of contrast injection.
Centenarian Stroke Treated with Tissue-Type Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Gorman Mark J. , Tanne David , Lewandowski Christopher A. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke often do worse than younger counterparts independent of thrombolytic therapy. Further, tissue-type plasminogen activator, (t-PA) is frequently withheld from the very old. This may be the result of comorbid conditions prohibiting its use or possibly the fear of causing more harm than good. We present a case of a 100-year-old woman who was treated with t-PA for acute ischemic stroke with rapid resolution of symptoms. <i>Case Description:</i> A 100-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with slurred speech, right hemiparesis and right hemisensory loss. Computed tomography revealed neither hemorrhage nor early ischemic changes. Intravenous t-PA was administered at 0.9 mg/kg 3 min prior to the 3-hour limit. She improved rapidly (NIHSS from 12 on admission to 4 at 1 month) and was discharged to the care of her family after 4 hospital days. <i>Conclusion:</i> Intravenous thrombolysis may be beneficial in the very elderly and should be considered in any eligible elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke, with a risk/benefit analysis individualized to each case.
Euclidean and Fractal Computer-Assisted Corneofungimetry: A Comparison of 2% Ketoconazole and 1% Terbinafine Topical Formulations
Authors: Arrese J.E. , Fogouang L. , Piérard-Franchimont C. , Piérard G.E. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The corneofungimetry bioassay was designed as a unique model predicting the efficacy of topical and oral antifungals in dermatomycoses. <i>Objective:</i> In this 2-step study performed in two groups of 15 volunteers, corneofungimetry was used to compare the effect of 5-day b.i.d. treatments with 2% ketoconazole and 1% terbinafine creams. <i>Methods:</i> The bioassay was performed using 10 isolates of each of the 3 fungi <i>Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes</i> var. <i>interdigitale</i> and <i>Candida albicans</i> put to grow on human stratum corneum. Controls were stratum corneum either untreated or enriched in propylene glycol contained in an unmedicated vehicle. Quantitative assessments were made using both Euclidean and fractal geometry parameters. <i>Results:</i> In comparison with untreated stratum corneum, the fungitoxic activity of the 2% ketoconazole and 1% terbinafine formulations was obvious and similar against dermatophytes. By contrast, 2% ketoconazole was significantly more active against <i>C. albicans</i> than 1% terbinafine. The propylene-glycol-containing vehicle did not exhibit a significant effect upon the dermatophyte growth. Positive linear correlations were yielded between the extent area and the fractal dimension D of dermatophyte mycelia. By contrast, D appeared unrelated to the relative area of dermatophyte growth compared to controls. <i>Conclusion:</i> The combination of Euclidean and fractal analyses improves the information provided by the corneofungimetry bioassay. Creams containing 2% ketoconazole and 1% terbinafine appear equally effective against dermatophytes while the former is more potent against <i>Candida albicans.</i>
Long-Term Efficacy of Dexamethasone-Cyclophosphamide Pulse Therapy in Pemphigus
Authors: Kanwar Amrinder J. , Kaur Sukhjot , Thami Gurvinder P. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Corticosteroids are used as a daily oral therapy or in a pulse form with or without various adjuvant drugs for the treatment of pemphigus. Our long-term experience with the use of dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy as a first-line treatment modality for pemphigus is presented. <i>Methods:</i> A retrospective analysis of records of pemphigus patients treated by dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide therapy was carried out. The treatment regimen consisted of the monthly administration of intravenous dexamethasone (136 mg) for 3 consecutive days with addition of intravenous cyclophosphamide (500 mg) on the second day. Oral cyclophosphamide (50 mg) daily and oral corticosteroids (low tapering doses) were given in the intervals between the pulses, till partial remission was achieved. Pulse therapy was then continued for another 6 months followed by daily oral cyclophosphamide (50 mg) for 1 year, which produced a complete remission. <i>Results:</i> A total of 36 patients, 32 with pemphigus vulgaris and 4 with pemphigus foliaceus, were treated with this regimen. Two to 8 pulses were required to achieve a partial remission, while the total number of pulses given for complete remission ranged from 8 to 32. The duration of pulse therapy correlated with both the disease severity and the time to achieve remission. All patients are now in complete remission with a follow-up of 0.5–12 years. Four patterns of remission were observed, related to the severity of disease. The response to pulse therapy was faster in the milder form of disease. The severe form of disease required more pulses as well as higher doses of intervening oral corticosteroids. <i>Conclusions:</i> Dexamethasone-cyclophosphamide pulse therapy is an effective form of treatment in pemphigus and results in long-lasting remissions.
Immune Profiles of Patients with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Authors: Piconi Stefania , Trabattoni Daria , Iemoli Enrico , Fusi Maria Luisa , Villa Maria Luisa , Milazzo Francesco , Clerici Mario 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The immunologic characterization of chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is still incomplete. In particular, it is not known if positivity to the intradermal autologous serum skin test (ASST) identifies an immunologic subset of CIU patients. <i>Methods:</i> Nineteen CIU patients and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. A diagnostic flowchart was designed to select CIU patients, who were then analyzed by ASST. Cytokine and chemokine production and the expression of adhesion molecules was measured in patients and controls. <i>Results:</i> In CIU patients compared to controls, it was found that (1) TNF-α, IL-10, MIP-1α and RANTES production was augmented and IL-2 and INF-γ reduced, and (2) CD44, CD11a and CD62L expression on CD4 and CD8 cells was augmented. Additionally, TNF-α and chemokine production was significantly increased in CIU patients with a negative ASST (p–; n = 10) compared to patients with a positive response to the test. <i>Conclusions:</i> The presence of an inflammatory process in CIU patients is suggested by the findings that the production of both TNF-α and chemokines as well as the expression of adhesion molecules is increased in these patients. Similarly to what is seen in rheumatoid arthritis, augmented IL-10 production might be secondary to the attempt to hamper the inflammatory milieu. Immune profiles are particularly altered in CIU p– patients, in whom a more aggressive therapeutic strategy might be considered.
Acute Pancreatitis Associated with <i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae:</i> A Case Report of Missed Diagnosis
Authors: Al-Abassi Abdulla 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i><i>Mycoplasma pneumoniae</i> is responsible for approximately 20% of community-acquired pneumonia. A wide variety of extrapulmonary manifestations related to <i>M. pneumoniae</i> infection can occur. The diagnosis of <i>M. pneumoniae</i> and its association with acute pancreatitis is briefly reviewed. <i>Clinical Presentation:</i> We describe the case of a 9-year-old boy with clinical features of acute abdomen. <i>Intervention:</i> A perforated appendix was suspected and the patient was accordingly operated on. The clinical, radiological and serological findings that led to the proper diagnosis are described. <i>Conclusion:</i> The case is presented to help increasing the awareness of <i>M. pneumoniae</i> infection as a potential cause of acute pancreatitis in children.
Successful Surgical Reconstruction of Ruptured Renal Pelvis following Blunt Abdominal Trauma
Authors: Bogdanović Jovo , Djozić Jasenko , Idjuški Stevan , Popov Milan , Sekulić Vuk , Stojkov Jovan 
Published: April 2003

A 25-year-old man with occult ureteropelvic obstruction presented with abdominal pain 3 h following blunt abdominal trauma. Isolated rupture of the right renal pelvis was promptly diagnosed and the patient underwent immediate pyeloplasty according to the Anderson-Hynes procedure. The patient made an uneventful recovery. One year after surgery, renal function was satisfactory.
Cloning, Isolation, and IgE-Binding Properties of <i>Helix aspersa</i> (Brown Garden Snail) Tropomyosin
Authors: Asturias Juan A. , Eraso Elena , Arilla M. Carmen , Gómez-Bayón Nuria , Inácio Filipe , Martínez Alberto 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Gastropod consumption is quite frequent in the Mediterranean countries and cross-reactivities with crustaceans have been described, but the mechanism of this allergenic cross-reactivity has not been studied in detail. This study aimed to produce recombinant <i>Helix aspersa</i> (brown garden snail) tropomyosin and investigate its implication for cross-reactivity among invertebrates. <i>Methods:</i> A tropomyosin-specific cDNA encoding <i>H. aspersa</i> tropomyosin was synthetized, and recombinant allergen was overexpressed in <i>Escherichia coli</i> as nonfusion protein. IgE-binding reactivity was studied by immunoblotting and immunoblot inhibition experiments with sera from snail-allergic patients. <i>Results:</i> Cloned brown garden snail tropomyosin shares high homology with other edible mollusk tropomyosins (84–69% identity) as well as with those from arthropods (65–62%), and less homology with vertebrate ones (56% identity). Tropomyosin reacted with 18% of the sera from patients with snail allergy. Inhibition experiments, using natural and recombinant tropomyosins, showed different degrees of cross-reactivity between invertebrate tropomyosins. Sera from snail-allergic subjects recognized tropomyosins in both mollusks and crustacean extracts. <i>Conclusions:</i> Tropomyosin represents a minor allergen in snail extracts, but it is clearly involved in invertebrate cross-reactivity.
<i>Trisetum paniceum</i> (Wild Oats) Pollen Counts and Aeroallergens in the Ambient Air of Madrid, Spain
Authors: Cabrera M. , Martínez-Cócera C. , Fernández-Caldas E. , Carnés Sánchez J. , Boluda L. , Tejada J. , Subiza J.L. , Subiza J. , Jerez M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Madrid has a short but intensive grass pollen season, in which 79% of the total grass pollen load is released from the middle of May to the middle of June. The main objectives of this study were to quantify <i>Trisetum paniceum</i> (wild oats) aeroallergen in the atmosphere in Madrid from February to December 1996 and to correlate the aeroallergen concentrations with grass pollen counts. <i>Methods:</i> Two different samplers were used to assess allergen exposure; a Burkard spore trap was used to collect pollen grains and a high-volume air sampler to collect airborne particles. A total of 182 air filters were collected and extracted in 1 ml of PBS and analysed by ELISA inhibition, using pooled sera from highly allergic individuals. <i>Results:</i><i>T. paniceum</i> aeroallergens were detected not only during the grass pollen season, but also before and after. Wild oat allergens had two main peaks of 1 and 1.9 µg/m<sup>3</sup>, occurring in late May and July, respectively. The time series analysis established the existence of lags between the two main variables pollen counts and aeroallergen activity. Analysis of the data by the Spearman rank test and linear regression showed a weak correlation between grass allergenic activity and grass pollen counts (Spearman’s rho = 0.29). Data obtained from time series analysis demonstrated that grass allergenic activity correlated strongly with current and 5-week-old grass pollen grain counts (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.73). <i>Conclusions:</i> Wild oats allergenic activity was detected during the entire year and not only during the pollen season. This fact is an important aspect to be considered in the clinical follow-up and treatment of grass pollen-sensitised patients in Madrid.