bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an in vitro Assay for the Screening of Substances Capable of Dissolving Calcium Oxalate Crystals
Authors: Saso L. , Valentini G. , Leone M.G. , Grippa E. , Silvestrini B. 
Published: April 2003

Despite the risk of kidney damage, lithotripsy is the usual way of treating calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones, the most common type of nephrolithiasis, because no effective chemolytic agents are available. However, the search of new calcium chelators, less toxic than the current ones, continues, and some of them could be tested in experimental models of nephrolithiasis, after their ability of dissolving CaOx crystals is verified. In this connection, we developed a simple assay that requires only inexpensive equipment available in most laboratories for the screening of substances potentially capable of dissolving CaOx crystals. In particular, we decided to investigate whether substances previously shown to inhibit CaOx precipitation were also capable of dissolving this salt. Briefly, CaOx tablets of highly reproducible weight (4.55 ± 0.07 mg) were prepared by spinning, at high speed (16,000 <i>g</i>), microcentrifuge tubes in which 500 µl aliquots of 0.1 <i>M</i> sodium oxalate and 0.1 <i>M</i> calcium chloride at pH 6 were added. When these tablets were incubated overnight with solutions at different concentrations of EDTA, sodium citrate, manganese chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium chloride, malic acid, succinic acid and gluconic acid, a significant dissolving activity was observed for EDTA (∼25% at 0.25 <i>M</i>), sodium citrate (∼30% at 1 <i>M</i>) and manganese chloride (∼20% at 0.5 <i>M</i>). A good linear correlation (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.84, p < 0.05) was found between the affinity for calcium and the activity of EDTA, sodium citrate, sodium sulfate, malic acid, succinic acid and gluconic acid, indicating that these compounds act mainly by chelating the calcium ion. Instead, manganese was supposed to act by interacting with the oxalate ion.
Possibility of Improving the Acceptance Rateof Early Detection Testing for Prostate Cancerwith a One-Step Test for Prostate-Specific Antigen in Whole Blood
Authors: Berg W. , Linder Ch. , Eschholz G. , Link St. , Schubert J. 
Published: April 2003

In order to increase the acceptance rate of early detection testing for prostate cancer, a qualitative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) one-step test has been developed. Determining the PSA level with this test system takes 10 min. The blood samples of 190 men were tested in this qualitative assay, which uses 50 μl of EDTA whole blood and in which the results are ascertained visually. Parallel samples were tested in serum-based, quantitative assays (Abbott Imx, EIA). The findings of the two kinds of assays were compared and evaluated regarding their correspondence (<4.0 and ≥4.0 ng/ml). For the 74 blood samples in which the quantitative assay showed PSA levels <4.0 ng/ml, the PSA one-step test showed 83.8% correct negative results (corresponds to diagnostic specificity). For the 116 samples in which the classic assay showed PSA levels ≥4.0 ng/ml, the one-step test showed 90.5% correct positive results (sensitivity). The noted deviations appear especially around the cut-off value of 4.0 ng/ml, i.e. within the PSA concentration range of 3.0 < 4.0 and 4.0 < 5.0 ng/ml. The qualitative PSA one-step test presented here demonstrates good reproducibility. It can be conducted by the patient and is easy to use. The test offers a simple, feasible method for early detection programs for prostate cancer.
No Generalized Skin Phototoxicity after Intravesical Application of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid for Fluorescence Diagnosis ofSuperficial Bladder Cancer
Authors: Filbeck T. , Wimmershoff M.B. , Pichlmeier U. , Karrer S. , Wieland W.F. , Szeimies R.-M. , Rössler W. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Introduction:</i> A prospective monocenter open study was carried out to evaluate if generalized phototoxic skin reactions occur after intravesical application of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for fluorescence diagnosis of superficial bladder carcinomas. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> On 21 patients, skin phototoxicity was determined prior to as well as 4, 8 and 28 h after intravesical instillation of a 3% ALA solution by exposing small skin areas to a progressively graded series of defined UVA-light doses (n = 9; 5–80 J/cm<sup>2</sup>). <i>Results:</i> Prior to ALA instillation, erythema or pigmentation as signs of cutaneous phototoxicity occurred at an UVA-light dose of 28 ± 1.5 J/cm<sup>2</sup> (mean ± SEM). A reduction of the minimal phototoxic dose (MPD) was not detected 4 (28 ± 1.9 J/cm<sup>2</sup>), 8 (28 ± 1.6 J/cm<sup>2</sup>) and 28 h (28 ± 1.5 J/cm<sup>2</sup>) after ALA instillation. Consequently phototoxic reactions were not observed. <i>Conclusions:</i> A reduction of MPD for UVA was not detected. Therefore, it is not necessary to protect the skin of patients from ambient or daylight after intravesical instillation of ALA for fluorescence diagnosis.
Determination of Concentration of Cytosolic NADH-Cytochrome b5 Reductase in Erythrocytes from Normal Chinese Adults, Neonates and Patients with Hereditary Methemoglobinemia by Double-Antibody Sandwich ELISA
Authors: Lan Fenghua , Tang Yuchai , Huang Changhui , Zhu Zhongyong 
Published: April 2003

NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R), present in various tissues of the body, is a redox enzyme of multiple functions. The deficiency of the enzyme leads to hereditary methemoglobinemia. With rabbit anti-b5R antibody for plate coating and enzyme-labeled anti-b5R monoclonal antibody as reporter, we have developed a sandwich ELISA procedure for the determination of b5R concentration. This procedure is sensitive to a wide range of linearity, and convenient in coping with large numbers of samples. Using this novel method, cytosolic b5R concentration in the erythrocytes of 30 normal Chinese adults was estimated to be 25.63±8.54 ng/mg Hb. It was found that the concentration of red cell soluble b5R of five newborns was significantly lower than that of normal adults and soluble b5R was undetectable in the erythrocytes of 4 patients with type I hereditary methemoglobinemia. Our results demonstrated that the reduced b5R activity in red cell cytosol of both neonates and type I hereditary methemoglobinemic patients results largely or mainly from the lowered b5R concentration. Our novel method might be further exploited for in-depth investigation of the relationship between the qualitative and quantitative changes of b5R with regard to physiological and pathological conditions.
Epoetin Alfa in Low Hematocrit Patients to Facilitate Autologous Blood Donation in Total Hip Replacement: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled, Dose-Ranging Study
Authors: Mercuriali F. , Inghilleri G. , Biffi E. , Colotti M.T. , Vinci A. , Oriani G. 
Published: April 2003

We investigated the safety and efficacy of preoperative epoetin alfa used in conjunction with preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) in 40 anemic orthopedic surgical patients undergoing hip replacement surgery [hematocrit (Hct) ≤39%]. Patients were randomized 25–35 days before surgery to twice weekly intravenous (i.v.) epoetin alfa (300, 150, or 75 IU/kg) or placebo treatments supplemented with 200 mg i.v. iron. Epoetin alfa facilitated dose-dependent increases in PAD (4.3 units, 300 IU/kg; 3.4 units, 150 IU/kg; 3.0 units, 75 IU/kg; 2.1 units, placebo), and minimized reductions in Hct associated with repeated phlebotomy. All epoetin alfa doses were well tolerated and safe. Our results indicate that preoperative epoetin alfa dose-dependently stimulates erythropoiesis and facilitates PAD in anemic orthopedic patients, which may benefit patients by reducing their exposure to the risks of allogeneic transfusion, hastening recovery and discharge from hospital.
Complete Blood Counts from Umbilical Cords of Healthy Term Newborns by Two Automated Cytometers
Authors: Walka M.M. , Sonntag J. , Kage A. , Dudenhausen J.W. , Obladen M. 
Published: April 2003

Complete blood counts (CBC) of umbilical cord blood from 123 healthy term newborns were simultaneously performed with two different cytometers using laser as a light source. Medians (95% range) were: WBC 14.2 (7.8–24.3) × 10<sup>9</sup>/l, platelets 265 (174–363) × 10<sup>9</sup>/l, Hb 15.7 (12.5–18.2) g/dl, RBC 4.6 (3.9–5.5) × 10<sup>12</sup>/l, MCV 106 (95–113) fl, PCV 0.49 (0.40–0.56), and MCH 33.8 (30.3–36.4) pg. Reticulocytes were 149 (95–212) × 10<sup>9</sup>/l or 3.3 (2.0–4.7)%; erythroblasts 5 (0–24) per 100 WBC or 0.53 (0.00–3.20) × 10<sup>9</sup>/l. The counters agreed well except for MCHC. WBC counts showed the smallest difference irrespective of erythroblast number; platelets showed the largest difference. The lower limit for normal Hb should be fixed at 12.5 g/dl for the adequate diagnosis of anaemia from cord blood of term newborns.
Antigenic Phenotyping of Lymphoid Cells and B Cell Gene Rearrangement in Type B Gastritis and in Gastritis Not Associated with <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Colonization
Authors: Fritscher-Ravens A. , Petrasch S. , Tiemann M. , Wacker H. , Dörr T. , Kemmeries G. , Hilgers W. , Reinacher-Schick A. , Kunstmann E. , Schmiegel W. 
Published: April 2003

Marginal-zone B cells of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) are the normal counterpart of the neoplastic cells in MALT lymphoma. In both cases these lymphocytes express surface immunoglobulins, but are negative when stained for B cell associated antigens like CD10 and CD23. Furthermore, the B cell gene rearrangement has been found in <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> associated chronic gastritis and in extranodal type of marginal-zone lymphoma. The aim of this study was to quantify the number of IgM-, CD10-, and CD23-positive lymphocytes in patients with type B gastritis and to compare the results with the antigen profile of mononuclear cells in patients with gastritis not associated with <i>H. pylori</i>. Additionally, the immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) gene rearrangement in <i>H. pylori</i> positive and <i>H. pylori</i> negative gastritis was studied. From 23 patients with a positive urease test and/or histologically proven <i>H. pylori</i> infection and chronic gastritis and from 22 patients with <i>H. pylori</i> negative chronic gastritis mucosa biopsy specimens were taken. Single-cell suspensions were obtained following enzymatic digestion. For immunocytochemistry, an alkaline phosphatase-antialkaline phosphatase method was applied. IgH gene rearrangement in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens was determined by polymerase chain reaction in 11 patients with chronic gastritis. An increase in mu-positive plasma cells and B lymphocytes was detected in patients with <i>H. pylori</i> positive gastritis as compared with patients with <i>H. pylori</i> negative gastritis (10.0 vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001, and 4.3 vs. 1.6%, p < 0.01, respectively). In both groups, the proportion of CD10- and CD23-positive lymphocytes was <1%. IgH gene rearrangement was not restricted to type B gastritis; single bands were also present in 3 of 7 patients with <i>H. pylori</i> negative chronic gastritis. Our finding of IgH gene rearrangement in some of the patients with <i>H. pylori</i> negative chronic gastritis indicates that additional factors may be critical for these genotypical changes and for the pathogenesis of gastric MALT lymphoma.
Gene Rearrangements in Bone Marrow Cells of Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Authors: Schmetzer H.M. , Braun S. , Wiesner D. , Duell T. , Gerhartz H.H. , Mittermueller J. 
Published: April 2003

At diagnosis, clonal gene rearrangement probes [retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-α, major breakpoint cluster region (M-bcr), immunoglobulin (Ig)-JH, T cell receptor (TcR)-β, myeloid lymphoid leukemia (MLL) or cytokine genes (GM-CSF, G-CSF, IL-3)] were detected in bone marrow samples from 71 of 153 patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (46%): in 41 patients with primary AML (pAML) (58%) and in 30 patients with secondary AML (42%). In all cases with promyelocytic leukemia (AML-M3) RAR-α gene rearrangements were detected (n = 9). Gene rearrangements in the Ig-JH or the TcR-β or GM-CSF or IL-3 or MLL gene were detected in 12, 10, 16 and 12% of the cases, respectively, whereas only few cases showed gene rearrangements in the M-bcr (6%) or G-CSF gene (3%). Survival of pAML patients with TcR-β gene rearrangements was longer and survival of pAML patients with IL-3 or GM-CSF gene rearrangement was shorter than in patients without those rearrangements. No worse survival outcome was seen in patients with rearrangements in the MLL, Ig-JH or M-bcr gene. In remission of AML (CR), clonal gene rearrangements were detected in 23 of 48 cases (48%) if samples were taken once in CR, in 23 of 26 cases (88%) if samples were taken twice in CR and in 23 of 23 cases (100%) if samples were studied three times in CR. All cases with gene rearrangements at diagnosis showed the same kind of rearrangement at <i>relapse</i> of the disease (n = 12). Our data show that (1) populations with clonal gene rearrangements can be regularly detected at diagnosis, in CR and at relapse of AML. (2) Certain gene rearrangements that are detectable at diagnosis have a prognostic significance for the patients’ outcome. Our results point out the significance of gene rearrangement analyses at diagnosis of AML in order to identify ‘poor risk’ patients – independently of the karyotype. Moreover, the persistence of clonal cells in the further course of AML can be studied by gene rearrangement analysis.
Thrombopoietic Cytokines in Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia with or without Thrombocytosis
Authors: Akan Hamdi , Güven Nilüfer , Ayogdu İsmet , Arat Mutlu , Beksaç Meral , Dalva Klara 
Published: April 2003

Iron deficiency anemia is a cause of reactive thrombocytosis. A moderate increase in platelet numbers is common but sometimes counts may exceed 1,000 × 10<sup>9</sup>/l. The mechanisms causing reactive thrombocytosis are unclear. In this study, we evaluated 15 women with iron deficiency anemia and thrombocytosis (platelets >450 × 10<sup>9</sup>/l) and 16 women with iron deficiency anemia with normal platelet counts. Serum samples were taken before oral iron replacement therapy, after 1 and 3 months and at the end of replacement therapy. Thrombopoietin, erythropoietin (EPO), leukemia inhibitory factor, interleukin-6 and interleukin-11 levels were assayed. There was no change in the levels of thrombopoietic cytokines except for EPO. The correlation between high EPO levels and high platelet counts may suggest that EPO increases platelet counts, but the same EPO level changes can also be demonstrated in women with iron deficiency anemia but normal initial platelet counts. The fact that the levels of other cytokines remained unchanged during treatment suggests that either these cytokines have no effect on reactive thrombocytosis or the change in platelet counts in our patients is in a narrow range and is thus not affected by the cytokine levels.
Fatal Sepsis from Vibrio vulnificus in a Hemodialyzed Patient
Authors: Stabellini N. , Camerani A. , Lambertini D. , Rossi M.R. , Bettoli V. , Virgili A. , Gilli P. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Vibrio vulnificus,</i> a particularly virulent halophilic vibrio, has been isolated from the blood and skin necrotic lesion of a hemodialyzed patient with sepsis. The patient has had exposure of the skin to seawater. Various chronic conditions including renal failure have a great risk for developing septicemia due to <i>V. vulnificus.</i> It is necessary to inform persons with liver diseases or immunocompromising conditions of hazards associated with the consumption of undercooked seafood and seawater exposure.
Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C in Hemodialysis Patients: Increased Serum Levels of Interferon
Authors: Uchihara Masakatsu , Izumi Namiki , Sakai Yoshinori , Yauchi Tsunehito , Miyake Shozo , Sakai Takahiro , Akiba Takashi , Marumo Fumiaki , Sato Chifumi 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background/Aims:</b> The efficacy and side effects of interferon (IFN) therapy have not been well clarified in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C. <b>Methods:</b> In 6 of 9 hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C, 3 million units (MU) or 6 MU of recombinant IFN-α2b or natural IFN-α were administered intramuscularly daily for the first 2 weeks, followed by three times a week for 22 weeks. In the remaining 3 patients, 3 MU of IFN-α2b were given three times a week for 24 weeks. Serum concentrations of IFN-α2b were measured sequentially after the injection of interferon. Responders were defined as the patients with normal serum aminotransferase and negative serum HCV RNA 6 months after the cessation of IFN therapy. <b>Results:</b> Three of the 6 patients who were administered IFN daily in the first 2 weeks were responders, while the other 3 withdrew from the therapy due to serious adverse events such as depression, loss of consciousness and persistence of high-grade fever. Serious adverse events were not observed in the 3 patients without daily administration. Half-lives of IFN-α2b in hemodialysis patients were significantly longer than those in nonuremic patients (10.0 vs. 6.0 h, p < 0.05). Moreover, the areas under the serum concentration curve of the hemodialysis patients were significantly larger than those of nonuremic patients (756 ± 223 vs. 324 ± 223 IU·h/ml, p < 0.05), despite the fact that the dose of IFN-α administered to hemodialysis patients was half that administered to nonuremic patients. <b>Conclusions:</b> In hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C, pharmacokinetic parameters of IFN may be different from those in nonuremic patients, and daily or high-dose administration of IFN may lead to serious adverse events in those patients.
Different Actions of the Cyclooxygenase 2 Selective Inhibitor Flosulide in Rats with Passive Heymann Nephritis
Authors: Heise Gunhild , Grabensee Bernd , Schrör Karsten , Heering Peter 
Published: April 2003

The prostaglandin cyclooxygenase (Cox) exists in two isoforms with different genetic representation. The isoform, which is constitutively expressed (Cox 1), and mediates physiological functions of prostaglandins, and the inducible isoform (Cox 2) which is upregulated by inflammatory stimuli. This study attempts to determine whether a Cox 2 selective inhibitor, flosulide, differs from the mixed type Cox 1 and Cox 2 inhibitor aspirin in respect of renal function and eicosanoid excretion in experimental nephritis. The effects of flosulide and aspirin were studied during the autologous phase of passive Heymann nephritis (PHN) in rats. Female Wistar rats were injected i.v. with 1 ml of Fx1A antiserum at day 1. From day 7 to day 14 they received either aspirin (aspirin, 50 mg/day), flosulide, (0.75 mg/day) or vehicle p.o. The kidney function was evaluated and the animals sacrificed. The kidneys were removed and glomeruli isolated. The glomeruli were incubated in physiological buffer solution. Basal prostaglandin generation was determined in the supernatant. Treatment with flosulide significantly reduced proteinuria as compared to aspirin treatment (64±15 vs. 109±14 mg/24 h, p < 0.05). Plasma protein and albumin levels were significantly lower in the aspirin-treated group than in flosulide-treated animals (4.7±0.26 vs. 5.48±0.08 mg/dl, p < 0.05 and 0.96±0.04 vs. 1.25±0.10 mg/dl, p < 0.05). Glomerular prostaglandin production (6-keto-PGF<sub>1α</sub>, TxB<sub>2</sub>, Bicyclo-PGE<sub>2</sub>) was significantly reduced in aspirin-, but not in flosulide-treated animals. This was mainly due to a reduction of glomerular TxB<sub>2</sub> production by aspirin. Our data demonstrate that a Cox 2 selective inhibitor of prostaglandin formation, flosulide, has beneficial effects on preservation of kidney function in rats with PHN, whereas aspirin has not. These beneficial effects of flosulide possibly result from preservation of the physiological glomerular prostaglandin production. Thus, selective Cox 2 inhibitors might be interesting substances for treatment of nephrotic syndrome.
Plasma and Urinary Levels of Adrenomedullin in Chronic Glomerulonephritis Patients with Proteinuria
Authors: Kubo Atsushi , Kurioka Hideyuki , Minamino Naoto , Nishitani Yoshiharu , Sato Hiroaki , Nishino Toshihiko , Iwano Masayuki , Shiiki Hideo , Kangawa Kenji , Matsuo Hisayuki , Dohi Kazuhiro 
Published: April 2003

In this study, we measured levels of plasma and urinary adrenomedullin (AM) in 37 patients with chronic glomerulonephritis including minimal change nephrotic syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or membranous nephropathy that can induce severe proteinuria. Thirty-nine healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. Plasma and urinary AM levels were measured by an AM-specific radioimmunoassay. Plasma AM concentrations were higher and urinary AM levels were lower in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis than in healthy volunteers. Patients were divided into two groups according to urinary excretion of protein for 24 h (UPro, g/day) which reflects the disease activity or glomerular damage of the glomerulonephritis (group I: Upro < 1, group II: Upro ≥ 1). Plasma AM levels positively and urinary AM-levels negatively correlated with the degree of proteinuria. These results suggest that plasma and urinary AM levels in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis reflect the disease activity or glomerular damage represented by the degree of proteinuria.
Coronary Artery Diameter and Left Ventricular Function in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis Treatment: Comparison between Diabetic and Nondiabetic Patients
Authors: Hatada K. , Sugiura T. , Nakamura S. , Kamihata H. , Fujimoto T. , Baden M. , Takahashi N. , Iwasaka T. 
Published: April 2003

<b>Background/Aims: </b>This study examined the role of diabetes mellitus on determining left ventricular function by evaluating coronary artery diameter in patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis treatment. <b>Methods: </b>We studied 12 diabetic and 12 nondiabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis treatment without significant stenoses of the major epicardial coronary arteries. Patients were matched for age, sex distribution, duration of dialysis and incidence of major coronary risk factors. Left ventricular wall thickness (septal and posterior walls) and left ventricular diameter (end-diastolic and systolic phases), were measured by echocardiography. Hemodynamic measurements and coronary angiography were performed on the day of hemodialysis and coronary artery diameter at the proximal and mid portion of three major coronary arteries were measured using the computed densitometry method. <b>Results: </b>Right and left anterior descending and circumflex coronary artery diameters were all significantly smaller and the frequency of coronary artery calcification was higher in diabetic (58%) compared to nondiabetic (8%) patients. Although there were no significant differences in left ventricular wall thickness, left ventricular diameter, mean right atrial pressure and cardiac index between the two groups, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure was significantly higher in diabetic (22 ± 9 mm Hg) compared to nondiabetic patients (14 ± 5 mm Hg). <b>Conclusion: </b>Despite that there were no significant stenoses of the major epicardial coronary arteries, diffuse luminal narrowing of the epicardial coronary arteries in diabetic patients on maintenance hemodialysis treatment was associated with increased left ventricular end-diastolic pressure.