bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular Characterization of Thalassemia intermedia Associated with HPFH-6/β-Thalassemia and HPFH-6/Hb E in Thai Patients
Authors: Fucharoen Supan , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Surapot Satja 
Published: April 2003

We report the molecular and hematological characterizations of thalassemia caused by interactions of the hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH)-6 with β-thalassemia in 2 Thai patients and the HPFH-6 with Hb E in another Thai patient. Marked hypochromic microcytosis, characteristics of thalassemia intermedia, were obvious in the former 2 cases but the latter had much milder clinical phenotype with normal Hb and a slightly reduced mean corpuscular volume (MCV) value. Hb analysis revealed no Hb A but Hb A<sub>2</sub>F patterns in the compound HPFH-6/β-thalassemia patients and the EF pattern in the HPFH-6/Hb E patient. The <sup>G</sup>γ-globin chain predominated in all cases. Globin gene analyses demonstrated that all patients carried the 101-kb HPFH-6 deletion in <i>trans</i> to the β-thalassemia genes with the IVS1#5 G–C mutation and the G insertion between codons 8/9 and the β<sup>E</sup>-gene, respectively. Hematologic data of the patients were compared to those of the HPFH-6 heterozygotes found in their family members and different genotype-phenotype interactions of this HPFH determinant in these Thai patients are illustrated.
Cytokines Accumulated in Acquired Renal Cysts in Long-Term Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ito Fumio , Nakazawa Hayakazu , Ryoji Osamu , Okuda Hisashi , Toma Hiroshi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> Cytokines play a pivotal role in growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. In this study, we measured cytokine content in the renal cyst fluid of patients with acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACDK) in order to elucidate the possibility that cytokines are related to the development of ACDK. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> All or some of 15 cytokines, IL-1a, -1b, -2, -4, -5, -6, -8, -10, IFN-α, -γ, G-, M-, GM-CSF, TNF-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were analyzed in cyst fluid and serum of 12 patients on hemodialysis (HD) including 8 with ACDK and 8 with normally functioning kidneys by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. <i>Results:</i> Out of these cytokines, only IL-6, -8, M-CSF, and VEGF were detected in the cyst fluid of patients with ACDK. Moreover, IL-6, -8, and VEGF showed significantly higher concentrations in the cyst fluid than in the blood (194.9 ± 90.9 vs. 0.0 ± 0.0 pg/ml, 2,377.5 ± 602.9 vs. 0.0 ± 0.0 pg/ml, 5,167.8 ± 1,316.9 vs. 41.1 ± 14.7 pg/ml, respectively), while M-CSF showed comparable concentrations in the cyst fluid with those in the blood (3,519.4 ± 730.0 vs. 3,250.3 ± 319.1 pg/ml, p = 0.69). Additionally, IL-6, -8, and VEGF accumulated more abundantly in the cyst fluid of patients with ACDK than in that of patients with other cystic nephropathies including ADPKD patients on HD (194.9 ± 90.0 vs. 4.6 ± 3.2 pg/ml, 2,377.5 ± 602.9 vs. 76.8 ± 46.5 pg/ml, 5,167.8 ± 1,316.9 vs. 131.1 ± 63.1 pg/ml, respectively). However, there was no significant correlation between the intracystic concentrations of these cytokines and the corresponding cyst diameters. <i>Conclusion:</i> These results showed that in ACDK patients a local environment exists in which production or accumulation of certain cytokines is selectively enhanced compared with patients with other cystic nephropathies. They imply that these cytokines are closely related to pathogenesis particular to ACDK.
The ‘Wing’ versus the ‘Vapor Cut’ Electrodes in Transurethral Electrovaporization-Resection of the Prostate: Comparative Changes in Safety Parameters
Authors: Talic R.F. , Al Kudair W.K. , El Tiraifi A.E. , Al Bogami N.M. , Mansi M.K. , Altaf S. , Hargreaves T.B. 
Published: April 2003

We compared the early safety features of two-band resection devices used in transurethral vaporization-resection of the prostate (TUVRP). Ninety patients with prostatic outflow obstruction were prospectively evaluated in two open studies for the treatment using the ‘Wing’ cutting electrode in group 1 (Richard Wolf, Germany) and the ‘Vapor Cut’ electrode in group 2 (Karl Storz, Germany). Patients in both groups were comparable in age, presentation, prostate size and blood parameters. Safety features evaluated included changes in serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, sodium concentration and incidence of side effects. The mean drop in hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum sodium 1 h postoperatively for the Wing group were 0.54 g/dl, 2.04 ml/dl and 0.084 mEq/l respectively compared to a mean drop of 1.1 g/dl, 3.07 ml/dl and 3.1 mEq/l in the Vapor Cut group. These differences were statistically significant (p = 0.004, 0.03 and <0.0001 respectively). The mean resection weight was 24.78 ± 10.4 and 24.46 ± 14.79 g in groups 1 and 2, respectively; however, the mean operation time was significantly longer in the Wing group (47.7 vs. 37.1 min, p = 0.003). We conclude that both loops were safe and efficacious in the treatment of patients with prostatic outflow obstruction. Safety features that are related to the vaporization effect are influenced by the speed of resection.
Oral Bioavailability of Gatifloxacin in Healthy Volunteers under Fasting and Fed Conditions
Authors: Mignot Alain , Guillaume Michel , Göhler Karin , Stahlberg Hans-Jürgen 
Published: April 2003

The effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of gatifloxacin given as a single oral dose of 400 mg under fasting and fed conditions was determined in 18 healthy male volunteers in an open, two-way, randomised cross-over study. Concomitant food intake did not significantly alter the peak plasma concentrations (C<sub>max</sub>) or the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) of gatifloxacin. The mean C<sub>max</sub> levels under fasting and fed conditions were 3.5 and 3.2 mg/l, respectively, after the 400-mg single dose of gatifloxacin. The corresponding mean AUC data were 32.8 mg × h/l (fasted) and 30.5 mg × h/l (fed). Moreover, the rate of absorption was not affected by food intake. The median T<sub>max</sub> value was 2 h in both treatment periods. No clinically relevant adverse effects or changes in clinical laboratory test results, ECGs or physical examinations were observed. The results of this study indicate that gatifloxacin given as a single 400-mg oral dose was well tolerated in the presence or absence of food. Concomitant administration of a continental breakfast with a caloric content of 1,050 kcal had no effect on the bioavailability of gatifloxacin. It is suggested that gatifloxacin can be given without regard to meals.
Effect of Ticlopidine Hydrochloride on Erythropoietin-Induced Rise in Blood Pressure in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Kusano E. , Inoue M. , Akai Y. , Furuya H. , Ando Y. , Tabei K. , Asano Y. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background/Aims:</i> A recent observation that antiplatelet-aggregation drugs, including ticlopidine hydrochloride, may prevent erythropoietin (EPO)-induced rise in blood pressure in hemodialysis (HD) patients remains a subject of particular interest. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ticlopidine hydrochloride on EPO-induced rise in blood pressure of HD patients with special reference to blood levels of vasoactive substances. <i>Methods:</i> HD patients who showed hypertension or aggravation of preceding hypertension with EPO treatment were selected for this study. Ticlopidine hydrochloride was administered at a dose of 200 mg daily for 4 weeks. Blood pressure and serum levels of nitric oxide (NO), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and endothelin (ET) were determined before and after drug administration. Patients were divided into two groups, one of which showed a drop in mean blood pressure (MBP) of >10 mm Hg (group I) and one which did not (group II), and a comparison was made between them with respect to the blood parameters. <i>Results:</i> Five of 15 patients showed a drop of MBP of >10 mm Hg (group I), and 10 patients did not show any change in MBP (group II). In group I, there was a significant increase in blood NO levels compared to the concentrations before ticlopidine administration, while there was no change in group II. With respect to ANP and ET, there was no significant change in either of the groups. <i>Conclusion:</i> The findings suggest that the preventive effect of ticlopidine hydrochloride on EPO-induced rise in blood pressure may partly be related to the enhancement of NO production in patients on maintenance HD.
The Effects of Protein, Red Blood Cells and Whole Blood on PS Valve Function
Authors: Baird Clint , Farner Staci , Mohr Clinton , Pittman Thomas 
Published: April 2003

We tested the performance of low- and medium-pressure PS flow control valves as they were perfused with (1) solutions with varying concentrations of protein, (2) solutions with varying numbers of red blood cells (RBC) or (3) solutions with varying concentrations of whole blood. Perfusion was performed with a peristaltic pump at a constant rate and each trial lasted 2 weeks or until valve failure. Mean valve pressures were measured and recorded electronically, and opening and closing pressures were obtained at baseline and at the end of the perfusion period or upon valve failure. Any buildup of material within the valve was noted and recorded. Our findings were as follows: (1) protein levels have little practical effect on valve function; (2) moderate numbers of RBC cause increased variability in valve function while large numbers of RBC uniformly lead to valve failure; (3) prolonged perfusion with solutions of dilute whole blood is poorly tolerated, and (4) valve failure is preceded by a period of increased variability in perfusion pressure.
Corticosteroid-Resistant Pyoderma gangrenosum Associated with Crohn’s Disease: Rapid Cure with Infliximab
Authors: Grange F. , Djilali-Bouzina F. , Weiss A.M. , Polette A. , Guillaume J.C. 
Published: April 2003

A 41-year-old woman with Crohn’s disease had a severe and rapidly extensive corticosteroid-resistant pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) of the leg. She had been treated 2 years previously with antibiotics and surgery for a similar lesion of the back of the hand which had been diagnosed as a fulminating infection. Infliximab 5 mg/kg was given at weeks 0, 5 and 9. A dramatic response was observed within 72 h with a favourable effect persisting for 4 weeks after each infliximab infusion. A complete healing was achieved at week 11. This case illustrates that (1) PG of the hand is frequently misdiagnosed as an infection and treated with inappropriate therapies; (2) infliximab may be an interesting alternative in corticosteroid-resistant PG associated with Crohn’s disease.
Efficient Haemodialysis Improves the Response to Hepatitis B Virus Vaccination
Authors: Kovacic Vedran , Sain Milenka , Vukman Valentina 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> As patients on chronic haemodialysis (PCHD) elicit a weaker response to vaccination with recombinant hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), we conducted this study to see how dialysis efficacy affects response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination. <i>Methods:</i> Study subjects consisted of 30 PCHD. All subjects were vaccinated with 4 × 40 µg HBsAg i.m. at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months. If a subject had an HBsAg antibody (HBsAb) level <10 IU/l after vaccination, he or she received a booster dose. Subjects were divided into groups according to the level of HBsAb: non-responders (<10 IU/l), weak responders (10–100 IU/l), and good responders (>100 IU/l).<i> Results: </i>The group of responders had a significantly more efficient dialysis (Kt/V) than the group of non-responders (p = 0.027). This difference was not observed between groups of non-responders and weak responders. The group of good responders had a significantly better Kt/V than the group of non-responders (p = 0.012). Good responders had a significantly better Kt/V than weak responders (p = 0.019). Kt/V values showed a significantly positive correlation with the HBsAb level (r = 0.47; p = 0.006). <i>Conclusions:</i> The HBV vaccination reaction was weaker in PCHD with inefficient dialysis. Efficient haemodialysis significantly improves the response to vaccination with recombinant HBsAg.
An Acoustic Study of Contrasting Plosives and Click Accompaniments in Xhosa
Authors: Jessen Michael 
Published: April 2003

AbstractThe phonetic manifestation of distinctive plosive types and click accompaniments in Xhosa was investigated with measurements of voice onset time (VOT), closure duration, voicing during closure, and burst amplitude. There is a high degree of interspeaker as well as token-to-token variability in the voiceless unaspirated plosives and clicks concerning their pronunciation with or without audible ejection. The plosives are much more frequently ejective than the corresponding clicks. If present, ejection is manifested by increased VOT, burst amplitude, or both. Duration of voicing during closure is substantial only in the implosive, but not in the ‘voiced’ plosives and clicks. After nasals the percentage of voicing during closure is high in ‘voiced’ plosives due to the very short closure duration found in that context; in the post-nasal ‘voiced’ clicks closure is mostly reduced to zero. Aspirated plosives and clicks in Xhosa show VOT values that are on average relatively long when compared to other languages. Closure duration tends to be shorter in aspirated plosives and clicks than in other categories.
Transfection of p27<sup>Kip1</sup> Threonine Residue 187 Mutant Type Gene, Which Is Not Influenced by Ubiquitin-Mediated Degradation, Induces Cell Cycle Arrest in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Kudo Yasusei , Kitajima Shojiro , Sato Sunao , Ogawa Ikuko , Miyauchi Mutsumi , Takata Takashi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> It is well known that reduction of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27<sup>Kip1</sup> protein correlates with the malignant behavior of various cancers including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The loss of p27<sup>Kip1</sup> protein is suggested to be due to the enhancement of its posttranslational degradation. In the present study, to evaluate the effects of p27<sup>Kip1</sup> transfection on the cell cycle, we transfected OSCC cell lines with a high activity of p27<sup>Kip1</sup> degradation with p27<sup>Kip1</sup> threonine 187-to-alanine (T187A) mutant gene, which is not influenced by ubiquitin-mediated degradation, as well as with wild type gene. <i>Methods:</i> We transfected p27<sup>Kip1</sup> T187A mutant and wild type gene into OSCC cell lines (HSC2 and HSC3) by using an ecdysone-inducible gene expression system. <i>Results:</i> After treatment with ponasterone A, we could find an induction of both p27<sup>Kip1</sup> wild type and T187A mutant protein. Both wild type and T187A mutant protein induced by 5 µ<i>M</i> ponasterone A inhibited cell growth and increased cell number at the G1 phase. After treatment with 1 µ<i>M</i> ponasterone A, ectopic p27<sup>Kip1</sup> protein was degraded in wild type clones, but not in T187A mutant clones. Moreover, transfection of the T187A mutant gene was more effective in inhibiting cell growth even by induction of a small amount of protein. <i>Conclusion:</i> We suggest that the transfection of the p27<sup>Kip1</sup> T187A mutant gene can be a modality of cancer gene therapy for OSCC.
Combination Therapy with Granisetron, Methylprednisolone and Droperidol as an Antiemetic Prophylaxis in CDDP-Induced Delayed Emesis for Gynecologic Cancer
Authors: Sagae Satoru , Ishioka Shin-ichi , Fukunaka Noriyoshi , Terasawa Katsuhiko , Kobayashi Kanji , Sugimura Masaki , Nishioka Yoshihiro , Kudo Ryuichi , Minami Masaru 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To better control both acute and delayed emesis resulting from cisplatin(CDDP)-based chemotherapy for gynecological malignancies, we designed a ‘cocktail therapy’ (CCT) using granisetron (GRN) in combination with methylprednisolone (MPD) plus droperidol (DRP). <i>Methods:</i> Two crossover clinical trials were carried out to compare the efficacy and safety of (a) GRN alone (3 mg/patient) with that of GRN, MPD (250 mg/patient) and DRP (0.5 ml/patient) in 42 patients (CCT group) and (b) GRN and MPD (CMB group) with that of the CCT group in 27 patients during the first 7 days of chemotherapy, independent of the weight/body surface of the patients. One of these regimens was administered intravenously for the first 3 days of chemotherapy, in case of failure for a maximum of 5 days. <i>Results:</i> For acute emesis, complete protection from nausea and vomiting by the end of the 1st day was achieved in 64.3% receiving GRN and in 92.9% receiving CCT (p < 0.01). For delayed emesis, complete protection was best achieved in CCT on days 2–3, showing statistical significance compared to GRN treatment (p < 0.01). Comparing the three kinds of treatment during 7 days, the lowest protection was 38.1% in the GRN group, 51.9% in the CMB group and 72.5% in the CCT group, especially on days 2 or 3. <i>Conclusions:</i> The CCT combination is useful for the control of delayed and/or anticipatory emesis resulting from CDDP-based chemotherapy for women with gynecological malignancies.
Fluoride Concentration and pH of Iced Tea Products
Authors: Behrendt Annekathrin , Oberste Volker , Wetzel Willi Eckhard 
Published: April 2003

The objective of this study was to determine the fluoride concentration and pH of 44 iced tea samples and hence to assess the possible role of these beverages as systemic fluoride source as well as their potential cariogenic and erosive character. Ten tea samples were available as a granular instant powder, and 34 as ready-to-drink liquid products. The iced teas contained different types of sugar alone or in combination with maltodextrin, glucose syrup and noncaloric sweeteners. In one product, only acesulfame and aspartame were established. All samples contained lemon juice or citric acid as an additive. The pH ranged from 4.04 to 2.63 and the titrated amount of base to pH 7.0 from 0.75 to 2.39 mmol NaOH/50 ml. The fluoride concentrations measured were <0.6 ppm in 14 products, 0.6–1.0 ppm in 10 products, 1.1–1.5 ppm in 16 products, 1.6–2.0 ppm in 2, and >2.0 ppm in another 2 products. In conclusion, most of the iced teas studied contained considerable fluoride concentrations. If infants ingest larger amounts of them because of their sweet taste, there is a risk of uncontrolled overdosing as a result of additional fluoride intake from other sources at the same time. Furthermore, the majority of the products revealed a highly cariogenic character and finally, all the iced teas appear to be acidic enough to cause dental erosion if these refreshments were excessively consumed from nursing bottles.
Crossover Comparison of Efficacy and Preference for Rizatriptan 10 mg versus Ergotamine/Caffeine in Migraine
Authors: Christie Suzanne , Göbel Hartmut , Mateos Valentin , Allen Christopher , Vrijens France , Shivaprakash Malathi 
Published: April 2003

Rizatriptan is a selective 5-HT<sub>1B/1D</sub> receptor agonist with rapid oral absorption and early onset of action in the acute treatment of migraine. This randomized double- blind crossover outpatient study assessed the preference for 1 rizatriptan 10 mg tablet to 2 ergotamine 1 mg/caffeine 100 mg tablets in 439 patients treating a single migraine attack with each therapy. Of patients expressing a preference (89.1%), more than twice as many preferred rizatriptan to ergotamine/caffeine (69.9 vs. 30.1%, p ≤ 0.001). Faster relief of headache was the most important reason for preference, cited by 67.3% of patients preferring rizatriptan and 54.2% of patients who preferred ergotamine/caffeine. The co-primary endpoint of being pain free at 2 h was also in favor of rizatriptan. Forty-nine percent of patients were pain free 2 h after rizatriptan, compared with 24.3% treated with ergotamine/caffeine (p ≤ 0.001), rizatriptan being superior within 1 h of treatment. Headache relief at 2 h was 75.9% for rizatriptan and 47.3% for ergotamine/caffeine (p ≤ 0.001), with rizatriptan being superior to ergotamine/caffeine within 30 min of dosing. Almost 36% of patients taking rizatriptan were pain free at 2 h and had no recurrence or need for additional medication within 24 h, compared to 20% of patients on ergotamine/caffeine (p ≤ 0.001). Rizatriptan was also superior to ergotamine/caffeine in the proportions of patients with no nausea, vomiting, phonophobia or photophobia and for patients with normal function 2 h after drug intake (p ≤ 0.001). More patients were (completely, very or somewhat) satisfied 2 h after treatment with rizatriptan (69.8%) than at 2 h after treatment with ergotamine/caffeine (38.6%, p ≤ 0.001). Recurrence rates were 31.4% with rizatriptan and 15.3% with ergotamine/caffeine. Both active treatments were well tolerated. The most common adverse events (incidence ≧5% in one group) after rizatriptan and ergotamine/caffeine, respectively, were dizziness (6.7 and 5.3%), nausea (4.2 and 8.5%) and somnolence (5.5 and 2.3%).
Early Detection of Lung Disease and Its Association with the Nutritional Status, Genetic Background and Life Events in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kraemer Richard , Aebi Christoph , Casaulta Aebischer Carmen , Gallati Sabina 
Published: April 2003

Progression of lung disease is the most prominent cause of morbidity and death in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but the severity of lung disease and the rate of lung function decline are highly variable. An attempt was made to define accurate estimates of disease progression in these patients early diagnosed and prospectively evaluated until 10 years of age. The primary question to ask was whether functional abnormalities detected already in infancy are associated with functional derangements later on in life, and may be useful as parameters of prognostic value. Early diagnosis of CF can best be achieved by screening of mutation by new techniques (buccal cell brushing) in infants, even when the sweat test or accurate blood sampling is not available. Moreover, in infants lung function can be assessed by infant whole-body plethysmography enabling the study of the interrelationship with delayed weight gain and growth retardation, as well as the associations with the most common disease-causing mutations. Out of a cohort of 80 infants (39 males, 41 females) with CF a follow-up study was started with 50 CF infants diagnosed during infancy (mean age 4.6 ± 4.0 months; range 0.1–12.7 months) and prospectively evaluated at 6-month intervals during the first 2 years of life. Moreover, in 32 CF children out of this cohort, follow-up was continued until 10 years of age. Differences were encountered with respect to the different events occurring during the first years of life, especially the onset of chronic colonization with <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa.</i> The association between infant lung function and specific mutations (ΔF508 homozygotes, frameshift ΔF508/3905insT compound heterozygotes and nonsense ΔF508/R553X compound heterozygotes) furthermore revealed that differences in lung function within the genetic groups are mainly related to the degree of pulmonary hyperinflation. Pulmonary hyperinflation was also associated with the degree of impaired nutritional status. An association between impaired gas exchange characteristics at 10 years of age and the degree of pulmonary hyperinflation during infancy finally demonstrates that by early mutation screening, lung function testing and assessment of the nutritional status predictors of disease progression later on in life can be defined. Therefore, preventive therapeutic measures should primarily be based on such prognostic factors.