bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant Status in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Madarasi A. , Lugassi A. , Greiner E. , Holics K. , Biró L. , Mozsáry E. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> The aim of the study was to assess the antioxidant status in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients compared to healthy controls. In order to determine the influence of nutrition on the level of the antioxidants, nutrient intake was also monitored in both groups at the time of the antioxidant assessment. <i>Subjects and Methods:</i> The authors measured the serum malondialdehyde levels in children with CF, n = 21; 9 females and 12 males, mean age: 8.71 years (6–12 years) and compared these values to the levels found in age-matched healthy control subjects, n = 24; 13 females and 11 males, mean age: 8.33 years (6–12 years). In order to assess the antioxidant status, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in washed erythrocytes, glutathione peroxidase activity of heparinized whole blood and serum ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and retinol levels were measured. Total antioxidant status (TAS) was also tested. The patients with CF received vitamin supplementation in doses prescribed in international guidelines (α-tocopherol: <10 years 100 mg daily, >10 years 200 mg daily, retinol: 2.5 mg daily, ascorbic acid: 100–200 mg daily). <i>Results:</i> Plasma levels of malondialdehyde were significantly higher (p < 0.05), superoxide dismutase activities were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in patients with cystic fibrosis. There were no significant differences in catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities and TAS levels between CF patients and control group. Plasma ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and retinol levels were within normal limits in both groups. <i>Conclusion:</i> On the basis of the present results this regime failed to provide sufficient antioxidant protection. Therefore, the authors suggest that the daily dose of these antioxidants should be either increased or to administer in parenteral route to patients with severe form of the disease.
Effect of Heat-Treated Proteins on Selected Parameters of the Biotransformation System in the Rat
Authors: Wenzel E. , Tasto S. , Erbersdobler H.F. , Faist V. 
Published: April 2003

The intake of heat-damaged proteins from food causes various effects, like the loss of essential amino acids and a reduced protein digestibility. There is also an influence on gastrointestinal microorganisms and different digestion enzymes. Until now, very little is known about the influence of heat-treated proteins on the enzymes of the biotransformation system. In the present study, the influence of protein-bound <i>L</i>-lysino-<i>D,L</i>-alanine, N<sup>&#917;</sup>-fructoselysine, and N<sup>&#917;</sup>-carboxymethyllysine (CML) on selected enzymes of the biotransformation in liver, kidney, and intestinal mucosa of male Wistar rats was examined. The contents of cytochrome P-450 and cytochrome <i>b<sub>5</sub></i> and the activity of NADPH-cytochrome <i>c</i> reductase served as indicators of phase I biotransformation. The influence on phase II biotransformation was shown by the content of glutathione and the glutathione S-transferase activity. The results showed that treatment with heat-damaged proteins mainly affected phase II biotransformation enzymes with CML, yielding the strongest effect. The activity of glutathione S-transferase in the kidney was 86% higher in animals treated with diets containing 4,930 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup> protein-bound CML than in animals of the control group which received a diet without any detectable CML. In addition, a higher level of glutathione was found in the kidneys of animals fed on diets containing CML. The glutathione S-transferase activity was 64% higher in the intestinal mucosa of animals fed on protein-bound N<sup>&#917;</sup>-fructoselysine (2,700 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup>). The glutathione S-transferase activity was higher (p >0.05) in the intestinal mucosa of animals fed on protein-bound <i>L</i>-lysino-<i>D,L</i>-alanine (2,582 and 12,474 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup>). In conclusion, ingestion of heat-treated proteins led to an activation of the enzymes of phase II biotransformation. Whether or not the released pure compounds or the degradation products of the test proteins are responsible for the altered enzyme activities remains to be evaluated.
Can Anesthesiologic Strategies for Caesarean Section Influence Newborn Jaundice?
Authors: De Amici Donatella , Delmonte Paola , Martinotti Lucia , Gasparoni Antonella , Zizzi Silvia , Ramajoli Isabella , Ramajoli Felice 
Published: April 2003

<i>Rationale and Objectives: </i>Neonatal jaundice is a frequent problem in neonatology and can be influenced by many factors. Our study arose from the clinical observation that among all newborns delivered by caesarean section in our center, some had a more intense physiological jaundice. We began by reviewing clinical anesthesiological case-sheets to ascertain whether this difference was linked to the use of different anesthesiologic strategies. We then performed a prospective study on healthy preterm and term newborns to verify this hypothesis. <i>Study Design:</i> We retrospectively considered all healthy term newborns with weight >2,400 g delivered by caesarean section from January 1998 to May 1999. In the prospective studies we included healthy term and preterm newborns consecutively delivered by caesarean section from May 1999 to December 1999. We excluded preterm newborns with gestational age <31 weeks and with weight <1,400 g. <i>Results:</i> Both in retrospective and in prospective studies anesthetic agents employed were isoflurane (A), sevoflurane (B), or bupivacaine (C). The statistical comparison of the three groups in retrospective study confirmed the clinical observation: the total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in the isoflurane group than in the sevoflurane group (p = 0.0000) and bupivacaine group (p = 0.0002). Analysis of data from the prospective study on term newborns confirmed our previous results. In preterm infants total bilirubin is statistically higher in group A starting from 96 h postdelivery. <i>Conclusions:</i> It is likely that anesthetic technique can be included among factors with possible influence on neonatal jaundice.
Immaturity or Starvation? Longitudinal Study of Leptin Levels in Premature Infants
Authors: Spear Michael L. , Hassink Sandra G. , Leef Kathleen , O’Connor Darlise M. , Kirwin Susan M. , Locke Robert , Gorman Robert , Funanage Vicky L. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Leptin, the protein product of the <i>ob</i> gene, is a potential placental growth factor and is integral to the body’s system of energy regulation as shown in animal models. Premature infants are especially vulnerable to changes in energy regulation, and several studies have demonstrated a rapid fall in leptin values at birth. The purpose of the present investigation was to measure leptin levels in premature infants throughout hospitalization. <i>Methods:</i> Eligible infants were less than 32 weeks’ gestation, appropriate for gestational age, and hospitalized at Christiana Hospital Special Care Nursery. Serum samples for leptin analysis were drawn within 24 h of birth and twice a week thereafter until discharge. Concurrent growth measurements were obtained with each leptin sample. Body mass index, ponderal index, and midarm circumference/head circumference ratios were calculated to assess growth. <i>Results:</i> Leptin levels were low and remained low for the duration of the premature infants’ hospitalization (mean ± SD = 1.35 ± 0.63 ng/ml/ml, range 0–3.06). After controlling for weight, there was a small (r<sup>2</sup> = 0.1, p < 0.00001) but significant correlation between leptin and postnatal age after 4 days of age. Despite an increase in caloric intake during the study period, there was no relationship between leptin and caloric intake. There were significant negative correlations between measurements of growth and both leptin and the leptin/weight ratio. Maternal diabetes and the use of steroids had small but significant effects on the leptin/weight ratio. <i>Conclusion:</i> In this population of predominantly female premature infants, leptin levels were very low as compared to term infants, children and adults, and did not change appreciably over the study period. The low leptin levels seen in these premature infants are similar to those levels seen in malnourished adults, anorexics, and in animal models of starvation. We speculate that a critical adipose store needs to be reached before increased amounts of leptin can be adequately produced. Persistently low leptin levels may also reflect an immaturity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Hexachlorobenzene in Full-Term Neonates
Authors: Lackmann Gerd M. 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To determine actual reference values of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in full-term neonates. <i>Patients and Methods:</i> Cord blood samples were taken from 200 healthy, full-term neonates in 1998. Blood specimens were immediately centrifuged, and serum was stored in glass tubes at –20°C up to analysis. Six PCB congeners (IUPAC No. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) and HCB were determined with capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Study groups were tested on mean differences with Wilcoxon’s test of independent samples. The 95th percentiles by rank were calculated as reference values. <i>Results:</i> One sample was excluded from further evaluation because of unusually high PCB concentrations. Personal data of the remaining 199 newborns showed 106 male and 93 female neonates. Mean gestational age was 40 weeks (range 38–43 weeks), mean birth weight was 3,450 g (2,300–5,060 g). The concentrations of the lower-chlorinated PCB congeners 28, 52, and 101 were below the detection limit with exception of two probes. Reference values (95th percentile by rank) of the higher-chlorinated PCB congeners and HCB were as follows: PCB 138, 0.5 µg/l; PCB 153, 0.5 µg/l; PCB 180, 0.4 µg/l; and HCB, 0.5 µg/l. <i>Conclusions:</i> The results of the present study clearly demonstrate a further decline in the prenatal uptake of PCBs and HCB since 1994–1995. During the past 15 years, a 75% decline in the prenatal burden with PCBs and a 90% reduction in the burden with HCB could be demonstrated.
Prolonged Apneas and Hypoxia Mediated by Nicotine and Endotoxin in Piglets
Authors: Frøen J. Frederik , Akre Harriet , Stray-Pedersen Babill , Saugstad Ola Didrik 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Infections and maternal smoking are risk factors for SIDS, and toxins from common bacteria have been proposed as a causative link between infections and SIDS. Nicotine can be transferred in significant amounts postnatally to the infant through environmental tobacco smoke or maternal smoking before nursing. We investigated the acute effects of nicotine and endotoxin on repeated apnea by laryngeal reflex stimulation and the following autoresuscitation. <i>Design:</i> Thirty-four 1-week-old (± 1 day) piglets were sedated and randomized to 1 of 4 pretreatment groups: (1) 1 µg endotoxin i.v./kg; (2) 5 µg nicotine i.v./kg; (3) 1 µg endotoxin i.v./kg and 5 µg nicotine i.v./kg, and (4) placebo. Apnea was induced by insufflation of 0.1 ml of acidified saline (pH 2) in the subglottic space of the trachea three times with intervals of 2 min. <i>Results:</i> Pretreatment with endotoxin caused a significant increase in plasma TNF-α in the endotoxin groups (mean value ± SEM 953 ± 246 and 980 ± 226 pg/ml, respectively) but no significant change in plasma IL-1β. Blood pressure, respiratory rate or S<sub>a</sub>O<sub>2</sub> was not significantly affected before induced apnea. Both pretreatment with nicotine and endotoxin caused prolonged apneas by 35–45%, a complete loss of normal hyperventilation during autoresuscitation, and prolonged hypoxia after apnea. <i>Conclusions:</i> Nicotine and endotoxin interferes with autoresuscitation after apnea. This experimental model on piglets may shed light over important mechanisms involved in the causation of SIDS.
Tissue Factor Expression in Coronary Circulation as a Prognostic Factor for Late Restenosis after Coronary Angioplasty
Authors: Mizuno Osamu , Ikeda Uichi , Hojo Yukihiro , Fujikawa Hideyuki , Katsuki Taka-aki , Shimada Kazuyuki 
Published: April 2003

We investigated changes in blood coagulation in the coronary circulation after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) and its clinical significance. We examined 43 patients with ischemic heart disease who underwent elective PTCA of isolated stenotic lesions in the left coronary artery. Ten patients underwent PTCA alone, 15 received percutaneous transluminal rotational atherectomy (PTRA) and 18 stent implantation. Blood samples were drawn from the coronary sinus before and immediately after PTCA, as well as 4 and 24 h later. Plasma levels of tissue factor (TF), thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT) and prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F 1+2) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Follow-up coronary angiography was performed 6 months after PTCA. Minimal luminal diameter was assessed by quantitative coronary angiography to evaluate late loss index. TF, TAT and F 1+2 levels in the coronary sinus blood showed significant increases 24 h after PTCA. A significant positive correlation was found between changes in TF levels 24 h after PTCA and late loss index 6 months after the procedure. TF levels in the coronary sinus blood were significantly higher in patients with late restenosis than in those without restenosis. These results suggest that TF expression in the coronary circulation after PTCA is a prognostic factor for late restenosis.
The Doppler Echocardiographic Myocardial Performance Index Predicts Left-Ventricular Dilation and Cardiac Death after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Møller Jacob E. , Søndergaard Eva , Poulsen Steen H. , Egstrup Kenneth 
Published: April 2003

To investigate the value of the Doppler-derived myocardial performance index to predict early left-ventricular (LV) dilation and cardiac death after a first acute myocardial infarction (AMI), Doppler echocardiography was performed within 24 h of hospital admission, on day 5, 1 and 3 months after AMI in 125 consecutive patients. The index measured on day 1 correlated well with the change in end-diastolic volume index observed from day 1 to 3 months following AMI (r = 0.66, p < 0.0001). One-year survival in patients with Doppler index <0.63 was 89%, and 37% in patients with index ≧0.63, (p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified myocardial performance index ≧0.63 (relative risk 5.6, p < 0.0001), E-wave deceleration time <140 ms (relative risk 2.7, p = 0.008) and Killip class ≧II (relative risk 4.0, p = 0.04) to be independent predictors of cardiac death. Therefore, we conclude that the Doppler echocardiographic myocardial performance index is a predictor of LV dilation and cardiac death after a first AMI.
Efficacy and Safety of Imidapril in Patients with Essential Hypertension: A Double-Blind Comparison with Captopril
Authors: Huang Por-Jau , Chien Kou-Liong , Chen Ming-Fong , Lai Ling-Ping , Chiang Fu-Tien 
Published: April 2003

In this 12-week, double-blind, parallel-group, comparative trial, 57 adult patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension were randomly allocated to receive imidapril or captopril, initially at a dose of 5 mg once a day and 25 mg twice daily, respectively. After 4 weeks of therapy, the dose of each drug was increased twice if diastolic blood pressure (DBP) remained ≧90 mm Hg. Both treatments effectively lowered DBP in a comparable manner. Mean changes from baseline in DBP at 12 weeks were –9.9 mm Hg for imidapril and –8.8 mm Hg for captopril (p = 0.488). Responder rates in patients receiving active treatment for at least 6 weeks were 53.9% for imidapril and 48% for captopril (p = 0.676). Both treatments were well tolerated. Adverse drug reactions were observed in 20.7% (6/29) of the imidapril group and 46.4% (13/28) of the captopril group (p < 0.05). A cough was the most frequent side effect, reported in 13.8% of the imidapril group and 35.7% of the captopril group. The results indicate that imidapril is as effective as captopril in the treatment of hypertension. Imidapril produces less adverse effects compared with captopril.
Can Pre-Treatment with β-Agonists Reduce Stress Test Time and the Use of Atropine in Dobutamine Stress Testing?
Authors: Desai Milind Y. , De la Peña-Almaguer Erasmo , Mannting Finn 
Published: April 2003

<i>Aim:</i> To determine whether the use of inhaled β-agonists decreases the duration of dobutamine stress testing (DAS), reduces the amount of dobutamine infused and decreases the use of atropine. <i>Methods:</i> 34 patients on β-agonists (group A) (mean age 65 ± 8 years) and 32 patients not on β-agonists or β-blockers (group B) (mean age 65 ± 10 years) undergoing DAS with SPECT were enrolled. <i>Results:</i> The time of infusion of dobutamine in group A was 6.41 ± 1.58 min and in group B was 9.77 ± 3.60 min (p < 0.001). The amount of dobutamine infused was 10.64 ± 5 mg in group A and 19.20 ± 8 mg in group B (p < 0.001). In group A, 2 of 34 patients and 18 of 32 patients in group B needed atropine to reach peak HR (p < 0.001). <i>Conclusion:</i> Patients on short acting β-agonists require smaller amounts of dobutamine with a shorter infusion time during DAS, and lesser use of side-effect prone atropine.
Different Effects of Calcium Antagonist and Beta-Blocker Therapy on Left-Ventricular Diastolic Function in Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Hassager Christian , Thygesen Kristian , Grande Peer , Fischer Hansen Jørgen , Mickley Hans , Gustafsson Ida , Skagen Knud , Steensgaard-Hansen Frank 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> To compare the effect of a calcium antagonist and a beta-blocker on left-ventricular diastolic function in patients with ischemic heart disease. <i>Methods:</i> 138 patients with chronic stable angina pectoris were randomized in a multicenter, double-blind trial to treatment with either mibefradil or atenolol for 6 weeks (50 mg once daily for 2 weeks followed by 100 mg once daily for 4 weeks). The ratio between early (E) and late (A) diastolic mitral flow velocities (E/A), the E wave deceleration time (DT) and the left ventricular isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) were measured by Doppler echocardiography as parameters of left-ventricular diastolic function initially, after 4 and after 6 weeks of treatment. <i>Results:</i> Mibefradil did not change the E/A ratio significantly (+4%, NS), while atenolol treatment resulted in a significant increase in the E/A ratio (+20%, p < 0.001). Mibefradil treatment, on the other hand, resulted in a significant decrease (–8%, p < 0.001) in IRT, while atenolol treatment did not change IRT. Neither mibefradil nor atenolol treatment changed DT significantly. <i>Conclusions:</i> Both mibefradil and atenolol treatment significantly improves echocardiographic indices of left-ventricular diastolic function in patients with chronic stable angina. However, they affect different parameters and thus apparently act through different mechanisms.
Can We Predict Poor Outcome at Presentation in Patients with Lobar Hemorrhage?
Authors: Flemming Kelly D. , Wijdicks Eelco F.M. , Li Hongzhi 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Supratentorial lobar hemorrhage can be devastating. Outcome prediction at presentation is important in triage and management decisions as well as appropriate resource utilization. We performed a decision tree analysis combining clinical and CT scan features to predict poor and hopeless outcome at initial presentation in patients with lobar hemorrhage. <i>Methods:</i> We analyzed 81 patients with spontaneous lobar hemorrhage presenting within 48 hours of initial neurologic symptoms. In the first analysis, poor outcome was defined as Glasgow outcome score (GOS) of 1 (death), 2 (vegetative state) or 3 (dependence) at discharge. A second analysis was based on worst possible outcome (GOS 1–2). Binary recursive partitioning was fitted in a model, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. <i>Results:</i> Lobes involved were temporal (36%), parietal (33%), frontal (25%) and occipital (6%). Seventy-three percent of patients presented less than 17 h after initial ictus. The probability of poor outcome was 97% (CI 85–100%) in patients with hemorrhage greater than 40 cm<sup>3</sup>. In the subset of patients with a volume less than 40 cm<sup>3</sup>, time interval from ictus to presentation (<17 h) together with a Glasgow coma score (GCS) less than or equal to 13 predicted poor outcome. Eighty-five percent (CI 42–99%) of those presenting early with GCS less than or equal to 13 had a poor outcome. In the second analysis, all patients with GCS less than or equal to 12 and septum pellucidum shift >6 mm had GOS of 1 or 2 (CI 72–100%). <i>Conclusion:</i> Poor outcome in patients with lobar hemorrhage is associated with a hemorrhage size of more than 40 cm<sup>3</sup>, GCS less than or equal to 13, but also dependent on time interval between ictus and presentation. This is consistent with prior studies demonstrating deterioration from enlargement may occur when patients present early on. Stupor and septum pellucidum shift greater than 6 mm on CT scan at presentation predict a hopeless outcome in conservatively treated patients. Ninety-one percent of patients were treated medically, thus these outcomes are largely a reflection of the natural history of spontaneous lobar hemorrhage. These signs may influence triage and management decisions.
Anticoagulant (Fluindione)-Aspirin Combination in Patients with High-Risk Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Lechat Philippe , Lardoux Hervé , Mallet Alain , Sanchez Paola , Derumeaux Genevieve , Lecompte Thomas , Maillard Luc , Mas Jean-Louis , Mentre France , Pousset Françoise , Lacomblez Lucette , Pisica George , Solbes-Latourette Solange , Raynaud Philippe , Chaumet-Riffaud Philippe 
Published: April 2003

<i>Background:</i> A combination of low-dose aspirin with anticoagulants may provide better protection against thromboembolic events compared to anticoagulants alone in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation. <i>Objective:</i> Evaluation of the preventive efficacy against nonfatal thromboembolic events and vascular deaths of the combination of the oral anticoagulant fluindione and aspirin (100 mg) in patients with high-risk atrial fibrillation. <i>Methods:</i> A multicenter, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial was conducted at 49 investigating centers in France. Atrial fibrillation patients with a previous thromboembolic event or older than 65 years and with either a history of hypertension, a recent episode of heart failure or decreased left ventricular function were included in the study. Patients were treated with fluindione plus placebo (i.e. anticoagulant alone) or fluindione plus aspirin (i.e. combination therapy), with an international normalized ratio target of between 2 and 2.6. The combined primary endpoint was stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), myocardial infarction, systemic arterial emboli or vascular death. The secondary endpoint was the incidence of hemorrhagic complications. <i>Results:</i> The 157 participants (average age 74 years; 52% women; 42% with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) were followed for an average of 0.84 years. Three nonfatal thromboembolic events were observed (1 in the anticoagulation group, 2 in the combination group) and 6 patients died (3 in the anticoagulation group, 3 in the combination group), none of them from a thromboembolic complication. However, 3 deaths were secondary to severe hemorrhagic complications (1 in the anticoagulation group, 2 in the combination group). Nonfatal hemorrhagic complications occurred more often in the combination group (n = 10, 13.1%) compared to the anticoagulation group (n = 1, 1.2%) (p = 0.003). <i>Conclusion:</i> The combination of aspirin with anticoagulant is associated with increased bleeding in elderly atrial fibrillation patients. The effect on thromboembolism and the overall balance of benefit to risk could not be accurately assessed in this study due to the limited number of ischemic events.