bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute effect of H.E.L.P. treatment on radical scavenging enzyme activities, total glutathione concentrations in granulocytes, and selenium in plasma
Authors: Schettler  , Methe  , Schuff‐Werner  , Müller  , Wieland  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundIt has been suggested that granulocytes are activated on artificial surfaces such as dialyzer membranes or by plasma separation procedures resulting in the generation of free radicals. We reported recently that free radical scavenging enzyme (FRSE) activities of red blood cells obtained from patients undergoing hemodialysis and LDL‐apheresis (LA) do not reflect an acute oxidative stress. However, because mature red cells are free of DNA and RNA, enzymes cannot be regulated on the gene level. In contrast, granulocytes are nucleated cells in which genes can be regulated, e.g. by redox sensitive transcription factors activated by extracellular oxidative stress. Therefore, granulocyte FRSE may better reflect acute oxidative stress caused by extracorporeal treatment.Materials and methodsHyperlipidemic patients (n = 18) with coronary heart disease (CHD) were treated with the Heparin‐induced‐Extracorporeal‐LDL‐Precipitation (H.E.L.P.) system. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), glutathione reductase (GSSG‐R), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and total glutathione were determined in granulocytes before and immediately after a single LA treatment. Selenium (Se) concentrations were assessed in plasma.ResultsAs a result of the H.E.L.P. treatment GSSG‐R activity was significantly induced (+ 20%) and the GSH concentration increased (+ 41%) in granulocytes. GSH‐Px activity in granulocytes (– 19%) and Se in plasma (– 27%) were significantly reduced whereas SOD activity in granulocytes was not affected by the H.E.L.P. procedure.ConclusionThese results show that the defence against oxygen radicals in granulocytes is affected but not severely compromised in patients undergoing regular H.E.L.P‐LDL‐apheresis treatment, which points to the safety of this system with respect to oxidative stress.
Dermatitis herpetiformis is associated with atrophic but not with goitrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: Zettinig  , Weissel  , Flores  , Dudczak  , Vogelsang  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundDermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a gluten‐sensitive skin disease that is associated with a variety of autoimmune disorders. Several investigations demonstrated an association between DH and autoimmune thyroid disease. However, it has not been shown if DH is associated with atrophic or goitrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.Materials and methodsWe investigated a cohort of 41 DH patients (18 male, 23 female) and a control group (11 male, 19 female; sex and age matched healthy volunteers) to find out which variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis is associated with DH. All patients had thyroid hormones and antibodies measured. In addition to that, thyroid sonography as well as detailed history‐taking of previous thyroid disease were performed.ResultsIn the control group no individual with elevated levels of thyroid antibodies nor abnormal thyroid hormones nor thyroid atrophy was found. Median thyroid volume in the control group was 11 mL (range 4.8–24.7 mL). However, in nine DH patients (22%) elevated levels of antithyroid microsomal (TM) antibodies were seen (P < 0.01). Three of them had abnormal thyroid hormones (7%). In the group of DH patients a significantly smaller thyroid volume was found (median 8 mL, range 1.6–25.2 mL; P < 0001). Thyroid atrophy (volume < 4.4 mL) was found in 10 DH patients (24%) of whom 9 were females. All patients with elevated levels of TM antibodies or abnormal thyroid hormones and all patients with a history of previous hypothyroidism had a thyroid volume < 7 mL. Goitrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis was not seen in any of the DH patients.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that DH is associated with atrophic but not with goitrous variant of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Nutritional supplements combined with dietary counselling diminish whole body protein catabolism in HIV‐infected patients
Authors: Berneis  , Battegay  , Bassetti  , Nuesch  , Leisibach  , Bilz  , Keller  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundWeight loss and protein malnutrition are frequent complications in HIV‐infected patients. The effect of an oral nutritional supplement combined with nutritional counselling on whole body protein metabolism was assessed.Materials and methodsHIV‐infected individuals with a body mass index < 21 kg m−2 or CD4‐T cells < 500 μ L−1 in stable clinical condition were randomly allocated to [
1] receive either oral nutritional supplements (containing 2510 kJ, complete macro‐ and micronutrients) and dietary counselling (n = 8), or [
2] identical monitoring but no supplements or specific nutritional advice (controls, n = 7). Whole body leucine kinetics and leucine oxidation rate were determined by [1–13C]‐leucine infusions and lean and fat mass were measured before and 12 weeks after intervention.ResultsLeucine oxidation (protein catabolism) decreased in the group receiving nutritional intervention from 0.33 ± 0.02 to 0.26 ± 0.02 μmol kg−1 min−1 after 12 weeks (P < 0.05; P < 0.05 vs. control group) but remained unchanged in the control group. Whole body leucine flux showed a tendency to decrease in the intervention group from 1.92 ± 0.19 to 1.73 ± 0.14 μmol kg−1 min−1 (P = 0.07) and remained unchanged in the control group (2.21 ± 0.16 and 2.27 ± 0.14 μmol kg−1 min−1, respectively). Lean body mass determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis increased in the nutritional intervention group from 84 ± 2 to 86 ± 2 per cent (P < 0.05) and fat mass decreased from 17 ± 2 to 14 ± 2 per cent (P < 0.05) of total body weight whereas neither mass changed in the control group. Nutritional intervention had no significant effect on lymphocyte CD4 counts, on plasma TNFR 55, TNFR 75 and ILR 2 concentrations and on quality of life.ConclusionsThe data demonstrate an anticatabolic effect of nutritional supplements combined with dietary counselling in HIV‐infected subjects. They suggest that diminished whole body protein catabolism resulted in a change of body composition (increased lean mass, decreased fat mass).
The Space Mission MIR'97: operational aspects
Authors: Ewald R. , Lohn K. , Gerzer R. 
Published: March 2003

BackgroundA German astronaut visited the MIR space station between 10 February and 2 March 1997. Together with his Russian colleagues, he conducted a series of scientific investigations before, during and after his stay aboard the MIR station. Research performed during this flight was part of a global space life sciences programme and focused on metabolic homeostasis, fluid balance, calcium homeostasis and cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms. The main goal of the scientific experiments was to use this mission as a milestone to establish international networks of scientific collaboration using space research as a tool for focused research in respective fields. Thus, in most cases the results obtained from the astronaut complemented a series of results obtained on ground and from other flights. In other cases, they extended previous results and opened new fields for future research.ParticipantsHuman space flight with astronauts serving as operators and at the same time as test subjects is very complex. Many people, including mission control, a science management team, medical operations, ethics committees and a medical board, participated to harmonize the different requirements, thus making a maximal scientific outcome possible.ConclusionIn summary, this space mission may be seen as a model for focused long‐term multidisciplinary international research, and demonstrates that space medicine is no longer adventure but science.
Evaluation of factors controlling glucose tolerance in patients with HCV infection before and after 4 months therapy with interferon‐α
Authors: Konrad  , Zeuzem  , Vicini  , Toffolo  , Briem  , Lormann  , Herrmann  , Berger  , Kusterer  , Teuber  , Cobelli  , Usadel  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundEpidemiological data suggest that chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus. Therapy of HCV infection with recombinant interferon‐α (r‐IFN‐α) can also impair of glucose metabolism.MethodsTo investigate the impact of HCV infection and the therapy with r‐IFN‐α on glucose metabolism we measured insulin sensitivity, glucose effectiveness, and first and second phase insulin secretion, using the minimal modelling analysis of frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests in 13 nondiabetic patients with HCV‐induced liver disease before and after therapy with r‐INF‐α (6 × 106 U, subcutaneously, three times a week over 4 months). Liver biopsy was performed to evaluate and score liver fibrosis as a marker of HCV‐induced cell injury.ResultsInsulin sensitivity (r = − 0.59, P < 0.05) and first phase insulin secretion (r = − 0.66, P < 0.03) were negatively related to the fibrosis score. Insulin sensitivity rose from 1.96 (SEM 0.37, n = 8) to 5.69 (SEM 0.99, n = 8) 10−4 min−1 per μU mL−1 (P < 0.01) in responders and from 2.51 (SEM 0.61, n = 5) to 6.95 (SEM 1.99, n = 5) in nonresponders after 4 months r‐INF‐α therapy. Fasting free fatty acids decreased significantly to about 50% (P < 0.01) in patients with and without therapy response after 4 months, whereas first phase insulin secretion did not change.ConclusionsHCV‐induced liver injury is related to the deterioration of insulin sensitivity and first phase insulin response, thus impairing glucose homeostasis in these HCV‐infected patients. The administration of r‐INF‐α three times a week over 4 months is not associated with an impairment of glucose homeostasis.
Speed of sound, bone mineral density and bone strength in ooforectomized rats
Authors: Calero  , Curiel  , Moro  , Carrascal  , R. Santana  , Avial  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the sensitivity of bone mineral density (BMD), ultrasounds (SOS) and resistance to torsion (T) to detect experimental osteopenia induced in rats 3 and 6 months after ooforectomy.Materials and methodsSeventy‐four rats were used, divided into four groups, ooforectomized rats analysed 3 and 6 months after the operation and their respective control groups, in which BMD (Hologic QDR 1000 S/N 277), SOS (DBM Sonic 1200) and T (adapted test machine) were determined in the right femur.ResultsThe results of the three techniques distinguished the ooforectomized groups from the controls, both 3 and 6 months after the ooforectomy, obtaining more significant differences with BMD (P = 0.0006, P = 0.001, respectively) than SOS and T, where a significance of only P = 0.05 was obtained. In the correlation study among the three techniques, a significant correlation was observed between BMD and SOS (r = 0.39, P = 0.0008), as well as between BMD and T (r = 0.31, P = 0.03). However, significance was not observed between the SOS and T tests.ConclusionIn the study of sensitivity and specificity of the techniques used to detect the osteopenia caused by the ooforectomy, by means of calculation of the area under the receiver operation characteristic (ROC) curve, it was proven that although the three techniques distinguished between the two analysed populations, BMD presented an area under the ROC curve that was superior (0.87, 0.85) to that obtained with SOS (0.73, 0.67) and T (0.73, 0.68), both 3 and 6 months after the operation.
Antithrombin III and local serum application: adjuvant therapy in peritonitis
Authors: Schorr  , Siebeck  , Zügel  , Welcker  , Gippner‐Steppert  , Czwienzek  , Gröschler  , Jochum  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPatients with diffuse peritonitis show an overall mortality of about 20%, probably caused by the breakdown of local defence mechanisms combined with a systemic outspread of bacteria and toxins, which often results in sepsis syndrome.DesignIn a prospective, randomized, controlled study 50 patients with diffuse secondary peritonitis were included. Patients in the therapy group were treated with an adjuvant medication consisting of a continuous intravenous infusion of antithrombin III and two intraperitoneal instillations of fresh frozen human donor serum. The aim of the study was the reduction of mortality and incidence of multiple organ failure.ResultsMean antithrombin III plasma levels in the therapy group were raised above 140% for 4 days and were significantly higher than in the control group. With the intraperitoneal application of fresh frozen serum and antithrombin III opsonic capacity as well as thrombin, inhibitory activity in the exudate could be significantly elevated over 2 days. The 90‐day‐mortality rate was 6/26 (23%) in the control group and 6/24 (25%) in the therapy group. Although no improvement of mortality was achieved, a slight but not significant reduction of the severity of the multiple organ failure was seen.ConclusionsThe chosen therapeutic approach was feasible and showed no side‐effects. Yet, neither mortality nor multiple organ failure were significantly improved by the applied short‐term adjuvant therapy. Thus, for future trials in severely‐ill patients a longer treatment period and/or combinations of antithrombin III with other anti‐inflammatory agents should be considered.
The effect of cholesterol lowering on carotid and femoral artery wall stiffness and thickness in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: Smilde  , Van Den Berkmortel  , Wollersheim  , Van Langen  , Kastelein  , Stalenhoef  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundEarly in the process of atherosclerosis, changes in vessel wall stiffness and thickness may occur. The present study evaluates the effect of cholesterol reduction on artery wall stiffness and intima media thickness in patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH).Materials and methodsForty‐five patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (mean age 46 ± 10 years) with untreated LDL cholesterol concentration > 9 mmol L−1, were studied before and after one year of cholesterol lowering therapy with statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin 40–80 mg day−1). The distensibility (DC in 10−3 kPa−1) and compliance (CC in mm2. kPa−1) of the common carotid artery (CCA) (right and left side) and common femoral artery (CFA) (right side) were determined by a wall track system (Pie Medical). The intima media thickness (IMT) (both right and left) of the CCA, bulb (BUL), internal carotid artery (ICA) and CFA were measured in mm by high‐resolution ultrasound (Biosound).ResultsThe mean concentration of total cholesterol (TC), LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG) were reduced significantly by 43%, 51% and 25%, respectively, whereas HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) increased by 13% (P < 0.001). In the CFA, the DC and CC increased significantly (DC from 7.9 ± 3.0 to 9.1 ± 3.7 in 10−3 kPa−1; CC 0.5 ± 0.2–0.6 ± 0.3 in mm2. kPa−1), whereas the DC and CC did not change in the CCA. In contrast, the IMT of the CCA decreased significantly in both men and women whereas an IMT decrease was also seen in the BUL and ICA in premenopausal women. A LDL‐cholesterol reduction of 44.8% and 45.4% was necessary to induce significant decreases in IMT and increases in DC and CC.ConclusionsOne year of cholesterol lowering therapy in FH decreases the wall stiffness in the CFA and the arterial wall thickness in the CCA.
Neuropeptide variability in man
Authors: Onuoha  , Nugent  , Hunter  , Alpar  , McEneaney  , S. Campbell  , Shaw  , Buchanan  , Nicholls  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundPrevious studies have established short‐term variability in the circulating plasma levels of cardiac peptides such as atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Our aim was to investigate whether such variable patterns could be observed in other vasoactive peptides.MethodsWe measured the immunoreactivity of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in peripheral venous plasma collected at 2‐min intervals over a 20‐min period from patients with chronic cardiac failure (CCF) and from control subjects. In a second study, blood samples were obtained at 2‐min intervals from the pulmonary artery, femoral artery and antecubital vein from patients with normal cardiac function while right atrial pressure and heart rate were constant.ResultsPeripheral blood VIP, NPY and ET‐1 had peaks and troughs (levels > 2SD from the mean) in both patients and controls, with approximate intervals of 10 min. Levels of CGRP showed little variation. The overall levels [median (range); pmol L−1] of VIP [patients 27 (2.1–85.5); controls 9.8 (0–34)] and NPY [patients 20 (0–110); controls 12 (5–19)] were higher in patients (P < 0.05). Circulating plasma levels of ET‐1 and CGRP were about the same in both groups [ET‐1: patients 18 (2–84); controls 18 (0–48); CGRP: patients 4 (1–18.5), controls 5.5 (1–15); P = NS]. Levels of CGRP, VIP and ET‐1 were similar in the pulmonary and femoral arteries, whereas systemic arterial levels of NPY were higher than in the pulmonary artery.ConclusionsThe data demonstrate marked variability in circulating levels of the neuropeptides studied. In addition, peaks and troughs were observed every 10–15 min from all three vascular beds. If these peptides are secreted in a pulsatile pattern, then interpretations of single measurements should be guarded. Furthermore, this study raises interesting questions about the physiology of hormone secretion in man.
The polysaccharide fucoidan inhibits microvascular thrombus formation independently from P‐ and l‐selectin function in vivo
Authors: Thorlacius  , Vollmar  , Seyfert  , Vestweber  , Menger  
Published: March 2003

BackgroundAdhesion molecules of the selectin family (mainly P‐ and L‐selectin) have been suggested to mediate interactions between platelets, leukocytes and endothelial cells in thrombus formation. The polysaccharide fucoidan has anticoagulative properties, but is also able to bind and block the function of the selectins. Here, we investigated in vivo (i) if fucoidan can prevent microvascular thrombus formation, and (ii) whether this is potentially mediated by the inhibition of P‐and/or L‐selectin.Materials and MethodsFor this purpose, we used intravital microscopy in the mouse cremaster microcirculation in which thrombosis was induced photochemically by light exposure to individual arterioles and venules after intravenous (i.v.) injection of FITC‐dextran.ResultsWe found that intravenous administration of fucoidan significantly prolonged the time required for complete occlusion in arterioles and venules by almost seven‐ and nine‐fold, respectively. In contrast, treatment with monoclonal antibodies against P‐ and L‐selectin had no effect on the development of microvascular thrombosis. Fucoidan and also the anti‐P‐selectin antibody completely inhibited baseline venular leukocyte rolling in the cremaster muscle, indicating that these treatment regimes abolished P‐selectin function. Importantly, fucoidan and the anti‐P‐selectin antibody had no effect on systemic platelet and leukocyte counts. On the other hand, we found that fucoidan treatment significantly altered coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time (Quick percentage), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and thrombin clotting time (TCT), which may explain the potent in vivo anticoagulative effect of fucoidan observed here.ConclusionsTaken together, our novel findings suggest that fucoidan effectively prevents microvascular thrombus formation induced by endothelial damage in arterioles and venules in vivo. This protective effect of fucoidan is not attributable to inhibition of P‐ and
L‐selectin function but may instead be related to the anticoagulative capacity of fucoidan.
Cardiovascular response to lower body negative pressure stimulation before, during, and after space flight
Authors: Baisch F. , Beck L. , Blomqvist G. , Wolfram G. , Drescher J. , Rome J‐L. , Drummer C. 
Published: March 2003

It is well known that space travel cause post‐flight orthostatic hypotension and it was assumed that autonomic cardiovascular control deteriorates in space. Lower body negative pressure (LBNP) was used to asses autonomic function of the cardiovascular system.LBNP tests were performed on six crew‐members before and on the first days post‐flight in a series of three space missions. Additionally, two of the subjects performed LBNP tests in‐flight. LBNP mimics fluid distribution of upright posture in a gravity independent way. It causes an artificial sequestration of blood, reduces preload, and filtrates plasma into the lower part of the body. Fluid distribution was assessed by bioelectrical impedance and anthropometric measurements.Heart rate, blood pressure, and total peripheral resistance increased significantly during LBNP experiments in‐flight. The decrease in stroke volume, the increased pooling of blood, and the increased filtration of plasma into the lower limbs during LBNP indicated that a plasma volume reduction and a deficit of the interstitial volume of lower limbs rather than a change in cardiovascular control was responsible for the in‐flight response. Post‐flight LBNP showed no signs of cardiovascular deterioration. The still more pronounced haemodynamic changes during LBNP reflected the expected behaviour of cardiovascular control faced with less intravascular volume. In‐flight, the status of an intra‐and extravascular fluid deficit increases sympathetic activity, the release of vasoactive substances and consequently blood pressure. Post‐flight, blood pressure decreases significantly below pre‐flight values after restoration of volume deficits.We conclude that the cardiovascular changes in‐flight are a consequence of a fluid deficit rather than a consequence of changes in autonomic signal processing.
Water and sodium balances and their relation to body mass changes in microgravity
Authors: Drummer C. , Hesse C. , Baisch F. , Norsk P. , Elmann‐Larsen B. , Gerzer R. , Heer M. 
Published: March 2003

Since the very beginning of space physiology research, the deficit in body mass that is often observed after landing has always been interpreted as an indication of the absolute fluid loss early during space missions. However, in contrast to central hypervolemic conditions on Earth, the acute shift of blood volume from the legs to the upper part of the body in astronauts entering µ‐gravity (µ‐G) has neither stimulated diuresis and natriuresis nor resulted in negative water‐and sodium‐balances.We therefore examined the kinetics of body mass changes in astronauts (n = 3) during their several weeks aboard the space station MIR. A continuous diet monitoring was performed during the first mission (EuroMIR94, 30 days). The second mission (MIR97, 19 days) comprised a 15‐day metabolic ward period (including predefined constant energy and sodium intake). Water and sodium balances were calculated and the kinetic of changes in basal concentrations of fluid‐balance‐related hormones during flight were determined.The data suggest firstly that loss of body mass during space flight is rather a consequence of hypocaloric nutrition. Secondly, µ‐G provokes a sodium retaining hormonal status and may lead to sodium storage without an accompanying fluid retention.