bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Levels of Adipocyte Fatty Acid–Binding Protein are Independently Associated with Left Ventricular Mass and Myocardial Performance Index in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Balci Mustafa Mücahit , Arslan Uğur , Firat Hikmet , Kocaoğlu &Idot;brahim , Vural Mustafa Gökhan , Balci Kevser Gülcihan , Maden Orhan , Gürbüz Oğuz Alp , Ardiç Sadık , Yeter Ekrem 
Published: May 2016

Objective To investigate the cross-sectional association between serum adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (A-FABP) level and diagnosis or severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and some echocardiographic indices related with cardiac dysfunction. Methods In this study, plasma A-FABP and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentrations were measured, and echocardiography was performed in subjects without any cardiac or pulmonary disease who were referred for evaluation of OSAS. According to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), subjects were classified into 3 groups: control group (AHI <5; n = 33), mild to moderate OSAS (30 > AHI ≥ 5; n = 30), and severe OSAS (AHI ≥ 30; n = 31). Results Levels of A-FABP were significantly different between the groups ( P < 0.001). After post hoc analyses, all 3 groups were also significantly different from each other. The levels of A-FABP were significantly higher in the patients with severe OSAS (36.4 ± 13.0 ng/mL) than in the control subjects (9.3 ± 4.6 ng/mL; P < 0.0001) or in patients with mild-moderate OSAS (24.5 ± 10.5 ng/mL; P < 0.001). Patients with myocardial performance index (MPI) greater than 0.47 had higher serum A-FABP levels than those with MPI of less than 0.47 (31.8 ± 13.2 ng/mL vs 10.9 ± 6.3 ng/mL; P = 0.001). Multivariable regression analyses revealed that increased serum A-FABP concentrations were independently associated with increased left ventricular mass index (β = 0.195; P = 0.033) and increased MPI (β = 0.165; P = 0.015). Conclusions Increased A-FABP levels were found in the patients with OSAS, which were correlated significantly with left ventricular mass index and MPI. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify whether increased serum A-FABP level is a marker or a potential mechanism for left ventricular involvement in patients with OSAS.
Mutation Screening of the APOA5 Gene in Subjects with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Soufi Muhidien , Sattler Alexander M. , Kurt Bilgen , Schaefer Juergen R. 
Published: May 2016

Objective Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). Apolipoprotein A5 ( APOA5) is a member of the apolipoprotein APOA1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster and a major determinant of plasma triglyceride levels in the population. Various studies have identified a number of common ( APOA5 c.56C>G; p.S19W; rs 3135506) and rare variants in the APOA5 gene in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia. However, little is known on the impact of rare APOA5 mutations for the risk of coronary artery disease; therefore, we screened the APOA5 gene in subjects with CAD. Methods The coding region of the APOA5 gene was screened in 501 subjects (334 with CAD and 167 CAD-free) undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Results APOA5 p.S19W variant c.56 C>G was found in a total of 61 subjects, five of them homozygous. Beside this well-known mutation, the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis screening identified only one subject with a synonymous APOA5 mutation, c.70C>A; p.R24R. APOA5 p.S19W was more frequent in patients with CAD (CAD, 14.4%; no CAD, 7.8%; P = 0.021); and in addition, all homozygous subjects (n = 5) for APOA5 p.S19W had CAD. Furthermore, carriers of the p.19W allele had significantly higher triglyceride levels (240 ± 149 vs 185 ± 118 mg/dL; P < 0.01). Conclusions From these data, we conclude that (1) APOA5 p.S19W is a common variant, with very few additional APOA5 gene mutations; (2) APOA5 p.S19W plays a major role in triglyceride metabolism; and (3) APOA5 p.S19W is a CAD risk factor.
Evaluation of the ENPP1 and PLIN Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Type 2 Diabetes in a Taiwanese Population
Authors: Wang Chun-Hsiang , Ke Wan-Sheng , Lin Eugene 
Published: May 2016

Background Addressing gene-gene interactions is essential in defining a trait implicating complex disease-related mechanisms. In this study, we aimed to explore both main effects of single-locus and multi-locus interactions to test the hypothesis that the ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 ( ENPP1) and perilipin ( PLIN) genes may contribute to the etiology of type 2 diabetes (T2D) independently and/or through complex interactions in a Taiwanese population. Methods There were 416 patients with a diagnosis of T2D and 188 age- and sex-similar control subjects. To investigate gene-gene interactions, we used both the generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction method and logistic regression models. Results Allelic and genotypic analyses showed significant main effects of ENPP1 rs1044498 ( P = 0.000005 and 0.00007, respectively) on the risk of T2D after Bonferroni correction ( P < 0.05/2 = 0.025). Compared to the carrier of the AA genotype of the ENPP1 rs1044498 polymorphism, the likelihood of T2D was 2.442 (95% confidence interval, 1.592–3.747) for the carrier of combined AC+CC genotypes after adjustment of sex and body mass index. In addition, the carriers of AA variant in the PLIN rs894160 polymorphism had a higher risk to T2D than those with the combined AG+GG variants (adjusted odds ratio, 1.856; 95% confidence interval, 1.106–3.115) after adjustment of sex and body mass index. Furthermore, the significant 2-locus ( P = 0.001) generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction model was identified between ENPP1 and PLIN. Analyses using logistic regression models confirmed the gene-gene interaction. Conclusions The results suggest that the ENPP1 and PLIN genes may contribute to the risk of T2D independently and/or in an interactive manner in a Taiwanese population.
High-Protein Diets Alters Body Composition and Improves Insulin Resistance in a Rat Model of Low Birth Weight
Authors: Yu Mu-xue , Shen Zhen-yu , Qiu Xiao-shan , Mo Qing-ping 
Published: May 2016

Objective We aimed to investigate the effects of early high-protein supplementation on low birth weight (LBW)–associated adult metabolic disturbances. Materials and Methods This study involved 32 LBW rat pups that were fed a normal protein (20% of energy intake) diet or high-protein (30% of energy intake) diet on their first 4 weeks of life. Sixteen rat pups with normal birth weight (NBW) fed the normal-protein diet were included as control. Biochemical measurements were performed at 4 and 12 weeks of age. Results Low birth weight offspring showed significantly ( P < 0.05) increased fat mass percentage and adipocyte size and decreased lean mass percentage and muscle fiber size relative to NBW offspring. These LBW-related changes in body composition were corrected by high-protein diet intervention. At 12 weeks of age, the fasting insulin level (7.14 ± 0.83 vs 9.27 ± 0.67 mU/L) and homeostasis model of insulin resistance (1.71 ± 0.35 vs 2.30 ± 0.44) were significantly lower in high protein–fed LBW offspring than in normal protein–fed LBW offspring. Low birth weight rat pups showed a significant ( P < 0.05) reduction in serum adiponectin concentrations, glucose transporter 4 mRNA abundance, and phosphorylation levels of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) relative to NBW controls. These LBW-associated alterations in gene expression were reversed by early high-protein treatment. Conclusions Early postnatal high-protein intake alters the body composition and improves insulin resistance in adults with LBW, which is associated with activation of the AMPK and mTOR pathways.
A Novel Mass Spectrometry–Based Assay for the Accurate Measurement of Thyroglobulin from Patient Samples Containing Antithyroglobulin Autoantibodies
Authors: Clarke Nigel J. , Zhang Yanni , Reitz Richard E. 
Published: May 2016

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer in the United States. The primary treatment of thyroid cancer is partial or complete thyroidectomy in patients in whom the cancer is discovered preoperatively, and is often followed by radioactive iodine ablation. After the initial therapy, patients are followed up regularly, most commonly by measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) levels and high-resolution neck ultrasound. As Tg is only produced within the thyroid gland, it has long been recognized as an excellent biomarker for the presence of residual disease after treatment. A number of immunoassays are in common use to measure serum Tg levels. Unfortunately, irrespective of which method is chosen, there is a major potential artifact, in that the presence of autoantibodies binding to Tg (ATG) may bias the results to the point where they are clinically unreliable. This article describes a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the measurement of serum Tg after tryptic digestion of serum samples. The method is compared to Tg analyses using both a Food and Drug Administration–approved immunometric assay (IMA) and a well-respected, clinically used radioimmunoassay. In the absence of ATG, the new LC-MS/MS assay demonstrates equivalency compared to the IMA. However, in ATG-positive patients, the IMA Tg results are lower than the LC-MS/MS assay and the radioimmunoassay Tg results are typically higher. These studies demonstrate the accuracy and validity of the measurement of Tg by LC-MS/MS. This assay will permit the accurate determination of Tg levels even in patients with ATG.
Coronary Slow Flow and Abnormal Nocturnal Blood Pressure Profile in Normotensives
Authors: Durmaz Tahir , Keles Telat , Erdogan Kemal Esref , Ayhan Huseyin , Bilen Emine , Akcay Murat , Bayram Nihal Akar , Bastug Serdal , Bozkurt Engin 
Published: May 2016

Background Abnormal nocturnal blood pressure (BP) profile has been linked to microvascular function and autonomic dysfunction. However, no data were available regarding nocturnal BP profile in coronary slow flow (CSF). Aim The aim was to investigate any association between CSF and abnormal BP response in normotensive patients. Methods Consecutive 45 patients with CSF and 45 patients with normal blood flow during coronary angiography underwent 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Hemodynamic parameters including 24-hour, daytime and nighttime systolic/diastolic/mean/pulse pressures, and BP % changes were obtained. Dippers, nondippers, and reverse dippers were determined. Results Baseline characteristics of both groups were well matched except for TIMI (Thrombosis in Myocardial Infarction) frame counts for all major epicardial coronary arteries. No statistical significance was detected regarding to hemodynamic parameters obtained by 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. The prevalence of nondippers was higher in CSF patients compared with controls (51.1% vs 28.9%, respectively). In univariate analysis, systolic BP change (%), 24-hour diastolic BP, diastolic BP change (%), 24-hour mean BP, mean BP change (%), nondipper/reverse dipper, and separately nondipper status were found to be significant predictors for CSF. However, in multivariate logistic regression analysis, systolic BP change (%) (odds ratio [OR], 0.934; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.874–0.998; P = 0.045), nondipper/reverse dipper status (OR, 0.505; 95% CI, 0.265–0.962; P = 0.038), and separately nondipper status (OR, 0.317; 95% CI, 0.126–0.797; P = 0.015) were found to be significant predictors for CSF. Conclusion The frequency of nondippers was higher in slow flow, and there was a significant association between CSF and abnormal nocturnal BP profile in normotensives.
Peripheral-Arterial Tonometry for Assessing Endothelial Function in Relation to Dietary Habits
Authors: Cioni Gabriele , Boddi Maria , Fatini Cinzia , Romagnuolo Ilaria , Casini Alessandro , Gensini Gian Franco , Abbate Rosanna , Sofi Francesco 
Published: May 2016

Background Peripheral-arterial tonometry (PAT) provides, with good reproducibility, measures of nitric oxide–mediated endothelial response, which correlate with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) findings obtained by brachial artery ultrasound. Few data about the ability of exploring endothelial function by PAT in relation to dietary habits are available. The aim of this study was to evaluate natural logarithm of reactive hyperemia index (lnRHI) in subjects referred for primary prevention, in relation to classic risk factors, in particular to adherence to Mediterranean diet and red wine consumption. Methods The study population was composed of 95 consecutive clinically stable subjects in primary prevention for cardiovascular diseases. All subjects underwent medical questionnaire, clinical examination, and PAT for endothelial function evaluation. Results A significant inverse correlation between lnRHI values and body mass index ( r = −0.284; P = 0.022) was found. We described a gradual reduction in lnRHI values, corresponding to the increase in the number of risk factors (0.75 [0.31–1.26], 0.66 [0.25–0.97], 0.63 [0.37–1.19], 0.48 [0.32–0.71], 0.43 [0.31–0.91], respectively, for none, 1, 2, 3, and 4 cardiovascular risk factors; P = 0.004). A significant positive correlation between score of adherence to Mediterranean diet and lnRHI values was found ( r = 0.307; P = 0.002). Higher adherence to Mediterranean diet was found in subjects with lnRHI values greater than 0.40 in comparison to others (39 [27–50] vs 33 [28–45], respectively; P = 0.064). The lnRHI values were significantly higher in regular drinkers in comparison to nonregular drinkers (0.46 [0.25–0.83] vs 0.70 [0.32–1.26], respectively; P < 0.0001). Relationship between reactive hyperemia index and red wine consumption remained statistically significant even after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, smoking habit, hypertension, and adherence to Mediterranean diet. Conclusions Our findings strengthen the ability of PAT to evaluate alterations of endothelium response to ischemia, in relation to physiological and clinical conditions, so indicating possible usefulness to optimize and personalize risk stratification.
The Greater Metropolitan Medical Alumni Council (GMMAC)
Authors: Belilos Elise , Oleske James M. , Medow Norman B. , Sadovsky Richard , Campese Christopher L. , Bello Jacqueline A. , Swan Kenneth G. 
Published: May 2016

Objective The greater New York metropolitan area includes 8 medical schools. Their alumni association (AA) presidents formed a council 6 years ago, meeting 3 times a year to share ideas and identify best practices to solve mutual problems challenging students and alumni. Methods A survey of the 8 medical AAs was conducted; all responded, and the results constitute the data in this report. Results Mean AA membership was 2509 or 33% of mean alumni populations (7489). Two AAs conferred membership at graduation; hence, 100% of alumni were AA members. Omitting these 2 AAs reduced mean participation to 1722 or 23%. Alumni association support staff averaged 3.8 persons (range, 1–7 persons). The 2 most frequently cited AA challenges were membership and fund-raising. All AAs had annual or biennial reunions and considered the reunion to be a major commitment of resources. Despite this commitment, mean reunion attendance was only 242 alumni (range, 40–500 alumni) or 7.3% of alumni in anniversary years (5-year intervals). The mean number of alumni who contributed annually to their alma mater through its AA was 1936 alumni (range, 500–3500 alumni), or 26% (range, 5%–47%). Medical AAs reported mean assets of $2,755,000 (range, $6475–$11,000,000). The mean AA budget was $298,750, of which 65% (range, 13%–100%) was devoted to “medical student support”. The most frequently cited student activities were “career night” (100%), “white coat ceremonies” (63%), medical equipment (stethoscopes, etc, 50%), and alumni host programs (38%). Eleven additional medical student activities received financial support from the 8 AAs in varying proportions. Conclusions Each AA in the Greater Metropolitan Medical Alumni Council has derived significant benefit from the application of best practices to its individual problem set. In particular, a nascent AA developed significant momentum in its formation and development by its participation in the Greater Metropolitan Medical Alumni Council. Additionally, these data provide a foundation for the development of best practices within medical school AA for optimizing support of student programs and alumni participation. Stronger AAs will translate into enhanced support of educational programs for medical students. We urge formation of similar medical AA organizations in other metropolitan areas.
The Effect of Intra-articular Injection of Betamethasone Acetate/Betamethasone Sodium Phosphate at the Knee Joint on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: A Case-Controlled Study
Authors: Habib George , Artul Suheil , Chernin Mark , Hakim Geries , Jabbour Adel 
Published: May 2016

Background Intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) of betamethasone depot preparation is a popular procedure at the knee joint. Intra-articular corticosteroid injection in general could be associated with systemic effects including suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. There are nearly no reports on the effect of IACI of betamethasone at the knee joint on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Method Consecutive patients attending the rheumatology or orthopedic clinic with osteoarthritic knee pain who were not responding satisfactorily to medical and physical therapy were allocated to group 1 after consent and given IACI of 6 mg of betamethasone acetate/betamethasone sodium phosphate. After completion of this part, consecutive age- and sex-matched patients were allocated to group 2 and given intra-articular injection of 60 mg of sodium hyaluronate. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiographic variables were documented. Just before the knee injection and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 weeks later, patients had 1-μg adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) was defined as levels of less than 18 µg/dL and lack of a rise of more than 6 µg/dL in serum cortisol level, 30 minutes after the ACTH stimulation test. Patients were blinded to the injected material, and all injections were ultrasound guided. Results Twenty patients were enrolled in each group and equally divided between the 2 sexes. The mean age of the patients was approximately 54 years in both groups. No significant difference in any variable was seen between the 2 groups. One patient only from group 1 (the betamethasone group) had SAI 3 weeks after the IACI compared to none in the control group ( P > 0.9999). His serum cortisol level 30 minutes after the ACTH stimulation was 17 µg/dL, with a rise of 3 µg/dL from baseline. Conclusion Intra-articular corticosteroid injection of 6 mg of betamethasone acetate/betamethasone sodium phosphate at the knee joint was not significantly associated with SAI at the time points tested.
A Postmarketing Surveillance Study on Erbitux (Cetuximab) in Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Refractory to Irinotecan-Containing Treatment
Authors: Huang Wen-Tsung , Chen Hong-Hwa , Yeh Chung-Hung , Lu Yin-Che , Hwang Wei-Shou , Huang Jen-Seng , Chen Chou-Pin , Lin Peng-Chan , Uen Wu-Ching , Lee Yang-Cheng , Wang Hwei-Ming , Wu Hong-Cheng , Chen Jinn-Shiun , Kao Ruey-Ho , Huang Chi-Chou , Jeng Hao-Hsuan , Lin Chia-Jung , Hsieh Ruey-Kuen 
Published: May 2016

Objective This postmarketing surveillance study evaluated the safety and efficacy of cetuximab therapy in patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-expressing metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in Taiwan. Methods Patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC who had failed prior irinotecan-based chemotherapy and were receiving cetuximab therapy were monitored for treatment efficacy and safety from the time of first infusion until 28 days after the last infusion regardless of the reasons fordiscontinuation. The study followed 269 patients for approximately 2years. Results No unexpected adverse events associated with cetuximab therapy were reported, and most events were grade 1 or 2. The most common drug-related adverse events of any grade were rash (21.6%) and dermatitis acneiform (4.8%). Reported grade 3/4 events were rash (4.5%), dermatitis acneiform (0.4%), and diarrhea (0.4%). Cetuximab treatment for patients receiving second-/third-line (177 patients) or above therapy (92 patients) was associated with a median progression-free survival time of 3.37 and 3.90 months, respectively, and a median overall survival time of 17.6 and 21.1 months, respectively. The response rates for the second-/third-line treatment and fourth-line or above cetuximab treatment groups were similar (21.5% vs 17.4%; P = 0.428). Conclusion Cetuximab showed no unexpected safety findings and was efficacious in treating patients with EGFR-expressing mCRC in community practice in Taiwan.
Pouvoir d'Etat et autres puissances : le rôle politique des métiers bruxellois au XVIIIe siècle.
Authors: Van Honacker Karin 
Published: May 2016

Staats- en andere macht : de politieke rol van de Brusselse ambachten in de XVIIIde eeuw.
In dit artikel wordt de oorsprong onderzocht van de werkelijke macht die de Brusselse ambachten zich in de loop der eeuwen toegeëigend hebben en die zij hebben kunnen bewaren tot het einde van de XVIIIde eeuw.
Vier bronnen waaruit de ambachten hun macht en invloed ontleenden worden behandeld : de traditie en lange geschiedenis van de Derde Stand in het hertogdom Brabant en zijn structuur ; de belangrijke steun van zowat geheel de Brusselse bevolking ; het bij gelegenheid voeren van een verstandige vorm van oppositie aan de hand van verzoekschriften en andere rechtsmiddelen ; het besef bij de overheid van de aanzienlijke steun voor initiatieven en ondernemingen van de ambachten.
Het voortbestaan van de Brusselse ambachten lijkt veeleer verbonden te zijn met het politiek opportunisme van het geheel van de plaatselijke machtsdragers tegenover het gezag van een in vorming zijnde gecentraliseerde staat.
Valeurs locatives et propriétaires cambrésiens au milieu du XVIIIe siècle.
Authors: Vigneron Sylvain 
Published: May 2016

Rent Values and Landlords in Cambrai in the Middle of the XVIIIth Century.
Thanks to the landlords' tax-return files, one can analyze housing rents in two parishes of Cambrai in 1750, Saint George's and La Madeleine. In spite of fairly low rent values, the Cambrai urban area looks like a "Monopoly" grid with its socially marked streets. The scale of rents depends on three major factors : the condition of the houses, the mode of occupation and the strategies developed to ensure ownership.
Built-up property, which provided only meagre returns at best to their owners, did not benefit from the "rassembleurs" like land did. Relatively abandoned by the nobility, the market of rented houses was dominated by smaller landlords, of bourgeois origins, and by the little world of craftsmen.