bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intima‐media thickness in an Italian psoriatic population: correlation with lipidic serum levels, PASI and BMI
Authors: Antonucci V.A. , Tengattini V. , Balestri R. , Patrizi A. , Filippini M. , Bardazzi F. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground  Recent findings have shown that psoriasis is frequently associated with atherosclerosis. Intima‐media thickness (IMT) is a surrogate marker of atherosclerosis damage. Psoriasis patients had impaired endothelial function and thicker IMT of the carotid artery, compared with the healthy control subjects.Objectives  The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients affected by cutaneous psoriasis without arthritis, considering the IMT as a subclinical feature of atherosclerosis.Methods  Intima‐media thickness of the common carotid artery was measured using High‐resolution B‐mode ultrasound in 40 psoriasis patients and 40 control patients matched for age and gender. We also measured triglycerides, PASI, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and BMI. Pearson’s partial correlation test was used to determine the correlation between each variable.Results  Intima‐media thickness in subjects with psoriasis was statistically higher than those in the control subjects (1.465 mm, P value < 0.001). A positive strong correlation between IMT and age (r = 0.464 P < 0.01), total cholesterol (r = 0.466 P < 0.01), LDL cholesterol (r = 0.518 P < 0.01), triglycerides (r = 0.285 P = 0.01) and PASI (r = 0.515 P < 0.01) was observed. There was no statistically significant correlation between IMT and BMI (r = 0.132 P = 0.244).Conclusions  Our study showed a significant increase in IMT in cutaneous psoriatic patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared with a control group. IMT seems to be uncorrelated with BMI value. It can be assumed that the assessment of IMT, through a reliable and non‐invasive technique such as ultrasound, appears particularly useful in the clinical evaluation of patients with psoriasis who may benefit from early intervention.
The double burden of obesity and iron deficiency on children and adolescents in Greece: the Healthy Growth Study
Authors: Manios Y. , Moschonis G. , Chrousos G. P. , Lionis C. , Mougios V. , Kantilafti M. , Tzotzola V. , Skenderi K. P. , Petridou A. , Tsalis G. , Sakellaropoulou A. , Skouli G. , Katsarou C. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundSome small cohort studies have noted that obesity co‐exists with lower serum iron levels. The present study aimed to examine the association between being overweight and iron deficiency (ID) in a large cohort of Greek children and adolescents.MethodsA representative sample of 2492 primary schoolchildren aged 9–13 years old was examined. Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, dietary intake and physical activity data were collected.ResultsThe prevalence of ID and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) was higher in obese boys and girls compared to their normal‐weight peers (P < 0.05). Serum ferritin was higher in obese compared to normal‐weight boys (P = 0.024) and higher in obese compared to normal‐weight and overweight girls (P = 0.001). By contrast, a negative association was found between transferrin saturation and adiposity in both boys and girls (P = 0.001 and P = 0.005). Furthermore, obese girls had significantly higher fibre intake than normal‐weight girls (P = 0.048) and also overweight and obese boys and girls recorded significantly fewer pedometer steps than their normal‐weight peers (P < 0.001). Finally, obesity more than doubled the likelihood of ID in both boys (odds ratio = 2.83; 95% confidence inteval = 1.65–4.85) and girls (odds ratio = 2.03; 95% confidence interval = 1.08–3.81) after controlling for certain lifestyle and clinical indices as potential confounders.ConclusionsThe present study shows that obese children and adolescents were at greater risk for ID and IDA than their normal‐weight peers. Low grade inflammation induced by excessive adiposity may be a reason for the observed low iron levels. This is also strengthened by the elevated serum ferritin levels, comprising an acute phase protein that is plausibly increased in inflammation.
Neuron‐type specific cannabinoid‐mediated G protein signalling in mouse hippocampus
Authors: Steindel Frauke , Lerner Raissa , Häring Martin , Ruehle Sabine , Marsicano Giovanni , Lutz Beat , Monory Krisztina 
Published: January 2013

AbstractType 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is expressed in different neuronal populations in the mammalian brain. In particular, CB1 on GABAergic or glutamatergic neurons exerts different functions and display different pharmacological properties in vivo. This suggests the existence of neuron‐type specific signalling pathways activated by different subpopulations of CB1. In this study, we analysed CB1 expression, binding and signalling in the hippocampus of conditional mutant mice, bearing CB1 deletion in GABAergic (GABA‐CB1‐KO mice) or cortical glutamatergic neurons (Glu‐CB1‐KO mice). Compared to their wild‐type littermates, Glu‐CB1‐KO displayed a small decrease of CB1 mRNA amount, immunoreactivity and [³H]CP55,940 binding. Conversely, GABA‐CB1‐KO mice showed a drastic reduction of these parameters, confirming that CB1 is present at much higher density on hippocampal GABAergic interneurons than glutamatergic neurons. Surprisingly, however, saturation analysis of HU210‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding demonstrated that ‘glutamatergic’ CB1 is more efficiently coupled to G protein signalling than ‘GABAergic’ CB1. Thus, the minority of CB1 on glutamatergic neurons is paradoxically several fold more strongly coupled to G protein signalling than ‘GABAergic’ CB1. This selective signalling mechanism raises the possibility of designing novel cannabinoid ligands that differentially activate only a subset of physiological effects of CB1 stimulation, thereby optimizing therapeutic action.
Aortic Valve Stenosis: To the Gradient and Beyond—The Mismatch Between Area and Gradient Severity
Authors: ABBAS AMR E. , FRANEY LAURA M. , GOLDSTEIN JAMES , LESTER STEVEN 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesThe clinical severity of aortic stenosis (AS) is based largely on symptoms. However, AS severity is primarily determined by estimating the aortic valve area (AVA) and pressure gradients (ΔP). Conditions may arise in which there is a mismatch in severity between AVA and ΔP determinations secondary to errors in measurement and/or assumption, alterations of flow, or variations in the magnitude of pressure recovery. The cause of discrepancy between area and gradient determinations must be deciphered so as to best counsel patients on the most ideal treatment strategy. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:183–194)
A Pilot Study of Prasugrel Followed by Post‐Procedural Maintenance with Clopidogrel in Patients Receiving Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: BENJAMIN MINA M. , FILARDO GIOVANNI , DONSKY MICHAEL S. , SCHUSSLER JEFFREY M. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundDual anti‐platelet therapy including clopidogrel or prasugrel is standard of care for patients receiving stents. Prasugrel has quicker onset so it can be loaded later than clopidogrel with greater efficacy. However, prasugrel is much more expensive than clopidogrel.ObjectivesTo describe the incidence of 30‐day death from cardiovascular causes, myocardial infarction, unstable angina requiring intervention, and minor and major bleeding in patients loaded with 60 mg of prasugrel prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and then continued on 75 mg of clopidogrel daily after the procedure.MethodsWe reviewed sequential medical records of 102 patients (Mean age: 67.8, male 68.6%, smokers: 22.6%, BMI: 29.5%, hypertension: 90.2%, DM: 33.3%, average ejection fraction: 49.7%) who underwent PCI (3.9% STEMI, 12.7% NSTEMI, 35.3% unstable angina and 48.1% electively) at Baylor University Medical Center between October 2009 and December 2011 who were loaded with prasugrel 60 mg prior to procedure, and then continued on 75 mg clopidogrel daily.ResultsNone of the patients died or experienced a myocardial infarction (MI) within 30 days of the procedure. Three patients experienced unstable angina requiring intervention but none had in‐stent thrombosis or restenosis on repeat angiography. None of the patients experienced a major bleeding event. One patient developed a gastrointestinal bleed which did not require blood transfusion and the bleeding it resolved on discontinuation of the clopidogrel.ConclusionIn this retrospective pilot study, a strategy of loading patients needing PCI with prasugrel 60 mg immediately prior to coronary intervention, then continuation of anti‐platelet therapy with 75 mg clopidogrel daily was safe and effective. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:38–42)
Frequency of Coronary Angiography and Revascularization among Men and Women with Myocardial Infarction and Their Relationship to Mortality at One Year: An Analysis of the Geisinger Myocardial Infarction Cohort
Authors: SKELDING KIMBERLY A. , BOGA GOUTHAMI , SARTORIUS JENNIFER , WOOD G. CRAIG , BERGER PETER B. , MASCARENHAS VERNON H. , GOOD CHRISTOPHER W. , SCOTT THOMAS D. , BLANKENSHIP JAMES C. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivesTo determine sex bias in the selection of strategies to evaluate patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and determine if the choice of strategy influences survival.BackgroundControversy exists regarding the role of female sex in the use of invasive evaluation for AMI and its possible effect on adverse outcomes.MethodsElectronic health record data from the Geisinger Acute Myocardial Infarction Cohort (GAMIC) was analyzed which included 1,968 men and 1,047 women admitted to the Geisinger Medical Center between January 2001 and December 2006 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine independent correlates of an invasive evaluation. Multivariate logistic regression modeling stratified on sex was used to determine when invasive evaluation was done and whether there was a correlation with mortality.ResultsIn unadjusted analyses, male sex was a significant predictor for the use of invasive evaluation (odds ratio = 1.71, 95% CI = [1.46, 2.00]). Adjusted for baseline differences (like age, renal function, co‐morbid conditions) multivariate analyses found no significant relationship between male sex and invasive evaluation (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = [0.82, 1.23]). Females in the STEMI group were found to be less revascularized. No difference was observed in the one‐year mortality between women and men regardless of invasive evaluation or revascularization.ConclusionsSex was not independently associated with the occurrence of an invasive evaluation of a MI. Females in the STEMI group were less revascularized. There was no strong gender effect on survival irrespective of the performance on an invasive evaluation or revascularization. (J Interven Cardiol 2013;26:14–21)
Elevated cyclinD1 expression is governed by plasmaIGF‐1 throughRas/Raf/MEK/ERKpathway in rumen epithelium of goats supplying a high metabolizable energy diet
Authors: Lu J. , Zhao H. , Xu J. , Zhang L. , Yan L. , Shen Z. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe objective of this study was to explore the underlying mechanism of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1)–caused cell proliferation of rumen epithelium in goats fed a high metabolizable energy (ME) diet. In this study, young goats were fed either a lowME[LL,n = 9,ME: 0.57 MJ/kg0.75/day] or highME[HL,n = 9,ME: 1.00 MJ/(kg0.75/day)] diet for 42 day. The time duration ofG1‐phase was shortened as a result of enhanced expression of cyclinD1mRNAin theHLgroup (p < 0.05). It was suggested that a highMEdiet promoted cell transition fromG0/G1toS‐phase via cyclinD1. The level of phosphorylation ofERKwas higher inHLthanLLgroup (p < 0.05). In cell culture, theERKwas phosphorylated byIGF‐1 treatment. The proliferative effects of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1, 25 ng/ml) on [3H] thymidine (TdR) incorporation intoDNAand on cyclinD1 protein expression of rumen epithelial cells were inhibited byPPP(the inhibitor of type 1 IGF receptor) (p < 0.05) andERKinhibitor (p < 0.05)in vitro. Thus,IGF‐1 up‐regulated cyclinD1 expression and acceleratedG1‐phase progression in the cell cycle throughRas/Raf/MEK/ERKpathway in rumen epithelium of goats.
Periodontitis and atherosclerosis: an observational study
Authors: Pinho M. Morado , Faria‐Almeida R. , Azevedo E. , Conceição Manso M. , Martins L. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundPoor oral health has been related with cardiovascular diseases. Specifically, periodontitis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between the degree of carotid atherosclerosis and severity of periodontitis in a patient cohort.MethodsFifty adult patients receiving carotid duplex scans in a cerebral hemodynamics lab were included in the study. Ultrasound protocol included measurement of carotid intima–media thickness (IMT), which is a marker of atherosclerosis, and characterization of any atherosclerotic plaques in the cervical common and internal carotid arteries. Patients were divided into two main groups: the test group had IMT ≥ 1 mm or the presence of any carotid atherosclerotic plaque, and the control group had IMT < 1 mm and absence of atherosclerotic plaques. Periodontal evaluation was performed in all the teeth and characterized according to the clinical attachment level, which between 1 mm and 2 mm was classified as slight, 3 mm and 4 mm as moderate and ≥5 mm as severe.ResultsThe control group included 15 (30%), while the test group included 35 (70%) subjects. The most common diagnosis was severe periodontitis (40%); moderate and slight periodontitis were also frequent occurrences (32% and 28%, respectively). In the control group, 53.3% had slight, 33.3% had moderate and 13.3% had severe periodontitis. In the test group, those percentages were respectively 22.2%, 44.4% and 33.3%. Patients with atheroma plaque had the highest percentage of severe periodontitis (70.6%). More severe periodontitis was related to atherosclerosis (P = 0.007).ConclusionThis study showed an association between periodontitis severity and carotid atherosclerosis, suggesting that periodontal disease might be a risk indicator for atherosclerotic disease.
Gingival crevicular fluid levels of human beta‐defensins 1 and 3 in subjects with periodontitis and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Ertugrul A. S. , Dikilitas A. , Sahin H. , Alpaslan N. , Bozoglan A. , Tekin Y. 
Published: January 2013

Background and ObjectiveHuman β‐defensins (hBDs) have a strong antibacterial action against various microorganisms, especially periodontal pathogens. The aim of this study was to compare the total levels of hBD‐1 and hBD‐3 in the gingival crevicular fluid of healthy patients with gingivitis (HG), healthy patients with chronic periodontitis (HP), patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and gingivitis (DM2G) and patients with type 2 DM and chronic periodontitis (DM2P).Material and MethodsA total of 80 patients were included: 20 HG, 20 HP, 20 DM2G and 20 DM2P. The levels of hBD‐1 and hBD‐3 in gingival crevicular fluid were measured using ELISA.ResultsThe DM2P group had significantly higher periodontal clinical parameters at sites from which gingival crevicular fluid was collected compared with the other groups. The HG group had significantly lower periodontal clinical parameters within the gingival crevicular fluid‐collected sites than did the HP, DM2G and DM2P groups. The gingival crevicular fluid of the DM2P group had significantly higher levels of total hBD‐1 and hBD‐3 than did that of the other groups; the hBD‐1 and hBD‐3 levels were significantly higher in the gingival crevicular fluid of the DM2G group than in that of the the non‐DM type 2 groups (HG and HP). The gingival crevicular fluid of the HP group had significantly higher levels of total hBD‐1 and hBD‐3 in comparison with that of the HG group.ConclusionAs a result of the observed vascular and cell activity changes that occur within patients diagnosed with DM, periodontal diseases become more severe. These changes hinder the migration and the ability of chemotactic factors and leukocytes to protect periodontal tissues from the effects of microorganisms. In order to eliminate microorganisms, the epithelial cells in patients with DM may release more hBD‐1 and hBD‐3 into the gingival crevicular fluid. Determining the amount of hBD‐1 and hBD‐3 in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with and without DM will help to elucidate the relationship among hBD‐1, hBD‐3, DM and periodontal disease.
Inhibitory effect of Zingiber cassumunar extracts on lipopolysaccharide‐induced cyclooxygenase‐2 and matrix metalloproteinase expression in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Koontongkaew S. , Meesuk L. , Aupaphong V. , Ayudhaya T. Dechatiwongse Na , Poachanukoon O. 
Published: January 2013

Background and ObjectiveLipopolysaccharides (LPS) induce the production of proinflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Zingiber cassumunar is a medicinal plant that possesses anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the Z. cassumunar extract on the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1, COX‐2 and MMP‐2 in HGFs challenged with LPS.Material and MethodsHGFs were treated with LPS in the presence or absence of Z. cassumunar extracts. The levels of expression of COX‐1, COX‐2 and MMP‐2 mRNAs and of COX‐1, COX‐2 and MMP‐2 proteins were detected by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blotting, respectively. MMP‐2 activities in cell‐culture supernatants were determined using gelatin zymography. MAPK activation was evaluated by western blotting.ResultsLPS treatment of HGFs resulted in the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and JNK. Z. cassumunar extracts significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and JNK in HGFs stimulated with LPS. A lesser inhibitory effect was observed for the phosphorylation of p38. RT‐PCR and western blot analyses showed that Z. cassumunar extracts inhibited the LPS‐induced expression of COX‐2 mRNA and COX‐2 protein, respectively, but not of COX‐1 mRNA or COX‐1 protein. Pretreatment of HGFs with Z. cassumunar also attenuated the induction of MMP‐2 with LPS.ConclusionOur results indicate that Z. cassumunar extracts inhibit COX‐2 and MMP‐2 production by LPS‐activated human gingival fibroblasts through blocking the proinflammatory signaling pathway involving ERK1/2, JNK and p38.
Validation of a quantitative real‐time PCR assay and comparison with fluorescence microscopy and selective agar plate counting for species‐specific quantification of an in vitro subgingival biofilm model
Authors: Ammann T. W. , Bostanci N. , Belibasakis G. N. , Thurnheer T. 
Published: January 2013

Background and ObjectiveSubgingival biofilms are the prime etiological factor of periodontal disease. Owing to their complex polymicrobial nature, quantification of individual bacterial species within the biofilm for research and diagnostic purposes can be methodologically challenging. The aims of this study were to establish a quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) assay to quantify the bacteria used in our 10‐species in vitro ‘subgingival’ biofilm model and to compare the quantitative outcome with fluorescence microscopy and colony‐forming unit (CFU) counts on selective agar plates.Material and MethodsThe 10 species included in the in vitro biofilm were Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus anginosus, Veillonella dispar, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Actinomyces oris, Campylobacter rectus, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. The numbers of each species were quantified at two time points using qPCR, microscopy counting following fluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) or immunofluorescence staining, and counting of CFUs after growth on selective agar plates.ResultsAll 10 species were successfully quantified using qPCR and FISH or immunofluorescence, and the eight species culturable on selective agar plates were also quantified by counting the numbers of CFUs after growth on selective agar. In early biofilm cultures, all methods showed a significant correlation, although the absolute numbers differed between methods. In late biofilm cultures, measurements obtained using qPCR and FISH or immunofluorescence, but not by CFU counts, maintained significant correlation. CFU counts yielded lower values than did measurements made using the other two methods.ConclusionQuantitative PCR and epifluorescence microscopy can be easily combined with each other to determine species‐specific bacterial numbers within biofilms. However, conventional bacterial cultures cannot be as efficiently combined using these molecular detection methods. This may be crucial in designing and selecting appropriate clinical diagnostic methods for subgingival biofilm samples.
Effects of local simvastatin–alendronate conjugate in preventing periodontitis bone loss
Authors: Price U. , Le H. ‐O. T. , Powell S. E. , Schmid M. J. , Marx D. B. , Zhang Y. , Wang D. , Narayana N. , Reinhardt R. A. 
Published: January 2013

Background and ObjectiveLocal host‐modulation therapy is an emerging approach to prevent disease progression in sites with moderate periodontitis. The combination of simvastatin and alendronate would be an intriguing host‐modulatory strategy because of the bone‐anabolic properties of simvastatin and the antiresorptive/bone‐targeting characteristics of alendronate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of local administration of a simvastatin–alendronate–β‐cyclodextrin (SIM–ALN–CD) conjugate for preventing experimental periodontitis bone loss.Material and MethodsTwenty‐four mature female Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with three, 12 μL injections, administered one week apart, bilaterally into the palatal/interproximal gingiva. The injections contained: (i) a conjugate of 0.5 mg ofSIMand 3.75 mg ofALN–CDin H2O; (ii) H2O alone; or (iii) no treatment. One week later, the same sites were subjected to induction of experimental periodontitis by three injections (i.e. one injection administered every other day for five d) of 0.01 mg ofEscherichia coliendotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) orPBSalone. After an additional week, the rats were killed, the palates were harvested and interproximal bone volume and adjacent thickness were calculated using microcomputed tomography. Subsequently, specimens were decalcified, and interproximal histologic sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for evaluation of alveolar crest osteoclasts and surrounding inflammation. Values were compared among treatment groups using analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test.ResultsInterproximal bone volume was reduced byLPSinjections (p ≤ 0.04), yet when experimental periodontitis was preceded by treatment withSIM–ALN–CD, more bone was preserved than after treatment with carrier alone (p = 0.007). WhileLPScaused a significant loss in bone thickness over the palatal roots (p ≤ 0.04), the injection protocol (PBS) also caused a significant loss of palatal bone thickness (p ≤ 0.03). However, prophylacticSIM–ALN–CDinjections resulted in no further loss of bone thickness during experimental periodontitis.LPSinjections gave histologic evidence of increased osteoclasts and subsulcular inflammation, both of which were reduced when preceded by treatment withSIM–ALN–CD(p ≤ 0.0002).ConclusionThe primary conclusion of this study was that locally appliedSIM–ALN–CDhas the potential to prevent episodes of periodontitis bone loss.