bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Platelet count, mean platelet volume and their relation to prognosis in cerebral infarction
Authors: D'ERASMO E. , ALIBERTI G. , CELI F. S. , ROMAGNOLI E. , VECCI E. , MAZZUOLI G. F. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. The study was performed on patients with ischaemic cerebral infarction in order to obtain information on serial changes of some platelet parameters and to test their prognostic significance.Platelet count, obtained within 48 h after cerebral infarction, was significantly lower than in the control group (213611±65652 mm−3 vs. 299525±60611 mm−3, P < 0.001), reaching the normal level on the ninth day and thereafter. The mean platelet volume was significantly greater than in the controls (11.26±1.29 fl vs. 8.93±0.93 fl. P < 0.001), and normalization generally occurred on the forty‐fifth day.The mean platelet count was significantly lower in the patients who died than in those who survived (P < 0.025 and P < 0.05 respectively on the first to second and fourth day after infarction).The reduction of platelet count and the increase of mean volume appear to be related to an increased platelet consumption in the infarction area, associated with an in vivo platelet activation, as larger platelets are more responsive to platelet activity and aggregability tests.The lower mean platelet count observed in the patients who died suggests that the platelet value might be considered as a prognostic index of cerebral infarction.
Novel gene mutations at the low density lipoprotein receptor locus: FH‐Kanazawa and FH‐Okayama
Authors: KAJINAMI K. , MABUCHI H. , INAZU A. , FUJITA H. , KOIZUMI J. , TAKEDA R. , MATSUE T. , KIBATA M. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Gene mutations at the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor locus were screened in 210 alleles of Japanese patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). In the present study, two types of novel mutation were identified by genomic Southern blotting using human LDL receptor cDNA probes.An approximately 12 kb deletion including exons 2 and 3 (and possibly 4) was identified in a patient (M.I.). The patient with this mutant gene will be referred to as ‘FH‐Kanazawa’.Two patients born in Okayama Prefecture in Japan had another unique 13 kb partial deletion, from exons 7 to 14, in their LDL receptor genes (FH‐Okayama). This mutant allele is the first reported case in which the central portion of the LDL receptor gene, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) precursor homology region, is eliminated.
Pre‐ and postoperative evaluation of renal function with five different tests in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: KRISTOFFERSSON A. , BACKMAN C. , GRANQVIST K. , JÄRHULT J. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Renal function was investigated immediately before and 1 year following parathyroidectomy in 19 patients with moderate hypercalcaemia. On both occasions, all patients underwent five different tests of glomerular and tubular function: plasma creatinine, creatinine clearance, 51Cr‐EDTA‐clearance, β2‐microglobulin excretion and the desmopressin test.Glomerular filtration rate, as assessed by plasma creatinine and clearance of both creatinine and 51Cr‐EDTA, was normal in most patients, and was little affected by restoration of normocalcaemia.Renal concentrating capacity, as determined by the desmopressin test, was abnormally low in 14 of 19 patients, but increased significantly after surgery.It is concluded that serious renal damage is seldom encountered in present‐day HPT patients, but that a treatable decrease in renal concentrating capacity often exists.
Carbamazepine‐induced pseudolymphoma and immune dysregulation
Authors: SINNIGE H. A. M. , BOENDER C. A. , KUYPERS E. W. , RUITENBERG H. M. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Pseudolymphoma is a condition that closely resembles malignant lymphoma, both clinically and on histopathological examination. Immunological cell typing is necessary for correct diagnosis.We present here the case of a patient with carbamazepine‐induced generalized lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, anaemia, abnormal differential leucocyte count, and hypergammaglobulinaemia. There was evidence of severe immune dysregulation. All abnormalities subsided spontaneously after withdrawal of carbamazepine and the patient remained in good health afterwards.
The effect of serum lipid regulation on the development of femoral atherosclerosis in hyperlipidaemia: a non‐randomized controlled study
Authors: OLSSON A. G. , RUHN G. , ERIKSON U. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. The development of femoral atheroma after 1 year of treatment with diet and nicotinic acid plus fenofibrate was studied in 45 asymptomatic, hyperlipidaemic, middle‐aged male subjects in a non‐randomized controlled study. The median serum very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol concentration and the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentration were lowered by 67% and 36%, respectively, in the treatment group. The median serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration was increased by 23%.Femoral atheroma was estimated by overall atherosclerosis score (OAS). Changes in femoral atherosclerosis were estimated by intrapair comparison of angiograms. Progression was found in 24% and 40% in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Regression occurred in 29% and 0%, respectively.The OAS decrease correlated with reductions in VLDL cholesterol and systolic blood pressure.
Cognitive function, insulin‐dependent diabetes and hypoglycaemia
Authors: SACHON C. , GRIMALDI A. , DIGY J. P. , PILLON B. , DUBOIS B. , THERVET F. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. A series of seven psychometric tests, to evaluate mental concentration and the ability to retain selective attention, lexical fluency, wordlist memorizing and psychomotor speed, was performed on 25 non‐diabetic control subjects and 55 insulin‐dependent diabetes (IDD) patients of similar social background and professional status. When tested, none of the diabetics was hypoglycaemic and these patients were divided into two groups:Group I: 30 IDD patients unaware of hypoglycaemia, and experiencing frequent and severe episodes of hypoglycaemia.Group II: 25 IDD patients aware of hypoglycaemia.Groups I and II had experienced the disease for the same period of time (17 ± 13 vs. 14 ± 11 years, respectively) and they had similar HbA1c levels (7.14 ± 1.25% vs. 8.6 ± 1.88%, respectively) and degenerative complications. Compared with the scores of the controls, the Group I scores were lower in four tests: trail‐making part A (psychomotor speed: P < 0.001) and part B (retaining selective attention; P < 0.01), lexical fluency (P < 0.01) and Rey auditory‐verbal learning test (wordlist learning; P < 0.05). Group II scores were lower in two tests: trail‐making part A (P < 0.01) and part B (P < 0.05). In word memorizing, the performance of Group I was inferior to that of Group II (P < 0.05). In general, these psychometric tests showed that IDD scores were lower than those of the controls, with an average of 67% for Group II and 80% for Group I. Chronic hyperglycaemia and severe hypoglycaemia may have a deleterious effect on cognitive performance. In particular, several severe episodes of hypoglycaemia could be responsible for permanent memory impairment.
Progression of glomerular diseases
Authors: PETEN E. P. , STRIKER L. J. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. The nature and slope of progression of glomerular diseases is the subject of considerable discussion. The use of renal biopsies has been accompanied by considerable improvement in the classification of glomerular disease. However, the clinical and histological tools available to assess prognosis in individual patients lack accuracy, especially in slowly progressive glomerular diseases such as diabetes mellitus.The development of molecular biology tools provides a new approach to the analysis of glomerulosclerosis. The accumulation of extracellular matrix in the glomerulus results from an exaggerated synthesis of collagens and other molecules forming the basement membranes, and is accompanied by an increase in the corresponding mRNAs. The measure of local glomerular gene activation can therefore provide a dynamic view of glomerular scarring. Utilizing a method combining microdissection of the glomeruli, reverse transcription in situ and a competitive polymerase‐chain‐reaction assay we were able to measure minute amounts of mRNAs in single mouse and human glomeruli. Both in mouse models and in human glomerulosclerosis we found upregulation of basement membrane collagen genes in the glomeruli. The increase appeared to be parallel to the slope of progression of glomerulosclerosis in experimental animals. This new approach may therefore provide a quantitative and sensitive method to define the propensity to sclerosis in human disease.
No effect of high‐dose inhaled steroids in pulmonary sarcoidosis: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: MILMAN N. , GRAUDAL N. , GRODE G. , MUNCH E. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objective. To evaluate whether inhaled steroids in high doses might be of therapeutic value in pulmonary sarcoidosis.Design. Randomized, double blind and placebo controlled parallel study.Setting. The out‐patient clinic of the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.Subjects. Twenty‐one untreated patients (17 males, 4 females, median age 33 years, range 21–65) and eight patients treated with systemic prednisolone. All patients had biopsy proven pulmonary sarcoidosis radiological stage I‐III.Interventions. Treatment with either inhaled budesonide 1.2 mg day−1‐2.0 mg day−1 (n = 9) or placebo (n = 12) for 12 months.Main outcome measures. Clinical (cough, chest pain, dyspnoea) and paraclinical variables (chest X‐ray, gallium scintigraphy, pulmonary function tests, and biochemical markers of disease activity: blood leukocytes, lymphocytes, serum (S‐) angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), S‐1,25‐OH‐cholecalciferol, plasma (P‐) calcium, P‐immunoglobulins) were recorded before treatment, every three months during treatment, and 6 months after treatment had been discontinued.Results. There were no significant differences between the recorded variables in the budesonide and placebo groups. In general, a regression of disease activity was observed in both groups. Two patients in the treatment group, treated with 2.0 mg budesonide/ day, and two in the placebo group had progression in disease and were put on systemic steroids.Conclusion. Inhaled budesonide in doses of 1.2‐2.0 mg day−1 had no recognizable therapeutic effect on pulmonary sarcoidosis.
The relation of coronary and peripheral arterial disease to the severity of femoral atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolaemia
Authors: BERGSTRAND L. , OLSSON A. G. , ERIKSON U. , HOLME I. , JOHANSSON J. , KAIJSER L. , LASSVIK C. , MÖLGAARD J. , NILSSON S. , STENPORT G. , WALLDIUS G. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objectives. The extent of atherosclerosis in the superficial femoral artery and the severity of arterial disease in the aorto‐iliac and femoro‐popliteal arterial districts were related to clinical diagnosis of coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolaemic patients.Design. The study constitutes baseline cross‐sectional data of a randomized double‐blind clinical trial on Probucol, using both computer based and visual estimations of angiographies as endpoints.Subjects. Two hundred and ninety men and women (mean age 54 years) with hypercholesterolaemia.Main outcome measures. Atherosclerosis was estimated with arteriographies. Lumen volume and edge roughness (vessel inner wall irregularity) of a 20 cm segment of the femoral artery were estimated by computer. A visual atherosclerosis score of the abdominal aorta to the popliteal arteries was made on both sides.Results. Patients with peripheral arterial disease had significantly more advanced disease according to all three angiographic variables than those without symptoms of peripheral vascular disease. Both men and women with coronary artery disease had significantly lower femoral lumen volume and higher roughness values than patients without. Men with previous myocardial infarction had significantly higher mean visual scores of atherosclerosis than those without, while lumen volume and roughness did not differ in either sex.Conclusions. Femoral atherosclerosis is an expression of a generalized disease, associated with clinical symptoms of coronary artery disease. Femoral atherosclerosis is often accompanied by atherosclerosis also in the coronary arteries.
Alteration of oxide reductive and haemostatic factors in type 2 diabetics
Authors: NERI S. , BRUNO C. M. , RACITI C. , D'ANGELO G. , D'AMICO R. , CRISTALDI R. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objective. To assess any pathogenic role of radical activity and haemostatic alteration in the early cardiovascular disease of microalbuminuric type 2 diabetics (non‐insulin dependent).Design. A selected cohort of type 2 diabetics was identified, divided according to urinary albumin excretion and compared with a healthy control group depending on some haemostatic factors and radical activity.Setting. All the subjects were studied as outpatients.Subjects. Eighty diabetics and 84 healthy controls were interviewed and underwent blood tests to exclude standard cardiovascular risk factors before follow up.Main outcome measures. The subjects were males, age range 43–55 years, and divided according to albumin excretion (microalbuminuria > 30–200 mg L−1; normoalbuminuria < 15 mg L−1). The mean duration of diabetes referred by the patients was 9.3 years in albuminuric and 11.1 years in normoalbuminuric patients with a good control of plasma glucose level. Neither the diabetics nor the control group showed clinical evidence of renal and cardiovascular diseases.Results. Microalbuminuric patients presented elevated malondialdehyde concentration, glutathione peroxidase activity, phospholipidic fatty acid levels, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor, tissue plasminogen activator and von Willebrand factor compared with normoalbuminuric patients and controls.More collagen was required in microalbuminuric diabetics than in normoalbuminurics and controls.Conclusions. Our results confirm that both free radical activity and changes in haemostatic factors can be observed in type 2 diabetes and particularly in patients with albuminuria. Our very selected series with short duration, good control of diabetes and lack of clinical evidence of cardiovascular disease may suggest that these abnormalities develop earlier and may be associated with, and/or implicated in, the pathogenesis of microvascular complications which can be related to a higher and early cardiovascular morbidity and mortality rate in microalbuminuric diabetics.
Do clinicians accept the role of Helicobacter pylori in duodenal ulcer disease: a survey of European gastroenterologists and general practitioners
Authors: CHRISTENSEN A. H. , LOGAN R. P. H. , NOACH L. A. , GJøRUP T. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objectives. To examine to what extent clinicians in Europe accepted the theory of the casual role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in duodenal ulcer disease in the year 1992, and to what extent the theory had influenced their diagnostic and therapeutic habits in the management of duodenal ulcer patients at that time.Design. Postal questionnaire.Setting. Three European countries: the UK, the Netherlands, and Denmark.Subjects. Three hundred and three gastroenterologists, 250 general practitioners, 83 junior hospital doctors.Main outcome measures. Number of doctors believing H. pylori to be a significant cause of duodenal ulcer disease, use of diagnostic tests for detection of H. pylori and therapeutic regimens for eradicating H. pylori.Results. Four hundred and forty‐two doctors replied. Eighty‐four per cent of the British doctors, 73% of the Dutch doctors, and 47% of the Danish doctors accepted the role of H. pylori in duodenal ulcer disease. The rates were higher among gastroenterologists than among general practitioners. Eighty‐four per cent of the British doctors, 80% of the Dutch doctors, and 48% of the Danish doctors used diagnostic tests for H. pylori, most frequently histological examination (64%). In patients with duodenal ulcer disease, H. pylori eradication was undertaken by 93% of the British doctors, 89% of the Dutch doctors, and 60% of the Danish doctors. A triple therapy (a bismuth salt, metronidazole, and either amoxicillin or tetracycline) was used by 57% (181/315) of the doctors.Conclusions. H. pylori treatment is frequently used in some countries. However, the role of H. pylori in duodenal ulcer disease has not been accepted to the same extent in different European countries.
Relationship between visceral fat, steroid hormones and insulin sensitivity in premenopausal obese women
Authors: ZAMBONI M. , ARMELLINI F. , TURCATO E. , de PERGOLA G. , TODESCO T. , BISSOLI L. , ANDREIS I. A. BERGAMO , BOSELLO O. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract: Objectives. The relationships between visceral fat distribution, steroid hormones and peripheral insulin sensitivity were studied.Setting. All subjects were hospitalized in the Institute of Internal Medicine of the University of Verona, Italy.Subjects. Nineteen fertile obese women were studied with ages ranging from 18 to 53 years and body mass indexes ranging from 27.3 to 48.4.Intervention. Body fat distribution was evaluated by waist‐to‐hip circumference ratio and by computed tomography. The insulin tolerance test was used to evaluate peripheral insulin sensitivity. Glucose, insulin and C‐peptide were measured in fasting conditions and during glucose load; total and free plasma testosterone and urinary cortisol excretion were also determined.Results. Significant correlations emerged between visceral adipose tissue and fasting glucose, insulin, and C‐peptide. but not between visceral adipose tissue and total testosterone, free testosterone or urinary cortisol excretion. A negative correlation emerged between visceral adipose tissue and insulin sensitivity (r = −0.70; P < 0.01). No significant correlations were found between insulin sensitivity and age, body weight, body mass index, total adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue or waist‐to‐hip ratio. Total testosterone correlated with body weight, subcutaneous adipose tissue and total adipose tissue. Free testosterone and urinary cortisol excretion correlated positively with body weight, and negatively with age. No correlation was found between insulin sensitivity and total testosterone, free testosterone or urinary cortisol excretion. The correlation between visceral adipose tissue and insulin sensitivity remained significant even after adjusting for both age and the body mass index.Conclusions. Our study shows that visceral fat is more closely associated with aberrations of insulin sensitivity than with obesity itself. Total testosterone, free testosterone and urinary cortisol excretion in our subjects do not seem to be associated with such aberrations.
Homocysteine and cysteine: determinants of plasma levels in middle‐aged and elderly subjects
Authors: BRATTSTRÖM L. , LINDGREN A. , ISRAELSSON B. , ANDERSSON A. , HULTBERG B. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objectives. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We explored possible determinants of plasma homocysteine and cysteine concentrations amongst middle‐aged and elderly subjects.Design and subjects. Of 501 35–95‐year‐old randomly selected residents of Lund and Malmö, Sweden, 244 (49%; 131 men, 113 women) were investigated.Results. Total plasma homocysteine concentrations were higher in men than in women (mean ± SD: 13.9 ± 4.1 and 12.3 ± 4.1 μmol L−1; P < 0.001), increased markedly with age (Spearman's p = 0.488; P < 0.001), and were correlated (P < 0.001) to concentrations of blood folate, serum vitamin B12, and serum creatine (p = −0.366, −0.338, and 0.463). Users of multivitamins had lower homocysteine levels than nonusers [10.5 ± 3.3 μmol L−1 (n = 31) and 13.5 ± 4.2 μmol L−1 (n = 213), respectively; P < 0.001]. Total plasma cysteine concentrations also increased significantly with age and increasing serum creatinine, but were unrelated to gender, blood folate, serum vitamin B12 and use of multivitamins.Conclusions. Age, gender, folate, serum vitamin B12, serum creatinine and multivitamin usage are all important determinants of the plasma homocysteine concentration, whereas only age and serum creatinine are determinants of the plasma cysteine concentration. The age‐related increase in homocysteine and cysteine may be linked to the age‐related impairment of renal function, whereas the sex difference in plasma homocysteine may be because of the fact that more homocysteine is formed in men than in women in conjunction with creatine‐creatinine synthesis.
The efficacy of multiple risk factor intervention in treated hypertensive men during long‐term follow up
Authors: AGEWALL S. , WIKSTRAND J. , SAMUELSSON O. , PERSSON B. , ANDERSSON O. K. , FAGERBERG B. ,   Risk Factor Intervention Study Groups
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objective. To examine the feasibility and efficacy of a multifactorial intervention programme directed towards hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, and diabetes mellitus in treated hypertensive patients after more than 3 years' follow‐up and to describe the incidence of cardiovascular complications.Design. Open, randomized, parallel‐group study with allocation either to a comprehensive multiple risk factor modification programme or to usual care.Setting. Outpatient clinic in a city hospital.Patients. A total of 508 male patients with treated hypertension, aged 50–72 years, with at least one of the following: serum cholesterol ≥ 6.5 μmol L−1 smoking or diabetes mellitus.Intervention. Individually given advice and group meetings based on nutritional advice and behavioural treatment principles. Drug therapy could be instituted to achieve the treatment goals in the intervention group: serum total cholesterol below 6.0 μmol L−1, no smoking, and HbAl1c below 6.0%. Diastolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg was the treatment goal in both groups.Main outcome measurements. Serum cholesterol, HbA1c, diastolic blood pressure, smoking. Cardiovascular end‐points were recorded.Results. The net changes were (change intervention—change usual care): serum cholesterol − 5.0% (95% confidence interval, − 7.6 to − 2.3 %), 17.6% more stopped smoking (P = 0.04); diastolic blood pressure and HbA1c remained unchanged. The incidence of stroke was lower in the intervention group compared with the usual‐care group: 2.0 and 6.7%, respectively (P = 0.017).Conclusion. The intervention programme was comparatively successful with regards to the effects on hypercholesterolaemia and smoking habits. An unexpected decrease in the stroke incidence was observed in the intervention group compared with the usual‐care group.