bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of serum retinol‐binding protein 4 with insulin resistance and metabolic parameters during olanzapine therapy
Authors: Faghihi Toktam , Radfar Mania , Abdoli Elahe , Amini Homayoun , Rezaei Hemami Mohsen , Larijani Bagher 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjective  Retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) has been shown to be associated with insulin resistance (IR), metabolic indices and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in various patient populations and in obesity. We investigated the association between metabolic parameters, IR and RBP4 during olanzapine therapy.Design  A prospective study.Patients  Thirty‐seven participants with psychiatric disorder who were atypical antipsychotic naive and newly initiated on olanzapine were assessed.Measurements  Fasting RBP4, anthropometric and metabolic variables were measured before and after 3 months of olanzapine therapy.Results  Participants who developed MetS showed higher RBP4 levels compared with those without MetS, although not significant (P = 0·053). The variation in RBP4 level was correlated with changes in systolic blood pressure (r = 0·423, P = 0·009), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0·390, P = 0·017), total cholesterol (r = 0·446, P = 0·006) and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (r = 0·407, P = 0·012). Multiple linear regression analysis illustrated that end‐point log insulin level was the most significant independent predictor of final log RBP4 levels (standardized ß = 0·353, P = 0·024).Conclusions  Our results suggest that RBP4 levels might be associated with at least some olanzapine‐induced metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Sex hormone–binding globulin at the crossroad of body composition, somatotropic axis and insulin/glucose homeostasis in young healthy men
Authors: Vanbillemont Griet , Lapauw Bruno , De Naeyer Hélène , Roef Greet , Kaufman Jean‐Marc , Taes Youri E. C. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryObjectives  Sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG) modulates the bioavailability of sex steroids at tissue level. Genetic, hormonal and lifestyle‐related factors determine the SHBG levels, and low SHBG levels are a known risk factor for the development of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. We investigated to what extent different determinants contribute to the variation in SHBG levels in healthy young men.Design and patients  Healthy male siblings (n = 677) aged 25–45 year were recruited in a cross‐sectional, population‐based study.Measurements  Lean and fat mass were measured using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and immunoassays were used to determine the serum hormonal levels. Additional information about smoking and physical activity was obtained using questionnaires. Carriers of two SHBG polymorphisms, the Asp327Asn polymorphism and the (TAAAA)n repeat polymorphism, were identified.Results  Weight, BMI, whole body fat mass and truncal fat mass were negatively associated with SHBG levels. Body composition characteristics did not differ between SHBG genotype groups, indicating that body composition controls SHBG levels rather than the other way around. The associations may be mediated by adipokines because leptin and adiponectin were, respectively, inversely and positively associated with SHBG levels. Insulin and glucose were negatively associated with SHBG levels, as well as IGF‐1 and IGF‐BP3, while no associations were found with free thyroid hormone status.Conclusions  In conclusion, we found that fat mass, insulin and IGF‐1 levels are important negative determinants of SHBG levels in young healthy men. The association with fat mass could be mediated by the effects of adiponectin and/or leptin on SHBG synthesis.
The impact of intensified exercise training on insulin resistance and fitness in overweight and obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Harrison Cheryce L. , Stepto Nigel K. , Hutchison Samantha K. , Teede Helena J. 
Published: June 2011

SummaryObjective  To evaluate mechanisms of insulin resistance (IR) in overweight and obese women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and explore relationships between IR, fitness and body mass index (BMI) at baseline and following exercise intervention.Design  Prospective controlled intensified exercise intervention study.Patients  A total of 20 overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2) and obese (>30 kg/m2), reproductive‐aged PCOS women and 13 non‐PCOS overweight, healthy controls of comparable BMI and age were studied at baseline. Measures were repeated in 13 PCOS and eight control women following three 1‐h exercise sessions per week over 12 weeks.Measurements  Insulin resistance was measured by glucose infusion rate on euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp, and fitness was assessed by VO2max.Results  At baseline, PCOS women were 46% more insulin resistant than controls (175·6 vs 257·2 mg/m2/min, P < 0·05) with IR independently associated with VO2max and BMI in the PCOS group only (P < 0·01). Postexercise IR improved across both groups (P < 0·01). In PCOS women, IR improved by 16% (P < 0·05) but was not restored to the same level as controls (P < 0·05). Improvement in IR and in VO2max was related to the PCOS group (r2 = 0·85, P < 0·05), yet change in IR and in fitness was not related. No associations were found in controls.Conclusions  While intensified exercise improves IR in PCOS women, a higher IR persisted following exercise in PCOS women, and a clear relationship between improved IR and improved fitness was not found. Therefore, other mechanisms of, and therapies for, IR must be explored in PCOS as IR remains higher than observed in non‐PCOS controls.
Visceral fat positively correlates with cholesterol synthesis in dyslipidaemic patients
Authors: Lupattelli Graziana , Pirro Matteo , Mannarino Massimo R. , Siepi Donatella , Roscini Anna R. , Schillaci Giuseppe , Mannarino Elmo 
Published: June 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011AbstractBackground  Quantification of plasma noncholesterol sterols allows the study of cholesterol absorption and synthesis. A pattern of low cholesterol absorption and high synthesis has been demonstrated in patients with obesity and insulin resistance. To understand the relationship between cholesterol absorption/synthesis and visceral obesity, we investigated surrogate markers of cholesterol absorption (campesterol and sitosterol) and synthesis (lathosterol) in dyslipidaemic patients with different representation of abdominal fat, estimated by ultrasonographic measurement of visceral fat area (VFA).Methods  In 126 patients with primary hyperlipaemias, plasma sitosterol, campesterol and lathosterol were determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Visceral and subcutaneous fats were evaluated by ultrasonography. The study population was divided into two groups on the basis of VFA median values, below/equal and above 154 cm2.Results  Patients with higher VFA had significantly higher lathosterol levels (median 109 vs. 76 × 102μmol/mmol cholesterol P < 0·004), body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides, insulin, homoeostatic model assessment (HOMA)‐IR and lower high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐C. VFA was positively correlated with lathosterol (ρ = 0·35, P < 0·001) and negatively with HDL‐C (ρ = −0·43, P < 0·001), campesterol (ρ = −0·23, P = 0.01) and sitosterol (ρ = −0·35, P < 0·001). VFA was an independent predictor of lathosterol values (β = 0·389, P < 0·0001, P of the model < 0·0001);age, systolic blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL‐C and HOMA failed to enter the final equation.Conclusions  In hyperlipidaemic patients, the amount of visceral fat correlates with cholesterol synthesis; the use of ultrasonographic detection of abdominal adiposity allows a better characterization of cholesterol pathway, potentially useful for a tailored therapeutic approach.
Using a climatic niche model to predict the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on the distribution of Douglas‐fir in New Zealand
Authors: Watt Michael S. , Stone Jeffrey K. , Hood Ian A. , Manning Lucy K. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractClimate change is likely to have major impacts on the distribution of planted and natural forests. Herein, we demonstrate how a process‐based niche model (CLIMEX) can be extended to globally project the potential habitat suitable for Douglas‐fir. Within this distribution, we use CLIMEX to predict abundance of the pathogen
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haeocryptopus gaeumannii and severity of its associated foliage disease, Swiss needle cast. The distribution and severity of the disease, which can strongly reduce growth rate of Douglas‐fir, is closely correlated with seasonal temperatures and precipitation. This model is used to project how climate change during the 2080s may alter the area suitable for Douglas‐fir plantations within New Zealand. The climate change scenarios used indicate that the land area suitable for Douglas‐fir production in the North Island will be reduced markedly from near 100% under current climate to 36–64% of the total land area by 2080s. Within areas shown to be suitable for the host in the North Island, four of the six climate change scenarios predict substantial increases in disease severity that will make these regions at best marginal for Douglas‐fir by the 2080s. In contrast, most regions in the South Island are projected to sustain relatively low levels of disease, and remain suitable for Douglas‐fir under climate change over the course of this century.
Long‐term impacts of agricultural practices and climatic variability on carbon storage in a permanent pasture
Authors: Klumpp Katja , Tallec Tiphaine , Guix Noëlle , Soussana Jean‐François 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIntra‐ and interannual variability of precipitation can lead to major modifications of grassland production and carbon storage capacity. Greater understanding of how climatic variability affects net CO2 exchange [i.e. net ecosystem exchange (NEE)] of grazed grasslands is important to adapt grassland management and reduce risks of carbon losses. Since 2002, we continuously measured NEE (i.e. eddy covariance technique) on an upland grassland site (7 ha), divided in two paddocks grazed by heifers (intensive: 1 LSU ha−1 yr−1, 213 kg N ha−1 yr−1 and extensive: 0.5 LSU ha−1 yr−1, no fertilization). For years with dry and warm growing seasons (i.e. 2003, 2005 and 2008), absolute annual NEE was higher in the intensive paddock compared with the extensive paddock. The opposite was observed during years of ample seasonal rainfall and soil moisture (i.e. 2004, 2006 and 2007). Contrasted management led to two distinct plant communities being different in leaf area index (LAI), soil bulk density and soil water holding capacity. Differences in annual NEEs could thus be assigned to interactions between in carbon and water fluxes during dry and wet growth periods. Dry growth periods led to a reduction in weekly gross primary productivity (GPP) in the extensively managed paddock, whereas the GPP was maintained in the intensive paddock. In turn, during wet growth periods, GPP was similar in both paddocks, whereas N amendment and frequent defoliation significantly increased ecosystem respiration in the intensive paddock, presumably through a higher heterotrophic respiration following on a better C substrate quality and availability (rhizodeposition and senescent fine roots). In the extensive paddock, where plant cover was denser (reducing soil temperature) and less decomposable, C losses through heterotrophic respiration were comparatively smaller under wet conditions. Our results demonstrate that grassland subjected to a moderately intensive management could be more resilient in terms of carbon storage during drought and heat waves, presumably because of a trade‐off between heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration.
Effects of cattle grazing on herbage quality in a herbaceous Mediterranean rangeland
Authors: Henkin Z. , Ungar E. D. , Dvash L. , Perevolotsky A. , Yehuda Y. , Sternberg M. , Voet H. , Landau S. Y. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to determine to what extent grazing pressure and timing modulate the seasonal progression of herbage quality in hilly Mediterranean grassland systems. The study was conducted during six consecutive years between 2003 and 2008 at the Karei Deshe experimental farm, in eastern Galilee, Israel, dominated by rich hemicryptophytic grassland. Treatments included two different grazing intensities, heavy and moderate, with 1·1 and 0·55 cows ha−1, respectively, and management that included a continuous and a seasonal stocking system that was divided at both intensities into early and late grazing. Herbage samples were analysed for digestibility, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre contents. Significant differences in herbage quality were found between seasons and years. Herbage quality was significantly higher in paddocks grazed continuously or early in the season. Herbage quality increased with increasing grazing intensity as younger herbage and continued re‐growth were maintained during the green season. The greater difference between herbage qualities was found at the peak of the growing season. The significant differences found in herbage quality emphasize the importance of the decision‐making process aimed at improving cattle grazing management in Mediterranean rangelands and its consequences for the sustainability of the system.
Identification and characterization of the cysteine protease inhibitor gene MdCPI from Musca domestica
Authors: Dong X. , Liu F. , Zhang D. , Tang T. , Ge X. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCysteine proteinase inhibitors (CPIs) are involved in many vital cellular processes such as signalling pathways, apoptosis, immune response and development; however, no CPIs have yet been reported from the housefly Musca domestica. Here we report the isolation and characterization of a housefly CPI gene designated MdCPI. The gene contains an open reading frame of 357 bp encoding a protein of 118 amino acid residues with a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acid residues. Protein alignment demonstrated a high homology to that of Sarcophaga crassipalpis (identity = 51%). Phylogenetic analysis suggested that all CPIs from dipterans, including the housefly, belong to the I25A family and may be descended from a single common ancestor. The gene was expressed in and purified from Escherichia coli. Biochemical studies showed that MdCPI exerts an inhibiting function on papain, which is a classical assay to confirm CPIs. Real‐time quantitative PCR and immunolocalization analysis revealed that MdCPI is specifically expressed in haemocytes and fat bodies. It is highly down‐regulated in larvae and markedly up‐regulated in the pupal stage, suggesting that it may be related to development.
Being concerned: caregiving for Taiwanese mothers of a child with cerebral palsy
Authors: Huang Yu‐Ping , Kellett Ursula , St John Winsome 
Published: June 2011

Aims and objectives.  This article explores the Chinese social context and provides insight into Taiwanese mothers’ challenging experiences when a disabled child is born into their families.Background.  International research indicates that barriers to maternal caregiving for a disabled child revolve around challenging relationships. Giving birth to a disabled child creates a huge challenge for mothers in Chinese society.Design.  Data were collected using in‐depth interviews and journaling methods. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach, informed by the philosophical world views of Heidegger and Gadamer, provided theoretical guidance in revealing and interpreting mothers’ experiences.Method.  Interviews were carried out with a purposeful sample of 15 mothers who were primary caregivers for a child aged between 0–18 years who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and used Mandarin or Taiwanese as their primary language.Results.  Shared meanings revealed four modes of being concerned: (1) experiencing burden as a sole primary caregiver; (2) managing the challenges by balancing demands; (3) being marginalised by others; and (4) encountering limited or no professional support.Conclusions.  Taiwanese mothers face the strain of managing barriers to caregiving in contexts in which their children are not supported or acknowledged as being important contributors to family and Chinese society at large. This study highlights how the family can be important to caregiving mothers in traditional Chinese family life. Poor support and dynamics will emerge when family members regard disability as a loss of face or a stigma.Relevance to clinical practice.  By learning from Taiwanese mothers who accommodate barriers to caregiving on a daily basis, nurses can seize the impetus to explore ways of reconceptualising nursing practice with families and people with disabilities. The aim is to explore ways that will ultimately align intentions and caring processes and foster coping and positive reward in caring, thereby creating a context that is stress reducing and therapeutic.
Informal stroke caregivers’ self‐appraised problem‐solving abilities as a predictor of well‐being and perceived social support
Authors: Lui May H‐L , Lee Diana TF , Greenwood Nan , Ross Fiona M 
Published: June 2011

Aim.  To describe the relationship between self‐appraised problem‐solving abilities and psychological distress, burden and perceived social support in informal, family stroke caregivers.Background.  Previous research suggests that self‐appraised problem‐solving abilities play a significant role in the well‐being of family caregivers of patients with chronic illness. However, little is known about its role in caregivers of stroke survivors.Design.  Prospective correlational study.Methods. One week before discharge, 103 family caregivers of survivors of a first stroke were assessed for their perceived problem‐solving abilities, social support, anxiety, depression and physical well‐being. At three months postdischarge, 85 of these caregivers (83% retention) were reassessed on the same measures. In addition, their levels of burden and perceived difficulties were also measured.Results.  Using multiple regression, overall self‐appraised problem‐solving abilities and its subscale ‘confidence in problem‐solving’ at one week before discharge were significant predictors of caregiver perceived social support (R2 = 29%) and perceived physical well‐being (R2 = 42%) at three months postdischarge. Other relationships were non‐significant.Conclusions.  Caregivers’ perceived social support and physical well‐being were significantly predicted by confidence in problem‐solving.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study is timely given the challenges facing health systems in Hong Kong to effectively manage chronic illness through family‐centred care. The significant relationships between caregiver self‐appraised problem‐solving, perceived social support and well‐being suggest that interventions maximising caregiver confidence in problem‐solving might be valuable in supporting family caregivers of stroke survivors. Nurses working with families caring for stroke survivors both close to discharge and in the early transition stages back at home may be in an ideal position to offer this support.
The usefulness of antiplatelet prescriptions for the identification of patients with atherothrombosis in primary care: a Dutch cross‐sectional study
Authors: van de Steeg‐van Gompel Caroline H. P. A. , Wensing Michel , Braspenning Jozé , De Smet Peter A. G. M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  Patients with atherothrombotic cardiovascular disease (ACD) should receive specific treatments, including lipid‐lowering medication. In order to optimize treatment for patients with ACD in primary care, an efficient method to identify all these patients is needed. We aimed to assess which method serves best to identify all patients with ACD in Dutch primary care: morbidity records, antiplatelet prescribing records or a combination of these.Methods  In a cross‐sectional study in 45 Dutch general practices, computerized medical records of all patients with any cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular symptoms or cardiovascular medication were analysed.Results  Of the 7280 patients with a recorded indisputable indication for antiplatelet therapy, 4715 (64.8%) could be identified by means of antiplatelet prescriptions. Of the patients with a recorded indisputable indication for antiplatelets but without any antiplatelet prescription, 28.9% received a vitamin K antagonist. Of the 8718 patients with antiplatelet therapy, 5697 (65.3%) could be identified by means of a recorded indisputable or possible indication for antiplatelet therapy. Female patients, patients younger than 60 years old and patients having a recorded diagnosis of angina pectoris or diabetes had a higher risk to be missed by antiplatelet prescribing records.Conclusion  Morbidity records and prescribing records should be used both in order to identify all patients with ACD in primary care. Patients who use antiplatelet prescriptions but do not have a recorded ACD deserve extra attention, because they are either treated without a good indication for antiplatelet therapy (overtreatment) or need a correction of their morbidity records.
Automating the process of critical appraisal and assessing the strength of evidence with information extraction technology
Authors: Lin Jou‐Wei , Chang Chia‐Hsuin , Lin Ming‐Wei , Ebell Mark H. , Chiang Jung‐Hsien 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Critical appraisal, one of the most crucial steps in the practice of evidence‐based medicine, is expertise‐dependent and time‐consuming. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate an automated text‐mining system that could determine the evidence level provided by a medical article.Methods  A text processor was designed and built to interpret the abstracts of medical literature. The system extracted information about: (1) the impact factor of the journal; (2) study design; (3) human subject involvement; (4) number of subjects; (5) P‐value; and (6) confidence intervals. We used a classification tree algorithm (C4.5) to create a decision tree using supervised classification. Each article was categorized into evidence level A, B or C, and the output was compared to that determined by domain experts (the reference standard).Results  We used a corpus of 3180 cardiovascular disease original research articles, of which 1108 were previously assigned evidence level A, 1705 level B and 367 level C by domain experts. The abstracts were analysed by our automated system and an evidence level was assigned. The algorithm accurately classified 85% of the articles. The agreement between computer and domain experts was substantial (κ‐value: 0.78). Cross‐validation showed consistent results across repeated tests.Conclusion  The automated engine accurately classified the evidence level. Misclassification might have resulted from incomplete information retrieval and inaccurate data extraction. Further efforts will focus on assessing relevance and using additional study design features to refine evidence level classification.