bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous central haemodynamic measurements during the six‐minute walk test and daily life in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Braunschweig Frieder , Linde Cecilia , Adamson Philip B. , Magalski Anthony , Erdmann Erland , Kjellstrom Barbro , Bennett Tom 
Published: May 2009

AimsTo compare haemodynamic responses during the 6‐min walk test (6MWT) and daily living activities in heart failure (HF) patients.Methods and resultsEighteen HF patients received an implantable haemodynamic monitor, which continuously measured heart rate (HR), estimated pulmonary artery diastolic pressure (ePAD), and several right ventricular (RV) pressure parameters. During the 6MWT, haemodynamics were assessed at rest and peak exercise. Ambulatory values were measured as the daily minimum, maximum, and median, averaged over the 14‐day period surrounding each 6MWT. During the 6MWT, HR increased from 71 ± 17 to 101 ± 20 b.p.m. and ePAD from 20 ± 5 to 34 ± 8 mmHg. Daily minimum values were significantly lower and daily maximum values higher compared with rest and peak exercise. Patients with a walked distance above the median (402 m) had lower resting HR (64 ± 10 vs. 77 ± 20, P = 0.001) and ePAD (18 ± 4 vs. 21 ± 7, P = 0.022) compared to patients with walked distances below the median; values at peak exercise were similar. This pattern was also observed during the ambulatory periods.ConclusionRanges of HR and RV pressures are significantly larger during daily living activities compared with 6MWT in HF patients. Haemodynamic characteristics of patients with greater exercise capacity include lower resting HR and RV pressures and are similar during the 6MWT and daily life.
Sleep‐disordered breathing in heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Bitter Thomas , Faber Lothar , Hering Detlef , Langer Christoph , Horstkotte Dieter , Oldenburg Olaf 
Published: May 2009

AimsIn patients with systolic heart failure (SHF) a high prevalence of sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) has been documented. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of SDB in patients with heart failure with normal left ventricular ejection fraction (HFNEF).Methods and resultsTwo hundred and forty‐four consecutive patients (87 women, aged 65.3 ± 1.4 years) with HFNEF underwent capillary blood gas analysis, measurement of NT‐proBNP concentrations, echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX), cardiorespiratory polygraphy, and simultaneous right and left heart catheterization. Sleep‐disordered breathing was defined as an apnoea–hypopnoea‐index (AHI) ≥5/h. Sleep‐disordered breathing was documented in 69.3% of all patients, 97 patients (39.8%) presented with OSA and 72 patients (29.5%) with CSA. With an increasing impairment of diastolic function the proportion of SDB, and CSA in particular, increased. Patients with SDB performed worse on CPX and six‐minute walk test. Partial pressure of CO2 was lower in CSA, whereas AHI, left atrial diameter, NT‐proBNP, LVEDP, PAP, and PCWP were higher.ConclusionThere is a high prevalence of SDB in HFNEF. In parallel to SHF, CSA patients in particular are characterized by a more impaired cardiopulmonary function. Whether SDB is of prognostic relevance in HFNEF needs to be determined.
Remorin, a Solanaceae Protein Resident in Membrane Rafts and Plasmodesmata, ImpairsPotato virus XMovement
Authors: Raffaele Sylvain , Bayer Emmanuelle , Lafarge David , Cluzet Stéphanie , German Retana Sylvie , Boubekeur Tamy , Leborgne-Castel Nathalie , Carde Jean-Pierre , Lherminier Jeannine , Noirot Elodie , Satiat-Jeunemaître Béatrice , Laroche-Traineau Jeanny , Moreau Patrick , Ott Thomas , Maule Andrew J. , Reymond Philippe , Simon-Plas Françoise , Farmer Edward E. , Bessoule Jean-Jacques , Mongrand Sébastien 
Published: May 2009

AbstractRemorins (REMs) are proteins of unknown function specific to vascular plants. We have used imaging and biochemical approaches and in situ labeling to demonstrate that REM clusters at plasmodesmata and in ∼70-nm membrane domains, similar to lipid rafts, in the cytosolic leaflet of the plasma membrane. From a manipulation of REM levels in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants, we show that Potato virus X (PVX) movement is inversely related to REM accumulation. We show that REM can interact physically with the movement protein TRIPLE GENE BLOCK PROTEIN1 from PVX. Based on the localization of REM and its impact on virus macromolecular trafficking, we discuss the potential for lipid rafts to act as functional components in plasmodesmata and the plasma membrane.
Ovine acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1– molecular characterization, polymorphisms and association with milk traits
Authors: Scatà M. C. , Napolitano F. , Casu S. , Carta A. , De Matteis G. , Signorelli F. , Annicchiarico G. , Catillo G. , Moioli B. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryThe objective of this work was to characterize the complete coding region of the ovine acylCoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) gene of three Italian sheep breeds: Sarda, Altamurana and Gentile di Puglia. Characterization was accomplished by direct sequencing of 8676 bp of the relevant DNA, including introns and partial 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). We detected five novel SNPs; one SNP (g.5553C>T) is located in intron 2, has similar frequencies in the three breeds and showed a negative association with milk fat content. More interesting is an SNP in the 5′ UTR (g.127C>A), the occurrence of which is rare in the higher milk‐fat breeds (Altamurana and Gentile di Puglia); it is located in the core sequence of Sp1, a putative binding site of transcription factors. This SNP showed a significant negative association with milk fat content in the Sarda sheep. Because DGAT1 plays a fundamental role in triacylglycerol synthesis, the novel detected SNP in the 5′ UTR of the DGAT1 gene might explain, at least partially, the variation of fat content in the milk of Sarda sheep.
Association analyses of a SNP in the promoter of IGF1 with fat deposition and carcass merit traits in hybrid, Angus and Charolais beef cattle
Authors: Islam K. K. , Vinsky M. , Crews R. E. , Okine E. , Moore S. S. , Crews D. H. , Li C. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryA SNP in the promoter region of insulin like growth factor‐1 (IGF1) (c.−512C>T) was analysed for associations with 10 fat deposition and carcass merit traits in hybrid (n = 455), Angus (n = 204) and Charolais (n = 186) beef cattle populations. Significant associations of the SNP were found for ultrasound backfat thickness (P = 0.030), carcass average backfat (P = 0.015) and carcass lean meat yield (LMY) (P = 0.023) in the Angus beef population, with the ‘CC’ genotype showing higher fat depth and lower LMY than the ‘TT’ genotype. Analyses of transcription factor binding sites based on transcription element search system prediction revealed that the ‘C’ allele introduces a binding site for nuclear factor I, which has an adipose tissue‐specific regulatory role and thus may contribute to the SNP effect on fat deposition in the population of pure Angus cattle, a breed with greater fat depth than the hybrid and Charolais breeds.
Fine mapping of the FecL locus influencing prolificacy in Lacaune sheep
Authors: Drouilhet L. , Lecerf F. , Bodin L. , Fabre S. , Mulsant P. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryIn the Lacaune sheep population, two major loci influencing ovulation rate are segregating: FecX and FecL. The FecXL mutation is a non‐conservative substitution (p.Cys53Tyr) in BMP15 that prevents the processing of the protein. Using a statistical approach, FecL has been shown to be an autosomal major gene. A full genome scan localized the FecL locus on sheep chromosome 11. Fine mapping reduced the interval containing FecL to markers BM17132 and FAM117A, corresponding to a synteny block of 1.1 megabases on human chromosome 17, which encompasses 20 genes. The expression of 16 genes from this interval was observed in tissues of the reproductive axis, but expression was not affected in homozygous FecLL females. In this interval, a unique haplotype was associated with the FecLL mutation. This particular haplotype could be predicted by the DLX3:c.*803A>G SNP in the 3′ UTR sequence of the DLX3 gene. This SNP provided accurate classification of animals (99.5%) as carriers or non‐carriers of the mutation and therefore maybe useful in marker assisted selection. A synergistic action of FecLL and FecXL mutations on both ovulation rate and litter size was demonstrated. Until now, all the Fec genes identified in sheep belong to the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) system. Based on the human orthologous region, none of the 20 genes in the FecL region corresponds to known molecules in the BMP system. The identification of the FecLL mutation could lead to the discovery of a new pathway involved in the regulation of ovulation rate.
Influence of transdermal rotigotine on ovulation suppression by a combined oral contraceptive
Authors: Braun Marina , Elshoff Jan‐Peer , Andreas Jens‐Otto , Müller Louise Ischen , Horstmann Rolf 
Published: May 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • The non‐ergolinic dopamine agonist rotigotine was developed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome as a silicone‐based matrix‐type transdermal system.• Dopamine agonists have been recommended as initial treatment in young patients with restless legs syndrome which has a higher prevalence in females. It is therefore likely that the rotigotine transdermal patch will be administered to young women taking oral contraceptives. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • Concomitant administration of 3 mg (24 h)−1 transdermal rotigotine has no impact on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a combined oral contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinyloestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel.• The study results suggest that application of the transdermal rotigotine patch has no influence on contraceptive efficacy.AIMSTo assess the influence of the transdermally applied dopamine agonist rotigotine on ovulation suppression by a combined oral contraceptive (0.03 mg ethinyloestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel) in a randomized, double‐blind crossover study in 40 healthy females.METHODSTreatment A consisted of the combined oral contraceptive for 28 days plus rotigotine for the first 13 days (2 mg (24 h)−1 on days 1–3, 3 mg (24 h)−1 maintenance dose thereafter). During treatment B, subjects received matching placebo patches instead of rotigotine. Pharmacodynamic parameters (progesterone, oestradiol, luteinizing hormone, and follicle stimulating hormone serum concentrations), pharmacokinetic parameters for ethinyloestradiol/levonorgestrel and rotigotine, and safety and tolerability of the treatment were assessed.RESULTSProgesterone serum concentrations remained below 2 ng ml−1 in all subjects during the luteal phase. Median serum concentrations of all other pharmacodynamic parameters were similar during both treatments. Pharmacokinetic parameters Cmax,ss and AUC(0,24 h)ss at steady state were similar with or without co‐administration of rotigotine for both ethinyloestradiol and levonorgestrel with geometric mean ratios close to 1 and 90% confidence intervals within the acceptance range of bioequivalence (0.8, 1.25): Cmax,ss 1.05 (0.93, 1.19), AUC(0,24 h)ss 1.05 (0.9, 1.22) for ethinyloestradiol; Cmax,ss 1.01 (0.96, 1.06), AUC(0,24 h)ss 0.98 (0.95, 1.01) for levonorgestrel. Mean plasma concentrations of unconjugated rotigotine remained stable throughout the patch‐on period (day 13).CONCLUSIONSConcomitant administration of 3 mg (24 h)−1 transdermal rotigotine had no impact on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of a combined oral contraceptive containing 0.03 mg ethinyloestradiol and 0.15 mg levonorgestrel, suggesting that the dopamine agonist does not influence contraception efficacy.
Low free testosterone levels are associated with prevalence and incidence of depressive symptoms in older men
Authors: Joshi Devina , Van Schoor Natasja M. , De Ronde Willem , Schaap Laura A. , Comijs Hannie C. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. , Lips Paul 
Published: May 2009

SummaryObjective  The prevalence of both low testosterone levels and depression increases with age. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the existence of an association. Our study analyses the cross‐sectional association of testosterone levels with depressive symptoms and its prospective association with the development of incident depressive symptoms.Design  Longitudinal population‐based study; based on the data of the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) including 608 men aged ≥65 years (median age 75·6 years).Measurements  Linear and logistic regression between total and free testosterone levels and depressive symptoms as measured by the Center of Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES‐D) scale, taking into account medical and lifestyle factors. Cox Proportional Hazards model was used to assess incident depressive symptoms.Results  Unadjusted linear regression between square‐root transformed CES‐D scores and free testosterone levels showed a significant inverse association as a continuous variable (β = −0·10, P < 0·05), lowest quartile compared to highest (β = 0·12, P < 0·05) and with a threshold value of 170 pmol/l (β = 0·13, P < 0·05). The results remained significant for the group below threshold after adjustment for all confounders (β = 0·09, P < 0·05). Cox Proportional Hazards Model showed a decreased risk for incident depressive symptoms for men with higher free testosterone levels [HR = 0·997 CI (0·995–1·000)]. Men with the threshold value below 220 pmol/l were at increased risk of incident depressive symptoms [HR = 1·989 CI (1·173–3·374)].Conclusions  Free testosterone levels below 170 pmol/l are associated with depressive symptoms, while free testosterone levels below 220 pmol/l (lowest quintile of our population) predict the onset of depressive symptoms.
Catheter ablation vs. amiodarone plus losartan for prevention of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Lan X. , Su L. , Ling Z. , Liu Z. , Wu J. , Yang X. , Zrenner B. , Yin Y. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Although amiodarone plus angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and catheter ablation may improve sinus rhythm maintenance of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF), their clinical efficacies have not been compared. This prospective cohort study was designed to compare clinical efficacy of catheter ablation and amiodarone plus losartan on sinus rhythm maintenance in patients with paroxysmal AF.Materials and methods  A total of 240 patients with paroxysmal AF were assigned to four groups. CPVA group (n = 60) was treated with circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA), SPVI group (n = 60) with segmental pulmonary vein isolation, AMIO group (n = 60) with amiodarone and AMIO + LO group (n = 60) with amiodarone plus losartan. The endpoint was documented recurrence of AF > 30 s by Holter or conventional 12‐lead ECG in the 1‐year follow‐up period.Results  During 12 months of follow‐up, the primary end point was reached in 28 patients in CPVA group, 14 patients in SPVI group, 25 patients in AMIO group and 13 patients in AMIO + LO group, respectively. The sinus rhythm in SPVI and AMIO + LO group were significant higher than that in CPVA and AMIO group (P < 0·01 and 0·025), and no difference between CPVA and AMIO group. The maintenance rate of sinus rhythm in SPVI group was similar to that in AMIO + LO group.Conclusions  This study demonstrates that segmental pulmonary vein isolation in preventing AF recurrence is similar to amiodarone plus losartan, but it is superior to CPVA and amiodarone alone in patients with paroxysmal AF. Larger multicentre studies are needed to confirm its long‐term outcomes.
Cardiac performance during exercise in hypertensive patients without ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Storto G. , Nicolai E. , Petretta M. , Spinelli L. , Acampa W. , Evangelista L. , Daniele S. , Trimarco B. , Cuocolo A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground  Reduced systolic reserve on effort may be present in subjects with hypertension but no evidence of hypertensive cardiomyopathy. We assessed the determinants of abnormal cardiac performance during exercise in hypertensive patients without left ventricular hypertrophy.Materials and methods  Thirty‐five newly diagnosed, never‐treated‐earlier hypertensive patients without definite indication for left ventricular hypertrophy at echocardiography underwent radionuclide ambulatory monitoring of left ventricular function at rest and during upright bicycle exercise testing.Results  The patients were classified into two groups according to their ejection fraction response to exercise. In 21 patients (group 1), the ejection fraction increased ≥ 5% with exercise and in 14 patients (group 2), the ejection fraction either increased < 5% or decreased with exercise. Patients of group 1 had lower peak filling rate at rest and less augmentation in end‐diastolic volume during exercise (both P < 0·01) when compared with patients of group 2. A significant relationship between the magnitude of change in ejection fraction with exercise and both peak filling rate at rest (r = 0·58, P < 0·01) and exercise‐induced change in end‐diastolic volume (r = 0·45, P < 0·01) was found.Conclusions  In newly diagnosed, never‐treated‐earlier hypertensive subjects with no evidence of hypertensive cardiomyopathy, the cardiac response to exercise is dependent on adequate diastolic filling volume to maintain systolic performance.
The use of potential field data in revealing the basement structure in sub‐basaltic settings: an example from the Møre margin, offshore Norway
Authors: Reynisson R.F. , Ebbing J. , Skilbrei J.R. 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the utility of the potential fields (gravity and magnetics) in volcanic settings as observed on the Møre margin. Synthetic models are used to investigate the effect of volcanics on the gravity and magnetic fields. The focus is on detecting sub‐basaltic basement structures. The methods applied to the models are Euler deconvolution on magnetic data, gravity gradients and integrated 3D gravity and magnetic forward modelling. The same methods are used on the Møre margin and the results compared to the synthetic models. The Euler deconvolution on the magnetic signal does provide limited depth solutions in the volcanic environment and the use of different observation levels does not enhance the results. Forward gravity and magnetic models provide a valuable tool to estimate both the basalt and sub‐basaltic sedimentary thickness but are limited by the ambiguity inherent in potential field methods. The use of gravity gradients significantly decreases the available model solutions and provides boundary detection even in sub‐basaltic settings.
Influence of Slimming World’s lifestyle programme on diet, activity behaviour and health of participants and their families
Authors: Pallister C. , Avery A. , Stubbs J. , Lavin J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  Understanding the impact of commercial weight management programmes on behaviour change is an area that requires greater evidence. The present study investigated the impact of a commercial weight management organisation’s diet and activity programmes on the lifestyles of those accessing the services and their families.Methods:  This survey was based on self‐reports from a group of people involved in their own weight control. A questionnaire consisting of multiple choice and open‐ended questions regarding diet, activity patterns and health was distributed in a commercial slimming organisation’s magazine and was available on the website for a 4 week period. Two thousand eight hundred and twelve respondents were analysed, including the organisation’s members (53%) and nonmembers (47%).Results:  Those following the dietary programme reported significant changes towards healthier food choices in line with current guidelines (P < 0.01). Over 80% reported an improvement in their own health and over 26% reported an improvement in their partner’s or family’s health (P < 0.01). Respondents reported increasing physical activity after being made aware of the organisation’s activity programme (P < 0.001). Members were more likely to have become more active than nonmembers (P = 0.011). The longer respondents had been members, the more likely they were to report an increased participation in physical activity (P = 0.02). Half of those reporting increased activity indicated that their partner or whole family had also increased their activity levels.Conclusions:  The commercial slimming organisation’s programme appeared to be having a beneficial impact on the diet and activity behaviours of those accessing the service. Group members were more likely to make positive behaviour changes and health improvements tended to increase with the duration of membership. The improvements observed with respect to both diet and activity levels also reached the wider family network.
Dietetic service provision for burn care in the United Kingdom: are nutrition support standards being met?
Authors: Windle E. M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackground:  Catabolism and lean body mass losses in severe burn injury present an extreme challenge to the dietitian. A high level of nutritional intervention is often required, but service levels have not been described in the UK. This study aimed to identify levels of current dietetic services with respect to burns and to assess adequacy against existing nutrition support standards.Methods:  A postal survey of 34 UK dietetic departments known to provide care to burned adult and paediatric admissions was undertaken. Data were collected on burns settings, hospital service characteristics, staffing and caseload issues, and absence cover. Comparison was made between funding and activity to National Health Service standards for the nutritional care of inpatients.Results:  The response rate was 71% and data were analysed for 20 departments Clinical settings were either burn units or plastic surgery wards. Dietetic care was provided to critically ill burned patients in 16 hospitals. Most hospitals had no dietetic funding assigned for burn care. The funding deficit for critical care compared to recommendations was 5.9 full‐time equivalents and no individual hospital met funding standards. Thirty‐seven percent of dietitians were unable to provide daily follow up for critically ill patients. Absence cover was limited in 60% of cases. Approximately one‐third of dietitians were members of a nutrition support team.Conclusions:  Compared to national guidelines for nutrition support, deficiencies of dietetic service provision exist within UK burns settings. This is further reinforced when practice is compared with existing multi‐professional burns management standards.