bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fertility and Ovarian Function in High-Dose Estrogen-Treated Tall Women
Authors: Hendriks A. E. J. , Laven J. S. E. , Valkenburg O. , Fong S. Lie , Fauser B. C. J. M. , de Ridder M. A. J. , de Jong F. H. , Visser J. A. , van Ginneken A. M. , Boot A. M. , Drop S. L. S. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background/Objective:
High-dose estrogen treatment to reduce final height of tall girls has been shown to interfere with fertility. Ovarian function has not been studied. We therefore evaluated fertility and ovarian function in tall women who did or did not receive such treatment in adolescence.

Methods:
This was a retrospective cohort study of 413 tall women aged 23–48 yr, of whom 239 women had been treated. A separate group of 126 fertile, normoovulatory volunteers aged 22–47 yr served as controls.

Results:
Fertility was assessed in 285 tall women (157 treated, 128 untreated) who had attempted to conceive. After adjustment for age, treated women were at increased risk of experiencing subfertility [odds ratio (OR) 2.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–3.81] and receiving infertility treatments (OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.76–6.73). Moreover, fecundity was notably affected because treated women had significantly reduced odds of achieving at least one live birth (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.13–0.52). Remarkably, duration of treatment was correlated with time to pregnancy (r = 0.23, P = 0.008). Ovarian function was assessed in 174 tall women (119 treated, 55 untreated). Thirty-nine women (23%) exhibited a hypergonadotropic profile. After adjusting for age category, treated women had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with imminent ovarian failure (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.04–7.68). Serum FSH levels in these women were significantly increased, whereas antral follicle counts and serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels were decreased.

Conclusion:
High-dose estrogen-treated tall women are at risk of subfertility in later life. Their fecundity is significantly reduced. Treated women exhibit signs of accelerated ovarian aging with concomitant follicle pool depletion, which may be the basis of the observed subfertility.
Correlation of Plasma Copeptin and Vasopressin Concentrations in Hypo-, Iso-, and Hyperosmolar States
Authors: Balanescu Sandrina , Kopp Peter , Gaskill Mary Beth , Morgenthaler Nils G. , Schindler Christian , Rutishauser Jonas 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground:Copeptin, the C-terminal moiety of provasopressin, is cosecreted with vasopressin. Copeptin may be a useful parameter to characterize disorders of water homeostasis and can be readily measured in plasma or serum. However, it is unknown to date how circulating copeptin and vasopressin levels correlate at different plasma osmolalites.Objective:To correlate plasma copeptin with plasma osmolality and vasopressin concentrations in healthy subjects during iso-, hypo-, and hyperosmolar states.Methods:Plasma osmolalities, copeptin, and vasopressin levels were measured in 20 volunteers at baseline, after an oral water load, and during and after iv infusion of 3% saline. Correlation coefficients were determined between plasma osmolalites and copeptin and vasopressin concentrations, as well as between vasopressin and copeptin concentrations.Results:Median plasma osmolalities decreased from 290 mOsm/kg (range, 284–302) at baseline to 281 (273–288) mOsm/kg after water load and rose to 301 (298–307) mOsm/kg after hypertonic saline. Median plasma copeptin concentrations decreased from 3.3 (1.1–36.4) pm at baseline to 2.0 (0.9–10.4) pm after water load and increased to 13.6 (3.7–43.3) pm after hypertonic saline. Vasopressin and copeptin concentrations correlated with plasma osmolality (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient 0.49 and 0.77, respectively). There was a close correlation of vasopressin and copeptin concentrations (Spearman's rank correlation coefficient 0.8).Conclusion:Plasma vasopressin and copeptin correlate strongly over a wide range of osmolalities in healthy individuals. Therefore, the measurement of copeptin, which remains stable for several days, is a useful alternative to vasopressin measurements and will likely facilitate the differential diagnosis of disorders of water metabolism.
Osteoporosis Medication and Reduced Mortality Risk in Elderly Women and Men
Authors: Center Jacqueline R. , Bliuc Dana , Nguyen Nguyen D. , Nguyen Tuan V. , Eisman John A. 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Context:
Osteoporotic fractures are associated with premature mortality. Antiresorptive treatment reduces refracture but mortality reduction is unclear.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to examine the effect of osteoporosis treatment [bisphosphonates (BP), hormone therapy (HT), and calcium ± vitamin D only (CaD)] on mortality risk.

Design:
This was a prospective cohort study (April 1989 to May 2007).

Setting:
The study was conducted with community-dwelling elderly (aged 60+ yr) subjects in Dubbo, a semiurban city, Australia.

Subjects:
Subjects included 1223 and 819 women and men in the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study.

Main Outcome Measure:
Mortality according to treatment group was recorded.

Results:
There were 325 (BP, n = 106; HT, n = 77; CaD, n = 142) women and 37 men (BP, n = 15; CaD, n = 22) on treatment. In women, mortality rates were lower with BP 0.8/100 person-years (0.4, 1.4) and HT 1.2/100 person-years (0.7, 2.1) but not CaD 3.2/100 person-years (2.5, 4.1) vs. no treatment 3.5/100 person-years (3.1, 3.8). Accounting for age, fracture occurrence, comorbidities, quadriceps strength, and bone mineral density, mortality risk remained lower for women on BP [hazard ratio (HR) 0.3 (0.2, 0.6)] but not HT [HR 0.8 (0.4, 1.8)]. For 429 women with fractures, mortality risk was still reduced in the BP group [adjusted HR 0.3 (0.2, 0.7)], not accounted for by a reduction in subsequent fractures. In men, lower mortality rates were observed with BP but not CaD [BP 1.0/100 person-years (0.3, 3.9) and CaD 3.1/100 person-years (1.5, 6.6) vs. no treatment 4.3/100 person-years (3.9, 4.8)]. After adjustment, mortality was similar, although not significant [HR 0.5 (0.1, 2.0)].

Conclusions:
Osteoporosis therapy appears to reduce mortality risk in women and possibly men.
Examining the Function of Problem Behavior in Fragile X Syndrome: Preliminary Experimental Analysis
Authors: Langthorne Paul , McGill Peter , O'Reilly Mark F , Lang Russell , Machalicek Wendy , Chan Jeffrey Michael , Rispoli Mandy 
Published: February 2011

AbstractFragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual and developmental disability. The influence of environmental variables on behaviors associated with the syndrome has received only scant attention. The current study explored the function served by problem behavior in fragile X syndrome by using experimental functional analysis methodology with 8 children with fragile X. No child met criteria for attention-maintained problem behavior, 5 children met criteria for escape-maintained problem behavior, and 4 children met criteria for tangible-maintained problem behavior. Results are discussed and compared with previous findings on the function of problem behavior in fragile X syndrome, and implications for intervention are discussed. It is noted that the external validity of these findings is limited by the small sample size.
Marital Satisfaction and Parenting Experiences of Mothers and Fathers of Adolescents and Adults With Autism
Authors: Hartley Sigan L , Barker Erin T , Seltzer Marsha Mailick , Greenberg Jan S , Floyd Frank J 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The association of marital satisfaction with parenting burden and quality of the parent–child relationship was examined in 91 married mothers and fathers of co-residing adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Within-couple differences between mothers and fathers in how child characteristics related to these parenting experiences were also evaluated. Multilevel modeling was used to control for the dependency in couple data. Marital satisfaction was an important predictor of parenting experiences, particularly for fathers. Mothers reported feeling closer to their son or daughter than did fathers. Fathers' parenting experiences were more strongly impacted by child characteristics than were mothers' parenting experiences. Results emphasized the connection between the marital relationship and parenting experiences and overlapping but unique experiences of mothers and fathers.
Evaluation of the iChem® Velocity™ Urine Chemistry Analyzer in a hospital routine laboratory
Authors: Hoffmann Peter , Hoffmann Christina , Ziebig Reinhard , Zimmermann Mathias 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: The novel urine chemistry analyzer iChem Velocity (IRIS Diagnostics) offers improved urinalysis automation options through integration with the well-established iQ200 urine microscopy analyzer. In the course of optimizing the workflow in our hospital routine laboratory, we evaluated the performance of the iChem Velocity.

Methods: A total of 257 random urine samples were analyzed with the iChem Velocity, iQ200, Clinitek Atlas (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics) and by manual microscopy.

Results: Depending on the parameter, 93% (hemoglobin) to 100% (urobilinogen), the iChem Velocity and Clinitek Atlas results agreed within the same rank or within one level of difference. The Clinitek Atlas featured a higher sensitivity for hemoglobin (area under the curve 0.86) and leukocyte esterase (area under the curve 0.85) compared with the iChem Velocity (area under the curve for hemoglobin 0.73, leukocytes 0.78). Imprecision was highest for hemoglobin and leukocytes in a pathological sample pool. While the precision of the Clinitek Atlas for hemoglobin measurements was superior, the iChem Velocity was more precise in analyzing protein and pH.

Conclusions: Through urinalysis automation with the iChem Velocity and iQ200, we achieved a reduction of hands-on time by 89%. The sensitivity of this new system should be further improved through ongoing development.
The ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm) for estimating the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in women presenting with pelvic mass: is it really useful?
Authors: Montagnana Martina , Danese Elisa , Ruzzenente Orazio , Bresciani Valentina , Nuzzo Teresita , Gelati Matteo , Salvagno Gian Luca , Franchi Massimo , Lippi Giuseppe , Guidi Gian Cesare 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: The study is aimed at evaluating the performance of the predictive model ROMA (Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm), which utilizes the combination of human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) and CA125 values to assess the risk of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in women with a pelvic mass.

Methods: One hundred and four women diagnosed with a pelvic mass (55 EOC and 49 benign cases) and scheduled to have surgery were enrolled, along with 49 healthy females. Preoperative serum concentrations of HE4 and CA125 were measured. Separate logistic regression algorithms ROMA for pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women were used to categorize patients into low- and high-risk groups for EOC. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity were calculated for HE4, CA125 and ROMA for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results: The median CA125 and HE4 serum concentrations were significantly higher among EOC patients than in healthy females (both p<0.05) and those with a benign mass (both p<0.05). The pre-menopausal group included 36 benign cases (29 of which were classified by ROMA as low-risk with a specificity of 80.6%; 95% CI: 64.0%–91.8%), and 15 EOC (eight of which were classified by ROMA as high-risk, with a sensitivity of 53.3%; 95% CI: 26.6%–78.7%). The post-menopausal group enclosed 13 benign cases (11 of which were classified by ROMA as low-risk with a specificity of 84.6%; 95% CI: 54.6%–98.0%), and 40 EOC (33 of which were classified by ROMA as high-risk with a sensitivity of 82.5%; 95% CI: 67.2%–92.7%). In the pre-menopausal group, the AUC was 0.64 (p=0.12, 95% CI: 0.44–0.83) for CA125, 0.77 (p=0.003, 95% CI: 0.62–0.92) for HE4 and 0.77 (p=0.002, 95% CI: 0.63–0.92) for ROMA. In the post-menopausal group, the AUC was 0.84 (p=0.0003, 95% CI: 0.73–0.94) for CA125, 0.94 (p<0.0001, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99) for HE4 and 0.92 (p<0.0001, 95% CI: 0.85–0.99) for ROMA.

Conclusions: The ROMA is a simple scoring system which shows excellent diagnostic performance for the detection of EOC in post-menopausal women, but not in pre-menopausal women. Moreover, the dual marker combination of HE4 and CA125 (ROMA) does not show better performance than HE4 alone.
Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic relevance of B-type natriuretic hormone and related peptides in children with congenital heart diseases
Authors: Cantinotti Massimiliano , Giovannini Stefania , Murzi Bruno , Clerico Aldo 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The aim of this article is to review the diagnostic and prognostic relevance of measurement of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in pediatric patients with congenital cardiac diseases (CHD). A computerized literature search in the National Library of Medicine using the keywords “BNP assay” and “NT-proBNP assay”+neonate/s and newborn/s was performed. Next, we refined the analysis to include only the studies specifically designed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of BNP and NT-proBNP measurements in children with CHD. Several authors suggested that BNP/NT-proBNP is clinically helpful as a diagnostic and prognostic marker for children with suspected CHD. BNP values are age dependent, even in paediatric populations. Unfortunately, accurate reference values for BNP and NT-proBNP for neonatal ages have only recently become available. As a result, the lack of homogenous and accurate decisional levels in the neonatal period greatly limits the clinical impact of the BNP assay, and also contributed to the production of conflicting results. Regardless of age, there is great variability in BNP/NT-proBNP values among CHD characterized by different hemodynamic and clinical conditions. In particular, cardiac defects characterized by left ventricular volume and pressure overload usually show a higher BNP response than CHD which is characterized by right ventricular volume or pressure overload. BNP and NT-proBNP may be considered helpful markers in the integral clinical approach for patients with CHD. Measurement of BNP cannot replace cardiac imaging (including echocardiography, angiography and magnetic resonance), but provide independent, low cost and complementary information for the evaluation of cardiac function and clinical status.
Confirmation of congenital adrenal hyperplasia by adrenal steroid profiling of filter paper dried blood samples using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Rossi Claudia , Calton Lisa , Brown Heather A. , Gillingwater Scott , Wallace A. Michael , Petrucci Francesca , Ciavardelli Domenico , Urbani Andrea , Sacchetta Paolo , Morris Michael 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: The specificity of screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia by direct measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in filter paper dried blood spot samples by immunoassay is low and has a high false-positive rate. In order to reduce the false-positive rate of this test, we developed a rapid, robust, specific confirmatory procedure in which cortisol, 4-androstene-3,17-dione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were measured simultaneously by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Methods: After extraction, samples were analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and 17-hydroxyprogesterone was quantified accurately. Other steroids were determined using stable deuterated internal standards. In total, 25 patient blood spot samples and 92 control samples were analysed.

Results: The assay was linear for 17-hydroxyprogesterone, with a coefficient of determination >0.997 and imprecision ≤6.5%. An upper limit of normal for 17-hydroxyprogester-one of 4.45 nmol/L was established by analysing a cohort of samples from unaffected newborns. In addition, a cut-off of 3.5 for the peak areas ratio (17-hydroxyprogesterone+4-androstene-3,17-dione)/cortisol, allows confirmation of the affected steroidogenic enzyme.

Conclusions: A high throughput method for the detection of steroids related to congenital adrenal hyperplasia has been developed, allowing the false-positive rate associated with screening for 17-hydroxyprogesterone by immunoassay to be determined.
Carotid restenosis is associated with plasma ADMA concentrations in carotid endarterectomy patients
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore , Porcu Paolo , Casu Maria Antonietta , Bivona Giulia , Chessa Roberto , Deiana Luca , Carru Ciriaco 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: The aim of this work has been to study the association between plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations and carotid stenosis in a group of 64 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods: Arginine, ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured using capillary electrophoresis with UV detection. An evaluation of plasma concentrations of total cysteine (tCys) and total homocysteine (tHcy) was also performed.

Results: Pearson’s analysis show a positive correlation between ADMA and carotid stenosis (r=0.37, p=0.003), which is also confirmed after stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. ADMA plasma concentrations were significantly associated with tHcy (r=0.40, p=0.001) and to a lesser extent, even if not significantly, with tCys (r=0.23, p=0.07).

Conclusions: Our data suggest that plasma ADMA is involved in carotid narrowing after CEA intervention. This suggests that this molecule may have an important role in the events that lead to stenosis.
An increase in serum uric acid concentrations is associated with an increase in the Framingham risk score in Korean adults
Authors: Nam Ga-Eun , Lee Kyung-Shik , Park Yong-Gyu , Cho Kyung-Hwan , Lee Seung-Hwan , Ko Byung-Joon , Kim Do-Hoon 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: Uric acid is a novel cardiovascular disease (CVD) factor, but its use as an independent risk factor for CVD remains controversial. Here, we examined the correlation between Framingham risk score (FRS) and serum uric acid concentrations in asymptomatic Korean adults.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 8035 Korean adults. Besides FRS, we measured body mass index, fasting blood glucose, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, creatinine, γ-glutamyltransferase, the lipid profile, uric acid, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, and the white blood cell count. All subjects were placed into one of three risk groups according to their FRS.

Results: All CVD related factors were significantly different in the three FRS groups. The increments of uric acid in-creased significantly FRS from the 10-year risk 0%–9% group to the >10% group after adjusting for other CVD-related factors using ordinal logistic regression analysis. Analyses of the three age groups showed similar effects.

Conclusions: An increased uric acid concentration is associated with an increase in coronary heart disease risk calculated from the FRS, and doctors need to pay attention to this CVD risk in apparently healthy adults with hyperuricemia.
The effect of a one-year weight reduction program on serum uric acid in overweight/obese children and adolescents
Authors: Krzystek-Korpacka Malgorzata , Patryn Eliza , Kustrzeba-Wojcicka Irena , Chrzanowska Joanna , Gamian Andrzej , Noczynska Anna 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackground:Hyperuricemia may underlie obesity and related disorders, but the impact of weight reduction and metformin on serum uric acid (sUA) in Caucasian children/adolescents is unknown.Methods:One hundred and thirteen children/adolescents were enrolled (83 completed) into 1-year weight reduction program (diet+exercise) without or with metformin. Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were conducted at baseline and at the end of follow-up (13±3 months).Results:sUA decreased in 86% females and 67% males. Significantly more patients substantially (≥10%) reduced their sUA than body mass index (BMI)%. In females, sUA decreased regardless of type of intervention, but more markedly in the metformin group, and ΔsUA correlated positively with ΔBMI%, ΔWHtR (waist-to-height ratio), Δinsulin, ΔHOMA (homeostasis model of assessment), and Δtriglycerides/high density lipoprotein (HDL), but correlated negatively with baseline sUA, HOMA, insulin, and triglycerides/HDL. Of these, metformin treatment, baseline sUA, and ΔBMI% were independent predictors of sUA reduction, explaining 77% of data variability. In males, sUA reduction was significant in the metformin group only, and negatively correlated with ΔWHR (waist-to-hip ratio), ΔWHtR, Δleptin, baseline sUA, and waist circumference. Of these, baseline sUA and ΔBMI% were independent predictors of sUA reduction, explaining 69% of data variability. Except for sUA, females reduced their BMI%, waist circumference, triglycerides, triglycerides/HDL and increased HDL, while males reduced total cholesterol.Conclusions:A longitudinal weight reduction program encompassing diet/exercise with or without metformin was more efficient in reducing sUA than weight and its effect on sUA and other metabolic parameters differed between genders. Weight loss did not condition sUA reduction, which was strongly dependent on baseline levels. The sUA reducing effects of metformin may contribute to its effects on blood pressure-lowering and endothelial function-improving properties in females.
Genetic variability of the fructosamine 3-kinase gene in diabetic patients
Authors: Mosca Lorena , Penco Silvana , Patrosso Maria C. , Marocchi Alessandro , Lapolla Annunziata , Sartore Giovanni , Chilelli Nino C. , Paleari Renata , Mosca Andrea 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background: Nonenzymatic glycation appears to be an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Fructosamine 3-kinase (FN3K), initially identified in erythrocytes, appears to be responsible for the removal of fructosamine from proteins, suggesting a protective role in nonenzymatic glycation. Recently, genetic variants in the FN3K gene have been studied in diabetic patients. The aim of our study was the molecular characterization of the FN3K gene in a representative group of Italian patients with type 1 (T1DM) and 2 (T2DM) diabetes mellitus and in a cohort of healthy controls.

Methods: Seventy diabetic subjects (35 type 1 and 35 type 2) with stable glycemic control and 33 healthy control subjects were evaluated using PCR and direct sequencing of the FN3K gene. Denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC) was used in controls for screening for the presence of the genetic variants previously found in diabetic patients.

Results: Seven different genetic variants were identified, five of them already reported and two new: the p.R187X and p.Y239C mutations identified in two females affected by T2DM. No significant association was found between certain polymorphisms and diabetes conditions. Preliminary haplotype studies are also reported. With respect to genotypes, we noted that some were not present in all the investigated cohort, and some were found related to higher glycated hemoglobin compared to others, although not at a significant level, probably because of the small number of subjects investigated.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study identified two new mutations and additional variants within the FN3K gene. This is the first study on FN3K in Italy. Future work is needed to achieve a better understanding of the FN3K enzyme and its possible clinical utility in the management of diabetic patients.