bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium: limited sampling strategies and clinical outcome in renal transplant patients
Authors: Sommerer Claudia , Müller‐Krebs Sandra , Schaier Matthias , Glander Petra , Budde Klemens , Schwenger Vedat , Mikus Gerd , Zeier Martin 
Published: December 2009

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • Therapeutic drug monitoring of mycophenolate mofetil is a promising tool for reducing acute rejection episodes after renal transplantation.• Limited sampling algorithms of mycophenolic acid in mycophenolate mofetil‐treated renal transplant patients have been established.• Recently published study results indicate that the intensity of early drug exposure might determine the risk of acute rejection episodes. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • This study provides pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data of mycophenolic acid in enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium‐treated renal transplant patients.• Limited sampling algorithms are evaluated and a practical sampling strategy with five sampling time points within the first 4 h after oral drug intake is provided in renal transplant patients with combined immunosuppression consisting of enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium and ciclosporin A.• The association between pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and the risk of adverse events are evaluated.• Both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters contribute to optimized individual immunosuppression.AIMS Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) monitoring strategies and clinical outcome were evaluated in enteric‐coated mycophenolate sodium (EC‐MPS)‐treated renal allograft recipients.METHODS PK [mycophenolic acid (MPA)] and PD [inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) activity] data were analysed in 66 EC‐MPS and ciclosporin A (CsA)‐treated renal allograft recipients. Adverse events were considered in a follow‐up period of 12 weeks.RESULTS Analyses confirmed a limited sampling strategy (LSS) consisting of PK and PD data at predose, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h after oral intake as an appropriate sampling method (MPA r2= 0.812; IMPDH r2= 0.833). MPA AUC0–12 of patients with early biopsy‐proven acute rejection was significantly lower compared with patients without a rejection (median MPA AUC0–12 28 µg*h ml−1 (7–45) vs. 40 µg*h ml−1 (16–130), P < 0.01), MPA AUC0–12 of patients with recurrent infections was significantly higher compared with patients without infections (median MPA AUC0–12 65 µg*h ml−1 (range 37–130) vs. 37 µg*h ml−1 (range 7–120), P < 0.005). Low 12‐h IMPDH enzyme activity curve (AEC0–12) was associated with an increased frequency of gastrointestinal side‐effects (median IMPDH AEC0–12 43 nmol*h mg−1 protein h−1[range 12–67) vs. 75 nmol*h mg−1 protein h−1 (range 15–371), P < 0.01].CONCLUSIONS Despite highly variable absorption data, an appropriate LSS might be estimated by MPA AUC0–4 and IMPDH AEC0–4 in renal transplant patients treated with EC‐MPS and CsA. Regarding adverse events, the suggested MPA‐target AUC0–12 from 30 to 60 µg*h ml−1 seems to be appropriate in renal allograft recipients.
DNER modulates adipogenesis of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells via regulation of cell proliferation
Authors: Park J.‐R. , Jung J.‐W. , Seo M.‐S. , Kang S.‐K. , Lee Y.‐S. , Kang K.‐S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjectives:  In recent years, obesity has become a global epidemic, highlighting the necessity for basic research into mechanisms underlying growth of adipose tissue and differentiation of stem cells into adipocytes, in humans. For better understanding of cell signalling in adipogenesis, the role of DNER (delta/Notch‐like EGF‐related receptor) in adipogenic differentiation of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSC) was investigated.Materials and methods:  To assess the role of DNER in hAMSC adipogenesis, hAMSCs were transfected with DNER small interfering RNA (siDNER). Real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions to assess expression levels of adipogenesis‐related genes regulated by siDNER, cell cycle and immunoblot analyses were performed.Results:  First, it was determined that DNER mRNA was profoundly expressed in hAMSCs and reduced during adipogenic differentiation. Knockdown of DNER altered cell morphology, inhibited proliferation and increased frequency and efficiency of adipogenesis in hAMSC. Expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein δ increased and proportion of cells in S phase decreased by knockdown of DNER, using specific siRNA. Moreover, adipocyte‐specific genes including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, fatty acid binding protein 4 and perilipin were up‐regulated in siDNER compared to the siControl group during adipogenesis in hAMSC.Conclusions:  These results indicate that DNER knockdown in hAMSC accelerated onset of adipogenic differentiation by bypassing mitotic clonal expansion during the early stages of adipogenesis.
Alpha‐lipoic acid improves vascular endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: a placebo‐controlled randomized trial
Authors: Heinisch B. B. , Francesconi M. , Mittermayer F. , Schaller G. , Gouya G. , Wolzt M. , Pleiner J. 
Published: December 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (2): 148–154AbstractObjective  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) treatment on endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasodilatation, assessed by forearm blood flow (FBF), in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Research design and methods  A total of 30 subjects with type 2 diabetes were included in this randomized, controlled, double‐blinded, parallel group study. FBF responses to intra‐arterial acetylcholine (ACh) and glycerol trinitrate (GTN) were measured before and after 21 days of intravenous treatment with 600 mg alpha‐lipoic acid or placebo.Results  FBF responses were comparable at baseline. After treatment, FBF reactivity to ACh and GTN was unchanged in subjects receiving placebo. By contrast, ALA treatment increased endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation to ACh (P < 0·05) but not to GTN compared with baseline.Conclusions  Intravenous ALA treatment improves endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in patients with type 2 diabetes, in the absence of effects on forearm vasomotor function. If this salutary action translates into vascular risk reduction remains to be established.
Elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate level correlates with increased risk for metabolic syndrome in the elderly men
Authors: Chen Y. C. , Chang H. H. , Wen C. J. , Lin W. Y. , Chen C. Y. , Hong B. S. , Huang K. C. 
Published: December 2009

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (3): 220–225AbstractBackground  The previous studies regarding the association between endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulphate level and metabolic syndrome are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate such relationship in elderly Taiwanese men.Materials and methods  Five hundred and eighty‐five elderly Taiwanese men (mean age 68·7 ± 8·3 years) were enrolled as the baseline cohort population in 2000. In addition to a questionnaire, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, lipids, albumin and serum DHEA‐S levels were measured for each participant. Metabolic syndrome was based on the definition by the America Heart Association/National Heart Lung Blood Institute.Results  The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 33·3%. Using multivariate logistic regression analyses with adjustments for age, smoking, alcohol, physical activities, albumin and BMI, there was a positive relationship between serum DHEA‐S level and metabolic syndrome. The highest DHEA‐S quartile group had increased risk for metabolic syndrome (odds ratio = 2·68, 95% confidence interval: 1·44–5·01, P < 0·01) compared with the lowest quartile group. The mean serum DHEA‐S level increased with increasing number of metabolic syndrome components.Conclusions  The prevalence of metabolic syndrome increases with elevated DHEA‐S levels among elderly Taiwanese men. Thus, elevated serum DHEA‐S level should be treated as an important risk factor for metabolic syndrome in elderly men.
Favourable habitats for Coffea inter‐specific hybridization in central New Caledonia: combined genetic and spatial analyses
Authors: Gomez Céline , Batti Ahmed , Le Pierrès Daniel , Campa Claudine , Hamon Serge , De Kochko Alexandre , Hamon Perla , Huynh Frédéric , Despinoy Marc , Poncet Valérie 
Published: December 2009

Summary 1. Human disturbance of natural habitats has increasingly promoted hybridization between previously isolated species. Coffee trees (Coffea canephora, C. liberica and C. arabica) have been introduced into New Caledonia for cultivation since the 1850s. Many plantations have since been abandoned, leaving the cultivars to evolve in natural conditions. This historical situation and the local environmental conditions have led to gene flow between sympatric species and the creation of hybrid zones which can be considered as a natural laboratory for studying gene flow dynamics. Our objectives were to assess the nature of these hybridizations and to model the distribution of habitats favourable for these hybrid zones at a regional scale. 2. We analysed a tri‐specific model population with 26 microsatellite markers using a multilocus analysis approach. We applied Bayesian methods to characterize the species identity of founder individuals and identify inter‐specific hybrids. A high level of genetic diversity and inter‐specific hybridization was observed in the population. To evaluate the presence of other favourable environments in the local area, a geographic information system was used to spatially differentiate the phenomenon and optimize future hybrid collecting missions. We constructed a predictive distribution model based on observation and environmental expertise (climatic parameters, physical parameters and landcover) at four reference sites of the hybrid zone. 3. At all four sites the Coffea species were found to be involved in inter‐specific hybridization, with one population, in particular, revealing high genetic diversity. According to the environmental expertise, 40% of the studied region appeared to be favourable for this phenomenon and the model was validated with a prediction accuracy of 79%. 4. Synthesis and applications. The use of microsatellite markers was efficient for assessing the nature and extent of coffee tree hybridization events. The environmental expertise and model allowed comparisons between New Caledonia and Africa ecological niches. This methodology may be recommended for better management of de novo in situ coffee genetic resources and applied to other plants to provide insight into the impact of adaptation to new environment. Combining environmental and species biological parameters would help in analysing modifications in plant reproductive behaviour induced by global climate change.
Physical activity and sleep among pregnant women
Authors: Borodulin Katja , Evenson Kelly R. , Monda Keri , Wen Fang , Herring Amy H. , Dole Nancy 
Published: December 2009

SummaryBorodulin K, Evenson KR, Monda K, Wen F, Herring AH, Dole N. Physical activity and sleep among pregnant women. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 45–52.Sleep disturbances are common among pregnant women and safe treatments to improve sleep are needed. Generally, physical activity improves sleep, but studies are lacking on the associations of physical activity with sleep among pregnant women. Our aim was to investigate the cross‐sectional association of various modes of physical activity and activity clusters with sleep quality and duration among 1259 pregnant women. Participants were recruited into the Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition Study from prenatal clinics at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. Women self‐reported sleep quality and duration and physical activity in the past week. We used cluster analysis to create seven physical activity profiles and multivariable logistic regression analysis, with adjustments for age, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, parity, self‐rated general health, anxiety and depressive symptoms.Women with higher levels of occupational physical activity were more likely to report either short or normal sleep duration than longer duration. Women with higher levels of indoor household physical activity were less likely to report normal sleep duration than shorter duration. Women in the recreational‐indoor household activity cluster were less likely than women in the inactivity cluster to report normal sleep duration as compared with longer duration. Our data suggest weak associations of physical activity with sleep duration and quality in late pregnancy. Physical activity is recommended to pregnant women for health benefits, yet more research is needed to understand if physical activity should be recommended for improving sleep.
Impact of the Jamaican birth cohort study on maternal, child and adolescent health policy and practice
Authors: McCaw‐Binns A , Ashley D , Samms‐Vaughan M 
Published: December 2009

SummaryMcCaw‐Binns A, Ashley D, Samms‐Vaughan M. Impact of the Jamaican birth cohort study on maternal, child and adolescent health policy and practice. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 3–11.The Jamaica Perinatal Morbidity and Mortality Survey (JPMMS) was a national study designed to identify modifiable risk factors associated with poor maternal and perinatal outcome. Needing to better understand factors that promote or retard child development, behaviour and academic achievement, we conducted follow‐up studies of the birth cohort. The paper describes the policy developments from the JPMMS and two follow‐up rounds. The initial study (1986–87) documented 94% of all births and their outcomes on the island over 2 months (n = 10 508), and perinatal (n = 2175) and maternal deaths (n = 62) for a further 10 months. A subset of the birth cohort, identified by their date of birth through school records, was seen at ages 11–12 (n = 1715) and 15–16 years (n = 1563).Findings from the initial survey led to, inter alia, clinic‐based screening for syphilis, referral high‐risk clinics run by visiting obstetricians, and the redesign and construction of new labour wards at referral hospitals. The follow‐up studies documented inadequate academic achievement among boys and children attending public schools, and associations between under‐ and over‐nutrition, excessive television viewing (>20 h/week), inadequate parental supervision and behavioural problems. These contributed to the development of a television programming code for children, a National Parenting Policy, policies aimed at improving inter‐sectoral services to children from birth to 5 years (Early Childhood Commission) and behavioural interventions of the Violence Prevention Alliance (an inter‐sectoral NGO) and the Healthy Lifestyles project (Ministry of Health). Indigenous maternal and child health research provided a local evidence base that informed public policy. Collaboration, good communication, being vigilant to opportunities to influence policy, and patience has contributed to our success.
Reliability of variables on the North Carolina birth certificate: a comparison with directly queried values from a cohort study
Authors: Vinikoor Lisa C. , Messer Lynne C. , Laraia Barbara A. , Kaufman Jay S. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryVinikoor LC, Messer LC, Laraia BA, Kaufman JS. Reliability of variables on the North Carolina birth certificate: a comparison with directly queried values from a cohort study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 102–112.Birth records are an important source of data for examining population‐level birth outcomes, but questions about the reliability of these vital records exist. We sought to assess the reliability of birth certificate data by comparing them with data from a large prospective cohort. Pregnancy, Infection, and Nutrition cohort study participants were matched with their birth certificates to assess agreement for maternal demographics, health behaviours, previous pregnancies and major pregnancy events. Agreement among categorical variables was assessed using percentage agreement and kappa statistics; for continuous variables, Spearman's correlations and concordance correlation coefficients were used.The majority of variables had high agreement between the two data sources, especially for maternal demographic and birth outcome variables. Variables measuring anaemia, gestational diabetes and alcohol consumption showed the lowest correlations. Number of cigarettes smoked and number of previous pregnancies differed by education categories. For most variables, birth records appear to be a good source of reliable information. With the exception of a few variables that differed by education, most variables did not differ by stratum of race or education. Our research further supports the use of birth certificates as a reliable source of population‐level data.
Effects of calcium supplementation on fetal growth in mothers with deficient calcium intake: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Abalos Edgardo , Merialdi Mario , Wojdyla Daniel , Carroli Guillermo , Campodónico Liana , Yao Shih‐Ern , Gonzalez Rogelio , Deter Russell , Villar José , Van Look Paul 
Published: December 2009

SummaryAbalos E, Merialdi M, Wojdyla D, Carroli G, Campodónico L, Yao S‐E, Gonzalez R, Deter R, Villar J, Van Look P. Effects of calcium supplementation on fetal growth in mothers with deficient calcium intake: a randomised controlled trial. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 53–62.Calcium supplementation in mothers with low calcium intake has been of interest recently because of its association with optimal fetal growth and improved pre‐eclampsia‐related outcomes. While the effects of calcium supplementation have demonstrated benefits in prolonging gestation and subsequently improving birthweight, no specific studies have identified the longitudinal effects of supplementation on fetal growth in utero. Data were analysed in the context of the World Health Organization trial of calcium supplementation in calcium‐deficient women. Five hundred and ten healthy, primiparous pregnant Argentinean women were randomised (at <20 weeks gestation) to either placebo (n = 230) or calcium supplements (1500 mg calcium/day in 3 divided doses; n = 231). Growth parameters in utero were assessed with serial ultrasound scans. Birthweight, length, head, abdominal and thigh circumferences were recorded at delivery.No differences were found in fetal biometric measurements recorded at 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 weeks gestation between fetuses of women who were supplemented with calcium and those who were not. Similarly, neonatal characteristics and anthropometric measurements recorded at delivery were comparable in both groups. We conclude that calcium supplementation of 1500 mg calcium/day in pregnant women with low calcium intake does not appear to impact on fetal somatic or skeletal growth.
Very preterm birth: who has access to antenatal corticosteroid therapy?
Authors: Burguet Antoine , Ferdynus Cyril , Thiriez Gérard , Bouthet Marie‐France , Kayemba‐Kays Simon , Sanyas Paul , Menget Alain , Mulin Blandine , Riethmuller Didier , Maillet Robert , Brousse Claire , Magnin Guillaume , Boisselier Philippe , Sagot Paul , Pierre Fabrice , Gouyon Béatrice , Gouyon Jean‐Bernard 
Published: December 2009

SummaryBurguet A, Ferdynus C, Thiriez G, Bouthet M‐F, Kayemba‐Kays S, Sanyas P, Menget A, Mulin B, Riethmuller D, Maillet R, Brousse C, Magnin G, Boisselier P, Sagot P, Pierre F, Gouyon B, Gouyon J‐B. Very preterm birth: who has access to antenatal corticosteroid therapy? Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 63–74.We describe the administration of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) for liveborn very preterm neonates in a population‐based study. A total of 790 very preterm neonates (between 24 and 31 full weeks of gestation) were included in this regionally defined population of very preterm neonates in France. The main outcome measure was non‐access to ACT. Data were analysed using logistic and polytomous models to control for neonatal and sociodemographic characteristics, mechanisms of very preterm birth and neonatal network organisation.As compared with level III, births in levels I‐II maternity units were closely related to non‐access to ACT (60.1% vs. 8.8%), but not to pregnancy follow‐up (19.7% vs. 17.8%). Only 6.3% of very preterm neonates that benefited from antepartum referral did nor receive ACT. Births associated with rupture of membranes and gestational hypertension were significantly more often transferred to level‐III units (73.8% and 68.3% respectively) than those due to maternal bleeding and spontaneous labour (57.0% and 50.7% respectively), and the neonates had a lower probability of not receiving ACT (8.5%, 11.5%, 23.0%, 31.2% respectively). Very preterm neonates referred in utero to a level‐III unit came from a more favourable socio‐economic environment. Non‐access to ACT was more often observed in neonates born to 14‐ to 24‐year‐old mothers, smokers, of low socio‐economic status, and preterm birth resulting from maternal bleeding or spontaneous labour.These data from a French regional study show that access to ACT is not only explained by practitioners' support of recommendations. In our population‐based study, ACT access was related to socio‐economic factors and to the mechanisms of very preterm birth. Improving the rate of access to ACT should take these organisational, medical and socio‐economic dimensions into account.
Violent delinquency in a Brazilian birth cohort: the roles of breast feeding, early poverty and demographic factors
Authors: Caicedo Beatriz , Gonçalves Helen , González David A. , Victora Cesar G. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryCaicedo B, Gonçalves H, González DA, Victora CG. Violent delinquency in a Brazilian birth cohort: the roles of breast feeding, early poverty and demographic factors. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010; 24: 12–23.We investigated the association between breast feeding, economic factors and conviction for violent delinquency by age 25 years among subjects of the 1982 Birth Cohort from Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Information on breast‐feeding pattern and duration was collected in childhood, during the 1983, 1984 and 1986 follow‐ups. Information on socio‐economic and family characteristics was also obtained between 1982 and 1996. Of the 5914 livebirths enrolled in the cohort, 5228 had obtained an identification document within the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and could thus be identified in judiciary databases. The outcome studied was conviction due to a violent act between ages 12 and 25 years. A total of 106 young people had been convicted at least once (3.0% of men and 1.0% of women). Subjects born to black or mixed mothers and coming from low‐income families were at higher risk of having been convicted. Neither crude nor adjusted analyses showed any association between breast feeding and conviction for violent delinquency. Violent delinquency apparently depends more on social factors than on individual factors such as breast feeding.