bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dysregulation of Corticosterone Secretion in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats: Modulatory Role of the Adrenocortical Nitrergic System
Authors: Repetto E. M. , Sanchez R. , Cipelli J. , Astort F. , Martinez Calejman C. , Piroli G. G. , Arias P. , Cymeryng C. B. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAn increased activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in exaggerated glucocorticoid secretion has been repeatedly described in patients with diabetes mellitus and in animal models of this disease. However, it has been pointed out that experimental diabetes is accompanied by a decreased glucocorticoid response to ACTH stimulation. Because previous studies from our laboratory demonstrate the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of corticosterone production, present investigations were designed to evaluate 1) the impact of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes on the adrenocortical nitrergic system and 2) the role of NO in the modulation of adrenal steroidogenesis in STZ-diabetic rats. Four weeks after STZ injection, increased activity and expression levels of proteins involved in l-arginine transport and in NO synthesis were detected, and increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, carbonyl adducts, and nitrotyrosine-modified proteins were measured in the adrenocortical tissue of hyperglycemic rats. An impaired corticosterone response to ACTH was evident both in vivo and in adrenocortical cells isolated from STZ-treated animals. Inhibition of NO synthase activity resulted in higher corticosterone generation in adrenal tissue from STZ-treated rats. Moreover, a stronger inhibition of steroid output from adrenal cells by a NO donor was observed in adrenocortical Y1 cells previously subjected to high glucose (30 mm) treatment. In summary, results presented herein indicate an inhibitory effect of endogenously generated NO on steroid production, probably potentiated by hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, in the adrenal cortex of STZ-treated rats.
Comparison between transcutaneous bilirubinometry and total serum bilirubin measurements in preterm infants <35 weeks gestation
Authors: Ahmed M , Mostafa S , Fisher G , Reynolds T M 
Published: November 2009

Background Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is a common treatable cause of brain injury. The treatment for this condition is phototherapy. The decision whether to use phototherapy is currently dependent upon serum bilirubin assay results. However, repeated blood sampling is not only traumatic but may also be a cause of anaemia in neonates. We evaluated a transcutaneous bilirubin assay method to determine whether it was suitable for routine use in preterm infants. Methods One hundred and eighty-three transcutaneous bilirubin measurements were taken contemporaneously with blood samples for laboratory measurement of serum bilirubin. The study was carried out with informed parental consent and approval by the local research ethics committee. Results The transcutaneous bilirubin method (Bili Chek®) exhibited a consistent positive bias compared with the laboratory bilirubin assay. Consequently, for a given detection rate, the transcutaneous method had a higher screen positive rate, i.e. more neonates would be given phototherapy if transcutaneous bilirubin results were used to decide. There was a margin of safety in the transcutaneous bilirubin assay calibration. Conclusion The BiliChek transcutaneous bilirubin assay is a safe alternative to laboratory bilirubin assay in deciding whether to give preterm neonates phototherapy.
Difference between total and intact assays for N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen reflects degradation of pN-collagen rather than denaturation of intact propeptide
Authors: Koivula Marja-Kaisa , Ruotsalainen Vesa , Björkman Mikko , Nurmenniemi Sini , Ikäheimo Risto , Savolainen Kari , Sorva Antti , Risteli Juha 
Published: November 2009

Background The concentration of N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) in the serum reflects the rate of type I collagen formation. Intact PINP assay measures the trimeric propeptide while total P1NP assay measures both trimeric and monomeric forms. In this study we compared these two assays emphasizing the possible differences. Methods Intact and total PINP were measured from serum in healthy Finnish blood donors ( n = 34) and in the patients with chronic renal failure before and after haemodialysis ( n = 39). In addition, the serum of a normal man, pooled hospital serum samples and the serum of a patient with haemodialysis treatment were fractioned by gel filtration and trimeric and monomeric forms were located. Fractions were lyophilized and intact and total PINP were measured in each fraction. Samples from bedridden geriatric patients ( n = 173) were also measured using intact and total PINP assays and a degradation marker of type I collagen (ICTP). Results The correlation between intact and total PINP in controls was 0.89 and their PINP concentrations were similar. In haemodialysis or bedridden geriatric patients, the PINP methods gave significantly different results. In gel filtration studies, intact PINP hardly measured monomeric form even if its concentration was disproportionately increased in haemodialysis patients. In bedridden geriatric patients, the difference of total and intact PINP correlated significantly to degradation marker ICTP. Conclusions Difference between total and intact assays for PINP seem to reflect degradation of pN-collagen rather than denaturation of intact propeptide.
Biological variation of glycated haemoglobin in a paediatric population and its application to calculation of significant change between results
Authors: Desmeules Philippe , Cousineau Jocelyne , Allard Pierre 
Published: November 2009

Background To determine precisely the probability that a change between two glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) results is significant and that clinical actions may be required, the biological variation of HbA1c must be known. However, it has not been evaluated in a paediatric population. We therefore determined the long-term biological variation of HbA1c in a paediatric population and used it to generate a probability curve for significant changes between two consecutive HbA1c measurements. Methods A group of 24 boys and 14 girls with cystic fibrosis (CF) but without diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance has been selected. HbA1c has been measured at least five times over five consecutive years for all subjects. We have used the Fraser and Harris method to calculate within-subject biological variation (CVI), which allowed the determination of the probability that a change is significant between results. Results As within-subject variances are equivalent for girls and boys ( P > 0.1), both genders were merged for biological variation analysis. The CVI calculated for HbA1c was 4.8% and the between-subject variation (CVG) was 12.8%. Then, a probability curve based on the CVI found was generated and showed that a change of 14% between two consecutive HbA1c results corresponding to a probability of 95% was significant. Conclusions We determined for the first time the biological variation of HbA1c in a paediatric population, which is higher than the ones found for adult populations. The probability curves generated from these data could be invaluable tools for clinicians to balance HbA1c results with other clinical parameters.
Serum vitamin A and E analysis: comparison of methods between laboratories enrolled in an external quality assurance programme
Authors: Greaves Ronda , Jolly Lisa , Woollard Gerald , Hoad Kirsten 
Published: November 2009

Aim To survey laboratories enrolled in the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia (RCPA) Chemical Pathology Quality Assurance Programme (QAP) for vitamin A and E testing to determine differences between methods of analysis. Methods A detailed questionnaire covering the major aspects of serum vitamin A and E analysis was sent to all participating laboratories in 2007. Results Thirteen out of the 22 laboratories completed the questionnaire. Methods between laboratories showed a great deal of commonality. All respondents performed a liquid extraction step, which included the addition of an internal standard, followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (C18 columns with predominantly methanol-based mobile phases) with spectrophotometric detection. Major inter-laboratory differences were whether the sample was protected from light, the extraction solvents and ratios used, the drying down temperature used post-liquid extraction and choice of calibrator. Conclusions The questionnaire highlighted discrete methodological differences between laboratories. These findings provide direction to enable the Vitamins Working Party of the Australasian Association of Clinical Biochemists to further investigate the dispersion in results between participants of the RCPA QAP vitamin programme.
Postpartum increase of serum thioredoxin concentrations and the relation to CD8 lymphocytes
Authors: Kuroda Shoko , Watanabe Mikio , Santo Tomoko , Shimizuishi Yu , Takano Toru , Hidaka Yoh , Kimura Tadashi , Iwatani Yoshinori 
Published: November 2009

Background There are few data on oxidative stresses during and after pregnancy, although aggravation of autoimmune disease is implicated in oxidative stress and occurs frequently in the postpartum period. Thioredoxin (TRX) is a stress-inducible protein, and is used as a good biomarker for oxidative stress. To clarify the changes in the levels of oxidative stress during and after pregnancy, we examined serum TRX levels and the numbers of lymphocyte subsets. Methods We measured serum TRX levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and neutrophils, lymphocytes, and CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 88 healthy pregnant women, 26 just after delivery women, 77 healthy postpartum women and 19 healthy non-pregnant women. Results The serum levels of TRX did not change during pregnancy, but increased in four, seven and 10 months postpartum. Serum TRX levels were correlated with the percentages of neutrophils in normal non-pregnant women and women one month postpartum, and with those of CD8 lymphocytes in early pregnant women and women one and four months postpartum. Conclusions Oxidative stress increased in the postpartum period, and the levels at one and four months postpartum were related to CD8 lymphocytes.
Glycated albumin levels are higher relative to glycated haemoglobin levels in gastrectomized subjects
Authors: Koga Masafumi , Murai Jun , Saito Hiroshi , Mukai Mikio , Matsumoto Soeko , Kasayama Soji 
Published: November 2009

Background In gastrectomized subjects, oral glucose tolerance test often shows marked hyperglycaemia (oxyhyperglycaemia) after glucose loading. Because serum glycated albumin (GA) has been shown to better reflect postprandial and maximum plasma glucose levels, we investigated whether or not the clinical significance of serum GA and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) in non-diabetic gastrectomized subjects differs. Methods During health examinations, 62 non-diabetic subjects with a history of gastrectomy and 87 non-diabetic control subjects were selected in the present study. Body mass index (BMI) in the gastrectomy group was significantly lower than in the control group. Results Fasting plasma glucose levels were significantly lower in the gastrectomized subjects than in the control subjects. Although both HbA1C and serum GA were significantly higher in the gastrectomized subjects, there was a significant difference in GA/HbA1C ratio between the gastrectomized subjects and the control subjects. BMI-adjusted serum GA, based on our previous finding of inverse influence of BMI on serum GA, was also significantly higher in the gastrectomized subjects than in the controls. Conclusions Serum GA is higher relative to HbA1C in gastrectomized subjects. This suggests that serum GA may be a better marker than HbA1C for glycaemic excursion in these subjects.
Non-specific interference in the measurement of plasma ammonia: importance of using a sample blank
Authors: Herrera Daniel Juan , Hutchin Tim , Fullerton Donna , Gray George 
Published: November 2009

Background Enzymatic assays using glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) to monitor the transformation of NAD(P)H to NAD(P)+ by a spectrophotometric technique are the most common methods to measure plasma ammonia (PA) in routine laboratories worldwide. However, these assays can potentially be subject to interference by substances in plasma able to oxidize NAD(P)H at a substantial rate, thereby providing falsely high results. Methods To study this potential interference, we spiked a plasma pool with a liver homogenate and measured the ammonia concentration using a dry chemistry system (Vitros 250, Ortho Clinical Diagnostic, Raritan, NJ, USA), an enzymatic assay without a sample blanking step (Infinity Ammonia Liquid Stable Reagent, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, USA) and an enzymatic assay that corrects for the non-specific oxidation of NADPH (Ammonia kit, RANDOX Laboratories Ltd, Crumlin, UK). Results This experiment shows that the Infinity™ ammonia reagent kit is subject to a clinically significant interference and explains the discrepancies previously reported between these methods in patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Conclusion When using enzymatic methods for the assessment of PA, we recommend including a sample blanking correction and this should be mandatory when monitoring patients with ALF.
Reproduction and life history of the green alga Prasiola linearis Jao (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Rindi Fabio 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Marine species of Prasiola are most common on rocky shores of the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Prasiola linearis is a little-known member of this group, whose known distribution is restricted to coastal marshes of Pacific North America. The little information available on this species is mostly based on the original description; its life history has not been previously reported. Reproduction and life history were investigated in a series of experiments conducted in different combinations of culture medium, temperature, daylength and photon irradiance. The alga reproduced by aplanospores that were produced in the apical part of the blade. Upon release, each aplanospore reproduced a new thallus; sexual reproduction, which occurs in other marine species of Prasiola (P. stipitata and P. meridionalis) was not observed in P. linearis. No variation in reproductive patterns was observed between different combinations of factors tested; however, the alga showed very weak growth at 20°C. The life history of Prasiola linearis consists of a repetition of the same morphological phase reproducing by aplanospores. The diversity of life histories observed in marine species of Prasiola is illustrated and discussed.
Elevated serum γ-glutamyltransferase activity is associated with increased risk of mortality, incident type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular events, chronic kidney disease and cancer – a narrative review
Authors: Targher Giovanni 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
In clinical practice, increased serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is usually interpreted as a marker of alcohol abuse and liver dysfunction. The knowledge of the GGT's physiological functions has expanded and several important epidemiological associations have been reported. This review examines evidence for an association of high normal serum GGT enzyme activity, mostly within the reference range, with the risk of mortality and major vascular (i.e., cardiovascular morbidity and mortality) and non-vascular outcomes (i.e., incident type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cancer), independent of alcohol consumption and other prognostic factors.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:147–57.
Presence and significance of a R110W mutation in the DNA-binding domain of GCM2 gene in patients with isolated hypoparathyroidism and their family members
Authors: Tomar Neeraj , Bora Hema , Singh Ratnakar , Gupta Nandita , Kaur Punit , Chauhan Shyam Singh , Sharma Yagya Dutta , Goswami Ravinder 
Published: November 2009

ObjectiveGlial cells missing 2 (GCM2) gene encodes a parathyroid-specific transcription factor. We assessed GCM2 gene sequence in patients with isolated hypoparathyroidism (IH).DesignCase–control study.MethodsComplete DNA sequencing of the GCM2 gene including its exons, promoter, and 5′ and 3′ UTRs was performed in 24/101 patients with IH. PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism was used to detect a novel R110W mutation in all 101 IH patients and 655 healthy controls. Significance of the mutation was assessed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and nuclear localization on transfection.ResultsA heterozygous R110W mutation was present in DNA-binding domain in 11/101 patients (10.9%) and absent in 655 controls (P<10−7). Four of 13 nonaffected first-degree relatives for five of these index cases had R110W mutation. Four heterozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms were found in the 5′ region. One of the 11 patients with R110W also had T370M change in compound heterozygous form. Mutant R110W and T370M GCM2 proteins showed decreased binding with GCM recognition elements on EMSA indicating loss of function. Both wild-type and R110W mutant GCM2 proteins showed nuclear localization.ConclusionsThe present study indicates a significant association of R110W variant with IH. Absence of effect of heterozygous R110W mutation on DNA binding and presence of the same mutation in asymptomatic family members indicate that additional genetic (akin to T370M change) or nongenetic factors might contribute to the expression of diseases in IH. Alternatively, it is possible that association of R110W with IH could be due to linkage disequilibrium with the unidentified relevant genes in IH.
Recent Trends in State Children's Health Insurance Program Eligibility and Coverage for CSHCN
Authors: Yu Hao , Dick Andrew W. 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: Policy makers and physicians need to understand recent trends in State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) eligibility and coverage given the ongoing debate on SCHIP. Although many studies have examined these issues, few have focused on children with special health care needs (CSHCN). With this study we aimed to fill this gap in the literature.METHODS: Data on state-specific SCHIP eligibility criteria were merged with the National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs to determine SCHIP eligibility and coverage in 2001 and 2005. In addition to descriptive analysis, a multilevel analysis was performed to identify personal and state-level factors that significantly affected uninsurance among the SCHIP-eligible CSHCN.RESULTS: Our analyses showed that there was a slight increase in SCHIP eligibility for CSHCN between 2001 and 2005 (8.44% vs 9.83%; P &lt; .05, χ2 test). Among the SCHIP-eligible CSHCN, we found a substantial decrease in the uninsurance rate from 21.15% in 2001 to 10.87% in 2005 (P &lt; .05, χ2 test). After controlling for covariates, our analyses indicated that CSHCN in 2005 were 57% less likely to be uninsured than those in 2001. Our multilevel analysis also identified state policies that significantly affected uninsurance among the SCHIP-eligible CSHCN, including asset tests (positive effects) and presumptive eligibility (negative effects).CONCLUSION: Our results show a dramatic decrease in the uninsurance rate among SCHIP-eligible CSHCN between 2001 and 2005.
Underinsurance and Pediatric Immunization Delivery in the United States
Authors: Smith Philip J. , Molinari Noelle-Angelique , Rodewald Lance E. 
Published: November 2009

BACKGROUND: Underinsured children are covered by private health insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines, are not entitled to receive publicly purchased vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program unless they receive doses at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) or a Rural Health Center (RHC), may be referred by their primary care providers to health department clinics (HDCs) for vaccinations, and may have lower vaccination coverage for new and more expensive vaccines.
OBJECTIVES: To describe the estimated percentage of children in the U.S. who are underinsured, receive vaccine doses at HDCs, and are not VFC-entitled; and to evaluate the association between being underinsured, receiving vaccine doses at an HDC, and timely vaccination coverage.
METHODS: Subjects were 16621 19–35 month-old children sampled by the National Immunization Survey in 2007.
RESULTS: Of all 19–35 month-old children, an estimated 10.5% were underinsured; and an estimated 1.4% were underinsured, received doses at an HDC, and were not VFC-entitled. Compared to fully insured children, children who were underinsured and received doses at an HDC had significantly lower vaccination coverage for the varicella (81.5% vs. 87.7%, p &lt; 0.05) and PCV7 (55.1% vs. 75.9%, p &lt; 0.05) vaccines.
CONCLUSIONS: Children who were underinsured and received doses at HDCs were found to have lower estimated timely vaccination coverage for recently recommended vaccines and more expensive varicella and PCV7 vaccines. To adequately vaccinate these children at HDCs, states require stable funding to pay for vaccines as the number of new and more expensive vaccines grows.
Evaluation of a Simple Method to Classify the Thermal Characteristics of Streams Using a Nomogram of Daily Maximum Air and Water Temperatures
Authors: Chu Cindy , Jones Nicholas E. , Piggott Andrew R. , Buttle James M. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
This study assessed the applicability of an existing methodology to classify different stream sites into coldwater, coolwater, or warmwater areas based on their maximum air and water temperatures in summer. Using this methodology, single measurements of daily maximum air temperatures (≥24.5°C) and water temperatures at 1600 hours between July 1 and September 7 can be plotted on a nomogram to approximate the thermal classification of a site. Data from 122 sites throughout the Great Lakes basin, Ontario, indicated that the existing methodology should be revised to include sampling days from July 1 to August 31 instead of July 1 to September 7 and daily sampling periods between 1600 and 1800 hours as opposed to 1600 hours to capture the warmest temperatures at the sites. Data from 80 of the 122 sites consistently fell into the coldwater, coolwater, or warmwater categories. Data from 5 sites overlapped the coldwater and coolwater categories, whereas data from 37 sites overlapped the coolwater and warmwater categories. Water temperatures at 11 of the coolwater–warmwater sites decreased as air temperatures increased. These sites had more groundwater discharge potential than either the coolwater and warmwater sites. This suggests that a higher proportion of groundwater (as opposed to surface runoff) in the summer caused the water temperatures to cool as air temperatures increased. A revised nomogram was developed that included five (cold, cold–cool, cool, cool–warm, and warm) rather than three (cold, cool, and warm) thermal classifications for sites in Ontario streams. We recommend the use of the revised nomogram to determine the thermal classification of stream sites, as the revised categories also correspond to the thermal preferences of 72 stream fish species commonly found in the Great Lakes basin.