bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐17‐producing γδ+ T cells protect NOD mice from type 1 diabetes through a mechanism involving transforming growth factor‐β
Authors: Han Gencheng , Wang Renxi , Chen Guojiang , Wang Jianan , Xu Ruonan , Wang Liyan , Feng Jiannan , Li Xia , Guo Renfeng , Fu Li , Shen Beifen , Li Yan 
Published: August 2009

SummaryWhether interleukin (IL)‐17 promotes a diabetogenic response remains unclear. Here we examined the effects of neutralization of IL‐17 on the progress of adoptively transferred diabetes. IL‐17‐producing cells in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice were identified and their role in the pathogenesis of diabetes examined using transfer and co‐transfer assays. Unexpectedly, we found that in vivo neutralization of IL‐17 did not protect NOD–severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice against diabetes transferred by diabetic splenocytes. In NOD mice, γδ+ T cells were dominated by IL‐17‐producing cells and were found to be the major source of IL‐17. Interestingly, these IL‐17‐producing γδ T cells did not exacerbate diabetes in an adoptive transfer model, but had a regulatory effect, protecting NOD mice from diabetes by up‐regulating transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β production. Our data suggest that the presence of IL‐17 did not increase the chance of the development of diabetes; γδ T cells protected NOD mice from diabetes in a TGF‐β‐dependent manner, irrespective of their role as major IL‐17 producers.
T‐bet‐dependent regulation of CD8+ T‐cell expansion during experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Cobb Dustin , Guo Siqi , Lara Ana M. , Manque Patricio , Buck Gregory , Smeltz Ronald B. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe transcription factor T‐bet (T‐box, expressed in T cells), promotes type I immunity to pathogens through effects involving T cells and dendritic cells. In CD8+ T cells, many of the functions of T‐bet are redundant with those of eomesodermin (Eomes), a paralogue of T‐bet. We therefore investigated the role of T‐bet in immunity to Trypanosoma cruzi, an intracellular pathogen that causes Chagas disease, and which requires CD8+ T cells for resistance. T‐bet‐deficient mice (tbx21−/−) were highly susceptible to T. cruzi infection, marked by severe liver pathology. CD8+ T cells from infected tbx21−/− mice expressed typical markers of activation, including CD44 and CD25. In striking contrast, there was a 10‐fold reduction in the number of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells in tbx21−/− mice. This reduction was not a consequence of increased apoptosis or altered tissue‐specific migration. Further, antigen‐presenting cell (APC) functions in tbx21−/− mice were normal as we observed comparable levels of B7‐1, B7‐2 and CD40 expression as well as normal antigen‐driven proliferation of wild‐type CD8+ T cells in infected tbx21−/− mice. However, adoptive transfer of naïve T cells from tbx21−/− donors into infected Rag‐2‐deficient mice (tbx21+/+) demonstrated a similar quantitative defect in CD8+ T‐cell expansion. These data demonstrate that T‐bet facilitates immunity to T. cruzi by promoting the expansion of T. cruzi‐specific CD8+ T cells in a T cell‐intrinsic manner. They also serve to further illustrate the multifaceted functions of T‐box proteins in regulating quantitative aspects of T‐cell immunity, in addition to qualitative components such as cytokine production.
The phoenix process: a substantive theory about allegations of unprofessional conduct
Authors: Pugh Dale 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTitle. The phoenix process: a substantive theory about allegations of unprofessional conduct.Aim. This paper is a report of a grounded theory study of how nurses deal with an allegation of unprofessional conduct.Background. Limited research has been conducted into the experiences of nurses reported to a nurse regulatory authority for an allegation of unprofessional conduct. Previous research reveals that having an allegation of unprofessional conduct made against a nurse and being reported for it can have devastating and prolonged psychosocial and professional consequences. This lack of previous research was the impetus for this study.Method. Grounded theory methods including the constant comparative method were used to analyse data from in‐depth interviews with 21 Australian Registered Nurses who were reported to a nurse regulatory authority for an allegation of unprofessional conduct. Data were collected between March 2004 and September 2005.Findings. A substantive theory, the phoenix process, was generated. This describes a transformation of the personal and professional self which the nurse both ‘engages in’ and ‘goes through’. This transformation is formed through complex deconstructive and reconstructive processes of the personal and professional self. This transformation of the individual is influenced by the degree of deconstruction initially experienced and the interplay with the influencing factors of vulnerability, resilience and support.Conclusion. A new understanding of unprofessional conduct is needed, together with continued support of a systems approach to error management and support for nurses who err rather than punishing them.
Increased skeletal muscle Na/K‐ratio in obese men, but not in women, with glucose intolerance
Authors: LANDIN K. , LINDGÄRDE F. , SALTIN B. , WILHELMSEN L. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Obesity is associated with glucose intolerance. Glucose is to a large extent disposed in the skeletal muscle. Peripheral insulin resistance, as well as decreased enzymatic activity in the skeletal muscle, has been suggested in type II diabetes. Potassium is essential for such enzymatic reactions.In this study, obese men, but not women, with glucose intolerance tended to have a lower total body potassium per kg body weight, indicating a smaller muscle mass, than weight‐matched normoglycaemic men. They also had a lower skeletal muscle potassium content per 100 g dry weight (P < 0.05) and a higher muscle Na/K‐ratio (P < 0.05) compared with obese men with normal glucose tolerance. Muscle fat and muscle sodium content were higher in obese men than in women with the same body mass index (P < 0.01).The muscle electrolyte changes can be explained by a decrease in the insulin mediated Na/K‐pump activity across the cell membrane or a smaller number of insulin receptors on the skeletal muscle cell in patients with glucose intolerance.
M‐mode echocardiographic findings in apparently healthy, non‐athletic Norwegians aged 20–70 years. Influence of age, sex and body surface area
Authors: KNUTSEN K. M. , STUGAARD M. , MICHELSEN S. , OTTERSTAD J. E. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. In order to assess M‐mode echocardiographic recordings in a normal Norwegian population, 190 apparently healthy subjects (95 women and 95 men) aged 21–69 years were examined with an Irex Meridian system. Measurements were performed according to criteria recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography. Absolute values for all parameters except for left ventricular (LV) shortening fraction (SF) were greater in men (P < 0.001). When corrected for body surface area (BSA), the differences between the two genders were far less pronounced. Women had greater left atrium (LA) (P < 0.01) and LV end‐diastolic diameter (EDD) (P < 0.001), whereas the interventricular septum in end‐diastole (IVS‐ED) (P < 0.05) and LV posterior wall (PW) in ED (P < 0.001) were thicker in men.Only weak correlations between age and the various echocardiographic parameters with r‐values ≤ 0.30 were observed.It is recommended that BSA corrected values should be preferred since the differences between men and women are negligible. When absolute values are used, different normal ranges for both sexes should be applied.
Haemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications in patients with atrial fibrillation on anticoagulant prophylaxis
Authors: LUNDSTRÖM T. , RYDÉN L. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. We studied clinically relevant haemorrhagic and thromboembolic events in 213 patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) during 818 patient‐years of anticoagulant (AC) treatment.The incidence of complicating events per 100 patient‐years of treatment in three groups of patients, those with mitral valve disease (MVD; n = 34), without MVD (n = 102) and those with previous thromboembolism (TE; n = 77) was: major peripheral haemorrhages 3.1, 3.3 and 8.2 (non‐MVD vs. TE group, P < 0.05), cerebrovascular events 3.9, 3.0 and 3.0 (NS), and peripheral arterial thromboembolism 0, 0 and 1.5 (non‐MVD vs. TE group, P < 0.05). The proportion of thrombotest values < 5 and/or > 20% at regular check‐ups was 9.8% in patients with and 6.9% in patients without major peripheral haemorrhages (P < 0.01).Major peripheral haemorrhages are frequent in patients with AF receiving AC treatment. They are most likely to occur in those with previous thromboembolism and among those with unstable AC control.
Circulating anti‐neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies in patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and extracapillary proliferation
Authors: NÄSSBERGER L. , SJÖHOLM A. G. , BYGREN P. , THYSELL H. , HØJER‐MADSEN M. , RASMUSSEN N. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. We investigated 39 patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and extracapillary proliferation for the presence of circulating anti‐neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies (ANCA) by indirect immunoflourescence. Patients with antibodies against the glomerular basement membrane, systemic lupus erythematosus or with glomerulonephritis following infection and where renal disease could be ascribed to treatment with drugs were not included.IgG class ANCA producing diffuse cytoplasmic immunostaining were detected in 54% of the patients. With reservation for the difficulties involved in distinguishing between different forms of systemic vasculitis, these autoantibodies were present in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (12 out of 17 patients), polyarteritis nodosa (4/6), idiopathic extracapillary glomerulonephritis (1/4), and with less distinct syndromes (4/10), but not in Henoch‐Schönlein's purpura (0/2). Another 18% of the patients showed ‘granulocyte‐specific anti‐nuclear antibodies’ with perinuclear immunostaining. This pattern was recently reported to indicate the presence of antibody against myeloperoxidase of alcohol‐fixed neutrophils. Autoimmune mechanisms, particularly those involving components of neutrophil granulocytes, could play a significant role in development of extracapillary glomerulonephritis.
Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia: a study of four kindreds
Authors: TOSS G. , ARNQVIST H. , LARSSON L. , NILSSON O. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Four kindreds with hereditary hypercalcaemia have been investigated. Thirty‐seven of 72 subjects examined had hypercalcaemia with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Hypercalcaemic patients had total serum calcium of 2.91 ± 0.12 mmol l−1. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was normal while daily urinary calcium excretion was subnormal (below 2.5 mmol) in 45%. Comparison with an age‐matched group of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism gave a small overlap regarding serum human PTH, urinary calcium and the ratio between calcium clearance and creatinine clearance. Family screening therefore is of diagnostic importance.Twelve subjects had been subjected to parathyroid surgery before the correct diagnosis was settled, none of the cases had an adenoma. Three patients became normocalcaemic and the others had persistent hypercalcaemia. One male non‐abuser had seven episodes of acute pancreatitis before surgery and none after.The findings in all four kindreds are compatible with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH). This hereditary disorder of unknown aetiology, therefore, also exists in Scandinavia. It is of importance to consider FHH in the differential diagnosis of hypercalcaemia, since this disorder usually has a benign prognosis if untreated.
Temporal arteritis: the silent presentation and delay in diagnosis
Authors: DESMET G. D. , KNOCKAERT D. C. , BOBBAERS H. J. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. To determine the frequency of the so‐called silent or occult presentation of temporal arteritis (presentation with mere constitutional symptoms) and the resulting delay in diagnosis in this particular group, the medical records of all patients (n = 82) with temporal arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica, presenting between 1982 and 1988 at the Department of General Internal Medicine of the University Hospital, were retrospectively analysed. Only biopsy‐proven cases (n = 34) were studied further.Of the 34 patients with temporal arteritis, 13 (38%) presented with the silent or occult form. In this group the mean delay in diagnosis was 21.5 d (range 2–105) in contrast to a delay of 8.5 d (range 1–40) in the other group (P < 0.05).Increased awareness of this presentation should lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of this potentially life‐threatening disease, resulting in a shorter hospital stay and fewer technical investigations, with a considerable financial saving.
Prevalence of obesity in Sweden: cross‐sectional study of a representative adult population
Authors: KUSKOWSKA‐WOLK A. , RÖSSNER S. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. In order to facilitate research on body weight related diseases, and to plan suitable prevention and intervention programmes, data concerning the prevalence of overweight and obesity are required on a nationwide scale. In this study, data for weight and height from a representative sample (n = 14549) of adult Swedes (16–84 years of age) were analysed. Data were obtained from the Study on Living Conditions conducted by Statistics Sweden, and body mass indices (BMI, kg m−2) were calculated from these interviews. They were then calibrated, since we had previously found that reported anthropometric measurements must be corrected so as to conform to recorded height and weight values, and we have developed equations accordingly. The overall mean BMI (±SE) was 24.02±0.99 kg m−2 for women and 24.56±0.88 kg m−2 for men. However, with regard to age, striking differences between the sexes were observed using this cross‐sectional approach. Whereas in men there was a moderate increase in BMI with age, there was a sharp increase in women from 45–54 years onwards.If obesity is defined according to WHO recommendations (BMI for men > 30.0 kg m−2, and for women > 28.6 kg m−2), then 34.5% of all men in our sample were found to be overweight and 6.6% were found to be obese. The corresponding figures for women are 31.2% and 13.1%. Our data suggest that, on a nation‐wide scale, overweight and obesity are common in men and women, but in women there is a marked increase from the menopause onward, for reasons that have yet to be clarified.
The Malmö biomarker programme
Authors: PERO R. W. , BERGLUND G. , CHRISTIE N. T. , COSMA G. N. , FRENKEL K. , GARTE S. J. , JANZON L. , OLSSON A. , SEIDEGÅRD J. , SMULSON M. E. , TROLL W. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Evaluation of pro‐oxidant/antioxidant dietary factors in relation to individual susceptibility to cancer and cardiovascular disease is justified based on a review of the literature. This working hypothesis is amendable to further scientific validation from biomarkers with end‐point sensitivity to oxygen radicals. So far, the biomarker programme developed around this theme may be divided into three distinct classes:(1) Markers of genotoxic exposure estimate DNA damage either directly as a bilogically effective dose, or indirectly by estimating aberrant cellular functions that lead to accumulation of DNA damage. The examples included are ADP‐ribosylation in mononuclear leucocytes (R. Pero, A. Olsson), oxidative DNA damage (K. Frenkel), gene expression in lymphocytes (S. Garte. G. Cosma), serum alpha macroglobulin (W. Troll) and oxidized DNA damage and repair (N. Christie).(2) Markers of genetic predisoposition have been shown to have genetic inheritance patterns that relate to individual susceptibility to cancer or cardiovascular disease. The examples included are glutathione transferase mu phenotyping (R. Pero. J. Seidegård) and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase pseudogene polymorphism (M. Smulson).(3) Markers of dietary status have been validated to estimate the amount of a particular nutrient or xenobiotic in the diet that has been taken up and metabolized or distributed to body fluids or tissues. The example included here is niacin nutriture (E. Jacobson. M. Jacobson). This biomarker is presented in Section 5 (pp. 59–62) of the Malmö Diet and Cancer Programme Minisymposium reported in this issue of the journal.
Left ventricular thrombosis and arterial embolism in acute anterior myocardial infarction
Authors: KONTNY F. , DALE J. , NESVOLD A. , LEM P. , SØBERG T. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. To study left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation and arterial embolism (AE), 106 consecutive patients with a first acute anterior myocardial infarction (AAMI) underwent two‐dimensional echocardiography before discharge. Repeated assessments for detection of AE were performed. Patients were non‐randomly allocated to either no heparin, low‐dose heparin or high‐dose heparin.LVT was found in 25 (26.9%) of 93 patients with technically satisfactory echocardiograms. Left ventricular (LV) wall motion impairment (P = 0.0017) and treatment with either heparin or low‐dose heparin (P = 0.0019) were independent predictors of LVT formation.AE, all strokes, occurred in 10 patients (9.4%) and was strongly associated with high age (P = 0.0013).In conclusion. LVT and AE are frequent complications to AAMI. LV wall motion impairment predisposes for LVT and low‐dose heparin seems not to prevent these complications.
The prevalence of coronary heart disease in the multiethnic and high diabetes prevalence population of Mauritius
Authors: TUOMILEHTO J. , LI N. , DOWSE G. , GAREEBOO H. , CHITSON P. , FAREED D. , MIN Z. , ALBERTI K. G. M. M. , ZIMMET P. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. The prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD) was determined in a population survey in Mauritius where the prevalence of non‐insulin dependent diabetes and mortality from CHD are amongst the highest in the world. Men and women aged 35–74 years of all major ethnic groups were included: Asian Indians (Hindus and Muslims). Creoles and Chinese. ECG abnormalities suggesting either ‘probable CHD’ or ‘possible CHD’ were defined using standard criteria. The overall prevalence of probable CHD was 2.7% in men and 0.9% in women, and that of probable or possible CHD together 17.8% in men and 33.3% in women. The prevalence of CHD did not vary significantly between the four ethnic groups. In the multivariate analyses, age and high blood pressure were the most important independent predictors of ECG abnormalities. Neither diabetes nor serum insulin seemed to contribute independently to the prevalence of CHD.This survey confirmed the high ranking of Mauritius in international mortality statistics. The high rates of CHD seen in Asian Indians, African‐origin Creoles and Chinese in the rapidly developing country of Mauritius may be a pointer to future problems in their regions of origin.
Lipoprotein(a) and treatment of chronic renal disease
Authors: BUGGY D. , BREATHNACH A. , KEOGH B. , COOKE T. , FEELY J. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objectives. To compare lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and albumin concentrations in patients with chronic renal disease receiving different forms of treatment and to determine, if any, the relationship between these variables.Design. A prospective cross‐sectional, case‐controlled study.Setting. A tertiary referral nephrology and dialysis unit.Subjects. Forty‐four consecutive non‐diabetic patients with chronic renal failure treated by renal transplantation (n = 18), haemodialysis (n = 18), continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD; n = 8), and 30 healthy controls from subjects drawn from University personnel were studied.Interventions. Fasting morning venous blood was analysed for Lp(a), albumin, total cholesterol and glucose concentrations.Main outcome measures. Comparison of plasma levels of these variables between the sub‐groups. Results. Concentrations (median; 95% CI) of Lp(a) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher (38.4 mg dl−1; range 15.4–72.0) and of albumin lower (31.6 g l−1; range 28–35.2) in the CAPD group compared with both control subjects and other groups of chronic renal disease patients.Conclusions. The elevated Lp(a) concentrations seen only in association with reduced albumin concentrations in CAPD patients suggest a regulatory role for albumin with albumin losses stimulating production of Lp(a).
Lipids and lipoproteins as risk factors for coronary heart disease in men with abnormal glucose tolerance: the Honolulu Heart Program
Authors: LAWS A. , MARCUS E. B. , GROVE J. S. , CURB J. D. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract. Objectives. To evaluate lipids and lipoproteins as risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) in older men with non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes (NIDDM) or abnormal glucose tolerance compared with normoglycaemic men.Design. A prospective, population‐based cohort study based on the lipoprotein examination (1970–72) of the Honolulu Heart Program. Follow‐up was through to December 1988.Setting. Honolulu, Hawaii.Subjects. Japanese‐American men, ages 51–72 at baseline: 2042 with 1 h glucose < 12.5 mmol l−1 (normal group); 376 on oral hypoglycaemic agents or with 1 h glucose ≥ 12.5 mmol l−1 after 50 g oral glucose challenge (abnormal glucose tolerance group). None had prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD) or stroke at baseline.Main outcome measures. Incident CHD: definite nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or fatal CHD.Results. There were 221 incident cases in the normal group, and 65 in the abnormal glucose tolerance group. Total and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were significant predictors of incident CHD in men with NIDDM or abnormal glucose tolerance after controlling for age, body‐mass index, systolic blood pressure, pack‐years of cigarettes and alcohol consumption (P < 0.05). Total, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol were significant predictors in normal men, and HDL cholesterol was of borderline significance.Conclusions. Abnormal lipids and lipoproteins are significant, independent predictors of CHD in subjects with NIDDM or abnormal glucose tolerance. Attention to lipid and lipoproteins as CHD risk factors should be part of clinical management of these patients.