bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological functions and therapeutic use of erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents: perplexities and perspectives
Authors: Merchionne Francesca , Dammacco Franco 
Published: April 2009

SummaryRandomized clinical studies, carried out in patients with haematological malignancies and with solid tumours, have consistently demonstrated that treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) increases haemoglobin levels, reduces blood transfusion requirements, and improves the quality of life. In addition, identification of erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) expression on many types of non‐erythroid and cancer cells has spurred an interest in the extra‐haematological activities of Epo itself and other erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs). Epo and its derivatives have emerged as major tissue‐protective cytokines in ischaemic and degenerative damage of cardiovascular, neurological and renal diseases, while their angiogenetic and immunomodulatory properties indicate that their therapeutic potential may extend well beyond erythropoiesis alone. Both preclinical and clinical data, however, have suggested that they may contribute to tumour progression and prejudice survival when administered to anaemic cancer patients, though the results are equivocal and the assumed mechanisms by which tumour growth could be promoted are not fully understood. While these findings offer new perspectives, they nonetheless demand caution in the employment of ESAs. Further, well‐designed experimental and clinical studies are warranted.
Anti‐bacterial IgE in the antibody responses of house dust mite allergic children convalescent from asthma exacerbation
Authors: Hales B. J. , Martin A. C. , Pearce L. J. , Rueter K. , Zhang G. , Khoo S‐K , Hayden C. M. , Bizzintino J. , McMinn P. , Geelhoed G. C. , Lee W‐M , Goldblatt J. , Laing I. A. , LeSouëf P. N. , Thomas W. R. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground
Atopic sensitization to the house dust mite (HDM) is associated with altered antibody responses to the nasopharyngeal colonizing bacterium Haemophilus influenzae and children admitted to the emergency department for asthma exacerbation have reduced IgG responses to HDM allergens.Objective
To investigate anti‐bacterial and anti‐allergen antibody responses during convalescence from asthma exacerbation and differences found in exacerbations associated with and without viral infection.Results
IgE antibodies to the P6 bacterial antigen increased in 60% of sera during convalescence and for many children achieved titres as high as IgE titres to allergens. In contrast IgE anti‐HDM titres declined during convalescence. The anti‐bacterial IgE titres were the same in subjects with and without virus infection while the anti‐HDM IgE declined more rapidly in virus‐infected subjects. IgG titres to the major HDM allergens showed no consistent increase and the overall IgG anti‐HDM titres even declined in subjects without a virus infection. Anti‐bacterial IgG antibodies in contrast to IgE did not change. Patients with frequent episodic or persistent asthma had similar IgE anti‐bacterial titres to patients with infrequent asthma during the acute phase, although they had reduced IgG titres to both the bacteria and the HDM.Conclusions
During the period following an acute exacerbation of asthma there was a marked and specific increase in anti‐bacterial IgE compared with a reduced IgE response to HDM. This provides further support for the concept of T‐helper type 2 responses to bacterial antigens playing a role in asthma pathogenesis.
Hormonal determinants of bone turnover before and after attainment of peak bone mass
Authors: Walsh Jennifer S. , Henry Yvette M. , Fatayerji Diana , Eastell Richard 
Published: April 2009

SummaryIntroduction  Bone turnover decreases from adolescence into adulthood, but does not reach a nadir until the fourth decade. Biochemical markers of bone turnover reflect different processes before and after peak bone mass, so hormonal influences on bone turnover may differ before and after peak bone mass.Objectives  To describe the changes in bone turnover and hormones relevant to bone metabolism from adolescence into adulthood, and to identify which hormones correlate with bone turnover before and after peak bone mass.Design/participants  Two measurements of bone turnover markers and hormones were obtained 5–9 years apart in 116 healthy males and females recruited from secondary schools and general practices. Correlations were examined cross‐sectionally and longitudinally.Results  Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) correlated negatively with bone turnover cross‐sectionally and longitudinally (r−0·59 to −0·69) in males and females under the age of 25 years. IGF‐1 correlated positively with aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) cross‐sectionally and longitudinally (r 0·35) in women over the age of 25 years. After correction for change in BMI, there were significant longitudinal correlations between DHEAS and bone turnover in women under 25 years (r−0·62, −0·66) and IGF‐1 and PINP in women over 25 years (r 0·56).Conclusions  We have described changes in bone turnover and hormones from adolescence into adulthood. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate correlates with bone turnover before peak bone mass which may represent a direct effect on bone metabolism or the role of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate as a substrate for conversion to other sex steroids. IGF‐1 is correlated with aminoterminal propeptide of type I procollagen in women after peak bone mass, which may reflect an influence on cortical modelling.
Identification of steroid biosynthetic defects in genotype‐proven heterozygous individuals for 17α‐hydroxylase/17,20‐lyase deficiency
Authors: Qiao Jie , Chen Xia , Zuo Chun‐Lin , Gu Yan‐Yun , Liu Bing‐Li , Liang Jun , Lu Ying‐Li , Tang Jin‐Feng , Wu Yi‐Xin , Chen Ming‐Dao , Chen Jia‐Lun , Wu Wan‐Ling , Song Huai‐Dong 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  P450c17 deficiency (17α‐hydroxylase/17,20‐lyase deficiency, 17OHD) is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by CYP17A1 gene mutations. The D487_F489 deletion in exon 8 and Y329fs in exon 6 are relatively frequent mutations of the CYP17A1 gene in China that completely abolish the enzyme activity of P450c17. However, little remains known about steroid biosynthetic functions in carriers with these mutations in a single allele of the CYP17A1 gene, who are assumed to have 50% P450c17 activity. We investigated adrenal steroidogenic function in genotype‐proven heterozygotes carrying such mutations in the CYP17A1 gene in vivo.Patients and design  Eight patients and fourteen family members from five families with 17OHD were recruited. The mutations of the CYP17A1 gene in these individuals were screened by sequencing. The hormonal response to cosyntropin (ACTH) was evaluated in the 14 genotype‐proven carriers and 45 age‐ and gender‐matched normal controls.Results  Fourteen carriers of the CYP17A1 mutation – seven with the D487_F489 deletion, six with Y329fs and one with H373L – were identified from the five families with 17OHD. Compared with normal controls, carriers showed lower basal and ACTH‐stimulated cortisol levels but higher ACTH‐stimulated corticosterone levels. The ratios of corticosterone to cortisol in the genotype‐proven heterozygotes were higher than those of the normal controls at the baseline and after cosyntropin stimulation. Similarly, the progesterone levels and the ratios of progesterone to 17‐hydroxyprogesterone in the male heterozygotes were also higher than those of the normal controls, both before and after ACTH stimulation.Conclusion  Genotype‐proven carriers of the CYP17A1 mutation who lack apparent clinical symptoms exhibit decreased adrenal 17α‐hydroxylase activity and altered adrenal gland reserve for steroid biosynthesis.
Gender effects on cardiac valvular function in hyperprolactinaemic patients receiving cabergoline: a retrospective study
Authors: Nachtigall Lisa B. , Valassi Elena , Lo Janet , McCarty David , Passeri Jonathan , Biller Beverly M. K. , Miller Karen K. , Utz Andrea , Grinspoon Steven , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Klibanski Anne 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBackground  Ergot‐derived dopamine agonists are associated with increased risk of valvular dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease. The risk of valvular disease associated with lower doses of cabergoline used to treat prolactinomas remains controversial.Objective  To determine whether there is an association of cabergoline and valvular function in patients with hyperprolactinaemia according to gender.Design  Case‐record retrospective study.Setting  Outpatient neuroendocrine clinical centre at a tertiary care hospital.Study participants  One hundred patients (48 men and 52 women) with hyperprolactinaemia who had an echocardiogram while receiving cabergoline for at least 6 months.Controls  One hundred controls (48 men and 52 women) selected from Massachusetts general hospital (MGH) database of echocardiograms without clinically significant findings, matched to patients for age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and hypertension.Main outcome measure  Echocardiogram.Results  There were no significant differences in valvular function in patients compared with controls. However, women patients had a higher prevalence of mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) than female controls (15·4%vs. 1·9%, P = 0.03). Among men only, patients had more trace TR than controls (68·8%vs. 45·8%, P = 0.02). The mild valvular regurgitation in patients was not clinically significant and did not correlate with dose, duration or cumulative dose.Conclusions  Overall cabergoline was not associated with valvulopathy. However, subdivided by gender, hyperprolactinaemic men and women had higher prevalence of trace or mild TR, respectively, compared with gender matched controls. There may be gender differences in valvular dysfunction associated with cabergoline. Longer term, larger studies are necessary to evaluate definitively an effect of cabergoline on valvular function in hyperprolactinaemic patients.
Should we evaluate for cardiovascular disease in patients with Cushing’s syndrome?
Authors: Fallo Francesco , Sonino Nicoletta 
Published: April 2009

SummaryCurrent evidence indicates a strong association between Cushing’s syndrome, characterized by a cluster of systemic complications and increased cardiovascular risk. The biological link is cortisol overproduction, which influences various pathogenetic processes leading to cardiovascular damage, a main cause of increased mortality. Anthropometric and biochemical profile (including fasting glucose, lipids, potassium and coagulation parameters), clinical blood pressure measurement and electrocardiogram should be routinely carried out. Oral glucose tolerance test, 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, echocardiography and carotid ultrasound are recommended for further evaluation. Search for cardiac and vascular damage, according to specialist’s advice, is mandatory in complicated hypertension or diabetes, as part of a comprehensive assessment. A combination of treatments directed against the aetiology of hypercortisolism and aimed at controlling cardiovascular risk factors, is required in this complex condition.
Barriers to TB care for rural‐to‐urban migrant TB patients in Shanghai: a qualitative study
Authors: Wei Xiaolin , Chen Jing , Chen Ping , Newell James N. , Li Hongdi , Sun Chenguang , Mei Jian , Walley John D. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  To understand barriers to tuberculosis (TB) care among migrant TB patients in Shanghai after the introduction of the TB‐free treatment policy which has applied to migrants since 2003, and to provide policy recommendations to improve TB control in migrant populations in big cities.Methods  In‐depth interviews were conducted with 34 migrant patients who registered on the Shanghai TB programme as new bacteria positive pulmonary TB cases. Patients were purposively selected across six districts of Shanghai to give a balance of gender and TB treatment phase.Results  Financial constraints were reported as the biggest barriers to TB service among migrant patients. Many migrant patients experienced high medical costs both before and after their TB diagnosis. The government free treatment policy only covered a small fraction of patients’ total costs. However, respondents tended to stay in Shanghai for treatment because their families were in Shanghai, they were more confident with the quality of medical care there or they felt they could not earn cash at home. Migrant patients had a limited knowledge of TB and the free TB treatment policy, and reported being laid off from work or avoided after having TB.Conclusions  Health system problems caused the biggest barrier to migrant patients’ access to TB care. The free treatment policy alone has little, if any, effect in reducing migrant patients’ financial stress: it is also essential to provide social welfare, including living subsidies, for poor migrant TB patients.
Isolation and characterization of neural stem/progenitor cells from post‐stroke cerebral cortex in mice
Authors: Nakagomi Takayuki , Taguchi Akihiko , Fujimori Yoshihiro , Saino Orie , Nakano‐Doi Akiko , Kubo Shuji , Gotoh Akinobu , Soma Toshihiro , Yoshikawa Hiroo , Nishizaki Tomoyuki , Nakagomi Nami , Stern David M. , Matsuyama Tomohiro 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe CNS has the potential to marshal strong reparative mechanisms, including activation of endogenous neurogenesis, after a brain injury such as stroke. However, the response of neural stem/progenitor cells to stroke is poorly understood. Recently, neural stem/progenitor cells have been identified in the cerebral cortex, as well as previously recognized regions such as the subventricular or subgranular zones of the hippocampus, suggesting that a contribution of cortex‐derived neural stem/progenitor cells may repair ischemic lesions of the cerebral cortex. In the present study, using a highly reproducible murine model of cortical infarction, we have found nestin‐positive cells in the post‐stroke cerebral cortex, but not in the non‐ischemic cortex. Cells obtained from the ischemic core of the post‐stroke cerebral cortex formed neurosphere‐like cell clusters expressing nestin; such cells had the capacity for self‐renewal and differentiated into electrophysiologically functional neurons, astrocytes and myelin‐producing oligodendrocytes. Nestin‐positive cells from the stroke‐affected cortex migrated into the peri‐infarct area and differentiated into glial cells in vivo. Although we could not detect differentiation of nestin‐positive cells into neurons in vivo, our current observations indicate that endogenous neural stem/progenitors with the potential to become neurons can develop within post‐stroke cerebral cortex.
Predicting diabetes distress in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal study
Authors: Fisher L. , Mullan J. T. , Skaff M. M. , Glasgow R. E. , Arean P. , Hessler D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAims  Diabetes distress (DD) is a condition distinct from depression that is related to diabetes outcomes. In those without distress initially, little is known about what indicators place patients at risk for subsequent distress over time.Methods  From a community‐based, three‐wave, 18‐month study of Type 2 diabetic patients (n = 506), we identified patients with no DD at T1 who displayed DD at T2, T3 or both (n = 57). Using logistic regression with full and trimmed models, we compared them with patients with no DD at all three time points (n = 275) on three blocks of variables: patient characteristics (demographics, depression, extra‐disease stress), biological (HbA1c, body mass index, comorbidities, complications, blood pressure, non‐high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol), and behavioural variables (diet, exercise). Selected interactions with stress and major depressive disorder (MDD) were explored.Results  The odds of becoming distressed over time were higher for being female, previously having had MDD, experiencing more negative events or more chronic stress, having more complications, and having poor diet and low exercise. Negative life events increased the negative effects of both high HbA1c and high complications on the emergence of distress over time.Conclusions  We identified a list of significant, independent direct and interactive predictors of high DD that can be used for patient screening to identify this high‐risk patient cohort. Given the impact of high DD on diabetes behavioural and biological indicators, the findings suggest the usefulness of regularly appraising both current life and disease‐related stressors in clinical care.
A high‐oleic‐acid and low‐palmitic‐acid soybean: agronomic performance and evaluation as a feedstock for biodiesel
Authors: Graef George , LaVallee Bradley J. , Tenopir Patrick , Tat Mustafa , Schweiger Bruce , Kinney Anthony J. , Van Gerpen Jon H. , Clemente Tom E. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryPhenotypic characterization of soybean event 335‐13, which possesses oil with an increased oleic acid content (> 85%) and reduced palmitic acid content (< 5%), was conducted across multiple environments during 2004 and 2005. Under these conditions, the stability of the novel fatty acid profile of the oil was not influenced by environment. Importantly, the novel soybean event 335‐13 was not compromised in yield in both irrigated and non‐irrigated production schemes. Moreover, seed characteristics, including total oil and protein, as well as amino acid profile, were not altered as a result of the large shift in the fatty acid profile. The novel oil trait was inherited in a simple Mendelian fashion. The event 335‐13 was also evaluated as a feedstock for biodiesel. Extruded oil from event 335‐13 produced a biodiesel with improved cold flow and enhanced oxidative stability, two critical fuel parameters that can limit the utility of this renewable transportation fuel.
Antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties of tomato fruits synthesizing different amounts of stilbenes
Authors: D’Introno Annalisa , Paradiso Annalisa , Scoditti Egeria , D’Amico Leone , De Paolis Angelo , Carluccio M. Annunziata , Nicoletti Isabella , DeGara Laura , Santino Angelo , Giovinazzo Giovanna 
Published: April 2009

SummaryResveratrol, a plant phenolic compound, is found in grapes and red wine, but is not widely distributed in other common food sources. The pathway for resveratrol biosynthesis is well characterized. Metabolic engineering of this compound has been achieved in tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) in order to improve their nutritional value. Tomato plants synthesizing resveratrol were obtained via the heterologous expression of a grape (Vitis vinifera L.) cDNA encoding for the enzyme stilbene synthase (StSy), under the control of the fruit‐specific promoter TomLoxB. The resulting LoxS transgenic plants accumulated trans‐resveratrol and trans‐piceid, in particular in the skin of the mature fruits. Quantitative analyses carried out on LoxS fruits were compared with those of a tomato line constitutively expressing the stsy gene (35SS). The LoxS fruits contained levels of trans‐resveratrol that were 20‐fold lower than those previously reported for the 35SS line. The total antioxidant capability and ascorbate content in transformed fruits were also evaluated, and a significant increase in both was found in the LoxS and 35SS lines. These results could explain the higher capability of transgenic fruits to counteract the pro‐inflammatory effects of phorbol ester in monocyte–macrophages via the inhibition of induced cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 enzyme.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and risk for primary adult‐onset cranial‐cervical dystonia
Authors: Martino D. , Muglia M. , Abbruzzese G. , Berardelli A. , Girlanda P. , Liguori M. , Livrea P. , Quattrone A. , Roselli F. , Sprovieri T. , Valente E. M. , Defazio G. 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Adult‐onset dystonia may be related, amongst other factors, to abnormal neuronal plasticity in cortical and subcortical structures. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor is a major modulator of synaptic efficiency and neuronal plasticity. Recent works documented that a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the BDNF gene, the Val66Met SNP, modulates short‐term plastic changes within motor cortical circuits. In this study we aimed at exploring the effect of this SNP upon the risk of developing common forms of primary adult‐onset dystonia.Methods:  We explored the influence of the Val66Met SNP of the BDNF gene on the risk of cranial and cervical dystonia in a cohort of 156 Italian patients and 170 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy control subjects drawn from the same population.Results:  The presence of the rare Met allele was not significantly associated with the diagnosis of dystonia (age‐ and gender‐adjusted odds ratios of 1.22, P = 0.38). The study had a >90% power to detect a 50% change in the risk of developing cranial‐cervical dystonia associated with the presence of the Met allele. Moreover, there was no relationship between Val66Met SNP and age at dystonia onset or type of dystonia.Conclusion:  Our data do not support the common variant Val66Met of the BDNF gene as an etiologic factor shared by the various forms of primary adult‐onset dystonia.
Metabolic syndrome and cognitive impairment amongst elderly people in Chinese population: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Liu C.‐Y. , Zhou H.‐D. , Xu Z.‐Q. , Zhang W.‐W. , Li X.‐Y. , Zhao J. 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  Recent studies have demonstrated an association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive impairment in elderly individuals, however a relationship between MetS and cognitive impairment in the Chinese population has been less frequently reported. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the relationship between MetS and cognitive impairment in an elderly Chinese population.Methods:  Of 3216 participants (1740 men and 1476 women), aged 60 years old and over were selected from three districts of Chongqing City. The presence of MetS was defined according to the updated Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and cognitive function was measured by Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Activity of Daily Living tests.Results:  Of the 3216 participants, 733 (22.8%) fulfilled the criteria for MetS, and 470 participants (14.6%; 236 men and 234 women) fulfilled the criteria for cognitive impairment. Amongst those with MetS, 183 participants (25%) also had cognitive impairment. In univariate analysis, MetS was significantly associated with cognitive impairment [odds ratio (OR) 2.55; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.07–3.13]. Taking age, current smoking, hypertension and diabetes into account, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that MetS was significantly associated with cognitive impairment (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.91–2.95).Conclusion:  MetS is associated with cognitive impairment amongst elderly people in the Chinese population.