bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testosterone, SHBG and risk of type 2 diabetes in the second evaluation of the Pizarra cohort study
Authors: Soriguer Federico , Rubio‐Martín Elehazara , Fernández David , Valdés Sergio , García‐Escobar Eva , Martín‐Núñez Gracia M. , Esteva Isabel , Almaraz Mari Cruz , Rojo‐Martínez Gemma 
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (1): 79–85AbstractAim  To evaluate the association between serum levels of testosterone, sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG) and calculated bioavailable testosterone (bioT), and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in a prospective cohort from southern Spain (Pizarra study).Research design and methods  The study was performed in the Pizarra Cohort Study, a prospective study started in 1995 with a follow‐up of 11 years. Anthropometric and metabolic variables were measured at baseline and at 6 and 11 years of follow‐up. Total testosterone (TT), SHBG and calculated bioT were determined at the 6‐year follow‐up.Results  The levels of TT and bioT in men were negatively associated with the risk of obesity, T2D and the metabolic syndrome. In women, the levels of TT and bioT were associated positively with the risk of insulin resistance. The levels of SHBG were associated negatively with the risk of T2D, obesity and insulin resistance in both men and women. For all groups, the association was higher at the 11‐year follow‐up.Conclusions  Low levels of testosterone and SHBG increase the risk of T2D in men, and high levels of testosterone increase the risk of insulin resistance in women. The association between TT levels and the risk of T2D is not completely independent of other variables, such as exposure time, adiposity, insulin resistance or SHBG levels. This study also shows that the different responses between men and women are probably because of the protective effect of SHBG, levels of which are higher in women than in men.
A self‐management intervention to improve quality of life and psychosocial impact for people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wu Shu‐Fang Vivienne , Liang Shu‐Yuan , Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Chen Mei‐Hui , Jian Yu‐Mei , Cheng Kuei‐Chen 
Published: May 2011

Aim.  To evaluate the effectiveness of self‐management intervention for people with diabetes mellitus.Background.  Enhancing self‐efficacy and improving health quality of life for persons with diabetes are ongoing challenges for health care providers. There currently is a need to develop and test the effects of a self‐management programme.Design.  A quasi‐experimental design.Method.  The study was carried out in the outpatient clinic of a municipal hospital in Taipei. Patients aged 30 and over with type 2 diabetes and an oral medication regimen were recruited. One hundred and forty‐five participants completed the six‐month post‐treatment assessments (72 in the intervention group and 73 in the control group). Both control and intervention groups received a standard diabetic educational programme. The self‐management intervention is to improve psychosocial skills or addressing attitudes and beliefs specific to diabetes or the regimen behaviours. The intervention group received the following additional interventions: (1) a diabetic booklet (2) DVD viewing (3) four counselling sessions (4) and a telephone follow‐up. The main outcome measures were Short Form 12 for health‐related quality of life, the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support scale and the Center for Epidemiology Studies Short Depression Scale.Results.  The scores for social support were significantly increased in the intervention group at Time 2 and Time 3 (three and six months from commencement of the intervention) compared with those of the control group (p < 0·01), whereas health‐related quality of life and depression were not significantly different.Conclusions.  The diabetic self‐management intervention programme improved social support for participants, but future studies are needed. Replication of this study in various settings, with other populations, or with additional outcome measures may result in different findings.Relevance to clinical practice.  Self‐management programmes should be held regularly and evaluated in clinical practices, especially in developing countries. Providing practical screening tools and conducting psychological research on diabetes drive policy and health care system change.
In vivo grapevine anthocyanin transport involves vesicle‐mediated trafficking and the contribution of anthoMATE transporters and GST
Authors: Gomez Camila , Conejero Geneviève , Torregrosa Laurent , Cheynier Véronique , Terrier Nancy , Ageorges Agnès 
Published: May 2011

SummaryIn cells, anthocyanin pigments are synthesized at the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, and are then transported and finally accumulated inside the vacuole. In Vitis vinifera (grapevine), two kinds of molecular actors are putatively associated with the vacuolar sequestration of anthocyanins: a glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and two MATE‐type transporters, named anthoMATEs. However, the sequence of events by which anthocyanins are imported into the vacuole remains unclear. We used MYBA1 transformed hairy roots as a grapevine model tissue producing anthocyanins, and took advantage of the unique autofluorescence of anthocyanins to study their cellular trafficking. In these tissues, anthocyanins were not only visible in the largest vacuoles, but were also present at higher concentrations in several vesicles of different sizes. In the cell, small vesicles actively moved alongside the tonoplast, suggesting a vesicular trafficking to the vacuole. Subcellular localization assays revealed that anthoMATE transporters were closely related with these small vesicles, whereas GST was localized in the cytoplasm around the nucleus, suggesting an association with the endoplasmic reticulum. Furthermore, cells in hairy roots expressing anthoMATE antisense did not display small vesicles filled with anthocyanins, whereas in hairy roots expressing GST antisense, anthocyanins were accumulated in vesicles but not in the vacuole. This suggests that in grapevine, anthoMATE transporters and GST are involved in different anthocyanin transport mechanisms.
Impact of posterior urethral valves on pediatric renal transplantation: A single‐center comparative study of 297 cases
Authors: Kamal Mohamed M. , El‐Hefnawy Ahmed S. , Soliman Shady , Shokeir Ahmed A. , Ghoneim Mohamed A. 
Published: May 2011

Kamal MM, El‐Hefnawy AS, Soliman S, Shokeir AA, Ghoneim MA. Impact of posterior urethral valves on pediatric renal transplantation: A single‐center comparative study of 297 cases.  Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 482–487. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Objective:  This is a retrospective long‐term evaluation of the renal allografts and bladder functions in pediatric recipients who had posterior urethral valves (PUV). Patients and methods: Between March 1976 and February 2009, 2033 live‐donor renal transplantations were carried out in our center. Of these, 297 (14.2%) were in the pediatric age (≤18 yr). The pediatric recipients included 20 (6.7%) boys who developed end‐stage renal disease as a late complication of PUV and recognized as group I while the remaining 277 pediatric recipients were defined as group II. Demographic characteristics, post‐transplant complications and graft function were compared among both groups. Patient and graft survivals of both groups were also estimated. Moreover, the bladder function of the study group was evaluated by urodynamic studies. Results: Patients with PUV (group I) were significantly younger than group II. Although the overall rate of urological complications in both groups was essentially similar, the incidence of urinary fistulae and urinary tract infection were higher in group I. The mean (SD) follow up periods for group I and II were 4.7 (4.1) and 6.4 (4.8) yr, respectively. At last follow up the serum creatinine values were similar among patients of both groups. Moreover, there were no differences in graft or patient survival at five and 10 yr. Detrusor over‐activity could be elicited in only one of group I patients. Schafer nomogram showed non‐obstructed pattern in all cases. Conclusion: Good functional outcome could be achieved for patients with PUV if renal transplantation is necessary. Pre‐transplant surgical procedures may be required such as nephroureterectomy, cytoplasty or injection of refluxing ureters. A robust anti‐refluxing uretero‐vesical anastomosis is important, and can be achieved by a Lich‐Gregoir procedure.
Blood stream infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a single‐center experience with the use of levofloxacin prophylaxis
Authors: Busca A. , Cavecchia I. , Locatelli F. , D'Ardia S. , De Rosa F.G. , Marmont F. , Ciccone G. , Baldi I. , Serra R. , Gaido E. , Falda M. 
Published: May 2011

A. Busca, I. Cavecchia, F. Locatelli, S. D' Ardia, F.G. De Rosa, F. Marmont, G. Ciccone, I. Baldi, R. Serra, E. Gaido, M. Falda. Blood stream infections after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: a single‐center experience with the use of levofloxacin prophylaxis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011. All rights reserved
Abstract: Blood stream infections (BSIs) remain one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality for patients receiving an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In the present study, we evaluated the incidence and characteristics of BSI within 1 year after allogeneic HSCT in 269 consecutive adult patients who received antibacterial prophylaxis with levofloxacin. Cumulative incidence of BSI was 12% (95% confidence interval, 8–16%). Bacteria were responsible for 30 out of the 32 BSI, while fungi were responsible for 2 episodes of BSI. The median onset of BSI was day 8 (range 1–328 days) post transplant, and 66% of BSI occurred before neutrophil recovery. Gram‐positive organisms accounted for 60% (n=18) of bacteremia, and gram‐negative isolates for 40% (n=12) of the cases. Coagulase‐negative staphylococci were the most commonly isolated gram‐positive pathogens (53% of the cases), while Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated gram‐negative bacteria (58% of the cases). Candida albicans and Candida guillermondii were isolated from patients with candidemia. Resistance to fluoroquinolones (FQ) was common with 13% of gram‐positive isolates being susceptible to FQ, while 50% of the gram‐negative rods were susceptible to FQ. Crude mortality and mortality attributable to BSI were both 3% (1 of 32). In conclusion, our data suggest that despite the emergence of antibiotic resistance, FQ prophylaxis may be considered an appealing approach in allogeneic HSCT recipients and is also worth evaluating in randomized studies.
Frequency and inheritance of non‐male producing clones in Daphnia magna: evolution towards sex specialization in a cyclical parthenogen?
Authors: GALIMOV Y. , WALSER B. , HAAG C. R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn Daphnia (Cladocera, Crustacea), parthenogenetic reproduction alternates with sexual reproduction. Individuals of both sexes that belong to the same parthenogenetic line are genetically identical, and their sex is determined by the environment. Previously, non‐male producing (NMP) genotypes have been described in species of the Daphnia pulex group. Such genotypes can only persist through phases of sexual reproduction if they co‐occur with normal (MP) genotypes that produce both males and females, and thus the breeding system polymorphism is similar to gynodioecy (coexistence of females with hermaphrodites), which is well known in plants. Here we show that the same breeding system polymorphism also occurs in Daphnia magna, a species that has diverged from D. pulex more than 100 MY ago. Depending on the population, between 0% and 40% of D. magna females do not produce males when experimentally exposed to a concentration of the putative sex hormone methyl farnesoate that normally leads to male‐only clutches. Natural broods of these NMP females never contained males, contrasting with high proportions of male offspring in MP females from the same populations. The results from a series of crossing experiments suggest that NMP is determined by a dominant allele at a single nuclear locus (or a several closely linked loci): NMP × MP crosses always yielded 50% NMP and 50% MP offspring, whereas MP × MP crosses always yielded 100% MP offspring. Based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I‐sequences, we found that NMP genotypes from different populations belong to three highly divergent mitochondrial lineages, potentially representing three independent evolutionary origins of NMP in D. magna. Thus, the evolution of NMP genotypes in cyclical parthenogens may be more common than previously thought. Moreover, MP genotypes that coexist with NMP genotypes may have responded to the presence of the latter by partially specializing on male production. Hence, these populations of D. magna may be a model for an evolutionary transition from a purely environmental to a partially genetic sex determination system.
Effectiveness of chlorhexidine on the disinfection of complete dentures colonised with fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans: in vitro study
Authors: Mima Ewerton Garcia de Oliveira , Pavarina Ana Cláudia , da Silveira Vargas Fernanda , Giampaolo Eunice Teresinha , Machado Ana Lucia , Vergani Carlos Eduardo 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThis in vitro study evaluated different concentrations of chlorhexidine (CHX) solution on the disinfection of dentures colonised with a reference (ATCC 90028) and azole‐resistant (R1, R2 e R3) strains of Candida albicans. Sterile dentures were individually inoculated with one of the strains and incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Then, each denture was immersed in sterile saline (control) or CHX (2%, 1% or 0.2%) for 10 min. Samples of serial dilutions were spread on Agar Sabouraud Dextrose and incubated at 37 °C for 48 h. The colonies were counted and the values of log(cfu ml−1) were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis test (P < 0.05). Dentures immersed in CHX were incubated for 7 days. For all strains, the cfu ml−1 values of 0.2% CHX were significantly higher than those of 2% and 1% CHX. There was no difference between the cfu ml−1 values of 2% and 1% CHX. For dentures immersed in CHX, ATCC 90028 strain showed lower cfu ml−1 values than R2 and R3 strains. For control dentures, cfu ml−1 values of ATCC 90028 strain were higher than those of R strains. Immersion in 2% CHX resulted in the highest number of dentures without fungal growth after 7 days. For denture disinfection, 2% CHX was the most effective concentration, and R strains were less susceptible to disinfection. Chlorhexidine is effective in disinfection of dentures contaminated with azole‐resistant C. albicans.
Characteristics of Paecilomyces lilacinus infection comparing immunocompetent with immunosuppressed murine model
Authors: dos Santos Brito Marcelly Maria , da Silva Lima Mariana , Morgado Fernanda Nazaré , Raibolt Priscila , Menezes Rodrigo , Conceição‐Silva Fátima , de Moraes Borba Cintia 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe characteristics of Paecilomyces lilacinus infection were evaluated using two murine experimental models: immunocompetent and immunosuppressed. The evaluation criteria for characteristics of infection were clinical signs, weight loss, survival rates, histopathological alterations and the number of viable fungal cells re‐isolated from different organs; and those for immunological status were in vitro lymphoproliferative response, cell surface phenotyping and IFN‐γ production. Morphological evaluation showed that P. lilacinus isolates presented morphological characteristics consistent with those described in the literature. The immunocompetent mice could be infected by the fungi, but they did not develop the disease, unlike the immunosuppressed mice, which showed clinical signs of mycosis in an environment of suppressed cellular immune response. The hypothesis of latent infection reactivation in mice was not confirmed. The difference observed in the infection rate of the two fungi isolates points to an intrinsic variation between strains of P. lilacinus and led us to hypothesise that even in the presence of immunosuppressed environment, the fungus virulence can play a role in the pathogenesis of hyalohyphomycosis.
Difference in virulence between fluconazole‐susceptible and fluconazole‐resistant Candida albicans in a mouse model
Authors: Schulz Bettina , Weber Kai , Schmidt Axel , Borg‐von Zepelin Margarete , Ruhnke Markus 
Published: May 2011

SummaryTwo Candida albicans isolates were collected from a HIV‐positive patient with recurrent oropharyngeal candidosis (OPC). One isolate was taken during the first episode of oral candidosis [fluconazole susceptible (FLU‐S), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 0.25 mg l−1] and the second after the patient developed refractory OPC and resistance to fluconazole (FLU‐R, MIC = 64 mg l−1). Both isolates were clonally identical. Different in vitro studies were carried out to assess putative virulence factors of both isolates. Gene expressions of efflux pumps and CSH1 were determined as well as adherence to human epithelial cells, determination of proteinase secretion and biofilm formation activity. Virulence was studied using a disseminated mouse model. All mice challenged with the FLU‐S isolate survived the experiment when FLU was given. However, when FLU was absent, the mortality of the FLU‐S isolate was higher than that of the FLU‐R isolate with no mice surviving the experiment. In vitro studies showed pronounced growth rates of the FLU‐S isolate and a more intense biofilm‐building activity compared with the FLU‐R isolate. The FLU‐R isolate highly up‐regulated MDR1 and CSH1. This isolate also adhered stronger to the epithelial cell line. The results showed that FLU‐S and FLU‐R isolates exhibit different virulence factors, which enable the survival of both isolates in adapted environments.
Incubation of fungal cultures: how long is long enough?
Authors: Bosshard Philipp P. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryFungal cultures are traditionally incubated for 4 weeks or longer to maximise the recovery of slowly growing fungi. However, the data in support of this are scarce. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimum incubation time for specimens in which moulds or yeast are suspected and to review the literature. A total of 3036 fungal cultures of 2216 dermatological and 820 non‐dermatological specimens were analysed. The day on which fungal growth was first noted, was recorded. Eleven of 820 non‐dermatological specimens were positive after day 14; in 10 cases, the fungus was considered clinically non‐relevant and in one case, the cerebrospinal fluid of a patient receiving therapy for cryptococcosis was positive with Cryptococcus neoformans. Fourteen and three of 2216 dermatological samples showed the growth of a dermatophyte in the third week and fourth week respectively. The results indicate that for specimens sent for the detection of yeast or moulds (except dermatophytes and systemic dimorphic fungi), an incubation period of 2 weeks is sufficient, whereas for dermatophytes, a 4‐week incubation period is necessary. Based on these results and previous literature, an algorithm for the incubation time of fungal cultures is proposed.
In vitro antifungal activity of coumarin extracted from Loeselia mexicana Brand
Authors: Navarro‐García Victor M. , Rojas Gabriela , Avilés Margarita , Fuentes Macrina , Zepeda Gerardo 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe bis‐coumarin daphnoretin and its monomeric precursors scopoletin and umbelliferone were isolated for the first time from the aerial part of Loeselia mexicana Brand (a vegetal species used in Mexican traditional medicine) using chromatographic techniques. The structures of these compounds were determined by 1H and 13C NMR analyses. These coumarins were evaluated for in vitro antifungal activity. The three compounds tested showed significant antifungal activity.
Nutritionally Induced Relationships Between Insulin Levels During the Weaning‐to‐Ovulation Interval and Reproductive Characteristics in Multiparous Sows: II. Luteal Development, Progesterone and Conceptus Development and Uniformity1
Authors: Wientjes JGM , Soede NM , van den Brand H , Kemp B 
Published: May 2011

ContentsInsulin‐stimulating sow diets before mating improve piglet uniformity. We studied effects of nutritionally induced differences in insulin levels during the weaning‐to‐ovulation interval (WOI) on luteal development, progesterone secretion and pre‐implantation conceptus development and uniformity (d10). To create insulin contrasts, 32 multiparous sows were fed either a dextrose plus lactose containing diet (each 150 g/day) at 4 h intervals (DL treatment) or an isocalorically control diet (containing soybean oil) at 12 h intervals (CTRL treatment) during the WOI. After ovulation, all sows received a standard gestation diet at 12 h intervals. Ovulation rate, plasma progesterone levels, pregnancy rate and embryo survival did not differ between treatments. CTRL sows had a higher total luteal weight (11.2 vs 9.7 g; p = 0.03) than DL sows. Conceptus diameter at d10 of pregnancy tended to be larger in CTRL sows (diameter: 7.1 vs 6.4 mm; p = 0.07). Conceptus uniformity was not influenced by treatment. Insulin area under the curve (AUC) and mean insulin during the WOI were positively related with mean progesterone (β values were 0.78 (ng/ml)/1000 μU and 0.14 (ng/ml)/(μU/ml) for AUC and mean, respectively; p < 0.05) and maximal progesterone (β values were 1.46 (ng/ml)/1000 μU and 0.27 (ng/ml)/(μU/ml) for AUC and mean, respectively; p < 0.05) levels during the first 10 days of pregnancy, but not with conceptus development and uniformity. In conclusion, high insulin levels during the WOI seem to be beneficial for progesterone secretion in sows, probably mediated through beneficial effects of insulin on follicle development.
Differential Gene Expression Between the Porcine Morula and Blastocyst
Authors: Hsu CC , Lin EC , Chen SC , Huang SC , Liu BH , Yu YH , Chen CC , Yang CC , Lien CY , Wang YH , Liu CW , Mersmann HJ , Cheng WTK , Ding ST 
Published: May 2011

ContentsThe survival and development of pre‐implantation embryos are determinant factors affecting the outcome of animal reproduction. It is essential to transfer the expression of the genetic material from maternal sources, that is the ovum to the zygote before implantation to ensure successful development. Differentiation and transformation of blastomeres initiated during the morula and blastocyst stages is an important step of the embryonic development prior to implantation. We collected morula and early blastocyst samples from pure‐bred Landrace pigs in vivo to study the differential gene expression patterns at these two stages. Total RNA was extracted from individual embryos and two rounds of amplification were employed. Two micrograms of antisense RNA, targets, were prepared and hybridized with each of four custom made oligo microarrays representing 24 000 porcine genes. The analyses of replicate hybridizations showed that among the 24 000 genes, 162 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in the morula compared to early blastocysts and 2126 genes were expressed fivefold or greater in early blastocysts compared to the morula. Of these differentially expressed genes, 1429 genes were functionally annotated with related human Gene Ontology terms. In addition to basic metabolic processes, genes related to signal transduction, transportation and cell differentiation were found in both stages and were up‐regulated as embryo development proceeded. Real time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to quantify 12 genes differentially expressed in the 2 embryonic stages and validated the reliability of major evidences shown in microarrays. In conclusion, we have obtained a preliminary landscape of genes differentially expressed during the transition from morula to early blastocysts in pigs and showed a generally increased transcriptional activity, perhaps in preparation for implantation. Our results provide an opportunity to study the functions of these genes in relation to the development and survival of pre‐implantation porcine embryos.