bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Glasgow Chart — a simple method for calculation of cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mcintyre Martin , Kerr Stuart , Kennon Brian , Small Michael 
Published: August 2008

Aims Current guidelines for lipid lowering as primary prevention advocate a treatment threshold 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk of ≥ 30%. There is a variety of methods of calculating CHD risk, of varying complexity, which incorporate different factors. We aimed to determine if different methods of CHD risk calculation give different results and if a simpler method of CHD risk calculation could be developed for type 2 diabetes. Methods Using three recognised methods based on the Framingham equation, CHD risk was calculated for 200 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes attending the clinic. A simple method of establishing those who should be treated with lipid-lowering agents was developed and sensitivity and specificity compared to the established method. Results Using method 1, only 58 (29%) of the patients would be above the treatment threshold; 108 (54%) with method 2; and 140 (70%) with method 3 ( 2=68.3, p < 0.001). Using the Glasgow Chart, sensitivity and specificity would be 100% and 85% respectively if patients are identified with total cholesterol ≥ 5.0 mmol/L plus two of: 1) age ≥ 50 years; 2) blood pressure ≥ 140/80 mmHg; 3) microalbuminuria. Conclusions It makes a significant difference which method is used to calculate CHD risk. Our simple method seems to be applicable to patients with type 2 diabetes, but requires confirmation in a larger population.
Review: Endothelial dysfunction and pre-symptomatic atherosclerosis in type 1 diabetes — pathogenesis and identification
Authors: Browne Duncan , Meeking Darryl , Shaw Kenneth , Cummings Michael 
Published: August 2008

The vascular endothelium offers an attractive model for detecting functional abnormalities prior to structural changes in the vasculature. Demonstration of progression from endothelial dysfunction through to atherosclerosis is required. Measurements of forearm bloodflow, biochemical markers and biophysical assessments of the endothelium have been employed as research tools for investigating pre-symptomatic atherosclerosis. However, studies examining endothelial function in type 1 diabetes have been sparse and conflicting. Differences in methodology and the study populations were potential confounding factors. Augmented vasodilatory prostanoids compensate for reduced nitric oxide bioavailability in determining endothelial function in type 1 diabetes. Hyperglycaemia appears to be the initiating event in type 1 diabetes which promotes a variety of biochemical events which are pathogenic to the endothelium. Improved understanding of the endothelium may facilitate the development of novel diagnostic tools and interventions targeting the accelerated atherosclerosis associated with type 1 diabetes.
Review: Homocysteine, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wotherspoon Fiona , Laight David W , Shaw Kenneth M , Cummings Michael H 
Published: August 2008

Type 1 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which cannot be fully explained by traditional risk factors. Elevated plasma homocysteine is an independent risk factor for macrovascular disease in the general population. This review examines the evidence for hyperhomocysteinaemia in patients with type 1 diabetes and describes the mechanisms that may lead to increased macrovascular susceptibility. While reports of plasma homocysteine levels in type 1 diabetes are inconsistent, increased plasma homocysteine levels have been found in subgroups of patients with microalbuminuria, nephropathy and macrovascular disease. Although a direct causal relationship between plasma homocysteine and atherosclerosis remains to be proven, potential mechanisms of vascular damage by homocysteine include endothelial dysfunction linked to increased oxidative stress. This could contribute to the association between hyperhomocysteinaemia and macrovascular disease in type 1 diabetes.
Effects of chronic treatment with glibenclamide and/or metformin on the resistance to ischaemia of isolated hearts from Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats (ZDF/GMI-fa/fa)
Authors: Lavanchy Nicole , Christe Georges , Cand Francine , Wiernsperger Nicolas , Verdetti Jean 
Published: August 2008

The study was carried out to determine whether metformin (M) had any deleterious effect on the tolerance to ischaemia of the isolated diabetic rat when administered chronically in combination with glibenclamide (G). The male Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat served as a model of type 2 diabetes that resembles the human syndrome. Three groups of rats were treated for one month with M (100 mg/kg) or G (2 mg/kg) or G + M in their daily food. One group was untreated (C). Aortically perfused hearts were subjected to a 25-minute global low-flow ischaemia and a 30-minute reperfusion. Heart rate (HR), left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), rate pressure product (RPP) and coronary flow (CF) were monitored.When compared to C hearts, the hearts from G + M rats showed improvements in HR, LVDP and RPP at the end of reperfusion. Hearts from G and M rats exhibited no difference. Myocardial glycogen stores at the end of in the three other groups.The study did not reveal any deleterious effect of the chronic G + M therapy on the functional recovery of the isolated diabetic heart submitted to ischaemia and reperfusion: indeed, an increase in residual contractile capacity was found.
Screening for IGT and diabetes
Authors: Tringham Jennifer R , Davies Melanie J 
Published: August 2008

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common and a significant proportion of individuals are undiagnosed. Around 15—20% of the adult population have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG) and are at an increased risk of subsequently developing diabetes. There is a wealth of information regarding the practicalities of various methods of screening for diabetes, and to a lesser extent for IGT. For diabetes screening a targeted approach is preferred. A fasting plasma glucose (FPG) followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) if FPG is between 5.5—6.9 mmol/L is recommended. In detecting pre-diabetes (IGT or IFG) risk factor questionnaires and risk scores are the preferred option but these require further evaluation.
Avandamet
Authors: Kunhiraman Biju , Itoua-Nganongo William , Fonseca Vivian 
Published: August 2008

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is characterised by multiple defects including decreased insulin mediated glucose disposal, higher endogenous glucose production mainly from liver and inadequate pancreatic secretion of insulin. Metformin and thiazolidinediones (TZDs) decrease insulin resistance by different mechanisms of action, and since both have the advantage of decreasing hyperglycaemia without increasing insulin secretion, they make an attractive option for combination. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production and enhances peripheral glucose uptake while TZDs, by acting on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) receptors increase glucose uptake. The combination has also been shown to improve glycaemic control, improve insulin sensitivity and improve beta-cell function. The availability of the two drugs in one pill has the potential to improve patientcompliance and decrease costs.
A one-year retrospective audit of the DIGAMI protocol
Authors: Buch Harit N , Barton David M , Varughese George I , Hodgson Ellen , Scarpello John HB 
Published: August 2008

Aim To assess the impact of post-MI diabetes-care upon changes in diabetes therapy and on cardiovascular risk factors. Patients and methods Retrospective audit of case notes of patients with diabetes who were treated according to the DIGAMI protocol following an acute MI and who had completed at least one year of follow-up (n=86). Results A majority of patients continued insulin therapy beyond the standard recommendation of three months (7%, 84%, 75% at 0, 3 and 12 months respectively) resulting in an increase in the number of patients attending hospital diabetes clinics (17%, 94% and 61%). A majority of patients belonged to DIGAMI low-risk group 1 (85%) which was the category of patients shown to have a significant survival benefit in the original DIGAMI cohort. At the end of one year an increased number of patients achieved targets for control of systolic BP (49, 59 and 77 at 0, 3 and 12 months), diastolic BP (44, 74 and 77%), TC (34, 73 and 80%) and HbA1C (24, 45 and 60%) (p<0.05 for all). Weight increased progressively (82 kg, 87 kg A and 88 kg, p<0.05). Percentage of smokers was reduced (31, 9 and 11, p<0.05). Conclusion There was a significant rise in the number of patients receiving long-term insulin therapy, and attending secondary care follow-up. A significant and sustained increase was observed in achieving targets for HbA1C, BP and cholesterol.
A prospective study to investigate the incidence of atherosclerotic vascular disease in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Doyle Arthur , Buchanan Linda M , Reith Shiela Bm , Bridges Allan 
Published: August 2008

Type 2 diabetes is associated with premature cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined the extent of vascular disease and modifiable risk factors in 50 sequential patients with type 2 diabetes, without a previous diagnosis of vascular disease, at their first presentation to a hospital diabetes clinic. Sixty-four per cent of patients were obese (BMI ≥ 30). Average HbA1C was 6.8% and mean total cholesterol was 5.74 mmol/L. Forty-seven per cent were hypertensive (systolic pressures ≥ 140) and 18% were current smokers. Eighteen point four per cent of this population had ischaemic heart disease detectable by ECG and exercise ECG. Eighteen per cent had a reduced ankle: brachial pressure index and 49% had carotid atheroma by Doppler scanning. These findings illustrate the case for aggressive primary vascular disease prevention strategies from the time of diagnosis in type 2 diabetes.
Insulin initiation in primary care for patients with type 2 diabetes: six month follow-up audit
Authors: Dale Jeremy , Gadsby Roger , Shepherd Jonathan 
Published: August 2008

Aim To evaluate the impact of the initiation of basal insulin therapy on glycaemic control (HbA1C) and weight gain in patients with poorly controlled weight gain in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes who were registered with practices that volunteered to participate in an insulin initiation training programme. Methods Data at baseline, three and six months post-insulin initiation were collected from log diaries and analysed, for up to 10 patients per practice for each trained healthcare professional (HCP). Results Out of 132 participating HCP, 94 (71.2%) provided baseline and three-month data. In 835 patients, of these, 475 (56.9%) also had six-month data. The mean HbA1C at baseline was 9.6%, at three months post insulin initiation it was 8.6%, and at six months it was 7.9%. Out of 381 patients with data on weight change, 1.9% gained weight (mean gain of 1.5 kg over six months). HCPs reported confidence in initiating insulin. They perceived that there was a high level of acceptability to patients. Conclusion Attending an insulin initiation training programme may prepare primary HCPs to initiate insulin therapy for patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. Br J Diabetes Vasc Dis 2008;8:28-31.
Initial and sustained cardiovascular risk reduction in a pharmacist-led diabetes cardiovascular risk clinic
Authors: Mcgowan Neil , Cockburn Alison , Strachan Mark Wj , Padfield Paul L , Mcknight John A 
Published: August 2008

Background The atherogenic milieu of hypertension, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia results in an excess of cardiovascular deaths in the diabetic population. Objective To determine the efficacy and long-term success of a pharmacist-delivered cardiovascular risk reduction clinic. Methods Patients with diabetes not achieving blood pressure (BP) and lipid targets at a standard diabetes clinic had a mean of four visits to the pharmacist-delivered clinic. Results BP was significantly reduced by attending the clinic (mean reduction in clinic BP 23/10 mmHg). Ambulatory BP monitoring demonstrated a mean reduction of 13/9 mmHg from clinic entry to discharge and this effect was sustained six months post-discharge . Total cholesterol was reduced by 0.4 mmol/L (p=0.002) during clinic attendances and remained unchanged post discharge. Conclusion Patients previously thought to be `resistant' to treatment can have significant reductions in cardiovascular risk factors when enrolled in a short-lived, intense clinic set-up. This is maintained
Vascular complications of diabetes in Lebanon: Experience at the American University of Beirut
Authors: Taleb Nadine , Salti Haytham , Al-Mokaddam Mona , Merheb Marie , Salti Ibrahim , Nasrallah Mona 
Published: August 2008

Aim To examine the metabolic control and presence of complications, among a cohort of diabetic patients in Lebanon. Method A total of 313 diabetic patients presenting for their usual care were screened in a cross-sectional manner for metabolic control and presence of complications at the American University of Beirut. Results Only 235 subjects completed their data of whom 220 (93%) had type 2 diabetes with mean duration of disease of 8.2 (±6.6) years. Only 30% had haemoglobin A1C < 7%, and 35.5% had low-density lipoprotein Cholesterol < 2.6 mmol/L. About 50.5% were obese, 34.9% current smokers, and 40.7% had blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg. Microvascular complications were present as 46.3, 39.9 and 33% for albuminuria, neuropathy, 33% for albuminuria, neuropathy, and retinopathy, respectively. Macrovascular complications were as follows: 19.3, 18.3 and 4.1% for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and cerebrovascular disease, respectively. Conclusions This study highlights the poor control and high prevalence of vascular complications among adult type 2 diabetic patients in Lebanon.
Review: Clinical aspects of the management of HIV lipodystrophy
Authors: Wierzbicki Anthony S , Purdon Scott D , Hardman Timothy C , Kulasegaram Ranjababu , Peters Barry S 
Published: August 2008

Chronic complications of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and highly active retroviral therapy have become increasingly relevant as life expectancy for HIV patients has improved and the affected population ages. HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome is characterised by an abnormal fat distribution syndrome associated with metabolic disturbances including insulin resistance, and deranged glucose and lipid metabolism. It is associated with increased risks of progression to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Lipodystrophy is a clinical diagnosis and mostly subjective as standardised diagnostic criteria have not yet been defined. Several therapeutic interventions have been investigated including lifestyle therapy, vitamin supplements, switching antiretroviral therapy and specific therapies for insulin resistance and hyperlipidaemia. Current management options for HIV associated lipodystrophy are limited and are mostly based on avoidance of risk factors and switching of antiretroviral drugs. Therapies to improve insulin resistance have been tried but they are frequently ineffective as are lipid-lowering drugs. Interest in anabolic agents has been resurrected and new clinical data suggest that HIV-associated lipodystrophy growth hormone releasing factor therapy may have a beneficial role in the treatment of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. However, there still remains a need for robust prospective cohort studies and well designed intervention trials to resolve the aetiology and define the best treatment for this complication of HIV disease and its treatment.
The MERCURY I open-label extension study — subgroup analysis in patients with diabetes
Authors: Schuster Herbert , Palmer Mike K , Ditmarsch Marc 
Published: August 2008

Background The MERCURY I open-label extension study provides safety and efficacy data on hypercholesterolaemic patients with type 2 diabetes treated with rosuvastatin for up to three years. Methods A total of 2,492 hypercholesterolaemic patients, including 665 (26.7%) with type 2 diabetes, on rosuvastatin 10 mg or 20 mg were followed for a mean of 672 days in an open-label extension study during which the dose could be increased to 20 or 40 mg to reach the 1998 European low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) target of < 3.0 mmol/L (< 115 mg/dL) Results Most diabetic and non-diabetic patients started (85.4 % and 88.7%) and finished (78.3% and 77.6%) on rosuvastatin 10 mg. Adverse event (9.8% and 12.3%) and treatment discontinuation (2.2% and 3.5%) rates were similar in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. No myopathy or rhabdomyolysis was observed. Mean serum creatinine decreased in both subgroups. Proteinuria was reported as an adverse event in five (0.7%) diabetic patients and eight (0.4%) non-diabetic patients. Fasting plasma glucose did not change markedly in either subgroup. LDL-C decreased by 51.1% and 47.4% in diabetic and non-diabetic patients, respectively, with 92.4% and 90.3% reaching target LDL-C. Conclusion Long-term rosuvastatin treatment is effective and well tolerated in diabetic patients.
RNA STRAND: The RNA Secondary Structure and Statistical Analysis Database
Authors: Andronescu Mirela , Bereg Vera , Hoos Holger H , Condon Anne 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
The ability to access, search and analyse secondary structures of a large set of known RNA molecules is very important for deriving improved RNA energy models, for evaluating computational predictions of RNA secondary structures and for a better understanding of RNA folding. Currently there is no database that can easily provide these capabilities for almost all RNA molecules with known secondary structures.

Results
In this paper we describe RNA STRAND – the RNA secondary STRucture and statistical ANalysis Database, a curated database containing known secondary structures of any type and organism. Our new database provides a wide collection of known RNA secondary structures drawn from public databases, searchable and downloadable in a common format. Comprehensive statistical information on the secondary structures in our database is provided using the RNA Secondary Structure Analyser, a new tool we have developed to analyse RNA secondary structures. The information thus obtained is valuable for understanding to which extent and with which probability certain structural motifs can appear. We outline several ways in which the data provided in RNA STRAND can facilitate research on RNA structure, including the improvement of RNA energy models and evaluation of secondary structure prediction programs. In order to keep up-to-date with new RNA secondary structure experiments, we offer the necessary tools to add solved RNA secondary structures to our database and invite researchers to contribute to RNA STRAND.

Conclusion
RNA STRAND is a carefully assembled database of trusted RNA secondary structures, with easy on-line tools for searching, analyzing and downloading user selected entries, and is publicly available at http://www.rnasoft.ca/strand.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype and late respiratory complications of mustard gas exposure
Authors: Hosseini-khalili Ali Reza , Thompson Julian , Kehoe Anthony , Hopkinson Nicholas S , Khoshbaten A , Soroush Mohammad Reza , Humphries Steve E , Montgomery Hugh , Ghanei Mostafa 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Exposure to mustard gas frequently results in long-term respiratory complications. However the factors which drive the development and progression of these complications remain unclear. The Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) has been implicated in lung inflammatory and fibrotic responses. Genetic variation within the gene coding for the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE), specifically the Insertion/Deletion polymorphism (I/D), is associated with variable levels of ACE and with the severity of several acute and chronic respiratory diseases. We hypothesized that the ACE genotype might influence the severity of late respiratory complications of mustard gas exposure.

Methods
208 Kurdish patients who had suffered high exposure to mustard gas, as defined by cutaneous lesions at initial assessment, in Sardasht, Iran on June 29 1987, underwent clinical examination, spirometric evaluation and ACE Insertion/Deletion genotyping in September 2005.

Results
ACE genotype was determined in 207 subjects. As a continuous variable, FEV1 % predicted tended to be higher in association with the D allele 68.03 ± 20.5%, 69.4 ± 21.4% and 74.8 ± 20.1% for II, ID and DD genotypes respectively. Median FEV1 % predicted was 73 and this was taken as a cut off between groups defined as having better or worse lung function. The ACE DD genotype was overrepresented in the better spirometry group (Chi2 4.9 p = 0.03). Increasing age at the time of exposure was associated with reduced FEV1 %predicted (p = 0.001), whereas gender was not (p = 0.43).

Conclusion
The ACE D allele is associated with higher FEV1 % predicted when assessed 18 years after high exposure to mustard gas.
A SYBR Green RT-PCR assay in single tube to detect human and bovine noroviruses and control for inhibition
Authors: Scipioni Alexandra , Mauroy Axel , Ziant Dominique , Saegerman Claude , Thiry Etienne 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Noroviruses are single-stranded RNA viruses belonging to the family Caliciviridae. They are a major cause of epidemic and sporadic gastroenteritis in humans and clinical signs and lesions of gastroenteritis were reported in bovines. Due to their genetic proximity, potential zoonotic transmission or animal reservoir can be hypothesized for noroviruses. RT-PCR has become the "gold standard" for the detection of noroviruses in faecal and environmental samples. With such samples, the control for inhibition of the reaction during amplification and detection is crucial to avoid false negative results, which might otherwise not be detected. The aim of the reported method is to detect, with a SYBR Green technology, a broad range of noroviruses with a control for inhibition.

Results
A SYBR Green real-time RT-PCR assay was developed making use of a foreign internal RNA control added in the same tube. This assay is able to detect human and bovine noroviruses belonging to genogroups I, II and III and to distinguish between norovirus and internal control amplicons using melting curve analysis. A 10-fold dilution of samples appears to be the method of choice to remove inhibition. This assay was validated with human and bovine stool samples previously tested for norovirus by conventional RT-PCR.

Conclusion
This SYBR Green real-time RT-PCR assay allows the detection of the most important human and bovine noroviruses in the same assay, and avoids false negative results making use of an internal control. Melting curves allow the discrimination between the internal control and norovirus amplicons. It gives preliminary information about the species of origin. The sensitivity of the developed assay is higher than conventional RT-PCR and a 10-fold dilution of samples showed a better efficiency and reproducibility to remove RT-PCR inhibition than addition of bovine serum albumin.