bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of aromatizable and unaromatizable androgen replacement in hypogonadal men on GH responsiveness
Authors: Gleeson Helena K. , Shalet Stephen M. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryObjectives  Although studies have clearly demonstrated that oestrogen replacement affects GH responsiveness by causing relative GH resistance, the effect of androgen replacement is unknown. Circumstantial evidence only suggests that androgen replacement may increase GH sensitivity and/or responsiveness. To examine the impact of androgens on GH responsiveness, hypogonadal men underwent the IGF‐1 generation test in the unreplaced state, replaced with testosterone (T) and also replaced with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), its nonaromatizable metabolite.Design and patients  Twelve hypogonadal men with a normal GH axis were recruited. Each subject in random order had 4 weeks off T (NoRx), 4 weeks on T gel (TG) and 4 weeks on DHT gel (DHTG) applied daily, with 1 week washout between each preparation. An IGF‐1 generation test using a subcutaneous injection of 7 mg of GH was performed at the end of each of these 4‐week phases.Measurements  Serum GHBP, total and free IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3 and acid‐labile subunit (ALS) levels were measured at baseline and 24 h (peak) after GH administration.Results  Despite a decrease in GHBP during the TG and DHTG phases, there were no observed differences in baseline, peak or increment (peak – baseline) total or free IGF‐1 between the NoRx, TG or DHTG phases.Conclusions  There is no evidence of fluctuation in GH responsiveness in hypogonadal men, untreated or replaced with T or DHT alone. This implies that the increased level of oestradiol as a consequence of T replacement in hypogonadal men does not impact significantly on GH responsiveness, nor is there evidence of an androgen effect with elevated DHT levels as a consequence of either T or DHT replacement.
Invertebrate community patterns in Mediterranean temporary wetlands along hydroperiod and salinity gradients
Authors: WATERKEYN ALINE , GRILLAS PATRICK , VANSCHOENWINKEL BRAM , BRENDONCK LUC 
Published: June 2008

Summary1. Temporary aquatic habitats often are inhabited by a unique fauna and flora and contribute significantly to regional diversity. Temporary wetlands around the world are disappearing rapidly. The individual and interacting impacts of factors influencing community structure and dynamics in temporary wetlands are not always well known.2. Camargue wetlands are mainly characterized by variable salinity and hydroperiod. The individual and combined impacts of these local factors, together with regional variables, on invertebrate communities remain unknown. We therefore characterized and sampled invertebrates in 30 temporary wetlands along salinity and hydroperiod gradients in the Camargue (Southern France) 3, 5 and 7 months after inundation.3. Over the three sampling occasions, a total of 17 cladoceran species and 49 macroinvertebrate taxa were identified. Hydroperiod and salinity were the most important variables explaining variation in taxonomic composition and can be considered key factors shaping the invertebrate communities in Camargue wetlands. The impact on taxon richness was significantly positive for hydroperiod but significantly negative for salinity. Regional factors had no significant effect on the structure of the studied invertebrate communities, suggesting that dispersal was not limiting and that species sorting was the most important structuring process.4. The results of this study suggest that the combined and interacting effects of salinization and hydrological modification of Mediterranean temporary wetlands (due to water management, climate change, etc.) can result in reduced diversity in large numbers of Mediterranean wetlands and induce a considerable decline in regional diversity of aquatic invertebrates.
A model for online learner support based on selecting appropriate peer tutors
Authors: Van Rosmalen P. , Sloep P.B. , Brouns F. , Kester L. , Berlanga A. , Bitter M. , Koper R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTutors have only limited time to support students. In this paper, we discuss a model that addresses the question of how to help students answer content‐related questions. A small group of students is created, which consists of the student who asked the question and peers who should be able to answer it. Criteria used to compose the group are the content of the question in relation to the knowledge and skills of the peers. The model supports the collaboration with text fragments selected from the study materials. We will introduce the model and briefly discuss the results of the calibration and a simulation of the model. Finally, we will discuss the outcome of an experiment with two groups of approximately 50 students who used the model for a period of 8 weeks. The results indicate that the students positively value the model and that it is possible to resolve a substantial number of their questions.
Preventive and post‐infection control of Botrytis cinerea in tomato plants by hexanoic acid
Authors: Leyva M. O. , Vicedo B. , Finiti I. , Flors V. , Del Amo G. , Real M. D. , García‐Agustín P. , González‐Bosch C. 
Published: June 2008

The antifungal activity of hexanoic acid on the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea was studied. This chemical inhibited both spore germination and mycelial growth in vitro in a concentration‐ and pH‐dependent manner, and stopped spore germination at a very early stage, preventing germ‐tube development. The minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for in vitro spore germination was 16 mm. Hexanoic acid also inhibited in vitro mycelial growth of germinated spores at an MFC of 12 mm. Studies performed to characterize the mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial effect of hexanoic acid showed that it alters fungal membrane permeability. In addition, hexanoic acid treatment increased the levels of spermine, spermidine, putrescine and cadaverine in B. cinerea mycelia. Spray application of hexanoic acid at fungicidal concentrations on 4‐week‐old tomato plants prior to fungal inoculation reduced necrosis diameter by approximately 60%. Application of the same hexanoic acid concentrations on previously infected plants reduced further necrosis expansion by around 30%. The results suggest that this chemical acts as a preventive and curative fungicide. Interestingly, treatments with hexanoic acid at concentrations below the MFC in hydroponic solution prior to fungal inoculation significantly reduced necrosis area. These results suggest an inducer effect of plant responses for hexanoic acid treatments at these concentrations. Hexanoic acid is a good candidate for safe antifungal treatments for the control of B. cinerea, which is responsible for many economic losses on fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Epigenetic regulation of Th2 cytokine expression in atopic diseases
Authors: Van Panhuys N. , Le Gros G. , McConnell M. J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe immune response to allergens starts with stimulation of a naïve T helper (Th) cell and its differentiation into a Th2 cell, expressing the cytokines interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 responsible for the allergic response. The initial pattern of cytokine expression is retained during restimulation and division of the Th2 cell to create a population of specific allergen‐responsive memory Th2 cells. Both, the coordinate cytokine expression and the inherited cytokine memory are specified by epigenetic mechanisms. Th2‐specific changes in chromatin configuration at the Th2 locus act locally to open DNA, allowing recruitment of transcriptional machinery and rapid induction of cytokine expression. Induction of the transcription factor GATA3 is critical to this process. Loss of DNA methylation at the Th2 locus during differentiation from a naïve Th cell correlates to increased histone acetylation, consistent with the expression of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13. The silencing of the Th2 locus in Th1 cells was associated with repressive histone methylation. These data indicate the formation of a ‘poised’ chromatin configuration at the Th2 locus that in combination with specific transcription factors specifies the cytokine repertoire in daughter cells and allows the immediate, rapid induction of cytokines by those cells in response to allergen.
Relative susceptibility of oaks to seven species of Phytophthora isolated from oak forest soils
Authors: Balci Y. , Balci S. , MacDonald W. L. , Gottschalk K. W. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryIsolates of Phytophthora cambivora, P. cinnamomi, P. citricola, P. europaea, P. quercetorum and two unidentified species were tested for their pathogenicity to eastern US oak species by root and stem inoculations. Experiments were conducted during two different periods and included 1‐, 2‐ and 20‐year‐old oaks grown under greenhouse and field conditions. Species of Phytophthora were pathogenic in varying degrees to the oak species tested. All species were pathogenic to fine and taproots of at least one oak species. The fine root damage caused by the species of Phytophthora ranged from 9 to 55% when compared to the controls. Roots were more susceptible during the fall inoculation period than the summer. With exception of Phytophthora sp1 and P. quercina‐like, all species of Phytophthora were pathogenic to oak stems with P. cinnamomi and P. citricola being the most aggressive. Quercus montana and Q. rubra were the most susceptible oak species to stem inoculation. Lesion sizes were considerably larger when 20‐year‐old trees were inoculated. Generally, no significant differences in lesion sizes were detected in greenhouse tests when the summer and fall inoculation periods were compared. However, on 2‐year‐old field‐grown seedlings, lesion sizes were considerably smaller or not significantly different from controls during the fall inoculation period, suggesting lower, late season temperatures may restrict lesion development.
Cervical esophageal web and celiac disease
Authors: Sinha Saroj Kant , Nain Chander Kamal , Udawat Harsh Prasad , Prasad Kaushal Kishore , Das Reena , Nagi Birinder , Singh Kartar 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  There is paucity of prospective data on association between cervical esophageal webs and celiac disease. It is not clear whether all patients with cervical esophageal web need screening for celiac disease. Hence, the present study was carried out to determine the association of cervical esophageal web with celiac disease.Methods:  This prospective study included consecutive patients with symptomatic cervical esophageal web diagnosed over a period of 4.5 years. Tissue transglutaminase antibody was measured in serum of each patient. Patients with elevated tissue transglutaminase antibody titer were subjected to esophagogastroduodenoscopy and biopsies were obtained from the descending duodenum to look for histological changes of celiac disease. Esophageal web was treated with bougie dilatation. Celiac disease was diagnosed on the basis of elevated tissue transglutaminase antibody and suggestive duodenal histology.Results:  Twenty one patients were diagnosed to have cervical esophageal web. Eighteen (85.7%) had evidence of iron deficiency. Five (23.8%) patients with cervical esophageal web fulfilled criteria for diagnosis of celiac disease. All five had evidence of iron deficiency. None of these patients gave a history of chronic diarrhea. All patients were treated with bougie dilatation. Patients with celiac disease were advised of a gluten‐free diet. All five celiac disease patients are free of dysphagia without recurrence after a mean follow up of 10 months (range: 3 to 16 months).Conclusions:  There is association between cervical esophageal web and celiac disease. All adult patients with cervical esophageal web and iron deficiency need screening for celiac disease even in the absence of chronic diarrhea.
Clinicopathological features and natural history of acute sporadic non‐(A‐E) hepatitis
Authors: Tassopoulos Nicolaos C , Papatheodoridis George V , Delladetsima Ioanna , Hatzakis Angelos 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to describe the clinicopathological characteristics and the natural history of acute non‐(A‐E) hepatitis and to assess the possible role of hepatitis G virus (HGV), TT virus (TTV) and mainly SEN virus (SENV).Methods:  A cohort of 55 patients with sporadic acute non‐(A‐E) hepatitis with a mean follow up of 31 (6–55) months was studied.Results:  The clinical presentation was fulminant in one (1.8%), protracted with impaired regeneration in seven (12.7%) and benign in the remaining 47 (85.5%) cases. Progression to chronic hepatitis was observed in 15 (27.3%) patients; it was more frequent in clinically severe than in non‐severe cases (five of eight patients or 62.5% vs 10 of 47 patients or 21.3%, P = 0.028). Six of 10 biopsied chronic non‐(A‐E) cases developed cirrhosis within 10–33 months. Serum HGV‐RNA was detected in 16 of 55 (29.1%) patients, TTV in 20 of 38 (52.6%) patients and SENV‐D/H DNA in 20 of 55 (36.4%) cases. HGV‐RNA was detected more frequently in clinically severe than in non‐severe cases (five of eight or 62.5% vs 11 of 47 or 23.4%, P = 0.038). There was no other association between the presence of HGV, TTV, or SENV infection and patient characteristics or severity and outcome of disease.Conclusions:  HGV, TTV, and SENV do not seem to be responsible for the majority of sporadic acute non‐(A‐E) hepatitis cases. Our cohort further supports the existence of new, unknown hepatitis agent(s) with uncertain mode of transmission. The non‐(A‐E) agent(s) can also cause chronic hepatitis, which often has an aggressive course with rapid development of cirrhosis.
Prospective randomized study on the use of a computer‐based endoscopic simulator for training in esophagogastroduodenoscopy
Authors: Shirai Yasuyuki , Yoshida Tomoharu , Shiraishi Ryu , Okamoto Takeshi , Nakamura Hiroki , Harada Toshiya , Nishikawa Jun , Sakaida Isao 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Computer‐based endoscopic simulators have been developed in recent years, and their usefulness has been reported. However, there is no blinded prospective randomized controlled study on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) training using virtual reality simulators. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a computer‐based simulator for basic training in EGD.Methods:  The GI‐Mentor II simulator was used. The subjects were 20 hospital medical residents. After receiving an explanation regarding the fundamentals of endoscopy, 10 trainees were each randomized into a simulator group and a non‐simulator group. The simulator group received 5 h of training with the GI‐Mentor II plus bedside training, while the non‐simulator group received bedside training. Subsequently, each subject performed endoscopy twice for assessment. Performance was evaluated according to a five‐grade scale for a total of 11 items.Results:  The score was significantly higher in the skills required for insertion into the esophagus, passing from the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) to the antrum, passing through the pylorus, and examination of the duodenal bulb and the fornix.Conclusions:  The performance of endoscopy was improved by 5 h of simulator training. The simulator was more effective with regard to the items related to manipulation skills. Computer‐based simulator training in EGD is useful for beginners.
Predictors of violent behavior among acute psychiatric patients: Clinical study
Authors: Amore Mario , Menchetti Marco , Tonti Cristina , Scarlatti Fabiano , Lundgren Eva , Esposito William , Berardi Domenico 
Published: June 2008

Aim:  Violence risk prediction is a priority issue for clinicians working with mentally disordered offenders. The aim of the present study was to determine violence risk factors in acute psychiatric inpatients.Methods:  The study was conducted in a locked, short‐term psychiatric inpatient unit and involved 374 patients consecutively admitted in a 1‐year period. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained through a review of the medical records and patient interviews. Psychiatric symptoms at admission were assessed using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Psychiatric diagnosis was formulated using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV. Past aggressive behavior was evaluated by interviewing patients, caregivers or other collateral informants. Aggressive behaviors in the ward were assessed using the Overt Aggression Scale. Patients who perpetrated verbal and against‐object aggression or physical aggression in the month before admission were compared to non‐aggressive patients, moreover, aggressive behavior during hospitalization and persistence of physical violence after admission were evaluated.Results:  Violent behavior in the month before admission was associated with male sex, substance abuse and positive symptoms. The most significant risk factor for physical violence was a past history of physically aggressive behavior. The persistent physical assaultiveness before and during hospitalization was related to higher BPRS total scores and to more severe thought disturbances. Higher levels of hostility–suspiciousness BPRS scores predicted a change for the worse in violent behavior, from verbal to physical.Conclusion:  A comprehensive evaluation of the history of past aggressive behavior and psychopathological variables has important implications for the prediction of violence in psychiatric settings.
Burden and coping strategies in mothers of patients with schizophrenia in Japan
Authors: Hanzawa Setsuko , Tanaka Goro , Inadomi Hiroyuki , Urata Minoru , Ohta Yasuyuki 
Published: June 2008

Aim:  The present study was conducted to identify factors contributing to burden of care in 57 mothers caring for patients with schizophrenia.Methods:  Members of the Federation of Families of People with Mental Illness in Nagasaki Prefecture were evaluated using well‐validated scales to evaluate burden of care (eight‐item short version of the Japanese version of the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview), general health status (General Health Questionnaire 12‐item version), difficulty in life, coping strategies, emotional support, and understanding of mental illness and disorders.Results:  Burden of care was significantly associated with general health status and difficulty in life.Conclusion:  On multiple regression it was found that ‘social interests’ and ‘resignation’, both of which are the subscales of coping strategies, exerted significant and independent effects with respect to burden of care.
Prediction of postpartum depression by sociodemographic, obstetric and psychological factors: A prospective study
Authors: Kim Yong‐Ku , Hur Ji‐Won , Kim Kye‐Hyun , Oh Kang‐Sub , Shin Young‐Chul 
Published: June 2008

Aim:  Many studies have documented serious effects of postpartum depression. This prospective study sought to determine predictive factors for postpartum depression.Methods:  Pregnant women (n = 239) were enrolled before 24 weeks in their pregnancy. At 6 weeks postpartum, 30 women who had postpartum depression and 30 non‐depressed mothers were selected. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES) Marital Satisfaction Scale (MSS), and the Childcare Stress Inventory (CSI) were administered to all 60 mothers at 24 weeks pregnancy, 1 week postpartum, and 6 weeks postpartum.Results:  The differences in most of the diverse sociodemographic and obstetric factors assessed were not statistically significant. There were significant differences in MSS scores at 24 weeks pregnancy (P = 0.003), and EPDS (P < 0.001; P = 0.002), BDI (P = 0.001; P = 0.031), and BAI (P < 0.001; P < 0.001) at both 24 weeks pregnant and 1 week postpartum, while there was no significant difference in the RSES scores at 24 weeks pregnant (P = 0.065). A logistic regression analysis was performed on the following factors: ‘depressive symptoms immediately after delivery’ (EPDS and BDI at 1 week postpartum), ‘anxiety’ (BAI prepartum), ‘stress factors from relationships’ (MSS prepartum and CSI at 1 week postpartum) or ‘self‐esteem’ (RSES prepartum). When these four factors were added individually to a model of the prepartum depressive symptoms (EPDS and BDI prepartum), no additional effect was found.Conclusions:  The optimum psychological predictor is prepartum depression, and other psychological measures appear to bring no significant additional predictive power.
No association between the ryanodine receptor 3 gene and autism in a Japanese population
Authors: Tochigi Mamoru , Kato Chieko , Ohashi Jun , Koishi Shinko , Kawakubo Yuki , Yamamoto Kenji , Matsumoto Hideo , Hashimoto Ohiko , Kim Soo‐Yung , Watanabe Keiichiro , Kano Yukiko , Nanba Eiji , Kato Nobumasa , Sasaki Tsukasa 
Published: June 2008

Aim:  Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex genetic etiology. Chromosome 15q11‐q14 has been proposed to harbor a gene for autism susceptibility because deletion of the region leads to Prader‐Willi syndrome or Angelman syndrome, having phenotypic overlap with autism. Here we studied the association between autism and the ryanodine receptor 3 (RyR3) gene, which is located in the region. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that has investigated the association.Methods:  We genotyped 14 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 166 Japanese patients with autism and 375 controls.Results:  No significant difference was observed between the patients and controls in allelic frequencies or genotypic distributions of the 14 SNPs. Analysis after confining the subjects to males showed similar results.Conclusions:  The present study provides no positive evidence for the association between the RyR3 gene and autism in the Japanese population.
Diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy tends to occur at lower blood glucose levels: Case–control study and a case report of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis in pregnancy
Authors: Guo Rui‐Xia , Yang Ling‐Zhu , Li Liu‐Xia , Zhao Xue‐Ping 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground and Objective:  The occurrence of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during pregnancy is considered a medical emergency. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the incidence of DKA in pregnant and non‐pregnant women with diabetes; to compare the blood glucose levels at the diagnosis of DKA in pregnant and non‐pregnant women; and to show a case of euglycemic DKA in pregnancy.Methods:  The subjects consisted of 90 cases of DKA in pregnant women with diabetes and 286 cases of non‐pregnant female inpatients receiving treatment for diabetes during 2001 to 2005 in our hospital. The incidence of DKA in pregnant and non‐pregnant women with diabetes and the blood glucose levels at the diagnosis of DKA in pregnant and non‐pregnant women were compared.Results:  DKA had a higher incidence in pregnant women with diabetes (8/90, 8.9%) than in non‐pregnant women with diabetes (9/286, 3.1%) (P < 0.05). The blood glucose levels (mmol/L) in pregnant women with DKA were significantly lower than those in non‐pregnant women with DKA (16.3 ± 4.6 vs 27.5 ± 4.8, P < 0.001). A case of euglycemic DKA in pregnancy was described whose serum glucose level was only 6.9 mmol/L.Conclusions:  DKA in pregnant women with diabetes may occur more frequently, and at lower blood glucose levels than DKA in non‐pregnant women with diabetes.
Primary ovarian pregnancy after the empty follicle syndrome: A case report
Authors: Qublan Hussein , Tahat Yousef , Al‐Masri Anwar 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA32‐year‐old nulligravida woman underwent in vitro fertilization treatment because of 6 years of unexplained infertility. On the day of ovum pick‐up, no eggs were retrieved and the patient was diagnosed to have empty follicle syndrome. Six weeks later, she presented with left lower abdominal pain and mild vaginal bleeding. Laboratory tests and diagnostic laparoscopy revealed left ovarian pregnancy. Left oophorectomy was performed and the histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis.