bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calculating expected years of life lost for assessing local ethnic disparities in causes of premature death
Authors: Aragón Tomás J , Lichtensztajn Daphne Y , Katcher Brian S , Reiter Randy , Katz Mitchell H 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
A core function of local health departments is to conduct health assessments. The analysis of death certificates provides information on diseases, conditions, and injuries that are likely to cause death – an important outcome indicator of population health. The expected years of life lost (Y LL) measure is a valid, stand-alone measure for identifying and ranking the underlying causes of premature death. The purpose of this study was to rank the leading causes of premature death among San Francisco residents, and to share detailed methods so that these analyses can be used in other local health jurisdications.

Methods
Using death registry data and population estimates for San Francisco deaths in 2003–2004, we calculated the number of deaths, Y LL, and age-standardized Y LL rates (ASY Rs). The results were stratified by sex, ethnicity, and underlying cause of death. The Y LL values were used to rank the leading causes of premature death for men and women, and by ethnicity.

Results
In the years 2003–2004, 6312 men died (73,627 years of life lost), and 5726 women died (51,194 years of life lost). The ASY R for men was 65% higher compared to the ASY R for women (8971.1 vs. 5438.6 per 100,000 persons per year). The leading causes of premature deaths are those with the largest average Y LLs and are largely preventable. Among men, these were HIV/AIDS, suicide, drug overdose, homicide, and alcohol use disorder; and among women, these were lung cancer, breast cancer, hypertensive heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes mellitus. A large health disparity exists between African Americans and other ethnic groups: African American age-adjusted overall and cause-specific Y LL rates were higher, especially for homicide among men. Except for homicide among Latino men, Latinos and Asians have comparable or lower Y LL rates among the leading causes of death compared to whites.

Conclusion
Local death registry data can be used to measure, rank, and monitor the leading causes of premature death, and to measure and monitor ethnic health disparities.
Insulin Sensitivity Is Correlated with Subcutaneous but Not Visceral Body Fat in Overweight and Obese Prepubertal Children
Authors: Maffeis Claudio , Manfredi Riccardo , Trombetta Maddalena , Sordelli Silvia , Storti Monica , Benuzzi Teresa , Bonadonna Riccardo C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim: Our aim was to explore the relationship between insulin sensitivity, body fat distribution, ectopic (liver and skeletal muscle) fat deposition, adipokines (leptin and adiponectin), and inflammation markers (highly sensitive C-reactive protein, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) in prepubertal children.Subjects and Methods: Thirty overweight and obese children (16 males and 14 females with body mass index z-score range of 1.1–3.2) were recruited. Body fat distribution and fat accumulation in liver and skeletal muscle were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by iv glucose tolerance test.Results: Insulin sensitivity was associated with sc abdominal adipose tissue (SAT) (r = −0.52; P &lt; 0.01) and liver fat content (r = −0.44; P &lt; 0.02) but not with visceral abdominal adipose tissue (VAT) (r = −0.193; P value not significant) and fat accumulation in skeletal muscle (r = −0.210; P value not significant). Adipokines, but not inflammation markers, were significantly correlated to insulin sensitivity. VAT correlated with C-reactive protein (r = 0.55; P &lt; 0.01) as well as adiponectin (r = −0.53; P &lt;0.01). Multiple regression analysis showed that only SAT and liver fat content were independently correlated to insulin sensitivity (P &lt; 0.01; 20 and 16% of explained variance, respectively).Conclusions: In overweight and moderately obese prepubertal children, insulin sensitivity was negatively correlated with SAT and liver fat content. Furthermore, contrary to adults, VAT and inflammation markers were not correlated with insulin sensitivity in children.
The Aromatase Inhibitor Anastrozole Is Ineffective in the Treatment of Precocious Puberty in Girls with McCune-Albright Syndrome
Authors: Mieszczak Jakub , Lowe Elizabeth S. , Plourde Paul , Eugster Erica A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: Precocious puberty (PP) in girls with McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is characterized by episodic development of large unilateral ovarian cysts followed by sudden onset of vaginal bleeding. Some patients experience frequent bleeding as well as accelerated linear growth and advanced skeletal maturation. The use of anastrozole for the treatment of PP in this condition has not been well studied.
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the safety and efficacy of the aromatase inhibitor anastrozole for the treatment of PP in girls with MAS.
Design and Settings: This was a prospective international multicenter study in which subjects received anastrozole 1 mg daily for 1 yr.
Patients: Twenty-eight girls 10 years of age or younger with MAS and progressive PP were enrolled.
Main Outcome Measures: Vaginal bleeding, rate of skeletal maturation (change in bone age over change in chronological age), growth velocity, and uterine/ovarian volumes were measured. These indices were compared with a 6-month pretreatment interval.
Results: No difference in vaginal bleeding (mean number of days per year) was noted. Mean change in ΔBA/ΔCA, which was 1.25 ± 0.77 at baseline, was −0.25 ± 1.02 at study end (P = 0.22). Average growth velocity z score was 1.40 ± 3.15 at study entry and 0.26 ± 2.71 at 12 months (P = 0.10). Mean ovarian/uterine volumes were unaffected by anastrozole, and no significant adverse events occurred.
Conclusions: Although it appears safe, anastrozole for 1 yr was ineffective in halting vaginal bleeding, attenuating rates of skeletal maturation, and linear growth in girls with MAS. Pharmacological strategies other than anastrozole should be pursued for the treatment of PP in this population.
Insulin Intervention in Slowly Progressive Insulin-Dependent (Type 1) Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Maruyama Taro , Tanaka Shoichiro , Shimada Akira , Funae Osamu , Kasuga Akira , Kanatsuka Azuma , Takei Izumi , Yamada Satoru , Harii Norikazu , Shimura Hiroki , Kobayashi Tetsuro 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Objective: We tested the hypothesis that insulin therapy rather than sulfonylurea (SU) treatment is preferable to reverse or preserve β-cell function among patients with slowly progressive insulin-dependent (type 1) diabetes (SPIDDM) or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.
Methods: This multicenter, randomized, nonblinded clinical study screened 4089 non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients for glutamic acid decarboxylase autoantibodies (GADAb). Sixty GADAb-positive non-insulin-requiring diabetic patients with a 5-yr duration or shorter of diabetes were assigned to either the SU group (n = 30) or the insulin group (n = 30). Serum C-peptide responses to annual oral glucose tolerance tests were followed up for a mean of 57 months. The primary endpoint was an insulin-dependent state defined by the sum of serum C-peptide values during the oral glucose tolerance test (ΣC-peptide) less than 4 ng/ml (1.32 nmol/liter).
Results: The progression rate to an insulin-dependent state in the insulin group (three of 30, 10%) was lower than that in the SU group (13 of 30, 43%; P = 0.003, log-rank). Longitudinal analysis demonstrated that ΣC-peptide values were better preserved in the insulin group than in the SU group. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that insulin treatment, a preserved C-peptide response, and a low GADAb titer at entry were independent factors in preventing progression to an insulin-dependent state. Subgroup analysis suggested that insulin intervention was highly effective for SPIDDM patients with high GADAb titers [≥10 U/ml (180 World Health Organization U/ml)] and preserved β-cell function [ΣC-peptide ≥ 10 ng/ml (3.31 nmol/liter)] at entry. No severe hypoglycemic episodes occurred during the study.
Conclusions: Insulin intervention to preserve β-cell function is effective and safe for patients with SPIDDM or latent autoimmune diabetes in adults.
Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and Dyslipidemia with the Natural Plant Alkaloid Berberine
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Li Xiaoying , Zou Dajin , Liu Wei , Yang Jialin , Zhu Na , Huo Li , Wang Miao , Hong Jie , Wu Peihong , Ren Guoguang , Ning Guang 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: Berberine, a natural plant alkaloid, is usually used as an antibiotic drug. The potential glucose-lowering effect of berberine was noted when it was used for diarrhea in diabetic patients. In vitro and in vivo studies have then showed its effects on hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetic patients with dyslipidemia.
Design: One hundred sixteen patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia were randomly allocated to receive berberine (1.0 g daily) and the placebo for 3 months. The primary outcomes were changes in plasma glucose and serum lipid concentrations. Glucose disposal rate (GDR) was measured using a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp to assess insulin sensitivity.
Results: In the berberine group, fasting and postload plasma glucose decreased from 7.0 ± 0.8 to 5.6 ± 0.9 and from 12.0 ± 2.7 to 8.9 ± 2.8 mm/liter, HbA1c from 7.5 ± 1.0% to 6.6 ± 0.7%, triglyceride from 2.51 ± 2.04 to 1.61 ± 1.10 mm/liter, total cholesterol from 5.31 ± 0.98 to 4.35 ± 0.96 mm/liter, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol from 3.23 ± 0.81 to 2.55 ± 0.77 mm/liter, with all parameters differing from placebo significantly (P &lt; 0.0001, P &lt; 0.0001, P &lt; 0.0001, P = 0.001, P &lt; 0.0001, and P &lt;0.0001, respectively). The glucose disposal rate was increased after berberine treatment (P = 0.037), although no significant change was found between berberine and placebo groups (P = 0.063). Mild to moderate constipation was observed in five participants in the berberine group.
Conclusions: Berberine is effective and safe in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia.
[123I]Iodometomidate for Molecular Imaging of Adrenocortical Cytochrome P450 Family 11B Enzymes
Authors: Hahner Stefanie , Stuermer Andrea , Kreissl Michael , Reiners Christoph , Fassnacht Martin , Haenscheid Heribert , Beuschlein Felix , Zink Martina , Lang Katharina , Allolio Bruno , Schirbel Andreas 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground: Due to advances in conventional imaging, adrenal tumors are detected with increasing frequency. However, conventional imaging provides only limited information on the origin of these lesions, which represent a wide range of different pathological entities. New specific imaging methods would therefore be of great clinical value. We, therefore, studied the potential of iodometomidate (IMTO) as tracer for molecular imaging of cytochrome P450 family 11B (Cyp11B) enzymes.Methods: Inhibition of Cyp11B1 and Cyp11B2 by IMTO, etomidate, metomidate, and fluoroetomidate was investigated in NCI-h295 cells and in Y1 cells stably expressing hsCyp11B1 or hsCyp11B2. Pharmacokinetics and biodistribution after iv injection of [123/125I]IMTO were analyzed in mice in biodistribution experiments and by small-animal single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Furthermore, four patients with known adrenal tumors (two metastatic adrenal adenocarcinomas, one bilateral adrenocortical adenoma, and one melanoma metastasis) were investigated with [123I]iodometomidate-SPECT.Results: In cell culture experiments, all compounds potently inhibited both Cyp11B1 and Cyp11B2. Adrenals showed high and specific uptake of [123/125I]IMTO and were excellently visualized in mice. In patients, adrenocortical tissue showed high and specific tracer uptake in both primary tumor and metastases with short investigation time and low radiation exposure, whereas the non-adrenocortical tumor did not exhibit any tracer uptake.Conclusion: We have successfully completed the development of an in vivo detection system of adrenal Cyp11B enzymes by [123I]IMTO scintigraphy in both experimental animals and humans. Our findings suggest that [123I]IMTO is a highly specific radiotracer for imaging of adrenocortical tissue. Due to the general availability of SPECT technology, we anticipate that [123I]IMTO scintigraphy may become a widely used tool to characterize adrenal lesions.
Muscle Adaptation to Short-Term Fasting in Healthy Lean Humans
Authors: Soeters Maarten R. , Sauerwein Hans P. , Dubbelhuis Peter F. , Groener Johanna E. , Ackermans Mariëtte T. , Fliers Eric , Aerts Johannes M. , Serlie Mireille J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: It has been demonstrated repeatedly that short-term fasting induces insulin resistance, although the exact mechanism in humans is unknown to date. Intramyocellular sphingolipids (i.e. ceramide) have been suggested to induce insulin resistance by interfering with the insulin signaling cascade in obesity.
Objective: Our objective was to study peripheral insulin sensitivity together with muscle ceramide concentrations and protein kinase B/AKT phosphorylation after short-term fasting.
Main Outcome Measures and Design: After 14- and 62-h fasting, glucose fluxes were measured before and after a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Muscle biopsies were performed in the basal state and during the clamp to assess muscle ceramide and protein kinase B/AKT.
Results: Insulin-mediated peripheral glucose uptake was significantly lower after 62-h fasting compared with 14-h fasting. Intramuscular ceramide concentrations tended to increase during fasting. During the clamp the phosphorylation of protein kinase B/AKT at serine473 in proportion to the total amount of protein kinase B/AKT was significantly lower. Muscle ceramide did not correlate with plasma free fatty acids.
Conclusions: Fasting for 62 h decreases insulin-mediated peripheral glucose uptake with lower phosphorylation of AKT at serine473. AKT may play a regulatory role in fasting-induced insulin resistance. Whether the decrease in AKT can be attributed to the trend to higher muscle ceramide remains unanswered.
The Common P450 Oxidoreductase Variant A503V Is Not a Modifier Gene for 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency
Authors: Gomes Larissa G. , Huang Ningwu , Agrawal Vishal , Mendonça Berenice B. , Bachega Tania A. S. S. , Miller Walter L. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Context: 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is a common genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CYP21A2 gene, which encodes the adrenal 21-hydroxylase, microsomal P450c21. CYP21A2 gene mutations generally correlate well with impaired P450c21 enzymatic activity and the clinical findings in 21OHD, but occasional discrepancies between genotype and phenotype suggest the effects of modifier genes. Mutations in P450 oxidoreductase (POR), the protein that transfers electrons from reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate to all microsomal P450s, can ameliorate the 21OHD phenotype and, therefore, could be a modifier gene.
Objectives: We sought to identify POR variants in patients with 21OHD having discordant phenotype and genotype, and to evaluate their effect on 21-hydroxylase activity.
Patients and Methods: We determined the CYP21A2 genotypes of 313 Brazilian patients with 21OHD and correlated the genotype and phenotype. The POR gene was sequenced in 17 patients with discordant genotype and phenotype. Wild-type and A503V POR, and P450c21 were expressed in bacteria and reconstituted in vitro. Activities were assayed by conversion of [14C]progesterone to deoxycorticosterone and [3H]17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol, and assessed by thin layer chromatography and phosphorimaging.
Results: The A503V POR variant was found in 10 of 30 alleles, the same ratio as in the normal population. There were no significant differences in Michaelis constant, maximum velocity and maximum velocity/Michaelis constant of 21-hydroxylase activity supported by wild-type and A503V POR.
Conclusion: The only POR missense polymorphism found in atypical 21OHD patients was A503V. Although A503V reduces P450c17 enzymatic activity, it does not influence P450c21 activity, indicating that POR A503V does not modify the 21OHD phenotype.
Temperature Dependence of Physical Constants of Monofluorinated Propylene Carbonate as Highly Polar Liquid
Authors: Nanbu Noritoshi , Takimoto Kazuki , Suzuki Keita , Ohtake Manabu , Hagiyama Kousuke , Takehara Masahiro , Ue Makoto , Sasaki Yukio 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We describe the temperature dependence of relative permittivity (εr), mass density (ρ), refractive index (nD), and dynamic viscosity (η) of monofluorinated propylene carbonate (FPC) as a highly polar liquid. The physical properties are compared with those of propylene carbonate (PC). The value of εr of FPC is as large as 196 even at 20 °C. The ρ and η of FPC are also much higher than those of PC.
A Convenient Inorganic Solvent Thermal Route to Nanocrystalline Tantalum Diboride
Authors: Ma Jianhua , Du Yihong 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Nanocrystalline TaB2 has been prepared via a simple inorganic solvent thermal route by the reaction of metallic magnesium powders with tantalum pentoxide and boric acid in an autoclave at 650 °C. X-ray powder diffraction patterns indicate that the product was hexagonal tantalum diboride. Scanning electron microscopy images show that it consisted of particles with an average size of about 40 nm. The product was also studied by BET and TGA.
A Simple and Efficient Protocol for Chlorination of Baylis–Hillman Adducts Using PPh3/CCl4
Authors: Das Biswanath , Kanth Boddu Shashi , Reddy Kongara Ravinder , Satyalakshmi Gandham , Kumar Rathod Aravind 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
PPh3/CCl4 system has been employed for the stereoselective synthesis of (Z)- and (E)-allyl chlorides from Baylis–Hillman adducts in excellent yields.
An Acid Dissociation Constant (pKa)-based Screening of Chemical Absorbents that Preferably Capture and Release Pressurized Carbon Dioxide for Greenhouse Gas Control
Authors: Tomizaki Kin-ya , Shimizu Shinkichi , Onoda Masami , Fujioka Yuichi 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We describe an acid dissociation constant (pKa)-based screening of chemical absorbents to treat a gas stream containing carbon dioxide (CO2) in a wide range of partial pressures (0.1–4 MPa). The solubility differences of CO2 in aqueous amine solutions at 40 and 70 °C plotted against pKa revealed volcano-shaped profiles. The availability of amines with pKa values suitable for capture/release cycles of CO2 with targeted partial pressures shows that the pKa-based screening method would be useful to develop advanced greenhouse gas control technologies.
Role of Hydroxocobalamin in Acute Cyanide Poisoning
Authors: Shepherd Greene , Velez Larissa I 
Published: April 2008

Objective: To review the recently approved cyanide antidote, hydroxocobalamin, and describe its role in therapy. Data Sources: Relevant publications were identified through a systematic search of PubMed using the MeSH terms and key words hydroxocobalamin and cyanide. This search was then limited to human studies published since 2000. Systematic searches were conducted through January 2008. References from identified articles were reviewed for additional pertinent human studies. Study Selection and Data Extraction: The literature search retrieved 7 studies on the safety and/or efficacy of hydroxocobalamin in humans. Four new studies were identified by the search and 3 studies were identified from the references. Data Synthesis: Studies of antidote efficacy in humans are ethically and logistically difficult. A preclinical study demonstrated that intravenous doses of hydroxocobalamin 5 g are well tolerated by volunteer subjects. Hydroxocobalamin has been shown to reduce cyanide concentrations in controlled studies of nitroprusside therapy and in heavy smokers. A retrospective study of 14 acute cyanide poisonings also demonstrated hydroxocobalamin's safety and efficacy. Two studies examining hydroxocobalamin for smoke inhalation-associated cyanide poisoning indicated a possible benefit, but they are insufficient to establish definitive criteria for use in this setting. Randomized controlled trials of hydroxocobalamin and traditional cyanide antidotes (nitrites/thiosulfate) are lacking. Conclusions: Cyanide poisoning can rapidly cause death. Having an effective antidote readily available is essential for facilities that provide emergency care. In cases of cyanide ingestion, both the nitrite/thiosulfate combination and hydroxocobalamin are effective antidotes. Hydroxocobalamin offers an improved safety profile lor children and pregnant women. Hydroxocobalamin also appears to have a better safety profile in the setting of cyanide poisoning in conjunction with smoke inhalation. However, current data are insufficient to recommend the empiric administration of hydroxocobalamin to all victims of smoke inhalation.
Application of FDA Adverse Event Report Data to the Surveillance of Dietary Botanical Supplements
Authors: Wallace Robert B , Gryzlak Brian M , Zimmerman M Bridget , Nisly Nicole L 
Published: April 2008

Background: Concerns have been raised about the sufficiency of dietary botanical supplement (DBS) surveillance in the US. The Food and Drug Administration's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Adverse Event Reporting System (CAERS) represents one of the few existing surveillance mechanisms, but it has not been well characterized with respect to DBS adverse effects. Objective: To characterize data on DBSs associated with adverse event reports submitted to CAERS. Methods: We requested and obtained CAERS data from 1999 to 2003 involving adverse effects associated with the 6 most frequently used DBSs: Echinacea, ginseng, garlic, Ginkgo biloba, St. John's wort, and peppermint. We summarized and characterized the adverse event reports received, focusing on the composition of the DBSs and the nature of associated adverse events. We also cross-referenced reported single-ingredient DBSs with corresponding available product information. A sample of CAERS cases associated with signal DBSs was also characterized in detail. Results: CAERS reports involving ginseng DBSs were most frequently reported during the study period, whereas reports involving St. John's wort were the least frequently reported. Most CAERS reports involved multiple-ingredient DBSs, and 3-13% of reports involved multiple DBSs. Gastrointestinal and neurologic problems were the most common clinical outcomes among single-ingredient DBS-associated adverse events. Conclusions: CAERS surveillance of DBS adverse effects is potentially as effective as other passive surveillance methods, but the number of reports is relatively small, validation is incomplete, and some inconsistencies within reports were found. Reports in CAERS may underrepresent DBS adverse events associated with DBS consumption.
The First Ten Minutes: Clinicians' Perspectives on Engaging Adolescents in Therapy
Authors: Keating Vanessa , Cosgrave Elizabeth 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe objective of this article is to outline factors for consideration in the successful engagement of adolescents in therapy. Adolescents face a number of barriers that can affect their ability to successfully engage with mental health clinicians (Booth, et al., 2004). Those working with this population should have a keen awareness of these barriers and their impact. As a first step, preparation for the initial interview with an adolescent is vital. Careful thought should be given to those involved in the assessment process and the manner of their involvement, giving the adolescent as much input as possible. The importance of an honest and respectful attitude should not be underestimated.