bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthy and unhealthy dependence: Implications for major depression
Authors: Schulte Fiona S. , Mongrain Myriam , Flora David B. 
Published: April 2008

ObjectivesTo examine the contribution of varying levels of dependency to Axis I and Axis II disorders, and to the recurrence of major depression in a graduate student sample diagnosed with a history of the disorder.MethodsAt Time 1, participants were interviewed to confirm a current or past episode of major depression along with the presence of Axis II and other current or past Axis I disorders. Various measures of dependency were administered including the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt, D'Afflitti, & Quinlan, 1976), the 3‐Vector Dependency Inventory (3VDI; Pincus & Gurtman, 1995), and the Personal Style Inventory (PSI; Robins et al., 1994). Participants were interviewed 20 months later to determine the recurrence of a depressive episode.ResultsA factor analysis conducted on scale scores for each dependency measure resulted in three factors labelled ‘unhealthy’, ‘intermediate’, and ‘healthy’ dependence. Controlling for history of major depression, structural equation modelling found ‘unhealthy’ dependence to be the only predictor of recurrences of major depression and Axis II disorders, while ‘healthy’ dependence was related to fewer depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThese results have important implications for the conceptualization of the dependency construct.
The structure of the causal attribution belief network of patients with obesity
Authors: Brogan A. , Hevey D. 
Published: April 2008

Objectives. Causal attributions form a significant part of how people understand and represent illness. The present study explored the structure of causal attributions in obesity using network analysis and examined the specific properties of this network in terms of extent, patterning, and direction.Design. Cross‐sectional study.Methods. Seventy‐two obese individuals (22 male, 50 female) completed a questionnaire, which asked them to rate the strength of all causal relationships between nine possible causes of obesity. Inductive eliminative analysis (IEA) was used to produce the networks and multidimensional scaling (MDS) determined the spatial structure of the network.Results. A high percentage (70.4%) of participants endorsed the resultant network. Analysis revealed a two‐dimensional solution, with the MDS statistics of low level of stress (.05) and a dispersion accounted for (DAF) of .95 indicating a good fit between the data and the solution. The results indicated traumatic events, family problems, and addictive personality were perceived as distal causes of over‐eating and comfort eating, while more passive behaviours, less physical activity, over‐eating, and comfort eating were perceived as proximal causes of obesity. Family history did not contribute to the network.Conclusions. Obese individuals appeared to hold a highly consensual and complex representation of their illness. From a multidisciplinary treatment perspective, this understanding would seem valuable in relation to achieving behaviour change.
Hasty decision‐making in a variety of tasks: Does it contribute to the development of delusions?
Authors: Ziegler Michael. , Rief Winfried. , Werner Sarah‐M. , Mehl Stephanie. , Lincoln Tania M. 
Published: April 2008

Objectives. The finding that persons with delusions tend to jump‐to‐conclusions (JTC) in the beads task has often been replicated. This study investigates whether hasty decision‐making in the beads task is associated with hasty decisions in tasks with more relevance for everyday decision‐making. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that hasty decisions in these tasks will be associated with subclinical delusional beliefs.Design. A correlational study.Methods. A sample of students (N=85) completed the beads task and three additional non‐probabilistic decision‐tasks. Subclinical delusional beliefs were assessed using the Peters et al. delusions inventory (PDI; Peters, Joseph, & Garety, 1999).Results. In support of the hypothesis, participants with hasty decisions in the beads task also made hasty decisions in two of the other tasks. Hasty decisions were only associated with higher subclinical delusional beliefs in one of the tasks (a letter recognition task).Conclusions. Decision‐making in the beads task can be generalized to decisions in other contexts. Other decision‐making tasks may be more closely related to delusions than the beads task.
Body mass index and ovarian function are associated with endocrine and metabolic abnormalities in women with hyperandrogenic syndrome
Authors: Cupisti S , Kajaia N , Dittrich R , Duezenli H , W Beckmann M , Mueller A 
Published: April 2008

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate associations of clinical features, such as hirsutism, polycystic ovaries (PCOs), ovulatory dysfunction, and body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2, with metabolic abnormalities in hyperandrogenic women.MethodsHirsutism was based on the modified Ferriman–Gallwey score. Ovulatory function was classified as eumenorrhea, oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea, and PCOs were assessed using the ultrasound criteria recommended in the Rotterdam definition. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Different insulin resistance (IR) indices were calculated.ResultsHirsute women had significantly higher BMI, DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) and free androgen index (FAI), and significantly lower values for sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Women with amenorrhea were younger in comparison to women with eumenorrhea and had significantly higher values for fasting insulin (FI) and 1- and 2-h insulin levels; lower values for glucose to insulin ratio (GIR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and SHBG. Women with PCO had significantly higher levels of LH and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were significantly lower. Women with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had significantly higher values for age, fasting plasma glucose, FI, and 1- and 2-h glucose and insulin levels, homeostatic model for assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), homeostatic model for assessment of B-cell function (HOMA-B), and FAI, whereas their GIR, insulin sensitivity index, QUICKI, SHBG, and HDL were significantly lower.ConclusionsIn women with hyperandrogenic syndrome, BMI≥25 kg/m2 and amenorrhea appear to be associated with severe endocrine and metabolic abnormalities.
Association between gynecomastia and aromatase (CYP19) polymorphisms
Authors: Czajka-Oraniec Izabella , Zgliczynski Wojciech , Kurylowicz Alina , Mikula Michal , Ostrowski Jerzy 
Published: April 2008

ObjectiveAromatase cytochrome P45019 (CYP19) is a key enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis, and polymorphisms within its gene are associated with an increased risk of estrogen-dependent diseases. Enhanced estrogen stimulation of breast tissue in men may lead to gynecomastia. We assessed whether intron 4 (TTTA)n repeat and TCT deletion/insertion polymorphisms and an exon 10 (3′-UTR) C/T single nucleotide polymorphism of CYP19 are associated with gynecomastia.Design/methodsWe performed a genetic association study of 100 patients referred to the endocrinological outpatient clinic with breast glandular tissue enlargement confirmed by clinical and ultrasound examinations and 99 healthy volunteers without gynecomastia. Microsatellite (TTTA)n and insertion/deletion polymorphisms were studied using capillary electrophoresis, and the C/T polymorphism in the 3′-UTR was analyzed using the TaqMan assay.ResultsSignificantly increased risk of gynecomastia was found in subjects carrying a CYP19 exon 10 T allele that was previously related to the high aromatase activity. Frequency of the TT genotype was significantly higher in patients when compared with controls (40.6 vs 26.3%; TT versus CT and CC genotypes; Pc<0.05). We found strong linkage disequilibrium between the alleles of studied polymorphic loci. T allele in the 3′-UTR was in linkage disequilibrium with the long alleles of the intron 4 polymorphism, mainly (TTTA)11. However, our findings did not show significant correlation of alleles having more than nine TTTA repeats with gynecomastia.ConclusionsThe CYP19 polymorphisms might contribute to the incidence of gynecomastia, but further studies in larger groups are needed to confirm these results.
Natural course of small adrenal lesions in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: an endoscopic ultrasound imaging study
Authors: Schaefer S , Shipotko M , Meyer S , Ivan D , Klose K J , Waldmann J , Langer P , Kann P H 
Published: April 2008

ObjectiveAdrenal lesion is one of the features of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). This study aimed to assess prevalence, natural course and clinical relevance of small adrenal lesions without clinical symptoms, endocrine activity, or mechanical problems and thus without clear indication for surgical therapy by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).Design and methodsForty-nine patients with familial MEN1 were studied. Twenty-seven of these with adrenal lesions were detected by EUS and at least two performed EUS examinations were included into a subgroup where changes in adrenal morphology were studied by measuring changes in the largest diameter of the dominant adrenal tumour.ResultsEUS detected adrenal lesions in 36 (73%) patients: 6 (12%) plump adrenals, 17 (35%) nodular hyperplasia, 12 (24%) adenomas and 1 (2%) cyst. Bilateral adrenal lesions were detected in 17 patients and unilateral in 19 patients. A change in the largest tumour diameter was found to be for nodular hyperplasia −0.02±1.41% per month (range −2.56 to 4.58%) and for adenomas −0.61±1.95% per month (range −6.25 to 1.15%). One patient had an adrenal cyst with significant growth. There was no evidence of carcinoma or metastatic disease during the study.ConclusionsThe prevalence of adrenal lesions in MEN1 is higher than that reported earlier. Except one cystic lesion, no significant change in the tumour size was observed over a mean observation period of more than 2 years. In a typical situation, small adrenal lesions in MEN1 seem to be constant in their morphology.
Association between tumoral GH-releasing peptide receptor type 1a mRNA expression and in vivo response to GH-releasing peptide-6 in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome patients
Authors: Machado Marcio Carlos , Valeria de Sa Sandra , Correa-Giannella Maria Lucia , Giorgi Ricardo Rodrigues , Pereira Maria Adelaide Albergaria , Cescato Valter Angelo S , Giannella-Neto Daniel , Salgado Luiz Roberto 
Published: April 2008

ObjectiveGH secretagogues (GHS) produce exaggerated ACTH and cortisol responses in Cushing's disease (CD) patients, attributable to their direct action on GH-releasing peptide receptor type 1a (GHSR-1a). However, there are no studies correlating the in vivo response to GHS and GHSR-1a mRNA expression in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS) patients. The aim of this study is to correlate the patterns of ACTH and cortisol response to GH-releasing peptide-6 (GHRP-6) to GHSR-1a expression in ACTH-dependent CS patients.DesignProspective study in a tertiary referral hospital center. Fifteen CD patients and two ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) patients were studied.MethodsTumor fragments were submitted to RNA extraction, and GHSR-1a expression was studied through real-time qPCR and compared with normal tissue samples. The patients were also submitted to desmopressin test and vasopressin receptor type 1B (AVPR1B) mRNA analysis by qPCR.ResultsGHSR-1a expression was similar in normal pituitary samples and in corticotrophic tumor samples. GHSR-1a expression was higher in patients (CD and EAS) presenting in vivo response to GHRP-6. Higher expression of AVPR1B was observed in the EAS patients responsive to desmopressin, as well as in corticotrophic tumors, as compared with normal pituitary samples, but no correlation between AVPR1B expression and response to desmopressin was observed in the CD patients.ConclusionsOur results revealed a higher expression of GHSR-1a in the ACTH-dependent CS patients responsive to GHRP-6, suggesting an association between receptor gene expression and in vivo response to the secretagogue in both the CD and the EAS patients.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase intron 4a/b polymorphism and early atherosclerotic changes in hypopituitary GH-deficient adult patients
Authors: Sen Fatma , Demirturk Mustafa , Abaci Neslihan , Golcuk Ebru , Oflaz Huseyin , Elitok Ali , Kutluturk Faruk , Issever Halim , Unaltuna Nihan Erginel , Ozbey Nese Colak 
Published: April 2008

ObjectiveEndothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) intron 4a/b polymorphism is associated with plasma NO concentrations and coronary artery disease/hypertension in various populations. GH deficiency in adulthood predisposes to reduced NO concentrations and premature atherosclerosis. Our aim was to determine whether intron 4a/b polymorphism of eNOS gene influences endothelial function and early atherosclerotic changes in GH-deficient hypopituitary patients.DesignThirty-three hypopituitary GH-deficient patients on conventional replacement therapy other than GH and 43 age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls were studied in this cross-sectional case–control study.MethodsEarly atherosclerotic changes were determined by flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of brachial artery and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT). eNOS4a/b polymorphism was detected by PCR.ResultsHypopituitary patients had significantly higher total/low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and fat mass and lower IGF-I concentrations compared with controls. IMT was significantly higher in patients (0.777±0.23 vs 0.639±0.17 mm, P<0.01). No significant difference was observed with respect to FMD measurements. eNOS4a/b genotype frequencies were similar between patients and controls. Patients carrying ‘a’ allele (a/a and a/b) had significantly higher IMT compared with controls carrying ‘a’ allele and bb genotype (P<0.05). However, logistic regression analysis revealed that presence of hypopituitarism, age≥45 years, and BMI≥27.9 kg/m2 were significant independent predictors of IMT≥0.65 mm.ConclusionNo compelling data are evident to suggest that eNOS4a/b polymorphism modifies the atherosclerotic process in GH-deficient situations. A large case–control study is needed to confirm our findings.
Significance of low levels of thyroglobulin in fine needle aspirates from cervical lymph nodes of patients with a history of differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Borel Anne-Laure , Boizel Robert , Faure Patrice , Barbe Geneviève , Boutonnat Jean , Sturm Nathalie , Seigneurin Daniel , Bricault Ivan , Caravel Jean-Pierre , Chaffanjon Philippe , Chabre Olivier 
Published: April 2008

ObjectiveMeasurement of thyroglobulin in the washout of lymph node (LN) fine needle aspirates is recommended in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The significance of low fine needle aspirates thyroglobin (FNATg) levels remains a question, which we addressed.MethodProspective study comparing FNATg with FNA cytology. Exploration of 34 DTC patients (53 cervical LNs), 26 non-thyroidectomized patients with a thyroid-unrelated cervical mass (negative controls) and 13 with 21 thyroid nodules (positive controls). The 12 DTC patients (19 LNs) with a malignant FNA cytology and/or high FNATg level received LN surgery (11 patients) or I131-iodine treatment (1 patient) and the outcome measure was pathological or scintigraphic evidence of DTC LN metastasis.ResultsAll 26 negative controls showed FNATg <1 ng/FNA and all 21 positive controls showed high levels of FNATg (127–210 000 ng/FNA, median 38 000). Among DTC patients in 25 LNs with a benign FNA cytology, FNATg was undetectable in 24 and low in 1 (6 ng/FNA); in 19 LNs with a malignant FNA cytology, FNATg was high in 17 (80–140 000 ng/FNA, median 7174 ng/FNA) and low in 2 (6.6 and 7.1 ng/FNA), which proved to be low Tg immunostaining oncocytic DTC metastasis; in 9 LNs with a non-informative cytology, FNATg was undetectable in 8 but 11 825 ng/FNA in 1, which proved a DTC metastasis. Measurement of FNA albumin demonstrated that contamination of FNA by serum proteins was negligible.ConclusionLow FNATg levels can indicate a DTC metastasis. It cannot be related to clinically relevant levels of serum Tg.
Variation in the bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene: effects on fat and lean body mass in young and elderly women
Authors: McGuigan Fiona , Larzenius Emma , Callreus Mattias , Gerdhem Paul , Luthman Holger , Åkesson Kristina 
Published: April 2008

ObjectiveBone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) plays a critical role in osteoblastogenesis and adipogenesis from osteoprogenitor cells. The balance between osteogenic and adipogenic effects is influenced by BMP2 concentration, transcription factors and age. BMP2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may contribute to osteoporosis risk, but the relationship between adiposity and body composition has not been explored. We investigated the relationship between BMP2 polymorphisms and body composition in young and elderly women.DesignPopulation-based association study.MethodsFour BMP2 SNPs studied. Total body fat and lean mass measured by DEXA in two cohorts: ‘PEAK-25’ women aged 25 (±0.00) (n=993) and osteoporosis prospective risk assessment (OPRA) women aged 75 (±0.00) years (n=1001).ResultsWe found no association between BMP2 SNPs and fat or lean mass, however, we observed consistent although non-significant trends. Polymorphisms, rs235767 and Ser37Ala, exerted opposing effects on most parameters of soft tissue and bone mass in both cohorts. This relationship appeared to be age specific with large differences between alleles observed (fat mass; Ser37Ala: 14.3% (PEAK-25), −3.5% (OPRA)). These initial results appear to suggest that alleles exerting a beneficial effect in young women may subsequently contribute to phenotypes associated with osteoporosis risk in elderly women.ConclusionsWhile further analyses in other comparative populations are necessary, in this study of almost 2000 women we observed interesting, although non-significant trends, regarding the effects of variation in the BMP2 gene on parameters of body mass. Although the exact nature of the relationship remains uncertain, we suggest that the mechanisms are influenced by age and environmental factors.
Evaluation of health-related quality of life in patients with Cushing's syndrome with a new questionnaire
Authors: Webb S M , Badia X , Barahona M J , Colao A , Strasburger C J , Tabarin A , van Aken M O , Pivonello R , Stalla G , Lamberts S W J , Glusman J E 
Published: April 2008

Chronic exposure to hypercortisolism has significant impact on patient's health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), as demonstrated with generic questionnaires. We have developed a disease-generated questionnaire to evaluate HRQoL in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS; CushingQoL).ObjectiveValidate the CushingQoL questionnaire in patients with CS in clinical practice conditions.DesignObservational, international, cross-sectional study.MethodsA total of 125 patients were recruited by 14 investigators from Spain, France, Germany, The Netherlands, and Italy over a 2-month period. Clinical and hormonal data were collected and correlated with results of the generic short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, a question on self-perceived general health status and the CushingQoL score.ResultsA total of 107 patients were pituitary-dependent and 18 adrenal-dependent CS; 104 (83%) were females, mean age 45 years (range 20–73 years); 39 (31%) were currently hypercortisolemic; and 47 (38%) adrenal insufficient. In clinical practice, CushingQoL was feasible (117; 94% of patients fully responded to the questionnaire in a mean time of 4 min), reliable (Crohnbach's α=0.87), and valid (factorial analysis demonstrated unidimensionality and Rasch analysis lead to a final version with 12 items). A significant (P<0.001) correlation was observed between CushingQoL score and patients self-perceived general health status and dimensions of SF-36 (Pearson's correlation coefficient ≥0.597). Patients with current hypercortisolism scored worse (lower) than those without (44±22 vs 56±21, P=0.004). Linear regression analysis identified female gender and hypercortisolism as significant predictors for worse QoL.ConclusionCushingQoL is useful to evaluate HRQoL in patients with CS and correlates with clinical parameters.
Variations in the uncoupling protein-3 gene are associated with specific obesity phenotypes
Authors: van Abeelen Annet F M , de Krom Mariken , Hendriks Judith , Grobbee Diederick E , Adan Roger A H , van der Schouw Yvonne T 
Published: April 2008

ObjectiveUncoupling protein 3 (UCP-3) uncouples oxidative metabolism from ATP synthesis, resulting in the production of heat instead of energy storage. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in UCP-3 might result in a reduced function or expression of UCP-3 and therefore lead to an increased capacity to store energy as fat.DesignWe conducted a population-based, cross-sectional single-center study among 400 Dutch men between 40 and 80 years.MethodsSeven SNPs in the UCP-3 gene were genotyped by means of an allele-specific real-time TaqMan PCR. Linear regression analyses were performed to examine the independent effects of these SNPs on obesity phenotypes.ResultsWe found a significant association between homozygosity for the minor allele of rs647126, rs1685356, and rs2075577 and an increase in body mass index (BMI; P=0.033, P=0.016, and P=0.019 respectively). Heterozygosity for rs1685354 was associated with a significant decrease in visceral fat mass (P=0.030).ConclusionsOur results suggest that genetic variations in the UCP-3 gene are associated with an increase in BMI. A plausible mechanism by which these SNPs lead to an increase in BMI is that due to these SNPs, the UCP-3 activity might be decreased. As a result, uncoupling activity may also decrease, which will lead to an increase in body weight and BMI.
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I in Slovakia: relevance of screening patients with autoimmune Addison's disease
Authors: F. Magitta Ng'weina , Pura Mikuláš , S Bøe Wolff Anette , Vanuga Peter , Meager Anthony , M Knappskog Per , Husebye Eystein S 
Published: April 2008

BackgroundAutoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I) is a monogenic disease affecting endocrine glands and other organs due to mutations of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. There is a wide variability in clinical phenotypes in patients with APS I, which makes the diagnosis a challenge.ObjectiveTo screen for APS I among Slovakian patients with sporadic Addison's disease and clinical features that raised the suspicion of APS I.MethodsAll 14 exons and exon–intron boundaries of the AIRE gene were sequenced. In addition, autoantibodies specific for Addison's disease and polyendocrine syndromes were assayed.ResultsUsing clinical criteria we identified four patients with APS I in three families. Two patients had a novel missense mutation in exon 2 (c.274C>T, p.R92W) and either the Finnish major mutation (c.769C>T) or the common 13 bp deletion (c.967–979del13bp). APS I was diagnosed in a brother of the latter after his death due to an adrenal crisis. A fourth patient had primary adrenal failure and hypoparathyroidism without AIRE mutations or APS-I specific autoantibodies.ConclusionsFour patients with APS I were found in a Slovakian cohort of Addison patients, although the lack of detectable AIRE mutations and APS I-specific autoantibodies raises uncertainty regarding the pathogenesis in one of the patients. This study demonstrates the merits of screening patients with phenotypic features or autoantibody findings that could indicate APS I, even in adult patients. It is necessary to identify APS I patients in order to provide appropriate treatment and follow-up of the various components of APS I.