bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel insulin analogues and its mitogenic potential
Authors: Zib Ivana , Raskin Philip 
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Insulin analogues were developed to modify the structure of the human insulin molecule in order to more accurately approximate the endogenous secretion of insulin. With the help of recombinant technology and site‐directed mutagenesis, the insulin molecule can be modified to either delay or shorten absorption time, providing better insulin treatment options and facilitating the achievement of glycaemic goals. Changing the structure of the insulin molecule, however, may significantly alter both its metabolic and mitogenic activity. Multiple factors such as residence time on the receptor, dissociation rate, rate of receptor internalization and the degree of phosphorylation of signalling proteins can affect the mitogenic potencies of insulin analogues.Changes in the structure of the insulin have raised concern about the safety of the insulin analogues. For example, questions have emerged about the relationship between the use of insulin lispro and insulin glargine and the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Two studies have shown progression of retinopathy with the use of insulin lispro. However, others have not confirmed these results, and causality could not be proven as progression of retinopathy can occur with rapid improvement in glycaemic control, and methods of assessments among studies were not consistent.Therefore, we examine the metabolic and mitogenic characteristics of the three insulin analogues, insulin lispro, insulin aspart and insulin glargine, that are currently on the market, as well as the two insulin analogues, insulin glulisine and insulin detemir, that are soon going to be available for clinical use.
Efficacy of two chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solutions in the therapy of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects and ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy in dogs
Authors: Ledbetter Eric C. , Munger Robert J. , Ring Rachel D. , Scarlett Janet M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective  To determine the efficacy of two antimicrobial‐chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solutions in the therapy of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCED) and ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy in dogs.Animals Studied  Eighty dogs with SCCED and 14 dogs with ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy.Procedure  Following manual debridement of nonadherent epithelium, dogs were treated topically with a chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solution containing either tobramycin or ciprofloxacin. Patients were re‐evaluated at 2‐week intervals for 4 weeks.Results  After 2 weeks of treatment, 53.6% of eyes with SCCED and 17.6% of eyes with ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy had healed. After 4 weeks of treatment, 81.0% of eyes with SCCED and 23.5% of eyes with ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy had healed. There were no statistically significant differences in healing percentages between the tobramycin‐chondroitin sulfate solution treatment groups and the ciprofloxacin‐chondroitin sulfate solution treatment groups. Two dogs with SCCED, one treated with the tobramycin‐chondroitin sulfate solution and the other treated with the ciprofloxacin‐chondroitin sulfate solution, developed sterile corneal stromal abscesses during the study.Conclusions Topical therapy with an antimicrobial‐chondroitin sulfate ophthalmic solution combined with manual debridement of nonadherent epithelium compares favorably with other published medical and surgical therapies for SCCED; however, these compounds are only equivocally more effective than therapy with manual debridement alone. These solutions appear to be ineffective in the treatment of ulcerative keratitis associated with bullous keratopathy. The significance of the two cases of corneal stromal abscessation is unknown at this time and warrants further investigation.
Dacryocystomaxillorhinostomy for chronic dacryocystitis in a dog
Authors: Giuliano Elizabeth A. , Pope Eric R. , Champagne Erin S. , Moore Cecil P. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA 10‐year‐old female spayed Vizsla had intermittent mucoid ocular discharge from the right eye for 7 years. History, clinical findings, imaging studies, and culture and histopathology results confirmed chronic dacryocystitis with granuloma. A dacryocystomaxillorhinostomy was performed to preserve the functional portions of the nasolacrimal system remaining in this patient, as well as to promote healing of the lacrimal sac granuloma and secondary infection. Complete resolution of the clinical abnormalities was achieved, and the dog remains healthy 3 years postoperatively.
The phenol red thread tear test in large Psittaciformes
Authors: Holt Elaine , Rosenthal Karen , Shofer Frances S. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjective To develop a standard method for measuring tear production in large Psittaciformes using the phenol red thread (PRT) tear test. To establish mean PRT tear test values in clinically normal pet birds and to assess the reproducibility of the test.Animals Two geographically distinct populations of healthy, large Psittaciformes (pilot study and study population). Species groups include: cockatoo (17), macaw (22), Amazon (10), African gray (1), eclectus (1) and pionus (1).Procedure The PRT was placed under the upper eyelid and both eyelids were held closed throughout the test. The PRT tear test was repeated after 2 months in the pilot study and after approximately 5 min in the study population.Results The mean PRT tear test values for the pilot study were OD = 28.2 mm/15 s (± 6.3 mm), OS = 24.1 mm/15 s (± 6.6 mm) and OD = 25.4 mm/15 s (± 3.3 mm), OS = 25.5 mm/15 s (± 5.2 mm), for the first and second visits respectively. The mean PRT tear test value for the study population was: OD = 19.8 mm/15 s (± 4.3 mm), OS = 20.1 (± 3.9 mm) and OD = 20.0 mm/15 s (± 4.5 mm), OS = 19.1 mm/15 s (± 3.3 mm), for the first and second tests respectively. There was poor repeatability between tests.Conclusions and clinical relevance Results suggest that the PRT tear test is a practical method for measuring tear production in large Psittaciformes, although adaptations to the established diagnostic method are necessary to overcome some anatomical differences present in birds. Good reproducibility of the PRT tear test could not be demonstrated in a clinically normal population of birds but geographic location appears to significantly influence results.
Islamic Legal, Ethical, and Political Theory: The Search for the Good Society and the Moral Law
Authors: Anderson Owen 
Published: February 2006

Book reviewed: Standing Trial: Law and the Person in the Modern Middle East, Baudouin Dupret (ed.), I.B. Tauris 2004 (1‐86064‐997‐1), x + 382 pp., $75.00 Muslim Ethics: Emerging Vistas, Amyn B. Sajoo, I.B. Tauris 2004 (1‐85043‐550‐2), xvi + 164 pp., $39.50
History of the United Church of Christ
Authors: Gros Jeffrey 
Published: February 2006

Book reviewed: The Living Theological Heritage of the United Church of Christ, Barbara Brown Zikmund (ed.), Pilgrim Press 1995–2005. Vols I–VII Ancient and Medieval Legacies, Vol. I, Richard Ulrich (ed.), Pilgrim Press 1995 (0‐8298‐1064‐1), 583 pp., $60.00 Reformation Roots, Vol. II, John Payne (ed.), Pilgrim Press 1997 (0‐8298‐1143‐5), xii + 683 pp., $60.00 Colonial and National Beginnings, Vol. III, Charles Hambrick‐Stowe (ed.), Pilgrim Press 1998 (0‐8298‐1113‐3), x + 518 pp., $60.00 Consolidation and Expansion, Vol. IV, Elizabeth Nordbeck, Lowell Zuck (eds), Pilgrim Press 1999 (0‐8298‐1110‐9), xvi + 668 pp., $60.00 Outreach and Diversity, Vol. V, Margaret Lamberts Bendroth, Lawrence Jones, Robert Schneider (eds), Pilgrim Press 2000 (0‐8298‐1111‐7), xiv + 536 pp., $60.00 Growing Toward Unity, Vol. VI, Elsabeth Slaughter Hilke (ed.), Pilgrim Press 2001 (0‐8298‐1112‐5), xvi + 744 pp., $70.00 United and Uniting, Vol. VII, Frederick Trost, Barbara Brown Zikmund (eds), Pilgrim Press 2005 (0‐8298‐1113‐3), xx + 828 pp., $70.00
Long‐term safety and efficacy of poly‐L‐lactic acid in the treatment of HIV‐related facial lipoatrophy
Authors: Moyle GJ , Brown S , Lysakova L , Barton SE 
Published: February 2006

ObjectiveWe evaluated the long‐term safety and efficacy of injectable poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) for the correction of facial lipoatrophy.MethodsThis was a randomized, open‐label, comparative, single‐centre study of injected PLLA in patients with HIV‐related facial lipoatrophy. Thirty subjects were randomized to immediate or delayed PLLA treatments, administered as three sets of bilateral injections, 2 weeks apart, into the deep dermis above the buccal fat pad. Week 24 results have been published previously (Moyle et al, HIV Medicine 2004, Vol. 5, pp. 82–87). Long‐term efficacy was assessed at a recall visit using visual analogue scales (VASs) to record patient satisfaction, and by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patients also reported any adverse events (AEs) during the treatment period and at the recall visit.ResultsTwenty‐seven patients returned for the recall visit, a minimum of 18 months post final study treatment. Fourteen of these patients were excluded from the recall visit because of additional treatment with PLLA. Improvements in VAS scores for facial appearance were sustained from baseline to the recall visit in both randomization groups (P<0.05 and P<0.001). Trends in improvement in HADS scores were also noted, with patients in the delayed group experiencing significant improvements in depressive symptoms (P<0.05). One case of injection‐site induration and nine cases of injection‐site nodules were noted at the recall visit, none of which was described as serious or severe.ConclusionsPhysical and psychological benefits of PLLA are sustained over at least 18 months. Delayed AEs include mild nodularity at the treatment site.
Effects of nandrolone decanoate compared with placebo or testosterone on HIV‐associated wasting
Authors: Gold J , Batterham MJ , Rekers H , Harms MK , Geurts TBP , Helmyr PME , Silva de Mendonça J , Falleiros Carvalho LH , Panos G , Pinchera A , Aiuti F , Lee C , Horban A , Gatell J , Phanuphak P , Prasithsirikul W , Gazzard B , Bloch M , Danner SA 
Published: February 2006

ObjectivesCurrent research is unclear about the most effective pharmacological agents for managing the loss of weight and fat‐free mass common in HIV/AIDS. The aim of this study was to compare nandrolone decanoate with placebo and testosterone.MethodsThe study was a multicentre randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. Three hundred and three adult HIV‐positive male patients with a weight loss of 5–15% in the last 12 months, or a body mass index of 17–19 kg/m2, or a body cell mass/height ratio lower than 13.5 kg/m, were randomly assigned to receive nandrolone decanoate (150 mg), testosterone (250 mg) or placebo intramuscularly every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Fat‐free mass, weight, immune markers and perception of treatment were the main outcome measures.ResultsTreatment with nandrolone resulted in significantly greater increases in fat‐free mass [mean increase 1.34 kg; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60; 2.08 kg] and in weight (mean increase 1.48 kg; 95% CI 0.82; 2.14 kg) compared with placebo. The mean increase in weight with nandrolone of 1.00 kg (95% CI 0.27; 1.74 kg) when compared with testosterone was significant, although the difference in fat free mass did not reach significance (mean increase 0.69 kg; 95% CI–0.13; 1.51 kg). Patient perception of benefit was significantly greater in the nandrolone group when compared with both the placebo and the testosterone groups.ConclusionsTreatment with nandrolone decanoate increased body weight when compared with placebo and testosterone. Nandrolone decanoate treatment resulted in greater increases in fat‐free mass than placebo and demonstrated a trend for a significant increase when compared with testosterone.
Glucose‐stimulated prehepatic insulin secretion is associated with circulating alanine, triglyceride, glucagon, lactate and TNF‐α in patients with HIV‐lipodystrophy
Authors: Haugaard SB , Andersen O , Pedersen SB , Dela F , Deacon CF , Holst JJ , Iversen J , Madsbad S 
Published: February 2006

ObjectivesWe examined whether insulin‐resistant lipodystrophic HIV‐infected patients with known high fasting prehepatic insulin secretion rates (FISRs) displayed alterations in first‐phase prehepatic insulin response to intravenous glucose (ISREG0–10min).MethodsEighteen normoglycaemic lipodystrophic HIV‐infected (LIPO) patients and 25 normoglycaemic nonlipodystrophic HIV‐infected patients (controls) were included in the study. The prehepatic insulin secretion rate was estimated by deconvolution of C‐peptide concentrations, and insulin sensitivity (SIRd) was estimated by the glucose clamp technique. The disposition index (Di=ISREG0–10min× SIRd) was calculated to estimate the β‐cell response relative to insulin sensitivity.ResultsFISR was increased by 69% (P<0.001), whereas median Di was decreased by 75% (P<0.01), primarily as a result of a reduction of SIRd by 60% (P<0.001) in LIPO patients compared with controls. Three LIPO groups were identified arbitrarily according to their FISR and ISREG0–10min values relative to those of controls. Four LIPO patients displayed high FISR [+3 standard deviations (SD), P<0.001], high ISREG0–10min (+3SD, P<0.001) and low SIRd (P<0.01), suggesting an intact B‐cell capacity to compensate insulin resistance; six LIPO patients exhibited high FISR (+3SD, P<0.001), low ISREG0–10min (−1SD, P=0.01), and low SIRd (P<0.01), suggesting depletion of readily releasable insulin stores; the remaining eight LIPO patients and controls displayed identical FISR and ISREG0–10min. Increased concentrations of the nonglucose insulin secretagogues triglyceride (+124%), alanine (+35%) and glucagon (+88%), and also lactate (+96%) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (+62%) were observed in the 10 LIPO patients with aberrations in FISR and ISREG0–10min compared with the remaining HIV‐infected patients (all P<0.05).ConclusionPlasma triglyceride, alanine, glucagon, lactate and TNF‐α may be associated with alterations in the first‐phase prehepatic insulin secretion response to intravenous glucose in normoglycaemic lipodystrophic HIV‐infected patients.
Effect of early and late GB virus C viraemia on survival of HIV‐infected individuals: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang W , Chaloner K , Tillmann HL , Williams CF , Stapleton JT 
Published: February 2006

ObjectivesTo conduct a meta‐analysis to synthesize the evidence regarding the effect of co‐infection with GB virus C (GBV‐C) on survival of HIV‐infected individuals, and to estimate the effect.MethodsA Bayesian meta‐analysis was conducted to synthesize evidence from eligible studies. Prospective survival studies of HIV‐1‐infected individuals, with outcome defined as time from baseline to all‐cause death, were included and classified by whether GBV‐C status was determined in early or late HIV disease. The primary measure was the hazard ratio (HR) of death for HIV‐infected individuals with GBV‐C infection versus those without GBV‐C infection.ResultsEleven studies from eight publications met the inclusion criteria. For studies with GBV‐C status measured 2 years or less after HIV seroconversion (912 subjects), the combined HR was 0.88 [95% credible interval (CI) 0.30, 1.50]. For studies with GBV‐C status measured more than 2 years after HIV seroconversion (1294 subjects), the combined HR was 0.41 (95% CI 0.23, 0.69).ConclusionsNo conclusive evidence was found of an association between survival and GBV‐C infection early in HIV disease. However, when GBV‐C infection was present later in HIV disease, a significant reduction in the hazard for mortality was observed for those with co‐infection. Potential explanations for this difference include a non‐proportional benefit of GBV‐C over time, possibly related to clearance of GBV‐C infection early in HIV disease. The timing of GBV‐C infection appears to account for the contradictory results of studies on the effect of GBV‐C coinfection on survival of HIV‐infected people.
The genetic rescue of the Florida panther
Authors: Pimm S. L. , Dollar L. , Bass O. L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractWe examine the consequences of panthers introduced from Texas into south Florida, an area housing a small, isolated, inbred and distinct subspecies (Puma concolor coryi). Once part of a continuous, widespread population, panthers became isolated in south Florida more than a century ago. Numbers declined and the occurrence of genetic defects increased. Hoping to reverse the genetic damage, managers introduced eight female panthers from Texas into south Florida in the mid‐1990s. This action was highly controversial and we explain the arguments for and against the intervention. We synthesized data systematically collected on the Florida panthers from before, during and after this management intervention. These data include information on movements, breeding, mortality, survivorship and range. There is no evidence that purebred Florida females produce fewer kittens at a later age or less often than do hybrid cats (i.e. those with a Texas ancestor). Hybrid kittens have about a three times higher chance of becoming adults as do purebred ones. Hybrid adult females survive better than purebred females; there is no obvious difference between the males. Males die younger than females, are more often killed by other males and are more likely to disperse longer distances into habitats that are dangerous to them. Hybrids are expanding the known range of habitats panthers occupy and use.
Impact of density‐dependent nest destruction on emergence success of Guianan leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea)
Authors: Caut S. , Hulin V. , Girondot M. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTo assess the impact of nest covering on a leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea nesting beach in French Guiana, we used field study data and a modelling approach. Field results showed that the covering of a pre‐existing nest by a new one causes the destruction of the older nest under some conditions of time and covering area, and almost always causes the destruction of the new nest. We then used field results to parameterize a theoretical model of the nesting beach. This allowed us to obtain a ‘critical carrying capacity for the beach’: the number of nests deposited for which the number of successful nests is maximum; when this number increases, the number of successful nests decreases. With these results, we then concluded that density‐dependent nest destruction plays a role in the functioning of the nesting beach. These results are essential for our understanding of nest‐site selection at the scale of the beach and its consequences.
Intergenerational effects of preterm birth and reduced intrauterine growth: a population‐based study of Swedish mother–offspring pairs
Authors: Selling KE , Carstensen J , Finnström O , Sydsjö G 
Published: February 2006

Objective  To estimate the intergenerational effects of preterm birth and reduced intrauterine growth.Design  Population‐based cohort study.Settings  Mother–first‐born offspring pairs recorded in the Swedish Medical Birth Registry.Population  Children born before 2001 to 38 720 women born in 1973–75.Methods  The relationships between the mother's and the child's birth characteristics were estimated using logistic regression analysis. Adjustments were made for smoking habits, body mass index (BMI), and current and childhood socio‐economic conditions. Analyses were performed on all mother–offspring pairs and on the pairs for which information on neither of the included background variables was missing (n= 24 520).Main outcome measures  Preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) and small for gestational age (SGA) (<−2 SD of the Swedish standard).Results  Mothers who themselves had been born preterm were not significantly more likely to deliver their own children preterm, compared with those who had been born at term (adjusted OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.95–1.62). Also, preterm birth in the mothers did not influence the occurrence of SGA in the children. However, the odds ratio for giving birth to SGA and preterm children, respectively, was higher among SGA mothers (OR 2.68, 95% CI 2.11–3.41 and OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.05–1.61). Mothers whose intrauterine growth was moderately reduced but who did not meet the criterion of being born SGA were also at higher risk of giving birth to both preterm and SGA children, respectively.Conclusions  The present study showed evidence of intergenerational effects of reduced intrauterine growth even when socio‐economic factors as well as BMI and smoking were adjusted for. There was, however, no consistent intergenerational effect of preterm birth.
Cisatracurium: myographical and electrophysiological studies in the isolated rat muscle
Authors: Serra C.S.M. , Oliveira A.C. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractMyographical and electrophysiological studies of cisatracurium were performed, in vitro, in the isolated sciatic nerve‐extensor digitorum longus muscle preparation of the rat. Indirect twitches were generated at 0.1 Hz and tetanic contractions at 50 Hz. endplate potentials (epps) were generated in trains of 50 Hz. The electrophysiological variables used in the analysis of the epps were: amplitude of the first epp in the train, average amplitude of the 30° to the 59° epp in the train (epps‐plateau), tetanic rundown (percent loss in amplitude of epps‐plateau relative to the first epp in the train), quantal size and quantal content. The myographical results showed that the inhibitory concentration 50% (IC50) of cisatracurium for the blockade of twitches (0.48 μm) is 12 times its IC50for the induction of tetanic fade (0.04 μm). The electrophysiological results showed a concentration dependent decrease in the amplitudes of first epps in the trains and of epps‐plateau in the two used concentrations (0.13 μmand 0.38 μm). The tetanic rundown was intensified only in the presence of the higher (0.38 μm) concentration of cisatracurium. In cisatracurium 0.13 μm(a concentration which affects only tetanic contractions, inducing their fade, while leaving the twitch unaffected) there was a decrease in the quantal content of the first epp and of epps‐plateau in the train. In cisatracurium (0.38 μm), a concentration, which affects the twitch, there was a decrease of the quantal size and of quantal content of epps‐plateau, but not of the quantal content of the first epp in the train. The results indicate that the fade of the tetanic contraction induced by cisatracurium at the concentration of 0.13 μmis entirely because of a pre‐synaptic blocking effect while the decrease in the twitch induced by cisatracurium at the concentration of 0.38 μmis due to a post‐synaptic blocking effect.