bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of insulin resistance and its association with metabolic syndrome criteria among Bolivian children and adolescents with obesity
Authors: Caceres Margoth , Teran Carlos G , Rodriguez Susana , Medina Marcos 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Obesity is a one of the most common nutritional disorder worldwide, clearly associated with the metabolic syndrome, condition with implications for the development of many chronic diseases.
In the poorest countries of Latin America, malnourishment is still the most prevalent nutritional problem, but obesity is emerging in alarming rates over the last 10 years without a predictable association with metabolic syndrome.
The objective of our study was to determine the association between insulin-resistance and components of the metabolic syndrome in a group of Bolivian obese children and adolescents. The second objective was determining the relation of acanthosis nigricans and insulin-resistance.

Methods
We studied 61 obese children and adolescents aged between 5 and 18 years old. All children underwent an oral glucose tolerance test and fasting blood sample was also obtained to measure insulin, HDL, LDL and triglycerides serum level. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III) criteria adapted for children.

Results
Metabolic syndrome was found in 36% of the children, with a higher rate among males (40%) than females (32.2%) (p = 0.599). The prevalence of each of the components was 8.2% in impaired glucose tolerance, 42.6% for high triglyceride level, 55.7% for low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and 24.5% for high blood pressure. Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR > 3.5) was found in 39.4% of the children, with a higher rate in males (50%) than females (29%). A strong correlation was found between insulin resistance and high blood pressure (p = 0.0148) and high triglycerides (p = 0.002). No statistical significance was found between the presence of acanthosis nigricans and insulin resistance.

Conclusion
Metabolic syndrome has a prevalence of 36% in children and adolescent population in the study. Insulin resistance was very common among children with obesity with a significant association with high blood pressure and high triglycerides presence.
Discriminative and predictive properties of disease-specific and generic health status indexes in elderly COPD patients
Authors: Conte Maria E , Pedone Claudio , Forastiere Francesco , Bellia Vincenzo , Antonelli-Incalzi Raffaele 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
The association between bronchial obstruction severity and mortality in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is well established, but it is unknown whether disease-specific health status measures and multidimensional assessment (MDA) have comparable prognostic value.

Methods
We analyzed data coming from the Salute Respiratoria nell'Anziano (Respiratory Health in the Elderly – SaRA) study, enrolling elderly people attending outpatient clinics for respiratory and non-respiratory problems. From this population we selected 449 patients with bronchial obstruction (77.3% men, mean age 73.1). We classified patients' health status using tertiles of the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and a MDA including functional (the 6' walking test, WT), cognitive (Mini-Mental State Examination, MMSE) and affective status (Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS). The agreement of the classification methods was calculated using the kappa statistic, and survival associated with group membership was evaluated using survival analysis.

Results
Pulmonary function, expressed by the FEV1, worsened with increasing SGRQ or MDA scores. Cognitive function was not associated with the SGRQ, while physical performance and mood status were impaired only in the highest tertile of SGRQ. A poor agreement was found between the two classification systems tested (k = 0.194). Compared to people in the first tertile of SGRQ score, those in the second tertile had a sex-adjusted HR of 1.22 (0.75 – 1.98) and those in the third tertile of 2.90 (1.92 – 4.40). The corresponding figures of the MDA were 1.49 (95% CI 1.02 – 2.18) and 2.01 (95% CI: 1.31 – 3.08). After adjustment for severity of obstruction, only a SGRQ in the upper tertile was associated with mortality (HR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.14 – 3.02).

Conclusion
In elderly outpatients with mild-moderate COPD, a disease-specific health status index seems to be a better predictor of death compared to a MDA.
Protein-segment universe exhibiting transitions at intermediate segment length in conformational subspaces
Authors: Ikeda Kazuyoshi , Hirokawa Takatsugu , Higo Junichi , Tomii Kentaro 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Background
Many studies have examined rules governing two aspects of protein structures: short segments and proteins' structural domains. Nevertheless, the organization and nature of the conformational space of segments with intermediate length between short segments and domains remain unclear. Conformational spaces of intermediate length segments probably differ from those of short segments. We investigated the identification and characterization of the boundary(s) between peptide-like (short segment) and protein-like (long segment) distributions. We generated ensembles embedded in globular proteins comprising segments 10–50 residues long. We explored the relationships between the conformational distribution of segments and their lengths, and also protein structural classes using principal component analysis based on the intra-segment C
α-C
α atomic distances.

Results
Our statistical analyses of segment conformations and length revealed critical dual transitions in their conformational distribution with segments derived from all four structural classes. Dual transitions were identified with the intermediate phase between the short segments and domains. Consequently, protein segment universes were categorized. i) Short segments (10–22 residues) showed a distribution with a high frequency of secondary structure clusters. ii) Medium segments (23–26 residues) showed a distribution corresponding to an intermediate state of transitions. iii) Long segments (27–50 residues) showed a distribution converging on one huge cluster containing compact conformations with a smaller radius of gyration. This distribution reflects the protein structures' organization and protein domains' origin. Three major conformational components (radius of gyration, structural symmetry with respect to the N-terminal and C-terminal halves, and single-turn/two-turn structure) well define most of the segment universes. Furthermore, we identified several conformational components that were unique to each structural class. Those characteristics suggest that protein segment conformation is described by compositions of the three common structural variables with large contributions and specific structural variables with small contributions.

Conclusion
The present results of the analyses of four protein structural classes show the universal role of three major components as segment conformational descriptors. The obtained perspectives of distribution changes related to the segment lengths using the three key components suggest both the adequacy and the possibility of further progress on the prediction strategies used in the recent de novo structure-prediction methods.
The magnitude and factors associated with delays in management of smear positive tuberculosis in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Mfinanga Sayoki G , Mutayoba Beatrice K , Kahwa Amos , Kimaro Godfather , Mtandu Rugola , Ngadaya Esther , Egwaga Said , Kitua Andrew Y 
Published: August 2008

Abstract

Objective
To assess the magnitude and factors responsible for delay in TB management.

Design
A cross sectional hospital based survey in Dar es Salaam region, May 2006.

Results
We interviewed 639 TB patients. A total of 78.4% of patients had good knowledge on TB transmission. Only 35.9% had good knowledge on the symptoms. Patient delay was observed in 35.1% of the patients, with significantly (X2 = 5.49, d.f. = 1, P = 0.019) high proportion in females (41.0%) than in males (31.5%). Diagnosis delay was observed in 52.9% of the patients, with significantly (X2 = 10.1, d.f. = 1, P = 0.001) high proportion in females (62.1%) than in males (47.0%). Treatment delay was observed in 34.4% of patients with no significant differences among males and females. Several risk factors were significantly associated with patient's delays in females but not in males. The factors included not recognizing the following as TB symptoms: night sweat (OR = 1.92, 95% CI 1.20, 3.05), chest pain (OR = 1.62, 95% CI 1.1, 2.37), weight loss (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.03, 2.32), and coughing blood (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.01, 2.16). Other factors included: living more than 5 Km from a health facility (OR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.41, 3.55), no primary education (OR = 1.74, 95% CI 1.01, 3.05) and no employment (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.20, 2.60). In multiple logistic regression, five factors were more significant in females (OR = 2.22, 95% CI 1.14, 4.31) than in males (OR = 0.70, 95% CI 0.44, 1.11). These factors included not knowing that night sweat and chest pain are TB symptoms, a belief that TB is always associated with HIV infection, no employment and living far from a health facility.

Conclusion
There were significant delays in the management of TB patients which were contributed by both patients and health facilities. However, delays in most of patients were due to delay of diagnosis and treatment in health facilities. The delays at all levels were more common in females than males. This indicates the need for education targeting health seeking behaviour and improvement in health system.
Differential expression of genes mapping to recurrently abnormal chromosomal regions characterize neuroblastic tumours with distinct ploidy status
Authors: Lavarino Cinzia , Garcia Idoia , Mackintosh Carlos , Cheung Nai-Kong V , Domenech Gema , Ríos José , Perez Noelia , Rodríguez Eva , de Torres Carmen , Gerald William L , Tuset Esperanza , Acosta Sandra , Beleta Helena , de Álava Enrique , Mora Jaume 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundNeuroblastic tumours (NBTs) represent a heterogeneous spectrum of neoplastic diseases associated with multiple genetic alterations. Structural and numerical chromosomal changes are frequent and are predictive parameters of NBTs outcome. We performed a comparative analysis of the biological entities constituted by NBTs with different ploidy status.MethodsGene expression profiling of 49 diagnostic primary NBTs with ploidy data was performed using oligonucleotide microarray. Further analyses using Quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (Q-PCR); array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization (aCGH); and Fluorescentin situHybridization (FISH) were performed to investigate the correlation between aneuploidy, chromosomal changes and gene expression profiles.ResultsGene expression profiling of 49 primary near-triploid and near-diploid/tetraploid NBTs revealed distinct expression profiles associated with each NBT subgroup. A statistically significant portion of genes mapped to 1p36 (P= 0.01) and 17p13-q21 (P< 0.0001), described as recurrently altered in NBTs. Over 90% of these genes showed higher expression in near-triploid NBTs and the majority are involved in cell differentiation pathways. Specific chromosomal abnormalities observed in NBTs, 1p loss, 17q and whole chromosome 17 gains, were reflected in the gene expression profiles. Comparison between gene copy number and expression levels suggests that differential expression might be only partly dependent on gene copy number. Intratumoural clonal heterogeneity was observed in all NBTs, with marked interclonal variability in near-diploid/tetraploid tumours.ConclusionNBTs with different cellular DNA content display distinct transcriptional profiles with a significant portion of differentially expressed genes mapping to specific chromosomal regions known to be associated with outcome. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that these specific genetic abnormalities are highly heterogeneous in all NBTs, and suggest that NBTs with different ploidy status may result from different mechanisms of aneuploidy driving tumourigenesis.
Controlled Ovarian Stimulation Induces a Functional Genomic Delay of the Endometrium with Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Horcajadas José A. , Mínguez Pablo , Dopazo Joaquín , Esteban Francisco J. , Domínguez Francisco , Giudice Linda C. , Pellicer Antonio , Simón Carlos 
Published: August 2008

Context: Controlled ovarian stimulation induces morphological, biochemical, and functional genomic modifications of the human endometrium during the window of implantation.Objective: Our objective was to compare the gene expression profile of the human endometrium in natural vs. controlled ovarian stimulation cycles throughout the early-mid secretory transition using microarray technology.Method: Microarray data from 49 endometrial biopsies obtained from LH+1 to LH+9 (n = 25) in natural cycles and from human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) +1 to hCG+9 in controlled ovarian stimulation cycles (n = 24) were analyzed using different methods, such as clustering, profiling of biological processes, and selection of differentially expressed genes, as implemented in Gene Expression Pattern Analysis Suite and Babelomics programs.Results: Endometria from natural cycles followed different genomic patterns compared with controlled ovarian stimulation cycles in the transition from the pre-receptive (days LH/hCG+1 until LH/hCG+5) to the receptive phase (day LH+7/hCG+7). Specifically, we have demonstrated the existence of a 2-d delay in the activation/repression of two clusters composed by 218 and 133 genes, respectively, on day hCG+7 vs. LH+7. Many of these delayed genes belong to the class window of implantation genes affecting basic biological processes in the receptive endometrium.Conclusions: These results demonstrate that gene expression profiling of the endometrium is different between natural and controlled ovarian stimulation cycles in the receptive phase. Identification of these differentially regulated genes can be used to understand the different developmental profiles of receptive endometrium during controlled ovarian stimulation and to search for the best controlled ovarian stimulation treatment in terms of minimal endometrial impact.
Maribavir: A Novel Antiviral Agent with Activity Against Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Trofe Jennifer , Pote Lindsey , Wade Erin , Blumberg Emily , Bloom Roy D 
Published: August 2008

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of maribavir, a novel antiviral agent in the benzimidazole drug class. Data sources: Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (January 1998-July 2008). Abstracts from recent scientific meetings and the manufacturer were also included.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All English-language in vitro and in vivo studies and abstracts evaluating maribavir were reviewed and considered for inclusion. All human studies were included.Data Synthesis:Maribavir has significant activity against both human cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus, but not other herpesviruses Unlike ganaclovir. which needs to be phosphorated by UL 97 kinase to become an active inhibitor of DNA polymerase, maribavir directly inhibits UL 97 kinase. UL 97 kinase is an early viral gene product involved in viral DNA elongation, DNA packaging and egress or shedding of capsids from viral nuclei. Maribavir has also been found to be effective against ganciclovir-resistant CMV strains. Maribavir differs from current CMV antiwal agents in its adverse event profile. Maribavir is not associated with nephrotoxicity or hematologic toxicities, but has been associated with taste disturbances. In February 2007, maribavir was granted Food and Drug Administration orphan drug status for prevention of CMV viremia and diseases in at-risk populations. Maribavir Phase 2 trials in stem-cell transplant recipients have been completed, and there are ongoing Phase 3 trials in stem-cell and organ transplant recipients.Conclusions:Maribavir may be an option for treatment of ganciclovir-resistant CMV infections. Its bioavailability is greater than that of oral ganciclovir, but less than that of valganciclovir. No differences in pharmacokinetics were seen in renally impaired patients, although dialysis-dependent patients were not evaluated. Maribavir is not associated with hematologic toxicities; however, the high prevalence of taste disturbances may limit its tolerability.
Comparison of Oral Aspirin Versus Topical Applied Methyl Salicylate for Platelet Inhibition
Authors: Tanen David A , Danish D Christopher , Reardon Jacqueline M , Chisholm Christopher B , Matteucci Michael J , Riffenburgh Robert H 
Published: August 2008

Background:Oral acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is the primary antiplatelet therapy in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome. Methyl salicylate (MS; oil of wintergreen) is compounded into many over-the-counter antiinflammatory muscle preparations and has been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation locally and to be absorbed systemically.Objective:To assess the ability of topically applied MS to inhibit systemic platelet aggregation for patients who are unable to tolerate oral drug therapy.Methods:A randomized, prospective, blinded, crossover study was conducted in 9 healthy men, aged 30-46 years. All subjects ingested 162 mg of aspirin or applied 5 g of 30% MS preparation to their anterior thighs. There was a minimum 2-week washout period between study arms. Blood and urine were collected at baseline and at 6 hours. An aggregometer measured platelet aggregation over time against 5 standard concentrations of epinephrine, and a mean area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Urinary metabolites of thromboxane B2 were measured by a standard enzyme immunoassay. Differences in and between groups at baseline and 6 hours were tested by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test,Results:Baseline platelet aggregation did not differ significantly between the 2 arms of the study (median AUC [% aggregation'min]; binominal confidence intervals): aspirin 183; 139 to 292 versus MS 197; 118 to 445 (p = 0.51). Both aspirin and MS produced statistically significant platelet inhibition; aspirin decreased the AUC from 183; 139 to 292 to 85; 48 to 128 (p = 0.008) and MS decreased the AUC from 197; 118 to 445 to 112; 88 to 306 (p =0.011). No significant difference was detected between baseline and 6-hour thromboxane levels for either aspirin (p = 0.779) or MS (p = 0.327).Conclusions:Topical MS and oral aspirin both significantly decrease platelet aggregation in healthy human volunteers.
Modeling crack propagation in wood and wood composites. A review COST Action E35 2004–2008: Wood machining – micromechanics and fracture
Authors: Landis Eric N. , Navi Parviz 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPredictive simulation of crack growth and fracture of wood and wood composites has always been difficult, and it has been limited by the availability of appropriate fracture models. As summarized herein, progress has been made on several fronts. First, a variety of fictitious crack model refinements have been made, along with the corresponding effects on bulk load-deformation response andR-curve behavior. Second, progress has been made on several different discrete element approaches that can explicitly represent material heterogeneity and variability. While progress has been substantial, a universal fracture law for wood remains elusive.
ADVECTION AND RESULTING CO2 EXCHANGE UNCERTAINTY IN A TALL FOREST IN CENTRAL GERMANY
Authors: Kutsch Werner L. , Kolle Olaf , Rebmann Corinna , Knohl Alexander , Ziegler Waldemar , Schulze Ernst-Detlef 
Published: August 2008

Potential losses by advection were estimated at Hainich Forest, Thuringia, Germany, where the tower is located at a gentle slope. Three approaches were used: (1) comparing nighttime eddy covariance fluxes to an independent value of total ecosystem respiration by bottom‐up modeling of the underlying processes, (2) direct measurements of a horizontal CO2 gradient and horizontal wind speed at 2 m height in order to calculate horizontal advection, and (3) direct measurements of a vertical CO2 gradient and a three‐dimensional wind profile in order to calculate vertical advection.In the first approach, nighttime eddy covariance measurements were compared to independent values of total ecosystem respiration by means of bottom‐up modeling of the underlying biological processes. Turbulent fluxes and storage term were normalized to the fluxes calculated by the bottom‐up model. Below a u* threshold of 0.6 m/s the normalized turbulent fluxes decreased with decreasing u*, but the flux to the storage increased only up to values less than 20% of the modeled flux at low turbulence.Horizontal advection was measured by a horizontal CO2 gradient over a distance of 130 m combined with horizontal wind speed measurements. Horizontal advection occurred at most of the evenings independently of friction velocity above the canopy. Nevertheless, horizontal advection was higher when u* was low. The peaks of horizontal advection correlated with changes in temperature.A full mass balance including turbulent fluxes, storage, and horizontal and vertical advection resulted in an increase of spikes and scatter but seemed to generally improve the results from the flux measurements.The comparison of flux data with independent bottom‐up modeling results as well as the direct measurements resulted in strong indications that katabatic flows along the hill slope during evening and night reduces the measured apparent ecosystem respiration rate. In addition, anabatic flows may occur during the morning. We conclude that direct measurements of horizontal and vertical advection are highly necessary at sites located even on gentle hill slopes.
Biochemical and behavioral effects of diazinon exposure in hybrid striped bass
Authors: Gaworecki Kristen M. , Roberts Aaron P. , Ellis Norman , Sowers Anthony D. , Klaine Stephen J. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
The effects of environmental stimuli on biochemical processes may influence behavior. Environmental contaminants that alter behavior can have major impacts on populations as well as community structures by changing species' interactions. One important behavior is the ability to capture prey. We hypothesized that sublethal exposure to diazinon, an organophosphate pesticide, may lead to feeding behavior abnormalities in hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis × M. chrysops) through inhibition of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. This can potentially reduce the organism's survival by affecting its ability to find and capture food. To test this hypothesis, bass were exposed to diazinon for 6 d, followed by a 6-d recovery period in clean water. Brain AChE activity and the ability of bass to capture prey fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were measured every third day. Exposed fish exhibited a concentration- and duration-dependent decrease in ability to capture prey. While bass in all diazinon treatment groups had significantly inhibited brain AChE activity, only the medium and high treatment groups showed a dose- and time-dependent increase in time to capture prey. Acetylcholinesterase activity also decreased in an exposure duration- and concentration-dependent manner. The AChE levels in exposed fish did not recover to control levels during the 6-d recovery period. These results suggest that sublethal exposure to AChE-inhibiting substances may decrease the ecological fitness of hybrid striped bass by reducing their ability to capture prey.