bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum adiponectin levels, insulin resistance, and lipid profile in children born small for gestational age are affected by the severity of growth retardation at birth
Authors: Evagelidou Eleni N , Giapros Vasileios I , Challa Anna S , Kiortsis Dimitrios N , Tsatsoulis Agathocles A , Andronikou Styliani K 
Published: February 2007

Objective: Insulin resistance has been linked to intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR); adiponectin is a protein with insulin-sensitizing properties. This study was designed to test whether being born small for gestational age (SGA) has an effect on blood levels of adiponectin and leptin, insulin resistance parameters, and lipid profile in pre-puberty, taking into consideration the severity of IUGR.
Methods: Serum levels of adiponectin, leptin, total cholesterol (t-CHOL), high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A-1 (Apo A-1), Apo B and Apo E, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), fasting glucose, and insulin (Ins), the homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and anthropometric indices were evaluated in 70 children aged 6–8 years, born appropriate for gestational age (AGA; n = 35) and SGA (n = 35), matched for age, gender, height, and BMI. SGA children were divided into two subgroups according to the severity of IUGR: SGA<3rd percentile (n = 20), and SGA 3rd–10th percentile (n = 15). They were also subdivided in two subgroups, those with (n = 25) and those without (n = 10) catch-up growth, considering their actual height corrected for mid-parental height.
Results: SGA children had higher Ins and HOMA-IR than AGA children (Ins, 42 ± 23 vs 32 ± 11 pmol/l; HOMA-IR, 1.30 ± 0.8 vs 0.92 ± 0.3; P<0.05). No significant difference in serum leptin was found between the SGA and the AGA groups but adiponectin showed a trend to be higher in SGA children (13.6 ± 5.7 vs 10.8 ± 5.9 μg/ml respectively). SGA children without catch-up growth had higher adiponectin (15.6 ± 8.5 μg/ml, P<0.05) than AGA children. Among the SGA children, the subgroup <3rd percentile had higher Lp(a) than the subgroup 3rd–10th percentile (P<0.05). An independent positive correlation between adiponectin and Lp(a) was observed in SGA children (R = 0.59, P<0.01).
Conclusion: SGA children, although more insulin resistant, had similar or higher adiponectin levels than matched AGA children in pre-puberty. The severity of IUGR appears to affect their metabolic profile during childhood.
Wheezing and lung function measured in subjects exposed to various levels of fine particles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Jedrychowski Wieslaw , Perera Frederica , Whyatt Robin , Mroz Elzbieta , Flak Elzbieta , Jacek Ryszard , Penar Agnieszka , Spengler John , Camman David 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The main purpose of the study was to assess the occurrence of wheezing and lung function in non-smoking women exposed to various levels of fine particulate matter(FP) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Out of the total study group, 152 women were included in the lower exposed group (PM2.5 ≤34.3μg/m3 or PAHs ≤ 22.9ng/ m3) and 96 persons in higher concentrations of both air pollutants (PM2.5>34.3μg/m3 and PAHs > 22.9ng/ m3). Except for FVC and FEV1, all lung forced ventilatory flows (PEFR, FEF25% FEF50%, FEF75%, FEF25−75%) were significantly lower in the higher exposed group. The findings suggest bronchoconstriction within the respiratory tract, which may be related to the exposure under study. This was consistent with a higher prevalence of wheezing in more exposed subjects. It was shown that higher levels of both pollutants increased the risk of wheezing by factor 5.6 (95% CI: 1.77–17.8) after accounting for potential confounders such as allergic diseases and exposure to ETS. This study suggests that pollutants in question may have the capacity to promote broncho-constriction and asthmatic symptoms, possibly by bronchial inflammation resulting from the exposure.
Clinical analysis of first-ever acute ischemic stroke involving the territory of paramedian mesencephalic arteries
Authors: Thajeb Peterus , Thajeb Teguh , Dai Dao-Fu 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
To determine one-year clinical outcome of patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke involving the territory of paramedian mesencephalic arteries (PMAS), we conducted a prospective study evaluating the cognitive functions of 28 patients with PMAS. Neuropsychological tests were performed during the first month of stroke onset and at the 12th month of follow-up. There were 12 women and 16 men. Mean age of onset for women and men was 70 years and 65 years, respectively. Progressing strokes occurred in 62% of patients and 96% developed a full-blown picture of the clinical triad of akinetic mutism, hypersomnolence, and bilateral blepharoptosis and ophthalmoparesis. Involuntary movements occurred in 6, and focal myoclonus in 4 patients. The top four associated risk factors were hypertension (68%), hyperlipidemia (57%), diabetes mellitus (46%), and atrial fibrillation (36%). Unilateral midbrain infarctions occurred in 12 patients and bilateral lesions in 16. Thalamic infarctions were unilateral in 10 and bilateral in 13 cases. Three of the 28 (11%) patients died of recurrent cerebral infarctions within 1 year of the onset of PMAS. The recurrent infarctions involved the basilar artery territory in two cases and the carotid system in another. One patient died of acute myocardial infarction. Of the 24 patients who had survived the stroke by 1 year, 20 (71%) developed dementia. We conclude that first-ever ischemic stroke with PMAS is not a benign syndrome. Most patients developed dementia by 1 year after the stroke.
Meningococcal meningitis with myelopathy: case report and review of literature
Authors: Choudhary Nikhil , Kumar Nirmal , Ahlawat Ravinder , Jain Kapil , Rizvi Yasir , Agarwal Gaurav , Kaul Bhavna 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Neisseria meningitis is a common etiological agent in bacterial meningitis in humans. Common complications associated with meningococcal meningitis include cranial nerve palsies, hydrocephalus, seizures, stroke, cerebritis or brain abscesses. Spinal cord dysfunction is a very rare complication of meningococcal meningitis and its occurrence is limited to case reports only. We report such a case along with a review of available literature and underlying pathogenetic mechanisms. Case report: Our patient diagnosed as a case of meningococcal meningitis developed multiple cranial nerve palsies followed by flaccid paraplegia with bowel bladder involvement during the recovery phase of the disease. Spine MRI showed mild cord edema and diffuse patchy areas of altered intramedullary signal intensity in dorsal cord suggestive of myelitis. The patient was treated with antibiotics and intravenous methyl-prednisolone along with supportive physiotherapy. His neurological deficits showed marked improvement on subsequent follow up.
Transient electrocardiographic recording of acute myocardial ischemia with ST-segment elevation of the diaphragmal location accompanied by a total atrioventricular block as an initial manifestation of Prinzmetal’s angina — A case report
Authors: Fuckar Krunoslav , Lakusic Nenad , Stipic Hrvoje 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Prinzmetal’s angina, also known as Prinzmetal’s variant or Prinzmetal’s vasospastic angina is characterized by angina attacks caused by spasm of the great epicardial coronary arteries. Coronary artery endothelial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the development of this vasospastic angina. The attacks of vasospastic angina can be prevented with calcium antagonists and nitrates, whereas in refractory variant angina, coronary angioplasty with stenting may help prevent further coronary spasm. In this case report, we present a 52-year-old male patient with a transient electrocardiographic recording of acute myocardial ischemia with ST-segment elevation of the diaphragmal location accompanied by a total atrioventricular block immediately after exercise testing and as a first manifestation of Prinzmetal’s angina. After regression of the symptoms and electrocardiographic changes, significant pathomorphologic changes of coronary arteries were excluded by coronary angiography. Following discharge, the patient was treated with calcium antagonists and did not show symptoms during a 4-year follow-up period.
Anti-staphylococcal potential of Callistemon rigidus
Authors: Gomber Charu , Saxena Sanjai 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The last decade witnessed the emergence of Staphylococcus aureus- a versatile human pathogen, as a deadly superbug. The enormous genetic plasticity of the organism assists it to endlessly evolve resistance mechanisms against existing anti-infectives thus necessitating the need to control the spread of resistant staphylococcal isolates in hospitals and health care settings. This in turn demands the incessant exploration of newer biological matrices in search of diverse chemical entities with novel drug targets. Since time immemorial higher plants continue to be the best source of newer compounds with high therapeutic potential. Lead fractions from same or different plants can be developed into effective antibacterial polyherbal formulations. A lead fraction from methanolic extract of leaves of Callistemon rigidus exhibited a dose dependent antistaphylococcal activity during in vitro agar well assay against a panel of twenty seven clinical multidrug resistant S. aureus isolates. Further, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) evaluation by in vitro 96-well microplate based assay established a MIC range of 1.25–80 μg/ml as compared to 5–320 μg/ml of positive control, Cefuroxime sodium. The MIC50 and MIC90 of the methanolic lead fraction were 5 μg/ml and 40 μg/ml respectively. The present study thus signifies the vast potential of the lead fraction from Callistemon rigidus for future development into a herbal drug/ formulation and to impede global health crisis due to multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Management patterns of thrombosis prophylaxis and related costs in hip and knee replacement in Germany
Authors: McBride Doreen , Brüggenjürgen Bernd , Roll Stephanie , Quante Markus , Willich Stefan 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
The objective of the study was to depict treatment strategies, health care utilisation and cost evaluation of hip and knee replacement surgery in Germany, with a particular emphasis on thrombosis prophylaxis (TP) for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In this multi-centre prospective cohort study, medical record data (socio-demographics, risk factors for thrombosis, thrombosis prophylaxis, course of hospital stay) were collected for patients undergoing either total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR). One and three months post-operatively, post-operative outcomes and health care resource use were documented by patient and physician questionnaires. A total of 309 patients participated in the study (59% female, mean age 66 [SD 10] years). Parenteral anticoagulation was administered for a mean of 38 (SD 16) days. 27 (9%) patients received subsequent oral anticoagulation for a mean of 38 (SD 21) additional days. Symptomatic DVT was reported by four (1.3%) patients. Mean overall direct costs associated with surgery from baseline to 3 months were EUR 11 264 (median 11 564, SD 2 481). Hospital and rehabilitation accounted for 97% of direct costs; costs for medications, physical therapy, physician office visits, out-of-pocket expenses, as well as complication costs accounted for an additional 3% of direct costs. Within these direct costs, a mean of EUR 348 (SD 361) was related to thrombosis prophylaxis, accounting for 3% of direct costs. Mean overall cost was EUR 11 926 (SD 2 481), including 6% indirect costs of productivity loss. Extended thrombosis prophylaxis was observed in the usual care setting of the study and associated with low incidence of symptomatic DVT. Thrombosis prophylaxis is — within the considerable economic burden of joint replacement surgery — a relatively small cost component.
Immunohistochemical determination and grading of CerbB-2 expression in breast cancer: correlation with interpectoral, apical nodal involvement and other prognostic factors
Authors: Çelik Alper , Ebru Arabacı I. , Erkorkmaz Unal , Kutun Suat , Aslan Sabahattin , Pak Isın , Çetin Abdullah 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
We aimed to investigate the correlation between quantitative CerbB-2 expressions with conventional prognostic factors, and distinct nodal involvement in patients with invasive breast carcinoma. One hundred fifty seven consecutive breast carcinoma patients were retrospectively analysed. Level I–II, Level III, and Rotter (Interpectoral) group lymph nodes were separately examined and recorded. For each patient estrogen receptor (ER), progesteron receptor (PR), CerbB-2, P53 status were defined using immunohistochemistry. Age, tumor localisation, menopausal status, grade and the presence of intraductal component were also recorded. CerbB-2 expression did not correlate with age, localisation and menopausal status. There was a reverse, but weak correlation with tumor size and CerbB-2 expression (p=0.034). In subgroup analysis of CerbB-2 positive cases, the magnitude of CerbB-2 positivity did not correlate with tumor size (p=0.551). In univariate analysis CerbB-2 expression did not correlate with nodal involvement in Level I-II, and Rotter. In subgroup analysis of patients with positive CerbB-2, positivity of CerbB-2 linearly increased with the number of positive lymph nodes in Level I-II, and this difference was significant (p=0,039). There was a significant correlation between CerbB-2 expression and Level III nodal metastases (p=0.005). But this correlation was not significant among CerbB-2 positive patients (p=0.82). P53, PR positivity and the presence of intraductal component did not differ according to oncogene expression. We detected a reverse correlation with ER positivity and CerbB-2 positivity (p=0.011). It is concluded that quantitative expression of CerbB2 positivity increases with nodal involvement in Level I–II axillary lymph nodes, and ER. Also, CerbB-2 positivity is more common among patients with Level III lymph node metastases.
Paradoxical effect of sodium valproate that aggravates epilepsy of MELAS in a patient with A3243G mutation of the mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Chen Yi-Min , Lin Chih-Ming , Thajeb Peterus 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Epilepsy is an associated feature of patients with the syndrome of mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). A substitution at nucleotide position 3243 A>G of the mitochondrial DNA is the most common mutation encountered both in Caucasians and in Chinese/Taiwanese. We herein report a 38-year-old man with A3243G mutation of the mitochondrial DNA whom developed MELAS. The manifestation of his focal motor epilepsy was aggravated by use of sodium valproate (VPA). The mechanism of this paradoxical effect is proposed.
Monocyte and neutrophil direct counts correlate with C-reactive protein plasma concentration in patients with acute pancreatitis
Authors: Naskalski Jerzy , Maziarz Barbara , Kusnierz-Cabala Beata , Dumnicka Paulina , Panek Józefa 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is associated with the intensive inflammatory response in white blood cells (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP). This paper presents the relationship between the CRP plasma concentration and the direct counts of peripheral WBC in AP during the initial five days. The study consisted of 56 patients with AP, 36 patients with mild form of AP and 20 patients with severe form of AP. ABX VegaRetic hematological analyzer was used to perform the count of blood cells, and the immunonephelometric method was performed to measure the CRP concentration levels. AP patients presented with WBC count values in the range of 3.2 − 22.4 × 103/µl and CRP concentration levels in the range 3.3 − 599.8 mg/l. The WBC count correlates with CRP levels during the entire observation period. The relationship of CRP and WBC is expressed in the following regression equation: WBC (103/µl) = 3.66 + 1.40 × logeCRP (mg/l). The highest median neutrophil count (8.15 × 103/µl) was observed on the first day. The count decreased to 5.27 × 103/µl on the fifth day. The most substantial finding in this study involved the values found for the monocytes and CRP (r= 0.53; p<0.001). Day two and day three were the highest (r=0.59, p<0.001). On day two, the regression equation for this relationship is: Monocytes (103/µl) = −0.34 + 0.21 × logeCRP(mg/l). The correlation between direct monocyte count and plasma CRP concentration in AP reflect a CRP-dependent stimulation of IL-6 release from activated blood monocytes.
Human leukocyte antigen associations in Finnish liver transplantations due to primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Matinlauri Irma , Nurminen Markku , Höckerstedt Krister , Isoniemi Helena 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
A genetic predisposition has been suggested in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). The aim of the study was to evaluate human leukocyte antigen (HLA) frequencies and HLA associations in Finnish PSC and PBC patients. The relative frequencies of HLA-A,-B, and-DR antigens were compared between patients with PSC (n=50), or PBC (n=89), transplanted due to end-stage liver disease, and healthy members in the Finnish bone marrow donor registry (n=10000). Prevalence differences, prevalence ratios and the associated large-sample significance probabilities (2-sided P-values) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
We found a strong positive association between PSC and HLA-B8 and-DR3, and a weak positive association between HLA-A1 and PSC. HLA-DR3 also had a weak positive association with PBC, and a weak negative association between HLA-DR5 and PBC was found. In conclusion, HLA-B8, and-DR3 are susceptible for progressive liver disease in PSC, and HLA-DR3 may also be susceptible for disease progression in PBC. HLA-DR5 may be protective against severe PBC.
A case with full clinical manifestations of Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome
Authors: Çuhaci Fatma , Mutluay Rüya , Aksakal Burhan , Erten Yasemin 
Published: January 2007

Abstract
Dorfman-Chanarin syndrome (DCS), is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder associated with lipid metabolism. It is characterized by ichthyosiform nonbullous erythroderma, lipid vacuoles in peripheral leukocytes and variable involvement of organs. We report a Turkish man with the complete syndrome, who described family history of ichthyosis. To best of our knowledge this is the sixth case from Turkish origin to date. In addition to congenital ichthyosis he had also strabismus, horizantal nystagmus, bilateral neurosensory hearing loss, hepatomegaly and splenomegaly. Liver biopsy revealed hidrophic degeneration in hepatocytes, steatosis, enlargement and inflammation in portal areas and portal central fibrosis, consistent with cirrhosis. Write stained peripheral blood smear examination revealed lipid vacuoles in all of the neutrophils consistent with Jordan’s anomaly. We think that, it is essential to evaluate the peripheral blood smear of the patients with ichthyosis and also patients with DCS should be informed and warned about the results of consanquinous marriage.
Spectrophotometric determination of microamounts of quercetin based on its complexation with copper(II)
Authors: Kostić D. , Miletić G. , Mitić S. , Rašić I. , Živanović V. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe complexation process of the transition metal Cu(II) with quercetin was studied. The investigation was conducted spectrophotometrically in ethanol at the maximum absorption wavelength of 458.5 nm. Cu(II)—quercetin complex composition (1: 1) was determined using the Job, Harvey—Manning, and mole ratio methods. Complex stability constant was calculated by the Job and mole ratio methods and the respective logarithm values were 7.53 ± 0.25 and 7.44 ± 0.03. A new method for quantitative determination of the quercetin content in solution was developed in this work. At the optimal conditions quercetin was determined in concentrations ranging from 0.202 to 1.006 µg cm−3 with relative standard error of 2.5 % to 5.5 %. The lower detection limit was 0.067 µg cm−3. The method was found very accurate, reproducible, and sensitive, capable to determine microamounts of quercetin in pharmaceutical preparations.
Oxygen evolution on Ti/Co3O4-coated electrodes in alkaline solution
Authors: Palmas S. , Ferrara F. , Pisu A. , Cannas C. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe electrochemical performances of Co3O4 nanopowders, obtained by the sol-gel method, were investigated and compared with those of commercial Co3O4 powders, for oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline solution. The active oxide powder was mixed with teflon and assembled on Ti substrate to form thin catalyst film. Cyclic voltammetry, polarization curves, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to assess the mechanism of oxygen evolution reaction, chemical structure, and morphology of the catalyst.
The zeta potential of kaolin suspensions measured by electrophoresis and electroacoustics
Authors: Greenwood R. , Lapčíková B. , Surýnek M. , Waters K. , Lapčík L. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe zeta potentials of kaolin dilute and concentrated suspensions were monitored using the techniques of electrophoresis and electroacoustics, respectively. The effect of addition of salt (KCl), a polymer material (Triton X-100), and an anionic surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate, SDS) on the suspension properties was investigated by electrophoresis. Electroacoustics was employed for the measurement of zeta potentials for the highest possible kaolin content in suspension and the effect of dilution. The effect of aging of a freshly prepared sample and kaolin isoelectric point was also studied. Using both techniques it was noted that there was no isoelectric point, just a maximum value in the magnitude of the kaolin suspension zeta potential. These maxima were observed also in the presence of Triton X-100 and SDS. An increase of the concentration of KCl and SDS in suspension shifted the maxima towards more acidic values, while in the presence of Triton X-100 the position of the zeta potential maxima remained constant. Electroacoustic techniques revealed that a freshly prepared concentrated suspension requires about six hours to equilibrate to achieve a steady zeta potential. Diluting the concentrated suspensions led to decrease of the zeta potential as ions bound to the surface desorbed and screened the surface charge. The zeta potential maxima remained unchanged even after heating the powder in an oven at 200°C (to remove any organic material) thereby suggesting that the most likely explanation for the maxima is isomorphic substitution.
Fluidization behavior of oil-contaminated sand
Authors: Hartman M. , Trnka O. , Pohořelý M. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractHydrodynamic behavior of oil-polluted particles of sand was investigated in transparent glass column. The onset of fluidization of sand beds increased with the oil content of the bed. An increase of cohesive forces related to the higher content of liquid (oil) caused deterioration of the quality of fluidization. An empirical correlation was developed to predict the dimensionless gas velocity that keeps the bed of sticky particles fluidized. Results of this work can be employed for the design of fluidized-bed remediation units for oil-polluted sands and soils.