bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free triiodothyronine plasma concentrations are positively associated with insulin secretion in euthyroid individuals
Authors: Ortega Emilio , Koska Juraj , Pannacciulli Nicola , Bunt Joy C , Krakoff Jonathan 
Published: January 2008

BackgroundThyroid hormones (TH) may influence glucose metabolism. Hyperthyroid subjects have higher insulin secretion rates when compared with euthyroid individuals.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between TH concentrations and insulin secretion in euthyroid, healthy Pima Indian adults (n=55, 29±7 years, females/males 36/19) with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) admitted to a Clinical Research Unit.MethodsTSH, free thyroxine (FT4), 3,5,3′-l-tri-iodothyronine (FT3), and fasting plasma insulin (FPI) concentrations were measured in fasting plasma samples, percentage of body fat (%BF) by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), acute insulin response (AIR), and incremental area under the curve (AUC) of insulin in response to a 25 g intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) and 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) respectively and insulin action (M) during an euglycemic clamp.ResultsFT3 concentrations were associated with FPI, AIR, and insulin AUC both before (r=0.33, P=0.01; r=0.29, P=0.03; and r=0.35, P=0.008 respectively) and after adjustment for age, sex, %BF, glucose (fasting concentrations or glucose AUC), and M (β=0.09, P=0.01; β=0.16, P=0.03; and β=0.24, P=0.0007 respectively). No associations were found for TSH or FT4.ConclusionFT3 was associated with several measurements of insulin secretion in euthyroid individuals with NGT. T3 concentrations may play a role in the regulation of insulin secretion.
Associations of age-dependent IGF-I SDS with cardiovascular diseases and risk conditions: cross-sectional study in 6773 primary care patients
Authors: Jörn Schneider Harald , Klotsche Jens , Saller Bernhard , Böhler Steffen , Sievers Caroline , Pittrow David , Ruf Günther , März Winfried , Erwa Wolfang , Zeiher Andreas M , Silber Sigmund , Lehnert Hendrik , Wittchen Hans-Ullrich , Stalla Günter Karl 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveWe aimed at investigating the association of age-dependent IGF-I SDS with diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and heart diseases, in a large patient sample.BackgroundIGF-I has been suggested to be associated with several diseases and a prognostic marker for the development of cardiovascular diseases and risk factors. The findings, though, have been inconsistent possibly due to the methodological factors.MethodsWe studied 6773 consecutive primary care patients, aged 18+ years, in a cross-sectional, epidemiological study in primary care, Diabetes Cardiovascular Risk-Evaluation: Targets and Essential Data for Commitment of Treatment study. All patients underwent a standardized clinical diagnostic and laboratory assessment. IGF-I levels were measured with an automated chemiluminescence assay system. We calculated the odds ratios (OR) for diseases in quintiles of IGF-I, and additionally analyzed the association of age-dependent IGF-I SDS with these conditions.ResultsAfter multiple adjustments for confounders, we found increased ORs for coronary artery disease in patients with high IGF-I. Women, but not men, with low IGF-I also showed increased ORs for coronary artery disease. Dyslipidemia was positively associated with IGF-I. Type 2 diabetes showed a curvilinear association with IGF-I SDS.ConclusionsThe findings suggest the existence of multiple and complex interactions between IGF-I and several health conditions. The complex nature of disease- and subgroup-specific associations along with the methodological factors can be held responsible for divergent findings in previous studies.
Implication of lipocalin-2 and visfatin levels in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Choi K M , Lee J S , Kim E J , Baik S H , Seo H S , Choi D S , Oh D J , Park C G 
Published: January 2008

ObjectivesVisfatin and lipocalin-2 are novel adipokines associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity-related metabolic disorders. We compared lipocalin-2 and visfatin concentrations between patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and control subjects and evaluated their association with cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsWe examined serum visfatin, lipocalin-2 levels, and cardiovascular risk factors in 91 subjects (49 patients with angiographically confirmed CHD versus 42 age- and gender-matched control participants).ResultsCirculating lipocalin-2 levels were significantly higher in patients with CHD compared with the control subjects (82.6±38.7 ng/ml versus 43.8±27.8 ng/ml; P<0.001). However, visfatin levels were not significantly different between patients with CHD and control subjects. Serum lipocalin-2 levels were positively associated with weight (r=0.26; P=0.036), fasting insulin (r=0.36; P=0.003), and IR (r=0.33; P=0.007), whereas these levels showed a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r=−0.30; P=0.016) after adjustment for gender and body mass index. However, visfatin levels were not associated with any variables of the metabolic syndrome. The multiple regression analysis showed that lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with HDL cholesterol and IR (R2=0.199). Furthermore, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, IR, and lipocalin-2 levels were independently associated with CHD.ConclusionsSerum lipocalin-2 levels were significantly elevated in patients with CHD and were independently associated with CHD. The present findings suggest that the measurement of serum lipocalin-2 levels may be useful for assessing CHD risk.
Anti-hypothalamus and anti-pituitary antibodies may contribute to perpetuate the hypopituitarism in patients with Sheehan's syndrome
Authors: De Bellis Annamaria , Kelestimur Fahrettin , Agostino Sinisi Antonio , Ruocco Giuseppe , Tirelli Gilda , Battaglia Marina , Bellastella Giuseppe , Conzo Giovanni , Tanriverdi Fatih , Unluhizarci Kursad , Bizzarro Antonio , Bellastella Antonio 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveWhile anti-pituitary antibodies (APAs) were detected in some patients with Sheehan's syndrome (SS) suggesting an autoimmune pituitary involvement in the development of their hypopituitarism, hypothalamic cell anti-hypothalamus antibodies (AHAs) have not been investigated so far.DesignThe aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of AHA and APA in SS patients to verify whether an autoimmune hypothalamic–pituitary process can contribute to their late hypopituitarism.MethodsTwenty women with SS with a duration of disease ranging from 3 to 40 years (median 25.5 years) were enrolled into the study. Out of 20 patients, 12 (60%) had panhypopituitarism and the others had partial hypopituitarism well corrected with appropriate replacement therapy. None of them had clinical central diabetes insipidus. AHA and APA were investigated by immunofluorescence method in all patients. In addition, a four-layer immunofluorescence method was used to verify whether AHA immunostained vasopressin-secreting cells (AVP-c) or not.ResultsAHAs were found in 8 out of 20 (40%) and APAs in 7 out of 20 (35%) patients with titers ranging from 1:32 to 1:128 and 1:16 to 1:32 respectively; however, in none of these positive patients AHA immunostained vasopressin cells. None of controls resulted positive for both antibodies.ConclusionsPatients with SS, even many years after the onset of SS, can show antibodies to pituitary and/or hypothalamic but not AVP-secreting cells. Antibodies to unknown hypothalamic cells (releasing factor-secreting cells) other than APAs suggest that an autoimmune process involving both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland may contribute to late pituitary dysfunction in SS patients.
Progression of medullary thyroid carcinoma: assessment with calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen doubling times
Authors: Laure Giraudet Anne , Al Ghulzan Abir , Aupérin Anne , Leboulleux Sophie , Chehboun Ahmed , Troalen Frédéric , Dromain Clarisse , Lumbroso Jean , Baudin Eric , Schlumberger Martin 
Published: January 2008

ObjectiveThe progression of medullary thyroid cancer is difficult to assess with imaging modalities; we studied the interest of calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) doubling times and of Ki-67 labeling and mitotic index (MI).Patients and methodsFifty-five consecutive medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) patients with elevated calcitonin levels underwent repeated imaging studies in order to assess tumor burden and progression status. We looked for relationships between tumor burden and levels of calcitonin and CEA and between progression status according to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) and calcitonin and CEA doubling times, and Ki-67 labeling and MI.ResultsThe calcitonin and CEA levels were correlated with tumor burden. Ten patients with calcitonin levels below 816 pg/ml had no imaged tumor foci. Among the 45 patients with imaged tumor foci, 19 had stable disease and 26 had progressive disease, according to the RECIST. The calcitonin and CEA doubling times were strongly related to disease progression, with very few overlaps: 94% of patients with doubling times shorter than 25 months had progressive disease and 86% of patients with doubling times longer than 24 months had stable disease. Ki-67 labeling and MI were not significantly associated with disease progression.ConclusionFor MTC patients, the doubling times of both calcitonin and CEA are efficient tools for assessing tumor progression.
Insulin sensitivity and resistin levels in gestational diabetes mellitus and after parturition
Authors: Megia Ana , Vendrell Joan , Gutierrez Cristina , Sabaté Modest , Broch Montse , Fernández-Real José-Manuel , Simón Inmaculada 
Published: January 2008

ContextResistin is expressed and secreted by the placenta during pregnancy. Increased serum resistin levels have been found in the second half of normal pregnancy, but its role in the pathogenesis of the insulin resistance of pregnancy is undetermined.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to assess the relationship between circulating resistin levels and insulin sensitivity in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Design and settingA case (n=23)–control (n=35) study was performed at the obstetrics and endocrinology clinic of a university hospital.PatientsIn total, 58 Caucasian women with a singleton pregnancy who had been referred for a 100 g oral glucose tolerance test were enrolled between the weeks 26 and 30, and 22 women with GDM were also evaluated after pregnancy.Main outcome measuresSerum resistin and insulin sensitivity in GDM during and after pregnancy. The relationship of resistin to metabolic abnormalities was evaluated.ResultsResistin levels were lower in GDM women than in pregnant women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (4.32±1.56 vs 9.30±1.32 ng/ml, P<0.001), and experienced a further decrease after parturition (4.24±1.56 vs 3.11±1.63 ng/ml, P=0.003). The association between low serum resistin levels and the diagnosis of GDM was independent of the degree of insulin sensitivity.ConclusionLower resistin levels were observed in GDM than in NGT women and decreased after parturition, suggesting a role for resistin in the development of this disease. But we have failed to find an independent relationship between resistin levels and insulin sensitivity during pregnancy.
How Risky Are Social Networking Sites? A Comparison of Places Online Where Youth Sexual Solicitation and Harassment Occurs
Authors: Ybarra Michele L. , Mitchell Kimberly J. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE. Recently, public attention has focused on the possibility that social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook are being widely used to sexually solicit underage youth, consequently increasing their vulnerability to sexual victimization. Beyond anecdotal accounts, however, whether victimization is more commonly reported in social networking sites is unknown.
PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS. The Growing up With Media Survey is a national cross-sectional online survey of 1588 youth. Participants were 10- to 15-year-old youth who have used the Internet at least once in the last 6 months. The main outcome measures were unwanted sexual solicitation on the Internet, defined as unwanted requests to talk about sex, provide personal sexual information, and do something sexual, and Internet harassment, defined as rude or mean comments, or spreading of rumors.
RESULTS. Fifteen percent of all of the youth reported an unwanted sexual solicitation online in the last year; 4% reported an incident on a social networking site specifically. Thirty-three percent reported an online harassment in the last year; 9% reported an incident on a social networking site specifically. Among targeted youth, solicitations were more commonly reported via instant messaging (43%) and in chat rooms (32%), and harassment was more commonly reported in instant messaging (55%) than through social networking sites (27% and 28%, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS. Broad claims of victimization risk, at least defined as unwanted sexual solicitation or harassment, associated with social networking sites do not seem justified. Prevention efforts may have a greater impact if they focus on the psychosocial problems of youth instead of a specific Internet application, including funding for online youth outreach programs, school antibullying programs, and online mental health services.
LDL Cholesterol Lowering in Type 2 Diabetes: What Is the Optimum Approach?
Authors: Nesto Richard W. 
Published: January 2008

IN BRIEFManaging the high risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients is a challenge for practicing clinicians. Reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease in diabetes should begin with assessment and treatment of elevated LDL cholesterol. Statins are the preferred treatment,and intensive statin therapy may be necessary to meet the current goal of &lt;100 mg/dl or the optional goal of &lt; 70 mg/dl recommended for high-risk patients and to address other components of diabetic dyslipidemia. Along with aggressive glucose and blood pressure control, intensive treatment of LDL cholesterol in patients with diabetes can substantially affect long-term health outcomes.
Incidence of colorectal cancer in Lower Silesia (Poland) between 1984 and 2003 — trends and perspectives
Authors: Bębenek Marek , Pudełko Marek , Błaszczyk Jerzy 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the epidemiological characteristics of colorectal cancers (CRCs) diagnosed in Lower Silesia between 1984 and 2003. Data from the Lower Silesian Cancer Registry on the incidence of CRC in the Lower Silesian province were subjected to analysis. The age adjusted incidence of CRC in both genders increased markedly. A higher relative increase of incidence was recorded for colon cancer. The age-specific incidence of either colon or rectal cancer increased markedly with age in both genders. No constant time-trend toward the earlier diagnosis of CRC was noted in the period studied. Although the number of CRC surgeries performed at the Regional Comprehensive Cancer Center in Wroclaw has increased over time, most of the cases that were diagnosed were treated outside that reference center. If an intensive increase in new case numbers, demonstrated in both the locations by 2003, is not moderated, the incidence of colorectal malignancies in Lower Silesia would become one of the highest in Europe.
Statistical Approach to the Transformation of Fly Ash into Zeolites
Authors: Derkowski Arkadiusz , Michalik Marek 
Published: January 2008

Statistical Approach to the Transformation of Fly Ash into ZeolitesThe experimental conversion of F-class fly ash into zeolites is described. The ash, composed mainly of aluminosilicate glass, mullite and quartz, was collected in the Cracow power plant (southern Poland). The experiments involved the heating of fly ash samples in PTFE vessels. Time, temperature and solution composition were the reaction parameters considered in the experiments and in the subsequent modeling. A series of reactions with 0.5, 3 and 5M NaOH solutions (and some with additional 3M NaCl) were carried out at 70°, 100° and 150°C for 12-48 hours under autogenic pressure (not measured) and at a constant ash-to-solution ratio of 33.3 g/l. The following zeolite phases were synthesized: sodalite (SOD structure), hydroxysodalite (SOD), CAN type phases, Na-X (FAU), and NaP1 (GIS). Statistically calculated relationships based on the mineral- and chemical compositions of the reaction products support the conclusion that the type of zeolite phase that crystallizes depends on the concentration of OH- and Cl- in solution and on the temperature of the reaction. The duration of reaction, if on the order of tens of hours, is of less significance. The nature of the zeolite phase that crystalises is controlled by the intensity and selectivity of the substrate dissolution. That dissolution can favour, in sequence, one or other of the components in the substrate, resulting in Si/Al variation in the reaction solutions. Mullite dissolution (decreasing solution Si/Al) characterizes the most advanced reaction stages. The sequence of crystallization of the zeolite phases mirrors the sequential dissolution of substrate components, and the composition of the crystallizing zeolite crystals reflects the changes in the solution Si/Al.
Neural Stem Cell Transplantation in Mouse Brain
Authors: Lee Jean‐Pyo , McKercher Scott , Muller Franz‐Josef , Snyder Evan Y. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractNeural stem cells (NSCs) are the most primordial, least committed cells of the nervous system, and transplantation of these multipotent cells holds the promise of regenerative therapy for many central nervous system (CNS) diseases. This unit describes methods for NSC transplantation into neonatal mouse pups, embryonic mouse brain, and adult mouse brain. A description of options for detection of labeled donor cells in engrafted mouse brain is provided along with an example protocol for detecting lacZ‐expressing cells in situ. Also included is a protocol for preparing NSCs for transplantation. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 42:3.10.1‐3.10.23. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Nulling Signal of a Slice, Slice Select Profile, and Radiofrequency Power
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Chung Norman , Haacke E. Mark 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis unit discusses nulling of remaining signal from a RF pulse prior to the next RF pulse. This is to avoid mixing leftover signal with the signal generated from the next RF pulse. The slice select profile is also discussed in detail. The power of the RF pulse and its limit imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also discussed.
Overview of DNA Sequencing Strategies
Authors: Shendure Jay A. , Porreca Gregory J. , Church George M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractEfficient and cost‐effective DNA sequencing technologies have been, and may continue to be, critical to the progress of molecular biology. This overview of DNA sequencing strategies provides a high‐level review of six distinct approaches to DNA sequencing: (a) dideoxy sequencing; (b) cyclic array sequencing; (c) sequencing‐by‐hybridization; (d) microelectrophoresis; (e) mass spectrometry; and (f) nanopore sequencing. The primary focus is on dideoxy sequencing, which has been the dominant technology since 1977, and on cyclic array strategies, for which several competitive implementations have been developed since 2005. Because the field of DNA sequencing is changing rapidly, this unit represents a snapshot of this particular moment. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 81:7.1.1‐7.1.11. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transfection of Cultured Eukaryotic Cells Using Cationic Lipid Reagents
Authors: Hawley‐Nelson Pamela , Ciccarone Valentina , Moore Meredith L. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe development of high‐efficiency methods for the introduction of functional genetic material into eukaryotic cells using cationic lipids has accelerated biological research in the studies of gene expression, control of cell growth, and cell lineage. Transfection mediated by cationic lipids is commonly used in industrial protein production as well as in some clinical gene therapy protocols. This unit describes how to perform transfection of adherent and suspension cells, insect cells, and RNA transfection using cationic lipid reagents. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 81:9.4.1‐9.4.17. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Analysis of Small Endogenous RNAs
Authors: Lau Nelson C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractEukaryotic cells express small noncoding RNAs to silence target genes or regulate chromatin domains. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenous small RNAs that are thought to each regulate multiple mRNA targets. To gain a deeper understanding of processes regulated by small noncoding RNAs, techniques are required to identify and detect them. This unit describes standard laboratory methods for and comments about high‐throughput technologies for the identification and detection of small RNAs. This unit also outlines a cell‐based reporter gene assay for assessing the regulatory potential of a microRNA on a candidate mRNA target. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 81:26.7.1‐26.7.15. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Human Hematopoietic Cell Culture, Transduction, and Analyses
Authors: Bonde Jesper , Wirthlin Louisa , B. Kohn Donald , A. Nolta Jan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis unit provides methods for introducing genes into human hematopoietic progenitor cells. The Basic Protocol describes isolation of CD34+ cells, transduction of these cells with a retroviral vector on fibronectin‐coated plates, assaying the efficiency of transduction, and establishing long‐term cultures. Support protocols describe methods for maintenance of vector‐producing fibroblasts (VPF) and supernatant collection from these cells, screening medium components for the ability to support hematopoietic cell growth, and establishing colonies from long‐term cultures. Other protocols provide PCR‐based methods to analyze individual colonies for transduction, methods to analyze cells harvested from long‐term cultures, and procedures for freezing and thawing of hematopoietic cells. Curr. Protoc. Hum. Genet. 56:13.7.1‐13.7.31. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.