bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Respiratory symptoms as predictors of all‐cause mortality in an urban community: a 30‐year follow‐up
Authors: FROSTAD A. , SØYSETH V. , ANDERSEN A. , GULSVIK A. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Objective. We investigated the relationship between respiratory symptoms and mortality from all causes in a large Norwegian population. We also examined mortality during separate periods of follow‐up.Design. Population‐based, prospective cohort study.Setting and subjects. A total of 19 998 men and women were randomly selected from the general population of Oslo. They received a postal respiratory questionnaire. The response rate was 88%.Main outcome measures. The relationship between 11 respiratory symptoms and 30 years of total mortality was investigated separately for men and women by multivariate analyses with adjustment for age, smoking habits and occupational exposure to air pollution.Results. The relative mortality risk in comparison with asymptomatic subjects varied from 1.36 (95% confidence interval 1.25–1.48) for cough symptoms to 2.46 (2.13–2.85) for severe dyspnoea amongst men; the corresponding rates amongst women were 1.28 (1.16–1.40) and 1.52 (1.31–1.75), respectively. The relative risk of mortality in individuals with 1–3, 4–6 and 7 or more symptoms was 1.20, 1.60 and 2.53 (Pfor trend 0.000) in men and 1.14, 1.47 and 1.84 (Pfor trend 0.000) in women. Except for cough, the mortality rates associated with respiratory symptoms decreased significantly during follow‐up. The positive association between respiratory symptoms and mortality was observed in people with and without cardiopulmonary diseases.Conclusions. Respiratory symptoms were significant predictors of mortality from all causes over 30 years, decreased during follow‐up and were still increased after 30 years.
Genetics of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein AI and premature coronary artery disease
Authors: ZAMBON A. , BROWN B. G. , DEEB S. S. , BRUNZELL J. D. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Increased low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) predict premature coronary artery disease, as do elevated levels of apolipoprotein B or reduced levels of apolipoprotein AI. Probands were studied of families with common genetic forms of dyslipidaemia to determine if apo B or apo AI define genetic groups and if apo B or apo AI levels relate to premature coronary artery disease risk. Elevated apo B was characteristic of familial hypercholesterolaemia, familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCHL), and was seen in individuals with elevated Lp(a). Normal apo B levels were seen in familial hypertriglyceridaemia and in ‘coronary artery disease with low‐HDL cholesterol’. Apo AI levels tended to be low in FCHL and were decreased in ‘coronary disease with low‐HDL cholesterol’. In familial hypertriglyceraemia, even though HDL‐C levels were low, normal apo AI and apo B levels were seen in the absence of premature coronary artery disease. Therefore, in genetic dyslipidaemias elevated apo B levels and reduced apo AI levels (or increased apo B/AI ratio) differ and predict premature coronary artery disease.
Long‐term gene expression and metabolic control exerted by lentivirus‐transduced pancreatic islets
Authors: He Zhong , Wang Feng , Kumagai‐Braesch Makiko , Permert Johan , Holgersson Jan 
Published: April 2006

He Z, Wang F, Kumagai‐Braesch M, Permert J, Holgersson J. Long‐term gene expression and metabolic control exerted by lentivirus‐transduced pancreatic islets. Xenotransplantation 2006; 13: 195–203. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2006Abstract:  Background:  Genetic modification of non‐human islets before transplantation may provide means by which they can escape immunity and, thus, be used in a human host. To accomplish this, efficient gene transfer methods are needed. Lentiviral vectors are transgene vehicles capable of stably transducing a variety of primary, post‐mitotic cells including islets.Methods:  We investigated whether lentiviral transduction impaired rat pancreatic islet function long term. Following transduction, the gross morphology, viability and in vitro functionality of islets were evaluated by microscopy, adenylate nucleotide and insulin secretion assays, respectively. Further, in vivo functionality of transduced islets was assessed by transplanting the islets under the kidney capsule of diabetic nude mice.Results:  All transduced islets contained green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐positive cells. In single cell suspensions prepared from transduced islets, 33±8% (n=3) of dispersed islet cells were GFP‐positive. The ADP/ATP ratio was 0.07±0.01 for transduced islets and 0.06±0.01 for controls (normal range <0.11). No morphological changes were observed in transduced islets. Further, basal insulin secretion was comparable between the two islet groups. When transduced and non‐transduced islets were challenged with insulin secretagogues, they showed similar increases in insulin release. Transduced and non‐transduced islets were equally effective in normalizing blood glucose when transplanted into diabetic nude mice. Euglycemia was maintained for 8 weeks until the graft‐bearing kidney was removed. Intense green fluorescence was seen in removed islet grafts. Histology revealed preserved islet morphology, with abundant insulin‐producing cells, few apoptotic cells and infiltrating leukocytes in both transduced and non‐transduced grafts.Conclusions:  Lentivirus transduction does not affect islet morphology or function. Lentiviral vectors will allow genetic modifications to be performed in islets before transplantation – modifications that can improve engraftment and/or prevent xenograft rejection.
Coxibs, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Hermann M. , Ruschitzka F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe introduction of selective cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitors offered the promise of similar efficacy in pain control without the gastrointestinal effects associated with non‐selective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). By blocking prostacyclin formation but leaving platelet‐derived thromboxane A2 generation unopposed, there is concern that the potential gastrointestinal benefit of cyclooxygenase‐2‐selective inhibitors may come at the cost of increased thrombotic risk. However, the differential effects of coxibs on blood pressure, endothelial function, oxidative stress, tissue factor expression, vascular smooth muscle proliferation and neointimal hyperplasia indicate a distinct heterogeneity among this class of drugs. Importantly, the observation of an excess cardiovascular risk with traditional NSAIDs in randomized clinical trials, meta‐analysis and large‐scale observational studies further highlights the need to scrutinize the entire class of anti‐inflammatory drugs, including traditional NSAIDs, as rigorously as coxibs.
Adolescent and young adult cancer: a revolution in evolution?
Authors: Thomas D. M. , Seymour J. F. , O’Brien T. , Sawyer S. M. , Ashley D. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe optimal management of adolescent and young adult cancer has been the subject of vigorous debate in paediatric and adult cancer community for many years. This debate is rapidly coming to the boil. There is international recognition that not only is cancer in young people on the rise but also that improvements in outcomes of cancer in young people lag well behind the advances that have been achieved for both children and older adults in the past 30 years. The underlying problems appear to relate to a complex set of interactions between the health‐care system and the prevalence of cancer in this age group and the unique psychosocial and educational needs of this population. This article explores why we should be concerned about Australian health outcomes in this group and considers how best we might respond to these concerns.
Diagnosis of pulmonary embolus using ventilation/perfusion lung scintigraphy: more than 0.5 segment of ventilation/perfusion mismatch is sufficient
Authors: Howarth D. M. , Booker J. A. , Voutnis D. D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground: To determine the optimal diagnostic cut‐off point using a simplified criterion for the detection of pulmonary embolus (PE) and to evaluate the criterion’s utility and reporter reproducibility.Methods: Lung scintigraphy was carried out in 924 patients for the diagnosis of PE. This group consisted of 316 men and 608 women with median age of 63 years (range 18–94 years). Ventilation imaging was carried out with Tc‐99m Technegas followed by perfusion imaging using 190 MBq Tc‐99m macroaggregated albumin. Studies were classified using a 6‐category probability criterion of incremental ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch: A, normal; B, low (minor matched V/Q defects or segmental matched V/Q defects without opacity on chest X‐ray); C, low‐moderate (a partial segment of V/Q mismatch); D, moderate (1 segment of mismatch); E, moderate‐high (1–2 segments of V/Q mismatch) and F, high probability (=2 segments of V/Q mismatch). Clinical end‐points at 3 and 6 months were death by PE or PE treated with anticoagulation therapy. Three‐reporter reproducibility was determined by kappa statistic on a subgroup of patients (53/924).Results: A total of 122 patients (13%) had a confirmed diagnosis of PE at 3 months and no additional cases were registered at 6 months. The lung scintigraphy probability classification showed: normal 152 (16%), low 620 (67%), low‐moderate 20 (2%), moderate 28 (3%), moderate‐high 24 (3%) and high 80 (9%). The respective sensitivities and specificities, where the diagnostic cut‐offs were established at F, high; E, moderate‐high; D, moderate and C, low‐moderate probability, were F, 64 and 100%; E, 82 and 99%; D, 95 and 98% and C, 98 and 96%. The respective false‐negative cases for F, E, D and C cut‐offs were 44, 22, 7 and 3. Using the revised Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis reporting classification reporter agreement showed kappa values of 0.31–0.48. Using a simplified 2‐category (>0.5 segment of V/Q mismatch positive, all others negative) criterion resulted in a higher reporting agreement (kappa 0.74–0.83). There were only 3% of indeterminate cases if this was defined by the D category and a maximum of 8% if categories C, D and E were included.Conclusions: Using a simplified diagnostic criterion where all studies showing >0.5 segments of V/Q mismatch are regarded as positive and all others as negative, lung scintigraphy, incorporating Tc‐99m Technegas ventilation imaging or its equivalent, can achieve a very high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of PE. Using this technique, less than 5% of scans are indeterminate. A simplified, unambiguous approach to reporting is recommended.
All troponins are not created equal
Authors: Jossi S. , Gordon S. L. , Legge M. A. , Armstrong G. P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTroponin measurement is central to the management and risk stratification of acute coronary syndromes. Decisions are made by categorizing troponin as positive or negative. We sought to evaluate categorical agreement between four troponin assays. Sixty blood samples were analysed by three troponin I assays (Centaur, Architect and point‐of‐care i‐STAT) and one troponin T (TnT) assay (Roche Elecys). The upper reference limit was taken as the lowest value with a coefficient of variation of 10% or less. Continuous agreement between assays was good (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.871–0.995). Categorical agreement assessed by Cohen’s kappa varied from poor (between Architect and Centaur κ = 0.37, and between TnT and Centaur κ = 0.48) to good (between Architect and i‐STAT κ = 0.68, and between TnT and i‐STAT κ = 0.68). Percentage of positive results varied almost twofold, from 37% for the Centaur to 72% for the Architect. Comparison of four troponin assays showed up to twofold variations in the proportion of positive results. This implies that either a large proportion of troponin‐positive diagnoses are missed by some assays or the assays with higher positivity are generating large numbers of false positives. Clinicians should evaluate troponin results in the clinical context and not base decisions solely on the ‘normal range’ of their local troponin assay.
The addition of metformin in type 1 diabetes improves insulin sensitivity, diabetic control, body composition and patient well‐being
Authors: Moon R. J. , Bascombe L.‐A. , Holt R. I. G. 
Published: April 2006

Aim:  As many overweight people with T1DM are insulin resistant, adjuvant therapy with insulin sensitising agents, such as metformin, may be beneficial. This study evaluated the effect of adjuvant metformin in T1DM on insulin sensitivity, diabetic control, body composition, quality of life (QOL) and treatment satisfaction.Materials and Methods:  A 3‐month prospective open‐labelled pilot study of 16 patients aged 18‐40 with T1DM and body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 was performed. The patients received 500‐850 mg metformin twice daily. Insulin sensitivity, assessed by a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test [n=5], body composition, HbA1c and quality of life (QOL) were measured before and after treatment. A retrospective review of 30 patients with T1DM treated with metformin for at least 4 months was also performed. BMI, HbA1c and insulin requirements during metformin treatment was compared to pre‐metformin data, and to patients treated with insulin only.Results:  In the pilot study, insulin sensitivity increased significantly from 0.86 ± 0.33 × 10−4/min/(µU/ml) to 1.17 ± 0.48 × 10−4/min/(µU/ml) after 3 months adjuvant therapy (p = 0.043). This was associated with a decreased insulin requirement and mean daily blood glucose. There were no significant changes in HbA1c or body composition. QOL significantly improved (p < 0.002). The retrospective review revealed an initial reduction in HbA1c (0.8 ± 1.4%, p = 0.001). This effect diminished with prolonged treatment. BMI decreased in patients remaining on metformin for a 2‐year period (0.5 ± 0.5kg/m2, p = 0.042).Conclusion:  Adjuvant metformin can improve QOL, insulin sensitivity and glycaemic control in overweight adults with T1DM.
Topical fat reduction from the waist
Authors: Caruso M. K. , Pekarovic S. , Raum W. J. , Greenway F. 
Published: April 2006

Objective:  Topical fat reduction from the thigh in women using aminophylline cream has been demonstrated, but the local fat reduction in other body areas or in men by lowering the local lipolytic threshold has not been demonstrated. This study is designed to test the hypothesis that aminophylline cream application to the waist will reduce waist circumference compared with a control.Research methods and procedures:  Fifty men and women who are 21–65 years of age with a BMI greater than 27 kg/m2 and a waist to hip ratio ≥average were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to 0.5% aminophylline cream to the waist twice a day or no treatment to the waist. All subjects were instructed to follow a 1200 kcal balanced diet, participate in a walking program and return biweekly to encourage compliance. A theophylline level was drawn monthly, and the waist, BMI and waist to hip ratio were remeasured at 12 weeks.Results:  At week 12, there was a significant reduction in BMI from baseline that was not different between the groups. The reduction in waist circumference was 11 ± 1.0 cm in the aminophylline cream group and 5.0 ± 0.6 cm in the control group (p < 0.001). The reduction in waist circumference was significant for both women and men, but the women lost significantly more waist girth. The waist to hip ratio, a measure of fat distribution, declined. Aminophylline levels were undetectable, and there were no adverse events.Discussion:  Aminophylline cream offers a safe and effective method for cosmetic local fat reduction from the waist.
Interim analysis of the effects of exenatide treatment on A1C, weight and cardiovascular risk factors over 82 weeks in 314 overweight patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Blonde L. , Klein E. J. , Han J. , Zhang B. , Mac S. M. , Poon T. H. , Taylor K. L. , Trautmann M. E. , Kim D. D. , Kendall D. M. 
Published: April 2006

Aim:  Exenatide, an incretin mimetic for the adjunct treatment of type 2 diabetes (DM2), reduced A1C and weight in 30‐week placebo‐controlled trials. This analysis examined the effects of exenatide on glycaemic control and weight over an 82‐week period in patients with DM2 unable to achieve adequate glycaemic control with sulphonylurea (SU) and/or metformin (MET).Methods:  This interim analysis is of 314 patients who received exenatide in the 30‐week placebo‐controlled trials and subsequently in 52 weeks of open‐label uncontrolled extension studies for 82 weeks of exenatide in total. Patients continued their SU and/or MET regimens throughout.Results:  Patients completed 82 weeks of exenatide treatment [n = 314, 63% M, age 56 ± 10 years, weight 99 ± 21 kg, body mass index 34 ± 6 kg/m2, A1C 8.3 ± 1.0% (mean ± SD)]. Reduction in A1C from baseline to week 30 [−0.9 ± 0.1% (mean ± SE)] was sustained to week 82 (−1.1 ± 0.1%), with 48% of patients achieving A1C ≤ 7% at week 82. At week 30, exenatide reduced body weight (a secondary endpoint) from baseline (−2.1 ± 0.2 kg), with progressive reduction at week 82 (−4.4 ± 0.3 kg). Similar results were observed for the intent‐to‐treat population (n = 551), with reductions in A1C and weight at week 82 of −0.8 ± 0.1% and −3.5 ± 0.2 kg respectively. The 82‐week completer cohort showed statistically significant improvement in some cardiovascular risk factors. The most frequent adverse events were generally mild‐to‐moderate nausea and hypoglycaemia.Conclusion:  In summary, 82 weeks of adjunctive exenatide treatment in patients with DM2 treated with SU and/or MET resulted in sustained reduction in A1C and progressive reduction in weight, as well as improvement in some cardiovascular risk factors.
New polymorphic microsatellite loci, cross‐species amplification and PCR multiplexing in the black aphid, Aphis fabae Scopoli
Authors: GAUFFRE B. , D’ACIER A. COEUR 
Published: April 2006

Abstract Aphis fabae includes four morphological cryptic subspecies, which are mostly identified by their partially distinct secondary host range. To determine the extent of gene flow and isolation between these four taxa, we isolated and characterized 12 microsatellite loci from Aphis fabae fabae and tested cross‐species amplification of eight loci from the closely related species Aphis gossypii. Using eight previously described microsatellite loci, we have developed the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) multiplexing of 24 loci, which were separated in tree sets and five PCRs. These sets of microsatellite loci provide high throughput capacity for large‐scale population genetic studies at a minimum cost.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in Pterocarpus officinalis Jacq.
Authors: MULLER FÉLIX , VAILLANT ALEXANDRE , BÂ AMADOU , BOUVET JEAN‐MARC 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe leguminous Pterocarpus officinalis Jacq. is one of the dominant freshwater wetland tree species in the Caribbean basin. Anthromorphic factors threaten to reduce its population. In order to investigate the genetic diversity and structure of this species, we developed eight pairs of primers for nuclear microsatellites. One hundred ninety‐one individuals were analysed within nine Caribbean and continental populations. These loci were polymorphic in all the populations, with four to 20 alleles per locus. Significant Hardy–Weinberg deviation was detected and was interpreted as a result of Wahlund effect. These loci constitute a powerful tool to investigate the genetic patterns within populations of the swamp species P. officinalis.
Development of microsatellite markers for noninvasive DNA samples of the eastern green lizard Lacerta viridis
Authors: LAUBE MAREN , KUEHN RALPH 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWe report the isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for the eastern green lizard (Lacerta viridis) usable for noninvasive samples. Ten polymorphic loci were obtained by screening 3000 recombinant clones and tested on 39 noninvasive DNA samples of individuals from different locations of the Danube area, Germany. Allelic richness ranged from three to nine alleles, the observed heterozygosity from 0.33 to 0.80, and the expected heterozygosity from 0.36 to 0.85. Our 10 loci, along with another 12 loci previously described, deliver effective analytical tools to analyse the genetic variability and to assess the social structure of eastern green lizard populations.
Identification of polymorphic microsatellite markers from RAPD product in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) and a test of cross‐species amplification
Authors: LIU Y. G. , LIU L. X. , LEI Z. W. , GAO A. Y. , LI B. F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractFive polymorphic microsatellite loci have been isolated and characterized from random amplified polymorphic DNA product in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus. Twelve microsatellites were selected for designing microsatellite primers, of which five gave working primer pairs. They had between four and nine alleles. Observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.76 to 0.90 and from 0.63 to 0.83, respectively. Five additional fish species assessed for cross‐species amplification revealed between one and three positive amplifications and between zero and two polymorphic loci per species.
Sensitivity and specificity of frequency‐doubling technology, tendency‐oriented perimetry, SITA Standard and SITA Fast perimetry in perimetrically inexperienced individuals
Authors: De Tarso Ponte Pierre‐Filho Paulo , Schimiti Rui Barroso , De Vasconcellos José Paulo Cabral , Costa Vital Paulino 
Published: April 2006

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the screening modes of frequency‐doubling technology (FDT), tendency‐oriented perimetry (TOP), SITA Standard (SS) and SITA Fast (SF) in perimetrically inexperienced individuals. Methods:  One eye of 64 glaucoma patients and 53 normal subjects who had never undergone automated perimetry were tested with programs C‐20‐5 (FDT), G1 (TOP) and 24‐2 (SS and SF). The gold standard for glaucoma was the presence of a typical glaucomatous optic disc appearance on stereoscopic examination (judged by a glaucoma expert), and intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg. The test order among strategies was randomized for each subject. To define an abnormal visual field, we applied three criteria for SS and SF and two criteria for TOP and FDT, all of which have been previously described in the literature. Sensitivities and specificities among the different criteria were compared using the Cochran test. Results:  Frequency‐doubling technology showed the shortest mean test duration, followed by TOP, SF and SS (p < 0.05). Sensitivity ranges were 87.5−89.1% for SS, 92.2−93.8% for SF, 87.5−89.1% for TOP, and 82.8−85.9% for FDT (p = 0.34). Specificity ranges were 73.6−83% for FDT, 56.6−62.3% for TOP, 60.4−69.8% for SF and 66.0−71.7% for SS. The specificity obtained with criterion 2 for FDT (based on the presence of two or more abnormal locations regardless of the severity of abnormal points) was higher than those measured with the other strategies (p < 0.01). Conclusion:  When testing individuals with no perimetric experience, moderate sensitivities and specificities should be expected, regardless of the strategy chosen.