bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The CC genotype of the GNAS T393C polymorphism is associated with obesity and insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Hahn Susanne , Frey Ulrich H , Siffert Winfried , Tan Susanne , Mann Klaus , Janssen Onno E 
Published: October 2006

Objective: Variants in the Gs protein α subunit gene (GNAS1) are known to be involved in the pathogenesis of several endocrine and metabolic disorders. To understand genetic determinants of androgen excess, insulin resistance, and obesity in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), we investigated the effect of the common GNAS1 T393C polymorphism on the phenotype of German PCOS women.
Design: Two hundred and seventy-eight PCOS women and 820 Caucasian controls were genotyped for the common T393C polymorphism in GNAS1. To this end, genomic DNA was amplified by PCR with specific oligonucleotides and genotypes were determined using the restriction enzyme FokI. In addition, we evaluated whether the T393C polymorphism had an influence on the response to 6 months metformin treatment in a subgroup of 105 PCOS women.
Methods: Anthropometric variables, metabolic parameters including indices of insulin resistance measured by oral glucose tolerance testing, and endocrine biochemical as well as clinical parameters were measured in all PCOS subjects.
Results: GNAS1 genotype distributions were not significantly different between PCOS women and controls. In PCOS women, no significant differences in endocrine clinical and biochemical variables were found between the genotypes. However, the C-allele carrier group had significantly higher mean body weight, body mass index, leptin levels, and higher indices of insulin resistance compared with women with GNAS1 TT-genotype. Metformin treatment significantly improved hyperandrogenism, menstrual cyclicity, body weight, and insulin resistance independent of GNAS1 genotype. The major determinant of weight loss was body weight before treatment.
Conclusion: The T393C polymorphism is not associated with PCOS in Caucasian women, but may represent a genetic marker for increased susceptibility for obesity in this cohort.
Biochemical markers of bone turnover and their relation to forearm bone mineral density in persons of Pakistani and Norwegian background living in Oslo, Norway: The Oslo Health Study
Authors: Holvik Kristin , Meyer Haakon E , Søgaard Anne Johanne , Selmer Randi , Haug Egil , Falch Jan A 
Published: October 2006

Objective: To evaluate whether Pakistanis have increased bone turnover compared with ethnic Norwegians due to their high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and secondary hyperparathyroidism, and whether the relation between bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) differs between Pakistanis and ethnic Norwegians.
Design: A cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in the city of Oslo in 2000–2001. Random samples of 132 community-dwelling Pakistani men and women of ages 40, 45, and 59–60 years, and 580 community-dwelling Norwegian men and women of ages 45 and 59–60 years are included in this substudy.
Methods: Venous serum samples were drawn for measurements of markers of the vitamin D endocrine system and the bone turnover markers osteocalcin (s-OC), bone alkaline phosphatase (s-bone ALP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (s-TRACP). BMD was measured at the forearm by single-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
Results: Pakistanis had higher s-bone ALP compared with Norwegians. Mean (95% CI) age-adjusted levels were 22.5 (21.0, 24.1) U/l in Pakistani men versus 19.3 (18.6, 20.1) U/l in Norwegian men, P < 0.0005, and 20.3 (18.4, 22.1) U/l in Pakistani women versus 16.7 (16.0, 17.4) U/l in Norwegian women, P = 0.001. There tended to be an inverse association between bone turnover and BMD in men and women of both ethnic groups, and it was strongest for s-bone ALP. Overall mean (95% CI) distal BMD decrease was −16 (−20, −11) mg/cm2 per 1 s.d. increase in s-bone ALP (P < 0.0005) when adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity.
Conclusions: Except for somewhat higher s-bone ALP levels in Pakistanis, there were only minor ethnic differences in bone turnover, despite a strikingly different prevalence of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Bone turnover was inversely associated with forearm BMD in both ethnic groups.
Sustained effects of recombinant GH replacement after 7 years of treatment in adults with GH deficiency
Authors: van der Klaauw A A , Romijn J A , Biermasz N R , Smit J W A , van Doorn J , Dekkers O M , Roelfsema F , Pereira A M 
Published: October 2006

Context: The goal of GH replacement with recombinant human GH (rhGH) is to ameliorate symptoms, signs, and complications of adult GH deficiency (GHD) in the long term. To determine whether the observed short-term beneficial effects of rhGH treatment are sustained in the long term, we evaluated biochemical and anthropometric parameters after 7 years of rhGH replacement.
Patients and methods: After 2, 5, and 7 years of rhGH replacement, 63 adult GHD patients (30 men, 52 adult-onset GHD) were assessed. IGF-I increased during rhGH replacement, and a stable dose of rhGH was reached within 1 year of rhGH substitution. Thereafter, this individualized dose was continued.
Results: Plasma levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased even after 5 years of rhGH replacement (11% decrease, P < 0.001; 22% decrease, P < 0.001 respectively). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased during 7 years of rhGH replacement (1.4 ± 0.5 mmol/l at baseline vs 1.7 ± 0.5 mmol/l after 7 years, P < 0.001), whereas triglyceride concentrations remained unchanged. Fasting glucose levels increased during follow-up, mainly during the first 2 years of rhGH replacement (4.4 ± 0.7 mmol/l to 5.0 ± 1.0 mmol/l, P < 0.001). Body mass index increased during follow-up, whereas waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio remained unchanged. Diastolic blood pressure decreased (P = 0.002), but when patients using antihypertensive medication were excluded this decrease did not reach significance (P = 0.064). Systolic blood pressure remained unchanged.
Conclusion: The beneficial effects of rhGH replacement, described after short-term rhGH replacement, are sustained in the long term up to 7 years.
Serum GH and IGF-I are significant determinants of bone turnover but not bone mineral density in active acromegaly: a prospective study of more than 70 consecutive patients
Authors: Ueland T , Fougner S L , Godang K , Schreiner T , Bollerslev J 
Published: October 2006

Objective: Acromegaly is characterized by a persistent hypersecretion of GH and provides information on long-term effects of GH on bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of gonadal status and disease activity on bone metabolism in active acromegaly.
Methods: Seventy-three consecutive patients with active acromegaly: 40 women and 33 men (50 ± 13 (mean ± s.d.) and 49 ± 10 years respectively) were evaluated and compared with age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls by X-ray absorptiometry and biochemical analysis (markers of disease activity and bone turnover).
Results: We found that bone turnover, as evaluated by biochemical bone markers, is coupled and markedly increased in relation to disease activity in active acromegaly. Acromegalic women, but not men, were characterized by an increased bone area and slightly decreased bone mineral content resulting in significantly decreased bone mineral density (BMD) in the ultradistal radius, proximal radius, and total body. No differences in bone turnover or BMD were found between eu-and hypogonadal subjects. Multivariate analysis identified age, BMI, and gender as independent predictors of total BMD in acromegaly.
Conclusion: Our study demonstrates a decreased total body BMD in women, not men, with active acromegaly, regardless of gonadal status or disease activity. Bone turnover is markedly increased in relation to disease activity, possibly counteracting the anabolic effects of excess GH/IGF-I in these subjects. We suggest more focus on biomechanical analyses when investigating endocrine disorders affecting bone size and distribution between compartments.
R990G polymorphism of the calcium-sensing receptor and renal calcium excretion in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Corbetta S , Eller-Vainicher C , Filopanti M , Saeli P , Vezzoli G , Arcidiacono T , Loli P , Syren M L , Soldati L , Beck-Peccoz P , Spada A 
Published: October 2006

Context: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) shows a great variability in clinical course and severity. Data concerning the association between polymorphic variants of the gene encoding the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) and clinical characteristics of PHPT are not conclusive.
Objective: To evaluate the frequency of three polymorphisms; A986S, R990G, and Q1011E of CaSR in patients with PHPT and to correlate the genotypes with clinical and biochemical parameters.
Patients and methods: The study included 94 consecutive unrelated patients referred to our Departments for PHPT diagnosis and management between 2000 and 2005 and 137 age and sex-matched healthy subjects. Patients and controls were genotyped according to standard procedures. Due to the rarity of 990G allele, homozygous and heterozygous subjects were grouped in R/G+G/G set. All PHPT patients were studied for calcium metabolism parameters and renal and bone complications.
Results: The proportion of CaSRvariants was similar in PHPT patients and controls. In PHPT patients, only R990G polymorphism was associated with disease parameters; in comparison with R/R, R/G+G/G patients showed lower mean serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and phosphate levels (139.9 ± 62.2 vs 199.9 ± 136.3 pg/ml, P < 0.05 and 0.69 ± 0.12 vs 0.81 ± 0.18 mmol/l, P = 0.031 respectively), higher mean 24-h urine calcium concentration and calcium excretion (9.05 ± 2.05 vs 6.77 ± 4.31 mmol/24 h, P = 0.012 and 67 ± 20 vs 51 ± 26 μmol/l GF, P = 0.039), and increased prevalence of nephrolithiasis (90.0 vs 44.2%, P = 0.007).
Conclusions: The study showed that patients with PHPT, bearing the 990G allele, had lower serum PTH levels and higher urinary calcium excretion in comparison with the other genotype, suggesting an increased sensitivityof the variant receptor to extracellular calcium. Since this variant was associated with increased occurrence of nephrolithiasis, analysis of this polymorphism might help to predict renal complication of the disease.
Low plasma adiponectin concentration is an indicator of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Santaniemi Merja , Kesäniemi Y Antero , Ukkola Olavi 
Published: October 2006

Objective: Adiponectin is an adipocytokine known to be decreased in obesity. It functions in glucose and fatty acid metabolism and also has an anti-inflammatory role in microvasculature. We wanted to investigate the role of adiponectin as a biomarker of metabolic syndrome (MS) and see how the plasma adiponectin levels relate to new criteria of MS proposed by the International Diabetes Federation.
Methods: Plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured from total of 1041 Finnish subjects with an ELISA – a novel method planned in our laboratory.
Results: In both the sexes, the plasma adiponectin levels were lower in subjects with MS when compared with subjects with no diagnosis of MS (P< 0.001). Plasma adiponectin levels did not differ between subjects with National Cholesterol Education Program (ATPIII) and International Diabetes Federation-defined MS. Lower adiponectin levels were associated with different components of the MS and there was a trend towards decreasing adiponectin levels with an increasing number of components of MS in both the sexes. Subjects in the lowest adiponectin quartile had a significantly higher probability of having MS (P< 0.001), 4.4-fold in males and 7.5-fold in females, when compared with the corresponding individuals in the highest quartile. The probability increased in every lowering quartile of adiponectin level and was independent of body mass index.
Conclusion: We conclude that adiponectin levels correlate with most of the components of the MS and the metabolic cluster per se.
Light‐Driven Water Splitting for (Bio‐)Hydrogen Production: Photosystem 2 as the Central Part of a Bioelectrochemical Device
Authors: Badura Adrian , Esper Berndt , Ataka Kenichi , Grunwald Christian , Wöll Christof , Kuhlmann Jürgen , Heberle Joachim , Rögner Matthias 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTTo establish a semiartificial device for (bio‐)hydrogen production utilizing photosynthetic water oxidation, we report on the immobilization of a Photosystem 2 on electrode surfaces. For this purpose, an isolated Photosystem 2 with a genetically introduced His tag from the cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus was attached onto gold electrodes modified with thiolates bearing terminal Ni(II)‐nitrilotriacetic acid groups. Surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy showed the binding kinetics of Photosystem 2, whereas surface plasmon resonance measurements allowed the amount of protein adsorbed to be quantified. On the basis of these data, the surface coverage was calculated to be 0.29 pmol protein cm−2, which is in agreement with the formation of a monomolecular film on the electrode surface. Upon illumination, the generation of a photocurrent was observed with current densities of up to 14 μA cm−2. This photocurrent is clearly dependent on light quality showing an action spectrum similar to an isolated Photosystem 2. The achieved current densities are equivalent to the highest reported oxygen evolution activities in solution under comparable conditions.
A New Approach for Studying Fast Biological Reactions Involving Nitric Oxide: Generation of NO Using Photolabile Ruthenium and Manganese NO Donors
Authors: Szundi Istvan , Rose Michael J. , Sen Indranll , Eroy‐Reveles Aura A. , Mascharak Pradip K. , Einarsdóttir Ólöf 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTNitric oxide (NO) is recognized as one of the major players in various biochemical processes, including blood pressure, neurotransmission and immune responses. However, experimental studies involving NO are often limited by difficulties associated with the use of NO gas, including its toxicity and precise control over NO concentration. Moreover, the reactions of NO with biological molecules, which frequently occur on time scales of microseconds or faster, are limited by the millisecond time scale of conventional stopped‐flow techniques. Here we present a new approach for studying rapid biological reactions involving NO. The method is based on designed ruthenium and manganese nitrosyls, [Ru(PaPy3)(NO)](BF4)2 and [Mn(Pa‐Py3)(NO)](ClO4) (PaPy3H =N,N ‐bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine‐N‐ethyl‐2‐pyridine‐2‐carboxamide), which upon photolysis produce NO on a fast time scale. The kinetics of the binding of the photogenerated NO to reduced cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) and myoglobin (Mb) was investigated using time‐resolved optical absorption spectroscopy. The NO was found to bind to reduced CcO with an apparent lifetime of 77 μs using the [Mn(PaPy3)(NO)]+ complex; the corresponding rate is 10–20 times faster than can be detected by conventional stopped‐flow methods. Second‐order rate constants of ∼1 × 108 108 M−1 S−1 and ∼3 × 107 M−1 S−1 were determined for NO binding to reduced CcO and Mb, respectively. The generation of NO by photolysis of these complexes circumvents the rate limitation of stopped‐flow techniques and offers a novel alternative to study other fast biological reactions involving NO.
Orexin receptor expression in human adipose tissue: effects of orexin-A and orexin-B
Authors: Digby J E , Chen J , Tang J Y , Lehnert H , Matthews R N , Randeva H S 
Published: October 2006

Orexin-A and orexin-B, via their receptors orexin-1 receptor (OX1R) and orexin-2 receptor (OX2R) have been shown to play a role in the regulation of feeding, body weight, and energy expenditure. Adipose tissue also contributes significantly to the maintenance of body weight by interacting with a complex array of bioactive peptides; however, there are no data as yet on the expression of orexin components in adipose tissue. We, therefore, analyzed the expression of OX1R and OX2R in human adipose tissue and determined functional responses to orexin-A and orexin-B. OX1R and OX2R mRNA expression was detected in subcutaneous (s.c.) and omental adipose tissue and in isolated adipocytes. Protein for OX1R and OX2R was also detected in whole adipose tissue sections and lysates. Treatment with orexin-A, and orexin-B (100 nM, 24 h) resulted in a significant increase in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors γ-2 mRNA expression in s.c. adipose tissue (P < 0.05). Hormone sensitive lipase mRNA was significantly reduced in omental adipose tissue with orexin-A and orexin-B treatment (P < 0.05). Glycerol release from omental adipose tissue was also significantly reduced with orexin-A treatment (P < 0.05).
These findings demonstrate for the first time the presence of functional orexin receptors in human adipose tissue and suggest a role for orexins in adipose tissue metabolism and adipogenesis.
Dead Men Talking: Evidence of Post Death Contact and Continuing Bonds
Authors: Klugman Craig M. 
Published: October 2006

Post Death Contact (PDC) is when a living individual feels that a person who is deceased is reaching out to connect with the living. Such experiences may be part of a model of grieving called Continuing Bonds. In order to further investigate the relationship between PDCs and the grieving process, a random telephone survey was developed to determine the ways in which PDCs are experienced in the United States. Most commonly, subjects reported PDCs that included dreams, sounds, feeling a presence, and having conversations. The results suggest that experiencing PDCs may be a lifelong phenomenon and more widespread than previously thought.
Coupled membrane process applied to fruit juice concentration
Authors: Koroknai B. , Gubicza L. , Bélafi-Bakó K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA coupled membrane process of membrane distillation and osmotic evaporation, where the solutions were thermostated separately at different temperatures, was developed. Enhanced water flux was obtained since the total driving force of the coupled process was higher than the sum of the driving forces of single processes. Apple, raspberry, sour cherry, red, and black currant juices were concentrated by the novel, mild technique.
Production of process water using integrated membrane processes
Authors: Karakulski K. , Gryta M. , Sasim M. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractApplication of ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane distillation, and integrated membrane processes for the preparation of process water from natural water or industrial effluents was investigated. A two-stage reverse osmosis plant enabled almost complete removal of solutes from the feed water. High-purity water was prepared using the membrane distillation. However, during this process a rapid membrane fouling and permeate flux decline was observed when the tap water was used as a feed. The precipitation of deposit in the modules was limited by the separation of sparingly soluble salts from the feed water in the nanofiltration. The combined reverse osmosis—membrane distillation process prevented the formation of salt deposits on the membranes employed for the membrane distillation. Ultrafiltration was found to be very effective removing trace amounts of oil from the feed water. Then the ultrafiltration permeate was used for feeding of the remaining membrane modules resulting in the total removal of oil residue contamination. The ultrafiltration allowed producing process water directly from the industrial effluents containing petroleum derivatives.
Kinetics of pyrolysis and properties of carbon black from a scrap tire
Authors: Koreňová Z. , Juma M. , Annus J. , Markoš J. , Jelemenský L’. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe pyrolysis of rubber from the sidewall and tread of a passenger car tire was carried out in a nitrogen flow at a wide range of final temperatures. Derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) was applied to examine the kinetics at the different process conditions of completed pyrolysis. Two characteristic stages were observed in the DTG curves. The first stage corresponded to the decomposition of processing oil, plastifier, and additives, whereas the rubber polymer was decomposed in the second stage. Several properties of the carbon black formed by the pyrolysis such as ash content, specific surface area, and pore size distribution were determined. A change of the internal structure of the rubber particle in the meso-and macroregions of the pore size was observed.
Multiple steady states in a CSTR with total condenser: Comparison of equilibrium and nonequilibrium models
Authors: Švandová Z. , Markoš J. , Jelemenský L’. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractComparison of equilibrium and nonequilibrium models of a CSTR with total condenser focused on the multiple steady states and dynamic behaviour was carried out. The steady-state behaviour of the model system, MTBE synthesis from methanol and isobutene in a reactive distillation column, was studied in terms of the input parameters, i. e. feed flow rate of methanol or butenes, reflux ratio, and mass of catalyst. The dynamic behaviour of the system during the start-up was investigated and perturbations of manipulated variables were found to cause transitions between the parallel steady states.
Safety analysis and risk identification for a tubular reactor using the HAZOP methodology
Authors: Labovský J. , Jelemenský L’. , Markoš J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA model approach to Hazard and Operability (HAZOP) analysis is presented based on the mathematical modeling of a process unit where both the steady-state analysis, including the analysis of the steady states multiplicity and stability, and the dynamic simulation are used. Heterogeneous tubular reactor for the ethylene oxide production from ethylene and oxygen was chosen to identify potential hazards for real system. The computer code DYNHAZ was developed consisting of a process simulator and a generator of the HAZOP algorithm.
Isolation and identification of anthraquinones of Caloplaca cerina and Cassia tora
Authors: Manojlović I. , Bogdanović-Dusanović G. , Gritsanapan W. , Manojlović N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractFive hydroxyanthraquinone derivatives physcion, emodin, fallacinal, teloschistin, and 1,3-dimethoxy-8-hydroxy-6-methyl-9,10-anthraquinone were isolated from the lichen Caloplaca cerina growing in Serbia. Three anthraquinone derivatives, namely physcion, emodin, and rhein were isolated and identified from the Thai medicinal plant Cassia tora.
Adaptive noise reduction using numerically stable fast recursive least squares algorithm
Authors: Ykhlef Farid , Arezki Madjid , Guessoum Abderezzak , Berkani Daoud 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper is concerned with adaptive noise reduction based on the fast recursive least squares (FRLS) algorithm. It is well known that the fast recursive least squares (FRLS) algorithm suffers from numerical instability when operating under the effects of finite precision arithmetic. Several numerical solutions of stabilization were proposed in the case of stationary signals. In this work a new version of a numerically stable FRLS algorithm (NS‐FRLS) is proposed. The stability characteristics of this new stabilized algorithm are analysed. The analysis is based on a linear model for the errors in the states of the adaptive filter. Experimental results confirm the merits of adaptive filtering with the NS‐FRLS algorithm over optimum filtering using the solution provided by Wiener–Hopf equations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.