bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heritability of Self-Reported Asthma and Allergy: A Study in Adult Dutch Twins, Siblings and Parents
Authors: Willemsen Gonneke , van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , van Baal Caroline G. C. M. , Postma Dirkje , Boomsma Dorret I. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe present study assessed the prevalence of asthma and allergy, and estimated the importance of genetic and environmental influences on asthma and allergy liability and their association. Longitudinal data on self-reported, doctor-diagnosed asthma and allergy were collected in over 14,000 individuals registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. Structural equation modeling was used for univariate and bivariate genetic analyses on data from twins, their siblings, and parents. Results showed no sex, age, and minimal birth cohort effects for asthma prevalence (11.8%). For allergy, prevalence was higher in women (19.8%) than in men (13.9%). Allergy prevalence at ages 22, 23, and 24 years increased from the 1970 to the 1980 birth cohort. The prevalence of allergy, but not of asthma, was higher in nontwin siblings than in twins. No assortative mating was observed. High (broad-sense) heritabilities were found for asthma (75%) and allergy (66%), with evidence for nonadditive genetic effects in asthma. The association between asthma and allergy (correlation = .65) was largely due to common genes (70%). No sex differences in genetic architecture were found. In conclusion, the prevalence of allergy but not of asthma increased in recent years. Individual differences in the liability to asthma, allergy and their co-occurrence are for a large part accounted for by differences in genetic background. Nonadditive gene action is important, which may have consequences for gene hunting strategies.
An Exploration of Gene–Environment Interaction and Asthma in a Large Sample of 5-Year-Old Dutch Twins
Authors: van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Boomsma Dorret I. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA consistent finding from twin studies is that the environment shared by family members does not contribute to the variation in susceptibility to asthma. At the same time, it is known that environmental risk factors that are shared by family members are associated with the liability for asthma. We hypothesize that the absence of a main effect of shared environmental factors in twin studies can be explained by gene–environment interaction, that is, that the effect of an environmental factor shared by family members depends on the genotype of the individual. We explore this hypothesis by modeling the resemblance in asthma liability in twin pairs as a function of various environmental risk factors and test for gene–environment interaction. Asthma data were obtained by parental report for nearly 12,000 5-year-old twin pairs. A series of environmental risk factors was examined: birth cohort, gestational age, time spent in incubator, breastfeeding, maternal educational level, maternal smoking during pregnancy, current smoking of parents, having older siblings, and amount of child care outside home. Results revealed that being a boy, born in the 1990s, premature birth, longer incubator time, and child care outside home increased the risk for asthma. With the exception of premature birth, however, none of these factors modified the genetic effects on asthma. In very premature children shared environmental influences were important. In children born after a gestation of 32 weeks or more only genetic factors were important to explain familial resemblance for asthma.
Asthma and Mode of Birth Delivery: A Study in 5-Year-Old Dutch Twins
Authors: van Beijsterveldt Toos C. E. M. , Boomsma Dorret I. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSeveral studies report caesarean section (CS) to be a risk factor for childhood asthma. We used data from a large cohort of 5-year-old twins to examine the relationship between mode of birth delivery and asthma. The extent to which an infant is exposed to maternal vaginal flora may protect against the risk of developing asthma. Therefore, we expect a lower rate of asthma in twins born by vaginal delivery (VD) than those born by CS, and a lower rate of asthma in first-born twins compared to second-born twins by VD. Information on mode of delivery was obtained at the time of birth in a survey completed by the mother shortly after delivery. Information on history of asthma diagnosis by a physician was obtained by parental report when the twins were 5 years old. Complete data were available for 6330 first-born and 5438 second-born twins from birth cohorts 1991–2000. Full term first-born twins born by CS had a significantly higher risk of asthma compared to those born by VD, odds ratio = 1.59 (95% CI = 1.23–2.06). No significant differences were observed between CS and VD first-born twins when gestational age was less than 37 weeks, and no significant differences were observed between CS and VD second-born twins at any gestational age. No differences in asthma prevalence were found between first- and second-born twins both born by VD. CS may increase the risk of asthma to full term infants, however, the underlying mechanism is unclear.
A Note on Twin–Singleton Differences in Asthma
Authors: Thomsen Simon Francis , Kyvik Kirsten Ohm , Backer Vibeke 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwins constitute a valuable resource for genetic studies of asthma. However, critics argue that twins are ‘special’ in terms of prenatal environment and upbringing and therefore nonrepresentative. In respect to asthma a small range of studies report differential morbidity in twins compared with singletons. We review some of the possible explanations for these findings and conclude that results from twin studies of asthma can be extrapolated to the general population.
Effects ofGABRA2Variation on Physiological, Psychomotor and Subjective Responses in the Alcohol Challenge Twin Study
Authors: Lind Penelope A. , MacGregor Stuart , Montgomery Grant W. , Heath Andrew C. , Martin Nicholas G. , Whitfield John B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMultiple reports have identified variation in theGABRA2gene as contributing to the genetic susceptibility to alcohol dependence. However, both the mechanism behind this association, and the range of alcohol-related phenotypes affected by variation in this gene, are currently undefined. Other data suggest that the risk of alcohol dependence is increased by relative insensitivity to alcohol's intoxicating effects. We have therefore tested whetherGABRA2variation is associated with variation in the subjective and objective effects of a standard dose of alcohol in humans. Data on responses to alcohol from the Alcohol Challenge Twin Study (Martin et al., 1985) have been tested against allelic and haplotype information obtained by typing 41 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in or close to theGABRA2gene. Nominally significant allelic associations (p< .05, without correction for multiple testing) were found for body sway, motor coordination, pursuit rotor and arithmetical computation tasks, and for the personality dimension of Neuroticism. Because of the large number of phenotypes tested, these possibly significant findings will need to be confirmed in further studies.
No Evidence of Sex Differences in Heritability of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Swedish Twins
Authors: Svedberg Pia , Johansson Saga , Wallander Mari-Ann , Pedersen Nancy L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractStudies have shown that familial aggregation is of importance for abdominal symptoms including irritable bowel syndrome and there are a few reports of a moderate heritability for irritable bowel syndrome. Sex differences in prevalence and incidence of irritable bowel syndrome have been demonstrated however less is known about sex differences in heritability. The objective was to investigate whether there were sex differences in heritability of irritable bowel syndrome while accounting for different prevalences among women and men in different age groups. A sample of 45,750 Swedish twins, whereof 16,961 were complete twin pairs, participated in a telephone interview. The sample was divided into three age groups (40–54, 55–64 and 65 years and older) and the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome was operationally defined with a number of disorder specific symptoms. Standard biometrical model fitting analyses were conducted using raw ordinal data from same-sex and opposite-sex twins. The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome was greater among women than men and more prevalent at younger ages (e.g., women 10.3%, men 6.3% at ages 40–54 years vs. women 6.1%, men 4% at ages over 65 years). The heritability of the disorder was approximately 25% in all age groups. We found no evidence for sex differences in heritability in any of the age groups, however, models allowing prevalences of irritable bowel syndrome to differ between sexes and age groups fitted best.
Sex Ratio in Sibships With Twins
Authors: Fellman Johan , Eriksson Aldur W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn national birth registers of Caucasians, the secondary sex ratio, that is, the number of boys per 100 girls at birth, is almost constant at 106. Variations other than random variation have been noted, and attention is being paid to identifying presumptive influential factors. Studies of the influence of different factors have, however, yielded meagre results. An effective means of identifying discrepancies is to investigate birth data compiled into sibships of different sizes. Assuming no inter- or intra-maternal variations, the distributions of the sex composition are binomial. Varying parental tendencies for a specific sex result in discrepancies from the binomial distribution. Over a century ago, the German scientists Geissler and Lommatzsch analyzed the vital statistics of Saxony, including twin maternities, for the last quarter of the 19th century. They considered sibships ending with twin sets. Their hypothesis was that in sibships ending with male–male twin pairs, the sex ratio among previous births is higher than normal, while in sibships with female–female twin pairs, the sex ratio is lower than normal. If the sibship ended with a male-female pair, then the sex ratio is almost normal. Consequently, a same-sex twin set indicated, in general, deviations in the sex ratio among the sibs within the sibship. Our analyzes of their data yielded statistically significant results that support their statements.
Opposite-Sex Twins: When They Marry; Research Reviews: Familial Twinning, Twin Study of Food Neophobia, and Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Phenotypic Sex; Human Interest: The Cave of Romulus and Remus, Twin Politicians in Poland, and Parents of Twins in Hong Kong
Authors: Segal Nancy L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA case of opposite-sex co-twins who married one another was recently reported. This case raises questions concerning the bases of mate attraction and adopted children's right to know their biological origins. This overview is followed by summaries of recent studies of familial twinning, food neophobia and monozygotic twins discordant for phenotypic sex. Several topics of general interest are also presented.
Emotionally Healthy Twins: A New Philosophy for Parenting Two Unique IndividualsJoan A. Friedman (2008). Da Capo Press, Life Long Books, 224 pp., US$15.95, ISBN 13 978 0 7382 1087 2
Authors: Wray Naomi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAs young people grow up, most will battle with their own sense of identity, but for twins this struggle can be more painful and prolonged. Some need to prise themselves from a ‘twosome package-deal’ identity, while others need to cast aside an identity based solely on differences from their co-twin: labelled by the well-meaning in an attempt to find uniqueness ‘Linda is the creative one; Laura the scholar’. The path to emotional happiness is difficult to navigate. What can parents do to make the journey less painful? Joan Friedman's Emotionally healthy twins provides some useful pointers outlined in a new philosophy of twin parenting.
A Farewell to Alms: A Brief Economic History of the WorldGregory Clark (2007). Princeton: Princeton University Press, 418 pp., US$29.95, ISBN 978 0 691 12135 2
Authors: Caton Hiram 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEconomics arranges its topics as Big, Medium, and Small. Mr Big is the Industrial Revolution: How did it happen, and when? Whence did it spread, and at what rate? What were the costs and benefits? The literature is vast and the answers are numerous. But it organizes around a fundamental phenomenon: from about 1800, economic growth began an upward climb that in fifty years captured the world's purse and that in another half century had increased the wealth of industrial nations many times. Intoxication with this achievement is expressed in museums of science and industry and on websites featuring the Paris Exhibition of 1889 and the Chicago Exhibition of 1893.
Behavioral Genetics (5th edition)Robert Plomin, John C. DeFries, Gerald E. McClearn, Peter McGuffin. (2008). Worth Publishers, New York, 505 pp., US$115.95, ISBN 10 1 4292 0577 6
Authors: Bates Timothy C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe purpose ofBehavioral Genetics5th edition (BG) is to cover the knowns and unknowns of behavior genetics, conveying the excitement of the field, its prospects, and something of the methods. Like the importantAmerican Psychologist(AP) paper ‘Intelligence: Knowns and Unknowns’ (Neisser et al., 1996), BG is designed to convey a consensus, in this case across fields as diverse as autism and xenophobia. Establishing and communicating this consensus is especially important for behavior genetics when many students are relatively unaware of the existence of biological differences. To meet this bold purpose the book needs to be accessible to those new to genetics while remaining accurate, and this goal is met admirably. The text is suffused with a calm and even handed approach that allows it to address its pedagogical task far better than most texts. It has been honed across the decades, including a complete rewrite (3rd edition), and, now, two rounds of fine-tuning. This polish pays off: the book reads very well, is well indexed, and integrated.
Total adiponectin and adiponectin multimeric complexes in relation to weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity in obese women: the NUGENOB study.
Authors: Polak J , Kovacova Z , Holst C , Verdich C , Astrup A , Blaak E , Patel K , Oppert J M , Langin D , Martinez J A , Sørensen T I A , Stich V 
Published: March 2008

AimAdiponectin increases insulin sensitivity, protects arterial walls against atherosclerosis, and regulates glucose metabolism, and is decreased in obese, insulin resistant, and type 2 diabetic patients. Adiponectin circulates in plasma as high, medium, and low molecular weight forms (HMW, MMW, and LMW). The HMW form was suggested to be closely associated with insulin sensitivity. This study investigated whether diet-induced changes in insulin sensitivity were associated with changes in adiponectin multimeric complexes.SubjectsTwenty obese women with highest and twenty obese women with lowest diet induced changes in insulin sensitivity (responders and non-responders respectively), matched for weight loss (body mass index (BMI)=34.5 (s.d.2.9) resp. 36.5 kg/m2(s.d.4.0) for responders and non-responders), were selected from 292 women who underwent a 10-week low-caloric diet (LCD; 600 kcal/d less than energy requirements). Plasma HMW, MMW, and LMW forms of adiponectin were quantified using Western blot method.ResultsLCD induced comparable weight reduction in responders and non-responders by 8.2 and 7.6 kg. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index decreased by 48.1% in responders and remained unchanged in non-responders. Total plasma adiponectin and the quantity of HMW and MMW remained unchanged in both groups, while LMW increased by 16.3% in non-responders. No differences between both groups were observed at baseline and after the study. Total plasma adiponectin, MMW, and LMW were negatively associated with fasting insulin levels at baseline.ConclusionNo differences in total plasma adiponectin, HMW, MMW, and LMW forms were observed between responders and non-responders following 10-week LCD, suggesting that adiponectin is not a major determinant of weight loss-induced improvements in insulin sensitivity.
Effects of GH treatment in GH-deficient adults on adiponectin, leptin and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A.
Authors: Joaquin C , Aguilera E , Granada M L , Pastor M C , Salinas I , Alonso N , Sanmartí A 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveGH deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with adverse effects on metabolism and increased cardiovascular risk. Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) is a protease that promotes IGF-I availability in vascular tissues. PAPP-A levels appear to correlate with carotid intima-media thickness and have been proposed as an early predictor of cardiac events. The aim of our study was to evaluate PAPP-A levels in GHD adults at baseline and after GH replacement and correlate them with changes in body composition, lipid profile, glucose homeostasis, inflammatory markers and in leptin and adiponectin.Patients and methodsFourteen GHD adults were evaluated at baseline and after 1 year of GH therapy. All patients were compared at baseline with 28 age-, sex- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects.ResultsAt baseline, GHD adults showed higher PAPP-A levels (P=0.03) and higher leptin (P=0.04), fibrinogen (P=0.002) and highly sensitive C-reactive protein (P=0.01) values than controls. Therapy with GH reduced PAPP-A (P=0.03) and fibrinogen levels (P=0.002) while increased BMI (P=0.01) and reduced waist-hip ratio (WHR; P=0.05) were observed. Insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index increased after treatment (P<0.004/P=0.007), without changes in leptin or adiponectin levels. PAPP-A values correlated positively with BMI and WHR and negatively with adiponectin before and after treatment, with no correlation with glucose homeostasis parameters, lipid profile or leptin.ConclusionsOur study suggests that PAPP-A expression is increased in GHD adults, and that 1 year of GH replacement therapy is able to reduce PAPP-A levels in this population. However, further studies are required to determine whether this decrease correlates with an improvement in atherosclerosis.
A case of constrictive pericarditis during cabergoline treatment for hyperprolactinaemia.
Authors: Löndahl Magnus , Nilsson Anders , Lindgren Hans , Katzman Per 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTreatment with dopamine agonists has been associated with cardiopulmonary fibrotic reactions, predominantly in patients treated for Parkinson's disease. To our knowledge, these reactions have previously not been associated with low-dose cabergoline treatment for hyperprolactinaemia.MethodA case of constrictive pericarditis in a patient treated with cabergoline for hyperprolactinaemia is presented. The patient has been treated at a county hospital and a university hospital in southern Sweden.ResultsA 20-year-old woman with a 3-year history of amenorrhoea was referred to the department in 1992. From 2001 to 2005, she was given cabergoline, 0.5–1.5 mg/week. In 2005 a pericardectomy was performed due to fibrotic, constrictive pericarditis.ConclusionsOur present case suggests that constrictive pericarditis may develop even on low-dose cabergoline, which might indicate that this reaction, as opposed to valvular fibrosis, is not mediated by a 5-HT2B agonistic mechanism.
Genotype–phenotype correlation in a family with primary cortisol resistance: possible modulating effect of the ER22/23EK polymorphism.
Authors: Raef Hussein , Baitei Essa Y , Zou Minjing , Shi Yufei 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveGlucocorticoid resistance is a rare sporadic or familial condition that is characterized by generalized, partial resistance to glucocorticoids. It is caused by a mutation in the glucocorticoid receptor-α (GR-α) gene. We aimed to understand the reasons for different phenotypes (severe to asymptomatic) observed in a family with primary cortisol resistance.DesignThe genotype leading to cortisol resistance in the family members was investigated and correlated to the clinical phenotype.MethodThree siblings were presented with clinical cortisol resistance, featuring severe hypertension, hypokalemia and hyperandrogenism. Three other siblings and both parents were asymptomatic. Genomic DNA from peripheral lymphocytes was isolated from family members. The entire GR-α coding sequence (exons 2–9) was amplified by PCR and sequenced.ResultsA homozygous G679S mutation was present in the three clinically affected subjects. Heterozygous G66A (E22E) and G68A (R23K) polymorphisms and G2035A (G679S) mutation were found in the father and two siblings. Mother and one sibling had only heterozygous G679S mutation. The clinically unaffected subjects showed two different responses to dexamethason. Those with heterozygous G679S mutation and ER22/23EK polymorphism had normal cortisol suppression, whereas those with only heterozygous G679S mutation failed to suppress normally.ConclusionsA homozygous G679S mutation of the GR-α gene is associated with severe cortisol resistance, whereas a heterozygous mutation of the same gene can lead to subclinical cortisol resistance. The effect of the heterozygous mutation was abolished in subjects carrying the ER22/23EK polymorphism.
Desmopressin increases IGF-binding protein-1 in humans.
Authors: Catrina S B , Rotarus R , Botusan I R , Coculescu M , Brismar K 
Published: March 2008

ContextIGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) is essential for IGF-I bioavailability. High levels of IGFBP-1 are encountered in critically ill patients and are a good predictor marker in acute myocardial infarction. The mechanisms responsible for the elevated IGFBP-1 levels in these conditions are still unclear. Interestingly, high levels of vasopressin have been reported in the above-mentioned conditions.ObjectiveTo study the effect of vasopressin on IGFBP-1 in humans.DesignPlacebo-controlled cross-over study in patients with central diabetes insipidus (CDI) in whom potential interference from endogenous vasopressin secretion is minimized. After a 3-day desmopressin washout period, each patient received i.v. saline on day 1 and desmopressin (3 μg) on day 2. Blood samples were taken after administration, every 2 h during the whole night, starting at 2000 h.Patients and settingFourteen inpatients with CDI in an endocrinology department of a university hospital.ResultsSerum IGFBP-1 increased within 4 h after 1-desamino-8-d-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) by 375±73%, compared with a spontaneous fasting increase by 252±46% following placebo administration (P<0.05). No changes were registered in the levels of either classically regulators of IGFBP-1 (insulin, glucagon, and cortisol) or of IGF-I and glucose. The decrease in plasma osmolarity induced by DDAVP did not precede the increase in IGFBP-1.ConclusionsDDAVP increases serum levels of IGFBP-1. Further investigation is essential to unravel the clinical potential of this interaction in conditions associated with high IGFBP-1 levels.