bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The addition of liposomal doxorubicin to bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone significantly improves clinical outcome of advanced multiple myeloma
Authors: Ciolli Stefania , Leoni Franco , Casini Cinzia , Breschi Carla , Santini Valeria , Bosi Alberto 
Published: April 2008

SummaryRelapsed/refractory myeloma has a poor outcome because of multi‐drug resistance, patient low‐performance status and toxicity of conventional chemotherapy. To improve results, standard chemotherapeutics and drugs targeting the microenvironment are applied at the same time. Bortezomib, by inhibiting proteasome function, may enhance chemosensitivity to other drugs and overcome drug‐resistance. Notably, doxorubicin and bortezomib may reciprocally increase their efficacy. Thus, to improve outcome whilst minimizing therapy‐related toxicity, liposomal doxorubicin was added to a bortezomib‐based combination. From January 2004, relapsed/refractory myeloma patients referred to our Institution received bortezomib 1·0 mg/m2 i.v. twice weekly for 2 weeks in a 28‐d cycle for up to six cycles, oral dexamethasone 24 mg with the standard scheduling and thalidomide 100 mg continuously (VTD). From January 2005, liposomal doxorubicin, 50 mg/m2 (30 mg/m2 for patients older than 75 years), was added on day 4 of each cycle [VTD plus Myocet (MyVTD)]. In total, 70 patients were treated: 28 received VTD and 42 MyVTD. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the two groups. Toxicity was manageable although more pronounced with MyVTD. The overall response rate (81% vs. 50%, P = 0·009), time to progression (19 vs. 11 months, P = 0·01) and progression‐free survival (15 vs. 8 months, P = 0·001) were significantly higher with MyVTD regimen, suggesting an improved quality of response.
‘Always the guiding hand’: parents' accounts of the long‐term implications of developmental co‐ordination disorder for their children and families
Authors: Stephenson E. A , Chesson R. A 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  There has been little investigation of the long‐term implications of developmental co‐ordination disorder (DCD) and, particularly, its impact on families. This is despite the prevalence of the disorder (4.5% to 6%) of the child population, and the high rates of referral to occupational therapy departments. The study reported here was part of an evaluation of an innovative screening clinic for the assessment of children with DCD.Methods  Within the case study approach of the evaluation, questionnaires, including open‐end questions, were sent to 70 families. All had attended the screening clinic 6 years earlier and had little subsequent contact with the occupational therapy service. Semi‐structured interviews were held with 12 mothers who volunteered to participate. These enabled specific issues raised in the questionnaires to be explored in greater depth. Interviews were audiotaped and full text transcripts produced for analysis.Results  Over half the questionnaires were returned despite the length of time elapsed since hospital contact. Parents who responded reported a high persistence of problems in their children. Difficulties spanned motor and academic performance, emotional/behavioural responses and social interaction. Twenty‐eight children (80%) of respondents were reported as having difficulties in three or more areas. Bullying was a commonly identified problem. At interview mothers spoke at length about their experiences and reported feeling stressed and distressed. Mothers reported a lack of support and expressed feelings of isolation. They said that their time investment in their child with DCD had pronounced effects on themselves and other family members. Specifically they highlighted time spent fighting the system, primarily for educational support.Conclusions  The study suggests a need for occupational therapists to reframe their current ideas regarding service provision, with improved support for families, increased interagency working and more service‐user involvement.
Lancet series on maternal and child undernutrition. Maternal and child undernutrition 1: global and regional exposures and health consequences
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: April 2008

.

Black R.E.,
Allen L.H.,
Bhutta Z.A.,
Caulfield L.E.,
De Onis M.,
Ezzati M.,
Mathers C.,
Rivera J. &
(
2008
)

,
371
,
243
–
260
.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(07)61690‐0.
Maternal and child undernutrition 4: effective action at national level
Authors: Reading Richard 
Published: April 2008

.

Bryce J.,
Coitinho D.,
Darnton‐Hill I.,
Pelletier D.,
Pinstrup‐Andersen P. &
(
2008
)

,
371
,
510
–
526
.

DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(07)61694‐8.
GH and IGF‐I excess control contributes to blood pressure control: results of an observational, retrospective, multicentre study in 105 hypertensive acromegalic patients on hypertensive treatment
Authors: Colao Annamaria , Terzolo Massimo , Bondanelli Marta , Galderisi Maurizio , Vitale Giovanni , Reimondo Giuseppe , Ambrosio Maria Rosaria , Pivonello Rosario , Lombardi Gaetano , Angeli Alberto , Degli Uberti Ettore C. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryContext  Approximately one‐third of patients with acromegaly have concomitant hypertension. The outcome of hypertension after treatment of acromegaly is unknown.Objective  To evaluate the role of GH and IGF‐I control on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels.Patients  One hundred and five hypertensive patients (60 women, 45 men) with active disease receiving treatment for hypertension at their diagnosis of acromegaly.Design  Observational, retrospective, multicentre.Measurements  At diagnosis and after 24 months (median) of treatment we measured serum GH and IGF‐I levels, blood pressure levels, left ventricular (LV) mass index (LVMi), early‐to‐late mitral flow velocity (E/A, as a measure of diastolic function) and LV ejection fraction (LVEF, as a measure of systolic function).Results  At the diagnosis of acromegaly, hypertension was mild in 41·1% and severe in 58·9%. Serum GH and IGF‐I levels did not differ in patients with mild or severe hypertension. After 24 months of treatment, all patients had a notable decrease in both GH and IGF‐I levels, and achieved significantly lower levels of DBP, heart rate and LVMi; 76 patients (71%) had achieved control of GH and IGF‐I levels. Only the patients with controlled acromegaly achieved significantly lower SBP levels and significantly improved cardiac systolic and diastolic function. A higher dose of antihypertensive drugs and/or an increased number of drugs to control hypertension were significantly greater in patients with uncontrolled (32·3%) than in those with controlled acromegaly (7·8%; P = 0·004).Conclusion  Hypertensive patients with controlled acromegaly achieved improved control of hypertension and of cardiac diastolic and systolic function. The use of antihypertensive drugs was significantly less in patients achieving control of acromegaly.
Discriminative power of three indices of renal calcium excretion for the distinction between familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia and primary hyperparathyroidism: a follow‐up study on methods
Authors: Christensen Signe Engkjær , Nissen Peter H. , Vestergaard Peter , Heickendorff Lene , Brixen Kim , Mosekilde Leif 
Published: April 2008

SummaryBackground  Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH) must be differentiated from primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) because prognosis and treatment differ. In daily practice this discrimination is often based on the renal calcium excretion or the calcium/creatinine clearance ratio (CCCR). However, the diagnostic performance of these variables is poorly documented.Aim  To appraise the power of various simple biochemical variables to differentiate between FHH and PHPT using calcium sensing receptor (CASR) gene analysis and histopathological findings as gold standards.Design  Follow‐up approach (direct design).Materials  We included 54 FHH patients (17 males and 37 females, aged 18–75 years) with clinically significant mutations in the CASR gene and 97 hypercalcaemic patients with histologically verified PHPT (17 males and 80 females, aged 19–86 years). All PHPT patients became normocalcaemic following successful neck exploration.Results  Based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the CCCR was only marginally better, as judged by the area under curve (AUC = 0·923 ± 0·021 (SE)), than the 24‐h calcium/creatinine excretion ratio (AUC = 0·903 ± 0·027) and the 24‐h calcium excretion (AUC = 0·876 ± 0·029). However, overlap performance analysis disclosed that the CCCR included fewer patients with PHPT together with the FHH patients than the other two variables at different cut‐off points. Based on the ROC curve, the optimal cut‐off point for diagnosing FHH using CCCR was < 0·0115, which yielded a diagnostic specificity of 0·88 and a sensitivity of 0·80. Overlap analysis revealed that a cut‐off point for CCCR at < 0·020 would sample 98% (53/54) of all patients with FHH and include 35% (34/97) of the PHPT patients.Conclusion  Our results support the use of the CCCR as an initial screening test for FHH. We suggest a two‐step diagnostic procedure, where the first step is based on the CCCR with a cut‐off at < 0·020, and the second step is CASR gene analysis in patients with FHH or PHPT.
Changes in endothelial function and its association with plasma osteoprotegerin in hypothyroidism with exercise‐induced silent myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Guang‐da Xiang , Hui‐ling Sun , Jie Hou 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  Hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Exercise‐induced silent myocardial ischaemia (SI) is an early stage of coronary artery disease. Recently, many studies have shown that endothelial dysfunction is an early physiological event in atherosclerosis, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) acts as an important regulatory molecule in the vasculature. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of endothelial function and its association with plasma OPG in hypothyroidism with SI.Methods  Forty‐eight female postmenopausal hypothyroid patients with normal rest electrocardiography (ECG) were selected. Of these, 19 cases had SI. Twenty healthy females without SI were selected as controls. High‐resolution ultrasound was used to measure brachial artery diameter at rest, after reactive hyperaemia and after sublingual glyceryltrinitrate (GTN). Plasma OPG concentration was measured in duplicate by a sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results  Flow‐mediated arterial dilation (FMD) in the total hypothyroid group, the hypothyroidism with SI group and the hypothyroidism without SI group was 3·51 ± 0·62%, 3·20 ± 0·54% and 3·72 ± 0·60%, respectively, significantly lower than that in the controls (5·08 ± 0·61%) (P < 0·01). Compared with the hypothyroidism without SI group, FMD in the hypothyroidism with SI group was significantly lower (P < 0·05). Plasma OPG levels in the total hypothyroid group, patients with SI and patients without SI were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0·05). Compared with patients without SI, OPG levels were significantly higher in patients with SI (P < 0·05). On multiple regression analysis, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], C‐reactive protein (CRP), OPG, TSH, free T3 (FT3) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO‐Ab) were found to be significant factors that were associated with FMD. Logistic analysis also showed that LDL‐C, TSH, OPG, CRP and FMD were independently and significantly associated with SI in hypothyroidism.Conclusion  Impaired endothelial function and increased levels of OPG exist in hypothyroid patients, especially those with SI. These findings support the growing concept that endothelial dysfunction may be associated with vascular disease, and subsequently elevated plasma OPG may have a role in the development of vascular dysfunction in hypothyroid patients.
Polymorphisms in the brain‐specific thyroid hormone transporter OATP1C1 are associated with fatigue and depression in hypothyroid patients
Authors: Van Der Deure Wendy M. , Appelhof Bente C. , Peeters Robin P. , Wiersinga Wilmar M. , Wekking Ellie M. , Huyser Jochanan , Schene Aart H. , Tijssen Jan G. P. , Hoogendijk Witte J. G. , Visser Theo J. , Fliers Eric 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIntroduction  Some hypothyroid patients continue to have significant impairments in psychological well‐being, despite adequate treatment with levothyroxine (LT4). T4 transport across the blood–brain barrier is one of the crucial processes for thyroid hormone action in the brain. OATP1C1, a thyroid hormone transporter expressed at the blood–brain barrier, is considered to play a key role in delivering serum T4 to the brain.Objective  To examine whether polymorphisms in OATP1C1 are determinants of well‐being, neurocognitive functioning and preference for replacement therapy with a combination of LT4 and liothyronine (LT3).Design and participants  We studied 141 patients with primary autoimmune hypothyroidism, adequately treated with LT4 monotherapy and participating in a randomized clinical trial comparing LT4 therapy with LT4–LT3 combination therapy.Outcome measurements  Different questionnaires on well‐being and neurocognitive tests were performed at baseline. Serum thyroid parameters, OATP1C1‐intron3C > T, OATP1C1‐Pro143Thr and OATP1C1‐C3035T polymorphisms were determined.Results  Allele frequencies of the OATP1C1 polymorphisms in patients with primary hypothyroidism were similar to those of healthy controls. Both the OATP1C1‐intron3C > T and the OATP1C1‐C3035T polymorphism, but not the OATP1C1‐Pro143Thr polymorphism, were associated with symptoms of fatigue and depression. OATP1C1 polymorphisms were not associated with measures of neurocognitive functioning or preference for combined LT4–LT3 therapy.Conclusions  OATP1C1 polymorphisms are associated with fatigue and depression, but do not explain differences in neurocognitive functioning or appreciation of LT4–LT3 combination therapy. Future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Long‐term basal and dynamic evaluation of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in acromegalic patients
Authors: Ronchi C. L. , Ferrante E. , Rizzo E. , Giavoli C. , Verrua E. , Bergamaschi S. , Lania A.G. , Beck‐Peccoz P. , Spada† A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  Long‐term effects of trans‐naso‐sphenoidal surgery (TNS) or long‐acting somatostatin analogs (SSA) on the function of hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis have been poorly investigated. Aim of this study was to evaluate HPA axis integrity during the follow‐up in patients with GH‐secreting pituitary adenomas and preserved HPA function post‐TNS or prior SSA.Design and patients  This retrospective study investigated 36 acromegalic patients (16M and 20F, age: 47 ± 13 years), 20 of whom cured by TNS and 16 controlled by SSA therapy (12 previously operated and 4 in primary medical therapy), before and after long‐term follow‐up (median: 72 months, range: 12–240). No patient previously underwent radiotherapy.Measurements  HPA function was studied by morning circulating cortisol and ACTH levels, 24‐h urinary free cortisol (UFC) and cortisol response to low‐dose short Synacthen test (LDSST, 1 µg) with a peak > 500 nmol/l as cut‐off for normal function.Results  Serum basal cortisol, ACTH and UFC levels were in the normal range and did not significantly change over time. As far as the cortisol peak after LDSST is concerned, 12 patients (32%, 8 TNS and 4 SSA) developed biochemical hypoadrenalism. None of the patients in primary medical therapy showed cortisol peak < 500 nmol/l. No significant correlations between HPA axis deterioration and follow‐up duration, serum GH/IGF‐I levels, occurrence of other pituitary deficiencies, presence of secondary empty sella, changes in tumour or residual volume were observed.Conclusions  The HPA axis function must be carefully monitored over the time by dynamic testing in all acromegalic patients, independently from the type of treatment.
Phylogeography of Pulsatilla vernalis (L.) Mill. (Ranunculaceae): chloroplast DNA reveals two evolutionary lineages across central Europe and Scandinavia
Authors: Ronikier Michał , Costa Andrea , Aguilar Javier Fuertes , Feliner Gonzalo Nieto , Küpfer Philippe , Mirek Zbigniew 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAim  The aim of this study was to test hypotheses regarding some of the main phylogeographical patterns proposed for European plants, in particular the locations of glacial refugia, the post‐glacial colonization routes, and genetic affinities between southern (alpine) and northern (boreal) populations.Location  The mountains of Europe (Alps, Balkans, Carpathians, Central Massif, Pyrenees, Scandinavian chain, Sudetes), and central European/southern Scandinavian lowlands.Methods  As our model system we used Pulsatilla vernalis, a widely distributed European herbaceous plant occurring both in the high‐mountain environments of the Alps and other European ranges and in lowlands north of these ranges up to Scandinavia. Based on a distribution‐wide sampling of 61 populations, we estimated chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) variation along six regions using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment‐length polymorphisms (PCR–RFLPs) (trnH–trnK, trnK–trnK, trnC–trnD, psbC–trnS, psaA–trnS, trnL–trnF) and further sequencing of trnL–trnF and trnH–psbA. In addition, 11 samples of other European species of Pulsatilla were sequenced to survey the genus‐scale cpDNA variation.Results  Eleven PCR–RFLP polymorphisms were detected in P. vernalis, revealing seven haplotypes. They formed two distinct genetic groups. Three haplotypes representing both groups dominated and were widely distributed across Europe, whereas the others were restricted to localized regions (central Alps, Tatras/Sudetes mountains) or single populations. Sequencing analysis confirmed the reliability of PCR–RFLPs and homology of haplotypes across their distribution. The chloroplast DNA variation across the section Pulsatilla was low, but P. vernalis did not share haplotypes with other species.Main conclusions  The genetic distinctiveness of P. vernalis populations from the south‐western Alps with respect to other Alpine populations, as well as the affinities between the former populations and those from the eastern Pyrenees, is demonstrated, thus providing support for the conclusions of previous studies. Glacial refugia in the Dolomites are also suggested. Isolation is inferred for the high‐mountain populations from the Tatras and Sudetes; this is in contrast to the case for the Balkans, which harboured the common haplotype. Specific microsatellite variation indicates the occurrence of periglacial lowland refugia north of the Alps, acting as a source for the post‐glacial colonization of Scandinavia. The presence of different fixed haplotypes in eastern and western Scandinavia, however, suggests independent post‐glacial colonization of these two areas, with possible founder effects.
A survey on mental health care for adults with intellectual disabilities in Asia
Authors: Kwok H. W. M. , Chui E. M. C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackground  Mental Health Services for adults with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) in Asia is less described than those in the western world. With the improvements in the economy and medical care in Asia, there is an increase in awareness of mental health services for people with ID in this part of the world. A study was carried out to look into these aspects in Asian countries.Method  A cross sectional survey using structured questionnaire was sent to 14 Asian countries/territories in 2005/2006 and returns were analysed in light of their demographics and health statistics.Results  The type and range of mental health services vary widely for people with ID in all the nine countries/territories that returned their questionnaires. Two of the respondent countries reported a lack of psychiatric services for their adult ID population.Conclusions  In general, mental health services for people with ID in Asia do not keep pace with economic developments. More government commitment and international collaborations are necessary to improve the mental well‐being of this population in Asia.
Supernumerary incisors in Mustelids
Authors: BATEMAN JAMES A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA review of past and present investigations of dentition of Mustelids indicates a relationship between the known occurrence of seven or eight deciduous incisors in foetal and early post‐foetal albino ferrets. There is a frequent persistence of seven in the adult. This supports the theory that gene recombination, rather than mutation, is responsible for this feature.The appearance of a supernumerary incisor as a distinct tooth has occurred in albino ferrets, ferret /polecat hybrids and what have been identified as polecats. Occasionally there is evidence of dichotomy in one of the six normally found permanent incisors.Certain evidence suggests that supernumerary incisors in the upper jaws of skulls from specimens identified as polecats, might possibly indicate that these were in fact hybrids rather than pure‐bred polecats.
Moulting cycles
Authors: JOHNSON ELIZABETH 
Published: April 2008

SummaryMoulting in mammals is a cyclic phenomenon which often occurs in a wave–like pattern. The moult cycle depends upon an inherent rhythm of activity in the hair follicles, which may be modified by systemic factors. In laboratory rodents a number of hormones affect the timing of the moult, as well as affecting the amount of hair produced and the loss of club hairs.In Microtus agrestis a seasonal moult results in a sparse coat with coarse hairs in summer and a dense coat with fine hairs in winter. The moult appears to be adjusted to the environment by way of the endocrine system, with adrenal and thyroid hormones, as well as sex hormones, involved in the regulation. The importance of such adaptive coat changes are discussed.
The rodent preputial gland
Authors: BROWN J. CLEVEDON , WILLIAMS J. D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractResearches published in the last 2 years have advanced direct evidence for regarding the rodent preputial gland as a scent organ, confirming a speculation made at least as long ago as 1725. The gland is the source of olfactory stimuli which mediate behavioural responses in social and sexual interactions between conspecifics. Although the gland has received little direct attention from investigators, a considerable amount of information on it is available. Most of this was gained ancilliary to other, and very diverse, research objectives so that the literature is very scattered. These references are collated to present a comprehensive review of knowledge of the biology of the rodent preputial gland. Theoretical concepts of population structure and regulation, involving density‐dependent factors, require a sensory mechanism to activate the physiological effects attributed to social interactions. The preputial gland, as a source of olfactory cues, has all the biological characteristics required of such a sensory modulator.
Distribution and speciation of some carnivores ‐ 2
Authors: BRINK F.‐H. VAN DEN 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe distribution of the jackals and of the caracal in Africa is discussed and the distribution of the serval is also taken into consideration. Starting from his earlier thesis, that the initial separation of species of Canis and Lynx should have occurred in the beginning of the Tertiary, the author argues that the present distribution of the African species can be explained by this thesis.RésuméLa répartition des Chacals et du Caracal en Afrique est discutée et la répartition du Serval est également prise en considération. Reprenant sa thèse d' après laquelle la séparation primordiale des espèces des genres Canis (s.r.) et Lynx (s.l.) doit être churchée au commencement de ľâge tertiaire, ľ auteur montre que la répartition en Afrique s'explique de fa çon déductive.