bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is systematic screening for thyroid disorders indicated in subfertile men?
Authors: Poppe K , Glinoer D , Tournaye H , Maniewski U , Haentjens P , Velkeniers B 
Published: February 2006

Context: Data on the prevalence of thyroid disorders in male subfertility remain scarce.Objective: To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid autoimmunity in men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics.Setting: Tertiary referral center for reproductive medicine of the University Hospital AZ-VUB, Brussels, Belgium.Patients and design: Two hundred and ninety-two men were stratified according to the presence of normal (group 1;n= 39) or abnormal (group 2;n= 253) semen characteristics. Thyroid function was assessed by serum thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) for thyroid autoimmunity (TAI or TPO-Ab > 34 kU/l); both were correlated with semen characteristics.Main outcome measures: Semen characteristics were determined by World Health Organisation criteria (rapid + slow motility ≥ 50% and concentration ≥ 20 × 106) and Kruger criteria (morphology ≥ 14% normal cells).Results: In group 1, the mean (±s.d.) age was 33 ± 4 years; serum TSH was 1.6 (0.3–29.6) mU/l (median (range)) and FT4 was 12.2 (8.8–15.6) ng/l. In group 2, the mean age was 33 ± 5 years, serum TSH was 1.3 (0.3–5.2) mU/l and FT4 was 12.5 (8.4–17.5) ng/l; (compared with group 1P= 0.008 for TSH andP= 0.037 for FT4). In both groups, one patient had increased TSH (2.6% and 0.4%;P= not significant (ns)). In group 1, one patient had TAI and in group 2 twelve patients had TAI (2.6% compared with 4.7%;P= ns). FT4 was an independent determinant for semen characteristics.Conclusions: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity is comparable between men with normal and abnormal semen characteristics. On the basis of these data, we do not advise systematic screening for thyroid disorders in subfertile men consulting a tertiary referral center for reproductive medicine.
Effect of rosiglitazone on plasma adiponectin levels and arterial stiffness in subjects with prediabetes or non-diabetic metabolic syndrome
Authors: Kim Sin Gon , Ryu Ohk Hyun , Kim Hee Young , Lee Kye Won , Seo Ji A , Kim Nan Hee , Choi Kyung Mook , Lee Juneyoung , Baik Sei Hyun , Choi Dong Seop 
Published: February 2006

Objective: Thiazolidinediones have favorable influences on surrogate markers of atherosclerosis such as adiponectin, and arterial stiffness in diabetic patients. However, it is not well known whether these beneficial effects occur in subjects without diabetes, such as prediabetes or the non-diabetic metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study was therefore designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the insulin-sensitizing agent rosiglitazone on circulating adipocytokine levels and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in non-diabetics.
Design and methods: Ninety-nine subjects with prediabetes or non-diabetic MetS were randomly assigned to either rosiglitazone or an untreated control group (50 and 49 subjects respectively). The rosiglitazone group was treated daily for 12 weeks with 4 mg rosiglitazone. All subjects received a 75 g oral glucose test (OGTT) before and after treatment. In addition, baPWV, together with the levels of adiponectin, resistin, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were determined.
Results: Rosiglitazone treatment significantly increased circulating adiponectin levels (P < 0.001) relative to the control group (P = 0.21). Plasma resistin levels were unchanged in both the rosiglitazone-treated and -untreated groups, but baPWV and hsCRP were significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003 respectively) in the rosiglitazone group only. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that changes in plasma adiponectin and baPWV were significantly affected by rosiglitazone treatment.
Conclusions: These data suggest that rosiglitazone may have an anti-atherogenic effect in subjects with prediabetes or non-diabetic MetS.
Relationships between serum leptin and bone markers during stable weight, weight reduction and weight regain in male and female judoists
Authors: Prouteau S , Benhamou L , Courteix D 
Published: February 2006

Objective: Despite a preliminary understanding of leptin–skeletal interactions, data in humans are inconsistent and the exact roles of leptin on bone metabolism have not yet been defined. The aim of this study was to examine the possible role of leptin in the regulation of bone metabolism in healthy, physically trained adults.
Methods and Design: Body composition and bone mass (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), anthropometry, serum leptin, insulin, cortisol, osteocalcin, C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx) and total plasma proteins were measured in judoists at normal body weight, after weight reduction and after weight regain. Physical training, weight cycling history, menstrual status and nutritional intake using a 7-day food record were assessed.
Results: Precompetitive weight loss averaged 4 ± 0.3% of bodyweight and resulted in a significant decrease in leptin levels of 64% (P < 0.001) and of 31% for insulin (P < 0.0001). CTx and cortisol concentrations rose by 33% (P < 0.0001) and 81% (P < 0.05) respectively. Osteocalcin and total plasma protein remained unaffected by weight loss. A 4 ± 0.5% weight regain induced a 276% increase in leptin levels (P < 0.001) and an 18% increase in insulin (P < 0.001). CTx and cortisol decreased by 23% (P < 0.0001) and 27% (P < 0.05) respectively. Changes in leptin were significantly correlated with changes in bone resorption marker in response to both weight loss (r = 0.56, P < 0.01) and regain (r = 0.44, P < 0.05).
Conclusions: These findings suggest that leptin is involved in the regulation of bone metabolism in healthy adults and might play a potential role in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B100 turnover in hypopituitary patients with GH deficiency: a stable isotope study
Authors: Christ Emanuel R , Cummings Michael H , Stolinski Michael , Jackson Nicola , Lumb Peter J , Wierzbicki Anthony S , Sönksen Peter H , Russell-Jones David L , Umpleby A Margot 
Published: February 2006

Background: Epidemiological studies suggest that hypopituitary patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular mortality. The dyslipidaemia associated with this condition is often characterised by an increase in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (LDL-C) and may contribute to these findings. The underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated.Materials and Methods: LDL apolipoprotein B (apoB) production rate and metabolic clearance rate were measured in seven patients with hypopituitarism (including GH deficiency) under stable conventional replacement therapy (three males and four females; age 40–16.1 years; body mass index 29.0–6.1 kg/m2(means ±s.d.)) and seven age-, gender- and body mass index-matched control subjects with an infusion of 1-13C-leucine. Fasting lipid profile and lipid composition of LDL were also measured.Results: Fasting TC, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-C, LDL-C and free fatty acid concentrations were not different between hypopituitary patients and control subjects. LDL-TG (P< 0.006) and LDL-TG/LDL apoB ratio (P< 0.02) were significantly increased in hypopituitary patients. LDL apoB pool size was not statistically different between patients and control subjects. In the hypopituitary patients, LDL apoB metabolic clearance rate (P< 0.05) and LDL apoB production rate (P< 0.02) were lower than in the control subjects.Conclusions: The present results suggest that LDL apoB turnover and LDL composition is altered in hypopituitary patients. Whether these findings explain the increased risk for cardiovascular disease in hypopituitary patients remains to be established.
Kinetics and secretion of placental growth hormone around parturition
Authors: Fuglsang Jens , Sandager Puk , Møller Niels , Fisker Sanne , Ørskov Hans , Ovesen Per 
Published: February 2006

Objective: During pregnancy, placental growth hormone (PGH) is secreted into the maternal circulation, replacing pituitary GH. It is controversial whether PGH levels decline during vaginal birth. After placental expulsion, PGH is eliminated from the maternal blood. GH binding protein (GHBP) and body mass index (BMI) influence GH kinetics, but their impact on PGH kinetics is unknown. The present study was undertaken to define the kinetics of PGH during vaginal delivery and Caesarian section and to relate these kinetics to GHBP and BMI.
Design: A short term, prospective cohort study.
Methods: Twelve women had repeated blood samples drawn during vaginal delivery. From 26 women undergoing planned Caesarian delivery (CS) repeated blood samples were withdrawn before, during and after the CS, allowing PGH half-life determination.
Results: During vaginal delivery, median PGH values did not change before expulsion of the placenta, although individual fluctuations were seen. Clearance of PGH from the maternal circulation was best described by a two-compartment model. The initial half-life of serum PGH was (mean ± s.d.) 5.8 ± 2.4 min, and the late half-life was (median) 87.0 min (range: 25.1–679.6 min). The late half-life was correlated to the pre-gestational BMI (r = 0.39, P = 0.047), but not to the serum GHBP concentration.
Conclusions: Serum PGH did not decrease significantly during vaginal delivery. Elimination of PGH fitted a two-compartment model, with an estimated initial half-life of 5.8 min. The late phase serum half-life of PGH was related to BMI, suggesting a role for maternal fat mass in PGH metabolism.
Adrenal incidentaloma – follow-up results from a Swedish prospective study
Authors: Bülow Birgitta , Jansson Svante , Juhlin Claes , Steen Lars , Thorén Marja , Wahrenberg Hans , Valdemarsson Stig , Wängberg Bo , Ahréen Bo , _ _ 
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To examine the risk of developing adrenal carcinomas and clinically overt hypersecreting tumours during short-term follow-up in patients with adrenal incidentalomas.
Design: 229 (98 males and 131 females) patients with adrenal incidentalomas were investigated in a prospective follow-up study (median time 25 months; range 3–108 months). The patients were registered between January 1996 and July 2001 and followed until December 2004. Twenty-seven Swedish hospitals contributed with follow-up results.
Methods: Diagnostic procedures were undertaken according to a protocol including reinvestigation with computed tomography scans after 3–6 months, 15–18 months and 27–30 months, as well as hormonal evaluation at baseline and after 27–30 months of follow-up. Operation was recommended when the incidentaloma size increased or if there was a suspicion of a hypersecreting tumour.
Results: The median age at diagnosis of the 229 patients included in the follow-up study was 64 years (range 28–84 years) and the median size of the adrenal incidentalomas when discovered was 2.5 cm (range 1–8 cm). During the follow-up period, an increase in incidentaloma size of ≥0.5 cm was reported in 17 (7.4%) and of ≥1.0 cm was reported in 12 (5.2%) of the 229 patients. A decrease in size was seen in 12 patients (5.2%). A hypersecreting tumour was found in 2% of the hormonally investigated patients: Cushing’s syndrome (n = 2) and phaeochromocytoma (n = 1). Eleven patients underwent adrenalectomy, but no cases of primary adrenal malignancy were observed.
Conclusions: Patients with adrenal incidentaloma had a low risk of developing malignancy or hormonal hypersecretion during a short-term follow-up period.
Influence of two different GH dosage regimens on final height, bone geometry and bone strength in GH-deficient children
Authors: Radetti Giorgio , D’Addato Gianluca , Gatti Davide , Bozzola Mauro , Adami Silvano 
Published: February 2006

Objective: The aim was to investigate the effects of two different GH dosage regimens on growth, bone geometry and bone strength.
Subjects and methods: Final height; parentally adjusted final height; the metacarpal index (MI) SDS, the inner and outer diameters; and the total cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical CSA, medullary CSA and bone strength (Bending Breaking Resistance Index (BBRI)) were evaluated at the metacarpal site in two cohorts of GH-deficient children, treated with two different doses of GH. Group 1 (38 patients) was treated with 0.16 mg/kg body weight per week of GH and group 2 (37 patients) with 0.3 mg/kg per week.
Results: At the end of treatment, with group 1 vs group 2, height SDS was −0.84 ± 1.07 vs −0.46 ± 0.76, and parentally adjusted height SDS was 0.14 ± 1.08 vs 0.27 ± 0.82. Parentally adjusted relative height gain was 1.14 ± 0.89 vs 2.14 ± 0.72 SDS (P < 0.0001). MI SDS was 0.58 ± 1.31 vs −0.42 ± 1.54 (P < 0.005). MI SDS gain was 0.07 ± 1.41 vs −0.35 ± 1.85. There was no difference between groups in the outer and inner diameter, in the total and cortical CSAs, whereas medullary CSA was higher in group 2 (P < 0.05). BBRI was 10.02 ± 5.37 vs 11.52 ± 5.49 cm3, and BBRI gain was 3.33 ± 5.06 vs 6.88 ± 6.65 (P = 0.01). P values were assessed using student’s t-test.
Conclusion: Higher GH doses result in a greater height gain and improved bone strength.
Clinical phenotype and β-cell autoimmunity in Italian patients with adult-onset diabetes
Authors: Genovese S , Bazzigaluppi E , Gonçalves D , Ciucci A , Cavallo M G , Purrello F , Anello M , Rotella C M , Bardini G , Vaccaro O , Riccardi G , Travaglini P , Morenghi E , Bosi E , Pozzilli P 
Published: February 2006

Objective: To characterize the phenotype of a large population of Italian patients with adult onset (≥40 years) diabetes who were attending outpatient clinics and who were screened for glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 autoantibodies (GADA), protein tyrosine phosphatase IA-2 (IA-2A) and IA-2β/phogrin (IA-2βA).Design and methods: This was a cross-sectional study comprising a total of 881 patients, aged ≤ 70 years, diagnosed with type 2 diabetes after the age of 40 years, and consecutively recruited in five clinics located in different geographic areas of Italy (Milan, Florence, Rome, Naples and Catania). Their mean disease duration was 8.1 (6.9;s.d.) years. GADA, IA-2A and IA-2βA were measured with radiobinding assays within vitrotranslated S-methionine-labelled glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) or IA-2 or IA-2β. Anthropometric and clinical data were collected and compared amongst patients with or without autoantibodies.Results: Sixty-three (7.1%) patients had one or more autoantibodies, 58 (6.6%) had GADA, 22 (2.5%) had IA-2A, six (0.7%) had IA-2βA and 19 (2.15%) had two or more autoantibodies. IA-2A or IA-2βA, in the absence of GADA, were found in only five patients. Autoantibody-positive patients were more often female (63.5 vs 36.5%;P< 0.009), had higher glycated haemoglobin (Hb A1c) (P< 0.001), lower body mass index (BMI;P< 0.0005) and waist/hip ratio (WHR;P< 0.01); female gender being the main contributor to BMI and WHR. We did not observe any differences in age at diagnosis or duration of disease with respect to the presence or absence of islet autoantibodies. The proportion of patients on insulin therapy was higher in patients with two or more antibodies, compared with those with one antibody only, and no antibodies (Pfor trend < 0.001), and among patients with GADA, in those with higher antibody titre (73.9% in those with > 10 units vs 42.0% in those with ≤ 10 units;P< 0.007).Conclusions: Patients with adult onset diabetes characterized by autoimmunity to β-cells showed a clinical phenotype with anthropometric features that differed from those classically observed in patients with type 2 diabetes. The number and titre of autoantibodies, which reflect the severity of autoimmunity and β-cell impairment, amplified this difference. The usefulness of autoantibody screening in adult-onset diabetes is further emphasized by these findings.
Natural Infections of Wild Creek Chubs and Cultured Fathead Minnow by Chinese Grass Carp Reovirus (Golden Shiner Virus)
Authors: Goodwin A. E. , Nayak D. K. , Bakal R. S. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Wild creek chubs Semotilus atromaculatus and farmed fathead minnow Pimephales promelas were cultured for viruses on epithelioma papulosum cyprini and fathead minnow cells. A syncytia-forming virus was isolated from creek chubs and both healthy and moribund fathead minnow with skin and visceral lesions. The isolates were positive by a reverse-transcriptase−polymerase chain reaction assay that amplifies segments 1 and 2 of Chinese grass carp reovirus (CGRV; also known as golden shiner virus and grass carp hemorrhagic virus). Sequencing of the amplicons showed that the isolates were 93–99% identical to each other and to North American CGRV isolates from grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and golden shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas and 87–93% identical to grass carp isolates from China. Homologies to other fish reoviruses were only 3–42%.
A Pond Evaluation of Habituation as a Means to Reduce Initial Mortality Associated with Poststocking Predation of Hatchery-Reared Largemouth Bass
Authors: Schlechte J. Warren , Buckmeier David L. 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
We investigated whether habituation (i.e., allowing fish to become accustomed to their new environment) and habitat complexity affected poststocking predation of hatchery-reared fingerling Florida largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides floridanus stocked in research ponds containing high densities of predators. We found that in open-water habitat, habituation for 60 min before release significantly (|t44| ≥ 2.13; P ≤ 0.039) reduced predation. In the presence of complex habitat (i.e., stem density &gt; 250 stems/m2), overall predation was reduced but habituation failed to further reduce predation (|t44| ≥ 0.13; P ≤ 0.899). Habituation appears to be a feasible method for reducing predation at release locations with little to no structurally complex habitat and high predator densities.
Genetic Analysis of Wild Lake Trout Embryos Recovered from Lake Michigan
Authors: DeKoning Jenefer , Keatley Kimberly , Phillips Ruth , Rhydderch James , Janssen John , Noakes Marc 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe Mid‐Lake Reef Complex (MLRC) is a large area of deep reefs that separate the two main basins of Lake Michigan. In an attempt to evaluate which of several strains of lake trout Salvelinus namaycush stocked in Lake Michigan are actively spawning at the MLRC, eggs that had been deposited by spawning lake trout were collected at three sites on East Reef. These eggs were incubated and shown to be viable and capable of developing to the emergent fry stage. The samples were genotyped at four microsatellite loci, and a proportional admixture analysis was performed to estimate the genetic contribution of the four predominant lake trout hatchery strains used to stock the MLRC. These estimates were then compared with the abundance of each strain stocked since 1985. The point admixture estimates indicated unequal spawning success among strains in the wild. Specifically, the Seneca Lake strain appeared to be the most successful, while the Lewis Lake strain was the least successful and may not be spawning in the wild. The implications for conservation management are also discussed.
Combination of Clopidogrel and Statins: A Hypothetical Interaction or Therapeutic Dilemma?
Authors: Tafreshi Mohammad J. , Zagnoni Laura G. , Gentry Elmer J. 
Published: February 2006

Background. The 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) and clopidogrel are frequently used in the treatment of patients with various cardiovascular disorders. The possibility of a drug‐drug interaction between certain statins and clopidogrel has been extensively investigated in the literature recently. Investigators have proposed that the use of statins that are metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system may diminish the conversion of clopidogrel to its active form by inhibiting the CYP3A4 isoenzyme. This inhibition could result in a decreased antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel, which could translate into an increased risk of cardiovascular events.Methods. We performed a MEDLINE search of the literature from 1993–2005 to evaluate and discuss the existing data on a possible interaction between clopidogrel and statins and to provide clinicians with relevant and practical recommendations. Additional studies were identified from the bibliographies of the reviewed literature.Results. Several articles were discovered that discuss this potential drug‐drug interaction. Whereas some studies indicated that there was not a relevant interaction between statins and clopidogrel, other studies demonstrated that the concomitant administration of some statins with clopidogrel resulted in diminished platelet inhibition activity of clopidogrel.Conclusions. Although the interaction between certain statins and clopidogrel seems to be a pharmacologic certainty, the clinical relevance of this interaction needs further clarification. While investigators continue to evaluate the clinical relevance, we provide several recommendations for clinicians responsible for treating patients who require combination therapy with statins and clopidogrel.
Crinoid columnal associations and sequence stratigraphy architecture: the Le Faou Formation, Lower Devonian of the Massif armoricain (France)
Authors: Botquelen Arnaud , Le Menn Jean , Gourvennec Rémy , Loi Alfredo 
Published: February 2006

Abstract
Crinoid columnals are major macrobenthic components of the Lower Devonian faunas of the Massif armoricain particularly in the Seillou section. Three crinoid columnal associations have been delineated based on R and Q-mode cluster analysis. Distribution of these associations is correlated to the sequence stratigraphic architecture, showing the close relationships between crinoid columnal association dynamics and relative sea-level variations. Comparing the distribution of benthic associations, we note a lesser diversity in crinoid columnal associations than in brachiopod ones. Crinoids (high-level suspension feeders) seem to occupy broader specialised niches than brachiopods (reclining and low-level suspension feeders) and are characterised by a different ecological space utilisation.
Search for proteins with similarity to the CFTR R domain using an optimized RDBMS solution, mBioSQL
Authors: Hegedűs Tamás , Riordan John 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) comprises ATP binding and transmembrane domains, and a unique regulatory (R) domain not found in other ATP binding cassette proteins. Phosphorylation of the R domain at different sites by PKA and PKC is obligatory for the chloride channel function of CFTR. Sequence similarity searches on the R domain were uninformative. Furthermore, R domains from different species show low sequence similarity. Since these R domains resemble each other only in the location of the phosphorylation sites, we generated different R domain patterns masking amino acids between these sites. Because of the high number of the generated patterns we expected a large number of matches from the UniProt database. Therefore, a relational database management system (RDBMS) was set up to handle the results. During the software development our system grew into a general package which we term Modular BioSQL (mBioSQL). It has higher performance than other solutions and presents a generalized method for the storage of biological result-sets in RDBMS allowing convenient further analysis. Application of this approach revealed that the R domain phosphorylation pattern is most similar to those in nuclear proteins, including transcription and splicing factors.