bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GH effect on enzyme activity of 11βHSD in abdominal obesity is dependent on treatment duration
Authors: Sigurjónsdóttir Helga Á , Koranyi Josef , Axelson Magnus , Bengtsson Bengt-Åke , Johannsson Gudmundur 
Published: December 2005

Objective: In the past years the interaction of GH and 11βhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) in the pathogenesis of central obesity has been suggested.Design: We studied the effects of 9 months of GH treatment on 11βHSD activity and its relationship with body composition and insulin sensitivity in 30 men with abdominal obesity, aged 48–66 years, in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.Methods: Urinary steroid profile was used to estimate 11βHSD type 1 and 2 (11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2) activities. Abdominal s.c. and visceral adipose tissues were measured using computed tomography. Glucose disposal rate (GDR) obtained during a euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp was used to assess insulin sensitivity.Results: In the GH-treated group the 11βHSD1 activity decreased transiently after 6 weeks (P< 0.01) whereas 11βHSD2 increased after 9 months of treatment (P< 0.05). Between 6 weeks and 9 months, GDR increased and visceral fat mass decreased. Changes in 11βHSD1 correlated with changes in visceral fat mass between baseline and 6 weeks. There were no significant correlations between 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD 2 and changes in GDR.Discussion: The study demonstrates that short- and long-term GH treatment has different effects on 11βHSD1 and 11βHSD2 activity. Moreover, the data do not support that long-term metabolic effects of GH are mediated through its action on 11βHSD.
Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in monozygotic twins: case study as well as transcriptomic and immunohistological analysis of thyroid tissues
Authors: Aust G , Krohn K , Morgenthaler N G , Schröder S , Schütz A , Edelmann J , Brylla E 
Published: December 2005

Objective: To report on the rare simultaneous occurrence of Graves’ disease (GD) and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) in monozygotic twins.
Design: We compared the pattern of thyroid tissue-derived cDNAs to gain insight into previous and ongoing immune destruction and reconstruction processes using microarrays. The results were confirmed by immunohistology and real-time PCR.
Results: Destruction of thyroid tissue in HT reduced levels of thyrocyte-related cDNAs and cDNAs encoding extracellular matrix components, but increased levels of proteases involved in extracellular matrix degradation compared with GD. Lymphocytic infiltrates forming ectopic follicles replaced the thyroid tissue almost completely in HT. Thus, lymphocyte-related cDNA levels were higher in HT than in GD. The same was true for many chemokines and their receptors, which not only enable migration towards the thyroid but also maintain the lymphocytic infiltrate. HT also showed increased levels of cDNAs encoding molecules related to apoptosis than did GD. Surprisingly, the Th1- and Th2-specific cytokine profiles suggested for HT and GD respectively could not be confirmed. cDNAs encoding factors and receptors involved in angiogenesis were increased in GD compared with HT.
Conclusions: Comparison of gene expression reflects the cellular differences between the two types of autoimmune thyroid disease in twins with identical genetic and similar environmental background.
Inflammation is a modulator of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGF-binding protein system inducing reduced bioactivity of IGFs in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Street Maria E , Ziveri Maria A , Spaggiari Cinzia , Viani Isabella , Volta Cecilia , Grzincich Gian Luigi , Virdis Raffaele , Bernasconi Sergio 
Published: December 2005

Objective: In inflammatory bowel diseases, increased serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels are associated with high serum insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP-2) levels, and cytokines modify the insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/IGFBP system in models in vitro. In cystic fibrosis (CF) the IGF/IGFBP system has not been extensively studied, and relationships with proinflammatory cytokines have not been explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the IGF/IGFBP system and verify changes dependent on IL-1β, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), and insulin.
Methods: Eighteen subjects with CF (mean age 26.6 ± 1.1 years) and 18 controls, comparable for age, sex, and body mass index, were enrolled. Serum IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, insulin and C-peptide were measured. Different molecular forms of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3 were investigated by Western immunoblotting. The patients were analysed as a whole and as two subgroups depending on established clinical criteria (Swachman–Kulczycki score).
Results: Patients had higher serum concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα and IGFBP-2 than controls. Serum concentrations of IGF-I and IGF-II were significantly lower and insulin and C-peptide levels significantly increased in CF compared with healthy controls whereas IGFBP-3 serum concentrations were similar, with comparable IGF-I/IGFBP-3 and decreased IGF-I/IGFBP-2 and IGF-II/IGFBP-2 molar ratios. From correlation analysis we detected a significant positive correlation between IGFBP-2 and IL-6 and a negative correlation between IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-3.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that inflammation is an important modulator of the IGF/IGFBP system with an overall reduction in IGF bioactivity in CF.
Influence of methyltestosterone postmenopausal therapy on plasma lipids, inflammatory factors, glucose metabolism and visceral fat: a randomized study
Authors: Leão Lenora M Camarate S M , Duarte Mônica Peres C , Silva Dalva Margareth B , Bahia Paulo Roberto V , Coeli Cláudia Medina , de Farias Maria Lucia Fleiuss 
Published: December 2005

Background: There has been a growing interest in treating postmenopausal women with androgens. However, hyperandrogenemia in females has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Objective: We aimed to assess the effects of androgen replacement on cardiovascular risk factors.
Design: Thirty-seven postmenopausal women aged 42–62 years that had undergone hysterectomy were prospectively enrolled in a double-blind protocol to receive, for 12 months, percutaneous estradiol (E2) (1 mg/day) combined with either methyltestosterone (MT) (1.25 mg/day) or placebo.
Methods: Along with treatment, we evaluated serum E2, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index, lipids, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein; glucose tolerance; insulin resistance; blood pressure; body-mass index; and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat mass as assessed by computed tomography.
Results: A significant reduction in SHBG (P < 0.001) and increase in free testosterone index (P < 0.05; Repeated measures analysis of variance) were seen in the MT group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, fibrinogen, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were significantly lowered to a similar extent by both regimens, but high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased only in the androgen group. MT-treated women showed a modest rise in body weight and gained visceral fat mass relative to the other group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant detrimental effects on fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance.
Conclusion: This study suggests that the combination of low-dose oral MT and percutaneous E2, for 1 year, does not result in expressive increase of cardiovascular risk factors. This regimen can be recommended for symptomatic postmenopausal women, although it seems prudent to perform baseline and follow-up lipid profile and assessment of body composition, especially in those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.
Restoration of the coupling process and normalization of bone mass following successful treatment of endogenous Cushing’s syndrome: A prospective, long-term study
Authors: Kristo Cybèle , Jemtland Rune , Ueland Thor , Godang Kristin , Bollerslev Jens 
Published: December 2005

Objective: Endogenous Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is associated with bone loss and an increased risk of fractures. However, the long-term outcome of treatment on bone health has not been adequately clarified.
Design: We followed 33 patients with active CS prospectively before and twice after treatment (mean follow-up 33 (n = 25) and 71 months (n = 18), respectively). The patients were compared to age-, sex- and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls, also followed longitudinally.
Methods: Bone mineral indices (bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and bone area) were evaluated in the lumbar spine (LS), femoral neck (FN), and total body (TB) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Biochemical markers of bone turnover were assessed by serum levels of osteocalcin and C-terminal telopeptides of Type-1 collagen (CTX-1).
Results: Mann–Whitney rank sum tests showed that BMD of the LS, FN and TB was reduced by 14.8% (P < 0.001), 15.7% (P < 0.001), and 9.2% (P < 0.001) in CS vs. controls at baseline, with markedly reduced serum osteocalcin (P = 0.014) and increased CTX-1 (P = 0.012) levels, but no correlation between markers. At first follow-up, BMD was increased in LS (7.9%, P < 0.001) and FN (3.5%, P = 0.003) compared to baseline. The time-dependent rise in BMD (LS (r = 0.59; P = 0.002) and FN (r = 0.52; P = 0.007); Spearman’s rank correlation), in CS was paralleled by increased osteocalcin (275%, P < 0.001) and correlation between biochemical markers (r = 0.92, P < 0.001; Pearson’s correlation). TB BMD did not increase significantly before the second follow-up, when BMD Z-scores were normalized in all three compartments.
Conclusion: Our observations demonstrate restoration of coupled bone remodeling and normalization of bone mineral density in all measured skeletal compartments of treated CS patients after prolonged recovery, first significant in predominantly trabecular bone (i.e. lumbar spine).
Epidemiology of subtypes of hypothyroidism in Denmark
Authors: Carlé Allan , Laurberg Peter , Pedersen Inge Bülow , Knudsen Nils , Perrild Hans , Ovesen Lars , Rasmussen Lone Banke , Jorgensen Torben 
Published: December 2005

Objective: Studies of hypothyroidism are often based on referred patients, and limited information is available on the incidence rates of subtypes of hypothyroidism in the general population. We therefore studied incidences of subtypes of primary, overt hypothyroidism in a Danish population cohort and compared incidences in two subcohorts with different levels of iodine intake.Design: A prospective population-based study, monitoring a well-defined cohort representative of the Danish population.Methods: The Danish Investigation of Iodine Intake and Thyroid Diseases registry of hyper- and hypothyroidism was established as part of the monitoring of the iodine fortification of salt in Denmark. A computer-based system linked to laboratory databases identified all patients diagnosed with new, biochemically overt hypothyroidism in populations living in Aalborg (moderate iodine deficiency,n= 311 102) and Copenhagen (mild iodine deficiency,n= 227 632). We subsequently evaluated all identified patients to verify incident thyroid disease, and subclassified hypothyroidism into nosological types.Results: During a 4-year period (2 027 208 person-years) 685 new cases of overt hypothyroidism were diagnosed in the cohort; the incidence rate was 32.8 per 100 000 person-years (standardised to the Danish population). Nosological types of hypothyroidism were: spontaneous (presumably autoimmune) 84.4%, post-partum 4.7%, amiodarone-associated 4.0%, subacute thyroiditis 1.8%, previous radiation or surgery 1.8%, congenital 1.6% and lithium-associated 1.6%. Crude incidence rates were 29.0 around Aalborg and 40.6 in an area of Copenhagen. The higher incidence rate of hypothyroidism in the area with higher iodine intake was caused solely by more cases of spontaneous (presumably autoimmune) hypothyroidism, whereas the incidence of non-spontaneous hypothyroidism (all types combined) was significantly lower in the area with higher iodine intake.Conclusion: In a population-based study we observed a higher incidence of hypothyroidism with higher iodine intake. This was due solely to the entity of spontaneous hypothyroidism. The occurrence of overt hypothyroidism was relatively low in Denmark.
Effects of gastric bypass on the GH/IGF-I axis in severe obesity – and a comparison with GH deficiency
Authors: Engström Britt Edén , Burman Pia , Holdstock Camilla , Öhrvall Margareta , Sundbom Magnus , Karlsson F Anders 
Published: December 2005

Objective: Overfeeding suppresses GH secretion and makes evaluation of a suspected GH deficiency (GHD) difficult. In normal weight subjects, gender is known to influence GH concentrations, which is most apparent in the ambulatory, morning-fasted state. In this study, we examined the GH/IGF-I axis in obese men and women and the effect of surgically induced weight loss.Design: Sixty-three subjects (body mass index (BMI) 45 ± 6 kg/m2; 54 women, 9 men) were studied prior to, and 6 and 12 months following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) surgery. Fifty-four patients with classic GHD (BMI 27 ± 6 kg/m2; 35 men, 19 women) were included for comparison.Methods: Hormones were analysed in fasting morning serum samples.Results: RYGBP resulted in a decreased BMI to 35 ± kg/m2at 6 months and 32 ± 6 kg/m2at 12 months. GH and IGF-I increased at 6 months in the women and at 12 months in both sexes by ≥ 300 and 11% respectively. Prior to RYGBP, GH concentrations were low in the obese men and similar to those of GHD men (mean 0.09 mU/l). Obese women had tenfold higher values than obese men and sevenfold higher than GHD women. IGF-I levels were in the low reference range in the obese and below −2s.d.for age in 13%.Conclusions: Surgically induced weight loss partially restores GH secretion. Despite a marked suppression of GH values, a gender influence is maintained in severe obesity. In obese women, single morning GH and IGF-I values seem sufficient to exclude a suspicion of classic GHD.
Lack of association between thyroid autoantibodies and parity in a population study argues against microchimerism as a trigger of thyroid autoimmunity
Authors: Pedersen Inge Bülow , Laurberg Peter , Knudsen Nils , Jørgensen Torben , Perrild Hans , Ovesen Lars , Rasmussen Lone Banke 
Published: December 2005

Background: Thyroid autoimmunity is more common in females than in males. One possible explanation for this female preponderance may be the effect of oestrogens on the immune system. It has also been suggested that foetal microchimerism involving transfer of foetal cells into maternal tissue during pregnancy may play an important role.
Objective: We investigated the association between the presence of circulating thyroid autoantibodies and previous pregnancy, parity and the use of oral contraceptives (OCs) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in a population cohort.
Methods: We examined 3712 women randomly selected from the general population. Serum was analysed for thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) and thyroglobulin antibody (Tg-Ab) using assays based on an RIA technique (DYNO test). Data were analysed in logistic regression models to adjust for possible confounders. Women previously treated for thyroid disease or with pregnancy within 1 year prior to the study were excluded from the analyses.
Results: In both univariate and multivariate models and whether the presence of TPO-Ab and Tg-Ab was investigated alone or in combination, findings were negative with respect to an association between circulating thyroid antibodies and previous pregnancy, number of pregnancies, parity and previous abortion. There was no association between thyroid autoantibodies and use of OCs. Women aged 60–65 years receiving HRT now or previously had a lower prevalence of Tg-Ab (univariate, P = 0.01; multivariate, P = 0.02). No such association was observed between HRT and TPO-Ab.
Conclusion: In this population study there was no association between previous pregnancy, parity and thyroid antibodies, which argues against the role of microchimerism as a trigger of thyroid autoimmunity. Exogenous oestrogens may reduce aspects of autoimmunity.
RT-PCR analysis of corticotroph-associated genes expression in carcinoid tumours in the ectopic-ACTH syndrome
Authors: Messager M , Carrière C , Bertagna X , de Keyzer Y 
Published: December 2005

Objective: ACTH is frequently produced in non-pituitary tumours, leading to the ectopic-ACTH syndrome, but the molecular mechanisms of its expression remain obscure. This study was aimed at understanding the transcription mechanisms of the ACTH-precursor gene in carcinoid tumours of the lung or thymus.
Design: Transcripts coding for a series of corticotroph-associated transcription factor genes were detected, together with markers of the corticotroph phenotype. We studied a series of 41 carcinoid tumours including 15 with proven ectopic-ACTH syndrome.
Methods: Specific RT-PCR reactions were designed for each gene including alternatively spliced isoforms.
Results: The markers of the corticotroph phenotype were detected in all ACTH-positive tumours. Expression of the Tpit and Pitx1 genes were not restricted to ACTH-positive tumours but were also detected in many ACTH-negative carcinoids. Only a subset of ACTH-negative tumours expressed NAK-1/Nur77, and NeuroD1 expression was detected in <50% of the tumours regardless of their secretory status. The glucocorticoid receptor alpha was detected in every tumour in contrast to its beta isoform detectable in a few tumours only. Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor 1 (COUP-TF1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ2 were expressed in 50% of the tumours of each group whereas PPARγ1 was expressed in almost every tumour.
Conclusions: ACTH-positive carcinoids do not share a characteristic expression pattern of the corticotroph-associated transcription factor genes, suggesting that the transcriptional mechanisms of the ACTH-precursor gene differ from those in normal pituitary corticotrophs. Expression of Tpit and Pitx1 genes in most carcinoids suggests that some aspects of the pituitary corticotroph phenotype may belong to general carcinoid differentiation.
Improvements in Channel Catfish Growth after Two Generations of Selection and Comparison of Performance Traits among Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Hybrid Catfish Fingerlings in an Aquarium Rack System
Authors: Small Brian C 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
A 9-week growth study was conducted to compare the fingerling performance of two genetic groups of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] 103 and USDA303) with that of blue catfish I. furcatus and their hybrid in an aquarium rack system. Fish of approximately 20 g were randomly selected from multifamily populations and acclimated to the aquarium rack system for 2 weeks prior to the start of the 9-week study. Differences in growth indices, feed and protein efficiency, nitrogen retention, whole-body proximate composition, and plasma cortisol levels were determined at the completion of the study. The USDA303 channel catfish gained significantly more weight and consumed more feed than each of the other genetic groups. Feed and protein efficiency were similar among USDA103, USDA303, and hybrid catfish but were lower for blue catfish. Nitrogen retention was highest for hybrid catfish and lowest for blue catfish. No differences in final body composition were observed between genetic groups when final weight was used as a covariate. Plasma cortisol levels after 9 weeks ranged from 9.7 ng/mL in blue catfish to 24.5 ng/mL in USDA103 channel catfish but were not significantly different among genetic groups. This study demonstrates improved growth of the USDA303 channel catfish after two generations of selection for increased body weight and reports significant differences in performance among channel catfish, blue catfish, and hybrid catfish in an aquarium rack system.
Complementary and Alternative Medical Therapy Use Among Chinese and Vietnamese Americans: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Effects of Patient–Clinician Communication
Authors: Ahn Andrew C. , Ngo-Metzger Quyen , Legedza Anna T.R. , Massagli Michael P. , Clarridge Brian R. , Phillips Russell S. 
Published: December 2005

Objective. We examined the use of complementary and alternative medical (CAM) therapies among Chinese and Vietnamese Americans who had limited proficiency with the English language and explore the association between patient–clinician discussions about CAM therapy use and patient assessments of quality of care. Methods. We surveyed Chinese and Vietnamese Americans who visited 11 community health centers in 8 major cities throughout the United States. Results. Of the 4410 patients surveyed, 3258 (74%) returned completed questionnaires. Two thirds of respondents reported they had “ever used” some form of CAM therapy; however, only 7.6% of these patients had discussed their use of CAM therapies with clinicians. Among patients who had used CAM therapies during the week before their most recent visits, clinician–patient discussions about CAM therapy use were associated with better overall patient ratings of quality of care. Conclusion. Use of CAM therapies was common among Chinese and Vietnamese Americans who had limited proficiency with the English language. Although discussions about CAM therapy use with clinicians were uncommon, these discussions were associated with better ratings of quality of care.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Pilot Program
Authors: Greenberg Michael R. , Hollander Justin 
Published: December 2005

Objective. We studied the diffusion of the US Environmental Protection Agency’s national brownfields pilot innovation to more than 300 local governments between 1993 through 2002 to determine why some local governments received grants very early in the process while other awardees received funding later. Methods. We did an ordinal regression analysis of the characteristics of all local government award recipients, and we conducted interviews with early-award recipients. Results. The first set of local government awardees had lost much of their manufacturing base, had large concentrations of economically disadvantaged minority residents, and had local capacity to compete for funding. Federal and state officials catalyzed the diffusion of the innovation by working with local governments. Conclusions. The widely praised program was diffused selectively at first and then more widely later on the basis of local need, local capacity to compete, and networks of contacts among entrepreneurs and local governments. The economic, social, political, and public health impacts must be monitored and reviewed.