bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of growth hormone treatment on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors is similar in preterm and term short, small for gestational age children
Authors: De Kort Sandra W. K. , Willemsen Ruben H. , Van Der Kaay Danielle C. M. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryContext  We previously reported that short, small for gestational age (SGA) children who were born preterm have a lower body fat percentage and a higher blood pressure, insulin secretion and disposition index than short SGA children born at term. Whether preterm birth also influences these parameters during GH treatment is unknown.Objective  To compare blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, beta‐cell function and body composition during 4 years of GH treatment, between preterm and term short SGA children.Patients  A total of 404 prepubertal non‐GH‐deficient short SGA children were divided into 143 preterm (< 36 weeks) and 261 term children.Outcome measures  Height, blood pressure (n = 404), body composition measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) (n = 138) and insulin sensitivity and beta‐cell function calculated from a frequent sampling intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT) with tolbutamide (n = 74) or from the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (n = 204).Results  In preterm and term children, GH treatment resulted in a similar decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body fat percentage, limb fat/total fat ratio and insulin sensitivity, and a similar increase in insulin secretion and disposition index. Lean body mass (LBM) corrected for gender and height increased in term children and did not change in preterm children. Multiple regression analysis revealed that this difference in GH effect on LBM was not associated with gestational age.Conclusion  The effect of GH treatment on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors is similar in preterm and term short, SGA children.
Growth hormone and prolactin response to ghrelin during the normal menstrual cycle
Authors: Messini Christina I. , Dafopoulos Konstantinos , Chalvatzas Nektarios , Georgoulias Panagiotis , Messinis Ioannis E. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryObjective  It has been suggested that exogenous oestradiol augments ghrelin‐induced growth hormone (GH) secretion in postmenopausal women. Whether endogenous oestrogens exert a similar effect during the normal menstrual cycle is not known. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that physiological changes in ovarian steroids during the normal menstrual cycle modulate GH and prolactin (PRL) response to ghrelin.Design  Healthy women were studied in three phases of the normal menstrual cycle.Patients  Ten healthy normally cycling women.Measurements  A single dose of ghrelin (1 µg/kg) was administered intravenously in the early and late follicular phases and in the mid‐luteal phase of the cycle. Saline was injected in the preceding cycle. Blood samples were taken before ghrelin or saline injection (time 0) and also at –15, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 120 min. The GH and PRL responses were assessed.Results  Serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations showed the variations of a normal menstrual cycle. After ghrelin administration, in the three phases of the cycle, plasma ghrelin and serum GH and PRL levels increased rapidly, peaking at 30 min and declining gradually thereafter (P < 0·001). There were no significant differences in the hormone levels between the three phases at all time points. No changes in GH and PRL levels were seen after saline injection.Conclusions  These results demonstrate that GH and PRL responses to ghrelin do not change across the menstrual cycle. It is suggested that the action of ghrelin on the pituitary somatotrophs is modulated differentially by endogenous and exogenous ovarian steroids.
Increased arterial stiffness in nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) without comorbidities: one more characteristic inherent to the syndrome?
Authors: Soares Gustavo Mafaldo , Vieira Carolina Sales , Martins Wellington Paula , Franceschini Sílvio Antônio , Dos Reis Rosana Maria , Silva de Sá Marcos Felipe , Ferriani Rui Alberto 
Published: December 2008

SummaryBackground  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with adverse metabolic effects. Some cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk markers are increased in women with PCOS. However, early markers of atherosclerosis are also associated with obesity and insulin resistance, which are related to PCOS. These markers may result either directly from PCOS or indirectly as a consequence of the comorbidities associated with the syndrome.Context  To assess the presence of early CVD markers in young, nonobese women with PCOS.Patients  Forty women with PCOS and 50 healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, matched for age and body mass index (BMI).Measurements  The following CVD markers were assessed by ultrasonography: common carotid artery (CCA) stiffness index (β), distensibility and intima–media thickness (IMT), and brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). Inflammatory markers, including interleukin (IL)‐6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, homocysteine, C‐reactive protein (CRP), glycaemia, lipid profile and insulin, were also assessed.Results  CCA β was higher in PCOS than in control women (3·72 ± 0·96 vs. 3·36 ± 0·96, P = 0·04) and CCA distensibility was lower (0·31 ± 0·08 vs. 0·35 ± 0·09 mmHg−1, P = 0·02). Waist circumference, total testosterone and the Free Androgen Index (FAI) were higher in PCOS patients than in controls (78·2 ± 10·0 vs. 71·5 ± 7·2 cm, P = 0·001; 88·1 ± 32·4 vs. 57·1 ± 21·2 ng/dl, P < 0·01; 12·7 ± 15·7%vs. 4·7 ± 2·3%, P < 0·01, respectively), while SHBG was reduced (37·9 ± 19·1 vs. 47·8 ± 18·3 nmol/l, P = 0·01). The remaining variables did not differ between the groups.Conclusions  Young women with PCOS exhibit changes in vascular elasticity even in the absence of classical risk factors for CVD, such as hypertension and obesity.
Androgenetic alopecia and insulin resistance in young men
Authors: González‐González José Gerardo , Mancillas‐Adame Leonardo G. , Fernández‐Reyes Mercedes , Gómez‐Flores Minerva , Lavalle‐González Fernando Javier , Ocampo‐Candiani Jorge , Villarreal‐Pérez Jesús Zacarías 
Published: December 2008

SummaryBackground  Epidemiological studies have associated androgenetic alopecia (AGA) with severe young‐age coronary artery disease and hypertension, and linked it to insulin resistance. We carried out a case–control study in age‐ and weight‐matched young males to study the link between AGA and insulin resistance using the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) index or metabolic syndrome clinical manifestations.Methods  Eighty young males, 18–35 years old, with AGA ≥ stage III in the Hamilton–Norwood classification, and 80 weight‐ and age‐matched controls were included. Alopecia, glucose, serum insulin, HOMA‐IR index, lipid profile and androgen levels, as well as metabolic syndrome criteria, were evaluated.Results  The HOMA‐IR index was significantly higher in cases than controls. Nonobese cases had a higher mean diastolic blood pressure and a more frequent family history of AGA than nonobese controls. A borderline difference in the HOMA‐IR index was found in obese AGA cases vs. obese controls [P = 0·055, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·36–4·20 vs. 1·75–2·73]. Free testosterone values were significantly higher in controls than cases, regardless of body mass index (BMI). A statistically significant additive effect for obesity plus alopecia was found, with significant trends for insulin, the HOMA‐IR index, lipids and free testosterone when BMI and alopecia status were used to classify the participants.Conclusions  Our results support the recommendation for assessing insulin resistance and cardiovascular‐related features and disorders in all young males with stage III or higher AGA, according to the Hamilton–Norwood classification.
No increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes during 48 h of subcutaneous glucagon‐like‐peptide‐1 administration in fasting healthy subjects
Authors: Lerche Susanne , Soendergaard Liselotte , Rungby Joergen , Moeller Niels , Holst Jens Juul , Schmitz Ole E. , Brock Birgitte 
Published: December 2008

SummaryObjective  It is uncertain whether the ability to avoid hypoglycaemia during fasting is preserved, and the risk of reactive hypoglycaemia after an oral glucose stimulus following a prolonged fasting period is increased at augmented glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) levels.Design  A randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled cross‐over study in eight healthy men to assess the safety, in terms of hypoglycaemia, of a continuously infused pharmacological dose of native GLP‐1 during long‐term fasting. After an overnight fast the fasting period continued for 48 h and was followed by a 3‐h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). GLP‐1(7‐36 amide) or placebo was continuously infused subcutaneously and titrated to a dose of 4·8 pmol/kg per min.Results  Two subjects in the GLP‐1 group and one subject in the placebo group were withdrawn due to protocol specified plasma glucose (PG) ≤ 2·8 mm and neuroglycopaenic symptoms.The infusion of GLP‐1 resulted in pharmacological levels of intact GLP‐1. During the fasting period PG, insulin and C‐peptide levels declined and glucagon, GH and free fatty acid (FFA) levels increased with no differences between GLP‐1 and placebo. During OGTT circulating levels of insulin and C‐peptide were higher with GLP‐1 infusion. However, PG was similar during GLP‐1 vs. placebo infusions. GLP‐1 infusion increased norepinephrine and cortisol levels during OGTT.Conclusion  The counter‐regulatory response during 48 h of subcutaneous GLP‐1 infusion was preserved despite long‐term fasting with no apparent increased risk of hypoglycaemic episodes. No reactive hypoglycaemia was observed when the fast was followed by an OGTT. Thus use of long‐acting GLP‐1 analogues may not increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.
An inducible HSP70 gene from the midge Chironomus dilutus: characterization and transcription profile under environmental stress
Authors: Karouna‐Renier N. K. , Rao K. Ranga 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn the present study, we identified and characterized an inducible heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) from the midge Chironomus dilutus and investigated the transcriptional profile of the gene under baseline and environmentally stressful conditions. Using real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), we observed increased expression of CD‐HSP70‐1 in response to both heat shock and copper stress. We also investigated the expression of this gene during midge development. All C. dilutus developmental stages expressed CD‐HSP70‐1 under normal conditions, although at extremely low levels. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequence demonstrated distinct clustering of this gene with inducible HSP70s from other insect species.
Adaptation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to various conditions includes tRNA‐dependent formation of alanyl‐phosphatidylglycerol
Authors: Klein Stefanie , Lorenzo Carlos , Hoffmann Sonja , Walther Johannes M. , Storbeck Sonja , Piekarski Tanja , Tindall Bryan J. , Wray Victor , Nimtz Manfred , Moser Jürgen 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe opportunistic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa synthesizes significant amounts of an additional phospholipid, identified as 2′ alanyl‐phosphatidylglycerol (A‐PG), when exposed to acidic growth conditions. At pH 5.3 A‐PG contributed up to 6% to the overall lipid content of the bacterium. Sequence analysis of P. aeruginosa revealed open reading frame PA0920 showing 34% sequence identity to a protein from Staphylococcus aureus involved in tRNA‐dependent formation of lysyl‐phosphatidylglycerol. The P. aeruginosa deletion mutant ΔPA0920 failed to synthesize A‐PG. Heterologous overproduction of PA0920 in Escherichia coli resulted in the formation of significant amounts of A‐PG, otherwise not synthesized by E. coli. Consequently, the protein encoded by PA0920 was named A‐PG synthase. The enzyme was identified as an integral component of the inner membrane. The protein was partially purified by detergent solubilization and subjected to an in vitro activity assay. tRNAAla‐dependent catalysis was demonstrated. Transcriptional analysis of the corresponding gene in P. aeruginosa using lacZ reporter gene fusion under various pH conditions indicated a 4.4‐fold acid‐activated transcription. A phenotype microarray analysis was used to identify further conditions for A‐PG function.
Comparison of the A–Cc curve fitting methods in determining maximum ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase carboxylation rate, potential light saturated electron transport rate and leaf dark respiration
Authors: MIAO ZEWEI , XU MING , LATHROP RICHARD G. , WANG YUFEI 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTA review of the literature revealed that a variety of methods are currently used for fitting net assimilation of CO2–chloroplastic CO2 concentration (A–Cc) curves, resulting in considerable differences in estimating the A–Cc parameters [including maximum ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) carboxylation rate (Vcmax), potential light saturated electron transport rate (Jmax), leaf dark respiration in the light (Rd), mesophyll conductance (gm) and triose‐phosphate utilization (TPU)]. In this paper, we examined the impacts of fitting methods on the estimations of Vcmax, Jmax, TPU, Rd and gm using grid search and non‐linear fitting techniques. Our results suggested that the fitting methods significantly affected the predictions of Rubisco‐limited (Ac), ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate‐limited (Aj) and TPU‐limited (Ap) curves and leaf photosynthesis velocities because of the inconsistent estimate of Vcmax, Jmax, TPU, Rd and gm, but they barely influenced the Jmax : Vcmax, Vcmax : Rd and Jmax : TPU ratio. In terms of fitting accuracy, simplicity of fitting procedures and sample size requirement, we recommend to combine grid search and non‐linear techniques to directly and simultaneously fit Vcmax, Jmax, TPU, Rd and gm with the whole A–Cc curve in contrast to the conventional method, which fits Vcmax, Rd or gm first and then solves for Vcmax, Jmax and/or TPU with Vcmax, Rd and/or gm held as constants.
Functional dissection of the cytosolic chaperone network in tomato mesophyll protoplasts
Authors: TRIPP JOANNA , MISHRA SHRAVAN KUMAR , SCHARF KLAUS‐DIETER 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThe heat stress response is universal to all organisms. Upon elevated temperatures, heat stress transcription factors (Hsfs) are activated to up‐regulate the expression of molecular chaperones to protect cells against heat damages. In higher plants, the phenomenon is unusually complex both at the level of Hsfs and heat stress proteins (Hsps). Over‐expression of both Hsfs and Hsps and the use of RNA interference for gene knock‐down in a transient system in tomato protoplasts allowed us to dissect the in vivo chaperone functions of essential components of thermotolerance, such as the cytoplasmic sHsp, Hsp70 and Hsp100 chaperone families, and the regulation of their expression. The results point to specific functions of the different components in protection from protein denaturation and in refolding of denatured proteins.
Benthic microbial mats: a possible major component of organic matter accumulation in the Lower Aptian oceanic anoxic event
Authors: Gorin Georges , Fiet Nicolas , Pacton Muriel 
Published: December 2008

AbstractOceanic anoxic events (OAEs) throughout the Cretaceous were periods of high organic carbon burial leading to drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide and lowering of bottom‐water oxygen concentration, thereby enhancing the preservation of organic matter (OM). Two dynamic depositional models have been proposed for these events in the Tethyan domain: one is based on strong thermohaline stratification and low surface productivity, the other on high surface productivity with intensified deep‐water circulation. Here, we propose another explanation for the concentration of OM, derived essentially from microscopical observations (scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope) in the organic‐richest interval of an Early Aptian OAE in central Italy (OAE1a or Selli level, 116 Ma). This high‐resolution microscopical study of OM highlights benthic microbial mats as the possible source of organic‐rich samples where amorphous OM is the major organic constituent. These mats could be more common in OAE black shales than previously thought.
Ovarian Follicular Dynamics. A review with Emphasis on the Bovine Species. Part II: Antral Development, Exogenous Influence and Future Prospects
Authors: Aerts JMJ , Bols PEJ 
Published: December 2008

ContentsDuring an oestrous cycle, a cohort of antral follicles develops into – depending on the species – one or more ovulatory follicles. The bovine oestrous cycle is characterized by two to three such cohorts or growth waves, only the last of which will result in an ovulation. In every growth wave, several antral follicles are recruited for development. Recruited follicles are subjected to a selection process, whereby ever decreasing levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are available to the FSH dependent follicles. In the cow, a single follicle from the cohort will acquire dominance. The ability of the dominant follicle to prosper under basic FSH levels is ascribed to a transition in hormone dependency from FSH to luteinizing hormone. The exact follicle selection mechanism remains, however, to be elucidated. The beginning of this article focuses on the recruitment, selection and dominance phases in antral follicle development. Subsequently, the conditions leading to successful maturation and ovulation are discussed. The next section expounds upon the mechanisms for exogenous modulation of follicular dynamics with the aim of superovulation/superstimulation, and finally prospective future research directions are sketched.
Endocannabinoid‐dependent plasticity at GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses in the striatum is regulated by synaptic activity
Authors: Adermark Louise , Talani Giuseppe , Lovinger David M. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractLong‐term depression (LTD) at striatal synapses is mediated by postsynaptic endocannabinoid (eCB) release and presynaptic cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) activation. Previous studies have indicated that eCB mobilization at excitatory synapses might be regulated by afferent activation. To further address the role of neuronal activity in synaptic plasticity we examined changes in synaptic strength induced by the L‐type calcium channel activator 2,5‐dimethyl‐4‐[2‐(phenylmethyl)benzoyl]‐1H‐pyrrole‐3‐carboxylic acid methyl ester (FPL 64176, FPL) at glutamatergic and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic synapses in the striatum. We found that the basic mechanisms for FPL‐mediated eCB signaling are the same at glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. FPL‐induced LTD (FPL‐LTD) was blocked in slices treated with the CB1R antagonist AM251 (2 μm), but established depression was not reversed by AM251. FPL‐LTD was temperature dependent, blocked by protein translation inhibitors and prevented by intracellular loading of the anandamide transporter inhibitor VDM11 (10 μm) at both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses. FPL‐LTD at glutamatergic synapses required paired‐pulse afferent stimulation, while FPL‐LTD at GABAergic synapses could be induced even in the absence of explicit afferent activation. By evaluating tetrodotoxin‐insensitive spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents we found that neuronal firing is vital for eCB release and LTD induction at GABAergic synapses, but not for short‐term depression induced by CB1R agonist. The data presented here suggest that the level of neuronal firing regulates eCB signaling by modulating release from the postsynaptic cell, as well as interacting with presynaptic mechanisms to induce LTD at both glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in the striatum.
Continuous glucose monitoring as a tool to identify hyperglycaemia in non‐diabetic patients with acute coronary syndromes
Authors: Radermecker R. P. , Sultan A. , Piot C. , Remy A. S. , Avignon A. , Renard E. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAim  To explore the occurrence and the distribution of glucose excursions > 7.8 mmol/l by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in non‐diabetic patients admitted with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods  Twenty‐one non‐diabetic patients without baseline hyperglycaemia admitted for ACS wore a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) for a median period of 45.6 h. Occurrence and 24‐h distribution of time spent with blood glucose > 7.8 mmol/l (TS > 7.8) were retrospectively investigated.Results  CGMS data disclosed time spent > 7.8 in 17 patients, whereas only seven of them showed at least one capillary blood glucose test value above the threshold for the same time period. Glucose excursions were detectable earlier from CGMS data. Hyperglycaemia was detected most frequently in the morning, more than 2 h after breakfast.Conclusions  CGM discloses early and frequent hyperglycaemia in non‐diabetic patients with ACS. Intensive glucose monitoring during the morning time period is the most efficient in screening for hyperglycaemia and could be a valuable guide to initiating insulin therapy and to further investigate outcomes in ACS.
Anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes
Authors: Collins M. M. , Corcoran P. , Perry I. J. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAims  To identify the prevalence and major determinants of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes.Methods  A cross‐sectional study of 2049 people with Types 1 and 2 diabetes, selected from patients experiencing three different models of care in Ireland: (i) traditional mixed care; (ii) hospital/general practitioner (GP) shared care; (iii) structured GP care. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Analyses were conducted primarily using logistic regression with adjustment for relevant confounders.Results  The overall response rate was 71% (n = 1456). Based on the HADS, there was evidence of high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes; 32.0% (95% confidence interval = 29.5–34.6%) exceeded the HADS cut‐off score of ‘mild to severe’ anxiety and 22.4% (95% confidence interval = 20.2–24.7%) exceeded the HADS cut‐off score of ‘mild to severe’ depression. Diabetes complications, smoking, uncertainty about glycaemic control and being an ex‐drinker or a heavy drinker were risk factors for both higher anxiety and depression scores in multivariate analysis. Female gender and poor glycaemic control were risks factors associated only with higher anxiety scores. Higher socio‐economic status and older age were protective factors for lower anxiety and depression scores. Type of diabetes, insulin use, marital status and models of care were not significant predictors of anxiety and depression scores.Conclusions  The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes is considerably higher than in general population samples. These data serve as a benchmark for the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in patients with diabetes.