bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between an IGF-I gene polymorphism and body fatness: differences between generations
Authors: Voorhoeve Paul G , van Rossum Elisabeth F C , te Velde Saskia J , Koper Jan W , Kemper Han C G , Lamberts Steven W J , de Waal Henriette A Delemarre-van 
Published: February 2006

Objective: A polymorphism near the promoter region of the IGF-I gene has been associated with serum IGF-I levels, body height and birth weight. In this study, we investigated whether this polymorphism is associated with body composition in young healthy subjects in two cohorts of different generations.
Design: Observational study with repeated measurements.
Methods: The study group consisted of two comparable young Dutch cohorts with a generational difference of around 20 years. The older cohort consisted of 359 subjects born between 1961 and 1965. Measurements were performed from 13 until 36 years of age. The younger cohort consisted of 258 subjects born between 1981 and 1989. Measurements were performed from 8 until 14 years of age. Height, body mass index (BMI), fat mass, fat-free mass, waist and hip circumference were compared between wild-type carriers and variant type carriers of the IGF-I polymorphism.
Results: In the younger cohort, body weight, BMI, fat mass and waist circumference were significantly higher in female variant carriers of the IGF-I polymorphism. A similar trend was observed in male variant carriers. In contrast, these differences were not observed in the older cohort. Irrespective of genotype, the younger cohort showed a significantly higher total fat mass, body weight and BMI compared with the older cohort.
Conclusions: Because the differences between both genotypes were small, it seems likely that the genetic variability due to this IGF-I polymorphism impacts only slightly on body composition. Importantly, our study suggested that associations between this IGF-I promoter polymorphism and body composition possibly reflect a gene–environmental interaction of this polymorphism and that an environment that promotes obesity leads to a slightly more pronounced fat accumulation in variant carriers of this IGF-I polymorphism.
Aromatase is differentially expressed in peripheral blood leukocytes from children, and adult female and male subjects
Authors: Vottero A , Rochira V , Capelletti M , Viani I , Zirilli L , Neri T M , Carani C , Bernasconi S , Ghizzoni L 
Published: February 2006

Objective: Aromatase, the key enzyme involved in estrogen synthesis, is expressed in a variety of cells and tissues including human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). The present study was designed to evaluate PBL aromatase gene expression in male and female subjects of different age groups. In addition, differences in gene expression during the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in women, and before and after testosterone administration in men, were estimated.Design: Aromatase mRNA and protein were measured in PBLs obtained from young (n= 10) and postmenopausal women (n= 10), men (n= 15), and prepubertal children (n= 10). Aromatase mRNA and protein were also measured during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in women, and before and after the intramuscular administration of 250 mg testosterone enanthate in men.Methods and Results: Aromatase mRNA measured by real-time PCR in PBLs from women during the follicular phase was significantly higher than during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (P< 0.05). In men, PBL aromatase mRNA values increased significantly following testosterone administration (P< 0.05). PBL mRNA aromatase levels in women during the follicular phase and men after testosterone administration were significantly higher (one-way ANOVA;P< 0.05) than in any other group. Children, postmenopausal women, and women during the luteal phase showed the lowest aromatase mRNA expression. The results of the immunoblot analysis confirmed the data obtained by real-time PCR. A positive correlation between PBL aromatase mRNA values and plasma estradiol and estrone levels during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle was observed in the group of adult women. No other correlations were found.Conclusions: The aromatase gene is differentially expressed in PBLs from women, men, and prepubertal children, indicating a sexual dimorphism in the enzyme expression and an important role of sex steroids in the modulation of aromatase gene expression.
Novel neuroanatomical pathways for thyroid hormone action in the human anterior pituitary
Authors: Alkemade Anneke , Friesema Edith C , Kuiper George G , Wiersinga Wilmar M , Swaab Dick F , Visser Theo J , Fliers Eric 
Published: February 2006

Objective: An increasing number of proteins appear to be involved in thyroid hormone feedback action at the level of the anterior pituitary, but the cell types expressing these proteins are largely unknown. The aim of the present study was to identify cell types in the human anterior pituitary that express type II and type III deiodinase (D2 and D3), the recently described thyroid hormone transporter (MCT8) and thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms by means of double-labeling immunocytochemistry.
Results: We found TR isoforms to be expressed most prominently in gonadotropes and – although to a lesser extent – in thyrotropes, corticotropes, lactotropes and somatotropes. D3 staining showed a distribution pattern that was remarkably similar. By contrast, D2 immunoreactivity was observed exclusively in folliculostellate (FS) cells showing coexpression with human leukocyte antigen (HLA), a marker of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-class II. MCT8 immunostaining was present in FS cells without HLA coexpression.
Conclusions: From these results, we propose a novel neuroanatomical model for thyroid hormone feedback on the human pituitary, with a central role for FS cells in thyroid hormone activation, which thus play an important role in the suppression of TSH secretion by circulating thyroxine (T4).
Efficacy of 12-month treatment with the GH receptor antagonist pegvisomant in patients with acromegaly resistant to long-term, high-dose somatostatin analog treatment: effect on IGF-I levels, tumor mass, hypertension and glucose tolerance
Authors: Colao Annamaria , Pivonello Rosario , Auriemma Renata S , De Martino Maria Cristina , Bidlingmaier Martin , Briganti Francesco , Tortora Fabio , Burman Pia , Kourides Ione A , Strasburger Christian J , Lombardi Gaetano 
Published: February 2006

Objective: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of pegvisomant in patients with acromegaly resistant to long-term (≧ 24-month), high-dose treatment with octreotide-LAR (40 mg/month) or lanreotide (120 mg/month).
Design: This was an open, prospective study.
Subjects and Methods: We studied 16 patients with acromegaly (nine women; aged 28–61 years). The main outcome measures were IGF-I levels, blood pressure, glucose tolerance and safety (liver function and tumor size). Pegvisomant was given at doses of 10–40 mg s.c. daily. Dose titration was performed every month by IGF-I assay.
Results: Three patients spontaneously stopped pegvisomant treatment after 6–9 months because of poor compliance; from the measurement of serum pegvisomant, another patient was found not to inject herself properly. After 6 months, IGF-I levels decreased by 63 ± 19% (767.8 ± 152.9 vs 299.8 ± 162.9 μg/l, P < 0.0001, t-test); serum IGF-I levels normalized in 57%. After 12 months, IGF-I levels normalized in nine (75%) patients and were reduced by over 50% in another three (25%). The mean tumor volume remained stable during the study (1198 ± 1234 vs 1196 ± 1351 mm3, P = 0.37): it did not change ( ± 25% vs basal) in nine patients, increased by 39.4% and 40.8% in two and decreased by 30.8–46.5% in four. The total/high-density lipoprotein (HDL):cholesterol ratio (from 4.4 ± 1.0 to 3.7 ± 0.6, P= 0.0012), glucose levels (from 5.6 ± 1.2 to 4.4 ± 1.4 mmol/l, P = 0.026), insulin levels (from 12.4 ± 6.7 to 8.1 ± 3.0 mUl/l, P = 0.0023) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index (from 3.4 ± 2.1 to 1.9 ± 1.0, P = 0.0017) decreased.
Conclusions: Treatment for 12 months with pegvisomant normalized IGF-I levels, and improved cardiovascular risk parameters and insulin sensitivity in patients with acromegaly resistant to long-term, high-dose treatment with somatostatin analogs. The tolerance of treatment was good.
Quality of life in treated adult craniopharyngioma patients
Authors: Dekkers O M , Biermasz N R , Smit J W A , Groot L E , Roelfsema F , Romijn J A , Pereira A M 
Published: February 2006

Objective: Quality of life (QoL) has become increasingly important in the evaluation of treatment of pituitary and hormonal diseases. A reduced QoL has been reported in childhood-onset craniopharyngioma; however, reports of QoL in adult craniopharyngioma patients are scarce. In the present study, we assessed QoL in adult patients successfully treated for craniopharyngioma in our centre.
Design: This was a case-control study.
Methods: In this study, we assessed QoL in 29 adult patients in remission during long-term follow-up after treatment for craniopharyngioma. Four validated health-related questionnaires (HADS, MFI-20, NHP and SF-36) were used, covering multiple aspects of physical, psychological and social functioning. Patient outcomes were compared to controls (n = 142) and to age-adjusted reference values derived from literature.
Results: General fatigue, physical fatigue, energy, physical condition and physical mobility were significantly impaired, compared with controls. The main independent predictors for decreased QoL were visual field defects (depression, total HADS score, activity, motivation and energy), female gender (depression, motivation and pain), repeat surgery (role limitations due to emotional problems) and radiotherapy (mental fatigue) (the last two predictors to a lesser extent).
Conclusion: Adult patients treated for craniopharyngioma show persistent impairment in QoL, especially in the physical subscales.
Correlation of the cytotoxic activity of four different alkaloids, from Chelidonium majus (greater celandine), with their DNA intercalating properties and ability to induce breaks in the DNA of NK/Ly murine lymphoma cells
Authors: Kaminskyy Vitaliy , Lootsik Maxim , Stoika Rostyslav 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the DNA intercalating characteristics and the DNA damaging capacity of four alkaloids extracted from Chelidonium majus L, as well as their toxicity towards murine NK/Ly lymphoma cells. Chelerythrine, sanguinarine and coptisine were found to be intercalated into the DNA isolated from NK/Ly cells, meanwhile, chelidonine exhibited no affinity to DNA. Sanguinarine exhibited the greatest toxicity toward NK/Ly cells, and the toxicity of the other three decreased in descending order: chelerythrine, coptisine and chelidonine. Chelerythrine and sanguinarine caused DNA damage, illustrated by the formation of comets of the third class. Coptisine was less toxic than chelerythrine and sanguinarine, and affected the formation the same class of comets in higher concentration. The quantity of comets induced by chelidonine were negligible, a finding consistent with its inability to intercalate into DNA structure. The ability of four main alkaloids of Chelidonium majus L., to intercalate into DNA isolated from murine NK/Ly lymphoma cells, correlated with their ability to induce breaks in cellular DNA and with their toxic effect towards those cells.
Mouse model for analysis of non-MHC genes that influence allogeneic response: recombinant congenic strains of OcB/Dem series that carry identical H2 locus
Authors: Havelková Helena , Holáň Vladimír , Kárník Igor , Lipoldová Marie 
Published: February 2006

AbstractAlloreactivity is the strongest known primary immune response. Its clinical manifestations are graft rejection, graft-versus-host disease and graft-versus-leukemia effect. The strongest stimulation by allogeneic cells is due to incompatibility at the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes. However, the non-MHC genes also participate in allogeneic response. Here we present a mouse model for study of the role of non-MHC genes in regulation of alloreactivity and show that they besides encoding antigens also regulate the responsiveness. Recombinant congenic strains (RCS) of O20/A (O20)-c-B10.O20/Dem (OcB/Dem) series have been derived from the parental strains O20 and B10.O20, which carry identical MHC haplotypes (H2pz) and therefore their differences in alloantigen response depend only on non-MHC genes. We have tested a MLR response by spleen cells of the strains O20, B10.O20, and 16 OcB/Dem strains through stimulation by cells from strains C57BL/10 (H2b), BALB/c (H2d), CBA (H2k), and DBA/1 (H2q) alloantigens. Proliferative response of O20, B10.O20 and OcB/Dem strains to these four alloantigens exhibited a similar but not completely identical pattern of reactivity. The responses to different alloantigens were highly correlated: C57BL/10-BALB/c r = 0.87, C57BL/10-CBA r = 0.84, C57BL/10-DBA/1 r = 0.83. Cluster analysis of the responses by O20, B10.O20, and OcB mice identified groups of strains with distinct patterns of response. This data shows that two main types of genes influence MLR: 1. structural genes for major and minor alloantigens and 2. genes regulating T-cell receptor signal transduction or mediating costimulatory signals by antigen-presenting cells.
Creating a mutant luciferase resistant to HPV chemical inhibition by random mutagenesis and colony‐level screening
Authors: Kim‐Choi Eileen , Danilo Christiane , Kelly Jeffrey , Carroll Ronnie , Shonnard David , Rybina Irina 
Published: February 2006

AbstractFirefly luciferase covers a wide range of applications. One common usage of the bioluminescence assay is the measurement of intracellular concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for cell viability. However, inhibition of the enzyme reaction by chemicals in the assay has so far limited the application of luciferase for high production volume (HPV) chemical testing. The objective of this research was to obtain a mutant luciferase with increased stability to inhibition by HPV chemicals, yet retaining specific activity comparable to, or better than, wild‐type luciferase. The enzymatic properties of the wild‐type luciferase were improved by random mutagenesis and colony‐level screening. In this paper, the detailed process of creating mutant luciferases for testing the toxicity of HPV chemicals is described. As a result, two mutant luciferases were created, with different degrees of improved tolerance to inhibition by chloroform and other HPV chemicals. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A thermoluminescence study of the effects of nitrite on photosystem II in spinach thylakoids
Authors: Sahay Archna , Jajoo Anjana , Bharti Sudhakar 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe site of action of nitrite on PS II was investigated by measuring the TL profile of nitrite‐treated spinach thylakoid membranes. Three bands were observed in control, which were identified as the Q band (7°C), the B band (24°C) and the C band (57°C). In the presence of 20 mmol/L nitrite, the intensity of the Q band decreased, the B band upshifted to 46°C but the C band disappeared. The suppression of the Q band and the upshift of the B band suggested that nitrite caused inhibition at the water oxidizing complex. The effects of nitrite also remained the same in the presence of chloride. In case of ion‐sufficient thylakoid membranes, nitrite decreased the Q band peak intensity and caused an upshift in the B band peak temperature. Nitrite showed similar effects in the presence of DCMU. This suggested that the site of action of nitrite is not at the acceptor side but at the donor side of PS II. The inhibition shown by nitrite has been found to be specific for nitrite anion. No other anions such as formate, fluoride or nitrate, were effective. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of light and darkness on cutaneous fluorescence in mice
Authors: Juzenas Petras , Juzeniene Asta , Iani Vladimir , Moan Johan 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThe present work was carried out to investigate the role of light and darkness on the endogenous biosynthesis of porphyrins in mammalian skin (hairless BALB/c mouse) in vivo. In the skin of mice that were constantly kept in darkness (DD), increased endogenous porphyrin fluorescence was observed, which mainly originated from protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). No significant increase in the porphyrin levels was observed in mice that were kept under a normal day–night cycle (LD 12:12 h). The presence of cutaneous PpIX together with ambient light may comprise a photosensitizing mechanism by which PpIX may be a photomessenger between ambient light and internal rhythms. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation between noninvasive and endovascular Doppler in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis: A pilot study
Authors: Slovut David P. , Lookstein Robert , Bacharach J. Michael , Olin Jeffrey W. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractConsiderable interest exists in using endovascular techniques for assessing the renal circulation. The vasomotor response of the renal circulation in patients with hypertension and severe atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis was evaluated. Sixteen patients (5 men and 11 women) with a mean age of 73.2 ± 7.1 years (range, 59–82 years) underwent noninvasive renal duplex ultrasonography and endovascular flow wire evaluation. The flow wire was positioned in the main renal artery distal to the stenosis and used to examine the reactivity of the renal circulation in response to intra‐arterial papaverine before and after percutaneous revascularization. Resistive index was computed as (MPV − EDV)/MPV, where MPV is the maximum peak velocity and EDV is the end‐diastolic velocity. Renal flow reserve was defined as the ratio of peak hyperemic response to baseline flow. Intervention was technically successful in 18/18 arteries. Heart rate (69 ± 11 vs. 65 ± 10 beats/min; P = NS) and systolic blood pressure (168 ± 19 vs. 163 ± 24 mm Hg; P = NS) remained constant following injection of intrarenal papaverine, while diastolic blood pressure decreased (77 ± 13 vs. 65 ± 11 mm Hg; P < 0.006). Papaverine injection resulted in significant increases in average peak velocity (APV; 148% of baseline; P = 0.0003), MPV (146% of baseline; P = 0.001), and EDV (161% of baseline; P = 0.0026), but had no effect on the endovascular resistive index (0.81 ± 0.12 vs. 0.84 ± 0.08; P = NS). Renal artery stenting produced no effect on APV or EDV, but a small increase in MPV (123% of baseline; P < 0.05). In contrast, renal stenting resulted in a significant increase in the endovascular resistive index (0.77 ± 012 vs. 0.84 ± 0.08; P = 0.003), pulsatility index (1.84 ± 0.61 vs. 2.23 ± 0.70; P < 0.014), and renal flow reserve (1.49 ± 0.44 vs. 1.86 ± 0.73; P < 0.0071). A correlation was found between the noninvasive and endovascular measures diastolic/systolic ratio (r = 0.73; P < 0.0009) and resistive index (r = 0.63; P < 0.0053). Patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis have preserved vasomotor response to papaverine, as well as marked increases in renal flow and resistive index following successful renal artery stenting. Endovascular flow wire measurements are safe, easy to perform, and correlate well with noninvasive Doppler measurements. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Covered stents in patients with congenital heart defects
Authors: Butera Gianfranco , Piazza Luciane , Chessa Massimo , Abella Raul , Bussadori Claudio , Negura Diana , Carminati Mario 
Published: February 2006

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the role of covered Cheatham‐Platinum stents in patients with congenital heart disease. Background: There are limited data in the literature about the use of covered stent in patients with congenital heart disease. Methods: Between January 2004 and September 2005, covered Cheatham‐Platinum stents were implanted into 18 patients with congenital heart defects (9 males, median age 19 years, range 8–45 years). Sixteen had aortic coarctation or recoarctation (8 with associated aneurysm, 1 with patent ductus arteriosus, 3 with an irregular wall, 4 with subatretic native aortic coarctation) (group 1). Two subjects with univentricular heart circulation were treated because of complex right‐to‐left shunting (Group 2). Results: Group 1: The stents used ranged from 34 to 45 mm in length. The mean fluoroscopy and procedure times were 12 ± 8 and 70 ± 15 minutes, respectively. After implantation, the gradient across the stenosis decreased significantly (prestent median value 37 mmHg) (range 20–50 mmHg) versus poststent: median value 0 mmHg (range 0–10 mmHg) (P < 0.0001). Vessel diameter increased from a median value of 6 mm (range 0–11) to a median value of 14 mm (range 10–23) (P < 0.0001). Stents were placed in the correct position in all subjects. No complications occurred and on angiographic control the stenoses had been relieved and the aneurysms completely excluded. Group 2: Implantation of the covered stents successfully abolished right‐to‐left shunting in both patients. Both had significant increases in oxygen saturation and no complications occurred. Follow‐up: During a median follow‐up of 7 months (1–19 months), the results were stable without any complications. Conclusion: Covered Cheatham‐Platinum stents are very useful tools for treating various congenital cardiovascular malformations. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The value of hypnosis in the treatment of chronic PTSD with dissociative fugues in a war veteran
Authors: Degun‐Mather Marcia 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis report describes the successful treatment of a British war veteran who had chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of 40 years' duration. He had also developed dissociative fugues during this time. He was finally admitted to a psychiatric hospital with severe depression and PTSD. After discharge he was treated by three‐phase oriented treatment as follows: Stage 1 – stabilization with psycho‐education and a cognitive–behavioural approach with hypnosis; Stage 2 – re‐processing of traumatic material by use of a safe‐remembering hypnotic method with cognitive reevaluation of traumatic events to resolve the negative feelings. Hypnotic dreams also facilitated re‐processing. During therapy, the veteran recovered the memory of one event which was crucial to his therapeutic progress. Stage 3 included further memory integration and rehabilitation. This was aided by dream elaboration, both with and without hypnosis. At the end of therapy, the veteran was virtually symptom‐free and was able to regain emotional and social contact with his family and friends. Copyright © 2001 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis
Intrusive thoughts and hypnotizability
Authors: Bryant Richard A , Idey Arianna 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis study indexed the relationship between intrusive thoughts and hypnotizability. After screening on the Harvard Group Scale of Hypnotic Susceptibility, Form A and the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale, Form C, high‐, medium‐ and low‐hypnotizable participants (n=55) were given an intrusive thoughts questionnaire that indexed frequency, pleasantness, involvement and vividness of intrusive thoughts. High‐hypnotizable participants reported more intrusive thoughts than low‐hypnotizable participants. Although vividness of intrusions and involvement in the intrusions were correlated, these were not associated with hypnotizability. These findings are discussed in terms of the role of hypnotizability, absorption and fantasy‐proneness in the experience of intrusive thoughts. Copyright © 2001 British Society of Experimental and Clinical Hypnosis