bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Issues concerning the monitoring of statin therapy in hypercholesterolemic subjects with high plasma lipoprotein (a) levels
Authors: Scanu Angelo M. , Hinman Janet 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMost studies on the topic have shown that statin therapy decreases plasma LDL levels but not those of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. This specificity of action, although previously noted, has not been systematically investigated. In the current study we approached this problem by monitoring LDL‐ and Lp(a) cholesterol in 80 hypercholesterolemic subjects with high Lp(a) levels, at entry and 8 mon after initiation of statin therapy. We found that commonly used direct and indirect LDL cholesterol assays gave an LDL cholesterol value that comprised both true LDL‐ and Lp(a) cholesterol. We estimated these two analytes from the values of Lp(a) protein determined by FLISA and from knowledge of the Lp(a) chemical composition, complemented by data from immunochemical and ultracentrifugal analyses. Statin therapy, while not affecting plasma Lp(a) protein levels (21.7±10.4, before, and 22.0±10.1 mg/dL, after), caused a decrease in the estimated or true LDL cholesterol (P<0.0001) to values in some cases as low as 10 mg/dL. This drop in true LDL was validated by the decrease in the LDL band in the ultracentrifugation profiles, and its magnitude was proportional to the degree of total cholesterol lowering and to the pretreatment true LDL/Lp(a) cholesterol weight ratio. We conclude that true LDL but not Lp(a) cholesterol is affected by statin therapy and that this specific response cannot be monitored by current LDL cholesterol assays and must, rather, rely on estimates of these two analytes.
In vitro effects of fat, FA, and cholesterol on sphingomyelin hydrolysis induced by rat intestinal alkaline sphingomyelinase
Authors: Liu Jian‐Jun , Nilsson Åke , Duan Rui‐Dong 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDietary sphingomyelin (SM) may have regulatory effects on cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in the colon. Alkaline sphingomyelinase (SMase) is the major enzyme responsible for hydrolysis of SM in the gut. Previously we purified the enzyme and showed that the presence of glycerophospholipids inhibited SM hydrolysis induced by alkaline SMase in vitro. In the present work, we studied the effects of TG, DG, FA, ceramide, and cholesterol on SM hydrolysis catalyzed by purified alkaline SMase. The results showed that both TG (triolein and tristearin) and DG (1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycerol and 1,2‐distearoyl‐rac‐glycerol) inhibited the activity of alkaline SMase. 1‐Mono‐oleoyl‐rac‐glycerol, 1‐monostearoyl‐rac‐glycerol, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid stimulated the activity of alkaline SMase at 0.4–0.8 mM concentrations but inhibited the enzyme at higher concentrations. There was no difference between the effects induced by saturated and unsaturated FA. A short‐chain FA such as lauric acid had a stronger stimulatory effect at low concentrations and weaker inhibitory effect at high concentrations than long‐chain FA. Choosing linoleic acid as an example, we found that FA had similar effects on both alkaline SMase and neutral SMase. Cholesterol and ceramide when mixed with FA to increase its solubility in bile salt micelles inhibited SMase activity. In conclusion, glycerides, FA, ceramide, and cholesterol influence SM hydrolysis catalyzed by intestinal alkaline SMase. The presence of lipids in the diet may thus influence the course of SM digestion in the gut and thereby the exposure of colon to SM metabolites.
Impact of Dietary FA and Energy Restriction on Plasma Leptin and ob Gene Expression in Mice
Authors: Gregersen Søren , Thomsen Janus L. , Jeppesen Per B. , Alstrup Kirsten K. , Brock Birgitte , Pedersen Steen B. , Kristensen Kurt , Hermansen Kjeld 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to elucidate whether the qualitative compositiion of dietary fat influences plasma leptin and adipose tissue ob gene expression differentially. Two high‐fat diets and a diet rich in carbohydrate were each administered both ad libitum and with a 25% energy restriction. The high‐fat diets contained 58 energy percent as either monounsaturated FA (MUFA) or saturated FA (SAFA), whereas the carbohydrate‐rich diet (CH) contained 7 energy percent as fat. We aimed at obtaining the same final weight for the animals in the ad libitum group as in the energy‐restricted groups. This goal was reached at he same time (days 22–24) for all groups except for the ad libitum animals fed on saturated fat (day 36). The plasma leptin concentrations on ad libitum CH and MUFA diets did not differ significantly (24.3 ± 2.1 and 34.7 ± 6.7 ng/mL, respectively) whereas the saturated fat diet caused a lower concentration (13.9 ± 1.9 ng/mL; P < 0.05). Interestingly, no differences in plasma leptin levels between groups were seen in the energy‐restricted groups (mean 8.0 + 1.0 ng/mL). The type of diet did not alter the ob gene expression in intraabdominal white adipose tissue; however, a lower expression level was found in the energy‐restricted groups. The percentage of body fat in the three ad libitum fed groups did not differ (23 ± 1%). Thus, short‐term administration of a diet rich in SAFA suppresses circulating leptin levels without altering the adipose tissue ob gene expression. This indicates that saturated fat may alter protein handling by adipose tissue or the whole body clearance of leptin.
A comparison of the effect of medium‐ vs. long‐chain triglycerides on the in vitro solubilization of cholesterol and/or phytosterol into mixed micelles
Authors: von Bonsdorff‐Nikander Anna , Christiansen Leena , Huikko Laura , Lampi Anna‐Maija , Piironen Vieno , Yliruusi Jouko , Kaukonen Ann Marie 
Published: November 2006

AbstractDespite clinical evidence of the cholesterol‐lowering effects of phytosterols, the exact mechanisms involved are still unclear. Displacement of cholesterol by phytosterols from mixed micelles, which is due to their greater hydrophobicity, is one of the hypotheses for the lumenal effects contributing to the reduction of intestinal cholesterol absorption. In this study a dynamic in vitro lipolysis method was used to examine the solubilization behavior of cholesterol and/or phytosterols during lipolysis to probe the efficacy of cholesterol displacement from mixed micelles by phytosterols. The effects of lipid chain length on sterol solubilization were studied by using microcrystalline suspensions containing 17% phytosterol or cholesterol, formulated in long‐chain TG (LCT) and medium‐chain TG (MCT). When digesting cholesterol suspended in LCT, the entire cholesterol dose was incorporated into the micellar phase. For the cholesterol formulation suspended in MCT, 50.3% of the initial dose was recovered in the micelles. Under the respective conditions, we observed lower solubilization of phytosterols than of cholesterol (roughly fourfold). Only 25% of the initial phytosterol dose was solubilized from suspensions formulated with LCT, and 13% was solubilized from MCT formulations. Co‐administration of phytosterol and cholesterol suspensions showed a significant reduction of cholesterol solubilization, particularly when dosed in MCT, with ≈25% of the cholesterol dose solubilized. Insignificant amounts of cholesterol were displaced by phytosterols when cholesterol was presolubilized in the mixed micelles. The results show that, compared with LCT, mixed micelles containing MCT lipolysis products have a reduced solubilizing capacity for cholesterol, which adds to the effectiveness of the phytosterols in displacing cholesterol. This suggests potential benefits of using medium chain length lipids in cholesterol‐lowering phytosterol products.
Fatty acid composition of wild and farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Blanchet Carole , Lucas Michel , Julien Pierre , Morin Richard , Gingras Suzanne , Dewailly Éric 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe goal of this study was to examine the FA composition of wild and farmed Atlantic salmon (AS) and rainbow trout (RT). FA profiles were obtained by GC/FID. Results showed that lipid and n−3 highly unsaturated FA contents of farmed and wild AS were similar. Total n−3 and n−6 PUFA were significantly higher in farmed AS than in wild AS. Farmed RT contained more fat and less n−3 PUFA than wild RT. Our results show that farmed salmonids provide high levels of n−3 HUFA to consumers.
Trans fatty acids and atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome: The relationship with a free radical cis‐trans isomerization of membrane lipids
Authors: Ferreri Carla , Angelini Federica , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Dellonte Sergio , Moschese Viviana , Rossi Paolo , Chini Loredana 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe formation of trans FA residues in membrane phospholipids may be due to a free radical‐catalyzed isomerization process occurring to the cis unsaturated FA moieties. Radical stress is well documented in inflammatory processes of atopic diseases, but no data are yet available about a possible association with trans FA detected in these patients. We investigated the presence of trans lipid isomers in the erythrocyte and T‐lymphocyte membranes of 26 children affected by atopic eczema/dermatitis syndrome (AEDS). Trans lipid isomers were found in both cell membranes, up to a total content of 2.7 and 4.9% of the FA composition, respectively. By using the geometrical trans lipid library derived from in vitro models of thiyl radical‐catalyzed isomerization, oleic and arachidonic acid isomers were detected. The statistical significance was evaluated by comparison with an age‐matched control group. These results suggest the role of an endogenous free radical isomerization path occurring to membrane unsaturated lipids, complementary to the dietary contribution, which can be involved in the lipid impairment in AEDS. This study contributes to lipidomic research regarding the double bond structure and the influence of a geometrical change of membrane lipids in physiology and diseases.
Fish oil supplementation of lactating mothers affects cytokine production in 2 1/2‐year‐old children
Authors: Lauritzen Lotte , Kjær Tanja M. R. , Fruekilde Maj‐Britt , Michaelsen Kim F. , Frøkiær Hanne 
Published: November 2006

Abstractn−3 PUFA influence immune functioning and may affect the cytokine phenotype during development. To examine whether maternal fish oil supplementation during lactation could modify later immune responses in children, 122 lactating Danish mothers with a fish intake below the population median were randomized to groups supplemented for the first 4 mon of lactation with 4.5 g/d of fish oil (equivalent to 1.5 g/d of n−3 long‐chain PUFA) or olive oil. Fifty‐three mothers with a fish intake in the highest quartile of the population were also included. The FA composition of erythrocyte membranes was measured at 4 mon and at 2 1/2 yr. Plasma immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated whole‐blood cultures were determined at 2 1/2 yr. Erythrocyte n−3 PUFA at 4 mon were higher in infants from the fish oil group compared with the olive oil group (P<0.001) but were no longer different at 2 1/2 yr. The median production of lipopolysaccharide‐induced interferon γ(IFN‐γ) in the fish oil group was fourfold higher than that in the olive oil group (P=0.034), whereas interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) production was similar. The IFN‐γ/IL‐10 ratio was twofold higher in the fish oil group (P=0.019) and was positively correlated with 20∶5n−3/20∶4n−6 in erythrocytes at 4 mon (P=0.050). The percentages of atopic children and plasma IgE were not different in the two groups, but the study was not designed to look at atopy. Cytokine responses and erythrocyte FA composition in children of mothers with a high fish intake were intermediate in comparison with those in the randomized groups. Fish oil supplementation during lactation resulted in increasedin vitroIFN‐γ production in the children 2 yr after the supplementation was given, which may reflect a faster maturation of the immune system.
Plasma kinetic behavior in hyperlipidemic subjects of a lipidic microemulsion that binds to low density lipoprotein receptors
Authors: Maranhão Raul C. , Roland Ivete A. , Toffoletto Odaly , Antonio Ramires José , Gonçalves Romélia P. , Mesquita Carlos H. , Pileggi Fulvio 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIt was previously reported that a protein‐free microemulsion (LDE) with structure roughly resembling that of the lipid portion of low density lipoprotein (LDL) was presumably taken up by LDL receptors when injected into the bloodstream. In contact with plasma, LDE acquires apolipoproteins (apo) including apo E that would be the ligand for receptor binding. Currently, apo were associated to LDE by incubation with high density lipoprotein (HDL). LDE‐apo uptake by mononuclear cells showed a saturation kinetics, with an apparent Km of 13.1 ng protein/mL. LDE‐apo is able to displace LDL uptake by mononuclear cells with a Ki of 11.5 ng protein/mL. LDE without apo is, however, unable to displace LDL. The uptake of 14C‐HDL is not dislocated by increasing amounts of LDE‐apo, indicating that HDL and LDE‐apo do not bind to the same receptor sites. In human hyperlipidemias, LDE labeled with 14C‐cholesteryl ester behaved kinetically as expected for native LDL. LDE plasma disappearance curve obtained from eight hypercholesterolemic patients was markedly slower than that from 10 control normolipidemic subjects [fractional clearance rate (FCR)=0.02±0.01 and 0.12±0.04 h−1, respectively; P<0.0001]. On the other hand, in four severely hypertriglyceridemic patients, LDE FCR was not significantly different from the controls (0.07±0.03 h−1). These results suggest that LDE can be a useful device to study lipoprotein metabolism.
Active learning and logarithmic opinion pools for HPSG parse selection
Authors: BALDRIDGE JASON , OSBORNE MILES 
Published: November 2006

AbstractFor complex tasks such as parse selection, the creation of labelled training sets can be extremely costly. Resource-efficient schemes for creating informative labelled material must therefore be considered. We investigate the relationship between two broad strategies for reducing the amount of manual labelling necessary to train accurate parse selection models: ensemble models and active learning. We show that popular active learning methods for reducing annotation costs can be outperformed by instead using a model class which uses the available labelled data more efficiently. For this, we use a simple type of ensemble model called theLogarithmic Opinion Pool(LOP). We furthermore show that LOPs themselves can benefit from active learning. As predicted by a theoretical explanation of the predictive power of LOPs, a detailed analysis of active learning using LOPs shows that component model diversity is a strong predictor of successful LOP performance. Other contributions include a novel active learning method, a justification of our simulation studies using timing information, and cross-domain verification of our main ideas using text classification.
Interpretation of ANOVA models for microarray data using PCA
Authors: de Haan J. R. , Wehrens R. , Bauerschmidt S. , Piek E. , Schaik R. C. van , Buydens L. M. C. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractMotivation: ANOVA is a technique, which is frequently used in the analysis of microarray data, e.g. to assess the significance of treatment effects, and to select interesting genes based on P-values. However, it does not give information about what exactly is causing the effect. Our purpose is to improve the interpretation of the results from ANOVA on large microarray datasets, by applying PCA on the individual variance components. Interaction effects can be visualized by biplots, showing genes and variables in one plot, providing insight in the effect of e.g. treatment or time on gene expression. Because ANOVA has removed uninteresting sources of variance, the results are much more interpretable than without ANOVA. Moreover, the combination of ANOVA and PCA provides a simple way to select genes, based on the interactions of interest.Results: It is shown that the components from an ANOVA model can be summarized and visualized with PCA, which improves the interpretability of the models. The method is applied to a real time-course gene expression dataset of mesenchymal stem cells. The dataset was designed to investigate the effect of different treatments on osteogenesis. The biplots generated with the algorithm give specific information about the effects of specific treatments on genes over time. These results are in agreement with the literature. The biological validation with GO annotation from the genes present in the selections shows that biologically relevant groups of genes are selected.Availability: R code with the implementation of the method for this dataset is available from under the heading “Software”.Contact: L.Buydens@science.ru.nl
A Proliferation‐inducing Ligand (APRIL) is Expressed by Astrocytes and is Increased in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Thangarajh M. , Masterman T. , Hillert J. , Moerk S. , Jonsson R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractA proliferation‐inducing ligand (APRIL) is a newly described member of the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily that was first identified as a factor favouring tumorigenesis. APRIL is also important for several immune functions, including B‐cell survival. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is commonly diagnosed in early adulthood. Several TNF superfamily members have been identified in brains of patients with MS, although their exact function within the CNS is presently unknown. To investigate whether APRIL is expressed in the CNS, we studied APRIL protein expression by immunohistochemistry in MS patients and controls. Morphologically, APRIL‐positive cells appeared to be astrocytes. A two‐colour immunohistochemistry revealed that APRIL expression was cytoplasmic, granular and restricted to GFAP‐positive cells. Conversely, HLA class II‐positive microglial cells were negative for APRIL expression. APRIL‐positive cells were fewer in brains of controls compared with those with MS. We further corroborated our findings by studying APRIL protein expression in several glioblastoma cell lines, and found APRIL to be expressed by most cell lines analysed. APRIL's binding partner syndecan‐1 (CD138) was detected in brains of neither MS nor control patients. Furthermore, B cells were detectable in the brain of one of five patients with MS. We conclude that APRIL is expressed by reactive astrocytes in MS and may be of relevance in gliotic scar formation.
A survey of recruitment and retention issues for occupational therapists working clinically in mental health
Authors: Hayes Robyn , Bull Belinda , Hargreaves Kevin , Shakespeare Kate 
Published: November 2006

Background:  Mental health services Australia‐wide have difficulty recruiting and retaining clinical occupational therapists. Methods:  A survey of occupational therapists to identify factors that could influence their retention or loss from clinical mental health practice was undertaken. Results:  Typically, respondents were female, aged 30 years or younger, working full‐time at a grade 2 or 3 level, and had worked entirely in mental health. The main positive aspects that respondents identified about their positions were the ‘social/emotional environment’, ‘aspects/nature of their roles’, and ‘using occupational therapy skills’. The main position constraints were ‘insufficient time/workload’ and ‘insufficient use of occupational therapy skills/generic nature of work’. Conclusions:  Recruitment and retention strategies are required to retain occupational therapists in clinical mental health positions.
Reliability of the original and revised versions of the Assessment of Living Skills and Resources
Authors: Kuo Jeanie , Fleming Jennifer , Dermer Beth , Cullen Christine , Jack Chloe , Bacon Emma , O'Shea Katherine 
Published: November 2006

Background/Aim:  The Assessment of Living Skills and Resources (ALSAR) measures instrumental activities of daily living in the older population and has some established reliability estimates. The study aimed to examine the interrater reliability of the original ALSAR in an Australian context and develop revised scoring criteria that were examined in a second interrater reliability study. Method:  Seven occupational therapists rated a total of 20 clients over 65 years of age, with 10 clients in each study. Results:  Using the original criteria, the ALSAR had relatively low interrater reliability across all scores (ICC range 0.253–0.756). The revised version yielded improved interrater reliability on all scores (ICC range 0.541–0.896). Conclusion:  Detailed scoring criteria increased the interrater reliability of the ALSAR, enhancing its usefulness for clinical practice and research.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci for the study of paternity and population structure in the little penguin Eudyptula minor
Authors: BILLING T. M. , GUAY P.‐J. , PEUCKER A. J. , MULDER R. A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe isolated and characterized eight novel microsatellite loci in the little penguin Eudyptula minor, using nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction‐based techniques to screen GA and GAAA repeats from enriched genomic DNA libraries. All eight loci were polymorphic and seven were variable in our main study population (mean HE = 0.613, mean NA = 7.14). Cross‐amplification using a microsatellite primer developed in Spheniscus demersus (African penguin) yielded one additional polymorphic locus. This locus combined with six of the little penguin loci is suitable for paternity assignment in little penguins (exclusion probability for seven unlinked loci = 0.993).
Valvular heart disease in a patient taking benfluorex
Authors: Noize P. , Sauer M. , Bruneval P. , Moreau M. , Pathak A. , Bagheri H. , Montastruc J.L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe authors describe a case of valvular heart disease in a 48‐year‐old woman receiving benfluorex (150 mg t.i.d. for 8 years) and leading to surgical mitral valve replacement. Examination showed severe dyspnea with severe mitral regurgitation associated with tricuspid regurgitation. No other common disease known to affect mitral valves nor intake of other drugs (ergot derivatives or appetite suppressant drugs) was found. The paper discusses the imputability of benfluorex, a drug used as an adjuvant in hypercholesterolemia, structurally related to amphetamines.