bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Similar prevalence of somatic TSH receptor and Gsα mutations in toxic thyroid nodules in geographical regions with different iodine supply in Turkey
Authors: Gozu Hulya Iliksu , Bircan Rifat , Krohn Knut , Müller Sandra , Vural Selahattin , Gezen Cem , Sargin Haluk , Yavuzer Dilek , Sargin Mehmet , Cirakoglu Beyazit , Paschke Ralf 
Published: September 2006

Objective: Differences in iodine intake could account for the variable prevalences reported for somatic TSH receptor (TSHR) mutations in toxic thyroid nodules (TTNs). However, this question has not been settled, since no study has yet determined the TSHR mutation prevalence in regions with different iodine supplies in the same population using the same methodology. Therefore, we studied the prevalence of somatic TSHR mutations in TTNs from patients living in iodine-deficient or -sufficient regions in Turkey.
Design and methods: We screened 74 TTNs for somatic TSHR mutations. Exons 9 and 10 of the TSHR and 7 and 8 of the Gsα were screened by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Determination of X-chromosome inactivation was used for clonality analysis.
Results: TSHR mutations were identified in 52 (70.2%) of 74 TTNs. A Gsα mutation was identified in one TTN. Three new TSHR mutations were detected (A627V, I640K, I486N). No significant difference between frequencies of TSHR mutations in iodine deficient/sufficient regions was found. The frequency of non-random X-chromosome inactivation was similar in iodine-sufficient or -deficient regions and in TSHR mutation positive or negative hot nodules.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that TTNs in iodine deficient/sufficient areas predominantly arise from aberrant growth of a single cell. Our results suggest that neither the prevalence of TSHR mutations nor that of monoclonal TTNs is related to iodine supply.
Discrepant results in the diagnosis of GH deficiency with the insulin-tolerance test and the GHRH plus arginine test in patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Schneider H J , Herrmann B L , Schneider M , Sievers C , Schaaf L , Stalla G K 
Published: September 2006

Objective: Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) are at moderate risk of GH deficiency (GHD), requiring a diagnostic test with high specificity. The GHRH + arginine (GHRH + ARG) test has been recommended as a reliable alternative to the insulin-tolerance test (ITT) as a standard test with a cutoff level of 9 ng/ml. However, it has recently been questioned for its low specificity in obese subjects, and now BMI-dependent cut-off levels are available. In this study, we compared the ITT and GHRH + ARG test in patients with TBI.
Design: A cross-sectional study
Methods: We performed an ITT and a GHRH + ARG test in 21 patients with TBI (6 women, 15 men; mean age 40.2 ± 12.1 years; BMI 30.7 ± 6.2). The number of patients classified discordantly as GH deficient by the ITT and the GHRH + ARG test with both classical and BMI-dependent cut-off levels was assessed.
Results: Using the GHRH + ARG test with the classical cut-off (≤ 9 ng/ml), we identified 12 patients as GH deficient who had a normal GH response to ITT (> 3 ng/ml), and one patient as GH sufficient who had a blunted GH response to ITT (discordance rate 61.9%). All patients discordantly classified as GH deficient by the GHRH + ARG test had a BMI of ≥ 28. With the BMI-dependent cut-offs (4.2, 8.0, and 11.5 ng/ml in obese, overweight, and lean subjects respectively), only 3 of the 21 patients were discordantly classified (discordance rate 14.3%).
Conclusions: Our results discourage the use of a cut-off level of 9 ng/ml for the GHRH + ARG test in obese subjects. The diagnostic reliability of this test is improved with the BMI-dependent cut-offs.
Metabolic decompensation in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus associated with increased serum levels of the soluble leptin receptor
Authors: Kratzsch J , Knerr I , Galler A , Kapellen T , Raile K , Körner A , Thiery J , Dötsch J , Kiess W 
Published: September 2006

Objective: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) leads to increased serum levels of the soluble leptin receptor (sOB-R) by an as yet unknown cellular mechanism. The aim of our study was to investigate potential metabolic factors that may be associated with the induction of the sOB-R release from its membrane receptor.
Materials and methods: Twenty-five children (aged between 1.5 and 17.0 years) were studied at the onset of T1DM. Blood samples were collected before (n = 25), during the first 18 h (mean ± S.D. 11.1 ± 4.3 h, n = 16) and 92 h (47.5 ± 22.5 h; n = 14) after beginning insulin therapy. Serum sOB-R and leptin levels were determined by in-house immunoassays.
Results: The sOBR-level and the molar sOB-R/leptin ratio were significantly higher before than after starting insulin treatment (P < 0.05). In contrast, leptin levels were significantly lower (P < 0.05) before insulin therapy. The correlation between sOB-R and blood glucose (r = 0.49; P < 0.05), as well as sOB-R with parameters of ketoacidosis, such as pH (r = −0.72), base excess (r = −0.70), and bicarbonate (r = −0.69) (P < 0.0001) at diagnosis of T1DM remained significant during the first 18 h of insulin treatment. Multiple regression analysis revealed that base excess predicted 41.0% (P < 0.001), age 16.4% (P < 0.05), and height SDS 13.9% (P < 0.01) of the sOB-R variance.
Conclusions: Metabolic decompensation in children with new onset T1DM is associated with dramatic changes of the leptin axis; serum levels of sOB-R are elevated and of leptin are reduced. The molar excess of sOB-R over leptin (median 11.3) in this condition may contribute to leptin insensitivity. Upregulation of the soluble leptin receptor appears to be a basic mechanism to compensate for intracellular substrate deficiency and energy-deprivation state.
Body composition is distinctly altered in Turner syndrome: relations to glucose metabolism, circulating adipokines, and endothelial adhesion molecules
Authors: Gravholt Claus Højbjerg , Hjerrild Britta Eilersen , Mosekilde Leif , Hansen Troels Krarup , Rasmussen Lars Melholt , Frystyk Jan , Flyvbjerg Allan , Christiansen Jens Sandahl 
Published: September 2006

Background: Body composition in Turner syndrome (TS) is altered with final height of TS decreased; anthropometry and bone mass distinctly changed.
Aim: To describe total and regional distribution of fat and muscle mass in TS and the relation to measures of glucose metabolism, sex hormones, IGFs, and markers of inflammation and vascular function.
Material and methods: Fifty-four women with TS (mean age, 42.5 ± 9.7 years) and an age-matched group of controls (n = 55) were examined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans with determination of regional body composition and estimation of visceral fat and skeletal muscle mass. We determined maximal oxygen uptake and assessed physical activity using a questionnaire. We measured serum adiponectin, ghrelin, IGF-I, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3), estradiol, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), insulin, glucose, cytokines, vascular cell adhesion molecule-I, and intercellular cell adhesion molecule-I. Insulin sensitivity was estimated. Multiple linear regression models were used to examine the relationships between variables.
Results: TS had lower total lean body mass (LBM), while body mass index (BMI) and total fat mass (FM) were increased. We found increased visceral FM, and decreased trunk LBM, appendicular LBM, and skeletal muscle mass. VO2max and physical activity were significantly lower in TS, as were most hormone levels, except increased leptin. In multiple linear regression models, status (i.e. TS or control) was a consistent contributing variable.
Conclusion: Profound changes are present in body composition in TS, with increased FM, and decreased skeletal muscle mass. Circulating hormones, VO2max, and insulin sensitivity influence body composition. The accumulation of visceral fat would predict a higher risk of development of the insulin resistance syndrome.
Early epitope- and isotype-specific humoral immune responses to GAD65 in young children with genetic susceptibility to type 1 diabetes
Authors: Ronkainen Matti S , Hoppu Sanna , Korhonen Sari , Simell Satu , Veijola Riitta , Ilonen Jorma , Simell Olli , Knip Mikael 
Published: September 2006

Objective: The pattern of the humoral immunity to disease-associated autoantigens may reflect the severity of the autoimmune disease process. The purpose of this study was to delineate the maturation of the humoral immunity to one of the main autoantigens in type 1 diabetes (T1D), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65).
Design and methods: Serum samples were obtained for the detection of epitope- and isotype-specific antibodies sequentially with short intervals from 36 young children with HLA-conferred genetic susceptibility to T1D starting from the first appearance of GAD65Ab. During prospective observation, ten children developed T1D. Antibodies were analyzed using biotinylated anti-human immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies and chimeric GAD molecules in radio-binding assays.
Results: The immune response to GAD65 started as reactivity to the middle region and spread rapidly to the C-terminal region. IgG1 antibodies dominated among the isotypes from the first appearance of GAD65Ab, while other IgG subclasses were observed to a lesser extent. IgG4 antibodies emerged clearly as the last IgG subclass. A broad initial response comprising three to four IgG subclasses and the lack of an emerging IgG4 response during follow-up was associated with increased risk for progression to clinical diabetes (P<0.05).
Conclusions: The humoral response to GAD65 epitope clusters is relatively uniform in young children, whereas there is conspicuous individual variation in IgG subclass responses except for IgG1. A narrow initial IgG subclass response to GAD65 and the emergence of IgG4 antibodies were characteristic of those who remained non-diabetic over the first few years of GAD65 autoimmunity.
Dietary Fiber Intake, Dietary Glycemic Load, and the Risk for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Zhang Cuilin , Liu Simin , Solomon Caren G. , Hu Frank B. 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE—We aimed to examine whether pregravid dietary fiber consumptions from cereal, fruit, and vegetable sources and dietary glycemic load were related to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) risk.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—This study was a prospective cohort study among 13,110 eligible women in the Nurses’ Health Study II. GDM was self-reported and validated by medical record review in a subsample.
RESULTS—We documented 758 incident GDM cases during 8 years of follow-up. After adjustment for age, parity, prepregnancy BMI, and other covariates, dietary total fiber and cereal and fruit fiber were strongly associated with GDM risk. Each 10-g/day increment in total fiber intake was associated with 26% (95% CI 9–49) reduction in risk; each 5-g/day increment in cereal or fruit fiber was associated with a 23% (9–36) or 26% (5–42) reduction, respectively. Dietary glycemic load was positively related to GDM risk. Multivariate relative risk for highest versus lowest quintiles was 1.61 (1.02–2.53) (P for trend 0.03). The combination of high–glycemic load and low–cereal fiber diet was associated with 2.15-fold (1.04–4.29) increased risk compared with the reciprocal diet.
CONCLUSIONS—These findings suggested that prepregnancy diet might be associated with women’s GDM risk. In particular, diet with low fiber and high glycemic load was associated with an increased risk. Future clinical and metabolic studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Low Testosterone and High C-Reactive Protein Concentrations Predict Low Hematocrit in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bhatia Vishal , Chaudhuri Ajay , Tomar Rashmi , Dhindsa Sandeep , Ghanim Husam , Dandona Paresh 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE—After the demonstration that one-third of male patients with type 2 diabetes have hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism, we have shown that patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism also have markedly elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. We have now hypothesized that type 2 diabetic subjects with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism may have a lower hematocrit because testosterone stimulates, whereas chronic inflammation suppresses, erythropoiesis.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Seventy patients with type 2 diabetes at a tertiary referral center were included in this study.
RESULTS—The mean hematocrit in patients with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (n = 37), defined as calculated free testosterone (cFT) of &lt;6.5 ng/dl, was 40.6 ± 1.1%, whereas that in eugonadal patients (n = 33) was 43.3 ± 0.7% (P = 0.011). The hematocrit was related to cFT concentration (r = 0.46; P &lt; 0.0001); it was inversely related to plasma CRP concentration (r = 0.41; P &lt; 0.0004). Patients with CRP &lt;3 mg/l had a higher hematocrit (42.7 ± 0.7%) than those with CRP &gt;3 mg/l (39.9 ± 1.1%; P &lt; 0.05). The prevalence of normocytic normochromic anemia (hemoglobin &lt;13 g/dl) was 23% in the entire group, whereas it was 37.8% in the men with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and 3% in the eugonadal men (P &lt; 0.01). Erythropoietin concentration was elevated or high normal in all 11 patients with anemia in whom it was tested.
CONCLUSIONS—We conclude that hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism in male type 2 diabetic subjects is associated with a lower hematocrit and a frequent occurrence of mild normocytic normochromic anemia with normal or high erythropoietin concentrations. In these patients, hematocrit is also inversely related to CRP concentration. Thus, low testosterone and chronic inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to mild anemia. Such patients may also have a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in view of their markedly elevated CRP concentrations.
High Plasma Concentration of Remnant Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: Choi Yong Jun , Jo Young Eun , Kim Yun Kyung , Ahn Sang Mi , Jung Sun Hye , Kim Hae Jin , Chung Yoon-Sok , Lee Kwan Woo , Kim Dae Jung 
Published: September 2006

OBJECTIVE—Remnant lipoproteins (RLPs) are the products of the lipolytic degradation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins produced by the liver and intestine. Recent studies have demonstrated that RLPs are correlated with cardiovascular risk. We assessed the relationship between obesity and RLP and evaluated the factors related to RLP in children and adolescents.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, body fat mass, total abdominal fat, visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, fasting glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and RLP cholesterol in 135 children and adolescents (67 boys and 68 girls). Plasma RLP fractions were isolated using an immunoaffinity gel containing specific anti–apolipoprotein (apo) B-100 and anti–apoA-I antibodies. Based on the BMI percentile, the subjects were divided into two groups: normal (&lt;85th percentile) and overweight (≥85th percentile).
RESULTS—RLP cholesterol was significantly correlated with age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, visceral and subcutaneous fat areas, visceral-to-subcutaneous fat area ratio, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, apoB, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). According to the multivariate regression analysis, triglycerides (β = 0.928, P &lt; 0.001) were independently correlated with RLP cholesterol. After excluding lipid profiles as an independent variable, the multivariate regression analysis revealed that HOMA-IR (β = 0.231, P = 0.007) and systolic blood pressure (β = 0.169, P = 0.046) were independently associated with RLP cholesterol.
CONCLUSIONS—RLP cholesterol was significantly higher in obese children and adolescents. Triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and insulin resistance were related to RLP cholesterol.
Displacement washing of pulp with urea solutions
Authors: Potůček F. , Pulcer M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTwo basic mechanisms of displacement washing of pulp fibres were investigated. Experiments were carried out in a laboratory washing cell that simulated a single stage of displacement washing. The step-change method has been employed in investigation of alkali lignin profile in outlet stream of washing effluents. The addition of urea to wash water resulted in a decrease of the liquid layer immobilized on the fibre surface. It had a positive effect on the washing efficiency expressed in terms of the void local efficiency.
Citric acid production from raw glycerol by acetate mutants of Yarrowia lipolytica
Authors: Rymowicz W. , Rywińska A. , Żarowska B. , Juszczyk P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThree acetate mutants of the yeast species Yarrowia lipolytica were screened using batch cultivation. The strain Y. lipolytica 1.31 was found to be the most suitable for citric acid production from raw glycerol, a by-product of biodiesel production from rapeseed oil. At the initial concentration of glycerol of 200 g dm−3, the citric acid production of 124.5 g dm−3, yield of 0.62 g g−1, and productivity of 0.88 g dm−3 h−1 were achieved.
Introducing Defects in 3D Photonic Crystals: State of the Art
Authors: Braun P. V. , Rinne S. A. , García‐Santamaría F. 
Published: September 2006

Abstract3D photonic crystals (PhCs) and photonic bandgap (PBG) materials have attracted considerable scientific and technological interest. In order to provide functionality to PhCs, the introduction of controlled defects is necessary; the importance of defects in PhCs is comparable to that of dopants in semiconductors. Over the past few years, significant advances have been achieved through a diverse set of fabrication techniques. While for some routes to 3D PhCs, such as conventional lithography, the incorporation of defects is relatively straightforward; other methods, for example, self‐assembly of colloidal crystals (CCs) or holography, require new external methods for defect incorporation. In this review, we will cover the state of the art in the design and fabrication of defects within 3D PhCs. The figure displays a fluorescence laser scanning confocal microscopy image of a y‐splitter defect formed through two‐photon polymerization within a CC.
Homologous recombination‐mediated double‐strand break repair in mouse testicular extracts and comparison with different germ cell stages
Authors: Srivastava Niloo , Raman Mercy J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHomologous recombination (HR) is established as a significant contributor to double‐strand break (DSB) repair in mammalian somatic cells; however, its role in mammalian germ cells has not been characterized, although being conservative in nature it is anticipated to be the major pathway in germ cells. The germ cell system has inherent limitations by which intact cell approaches are not feasible. The present study, therefore, investigates HR‐mediated DSB repair in mouse germ cell extracts by using an in vitro plasmid recombination assay based on functional rescue of a neomycin (neo) gene. A significantly high‐fold increase in neo+ (KanR) colonies following incubation of two plasmid substrates (neoΔ1 and neoΔ2) with testicular extracts demonstrated the extracts' ability to catalyze intermolecular recombination. A significant enhancement in recombinants upon linearization of one of the plasmids suggested the existence of an HR‐mediated DSB repair activity. Comparison of the activity at sequential developmental stages, spermatogonia, spermatocytes and spermatids revealed its presence at all the stages; spermatocyte being the most proficient stage. Further, restriction analysis of recombinant plasmids indicated the predominance of gene conversion in enriched spermatocytes (mostly pachytenes), in contrast to gonial and spermatid extracts that showed higher reciprocal exchange. In conclusion, this study demonstrates HR repair activity at all stages of male germ cells, suggesting an important role of HR‐mediated DSB repair during mammalian spermatogenesis. Further, the observed preference of gene conversion over reciprocal exchange at spermatocyte stage correlates with the close association of gene conversion with the meiotic recombination program. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significance of intraoperative ureteral evaluation at radical cystectomy for urothelial cancer
Authors: Raj Ganesh V. , Tal Raanan , Vickers Andrew , Bochner Bernard H. , Serio Angel , Donat S. Machele , Herr Harry , Olgac Semra , Dalbagni Guido 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.Patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial cancer are at increased risk for upper tract recurrence and anastomotic recurrence. In an attempt to reduce this recurrence risk, urologists employ intraoperative frozen sections to achieve an uninvolved ureteral margin. The utility of this surgical approach was examined.METHODS.A retrospective review identified 1330 bladder cancer patients from 1990 to 2004 with pathologic evaluation of their ureters. Using pathologic findings on permanent section as the reference standard, the accuracy of ureteral frozen sections was examined. Ureteral involvement and margin status were examined as risk factors for upper tract and anastomotic recurrence and overall survival.RESULTS.Of 2579 ureteral margins evaluated in 1330 patients, ureteral involvement was noted in 9% of ureters (13% of patients). The sensitivity and specificity of frozen section analyses were approximately 75% and 99%, respectively. The 5‐year probability of anastomotic and upper tract recurrences was low: 2% and 13%, respectively. Evidence of involvement of the ureter or at the ureteral anastomotic margin was associated with higher likelihood of upper tract recurrence but not anastomotic recurrence or overall survival. Furthermore, sequential resection of ureters to reach a negative anastomotic ureteral margin did not eliminate the risk of anastomotic or upper tract recurrence.CONCLUSIONS.Patients with involved ureters and/or ureteral anastomotic margins have a higher risk of upper tract recurrence. However, the overall risk of recurrence is low and is not clearly associated with overall survival. The data do not support routine intraoperative frozen sections to assess ureteral involvement. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Hydrocarbon Bond Dissociation Enthalpies: From Substituted Aromatics to Large Polyaromatics
Authors: Van Speybroeck Veronique , Marin Guy B. , Waroquier Michel 
Published: September 2006

AbstractHydrocarbon‐bond dissociation enthalpies (BDE) at 298 K are calculated for a set of hydrocarbons. An efficient method for calculating the BDE values is derived on the basis of a comparative study with experimental data. The methods considered are based on density functional theory (DFT) including the B3LYP, MPW1PW91, B3P86, B3PW91, MPW1P86, KMLYP, MPW1K and BMK functionals. The commonly known sequence for radical stability is quantified on the basis of BDE values. The recommended procedure is extrapolated to substituted aromatics and large polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to obtain insight into the factors that govern the stability of the radicals. Furthermore it is shown that BDEs are also good reactivity descriptors for subsequent additions involving the formed radicals. Linear correlations, similar to classical Evans–Polanyi–Semenov plots, between the BDE and the reaction barriers for addition reactions with ethene, ethyne, propene, propyne and butadiene are found, as the exothermicity is primarily determined by the stability of the originating reactant radical.