bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin-6 Receptor Gene, Plasma C-Reactive Protein, and Diabetes Risk in Women
Authors: Qi Lu , Rifai Nader , Hu Frank B. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) related common variants in the interleukin-6 (Il-6) receptor (IL6R) gene to plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Because IL6R variants were previously associated with IL-6 levels, we tested whether the associations with CRP were independent of IL-6 and the interactions between IL6R variants and CRP in relation to diabetes risk.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Plasma CRP and IL-6 levels and 10 IL6R polymorphisms were determined in a nested case-control study of 633 diabetic and 692 healthy Caucasian women.
RESULTS—In both nondiabetic and diabetic women, IL6R polymorphisms were associated with plasma CRP levels, independent of IL-6 concentration. After adjustment of IL-6 levels, CRP concentrations in the genotype AA, AC, and CC of the GWAS polymorphism rs8192284 were 0.32, 0.26, and 0.24 pg/ml, respectively, among nondiabetic women (P for trend = 0.003; false discovery rate [FDR] = 0.01) and 0.63, 0.48, and 0.43 pg/ml among diabetic women (P for trend &lt;0.0001; FDR = 0.0001). Haplotypes inferred from polymorphisms within a linkage disequilibrium block including rs8192284 were also significantly associated with CRP levels (P = 0.0002). In an exploratory analysis, rs8192284 showed significant interactions with CRP levels in relation to diabetes risk (P for interaction = 0.026). The odds ratios across increasing quartiles of CRP were 2.19 (95% CI 1.42–3.36), 2.03 (1.27–3.23), and 2.92 (1.77–4.82) in the carriers of allele-C and 2.21 (1.18–4.12), 3.77 (1.87–7.57), and 5.02 (2.4–10.5) in the noncarriers.
CONCLUSIONS—IL6R variants were significantly associated with plasma CRP, independent of IL-6 levels. IL6R variants may interact with CRP in predicting diabetes risk.
Cortisol Release From Adipose Tissue by 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 in Humans
Authors: Stimson Roland H. , Andersson Jonas , Andrew Ruth , Redhead Doris N. , Karpe Fredrik , Hayes Peter C. , Olsson Tommy , Walker Brian R. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) regenerates cortisol from cortisone. 11β-HSD1 mRNA and activity are increased in vitro in subcutaneous adipose tissue from obese patients. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 is a promising therapeutic approach in type 2 diabetes. However, release of cortisol by 11β-HSD1 from adipose tissue and its effect on portal vein cortisol concentrations have not been quantified in vivo.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Six healthy men underwent 9,11,12,12-[2H]4-cortisol infusions with simultaneous sampling of arterialized and superficial epigastric vein blood sampling. Four men with stable chronic liver disease and a transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt in situ underwent tracer infusion with simultaneous sampling from the portal vein, hepatic vein, and an arterialized peripheral vein.
RESULTS—Significant cortisol and 9,12,12-[2H]3-cortisol release were observed from subcutaneous adipose tissue (15.0 [95% CI 0.4–29.5] and 8.7 [0.2–17.2] pmol · min−1 · 100 g−1 adipose tissue, respectively). Splanchnic release of cortisol and 9,12,12-[2H]3-cortisol (13.5 [3.6–23.5] and 8.0 [2.6–13.5] nmol/min, respectively) was accounted for entirely by the liver; release of cortisol from visceral tissues into portal vein was not detected.
CONCLUSIONS—Cortisol is released from subcutaneous adipose tissue by 11β-HSD1 in humans, and increased enzyme expression in obesity is likely to increase local glucocorticoid signaling and contribute to whole-body cortisol regeneration. However, visceral adipose 11β-HSD1 activity is insufficient to increase portal vein cortisol concentrations and hence to influence intrahepatic glucocorticoid signaling.
Role of Glyceraldehyde 3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase in the Development and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Kanwar Mamta , Kowluru Renu A. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—Mitochondrial superoxide levels are elevated in the retina in diabetes, and manganese superoxide dismutase overexpression prevents the development of retinopathy. Superoxide inhibits glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), which activates major pathways implicated in diabetic complications, including advanced glycation end products (AGEs), protein kinase C, and hexosamine pathway. Our aim is to investigate the role of GAPDH in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy and to elucidate the mechanism.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were in a state of poor control (GHb &gt;11%) for 12 months, good control (GHb &lt;7) soon after induction of diabetes, or poor control for 6 months with 6 months’ good control. Retinal GAPDH, its ribosylation and nitration, AGEs, and PKC activation were determined and correlated with microvascular histopathology.
RESULTS—In rats with poor control, retinal GAPDH activity and expressions were subnormal with increased ribosylation and nitration (25–30%). GAPDH activity was subnormal in both cytosol and nuclear fractions, but its protein expression and nitration were significantly elevated in nuclear fraction. Reinstitution of good control failed to protect inactivation of GAPDH, its covalent modification, and translocation to the nucleus. PKC, AGEs, and hexosamine pathways remained activated, and microvascular histopathology was unchanged. However, GAPDH and its translocation in good control rats were similar to those in normal rats.
CONCLUSIONS—GAPDH plays a significant role in the development of diabetic retinopathy and its progression after cessation of hyperglycemia. Thus, therapies targeted toward preventing its inhibition may inhibit development of diabetic retinopathy and arrest its progression.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Upsets the Proportion of Fatty Acids in Umbilical Arterial but Not Venous Plasma
Authors: Ortega-Senovilla Henar , Alvino Gioia , Taricco Emanuela , Cetin Irene , Herrera Emilio 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—Neonates of women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have reduced levels of arachidonic acid (AA) (20:4 n-6) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22:6 n-3). To assess whether this is the result of impaired placental transfer or endogenous fetal metabolism, fatty acids in umbilical venous and arterial plasma were analyzed in neonates of GDM women.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography in the plasma of 15 subjects with GDM and 30 healthy control subjects undergoing elective cesarean section and in vein and artery cord blood collected separately.
RESULTS—The percentages of AA (20:4 n-6), DHA (22:6 n-3), and total n-6 or n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as well as total PUFAs were lower in umbilical arterial but not in venous plasma of neonates of the GDM versus the control group.
CONCLUSIONS—An altered handling or metabolism of long-chain PUFAs by the fetus rather than impaired placental transfer seems to be responsible for the lower proportion of those fatty acids in the plasma of neonates of GDM mothers.
Ex Vivo and In Vivo Regulation of Lipocalin-2, a Novel Adipokine, by Insulin
Authors: Tan Bee K. , Adya Raghu , Shan Xiaoye , Syed Farhatullah , Lewandowski Krzysztof C. , O'Hare John P. , Randeva Harpal S. 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—Lipocalin-2, a novel adipokine, has been shown to be elevated in obese, insulin-resistant, and diabetic subjects. We therefore sought to study the ex vivo and in vivo effects of insulin on lipocalin-2 levels in humans.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We investigated the in vivo effects of insulin (hyperinsulinemia) on circulating lipocalin-2 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay via a prolonged insulin-glucose infusion. The ex vivo effect of insulin on adipose tissue lipocalin-2 protein production and secretion into conditioned media was assessed by Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively.
RESULTS—Hyperinsulinemic induction in human subjects significantly increased circulating lipocalin-2 levels (P &lt; 0.01). Also, in omental adipose tissue explants, insulin caused a significant dose-dependent increase in lipocalin-2 protein production and secretion into conditioned media (P &lt; 0.05, P &lt; 0.01, respectively); these effects were negated by both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitors.
CONCLUSIONS—Lipocalin-2 is upregulated by insulin via phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways.
Population-Based Study on the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Orthostatic Hypotension in Subjects With Pre-Diabetes and Diabetes
Authors: Wu Jin-Shang , Yang Yi-Ching , Lu Feng-Hwa , Wu Chih-Hsing , Wang Ru-Hsueh , Chang Chih-Jen 
Published: October 2008

OBJECTIVE—The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pre-diabetes and orthostatic hypotension and to examine the prevalence and correlates of orthostatic hypotension in community dwellers with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), pre-diabetes, and diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—All participants were classified as having NGT (n = 1,069), pre-diabetes (n = 412), or diabetes (n = 157). Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decline in systolic/diastolic blood pressure of ≥20/10 mmHg when an individual changed from a supine to a standing position. The cardiovagal response to standing was the ratio between the longest RR interval around beat 30 and the shortest RR interval around beat 15 after standing (30 max–to–15 min ratio).
RESULTS—The prevalences of orthostatic hypotension were 13.8, 17.7, and 25.5% in subjects with NGT, pre-diabetes, and diabetes, respectively. For all subjects, age, diabetes, hypertension, and a decreased 30 max–to–15 min ratio, but not pre-diabetes, were independently associated with orthostatic hypotension. Age, hypertension, and 30 max–to–15 min ratio were the correlates of orthostatic hypotension in NGT subjects. Age and hypertension were related to orthostatic hypotension in pre-diabetic subjects. A1C and hypertension were the determinants of orthostatic hypotension in diabetic subjects. Supine blood pressure was related to orthostatic hypotension in all subjects and subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS—Pre-diabetic subjects do not have a higher risk of orthostatic hypotension than subjects with NGT, although the risk of orthostatic hypotension is higher in diabetic subjects. Hypertension and supine blood pressure were risk factors for orthostatic hypotension in both pre-diabetic and diabetic subjects. Age and A1C were the correlates of orthostatic hypotension in pre-diabetic and diabetic subjects, respectively. The cardiovagal response to standing is an important determinant of orthostatic hypotension in subjects with NGT but not in pre-diabetic and diabetic subjects.
Effects of Titanium Dioxide on The Diseases, Development and Yield of Edible Cowpea
Authors: Owolade Oluwaferanmi , Ogunleti David 
Published: October 2008

Effects of Titanium Dioxide on The Diseases, Development and Yield of Edible CowpeaTitanium dioxide (TiO2) is being considered as a growth promoter that plays the function of antibiotics in cowpea (Vigna unguiculataWalp) production in Nigeria. Field trials were conducted at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Nigeria in 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the influence/effect of TiO2on the development yield and diseases of cowpea. Two treatments of TiO2at 125 cc/ha significantly improved the development and yield and reduced the severity of foliar and pod diseases of cowpea compared to a single treatment at lower concentrations. Irrespective of the number of sprays and concentrations TiO2increased the yield of cowpea by 8.74-36.11%, and 10.33-51.31% respectively, in both years.
Thermogravimetric approach for determining the degree of conversion in radiation‐polymerized DADMAC
Authors: Francis Sanju , Varshney Lalit , Mitra Debasish , Sabharwal Sunil 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe degree of conversion of the monomer diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) to its polymer, poly(DADMAC), was determined using dynamic thermogravimetry (TG). DADMAC solution was exposed to different radiation doses, and the degree of conversion of the monomer to the polymer was determined from a calibration plot generated previously from solutions containing known monomer–polymer ratios. The concentration of monomer and polymer in the mixture was estimated by measuring the weight loss corresponding to the steps involved in the thermograms. By employing the method, polymerization of DADMAC as a function of irradiation dose was studied. The degree of conversion of DADMAC increases considerably during the initial stages of irradiation, up to a dose of 40 kGy, after which the increase in conversion is not very significant. To validate the method, the degree of conversion was also determined by classical gravimetry, and the results were found to be in good agreement. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Voltammetric studies of dendrimer multilayers: Layer‐by‐layer assembly of metal‐peptide dendrimers multilayers
Authors: Appoh Francis E. , Kraatz Heinz‐Bernhard 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMultilayer films of metal‐peptide dendrimers having a ferrocene core were constructed on gold surfaces functionalized with mercaptoundecanoic acid using a layer‐by‐layer approach for film construction. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were used to monitor the redox activity and stability of these films. The multilayer films showed good stability and exhibited direct electron transfer with the underlying electrode. The specific active surface concentration can be varied by the number of layers, the nature of the dendrimer, and the nature of metal ions used. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Synthesis and investigation of a new macroporous monolithic material based on an N‐hydroxyphthalimide ester of acrylic acid‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate terpolymer
Authors: Slabospitskaya M. Yu , Vlakh E. G. , Saprykina N. N. , Tennikova T. B. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA macroporous monolithic material based on an N‐hydroxyphthalimide ester of acrylic acid‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate terpolymer was synthesized by photoinitiated free‐radical polymerization. Several porogenic solvents, such as cyclohexanol, dodecanol, and poly(ethylene glycol)s, were tested to obtain the monolithic material with an optimal pore size allowing unrestricted penetration of large molecule (proteins) into a three‐dimensional porous space. The new monolithic material was covalently bound to an inert surface (glass) directly in the polymerization step, and it was suggested as a solid matrix for the development of new types of three‐dimensional protein microarrays (biochips). A demonstration of the potential of the suggested microarray platform as well as optimization of microarray performance conditions was realized with a model mouse immunoglobulin G/goat anti‐mouse immunoglobulin G affinity pair. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of ultraviolet‐cured bisphenol A epoxy diacrylate/montmorillonite nanocomposites with a bifunctional, reactive, organically modified montmorillonite as the only initiator via in situ polymerization
Authors: Zang Yangling , Xu Weijian , Liu Guangpeng , Qiu Deyue , Su Shengpei 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA bifunctional reactive surfactant containing a polymerizable methacrylate group and a benzophenone group, [2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl](4‐benzoylbenzyl)dimethylammonium bromide (MDAB), was synthesized to modify montmorillonite (MMT) for the preparation of nanocomposites via photoinduced polymerization. Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction results indicated that MDAB‐modified MMT was obtained and had intercalated structures. The morphology of the ultraviolet‐cured bisphenol A epoxy diacrylate/MMT nanocomposites prepared from the organically modified MMTs was studied with X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, and the results showed an intercalated structure with partial exfoliation for all the samples. Experimental results from thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and mechanical property testing also indicated that the thermal and mechanical properties of the ultraviolet‐cured nanocomposites were significantly enhanced by the presence of this bifunctional, reactive, organically modified MMT. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Racemic compound against racemic conglomerate formation: The crystal properties of allylbenzylmethylphenylphosphonium iodide as compared with the nitrogen analogue
Authors: Bredikhin Alexander A. , Eliseenkova Rimma M. , Bredikhina Zemfira A. , Dobrynin Alexey B. , Kostyanovsky Remir G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAlthough racemic allylbenzylmethylphenylammonium iodide 1b displays spontaneous resolution crystallizing in a homochiral mode as a conglomerate, its phosphonium analogue rac‐2b crystallizes in a heterochiral lattice forming racemic compound in the solid state. The more pronounced conformation freedom for 2b molecules manifests itself by multiple molecules crystallization (Z′ = 3) of (S)‐2b with the three independent molecules having different conformation. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful Conversion of Recent‐onset Atrial Fibrillation by Sequential Administration of up to Three Antiarrhythmic Drugs
Authors: Milicevic Goran , Gavranovic Zeljka , Bakula Miro , Pazur Vedran , Frank Branimir 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundShort‐term conversion attempt of recent‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in the emergency room fails too often. Many patients and doctors still prefer pharmacological to electrical solutions in such cases.HypothesisSequential administration of up to 3 antiarrhythmic drugs of different classes of action (amiodarone, propafenone, and quinidine) may achieve conversion in such patients.MethodOne hundred and forty consecutive patients with recent‐onset AF were transferred to the intensive cardiac care unit after a failed 2‐h conversion attempt in the emergency room. First‐line drug for conversion was continued up to a full dose, and was chosen by AF etiology, or in recurrent AF episodes, empirically. In nonresponders, the failed drug was replaced by a drug of another class, and if the second‐line drug failed it was replaced by a drug of the third‐line. Electrical cardioversion was the final solution for nonresponders.ResultsSixty percent of patients reached sinus rhythm by the first‐line drug therapy, 34% by the second‐line, and 4% by the third‐line. Seventy‐five percent of patients achieved conversion within 26 h, and 95% of patients achieved conversion within 40 h. Three patients were electrically cardioverted due to hemodynamical instability. Two episodes of Torsade de Pointes ventricular tachycardia were self‐terminated.ConclusionSequential usage of up to 3 antiarrhythmic drugs of different classes of action provides almost complete success in conversion of recent‐onset AF in patients refractory to short‐term conversion attempt in the emergency room. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association Between Serum C‐reactive Protein Elevation and Atrial Fibrillation After First Anterior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Gedikli Omer , Orem Cihan , Baykan Merih , Karahan Caner , Kucukosmanoglu Mehmet , Sahin Sinan , Korkmaz Levent , Yilmaz Hulya , Celik Sukru 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundElevated inflammatory markers have been found to correlate with higher risk for cardiac events in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It has been suggested that C‐reactive protein (CRP) may be involved in the initiation process of atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the role of CRP levels in the occurence of AF in patients with AMI has not been studied. This study investigated whether CRP is a risk factor for AF in patients with acute anterior MI.MethodsWe prospectively evaluated 92 consecutive patients (25 women and 67 men; aged 58 ± 11 y) with a first acute anterior wall MI. Blood samples were obtained at the time of admission to the hospital, and serum CRP levels were measured by an ultrasensitive immunonephelometry method. All patients were evaluated by echocardiography to measure the left ventricular (LV) diameter and functions. All patients were monitored continuously for the detection of AF in the coronary care unit.ResultsAtrial fibrillation occured in 19 (20%) of 92 patients. Univariate analysis showed that patients with AF had an advanced age (63 ± 9.9 versus 56.7 ± 11.7 y, p = 0.034), higher serum CRP level (2.95 ± 2.5 versus 1.71 ± 2.12 mg/dL, p = 0.034), larger LV end‐systolic volume (74 ± 15 versus 63 ± 19, mL p = 0.02), higher LV ejection fraction (31.1 ± 6.2 versus 38.4 ± 10%, p = 0.001), and larger left atrial (LA) diameter (37.1 ± 4.2 versus 34.7 ± 3.3 mm, p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, only age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1–1.11, p = 0.036) and CRP levels (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1–1.59, p = 0.039) were independent predictors of AF.ConclusionThese results suggest that CRP may be a risk factor for AF in patients with acute anterior wall MI. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Burden and Timing of Premature Atrial Contractions After Electrical Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Do Not Predict Its Recurrence
Authors: Poçi Dritan , Abrahamsson Britt‐Marie , Bergfeldt Lennart , Edvardsson Nils 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe heart is susceptible to recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) during the period immediately following conversion to sinus rhythm (SR). It is less clear whether various onset or trigger mechanisms can predict AF recurrence after direct current (DC) cardioversion of persistent AF.MethodsIn this study, 172 patients (117 men), mean age 69 ± 11 y, and with persistent AF underwent elective electrical cardioversion. A detailed analysis was made of the heart rhythm and potential AF trigger mechanisms based on 5 min electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings after conversion.ResultsOf 151 patients discharged in SR, 45 (30%) had a recurrence of AF within 1 wk. Premature atrial contractions (PACs) were the most common potential trigger, occurring on an average of 3/min. They were equally frequent in patients with and without immediate and early reinitiation of AF, and in patients with and without AF recurrence at the 1‐wk follow‐up visit. Other trigger mechanisms were too infrequent to allow conclusions.ConclusionPremature atrial contractions were the most common potential trigger mechanism occurring immediately after cardioversion in patients with persistent AF. However, they neither predicted immediate and/or early reinitiations, nor recurrences during the first wk after cardioversion. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Systolic Total Narrowing of Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery and Flow Interruption Secondary to Myocardial Bridge: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Kacmaz Fehmi , Alyan Omer , Ilkay Erdogan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA 33‐y‐old man was admitted to the emergency department with sudden onset of severe substernal chest pain radiating to the left arm and neck. No pathological signs were recorded upon physical examination. The admission electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded during chest pain showed a large anterior wall myocardial infarction. Intravenous (IV) infusion of 1.5 million units of streptokinase over 1 h was initiated. Coronary angiography revealed total narrowing and flow interruption in the midsegment of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery secondary to a myocardial bridge during systole and disappearance with diastole. He was discharged on aspirin (300 mg/d), metoprolol (100 mg/d), enalapril (10 mg twice daily), and atorvastatin (40 mg/d) treatment at the follow‐up period. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.