bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia in relatives of type 2 diabetic subjects a consequence of insulin resistance?
Authors: Kriketos A. , Milner K.‐L. , Denyer G. , Campbell L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground  Higher postprandial triglyceride responses reported in first degree relatives of people with type 2 diabetes (REL) were postulated to be the result of an early, possibly intrinsic, defect in oral lipid handling. The postprandial triglyceride response to high fat meals (HFM) in normal subjects is reduced by the insulin response to dietary carbohydrate (CHO) in the meal. The aims of this study were to examine whether (1) insulin resistance is associated with an intrinsic defect in triglyceride handling in insulin‐resistant REL and (2) insulin resistance is associated with altered triglyceride handling after HFM with high CHO content.Materials and methods  Postprandial responses to a HFM in normolipidaemic, normoglycaemic REL were compared with subjects without a family history of diabetes mellitus (CON). Over 6 h, the insulin, glucose, triglyceride and nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) responses after a high fat (80 g fat), low CHO (HFM‐LC; 20 g CHO, 4250 kJ) meal and a high fat, high CHO (HFM‐HC; 100 g CHO, 5450 kJ) meal were examined.Results  The 10 (7F/3M) REL were significantly more insulin‐resistant, determined by glucose infusion during a hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp than the 10 (5F/5M) CON (glucose infusion rate 44·6 ± 4·9 vs. 60·0 ± 4·8 µmol min−1 kg FFM−1, P = 0·037). Subjects were similar for age and body mass index (BMI). The triglyceride increments after the HFM‐LC were similar in both, peaking at 180–240 min (Δ0·77 ± 0·11 mmol L−1), demonstrating no postprandial defect in REL, despite insulin resistance.There was a significantly lower postprandial triglyceride response in CON following the HFM‐HC compared with the HFM‐LC, but not in REL. In contrast, the higher insulin level during the HFM‐HC was associated with significantly greater NEFA level suppression than in the HFM‐LC (2·13 ± 0·51 vs. 0·70 ± 0·35 mmol L−1, P = 0·03), only in the REL.Conclusions  These results are inconsistent with a primary aetiological role for postprandial hypertriglyceridaemia in already insulin resistant type 2 diabetic REL, but raise the possibility that this potentially atherogenic manifestation is secondary to insulin resistance lessening VLDL production and/or release from the liver.
Autoantibodies against pituitary proteins in patients with adrenocorticotropin‐deficiency
Authors: Bensing S. , Kasperlik‐Zaluska A. A. , Czarnocka B. , Crock P. A. , Hulting AL. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground  An autoimmune cause of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)‐deficiency is presented, as it is known to be a characteristic feature of lymphocytic hypophysitis, a disease of the pituitary gland considered to be autoimmune.Materials and methods  The aim of this study was twofold: (1) to evaluate the occurrence of pituitary autoantibodies and (2) to correlate it to clinical and immunological features in a large group of patients with ACTH‐deficiency of possible autoimmune aetiology. Sixty‐five patients with ACTH‐deficiency and 57 healthy subjects participated in the study. Pituitary autoantibodies were measured by an immunoblotting assay with human pituitary cytosol as antigen.Results  Autoantibodies to a novel 36‐kDa pituitary autoantigen were seen in sera from 18·5% (12/65) patients and only 3·5% (2/57) of control subjects (P = 0·0214). When taking only those subjects with strong immunoreactivity into account, the significance was lost; P = 0·3642. Immunoreactivity to a 49‐kDa pituitary autoantigen was observed in 21·5% (14/65) of ACTH‐deficient patients compared with 8·8% (5/57) of control subjects (P = 0·0910). This 49‐kDa pituitary autoantigen has recently been identified as neurone‐specific enolase and a candidate marker for neuroendocrine autoimmunity. Clinical parameters in patients with positive versus those with negative pituitary immunoreactivity did not differ. However, autoantibodies to thyroglobulin were positively correlated to immunoreactivity against the 36‐kDa pituitary autoantigen (P = 0·014).Conclusions  Our findings of pituitary autoantibodies in patients’ sera support the theory that an autoimmune destruction of corticotrophs may be the underlying cause of hormonal deficit in some patients with ACTH‐deficiency.
Left ventricular and cardiac autonomic function in survivors of testicular cancer
Authors: Nuver J. , Smit A. J. , Sleijfer D. T. , Van Gessel A. I. , Van Roon A. M. , Van Der Meer J. , Van Den Berg M. P. , Hoekstra H. J. , Sluiter W. J. , Gietema J. A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground  Following cisplatin‐based chemotherapy, survivors of testicular cancer have a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac function has not been extensively studied and no comparisons have been made with men from the general population.Design  Left ventricular and cardiac autonomic function were evaluated in chemotherapy‐treated testicular cancer patients, in stage I patients after orchidectomy only, and in healthy men using Doppler echocardiography [wall motion score index, peak early (E) and atrial filling (A) velocities across the mitral valve, E/A‐ratio, isovolumetric relaxation time, and deceleration time of the early peak flow] and measurements of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide and baroreflex sensitivity. Furthermore, 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure was measured.Results  Ninety chemotherapy‐treated patients (median age 37 years, range 20–65; median follow up of 7 years, range 3–13) were compared with 44 stage I patients (median age 36 years, range 24–63) and 47 healthy controls (median age 37 years, range 22–55). Wall motion score index was less than 1·5 in all participants. Chemotherapy‐treated patients had a higher peak A‐wave and a lower E/A‐ratio than stage I patients and controls. Isovolumetric relaxation and deceleration times did not differ between groups. Age, 24‐h diastolic blood pressure and treatment with chemotherapy were significantly associated with E/A‐ratio. Natriuretic peptide levels were normal. Baroreflex sensitivity was similar in the three groups.Conclusions  Chemotherapy‐treated testicular cancer survivors have a lower E/A‐ratio than healthy subjects from the general population, which may indicate impaired relaxation of the left ventricle and reflect the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors previously reported in these men.
Tensegrity and type 1 dermal dendrocytes in acromegaly
Authors: Quatresooz P. , Hermanns‐Lê T. , Ciccarelli A. , Beckers A. , Piérard G. E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground  Skin is enlarged and doughy in acromegaly. Alterations have been reported in the structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and in the mechanical properties of the dermis. It is recognized that internal tensions in the dermis give rise to active cell‐ECM and cell–cell mechanical interactions. This mechanobiological aspect can lead to functional and conformational changes in the cells. Such alterations in connective tissue cells have not been explored so far in acromegaly. The aim of the study was to assess structural changes in the dermal ECM, and in the number and shape of factor XIIIa‐positive type I dermal dendrocytes (DDs) in acromegaly.Materials and method  A total of 32 patients with acromegaly (three untreated, 17 with active disease under somatostatin analogues and 12 cured) were examined. Both the maximum and the most recent IGF‐1 (insulin‐like growth factor) dosages recorded in the patients’ files were retrieved. Skin biopsies were taken from their forearms. Histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, morphometry and electron microscopy were used.Results  Collagen‐bundle coarsening and acidic glycosaminoglycan deposits were found irrespective of the current endocrine status. Dermal dendrocytes were often markedly reduced in numbers, but those present were plump with few dendrites. A negative correlation was found between DD numbers and the maximum IGF‐1 dosages recorded in the patients’ files. A similar although weaker trend was found with the most recent IGF‐1 dosages.Conclusions  Collagen, glycosaminoglycans and DDs appeared affected in acromegaly, even when the hormonal status was controlled after surgery and/or somatostatin analogue treatment. The persisting conformational change of DDs suggests a modification in cellular tensegrity, perhaps initiated by hormonal effects and probably maintained by alterations in the ECM interactions.
Anti‐oxidants reverse uraemia‐induced down‐regulation of mitochondrial membrane potential and interleukin‐10 production
Authors: Perianayagam M. C. , Morena M. , Jaber B. L. , Balakrishnan V. S. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground  The anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), has potent immunomodulatory effects. We hypothesized that previously reported defective synthesis of IL‐10 by immunocompetent cells exposed to a uraemic milieu may be due to impaired mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).Materials and methods  The human promonocytic THP‐1 cell line was differentiated to monocytes and incubated with pooled control or uraemic plasma with and without catalase or N‐acetyl l‐cysteine (NAC). Basal hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production was measured by flow cytometry. To measure MMP, cells were stained with rhodamine 123 (Rh123) and the uptake of Rh123 assessed by flow cytometry. To assess the relative contribution of the NADPH oxidase and mitochondrial electron transport chain (ELT) to endotoxin (ET)‐stimulated IL‐10 production among monocytic cells, cells were incubated with and without a selective NADPH oxidase inhibitor, apocynin and mitochondrial ELT inhibitors, diphenyliodinium and rotenone, washed and ET‐stimulated IL‐10 production was measured. In other experiments, cells were incubated with pooled control or uraemic plasma in the presence or absence of antioxidants followed by overnight incubation with ET. IL‐10 production by monocytes in the cell supernatant was then quantified.Results  Basal H2O2 production was significantly higher among differentiated THP‐1 cells exposed to uraemic plasma compared with normal plasma (180·57 ± 10·24 vs. 41·57 ± 8·98 MCI; P = 0·02). Uraemic plasma also down regulated MMP (4·60 ± 1·28 vs. 8·00 ± 1·59 MCI with normal plasma; P = 0·03). Both diphenyliodinium and rotenone, selective inhibitors of the mitochondrial ELT, inhibited ET‐stimulated IL‐10 production. In contrast, apocynin, a selective NADPH oxidase inhibitor, did not inhibit ET‐stimulated IL‐10 production. Further, ET‐stimulated IL‐10 production by cells incubated with uraemic plasma was significantly lower when compared to cells exposed to normal plasma. Pre‐incubation with catalase and NAC restored uraemia‐induced down regulation of MMP. In addition, ET‐stimulated IL‐10 production by cells incubated with uraemic plasma was also restored by both catalase and NAC.Conclusions  Our observations suggest that ET‐stimulated IL‐10 synthesis by monocytic cells is mitochondrial ELT‐dependent and NADPH oxidase‐independent. Monocytic cells exposed to a uraemic environment exhibit higher basal ROS production, lower MMP, and impaired ET‐stimulated IL‐10 synthesis. Anti‐oxidants restore MMP and up‐regulate ET‐stimulated IL‐10 synthesis.
piggyBac internal sequences are necessary for efficient transformation of target genomes
Authors: Li X. , Harrell R. A. , Handler A. M. , Beam T. , Hennessy K. , Fraser M. J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA previously reported piggyBac minimal sequence cartridge, which is capable of efficient transposition in embryo interplasmid transposition assays, failed to produce transformants at a significant frequency in Drosophila melanogaster compared with full‐length or less extensive internal deletion constructs. We have re‐examined the importance of these internal domain (ID) sequences for germline transformation using a PCR strategy that effectively adds increasing lengths of ID sequences to each terminus. A series of these piggyBac ID synthetic deletion plasmids containing the 3xP3‐ECFP marker gene are compared for germline transformation of D. melanogaster. Our analyses identify a minimal sequence configuration that is sufficient for movement of piggyBac vectored sequences from plasmids into the insect genome. Southern hybridizations confirm the presence of the piggyBac transposon sequences, and insertion site analyses confirm these integrations target TTAA sites. The results verify that ID sequences adjacent to the 5′ and 3′ terminal repeat domains are crucial for effective germline transformation with piggyBac even though they are not required for excision or interplasmid transposition. Using this information we reconstructed an inverted repeat cartridge, ITR1.1k, and a minimal piggyBac transposon vector, pXL‐BacII‐ECFP, each of which contains these identified ID sequences in addition to the terminal repeat configuration previously described as essential for mobility. We confirm in independent experiments that these new minimal constructs yield transformation frequencies similar to the control piggyBac vector. Sequencing analyses of our constructs verify the position and the source of a point mutation within the 3′ internal repeat sequence of our vectors that has no apparent effect on transformation efficiency.
The accumulation of specific mRNAs following multiple blood meals in Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Nirmala X. , Marinotti O. , James A. A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractOne approach to genetic control of transmission of the parasites that cause human malaria is based on expressing effector genes in mosquitoes that disable the pathogens. Endogenous mosquito promoter and other cis‐acting DNA sequences are needed to direct the optimal tissue‐, stage‐ and sex‐specific expression of the effector molecules. The mRNA accumulation profiles of eight different genes expressed specifically in the midgut, salivary glands or fat body tissues of the malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae, were characterized as a measure of their suitability to direct the expression of effector molecules designed to disable specific stages of the parasites. RT‐PCR techniques were used to determine the abundance of the gene products and their duration following multiple blood meals. Transcription from the midgut‐expressed carboxypeptidase‐encoding gene, AgCP, follows a cyclical, blood‐inducible expression pattern with maximum accumulation every 3 h post blood meal. Other midgut‐expressed genes encoding a trypsin and chymotrypsin, Antryp2 and Anchym1, respectively, and the fat body‐expressed genes, Vg1 and Cathepsin, also show a blood‐inducible pattern of expression with maximum accumulation 24 h after every blood meal. Expression of the Lipophorin gene in the fat body and apyrase and D7‐related genes (AgApy and D7r2) in the salivary glands is constitutive and not significantly affected by blood meals. Promoters of the midgut‐ and fat body‐expressed genes may lead to maximum accumulation of antiparasite effector molecule transcripts after multiple blood meals. The multiple feeding behaviour of An. gambiae thus can be an advantage to express high levels of antiparasite effector molecules to counteract the parasites throughout most of adult development.
The effect of fibre insertion on fracture resistance of root filled molar teeth with MOD preparations restored with composite
Authors: Belli S. , Erdemir A. , Ozcopur M. , Eskitascioglu G. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  To evaluate the effect of using flowable composite with or without leno woven ultra high modulus polyethylene fibre reinforcement on fracture resistance of root filled mandibular molars with mesio‐occluso‐distal (MOD) preparations.Methodology  Sixty sound extracted human mandibular molars were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 12). Group 1 did not receive any preparation. From groups 2 to 5, the teeth were root filled and MOD preparations were created. Group 2 remained unrestored. Group 3 was restored with a dentine bonding system (DBS; SE Bond, Kuraray, Japan) and composite resin (CR) (AP‐X; Kuraray). In group 4, flowable composite resin (Protect Liner F; Kuraray) was used before restoring teeth with CR. In group 5, leno woven ultra high modulus polyethylene ribbon fibre (Ribbond, Seattle, WA, USA) was inserted into the cavities in a buccal to lingual direction and the teeth were then restored with DBS and CR. After finishing and polishing, the specimens were stored in 100% humidity at 37 °C for 1 day. Compressive loading of the teeth was performed using a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm min−1. The mean load necessary to fracture the samples were recorded in newtons (N) and were subjected to analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey post‐hoc test.Results  The mean load necessary to fracture the samples in each group were (in N): group 1: 1676.75 ±154.63a, group 2: 376.51 ± 37.36b, group 3: 733.23 ± 133.33c, group 4: 786.48 ± 145.34c, group 5: 943.63 ± 121.15d. There were statistically significant differences between the groups annotated with different letters.Conclusions  (i) Use of flowable composite resin under composite restorations had no effect on fracture resistance of root filled molar teeth with MOD preparations, (ii) use of polyethylene ribbon fibre under composite restorations in root filled teeth with MOD preparations significantly increased fracture strength.
Periapical status and quality of endodontic treatment in an adult Irish population
Authors: Loftus J. J. , Keating A. P. , McCartan B. E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  To determine the prevalence of apical periodontitis and the quality of root fillings in an adult Irish population using a retrospective analysis of orthopantomograms (OPGs).Methodology  A systematic sample of clinical records and OPGs of 302 adult patients attending the Dublin Dental Hospital, Ireland, were screened by two examiners to determine the quality of root canal treatment and the prevalence of apical periodontitis. The operators who carried out the treatment were unknown. Two examiners inspected OPGs after inter‐examiner correlation. European Society of Endodontology (ESE) guidelines were used to determine adequacy of root treatment.Results  Of the 7427 teeth examined 2% had root fillings. Apical periodontitis was evident in 1.6% of all nonroot filled teeth whilst 33.1% of the subjects had at least one tooth with apical periodontitis. Of the root filled teeth, 25% had apical periodontitis and 52.6% were considered technically inadequate by ESE guidelines. There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) negative correlation between the quality of the root fillings and the prevalence of apical periodontitis. Posterior root filled teeth (premolars and molars) had a greater prevalence of apical periodontitis than anterior root filled teeth.Conclusions  The technical quality of root fillings in an adult Irish population was poor and was consistent with a high prevalence of apical periodontitis.
An evaluation of .06 tapered gutta‐percha cones for filling of .06 taper prepared curved root canals
Authors: Gordon M. P. J. , Love R. M. , Chandler N. P. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  To compare the area occupied by gutta‐percha, sealer, or void in standardized .06 tapered prepared simulated curved canals and in mesio‐buccal canals of extracted maxillary first molars filled with a single .06 gutta‐percha point and sealer or lateral condensation of multiple .02 gutta‐percha points and sealer.Methodology  Simulated canals in resin blocks with either a 30° curve and radius of 10.5 mm (n = 20) or a 58° curve and 4.7 mm radius (n = 20) and curved mesio‐buccal canals of extracted maxillary first molars (n = 20) were prepared using .06 ProFiles® in a variable tip crown‐down sequence to an apical size 35 at 0.5 mm from the canal terminus or apical foramen. Ten 30° and 58° curved resin canals and 10 canals in the extracted teeth group were obturated with .02 taper gutta‐percha cones and AH 26 sealer using lateral condensation. The time required to obturate was recorded. The remaining canals were obturated with a single .06 taper gutta‐percha cone and AH 26 sealer. Excess gutta‐percha was removed from the specimens using heat and the warm mass vertically condensed. Horizontal sections were cut at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 4.5, 7.5 and 11.5 mm from the canal terminus or apical foramen. Colour photographs were taken using an Olympus 35 mm camera attached to a stereomicroscope set at ×40 magnification, and then digitized using a flatbed scanner. The cross‐sectional area of the canal contents was analysed using Adobe PhotoShop®. The percentage of gutta‐percha, sealer or voids to the total root canal area were derived and data analysed using unpaired Student's t‐test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test.Results  In the 30° curved canals the levels had between 94 and 100% of the area filled with gutta‐percha with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the lateral condensation and single cone techniques. In the 58° curved canals the levels had 92–99% of the area filled with gutta‐percha, with the single cone technique having significantly (P < 0.05) more gutta‐percha fill at the 2.5 mm level only. In the mesio‐buccal canals of the teeth the levels had between 72 and 96% of the area filled with gutta‐percha with no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the lateral condensation and single cone technique. The time for obturation was significantly (P < 0.05) greater for lateral condensation compared with the single cone technique in all groups.Conclusions  The .06 taper single cone technique was comparable with lateral condensation in the amount of gutta‐percha occupying a prepared .06 tapered canal. The .06 single cone technique was faster than lateral condensation.
Frequency and distribution of root filled teeth and apical periodontitis in a Greek population
Authors: Georgopoulou M. K. , Spanaki‐Voreadi A. P. , Pantazis N. , Kontakiotis E. G. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAim  To investigate the prevalence of root filled teeth and apical periodontitis (AP) in a Greek population.Methodology  A random sample of 320 patients who required full mouth periapical radiographic examination as a part of diagnostic and planning procedures were included. The age of the patients ranged from 16 to 77 years. A total of 7664 teeth were assessed and the frequency of root filled teeth and periapical status was recorded. Two observers evaluated the radiographs under standardized conditions. AP was defined as distinct periapical radiolucency or widening of the periodontal ligament space exceeding two times the normal width. Statistical evaluation of differences in proportions between groups was performed using random effects logistic regression models.Results  The periapical status of 286 (3.7%) teeth was impossible to evaluate because of radiographic faults; these teeth were excluded from further analysis. A total of 1040 (13.6%) teeth had radiographic signs of AP and 680 (9.2%) teeth had been root filled. Of the root filled teeth, 408 (60.0%) had AP. There was no difference in the number of root filled teeth between males and females; the prevalence of root filled teeth increased with age. Significantly more molars (13.1%) and premolars (11.9%) than anterior teeth (5.8%) had been root filled (P < 0.001). The prevalence of AP was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in molars (23.9%) and premolars (14.0%) than anterior teeth (9.4%).Conclusions  The prevalence of AP and the frequency of root filled teeth with AP in this Greek population were higher than those found in many other European countries. The frequency of root filled teeth was comparable with findings in other epidemiological studies.