bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms in the P-selectin (CD62P) and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) genes and coronary heart disease
Authors: Bugert Peter , Vosberg Marion , Entelmann Mathias , Jahn Jürgen , Katus Hugo A. , Klüter Harald 
Published: September 2004

AbstractP-selectin and its ligand, PSGL-1, are cell adhesion molecules that facilitate interaction of platelets, leukocytes and endothelial cells. Polymorphisms of these genes have been reported to be associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). In the present study, we characterized the entire coding regions of
Odd-numbered long-chain fatty acids in erythrocyte phospholipids as long-term follow-up parameter in propionic acidemia
Authors: Meissner Thomas , Leichsenring Michael , Mayatepek Ertan 
Published: September 2004

AbstractOdd-numbered long-chain fatty acids (OLCFAs) increase in total erythrocyte lipids or plasma in patients with propionic acidemia and have been proposed as a useful parameter of metabolic control. However, up to now no parameter for long-term metabolic control has been available for this disorder. In contrast to previous investigations, we investigated OLCFAs with particular reference to differences for two phospholipid fractions of erythrocyte lipids. The phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) fraction of erythrocyte lipids has a slow turnover rate and might reflect the metabolic propionyl-CoA burden over a period of some weeks. Distinct increases in OLCFA of up to 200% in the phosphatidylcholine fraction were observed after episodes of metabolic decompensation and maximum OLCFA levels were found 3 weeks after the onset of a crisis. As a sign of poor metabolic control, OLCFA levels in PE steadily increased after recurrent episodes of decompensation, but not in clinically stable patients. However, in one patient with clinically good metabolic control, OLCFAs continually increased after the second year of life for an as yet unknown reason. In conclusion, data from this study indicate the usefulness of OLCFA analysis in the PE fraction of erythrocyte lipids, in particular with regard to the need for such a parameter for evidence-based improvement of management strategies in propionic acidemia.
Simplified method for the diameter sizing of serum low-density lipoprotein using polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis
Authors: Tsukamoto Hideko , Takei Izumi , Ishii Keiko , Watanabe Kiyoaki 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe appearance of small, dense, low-density lipoprotein in serum has been demonstrated to be associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease. The molecular diameter of low-density lipoprotein is usually measured on the basis of mobility differences on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, since mobility assessed by this method is seriously affected by the increased levels of serum free fatty acids associated with hypertriglyceridemia, we used polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis to eliminate the interference by fatty acids and devised a simple, precise method of polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis to measure the diameter of small, dense, low-density lipoproteins in serum. We used apoferritin and thyroglobulin, which have a molecular diameter of 12.2 nm and 17.0 nm, respectively, and standard low-density lipoprotein particles having a diameter of 25.7 and 27.0 nm as calibrators, estimated by measurement of negative staining of electron microscopy. We also included apoferritin as an internal standard for polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. The only stain used was Coomassie brilliant blue, and it was used for lipoprotein staining. When we used low-density lipoprotein of 25.73 nm in diameter as a quality control specimen, the coefficient of variation of the size measurements obtained by our method was less than 1.2%. The new method markedly improved the laboratory procedure for measuring the diameter of low-density lipoproteins.
In vitro inhibition of fibrinolysis by apolipoprotein(a) and lipoprotein(a) is size- and concentration-dependent
Authors: Knapp Jean-Pierre , Herrmann Wolfgang 
Published: September 2004

AbstractLipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is considered an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic heart and circulatory diseases. The unique, polymorphic character of Lp(a) is based on its apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)), which has remarkable structural analogies with plasminogen, an important protein for fibrinolysis. The formation of plasmin from plasminogen is a fundamental step in the dissolution of fibrin. Repression of this step may lead to a deceleration of fibrinolysis.It has been suggested that Lp(a) has antifibrinolytic properties through apo(a) and that the apo(a)-size polymorphism has a distinct influence on the prothrombotic properties of Lp(a). However, the results on this topic are controversial. Therefore we used a standardized in vitro fibrinolysis model to provide further information on the influence of Lp(a) on plasmin formation. Monitoring the time-course of plasmin formation, we investigated the inhibition of plasmin formation through dependence on Lp(a), respectively, free apo(a) concentration. Furthermore, we investigated the influence of three Lp(a)/apo(a) phenotypes (Adding varying amounts of Lp(a) to our model, we observed that the rate of plasmin formation was inversely related to the Lp(a) concentration. At 0.1 µmol/lComparing the antifibrinolytic influence of different apo(a) phenotypes we found that the reduction of plasmin generation advanced with the size of apo(a). At 0.1 µmol/l Lp(a) the reduction of the plasmin formation increased in the orderSummarizing these results, our study indicates a distinct interrelation of Lp(a)/apo(a) phenotype and concentration with the formation of plasmin. From the antifibrinolytic Lp(a)/apo(a) effect in vitro it may be hypothesized that Lp(a)/apo(a) also has an inhibitory influence on in vivo fibrinolysis.
Evaluation of a shorter methionine loading test
Authors: De Jonge Robert , Griffioen Pieter H. , van Zelst Bertrand , Montserrate Brouns R. , Visser Willy , Lindemans Jan 
Published: September 2004

AbstractWe validated whether a shorter methionine loading test is as accurate as the original 6-h test in identifying hyperhomocysteinemic patients and investigated determinants of fasting and post-load homocysteine concentration. Plasma homocysteine was determined in EDTA-blood from women with a history of preeclampsia (n=106) after 12 h fasting and 3 and 6 h after an oral methionine load (0.1 g/kg body weight). The 677C > T polymorphism in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (
Homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate in vascular dementia and in Alzheimer disease
Authors: Malaguarnera Mariano , Ferri Raffaele , Bella Rita , Alagona Giovanna , Carnemolla Anna , Pennisi Giovanni 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe association between elevated plasma levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and nutritional status has been shown in Alzheimer disease (AD) patients and also in vascular dementia (VaD). Moreover, a previous study provided evidence that the relation between a high Hcy level and low vitamin BIncreased levels of Hcy associated with low vitamin B
The clinical impact of screening for gestational diabetes
Authors: Schytte Tine , Jørgensen Lone G. M. , Brandslund Ivan , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Andersen Bent 
Published: September 2004

AbstractGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. In Denmark the health service offers selective screening for GDM, i.e., admission to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) after pre-screening with interview for clinical risk factors for GDM, two capillary fasting blood glucose (cFBG) measurements and a urine test for glucosuria. The aim of the present study was to investigate the power of the pre-screening to identify GDM and the screening to predict adverse clinical outcome.A retrospective investigation of pregnant women undergoing screening during 1998 at Vejle County Hospital, Denmark was undertaken. The two most frequent pre-screening criteria for OGTT were body-mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/mThe frequency of complicated delivery was similar in GDM (58%) compared to non-GDM (56%). The best predictor of complicated delivery was a BMI with OR=1.50 (95% CI: 0.87 to 2.60) for BMI ≥ 27 kg/mScreening cFBG of 4.1 mmol/l was unable to predict GDM and adverse outcome. Glucosuria was too rare to be effective as a screening tool. Pre-screening did not identify GDM. The best predictor of complicated delivery was a high BMI. The best predictor of foetal adverse outcome was cBG
Comparison between creatinine and pregnanediol adjustments in the retrospective analysis of urinary hormone profiles during the human menstrual cycle
Authors: Miro Fernando , Coley John , Gani Mohamed M. , Perry Paul W. , Talbot Duncan , Aspinall Laurence J. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractMeasurement of reproductive hormones in urine is a practical way of obtaining large amounts of information; however, there is still controversy on how to overcome problems derived from volume fluctuations between samples. Creatinine adjustment is a widely accepted solution, however, it introduces an extra cost, and large studies involving multiple sequential determinations would benefit from more economical solutions.We determined the value of creatinine adjustment, and compared it with a mathematical method that uses the smoothed profile of pregnanediol (PdG) as a reference to adjust other hormonal markers. To do this, we investigated the effects on three major urinary reproductive hormonal markers (luteinizing hormone (LH), estrone 3-glucuronide (E1G) and PdG) in 17 complete menstrual cycles. Detection of the day of LH peak did not differ between raw and adjusted data. Creatinine adjustment reduced variation in pre-ovulatory E1G levels between individuals, though the effect was negligible within individuals. No significant differences were found regarding post-ovulatory PdG rise. Although creatinine adjustment significantly reduces variability, producing smoother profiles, an equivalent degree of smoothness is obtained using the PdG adjustment.We conclude that under the current technology, for the retrospective study of urinary hormonal profiles in the human menstrual cycle, PdG adjustment is a valid alternative to creatinine.
The measurement of complexed prostate-specific antigen has a better performance than total prostate-specific antigen
Authors: Herrmann Wolfgang , Stöckle Michael , Sand-Hill Marga , Hübner Ulrich , Herrmann Markus , Obeid Rima , Wullich Bernd , Loch Tillmann , Geisel Jürgen 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic utility of complexed prostate-specific antigen (cPSA) with total PSA (tPSA) in screening for prostate cancer. Serum concentrations of tPSA and cPSA were measured in 4479 adult men during the prostate cancer screening program in the Saarland region (Germany). The percentage of men with c/tPSA ratio above the cut-off value of 0.75 increased with increasing tPSA intervals: tPSA 0–0.9 µg/l, 4.4%; 1.0–1.9 µg/l, 24.3%; 2.0–2.9 µg/l, 43.9%; 3.0–3.9 µg/l, 50.4%; and 4.0–20 µg/l, 60.2%. The commonly accepted tPSA cut-off value of 3.9 µg/l matched to the 93rd percentile of the overall population (corresponding cPSA value, 2.9 µg/l). A total of 202 men out of 313 with increased cPSA had increased c/tPSA ratio (cut-off ≥ 0.75) vs. 186 out of 312 men with increased tPSA. Thus, an additional 16 men at high risk for prostate cancer were selected only if cPSA was utilised as a first line parameter. Our data show that, compared to tPSA, cPSA measurement will always detect more high-risk patients, independent of the cut-off levels utilised for cPSA, tPSA and c/tPSA ratio. cPSA is more effective than tPSA in selecting subjects with an elevated c/tPSA ratio who are at high risk of prostate cancer. Thus, cPSA might be seen as the superior first-line parameter in screening for prostate cancer. Using lower cut-off values for tPSA or cPSA than the commonly accepted values seems reasonable for screening purposes.
Effect of prolonged physical exercise on urinary proANP1-30 and proANP31-67
Authors: Cappellin Enrico , De Palo Elio F. , Gatti Rosalba , Soldà Giuseppe , Woloszczuk Wolfgang , Spinella Paolo 
Published: September 2004

AbstractDynamic exercise strongly affects atrial natriuretic peptides (ANP), in particular the mature bioactive αANP and the proANP fragments, namely proANP
Diagnostic efficiency of different amphetamine screening tests – the search for an optimal cutoff
Authors: Savoca Reto , Rentsch Katharina M. , Huber Andreas R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractIncreased use of designer drugs (amphetamines and amphetamine-like substances) raises the need for fast screening tests in urine in clinical settings, workplace and drug rehabilitation. Immunological assays currently used are subject to unwanted crossreactivities, partly depending on the cutoff concentrations used. The values recommended in Europe and the USA are 500 and 1000 ng/ml, respectively. In Switzerland, the recommended concentration of 300 ng/ml results in a high rate of false-positive urine samples and expensive, time-consuming confirmation testing. Using the Abbott Axsym analyzer, we found numerous false positives from patients in rehabilitation centers due to concomitant medication. Therefore, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the Abbott test at different cutoff concentrations and the sensitivity of the Roche Cobas Integra, Beckman Synchron and Biosite Triage point-of-care test were examined. HPLC Bio-Rad Remedi was chosen as the method of higher hierarchical order. The specificity of the Axsym analyzer (300 ng/ml) was 86%. At 500 ng/ml or 1000 ng/ml the specificity was increased to 99 or 100%, respectively, while the sensitivity only decreased from 97 to 91 or 81%, respectively. In summary, the cutoff concentration for amphetamine screening tests should not be below 500 ng/ml to avoid a high rate of false-positive results.
Evaluation of a new lithium colorimetric assay performed on the Dade Behring Dimension® X-pand™ system
Authors: Gruson Damien , Lallali Abdelkrim , Furlan Valérie , Taburet Anne Marie , Legrand Alain , Conti Marc 
Published: September 2004

AbstractLithium is the standard first line of treatment for bipolar disorder. Because of its potential toxicity, levels of the drug have to be constantly monitored. To this end, an accurate and rapid assay is thus required. Moreover, lithium measurement allows differential diagnosis in patients with hallucinations, dementia and amnesia. The lithium concentration in blood is usually evaluated by flame photometry, atomic absorption spectroscopy or ion selective electrode. The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of a new colorimetric assay for lithium. Within-day precision of a pool with a target value of 1.25 mmol/l was 2.18% (CV) and day-to-day precision was assessed using serum aliquots containing two concentrations of lithium, and CVs were 5.47 and 1.6% at 0.6 and 1.15 mmol/l, respectively. The lower detection limit (LLD) was <0.08 mmol/l. The assay seemed to be linear up to 5 mmol/l. Results of a comparison method using Deming regression were: y=1.161x–0.0075 (r=0.9879) for regression with the Flame Photometer and y=0.9729 x+0.0133 (r=0.9787) for regression with atomic absorption spectroscopy. Moreover, in this study we did not find any interference with drugs or other analytes tested. In conclusion, this assay may be a method of choice for measuring lithium blood concentrations, especially in emergency situations.
c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) and the cytoskeleton—functions beyond neurodegeneration
Authors: Gelderblom Mathias , Eminel Sevgi , Herdegen Thomas , Waetzig Vicki 
Published: September 2004

AbstractThe c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNKs) are important mediators of neurodegeneration and their actions include the activation of genetic programs by phosphorylation of the nuclear transcription factor c‐Jun/AP‐1, the release of cytochrome c or the pro‐inflammatory actions of microglia. Recent data, however, provide evidence for physiological functions of JNKs in particular JNK1, and this involves a role of JNKs in the development of the brain and the (functional and/or structural) integrity of the cytoskeleton.Here we summarize our findings on the cytoskeleton‐associated actions of JNKs. Thus, JNKs the relevant MAP kinases for the NGF‐induced formation and elongation of PC12 cells, and this process is also supported by JNK2 and JNK3 which are commonly considered as pro‐apoptotic signal transducers. Importantly, JNK3 is also mandatory for the intact differentiation of neurons since the functional deletion of JNK3 caused apoptotic features such as activation of caspase 3 in untreated P0 primary hippocampal neurons and following glutamate excitotoxicity. Finally, we can visualize the presence of JNKs at the cytoskeleton, axon and growth cones of primary hippocampal neurons and PC12 cells, and this pattern changes following excitatory stimulation with glutamate.Thus, the functional role of JNKs during development and differentiation substantially differs from their degenerative actions in the adult brain.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Zareian Z. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectives:This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and evaluate their effects on the mothers and fetuses at Jahrom, a city in southern Iran.Methods:A retrospective survey was performed on 2300 pregnant women who had referred to Shahid Motahhari Hospital of Jahrom School of Medical Sciences from 22 September 2002 to 21 September 2003. Diagnosis of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and their probable complications were made according to medical recording files.Results:Among the studied patients, 3.3% were diagnosed as having hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, of which 96% were cases of preeclampsia/eclampsia or transient hypertension. In hypertensive patients, the overall maternal mortality rate was 1.3 per 10,000 and perinatal mortality rate was 53 per 1000 births. Low birth weight neonates were observed in 20% of cases.Conclusion:Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy commonly complicate pregnancy and have great influences on maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates and more attention and precision is needed to evaluate the pregnant women for detecting and preventing the complications.
Skilled birth attendant competence: an initial assessment in four countries, and implications for the Safe Motherhood movement
Authors: Harvey S.A. , Ayabaca P. , Bucagu M. , Djibrina S. , Edson W.N. , Gbangbade S. , McCaw‐Binns A. , Burkhalter B.R. 
Published: September 2004

AbstractObjectives: Percentage of deliveries assisted by a skilled birth attendant (SBA) has become a proxy indicator for reducing maternal mortality in developing countries, but there is little data on SBA competence. Our objective was to evaluate the competence of health professionals who typically attend hospital and clinic‐based births in Benin, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Rwanda. Methods: We measured competence against World Health Organization's (WHO) Integrated Management of Pregnancy and Childbirth guidelines. To evaluate knowledge, we used a 49‐question multiple‐choice test covering seven clinical areas. To evaluate skill, we had participants perform five different procedures on anatomical models. The 166 participants came from facilities at all levels of care in their respective countries. Results: On average, providers answered 55.8% of the knowledge questions correctly and performed 48.2% of the skills steps correctly. Scores differed somewhat by country, provider type, and subtopic. Conclusion: A wide gap exists between current evidence‐based standards and current levels of provider competence.
The correlation between the grade of dyskaryosis on cervical smear, grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on punch biopsy and the final histological diagnosis on cone biopsies of the cervix
Authors: Heatley M. K. , Bury J. P. 
Published: September 2004

HEATLEY M. K. AND BURY J. P. (1998) Cytopathology9, 93–99The correlation between the grade of dyskaryosis on cervical smear, grade of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on punch biopsy and the final histological diagnosis on cone biopsies of the cervixThis study was carried out to assess how reliably a punch biopsy of the cervix predicts the maximum grade of CIN present and whether a colposcopically directed punch biopsy is more reliable than cytology in predicting the grade of intraepithelial neoplasia present in the cervix. The grade of CIN in 107 cone biopsy specimens was compared with the grade of CIN and dyskaryosis in punch biopsies and smears from the same patients. Exact correlations were identified between the highest grade lesions on cone biopsy and those in 63% of punch biopsies and 49% of cervical smears. fie conclude that punch biopsy provides a more reliable estimate of the highest grade of CIN present in a subsequent cone biopsy than cervical cytology, but nonetheless fails to give a consistent estimate of the final grade of CIN in a significant percentage of cases.
Cervical screening: management of patients referred for colposcopy with smear abnormalities less severe than dyskaryosis
Authors: Usman F. , Hammond R. 
Published: September 2004

USMAN F. AND HAMMOND R. (1998) Cytopathology9, 100–106Cervical screening: management of patients referred for colposcopy with smear abnormalities less severe than dyskaryosisThe cervical smear and biopsy results were reviewed for 141 patients who were referred for colposcopy with either a technically unsuitable smear or with cervical smear abnormalities less severe than dyskaryosis. The number of referrals due to minor smear abnormalities more than doubled from 8.6% to 22.3% of the total colposcopy referrals over the 4 year period studied. The minor smear abnormalities were only associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in patients aged <50 years. In 19 (13.5%) of the 141 patients high‐grade lesions (CIN II or CIN III) were diagnosed. There were no cases of invasive cancer. Furthermore, the increased number of patients being referred for colposcopy with minor cervical smear abnormalities highlights the increasing pressures on colposcopy services, with prolonged waiting times for all patients.
Size and Complexity of Social Networks among Substance Abusers: Childhood and Current Correlates
Authors: Westermeyer Joseph , Thuras Paul , Waaijer Annet 
Published: September 2004

The objective of this study was to identify parental, childhood, demographic, and social function factors associated with social network size and complexity among substance abusers using retrospective data regarding family and childhood history and current data regarding demographic characteristics and psychosocial function. The authors interviewed 505 voluntary patients with substance abuse at two university medical centers in Minnesota and Oklahoma with alcohol‐drug programs located within departments of psychiatry.Data collection instruments included a childhood questionnaire, a demographic checklist, and two psychiatric rating scales of psychosocial function. The authors found that years of education, current residence with others, being actively occupied at work or school, and higher psychosocial function on two psychiatrist‐rated scales were associated with increased social network size and complexity. Loss of mother, out‐of‐homeplacement, and runaway before age 18 were associated with smaller social networks in adulthood. Age, gender, and current marital status were not associated with social network. Regression analysis indicated that network size (i.e., the number of individuals in the network) was associated with higher psychosocial function over the last year but not over the last two weeks, whereas network complexity (ie, the number of subgroups in the network) was related to psychosocial function over both the last year and the last two weeks.These data indicate that in addicted persons, both childhood factors and current social factors affect network size and complexity. Network complexity may be amenable to short‐term change, where as network size may be more related to longer‐term coping.