bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VITAMIN D IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: Role of Parathyroid Hormone and Therapy with Active Vitamin D Sterols in Renal Osteodystrophy
Authors: Hernandez Joel D. , Wesseling Katherine , Salusky Isidro B. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTRenal osteodystrophy (ROD) represents a spectrum of bone lesions ranging from a high‐turnover to a low‐turnover state. The expression of the histologic bone lesions is modulated by parathyroid hormone (PTH), vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and aluminum that act as major regulators of osteoblastic activity and bone formation rate. The availability of immunometric PTH assays has allowed reasonable prediction of the subtypes of bone lesions in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PTH levels as measured by these assays, however, may not reflect the true bone turnover state during treatment with intermittent active vitamin D. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of renal bone disease are essential in preventing the debilitating consequences of ROD on the growing skeleton. Calcitriol and calcium‐containing phosphate binders have been the mainstay of treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Complications such as hypercalcemia, vascular calcifications, and the development of adynamic bone may arise from aggressive treatment. New vitamin D analogs and calcium‐free phosphate binders are promising in terms of limiting these complications. The management of ROD should be tailored to maintain normal rates of bone formation and turnover with age‐appropriate serum calcium and phosphorus levels and with serum PTH levels that correspond to normal rates of skeletal remodeling. These treatment goals would maintain bone health, maximize growth potential, and prevent the development of soft tissue and vascular calcifications.
VITAMIN D IN HEALTH AND DISEASE: The Evolution of Assays for Parathyroid Hormone
Authors: Goodman William G. 
Published: July 2005

ABSTRACTReliable measurements of the concentration of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in serum or plasma are crucial for the effective clinical management of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). New PTH assays that increase the specificity of such measurements are now available and are widely utilized. The current review summarizes key technical developments in the evolution of PTH assays. We also discuss the diagnostic value of various methods for measuring PTH in serum or plasma for the assessment of patients with renal bone disease.
Abnormalities of Ventricular Repolarization in Mitral Valve Prolapse
Authors: Digeos‐Hasnier Sophie , Copie Xavier , Paziaud Olivier , Abergel Eric , Guize Louis , Diebold Benoît , Jeunemaître Xavier , Berrebi Alain , Piot Olivier , Lavergne Thomas , Le Heuzey Jean‐Yves 
Published: July 2005

Objectives: Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is associated with arrhythmias and sudden death. Some studies suggest that abnormalities of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) may contribute to these arrhythmias. In a family investigation with genetic analysis of patients carrying a MVP, we performed a Holter study to define the autonomic profile of MVP. Methods and Results: A 24‐hour digitized 3‐lead Holter ECG was recorded in 30 patients with MVP and in two control groups, a group of 30 healthy relatives and a group of 31 healthy volunteers. We studied especially heart rate variability (HRV) and QT dynamicity. The slope of the relationship between ventricular repolarization and heart rate was studied separately during day and night. There was no difference in HRV (SDNN, rMSSD) among the three groups. On the contrary, QT interval duration was increased in patients with MVP as compared to healthy relatives (QT end: 409 ± 52 ms vs 372 ± 23 ms, P < 0.05; QT apex: 319 ± 42 ms vs 286 ± 23 ms, P < 0.01) and to healthy volunteers (QT end: 409 ± 52 ms vs 376 ± 25 ms, P = 0.004; QT apex: 319 ± 42 ms vs 289 ± 23 ms, P < 0.01). Nocturnal ventricular repolarization rate dependence was increased in MVP as compared to healthy relatives (0.16 ± 0.06 vs 0.13 ± 0.04, P < 0.05) and to healthy volunteers (0.16 ± 0.06 vs 0.11 ± 0.06, P < 0.001) whereas the 24‐hour and diurnal QT–R‐R slope was not disturbed. Conclusion: In MVP, QT is increased and the circadian modulation of QT end/RR slope is disturbed with an increased nocturnal rate dependence. These abnormalities of ventricular repolarization might explain the risk of arrhythmic events in MVP.
Brief Review of the Recently Described Short QT Syndrome and Other Cardiac Channelopathies
Authors: Pérez Riera Andrés Ricardo , Ferreira Celso , Dubner Sergio J , Schapachnik Edgardo , Soares Joaquim D. , Francis Johnson 
Published: July 2005

There are many diseases related to ion‐channel disorders, so‐called “channelopathies.” Hereditary short QT syndrome is a clinical‐electrocardiographic entity with autosomal‐dominant mode of transmission and it is the most recently described channelopathy. The syndrome may affect infants, children, or young adults with strong positive family background of sudden cardiac death. Short QT syndrome is characterized by short QT and heart‐rate‐corrected QTc intervals. It is frequently associated with tall‐, peaked‐, and narrow‐based T waves that are reminiscent of the typical “desert tent” T waves of hyperkalemia. There is a high tendency for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation due to the heterogeneous abbreviation of action potential duration and refractoriness of atrial myocytes. The arrhythmia can also be induced by programmed electrical stimulation.The safest treatment suggested is an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, though the possibilities of inappropriate shocks have caused some concern, especially in teenagers.The ability of quinidine to prolong the QT interval has the potential to be an effective therapy for patients with short QT syndrome. This is particularly important in developing countries, where the implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy is not always available. Since these patients are at risk of sudden cardiac death from birth, and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator implantation has a lot of limitations in very young children, the utility of quinidine has to be evaluated further. Clinicians need to be aware of this deadly electrocardiographic (ECG) pattern as it portends a high risk of sudden cardiac death in otherwise healthy subjects with structurally normal hearts.
Cigarette Smoking and Heart Rate Variability: Dynamic Influence of Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Maneuvers
Authors: Barutcu Irfan , Esen Ali Metin , Kaya Dayimi , Turkmen Muhsin , Karakaya Osman , Melek Mehmet , Esen Ozlem Batukan , Basaran Yelda 
Published: July 2005

Background: Cigarette smoking has been associated with increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. In this study, we investigated cardiac autonomic function in heavy smokers and nonsmoker controls by analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Method: Twenty‐four long‐term heavy smokers (men) and twenty‐two nonsmoker subjects (hospital staff) were included to study. Time domain [mean R‐R interval (RR), the standard deviation of R‐R interval index (SDNN), and the root mean square of successive R‐R interval differences (RMSSD)] and frequency domain [high frequency (HF) low frequency (LF), and LF/HF ratio] parameters of HRV were obtained from all participants after 15 minutes resting period in supine position (S), during controlled respiration (CR), and handgrip exercise (HGE) over 5‐minute periods. Results: Baseline SDNN and RMSSD values were found to be lower in smokers than in nonsmokers. (64 ± 10 vs 78 ± 22, P < 0.05 and 35 ± 12 vs 54 ± 30 ms, P < 0.05). Baseline LF/HF ratio was also found to be higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (1.3 ± 0.6 vs 0.9 ± 0.5 ms, P < 0.05). The other HRV parameters including R‐R interval, LF, and HF were not significantly different. During CR, expected increase in RR, SDNN, and RMSSD did not occur in smokers, while it did occur in nonsmokers. Most HRV indices were significantly affected by HGE in both groups. In addition, the duration of smoking was found to be inversely correlated with RMSSD and HF and positively correlated with LF/HF ratio. Conclusion: Vagal modulation of the heart is blunted in heavy smokers, particularly during a parasympathetic maneuver. Blunted autonomic control of the heart may partly be associated with adverse event attributed to cigarette smoking.
Pacemaker Memory Data Compared to Twenty‐Four‐Hour Holter Monitoring in Patients with VVI Pacemakers and Chronic Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chudzik Michal , Wranicz Jerzy Krzysztof , Cygankiewicz Iwona , Goch Jan Henryk , Kargul Wlodzimierz 
Published: July 2005

Background: In light of the results from the AFFIRM trial, the “rate control” strategy has become an accepted treatment modality for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Establishing effective rate control requires long‐term monitoring of the heart rate. The aim of the study was to compare the heart rate and rhythm monitoring capabilities of the pacemaker memory data (PMD) algorithm and traditional twenty‐four‐hour Holter monitoring. Methods: The study included 55 patients with chronic AF and a permanent VVI pacemaker. The mean and maximum heart rate as well as the percentage of sensed and paced events obtained from the twenty‐four‐hour Holter were compared with the results retrieved from PMD, started simultaneously. The study was performed over two consecutive days with pacemakers programmed in VVI 40 and 80 bpm mode. Results: Data retrieved from PMD regarding percentage of sensed and paced episodes as well as mean heart rate strongly correlated with data obtained from twenty‐four‐hour Holter monitoring. The maximum heart rate reported by PMD was significantly higher than that found in the Holter. Conclusions: PMD provides accurate information regarding long‐term monitoring of heart rate in patients with AF who have an implanted permanent pacemaker and thus may facilitate optimized drug therapy to achieve rate control of AF.
Evaluation of the behavioural response of the flies Megaselia halterata and Lycoriella castanescens to different mushroom cultivation materials
Authors: Tibbles L.L. , Chandler D. , Mead A. , Jervis M. , Boddy L. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractA static‐air olfactometer was used to investigate the behavioural responses of adult female phorid [Megaselia halterata (Wood) (Diptera: Phoridae)] and sciarid [Lycoriella castanescens (Lengersdorf) (Diptera: Sciaridae)] flies to the commercial white mushroom, Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach, grown on a standard pasteurised composted substrate. The attraction of the flies was measured in relation to four test materials: composted substrate spawned with A. bisporus mycelium for 4 days and 14 days, uncolonised composted substrate, and A. bisporus sporophores. The experiment was done according to a 4 × 4 × 4 Latin cube design, and the results were analysed using a generalised linear model. It was found that both the occasion on which a bioassay was run and the position of the olfactometer within a 4 × 4 array could affect the proportion of the fly population responding to a test material. Megalesia halterata preferred spawned compost to unspawned compost, and the level of response to compost spawned for 14 days was greater than to compost spawned for 4 days. In contrast, L. castanescens were attracted equally to all of the materials tested. Overall, L. castanescens showed a greater level of activity than M. halterata, and was more likely to enter the pitfall traps in the olfactometer. For both M. halterata and L. castanescens, the type of test material affected the numbers of adult flies of the F1 generation that emerged from it following oviposition. The highest numbers of emerging M. halterata were obtained from a composted substrate spawned for 4 days, and none emerged from the unspawned compost. Emergence of L. castanescens was highest from the uncolonised composted substrate, and there was a negative relationship between emergence and the amount of mycelium in the composted substrate. The results are consistent with the use of volatiles in the detection of oviposition sites by both species; however, further studies of the materials will be necessary to determine precisely which oviposition cues the insects use.
The impact of cataract severity on measurement acquisition with the IOLMaster
Authors: Freeman Graham , Pesudovs Konrad 
Published: July 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  The Zeiss IOLMaster optical biometry system provides superior prediction of refractive outcome of cataract surgery compared to applanation ultrasound. However, measurement is not always possible in the presence of dense cataract. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the rate of measurement acquisition failure due to cataract and how this varies with morphology and severity. Methods:  A total of 149 subjects were prospectively enrolled and visual acuity, Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III) scores, ultrasonic A‐scan and IOLMaster axial lengths were measured. Chi‐squared analysis was used to test the null hypothesis that cataract severity has no effect on measurement failure rate. Results:  Measurements could not be obtained with the IOLMaster in nine cases for reasons other than cataract. Cataract caused measurement acquisition failure in 22 (15.9%) cases, including all mature cataracts (n = 3) and posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC) with LOCS III (p > 3.5; n = 18). The null hypothesis was accepted for cortical (χ2 = 2.94, d.f. = 2, p > 0.05) and nuclear (χ2 = 7.91, d.f. = 4, p > 0.05) cataract, but rejected for PSC (χ2 = 111, d.f. = 3, p < 0.001). All cases could be measured with ultrasound. Conclusions:  The IOLMaster fails to acquire axial length measurement in approximately 20% of UK public hospital cataract patients. Failure is principally due to PSC, whereby the LOCS III score of p = 3.5 defines the limit of PSC severity that the IOLMaster can measure.
Group IIA phospholipase A2 concentration of tears in patients with ocular rosacea
Authors: Kari Osmo , Aho Valtteri V. , Peltonen Sirje , Saari Jukka M. , Kari Marjatta , Määttä Marko , Collan Yrjö , Saari K. Matti 
Published: July 2005

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine the concentration of group IIA phospholipase A2 (GIIAPLA2) in tears of patients with ocular rosacea, and to compare it with GIIAPLA2 concentration in tears of age‐matched healthy controls. Methods:  The GIIAPLA2 concentration in tears was measured with a time‐resolved fluoroimmunoassay in 21 patients with ocular rosacea (mean age 55.6±9.2 years) and in 21 normal subjects (mean age 53.4±8.2 years). Conjunctival brush cytology was carried out and eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes, squamous epithelial cells, columnar epithelial cells, metaplastic changes and goblet cells were calculated separately. Results:  The GIIAPLA2 concentration in tears was statistically significantly lower in patients with ocular rosacea (31.0±18.4 µg/ml, p=0.0099) and, more specifically, in patients who had dry eye (25.8±15.1 µg/ml, p=0.0034), compared to that in normal controls. There was no correlation between the GIIAPLA2 content of tears and the conjunctival cells collected by the brush cytology. Conclusion:  The tears of patients with dry eye symptoms due to ocular rosacea have decreased GIIAPLA2 content. The pathogenic importance of this finding is discussed.
Congenital mydriasis combined with aneurysmal dilatation of a persistent ductus arteriosus Botalli: a rare syndrome
Authors: Lindberg Knut , Brunvand Leif 
Published: July 2005

Abstract. A child with congenital mydriasis and aneurismal dilatation of persistent ductus arteriosus is described. We discuss congenital mydriasis as a separate entity and in combination with heart diseases.
Engineering craniofacial scaffolds
Authors: Hollister SJ , Lin CY , Saito E , Lin CY , Schek RD , Taboas JM , Williams JM , Partee B , Flanagan CL , Diggs A , Wilke EN , Van Lenthe GH , Müller R , Wirtz T , Das S , Feinberg SE , Krebsbach PH 
Published: July 2005

Structured Abstract:Authors –  Hollister SJ, Lin CY, Saito E, Lin CY, Schek RD, Taboas JM, Williams JM, Partee B, Flanagan CL, Diggs A, Wilke EN, Van Lenthe GH, Müller R, Wirtz T, Das S, Feinberg SE, Krebsbach PHObjective –  To develop an integrated approach for engineering craniofacial scaffolds and to demonstrate that these engineered scaffolds would have mechanical properties in the range of craniofacial tissue and support bone regeneration for craniofacial reconstruction.Experimental Variable –  Scaffold architecture designed to achieve desired elasticity and permeability. Scaffold external shape designed to match craniofacial anatomy.Outcome Measure –  Final fabricated biomaterial scaffolds. Compressive mechanical modulus and strength. Bone regeneration as measured by micro‐CT scanning, mechanical testing and histology.Setting –  Departments of Biomedical Engineering, Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery, and Oral Medicine, Pathology and Oncology at the University of Michigan.Results –  Results showed that the design/fabrication approach could create scaffolds with designed porous architecture to match craniofacial anatomy. These scaffolds could be fabricated from a wide range of biomaterials, including titanium, degradable polymers, and degradable calcium phosphate ceramics. Mechanical tests showed that fabricated scaffolds had compressive modulus ranging 50 to 2900 MPa and compressive strength ranging from 2 to over 56 MPa, within the range of human craniofacial trabecular bone. In vivo testing of designed scaffolds showed that they could support bone regeneration via delivery of BMP‐7 transduced human gingival fibroblasts in a mouse model. Designed hydroxyapatite scaffolds with pore diameters ranging from 400 to 1200 microns were implanted in minipig mandibular defects for 6 and 18 weeks. Results showed substantial bone ingrowth (between 40 and 50% at 6 weeks, between 70 and 80% at 18 weeks) for all scaffolds, with no significant difference based on pore diameter.Conclusion –  Integrated image‐based design and solid free‐form fabrication can create scaffolds that attain desired elasticity and permeability while fitting any 3D craniofacial defect. The scaffolds could be manufactured from degradable polymers, calcium phosphate ceramics and titanium. The designed scaffolds supported significant bone regeneration for all pore sizes ranging from 300 to 1200 microns. These results suggest that designed scaffolds are clinically applicable for complex craniofacial reconstruction.
Enzymatically cross‐linked hydrogels and their adhesive strength to biosurfaces
Authors: Hu B‐H , Messersmith PB 
Published: July 2005

Structured AbstractAuthors –  Hu B‐H, Messersmith PBObjectives –  To design an in‐situ gelling hydrogel capable of solidifying rapidly under physiologic conditions into a hydrogel capable of adhering tissue surfaces together.Design –  Multifunctional polymers containing covalently bound peptide substrates of transglutaminase were designed.Experimental Variable –  Enzyme cross‐linked hydrogels were compared with commercial fibrin tissue adhesive.Outcome Measure –  The shear strength between tissue surfaces or type 1 collagen membranes bonded with hydrogel was measured.Results –  The shear adhesive strength of transglutaminase cross‐linked hydrogels was found to be equal to or better than fibrin sealant for tissue and collagen surfaces, respectively.Conclusion –  Transglutaminase cross‐linked hydrogels are injectable, in‐situ formed, biodegradable, and expected to be useful in a variety of applications including sustained drug delivery, medical and dental adhesives, tissue repair and engineering as polymeric scaffolds, and gene therapy.
In vitro engineering of cartilage: effects of serum substitutes, TGF‐β, and IL‐1α
Authors: Glowacki J , Yates KE , MacLean R , Mizuno S 
Published: July 2005

Structured AbstractAuthors –  Glowacki J, Yates KE, MacLean R, Mizuno S.Objectives –  Cartilage is avascular and relatively homogeneous, making it an attractive tissue for in vitro histogenesis and surgical use in patients. We developed novel platform technologies in order to define the requirements for optimal in vitro chondrogenesis by isolated cells. In this series of studies, we tested alternatives to fetal bovine serum (FBS) and the effects of growth factors on formation of cartilage in 3D porous collagen sponges.Design –  We used porous collagen sponges to assess the effects of serum substitutes and exogenous TGF‐β1 and IL‐1α on chondrocytes (bovine articular chondrocytes, bACs) and on chondroinduced human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs). We determined the effects of low concentrations of FBS and two serum substitutes, Nutridoma and ITS+3, on cellularity and matrix production. After culture for intervals, sponges were harvested for histological and biochemical measurement of cartilage‐specific chondroitin 4‐sulfate proteoglycan (C 4‐S PG).Results –  Cultured bACs showed equivalent growth in Nutridoma (1%) and 10% FBS. Both TGF‐β1 and IL‐1α significantly stimulated accumulation of C 4‐S PG by bACs in 3D porous collagen sponges. Many endogenous growth factors were upregulated in hDFs cultured with chondroinductive DBP. Addition of TGF‐β1 and IL‐1α for 11 days significantly stimulated accumulation of C 4‐S PG by hDFs cultured in DMEM with 1% Nutridoma.Conclusion –  Porous collagen sponges are supportive of chondrogenesis and of chondroinduction by DBP. Optimization of serum‐free culture conditions, including growth factors, matrix components, and mechanical stimuli will expedite translation to wider clinical applications. Use of autogenous dermal fibroblasts pre‐cultured with DBP and induced to chondrocytes offers an alternative to autogenous chondrocytes.
The management of skin reactions in cancer patients receiving epidermal growth factor receptor targeted therapies
Authors: Segaert Siegfried , Tabernero Josep , Chosidow Olivier , Dirschka Thomas , Elsner Joern , Mancini Luca , Maughan Tim , Morere Jean‐Franµois , Santoro Armando , Sobrero Alberto , Van Cutsem Eric , Layton Alison 
Published: July 2005

SummaryThe use of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors for the treatment of solid tumours is increasing. However, the tolerability profile for EGFR‐inhibitors, such as the monoclonal antibody cetuximab and the tyrosine kinase inhibitor erlotinib, is characterised by a unique group of skin reactions dominated by an acneiform eruption, xerosis, eczema and changes in the hair and nails. The possibility that this skin toxicity correlates with anti‐tumour activity offers the potential to titrate dosing on a case‐by‐case basis. These skin effects may constitute a significant obstacle to treatment compliance. Accordingly, there is a need for consistent, multi‐disciplinary management strategies that will allow patients to receive the recommended dosages of such targeted therapies. The eruption responds well to some acne therapies and xerosis can be controlled by standard emollients. Here we present an overview of the treatment options for skin reactions that are available today, and evaluate some of the ways in which the treatment of such EGFR‐inhibitor‐related skin reactions may be improved in the future. Evidence‐based studies are needed to determine the best way to manage these effects.
Klinefelter‐Syndrom mit Mischkollagenose (Sharp‐Syndrom) und postthrombotischem Syndrom bei Thrombophilie
Authors: Kasten Robert , Pfirrmann Gudrun , Voigtländer Volker 
Published: July 2005

ZusammenfassungBei einem 43jährigen Patienten mit einem auffallend gynäkoiden Habitus bestand seit 6 Jahren ein postthrombotisches Syndrom mit Ulcera cruris rechts. Der Verdacht auf ein Klinefelter‐Syndrom konnte zytogenetisch bestätigt werden (47, XXY). Das Thrombophiliescreening ergab einen Protein‐S‐Mangel, eine Hyperhomozysteinämie sowie ein positives Lupusantikoagulans. Zusätzlich assoziiert war eine Mischkollagenose (Sharp‐Syndrom) mit einer Akrosklerose, proximalen Fingerödemen, einem Raynaud‐Phänomen, hochtitrigen ANA und positiven U1‐RNP‐Antikörpern, außerdem eine Osteoporose. Es gibt Hinweise, daß Klinefelter‐Patienten aufgrund ihres Androgenmangels sowohl zu Kollagenosen als auch zu einer Thrombophilie neigen. Eine Testosteronsubstitution kann nicht nur eine assoziierte Autoimmunerkrankung, sondern auch die Thromboseneigung und eine Osteoporose günstig beeinflussen.