bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Chronic Hyperghrelinemia on Puberty Onset and Pregnancy Outcome in the Rat
Authors: Fernández-Fernández R. , Navarro V. M. , Barreiro M. L. , Vigo E. M. , Tovar S. , Sirotkin A. V. , Casanueva F. F. , Aguilar E. , Dieguez C. , Pinilla L. , Tena-Sempere M. 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor, has been recently involved in a wide array of biological functions, including signaling of energy insufficiency and energy homeostasis. On the basis of the proven reproductive effects of other regulators of energy balance, such as the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, we hypothesized that systemic ghrelin may participate in the control of key aspects of reproductive function. To test this hypothesis, the effects of daily treatment with ghrelin were assessed in rats, pair-fed with control animals, in two relevant reproductive states, puberty and gestation, which are highly dependent on proper energy stores. Daily sc injection of ghrelin (0.5 nmol/12 h; between postnatal d 33 and 43) significantly decreased serum LH and testosterone levels and partially prevented balanopreputial separation (as an external index of puberty onset) in pubertal male rats. On the contrary, chronic administration of ghrelin to prepubertal females, between postnatal d 23 and 33, failed to induce major changes in serum levels of gonadotropins and estradiol, nor did it modify the timing of puberty, as estimated by the ages at vaginal opening and first estrus. Moreover, females treated with ghrelin at puberty subsequently displayed normal estrous cyclicity and were fertile. Conversely, ghrelin administration (0.5 nmol/12 h) during the first half of pregnancy (d 1–11) resulted in a significant decrease in pregnancy outcome, as estimated by the number of pups born per litter, without changes in the number of successful pregnancies at term or gestational length. Overall, our data indicate that persistently elevated ghrelin levels, as a putative signal for energy insufficiency, may operate as a negative modifier of key reproductive states, such as pregnancy and (male) puberty onset.
Three Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Isotypes from Each of Two Species of Marine Fish
Authors: Leaver Michael J. , Boukouvala Evridiki , Antonopoulou Efthimia , Diez Amalia , Favre-Krey Laurence , Ezaz M. Tariq , Bautista José M. , Tocher Douglas R. , Krey Grigorios 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe cloning and characterization of cDNAs and genes encoding three peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) isotypes from two species of marine fish, the plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) and the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), are reported for the first time. Although differences in the genomic organization of the fish PPAR genes compared with their mammalian counterparts are evident, sequence alignments and phylogenetic comparisons show the fish genes to be homologs of mammalian PPARα, PPARβ/δ, and PPARγ. Like their mammalian homologs, fish PPARs bind to a variety of natural PPAR response elements (PPREs) present in the promoters of mammalian or piscine genes. In contrast, the mRNA expression pattern of PPARs in the two fish species differs from that observed in other vertebrates. Thus, PPARγ is expressed more widely in fish tissues than in mammals, whereas PPARα and β are expressed similarly in profile to mammals. Furthermore, nutritional status strongly influences the expression of all three PPAR isotypes in liver, whereas it has no effect on PPAR expression in intestinal and adipose tissues. Fish PPARα and β exhibit an activation profile similar to that of the mammalian PPAR in response to a variety of activators/ligands, whereas PPARγ is not activated by mammalian PPARγ-specific ligands. Amino acid residues shown to be critical for ligand binding in mammalian PPARs are not conserved in fish PPARγ and therefore, together with the distinct tissue expression profile of this receptor, suggest potential differences in the function of PPARγ in fish compared with mammals.
Adult-Onset Growth Hormone and Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Deficiency Reduces Neoplastic Disease, Modifies Age-Related Pathology, and Increases Life Span
Authors: Sonntag William E. , Carter Christy S. , Ikeno Yuji , Ekenstedt Kari , Carlson Cathy S. , Loeser Richard F. , Chakrabarty Shilla , Lee Shuko , Bennett Colleen , Ingram Rhonda , Moore Tracy , Ramsey Melinda 
Published: March 2005

AbstractDisruption of the insulin/IGF-I pathway increases life span in invertebrates. However, effects of decreased IGF-I signaling in mammalian models remain controversial. Using a rodent model with a specific and limited deficiency of GH and IGF-I, we report that GH and IGF-I deficiency throughout life [GH deficiency (GHD)] has no effect on life span compared with normal, heterozygous animals. However, treatment of GHD animals with GH from 4–14 wk of age [adult-onset (AO) GHD] increased median and maximal life span by 14% and 12%, respectively. Analysis of end-of-life pathology indicated that deficiency of these hormones decreased tumor incidence in GHD and AO-GHD animals (18 and 30%, respectively) compared with heterozygous animals and decreased the severity of, and eliminated deaths from, chronic nephropathy. Total disease burden was reduced by 24% in GHD and 16% in AO-GHD animals. Interestingly, the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage increased by 154 and 198% in GHD and AO-GHD animals, respectively, compared with heterozygous animals. Deaths from intracranial hemorrhage in AO-GHD animals were delayed by 14 wk accounting for the increased life span compared with GHD animals. The presence of GH and IGF-I was necessary to maximize reproductive fitness and growth of offspring early in life and to maintain cognitive function and prevent cartilage degeneration later in life. The diverse effects of GH and IGF-I are consistent with a model of antagonistic pleiotropy and suggest that, in response to a deficiency of these hormones, increased life span is derived at the risk of functional impairments and tissue degeneration.
The Molecular-Genetic Basis of Functional Hyperandrogenism and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Escobar-Morreale Héctor F. , Luque-Ramírez Manuel , San Millán José L. 
Published: March 2005

The genetic mechanisms underlying functional hyperandrogenism and the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) remain largely unknown. Given the large number of genetic variants found in association with these disorders, the emerging picture is that of a complex multigenic trait in which environmental influences play an important role in the expression of the hyperandrogenic phenotype.Among others, genomic variants in genes related to the regulation of androgen biosynthesis and function, insulin resistance, and the metabolic syndrome, and proinflammatory genotypes may be involved in the genetic predisposition to functional hyperandrogenism and PCOS.The elucidation of the molecular genetic basis of these disorders has been burdened by the heterogeneity in the diagnostic criteria used to define PCOS, the limited sample size of the studies conducted to date, and the lack of precision in the identification of ethnic and environmental factors that trigger the development of hyperandrogenic disorders. Progress in this area requires adequately sized multicenter collaborative studies after standardization of the diagnostic criteria used to classify hyperandrogenic patients, in whom modifying environmental factors such as ethnicity, diet, and lifestyle are identified with precision.In addition to classic molecular genetic techniques such as linkage analysis in the form of a whole-genome scan and large case-control studies, promising genomic and proteomic approaches will be paramount to our understanding of the pathogenesis of functional hyperandrogenism and PCOS, allowing a more precise prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these prevalent disorders.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of a Honeycomb-like Copper(II) Complex Containing 4-Aminopyrimidine and Methoxide Bridges
Authors: Osanai Keita , Ishida Takayuki , Nogami Takashi 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Complexation of Cu(NO3)2 with 4-aminopyrimidine (4APM) in methanol gave [Cu(4APM)(NO3)(OCH3)]n which crystallizes in a trigonal space group . The three-dimensional network affords a tube-like cavity. Magnetic measurements revealed the presence of considerably large antiferromagnetic interaction due to the four-membered Cu2O2 structure.
Measurement of urinary free cortisol using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: comparison with the urine adapted ACS:180 serum cortisol chemiluminescent immunoassay and development of a new reference range
Authors: McCann Steven J , Gillingwater Scott , Keevil Brian G 
Published: March 2005

Background: The measurement of urinary free cortisol (UFC) is commonly used in the investigation of possible Cushing's syndrome. With the recent availability of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in hospital laboratories, we wanted to develop a specific UFC LC-MS/MS method and compare it with our current immunoassay method and develop a new LC-MS/MS reference range if required. Methods: A UFC LC-MS/MS method using deuterated cortisol as an internal standard was optimized using solid-phase extraction as a clean-up procedure. The multiple reaction-monitoring transitions used for the detection of cortisol and deuterated cortisol were 363.1>121 and 365.1>121.8, respectively. The method was investigated regarding precision, linearity, sensitivity, recovery and interference. UFC was measured by the in-house urine adapted ACS:180 serum cortisol immunoassay and the developed LC-MS/MS method in 110 urine samples from patients being investigated for possible Cushing's syndrome. Results: The within-batch precisions ( n=25) of the LC-MS/MS method were 7.6%, 4.5% and 3.3% at 25.0 nmol/L, 49.6 nmol/L and 344.6 nmol/L, respectively; the between-batch precisions ( n = 10) were 9.4%, 9.4% and 8.4%, respectively, at these concentrations. The method is sensitive down to 5 nmol/L and linear up to at least 1000 nmol/L. The method showed adequate cortisol recovery and no interference from the numerous drugs and steroids tested. The total run time for 20 samples, including sample preparation, was 120 min. A scatter plot of paired UFC measurements on the LC-MS/MS and the ACS:180 gave the equation: LC-MS/MS=0.408 (ACS:180)+2.65, r2 = 0.6664. The 24-h measured UFC results on 110 samples (25 men and 85 women) were positively skewed. After log transformation the data were less skewed, and following back transformation of the lower 97.5th centile, the upper limit of normal was 165 nmol/24 h. The 95th centile of the untransformed data was 146 nmol/24 h ( n=110, 25 men and 85 women). Separated by sex, the 95th centile was 152 nmol/24 h for men ( n=25) and 141 nmol/24 h for women ( n=85). Conclusions: We have developed a UFC LC-MS/MS method with a solid-phase extraction clean-up step. The method shows adequate performance and is suitable for routine laboratory use. The mixed sex ( n=110, men=25, women=85) reference range was up to 165 nmol/24 h or 146 nmol/24 h, depending on how the data are manipulated.
Effect of the treatment of brucellosis on leukocyte superoxide dismutase activity and plasma nitric oxide level
Authors: Bay Karabulut Aysun , Sonmez Emine , Bayindir Yasar 
Published: March 2005

Background: The mechanisms by which brucellae evade intracellular killing by polymorphonuclear leukocytes are incompletely understood. In this study, we evaluated changes of leukocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and plasma total nitrite as an indicator of nitric oxide (NO) levels during brucellosis therapy. Methods: Thirty-two patients with acute brucellosis, 27 patients with chronic brucellosis and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. Patients with acute brucellosis were tested for leukocyte SOD activity and plasma total nitrite levels before, during (21st day), and at the end (45th day) of the combined therapy of rifampicin and doxycycline. The same parameters were also investigated in chronic cases and controls. Results: The SOD activities were lower in patients with acute brucellosis before therapy compared with those 21 and 45 days after starting therapy ( P< 0.001). In contrast, total nitrite levels did not change significantly ( P>0.05). Conclusions: In the present study, leukocyte SOD activity was found to be decreased in patients with acute brucellosis. Enzyme activity was increased by treatment, finally reaching the activity of healthy controls. Using an antioxidant agent in addition to classical antimicrobial therapy for acute brucellosis might be a therapeutic approach.
Trace element concentrations in patients on home enteral feeding: two cases of severe copper deficiency
Authors: Oliver A , Allen KR , Taylor J 
Published: March 2005

Background: Enteral feeding is the fastest growing area of artificial nutrition, with the annual rate of growth being estimated at 20-25% a year. Previous studies have demonstrated trace element deficiencies in patients on long-term home enteral nutrition (HEN). Methods: The trace elements zinc, selenium, copper and manganese were measured in blood samples from 37 patients on HEN using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results: Plasma zinc concentrations (range 7.4-14.4 µmol/L) were below the reference range (12.6-22.0 µmol/L) in 30 patients, plasma selenium concentrations (range 0.73-1.76 µmol/L) were below the reference range (0.8-2.0 µmol/L) in only one patient. Whole blood manganese (range 74-309 nmol/L) and plasma manganese (range 13-51 nmol/L) were above both respective reference ranges (73-210 nmol/L and 9-24 nmol/L) in four patients. Two patients showed severely low plasma copper concentrations of 2.4 µmol/L and 2.5 µmol/L, and responded to treatment with extra copper supplementation. Conclusion: Although enteral feeds contain adequate concentrations of trace elements, problems with bioavailability may occur and patients receiving long-term enteral feeding should be monitored with regard to plasma trace element concentrations.
Sleep nasendoscopy as a predictor of treatment success in snorers using mandibular advancement splints
Authors: Battagel J M , Johal A , Kotecha B T 
Published: March 2005

This study assessed the effect on the upper airway during sleep nasendoscopy of mimicking the action of a mandibular advancement splint. Twenty-seven subjects with a diagnosis of sleep-disordered breathing were referred for mandibular advancement splint therapy following sleep nasendoscopy. Sleep nasendoscopy was repeated for all subjects with, and without, the appliance in situ. Follow-up sleep studies with a mandibular advancement splint in situ were undertaken for 19 individuals with significant obstructive sleep apnoea. With the mandibular advancement splint, subjective snoring levels and airway patency improved as predicted in all but one individual. Residual palatal flutter was predicted for five subjects and occurred in eight individuals. Follow-up sleep studies showed highly statistically significant reductions in median apnoea-hypopnoea index (from 28.1 to 6.1, p < 0.001). Mimicking the action of a mandibular advancement splint during sleep nasendoscopy helps considerably in the patient selection process for this form of treatment.
Cupular deposits and aminoglycoside administration in human temporal bones
Authors: Kusunoki Takeshi , Cureoglu Sebahattin , Schachern Patricia A , Oktay Mehmet F , Fukushima Hisaki , Paparella Michael M 
Published: March 2005

In this study, the deposits of basophilic material on the cupula of the semicircular canals in temporal bones from patients who had aminoglycoside administration within six months prior to death were compared with normal temporal bones. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group I included 24 normal control temporal bones age-matched to group II patients. Group II consisted of 23 temporal bones that had received aminoglycosides within six months prior to death. All temporal bones were examined under light microscopy.One (4.2 per cent) of 24 temporal bones in group I (normal) showed basophilic deposits. In group II, deposits were observed in 8 (34.8 per cent) of 23 temporal bones. The prevalence of basophilic deposits in group II was significantly higher than group I.This study demonstrates that within six months after aminoglycoside administration there is an increased prevalence of basophilic deposits on the surface of the cupula. Such changes may be related to the benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) seen in some patients who have had aminoglycoside administration.
Radionuclide imaging of the painful hip arthroplasty
Authors: Reinartz P. , Mumme T. , Hermanns B. , Cremerius U. , Wirtz D. C. , Schaefer W. M. , Niethard F.-U. , Buell U. 
Published: March 2005

Two major complications of hip replacement are loosening and infection. Reliable differentiation between these pathological processes is difficult since both may be accompanied by similar symptoms. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic ability of triple-phase bone scanning (TPBS) and positron-emission tomography (PET) to detect and differentiate these complications in patients with a hip arthroplasty. Both TPBS and PET were performed in 63 patients (92 prostheses). The radiotracer for PET imaging was 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Image interpretation was performed according to qualitative and quantitative criteria although the final diagnosis was based upon either surgical findings or clinical follow-up. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of PET was 0.94, 0.95 and 0.95 respectively, compared with 0.68, 0.76 and 0.74 for TPBS. We found that an image interpretation based exclusively upon quantitative criteria was inappropriate because of its low selectivity. The histological examination indicated that increased periprosthetic uptake of FDG in patients with aseptic loosening was caused by wear-induced polyethylene particles and the subsequent growth of aggressive granulomatous tissue.
Femoral neck fractures following Birmingham hip resurfacing
Authors: Shimmin A. J. , Back D. 
Published: March 2005

Between April 1999 and April 2004, 3497 Birmingham hips were inserted by 89 surgeons. Fracture of the neck of the femur occurred in 50 patients, an incidence of 1.46%. Complete data were available for 45 patients in whom the incidence was 1.91% for women and 0.98% for men. The relative risk of fracture for women vs men was 1.94961 and this was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The mean time to fracture was 15.4 weeks. In women the fractures occurred at a mean of 18.5 weeks and were more likely to have been preceded by a pro-dromal phase of pain and limping. In men the mean time to fracture was 13.5 weeks. Significant varus placement of the femoral component, intra-operative notching of the femoral neck and technical problems were common factors in 85% of cases.
Joint space width in dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Jacobsen S. , Sonne-Holm S. , Søballe K. , Gebuhr P. , Lund B. 
Published: March 2005

In a longitudinal case-control study, we followed 81 subjects with dysplasia of the hip and 136 control subjects without dysplasia for ten years assessing radiological evidence of degeneration of the hip at admission and follow-up. There were no cases of subluxation in the group with dysplasia. Neither subjects with dysplasia nor controls had radiological signs of ongoing degenerative disease at admission. The primary radiological discriminator of degeneration of the hip was a change in the minimum joint space width over time. There were no significant differences between these with dysplasia and controls in regard to age, body mass index or occupational exposure to daily repeated lifting at admission. We found no significant differences in the reduction of the joint space width at follow-up between subjects with dysplasia and the control subjects nor in self-reported pain in the hip. The association of subluxation and/or associated acetabular labral tears with dysplasia of the hip may be a conditional factor for the development of premature osteoarthritis in mildly to moderately dysplastic hips.
Multilevel orthopaedic surgery in group IV spastic hemiplegia
Authors: Dobson F. , Graham H. Kerr , Baker R. , Morris M. E. 
Published: March 2005

Most children with spastic hemiplegia have high levels of function and independence but fixed deformities and gait abnormalities are common. The classification proposed by Winters et al is widely used to interpret hemiplegic gait patterns and plan intervention. However, this classification is based on sagittal kinematics and fails to consider important abnormalities in the transverse plane. Using three-dimensional gait analysis, we studied the incidence of transverse-plane deformity and gait abnormality in 17 children with group IV hemiplegia according to Winters et al before and after multilevel orthopaedic surgery. We found that internal rotation of the hip and pelvic retraction were consistent abnormalities of gait in group-IV hemiplegia. A programme of multilevel surgery resulted in predictable improvement in gait and posture, including pelvic retraction. In group IV hemiplegia pelvic retraction appeared in part to be a compensating mechanism to control foot progression in the presence of medial femoral torsion. Correction of this torsion can improve gait symmetry and function.
Origin of lumbar spinal roots and their relationship to intervertebral discs
Authors: Suh S. W. , Shingade V. U. , Lee S. H. , Bae J. H. , Park C. E. , Song J. Y. 
Published: March 2005

Previous studies on the anatomy of the lumbar spine have not clarified the precise relationship of the origin of the lumbar roots to their corresponding discs or their angulation to the dural sac. We studied 33 cadavers (25 formalin-preserved and eight fresh-frozen) and their radiographs to determine these details. All cadavers showed a gradual decrease in the angle of the nerve root from L1 to S1. The origin of the root was found to be below the corresponding disc for the L1 to L4 roots. In the formalin-preserved cadavers 8% of the L5 roots originated above, 64% below and 28% at the L4/L5 disc. In the fresh cadavers the values were 12.5%, 62.5% and 25%, respectively. For the S1 root 76% originated above and 24% at the L5-S1 disc in the formalin-preserved cadavers and 75% and 25%, respectively, in the fresh cadavers. A herniated disc usually compresses the root before division of the root sleeve. Thus, compression of the thecal sac before the origin of the root sleeve is common for L1 to L5 whereas compression at the root sleeve is common for S1. Our findings are of value in understanding the pathophysiology of prolapse of the disc and in preventing complications during surgery.
Infection in hip arthroplasty after previous injection of steroid
Authors: Kaspar S. , de V de Beer J. 
Published: March 2005

Immunosuppression following intra-articular injections of steroid into the hip may interfere with asepsis in a subsequent total hip arthroplasty (THA). We have undertaken a retrospective, matched, cohort study of infective complications after THA, in 40 patients who had received such an injection and 40 who had not. In the injection group there were five revisions, four of which were for deep infection. There were none in the matched group. The overall rate of revision in our database of 979 primary THAs was 1.02%. Six additional patients who had received injections underwent investigation for infection because of persistent problems in the hip as compared with one in the control group.