bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraocular muscle antibodies and the occurrence of ophthalmopathy in Graves’ disease
Authors: De Bellis A. , Perrino S. , Coronella C. , Sansone D. , Ruocco G. , Tirelli G. , Di Martino S. , Conte M. , Bellastella G. , Wall J. R. , Bellastella A. , Bizzarro A. 
Published: May 2004

Summaryobjective  The aim of this study was twofold: first to investigate the presence of extraocular muscle antibodies (EMAb) in sera of Graves’ patients with ophthalmopathy characterized by clinical extraocular muscle (EM) involvement; second to evaluate in Graves’ patients without ophthalmopathy whether longitudinal variations of EMAb have a predictive role for the development of eye disease.patients  We evaluated sera of Graves’ patients previously tested for G2sAb and FpAb; in particular, sera of 32 patients with moderate or severe ophthalmopathy and EM involvement: 18 with active disease (group 1), 14 with inactive disease (group 2). Moreover, we evaluated longitudinally sera of 19 Graves’ patients without ophthalmopathy previously tested for anti‐GS2 (G2sAb) and antiflavoprotein antibodies (FpAb; group 3). During the 18‐month follow‐up, four of them did not develop ophthalmopathy (group 3a), and 15 did: seven developed eye disease (group 3b) with clinical EM involvement. In particular, moderate disease and clinical activity score (CAS) ≥ 4 in four of them, severe ophthalmopathy and CAS ≤ 1 in three were observed. The remaining eight patients showed moderate ophthalmopathy and CAS ≥ 4 without EM involvement (group 3c).measurements  EMAb were evaluated in all samples by indirect immunofluorescence method.results  EMAb were detected in 13 out of 18 patients (72·2%) in group 1 (titre 1/32–1/128) and in five out of 14 patients (35·7%) in group 2 (titre 1/2–1/8). As regards to group 3, at the start of the study EMAb were detected in 13 out of 19 patients (72%) at titres 1/2–1/8; during the follow‐up they became or persisted negative in all patients in group 3a, while they increased at titres ranging from 1/64 to 1/128 in all patients in group 3b before the onset of ophthalmopathy. Finally, in group 3c, four patients showed a mild increase (1/8–1/16) of EMAb before the onset of eye disease, while four patients were negative during the entire follow‐up.conclusions  Our results indicate that EMAb are a good marker of ophthalmopathy with EM involvement and their titre is higher in patients with active than in those with inactive disease. Thus, even if our results must be confirmed on a larger cohort of patients, the increase of EMAb in patients with Graves’ disease could be considered as a risk factor for the development of ophthalmopathy with subclinical/clinical EM impairment. In this connection we propose the evaluation of EMAb, in Graves’ patients with subclinical and clinical ophthalmopathy, as a simple and sensitive marker of the EM inflammatory process.
Ghrelin does not mediate the somatotroph and corticotroph responses to the stimulatory effect of glucagon or insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia in humans
Authors: Broglio Fabio , Prodam Flavia , Gottero Cristina , Destefanis Silvia , Me Elisa , Riganti Fabrizio , Giordano Roberta , Picu Andreea , Balbo Marcella , Van der Lely Aart Jan , Ghigo Ezio , Arvat Emanuela 
Published: May 2004

Summaryobjective  Acylated ghrelin, a gastric peptide, possesses a potent GH‐ but also significant ACTH/cortisol‐releasing activity mediated by the activation of GH secretagogue receptors (GHS‐R) at the hypothalamus–pituitary level. The physiological role of ghrelin in the control of somatotroph and corticotroph function is, however, largely unclear. Glucagon is known to induce a clear increase of GH, ACTH and cortisol levels in humans, at least after intramuscular administration. In fact, glucagon is considered to be a classical alternative to insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia (ITT) for the combined evaluation of the function of GH and the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. We aimed to clarify whether ghrelin mediate the GH and corticotroph responses to intramuscular glucagon or ITT, which has recently been reported able to induce a surprising ghrelin decrease.subjects  To this aim we enrolled six normal young male subjects [age (mean ± SD): 29·0 ± 8·0 years, body mass index (BMI) 21·9 ± 2·5 kg/m2].design and measurements  In all the subjects we studied ghrelin, GH, ACTH, cortisol and glucose levels after glucagon (GLU; 0·017 mg/kg intramuscularly), ITT (0·1 IU/kg insulin intravenously) or saline administration.results  Saline infusion was not followed by any significant variation in ghrelin, GH and glucose levels while ACTH and cortisol showed the expected spontaneous morning trend toward a decrease. GLU administration increased (P < 0·01) circulating GH, ACTH and cortisol as well as insulin and glucose levels. ITT induced an obvious increase (P < 0·01) of GH, ACTH and cortisol levels. The ITT‐induced increases in GH and ACTH, but not cortisol, levels were higher (P < 0·01) than those after GLU. Circulating ghrelin levels were not modified by GLU. On the other hand, ghrelin levels underwent a transient reduction (P < 0·01) after insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia.conclusions  Ghrelin does not mediate the GH and ACTH responses to glucagon or to the ITT. In fact, ghrelin levels are not modified at all by glucagon and transiently decrease during the ITT. These findings support the assumption that ghrelin does not play a major role in the physiological control of somatotroph and corticotroph function.
Premature birth and low birth weight associated with nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism due to an activating thyrotropin receptor gene mutation
Authors: Vaidya Bijay , Campbell Viv , Tripp John H. , Spyer Gill , Hattersley Andrew T. , Ellard Sian 
Published: May 2004

objective  Nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism (NAH), a rare autosomal dominantly inherited condition characterized by nonremitting thyrotoxicosis and the absence of features of autoimmune thyrotoxicosis, can result from activating germline mutations in the thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) gene. We report clinical and genetic features of a new family with NAH, and highlight that premature delivery and low birth weight are important characteristics of this condition.patients and methods  Thyrotoxicosis was diagnosed in two children at the ages 20 months and 4 years and in their father at the age of 9 years. Both children were born prematurely by Caesarian section at 33 and 30 weeks following early rupture of the membranes. Their birth weights were 1750 g (27th centile) and 790 g (< 3rd centile), respectively. Mutation analysis of the TSHR gene was performed in both children and their parents by direct DNA sequencing.results  A heterozygous germline mutation of the TSHR gene resulting in the substitution of serine (AGC) by asparagine (AAC) at codon 505 (S505N) was found, which co‐segregated with thyrotoxicosis in the family. A review of all previously reported cases of NAH due to an activating TSHR germline mutation showed that the mean duration of gestation in these patients was significantly lower than in patients with inactivating TSHR mutations causing congenital hypothyroidism (35·8 weeks vs. 39·4 weeks, P = 0·003). In addition, the mean birth weight in patients with activating TSHR mutations was lower than in patients with inactivating TSHR mutations (2338 g vs. 3470 g, P = 0·004).conclusions  Premature delivery and low birth weight are consistent features of NAH due to activating TSHR germline mutations. This suggests a possible role for the fetal thyroid axis in the regulation of the timing of delivery and possibly fetal growth.
Ultrasonographic screening for detection of thyroid cancer in patients with Graves’ disease
Authors: Kim Won Bae , Han Seong‐Min , Kim Tae Yong , Nam‐Goong Il Seong , Gong Gyungyub , Lee Ho Kyu , Hong Suck Joon , Shong Young Kee 
Published: May 2004

Summaryobjective  We prospectively screened consecutive patients with Graves’ hyperthyroidism by ultrasonography (USG), regardless of presence of palpable nodules, and evaluated patients with nodule(s) by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and by resulting surgery to define the prevalence of thyroid cancer in patients with Graves’ disease.methods  Two hundred and forty‐five consecutive Graves’ disease patients without prior thyroid surgery or radio‐iodine treatment were enrolled at Asan Medical Centre endocrinology clinic. All patients with nodule(s) of 5 mm or greater were reviewed for evaluation by FNA, and of these 90·0% (n = 62) underwent FNA. All patients with suspicious/malignant cytology or those with positive immunostaining with GAL‐3 antibody underwent surgery.results  Among 245 patients, thyroid nodule(s) were detected in 35·1% (86/245) by USG. Nodule prevalence significantly increased according to age, which was the only significant variable predicting the presence of nodule(s) in logistic regression analysis. Among patients with thyroid nodule(s), 69 patients had nodule(s) of 5 mm or greater in size, and 62 cases of them (90·0%) underwent FNA. In eight patients, thyroid cancers were histologically confirmed (all papillary thyroid cancers), so the prevalence of thyroid cancer was at least 3·3% (8/245) in Graves’ patients. Of eight patients with thyroid cancer, only one case was detected by palpation and the other seven patients were detected only by USG. In pathologic examination, mean size of tumour was 10·0 ± 6·7 mm (5–25 mm), three cases had extrathyroidal extension (37·5%), four cases had cervical node metastasis (50·0%) and one case had multifocal tumour (12·5%). Thus, five of eight patients had locally advanced cancers (pT4 or pN1 lesion), but none had distant metastasis. Prevalence of thyroid cancers in Graves’ disease tended to be higher in patients of 45 years or greater than younger patients (6·7%vs. 1·3%, P = 0·05), and that of the locally advanced cancers was significantly higher in older patients (5·6%vs. 0%, P < 0·05). Older age of the patient was the only significant factor predicting the presence of locally advanced thyroid cancers regardless of duration/severity of hyperthyroidism, goitre size, or of TBII activity.conclusions  The prevalence of thyroid cancer in Graves’ patients was at least 3·3% in this prospective analysis; most of them were micropapillary thyroid cancers. Stimulating TSHR antibodies seems not to induce nodule/cancer formation and not to change biologic behaviour of thyroid cancers in Graves’ patients. Graves’ patients of 45 years of age or above are more likely to harbour locally advanced thyroid cancers than younger patients, regardless of duration or severity of hyperthyroidism, goitre size, or of TBII activity.
Growth hormone, IGF‐I and its binding proteins (IGFBP‐1 and ‐3) in adult uraemic patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and haemodialysis
Authors: Iglesias Pedro , Díez Juan J. , Fernández‐Reyes María J. , Méndez Javier , Bajo María A. , Aguilera Abelardo , Selgas Rafael 
Published: May 2004

Summaryobjective  The GH/IGF axis is altered in chronic renal failure (CRF). CRF patients usually show normal or high serum concentrations of GH and IGF‐I, whereas all IGF binding proteins (IGFBP‐1 to ‐6), except IGFBP‐5, considerably increase with declining renal function. The aims of the present study were to quantify serum concentrations of GH, IGF‐I, IGFBP‐1 and IGFBP‐3 in a group of patients with CRF, and determine whether there were differences according to the type of dialysis, that is, peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD).design  A cross‐sectional study in the setting of a dialysis unit of a general hospital.patients and measurements  We studied 108 dialysis patients treated by PD (n = 54, 32 males and 22 females, mean age 61·0 ± 1·4 years) or HD (n = 54, 31 males and 23 females, age 62·6 ± 1·5 years). A group of 42 healthy subjects of similar age, sex and body mass index (BMI) served as the control group. Baseline serum concentrations of GH, insulin, IGF‐I, IGFBP‐1 and IGFBP‐3 were measured in all patients and control subjects.results  Fasting serum concentrations of IGF‐I and its binding proteins (IGFBP‐1 and IGFBP‐3) were significantly higher in dialysis patients than in subjects with normal renal function. IGF‐I (248·9 ± 23·4 vs. 205·5 ± 15·5 µg/l, NS), IGFBP‐3 (5·6 ± 0·4 vs. 5·5 ± 0·2 mg/l, NS) and IGFBP‐1 (36·1 ± 5·9 vs. 44·1 ± 6·5 µg/l, NS) concentrations were similar in both groups of dialysis (PD vs. HD) patients. However, GH (2·3 ± 0·3 vs. 1·1 ± 0·1 µg/l, P < 0·001) and insulin (40·4 ± 4·5 vs. 30·1 ± 3·1 µU/ml, P < 0·05) levels were significantly higher in the PD group than in the HD group. Both groups of dialysis patients showed significantly higher levels of insulin than healthy subjects (14·7 ± 1·9 µU/ml, P < 0·0001 and P < 0·01 for PD and HD, respectively). In both groups of dialysis patients, IGF‐I correlated inversely with IGFBP‐1 (PD group r = −0·46, P = 0·0006; HD group r = −0·57, P = 0·0001) and directly with IGFBP‐3 (PD group r = 0·44, P = 0·001; HD group r = 0·73, P = 0·001). No correlation between insulin and IGFBP‐1 was found in any of the groups studied.conclusions  These findings demonstrate that adult dialysis patients have elevated IGF‐I, IGFBP‐1 and IGFBP‐3 serum concentrations compared with subjects with normal renal function. Only GH and insulin show statistically significant differences in relation to type of dialysis. Finally, the negative correlation between IGF‐I and IGFBP‐1 and the positive correlation between IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 are maintained in both groups of adult dialysis patients.
Altered serum profile of inhibin B, Pro‐αC and anti‐Müllerian hormone in prepubertal and pubertal boys with varicocele
Authors: Trigo Romina V. , Bergadá Ignacio , Rey Rodolfo , Ballerini María G. , Bedecarrás Patricia , Bergadá César , Gottlieb Silvia , Campo Stella 
Published: May 2004

Summaryobjective  Anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B are reliable markers of Sertoli cell function. The aim of the present study was to assess the functional state of Sertoli cells in order to detect early changes in the testicular function of prepubertal and pubertal patients with untreated grade II or III varicocele.design and patients  Seven prepubertal and 55 pubertal boys with untreated grade II or III varicocele were studied. Seven prepubertal and 43 pubertal normal boys were considered as controls.measurements  Serum levels of gonadotrophins, testosterone, inhibin B and Pro‐αC and AMH were determined by time‐resolved immunofluorometric assays, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and specific enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), respectively.results  Inhibin B and Pro‐αC serum levels were higher in prepubertal patients with varicocele than in controls (P < 0·001). No further increment in inhibin B and Pro‐αC levels was observed in pubertal patients with varicocele. Higher levels of AMH were found in patients in Tanner stages I, III, IV and V when compared to normal boys by Tanner stage (P < 0·05, P < 0·01, P < 0·01, P < 0·001, respectively). The direct correlation found in normal boys between inhibin B levels and LH, testosterone and testicular volume was not observed in patients with varicocele.conclusions  The altered serum profile of gonadal hormones observed in untreated prepubertal and pubertal patients with varicocele may indicate an early abnormal regulation of the seminiferous epithelium function.
Impacts of stocking and introductions on freshwater fisheries of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Authors: Van Zyll de Jong M. C. , Gibson R. J. , Cowx I. G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractStocking and introduction of fishes began in Newfoundland and Labrador in the early 1880s. Introduced non‐native fishes and stocking of native fishes beyond their local range have established populations in many areas. Competition, predation and the possible introduction of parasites and diseases have all resulted from such stocking and introductions. Direct genetic effects have been caused by interbreeding with native species. Indirect genetic effects may have resulted from selective forces, genetic drift and inbreeding. Aquaculture and the creation of transgenic fish also pose a new threat to native fish. The effects of introductions as mitigation or enhancement tools are discussed. Although Newfoundland and Labrador is still relatively pristine, safeguards must be introduced to reduce the potential detrimental effects of these management practices.
Fisheries for non‐native species in England and Wales: angling or the environment?
Authors: Hickley P. , Chare S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe increase in popularity of ‘big game’ type angling in the UK has lead to a proliferation of waters stocked with non‐native species. Many introductions have been illegal and the potentially irreversible ecological consequences are yet to be realised. Some case histories are presented and show the potential impacts of these species to involve the effects of predation, competition, disease, hybridisation and habitat degradation. Responding to anglers’ demands while controlling any illegal spread of non‐native fish in the wild is a major challenge. The legislation that governs the movement of fish into and within England and Wales is shared between the Environment Agency and other Government organisations, a situation that engenders significant management difficulties and enables less scrupulous movers of fish to exploit any weaknesses in the enforcement system. The problem is being addressed in a number of ways. A fully coordinated approach to the regulation of fish movements is being facilitated by a new database and the Environment Agency has reviewed the policies through which it regulates movements of fish into the wild. The guiding principle is that fish introductions should not jeopardise the well being of naturally established ecosystems, i.e. there should be no detriment to the donor or recipient fisheries, or to the fish being introduced. This approach was endorsed by a recent Government review of fisheries legislation that recommended strengthening controls over inappropriate movements of fish.
Contribution of native and non‐native species to fish communities in French reservoirs
Authors: Irz P. , Argillier C. , Proteau J.‐P. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPrevious studies showed that only 20% of the variability in fish community structure in French reservoirs could be explained by site characteristics. In addition, no relationship was found between the relative abundance of species and stocking effort. Therefore, deliberate or uncontrolled introductions are likely to be the source of a great part of the observed communities. The objective of this study was to assess the importance of species introductions in French reservoirs. Fifty‐one reservoirs were sampled to obtain species presence/absence data. Local native (LNaR) and non‐native (LNNR) species richness were negatively correlated. LNaR was strongly correlated to the lake surface area, depth and catchment area, whereas LNNR was independent of environmental variables. Furthermore, LNaR was positively correlated to regional native richness. Conversely, local total richness was independent of regional total richness, but was related to the reservoirs’ environmental characteristics. It was hypothesised that the native fish communities in French reservoirs are unsaturated and species introductions lead to saturated communities.
The effects of fisheries management practises on freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Cowx I. G. , Gerdeaux D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe contributions presented at the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission Symposium on The Effects of Fisheries Management Practises on Freshwater Ecosystems in 2002 are reviewed. The principal mechanisms of inland fisheries management concentrate on four categories: fish stock enhancement (stocking and introductions); rehabilitation and habitat manipulation for fisheries purposes, including biomanipulation; fisheries regulations; and conservation and protection of fish and fisheries. The negative and beneficial impacts of these activities are summarised and options for improving the outputs of fisheries management practices to accrue wider benefits to society are discussed. Wider stakeholder participation and a shift from traditional fisheries towards ecosystem‐based management approaches are the main mechanism proposed. This calls for new management tools to cater for legitimate human demand for water abstraction, hydropower generation and effluent disposal, as well as alternative commercial use of water bodies such as bathing, boating and tourism, in addition to fisheries exploitation and conservation needs.
Assessment of the nitrogen status of grassland
Authors: Farruggia A. , Gastal F. , Scholefield D. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTwo types of diagnostics are used for N management in grasslands: diagnostics based on N concentration of shoots and diagnostics based on soil mineral N. The Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI) is an example of the first type. However, its evaluation requires the determination of shoot dry weight per unit area and, thus, constitutes a practical limit to its utilization in the context of farm studies. In order to simplify its evaluation, a method based on the N concentration of the upper sward layer (Nup) has been proposed. The objectives of this study were to test the relationship between NNI and Nup in the context of permanent grassland and to examine the relationship between Nup and soil mineral status. The study was conducted as two experiments, one on small cut‐plots receiving contrasting rates of mineral N fertilization, and a second on plots of an existing field‐scale lysimeter experiment. In each plot and at several dates, shoot biomass within quadrats was measured, N concentration was determined on the upper leaves and on the entire shoots, and mineral nitrogen of the soil below the vegetation sampled was determined. N concentration of the upper lamina layer of the canopy was linearly related to the NNI determined on the entire shoots. Therefore, determining N concentration in leaves at the top of canopy appears to be an alternative means to evaluate NNI without having to measure shoot biomass. The absence of an overall significant correlation between soil mineral N content and sward N index, observed over the two studies, indicates that each of these two indicators has to be considered specifically in relation to the objective of the diagnostic procedure. As sward N index may vary independently of soil mineral N content, the sward N indicator does not appear to be a suitable indicator for diagnosis of environmental risks related to nitrate leaching. However, soil mineral N content does not allow the prediction of sward N status and thus is not a suitable indicator of sward growth rate. Although soil mineral N content is an important environmental indicator for nitrate‐leaching risks during potential drainage periods, it has a limited diagnosis value with respect to the herbage production function of grasslands.