bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of diet intervention on long‐term mortality in healthy middle‐aged men with combined hyperlipidaemia
Authors: Hjerkinn E. M. , Sandvik L. , Hjermann I. , Arnesen H. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objectives. The aim was to study the effect of a 5‐year diet intervention on 24‐year mortality in middle aged men with combined hyperlipidaemia.Setting. We studied 104 initially healthy men (in 1972) aged 40–49 years with baseline values of total serum cholesterol >6.45 mmol L−1and fasting triglycerides >2.55 mmol L−1, within the randomized diet and smoking cessation trial of the Oslo study (n = 1232).Methods. The participants were randomized to a 5‐year diet intervention or a control group. The diet consisted of a traditional lipid‐lowering diet with emphasis on reduction of saturated fat, total caloric intake and body weight. The groups were initially well balanced with regard to traditional risk factors for mortality.Results. Thirty‐three subjects died during the 24‐year observation period [17 of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 12 of cancer]. In the diet intervention group, mortality was 51% lower (RR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.22–0.91,P = 0.022) as compared with the control group. This difference remained significant in a Cox regression analysis after adjusting for age and smoking status (RR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.23–0.96,P = 0.038).Conclusion. This study indicates that the investigated 5‐year diet intervention significantly reduces late mortality in healthy middle‐aged men with combined hyperlipidaemia.
Heart rate variability in long‐term risk assessment in middle‐aged women with coronary heart disease: The Stockholm Female Coronary Risk Study
Authors: Janszky I. , Ericson M. , Mittleman M. A. , Wamala S. , Al‐Khalili F. , Schenck‐Gustafsson K. , Orth‐Gomer K. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objectives.  Low heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with poor prognosis after acute coronary events in men. In women, the prognostic impact is not well documented. The objective of this study was to assess the long‐term predictive power of HRV on mortality amongst middle‐aged women with coronary heart disease (CHD).Design, Settings and Subjects.  Consecutive women below 65 years hospitalized for an acute coronary syndrome during a 3‐year period in Stockholm were examined for cardiovascular prognostic factors including HRV, and followed for a median of 9 years. An ambulatory 24‐h electrocardiograph was recorded during normal activities, 3–6 months after hospitalization. SDNN index (mean of the standard deviations of all normal to normal intervals for all 5‐min segments of the entire recording) and the following frequency domain parameters were assessed: total power, high‐frequency (HF) power, low‐frequency (LF) power, very‐low frequency (VLF) power and LF/HF ratio. Using Cox proportional hazards regression, the hazard ratios (HR) for each 25% decrease of the HRV parameters were assessed.Results.  After controlling for the independent, significant predictors of mortality amongst the clinical variables, the following HRV parameters were found to be significant predictors of all‐cause mortality: SDNN index [HR 1.56, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.19–2.05], total power (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.08–1.35), VLF power (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09–1.36), LF power (HR 1.18 95%, CI 1.07–1.30) and HF power (HR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05–1.33). The results were essentially the same when cardiovascular mortality was used as end‐points. The HRV parameters were stronger predictors of mortality in the first 5 years following the index event.Conclusion.  Low HRV is a predictor of long‐term mortality amongst middle‐aged women with CHD when measured 3–6 months after hospitalization for an acute coronary syndrome, even after controlling for established clinical prognostic markers.
Diurnal triglyceridaemia and insulin resistance in mildly obese subjects with normal fasting plasma lipids
Authors: Halkes C. J. M. , Van Wijk J. P. H. , Ribalta J. , Masana L. , Castro Cabezas M. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objective.  A novel method has been developed to study diurnal triglyceride (TG) profiles using repeated capillary self‐measurements in an ‘out‐of‐hospital’ situation. We assessed the diurnal capillary TG (TGc) profile in males with mild obesity and evaluated the use of plasma and capillary TG as markers of insulin resistance.Design.  Cross‐sectional study.Setting and Subjects.  Fifty‐four lean (body mass index, BMI < 25 kg m−2) and 27 mildly obese (25 < BMI < 30 kg m−2), normolipidaemic males measured capillary TG concentrations on six fixed time‐points over a 3‐day period in an ‘out‐of‐hospital’ situation.Main outcome measures.  The total area under the TGc curve (TGc‐AUC) and incremental area under the TGc curve (TGc‐IAUC) were used as estimation of diurnal triglyceridaemia. Fasting blood samples were obtained once. Food intake was recorded by all participants.Results.  Obese and lean subjects had comparable fasting capillary TG concentrations (1.37 ± 0.40 mmol L−1 and 1.32 ± 0.53 mmol L−1, respectively). However, during the day, obese subjects showed a greater TG increase, resulting in significantly higher TGc‐AUC (27.1 ± 8.4 and 23.0 ± 6.3 mmol h−1 l−1, respectively; P < 0.05) and TGc‐IAUC (7.9 ± 5.8 and 4.6 ± 6.6 mmolh−1 L−1, respectively; P < 0.05). The total group of 81 males was divided into quartiles based on fasting plasma TG, fasting capillary TG, TGc‐AUC and TGc‐IAUC. Amongst these variables, TGc‐AUC was the only significant discriminator of subjects with high homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) (insulin resistance) compared with low HOMA (insulin sensitive). Overall, BMI was the strongest determinant of HOMA.Conclusions.  Diurnal TG profiles can be used to investigate postprandial lipaemia in both lean and mildly obese subjects and may help to detect subjects with an underlying disposition for hypertriglyceridaemia related to insulin resistance, i.e. the metabolic syndrome.
Large variations in the use of oral anticoagulants in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation: a Swedish national perspective
Authors: Glader E.‐L. , Stegmayr B. , Norrving B. , Terént A. , Hulter‐Åsberg K. , Wester P.‐O. , Asplund K. ,   for The Riks‐Stroke Collaboration
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objectives.  To explore nation‐wide use of anticoagulation in stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, in routine clinical practice in Sweden.Design.  Cross‐sectional cohort study.Setting.  Patients included in Riks‐Stroke, the Swedish national quality register for stroke care, during 2001.Subjects. Hospitals with incomplete coverage were excluded, leaving 4538 stroke patients with atrial fibrillation amongst 18 276 stroke patients from 75 hospitals in six health care regions.Main outcome measure.  Treatment with oral anticoagulants.Results. At stroke onset, the proportion of patients with atrial fibrillation and first‐ever stroke, receiving oral anticoagulants as primary prevention was 11.0% (range 8.4–13.5% between regions and 2.5–24.4% between hospitals). Younger age, male sex and diabetes at stroke onset independently predicted primary prevention with oral anticoagulants. The proportion of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation receiving oral anticoagulants as secondary prevention at discharge was 33.5% (range 29.9–40.6% between regions and 16.4–61.9% between hospitals). Independent predictors for secondary prevention were younger age, male sex and independent activities of daily life (ADL) function before the stroke, being discharged to home, being fully conscious on admission and health care region.Conclusion.  There were variations between hospitals and regions that differences in age, sex, functional impairments and comorbidities could not fully explain. This indicates that evidence‐based primary and secondary prevention of embolic stroke is insufficiently practised. Local factors seem to determine whether patients with atrial fibrillation gain access to optimal prevention of stroke or not.
C‐reactive protein and myocardial infarction during percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Saleh N. , Svane B. , Velander M. , Nilsson T. , Hansson L.‐O. , Tornvall P. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objective.  To evaluate the prognostic information of preprocedural C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels in serum to predict myocardial infarction during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).Design.  Prospective study.Setting.  University hospital.Patients.  A total of 400 consecutive patients with normal serum troponin T levels (≤0.03 μg L−1) presenting with stable or unstable angina pectoris.Interventions.  PCI.Main outcome measures.  C‐reactive protein levels in serum measured by a high sensitive method. Myocardial infarction defined as a serum troponin T elevation the day after PCI to a level >0.05 μg L−1.Results.  Eighty‐three patients (21%) experienced a myocardial infarction during PCI. The median value of CRP before the procedure was 1.83 (0.12–99.7) mg L−1. No difference was seen in CRP levels before PCI between patients without or with myocardial infarction during PCI. Multivariate analysis identified stent implantation (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.18–7.28, P = 0.03), procedure time (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.28–3.67, P < 0.005) and complications during the procedure (OR 3.62, 95% CI 1.72–7.58, P < 0.001) as independent predictors of myocardial infarction during PCI.Conclusion.  Increased CRP levels in serum before PCI were not associated with myocardial infarction during the procedure. Furthermore, patients with an expected long procedure and a high probability of stent implantation have an increased risk of developing myocardial infarction during PCI. This finding may be useful to help the operator to decide the antithrombotic regime before, during and after the procedure and the need for observation after the procedure.
IGFBP‐1 levels in adult women born small for gestational age suggest insulin resistance in spite of normal BMI
Authors: Kistner A. , Jacobson S. H. , Celsi G. , Vanpee M. , Brismar K. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objective. Impaired fetal development may contribute to decreased insulin sensitivity. This study was designed to characterize serum markers of insulin resistance in adults born small for date or born prematurely.Study design. Fifty subjects, all women, were evaluated at a mean age ± SD of 26 ± 2 years (range: 23–30 years). They were allocated to three groups: (i) born fullterm with birth weight <2600 g (n = 18) (small for gestational age, SGA), (ii) born before gestational week 32 (n = 15) (ex‐preterm), and (iii) controls, born fullterm with appropriate birth weight (n = 17). Anthropometric data as well as fasting serum samples of plasma B‐glucose, serum lipids, insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐1 (IGFBP‐1) levels were determined.Results. In the SGA group final height was lower and they weighed less compared with the controls. Fasting insulin and glucose levels did not differ amongst the groups. Triglycerides were lower in the SGA group and in the ex‐preterm group compared with the controls (P < 0.05). The SGA group showed lower IGFBP‐1 levels compared with the controls median 17 (range 3–121) vs. 26 (7–67)μg L−1;P < 0.05]. The IGF‐I levels in the SGA, ex‐preterm and control groups were 212 ± 58, 259 ± 37 and 216 ± 32 μg L−1, respectively, corresponding to a mean SD score of −0.8 ± 1.0, 0.1 ± 0.6 and −0.6 ± 0.6.Conclusion. As IGFBP‐1 is a marker of insulin sensitivity, the low levels observed in adult women with normal BMI, born small for date, suggest relative insulin resistance in spite of normal BMI.
Preventing osteoporotic fractures with antiresorptive therapy: implications of microarchitectural changes
Authors: Boonen S. , Haentjens P. , Vandenput L. , Vanderschueren D. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Prospective studies have demonstrated that low bone mass correlates well with increased risk of osteoporotic fractures at various skeletal sites. Trials have likewise confirmed that enhancing bone mass with antiresorptive therapy reduces fracture incidence in individuals at risk. However, correlation of bone mineral density (BMD) increases with therapeutic risk reduction has proved less consistent than correlation of BMD decreases with greater fracture risk in the untreated. Indeed, various analyses have indicated that – even during treatment with potent bisphosphonates like alendronate and risedronate – BMD changes from baseline account for <30% of the reduction in vertebral fractures in treated women. It is clearly, therefore, that factors other than BMD are involved in the reduction of fracture risk achieved by antiresorptive therapies. According to recent micro‐computed tomography imaging and other studies, antiresorptive therapy can help rebuild the microarchitecture of bone as well as strengthen the materials that go into it. When treating individuals with osteoporosis, these microarchitectural changes contribute to the reduction of fracture risk achieved by antiresorptive therapies.
Host plant, oviposition behavior and larval ecology of a sawfly leafminer, Profenusa japonica (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae)
Authors: SUGIURA Shinji , YAMAZAKI Kazuo 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe host plant, oviposition behavior and larval ecology of Profenusa japonica Togashi are reported for the first time. Adults of P. japonica mated and oviposited on a polyantha rose, Rosa multiflora (Rosaceae), in April. Each female adult laid an egg on the edge of a leaflet. Hatched larvae consumed the parenchymatous layer of leaflets and in so doing created a mine. The larval stage comprised five instars. On average, 70.6% of the total area of a leaflet was consumed by one larva. Female adults of P. japonica laid eggs singly, probably to avoid larval competition for food.
The genus Phyllomyza Fallén (Diptera: Milichiidae) from Japan, with descriptions of four new species
Authors: IWASA Mitsuhiro 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe Japanese species of the genus Phyllomyza Fallén are revised. Four new species, Phyllomyza kanmiyai sp. nov., P. amamiensis sp. nov., P. proceripalpis sp. nov. and P. japonica sp. nov., are described and illustrated. P. securicornis Fallén is recorded from Japan for the first time. A key to the Japanese species of Phyllomyza is presented.
Discovery of the genus Skidmorella Johnson (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae) in Japan, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: SAWADA Yoshihiro , HIROWATARI Toshiya 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe genus Skidmorella Johnson, previously known only from the South Pacific islands, is discovered in Japan. The type species, Skidmorella magnifica Johnson, is confirmed from Japan as the first record of the species other than the type locality. In addition, two new species, Skidmorella amamiana sp. nov. and Skidmorella quadrisulucia sp. nov., are described from the Ryukyus, Japan. Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Skidmorella and its allies are discussed on the basis of their morphological characters.
Long‐acting β2‐adrenergic formoterol and salmeterol induce the apoptosis of B‐chronic lymphocytic Leukaemia cells
Authors: Mamani‐Matsuda Maria , Moynet Daniel , Molimard Mathieu , Ferry‐Dumazet Hélène , Marit Gérald , Reiffers Josy , Diavad Mossalayi M. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryB‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (B‐CLL) is a neoplastic disorder characterized by defective apoptosis, cell accumulation in G0/G1, and high expression of BCL2 oncogene. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) accumulation increases the chemosensitivity of B‐CLL cells in vitro and in vivo. In the present study, we investigated the effects of β2‐adrenergic compounds, well known cAMP‐inducing drugs, on the in vitro survival of leukaemia cells. In contrast to the short‐acting β2‐mimetic (β2Mim) salbutamol, a consistent pro‐apoptotic effect was observed with the long‐acting β2Mim salmeterol and formoterol. Normal B cells isolated from control donors were totally resistant to the above molecules. These compounds also increased chlorambucil‐ and fludarabine‐induced death of B‐CLL cells. Blockade of β‐adrenergic receptor signalling or cAMP did not alter B‐CLL apoptosis with β2 Mimagents. Leukaemia cell apoptosis by β2Mim correlated with an increase in calcium influx, decreased bcl‐2 protein and mRNA levels, increase in BAX gene expression and a marked rise in BCL2/BAX mRNA ratios. Interleukin‐4, a cytokine that increases bcl‐2 expression in B‐CLL cells, rescued leukaemia cell from apoptosis with β2Mim. These data show that long‐acting β2‐adrenergic agents promote apoptotic leukaemia cell death through an adrenoreceptor‐ and cAMP‐independent, Ca2+‐dependent mechanism.
Coffee and incidence of diabetes in Swedish women: a prospective 18‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Rosengren A. , Dotevall A. , Wilhelmsen L. , Thelle D. , Johansson S. 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.  Rosengren A, Dotevall A, Wilhelmsen L, Thelle D, Johansson S (Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Östra, Göteborg; Göteborg University, Göteborg; AstraZeneca Research and Development, Mölndal; Sweden). Coffee and incidence of diabetes in Swedish women: a prospective 18‐year follow‐up study. J Intern Med 2004; 255: 89–95.Objectives.  To examine the long‐term incidence of diabetes in relation to coffee consumption in Swedish women.Design.  Prospective longitudinal cohort study.Setting.  City of Göteborg, Sweden.Subjects.  A random population sample of 1361 women, aged 39–65 years, without prior diabetes or cardiovascular disease took part in a screening study in 1979–1981 with questionnaires, physical examination and blood sampling.Main outcome measures.  The development of diabetes until 1999 was identified by questionnaires in a second screening and the Swedish hospital discharge register.Results.  Altogether, there were 74 new cases of diabetes. The risk of developing diabetes was 475 per 100 000 person‐years in women who consumed two cups of coffee or less per day, 271 in women who consumed three to four cups per day, 202 with a consumption of five to six cups per day, and 267 in drinkers of seven cups or more per day. Associated hazard ratios, after adjustment for age, smoking, low physical activity, education and body mass index were 0.55 (0.32–0.95), 0.39 (0.20–0.77) and 0.48 (0.22–1.06) for daily consumption of three to four, five to six and seven cups or more, respectively, with a consumption of less than two per day as reference. Additional adjustment for serum cholesterol and triglycerides attenuated the relation between coffee and diabetes slightly, indicating a possible mediating effect on the effect of coffee by serum lipids.Conclusions.  The findings of the present study support the hypothesis that coffee consumption protects from the development of diabetes in women.
Association of the Lewis genotype with cardiovascular risk factors and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study
Authors: Cakir B. , Heiss G. , Pankow J. S. , Salomaa V. , Sharrett A. R. , Couper D. , Weston B. W 
Published: December 2003

Abstract.Objectives.  To evaluate the relationship of Lewis genotypes with major cardiovascular risk factors and the intima‐media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries. Lewis genotyping included four major mutations of the Lewis (FUT3) gene at nucleotide positions 59, 1067, 202 and 314.Design.  Two complementary population‐based cross‐sectional studies.Setting.  The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.Subjects.  The relationship between Lewis genotype and major cardiovascular risk factors was studied in 761 men and women aged 45–64 years without known clinical atherosclerotic disease; 577 were Caucasians and 184 were African‐Americans. The association of Lewis genotype and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis was studied in 419 individuals with, and 819 controls without carotid IMT of >1.0 mm, measured by B‐mode ultrasound.Main outcome measures.  Mean values of cardiovascular risk factors by Lewis genotype. Lewis genotype frequencies in subclinical carotid atherosclerosis cases and controls.Results.  Individuals with Lewis genotypes consistent with lack of α(1,3/1,4)‐fucosyltransferase activity (i.e. Lewis‐negative genotype) had statistically significantly lower fasting glucose, factor VIIIc, von Willebrand factor and diastolic blood pressure compared with their counterparts with Lewis‐positive genotypes. The distribution of Lewis genotypes and haplotypes was not significantly different between individuals with carotid IMT of >1.0 mm (cases) and their controls. The odds of carotid atherosclerosis in carriers of the Lewis‐negative genotype was 1.23 (95% confidence interval 0.70–2.16) compared to individuals with Lewis‐positive genotype, controlling for age, gender and race/ARIC field centre.Conclusion.  The lack of a statistically significant association between Lewis ‘genotype’ and subclinical atherosclerosis in our data suggests that earlier studies reporting associations at the ‘phenotypic’ level may reflect aspects of the biology of the Lewis system other than an inherent genetic property.
Combating drought through preparedness
Authors: Wilhite Donald A. 
Published: December 2003

Drought is a complex, slow–onset phenomenon that affects more people than any other natural hazard and results in serious economic, social, and environmental impacts. Although drought affects virtually all climatic regimes and has significant consequences in both developed and developing countries, its impacts are especially serious in developing countries where dryland agriculture predominates.The impacts of drought are often an indicator of unsustainable land and water management practices, and drought assistance or relief provided by governments and donors encourages land managers and others to continue these practices. This often results in a greater dependence on government and a decline in self–reliance. Moving from crisis to risk management will require the adoption of a new paradigm for land managers, governments, international and regional development organizations, and non–governmental organizations. This approach emphasizes preparedness, mitigation, and improved early warning systems (EWS) over emergency response and assistance measures.Article 10 of the Convention to Combat Desertification states that national action programmes should be established to identify the factors contributing to desertification and practical measures necessary to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. In the past 10 years, there has been considerable recognition by governments of the need to develop drought preparedness plans and policies to reduce the impacts of drought. Unfortunately, progress in drought preparedness during the last decade has been slow because most nations lack the institutional capacity and human and financial resources necessary to develop comprehensive drought plans and policies. Recent commitments by governments and international organizations and new drought monitoring technologies and planning and mitigation methodologies are cause for optimism. The challenge is the implementation of these new technologies and methodologies. It is critical for governments that possess this experience to share it with others through regional and global networks. One way to accomplish this goal is to create a network of regional networks on drought preparedness to expedite the adoption of drought preparedness tools to lessen the hardships associated with severe and extended drought episodes.