bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LPA gene: interaction between the apolipoprotein(a) size (‘kringle IV’ repeat) polymorphism and a pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism influences Lp(a) lipoprotein level
Authors: Røsby O. , Berg K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Røsby O, Berg K (University of Oslo and Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway). LPA gene: interaction between the apolipoprotein(a) size (‘kringle IV’ repeat) polymorphism and a pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism influences Lp(a) lipoprotein level. J Intern Med 2000: 247: 139–152.Objectives. In order to search for factors influencing the Lp(a) lipoprotein level, we have examined the apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) size polymorphism as well as a pentanucleotide (TTTTA) repeat polymorphism in the 5′ control region of the LPA gene.Design. Lp(a) lipoprotein levels were compared between individuals with different genotypes as defined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis of DNA plugs, and PCR of DNA samples followed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. DNA plugs and DNA were prepared from blood samples collected from blood donors.Results. Twenty‐seven different K IV repeat alleles were observed in the 71 women and 92 men from which apo(a) size polymorphism results were obtained. Alleles encoding 26–32 Kringle IV repeats were the most frequent. Alleles encoding seven to 11 TTTTA repeats were detected in the 84 women and 122 men included in the pentanucleotide polymorphism study, and homozygosity for eight TTTTA repeats was the most common genotype. The eight TTTTA repeat allele occurred with almost any apo(a) allele. An inverse relationship between number of K IV repeats and Lp(a) concentration was confirmed.The contributions of the apo(a) size polymorphism and the pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism to the interindividual variance of Lp(a) lipoprotein concentrations were 9.7 and 3.5%, respectively (type IV sum of squares). Nineteen per cent of the variance in Lp(a) lipoprotein level appeared to be the result of the multiplication product (interaction) between the apo(a) size polymorphism and the pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism.Conclusions. The contribution of the apo(a) size polymorphism alone to the variation in Lp(a) lipoprotein level was lower than previously reported. However, the multiplicative interaction effect between the K IV repeat polymorphism and the pentanucleotide repeat polymorphism may be an important factor explaining the variation in Lp(a) lipoprotein levels among the populations.
Coronary vasospasm associated with uncontrolled carcinoid tumour
Authors: Muszkat M. , Shalit M. , Lotan C. , Ben‐Yehuda A. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Muszkat M, Shalit M, Lotan C, Ben‐Yehuda A (Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem, Israel). Coronary vasospasm associated with uncontrolled carcinoid tumour (Case Report). J Intern Med 2000; 247: 295–298.We report on a 74‐year‐old carcinoid patient who, following acute myocardial infarction (MI) and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, suffered recurrent episodes of chest pain and ST‐segment elevation on ECG. This was accompanied by elevation of urinary 5‐hydroxy‐indole acetic acid. A review of the patient’s file revealed that during the 3 weeks prior to the MI, she had been treated inadvertently with a fivefold lower dosage of octreotide. Following the correction of octreotide dosage, episodes of chest pain resolved immediately. We therefore suggest that this patient suffered from recurrent coronary vasospasm due to uncontrolled carcinoid tumour.
Effects of on‐demand β2‐agonist inhalation in moderate‐to‐severe asthma. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Richter B. , Bender R. , Berger M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Richter B, Bender R, Berger M (Heinrich‐Heine‐University of Duesseldorf and University of Bielefeld, Germany). Effects of on‐demand β2‐agonist inhalation in moderate‐to‐severe asthma. A randomized controlled trial. J Intern Med 2000; 247: 657–666.Background. The appropriate use of short‐acting β2‐agonist inhalation in asthma has been the subject of controversy in recent years. Limited information is available for the group of moderate to severe asthmatics with high intake of bronchodilator inhalants and continuous anti‐inflammatory protection.Objective. To investigate the effects of β2‐agonist reduction in marked asthma treated with multiple asthma medications.Design. Randomized, controlled single‐blind, cross‐over trial.Setting. Outpatient clinic at a university medical centre.Subjects. A total of 80 adult patients with moderate‐to‐severe asthma.Interventions. In a 1‐year study patients were assigned to on‐demand vs. regular β2‐agonist inhalation treatment.Main outcome measures. Asthmatic episodes (primary outcome), symptoms, peak expiratory flow rates (PEF) and drug use were recorded daily. Bronchodilator and airway responsiveness, lung function indices and quality of life were assessed during five clinic visits. Also, practicability of β2‐agonist tapering in multimedicated asthmatics was analysed.Results. More than 80% of moderate‐to‐severe asthmatics were able to reduce their β2‐agonist intake by ≥50%. Puffs per day of active therapy decreased from 7.9 in regular to 3.3 in on‐demand treated patients (P = 0.0001). The type of β2‐agonist used (salbutamol/fenoterol) had no significant impact on the study findings. Almost all parameters of control of asthma improved during the on‐demand treatment period.Conclusion. On‐demand inhalation of short‐acting β2‐agonists in moderate‐to‐severe asthma is safe, and even in severe asthma a reduction from regular to on‐demand β2‐agonist inhalation is possible, with improved asthma control.
Ehrlichiosis associated vasculitis
Authors: Pick N. , Potasman I. , Strenger C. , Keysary A. , Schwartz I. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Pick N, Potasman I, Strenger C, Keysary A, Schwartz I (Bnai Zion Medical Center, and Technion Faculty of Medicine, Haifa; Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness‐Ziona, Israel; New York Medical College, USA). Ehrlichiosis associated vasculitis. J Intern Med 2000; 247: 674–678.Objective. To test the hypothesis that some cases of primary vasculitis are caused by ehrlichiosis.Design. A retrospective case study and serological analysis of stored sera.Setting. University hospital.Subjects. Fifty‐five patients discharged with any type of vasculitis over a 6‐year period.Main outcome measures. Serology for human monocytic ehrlichiosis, and the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of biopsy specimens.Results. Three patients (5.5%) had titres of 1 : 128 or higher against E. chaffeensis; none was positive for the human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent. Skin biopsies of these patients showed lesions compatible with polyarteritis nodosa, allergic purpura and unspecified vasculitis. PCR analysis of the biopsies was unrevealing.Conclusions. Infection with human monocytic ehrlichiosis may underlie some forms of vasculitis. If confirmed, these findings may help identify patients with vasculitis who would benefit from antibiotic treatment.
Cardiovascular risk factors and testing of relatives amongst patients with familial hyperlipidaemia one decade after a clinical trial
Authors: Tonstad S. , Hjermann I. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Tonstad S, Hjermann I (Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, Norway). Cardiovascular risk factors and testing of relatives amongst patients with familial hyperlipidaemia one decade after a clinical trial. J Intern Med 2000; 248: 111–118.Objectives. We examined the cardiovascular disease risk factor status of men and women with familial hyperlipidaemia (FH) 10–11 years after a clinical trial and asked whether first‐degree relatives had undergone lipid testing.Design setting and subjects. Subjects started lipid‐lowering drugs in 1987–88. Of 60 subjects, 12 had died, one emigrated and 35 men and 12 women took part in a follow‐up clinical examination in 1998.Results. Total cholesterol level was reduced by 41% and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level increased by 13% compared with baseline (diet alone). Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level was lower at the end of the trial than at follow‐up (3.6 ± 1.5 vs. 4.6 ± 2.2 mmol L–1; P = 0.01) and was higher in the group taking a low dose of a statin alone compared with other drug groups. Thus, two‐thirds of the subjects required adjustment of lipid‐lowering drugs to reach target lipid levels. One‐fifth consumed at least two food groups rich in saturated fat regularly. Body mass index (BMI) increased from 25.6 ± 2.9 to 26.8 ± 3.3 kg m–2 (P < 0.001). Five subjects compared with one at baseline had type II diabetes or glucose intolerance; 12 compared with four at baseline had a blood pressure of ≥ 160 mmHg systolic or ≥ 95 mmHg diastolic. Plasma total homocysteine was higher in subjects with coronary artery disease than in subjects without disease (11.7 ± 3.9 vs. 9.0 ± 2.3 µmol L–1; P = 0.01). Barriers to testing for lipids amongst children or siblings included family feuds, fear of increased insurance and psychiatric disease.Conclusion. The majority of subjects were undertreated. Increases in BMI, blood pressure and glucose levels and the diet posed challenges to risk reduction. Plasma homocysteine levels should be considered in this group. Testing of all first‐degree relatives may not be achievable because of psychological barriers.
Lung function study and diffusion capacity in anorexia nervosa
Authors: Pieters T. , Boland B. , Beguin C. , Veriter C. , Stanescu D. , Frans A. , Lambert M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract.  Pieters T, Boland B, Beguin C, Veriter C, Stanescu D, Frans A, Lambert M (Cliniques, Universitaires Saint‐Luc, Brussels, Belgium). Lung function study and diffusion capacity in anorexia nervosa. J Intern Med 2000; 248: 137–142.Study objectives. In humans, malnutrition alters the respiratory system in different ways. It impairs the ventilatory drive, decreases respiratory muscle strength and reduces immune competence. In addition, typical emphysema‐like changes were demonstrated in starved animals. The presence of emphysema has never been demonstrated in starved humans. Our objective was to investigate whether pulmonary emphysema occurs in anorexia nervosa by means of a pulmonary function study.Population and method. We examined 24 women aged between 14 and 38 years (nine smokers). We studied the lung function including lung volumes, ventilatory capacity, maximal respiratory pressures and transfer factor, as well as PaO2.Results. All respiratory tests were within normal limits with the exception of decreased maximal inspiratory (59% of predicted values) and expiratory pressures (35%), and increased residual volume (162%). Diffusion capacity (98.1 ± 16.2%) and transfer coefficient (98.4 ± 16.2%) were also normal. The diffusion coefficient was lower in current smokers than in those who had never smoked (P < 0.01), a difference similar to that calculated from existing reference values for transfer factor for smokers and nonsmokers.Conclusion. In anorexia nervosa, pulmonary function tests are within normal limits with the exception of maximal pressures and residual volume. Diffusion capacity is not decreased. The present results within the limitations of the used method are not compatible with the hypothesis of starvation‐induced pulmonary emphysema.
The effect of orlistat on body weight and coronary heart disease risk profile in obese patients: The Swedish Multimorbidity Study
Authors: Lindgärde F. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Lindgärde F (Department of Vascular Disease, Malmö University Hospital, University of Lund, Malmö, Sweden). The effect of orlistat on body weight and coronary heart disease risk profile in obese patients: The Swedish Multimorbidity Study. J Intern Med 2000; 248: 245–254.Objective. To assess the effect of orlistat on body weight and cardiovascular risk amongst obese patients at high coronary risk.Design. After screening, patients entered a two‐week single‐blind placebo lead‐in period, during which they followed a mildly hypocaloric diet, before being randomized to double‐blind treatment with either orlistat 120 mg or placebo three times daily, in conjunction with dietary intervention for 1 years.Setting. The study was conducted at 33 primary care centres in Sweden.Subjects. A total of 382 obese adults (body mass index 28–38 kg m–2) with type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and/or hypertension were recruited, of whom 376 were randomized to orlistat (n = 190) or placebo (n = 186).Main outcome measures. Change in body weight, waist and hip circumferences, blood pressure, serum lipid profile, fasting glucose and HbA1c.Results. After 1 years, mean weight loss was significantly greater with orlistat compared with placebo (5.9% vs. 4.6%; P < 0.05). Moreover, significantly more orlistat‐treated patients than placebo recipients maintained weight loss of ≥ 5% (54.2% vs. 40.9%; P < 0.001). Orlistat was also associated with significantly greater improvements than placebo in total serum cholesterol (– 3.3% vs. –0.5%; P < 0.05), LDL‐cholesterol (– 7.0% vs. –1.1%; P < 0.05), fasting glucose (5.1% vs. –0.1%; P < 0.01) and HbA1c (– 2.7% vs. –0.5%; P < 0.05). Similar results were reported for the subgroup of patients with type 2 diabetes. Orlistat was well tolerated.Conclusions. Treatment with orlistat in conjunction with diet promotes significantly greater weight loss and cardiovascular risk factor reduction than diet alone amongst obese patients at high risk of future coronary events.
Hepatitis C in clinical practice
Authors: Larson A. M. , Carithers R. L. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Larson AM, Carithers RL (University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA). Hepatitis C in clinical practice (Review). J Intern Med 2001; 249: 111–120.Hepatitis C virus infection is now one of the most important causes of chronic liver disease. Primary care physicians play an important role in the diagnosis and initial work‐up of patients infected with this virus. Understanding which patients may be at risk is the first step. By understanding the correct use of hepatitis C virus diagnostic testing and the risk and benefits of antiviral therapy, providers will be better equipped to screen and counsel their patients.
Plasma fibrinogen level and long‐term prognosis in Norwegian middle‐aged patients with previous myocardial infarction. A 10 year follow‐up study
Authors: Retterstol L. , Kierulf P. , Pedersen J. C. , Bohn M. , Bakken A. , Erikssen J. , Berg K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Retterstol L, Kierulf P, Pedersen JC, Bohn M, Bakken A, Erikssen J, Berg K (Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo; and Central Hospital of Akershus, Nordbyhagen, Norway). Plasma fibrinogen level and long‐term prognosis in Norwegian middle‐aged patients with previous myocardial infarction. A 10 years follow‐up study. J Intern Med 2001; 249: 511–518. Objectives. To investigate the prognostic value of plasma fibrinogen level amongst middle‐aged survivors of myocardial infarction (MI). Design. Prospective cohort study. Settings. Determination of fibrinogen and other prognostic variables in MI patients recruited in a presumably stable phase of coronary heart disease (CHD). Subjects. A total of 247 middle‐aged CHD patients (54 women and 193 men) who had their first MI at age ≤60 (women) or ≤55 (men) were recruited at least 3 months after (mean 2.1 years) the most recent MI. Main outcome measures. The primary endpoint was total mortality, and the secondary endpoint was cardiac deaths. The tertiary endpoint was major cardiac events (cardiac death, MI and cardiac arrest). Results. During a follow‐up period of 10 years a total of 44 patients had died, 36 from cardiac causes. Major cardiac event occurred in 70 patients. After adjusting for age, ejection fraction (EF), total serum cholesterol (TC), smoking and hypertension, patients in the top quartile of fibrinogen (≥4.0 g L–1) had a relative risk (RR) of 1.8 (95% CI 1.0–3.6) (P=0.07) for death of all causes. The top quartile of fibrinogen was a stronger predictor of cardiac death; RR=2.2 (95% CI 1.1–4.4) (P=0.03), whilst the effect on the endpoint major cardiac event was not significant; RR=1.1 (95% CI 0.6–1.9) (P=0.69). Conclusions. A plasma fibrinogen level in the top quartile predicted cardiac death in middle‐aged patients who had suffered MI.
Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 inversely related to vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease. A possible mechanism for the putative cardioprotective role of TGF‐β1?
Authors: Os I. , Djurovic S. , Seljeflot I. , Berg K. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Os I, Djurovic S, Seljeflot I, Berg K (Ullevål University Hospital, Oslo, Norway). Transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 inversely related to vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 in postmenopausal women with coronary artery disease. A possible mechanism for the putative cardioprotective role of TGF‐β1? J Intern Med 2002; 251: 223–227. Objective and design. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β1) is involved in a variety of physiological processes as well as in many diseases. Both in vitro and in vivo evidence suggest that TGF‐β1 may influence atherogenesis and a dominant protective role of TGF‐β1 on coronary arteries has been proposed. On the other hand, increased levels of soluble adhesion molecules have been found in patients with atherosclerosis, and adhesion of monocytes to the endothelium followed by migration to the intima, has been proved to be an early event in atherosclerosis. The purpose of the present investigation was to look at a possible relationship between circulating active TGF‐β1 and adhesion molecules in postmenopausal women with angiographically verified coronary heart disease (CHD) (n=118). Results. Serum levels of the active form of TGF‐β1 showed a tendency to be lower in patients with increasing number of vessels with more than 50% stenosis (P=0.058), and there was higher TGF‐β1 in the group with one vessel disease compared with those with two or more vessels affected (P=0.041). Additionally, negative association between TGF‐β1 and VCAM‐1 was found (r=–0.26, P=0.023). However, no associations were observed between TGF‐β1 and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) or E‐selectin in the present study. Conclusion. We observed an inverse correlation between the active form of TGF‐β1 and VCAM‐1 in postmenopausal women with verified CHD. These results may suggest a role of TGF‐β1 in CHD.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B: a new target for the treatment of obesity and associated co‐morbidities
Authors: Ukkola O. , Santaniemi M. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Ukkola O, Santaniemi M (University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland). Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B: a new target for the treatment of obesity and associated co‐morbidities (Review). J Intern Med 2002; 251: 467–475.Impaired insulin action is important in the pathophysiology of multiple metabolic abnormalities such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is considered a negative regulator of insulin signalling. This is best evidenced by studies on knockout mice showing that lack of PTP1B is associated with increased insulin sensitivity as well as resistance to obesity and in vitro studies whilst studies in animals and humans have given contradictory results. However, several studies support the notion that insulin signalling can be enhanced by the inhibition of PTP1B providing an attractive target for therapy against type 2 diabetes and obesity. In addition, recent genetic studies support the association between PTP1B with insulin resistance. The development of PTP1B inhibitors has already begun although it has become clear that is not easy to find both a selective, safe and effective PTP1B inhibitor. The objective of this paper is to review the current evidence of PTP1B in the pathophysiology of obesity, type 2 diabetes and cancer as well as in the treatment of these disorders.
The effects of exercise training on walking function and perception of health status in elderly patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Tsai J. C. , Chan P. , Wang C. H. , Jeng C. , Hsieh M. H. , Kao P. F. , Chen Y. J. , Liu J. C. 
Published: March 2003

Abstract. Tsai JC, Chan P, Wang CH, Jeng C, Hsieh MH, Kao PF, Chen YJ, Liu JC (Taipei Medical University‐Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan). The effects of exercise training on walking function and perception of health status in elderly patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. J Intern Med 2002; 252: 448–455.Objective. To determine the effects of 12‐week exercise programme on ambulatory function, free‐living daily physical activity and health‐related quality of life in disabled older patients with intermittent claudication.Design. Prospective, randomized controlled trial.Setting. University Medical Center and Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.Subjects. Thirty‐two of 64 patients with Fontaine stage II peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) were randomized to exercise training and 32 to usual care control. Five patients from the exercise group and six patients from the control group dropped out, leaving 27 and 26 patients, respectively, completing the study in each group.Interventions. Twelve weeks of treadmill exercise training.Main outcome measures. Treadmill walking time to onset of claudication pain and to maximal claudication pain, 6‐min walk distance, self‐reported ambulatory ability and perceived health‐related quality of life (QOL).Results. Compliance of exercise programme was 83% of the possible sessions. Exercise training increased treadmill walking time to onset of claudication pain by 88% (P < 0.001), time to maximal pain by 70% (P < 0.001), and 6‐min walk distance by 21% (P < 0.001).Subjects. Perception of health‐related QOL improved from 12% to 178% in the exercise group. These improvements were significantly better than the changes in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusions. Significant improvements in claudication following 12‐week exercise training in elderly PAOD patients were observed. Increase in treadmill walking time to maximal claudication pain in these patients translated into the improvement of perceived physical health, which enabled the patients to become more functionally independent.