bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome: marked differences between endocrinologists and gynaecologists in diagnosis and management
Authors: Cussons Andrea J. , Stuckey Bronwyn G. A. , Walsh John P. , Burke Valerie , Norman Robert J. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground  Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) commonly consult endocrinologists or gynaecologists and it is not known whether these specialty groups differ in their approach to management.Objective  To compare the investigation, diagnosis and treatment practices of endocrinologists and gynaecologists who treat PCOS.Design and Setting  A mailed questionnaire containing a hypothetical patient's case history with varying presentations − oligomenorrhoea, hirsutism, infertility and obesity − was sent to Australian clinical endocrinologists and gynaecologists in teaching hospitals and private practice.Results  Evaluable responses were obtained from 138 endocrinologists and 172 gynaecologists. The two specialty groups differed in their choice of essential diagnostic criteria and investigations. Endocrinologists regarded androgenization (81%) and menstrual irregularity (70%) as essential diagnostic criteria, whereas gynaecologists required polycystic ovaries (61%), androgenization (59%), menstrual irregularity (47%) and an elevated LH/FSH ratio (47%) (all P‐values < 0·001). In investigation, gynaecologists were more likely to request ovarian ultrasound (91%vs. 44%, P < 0·001) and endocrinologists more likely to measure adrenal androgens (80%vs. 58%, P < 0·001) and lipids (67%vs. 34%, P < 0·001). Gynaecologists were less likely to assess glucose homeostasis but more likely to use a glucose tolerance test to do so. Diet and exercise were chosen by most respondents as first‐line treatment for all presentations. However, endocrinologists were more likely to use insulin sensitizers, particularly metformin, for these indications. In particular, for infertility, endocrinologists favoured metformin treatment whereas gynaecologists recommended clomiphene.Conclusions  There is a lack of consensus between endocrinologists and gynaecologists in the definition, diagnosis and treatment of PCOS. As a consequence, women may receive a different diagnosis or treatment depending on the type of specialist consulted.
Bovine spinal muscular atrophy: AFG3L2 is not a positional candidate gene
Authors: Joerg H. , Muntwyler J. , Glowatzki‐Mullis M.‐L. , Ahrens E. , Asai‐Coakwell M. , Stranzinger G. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBovine spinal muscular atrophy (BSMA) is a neurodegenerative disorder, which is widespread in Brown Swiss cattle. Main symptoms of the disease are muscular atrophy and recumbency. Affected calves die within few days or weeks. BSMA seems to be inherited as a recessive trait and the disease allele appears to have a common origin. In this study, a pedigree with 30 affected BSMA calves was used to genetically localize the BSMA locus. Linkage analysis was performed between microsatellite markers of seven chromosomes, where the homologous genes of human neurodegenerative disorders are located according to comparative mapping data, and the disease genotype. BSMA was mapped to chromosome 24 confirming the recently published localization (Medugorac et al. 2003). The candidate gene AFG3L2 was physically mapped to chromosome 24q24 using fluorescence in situ hybridization. Due to their different localizations AFG3L2 is not a positional candidate for BSMA. An informative marker localized on the telomeric side of the BSMA locus would be beneficial for marker‐assisted selection as well as searching for the causative gene. However, finding a marker distal to BSMA locus is difficult because of its position at the end of the chromosome.
Identification and characterization of novel peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR‐γ) transcriptional variants in pig and human
Authors: Omi T. , Brenig B. , Špilar Kramer Š. , Iwamoto S. , Stranzinger G. , Neuenschwander S. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryThe peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR‐γ) is a member of the steroid/thyroid/retinoid receptor superfamily, and is primarily expressed in fat tissue. To date, two major PPAR‐γ isoforms have been identified in pig, PPAR‐γ1 and PPAR‐γ2. Porcine PPAR‐γ1a consists of two leader exons, designated A1 and A2, followed by six exons containing the open reading frame. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of three novel PPAR‐γ1 transcripts. PPAR‐γ1b is derived from exon A1, with exon A2 spliced out. PPAR‐γ1c and PPAR‐γ1d are derived from the new exon, A′, containing exon A2 (γ1c) or without exon A2 (γ1d). Based on PCR analysis of PAC clones that included sequences from the 5′‐untranslated region of the PPAR‐γ gene, the new A′ exon is located between the known exons A1 and A2. We also isolated the human homologue to exon A′, as well as the two new PPAR‐γ1c and ‐γ1d splice variants, from human adipose tissue. Studies of the expression of porcine PPAR‐γ by real time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction analysis show that transcripts derived from exon A1 were not expressed at significantly different levels in visceral fat (lamina subserosa) or subcutaneous fat (back fat, inner and outer layer). In contrast, exon A′‐derived transcripts were expressed at progressively higher levels in the inner and outer layers of subcutaneous fat than in visceral fat. The same expression pattern was also observed for PPAR‐γ2. We hypothesize that there are three promoters, which differentially regulate PPAR‐γ1 and PPAR‐γ2 gene expression, depending on the specific localization of the fat tissue.
Reorganization of the human motor cortex by sensory signals: A selective review
Authors: Miles Timothy S 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY1. The normal human motor cortex can be made to reorganize by repeated stimulation of proprioceptive inputs, with or without concurrent stimulation of the motor cortex by transcranial magnetic nerve stimulation. Appropriate stimulation induces a focal increase in the excitability of corticospinal projections to specific muscles and, possibly, an increase in the area of the cortex projecting to those muscles.2. We have shown that repeated stimulation on several successive days causes this ‘plastic’ reorganization to persist for at least several days. We have also used this approach to determine whether increases in the excitability of the motor cortex can be induced in stroke patients (in whom cortical excitability is usually depressed) and whether this is accompanied by functional changes.3. The results of these studies were mixed but, in patients in whom plastic changes were induced, there were improvements and sometimes marked improvements in both motor function and some electrophysiological parameters. The reasons for the inconsistent results are not clear, but do not appear to relate to the site, size or nature of the lesion.
Caffeine–herbal ephedra combination increases resting energy expenditure, heart rate and blood pressure
Authors: Vukovich Matthew D , Schoorman Rana , Heilman Chris , Jacob Peyton , Benowitz Neal L 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY1. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the consumption of an acute dose of caffeine and Ma Huang increases resting energy expenditure (REE), heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) over a 3 h period.2. A randomized, double‐blind cross‐over study was performed evaluating the acute effects of caffeine (150 mg)/herbal ephedra (Ma Huang; 20 mg ephedra alkaloids) versus a placebo. A total of eight healthy subjects (four males and four females) with a mean (±SD) age of 23.4 ± 0.8 years (mean ages for males and females: 25.3 ± 0.7 and 22.0 ± 0.7 years, respectively) and 22.5 ± 3.1% body fat (15.7 ± 1.2 and 27.6 ± 3.5% body fat for males and females, respectively) were recruited to the study. Participants were moderate caffeine users (approximately 150–300 mg/day).3. Subjects reported to the laboratory following a 12 h fast and 48 h of a caffeine‐free diet. Resting energy expenditure was measured prior to supplementation and for 15 min every 30 min for 3 h following supplementation. Heart rate and BP were obtained every 15 min. Blood samples were obtained every 30 min following the measurement of REE and analysed for caffeine, ephedrine, free fatty acids and glucose.4. By 3 h, HR was 22.7 ± 5.5% higher (P < 0.05) than baseline for the caffeine/ephedra trial compared with 8.9 ± 2.2% higher for the placebo grou. At 3 h, systolic BP was 9.1 ± 2.2% higher (P < 0.05) than baseline for the caffeine/ephedra trial compared with only 1.9 ± 2.9% different from baseline for the placebo trial. There was no effect of the caffeine/ephedra combination on diastolic BP. Resting energy expenditure during the last 30 min was 4.5 ± 2.5% higher in the placebo trial and 10.7 ± 2.5% higher (P < 0.05) in the caffeine/ephedra trial; REE was 8.5 ± 2.0% higher (P < 0.05) in the caffeine/ephedra trial compared with the placebo trial. Free fatty acids increased over time in the placebo and caffeine/ephedra trials (from 0.5 ± 0.05 to 0.63 ± 0.05 mEq/L and from 0.48 ± 0.06L to 0.8 ± 0.05 mEq/L, respectively).5. Caffeine and herbal ephedra, at doses of 150 mg and 20 mg (ephedrine), respectively, result in a significant elevation in REE, HR and BP. Although significant, the increase in energy expenditure is negligible in terms of weight loss.
Effects of post‐treatment with low‐dose propofol on inflammatory responses to lipopolysaccharide‐induced shock in conscious rats
Authors: Hsu Bang Gee , Yang Fwu Lin , Lee Ru Ping , Peng Tai Chu , Chen Hsing I 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY1. In the present study, we used a low dose of propofol (5 mg/kg per h) to investigate its effects on the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐10) and changes in nitric oxide (NO) following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for a period of 12 h in conscious rats.2. Experiments were designed to induce endotoxin shock by intravenous injection of Klebsiella pneumoniae LPS (10 mg/kg) in conscious rats. Arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored continuously for 12 h after LPS administration. Tumour necrosis factor‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐10 and plasma nitrates/nitrites were determined before and 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 h after LPS administration. A low dose of intravenous propofol (5 mg/kg per h) was administered to investigate the effects on cytokine responses and changes in NO in endotoxin shock.3. Lipopolysaccharide significantly increased TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐10, nitrites/nitrates and HR, whereas mean AP was decreased. Post‐treatment with propofol suppressed the release of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐10 and NO production after endotoxin shock.4. Lipopolysaccharide also caused a decrease in the white blood cell count and haematocrit.5. Post‐treatment with propofol slightly, but not significantly, affected the LPS‐induced systemic hypotension, tachycardia, leukocytopenia and anaemia.6. These findings suggest that low‐dose propofol may be beneficial to the inflammatory change in sepsis.
A channel in a transporter
Authors: Ryan Renae M , Vandenberg Robert J 
Published: February 2005

SUMMARY1. Glutamate transporters (or excitatory amino acid transporters (EAAT)) are responsible for removing synaptically released glutamate from the extracellular space. The failure of EAAT to carry out this role will lead to excessive stimulation of glutamatergic receptors, causing excitotoxicity and cell death.2. Glutamate is cotransported into the cell with three Na+ and one H+, followed by the counter‐transport of one K+. In addition, glutamate and Na+ binding activates an uncoupled chloride conductance. Thus, glutamate transporters can function as both a transporter and an ion channel. At present, there is no clear understanding of the structural basis for the dual functions of glutamate transporters and, in the present review, we shall discuss some recent studies that have started to address this question.3. It is possible to modulate one function of glutamate transporters without affecting the other, which suggests that the two functions have separate molecular determinants, and a number of models have been suggested to account for the dual functions of the EAAT that predict both single and dual pores for transporter function.4. It appears that the two functions of glutamate transporters arise from separate transmembrane domains. The C‐terminal region of the transporters forms the glutamate translocation domain, whereas the second transmembrane domain in the N‐terminal half of the protein plays a crucial role in chloride channel function. Although the two functions arise from separate molecular determinants, the two functional domains are likely to be in close proximity. The significance of these observations will be discussed in terms of likely functional models for the transport and channel processes.
Helicobacter pylori reinfection rate 3 years after successful eradication
Authors: ZENDEHDEL NASRIN , NASSERI‐MOGHADDAM SIAVOSH , MALEKZADEH REZA , MASSARRAT SADEGH , SOTOUDEH MASOUD , SIAVOSHI FARIDEH 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim: Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is one of the most prevalent human infections and has been implicated as a predisposing factor in gastric cancer, chronic active gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and gastric lymphoma. Reinfection after successful eradication is quite uncommon in adults. In the only study carried out in Iran, a reinfection rate of 19.1% after 1 year has been reported. We studied the rate of reinfection 3 years after successful HP eradication.Methods: All patients who had undergone HP eradication 3 years before the study and had successful eradication verified by a negative 14C urea breath test (UBT) 1 year after eradication were invited to complete a questionnaire and undergo another UBT. In addition, spouses and the offspring of those testing positive were offered an UBT.Results: Ninety‐eight patients were enrolled (49% male). Mean age was 44 ± 13 years (range: 18–75 years). Twenty patients (20.4%) had a positive UBT. Epigastric burning (25%vs 69%) and pyrosis (50%vs 67%) were seen less commonly in those who were HP free at 3 years compared to those who tested positive for HP.Conclusions: According to our data, in our region the HP reinfection rate is 20.4% 3 years after successful eradication.
Clinical course of ulcerative colitis in patients with and without primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: MOAYYERI ALIREZA , DARYANI NASER EBRAHIMI , BAHRAMI HOSSEIN , HAGHPANAH BABAK , NAYYER‐HABIBI ATOOSA , SADATSAFAVI MOHSEN 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground and Aim: We noticed in our practice that patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who have developed primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) experience a milder course of colonic disease. Our objective in this study was to define whether or not there is any difference between UC activity and its course in patients with and without PSC.Methods: Nineteen patients with UC and PSC (eight male, mean age 25 years) were enrolled. To every patient with UC and PSC, three patients with UC alone (total of 57 patients, 28 male, mean age 24 years) matched for age at onset, duration of the disease and extension of colonic disease were selected as the control group. We used number of hospitalizations due to activity of UC and number of short corticosteroid administrations in various years of follow‐up as variables indicating course and severity of the colonic disease in this period. For comparing trends of UC activity between two groups, we used repeated measures two‐way analysis of variances.Results: Mean duration of follow up in case and control groups was 12.2 ± 5.7 and 11.4 ± 4.9 years, respectively. Two groups had no significant difference in use of sulfasalzine or aminosalicylates. Number of hospitalizations and courses of steroid therapy because of UC activity decreased significantly over time (P < 0.000) in both groups, and it was significantly higher in controls than in cases (P = 0.045 and 0.032, respectively).Conclusions: Development of PSC in patients with UC might have a positive effect on colonic disease. Further investigations to evaluate the basis of this improvement are warranted.
Proliferative activity and genetic changes in adrenal cortical tumors examined by flow cytometry, fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry
Authors: TAKEHARA KOUSUKE , SAKAI HIDEKI , SHONO TAKEFUMI , IRIE JUNJI , KANETAKE HIROSHI 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground: To determine differences in biological features among different adrenal tumors, we investigated the DNA ploidy, numerical chromosomal aberration and proliferative activity in human adrenal cortical neoplasms.Methods: Our study included six adrenal cortical adenomas with Cushing syndrome, 12 adenomas with hyperaldosteronism, three non‐functioning adenomas and three adrenal cortical carcinomas. Isolated nuclei from frozen samples were used for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues from the same materials were analyzed using flow cytometry (FCM) for DNA ploidy. Sections from paraffin blocks were stained immunohistochemically with antibodies against Ki‐67 and p53. For FISH analysis, we used an α‐centromeric enumeration probe for chromosome 17.Results: The mean Ki‐67 labeling index (LI) of adrenal cortical carcinomas was markedly higher than that of adrenal cortical adenomas (209.4 vs 8.7). In functional adrenal cortical adenomas, the LI was significantly lower in adenomas with hyperaldosteronism than in those with Cushing syndrome (P = 0.004), although FCM results indicated that tetraploid patterns were more frequently observed in the former type. Tumor size was significantly smaller in adenomas with hyperaldosteronism than in those with Cushing syndrome (P = 0.004). Chromosome 17 showed disomy in all adrenal cortical adenomas, whereas chromosome 17 abnormalities were found in two of three adrenal cortical carcinomas. Only the latter two cases strongly expressed p53 protein.Conclusions: Our study characterized various biological features of benign and malignant adrenal cortical tumors. The use of a combination of markers might provide additional information to assist our understanding of the clinical behavior of an individual adrenal cortical tumor.
Impact of hormonal therapy prior to radical prostatectomy on the recovery of quality of life
Authors: NAMIKI SHUNICHI , SAITO SEIICHI , TOCHIGI TATSUO , KUWAHARA MASAAKI , IORITANI NAOMASA , YOSHIMURA KOJI , TERAI AKITO , KOINUMA NOBUO , ARAI YOICHI 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground: We investigated the changes in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients who underwent prostatectomy (RP) with or without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT).Methods: A total of 72 patients undergoing direct RP (DRP group) and 26 patients receiving neoadjuvant hormonal therapy (NHT group) were enrolled in the present study. The baseline interview was conducted before RP (not initiation of therapy). Follow‐up interviews were conducted in person at scheduled study visits of 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. We measured general and disease specific HRQOL with the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form and University of California, Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index, respectively.Results: At baseline, the NHT group scored statistically lower for not only sexual function (P < 0.001), but also the general HRQOL, such as role limitations due to physical problems (P = 0.007), social function (P = 0.045) and mental health (P = 0.034), than the DRP group. The NHT group reported lower scores in social function and mental health at 3 months (P = 0.040 and 0.006, respectively). Patients who received NHT for more than 3 months continued to show significantly lower scores for some HRQOL domains 12 months later.Conclusion: Neoadjuvant hormonal therapy may decrease not only sexual function, but also general HRQOL before surgery. The recovery of HRQOL appeared to be further prolonged in patients who received long‐term NHT.
Efficacy and safety of laparoscopic surgery for pheochromocytoma
Authors: NAYA YUKIO , ICHIKAWA TOMOHIKO , SUZUKI HIROYOSHI , KOMIYA AKIRA , NAGATA MAKI , UEDA TAKESHI , YAMAGUCHI KUNIO , ITO HARUO 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjective: Laparoscopic surgery for primary aldosteronoma and Cushing's syndrome is well established. We report on our experiences with laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma, and assess the efficacy and safety of the laparoscopic approach.Methods: Between April 1998 and April 2003, a total of 23 patients underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma at Chiba University Hospital and Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Japan. We compared the surgical outcomes of these patients with those of 106 patients with adrenal tumors due to other pathologies who underwent laparoscopic adrenalectomy during the same period.Results: The mean tumor size of pheochromocytoma was 4.96 cm. Mean operative time was 192.7 min, and mean estimated blood loss was 130 mL. Neither mean operative time nor mean estimated blood loss was greater for patients with pheochromocytoma. Intraoperative hypertension (systolic blood pressure > 180 mmHg) occurred in 39.1% (9/23) of patients with pheochromocytoma. During the follow‐up period, there were no mortalities or recurrences of endocrinopathy.Conclusions: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma is a safe and minimally invasive procedure.
Preoperative prediction of final pathological features is not improved by the free‐to‐total prostate‐specific antigen ratio in Japanese men with clinically localized prostate cancer
Authors: MIYAKE HIDEAKI , SAKAI IORI , HARADA KEN‐ICHI , HARA ISAO , ETO HIROSHI 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackground: The objective of the present study was to determine whether the percentage of free/total prostate‐specific antigen (f/tPSA) in patients scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer can preoperatively predict organ‐confined versus extraprostatic disease.Methods: Serum levels of fPSA and tPSA were measured in 97 patients with clinically organ‐confined disease before they underwent radical prostatectomy. The relationships of tPSA, f/tPSA and the pathological stage of the prostatectomy specimens were analyzed. Furthermore, the ability of f/tPSA to predict the pathological features was compared with those of tPSA and systematic biopsy findings.Results: Organ‐confined and extraprostatic extension diseases were present in 51 and 46 men, respectively. tPSA in patients with extraprostatic diseases was significantly higher than that in those with organ‐confined diseases; however, there was no significant difference in f/tPSA between these two groups. There was also a significant difference in tPSA levels at each pathological stage, while f/tPSA did not parallel the pathological stage. Furthermore, there was no additional information concerning the extent of prostate cancer obtained when f/tPSA was combined with tPSA or with the percent of positive biopsy cores, which is the most significant predictor of the extent of prostate cancer among factors associated with systematic biopsy.Conclusion: f/tPSA could not predict the final pathological features in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer before radical prostatectomy. Moreover, the predictive value provided by tPSA or systematic biopsy findings was not improved by combined analysis with f/tPSA.