bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A‐I: risk indicators of coronary heart disease and targets for lipid‐modifying therapy
Authors: Walldius G. , Jungner I. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Although LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C) is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, other lipoproteins and their constituents, apolipoproteins, may play an important role in atherosclerosis. Elevated levels of apolipoprotein (apo) B, a constituent of atherogenic lipoproteins, and reduced levels of apo A‐I, a component of anti‐atherogenic HDL, are associated with increased cardiac events. Apo B, apo A‐I and the apo B/apo A‐I ratio have been reported as better predictors of cardiovascular events than LDL‐C and they even retain their predictive power in patients receiving lipid‐modifying therapy. Measurement of these apolipoproteins could improve cardiovascular risk prediction.
Sudden cardiac death in the young in Sweden: electrocardiogram in relation to forensic diagnosis
Authors: Wisten A. , Andersson S. , Forsberg H. , Krantz P. , Messner T. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Objectives.  To study electrocardiogram (ECG) in relation to forensic diagnosis in young persons who suffered a sudden cardiac death (SCD) in Sweden during 1992–99.Design.  A register study of a national database of forensic medicine in Sweden, selecting all cases of SCD 15–35 years of age. In this group, 12‐lead ECGs and clinical data were searched for in military conscription and medical records. The ECGs were re‐analysed and classified according to the Minnesota code criteria.Setting.  The whole nation of Sweden.Subjects.  Sudden cardiac death victims (66 individuals), 15–35 years of age, where it was possible to obtain an ECG recording.Results.  We observed major or minor ECG abnormalities in 82% of the subjects. The most common changes were T wave abnormalities (35%), ST segment changes (32%) and conduction defects (20%). The ECGs were evaluated as pathological in 50% of the cases, more often in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (88%) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (82%). Cardiac‐related symptoms were seen in 76% of the total group and there was a family history of a similar cardiac condition in 18%.Conclusions.  Pathological ECGs were common in young SCD victims, in spite of being taken many years before death. An ECG could help identify prospective victims of SCD, and should always be taken in cases with possible cardiac‐related symptoms or a family history of SCD. The pathological ECGs were often found in connection with routine screening at military enlistment for men, which raises the question of a routine screening in the young, including women.
Early alterations in the postprandial VLDL1 apoB‐100 and apoB‐48 metabolism in men with strong heredity for type 2 diabetes
Authors: Johanson E. H. , Jansson P.‐A. , Gustafson B. , Lönn L. , Smith U. , Taskinen M.‐R. , Axelsen M. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Objectives.  To study the postprandial triglyceride‐rich lipoprotein (TRL) metabolism, specifically the concentrations of very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL); from intestine (apoB‐48) and liver (apoB‐100), in men with normal fasting triglycerides but at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Design.  Cross‐sectional study.Subjects and settings.  Sixteen healthy men with at least two first‐degree relatives with type 2 diabetes were individually matched with 16 control subjects without known diabetes heredity for: age, body mass index, and fasting triglyceride level. They underwent an 8‐h meal tolerance test (919 kcal, 51 g fat) during which lipoproteins were separated by density gradient ultracentrifugation. They were characterized by euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp, peak VO2, 7‐day diet registration and computed tomography.Results.  The relatives were, as expected, more insulin resistant than the controls and had increased concentration of postprandial VLDL1 particles (49% higher for VLDL1 apoB‐48, P = 0.04 and 21% higher for VLDL1 apoB‐100, P = 0.048). The elevation was related to insulin sensitivity, but not to lifestyle and body composition. Moreover, the concentration of postprandial triglycerides in VLDL1 fraction was inversely related to low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) size in both relatives (rs = −0.60, P = 0.03) and controls (rs = −0.72, P = 0.004). There were no differences in the concentration of triglycerides or apoB‐48 and apoB‐100 particles in the other fractions (plasma, chylomicron or VLDL2).Conclusion.  Increased postprandial concentration of TRLs in the VLDL1 fraction seems to be present at an early stage in the development of diabetes and probably contributes to the excess risk of future coronary events in insulin‐resistant men.
A new Q/QS pattern on the resting electrocardiogram is associated with impaired insulin secretion and a poor prognosis in elderly men independently of history of myocardial infarction
Authors: Dunder K. , Lind L. , Zethelius B. , Lithell H. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Objectives.  To evaluate risk factors and prognosis of subjects who had developed a new Q/QS pattern on the resting electrocardiogram (ECG) in relation to history of myocardial infarction (MI).Design.  Cross‐sectional and prospective population‐based cohort study.Setting.  Uppsala, Sweden.Subjects.  In 1970–73, all 50‐year‐old men in Uppsala, were invited to participate in a health survey aimed at identifying risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The present study included the 1221 subjects who also were re‐examined at age 70.Results.  Subjects with a new Q/QS pattern on the resting ECG at age 70 were characterized by impaired insulin secretion compared with those without Q/QS, and a higher prevalence of diabetes compared with the control group. In Cox proportional hazard analysis a new Q/QS pattern at age 70 was a significant predictor of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio : 1.67, 95% CI: 1.22–2.26) and total mortality (hazard ratio: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.04–1.62) (after age 70) during 9.4 years follow‐up, also when adjusted for other risk factors and MI diagnosis.Conclusion.  The finding of a new Q/QS pattern on the resting ECG, regardless of history of MI was associated with impaired insulin secretion and was an independent predictor of total and cardiovascular mortality. Therefore, these subjects must be given a high priority to preventive measures against both coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Family burden of cardiovascular mortality: risk implications for offspring in a national register linkage study based upon the Malmö Preventive Project
Authors: Nilsson P. M. , Nilsson J.‐Å. , Berglund G. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Objective.  To investigate the adjusted relative risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in offspring of parents with cardiovascular mortality before 75 years.Setting.  The city of Malmö, Sweden.Design.  A follow‐up study based on register linkage analyses.Subjects and methods.  In the Malmö Preventive Project (MPP), a total of 22 444 men and 10 902 women attended the screening programme between 1974 and 1992. At the screening conventional risk factors for CVD were measured (blood pressure, lipids, glucose, smoking and social class).Main outcome measures.  Parental CVD mortality was determined via register linkage analysis between the Multiple‐Generation Register and the National Mortality Register (NMR). CVD events (morbidity and mortality) in offspring were collected from national registers. The relative risk for CVD events in offspring, in relation to parental CVD mortality, was adjusted for age and risk factors at screening.Results.  The age‐adjusted relative risk (RR; 95%CI) for a son to experience a CVD event was increased in relation to a maternal positive family history of CVD mortality before 75 years when compared with no maternal history, RR 1.74 (1.43–2.11). This RR decreased to 1.51 (1.23–1.84; P < 0.001) after full adjustment for risk factors. The corresponding fully adjusted RRs for father–son heritage was RR 1.22 (1.02–1.47; P < 0.05), mother–daughter RR 0.87 (0.54–1.41), and father–daughter RR 1.20 (0.83–1.73).Conclusion.  The existence of maternal CVD mortality before the age of 75 years implies a substantial risk increase for CVD morbidity and mortality in sons that cannot be explained by social background, lifestyle, or conventional cardiovascular risk factors in the adult offspring.
Birth weight and cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort followed until 80 years of age: the study of men born in 1913
Authors: Eriksson M. , Wallander M.‐A. , Krakau I. , Wedel H. , Svärdsudd K. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Objectives. To analyse whether there is a relation‐ship between birth weight and cardiovascular risk factors given the influence of potential modifying factors from birth time, former generations and adult life.Design. Population‐based cohort followed until 80 years of age.Setting. Sweden.Subjects. A total of 478 singleton men born in 1913 and participating in a population study in Gothenburg, Sweden, from age 50.Main outcome measures. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), antihypertensive treatment, incident diabetes mellitus, and serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides and waist circumference as both continuous variables and in the highest quintiles of their distributions.Results. After adjustment for the influence of birth time variables, hereditary factors and anthropometric and socio‐economic adult life variables, SBP decreased by 3.7 mmHg per 1000 g increase of birth weight, the prevalence of antihypertensive treatment decreased by 32%, diabetes decreased by 53%, serum total cholesterol decreased by 0.20 mmol L−1and being in the top quintile of serum cholesterol decreased by 23%. The population risk percentage due to a birth weight ≤3000 g was for all three outcomes 3.8% and for antihypertensive treatment, diabetes and cholesterol 0.2, 18 and 2.5%, respectively.Conclusions. Low birth weight thus seems to affect the development of increasing SBP, antihypertensive treatment, diabetes and high cholesterol even when potential effect modifiers from birth time, former generations and adult life were taken into account. In the general population, the risk percentage due to a birth weight ≤3000 g was largest for diabetes.
U‐shaped relationship between mortality and admission blood pressure in patients with acute stroke
Authors: Vemmos K. N. , Tsivgoulis G. , Spengos K. , Zakopoulos N. , Synetos A. , Manios E. , Konstantopoulou P. , Mavrikakis M. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Objective.  To evaluate the relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on admission and early or late mortality in patients with acute stroke.Design.  Prospective study of hospitalized first‐ever stroke patients over 8 years.Setting.  Stroke unit and medical wards in a University hospital.Subjects.  A total of 1121 patients admitted within 24 h from stroke onset and followed up for 12 months.Main outcome measures.  Mortality at 1 and 12 months after stroke in relation to admission SBP and DBP.Results.  Early and late mortality in patients with acute ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke in relation to admission SBP and DBP followed a ‘U‐curve pattern’. After adjusting for known outcome predictors, the relative risk of 1‐month and 1‐year mortality associated with a 10‐mmHg SBP increase above 130 mmHg (U‐point of the curve) increased by 10.2% (95% CI: 4.2–16.6%) and 7.2% (95% CI: 2.2–12.3%), respectively. For every 10 mmHg SBP decrease, below the U‐point, the relative risk of 1‐month and 1‐year mortality rose by 28.2% (95% CI: 8.6–51.3%) and 17.5% (95% CI: 3.1–34.0%), respectively. Low admission SBP‐values were associated with heart failure (P < 0.001) and coronary artery disease (P = 0.006), whilst high values were associated with history of hypertension (P < 0.001) and lacunar stroke (P < 0.001). Death due to cerebral oedema was significantly (P = 0.005) more frequent in patients with high admission SBP‐values, whereas death due to cardiovascular disease was more frequent (P = 0.004) in patients with low admission SBP‐values.Conclusion.  Acute ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke patients with high and low admission BP‐values have a higher early and late mortality. Coincidence of heart disease is associated with low initial BP‐values. Death due to neurological damage from brain oedema is associated with high initial BP‐values.
Changes in blood pressure and body weight following smoking cessation in women
Authors: Janzon E. , Hedblad B. , Berglund G. , Engström G. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Objective.  Few have studied the long‐term effects of smoking and smoking cessation on weight gain and blood pressure increase and compared with the age‐related increases experienced by most adults. This study compared the development of weight and blood pressure in female never smokers, continuing smokers and smokers who quit smoking.Design.  Weight, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure and smoking habits were assessed at baseline and re‐assessed after a mean follow‐up of 9.0 ± 5.8 years.Setting.  Population‐based cohort.Subjects.  A total of 2381 female never smokers and 1550 female smokers. At the re‐examination, 388 of the smokers had quit smoking.Results.  Mean weight gain was 7.6 ± 6.1, 3.2 ± 5.8 and 3.7 ± 5.2 kg, respectively, in quitters, continuing smokers and never smokers (P < 0.001). In women without blood pressure treatment, mean SBP increase was 20.9 ± 16.8, 19.1 ± 15.8 and 16.1 ± 16.3 mmHg, respectively, in these groups (P < 0.001). Mean DBP increase was 6.2 ± 8.7, 5.7 ± 9.3 and 3.1 ± 8.0 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.001). After adjustments for potential confounders, the increased weight gain in quitters remained highly significant. The differences in SBP and DBP increase were attenuated after adjustments, but remained significant. Incidence of hypertension (≥ 160/95 mmHg or treatment) was significantly higher in quitters [adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.8; CI: 1.4–2.5] when compared with continuing smokers (OR: 1.3; CI: 1.07–1.6) and never smokers (reference).Conclusion.  Over a long follow‐up, weight gain was approximately 3–4 kg higher in quitters when compared with continuing smokers or never smokers. Although the differences in blood pressure increase were moderate, smoking cessation was associated with an increased incidence of hypertension.
Where are clinical trials going? Society and clinical trials
Authors: Sleight P. 
Published: January 2004

Abstract.Clinical trials now increasingly impinge on society at large. First there is growing emphasis from health organizations on the need for unbiased evidence about the effectiveness of promoted remedies. Second, as most novel treatments accrue increased costs to society, these need to be evaluated in terms of value for money. Third, there has been confusion and concern about the resolution of conflicting evidence, especially the role of advertising and commercial pressures from a powerful pharmaceutical industry motivated by profit. Fourth, there is concern about research fraud and the ethics of clinical trials. Fifth, there is increasing suspicion of political advice, which sometimes has sought to reassure an anxious public on the basis of complex and possibly inadequate scientific information.Some of these issues are addressed by truly independent and properly constituted data and safety monitoring committees, which are of particular importance when academic investigators or universities have a large financial conflict of interest. This is now more problematic with the current encouragement of investigator‐led spin‐off companies. These issues are best resolved by independent financial support (from government or other institutions) rather than relying on the commercial sponsor.
Historical and contemporary multilocus population structure of Ascochyta rabiei (teleomorph: Didymella rabiei) in the Pacific Northwest of the United States
Authors: Peever T. L. , Salimath S. S. , Su G. , Kaiser W. J. , Muehlbauer F. J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe historical and contemporary population genetic structure of the chickpea Ascochyta blight pathogen, Ascochyta rabiei (teleomorph: Didymella rabiei), was determined in the US Pacific Northwest (PNW) using 17 putative AFLP loci, four genetically characterized, sequence‐tagged microsatellite loci (STMS) and the mating type locus (MAT). A single multilocus genotype of A. rabiei (MAT1‐1) was detected in 1983, which represented the first recorded appearance of Ascochyta blight of chickpea in the PNW. During the following year many additional alleles, including the other mating type allele (MAT1‐2), were detected. By 1987, all alleles currently found in the PNW had been introduced. Highly significant genetic differentiation was detected among contemporary subpopulations from different hosts and geographical locations indicating restricted gene flow and/or genetic drift occurring within and among subpopulations and possible selection by host cultivar. Two distinct populations were inferred with high posterior probability which correlated to host of origin and date of sample using Bayesian model‐based population structure analyses of multilocus genotypes. Allele frequencies, genotype distributions and population assignment probabilities were significantly different between the historical and contemporary samples of isolates and between isolates sampled from a resistance screening nursery and those sampled from commercial chickpea fields. A random mating model could not be rejected in any subpopulation, indicating the importance of the sexual stage of the fungus both as a source of primary inoculum for Ascochyta blight epidemics and potentially adaptive genotypic diversity.
Direct and maternal genetic relationships of lamb live weight and carcass traits in Swedish sheep breeds
Authors: Näsholm A. 
Published: January 2004

SummaryPossibilities to include carcass traits recorded at commercial slaughterhouses in the genetic evaluation of sheep in Sweden were investigated by estimating direct and maternal genetic parameters for 4‐month weight (4MW), carcass weight (CW), carcass fatness grade (FAT), and carcass fleshiness (FLESH) using multiple‐trait animal models. Data included two sets of breeds, the so‐called white breeds (Swedish landrace breeds, Texel, Dorset, Oxford Down, Suffolk, East Friesian Milk Sheep, and Swedish crossbred) and the Gotland breed. There were 30 625 observations on 4MW and 5062 observations on carcass traits for the white breeds. For the Gotland breed the numbers were 43 642 and 7893, respectively. The results showed that it is feasible to use field‐recorded carcass traits in the genetic evaluation. To consider the effects of selection and to utilize all information in an optimal way multiple trait animal models should be used. Direct and maternal heritabilities for 4MW and CW varied between 0.04 and 0.18 and heritabilities for FAT and FLESH between 0.21 and 0.29. Direct and maternal genetic correlations between 4MW and CW were high (0.61–0.97). Genetic correlations were higher between the weights and FLESH (0.11–0.62) than between the weights and FAT (−0.23 to 0.40). Genetic correlations between FAT and FLESH were moderate (0.38–0.45). Heritabilities for CW were higher if 4MW was included in the analyses and the effect of selection on 4MW was stronger for CW than for FAT or FLESH. The importance of maternal effects on carcass traits was discussed.
Assessment of Migraine Disability Using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire: A Comparison of Chronic Migraine With Episodic Migraine
Authors: Bigal Marcelo E. , Rapoport Alan M. , Lipton Richard B. , Tepper Stewart J. , Sheftell Fred D. 
Published: January 2004

Background.—Chronic migraine is the most common type of chronic daily headache seen in headache tertiary care centers. Most patients with chronic migraine report their ability to function and feeling of well‐being as severely impaired.Objective.—To measure the headache‐related disability of patients with chronic migraine using the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Questionnaire, comparing it with that obtained in a control group of patients with episodic migraine.Methods.—The clinical records of 703 patients with chronic daily headache treated in a headache specialty clinic were reviewed to identify 182 with chronic migraine who were evaluated using the MIDAS at their initial visit. Our control group consisted of 86 patients with episodic migraine.Results.—Of the 182 patients with chronic migraine, 127 (69.8%) were overusing acute‐care medication. Patients were predominantly women (72.5%), with a mean age of 38.3 years. The group with episodic migraine consisted of 59 women (68.6%), with a mean age of 36.1 years. No statistically significant demographic differences were observed between the two groups. The group with chronic migraine had more total headache days over 3 months (66.7 versus 15.5, P<.001), missed more days of work or school (5.3 versus 2.3, P  =  .0007), had more reduced effectiveness days at work or school (11.9 versus 4.6, P  =  .0001), missed more days of housework (16.5 versus 3.3, P<.0001), and missed more days of family, social, or leisure activities (7.0 versus 5.5, P  =  .03). The group with chronic migraine was more likely to be in MIDAS grade IV (64.3% versus 43.2%, P  =  .001), reflecting the great likelihood of severe disability in this group. The average total MIDAS score was 34.9 in the group with chronic migraine versus 19.3 in the group with episodic migraine (P<.001).Conclusion.—In subspecialty centers, patients with chronic migraine demonstrate remarkable impairment of their daily activities and are severely burdened by their headache syndrome, reflected by their high MIDAS scores. The chronicity and pervasiveness of migraine thus is associated with increased functional impairment as well as increase in headache frequency.