bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus in all ethnic groups in Mauritius
Authors: Söderberg S. , Zimmet P. , Tuomilehto J. , De Courten M. , Dowse G. K. , Chitson P. , Gareeboo H. , Alberti K. G. M. M. , Shaw J. E. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAims  To describe the prevalence of different stages of glucose intolerance in a population from Mauritius followed over 11 years.Methods  Population‐based surveys were undertaken in the multiethnic nation of Mauritius in 1987, 1992 and 1998, with 5083, 6616, and 6291 participants, respectively. Questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and a 2‐h 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test were included. Subjects aged between 25 and 75 years with classifiable data were identified; 4991, 6463 and 5392 from 1987, 1992 and 1998, respectively. Glucose tolerance was classified according to WHO 1999 criteria.Results  The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes increased significantly during the period studied, from 12.8% in 1987, to 15.2% in 1992, and 17.9% in 1998. The increasing prevalence was seen in both men and women, and in all age groups. The prevalence of known diabetes (KDM) increased progressively, and more markedly than the increase in newly diagnosed diabetes (NDM). A diagnosis of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was more prevalent amongst women whereas impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was more common amongst men. The prevalences of IGT and IFG did not change markedly during the period. The prevalence of diabetes and IGT was similar for participants of Indian, Creole and Chinese background in each survey, and the increasing prevalence of diabetes was seen in all ethnic groups.Conclusion  In this study, we report an increasing prevalence of diabetes over an 11‐year period in Mauritius. This increase was seen in both sexes, and in all age and ethnic groups, and was mainly due to an increase in the numbers of those with known diabetes.
Studies of relationships between variation of the human G protein‐coupled receptor 40 Gene and Type 2 diabetes and insulin release
Authors: Hamid Y. H. , Vissing H. , Holst B. , Urhammer S. A. , Pyke C. , Hansen S. K. , Glümer C. , Borch‐Johnsen K. , Jørgensen T. , Schwartz T. W. , Pedersen O. , Hansen T. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAims  Recently, a novel human G protein‐coupled receptor 40 (GPR40), which is predominantly expressed in pancreatic islets, was shown to mediate an amplifying effect of long‐chain fatty acids on glucose‐induced insulin secretion. The present aim was to examine the coding region of GPR40 for variation and to assess whether identified variants confer an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes or altered insulin release.Methods  Mutation analysis was performed in 43 patients with Type 2 diabetes, 18 normal glucose‐tolerant subjects, and 3 maturity‐onset of diabetes in the young (MODY) X patients using direct sequencing. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐generated primer extension products analysis by high throughput chip‐based mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF). The potential impact of GPR40 mutations on [3H]‐myo‐inositol turnover was estimated in COS‐7 cells after stimulation with various concentrations of 5,8,11‐eicosatriynoic acid.Results  Two nucleotide substitutions, an Arg211His polymorphism and a rare Asp175Asn mutation, were identified. Both variants showed EC50 values similar to the wild type. However, the maximal efficacy of the rare Asp175Asn was 39% lower compared with the wild type (P = 0.01). The Arg211His polymorphism had a similar allele frequency among 1384 Type 2 diabetic patients [MAF%; 23.4 (95% CI: 21.8–25.0)] and 4424 middle‐aged glucose‐tolerant subjects [24.1% (23.2–25.0)]. A genotype‐quantitative trait study of 5597 non‐diabetic, middle‐aged subjects from the Inter99 cohort showed no significant differences in oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)‐derived estimates of insulin release between carriers of various GPR40 genotypes.Conclusions  Variations in the coding region of GPR40 do not appear to be associated with Type 2 diabetes or insulin release alterations.
Previous abdominal surgery and closed entry for gynaecological laparoscopy: a prospective study
Authors: Rafii Arash , Camatte Sophie , Lelièvre Loïc , Daraï Emile , Lécuru Fabrice 
Published: December 2004

Objectives  To assess the morbidity from closed laparoscopic access and define the role of previous surgery on the occurrence of these complications.Design and Methods  We prospectively recorded data on all laparoscopic procedures between January 2000 and January 2001. We compared results from patients without previous abdominal surgery (group I) with patients with prior abdominal surgery (group II). The insertion site for the Verres needle was trans‐umbilical for patients in group I and in the left upper quadrant for patients in group II.Setting  Gynaecology department of a University Hospital.Population  All laparoscopic procedures between January 2000 and January 2001.Main outcome measures  We compared results from patients without previous abdominal surgery (group I) with patients with prior abdominal surgery (group II). The insertion site for the Verres needle was trans‐umbilical for patients in group I and the left upper quadrant for patients in group II.Results  Four hundred and seventy‐seven laparoscopies were carried out during the study period, 368 women without previous surgery were included in group I, and 109 women were included in group II. We recorded 1 complication (overall complication rate of 0.2% and 31 incidents (6.4%). One complication (small bowel injury) was related to the insertion of the Verres needle (0.2%). The incidents and complications occurred only in group II (P < 0.05). All the complications were treated by laparoscopy.Conclusion  The complication rate of the entry step is low in gynaecological laparoscopy. A previous history of laparotomy increases the risk of these complications and incidents. Safety rules and other access method should be investigated for these patients.
Association between congenital toxoplasmosis and preterm birth, low birthweight and small for gestational age birth
Authors: Freeman K. , Oakley L. , Pollak A. , Buffolano W. , Petersen E. , Semprini A.E. , Salt A. , Gilbert R. ,   for The European Multicentre Study on Congenital Toxoplasmosis (EMSCOT) Members of The European Multicentre Study on Congenital Toxoplasmosis (EMSCOT) are listed on page 000
Published: December 2004

Objective  To determine the association between congenital toxoplasmosis and preterm birth, low birthweight and small for gestational age birth.Design  Multicentre prospective cohort study.Setting  Ten European centres offering prenatal screening for toxoplasmosis.Population  Deliveries after 23 weeks of gestation in 386 women with singleton pregnancies who seroconverted to toxoplasma infection before 20 weeks of gestation. Deliveries after 36 weeks in 234 women who seroconverted at 20 weeks or later, and tested positive before 37 weeks.Methods  Comparison of infected and uninfected births, adjusted for parity and country of birth.Main outcome measures  Differences in gestational age at birth, birthweight and birthweight centile.Results  Infected babies were born or delivered earlier than uninfected babies: the mean difference for seroconverters before 20 weeks was −5.4 days (95% CI: −1.4, −9.4), and at 20 weeks or more, −2.6 days (95% CI: −0.5, −4.7). Congenital infection was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery when seroconversion occurred before 20 weeks (OR 4.71; 95% CI: 2.03, 10.9). No significant differences were detected for birthweight or birthweight centile.Conclusion  Babies with congenital toxoplasmosis were born earlier than uninfected babies but the mechanism leading to shorter length of gestation is unknown. Congenital infection could precipitate early delivery or prompt caesarean section or induction of delivery. We found no evidence for a significant association between congenital toxoplasmosis and reduced birthweight or small for gestational age birth.
The long term neurologic outcome of children from pregnancies complicated by twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Dickinson Jan E. , Duncombe Gregory J. , Evans Sharon F. , French Noel P. , Hagan Ronnie 
Published: December 2004

Objective  To assess long term outcomes of children from pregnancies complicated by twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome.Design  Comparison of children from pregnancies with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome in Western Australia with a contemporaneous regional comparison cohort of preterm and term infants studied using an identical assessment procedure.Population and setting  All infants aged ≥18 months were identified from a geographically based longitudinal cohort of monochorionic twin pregnancies with an antenatal diagnosis of twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome conducted prospectively since 1992.Methods  Children were evaluated using age‐specific developmental and behavioural assessments. Cerebral palsy was diagnosed clinically and ascertainment confirmed through the Western Australian Cerebral Palsy Register.Main outcome measures  Intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, behavioural and cognitive function.Results  Fifty‐two children were identified as eligible for study and assessments were performed on 49 (94%). Three surviving children had a diagnosis of cerebral palsy (5.8%). The mean IQ score was 8 points lower in twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome children compared with the comparison cohort although this was mainly due to a decrement of 13 points in those born before 33 weeks of gestation. There was no difference between the donor and the recipient twin in terms of IQ scores (median difference −3, 95% CI −9 to 6). There was no relationship of IQ score to the worst stage of the twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome. Child Behavior Check List and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale scores did not differ between twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome children and the comparison group.Conclusions  Twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome is associated with a significant reduction in IQ score in very preterm survivors. There seems to be no increase in the prevalence of cerebral palsy. Overall behaviour and adaptive behaviour scale scores are similar to a comparison group.
Repeated measures screening for Down's Syndrome
Authors: Wright David E. , Bradbury Ian 
Published: December 2004

Objective  To demonstrate the potential value of screening for Down's Syndrome using highly correlated repeated measures of serum markers taken in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.Design  A Monte Carlo simulation study.Population  Detection rates and false positive rates relating to the maternal age distribution of England and Wales for the period 1996 to 1998 were obtained using marker distributions from the SURUSS study.Results  Screening using first trimester nuchal translucency and repeated measures of uE3 and PAPP‐A in the first and second trimester has an estimated false positive rate of 0.3% for an 85% detection rate. This should be compared with the integrated test with an estimated false positive rate of 1.2% for the same detection rate.Conclusions  The performance of repeated measures screening tests, and their acceptability to women, should be assessed in further prospective studies.
Metallogenesis of the late Pan‐African gold‐bearing East Ouzzal shear zone (Hoggar, Algeria)
Authors: MARIGNAC CH. , SEMIANI A. , FOURCADE S. , BOIRON M.‐C. , JORON J.‐L. , KIENAST J.‐R. , PEUCAT J.‐J. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTIn the W Hoggar (Algeria), the major transcurrent N–S East Ouzzal shear zone (EOSZ) hosts several world‐class gold deposits over a 100‐km length. The late Pan‐African EOSZ separates two contrasting Precambrian domains: the Archaean In Ouzzal block to the west (orthogneisses with subordinate metasediments, reworked and granulitized in the c. 2 Ga Eburnean event) and a Middle Proterozoic block to the east (again orthogneisses and metasediments, involved in the c. 600 Ma Pan‐African event).The EOSZ is a mylonite belt, 1–3 km wide, with a 50‐m‐wide ultramylonite belt hosting numerous quartz veins and lenses (giant hydrothermal quartz system) associated with a quartz‐sericite‐pyrite‐carbonate (beresite) alteration. These hydrothermal events occurred under ductile (evolving towards brittle) conditions, between 500 and 300 MPa, at 500–300°C, with aqueous‐carbonic fluids derived both from underlying devolatilized metamorphic rocks and a mantle source, as recorded by stable (C, O) isotope data. No gold mineralization was associated with these typical mesothermal events.Following a pressure drop (to 130 MPa), related to the inception of extensional tectonics, the EOSZ was later percolated by a new set of hydrothermal fluids, evolved from basinal waters that deeply penetrated into the In Ouzzal basement. These fluids were Ca‐bearing brines (up to 25% wt. eq. NaCl), characterized by high δD (‐9 to + 18‰ range), mobilized by the thermal energy released by the late Pan‐African granite magmatism (Taourirt granites).As demonstrated by Pb isotope data, the brines leached Au from the In Ouzzal granulites (which contain 3 ppb Au). Fluid inclusion studies indicate that gold was deposited from these brines in the EOSZ at a depth of c. 5 km, due to mixing and cooling with descending diluted fluids.
Geochemistry and isotope (Sr, Nd, O) study of Al–Mg granulites from the In Ouzzal Archaean block (Hoggar, Algeria)
Authors: BERNARD‐GRIFFITHS J. , FOURCADE S. , KIENAST J.‐R , PEUCAT J.‐J. , MARTINEAU F. , RAHMANI A. 
Published: December 2004

ABSTRACTThe In Ouzzal Al–Mg granulites are found within sedimentary units deposited after 2.7 Ga, the whole association being metamorphosed under extreme temperature conditions (c.1000 °C) at 2 Ga. The Al–Mg granulites are interlayered with other metasediments, including metapelites, quartzites and magnetite‐bearing quartzites, forsterite‐spinel marbles, and a few meta‐igneous rocks (mainly pyroxenites). They do not occur at a specific position in the sedimentary suite, and they do not reflect any particular structural control.The major and trace element compositions of Al–Mg granulites (especially the high Cr, Ni, Co contents) show that their peculiar ‘refractory’ chemistry is more compatible with premetamorphic sedimentary characteristics rather than with metasomatic, metamorphic or partial melting processes. Sedimentary admixtures of a common mature detrital component coming from the weathering of the local acidic igneous crustal protoliths (normal pelitic component) with an extremely immature component derived from reworking of basic/ultrabasic lithologies (Al–Mg–Cr–Co–Ni–rich chloritic component) is consistent with the geochemistry of such rocks.As in other instances, the quartz‐garnet oxygen isotopic thermometer here records an apparent temperature close to the peak metamorphism (c.1000 °C). Although the persistence of pre‐existing δ18O variations on a small scale during the metamorphism does not support a major pervasive fluid flow during metamorphism, it does not rule out the presence of syn‐ to post‐metamorphic CO2. The low δ18O (c.+ 5 to + 6‰) of the most typical Al–Mg granulites indicate that the ‘chloritic component’ in these rocks was derived from hydrothermally altered mafic/ultramafic protoliths rather than dominantly from palaeosols. It is suggested that the presence of such Al–Mg–Cr–Co–Ni–rich sediments is indirect evidence for the presence of greenstone belts in the local crust of the In Ouzzal at 2.6–2.7 Ga.
Desertification alters regional ecosystem–climate interactions
Authors: Asner Gregory P. , Heidebrecht Kathleen B. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractWe studied the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of vegetation structural responses to precipitation variation in grassland, transitional, and desertified‐shrubland ecosystems in an 800 km2 region of Northern Chihuahua, USA. Airborne high‐fidelity imaging spectroscopy data collected from 1997 to 2001 provided spatially detailed measurements of photosynthetic and senescent canopy cover and bare soil extent. The observations were made following wintertime and summer monsoonal rains, which varied in magnitude by >300% over the study period, allowing an assessment of ecosystem responses to climate variation in the context of desertification.Desertification caused a persistent increase in both photosynthetic vegetation (PV) and bare soil cover, and a lasting decrease in nonphotosynthetic vegetation (NPV). We did not observe a change in the spatial variability of PV cover, but its temporal variation decreased substantially. In contrast, desertification caused the spatial variability of NPV to increase markedly, while its temporal variation did not change. Both the spatial and temporal variation of exposed bare surfaces decreased with desertification. Desertification appeared to be linked to a shift in seasonal precipitation use by vegetation from mainly summer to winter inputs, resulting in an apparent decoupling of vegetation responses to inter‐annual monsoonal variation. Higher winter rainfall led to decreased springtime spatial variability in the PV cover of desertified areas. Higher summer rainfall resulted in decreased PV cover variation in grassland, transition and desertified‐shrubland regions. The effects of desertification on NPV dynamics were more than three times greater than on PV or bare soil dynamics. Using remotely sensed PV and NPV as proxies for net primary production (NPP) and litter dynamics, respectively, we estimated that desertification decreases the temporal variability of NPP and increases spatial variation of litter production and loss. Quantitative studies of surface biological materials and ecosystem processes can now be measured with high ‘structural’ detail using imaging spectroscopy and shortwave‐infrared spectral mixture analysis.
Protective Effect of Vitamin E in an Animal Model of LPS‐Induced Inflammation
Authors: Mayorga M. , Iborra A. , Estany S. , Martínez P. 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  Many sterility outcomes may be associated to the presence of an inflammatory response that would lead to an inability of the endometrium to support implantation and maintain viable embryos. We have established an animal model of inflammation in which the systemic administration of lipopolysaccharyde (LPS) results in a low embryo implantation rate. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of the inflammatory agent LPS on embryo viability and to verify the ability of vitamin E to modulate the inflammatory effect of LPS on embryo viability.Method of study:  For pre‐implantation studies B6CBAF1 mice, which were intraperitoneally inoculated with LPS (4–10 mg/kg), were used. Mice were also treated with vitamin E (4–10 mg/kg) before or after LPS injection. Embryos were obtained from the oviduct after each treatment.Results:  The LPS produces a decrease in the number of pre‐implantational embryos in a concentration dependent manner. The LPS effect can be partially reversed or prevented by vitamin E. Preliminary results show that inflammatory cytokines are secreted by intraperitoneal macrophages in LPS treated mice.Conclusion:  Our results demonstrate the ability of vitamin E to avoid an inflammatory environment and to allow viability of embryos.
B‐ and T‐cells in the Follicular Fluid and Peripheral Blood of Patients Undergoing IVF/ET Procedures
Authors: Vujisić Sanja , Lepej Snježana Židovec , Akšamija Alenka , Jerković Lidija , Sokolić Božica , Kupešić Sanja , Vince Adriana 
Published: December 2004

Problem:  To analyse percentage of total and memory CD27+ B‐cells and other lymphocyte subpopulations in the peripheral blood (PB) and follicular fluid (FF) of infertile married couples.Method of study:  Forty‐eight couples from in vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ET) programme were divided into four groups: patients with previous unsuccessful fertilization (n = 13), ectopic pregnancy (n = 8), multiple (at least three) failed IVF/ET (n = 18) and missed abortions (n = 9). Control group consisted of 15 married couples with healthy children.Results:  PB memory CD27+ B‐cells were significantly decreased in all groups of infertile patients compared with controls. First group had increased memory B‐cells percentages compared with the second group. The differences in the percentages of PB memory B‐cells in third and fourth group compared with the first group were not statistically significant. FF memory B‐cells in the first and third group were significantly increased compared with second and fourth group. The percentage of total FF B‐cells in all groups were significantly decreased compared with their percentage in PB. Male partners of women from the first group had had significantly increased percentages of memory B‐cells compared with the partners of women from the second group. Percentage of total T‐ and B‐cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells, NK cells and activated HLA‐DR+ T‐cells in all groups were not significantly different from controls. We found no statistically significant difference between immunoglobulin E levels in all groups of patients. We found lower levels of IgA and IgM in FF compared with serum in all groups.Conclusion:  Infertile patients have significantly decreased percentage of CD27+ B‐cells in the PB. Abnormalities in the memory B‐cell compartment may contribute to the pathogenesis of infertility. In the T‐cell compartment abnormalities were not detected. It appears that hormonal stimulation did not influence cellular immunity parameters.
Relation between early life socioeconomic position and all cause mortality in two generations. A longitudinal study of Danish men born in 1953 and their parents
Authors: Osler Merete , Andersen Anne-Marie Nybo , Batty G David , Holstein Bjørn 
Published: December 2004

Objective:To examine (1) the relation between parental socioeconomic position and all cause mortality in two generations, (2) the relative importance of mother’s educational status and father’s occupational status on offspring mortality, and (3) the effect of factors in the family environment on these relations.Design:A longitudinal study with record linkage to the Civil Registration System. The data were analysed using Cox regression models.Setting:Copenhagen, Denmark.Subjects:2890 men born in 1953, whose mothers were interviewed regarding family social background in 1968. The vital status of this population and their parents was ascertained from April 1968 to January 2002.Main outcome measures:All cause mortality in study participants, their mothers, and fathers.Results:A similar pattern of relations was found between parental social position and all cause mortality in adult life in the three triads of father, mother, and offspring constituted of the cohort of men born in 1953, their parents, and grandparents. The educational status of mothers showed no independent effect on total mortality when father’s occupational social class was included in the model in either of the triads. Low material wealth was the indicator that remained significantly associated with adult all cause mortality in a model also including parental social position and the intellectual climate of the family in 1968. In the men born in 1953 the influence of material wealth was strongest for deaths later in adult life.Conclusion:Father’s occupational social class is associated with adult mortality in all members of the mother-father-offspring triad. Material wealth seems to be an explanatory factor for this association.