bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of tissue harmonic imaging in fetal echocardiography
Authors: Paladini D. , Vassallo M. , Tartaglione A. , Lapadula C. , Martinelli P. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo define the role of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) in fetal echocardiography.MethodThree trials were conducted in a tertiary referral center: Study A was a prospective randomized trial including 50 women referred for fetal echocardiography. Those allocated to Arm 1 underwent conventional fundamental frequency ultrasound (FFU) and those allocated to Arm 2 underwent THI. Study B was conducted in 21 patients who were obese or overweight with significant weight gain in pregnancy. In these patients, both THI and FFU echocardiography were performed and compared. In Study C, THI was employed as a second‐line rescue technique in cases of inadequate or incomplete examination by FFU. A subjective scoring system was used by a reviewer who had not performed the examinations to assess the comprehensiveness of the examination and the image resolution. The reviewer was blinded to the image modality.ResultsIn Study A, no difference was found in the diagnostic accuracy between THI and FFU echocardiography but the resolution was significantly poorer in the THI arm. In studies B and C, THI performed significantly better than FFU (P < 0.001).ConclusionsTHI echocardiography seems to be the best technique to employ in obese women and in those in whom FFU fails to provide diagnostic information. However, due its poorer resolution in women of average weight, FFU echocardiography should remain the technique of choice. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal hydrops, associated with maternal propylthiouracil exposure, reversed by intrauterine therapy
Authors: Yanai N. , Shveiky D. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThyroid hormone is essential for fetal neurological development. Among other etiologies, fetal hypothyroidism may be caused by maternal exposure to antithyroid drugs (ATDs). The most common presentation of fetal hypothyroidism is fetal goiter, which can cause dystocia, in addition to airway obstruction in the neonate. Intra‐amniotic treatment with levothyroxine normalizes fetal thyroid status and reduces goiter size. We present a case of fetal hypothyroidism diagnosed in a patient who was treated with propylthiouracil (PTU) for Grave's disease. The fetus had marked hydrops fetalis and a large goiter. In addition, anal stenosis, vesicovaginal fistula, bilateral pyelectasia and polydactyly were diagnosed in the neonate. Intra‐amniotic treatment with levothyroxine resulted in a regression of the hydrops and a reduction in the goiter size. A euthyroid, non‐edematous, non‐goitrous neonate was delivered. At the age of 27 months the child's psychomotor development was normal. The present case indicates that hydrops fetalis may be an unusual manifestation of fetal hypothyroidism, caused by intrauterine exposure to maternal antithyroid drugs (ATDs), and that it may be resolved by treatment with intra‐amniotic levothyroxine. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circulating matrix metalloproteinase‐2 is elevated in patients with congestive heart failure
Authors: Yamazaki Taketoshi , Lee Jong‐Dae , Shimizu Hiromasa , Uzui Hiroyasu , Ueda Takanori 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground and aims:It has been reported that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protein concentration and activity are upregulated in the failing human heart. However, there are few reports describing the role of elevated level of circulating MMPs in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients. This study examined whether circulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are also related to the pathogenesis of CHF.Methods:We measured circulating levels of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) in 52 patients with CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%). The patients were also subdivided into two groups according to NYHA functional class; mild CHF (class II, n=43) and severe CHF (class III, n=9). Results: The serum level of MMP‐2 and MMP‐2/TIMP‐2 ratio were significantly higher in CHF than in controls (P<0.01). Among patient groups, serum levels of MMP‐2 were significantly higher in patients with severe CHF than in patients with mild CHF (P<0.01). Plasma levels of BNP had a significant positive correlation with circulating levels of MMP‐2 (r=0.78; P<0.01) and MMP‐2/TIMP‐2 ratio (r=0.60; P<0.01).Conclusions:Our data showed that the circulating MMP‐2 concentration was increased in CHF patients and that the levels were related to the plasma levels of BNP in CHF, suggesting that the elevated levels are related to developing heart failure syndrome.
Muscle strength as a predictor of long‐term survival in severe congestive heart failure
Authors: Hülsmann Martin , Quittan Michael , Berger Rudolf , Crevenna Richard , Springer Christoph , Nuhr Martin , Mörtl Deddo , Moser Petra , Pacher Richard 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAims:The objective of the study was to test the relationship between isolated muscle strength and outcome, and its significance in the context of other exercise variables.Methods and results:122 consecutive patients (LVEF 21±7%) were enrolled in the study. Isokinetic strength testing of the knee extensor and flexor muscles were performed. A subset of 51 patients underwent additional upright bicycle testing with gas exchange analysis. The outcome up to 60 months was defined by event‐free survival (group A, n=59) or death (group B, n=34). Patients who had been transplanted were excluded from further analysis. The peak strength of the quadriceps muscle was comparable in both groups (N.S.). In contrast, the index (value adjusted for weight) did reveal significant differences (P<0.04), similar to the peak torque of the knee flexor muscle (P<0.04), whose index was even more significant with regard to differences (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis including muscle strength variables, pVo2 and workload into one model show that the flexor strength index is the only independent variable (x2=9 P<0.003). A cut‐off point of 68 Nm×100/kg in the strength index of the flexor muscles was used to establish a significant difference between groups with regard to outcome (P<0.01). Thus, the isokinetic strength of the knee flexor muscles is related to outcome. Moreover, this parameter is superior to variables such as peakVo2 and workload.
Association of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene polymorphism with chronic heart failure in Chinese Han patients
Authors: Huang Wenyan , Xie Changqing , Zhou Hongyan , Yang Tianlun , Sun Ming 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground:An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism is present in the 16th intron of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene and is associated with serum and tissue ACE level. Some studies have shown that the DD genotype is associated with some cardiovascular diseases; while ACE polymorphism's effect on chronic heart failure (CHF) remains uncertain.Aim:To investigate the association of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism with CHF in the Chinese Han population.Methods:The genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction in 102 normal controls and in 79 patients with CHF. Plasma angiotensin (Ang) levels were assessed by radio‐immunity assay. Left ventricular end‐diastolic diameters (LVDD) and left ventricular ejection fractions were assessed by echocardiography.Results:The ACE gene polymorphism distribution was similar in patients and control subjects. However, ACE gene DD polymorphism was associated with a more severe condition, greater LVDD [mm: DD: 71±7, ID: 62±5, II: 60±5, P<0.001 DD vs. ID, P<0.001 DD vs. II] and higher plasma Ang II level [pg/ml DD: 92±19, ID: 79±21, II: 65±17 P<0.05 DD vs. ID, P<0.001 DD vs. II].Conclusion:In Chinese Han patients with CHF, ACE gene DD polymorphism might be a marker of a more severe condition, and a higher level of activation of the renin–angiotensin system.
Importance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for prognosis and diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Kjøller Erik , Køber Lars , Iversen Kasper , Torp‐Pedersen Christian ,   on behalf of the Trace Study Group
Published: January 2004

AbstractAims:To evaluate the importance of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for prognosis and diagnosis of congestive heart failure in patients with acute myocardial infarction.Methods and results:Prospective registration of 6669 consecutive patients admitted with infarction and screened for a randomised controlled trial. A history of COPD was present in 765 (11.5%) patients. Thirty‐day and 5‐year survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was 86.3 and 42.9%. In patients without pulmonary disease the figures were 87.7 and 57.5%, respectively, giving a relative risk of 1.49 (1.35–1.65). In multivariate analysis the relative risk was 1.15 (1.04–1.28). The prevalence of congestive heart failure was 65.9% in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 52.0% in patients without. This difference was most distinct in patients with normal or only slightly decreased left ventricular systolic function. In patients without congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was of prognostic importance [RR=1.44 (1.17–1.78)], but not in patients with congestive heart failure [RR=1.09 (0.96–1.23)].Conclusion:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a predictor of long‐term mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction without congestive heart failure, but is also a confounding factor for the diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
Does aerobic training lead to a more active lifestyle and improved quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure?
Authors: van den Berg‐Emons Rita , Balk Aggie , Bussmann Hans , Stam Henk 
Published: January 2004

AbstractBackground:Due to dyspnea and fatigue, patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) are often restricted in the performance of everyday activities, which gradually may lead to hypoactivity.Aims:To assess whether aerobic training leads to a more active lifestyle and improved quality of life (QoL) in patients with CHF.Methods:Patients with stable CHF (NYHA II/III; 59 (11) years) were randomly assigned to a training group (n=18; 3‐month aerobic program above standard treatment) or control group (n=16; standard treatment without special advice for exercise). Measurements were performed on level of everyday physical activity (PA, novel accelerometry‐based activity monitor) and QoL, and on several related parameters.Results:Training did not result in a more active lifestyle or improved QoL, but improved (P<0.05) peak power (17%), 6‐min walk distance (10%), muscle strength (13–15%) and depression (−1.3 unit). Changes in level of everyday PA were related to changes in peak Vo2 (r=0.58, P=0.01) and knee extension strength (r=0.48, P=0.05).Conclusions:At group level training did not result in a more active lifestyle or improved QoL. However, correlations between training‐related changes in parameters suggest that aerobic training has the potential to increase levels of everyday PA in CHF.
Clinical trials update from the American Heart Association meeting: Ω‐3 fatty acids and arrhythmia risk in patients with an implantable defibrillator, ACTIV in CHF, VALIANT, the Hanover autologous bone marrow transplantation study, SPORTIF V, ORBIT and PAD and DEFINITE
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Freemantle Nick , Kaye Gerry , Nasir Mansoor , Velavan Periaswamy , Lalukota Krishna , Mudawi Telal , Shelton Rhidian , Clark Andrew L. , Coletta Alison P. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe American Heart Association meeting reported the results of several clinical trials of particular interest to those who care for patients with heart failure. Ω‐3 fatty acids were associated with a trend to increased recurrence of ventricular arrhythmias but not mortality in patients with an implantable debrillator. The ACTIV in CHF study provides more evidence of a therapeutic role for arginine vasopressin antagonists in the treatment of heart failure. The VALIANT study provides further evidence to suggest that a combination of angiotensin receptor antagonist and ACE inhibitor does not reduce mortality but may reduce morbidity in post‐MI patients with heart failure or major LV systolic dysfunction. A study of autologous bone marrow cell transplantation into myocardial scar give gave encouraging results. SPORTIF V showed ximelagation to be as effective as warfarin but with improved safety. ORBIT and PAD showed public access defibrillators saved lives but questioned their cost effectiveness. DEFINITE supported a role for ICDs in patients with non‐ischemic cardiomyopathy, although cost‐effectiveness remains in doubt.
Estimation of the age-specific rate of natural mortality for Shetland sandeels
Authors: Cook R.M. 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
It is generally difficult to obtain reliable direct estimates of natural mortality, M, from conventional fisheries data and stock assessments. However, as a result of the closure of the Shetland sandeel (Ammodytes marinus) fishery from 1991 to 1994 and in the absence of any significant fishery in other years, research vessel survey data offer a rare opportunity to obtain estimates of M directly. A model is described that assumes that M can be decomposed into an age effect and year effects. Application of the model to the survey data produces values of M that decline from 2.1 for 0-group fish to 0.6 at age 2. There is some indication of an increase for ages 4 and older. Although there does not appear to be an overall trend in the mean value of M for the period 1985–1999, the annual values change by up to 50%. The values calculated from the model are in line with estimates obtained for the North Sea from multispecies virtual population analysis (MSVPA).
‘O sibling, where art thou?’‐ a review of avian sibling recognition with respect to the mammalian literature
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Waas Joseph R. 
Published: February 2004

ABSTRACTAvian literature on sibling recognition is rare compared to that developed by mammalian researchers. We compare avian and mammalian research on sibling recognition to identify why avian work is rare, how approaches differ and what avian and mammalian researchers can learn from each other. Three factors: (1) biological differences between birds and mammals, (2) conceptual biases and (3) practical constraints, appear to influence our current understanding. Avian research focuses on colonial species because sibling recognition is considered adaptive where‘mixing potential’of dependent young is high; research on a wide range of species, breeding systems and ecological conditions is now needed. Studies of acoustic recognition cues dominate avian literature; other types of cues (e.g. visual, olfactory) deserve further attention. The effect of gender on avian sibling recognition has yet to be investigated; mammalian work shows that gender can have important influences. Most importantly, many researchers assume that birds recognise siblings through‘direct familiarisation’(commonly known as associative learning or familiarity); future experiments should also incorporate tests for‘indirect familiarisation’(commonly known as phenotype matching). If direct familiarisation proves crucial, avian research should investigate how periods of separation influence sibling discrimination. Mammalian researchers typically interpret sibling recognition in broad functional terms (nepotism, optimal outbreeding); some avian researchers more successfully identify specific and testable adaptive explanations, with greater relevance to natural contexts. We end by reporting exciting discoveries from recent studies of avian sibling recognition that inspire further interest in this topic.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and health status among female and male medical patients
Authors: Ouimette Paige , Cronkite Ruth , Henson Brandy R. , Prins Annabel , Gima Kristian , Moos Rudolf H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with objective health problems in specific populations, such as Vietnam veterans. Less is known about PTSD and health among medical samples, especially PTSD patients with different etiologic traumas. This study examined PTSD and health in medical patients within the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system. A total of 134 patients completed an interview and questionnaires. Data on physician‐diagnosed illnesses were gathered from medical records. PTSD diagnosis and symptoms were associated with a higher likelihood of circulatory and musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, PTSD symptoms were associated with more medical conditions. PTSD symptoms and diagnoses were also associated with poorer health related quality of life. Most of these findings remained significant after controlling for comorbid depressive, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic attack symptoms. Overall, gender did not moderate the relationship between PTSD and poorer health.
PPARγ ligands, 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 and rosiglitazone regulate human cultured airway smooth muscle proliferation through different mechanisms
Authors: Ward Jane E , Gould Haslinda , Harris Trudi , Bonacci John V , Stewart Alastair G 
Published: February 2004

The influence of two peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) ligands, a thiazolidinedione, rosiglitazone (RG) and the prostaglandin D2 metabolite 15‐deoxy‐Δ12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15d‐PGJ2) on the proliferation of human cultured airway smooth muscle (HASM) was examined.
The increases in HASM cell number in response to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF, 300 pM) or thrombin (0.3 U ml−1) were significantly inhibited by either RG (1–10 μM) or 15d‐PGJ2 (1–10 μM). The effects of RG, but not 15d‐PGJ2, were reversed by the selective PPARγ antagonist GW9662 (1 μM).
Neither RG nor 15d‐PGJ2 (10 μM) decreased cell viability, or induced apoptosis, suggesting that the regulation of cell number was due to inhibition of proliferation, rather than increased cell death.
Flow‐cytometric analysis of HASM cell cycle distribution 24 h after bFGF addition showed that RG prevented the progression of cells from G1 to S phase. In contrast, 15d‐PGJ2 caused an increase in the proportion of cells in S phase, and a decrease in G2/M, compared to bFGF alone.
Neither RG nor 15d‐PGJ2 inhibited ERK phosphorylation measured 6 h post mitogen addition. The bFGF‐mediated increase in cyclin D1 protein levels after 8 h was reduced in the presence of 15d‐PGJ2, but not RG.
Although both RG and 15d‐PGJ2 can inhibit proliferation of HASM irrespective of the mitogen used, only the antiproliferative effects of RG appear to be PPARγ‐dependent. The different antimitogenic mechanisms of 15d‐PGJ2 and synthetic ligands for PPARγ may be exploited to optimise the potential for these compounds to inhibit airway remodelling in asthma.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 141, 517–525. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705630
Reduced amount of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I messenger RNA in placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia
Authors: He Liping , Wang Zehua , Sun Yongyu 
Published: February 2004

Background.  Cytochrome c oxidase is a marker enzyme of the mitochondrial inner membrane. A change in the structure and activity of cytochrome c oxidase may alter the electron transport in the inner membrane, leading to insufficient adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. ATP is essential for maintaining the function of cells. The aim of this study was to compare the expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mRNA in placentas from normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.Methods.  By means of in situ hybridization, frozen sections of placentas from 23 women with preeclampsia and 29 women with uneventful pregnancies were examined. Digoxigenin (DIG)‐labeled probes were used to detect the expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mRNA in the placentas. The expression density was assessed by using an image disposal and analysis system.Results.  Positive expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mRNA was found in the cytoplasm of villous syncytiotrophoblasts. The mean light density of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mRNA in placental villi of normal pregnant women was 0.2638, and 0.1763 in women with preeclampsia, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The number density of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mRNA in placental villi was also significantly reduced in preeclamptic women compared with the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusions.  Our study demonstrates a reduced amount of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I mRNA in preeclamptic placentas compared to control placentas. We hypothesize that a reduced expression may play a role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
K‐ras and B‐raf gene mutations are not associated with gastrin‐ and CCK2‐receptor mRNA expression in human colorectal tumour tissues
Authors: Monstein H.‐J. , Fransén K. , Dimberg J. , Söderkvist P. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground  Colorectal cancer is a multistep process caused by genetic alterations in cell growth regulatory genes such as K‐ras and B‐raf. It has been assumed that mutations in the K‐ras gene induce gastrin gene expression and that gastrin stimulates the growth of colorectal cancer in an autocrine fashion by coexpressing gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK)2 receptors. The aim of this study was to examine a possible association of K‐ras and B‐raf gene mutations with gastrin and CCK2 receptor mRNA expression in human colon and rectum tumour biopsy specimens.Methods  K‐ras and B‐raf gene mutations as well as gastrin and CCK2 receptor mRNA expression in 50 colon and 46 rectum biopsies, respectively, were determined using molecular biology methods.Results  K‐ras mutations occurred in 44% colon and 30% rectum and B‐raf mutations in 16% colon and 4% rectum tumours, respectively. Gastrin mRNA was expressed in 64% colon and 61% rectum tumours, whereas CCK2 receptor mRNAs was expressed in 32% colon and 13% rectum tumours. K‐ras or B‐raf gene mutations and simultaneous gastrin mRNA expression was observed in 40% colon and 17% rectum tumours, respectively. Co‐expression of gastrin and CCK2 receptor mRNA occurred in 20% colon and 9% rectal tumours.Conclusions  The results do not support the hypothesis that K‐ras and B‐raf gene mutations have an impact on gastrin‐ and CCK‐receptor mRNA expression in colorectal tumour tissues.
Endoglin (CD105) expression in the development of haemorrhoids
Authors: Chung Y.‐C. , Hou Y.‐C. , Pan A. C.‐H. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractBackground  Conventional pathogenesis of haemorrhoid emphasized the anchoring connective tissue system, whereas the vascular changes were ignored. The aim of this study was to clarify vascular changes of haemorrhoid disease.Materials and methods  Forty‐six samples of grade III and grade IV haemorrhoid tissue were selected for an in vitro study. We assessed the expressions in endoglin (CD105), an accessory protein in transforming growth factor‐β receptor complex, in CD34 and in vascular endothelial growth factor by using an immunohistochemical method. Microvascular density was calculated to correlate the expression of endoglin.Results  Microvascular density was higher in haemorrhoid tissue than in normal anal and lower rectal tissues. CD34 was demonstrated in whole vessels in the haemorrhoids. However, endoglin, a proliferative marker of neovascularization, was present in only 25 of 46 (54%) haemorrhoidal vessels, and its immunoactivity was prominent in venules larger than 100 µm. Thrombosis formation and stromal vascular endothelial growth factor was significantly associated with the presence of endoglin immunoactivity.Conclusion  The results of this study suggest that neovascularization is one important phenomenon of haemorrhoid disease, along with conventional venous dilatation and arteriovenous communication. In addition, thrombosis and stromal vascular endothelial growth factor might be important factors in promoting vascular proliferation.