bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of GH reserve in patients with adrenal incidentalomas and biochemical evidence of subclinical autonomous glucocorticoid hypersecretion
Authors: Tzanela M. , Zianni D. , Stylianidou Ch. , Karavitaki N. , Tsagarakis S. , Thalassinos N. C. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryObjective Although it is well established that overt hypercortisolism in patients with active Cushing's syndrome leads to a profound suppression of stimulated GH secretion, the role of subclinical autonomous glucocorticoid hypersecretion (SAGH), currently detected with increasing frequency in patients with adrenal incidentalomas, on GH secretory reserve has received little attention. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether SAGH in patients presented with adrenal incidentalomas has a negative effect on GH secretory reserve.Design and Patients Sixteen patients with overt Cushing's syndrome (CS) and 36 patients with adrenal incidentalomas were investigated. The latter group was further divided in 23 patients who demonstrated an adequate suppression of cortisol levels (of < 70 nmol/l) following the low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) and in 13 patients, who failed to suppress (cortisol levels post‐LDDST > 70 nmol/l). The former group was defined as normocortisolaemic (NC) and the latter group as representing patients with SAGH. The combined pyridostigmine + GHRH test (PD + GHRH) was used to assess the GH secretory reserve of these patients.Results Peak GH levels following PD + GHRH administration were significantly lower in CS patients compared to both the NC and SAGH group of patients with adrenal incidentalomas (2·2 ± 0·7 vs. 18·9 ± 2·6 and 21·5 ± 3·6 µg/l, respectively, P < 0·05); no difference was observed in peak GH responses between the NC and SAGH group of patients. A subnormal GH response (defined as GHmax < 12·8 µg/l) was observed in all 16 patients with CS. However, only seven NC and three SAGH patients failed to respond adequately. Correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between peak GH response to PD + GHRH and plasma cortisol concentrations in CS patients (R =−0·6, P = 0·012), while in patients with adrenal incidentalomas such a correlation was absent. Contrary to patients with CS in whom body mass index (BMI) was not correlated to peak GH, a significant negative correlation between peak GH response to PD + GHRH and BMI was disclosed in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (R =−0·49, P = 0·003). In these patients, again contrary to CS patients, a significant negative correlation was also found between peak GH post PD + GHRH and age (R = −0·46, P = 0·002).Conclusions In conclusion, our results provide evidence that, contrary to patients with overt CS, SAGH does not affect the GH secretory response to provocative stimulation.
Effect of growth hormone and 17β‐oestradiol treatment on metabolism and body composition in girls with Turner syndrome
Authors: Gravholt Claus Højbjerg , Hjerrild Britta Eilersen , Naeraa Rune Weis , Engbaek Frode , Mosekilde Leif , Christiansen Jens Sandahl 
Published: April 2005

SummaryObjective Girls with Turner syndrome (TS) receive GH treatment during childhood, and in adolescence this treatment may be combined with oestradiol. We have studied the effects of this combined treatment on metabolism and body composition.Material and methods We performed a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, crossover study. All girls with TS (n = 8, 16 ± 2 years) were treated with placebo + placebo, GH + placebo or GH + 17β‐oestradiol for 2 months, and were studied at the end of each period. Controls (n = 10, 14 ± 2 years) were studied once without treatment. Twenty‐four‐hour sampling of oestradiol, growth factors, insulin, glucose, lipolytic and gluconeogenic precursors was performed, followed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and assessment of body composition and mineral content.Results GH induced insulin resistance, which was not aggravated further by concomitant oestradiol treatment. The 24‐h integrated serum 17β‐oestradiol was reduced compared to controls (0·58 ± 0·32 vs. 2·81 ± 2·78 nmol/l/24 h, P = 0·032), but increased during GH + oestrogen (E2) treatment without reaching control levels, while GH + placebo caused a further reduction (anova, P = 0·008). Total fat mass was increased in girls with TS compared with controls (P = 0·009), while lean body mass (P = 0·02) and bone mineral content (P = 0·04) was decreased, with specific regional characteristics in body composition.Conclusion GH treatment induces insulin resistance and changes in body composition in TS, which is not further compromised by concomitant oestradiol treatment. Body composition is changed in TS, with specific regional changes, in comparison with controls. Integrated 24‐h oestradiol is low in TS, and is only partially restored during treatment with standard doses of 17β‐oestradiol.
A new sustained‐release preparation of human growth hormone and its pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and safety profile
Authors: Jostel Andreas , Mukherjee Annice , Alenfall Jan , Smethurst Linda , Shalet Stephen M. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryObjective  Adult GH replacement is currently given by daily subcutaneous (sc) injections. Recently, sustained‐release (SR) preparations of GH have been developed, the preparations being characterized by a dominant early release, resulting in supraphysiological early GH peaks, and a rapid decline thereafter. We present data on a new SR GH preparation.Design  Phase I/II study of hGH‐Biosphere® (SkyePharma AB, Malmö, Sweden), a new SR preparation of recombinant human GH in amylopectin microspheres coated with polylactide‐coglycolide.Patients  Eight adults with severe, untreated GH deficiency (stimulated GH peaks between < 1 and 1·7 µg/l), aged 36·1 years (range 22–49 years) in good general health.Measurements  Pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD) and safety data over a period of 28 days.Results  The systemic and local tolerability of the drug was satisfactory, and no serious adverse events occurred. PK analysis showed a smaller early serum hGH peak followed by a broad sustained second peak of hGH (Cmax 1·20 µg/l at 7·2 days), and hGH levels were maintained above baseline for at least 14 days. The mean GH level never exceeded 1·1 µg/l, making the GH fluctuations comparable to continuous sc infusion. Resultant IGF‐I concentrations were characterized by sustained elevation at a level near Cmax of 103 µg/l (at tmax of 9·7 days), equal to an SD score of +0·8. IGF‐I generation per administered GH was more efficient compared with reports of other SR preparations.Conclusion  hGH‐Biosphere® is a well‐tolerated SR GH preparation with superior efficacy in achieving target IGF‐I levels without causing supraphysiological GH concentrations. Our data suggest the suitability of this preparation for longer‐term trials in adults with injection frequencies of no more than once every 2–3 weeks.
Testosterone and Linear Social Dominance Status in Captive Male Dabbling Ducks in Winter
Authors: Poisbleau Maud , Fritz Hervé , Guillemain Matthieu , Lacroix André 
Published: April 2005

AbstractDominance hierarchies play an important role in avoidance and/or solving conflicts in gregarious species. In dabbling ducks (Anas species), dominance allows for feeding‐site monopolization in winter quarters where resources are generally limited. In addition, male social rank should theoretically favour access to mates. Dominance rank can be associated with morphological traits, and is often correlated with aggressiveness, a behavioural trait generally related to high testosterone levels. In this study, we investigated the existence of a winter group structure based on dominance relationships and tested for a linear hierarchy, in three species of captive male dabbling ducks (mallard Anas platyrhynchos, pintail A. acuta and wigeon A. penelope). We then analysed the relationship between dominance ranks, morphological parameters and testosterone levels measured in early (Oct.) and mid‐winter (Dec./Jan.). We found that the three male groups of the three species exhibited a linear hierarchy. Testosterone levels differed during winter and between species. Morphologic measurements, body mass and body condition were not correlated with individual dominance ranks, whereas dominant males had higher testosterone levels than subordinates. The slopes of the relationships were similar between species and winter period, but the y‐intercepts differed between species and between early and mid‐winter phases. The linear hierarchy found in the three species indicates that dominance relationships strongly structure dabbling duck groups in winter. Lack of correlation between rank and morphological characters, but correlation of rank with testosterone levels suggests that social rank is more dependent on behavioural traits such as aggressive behaviour. The differences between species and winter periods are discussed in relation to migration and wintering phenology.
Spontaneous calcific cerebral embolus
Authors: Gearry RB , Sharr JP , Avery SF 
Published: April 2005

SummarySpontaneous calcific cerebral embolus is a rare complication of calcific vascular disease such as calcified aortic plaques, and calcific aortic and mitral stenosis. Fewer than 10 case reports are described in the literature. Cerebral ischaemic symptoms may provide the indication for surgical replacement, even in the absence of valvular insufficiency or stenotic symptoms. We report a case of stroke in a young man with a known bicuspid calcific aortic valve.
Primary papillary serous cystadenocarcinoma of broad ligament
Authors: Nagar YS , Singh S , Sawlani V , Pal L , Dimri K , Lal P 
Published: April 2005

SummaryA rare case of an advanced primary broad ligament carcinoma is discussed, with a review of the literature regarding its incidence, presentation and management. This patient showed a complete response to adjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy following panhysterectomy and is presently without any evidence of disease, 15 months after completion of her treatment.
Genetic counselling following paternal therapeutic irradiation
Authors: Bydder SA , Clarke J , Semmens J , Joseph DJ 
Published: April 2005

SummaryWe discuss a patient who received adjuvant radiotherapy for stage I seminoma. He was advised to avoid conception for 6 months following treatment. However, his partner became pregnant only shortly after he completed his radiotherapy (i.e. with sperm that had been irradiated). We estimated the dose received by the remaining testis as 30 cGy. Here, we review the information available to advise patients on the risks to the fetus from paternal preconception irradiation. For the population, a doubling dose for hereditary effects of 1 Gy has recently been reaffirmed (United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation 2001). However, a range of animal studies suggest conception with postmeiotic sperm carries a greater risk of genetic damage than conception with sperm derived from irradiated stem cells. We have attempted to quantify the risks in this particular case. Lead shielding of the testes may reduce radiation received from the primary beam, but internal scatter still produces a risk. In male patients who are potentially fertile, the best advice remains to delay conception after radiotherapy for as long as 6 months. Our case illustrates the need to reinforce such advice.
Aversion, awareness, and attraction: investigating claims of hyperacusis in the Williams syndrome phenotype
Authors: Levitin Daniel J. , Cole Kristen , Lincoln Alan , Bellugi Ursula 
Published: April 2005

Background:  Williams syndrome (WS), a neurodevelopmental disorder, is characterized by pervasive cognitive deficits alongside a relative sparing of auditory perception and cognition. A frequent characteristic of the phenotype is adverse reactions to, and/or fascination with, certain sounds. Previously published reports indicate that people with WS experience hyperacusis, yet careful examination reveals that the term ‘hyperacusis’ has been used indiscriminately in the literature to describe quite different auditory abnormalities.Method:  In an effort to clarify and document the incidence of auditory abnormalities in and among people with WS we collected data from parents of people with WS (n = 118) and comparison groups of people with Down syndrome, autism, and normal controls.Results:  Our findings revealed four phenomenologically separate auditory abnormalities, all of which were significantly more prevalent in WS than the three comparison groups. Among people with WS, we found relatively few reports of true hyperacusis (lowered threshold for soft sounds) or auditory fascinations/fixations, whereas 80% reported fearfulness to idiosyncratically particular sounds, and 91% reported lowered uncomfortable loudness levels, or ‘odynacusis.’Conclusions:  Our results confirm anecdotal reports of an unusual auditory phenotype in WS, and provide an important foundation for understanding the nature of auditory experience and pathology in WS. We conclude by reviewing the ways in which the present findings extend and complement recent neuroanatomical and neurophysiological findings on auditory function in people with WS.
Tetragametic chimerism detected in a healthy woman with mixed‐field agglutination reactions in ABO blood grouping
Authors: Drexler Camilla , Glock Barbara , Vadon Maria , Staudacher Erika , Dauber Eva‐Maria , Ulrich Silvia , Reisacher Rosemarie B.K. , Mayr Wolfgang R. , Lanzer Gerhard , Wagner Thomas 
Published: April 2005

BACKGROUND: The case of a healthy woman with serologic blood group AB and her biologic father showing blood group O was investigated. Further analysis, including blood, buccal swabs, and nail clippings, revealed a tetragametic chimerism.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood grouping was performed with standard gel centrifugation test cards, ABO genotyping by sequence‐specific primers (SSPs) and sequence‐based typing, and HLA Class I and II typing by standard NIH cytotoxicity testing and SSP. Additionally, short‐tandem‐repeat (STR) and variable‐number tandem–repeat (VNTR) typing was performed on blood, nail clippings, and buccal swab samples. The karyotype was analyzed by G‐banded chromosomes.RESULTS: The proposita's RBCs were typed AB with a mixed‐field agglutination whereas in molecular typing A, B, and O alleles were found. One paternal and two maternal haplotypes were determined by use of HLA typing. Interestingly, both paternal alleles were detected in 4 of 23 tested STR and VNTR loci only, with whole blood, nail clippings, and buccal swabs. The karyotype was identified as 46XX. The family members including the proposita's healthy twin children displayed no abnormal findings in tests performed.CONCLUSION: By investigation of DNA polymorphisms, it was possible to determine a rare case of tetragametic chimerism being the result of double parental contribution of nuclei.
Imperfect Information and Stock Market Volatility
Authors: Gerlach Jeffrey R. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to (1) develop a model to show how imperfect information can create excess volatility in asset returns and (2) provide empirical evidence consistent with the model. In this framework, variations in information quality cause the market prices to fluctuate more than the corresponding economic fundamentals. Using high‐frequency data from 1988 to 2002, the empirical evidence supports the predictions of the model by showing that economic volatility, defined as squared deviations of the quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate from its long‐run trend, can explain about half of the variation in S&P 500‐stock index quarterly volatility.
A Cross‐Section Analysis of the Determinants of Life Insurance Consumption in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
Authors: Hwang Tienyu , Greenford Brian 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis study examines some of the key factors affecting life insurance consumption in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. It also attempts to gain an understanding of the different characteristics of the market in life insurance in each territory. Income and life insurance consumption are found to be strongly correlated, which is consistent with previous studies. Education is a significant factor. Price is found to be insignificant, largely conflicting with previous studies. Levels of social security are not significantly related. The one‐child policy in mainland China has a negative effect on life insurance consumption. Differences in the level of economic development reveal a variation in life insurance consumption. Generally, the more advanced the economy, the greater the life insurance consumption. However, mainland China, which is a low‐income country, shows the greatest potential.
Oviposition‐induced plant cues: do they arrestTrichogrammawasps during host location?
Authors: Fatouros Nina E. , Bukovinszkine’Kiss Gabriella , Kalkers Lucas A. , Gamborena Roxina Soler , Dicke Marcel , Hilker Monika 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPlants can defend themselves against herbivorous insects before the larvae hatch from eggs and start feeding. One of these preventive defence strategies is to produce plant volatiles, in response to egg deposition, which attract egg parasitoids that subsequently kill the herbivore eggs. Here, we studied whether egg deposition byPieris brassicaeL. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) induces Brussels sprouts plants to produce cues that attract or arrestTrichogramma brassicaeBezdeko (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). Olfactometer bioassays revealed that odours from plants with eggs did not attract or arrest parasitoids. However, contact bioassays showed thatT. brassicaefemales were arrested on egg‐free leaf squares excised from leaves with 72 h‐old egg masses, which are highly suitable for parasitisation. We tested the hypothesis that this arresting activity is due to scales and chemicals deposited by the butterflies during oviposition and which are thus present on the leaf surface in the vicinity of the eggs. Indeed, leaf squares excised from egg‐free leaves, but contaminated with butterfly deposits, arrested the wasps when the squares were tested 1 day after contamination. However, squares from egg‐free leaves with 72 h‐old butterfly deposits had no arresting activity. Thus, we exclude that the arresting activity of the leaf area near 72 h‐old egg masses was elicited by cues from scales and other butterfly deposits. We suggest that egg deposition ofP. brassicaeinduces a change in the leaf surface chemicals in leaves with egg masses. A systemic induction extending to an egg‐free leaf neighbouring an egg‐carrying leaf could not be detected. Our data suggest that a local, oviposition‐induced change of leaf surface chemicals arrestsT. brassicaein the vicinity of host eggs.
Oviposition behaviour in Lygus rugulipennis: a morpho‐functional study
Authors: Romani Roberto , Salerno Gianandrea , Frati Francesca , Conti Eric , Isidoro Nunzio , Bin Ferdinando 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBefore oviposition, a Lygus rugulipennis (Poppius) (Heteroptera: Miridae) female explores the substrate with her mouthparts, performing ‘probing’ behaviour which eventually leads to a choice of oviposition site. In this study, morphological and behavioural observations were carried out in order to define the mechanisms through which female bugs recognise suitable oviposition sites. The morphological study was conducted using electron‐microscopy techniques, while the behavioural experiments aimed at the temporary (using ZnSO4) or permanent (i.e., cauterization of the rostrum and ablation of both stylets and labium) inactivation of sensory structures located in the labium tip and in the stylets, which are probably involved in oviposition site selection. The tip of the labium of L. rugulipennis females is characterised by the presence of 11–12 uniporous gustatory sensilla which are innervated by 3–6 sensory neurones. One aporous mechanoreceptor is located ventrally on both areas of the labium tip. Other aporous mechanosensilla are found more proximally on the labium. ZnSO4 labium tip treatment did not affect oviposition site selection, while stylet amputations, as well as rostrum cauterisations, resulted in almost complete oviposition failure. Labium tip‐ablated females oviposited similarly to control females. These results suggest that the sensory neurones associated with the stylets are involved in the location of the oviposition site. Uniporous gustatory sensilla on the labium tip are not involved in the final steps of the oviposition behaviour. However, they seem to play a role in assessing the suitability of the substrate as a food source.
Effect of soil‐applied complex fertiliser on an insect–host plant relationship: Liriomyza trifolii on Solanum tuberosum
Authors: Facknath Sunita , Lalljee Bhanooduth 
Published: April 2005

AbstractInsects respond to very low levels of nutritional and non‐nutritional compounds in plants, which influence their acceptance and colonisation of the plant or plant part, and thereby their growth and development. Plant nutrient levels can vary within and between plants, and are influenced by external factors such as fertiliser treatments, irrigation regime, and light. Soil levels of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium can have significant effects on the amounts of these nutrients in the plant, and thereby on pest infestation. This study reports on the influence of seven different NPK fertiliser rates in potted potato (Solanum tuberosum cv. Mondial) plants on the nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels in the leaves, and the concomitant influence on infestation by, and development of, the serpentine leafminer, Liriomyza trifolii Burgess (Diptera: Agromyzidae). Results showed that increases in nitrogen in the potato leaves increased larval and pupal survival, and pupal and adult body weight and length. Potassium and phosphorus, on the other hand, decreased the host suitability of potato plants to L. trifolii, and were detrimental to the pest.
Effects of jasmonate‐induced defenses in tomato on the potato aphid,Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Authors: Cooper W. R. , Goggin F. L. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractJasmonates such as jasmonic acid (JA) are plant‐signaling compounds that trigger induced resistance (IR) to a broad range of arthropod herbivores. JA‐dependent defenses are known to reduce the growth and survivorship of many chewing insects, but their impact on piercing–sucking insects such as aphids has not been extensively investigated. In this study, induced resistance was activated in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentumMill) (Solanaceae) using a foliar application of synthetic JA, and control plants were treated with carrier solution. The life parameters of individual potato aphids and their progeny (Macrosiphum euphorbiaeThomas) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were evaluated on the unsprayed leaves of plants in order to access the systemic effects of the foliar treatments. IR significantly reduced the longevity and net reproduction of adult aphids, as well as the percentage of juveniles to survive to maturity. These results indicate that JA application induces systemic defenses in tomato that have a direct negative impact on aphid survivorship. This study also examined aphid honeydew excretion, in order to evaluate the potential influence of induced resistance on aphid feeding behavior. The average honeydew production per aphid was comparable on plants with or without JA treatment, indicating that JA‐dependent defenses did not deter feeding. This suggests that the observed effects of JA on aphid survivorship were due to antibiotic rather than antixenotic factors. In addition to studying the effects of JA treatment on a tomato cultivar that is susceptible to aphids, this study also examined the effects of exogenous application of JA on tomato plants that carry the aphid resistance gene,Mi‐1.2. JA application did not significantly enhance or inhibit aphid control on resistant tomato. These findings expand our understanding of the effects of JA‐dependent defenses on piercing–sucking insects, and of the potential interactions between induced resistance and R‐gene mediated aphid resistance in tomato.