bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adolescents define sexual orientation and suggest ways to measure it
Authors: Friedman Mark S , Silvestre Anthony J , Gold Melanie A , Markovic Nina , Savin‐Williams Ritch C , Huggins James , Sell Randal L 
Published: May 2004

AbstractResearchers disagree on how to assess adolescent sexual orientation. The relative importance of various dimensions (e.g. attraction, relationships, behavior, self‐labeling) is unknown, which calls into question the validity of studies assessing adolescent sexual orientation. To address this issue, 50 male and female adolescents of varied sexual orientations participated in focus groups and interviews. Two types of sexual attraction—one a physiologic reaction and the other a cognitive response—were central to adolescent sexual orientation. Participants did not perceive sexual behavior and self‐identification as necessarily relevant. Preliminary items to measure sexual attraction were developed based on these adolescents’ perceptions.
Youth engaging in online harassment: associations with caregiver–child relationships, Internet use, and personal characteristics☆
Authors: Ybarra Michele L , Mitchell Kimberly J 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTo date, research focused on “traditional” (i.e. in‐person) youth bullying behaviour has documented serious psychosocial challenges for those involved. How this literature translates to youth engaging in aggressive behaviours online has yet to be examined. Using the largest US sample of youth Internet users to date, psychosocial characteristics of youth engaging in Internet harassment were examined. Results from the nationally representative survey suggested that Internet harassment is a significant public health issue, with aggressors facing multiple psychosocial challenges including poor parent–child relationships, substance use, and delinquency. Comparisons to traditional bullies were made, with similarities and differences noted.
Identification of a novel Xenopus laevis poly (A) binding protein
Authors: Cosson Bertrand , Braun Frederique , Paillard Luc , Blackshear Perry , Beverley H. Osborne 
Published: June 2004

Summry— Poly (A) binding proteins are intimately implicated in controlling a number of events in mRNA metabolism from nuclear polyadenylation to cytoplasmic translation and stability. The known poly(A) binding proteins can be divided into three distinct structural groups (prototypes PABP1, PABPN1/PABP2 and Nab2p) and two functional families, showing that similar functions can be accomplished by differing structural units. This has prompted us to perform a screen for novel poly(A) binding proteins using Xenopus laevis. A novel poly(A) binding protein of 32 kDa (p32) was identified. Sequence analysis showed that p32 has about 50% identity to the known nuclear poly(A) binding proteins (PABPN1) but is more closely related to a group of mammalian proteins of unknown function. The expression of Xenopus laevis ePABP2 is restricted to early embryos. Accordingly, we propose that p32 is the founder member of a novel class of poly(A) binding proteins named ePABP2.
In vitro studies on Itm2a reveal its involvement in early stages of the chondrogenic differentiation pathway
Authors: Van Den Plas Dave , Merregaert Joseph 
Published: June 2004

Summry— The Integral membrane protein 2A (Itm2A) is a transmembrane protein belonging to a family composed of at least two other members, Itm2B and Itm2C, all of them having a different expression pattern. The Itm2a gene serves as a marker for early stages in endochondral ossification. In order to understand the role of Itm2A in this process, expression of the gene was investigated in different cell systems. In C3H10T1/2 cells, the gene was upregulated early on when the cells were induced to the chondrogenic lineage but less to the osteogenic lineage. In MCT cells, expression was upregulated at permissive temperatures but not at non‐permissive temperatures. When induced with insulin, ATDC5 cells expressed Itm2a in early stages but not at late stages. Furthermore, PTH treatment seems to upregulate Itm2a transcription.In order to understand the role of Itm2a in the chondrogenic differentiation process in more detail, we constitutively overexpressed exogenous Itm2A in mouse ATDC5 cells. Two clones expressing high levels of Itm2a were isolated and characterized. Gene expression analysis of the overexpresser clones demonstrated that expression of collagen type X was delayed. These results demonstrate that overexpression of Itm2a in mouse ATDC5 cells impede the transition to hypertrophic cells. Taken together, our observation supports the involvement of Itm2a in the early stages of chondrogenesis in vitro.
Hepatocyte growth factor disrupts tight junctions in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Martin Tracey A. , Watkins Gareth , Mansel Robert E. , Jiang Wen G. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractTight junctions in epithelial cells act as cell—cell adhesion structures and govern paracellular permeability. Disruption of these functions can lead to dissociation of cancer cells. This study aimed to determine whether HGF, a cytokine secreted by stromal cells, is capable of modulating expression and function of tight junction molecules in human breast cancer cell lines. HGF decreased trans‐epithelial resistance and increased paracellular permeability of two human breast cancer cell lines, MDA MB 231 and MCF‐7. Q‐PCR showed that HGF modulated the levels of several tight junction molecule (occludin, claudin‐1 and −5, JAM−1 and −2) mRNA transcripts in MDA MB 231 and MCF‐7 cells. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry also showed modulation of expression of the tight junction molecule, occludin. It is suggested that HGF disrupts tight junction function in human breast cancer cells by effecting changes in the expression of tight junction molecules at both the mRNA and protein levels. We conclude that regulation of tight junctions could be of fundamental importance in the prevention of metastasis of breast cancer cells.
Differentiation‐dependent localisation of tissue‐type plasminogen activator in human bladder urothelium
Authors: Makuc Jana , Mašera Andrej , Tršinar Bojan , Jezernik Kristijan 
Published: May 2004

AbstractHuman bladder urothelium is able to secrete tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA). The aim of our study was to analyse localisation of tPA antigen in comparison to differentiation state of cells in samples of histologically normal urothelium and non‐invasive tumours of the human urinary bladder. Twenty‐five samples of normal urothelium and 31 non‐invasive papillary tumours from 36 patients were examined. The presence of tPA antigen was evaluated immunohistochemically. Differentiation of superficial cells was assessed by the presence of urothelial cell differentiation markers, uroplakins (UPs; immunohistochemistry) and cell's apical surface architecture (scanning electron microscopy). All tissue samples stained anti‐tPA positive. In normal urothelium, the intensity of anti‐tPA staining was the strongest in superficial cells, which were well‐differentiated. In tumours, all cell layers stained anti‐tPA positive. The intensity of anti‐tPA positive reaction in the upper cell layer correlated with the percentage of anti‐UP positive superficial cells. Superficial cells showed various differentiation states.The localisation of tPA antigen in human in vivo tissue is not confined to the well‐differentiated superficial cells. Our results suggest a positive correlation between tPA secretion and cell differentiation.
A questionnaire‐based assessment of daily physical activity in heart failure
Authors: Garet Martin , Barthélémy Jean Claude , Degache Francis , Costes Frédéric , Da‐Costa Antoine , Isaaz Karl , Lacour Jean René , Roche Frédéric 
Published: May 2004

AbstractType and dose of daily energy expenditure (DEE) play a major role in modulations of health status and an increased knowledge of these dimensions of physical activity in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients would be valuable for clinical and epidemiological aims. We propose a new self‐administered DEE questionnaire adapted to CHF patients and tested its validity. One hundred and five stable CHF participants, NYHA class I–IV, LVEF=33.2±6.1% performed an incremental symptom‐limited Vo2 (peak) test and filled in the questionnaire for DEE calculation. Reproducibility (n=24), sensitivity (n=21) of the questionnaire and inter‐observer variability (n=105) were tested. Intensity levels were identified from DEE and their relationships to Vo2(peak), ventilatory and anthropometric characteristics were assessed by simple and multiple regression models. Reproducibility and sensitivity were high (r=0.98 and 0.88, respectively, P<0.0001) and inter‐observer error reached 1.37%. DEE was highly correlated to physical activity energy expenditure (r=0.96, P<0.0001). Relationships between DEE, Vo2(peak), VE/Vo2 and anthropometric characteristics were significant. An activity level above 3 MET was the best intensity criteria related to Vo2(peak) (r=0.62, P<0.0001) and DEE (r=0.80, P<0.0001). The questionnaire seems reproducible, sensible and valid for DEE estimation. Vo2(peak) appears related to DEE and especially to activities above 3 MET in CHF.
Selective intestinal decontamination in advanced chronic heart failure: a pilot trial
Authors: Conraads Viviane M. , Jorens Philippe G. , De Clerck Luc S. , Van Saene Hendrik K. , Ieven Margaretha M. , Bosmans Johan M. , Schuerwegh Annemie , Bridts Chris H. , Wuyts Floris , Stevens Wim J. , Anker Stefan D. , Rauchhaus Mathias , Vrints Christiaan J. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractBackground and aims:Endotoxin, derived from intestinal aerobic Gram‐negative bacilli (AGNB), could be an important monocyte activator in chronic heart failure (CHF). The effect of selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) on intracellular monocyte cytokine production, monocyte CD14 expression, circulating endotoxin and cytokines, and flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) was studied in patients with severe CHF.Methods and results:Ten patients with CHF (NYHA class III–IV) were enrolled in a non‐placebo controlled pilot trial involving the administration of SDD (polymyxin B, tobramycin) for 8 weeks. One patient was later excluded due to cardiac transplantation. Before treatment, after 4 and 8 weeks therapy, and 6 weeks post‐treatment, monocyte CD14 expression, intracellular monocyte production of interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], interleukin‐6 [IL‐6], tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α with and without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation were measured. Concentrations of endotoxin and cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α) were also determined. AGNB in faeces, intestinal endotoxin and FMD were assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment and 6 weeks post‐treatment. SDD eradicated intestinal AGNB (P<0.00001) and decreased faecal endotoxin concentrations (P<0.00001). There was a significant decline in monocyte CD14 expression (P=0.03) and in IL‐1β (P=0.0001), IL‐6 (P=0.02) and TNF‐α (P=0.0002) production after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment in the basal state and for IL‐1β (P=0.008) and IL‐6 (P=0.005) after LPS stimulation. FMD significantly improved at 4 weeks and returned to baseline after treatment discontinuation (P=0.002). Circulating concentrations of endotoxin and cytokines remained unchanged.Conclusion:Reduction of the intestinal endotoxin pool led to a decrease in monocyte CD14 expression and intracellular cytokine production in patients with severe CHF. The improvement of peripheral endothelial function could be a marker of the anti‐inflammatory effect of SDD.
P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Senen Kubilay , Turhan Hasan , Erbay Ali Riza , Basar Nurcan , Yasar Ayse Saatci , Sahin Onur , Yetkin Ertan 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground:P‐wave dispersion (PWD) has been reported to be associated with inhomogeneous and discontinuous propagation of sinus impulses. In the present study, we aimed to investigate PWD in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.Method:The study population consisted of 72 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and 72 healthy control subjects. Left atrial diameter, left ventricular end‐diastolic and end‐systolic diameters and left ventricular ejection fraction of all patients and control subjects were measured by means of transthoracic echocardiography. Maximum P‐wave duration (Pmaximum) and minimum P‐wave duration (Pminimum) were measured from the 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram. PWD was calculated as the difference between Pmaximum and Pminimum.Results:Pmaximum and PWD of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy were significantly higher than those of control subjects (Pmaximum: 126±12 ms vs. 116±10 ms, PWD: 47±6 ms vs. 38±7 ms, respectively, P<0.001 for all). However, there was no statistically significant difference between patient group and control group regarding Pminimum (79±7 ms vs. 78±6 ms, respectively, P=0.27). Left atrial diameter was significantly higher in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy compared to control subjects (4.51±0.62 cm vs. 3.60±0.43 cm, respectively, P<0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction was found to be significantly lower in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy compared to control subjects (33±5% vs. 63±7%, respectively, P<0.001).Conclusion:PWD was found to be significantly higher in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy than in healthy control subjects.
Austrian survey of treating heart failure—AUSTRIA
Authors: Fruhwald Friedrich M. , Rehak Peter , Maier Robert , Watzinger Norbert , Wonisch Manfred , Klein Werner 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground:Treatment of chronic heart failure is based on the results of large clinical trials, which form the basis of treatment guidelines, such as those from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). The aim of this study was to record treatment‐modalities and the implementation of guidelines of chronic heart failure in clinical practice in Austria.Methods:Overall 96 general physicians, specialists for internal medicine in private practice or in hospital outpatient departments participated in the survey. Physicians were asked to prospectively document 30 consecutive patients with chronic heart failure.Results:1880 patients were documented. The majority of patients were treated by general physicians (57%). Coronary artery disease was the most frequent aetiology for heart failure (47%). The most frequently used drugs were blockers of the renin–angiotensin‐system (RAS‐blocker including ACE‐inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor‐blockers, 78%), diuretics (76%) and beta‐blockers (49%). Other drugs like digitalis and spironolactone were used infrequently. Average doses of ACE‐inhibitors were approximately 90% of those recommended by the ESC, average doses of beta‐blockers were approximately 50% of those recommended. Treatment among the three classes of physicians differed with respect to RAS‐blockers and beta‐blockers, which were used infrequently by general practitioners. Both groups of drugs were given more frequently to younger patients (<70 years) while digitalis was given more often to elderly patients.Conclusions:Results from this survey suggest that Austrian physicians treating patients with heart failure use the appropriate drugs in dosages that are suggested by recently published guidelines (ACE‐inhibitors and beta‐blockers). However, dosages of spironolactone clearly differed from current recommendations.
Acute administration of diclofenac, but possibly not long term low dose aspirin, causes detrimental renal effects in heart failure patients treated with ACE‐inhibitors
Authors: Juhlin Tord , Björkman Sven , Gunnarsson Bodil , Fyge Åsa , Roth Bodil , Höglund Peter 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground:Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or high doses of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) can exert detrimental effects on renal function and counteract the beneficial effects of angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors in patients with congestive heart failure.Aims:The objective of our study was to evaluate the renal effects of low dose aspirin and the NSAID diclofenac in patients with congestive heart failure treated with ACE‐inhibitors.Methods:Ten patients on their individually titrated dose of ACE‐inhibitors and low dose aspirin (≤125 mg daily) with stable congestive heart failure from coronary artery disease, entered an open investigation while on low dose aspirin, which was then discontinued. After one week wash‐out they received an oral dose of 50 mg diclofenac potassium or placebo in a double‐blind cross‐over fashion with a one week wash‐out period between treatments.Results:Diclofenac caused significant (P<0.05) decreases in GFR, urine flow, osmolality clearance, and excretion rates of sodium and potassium compared to placebo and aspirin. At tmax for diclofenac or corresponding time for placebo diclofenac caused 40 (11–59)% (geometric mean and 95% confidence limits) reduction in GFR compared to placebo and 36 (5.4–56)% reduction to low‐dose aspirin. No significant changes between low dose aspirin and placebo were found.Conclusion:Acute administration of diclofenac, but not long term low dose aspirin, has profound impact on renal function in patients with heart failure treated with ACE‐inhibitors and may cause worsened heart failure.
An unusual cause of heart failure identified by echocardiography in an octogenarian
Authors: Lin Ming Lee , Connelly Kim , Prior David 
Published: May 2004

AbstractNon‐compaction of the ventricular myocardium is a rare congenital cardiomyopathy that carries an unfavorable prognosis. It is associated with a high incidence of progressive heart failure, thromboembolism and malignant arrhythmias. Echocardiography currently remains the imaging modality most commonly used for diagnosis. We describe an unusual case of isolated non‐compaction of the left ventricle in an octogenarian male to highlight the need for echocardiography in all patients with suspected heart failure, in order to determine aetiology, prognosis and assess treatment.
Short‐term prognostic value of initial serum levels of interleukin‐10 in patients with acute myocarditis
Authors: Fuse Koichi , Kodama Makoto , Okura Yuji , Ito Masahiro , Kato Kiminori , Hanawa Haruo , Aizawa Yoshifusa 
Published: May 2004

AbstractThe disease course of acute myocarditis has a wide spectrum and the predictors of the prognosis in patients with acute myocarditis have not yet been established. In the pathogenesis of myocarditis, the cytokine environment is important. In this study, we examined the predictive values of serum levels of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and IL‐12 in the short‐term prognosis of patients with acute myocarditis. Twenty‐four consecutive patients who had been diagnosed as having acute active myocarditis were analyzed and monitored for 2 months. The patients with myocarditis were divided into the survival group (n=16) and the non‐survival group (n=8). Initial serum levels of IL‐10 (P=0.0015) and IL‐12 (P=0.012) in the non‐survival group were significantly higher than those of the survival group, and there was a significant correlation between IL‐10 and IL‐12 levels (P<0.0001). The univariate analyses showed that increased serum levels of IL‐10 (hazard ratio 1.041, P=0.0004) and IL‐12 (hazard ratio 1.128, P=0.0346) were significant predictors of mortality. In the Kaplan–Meier analysis, high levels of IL‐10 (≥7.0 pg/ml) (P=0.0239) strongly predicted high mortality. In conclusion, the elevation in serum IL‐10 levels at the initial phase appeared to predict poor short‐term prognosis in patients with acute myocarditis.
Hereditary hemochromatosis gene (HFE) mutations C282Y, H63D and S65C in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hannuksela Jokke , Leppilampi Mari , Peuhkurinen Keijo , Kärkkäinen Satu , Saastamoinen Eija , Heliö Tiina , Kaartinen Maija , Nieminen Markku S. , Nieminen Pentti , Parkkila Seppo 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground:Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), a common autosomal recessive disease, leads to excessive iron accumulation in some organs, including the heart. It is therefore not surprising that cardiomyopathy is one of the most severe complications of HH. The HFE gene defects have been thought to contribute to idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) in some patients, even though the results of genotype analyses have so far been contradictory. Hence we set out here to evaluate the prevalence and potential role of HFE mutations in patients with IDCM.Methods:A total of 91 IDCM patients and 102 controls were subjected to HFE mutation analyses, in which C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations were determined for each patient. We also analyzed the impact of the C282Y and H63D mutations on the left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classes.Results:The prevalences of heterozygosity for the C282Y, H63D and S65C mutations in the IDCM patients were 13.2%, 22.0% and 2.2%, respectively. LVEDD was significantly higher (P=0.037) in those with the C282Y mutation at the end of the follow‐up period than in those with no mutation.Conclusions:Our data showed no significant deviations in C282Y, H63D and S65C mutation frequencies between the IDCM patients and controls, suggesting that these mutations do not increase the risk of IDCM. Heterozygosity for the C282Y mutation may nevertheless be a modifying factor contributing to LV dilatation and remodeling.
Natriuretic peptides in the monitoring of anthracycline induced reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Daugaard Gedske , Lassen Ulrik , Bie Peter , Pedersen Erling Bjerregaard , Jensen Kaare Troels , Abildgaard Ulrik , Hesse Birger , Kjaer Andreas 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground:The use of anthracyclines in treatment of cancer is limited by cardiotoxicity of these compounds and may lead to heart failure. Therefore monitoring of cardiac function is necessary during therapy.Aim:We evaluated the value of natriuretic peptides (N‐terminal pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (N‐ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)) for monitoring and predicting anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity using radionuclide left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) measurements as reference.Methods and results:A total of 107 consecutive patients receiving anthracycline as part of their chemotherapy for malignant disease were studied. Plasma concentrations of the peptides were measured by radioimmunoassay and EF by radionuclide cardiography. For reduced EF values, i.e. below 0.50 a fairly strong correlation was found between N‐ANP or BNP and EF. Of 48 patients with serial EF and peptide measurements, 19% showed a significant EF decrease (>0.10) and ended with a final EF value below 0.50. Baseline EF was no predictor of a change in EF during treatment. Neither baseline levels of N‐ANP or BNP nor a change in the same variables during therapy were predictive of a change in EF.Conclusions:In spite of correlations between peptide concentrations and reduced EF values neither baseline values nor serial measurements can safely substitute EF monitoring in patients undergoing anthracycline therapy.