bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced adenosine receptor stimulation as a pathogenic factor in hyperhomocysteinemia
Authors: Riksen Niels P. , Rongen Gerard A. , Blom Henk J. , Boers Godfried H. J. , Smits Paul 
Published: September 2005

AbstractIn this review we discuss the hypothesis, and current evidence, that a decreased concentration of the endogenous purine-nucleoside adenosine contributes to the increased cardiovascular risk of patients with hyperhomocysteinemia. In hyperhomocysteinemia, the reaction equilibrium of the reaction catalysed by S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase will shift towards synthesis of S-adenosylhomocysteine, at the expense of free adenosine. Adenosine receptor stimulation induces several cardiovascular protective effects, such as vasodilation, inhibition of thrombocyte aggregation, of inflammation and of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. A decreased adenosine concentration could, therefore, well contribute to the cardiovascular complications of hyperhomocysteinemia. Previous animal studies have shown that administration of homocysteine decreases extracellular adenosine, associated with increased synthesis of S-adenosylhomocysteine. Recently, we showed that in patients with classical homocystinuria, cellular adenosine uptake is enhanced, thus limiting adenosine-induced vasodilation. These observations provide us with additional pharmacological targets, such as adenosine uptake inhibition, to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia.
Effects of homocysteine on vascular and tissue adenosine: a stake in homocysteine pathogenicity?
Authors: Deussen Andreas , Pexa Annette , Loncar Robert , Stehr Sebastian N. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractHomocysteine may have deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system. It has been hypothesized that these effects may be brought about by a decrease in the adenosine concentration via the S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase reaction. A requirement for this causal relationship is proof of a reduction in vascular adenosine concentration during conditions of elevated homocysteine concentrations. In the present communication we summarize published data obtained during systematic variation of the arterial homocysteine concentration. Most of the results reported show that an increase in homocysteine concentration to 100μM is associated with a 20–50% decrease in vascular adenosine concentration and an increase in tissue S-adenosylhomocysteine level. Homocysteine effects on the adenosine concentration seem to be more pronounced under conditions of impaired oxygenation. Further experiments, in particular on organs and tissue that release high amounts of homocysteine, i.e., the liver, are warranted to study the potential effects of homocysteine on vascular and tissue adenosine concentrations and consequent effects on organ function. The evidence obtained may be relevant for future assessment of risk indicators in conjunction with homocysteine pathogenicity, which might potentially be extended to measurements of adenosine or S-adenosylhomocysteine levels.
Anti-N-homocysteinylated protein autoantibodies and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Jakubowski Hieronim 
Published: September 2005

AbstractMetabolic conversion of homocysteine (Hcy) to a chemically reactive metabolite, Hcy-thiolactone, catalyzed by methionyl-tRNA synthetase is the first step in a pathway that is suggested to contribute to Hcy toxicity in humans. The accumulation of Hcy-thiolactone is detrimental because of its intrinsic ability to modify proteins by forming
Carotid narrowing degree and plasma thiol levels in carotid endarterectomy patients
Authors: Carru Ciriaco , Zinellu Angelo , Sotgia Salvatore , Chessa Roberto , Piredda Franco , Antonietta Casu Maria , Deiana Luca , Porcu Paolo 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the association between plasma thiol levels and percentage carotid narrowing in a group of 68 patients who underwent a carotid endarterectomy, pertained as a risk factor for vascular and cardiovascular disease. Total plasma thiols were measured by capillary electrophoresis laser-induced fluorescence. The mean values of the hematological parameters studied were within normal limits and 25% of the patients were hyperhomocysteinemic (homocysteine >15μmol/L). Pearson's correlation between carotid narrowing degree and the most common risk factors for atherosclerosis showed a positive relationship only between carotid narrowing degree and cysteine levels (r=0.252; p<0.05). Stepwise multiple linear regression with carotid narrowing degree as the dependent variable, and cysteine, homocysteine, age, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol as independent variables confirmed that cysteine was significantly associated with these variables. By regrouping the population according to cysteine and homocysteine concentration percentiles, we found positive correlation between these parameters and median values of carotid narrowing degree. Our study provides experimental evidence to confirm that plasma homocysteine and cysteine are involved in carotid narrowing after carotid endarterectomy intervention, suggesting that cysteine may be involved in the deleterious molecular mechanisms active in carotid stenosis.
Impairment of homocysteine metabolism in patients with retinal vascular occlusion and non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy
Authors: Stanger Olaf , Weger Martin , Obeid Rima , Temmel Werner , Meinitzer Andreas , Steinbrugger Iris , Schmut Otto , Herrmann Wolfgang 
Published: September 2005

AbstractMild hyperhomocysteinemia is established as an independent risk factor for atherothrombotic disease, including ocular pathologies such as retinal vascular occlusion and non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Low intake or low status of B-vitamins explains elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations only in part. The underlying cause for disturbed homocysteine metabolism requires further insight. We investigated whether the combined determinations of plasma tHcy, methylmalonic acid (MMA) and cystathionine provide more information on the causes of impaired homocysteine metabolism as compared with vitamin B
Hyperhomocysteinemia and response of methionine cycle intermediates to vitamin treatment in renal patients
Authors: Herrmann Wolfgang , Obeid Rima 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe role of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) as a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases in renal patients is a matter of controversy. The remethylation of homocysteine (Hcy) to methionine in the kidneys is of great importance for Hcy clearance. Hcy remethylation is markedly decreased in patients on hemodialysis, but transsulfuration remains mostly unaffected. Markedly increased concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA), as a metabolic marker of vitamin B
A laboratory algorithm with homocysteine as the primary parameter reduces the cost of investigation of folate and cobalamin deficiency
Authors: Schedvin Göran , Jones Ian , Hultdin Johan , Nilsson Torbjörn K. 
Published: September 2005

AbstractAnalyses of total homocysteine (tHcy) and to some extent methyl malonic acid (MMA) have become increasingly used in Sweden, primarily for investigating folate and cobalamin deficiency. This has led to increasing costs for diagnosis and laboratory testing, since clinicians still order the established tests, cobalamin and folate. The purpose of this study was to compare the profile of test parameters in six Swedish counties, using laboratory statistics from 2003, and to relate these to medical prescriptions for folate and cobalamin in the same counties. We also wanted to evaluate whether or not a laboratory algorithm with tHcy as the primary test-parameter, followed by vitamin analyses only when tHcy is above a certain decision limit, could reduce the expanding cost of diagnosing folate and cobalamin deficiency. For this analysis we used patient results from two counties in Sweden collected during 2003. There is a slight positive correlation between resources spent upon tests and resources spent upon treating these deficiencies, and a laboratory algorithm based upon initial analysis of tHcy, instead of conventional clinical requests for all parameters, could save approximately 30% of laboratory costs. A typical annual saving in one of these counties (ca. 260,000 inhabitants) by implementing this algorithm would be ca €100,000.
Plasma homocysteine levels in L-dopa-treated Parkinson's disease patients with cognitive dysfunctions
Authors: Zoccolella Stefano , Lamberti Paolo , Iliceto Giovanni , Diroma Cosimo , Armenise Elio , Defazio Giovanni , Lamberti Simona V. , Fraddosio Angela , de Mari Michele , Livrea Paolo 
Published: September 2005

AbstractElevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations are associated with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Several recent reports have indicated that L-dopa treatment is an acquired cause of hyperhomo-cysteinemia. Despite the fact that a large proportion of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients develop cognitive dysfunctions or dementia, particularly in the late stages of the illness and after long-term L-dopa treatment, the relationship between Hcy and dementia in PD has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma Hcy levels in a group of L-dopa-treated PD patients with cognitive impairment and to elucidate a possible role of Hcy in the development of cognitive dysfunctions in PD. We compared Hcy, vitamin B
Relation between homocysteine and biochemical bone turnover markers and bone mineral density in peri- and post-menopausal women
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Kraenzlin Marius , Pape Gerhard , Sand-Hill Marga , Herrmann Wolfgang 
Published: September 2005

AbstractBackground: Recently, increased plasma homocysteine (Hcy) has been suggested as an independent risk factor for osteoporotic fractures. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that Hcy adversely affects bone metabolism. This study aimed to analyze the relation between Hcy and biochemical markers of bone metabolism and bone mineral density (BMD). Materials and methods: We investigated 143 peri- and post-menopausal women [median age (25th–75th percentile), 67 (57–75) years]. All subjects underwent a detailed medical examination, measurement of bone mineral density at lumbar spine (BMD-LS) and total hip (BMD-HIP), and fasting venous blood and urine sampling. Osteocalcin (OC), serum calcium (Ca), urinary desoxypyridinoline cross-links (DPD), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (sRANKL) were studied. Results: According to BMD subjects were classified as normal (n=24), osteopenic (n=51) or osteoporotic (n=68). Median Hcy did not differ between normal, osteopenic and osteoporotic subjects (p=0.647). Partial correlation analysis, controlling for the major confounders, age, creatinine, menopause and previous fractures, revealed significant correlations between Hcy and DPD (r=0.193, p=0.022), as well as between Hcy and Ca (r=0.170, p=0.045). After adjustment for the same confounders, subsequent regression analysis confirmed significant associations of Hcy with DPD and Ca. No significant relations could be observed between Hcy and BMD-LS, BMD-HIP, OC, OPG or sRANKL. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate weak, but significant, relations between Hcy and markers of organic and inorganic bone resorption, suggesting a mechanistic role of Hcy in bone metabolism. The relation between Hcy and bone resorption was not dependent on OPG or sRANKL.
Asymmetric dimethylarginine, homocysteine and renal function – is there a relation?
Authors: Široká Romana , Trefil Ladislav , Rajdl Daniel , Racek Jaroslav , Rusňáková Hana , Cibulka Romana , Eiselt Jaromír , Filipovský Jan 
Published: September 2005

AbstractThe adverse effect of hyperhomocysteinemia on the vascular wall can be partially explained by increasing plasma concentration of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase. The aim of the study was to compare ADMA and homocysteine levels in three groups of subjects: blood donors with normal homocysteine concentration (group A), patients with hyperhomocysteinemia and normal kidney function (group B) and hemodialysis patients who are known to be hyperhomocysteinemic (group C). Concentrations of homocysteine (enzymatic method), ADMA (enzyme-linked immunoassay) and creatinine (Jaffe method) in EDTA plasma were measured. Plasma ADMA levels were significantly higher in both groups with hyperhomocysteinemia (1.60±0.56μmol/L in group B, 1.81±0.57μmol/L in group C) when compared with those in blood donors (0.82±0.29μmol/L, p<0.001 in both cases). Significant positive correlations were found between concentrations of ADMA and homocysteine (r=0.42, p<0.0001), ADMA and creatinine (r=0.39 p<0.001), homocysteine and creatinine (r=0.69, p<0.0001), age and homocysteine (r=0.47, p<0.001), age and ADMA (r=0.57, p<0.001) and age and creatinine (r=0.37, p<0.001). Increased ADMA concentrations in hyperhomocysteinemic patients were confirmed, but multiple linear regression analysis showed that this significant correlation is only apparent due the dependence of both parameters on age.
Developmental and Behavioral Needs and Service Use for Young Children in Child Welfare
Authors: Stahmer Aubyn C. , Leslie Laurel K. , Hurlburt Michael , Barth Richard P. , Webb Mary Bruce , Landsverk John , Zhang Jinjin 
Published: September 2005

Objective. To determine the level of developmental and behavioral need in young children entering child welfare (CW), estimate early intervention services use, and examine variation in need and service use based on age and level of involvement with CW by using a national probability sample in the United States.Methods. As part of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, data were collected on 2813 children &lt;6 years old for whom possible abuse or neglect was investigated by CW agencies. Analyses used descriptive statistics to determine developmental and behavioral needs across 5 domains (cognition, behavior, communication, social, and adaptive functioning) and service use. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between independent variables (age, gender, race-ethnicity, maltreatment history, level of CW involvement, and developmental or behavior problems) and service use.Results. Results indicate that age and level of CW involvement predict service use when controlling for need. Both toddlers (41.8%) and preschoolers (68.1%) in CW have high developmental and behavioral needs; however, few children are receiving services for these issues (22.7% overall). Children that remain with their biological parents have similar needs to those in out-of-home care but are less likely to use services. Children &lt;3 years of age are least likely to use services.Conclusions. Children referred to CW have high developmental and behavioral need regardless of the level of CW involvement. Both age and level of involvement influence service use when controlling for need. Mechanisms need to be developed to address disparities in access to intervention.
Reduction of Inappropriate Hospital Admissions of Children With Influenza-Like Illness Through the Implementation of Specific Guidelines: A Case-Controlled Study
Authors: De Marco Giulio , Mangani Sebastiano , Correra Antonio , Di Caro Stefania , Tarallo Luigi , De Franciscis Alessandro , Jefferson Tom , Guarino Alfredo 
Published: September 2005

Background. In an attempt to reduce the burden of influenza-like illness (ILI) on health resources, the Italian Ministry of Health released clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on ILI management that include specific indications for the admission of children to the hospital. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether application of these CPGs reduced the rate of inappropriate hospital admissions.Methods. In the first phase, 2 independent observers recorded the number and clinical condition of children presenting with ILI to the emergency department (ED) of a large urban pediatric hospital and the main reasons for hospital admission. The latter were compared with the CPG indications for hospital admission to evaluate appropriateness. One year later (phase 2), we recorded the number of children with ILI admitted to the hospital by pediatricians trained in a 3-hour course on CPGs and by “untrained” control pediatricians.Results. In phase 1 of the study, 854 children accessed the ED; 318 (37.2%) had ILI. Of the latter, 26.2% were admitted to the hospital, and 33.7% of admissions were inappropriate according to CPG criteria. In phase 2, 16% of the children with ILI were admitted by CPG-trained pediatricians and 25.8% by control pediatricians. The number of inappropriate hospital admissions was higher among control than among CPG-trained pediatricians.Conclusions. ILI in children is associated with a high rate of inappropriate hospital admissions. Training of ED pediatricians in the application of a specific CPG may result in a substantial decrease of the admission rate and of inappropriate admissions.
Relationship Between Significant Perinatal Events and Migraine Severity
Authors: Maneyapanda Seetha B. , Venkatasubramanian Anuradha 
Published: September 2005

Objective. Nociceptive neuronal circuits are formed during embryonic and postnatal times, so insult during these periods may result in long-term alterations to pain circuitry via synaptic plasticity. One possible long-term result of plasticity is central hyperexcitability, which is suspected to be involved in chronic headache. This study aimed to establish whether there is an association between early pain experiences and the experience of migraines in later childhood.Methods. In a retrospective study, we examined the charts of 280 pediatric migraineurs at the Division of Pediatric Neurology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and documented their perinatal history and migraine characteristics.Results. Analysis revealed that there was a significant relationship between patients who had been in the NICU at birth and the type of pain medication prescribed when compared with patients who had not been in the NICU (χ2 test, χ22 = 23.304; N = 30250). Findings also suggested that pediatric migraine patients who had been in the NICU at birth had a significantly earlier age of onset of their migraines (χ2 ± SD = 7.83 ± 3.23; N = 30) when compared with patients who did not remain in the NICU (χ2 ± SD = 9.68 ± 3.57; N = 250; Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, χ2 = 10.699).Conclusion. On the basis of these findings, we speculate that pain experience as a neonate, through neuronal plasticity and resulting central hyperexcitability, can alter the later experience of pain. However, this observational study cannot validate these links. Other potential explanations that work either synergistically or alone include other forms of stimulation and greater parental vigilance that may occur when neonates spend time in the NICU. This study would prompt additional development of a larger prospective study to establish a link between early pain experience and subsequent pain syndromes and also future investigation into the treatment of pain in neonates as a preventive measure for avoiding long-lasting neuronal alterations.
Evaluation of an Adolescent Smoking-Cessation Media Campaign: GottaQuit.com
Authors: Klein Jonathan D. , Havens Caryn Graff , Carlson Erika J. 
Published: September 2005

Objective.To evaluate the impact of a smoking-cessation media campaign for teens on utilization of a cessation Web site, GottaQuit.com.
Methods.Telephone surveys were conducted before and after the implementation of a countywide media campaign to promote the use of a smoking-cessation Web site for youths. The surveys were designed to assess teen awareness and utilization of the Web site, as well as tobacco use and cessation attempts. Supplemental 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey items also assessed use of the Web site.
Results.Most teen smokers reported that they wanted to quit smoking. Almost all teens reported exposure to GottaQuit.com ads and accurately identified GottaQuit.com as a Web site that offers cessation help for youths. Nearly 1 in 4 smokers who were trying to quit had visited GottaQuit.com or another Web site for cessation assistance.
Conclusions.The GottaQuit.com campaign effectively reached almost all teens, regardless of smoking status. Smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to have visited the Web site for help with quitting. Web adjuncts are likely to be used by adolescents who seek assistance in quitting.
Effect of Initial Corticosteroid Therapy on Coronary Artery Aneurysm Formation in Kawasaki Disease: A Meta-analysis of 862 Children
Authors: Wooditch Angela C. , Aronoff Stephen C. 
Published: September 2005

Objective. Kawasaki disease is an acute vasculitis of infancy and childhood. When untreated, 15% to 25% of patients develop coronary artery aneurysms. Although the use of aspirin and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) as initial therapy is well established, the role of corticosteroids is uncertain. The objective of this study was to identify clinical trials that compared the rate of coronary aneurysm formation after initial therapy with corticosteroids or an appropriate control and to determine the overall efficacy of corticosteroid therapy for the initial treatment of Kawasaki disease.Methods. Published studies were identified by searches of the Medline and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases as well as hand searches of selected references. Studies were included when (1) all subjects had a stated diagnosis of Kawasaki disease; (2) a corticosteroid preparation was included as part of the initial management of the disease process; (3) a therapeutically matched control group was included for the entire study, or subsets of patients that received a therapeutic intervention identical to the experimental group except for the inclusion of a corticosteroid compound could be identified; and (4) 2-dimensional echocardiography or coronary artery catheterization was performed at least 2 weeks after therapy to detect the presence of coronary aneurysms. Included studies were evaluated for quality and heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model.Results. Eight studies fulfilled criteria for inclusion. Because 2 of these studies provided adequate detail to permit evaluation of 2 subgroups each, a total of 10 groups were available for evaluation. The significant heterogeneity that existed among the 10 studies (Q = 21.9, I2 = 59.0) was eliminated when 2 studies with markedly different study designs were removed (Q = 5.59, I2 = 0.00). Meta-analysis of the remaining 8 studies revealed a significant reduction in the incidence of coronary artery aneurysms among patients who received corticosteroid therapy plus aspirin ± IVIG compared with aspirin ± IVIG alone (odds ratio [OR] 0.546; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.371–0.803); the benefit of corticosteroid therapy was maintained when study subsets of aspirin alone (OR: 0.601; 95% CI: 0.392–0.921) or aspirin + IVIG (OR: 0.352; 95% CI: 0.136–0.909) were compared with matched regimens that contained corticosteroids.Conclusion. The inclusion of corticosteroids in aspirin-containing regimens for the initial treatment of Kawasaki disease reduces the incidence of coronary aneurysms.