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Increased Severity (increased + severity)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	75%
Life Sciences	18%

Selected Abstracts

Decreased Proteasome Activity Is Associated With Increased Severity of Liver Pathology and Oxidative Stress in Experimental Alcoholic Liver Disease

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 8 2004
Terrence M. Donohue Jr
Background: Because of its role in degrading the bulk of intracellular proteins and eliminating damaged proteins, the proteasome is important in maintaining cell viability. Previously, we showed a 35,40% decrease in proteasome peptidase activity when ethanol was administered to rats by intragastric infusion. We hypothesized that this reduction was caused by ethanol-elicited oxidative stress, the degree of which varies depending on the method of ethanol administration. This study examined the relationship of proteasome activity and content with ethanol-induced oxidative stress and the degree of liver injury. Methods: Rats were given ethanol or isocaloric dextrose-containing liquid diets by intragastric infusion for 1 month. The diets contained medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), palm oil (PO), corn oil (CO), or fish oil (FO) as the principal source of fat. Results: Rats given ethanol and MCT exhibited no significant liver pathology, whereas cumulative pathology scores in ethanol-fed rats given PO, CO, or FO were 2.5, 5.4 and 7.0, respectively, indicating that ethanol and FO caused the greatest liver damage. The severity of liver pathology in the last three groups of animals correlated with levels of lipid peroxides and serum 8-isoprostanes. Alpha smooth muscle actin, an indicator of stellate cell activation, was increased relative to controls in the livers of all ethanol-fed rats except FO-fed animals, in which both control and ethanol-fed rats had similar levels of this protein. In livers of CO and FO ethanol-fed rats, proteasome chymotrypsin-like activity was decreased by 55,60%, but there was no quantitative alteration in 20S proteasome subunit content. In contrast, ethanol affected neither proteasome activity nor its content in MCT- and PO-treated animals. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the severity of liver injury and ethanol-induced oxidative stress is associated with a reduction in proteasome catalysis. [source]

Comorbidity of Alcohol Dependence With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Differences in Phenotype With Increased Severity of the Substance Disorder, but Not in Genotype (Serotonin Transporter and 5-Hydroxytryptamine-2c Receptor)

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2003
Monika Johann
Background: Nearly 50% of subjects with continuing symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adulthood have been reported to show a comorbid substance use disorder. Both ADHD and alcohol dependence have a high genetic load and might even share overlapping sources of genetic liability. Recently, the functional relevant polymorphism within the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) and the 5-hydroxytryptamine-2c (5-HT2c) receptor Cys23Ser have been proposed as candidate genes for both entities. Methods: We investigated phenotype and 5-HTT/5-HT2c genotype characteristics in 314 alcoholics of German descent. Results: There was no significant difference in 5-HTT genotype or 5-HT2c allele distribution between alcoholics and matched controls. Sixty-seven alcoholics fulfilled DSM-IV criteria of ADHD with ongoing symptoms in adulthood and had a Wender Utah Rating Scale score greater than 90. Thirty had ADHD plus antisocial personality disorder. The subgroup of alcoholics with ADHD (ADHD+) showed a significantly higher daily and record ethanol intake per month, an earlier age at onset of alcohol dependence, and a higher frequency of suicidal ideation, court proceedings, and antisocial personality disorder. In our sample, more than 50% of type 2 alcoholics according to Cloninger consist of the ADHD+ and/or antisocial personality disorder-positive subjects. There were no differences in 5-HTT genotype or 5-HT2c allele distribution between the ADHD+ subgroups and alcoholics without comorbidity and matched controls, respectively. Conclusions: Comorbidity of alcoholism and ADHD forms a distinct phenotype that shows an increased severity of the substance disorder. This phenotype contributes substantially to the so-called type 2 alcoholics according to Cloninger. In our sample, the functional relevant 5-HTT promoter and the 5-HT2c receptor Cys23Ser polymorphism do not contribute to the supposed common genetic predisposition of ADHD and alcohol dependence. [source]

Seasonal and annual variation of carbon exchange in an evergreen Mediterranean forest in southern France

GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 4 2008
V. ALLARD
Abstract We present 9 years of eddy covariance measurements made over an evergreen Mediterranean forest in southern France. The goal of this study was to quantify the different components of the carbon (C) cycle, gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (Reco), and to assess the effects of climatic variables on these fluxes and on the net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide. The Puéchabon forest acted as a net C sink of ,254 g C m,2 yr,1, with a GPP of 1275 g C m,2 yr,1 and a Reco of 1021 g C m,2 yr,1. On average, 83% of the net annual C sink occurred between March and June. The effects of exceptional events such the insect-induced partial canopy defoliation that occurred in spring 2005, and the spring droughts of 2005 and 2006 are discussed. A high interannual variability of ecosystem C fluxes during summer and autumn was observed but the resulting effect on the annual net C budget was moderate. Increased severity and/or duration of summer drought under climate change do not appear to have the potential to negatively impact the average C budget of this ecosystem. On the contrary, factors affecting ecosystem functioning (drought and/or defoliation) during March,June period may reduce dramatically the annual C balance of evergreen Mediterranean forests. [source]

Lipoprotein (a) in Chronic Renal Failure: Effect of Maintenance Hemodialysis

HEMODIALYSIS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 4 2003
Om Prakash Kalra
Background:,Coronary artery disease accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Besides the higher prevalence of traditional risk factors, several uremia-related factors may play a role in accelerated atherosclerosis, such as elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). The effect of maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) on Lp(a) levels is not well understood. The present work was carried out to study the Lp(a) levels in Stage 4 and Stage 5 CKD patients as well as the effect of MHD on Lp(a) levels in patients with Stage 5 CKD. Methods:,The study subjects included 15 patients with Stage 4 CKD, 15 patients with Stage 5 CKD, and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Plasma Lp(a) was measured by ELISA in all the subjects at the time of entry into the study and after 4 weeks of MHD in patients with Stage 5 CKD. Patients on MHD were dialyzed two to three times weekly for 4 hr during each session. Results:,Mean Lp(a) levels were significantly higher in patients with CKD than in control patients. In patients with Stage 4 CKD, the Lp(a) level was 34.0 ± 19.5 mg/dL, whereas in Stage 5 CKD the level was 49.0 ± 30.9 and in healthy controls it was 22.2 ± 16.4. In patients with Stage 5 CKD, 4 weeks of MHD led to a significant fall in Lp(a) levels by 23.6% (P < 0.001). Conclusions:,The results of this study show that increases in Lp(a) levels start early during the course of CKD and become more pronounced with increased severity of disease. Initiation of MHD lowers Lp(a) levels and may have a long-term beneficial effect on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. [source]

Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans is caused by mutations in MBTPS2,

HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 10 2010
Emmelien Aten
Abstract Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans (KFSD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by development of hyperkeratotic follicular papules on the scalp followed by progressive alopecia of the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Associated eye findings include photophobia in childhood and corneal dystrophy. Due to the genetic and clinical heterogeneity of similar disorders, a definitive diagnosis of KFSD is often challenging. Toward identification of the causative gene we reanalyzed a large Dutch KFSD family. SNP arrays (1 M) redefined the locus to a 2.9-Mb region at Xp22.12,Xp22.11. Screening of all 14 genes in the candidate region identified MBTPS2 as the candidate gene carrying a c.1523A>G (p.Asn508Ser) missense mutation. The variant was also identified in two unrelated X-linked KFSD families and cosegregated with KFSD in all families. In symptomatic female carriers, skewed X-inactivation of the normal allele matched with increased severity of symptoms. MBTPS2 is required for cleavage of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs). In vitro functional expression studies of the c.1523A>G mutation showed that sterol responsiveness was reduced by half. Other missense mutations in MBTPS2 have recently been identified in patients with IFAP syndrome. We postulate that both phenotypes are in the spectrum of one genetic disorder with a partially overlapping phenotype. Hum Mutat 31:1,9, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

A long-term cohort study of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use and disease activity in outpatients with inflammatory bowel disease

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES, Issue 6 2004
Gregory F. Bonner MD
Abstract Background and Aims: We examined whether use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in outpatients with inflammatory bowel disease was associated with increased severity of disease activity. Methods: Outpatients with Crohn's disease (CD; n = 426) and with ulcerative colitis (UC; n = 203) were seen between November 1997 and April 2002. Patients were questioned at each visit regarding use of prescription or over-the counter NSAIDs and a clinical disease activity index (modified Harvey Bradshaw [MHB] or Lichtiger score) was obtained. Results: For the Crohn's patients, for 1315 visits no NSAIDs were used, on 215 visits low-dose NSAIDs were used, and for 139 visits high-dose NSAIDs were taken. For UC patient visits, 495 used no NSAIDs, 112 low-dose NSAIDs, and 49 high-dose NSAIDs. Average MHB score was 4.07 for the no-NSAID group, 4.24 for low-dose NSAIDs (P = 0.46), and 4.78 for high-dose (P = 0.0072 versus no NSAIDs). For the ulcerative colitis patients corresponding scores were 5.64, 5.46, and 6.20, respectively (P = not significant). The probability of moderately active disease as defined by crossing a threshold MHB or Lichtiger score, however, was not significantly affected by NSAID use. Subgroup analysis indicated the increase in disease activity among CD patients taking high-dose NSAIDs was limited to patients with colonic involvement. Conclusions: Use of low-dose NSAIDs was not associated with an increase in disease activity for these outpatients with either CD or UC. Use of high-doses of NSAIDs was associated with a higher numerical disease activity index score among CD patients with colonic involvement, but this was not reflected by an increase in significant disease flares. [source]

Periodontal diseases and health: Consensus Report of the Sixth European Workshop on Periodontology

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 2008
Denis Kinane
Abstract Introduction: The remit of this group was to update the knowledge base on periodontal diseases and health. Material and Methods: The literature was systematically searched and critically reviewed in five specific topics. Results: Prevalence of periodontitis: The data suggest a trend towards a lower prevalence of periodontitis in recent years. Adverse pregnancy outcome: The findings indicate a likely association between periodontal disease and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. There is no evidence that treating periodontal disease decreases the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Prevalence and distribution of periodontal pathogens: Genetic analysis of bacteria has demonstrated an unanticipated diversity within species. Carriage rates and particular subsets of these species vary between ethnic groups. Few of these differences can be related to differences in disease prevalence. Diabetes mellitus: Evidence on the association supports the concept of increased severity but not extent of periodontitis in subjects with poorly controlled diabetes. It is inconclusive that periodontal treatment results in improved metabolic control. Cardiovascular diseases: Evidence suggests that having periodontitis contributes to the total infectious and inflammation burden and may contribute to cardiovascular events and stroke in susceptible subjects. The impact of periodontal therapy must be further investigated. [source]

Alcohol consumption and periodontal disease

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY, Issue 7 2004
Nutrition Examination Survey, The Third National Health
Abstract Objective: This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on the severity of periodontal disease. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study employed 13,198 subjects of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) aged 20 and older who have at least six natural teeth. Alcohol intake was represented both as a continuous variable and dichotomized using 5, 10, 15, and 20 drinks/week as cut-points. Periodontal disease was represented by clinical attachment loss (CAL) and was assessed both as a continuous variable and dichotomized as <1.5 mm and 1.5 mm. Independent effect of alcohol on CAL was assessed by weighted multiple linear and logistic regression analyses adjusting simultaneously for the effects of age, gender, race, education, income, smoking, diet, diabetes, gingival bleeding, number of remaining teeth. Results: There was a significant linear relationship between number of drinks per week and log CAL (p=0.0001). Odds ratios for the risk of attachment loss using 5, 10, 15, and 20 drinks/week as cut-points were 1.22 [1.02,1.47], 1.39 [1.13,1.71], 1.54 [1.22,1.93], and 1.67 [1.25,2.23], respectively. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption may be associated with increased severity of CAL in a dose-dependent fashion. Prospective studies and studies of mechanism are needed to confirm the role of alcohol as a risk factor for periodontal disease. [source]

Predominant human herpesvirus 6 variant A infant infections in an HIV-1 endemic region of Sub-Saharan Africa

JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Matthew Bates
Abstract Human herpesvirus 6, HHV-6, commonly infects children, causing febrile illness and can cause more severe pathology, especially in an immune compromised setting. There are virulence distinctions between variants HHV-6A and B, with evidence for increased severity and neurotropism for HHV-6A. While HHV-6B is the predominant infant infection in USA, Europe and Japan, HHV-6A appears rare. Here HHV-6 prevalence, loads and variant genotypes, in asymptomatic compared to symptomatic infants were investigated from an African region with endemic HIV-1/AIDS. DNA was extracted from blood or sera from asymptomatic infants at 6 and 18 months age in a population-based micronutrient study, and from symptomatic infants hospitalised for febrile disease. DNA was screened by qualitative and quantitative real-time PCR, then genotyped by sequencing at variable loci, U46 (gN) and U47 (gO). HIV-1 serostatus of infants and mothers were also determined. HHV-6 DNA prevalence rose from 15% to 22% (80/371) by 18 months. At 6 months, infants born to HIV-1 positive mothers had lower HHV-6 prevalence (11%, 6/53), but higher HCMV prevalence (25%, 17/67). HHV-6 positive febrile hospitalized infants had higher HIV-1, 57% (4/7), compared to asymptomatic infants, 3% (2/74). HHV-6A was detected exclusively in 86% (48/56) of asymptomatic HHV-6 positive samples genotyped. Co-infections with both strain variants were linked with higher viral loads and found in 13% (7/56) asymptomatic infants and 43% (3/7) HIV-1 positive febrile infants. Overall, the results show HHV-6A as the predominant variant significantly associated with viremic infant-infections in this African population, distinct from other global cohorts, suggesting emergent infections elsewhere. J. Med. Virol. 81:779,789, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Comorbidity of Alcohol Dependence With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Differences in Phenotype With Increased Severity of the Substance Disorder, but Not in Genotype (Serotonin Transporter and 5-Hydroxytryptamine-2c Receptor)

Serum Cardiac Troponin I Concentration in Dogs with Precapillary and Postcapillary Pulmonary Hypertension

JOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2010
C. Guglielmini
Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease condition leading to right-sided cardiac hypertrophy and, eventually, right-sided heart failure. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a circulating biomarker of cardiac damage. Hypothesis: Myocardial damage can occur in dogs with precapillary and postcapillary PH. Animals: One hundred and thirty-three dogs were examined: 26 healthy controls, 42 dogs with mitral valve disease (MVD) without PH, 48 dogs with pulmonary hypertension associated with mitral valve disease (PH-MVD), and 17 dogs with precapillary PH. Methods: Prospective, observational study. Serum cTnI concentration was measured with a commercially available immunoassay and results were compared between groups. Results: Median cTnI was 0.10 ng/mL (range 0.10,0.17 ng/mL) in healthy dogs. Compared with the healthy population, median serum cTnI concentration was increased in dogs with precapillary PH (0.25 ng/mL; range 0.10,1.9 ng/mL; P < .001) and in dogs with PH-MVD (0.21 ng/mL; range 0.10,2.10 ng/mL; P < .001). Median serum cTnI concentration of dogs with MVD (0.12 ng/mL; range 0.10,1.00 ng/mL) was not significantly different compared with control group and dogs with PH-MVD. In dogs with MVD and PH-MVD, only the subgroup with decompensated PH-MVD had significantly higher cTnI concentration compared with dogs with compensated MVD and PH-MVD. Serum cTnI concentration showed significant modest positive correlations with the calculated pulmonary artery systolic pressure in dogs with PH and some echocardiographic indices in dogs with MVD and PH-MVD. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Serum cTnI is high in dogs with either precapillary and postcapillary PH. Myocardial damage in dogs with postcapillary PH is likely the consequence of increased severity of MVD. [source]

Long-Term Pain Relief in Patients with Cervicogenic Headaches after Pulsed Radiofrequency Application into the Lateral Atlantoaxial (C1-2) Joint Using an Anterolateral Approach

PAIN PRACTICE, Issue 4 2010
FIPP, Willy Halim MD
Abstract The lateral atlantoaxial joint has long been reported as a source of cervicogenic headache. We present a retrospective study, including 86 patients who had undergone lateral C1-2 joint pulsed radiofrequency application, for cervicogenic headache in a single pain center from March 2007 to December 2008. The percentage of patients who had ,50% pain relief at 2 months, 6 months, and 1 year were 50% (43/86), 50% (43/86), and 44.2% (38/86), respectively. Long-term pain relief at 6 months and 1 year were predicted reliably by ,50% pain relief at 2 months (P < 0.001). Apart from 1 patient that complained of increased severity of occipital headache lasting several hours, we had no other reported complications. [source]

Serological and clinical characteristics of children with peanut sensitization in an Asian community

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2p2 2010
Wen Chin Chiang
Chiang WC, Pons L, Kidon MI, Liew WK, Goh A, Wesley Burks A. Serological and clinical characteristics of children with peanut sensitization in an Asian community. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e429,e438. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S In the past two decades, peanut allergy prevalence has increased in the West but has been perceived as having remained low in Asia. To review the clinical presentation of Asian children with peanut hypersensitivity and measure their IgE responses to major peanut allergens. We enrolled 31 children presenting with various allergies and a positive skin prick test to peanut from the Children's hospital outpatient allergy clinic in Singapore. A detailed questionnaire was completed by parents. The children's serum IgE specific to native Ara h 1, native Ara h 2, and recombinant Ara h 3 were detected using ELISA. Of the 31 patients, 19 had previously documented reactions to peanuts, while 12 had no previous clinical reaction. Most, 89.5% (17/19) of first reactions featured skin changes (urticaria, erythema, angioedema), but only 36.8% (7/19) involved skin symptoms alone. Respiratory symptoms and GI symptoms occurred in 42.1% and 26.3% of patients respectively and did not occur as the sole manifestation of reaction. The most common GI manifestation was emesis, present in 26.3% (5/19) of subjects. Two children experienced impaired consciousness with systemic, anaphylactic events. Although most sought treatment for their first peanut reaction only one patient received epinephrine. Half of our patients reported a subsequent accidental ingestion after the diagnosis of peanut allergy, with a median time from diagnosis to first accidental ingestion of 4 months and a reported increased severity of reaction in approximately half of the repeat exposures. Eighty-seven percent of children had specific IgE directed against at least one of the major peanut allergens. Among all patients, 87.1% had IgE specific to both Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 and 54.8% to rAra h 3. Asian children with peanut sensitization have clinically similar presentations and respond to the same major allergenic proteins as their Western counterparts. The perceived differences between the populations in this context do not stem from divergent clinical or immunological responses. [source]

Obstructive sleep apnoea is associated with risk factors comprising the metabolic syndrome

RESPIROLOGY, Issue 7 2010
Toshiki AKAHOSHI
ABSTRACT Background and objective: Several features of OSA syndrome suggest that it is a manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MS). In this study, we investigated the prevalence of the MS among male Japanese patients with OSA, as well as the relationship between OSA in non-obese patients and components of the MS other than obesity (hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance). Methods: The study included 416 Japanese men who were diagnosed as having OSA by polysomnography. Among these, 101 non-obese patients were selected and the severity of OSA, as well as the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance, was assessed. Results: The MS was associated with OSA in 218/416 patients (52.4%). A significant increase in the prevalence of the MS was associated with increased severity of OSA, as categorized according to AHI. In the non-obese patients with OSA (mean age 57.6 years, BMI 22.7 kg/m2, AHI 34.3 events/h), hypertension, dyslipidaemia and glucose intolerance were identified in 70 (69.3%), 43 (42.6%) and 20 patients (19.8%), respectively. At least two of these factors were identified in 40 patients (39.6%). Non-obese patients with severe OSA had a significantly higher prevalence of two or more of these factors (33/59 patients, 55.9%). Conclusions: Although Asians are generally less obese than Caucasians, the prevalence of the MS was high among Japanese patients with OSA, and even among non-obese patients, OSA was associated with risk factors for the MS. [source]

Fetal RHD genotyping in maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy

BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2002
Jean-Marc Costa
Summary., Fetal RHD genotype determination is useful in the management of sensitized RhD-negative pregnant women. It can be ascertained early during pregnancy by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. However, these procedures are invasive, resulting both in an increased risk of fetal loss and in an increased severity of immunization due to fetomaternal haemorrhage. A reliable determination of RHD genotype by fetal DNA analysis in maternal serum during the first trimester of pregnancy is reported in this study. One hundred and six sera from RhD-negative pregnant women were obtained during the first trimester of pregnancy. These sera were tested for the presence of RHD gene using a new real-time polymerase chain reaction assay and the results compared with those obtained later in pregnancy on amniotic fluid cells and by RHD serology of the new-born. All sera from women carrying a RhD-positive fetus (n = 62) gave positive results for RHD gene detection and sera from women carrying a RhD-negative fetus (n = 40) were negative. The high level of accuracy of fetal RHD genotyping obtained in this study could enable this technique to be offered on a routine basis for the management of RhD-negative patients during the first trimester of pregnancy. [source]

Covert fears and anxiety in asthma and congenital heart disease,

CHILD: CARE, HEALTH AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 4 2001
S Gupta
Summary Aim To compare anxiety, fears and behavioural problems in children with asthma and children with congenital heart disease, and with the normative population. To also review the influence of maternal anxiety, time since diagnosis and severity of disease. Design Children administered Fear Survey Scale (FSSC-R) and Child Manifest Anxiety Scale (R-CMAS). Mothers given Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and State Trait Anxiety Scale (STAI-S and STAI-T). Normative means and SDs compared with means and SDs for both medical groups. The mother's scores on the STAI-S and STAI-T scales were correlated with the child's scores on the FSSC-R and the R-CMAS. Setting Outpatient Asthma and Cardiology multidisciplinary Clinics at a tertiary care paediatric facility, Alberta Children's Hospital. Subjects: Forty children with asthma (aged 6,17 years) were compared with 39 children with congenital heart disease. Intake questionnaires and interviews determined these children to be without obvious psycho-social problems. Results Children with asthma and children with congenital heart disease had more medical fears, and more physiological anxiety than normative samples. Increased maternal anxiety was correlated in both groups with increased child anxiety, medical fears and behavioural problems in the child. Similarly, increased severity of asthma or cardiac problems was associated with more physiological anxiety and more fears. Less time since diagnosis of the disease adversely affected social interactions in both groups of children. Conclusion Physiological anxiety, medical fears and maternal anxiety are important issues requiring attention in asthma and cardiac disease, even in the absence of obvious psychosocial problems. There may be specific problems with a recent diagnosis of a chronic illness. [source]