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Significant Correlation (significant + correlation)
Kinds of Significant Correlation Selected AbstractsPrediction of polymorphic N -acetylation of new drug candidates by correlation with human NAT1 and NAT2DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 1 2002Katalin Jemnitz Abstract Due to interindividual variation in N -acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) activity, pharmaceutical companies face the problem of polymorphic metabolism in drugs that are metabolized mainly or exclusively by this enzyme. An in vitro method has been developed to predict in vivo polymorphic N -acetylation at an early stage of drug development. Two new type 5H-2,3-benzodiazepine derivatives, Nerisopam (NER) with anxiolytic activity and GYKI47261 with antiepileptic activity, are metabolized mainly by N -acetylation in the rat and human. The selectivity of human N -acetyltransferases (NAT1,2) to form the acetylated metabolites has been investigated by correlation analysis. Twelve human liver samples were characterized for NAT1 and NAT2 phenotype based on their enzyme activity toward two selective NAT1 (p -aminobenzoic acid, PABA; p -aminosalicylic acid, PAS) and two selective NAT2 (sulfamethazine, SMZ; procainamide, PROC) substrates. Significant correlation was found between enzyme activities NAT1PABA/NAT1PAS and NAT2SMZ/NAT2PROC, respectively, and no correlation was observed comparing enzyme activities toward NAT1PABA/NAT2PROC. Enzyme activities using NER and GYKI 47261 as substrates were compared to activities obtained with NAT1 and NAT2 selective substrates, and the correlation coefficients were calculated. Good correlation was established between the rates of acetylation of the two drugs and that of the NAT2 selective substrate (NER/NAT2SMZ, r2=0.91, GYKI 47261/NAT2SMZ, r2=0.91). In contrast, no correlation was found between the rate of conjugation of the drugs and that of NAT1 selective substrate (NER/NAT1PABA, r2=0.022, GYKI 47261/NAT1PABA, r2=0.0004), suggesting polymorphic in vivo metabolism, since both drugs are acetylated preferably by NAT2. According to our results, correlation analysis based on in vitro acetylation activity may be used to predict in vivo polymorphic metabolism. Drug Dev. Res. 56:17,22, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Noninvasive Estimation of Pulmonary Vascular Resistance in Pulmonary HypertensionECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2009Navin Rajagopalan M.D. Background: Determination of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) in patients with suspected or known pulmonary hypertension (PH) requires right heart catheterization. Our purpose was to use Doppler echocardiography to estimate PVR in patients with PH. Methods: Patient population consisted of 52 patients (53 ± 12 years; 35 females) who underwent Doppler echocardiography and right heart catheterization within 24 hours of each other. The ratio of peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) and right ventricular outflow time-velocity integral (VTIRVOT) was measured via transthoracic echocardiography and correlated to invasively determined PVR. A linear regression equation was generated to determine PVR by echocardiography based upon the TRV/VTIRVOT ratio. PVR by echocardiography was compared to invasive PVR using Bland-Altman analysis. Results: Significant correlation was demonstrated between TRV/VTIRVOT and PVR by catheterization (r = 0.73; P < 0.001). However, Bland-Altman analysis showed that agreement between PVR determined by echocardiography and invasive PVR was poor (bias = 0; standard deviation = 4.3 Wood units). In a subset of patients with invasive PVR < 8 Wood units (26 patients), correlation between TRV/VTIRVOT and invasive PVR was strong (r = 0.94; P < 0.001). In these patients, agreement between PVR by echocardiography and invasive PVR was satisfactory (bias = 0; standard deviation = 0.5 Wood units). There was no correlation between TRV/VTIRVOT and invasive PVR in patients with PVR > 8 Wood units (n = 26; r = 0.17). Conclusion: While TRV/VTIRVOT correlates significantly with PVR, using it to estimate PVR in a PH patient population cannot be recommended. [source] Color M-Mode Regurgitant Flow Propagation Velocity: A New Echocardiographic Method for Grading of Mitral RegurgitationECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 9 2005Ramazan Akdemir M.D. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of mitral regurgitation color M-mode regurgitant flow propagation velocity (RFPV) in grading mitral regurgitation (MR).Methods: We prospectively examined 52 consecutive patients with grades of MR mild in 10 patients, moderate in 19 patients, and severe in 23 patients with quantitative pulse Doppler echocardiography. MR was evaluated by vena contracta diameter (VCD), regurgitant jet area (RJA), and RFPV. These qualitative and quantitative methods were compared with the pulsed Doppler quantitative flow measurements and concordance of these three methods was determined.Results: The mean RFPV for mild, moderate, and severe MR were 26.4 ± 7 cm/sec, 43.3 ± 7 cm/sec, and 60.3 ± 7.3 respectively (P < 0.001). RFPV is highly sensitive and moderately specific in differentiating mild and severe MR from other subgroups. Sensitivity and specificity were 92.1%,64.3% for mild and 100%,68.5% for severe MR, respectively. Significant correlation was observed between pulse Doppler quantitative grades, RFPV, VC, and RJA (P < 0.0001, r = 0.87; P < 0.0001, r =,0.84; P < 0.0001, r = 0.76, respectively).Conclusion: This results show that RFPV is a reliable and simple semiquantitative new method that can be used for determining severity of MR. [source] Oestrogen attenuates coronary vasoconstriction after angioplasty: role of endothelin-1EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 3 2002T-M. Lee Abstract Background and aims There were controversies as to whether endothelin-1 is released after coronary angioplasty. We sought to determine whether endothelin-1 is released after coronary angioplasty and whether oestrogen administration can affect coronary vasomotor tone by reducing endothelin-1 concentrations. Methods The study was designed to prospectively investigate 24 consecutive patients scheduled for elective coronary angioplasty. Patients were randomized into two groups according to whether they did not (group 1, n = 12) or did (group 2, n = 12) have intracoronary treatment with oestrogen. Quantitative coronary angiography was monitored at baseline, immediately after successful angioplasty, and 15 min after the last deflation. Blood samples for measuring the levels of endothelin-1 were drawn from the ascending aorta and the coronary sinus simultaneously before angioplasty and 15 min after balloon dilatation. Results The diameters of the coronary artery at the dilated segments were significantly reduced 15 min after dilation compared with those immediately after dilation in group 1 from 3·20 ± 0·22 to 2·30 ± 0·23 mm (P < 0·001), respectively. The vasoconstriction was significantly blunted in group 2. The endothelin-1 levels from the coronary sinus rose significantly, by 29%, 15 min after angioplasty in group 1, which was attenuated after administering oestrogen. Significant correlation was found between the changes of coronary vasomotion of the dilated segment and endothelin-1 levels (r = 0·70, P = 0·01). Conclusion Endothelin-1 is released into the coronary circulation after angioplasty, and this vasoactive substance may contribute to the occurrence of vasoconstriction. The vasoconstriction is attenuated by oestrogen by reducing the endothelin-1 levels. This finding provided a new strategy to treat coronary vasoconstriction after angioplasty. [source] Systemic Regulation of Distraction Osteogenesis: A Cascade of Biochemical Factors,,JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 7 2002S. Weiss M.D. Abstract This study investigates the systemic biochemical regulation of fracture healing in distraction osteogenesis compared with rigid osteotomy in a prospective in vivo study in humans. To further clarify the influence of mechanical strain on the regulation of bone formation, bone growth factors (insulin-like growth factor [IGF] I, IGF binding protein [IGFBP] 3, transforming growth factor [TGF] ,1, and basic FGF [bFGF]), bone matrix degrading enzymes (matrix-metalloproteinases [MMPs] 1, 2, and 3), human growth hormone (hGH), and bone formation markers (ALP, bone-specific ALP [BAP], and osteocalcin [OC]) have been analyzed in serum samples from 10 patients in each group pre- and postoperatively. In the distraction group, a significant postoperative increase in MMP-1, bFGF, ALP, and BAP could be observed during the lengthening and the consolidation period when compared with the baseline levels. Osteotomy fracture healing without the traction stimulus failed to induce a corresponding increase in these factors. In addition, comparison of both groups revealed a significantly higher increase in TGF-,1, IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and hGH in the lengthening group during the distraction period, indicating key regulatory functions in mechanotransduction. The time courses of changes in MMP-1, bone growth factors (TGF-,1 and bFGF), and hGH, respectively, correlated significantly during the lengthening phase, indicating common regulatory pathways for these factors in distraction osteogenesis. Significant correlation between the osteoblastic marker BAP, TGF-,1, and bFGF suggests strain-activated osteoblastic cells as a major source of systemically increased bone growth factors during callus distraction. The systemic increase in bFGF and MMP-1 might reflect an increased local stimulation of angiogenesis during distraction osteogenesis. [source] Relationship Between Heart Rate Turbulence and Heart Rate, Heart Rate Variability, and Number of Ventricular Premature Beats in Coronary PatientsJOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY, Issue 7 2004IWONA CYGANKIEWICZ M.D., Ph.D. Introduction: Heart rate variability (HRV) illustrates regulation of the heart by the autonomic nervous system whereas heart rate turbulence (HRT) is believed to reflect baroreflex sensitivity. The aim of this study was to determine the association between HRT and HRV parameters and the relationship between HRT parameters and heart rate and number of ventricular premature beats (VPBs) used to calculate HRT parameters. Methods and Results: In 146 patients (117 males and 29 females; mean age 62 years) with coronary artery disease, a 24-hour ECG Holter monitoring was performed to calculate mean heart rate (RR interval), number of VPBs, time- and frequency-domain HRV parameters and two HRT parameters: turbulence onset (TO) and turbulence slope (TS). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between tested parameters. Significant correlation between TS and mean RR interval was observed (r = 0.42; p < 0.001), while no association for TO vs. RR interval was found. TS values were significantly higher in patients with less than 10 VPBs/24 hours than in patients with more frequent VPBs. Significant associations between HRT and HRV parameters were found with TS showing stronger correlation with HRV parameters than TO (r value ranging from 0.35 to 0.62 for TS vs. ,0.16 to ,0.38 for TO). Conclusion: HRT parameters correlate strongly with HRV parameters indicating that HRT should be considered as a reflection of both baroreceptors response and overall autonomic tone. Heart rate dependence of turbulence slope indicates the need to adjust this parameter for heart rate. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 731-737, July 2004) [source] Association of atherosclerotic risk factors with carotid adventitial thickness assessed by ultrasonographyJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 6 2009Radoslaw Kazmierski MD Abstract Purpose. There is increasing evidence that adventitial inflammation may participate in atherosclerosis development. The aim of this study was to investigate which atherosclerotic risk factors correlated with carotid adventitial thickness (AT) and to compare them with those associated with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). We also set out to test the hypothesis that there is a significant correlation between IMT and AT in the carotid arteries. Methods. The far carotid artery wall IMT and AT were measured by high-resolution B-mode ultrasound in 128 persons (mean, 65 ± 8 years). A number of conventional and novel, clinically and laboratory-derived risk factors were assessed. Results. Significant correlation (r = 0.35, p < 0.0001) was demonstrated between the IMT and AT. The stepwise forward multiple regression analysis revealed correlations between IMT and leukocyte count, C-reactive protein level, and hypertension, whereas the Chlamydia (C.) pneumoniae IgA antibodies and fibrinogen levels, gender, and smoking correlated merely with AT. The homocysteine/methionine ratio correlated with both IMT and AT. Conclusion. The association between IMT and AT may reflect an interaction between intimal, medial, and adventitial pathology. Different risk factors are associated with the increased AT or IMT. It is possible that inflammation and some chronic infections, such as those induced by C.pneumoniae, could have a marked influence on adventitial cell proliferation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009 [source] Dynamic Gd-DTPA enhanced MRI as a surrogate marker of angiogenesis in tissue-engineered bladder constructs: A feasibility study in rabbitsJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 4 2005Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng PhD Abstract Purpose To evaluate the potential of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to assess angiogenesis in tissue-engineered bladder constructs in a blinded animal study, and compare different analysis approaches and their correlation with microvessel density (MVD). Materials and Methods Constructs fortified with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for enhanced vascularity were grafted onto the bladder in nine rabbits. DCE-MRI of Gd-DTPA uptake was performed and analyzed using Tofts' model, the area under the concentration time curve (AUC), and the uptake slope. DCE-MRI parameters were compared to MVD determined with CD31 immunohistochemistry. Results Significantly increased MVD was found in the high VEGF group (20 ng/g of tissue) but not at low VEGF (10 ng/g) (2.3× increase, P = 0.035 vs. 1.1× over control). Enhanced permeability at low VEGF was suggested by elevated Ktrans, but overall correlation to MVD was poor. Significant correlation to MVD was obtained with AUC8min (r = 0.705, P = 0.034). Furthermore, AUC8min provided the most precise discrimination between different VEGF preparations and was the only parameter to show a significant increase (P = 0.0058) consistent with MVD changes at high VEGF. Conclusion Findings support DCE-MRI for evaluating angiogenesis in bladder constructs and suggest vessel changes other than density. Future studies should incorporate larger contrast agents and permeability assessment to devise an optimal DCE-MRI strategy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2005;21:415,423. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Photochemical reaction mechanisms and kinetics with molecular nanocrystals: surface quenching of triplet benzophenone nanocrystalsJOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2010Sabrina Simoncelli Abstract Organic molecular nanocrystals suspended in water are useful when studying reactions that occur in the solid state because they retain not only the reactive and supramolecular properties of bulk crystals, but are also amenable to transmission spectroscopy. Having previously studied the triplet state of benzophenone nanocrystals by laser flash photolysis transmission spectroscopy, we now report nanosecond experiments in the presence of several possible quenchers: anionic and cationic surfactants, dissolved oxygen, and as a function of solvent deuteration (H2O and D2O). After finding these to have no effect, several anionic quenchers (I,, Br,, and N) were tested by Stern,Volmer analysis. Significant correlation between the quenching rates in solution and in nanocrystals suggests that the electronic excitation is accessible to quenchers at the surface. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] RELATION OF DEMOGRAPHIC, CLINIC AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS TO PERITONITIS IN PERITONEAL DIALYSISJOURNAL OF RENAL CARE, Issue 1 2008Sevel Dogan RN SUMMARY The relation of various demographic, clinical and biochemical parameters of peritoneal dialysis patients with peritonitis and other infections was evaluated. The age, gender, peritoneal dialysis (PD) period, educational status, peritonitis, exit site score, serum albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and triglyceride levels at the beginning and the last visit were recorded. Mean age of 32 patients was 45.1 years; PD period was 13.1 months. Albumin level was inversely proportional to the frequency of peritonitis. Patients with peritonitis had albumin levels that were lower at the last visit, and were independent of the CRP values at the start of PD and during follow-up. Significant correlation was detected between females and exit site scores. There was significant correlation between educational status and peritonitis. Albumin level at first visit was a factor that reduced the likelihood of peritonitis, and low levels obtained during follow-up constituted a risk for peritonitis. It was also shown that peritonitis risk tended to decrease inversely with education level. [source] Correlation between richness per unit area and the species pool cannot be used to demonstrate the species pool effectJOURNAL OF VEGETATION SCIENCE, Issue 1 2000Herben Abstract. Significant correlation between the size of the species pool and richness per unit area is usually taken as a demonstration of the effect of the species pool on the species richness per unit area. This is not logically necessary. It has to be emphasized that such a correlation cannot be interpreted as a demonstration of the effect of species pool on the species richness per unit area. More generally, correlation cannot be used to demonstrate a one-directional effect of one variable upon another, since several types of (functional) relationships could produce correlations between such variables; the same caution has to be taken when analysing the species pool vs. richness per unit area correlation. In this paper, a simple Monte Carlo simulation model is used to demonstrate that (1) statistical processes acting only at the local scale (such as competitive exclusion) can generate exactly the same correlation that has been used to infer the effect of the species pool on richness per unit area; (2) this correlation would be deemed significant even if the mathematical dependency between species pool and richness per unit area is taken into account; and (3) the strength of this relation depends on beta diversity within the contiguous area used to determine the species pool. [source] Incidence of corneal pigmented arc and factors associated with its appearance in orthokeratology,OPHTHALMIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL OPTICS, Issue 6 2005Pauline Cho Abstract Purpose:, To determine the incidence of the corneal pigmented arc in orthokeratology (ortho-k) lens wearers over 12 months of lens wear and the factors associated with its appearance. Method:, Thirty-five ortho-k subjects were recruited; refractive and corneal changes after lens wear (single-lens protocol) were monitored over 12 months. The incidence of the pigmented arc after 3, 6 and 12 months of lens wear was determined. Results:, The incidence of corneal pigmented arc was 17% (27%), 49% (49%) and 90% (93%) after 3, 6 and 12 months lens wear respectively in the left and right eyes. For subjects with arcs observed in the left eye within the first 6 months of lens wear, the mean ± S.D. period of lens wear before initial detection of the arc was 14 ± 7.4 weeks, and no correlation was found between this factor and the baseline spherical and cylindrical refractive errors (i.e. refractive sphere and cylinder, respectively), spherical equivalent refractive error (SERE), the target myopia reduction, the amount of refractive sphere (or SERE) reduction and changes in central and peripheral corneal curvatures after 6 months of lens wear. Baseline refractive sphere, baseline SERE, target, amount of myopia reduction, and change in central corneal curvature were significantly larger (p < 0.05) in those subjects with pigmented arcs after about 6 months of lens wear. The intensity of the observed pigmented arcs after about 6 months of lens wear was significantly related to the time when it was first observed (p = 0.003). Significant correlation was also found between the intensity of the arcs and the following parameters: baseline refractive sphere and SERE, target, change in central corneal curvature, and amount of myopia reduction (p < 0.006). After about 12 months of lens wear, the intensity of observed arcs was significantly related to the baseline refractive sphere, SERE and the target (p < 0.006). Conclusion:, The incidence of ortho-k-associated pigmented arc increases from 17% after 3 months of lens wear to over 90% after 12 months of lens wear. The intensity of the arc is related to the time when the arc first appeared. Both the incidence and the intensity of the arc are related to the period of lens wear, baseline refractive sphere, SERE and the target. [source] The Role of Central Hypersensitivity in the Determination of Intradiscal Mechanical Hyperalgesia in Discogenic PainPAIN MEDICINE, Issue 5 2010Juerg Schliessbach PhD Abstract Objective., The primary aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between central hypersensitivity (assessed by pressure pain thresholds of uninjured tissues) and intradiscal pain threshold during discography. The secondary aim was to test the hypothesis that peripheral noxious stimulation dynamically modulates central hypersensitivity. Patients., Twenty-four patients with positive provocation discography were tested for central hypersensitivity by pressure algometry before and after the intervention with assessments of pressure pain detection and tolerance thresholds. Intradiscal pain threshold was assessed by measuring intradiscal pressure at the moment of pain provocation during discography. Correlation analyses between intradiscal pain threshold and pressure algometry were made. For the secondary aim, pressure algometry data before and after discography were compared. Results., Significant correlation with intradiscal pain threshold was found for pressure pain detection threshold at the toe (regression coefficient: 0.03, P = 0.05) and pressure pain tolerance thresholds at the nonpainful point at the back (0.02, P = 0.024). Tolerance threshold at the toe was a significant predictor for intradiscal pain threshold only in multiple linear regression (0.036, P = 0.027). Detection as well as tolerance thresholds significantly decreased after discography at the painful and the nonpainful point at the back, but not at the toe. Conclusions., Central hypersensitivity may influence intradiscal pain threshold, but with a modest quantitative impact. The diagnostic value of provocation discography is therefore not substantially impaired. Regional, but not generalized central hypersensitivity is dynamically modulated by ongoing peripheral nociceptive input. [source] Molecular analysis of pyrethroid resistance conferred by target insensitivity and increased metabolic detoxification in Plutella xylostellaPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 5 2010Shoji Sonoda Abstract BACKGROUND: The pyrethroid resistance of the diamondback moth Plutella xylostella (L.) is conferred by increased gene expression of cytochrome P450 to detoxify the insecticide and/or through gene mutation of the sodium channel, which makes the individual insensitive to pyrethroids. However, no information is available about the correlation between the increased metabolic detoxification and the target insensitivity in pyrethroid resistance. RESULTS: Frequencies of pyrethroid-resistant alleles (L1014F, T929I and M918I) and two resistance-related mutations (A1101T and P1879S) at the sodium channel and expression levels of the cytochrome P450 gene CYP6BG1 were examined individually using laboratory and field strains of P. xylostella. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis using the laboratory strains revealed that levels of larval expression of the resistant strain, homozygous for the pyrethroid-resistant alleles other than the M918I, are significantly higher than those of the susceptible strain. In the field strains, the expression levels in insects having the same resistant alleles as those of the resistant strains varied greatly among individuals. The expression levels were not significantly higher than those in the heterozygotes. CONCLUSION: Significant correlation between the target insensitivity and the increased metabolic detoxification in pyrethroid resistance of P. xylostella was observed in the laboratory but not in the field. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Fetal tricuspid valve Doppler at 11,13 weeks and 6 days: reference values and reproducibilityPRENATAL DIAGNOSIS, Issue 8 2010Milena Almeida Prado Ninno Abstract Objective To determine normal blood flow velocities across the fetal tricuspid valve (TV) at 11,13 weeks and 6 days of gestation and to examine the reproducibility of these measurements. Methods A prospective study involving 166 normal singleton pregnancies examined at 11,13 weeks and 6 days was carried out. Descriptive analysis of E- and A-waves' maximum velocities, E/A ratio, duration of the cardiac cycle (C) and diastole (D) and D/C ratio were calculated. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement analysis was performed in a subgroup of 12 cases. Results Average ( ± SD) flow velocities were: E-wave, 25.0 ( ± 4.6) cm/s; A-wave, 42.9 ( ± 5.9) cm/s; E/A, 0.58 ( ± 0.07); cardiac cycle, 390 ( ± 21.1) ms; diastole, 147 ( ± 18) ms and D/C, 0.38 ( ± 0.04). Significant correlation was observed between all parameters (except A-wave) and gestational age but not with nuchal translucency (NT). Intraclass correlation coefficients (interobserver, intraobsever examiner 1 and intraobserver examiner 2) were: E-wave, 0.53, 0.53 and 0.64; A-wave, 0.45, 0.46 and 0.49; cardiac cycle, 0.70, 0.79 and 0.84 and diastole, 0.63, 0.85 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusions The present study establishes normal Doppler parameters for blood flow across the TV at 11,13 weeks and 6 days and demonstrates that these parameters do not correlate with NT measurement and have good/moderate reproducibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cross-cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Chinese Voice Handicap Index-10THE LARYNGOSCOPE, Issue 7 2006Paul K. Y. Lam FRCSEd Abstract Objectives/Hypothesis: Recent developments in voice assessment propose the use of quality of life measurements. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI) is one of the most psychometrically robust and well-studied instruments among the various instruments for measuring quality of life. Two versions of VHI (VHI-30 and VHI-10) have been shown to be valid instruments for distinguishing dysphonic from nondysphonic individuals and also for documenting treatment effect for dysphonic patients. The VHI has been used worldwide; however, the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of VHI remains untested. This study aimed to investigate such properties of the Chinese VHI-30 and VHI-10 in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Study Design: Psychometric analysis of the Chinese VHI-30 and VHI-10 in dysphonic patients and control subjects. Methods: The original VHI-30 was translated into Chinese and was completed by 131 dysphonic patients and 54 nondysphonic individuals. The dysphonic patients also self-rated their dysphonic severity. Results: Results showed high test-retest reliability and high item-total correlation for both Chinese VHI-30 and VHI-10. Both Chinese versions could be used to distinguish different dysphonic groups and between dysphonic and nondysphonic groups. Significant correlation was found between the VHI scores and the patients' self-rated dysphonic severity. Conclusion: The present study supported the original three-factorial structures of the VHI-30 and the use of the VHI for the Chinese population. It is shown that the Chinese VHI-10 is a strong representation of VHI-30 and is recommended for use in clinics because of its validity and ease of use by patients. [source] Serum Stem Cell Factor Level in Renal Transplant Recipients With Posttransplant ErythrocytosisARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 12 2009Ahmet A. Kiykim Abstract The etiology of posttransplant erythrocytosis (PTE) remains unclear, and the most frequently suggested causative factors are still a matter of controversy. We aimed to investigate serum-soluble stem cell factor (sSCF) along with serum erythropoietin (EPO) levels in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with PTE. Thirteen RTRs with PTE, 42 RTRs without PTE, and 42 healthy controls were included. Serum sSCF and EPO levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Expected and observed/expected EPO levels were calculated. Serum sSCF levels and observed/expected EPO were significantly higher in RTRs with PTE than both RTRs without PTE and controls. In RTRs with PTE, sSCF level was significantly correlated with hematocrit and observed/expected EPO, respectively. Significant correlation was also observed between hematocrit level and observed/expected EPO in RTRs with PTE. Increased sSCF level and inadequate suppression of EPO production seem to have a role in the pathogenesis of PTE. [source] Baroreflex Sensitivity of an Arterial Wall During Rotary Blood Pump AssistanceARTIFICIAL ORGANS, Issue 9 2009Tomoyuki Yambe Abstract It is well known that the baroreflex system is one of the most important indicators of the pathophysiology in hypertensive patients. We can check the sensitivity of the baroreflex by observing heart rate (HR) responses; however, there is no simple diagnostic method to measure the arterial behavior in the baroreflex system. Presently, we report the development of a method and associated hardware that enables the diagnosis of baroreflex sensitivity by measuring the responses of both the heart and the artery. In this system, the measurements are obtained by monitoring an electrocardiogram and a pulse wave recorded from the radial artery or fingertip. The arterial responses were measured in terms of the pulse wave velocity (PWV) calculated from the pulse wave transmission time (PTT) from the heart to the artery. In this system, the HR change corresponding to the blood pressure change in time series sequence was observed. Slope of the changes in blood pressure and HR indicated the sensitivity of the baroreflex system of the heart. This system could also measure the sensitivity of the baroreflex system of an artery. Changes in the PWV in response to the blood pressure changes were observed. Significant correlation was observed in the time sequence between blood pressure change and PWV change after calculating the delay time by cross-correlation. The slope of these parameter changes was easily obtained and it demonstrated the sensitivity of the baroreflex system of an artery. We evaluated this method in animal experiments using rotary blood pump (RBP) with undulation pump ventricular assist device, and PTT elongation was observed in response to increased blood pressure with RBP assistance. Furthermore, when tested clinically, decreased sensitivity of the baroreflex system in hypertensive patients was observed. This system may be useful when we consider the ideal treatment and follow-up of patients with hypertension. [source] Epidermolysis bullosa simplex in Japanese and Korean patients: genetic studies in 19 casesBRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 2 2006K. Yasukawa Summary Background, Epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) comprises a group of hereditary bullous diseases characterized by intraepidermal blistering caused by mutations in either keratin gene, KRT5 or KRT14. Significant correlation between the position of mutations within these proteins and the clinical severity of EBS has been noted. A recent report showed EBS cases in Israel had unique genetic features compared with European or U.S.A. associated families, which suggests that the ethnic and geographical features of EBS patients may be different. Objectives, To assess the possibility that EBS may present with certain specific features in Japanese and Koreans and to identify additional EBS mutations for genotype/phenotype correlation. Methods, EBS was clinically diagnosed and confirmed by transmission electron microscopic examination of a skin biopsy. Mutation analysis of KRT5 and KRT14 was performed by direct sequencing in 17 Japanese and two Korean EBS patients. Results, We have identified six novel KRT5 missense mutations (V143D, D158V, V186M, Q191P, R352S, G517D). R352S is the first mutation in the 2A domain. Most of these novel mutations changed amino acids that were evolutionarily conserved. Eight including all five mutations in EBS-Dowling,Meara patients have been previously reported. We were unable to detect mutations in five sporadic EBS-Koebner patients. The proportion of mutations in KRT5 (11 of 14; 78%) is higher than that for KRT14 mutations (3 of 14; 21%) in these Japanese and Korean EBS patients. Conclusions, Japanese and Korean patients with EBS showed very similar phenotype and genotype correlations with patients from Western countries. Whether the higher proportion of KRT5 mutations is a definite characteristic of Japanese and Korean patients with EBS or not, requires further research into mutations in Japanese and Korean people. [source] The reproductive conditions and lipid profile in females with epilepsyACTA NEUROLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 1 2007S. A. Hamed Objective,,, To explore the reproductive conditions in women with epilepsy. Methods,,, Eighty-eight women were included; 37.5% and 62.5% had generalized and partial epilepsies, respectively. Ovarian sonogram, reproductive hormone and lipid profiles were assessed. Results,,, Compared with the control group and in accordance with our laboratory reference values, irregular menses and polycystic ovaries (PCO(s)) were reported in 70.5% and 39.8% versus 21.7% and 16.7% of controls. Abnormalities in leutinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH-to-FSH ratio, testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) were identified. High values of FSH, LH and FSH-to-LH ratio were common with carbamazepine while that of T and PRL were common in untreated patients and with valproate. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was identified in ,59% but neither associated with duration and type of antiepileptic drugs nor patients' age, hormonal profile or PCO(s). Significant correlation was identified between menatrual irregularities, T, PRL, hormonal, lipid profile alterations, PCO(s) and seizure frequency but neither with epilepsy type nor focus. Conclusion,,, This is the first study in our country that aimed at evaluation of reproductive conditions in women with epilepsy. This study indicates that reproductive dysfunction is common, hence, characterization of seizure-associated neuroendocrine adverse effects is important while managing women particularly during choice of antiepileptic medications as initial step and during patients' follow-up. [source] 2436: A critical look at meibometry as a means to monitor Meibomian gland functionACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 2010P VERSURA Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic performance of meibometry in classifying and quantifying Meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD) Methods Ninety-six patients with MGD (138 eyes, 62 women, 34 men) and 30 normal control subjects(55 eyes)were enrolled. Eighty six eyes were classified as high delivery (HD)-MGD (meibomian seborrhea/hypersecretory MGD), 52 as low delivery (LD)-MGD on the basis of expression quality scores and morphological signs. Direct Meibometry (DM) measurements were made with an MB550 Meibometer (Courage-Khazaka GmbH). Standard curves were constructed relating arbitrary Meibometer optical density units (AU). Integrated Meibometry (IM) was performed on scanned images of the lipid blots. Symptoms were scored by OSDI,Schirmer test I, Break Up Time (BUT), tear osmolarity (Tearlab, Ocusense), conjunctival scraping cytology were performed. Statistical analysis used SPSS 14.0 and MedCalc 5.0 Results AU values plotted on a log scale correlated highly with the lipid equivalent values (R2= 0.913). Significant differences were found between control subjects vs all MGD patients and between HD vs LD-MGD patients for all the parameters evaluated. In particular: controls: 300+/-121 AU (0.04+/-0.015 microliter), LD-MGD: 218+/-122 AU (0.03+/-0.015) and HD-MGD: 564+/-115 AU (0.07+0.015) (median+/-SD). Significant correlation was found DM vs IM (r=0.691,p<0.0001) and DM was shown to be correlated with BUT, OSDI score, scraping score and tear osmolarity, especially in LD-MGD patients. The selected DM diagnostic cut off for LD-MGD was <275 AU (sens 73, spec 60, PPV 63) and for HD-MGD was >450 AU; (sens 86, spec 87, PPV 91) Conclusion Meibometry is confirmed to be a reliable method to distinguish normal subjects from MGD subgroups with a good degree of accuracy [source] The neurocognitive performance of drug-free and medicated euthymic bipolar patients do not differACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2009U. Goswami Objective:, Although it is established that euthymic bipolar patients have neurocognitive deficits, the influence of medication on their cognitive performance is uncertain and requires investigation. Method:, Neuropsychological tests of executive function, memory and attention were performed on 44 prospectively verified, euthymic bipolar I patients, 22 of whom were drug-free. Residual mood symptom effects were controlled statistically using ancova. Results:, Drug-free and medicated patients differed only in delayed verbal recall (Rey AVLT list A7, drug-free > medicated), and perseverations during the five-point test (drug-free > medicated). When residual mood symptoms were controlled statistically, differences between drug-free and medicated subjects became insignificant. Medication effect sizes were modest. Significant correlations were found between residual depression scores and measures of verbal learning. Conclusion:, Medications did not have any significant influence on neurocognitive performance, suggesting that neurocognitive deficits are an integral part of bipolar disorder. [source] Developmental assessment of preterm infants at 2 years: validity of parent reportsDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 1 2008Samantha Johnson PhD CPsychol Parental questionnaires are inexpensive alternatives to standardized testing for outcome measurement. The Parent Report of Children's Abilities has previously been revised (PARCA-R) and validated for use with very-preterm infants at 2 years of age. This study revalidated the PARCA-R for assessing cognition in a larger and more inclusive sample of preterm infants. One hundred and sixty-four children (82 males, 82 females) of <32 weeks' gestation (median 29wks, interquartile range [IQR] 28-30wks); and median birthweight 1200g (IQR 925-1463g) were evaluated using the Mental Development Index (MDI) of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development - 2nd edition (BSID-II) at 2 years' corrected age. Parents completed the PARCA-R questionnaire. Significant correlations between PARCA-R Parent Report Composite (PRC) scores and MDI scores (r=0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.69-0.82, p<0.01) demonstrated concurrent validity. A receiver operating characteristic-determined PRC cut-off of <44 had optimal discriminatory power (area under curve 0.92) for identifying MDI <70, with 85% sensitivity (95% CI 0.58-0.96), 87% specificity (95% CI 0.81-0.92), 98% negative predictive value (95% CI 0.95-1), and 37% positive predictive value (95% CI 0.22-0.54). The PARCA-R has good concurrent validity and diagnostic utility for identifying cognitive delay in very-preterm infants at 2 years of age. It is useful for outcome measurement, developmental screening, and facilitating parental involvement at folow-up. [source] Detecting language problems: accuracy of five language screening instruments in preschool childrenDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 2 2007H M E Van Agt MA To identify a simple and effective screening instrument for language delays in 3-year-old children the reliability, validity, and accuracy of five screening instruments were examined. A postal questionnaire sent to parents of 11423 children included the Dutch version of the General Language Screen (GLS), the Van Wiechen (VW) items, the Language Screening Instrument for 3- to 4-year-olds, consisting of a parent form (LSI-PF) and a child test (LSI-CT), and parents' own judgement of their child's language development on a visual analogue scale (VAS). The response rate was 78% or 8877 children. Reliability (internal consistency) was found to be acceptable (,=0.67,0.72) for all instruments. Significant correlations between the screening instruments (r=0.29,0.55, p<0.01) indicated good concurrent validity. Accuracy was estimated by the sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves against two reference tests based on parent report and specialists' judgement. If the test would classify approximately 5% of the population as screen-positive, the mean sensitivity was 50%; assigning between 20% and 30% of the population as screen-positive, the mean sensitivity was 77%. The sensitivity was lowest for the LSI-CT (range 43,62%), whereas short instruments like the LSI-PF, VW, and the one-item VAS exhibited high levels of sensitivity (range 50,86%). The area under the ROC curves, ranged from 0.75 to 0.87. Apparently, short and simple parent report instruments like the LSI-PF and the one-item VAS perform remarkably well in detecting language delays in preschool children. [source] Effects and serum levels of glibenclamide and its active metabolites in patients with type 2 diabetesDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 6 2001A. Jönsson SUMMARY Objective To study the effects and serum levels of glibenclamide (Gb) and its active metabolites in patients on chronic Gb medication on different daily doses. Material and methods Fifty patients with type 2 diabetes on regular Gb therapy (1.75,14.0 mg daily). Blood samples were taken immediately before and 90 min after regular Gb intake. A standardized breakfast was served 30 min after drug intake. Serum insulin and proinsulin levels were determined by ELISA methods without cross-reactivities. Serum drug levels were determined by HPLC. Fischer's R to Z -test (correlation coefficients) and paired Student t -tests were used when comparing values within the entire group and unpaired non-parametric Mann,Whitney tests were used when comparing high and low dose levels. A p-value <,0.05 was considered significant. Results There were significant correlations between daily Gb dose, on the one hand, and, on the other, HbAlc (r = 0.55), ,-insulin (r = , 0.59) and ,-proinsulin (r = , 0.52) levels. Significant correlations between Gb therapy duration and insulin (r = , 0.40) and proinsulin (r = , 0.34) secretion and between Gb dose and ratio proinsulin/insulin (RPI) at both time points (r = 0.32 and 0.30) were also found. The RPI was lower after Gb intake. In patients on , 10.5 mg steady state serum metabolite levels (Ml and Ml + M2) were higher (29(0,120) and 33 (0,120) ng/ml) than those of Gb itself (18(0,64) ng/ml). A great inter-subject variability in Gb levels at both time points was seen. Conclusions Our results indicate that, in patients on chronic medication, Gb is capable of stimulating both insulin and proinsulin secretion; the effect on insulin release is relatively greater. The effect was more pronounced in patients on a low Gb dose, either because of less impaired ,-cells in those receiving low doses, or due to reduced sulphonylurea sensitivity in those on high dosage (down-regulation). In patients on a daily dose of 10.5 mg or more, serum metabolite levels of clinical relevance were demonstrated; the metabolites may contribute to hypoglycaemic events. [source] The metabolic syndrome and changing relationship between blood pressure and insulin with age, as observed in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoplesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 11 2005A. E. Schutte Abstract Aims To determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A further objective was to investigate the relationships between fasting insulin and blood pressure (BP) within these groups with increasing age. Methods A cross-sectional population-based study included 369 Torres Strait Islanders (residing in Torres Strait and Far North Queensland), and 675 Aborigines from central Australia. Data necessary for classification of MS was collected, including fasting and 2-h glucose and insulin, urinary albumin and creatinine, anthropometric measurements, BP, serum lipids. Results The ATPIII criteria classified 43% of Torres Strait Islanders and 44% of Aborigines with MS, whereas 32 and 28%, respectively, had the MS according to WHO criteria. Agreement between the two criteria was only modest (kappa coefficient from 0.28 to 0.57). Factor analyses indicated no cluster including both insulin and BP in either population. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) [adjusted for gender, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference] were observed between BP and fasting insulin: a positive correlation for Torres Strait Islanders aged 15,29 years, and an inverse correlation for Aborigines aged 40 years and older. Conclusion Torres Strait Islanders and Aborigines had very high prevalences of the MS. Specific population characteristics (high prevalences of central obesity, dyslipidaemia, renal disease) may make the WHO definition preferable to the ATPIII definition in these population groups. The poor agreement between criteria suggests a more precise definition of the metabolic syndrome that is applicable across populations is required. This study showed an inverse relationship with age for the correlation of BP and fasting insulin. [source] Effect of cotton nitrogen fertilization on Bemisia argentifolii populations and honeydew productionENTOMOLOGIA EXPERIMENTALIS ET APPLICATA, Issue 1 2001J.L. Bi Abstract The impact of nitrogen fertilization on cotton plants, Gossypium hirsutum L., silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring, population dynamics and honeydew production were investigated in the field at Riverside, California, USA. Treatments were soil applications of 0, 112, 168 and 224 kg nitrogen per hectare, and a soil application of 112 kg of nitrogen plus a foliar application of 17 kg nitrogen per hectare. Increased numbers of both adult and immature whiteflies occurred during population peaks with increasing amounts of applied nitrogen. Higher numbers of whiteflies resulted in increased levels of honeydew. Increasing plant nitrogen also enhanced cotton foliar photosynthetic rates and stomatal conductance, and altered concentrations of glucose, fructose and sucrose in cotton petioles. However, at our treatment levels nitrogen had no effect on seedcotton yield. Petiole glucose levels were significantly correlated with numbers of whitefly adults on leaves during their peak populations. Significant correlations between whitefly numbers and other cotton physiological parameters occurred on only a few sampling dates. [source] Tissue-specific distribution and whole-body burden estimates of persistent organic pollutants in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2010Jennifer E. Yordy Abstract Most exposure assessments for free-ranging cetaceans focus on contaminant concentrations measured in blubber, and few data are available for other tissues or the factors governing contaminant distribution among tissues. The goal of this study was to provide a detailed description of the distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) within the common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) body and assess the role of lipid dynamics in mediating contaminant distribution. Thirteen tissues (brain, blubber, heart, liver, lung, kidney, mammary gland, melon, skeletal muscle, spleen, thyroid, thymus, and testis/uterus) were sampled during necropsy from bottlenose dolphins (n,=,4) and analyzed for lipid and 85 POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Significant correlations between tissue POP concentrations and lipid suggest that distribution of POPs is generally related to tissue lipid content. However, blubber:tissue partition coefficients ranged widely from 0.753 to 6.25, suggesting that contaminant distribution is not entirely lipid-dependent. Tissue-specific and whole-body contaminant burdens confirmed that blubber, the primary site of metabolic lipid storage, is also the primary site for POP accumulation, contributing >90% to the whole-body burdens. Observations also suggest that as lipid mobilizes from blubber, contaminants may redistribute, leading to elevated tissue concentrations. These results suggest that individuals with reduced blubber lipid may be at increased risk for exposure-related health effects. However, this study also provides evidence that the melon, a metabolically inert lipid-rich structure, may serve as an alternate depot for POPs, thus preventing the bulk of blubber contaminants from being directly available to other tissues. This unique physiological adaptation should be taken into consideration when assessing contaminant-related health effects in wild cetacean populations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1263,1273. © 2010 SETAC [source] Plasma angiopoietin-1, angiopoietin-2 and Tie-2 in breast and prostate cancer: a comparison with VEGF and Flt-1EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 10 2003G. J. Caine Abstract Background, Angiogenesis is essential for tumour growth and metastasis, and is coordinated by several classes of growth factors mediating their effect through receptors linked, in turn, to tyrosine kinase. These growth factors include angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which act through receptors Flt-1 and Tie-2. Materials and methods, In order to further determine abnormalities in levels of Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, sFlt-1 and VEGF in human cancer (and their interrelationships), these molecules were measured in plasma from 30 patients with breast cancer, 30 patients with prostate cancer and 12 healthy controls per cancer group. Results, In breast cancer, levels of Ang-1 (P = 0·0005), Ang-2 (P = 0·0173), Tie-2 (P = 0·0001), and VEGF (P = 0·0001) were all significantly raised, and plasma levels of sFlt-1 (P = 0·045) were significantly reduced compared with controls. However, in prostate cancer, only levels of VEGF and Tie-2 were significantly higher (both P= 0·001). There were no significant differences between levels of any molecule between the two groups of cancer. The only difference between the healthy control groups was lower Ang-1 in the women compared with men. Significant correlations were found between levels of Ang-1 and Tie-2 both in breast (r = 0·498, P= 0·005) and prostate cancer (r = 0·643, P= < 0·001). Angiopoietin-1 was also positively correlated with Ang-2 in both breast (r = 0·422, P= 0·02) and prostate cancer (r = 0·543, P= 0·002). Conclusions, Abnormal levels of Ang-1, Ang-2 and their receptor, Tie-2, are present in breast and prostate cancer, and their interrelationships may be important in the pathophysiology of these conditions. [source] Measurement of the soluble angiopoietin receptor tie-2 in patients with coronary artery disease: development and application of an immunoassayEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION, Issue 7 2003N. A. Y. Chung Abstract Background The angiopoietin family has emerged as a group of crucial growth factors to normal angiogenesis. They are essential to the development of the mature vessel wall and interact with the endothelium via endothelial cell-specific tyrosine kinase receptors, tie-1 and tie-2. The role of the tie-2 receptor has been extensively examined in neovascularization associated with malignancy, but little is known about the role it may play in atherosclerosis, a condition whose pathophysiology also involves angiogenesis. Soluble tie-2 has been detected in the plasma of healthy controls, but this has yet to be applied to patients in the clinical setting. Materials and methods We developed an ELISA to detect plasma tie-2 levels and applied these to a clinical setting. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation for the assay were 4·7% and 9·6%, respectively. We then measured levels of tie-2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), another factor associated with angiogenesis, and the soluble VEGF receptor Flt-1 (sFlt-1) in 75 patients with coronary artery disease [25 with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), 25 with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and 25 with stable angina] and 25 healthy controls. Results Median [IQR, interquartile range] levels of tie-2 were significantly higher in the coronary artery disease patients (AMI 12 [10,17] ng mL,1, ACS 10 [9,14] ng mL,1, stable angina 9 [3,11] ng mL,1) when compared with the controls (7·5 [7,9] ng mL,1P = 0·004). As expected, levels of VEGF and sFlt were significantly different from those in the healthy controls (P = 0·011 and P < 0·001, respectively). Significant correlations were found between levels of tie-2 and VEGF (Spearman r = 0·59, P < 0·001), tie-2 and sFlt-1 (r = 0·45, P < 0·001) and VEGF and sFlt-1 (r = 0·56, P < 0·001) in the whole study group. Conclusion We suggest that tie-2 may be potentially used as a marker of angiogenesis in atherosclerosis and may help elucidate the role of the angiopoietin/tie-2 system in atherogenesis. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||