bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum uric acid levels with chronic kidney disease in a Southeast Asian population
Authors: SATIRAPOJ BANCHA , SUPASYNDH OUPPATHAM , CHAIPRASERT AMNART , RUANGKANCHANASETR PRAJEJ , KANJANAKUL INSEEY , PHULSUKSOMBUTI DUANGPORN , UTAINAM DARUNEE , CHOOVICHIAN PANBUPPA 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Elevated serum uric level has been suggested as a risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). The relationship between serum uric acid level, and CKD in a Southeast Asian population was examined.Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, authors surveyed 5618 subjects, but 5546 participants were included. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) values were calculated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. CKD was defined as a GFR of less than 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to determine the association between serum uric acid level and CKD.Results:  The prevalence of CKD in serum uric acid quartiles: first quartile, 5.3 mg/dL or less; second quartile, 5.4–6.4 mg/dL; third quartile, 6.5–7.6 mg/dL; and fourth quartile, 7.7 mg/dL or more were 1.8%, 3.6%, 5.5% and 11.9%, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean values of estimated GFR in participants with CKD and without CKD were 53.44 ± 7.72 and 81.26 ± 12.48 mL/min per 1.73 m2 respectively. In the entire participants, there were 6.76% with hypertension and 2.64% with diabetes as a comorbid disease. Compared with serum uric acid first quartile, the multivariate‐adjusted odds for CKD of the fourth, third and second quartile were 10.94 (95% confidence interval (CI), 6.62–16.08), 4.17 (95% CI, 2.51–6.92) and 2.38 (95% CI, 1.43–3.95), respectively.Conclusion:  High serum uric acid level was independently associated with increased prevalence of CKD in the Southeast Asian population. Detection and treatment of hyperuricaemia should be attended as a strategy to prevent CKD.
Visfatin and endothelial function in dialyzed patients
Authors: MALYSZKO JOLANTA , MALYSZKO JACEK S , MYSLIWIEC MICHAL 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Visfatin is an adipocytokine that has recently generated much interest. The aim of the study was to assess visfatin in correlation with markers of endothelial damage and inflammation in haemodialyzed and peritoneally dialyzed patients.Methods:  Visfatin, leptin, apelin and adiponectin, markers of coagulation (thrombin–antithrombin complexes (TAT), prothrombin fragments 1+2 (F1+2)), fibrinolysis (tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1)), endothelial function/injury (Von Willebrand factor (vWF), thrombomodulin, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), CD146) and inflammation (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin (IL)‐6) were assessed.Results:  Triglycerides, hsCRP, creatinine, IL‐6, TNF‐α, vWF, F1+2, TAT, thrombomodulin, ICAM, VCAM, CD146, PAI‐1, leptin, adiponectin and visfatin were elevated in dialyzed patients over controls. Visfatin correlated significantly, in univariate analysis, in haemodialyzed patients with markers of endothelial damage/inflammation (CD146, ICAM, IL‐6), other adipocytokines, Kt/V and dialysis vintage, and tended to correlate with hsCRP. In peritoneally dialyzed patients, visfatin correlated significantly with haemoglobin, and markers of endothelial damage. In the healthy volunteers visfatin correlated significantly with ICAM, creatinine and IL‐6. In multiple regression analysis in HD patients visfatin was only independently related to Kt/V, dialysis vintage and IL‐6.Conclusion:  Elevated visfatin related to markers of inflammation might represent a novel link between inflammation and adipocytokines in dialyzed patients. Time on dialyses and dialysis adequacy may influence visfatin in dialyzed patients due to the decreased clearance of visfatin.
Effect of combined angiotensin‐converting enzyme and aldosterone inhibition on plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 levels in chronic hypertensive patients
Authors: TIRYAKI OZLEM , USALAN CELALETTIN , BUYUKHATIPOGLU HAKAN 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  A possible link between the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) and fibrinolysis has recently been suggested. Systemic infusion of angiotensin II results in an increase in plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1) levels and angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) have been shown to decrease PAI‐1 levels. Moreover, recent data indicated that plasma aldosterone levels were positively correlated with plasma PAI‐1 levels. This study was designed to compare the effects of an ACEI with an ACEI in combination with an aldosterone antagonist on PAI‐1 levels in chronic hypertensive patients.Methods:  Patients were randomized into two groups and were treated with either low salt diet plus fosinopril (group 1, n = 43) or low salt diet plus fosinopril plus spironolactone (group 2, n = 42). Plasma PAI‐1, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and plasma renin activity (PRA) levels were measured before and after 24 week treatment in both groups.Results:  The mean basal PRA levels were similar in both groups. After antihypertensive therapy, the mean PRA increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.005). The mean plasma PAI‐1 levels were reduced in both treatment groups (P < 0.005). However, the reduction in group 2 was more pronounced (P < 0.05). Although after the treatment mean plasma levels of PAI‐1 significantly reduced in both groups, the reduction of PAI‐1 levels was more pronounced in group 2.Conclusion:  Although the plasma levels of PAI‐1 significantly reduced after treatment in both groups, the reduction of PAI‐1 levels was more pronounced in group 2. These data indicated that administration of aldosterone antagonists in combination with ACEI had additional benefit on fibrinolysis in chronic hypertensive patients.
Relationship between β1‐adrenergic receptor polymorphisms and cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: POON PETER YAM‐KAU , SZETO CHEUK‐CHUN , KWAN BONNIE CHING‐HA , CHOW KAI‐MING , LI PHILIP KAM‐TAO 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:Aim:  Activation of β1‐adrenergic receptor (β1AR) enhances contractility and heart rate. The polymorphism Arg389Gly in the β1AR gene was found to be functionally important in determining receptor activity. The relationship between this polymorphism and the risk of cardiovascular disease was investigated in Chinese subjects with overt diabetic nephropathy.Methods:  A total of 219 type 2 diabetic subjects with nephropathy were recruited. Genotyping of the β1AR Arg389Gly polymorphism was determined. Patients were followed up to 96 months for the development of cardiovascular events.Results:  There were 122, 86 and 11 patients with Arg/Arg, Arg/Gly and Gly/Gly genotype, respectively. At 96 months, the event‐free survival of primary composite cardiovascular end‐point was 33.0% and 44.3% for Gly+ and Gly‐ groups, respectively (log–rank test, P = 0.105), while the event‐free survival for first ischaemic heart disease was 62.4% and 75.9%, respectively (log–rank test, P = 0.038). However, with multivariate analysis by the Cox proportional hazard model to adjust for confounders, only low‐density lipoprotein and baseline glomerular filtration rate were independent predictors of first ischaemic heart event.Conclusion:  The β1AR Arg389Gly polymorphism is not an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in subjects with overt diabetic nephropathy.
Guillain–Barre syndrome in southern Chinese children: 32 year experience in Hong Kong
Authors: Ma Yee‐man , Liu Tim K.T. , Wong Virginia 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackground:  The purpose of the present study was to investigate the clinical pattern of Guillain–Barre syndrome (GBS) in southern Chinese children in Hong Kong and to compare the clinical outcome of early versus delayed intervention with i.v. immunoglobulin (IVIg).Methods:  A retrospective review of medical records of GBS patients admitted to two hospitals on Hong Kong Island during a 32 year period (1976–2008) was performed. Clinical outcome was compared for early versus late IVIg treatment, using a 7 day cut‐off. This analysis was then repeated using a 10 day cut‐off.Results:  Of 34 children, 22 (65%) had preceding illness but no infective etiology could be identified. Nerve conduction was measured in 17 (50%): nine had demyelinating neuropathy, three had axonal neuropathy with demyelinating features, two had pure axonal neuropathy, and one was normal. In two patients with Miller‐Fisher syndrome (MFS) the studies showed additional abnormal sensory conduction. Twenty‐one received conservative treatment only. Ten (29%) received IVIg, two (6%) received plasmapheresis and three (9%) received corticosteroid. Thirty‐one (91%) had complete recovery, two (6%) had long‐term morbidity and one died of respiratory failure. Comparison of the early and late IVIg treatment groups for each cut‐off showed no statistically significant difference in clinical outcome. A longer period of hospital stay and longer time to improve one disability grade, however, were noted for the late treatment group for both cut‐offs.Conclusions:  The clinical profile of GBS in southern Chinese children in Hong Kong is provided. There was no statistically significant difference between early versus delayed treatment with IVIg.
Performance of several variable‐selection methods applied to real ecological data
Authors: Murtaugh Paul A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractI evaluated the predictive ability of statistical models obtained by applying seven methods of variable selection to 12 ecological and environmental data sets. Cross‐validation, involving repeated splits of each data set into training and validation subsets, was used to obtain honest estimates of predictive ability that could be fairly compared among methods. There was surprisingly little difference in predictive ability among five methods based on multiple linear regression. Stepwise methods performed similarly to exhaustive algorithms for subset selection, and the choice of criterion for comparing models (Akaike’s information criterion, Schwarz’s Bayesian information criterion or F statistics) had little effect on predictive ability. For most of the data sets, two methods based on regression trees yielded models with substantially lower predictive ability. I argue that there is no ‘best’ method of variable selection and that any of the regression‐based approaches discussed here is capable of yielding useful predictive models.
Diverse and dynamic populations of cyanobacterial podoviruses in the Chesapeake Bay unveiled through DNA polymerase gene sequences
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Kui , Huang Sijun , Cai Haiyuan , Zhao Meiru , Jiao Nianzhi , Wommack K. Eric 
Published: August 2009

SummaryMany podoviruses have been isolated which infect marine picocyanobacteria, and they may play a potentially important role in regulating the biomass and population composition of picocyanobacteria. However, little is known about the diversity and population dynamics of autochthonous cyanopodoviruses in marine environments. Using a set of newly designed PCR primers which specifically amplify the DNA pol from cyanopodoviruses, a total of 221 DNA pol sequences were retrieved from eight Chesapeake Bay virioplankton communities collected at different times and locations. All DNA pol sequences clustered with the eight known podoviruses that infect different marine picocyanobacteria, and could be divided into at least 10 different subclusters (I‐X). The presence of these cyanopodovirus genotypes based on PCR‐amplification of DNA pol gene sequences was supported by the existence of similar DNA pol genotypes with metagenome libraries of Chesapeake Bay virioplankton assemblages. The composition of cyanopodoviruses in the Bay also exhibited distinct winter and summer patterns which were likely related to corresponding seasonal changes in the composition of cyanobacterial populations. Our study suggests that diverse and dynamic populations of cyanopodoviruses are present in the estuarine environment. The PCR method developed in this study provides a specific and sensitive tool to explore the abundance, distribution and phylogenetic diversity of cyanopodoviruses in aquatic environments. Linking the dynamics of host and viral populations in the natural environment is critical to broader characterization of the ecological role of virioplankton within microbial communities.
Microbial diversity and community structure of a highly active anaerobic methane‐oxidizing sulfate‐reducing enrichment
Authors: Jagersma G. Christian , Meulepas Roel J. W. , Heikamp‐de Jong Ineke , Gieteling Jarno , Klimiuk Adam , Schouten Stefan , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Lens Piet N. L. , Stams Alfons J. M. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryAnaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is an important methane sink in the ocean but the microbes responsible for AOM are as yet resilient to cultivation. Here we describe the microbial analysis of an enrichment obtained in a novel submerged‐membrane bioreactor system and capable of high‐rate AOM (286 μmol  gdry weight−1 day−1) coupled to sulfate reduction. By constructing a clone library with subsequent sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization, we showed that the responsible methanotrophs belong to the ANME‐2a subgroup of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea, and that sulfate reduction is most likely performed by sulfate‐reducing bacteria commonly found in association with other ANME‐related archaea in marine sediments. Another relevant portion of the bacterial sequences can be clustered within the order of Flavobacteriales but their role remains to be elucidated. Fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses showed that the ANME‐2a cells occur as single cells without close contact to the bacterial syntrophic partner. Incubation with 13C‐labelled methane showed substantial incorporation of 13C label in the bacterial C16 fatty acids (bacterial; 20%, 44% and 49%) and in archaeal lipids, archaeol and hydroxyl‐archaeol (21% and 20% respectively). The obtained data confirm that both archaea and bacteria are responsible for the anaerobic methane oxidation in a bioreactor enrichment inoculated with Eckernförde bay sediment.
Strongly female‐biased sex allocation in a trivoltine population of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) opacum Brèthes (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae)
Authors: Buschini Maria Luisa Tunes , Bergamaschi Antonio Carlos Bragato 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBuschini, M.L.T. and Bergamaschi, A.C.B. 2009. Strongly female‐biased sex allocation in a trivoltine population of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) opacum Brèthes (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 433–439.This study was carried in southern Brazil from December 2001 to December 2004. The aim of this paper is to provide additional information on the life‐history and sex allocation of this little known species. This wasp’s species has two alternative life histories: either they pupated immediately and emerged as adults later in the same season (direct development) or they entered diapause, overwintering and pupating the following spring (delayed development). The numerical sex ratio of overwintering and of direct developing wasps were strongly female biased in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
Abnormal liver function tests in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus: prevalence, clinical correlations and underlying pathologies
Authors: Leeds J. S. , Forman E. M. , Morley S. , Scott A. R. , Tesfaye S. , Sanders D. S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAims  To determine the prevalence of elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) in a large cohort of patients with Type 1 diabetes and to examine the clinical correlations and causes.Methods  Patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus were prospectively recruited and ALT, glycated haemoglobin and lipid profile were measured. Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited as a comparison group. Patients with abnormal ALT were investigated for underlying causes. Prevalence of abnormal ALT was analysed at three separate cut‐offs and multivariable analysis used to identify independent risk factors.Results  Nine hundred and eleven with Type 1 diabetes and 963 with Type 2 diabetes were included. The prevalence of elevated ALT was dependent on the cut‐off value: > 30 IU/l in males and > 19 IU/l in females, > 50 and > 63 IU/l was 34.5, 4.3 and 1.9%, respectively, in Type 1 diabetes and 51.4, 8.2 and 3.7%, respectively, in Type 2 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes an elevated ALT was associated with worse glycaemic control, age > 55 years and elevated triglycerides. Investigation of these patients revealed a cause in 43.6% of patients, predominantly non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Conclusions  Elevated ALT is not uncommon in Type 1 diabetes and is associated with NAFLD‐related risk factors. Patients with Type 1 diabetes and elevated ALT should be investigated as significant abnormalities may be found which are amenable to interventions.
Transcriptional and metabolic profiles of Lolium perenne L. genotypes in response to a PEG‐induced water stress
Authors: Foito Alexandre , Byrne Stephen L. , Shepherd Tom , Stewart Derek , Barth Susanne 
Published: August 2009

SummaryMetabolic profiling was carried out in the forage grass Lolium perenne L. (perennial ryegrass) to uncover mechanisms involved in the plants response to water stress. When leaf and root materials from two genotypes, with a contrasting water stress response, were analysed by GC–MS, a clear difference in the metabolic profiles of the leaf tissue under water stress was observed. Differences were principally due to a reduction in fatty acid levels in the more susceptible Cashel genotype and an increase in sugars and compatible solutes in the more tolerant PI 462336 genotype. Sugars with a significant increase included: raffinose, trehalose, glucose, fructose and maltose. Increasing the ability of perennial ryegrass to accumulate these sugars in response to a water deficit may lead to more tolerant varieties. The metabolomics approach was combined with a transcriptomics approach in the water stress tolerant genotype PI 462336, which has identified perennial ryegrass genes regulated under water stress.
Using NHDPlus as the Land Base for the Noah‐distributed Model
Authors: David Cédric H , Gochis David J , Maidment David R , Yu Wei , Yates David N , Yang Zong‐Liang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe National Elevation, Hydrography and Land Cover datasets of the United States have been synthesized into a geospatial dataset called NHDPlus which is referenced to a spheroidal Earth, provides geospatial data layers for topography on 30 m rasters, and has vector coverages for catchments and river reaches. In this article, we examine the integration of NHDPlus with the Noah‐distributed model. In order to retain compatibility with atmospheric models, Noah‐distributed utilizes surface domain fields referenced to a spherical rather than spheroidal Earth in its computation of vertical land surface/atmosphere water and energy budgets (at coarse resolution) as well as horizontal cell‐to‐cell water routing across the land surface and through the shallow subsurface (at fine resolution). Two data‐centric issues affecting the linkage between Noah‐distributed and NHDPlus are examined: (1) the shape of the Earth; and (2) the linking of gridded landscape with a vector representation of the stream and river network. At mid‐latitudes the errors due to projections between spherical and spheroidal representations of the Earth are significant. A catchment‐based “pour point” technique is developed to link the raster and vector data to provide lateral inflow from the landscape to a one‐dimensional river model. We conclude that, when Noah‐distributed is run uncoupled to an atmospheric model, it is advantageous to implement Noah‐distributed at the native spatial scale of the digital elevation data and the spheroidal Earth of the NHDPlus dataset rather than transforming the NHDPlus dataset to fit the coarser resolution and spherical Earth shape of the Noah‐distributed model.
Geoweb Services for Sharing Modelling Results in Biodiversity Networks
Authors: Fook Karla Donato , Vieira Monteiro Antônio Miguel , Câmara Gilberto , Casanova Marco Antônio , Amaral Silvana 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBiodiversity researchers in different institutions deal with predictive models for species distribution. These models are useful for biodiversity conservation policies. Species distribution modelling tools need large datasets from different sources and use many algorithms. To improve biodiversity science, scientists need to share models, data and results, and should be able to reproduce experiments from others. This article presents a geoweb service architecture that supports sharing of modelling results and enables researchers to perform new modelling experiments. We show the feasibility of the proposed architecture by developing a set of prototype services, called Web Biodiversity Collaborative Modelling Services – WBCMS. They provide a set of geospatial web services that support the sharing of species distribution models. The article includes an example of a model instance that explains the WBCMS prototype. We believe that WBCMS shows how to set up a cooperative research network on biodiversity research.
THE EMERGENCE OF TRANSCENDENTAL NORMS IN HUMAN SYSTEMS
Authors: Graves Mark 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Terrence Deacon has described three orders of emergence; Arthur Peacocke and others have suggested four levels of human systems and sciences; and Philip Clayton has postulated an additional, transcendent, level. Orders and levels describe distinct aspects of emergence, with orders characterizing topological complexity and levels characterizing theoretical knowledge and causal power. By using Deacon's orders to analyze and relate each of the four “lower” levels one can project that analysis on the transcendent level to gain insight into the teleodynamic emergence of transcendent‐level systems. I argue that cross‐cultural interactions among human cultural‐level systems results in the emergence of the “universal” transcendental norms historically characterized as the Greek Good, Beauty, and Truth. These norms require a dynamic existence that I characterize as the emergence of Spirit, using Josiah Royce's community of interpretation, and that I suggest provides a pragmatic clarification of Clayton's transcendent level. An understanding of those emergent norms clarifies ethical systems, highlights the importance of aesthetics in understanding scientific systems, and suggests the necessity of community in fruitful science‐and‐religion dialogue on human systems.
DIVINE AGENCY AND THE PRINCIPLE OF THE CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
Authors: Larmer Robert 
Published: August 2009

Abstract.Many contemporary thinkers seeking to integrate theistic belief and scientific thought reject what they regard as two extremes. They disavow deism in which God is understood simply to uphold the existence of the physical universe, and they exclude any view of divine influence that suggests the performance of physical work through an immaterial cause. Deism is viewed as theologically inadequate, and acceptance of direct immaterial causation of physical events is viewed as scientifically illegitimate. This desire to avoid both deism and any positing of God as directly intervening in the physical order has led to models of divine agency that seek to defend the reality of divine causal power yet affirm the causal closure of the physical. I argue, negatively, that such models are unsuccessful in their attempts to affirm both the reality of divine causal power acting in the created world and the causal closure of the physical and, positively, that the assumption that underlies these models, namely that any genuine integration of theistic and scientific belief must posit the causal closure of the physical on pain of violating well‐established conservation principles, is mistaken.