bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Folate-Pathway Gene Polymorphisms with the Risk of Prostate Cancer: a Population-Based Nested Case-Control Study, Systematic Review, and Meta-analysis
Authors: Collin Simon M. , Metcalfe Chris , Zuccolo Luisa , Lewis Sarah J. , Chen Lina , Cox Angela , Davis Michael , Lane J. Athene , Donovan Jenny , Smith George Davey , Neal David E. , Hamdy Freddie C. , Gudmundsson Julius , Sulem Patrick , Rafnar Thorunn , Benediktsdottir Kristrun R. , Eeles Rosalind A. , Guy Michelle , Kote-Jarai Zsofia ,   UK Genetic Prostate Cancer Study Group, Morrison Jonathan , Al Olama Ali Amin , Stefansson Kari , Easton Douglas F. , Martin Richard M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractFolate-pathway gene polymorphisms have been implicated in several cancers and investigated inconclusively in relation to prostate cancer. We conducted a systematic review, which identified nine case-control studies (eight included, one excluded). We also included data from four genome-wide association studies and from a case-control study nested within the UK population–based Prostate Testing for Cancer and Treatment study. We investigated by meta-analysis the effects of eight polymorphisms: MTHFR C677T (rs1801133; 12 studies; 10,745 cases; 40,158 controls), MTHFR A1298C (rs1801131; 5 studies; 3,176 cases; 4,829 controls), MTR A2756G (rs1805087; 8 studies; 7,810 cases; 37,543 controls), MTRR A66G (rs1801394; 4 studies; 3,032 cases; 4,515 controls), MTHFD1 G1958A (rs2236225; 6 studies; 7,493 cases; 36,941 controls), SLC19A1/RFC1 G80A (rs1051266; 4 studies; 6,222 cases; 35,821 controls), SHMT1 C1420T (rs1979277; 2 studies; 2,689 cases; 4,110 controls), and FOLH1 T1561C (rs202676; 5 studies; 6,314 cases; 35,190 controls). The majority (10 of 13) of eligible studies had 100% Caucasian subjects; only one study had &lt;90% Caucasian subjects. We found weak evidence of dominant effects of two alleles: MTR 2756A&gt;G [random effects pooled odds ratio, 1.06 (1.00-1.12); P = 0.06 (P = 0.59 for heterogeneity across studies)] and SHMT1 1420C&gt;T [random effects pooled odds ratio, 1.11 (1.00-1.22); P = 0.05 (P = 0.38 for heterogeneity across studies)]. We found no effect of MTHFR 677C&gt;T or any of the other alleles in dominant, recessive or additive models, or in comparing a/a versus A/A homozygous. Neither did we find any difference in effects on advanced or localized cancers. Our meta-analysis suggests that known common folate-pathway single nucleotide polymorphisms do not have significant effects on susceptibility to prostate cancer.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(9):2528–39)
Protective effect of glutathione against oxidative injury in intestinal epithelial cells of piglet in vitro
Authors: Chen Qun , Zhang Shu-Ming , Liu Hai-Yan , Li Ying-Qiu 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Oxidative stress of intestinal epithelium is involved in inflammatory bowel disease. To investigate protective effects of glutathione (GSH) on xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO)-induced oxidative injury in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). We employed in vitro cell culture supplemented with X/XO. IECs were cultured for 72 h, and then divided into seven groups with various concentrations of X/XO and GSH supplementation in the medium. Agarose gel electrophoresis lanes indicated that X/XO induced DNA injury by the high concentration of XO (40, 70 U/L)-treated groups. The X/XO supplementation significantly increased the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in a dose-dependent manner. There was a slight increase in total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) value by the low concentration of XO (10U/L) alone-treated group (P > 0.05) while supplementation of a high concentration of XO (40, 70 U/L) significantly decreased TRAP value compared with XO (10 U/L) and the control group (P < 0.05). Addition of GSH decreased the production of MDA and DNA fragmentations (P < 0.05), but enhanced TRAP value (P < 0.05). These results suggest that IECs of piglet have the ability of enduring mild oxidative stress induced by a low concentration of XO. Although high concentrations of XO resulted in oxidation injury and lipid peroxidation in the IECs, additions of GSH to the medium showed significant protection against the X/XO-induced oxidative stress.
Genetic diversity of a captive population of black muntjac revealed by a set of high polymorphism across-species microsatellites
Authors: Ni Xiao-Wei , Meng Kai , Wu Hai-Long , Zhu Guo-Ping 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Eleven high polymorphic across-species loci were used to test the usefulness in the individual identification and parentage determination of black muntjac and to detect the genetic variation in a captive population of the animal. Discrimination power for individual locus ranged from 0.845 to 0.949 with the cumulative discrimination power across the eleven loci being up to 1. The combined exclusion probability across the eleven polymorphic loci in the absence and presence of genetic information on the second parent was 0.999 and 1, respectively. These results indicated that the eleven microsatellites would be highly diagnostic in individual identification and parentage testing for the species. The application of these polymorphic loci to evaluate population genetic variation indicated that the genetic diversity of the captive population (5.4 and 0.68 for A and He, respectively; n = 14) was significantly lower than that of the source population (7 and 0.785 for A and He, respectively; n=16). This supported our previous results discovered by mtDNA d-loop, i.e., the genetic diversity of the captive population had obviously declined over less than 20 years due to the paucity of founders. However, difference of observation heterozygosity between the captive and the source populations was not significant. These results indicated that loss of nuclear diversity in the captive population was first evidenced by A but not Ho. In order to retard the potential inbreeding effect, we suggested that some more wild animals should be introduced into the captive population and that a pedigree-based breeding program should be established.
Opportunistic predation on bats by the tawny owl Strix aluco
Authors: Lesiński Grzegorz , Ignaczak Maurycy , Manias Jarosław 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The presence of bats in the diet of tawny owls inhabiting the entrance parts of a large bat hibernation site in central Poland was compared in two periods. In the years 1985–1988 the median total number of hibernating bats per survey (522) was nearly 3 times lower than in the years 2002–2008 (1455). Along this trend the share of bats in tawny owls' diet increased respectively from 21.9% of vertebrate prey items to 36.5%. In areas without large bat concentrations they usually comprise up to 1% of vertebrate prey. This finding could be an evidence of an opportunistic feature of bat predation by owls.
Ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths of chickens of three agro-climatic zones in Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tolossa Yacob , Shafi Ziad , Basu Asoke 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A survey for ectoparasites and gastrointestinal helminths was conducted in 150 chickens raised in a traditional backyard production system. The chickens were randomly selected from six sites in three agro-climatic zones in central Ethiopia, namely Bekoji and Chancho (highland), Woliso and Teji (midland), and Metehara and Zeway Dugda (lowland). The study indicated that in the three agro-climatic zones 126 (84%), 108 (72%) and 97 (64.67%) of the examined chickens were harbouring ectoparasites, nematodes and cestodes respectively. Out of 10 species of ectoparasites, Menacanthus stramineus (40%) was the most frequent species. Postmortem examinations revealed the presence of four species of nematodes (Ascaridia galli, Heterakis gallinarum, Subulura brumpti and Capillaria caudinflata) and four species of cestodes (Raillietina echinobothrida, R. tetragona, R. cesticillus and Choanotaenia infundibulum). The ectoparasite infestation was found to be sex specific in chicken, being significantly higher (P<0.05) in males. On the other hand, endoparasitic infection showed no such difference (P>0.05). No difference was found among the three agro-climatic zones in the frequency of ectoparasite and nematode infection. However, a significant difference (P<0.05) in the frequency of cestode infection among the three zones was observed.
Cephalic salivary gland ultrastructure of worker and queen eusocial bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: Poiani Silvana Beani , da Cruz-Landim Carminda 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Eusocial bees present a pair of functional salivary glands in head, the cephalic salivary glands. These glands from workers and queens of two eusocial bee species, Apis mellifera and Scaptotrigona postica, were examined at different life stages using routine transmission electron microscopy techniques to correlate morphology and gland functions. Ultrastructural features of worker and queen glands ducts and secretory units were descriptively compared between species. The duct cells present basal plasma membrane invaginations reaching the apical region. Intercellular space and invaginations contain material of similar electron-density to the basal lamina, suggesting that substances might be directly absorbed from the hemolymph to the gland lumen. The secretory cells are rich in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi, and vesicles typical of lipid secretion. Secretory cells in S. postica become flattened with age in contrast to A. mellifera, where cells remained cuboidal. Mitochondria are associated with secretory vesicles and may become lipid deposits. A possible role of worker and queen secretion is discussed, taking changes in caste gland morphology and their function in the colony into account.
Can we predict the distribution of heathland butterflies with heathland bird data?
Authors: Maes Dirk , Anselin Anny , van Swaay Chris , Sierdsema Henk , De Bruyn Luc , Vermeersch Glenn , Van Dyck Hans 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
National or regional conservation strategies are usually based on available species distribution maps. However, very few taxonomic groups achieve a full coverage of the focal region. Distribution data of well-mapped taxonomic groups could help predict the distribution of less well-mapped groups and thus fill gaps in distribution maps. Here, we predict the distribution of five heathland butterflies in Flanders (north Belgium) using typical heathland bird distribution data as predictor variables. We compare predictions with those using only biotope or a combination of both biotope and bird data as variables. In addition, we test the transferability of 'bird', biotope and combined models to the Netherlands, an ecologically similar region. Transferability was tested in three separate sandy regions in the Netherlands at different distances from the region in which the models were built. For each of the five heathland butterflies, we applied logistic regressions on ten random model sets and tested the models on ten random evaluation sets within Flanders. We used the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) plots to estimate model accuracy. Overall, bird models performed significantly better than biotope models but were not significantly different from the combined models in Flanders. In the Netherlands, the transferred biotope and the combined models performed better than the transferred 'bird models'. We conclude that on a local scale, birds can, to some extent, serve as proxies for biotope quality, but that biotope models are more robust when transferred to another region.
Is Apoptosis the Cause of Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy?
Authors: Pearce Christopher J. , Ismail Muhammad , Calder James D. 
Published: September 2009

Background The pathogenesis of chronic tendinopathy is unclear but it does not appear to be an inflammatory process. Apoptosis may lead to degenerate tissue through a nitric oxide–mediated pathway. Increased levels of nitric oxide have been demonstrated in Achilles tendinopathy. Hypothesis Nitric oxide–mediated apoptosis is an important mechanism in the development of Achilles tendinopathy. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Samples were obtained from the Achilles tendons of 14 patients with noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy. Control samples were taken from macroscopically normal tendon correlating with areas of normal tissue on magnetic resonance imaging. Immunohistochemical techniques identified the expression of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthase as markers of nitric oxide production. Apoptotic cells were identified using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and the demonstration of caspase-3 activation. Results Significant differences were found between the diseased tendon and the controls for all parameters. The mean caspase-3 cell count for diseased tendon was 51.9 versus 28.3 for the controls ( P < .001). The mean TUNEL cell count for diseased tendon was 24.1 compared with 14.8 ( P < .001). Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) densitometry revealed a mean of 26.1 for the diseased tissue versus 15.0 for the controls ( P < .001) and the values for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were 48.3 and 23.7, respectively ( P = .015). Conclusion Apoptosis may play a role in the development of noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy and appears to be related to the presence of raised eNOS and iNOS levels. Clinical Relevance A clearer understanding of the tendinopathic process may lead to new treatment strategies aimed at modulating apoptosis.
Repulsive axon guidance molecule Slit3 is a novel angiogenic factor
Authors: Zhang Bing , Dietrich Ursula M. , Geng Jian-Guo , Bicknell Roy , Esko Jeffrey D. , Wang Lianchun 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Slits are large, secreted repulsive axon guidance molecules. Recent genetic studies revealed that the Slit3 is dispensable for neural development but required for non-neuron–related developmental processes, such as the genesis of the diaphragm and kidney. Here we report that Slit3 potently promotes angiogenesis, a process essential for proper organogenesis during embryonic development. We observed that Slit3 is expressed and secreted by both endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells in vasculature and that the Slit cognate receptors Robo1 and Robo4 are universally expressed by endothelial cells, suggesting that Slit3 may act in paracrine and autocrine manners to regulate endothelial cells. Cellular function studies revealed that Slit3 stimulates endothelial-cell proliferation, promotes endothelial-cell motility and chemotaxis via interaction with Robo4, and accelerates endothelial-cell vascular network formation in vitro with a specific activity comparable with vascular endothelial growth factor. Furthermore, Slit3 stimulates neovessel sprouting ex vivo and new blood vessel growth in vivo. Consistent with these observations, the Slit3 knockout mice display disrupted angiogenesis during embryogenesis. Taken together, our studies reveal that the repulsive axon guidance molecule Slit3 is a novel and potent angiogenic factor and functions to promote angiogenesis in coordinating organogenesis during embryonic development.
Human platelets produced in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID) mice upon transplantation of human cord blood CD34+ cells are functionally active in an ex vivo flow model of thrombosis
Authors: Salles Isabelle I. , Thijs Tim , Brunaud Christine , De Meyer Simon F. , Thys Johan , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Deckmyn Hans 
Published: September 2009

AbstractXenotransplantation systems have been used with increasing success to better understand human hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. In this study, we demonstrate that production of human platelets in nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice after transplantation of unexpanded cord-blood CD34+ cells was detected within 10 days after transplantation, with the number of circulating human platelets peaking at 2 weeks (up to 87 × 103/μL). This rapid human platelet production was followed by a second wave of platelet formation 5 weeks after transplantation, with a population of 5% still detected after 8 weeks, attesting for long-term engraftment. Platelets issued from human hematopoietic stem cell progenitors are functional, as assessed by increased CD62P expression and PAC1 binding in response to collagen-related peptide and thrombin receptor-activating peptide activation and their ability to incorporate into thrombi formed on a collagen-coated surface in an ex vivo flow model of thrombosis. This interaction was abrogated by addition of inhibitory monoclonal antibodies against human glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) and GPIIb/IIIa. Thus, our mouse model with production of human platelets may be further explored to study the function of genetically modified platelets, but also to investigate the effect of stimulators or inhibitors of human thrombopoiesis in vivo.
How I treat postthrombotic syndrome
Authors: Kahn Susan R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPostthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) that reduces quality of life and has important socioeconomic consequences. More than one-third of patients with DVT will develop PTS, and 5% to 10% of patients will develop severe PTS, which may manifest as venous ulceration. The principal risk factors for PTS are persistent leg symptoms 1 month after the acute episode of DVT, extensive DVT, recurrent ipsilateral DVT, obesity, and older age. Daily use of elastic compression stockings (ECSs) for 2 years after proximal DVT appears to reduce the risk of PTS; however, there is uncertainty about optimal duration of use and compression strength of ECSs and the magnitude of their effect. The cornerstone of managing PTS is compression therapy, primarily using ECSs. Venoactive medications such as aescin and rutoside may provide short-term relief of PTS symptoms. The likelihood of developing PTS after DVT should be discussed with patients, and symptoms and signs of PTS should be monitored during clinical follow-up. Further studies to elucidate the pathophysiology of PTS, to identify clinical and biologic risk factors, and to test new preventive and therapeutic approaches to PTS are needed to ultimately improve the long-term prognosis of patients with DVT.
National income, self-reported wheezing and asthma diagnosis from the World Health Survey
Authors: Sembajwe G. , Cifuentes M. , Tak S. W. , Kriebel D. , Gore R. , Punnett L. 
Published: September 2009

The aims of this study were to quantify and describe the variations in respiratory symptoms and diagnosis prevalence across regions of the world according to national income.In 2002 and 2003, the World Health Organization implemented the World Health Survey (WHS), which used a standardised survey instrument to compile comprehensive baseline information on health and healthcare expenditure. We analysed the WHS data to assess the global patterns of self-reported wheeze and doctor-diagnosed asthma, two commonly reported measures of respiratory health.In total there were 308,218 participants with complete records, from 64 countries. The weighted mean age of the survey population was 43 yrs. Global prevalence of current wheezing symptoms ranged from 2.4% in Vietnam to 24% in Brazil; the prevalence of diagnosed asthma ranged from 1.8% in Vietnam to 32.8% in Australia. Overall, the prevalence of symptoms and diagnosis showed a U-shaped pattern with the largest prevalence reported in low- and high-income countries. The smallest prevalence was consistently found in middle-income countries.These WHS analyses have provided global prevalence estimates of wheeze and doctor-diagnosed asthma using data gathered simultaneously and consistently across six continents. These findings support the need for continued global respiratory illness surveillance for disease prevention, health policy and management.
HMOX1andGSTvariants modify attenuation of FEF25–75%decline due to PM10reduction
Authors: Curjuric I. , Imboden M. , Schindler C. , Downs S.H. , Hersberger M. , Liu S.L.J. , Matyas G. , Russi E.W. , Schwartz J. , Thun G.A. , Postma D.S. , Rochat T. , Probst-Hensch N.M. 
Published: September 2009

Reduced exposure to particulate matter with a 50% cut-off aerodynamic diameter of 10 μm (PM10) attenuated age-related lung function decline in our cohort, particularly in the small airways. We hypothesised that polymorphisms in glutathioneS-transferase (GST) and haem oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) genes, important for oxidative stress defence, modify these beneficial effects.A population-based sample of 4,365 adults was followed up after 11 yrs, including questionnaire, spirometry and DNA blood sampling. PM10exposure was estimated by dispersion modelling and temporal interpolation. The main effects on annual decline in forced expiratory flow at 25–75% of forced vital capacity (FEF25–75%) and interactions with PM10reduction were investigated for polymorphismsHMOX1rs2071746 (T/A), rs735266 (T/A) and rs5995098 (G/C),HMOX1(GT)npromoter repeat,GSTM1andGSTT1deletions, andGSTP1p.Ile105Val, using mixed linear regression models.HMOX1rs5995098,HMOX1haplotype TTG andGSTP1showed significant genetic main effects. Interactions with PM10reduction were detected: a 10 μg·m−3reduction significantly attenuated annual FEF25–75%decline by 15.3 mL·s−1only in the absence ofHMOX1haplotype ATC. Similarly, carriers of long (GT)npromoter repeat alleles or theGSTP1Val/Val genotype profited significantly more from a 10 μg·m−3reduction (26.5 mL·s−1and 27.3 mL·s−1respectively) than non-carriers.Benefits of a reduction in PM10exposure are not equally distributed across the population but are modified by the individual genetic make-up determining oxidative stress defence.
Determining the aetiology of pulmonary oedema by the oedema fluid-to-plasma protein ratio
Authors: Ware L. B. , Fremont R. D. , Bastarache J. A. , Calfee C. S. , Matthay M. A. 
Published: September 2009

We hypothesised that the oedema fluid-to-plasma protein (EF/PL) ratio, a noninvasive measure of alveolar capillary membrane permeability, can accurately determine the aetiology of acute pulmonary oedema.390 mechanically ventilated patients with acute pulmonary oedema were enrolled. A clinical diagnosis of acute lung injury (ALI), cardiogenic pulmonary oedema or a mixed aetiology was based on expert medical record review at the end of hospitalisation. The EF/PL ratio was measured from pulmonary oedema fluid and plasma samples collected at intubation.209 patients had a clinical diagnosis of ALI, 147 had a diagnosis of cardiogenic pulmonary oedema and 34 had a mixed aetiology. The EF/PL ratio had an area under the receiver-operating curve of 0.84 for differentiating ALI from cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. Using a predefined cut-off of 0.65, the EF/PL ratio had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 81% for the diagnosis of ALI. An EF/PL ratio ≥0.65 was also associated with significantly higher mortality and fewer ventilator-free days.Noninvasive measurement of the EF/PL ratio is a safe and reliable bedside method for rapidly determining the aetiology of acute pulmonary oedema that can be used at the bedside in both developed and developing countries.