bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐Wide Analysis of WOX Gene Family in Rice, Sorghum, Maize, Arabidopsis and Poplar
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zong Jie , Liu Jianhua , Yin Jinyuan , Zhang Dabing 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
WUSCHEL‐related homeobox (WOX) genes form a large gene family specifically expressed in plants. They are known to play important roles in regulating the development of plant tissues and organs by determining cell fate. Recent available whole genome sequences allow us to do more comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the WOX genes in plants. In the present study, we identified 11 and 21 WOXs from sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and maize (Zea mays), respectively. The 72 WOX genes from rice (Oryza sativa), sorghum, maize, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and poplar (Populus trichocarpa) were grouped into three well supported clades with nine subgroups according to the amino acid sequences of their homodomains. Their phylogenetic relationship was also supported by the observation of the motifs outside the homodomain. We observed the variation of duplication events among the nine sub‐groups between monocots and eudicots, for instance, more gene duplication events of WOXs within subgroup A for monocots, while, less for dicots in this subgroup. Furthermore, we observed the conserved intron/exon structural patterns of WOX genes in rice, sorghum and Arabidopsis. In addition, WUS (Wuschel)‐box and EAR (the ERF‐associated amphiphilic repression)‐like motif were observed to be conserved among several WOX subgroups in these five plants. Comparative analysis of expression patterns of WOX genes in rice and Arabidopsis suggest that the WOX genes play conserved and various roles in plants. This work provides insights into the evolution of the WOX gene family and is useful for future research.
Snoring and Insomnia are Not Associated with Subclinical Atherosclerosis in the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Ramos-Sepulveda Alberto , Wohlgemuth William , Gardener Hannah , Lorenzo Dalia , Dib Salim , Wallace Douglas M. , Nolan Bruce , Boden-Albala Bernadette , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Sacco Ralph L. , Rundek Tatjana 
Published: July 2010

Background Sleep-disordered breathing is a risk factor for stroke, but its association with subclinical atherosclerosis remains controversial. Snoring and insomnia are frequently comorbid with sleep-disordered breathing and may contribute to stroke. Data on the relationship between snoring and insomnia with atherosclerotic disease are sparse. We investigated the relationship between markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, insomnia, snoring, and carotid intima-media thickness, in the Northern Manhattan Study. Methods A group of 1605 participants (mean age 65±8 years; 40% men; 61% Hispanic, 19% black, 20% white) who had carotid intima–media thickness measurements performed was assessed for self-reported sleep habits. Habitual snoring was defined as self-reported snoring greater than four times per week. Presence of insomnia was based on three items extracted from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Carotid intima–media thickness was expressed as a mean composite measure of intima–media thickness in the carotid bifurcation, common, and internal carotid artery. Multivariate linear regression models were used to identify associations between snoring, insomnia, and carotid intima–media thickness. Results Habitual snoring was present in 29% of the subjects and insomnia in 26%. There was a higher prevalence of self-reported snoring (84%) and insomnia (66%) among Hispanics than non-Hispanics. The mean total carotid intima–media thickness was 0.95±0.09 mm; among those with self-reported snoring was 0.94±0.09 mm; and among those with insomnia was 0.95±0.08 mm. After controlling for age, gender, race-ethnicity, body mass index and cardiovascular risk factors, snoring ( P = 0.986) and insomnia ( P = 0.829) were not significantly associated with increased carotid intima–media thickness. Conclusion Snoring and insomnia were not significantly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in this population-based community cohort.
Disability Burden Due to Stroke in Western Australia: New Insights from Linked Data Sources
Authors: Katzenellenbogen Judith M. , Begg Stephen , Somerford Peter , Anderson Craig S. , Semmens James B. , Codde James P. , Vos Theo 
Published: July 2010

Background The disability-adjusted life year index is used extensively to compare disease burden among diseases and locations, but difficulties remain in accurately estimating the nonfatal stroke burden in years lived with disability. Aims To improve stroke-related years lived with disability estimates in Western Australia for 2000, by improving the accuracy of component inputs: nonfatal (28-day survivor) incidence, disease duration and disability (severity) weights. Methods Nonfatal stroke incidence and the mortality difference between prevalent cases and the general population were estimated from linked hospital and mortality data using the Western Australian Data Linkage System. Dismod software used these inputs to model disease duration. Disability weights were estimated from population-based stroke survey data, using indirect health valuation methods and adjusting for prestroke disability. Years lived with disability were calculated from the three components. Results The annual age-standardised nonfatal incidence ( n = 1985) was higher ***In males (121/100 000) than females (96/100 000). The duration varied between 35.8 (females 15–24 years) and 3.4 years (males 85+ years). The mean pre-stroke-adjusted disability weight was higher at 4-months (0.38) than at 12-months (0.31). The age-standardised rate of nonfatal burden in males (302/100 000; 95% CI 290–314) was significantly higher than that in females (250/100 000; 95% CI 240–260). The nonfatal proportion of stroke burden (males 45%; females 37%) was higher than estimated in previous studies. Conclusion This study illustrates that previous reports most likely underestimated disability burden as a contributor to the total stroke burden in Australia. Methodological refinements will contribute to burden of disease studies elsewhere.
A Stepwise Approach to Stroke Surveillance in Brazil: the EMMA (Estudo de Mortalidade E Morbidade Do Acidente Vascular Cerebral) Study
Authors: Goulart Alessandra C. , Bustos Iara R. , Abe Ivana M. , Pereira Alexandre C. , Fedeli Ligia M. , Benseñor Isabela M. , Lotufo Paulo A. 
Published: July 2010

Background: Stroke mortality rates in Brazil are the highest in the Americas. Deaths from cerebrovascular disease surpass coronary heart disease. Aim: To verify stroke mortality rates and morbidity in an area of São Paulo, Brazil, using the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Stroke Surveillance. Methods: We used the World Health Organization Stepwise Approach to Stroke Surveillance structure of stroke surveillance. The hospital-based data comprised fatal and nonfatal stroke (Step 1). We gathered stroke-related mortality data in the community using World Health Organization questionnaires (Step 2). The questionnaire determining stroke prevalence was activated door to door in a family-health-programme neighbourhood (Step 3). Results: A total of 682 patients 18 years and above, including 472 incident cases, presented with cerebrovascular disease and were enrolled in Step 1 during April–May 2009. Cerebral infarction (84.3%) and first-ever stroke (85.2%) were the most frequent. In Step 2, 256 deaths from stroke were identified during 2006–2007. Forty-four per cent of deaths were classified as unspecified stroke, 1/3 as ischaemic stroke, and 1/4 due to haemorrhagic subtype. In Step 3, 577 subjects over 35 years old were evaluated at home, and 244 cases of stroke survival were diagnosed via a questionnaire, validated by a board-certified neurologist. The population demographic characteristics were similar in the three steps, except in terms of age and gender. Conclusion: By including data from all settings, World Health Organization stroke surveillance can provide data to help plan future resources that meet the needs of the public-health system.
The phosphate regulating hormone fibroblast growth factor‐23
Authors: Marsell R. , Jonsson K. B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractOver the last decade, the regulation of phosphate (Pi) homeostasis has been under intense investigation. By utilizing modern biochemical and genetic tools, the pathophysiological mechanisms behind several known hereditary and acquired hypo‐ and hyperphosphatemic diseases have been clarified. The results of these efforts have opened new insights into the causes of Pi dysregulation and hereby also the physiological mechanisms determining Pi homeostasis. Although several potential Pi‐regulating proteins have been discovered and investigated, current data strongly argues for fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF23), a hormonal factor produced in bone, as a particularly important regulator of Pi homeostasis. In this article, we review the discovery of the FGF23 protein, as well as its biochemistry, localization of production, receptor specificity and mechanisms of action.
The role of grassland sward islets in the distribution of arthropods in cattle pastures
Authors: HELDEN ALVIN J. , ANDERSON ANNETTE , SHERIDAN HELEN , PURVIS GORDON 
Published: July 2010

Abstract.1. It is well documented that cattle reduce their grazing activity in the vicinity of cattle dung, which gives rise to distinct patches, or islets as they have been termed, of longer sward. The influence of such islets on pasture utilisation and agronomic performance has been widely studied, but very little information is available concerning their influence on grassland biodiversity.2. In this study the abundance and distribution of arthropods in relation to islets was assessed, using suction sampling, at 26 commercial farms and in a replicated pasture management experiment in the south and east of Ireland.3. Islets were found to cover approximately 24% of pastures and to contain between 40% and 50% of arthropod individuals.4. Islets consistently contained a higher density of arthropods, even when the difference in mean sward height between islets and more strongly grazed sward was accounted for. The relative concentration of arthropods in islets declined with increasing mean sward height, which may be related to the recovery of well‐grazed non‐islet sward. Islets appear to act as refugia from sward removal.5. The potential importance of islets in maintaining arthropod biodiversity within intensively grazed pastures and the wider grass‐based farming landscape is discussed, particularly with reference to standard agronomic practices such as sward topping and chain harrowing, which aim to remove the sward heterogeneity created by grazing livestock.
Distributions of odonate richness and diversity with elevation depend on windward or leeward aspect: implications for research and conservation planning
Authors: BRUCE CAMPBELL WILLIAM , NOVELO‐GUTIÉRREZ RODOLFO , GÓMEZ‐ANAYA JOSÉ ANTONIO 
Published: July 2010

Abstract.  1. Assessing species richness (SR) and diversity along environmental gradients is important to see whether abiotic differences alter patterns of species distribution and composition.2. We examined distributions of odonate SR, average taxonomic distinctness (ATD) and functional diversity (FD) (using the Shannon Index on proportions of plant‐dependent and non‐dependent species) with elevation and slope provided from an exploratory survey along a transect in the Sierra de Coalcomán Mountains, Michoacán State, Mexico. Adults were collected along both sides of a 500 m stream segment for 6 h day−1 site−1 in each of eight sites, and these species lists were complemented by collecting mature larvae.3. Species richness and FD declined with elevation among windward sites, while ATD increased. Among leeward sites, SR peaked at mid‐elevation, and there was no trend for FD or ATD with elevation. Leeward sites were similar in species composition, whereas windward sites were dissimilar. Slope was correlated with elevation among windward sites, and influenced most variables, but not among leeward sites. FD was negatively correlated with ATD among sites along both aspects. Mean values of SR, ATD and FD between aspects were similar.4. The Energy‐Richness Hypothesis best explained the species distributions along the windward aspect. Local abiotic influences appeared more important in community assembly among windward sites. Among leeward sites, the potential for Mid‐Domain and Rapoport Effects suggest interspecies interactions control community assembly; providing greater potential for expansion of species elevational ranges, and an increase in range expansion of alien and non‐endemic species along this aspect.
REVIEW: Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1): A Key Factor Linking Fibrinolysis and Age‐Related Subclinical and Clinical Conditions
Authors: Cesari Matteo , Pahor Marco , Incalzi Raffaele Antonelli 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY Introduction: The close relationship existing between aging and thrombosis has growingly been studied in this last decade. The age‐related development of a prothrombotic imbalance in the fibrinolysis homeostasis has been hypothesized as the basis of this increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk. Fibrinolysis is the result of the interactions among multiple plasminogen activators and inhibitors constituting the enzymatic cascade, and ultimately leading to the degradation of fibrin. The plasminogen activator system plays a key role in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Methods: Narrative review. Results: Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is a member of the superfamily of serine‐protease inhibitors (or serpins), and the principal inhibitor of both the tissue‐type and the urokinase‐type plasminogen activator, the two plasminogen activators able to activate plasminogen. Current evidence describing the central role played by PAI‐1 in a number of age‐related subclinical (i.e., inflammation, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance) and clinical (i.e., obesity, comorbidities, Werner syndrome) conditions is presented. Conclusions: Despite some controversial and unclear issues, PAI‐1 represents an extremely promising marker that may become a biological parameter to be progressively considered in the prognostic evaluation, in the disease monitoring, and as treatment target of age‐related conditions in the future.
Hypolipidemic, Antioxidant, and Antiinflammatory Activities of Microalgae Spirulina
Authors: Deng Ruitang , Chow Te‐Jin 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARY Spirulina is free‐floating filamentous microalgae growing in alkaline water bodies. With its high nutritional value, Spirulina has been consumed as food for centuries in Central Africa. It is now widely used as nutraceutical food supplement worldwide. Recently, great attention and extensive studies have been devoted to evaluate its therapeutic benefits on an array of diseased conditions including hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycerolemia, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, cancer, and viral infections. The cardiovascular benefits of Spirulina are primarily resulted from its hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory activities. Data from preclinical studies with various animal models consistently demonstrate the hypolipidemic activity of Spirulina. Although differences in study design, sample size, and patient conditions resulting in minor inconsistency in response to Spirulina supplementation, the findings from human clinical trials are largely consistent with the hypolipidemic effects of Spirulina observed in the preclinical studies. However, most of the human clinical trials are suffered with limited sample size and some with poor experimental design. The antioxidant and/or antiinflammatory activities of Spirulina were demonstrated in a large number of preclinical studies. However, a limited number of clinical trials have been carried out so far to confirm such activities in human. Currently, our understanding on the underlying mechanisms for Spirulina's activities, especially the hypolipidemic effect, is limited. Spirulina is generally considered safe for human consumption supported by its long history of use as food source and its favorable safety profile in animal studies. However, rare cases of side‐effects in human have been reported. Quality control in the growth and process of Spirulina to avoid contamination is mandatory to guarantee the safety of Spirulina products.
Nutraceuticals and Prevention of Atherosclerosis: Focus on ω‐3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Mediterranean Diet Polyphenols
Authors: Massaro Marika , Scoditti Egeria , Carluccio Maria Annunziata , De Caterina Raffaele 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYNutraceuticals are potentially healthful foods that play a role in maintaining human well being, enhancing health and preventing, or even treating, specific diseases. More than for any other diseases, cardiovascular diseases occur in association with risk factors that are amenable to prevention or treatment by nutraceutical interventions. Several ingredients marketed for use in dietary supplements address such risk factors. The ability of nutraceuticals to favorably influence cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerotic vascular disease should be recognized as an enormous opportunity for the prevention or treatment of this common condition. In this review, we attempt at summarizing some of the recent research findings on ω‐3‐polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant polyphenols that have beneficial cardiovascular effects to update the practicing clinicians on the potential benefits of nutraceuticals in this area.
Acute Drug Administration in Epilepsy: A Review
Authors: Wolf Peter 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYAims: To review acute administration of drugs in epilepsy for indications other than status epilepticus. Discussion: This review looks into the application of acute drug administration (ADA) against febrile and prolonged nonfebrile seizures in children, seizure clustering (habitual or at drug withdrawal), catamenial epilepsy, response to seizure “warnings”, and prophylaxis of seizures at perceived increased risk (reflex epilepsies, long‐distance travel, lifestyle, and social occasions). The drugs most commonly used for ADA are the benzodiazepines diazepam (oral or rectal), clobazam and buccal or nasal midazolam, and lorazepam. Others include valproic acid, nitrazepam, acetazolamide, chloral hydrate, pyridoxine, and antipyretics. Conclusions: The best evidence for the efficacy of ADA exists in febrile and nonfebrile childhood seizures, whereas the evidence in catamenial epilepsy is weak. Prevention of clusters is a well‐proven principle but its application has been little studied. Prevention of imminent seizures predicted by well‐established triggers, defined risk factors, or premonitory minor seizure activity seems to be at the same time the most intelligent and the least investigated application of ADA and would deserve to be better studied.
The Use of Antidepressants for Headache Prophylaxis
Authors: Smitherman Todd A. , Walters A. Brooke , Maizels Morris , Penzien Donald B. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYThe focus of this review is on the efficacy of antidepressants as preventive treatments for migraine and chronic tension‐type headache (TTH). Pharmacologic prophylaxis may be indicated for patients with frequent headaches, who respond insufficiently to acute therapies, or for whom medication overuse is a concern. The well‐documented efficacy of the tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline, both for migraine and chronic TTH, has been followed by widespread use of other antidepressants for headache prophylaxis. Although antidepressants in general share comparable efficacy for the treatment of depressive disorders, their efficacy as headache preventives varies widely. Evidence supporting use of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as headache preventives is poor; their use should be reserved for treating comorbid depression in a patient who also has a headache disorder. Small randomized trials of venlafaxine indicate preliminary efficacy both for migraine and tension‐type headache. Evidence for other antidepressants is lacking. Although antidepressants are often prescribed to headache patients under the assumption that the prescribed agent also will be effective in reducing symptoms of comorbid depression, the majority of studies have failed to find a strong relationship between depression symptoms and headache improvement. Suggestions for future research are discussed.
Neuropsychiatric Adverse Effects of Centrally Acting Antiobesity Drugs
Authors: Nathan Pradeep J. , O’Neill Barry V. , Napolitano Antonella , Bullmore Edward T. 
Published: July 2010

SUMMARYIntroduction:Central neurochemical systems including the monoamine, opioid, and cannabinoid systems have been promising targets for antiobesity drugs that modify behavioral components of obesity. In addition to modulating eating behavior, centrally acting antiobesity drugs are also likely to alter emotional behavior and cognitive function due to the high expression of receptors for the neurochemical systems targeted by these drugs within the fronto‐striatal and limbic circuitry.Methods:This paper reviewed the neuropsychiatric adverse effects of past and current antiobesity drugs, with a central mechanism of action, linking the adverse effects to their underlying neural substrates and neurochemistry.Results:Antiobesity drugs were found to have varying neuropsychiatric adverse event profiles. Insomnia was the most common adverse effect with drugs targeting monoamine systems (sibutramine, bupropion and tesofensine). These drugs had some positive effects on mood and anxiety and may have added therapeutic benefits in obese patients with comorbid depression and anxiety symptoms. Sedation and tiredness were the most common adverse effects reported with drugs targeting the m‐opioid receptors (i.e., naltrexone) and combination therapies targeting the opioid and monoamine systems (i.e., Contrave™). Cognitive impairments were most frequently associated with the antiepileptic drugs, topiramate and zonisamide, consistent with their sedative properties. Drugs targeting the cannabinoid system (rimonabant and taranabant) were consistently associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression, including reports of suicidal ideation. Similar adverse events have also been noted for the D1/D5antagonist ecopipam.Conclusion:These findings highlight the need to assess neuropsychiatric adverse events comprehensively using sensitive and validated methods early in the clinical development of candidate antiobesity drugs with a central mechanism of action.