bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Genes Critical for Growth Regulation Identifies Insulin-like Growth Factor 2 Receptor Variations with Possible Functional Significance as Risk Factors for Osteosarcoma
Authors: Savage Sharon A. , Woodson Karen , Walk Elyse , Modi William , Liao Jason , Douglass Chester , Hoover Robert N. , Chanock Stephen J. ,   The National Osteosarcoma Etiology Study Group
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Background: Osteosarcoma, the most common malignant primary bone tumor, typically occurs during the adolescent growth spurt. Germ-line genetic variation in genes critical in growth regulation could confer altered risk of osteosarcoma.
Methods: Fifty-two common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 13 genes were genotyped in a prospective case-control study of osteosarcoma (104 osteosarcoma cases and 74 orthopedic controls). Genotype data analyzed with contingency tables suggested the strongest association with insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) SNPs. Additional SNPs were genotyped to capture IGF2R common haplotypes and resequencing was done across the IGF2R block associated with osteosarcoma risk. Percentage methylation was determined by pyrosequencing of the IGF2R variant allele located in a CpG island.
Results: IGF2R Ex16+88G&gt;A (rs998075) and IVS16+15C&gt;T (rs998074) SNPs were associated with increased risk for osteosarcoma compared with orthopedic controls (haplotype odds ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.24). Follow-up genotyping showed that IGF2R IVS15+213C&gt;T was also associated with increased osteosarcoma risk. Resequence analysis identified two additional SNPs linked to the risk-associated SNPs; linkage disequilibrium was strongest in a 1-kb pair region around them. The Ex16+88G&gt;A SNP is located within a CpG island and alters methylation at that site.
Conclusion: This pilot study of germ-line genetic variation in growth pathway genes and osteosarcoma identified a haplotype block in IGF2R associated with increased risk of osteosarcoma. The presence of a SNP in this block results in loss of methylation at a CpG island, providing corroborative evidence of a possible functional variant. Our analysis of the IGF2R haplotype structure will be applicable to future studies of IGF2R and disease risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1667–74)
Do Statins Affect Androgen Levels in Men? Results from the Boston Area Community Health Survey
Authors: Hall Susan A. , Page Stephanie T. , Travison Thomas G. , Montgomery R. Bruce , Link Carol L. , McKinlay John B. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Background: In 2005, statins were among the most commonly used prescription medications in the United States. Some data suggest statins may affect cancer risk and/or disease severity. Because cholesterol is a required intermediate in sex steroid synthesis, it is possible that statins influence prostate cancer risk through effects on steroid hormone metabolism. We investigated whether levels of circulating androgens and their carrier protein, sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), varied by statin exposure among a sample of 1,812 men from a population-based epidemiologic study, the Boston Area Community Health Survey.
Methods: We measured serum total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, luteinizing hormone, and SHBG. Statin exposure was collected through participant self-report and/or interviewer-recorded information. Multivariate linear models were constructed to account for potential confounding.
Results: The prevalence of statin use was 12.4% [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 10.3-14.9]. On average, statin users were older, had larger body mass index and more chronic illnesses, and used more medications. We found no relationship between statin use and free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, or luteinizing hormone. A significant association between statin use and total testosterone was initially observed but was not robust to covariate control in a multivariate model that included age, body mass index, time since awakening, and history of cardiovascular disease and diabetes (−5.5%; 95% CI, −13.2 to 2.9%). In multivariate models adjusted similarly, SHBG levels among statin users were statistically significantly lower compared with nonusers (−10.6%; 95% CI, −18.8 to −1.6%).
Conclusion: In this sample, it is unlikely that statins affect circulating androgens and prostate cancer risk through a hormonal mechanism. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1587–94)
Initial presentation of scintigraphic changes during the first episode of acute pyelonephritis in children
Authors: Smokvina A. , Girotto N. , Licul V. , Grbac-Ivanković S. 
Published: August 2007

Summary
99mTc-DMSA scintigraphy is generally accepted as the method of choice for detecting renal parenchymal damage in pyelonephritis. 99mTc-MAG3 dynamic scintigraphy is not routinely used for this purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the MAG3 scintigraphic presentation in the acute phase of pyelonephritis in children and re-evaluate them at least 6 months later, as well as to establish whether a MAG3 in the parenchymal phase is as reliable and sensitive in the detection of a renal parenchymal damage as the DMSA. Patients, methods: The MAG3 scintigraphic pattern was evaluated during the first episode of acute pyelonephritis in 31 children (median age: 2.5 years) and compared to the DMSA scan. The scintigraphy was performed on the same day with both radiopharmaceuticals. After at least 6 months the whole procedure was repeated on 28 patients. A scoring system was designed to evaluate the parenchymal lesions, and categorize them as positive or equivocal. The findings on the initial scans were compared to those obtained in the follow up studies. Results: When all lesions (equivocal + positive) were analysed, MAG3 sensitivity was 98%, and specificity 78%, while for positive lesions only, the values were 83 and 100%, respectively. The average acute severity score was significantly lower for both MAG3 and DMSA then the follow up score (p <0.0001). These results corresponded to a clinical convalescence, which was observed in 26/28 children in the follow up. Conclusion: With the MAG3 scintigraphy a reliable semi quantitative and qualitative detection of the renal inflammatory lesions can be obtained in acute pyelonephritis, as well as their recovery, thus obviating the need for a DMSA scan. Moreover, the duration of the MAG3 procedure is shorter, enabling the visualization of the entire collecting system as well, while the radiation exposure is approximately a half of that delivered by the DMSA scan.
18F-FDG metabolism in a rat model of chronic infarction
Authors: Abizanda G. , García-Velloso M. J. , Gavira J. J. , Martí-Climent J. M. , Ecay M. , Collantes M. , García de Jalôn J. A. , García-Rodríguez A. , Mazo M. , Barba J. , Richter J. A. , Prôsper F. , Peñuelas I. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryStrategies to establish the functional benefit of cell therapy in cardiac regeneration and the potential mechanism are needed. Aims: Development of a semi-quantitative method for non invasive assessment of cardiac viability and function in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI) based on the use of microPET. Animals, methods: Ten rats were subjected to myocardial imaging 2, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 days after left coronary artery ligation. Intravenous 18F-fluoro- 2-deoxy-2-D-glucose (18F-FDG) was administered and regional 18F activity concentrations per unit area were measured in 17 regions of interest (ROIs) drawn on cardiac polar maps. By comparing the differences in 18F uptake between baseline and each of the follow up time points, parametric polar maps of statistical significance (PPMSS) were calculated. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was blindly assessed echocardiographically. All animals were sacrificed for histopathological analysis after 90 days. Results: The diagnostic quality of 18F-FDG microPET images was excellent. PPMSS demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in 18F concentrations as early as 48 hours after MI in 4 of the 17 ROIs (segments 7, 13, 16 and 17; p <0.05) that persisted throughout the study. Semiquantitative analysis of 18F-FDG uptake correlated with echocardiographic decrease in LVEF (p <0.001). Conclusion: The use of PPMSS based on 18F-FDG-microPET provides valuable semi-quantitative information of heart glucose metabolism allowing for non-invasive follow up thus representing a useful strategy for assessment of novel therapies in cardiac regeneration.
The Precautionary Principle in the Twenty-First Century: A Case Study of Noise Pollution in the Ocean
Authors: Gillespie Alexander 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe precautionary principle is one of the most discussed ideas in international environmental law. However, despite over 20 years of dialogue, both its status and its aplication remains uncertain. This article attempts to rectify part of this difficulty by displaying the current state of play on the principle, and how it may be applied to a specific contemporary problem. The selected problem is noise pollution
Managing Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
Authors: Molenaar Erik 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe global loss of biological diversity (biodiversity), both terrestrial and marine, occurs currently at an alarming and probably unprecedented rate. The main purpose of this article—which focuses in particular on marine capture fisheries—is to identify shortcomings in the international legal framework relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) and possible solutions for selected shortcomings. The latter relate to discrete high seas fish stocks, deep-sea species and fisheries, integrated marine protected areas (MPAs) in ABNJ and, finally, to existing and new rights to conserve marine biodiversity. The main argument on this last topic is that in view of the current rate loss of marine biodiversity, reform should not just be limited to the traditional approach of strengthening, deepening and broadening obligations but should be balanced with optimizing use of existing rights and/or granting new rights to ensure that the overarching balance between socio-economic interests and the interests of marine biodiversity of present and future generations is archived.
On the Analysis of Atmospheric and Climatic Time Series
Authors: Gluhovsky Alexander , Agee Ernest 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
Linear parametric models are commonly assumed and used for unknown data-generating mechanisms. This study demonstrates the value of inferring statistics of meteorological and climatological time series by using a computer-intensive subsampling method that allows one to avoid time series analysis anchored in parametric models with imposed perceived physical assumptions. A first-order autoregressive model, typically adopted as the default model for correlated time series in climate studies, has been selected and altered with a nonlinear component to provide insight into possible errors in estimation due to nonlinearities in the real data-generating mechanism. The nonlinearity undetected by basic diagnostic procedures is shown to invalidate statistical inference based on the linear model, whereas the inference derived through subsampling remains valid. It is argued that subsampling and other resampling methods are preferable in complex dependent-data situations that are typical for atmospheric and climatic series when the real data-generating mechanism is unknown.
Modeling the Effect of Chlorine Emissions on Ozone Levels over the Eastern United States
Authors: Sarwar Golam , Bhave Prakash V. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
This paper presents model estimates of the effect of chlorine emissions on atmospheric ozone concentrations in the eastern United States. The model included anthropogenic molecular chlorine emissions, anthropogenic hypochlorous acid emissions from cooling towers and swimming pools, and chlorine released from sea-salt aerosols. The release of chlorine emissions from sea-salt aerosols was modeled using heterogeneous reactions involving chloride ions in aerosols and three gas-phase species. The gas-phase chlorine chemistry was combined with the Carbon Bond Mechanism and incorporated into the Community Multiscale Air Quality modeling system. Air quality model simulations were performed for July 2001 and the results obtained with and without chlorine emissions were analyzed. When chlorine emissions were included in the model, ozone concentrations increased in the Houston, Texas, and New York–New Jersey areas. The daily maximum 1-h ozone concentrations increased by up to 12 parts per billion by volume (ppbv) in the Houston area and 6 ppbv in the New York–New Jersey area. The daily maximum 8-h ozone concentrations increased by up to 8 ppbv in the Houston area and 4 ppbv in the New York–New Jersey area. The monthly average daily maximum 1-h ozone concentration increased by up to 3 ppbv in the Houston area, but the increases in the monthly average daily maximum 1-h ozone concentration in the New York–New Jersey area were small. Chlorine emissions and chemistry enhanced the volatile organic compound oxidation rates and, thereby, increased the ozone production rate.
Daily Simulation of Ozone and Fine Particulates over New York State: Findings and Challenges
Authors: Hogrefe C. , Hao W. , Civerolo K. , Ku J.-Y. , Sistla G. , Gaza R. S. , Sedefian L. , Schere K. , Gilliland A. , Mathur R. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
This study investigates the potential utility of the application of a photochemical modeling system in providing simultaneous forecasts of ozone (O3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over New York State. To this end, daily simulations from the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model for three extended time periods during 2004 and 2005 have been performed, and predictions were compared with observations of ozone and total and speciated PM2.5. Model performance for 8-h daily maximum O3 was found to be similar to other forecasting systems and to be better than that for the 24-h-averaged total PM2.5. Both pollutants exhibited no seasonal differences in model performance. CMAQ simulations successfully captured the urban–rural and seasonal differences evident in observed total and speciated PM2.5 concentrations. However, total PM2.5 mass was strongly overestimated in the New York City metropolitan area, and further analysis of speciated observations and model predictions showed that most of this overprediction stems from organic aerosols and crustal material. An analysis of hourly speciated data measured in Bronx County, New York, suggests that a combination of uncertainties in vertical mixing, magnitude, and temporal allocation of emissions and deposition processes are all possible contributors to this overprediction in the complex urban area. Categorical evaluation of CMAQ simulations in terms of exceeding two different threshold levels of the air quality index (AQI) again indicates better performance for ozone than PM2.5 and better performance for lower exceedance thresholds. In most regions of New York State, the routine air quality forecasts based on observed concentrations and expert judgment show slightly better agreement with the observed distributions of AQI categories than do CMAQ simulations. However, CMAQ shows skill similar to these routine forecasts in terms of capturing the AQI tendency, that is, in predicting changes in air quality conditions. Overall, the results presented in this study reveal that additional research and development is needed to improve CMAQ simulations of PM2.5 concentrations over New York State, especially for the New York City metropolitan area. On the other hand, because CMAQ simulations capture urban–rural concentration gradients and day-to-day fluctuations in observed air quality despite systematic overpredictions in some areas, it would be useful to develop tools that combine CMAQ’s predictive capability in terms of spatial concentration gradients and AQI tendencies with real-time observations of ambient pollutant levels to generate forecasts with higher temporal and spatial resolutions (e.g., county level) than those of techniques based exclusively on monitoring data.
SNPs in Multi-Species Conserved Sequences (MCS) as useful markers in association studies: a practical approach
Authors: McCauley Jacob L , Kenealy Shannon J , Margulies Elliott H , Schnetz-Boutaud Nathalie , Gregory Simon G , Hauser Stephen L , Oksenberg Jorge R , Pericak-Vance Margaret A , Haines Jonathan L , Mortlock Douglas P 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Although genes play a key role in many complex diseases, the specific genes involved in most complex diseases remain largely unidentified. Their discovery will hinge on the identification of key sequence variants that are conclusively associated with disease. While much attention has been focused on variants in protein-coding DNA, variants in noncoding regions may also play many important roles in complex disease by altering gene regulation. Since the vast majority of noncoding genomic sequence is of unknown function, this increases the challenge of identifying "functional" variants that cause disease. However, evolutionary conservation can be used as a guide to indicate regions of noncoding or coding DNA that are likely to have biological function, and thus may be more likely to harbor SNP variants with functional consequences. To help bias marker selection in favor of such variants, we devised a process that prioritizes annotated SNPs for genotyping studies based on their location within Multi-species Conserved Sequences (MCSs) and used this process to select SNPs in a region of linkage to a complex disease. This allowed us to evaluate the utility of the chosen SNPs for further association studies. Previously, a region of chromosome 1q43 was linked to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in a genome-wide screen. We chose annotated SNPs in the region based on location within MCSs (termed MCS-SNPs). We then obtained genotypes for 478 MCS-SNPs in 989 individuals from MS families.

Results
Analysis of our MCS-SNP genotypes from the 1q43 region and comparison to HapMap data confirmed that annotated SNPs in MCS regions are frequently polymorphic and show subtle signatures of selective pressure, consistent with previous reports of genome-wide variation in conserved regions. We also present an online tool that allows MCS data to be directly exported to the UCSC genome browser so that MCS-SNPs can be easily identified within genomic regions of interest.

Conclusion
Our results showed that MCS can easily be used to prioritize markers for follow-up and candidate gene association studies. We believe that this novel approach demonstrates a paradigm for expediting the search for genes contributing to complex diseases.
Altered expression of mitochondrial and extracellular matrix genes in the heart of human fetuses with chromosome 21 trisomy
Authors: Conti Anna , Fabbrini Floriana , D'Agostino Paola , Negri Rosa , Greco Dario , Genesio Rita , D'Armiento Maria , Olla Carlo , Paladini Dario , Zannini Mariastella , Nitsch Lucio 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
The Down syndrome phenotype has been attributed to overexpression of chromosome 21 (Hsa21) genes. However, the expression profile of Hsa21 genes in trisomic human subjects as well as their effects on genes located on different chromosomes are largely unknown. Using oligonucleotide microarrays we compared the gene expression profiles of hearts of human fetuses with and without Hsa21 trisomy.

Results
Approximately half of the 15,000 genes examined (87 of the 168 genes on Hsa21) were expressed in the heart at 18–22 weeks of gestation. Hsa21 gene expression was globally upregulated 1.5 fold in trisomic samples. However, not all genes were equally dysregulated and 25 genes were not upregulated at all. Genes located on other chromosomes were also significantly dysregulated. Functional class scoring and gene set enrichment analyses of 473 genes, differentially expressed between trisomic and non-trisomic hearts, revealed downregulation of genes encoding mitochondrial enzymes and upregulation of genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins. There were no significant differences between trisomic fetuses with and without heart defects.

Conclusion
We conclude that dosage-dependent upregulation of Hsa21 genes causes dysregulation of the genes responsible for mitochondrial function and for the extracellular matrix organization in the fetal heart of trisomic subjects. These alterations might be harbingers of the heart defects associated with Hsa21 trisomy, which could be based on elusive mechanisms involving genetic variability, environmental factors and/or stochastic events.
Impact of polysialylated CD56 on natural killer cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Moebius Jeannette M , Widera Darius , Schmitz Juergen , Kaltschmidt Christian , Piechaczek Christoph 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background
Siglec-7, a sialic acid binding inhibitory receptor expressed by NK cells is masked in vivo by a so far unknown ligand. It shows a strong binding prevalence for α-2,8-linked disialic acids in vitro.

Results
Here we describe the expression of PSA-NCAM (α-2,8-linked polysialic acid modified NCAM) on functional adult peripheral blood natural killer cells and examine its possible role in masking Siglec-7. Unmasking of Siglec-7 using Clostridium perfringens neuraminidase massively reduces NK cell cytotoxicity. By contrast a specific removal of PSA using Endo-NF does not lead to a reduction of NK cell cytotoxicity.

Conclusion
The results presented here therefore indicate that PSA-NCAM is not involved in masking Siglec-7.
Exploratory behaviour in NO-dependent cyclase mutants of Drosophila shows defects in coincident neuronal signalling
Authors: Tinette Sylvette , Zhang Lixing , Garnier Amélie , Engler Gilbert , Tares Sophie , Robichon Alain 
Published: August 2007

Abstract

Background

Drosophila flies explore the environment very efficiently in order to colonize it. They explore collectively, not individually, so that when a few land on a food spot, they attract the others by signs. This behaviour leads to aggregation of individuals and optimizes the screening of mates and egg-laying on the most favourable food spots.

Results
Flies perform cycles of exploration/aggregation depending on the resources of the environment. This behavioural ecology constitutes an excellent model for analyzing simultaneous processing of neurosensory information. We reasoned that the decision of flies to land somewhere in order to achieve aggregation is based on simultaneous integration of signals (visual, olfactory, acoustic) during their flight. On the basis of what flies do in nature, we designed laboratory tests to analyze the phenomenon of neuronal coincidence. We screened many mutants of genes involved in neuronal metabolism and the synaptic machinery.

Conclusion
Mutants of NO-dependent cyclase show a specifically-marked behaviour phenotype, but on the other hand they are associated with moderate biochemical defects. We show that these mutants present errors in integrative and/or coincident processing of signals, which are not reducible to the functions of the peripheral sensory cells.