bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogeography of European land mammals shows environmentally distinct and spatially coherent clusters
Authors: Heikinheimo H. , Fortelius M. , Eronen J. , Mannila H. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractAim To produce a spatial clustering of Europe on the basis of species occurrence data for the land mammal fauna.Location Europe defined by the following boundaries: 11°W, 32°E, 71°N, 35°N.Methods Presence/absence records of mammal species collected by the Societas Europaea Mammalogica with a resolution of 50 × 50 km were used in the analysis. After pre‐processing, the data provide information on 124 species in 2183 grid cells. The data were clustered using thek‐means and probabilistic expectation maximization (EM) clustering algorithms. The resulting geographical pattern of clusters was compared against climate variables and against an environmental stratification of Europe based on climate, geomorphology and soil characteristics (EnS).Results The mammalian presence/absence data divide naturally into clusters, which are highly connected spatially and most strongly determined by the small mammals with the highest grid cell incidence. The clusters reflect major physiographic and environmental features and differ significantly in the values of basic climate variables. The geographical pattern is a fair match for the EnS stratification and is robust between non‐overlapping subsets of the data, such as trophic groups.Main conclusions The pattern of clusters is regarded as reflecting the spatial expression of biologically distinct, metacommunity‐like entities influenced by deterministic forces ultimately related to the physical environment. Small mammals give the most spatially coherent clusters of any subgroup, while large mammals show stronger relationships to climate variables. The spatial pattern is mainly due to small mammals with high grid cell incidence and is robust to noise from other subsets. The results support the use of spatially resolved environmental reconstructions based on fossil mammal data, especially when based on species with the highest incidence.
Prognostic value of plasma soluble P‐selectin and von Willebrand factor as indices of platelet activation and endothelial damage/dysfunction in high‐risk patients with hypertension: a sub‐study of the Anglo‐Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial
Authors: Varughese G. I. , Patel J. V. , Tomson J. , Blann A. D. , Hughes E. A. , Lip G. Y. H. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract.Background.  Abnormal levels of prothrombotic markers have been described in hypertension, but no such marker has yet been shown to reliably predict cardiovascular outcomes in hypertension. We hypothesized that raised circulating levels of soluble P‐selectin (sP‐sel, an index of platelet activation) and/or von Willebrand factor (vWF, an index of endothelial damage/dysfunction) would predict vascular events in patients treated for cardiovascular risk.Methods.  We measured vWF and sP‐sel levels by an ELISA in 234 hypertensive participants with no prior cardiovascular events who were participating in the Anglo‐Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT). Plasma vWF and sP‐sel levels were related to the subsequent cardiovascular events over a mean (SD) follow‐up period of 59.6 (19) months.Results.  Plasma sP‐sel was a significant predictor of myocardial infarction (P = 0.03), with the greatest risk amongst those with the highest sP‐sel levels. sP‐sel did not predict cerebrovascular events (P = 0.53) or composite cardiovascular events (P = 0.06). No significant relationships were found between vWF levels and outcomes. There was no relationship to the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus (DM) at baseline or subsequent development of DM during the follow‐up period.Conclusions.  Among ‘high‐risk’ patients with hypertension, raised levels of sP‐sel (platelet activation) were predictive of myocardial infarction. Levels of vWF (endothelial damage/dysfunction) were not associated with coronary events and neither marker predicted cerebrovascular or composite cardiovascular endpoints. Platelets (or P‐selectin) might represent a target for novel therapies or an adjunctive aid to risk stratification in the setting of hypertension.
Impact of inflammation on epigenetic DNA methylation – a novel risk factor for cardiovascular disease?
Authors: Stenvinkel P. , Karimi M. , Johansson S. , Axelsson J. , Suliman M. , Lindholm B. , Heimbürger O. , Barany P. , Alvestrand A. , Nordfors L. , Qureshi A. R. , Ekström T. J. , Schalling M. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract.Objective.  The lifespan of dialysis patients is as short as in patients with metastatic cancer disease, mainly due to cardiovascular disease (CVD). DNA methylation is an important cellular mechanism modulating gene expression associated with ageing, inflammation and atherosclerotic processes.Design.  DNA methylation was analysed in peripheral blood leucocytes from three different groups of chronic kidney disease (CKD) populations (37 CKD stages 3 and 4 patients, 98 CKD stage 5 patients and 20 prevalent haemodialysis patients). Thirty‐six healthy subjects served as controls. Clinical characteristics (diabetes mellitus, nutritional status and presence of clinical CVD), inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers, homocysteine and global DNA methylation in peripheral blood leucocytes (defined as HpaII/MspI ratio by the Luminometric Methylation Assay method) were evaluated. CKD stage 5 patients (n = 98) starting dialysis treatment were followed for a period of 36 ± 2 months.Results.  Inflamed patients had lower ratios of HpaII/MspI, indicating global DNA hypermethylation. Analysis by the Cox regression model demonstrated that DNA hypermethylation (HpaII/MspI ratio <median) was significantly associated with both all‐cause (RR 5.0; 95% CI: 1.7–14.8; P < 0.01) and cardiovascular (RR 13.9; 95% CI: 1.8–109.3; P < 0.05) mortality, even following the adjustment for age, CVD, diabetes mellitus and inflammation.Conclusion.  The present study demonstrates that global DNA hypermethylation is associated with inflammation and increased mortality in CKD.
Population fragmentation leads to spatial and temporal genetic structure in the endangered Spanish imperial eagle
Authors: MARTÍNEZ‐CRUZ B. , GODOY J. A. , NEGRO J. J. 
Published: January 2007

AbstractThe fragmentation of a population may have important consequences for population genetic diversity and structure due to the effects of genetic drift and reduced gene flow. We studied the genetic consequences of the fragmentation of the Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) population into small patches through a temporal analysis. Thirty‐four museum individuals representing the population predating the fragmentation were analysed for a 345‐bp segment of the mitochondrial control region and a set of 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. Data from a previous study on the current population (N = 79) were re‐analysed for this subset of 10 microsatellite markers and results compared to those obtained from the historical sample. Three shared mitochondrial haplotypes were found in both populations, although fluctuations in haplotype frequencies and the occurrence of a fourth haplotype in the historical population resulted in lower current levels of haplotype and nucleotide diversity. However, microsatellite markers revealed undiminished levels of nuclear diversity. No evidence for genetic structure was observed for the historical Spanish imperial eagle population, suggesting that the current pattern of structure is the direct consequence of population fragmentation. Temporal fluctuations in mitochondrial and microsatellite allelic frequencies were found between the historical and the current population as well as for each pairwise comparison between historical and current Centro and historical and current Parque Nacional de Doñana nuclei. Our results indicate an ancestral panmictic situation for the species that management policies should aim to restore. A historical analysis like the one taken here provides the baseline upon which the relative role of recent drift in shaping current genetic patterns in endangered species can be evaluated and this knowledge is used to guide conservation actions.
Foliar resistance of cacao (Theobroma cacao) to Phytophthora palmivora as an indicator of pod resistance in the field: the effect of light intensity and time of day of leaf collection
Authors: Tahi G. M. , Kébé B. I. , Sangare A. , Cilas C. , Eskes A. B. 
Published: January 2007

Resistance of cacao leaves to Phytophthora palmivora was studied with regard to the time of leaf collection (morning, afternoon) and the degree of exposure of the leaves to light in the field (low, medium and high). The efficiency of leaf disc inoculations in predicting field resistance of nine clones was compared with that of detached and attached pod inoculations. Significant effects were observed, with leaves exposed to high light intensity and collected early in the afternoon showing highest susceptibility. The effect of time of leaf collection was reduced when leaves were stored overnight and leaf discs prepared and inoculated the following day, as compared to inoculations on the day of collection. Interactions between the main factors were significant, though less substantial than the clone effects. The most significant correlations with pod resistance (r = 0·70 to 0·97) were obtained for leaves collected early in the morning and exposed to intermediate shade conditions in the canopy. For other treatments, the correlations with pod resistance were still positive (r = 0·23 to 0·83) but often not significant. Pod inoculations in the laboratory were better correlated with field resistance (r = 0·92) than pod inoculations in the field (r = 0·72). Detached pod inoculations were also better correlated with leaf disc inoculations than those of attached pods. The results confirm the validity of laboratory inoculations of leaves and pods to assess field resistance to Phytophthora. Standardization of the leaf disc test is essential to obtain reliable results.
Original article: Grass pollen symptoms interfere with the recollection of birch pollen symptoms – a prospective study of suspected, asymptomatic skin sensitization
Authors: Assing K. , Bodtger U. , Poulsen L. K. , Malling H. J. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  Asymptomatic skin sensitization (AS) is a risk factor for the development of allergic symptoms. A meticulous definition of this condition requires a systematic assessment of clinical symptoms before inclusion.Objective:  To examine the concordance between retrospective assessment of seasonal allergic symptoms and prospective seasonal symptom registration among subjects with AS.Methods:  On the basis of a population survey, autumn 2002, including skin prick tests (positive if ≥3 mm) and a screening questionnaire, 87 subjects with AS to birch and/or grass pollen, birch and/or grass pollen allergic symptomatic subjects (n = 63) and healthy controls (n = 40) were included in January to March 2003, completed diary cards on symptom and medication use during the relevant seasons 2003, and were examined at follow up in autumn 2003. Allergy: positive SPT and symptoms ≥ seven diary days.Results:  Eleven AS subjects (birch: n = 10) subsequently developed allergic symptoms, yet nine admitted, at follow up, to have had symptoms before inclusion, or even denied pollen‐related symptoms despite a significant diary. Compared with AS subjects sensitized to grass pollen, AS subjects sensitized to birch pollen had significantly larger skin prick reactions and more often and severe pollen symptoms.Conclusion:  In the context of double‐sensitization, retrospective symptom assessment is not a reliable method for ensuring that subjects classified, as asymptomatically skin sensitized, are truly, asymptomatic. This matter should be considered in studies on allergy development.
Induction of tumor necrosis‐α, p38 and JNK in the spinal cord following acute heart injury in the rat model
Authors: Dai R.‐P. , Xu J.‐M , Tao L.‐J. , Li L. , Li Z.‐P. , Zhang J.‐Y. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  It is still not known whether the spinal cytokine signaling pathways are involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of the acute phase of heart disease. This study examines the expression pattern of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and its two related mitogenic‐activated protein kinases, p38 and Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK), in the spinal cord in response to acute cardiac injury (ACI).Methods:  The ACI rat model was established by intra‐myocardial injection of formalin. At the indicated times after the establishment of ACI, the thoracic segments of the spinal cord were harvested and Western blot was performed to determine the expression of TNF‐α, p38 and JNK. The localization of the cytokine and the kinases was determined by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence.Results:  In response to ACI, TNF‐α protein was up‐regulated and reached a peak level at 6 h after ACI. The up‐regulated TNF‐α was distributed in all the laminae in the spinal cord and mainly localized in the neurons, as determined by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. In response to ACI, p38 and JNK were also up‐regulated in the spinal cord. The expression profiles of p38 and JNK were similar to that of activated TNF‐α following ACI.Conclusions:  This study shows that cardiac injury can induce the activation of spinal TNF‐α, p38 and JNK. The activated spinal cytokine signaling may contribute to disease progression in the acute phase of cardiac injury in clinical practice.
Regional Anesthesia Surveillance System: first experiences with a quality assessment tool for regional anesthesia and analgesia
Authors: Schulz‐Stübner S. , Kelley J. 
Published: January 2007

Background:  The incidence of complications related to regional anesthesia and analgesia is hardly known and estimates are based on extrapolation from controlled trials, insurance registries and retrospective chart reviews and only a few attempts of prospective data collection have been made. We designed a surveillance system for regional anesthesia for easy and reliable data acquisition.Methods:  A list of definitions of complications and quality indicators of interest was created and introduced in a single institution. Data are collected within the hospital information system and by individual reports of complications from trained reporters in the Acute Pain Service. A data cross‐check is performed by the Surveillance coordinator.Results:  We present complications rates for 9790 catheter days and 4547 punctures for continuous neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks between October 2003 and January 2006. Most complications were related to catheter dislocation and ‘wet taps’. Serious complications such as neurologic deficits, bleeding complications and infections were rare. Data quality reached 98% reliability of complication coding.Discussion:  This is the description of a prospective regional anesthesia surveillance system, which currently allows longitudinal analysis of performance parameters at a single institution and will provide data about the incidences of complications related to regional anesthesia and analgesia in the future.
FUNCTIONAL IMPAIRMENT OF CARDIAC TRANSIENT OUTWARD K+ CURRENT AS A RESULT OF ABNORMALLY ALTERED CELLULAR ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Du Zhimin , Chaoqian Xu , Shan Hongli , Lu Yanjie , Ren Nanqi 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARY

Physiological functions of cardiac cells require a normal cellular environment. Under pathological conditions, there is a loss of normal cellular environment due to metabolic perturbations and other abnormalities. To test the hypothesis that cellular environmental stresses can create an electrophysiological substrate for electrical disorders in the heart, we investigated the effects of hypoxia, acidosis and ischaemia on transient outward K+ current (Ito) in single canine ventricular myocytes.
The Ito was studied because it plays a critical role in initiating cardiac repolarization and, thereby, arrhythmias. It was found that Ito was significantly depressed by some 30% under hypoxic conditions relative to that in a normal cellular environment with normal Tyrode's solution.
Acidosis created by lowering the pH of the external solution from 7.4 to 7.2 produced a substantial (approximately 35%) reduction of the Ito amplitude.
A marked impairment of Ito function was consistently observed in ischaemic hearts in the canine coronary artery ligation model, with an approximate 30% decrease in the size of Ito.
Importantly, the impairment of Ito under these environmental stresses was largely reversible following restoration to normal conditions.
The results of the present study suggest that Ito is susceptible to changes in the cellular environment and the functional impairment of Ito under environmental stresses contributes to arrhythmias under relevant pathological conditions of the heart.
ANGIOTENSIN II‐INDUCED GROWTH OF VASCULAR SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS IS ASSOCIATED WITH MODULATION OF CELL SURFACE AREA AND PLATELET‐DERIVED GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR EXPRESSION
Authors: Kuma Sosei , Oki Eiji , Onohara Toshihiro , Komori Kimihiro , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARY

Excessive growth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) can lead to critical problems in the treatment of some vascular diseases. Recent studies suggest a connection between this abnormal growth of VSMC and the octapeptide hormone angiotensin (Ang) II. However, the growth‐promotive potential of AngII on VSMC is unclear.
Using the novel AngII inhibitor E4177 and an original animal model, we confirmed that AngII does function in abnormal growth of VSMC induced after transplantation of vein grafts in an animal model.
Furthermore, using a primary culture of human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMC), we found that AngII augmented the growth of HASMC in a serum‐dependent manner and induced enlargement of the cell surface area in HASMC, both effects being nullified by E4177. The latter effect of AngII was associated with an increase in the expression level of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors. In specimens obtained from the animal model, PDGF receptors were highly expressed.
These data obtained in vitro and in vivo imply that AngII has the potential to promote growth of VSMC and suggest that this growth promotion may be mediated by enlargement of the cell surface area.
ACUTE CORONARY LIGATION IN THE DOG INDUCES TIME‐DEPENDENT TRANSITIONAL CHANGES IN MITOCHONDRIAL CRISTA IN THE NON‐ISCHAEMIC VENTRICULAR MYOCARDIUM
Authors: McLachlan Craig Steven , Almsherqi Zakaria A , Chua Kerin Sze Yi , Liew Yu Ying , Low Chwee Wah , Deng Yuru 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to examine, in the dog myocardium, the incidence of zig‐zag mitochondrial cristae over time in the non‐ischaemic posterior wall, following an acute anterior wall infarct.
Changes within the myocardial mitochondrial crista membrane in dogs were investigated following acute left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. Transmyocardial biopsy samples were taken serially from the posterior non‐ischaemic wall in the same dog. Changes in heart mitochondrial cristae were examined by transmission electron microscopy prior to coronary ligation (control) and 40 min and 2, 4, 6 and 24 h postinfarction.
In control hearts, 90% of mitochondrial cristae had a lamelliform appearance. Following infarction, there were twotransitional states with respect to mitochondrial cristae, the first characterized by undulating lamelliform cristae that are also found in 10% of control samples and a second transitional state that was zig‐zag and reached a maximum between 6 and 24 h after infarction.
In conclusion, an undulating lamelliform crista pattern is present in the non‐ischaemic wall of the acute infarcted dog and we hypothesize that this may be an intermediate from, between ‘normal’ lamelliform and ‘abnormal’ zig‐zag cristae.
CHOLESTEROL, STATINS AND CANCER
Authors: Brown Andrew J 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARY

The link between cholesterol and cardiovascular disease is well‐established. Emerging evidence is now forging a tantalizing link between cholesterol and cancer.
Results from a number of case‐control studies have indicated that the commonly prescribed cholesterol‐lowering drugs, the statins, may reduce the risk of certain cancers, although this area certainly remains controversial.
Herein, the recent literature examining statins and cancer is reviewed briefly and the relationship between a key cholesterol homeostatic pathway and signalling pathways that are involved in carcinogenesis is discussed. In particular, how the sterol‐regulatory element binding protein, Akt and Hedgehog pathways may converge in cancer is reviewed.
CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF A NON‐ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF RED WINE DURING ISCHAEMIA AND REPERFUSION IN SPONTANEOUSLY HYPERTENSIVE RATS
Authors: Fantinelli Juliana C , Mosca Susana M 
Published: January 2007

SUMMARY

We reported recently the cardioprotection conferred by a non‐alcoholic extract of Cabernet‐Sauvignon red wine (RWE) against alterations derived from ischaemia and reperfusion in normotensive rats. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of RWE on ischaemia/reperfusion injury in hearts isolated from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).
After stabilization, rat isovolumic perfused hearts were exposed to a 20 min global ischaemic period followed by 30 min reperfusion in the absence (ischaemic control (IC) hearts) or presence of RWE infused prior to ischaemia and early in reperfusion. In other hearts, NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, was administered prior to RWE infusion (l‐NAME + RWE).
Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), dP/dtmax and left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) were used to assess myocardial function.
At the end of reperfusion, LVDP and dP/dtmax decreased to 47 ± 9 and 46 ± 9% of baseline values, respectively, in IC. Treatment with the RWE significantly improved systolic postischaemic recovery (LVDP = 85 ± 8%; dP/dtmax = 83 ± 5%) and attenuated the increase in LVEDP (23 ± 6 and 53 ± 8 mmHg in RWE and IC, respectively; P < 0.05).
In the l‐NAME + RWE group, l‐NAME completely abolished the systolic and diastolic protection induced by RWE (LVDP = 44 ± 13%; dP/dtmax = 43 ± 13%; LVEDP = 60 ± 10 mmHg).
These data are the first demonstration that a non‐alcoholic extract of Cabernet‐Sauvignon red wine protects SHR hearts from systolic and diastolic alterations induced by ischaemia and reperfusion through a nitric oxide‐dependent mechanism.