bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomic and phenotypic analysis of murine embryonic stem cell derived BMP2+lineage cells: an insight into mesodermal patterning
Authors: Doss Michael Xavier , Chen Shuhua , Winkler Johannes , Hippler-Altenburg Rita , Odenthal Margareta , Wickenhauser Claudia , Balaraman Sridevi , Schulz Herbert , Hummel Oliver , Hübner Norbert , Ghosh-Choudhury Nandini , Sotiriadou Isaia , Hescheler Jürgen , Sachinidis Agapios 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)2 is a late mesodermal marker expressed during vertebrate development and plays a crucial role in early embryonic development. The nature of the BMP2-expressing cells during the early stages of embryonic development, their transcriptome and cell phenotypes developed from these cells have not yet been characterized.

Results
We generated a transgenic BMP2 embryonic stem (ES) cell lineage expressing both puromycin acetyltransferase and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) driven by the BMP2 promoter. Puromycin resistant and EGFP positive BMP2+ cells with a purity of over 93% were isolated. Complete transcriptome analysis of BMP2+ cells in comparison to the undifferentiated ES cells and the control population from seven-day-old embryoid bodies (EBs; intersection of genes differentially expressed between undifferentiated ES cells and BMP2+ EBs as well as differentially expressed between seven-day-old control EBs and BMP2+ EBs by t-test, p < 0.01, fold change >2) by microarray analysis led to identification of 479 specifically upregulated and 193 downregulated transcripts. Transcription factors, apoptosis promoting factors and other signaling molecules involved in early embryonic development are mainly upregulated in BMP2+ cells. Long-term differentiation of the BMP2+ cells resulted in neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), smooth muscle cells, epithelial-like cells, neuronal-like cells, osteoblasts and monocytes. Interestingly, development of cardiomyocytes from the BMP2+ cells requires secondary EB formation.

Conclusion
This is the first study to identify the complete transcriptome of BMP2+ cells and cell phenotypes from a mesodermal origin, thus offering an insight into the role of BMP2+ cells during embryonic developmental processes in vivo.
How assessing reading comprehension with multiple-choice questions shapes the construct: a cognitive processing perspective
Authors: Rupp André A. , Ferne Tracy , Choi Hyeran 
Published: August 2007

This article provides renewed converging empirical evidence for the hypothesis that asking test-takers to respond to text passages with multiple-choice questions induces response processes that are strikingly different from those that respondents would draw on when reading in non-testing contexts. Moreover, the article shows that the construct of reading comprehension is assessment specific and is fundamentally determined through item design and text selection. The data come from qualitative analyses of 10 cognitive interviews conducted with non-native adult English readers who were given three passages with several multiple-choice questions from the CanTEST, a large-scale language test used for admission and placement purposes in Canada, in a partially counter-balanced design. The analyses show that: • There exist multiple different representations of the construct of ‘reading comprehension’ that are revealed through the characteristics of the items. • Learners view responding to multiple-choice questions as a problem-solving task rather than a comprehension task. • Learners select a variety of unconditional and conditional response strategies to deliberately select choices; and • Learners combine a variety of mental resources interactively when determining an appropriate choice. These findings support the development of response process models that are specific to different item types, the design of further experimental studies of test method effects on response processes, and the development of questionnaires that profile response processes and strategies specific to different item types.
Treatment of social phobia through pure self-help and therapist-augmented self-help
Authors: Rapee Ronald M. , Abbott Maree J. , Baillie Andrew J. , Gaston Jonathan E. 
Published: August 2007

BackgroundSelf-help for social phobia has not received controlled empirical evaluation.AimsTo evaluate the efficacy of pure self-help through written materials for severe social phobia and self-help augmented by five group sessions with a therapist. These conditions were compared with a waiting-list control and standard, therapist-led group therapy.MethodParticipants with severe generalised social phobia (n=224) were randomised to one of four conditions. Assessment included diagnoses, symptoms and life interference at pretreatment, 12 weeks and at 24 weeks.ResultsA larger percentage of patients no longer had a diagnosis of social phobia at post-intervention in the pure self-help group than in the waiting-list group, although this percentage decreased slightly over the next 3 months. Symptoms of social anxiety and life interference did not differ significantly between these groups. Augmented self-help was better than waiting list on all measures and did not differ significantly from group treatment.ConclusionsSelf-help augmented by therapist assistance shows promise as a less resource-intensive method for the management of social phobia. Pure self-help shows limited efficacy for this disorder.
Sulcal thickness as a vulnerability indicator for schizophrenia
Authors: Goghari Vina M. , Rehm Kelly , Carter Cameron S. , Macdonald Angus W. 
Published: August 2007

BackgroundPeople with schizophrenia may demonstrate cortical abnormalities, with gyri and sulci potentially being differentially affected.AimsTo measure frontal and temporal sulcal cortical thickness, surface area and volume in the non-psychotic relatives of patients with schizophrenia as a potential vulnerability indicator for the disorder.MethodAn automated parcellation method was used to measure the superior frontal, inferior frontal, cingulate, superior temporal and inferior temporal sulci in the relatives of patients (n=19) and controls (n=22).ResultsCompared with controls, relatives had reversed hemispheric asymmetry in their cingulate sulcal thickness and a bilateral reduction in their superior temporal sulcal thickness.ConclusionsCingulate and superior temporal sulcal thickness abnormalities may reflect neural abnormalities associated with the genetic liability to schizophrenia. Cortical thinning in these regions suggests that liability genes affect the dendrites, synapses or myelination process during the neurodevelopment of the cortical mantle.
Women with autistic-spectrum disorder: magnetic resonance imaging study of brain anatomy
Authors: Craig Michaelc. , Zaman Shahid H. , Daly Eileen M. , Cutter William J. , Robertson Dene M. W. , Hallahan Brian , Toal Fiona , Reed Suzie , Ambikapathy Anita , Brammer Mick , Murphy Clodagh M. , Murphy Declan G. M. 
Published: August 2007

BackgroundOur understanding of anatomical differences in people with autistic-spectrum disorder, is based on mixed-gender or male samples.AimsTo study regional grey-matter and white-matter differences in the brains of women with autistic-spectrum disorder.MethodWe compared the brain anatomy of 14 adult women with autistic-spectrum disorder with 19 controls using volumetric magnetic resonance imaging and voxel-based morphometry Results Women with autistic-spectrum disorder had a smaller density bilaterally of grey matter in the frontotemporal cortices and limbic system, and of white matter in the temporal lobes (anterior) and pons. In contrast, they had a larger white-matter density bilaterally in regions of the association and projection fibres of the frontal, parietal, posterior temporal and occipital lobes, in the commissural fibres of the corpus callosum (splenium) and cerebellum (anterior lobe). Further, we found a negative relationship between reduced grey-matter density in right limbic regions and social communication ability.ConclusionsWomen with autistic-spectrum disorder have significant differences in brain anatomy from controls, in brain regions previously reported as abnormal in adult men with the disorder. Some anatomical differences may be related to clinical symptoms.
Insight, psychopathology and global functioning in schizophrenia in urban Malawi
Authors: Crumlish Niall , Samalani Prince , Sefasi Anthony , Kinsella Anthony , O'Callaghan Eadbhard , Chilale Harris 
Published: August 2007

SummaryInsight, psychopathology and functioning are related in schizophrenia, but it is unclear whether insight relates independently to functioning after controlling for psychopathology. Equally, any such relationship may vary culturally. We investigated the relationship between insight, psychopathology and functioning in 60 patients with schizophrenia in Mzuzu, a town in Malawi. After controlling for psychopathology, functioning was associated with the ‘symptom relabelling’ dimension of insight (P=0.01). This preliminary finding suggests that symptom-focused psychoeducation might be appropriate for African patients with schizophrenia.
Inter-examiner reliability of the clinical parts of MRCPsych part II examinations
Authors: Oyebode Femi , George Sanju , Math Veena , Haque Sayeed 
Published: August 2007

Aims and MethodThe aim of the study was to investigate the interrater reliability of the clinical component of the MRCPsych part II examinations, namely the individual patient assessment and the patient management problems. In the study period, there were 1546 candidates and 773 pairs of examiners. Kappa scores for pairs of examiners in both these assessments were calculated.ResultsThe kappa scores for exact numerical agreement between the pairs of examiners in both individual patient assessment and patient management problems were only moderate (0.4 –0.5). However, the kappa scores for agreement between pairs of examiners for the reclassified pass and fail categories were very good (0.8).Clinical ImplicationsThe poor reliability of the traditional long case and oral examinations in general is one of the most potent arguments against their use. Our finding suggests that the College clinical examinations are at least not problematic from this point of view, particularly if global pass or fail judgements rather than discrete scores are applied.
Validation of the Social Satisfaction Questionnaire for outcome evaluation in substance use disorders
Authors: Raistrick Duncan , Tober Gillian , Heather Nick , Clark Jennifer A. 
Published: August 2007

Aims and MethodTo develop a scale to measure social satisfaction in people with substance use disorders and to test its psychometric properties. The rationale is that social satisfaction is more universal and relevant to treatment planning than assessing social problems. The new Social Satisfaction Questionnaire (SSQ) was derived from an existing social problems questionnaire and validation was undertaken on two large clinic populations.ResultsAn eight-item SSQ was tested and found to have good psychometric properties in terms of test–retest reliability, internal consistency, distribution of responses and concurrent validity.Clinical ImplicationsThe SSQ is suitable for use as the social domain element of an outcome measures package.
The Glucose Transporter 4 FQQI Motif Is Necessary for Akt Substrate of 160-Kilodalton-Dependent Plasma Membrane Translocation But Not Golgi-Localized γ-Ear-Containing Arf-Binding Protein-Dependent Entry into the Insulin-Responsive Storage Compartment
Authors: Capilla Encarnación , Suzuki Naoko , Pessin Jeffrey E. , Hou June Chunqiu 
Published: August 2007

AbstractNewly synthesized glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) enters into the insulin-responsive storage compartment in a process that is Golgi-localized γ-ear-containing Arf-binding protein (GGA) dependent, whereas insulin-stimulated translocation is regulated by Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160). In the present study, using a variety of GLUT4/GLUT1 chimeras, we have analyzed the specific motifs of GLUT4 that are important for GGA and AS160 regulation of GLUT4 trafficking. Substitution of the amino terminus and the large intracellular loop of GLUT4 into GLUT1 (chimera 1-441) fully recapitulated the basal state retention, insulin-stimulated translocation, and GGA and AS160 sensitivity of wild-type GLUT4 (GLUT4-WT). GLUT4 point mutation (GLUT4-F5A) resulted in loss of GLUT4 intracellular retention in the basal state when coexpressed with both wild-type GGA and AS160. Nevertheless, similar to GLUT4-WT, the insulin-stimulated plasma membrane localization of GLUT4-F5A was significantly inhibited by coexpression of dominant-interfering GGA. In addition, coexpression with a dominant-interfering AS160 (AS160-4P) abolished insulin-stimulated GLUT4-WT but not GLUT4-F5A translocation. GLUT4 endocytosis and intracellular sequestration also required both the amino terminus and large cytoplasmic loop of GLUT4. Furthermore, both the FQQI and the SLL motifs participate in the initial endocytosis from the plasma membrane; however, once internalized, unlike the FQQI motif, the SLL motif is not responsible for intracellular recycling of GLUT4 back to the specialized compartment. Together, we have demonstrated that the FQQI motif within the amino terminus of GLUT4 is essential for GLUT4 endocytosis and AS160-dependent intracellular retention but not for the GGA-dependent sorting of GLUT4 into the insulin-responsive storage compartment.
Maggot Debridement Therapy of Infected Ulcers: Patient and Wound Factors Influencing Outcome – A Study on 101 Patients with 117 Wounds
Authors: Steenvoorde Pascal , Jacobi Cathrien E , Van Doorn Louk , Oskam Jacques 
Published: August 2007

INTRODUCTION It has been known for centuries that maggots are potent debriding agents capable of removing necrotic tissue and slough. In January 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration decided to regulate maggot debridement therapy (MDT). As it is still not clear which wounds are likely or unlikely to benefit from MDT, we performed a prospective study to gain more insight in patient and wound characteristics influencing outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS In the period between August 2002 and December 2005, patients with infected wounds with signs of gangrenous or necrotic tissue who seemed suited for MDT were enrolled in the present study. In total, 101 patients with 117 ulcers were treated. Most wounds were worst-case scenarios, in which maggot therapy was a treatment of last resort. RESULTS In total, 72 patients (71%) were classified as ASA III or IV. In total, 78 of 116 wounds (67%) had a successful outcome. These wounds healed completely (n = 60), healed almost completely (n = 12) or were clean at least (n = 6) at last follow-up. These results seem to be in line with those in the literature. All wounds with a traumatic origin (n = 24) healed completely. All wounds with septic arthritis (n = 13), however, failed to heal and led in half of these cases to a major amputation. According to a multivariate analysis, chronic limb ischaemia (odds ratio [OR], 7.5), the depth of the wound (OR, 14.0), and older age (≥ 60 years; OR, 7.3) negatively influenced outcome. Outcome was not influenced by gender, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, ASAclassification, location of the wound, wound size or wound duration. CONCLUSIONS Some patient characteristics (i.e. gender, obesity, smoking behaviour, presence of diabetes mellitus and ASA-classification at presentation) and some wound characteristics (i.e. location of the wound, wound duration and size) do not seem to contra-indicate eligibility for MDT. However, older patients and patients with chronic limb ischaemia or deep wounds are less likely to benefit from MDT. Septic arthritis does not seem to be a good indication for MDT.
Correlation of Obesity and Osteoporosis: Effect of Fat Mass on the Determination of Osteoporosis
Authors: Zhao Lan-Juan , Jiang Hui , Papasian Christopher J , Maulik Dev , Drees Betty , Hamilton James , Deng Hong-Wen 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
It was previously believed that obesity and osteoporosis were two unrelated diseases, but recent studies have shown that both diseases share several common genetic and environmental factors. Body fat mass, a component of body weight, is one of the most important indices of obesity, and a substantial body of evidence indicates that fat mass may have beneficial effects on bone. Contrasting studies, however, suggest that excessive fat mass may not protect against osteoporosis or osteoporotic fracture. Differences in experimental design, sample structure, and even the selection of covariates may account for some of these inconsistent or contradictory results. Despite the lack of a clear consensus regarding the impact of effects of fat on bone, a number of mechanistic explanations have been proposed to support the observed epidemiologic and physiologic associations between fat and bone. The common precursor stem cell that leads to the differentiation of both adipocytes and osteoblasts, as well the secretion of adipocyte-derived hormones that affect bone development, may partially explain these associations. Based on our current state of knowledge, it is unclear whether fat has beneficial effects on bone. We anticipate that this will be an active and fruitful focus of research in the coming years.
A New Slurry-Based Method of Preparation of Specimens of Sand Containing Fines
Authors: Carraro J. Antonio H. , Prezzi Monica 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
A new method of specimen reconstitution is presented that is appropriate for element testing of sands containing either plastic or nonplastic fines. The method allows reconstitution of homogeneous, saturated specimens of sands containing fines whose stress-strain response closely resembles the stress-strain response of natural soil deposits formed underwater (e.g., alluvial and offshore submarine deposits, hydraulic fills, and tailings dams). A procedure is described to evaluate the maximum void ratio (emax) of sands containing fines under conditions that more appropriately represent soil deposition at its loosest state in aquatic environments. For soils deposited in water, the data obtained with the procedure proposed in this paper suggest that ASTM D 4254 overestimates the emax of sands containing plastic fines and underestimates the emax of sands containing nonplastic fines.
Circulating nerve growth factor levels in relation to obesity and the metabolic syndrome in women
Authors: Bulló Mònica , Peeraully Muhammad R , Trayhurn Paul , Folch J , Salas-Salvadó Jordi 
Published: August 2007

Objective: Neurotrophins (NTs) could be involved in the development and progression of inflammatory and immune diseases. Because obesity and the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) are related to a low-grade systemic inflammation, plasma NT levels (neurotrophinemia) could play an important role in the ethiopathogenic mechanisms underlying these metabolic derangements. This is the first study evaluating the plasma NT levels in a group of women with obesity and MetSyn, and also the adipose tissue nerve growth factor (NGF) expression in a small group of them.
Methods: Included were 146 adult women with different degrees of adiposity, with or without MetSyn. Plasma NT levels were measured. NGF expression was analyzed in s.c. adipose tissue of a subgroup of morbidly obese and normal-weight females.
Results: NGF plasma levels were 1.4-fold higher in overweight and obese subjects. Plasma NGF was, however, lower in a group of morbidly obese subjects than in overweight or obesity, but it remained elevated relative to the normal-weight group. Plasma NGF was significantly correlated with body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat, and waist circumference in non-morbidly obese subjects. NGF was positively related to inflammatory markers. NT3 and brain-derived neurotrophin factor seem to be more related to lipid profile than to BMI, adipose tissue distribution, or peripheral inflammatory markers. Subjects with type 2 diabetes, abdominal fat distribution, or the MetSyn showed significantly higher levels of NGF. The MetSyn was the only independent predictor of the variability observed in the NGF plasma values.
Conclusion: NGF is upregulated in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the MetSyn. Whether this NT may contribute to inflammation and the metabolic derangements associated with body weight gain remains to be elucidated.
Recent outcome of Graves’ disease patients with papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Yano Yukiko , Shibuya Hiroshi , Kitagawa Wataru , Nagahama Mitsuji , Sugino Kiminori , Ito Kunihiko , Ito Koichi 
Published: August 2007

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the clinical behavior and outcome of 202 papillary thyroid cancers in Graves’ disease patients during the period 1994–2004.
Design: This was a retrospective, non-randomized case–control study.
Methods: Since 1994, we have included an ultrasonogram of the neck in the initial examination of thyroid disease patients who consult our outpatient clinic. We evaluated the tumor status and long-term outcome of Graves’ disease patients with thyroid cancer and of age- and tumor size-matched euthyroid papillary thyroid cancer patients as controls. Serum TSH receptor antibody (TRAb) was measured in the Graves’ disease group.
Results: A total of 154 papillary thyroid cancers were diagnosed in the Graves’ disease patients and were treated surgically. At surgery, no significant differences in multifocality, lymph node metastasis, or distant metastasis were found between the Graves’ disease group and the euthyroid group. On the whole, the clinical course of the cancers in both the Graves’ disease group and euthyroid group was relatively good. No significant correlations were found between the TRAb levels in the Graves’ disease group and multifocality or the presence of lymph node metastasis. Papillary thyroid cancer was discovered as an incidental finding in 2% of the 2356 surgically treated Graves’ disease patients, but none of them developed metastasis during the follow-up period.
Conclusion: The results in this series of patients do not support the claim that thyroid cancer is more aggressive in Graves’ disease patients than in euthyroid patients.
Reduced epinephrine reserve in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in patients with pituitary adenoma
Authors: Morita Shinya , Otsuki Michio , Izumi Maki , Asanuma Nobuyuki , Izumoto Shuichi , Saitoh Youichi , Yoshimine Toshiki , Kasayama Soji 
Published: August 2007

Objective: Hypoglycemia induces rapid secretion of counterregulatory hormones such as catecholamine, glucagon, cortisol, and GH. Insulin-induced hypoglycemia is used for evaluating GH–IGF-I and ACTH–adrenal axes in patients with pituitary disorders. The aim of this study was to determine whether the response of catecholamine secretion to hypoglycemia is disrupted in patients with pituitary adenoma.
Methods: The study population comprised 23 patients with pituitary adenoma (non-functioning adenoma or prolactinoma). An insulin tolerance test was performed and serum catecholamines as well as plasma GH and serum cortisol were measured.
Results: The study patients showed diminished response of plasma epinephrine to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. With the cutoff level of peak epinephrine for defining severe impairment set at 400 pg/ml, more patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency showed severe impairment of the epinephrine response than did those without it. Peak epinephrine levels to insulin-induced hypoglycemia were significantly correlated with peak cortisol levels. In patients with secondary hypothyroidism, secondary hypogonadism, GH deficiency, or diabetes insipidus, the prevalence of severe impairment of the epinephrine response was similar to that in patients without these deficiencies.
Conclusions: Impaired epinephrine secretion in response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia was frequently observed in patients with pituitary adenoma. This disorder was especially severe in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency.