bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple hypothesis testing strategies for genetic case–control association studies
Authors: Rosenberg Philip S. , Che Anney , Chen Bingshu E. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe genetic case–control association study of unrelated subjects is a leading method to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and SNP haplotypes that modulate the risk of complex diseases. Association studies often genotype several SNPs in a number of candidate genes; we propose a two‐stage approach to address the inherent statistical multiple comparisons problem. In the first stage, each gene's association with disease is summarized by a single p‐value that controls a familywise error rate. In the second stage, summary p‐values are adjusted for multiplicity using a false discovery rate (FDR) controlling procedure. For the first stage, we consider marginal and joint tests of SNPs and haplotypes within genes, and we construct an omnibus test that combines SNP and haplotype analysis. Simulation studies show that when disease susceptibility is conferred by a SNP, and all common SNPs in a gene are genotyped, marginal analysis of SNPs using the Simes test has similar or higher power than marginal or joint haplotype analysis. Conversely, haplotype analysis can be more powerful when disease susceptibility is conferred by a haplotype. The omnibus test tracks the more powerful of the two approaches, which is generally unknown. Multiple testing balances the desire for statistical power against the implicit costs of false positive results, which up to now appear to be common in the literature. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The amniotic sheet: a truly benign condition?
Authors: Tan K. B. L. , Tan T. Y. T. , Tan J. V. K. , Yan Y. L. , Yeo G. S. H. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjectiveAmniotic sheets are the result of uterine synechiae that have been encompassed by the expanding chorion and amnion. Radiologically they are seen as ‘shelves’ in the amniotic cavity. The benign nature of such amniotic sheets has been documented in many case series in the literature. The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics (if any) of amniotic sheets that predict fetal outcome.MethodsBetween January 2001 and December 2002, detailed scans were performed in 30 476 singleton pregnancies at 18–32 weeks' gestation. Of these, 44 cases of amniotic sheets were detected. The characteristics studied were site of amniotic sheet and whether the amniotic sheet was complete (i.e. no free edge seen on ultrasound) or incomplete (i.e. presence of free edge seen on ultrasound). The primary fetal outcome studied was stillbirth.ResultsThe incidence of amniotic sheets was 0.14%. Two were complete and 42 were incomplete. Of the 38 cases with known outcomes there were two intrauterine deaths. There was no association between fetal outcome and the uterine location of the amniotic sheet (i.e. upper two‐thirds vs. lower third, P = 0.5). There was, however, an association between the completeness of the amniotic sheets and intrauterine death (P = 0.002). Both instances of intrauterine death occurred in the two cases with complete amniotic sheets. Postmortem examination suggested that cord accidents were the cause of intrauterine death in both cases.ConclusionsThis study supports the view that incomplete amniotic sheets are benign. It also suggests for the first time that complete amniotic sheets may be associated with intrauterine death. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal cardiac contractility before and after intrauterine transfusion
Authors: Sikkel E. , Klumper F. J. C. M. , Oepkes D. , Teunissen A. K. K. , Meerman R. H. , Le Cessie S. , Kanhai H. H. H. , Vandenbussche F. P. H. A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of fetal anemia and intrauterine transfusion on ventricular shortening fraction.MethodsThe end‐diastolic and end‐systolic transverse dimensions of the left and right ventricles were obtained using M‐mode ultrasonography. The shortening fractions of both ventricles were calculated at three time points: before, immediately after and one day after intrauterine transfusion. The blood volume given at intrauterine transfusion was expressed as a percentage of estimated fetoplacental blood volume.ResultsComplete measurements were obtained from 49 transfusions in 23 fetuses. Intrauterine transfusion was performed at a median gestational age of 31 (range, 19–35) weeks. Median hemoglobin concentration before and after intrauterine transfusion was 7.9 (range, 2.7–13.7) g/dL and 14.3 (range, 12.7–16.1) g/dL, respectively. Both left and right ventricular shortening fractions differed significantly between the three time points. Left ventricular shortening fraction decreased immediately after transfusion in 43 (88%) of the 49 procedures. Right ventricular shortening fraction decreased immediately after transfusion in 42 (86%) of the 49 procedures. At the first intrauterine transfusion, there was only a weak correlation between the decrease in shortening fraction of both ventricles and the transfused volume (left: R2 = 0.15; P = 0.20/right: R2 = 0.005; P = 0.81).ConclusionTransfusion significantly decreases the shortening fraction of both ventricles of the fetal heart. There is, however, little correlation between the decrease in shortening fraction and the volume of red cells given at intrauterine transfusion. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Z‐velocity in screening for intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Mondry A. , Pengbo L. , Loh M. , Mongelli M. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjectivesUltrasound scans provide the basis for detection of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) but often fail to distinguish IUGR from small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) fetuses. This study introduces the concept of Z‐velocity, calculated as changes in Z‐scores over time, as an additional criterion in the diagnosis of IUGR.MethodsA computer program simulated 50 000 fetal abdominal circumference (FAC) scans based on published growth formulae. False‐positive rates were calculated to determine optimal scan time and scan intervals. Using an independent simulation of 32 500 FAC scans, the two methods were compared using receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsROC showed areas under the curve of > 0.74 over the complete range of scan intervals. The positive predictive value of growth arrest as the only diagnostic criterion was, however, too low to recommend it as an exclusive or the first diagnostic criterion.ConclusionsZ‐velocity can be used to decide whether further investigations for growth abnormality are required in fetuses that fall below the 10th percentile. The gain of combined diagnostic approaches should be calculated from large databases that include the neonatal ponderal index as the gold standard. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of high resolution magnetic resonance imaging in the prenatal diagnosis of fetal nuchal tumors
Authors: Knox E. M. , Muamar B. , Thompson P. J. , Lander A. , Chapman S. , Kilby M. D. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractFetal magnetic resonance imaging (fetal MRI) is an important adjunct to antenatal imaging especially when neonatal surgery is contemplated. We report two cases of fetal nuchal tumors, which were diagnosed incidentally on an ultrasound scan and had fetal MRI to aid diagnosis, prognosis, counseling and management planning. In the first case, fetal MRI aided diagnosis and prenatal multidisciplinary management of a cervical teratoma. Tracheal involvement could not be excluded and an ex‐utero intrapartum treatment procedure was planned. Postnatal MRI and angiography provided further information prior to surgery. In the second case, fetal MRI assisted thorough counseling following the finding of a cervical lesion thought to be a cervical teratodermoid, a multicystic hygroma or congenital lymphectasia. The parents opted for termination of the pregnancy. Postmortem findings confirmed the extent of involvement of surrounding structures diagnosed prenatally. The mass was found to be a hamartomatous hemangiolymphangioma. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound features of different histopathological subtypes of borderline ovarian tumors
Authors: Fruscella E. , Testa A. C. , Ferrandina G. , De Smet F. , Van Holsbeke C. , Scambia G. , Zannoni G. F. , Ludovisi M. , Achten R. , Amant F. , Vergote I. , Timmerman D. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the gray‐scale sonographic and color Doppler imaging features of the most common histopathological subtypes of borderline ovarian tumors.MethodsWe analyzed retrospectively the preoperative transvaginal sonographic reports of patients with a histological diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumor. All patients were scanned consecutively by two of the investigators using transabdominal and transvaginal gray‐scale imaging to assess the morphology and color Doppler to obtain indices of the blood flow. Sonographic findings were compared to histopathological data.ResultsA total of 113 consecutive cases were reviewed from two referral centers for gynecological oncology. At histological examination 50 tumors (44%) were classified as being serous borderline ovarian tumors (SBOT), 61 (54%) were mucinous borderline ovarian tumors (MBOT) (42 intestinal type and 19 endocervical type), and two patients (2%) presented with borderline endometrioid tumors. SBOTs and endocervical‐type MBOTs had very similar sonographic features and a smaller diameter, fewer locules (usually unilocular‐solid lesions) and a higher color score than intestinal‐type MBOTs. Intestinal‐type MBOTs were characterized by a significantly higher percentage of lesions with > 10 locules when compared with the endocervical‐type MBOTs.ConclusionIntestinal‐type MBOTs have different sonographic features from other common borderline ovarian tumors. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Four‐dimensional ultrasound guidance of prenatal invasive procedures
Authors: Kim S. R. , Won H. S. , Lee P. R. , Kim A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjectiveTechnological advances in ultrasonography have revolutionized prenatal diagnosis and treatment. Here we evaluate the effectiveness of using four‐dimensional (4D) ultrasonography to guide prenatal invasive procedures.Patients and methodsPrenatal invasive procedures using 4D ultrasound were recorded prospectively in 93 cases: 10 amnioinfusions, 50 amniocenteses, 8 chorionic villus samplings (CVS) and 25 cordocenteses. The needle target site was first identified using the two‐dimensional (2D) mode, and was then confirmed using the three‐dimensional (3D) mode. The needle was inserted under 4D ultrasound guidance. After selecting the needle target site, the true position of the needle was determined in three planes (‘real‐time 3D targeting’).ResultsUsing 4D ultrasound guidance, most procedures were performed within 5 min and with a 100% success rate, even in cases involving severe oligohydramnios (amniocentesis), thin placentas (CVS) or narrow umbilical veins (cordocentesis). Moreover, there were no serious complications during or after any procedure.Conclusions4D ultrasonography can be used to guide various prenatal invasive procedures offering clear information in all three planes. It is likely that such imaging will reduce the time taken to complete the procedures and reduce the risks associated with them. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetal bilateral adrenal carcinoma
Authors: Izbizky G. , Elias D. , Gallo A. , Farias P. , Sod R. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractFetal malignancies that are capable of metastasizing to other fetal organs and the placenta are exceedingly rare. Fetal tumors are suspected on ultrasonography in the presence of structures of abnormal shape or size that are occasionally associated with polyhydramnios and hydrops. Most of the large abdominal masses detected antenatally are renal in origin, although adrenal tumors should also be kept in mind in their differential diagnosis.We report a case of a large‐for‐gestational‐age fetus with abdominal distention secondary to bilateral adrenal carcinoma, polyhydramnios and placental enlargement. Postmortem histological findings included nesidioblastosis, (i.e. hyperplasia of the cells of the islets of Langerhans) and adrenocortical cytomegaly, suggestive of a form of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome. Copyright © 2005 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiphonal duetting in Steere's liocichla (Liocichla steerii): male song individuality and correlation between habitat and duetting behavior
Authors: Mays Herman L. , Yao Cheng‐Te , Yuan Hsiao‐Wei 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe studied duet song and vocal duetting behavior in an endemic Taiwanese passerine, Steere's liocichla (Liocichla steerii). We found that the leading male song in duets was highly individualistic. Also, we found duetting behavior varied significantly across different habitat types. Females were more likely to answer male songs in densely vegetated, steep forest habitat compared to open agricultural habitat. These findings provide quantitative evidence for vocal individuality for a duet song and provide tentative support for the idea that females are duetting to reveal their location to their mates.
Immersion in warm water induces improvement in cardiac function in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Cider Åsa , Sveälv Bente Grüner , Täng Margareta Scharin , Schaufelberger Maria , Andersson Bert 
Published: October 2005

AbstractBackground:The effects of immersion and training of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) in warm water has not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to assess the acute hemodynamic response of immersion and peripheral muscle training in elderly patients with CHF.Methods:Thirteen CHF patients and 13 healthy subjects underwent echocardiography on land and in a temperature‐controlled swimming pool (33–34° C).Results:Rest. Heart rate decreased (CHF,p=0.01; control,p=0.001) and stroke volume increased (CHF,p=0.01; control,p=0.001) during water immersion in both groups, with no change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure. Ejection fraction (p<0.05) and transmitral Doppler E/A ratio (p=0.01) increased in the CHF group, with no changes in left ventricular volumes. The healthy subjects had similar responses, but also displayed an increase in cardiac output (p<0.01) and left ventricular volumes (p<0.001).Exercise. Cardiac output and systolic blood pressure increased significantly in water, in both groups.Conclusion:A general increase in early diastolic filling was accompanied by a decrease in heart rate, leading to an increase in stroke volume and ejection fraction in most patients with CHF during warm water immersion. These beneficial hemodynamic effects might be the reason for the previously observed good tolerability of this exercise regime.
Mannose‐binding lectin and vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Liu Fei , Liao Qinping , Liu Zhaohui 
Published: October 2005

AbstractObjective: To investigate the effect of mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) gene polymorphism on the immune system and the significance of vaginal MBL concentration in the pathogenesis of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (rVVC). Patients and methods: Mannose‐binding lectin concentrations in CVL samples from 111 women were collected between August 2004 and November 2004, 51 with VVC, 6 with rVVC patients, and 54 healthy women. CVL MBL concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and MBL gene polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction and the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Results: Cervicovaginal lavage MBL concentration (17.80 ng/mL) and gene mutation frequency (33.33%) were both significantly higher in women with VVC (P < 0.01) than in controls (odds ratio [OR], 2.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14–7.57; P < 0.05). On the other hand, MBL concentration was lower in women with rVVC (0.30 ng/mL) than in controls (1.28 ng/mL) (P < 0.05), although MBL gene mutation frequency (83.33%) was significantly higher in women with rVVC than in controls (OR, 26.87; 95% CI, 2.76–261.65; P < 0.01). Conclusions: The presence of VVC can increase vaginal MBL level, which may be an immune response against Candida albicans infection; in women with rVVC, the low level of MBL in the vagina caused by mutation in the MBL gene may play a role in the recurrence of the infection.
Influence of a glacial buzzsaw on the height and morphology of the Cascade Range in central Washington State, USA
Authors: Mitchell Sara Gran , Montgomery David R. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractAnalysis of climatic and topographic evidence from the Cascade Range of Washington State indicates that glacial erosion limits the height and controls the morphology of this range. Glacial erosion linked to long-term spatial gradients in the ELA created a tilted, planar zone of 373 cirques across the central part of the range; peaks and ridges now rise ≤600 m above this zone. Hypsometric analysis of the region shows that the proportion of land area above the cirques drops sharply, and mean slopes >30° indicate that the areas above the cirques may be at or near threshold steepness. The mean plus 1σ relief of individual cirque basins (570 m) corresponds to the ∼600-m envelope above which peaks rarely rise. The summit altitudes are set by a combination of higher rates of glacial and paraglacial erosion above the ELA and enhanced hillslope processes due to the creation of steep topography. On the high-precipitation western flank of the Cascades, the dominance of glacial and hillslope erosion at altitudes at and above the ELA may explain the lack of a correspondence between stream-power erosion models and measured exhumation rates from apatite (U-Th/He) thermochronometry.
Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase is involved in the glucagon‐induced translocation of aquaporin‐8 to hepatocyte plasma membrane
Authors: Gradilone Sergio A. , Carreras Flavia I. , Lehmann Guillermo L. , Marinelli Raúl A. 
Published: October 2005

Background information. PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase) mediates several signal transduction pathways in hepatocytes, including some involved in the regulation of vesicle trafficking. Hepatocytes express the water channel AQP8 (aquaporin‐8) predominantly in an intracellular location, and it redistributes to the canalicular membrane, upon stimulation with the hormone glucagon, by a cAMP/protein kinase A‐dependent mechanism. Since glucagon is capable of stimulating PI3K activity in hepatocytes and a cross talk between cAMP and PI3K has been suggested, in the present study, we examine whether PI3K activation is involved in the glucagon‐induced translocation of AQP8.Results. By quantitative immunoblotting of purified hepatocyte plasma membranes, we found that the preincubation of cells with two structurally different PI3K inhibitors, wortmannin or LY294002, prevented the glucagon‐induced translocation of AQP8 to hepatocyte plasma membrane. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy in cultured hepatocytes confirmed the dependence of the hormone‐induced redistribution of AQP8 on PI3K activity. Functional studies showed that the PI3K inhibitors were also capable of preventing the glucagon‐induced increase in hepatocyte osmotic membrane water permeability.Conclusions. Our results suggest that PI3K activation is involved in the glucagon‐dependent signal transduction pathways leading to hepatocyte AQP8 translocation.
Effect of H2O2 on CCK‐8‐evoked changes in mitochondrial activity in isolated mouse pancreatic acinar cells
Authors: Granados María P. , Salido Ginés M. , Pariente José A. , González Antonio 
Published: October 2005

Background information. This paper studies the effect of H2O2 on mitochondrial responses evoked by CCK‐8 (cholecystokinin 8) in mouse pancreatic acinar cells. Cytosolic ([Ca2+]c) and mitochondrial ([Ca2+]m) free‐calcium concentrations, mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ψm) and FAD autofluorescence were monitored using confocal laser scanning microscopy.Results. CCK‐8 induced an increase in [Ca2+]m that slowly declined towards the prestimulation level. Depolarization of ψm that partially recovered, as well as increases in FAD autofluorescence, could also be observed in response to the hormone. Pretreatment of cells with 1 mM H2O2 alone resulted in marked changes in mitochondrial parameters and, moreover, H2O2 inhibited the CCK‐8‐evoked changes in [Ca2+]m, ψm and FAD autofluorescence. The results of the present study have demonstrated that CCK‐8 can evoke marked changes in pancreatic acinar cell mitochondrial activity and that CCK‐8‐evoked responses are blocked by H2O2. Additionally, H2O2 releases Ca2+ from intracellular stores and inhibits pancreatic acinar cell responses to CCK‐8.Conclusion. The effects observed reflect an impairment of mitochondrial activity in the presence of H2O2 that could represent some of its mechanisms of action to induce cellular damage leading to cell dysfunction and generation of pathologies.
The caspase family in urochordates: distinct evolutionary fates in ascidians and larvaceans
Authors: Weill Mylène , Philips Alexandre , Chourrout Daniel , Fort Philippe 
Published: October 2005

Background information. Caspases are cysteine proteases that mediate apoptosis (programmed cell death) initiation and execution. Apoptosis is a conserved mechanism shared by all metazoans, although its physiological function and complexity show considerable taxon‐dependent variations. To gain insight into the caspase repertoire of putative ancestors to vertebrates, we performed exhaustive genomic searches in urochordates, a sister taxon to vertebrates in which ascidians and appendicularians display chordate characters at early stages of their development.Results. We identified the complete caspase families of two ascidians (Ciona intestinalis and C. savignyi) and one larvacean (Oikopleura dioica). We found in ascidian species an extremely high number of caspase genes (17 for C. intestinalis and 22 for C. savignyi), deriving from five founder gene orthologues to human pro‐inflammatory, initiator and executioner caspases. Although considered to be sibling species, C. intestinalis and C. savignyi only share 11 orthologues, most of the additional genes resulting from recent mass duplications. A sharply contrasted picture was found in O. dioica, which displayed only three caspase genes deriving from a single founder gene distantly related to caspase 3/7. The difference between ascidian and larvacean caspase repertoires is discussed in the light of their developmental patterns and life cycles.Conclusions. The identification of caspase members in two ascidian species delineates five founder genes that bridge the gap between vertebrates and Ecdysozoa (arthropods and nematodes). Given the amazing diversity among urochordates, determination and comparison of the caspase repertoires in species from orders additional to Enterogona (ascidians) and Oikopleuridae might be highly informative on the evolution of caspase‐dependent physiological processes.