bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variants Within the LPIN1 Gene, Encoding Lipin, Are Influencing Phenotypes of the Metabolic Syndrome in Humans
Authors: Wiedmann Silke , Fischer Marcus , Koehler Martina , Neureuther Katharina , Riegger Guenter , Doering Angela , Schunkert Heribert , Hengstenberg Christian , Baessler Andrea 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— Lipin, a novel molecular protein expressed by adipocytes, has marked effects on adipose tissue mass, insulin sensitivity, and glucose homeostasis. Thus, we hypothesized that genetic variants within LPIN1 are associated with traits of the metabolic syndrome.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— A total of 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) covering the LPIN1 gene region were genotyped in an age- and sex-stratified sample of the general population (Monitoring Trends and Determinants on Cardiovascular Diseases Study Augsburg; DNA and phenotypes of 1,416 Caucasians). Ten SNPs were also genotyped for replication in an independent sample of 1,030 subjects recruited throughout Germany. The metabolic syndrome was defined via the sum of its core components and, additionally, by a factor score derived from factor analysis. Permutation-based methods were used to test the association between genetic LPIN1 variants and metabolic traits for empirical significance.
RESULTS— Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed three LD blocks encompassing LPIN1. We identified three associated three-marker haplotypes: one common haplotype (26.8% frequency) increases the risk for the metabolic syndrome (odds ratio 1.6 [95% CI 1.2–2.2]), while the other two, being less common (5.7 and 4.0%), are strongly associated with lower blood pressure levels (systolic blood pressure 127 ± 18 vs. 135 ± 20 mmHg; P = 0.0001), a lower BMI (24.6 ± 3.6 vs. 26.9 ± 4.1 kg/m2; P = 3.7 × 10−7) and waist circumference (82 ± 12 vs. 90 ± 12 cm; P = 3.2 × 10−8), lower A1C levels (5.1 ± 0.7 vs. 5.3 ± 0.9%; P = 0.0002), as well as a lower metabolic syndrome factor score (−0.67 ± 1.00 vs. 0.04 ± 1.24; P = 1.4 × 10−7). Furthermore, the frequencies of arterial hypertension (23.7 vs. 46.4%; P = 0.00001), obesity (12.9 vs. 30.8%; P = 0.0003), diabetes (2.2 vs. 8.2%; P = 0.041), and the presence of three or more metabolic syndrome components (3.3 vs. 13.7%; P = 0.002) were significantly lower than in subjects not carrying one of these protective haplotypes. Strong associations were also observed in the replication sample using the same haplotypes but with effects in the opposite direction.
CONCLUSIONS— These data suggest that allelic variants of the LPIN1 gene have significant effects in human metabolic traits and thus implicate lipin in the pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome.
Nonobese Diabetic (NOD) Mice Congenic for a Targeted Deletion of 12/15-Lipoxygenase Are Protected From Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: McDuffie Marcia , Maybee Nelly A. , Keller Susanna R. , Stevens Brian K. , Garmey James C. , Morris Margaret A. , Kropf Elizabeth , Rival Claudia , Ma Kaiwen , Carter Jeffrey D. , Tersey Sarah A. , Nunemaker Craig S. , Nadler Jerry L. 
Published: October 2007

OBJECTIVE— 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO), one of a family of fatty acid oxidoreductase enzymes, reacts with polyenoic fatty acids to produce proinflammatory lipids. 12/15-LO is expressed in macrophages and pancreatic β-cells. It enhances interleukin 12 production by macrophages, and several of its products induce apoptosis of β-cells at nanomolar concentrations in vitro. We had previously demonstrated a role for 12/15-LO in β-cell damage in the streptozotocin model of diabetes. Since the gene encoding 12/15-LO (gene designation Alox15) lies within the Idd4 diabetes susceptibility interval in NOD mice, we hypothesized that 12/15-LO is also a key regulator of diabetes susceptibility in the NOD mouse.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We developed NOD mice carrying an inactivated 12/15-LO locus (NOD-Alox15null) using a “speed congenic” protocol, and the mice were monitored for development of insulitis and diabetes.
RESULTS— NOD mice deficient in 12/15-LO develop diabetes at a markedly reduced rate compared with NOD mice (2.5 vs. &gt;60% in females by 30 weeks). Nondiabetic female NOD-Alox15null mice demonstrate improved glucose tolerance, as well as significantly reduced severity of insulitis and improved β-cell mass, when compared with age-matched nondiabetic NOD females. Disease resistance is associated with decreased numbers of islet-infiltrating activated macrophages at 4 weeks of age in NOD-Alox15null mice, preceding the development of insulitis. Subsequently, islet-associated infiltrates are characterized by decreased numbers of CD4+ T cells and increased Foxp3+ cells.
CONCLUSIONS— These results suggest an important role for 12/15-LO in conferring susceptibility to autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice through its effects on macrophage recruitment or activation.
Characterization of the passive films on electrodeposited Fe-Ni-Cr alloys in borate solution at pH 8.4
Authors: Sziráki Laura , Kuzmann Ernő , Chisholm Colin , El-Sharif Mahmoud , Bóbics Lilla , Stichleutner Sándor 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe corrosion properties of the passive layers formed on iron-nickel-chromium electrodeposits of Fe29Ni51Cr20 were investigated in 0.3 M borate solution at a‘ pH of 8.4. On the basis of measurements by cyclic voltammetry, chronopotentiometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, a low passive dissolution/corrosion rate was identified for the electrodeposited Fe-Ni-Cr alloys due to the nature of the established corrosion layer. The stability of this passive layer was further enhanced after corrosion under oxidizing conditions. Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements confirmed the existence of a thin passive layer on the amorphous electrodeposits.
Changes In Liver and Brain Cytochrome P450 after Multiple Cocaine Administration, Alone and in Combination with Nifedipine
Authors: Vitcheva Vessela , Mitcheva Mitka 
Published: October 2007

Changes In Liver and Brain Cytochrome P450 after Multiple Cocaine Administration, Alone and in Combination with NifedipineThe objective of this study was to evaluate possible changes caused by multiple cocaine administration, alone and in combination with 1,4-dihydropiridine calcium channel blocker nifedipine, on cytochrome P450 levels both in the brain and liver. The experiment was done on male Wistar rats divided in four groups: control, treated with nifedipine (5 mg kg-1i.p. for five days), treated with cocaine (15 mg kg-1i.p. for five days), and treated with nifedipine and 30 minutes later with cocaine (also for five days). Total cytochrome P450 was measured spectrometrically in liver and brain microsomes. Multiple administration of cocaine alone and in combination with nifedipine did not change the brain P450 significantly. In the liver, nifedipine significantly increased P450 by 28 % vs. control. In contrast, cocaine significantly decreased P450 by 17 % vs. control. In animals treated with nifedipine and cocaine, cytochrome P450 increased 11 % (p<0.01) vs. control, decreased 12.5 % (p<0.001) vs. nifedipine group and increased 34 % (p<0.0001) vs. cocaine group. These results suggest that the cocaine and nifedipine interact at the metabolic level.
Fatal Poisoning By Alcohol and Heroin
Authors: Sutlović Davorka , Definis-Gojanović Marija 
Published: October 2007

Fatal Poisoning By Alcohol and HeroinDrug abuse with alcohol consumption have been on the rise in Split-Dalmatian County for a while now. This article reports two separate cases with three deaths due to fatal combinations of heroin and alcohol. The first case of poisoning is related to a young couple, a 30-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman, who were found dead in a car, surrounded by cans of a variety alcoholic drinks. Two needles were found beside the bodies as well. The victims were registered drug abusers who had been in withdrawal programs. The second case was a 29-year-old man who was found dead in a house. Three fresh injection marks were visible on his right arm, and two needles were near his body. He was not known as a drug addict, but he had tried to commit suicide recently.Carboxyhaemoglobin was found in blood samples of both victims from the first case. The concentration was 25 % and that could contribute to their death. In both described cases blood alcohol concentration was higher then 1.60 g kg-1. Toxicology tests were positive for heroin, meconin, acetaminophen, 6-acetylmorphine, codeine, noscapine and papaverine. Ethanol, being a respiratory depressant, combined with morphine drastically increases the risk of rapid death due to respiration failure.
Application of Recombinant DNA Methods for Production of Cholinesterases as Organophosphate Antidotes and Detectors
Authors: Taylor Palmer , Reiner Elsa , Kovarik Zrinka , Radić Zoran 
Published: October 2007

Application of Recombinant DNA Methods for Production of Cholinesterases as Organophosphate Antidotes and DetectorsTo develop new avenues for synthesizing novel antidotes for organophosphate poisoning and for detection of the organophosphates, we have turned to recombinant DNA methods to synthesize cholinesterases with unusual properties. For antidotal therapy we describe mutations of the native mouse and human enzymes that allow for enhanced rates of oxime reactivation. Such enzymes, when localized in the circulation, would enable the circulating cholinesterase to become a catalytic rather than simply a stoichiometric scavenger. Hence, "oxime-assisted catalysis" provides a means for scavenging the organophosphates in the circulation thereby minimizing their tissue penetration and toxicity. Accordingly, the oxime antidote or prophylactic agent has a dual action within the circulation and at the tissue level. Second, through a novel chemistry, termed freeze-frame, click chemistry, we have used organophosphate conjugates of acetylcholinesterase as templates for the synthesis of novel nucleophilic reactivating agents. Finally, acetylcholinesterase can be modified through cysteine substitution mutagenesis and attachment of fluorophores at the substitution positions. When linked at certain locations in the molecule, the attached fluorophore is sensitive to organophosphate conjugation with acetylcholinesterase, and thus the very target of insecticide or nerve agent action becomes a detection molecule for organophosphate exposure.
3-D Structure of Serum Paraoxonase 1 Sheds Light on Its Activity, Stability, Solubility and Crystallizability
Authors: Harel Michal , Brumshtein Boris , Meged Ran , Dvir Hay , Ravelli Raimond , McCarthy Andrew , Toker Lilly , Silman Israel , Sussman Joel 
Published: October 2007

3-D Structure of Serum Paraoxonase 1 Sheds Light on Its Activity, Stability, Solubility and CrystallizabilitySerum paraoxonases (PONs) exhibit a wide range of physiologically important hydrolytic activities, including drug metabolism and detoxification of nerve gases. PON1 and PON3 reside on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (the "good cholesterol"), and are involved in the alleviation of atherosclerosis. Members of the PON family have been identified not only in mammals and other vertebrates, but also in invertebrates. We earlier described the first crystal structure of a PON family member, a directly-evolved variant of PON1, at 2.2 Å resolution. PON1 is a 6-bladed beta-propeller with a unique active-site lid which is also involved in binding to HDL. The 3-D structure, taken together with directed evolution studies, permitted analysis of mutations which enhanced the stability, solubility and crystallizability of this PON1 variant. The structure permits a detailed description of PON1's active site and suggests possible mechanisms for its catalytic activity on certain substrates.
Cardiorespiratory Capacity After Weight-Supported Treadmill Training in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Mossberg Kurt A , Orlander Evelyne E , Norcross Julie L 
Published: October 2007

Background and PurposeThe primary goal of body-weight–supported treadmill training (BWSTT) has been to improve the temporal and spatial characteristics of unsupported overground walking; however, little attention has been given to cardiorespiratory adaptations. The purpose of this case report is to describe the effects of BWSTT on cardiorespiratory fitness in 2 patients recovering from severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).Case DescriptionBoth patients were involved in motor vehicle accidents and were studied after admission to a postacute residential treatment program. Patient 1 was a 25-year-old man (initial Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score=3) who began observation and treatment 3 months after the injury. Patient 2 was an 18-year-old woman (initial GCS=6) who began observation and treatment 1 year after the injury.OutcomesEach patient received 2 to 3 sessions of BWSTT per week. Aerobic capacity was measured while they ambulated on a treadmill without body-weight support before and after BWSTT. Both patients' submaximal and peak responses improved. For patient 1 and patient 2, total treadmill work performed increased 134% and 53%, respectively. Peak oxygen uptake increased 24% for patient 1 and 16% for patient 2. Estimated cardiac stroke volume (oxygen pulse) increased 32% and 26% for patient 1 and patient 2, respectively.DiscussionThe observations made on these 2 patients suggest that BWSTT has the potential to favorably change cardiorespiratory capacity after TBI.
Locomotor Training Using Body-Weight Support on a Treadmill in Conjunction With Ongoing Physical Therapy in a Child With Severe Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Cernak Kristin , Stevens Vicki , Price Robert , Shumway-Cook Anne 
Published: October 2007

Background and PurposeThis case report describes the effects of locomotor training using body-weight support (BWS) on a treadmill and during overground walking on mobility in a child with severe cerebellar ataxia who was nonambulatory. To date, no studies have examined the efficacy of this intervention in people with cerebellar ataxia.Case DescriptionThe patient was a 13-year-old girl who had a cerebellar/brainstem infarct 16 months before the intervention. Her long-term goal was to walk independently in her home with a walker.InterventionLocomotor training using a BWS system both on the treadmill and during overground walking was implemented 5 days a week for 4 weeks in a clinic. Locomotor training using BWS on a treadmill was continued 5 days a week for 4 months at home.OutcomesPrior to training, she was able to take steps on her own with the help of another person, but did not take full weight on her feet or walk on a regular basis. At 6 months, she walked for household distances. Prior to training, her Pediatric Functional Independence Measure scores were 3 (moderate assistance) for all transfers, 2 (maximal assistance) for walking, and 1 (total assistance) for stairs. At 6 months, her scores were 6 (modified independence) for transfers, 5 (supervision) for walking, and 4 (minimal assistance) for stairs. Prior to training, she was unable to take independent steps during treadmill walking; at 6 months, all of her steps were unassisted.Discussion and ConclusionLocomotor training using BWS on a treadmill in conjunction with overground gait training may be an effective way to improve ambulatory function in individuals with severe cerebellar ataxia, but the intensity and duration of training required for functionally significant improvements may be prolonged.
Passification‐based adaptive control of linear systems: Robustness issues
Authors: Peaucelle Dimitri , Fradkov Alexander , Andrievsky Boris 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPassivity is a widely used concept in control theory having led to many significant results. This paper concentrates on one characteristic of passivity, namely passification‐based adaptive control. This concept applies to multi‐input multi‐output systems for which exists a combination of outputs that renders the open‐loop system hyper‐minimum phase. Under such assumptions, the system may be passified by both high‐gain static output feedback and by a particular adaptive control algorithm. This last control law is modified here to guarantee its coefficients to be bounded. The contribution of this paper is to investigate its robustness with respect to parametric uncertainty. Time response characteristics are illustrated on examples including realistic situations with noisy output and saturated input. Theoretical results are formulated as linear matrix inequalities and can hence be readily solved with semi‐definite programming solvers. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold Nanocages for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Skrabalak S. E. , Chen J. , Au L. , Lu X. , Li X. , Xia Y. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractNanostructured materials provide a promising platform for early cancer detection and treatment. Here we highlight recent advances in the synthesis and use of Au nanocages for such biomedical applications. Gold nanocages represent a novel class of nanostructures, which can be prepared via a remarkably simple route based on the galvanic replacement reaction between Ag nanocubes and HAuCl4. The Au nanocages have a tunable surface plasmon resonance peak that extends into the near‐infrared, where the optical attenuation caused by blood and soft tissue is essentially negligible. They are also biocompatible and present a well‐established surface for easy functionalization. We have tailored the scattering and absorption cross‐sections of Au nanocages for use in optical coherence tomography and photothermal treatment, respectively. Our preliminary studies show greatly improved spectroscopic image contrast for tissue phantoms containing Au nanocages. Our most recent results also demonstrate the photothermal destruction of breast cancer cells in vitro by using immuno‐targeted Au nanocages as an effective photo‐thermal transducer. These experiments suggest that Au nanocages may be a new class of nanometer‐sized agents for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Tissue Engineering Based on Cell Sheet Technology
Authors: Matsuda N. , Shimizu T. , Yamato M. , Okano T. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCell sheet technology enables novel approaches to tissue engineering without the use of biodegradable scaffolds. Cell sheet technology consists of a temperature‐responsive culture dish, which enables reversible cell adhesion to and detachment from the dish surface by controllable hydrophobicity of the surface. This allows for a non‐invasive harvest of cultured cells as an intact monolayer cell sheet including deposited extra cellular matrices. The monolayer cell sheet can be transplanted to host tissues without using biodegradable scaffolds and sutures. Thick tissue constructs and patterned cell sheets using two or more kinds of cell source are also developed by means of layered cell sheets in vitro. This Progress Report summarizes temperature‐controlled cell adhesion‐detachment behavior and applications of the cell sheet technology to regeneration of cornea, periodontal ligament, bladder epithelia, oesophageal epithelia, myocardium, and liver.
SERS as a Foundation for Nanoscale, Optically Detected Biological Labels
Authors: Doering W. E. , Piotti M. E. , Natan M. J. , Freeman R. G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAu and Ag nanoparticles have optical properties that have made them useful as tags in a wide variety of measurement schemes. This Progress Report discusses several different schemes in which Au and Ag nanoparticles have been used as surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) tags for the measurement of biomolecules. As an example application, results using glass‐coated nanotags (Nanoplex Biotags) in a lateral flow immunoassay kit are presented.
Cover Picture: Bionanotechnology: Enabling Biomedical Research with Nanomaterials (Adv. Mater. 20/2007)
Authors: Yang H. , Xia Y. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe cover highlights many of the contributions to the Special Section on Bionanotechnology in this issue. In their Editorial on p. 3085, guest editors Hong Yang and Younan Xia consider the relevance of nanomaterials in biomedical research. With time the focus of research has shifted from the development of synthetic methods for high‐quality nanomaterials and understanding of their physical properties to the exploration of unique applications enabled by nanomaterials. Papers from many leading scientists in the field provide insight into the current state of bionanotechnology, and possibly inspiration for future avenues of research.
Inside Front Cover: Hybrid Nanoparticles for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Target‐Specific Viral Gene Delivery (Adv. Mater. 20/2007)
Authors: Huh Y.‐M. , Lee E.‐S. , Lee J.‐H. , Jun Y.‐w. , Kim P.‐H. , Yun C.‐O. , Kim J.‐H. , Suh J.‐S. , Cheon J. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe inside cover displays multifunctional “adenovirus‐magnet” nanoparticles possessing target‐specific infection, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and gene expression capabilities. These hybrid nanoparticles, reported by Jin‐Suck Suh, Jinwoo Cheon, and co‐workers on p. 3109 in the Special Section on Bionanotechnology, selectively target the Coxsackievirus B adenovirus receptor (CAR)‐positive cells and deliver the gene of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP), while simultaneously being imaged by MRI. These hybrid nanoparticles can be regarded as new probes for in vivo MRI tracking of targeted viral gene delivery, which is essential for next‐generation diagnostics and therapeutics.
Cationic Carboxylato Complexes of Dirhodium(II) with Oxo Thioethers: Catalysts for Silane Alcoholysis under Homogeneous and Liquid‐Liquid Biphasic Conditions
Authors: Biffis Andrea , Basato Marino , Brichese Marianna , Ronconi Luca , Tubaro Cristina , Zanella Alessandra , Graiff Claudia , Tiripicchio Antonio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractA set of cationic dirhodium(II) complexes with oxo thioethers was prepared and employed as catalysts for the silane alcoholysis reaction. The complexes were found to be highly active under homogeneous conditions, both in the absence and in the presence of a solvent, including coordinating solvents such asN,N‐dimethylformamide; the catalysts could be conveniently employed in concentrations as low as 0.01 mol %, and a maximum TON of 30000 was recorded after 24 h. The same catalysts were also employed under liquid‐liquid biphasic conditions with an ionic liquid as the catalyst‐containing phase: comparable catalytic activity was observed under these conditions, and the catalyst‐containing phase could be recovered and recycled. A chiral cationic dirhodium(II) complex was also prepared in the frame of this work; kinetic resolution of a racemic alcohol was attempted with this catalyst, unfortunately without success.
Manganese Dioxide and N‐Hydroxyphthalimide. An Effective Catalytic System for Oxidation of Nitrotoluenes with Molecular Oxygen
Authors: Yang Guanyu , Zheng Liwen , Wu Guanghui , Lin Xuesong , Song Maoping 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe inexpensive manganese dioxide has been proven to be an efficient auxiliary for oxidizing N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) to form the phthalimide N‐oxyl radical via reduction and reoxidation. The combination of manganese dioxide and NHPI could catalyze effectively the oxidation of nitrotulenes by molecular oxygen. Thus, the oxidation of p‐nitrotoluene with molecular oxygen (0.4 MPa) in the presence of manganese dioxide (10 mol %) and NHPI (10 mol %) in acetic acid at 110 °C for 4 h proceeded with 97 % conversion, and gave p‐nitrotoluene in 89 % isolated yield.