bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Search for the genes involved in oocyte maturation and early embryo development in the hen
Authors: Elis Sebastien , Batellier Florence , Couty Isabelle , Balzergue Sandrine , Martin-Magniette Marie-Laure , Monget Philippe , Blesbois Elisabeth , Govoroun Marina S 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
The initial stages of development depend on mRNA and proteins accumulated in the oocyte, and during these stages, certain genes are essential for fertilization, first cleavage and embryonic genome activation. The aim of this study was first to search for avian oocyte-specific genes using an in silico and a microarray approaches, then to investigate the temporal and spatial dynamics of the expression of some of these genes during follicular maturation and early embryogenesis.

Results
The in silico approach allowed us to identify 18 chicken homologs of mouse potential oocyte genes found by digital differential display. Using the chicken Affymetrix microarray, we identified 461 genes overexpressed in granulosa cells (GCs) and 250 genes overexpressed in the germinal disc (GD) of the hen oocyte. Six genes were identified using both in silico and microarray approaches. Based on GO annotations, GC and GD genes were differentially involved in biological processes, reflecting different physiological destinations of these two cell layers. Finally we studied the spatial and temporal dynamics of the expression of 21 chicken genes. According to their expression patterns all these genes are involved in different stages of final follicular maturation and/or early embryogenesis in the chicken. Among them, 8 genes (btg4, chkmos, wee, zpA, dazL, cvh, zar1 and ktfn) were preferentially expressed in the maturing occyte and cvh, zar1 and ktfn were also highly expressed in the early embryo.

Conclusion
We showed that in silico and Affymetrix microarray approaches were relevant and complementary in order to find new avian genes potentially involved in oocyte maturation and/or early embryo development, and allowed the discovery of new potential chicken mature oocyte and chicken granulosa cell markers for future studies. Moreover, detailed study of the expression of some of these genes revealed promising candidates for maternal effect genes in the chicken. Finally, the finding concerning the different state of rRNA compared to that of mRNA during the postovulatory period shed light on some mechanisms through which oocyte to embryo transition occurs in the hen.
Long-term outcome of infective endocarditis: A study on patients surviving over one year after the initial episode treated in a Finnish teaching hospital during 25 years
Authors: Heiro Maija , Helenius Hans , Hurme Saija , Savunen Timo , Metsärinne Kaj , Engblom Erik , Nikoskelainen Jukka , Kotilainen Pirkko 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Only a few previous studies have focused on the long-term prognosis of the patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Our purpose was to delineate factors potentially associated with the long-term outcome of IE, recurrences of IE and requirement for late valve surgery.

Methods
A total of 326 episodes of IE in 303 patients were treated during 1980–2004 in the Turku University Hospital. We evaluated the long-term outcome and requirement for late valve surgery for 243 of these episodes in 226 patients who survived longer than 1 year after the initial admission. Factors associated with recurrences were analysed both for the 1-year survivors and for all 303 patients.

Results
The mean (SD) follow-up time for the 1-year survivors was 11.5 (7.3) years (range 25 days to 25.5 years). The overall survival was 95%, 82%, 66%, 51% and 45% at 2, 5, 10, 15 and 20 years. In age and sex adjusted multivariate analyses, significant predictors for long-term overall mortality were heart failure within 3 months of admission (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.27 to 3.06; p = 0.003) and collagen disease (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.25 to 5.19; p = 0.010) or alcohol abuse (HR 2.39, 95% CI 1.30 to 4.40; p = 0.005) as underlying conditions, while early surgery was significantly associated with lower overall mortality rates (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.58; p < 0.001). Heart failure was also significantly associated with the long-term cardiac mortality (p = 0.032). Of all 303 patients, 20 had more than 1 disease episode. Chronic dialysis (p = 0.002), intravenous drug use (p = 0.002) and diabetes (p = 0.015) were significant risk factors for recurrent episodes of IE, but when analysed separately for the 1-year survivors, only chronic dialysis remained significant (p = 0.017). Recurrences and late valve surgery did not confer a poor prognosis.

Conclusion
Heart failure during the index episode of IE was the complication, which significantly predicted a poor long-term outcome. Patients who underwent surgery during the initial hospitalisation for IE faired significantly better than those who did not.
Efficacy of amodiaquine in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in young children of rural north-western Burkina Faso
Authors: Mandi Germain , Mockenhaupt Frank P , Coulibaly Boubacar , Meissner Peter , Müller Olaf 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Combination therapy has become a new paradigm in malaria treatment. Amodiaquine is a common partner drug in different malaria combination therapies used or investigated in sub-Saharan Africa, but data on its efficacy as a single drug are scarce.

Methods
The objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of amodiaquine against falciparum malaria in neighbouring rural and urban areas of north-western Burkina Faso. The study was designed as an uncontrolled trial in children aged 6–59 months with uncomplicated falciparum malaria in the Nouna Health District.

Results
During the rainy season 2005, 117 children were enrolled, 62 from the rural and 55 from the urban study area. The crude adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) rate was 103/117 (88%) by day 14 but decreased to 28/117 (24%) by day 28. After PCR correction for reinfections, ACPR rates were 108/117 (92%) and 71/117 (61%) by day 14 and day 28, respectively. There were no significant differences in efficacy between urban and rural areas. The Plasmodium falciparum crt K76T mutation not predict AQ failure, but was selected in parasites re-appearing following treatment. No serious adverse events occurred and only 16 other adverse events were recorded.

Conclusion
Compared to chloroquine, amodiaquine is more effective against uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Burkina Faso. However, a considerable degree of amodiaquine resistance already exists and it is currently unclear how this resistance will develop when amodiaquine in combination with other drugs is used on a large scale.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN73824458.
The underlying mechanisms for development of hypertension in the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Yanai Hidekatsu , Tomono Yoshiharu , Ito Kumie , Furutani Nobuyuki , Yoshida Hiroshi , Tada Norio 
Published: April 2008

AbstractHigh blood pressure is an important constituent of the metabolic syndrome. However, the underlying mechanisms for development of hypertension in the metabolic syndrome are very complicated and remain still obscure. Visceral/central obesity, insulin resistance, sympathetic overactivity, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, activated renin-angiotensin system, increased inflammatory mediators, and obstructive sleep apnea have been suggested to be possible factors to develop hypertension in the metabolic syndrome. Here, we will discuss how these factors influence on development of hypertension in the metabolic syndrome.
Iraq War mortality estimates: A systematic review
Authors: Tapp Christine , Burkle Frederick M , Wilson Kumanan , Takaro Tim , Guyatt Gordon H , Amad Hani , Mills Edward J 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn March 2003, the United States invaded Iraq. The subsequent number, rates, and causes of mortality in Iraq resulting from the war remain unclear, despite intense international attention. Understanding mortality estimates from modern warfare, where the majority of casualties are civilian, is of critical importance for public health and protection afforded under international humanitarian law. We aimed to review the studies, reports and counts on Iraqi deaths since the start of the war and assessed their methodological quality and results.MethodsWe performed a systematic search of 15 electronic databases from inception to January 2008. In addition, we conducted a non-structured search of 3 other databases, reviewed study reference lists and contacted subject matter experts. We included studies that provided estimates of Iraqi deaths based on primary research over a reported period of time since the invasion. We excluded studies that summarized mortality estimates and combined non-fatal injuries and also studies of specific sub-populations, e.g. under-5 mortality. We calculated crude and cause-specific mortality rates attributable to violence and average deaths per day for each study, where not already provided.ResultsThirteen studies met the eligibility criteria. The studies used a wide range of methodologies, varying from sentinel-data collection to population-based surveys. Studies assessed as the highest quality, those using population-based methods, yielded the highest estimates. Average deaths per day ranged from 48 to 759. The cause-specific mortality rates attributable to violence ranged from 0.64 to 10.25 per 1,000 per year.ConclusionOur review indicates that, despite varying estimates, the mortality burden of the war and its sequelae on Iraq is large. The use of established epidemiological methods is rare. This review illustrates the pressing need to promote sound epidemiologic approaches to determining mortality estimates and to establish guidelines for policy-makers, the media and the public on how to interpret these estimates.
Multi-Institutional Phase I Trials of Anticancer Agents
Authors: Dowlati Afshin , Manda Sudhir , Gibbons Joseph , Remick Scot C. , Patrick Lauren , Fu Pingfu 
Published: April 2008

Purpose Physicians involved in the conduct of phase I studies of novel anticancer agents have raised concerns about the emergence of multi-institutional phase I trials and about using the optimal biologic dose (OBD) as an alternative to the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) as the primary end point in early drug development. We sought to determine the factors associated with multi-institutional phase I studies and OBD determination. Patients and Methods We reviewed all published phase I trials between January 1998 and June 2006 from two major clinical cancer journals. The following components from each trial were determined: number of participating sites, sponsor, nation where study was conducted, MTD or OBD established, number of patients accrued, mechanism of action of the studied agent, accrual time, and tumor type. Results We identified 463 trials. Fifty-six percent were performed in single institutions. Only 30% reported accrual time. The number of patients enrolled on single institution studies was significantly lower than on multi-institutional studies (P < .05), but there was no difference in accrual time. There was no association between the number of institutions and the sponsor or the mechanism of drug action. National Institutes of Health–sponsored trials enrolled fewer patients per trial than pharmaceutical-sponsored trials (P < .05). Although 99% of trials with cytotoxic agents determined an MTD, only 64% of trials with targeted agents did. Conclusion Multi-institutional phase I studies do not decrease the time to study completion and result in an increase in number of patients per trial. One third of trials with targeted agents failed to determine an MTD.
Spatially distributed ecological risk for fish of a coastal food web exposed to dioxins
Authors: Micheletti Christian , Lovato Tomas , Critto Andrea , Pastres Roberto , Marcomini Antonio 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The ecological risk posed by 2,3,7,8-polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) congeners to five edible fish species of the aquatic food web of Venice Lagoon, Italy, was estimated by applying a state-of the-art kinetic bioaccumulation model. Site-specific data were used to define a representative food web. The experimental data set for model validation and application included PCB and PCDD/F congener concentrations in sediments, in water, and in five organisms (both invertebrates and fish). The spatial distribution of risk was evaluated by dividing the lagoon into six homogeneous areas, and for each area, sediment, water, and organism dioxins concentrations were calculated. The bioaccumulation model was calibrated for both nonmetabolizing and metabolizing congeners, the metabolic elimination rates of which were estimated. The model validation showed an acceptable bioaccumulation estimation, evaluated using the model bias parameter. The calibrated model was applied to the six areas of the lagoon to estimate the fish predicted exposure concentration as 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxicity equivalents from sediment concentration. Internal no-effect concentrations were calculated for each fish species from literature data. Risk was estimated by applying the hazard quotient (HQ) approach, obtaining the ecological risk for each fish species on the basis of 90 and 99% protection levels, in each of the six lagoon areas. The sediment dioxins concentration does not pose a significant risk to the selected fish species at the 90% protection target (HQ &lt; 1), whereas risk is significant (HQ &gt; 1) at the 99% protection target. Risk results were higher near the Porto Marghera industrial district, Italy, and in lagoon zones characterized by a low water-exchange rate and freshwater basin inputs.
Ecotoxicological evaluation of octachlorostyrene in fourth instar larvae of Chironomus riparius (Diptera, chironomidae)
Authors: Lee Si-Won , Park Kwangsik , Hong Jongki , Choi Jinhee 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The ecotoxicological effects of octachlorostyrene (OCS) on the aquatic larvae of the nonbiting midges Chironomus riparius (Diptera, Chironomidae) were investigated by evaluating their responses in various biological organizations, from the molecular and biochemical to the ecophysiological levels. The results of the 24-h lethality test of OCS on C. riparius suggest that this compound has a low acute toxic potential with respect to this species. The OCS exhibited serious chronic toxicity in C. riparius, however, especially on the species' development (pupation and emergence failure), the sex ratio of the emerged adults (high female to male ratio), and the adults' reproduction (oviposition failure). As the basic premise that changes in the gene expression can be harnessed to diagnose the exposure and effects of environmental chemicals is currently receiving significant attention, the increase in the expression of the heat shock protein and hemoglobin genes suggests that altered molecular-level parameters could be interpreted as early warning biomarkers of chemical stress. The establishment of a causal relationship between molecular and organism or population indicators is important, however, from the ecotoxicological point of view, although it is difficult to perform. The experimental evidence generated in the present study, especially at the molecular and biochemical levels, is not sufficient to demonstrate a plausible mechanistic linkage among responses across biological levels. Had more parameters at the molecular and biochemical levels been investigated, the mechanistic linkage might have been better identified. A mechanistic study appears to be necessary to understand causal relationships between gene expression and higher-level consequences, such as development and reproduction. The results of the present study may constitute an important contribution to knowledge on the ecotoxicology of OCS in aquatic organisms, about which little data is available.
Acute lethal and teratogenic effects of tributyltin chloride and copper chloride on mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) eggs and larvae
Authors: Adema-Hannes Rachel , Shenker Jonathan 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Acute and chronic bioassays were used to evaluate the lethal and sublethal effects of copper chloride and tributyltin chloride on mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) embryos, a pelagic life stage often found in the surface microlayer where anthropogenic contaminants can accumulate. Acute bioassay testing determined the median lethal concentration (LC50) for the test organism after 48 h of exposure. Chronic toxicity tests were used to determine the measurement of sublethal parameters, such as developmental abnormalities after 72-h exposures to the toxicants. Embryos were collected 4 h postfertilization and subsequently exposed to 1, 5, 25, 50, and 100 μg/L of copper chloride and 3, 10, 20, 30, and 50 μg/L of tributyltin chloride. Analysis of hatch rate percentage determined that the mean 48-h LC50 of copper chloride and tributyltin chloride was 32.8 and 16.7 μg/L, respectively, based on the pooled data of four experiments with four replicates for each metal. Consistent abnormalities, such as yolk sac swelling, spinal deformities, and decreased hatch rates, were observed for each metal. Teratogenic responses to copper chloride and tributyltin chloride demonstrate the need to investigate further the impacts of pollution in the open oceans to a species indigenous to, and commercially important to, the Florida (USA) coasts. This information could then lead to the future development of a surface microlayer bioassay using mahi mahi embryos.
Fate of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen in agricultural soil receiving liquid municipal biosolids
Authors: Topp Edward , Hendel John G , Lapen David R , Chapman Ralph 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Naproxen (2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl) propionic acid) is widely used for the treatment of pain and swelling associated with arthritis, gout, and other inflammatory conditions. Naproxen has been detected in municipal sewage outflows and in surface waters and could reach agricultural land through the application of municipal biosolids or reclaimed water. The persistence characteristics of naproxen in three agricultural soils were investigated. In laboratory microcosms of moist soil incubated at 30°C, [O-14CH3]naproxen was rapidly and thoroughly mineralized to 14CO2 with comparable kinetics in a sandy loam soil, a loam soil, and a silt loam soil. Naproxen mineralization was responsive to soil temperature and soil moisture content, consistent with the primary mechanism of dissipation being biodegradation. Mineralization of naproxen was hastened by the addition of liquid municipal biosolids (LMBs) from a municipal sewage treatment plant that aerated this material. Naproxen was stable in autoclaved soils with or without addition of autoclaved LMBs, whereas naproxen was rapidly mineralized in sterile soil supplemented with nonsterile LMBs. An enrichment culture was obtained from aerobically digested LMBs in a mineral salts medium with naproxen as the sole source of carbon. The culture converted the parent compound to the corresponding naphthol, O-desmethyl naproxen. In summary, naproxen was rapidly removed from soil, with mesophilic aerobic biodegradation being the primary mechanism of dissipation. Microorganisms carried in biosolids enhanced naproxen dissipation in soil, with the initial mechanism of attack likely being O-demethylation. We conclude on this basis that naproxen in soils receiving biosolids would be readily biodegradable and, in the absence of preferential flow or runoff, pose little risk for contamination of adjacent water or crops.
Protective Role of Programmed Death 1 Ligand 1 (PD-L1)in Nonobese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Wang Chia-Jen , Chou Feng-Cheng , Chu Chi-Hong , Wu Jen-Chine , Lin Shih-Hua , Chang Deh-Ming , Sytwu Huey-Kang 
Published: April 2008

OBJECTIVE—Coinhibitory signals mediated via programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor play a critical role in downregulating immune responses and in maintaining peripheral tolerance. Programmed death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), the interacting ligand for PD-1, widely expressed in many cell types, acts as a tissue-specific negative regulator of pathogenic T-cell responses. We investigated the protective potential of PD-L1 on autoimmune diabetes by transgenically overexpressing PD-L1 in pancreatic β-cells in nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We established an insulin promoter–driven murine PD-L1 transgenic NOD mouse model to directly evaluate the protective effect of an organ-specific PD-L1 transgene against autoimmune diabetes. Transgene expression, insulitis, and diabetic incidence were characterized in these transgenic NOD mice. Lymphocyte development, Th1 cells, and regulatory T-cells were analyzed in these transgenic mice; and T-cell proliferation, adoptive transfer, and islet transplantation were performed to evaluate the PD-L1 transgene–mediated immune-protective mechanisms.
RESULTS—The severity of insulitis in these transgenic mice is significantly decreased, disease onset is delayed, and the incidence of diabetes is markedly decreased compared with littermate controls. NOD/SCID mice that received lymphocytes from transgenic mice became diabetic at a slower rate than mice receiving control lymphocytes. Moreover, lymphocytes collected from recipients transferred by lymphocytes from transgenic mice revealed less proliferative potential than lymphocytes obtained from control recipients. Transgenic islets transplanted in diabetic recipients survived moderately longer than control islets.
CONCLUSIONS—Our results demonstrate the protective potential of transgenic PD-L1 in autoimmune diabetes and illustrate its role in downregulating diabetogenic T-cells in NOD mice.
The Effect of Subject Age on the Microtensile Bond Strengths of a Resin and a Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Adhesive to Tooth Structure
Authors: Brackett W. W. , Tay F. R. , Looney S. W. , Ito S. , Haisch L. D. , Pashley D. H. 
Published: April 2008

Clinical Relevance
For the materials tested, there was no difference in adhesion to young and aged tooth structure.
Dextran
Authors: de Belder Anthony N. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The article contains sections titled:

1.

Introduction

2.

Structure, Chemical, and Physicochemical Properties

2.1.

Structure

2.2.

Physicochemical Properties

2.3.

Reactivity

3.

Production

3.1.

Biosynthesis

3.2.

Production of Clinical Dextran

3.3.

Future Trends

4.

Quality Specifications

5.

Storage

6.

Uses

6.1.

Clinical Products

6.2.

General Uses

7.

Economic Aspects

8.

Toxicology
Polymer Photovoltaic Devices Employing a Chemically Fixed p–i–n Junction
Authors: Leger Janelle M. , Patel Dinesh G. , Rodovsky Deanna B. , Bartholomew Glenn P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPolymer photovoltaic devices commonly suffer from low power conversion efficiencies despite the potential for much higher performance. Here we apply a recently reported system for creating a chemically fixed polymer p‐i‐n junction to polymer photovoltaic devices. Both single‐component and blended donor/acceptor devices are fabricated and tested. We study the devices during charging and find that the changes in light and dark current characteristics are consistent with the formation of a p‐i‐n junction in the active material. While the overall performance of these systems need improvement, the devices show promising open circuit voltages, suggesting the possibility for improving the state‐of‐the‐art in polymer photovoltaic techno logies with continued materials development.