bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of hypoxia in development
Authors: Webster William S. , Abela Dominique 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that the oxygen supply to the human embryo in the first trimester is tightly controlled, suggesting that too much oxygen may interfere with development. The use of hypoxia probes in mammalian embryos during the organogenic period indicates that the embryo is normally in a state of partial hypoxia, and this may be essential to control cardiovascular development, perhaps under the control of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF). A consequence of this state of partial hypoxia is that disturbances in the oxygen supply can more easily lead to a damaging degree of hypoxia. Experimental mammalian embryos show a surprising degree of resilience to hypoxia, with many organogenic stage embryos able to survive 30–60 min of anoxia. However, in some embryos this degree of hypoxia causes abnormal development, particularly transverse limb reduction defects. These abnormalities are preceded by hemorrhage/edema and tissue necrosis. Other parts of the embryo are also susceptible to this hypoxia‐induced damage and include the genital tubercle, the developing nose, the tail, and the central nervous system. Other frequently observed defects in animal models of prenatal hypoxia include cleft lip, maxillary hypoplasia, and heart defects. Animal studies indicate that hypoxic episodes in the first trimester of human pregnancy could occur by temporary constriction of the uterine arteries. This could be a consequence of exposure to cocaine, misoprostol, or severe shock, and there is evidence that these exposures have resulted in hypoxia‐related malformations in the human. Exposure to drugs that block the potassium current (IKr) can cause severe slowing and arrhythmia of the mammalian embryonic heart and consequently hypoxia in the embryo. These drugs are highly teratogenic in experimental animals. There is evidence that drugs with IKr blockade as a side effect, for example phenytoin, may cause birth defects in the human by causing periods of embryonic hypoxia. The strongest evidence of hypoxia causing birth defects in the human comes from studies of fetuses lacking hemoglobin (Hb) F. These fetuses are thought to be hypoxic from about the middle of the first trimester and show a range of birth defects, particularly transverse limb reduction defects. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 81:215–228, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of statins on proteolytic activity in the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Abisi S , Burnand K G , Humphries J , Waltham M , Taylor P , Smith A 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of statin treatment on the activity of proteases in the wall of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Methods
The activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 9 and 3, cathepsins B, H, K, L and S, and the cystatin C level were measured in extracts of AAA wall taken from 82 patients undergoing AAA repair; 21 patients were receiving statin treatment before surgery. All values were standardized against soluble protein (SP) concentration in the extract, and reported as median (interquartile range) or mean(s.e.m.).

Results
The two groups had similar demographics. Reduced activity of MMP-9 (43 (34–56) versus 80 (62–110) pg per mg SP; P &lt; 0·001), cathepsin H (183 (117–366) versus 321 (172–644) nmol 4-methylcoumarin-7-amide released per mg SP; P = 0·016) and cathepsin L (102 (51–372) versus 287 (112–816) µmol 7-amino-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin released per mg SP; P = 0·020) was found in the statin-treated aortas compared with AAAs from patients not taking a statin. The statin-treated group had lower MMP-3 activity, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0·053). Cystatin C levels were higher in statin-treated aortas than in controls (41·3(3·1) versus 28·9(2·1) ng per mg SP; P = 0·003).

Conclusion
Statins decreased the activity of proteases that have been implicated in aneurysm disease.
Randomized clinical trial of moxonidine in patients undergoing major vascular surgery
Authors: Bolliger D , Seeberger M D , Lurati Buse G A L , Christen P , Gürke L , Filipovic M 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

Background
Myocardial ischaemia is the leading cause of perioperative morbidity and mortality after surgery in patients with coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of moxonidine, a centrally acting sympatholytic agent, on perioperative myocardial ischaemia and 1-year mortality in patients undergoing major vascular surgery.

Methods
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled two-centre trial, 141 patients were randomly assigned to receive moxonidine or placebo on the morning before surgery and on the following 4 days. Levels of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) were analysed before surgery and on days 1, 2, 3 and 7 thereafter. Holter electrocardiograms were recorded for 48 h starting before the administration of the study drug. Patients were followed daily during admission and by telephone interview 12 months after surgery.

Results
The incidence of raised perioperative cTnI levels or alteration in the ST segment in the Holter electrocardiogram or both was 40 per cent in the moxonidine group and 37 per cent in the placebo group (P = 0·694). All-cause mortality rates within 12 months were 10 per cent in the moxonidine group and 11 per cent in the placebo group (P = 0·870).

Conclusion
Small oral doses of moxonidine did not reduce the incidence of perioperative myocardial ischaemia and had no effect on mortality in patients undergoing vascular surgery. Registration number: NCT00244504 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Lasp‐2 expression, localization, and ligand interactions: A new Z‐disc scaffolding protein
Authors: Zieseniss Anke , Terasaki Asako G. , Gregorio Carol C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe nebulin family of actin‐binding proteins plays an important role in actin filament dynamics in a variety of cells including striated muscle. We report here the identification of a new striated muscle Z‐disc associated protein: lasp‐2 (LIM and SH3 domain protein‐2). Lasp‐2 is the most recently identified member of the nebulin family. To evaluate the role of lasp‐2 in striated muscle, lasp‐2 gene expression and localization were studied in chick and mouse tissue, as well as in primary cultures of chick cardiac and skeletal myocytes. Lasp‐2 mRNA was detected as early as chick embryonic stage 25 and lasp‐2 protein was associated with developing premyofibril structures, Z‐discs of mature myofibrils, focal adhesions, and intercalated discs of cultured cardiomyocytes. Expression of GFP‐tagged lasp‐2 deletion constructs showed that the C‐terminal region of lasp‐2 is important for its localization in striated muscle cells. Lasp‐2 organizes actin filaments into bundles and interacts directly with the Z‐disc protein alpha‐actinin. These results are consistent with a function of lasp‐2 as a scaffolding and actin filament organizing protein within striated muscle Z‐discs. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emerging molecular mechanisms that power and regulate the anastral mitotic spindle of flowering plants
Authors: Bannigan Alex , Lizotte‐Waniewski Michelle , Riley Margaret , Baskin Tobias I. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractFlowering plants, lacking centrosomes as well as dynein, assemble their mitotic spindle via a pathway that is distinct visually and molecularly from that of animals and yeast. The molecular components underlying mitotic spindle assembly and function in plants are beginning to be discovered. Here, we review recent evidence suggesting the preprophase band in plants functions analogously to the centrosome in animals in establishing spindle bipolarity, and we review recent progress characterizing the roles of specific motor proteins in plant mitosis. Loss of function of certain minus‐end‐directed KIN‐14 motor proteins causes a broadening of the spindle pole; whereas, loss of function of a KIN‐5 causes the formation of monopolar spindles, resembling those formed when the homologous motor protein (e.g., Eg5) is knocked out in animal cells. We present a phylogeny of the kinesin‐5 motor domain, which shows deep divergence among plant sequences, highlighting possibilities for specialization. Finally, we review information concerning the roles of selected structural proteins at mitosis as well as recent findings concerning regulation of M‐phase in plants. Insight into the mitotic spindle will be obtained through continued comparison of mitotic mechanisms in a diversity of cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fluency remediation in dyslexic children: does age make a difference?
Authors: Tressoldi Patrizio E. , Lorusso Maria Luisa , Brenbati Federica , Donini Roberta 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis whether older dyslexic children may obtain fewer gains on fluency and accuracy with respect to their younger peers after specific remediation.Changes in accuracy and fluency of a group of children with a diagnosis of dyslexia attending third and fourth grades were compared with those obtained by a group of children attending the sixth, seventh or eighth grade in two different treatments, one based on the Balance model (Bakker) and the second based on the automatization of syllable recognition (sublexical).Among all comparisons between the gains in accuracy and fluency obtained by the two groups, only the younger group in the sublexical treatment obtained a statistically significant gain with respect to their older peers' accuracy in reading words.These outcomes suggest that, at least for the chronological ages and types of treatments considered in this study, older children with dyslexia may obtain comparable gains to their younger peers, suggesting that ‘it is never too late’ to remediate reading fluency and accuracy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The tripartite influence model of body image and eating disturbance: A replication with a Japanese sample
Authors: Yamamiya Yuko , Shroff Hemal , Thompson J. Kevin 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjective:To examine the tripartite influence model of body image and eating disturbance as a viable sociocultural explanation for the development of eating and body image problems with young Japanese females.Method:A sample of 289 Japanese female undergraduates completed a variety of measures designed to index family, peer, and media influences, as well as levels of body dissatisfaction, eating disturbances, and self‐esteem.Results:The data were evaluated with structural equation modeling to test the tripartite model. Fit indices indicated a moderate fit to the overall tripartite model, replicating previous findings.Conclusion:This study suggests that the sociocultural variables found to influence body image and eating disturbances in Japan are similar to those observed with US samples. The implications for prevention and intervention programs are discussed. © 2007 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Carbohydrate‐Based VEGF Inhibitors
Authors: Haag Tobias , Hughes Richard A. , Ritter Gerd , Schmidt Richard R. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCyclic peptide–carbohydrates (compounds 1a–c, 2, 33, 34) were designed and synthesized to act as mimetics of loop 2 of the proangiogenic molecule vascular endothelial growth factor D (VEGF‐D). The mimetics were designed to inhibit dimerization of the receptors (VEGFR‐2 and VEGFR‐3) by VEGF‐D, and thus have the potential to inhibit angiogenesis. To this end, in the previously described cyclic octapeptide CNEESLIC and the cyclic nonapeptide CGNEESLIC inhibitors derived from VEGF‐D loop 2, the NEES tetrapeptide residue was replaced by a carbohydrate scaffold having the amino acid side chain mimics in positions proposed by modeling studies. Attachment of the additional amino acids using the Fmoc technology, then formation of the cyclic disulfides, and finally total deprotection afforded the target molecules of which 2 and 34 showed an ability to inhibit the biological activity of VEGF‐D through VEGFR‐2 in cell‐based assays, albeit at high mimetic concentration.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Incorporation of covariates into multipoint linkage disequilibrium mapping in case‐control studies
Authors: Chiu Yen‐Feng , Liang Kung‐Yee , Chuang Lee‐Ming , Beaty Terri H. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCase‐control designs are commonly adopted in genetic epidemiological studies because they are cost effective and offer powerful tests for genetic and environmental risk factors, as well as their interactions. Previously, we proposed an association mapping approach to estimate the position of an unobserved disease locus as well as measuring its genetic effect on risk. The method provides a confidence interval for the estimated map position to help narrow the chromosomal region potentially harboring a disease locus. However, concerns often rise about case‐control designs including possible false positives or bias due to confounders, heterogeneity or interactions among genes and between genes and environments. In the present work, we extended the multipoint linkage disequilibrium mapping approach for case‐control studies to incorporate information about factors influencing the effect of causal genes to improve precision and efficiency of the estimated location. The efficiency, bias and coverage probability of this extended approach for locating a disease locus using case‐control data with and without additional information on a covariate were compared through simulation. An example of a case‐control study for type 2 diabetes was used to illustrate this extended method. In this study, a strong association between diabetes and a candidate gene, SCL2A10, was detected among nonobese subjects, whereas no evidence of association was found for either obese subjects or the whole sample when obesity was ignored. Simulation studies and these diabetes data both demonstrate how the efficiency of the estimated location of a disease gene can be improved substantially by incorporating information on covariates. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A support vector machine approach for detecting gene‐gene interaction
Authors: Chen Shyh‐Huei , Sun Jielin , Dimitrov Latchezar , Turner Aubrey R. , Adams Tamara S. , Meyers Deborah A. , Chang Bao‐Li , Zheng S. Lilly , Grönberg Henrik , Xu Jianfeng , Hsu Fang‐Chi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAlthough genetic factors play an important role in most human diseases, multiple genes or genes and environmental factors may influence individual risk. In order to understand the underlying biological mechanisms of complex diseases, it is important to understand the complex relationships that control the process. In this paper, we consider different perspectives, from each optimization, complexity analysis, and algorithmic design, which allows us to describe a reasonable and applicable computational framework for detecting gene‐gene interactions. Accordingly, support vector machine and combinatorial optimization techniques (local search and genetic algorithm) were tailored to fit within this framework. Although the proposed approach is computationally expensive, our results indicate this is a promising tool for the identification and characterization of high order gene‐gene and gene‐environment interactions. We have demonstrated several advantages of this method, including the strong power for classification, less concern for overfitting, and the ability to handle unbalanced data and achieve more stable models. We would like to make the support vector machine and combinatorial optimization techniques more accessible to genetic epidemiologists, and to promote the use and extension of these powerful approaches. Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The triggering of debris flow due to channel‐bed failure in some alpine headwater basins of the Dolomites: analyses of critical runoff
Authors: Gregoretti C. , Fontana G. Dalla 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe debris deposits at the bottom of very steep natural channels and streams in high mountain areas can be mobilized by runoff, triggering a water–sediment mixture flow known as debris flow. The routing of debris flow through human settlements can cause damage to civil structures and loss of human lives. The prediction of such an event, or the runoff discharge that triggers it, assumes an interest in risk analyses and the planning of defence measures. The object of this study is to find a method to determine the critical runoff value that triggers debris flow as a result of channel‐bed failure. Historical and rainfall data on 30 debris flows that occurred in six watersheds of the Dolomites (north‐eastern Italian Alps) were collected from different sources. Field investigations at the six sites, together with the hydrologic response to the rainfalls that triggered the events, were performed to obtain a realistic scenario of the formation of the debris flow there occurred. Field observations include a survey along the channel of the triggering reach of debris flow, with measurements of the channel slope and cross‐section and sampling of debris deposits for grain size distribution. Simulated runoff discharge values based on the rainfall recorded by pluviometers were then compared with values obtained through experimental criteria on the initiation and formation of debris flow by bed failure. The results are discussed to provide a plausible physical‐based method for the prediction of the triggering of debris flow by channel‐bed failure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of antecedent rainfall on pore‐water pressure distribution characteristics in residual soil slopes under tropical rainfall
Authors: Rahardjo H. , Leong E. C. , Rezaur R. B. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCharacteristics of changes in pore‐water pressure distribution are the main parameters associated with slope stability analysis involving unsaturated soils, which are directly affected by the flux boundary conditions (rainfall infiltration, evaporation and evapo‐transpiration) at the soil–atmosphere interface. Four slopes were instrumented in two major geological formations in Singapore to provide real‐time measurements of pore‐water pressures and rainfall events on the slopes. The field monitoring results were analysed to characterize pore‐water pressure distributions under various meteorological conditions and to study the effect of antecedent rainfall on pore‐water pressure distributions in typical residual soil slopes under tropical climate. Slope stability analyses were also conducted for the best and worst pore‐water pressure distributions recorded in each slope to determine the range of factor of safety for the slopes. Results indicate that, antecedent rainfall, initial pore‐water pressures prior to a significant rainfall event as well as the magnitude of the rainfall event play a crucial role in the development of the worst pore‐water pressure condition in a slope. The role of antecedent rainfall in the development of the worst pore‐water pressure condition was found to be more significant in residual soils with low permeability as compared with that in residual soils with high permeability. Pore‐water pressure variation due to rainfall was found to take place over a wide range in residual soils with higher permeability as compared to residual soils with lower permeability. The worst pore‐water pressure profiles occurred when the total rainfall including the 5‐day antecedent rainfall (in most cases) reached a maximum value during a wet period. The factor of safety of residual soils with low permeability was found to be unaffected by the worst pore‐water pressure condition. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Representation of agricultural conservation practices with SWAT
Authors: Arabi Mazdak , Frankenberger Jane R. , Engel Bernie A. , Arnold Jeff G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractResults of modelling studies for the evaluation of water quality impacts of agricultural conservation practices depend heavily on the numerical procedure used to represent the practices. Herein, a method for the representation of several agricultural conservation practices with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is developed and evaluated. The representation procedure entails identifying hydrologic and water quality processes that are affected by practice implementation, selecting SWAT parameters that represent the affected processes, performing a sensitivity analysis to ascertain the sensitivity of model outputs to selected parameters, adjusting the selected parameters based on the function of conservation practices, and verifying the reasonableness of the SWAT results. This representation procedure is demonstrated for a case study of a small agricultural watershed in Indiana in the Midwestern USA. The methods developed in the present work can be applied with other watershed models that employ similar underlying equations to represent hydrologic and water quality processes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan/gelatin blends for biomedical applications
Authors: Pulieri Ettore , Chiono Valeria , Ciardelli Gianluca , Vozzi Giovanni , Ahluwalia Arti , Domenici Claudio , Vozzi Federico , Giusti Paolo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBlends between chitosan (CS) and gelatin (G) with various compositions (CS/G 0/100 20/80, 40/60, 60/40, 100/0 w/w) were produced as candidate materials for biomedical applications. Dehydro‐thermal crosslinking was adopted to promote the formation of amide and ester bonds between the macromolecules ((CS/G)‐t). The effect of composition and crosslinking on the physico‐chemical properties of the samples was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetry, contact angle measurements, dissolution and swelling tests. Mechanical properties of (CS/G)‐t samples were also determined through stress–strain and creep‐recovery tests. The elastic moduli of dry blend samples showed a positive deviation from the additive law of the in‐series model, because of interactions and/or chemical bonds between components. The comparison between the elastic moduli of wet samples and those of different human tissues showed that (CS/G)‐t substrates can be suitable for soft‐tissue reconstruction. (CS/G)‐t two‐dimensional scaffolds were fabricated by micro‐molding, based on the use of a polydimethylsiloxane mould to create patterns with micro‐scale resolution on cast films. Biocompatibility of (CS/G)‐t samples was studied by means of cell tests using NIH‐3T3 fibroblasts. Finally, the evaluation of the affinity of (CS/G)‐t samples towards neuroblastoma cells adhesion and proliferation was performed, showing promising results for the blend containing 80 wt % gelatin. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008