bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Depression Symptoms in South Korean Adolescent and Young Adult Twins
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIt has been reported that prevalence estimates, symptom presentation, and sociocultural risk and protective factors for depression differ between Caucasian and East Asian populations. But, nonetheless, as the vast majority of twin studies of depression symptoms have been carried out using Caucasians, genetic and environmental influences on depression symptoms in East Asians remain poorly understood. In the present study, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies — Depression Scale (CES-D) was administered to 490 pairs of South Korean adolescent and young adult twins (ages: 13–23 years) by telephone interview. In males, monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin correlations were similar (.44 vs. .41), suggesting the importance of shared environmental factors in depression symptoms. In females, however, MZ twin correlation was much greater than DZ twin correlation (.40 vs. .23), indicating the importance of genetic influences. The total phenotypic variance for the CES-D was greater in females than in males. Variance components model confirmed sex differences in the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on depression symptoms: Additive genetic, shared environmental, and individual specific environmental effects in the full model were, res pectively, 12% (95% CI: 0–54%), 32% (95% CI: 0–53%), and 56% (95% CI: 44–70%) in males, and 41% (95% CI: 0–52%), 0% (95% CI: 0–36%), and 59% (95% CI: 48–72%) in females. Similar results were observed when ‘culturally biased’ items of the CES-D were separately analyzed. These variance components estimates for depression symptoms in East Asians overlap those observed in Caucasians.
Sex Differences in Genetic and Environmental Influences on Obsessive–Compulsive Symptoms in South Korean Adolescent and Young Adult Twins
Authors: Hur Yoon-Mi , Jeong Hoe-Uk 
Published: May 2008

AbstractRecent molecular genetic studies provide suggestive evidence for sexual dimorphism in genetics of obsessive-compulsive disorder. However, only a few twin studies have addressed the question of sex differences in genetic and environmental contributions to variation of obsessive–compulsive symptoms. The aim of the present study was to estimate genetic and environmental influences on obsessive–compulsive symptoms in South Korean twins, with a special emphasis on sex difference. In total, 751 adolescent and young adult twin pairs (ages: 13–23 years) completed a Korean version of the 30 items of the Maudsley Obsessional — Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) through a mail survey. A sum of the answers for the 30 items was calculated to represent a total score for obsessive–compulsive symptoms (hereafter, the MOCIT). Males had significantly higher variance of the MOCIT than did females. In males, monozygotic (MZ) twin correlation was significantly higher than dizygotic (DZ) twin correlations (.56 vs. .24), whereas in females, MZ and DZ twin correlations were not significantly different from each other (.39 vs. .36). The general sex-limitation model was applied to the twin data. The results of model-fitting analyses indicated that the unstandardized genetic variance as well as heritability estimate (53% vs. 41%) for the MOCIT was higher in males than in females. However, shared environmental influences did not attain statistical significance perhaps due to insufficient statistical power.
Multivariate Genetic Analyses of the 2D:4D Ratio: Examining the Effects of Hand and Measurement Technique in Data from 757 Twin Families
Authors: Medland Sarah E. , Loehlin John C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe ratio of the lengths of the second to fourth digits of the hand (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait that has been proposed as a measure of prenatal testosterone exposure and a putative correlate of a variety of later behavioral and physiological outcomes including personality, fitness and sexual orientation. We present analyses of 2D:4D ratios collected from twins (1413 individuals) and their nontwin siblings (328 individuals) from 757 families. In this sample 2D:4D was measured from photocopies using digital calipers, and for a subset of participants, computer-aided measurement. Multivariate modeling of the left- and right-hand measurements revealed significant genetic and environmental covariation between hands. The two methods yielded very similar results, and the majority of variance was explained by factors shared by both measurement methods. Neither common environmental nor dominant genetic effects were found, and the covariation between siblings could be accounted for by additive genetic effects accounting for 80% and 71% of the variance for the left and right hands, respectively. There was no evidence of sex differences in the total variance, nor in the magnitude or source of genetic and environmental influences, suggesting that X-linked effects (such as the previously identified association with the Androgen receptor) are likely to be small. However, there were also nonshared environmental effects specific to each hand, which, in addition to measurement error, may in part explain why some studies within in the literature find effects for the 2D:4D ratio of one hand but not the other.
Discordant Prenatal Phenotype and Karyotype of Monozygotic Twins Characterized by the Unequal Distribution of Two Cell Lines Investigated by Different Methods: A Review
Authors: Gentilin Barbara , Guerneri Silvana , Bianchi Vera , Natacci Federica , Colombo Augusto , Fogliani Roberto , Fortuna Renato , Coviello Domenico A. , Curcio Cristina , Lalatta Faustina 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe present the case of a monozygotic twin pregnancy discordant for phenotype and karyotype. A chorionic villus sample was performed at the 11th week of gestation in a primigravida because of cystic hygroma detected by ultrasound in one twin of a monochorionic, biamniotic pregnancy. Rapid testing by means of quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction and conventional karyotyping, obtained by both short- and long-term culture, revealed a homogeneous monosomy X (45,X). Amniocentesis was performed separately for both twins before termination and showed an homogeneous monosomy X in one sample and a 46,X,del(X)(p11.1) karyotype in the other one. Postmortem fetal tissues culture confirmed the discordant karyotype between the two embryos. Placental samples obtained after termination revealed the cell line which was not detected at chorionic villus sampling. Based on this and previous reports, we suggest that in cases of a phenotypic discordance detected at ultrasound in the first trimester, it is advisable to perform a karyotype analysis on amniocytes because it better reflects fetal constitution rather than chorionic villi or lymphocytes in case of heterokaryotipic monosomy X monochorionic twins.
Elizabeth M. Bryan: Tributes From Home and Abroad; Research Reviews: Anorexia Nervosa in Opposite-Sex Twins, Twin Study of Self-Esteem, DNA Differences in Monozygotic Twins; Twins and More Twins: Twins Living Apart, Twins Playing Together, Twins Working Together, Twins Playing Apart, Multiple Birth Odds
Authors: Segal Nancy L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractElizabeth M. Bryan: Tributes From Home and AbroadMay 13, 1942 – February 21, 2008The life and work of Dr Elizabeth M. Bryan, our late distinguished twin studies colleague, are remembered. Tributes come from colleagues in the United States and the United Kingdom, where Elizabeth lived and worked. This section is followed by reviews of twin research on anorexia nervosa, self-esteem and DNA differences in monozygotic twins. The lives of some noteworthy twins are also briefly chronicled, both for their scientific value and human interest. An update on current twinning rates follows.
Evaluation of endocrine testing of Leydig cell function using extractive and recombinant human chorionic gonadotropin and different doses of recombinant human LH in normal men
Authors: Cailleux-Bounacer Anne , Reznik Yves , Cauliez Bruno , Menard Jean François , Duparc Céline , Kuhn Jean Marc 
Published: May 2008

BackgroundThe functional testing of endocrine testis uses extractive human chorionic gonadotropin (ehCG). Recombinant human hCG (rhCG), avoiding any contamination, should replace ehCG. Moreover, a functional evaluation with recombinant human LH (rhLH) would be closer to physiology than a pharmacological testing with hCG.MethodsThe study was conducted in normal men. We first evaluated the dose–effect of ehCG on plasma testosterone and estradiol levels, before and after injection of either hCG or vehicle. Secondly, the responses to the optimal dose of ehCG were compared with those of rhCG. Thirdly, we investigated the dose–effect of rhLH, on steroid hormone secretion. LH, testosterone, and estradiol plasma levels were measured after the injection of either rhLH or placebo.ResultsehCG induced dose-dependent increases in plasma estradiol and testosterone levels. They respectively peaked at 24 and 72 h after the injection. The most potent dose of ehCG (5000 IU) induced results similar to those observed with 250 μg (6500 IU) rhCG. By comparison with placebo, rhLH induced a significant and dose-dependent increase in plasma testosterone levels 4 h after the injection. Peak response of testosterone to rhLH and rhCG was significantly correlated. rhLH did not induce significant change in plasma estradiol level.ConclusionsIn normal men, a single i.v. injection of 150 IU rhLH induces a 25% rise in plasma testosterone levels by comparison with placebo. At the moment, the dynamic evaluation using hCG remains the gold standard test to explore the Leydig cell function. The use of 250 μg rhCG avoiding any contamination should be recommended.
Normalization of catecholamine production following resection of phaeochromocytoma positively influences carotid vascular remodelling
Authors: Bernini Giampaolo , Galetta Fabio , Franzoni Ferdinando , Bardini Michele , Taurino Chiara , Moretti Angelica , Bernini Matteo , Berti Piero , Miccoli Paolo , Salvetti Antonio 
Published: May 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate the influence of plasma catecholamines on the vascular structure in humans, the effects of catecholamine normalization on the carotid wall of patients with phaeochromocytoma (PHEO) were investigated. A prospective study in patients with PHEO before and after (first follow-up: 20.5±1.8 months, second follow-up: 31.5±2.2 months) successful surgery was conducted in the University Referral Center for Blood Pressure Diseases. Ten consecutive patients with PHEOs and ten age- and blood pressure-matched controls were investigated. Intima–media thickness (IMT) by two-dimensional conventional ultrasonography and corrected ultrasonic integrated backscatter signal (C-IBS) analysis of carotid arteries were investigated in basal conditions and after mass removal.ResultsIn PHEOs, at variance with the expected reduction in metanephrines and catecholamines, no variation in body weight, blood pressure and lipid profile was observed after operation. IMT and C-IBS values in patients with PHEO were greater (at least P<0.01) than in controls. At long-term follow-up after surgery, a significant reduction in mean carotid IMT (P<0.0009) and C-IBS (P<0.009) values was observed. A significant correlation (r=0.54, P<0.03) was found between absolute reduction in C-IBS values and absolute decrement in urinary normetanephrine levels.ConclusionsOur study shows that normalization of catecholamine levels after the removal of PHEO improves carotid IMT and reduces carotid wall fibrosis even without influencing blood pressure and lipid profile. These findings confirm that high catecholamine tone in humans directly influences vascular remodelling of carotid arteries.
The association of thyroid function with carotid artery plaque burden and strokes in a population-based sample from a previously iodine-deficient area
Authors: Dörr Marcus , Empen Klaus , Robinson Daniel M , Wallaschofski Henri , Felix Stephan B , Völzke Henry 
Published: May 2008

BackgroundThyroid dysfunction is associated with detrimental cardiovascular effects. We analyzed whether thyroid status is related to carotid artery plaques and prevalent strokes.Design, patients and measurementsData from 2128 subjects (1157 men and 971 women) aged ≥45 years without thyroid diseases participating in the Study of Health in Pomerania were analyzed. The presence of carotid plaques was assessed by B-mode ultrasound and prevalent stroke was assessed by interview. The sample was divided according to the reference range of serum TSH levels into decreased (<0.25 mIU/l), normal (0.25–2.12 mIU/l), and elevated (>2.12 mIU/l). Logistic regression models were adjusted for common confounders including age, sex, BMI, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, school education, plasma fibrinogen and serum cholesterol levels, and statins.ResultsThe prevalence of carotid plaques at any site was higher in subjects with decreased serum TSH levels (81.7%) compared with normal serum TSH levels (70.2%) and elevated serum TSH levels (65.6%; P<0.001). Fully adjusted logistic regression models revealed increased odds for carotid plaques (odds ratio (OR) 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–2.51; P<0.05) as well as for prevalent strokes (OR 1.98; 95% CI 1.05–3.73; P<0.05) in subjects with decreased serum TSH levels, while there was no association between elevated serum TSH levels and carotid plaques or stroke respectively.ConclusionsThyroid function was associated with the presence of carotid artery plaques and prevalent strokes in this population-based sample. Periodical screening and early treatment of atherosclerotic risk factors should be performed in subjects with decreased serum TSH levels.
Recombinant human GH replacement increases CD34+ cells and improves endothelial function in adults with GH deficiency
Authors: van der Klaauw Agatha A , Pereira Alberto M , Rabelink Ton J , Corssmit Eleonora P M , Zonneveld Anton-Jan , Pijl Hanno , de Boer Hetty C , Smit Johannes W A , Romijn Johannes A , de Koning Eelco J P 
Published: May 2008

ObjectiveAdult patients with GH deficiency (GHD) are at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Endothelial function, vascular stiffness, and loss of circulating CD34+ cells are considered biomarkers for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to assess vascular structure and function in relation to circulating CD34+ cells in adults with GHD before and during 1 year of recombinant human GH (rhGH) replacement.DesignOne-year intervention with rhGH.Patients and methodsVascular function (flow-mediated dilatation (FMD)) and structure (pulse wave velocity (PWV) and analysis) were assessed in 14 adult patients (nine men) with GHD (mean age 57 years, range 27–71 years). In addition, the number of CD34+ cells was evaluated using flow cytometric analysis. Study parameters were analyzed at baseline, and after 6 months and 1 year of rhGH replacement.ResultsrhGH replacement increased IGF-I levels from 10.4±4.5 mmol/l at baseline to 18.4±10.1 mmol/l, and 20.5±8.0 mmol/l, at 6 months, and 1 year respectively (P=0.001). FMD increased from 3.5±1.8% to 6.0±2.5% and 5.1±2.5% during 1 year of rhGH replacement (P=0.008). There was no beneficial effect on PWV, central pulse pressure, central systolic pressure, and augmentation index. The number of CD34+ cells increased from 794.9±798.8 to 1270.7±580.1 cells/ml and to 1356.9±759.0 cells/ml (P=0.010).ConclusionOne year of rhGH replacement in adults with GHD improves endothelial function and increases the number of circulating CD34+ cells.
Irrigation Canals as Sink Habitat for Trout and Other Fishes in a Wyoming Drainage
Authors: Roberts James J. , Rahel Frank J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIrrigation canals can be a major source of mortality for fish in the Rocky Mountain region. Our study looked at how fish were affected by the irrigation canal system in the Smiths Fork, a tributary to the Bear River in western Wyoming. There are two native species of conservation concern in the Smiths Fork drainage: Bonneville cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii utah and northern leatherside chub Lepidomeda copei. Our objectives were to determine the relative abundance of each species within the canals and the fate of trout (Bonneville cutthroat trout and brown trout Salmo trutta) that enter canals. During the summer of 2003 we sampled 30 sites within the Covey Canal system, which is the largest canal system withdrawing water from the Smiths Fork. Because fish were observed to accumulate at certain spots in the canal system, we developed a sampling scheme that incorporated both random sample sites and sites known to attract fish. We estimated that between 6,300 and 10,400 fish encompassing 10 species were entrained in this canal system. The two most abundant species were speckled dace Rhinichthys osculus (29% of all fish) and mountain sucker Catostomus platyrhynchus (37% of all fish). Bonneville cutthroat trout and northern leatherside chub each comprised 2% of the total entrained fish. We implanted 30 Bonneville cutthroat trout and 13 brown trout with radio transmitters to determine whether entrained trout could leave the canal system when water levels were reduced in late summer. We found that 77% of the transmitter‐implanted fish died within the canals, indicating that this system functions as sink habitat for Bonneville cutthroat trout and brown trout. Based on this mortality rate, we estimated that 120 Bonneville cutthroat trout (95% confidence interval, 75‐165) and 299 brown trout (280‐317) perished in the Covey Canal system during the summer of 2003.
Stage-dependent differences in effects of carbaryl on population growth rate in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes)
Authors: Kashiwada Shosaku , Tatsuta Haruki , Kameshiro Maiko , Sugaya Yoshio , Sabo-Attwood Tara , Chandler G. Thomas , Ferguson P. Lee , Goka Koichi 
Published: May 2008

AbstractFish embryo toxicology is important because embryos are considered more susceptible than adult fish to the effects of toxic chemicals. Recently, fish embryo bioassay was proposed to replace the conventional fish acute toxicity chemical test of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines because it offers the advantages of fewer reagents, easy handling, and efficient data production. To accelerate the establishment of a chemical toxicity database for the protection of environmental and human health, we need to determine whether the conventional toxicity test can safely be replaced by such fish embryo toxicity tests. For instance, it is unclear how the presence of the chorion moderates the toxic effects of some chemicals. If such chemical toxicities do differ between embryos and, for example, the larval stage, then different toxic effects should appear in later life. We tested the later-life effects of the neurotoxic insecticide carbaryl at sublethal concentrations (0 [control] and 5 and 10 mg/L) in embryos and posthatch larvae of the freshwater fish medaka, Oryzias latipes. Although embryos exposed until hatching showed multiple developmental malformations and reductions in subsequent survival rates over three months, no significant reduction was observed in tolerance to starvation for 7 d and in intrinsic population growth rate (r). Exposure of larvae for 96 h resulted in dose-responsive vertebral fracture, significant reduction in tolerance to starvation for 7 d, and reduced three-month survival rate; r was reduced significantly and consistently. These results suggested that posthatch larvae were more susceptible than embryos to carbaryl exposure and that the toxic cascades may differ between larvae and embryos. The influences of carbaryl exposure on population growth rate differed significantly with developmental stage.
Acetal Resins
Authors: Dolce Thomas J. , Grates John A. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Acetal resins are the family of polymers derived primarily from formaldehyde and therefore have a repeat unit, (CH
2
—O)

n

. The homopolymers are completely characterized by this repeat unit and the name polyoxymethylene is more structurally descriptive. Acetal copolymers have the oxymethylene structure occasionally interrupted by the comonomer unit. The designation aldehyde polymers generally refers to polymers of aldehydes larger than formaldehyde. The term polyacetal should be reserved for polymeric products of the reactions of aldehydes and polyhydric alcohols.

Acetal resins are important engineering resins used in industrial, transportation, agricultural, construction, and consumer markets. They possess excellent chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties and as a result have replaced metals in many applications. These properties are discussed.
This article gives data on the properties and manufacture of formaldehyde and its polymerization into acetal resins. Production of these resins is limited to a few companies worldwide. Ticona (Germany) DuPont (U.S.) and Mitsubishi (Japan) are the three top producers worldwide. DuPont's Delrin and Ticona's Celcon are the examples given here. Their processing, grades, health and safety issues as well as detailed uses are given.
Estimation of serum protein binding of compounds metabolized in serum using matrix inhibition
Authors: Uchimura Takahide , Kato Motohiro , Shiokawa Rie , Nabuchi Yoshiaki , Saito Kimitoshi , Kinoshita Haruki 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIt is difficult to evaluate the serum protein binding of compounds that are metabolized in rat serum, even when using ultrafiltration. Protein binding was estimated using matrix inhibition, a method that uses the change in metabolic velocity achieved by changing the free fraction of a compound in the incubation mixture by diluting the serum with phosphate buffered saline. The T1/2 of phenyl nicotinate, benzyl nicotinate, octyl nicotinate, hexyl nicotinate, butyl nicotinate and [3H] compound A were 0.165, 0.780, 2.62, 3.94, 5.22 and 135 min, respectively, with protein binding values of 82.1%, 91.6%, 98.8%, 98.5%, 85.5% and 96.9%. The protein binding value of compound A estimated by ultrafiltration was 93.4%, indicating that the two methods give similar values. The matrix inhibition method is thus applicable for the evaluation of compounds metabolized in serum, and provides a simple, useful method to determine protein binding. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KazrinA is required for axial elongation and epidermal integrity in Xenopus tropicalis
Authors: Sevilla Lisa M. , Rana Amer A. , Watt Fiona M. , Smith James C. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractKazrin is a recently described desmosomal protein that binds the cornified envelope precursor periplakin. In this study, we have examined kazrin isoform A expression during the development of Xenopus tropicalis and investigated the consequences of its depletion. Whole mount in situ hybridisation revealed that kazrinA mRNA is expressed throughout the embryo at least until tadpole stages. Xenopus tropicalis embryos that had been injected with antisense morpholino oligonucleotides directed against kazrinA failed to elongate properly and showed defects in development of the head, eye, notochord, and somites. We also observed that the epidermis became disorganised and frequently separated from the underlying mesoderm, causing the formation of epidermal blisters. Together, our results suggest that loss of kazrinA causes defects in cell adhesion that affect axial elongation, cell differentiation, and epidermal morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 237:1718‐1725, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.