bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of ABCA1gene polymorphisms on ischaemic stroke risk and relationship with lipid profile
Authors: Pasdar Alireza , Yadegarfar Ghasem , Cumming Alastair , Whalley Lawrence , St Clair David , MacLeod Mary-Joan 
Published: June 2007

Abstract

Background
Ischaemic stroke is a common disorder with genetic and environmental components contributing to overall risk. Atherothromboembolic abnormalities, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ischaemic stroke, are often the end result of dysregulation of lipid metabolism. The ATP Binding Cassette Transporter (ABCA1) is a key gene involved in lipid metabolism. It encodes the cholesterol regulatory efflux protein which mediates the transfer of cellular phospholipids and cholesterol to acceptor apolipoproteins such as apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I). Common polymorphisms in this gene affect High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) and Apolipoprotein A-I levels and so influence the risk of atherosclerosis. This study has assessed the distribution of ABCA1 polymorphisms and haplotype arrangements in patients with ischaemic stroke and compared them to an appropriate control group. It also examined the relationship of these polymorphisms with serum lipid profiles in cases and controls.

Methods
We studied four common polymorphisms in ABCA1 gene: G/A-L158L, G/A-R219K, G/A-G316G and G/A-R1587K in 400 Caucasian ischaemic stroke patients and 487 controls. Dynamic Allele Specific Hybridisation (DASH) was used as the genotyping assay.

Results
Genotype and allele frequencies of all polymorphisms were similar in cases and controls, except for a modest difference in the ABCA1 R219K allele frequency (P-value = 0.05). Using the PHASE2 program, haplotype frequencies for the four loci (158, 219, 316, and 1587) were estimated in cases and controls. There was no significant difference in overall haplotypes arrangement in patients group compared to controls (p = 0.27). 2211 and 1211 haplotypes (1 = common allele, 2 = rare allele) were more frequent in cases (p = 0.05). Adjusted ORs indicated 40% and 46% excess risk of stroke for these haplotypes respectively. However, none of the adjusted ORs were statistically significant. Individuals who had R219K "22" genotype had a higher LDL level (p = 0.001).

Conclusion
Our study does not support a major role for the ABCA1 gene as a risk factor for ischaemic stroke. Some haplotypes may confer a minor amount of increased risk or protection. Polymorphisms in this gene may influence serum lipid profile.
Influence of housing conditions on pregnancy outcome in cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Boot R. , Leussink A. B. , Vlug R. F. 
Published: June 2007

Female cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis) were kept under 3 different housing conditions: individually in type A cages (45 × 45 × 60 cm), individually in type B cages (70 × 70 × 100 cm) and as couples in type B cages. Primigravida did not show early embryonic mortality, differing significantly from 11·5% early losses in multigravida. Early embryonic mortality was not affected by housing condition. Further reproductive failure rates did not differ significantly for primigravid (18·5%) and multigravid females (24·0%), though abortion tended to occur more frequently in primigravida. Perinatal mortality (16·1%) accounted for most of the losses under each housing condition. More successful pregnancies (90%) were recorded for females housed individually in type B cages than for females housed in type A cages (68%). About 50% of the couples originally established remained until weaning of their infants, yielding 77% viable offspring. For multigravid females statistical evaluation showed a significant effect of housing conditions on reproductive outcome ( x2-test 0·01 < P < 0·05) that could be entirely attributed to low losses in females housed individually in type B cages. It is concluded that housing conditions can have a profound influence on reproductive success in cynomolgus monkeys.
Lipid keratopathy and atheromatosis in an SPF laboratory rabbit colony attributable to diet
Authors: Sebesteny A. , Sheraidah G. A. K. , Trevan D. J. , Alexander R. A. , Ahmed A. I. 
Published: June 2007

Sporadic cases of corneal opacity occurred in an SPF rabbit colony fed on a diet containing 10% white fishmeal. Routine histological monitoring also revealed atheromatous lesions involving the intima of the aorta, coronary arteries and the arteries of other organs in 29 rabbits examined. Serum cholesterol levels above 10 mmol/l were found in 7 rabbits, including 4 affected with corneal lesions, which proved to be lipid keratopathy on histochemical and electron microscopical examination. The serum cholesterol level was found to be within normal range (below 2·27 mmol/l) in 10 rabbits reared entirely on a modified version of the diet, where the 10% fishmeal content was replaced with 10% grassmeal. No more ocular or atheromatous lesions have been found since the adoption of the new diet for the colony.
Invasion by Nonnative Brook Trout in Panther Creek, Idaho: Roles of Local Habitat Quality, Biotic Resistance, and Connectivity to Source Habitats
Authors: Benjamin Joseph R. , Dunham Jason B. , Dare Matthew R. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTheoretical models and empirical evidence suggest that the invasion of nonnative species in freshwaters is facilitated through the interaction of three factors: habitat quality, biotic resistance, and connectivity. We measured variables that represented each factor to determine which were associated with the occurrence of nonnative brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis in Panther Creek, a tributary to the Salmon River, Idaho. Habitat variables included measures of summer and winter temperature, instream cover, and channel size. The abundance of native rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss within sampled sites was used as a measure of biotic resistance. We also considered the connectivity of sample sites to unconfined valley bottoms, which were considered habitats that may serve as sources for the spread of established populations of brook trout. We analyzed the occurrence of small (<150‐mm [fork length]) and large (≥150‐mm) brook trout separately, assuming that the former represents an established invasion while accounting for the higher potential mobility of the latter. The occurrence of small brook trout was strongly associated with the proximity of sites to large, unconstrained valley bottoms, providing evidence that such habitats may serve as sources for the spread of brook trout invasion. Within sites, winter degree‐days and maximum summer temperature were positively associated with the occurrence of small brook trout. The occurrence of large brook trout was not related to any of the variables considered, perhaps due to the difficulty of linking site‐specific habitat factors to larger and more mobile individuals. The abundance of rainbow trout was not conclusively associated with the occurrence of either small or large brook trout, providing little support for the role of biotic resistance. Overall, our results suggest that source connectivity and local habitat characteristics, but not biotic resistance, influence the establishment and spread of nonnative brook trout populations. Further work is needed to confirm that the patterns observed here are relevant to other localities where brook trout have invaded and to understand the mechanisms contributing to the invasion process.
Variation of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms in Yukon River Chum Salmon: Population Structure and Application to Mixed‐Stock Analysis
Authors: Flannery Blair G. , Wenburg John K. , Gharrett Anthony J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe population structure of fall‐run Yukon River chum salmonOncorhynchus ketahas been studied previously using allozyme, microsatellite, and mitochondrial markers. However, genetically similar populations from tributaries near the U.S.‐Canadian border render mixed‐stock analyses (MSAs) difficult in the fisheries from lower portions of the Yukon River; MSA simulation apportionment estimates are less than 90% accurate for the border region divided by country of origin. To increase the accuracy and precision of contribution estimates to harvests in the Yukon River and to improve our understanding of the population structure of fall‐run chum salmon, we investigated the variation of amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). Our results show that Yukon River chum salmon populations are structured by both seasonal race and geographic region. As expected, the MSA is most successful when mixtures are allocated to geographic regions. Both AFLP and microsatellites have better than 80% apportionment accuracy in MSA simulations for the U.S. and Canadian border regions, but neither approach clearly or consistently outperforms the other. In general, the population structure resolved by AFLP is similar to that observed for other genetic markers. Relatively weak population divergence, rather than shortcomings of the previously studied genetic marker systems, appears to be the limiting factor in attaining high levels of accuracy and precision in MSA.
An Evaluation of the Relative Influence of Habitat Complexity and Habitat Stability on Fish Assemblage Structure in Unregulated and Regulated Reaches of a Large Southeastern Warmwater Stream
Authors: Shea Colin P. , Peterson James T. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRiver regulation and development are the foremost problems threatening lotic fishes and other aquatic biota in the United States. The operation of hydroelectric facilities can influence both habitat availability and environmental stability in downstream reaches. We evaluated the relative influence of habitat complexity and environmental stability on fish assemblage structure at unregulated and hydropower‐regulated reaches of the Flint River in southwestern Georgia. The availability of different habitat types was highly variable at the regulated reach owing to large, daily fluctuations in discharge. Habitat‐specific fish assemblages also differed between reaches, as a greater number of species occupied identical habitat types at the unregulated reach, most notably in shallow, slow‐flowing habitats. Differences in fish assemblage structure between study reaches in comparable habitat types were explained equally well by patterns of habitat structure and variability. Within‐reach patterns of fish assemblage structure were best explained by patterns of habitat structure at both study reaches. However, the relative influence of habitat complexity and habitat stability differed within each study reach, habitat variability influencing fish assemblage structure to a greater extent at the regulated reach than at the unregulated reach. These differences suggest that both habitat structure and variability influence Flint River fish assemblages and that flow regulation associated with hydropower operation primarily affects riverine fish communities by increasing environmental variability. Thus, flow management plans for regulated rivers based on minimum flows may be most effective when implemented in conjunction with plans that reduce the spatial and temporal variability of habitat availability, particularly in shallow, slow‐flowing habitats.
Genetic Investigation of Natural Hybridization between Rainbow and Coastal Cutthroat Trout in the Copper River Delta, Alaska
Authors: Williams Ian , Reeves Gordon H. , Graziano Sara L. , Nielsen Jennifer L. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractMolecular genetic methods were used to quantify natural hybridization between rainbow troutOncorhynchus mykissor steelhead (anadromous rainbow trout) and coastal cutthroat troutO. clarkii clarkiicollected in the Copper River delta, Southeast Alaska. Eleven locations were sampled to determine the extent of hybridization and the distribution of hybrids. Four diagnostic nuclear microsatellite loci and four species‐specific simple sequence repeat markers were used in combination with restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of NADH dehydrogenase 5/6 (ND5/6) mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to investigate the genetic structure of trout from both species and identify putative interspecific hybrids. Hybrids were found in 7 of the 11 streams sampled in the Copper River delta, the extent of hybridization across all streams varying from 0% to 58%. Hybrid trout distribution appeared to be nonrandom, most individuals of mixed taxonomic ancestry being detected in streams containing rainbow trout rather than in streams containing coastal cutthroat trout. Genotypic disequilibrium was observed among microsatellite loci in populations with high levels of hybridization. We found no significant correlation between unique stream channel process groups and the number of hybrid fish sampled. Eighty‐eight percent of fish identified as first‐generation hybrids (F1) in two populations contained coastal cutthroat trout mtDNA, suggesting directionality in hybridization. However, dominance of coastal cutthroat trout mtDNA was not observed at a third location containing F1hybrids, indicating that interspecific mating behavior varied among locations. Backcrossed individuals were found in drainages lacking F1hybrids and in populations previously thought to contain a single species. The extent and distribution of backcrossed individuals suggested that at least some hybrids are reproductively viable and backcrossed hybrid offspring move throughout the system.
Seven-year follow-up in a case of primary hyperparathyroidism using quantitative ultrasound and dual X-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Bolanowski Marek , Pluskiewicz Wojciech , Syrycka Joanna 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
We have previously reported a case of a 36-year-old woman who was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism following initial skeletal abnormalities in the hand phalanges and calcaneus revealed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS). Successful parathyroid adenoma surgery resulted in progressive increase of bone mineral density and QUS parameters within 6 months, 1 year and 2 years of follow-up. Now, 5 years after the last measurement and at the onset of her menopause, the study was repeated. It has shown further increase in some ultrasonic and densitometric parameters but decrease in others. This discrepancy could be associated with the early influence of perimenopause on trabecular bone. Based on the current report one can conclude that peripheral QUS used on the hand phalanges and calcaneus is a useful tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of skeletal alterations due to parathyroid dysfunction. Moreover, it can detect early changes associated with perimenopause.
Gait Coordination After Stroke: Benefits of Acoustically Paced Treadmill Walking
Authors: Roerdink Melvyn , Lamoth Claudine JC , Kwakkel Gert , van Wieringen Piet CW , Beek Peter J 
Published: June 2007

Background and Purpose: Gait coordination often is compromised after stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acoustically paced treadmill walking as a method for improving gait coordination in people after stroke.Participants: Ten people after stroke volunteered for the study and comprised the experimental group. Nine elderly people who were healthy served as a control group.Methods: Gait cycle parameters, interlimb coordination, and auditory-motor coordination were examined while participants walked on a treadmill with and without acoustic pacing.Results: Stride frequency was adjusted to different acoustic pacing frequencies in all participants. In people after stroke, gait symmetry improved with acoustic pacing. They predominantly coordinated movements of the nonparetic limb to ipsilateral tones.Discussion and Conclusion: The results suggest that acoustically paced treadmill walking provides an effective means for immediately modifying stride frequency and improving gait coordination in people after stroke and, therefore, may be usefully applied in physical therapist practice. Future research directions for developing guidelines for using acoustically paced treadmill walking in physical therapist practice are discussed.
Expansion of Human Embryonic Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Costa Magdaline , Sourris Koula , Hatzistavrou Tanya , Elefanty Andrew G. , Stanley Edouard G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis unit describes a protocol for the large‐scale expansion of karyotypically normal human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). hESCs can be maintained indefinitely as dense colonies that are mechanically cut into pieces, which are subsequently transferred to fresh organ culture dishes seeded with primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). hESCs can also be enzymatically passaged (bulk culture); however, over time, this style of culturing may lead to the acquisition of chromosomal abnormalities. Nevertheless, enzymatic passaging can be used for short periods (up to 25 passages) without the appearance of cells with abnormal karyotypes. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 1:1C.1.1‐1C.1.7. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Isolation of Mononuclear Cells from Human Cord Blood by Ficoll‐Paque Density Gradient
Authors: Jaatinen Taina , Laine Jarmo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWhen preparing stem cell specimens from cord blood, pre‐enrichment of mononuclear cells is highly recommended to improve the recovery of rare stem cells. Mononuclear cells are easily isolated by density gradient centrifugation. In Ficoll‐Paque density gradient centrifugation, anticoagulant‐treated and diluted cord blood is layered on the Ficoll‐Paque solution and centrifuged. During centrifugation, erythrocytes and granulocytes sediment to the bottom layer. Lower density lymphocytes, together with other slowly sedimenting cells such as platelets and monocytes, are retained at the interface between the plasma and Ficoll‐Paque, where they can be collected and subjected to subsequent isolation of hematopoietic stem cells or to the culture of mesenchymal stem cells. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 1:2A.1.1‐2A.1.4. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Guidelines for the Conduct of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Authors:   ISSCR International Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Task Force
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe ISSCR calls for due consideration and appropriate oversight of human stem cell research to ensure transparent, ethical, and responsible performance of scientific experiments. These Guidelines, prepared by the ISSCR Task Force comprised of international representatives, are meant to emphasize the responsibility of scientists to ensure that human stem cell research is carried out according to rigorous standards of research ethics, and to encourage uniform research practices that should be followed by all human stem cell scientists globally. Curr. Protoc. Stem Cell Biol. 1:A.1A.1‐A.1A.15. © 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Niaspan increases angiogenesis and improves functional recovery after stroke
Authors: Chen Jieli , Cui Xu , Zacharek Alex , Jiang Hao , Roberts Cynthia , Zhang Chunling , Lu Mei , Kapke Alissa , Feldkamp Carolyn S. , Chopp Michael 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveHigh‐density lipoprotein (HDL) is implicated in the modulation of angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether the Niacin‐mediated increase of HDL regulates angiogenesis and thereby improves functional outcome after stroke.MethodsAdult male rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion and were treated with or without different doses (40 and 80mg/kg) of Niaspan, starting 24 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion and daily for 14 days. Neurological functional tests were performed, and serum HDL level was measured. Angiogenesis and angiogenic factor expression were measured by immunohistochemistry, corneal neovascularization and capillary tube formation assay, and Western blot, respectively.ResultsNiaspan significantly increased HDL level, promoted angiogenesis in the ischemic brain, and improved functional outcome after stroke. Niaspan also significantly increased corneal neovascularization compared with nontreatment control. Mechanisms underlying the Niaspan‐induced vascular remodeling were investigated. Niaspan increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin‐1 (Ang1), and phosphorylation of Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and Tie2 in the ischemic brain. Niacin upregulated Ang1 expression in cultured brain endothelial cells and increased vascular endothelial growth factor, Ang1, and endothelial NOS expression in cultured astrocytes, and dose‐dependently increased capillary tube formation compared with nontreatment control. Inhibition of NOS partially decreased Niacin‐induced capillary tube formation. Inhibition of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase or knockdown of Tie2 substantially and significantly decreased Niacin‐induced capillary tube formation.InterpretationNiacin increases HDL and promotes angiogenesis, which may contribute to improvement of functional outcome after stroke. The Ang1/Tie2, phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt, and endothelial NOS pathways appear to mediate Niacin‐induced angiogenesis. Ann Neurol 2007
Synthesis, characterization and soft transformation of some bis(cyclopentadienyl) Ti(IV) and Zr(IV) complexes of Schiff's base ligands to nano‐sized titania or zirconia materials
Authors: Sharma Namita , Sharma Vinita , Bohra Rakesh , Raju V. S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSome bis(cyclopentadienyl) complexes of Ti(IV)and Zr(IV) have been synthesized by the metathetical reactions of Cp2MCl2 with the sodium salt of monofunctional bidentate Schiff's base ligands in 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometry in anhydrous THF. All the derivatives of the types Cp2MCl2−n{O(C6H4)CH6H5}n and Cp2MCl2−n{OC(CH3)(R)6H5}n (where R = CH3 or C6H5 and n = 1 or 2) have been characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight measurements, FT‐IR and ‐NMR [1H and 13C{1H}] studies. The FAB mass spectra of a few representative complexes and the molecular weight measurements in freezing benzene indicate their monomeric nature in solution. Spectral studies appear to indicate mono‐ and bi‐dentate mode of attachment of the ligand in solution and in the solid state, respectively. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) of Cp2TiCl{O(C6H4)CH} (1) and Cp2ZrCl{O(C6H4)CH} (7) indicate their low thermal stability. Transformations of some of these complexes to pure titania (TiO2)/zirconia (ZrO2) have been observed at relatively low sintering temperatures. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron micrograph (SEM) studies suggest the nanocrystalline nature of these materials. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of electric field exposure on bone growth and fracture repair in rats
Authors: McClanahan B. J. , Phillips R. D. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRats were exposed to a 60‐Hz electric field at an unperturbed field strength of 100 kV/m to determine its affect on bone growth and fracture repair. Exposure of immature male and female rats for 20 h/day for 30 days did not alter growth rate, cortical bone area, or medullary cavity area of the tibia. In another experiment, midfibular osteotomies were performed and the juvenile rats were exposed at 100 kV/m for 14 days. Evaluation by resistance to deformation and breaking strength indicated that fracture repair was not as advanced in the exposed animals as in the shamexposed animals. In another experiment measurements of resistance to deformation were made in adult rats at 16, 20, and 26 days after osteotmy. Fracture repair was slower in exposed compared to control animals at day 20 and, to a lesser extent, at day 16, but not at day 26.