bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiplexed Detection Methods for Profiling MicroRNA Expression in Biological Samples
Authors: Wark Alastair W. , Lee Hye Jin , Corn Robert M. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe recent discovery of short, non‐protein coding RNA molecules, such as microRNA molecules (miRNAs), that can control gene expression has unveiled a whole new layer of complexity in the regulation of cell function. Since 2001, there has been a surge of interest in understanding the regulatory role of the hundreds to thousands of miRNAs expressed in both plants and animals. Significant progress in this area requires the development of quantitative bioanalytical methods for the rapid, multiplexed detection of all miRNAs that are present in a particular cell or tissue sample. In this Minireview, we discuss some of the latest methods for high‐throughput miRNA profiling and the unique technological challenges that must be surmounted in this endeavor.
Developments in EU biofuels policy related to sustainability issues: overview and outlook
Authors: Londo Marc , Deurwaarder Ewout 
Published: November 2007

AbstractIn the current debate on present and future biofuels policy, sustainability issues play an important role. In this perspective, we discuss a number of factors in the framing of the biofuels sustainability debate, and describe their role over the last 25 years or so in which biofuels have been on the political agenda. Our first conclusion is that biofuels policy is related to several underlying objectives, such as climate change, security of supply and other drivers. Therefore, the policy will structurally need to be monitored in its impacts, in order to keep these impacts in concordance with these objectives. In the long term, biofuels policy might be substituted by instruments that more directly relate to the objectives. Second, current sustainability issues concerning biofuels relate to either the production chain or to the regional system in which biofuels compete for land. Finding suitable indicators and setting up monitoring schemes are key challenges. Furthermore, a safeguarding scheme needs to meet two conflicting requirements: on the one hand it is important to implement it over many regions and many sectors (including non‐energy), but on the other hand the problem requires implementation in the short term. Starting with monitoring only may cause an issue of legitimacy. Finally, we propose some elements for a robust development strategy. This includes pushing forward with a sustainability safeguarding scheme, within the given constraints. During the start‐up period of such schemes, non‐certified biofuels and feedstock might be discouraged, simultaneously stimulating production initiatives operating under certification. © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Did the NPRA mislead the US Senate on ethanol potential?
Authors: Dale Bruce E. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractRecent testimony given to the US Senate by the US National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) regarding the potential of ethanol appears misleading. The statement comes just six months after the House of Representatives passed legislation that would divert billions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies from oil companies to renewable energy projects. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Preliminary study into the economic burden of Down syndrome in China
Authors: Chen Yingyao , Qian Xu , Zhang Jie , Li Jun , Chu Annie , Schweitzer Stuart O. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND:To measure the economic burden of Down syndrome (DS) in China is to facilitate strategic planning development for managing and preventing DS.METHODS:The economic burden of DS was calculated from direct healthcare costs, direct non‐health‐care costs, and indirect costs. The incidence approach was employed to measure the lifetime economic burden of a new DS birth in China in 2003. Most parameters came from a household health services survey, which was given to caregivers of people with DS. This survey was conducted in Hebei, Shaanxi, and Shanghai in 2004.RESULTS:Caregivers of 222 people with DS were interviewed in six cities and neighboring rural areas. Average expenses and utilization rate of different services by age groups from this sample were obtained to estimate the economic burden of DS. The average lifetime economic burden of a new DS case from the family perspective and the societal perspective amounted to US$47,000 and US$55,000, respectively. Indirect (productivity) costs were responsible for most of the total economic loss. Sensitivity analysis showed that the incidence rate, survival rate, value of productivity such as GDP per capita or salary, productivity of people with DS, and utilization rate of related services were influencing factors to the economic burden of DS.CONCLUSIONS:The economic burden of DS is substantial for the family of a person with DS, as well as to society. Appropriate management and prevention of DS is needed to reduce the heavy burden for people with DS and their families. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Correlation of polymorphism of MTHFRs and RFC‐1 genes with neural tube defects in China
Authors: Shang Yali , Zhao Hong , Niu Bo , Li Wan‐I , Zhou Ran , Zhang Ting , Xie Jun 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND:Maternal periconceptional supplementation of folate reduces the incidence of neonatal Neural Tube Defects, indicating that changes in folate metabolism play a role in formation of NTDs. The mutations on two genes involved in folate metabolism, the C677 of the MTHFR gene and the RFC‐1(A80G) gene are potential risk factors of NTDs.METHODS:In this study, we analyzed the genotypic distributions and allele frequencies of MTHFR C677T and RFC‐1 A80G polymorphisms in DNA samples from mothers with at least one previous child with NTDs (the NTD group) and controls.RESULTS:Our results indicated that there was a significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of RFC‐1 80A→G between the NTD group and controls (p = .008 and p = .017, respectively). There was, however, no significant difference in the genotype and allele frequencies of the MTHFR 677C→T polymorphism between the NTD group and controls. The NTD group was further separated into the upper and lower types by location of abnormalities. The frequency of RFC‐1 80A/G and 80G/G was significantly higher in the upper group than the control (p = .009 and p = .005, respectively). The frequency of G‐alleles was also significantly higher in the upper group than the control (OR 2.42; p = .006; 95% CI: 1.28–4.58). For the MTHFR C677 gene, the frequency of T‐alleles was significantly lower in the lower defect type than the control group (OR 0.32; p = .027; 95% CI: 0.11–0.9).CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that in the Shanxi population RFC‐1 polymorphisms may play a role in NTD risk, whereas the impact of MTHFR C677T polymorphisms requires further clarification. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal smoking and the risk for clubfoot in infants
Authors: Dickinson Kathryn C. , Meyer Robert E. , Kotch Jonathan 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND:Clubfoot is one of the most common major birth defects, with a prevalence of approximately 1 per 1,000 live births. The etiology of clubfoot is complex and not well understood, and yet, few epidemiologic studies of risk factors have been conducted. Maternal smoking has been suggested as a possible risk factor. The purpose of this population‐based, case‐control study was to examine the association between maternal smoking and clubfoot.METHODS:Data from the North Carolina Birth Defects Monitoring Program matched to North Carolina birth certificates and health services data were used in the analysis of 443 cases of clubfoot and 4,492 randomly sampled controls for the years 1999–2003. Smoking data were ascertained from the birth certificates, and the reliability of the data was assessed by comparing them with reported smoking from the North Carolina Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted ORs and 95% CIs for smoking and clubfoot.RESULTS:The crude OR for maternal smoking during pregnancy and clubfoot was 1.49 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.92). Controlling for maternal age, race/ethnicity, infant's sex, and timing of prenatal care initiation did not appreciably change the results (adjusted OR 1.40; 95% CI: 1.07, 1.83).CONCLUSIONS:This study is consistent with the hypothesis that smoking during pregnancy is associated with a slightly increased risk of an infant being born with clubfoot. Further research is needed to confirm this association, and to identify potential genetic factors that may modify the magnitude of the risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecules versus morphology? Not for the human cranium
Authors: Roseman Charles C. , Weaver Timothy D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractEvolutionary investigations of human crania typically take a limited view of cranial diversity as they discount the possibility that human cranial variation could simply be due to the effects of random genetic drift, gene flow and mutation in favor of natural selection and developmental changes. Natural selection alone cannot explain similarities between patterns of cranial and molecular diversity observed in humans. It appears that the amount of phenotypic variance in the human cranium decreases at the population level as a function of distance from Sub‐Saharan Africa much in the same way as observed for human molecular data.1 BioEssays 29:1185–1188, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evolution revolution provides further revelation
Authors: Lupski James R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe extent of copy‐number variation (CNV) in the human genome has been appreciated only recently. Nevertheless, for almost four decades, gene duplication has been a prevailing hypothesis for evolutionary change. Recently, gene CNV spanning 60 million years of human and primate evolution has been determined1 enabling lineage‐specific gene CNV to be identified. Primate lineage‐specific gene CNV studies reveal that almost one third of all human genes exhibit a copy‐number change in one or more primate species. Intriguingly, human lineage‐specific gene amplification can be correlated to the emergence of human‐specific traits such as cognition and endurance running. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. BioEssays 29:1182–1184, 2007. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Supporting debottlenecking of global human processes by applying appropriate balances
Authors: Pfennig Andreas 
Published: November 2007

AbstractGlobal balances form a fundamental framework for evaluating processes. Human activities can be viewed as global processes aiming at generating drinking water, food, and energy as main products. Obviously, these global processes need debottlenecking, since global process environment is no longer capable of sustainably supporting them. Thus, balances are set up, which on one hand are easily understandable to ensure that everyone can comprehend the resulting consequences. On the other hand, these balances are evaluated to allow conclusions on boundary conditions for the debottlenecking. It turns out that even basic balances allow the formulation of significant conclusions, which are fundamental guidelines for future development. This development refers to research in science and technology that should be (further) strengthened as well as to implementation of existing technology. Moreover, very significant ethical questions become obvious. It is, e.g. not clear, if the challenges we are globally facing can be solved simply be applying and developing technology or if more fundamental changes in global society are essential to overcome problems during transition into a sustainable community. These changes address individual behavior concerning reproductive activities and nutritional habits. The reshaping of our economy would need closing the cycles for all essential material fluxes.
Macroporous gel particles as robust macroporous matrices for cell immobilization
Authors: Plieva Fatima M. , Oknianska Alina , Degerman Eva , Mattiasson Bo 
Published: November 2007

AbstractA new design of robust matrices for cell immobilization is described. Macroporous gels (MGs) with immobilized microbial cells were prepared at subzero temperatures and were formed inside a plastic core (so‐called, protective housing). Due to the protective housing the macroporous gel particles with immobilized cells can be used in well‐stirred bioreactors. High retained activity of yeast (77–92%) and Escherichia coli (50–91%) cells immobilized in MGs after drying and storage in the dried state was due to the high structural stability and heterogeneous porous structure of the MGs.
Genomics as knowledge enterprise: Implementing an electronic research habitat at the Biopolis Experimental Therapeutics Center
Authors: Mitchell Wayne , Breen Colin , Entzeroth Michael 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe Experimental Therapeutics Center (ETC) has been established at Biopolis to advance translational research by bridging the gap between discovery science and commercialization. We describe the Electronic Research Habitat at ETC, a comprehensive hardware and software infrastructure designed to effectively manage terabyte data flows and storage, increase back office efficiency, enhance the scientific work experience, and satisfy rigorous regulatory and legal requirements. Our habitat design is secure, scalable and robust, and it strives to embody the core values of the knowledge‐based workplace, thus contributing to the strategic goal of building a “knowledge economy” in the context of Singapore's on‐going biotechnology initiative.
Randomized clinical trial of the effects of methylprednisolone on renal function after major vascular surgery
Authors: Turner S , Derham C , Orsi N M , Bosomworth M , Bellamy M C , Howell S J 
Published: November 2007

Abstract

Background
Perioperative renal dysfunction following abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair is multifactorial and may involve hypotension, hypoxia and ischaemia–reperfusion injury. Studies of cardiac and hepatic transplant surgery have demonstrated beneficial effects on renal function of high-dose methylprednisolone administered before surgery.

Methods
Twenty patients undergoing elective open AAA repair were randomized to receive either methylprednisolone 10 mg/kg or dextrose (control) before induction of anaesthesia. Blood was analysed for a panel of cytokines representative of T helper cell type 1 and 2 subsets. Urine was analysed for subclinical markers of renal dysfunction (albumin, α1-microglobulin and N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase).

Results
Data from 18 patients were analysed. Both groups demonstrated glomerular and proximal convoluted tubular dysfunction that was unaffected by steroid treatment. Steroid administration increased serum levels of urea and creatinine (both P &lt; 0·001). The steroid group had increased interleukin 10 levels (P = 0·005 compared to controls). There were no differences between groups in overall surgical complications, length of intensive care unit (P = 0·821) and hospital (P = 0·719) stay, or 30-day mortality.

Conclusion
Methylprednisolone administration altered the cytokine profile favourably but adversely affected postoperative renal function.
Synthesis of Biologically Relevant Biflavanoids – A Review
Authors: Rahman Mohammed , Riaz Muhammad , Desai Umesh R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractRecent investigations show that naturally occurring biflavanoids possess anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, antimicrobial, vasorelaxant, and anticlotting activities. These activities have been discovered from the small number of biflavanoid structures that have been investigated, although the natural biflavanoid library is likely to be large. Structurally, biflavanoids are polyphenolic molecules comprised of two identical or non‐identical flavanoid units conjoined in a symmetrical or unsymmetrical manner through an alkyl or an alkoxy‐based linker of varying length. These possibilities introduce significant structural variation in biflavanoids, which is further amplified by the positions of functional groups – hydroxy, methoxy, keto, or double bond – and stereogenic centers on the flavanoid scaffold. In combination, the class of biflavanoids represents a library of structurally diverse molecules, which remains to be fully exploited. Since the time of their discovery, several chemical approaches utilizing coupling and rearrangement strategies have been developed to synthesize biflavanoids. This review compiles these synthetic approaches into nine different methods including Ullmann coupling of halogenated flavones, biphenyl‐based construction of biflavanoids, metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling of flavones, Wessely–Moser rearrangements, oxidative coupling of flavones, Ullmann condensation with nucleophiles, nucleophilic substitutions for alkoxy biflavanoids, and dehydrogenation‐based or hydrogenation‐based synthesis. Newer, more robust synthetic approaches are necessary to realize the full potential of the structurally diverse class of biflavanoids.
Modeling Dipeptides as ACE Inhibitors and Bitter‐Tasting Compounds by Means of E‐State Structure‐Information Representation
Authors: Spasov Borislav , Hall Lowell H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractTopological Structure‐Information Representation (SIR) serves as the basis for QSAR model development on two data sets of dipeptides. Data sets of both bitter‐taste (48 compounds) and angiotensin‐conveting‐enzym (ACE) inhibition (58 compounds) were analyzed by means of multiple linear‐regression methods to produce QSAR models that relate structure to property. For the bitter‐taste data set, two variables describe the data well, both being whole‐molecule descriptors: 1χv (molecular connectivity first‐order valence index) and SHBa (sum of E‐State indices for H‐bond acceptors) yield r2=0.88, s=0.22. External validation and cross‐validation indicate that the model may be predictive. For the ACE‐inhibition data set, five variables produced a satisfactory model. Four of the descriptors relate to amino acid side chains: the E‐State polarity/non‐polarity index Qv (for position A adjacent to the N‐terminus; Fig. 1) and the E‐State index s2 (for the backbone position of substitution), along with the square of the molecular connectivity path‐four valence index (4χPC; for side chain B adjacent to C‐terminus) and the E‐State index s5 (for the attachment point of the side chain B (Fig. 1)). Together with the E‐State whole‐molecule descriptor for internal H‐bonding (five skeletal bonds; SHBint5), the five variables form a predictive model (r2=0.88, s=0.36). Both external‐test and cross‐validation‐test statistics indicate that the model may be predictive. This study is the first investigation in which E‐State descriptors are developed for amino acid side chains.
Effect of retinoic acid on transglutaminase and ornithine decarboxylase activities during liver regeneration
Authors: Ohtake Yosuke , Maruko Akiko , Ohishi Nao , Kawaguchi Masasumi , Satoh Tetsuharu , Ohkubo Yasuhito 
Published: November 2007

AbstractLiver regeneration is regulated by several factors, including growth factors, cytokines, and post‐translational modifications of several proteins. It is suggested that transglutaminase 2 (TG2) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) are involved in liver regeneration. To investigate the role of TG2 and ODC activities in regenerating liver, we used retinoic acid (RA), an inducer of TG2 and a suppressor of ODC. Regenerating rat liver was prepared by 70% partial hepatectomy (PH). Rats were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 days after surgery. RA was intraperitoneally injected immediately after PH. TG2 and ODC activities and products (ε‐(γ‐glutamyl) lysine isopeptide (Gln–Lys) and polyamines, respectively) were examined at the indicated times. In RA‐treated rat, DNA synthesis and ODC activity declined and the peak shifted to 2 days after PH, whereas TG2 activity increased at 1 day after PH. At that time, protein–polyamine, especially the protein–spermidine (SPD) bond, transiently decreased, whereas the formation of the Gln–Lys bond increased after PH. These results suggested that in regenerating liver, enhanced the formation of Gln–Lys bonds catalyzed by TG2 led to reduced DNA synthesis, whereas when ODC produced newly synthesized SPD, the inhibition of Gln–Lys bond production by the preferential formation of protein–SPD bonds led to an increase in DNA synthesis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy for acute peripheral ischemia associated with stent fracture
Authors: Barbato Joel E. , Wholey Mark H. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractStent fracture has been an uncommonly described etiology in the development of acute peripheral ischemia. We describe the utilization of a rheolytic thrombectomy catheter with thrombolytics for the rapid treatment of superficial femoral artery thrombosis after recanalization and subsequent stent fracture. The implications of stent fracture and the therapeutic maneuvers associated with their treatment in peripheral applications are discussed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The characteristics of dissemination of embolic materials during renal artery stenting
Authors: Kawarada Osami , Yokoi Yoshiaki , Takemoto Kazushi 
Published: November 2007

AbstractBackground:Though one of the major complications of renal artery stenting is dissemination of embolic materials which may cause deterioration of renal function, the characteristics of this phenomenon are unclear. We investigated the characteristics of embolization in renal artery stenting by intrarenal duplex ultrasound monitoring.Method:A total of 17 patients with 21 lesions that underwent primary renal artery stenting were prospectively included. Intrarenal artery blood flow velocity spectra exhibiting microembolic signals (MES) were examined during renal artery intervention.Result:Renal artery stenting was successful in all cases. Predilatation was needed in eight cases, and direct stenting without predilatation was performed in 13 cases. Postdilatation or flare formation was performed in 13 cases. Multiple stenting was not performed in any patients, though stenting of both renal arteries was performed in four cases. Major embolization and no reflow/slow flow were not determined by angiography. Except for one case of technical kidney failure, real‐time intrarenal duplex ultrasound monitoring was possible and the study protocol was completed. MES were detected during all procedural phases. The number of cardiac beats with MES was significantly higher in stenting (11.1 ± 2.8) following postdilatation/flare formation (8.3 ± 4.1) than in predilatation (3.3 ± 2.1) (predilatation vs. stenting: P < 0.001, predilatation vs. postdilatation/flare: P = 0.009, stenting vs. postdilatation/flare: P = 0.03). The mean creatinine value was 1.31 ± 0.68 mg/dl at baseline and 1.54 ± 1.08 at 1 month. Deterioration of renal function was observed in 43% (3/7) of patients with renal impairment, whereas 10% (1/10) of patients without renal impairment experienced deterioration of renal function (P = 0.250).Conclusion:Dissemination of embolic materials was detected in all procedures. Higher MES were detected in stenting following postdilatation/flare formation. Pre‐existing renal impairment yielded a trend toward the deterioration of renal function after renal artery stenting during the short‐term follow‐up. Protected renal artery stenting might be considered advisable, at least in atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis patients with renal impairment though a larger number and long‐term study will be required. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.