bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Importance of diel behaviour when studying habitat selection: examples from female Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Moe T.F. , Kindberg J. , Jansson I. , Swenson J.E. 
Published: May 2007

The goal of habitat selection studies is to identify important habitats for a particular species. However, most studies using radiotelemetry have focused on habitat-selection patterns using daytime positions only. We used 24 h data from six female brown bears ( Ursus arctos L., 1758) equipped with GPS–GSM collars and activity loggers to analyse variations in habitat selection related to diel variations in activity (foraging and resting). We found that the bears rested mainly during the daylight hours and foraged mainly during the crepuscular and nocturnal hours. The bears selected habitats differently when they were resting than when they were foraging. We found no selection for tall coniferous forest using all data, but this habitat was selected by resting bears and avoided by foraging bears. Thus, for studies of habitat selection, our results show the importance of obtaining data from all 24 h and dividing these data into relevant categories based on the diel activity pattern of the studied species.
Subannual, Seasonal, and Interannual Variability of the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Hirschi Joël J-M. , Killworth Peter D. , Blundell Jeffrey R. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
An eddy-permitting numerical ocean model is used to investigate the variability of the meridional overturning circulation (MOC). Both wind stress and fluctuations of the seawater density contribute to MOC changes on subannual and seasonal time scales, whereas the interannual variability mainly reflects changes in the density field. Even on subannual and seasonal time scales, a significant fraction of the total MOC variability is due to changes of the density field in the upper 1000 m of the ocean. These changes reflect perturbations of the isopycnal structure that travel westward as Rossby waves. Because of a temporally changing phase difference between the eastern and western boundaries, the Rossby waves affect the MOC by modifying the basinwide east–west density gradient. Both the numerical model used in this study and calculations based on Rossby wave theory suggest that this effect can account for an MOC variability of several Sverdrups (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1). These results have implications for the interpretation of variability signals inferred from hydrographic sections and might contribute to the understanding of the results obtained from the Rapid Climate Change (RAPID) monitoring array deployed at 26°N in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Global repeat discovery and estimation of genomic copy number in a large, complex genome using a high-throughput 454 sequence survey
Authors: Swaminathan Kankshita , Varala Kranthi , Hudson Matthew E 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Extensive computational and database tools are available to mine genomic and genetic databases for model organisms, but little genomic data is available for many species of ecological or agricultural significance, especially those with large genomes. Genome surveys using conventional sequencing techniques are powerful, particularly for detecting sequences present in many copies per genome. However these methods are time-consuming and have potential drawbacks. High throughput 454 sequencing provides an alternative method by which much information can be gained quickly and cheaply from high-coverage surveys of genomic DNA.

Results
We sequenced 78 million base-pairs of randomly sheared soybean DNA which passed our quality criteria. Computational analysis of the survey sequences provided global information on the abundant repetitive sequences in soybean. The sequence was used to determine the copy number across regions of large genomic clones or contigs and discover higher-order structures within satellite repeats. We have created an annotated, online database of sequences present in multiple copies in the soybean genome. The low bias of pyrosequencing against repeat sequences is demonstrated by the overall composition of the survey data, which matches well with past estimates of repetitive DNA content obtained by DNA re-association kinetics (Cot analysis).

Conclusion
This approach provides a potential aid to conventional or shotgun genome assembly, by allowing rapid assessment of copy number in any clone or clone-end sequence. In addition, we show that partial sequencing can provide access to partial protein-coding sequences.
A first step in understanding an invasive weed through its genes: an EST analysis of invasive Centaurea maculosa
Authors: Broz Amanda K , Broeckling Corey D , He Ji , Dai Xinbin , Zhao Patrick X , Vivanco Jorge M 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
The economic and biological implications of plant invasion are overwhelming; however, the processes by which plants become successful invaders are not well understood. Limited genetic resources are available for most invasive and weedy species, making it difficult to study molecular and genetic aspects that may be associated with invasion.

Results
As an initial step towards understanding the molecular mechanisms by which plants become invasive, we have generated a normalized Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) library comprising seven invasive populations of Centaurea maculosa, an invasive aster in North America. Seventy-seven percent of the 4423 unique transcripts showed significant similarity to existing proteins in the NCBI database and could be grouped based on gene ontology assignments.

Conclusion
The C. maculosa EST library represents an initial step towards looking at gene-specific expression in this species, and will pave the way for creation of other resources such as microarray chips that can help provide a view of global gene expression in invasive C. maculosa and its native counterparts. To our knowledge, this is the first published set of ESTs derived from an invasive weed that will be targeted to study invasive behavior. Understanding the genetic basis of evolution for increased invasiveness in exotic plants is critical to understanding the mechanisms through which exotic invasions occur.
Long-Term Survival is Possible After Stenting for Malignant Ureteric Obstruction in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Jones Oliver M , John Solomon KP , Lawrance Richard J , Fozard J Basil J 
Published: May 2007

INTRODUCTION Ureteric obstruction is a potentially terminal event in patients with irresectable or recurrent colorectal cancer. Urinary tract obstruction is easily relieved by either two stage antegrade stenting or one stage retrograde stenting. However, there is little in the literature about outcomes after this procedure and it is unclear which, if any, patients should be offered this intervention. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer. This database comprised 1428 cases (operative and non-operative) diagnosed at a single institution. This was cross-checked with databases for patients undergoing nephrostomy and/or antegrade stenting and by clinical coding for those patients having retrograde stenting between January 1996 and October 2004. RESULTS Thirteen patients were identified (median age, 69 years: range, 35–85 years; 9 male). The aetiology of obstruction was recurrent tumour in 6 patients and irresectable tumour in the remaining 7 patients. Two patients were discussed at a urology multidisciplinary meeting before stenting and a further two were discussed with colorectal surgeons. One patient received a palliative cystectomy and ileal conduit for a vesicovaginal fistula followed by radiotherapy. Four patients received chemotherapy after stenting. Overall median survival was 210 days (range, 13–927 days). CONCLUSIONS Long-term survival is possible in selected patients with recurrent or irresectable colorectal cancer and malignant ureteric obstruction. This appears to be more likely in those patients in whom other treatments, particularly chemotherapy, are available.
MIO-M1 Cells and Similar Müller Glial Cell Lines Derived from Adult Human Retina Exhibit Neural Stem Cell Characteristics
Authors: Lawrence Jean M. , Singhal Shweta , Bhatia Bhairavi , Keegan David J. , Reh Thomas A. , Luthert Philip J. , Khaw Peng T. , Limb Gloria Astrid 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that glial cells may have a role as neural precursors in the adult central nervous system. Although it has been shown that Müller cells exhibit progenitor characteristics in the postnatal chick and rat retinae, their progenitor-like role in developed human retina is unknown. We first reported the Müller glial characteristics of the spontaneously immortalized human cell line MIO-M1, but recently we have derived similar cell lines from the neural retina of several adult eye donors. Since immortalization is one of the main properties of stem cells, we investigated whether these cells expressed stem cell markers. Cells were grown as adherent monolayers, responded to epidermal growth factor, and could be expanded indefinitely without growth factors under normal culture conditions. They could be frozen and thawed without losing their characteristics. In the presence of extracellular matrix and fibroblast growth factor-2 or retinoic acid, they acquired neural morphology, formed neurospheres, and expressed neural stem cell markers including βIII tubulin, Sox2, Pax6, Chx10, and Notch 1. They also expressed markers of postmitotic retinal neurons, including peripherin, recoverin, calretinin, S-opsin, and Brn3. When grafted into the subretinal space of dystrophic Royal College of Surgeons rats or neonatal Lister hooded rats, immortalized cells migrated into the retina, where they expressed various markers of retinal neurons. These observations indicate that adult human neural retina harbors a population of cells that express both Müller glial and stem cell markers and suggest that these cells may have potential use for cell-based therapies to restore retinal function.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Isolation and Characterization of Neural Crest Progenitors from Adult Dorsal Root Ganglia
Authors: Li Hong-Yun , Say Evonne Hwee Min , Zhou Xin-Fu 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
After peripheral nerve injury, the number of sensory neurons in the adult dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is initially reduced but recovers to a normal level several months later. The mechanisms underlying the neuronal recovery after injury are not clear. Here, we showed that in the DRG explant culture, a subpopulation of cells that emigrated out from adult rat DRG expressed nestin and p75 neurotrophin receptor and formed clusters and spheres. They differentiated into neurons, glia, and smooth muscle cells in the presence or absence of serum and formed secondary and tertiary neurospheres in cloning assays. Molecular expression analysis demonstrated the characteristics of neural crest progenitors and their potential for neuronal differentiation by expressing a set of well-defined genes related to adult stem cells niches and neuronal fate decision. Under the influence of neurotrophic factors, some of these progenitors gave rise to neuropeptide-expressing cells and protein zero-expressing Schwann cells. In a 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine chasing study, we showed that these progenitors likely originate from satellite glial cells. Our study suggests that a subpopulation of glia in adult DRG is likely to be progenitors for neurons and glia and may play a role in neurogenesis after nerve injury.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
A Tissue Engineering Approach to Progenitor Cell Delivery Results in Significant Cell Engraftment and Improved Myocardial Remodeling
Authors: Simpson David , Liu Hong , Fan Tai-Hwang Michael , Nerem Robert , Dudley Samuel C. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Cell replacement therapy has become an attractive solution for myocardial repair. Typical cell delivery techniques, however, suffer from poor cell engraftment and inhomogeneous cell distributions. Therefore, we assessed the hypothesis that an epicardially applied, tissue-engineered cardiac patch containing progenitor cells would result in enhanced exogenous cell engraftment. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were embedded into a rat tail type I collagen matrix to form the cardiac patch. Myocardial infarction was induced by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in immunocompetent male cesarean-derived fischer rats, and patches with or without cells were secured to hearts with fibrin sealant. After patch formation, hMSCs retained a viability of &gt;90% over 5 days in culture. In addition, &gt;75% of hMSCs maintained a high degree of potency prior to patch implantation. After 4 days in culture, patches were applied to the epicardial surface of the infarct area and resulted in 23% ± 4% engraftment of hMSCs at 1 week (n = 6). Patch application resulted in a reduction in left ventricle interior diameter at systole, increased anterior wall thickness, and a 30% increase in fractional shortening. Despite this improvement in myocardial remodeling, hMSCs were not detectable at 4 weeks after patch application, implying that improvement did not require long-term cell engraftment. Patches devoid of progenitor cells showed no improvement in remodeling. In conclusion, pluripotent hMSCs can be efficiently delivered to a site of myocardial injury using an epicardial cardiac patch, and such delivery results in improved myocardial remodeling after infarction.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Satisfaction and Quality of Life With Premeal Inhaled Versus Injected Insulin in Adolescents and Adults With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Testa Marcia A. , Simonson Donald C. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—We sought to compare and evaluate the impact of inhaled versus injected insulin on potential mediators of patient acceptance of insulin therapy while maintaining comparable A1C levels.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—During a noninferiority efficacy trial conducted in 40 centers in the U.S., we surveyed treatment satisfaction, quality of life, and adherence barriers at weeks −4, −1, 6, 12, 20, and 24 in adolescents aged 12–17 years and adults with type 1 diabetes who received premeal regular plus twice-daily NPH insulin during a 4-week run-in; then, subjects were randomized to premeal inhaled human insulin plus twice-daily NPH (adults, n = 102; adolescents, n = 60) (inhaled) or remaining on run-in therapy (n = 105 and 60, respectively) (subcutaneous injection).
RESULTS—Overall treatment satisfaction (0–100) increased by 13.2 ± 1.1 units for inhaled insulin (baseline = 63.3 ± 1.2) compared with 1.7 ± 0.8 for subcutaneous insulin injection (baseline = 64.1 ± 1.2, P &lt; 0.0001). All 12 satisfaction subscales favored inhaled insulin (all P &lt; 0.01), and effects did not vary by age or sex. Despite similar baseline-adjusted end point A1C for inhaled (7.7 ± 0.1%) and subcutaneous (7.9 ± 0.1%) regimens, quality-of-life scales of mental health, symptoms, health status, cognitive functioning, and adherence barriers during treatment were more favorable for inhaled insulin (all P &lt; 0.05). Greater satisfaction was associated with fewer barriers to insulin adherence (rho = −0.78, P &lt; 0.0001) and a greater reduction in A1C (rho = −0.18, P &lt; 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS—Treatment satisfaction was substantially more favorable, adherence barriers moderately lower, and quality of life moderately higher for inhaled compared with subcutaneous regimen. It remains to be demonstrated whether these patient-reported outcomes will translate into improved adherence and glycemic control.
Impact of Telmisartan Versus Ramipril on Renal Endothelial Function in Patients With Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Schmieder Roland E. , Delles Christian , Mimran Albert , Fauvel Jean P. , Ruilope Luis M. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—One of the earliest signs of vascular change is endothelial dysfunction, which is also known to provoke albuminuria and to predict cardiovascular prognosis. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade on renal endothelial function.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a multicenter, prospective, double-blind, forced-titration, randomized study, 96 patients with type 2 diabetes, hypertension, glomerular filtration rate &gt;80 ml/min, and normo- or microalbuminuria were treated once daily with 40/80 mg telmisartan or 5/10 mg ramipril for 9 weeks.
RESULTS—The mean ± SE fall in renal plasma flow (RPF) in response to intravenous NG-monomethyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA), reflecting the magnitude of nitric oxide (NO) activity, increased with telmisartan from 71.9 ± 9.0 ml/min before therapy to 105.2 ± 9.7 ml/min at the end of treatment (P &lt; 0.001). With ramipril, RPF response to l-NMMA increased from 60.1 ± 12.2 to 87.8 ± 9.2 ml/min (P = 0.018). The adjusted difference between treatments was −17.1 ± 13.7 ml/min (P = 0.214). In accordance, telmisartan increased RPF at rest (i.e., without l-NMMA) from 652.0 ± 27.0 to 696.1 ± 31.0 ml/min (P = 0.047), whereas ramipril produced no significant changes in RPF. The more the basal NO activity improved, the greater was the vasodilatory effect on renal vasculature (r = 0.47, P &lt; 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS—In patients with type 2 diabetes, telmisartan and ramipril both increased NO activity of the renal endothelium significantly, which in turn may support the preservation of cardiovascular and renal function.
A Cohort Study of People With Diabetes and Their First Foot Ulcer
Authors: Ismail Khalida , Winkley Kirsty , Stahl Daniel , Chalder Trudie , Edmonds Michael 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—The aim was to evaluate over 18 months whether depression was associated with mortality in people with their first foot ulcer.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A prospective cohort design was used. Adults with their first diabetic foot ulcer were recruited from foot clinics in southeast London, U.K. At baseline, the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry 2.1 was used to define those who met DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)-IV criteria for minor and major depressive disorders. Potential covariates were age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, smoking, antidepressant use, A1C, macro- and microvascular complications, and University of Texas classification–based severity and size of ulcer. The main outcome was mortality 18 months later, and A1C was the secondary outcome. The proportion who had an amputation, had recurrence, and whose ulcer had healed was recorded.
RESULTS—A total of 253 people with their first diabetic foot ulcer were recruited. The prevalence of minor and major depressive disorder was 8.1% (n = 21) and 24.1% (n = 61), respectively. There were 40 (15.8%) deaths, 36 (15.5%) amputations, and 99 (43.2%) recurrences. In the adjusted Cox regression analysis, minor and major depressive disorders were associated with an approximately threefold hazard risk for mortality compared with no depression (3.23 [95% CI 1.39–7.51] and 2.73 [1.38–5.40], respectively). There was no association between minor and major depression compared with no depression and A1C (P = 0.86 and P = 0.43, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS—One-third of people with their first diabetic foot ulcer suffer from clinical depression, and this is associated with increased mortality.
Effects of Once-Weekly Dosing of a Long-Acting Release Formulation of Exenatide on Glucose Control and Body Weight in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kim Dennis , MacConell Leigh , Zhuang Dongliang , Kothare Prajakti A. , Trautmann Michael , Fineman Mark , Taylor Kristin 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—In patients with type 2 diabetes, exenatide reduces A1C, postprandial and fasting glucose, and weight. In this study we investigated the effects of continuous exenatide administration from a long-acting release (LAR) formulation.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In this randomized, placebo-controlled phase 2 study, exenatide LAR (0.8 or 2.0 mg) was administered subcutaneously once weekly for 15 weeks to subjects with type 2 diabetes (n = 45) suboptimally controlled with metformin (60%) and/or diet and exercise (40%): 40% female, A1C (mean ± SD) 8.5 ± 1.2%, fasting plasma glucose 9.9 ± 2.3 mmol/l, weight 106 ± 20 kg, and diabetes duration 5 ± 4 years.
RESULTS—From baseline to week 15, exenatide LAR reduced mean ± SE A1C by −1.4 ± 0.3% (0.8 mg) and −1.7 ± 0.3% (2.0 mg), compared with +0.4 ± 0.3% with placebo LAR (P &lt; 0.0001 for both). A1C of ≤7% was achieved by 36 and 86% of subjects receiving 0.8 and 2.0 mg exenatide LAR, respectively, compared with 0% of subjects receiving placebo LAR. Fasting plasma glucose was reduced by −2.4 ± 0.9 mmol/l (0.8 mg) and −2.2 ± 0.5 mmol/l (2.0 mg) compared with +1.0 ± 0.7 mmol/l with placebo LAR (P &lt; 0.001 for both). Exenatide LAR reduced self-monitored postprandial hyperglycemia. Subjects receiving 2.0 mg exenatide LAR had body weight reductions (−3.8 ± 1.4 kg) (P &lt; 0.05), whereas body weight was unchanged with both placebo LAR and the 0.8-mg dose. Mild nausea was the most frequent adverse event. No subjects treated with exenatide LAR withdrew from the study.
CONCLUSIONS—Exenatide LAR offers the potential of 24-h glycemic control and weight reduction with a novel once-weekly treatment for type 2 diabetes.
Exercise Capacity and Body Mass as Predictors of Mortality Among Male Veterans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: McAuley Paul A. , Myers Jonathan N. , Abella Joshua P. , Tan Swee Y. , Froelicher Victor F. 
Published: May 2007

OBJECTIVE—To demonstrate the relation of exercise capacity and BMI to mortality in a population of male veterans with type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—After excluding two underweight patients (BMI &lt;18.5 kg/m2), the study population comprised 831 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 61 ± 9 years) referred for exercise testing for clinical reasons between 1995 and 2006. Exercise capacity was determined from a maximal exercise test and measured in metabolic equivalents (METs). Patients were classified both according to BMI category (18.5–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥30 kg/m2) and by exercise capacity (&lt;5.0 or ≥5.0 maximal METs). The association among exercise capacity, BMI, other clinical variables, and all-cause mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards. Study participants were followed for mortality up to 30 June 2006.
RESULTS—During a mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 3.0 years, 112 patients died, for an average annual mortality rate of 2.2%. Each 1-MET increase in exercise capacity conferred a 10% survival benefit (hazard ratio 0.90 [95% CI 0.82–0.98]; P = 0.01), but BMI was not significantly associated with mortality. After adjustment for age, ethnicity, examination year, BMI, presence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD risk factors, diabetic patients achieving &lt;5 maximal METs were 70% more likely to die (1.70 [1.13–2.54]) than those achieving ≥5 maximal METs.
CONCLUSIONS—There was a strong inverse association between exercise capacity and mortality in this cohort of men with documented diabetes, and this relationship was independent of BMI.