bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide association study for renal traits in the Framingham Heart and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Studies
Authors: Kottgen Anna , Kao Wen Hong L , Hwang Shih-Jen , Boerwinkle Eric , Yang Qiong , Levy Daniel , Benjamin Emelia J , Larson Martin G , Astor Brad C , Coresh Josef , Fox Caroline S 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) recently obtained initial results from the first genome-wide association scan for renal traits. The study of 70,987 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 1,010 FHS participants provides a list of SNPs showing the strongest associations with renal traits which need to be verified in independent study samples.

Methods
Sixteen SNPs were selected for replication based on the most promising associations with chronic kidney disease (CKD), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and serum cystatin C in FHS. These SNPs were genotyped in 15,747 participants of the Atherosclerosis in Communities (ARIC) Study and evaluated for association using multivariable adjusted regression analyses. Primary outcomes in ARIC were CKD and eGFR. Secondary prospective analyses were conducted for association with kidney disease progression using multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression. The definition of the outcomes, all covariates, and the use of an additive genetic model was consistent with the original analyses in FHS.

Results
The intronic SNP rs6495446 in the gene MTHFS was significantly associated with CKD among white ARIC participants at visit 4: the odds ratio per each C allele was 1.24 (95% CI 1.09–1.41, p = 0.001). Borderline significant associations of rs6495446 were observed with CKD at study visit 1 (p = 0.024), eGFR at study visits 1 (p = 0.073) and 4 (lower mean eGFR per C allele by 0.6 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.043) and kidney disease progression (hazard ratio 1.13 per each C allele, 95% CI 1.00–1.26, p = 0.041). Another SNP, rs3779748 in EYA1, was significantly associated with CKD at ARIC visit 1 (odds ratio per each T allele 1.22, p = 0.01), but only with eGFR and cystatin C in FHS.

Conclusion
This genome-wide association study provides unbiased information implicating MTHFS as a candidate gene for kidney disease. Our findings highlight the importance of replication to identify common SNPs associated with renal traits.
Over-expression of Adenine Nucleotide Translocase 1 (ANT1) Induces Apoptosis and Tumor Regression in vivo
Authors: Jang Ji-Young , Choi Yun , Jeon Yoon-Kyung , Aung Khin Chaw aYu , Kim Chul-Woo 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) is located in the inner mitochondrial membrane and catalyzes the exchange of mitochondrial ATP for cytosolic ADP. ANT has been known to be a major component of the permeability transition pore complex of mitochondria and contributes to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Human ANT has four isoforms (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, and ANT4), and the expression of the ANT isoforms is variable depending on the tissue and cell type, developmental stage, and proliferation status. Among the isoforms, ANT1 is highly expressed in terminally-differentiated tissues, but expressed in low levels in proliferating cells, such as cancer cells. In particular, over-expression of ANT1 induces apoptosis in cultured tumor cells.

Methods
We applied an ANT1 gene transfer approach to induce apoptosis and to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of ANT1 in a nude mouse model.

Results
We demonstrated that ANT1 transfection induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells, inactivated NF-κB activity, and increased Bax expression. ANT1-inducing apoptosis was accompanied by the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c release and the activation of caspases-9 and -3. Moreover, ANT1 transfection significantly suppressed tumor growth in vivo.

Conclusion
Our results suggest that ANT1 transfection may be a useful therapeutic modality for the treatment of cancer.
The 2BFit study: is an unsupervised proprioceptive balance board training programme, given in addition to usual care, effective in preventing ankle sprain recurrences? Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hupperets Maarten DW , Verhagen Evert ALM , van Mechelen Willem 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
There is strong evidence that athletes have a twofold risk for re-injury after a previous ankle sprain, especially during the first year post-injury. These ankle sprain recurrences could result in disability and lead to chronic pain or instability in 20 to 50% of these cases. When looking at the high rate of ankle sprain recurrences and the associated chronic results, ankle sprain recurrence prevention is important.

Objective
To evaluate the effect of a proprioceptive balance board training programme on ankle sprain recurrences, that was applied to individual athletes after rehabilitation and treatment by usual care.

Methods/Design
This study was designed as a randomized controlled trial with a follow-up of one year. Healthy individuals between 12 and 70 years of age, who were actively participating in sports and who had sustained a lateral ankle sprain up to two months prior to inclusion, were eligible for inclusion in the study. The intervention programme was compared to usual care. The intervention programme consisted of an eight-week proprioceptive training, which started after finishing usual care and from the moment that sports participation was again possible. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and every month for 12 months. The primary outcome of this study was the incidence of recurrent ankle injuries in both groups within one year after the initial sprain. Secondary outcomes were severity and etiology of re-injury and medical care. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated from a societal perspective. A process evaluation was conducted for the intervention programme.

Discussion
The 2BFit trial is the first randomized controlled trial to study the effect of a non-supervised home-based proprioceptive balance board training programme in addition to usual care, on the recurrence of ankle sprains in sports. Results of this study could possibly lead to changes in practical guidelines on the treatment of ankle sprains. Results will become available in 2009.

Trial registration
ISTRCN34177180.
Induced metamorphosis in crustacean y-larvae: Towards a solution to a 100-year-old riddle
Authors: Glenner Henrik , Høeg Jens T , Grygier Mark J , Fujita Yoshihisa 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background

The y-larva, a crustacean larval type first identified more than 100 years ago, has been found in marine plankton samples collected in the arctic, temperate and tropical regions of all oceans. The great species diversity found among y-larvae (we have identified more than 40 species at our study site alone) indicates that the adult organism may play a significant ecological role. However, despite intense efforts, the adult y-organism has never been identified, and nothing is therefore known about its biology.

Results

We have successfully and repeatedly induced metamorphosis of y-larvae into a novel, highly reduced juvenile stage by applying the crustacean molting hormone 20-HE. The new stage is slug-like, unsegmented and lacks both limbs and almost all other traits normally characterizing arthropods, but it is capable of vigorous peristaltic motions.

Conclusion

From our observations on live and preserved material we conclude that adult Facetotecta are endoparasitic in still to be identified marine hosts and with a juvenile stage that represents a remarkable convergence to that seen in parasitic barnacles (Crustacea Cirripedia Rhizocephala). From the distribution and abundance of facetotectan y-larvae in the world's oceans we furthermore suggest that these parasites are widespread and could play an important role in the marine environment.
Fragmentation and bond strength of airborne diesel soot agglomerates
Authors: Rothenbacher Sonja , Messerer Armin , Kasper Gerhard 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
The potential of diesel soot aerosol particles to break up into smaller units under mechanical stress was investigated by a direct impaction technique which measures the degree of fragmentation of individual agglomerates vs. impact energy. Diesel aerosol was generated by an idling diesel engine used for passenger vehicles. Both the aerosol emitted directly and aerosol that had undergone additional growth by Brownian coagulation ("aging") was investigated. Optionally a thermo-desoption technique at 280°C was used to remove all high-volatility and the majority of low-volatility HC adsorbates from the aerosol before aging.

Results
It was found that the primary soot agglomerates emitted directly from the engine could not be fragmented at all. Soot agglomerates permitted to grow additionally by Brownian coagulation of the primary emitted particles could be fragmented to a maximum of 75% and 60% respectively, depending on whether adsorbates were removed from their surface prior to aging or not. At most, these aged agglomerates could be broken down to roughly the size of the agglomerates from the primary emission. The energy required for a 50% fragmentation probability of all bonds within an agglomerate was reduced by roughly a factor of 2 when aging "dry" agglomerates. Average bond energies derived from the data were 0.52*10-16 and 1.2*10-16 J, respectively. This is about 2 orders of magnitude higher than estimates for pure van-der-Waals agglomerates, but agrees quite well with other observations.

Conclusion
Although direct conclusions regarding the behavior of inhaled diesel aerosol in contact with body fluids cannot be drawn from such measurements, the results imply that highly agglomerated soot aerosol particles are unlikely to break up into units smaller than roughly the size distribution emitted as tail pipe soot.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensors for quantitative monitoring of pentose and disaccharide accumulation in bacteria
Authors: Kaper Thijs , Lager Ida , Looger Loren L , Chermak Diane , Frommer Wolf B 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Engineering microorganisms to improve metabolite flux requires detailed knowledge of the concentrations and flux rates of metabolites and metabolic intermediates in vivo. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensors represent a promising technology for measuring metabolite levels and corresponding rate changes in live cells. These sensors have been applied successfully in mammalian and plant cells but potentially could also be used to monitor steady-state levels of metabolites in microorganisms using fluorimetric assays. Sensors for hexose and pentose carbohydrates could help in the development of fermentative microorganisms, for example, for biofuels applications. Arabinose is one of the carbohydrates to be monitored during biofuels production from lignocellulose, while maltose is an important degradation product of starch that is relevant for starch-derived biofuels production.

Results
An Escherichia coli expression vector compatible with phage λ recombination technology was constructed to facilitate sensor construction and was used to generate a novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensor for arabinose. In parallel, a strategy for improving the sensor signal was applied to construct an improved maltose sensor. Both sensors were expressed in the cytosol of E. coli and sugar accumulation was monitored using a simple fluorimetric assay of E. coli cultures in microtiter plates. In the case of both nanosensors, the addition of the respective ligand led to concentration-dependent fluorescence resonance energy transfer responses allowing quantitative analysis of the intracellular sugar levels at given extracellular supply levels as well as accumulation rates.

Conclusion
The nanosensor destination vector combined with the optimization strategy for sensor responses should help to accelerate the development of metabolite sensors. The new carbohydrate fluorescence resonance energy transfer sensors can be used for in vivo monitoring of sugar levels in prokaryotes, demonstrating the potential of such sensors as reporter tools in the development of metabolically engineered microbial strains or for real-time monitoring of intracellular metabolite during fermentation.
Chordin knockdown enhances the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kwong Francois NK , Richardson Stephen M , Evans Christopher H 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are critical growth factors in the osteogenic differentiation of progenitor cells during development in embryos and fracture repair in adults. Although recombinant BMPs are in use clinically, their clinical efficiency needs to be improved. The biological activities of BMPs are naturally regulated by extracellular binding proteins. The specific hypotheses tested in this study were as follows: the BMP inhibitor chordin is produced endogenously during the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); and blockade of the activity of the BMP inhibitor increases the rate of osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs in vitro.

Methods
Human MSCs were derived from bone marrow from an iliac crest aspirate and from patients undergoing hip hemiarthroplasty. The MSCs were induced down the osteogenic pathway using standard osteogenic differentiation media, and expressions of BMP-2 and chordin were determined by gene expression analysis. During osteogenic differentiation, chordin knockdown was induced using RNA interference. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by measuring the expression of alkaline phosphatase and calcium deposition. The differences in expression of osteogenic makers between groups were compared by analysis of variance, followed by Gabriel post hoc test.

Results
We demonstrate the expression of BMP-2 and chordin in human MSCs during osteogenic differentiation. Knockdown of chordin by RNA interference in vitro resulted in a significant increase in the expression of the osteogenic marker alkaline phosphatase and the deposition of extracellular mineral, in response to osteogenic stimulation.

Conclusion
We conclude that endogenously produced chordin constrains the osteogenic differentiation of human MSCs. The targeting of BMP inhibitors, such as chordin, may provide a novel strategy for enhancing bone regeneration.
Chætognath transcriptome reveals ancestral and unique features among bilaterians
Authors: Marlétaz Ferdinand , Gilles André , Caubit Xavier , Perez Yvan , Dossat Carole , Samain Sylvie , Gyapay Gabor , Wincker Patrick , Le Parco Yannick 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Background
The chætognaths (arrow worms) have puzzled zoologists for years because of their astonishing morphological and developmental characteristics. Despite their deuterostome-like development, phylogenomic studies recently positioned the chætognath phylum in protostomes, most likely in an early branching. This key phylogenetic position and the peculiar characteristics of chætognaths prompted further investigation of their genomic features.

Results
Transcriptomic and genomic data were collected from the chætognath Spadella cephaloptera through the sequencing of expressed sequence tags and genomic bacterial artificial chromosome clones. Transcript comparisons at various taxonomic scales emphasized the conservation of a core gene set and phylogenomic analysis confirmed the basal position of chætognaths among protostomes. A detailed survey of transcript diversity and individual genotyping revealed a past genome duplication event in the chætognath lineage, which was, surprisingly, followed by a high retention rate of duplicated genes. Moreover, striking genetic heterogeneity was detected within the sampled population at the nuclear and mitochondrial levels but cannot be explained by cryptic speciation. Finally, we found evidence for trans-splicing maturation of transcripts through splice-leader addition in the chætognath phylum and we further report that this processing is associated with operonic transcription.

Conclusion
These findings reveal both shared ancestral and unique derived characteristics of the chætognath genome, which suggests that this genome is likely the product of a very original evolutionary history. These features promote chætognaths as a pivotal model for comparative genomics, which could provide new clues for the investigation of the evolution of animal genomes.
Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery in Children
Authors: Sosa Julie Ann , Tuggle Charles T. , Wang Tracy S. , Thomas Daniel C. , Boudourakis Leon , Rivkees Scott , Roman Sanziana A. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Context: Clinical and economic outcomes after thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy in adults have demonstrated disparities based on patient age and race/ethnicity; there is a paucity of literature on pediatric endocrine outcomes.
Objective: The objective was to examine the clinical and demographic predictors of outcomes after pediatric thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy.
Design: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project–National Inpatient Sample hospital discharge information from 1999–2005. All patients who underwent thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy were included. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of patient outcomes.
Subjects: Subjects included 1199 patients 17 yr old or younger undergoing thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy.
Main Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included in-hospital patient complications, length of stay (LOS), and inpatient hospital costs.
Results: The majority of patients were female (76%), aged 13–17 yr (71%), and White (69%). Whites were more often in the highest income group (80% vs. 8% for Hispanic and 6% for Black; P &lt; 0.01) and had private/HMO insurance (76% vs. 10% for Hispanic and 5% for Black; P &lt; 0.001) rather than Medicaid (13% vs. 32% for Hispanic and 41% for Black; P &lt; 0.001). Ninety-one percent of procedures were thyroidectomies and 9% parathyroidectomies. Children aged 0–6 yr had higher complication rates (22% vs. 15% for 7–12 yr and 11% for 13–17 yr; P &lt; 0.01), LOS (3.3 d vs. 2.3 for 7–12 yr and 1.8 for 13–17 yr; P &lt; 0.01), and higher costs. Compared with children from higher-income families, those from lower-income families had higher complication rates (11.5 vs. 7.7%; P &lt; 0.05), longer LOS (2.7 vs. 1.7 d; P &lt; 0.01), and higher costs. Children had higher endocrine-specific complication rates than adults after parathyroidectomy (15.2 vs. 6.2%; P &lt; 0.01) and thyroidectomy (9.1 vs. 6.3%; P &lt; 0.01).
Conclusions: Children undergoing thyroidectomy/parathyroidectomy have higher complication rates than adult patients. Outcomes were optimized when surgeries were performed by high-volume surgeons. There appears to be disparity in access to high-volume surgeons for children from low-income families, Blacks, and Hispanics.
Wood solubilization and depolymerization by supercritical methanol. Part 2: Analysis of methanol soluble compounds
Authors: Soria Andres J. , McDonald Armando G. , He Bingjun B. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Methanol treatment of ponderosa pine wood was performed in a batch reactor at temperatures close to and above the critical points of methanol (238°C and 8.3 MPa) to induce wood degradation into its monomeric and oligomeric components. The resultant methanol soluble and insoluble residues and gases were collected. The volatile components of the liquid and gaseous fractions were analyzed by GC-MS. The gases consisted mostly of carbon dioxide and simple aliphatic hydrocarbons. The non-volatile methanol soluble components were analyzed by HPLC and size exclusion chromatography. The mixture was found to be promising as a source of raw materials for fuel and chemical manufacturing. It consists of a blend of carbohydrate and lignin derived compounds and extractives in varying concentrations depending on the reaction conditions. More extractive compounds were found in the subcritical runs. In mild supercritical conditions the yield of lignin monomers and oligomers was increased, while under severe supercritical treatment, lignin and carbohydrate derived compounds were prevalent.
Water absorption thermodynamics in single wood pellets modelled by multivariate near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Lestander Torbjörn A. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Samples of wood pellets were adjusted into six water content classes from 0% to 12%. The water content in single pellets varied between 0.1% and 14.2%. Three equations were constructed to estimate the differential heat of sorption (-ΔH) values from (1) fractal-geometry, (2) isosteric, and (3) calorimetric data. The ranges in calculated -ΔH of single pellets were (1) 133–1475, (2) 315–881, and (3) 195–1188 J g-1 water, respectively, across the studied moisture content range. Partial least squares regression was used to model near-infrared (NIR) spectra from single pellets and to predict -ΔH values and water content. The explained variation in test sets for the different models ranged from 97.1% to 99.9%. The shifts in peak absorbance for two water bands indicated that frequency in overtone vibration of O-H stretching and bending decreased, when water content was raised. Simulations of mixes between pellets of differential heat values showed that released heat was up to 0.03% of the gross calorific value of wood pellets. This heat may be a major contributor to initial temperature increases in pellet stacks during storage. The results indicate that on-line NIR based predictions of differential heat in wood pellets is possible to apply in the pellet industry.
HbA1c Values Calculated from Blood Glucose Levels Using Truncated Fourier Series and Implementation in Standard SQL Database Language
Authors: Luger A. , Riedl M. , Temsch W. 
Published: June 2008

Summary

Objectives:
This article presents a mathematical model to calculate HbA1c values based on self-measured blood glucose and past HbA1c levels, there by enabling patients to monitor diabetes therapy between scheduled checkups. This method could help physicians to make treatment decisions if implemented in a system where glucose data are transferred to a remote server. The method, however, cannot replace HbA1c measurements; past HbA1c values are needed to gauge the method.

Methods:
The mathematical model of HbA1c formation was developed based on biochemical principles. Unlike an existing HbA1c formula [1], the new model respects the decreasing contribution of older glucose levels to current HbA1c values. About 12 standard SQL statements embedded in a php program were used to per-form Fourier transform. Regression analysis was used to gauge results with previous HbA1c values. The method can be readily implemented in any SQL database. Results: The predicted HbA1c values thus obtained were in accordance with measured values. They also matched the results of the HbA1c formula in the elevated range. By contrast, the formula was too “optimistic” in the range of better glycemic control. Individual analysis of two subjects improvedthe accuracy of values and reflected the bias introduced by different glucometers and individual measurement habits.