bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liposomal plasmid DNA encoding human thymosin α1 and interferon ω1 potently inhibits liver tumor growth in ICR mice
Authors: Chen Pei Fu , Fu Geng Feng , Zhang Hong Ying , Xu Gen Xing , Hou Ya Yi 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:  To evaluate the potential therapeutic effect of liposomal gene delivery, genes encoding for human thymosin alpha1 (Tα1) and interferon ω1 were injected via the tail vein into mice bearing a Hep‐A‐22 liver tumor.Methods:  The cDNA of human Tα1 and interferon ω1 were obtained by synthesis or reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), respectively. Eukaryotic expressing vectors pIRES2, encoding Tα1 and/or interferon ω1, were constructed and injected with liposome via the tail vein into ICR mice bearing a Hep‐A‐22 tumor. The potency of tumor inhibition was evaluated when three treated groups were compared with the group receiving the empty vector. Apoptosis of tumor cells was investigated by analyzing DNA fragmentation.Results:  Only the group treated with dual‐gene plasmid reached an eligible level of tumor inhibition (43%). The difference in tumor weight was statistically significant between the Tα1 gene or the interferon ω1 gene treated groups and the control (P < 0.05), and highly significant between the dual‐gene treated group and the control (P < 0.01). DNA ladder was observed in the tumor cells from the purpose gene treated groups but not from the control.Conclusion:  The dual‐gene plasmid‐liposome complex showed more potent inhibition than the single gene constructs on the growth of Hep‐A‐22 tumor cells in mice, which may be attributed to indirect and additive induction of apoptosis in tumor cells by increased expression of Tα1 and interferon ω1.
Urinary excretion of oxidative metabolites of bilirubin in subjects with Gilbert syndrome
Authors: Vítek Libor , Kráslová Ivana , Muchová Lucie , Novotný Ladislav , Yamaguchi Tokio 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Bilirubin is a potent endogenous antioxidant substance. Recent data suggest a direct relationship exists between urinary excretion of biopyrrins, a novel group of bilirubin oxidative metabolites, and severity of oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate urinary excretion of biopyrrins in subjects with Gilbert syndrome.Methods:  The study included patients with Gilbert syndrome (n = 33) and healthy blood donors (n = 25). In all subjects complete biochemical tests were conducted along with analysis of urinary excretion of biopyrrins. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used for multiple adjustments of possible confounders/modifiers.Results:  As expected, high serum bilirubin levels were found in the Gilbert syndrome group as compared to controls (27.8 ± 9.7 vs 9.9 ± 3.0 µmol/L, P < 0.001). In contrast, urinary levels of biopyrrins were substantially lower in the Gilbert syndrome group as compared to normobilirubinemic control subjects (19.9 ± 26.0 vs 90.2 ± 139.1 U/g urinary creatinine, P < 0.001). The Gilbert syndrome group also had very low prevalence odds ratios for urinary biopyrrins above the median of the control values even after adjustment for possibly confounding factors (odds ratio 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.33–0.94; P = 0.042).Conclusions:  An inverse relationship was demonstrated between serum bilirubin level and urinary excretion of biopyrrins, which is presumably due to antioxidative effects of elevated serum bilirubin levels in Gilbert syndrome.
Assessment of esophageal motor function using combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry in healthy volunteers: A single‐center study in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Chien‐Lin , Yi Chih‐Hsun 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:  Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry (MII‐EM) allow simultaneous measurement of both pressure and bolus transit. The aim of this study was to establish normative data in Chinese subjects for combined MII‐EM and to correlate liquid and viscous bolus transit by impedance with esophageal contractions by manometry.Methods:  Eighteen normal volunteers (six women and 12 men; mean age 24 years, range 19–36 years) underwent combined MII‐EM with a catheter containing four impedance‐measuring segments and five solid‐state pressure transducers. Each subject received 10 liquid and 10 viscous material swallows of 5 mL each. Tracings were analyzed for bolus presence time, total bolus transit time, contraction amplitude, duration, and onset velocity.Results:  A total of 180 liquid and viscous swallow responses were analyzed. In all, 98.4% percent of manometrically normal liquid and 97.7% of manometrically normal viscous swallows had complete bolus transit by impedance. More than half (56.3%) of manometrically ineffective liquid and 50% of ineffective viscous swallows had complete bolus transit. Nearly 90% of normal individuals had at least 70% complete liquid bolus transit while more than 90% of normal individuals had at least 70% complete viscous bolus transit.Conclusions:  This study establishes normative data for combined MII‐EM in a healthy Chinese population. These data will help provide impedance application in esophageal function testing with a reference range that could be utilized by future studies or clinical practices involving Chinese subjects.
Exercise myocardial perfusion stress testing in children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Lim Chee Wen Terence , Ho Kheng Thye , Quek Swee Chye 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  Kawasaki disease is the commonest cause of acquired coronary artery disease in children. Although echocardiography and treadmill stress testing have been the traditional methods of assessing coronary artery abnormalities and detecting myocardial ischaemia, respectively, these are inadequate for assessing perfusion and performance. We studied the safety and utility of exercise myocardial perfusion stress testing in children with previous Kawasaki disease.Methods:  Eleven subjects (median age 12 years; seven male and four female adolescents) with a history of childhood Kawasaki disease underwent 99mTechnetium‐Tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion scan using a modified protocol. All had New York Heart Association effort tolerance class 1 and were asymptomatic at time of testing. Eight of 11 subjects had been treated with intravenous immunoglobulin during the acute phase. Six of 11 subjects had transient coronary artery dilatation. One subject with persistently dilated coronary arteries suffered an acute myocardial infarction 6 months after onset of Kawasaki disease but recovered well. Results were compared with clinical and echocardiographic findings.Results:  All subjects were able to complete the exercise test. There were no side effects associated with radioisotope injection. Ten of 11 patients, including the one who suffered a myocardial infarction had normal tests. The single subject with an abnormal scan showed a minimal (2%) fixed defect in the left ventricular wall.Conclusion:  Exercise myocardial perfusion stress is a safe and useful method for the assessment of myocardial perfusion in co‐operative children with a history of Kawasaki disease and is a useful addition to conventional methods for coronary risk stratification in such patients.
Sudden infant death syndrome and unascertainable deaths: Trends and disparities among Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal infants born in Western Australia from 1980 to 2001 inclusive
Authors: Freemantle C Jane , Read Anne W , De Klerk Nicholas H , McAullay Daniel , Anderson Ian P , Stanley Fiona J 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To analyse patterns and trends in mortality from unknown causes (sudden infant death syndrome and unascertainable deaths) for all Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal infants born in Western Australia, 1980–2001.Methods:  Using total population linked data, we reviewed all post‐mortem reports, including death scene investigations and final causes of death as ascertained by the coroner. Neonatal, post‐neonatal and infant mortality rates attributed to unknown causes were calculated and the latter were analysed according to maternal age, geographical location, gestational age, sex and birthweight. Relative risks (95% confidence interval) for Aboriginal infants (compared with non‐Aboriginal) were calculated.Results:  The proportion of deaths considered to be of unascertainable cause has significantly increased in recent years. In contrast to the non‐Aboriginal population, there has been no significant decrease in deaths in the Aboriginal population and the overall relative risk for Aboriginal infants for the most recent years studied was 7.9 (95% confidence interval 5.1–12.2). The relative risk was significantly increased for most categories analysed.Conclusion:  Reviewing post‐mortem reports enabled identification of changes in the classification of deaths due to unknown causes. This provided a more accurate picture of the patterns and long‐term trends of such deaths so that programmes can be developed to specifically target those groups most at risk. Adequately funded and evaluated education campaigns aimed at reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome among Aboriginal infants are required, as well as sustaining the current efforts that have been so successful for non‐Aboriginal infants.
Risk factors for reduced lung function in Australian Aboriginal children
Authors: Bucens Ingrid K , Reid Alison , Sayers Susan M 
Published: July 2006

Aim:  To determine the influence of perinatal and childhood exposures on lung function in a cohort of Australian Aboriginal children.Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study of 547 Northern Territory Aboriginal children, aged 8–14 years, belonging to a birth cohort. Assessment included physical examination and spirometry as well as retrospective review of centralised hospital records. The effect of select perinatal and childhood exposures on lung function outcomes (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow between 25 and 75 s (FEF25–75)) adjusted for age, sex, height and other measures of size was examined using multiple regression.Results:  Non‐urban residence (FEV1 −5% (95% confidence interval, CI 0.91–0.99), FVC −9% (95% CI 0.87–0.95)), current cough (FEV1 −6% (95% CI 0.91–0.97), FVC −4% (95% CI 0.93–0.97), FEF25–75 −8% (95% CI 0.86–0.98)) and hospitalisations for respiratory disease (FEV1 −10% (95% CI 0.86–0.95), FEF25–75 −12% (95% CI 0.70–0.87)) all had significant negative effects on adjusted lung function measures. Children with a non‐Aboriginal ancestor had significantly better lung function. No perinatal exposure other than neonatal lung disease had any significant effect on adjusted lung function.Conclusions:  For Northern Territory Aboriginal children factors related to the childhood environment are more important than perinatal factors in determining childhood lung function.
Examination of the type material of Synedra rumpens	=Fragilaria rumpens, Bacillariophyceae
Authors: Tuji Akihiro , Williams David M. 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY Fragilaria rumpens (Kütz.) G. W. F. Carlson is assumed to be a cosmopolitan species, and is often reported from ponds and lakes. Nevertheless, this species is similar to both Fragilaria capucina Desm. and Fragilaria vaucheriae (Kütz.) J. B. Petersen and, as a consequence, the taxonomy of all three species has been confusing. In an attempt to solve the taxonomic problems within this group, we have examined the type material of Synedra rumpens and discuss the differences between it and some of those species said to be similar.
New records of marine benthic algae from the Lagon Sud‐Ouest of New Caledonia, South Pacific
Authors: Millar Alan J. K. , Payri Claude E. 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARYAs part of an ongoing project to substantially increase knowledge of the marine algal flora of the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, a survey of the Nouméa region was conducted that has resulted in the discovery of 41 previously unrecorded species of macroalgae, including 1 Chlorophyta, 1 Phaeophyceae (Heterokontophyta) and 39 Rhodophyta. Among the biogeographically interesting new records are the green macroalgaRhipilia penicilloidesN’Yeurt et Keats (previously endemic to the islands of Fiji some 1000 km east of new Caledonia) and the brown algaCutleria mollisAllender et Kraft (originally described from Lord Howe Island some 1000 km to the south). The red algaGloiophloea articulataWeber‐van Bosse, known only from its initial discovery in 1928 from the Mascarene Islands in the western Indian Ocean, is now recorded in the deep‐water channels of the Nouméa region of New Caledonia. The widely distributed Indian Ocean speciesCorynomorpha prismatica(J. Agardh) J. Agardh has its easternmost distribution record from this area, andDotyella hawaiiensis(Doty et Wainwright) Womersley et Shepley is recorded for the first time outside its central‐Pacific distribution. These new discoveries represent a 12% increase in the total number of species (377) that are reliably known from New Caledonia.
Astroglia up‐regulate transcription and secretion of ‘readthrough’ acetylcholinesterase following oxidative stress
Authors: Bond C. E. , Patel P. , Crouch L. , Tetlow N. , Day T. , Abu‐Hayyeh S. , Williamson C. , Greenfield S. A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractNovel and diverse functions of glial cells are currently the focus of much attention [A. Volterra and J. Meldolesi (2005)Nature Rev. 6, 626–640]. Here we present evidence that rat astroglia release acetylcholinesterase (AChE) as part of their response to hypoxic damage. Exposure of astroglia to tert‐butyl hydroperoxide, and hence oxidative stress, subsequently leads to a switching in mRNA from the classical membrane‐bound T‐AChE to a preferential increase in the splice variant for a soluble form, R‐AChE, This change in expression is reflected in increased perinuclear and reduced cytoplasmic AChE staining of the insulted glial cells, with a concomitant and marked increase in extracellular secretion that peaks at 1 h post‐treatment. An analogous increase in R‐AChE, over a similar time scale, occurs in response to psychological stress [D. Kaufer et al. (1998)Nature 93, 373–377], as well as to head injury and stroke [E. Shohami et al. (1999)J. Neurotrauma 6, 365–76]. The data presented here suggest that glial cells may be key chemical intermediaries in such situations and, perhaps more generally in pathological conditions involving oxidative stress, such as neurodegeneration.
Biogeography of the marine actinomycete Salinispora
Authors: Jensen Paul R. , Mafnas Chrisy 
Published: July 2006

SummaryMarine actinomycetes belonging to the genus Salinispora were cultured from marine sediments collected at six geographically distinct locations. Detailed phylogenetic analyses of both 16S rRNA and gyrB gene sequences reveal that this genus is comprised of three distinct but closely related clades corresponding to the species Salinispora tropica, Salinispora arenicola and a third species for which the name ‘Salinispora pacifica’ is proposed. Salinispora arenicola was cultured from all locations sampled and provides clear evidence for the cosmopolitan distribution of an individual bacterial species. The co‐occurrence of S. arenicola with S. tropica and S. pacifica suggests that ecological differentiation as opposed to geographical isolation is driving speciation within the genus. All Salinispora strains cultured to date share greater than 99% 16S rRNA gene sequence identity and thus comprise what has been described as a microdiverse ribotype cluster. The description of this cluster as a new genus, containing multiple species, provides clear evidence that fine‐scale 16S rDNA sequence analysis can be used to delineate among closely related species and that more conservative operational taxonomic unit values may significantly underestimate global species diversity.
An overview of obesity‐specific quality of life questionnaires
Authors: Duval K. , Marceau P. , Pérusse L. , Lacasse Y. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe measurement of quality of life in patients with obesity is useful to evaluate the effects of treatment (including bariatric surgery) and may influence the development of clinical pathways, service provision, healthcare expenditures and public health policy. Consequently, clinicians, researchers and policy makers must rely on valid measurement instruments. We reviewed 11 obesity‐specific quality of life questionnaires and classified them according to their domain of interest and described their measurement properties (specifications, validity, reliability, responsiveness and interpretability). We found that (i) nine questionnaires were developed specifically to be used as evaluative instruments in clinical trials; (ii) only three targeted populations with morbid obesity (body mass index > 40 kg m−2); (iii) construct validity was properly studied in three questionnaires; (iv) demonstration of responsiveness from independent randomized controlled trials was available for two of the 11 questionnaires; (v) keys to interpretation of scores were provided for three questionnaires. Future research should include further validation and a better definition of the interpretability of existing instruments.
Improving the accuracy of estimated blood loss at obstetric haemorrhage using clinical reconstructions
Authors: Bose P , Regan F , Paterson‐Brown S 
Published: July 2006

Objectives  Following the results of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths report, which claims two maternal deaths annually in the UK from postpartum haemorrhage, our aim was to assess the accuracy of ‘visual estimation of blood loss’ and produce suitable pictorial and written algorithms to aid in the recognition and management of massive obstetric haemorrhage.Design  Observational study to determine discrepancy between actual blood loss (ABL) and estimated blood loss (EBL).Setting  Teaching hospital.Population  Hundred and three obstetricians, anaesthetists, midwives, nurses and healthcare assistants.Methods  Clinical scenarios were reproduced in the form of 12 Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) style stations augmented with known volumes of whole blood. Individual staff estimated the blood loss visually and recorded their results. Digital photographs were used to produce a pictorial ‘algorithm’ suitable for use as a teaching tool in labour ward.Main outcome measures  Areas of greatest discrepancy between EBL and ABL.Results  Significant underestimation of the ABL occurred in 5 of the 12 OSCE stations: 500‐ml (50‐cm diameter) floor spill, 1000‐ml (75‐cm diameter) floor spill, 1500‐ml (100‐cm diameter) floor spill, 350‐ml capacity of soaked 45‐ × 45‐cm large swab and the 2‐l vaginal postpartum haemorrhage on bed/floor.Conclusions  Accurate visual estimation of blood loss is known to facilitate timely resuscitation, minimising the risk of disseminated intravascular coagulation and reducing the severity of haemorrhagic shock. Participation in clinical reconstructions may encourage early diagnosis and prompt treatment of postpartum haemorrhage. Written and pictorial guidelines may help all staff working in labour wards.
Six new microsatellite markers for the toxic marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense
Authors: ALPERMANN TILMAN J. , JOHN UW E. , MEDLIN LINDA K. , EDWARDS KEITH J. , HAYES PAUL K. , EVANS KATHARINE M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractWe report the characterization of six new microsatellite loci for the toxic marine dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense (North American ribotype), using 56 isolates from a range of locations. The numbers of alleles per locus ranged from five to nine and gene diversities ranged from 0.041 to 0.722. We tested primers for these six loci on other A. tamarense ribotypes and on other Alexandrium species; the results suggest that the primers are specific to A. tamarense isolates belonging to the North American ribotype.
Ten polymorphic microsatellite markers for Scaphoideus titanus, the vector of flavescence dorée phytoplasma
Authors: PAPURA D. , GIRESSE X. , CARON H. , DELMOTTE F. , VAN HELDEN M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus is a vector of flavescence dorée phytoplasma, the causal agent of the most important grapevine yellow disease in European vineyards. Ten polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed from a genomic library enriched for AC and AG repeats. Levels of polymorphism were evaluated in 106 individuals from S. titanus European and American populations. An average of 16 alleles per locus was detected and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.141 to 0.813. Cross‐species amplification was successful in four other Cicadellidae species. These 10 microsatellites are valuable markers for population genetic and phylogeographical studies of S. titanus.
Characterization of 13 microsatellite marker loci in Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi)
Authors: RAKOTOARISOA GILBERT , SHORE GARY E. , MCGUIRE SUSIE M. , ENGBERG SHANNON E. , EDWARD E. LOUIS JR , BRENNEMAN RICK A. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe Verreaux's sifaka (Propithecus verreauxi) is one of the species of Propithecus, living in the dry forest of southwest Madagascar. This species is endangered due to the loss and fragmentation of its natural habitat, a consequence of deforestation. Thirteen novel nuclear microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in three populations of Verreaux's sifaka. The marker suite proved informative with an average of 8.9 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity across the three populations of 0.675.
Characterization of nine microsatellite loci in impala (Aepyceros melampus)
Authors: HUEBINGER RYAN M. , DE MAAR THOMAS W. J. , WOODRUFF LAURENCE H. , POMP DANIEL , LOUIS EDWARD E. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractNine microsatellite loci were isolated from a genomic DNA library created from impala (Aepyceros melampus). Observed and expected levels of heterozygosity were computed utilizing 25 individuals from a population in central Kenya. Tests for Hardy–Weinberg equilibria were conducted and found that three of the nine loci deviated from equilibrium in this population. These markers were developed to analyse the genetic effects of culling and isolation on a game preserve in Kenya.