bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early Detection of Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function with Simple Tests Indicates Future Derangements in Late Pregnancy
Authors: Lapolla A. , Dalfrà M. G. , Mello G. , Parretti E. , Cioni R. , Marzari C. , Masin M. , Ognibene A. , Messeri G. , Fedele D. , Mari A. , Pacini G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Objective: Insulin sensitivity and secretion during early and late pregnancy were assessed in women with normal glucose tolerance and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
Research Design and Methods: The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in 903 women at 16–20th gestational week, of whom 37 had GDM (GDM1 group), and 859 repeated the OGTT at wk 26–30. At the second test, 55 had GDM (GDM2 group); the others remained normotolerant (ND group). Insulin sensitivity from OGTT (as quantitative insulin sensitivity check index and OGTT insulin sensitivity) and β-cell function (as the ratio of the areas under the insulin and glucose concentration curves, adjusted for insulin sensitivity) were assessed in both tests.
Results: In early pregnancy the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index was not different in the three groups, whereas OGTT insulin sensitivity was lowest in GDM2, intermediate in GDM1, and highest in ND. In late pregnancy both indices were reduced in GDM compared with ND and lower than in early pregnancy. In early pregnancy GDM1, but not GDM2, had lower β-cell function than ND. During the late visit, GDM2 also showed impaired β-cell function compared with ND; furthermore, the adaptation to the increase to insulin resistance from early to late pregnancy was defective in GDM2.
Conclusions: In early pregnancy insulin sensitivity, as assessed from the OGTT but not from fasting measurements, is impaired in women who developed GDM. β-Cell function impairment is evident only when GDM is manifest and is characterized by inappropriate adaptation to the pregnancy induced increase in insulin resistance.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis for Severe Albright Hereditary Osteodystrophy
Authors: Lietman Steven A. , Goldfarb James , Desai Nina , Levine Michael A. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Context: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) enables the selection of embryos without mutations for implantation and has not been described to our knowledge for mutations in GNAS. Phocomelia in a patient with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) has also not been previously described.
Objective: The aim of this study was to identify a GNAS mutation in a patient with a severe form of AHO and pseudohypoparathyroidism type 1a with phocomelia and to perform PGD on embryos derived by in vitro fertilization to deliver an unaffected infant.
Design: A proband and his family are described clinically, the GNAS gene was sequenced to identify a novel mutation in the proband, and PGD was performed on embryos.
Setting: The setting was in a tertiary-care hospital.
Patients: The patients were from a single family in which the proband has a severe form of AHO.
Interventions: Interventions were PGD and in vitro fertilization.
Main Outcome Measures: The main outcome measures were the clinical phenotypes and GNAS gene sequences of the proband, embryos, and family members.
Results: After PGD, three genotypically normal embryos were transferred back to the mother. Pregnancy ensued, and a healthy male infant was delivered at 36.5 wk gestation. The GNAS genes in the baby were confirmed as wild-type, and the infant is free of any signs of AHO.
Conclusions: We describe herein a proband with AHO and severe skeletal deformities (including phocomelia) related to a novel GNAS mutation and the delivery of a male infant with homozygous normal GNAS genotype after PGD.
Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Alkaline-earth-substituted Tungstogermanate: [K2.5(H2O)1.5]2H3[Ca2(GeW11O39)(H2O)5]2·7H2O
Authors: Wang Jingping , Han Ruijuan , Du Xiaodi , Niu Jingyang 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
A novel alkaline-earth-metal-substituted tungstogermanate derivative [K2.5(H2O)1.5]2H3[Ca2(GeW11O39)(H2O)5]2·7H2O (1) has been synthesized and characterized by IR, UV spectroscopy, ICP, TG, electrochemical behavior, and X-ray diffraction. The title compound consists of an infinite 2D arrangement built up of [α-GeW11O39]8− anions connected by alkaline earth metal cation CaII.
Characterization of Globin RNA Interference in Gene Expression Profiling of Whole-Blood Samples
Authors: Wright Christopher , Bergstrom Donald , Dai Hongyue , Marton Matthew , Morris Mark , Tokiwa George , Wang Yanqun , Fare Thomas 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Background: Blood-based biomarker discovery with gene expression profiling has been hampered by interference from endogenous, highly abundant α- and β-globin transcripts. We describe a means to quantify the interference of globin transcripts on profiling and the effectiveness of globin transcript mitigation by (a) defining and characterizing globin interference, (b) reproducing globin interference with synthetic transcripts, and (c) using ROC curves to measure sensitivity and specificity for a protocol for removing α- and β-globin transcripts.
Methods: We collected blood at 2 sites and extracted total RNA in PreAnalytiX PAXgene tubes. As a reference for characterizing interference, we supplemented aliquots of total RNA with synthesized globin transcripts and total RNA from human brain. Selected aliquots were processed with Ambion GLOBINclear to remove globin transcripts. All aliquots were labeled and hybridized to Agilent DNA microarrays by means of pooling schemes designed to quantify the mitigation of globin interference and to titrate gene expression signatures. Quantitative reverse transcription–PCR data were generated for comparison with microarray results.
Results: Our supplementation and pooling strategy for comparing the microarray data among samples demonstrated that mitigation could reduce an interference signature of &gt;1000 genes to approximately 200. Analysis of samples of endogenous globin transcripts supplemented with brain RNA indicated that results obtained with the GLOBINclear treatment approach those of peripheral blood mononuclear cell preparations.
Conclusion: We confirmed that both the absolute concentrations of globin transcripts and differences in transcript concentrations within a sample set are factors that cause globin interference (Genes Immun 2005;6:588–95). The methods and transcripts we have developed may be useful for quantitatively characterizing globin mRNA interference and its mitigation.
Plasma Uric Acid and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in a Chinese Community
Authors: Chien Kuo-Liong , Chen Ming-Fong , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Chang Wei-Tien , Su Ta-Chen , Lee Yuan-Teh , Hu Frank B 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackground: Previous cross-sectional studies have shown hyperuricemia to be prevalent among individuals with metabolic syndrome, but the evidence from prospective studies of an association between uric acid and diabetes risk is limited. We prospectively investigated the association between plasma concentrations of uric acid and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Chinese individuals.Methods: We conducted a community-based prospective cohort study of 2690 participants (age range, 35–97 years) in the Chin-Shan Community Cardiovascular Cohort Study, who were found to be free of diabetes and cardiovascular disease during baseline assessment at study entry in 1990. During a median 9.0-year follow-up, 548 participants developed type 2 diabetes.Results: High plasma uric acid concentrations were associated with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and other covariates, the relative risks (RR) of diabetes according to uric acid quintile were 1.11, 1.29, 1.40, and 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.20–2.23; P for trend &lt;0.001]. After additional adjustment for metabolic syndrome, the RR for comparing the participants in the fifth and first uric acid quintiles was 1.40 (95% CI, 1.02–1.92; P for trend = 0.027). In joint analyses, participants who were in the highest uric acid quintile and also had metabolic syndrome had a 3.3-fold greater risk of diabetes (95% CI, 2.27–4.94) than those in the lowest uric acid quintile and without metabolic syndrome.Conclusions: These findings suggest a modest positive association between plasma uric acid concentration and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in Chinese individuals. The association between hyperuricemia and diabetes was partly mediated through the metabolic syndrome.
Genome‐wide Approaches to Investigate and Improve Maize Response to Drought
Authors: Tuberosa Roberto , Salvi Silvio , Giuliani Silvia , Sanguineti Maria Corinna , Bellotti Massimo , Conti Sergio , Landi Pierangelo 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTGenome‐wide approaches offer new, unprecedented opportunities to identify, clone, and manipulate the plethora of genes affecting drought tolerance in model species and crops. Compared to conventional breeding approaches, the dissection of the genetic basis of quantitative traits into their single components (i.e., quantitative trait loci [QTLs]) provides a more direct access to valuable genetic diversity of the morpho‐physiological processes regulating the adaptive response to drought. This, in turn, enables us to utilize marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for enhancing crops' performance. However, despite the impressive progress in molecular techniques and the large number of QTLs shown to influence yield in drought‐stressed crops, the overall impact of MAS on the release of drought‐tolerant cultivars has so far been marginal. It is foreseeable that QTL cloning will be facilitated by sequence information and the profiling of the transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome, all of which will improve the identification of plausible candidate genes. The cloning of major QTLs will offer additional opportunities for a more effective exploitation of the allelic richness present in germplasm collections. Allele mining in germplasm and mutant collections through forward‐ and reverse‐genetics approaches, coupled with marker‐assisted backcrossing and/or genetic engineering, will further expand the possibilities to introgress novel genetic variation in elite materials. New QTL‐based modeling approaches, while improving our capacity to understand the genetic and molecular bases of genotype × environment interaction at varying water regimes, will contribute to singling out the most promising “molecular” ideotypes. This notwithstanding, a sizeable impact of MAS and other genomics approaches on the release of cultivars more resilient to drought will only be possible through (i) a deeper integration with conventional breeding methodologies, (ii) the capacity to accurately phenotype on a large scale, and (iii) a sound multidisciplinary knowledge of the biochemical and physiological processes determining crops' yield and its stability under a broad range of water regimes.
History, Contribution, and Future of Quantitative Genetics in Plant Breeding: Lessons From Maize
Authors: Hallauer Arnel R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTThe time frame of the history of quantitative genetics is similar to Mendelian genetics. The rediscovery of Mendel's laws of inheritance in 1900 was the basis for determining the inheritance of quantitative traits and for developing plant breeding and selection methods. Because of the differences expressed by many of the leading geneticists relative to importance of continuous vs. discontinuous variation in evolution, the acceptance of the concepts for the study of quantitative genetics was delayed. R.A. Fisher, S. Wright, and J.B.S. Haldane were the primary early contributors for developing the theory and methods for studying the inheritance of quantitative traits. Greater interest in the inheritance of quantitative traits in plants occurred after 1946, primarily because of the heterosis expressed in maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids. During the past 50 yr, extensive research has been conducted to determine the relative importance of different genetic effects in the inheritance of quantitative traits for most cultivated plant species. Quantitative genetic research has contributed extensive information to assist plant breeders in developing breeding and selection strategies. Directly and/or indirectly, the principles for the inheritance of quantitative traits are pervasive in developing superior cultivars to meet the food, feed, fuel, and fiber needs the world demands. The principles of quantitative genetics will have continued importance in the future, but at different levels. Information from molecular genetics research will be integrated with our current knowledge at the phenotypic level to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of plant breeding.
Breeding for Modified Fatty Acid Composition in Soybean
Authors: Fehr Walter R. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTGenetic modification of the fatty acid composition of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] oil has been successful in better meeting the needs of end users than is possible with conventional oil. Three modified oils are or have been sold commercially. Oil in which the linolenic acid (18:3) content has been reduced from 8 to 1% makes it possible to reduce or eliminate the need for chemical hydrogenation to achieve the stability and shelf life necessary for some food applications. Elimination of chemical hydrogenation and the trans‐fatty acids produced by the process is important for human health. Oil in which the oleic acid (18:1) has been increased from 25 to >80% also have increased its stability and shelf life. An oil with palmitic acid (16:0) reduced from 11 to <4% makes it possible to achieve a low content of saturated fatty acids, which is desirable for cardiovascular health. The genetic changes in soybean oil were achieved by conventional breeding and genetic engineering. Mutagenesis was the conventional breeding method used to develop the major genes for reduced palmitic and linolenic acids that are in the cultivars currently grown for commercial production. Genetic engineering was used to elevate oleic acid to >80%. The purpose of this paper is to review the methods that have been used to develop the fatty acid modifications, the inheritance of the modifications, the impact of the trait on agronomic and seed characteristics, the methods of phenotypic and genotypic selection, and the commercial status of the modified oils.
Candidate Gene Approach to Identify Genes Underlying Quantitative Traits and Develop Diagnostic Markers in Potato
Authors: Gebhardt Christiane , Li Li , Pajerowska‐Mukthar Karolina , Achenbach Ute , Sattarzadeh Amirali , Bormann Christina , Ilarionova Evgeniya , Ballvora Agim 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTPotatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) and humans (Homo sapiens L.) are both outcrossing species. The phenotypic variation of both is controlled by environmental factors and by natural DNA polymorphisms between individuals. Therefore we adopt similar approaches as used in human population genetics, such as association mapping, to identify loci and their alleles that are causal for complex agronomic characters such as quantitative resistance to pathogens or tuber sugar content. Functional analysis of genes operating in resistance to pests and pathogens or in carbohydrate metabolism, either in potato itself or in other plants including the model species Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh., provides many functional candidates for these complex agronomic traits. In our approach, functional candidate genes are tested for linkage to quantitative trait loci (QTL) for pathogen resistance or tuber quality traits, thereby selecting positional candidates (genes colocalizing with a QTL). DNA polymorphisms in or physically linked to positional candidate genes are then evaluated in populations of tetraploid potato genotypes and tested for association with phenotypes evaluated in the same populations. We have used the candidate gene approach to identify DNA‐based markers that are diagnostic for quantitative resistance to late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, to the root cyst nematode Globodera pallida (Stone), and for chip color in tetraploid potato cultivars and in advanced breeding clones.
Prebreeding in Common Bean and Use of Genetic Diversity from Wild Germplasm
Authors: Acosta‐Gallegos Jorge A. , Kelly James D. , Gepts Paul 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTCommon bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most widely consumed grain legume in the world. This cultigen was domesticated from wild P. vulgaris, an indeterminate viny plant, distributed from Mexico to Argentina in midaltitude neotropical and subtropical regions. To colonize such diverse ecological niches, the species possesses many adaptation traits and a wealth of genetic diversity. However, breeding programs are limited by the under‐utilization of the available genetic diversity because of the necessity of prebreeding exotic material. Due to partial reproductive isolation between the domesticated Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools, hybridizations between wild and domesticated types of P. vulgaris from the same gene pool offer greater potential to enhance the variation in the crop. Evaluations of wild P. vulgaris accessions have shown resistance to insects and diseases and higher N, Fe, and Ca content in seeds, which will ultimately contribute to improvements in nutritional quality and yield. Recurrent and inbred backcross methods are being used for the transfer of both qualitative and quantitative traits from wild into domesticated forms of P. vulgaris; specific data on yield and 100‐seed weight are presented. The prebreeding efforts will be enhanced by (i) information on gene pool origins, domestication syndrome traits, molecular diversity, and mapping data of the wild forms; (ii) indirect screening for biotic and abiotic stresses; and (iii) marker‐assisted selection.
Apomixis for Cultivar Development in Tropical Forage Grasses
Authors: Miles John W. 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTApomixis—asexual reproduction through seed—provides a convenient means to faithfully propagate even heterozygous genotypes and hence exploit heterosis, in several naturally apomictic, warm‐season forage grasses. Inheritance of apomixis has been shown to be monogenic dominant in at least four economically important panacoid grasses. Previously proposed breeding schemes for apomicts do not provide a means to accumulate genes contributing to nonadditive, heterotic effects over cycles of selection and recombination. Following the development of successful brachiariagrass [Brachiaria (Trin.) Griseb] cultivars by ecotype selection, artificial hybridization of brachiariagrasses began in the late 1980s with the development of a sexual tetraploidized biotype of the natural diploid, sexual ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain and Evrard). A breeding scheme—recurrent selection for specific combining ability—designed to accumulate nonadditive effects, originally proposed for sexual maize (Zea mays L.), is suggested as an appropriate scheme for improvement of apomictic tropical grasses. Recurrent selection on specific combining ability or interpopulation selection schemes such as reciprocal recurrent selection should be appropriate for other asexually propagated crops.
HarvestPlus: Breeding Crops for Better Nutrition
Authors: Pfeiffer Wolfgang H. , McClafferty Bonnie 
Published: December 2007

ABSTRACTMicronutrient malnutrition, the so‐called hidden hunger, affects more than one‐half of the world's population, especially women and preschool children in developing countries. Despite past progress in controlling micronutrient decencies through supplementation and food fortification, new approaches are needed to expand the reach of food‐based interventions. Biofortification, a new approach that relies on conventional plant breeding and modern biotechnology to increase the micronutrient density of staple crops, holds great promise for improving the nutritional status and health of poor populations in both rural and urban areas of the developing world. HarvestPlus, a research program implemented with the international research institutes of the CGIAR, targets a multitude of crops that are a regular part of the staple‐based diets of the poor and breeds them to be rich in iron, zinc, and provitamin A. This paper emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research and addresses the key research issues and methodological considerations for success. The major activities to be undertaken are broadly grouped into research related to nutrition research and impact analysis, and research considerations for delivering biofortified crops to end‐users effectively. The paper places particular emphasis on the activities of the plant breeding and genetics component of this multidisciplinary program. The authors argue that for biofortification to succeed, product profiles developed by plant breeders must be driven by nutrition research and impact objectives and that nutrition research must understand that the probability of success for biofortified crops increases substantially when product concepts consider farmer adoption and, hence, agronomic superiority.
Live Cell-Based Sensor Devices
Authors: Okuda-Shimazaki Junko , Wada Ken-Ichi , Taniguchi Akiyoshi 
Published: December 2007

Living cells maintain life functions by responding quickly and with great sensitivity to changes in the external
environment. Consequently, sensors using cells as active elements are thought to be able to perform analyses faster and
with more sensitivity than previously possible. Cell-based sensors can be roughly divided into two types. The first uses
microorganisms such as Escherichia coli or yeast as active elements (Microbial cells). The second type uses human and
animal cells (Mammalian cells). The first type can be cultivated rather easily and has the advantages of being inexpensive
and portable. The second type is more complex but has the advantage of potentially being used with human subjects. Most
research in this area is concentrated on the first type, microbial sensors, but research on sensors that use mammalian cells
has recently become more widespread.
We are exploring the modification of mammalian cells using genetic engineering techniques and developing nextgeneration
cell sensors that can visually represent specific reactions. Recently, few researchers, including our group, have
successfully produced devices from sensor cells that can process a variety of specimens using MEMS, NEMS, and other
nano/micro processing technologies. In this review, we will introduce our research and describe recent trends in this field.