bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing poisoning risks related to storage of household hazardous materials: using a focus group to improve a survey questionnaire
Authors: Kaufman Martin M , Smolinske Susan , Keswick David 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackgroundIn fall of 2004, the authors began an investigation to characterize the correlations between the storage of Household Hazardous Materials and the associated health risks, particularly to children. The study area selected was Genesee County, Michigan, near Flint, with data to be collected by a phone survey of residents and through the acquisition of county hospital records containing procedure codes indicating treatment for poison emergencies, and review of poison control center data.MethodsA focus group was used to identify key topics and relationships within these data for improving the phone survey questionnaire and its analysis.ResultsThe focus group was successful in identifying the key issues with respect to all the data collection objectives, resulting in a significantly shorter and more topically focused survey questionnaire. Execution time of the phone survey decreased from 30 to 12 minutes, and useful relationships between the data were revealed, e.g., the linkage between reading food labels and reading labels on containers containing potentially harmful substances.ConclusionFocus groups and their preparatory planning can help reveal data interrelationships before larger surveys are undertaken. Even where time and budget constraints prevent the ability to conduct a series of focus groups, one successful focus group session can improve survey performance and reduce costs.
Prevalence of ultrasonography proved polycystic ovaries in North Indian women with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zargar Abdul H , Gupta Vipin K , Wani Arshad I , Masoodi Shariq R , Bashir Mir I , Laway Bashir A , Ganie Mohammad A , Salahuddin Mohammad 
Published: August 2005

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovaries (PCO) and their clinical expression (the polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS]) as well as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are common medical conditions linked through insulin resistance. We studied the prevalence of PCO and PCOS in women with diet and/or oral hypoglycemic treated T2DM and non-diabetic control women.

Design
Prospective study.

Methods
One hundred and five reproductive age group women with diet and /or oral hypoglycemic treated T2DM were the subjects of the study. Sixty age-matched non-diabetic women served as controls. Transabdominal ultrasonographic assessment of the ovaries was used to diagnose PCO. Clinical, biochemical and hormonal parameters were also noted.

Results
Ultrasonographic prevalence of PCO was higher in women with diabetes than in non-diabetic subjects (61.0% vs. 36.7%, P < 0.003) whereas that of PCOS was 37.1% in diabetic subjects and 25% in non-diabetic controls (P > 0.1). Diabetic women with PCO had diabetes of significantly longer duration than those without PCO (4.19±2.0 versus 2.9±1.6 yrs; p < 0.05). Among both diabetic and non-diabetic women, those with PCO had significantly higher plasma LH, LH/FSH ratio, total testosterone and androstenedione levels.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of PCO in women with T2DM as compared to non-diabetic subjects.
Three subsets of sequence complexity and their relevance to biopolymeric information
Authors: Abel David L , Trevors Jack T 
Published: August 2005

AbstractGenetic algorithms instruct sophisticated biological organization. Three qualitative kinds of sequence complexity exist: random (RSC), ordered (OSC), and functional (FSC). FSC alone provides algorithmic instruction. Random and Ordered Sequence Complexities lie at opposite ends of the same bi-directional sequence complexity vector. Randomness in sequence space is defined by a lack of Kolmogorov algorithmic compressibility. A sequence is compressible because it contains redundant order and patterns. Law-like cause-and-effect determinism produces highly compressible order. Such forced ordering precludes both information retention and freedom of selection so critical to algorithmic programming and control. Functional Sequence Complexity requires this added programming dimension of uncoerced selection at successive decision nodes in the string. Shannon information theory measures the relative degrees of RSC and OSC. Shannon information theory cannot measure FSC. FSC is invariably associated with all forms of complex biofunction, including biochemical pathways, cycles, positive and negative feedback regulation, and homeostatic metabolism. The algorithmic programming of FSC, not merely its aperiodicity, accounts for biological organization. No empirical evidence exists of either RSC of OSC ever having produced a single instance of sophisticated biological organization. Organization invariably manifests FSC rather than successive random events (RSC) or low-informational self-ordering phenomena (OSC).
Syntaxin 4 Facilitates Biphasic Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion from Pancreatic β-Cells
Authors: Spurlin Beth A. , Thurmond Debbie C. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractNumerous overexpression studies have recently implicated Syntaxin 4 as an effector of insulin secretion, although its requirement in insulin granule exocytosis is unknown. To address this, islets from Syntaxin 4 heterozygous (−/+) knockout mice were isolated and compared with islets from wild-type mice. Under static incubation conditions, Syntaxin 4 (−/+) islets showed a 60% reduction in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion compared with wild-type islets. Perifusion analyses revealed that Syntaxin 4 (−/+) islets secreted 50% less insulin during the first phase of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and that this defect could be fully restored by the specific replenishment of recombinant Syntaxin 4. This essential role for Syntaxin 4 in secretion from the islet was localized to the β-cells because small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of Syntaxin 4 in MIN6 β-cells abolished glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Moreover, immunofluorescent confocal microscopy revealed that Syntaxin 4 was principally localized to the β-cells and not the α-cells of the mouse islet. Remarkably, islets isolated from transgenic mice that express 2.4-fold higher levels of Syntaxin 4 relative to wild-type mice secreted approximately 35% more insulin during both phases of insulin secretion, suggesting that increased Syntaxin 4 may be beneficial for enhancing biphasic insulin secretion in a regulated manner. Taken together, these data support the notion that Syntaxin 4-based SNARE complexes are essential for biphasic insulin granule fusion in pancreatic β-cells.
Megalin Is a Receptor for Apolipoprotein M, and Kidney-Specific Megalin-Deficiency Confers Urinary Excretion of Apolipoprotein M
Authors: Faber Kirsten , Hvidberg Vibeke , Moestrup Søren K. , Dahlbäck Björn , Nielsen Lars Bo 
Published: August 2005

AbstractApolipoprotein (apo) M is a novel apolipoprotein belonging to the lipocalin protein superfamily, i.e. proteins binding small lipophilic compounds. Like other apolipoproteins, it is expressed in hepatocytes and secreted into plasma where it associates with high-density lipoprotein particles. In addition, apoM is expressed at high levels in the kidney tubule cells. In this study, we show that the multiligand receptor megalin, which is expressed in kidney proximal tubule cells, is a receptor for apoM and mediates its uptake in the kidney. To examine apoM binding to megalin, a recombinant apoM was expressed in Escherichia coli and used in surface plasmon resonance and cell culture studies. The results showed apoM binding to immobilized megalin [dissociation constant (Kd) ∼ 0.3–1 μm] and that the apoM was endocytosed by cultured rat yolk sac cells in a megalin-dependent manner. To examine the importance of apoM binding by megalin in vivo, we analyzed mice with a tissue-specific deficiency of megalin in the kidney. Megalin deficiency was associated with pronounced urinary excretion of apoM, whereas apoM was not detected in normal mouse, human, or rat urine. Gel filtration analysis showed that the urinary apoM-containing particles were small and devoid of apoA-I. The results suggest that apoM binds to megalin and that megalin-mediated endocytosis in kidney proximal tubules prevents apoM excretion in the urine.
Measurement of Midregional Proadrenomedullin in Plasma with an Immunoluminometric Assay
Authors: Morgenthaler Nils G , Struck Joachim , Alonso Christine , Bergmann Andreas 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Background: Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a potent vasodilatory peptide, and circulating concentrations have been described for several disease states, including dysfunction of the cardiovascular system and sepsis. Reliable quantification has been hampered by the short half-life, the existence of a binding protein, and physical properties. Here we report the technical evaluation of an assay for midregional pro-ADM (MR-proADM) that does not have these problems.
Methods: MR-proADM was measured in a sandwich immunoluminometric assay using 2 polyclonal antibodies to amino acids 45–92 of proADM. The reference interval was defined in EDTA plasma of 264 healthy individuals (117 male, 147 female), and increased MR-proADM concentrations were found in 95 patients with sepsis and 54 patients with cardiovascular disease.
Results: The assay has an analytical detection limit of 0.08 nmol/L, and the interassay CV was &lt;20% for values &gt;0.12 nmol/L. The assay was linear on dilution with undisturbed recovery of the analyte. EDTA-, heparin-, and citrate-plasma samples were stable (&lt;20% loss of analyte) for at least 3 days at room temperature, 14 days at 4 °C, and 1 year at −20 °C. MR-proADM values followed a gaussian distribution in healthy individuals with a mean (SD) of 0.33 (0.07) nmol/L (range, 0.10–0.64 nmol/L), without significant difference between males or females. The correlation coefficient for MR-proADM vs age was 0.50 (P &lt;0.001). MR-proADM was significantly (P &lt;0.001) increased in patients with cardiovascular disease [median (range), 0.56 (0.08–3.9) nmol/L] and patients with sepsis [3.7 (0.72–25.4) nmol/L].
Conclusions: MR-proADM is stable in plasma of healthy individuals and patients. MR-proADM measurements may be useful for evaluating patients with sepsis, systemic inflammation, or heart failure.
Cell Renewing in Neuroblastoma: Electrophysiological and Immunocytochemical Characterization of Stem Cells and Derivatives
Authors: Biagiotti Tiziana , D'Amico Massimo , Marzi Ilaria , Di Gennaro Paola , Arcangeli Annarosa , Wanke Enzo , Olivotto Massimo 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
We explored the stem cell compartment of the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma (NB) clone and its development by a novel approach, integrating clonal and immunocytochemical investigations with patch-clamp measurements of ion currents simultaneously expressed on single cells. The currents selected were the triad IHERG, IKDR, INa, normally expressed at varying mutual ratios during development of neural crest stem cells, from which NB derives upon neoplastic transformation. These ratios could be used as electrophysiological clusters of differentiation (ECDs), identifying otherwise indistinguishable stages in maturation. Subcloning procedures allowed the isolation of highly clonogenic substrate-adherent (S-type) cells that proved to be p75- and nestinpositive and were characterized by a nude electrophysiological profile (ECDS0). These cells expressed negligible levels of the triad and manifested the capacity of generating the two following lineages: first, a terminally differentiating, smooth muscular lineage, positive for calponin and smooth muscle actin, whose electrophysiological profile is characterized by a progressive diminution of IHERG, the increase of IKDR and INa, and the acquisition of IKIR (ECDS2); second, a neuronal abortive pathway (NF-68 positive), characterized by a variable expression of IHERG and IKDR and a low expression of INa (ECDNS). This population manifested a vigorous amplification, monopolizing the stem cell compartment at the expense of the smooth muscular lineage to such an extent that neuronal-like (N-type) cells must be continuously removed if the latter are to develop.
Conversion of Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Wharton's Jelly to Dopaminergic Neurons In Vitro: Potential Therapeutic Application for Parkinsonism
Authors: Fu Yu-Show , Cheng Yun-Chih , Lin Maan-Yuh Anya , Cheng Henrich , Chu Pei-Ming , Chou Shih-Chich , Shih Yang-Hsin , Ko Miau-Hwa , Sung Min-Shan 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells isolated from Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord were induced to transform into dopaminergic neurons in vitro through stepwise culturing in neuron-conditioned medium, sonic hedgehog, and FGF8. The success rate was 12.7%, as characterized by positive staining for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting catecholaminergic synthesizing enzyme, and dopamine being released into the culture medium. Transplantation of such cells into the striatum of rats previously made Parkinsonian by unilateral striatal lesioning with the dopaminergic neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine partially corrected the lesion-induced amphetamine-evoked rotation. Viability of the transplanted cells at least 4 months after transplantation was identified by positive TH staining and migration of 1.4 mm both rostrally and caudally. These results suggest that human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells have the potential for treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Nucleofection Is an Efficient Nonviral Transfection Technique for Human Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Aluigi Michela , Fogli Miriam , Curti Antonio , Isidori Alessandro , Gruppioni Elisa , Chiodoni Claudia , Colombo Mario P. , Versura Piera , D'Errico-Grigioni Antonia , Ferri Elisa , Baccarani Michele , Lemoli Roberto M. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractViral-based techniques are the most efficient systems to deliver DNA into stem cells because they show high gene transduction and transgene expression in many cellular models. However, the use of viral vectors has several disadvantages mainly involving safety risks. Conversely, nonviral methods are rather inefficient for most primary cells. The Nucleofector technology, a new nonviral electroporation-based gene transfer technique, has proved to be an efficient tool for transfecting hard-to-transfect cell lines and primary cells. However, little is known about the capacity of this technique to transfect adult stem cells. In this study, we applied the Nucleofector technology to engineer human bone marrow– derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Using a green fluorescent protein reporter vector, we demonstrated a high transgene expression level using U-23 and C-17 pulsing programs: 73.7% ± 2.9% and 42.5% ± 3.4%, respectively. Cell recoveries and viabilities were 38.7% ± 2.9%, 44.5% ± 3.9% and 91.4% ± 1.3%, 94.31% ± 0.9% for U-23 and C-17, respectively. Overall, the transfection efficiencies were 27.4% ± 2.9% (U-23) and 16.6% ± 1.4% (C-17) compared with 3.6% ± 2.4% and 5.4% ± 3.4% of other nonviral transfection systems, such as FUGENE6 and DOTAP, respectively (p &lt; .005 for all comparisons). Nucleofection did not affect the immunophenotype of hM-SCs, their normal differentiation potential, or ability to inhibit T-cell alloreactivity. Moreover, the interleukin-12 gene could be successfully transfected into hMSCs, and the immunomodulatory cytokine was produced in great amount for at least 3 weeks without impairment of its biological activity. In conclusion, nucleofection is an efficient nonviral transfection technique for hMSCs, which then may be used as cellular vehicles for the delivery of biological agents.
Design and testing of a control system for reverse‐flow catalytic afterburners
Authors: Hevia Miguel A. G. , Ordóñez Salvador , Díez Fernando V. , Fissore Davide , Barresi Antonello A. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe design and testing of a control system for reverse‐flow catalytic afterburners based on a two‐variable bifurcation map is focused on. The combustion of lean methane–air mixtures is considered as the test reaction and a bench‐scale apparatus, with a special temperature‐control system based on dynamic compensation of the thermal losses to achieve adiabatic operation, is used for validation purposes. The aim of the control system is to avoid both catalyst overheating and reaction extinction when the adiabatic temperature increases and the flow rate of the feed changes. Stability maps of the reactor are obtained by means of numerical simulations, showing the values of the operating parameters (switching time), which allows fulfillment of the operating constraints (catalyst maximum temperature and methane conversion) when the inlet concentration and flow rate change. This system was realized and tested experimentally, mainly for inlet concentration changes, proving to be effective in all cases investigated. © 2005 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2005
Missense mutations in N‐acetylglucosamine‐1‐phosphotransferase α/β subunit gene in a patient with mucolipidosis III and a mild clinical phenotype
Authors: Tiede Stephan , Muschol Nicole , Reutter Gert , Cantz Michael , Ullrich Kurt , Braulke Thomas 
Published: August 2005

AbstractMucolipidosis type III (ML III, pseudo‐Hurler polydystrophy), an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of lysosomal enzyme targeting is due to a defective N‐acetylglucosamine 1‐phosphotransferase (phosphotransferase) activity and leads to the impaired formation of mannose 6‐phosphate markers in soluble lysosomal enzymes followed by their increased excretion into the serum. Mutations in the phosphotransferase γ subunit gene (GNPTAG) have been reported to be responsible for ML III. Here we report on a 14‐year‐old adolescent with a mild clinical phenotype of ML III. He presented with progressive joint stiffness and swelling. Urinary oligosaccharide and mucopolysaccharide excretion was normal. Lysosomal enzyme activities were significantly elevated in the serum and decreased in cultured fibroblasts. Impaired trafficking of the lysosomal protease cathepsin D (CtsD) was confirmed by metabolic labeling of the patient's fibroblasts. Neither mutations in the GNPTAG gene nor alterations in the GNPTAG mRNA level were detected whereas the steady state concentration of the 97 kDa GNPTAG dimer was reduced. Most importantly, the patient is homozygous for a pathogenic nucleotide substitution and a polymorphism in the phosphotransferase α/β subunit gene (GNPTA). The data indicate that defects in genes other than GNPTAG can be linked to ML III contributing to the variability of the phenotype. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Michels syndrome, Carnevale syndrome, OSA syndrome, and Malpuech syndrome: Variable expression of a single disorder (3MC syndrome)?
Authors: Titomanlio Luigi , Bennaceur Selim , Bremond‐Gignac Dominique , Baumann Clarisse , Dupuy Olivier , Verloes Alain 
Published: August 2005

AbstractWe report on a 3‐year‐old girl with Michels syndrome, a rare condition characterized by craniosynostosis, blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthus inversus, cleft lip/palate, abnormal supra‐umbilical abdominal wall, and mental deficiency. The phenotypic findings are compared with the six previously reported Michels cases, and with patients referred to as Carnevale, OSA, and Malpuech syndromes. Michels syndrome is characterized by cleft lip and palate, anterior chamber anomalies, blepharophimosis, epicanthus inversus, and craniosynostosis. Carnevale syndrome shows hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, ptosis, strabismus synophrys, large and fleshy ears, and lozenge‐shaped diastasis around the umbilicus. OSA syndrome resembles Carnevale, with humeroradial synostoses, and spinal anomalies as extra features. Malpuech syndrome shows IUGR, hypertelorism, cleft lip and palate, micropenis, hypospadias, renal anomalies, and caudal appendage. All are autosomal recessive. Despite the presence of apparently distinctive key features, it appears that these four entities share multiple similarities in the facial Gestalt and the pattern of MCA. Those similarities lead us to postulate that they belong to the same spectrum, which could be referred to as “3MC syndrome” (Malpuech‐Michels‐Mingarelli‐Carnevale syndrome). © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Acrofacial dysostosis (AFD) with preaxial limb hypoplasia (Nager AFD) and club foot diagnosed in a fetus from 1812 in the anatomical collections at the University of Halle, Germany
Authors: Göbbel Luminita , Schultka Rüdiger , Klunker Rudyard , Stock Karsten , Wand Dorothee , Olsson Lennart , Gerlach Antje , Tönnies Holger 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe Anatomical Collections of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Halle, Germany, comprise more than 8,000 specimens, about 600 of them congenital anomalies. The collection of abnormal human and animal specimens began with the private collections of Johann Friedrich Meckel the Elder (1724–1774), his son Philipp Friedrich Theodor Meckel (1755–1803), and his grandson Johann Friedrich Meckel the Younger (1781–1833). Meckel the Younger founded the science of developmental pathology in Germany. Radiographical techniques, computer tomographic methods (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and molecular cytogenetic techniques, for example, comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) were used to diagnose abnormal human fetuses in the Meckel Collection. On examination of one of the human fetuses, originally described by JF Meckel the Younger in 1812 or earlier, we found striking clinical manifestations including mandibulofacial defects and preaxially malformed limbs. With respect to external findings, we propose that the condition is acrofacial dysostosis (AFD) with preaxial limb hypoplasia (Nager AFD) in combination with club foot, tibial torsion, and single umbilical artery. We used genetic analyses to test whether the observed limb malformations could be caused by aneuploidy. CGH‐ratio profiles of all chromosomes were apparently normal. It is likely that Meckel's specimen is the earliest known fetus with Nager AFD. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxidative Electrochemical Switching in Dithienylcyclopentenes, Part 1: Effect of Electronic Perturbation on the Efficiency and Direction of Molecular Switching
Authors: Browne Wesley R. , de Jong Jaap J. D. , Kudernac Tibor , Walko Martin , Lucas Linda N. , Uchida Kingo , van Esch Jan H. , Feringa Ben L. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractThe electro‐ and spectroelectrochemical properties of dithienylhexahydro‐ and dithienyhexafluorocyclopentenes are reported. The large effect of variation in the central cyclopentene moieties on the redox properties of the dithienylcyclopentenes is in striking contrast to the minor effect on their photochemical properties. The electronic properties of the oxidised compounds in the +1 and +2 oxidation state are reported, and the possibility of electrochemical cyclisation and cycloreversion were explored by UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry. The efficiency of electrochemical switching is found to be dependent both on the central cyclopentene unit and on the nature of the substituents at C5 of the thienyl rings. For the hexahydrocyclopentene‐based compounds oxidative ring closure of the ring‐open form is observed, while for the hexafluorocyclopentene‐based compounds oxidative ring opening of the ring‐closed form is observed. However, the introduction of electroactive groups such as methoxyphenyl allows oxidative ring closure to occur in the hexafluoro compounds. The effect of electrolyte, solvent and temperature on the spectroelectrochemical properties were examined, and the switching process was found to be sensitive to the donor properties of the solvent/electrolyte system employed. In addition, thermally activated reversible isomerisation of the dicationic closed form was observed. The driving force for electrochemical ring opening and closure appears to be dependent on the relative stabilisation of the dicationic ring‐open and ring‐closed states. This study provides insight into the factors which determine the direction of cyclisation.