bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meta‐analysis of the association between the catecholamine‐O‐methyl‐transferase gene and obsessive‐compulsive disorder
Authors: Azzam Amin , Mathews Carol A. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractObsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic, severely debilitating mental illness that affects approximately 1–2% of the population. Data from twin and family studies have shown that genetic factors contribute to the expression of the disease. The dopaminergic system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of OCD, and catecholamine‐O‐methyl‐transferase (COMT) is a key modulator of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission. The gene for COMT has a common polymorphism that has been shown to be correlated with a three‐ to fourfold change in enzymatic activity. Several groups have searched for an association between the COMT gene polymorphism and the presence or absence of OCD, with contrasting results. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of both the published literature and unpublished data. Available data were stratified according to the original study design as either case‐control or family‐based, and two separate meta‐analyses were conducted, using both fixed‐effects and random‐effects models. These analyses showed insufficient evidence to support an association between the COMT gene polymorphism and OCD. Subgroup stratification based on gender generated no statistically significant associations. These results should be considered in any future work correlating the COMT gene with OCD. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymorphism analysis of HOPA: A candidate gene for schizophrenia
Authors: Sandhu Harinder K. , Sarkar Mitul , Turner Beth M. , Wassink Tom H. , Philibert Robert A. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractHOPA is a 25 kb Xq13 gene that codes for a member of the thyroid receptor co‐activator protein (TRAP) family of nuclear receptor co‐activators. In our prior research, polymorphisms in the opposite paired (Opa) domain of HOPA have been associated with a syndrome of aberrant behavior, most prominently psychosis, and hypothyroidism. These Opa domain polymorphisms are intriguing because subsequent research has demonstrated that changes in the Opa domain of the C. elegans orthologue of HOPA results in altered neurogenesis and release of transcriptional suppression. In an effort to determine whether other allelic polymorphisms in this gene exist and may potentially contribute to increased susceptibility to neuropsychiatric illness, we have performed single stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of all 45 exons and each of the two potential promoter regions of HOPA using DNA from a panel of patients with psychosis. We found a rare promoter polymorphism in an individual with schizoaffective disorder and extremely low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The most common exonic polymorphism in HOPA is the previously demonstrated HOPA12 bp polymorphism. Transmission disequilibrium analysis of the HOPA12 bp polymorphism showed segregation with affected status in six of eight instances. We suggest that this evidence supports previous associations of HOPA12 bp with a broad range of neuropsychiatric illness and conclude that further studies of this uncommon polymorphism are merited. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Candidate gene analysis of the human metabotropic glutamate receptor type 4 (GRM4) in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
Authors: Izzi Claudia , Barbon Alessandro , Toliat Mohammad Reza , Heils Armin , Becker Christian , Nürnberg Peter , Sander Thomas , Barlati Sergio 
Published: October 2003

AbstractHereditary factors play a major role in the genetically complex etiology of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). Linkage studies in families of JME probands suggest a susceptibility locus (EJM1) for idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE) in the chromosomal region 6p21.3 near the HLA region. The gene encoding the metabotropic glutamate receptor type 4 (GRM4) has been localized within the EJM1‐region and represents a high‐ranking candidate gene. Therefore, we have sequenced the coding regions and regulatory GRM4 sequences in 20 IGE probands who were derived from families of JME probands providing positive linkage evidence to the HLA‐DQ locus. Our mutation analysis detected three synonymous exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; exon‐7: c.1455T > C, exon‐8: c.2002A > G, exon‐10: c.2733C > T), one SNP in the 3′‐untranslated region (c.2890A > G), and two intronic SNPs (intron‐3: IVS3 + 2732A > G, intron‐7: IVS7 + 39C > T). None of the identified SNPs was likely to affect receptor function or gene expression. The population‐based association study did not show significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of the common c.1455T > C SNP between 144 German JME probands and 144 healthy population controls (P > 0.84). Likewise, the family‐based transmission disequilibrium test did not indicate a preferential transmission of exon‐7 SNP alleles in 31 informative parent–child transmissions (P = 0.86). Our results provide no evidence that genetic variation of the GRM4 gene confers susceptibility to JME‐related IGE syndromes. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association study of a brain‐derived neurotrophic‐factor genetic polymorphism and major depressive disorders, symptomatology, and antidepressant response
Authors: Tsai Shih‐Jen , Cheng Chih‐Ya , Yu Younger W‐Y , Chen Tai‐Jui , Hong Chen‐Jee 
Published: October 2003

AbstractPreclinical studies have shown that brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be involved in both antidepressant action and the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). The present study tested the hypothesis that the BDNF‐gene Val66Met polymorphism is associated with MDD, its clinical manifestations, and antidepressant response. To elucidate a genetic predisposition of MDD, we studied BDNF‐gene Val66Met polymorphism in 152 MDD patients in 255 normal controls. We also examined the association of this polymorphism and fluoxetine therapeutic response in 110 MDD patients who received a 4‐week fluoxetine treatment. No significant differences were demonstrated for the genotype or allele frequency of the BDNF polymorphism comparing the MDD and control groups. Further, no significant differences were noted comparing the three‐genotype groups for depressive‐cluster symptoms. However, a trend (P = 0.086) to improved 4‐week‐fluoxetine antidepressant response was demonstrated for heterozygous patients in comparison to homozygous analogs. This finding suggests the BDNF polymorphism investigated plays no major role in the pathogenesis of MDD. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of CLOCK gene polymorphism on circadian mood fluctuation and illness recurrence in bipolar depression
Authors: Benedetti Francesco , Serretti Alessandro , Colombo Cristina , Barbini Barbara , Lorenzi Cristina , Campori Euridice , Smeraldi Enrico 
Published: October 2003

AbstractRecent studies showed that a polymorphism (T to C nucleotide substitution) in the 3′ flanking region of the human CLOCK gene is associated with diurnal preferences of human healthy subjects, with higher “eveningness” in subjects carrying at least one copy of the C allele. We investigated the possible role of CLOCK gene polymorphism in the regulation of diurnal mood fluctuations during a major depressive episode. Sample (n = 101) was collected, in the context of previously reported trials, among patients affected by bipolar disorder type I, depressive episode without psychotic features, free of psychotropic medications. Perceived mood levels were assessed three times a day with self‐administered visual analogue scales. Genotype groups showed no significant difference in diurnal mood fluctuations. When stratifying the sample by including only patients with an adequate period of observation (duration of illness higher than 5 years, n = 69), we post‐hoc observed a significantly higher recurrence rate in homozygotes for the C variant, which was almost double than that of the other genotype groups. This preliminary observation leads to hypothesize a role for the CLOCK gene polymorphism in the regulation of long‐term illness recurrence in bipolar disorder. Given the post‐hoc nature of the finding, replication in independent samples is necessary to confirm it. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of polymorphisms in the α7 nicotinic receptor gene and its partial duplication in schizophrenic and control subjects
Authors: Gault Judith , Hopkins Janet , Berger Ralph , Drebing Carla , Logel Judith , Walton Catherine , Short Margaret , Vianzon Ruby , Olincy Ann , Ross Randal G. , Adler Lawrence E. , Freedman Robert , Leonard Sherry 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe hypothesis that the 15q13‐15 region of chromosome 15 contains a gene that contributes to the etiology of schizophrenia is supported by multiple genetic linkage studies. The α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (CHRNA7) gene was selected as the best candidate gene in this region for molecular investigation, based on these linkage findings and biological evidence in both human and rodent models. CHRNA7 receptors are decreased in expression in postmortem brain of schizophrenic subjects. A dinucleotide marker, D15S1360, in intron two of the CHRNA7 gene is genetically linked to an auditory gating deficit found in schizophrenics and half of the first‐degree relatives of patients. Single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequence analyses of DNA from schizophrenic and control individuals identified 33 variants in the coding region and intron/exon borders of the CHRNA7 gene and its partial duplication, dupCHRNA7; common polymorphisms were mapped. Twenty‐one variants were found in the exons, but non‐synonymous changes were rare. Although the expression of CHRNA7 is decreased in schizophrenia, the general structure of the remaining receptors is likely to be normal. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genome‐wide linkage survey for genetic loci that influence the development of depressive disorders in families with recurrent, early‐onset, major depression
Authors: Zubenko George S. , Maher Brion , Hughes Hugh B. , Zubenko Wendy N. , Stiffler J. Scott , Kaplan Barry B. , Marazita Mary L. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractIn this report, we describe the results of the first genome‐wide linkage survey for genetic loci that influence the development of unipolar Mood Disorders in 81 families identified by individuals with Recurrent, Early‐Onset, Major Depressive Disorder (RE‐MDD). Model‐free linkage analysis was performed using genotypes for 392 highly informative polymorphisms with an average spacing of 9 cM. The highest maximum LOD score observed, 8.19 (genome‐wide adjusted P ≪ 0.0001), occurred for Recurrent Major Depressive Disorder (R‐MDD) at D2S2321 (205 cM), located 121 kb proximal to CREB1. Nineteen chromosomal regions contained linkage peaks that reached genome‐wide statistical significance (genome‐wide adjusted P < 0.05) and ten of these were “highly significant” (adjusted P < 0.001). Six of the 19 linkage peaks were revealed only when the analysis included covariates to control for the effects of sex and linkage to CREB1. Sex‐specific susceptibility loci were common and preferentially affected the vulnerability of women to developing unipolar Mood Disorders. Five loci revealed evidence of interaction with the CREB1 locus in determining susceptibility (epistasis). A systematic candidate gene analysis is presented and potential overlaps of the linkage regions for unipolar Mood Disorders with those reported for other psychiatric disorders are discussed. The findings suggest that genes whose products participate in cellular signaling pathways that converge on CREB, as well as the target genes whose expression they regulate, may also harbor alleles that affect the development of Mood Disorders and related conditions. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primates as pets in Mexico City: An assessment of the species involved, source of origin, and general aspects of treatment
Authors: Duarte‐Quiroga Alejandra , Estrada Alejandro 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe large human populations in cities are an important source of demand for wildlife pets, including primates, and not much is known about the primate species involved in terms of their general origin, the length of time they are kept as pets, and some of the maintenance problems encountered with their use as pets. We report the results of a survey conducted in Mexico City among primate pet owners, which was aimed at providing some of the above information. We used an ethnographic approach, and pet owners were treated as informants to gain their trust so that we could enter their homes and learn about the life of their primate pets. We surveyed 179 owners of primate pets, which included 12 primate species. Of these, three were native species (Ateles geoffroyi,Alouatta pigra, andA. palliata). The rest were other neotropical primate species not native to Mexico, and some paleotropical species. Spider monkeys and two species of howler monkeys native to Mexico accounted for 67% and 15%, respectively, of the primate cases investigated. The most expensive primate pets were those imported from abroad, while the least expensive were the Mexican species. About 45% of the native primate pets were obtained by their owners in a large market in Mexico City, and the rest were obtained in southern Mexico. Although they can provide companionship for children and adults, primate pets are subject to a number of hazards, some of which put their lives at risk. The demand by city dwellers for primate pets, along with habitat destruction and fragmentation, exerts a significant pressure on wild populations in southern Mexico. Am. J. Primatol. 61:53–60, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hormonal changes during the mating and conception seasons of wild northern muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides hypoxanthus)
Authors: Strier Karen B. , Lynch Jessica W. , Ziegler Toni E. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractWe investigated hormonal and behavioral changes in wild male and female northern muriquis (Brachyteles arachnoides hypoxanthus) at the Estação Biológica de Caratinga, Minas Gerais, Brazil, during a 6‐mo period that encompassed the onset of the 1998–1999 mating and conception seasons. Individual females resumed mating with the resumption of ovarian cycling, which was not synchronized among them or related to their cortisol levels. Females experienced two to seven cycles prior to conceiving, and the first conception occurred 2 mo after the onset of the group's mating season. There were no differences in female cortisol levels across their premating, mating, and conception conditions. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in females than in males prior to the conception season, consistent with the prediction that energy reserves may be associated with breeding readiness in females, but not males, in this species. The sustained elevation in male cortisol occurred after the peak in their sexual activity, which resulted in the first conception of the year. Male cortisol levels were positively correlated between years that were similar in rainfall, but differed in the timing of sexual and reproductive events. The timing of cortisol elevations in males appears to be generally regulated by environmental cues, but is responsive to fine‐tuning by social and behavioral cues related to the unpredictable timing of reproductive opportunities within their extended mating season. Am. J. Primatol. 61:85–99, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proximity patterns of female western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) during the six months after parturition
Authors: Stoinski T.S. , Hoff M.P. , Maple T.L. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractStudies of wild mountain gorillas have demonstrated strong preferences among new mothers for the silverback. Protection against infanticide has been theorized to be the primary cause for this attraction. We examined social partner preferences in captive western lowland mothers during the 6 mo after parturition and found that juveniles and females were the primary members of the new mothers' social network. Mothers spent significantly more time in close proximity with both of these subgroups than with the silverback. Proximity patterns changed over time: new mothers spent more time near females in the month after parturition than in the month prior to parturition, and spatial proximity increased again in months 2–6 postparturition. These findings differ from those reported for wild mountain gorillas, which may reflect the lack of infanticide risk in captivity. Given current hypotheses that infanticide may be a limited in western lowland gorillas, the social partner preferences observed here may be indicative of patterns in wild populations. Am. J. Primatol. 61:61–72, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Personality influences tetanus‐specific antibody response in adult male rhesus macaques after removal from natal group and housing relocation
Authors: Maninger Nicole , Capitanio John P. , Mendoza Sally P. , Mason William A. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractPrevious research has suggested that personality is related to immune function in macaques. Using a prospective design, we examined whether variation in the personality dimension “Sociability” in adult male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) was related to the in vivo secondary antibody response to a tetanus toxoid booster immunization following removal from natal groups and relocation to individual housing. We also explored whether the timing of the immunization following relocation had an impact on the immune response. Blood was sampled at the time of booster immunization, at 14 and 28 days post‐immunization, and approximately 9 months post‐immunization. Plasma was assayed for tetanus‐specific IgG by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (ELISA). There was no difference between High‐ and Low‐Sociable animals in antibody levels at the time of the booster immunization. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed that High‐Sociable animals had a significantly higher antibody response following relocation and immunization compared to Low‐Sociable animals. There was no effect of timing of the immunization on the immune response. The results confirm that personality factors can affect animals' immune responses, and that the dimension Sociability may be influential in a male's response to social separation and relocation. Am. J. Primatol. 61:73–83, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membership characteristics of the American society of primatologists through 2002
Authors: Schapiro Steven J. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractApproximately once a decade, the Treasurer of the American Society of Primatologists (ASP) publishes a report on the current membership characteristics of the society. Each year, when members join the ASP they answer a series of questions designed to evaluate the composition of the society and the interests of its members. In 2002 the society had 691 members (443 full members, 222 student members, and 26 retired members). This represents only a 3.1% increase in overall membership during the past decade, and a decrease of 10.8% from 2001. Over the years, the proportion of student (32.1%) and retired (3.8%) members has grown considerably, while the proportion of full members (64.1%) has decreased correspondingly. Of 691 members, 59 were source‐country primatologists who received complimentary (full or student) memberships. Women now comprise 57.7% of the membership, an increase of 5.9% over the last decade. Recent changes in the assessment and collection of annual dues have resulted in three important membership changes. First, 8.5% of current ASP members are source‐country primatologists who receive complimentary memberships in the ASP and complimentary subscriptions to the American Journal of Primatology (AJP). Second, mandatory subscription to AJP for full and student members in 2000 resulted in an immediate 8.7% decrease in membership, which appears to be continuing. Third, in 2002 approximately 50% of the members opted to pay their ASP dues with a credit card and/or via the Internet. It is hoped that the current decline in membership numbers represents a temporary trend, and that this loss will be reversed by 2004. Am. J. Primatol. 61:45–52, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Die Ethylenpolymerisation mit Ziegler‐Katalysatoren 50 Jahre nach der Entdeckung
Authors: Böhm Ludwig L. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractVor einem halben Jahrhundert entdeckten Karl Ziegler und Mitarbeiter die Synthese von Polyethylenen bei niedrigen Drücken und mäßig hohen Temperaturen mit Übergangsmetallkatalysatoren der 4. Nebengruppe und aluminiumorganischen Verbindungen als Cokatalysatoren. Die 50 Jahre bis heute sind eine Innovationsgeschichte in Wissenschaft und Industrie, der Entwicklung hochaktiver Katalysatoren und eines großtechnischen Prozesses auf der Grundlage eines detaillierten Verständnisses aller relevanter chemischer und physikalischer Vorgänge auf allen Größenskalen. Katalysatoren, Verfahren und Produkte werden auch heute ständig weiterentwickelt, Zeichen dafür, dass das Potenzial dieses Polymerisationsprozesses noch nicht vollständig ausgeschöpft ist. Ziel dieser Forschungs‐ und Entwicklungsarbeiten ist, noch bessere Eigenschaftskombinationen der Produkte bei noch geringeren Herstellkosten zu erreichen und andere Werkstoffe wie Glas, Papier, Stahl, Beton in bestimmten Anwendungen zu ersetzen, da Polyethylene im Hinblick auf Ressourcenschonung die besseren Problemlösungen erbringen.
4‐(5‐Chloro‐2(3H)‐benzoxazolon‐3‐yl) Butanoic Acid Derivatives: Synthesis, Antinociceptive and Anti‐inflammatory Properties
Authors: Gulcan Hayrettin Ozan , Kupeli Esra , Unlu Serdar , Yesilada Erdem , Sahin Mustafa Fethi 
Published: October 2003

AbstractIn this study, 4‐(5‐chloro‐2(3H)‐benzoxazolone‐3‐yl)butanoic acid and its ethyl ester as well as its ten new amide derivatives have been synthesized. Their structures have been elucidated by IR, 1H‐NMR spectra and elemental analysis. The compounds were screened for antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities. The highest antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activities were exhibited by Compound 11 which has carboxylic acid structure. A various decrease in antinociceptive and anti‐inflammatory activity was observed by amidation of the carboxylic acid moiety of this compound.
Invesgations on the Influence of Halide Substituents on the Estrogen Receptor Interaction of 2, 4, 5‐Tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazoles
Authors: Gust Ronald , Busch Sandra , Keilitz Roland , Schmidt Kathrin , von Rauch Moriz 
Published: October 2003

AbstractPreviously, we reported on the synthesis and estrogen receptor (ER) interaction of imidazoles, which had to be 1‐alkyl‐4, 5‐bis(2‐halo‐4‐hydroxyphenyl) substituted for a high relative binding affinity (RBA >1 %). This led to the assumption that a shielding of the polar heterocyclic system is a prerequisite for ER binding. In continuation of this study we synthesized 2, 4, 5‐tris(4‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazoles with Cl‐or F‐atoms in the ortho‐positions of the aromatic rings and evaluated whether they mediate sufficient hydrophobicity for ER interaction. 2‐(2, 6‐Dichloro‐3/4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4, 5‐bis(2‐halo‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazoles were synthesized by reaction of the respective methoxy‐substituted benzil with either the 2, 6‐dichloro‐4‐methoxy‐or the 2, 6‐dichloro‐3‐methoxybenzaldehyde in ammonium acetate solution. The required ether cleavage was performed subsequently with BBr3. In the competition experiment with [3H]estradiol the imidazoles with the a C2‐standing (2, 6‐dichloro‐4‐hydroxyphenyl) ring showed an RBA >0.02 %, but did not activate the luciferase gene in estrogen receptor positive MCF‐7‐2a breast cancer cells stably transfected with the plasmid EREwtcluc. In the test for antagonistic potency only the 2‐(2, 6‐dichloro‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4, 5‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazole 3 antagonized the effects of 1 nM estradiol slightly. From these data, it can be concluded that a C2‐standing 2, 6‐dichloro‐4‐hydroxyphenyl ring is not appropriate to optimize the ER interaction of 4, 5‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazoles.