bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carminic acid dye from the homopteran Dactylopius coccus hemolymph is consumed during treatment with different microbial elicitors
Authors: de la Cruz Hernández‐Hernández Fidel , de Muñoz Fernando García‐Gil , Rojas‐Martínez Alberto , Hernández‐Martínez Salvador , Lanz‐Mendoza Humberto 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe activation of Dactylopius coccus (Costa) hemolymph with microbial polysaccharide molecules was studied. Hemolymph incubated in the presence of laminarin, zymosan, and N‐acetyl glucosamine produced a dark fibrillar precipitated, and the red pigment (carminic acid) was consumed (measured spectrophotometrically at 495 nm). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) did not induce any response. The reaction was inhibited with millimolar concentrations of serine and cysteine protease inhibitors, EGTA and phenyl thiourea. It was also diminished by prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors: dexamethasone, acetylsalicylic acid, and indomethacin. However, Mg2+ chelator EDTA did not inhibit hemolymph activation. Hemolymph proteins were depleted from soluble phase during treatment with laminarin, but a group of around 34 kDa remained unmodified. These results showed that D. coccus hemolymph is activated by microbial elicitors, its activation depends on eicosanoids, and suggest participation of a prophenoloxidase (PPO)‐like activation system that could consume carminic acid. We are currently dissecting the molecular factors involved in D. coccus hemolymph activation to determine homologies and differences with other arthropods immune response pathways. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 54:37–45, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tyramine and octopamine: Antagonistic modulators of behavior and metabolism
Authors: Roeder Thomas , Seifert Mark , Kähler Christian , Gewecke Michael 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe phenolamines tyramine and octopamine are decarboxylation products of the amino acid tyrosine. Although tyramine is the biological precursor of octopamine, both compounds are independent neurotransmitters, acting through various G‐protein coupled receptors. Especially, octopamine modulates a plethora of behaviors, peripheral and sense organs. Both compounds are believed to be homologues of their vertebrate counterparts adrenaline and noradrenaline. They modulate behaviors and organs in a coordinated way, which allows the insects to respond to external stimuli with a fine tuned adequate response. As these two phenolamines are the only biogenic amines whose physiological significance is restricted to invertebrates, the attention of pharmacologists was focused on the corresponding receptors, which are still believed to represent promising targets for new insecticides. Recent progress made on all levels of octopamine/tyramine research enabled us to better understand the molecular events underlying the control of complex behaviors. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 54:1–13, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Selection of normalizer genes in conducting relative gene expression analysis of embryos
Authors: Zhang Qin J. , Chadderton Antony , Clark Robert L. , Augustine‐Rauch Karen A. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn relative gene expression analysis, a reference gene for sample normalization is required for determining target expression changes among experimental treatment groups. Since some developmental toxicants secondarily cause general growth retardation and/or other general biological changes, commonly used housekeeping genes may not serve as accurate normalizers.METHODSWe conducted real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with normalization to calculate relative target transcriptional change, using housekeeping and structure‐specific expression genes as normalizers. Relative levels of Hoxb1 expression were measured in cultured rodent embryos at 24 hr post retinoic acid (RA) administration. Transcriptional response was also evaluated using two novel compounds that produced posterior axial and growth defects in rat whole‐embryo culture. Embryos treated with these compounds were evaluated for general biological processes, and their respective biological states were considered in the context of the relative gene expression change calculated with the housekeeping normalizers.RESULTSNormalized RA‐induced Hoxb1 expression demonstrated that only some reference genes accurately quantitated the expected 1.5‐ to 2‐fold increase in Hoxb1 expression. Evaluation of the test compounds demonstrated that only normalization with the spatially‐restricted hindbrain gene, Krox‐20, calculated significant expression decreases of T‐gene, a gene known to be functionally relevant in posterior axial development. Reduction in T‐gene expression was confirmed qualitatively by whole‐mount in situ hybridization.CONCLUSIONSPrudent reference gene selection is important in evaluating relative gene expression in embryos. An experimental control design is proposed to facilitate the identification of normalizing genes that will accurately calculate relative gene expression change in treated embryos. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genotype frequencies and linkage disequilibrium in the CEPH human diversity panel for variants in folate pathway genes MTHFR, MTHFD, MTRR, RFC1, and GCP2
Authors: Shi Min , Caprau Diana , Romitti Paul , Christensen Kaare , Murray Jeffrey C. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDGenetic variation in enzymes involved in vitamin metabolism is a candidate for analysis in studies of how nutritional covariates may impact a disease state. The role of folate pathway genes in birth defects and cardiovascular disease in humans has been widely studied. Since incidence rates for these disorders vary by geographic origins, it is useful to know which variants are the best candidates for studies based on genotype and allele frequency, as well as linkage disequilibrium (LD) in founder populations.METHODSSix polymorphisms in five folate metabolism‐related genes (MTHFR, MTHFD, MTRR, GCP2, and RFC1) were genotyped on a collection of 1064 DNA samples from populations around the world, which were made available by the Centre d'Étude du Polymorphisme Humain (CEPH) consortium for analysis.RESULTSIn this study we report the genotype frequencies for variants in the MTHFR, MTHFD, MTRR, GCP2, and RFC1 genes, and the LD for two variants (C677T and A1298C) in MTHFR.CONCLUSIONSThe rare allele frequency for each of the five genes studied varied widely. LD is strongest in Pakistani and Brazilian populations (D′ = 1.0) and weakest in Mexican populations (D′ = 0.45). These findings will allow the selection of variants that will provide the most power in studies of folate pathway genes involving different ancestral populations, and contribute to our knowledge of the population distribution of selected nutritional gene variants. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Subfertility and prepregnancy overweight/obesity: Possible interaction between these risk factors in the etiology of congenital renal anomalies
Authors: Honein Margaret A. , Moore Cynthia A. , Watkins Margaret L. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDMaternal subfertility and high body mass index (BMI) are both associated with adverse reproductive outcomes, including some birth defects. One study reported an association between subfertility and renal anomalies (Li, 1999).METHODSWe defined subfertility as the mother's report that she sought fertility treatment from a doctor/clinic, and high BMI as a prepregnancy BMI ≥25. We included 169 infants with renal anomalies (renal agenesis [n = 41], obstructive defects [n = 117], and duplication defects [n = 11]) and 2763 infants without defects who were born in 1968–1980 in metropolitan Atlanta, after excluding mothers who reported diabetes. Conditional logistic regression (matching variables: race, birth hospital, and birth period) was used to obtain effect estimates (adjusted for maternal age and gestational age).RESULTSSubfertility was more common among case‐mothers (11.8%) than control‐mothers (7.8%), high BMI was similar among case‐mothers (11.2%) and control‐mothers (10.9%), and joint exposure (subfertility and high BMI) was reported by 3% case‐mothers and 0.7% of control‐mothers. Joint exposure to subfertility and high BMI was associated with renal anomalies (odds ratio [OR] = 5.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0–16.3). All case‐mothers who reported a joint exposure had infants with obstructive renal anomalies (OR = 8.5; 95% CI = 2.9–24.7). There was no association observed for either exposure alone (subfertility and low BMI, or high BMI and no subfertility) for either all renal anomalies or obstructive defects.CONCLUSIONSWomen who are overweight/obese and experience subfertility may be more likely to have an infant with an obstructive renal anomaly. Further exploration of possible biologic mechanisms is needed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. Published © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chorionic villus sampling: A distinctive teratogenic effect on fingers?
Authors: Golden Caroline M. , Ryan Louise M. , Holmes Lewis B. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDAn increased frequency of major limb malformations, especially terminal transverse limb defects, have been described in several studies of birth defects in children who had been exposed to the prenatal diagnosis procedure known as chorionic villus sampling (CVS). Vascular disruption has been proposed as the mechanism behind the fetal effect. We postulate that this mechanism is more likely to affect one or two middle fingers, rather than all five fingers. A recent report of the frequency of defects in any or all fingers in an unexposed control population enabled us to assess whether CVS is associated with an increased frequency of defects involving one or two fingers, as well as terminal transverse limb defects.METHODSThe frequency of limb‐reduction defects affecting one or more fingers or toes, including those with constriction rings and tissue loss, in published studies of 20,236 children who had been exposed to CVS was compared with the frequency in 161,252 newborn infants who had not been exposed to CVS. Children with recognized genetic disorders were excluded.RESULTSSeveral aspects of the limb deficiencies were more common in the CVS‐exposed infants than in unexposed controls. The former were more likely to have: 1) any type of limb deficiency involving one or more fingers (p< .001); 2) absence/hypoplasia of two fingers (p< .001); and 3) absence/hypoplasia of all five fingers (p= .015). The absence of the distal portion of the third finger was a distinctive type of limb‐reduction defect in CVS‐exposed infants.CONCLUSIONSThe occurrence of deficiencies in one or two fingers, including those designated as “amniotic band deformities,” are as common as terminal transverse limb defects in CVS‐exposed infants, and both are much more common than in unexposed infants. The absence of the distal portion of the third finger, with tapering and stiff joints, appears to be a distinctive effect of exposure to CVS. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of congenital diaphragmatic hernia with limb‐reduction defects
Authors: van Dooren Marieke F. , Brooks Alice S. , Tibboel Dick , Torfs Claudine P. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe pathogenesis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a severe birth defect, is not well understood; however, both developmental genes and environmental factors have been suggested to be involved. CDH is frequently associated with malformations of other structures, such as limbs, whose embryogenesis is better understood. An examination of the co‐occurrence of developmental defects may provide clues as to the origin and timing of the insult to the diaphragm and limbs. Our focus was on CDH‐associated limb‐reduction defects (LRDs).METHODSFor this descriptive study, we reviewed the medical records of infants with a posterolateral (Bochdalek) CDH and an associated LRD among 146 patients from the Sophia Children's Hospital, and among 810 infants and 36 stillbirths from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program (CBDMP).RESULTSIn the hospital group, 14 patients (10%) had an associated limb defect, of which about one‐third were LRDs (of these, most were of a nonsevere type, such as hypoplasia of fingers). In the registry group, a limb defect was found in 162 cases (18.5%), 18 of which were mostly severe LRD (usually of the upper extremities). Additional congenital anomalies were observed in all CDH‐LRD cases in both groups.CONCLUSIONSIn the registry group, 77.8% of LRDs were either bilateral or ipsilateral, and were mostly preaxial, suggesting an early embryological insult affecting both precursor anlages. These results, from large numbers of cases, support the notion of a developmental association between CDH and LRD, as has been observed in several knockout mice. Future analyses of candidate genes from patients with CDH and LRD may elucidate this developmental association in humans. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Malformations of the cranium, vertebral column, and related central nervous system: Morphologic heterogeneity may indicate biological diversity
Authors: Davies Belinda R. , Durán Marco 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUND:We conducted an autopsy study of neural tube defects (NTDs) to determine whether there is a relation between the localization of the lesion and the sex of the fetus or infant, and the presence of other malformations.METHODS:Included were 97 autopsies of infants/fetuses with anencephaly or spina bifida at any level and weighing more than 500 gm. The topographical divisions studied were: 1) isolated cranial lesions, 2) superior spina bifida with or without occipital lesion, and 3) isolated lower spina bifida.RESULTS:In group 1 (46 cases) there were lesions of the vertebral column, mainly cervical, and other anomalies of the “schisis” type. Group 2 (24 cases) showed more extensive involvement of the vertebral column and more cases with multiple anomalies (p = 0.001) of a varied spectrum, not only the schisis type; in group 3 (27 cases) the cases involved a few other malformations. In group 2 there was no sex preference (females 46%), but the other, more localized lesions (groups 1 and 3) were found predominantly in females (71%).CONCLUSIONS:Localized lesions, whether involving the cranium or lumbar spine, are formed by a mechanism that favors the female gender, whereas upper spina bifida, which is usually accompanied by cranial involvement, results from another mechanism (possibly vascular disruption) and is frequently accompanied by other malformations. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiotensin II‐receptor‐antagonists: Further evidence of fetotoxicity but not teratogenicity
Authors: Schaefer Christof 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDLike angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors angiotensin II (AT II)‐receptor‐antagonists may cause persistent or even lethal fetotoxic defects when used during the late second or third trimester. There are insufficient data on first‐trimester exposure to these substances in terms of teratogenicity. The two databases of the Berlin Teratology Information Service (TIS) were evaluated for pregnancy outcome following exposure to AT II‐receptor‐antagonists. One database covers case reports on newborns with congenital abnormalities identified after birth, in which drug‐effect associations can be evaluated retrospectively. The other enrolls women prospectively according to exposure to particular drugs during pregnancy, with follow‐up of pregnancy outcome.CASESFive cases (four retrospective and one prospective) involving late‐pregnancy use of AT II‐receptor‐antagonists were recently reported to us, each of which included one or more of the following abnormalities: oligohydramnios/anhydramnios, anuria, hypoplastic skull bones, limb contractions, lung hypoplasia, and neonatal death. Among 37 prospectively enrolled first‐trimester‐exposed pregnancies there were 30 live births including one with a major malformation (cleft palate). One pregnancy was electively terminated after exencephaly had been diagnosed.CONCLUSIONSAT II‐receptor‐antagonists may induce fetotoxic effects when used in the second and third trimesters. The available data on first‐trimester use do not strongly support a teratogenic potential. AT II‐receptor‐antagonists should not be used by pregnant women. In case of inadvertent exposure, therapy should be changed to the known antihypertensives of choice (e.g., metoprolol, methyldopa, and hydralazine) and fetotoxic effects should be ruled out by ultrasound. Treatment with AT II‐receptor‐antagonists during early pregnancy is not in itself an indication for termination of a wanted pregnancy. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Joint laxity and the risk of clubfoot
Authors: Olshan Andrew F. , Schroeder Jane C. , Alderman Beth W. , Mosca Vincent S. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDClubfoot is a relatively common and potentially disabling birth defect. The etiology of clubfoot (talipes equinovarus [TEV]) is not known. Joint laxity, or hypermobility, is a suspected risk factor for congenital hip dislocation and clubfoot.METHODSWe conducted a case‐control study of TEV in five western Washington counties. A total of 239 cases of TEV were identified from hospital and outpatient sources from 1986 to 1994. Controls (n = 356) were identified by random‐digit dialing (RDD). Parents were interviewed over the telephone, and medical records were abstracted. In‐person measurements of four joint laxity indices in parents and the index child were obtained.RESULTSModerately elevated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were found for extension >90° of the entire little finger, and extension of all four fingers to a position parallel to the forearm (OR = 1.6; 95% CI = 0.9–2.9; and OR = 1.7; CI = 1.1–2.5; respectively). No elevation in the OR was found for the wrist and elbow laxity measures. No consistent pattern of association between joint laxity measures in parents and an elevated OR of clubfoot among their children was found.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this study suggest a role for joint laxity in the etiology of TEV. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of Hoxb‐5 during human lung development and in congenital lung malformations
Authors: Volpe MaryAnn V. , Pham Lucia , Lessin Marc , Ralston Steven J. , Bhan Ina , Cutz Ernest , Nielsen Heber C. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractBACKGROUND:We have previously shown that the Hox gene Hoxb‐5 is necessary for normal mouse lung branching morphogenesis. Abnormal Hoxb‐5 regulation causes specific alterations in airway branching. We hypothesized that Hoxb‐5 is similarly involved in human lung branching morphogenesis, and is abnormally expressed in bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) and congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM), both of which are congenital lung malformations with abnormal airway development.METHODS:The temporal, spatial, and cellular expression of the Hoxb‐5 protein was evaluated in normal human lung and BPS and CCAM tissue using Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry.RESULTS:The expression of Hoxb‐5 during human lung development showed strong similarities to that during mouse lung development. Western blots showed high Hoxb‐5 protein levels in the pseudoglandular period (PSG), decreased but sustained levels in the canalicular period (CAN), and negligible levels during the alveolar period (ALV). Immunocytochemistry showed Hoxb‐5 protein expression in mesenchymal cells around branching airways in the pseuodglandular period, subepithelial fibroblast localization (especially at airway branch points) in the CAN and minimal expression in the ALV. In BPS and CCAM tissue, Hoxb‐5 protein levels were increased compared to age‐ and developmentally‐matched lung tissue, and were more similar to the PSG and CAN with Hoxb‐5–positive cells in mesenchyme surrounding abnormally branched airways.CONCLUSIONS:Hoxb‐5 expression during human lung branching morphogenesis, which is similar to that observed in mouse lung development, indicates that it plays a role in controlling airway patterning. This notion is supported by results from BPS and CCAM tissue, in which Hoxb‐5 is maintained in a manner typical of an earlier developmental stage and is associated with development of abnormal lung tissue. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of exposure to high flux density static and pulsed magnetic fields on lymphocyte function
Authors: Aldinucci Carlo , Garcia Julian Blanco , Palmi Mitri , Sgaragli Gianpietro , Benocci Alberto , Meini Antonella , Pessina Federica , Rossi Claudio , Bonechi Claudia , Pessina Gian Paolo 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWe investigated whether a combination of static electromagnetic field (EMF) at a flux density of 4.75 T together with pulsed EMF at a flux density of 0.7 mT generated by an NMR apparatus (NMRF), could promote movements of Ca2+, cell proliferation, and the eventual production of proinflammatory cytokines in human lymphocytes as well as in Jurkat cells, after exposure to the field for 1 h. The same study was also performed after activation of cells with 5 μg/ml phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) immediately before the exposure period. Our results clearly demonstrate that NMRF exposure increases the [Ca2+]i, without any proliferative, or activating, or proinflammatory effect on both normal and PHA stimulated lymphocytes. Accordingly, the levels of interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐2, and interleukin‐6 remained unvaried after exposure. Exposure of Jurkat cells statistically decreased the [Ca2+]i and the proliferation. This is consistent with the low levels of IL‐2 measured in supernatants of these cells after exposure. On the whole our data suggest that static and pulsed NMRF exposure contribute synergistically in the increase of the [Ca2+]i without any activating or proinflammatory effect either in normal or in PHA challenged lymphocytes. In Jurkat cells, by changing the properties of cell membranes, NMRF exposure can influence Ca2+ transport processes and hence Ca2+ homeostasis, causing a marked decrease of proliferation. Bioelectromagnetics 24:373–379, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.