bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Winter release and management of reintroduced migratory Whooping Cranes Grus americana
Authors: URBANEK RICHARD P. , FONDOW LARA E. A. , ZIMORSKI SARA E. , WELLINGTON MARIANNE A. , NIPPER MARK A. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryFrom 2001 to 2005, 71 costume-reared juvenile Whooping Cranes Grus americana were led by ultralight aircraft from Wisconsin to a winter release site on the west-central Gulf Coast of Florida. A strategy was developed and implemented to maximize first winter survival while preventing exposure to non-costumed humans and tame Sandhill Cranes, maximize social bonding between males and females, promote safe roosting and wild behaviour, and minimize harassment by Whooping Cranes from earlier releases. Methods were improved each year; these modifications included enlargement of an open-topped release pen, creation of an artificial roosting substrate, addition of a top-netted pen, and holding birds at a distant pen site until older birds had cleared the release area. These techniques resulted in high survival and successful adaptation to the wild after migration from the winter release site.
Video-monitoring helps to optimize the rescue of second-hatched chicks in the endangered Bearded VultureGypaetus barbatus
Authors: MARGALIDA ANTONI , GARCÍA DIEGO , HEREDIA RAFAEL , BERTRAN JOAN 
Published: October 2009

SummaryFrom 2000–2008 we used transmitting video cameras to document the breeding biology of the endangered Bearded Vulture in the Pyrenees (NE Spain), focusing the study on sibling aggression. Our goals were to study the feasibility of rescuing second-hatched chicks for conservation purposes in this species that shows obligate brood reduction. The age at which the second chick died varied between 4 and 9 days (n= 5). Prey items delivered per hour were not related to the survival time of the second chick or the aggressiveness of the first-hatched chick towards their sibling. Although sibling aggression generally began on day 1 after hatching, in two nests supplemented with food, aggression was delayed until the second and third day after hatching and the second chick survived for nine days. Our results on the death of the second chick and the test involving the rescuing of a second-hatched chick aged five days, suggest that the recommended age for intervention should be between 3 and 6 days, with 4–5 days probably being the optimal age for the rescue.
Effects of 3-Week Consumption of Green Tea Extracts on Whole-Body Metabolism During Cycling Exercise in Endurance-Trained Men
Authors: Eichenberger Philipp , Colombani Paolo C. , Mettler Samuel 
Published: October 2009

The consumption of green tea has been generally associated with beneficial effects on human whole-body metabolism and recent investigations with animals indicate favorable effects of green tea extracts (GTE) on energy metabolism during exercise and aerobic exercise performance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a three-week supplementation with GTE on human energy metabolism during submaximal cycling exercise. In a randomized, double-blind crossover setting, ten healthy endurance-trained men exercised for 2 hours at 50 % Wmaxbefore and after three weeks of placebo or GTE supplementation (GTE containing about 160 mg∙day-1total catechins, of which about 70 mg∙day-1was epigallocatechin-3-gallate). The GTE supplementation did not influence indices of fat and energy metabolism (fatty acids, 3-β-hydroxybutyrate, triacylglycerol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, lactate, glucose, oxygen uptake, respiratory exchange ratio, energy expenditure), inflammation processes (interleukin-6, C-reactive protein), and oxidative stress (thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances, oxidized low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol), but plasma creatine kinase concentration at rest and during exercise was significantly lower (p = 0.039) and high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol concentration at rest was significantly higher (p = 0.043) compared to placebo. In conclusion, these results suggest only slight effects on whole-body metabolism after supplementation with GTE.
Bitter Melon Protects Against Lipid Peroxidation Caused by Immobilization Stress in Albino Rats
Authors: Chaturvedi  
Published: October 2009

In the present study, protective effects of bitter melon (Momordica charantia) extract on lipid peroxidation induced by immobilization stress in rats have been assessed. Graded doses of extract (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to rats subjected to immobilization stress for two hours for seven consecutive days. Stress was applied by keeping the rats in a cage where no movement was possible. After seven days, rats were killed by decapitation after ether anesthesia. Blood and liver were collected to measure thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, reduced glutathione, and catalase. In vitro effects of M. charantia extract on lipid peroxidation in liver homogenate of normal, control, and rats pretreated with extract were carried out against cumene hydroperoxide-induced lipid peroxidation. Results reveal that in vivo M. charantia inhibited stress-induced lipid peroxidation by increasing the levels of reduced glutathione and activities of catalase. These results were further supported by in vitro results. In vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation was indicated by low levels of thiobarbituric acid in the liver homogenate from pretreated rats and normal rats when incubated with both cumene hydroperoxide and extract. Inhibition was also noted in the homogenate where the rats were pretreated but the mixture contained no extract. Thus this plant provides protection by strengthening the antioxidants like reduced glutathione and catalase. Inclusion of this plant in the daily diet would be beneficial.
Antioxidant Effect on Urinary Excretion of Malondialdehyde in Non-Athletes During Aerobic Training
Authors: Hadley  , Visser  , Vander Steen  
Published: October 2009

Conditions in the body during aerobic exercise increase the level of lipid peroxidation (LP). LP is associated with elevated concentration of modified low-density lipoproteins that are implicated in development of cardiovascular disease. Supplementation with antioxidant vitamin E to athletes at 267 mg (400 IUs) or greater has been reported to reduce levels of LP associated with exercise. Little is currently known about the effects of modest supplementation of vitamin E on previously sedentary adults who initiate an aerobic fitness program. In the present study, sedentary subjects (n = 14) kept 24-hour diet records to establish antioxidant intake of vitamins E and C and collected 24-hour urine samples that were used to determine baseline urinary malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, one measure of in vivo LP. No significant differences were noted in the parameters between groups. Seven subjects were randomly selected and supplemented daily with 133 mg (200 IUs) of vitamin E. All subjects participated in moderate-intensity aerobic training for 8 weeks. Post-training, non-supplemented subjects excreted significantly more MDA (p&<0.05) and consumed significantly fewer antioxidants than the supplemented group. Vitamin E supplementation appears to suppress elevated LP associated with beginning an aerobic exercise regimen in previously sedentary subjects.
Ten Simple Rules for Searching and Organizing the Scientific Literature
Authors: Bauer Denis 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe exponentially increasing number of published papers (1.4 million per year by one estimate) makes it more and more difficult for us to manage the flood of scientific information. Each of us has acquired some protocol to find and organize journal articles and other references over the course of our careers. Most of those protocols are likely to have been formed by old routines or idleness rather than a structured approach to save time and frustration over the long run. Furthermore, with the Web 2.0 revolution, new ways of handling information are emerging (O’Reilly 2005). For example, traditional standalone tools for reference management like EndNote are being supplemented by centralized resources like RefWorks and social bookmarking sites as described subsequently. This fusion of personal and public information offers the promise of efficiency through better organization, which in turn leads to better science.How can seasoned scientists do better using these tools and those newer to the field start off in the right way? To start to answer that question, I present ten simple rules to master the search and organization of new literature. This is not meant to be comprehensive. It represents the experiences of a few and I welcome your thoughts, through comments to this article, on what you do to keep your references organized.
BioPortal: Ontologies and Integrated Data Resources at the Click of a Mouse
Authors: Whetzel Patricia , Shah Nigam , Noy Natalya , Dai Benjamin , Dorf Michael , Griffith Nicholas , Jonquet Clement , Youn Cherie , Coulet Adrien , Callendar Chris , Rubin Daniel , Smith Barry , Storey Margaret-Anne , Chute Christopher , Musen Mark 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBioPortal ("http://bioportal.bioontology.org":http://bioportal.bioontology.org) is an open repository of biomedical ontologies that provides programmatic and web-based access to ontologies developed in OBO, OWL, Protégé frames, and RDF. Features include browsing, searching, and visualization of ontologies. Searching of integrated data resources is also possible through ontology-based indexing of biomedical resources with BioPortal ontologies.
Hypoxia aggravates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice lacking hepatocellular PTEN
Authors: Piguet Anne-Christine , Stroka Deborah , Zimmermann Arthur , Dufour Jean-François 
Published: October 2009

The metabolic disorders that predispose patients to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) include insulin resistance and obesity. Repeated hypoxic events, such as occur in obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, have been designated as a risk factor in the progression of liver disease in such patients, but the mechanism is unclear, in particular the role of hypoxia. Therefore we studied the influence of hypoxia on the development and progression of steatohepatitis in an experimental mouse model. Mice with a hepatocellular-specific deficiency in the Pten (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10) gene, a tumour suppressor, were exposed to a 10% O2 (hypoxic) or 21% O2 (control) atmosphere for 7 days. Haematocrit, AST (aspartate aminotransferase), glucose, triacylglycerols (triglycerides) and insulin tolerance were measured in blood. Histological lesions were quantified. Expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and mitochondrial β-oxidation, as well as FOXO1 (forkhead box O1), hepcidin and CYP2E1 (cytochrome P450 2E1), were analysed by quantitative PCR. In the animals exposed to hypoxia, the haematocrit increased (60±3% compared with 50±2% in controls; P&lt;0.01) and the ratio of liver weight/body weight increased (5.4±0.2% compared with 4.7±0.3% in the controls; P&lt;0.01). Furthermore, in animals exposed to hypoxia, steatosis was more pronounced (P&lt;0.01), and the NAS [NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) activity score] (8.3±2.4 compared with 2.3±10.7 in controls; P&lt;0.01), serum AST, triacylglycerols and glucose were higher. Insulin sensitivity decreased in mice exposed to hypoxia relative to controls. The expression of the lipogenic genes SREBP-1c (sterol-regulatory-element-binding protein-1c), PPAR-γ (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-γ), ACC1 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1) and ACC2 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase 2) increased significantly in mice exposed to hypoxia, whereas mitochondria β-oxidation genes [PPAR-α (peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor-α) and CPT-1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1)] decreased significantly. In conclusion, the findings of the present study demonstrate that hypoxia alone aggravates and accelerates the progression of NASH by up-regulating the expression of lipogenic genes, by down-regulating genes involved in lipid metabolism and by decreasing insulin sensitivity.
Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria at a Long-Term Care Facility: Assessment of Residents, Healthcare Workers, and Inanimate Surfaces
Authors: O'Fallon Erin , Schreiber Robert , Kandel Ruth , D'Agata Erika M. C. 
Published: October 2009

Objective.To characterize the clinical and molecular epidemiology of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms in residents, in healthcare workers (HCWs), and on inanimate surfaces at a long-term care facility (LTCF).Design.Point-prevalence study in 4 separate wards at a 600-bed urban LTCF that was conducted from October 31, 2006 through February 5, 2007.Participants.One hundred sixty-one LTCF residents and 13 HCWs.Methods.Nasal and rectal samples were obtained for culture from each resident, selected environmental surfaces in private and common rooms, and the hands and clothing of HCWs in each ward. All cultures were evaluated for the presence of MDR gram-negative bacteria, methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, and vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Clinical and demographic information were collected for each enrolled resident. Molecular typing was performed to identify epidemiologically related strains.Results.A total of 37 (22.8%), 1 (0.6%), and 18 (11.1%) residents were colonized with MDR gram-negative bacteria, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, and methicillin-resistantS. aureus, respectively. MDR gram-negative bacteria were recovered from 3 (1.8%) of the 175 environmental samples cultured, all of which were obtained from common areas in LTCF wards. One (7.7%) of the 13 HCWs harbored MDR gram-negative bacteria. Molecular typing identified clonally related MDR gram-negative strains in LTCF residents. After multivariable analysis, length of hospital stay of at least 4 years, fecal incontinence, and antibiotic exposure for at least 8 days were independent risk factors associated with harboring MDR gram-negative bacteria among LTCF residents.Conclusions.The prevalence of MDR gram-negative bacteria is high among LTCF residents and exceeds that of vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin-resistantS. aureus. Common areas in LTCFs may provide a unique opportunity for person-to-person transmission of MDR gram-negative bacteria.
Indications for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy and Procedure‐related Outcome
Authors: Srinivasan Ramesh , Irvine Tracey , Dalzell Mark 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTObjective:To describe the indications and practice of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) device insertion for nutritional support and to ascertain procedure‐related complications and outcome.Methods:Observational study with prospectively collected data on children who underwent PEG‐related procedures (PEG insertion, removal, or change to low profile button devices [LPBD]) for a 5‐year period (2002–2006) at our centre.Results:Six hundred one PEG‐related procedures were performed during the study period (384 insertions, 165 conversions to LPBD, 49 permanent PEG removals, and 3 PEG reinsertions). The main indications for PEG insertion were feeding difficulties associated with neurodisability (160/384; 41.6%) and congenital heart disease (CHD 115/384; 30%). Children with CHD required feeding nutritional support at an earlier age than children with neurodisability regardless of underlying cardiac condition. The age of PEG insertion was significantly different between the 2 main groups (neurodisability 3.56 years vs CHD 0.39 years; P < 0.001 [t test]). Fifty‐nine patients were discharged on the same day as PEG insertion without complications (day case gastrostomy). The median time between PEG insertion to LPBD conversion was 0.83 year (0.12–3.86). Twenty‐four of the 49 children having permanent PEG removal had CHD.Conclusions:Neurodisabilty and CHD were the main indications for PEG insertion, those with CHD requiring feeding support at an earlier age. Although CHD was an indication for PEG insertion in 30% of instances, a greater percentage of PEG removals (50%) were seen in this group indicating resolution of feeding difficulties.
Safety, Efficacy, and Pharmacokinetics of Balsalazide in Pediatric Patients With Mild‐to‐Moderate Active Ulcerative Colitis: Results of a Randomized, Double‐blind Study
Authors: Quiros J Antonio , Heyman Melvin B , Pohl John F , Attard Thomas M , Pieniaszek Henry J , Bortey Enoch , Walker Kelli , Forbes William P 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:A multicenter, double‐blind study was conducted to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of balsalazide in pediatric patients with mild‐to‐moderate ulcerative colitis (UC).Patients and Methods:Sixty‐eight patients, 5 to 17 years of age, with mild‐to‐moderate active UC based on the modified Sutherland UC activity index (MUCAI) were randomized to receive oral balsalazide 2.25 or 6.75 g/day for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was clinical improvement (reduction of the MUCAI score by ≥3 points from baseline). Clinical remission (MUCAI score of 0 or 1 for stool frequency) and histological improvement after 8 weeks were also assessed. Pharmacokinetic parameters for balsalazide, 5‐aminosalicylic acid, and N‐acetyl‐5‐aminosalicylic acid were determined at 2 weeks. Adverse events and laboratory changes were monitored throughout the study.Results:Clinical improvement was achieved by 45% and 37% of patients and clinical remission by 12% and 9% of patients receiving 6.75 and 2.25 g/day, respectively. Improvement in histologic grade was achieved by 8 of 16 (50%) and 3 of 10 (30%) patients receiving 6.75 and 2.25 g/day, respectively. No significant differences were seen in efficacy. Pharmacokinetics in 12 patients were characterized by large interpatient variability and low systemic exposure. Adverse events were similar between the treatment groups, the most common being headache and abdominal pain. No clinically significant changes were observed in laboratory values, including those indicative of hepatic or renal toxicity.Conclusions:Balsalazide is well tolerated and improves the signs and symptoms of mild‐to‐moderate active UC in pediatric patients 5 to 17 years of age.
Rotavirus Gastroenteritis: Precursor of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders?
Authors: Saps M , Pensabene L , Turco R , Staiano A , Cupuro D , Di Lorenzo C 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims:Abdominal pain‐related functional gastrointestinal disorders (AP‐FGIDs) following bacterial acute gastroenteritis (AGE) have been demonstrated in adults and children. An adult study demonstrated AP‐FGIDs resulting from an outbreak of viral AGE. Viral AGEs are common in children. Thus, the demonstration of AP‐FGIDs occurring after a viral infection in children could constitute a significant finding. The aim of the study was to investigate the development of FGIDs following an episode of acute rotavirus gastroenteritis in children. This is the first pediatric multicenter study designed to assess postviral AP‐FGIDs.Patients and Methods:It is a cohort study. Inclusion criteria of the study are children ages 4 to 18 years with history of AGE secondary to rotavirus. Sample size is 44 exposed and 44 controls (unidirectional α of 0.05, power of 0.80). Children consulting at 2 hospitals (Chicago, IL, and Naples, Italy) for AGE (2002–2004) who tested positive for rotavirus were randomly contacted by telephone >2 years after the episode. Each exposed child who visited the emergency department or outpatient site for acute trauma or well‐child visit within 4 weeks of the index case was matched with a control of the same age and sex. Gastrointestinal symptoms and disability were evaluated with a validated pediatric questionnaire.Results:Eighty‐eight patients (46 boys, mean age 5.3 years) were recruited. Contacted patients presented with AGE in 2002 (9), 2003 (11), and 2004 (24). Seven (16%) exposed patients and 3 (7%) controls reported AP‐FGIDs (P = 0.31).Conclusions:Our study suggests that rotavirus infection does not seem to place children at increased risk for AP‐FGIDs at long‐term follow‐up. Larger, prospective studies should be conducted to evaluate whether rotavirus gastroenteritis leads to AP‐FGIDs in children.
Protein Content and Fortification of Human Milk Influence Gastroesophageal Reflux in Preterm Infants
Authors: Aceti Arianna , Corvaglia Luigi , Paoletti Vittoria , Mariani Elisa , Ancora Gina , Galletti Silvia , Faldella Giacomo 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Preterm human milk (HM) may provide insufficient energy and nutrients and thus may need to be fortified. Our aim was to determine whether fat content, protein content, and osmolality of HM before and after fortification may affect gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in symptomatic preterm infants.Methods:Gastroesophageal reflux was evaluated in 17 symptomatic preterm newborns fed naïve and fortified HM by combined pH/intraluminal‐impedance monitoring (pH‐MII). Human milk fat and protein content was analysed by a near‐infrared reflectance analysis. Human milk osmolality was tested before and after fortification. Gastroesophageal reflux indexes measured before and after fortification were compared and were also related to HM fat and protein content and osmolality before and after fortification.Results:An inverse correlation was found between naïve HM protein content and acid reflux index (RIpH: P = 0.041, ρ =−0.501). After fortification, osmolality often exceeded the values recommended for infant feeds; furthermore, a statistically significant (P < 0.05) increase in nonacid reflux indexes was observed.Conclusions:Protein content of naïve HM may influence acid GER in preterm infants. A standard fortification of HM may worsen nonacid GER indexes and, due to the extreme variability in HM composition, may overcome both recommended protein intake and HM osmolality. Thus, an individualised fortification, based on the analysis of the composition of naïve HM, could optimise both nutrient intake and feeding tolerance.
Prevalence of Metabolic Bone Disease in Children With Celiac Disease Is Independent of Symptoms at Diagnosis
Authors: Turner Justine , Pellerin Genevieve , Mager Diana 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTObjectives:Given dietary gluten exposure, growing children with celiac disease may experience malabsorption of nutrients, negatively affecting bone health. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of low bone mass in children with celiac disease, according to the presence of symptoms at diagnosis.Materials and Methods:A retrospective chart review of the Stollery Children's Hospital Celiac Clinic charts (April 1989–September 2007) was conducted. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine was measured using dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry. Demographics, symptoms at presentation, and anthropometric and biochemical data relevant to bone health were recorded.Results:Seventy‐four children (9.6 ± 3.7 years; range 3.3–16.0 years) were included. Lumbar BMDzscores more than or equal to −1 were observed in 58 cases (65%),zscores below −1 but above −2 were observed in 14 cases (19%) andzscores less than or equal to −2 were observed in 12 cases (16%). There was no significant difference in mean lumbar BMDzscores between symptomatic and asymptomatic children (P= 0.34). When adjusted for bone age and bone surface area, BMD lumbarzscore was inversely correlated with age at diagnosis (P< 0.05).Conclusions:An equivalent reduction in spine bone mass was observed in children with celiac disease at diagnosis regardless of the presence of symptoms. Delayed diagnosis of children with celiac disease may increase the risk of adult osteoporosis. Appropriate screening of children at risk of celiac disease for the purpose of early diagnosis, as well as routine evaluation of bone mineral density in such children, are important to prevent long‐term complications associated with poor bone health.