bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antireproductive effect of calcium channel blockers on male rats
Authors: Morakinyo Ayodele O. , Iranloye Bolanle O. , Adegoke Olufeyisipe A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIntroductionDrugs have been shown to adversely affect male fertility and recently anti‐hypertensive drugs were added to the list. The anti‐fertility effects of nifedipine and similar calcium channel blockers are well‐illustrated in in vitro experiments but not in vivo.PurposeThe present study was designed to experimentally elucidate the sub‐chronic effect of nifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem on sperm functions and reproductive hormone levels in vivo.MethodsMale rats (150–200 g) were divided into four groups of ten rats each. Group 1 (control) received distilled water; Group 2 received nifedipine 0.57 mg/kg BW; Group 3 were given verapamil 3.40 mg/kg BW and Group 4 were given diltiazem 2.57 mg/kg BW. Each drug‐treated group had its own recovery group from which treatment was discontinued for 30 days before the animals were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay of FSH, LH and testosterone. Semen evaluation was done and the testes, seminal vesicle, epididymis and prostate were removed, and weighed immediately.ResultsNifedipine, verapamil and diltiazem significantly decreased (P < 0.05) sperm count and motility in drug treated groups. The weight of the epididymis was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in the drug treated rats. Semen parameters and other associated changes were restored after 30 days of drug withdrawal.ConclusionCalcium channel blockers appear to have a reversible anti‐fertility effect on male rats which does not occur through inhibition of the pituitary‐gonadal axis.
Tissue‐specific expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and its polymorphisms in mouse tissues
Authors: Yuan Guohua , Wang Yinghua , Gluhak‐Heinrich Jelica , Yang Guobin , Chen Lei , Li Tong , Wu Li‐An , Chen Zhi , MacDougall Mary , Chen Shuo 
Published: May 2009

AbstractDentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) consists of dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). DSPP is highly expressed in mineralized tissues. However, recent studies have shown that DSPP is also expressed in several active metabolic ductal epithelial tissues and exists in a variety of sequences. We have investigated DSPP expression in various mouse tissues using RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemical analyses. To identify DSPP gene polymorphisms, we screened a mouse tooth cDNA library as well as isolated and characterized DSPP variations. Our results show that DSPP is predominantly expressed in teeth and moderately in bone tissues. We also have characterized a full‐length DSPP cDNA clone with an open‐reading frame of 940 codons and this polyadenylation signal. Compared to previously reported mouse DSPP cDNAs, 13 sequence variations were identified, including 8 non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and an in‐frame indel (8 amino acids) at DPP domain of the mouse DSPP. These 8 amino acids are rich in aspartic acid and serine residues. Northern blot assay showed a prominent band at 4.4 kb. RT‐PCR demonstrated that this mouse DSPP gene was dominantly expressed in teeth. The predicted secondary structure of DPP domain of this DSPP showed differences from the previously published mouse DPPs, implying that they play different roles during tooth development and formation.
‘Ancient custom time out of mind’: copyhold tenure in the west country in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
Authors: Bettey Joseph 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCopyhold tenure for a number of lives, regulated by manorial custom, was by far the most common form of landholding throughout much of the West Country during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, and was only gradually replaced by leaseholds for a term of years during the eighteenth century. Manorial custom, the body of local law and traditional usage, hallowed by long use and enforced in the manorial court, governed all aspects of farming practice, transfer of holdings, entry fines, rents, heriots, rules of cultivation, access to common grazing, wood, stone, fuel and the rights of widows. This paper uses examples from Wiltshire and Dorset to show the great variety of manorial customs, the effect these had on the lives of copyhold tenants and the problems which some long-established customs could cause for landowners.
The modern history of the first lambousa treasure of byzantine silverware from Cyprus
Authors: Merrillees Robert 
Published: May 2009

AbstractFound in 1897, the important collection of Late Antique silverware known as the first Lambousa treasure (to distinguish it from a second find of Lambousa treasure made in 1902) was acquired in part by the British Museum in 1899. This paper reconstructs the history of the discovery of the first Lambousa treasure and the circumstances of its removal from Cyprus. Research for the paper has brought to light hitherto unknown documents, and throws new light on the collection of antiquities in the early modern era and the politics, attitudes and personalities involved.
Synergistic interaction of cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking with serum carotenoid concentrations: findings from a middle-aged Japanese population
Authors: Sugiura Minoru , Nakamura Mieko , Ogawa Kazunori , Ikoma Yoshinori , Matsumoto Hikaru , Ando Fujiko , Shimokata Hiroshi , Yano Masamichi 
Published: May 2009

Previous studies have indicated low serum carotenoid concentrations among cigarette smokers and/or alcohol drinkers, but little is known about the interaction of smoking and drinking with serum carotenoids. We tested the hypothesis that smoking and drinking reduce serum carotenoid concentrations synergistically. A total of 1073 subjects (357 male and 716 female) who had received health examinations in the town of Mikkabi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, participated in the study. The subjects were divided into six groups according to alcohol intake (non-drinkers, < 1 g/d; light drinkers, ≥ 1, < 25 g/d; moderate-to-heavy drinkers, ≥ 25 g/d) and smoking status (non-smokers and current smokers). The dietary intakes and serum concentrations of six carotenoids (lycopene, α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin) within each group were evaluated cross-sectionally. The dietary intakes of all carotenoids did not differ in the six groups after adjusting for age and sex. The multivariate-adjusted means of the serum carotenoid concentrations in non-drinkers did not differ between non-smokers and current smokers. In contrast, the adjusted means of serum α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were significantly lower than those with increased alcohol intake, and these lower serum carotenoids among alcohol drinkers were more evident in current smokers than in non-smokers. Serum lycopene of moderate-to-heavy drinkers was significantly lower than that of non-drinkers, but it was not influenced by smoking. Neither smoking nor drinking was associated with the serum concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin. These results suggest that smoking and drinking may reduce the serum α-carotene, β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin concentrations in a synergistic manner.
Plasman-3 fatty acid response to ann-3 fatty acid supplement is modulated by apoE ɛ4 but not by the common PPAR-α L162V polymorphism in men
Authors: Plourde Mélanie , Vohl Marie-Claude , Vandal Milène , Couture Patrick , Lemieux Simone , Cunnane Stephen C. 
Published: May 2009

The risk of Alzheimer's disease is increased for carriers of apoE4 (E4) or the PPAR-α L162V polymorphism (L162V), but it is decreased in fish and seafood consumers. The link between high fish intake and reduced risk of cognitive decline in the elderly appears not to hold in carriers of E4, possibly because better cognition is linked to EPA+DHA in the blood, but only in non-carriers of E4. As yet, no such studies exist in carriers of L162V. Our objective was to determine whether the plasma fatty acid response to a dietary supplement of EPA+DHA was altered in carriers of L162V and/or E4. This was an add-on project; in the original study, men were selected based on whether or not they were carriers of L162V (n14 per group). E4 status was determined afterwards. All subjects received an EPA+DHA supplement for 6 weeks. L162V polymorphism did not interact with the supplement in a way to alter EPA and DHA incorporation into plasma lipids. However, when the groups were separated based on the presence of E4, baseline EPA and DHA in plasma TAG were 67 and 60 % higher, respectively, in E4 carriers. After the supplementation, there were significant gene × diet interactions in which only non-carriers had increased EPA and DHA in plasma NEFA and TAG, respectively.
Associations between dietary macronutrient intake and plasma lipids demonstrate criterion performance of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) food-frequency questionnaire
Authors: Nettleton Jennifer A. , Rock Cheryl L. , Wang Youfa , Jenny Nancy S. , Jacobs David R. 
Published: May 2009

The validity of self-reported dietary intake is critical to the design and interpretation of diet–disease investigations. For many nutrients, there are no ideal methods to establish validity, given correlated error between reference and assessment tools, and constraints on time and resources available to perform such studies. Therefore, we quantified associations between macronutrient intakes and plasma HDL-cholesterol and TAG, relying on known associations between these factors to test the criterion validity of the FFQ used in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Baseline dietary macronutrient intakes (derived from 120-item FFQ), and fasting plasma HDL and TAG were measured in 4510 MESA participants, aged 45–84 years. After adjusting for non-dietary factors known to affect plasma lipid concentrations, greater carbohydrate intake was associated with lower HDL and higher TAG (β per 5-unit change in percentage energy intake from carbohydrate = − 5 (se1) mg/l (P < 0·001) for HDL and 15 (se6) mg/l (P = 0·008) for TAG), whereas higher energy intake from fat was associated with higher HDL and lower TAG (β per 5-unit change in percentage energy from fat = 3·7 (se2) mg/l (P = 0·01) for HDL and β = 19 (se7) mg/l (P = 0·004) for TAG). Associations of dietary carbohydrate and fat intakes with HDL and TAG concentrations were consistent with previous studies, demonstrating criterion validity of these dietary measures in the MESA.
Plasman-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are negatively associated with obesity
Authors: Micallef Michelle , Munro Irene , Phang Melinda , Garg Manohar 
Published: May 2009

The objective of the present study was to investigate the relationship between plasman-3 PUFA composition and weight status. A total of 124 adults, stratified by weight status: healthy weight (n21), overweight (n40) and obese (n63) were recruited. Fasting blood samples, anthropometric measures and body composition were collected. Plasma fatty acid composition was determined by GC. BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference were inversely correlated withn-3 PUFA, EPA and DHA (P < 0·05 for all) in the obese group. Obese individuals had significantly lower plasma concentrations of totaln-3 PUFA, compared with healthy-weight individuals (4·53 (sd1·11)v.5·25 (sd1·43) %). When subjects were pooled and stratified into quartiles of totaln-3 PUFA, a significant inverse trend was found for BMI (P = 0·002), waist circumference and hip circumference (P = 0·01 andP < 0·001 respectively). Higher plasma levels of totaln-3 PUFA are associated with a healthier BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference. Our findings suggest thatn-3 PUFA may play an important role in weight status and abdominal adiposity.
Immune cell membrane fatty acids and inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein, in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Hon Gloudina , Hassan Mogamat , van Rensburg Susan Janse , Abel Stefan , Marais De Wet , van Jaarsveld Paul , Smuts Cornelius , Henning Franclo , Erasmus Rajiv , Matsha Tandi 
Published: May 2009

Measurement of fatty acids in biological fluids and cell membranes including leucocytes from multiple sclerosis patients is inconsistent. The objective of the present study was to investigate the fatty acid composition within the different membrane phospholipid fractions in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in multiple sclerosis patients, and correlate with severity of neurological outcome as measured by the Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status Scale and Functional System Scores. The fatty acid composition of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, sphingomyelin and phosphatidylinositol phospholipids in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of twenty-six multiple sclerosis and twenty-five control subjects were measured by GC, and C-reactive protein was measured in all subjects. The elongation product of 20 : 4n-6, 22 : 4n-6, was significantly decreased in membrane phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine in multiple sclerosis patients (P = 0·01 andP = 0·03 respectively), and correlated inversely with severity of disease and C-reactive protein. Also an inverse correlation was observed between the C-reactive protein and membrane phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine 20 : 4n-6. Cultural and ethnic differences, as well as dietary variability, especially in a diseased state have been implicated in the differences observed in the fatty acid composition in peripheral blood mononuclear cell membranes of patients with multiple sclerosis. The present results suggest that the disease state may in part explain the reported inconsistencies in fatty acid levels in multiple sclerosis patients.
Predisposition to ascariasis: patterns, mechanisms and implications
Authors: HOLLAND C. V. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYAscaris lumbricoides, the human roundworm, is a remarkably infectious and persistent parasite. It is a member of the soil-transmitted helminths or geohelminths and infects in the order of 1472 million people worldwide. Despite, its high prevalence and wide distribution it remains along with its geohelminth counterparts, a neglected disease. Ascariasis is associated with both chronic and acute morbidity, particularly in growing children, and the level of morbidity assessed as disability-adjusted life years is about 10·5 million. Like other macroparasite infections, the frequency distribution ofA. lumbricoidesis aggregated or overdispersed with most hosts harbouring few or no worms and a small proportion harbouring very heavy infections. Furthermore, after chemotherapeutic treatment, individuals demonstrate consistency in the pattern of re-infection with ascariasis, described as predisposition. These epidemiological phenomena have been identified, in a consistent manner, from a range of geographical locations in both children and adults. However, what has proved to be much more refractory to investigation has been the mechanisms that contribute to the observed epidemiological patterns. Parallel observations utilizing human subjects and appropriate animal model systems are essential to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying susceptibility/resistance to ascariasis. Furthermore, these patterns ofAscarisintensity and re-infection have broader implications with respect to helminth control and interactions with other important bystander infections.
Gender Differences Among New Claimants of Incapacity Benefit
Authors: KEMP PETER A , DAVIDSON JACQUELINE 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe academic literature on incapacity benefits in Britain is dominated by debates about ‘hidden unemployment’, particularly in relation to working-age men in the industrial and former coalmining areas. Although women account for two-fifths of all claimants, they have been given relatively little attention in the literature on incapacity benefits. This article draws on a representative survey of recent claimants of Incapacity Benefit (IB) in Britain to compare the situation of men and women aged under 60. It shows that there are significant differences in their characteristics and circumstances and in their routes onto this benefit. It is concluded that academic debates in Britain need to take into account the differences between women and men in order to reach a more complete understanding of the role of IB in the post-industrial economy.
Data mining of tuberculosis patient data using multiple correspondence analysis
Authors: RENNIE T. W. , ROBERTS W. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to demonstrate the epidemiological use of multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), as applied to tuberculosis (TB) data from North East London. Data for TB notifications in North East London primary care trusts (PCTs) between the years 2002 and 2007 were used. TB notification data were entered for MCA allowing display of graphical data output (n=4947); MCA analyses were performed on the whole dataset, by PCT, and by year of notification. Graphical MCA output displayed variance of data categories; clustering of variable categories in MCA output signified association. Clustering patterns in MCA output demonstrated different associations by year of notification, within PCTs and between PCTs. MCA is a useful technique for displaying association of variable categories used in TB epidemiology. Results suggest that MCA could be a useful tool in informing commissioning of TB services.
Lifestyle factors related to iodine intakes in French adults
Authors: Valeix Pierre , Faure Patrice , Péneau Sandrine , Estaquio Carla , Hercberg Serge , Bertrais Sandrine 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo assess dietary iodine intakes among adults and to investigate the relationships of dietary, lifestyle, demographic and geographical characteristics with dietary iodine status. Adequacy of iodine intakes was also assessed.DesignCross-sectional study. Linear regression analyses and logistic regression modelling were used to determine correlates of iodine intakes. Usual iodine mean intake was calculated by averaging six 24 h dietary records completed over a 2-year period.SubjectsFemales aged 35–60 years (n2962) and males aged 45–60 years (n2117) living in France and who participated in the SU.VI.MAX study.ResultsIodine intakes ranged from 30·0 to 446·3 μg/d. The median iodine intake was 150·7 μg/d for males and 131·4 μg/d for females. High-level (97·5th percentile) intakes were 273·4 μg/d for males and 245·0 μg/d for females. Overall, 8·5 % of males and 20·3 % of females had intakes <100 μg/d (P< 0·001). Alcohol drinkers and smokers tended to have lower iodine intakes than abstainers or non-smokers. Regular physical activity and both intermediate and high education levels were associated with a lower risk of iodine intake of <150 μg/d. For both males and females there were significant overall regional differences (P< 0·001) in multivariate-adjusted iodine intakes, with higher adjusted iodine intakes in Brittany and Normandy than in the north-eastern region.ConclusionsOur data show a borderline low iodine intake in this middle-aged French population. However, differences in iodine intakes may contribute to explaining only a small part of the effects of sex and age on thyroid disease incidence.
Fruit and vegetable consumption and its recommended intake associated with sociodemographic factors: Thailand National Health Examination Survey III
Authors: Satheannoppakao Warapone , Aekplakorn Wichai , Pradipasen Mandhana 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the fruit and vegetable consumption in Thailand, the percentage of Thais meeting recommended intakes and the association with sociodemographic factors.DesignCross-sectional survey with a stratified, three-stage, cluster probability sampling design.SettingCommunity-dwelling men and women participating in the Thailand National Health Examination Survey III.SubjectsA total of 39 290 individuals aged ≥15 years were interviewed using a questionnaire to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and fruit and vegetable consumption. Daily fruit and vegetable consumption was estimated through the use of a short semi-qualitative FFQ.ResultsOverall, participants had average frequencies of fruit and vegetable consumption equal to 4·56 and 5·97 d/week, respectively. Average daily number of servings of fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables were 1·46, 1·78 and 3·24, respectively. Intake amounts of fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables varied by marital status and region, and were lower among males (except for vegetable intake), those of older age, those with low educational attainment, those with low monthly household income and those living in a rural area. Only 1/3, 1/4 and 1/4 of the population consumed the recommended ≥2, ≥3 and ≥5 servings/d for fruit, vegetables and fruit plus vegetables. Sociodemographic factors related to meeting the recommended intake of ≥5 servings/d for fruit plus vegetables included being female (OR = 1·13) and household income ≥50 000 Baht/month (OR = 1·66).ConclusionsThe amounts of fruit and vegetables consumed by Thai participants were far below the level of current recommendations. Public education and campaigns on adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables should be targeted more towards low socio-economic groups.
Determinants of compliance to antenatal micronutrient supplementation and women’s perceptions of supplement use in rural Nepal
Authors: Kulkarni Bharati , Christian Parul , LeClerq Steven C , Khatry Subarna K 
Published: May 2009

AbstractObjectiveWe examined factors affecting compliance to antenatal micronutrient supplementation and women’s perceptions of supplement use.DesignRandomized controlled supplementation trial of four alternative combinations of micronutrients given during pregnancy through to 3 months postpartum. Women were visited twice weekly to monitor compliance and to replenish tablets by female study workers. At 6 weeks postpartum women with live births (n 4096) were interviewed regarding their perceptions of the supplement. Median compliance calculated as percentage of total eligible doses received by women was high (84 %).SettingRural southern Nepal.SubjectsPregnant women.ResultsWomen with high compliance (above the median of 84 %) were likely to be older, less educated, poorer, undernourished, belong to lower caste and of Pahadi (hill) ethnicity compared with women with low compliance (at or below the median of 84 %). Smoking and drinking alcohol in the past week during pregnancy were strongly associated with low compliance. The major reason for irregular intake was forgetting to take supplements. A higher proportion of the high compliers liked taking the supplements but only half of them were willing to purchase them in the future. A large proportion of women (91 %) perceived a benefit from taking the supplement such as improved strength and health, whereas only about 10 % perceived any side-effects which were not a major barrier to compliance.ConclusionsThe present analysis highlights that poor, undernourished, uneducated women can have high compliance to antenatal supplementation if they are supplied with the tablets and reminded to take them regularly, and counselled about side-effects.