bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of bariatric surgery on sulphur amino acids and glutamate
Authors: Aasheim Erlend T. , Elshorbagy Amany K. , My Diep Lien , Søvik Torgeir T. , Mala Tom , Valdivia-Garcia Maria , Olbers Torsten , Bøhmer Thomas , Birkeland Kåre I. , Refsum Helga 
Published: May 2011

Plasma total cysteine (tCys) concentrations are associated with BMI. To study the relationship between tCys and BMI, we monitored the changes in serum concentrations of tCys and metabolically related compounds in sixty obese patients (BMI 50–60 kg/m2) from before to 1 year after either gastric bypass surgery (mean 30 % weight loss) or duodenal switch surgery (mean 41 % weight loss). A total of fifty-eight healthy persons (BMI 17–31 kg/m2) served as controls. Before surgery, obese patients had modestly (approximately 17 %) higher mean serum tCys, and markedly (>2-fold) higher glutamate concentrations, than controls (P ≤ 0·001 for both). Serial examinations after surgery revealed that gastric bypass patients had no change in tCys concentrations (P = 0·22), while duodenal switch patients showed a modest (approximately 12 %) but significant decrease in tCys (P < 0·001). Total homocysteine concentrations increased in duodenal switch patients but not in gastric bypass patients. Independent of surgery type, serum concentrations of methionine and cystathionine decreased (P < 0·05 for both), while serum glutathione and taurine remained stable. Glutamate concentrations declined, as did γ-glutamyltransferase activity (P < 0·001 for both). These results show that despite 30 % weight loss, and decreases in methionine, cystathionine and glutamate, there was no significant change in serum tCys in patients after gastric bypass surgery. The decrease in tCys in patients undergoing duodenal switch could be related to malabsorption. The present findings do not suggest that BMI is a causal determinant of plasma tCys.
Antibacterial peptides derived from caprine whey proteins, by digestion with human gastrointestinal juice
Authors: Almaas Hilde , Eriksen Ellen , Sekse Camilla , Comi Irene , Flengsrud Ragnar , Holm Halvor , Jensen Einar , Jacobsen Morten , Langsrud Thor , Vegarud Gerd E. 
Published: May 2011

Peptides in caprine whey were identified afterin vitrodigestion with human gastrointestinal enzymes in order to determine their antibacterial effect. The digestion was performed in two continuing steps using human gastric juice (pH 2·5) and human duodenal juice (pH 8) at 37°C. After digestion the hydrolysate was fractionated and 106 peptides were identified. From these results, twenty-two peptides, located in the protein molecules, were synthesised and antibacterial activity examined. Strong activity of the hydrolysates was detected againstEscherichia coliK12,Bacillus cereusRT INF01 andListeria monocytogenes, less activity againstStaphylococcus aureusATCC 25 923 and no effect onLactobacillus rhamnosusGG. The pure peptides showed less antibacterial effect than the hydrolysates. When comparing the peptide sequences from human gastrointestinal enzymes with previously identified peptides from non-human enzymes, only two peptides, β-lactoglobulin f(92–100) and β-casein f(191–205) matched. No peptides corresponded to the antibacterial caprine lactoferricin f(14–42) or lactoferrampin C f(268–284). Human gastrointestinal enzymes seem to be more complex and have different cleavage points in their protein chains compared with purified non-human enzymes. Multiple sequence alignment of nineteen peptides showed proline-rich sequences, neighbouring leucines, resulting in a consensus sequence LTPVPELK. In such a way proline and leucine may restrict further proteolytic processing. The present study showed that human gastrointestinal enzymes generated different peptides from caprine whey compared with non-human enzymes and a stronger antibacterial effect of the hydrolysates than the pure peptides was shown. Antimicrobial activity against pathogens but not against probiotics indicate a possible host-protective activity of whey.
Leptin and insulin growth factor 1: diagnostic markers of the refeeding syndrome and mortality
Authors: Elnenaei Manal O. , Alaghband-Zadeh Jamshid , Sherwood Roy , Awara Mahmoud A. , Moniz Caje , le Roux Carel W. 
Published: May 2011

Refeeding syndrome is difficult to diagnose since the guidelines for identifying those at risk are largely based on subjective clinical parameters and there are no predictive biochemical markers. We examined the suitability of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and leptin as markers to identify patients at risk of the refeeding syndrome before initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN). A total of thirty-five consecutive patients referred for commencement of PN were included. Serum leptin and IGF1 were measured before starting PN. Electrolytes, liver and renal function tests were conducted before and daily for 1 week after initiating PN. The primary outcome was a decrease in phosphate 12–36 h after initiating PN. ‘Refeeding index’ (RI) was defined as leptin × IGF1 divided by 2800 to produce a ratio of 1·0 in patients who are well nourished. RI had better sensitivity (78 %; 95 % CI 40, 97 %) and specificity (78 %; 95 % CI 40, 97 %) with a likelihood ratio of 3·4, at a cut-off value of 0·19 for predicting a ≥ 30 % decrease in phosphate concentration within 12–36 h after starting PN, compared with IGF1 or leptin alone. However, IGF1 was a better predictor of mortality than either leptin or the RI. The present study is the first to derive and test the ‘RI’, and find that it is a sensitive and specific predictor of the refeeding syndrome in hospitalised patients before starting PN.
SOIL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND COCOYAM YIELD UNDER DIFFERENT TILLAGE SYSTEMS IN A TROPICAL ALFISOL
Authors: ADEKIYA A. O. , OJENIYI S. O. , AGBEDE T. M. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYExperimental data on tillage requirement of cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) are needed to identify the most suitable tillage methods for managing the fragile Alfisols of the humid tropics to ensure sustained productivity. Hence, five tillage methods were compared as to their effects on soil physical and chemical properties, and growth and yield of cocoyam on an Alfisol at Owo in the forest-savanna transition zone of southwest Nigeria. The experiment consisted of five tillage methods: manual clearing (MC), manual ridging (MR), manual mounding (MM), ploughing + harrowing (P + H) and ploughing + harrowing twice (P + 2 H) were used for three years at two sites in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the first two years (2007 and 2008), P + H produced the least soil bulk density and highest growth and yield, whereas in the third year (2009), MC produced the lowest soil bulk density and best performance of cocoyam. Manual clearing produced the best values of soil chemical properties in 2008 and 2009. Averaged over the three years, P + H, MR and MM had lower soil bulk density hence better growth and yield compared with P + 2 H and MC. Over the three years MC, MM, MR and P + H increased cocoyam cormel yield by 10, 21, 23 and 32%, respectively, over P + 2 H.The corresponding increases in corm yield were 7, 15, 13 and 21%, respectively. The multiple regressions revealed that bulk density and moisture content significantly influenced the yield of cocoyam. Soil chemical properties were not significant. Bulk density rather than soil chemical properties dictated the performance of cocoyam in an Alfisol of southwest Nigeria. Soil quality was degraded by P + 2H. For small farms, either MR or MM is recommended while P + H is recommended for large-scale farming of cocoyam.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CONTRACEPTIVE APPROVAL AMONG RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN PAKISTAN
Authors: NASIR JAMAL ABDUL , HINDE ANDREW 
Published: May 2011

SummaryResearch is needed to understand the role of religion in family planning dynamics, particularly in societies where the views of religious leaders can be an important influence on the reproductive decisions of individuals. This paper attempts to describe the factors associated with approval of contraception among religious leaders in Pakistan. The data are taken from the 1999–2000 Survey of Perception of Religious Leaders about Population Welfare. Regression modelling shows that whether or not religious leaders approve of family planning is associated with their views on the ideal family size, their level of religious education, the specific religious sect to which they belong, their own knowledge and use of family planning, their exposure to television and the region of the country in which they live.
Thyroid cancer: is ethnicity relevant?
Authors: Galm T , Minhas S , Cullen R J , Griffiths H 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to determine the age at which various ethnic groups present with thyroid cancer.Method:Retrospective, observational study based at three district general hospitals in the West Midlands, serving a widely diverse ethnic population. We assessed all patients undergoing an operative or core biopsy procedure for a thyroid nodule from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2009. Only patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer were included. Variables examined included the patient's ethnic origin, sex and age at presentation.Result:We identified 263 patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Papillary carcinoma predominated. Ethnicity was categorised as Caucasian, Asian, black or other. Thyroid cancer was predominantly seen in women, in all ethnic groups. The mean age of thyroid cancer presentation was 50 years in Asians and 56 years in Caucasians, for both sexes combined. The mean presentation age of Asian women was significantly younger (46 years) than that of Caucasian women (56 years) (p = 0.01).Conclusion:In this population, Asian women presented with thyroid cancer at a significantly younger mean age than Caucasian women.
Will reconnecting ecosystems allow long-distance mammal migrations to resume? A case study of a zebraEquus burchellimigration in Botswana
Authors: Bartlam-Brooks H.L.A. , Bonyongo M.C. , Harris Stephen 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTerrestrial wildlife migrations, once common, are now rare because of ecosystem fragmentation and uncontrolled hunting. Botswana historically contained migratory populations of many species but habitat fragmentation, especially by fences, has decreased the number and size of many of these populations. During a study investigating herbivore movement patterns in north-west Botswana we recorded a long-distance zebraEquus burchelli antiquorummigration between the Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi grasslands, a round-trip distance of 588 km; 55% of 11 animals collared in the south-eastern peripheral delta made this journey. This was unexpected as, between 1968 and 2004, the migration could not have followed its present course because of the bisection of the route by a veterinary cordon fence. As little evidence exists to suggest that large-scale movements by medium-sized herbivores can be restored, it is of significant interest that this migration was established to the present highly directed route within 4 years of the fence being removed. The success of wildlife corridors, currently being advocated as the best way to re-establish ecosystem connectivity, relies on animals utilizing novel areas by moving between the connected areas. Our findings suggest that medium-sized herbivores may be able to re-establish migrations relatively quickly once physical barriers have been removed and that the success of future system linkages could be increased by utilizing past migratory routes.
Large mammals surviving conflict in the eastern forests of Afghanistan
Authors: Stevens Kara , Dehgan Alex , Karlstetter Maria , Rawan Farid , Tawhid Muhammad Ismail , Ostrowski Stephane , Ali Jan Mohammad , Ali Rita 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe used transect and camera-trap surveys and DNA identification of scat samples to provide the first update since 1977 of large mammals in the montane forests of the conflict-ridden province of Nuristan in eastern Afghanistan. Nuristan contains a range of habitats from oakQuercusspp. forests to treeless alpine steppes that historically hosted populations of markhorCapra falconeri, Asiatic black bearUrsus thibetanus, grey wolfCanis lupusand common leopardPanthera pardus, among others. Surveys conducted in 2006–2009 in an area of 1,100 km2by the Wildlife Conservation Society confirmed the presence of some of these species, and also recorded the common palm civetParadoxurus hermaphroditus, previously unknown from Afghanistan; this extends the westernmost boundary for this species. The most commonly recorded species, as determined by direct sightings, scat identification or camera-trap photographs, were the Indian crested porcupineHystrix indica, red foxVulpes vulpesand a canid (grey wolf or golden jackalCanis aureus). Despite indications of significant habitat loss and unsustainable hunting, globally important species persist in the area and targeted conservation programmes are required for the protection of these species, the forests they inhabit and the surrounding communities who depend on both for their survival.
Now or never: what will it take to save the Sumatran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis from extinction?
Authors: Ahmad Zafir Abdul Wahab , Payne Junaidi , Mohamed Azlan , Lau Ching Fong , Sharma Dionysius Shankar Kumar , Alfred Raymond , Williams Amirtharaj Christy , Nathan Senthival , Ramono Widodo S. , Clements Gopalasamy Reuben 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn 1994 Alan Rabinowitz decried what he regarded as lackadaisical attempts by governments, NGOs and international funding agencies to conserve the Sumatran rhinoceros Dicerorhinus sumatrensis. Sixteen years on it is timely to evaluate whether his warnings were heeded. We review the current conservation status of D. sumatrensis throughout its range and the latest threats and challenges complicating efforts to conserve this species. Recent data from governments, NGOs and researchers indicate that the global population could be as low as 216, a decline from c. 320 estimated in 1995. Based on lessons learnt and expert opinions we call on decision makers to focus on two core strategies for conservation of D. sumatrensis: (1) the translocation of wild individuals from existing small, isolated or threatened forest patches into semi-in situ captive breeding programmes, and (2) a concomitant enhancement of protection and monitoring capacities in priority areas that have established these breeding facilities or have recorded relatively high population estimates and track encounter rates. At least USD 1.2 million is required to implement these strategies annually in four priority areas: Bukit Barisan Selatan and Way Kambas National Parks on Sumatra, and Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve on Sabah. Given that conservation funds are rarely secure and D. sumatrensis is still in decline we call on potential donors to help secure and augment existing capacities of organizations in these four priority areas before committing resources to elucidate the status of the species in other areas such as Gunung Leuser and Taman Negara National Parks.
Habitat selection by, and carrying capacity for, the Critically Endangered black-faced lion tamarinLeontopithecus caissara(Primates: Callitrichidae)
Authors: Nascimento Alexandre T. Amaral , Schmidlin Lucia A.J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe Critically Endangered black-faced lion tamarinLeontopithecus caissarahas a restricted distribution consisting of small mainland and island populations each with distinct habitats in coastal south-eastern Brazil. The conservation action plan for the species recommends translocation to increase population size and promote genetic exchange among threatened isolated populations, measures that require an understanding of habitat and resource requirements. We investigated habitat selection by the black-faced lion tamarin, comparing habitats and examining frequency of use by two insular groups and two mainland groups. Using this understanding of habitat preferences we were able to refine current estimates of the carrying capacity (K) for this species. Habitats preferred by mainland groups were swamps and inundated areas and secondary forest. Submontane forest was avoided, as were hydromorphic lowland forest and urbanized areas. Island groups used mainly tall lowland forest and arborealrestinga(forest on sandy soil). The finding thatL. caissaraavoids montane forest sheds light on its restricted distribution to low elevation coastal plains. An estimate ofKindicated c. 700 individuals, which could be increased to c. 1,500 with appropriate conservation management measures. Findings agree with the supposition that lion tamarins are typical of mature Atlantic forest, with little altitudinal variation but flexible in their use of successional stages. Future conservation management measures should account for differences in habitat use, selection and differences between island and mainland habitats.
Topographic habitat features preferred by the Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca: implications for reserve design and management
Authors: Gong Ming-Hao , Song Yan-Ling 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe effect of landscape on populations is of great importance, especially given the number of species inhabiting patchy landscapes. Developments in geographical information systems are facilitating a greater application of spatial analyses to threatened species, such as the Endangered giant panda Ailuropoda melanoleuca, for which habitat patchiness and quality are key limiting factors. Of all factors that influence the suitability of habitat for the giant panda, topography is not subject to change. Here, we report a spatial and statistical analysis of the high quality topographic habitat preferred by the giant panda across its stronghold in the Qinling Mountains, China. High quality topographic habitat, as indicated by a combination of elevation, slope and aspect, covers 92,788 ha, accounting for 15% of the current range of the species. The distribution of the giant panda closely follows patterns of topography and areas with patches of high quality topographic habitat are strongly associated with areas supporting greater numbers of giant pandas. However, comparisons between our model and the existing reserve system reveals a number of inadequacies. Some of the reserves contain little high quality topographic habitat and many patches of high quality topographic habitat are unprotected. Given the importance of topography and the decisive role it plays in shaping habitat, landscapes containing high quality topographic features must be a critical consideration in the design of reserves for the giant panda. The existing system of nature reserves is heavily weighted towards judicial and administrative boundaries, to the detriment of other factors such as topography.
Areas of endemism of Cactaceae and the effectiveness of the protected area network in the Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Hernández Héctor M. , Gómez-Hinostrosa Carlos 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe used distribution data of 121 cactus species endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert to test the effectiveness of the region’s protected area network. The analysis of species distribution using a 30′ latitude × 30′ longitude grid facilitated the identification and categorization of areas of endemism. We found a low degree of coincidence between protected areas and the areas of cactus endemism, and only 63.6% of the 121 species occur in protected areas. A complementarity analysis showed that 10 of the protected areas contain the 77 species that occur in protected areas. The four top priority areas protect 65 (84.4%) of these 77 species The 44 unprotected species are mainly micro-endemic and taxonomically distinctive taxa widely scattered in the region. The complementarity analysis applied to these species showed that all of them can be contained in a minimum of 24 grid squares, representing 32.9% of the total area occupied. Their strong spatial dispersion, along with their narrow endemism, is a major conservation challenge. We conclude that the current protected area network is insufficient to protect the rich assemblage of cacti endemic to the Chihuahuan Desert. Conservation efforts in this region should be enhanced by increasing the effectiveness of the already existing protected areas and by the creation of additional protected areas, specifically micro-reserves, to provide refuge for the unprotected species.
The processes that threaten Indonesian plants
Authors: Budiharta Sugeng , Widyatmoko Didik , Irawati  , Wiriadinata Harry , Rugayah  , Partomihardjo Tukirin , Ismail  , Uji Tahan , Keim Ary Prihardhyanto , Wilson Kerrie A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe processes that threaten 240 Indonesian threatened plants were identified and categorized based on a comprehensive review of the published literature and elicitation of information from experts. Intrinsic biological factors and habitat loss are the major causes of plant endangerment in Indonesia (affecting 83 and 82% of species respectively), followed by overexploitation (64%) and natural factors (6%). The dominant threats vary between major plant groups, with habitat loss being particularly important for palms and trees, and biological factors important for orchids. For all studied plant species three sets of inter-related threatening processes (threat syndromes) were identified that differed among the major plant groups. By identifying and evaluating the processes that threaten plants in Indonesia we provide knowledge to guide their future conservation.
Distribution, status and conservation of a Critically Endangered, extremely narrow endemic: Lamyropsis microcephala (Asteraceae) in Sardinia
Authors: Fenu Giuseppe , Mattana Efisio , Bacchetta Gianluigi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe aims of this work were to verify the distribution and population size of Lamyropsis microcephala (Asteraceae), characterize its habitat, assess its conservation status and initiate conservation measures for this Critically Endangered species. Distribution was determined by field surveys and mapping. To estimate population size and density 81 permanent monitoring plots were randomly established. Ex situ conservation measures were activated by harvesting and appropriate storage of seed. We confirmed the presence of L. microcephala at two previously known sites and found it in two previously unknown localities. The areas in which the species occur vary from 200 to 240,000 m2, at altitudes of 1,450–1,820 m, on slopes of 15–45° with aspects from north to west. The estimated number of ramets per population varied from c. 2,000 to c. 2,000,000, with a mean density of 8.29 ± SD 14.3 to 10.33 ± SD 10.05 ramets m-2. Our findings confirmed the Critically Endangered status of this species, although with different criteria. This study is an example of an integrated approach for the conservation of an extremely narrow endemic plant species and may be useful for other little-known threatened species for which urgent conservation measures are needed.
Conservation assessment of Aquilegia paui (Ranunculaceae): a case study of an extremely narrow endemic
Authors: Martinell M. Carmen , López-Pujol Jordi , Blanché Cèsar , Molero Julián , Sàez Llorenç 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe extremely rare Aquilegia paui (Ranunculaceae) was described in 1920 but was not found again until 1999, when it was discovered in the Parc Natural dels Ports in Tarragona Province, Spain. This species had been confused with the widespread A. vulgaris and consequently its taxonomic and conservation status had been misinterpreted. Based on the limited range of A. paui and the level of disturbance of its habitat we recommend that it is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. We summarize the conservation actions available for such extremely narrow endemic plant species and make appropriate recommendations for the conservation of A. paui.