bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping the availability and accessibility of healthy food in rural and urban New Zealand – Te Wai o Rona: Diabetes Prevention Strategy
Authors: Wang Jing , Williams Margaret , Rush Elaine , Crook Nic , Forouhi Nita G , Simmons David 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveUptake of advice for lifestyle change for obesity and diabetes prevention requires access to affordable ‘healthy’ foods (high in fibre/low in sugar and fat). The present study aimed to examine the availability and accessibility of ‘healthy’ foods in rural and urban New Zealand.DesignWe identified and visited (‘mapped’) 1230 food outlets (473 urban, 757 rural) across the Waikato/Lakes areas (162 census areas within twelve regions) in New Zealand, where the Te Wai O Rona: Diabetes Prevention Strategy was underway. At each site, we assessed the availability of ‘healthy’ foods (e.g. wholemeal bread) and compared their cost with those of comparable ‘regular’ foods (e.g. white bread).ResultsHealthy foods were generally more available in urban than rural areas. In both urban and rural areas, ‘healthy’ foods were more expensive than ‘regular’ foods after adjusting for the population and income level of each area. For instance, there was an increasing price difference across bread, meat, poultry, with the highest difference for sugar substitutes. The weekly family cost of a ‘healthy’ food basket (without sugar) was 29·1 % more expensive than the ‘regular’ basket ($NZ 176·72 v. $NZ 136·84). The difference between the ‘healthy’ and ‘regular’ basket was greater in urban ($NZ 49·18) than rural areas ($NZ 36·27) in adjusted analysis.Conclusions‘Healthy’ foods were more expensive than ‘regular’ choices in both urban and rural areas. Although urban areas had higher availability of ‘healthy’ foods, the cost of changing to a healthy diet in urban areas was also greater. Improvement in the food environment is needed to support people in adopting healthy food choices.
How effective are minimally trained/experienced volunteer mental health counsellors? Evaluation of CORE outcome data
Authors: Armstrong Joe 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground: Existing research findings indicate that minimally trained/experienced paraprofessional counsellors can be as effective as professionally trained and experienced counsellors. More research into the effectiveness of paraprofessionals with specific client populations is required to determine the conditions under which they can be most effective. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of a group of 12 minimally trained/experienced volunteer mental health counsellors. Method: Data were collected over a one year period on 118 clients referred to a voluntary sector counselling agency. The CORE‐OM was used to measure clients' levels of distress on a session‐by‐session basis. Clients and counsellors also completed a range of additional self‐report measures. A benchmarking strategy was used to evaluate the outcomes achieved by participants in this study against three benchmark studies selected from published literature. Results: Paraprofessionals in this study were less effective than their professional counterparts. Results showed that participants in this study achieved an effect size of .70 compared to effect sizes of 1.36, 1.39 and 1.42 in the selected benchmark studies. Implications: Findings suggest that minimally trained/experienced paraprofessional counsellors working in mental health settings may benefit from longer and more targeted training programmes before engaging in practice. Conclusions: The benchmarking strategy provided a valuable and practical means of evaluating the comparative effectiveness of paraprofessional and professional counsellors. Findings should be interpreted cautiously as the selected benchmarks are not precise measurements and may not reflect the organisational factors operating within voluntary sector counselling agencies.
Photodynamic therapy using light‐emitting diodes for the treatment of viral warts
Authors: OHTSUKI Akiko , HASEGAWA Toshio , HIRASAWA Yusuke , TSUCHIHASHI Hitoshi , IKEDA Shigaku 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid is an effective and safe treatment for actinic keratosis and superficial non‐melanoma skin cancer. Further, some studies have reported good efficacy when using photodynamic therapy to treat viral warts. The light‐emitting diode is an incoherent, narrow‐spectrum light source. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy using a light‐emitting diode for viral warts. Six patients with a total of 41 foot and hand warts were recruited in this study. They were treated with 20% 5‐aminolevulinic acid cream under occlusion for 5 h. Thereafter, the treated area was irradiated with the light from a red light‐emitting diode (633 ± 6 nm) with a dose of 126 J/cm2. This treatment was repeated at 2‐ or 3‐week intervals. The rate of improvement observed in patients was 68.3%. The adverse effects included mild to moderate pain and erythema, which was well‐tolerated by all six patients. No patients withdrew from the study due to the adverse effects. Photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolevulinic acid using the light from a red light‐emitting diode has the advantage of non‐invasiveness, minimal associated adverse reactions, and production of good results in a significant proportion of cases: therefore, it is an alternative treatment for recalcitrant viral warts.
Skin barrier function recovery after diamond microdermabrasion
Authors: KIM Hei Sung , LIM Sook Hee , SONG Ji Youn , KIM Mi‐Yeon , LEE Ji Ho , PARK Jong Gap , KIM Hyung Ok , PARK Young Min 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMicrodermabrasion is a popular method for facial rejuvenation and is performed worldwide. Despite its extensive usage, there are few publications on skin barrier change after microdermabrasion and none concerning diamond microdermabrasion. Our object was to see changes in transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration and erythema of the face following diamond microdermabrasion. Twenty‐eight patients were included in this spilt face study. TEWL, stratum corneum hydration and the degree of erythema were measured from the right and left sides of the face (forehead and cheek) at baseline. One side of the face was treated with diamond microdermabrasion and the other side was left untreated. Measurements were taken right after the procedure and repeated at set time intervals. Diamond microdermabrasion was associated with a statistically significant increase in TEWL immediately after the procedure and at 24 h. However, on day 2, levels of TEWL were back to baseline. An increase in hydration and erythema was observed right after microdermabrasion, but both returned to baseline on day 1. The results show that skin barrier function of the forehead and cheek recovers within 2 days of diamond microdermabrasion. Diamond microdermabrasion performed on a weekly basis, as presently done, is expected to allow sufficient time for the damaged skin to recover its barrier function in most parts of the face.
Exclusion of livestock grazing and wood collection in dryland savannah: an effect on long‐term vegetation succession
Authors: Hejcmanová Pavla , Hejcman Michal , Camara Abdoul Aziz , Antonínová Markéta 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSahelian savannah faces increasing pressure from human activities, leading to its degradation. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of restoration of dryland savannah vegetation by the elimination of disturbance factors on the ecosystem. Is degraded dryland savannah vegetation able to be restored by means of natural succession? What is the timescale for its recovery? The study took place in the Bandia Reserve, 65 km south‐east of Dakar (Senegal), a unique site with two successional stages due to the elimination of uncontrolled exploitation. The vegetation structure of 15 years (15YRS) and 5 years (5YRS) after fencing was compared with vegetation exposed to continuous livestock grazing and wood collection outside the fenced area. Calculated by redundancy analysis, a significant effect of selected areas on the cover of all species was revealed and successional stage explained more than 45% of data variability. Perennial forbs, annual forbs and perennial grasses achieved the highest cover in 5YRS, woody species in 15YRS and annual grasses in the area outside of the fenced reserve. The dominant woody species Acacia seyal, A. ataxacantha, A. nilotica subsp. adstringens and Balanites aegyptiaca reconstituted the dense formation of Acacia bushland by means of natural succession in the 15YRS area.
Age, growth and reproduction of Marcusenius pongolensis, Oreochromis mossambicus and Schilbe intermedius in an oligotrophic impoundment in Swaziland
Authors: Booth Anthony J. , Khumalo Nokuthula 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe age, growth and reproductive biology of Marcusenius pongolensis, Oreochromis mossambicus and Schilbe intermedius were investigated in the Mnjoli Dam, Swaziland. Otolith annulus formation occurred in winter for M. pongolensis, and in spring/summer for O. mossambicus and S. intermedius. Maximum ages of 8, 6 and 8 years were recorded for M. pongolensis, O. mossambicus and S. intermedius, respectively. Growth was described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 238.73(1 − exp−0.27(t+2.27) mm fork length (FL) for M. pongolensis, Lt = 226.83(1 − exp−0.45(t+2.02)) mm total length (TL) for O. mossambicus, and Lt = 214.59(1 − exp−0.60(t+1.20)) mm FL for S. intermedius. Sexual maturity was estimated for male and female M. pongolensis at 134 mm FL and 119 mm FL, respectively. Marcusenius pongolensis matured within their first year. Female O. mossambicus and S. intermedius matured at 239 mm TL and 205 mm FL, corresponding to 2 and 4 years of age, respectively. Extended spawning periods, with two spawning peaks was observed for M. pongolensis, one in spring (September) and the second in autumn (March) and one peak over late‐summer for S. intermedius.
Intra‐lake stable isotope ratio variation in selected fish species and their possible carbon sources in Lake Kyoga (Uganda): implications for aquatic food web studies
Authors: Mbabazi Dismas , Makanga B. , Orach‐Meza F. , Hecky R. E. , Balirwa J.S. , Ogutu‐Ohwayo R. , Verburg P. , Chapman L. , Muhumuza E. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe stable isotopes of nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) provide powerful tools for quantifying trophic relationships and carbon flow to consumers in food webs; however, the isotopic signatures of organisms vary within a lake. Assessment of carbon and nitrogen isotopic signatures in a suite of plants, invertebrates, and fishes in Lake Kyoga, indicated significant variation between two sites for δ13C (paired t = 6.305; df = 14, P < 0.001 and δ15N paired t = 1.292; df = 14; P < 0.05). The fish fauna in Bukungu was generally more 13C enriched (mean δ13C = –16.37 ± 1.64‰) than in Iyingo (mean δ13C = –20.80 ± 2.41‰) but more δ15N depleted (mean δ15N = 5.57 ± 0.71‰) than in Iyingo (mean δ15N = 6.92 ± 0.83‰). The simultaneous shifts in phytoplankton and consumer signatures confirmed phytoplankton as the major source of carbon for the food chain leading to fish. Limited sampling coverage within lakes may affect lake wide stable isotope signatures, and the same error is transferred into trophic position estimation. Consideration of potential intra‐lake spatial variability in isotope ratios and size is essential in evaluating the spatial and trophic structure of fish assemblages.
Synthesis of a seismic virtual reflector*
Authors: Poletto Flavio , Farina Biancamaria 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTWe describe a method to process the seismic data generated by a plurality of sources and registered by an appropriate distribution of receivers, which provides new seismic signals as if in the position of the receivers (or sources) there was an ideal reflector, even if this reflector is not present there. The data provided by this method represent the signals of a virtual reflector. The proposed algorithm performs the convolution and the subsequent sum of the real traces without needing subsurface model information. The approach can be used in combination with seismic interferometry to separate wavefields and process the reflection events. The application is described with synthetic examples, including stationary phase analysis and with real data in which the virtual reflector signal can be appreciated.
Drill‐bit seismic interferometry with and without pilot signals*
Authors: Poletto Flavio , Corubolo Piero , Comelli Paolo 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTWe use different interferometry approaches to process the seismic signals generated by a drill‐bit source in one well and recorded by seismic receivers located both in a second borehole and at the surface near the source well. We compare the standard interferometry results, obtained by using the raw drill‐bit data without a pilot signal, with the new interferometry results obtained by using the drill‐bit seismograms correlated with a reference pilot signal. The analysis of the stationary phase shows that the final results have different S/N levels and are affected by the coherent noise in the form of rig arrivals. The interferometry methods are compared by using different deconvolution approaches. The analysis shows that the results agree with the conventional drill‐bit seismograms and that using the reference pilot signal improves the quality of the drill‐bit wavefields redatumed by the interferometry method.
Carry‐over effect of larval settlement cue on postlarval gene expression in the marine gastropod Haliotis asinina
Authors: WILLIAMS ELIZABETH A. , DEGNAN SANDIE M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe drastic shift from pelagic larvae to benthic adult form that occurs during marine invertebrate metamorphosis is often induced by intimate interactions between settling larvae and their benthic environment. Larval experience prior to and during metamorphosis can significantly affect adult fitness, but it is presently unknown whether the exact nature of the inductive cue is an experience that matters, or by what mechanism such carry‐over effects are mediated. Here we test for carry‐over effects of the specific nature of inductive cues on gene expression in metamorphosing postlarvae of the tropical abalone, Haliotis asinina. Postlarvae induced by three different species of coralline algae all successfully undergo metamorphosis, yet the expression profiles of 11 of 17 metamorphosis‐related genes differ according to which species of algae the larvae settled upon. Significantly, several genes continue to be differentially expressed for at least 40 h after removal of the algae from the postlarvae, clearly demonstrating a carry‐over effect of inductive cue on gene expression. We observe a carryover effect in several genes with varying functions and spatial expression patterns, indicating that each algal species impacts global gene expression in a unique manner. These data unexpectedly reveal that transcriptional modulation of metamorphosis‐related genes is contingent upon the precise composition of the benthic microenvironment experienced directly at induction of settlement, and highlight transcription as a mechanism that can mediate between larval and postlarval experiences. For new recruits into an abalone population, metamorphosis clearly does not represent a new transcriptional beginning.
Invasive non‐typhoidal Salmonella in Mozambican children
Authors: Mandomando Inácio , Macete Eusébio , Sigaúque Betuel , Morais Luis , Quintó Llorenç , Sacarlal Jahit , Espasa Mateu , Vallès Xavier , Bassat Quique , Aide Pedro , Nhampossa Tacilta , Machevo Sonia , Ruiz Joaquim , Nhacolo Ariel , Menéndez Clara , Kotloff Karen L. , Roca Anna , Levine Myron M. , Alonso Pedro L. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjective  To describe the epidemiology and clinical presentation of invasive non‐typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) in Mozambique.Methodology  We analysed the epidemiology, clinical presentation and serotype distribution of invasive NTS among Mozambican children admitted to the Manhiça District Hospital between May 2001 and April 2006.Results  A total of 401 NTS cases were analysed; the median age was 16 months [interquartile range (IQR): 10–24]. Fever, cough and increased respiratory rate were the most common symptoms reported, while diarrhoea was present in only 29%. In the univariate analysis, invasive NTS was associated with age, fever, diarrhoea, increased respiratory rate, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, severe malnutrition, and severe anaemia. Young age, severe malnutrition, diarrhoea and pneumonia were independent risk factors of death. S. typhimurium (66%), and S. enteritidis (25%) were the most frequent serotypes, with incidence rates of 240.4 and 108.6 per 100 000 child years among infants for S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis, respectively; and no significant differences were found regarding their clinical presentation. Resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol and trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole was high for both S. typhimurium and S. enteritidis.Conclusions  Clinical presentation of invasive NTS was non‐specific and similar to that of other infections, with some factors being associated with NTS. Antibiotic resistance was very common to currently recommended and available antibiotics for suspected sepsis.
China’s new strategy to block Schistosoma japonicum transmission: experiences and impact beyond schistosomiasis
Authors: Wang Long‐De , Guo Jia‐Gang , Wu Xiao‐Hua , Chen Hong‐Gen , Wang Tian‐Ping , Zhu Shao‐Ping , Zhang Zhi‐Hai , Steinmann Peter , Yang Guo‐Jing , Wang Shi‐Ping , Wu Zhong‐Dao , Wang Li‐Ying , Hao Yang , Bergquist Robert , Utzinger Jürg , Zhou Xiao‐Nong 
Published: September 2009

SummaryDespite sustained efforts for its control made over the past 50+ years, the re‐emergence of schistosomiasis in China was noted around the turn of the new millennium. Consequently, a new integrated strategy was proposed to stop the contamination of schistosome eggs to the environment, which emphasizes health education, access to clean water and adequate sanitation, mechanization of agriculture and fencing of water buffaloes, along with chemotherapy. Validation of this integrated control strategy in four pilot counties in the provinces of Anhui, Hubei, Hunan and Jiangxi revealed significant reductions in the rate of Schistosoma japonicum infection in humans and intermediate host snails. Importantly, this strategy showed an impact on diseases beyond schistosomiasis, signified by concomitant reductions in the prevalence of soil‐transmitted helminth infections. In view of China’s new integrated strategy for transmission control of schistosomiasis showing an ancillary benefit on other helminthic diseases, we encourage others to investigate the scope and limits of integrated control of neglected tropical diseases.
Leptin mRNA and Protein Immunoreactivity in Adipose Tissue and Liver of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Immunohistochemical Localization in Liver
Authors: Pfundt B. , Sauerwein H. , Mielenz M. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryLeptin is an important modulator of energy balance and metabolism in mammals, but for evolutionary older vertebrates like fish, the first reports on leptin expression were only recently characterized and the functional role scarcely. In this study, we demonstrated leptin immunoreactivity in liver tissue of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by immunohistochemistry using three different polyclonal antibodies against mammalian leptin. Immunoreactivity was observed in hepatocytes and also in parts of the biliary system. Using Western blot, we detected an immunoreactive band of about 16 kDa in serum and visceral adipose tissue (AT) of rainbow trout. The presence of leptin in fish AT has been doubted in other studies. Besides the immunoreactivity, leptin mRNA was detected in trout AT albeit not in all animals sampled. Our observations add further evidence to the concept of AT being a source of leptin in trouts. Moreover, the cellular localization of leptin immunoreactivity in liver opens up new vistas for understanding the functional role of leptin in teleosts.
Pax‐3 and Pax‐7 Label Muscle Progenitor Cells During Myotomal Myogenesis in Coregonus lavaretus (Teleostei: Coregonidae)
Authors: Kacperczyk A. , Jagla T. , Daczewska M. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryIn Coregonus lavaretus, prior the mesoderm segmentation, in cells adjacent to the notochord called adaxial cells MyoD and slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC‐slow) proteins were observed. After somite formation, adaxial cells migrate towards the lateral part of the myotome and form a layer of red muscles. Deeper cells differentiate into white muscle fibres. In situ hybridization using Pax‐3 molecular probe revealed, that after somitogenesis, Pax‐3 is expressed in a layer of cells superficial to the myotome resembling the “external cells” (found in many teleosts species) or dermomyotome described in Amniota. During later developmental stages Pax‐3 gene is expressed in cells in intermyotomal space and then in myoblasts between myotubes. In these cells Pax‐7 protein was also observed. Pax‐3/7 positive cells which have migrated into the myotomes differentiate into satellite cells/secondary myoblasts and participate in hypertrophic and hyperplastic growth of muscles.
Adenosine A1 receptor activation reduces opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores in hypoxic cardiomyocytes
Authors: Xiang Fei , Huang Yue‐sheng , Zhang Dong‐xia , Chu Zhi‐gang , Zhang Jia‐ping , Zhang Qiong 
Published: September 2009

Summary1. Adenosine A1 receptors (A1R) play an important role in cardioprotection against hypoxic damage and the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (MPTP) is central to the regulation of cell apoptosis and necrosis. However, it is still unclear whether A1R open MPTP in hypoxic cardiomyocytes.2. The present study used primary cardiomyocyte cultures from neonatal rats to investigate the mechanisms of A1R activation and the effects of A1R on MPTP opening under hypoxic conditions.3. Hypoxia increased both MPTP opening and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), while decreasing cell viability and mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ). The A1R agonist 2‐chloro‐N6‐cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; 500 nmol/L) blocked the increase in MPTP opening and ROS production and maintained cell viability and Δψ under hypoxic conditions.4. The protective effects of CCPA were eliminated by both the protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor chelerythine (2 μmol/L) and the mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+ channel (mitoKATP) inhibitor 5‐hydroxydecanoate (500 μmol/L). Moreover, CCPA significantly increased the PKC content in both total protein and membrane protein of cardiomyocytes. 5‐Hydroxydecanoate did not prevent these CCPA‐induced increases in PKC.5. These results demonstrate that CCPA reduces MPTP opening in hypoxic cardiomyocytes, possibly by activating PKC, stabilizing Δψ and reducing ROS production following the opening of mitoKATP. Consequently, fewer MPTP open.