bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LARGE‐VOLUME FILTRATION FOR RECOVERY AND CONCENTRATION OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 FROM GROUND BEEF*
Authors: BREWSTER J.D. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT Rapid assays for foodborne pathogens currently require an enrichment step to bridge the gap between the detection limit of interest (1 cfu/g or less) and the detection limits of available assay systems (100–100,000 cfu/mL). Although filtration can potentially separate and concentrate bacterial pathogens to detectable levels if large (100–1,000 mL) sample volumes are processed, prior filtration methods failed to approach these volumes because of the high solids content and viscosity of typical food samples. This report describes a novel three‐stage filtration system based on a leukocyte removal filter, a glass fiber prefilter, and a membrane capture filter. Data are presented on factors (e.g., particle size, bacteria binding, pH) affecting filtration performance and protocol design. Escherichia coli O157:H7 at less than 1 cfu/g were quantitatively recovered from 10 g of stomached ground beef in 15 min, and detected on selective media within 24 h.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe methodology presented in this study allows the rapid concentration of Escherichia coli O157:H7 from the large volumes of stomached ground beef. The primary application is in rapid biosensor detection and quantitation of low levels of pathogens in foods without enrichment. The isolated bacteria can be recovered in a volume of ∼20 µL and are virtually free from interfering sample constituents, allowing facile detection by polymerase chain reaction and other approaches. This filtration methodology may also be useful for studies on attachment and partitioning of bacteria on food surfaces, as free and bound bacteria can be rapidly separated at low concentrations reflecting actual contamination situations.
Demographic Change and Asian Dynamics: Social and Political Implications
Authors: INOGUCHI Takashi 
Published: May 2009

This article describes the demographic change and its social and political implications in East and South‐East Asia with a trajectory up to 2050. It selectively touches on inequalities, migration, social policy, and international security. In the course of this exercise, I present two hypotheses: one relating to the formation of the new middle class, and the other relating to the geriatric peace argument. The first hypothesis posits that when the growing inequalities in terms of per capita income aggravate the sense of happiness among the low‐ and middle‐income strata as contrasted to high‐income strata, the formation of a new middle class becomes more difficult. The second hypothesis posits that when the aging population carries a large demographic weight, it tends to be transformed into strong political voice, which is, in turn, translated into larger government spending on social policy items often accompanied by a likely decline in the defense expenditure budget. These hypotheses paint a provocative picture of East and South‐East Asia in the next four decades, especially in the wake of the deepening economic difficulties prevailing over the entire globe. I present these hypotheses for further conceptual elaboration and empirical analysis.
Conserving the zoological resources of Bangladesh under a changing climate
Authors: DAS Bidhan C. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractIt is now well recognized that Bangladesh is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to climate change and sea level rise. Low levels of natural resources and a high occurrence of natural disasters further add to the challenges faced by the country. The impacts of climate change are anticipated to exacerbate these existing stresses and constitute a serious impediment to poverty reduction and economic development. Ecosystems and biodiversity are important key sectors of the economy and natural resources of the country are selected as the most vulnerable to climate change. It is for these reasons that Bangladesh should prepare to conserve its natural resources under changed climatic conditions. Unfortunately, the development of specific strategies and policies to address the effects of climate change on the ecosystem and on biodiversity has not commenced in Bangladesh. Here, I present a detailed review of animal resources of Bangladesh, an outline of the major areas in zoological research to be integrated to adapt to climate change, and identified few components for each of the aforesaid areas in relation to the natural resource conservation and management in the country.
Seasonal and habitat dependence of fleas parasitic on small mammals in Tanzania
Authors: LAUDISOIT Anne , LEIRS Herwig , MAKUNDI Rhodes , KRASNOV Boris Ronald 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe investigated host and flea species composition across different habitats during dry and rainy seasons in the Western Usambara Mountains in Tanzania. During both seasons, similarity in flea species composition increased with an increase in the similarity in host species composition. Nevertheless, between‐season within‐habitat as well as within‐season between‐habitat similarity in host species composition was higher than similarity in flea species composition. Ordination of habitats according to their host and flea species composition demonstrated that the pattern of between‐habitat similarity in both host and flea species composition varied seasonally. Despite the relatively rich mammal and flea fauna of the study region, the major contribution to variation in species composition between seasons and among habitats was due to a few species only. Flea assemblages on Lophuromys kilonzoi Verheyen et al., 2007 and Praomys delectorum Thomas, 1910 in different habitats were equally similar in either season. In contrast, flea assemblages on Mastomys natalensis (Smith, 1834) occurring in different habitats were more similar in the dry than in the rainy season, whereas the opposite was the case for fleas on Grammomys sp. In different hosts, the main differences in species composition of flea assemblages between seasons as well as among habitats were due to different flea species. Although our results support the earlier idea that parasite species composition is determined by both host species composition and habitat properties, the former appears to explain variance in flea species composition between localities in the tropics better than between localities in temperate and arid zones.
Some like it hot: microclimatic variation affects the abundance and movements of a critically endangered dung beetle
Authors: ROSLIN TOMAS , AVOMAA TIINA , LEONARD MINTTU , LUOTO MISKA , OVASKAINEN OTSO 
Published: June 2009

Abstract. 1. Habitat loss and fragmentation is a leading cause of species extinction. This not only concerns loss of major habitats, but also loss of microclimatic heterogeneity within such habitats.2. In this study, we examine the effects of microclimate on the abundance and movements ofOnthophagus gibbulus, a dung beetle associated with pastoral habitats. While formerly widespread in Southern Finland, the species is now critically endangered at a national level, persisting within an area of 6 km2.3. We divided the Finnish distribution ofO. gibbulusinto 50 × 50‐m grid cells, characterised local microclimate by incident solar radiation, and surveyed the distribution ofO. gibbuluswithin a subset of cells. To investigate the impact of microclimatic conditions on dung beetle movements, we conducted a mark–release–recapture study.4. Our approach allowed us to estimate the national population size ofO. gibbulus– a figure rarely available for endangered insect species. The Finnish population ofO. gibbuluscomprises between 2000 and 6000 individuals.5. The abundance of beetles per dung pat increases with incident solar radiation, and beetles are more likely to move towards warmer than colder spots in the landscape.6. Overall, our study depictsO. gibbulusas a thermophile confined to the warmest part of the landscape, and offers loss of microclimatic variation as the cause for its large‐scale decline. To conserveO. gibbulusand similar species, we need to consider not only the amount of macrohabitats, but also the amount and distribution of microclimatic variation within them. Future predictions are complicated by ongoing climate change.
Medical students’ attitudes to abortion: a comparison between Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Oslo
Authors: Steele R 
Published: May 2009

Background:Abortion policy varies significantly between Northern Ireland and Norway. This is the first study to compare medical students’ attitudes towards abortion in two different countries.Objective:To assess medical students’ attitudes to abortion at the University of Oslo (UiO) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).Design:An anonymous questionnaire completed by 59 medical students at UiO and 86 medical students at QUB.Participants:Students who had completed their obstetrics and gynaecology placements during 2006/2007.Results:The students’ responses (UiO versus QUB) were as follows: response rate, 95.2% vs 92.5%; stated no religious affiliation, 48.0% vs 4.7%; pro-abortion, 78.2% vs 14.3% (χ2 = 58.160, p<0.001); had seen an abortion while studying medicine, 74.6% vs 9.4% (χ2 = 73.183, p<0.001); in favour of abortion when there was a threat to the mother’s life, 100% vs 93.3% (χ2 = 6.143, p = 0.150); in favour of providing abortion on the mother’s request, 86.4% vs 9.3% (χ2 = 42.067, p<0.001); in agreement that women should have access to free abortion services (mean value on a 5-point Likert scale 1.69 out of 5), versus in disagreement (mean 3.76, p<0.001).Conclusion:There were significant differences in students’ attitudes to abortion, reflecting differences in religious, legal and educational experiences.
Quantitative structure activity relationship and risk analysis of some heavy metal residues in the milk of cattle and goat
Authors: Muhammad F , Akhtar M , Javed I , ZU-Rahman  , Jan I , Anwar MI , Hayat S 
Published: May 2009

Milk of cattle and goat was collected from various localities of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Heavy metal concentration in milk was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Milk from both of the species was found richly contaminated with cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). Lead concentration in the milk of goat was significantly higher as compared to cattle milk. Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models were suggested to predict the residues of unknown heavy metals in the milk of cattle and goat using their known physicochemical properties such as molecular weight (MW), melting point (MP), and boiling point (BP) as well as the milk characteristics such as pH, % fat, and specific gravity (SG) of both of these species. The analysis revealed good correlation coefficients ( R2 = 0.759) and ( R2 = 0.876) for cattle and goat QSAR models, respectively. This analysis indicates the need to construct species specific QSAR models for residue prediction. The coefficients for SG for the studied metals were higher in both cattle and goat milk. This suggests that SG is a better determinant for heavy metal residue prediction in the milk of these animals. Risk analysis was conducted based upon the determined heavy metal residues and their provisional tolerable daily intakes. The daily intake of Cd, Cr, and Pb was found to be 1.6, 27, and 116 times higher, respectively, in cattle milk and 1.8, 29, 262 times higher respectively, in goat milk. This intake of heavy metal contaminated milk might pose health hazards to humans in this locality.
Efficacy of intramuscular interferon beta-1a in patients with clinically isolated syndrome: analysis of subgroups based on new risk criteria
Authors: O’Connor P , Kinkel RP , Kremenchutzky M 
Published: May 2009

Approximately 85% of multiple sclerosis (MS) cases begin as clinically isolated syndromes (CIS). Results from the Controlled High-Risk Subjects Avonex® Multiple Sclerosis Prevention Study (CHAMPS) demonstrated that, in patients with CIS, treatment with intramuscular (IM) interferon beta-1a (IFNβ-1a) 30 μg once weekly delayed conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS) in the total population and in subgroups based on presenting syndromes and baseline magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics. Changes to clinical and MRI risk classification of presenting symptoms in recent studies prompted reanalysis of CHAMPS data. Presenting syndromes were assessed using a derived algorithm that stratifies patients into mono- or multifocal categories based on functional system scores. The ability of IM IFNβ-1a to delay progression to CDMS in subgroups based on clinical presentation and MRI characteristics was assessed. Reanalysis of CHAMPS patients showed that 30% could be classified by clinical criteria as having multifocal disease at baseline. IM IFNβ-1a initiated at a first demyelinating attack delayed CDMS in monofocal patients ( P = 0.0013), patients with or without gadolinium-enhancing lesions ( P = 0.0007, P = 0.0405) and patients with at least nine T2 lesions at baseline ( P = 0.0044). These data confirm that IM IFNβ-1a delays conversion to CDMS in patients with CIS.
Neurological disability, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life in MS patients within the first three years after diagnosis
Authors: Kern S , Schrempf W , Schneider H , Schultheiß T , Reichmann H , Ziemssen T 
Published: May 2009

Background Psychological distress and psychiatric co-morbidity are common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and is often associated with neurological disability as well as reduced quality of life. Objectives This study aimed to investigate psychological distress and the possible association with quality of life as well as neurological disability in MS patients within the first 3 years after diagnosis. Methods Psychological distress was measured using a standardized questionnaire (Symptom-Check-List-90-R; SCL-90-R) in 31 relapsing–remitting MS patients and 24 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Results Psychological distress was significantly more pronounced in MS patients when compared to healthy controls. Interpersonal sensitivity and psychoticism were positively associated with neurological disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]). A high EDSS group (median split EDSS; 1.5) expressed significantly more psychological distress when compared to the low EDSS group and healthy controls. MS patients with minimal to no neurological disability (low EDSS group) also expressed significantly more emotional distress when compared to healthy controls. MS-related quality of life was positively associated with neurological disability as well as SCL-90-R scores. After adjusting for neurological disability, psychological distress was still significantly associated with quality of life. Conclusions Early stage MS patients significantly differ in their psychological distress when compared to healthy controls. Psychological distress in these patients is associated with neurological disability, but it is also present in patients with minimal to no neurological disability. Psychological distress was identified as an independent predictor for MS-related quality of life.
T2' imaging indicates decreased tissue metabolism in frontal white matter of MS patients
Authors: Holst B , Siemonsen S , Finsterbusch J , Bester M , Schippling S , Martin R , Fiehler J 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose T2'-Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows estimation of oxygen metabolism in normal appearing white and gray matter (NAWM and NAGM) and is sensitive to local iron deposition. We hypothesized that T2' imaging is feasible in routine use and reveals differences between MS patients and healthy subjects. Methods T2- and T2*-weighted images were acquired in 23 MS patients (Mean age: 36.8, range: 23–58 years) and 23 age-matched healthy subjects. Quantitative T2- and T2*-values were determined in six regions of interest (ROIs). Results The T2' values in thalamus and caudate nucleus were significantly lower in MS patients than in healthy subjects (139 ms vs 157 ms, P < 0.001 and 97 ms vs 115 ms, P < 0.01). The NAWM in the frontal lobe revealed significant higher T2' values than in healthy subjects (217 ms vs 170 ms, P < 0.001). The subcortical NAWM revealed significant lower T2' values than in healthy subjects (174 ms vs 187 ms, P < 0.028). Conclusion T2' values differed significantly between MS patients and healthy subjects. The reduced T2' values in the basal ganglia are presumably related to higher iron concentration whereas the increased T2' in frontal NAWM most probably reflects reduced tissue metabolism. T2' imaging is feasible for routine-use and promising for monitoring therapy effects.
The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene is associated with progression, but not development, of albuminuria in Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nikzamir Abdolrahim , Esteghamati Alireza , Feghhi Mostafa , Nakhjavani Manouchehr , Rashidi Armin , Javad Zavar Reza  
Published: June 2009

Introduction. The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been shown to be associated with a number of complications of type 2 diabetes. Results on the development and progression of albuminuria, however, have remained controversial, with ethnic differences being a potential reason.The present study is the first report to examine Iranian patients. Methods. Patients (322; 162 males) with type 2 diabetes were categorised in this cross-sectional study into the following groups: normoalbuminuria (n=145), microalbuminuria (n=129) and macroalbuminuria (n=48).ACE gen I/D polymorphism genotypes were determined using the polymerase chain reaction method. Results. The distribution of ACE genotypes was significantly different among the groups (p<0.001), with the II genotype decreasing and the DD genotype increasing in frequency with increasing severity of albuminuria. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the ACE genotype did not change the odds of having microalbuminuria versus normoalbuminuria, while the D allele independently increased the odds of having macroalbuminuria versus microalbuminuria approximately threefold (p<0.01). Conclusions. In Iranian patients with type 2 diabetes, the D allele is associated with progression, but not development, of albuminuria.
Lack of genetic association between the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and longevity in a Han Chinese population
Authors: Yang Jian-Kang , Gong Yuan-Ying , Liang Xie  , Lian Shi-Gang , Juan Yang  , Xu Liang-You , Gao Shou-Jun , Zhang Ya-Ping 
Published: June 2009

Introduction. The insertion/deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been reported to associate with human longevity. However, little information is available in a Han Chinese longevity population.Therefore, we investigated the association of the ACE gene insertion/ deletion polymorphism with longevity in a Han Chinese population. Materials and methods. We compared the distribution of ACE insertion/deletion genotype and allele frequencies in two groups: a longevity group (399 subjects) aged over 90 years and a control group (302 subjects) aged less than 60 years. Results. No difference in genotype and allele frequencies of the ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism was observed between the longevity group and the control group.When adjusting for gender, the difference between the longevity group and the control group was also not significant regarding the frequencies of the genotypes (male, p=0.994 and female, p=0.797) as well as allele frequencies (male, p=0.969 and female, p=0.884). Conclusions. No association of the ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with longevity was observed in our Han Chinese population.
Comparative genomic analysis and expression of the APETALA2-like genes from barley, wheat, and barley-wheat amphiploids
Authors: Gil-Humanes Javier , Pistón Fernando , Martín Antonio , Barro Francisco 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundTheAPETALA2-like genes form a large multi-gene family of transcription factors which play an important role during the plant life cycle, being key regulators of many developmental processes. Many studies inArabidopsishave revealed that theAPETALA2(AP2) gene is implicated in the establishment of floral meristem and floral organ identity as well as temporal and spatial regulation of flower homeotic gene expression.ResultsIn this work, we have cloned and characterised theAP2-like gene from accessions ofHordeum chilenseandHordeum vulgare, wild and domesticated barley, respectively, and compared with otherAP2homoeologous genes, including the Q gene in wheat. TheHordeum AP2-like genes contain two plant-specific DNA binding motifs called AP2 domains, as does the Q gene of wheat. We confirm that theH. chilense AP2-like gene is located on chromosome 5Hch. Patterns of expression of theAP2-like genes were examined in floral organs and other tissues in barley, wheat and in tritordeum amphiploids (barley × wheat hybrids). In tritordeum amphiploids, the level of transcription of the barleyAP2-like gene was lower than in its barley parental and the chromosome substitutions 1D/1Hchand 2D/2Hchwere seen to modifyAP2gene expression levels.ConclusionThe results are of interest in order to understand the role of theAP2-like gene in the spike morphology of barley and wheat, and to understand the regulation of this gene in the amphiploids obtained from barley-wheat crossing. This information may have application in cereal breeding programs to up- or down-regulate the expression ofAP2-like genes in order to modify spike characteristics and to obtain free-threshing plants.
Telephone reliability of the Frenchay Activity Index and EQ-5D amongst older adults
Authors: McPhail Steven , Lane Paul , Russell Trevor , Brauer Sandra G , Urry Steven , Jasiewicz Jan , Condie Peter , Haines Terry 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Older adults may find it problematic to attend hospital appointments due to the difficulty associated with travelling to, within and from a hospital facility for the purpose of a face-to-face assessment. This study aims to investigate equivalence between telephone and face-to-face administration for the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI) and the Euroqol-5D (EQ-5D) generic health-related quality of life instrument amongst an older adult population.

Methods
Patients aged >65 (n = 53) who had been discharged to the community following an acute hospital admission underwent telephone administration of the FAI and EQ-5D instruments seven days prior to attending a hospital outpatient appointment where they completed a face-to-face administration of these instruments.

Results
Overall, 40 subjects' datasets were complete for both assessments and included in analysis. The FAI items had high levels of agreement between the two modes of administration (item kappa's ranged 0.73 to 1.00) as did the EQ-5D (item kappa's ranged 0.67–0.83). For the FAI, EQ-5D VAS and EQ-5D utility score, intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.94, 0.58 and 0.82 respectively with paired t-tests indicating no significant systematic difference (p = 0.100, p = 0.690 and p = 0.290 respectively).

Conclusion
Telephone administration of the FAI and EQ-5D instruments provides comparable results to face-to-face administration amongst older adults deemed to have cognitive functioning intact at a basic level, indicating that this is a suitable alternate approach for collection of this information.