bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marker‐assisted characterization of frost tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Akar T. , Francia E. , Tondelli A. , Rizza F. , Stanca A. M. , Pecchioni N. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractFive molecular markers associated to two frost tolerance QTLs (Fr‐H1 and Fr‐H2) were tested both on nine Turkish accessions, classified by breeders as highly frost‐tolerant, and on a previously described sample of 26 barleys, winter, facultative and spring. Accessions were characterized in terms of frost tolerance under both field conditions and artificial freezing test at −12°C. The Turkish lines resulted to be equal or superior to the most tolerant European genotypes tested, showing that they can be used to improve the frost tolerance of the EU barley germplasm. The marker HvBM5A (Vrn‐H1 and Fr‐H1) resulted to be the best predictor for assisted selection within this germplasm, because of its high correlation between allelic variation and phenotypic traits. Only HvCBF4 of the three HvCBF markers tested at Fr‐H2 was associated to the trait, but at lower significance than HvBM5A. The PCR‐based molecular marker of Vrn‐H1 can thus be used in barley breeding not only for selection of facultative and winter types, but also for fast routine selection of frost tolerant genotypes.
Heterogeneity of histaminergic neurons in the tuberomammillary nucleus of the rat
Authors: Giannoni Patrizia , Passani Maria‐Beatrice , Nosi Daniele , Chazot Paul L. , Shenton Fiona C. , Medhurst Andrew D. , Munari Leonardo , Blandina Patrizio 
Published: May 2009

AbstractHistaminergic neurons of the hypothalamic tuberomammillary nuclei (TMN) send projections to the whole brain. Early anatomical studies described histaminergic neurons as a homogeneous cell group, but recent evidence indicates that histaminergic neurons are heterogeneous and organized into distinct circuits. We addressed this issue using the double‐probe microdialysis in freely moving rats to investigate if two compounds acting directly onto histaminergic neurons to augment cell firing [thioperamide and bicuculline, histamine H3‐ and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A‐receptor (R) antagonists, respectively] may discriminate groups of histaminergic neurons impinging on different brain regions. Intra‐hypothalamic perfusion of either drug increased histamine release from the TMN and cortex, but not from the striatum. Thioperamide, but not bicuculline, increased histamine release from the nucleus basalis magnocellularis (NBM), bicuculline but not thioperamide increased histamine release from the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). Intra‐hypothalamic perfusion with thioperamide increased the time spent in wakefulness. To explore the local effects of H3‐R blockade in the histaminergic projection areas, each rat was implanted with a single probe to simultaneously administer thioperamide and monitor local changes in histamine release. Thioperamide increased histamine release from the NBM and cortex significantly, but not from the NAcc or striatum. The presence of H3‐Rs on histaminergic neurons was assessed using double‐immunofluorescence with anti‐histidine decarboxylase antibodies to identify histaminergic cells and anti‐H3‐R antibodies. Confocal analysis revealed that all histaminergic somata were immunopositive for the H3‐R. This is the first evidence that histaminergic neurons are organized into functionally distinct circuits that influence different brain regions, and display selective control mechanisms.
Developing a focus group approach for exploring parents' perspectives on childhood overweight
Authors: Jones A. R. , Hyland R. M. , Parkinson K. N. , Adamson A. J. ,   The Gateshead Millennium Study Core Team
Published: May 2009

SummaryNumerous public health initiatives have been proposed in an attempt to reduce the number of overweight and obese children nationally. The success of such strategies is heavily reliant upon families recognising and becoming engaged with the issue. It is therefore important to understand parents' perceptions of excess weight in children and which preventive strategies would be most acceptable to them. The present paper describes the development of a focus group approach designed to explore these important research questions and illustrates techniques that can be readily implemented and replicated to explore complex and sensitive issues. Some of the potential difficulties of focus group research are also detailed, together with suggestions for successfully overcoming these obstacles. It is also demonstrated that both quantitative and qualitative methods can work in partnership, informing each other, and a combination of these approaches is necessary for future research if public health messages are to be successfully and effectively communicated.
Health impacts of vitamin D: are we getting enough?
Authors: Ruxton C. H. S. , Derbyshire E. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryIncreasingly, scientists are debating whether photochemical synthesis of vitamin D in Western countries is adequate, and whether dietary intakes can plug the gap between endogenous vitamin D production and requirements, particularly in young and older populations. The debate is driven by the plethora of evidence suggesting that, in addition to its important role in maintaining bone health, vitamin D may be involved in ameliorating cell ageing and preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immune dysfunction and some cancers. Observational evidence from different populations suggests a significant degree of vitamin D insufficiency, often defined as plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] <25 nmol/l. Some experts have argued that daily intakes up to 40 µg/day may be needed to ensure a desirable vitamin D status, even after accounting for sun exposure. However, there is presently no consensus on the most appropriate vitamin D status for maintaining bone health and preventing chronic disease. In addition, the UK has not set a vitamin D recommendation for most adults under 65 years. Given the plethora of information about vitamin D and bone health, this article reviews evidence for a link between vitamin D and other aspects of health. In conclusion, three actions are suggested: (1) agreement on optimal plasma 25(OH)D levels for health; (2) a debate on whether UK dietary recommendations need revision; and (3) better promotion of dietary vitamin D via food sources and, for certain groups, supplements.
INTERGENERATIONAL PUBLIC GOODS: TRANSNATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Sandler Todd 
Published: May 2009

ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes public goods whose benefits cross countries' borders and generations. Once provided, transnational intergenerational public goods (TIPGs) are assets that generate benefits for subsequent generations. For treaties involving TIPGs, a coalition of rich developed countries are apt to shoulder more of the provision burden than a coalition of poor developing countries. This burden inequality worsens if the developed countries unilaterally display altruism to future generations; nevertheless, altruistic benefits may offset reduced spillovers. When current generations strategize with respect to future generations, provision and efficiency suffer; however, the hypothesized unequal burden sharing improves somewhat. For alternative aggregator technologies of public supply, these one‐sided burdens may be partly ameliorated.
Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy are independently associated with hypertension*
Authors: Crane HM , Grunfeld C , Harrington RD , Kitahata MM 
Published: May 2009

ObjectiveLipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy are associated with metabolic abnormalities, but little is known about their impact on hypertension. We conducted this study to determine the associations of lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy with hypertension.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of HIV‐infected patients who completed a self‐report body morphology assessment was performed. We defined hypertension as a clinical diagnosis, or a mean systolic blood pressure (BP)>140 mmHg or diastolic BP>90 mmHg in the previous 6 months. We used logistic regression to examine the association between hypertension and body morphology.ResultsAmong 347 patients, there were 2278 BP readings in 6 months. In adjusted analyses, patients with moderate lipoatrophy [odds ratio (OR) 4.3; P=0.03] or moderate lipohypertrophy (OR 4.3; P=0.006) had four times the odds, and patients with mild lipohypertrophy (OR 2.3; P=0.03) had twice the odds of having hypertension compared with patients without changes. We hypothesized that the impact of lipohypertrophy on hypertension was mediated, in part, through body mass index (BMI). When BMI was included in the analysis, increased BMI was significantly associated with hypertension (OR=1.1; P<0.001 per kg/m2), and the association between lipohypertrophy and hypertension was no longer present. However, the association between moderate lipoatrophy and hypertension was strengthened (OR=5.5; P=0.01).ConclusionsLipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy are independently associated with hypertension and there is a dose–response effect with more severe lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy. The association between lipohypertrophy (but not lipoatrophy) and hypertension appears to be mediated by BMI. Our results suggest that patient‐based body morphology assessments are related to hypertension and may have potential implications for cardiovascular disease.
Influence of darunavir coadministration on nevirapine pharmacokinetics in HIV‐infected patients: a population approach
Authors: Dailly E , Raffi F , Perré P , Martin J , Deslandes G , Jolliet P 
Published: May 2009

ObjectiveThe influence of ritonavir‐boosted darunavir coadministration on nevirapine pharmacokinetics was investigated in HIV‐infected patients using a population‐based approach.MethodsThe population was composed of 51 patients (89 samples; 42 patients treated with an antiretroviral regimen containing nevirapine and nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors and nine patients treated with a regimen containing a combination of nevirapine and darunavir). A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption was fitted to the data using nonmem version V (GloboMax, Ellicott City, MD, USA).ResultsRelationships were established between nevirapine clearance (Cl) and age (Cl/F=2.42+47.2/age, where F denotes bioavailability) and between nevirapine volume of distribution (Vd) and the presence of darunavir in the antiretroviral regimen [Vd/F=38.0+75.0 (1 – darunavir coadministration), where darunavir coadministration is 1 for patients treated with a combination of nevirapine and darunavir and 0 for other patients]. According to this final model, a significant decrease in the means of Cl/F (3.84 ± 0.92 vs. 2.76 ± 1.00 L/h; P<0.05) and Vd/F (93.2 ± 31.10 vs. 39.8 ± 6.97 L; P<0.0001) and an increase in the mean of nevirapine trough plasma concentrations (3.68 ± 1.69 vs. 5.35 ± 3.20 mg/L; P<0.05) are observed if nevirapine is used in combination with darunavir.ConclusionsThese results suggest that nevirapine exposure is increased when nevirapine is administered in combination with darunavir and that therapeutic drug monitoring of nevirapine should be performed if this antiretroviral regimen is considered.
Knowledge and perception of stroke amongst hospital workers in an African community
Authors: Akinyemi R. O. , Ogah O. S. , Ogundipe R. F. , Oyesola O. A. , Oyadoke A. A. , Ogunlana M. O. , Otubogun F. M. , Odeyinka T. F. , Alabi B. S. , Akinyemi J. O. , Osinfade J. K. , Kalaria R. N. 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Stroke is a growing public health problem worldwide. Hospital workers are sources of knowledge on health issues including stroke. The present study aimed at assessing the knowledge and perception of a sample of Nigerian hospital workers about stroke.Methods:  Hospital‐based, cross‐sectional survey. Respondents selected by systematic random sampling were interviewed using a 29‐item pre‐tested, structured, semi‐closed questionnaire.Results:  There were 370 respondents (63% female, mean age: 34.4 ± 7.5 years; 61% non‐clinical workers). Twenty‐nine per cent of respondents did not recognize the brain as the organ affected. Hypertension (88.6%) was the commonest risk factor identified; 13.8% identified evil spirit/witchcraft as a cause of stroke, whilst one‐sided body weakness (61.9%) was most commonly identified as warning symptom. Hospital treatment was most preferred by 61.1% of respondents whilst spiritual healing was most preferred by 13.0%. In the bivariate analysis, higher level of education and being a clinical worker correlated with better stroke knowledge (P < 0.001).Conclusion:  This study demonstrates gaps in the knowledge of these hospital workers about stroke, and treatment choice influenced by cultural and religious beliefs. Health education is still important, even, amongst health workers and stroke awareness campaigns may need to involve faith‐based organizations.
Mirror pattern of cerebral artery atherosclerosis in patients with ischaemic stroke
Authors: Kim Y. D. , Choi H. Y. , Jung Y. H. , Nam C. M. , Yang J. H. , Cho H. J. , Nam H. S. , Lee K‐Y. , Heo J. H. 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Although it has been suggested that bilateral symmetry of atherosclerosis can be found in paired arteries, including external carotid arteries and femoral arteries, it has remained unknown in intracranial arteries. We determined whether bilateral symmetry (a mirror pattern) of atherosclerosis presents in the entire cerebral arterial system.Methods:  Angiographic findings of 795 consecutive patients with ischaemic stroke, after excluding those with cardiac sources of embolism or other causes of stroke, were reviewed retrospectively. The presence (location) and severity (the degree of stenosis) of atherosclerosis were compared between left and right sides at 26 predetermined arteries/segments.Results:  We found 2230 lesions in predetermined segments/arteries from 669 patients. Amongst 509 patients with atherosclerotic lesions at two or more arteries/segments, mirror patterns were observed in 312 patients (61.3%). The mirror pattern increased steeply as the number of atherosclerotic arteries increased and was most frequently found in the carotid bulb (C1, 26.7%), followed by the middle cerebral artery (M1, 14.1%). The severity of stenosis was also correlated between left and right sides, and the correlation was highest in the C1 (r = 0.40, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the mirror patterns of atherosclerosis were more obvious in C1 and associated with a past history of ischaemic stroke and the number of stenotic lesions.Conclusion:  Atherosclerosis in cerebral arteries may develop and progress in a mirror pattern. In patients with cerebral artery atherosclerosis, the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis in the contralateral cerebral artery should be considered during follow‐up examination.
Lesion patterns in patients with cryptogenic stroke with and without right‐to‐left‐shunt
Authors: Feurer R. , Sadikovic S. , Esposito L. , Schwarze J. , Bockelbrink A. , Hemmer B. , Sander D. , Poppert H. 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Despite numerous studies, the role of patent foramen ovale (PFO) as a risk factor for stroke due to paradoxical embolism is still controversial. On the assumption that specific lesion patterns, in particular multiple acute ischaemic lesions on diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging, indicate a cardioembolic origin, we compared the MRI findings in stroke patients with right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) and those without.Methods:  The records of 486 patients with diagnosis of cerebral ischaemia were reviewed. For detection of RLS, contrast‐enhanced transcranial Doppler (c‐TCD) was carried out in all patients. An MRI scan of the brain was performed in all patients. Affected vascular territories were divided into anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, vertebrobasilar artery system including posterior cerebral artery, brain stem and cerebellar stroke, and strokes occurring in more than one territory.Results:  We did not find a specific difference in neuroradiological lesion patterns in patients with RLS compared with patients without RLS. In particular, 23 of 165 patients (13.9%) with RLS showed multiple ischaemic lesions on MRI in comparison with 45 of 321 patients (14.0%) without RLS (P = 0.98). These findings also applied for the subgroup of cryptogenic strokes with and without RLS.Conclusion:  We found no association between an ischaemic lesion pattern that is considered as being typical for stroke due to cardiac embolism and the existence of PFO. Therefore, our findings do not provide any support for the common theory of paradoxical embolism as a major cause of stroke in PFO carriers.
A comparative study of the ocular skeleton of fossil and modern chondrichthyans
Authors: Pilgrim Brettney L. , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractMany vertebrates have an ocular skeleton composed of cartilage and/or bone situated within the sclera of the eye. In this study we investigated whether modern and fossil sharks have an ocular skeleton, and whether it is conserved in morphology. We describe the scleral skeletal elements of three species of modern sharks and compare them to those found in fossil sharks from the Cleveland Shale (360 Mya). We also compare the elements to contemporaneous arthrodires from the same deposit. Surprisingly, the morphology of the skeletal support of the eye was found to differ significantly between modern and fossil sharks. All three modern shark species examined (spiny dogfish sharkSqualus acanthias, porbeagle sharkLamna nasusand blue sharkPrionace glauca)have a continuous skeletal element that encapsulates much of the eyeball; however, the tissue composition is different in each species. Histological and morphological examination revealed scleral cartilage with distinct tesserae in parts of the sclera of the porbeagle and blue shark, and more diffuse calcification in the dogfish. Strengthening of the scleral cartilage by means of tesserae has not been reported previously in the shark eye. In striking contrast, the ocular skeleton of fossil sharks comprises a series of individual elements that are arranged in a ring, similar to the arrangement in modern and fossil reptiles. Fossil arthrodires also have a multi‐unit sclerotic ring but these are composed of fewer elements than in fossil sharks. The morphology of these elements has implications for the behaviour and visual capabilities of sharks that lived during the Devonian Period. This is the first time that such a dramatic variation in the morphology of scleral skeletal elements has been observed in a single lineage (Chondrichthyes), making this lineage important for broadening our understanding of the evolution of these elements within jawed vertebrates.
Morphological comparison of the testis and efferent ductules between wild‐type and estrogen receptor α knockout mice during postnatal development
Authors: Lee Ki‐Ho , Park Jae‐Hwa , Bunick David , Lubahn Dennis B. , Bahr Janice M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractEstrogen and the estrogen receptor (ER)α play an important role in the male reproductive tract and in fertility. Previous studies demonstrated that disruption of ERα function resulted in abnormal morphology of the testis and efferent ductules (EDs) of adult mice. However, the effect of a lack of a functional ERα during early postnatal development has not been determined. The present study is an evaluation of morphological changes effected by a lack of ERα in the male reproductive tract during the postnatal period. Age‐equivalent wild‐type and ERα knockout (αERKO) mice at 10, 18, 35 and 60 days of age after birth were used for morphological comparison of the testes and ED. Light microscopic examination of the testes of the αERKO mouse revealed a dramatic dilation of the rete testis as early as 10 days of age, premature lumen formation, reduced epithelial height and greatly dilated lumen of seminiferous tubules as early as 18 days of age. The proximal ED of the αERKO mouse showed lumen dilation, reduction of epithelial height and a decrease of nuclear height as early as 10 days of age. Similar, but somewhat less severe, morphological abnormalities were observed in the distal ED of the αERKO mouse. These results indicate that a lack of functional ERα leads to morphological changes of the testis and ED of the early postnatal developing mouse. Based on these observations, we conclude that ERα plays an important role in normal development of the testis and ED, not only during adulthood but also during the entire postnatal period and presumably during fetal development.
The intertarsal joint of the ostrich (Struthio camelus): Anatomical examination and function of passive structures in locomotion
Authors: Schaller Nina U. , Herkner Bernd , Villa Rikk , Aerts Peter 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThe ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest extant biped. Being flightless, it exhibits advanced cursorial abilities primarily evident in its characteristic speed and endurance. In addition to the active musculoskeletal complex, its powerful pelvic limbs incorporate passive structures wherein ligaments interact with joint surfaces, cartilage and other connective tissue in their course of motion. This arrangement may enable energy conservation by providing joint stabilisation, optimised limb segment orientation and automated positioning of ground contact elements independently of direct muscle control.The intertarsal joint is of particular interest considering its position near the mid‐point of the extended limb and its exposure to high load during stance with significant inertial forces during swing phase. Functional‐anatomical analysis of the dissected isolated joint describes the interaction of ligaments with intertarsal joint contours through the full motion cycle. Manual manipulation identified a passive engage‐disengage mechanism (EDM) that establishes joint extension, provides bi‐directional resistance prior to a transition point located at 115° and contributes to rapid intertarsal flexion at toe off and full extension prior to touch down. This effect was subsequently quantified by measurement of intertarsal joint moments in prepared anatomical specimens in a neutral horizontal position and axially‐loaded vertical position. Correlation with kinematic analyses of walking and running ostriches confirms the contribution of the EDM in vivo.We hypothesise that the passive EDM operates in tandem with a stringently coupled multi‐jointed muscle‐tendon system to conserve the metabolic cost of locomotion in the ostrich, suggesting that a complete understanding of terrestrial locomotion across extinct and extant taxa must include functional consideration of the ligamentous system.
Isolation of lactic acid bacteria from Lighvan cheese, a semihard cheese made from raw sheep milk in Iran
Authors: NAVIDGHASEMIZAD SAHAR , HESARI JAVAD , SARIS PER , NAHAEI MOHAMMAD REZA 
Published: May 2009

The lactic acid bacteria contributing to Lighvan cheese ripening during the different stages of production were investigated. Isolated strains from different culture media were identified phenotypically to species and subspecies level. In total, 413 strains were isolated from raw milk, 1‐day‐old cheese and fully ripened cheese. The most abundant species belonged to Enterococcus faecium (87 isolates), Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis (68 isolates), Enterococcus faecalis (55 isolates) and Lactobacillus plantarum (48 isolates). E. faecium, Lc. lactis and Lb. plantarum were the predominantly isolated strains from ripened cheese. Therefore, they may contribute considerably to the aroma and flavour development of Lighvan cheese.