bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary intake among under-, normal- and overweight 9- and 15-year-old Estonian and Swedish schoolchildren
Authors: Villa Inga , Yngve Agneta , Poortvliet Eric , Grjibovski Andrej , Liiv Krystiine , Sjöström Michael , Harro Maarike 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the differences in macronutrient and food group contribution to total food and energy intakes between Estonian and Swedish under-, normal- and overweight schoolchildren, and to estimate the association between diet and body mass index (BMI).DesignCross-sectional comparison between Estonian and Swedish children and adolescents of different BMI groups.SettingTwenty-five schools from one region in Estonia and 42 in two regions of central Sweden.SubjectsIn total 2308 participants (1176 from Estonia and 1132 from Sweden), including 1141 children with a mean age of 9.6 ± 0.5 years and 1167 adolescents with a mean age of 15.5 ± 0.6 years.ResultsOverweight was more prevalent among younger girls in Sweden (17.0 vs. 8.9%) and underweight among girls of both age groups in Estonia (7.9 vs. 3.5% in younger and 10.5 vs. 5.1% in older age group of girls). Compared with that of normal- and underweight peers, the diet of overweight Estonian children contained more energy as fat (36.8 vs. 31.7%) but less as carbohydrates, and they consumed more milk and meat products. Absolute BMI of Estonian participants was associated positively with energy consumption from eggs and negatively with energy consumption from sweets and sugar. Swedish overweight adolescents tended to consume more energy from protein and milk products. Risk of being overweight was positively associated with total energy intake and energy from fish or meat products. In both countries the association of overweight and biological factors (pubertal maturation, parental BMI) was stronger than with diet.ConclusionThe finding that differences in dietary intake between under-, normal- and overweight schoolchildren are country-specific suggests that local dietary habits should be considered in intervention projects addressing overweight.
Immune regulatory functions of human beta‐defensin‐2 in odontoblast‐like cells
Authors: Dommisch H. , Winter J. , Willebrand C. , Eberhard J. , Jepsen S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To investigate the effects of human beta‐defensins on the expression of genes involved in the host immune response of the dental pulp.Methodology  Human odontoblast‐like cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium. Cells were stimulated by recombinant human beta‐defensins (rhBDs) up to 4 h. RNA was extracted followed by cDNA synthesis (oligo‐(dT)‐primer). Samples were analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. Genes of interest were: human beta‐defensin‐1, ‐2, interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, cyclooxygenase‐2, leukotriene‐A4‐hydrolase, cytosolic phospholipase‐A‐2 (cPLA2), and dentine sialophosphoprotein. Gene expression of beta‐actin served as internal standard for normalizing real‐time PCR data. Two‐way anova and the paired t‐test were applied for comparison of the gene expression.Results  In odontoblast‐like cells rhBD‐2 stimulation led to a down‐regulation of the gene expression of hBD‐1 (P < 0.05), whilst the mRNA expression of IL‐6 (P < 0.05), IL‐8 (P < 0.05) and cPLA2 was increased in response to rhBD‐2.Conclusion  The results of the present study suggest immune regulatory functions of human beta‐defensin‐2 in odontoblast‐like cells.
Allocation of substance use disorder patients to appropriate levels of care: feasibility of matching guidelines in routine practice in Dutch treatment centres
Authors: Merkx Maarten J. M. , Schippers Gerard M. , Koeter Maarten J. W. , Vuijk Pieter Jelle , Oudejans Suzan , De Vries Carlijn C. Q. , Van Den Brink Wim 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To examine the feasibility of implementing evidence‐based guidelines for patient–treatment‐matching to levels of care in two Dutch substance abuse treatment centres.Design  Multi‐centre observational follow‐up study.Setting  Two large substance abuse treatment centres (SATCs).Participants  All 4394 referrals to the two SATCs in 2003.Measurements  Baseline patient characteristics needed for treatment allocation according to protocol, treatment allocation according to matching protocol, treatment allocation according to actual level of care (LOC) entered.Analysis  Comparison of recommended and actual LOC entered. Evaluation of reasons for observed differences between recommended and actual LOC entered.Findings  Data needed for treatment allocation according to protocol were available for 2269 (51.6%) patients. Data needed for evaluation of actual LOC entered were available for 1765 (40.2%) patients. Of these patients, 1089 (60.8%) were allocated according to protocol: 48.4% based on the guideline algorithm and 12.4% based on clinically justified deviations from this algorithm. The main reason for deviation was a different appraisal of addiction severity, made by the intake counsellor compared to the protocol.Conclusion  The feasibility of guideline‐based treatment allocation is seriously limited due to inadequate data collection of patient characteristics and suboptimal guideline‐based treatment allocation. As a consequence, only 24.4% of the patients could be evaluated as being matched properly to the treatment planned. The results indicate several barriers which limit the adequate implementation of patient–treatment‐matching guidelines: problems in the infrastructure of data collection and storage and the inertia of intake staff who did not adhere to the guidelines for assessment and matching.
Caligus elongatus Nordmann genotypes on wild and farmed fish
Authors: Øines Ø , Heuch P A 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTwo mitochondrial genotypes have been described for Caligus elongatus Nordmann in Norway. This article reports on the distribution of C. elongatus mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase 1 genotypes from wild fish hosts from the SE Norwegian coast. For comparison, lice from areas with fish farming were included in the study. The genotype distribution of 841 lice from wild coastal (n = 535), wild North Sea pelagic (n = 26), farmed (n = 160) and wild hosts in areas of fish farming (n = 89) is presented. The genotype frequencies of C. elongatus on wild coastal hosts varied significantly between spring and autumn. Lice from these fish show a large proportion of genotype 1 lice in March–June every year. Genotype 2 lice were found more frequently in autumn. Genotype 1 was clearly associated with the lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus L. The genotype frequency appeared to be different in areas with aquaculture. Caligus elongatus from farmed fish and wild fish caught close to Atlantic salmon fish farms in Norway were predominantly genotype 1 in autumn. Genotypes of C. elongatus on the SE coast of Norway vary according to season and fish species. Factors involved in the encounter between fish and lice are important for the establishment of lice on their hosts.
Determination of the Genital Tubercle Migration Period in Morada Nova Sheep Foetuses by Ultrasonography
Authors: Santos MHB , Rabelo MC , Guido SI , Torreão JNC , Lopes Júnior ES , Freitas VJF , De Lima PF , Oliveira MAL 
Published: February 2007

ContentsThe aim of this study was to determine the period of genital tubercle (GT) migration using ultrasonography in Morada Nova sheep foetuses (n = 117) from natural mating (NM) and frozen embryo transfer (ET) to determine the window when foetal sexing can be determined. The examinations were performed using transrectal ultrasonography with a dual‐frequency linear transducer (6.0 and 8.0 MHz) from day 30–54 of pregnancy at 48‐h intervals. The period of GT migration of foetuses produced by NM varied from 36 to 46 days of pregnancy, resulting in an average of 39.5 ± 2.9 days. For foetuses derived from ET, GT migration varied from 42 to 52 days of pregnancy with an average of 48.5 ± 3.3 days, being possible the GT of foetuses from ET start to migrate 96 h later even if they are of the same gender. Migration of the GT occurred earlier (p < 0.05) in foetuses produced by NM and sexing accuracy for triplet pregnancies (77.8%) was significantly inferior (p < 0.05) to single (100%) and twin (92.9%) pregnancies for foetuses derived by NM. The results allow one to conclude that foetal sexing can be done from the 50th day onwards in foetuses produced by NM and from the 55th day onwards in foetuses derived from ET, and that multiple pregnancies compromise the sexing accuracy by ultrasonography.
Changes in plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide after allograft renal transplantation
Authors: WEI TIE‐MIN , JIN LIE , LV LING‐CHUN , ZHANG BAO‐JIN , WANG LE‐XIN 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARY:Objective:  To investigate the dynamic changes in plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) after allograft renal transplantation.Methods:  Plasma BNP was measured in 17 patients before and after unilateral allograft renal transplantation (study group) and in 17 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals (control group).Results:  Average BNP level in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group before renal transplantation (P < 0.001). After transplantation, blood pressure was reduced and left ventricular ejection fraction was increased (P < 0.01). There was also a substantial reduction in plasma BNP and blood creatinine following the surgery (P < 0.001). Graft dysfunction accompanied by significant rebound in plasma BNP levels was detected in four patients within 2 weeks of the surgery.Conclusion:  Plasma BNP levels are elevated in patients with chronic renal failure. Allograft renal transplantation significantly reduces BNP. Sudden increases in plasma BNP after the transplantation are associated with allograft dysfunction. Together with other biomarkers, plasma BNP may be used to predict the changes in renal function after transplantation.
Verosphacela silvae sp. nov. (Onslowiaceae, Phaeophyceae) from the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Alongi Giuseppina , Cormaci Mario , Furnari Giovanni 
Published: February 2007

SUMMARYWe describe Verosphacela silvae sp. nov., from the Mediterranean Sea. It consists of horizontal filaments living on the lower face of the red alga Peyssonnelia rubra (Greville) J. Agardh, from which erect filaments up to 1.5 mm high rise and grow upright after passing through the thallus of the supporting species. There are both horizontal and erect filaments growing by apical cells. In the subapical cells, 1–2 longitudinal divisions occur (more frequently in the erect filaments) but no secondary transverse divisions occur. Erect filaments bear lateral propagules on a stalk of one to three (rarely more) cells. Propagules, with neither apical cells nor arms, consist of seven cells. Zoidangia are borne at the apex of erect laterals. The new species differs from V. ebrachia Henry mainly in habit, propagules and zoidangia. In addition, distinct from V. ebrachia, filaments of V. silvae never penetrate between the cuticle and the cell wall of the supporting alga. Moreover, propagules of V. silvae consist of seven cells, whereas those of V. ebrachia consist of 9–13 cells, and zoidangia are terminal on laterals in V. silvae, whereas in V. ebrachia they are sessile on both axes and laterals.
Effects of short‐term cinnamon ingestion on in vivo glucose tolerance
Authors: Solomon T. P. J. , Blannin A. K. 
Published: February 2007

Aims:  Various spices display insulin‐potentiating activity in vitro, and in particular, cinnamon spice and its phenolic extracts have been shown to exhibit these capabilities. In vivo study shows that cinnamon may have beneficial effects on glucose homeostasis; therefore the aim of this study was to further investigate this phenomenon in humans.Methods:  Seven lean healthy male volunteers, aged 26 ± 1 years, body mass index 24.5 ± 0.3 kg/m2 (mean ± s.e.m.), underwent three oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) supplemented with either a 5 g placebo (OGTTcontrol), 5 g of cinnamon (OGTTcin), or 5 g of cinnamon taken 12 h before (OGTTcin12hpre) in a randomized‐crossover design.Results:  Cinnamon ingestion reduced total plasma glucose responses (AUC) to oral glucose ingestion [−13% and −10% for OGTTcin (p < 0.05) and OGTTcin12hpre (p < 0.05), respectively], as well as improving insulin sensitivity as assessed by insulin sensitivity index measures based on Matsuda’s model in both OGTTcin (p < 0.05) and OGTTcin12hpre (p < 0.05) trials compared with OGTTcontrol.Conclusions:  These data illustrate that cinnamon spice supplementation may be important to in vivo glycaemic control and insulin sensitivity in humans, and not only are its effects immediate, they also appear to be sustained for 12 h.
INCOME DISTRIBUTION, TECHNICAL CHANGE AND THE DYNAMICS OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
Authors: Landesmann Michael A. , Stehrer Robert 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper explores the features of a dynamic multisectoral model that focuses on the relationship between income distribution, growth and international specialization. The model is explored both for the steady‐state properties and the transitory dynamics of integrated economies. Income inequality affects the patterns of growth and international specialization as the model uses non‐linear Engel curves and hence different income groups are characterized by different expenditure patterns. At the same time income distribution is also reflected in the relative wage rates of skilled to unskilled workers, i.e. the skill premium, and hence the wage structure affects comparative costs of industries which have different skill intensities. The model is applied to a situation that analyses qualitatively different economic development strategies of catching‐up economies (a ‘Latin American’ scenario and a ‘East Asian’ scenario).
CAN THE POOR COUNTRIES CATCH UP? MIXED RESULTS FROM EXTENDED SOURCES OF GROWTH PROJECTIONS FOR THE EARLY 21st CENTURY
Authors: Taylor Lance , Rada Codrina 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTIllustrative projections of per capita income gaps between two groups of developing economies and the rich economies for the period 1998–2030 are made on the basis of an extended sources of growth equation which accounts for interactions between trends in capital and labor productivity. The equation takes into consideration Kaldor–Verdoorn effects, possible impacts on labor productivity of trade liberalization and/or astute industrial policy, human and physical capital accumulation, employment and population growth, shifting shares of labor in income and traded goods in output, shifts in capital productivity, productivity growth retardation due to convergence and specific regional effects. Under optimistic assumptions about all these factors and in the historically unprecedented absence of adverse macroeconomic shocks over three decades, relative and absolute convergence of both regions to the rich countries may be possible.
A fresh start and the learning experience of ethnic minority entrepreneurs
Authors: Ekanem Ignatius , Wyer Peter 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis paper focuses on ethnic minority entrepreneurs whose businesses failed within the first 3 years of trading, but were starting afresh with the help of the Brent Business Venture Fresh Start in Business programme. The paper aims to identify why the entrepreneurs had previously failed; what prompted them to start again; what was different about their business approach and practices second time around; and how key lessons had been learned as a result of their previous experiences that can improve their prospects for success in the future. The resultant insight derives out of an evaluation study of the Fresh Start programme, the methodology for which included initial telephone interviews with 20 ethnic minority entrepreneurs spread across eight business sectors, during which profile data were collected. The second phase of the study involved in‐depth face‐to‐face and semi‐structured interviews with the 20 entrepreneurs. The main findings suggest that failed entrepreneurs learn from their mistakes and actions embedded in the development processes and activities underpinning their first business venture attempt and are more successful second time around. The key learning processes and activities include learning from customer feedback, from interface with suppliers, from interaction with peers and from the fostering and facilitating inputs of provision such as the Fresh Start programme. The ability to learn by doing, problem‐solving and opportunity‐taking is important. The study concludes by highlighting key identified management capabilities which can improve the likelihood of new venture success, and in particular the value of giving future focus to the nature and form of effective strategic learning processes and activities that successful owner managers undertake and how these could be nurtured as part of the would‐be entrepreneurs’‘management capabilities tool box’.
Learning good judgement: young Europeans’ perceptions of key consumer skills
Authors: Schröder Monika J.A. , McKinnon Sabine 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA convenience sample of 27 European Union (EU) citizens and two Romanians residing in the Scottish Central Belt took part in in‐depth interviews to explore a wide range of consumer decision‐making scenarios which ranged from borrowing and saving to impulse buying and ‘value for money’ choices. The aim of the research was to identify and assess how well educated young EU consumers perceive the consumer education process and the precise nature of consumption specific skills. Given the focus of the present paper on consumer judgement, the role of values received particular attention. The Schwartz Value Inventory served as a conceptual framework for analysing the responses. The results show that the family in its role as primary creator of values was considered the most important agent in the consumer education process because it establishes a routine pattern of decision making. Further support from social networks in the wider community and real‐life experience through trial and error were cited as equally significant for acquiring useful consumer skills. There was consensus that the influence of schools was limited to providing generic citizenship education rather than specific consumer studies classes. The findings of this study point to the need for changing the current focus of consumer education and consumer policy from an emphasis on training the vulnerable consumer to a more inclusive agenda which concentrates on value education for all market players including producers and marketers.
Histologic Comparison of Canine Skin Biopsies Collected Using Monopolar Electrosurgery, CO2 Laser, Radiowave Radiosurgery, Skin Biopsy Punch, and Scalpel
Authors: SILVERMAN EDWARD B. , READ ROBERT W. , BOYLE CAROLYN R. , COOPER ROBERT , MILLER WILLIAM W. , McLAUGHLIN RON M. 
Published: February 2007

Objective— To compare the histologic appearance of canine skin biopsies collected by use of a scalpel, skin biopsy punch, monopolar electrosurgery, CO2 laser, and radio wave radiosurgery in fully rectified wave form (RWRS).Study Design— Experimental, randomized design.Animals— Healthy adult grayhounds (n=4).Methods— Skin biopsies were collected using 5 techniques. Cut margins of biopsy specimens and adjacent peripheral skin were evaluated using light microscopy to compare penetration of the dermis by tissue carbonization (char).Results— No char occurred in skin specimens collected by biopsy punch and scalpel. Char penetration occurred in all specimens collected by electrosurgery, CO2 laser, and RWRS. Mean char penetration in skin biopsies collected by RWRS (0.158 mm) was significantly less than for monopolar electrosurgery (0.223 mm) and CO2 laser (0.215 mm). Mean char penetration in adjacent peripheral skin surrounding biopsies collected by RWRS (0.171 mm) was significantly less than monopolar electrosurgery (0.255 mm) but not less than CO2 laser (0.215 mm, P<.07).Conclusions— RWRS (blended waves in cut‐coagulate mode) caused less lateral thermal damage to canine skin biopsies than monopolar electrosurgery and CO2 laser and less lateral thermal injury to peripheral skin than monopolar electrosurgery.Clinical Relevance— Excision of canine skin biopsies with heat‐generating devices may not allow reliable histologic interpretation, particularly when assessing margins of small biopsy specimens. RWRS may be less traumatic to canine skin than monopolar electrosurgery and CO2 laser when used to make incisions.
Evaluation of Two Dynamic Axial Fixators for Large Ruminants
Authors: SINGH GAJ RAJ , AITHAL HARI PRASAD , AMARPAL, MVSc, PhD  , KINJAVDEKAR PRAKASH , MAITI SWAPAN KUMAR , HOQUE MOZAMMEL , PAWDE ABHIJIT MOTIRAM , JOSHI HEM CHANDRA 
Published: February 2007

Objectives—To evaluate healing of a radial osteotomy repaired by application of dynamic axial fixation devices (DAF) in large ruminants.Study Design—In vivo study of bone healing after application of 2 DAF types. Model I had 2 sidebars, each with a central cylindrical cuff (internally threaded) with 2 detachable connecting rods telescoping within the cuff. Model II had 2 side bars with 2 moveable clamps with multiple holes.Sample Population—Bull calves (n=8; aged, 1.5–2.0 years; weighing, 175–250 kg).Methods—A mid‐diaphyseal radial osteotomy was repaired by use of a model I (n=4) or model II (n=4) DAF. Calves were monitored for weight bearing, stability of fixation, and radiographically for fracture reduction, alignment and healing at intervals for 6 months. Fixators were removed when there was radiographic evidence of healing.Results—Both the fixators were well tolerated with free movement of adjacent joints. Fragment fixation was maintained until healing in all but 1 model I calf where failure occurred within 7 days. Model II DAF provided more rigid fixation as indicated by early full weight bearing and fracture healing with less callus formation. Functional recovery of repaired limbs occurred within 60 days in surviving calves.Conclusions—Both bilateral DAFs were easy to apply; however, the model II DAF provided better fixation.Clinical Relevance—The model II DAF made of low carbon steel was economical and may be useful for treating long bone fractures in large ruminants.
Tranylcypromine vs. lamotrigine in the treatment of refractory bipolar depression: a failed but clinically useful study
Authors: Nolen W. A. , Kupka R. W. , Hellemann G. , Frye M. A. , Altshuler L. L. , Leverich G. S. , Suppes T. , Keck P. E. , McElroy S. , Grunze H. , Mintz J. , Post R. M. 
Published: February 2007

Objective:  To compare the efficacy and tolerability of tranylcypromine vs. lamotrigine in bipolar depression not responding to conventional antidepressants.Method:  Bipolar depressed patients received open randomized treatment with tranylcypromine or lamotrigine as add‐on to a mood stabilizer during 10 weeks. In a second treatment phase, non‐responding patients could receive the opposite drug. Outcome criteria were response (measured with CGI‐BP and IDS‐C), switch into mania, and completion of the study.Results:  Only 20 of 70 planned patients were randomized, due to problems with recruitment, and 19 patients received any medication. During the first treatment phase 5/8 patients (62.5%) responded to tranylcypromine without switch into mania, compared with 4/11 patients (36.4%) on lamotrigine with two switches (statistically not significant). Over both treatment phases, 8/10 patients (80%) receiving tranylcypromine completed the study vs. 5/13 (38.5%) on lamotrigine (likelihood 0.02).Conclusion:  There still appears to be a role for tranylcypromine in the treatment of refractory bipolar depression. Larger controlled studies are demanded.