bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of metabolic syndrome with impaired heart rate recovery and low exercise capacity in young male adults
Authors: Deniz Ferhat , Katircibasi Mahmut Tuna , Pamukcu Burak , Binici Suleyman , Sanisoglu S. Yavuz 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground  Impaired heart rate recovery (HRR) is a powerful predictor of overall mortality.Aim  The aim of the present study is to assess HRR in young adult males with metabolic syndrome and to compare HRR with those of obese patients who do not meet the criteria for metabolic syndrome.Patients and methods  Sixty‐four newly diagnosed and untreated young male subjects (24 ± 3 years) with metabolic syndrome and 40 age and sex matched obese or overweight control subjects (ages 23 ± 3 years) were enrolled in the study. All subjects performed a symptom limited exercise stress test under the standard Bruce protocol. HRR was calculated in the first, second and third minutes of the recovery period. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and HRR was evaluated via logistic regression analysis and a P‐value < 0·05 was accepted as significant.Results  Body mass index (BMI) was 38·6 ± 3·68 and 32·22 ± 2·99 kg/m2 in the study and control groups, respectively (P < 0·001). Total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressures and fasting glucose levels were significantly higher in the study group. HRR in the first minute of the recovery period and mean exercise capacity were significantly lower in the study‐group patients with metabolic syndrome (P < 0·001 and P = 0·012, respectively).Conclusion  We determined that HRR was impaired in young adult males with metabolic syndrome compared with obese ones who do not meet the criteria of metabolic syndrome. This decreased HRR may have prognostic value in the prediction of vascular events in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Effects of grazing and ant/beetle interaction on seed production in the legume Vicia sepium in a seminatural grassland
Authors: LENOIR LISETTE , PIHLGREN AINA 
Published: November 2006

Abstract 1. Seed production can be affected by cattle grazing, insect herbivores, and seed predators. Bush vetch, Vicia sepium L. (Fabaceae), possess extra floral nectaries (EFNs), which can attract ants that act as plant defenders.2. In this field study, four different manipulations were used to investigate interactions between V. sepium, ants, aphids, and seed predators, mainly Bruchus atomarius. The experiment was set up in grazed and non‐grazed plots in a semi‐natural grassland in south‐central Sweden.3. Grazing negatively affected number of V. sepium buds, flowers, and pods. Seed set, defined as the number of developed seeds per number of ovules in a pod, was higher in grazed plots. Ant abundance, however, was not affected by grazing. Ten different ant species were found on V. sepium and the number of ants was positively correlated with the presence of EFNs. Aphids were found only when ants were excluded from the plants. Pod and seed production of V. sepium plants was not affected by the presence of ants. The seed predator B. atomarius was not affected by the presence of ants. No support was found for the supposition that V. sepium benefited from attracting ants by producing extra floral nectar.4. A small observational study of V. sepium plants in shrub (Rosa dumalis) plots compared with grassland plots was added to the experimental study. Vicia sepium plants were longer and had higher seed‐set (seeds/ovules) in shrub plots than in grassland plots.
Immunolocalization of duodenal cytochrome B: a relationship with circulating markers of iron status
Authors: Li A. C. Y. , Warley A. , Thoree V. , Simpson R. J. , Mckie A. T. , Kodjabashia K. , Thompson R. P. H. , Powell J. J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  The brush border ferric reductase (Dcytb) is critical for the absorption of dietary iron and appears to be expressed on the duodenal enterocyte brush border. The Dcytb expression is increased in severe iron‐deficient anaemia, but the situation in a more typical mild iron deficiency is unclear. This study investigated Dcytb expression in patients with normal iron status or mild iron deficiency and its relationships with enterocyte iron status.Materials and methods  Duodenal biopsy specimens and blood samples were obtained from 32 patients undergoing routine upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Twenty‐three specimens (six iron‐deficient and 17 iron‐replete) were processed for light‐microscopy (LM) and for immunohistochemistry with antibodies against Dcytb and heavy/light chain ferritin subunits. The nine remaining biopsies (three iron‐deficient and six iron‐replete) were processed for electron microscopy (EM). Immunolocalization of Dcytb and intracellular ferritin was performed with appropriate primary antibodies followed by 10‐nm gold conjugate labels.Results  The LM process showed a strong negative correlation between immunolabelling intensity of Dcytb on the enterocyte brush border and serum iron saturation (P < 0·001), but only a weak negative correlation between this antigen and haemoglobin (P = 0·08) or serum ferritin concentrations (P = 0·4). EM confirmed anti‐Dcytb preferential labelling of microvilli rather than enterocyte cytoplasm (P = 0·001), but preferential antiferritin labelling of cytoplasm (P < 0·02). There was no correlation with enterocyte cytoplasmic ferritin labelling (i.e. enterocyte iron status and Dcytb expression).Conclusions  Enterocyte Dcytb brush border expression is increased even in mild iron deficiency and may be related to serum iron saturation. The lack of correlation with enterocyte ferritin expression deserves further study with direct measurement of intracellular iron.
AMP challenge induces a decrease in FENO in asthmatic subjects modulated by nedocromil
Authors: Bruce C. T. , Zhao D. , Yates D. H. , Thomas P. S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Allergen challenge results in an immediate reduction in exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) followed by a long‐term increase. To study mast cell activation in relation to nitric oxide (NO), the study investigated the effect of inhaled adenosine monophosphate (AMP) as a mast cell activator and mast cell stabilizer – nedocromil sodium – on FENO. The NO synthase (NOS) iso‐enzyme involved was studied by the NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine.Materials and methods  A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study was performed in two parts. Part I: eight atopic asthmatic subjects inhaled nedocromil or placebo before the AMP challenge. Spirometry and FENO were measured at intervals over a 24‐h period. Part II: seven subjects inhaled aminoguanidine before an identical protocol was used, as in Part I.Results  Part I: AMP challenge caused a significant decrease from baseline FENO[placebo, 28·9 (20·3–37·4)%, P < 0·002 and nedocromil, 20·9 (8·2–33·6)%, P < 0·01]. Nedocromil gave partial protection against this decrease in FENO. The time‐FENO curve (AUC0–24) differed significantly between nedocromil and placebo: 2·7% (−3·6 to −9) vs. −6·6% (−12 to −1·3) FENO changes h−1, P < 0·002, respectively. Nedocromil protected against AMP‐induced bronchoconstriction (AMP PC20) [nedocromil 182 (72·5–291) mg mL−1 vs. placebo 21·7 (10·7–33) mg mL−1, P < 0·002]. Part II: nebulized aminoguanidine resulted in a significant reduction in FENO from baseline and was greater than after AMP alone (P = 0·006). Nedocromil increased AMP PC20, but no longer protected against the late decrease in FENO.Conclusions  The AMP challenge caused a reduction in FENO as a result of prior treatment with nedocromil. Aminoguanidine abolished the nedocromil‐induced protection on the late reduction in FENO, but not on AMP PC20. Inducible NOS was implicated in the late FENO decrease after the AMP challenge.
High‐ but not low‐dose folic acid improves endothelial function in coronary artery disease
Authors: Moat S. J. , Madhavan A. , Taylor S. Y. , Payne N. , Allen R. H. , Stabler S. P. , Goodfellow J. , McDowell I. F. W. , Lewis M. J. , Lang D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  While folic acid (FA) reduces plasma homocysteine (Hcy), whether the simultaneous improvement in endothelial function is dependent on Hcy lowering per se is questionable. In the present study the relationship between FA dose, Hcy lowering and endothelial function in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) was investigated.Materials and methods  Eighty‐four patients with CAD received either 400 µg FA or 5 mg placebo daily for a 6‐week treatment period. A further 44 patients with CAD received either 100 mg kg−1 day−1 of betaine or placebo for a 6‐week treatment period. Flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), a measure of endothelial function, was assessed before and after the 6‐week periods. Isometric tension and Western blotting were used to investigate the effect of FA on endothelial function and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) dimerization in isolated rabbit aortic rings and cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC), respectively.Results  Both 400 µg day−1 and 5 mg day−1 FA significantly increased plasma folate and decreased plasma Hcy. The FMD improved significantly after 6 weeks’ treatment of 5 mg day−1 FA but did not correlate with the reduction in Hcy. There was no change in FMD in either the 400 µg FA or placebo group. In a subgroup analysis of 11 patients in the betaine group, despite a reduced Hcy, a significant impairment in FMD was observed. In the in vitro studies FA, but not betaine, reversed methionine‐induced endothelial dysfunction. Moreover, the FA promoted eNOS dimerization in cultured PAEC.Conclusions  These data suggest that FA dose‐dependently improves endothelial function in CAD via a mechanism independently of Hcy lowering. It may involve promotion of eNOS dimerization.
Wood CO2 efflux in a primary tropical rain forest
Authors: CAVALERI MOLLY A. , OBERBAUER STEVEN F. , RYAN MICHAEL G. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe balance between photosynthesis and plant respiration in tropical forests may substantially affect the global carbon cycle. Woody tissue CO2 efflux is a major component of total plant respiration, but estimates of ecosystem‐scale rates are uncertain because of poor sampling in the upper canopy and across landscapes. To overcome these problems, we used a portable scaffolding tower to measure woody tissue CO2 efflux from ground level to the canopy top across a range of sites of varying slope and soil phosphorus content in a primary tropical rain forest in Costa Rica. The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine whether to use surface area, volume, or biomass for modeling and extrapolating wood CO2 efflux, (2) determine if wood CO2 efflux varied seasonally, (3) identify if wood CO2 efflux varied by functional group, height in canopy, soil fertility, or slope, and (4) extrapolate wood CO2 efflux to the forest. CO2 efflux from small diameter woody tissue (<10 cm) was related to surface area, while CO2 efflux from stems >10 cm was related to both surface area and volume. Wood CO2 efflux showed no evidence of seasonality over 2 years. CO2 efflux per unit wood surface area at 25° (FA) was highest for the N‐fixing dominant tree species Pentaclethra macroloba, followed by other tree species, lianas, then palms. Small diameter FA increased steeply with increasing height, and large diameter FA increased with diameter. Soil phosphorus and slope had slight, but complex effects on FA. Wood CO2 efflux per unit ground area was 1.34±0.36 μmol m−2 s−1, or 508±135 g C m−2 yr−1. Small diameter wood, only 15% of total woody biomass, accounted for 70% of total woody tissue CO2 efflux from the forest; while lianas, only 3% of total woody biomass, contributed one‐fourth of the total wood CO2 efflux.
Projecting future N2O emissions from agricultural soils in Belgium
Authors: ROELANDT CAROLINE , DENDONCKER NICOLAS , ROUNSEVELL MARK , PERRIN DOMINIQUE , VAN WESEMAEL BAS 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis study analyses the spatial and temporal variability of N2O emissions from the agricultural soils of Belgium. Annual N2O emission rates are estimated with two statistical models, MCROPS and MGRASS, which take account of the impact of changes in land use, climate, and nitrogen‐fertilization rate. The models are used to simulate the temporal trend of N2O emissions between 1990 and 2050 for a 10′ latitude and longitude grid. The results are also aggregated to the regional and national scale to facilitate comparison with other studies and national inventories. Changes in climate and land use are derived from the quantitative scenarios developed by the ATEAM project based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change‐Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (IPCC‐SRES) storylines. The average N2O flux for Belgium was estimated to be 8.6 × 106 kg N2O‐N yr−1 (STD = 2.1 × 106 kg N2O‐N yr−1) for the period 1990–2000. Fluxes estimated for a single year (1996) give a reasonable agreement with published results at the national and regional scales for the same year. The scenario‐based simulations of future N2O emissions show the strong influence of land‐use change. The scenarios A1FI, B1 and B2 produce similar results between 2001 and 2050 with a national emission rate in 2050 of 11.9 × 106 kg N2O‐N yr−1. The A2 scenario, however, is very sensitive to the reduction in agricultural land areas (−14% compared with the 1990 baseline), which results in a reduced emission rate in 2050 of 8.3 × 106 kg N2O‐N yr−1. Neither the climatic change scenarios nor the reduction in nitrogen fertilization rate could explain these results leading to the conclusion that N2O emissions from Belgian agricultural soils will be more markedly affected by changes in agricultural land areas.
Glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor family‐related receptor signalling exacerbates hapten‐induced colitis by CD4+ T cells
Authors: Lee Sun K. , Choi Beom K. , Kim Young H. , Kang Woo J. , Kim Kwang H. , Sakaguchi Shimon , Suh Jae H. , Kim Tae Y. , Kwon Byoung S. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryThe glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor family related gene (GITR) has been reported to be expressed on the activated T and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg). Signalling triggered by GITR not only neutralizes the suppressive effect of Treg cells, but also augments activation, proliferation and cytokine production of effector T cells. To test the role of GITR in 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitis − a murine model of mucosal inflammation − TNBS‐injected Balb/c mice were treated with agonistic anti‐GITR monoclonal antibody (mAb). Anti‐GITR treatment increased the death rate compared to rat IgG‐treated mice. Typically, death occurred within 4 days after the TNBS injection when the mice were treated with anti‐GITR. The mice that survived anti‐GITR treatment suffered from severe inflammation in their entire intestines. CD4+ T‐depletion protected the mice from colitis; even an anti‐GITR effect was not apparent. In contrast, CD8+ T depletion showed less protective than did CD4+ T depletion. Stimulation of GITR enhanced the production of proinflammatory cytokines including interferon (IFN)‐γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐12. It also enhanced the humoral response such as serum levels of IgG2b and IgA, which was completely dependent on CD4+ T cells. Taken together, this study demonstrated that GITR signalling on CD4+ T cells is involved in the development and progress of colitis by enhancing both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 type responses.
Linking recreational disturbance to population size in a ground‐nesting passerine
Authors: MALLORD JOHN W. , DOLMAN PAUL M. , BROWN ANDY F. , SUTHERLAND WILLIAM J. 
Published: November 2006

Summary

There is often a perceived conflict between recreational access and wildlife conservation. Although many studies have investigated the potential effects on birds, this is the first study to demonstrate an impact of recreational disturbance on population size.
We studied the impact of disturbance on a woodlark Lullula arborea population on 16 heathland sites in southern England. These sites all had historical records of breeding woodlarks and together encompassed a range of visitor‐access levels.
A logistic regression model of patch use was used to quantify the area of habitat suitable for woodlarks. Woodlarks favoured patches with substantial proportions of bare ground and short vegetation. Across heaths, woodlark density (per hectare of suitable habitat) was lower on sites with higher levels of disturbance. Within heaths with recreational access, the probability of suitable habitat being colonized was lower in those areas with greater disturbance and was reduced to below 50% at around eight disturbance events per hour. There was no relationship between disturbance and daily nest survival rates. Birds on heaths with higher levels of disturbance fledged more chicks (per pair) because of a strong density‐dependent increase in reproductive output.
A model is presented that predicts the consequences for the woodlark population of a range of access scenarios. The impact on the population depends on both the numbers of people and their spatial distribution. Under current access arrangements, a doubling of visitor numbers has little effect, while the same number of people distributed evenly across all sites leads to a major negative impact on the population. Density‐dependent breeding success partially balances the negative effects of disturbance; however, we calculated that there is currently a 17% reduction in productivity compared with that predicted in the absence of disturbance.
Synthesis and applications. Many previous studies have stressed the negative effects of recreational disturbance on birds’ behaviour, distribution and breeding success. However, from a conservation viewpoint, the impact at the population level is of paramount importance. Modelling the population‐scale consequences of alternative access scenarios will help policymakers develop appropriate mitigation measures.
Behaviour and emotional problems in toddlers with pervasive developmental disorders and developmental delay: associations with parental mental health and family functioning
Authors: Herring S. , Gray K. , Taffe J. , Tonge B. , Sweeney D. , Einfeld S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  Behavioural and emotional problems occur at a high rate in children and adolescents with intellectual disability, often from a young age. Some studies have indicated that children and adolescents with autism present with even higher rates. Less is known about the presentation, development and family impact of these difficulties in young children with autism. This study aimed to explore these issues in toddlers with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs), those with delay without a PDD, and their families.Methods  Participants were 123 children aged 20–51 months, referred to a developmental assessment clinic. Parents completed a checklist on child behavioural and emotional problems, and individual questionnaires on family functioning, their own mental health, and stress in relation to parenting their child. The child’s language and cognitive skills, adaptive functioning and behaviour were assessed by standardized measures. Measures were repeated 1 year postdiagnosis. Behavioural and emotional problems in young children with a PDD were compared with those in children with developmental delay without a PDD, and their impact on parental outcomes explored over time.Results  Initial and follow‐up measures of child behaviour and emotional problems, parent mental health problems, parent stress and family functioning were significantly correlated, providing some evidence of stability over time. Child emotional and behavioural problems contributed significantly more to mother stress, parent mental health problems, and perceived family dysfunction than child diagnosis (PDD/non‐PDD), delay or gender. Compared with mothers, all fathers reported significantly less stress in relation to parenting their child.Conclusion  Results highlighted the importance of addressing emotional and behavioural problems in very young children with autism and/or developmental delay. The need for early support and intervention for mothers, fathers and families in this context was also evidenced. As research has shown that behavioural and emotional problems persist into adolescence and young adulthood, understanding of these issues in very young children and their parents has important implications for intervention and long‐term outcomes.
The contribution of marital quality to the well‐being of parents of children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Kersh J. , Hedvat T.T. , Hauser‐Cram P. , Warfield M. E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  This study examines the contribution of the marital relationship to the well‐being of both mothers and fathers of children with developmental disabilities. Parent well‐being is conceptualized in terms of mental health, parenting stress and parenting efficacy.Methods  These analyses are based on data from 67 families participating in the Early Intervention Collaborative Study, an ongoing longitudinal investigation of the development of children with disabilities and the adaptation of their families. Multidimensional assessment techniques were used to collect data from married mothers and fathers and their child with a disability. Mother and father data were analysed separately using parallel hierarchical regression models.Results  For both mothers and fathers, greater marital quality predicted lower parenting stress and fewer depressive symptoms above and beyond socio‐economic status, child characteristics and social support. In relation to parenting efficacy, marital quality added significant unique variance for mothers but not for fathers. For fathers, greater social support predicted increased parenting efficacy. Child behaviour was also a powerful predictor of parental well‐being for both mothers and fathers.Conclusion  The findings support the importance of the marital relationship to parental well‐being and illustrate the value of including fathers in studies of children with developmental disabilities.