bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inferring intermediate‐scale fluid flow in a heterogeneous metasedimentary multilayer sequence during progressive deformation: evidence from the Monts d’Arrée slate belt (Brittany, France)
Authors: BERWOUTS I. , VAN NOORDEN M. , MUCHEZ PH. , BOYCE A. J. , SINTUBIN M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractQuartz veins in the early Variscan Monts d’Arrée slate belt (Central Armorican Terrane, Western France), have been used to determine fluid‐flow characteristics. A combination of a detailed structural analysis, fluid inclusion microthermometry and stable isotope analyses provides insights in the scale of fluid flow and the water–rock interactions. This research suggests that fluids were expelled during progressive deformation and underwent an evolution in fluid chemistry because of changing redox conditions. Seven quartz‐vein generations were identified in the metasedimentary multilayer sequence of the Upper Silurian to Lower Devonian Plougastel Formation, and placed within the time frame of the deformation history. Fluid inclusion data of primary inclusions in syn‐ to post‐tectonic vein generations indicate a gradual increase in methane content of the aqueous–gaseous H2O–CO2–NaCl–CH4–N2fluid during similar P–T conditions (350–400°C and 2–3.5 kbar). The heterogeneous centimetre‐ to metre‐scale multilayer sequence of quartzites and phyllites has a range of oxygen‐isotope values (8.0–14.1‰ Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water), which is comparable with the range in the crosscutting quartz veins (10.5–14.7‰ V‐SMOW). Significant differences between oxygen‐isotope values of veins and adjacent host rock (Δ = −2.8‰ to +4.9‰ V‐SMOW) suggest an absence of host‐rock buffering on a centimetre scale, but based on the similar range of isotope values in the Plougastel Formation, an intraformational buffering and an intermediate‐scale fluid‐flow system could be inferred. The abundance of veins, their well‐distributed and isolated occurrence, and their direct relationship with the progressive deformation suggests that the intermediate‐scale fluid‐flow system primarily occurred in a dynamically generated network of temporarily open fractures.
A novel approach based on information theory to rank conservation strategies: an application to amphibian metapopulations
Authors: Gilioli G. , Bodini A. , Baumgärtner J. , Weidmann P. , Hartmann J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHabitat fragmentation, reduction and degradation as well as the quality of habitat connecting environments are critical for species persistence. Spatially explicit metapopulation models considering environmental effects are natural candidates for modelling population viability. However, metapopulations share the inherent uncertainties of the population concept with vague field population definitions. The recognition of the fuzzy nature of populations leads to operational definitions for management purposes. To deal with scarce information and uncertainties in predictions of intervention effects, Adaptive Management is useful. Accordingly, the synthesis of monitoring information is performed with models whose features are continuously adapted to the level of available information. To derive useful indices for conservation strategy evaluation, we propose a novel approach based on the Kullback–Leibler information measure. This is used to evaluate strategies aimed at the conservation of amphibians in an alpine Rhine valley region (Canton of the Grisons, Switzerland) and it is applied to outputs from an incidence function model forBufo bufoandRana temporaria. For these species, establishing four additional breeding sites along the Rhine river is a better strategy than placing two additional sites in intensively cultivated land. Artificial ponds in residential areas contribute to species conservation, and transfer of individuals to new sites has advantages over reliance on spontaneous colonization.Bufo bufoandR. temporariareacted similarly to conservation measures, possibly due to their quite similar ecologies.
Some chemical and microbiological properties of ghee produced in Eastern Anatolia
Authors: KIRAZCI AYSEGUL , JAVIDIPOUR ISSA 
Published: July 2008

Some properties of 30 ghee samples produced in Eastern Anatolia in Turkey were evaluated. Lipolytic bacteria and yeast–mould counts ranged from undetectable to 9.9 × 105 and 6.9 × 105 cfu/g, respectively. Most of the samples showed higher free fatty acids (FFA) and peroxide values (PV) than the limits mentioned in International Dairy Federation standards. Storage at 5°C for 30 days was not sufficient to stop the lipolytic and yeast–mould growth and lipid oxidation of the samples. Ghee samples with considerably higher
trans
‐C18 : 1 and
trans
‐C18 : 2 fatty acids contents were considered to be adulterated with hydrogenated oils. It is recommended that specific attention should be given to technology transfer and the education of traditional dairy product manufacturers.
An investigation of some properties of banana yogurts made with commercial ABT‐2 starter culture during storage
Authors: BAKIRCI IHSAN , KAVAZ ARZU 
Published: July 2008

Five yogurt batches were prepared with banana puree and sugar combinations and ABT‐2 (Streptococcus salivarius ssp. thermophilus, Lactobaccilus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp.) as starter culture. The addition of fruit influenced (P < 0.05) the syneresis, titratable acidity and pH, whereas the viscosity value, and S. salivarius ssp. thermophilus, L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. counts were found to be insignificant. Storage time significantly (P < 0.05) affected the syneresis, titratable acidity, pH value, and S. salivarius ssp. thermophilus counts, while the viscosity value and L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp. counts were not affected. The sensory evaluations showed that the sample B was most preferred by panellists.
The effect of vegetable fat on the physicochemical characteristics of dates ice cream
Authors: NAZARUDDIN R , SYALIZA A S , WAN ROSNANI A I 
Published: July 2008

The effects of vegetable fats in low‐calorie dates ice cream were studied. Fourteen different formulations were optimized by ‘simplex lattice design’. Three types of fat (palm mid‐fraction, palm olein and rice bran oil) were chosen to investigate their particle size distribution, melting resistance, amount of protein in the aqueous phase, colour, viscosity, total solids, percentage of overrun, fat and calorie value in ice cream. Statistical significance was determined by using analysis of variance and compared with the Duncan multiple range test using the SAS program. The significance level was 95% (P = 0.05). The types of fat used in an ice cream formulation have an impact on the colour, particle size diameter, viscosity and caloric value. A high percentage of palm mid‐fraction (> 12%) gave a high intensity of brightness, but less redness and yellowness, while a high percentage of palm olein and rice bran oil gave high intensity of redness and yellowness. Moreover, viscosity was associated with formulations characterized by a high solid fat content. The more unsaturated and the longer the fatty acid chains of the vegetable fat used in the formulation, the more pronounced was the fat globule destabilization. However, the effect of the different fats on melting resistance was less pronounced.
Possible involvement of sigma‐1 receptors in the anti‐immobility action of bupropion, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor
Authors: Dhir Ashish , Kulkarni S.K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSigma receptors particularly, sigma‐1 subtype is known to modulate the release of catecholamines in the brain and may participate in the mechanism of action of various antidepressants. The present study investigated the possible involvement of sigma receptors in modulating the anti‐immobility‐like effect of bupropion (a dopamine reuptake inhibitor) using the forced swim test (FST) in mice. Bupropion produced dose‐dependent (10–40 mg/kg, i.p.) reduction in immobility period and the ED50value was found to be 18.5 (7.34–46.6) mg/kg, i.p. (+)‐Pentazocine (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), a high‐affinity sigma‐1 receptor agonist, produced synergistic response when it was co‐administered with a subeffective dose of bupropion (10 mg/kg, i.p.). On the contrary, pretreatment with progesterone (10 mg/kg, s.c.), a sigma‐1 receptor antagonist neurosteroid, rimcazole (5 mg/kg, i.p.), another sigma‐1 receptor antagonist, or BD 1047 (1 mg/kg, i.p.), a novel sigma‐1 receptor antagonist, reversed the anti‐immobility effects of bupropion (20 mg/kg, i.p.). The various modulators used in the study did not show any effectper seon locomotor activity except bupropion which at a higher dose (15–40 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the locomotor activity. The results for the first time demonstrated the involvement of sigma‐1 receptors in the anti‐immobility effects of bupropion.
Pharmacological treatment of sepsis
Authors: Girbes Armand R.J. , Beishuizen Albert , Van Schijndel Rob J.M. Strack 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe incidence of sepsis, the combination of a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and documented infection, is as high as up to 95 cases per 100,000 people per year. The understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis has much increased over the last 20 years. However, sepsis combined with shock is still associated with a high mortality rate varying from 35 to 55%. Causative treatment, source control and antibiotics started as soon as possible, are the cornerstone of therapy in combination with symptomatic treatment in the ICU. The pharmacological interventions, including fluid resuscitation, vasoactive drugs and adjunctive drugs such as steroids, activated protein C are discussed. The possible beneficial role of strict glucose control is also addressed. Since many drug intervention studies were negative, lessons should be learned from earlier experiences for future trials. Source control and level of intensive care should be eliminated as confounders.
Antihypertensive effect of Nigella sativa seed extract in patients with mild hypertension
Authors: Dehkordi Farshad Roghani , Kamkhah Amir Farhad 
Published: July 2008

AbstractHypertension (HT) is a lifestyle‐related disease and dietary modifications are effective for its management and prevention. We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of treatment with an oral Nigella sativa (NS) seed extract supplement in patients with mild HT. Subjects were randomized into three groups: a placebo and two test groups that received 100 and 200 mg of NS extract twice a day. After 8 weeks, systolic blood pressure (SBP) values in both case groups were found to be significantly reduced when compared with the baseline values for each group. In addition, the decrease in SBP in the two case groups was statistically significant relative to the placebo group (P < 0.05–0.01). Meanwhile, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values in the case groups were found to be significantly reduced from the baseline and a significant reduction was also observed in these groups (P < 0.01) when compared with the placebo group. In addition, extract administration reduced both SBP and DBP in a dose‐dependent manner. Meanwhile, NS extract caused a significant decline in the level of total and low‐density‐lipoprotein (LDL)‐cholesterol relative to baseline data. No complications caused by NS were observed. The results suggest that the daily use of NS seed extract for 2 months may have a blood pressure‐lowering effect in patients with mild HT.
Drug‐induced liver injury through mitochondrial dysfunction: mechanisms and detection during preclinical safety studies
Authors: Labbe Gilles , Pessayre Dominique , Fromenty Bernard 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMitochondrial dysfunction is a major mechanism whereby drugs can induce liver injury and other serious side effects such as lactic acidosis and rhabdomyolysis in some patients. By severely altering mitochondrial function in the liver, drugs can induce microvesicular steatosis, a potentially severe lesion that can be associated with profound hypoglycaemia and encephalopathy. They can also trigger hepatic necrosis and/or apoptosis, causing cytolytic hepatitis, which can evolve into liver failure. Milder mitochondrial dysfunction, sometimes combined with an inhibition of triglyceride egress from the liver, can induce macrovacuolar steatosis, a benign lesion in the short term. However, in the long term this lesion can evolve in some individuals towards steatohepatitis, which itself can progress to extensive fibrosis and cirrhosis. As liver injury caused by mitochondrial dysfunction can induce the premature end of clinical trials, or drug withdrawal after marketing, it should be detected during the preclinical safety studies. Several in vitro and in vivo investigations can be performed to determine if newly developed drugs disturb mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) process, deplete hepatic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), or trigger the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore. As drugs can be deleterious for hepatic mitochondria in some individuals but not in others, it may also be important to use novel animal models with underlying mitochondrial and/or metabolic abnormalities. This could help us to better predict idiosyncratic liver injury caused by drug‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
Contribution of endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factors to the regulation of vascular tone in humans
Authors: Bellien Jeremy , Thuillez Christian , Joannides Robinson 
Published: July 2008

AbstractEndothelium plays a crucial role in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis through the release of vasoactive factors. Besides nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin, increasing evidences show that endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHF) participate in the control of vasomotor tone through the activation of calcium‐activated potassium channels. In humans, the role of EDHF has been demonstrated in various vascular beds including coronary, peripheral, skin and venous vessels. The mechanisms of EDHF‐type relaxations identified in humans involved the release by the endothelium of hydrogen peroxide, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), potassium ions and electronical communication through the gap junctions. The role of EETs could be particularly important because, in addition contributing to the maintenance of the basal tone and endothelium‐dependent dilation of conduit arteries, these factors share many vascular protective properties of NO. The alteration of which might be involved in the physiopathology of cardiovascular diseases. The evolution of EDHF availability in human pathology is currently under investigation with some results demonstrating an increase in EDHF release to compensate the loss of NO synthesis and to maintain the endothelial vasomotor function whereas others reported a parallel decrease in NO and EDHF‐mediated relaxations. Thus, the modulation of EDHF activity emerges as a new pharmacological target and some existing therapies in particular those affecting the renin–angiotensin system have already been shown to improve endothelial function through hyperpolarizing mechanisms. In this context, the development of new specific pharmacological agents especially those increasing EETs availability may help to prevent endothelial dysfunction and therefore enhance cardiovascular protection in patients.
Curcumin prevents and reverses cirrhosis induced by bile duct obstruction or CCl4 in rats: role of TGF‐β modulation and oxidative stress
Authors: Reyes‐Gordillo Karina , Segovia José , Shibayama Mineko , Tsutsumi Victor , Vergara Paula , Moreno Mario G. , Muriel Pablo 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCurcumin is a phytophenolic compound, which is highly efficacious for treating several inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin in preventing or reversing liver cirrhosis. A 4‐week bile duct ligation (BDL) rat model was used to test the ability of curcumin (100 mg/kg, p.o., daily) to prevent cirrhosis. To reverse cirrhosis, CCl4 was administered chronically for 3 months, and then it was withdrawn and curcumin administered for 2 months. Alanine aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, liver histopathology, bilirubin, glycogen, reduced and oxidized glutathione, and TGF‐β (mRNA and protein) levels were assessed. Curcumin preserved normal values of markers of liver damage in BDL rats. Fibrosis, assessed by measuring hydroxyproline levels and histopathology, increased nearly fivefold after BDL and this effect was partially but significantly prevented by curcumin. BDL increased transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) levels (mRNA and proteins), while curcumin partially suppressed this mediator of fibrosis. Curcumin also partially reversed the fibrosis induced by CCl4. Curcumin was effective in preventing and reversing cirrhosis, probably by its ability of reducing TGF‐β expression. These data suggest that curcumin might be an effective antifibrotic and fibrolitic drug in the treatment of chronic hepatic diseases.
Plasma malondialdehyde levels and opiate withdrawal signs observed in rats treated with morphine plus naloxone: effects of α‐lipoic acid administration
Authors: Pinelli Arnaldo , Cighetti Giuliana , Trivulzio Silvio 
Published: July 2008

AbstractA number of experimental studies have found that reactive oxygen species are involved during morphine treatment or withdrawal. The aims of this study were to analyse whether morphine administration and/or removal are related to peroxide generation and/or signs of withdrawal in rats, and whether the changes in antioxidant status induced by the administration of an antioxidant may modify peroxide levels and behavioural signs. We injected morphine or morphine and naloxone into rats and evaluated the plasma levels of peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA) and the appearance of withdrawal signs. We also investigated the effects on these parameters induced by the administration of the antioxidant α‐lipoic acid (LA). Morphine treatment increased MDA levels. Abrupt naloxone‐induced morphine withdrawal caused a further and significant increase in MDA, and the appearance of withdrawal signs such as abnormal fecal excretion, shortened latency times and jumping. The administration of LA lowered MDA levels in the rats treated with morphine or morphine plus naloxone, and also decreased MDA values and abstinence signs in the animals treated with morphine plus naloxone. The effects of LA were attributed to its capacity to scavenge peroxides and interfere with the biogenesis of the arachidonic acid metabolites involved in the expression of abstinence symptoms.
Opening New Frontiers in Colonial Spanish American History: New Perspectives on Indigenous‐Spanish Interactions on the Margins of Empire
Authors: Williams Caroline A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractOver the past decade, the frontiers of Latin America have received an important scholarly boost, thanks to the publication of a number of new studies – seven of which are discussed below – which have shifted attention away from the sedentary societies that the Spanish encountered in Mesoamerica and the Andean region to examine the protracted and difficult process whereby Spaniards incorporated, or attempted to incorporate, the mainly non‐sedentary or semi‐sedentary peoples who inhabited the margins of empire. Common to all these studies is a concern to explore the agency of indigenous peoples, and as this article will show, they shed new light on, and contribute greatly to our understanding of, Indian responses to the challenges posed by Spanish colonization and missionization in regions long neglected in the historical literature.
The Political and Economic Reverberations of the Cuban Revolution in Mexico
Authors: Schmidt Arthur 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCold War era studies considered the Cuban Revolution's influence on Mexico only mild. Current perspectives now interpret Cuba's impact on Mexico as highly significant. The regime crisis generated by the Cuban Revolution gave rise to an authoritarian Mexican state nationalism that repressed dissent, balanced off Cuban and US pressures, and induced private sector cooperation with an expanded economic and social role for government. Mexican state nationalism's apparent ‘solution’ to the domestic and international reverberations of the Cuban Revolution during the 1960s created a pattern of authoritarian political monopoly, dependence on foreign borrowing, and unsustainable heavy industrialization. Historians have tended to overlook how much this ingrained ‘formula’ laid the foundation for the country's disastrous populist policies that emerged after 1970.
Evaluation of a Novel Monoclonal‐Based Antigen‐in‐Stool Enzyme Immunoassay (Premier Platinum HpSA PLUS) for Diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Vietnamese Children
Authors: Nguyen Thi Viet Ha , Bengtsson Carina , Nguyen Gia Khanh , Granström Marta 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: Helicobacter pylori infection is difficult to diagnose in children, especially in developing countries where noninvasive methods such as urea breath test are often not available. We evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a new monoclonal antibody‐based antigen‐in‐stool enzyme immunoassay (Premier Platinum HpSA PLUS) for diagnosis of H. pylori infection in Vietnamese children.Materials and Methods: Sensitivity of the antigen‐in‐stool test was evaluated in 232 children, 3–15 years of age, who were positive for H. pylori infection by culture from biopsies. For evaluation of the specificity 98 children of similar age with nongastrointestinal conditions and who were negative for H. pylori infection by serologic assays were included with blood and stool samples.Results: Of the 232 culture‐positive children, 224 were also positive by Premier Platinum HpSA PLUS. Of the 98 control children, 93 were H. pylori negative also in the stool test. The sensitivity of Premier Platinum HpSA PLUS was thus 96.6% (95% CI 93.3–98.5) and the specificity was 94.9% (95% CI 88.5–98.3).Conclusions: The findings have demonstrated Premium Platinum HpSA PLUS to be a reliable method for detection of H. pylori infection also in children in our area.
Study on the Relationship Between Helicobacter pylori in the Dental Plaque and the Occurrence of Dental Caries or Oral Hygiene Index
Authors: Liu Ying , Lin Huanjian , Bai Yang , Qin Xiaoshu , Zheng Xin , Sun Yong , Zhang Yali 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: The aims of our study were to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori DNA in the dental plaque of Chinese children aged 3–6 years by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and to investigate the relationship between this infection and the occurrence of dental caries or oral hygiene index.Methods: Two hundred and fourteen children from a kindergarten in Guangzhou City of China were evaluated. The children's plaques were assessed by plaque indices of Quigley–Hein. Dental plaque was analyzed using nested PCR for two sets of primers directed to the 860‐bp fragment of H. pylori genomic DNA, which have been reported to be highly sensitive and specific by other researchers.Results: H. pylori was detected in dental plaque samples from 126 children, and 70 children with dental caries carried H. pylori in dental plaque. Of these children without infection, only 36 of 88 suffered dental caries. Besides, the average dental plaque index of 126 H. pylori‐positive children was higher than that of 88 children without infection. In the present study, there was a significant correlation between H. pylori infection and dental caries or dental hygiene.Conclusion: The oral cavity may be a reservoir for H. pylori infection in children. H. pylori in dental plaque may play a role in the occurrence of dental caries, and poor oral hygiene may represent a risk factor for H. pylori in the oral cavity.