bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homogenization, lyophilization or acid-extraction of meat products improves iron uptake from cereal–meat product combinations in an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model
Authors: Pachón Helena , Stoltzfus Rebecca J. , Glahn Raymond P. 
Published: August 2008

The effect of processing (homogenization, lyophilization, acid-extraction) meat products on iron uptake from meat combined with uncooked iron-fortified cereal was evaluated using an in vitro digestion/Caco-2 cell model. Beef was cooked, blended to create smaller meat particles, and combined with electrolytic iron-fortified infant rice cereal. Chicken liver was cooked and blended, lyophilized, or acid-extracted, and combined with FeSO4-fortified wheat flour. In the beef–cereal combination, Caco-2 cell iron uptake, assessed by measuring the ferritin formed by cells, was greater when the beef was blended for the greatest amount of time (360 s) compared with 30 s (P < 0·05). Smaller liver particles (blended for 360 s or lyophilized) significantly enhanced iron uptake compared to liver blended for 60 s (P < 0·001) in the liver–flour combination. Compared to liver blended for 60 s, acid-extraction of liver significantly enhanced iron uptake (P = 0·03) in the liver–flour combination. Homogenization of beef and homogenization, lyophilization, or acid-extraction of chicken liver increases the enhancing effect of meat products on iron absorption in iron-fortified cereals.
Toxocariasis associated with chronic cough in childhood: a longitudinal study in Hungary
Authors: Bede O. , Szénási Z. , Danka J. , Gyurkovits K. , Nagy D. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractChronic cough lasting 8 weeks or more often seems to be an intractable problem in childhood. Toxocara infection is associated with an increased prevalence of airway symptoms and may be the possible aetiological agent of chronic cough. Of 425 children aged 2–17 years with chronic cough who were investigated for toxocariasis and the distribution of bronchial asthma (BA), cough variant asthma (CVA) and non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis (NAEB), 136 (32%) were seropositive for Toxocara canis antigens. Ninety-three of the 136 were adequately assessed, diagnosed and followed up during 1 year. BA was diagnosed in 40%, CVA in 27% and NAEB in 33% of the children. The eosinophil cell count, serum T. canis IgG levels and symptoms are predictors of the improvement or the decline of the condition. Presuming the aetiopathogenetic role of T. canis in the inflammatory process of chronic cough, we treated the children not only with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS), but also with a 1-week course of anthelminthics. We could significantly decrease the dose of ICS in 23 (62%) of the 37 with BA. The administration of anthelminthics and the avoidance of sensitizers were sufficient for those with NAEB; none needed ICS. ICS therapy could be stopped 2–3 months later in 17 (68%) of the 25 with CVA. We found that 8 of the 25 with CVA (32%) presented asthmatic symptoms at the end of the 1-year period. In Hungary, T. canis may be a potential sensitizer for chronic cough in seropositive children. Deworming therapy will then alleviate the airway symptoms without exacerbation in patients with BA, and have a positive effect on those with NAEB and the majority of those with CVA.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and set-shifting in currently ill and recovered anorexia nervosa (AN) patients
Authors: Nakazato M. , Tchanturia K. , Schmidt U. , Campbell I. C. , Treasure J. , Collier D. A. , Hashimoto K. , Iyo M. 
Published: August 2008

BackgroundStudies of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) have shown that they do not perform well in set-shifting tasks but little is known about the neurobiological correlates of this aspect of executive function. The aim of this study was to measure serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and to establish whether set-shifting difficulties are present in people with current AN and in those recovered from AN, and whether serum BDNF concentrations are correlated with set-shifting ability.MethodSerum BDNF concentrations were measured in 29 women with current AN (AN group), 18 women who had recovered from AN (ANRec group) and 28 age-matched healthy controls (HC group). Set-shifting was measured using the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST). Eating-related psychopathology and depressive, anxiety and obsessive–compulsive symptomatology were evaluated using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDEQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Maudsley Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) respectively.ResultsSerum BDNF concentrations (mean±s.d.) were significantly lower in the AN group (11.7±4.9 ng/ml) compared to the HC group (15.1±5.5 ng/ml,p=0.04) and also compared to the ANRec group (17.6±4.8 ng/ml,p=0.001). The AN group made significantly more errors (total and perseverative) in the WCST relative to the HC group. There was no significant correlation between serum BDNF concentrations and performance on the WCST.ConclusionsSerum BDNF may be a biological marker for eating-related psychopathology and of recovery in AN. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore possible associations between serum BDNF concentrations, illness and recovery and neuropsychological traits.
Specific Gene Silencing by Artificial MicroRNAs in Physcomitrella patens: An Alternative to Targeted Gene Knockouts
Authors: Khraiwesh Basel , Ossowski Stephan , Weigel Detlef , Reski Ralf , Frank Wolfgang 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are approximately 21-nucleotide-long RNAs processed from nuclear-encoded transcripts, which include a characteristic hairpin-like structure. MiRNAs control the expression of target transcripts by binding to reverse complementary sequences directing cleavage or translational inhibition of the target RNA. Artificial miRNAs (amiRNAs) can be generated by exchanging the miRNA/miRNA* sequence within miRNA precursor genes, while maintaining the pattern of matches and mismatches in the foldback. Thus, for functional gene analysis, amiRNAs can be designed to target any gene of interest. The moss Physcomitrella patens exhibits the unique feature of a highly efficient homologous recombination mechanism, which allows for the generation of targeted gene knockout lines. However, the completion of the Physcomitrella genome necessitates the development of alternative techniques to speed up reverse genetics analyses and to allow for more flexible inactivation of genes. To prove the adaptability of amiRNA expression in Physcomitrella, we designed two amiRNAs, targeting the gene PpFtsZ2-1, which is indispensable for chloroplast division, and the gene PpGNT1 encoding an N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase. Both amiRNAs were expressed from the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) miR319a precursor fused to a constitutive promoter. Transgenic Physcomitrella lines harboring the overexpression constructs showed precise processing of the amiRNAs and an efficient knock down of the cognate target mRNAs. Furthermore, chloroplast division was impeded in PpFtsZ2-1-amiRNA lines that phenocopied PpFtsZ2-1 knockout mutants. We also provide evidence for the amplification of the initial amiRNA signal by secondary transitive small interfering RNAs, although these small interfering RNAs do not seem to have a major effect on sequence-related mRNAs, confirming specificity of the amiRNA approach.
A multicentre randomised clinical endpoint study of parma 5 computer‐assisted oral anticoagulant dosage
Authors: Poller Leon , Keown Michelle , Ibrahim Saied , Lowe Gordon , Moia Marco , Turpie Alexander G. , Roberts Christopher , Van Den Besselaar Aton M. H. P. , Van Der Meer Felix J. M. , Tripodi Armando , Palareti Gualtiero , Jespersen Jørgen 
Published: August 2008

SummaryTo meet growing demand for oral anticoagulation worldwide there has been increased dependence on computer‐assistance in dosage although the safety and effectiveness of any of the individual computer‐assisted dosage programs has not previously been established. This randomised multicentre clinical end‐point study assessed a new version of the parma 5 program. It compared parma 5 safety and effectiveness with manual dosage by experienced medical staff at 19 centres with a known interest in oral anticoagulation. Target recruitment was 8000 patient‐years, randomised to medical staff or parma‐5 assisted dosage. Safety and effectiveness of the parma 5 program was compared with manual dosage. A total of 10 421 patients were recruited (15 369 patient‐years) in the 5‐year study. International normalised ratio (INR) tests numbered 167 791 with manual and 160 078 with parma 5 dosage. With parma 5 there was overall a non‐significant reduction in clinical events but in the 2542 patients with deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism, clinical events were significantly reduced (P = 0·005). Success in achieving ‘time in target INR range’ was also significantly greater with parma 5 compared with the dosage by experienced medical staff. This study demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of parma 5‐assisted dosage.
A descriptive interview with 64 patients discharged from an acute‐psychiatric‐inpatient service
Authors: Callaly Tom , Dodd Seetal , Goodman Derek , Asgari Yasmin , Berk Michael 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground  Acute‐mental‐health services receive hundreds of admissions every year. Some of these patients will continue to be case‐managed by community mental‐health teams on discharge from the acute unit while others will not remain in contact with the mental‐health service. This study compares the findings of comprehensive interviews conducted with current and past patients of the community mental‐health service 3 or more years following case closure from the community ambulatory service.Methods  Between 1 July 1999 and 30 June 2001, there were 2245 closed cases identified at Barwon Health. Letters of invitation to participate in a research project were sent to people who had suffered from psychotic illnesses, and had been case‐closed by community mental‐health services between the above dates and had not been in contact with the Community and Mental Health Service for at least 6 months. A second group of participants was recruited from people who had also been case‐closed by community mental‐health teams in Barwon Health during the 1999–2001 2‐year‐time window but whose cases had been re‐opened and who were in case management with Barwon Health at the time of the study. All participants were interviewed using the Diagnostic Interview for Psychosis.Results  Letter responses were received from 17 men and 18 women, aged 40.7 ± 12.0 (mean ± SD), who were interviewed. A second group of 17 men and 12 women, aged 40.9 ± 9.6 (mean ± SD) of currently case‐managed patients was interviewed. All interviewees reported a detailed history of mental illness. Persistent social dysfunction and impaired quality of life were reported in both groups.Conclusion  Patients suffering from psychotic disorders who had been case‐closed by community mental‐health teams and had been discharged to the care of their general practitioners or elsewhere continued to show evidence of significant impairment due to mental illness 3 years after being case‐closed.
A descriptive investigation of dysphagia in adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Chadwick D. D. , Jolliffe J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground Dysphagia has rarely been investigated in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) despite being a serious condition affecting health and quality of life.Method This study collected information about 101 adults with ID, living in community settings, referred for an assessment of their eating and drinking. Ninety‐nine people were classified as having dysphagia from clinical and videofluoroscopic assessments. This information was used to give an indication of the prevalence of dysphagia in adults with ID and identify the co‐occurrence of physiological and anatomical indicators and associated negative health conditions.Results Details of the characteristics and conditions associated with dysphagia are provided. These include cerebral palsy, increased physical disability and cognitive impairment. A tentative indication of the current prevalence of dysphagia was found (8.15%).Conclusion Findings indicate that dysphagia is a significant issue for people with ID warranting further investigation. Practice implications detailed include increasing awareness of ‘at risk’ groups, changes in dysphagia with ageing, medication use and illness, and how findings can inform assessment and training.
Evidence for strain‐specific protective immunity against blood‐stage parasites of Plasmodium cynomolgi in toque monkey
Authors: WIJAYALATH W. A. W. K. , CHEESMAN S. , RAJAKARUNA J. , HANDUNNETTI S. M. , CARTER R. , PATHIRANA P. P. S. L. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY We have conducted experiments to test the induction of strain‐specific protective immunity against Plasmodium cynomolgi infections in toque monkeys. Plasmodium cynomolgi is closely related biologically and genetically to the human malaria parasite, P. vivax. Two groups of monkeys were immunized against either of two strains of P. cynomolgi, namely PcCeylon and Pc746, by giving two successive drug‐cured infections with asexual blood‐stage parasites of one or the other strain, 12‐weeks apart. To test for strain‐specific protective immunity these infection‐immunized monkeys were challenged 8 weeks later with a mixture of asexual blood‐stage parasites of both strains. A pyrosequencing‐based assay was used to quantify the proportion of parasites that survived in the challenge infections. The assay was based on a SNP within the P. cynomolgi Merozoite Surface Protein‐1 gene. Compared to their behaviour in nonimmunized monkeys, the growth of parasites of the homologous (immunizing) strain in mixed‐strain challenge infections in the immunized monkeys were reduced relative to that of the nonimmunizing strain. These results indicate the development of blood infection‐induced strain‐specific protective immunity against P. cynomolgi in toque monkeys. The work prepares for using genetic analysis to identify target antigens of strain‐specific protective immunity in this host and malaria parasite combination.
IMPROVING THE CADMIUM‐INDUCED CENTRIACINAR EMPHYSEMA MODEL IN RATS BY CONCOMITANT ANTI‐OXIDANT TREATMENT
Authors: Heili Frades S , Del Puerto‐Nevado L , Pérez‐Rial S , Martin‐Mosquero C , Ortega M , Martinez‐Galán L , Rubio ML , Rodriguez Nieto MJ , González‐Mangado N , Peces‐Barba Romero G 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARY

The aim of the present study was to perform an evolutionary analysis of the morphometrical, biochemical and functional parameters of centriacinar emphysema induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in rats and to determine the effects of concomitant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) administration.
Male Wistar rats were instilled orotracheally with either CdCl2 (n = 24) or saline (n = 24). One group of rats, consisting of both CdCl2‐ and saline‐treated rats, was fed a normal diet (n = 24), whereas the other group received NAC (n = 24).
Changes in inspiratory capacity (IC), lung compliance (CL), expiratory flow at 75% (F75), forced vital capacity (FVC) and hydroxyproline content were assessed 2, 8, 21 and 45 days after instillation. Polymorphonuclear cells were evaluated 2 and 8 days after instillation and the mean linear intercept (Lm) was determined at 21 and 45 days.
Over time, CdCl2 instillation causes several changes that are bound up with centriacinar emphysema. The concomitant administration of NAC to CdCl2‐treated rats partially reversed Lm at 21 days compared with CdCl2 alone (115 ± 2 vs 127 ± 2, respectively; P < 0.05). However, 45 days after instillation, NAC improved lung function in CdCl2‐treated rats compared with that in the saline‐treated control group (IC 14.64 vs 15.25, respectively (P = 0.054); FVC 16.94 vs 16.28, respectively (P = 0.052), F75 31.41 vs 32.48, respectively (P = 0.062)). In addition, 45 days after instillation, NAC reduced lung collagen content in both the saline‐treated control (100 vs 81% alone and in the presence of NAC, respectively) and CdCL2‐treated groups (213 vs 161% alone and in the presence of NAC, respectively). In addition, although the results were not significant, NAC tended to reduce Lm and enhance CL in NAC + CdCl2‐treated rats.
In conclusion, NAC partially improved emphysematous changes and reduced collagen deposition, which diminished the CdCl2‐induced fibrotic component of centriacinar emphysema.
Successful Endovascular Treatment of a Hemodialysis Graft Pseudoaneurysm by Covered Stent and Direct Percutaneous Thrombin Injection
Authors: Keeling Aoife N. , Naughton Peter A. , McGrath Frank P. , Conlon Peter J. , Lee Michael J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractVascular access for hemodialysis remains a challenge for nephrologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional radiologists alike. Arteriovenous fistula and synthetic grafts remain the access of choice for long‐term hemodialysis; however, they are subject to complications from infection and repeated needle cannulation. Pseudoaneurysms are an increasingly recognized adverse event. At present, there are many minimally invasive methods to repair these wall defects. We present a graft pseudoaneurysm, which required a combination of endovascular stent graft placement and percutaneous thrombin injection for successful occlusion.
Evaluation of a High Fracture Toughness Composite Ceramic for Dental Applications
Authors: Aboushelib Moustafa N. , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Feilzer Albert J. 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Purpose: The introduction of yttrium partially stabilized zirconia polycrystals (Y‐TZP) has pushed the application limits of all‐ceramic restorations. The mechanical properties of these materials can be further improved by the addition of a secondary dopant phase. The aim of this work was to evaluate the properties of a new nano‐composite ceramic used as a dental framework material. Materials and Methods: The properties of a new ceria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal co‐doped with alumina (Ce‐TZP‐Al) were investigated. Y‐TZP was used as control. Sixty bars (20 × 2.5 × 1.5 mm3) from each material were prepared by cutting CAD/CAM milling blocks. Twenty specimens were used to measure the 4‐point flexural strength and the modulus of elasticity of the tested materials. The remaining specimens were used to measure the fracture toughness using indentation strength (IS), single edge notched beam (SENB), and fractography (FR). The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) was measured using temperature expansion diagrams. The bond strength of the two framework materials to two esthetic veneer ceramics was tested using the microtensile bond strength test (MTBS). Finally, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray microanalysis (EDX) were used to analyze the internal structure of the materials. One‐ and two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to analyze the data (α= 0.5). Results: The flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of Ce‐TZP‐Al (856 MPa, 170 GPa) were significantly weaker (p < 0.001) than those of Y‐TZP (1003 MPa, 215 GPa). The (IS) fracture toughness of the former (19.02 MPa m1/2) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than SENB (12.6 MPa m1/2) or FR (12.8 MPa m1/2) values. These values were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the fracture toughness of Y‐TZP (7.4 MPa m1/2), which showed statistically similar values using the same three techniques. The measured TEC for the two materials was relatively similar, 10.1 μm/°C and 10.4 μm/°C, respectively. Regarding MTBS values, Ce‐TZP‐Al had significantly lower bond strength values (p < 0.001) and a higher percentage of interfacial failure than Y‐TZP, which failed completely cohesively with the two used veneer ceramics. SEM analysis revealed zirconia grains pull out and structural defects at the core–veneer interface for Ce‐TZP‐Al material, which explained its weak bond to the two used veneers. Conclusion: Despite the promising mechanical properties of Ce‐TZP‐Al nano‐composite ceramic, its very low bond strength to esthetic veneers leaves such layered restorations highly susceptible to delamination and chipping under function. Further studies are needed to enhance the surface stability of this high fracture toughness ceramic.
Hardness, Flexural Strength, and Flexural Modulus Comparisons of Three Differently Cured Denture Base Systems
Authors: Ali Isma Liza , Yunus Norsiah , Abu‐Hassan Mohamed Ibrahim 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Purpose: This study compared the surface hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of a light‐ and heat‐cured urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) to two conventional polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resins. The effect of less‐than‐optimal processing condition on the hardness of internal and external surfaces of UDMA specimens was also investigated. Materials and Methods: The materials tested were Eclipse (light‐ and heat‐cured UDMA), Meliodent (heat‐cured PMMA), and Probase Cold (auto‐cured PMMA). Eclipse specimens were prepared by adapting the material onto the master cast and light curing in the processing unit for 10 minutes. Meliodent and Probase Cold specimens were prepared according to the manufacturers' instructions. Twenty rectangular specimens measuring 65 × 10 × 2.5 mm3 were prepared for each material. They were stored in water at 37°C for 30 days before testing. The surface hardness was measured using Vickers Hardness (VHN) test, and flexural strength and flexural modulus were measured using a 3‐point bending test. Twenty‐five additional Eclipse specimens were similarly prepared and were processed at various times of less than 20 minutes of curing. Vickers Hardness was determined on both the external and internal surfaces of specimens. Data were analyzed using a one‐way ANOVA for comparisons of hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus between the three denture base materials and for hardness values of both the internal and external surface of Eclipse specimens with curing times. Post hoc analyses (Scheffé test) determined the difference between the groups. Student t‐test was used for comparison of hardness between the external and internal surfaces of Eclipse specimens. Results: The hardness (VHN) values were 19.4 ± 0.7, 17.0 ± 0.4, and 16.0 ± 0.4; the flexural strengths (MPa) were 103 ± 4, 78 ± 3, and 63 ± 4; and the flexural moduli (MPa) were 2498 ± 143, 1969 ± 55, and 1832 ± 89 for Eclipse, Meliodent, and Probase Cold materials, respectively. A comparison among the three polymers showed there were significant differences in surface hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus (p < 0.05). No significant difference in surface hardness (VHN) between the internal (19.1 ± 0.6 to 19.4 ± 0.7) and external surfaces (18.9 ± 0.4 to 19.2 ± 0.6) of irradiated Eclipse specimens was observed at 10‐, 12‐, and 14‐minute polymerization times. Conclusion: The surface hardness, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of light‐ and heat‐cured UDMA (Eclipse) were significantly higher than the values obtained for heat‐only cured (Meliodent) and auto‐cured (Probase Cold) PMMA denture base systems.
Impact of cooperatives on smallholders' commercialization behavior: evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Bernard Tanguy , Taffesse Alemayehu Seyoum , Gabre‐Madhin Eleni 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article examines the impact of marketing cooperatives on smallholder commercialization of cereals using detailed household data in rural Ethiopia. We use the strong government role in promoting the establishment of cooperatives to justify the use of propensity score matching to compare households that are cooperative members to similar households in comparable areas without cooperatives. The analysis reveals that although cooperatives obtain higher prices for their members, they are not associated with a significant increase in the overall share of cereal production sold commercially by their members. However, these average results hide considerable heterogeneity across households. In particular, we find that smaller farmers tend to reduce their marketed output as a result of higher prices, whereas the opposite is true for larger farmers.