bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipid Composition, Natural Antioxidants and Physicochemical Characteristics in Liver Oil from Rajiforms from the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Navarro‐García Gerardo , Ramirez‐Suarez Juan Carlos , Ortega‐García Jesús , García‐Camarena Raúl , Márquez‐Farías Fernando , Santos‐Valencia Josefina , Bringas‐Alvarado Lorena 
Published: January 2009

AbstractLipid composition by class, fatty acids, natural antioxidants (carotenes, tocopherols) and physicochemical characteristics of liver oil from three commercial rays, Rhinoptera bonasus (Chucha), Aetobatus narinari (Pinta) and Dasyatis americana (Bala) from the Gulf of Mexico were analyzed. Liver oil yield for R. bonasus, A. narinari and D. americana were of 43.04, 41.2 and 38.2% (wet weight), respectively. Triacylglycerols were the most abundant lipid by class in R. bonasus (68.9%), A. narinari (85.9%) and D. americana (81.6%), while sterols esters, sterols, di‐ and monoacylglycerides, polar lipids and wax esters were found in minor proportions. Species showed similar carotenes concentration, 8.7, 12.8 and 8.0 μg/g for R. bonasus, A. narinari and D. americana, respectively. α‐tocopherol concentration was higher (p < 0.05) for A. narinari (46.7 mg/100 g) than for R. bonasus (21.0 mg/100 g) and D. americana (13.7 mg/100 g). Omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in R. bonasus were high with docosahexaenoic acid (12.1%) in a higher proportion than eicosapentaenoic acid (7%).
Electrical impedance measurements predict cellular transformation
Authors: Park Giljun , Choi Chang K. , English Anthony E. , Sparer Tim E. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractCellular transformation is the first step in cancer development. Two features of cellular transformation are proliferation in reduced serum and loss of contact inhibition. Electronic Cell‐Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) measurements have been used to measure cellular proliferation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and attachment. We have used impedance measurements to distinguish normal cells from cells transformed with a constitutively active chemokine receptor, CXCR2. CXCR2, a member of the G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, is normally involved in cellular activation and migration, but a single amino acid substitution leads to constitutive activity. NIH3T3 cells were transformed with a constitutively active CXCR2 (D143V_CXCR2) and growth in reduced serum and foci formation were measured using established biological assays and compared to data from ECIS. The results of this study show that impedance measurements provide a quick and reliable way of measuring cellular transformation and provide real time assessment of transformed cellular parameters. Use of the ECIS system could allow a rapid screening of anti‐cancer drugs that alter cellular transformation.
Acute- phase response and iron status markers among pulmonary tuberculosis patients: a cross-sectional study in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Friis Henrik , Range Nyagosya , Brændgaard Kristensen Camilla , Kæstel Pernille , Changalucha John , Malenganisho Wabyahe , Krarup Henrik , Magnussen Pascal , Bengaard Andersen Åse 
Published: January 2009

Fe status is difficult to assess in the presence of infections. To assess the role of the acute- phase response (APR) and other predictors of serum ferritin and transferrin receptor, we conducted a cross-sectional study among pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients in Mwanza, Tanzania. The acute- (serum ferritin) phase protein, serum α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) and serum ferritin and serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured, and data on smoking, soil and alcohol intake, and infection status were collected. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the role of elevated serum ACT and other predictors of serum ferritin and serum sTfR. Of 655 patients, 81·2 % were sputum positive (PTB+) and 47·2 % HIV+. Mean serum ACT was 0·72 g/l, with 91·1 % above 0·4 g/l. Among females and males, respectively, geometric mean serum ferritin was 140·9 and 269·1 μg/l (P < 0·001), and mean serum sTfR 4·3 and 3·8 mg/l (P < 0·001). Serum sTfR was increased 0·5 mg/l and log serum ferritin increased linearly with serum ACT >0·4 g/l. PTB+ and HIV infection, alcohol drinking and smoking were the positive predictors of serum ferritin, and female sex, soil eating,Schistosoma mansoniand hookworm infection were the negative predictors. Similarly, smoking and HIV infection were the negative predictors of serum sTfR, and female sex, soil eating and PTB+ were the positive predictors. Serum ferritin and serum sTfR are affected by the APR, but may still provide information about Fe status. It may be possible to develop algorithms, based on the markers of the APR and Fe status, to assess the Fe status among the patients with tuberculosis or other infections eliciting an APR.
The distribution and accumulation of fucoxanthin and its metabolites after oral administration in mice
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Ozaki Yoshiaki , Taminato Mayuko , Das Swadesh K. , Mizuno Masashi , Yoshimura Kazuto , Maoka Takashi , Kanazawa Kazuki 
Published: January 2009

The pharmacokinetics of dietary fucoxanthin, one of the xanthophylls in brown sea algae, is little understood. In the present study, mice were orally administered fucoxanthin, and the distribution and accumulation of fucoxanthin and its metabolites fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin A were measured in the plasma, erythrocytes, liver, lung, kidney, heart, spleen and adipose tissue. In a single oral administration of 160 nmol fucoxanthin, fucoxanthinol and amarouciaxanthin A were detectable in all specimens tested in the present study, but fucoxanthin was not. The time at maximum concentration (Tmax) of these metabolites in adipose tissue was 24 h, while the Tmax in the others was 4 h. The area under the curve to infinity (AUC∞) of fucoxanthinol in the liver was the highest value (4680 nmol/g × h) among the tissues tested in the present study, while the AUC∞ of amarouciaxanthin A in adipose tissue was the highest value (4630 nmol/g × h). In daily oral administration of 160 nmol fucoxanthin for 1 week, fucoxanthin was also detectable in the tissues even at a low concentration. The amount of fucoxanthinol was 123 nmol/g in the heart and 85·2 nmol/g in the liver. Amarouciaxanthin A in the adipose tissue was distributed at a concentration of 97·5 nmol/g. These results demonstrate that dietary fucoxanthin accumulates in the heart and liver as fucoxanthinol and in adipose tissue as amarouciaxanthin A.
Effects of high-calcium diets with different whey proteins on weight loss and weight regain in high-fat-fed C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Pilvi Taru K. , Harala Saara , Korpela Riitta , Mervaala Eero M. 
Published: January 2009

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of different whey protein-containing high-Ca diets on weight loss and weight regain in a model of diet-induced obesity. Obesity was induced in C57BL/6J mice with a high-fat (60 % of energy) diet. Weight loss by energy restriction was performed on four different high-Ca diets (1·8 % CaCO3) containing different whey proteins (18 % of energy): α-lactalbumin (ALA), β-lactoglobulin (BLG), lactoferrin (LF) and whey protein isolate (WPI). After 7 weeks of energy restriction some of the mice were killed and the rest were fed with the same dietsad libitumfor 7 weeks. The mice on the LF diet lost significantly more weight than mice on the WPI diet. The body fat content in the ALA and LF groups was significantly lower than in the WPI group (P < 0·05) and the LF group differed significantly even from the BLG group (P < 0·05).Ad libitumfeeding after weight loss resulted in weight regain in all groups and only the ALA diet significantly reduced fat accumulation during weight regain. The weight regain was most pronounced in the LF group, but the adipocyte size was still significantly smaller than in the other groups. There were no differences in food intake or apparent fat digestibility between the groups. It can be concluded that a high-Ca diet with ALA significantly improves the outcome of weight loss and subsequent weight regain during the feeding of a high-fat diet in C57BL/6J mice, in comparison with WPI.
Partitioning of nutrient net fluxes across the portal-drained viscera in sheep fed twice daily: effect of dietary protein degradability
Authors: Rémond Didier , Bernard Laurence , Savary-Auzeloux Isabelle , Nozière Pierre 
Published: January 2009

Extrusion is used to decrease leguminous seed protein degradability in the rumen in order to shift part of the dietary protein digestion towards the small intestine. The effect of such displacement of digestion site on the partitioning of nutrient net fluxes across the gastrointestinal tract was studied using four sheep fitted with catheters and blood-flow probes, allowing measurements across the rumen, the mesenteric-drained viscera (MDV) and the portal-drained viscera (PDV). Two diets containing 34 % of pea seeds were tested in a crossover design. They differed only according to pea treatment: raw pea (RP) or extruded pea (EP) diet. Rumen undegradable protein (RUP) accounted for 23 and 40 % of dietary crude protein for RP and EP diets, respectively. Across the rumen wall, ammonia net flux was lower with EP diet, whereas urea net flux was not different. Across the MDV, free amino acid (FAA) net flux was greater with EP diet, whereas peptide amino acid net flux was not different, accounting for 7 % of the non-protein amino acid net release. From RP to EP diet, PDV net flux of ammonia decreased by 23 %, whereas FAA net release increased by 21 %. The difference in dietary RUP did not affect the PDV net flux of SCFA, 3-hydroxybutyrate, lactate and glucose. In conclusion, the partial shift in pea protein digestion from the rumen to the small intestine did not affect the portal net balance of N, but decreased N loss from the rumen, and increased amino acid intestinal absorption and portal delivery.
CONSANGUINITY IN LEBANON: PREVALENCE, DISTRIBUTION AND DETERMINANTS
Authors: BARBOUR BERNADETTE , SALAMEH PASCALE 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe union of individuals with a common ancestor may lead to serious health consequences in their offspring. Consanguinity is high in Middle Eastern communities; it was around 26% in 1988. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of consanguinity in Beirut and other Lebanese regions, and its associated factors in different subgroups. The cross-sectional study was performed on a convenience sample of married women in Lebanon. The women were administered a standardized questionnaire in a face-to-face interview by independent enquirers. Among 1556 women, the overall prevalence of consanguineous marriages was 35·5%, and the consanguinity coefficient was 0·020; 968 marriages (62·2%) were not consanguineous, 492 (31·6%) were first cousin, 61 (3·9%) were second cousin and 36 (2·3%) had lower degrees of consanguinity. Beirut suburb dwelling, low education subgroups, women working in the home and non-Christian religion presented the highest rates of consanguinity (p<0·05). Consanguinity is associated with couples' nulliparity and child chronic morbidity. Factors that could affect consanguinity are having consanguineous parents, having a favourable opinion towards consanguinity, choosing a spouse for religious reasons, particularly in Islam, woman having a low education, woman working in the home and women thinking that consanguinity would not lead to serious diseases. Consanguinity is therefore still a prevailing problem in Lebanon. Specific health education, and genetic counselling in particular, are suggested to explain the consequences of consanguinity to the general population and to help couples make informed choices.
Prevalence ofDirofilaria immitisin dogs from Hatay province, Turkey
Authors: Yaman M. , Guzel M. , Koltas I.S. , Demirkazik M. , Aktas H. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of canine dirofilariosis in Hatay province, south of Turkey. A total of 269 blood samples were collected from owned dogs in this multi-centre survey between March and July 2006. Blood samples were examined by modified Knott and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques to detect circulating microfilariae and antigens ofDirofilaria immitis, respectively. Seventy out of 269 dogs (26.0%) were positive forD. immitis. However, 61.4% of positive dogs had occult infection. The prevalence of canine dirofilariosis was heterogeneous in Hatay province, with higher values in shoreline (33.0%) and riverside (30.9%) areas followed by the lowland (25.5%) or mountainous (15.2%) areas. No statistically significant differences were observed in relation to sex (females, 33.3%; males, 24.4%,P>0.05). When evaluating the prevalence ofD. immitisby age, the highest prevalence was observed in dogs older than 4 years of age. Large breeds (29.6%) and the dogs living outdoors (30.2%) showed a higher prevalence in comparison to small breeds (21.4%) and the dogs living indoors (10.5%), respectively. In conclusion, according to the results of this study canine dirofilariosis had a high prevalence in Hatay province. Therefore, prophylaxis against heartworm is advisable to decrease the incidence of canine dirofilariosis.
Dynamic posturography for staging of patients with Ménière's disease
Authors: Daneshi A , Bozorgzadeh N , Asghari A , Jome H E , Mirhaj P , Nojoumi M 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective:In recent years, techniques such as computerised dynamic posturography have facilitated objective evaluation of patients with balance disorders. In this study, we used computerised dynamic posturography for clinical staging of Ménière's disease.Material and methods:We applied a computerised dynamic posturography sensory organisation test to 53 patients with American Academy of Otolaryngology criteria of Ménière's disease. The following parameters were considered in data analysis: computerised dynamic posturography scores for testing the patient's centre of gravity with a mobile surface, immobile visual surroundings and eyes closed, scores for testing with a mobile surface, mobile visual surroundings and eyes open, and vestibular ratio. We used four hearing threshold stages (although we had no patients at stage four).Results and discussion:This study did not observe a statistically significant correlation between audiometric hearing thresholds and computerised dynamic posturography scores. Computerised dynamic posturography scores showed statistically significant variation with time elapsed since the last vertigo attack. Although our results showed an increasing trend in computerised dynamic posturography scores as Ménière's disease activity level decreased from recent post-attack (i.e. less than one week since last attack) through late post-attack (i.e. one week to 60 days since last attack) to inactive (i.e. more than 60 days since last attack), these differences were not statistically significant.
Trigeminal nerve haemangioma eroding the petrous carotid canal
Authors: Saliba I , El Fata F , Berthelet F , Moumdjian R 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjective:To report the first case of mandibular branch haemangioma of the trigeminal nerve causing erosion of the petrous carotid canal. The radiological and histological findings in this case are reviewed.Case report:A 60-year-old woman presented with severe, right-sided facial pain and paraesthesia. There were no associated symptoms of facial weakness or diplopia. A magnetic resonance imaging scan with gadolinium enhancement was performed. This showed a lesion slightly compressing the right Meckel's cave and eroding the right petrous carotid canal, occupying the foramen ovale and extending to the pterygoid muscle. The lesion was removed via a subtemporal approach.Conclusion:Haemangiomas are usually found on the skin and in other soft tissues. However, this rare tumour should also be considered in the differential diagnosis of lesions occupying Meckel's cave and the foramen ovale.
Filamentation instability in a collisional magnetoplasma with thermal conduction
Authors: SODHA MAHENDRA SINGH , FAISAL MOHAMMAD 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of the spatial growth of a transverse instability, corresponding to the propagation of an electromagnetic beam, with uniform irradiance along the wavefront in a collisional plasma, along the direction of a static magnetic field; expressions have been derived for the rate of growth, the maximum value of the rate of growth and the corresponding value of the wave number of the instability. The instability arises on account of the ejection of electrons from regions where the irradiance of the perturbation is large. The energy balance of the electrons taking into account ohmic heating and the power loss of electrons on account of (i) collisions with ions and neutral species and (ii) thermal conduction has been taken into account for the evaluation of the perturbation in electron temperature, which determines the subsequent growth of the instability. Further, the relationship between the electron density and temperature, as obtained from the kinetic theory, has been used. The filamentation instability becomes enhanced with the increase of the static magnetic field for the extraordinary mode while the reverse is true for the ordinary mode. Dependence of growth rate on irradiance of the main beam, magnetic field and a parameter proportional to the ratio of power loss of electrons by conduction to that by collisions has been numerically studied and illustrated by figures. The dependence of the maximum growth rate and the corresponding optimum value of the wave number of the instability on the irradiance of the main beam has also been studied. The paper concludes with a discussion of the numerical results, so obtained.
Influence of number of laser shots on laser induced microstructures on Ag and Cu targets
Authors: Latif A. , Anwar M.S. , Aleem M.A. , Rafique M.S. , Khaleeq-Ur-Rahman M. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAnnealed and fine polished Ag and Cu samples are irradiated for 25, 50, 75, and 100 shots with a Q-Switched Nd:YAG laser in air and under high vacuum ~10−6 Torr. The irradiated samples are investigated under scanning electron microscopy, which reveals the formation of laser induced ripples structures with spacing 10 µm to 25 µm. Careful analysis revealed that the ripple spacing is not only dependent on laser wavelength, target properties, but also on the number of laser shots. It is also observed that ripples spacing varies from center to edge of the thermal damage zone. Two-fold spacing is measured near the edge compared to spacing at the center of the crater. Anisotropic stresses and stress waves (shock waves) are guiding the laser induced heat energy through particular channels. Splashing cones are developed with the increase in the laser shots. More theoretical investigations are needed to study the laser ripple periodicity in the context of laser shots effect.
Experimental studies of generation of ~100 MeV Au-ions from the laser-produced plasma
Authors: Láska L. , Krása J. , Velyhan A. , Jungwirth K. , Krouský E. , Margarone D. , Pfeifer M. , Rohlena K. , Ryć L. , Skála J. , Torrisi L. , Ullschmied J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractUsing the PALS iodine laser system, Au ions with the charge state up to 58+ and with the kinetic energy as high as ~300 MeV were generated. The production of these ions was tested in dependence on the laser frequency (1ω, 3ω), on the irradiation/detection angles (0°, 30°), on the focus position with regard to the target surface, and on the target thickness (500 µm, 200 µm, 80 µm). A larger amount of the fastest ions was produced with 1ω than with 3ω, the most of the fast ions were recorded in the direction ~10°from the target normal, the optimum focus position is in front of the target and should be set on with a precision of 50 µm. The forward emission is weaker than the backward one for both of the thinner targets (which burn through) at our experimental conditions.
Branched-chain 2-oxoacid transamination increases GABA-shunt metabolism and insulin secretion in isolated islets
Authors: Pizarro-Delgado Javier , Hernández-Fisac Inés , Martín-Del-Río Rafael , Tamarit-Rodriguez Jorge 
Published: January 2009

We have previously shown that oxo-4-methylpentanoate promotes islet GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) metabolism and stimulates insulin secretion. The main aim of this work was to explore the participation of the transamination of branched-chain 2-oxoacids in these processes with the aid of several inhibitors of this enzyme activity. No correlation was found between the transamination of branched-chain 2-oxoacids in islet homogenates and insulin secretion. However, in vivo transamination rates correlated better with the secretion capacity of the different branched-chain 2-oxoacids. Gabapentin, a specific inhibitor of the cytosolic isoenzyme, showed greater potential to decrease the in vitro transamination rates of oxo-3-methylbutyrate and oxo-3-methylpentanoate than those of oxo-4-methylpentanoate and oxohexanoate; this correlated with its capacity to decrease insulin secretion. 4-Methylvaleric acid very strongly inhibited the transamination of all the branched-chain 2-oxoacids and blocked their capacity to decrease islet GABA and to stimulate insulin secretion. KCl at 70 mM at stimulated islet GABA release, subsequently decreasing its tissue concentration. This ‘non-metabolic’ decrease of GABA suppressed the second phase of insulin secretion triggered by oxo-4-methylpentanoate and oxohexanoate. Oxo-4-methylpentanoate and oxo-3-methylpentanoate suppressed dose-dependent 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase activity in islet homogenates. In conclusion, the transamination of branchedchain 2-oxoacids is more important to the stimulation of insulin secretion than their catabolism, and transamination decreases islet GABA concentrations by promoting GABA metabolism. Also, inhibition of 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase by branched-chain 2-oxoacids may increase metabolic flux in the ‘GABA-shunt’ at the expense of reduced tricarboxylic acid cycle flux.
Fractures of the fifth metacarpal
Authors: Gudmundsen T. E. , Borgen L. 
Published: January 2009

Background: The literature is limited concerning the epidemiological issues of fracture in the fifth metacarpal bone. Purpose: To explore the incidence and types of this fracture, and how the fracture is related to age, gender, trauma mechanism, and at what day of the week the causing trauma occurred. Material and Methods: All hand fractures registered at the Department of Radiology, Buskerud Hospital, Norway, in the period between 2004 and 2006 were reviewed. Results: Of 1475 hand fractures, 271 (18.4%) were located in the fifth metacarpal bone. In 130 of these cases (121 male, nine female), the trauma had occurred through aggression, such as a fistfight or from punching a hard object. The majority of fractures were located in the neck of the metacarpal bone (boxer's fracture). The median age of this group was 22 (7–51) years. Concerning the time of trauma, there was a significant peak during weekends (95 patients). One hundred forty-one of the fifth metacarpal fractures were caused by accidental trauma (99 males, 42 females). In this group, the fractures were located approximately equally in the subcapital, diaphyseal, and basal part of the metacarpal. The median age was 34 (2–90) years. The accidental traumas occurred about as often during the weekdays as during the weekend. Conclusion: Of all hand fractures, fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone are the most common. There are as many aggression-related fractures as accidental fractures in the fifth metacarpal bone. When the fracture is caused by aggression, the typical patient is a young male sustaining fracture during the weekend.