bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The three-year positivity rate of sexually transmitted infections among a group of HIV-infected men attending the Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Edinburgh, UK
Authors: Manavi K , Luo P L , McMillan A 
Published: November 2005

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among patients at the time of and subsequent to the diagnosis of HIV, and possible immunological or virological features of patients with STI. An observational study was carried out on the results of annual STI screenings conducted on consecutive HIV-infected men in the Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Edinburgh between 1 January 1999 and 1 January 2003. Patients were tested for syphilis, gonococcal, and chlamydial infections. Among the 79 male patients in the study cohort, the frequencies of all STI rose within the study period. The three-year positivity rates of episodes of gonorrhoea, chlamydia, and syphilis were (42/131) 32%, (21/127) 16%, and (13/150) 9%, respectively. Patients with STI had significantly higher median CD4+ T-cells ( P<0.02) and lower median viral loads ( P<0.0001), and a higher proportion of them were on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) ( P<0.0002) compared with those without an STI. Routine screening for STI and counselling for safe sex should be part of care for all HIV-infected patients.
The Process of Cultural Change Among Cuban Bozales During the Nineteenth Century
Authors: Van Norman William C. 
Published: November 2005

On again reaching Matanzas, I ascertained that a slave-ship had just entered the port from the African coast, with 250 slaves on board. … On preceding to the quarter where these wretched beings were confined, I found them all huddled together in a large room, in which they were all exposed to sale like some drove of pigs, in a complete state of nudity, with the exception of a bandage tied round their loins. They … were seated on the floor in groups of eight and ten, feeding out of a parcel of buckets. … Three of these miserable outcasts were extremely ill, from the effects of close confinement during a long voyage.Thus began the experience of many nineteenth-century slaves upon their arrival in the New World. Hundreds of thousands of people from West and West Central Africa, bozales as Spaniards called newly arrived slaves, were torn from their own lands and plunged into a system that not only enslaved their bodies but also, through a system of physical violence and social control, re-inscribed personal and group identification.
Effect of T-Bar Anchor Tags on Growth of Black Crappies
Authors: Parsons Bradford G. , Reed Jeffrey R. 
Published: November 2005

Abstract
T-bar anchor tags provide a means for identifying individual fish in tagging experiments. Despite prior use, no information is available regarding the effect of these tags on the growth of black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus. We compared the growth of black crappies larger than 180 mm total length that were tagged with t-bar anchor tags with the growth of untagged members of the same cohort over 1-year periods in four Minnesota lakes. We found no difference in the growth of tagged and untagged black crappies in three of the lakes, but in the fourth lake growth of tagged fish averaged 3.7 mm less than that of untagged fish. While the effect on the growth of individual fish may be substantial, the overall effect on the population of tagged black crappies was minor. Therefore, concerns about effects on growth should not deter the use of t-bar anchor tags for tagging black crappies.
Adult immigrant Latinas' Attitudes towards ESL Classes
Authors: Gault Thomas 
Published: November 2005

Although the majority of limited English proficient adults in the United States are HIspanic immigrants with 12 years or less of school, few studies have looked at their special needs. This study looks particularly at immigrant Latinas. The most common reason for not attending ESL classes was the lack of childcare. The study also points up the need for
information dissemination, including locations, times, and levels of classes.
Respondents showed a strong preference for various features of a traditional classroom, particularly grammar instruction, error correction, tests and "mak[ing] sure that I understand everything." This explains why in many districts teachers using natural or communicative approaches do not reutain students as well as traditionalists, and why many students fail to achieve, despite the ample research showing the superiority of natural and
communicative methods.
Hence, teachers and programs need to clearly explain why they do what they do, and they may need to carefully frame the natural language lesson so that students feel they are learning something new and tangible in each class.
Is ESP a success in the Turkish EFL Context?
Authors: Işik Ali 
Published: November 2005

This paper presents a study investigating the effects of an ESP program on the false-beginner Turkish EFL learners' language and vocational knowledge and skills. The purpose of this study is to answer the following research questions:
Will false-beginner level Turkish EFL learners develop/improve their L2 skills through an ESP program of instruction?
Will false-beginner level Turkish EFL learners get basic vocational knowledge and skills as well as L2 skills through an ESP program of instruction?
50 false-beginner Turkish EFL learners, 18 graduates of the program who have already been employed in the tourism sector in Turkey, and 8 employers participated in the study. The results indicated that despite some shortcomings, the program helped the learners develop both their vocational and EFL knowledge and skills.
A new panlectal medium in Nigeria
Authors: Ajiboye Tunde 
Published: November 2005

This paper seeks to draw attention to a phenomenon in language development in Nigeria which tends to support the possibility of language barriers breaking down, not through English or any other exogenous medium, but through the resources provided by our own languages. The index towards the panlectal evolution of our languages is provided by a research recently undertaken by the writer.
On the basis of about 70 lexical cum para-lexical items, it was discovered that speakers of languages as far apart as Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo could still 'communicate' common realities of the society without recourse to their known primary linguistic loyalty. It is being suggested that with words like 'tòkunbò', 'kòbòkóbò', 'ògá' and 'apeteshi' being in use not only in the source language(s), but outside it (them), the way seems open to the possible eventual neutralization of linguistic cleavages. This trend, if sustained, will contribute to the view that communicative efficiency in a multilingual setting may not be the exclusive preserve of the 'colonial' medium. Thirdly, the unifying language of tomorrow (e.g. 'pinglish') may well see evidence from this research as ready data for exploitation.
Negative Evidence in Language Classroom Activities
Authors: Pica Teresa , Washburn Gay N. 
Published: November 2005

This study sought to identify and describe how negative evidence was made available and accessible in responses to learners during two classroom activities: a teacher-led discussion, which emphasized communication of subject matter content, and a teacher-led sentence construction exercise, which focused on application of grammatical rules.
Data came from adult, pre-academic English language learners during six discussions of American film and literature, and six sets of sentence construction exercises. Findings revealed little availability of negative evidence in the discussions, as students' fluent, multi-error contributions drew responses that were primarily back-channels and continuation moves. Greater availability and accessibility of negative evidence were found in the sentence construction exercises, as students were given feedback following their completion of individual sentences.
Results from the study suggested several pedagogical implications and applications.
Role of Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase in Thermogenesis
Authors: de Meis Leopoldo , Arruda Ana Paula , Carvalho Denise P. 
Published: November 2005

Enzymes are able to handle the energy derived from the hydrolysis of phosphate compounds in such a way as to determine the parcel that is used for work and the fraction that is converted into heat. The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPases (SERCA) is a family of membrane-bound ATPases that are able to transport Ca2+ ion across the membrane using the chemical energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. The heat released during ATP hydrolysis by SERCA may vary from 10 up to 30 kcal/mol depending on the SERCA isoform used and on whether or not a Ca2+ gradient is formed across the membrane. Drugs such as heparin, dimethyl sulfoxide and the platelet-activating factor (PAF) are able to modify the fraction of the chemical energy released during ATP hydrolysis that is used for Ca2+ transport and the fraction that is dissipated in the surrounding medium as heat. The thyroid hormone 3,5,3′-triiodo l-thyronine (T3) regulates the expression and function of the thermogenic SERCA isoforms. Modulation of heat production by SERCA might be one of the mechanisms involved in the increased thermogenesis found in hyperthyroidism.
Role of oxidative stress in pathophysiology of peripheral neuropathy and modulation by N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine in rats
Authors: Naik Ajit K. , Tandan Surendra K. , Dudhgaonkar Shailesh P. , Jadhav Sachin H. , Kataria Meena , Prakash V. Ravi , Kumar Dinesh 
Published: November 2005

AbstractObjectives: The objectives of this study were to examine the role of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress in peripheral neuropathy and behavioural pain responses in experimentally induced chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve of rat. Effect of N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine (NAC) administered intraperitoneally, was also investigated on CCI‐induced neuropathic pain in rats.Methods: Neuropathy was induced by CCI of the right sciatic nerve in ketamine anaesthetized rats. Effect of intraperitoneally administered NAC in rats was also investigated using nociceptive behavioural tests. Malondialdehyde, an index of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes was also estimated in ligated sciatic nerve.Results: Behavioural tests, mechanical, thermal and cold stimuli confirmed the development of neuropathic pain after the CCI. The malondialdehyde levels of ligated sciatic nerves were significantly increased compared to non‐ligated sciatic nerves (sham operated). The antioxidant enzyme reduced, glutathione was inhibited, while superoxide dismutase increased. However, catalase remained unaffected in the injured sciatic nerves. Intraperitoneal administration of NAC resulted in significant reduction of hyperalgesia in CCI‐induced neuropathic rats.Conclusions: This study identifies antioxidants superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione, and oxidative stress as important determinants of neuropathological and behavioural consequences of CCI‐induced neuropathy, and NAC may be a potential candidate for alleviation of neuropathic pain.
Prognostic value of umbilical‐middle cerebral artery pulsatility index ratio in fetuses with growth restriction
Authors: Piazze J. , Padula F. , Cerekja A. , Cosmi E.V. , Anceschi M.M. 
Published: November 2005

AbstractObjective: To study the utility of Doppler velocimetry and computerized cardiotocography in the management of intrauterine growth restriction and prediction of neonatal outcome. Patients and methods: Seventy‐two pregnant women with fetuses showing growth restriction and delivered within 48 h of their last Doppler velocimetry evaluation. The last computerized cardiotocographic trace from these fetuses was used for statistical analysis, and the last trace from the healthy fetuses of 93 consecutive women undergoing cesarean section was used as control. Umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA PI), middle cerebral artery pulsatility index (MCA PI), UA PI / MCA PI ratio, and uterine artery resistance index (Ut RI) were assessed. Results: Among women with growth‐restricted fetuses, all parameters were significantly higher in those who had hypertension; and in those who had diabetes, only the UA PI / MCA ratio was significantly higher. Umbilical artery PI values and the UA PI / MCA ratio were higher in those who had a nonreassuring result to computerized nonstress test immediately before delivery. A multiple logistic analysis showed that the UA PI / MCA ratio was the only Doppler velocimetry parameter predicting cardiotocographic nonreactivity; furthermore, the predictivity of extended newborn hospitalization (longer than 15 days) was verified, with a sensitivity of 56% and a specificity of 92% when the ratio was higher than 1.26. Conclusion: The MCA PI of fetuses with growth restriction should be assessed. The UA PI / MCA ratio is predictive of a nonreactive computerized cardiotocography trace and of prolonged neonatal hospitalization.
Direct inhibition of the pacemaker (If) current in rabbit sinoatrial node cells by genistein
Authors: Altomare Claudia , Tognati Agnese , Bescond Jocelyn , Ferroni Arnaldo , Baruscotti Mirko 
Published: November 2005

Genistein is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor which interferes with the activity of several ionic channels either by altering modulatory phosphorylating processes or by direct binding. In whole‐cell conditions, genistein induces a partial inhibition of the pacemaker (If) current recorded in cardiac sinoatrial and ventricular myocytes.We investigated the mechanism of action of genistein (50 μM) on theIfcurrent in whole‐cell, cell‐attached, and inside‐out configurations, and the measured fractional inhibitions were similar: 26.6, 27.2, and 33.6%, respectively.When ATP was removed from the whole‐cell pipette solution no differences were revealed in the effect of the drug when compared to metabolically active cells. Genistein fully maintained its blocking ability even when herbimycin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was added to the whole‐cell ATP‐free pipette solution.Genistein‐induced block was independent of the gating state of the channel and did not display voltage or current dependence; this independence distinguishes genistein from all other f‐channel blockers.When inside‐out experiments were performed to test for a direct interaction with the channel, genistein, superfused on the intracellular side of the membrane, decreased the maximalIfconductance, and slightly shifted the current–activation curve to the left. Furthermore, the effect of genistein was independent of cAMP modulation.We conclude that, in addition to its tyrosine kinase‐inhibitory properties, genistein also blocksIfby directly interacting with the channel, and thus cannot be considered a valuable pharmacological tool to investigate phosphorylation‐dependent modulatory pathways of theIfcurrent and of cardiac rhythm.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 36–44. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706433
In vivorelease of non‐neuronal acetylcholine from the human skin as measured by dermal microdialysis: effect of botulinum toxin
Authors: Schlereth Tanja , Birklein Frank , Haack Katrinan , Schiffmann Susanne , Kilbinger Heinz , Kirkpatrick Charles James , Wessler Ignaz 
Published: November 2005

Acetylcholine is synthesized in the majority of non‐neuronal cells, for example in human skin. In the present experiments, thein vivorelease of acetylcholine was measured by dermal microdialysis.Two microdialysis membranes were inserted intradermally at the medial shank of volunteers. Physiological saline containing 1 μMneostigmine was perfused at a constant rate of 4 μl min−1and the effluent was collected in six subsequent 20 min periods. Acetylcholine was measured by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with bioreactors and electrochemical detection.Analysis of the effluent by HPLC showed an acetylcholine peak that disappeared, when the analytical column was packed with acetylcholine‐specific esterase, confirming the presence of acetylcholine.In the absence of neostigmine, 71±51 pmol acetylcholine (n=4) was found during a 120 min period. The amount increased to 183±43 pmol (n=34), when the perfusion medium contained 1 μMneostigmine.Injection of 100 MU botulinum toxin subcutaneously blocked sweating completely, but the release of acetylcholine was not affected (botulinum toxin treated skin: 116±70 pmol acetylcholine/120 min; untreated skin: 50±20 pmol;n=4).Quinine (1 mM), inhibitor of organic cation transporters, and carnitine (0.1 mM), substrate of the Na+‐dependent carnitine transporter OCTN2, tended to reduce acetylcholine release (by 40%, not significant).Our experiments demonstrate, for the first time, thein vivorelease of non‐neuronal acetylcholine in human skin. Organic cation transporters are not predominantly involved in the release of non‐neuronal acetylcholine from the human skin.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)147, 183–187. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706451
Xenon measurement in breathing systems: a comparison of ultrasonic and thermal conductivity methods
Authors: King R. , Bretland M. , Wilkes A. , Dingley J. 
Published: November 2005

SummaryXenon is an anaesthetic and possibly neuroprotective gas that is impossible to measure using conventional anaesthetic gas analysers. We compared the performance of two commissioned xenon analysers using ultrasonic and thermal conductivity principles against a reference method of laser refractometry. An experimental gas circuit was constructed and xenon concentrations compared over a range of 0–100% in oxygen. Eighty‐two paired measurements were made comparing the experimental methods with laser refractometry. The ultrasonic method displayed good agreement with laser refractometry, with a mean difference of − 0.74% and two standard deviation limits of agreement of + 1.08% to − 2.56%. The agreement between laser refractometry and thermal conductivity was poor, the mean difference being − 5.37%, with two standard deviation limits of agreement of + 0.6% to − 11.3%. The ultrasonic method for measuring xenon concentrations can be used in breathing circuits. The thermal conductivity instrument may need further development.
Regional variations in community consumption of antibiotics in Hungary, 1996–2003
Authors: Matuz Maria , Benko Ria , Doro Peter , Hajdu Edit , Nagy Gabor , Nagy Erzsebet , Monnet Dominique L. , Soos Gyongyver 
Published: November 2005

AimsTo study regional differences and identify determinants of antibiotic consumption in ambulatory care in Hungary.MethodsRegional distribution‐based antibiotic sales data were converted into a number of defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 inhabitant‐days. Correlations were assessed with the Spearman rank test.ResultsThere were large and stable interregional differences in antibiotic consumption. They were associated with socio‐economic determinants, e.g. the population receiving free access to medicines and receiving regular social assistance.ConclusionsMore detailed studies are needed to better understand the determinants of antibiotic use in these specific patient populations and to identify additional determinants at regional level.
Evaluation of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation markers as biomarkers for the action of thiazolidinediones in Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and healthy volunteers
Authors: Van Doorn Martijn , Kemme Michiel , Ouwens Margriet , Van Hoogdalem Ewoud J. , Jones Richard , Romijn Hans , De Kam Marieke , Schoemaker Rik , Burggraaf Koos , Cohen Adam 
Published: November 2005

AimsThiazolidinediones (TZDs) not only enhance cellular glucose transport but are reported to have potent anti‐inflammatory effects. These effects may play an important role in the insulin sensitizing mechanism, and possibly precede the effects on parameters of glucoregulation. We sought to investigate whether these anti‐inflammatory effects could yield early responding biomarkers for TZD action in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients and healthy volunteers (HV) to expedite early clinical development of novel compounds.MethodsWe investigated the timing of treatment effects on several proinflammatory cytokines and markers of inflammation in comparison with effects on typical measures of glucoregulation in T2DM patients and HV receiving rosiglitazone 4 mg or placebo twice daily for 6 weeks.ResultsWe found a significant reduction in interleukin (IL)‐6 [−39.4%, confidence interval (CI) − 60.0, − 8.2] and white blood cell count (−18.4%, CI − 30.2, − 4.5) after 4 weeks of treatment in the T2DM group. These anti‐inflammatory effects did not precede the effects on typical parameters of glucoregulation in the T2DM group and there was no significant anti‐inflammatory response in the HV group.ConclusionWe could not identify biomarkers that precede the effects of rosiglitazone on parameters of glucoregulation in T2DM or that have a significant response in HV. However, the IL‐6 response observed in this study indicates a potential role for this cytokine as complementary biomarker in clinical ‘proof of concept’ studies with novel TZDs.
A likely molecular basis of the susceptibility of Giardia lambliaTowards oxygen
Authors: Li Lei , Wang Ching C. 
Published: November 2005

Summary Giardia lamblia is an amitochondrial protozoan susceptible to oxygen, but the molecular basis for it remains unclear. A Giardia NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase (DT‐diaphorase) is known to catalyse a single electron transfer reaction with quinones as the likely two‐electron acceptor when oxygen is absent. Here we overexpressed this enzyme in GiardiaTrophozoites and observed a significantly enhanced susceptibility of the cells towards oxygen. A knock‐down of this enzyme resulted, however, in more oxygen‐tolerant Giardia cells growing equally well under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. The function of DT‐diaphorase could be thus a major, if not the only, cause for the oxygen susceptibility of Giardia. Overexpressed DT‐diaphorase is accompanied by increased intracellular hydrogen peroxide. An overexpression of Fe‐superoxide dismutase in Giardia led also to a similarly heightened sensitivity to oxygen. Thus, generation of H2O2 from superoxide anion likely produced from DT‐diaphorase catalysed reaction using oxygen as electron acceptor may constitute the molecular basis for Giardia susceptibility to oxygen. A functional homologue of DT‐diaphorase in Giardia, NADH oxidase, uses oxygen as the preferred electron acceptor and reduces it to water. Overexpression of this enzyme in Giardia resulted in significantly enhanced growth under aerobic conditions. Giarida NADH oxidase could be thus an instrumental enzyme for the organism to adapt to and to tolerate an aerobic living environment.