bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Delivering multidisciplinary public health in action – the Cardiff Food Strategy case study
Authors: Fairchild Ruth M , Morgan Maria Z 
Published: January 2007

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increasing awareness that the provision of healthy food relies on the co-ordinated efforts of a number of diverse disciplines, not merely those traditionally linked with food. This paper documents the development of a food and health strategy, commissioned by the health alliance for the city of Cardiff, and focuses on the areas of sustainability, education and training as well as nutrition, food provision and food safety.ObjectiveThe aim of the strategy was to increase the uptake of a healthy, safe and sustainable diet for all those living in Cardiff.MethodThe methodology included a rapid appraisal of food initiatives operating within the city, establishing a food and health strategy working group and the production of strategy documentation. Multi-agency collaboration and consultation were key components of the approach.ResultsAs the strategy developed, seven action areas became apparent, including education and training, public sector procurement and rewarding excellence. These action areas were incorporated into seven ‘action tables’, which constitute the core of the strategy. The food and health strategy document was ratified by the Local Health Alliance board in August 2004. But, far greater benefits were realised as a consequence of setting up the strategy working group. Long before the document was written, the strategy process was operating as ‘multidisciplinary public health in action’.ConclusionThe network that comprised the food and health strategy working group was already able to commence delivery of a more integrated approach to food and health within Cardiff.
Impact of nutrients on insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and their ratio in African American and white males
Authors: McGreevy Katharine M , Hoel Brian D , Lipsitz Stuart R , Hoel David G 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectiveHigher levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and lower levels of IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Nutrition is known to partially regulate IGF levels and it is possible that nutritional factors mediate the impact of IGF levels on prostate cancer risk.DesignA cross-sectional analysis of the impact of nutritional factors measured by a dietary questionnaire on plasma levels of IGF-I, IGFBP-3 and their molar ratio. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test for effects of nutrients on IGF levels.SettingProstate cancer screening at the Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, South Carolina.SubjectsNinety-five African American and 138 white males aged 33–83 years attending the screening.ResultsIn whites, intakes of total, saturated and monounsaturated fats were positively associated with an increase in the molar ratio, while there was no association in African Americans. In African Americans, we found that increasing intake of calcium and dairy servings was positively associated with IGF-I levels. Increased vegetable intake was positively associated with IGFBP-3 in African Americans, while there was no effect in whites. A higher percentage of alcohol in the total diet was significantly associated with a decrease in the molar ratio and an increase in IGFBP-3 in both groups.ConclusionsOur results confirm previous findings of nutritional determinants of IGF levels. Additionally, we found the impact of several nutrients on IGF levels to be different in whites and African Americans, which warrants further investigation.
The role of breakfast in nutrient intake of urban schoolchildren
Authors: Chitra Uma , Reddy C Radha 
Published: January 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo ascertain the breakfast habits of 10–15-year-old schoolchildren and to assess the quality of this meal as well as its relationship to the food consumption pattern for the full day.DesignCross-sectional survey.Subjects and settingEight hundred and two schoolchildren, boys and girls, aged 10–15 years, belonging to different urban schools located in Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India.MethodThe breakfast eating patterns of the children were studied and their impact on growth was assessed, using dietary recalls and anthropometric measurements.ResultsOnly 42.8% of the children ate breakfast regularly. Over half of the children skipped breakfast, ranging from daily to once in two weeks. The energy and protein composition of breakfasts eaten by the children indicated that those who did not skip breakfast met one-quarter to one-third of their total daily energy and protein requirements. Mean nutrient intakes calculated from 24-hour recalls revealed that the children's diets were inadequate compared with the recommended values for energy and protein. The inadequate energy intake was reflected in a high incidence of malnutrition in both boys and girls; 40.3% of the boys and 32.1% of the girls studied were found to be underweight. Protein intake was also inadequate among boys and girls, although a higher percentage of children met their protein requirements.ConclusionsOver half of the schoolchildren studied skipped breakfast frequently, the main reason being getting up late. Children who consumed breakfast had higher daily intakes of energy and protein than children who skipped breakfast. These data confirm the importance of breakfast to overall dietary quality and adequacy in school-aged children.
Differences between the abilities of tegaserod and motilin receptor agonists to stimulate gastric motilityin vitro
Authors: Jarvie E M , North Laidler V J , Corcoran S , Bassil A , Sanger G J 
Published: January 2007

Background and purpose:Motilin or 5‐HT4receptor agonists stimulate gastrointestinal motility. Differences in activity are suggested but direct comparisons are few. A method was devised to directly compare the gastric prokinetic activities of motilin, the motilin receptor agonist, erythromycin, and the 5‐HT4receptor agonist, tegaserod.Experimental approach:Gastric prokinetic‐like activity was assessed by measuring the ability to facilitate cholinergically‐mediated contractions evoked by electrical field stimulation (EFS) in rabbit isolated stomach. Comparisons were made between potency, maximal activity and duration of responses.Key results:Rabbit motilin (r.motilin) 0.003–0.3μM, [Nle13]motilin 0.003–0.3μM, erythromycin 0.3–10μM and tegaserod 0.1–10μM caused concentration – dependent potentiation of EFS‐evoked contractions. The potency ranking was r.motilin = [Nle13]motilin > tegaserod > erythromycin. The Emaxranking was r.motilin = [Nle13]motilin = erythromycin > tegaserod. Responses to r.motilin and [Nle13]motilin faded rapidly (t1/29 and 11 min, respectively) whereas those to erythromycin and tegaserod were maintained longer (t1/224 and 28 min). The difference did not appear to be due to peptide degradation. A second application of [Nle13]motilin was excitatory after 60 min contact and fade of the initial response (responses to 0.03 and 0.1μM [Nle13]motilin were not different from those caused by the first application).Conclusions and implications:Prokinetic‐like activities of the 5‐HT4agonist tegaserod and the motilin receptor agonists were compared by measuring changes in cholinergically‐mediated contractions. This novel approach highlighted important differences between classes (greater Emaxof motilin, compared with tegaserod) and for the first time, within each class (short t1/2for motilin, compared with erythromycin).British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 455–462. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707118
Prospects for the biological control of the groundnut leaf miner,
Aproaerema modicella
, in Africa.
Authors: Kenis M. , Cugala D. 
Published: January 2007

Abstract

The groundnut leaf miner,
Aproaerema modicella
, is a pest of groundnut and soyabean in South and Southeast Asia that has recently invaded Africa. It was first found in Uganda in 1998 and is now recorded in Mozambique, Malawi, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa. In all African countries where
A. modicella
has been found, the pest has reached outbreak densities and severe yield losses have been observed on groundnut. In this paper, we review the natural enemies of
A. modicella
in Asia and evaluate their potential for biological control in Africa. The main natural enemies of
A. modicella
in Asia are parasitoids. Over 30 primary parasitoid species have been recorded with mean parasitism rates fluctuating between 20% and 50% and peak parasitism reaching 53-91%. The most often cited parasitoids belong to the genera
Goniozus
(Hym.: Bethylidae),
Apanteles
,
Bracon
,
Chelonus
and
Avga
(Hym.: Braconidae),
Brachymeria
(Hym.: Chalcididae), and
Stenomesius
,
Sympiesis
and
Tetrastichus
(Hym.: Eulophidae). Predators and pathogens have been poorly studied.
A. modicella
is a promising target for classical biological control using natural enemies from Asia. Damage levels are, on average, higher in Africa than in Asia, where parasitoids, and possibly predators and pathogens, probably play an important role in the natural control of the pest. However, surveys are needed in Asia to better study natural enemies of
A. modicella
before selecting the most suitable agents. Until now, most studies on natural enemies were carried out in India, where
A. modicella
is considered a serious pest. New surveys should focus on other regions, where the moth causes little damage and very little is known on its natural enemy complex.
Osmosis in semi-permeable pores: an examination of the basic flow equations based on an experimental and molecular dynamics study
Authors: Davis I.S , Shachar-Hill B , Curry M.R , Kim K.S , Pedley T.J , Hill A.E 
Published: January 2007

Classically ‘semi-permeable’ pores are generally considered to mediate osmotic flow at a rate dependent upon the hydraulic conductance of the pore and the difference in water potential. The shape or size of the solute molecules is not considered to exert a first-order effect on the flow rate nor is the hydraulic conductance thought to be solute dependent. By the experimental measurement of osmosis in the biological pore AQP (aquaporin) and hard-sphere molecular dynamics simulation of a model pore, we show here that the solute radius can have a profound effect on the osmotic flow rate, causing it to decline steeply with decreasing solute radius.Using a simple non-equilibrium thermodynamic theory, we propose that an additional ‘osmotic flow coefficient’ is required to describe flows in semi-permeable structures such as AQPs, and that the fall in flow rate with radius represents a conversion from hydraulic to diffusive water flow due to increasing penetration of the pore by the solute. The interaction between the pore geometry and the solute size cannot, therefore, be overlooked, although for every solute the system obeys the criterion for semi-permeability required by basic thermodynamics. The osmotic pore theory therefore reveals a novel and potentially rich structure that remains to be explored in full.
Transforming growth factor‐β1 ‐509T reduces risk of colorectal cancer, but not adenoma in Koreans
Authors: Chung Su J. , Kim Joo S. , Jung Hyun C. , Song In S. 
Published: January 2007

The proliferation of colorectal epithelial cells is regulated by various stimuli including cytokines and growth factors, thus the variants of those genes can modify the colorectal cancer risk. TGF‐β1 can act as both a tumor suppressor and a stimulator of tumor progression. TGF‐β1 C‐509T polymorphism in the promoter sequence has been associated with increased levels of plasma TGF‐β1 in individuals with T allele. To evaluate the potential influences of this polymorphism on colorectal adenoma and cancer risk, a case‐control study was conducted in Korea. A total of 646 subjects were prospectively enrolled in Seoul National University Hospital. Risk of colorectal neoplasms was evaluated separately for 244 patients with colorectal adenoma, 152 patients with colorectal cancer relative to 250 healthy controls. Genotypes were determined by the PCR‐RFLP method. ORs and 95% CIs were calculated by a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The TGF‐β1 ‐509T allele containing genotypes posed a reduced risk of colorectal cancer (adjusted OR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.28–0.92). But there was no association between this polymorphism and colorectal adenoma. Our results suggest that the TGF‐β1 ‐509T allele may have a protective role in the development of colorectal cancer, possibly consistent with its role as an inhibitor of epithelial malignant transformation. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 401–404)
Overexpression of soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in colorectal cancer: Association with progression and prognosis
Authors: Yamaguchi Tatsuro , Bando Hiroko , Mori Takeo , Takahashi Keiichi , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Yasutome Michiya , Weich Herbert A. , Toi Masakazu 
Published: January 2007

We examined the expression of sVEGFR1 in colorectal cancer tissue and corresponding normal colorectal mucosa to assess the clinical significance of sVEGFR1 in colorectal cancer. We also assessed the relationship between sVEGFR1 levels and various clinicopathologic factors and prognoses. sVEGFR1 and VEGF levels were measured in fresh‐frozen tumor extracts from 84 primary colorectal cancer tissues and 27 corresponding normal mucosa using ELISA. Mean of sVEGFR1 levels were 3.17 ng/mg protein. sVEGFR1 levels increased significantly in cancer tissue compared with normal mucosa. Although VEGF levels increased in cancer tissues, the ratio of sVEGFR1/VEGF in cancer tissue was significantly lower than that in normal tissue. No significant correlation between sVEGFR1 or VEGF levels and any clinicopathologic parameter was found. Overexpression of sVEGFR1 was significantly associated with a favorable prognosis. Based on sVEGFR1 levels in colorectal cancer without distant metastases, patients with higher sVEGFR1 levels (≥1.5 ng/mg protein) demonstrated significant longer recurrence‐free survival than patients with lower sVEGFR1 levels (<1.5 ng/mg protein) (P = 0.0017). Multivariate analysis showed that the sVEGFR1 levels in cancer tissue were an independent prognostic indicator of disease progression. sVEGFR1 expression was significantly elevated in colorectal cancer tissue compared with normal mucosa and the intratumoral balance between sVEGFR1 and VEGF was significantly different between tumor tissue and normal controls. Furthermore, sVEGFR1 levels showed a significant prognostic value. Further studies concerning the biologic and therapeutic significance of sVEGFR1 in colorectal cancer are warranted. (Cancer Sci 2007; 98: 405–410)
Anaesthetists' management of oxygen pipeline failure: room for improvement*
Authors: Weller J. , Merry A. , Warman G. , Robinson B. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryOxygen pipeline failure is a rare but potentially catastrophic event which can affect the care of patients throughout an entire hospital. Anaesthetists play a critical role in maintaining patient safety, and should be prepared to support an institution‐wide emergency response if oxygen failure occurs. We tested the preparedness for this through observation of 20 specialist anaesthetists to a standardised simulator scenario of central oxygen supply failure. Responses were documented using multiple approaches to ensure accuracy. All anaesthetists demonstrated safe immediate patient care, but we observed a number of deviations from optimal management, including failure to conserve oxygen supplies and, following restoration of gas supplies, failure to test the composition of the gas supplied from the repaired pipelines. This has implications for patient care at both individual and hospital level. Our results indicate a gap in anaesthesia training which should be addressed, in conjunction with planning for effective hospital‐wide responses to the event of critical resource failure.
Reticulocyte haemoglobin content vs. soluble transferrin receptor and ferritin index in iron deficiency anaemia accompanied with inflammation
Authors: MARKOVIĆ M. , MAJKIĆ‐SINGH N. , IGNJATOVIĆ S. , SINGH S. 
Published: January 2007

SummaryFerritin concentration, as a parameter of iron status that is commonly used in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA), often has limited values if the iron deficiency is accompanied by inflammatory disease. This study evaluated the value of reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr) and soluble transferrin receptor–ferritin index (sTfR/F) in the diagnosis of IDA and differential diagnosis of IDA and anaemia of chronic disease. The study included 66 nonanaemic individuals as controls, 86 patients with IDA divided into noninflammatory and inflammatory subgroups, and 32 patients with anaemia of chronic disease. Blood count, iron, transferrin saturation, total iron binding capacity, ferritin, C‐reactive protein, sTfR and CHr were determined. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis showed very high discriminating power for CHr, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and sTfR/F in the diagnosis of IDA. In patients with anaemia of chronic disease these parameters showed no significant difference from the control. CHr and sTfR enabled recognition of iron deficiency and were not affected by acute phase reaction. They are sensitive markers of body iron status with additional value to conventional tests for the detection of iron deficiency.
Effects of short‐ and long‐term water‐level drawdown on the populations and activity of aerobic decomposers in a boreal peatland
Authors: JAATINEN KRISTA , FRITZE HANNU , LAINE JUKKA , LAIHO RAIJA 
Published: January 2007

AbstractWe analysed the response of microbial communities, characterized by phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), to changing hydrological conditions at sites with different nutrient levels in a southern boreal peatland. Although PLFAs of Gram‐negative bacteria were characteristic of the peatland complex, microbial communities differed among sites (ombrotrophic bog, oligotrophic fen, mesotrophic fen) and sampling depths (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–30 cm). The microbial communities in each site changed significantly following water‐level drawdown. The patterns of change varied among sites and sampling depths. The relative proportion of Gram‐negative bacteria decreased in the upper 10 cm but increased in deeper layers of the fen sites. Fungi benefited from water‐level drawdown in the upper 5 cm of the mesotrophic fen, but suffered in the drier surfaces of the ombrotrophic bog, especially in the 5–10 cm layer. In contrast, actinobacteria suffered from water‐level drawdown in the mesotrophic fen, but benefited in the drier surfaces of the ombrotrophic bog. Basal respiration rate correlated positively with pH and fungal PLFA, and negatively with depth. We suggest that the changes in microbial community structure after persistent water‐level drawdown follow not only the hydrological conditions but also the patterns of vegetation change. Our results imply that changes in structure and activity of the microbial community in response to climate change will be strongly dependent on the type of peatland.
Is oak establishment in old‐fields and savanna openings context dependent?
Authors: DICKIE IAN A. , SCHNITZER S. A. , REICH P. B. , HOBBIE S. E. 
Published: January 2007

Summary

Multiple factors are known to influence tree seedling establishment, yet the degree to which these factors depend on each other and on spatial context is largely unknown. We examined the influence of herbaceous competition and water and nitrogen limitations on tree seedling establishment as functions of distance from trees (within‐site spatial context) and site history (between‐site spatial context; as old‐fields vs. savanna openings).
We grew Quercus ellipsoidalis E.J. Hill (pin oak) and Q. macrocarpa Michx. (bur oak) seedlings for 3 years in abandoned agricultural fields and savannas in central Minnesota, USA, near and distant from adult oak trees, with and without water and nitrogen resource additions, and with and without clipping of herbaceous vegetation (reducing above‐ground competition).
The strongest treatment effects were found in response to distance from trees and clipping herbaceous vegetation. Ectomycorrhizal infection, year 1 foliar N concentrations, and survival were greater in seedlings growing near vs. distant from adult trees, while clipping herbaceous vegetation increased above‐ground seedling biomass but reduced seedling heights, regardless of distance from adult trees.
There were conflicting effects of resource addition, which were dependent on clipping of herbaceous vegetation and site (savanna vs. old‐field).
Distance from adult trees and clipping herbaceous vegetation appear to have largely independent effects. Thus, while being near trees benefits seedlings, probably via increased mycorrhizal infection, competition from herbaceous vegetation limits seedlings regardless of distance from trees. In contrast, the effects of resource addition were more context dependent, interacting significantly with herbaceous context and site.
The factors influencing seedling success can perhaps be best conceptualized as a series of largely independent environmental filters: seedlings near trees have increased mycorrhizal infection, nutrient uptake and survival, but face competition from herbaceous vegetation regardless of distance from trees. The slow encroachment of woody vegetation into old‐fields and savanna openings in this region is likely to be the result of the net cumulative effect of such filters.
Effects of landscape heterogeneity on the emerging forest disease sudden oak death
Authors: CONDESO T. EMIKO , MEENTEMEYER ROSS K. 
Published: January 2007

Summary

Sudden oak death is an emerging forest disease caused by the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum that is invading the west coast of the United States and semi‐natural areas in Europe. This disease causes lethal stem infections in oaks (Quercus spp.) and tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus), as well as non‐lethal foliar infections in a range of other species.
We investigated two questions to evaluate the effect of landscape structure on the spread of P. ramorum: (i) does the spatial pattern of forested habitat predict P. ramorum disease severity, and is this relationship scale‐dependent; and (ii) what influence does spatial pattern have on the optimal microclimate conditions for P. ramorum reproduction?
We mapped the spatial distribution of suitable forest habitat for P. ramorum and established 86 randomly located field plots within a 20‐km2 region of northern California. For each plot, we quantified P. ramorum disease severity and measured the abundance of woody species. Disease severity in each plot was examined in relation to the surrounding landscape structure measured for nested landscapes of increasing scale.
P. ramorum disease severity was greatest in plots surrounded by a high proportion of contiguous forest, after accounting for plot‐level variables of host abundance, elevation, canopy cover and microclimate. The explanatory power of the model increased with increasing scale up to 200 m, but was not significant at scales less than 50 m.
High disease severity was associated with lower temperatures in the field than the laboratory‐determined optimal range for pathogen reproduction. Variation in microclimate conditions was explained by elevation, not the pattern of host vegetation, indicating that spatially varying disease severity was not a function of microclimate‐related edge effects on pathogen growth and survival.
Both landscape‐scale configuration and local composition of host habitat are related to the severity of this destructive forest disease. Increased disease severity within contiguous woodlands may have a considerable impact on the composition of such woodlands, with cascading effects on the population dynamics of both host and pathogen.