bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Results of a screening programme to identify plants or plant extracts that inhibit ruminal protein degradation
Authors: Selje N. , Hoffmann E. M. , Muetzel S. , Ningrat R. , Wallace R. J. , Becker K. 
Published: April 2007

One aim of the EC Framework V project, ’Rumen-up’ (QLK5-CT-2001-00 992), was to find plants or plant extracts that would inhibit the nutritionally wasteful degradation of protein in the rumen. A total of 500 samples were screenedin vitrousing14C-labelled casein in a 30-min incubation with ruminal digesta. Eight were selected for further investigation using a batch fermentation system and soya protein and bovine serum albumin as proteolysis substrates; proteolysis was monitored over 12 h by the disappearance of soluble protein and the production of branched SCFA and NH3. Freeze-dried, ground foliage ofPeltiphyllum peltatum,Helianthemum canum,Arbutus unedo,Arctostaphylos uva-ursiandKnautia arvensisinhibited proteolysis (P < 0·05), whileDaucus carota,Clematis vitalbaandErica arboreahad little effect. Inhibition by the first four samples appeared to be caused by the formation of insoluble tannin–protein complexes. The samples were rich in phenolics and inhibition was reversed by polyethyleneglycol. In contrast,K.arvensiscontained low concentrations of phenolics and no tannins, had no effect in the 30-min assay, yet inhibited the degradation rate of soluble protein (by 14 %,P < 0·0001) and the production of branched SCFA (by 17 %,P < 0·05) without precipitating protein in the 12-h batch fermentation. The effects showed some resemblance to those obtained in parallel incubations containing 3 μm-monensin, suggesting thatK.arvensismay be a plant-derived feed additive that can suppress growth and activity of key proteolytic ruminal micro-organisms in a manner similar to that already well known for monensin.
Jerusalem artichoke and chicory inulin in bakery products affect faecal microbiota of healthy volunteers
Authors: Kleessen Brigitta , Schwarz Sandra , Boehm Anke , Fuhrmann H. , Richter A. , Henle T. , Krueger Monika 
Published: April 2007

A study was conducted to test the effects of Jerusalem artichoke inulin (JA) or chicory inulin (CH) in snack bars on composition of faecal microbiota, concentration of faecal SCFA, bowel habit and gastrointestinal symptoms. Forty-five volunteers participated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. At the end of a 7 d run-in period, subjects were randomly assigned to three groups of fifteen subjects each, consuming either snack bars with CH or JA, or snack bars without fructans (placebo); for 7 d (adaptation period), they ingested one snack bar per day (7·7 g fructan/d) and continued for 14 d with two snack bars per day. The composition of the microbiota was monitored weekly. The consumption of CH or JA increased counts of bifidobacteria (+1·2 log10in 21 d) and reducedBacteroides/Prevotellain number and theClostridium histolyticum/C. lituseburensegroup in frequency at the end of intervention (P < 0·05). No changes in concentration of faecal SCFA were observed. Consumption of snack bars resulted in a slight increase in stool frequency. Stool consistency was slightly affected in subjects consuming two snack bars containing CH or JA per day (P < 0·05). Consumption of CH or JA resulted in mild and sometimes moderate flatulence in a few subjects compared to placebo (P < 0·05). No structural differences were detected between CH and JA before and after processing. In conclusion, adaptation on increased doses of CH or JA in bakery products stimulates the growth of bifidobacteria and may contribute to the suppression of potential pathogenic bacteria.
Effect of chronic consumption of almonds on body weight in healthy humans
Authors: Hollis James , Mattes Richard 
Published: April 2007

Small changes of diet may reduce CVD risk. One example is the inclusion of nuts. They are rich in fibre, unsaturated fatty acids and phytonutrients. However, their fat content and energy density raise concerns that chronic consumption will promote weight gain. Randomised intervention studies are required to evaluate whether this concern is well founded. This study's aim was to determine if the inclusion of a 1440 kJ serving of almonds in the daily diet results in positive energy balance, and body composition change. During a 23-week cross-over design study, participants were required to consume almonds for 10 weeks and were provided no advice on how to include them in their diet. For another 10 weeks (order counter-balanced), participants followed their customary diet and there was a 3-week washout between. The study group consisted of twenty women. Potential mechanisms of energy dissipation were measured. Ten weeks of daily almond consumption did not cause a change in body weight. This was predominantly due to compensation for the energy contained in the almonds through reduced food intake from other sources. Moreover, inefficiency in the absorption of energy from almonds was documented (P < 0·05). No changes in resting metabolic rate, thermic effect of food or total energy expenditure were noted. A daily 1440 kJ serving of almonds, sufficient to provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk factors, may be included in the diet with limited risk of weight gain. Whether this can be generalised to other high-fat energy dense foods warrants evaluation.
DETERMINANTS OF CURRENT CONTRACEPTIVE USE AND METHOD CHOICE IN MONGOLIA
Authors: GERELTUYA ALTANKHUYAGIIN , FALKINGHAM JANE , BROWN JAMES 
Published: April 2007

SummaryThis study examines the determinants of current contraceptive use and method choice in Mongolia using data from the 1998 Mongolian Reproductive Health Survey and 2000 Mongolian Population and Housing Census. Since 1976, access to modern contraceptives has been liberalized and all restrictions on the use, distribution and import of contraceptives were removed in 1989. There were some increases in the use of modern contraceptives among married women in the 1990s; however, at the start of the twenty-first century the IUD and periodic abstinence remain the most widely used methods. Women with higher levels of education are more likely to be current users of contraception, and if they are current users, they are more likely to choose the IUD and traditional methods. Women living in rural areas have a higher probability of using contraception and are more likely to choose the IUD and traditional methods. Significant variations exist between primary sampling units in current contraceptive use and in the choice of modern methods. Community-level variables were important predictors in reducing variation between primary sampling unit, when other modern methods were compared with traditional methods.
Is bacterial colonisation of the tonsillar fossa a factor in post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage?
Authors: Stephens J C , Georgalas C , Kyi M , Ghufoor K 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectives:To identify if there is a link between bacterial colonisation of the tonsillar fossa and post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage.Study design and setting:Prospective non-interventional study of 105 patients who underwent tonsillectomy during a seven-month period. The study took place in a secondary care centre, the West Middlesex University Hospital.Participants:The participants were 105 patients who consecutively underwent tonsillectomy. The exclusion criteria were any patients with suspected or known malignancy, or known bleeding dyscrasias. The participants underwent microbiological sampling of the tonsil pre-operatively.Main outcomes measures:The outcome measures were primary or secondary bleeding, defined as any evidence of haemorrhage in the tonsillar fossae.Results:Twenty-four per cent of patients undergoing tonsillectomy had positive cultures from their tonsils pre-operatively. Patients with bacterial colonisation of the tonsillar fossa pre-operatively had an increased rate of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage (odds ratio: 3.8, 1.1–12.1, 95 per cent confidence intervals,p = 0.04).Conclusion:This prospective study has found a relationship between bacterial colonisation of the tonsillar fossa and post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage. This suggests that there may be an argument for the use of antibiotics in those cases with positive pre-operative cultures. In view of the types of pathogens isolated, we feel that the management of a post-tonsillectomy bleed should include a beta lactamase inhibiting antibiotic.
Effectiveness of corticosteroids in otitis media with effusion: an experimental study
Authors: Yaman H , Ozturk K , Uyar Y , Gurbilek M 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjective:The aim of the present study was to investigate the dose-related effectiveness of corticosteroids in the management of otitis media with effusion, by using the objective assessment techniques of tympanometry and cytokine measurement.Materials and methods:The eustachian tubes of 42 male rats were obstructed. Thirty-six subjects with effusion were randomly divided into three equal groups: controls; 0.5 mg/kg/day corticosteroid; and 1 mg/kg/day corticosteroid. Concentrations of interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor α in the middle-ear effusions were analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:An effusion occurred on the 14th post-operative day and was present on the 30th post-operative day in the control group. Otomicroscopic examination and tympanometric measurement showed an improvement in the intervention groups. There was a significant difference between both intervention groups and the control group for both interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor α concentrations (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference between the 0.5 mg/kg and the 1 mg/kg corticosteroid groups (p > 0.05).Conclusion:The study confirmed a short term beneficial effect of systemic steroids on resolution of otitis media with effusion in a rat model. Our results support the theory that corticosteroids significantly decrease concentrations of both interleukin-1β and tumour necrosis factor α. In our model, the 0.5 mg/kg corticosteroid dose was as effective as the 1 mg/kg corticosteroid dose. Further studies should be carried out to determine the optimal dose and duration of corticosteroids in the treatment of otitis media with effusion.
Recurrent facial paraesthesia secondary to maxillary antral cyst and dehiscent infraorbital canal: case report
Authors: Sharma N , De M , Pracy P 
Published: April 2007

Objectives: To report a rare presentation of dehiscent infraorbital canal associated with a maxillary antral cyst.Case report: A 26-year-old woman presented with symptoms of right infraorbital nerve dysfunction experienced while travelling by aeroplane. She was subsequently diagnosed with dehiscent infraorbital canal and large maxillary antral cyst on computed tomography scanning. The cyst was removed by endoscopic sinus surgery, and the patient's symptoms resolved.Discussion: The effects of barotrauma on the ears and paranasal sinuses are reviewed. This is the first report of infraorbital nerve dysfunction caused by altered atmospheric pressure in the presence of dehiscent infraorbital canal and maxillary antral cyst. Endoscopic sinus surgery was successful in relieving the symptoms in this case.
Identification and characterization of a putative agglutination/immobilization antigen on the surface ofCryptocaryon irritans
Authors: HATANAKA A. , UMEDA N. , YAMASHITA S. , HIRAZAWA N. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYThe ciliated protozoanCryptocaryon irritans, a parasite of seawater fishes, was found to express an antigen that elicits antibodies in rabbits and tiger puffer (Takifugu ruburipes). Serum from rabbits and fish immunized with theronts had agglutination/immobilization activity against therontsin vitro; fish serum antibody levels (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays: ELISA) correlated with this activity. Anti-theront antibody levels in fish were significantly higher in the immunized group as compared with control fish at 2 weeks after booster immunization (injection of bovine serum albumin; Student'st-test,P<0·01). Biochemical analyses indicated that a Triton X-114-soluble 32 kDa theront integral membrane protein may be the agglutination/immobilization antigen. Indirect immunofluorescence staining of theronts suggested that this 32 kDa antigen was expressed on the surface of cilia. The full-length 32 kDa antigen cDNA contained 1147 basepairs, encoding a 328-amino acid protein including hydrophobic N- and C-termini. As withTetrahymenaandParameciumspp., TAA and TAG appear to be used as glutamine codons in the 32 kDa antigen gene.
Development and validation of flow cytometric measurement for parasitaemia using autofluorescence and YOYO-1 in rodent malaria
Authors: XIE L. , LI Q. , JOHNSON J. , ZHANG J. , MILHOUS W. , KYLE D. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYAn automated flow cytometric (FCM) detection method has been developed and validated with a simple diagnostic procedure in parasitized erythrocytes of Plasmodium berghei-infected rats using the nucleic acid-binding fluorescent dye YOYO-1. High levels of reticulocytes were detected during the course of the infection, ranging from 1·2–51·2%, but any RNA potentially confounding the assay could be removed by digestion with RNAse. The cell counts of uninfected, infected, and nucleated cells occurred with high precision. The cells were divided into different populations according to their physical or chemical properties but various factors within the assay such as cell fixation, RNA digestion, and compensation required optimization. In this study, FCM greatly simplified and accelerated parasite detection, with a mean precision of 4·4%, specificity of 98·9% and accuracy of 101·3%. The detection and quantitation limits in the assay were 0·024% and 0·074% parasitaemia, respectively. Overall, the parasite counts by FCM measurement correlated highly (r2=0·954–0·988) with the parasitaemia measured by light microscopical analysis when animals treated with suppressive, clearance, and curative doses of novel antimalarial drugs were examined. The lower levels of parasitaemia (30%) detected by microscopy compared to FCM may be related to a number of schizonts externally attached to the erythrocyte membranes that normally would not be included in microscopy counting. Lower sampling error and reliable identification of rodent erythrocyte parasites based on the principles of FCM have replaced the traditional blood smear in our laboratory.
The clinical significance criterion in DSM-IV post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: BRESLAU NAOMI , ALVARADO GERMAN F. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe DSM-IV definition of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires that the syndrome cause clinically significant distress or impairment. The impact of the clinical significance criterion on the lifetime prevalence of PTSD among civilian victims of traumatic events has not been evaluated.MethodData from two community-based samples were examined, the 1996 Detroit Area Survey of Trauma (n=2181) and the Mid-Atlantic Urban Youth Study (n=1698). The World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WHO CIDI) was used to ascertain DSM-IV PTSD.ResultsThe inclusion of the clinical significance criterion in DSM-IV reduces the conditional probability of PTSD given exposure to trauma by approximately 30%. Cases with clinically significant syndrome showed more pervasive and persistent disturbance and an excess in impaired activity days.ConclusionsThe consistency of the findings between the two studies strengthens the evidence on the impact of the clinical significance criterion in the diagnosis of PTSD, and the construct validity of its measurement. There is a need for greater research effort on the definition and measurement of the clinical significance criterion.
Suicide and occupation: the impact of socio-economic, demographic and psychiatric differences
Authors: AGERBO ESBEN , GUNNELL DAVID , BONDE JENS PETER , BO MORTENSEN PREBEN , NORDENTOFT MERETE 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo explore the risk of suicide associated with occupation while evaluating the impact of socio-economic, demographic and psychiatric differences.MethodA nested case–control study with 3195 suicides and 63 900 matched controls. Information on causes of death, occupation, psychiatric admission, marital status and socio-economic factors was obtained from routine registers.ResultsAcross the 55 occupations investigated, the risk of suicide ranged from 2·73 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1·77–4·22] among doctors to 0·44 (95% CI 0·27–0·72) among architects and engineers compared with primary school teachers. With the exception of doctors and nurses, most of the excess risk of suicide associated with particular occupations is explained by the social and economic characteristics of people in those occupations. Much, but not all, of the excess risk in doctors and nurses is due to their increased use of self-poisoning, a method for which they have the knowledge to use effectively. Occupation has little association with suicide among people who suffer from a psychiatric illness, except for doctors, where the excess risk is 3·62 (p=0·007).ConclusionsMost of the considerable variation in suicide risk across occupations is explained by socio-economic factors, except for doctors and nurses. Apart from in doctors, the risk of suicide has little association with occupation among people who suffer from a psychiatric illness. Restriction of access to lethal means is an important strategy in suicide prevention.
Longitudinal modeling of genetic and environmental influences on self-reported availability of psychoactive substances: alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine and stimulants
Authors: GILLESPIE NATHAN A. , KENDLER KENNETH S. , PRESCOTT CAROL A. , AGGEN STEVEN H. , GARDNER CHARLES O. , JACOBSON KRISTEN , NEALE MICHAEL C. 
Published: April 2007

Background. Although an obvious environmental factor influencing drug use, the sources of individual differences in drug availability (DA) are unknown.Method. This report is based on 1788 adult males from the Mid-Atlantic Twin Registry who participated in a structured telephone interview that included retrospective assessments of DA (cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and stimulants) between ages 8 and 25. We fitted a biometric dual change score (DCS) model, adapted for ordinal data, to model latent growth and estimate the genetic and environmental components of variance over time.Results. DA, despite being considered an environmental risk factor, is under both genetic and environmental control. For cigarette, alcohol, marijuana and cocaine availability, there was an overall increase in additive genetic variance and a decline in shared environmental variance over time. Non-shared environmental variance remained steady. Stimulant availability did not follow this pattern. Instead, there was an upswing in shared environmental effects with increasing age.Conclusion. We have modeled the genetic and environmental architecture of changes in DA across adolescence. The rise in additive genetic variance over time coincides with acceleration in the expression of individual differences, probably brought on by an increase in personal freedom and a reduction in social constraints. Understanding the etiology of DA is likely to reveal key components, acting directly or indirectly, in the pathway(s) leading to drug initiation, abuse and dependence.
A mathematical model of the dynamics of Salmonella Cerro infection in a US dairy herd
Authors: CHAPAGAIN P. P. , VAN KESSEL J. S. , KARNS J. S. , WOLFGANG D. R. , HOVINGH E. , NELEN K. A. , SCHUKKEN Y. H. , GROHN Y. T. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYWe developed a mathematical model of the transmission dynamics of salmonella to describe an outbreak of S. Cerro infection that occurred in a Pennsylvania dairy herd. The data were collected as part of a cooperative research project between the Regional Dairy Quality Management Alliance and the Agricultural Research Service. After the initial detection of a high prevalence of S. Cerro infection in the herd, a frequent and intensive sampling was conducted and the outbreak was followed for 1 year. The data showed a persistent presence of S. Cerro with a high prevalence of infection in the herd. The dynamics of host and pathogen were modelled using a set of nonlinear differential equations. A more realistically distributed (gamma-distributed) infectious period using multiple stages of infection was considered. The basic reproduction number was calculated and relevance to the intervention strategies is discussed.
Outbreak of waterborne cryptosporidiosis associated with low oocyst concentrations
Authors: NEIRA-MUNOZ E. , OKORO C. , McCARTHY N. D. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYWater treatment plants in the United Kingdom at significant risk of cryptosporidiosis and using conventional filtration methods have been required to install 24-h monitoring systems since April 2000. No major waterborne outbreaks have been described since 2001. Small outbreaks have been associated with water. This paper describes such an outbreak. Data from a local multi-agency surveillance system was used to describe the outbreak, including mapping cases against water supply zones. A case-control study investigated hypotheses raised. All cases were genotype 1. Early cases were in the supply zone of a surface water-treatment plant that had met treatment standards. Later cases included residents in a different supply zone that temporarily received water from the implicated plant. Cases reported more consumption of domestic mains water than controls. Descriptive and analytical epidemiology thus supported drinking water as a source of cryptosporidiosis from a plant meeting regulatory requirements. The evidence for setting drinking-water standards needs review.
Emerging zoonoses and vector-borne infections affecting humans in Europe
Authors: VOROU R. M. , PAPAVASSILIOU V. G. , TSIODRAS S. 
Published: April 2007

SUMMARYThe purpose of this study was to assess and describe the current spectrum of emerging zoonoses between 2000 and 2006 in European countries. A computerized search of the Medline database from January 1966 to August 2006 for all zoonotic agents in European countries was performed using specific criteria for emergence. Fifteen pathogens were identified as emerging in Europe from 2000 to August 2006:Rickettsiaespp.,Anaplasma phagocytophilum,Borrelia burgdorferi,Bartonellaspp.,Francisella tularensis, Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus,Hantavirus, Toscana virus, Tick-borne encephalitis virus group, West Nile virus, Sindbis virus, Highly Pathogenic Avian influenza, variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease,Trichinellaspp., andEchinococus multilocularis. Main risk factors included climatic variations, certain human activities as well as movements of animals, people or goods. Multi-disciplinary preventive strategies addressing these pathogens are of public health importance. Uniform harmonized case definitions should be introduced throughout Europe as true prevalence and incidence estimates are otherwise impossible.