bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stroke mortality and the apoB/apoA‐I ratio: results of the AMORIS prospective study
Authors: WALLDIUS G. , AASTVEIT A. H. , JUNGNER I. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract.Objectives.  LDL cholesterol is a well‐established risk factor for myocardial infarction, but not for stroke. The main objective of the present study was to determine if the risk of stroke is related to the balance between the proatherogenic apoB lipoprotein particles and the antiatherogenic apoA‐I particles as is the case for myocardial infarction.Subjects and design.  A total of 98 722 men and 76 831 women were recruited from screening programmes. The prospective risk and the relationships between five different types of fatal strokes and the lipid fractions, apoB, apoA‐I and the apoB/apoA‐I ratio (automated immunoturbidimetry) were examined. The results were compared with the risks of other ischaemic and non‐ischaemic fatalities.Results.  Mean follow‐up was 10.3 years. High apoB and low apoA‐I values were significantly related to risk of stroke. The odds ratio comparing the upper 10th versus the 1st decile of the apoB/apoA‐I ratio for all strokes adjusted for age, gender, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) was 2.07 (95% CI: 1.49–2.88), P < 0.0001. The strongest association was for ischaemic stroke. Low apoA‐I was a common abnormality in all stroke subtypes including subarachnoidal and haemorrhagic strokes. In multivariate analyses the apoB/apoA‐I ratio was a stronger risk predictor than total/HDL and LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios. The apoB/apoA‐I ratio was linearly related to the risk of stroke although the slope was less than observed for the risk of fatal myocardial infarction. For all ischaemic events pooled together the age‐, gender‐, TC‐ and TG‐adjusted odds ratio, 10th vs. 1st decile, was 3.13 (95% CI: 2.66–3.69), P < 0.0001. By contrast, there was no relationship between the apoB/apoA‐I ratio and risk of cancer or any other non‐ischaemic causes of death.Conclusions.  These observations link the apoB/apoA‐I ratio to the risk of fatal stroke in a similar fashion as for myocardial infarction and other ischaemic events. Our findings indicate that the apoB/apoA‐I ratio, which indicates the ‘cholesterol balance’, is a robust and specific maker of virtually all ischaemic events.
Composition of coronary plaques obtained by directional atherectomy in stable angina: its relation to serum lipids and statin treatment
Authors: SOLEM J. , LEVIN M. , KARLSSON T. , GRIP L. , ALBERTSSON P. , WIKLUND O. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract.Objectives.  The stability and inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic plaques may be modulated by lipids and lipoproteins as well as the pleiotropic effects of statins. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of statin treatment as well as the relation of plasma lipids and lipoproteins to tissue composition in atherosclerotic plaques.Design.  Patients with stable angina and coronary plaques suitable for directional coronary atherectomy (DCA) were randomized to atorvastatin (80 mg once daily) or placebo (29 randomized, 22 underwent DCA, 11/group). After an average treatment of 10 weeks, patients underwent DCA, tissue specimens were obtained, and the tissue composition was determined by immunohistochemistry.Results.  Atorvastatin reduced the T‐cell content, but did not change lipid, collagen, smooth muscle cell, or macrophage content. Plasma levels of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) correlated positively with tissue collagen and inversely with metalloproteinase‐9 and macrophage content. About half the specimens contained neutrophil granulocytes.Conclusions.  Short‐term atorvastatin treatment tended to reduce the T‐cell content of atherosclerotic plaques, indicating modulation of cell‐mediated immunity. High plasma levels of apoAI correlated with increased collagen content and reduced inflammation, supporting the notion that plasma apoAI stabilizes atherosclerotic plaques. The significance of neutrophils in the lesions merits further study.
Digestibility and digestive organ development in indigenous and improved chickens and ducks fed diets with increasing inclusion levels of cassava leaf meal
Authors: Borin K. , Lindberg J. E. , Ogle R. B. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryGrowing indigenous Cambodian chickens and ducks, and broiler chickens and White Pekin ducks were fed diets containing 0%, 7%, 14% and 20% of cassava leaf meal (CLM) to study the effects of CLM level on diet digestibility and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and organ development. The coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter (DM) and intake of digestible DM decreased with increased dietary CLM. DM and digestible DM intake was higher for local breeds than for the corresponding exotic breeds, and higher for ducks than for chickens (p < 0.001), although there were no species or breed effects on CTTAD of DM (p > 0.05). Weight of small intestine, caeca, gizzard and pancreas, expressed as per kg body weight, increased with increased CLM in the diet (p < 0.001). There was no consistent diet effect on liver weight. Length of small intestine and caeca, expressed on a mass‐specific basis, increased with dietary CLM content (p < 0.001). When expressed as per kg body weight small intestine, proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas and liver weights, and small intestine length, were higher in ducks than in chickens (p < 0.001), and were higher in the indigenous than in the improved breeds (p < 0.01), except for small intestine weights, which were similar. However chickens had higher weight of caeca (p < 0.001) and colon (p < 0.01) in absolute units and per kg body weight.
Resting energy expenditure and body composition of Labrador Retrievers fed high fat and low fat diets
Authors: Yoo S. , Ramsey J. J. , Havel P. J. , Jones P. G. , Fascetti A. J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryA high dietary fat intake may be an important environmental factor leading to obesity in some animals. The mechanism could be either an increase in caloric intake and/or a decrease in energy expenditure. To test the hypothesis that high fat diets result in decreased resting energy expenditure (REE), we measured REE using indirect calorimetry in 10‐adult intact male Labrador Retrievers, eating weight‐maintenance high‐fat (HF, 41% energy, average daily intake: 8018 ± 1247 kJ/day, mean ± SD) and low‐fat (LF, 14% energy, average daily intake: 7331 ± 771 kJ/day) diets for a 30‐day period. At the end of each dietary treatment, body composition measurements were performed using dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. The mean ± SD REE was not different between diets (4940 ± 361 vs. 4861 ± 413 kJ/day on HF and LF diets respectively). Measurements of fat‐free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) also did not differ between diets (FFM: 26.8 ± 2.3 kg vs. 26.3 ± 2.5 kg; FM: 3.0 ± 2.3 vs. 3.1 ± 1.5 kg on HF and LF diets respectively). In summary, using a whole body calorimeter, we found no evidence of a decrease in REE or a change in body composition on a HF diet compared with LF diet.
Protein profiling of organic stone matrix and urine from dogs with urolithiasis
Authors: Forterre S. , Raila J. , Kohn B. , Brunnberg L. , Schweigert F. J. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryTwo‐thirds of the organic matrix in urinary stones consists of proteins. Their relationship to calculogenesis remains controversial with regard to their effect as inhibitors or promoters during stone formation. The purpose of the present study was to determine the differences in peptide and protein pattern between the urine of stone formers (n = 23) and control dogs (n = 12), as well as between organic matrix of different urinary stones (struvite n = 11, calcium oxalate n = 8, uric acid n = 4) using surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Specific differences in protein and peptide profiles were found in the organic matrix of different mineral compositions. Characteristic differences were also found in urinary peptide and protein pattern especially in molecular masses below 20 kDa between affected and healthy dogs. Based on the obtained molecular masses they were in some cases tentatively identified as proteins that are known to be involved in stone formation in humans. The study shows that in dogs, specific‐urinary peptides and proteins might be associated with urolithiasis. It indicates the importance to further characterize those proteins for possible diagnostic purposes in prognosis and therapy.
Effect of chicory products with different inulin content on rat caecum physiology
Authors: Juśkiewicz J. , Gła˛zka I. , Król B. , Zduńczyk Z. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryA 4‐week experiment carried out on rats addressed the analysis of physiological properties of model casein diets supplemented with 5% cellulose or different preparations of chicory roots: flour, pulp, high‐ and low‐molecular inulin (INHM and INLM respectively). Of all preparations, only pulp did not induce the hypertrophy of caecum walls or an increase in the bulk of caecal digesta. Chicory preparations lowered caecal pH and ammonia concentration (except INLM preparation), evoked increased hydration of caecal digesta and protein content. The highest concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was observed in rats fed a diet containing chicory pulp and INHM, whereas the lowest VFA concentration was reported after the administration of an INLM‐containing diet. The VFA pool was the highest in rats receiving a diet supplemented with chicory flour. All preparations examined diminished the coefficient of protein digestibility but not decrease nitrogen retention. The lowest levels of glucose and total cholesterol, at concurrently the highest level of HDL fraction, were recorded in serum of rats fed INLM. A distinct increase in intestinal wall and intestinal digesta, as well as the highest production of VFA and the lowest pH of caecal digesta indicate that chicory flour ingested to a semi‐synthetic diet had the most profitable effect on the functioning of rat caecum, compared with other chicory products. Compared with the INHM, the preparation of INLM increased caecal wall hypertrophy without increasing VFA production, still simultaneously increasing ammonia content and pH of caecal digesta, decreasing the total cholesterol concentration and increasing HDL content in serum.
Active immunization against leptin fails to affect reproduction and exerts only marginal effects on glucose metabolism in young female goats
Authors: Sauerwein H. , Heintges U. , Bruhns S. C. , Hennies M. , Gertler A. 
Published: January 2006

SummaryApproximately 150 days before expected breeding time, 12 female goats (3 months of age) were actively immunized against ovine leptin. Booster injections were given throughout the following year. Control animals (n = 6) were sham‐immunized. After the first observed oestrus, a buck was introduced and goats were mated. Blood samples were collected twice weekly and frequent blood sampling series were performed on days −15, 76, 153 and 286 relative to the first immunization. Nine of the immunized goats developed titres within 3 months and had elevated serum concentrations of leptin compared with controls (p < 0.0001). Hematological parameters and blood chemistry were not affected by the immunization. No differences were detectable in all reproductive parameters recorded. Serum insulin was higher in immunized goats during the frequent blood sampling series of day 287 after the first immunization. Glucose metabolism was investigated during pregnancy using hyperglycaemic and euglycaemic/hyperinsulinaemic clamps. None of the parameters derived from the clamp studies was different (p > 0.05) between the two groups. During the hyperglycaemic clamp there was a trend (p < 0.15) towards increased insulin concentrations in immunized animals whereas glucose infusion rates were not different between the groups. This indicates decreased insulin sensitivity in immunized goats. Our study describes the ontogenesis of serum concentrations of leptin during growth, puberty and first pregnancy and parturition for the caprine species. The effects of the immunization were not detectable or only marginal and the approach aimed at therefore not effective to investigate leptin action in detail.
Cleft closure for the treatment of unhealed perineal sinus
Authors: Branagan G. , Thompson M. R. , Senapati A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractObjective  Despite improvements in surgical practice, persistent perineal wound sinus is still a common complication after proctectomy. This study presents the success of a modified cleft closure technique in dealing with this problem.Methods  From May 1997 patients with a persistent perineal sinus after surgery underwent a cleft closure – similar to that performed for patients with pilonidal sinus disease.Results  Eight patients (6 male, 2 female) with an average age of 52 years underwent a cleft closure for a persistent perineal sinus after surgery. Four patients had undergone a proctocolectomy (ulcerative colitis), 2 an abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (adenocarcinoma) and 2 a proctectomy (1 Crohn's disease, 1 complication of diverticular disease). Symptoms had been present for an average of 41 months (range 5–152 months) and 3 patients had undergone other procedures attempted previously to deal with the problem. The first three patients had the procedure as an inpatient with an average stay of 4.7 days. The next 5 patients had the procedure as a day case (2 local anaesthetic, 3 general anaesthetic). Two patients developed a postoperative wound infection and all but one wound had healed completely by 8 weeks. In this patient the procedure was repeated to achieve healing. There was no other associated morbidity and no postoperative deaths. There have been no recurrences to date.Conclusion  Modified cleft closure for persistent perineal sinus is a simple procedure with low morbidity that can be performed under local anaesthetic in the day surgery unit.
Insulin allergy in a patient with Type 2 diabetes successfully treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Authors: Moyes V. , Driver R. , Croom A. , Mirakian R. , Chowdhury T. A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  Patients with poor control of Type 2 diabetes on maximum oral hypoglycaemic therapy invariably need insulin therapy. Insulin allergy is uncommon, particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Management of the condition can be difficult, and here we report the case of a patient with Type 2 diabetes and insulin allergy successfully managed with a continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII).Case report  A 60‐year‐old man was referred with insulin allergy. He had poorly controlled Type 2 diabetes (glycated haemoglobin 10.4%), on maximum doses of sulphonylurea and metformin, with osmotic symptoms. He was compliant with diet and tablets. His diabetes was complicated by retinopathy, nephropathy, coronary heart disease, obstructive sleep apnoea, obesity, depression and hypertension. He commenced on twice daily mixed insulin and, shortly after, developed pain, itching and erythema at the injection sites. The sites became indurated and tender, and he had constitutional symptoms. The insulin was changed to other preparations, including short‐ and long‐acting analogues, with similar responses. Triple therapy with rosiglitazone was tried, with no improvement in control. Skin‐prick testing confirmed allergy to insulin rather than additives. The patient was reluctant to undergo desensitization. He was commenced on an insulin pump in addition to his oral hypoglycaemics, and achieved fair control (glycated haemoglobin 8.3%) on 88 units of lispro per day, with little or no skin or systemic reaction.Conclusion  This is the first case report of insulin allergy in Type 2 diabetes being successfully managed by CSII.
Better educational website interface design: the implications from gender‐specific preferences in graduate students
Authors: Hsu Yu‐chang 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis study investigated graduate students’ gender‐specific preferences for certain website interface design features, intending to generate useful information for instructors in choosing and for website designers in creating educational websites. The features investigated in this study included colour value, major navigation buttons placement, and navigation mode. In this study, 56 graduate students in a north‐eastern research university in the US volunteered to evaluate 30 pairs of web page screenshots or website prototypes, and to indicate on the questionnaires their preferences within each pair of prototype. Each participant's preferences for the three features were coded and categorised for chi‐square tests of independence to determine the relationships between gender and the investigated design features. The findings of gender effects on graduate students’ preferences for the aforementioned features were presented and discussed.
Developing a comprehensive metric for assessing discussion board effectiveness
Authors: Kay Robin H. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe use of online discussion boards has grown extensively in the past 5 years, yet some researchers argue that our understanding of how to use this tool in an effective and meaningful way is minimal at best. Part of the problem in acquiring more cohesive and useful information rests in the absence of a comprehensive, theory‐driven metric to assess quality and effectiveness. Based on an extensive review of the research, the following variables were used to assess traditional discussion board use: thread, location of message within thread, author (student vs. educator), subject line clarity, time of posting, response time from previous message, number of times message was read, number of words, primary purpose, message quality, difficulty level of topic, knowledge level, processing level and use of external resources. These variables proved to be effective in assessing 12 key areas of discussion board use. It is argued that this kind of metric is essential if we wish to advance our understanding of online discussion boards for both educators and researchers.
Girl gamers: the controversy of girl games and the relevance of female‐oriented game design for instructional design
Authors: Dickey Michele D. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractDigital games have typically been considered a male leisure activity; however, recent statistics indicate that increasing numbers of females are now playing games. The purpose of this review is to investigate how the influx of girl gamers and the emergence of female‐oriented game design can inform instructional design for the construction of interactive learning environments. This review presents an overview of digital games and gender, an outline of girl games and ‘pink’ software, a discussion of the controversy of girl games, and a review and discussion of the research and implications of female‐oriented game design for instructional design. The goal of this review is to examine the influx of girl gamers into a male pastime and to analyse the implications of this for the design of interactive learning environments.
BEYOND THE SUBLIME: THE AESTHETICS OF THE ANALOGY OF BEING (PART TWO)
Authors: BETZ JOHN R. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis essay, the second half of a larger work, offers a constructive proposal for a theological aesthetics based upon a theological ontology of the analogia entis. The doctrine of the analogia entis, as articulated most famously by Erich Przywara, S. J., has been the subject of much criticism; however, the essay attempts to defend the doctrine, specifically, against the criticisms of Karl Barth and Martin Heidegger. The essay then offers a précis of Przywara's actual doctrine—beyond typical characterizations of it—with a view to the possibility it offers for a theological aesthetics and, specifically, for a genuinely theological account of the relationship between the beautiful and the sublime.
Political risk and the international bond market between the 1848 revolution and the outbreak of the First World War1
Authors: FERGUSON NIALL 
Published: January 2006

SUMMARYThis article uses price data and editorial commentaries from the contemporary financial press to measure the impact of political events on investors’ expectations from the middle of the nineteenth century until the First World War. The main question addressed is why political events appeared to affect the world's biggest financial market, the London bond market, much less between 1881 and 1914 than they had between 1843 and 1880. In particular, I ask why the outbreak of the First World War, an event traditionally seen as having been heralded by a series of international crises, was not apparently anticipated by investors. The article considers how far the declining sensitivity of the bond market to political events was a result of the spread of the gold standard, increased international financial integration, or changes in the fiscal policies of the great powers. I suggest that the increasing national separation of bond markets offers a better explanation. However, even this structural change cannot explain why the London market was so slow to appreciate the risk of war in 1914. To investors, the First World War truly came as a bolt from the blue.
Preliminary investigation of the combined effect of heat treatment and incubation temperature on the viability of the probiotic micro‐organisms in freshly made yogurt
Authors: MORTAZAVIAN A M , EHSANI M R , MOUSAVI S M , REINHEIMER J A , EMAMDJOMEH Z , SOHRABVANDI S , REZAEI K 
Published: January 2006

The combined effects of heat treatment and incubation temperature were studied on the viability and fermentation time of probiotics in ABY 1 probiotic yogurt (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium spp. and yogurt bacteria). Three levels of heat treatment (85°C for 30 min, 95°C for 5 min and 95°C for 15 min) and three levels of incubation temperature (37, 40 and 44°C) were selected. At the end of fermentation, the maximum viability of probiotics (for both L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp.) was observed when the milk was heated at 95°C for 15 min and incubated at 37°C. Incubation time was only affected by the incubation temperature and, at 37°C, the longest incubation time of about 6 h was needed to achieve the highest viable counts of L. acidophilus and Bifidobacterium spp.
The quality of plain and supplemented kefir from goat's and cow's milk
Authors: TRATNIK LJUBICA , BOŽANIĆ RAJKA , HERCEG ZORAN , DRGALIĆ IDA 
Published: January 2006

Goat's or cow's milk was fortified with 2 g/100 g skimmed milk powder (SMP), whey protein concentrate (WPC) or inulin. All the milks were fermented with kefir grains at 25°C for 19 h and stored for 10 days at 5°C. All the kefir samples were analysed on the 1st, 5th and 10th day of storage. The acidity level remained very stable in all the samples during the storage period. Goat's samples have significantly lower viscosity and slightly lower sensory profiles, mostly due to softer consistency. Concentration of ethanol was low, regardless of milk type used, especially for control samples.