bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dietary folate intake, use of folate supplements, lifestyle factors, and serum folate levels among pregnant women in Tokyo, Japan
Authors: Matsuzaki Masayo , Haruna Megumi , Ota Erika , Sasaki Satoshi , Nagai Yasushi , Murashima Sachiyo 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to determine the folate status of pregnant women and how it is affected by dietary folate, use of folate supplements, and lifestyle factors (smoking and drinking habits).Methods:  This cross‐sectional study involved 537 healthy, pregnant women attending an obstetric clinic in a Tokyo suburb. Morning blood samples were taken to determine serum folate levels. A brief, self‐administered diet history questionnaire and another questionnaire were used to obtain information about food intake and demographic data. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with a normal serum folate level (>6 ng/mL), taking women with a low serum folate level (≤6 ng/mL) as the reference group.Results:  The median dietary folate intake was 207.2 µg/day; the median serum folate level was 3.9 ng/ml. A normal serum folate level was significantly associated with increased dietary folate intake (odds ratio = 1.003, P < 0.05), use of folate supplements (odds ratio = 8.152, P < 0.001), and more than four cups of green tea (odds ratio = 0.467, P < 0.05), but not with lifestyle factors in the adjusted analysis.Conclusions:  Most pregnant women (79.3%) in the present study had a low serum folate level, reflecting a low dietary intake of folate and a low proportion of women taking folate supplements. Supplement use had a much stronger association with a normal serum folate level than dietary folate intake. Since this study was not population‐based, further studies are needed to confirm the results.
Testing for Lack of Fit in Inverse Regression—with Applications to Biophotonic Imaging
Authors: Bissantz Nicolai , Claeskens Gerda , Holzmann Hajo , Munk Axel 
Published: September 2008

SummaryWe propose two test statistics for use in inverse regression problems Y = Kθ+ε, where K is a given linear operator which cannot be continuously inverted. Thus, only noisy, indirect observations Y for the function θ are available. Both test statistics have a counterpart in classical hypothesis testing, where they are called the order selection test and the data-driven Neyman smooth test. We also introduce two model selection criteria which extend the classical Akaike information criterion and Bayes information criterion to inverse regression problems. In a simulation study we show that the inverse order selection and Neyman smooth tests outperform their direct counterparts in many cases. The theory is motivated by data arising in confocal fluorescence microscopy. Here, images are observed with blurring, modelled as convolution, and stochastic error at subsequent times. The aim is then to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio by averaging over the distinct images. In this context it is relevant to decide whether the images are still equal, or have changed by outside influences such as moving of the object table.
Power of Tests for Unit Roots in the Presence of a Linear Trend*
Authors: Nielsen Bent 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDickey and Fuller [Econometrica(1981) Vol. 49, pp. 1057–1072] suggested unit‐root tests for an autoregressive model with a linear trend conditional on an initial observation. TPower of tests for unit roots in the presence of a linear trendightly different model with a random initial value in which nuisance parameters can easily be eliminated by an invariant reduction of the model. We show that invariance arguments can also be used when comparing power within a conditional model. In the context of the conditional model, the Dickey–Fuller test is shown to be more stringent than a number of unit‐root tests motivated by models with random initial value. The power of the Dickey–Fuller test can be improved by making assumptions to the initial value. The practitioner therefore has to trade‐off robustness and power, as assumptions about initial values are hard to test, but can give more power.
Testing Association with Interactions by Partitioning Chi‐Squares
Authors: Yang Y. , He C. , Ott J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryGene‐gene interaction plays an important role in association studies for complex diseases. There have been different approaches to incorporating gene‐gene interactions in candidate gene or genome‐wide association studies, especially for those genes with no marginal effects but with interaction effects. However, there is no general agreement on how interaction should be tested and how main effects and interaction effects act on a significance signal. In this paper, we propose a test of the null hypothesis of no association in terms of interaction effects for two unlinked loci, which is a 4 degrees of freedom (df) chi‐square for two SNPs. The test, derived by contrasting inter‐locus disequilibrium measures between cases and controls, can be viewed as the interaction component of the total Pearson chi‐square. The remaining portion of the total chi‐square can also be used for association analysis, which emphasizes main effects. Simulation studies show that in most situations our interaction test is similar in power to the test based on a logistic regression model but has more power when the genes have no marginal effects. Results also show that single‐locus marginal tests can lose much power if interaction effects dominate main effects. For some specific genetic models, the interaction test may be further partitioned into four 1‐df chi‐squares for individual interaction effect. The interaction pattern can best be demonstrated by the 1‐df chi‐square components. Simulation results show that there is substantial power gain if interaction patterns are properly incorporated in association analysis.
A study of the occurrence of Listeria species in raw sheep milk
Authors: AL‐TAHIRI RIADH , OMAR SHARAF , REWASHDEH ABDULLAH 
Published: September 2008

The occurrence of bacteria from the genus Listeria in raw sheep milk and traditional local cheese was studied in three regions of the Karak district of Jordan. Conventional plating methods for the detection of Listeria species were followed to determine the average and the percentage of the contaminated samples. The result shows that there were significant differences between the regions in the study concerning the average and the percentage of positive occurrences of Listeria species in raw sheep milk. The results also showed that mainly L. monocytogenes and, to a lesser degree, L. ivanovii and L. innocua were found in the milk samples, while the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in cheese samples was very low.
Intrasurgical Implant Position Transfer and Interim Restoration Placement
Authors: Sava Cosmin N. , Kamposiora Phophi , Papavasiliou George , Orfanou Alexandra V. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn the esthetic zone, the placement of an interim prosthesis is an important stage in implant treatment for gingival contouring. This article presents a simple procedure for making an intraoperative implant position transfer to construct an interim prosthesis with optimal shape and emergence profile. This prosthesis, inserted at stage II surgery, guides soft tissue healing and aids in the fabrication of a definitive prosthesis with optimal gingival contours.
Effect of Compromised Cortical Bone on Implant Load Distribution
Authors: Akça Kıvanç , Fanuscu Mete I. , Caputo Angelo A. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Purpose: To investigate photoelastically the difference in load distribution of dental implants with different implant neck designs in intact and compromised bone. Materials and Methods: Composite photoelastic models were fabricated using two different resins to simulate trabecular bone and a 1‐mm thick layer of cortical bone. The following parallel‐sided, threaded implants were centrally located in individual models representing intact and compromised cortical bone: Straumann (4.1‐mm diameter × 12‐mm length), AstraTech (4.0‐mm diameter × 13‐mm length), and 3i (3.75‐mm diameter × 13‐mm length). The compromised cortical bone condition was simulated by contaminating a 1‐mm neck portion with Vaseline to impair the implant–resin interface. Vertical and oblique static loads were applied on the abutments, and the resulting stresses were monitored photoelastically and recorded photograhphically. Results: For the fully intact condition, the highest stresses were observed around the crest and apical region for all implant designs under vertical and inclined loads. There were no appreciable differences in magnitude or distribution between implant types. With compromised cortical bone, for all designs and load directions, higher stresses in the supporting structures were observed. Increased stresses were noted especially at the cortical bone–trabecular bone interface. Somewhat lower stress levels were observed with the 3i implant. Conclusions: The condition of implant–cortical bone contact has considerable influence on stress distribution. A compromised cortical bone condition caused higher level stresses for all implant designs tested.
When Toys and Ornaments Come into Play: The Transformative Power of Miniatures in Canadian Inuit Cosmology
Authors: Laugrand Frédéric , Oosten Jarich 
Published: September 2008

AbstractInuit have been making miniatures for thousands of years, and they are still very attractive to many Inuit today. In this paper, we explore the intrinsic ambiguity of Inuit miniatures. They seem like innocent toys or ornaments, but turn out to have great transformative power. As toys, they are instrumental in transforming children into adults; as ornaments, they may be charms or amulets; as amulets, they may be weapons against enemies; and as weapons or offerings, they may take life or generate it. Appearing as images of the world, they are in fact at its origin. Every living being traditionally derived its existence from a miniature image (thetarniq). Miniatures evoke a play of deception, transforming what appears to be real into an image of the miniature.
Knowledge and Artifacts: People and Objects
Authors: Svensson Tom G. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn the study of material culture, the connection between artifacts and knowledge is discernible. The knowledge derives primarily from people, the indigenous voice. To elucidate the inter‐relationship between knowledge and objects, a narrative approach will be emphasized. The main argument relates to the connection of oral history, material culture, and ethnographic museums. My empirical frame of reference is the Sámi culture in Northern Fennoscandia and its basketry tradition, and the general focus will emphasize adequate knowledge‐generating processes. One single object, a so‐calledmini kisa, collected in 2003, will be used as a case in point. The body of knowledge discussed contains both tangible and intangible heritage, thereby making the object speak for culture. And, in my view, museums have an obligation to master these demands.
Preliminary Insights into the Constitution of a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery through Autoethnographic Reflections on the Dual/Nondual Mind Duality
Authors: BRUMMANS BORIS H. J. M. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTIn this autoethnographic essay, I reflect on my brief personal experiences of conducting field research on ways in which way a small group of Tibetan Buddhist monks enact a monastic total institution in Ladakh, India. More specifically, I analyze my experiences in view of the relationship between dual and nondual mind, as discussed byHenry Vyner (2002)in Anthropology of Consciousness, and use this analysis to develop preliminary insights into the ways in which a Tibetan Buddhist monastery is constituted.
The ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase UCH‐L1 regulates B‐cell proliferation and integrin activation
Authors: Rolén Ulrika , Freda Elio , Xie Jianjun , Pfirrmann Thorsten , Frisan Teresa , Masucci Maria G. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe ubiquitin C‐terminal hydrolase‐L1 (UCH‐L1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme that catalyses the hydrolysis of polyubiquitin precursors and small ubiquitin adducts. UCH‐L1 has been detected in a variety of malignant and metastatic tumours but its biological function in these cells is unknown. We have previously shown that UCH‐L1 is highly expressed in Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) and is up‐regulated upon infection of B lymphocytes with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). Here we show that knockdown of UCH‐L1 by RNAi inhibits the proliferation of BL cells in suspension and semisolid agar and activates strong LFA‐1‐dependent homotypic adhesion. Induction of cell adhesion correlated with cation‐induced binding to ICAM‐1, clustering of LFA‐1 into lipid rafts and constitutive activation of the Rap1 and Rac1 GTPases. Expression of a catalytically active UCH‐L1 promoted the proliferation of a UCH‐L1‐negative EBV transformed lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) and inhibited cell adhesion, whereas a catalytic mutant had no effect, confirming the requirement of UCH‐L1 enzymatic activity for the regulation of these phenotypes. Our results identify UCH‐L1 as a new player in the signalling pathways that promote the proliferation and invasive capacity of malignant B cells.
Functional and histopathological improvement of the post‐infarcted rat heart upon myoblast cell grafting and relaxin therapy
Authors: Bonacchi Massimo , Nistri Silvia , Nanni Cristina , Gelsomino Sandro , Pini Alessandro , Cinci Lorenzo , Maiani Massimo , Zecchi‐Orlandini Sandra , Lorusso Roberto , Fanti Stefano , Silvertown Josh , Bani Daniele 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAlthough the myocardium contains progenitor cells potentially capable of regenerating tissue upon lethal ischaemic injury, their actual role in post‐infarction heart healing is negligible. Therefore, transplantation of extra‐cardiac stem cells is a promising therapeutic approach for post‐infarction heart dysfunction. Paracrine cardiotropic factors released by the grafted cells, such as the cardiotropic hormone relaxin (RLX), may beneficially influence remodelling of recipient hearts. The current study was designed to address whether grafting of mouse C2C12 myoblasts, genetically engineered to express green fluorescent protein (C2C12/GFP) or GFP and RLX (C2C12/RLX), are capable of improving long‐term heart remodelling in a rat model of surgically induced chronic myocardial infarction. One month after myocardial infarction, rats were treated with either culture medium (controls), or C2C12/GFP cells, or C2C12/RLX cells plus exogenous RLX, or exogenous RLX alone. The therapeutic effects were monitored for 2 further months. Cell transplantation and exogenous RLX improved the main echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function, increased myocardial viability (assessed by positron emission tomography), decreased cardiac sclerosis and myocardial cell apoptosis and increased microvascular density in the post‐infarction scar tissue. These effects were maximal upon treatment with C2C12/RLX plus exogenous RLX. These functional and histopathological findings provide further experimental evidence that myoblast cell grafting can improve myocardial performance and survival during post‐infarction heart remodelling and dysfunction. Further, this study provides a proof‐of‐principle to the novel concept that genetically engineered grafted cells can be effectively employed as cell‐based vehicles for the local delivery of therapeutic cardiotropic substances, such as RLX, capable of improving adverse heart remodelling.
Complexity of complement activation in sepsis
Authors: Markiewski Maciej M. , DeAngelis Robert A. , Lambris John D. 
Published: September 2008

Introduction
Sepsis – terminology and basic facts
The pathways of complement activation
The role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of sepsis
Aetiology‐dependent mechanisms of complement activation in sepsis
Sepsis‐associated coagulopathy and complement activation
Concluding remarks
AbstractThe complement system is one of the key players in the defence against infections. Its activation during the innate immune response leads to the generation of several proteins that contribute to the lysis and opsonization of microorganisms, regulate inflammatory reactions and bridge innate immunity with the subsequent adaptive immune response. Complement is also activated in overwhelming bacterial infections that lead to sepsis, and its protective functions play a role in this frequently lethal disorder. However, despite its role in protection, complement can also contribute to the development of severe complications that significantly worsen the prognosis of septic patients. Therefore, an understanding of the mechanisms involved in the activation of complement during sepsis is essential to our efforts to introduce rational therapies targeting complement to the treatment of patients suffering from this condition. This review presents a current view of the mechanisms involved in the activation of complement in sepsis, in the context of the multiple interactions between complement and other biological systems that are involved in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Isolation of a novel basic FGF‐binding peptide with potent antiangiogenetic activity
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Yan Qiuxia , Huang Yadong , Huang Huixian , Su Zhijian , Xiao Jian , Zeng Yaoying , Wang Yi , Nie Changjun , Yang Yongguang , Li Xiaokun 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), which plays an important role in tumour angiogenesis and progression, provides a potential target for cancer therapy. Here we screened a phage display heptapeptide library with bFGF and identified 11 specific bFGF‐binding phage clones. Two of these clones had identical sequence and the corresponding peptide (referred to as P7) showed high homology to the immunoglobulin‐like (Ig‐like) domain III (D3) of high‐affinity bFGF receptors, FGFR1 (IIIc) and FGFR2 (IIIc). The P7 peptide and its corresponding motif in D3 of FGFRs both carried negative charges and shared similar hydrophobic profiles. Functional analysis demonstrated that synthetic P7 peptides mediate strong inhibition of bFGF‐induced cell proliferation and neovascularization. Our results demonstrate that the P7 peptide is a potent bFGF antagonist with strong antiangiogenetic activity, and might have therapeutic potential in cancer therapy.
Does cannabis use lead to depression and suicidal behaviours? A population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Pedersen W. 
Published: September 2008

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between cannabis use and later depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in a cohort of young Norwegians.Method: Data were gathered through theYoung in Norway longitudinal study, in which a population‐based sample of 2033 Norwegians were followed up over a 13‐year period, from their early teens to their late twenties. Data were gathered on: (a) exposure to cannabis use; and (b) depression, suicide ideation and suicide attempts. In addition, information about possible confounding factors was included.Results: In early adolescence, no associations with later depression or suicidal behaviours were observed. In the sample’s twenties, we observed highly significant associations with suicide ideation and suicide attempts. When adjusting for confounders, the OR was 2.9 (95% CI 1.3–6.1) for later suicide attempts in the group who had used cannabis 11+ times during the past 12 months.Conclusion: The findings suggest that exposure to cannabis by itself does not lead to depression but that it may be associated with later suicidal thoughts and attempts.
Stress‐Induced Analgesia and Morphine Responses Are Changed in Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase‐Deficient Male Mice
Authors: Kambur Oleg , Männistö Pekka T. , Viljakka Kaarin , Reenilä Ilkka , Lemberg Kim , Kontinen Vesa K. , Karayiorgou Maria , Gogos Joseph A. , Kalso Eija 
Published: September 2008

Abstract: Catechol‐O‐methyltransferase (COMT) polymorphisms modulate pain and opioid analgesia in human beings. It is not clear how the effects of COMT are mediated and only few relevant animal studies have been performed. Here, we used old maleComtgene knock‐out mice as an animal model to study the effects of COMT deficiency on nociception that was assessed by the hot plate and tail flick tests. Stress‐induced analgesia was achieved by forced swim. Morphine antinociception was measured after 10 mg/kg of morphine subcutaneously. Morphine tolerance was produced with subcutaneous morphine pellets and withdrawal provoked with subcutaneous naloxone. In the hot plate test, morphine‐induced antinociception was significantly greater in the COMT knock‐out mice, compared to the wild‐type mice. This may be due to increased availability of opioid receptors as suggested by previous human studies. In the tail flick test, opioid‐mediated stress‐induced analgesia was absent and morphine‐induced analgesia was decreased in COMT knock‐out mice. In the hot plate test, stress‐induced analgesia developed to all mice regardless of the COMT genotype. There were no differences between the genotypes in the baseline nociceptive thresholds, morphine tolerance and withdrawal. Our findings show, for the first time, the importance of COMT activity in stress‐ and morphine‐induced analgesia in mice. COMT activity seems to take part in the modulation of nociception not only in the brain, as suggested earlier, but also at the spinal/peripheral level.
In vivo Reversal of P‐Glycoprotein‐Mediated Multidrug Resistance by Efficient Delivery of StealthTM RNAi
Authors: Xiao Hong , Wu Zhuo , Shen Hong , Luo Ai‐Lan , Yang Yu‐Fei , Li Xiao‐Bo , Zhu Dong‐Ya 
Published: September 2008

Abstract:  P‐Glycoprotein‐mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major hurdle in cancer therapy. P‐Glycoprotein is a 170 KD protein encoded by the MDR1 gene. Over‐expression of P‐glycoprotein is considered one of the characteristics of the MDR phenotype, thus down‐regulation of the MDR1 gene expression will circumvent MDR partly. RNA interference (RNAi) is a process that can result in sequence‐specific gene silencing by cleavage target mRNA. Electroporation has been demonstrated to be a promising and efficient method for gene delivery and has been successfully applied in gene therapy. In our study, by using electric pulse to delivery StealthTM RNAi into nude mice NCI‐H460 tumour xenografts, we successfully inhibited MDR1 both at the mRNA level as determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and at the protein level as determined by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, by administration of navelbine after transfection with StealthTM RNAi targeted on the MDR1 gene, its depression to tumour xenografts dramatically improved by nine times. These studies demonstrate that through electrotransfection of StealthTM RNAi, P‐glycoprotein‐mediated MDR can be reversed.
Cross‐species tests of 45 microsatellite loci isolated from different species of ungulates in the Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) to generate a multiplex panel
Authors: SANCHEZ‐FERNANDEZ B. , SORIGUER R. , RICO C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) is an emblematic game species in Spain. To generate a battery of polymorphic markers for multiplex polymerase chain reactions for the Spanish red deer, 45 loci isolated in different species of ungulates were tested. Of the primers tested, 27 amplified but only 21 were polymorphic. Eleven of these markers were subsequently optimized for multiplex in four polymerase chain reactions. This allows analysing several molecular markers jointly to substantially reduce costs. Finally, we report descriptive summary statistics such as number of alleles for the former and also test of disequilibria and heterozygosity for the latter.