bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a healthy biscuit: an alternative approach to biscuit manufacture
Authors: Boobier WJ , Baker JS , Davies B 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Objective
Obesity (BMI >30) and related health problems, including coronary heart disease (CHD), is without question a public health concern. The purpose of this study was to modify a traditional biscuit by the addition of vitamin B6, vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C and Prebiotic fibre, while reducing salt and sugar.

Design
Development and commercial manufacture of the functional biscuit was carried out in collaboration with a well known and respected biscuit manufacturer of International reputation. The raw materials traditionally referred to as essential in biscuit manufacture, i.e. sugar and fat, were targeted for removal or reduction. In addition, salt was completely removed from the recipe.

Participants
University students of both sexes (n = 25) agreed to act as subjects for the study. Ethical approval for the study was granted by the University ethics committee. The test was conducted as a single blind crossover design, and the modified and traditional biscuits were presented to the subjects under the same experimental conditions in a random fashion.

Results
No difference was observed between the original and the modified product for taste and consistency (P > 0.05). The modified biscuit was acceptable to the consumer in terms of eating quality, flavour and colour. Commercial acceptability was therefore established.

Conclusion
This study has confirmed that traditional high-fat and high-sugar biscuits which are not associated with healthy diets by most consumers can be modified to produce a healthy alternative that can be manufactured under strict commercial conditions.
Shift working and risk of lipid disorders: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghiasvand Masoumeh , Heshmat Ramin , Golpira Reza , Haghpanah Vahid , Soleimani Ali , Shoushtarizadeh Payman , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Larijani Bagher 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
previous studies have indicated on association between shift work and lipid profile disturbances. Lipid profile disturbances could be due to internal desynchronization. The aim of this study was to analyze whether there is relationship between shift work and serum lipids, fasting blood glucose and hypertension.

Results
A total of 424 rail road workers between the ages of 21 and 64 years in this study filled out a questionnaire, and total cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL-C concentration were measured after 12-hours fasting. Association between shift work and biochemical variables and blood pressure were measured. The X2 and fisher's exact test was used for comparing the qualitative variables and for quantitative variables with normal distribution we used the parametric tests. Odds ratio (OR) with the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used for comparing the proportions of risk variables.
Sub-populations in this study were consisting of 158 (37.3%) shift workers and 266 (62.7%) day workers. High levels of total cholesterol (> 200 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (> 130 mg/dl) were significantly more prevalent in nearly all groups of shift workers irrespective of age. But there is no differences in the serum levels of triglyceride, HDL-C, fasting blood glucose and blood pressure between shift workers and day workers.
Adjusted Odd's ratio for the effect of shift working on high serum total cholesterol and LDL-C level were 2.11(95%CI: 1.33–3.36) and 1.76(95%CI: 1.09–2.83), respectively.

Conclusion
This study showed that high serum total cholesterol and LDL-C level were more common in shift workers than in day workers. This finding persisted after adjustment was made for age and food type. But there was no difference in the prevalence of HDL-C, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose and hypertension between shift working and day working. It was concluded that shift work is a risk factor for lipid profile disturbances.
NAC and DTT promote TGF-β1 monomer formation: demonstration of competitive binding
Authors: Lichtenberger Frank J , Montague Christine R , Hunter Melissa , Frambach Gwyn , Marsh Clay B 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTGF-β plays an important role in the genesis and progression of pulmonary fibrosis. We sought to determine the role of mononuclear phagocytes in the activation of TGF-β and found that freshly isolated peripheral blood monocytes spontaneously released TGF-β. Stimulating these monocytes with GM-CSF or LPS, but not MCSF, augmented the activation of TGF-β. In human monocytes, the free thiol compounds DTT and NAC decreased the activity of TGF-β, without affecting TGF-β mRNA transcription. Both NAC and DTT lessened the biological activity of recombinant active TGF-β in a cell-free system. We found that NAC and DTT reduced dimeric active TGF-β from a 25 kDa protein to 12.5 kDa inactive monomer. This conversion was reversed using the oxidizing agent diamide. Diamide also restored biological activity to NAC or DTT-treated TGF-β. Reduction of TGF-β to monomers could competitively inhibit active dimeric TGF-β and block intracellular signaling events. Our observations suggest that modulation of the oxidative state of TGF-β may be a novel therapeutic approach for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
The role of steroids in follicular growth
Authors: Drummond Ann E 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The steroidogenic pathway within the ovary gives rise to progestins, androgens and oestrogens, all of which act via specific nuclear receptors to regulate reproductive function and maintain fertility. The role of progestins in follicular growth and development is limited, its action confined largely to ovulation, although direct effects on granulosa cell function have been reported. Consistent with these findings, progesterone receptor knockout mice are infertile because they cannot ovulate. Androgens have been shown to promote early follicular growth, but also to impede follicular development by stimulating atresia and apoptosis. The inability of androgens to transduce a signal in mice lacking androgen receptors culminates in reduced fertility. Oestrogens are known to exert effects on granulosa cell growth and differentiation in association with gonadotrophins. Studies with oestrogen receptor knockouts and oestrogen depleted mice have shown us that oestrogen is essential for folliculogenesis beyond the antral stage and is necessary to maintain the female phenotype of ovarian somatic cells. In summary, the action of steroids within the ovary is based on the developmental status of the follicle. In the absence of any single sex steroid, ovarian function and subsequently fertility, are compromised.
A methodology for assessing the professional development needs of nurses and midwives in Indonesia: paper 1 of 3
Authors: Hennessy Deborah , Hicks Carolyn , Hilan Aflah , Kawonal Yoanna 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
Despite recent developments, health care provision in Indonesia remains suboptimal. Difficult terrain, economic crises, endemic diseases and high population numbers, coupled with limited availability of qualified health care professionals, all contribute to poor health status. In a country with a population of 220 million, there are currently an estimated 50 nurses and 26 midwives per 100 000 people. In line with government initiatives, this series of studies was undertaken to establish the training and development needs of nurses and midwives working within a variety of contexts in Indonesia, with the ultimate aim of enhancing care provision within these domains.

Methods
An established, psychometrically valid and reliable training needs instrument was modified for use within the Indonesian context. While this technique has had widespread international use in the developed world, its application for developing countries has not yet been established. The standard form consists of a biographical cover sheet and a core set of 30 items (all health-related tasks), which have to be rated along two seven-point scales. The first of these scales asks respondents to assess how important the task is to their job and the second scale is a self-assessment of respondents' current performance level of the task. By comparing the importance rating with the performance rating, an index of training need can be obtained (high importance and low performance indicating a significant training need). The modifications incorporated for use in this series of studies were a further 10 items, which were constructed following expert group and focus group discussions and a review of the relevant literature. Pilot trials with 109 respondents confirmed its feasibility and acceptability. The instrument was then administered to 524 nurses and 332 midwives across Indonesia.

Results
The data were subjected to a retrospective factor analysis, using a Varimax rotation and Cronbach's α to check the instrument's validity and reliability following modification. The results yielded six factors, which accounted for >53% of the variance, each of which had a Cronbach's α score of between 0.8644 and 0.7068.

Conclusion
The results suggest that the modified instrument remained valid and reliable for use in the Indonesian nursing and midwifery context.
Iterleukin 1 alpha is a marker of endothelial cellular senescent
Authors: Mariotti Massimo , Castiglioni Sara , Bernardini Daniela , Maier Jeanette AM 
Published: April 2006

Abstract

Background
The functional changes associated with endothelial senescence may be involved in human aging and age-related vascular disorders. Since the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL-)1 inhibits endothelial growth, we evaluated the expression of IL-1α, IL-1β and their antagonist, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), in endothelial in vitro senescence and quiescence. We also examined the expression of IL-1α in human senescent and progeric fibroblasts.

Results
We found that the overexpression of IL-1α specifically characterizes endothelial senescence. No modulation of this cytokine was observed in endothelial quiescence and in senescent or progeric human fibroblasts. The expression of IL-1β and IL-1ra was also assessed and found not to be affected by senescence.

Conclusion
Our results indicate that a dysfunction of the cytokine network associates with aging and point to a specific role of IL-1α in endothelial senescence.
Ethnotaxonomy of mastofauna as practised by hunters of the municipality of Paulista, state of Paraíba-Brazil
Authors: Mourão José S , Araujo Helder FP , Almeida Fabiana S 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
It was aimed in the present work to report aspects related to identification, naming and categorization of the mastofauna species of the caatinga biome, according to hunters' knowledge of Northeast Brazil. The methods of free and semi-structured interviews and guided tours were applied here. The data obtained were analyzed under the emic/etic point of view by comparing the local people's knowledge to those reported in the literature. The inland hunters use some classification models of mammals living around them as for example the folk taxonomy, and a categorization based on the animal utility. Some species are preferably hunted for providing food while others are hunted for therapeutic ends. Hunt techniques were made evident by the informers. The retrieval and comprehension of the whole process related to such knowledge is very important to evaluate the human culture and the protection that people exert on local biodiversity, since these aspects have implications for the conservation and management of faunistic resources.
HER4 in breast cancer: comparison of antibodies against intra- and extra-cellular domains of HER4
Authors: Tovey Sian M , Dunne Barbara , Witton Caroline J , Cooke Timothy G , Bartlett John MS 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Introduction
We have previously linked HER4 expression with increased survival in breast cancer. However, other reports have associated HER4 with adverse prognostic significance. One possible explanation for the conflicting reports may be that these results are antibody dependent. The HER4 protein is enzymatically cleaved, which may alter the function of its intracellular domain (ICD). We have therefore compared the staining patterns of antibodies against its intracellular and extracellular domains using tissue microarray technology.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry was performed and evaluated on tumours from 402 tamoxifen treated oestrogen receptor positive patients. The HFR1 antibody recognises the ICD of HER4 and thus recognises both the intact receptor and the cleaved ICD. The H4.77.16 clone recognises an extracellular domain of HER4 and thus detects the full length receptor only.

Results
Both antibodies demonstrated nuclear, cytoplasmic and membranous staining. Concordance between the membrane staining patterns was high (88.44%, kappa 0.426). The HFR1 antibody, however, demonstrated generally higher levels of cytoplasmic staining (concordance 74.77%, kappa 0.351). The antibodies demonstrated very different patterns of nuclear staining. Over 60% of patients stained with the H4.77.16 had no nuclear staining whereas the vast majority showed staining with the HFR1 antibody (concordance 40.12%, kappa 0.051). Neither antibody demonstrated relationships between membranous or cytoplasmic HER4 staining and survival, although associations were seen with known poor prognostic markers. Cases with H4.77.16-determined nuclear staining had significantly poorer survival outcomes.

Conclusion
The difference in antigen site may explain the different staining patterns we have seen with respect to location; with each antibody appearing to select for distinct compartments. Thus, HFR1 may select for cytoplasmic and nuclear HER4 ICD, whilst H4.77.16 selects for membranous HER4 and/or HER4 being recycled in cytoplasm or nucleus. This ability to distinguish between site and function of HER4 and its fragments is particularly important, with recent evidence highlighting the different functions of nuclear and mitochondrial HER4.
Long-term outcomes and clinical predictors of hospital mortality in very long stay intensive care unit patients: a cohort study
Authors: Friedrich Jan O , Wilson Gail , Chant Clarence 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Little information is available on prognosis and outcomes of very long stay intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The purpose of this study was to identify long-term outcomes after hospital discharge and readily available clinical predictors of hospital mortality for patients requiring prolonged care in the ICU.

Method
Clinical data were collected from consecutive patients requiring at least 30 days of ICU care admitted over 3 calendar years (2001 to 2003) to a medical/surgical ICU in a university-affiliated tertiary care centre.

Results
A total of 182 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 63 years, median ICU stay of 48.5 days (interquartile range 36–78 days) and ICU mortality of 32%. They accounted for 8% of total admissions and 48% of total occupied beds. Of these patients, 42% died in hospital, 44% returned to their previous place of residence, and 14% were transferred to long-term care institutions. By 6 months after hospital discharge a further 8% of the patients had died, 40% remained at their previous place of residence, and 10% were in long-term care. Predictors of hospital mortality, identified using multivariate logistic regression, included age (odds ratio [OR] 1.45 per additional decade, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.91), any immunosuppression (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.7–15.5), mechanical ventilation for longer than 90 days (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.3–12.0), treatment with inotropes or vasopressors for more than 3 days at or after day 30 in the ICU (OR 7.1, 95% CI 2.6–19.3), and acute renal failure requiring dialysis at or after day 30 in the ICU (OR 6.3, 95% CI 2.0–19.7).

Conclusion
Patients with very long stays in the ICU appear to have a reasonable chance of survival, with most survivors in our cohort residing at their previous place of residence 6 months after hospital discharge. Prolonged requirement for life support therapies (ventilation, vasoactive agents, or acute dialysis) and a limited number of pre-existing co-morbidities (immunosuppression and, to a lesser extent, patient age) were predictors of increased hospital mortality. These predictors may assist in clinical decision making for this resource intensive patient population, and their reproducibility in other very long stay patient populations should be explored.
Oxygenation effect of interventional lung assist in a lavage model of acute lung injury: a prospective experimental study
Authors: Zick Günther , Frerichs Inéz , Schädler Dirk , Schmitz Gunnar , Pulletz Sven , Cavus Erol , Wachtler Felix , Scholz Jens , Weiler Norbert 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that a pumpless arteriovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (interventional lung assist (ILA)) does not significantly improve oxygenation in a lavage model of acute lung injury.

Methods
The study was designed as a prospective experimental study. The experiments were performed on seven pigs (48–60 kg body weight). The pigs were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Both femoral arteries and one femoral vein were cannulated and connected with ILA. Acute lung injury was induced by repeated bronchoalveolar lavage until the arterial partial pressure of O2 was lower than 100 Torr for at least 30 minutes during ventilation with 100% O2.

Results
ILA was applied with different blood flow rates through either one or both femoral arteries. Measurements were repeated at different degrees of pulmonary gas exchange impairment with the pulmonary venous admixture ranging from 35.0% to 70.6%. The mean (± standard deviation) blood flow through ILA was 15.5 (± 3.9)% and 21.7 (± 4.9)% of cardiac output with one and both arteries open, respectively. ILA significantly increased the arterial partial pressure of O2 from 64 (± 13) Torr to 71 (± 14) Torr and 74 (± 17) Torr with blood flow through one and both femoral arteries, respectively. O2 delivery through ILA increased with extracorporeal shunt flow (36 (± 14) ml O2/min versus 47 (± 17) ml O2/min) and reduced arterialization of the inlet blood. Pulmonary artery pressures were significantly reduced when ILA was in operation.

Conclusion
Oxygenation is increased by ILA in severe lung injury. This effect is significant but small. The results indicate that the ILA use may not be justified if the improvement of oxygenation is the primary therapy goal.
Small volume of hypertonic saline as the initial fluid replacement in experimental hypodynamic sepsis
Authors: Garrido Alejandra del Pilar Gallardo , Cruz Ruy Jorge , de Figueiredo Luiz Francisco Poli , e Silva Maurício Rocha 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Introduction
We conducted the present study to examine the effects of hypertonic saline solution (7.5%) on cardiovascular function and splanchnic perfusion in experimental sepsis.

Methods
Anesthetized and mechanically ventilated mongrel dogs received an intravenous infusion of live Escherichia coli over 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, they were randomized to receive lactated Ringer's solution 32 ml/kg (LR; n = 7) over 30 minutes or 7.5% hypertonic saline solution 4 ml/kg (HS; n = 8) over 5 minutes. They were observed without additional interventions for 120 minutes. Cardiac output (CO), mean arterial pressure (MAP), portal and renal blood flow (PBF and RBF, respectively), gastric partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2; gas tonometry), blood gases and lactate levels were assessed.

Results
E. coli infusion promoted significant reductions in CO, MAP, PBF and RBF (approximately 45%, 12%, 45% and 25%, respectively) accompanied by an increase in lactate levels and systemic and mesenteric oxygen extraction (sO2ER and mO2ER). Widening of venous-arterial (approximately 15 mmHg), portal-arterial (approximately 18 mmHg) and gastric mucosal-arterial (approximately 55 mmHg) pCO2 gradients were also observed. LR and HS infusion transiently improved systemic and regional blood flow. However, HS infusion was associated with a significant and sustained reduction of systemic (18 ± 2.6 versus 38 ± 5.9%) and mesenteric oxygen extraction (18.5 ± 1.9 versus 36.5 ± 5.4%), without worsening other perfusional markers.

Conclusion
A large volume of LR or a small volume of HS promoted similar transient hemodynamic benefits in this sepsis model. However, a single bolus of HS did promote sustained reduction of systemic and mesenteric oxygen extraction, suggesting that hypertonic saline solution could be used as a salutary intervention during fluid resuscitation in septic patients.
A classification based framework for quantitative description of large-scale microarray data
Authors: Sangurdekar Dipen P , Srienc Friedrich , Khodursky Arkady B 
Published: April 2006

AbstractGenome-wide surveys of transcription depend on gene classifications for the purpose of data interpretation. We propose a new information-theoretical-based method to: assess significance of co-expression within any gene group; quantitatively describe condition-specific gene-class activity; and systematically evaluate conditions in terms of gene-class activity. We applied this technique to describe microarray data tracking Escherichia coli transcriptional responses to more than 30 chemical and physiological perturbations. We correlated the nature and breadth of the responses with the nature of perturbation, identified gene group proxies for the perturbation classes and quantitatively compared closely related physiological conditions.
Modulation of cell cycle progression by CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions on CD4+ T cells depends on strength of the CD3 signal: critical role for IL-2
Authors: Mukherjee Sambuddho , Ahmed Asma , Malu Shruti , Nandi Dipankar 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) is a well-studied T cell costimulatory receptor that is known to inhibit T cell activation. In this study, the relationship between strength of the first signal and costimulatory interactions on primary mouse CD4+ T cells was investigated. CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions differentially modulate T cell cycling based on the mode of CD3 signal: Activation with plate-bound (pb) anti-CD3 generates a strong signal compared with a weak signal with soluble (sol) anti-CD3, resulting in approximately sevenfold higher amounts of interleukin (IL)-2 and an increase in cell cycling. Activation of T cells with sol anti-CD3 (weak signal) together with CTLA4-CD80/CD86 blockade lowers IL-2 production and cell cycling, demonstrating an enhancing role for these interactions. Conversely, blockade of CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions on T cells activated with pb anti-CD3 (strong signal) increases proliferation, which is consistent with CTLA4 as a negative regulator. Also, coculture of T cells with Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing CD80 or CD86 demonstrates that the strength of the primary signal plays an important role. It is important that modulation of IL-2 amounts leads to distinct alterations in the functional effects of CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions. On increasing IL-2 amounts, activation of T cells stimulated with sol anti-CD3 (weak signal) and CTLA4-CD80/CD86 blockade is greater compared with control. Concurrently, neutralization of IL-2 greatly reduces activation of T cells stimulated with pb anti-CD3 (strong signal) and CTLA4-CD80/CD86 blockade compared with control. These results underscore the importance of strength of first signal, CTLA4-CD80/CD86 interactions, and IL-2 amounts in modulating primary CD4+ T cell responses.