bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry determination of endogenous plasma acetyl and palmitoyl carnitines as potential biomarkers of β‐oxidation in mice
Authors: Liu Zhi , Mutlib Abdul E. , Wang Jianyao , Talaat Rasmy E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA robust bioanalytical method capable of measuring acetyl and palmitoyl carnitines was developed and validated. Application of hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) enabled retention of these highly polar and difficult to analyze compounds on a silica HPLC column. The chromatography was conducted with a high percentage of an organic component in the mobile phase, allowing high sensitivity for the pre‐existing positively charged quaternary ammonium ions by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Successful application of the method to reliably quantify naturally occurring acyl carnitines in mouse plasma depended on the use of corresponding deuterated analogues. The specificity of the method, achieved through the use of stable isotope labeled compounds in combination with a mass spectral multiple reaction monitoring technique, permitted a non‐invasive assessment of the overall change in the levels of these acyl carnitines in the plasma of intact animals administered peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) agents. These acyl carnitines, as carriers of the corresponding long‐chain fatty acids for transport into mitochondria, can be employed as potential biomarkers for significant alteration in the β‐oxidation process in an intact animal. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of Mandibular Fractures in a Developing Country: A Review of 314 Cases from Two Urban Centers in Nigeria
Authors: Adeyemo Wasiu L. , Iwegbu Innocent O. , Bello Seidu A. , Okoturo Eyituoyo , Olaitan Ademola A. , Ladeinde Akinola L. , Ogunlewe Mobolanle O. , Adepoju Adegbenga A. , Taiwo Olanrewaju A. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThis study was designed to establish the current demographic and treatment patterns of mandibular fractures in two urban centers (Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, and National Hospital, Abuja) in Nigeria.MethodsAll cases of mandibular fractures diagnosed and treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos (1998–2007) and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria (2001–2007) were reviewed. Data collected included age, sex, etiology of fracture, anatomic site of fracture, associated maxillofacial fracture, types of treatment, and postoperative complications.ResultsThe highest incidence of mandibular fractures (49.3%) occurred in the age group 21–30 years and the lowest in the age group 0–10 years, with male preponderance in nearly all age groups. Road traffic crashes (RTC) were the leading cause (67.5%), followed by assault (18.8%), and gunshot. Of the RTC cases, 85 (40%) were sustained from motorcycle‐related crashes. The commonest site of fracture was the body of the mandible (n = 137), followed by the angle (n = 114). The majority (83.1%) were treated by closed reduction using intermaxillary fixation, 13.1% by open reduction and internal fixation, and 3.8% had conservative treatment.ConclusionsMandibular fractures are commonest during the third decade of life and in men, with almost half of the cases due to of road traffic crashes. RTC was the leading cause of mandibular fractures in all age groups. Motorcycle‐related mandibular fractures seem to be increasing in Nigeria. There is a need to enforce legislation designed to prevent RTC to reduce maxillofacial fractures in Nigeria.
Thyroid Surgery in Burkina Faso, West Africa: Experience from a Surgical Help Program
Authors: Rumstadt B. , Klein B. , Kirr H. , Kaltenbach N. , Homenu W. , Schilling D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundEndemic goiter caused by iodine deficiency is still very common in sub‐Saharan Africa and is a surgical challenge because of the often large size of the goiters.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made of patients who underwent operation for thyroid diseases during a surgical help program in Leo/Burkina Faso during a 7‐year period from 2001 to 2008.ResultsA total of 253 cases presented with goiters grade III (WHO classification) were operated on: 134 hemithyroidectomies, 108 hemithyroidectomies combined with subtotal contralateral resection, and 11 total thyroidectomies were performed. The recurrent laryngeal injury rate was 0.8%, and the re‐exploration rate for bleeding was 1.2%. Median hospital stay was 3.1 days. Histological examinations showed Graves’ disease in 6 cases, and multinodular goiter in 231 cases. Follicular cancer was found in 15 cases, and anaplastic carcinoma was found in 1 case.ConclusionsThyroid surgery can be performed with low complication rates under basic surgical conditions. Because of the size and pathology of the goiters, total thyroidectomy is the method of choice. However, considering the risk of the development of hypothyroidism due to poor understanding or difficult access to medication, a limited resection, e.g., hemithyroidectomy, is the most optimal operative strategy.
Interrupting the inflammatory cycle in chronic diseases—Do gap junctions provide the answer?
Authors: Green Colin R. , Nicholson Louise F.B. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA number of chronic diseases, including neurodegenerative, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, are associated with genetic susceptibility. Some may originate on exposure to an environmental stimulus. Regardless of genetic predisposition or external stimulus, these chronic diseases, once triggered, share an inflammatory component making them effectively persistent “wounds”. There is also increasing evidence that the presence of one disease can cause activation of another apparently unrelated disease, leading to multiple disorders via activation of an immune response that ‘fast forwards’ disease progression. Here we review common aspects of a number of chronic disease conditions, and put forward the proposal that gap junction modulation may provide an opportunity to break the inflammatory cycle that sustains and links these disorders.
Effects of dietary supplementation with an expressed fusion peptide bovine lactoferricin–lactoferrampin on performance, immune function and intestinal mucosal morphology in piglets weaned at age 21 d
Authors: Tang Zhiru , Yin Yulong , Zhang Youming , Huang Ruilin , Sun Zhihong , Li Tiejun , Chu Wuying , Kong Xiangfeng , Li Lili , Geng Meimei , Tu Qiang 
Published: October 2008

Lactoferrin has antimicrobial activity associated with peptide fragments lactoferricin (LFC) and lactoferrampin (LFA) released on digestion. These two fragments have been expressed inPhotorhabdus luminescensas a fusion peptide linked to protein cipB. The construct cipB–LFC–LFA was tested as an alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters in pig production. Sixty piglets with an average live body weight of 5·42 (sem0·59) kg were challenged with enterotoxigenicEscherichia coliand randomly assigned to four treatment groups fed a maize–soyabean meal diet containing either no addition (C), cipB at 100 mg/kg (C+B), cipB–LFC–LFA at 100 mg/kg (C+L) or colistin sulfate at 100 mg/kg (C+CS) for 3 weeks. Compared with C, dietary supplementation with C+L for 3 weeks increased daily weight gain by 21 %, increased recovery from diarrhoea, enhanced serum glutathione peroxidase (GPx), peroxidase (POD) and total antioxidant content (T-AOC), liver GPx, POD, superoxide dismutase and T-AOC, Fe, total Fe-binding capacity, IgA, IgG and IgM levels (P < 0·05), decreased the concentration ofE. coliin the ileum, caecum and colon (P < 0·05), increased the concentration of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the ileum, caecum and colon (P < 0·05), and promoted development of the villus–crypt architecture of the small intestine. Growth performance was similar between C+L- and C+CS-supplemented pigs. The present results indicate that LFC–LFA is an effective alternative to the feed antibiotic CS for enhancing growth performance in piglets weaned at age 21 d.
Gene expression profiling of tolerant barley in response toDiuraphis noxia(Hemiptera: Aphididae) feeding
Authors: Gutsche A. , Heng-Moss T. , Sarath G. , Twigg P. , Xia Y. , Lu G. , Mornhinweg D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAphids are, arguably, the single most damaging group of agricultural insect pests throughout the world. Plant tolerance, which is a plant response to an insect pest, is viewed as an excellent management strategy. Developing testable hypotheses based on genome-wide and more focused methods will help in understanding the molecular underpinnings of plant tolerance to aphid herbivory. As a first step in this process, we undertook transcript profiling with Affymetrix GeneChip Barley Genome arrays using RNA extracted from tissues of tolerant and susceptible genotypes collected at three hours, three days and six days afterDiuraphis noxiaintroduction. Acquired data were compared to identify changes unique to the tolerant barley at each harvest date. Transcript abundance of 4086 genes was differentially changed over the three harvest dates in tolerant and susceptible barley in response toD. noxiafeeding. Across the three harvest dates, the greatest number of genes was differentially expressed in both barleys at three days after aphid introduction. A total of 909 genes showed significant levels of change in the tolerant barley in response toD. noxiafeeding as compared to susceptible plants infested with aphids. Many of these genes could be assigned to specific metabolic categories, including several associated with plant defense and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Interestingly, two peroxidase genes, designatedHvPRXA1andHvPRXA2, were up-regulated to a greater degree in response toD. noxiafeeding on tolerant barley plants, indicating that specific peroxidases could be important for the tolerance process. These findings suggest that the ability to elevate and sustain levels of ROS-scavenging enzymes could play an important role in the tolerant response.
Mendelian inheritance ofthaplotypes in house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus) field populations
Authors: MILLER BAKER ANN EILEEN 
Published: October 2008

SummaryAlleles of many genes in the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus)tcomplex influence embryonic development, male transmission ratio, male fertility and other traits. Homozygoustlethal alleles cause prenatal lethality, whereas maletsemilethal homozygotes and males heterozygous for two complementingtlethal haplotypes are sterile. Without a mechanism maintaining these deleterious genes,tlethals andtsemilethals should be eliminated by selection. The mechanism for maintaining them is transmission ratio distortion (TRD), which is said to occur when at/+ male sires a significantly greater proportion of fetuses carrying histhaplotype (80–100%) than his wild-type chromosome 17. To understand how this selfish DNA functions in trapped populations, the objectives of this study were to examine the structure ofthaplotypes in Colorado field populations and to determine transmission ratios in these populations. The data presented here indicate two possible causes for lower than expected transmission ratios in field populations: (1) single-sire fertilization by sperm from mosaictmales may lack allthaplotype genes causing high TRD. (2)t-bearing sperm fertilizing multiple-sire litters are diluted by+sperm from males having the most common genotype (+/+).
Population frequencies of transposable elements in selfing and outcrossingCaenorhabditisnematodes
Authors: DOLGIN ELIE S. , CHARLESWORTH BRIAN , CUTTER ASHER D. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryPopulation genetics theory predicts that differences in breeding systems should be an important factor in the dynamics of selfish genetic elements, because of different intensities of selection on both hosts and elements. We examined population frequencies of transposable elements (TEs) in natural populations of the self-fertilizing nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansand its outcrossing relativeCaenorhabditis remanei. We identified a Tc1-like class of elements in theC. remaneigenome with homology to the terminal inverted repeats of theC. elegansTc1 transposon, which we name mTcre1. We measured levels of insertion polymorphism for all 32 Tc1 elements present in the genome sequence of theC. elegansN2 strain, and 16 mTcre1 elements from the genome sequence of theC. remaneiPB4641 strain. We show that transposons are less polymorphic and segregate at higher frequencies inC. eleganscompared withC. remanei. Estimates of the intensity of selection based on the population frequencies of polymorphic elements suggest that transposons are selectively neutral inC. elegans, but subject to purifying selection inC. remanei. These results are consistent with a reduced efficacy of natural selection against TEs in selfing populations, but may in part be explained by non-equilibrium TE dynamics.
Intra-individual and intra-species heterogeneity in nuclear rDNA ITS region ofVignaspecies from subgenusCeratotropis
Authors: SAINI AJAY , REDDY SREENIVASULU K. , JAWALI NARENDRA 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThe extent of intra-individual and intra-species heterogeneity in the nuclear rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was investigated among the ‘AsiaticVigna’ species (subgenusCeratotropis). High intra- and inter-individual ITS polymorphism was observed amongVigna radiataaccessions, where multiple ITS length variants ranging from ~700 to ~770 bp were detected on PCR amplification. Subsequent analysis revealed that the variants are ‘heteroduplex ITS fragments’ generated during the PCR process. Analysis of ITS from wild and cultivated forms of tenVignaspecies from subgenusCeratotropisrevealed substantial intra-species divergence in four species:Vigna umbellata,Vigna trilobata,V. radiataandVigna minima. However, no other species analysed showed intra-individual ITS heterogeneity as observed inV. radiata. The results demonstrate differential evolution of ITS sequence among wild and cultivated forms ofV. radiata. Evidence indicates that intra-species hybridization and a slow ‘molecular drive’ are responsible for this phenomenon. Sequence analysis of 5·8S, ITS1 and ITS2 and secondary-structure analysis of ITS regions indicate that the ITS variants do not belong to pseudogenic rDNA repeat units. Further, reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) analysis showed that rDNA repeat units harbouring certain intra-individual ITS variants were transcriptionally inactive, indicating the regulation of these loci by epigenetic gene silencing. TheV. radiataITS variants, when analysed together, did not cause any phylogenetic errors at the species level.
Minimum dissipative relaxed states applied to laboratory and space plasmas
Authors: DASGUPTA B. , SHAIKH DASTGEER , HU Q. , ZANK G. P. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe usual theory of plasma relaxation, based on the selective decay of magnetic energy over the (global) magnetic helicity, predicts a force-free state for a plasma. Such a force-free state is inadequate to describe most realistic plasma systems occurring in laboratory and space plasmas as it produces a zero pressure gradient and cannot couple magnetic fields with flow. A different theory of relaxation has been proposed by many authors, based on a well-known principle of irreversible thermodynamics, the principle of minimum entropy production rate which is equivalent to the minimum dissipation rate of energy. We demonstrate the applicability of minimum dissipative relaxed states to various self-organized systems of magnetically confined plasma in the laboratory and in the astrophysical context. Such relaxed states are shown to produce a number of basic characteristics of laboratory plasma confinement systems and solar arcade structure.
The dangers and limitations of equality agendas as means for tackling old-age prejudice
Authors: DUNCAN COLIN 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a critique of both the concept of age equality and of the limited scope it offers as a means for challenging old-age prejudice. The equality constructs that feature in anti-ageism initiatives and in current discourses on intergenerational equity have proved susceptible to political and ideological manipulation, which has led to the illegitimate dissociation of ageism from older age and promoted damaging notions of age equivalence. The consequence has been that old-age prejudice has been de-prioritised, and older people have been de-legitimised socially and as a welfare constituency. The corrective is best sought outside the confines of age equality frameworks, although legal remedies may play a useful role if human dignity is incorporated as an equality criterion. This paper also assesses other approaches to tackling old-age prejudice that avoid the constraints of equality constructs and engage more firmly with its roots. The notion of the ‘third age’ with new social roles merits reconsideration as an affordable alternative to current policies of work obligation and pension retrenchment. Radical interventions in the labour market in favour of older people may also be needed. Age activism and advocacy will increasingly influence policy on prejudice and well-being in older age, but changed emphases are needed, as from defensive strategies and the ideologies of generational interdependence and solidarity, towards the promotion of organisational, financial and social autonomy in older age.
The experience of social and emotional loneliness among older people in Ireland
Authors: DRENNAN JONATHAN , TREACY MARGARET , BUTLER MICHELLE , BYRNE ANNE , FEALY GERARD , FRAZER KATE , IRVING KATE 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper reports a study of the risk factors for social and emotional loneliness among older people in Ireland. Using the ‘Social and Emotional Scale for Adults’, the social and emotional dimensions of loneliness were measured. Emotional loneliness was conceptualised as having elements of both family loneliness and romantic loneliness. The data were collected through a national telephone survey of loneliness in older people conducted in 2004 that completed interviews with 683 people aged 65 or more years. It was found that levels of social and family loneliness were low, but that romantic loneliness was relatively high. Predictors for social loneliness were identified as greater age, poorer health, living in a rural area, and lack of contact with friends. Living in a rural setting, gender (male), having a lower income, being widowed, no access to transport, infrequent contact with children and relatives and caring for a spouse or relative at home were significant predictors of family loneliness. Romantic loneliness was predicted by marital status, in particular being widowed. Never having married or being divorced or separated were also significant predictors for romantic loneliness. The findings indicate that loneliness for older people is variable, multi-dimensional and experienced differently according to life events, with, for example, the death of a partner being followed by the experience of emotional loneliness, or the loss of friends or declining health leading to social loneliness.
Facts on Law and Ageing Quiz: older people's knowledge of their legal rights
Authors: DORON ISRAEL , WERNER PERLA 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTUntil now, no attempt has been made to develop a research tool to provide a broad descriptive picture of the actual knowledge that older people have of their legal rights. This article will describe a first attempt, conducted in Israel, to create such a tool, known as theFacts on Law and Ageing Quiz (FoLAQ). This quiz was developed to provide a short and standardised tool for assessing older people's knowledge of their legal rights in Israel. It is also intended to serve as a research platform for similar studies in other countries worldwide. The research was designed using a quantitative approach. The research population consisted of adult Jews, aged 50 or more years, living in the community in Israel. Using a computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI), a randomly chosen sample of 227 persons aged 50 and over was asked 20 multiple-choice questions on central legal issues, and 13 closed questions on their socio-demographic background. The findings revealed that, in general, the majority of older persons in Israel know little about their legal rights. Specifically, the most vulnerable groups in this context were the less educated, the poor, the older-old, and women. Finally, the findings also showed that knowledge gaps were particularly obvious with regard to (1) national legal schemes covering social security in old age, and (2) the rights of older people regarding Israel's national health insurance scheme.
A simulation model for diarrhoea and other common recurrent infections: a tool for exploring epidemiological methods
Authors: SCHMIDT W.-P. , GENSER B. , CHALABI Z. 
Published: October 2008

SUMMARYThe measurement and analysis of common recurrent conditions such as diarrhoea, respiratory infections or fever pose methodological challenges with regard to case definition, disease surveillance and statistical analysis. In this paper we describe a flexible and robust model that can generate simulated longitudinal datasets for a range of recurrent infections, reflecting the stochastic processes that underpin the data collected in the field. It can be used to evaluate and compare alternative disease definitions, surveillance strategies and statistical methods under ‘controlled conditions’. Parameters in the model include: characterizing the distributions of the individual disease incidence and the duration of disease episodes; allowing the average disease duration to depend on an individual's number of episodes (simulating a correlation between incidence and duration); making the individual risk of disease depend on the occurrence of previous episodes (simulating autocorrelation of successive episodes); finally, incorporating seasonal variation of disease.
Converging methods in studying attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: What can we learn from neuroimaging and genetics?
Authors: Durston Sarah 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses how converging methods may form a powerful tool in unraveling the neurobiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Integrating findings from multiple disciplines can inform us on how different neurobiological and cognitive mechanisms tie together in both typical and atypical development. Examples are discussed of this approach: combining family and genetic approaches with anatomical neuroimaging illustrates how mapping familial effects can bring us closer to understanding the neurobiology of ADHD. Functional neuroimaging has convincingly linked cognitive problems in this disorder with frontostriatal functioning, but also shows that other systems may be involved in some of the symptoms of ADHD. Combining these findings has suggested new avenues for investigation, such as the role of frontocerebellar networks. Furthermore, findings may have practical applications: this paper discusses an example of how converging evidence of striatal dysregulation in ADHD suggests possible directions for treatment that are now being explored in functional imaging studies.