bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disappointing results and low tolerability of photodynamic therapy with topical 5‐aminolaevulinic acid in psoriasis. A randomized, double‐blind phase I/II study
Authors: Schleyer V , Radakovic‐Fijan S , Karrer S , Zwingers T , Tanew A , Landthaler M , Szeimies RM 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground  Based on good results in the treatment of superficial skin tumours, since the early 1990s topical photodynamic therapy with aminolaevulinic acid (ALA PDT) has been used for disseminated, inflammatory dermatoses including psoriasis. However, there is still a lack of well‐documented trials.Objective  A prospective randomized, double‐blind phase I/II intrapatient comparison study was conducted in 12 patients to investigate whether topical ALA PDT is an effective treatment for chronic plaque‐type psoriasis.Methods  In each patient three psoriatic plaques were randomly treated with a light dose of 20 J/cm2 and 0.1%, 1% and 5% ALA, respectively. Treatment was conducted twice a week until complete clearance or for a maximum of 12 irradiations. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by weekly determination of the psoriasis severity index (PSI).Results  The mean percentage improvement was 37.5%, 45.6% and 51.2% in the 0.1%, 1% and 5% ALA‐treated groups, respectively. Irradiation had to be interrupted several times because of severe burning and pain sensation.Conclusion  Topical ALA PDT did not prove to be an appropriate treatment option for plaque‐type psoriasis due to disappointing clinical efficacy, the time‐consuming treatment procedure and its unfavourable adverse event profile.
Impaired balance in developmental dyslexia? A meta‐analysis of the contending evidence
Authors: Rochelle Kim S.H. , Talcott Joel B. 
Published: June 2006

Background:  Developmental dyslexia is typically defined by deficits in phonological skills, but it is also associated with anomalous performance on measures of balance. Although balance assessments are included in several screening batteries for dyslexia, the association between impairments in literacy and deficits in postural stability could be due to the high co‐occurrence of dyslexia with other developmental disorders in which impairments of motor behaviour are also prevalent.Methods:  We identified 17 published studies that compared balance function between dyslexia and control samples and obtained effect‐sizes for each. Contrast and association analyses were used to quantify the influence of hypothesised moderator variables on differences in effects across studies.Results:  The mean effect‐size of the balance deficit in dyslexia was .64 (95% CI = .44–.78) with heterogeneous findings across the population of studies. Probable co‐occurrence of other developmental disorders and variability in intelligence scores in the dyslexia samples were the strongest moderator variables of effect‐size.Conclusions:  Balance deficits are associated with dyslexia, but these effects are apparently more strongly related to third variables other than to reading ability. Deficits of balance may indicate increased risk of developmental disorder, but are unlikely to be uniquely associated with dyslexia.
Macroscopic anatomy of the omasum of free‐ranging moose (Alces alces) and muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and a comparison of the omasal laminal surface area in 34 ruminant species
Authors: Clauss M. , Hofmann R. R. , Hummel J. , Adamczewski J. , Nygren K. , Pitra C. , Streich W.J. , Reese S. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe function of the ‘third compartment’ of the ruminant forestomach, the omasum, has been debated for a long time. To date, it is assumed that its major function is fluid reabsorption. In order to investigate differences in this organ between ruminant feeding types, we first compared macroscopic measurements of the omasa of free‐ranging muskoxenOvibos moschatus[n=6, mean body mass (BM) 207 kg, range 180–221], a grazer, and free‐ranging mooseAlces alces(n=11, mean BM 291 kg, range 144–418), a strict browser. Despite the similar BM range, omasa of muskoxen contained more ingesta, had a higher empty organ weight, had more third‐ and fourth‐order laminae, and represented a higher proportion of the total forestomach weight. In particular, the surface area of the omasal leaves – the area available for fluid absorption – was significantly larger in muskoxen (10 933±940 cm2) than in moose (2228±885 cm2). In order to test whether the difference in available surface area is a true functional correlate of feeding type, additional data on the omasal laminar surface area were generated for 83 individuals of 19 species. These data were supplemented with data on 13 additional species from the literature. The percentage of grass (%grass) in the natural diet was used to characterize the feeding type; the phylogenetic tree used for a controlled statistical evaluation was entirely based on mitochondrial DNA information. Regardless of phylogenetic control in the statistical treatment, there was a significant positive correlation of both BM and %grass in the natural diet with omasal laminar surface area. The data suggest that certain ruminant species that ingest more grass have larger omasal leaf surface areas, possibly indicating a higher need for water reabsorption distal to the ruminoreticulum, which could be explained as a consequence of the more distinct rumen contents stratification in these species.
Young Europeans abroad in Scotland: an exploration of how their attitudes to consumer credit reflect dimensions of culture
Authors: McKinnon Sabine , Schröder Monika J.A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractNineteen young Europeans from across the Continent took part in in‐depth interviews where a wide range of consumer‐related issues were explored. These issues ranged from specific consumer behaviours and consumer value gained to consumer protection and other aspects of policy. Respondents were postgraduates studying at Scottish universities or young professionals currently working in Scotland. The interviews were structured around a number of key themes that were developed both from the literature and from an in‐depth pilot study. One of these themes was designed to explore the respondents’ attitudes towards saving and borrowing, in particular, consumer credit; and this forms the focus for the current paper. The theme had been developed initially with reference to Hofstede’s cultural dimension of ‘uncertainty avoidance’. However, it also successfully illuminated some of the other cultural dimensions in Hofstede’s typology. As anticipated, respondents tended to benchmark consumer culture in their home country against that of the host country (Scotland). What was surprising was the consensus with which they considered the Scottish/British consumers to be the ‘odd ones out’. This observed convergence appears to indicate that historical cultural differences between continental and Anglo‐Saxon cultures survive and may be stronger and more sustained than any differences between the post‐World War II socialist and market democracies.
Detergents, clothing and the consumer with sensitive skin
Authors: Rowe Helen Debra 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA typical detergent formulation for domestic garment washing is a complex formulation comprising: surfactants, builders, bleaches and auxiliary agents. Repeated exposure to surfactants can cause damage to the lipid film layer of the skin. Textile constructions used in clothing are also complex. Most apparel fabrics will be subject to a laundering process containing detergent at some time in the life cycle and thus it can be surmised that the combination of clothing and detergent is likely to be the cause of some skin problems. Certain fibre types show higher absorption rates than others. If surfactants present in domestic detergents are preferentially absorbed into the fabric during laundering and inadequately removed by rinsing a build‐up of the surfactant may exacerbate skin irritation. This paper offers a review of the debate on the effects of detergents on skin disorders plus recent research on clothing and detergents.
Consumers’ everyday food choice strategies in Finland
Authors: Järvelä Katja , Mäkelä Johanna , Piiroinen Sanna 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn developed countries, choosing and purchasing food is today perhaps more complex than ever. In recent years, European consumers have experienced several food crises. We face a rapidly expanding range of novel food products, the food chain has become longer, and the origin of food more anonymous. At the same time, consumers confront increasing amounts of information on food every day. Consumers build their conceptions of modern food‐related risks on the basis of their everyday knowledge and coping strategies. Hence, the focus of this paper is on consumers’ food choices and everyday practices in relation to food safety and quality as well as food‐related risks. The paper is based on a Finnish study1 examining consumers’ food choices. The data for the study were collected in September 2004 using an Internet‐based food diary accompanied by open‐ended questions on food‐related views and strategies. Altogether, 92 consumers completed the diary. The method combining the tradition of dietary intake and food consumption surveys with open‐ended questions was developed in order to gain an insight both on the types of foods purchased and on consumers’ conceptions of food‐related issues. In this paper, we focus on the key findings of the study as regards to consumers’ notions on food quality and safety issues and the practices they use in their everyday lives. We found eight everyday strategies consumers use. We suggest, first, that the strategies are important in simplifying food choice and making daily life easier, and second, that consumers use food‐related information flexibly in creating these strategies.
Child–mother nutrition and health status in rural Kenya: the role of intra‐household resource allocation and education
Authors: Marinda Pamela A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThere exists gender bias in resource ownership in many parts of Kenya with women being more disadvantaged. Resource ownership and control within the household has differential impacts on the health and overall well‐being of male and female members. This paper examines intra‐household resource ownership and how it affects nutrition and health status of household members. Data from a household survey containing detailed gender‐disaggregated information on resource ownership as well as food and anthropometry were collected from a rural Kenyan district and used in the analysis. Results showed that male members of the household had more access to education, income and land than the females. Mothers’ education, household income, frequency of illness and nutrient intake were the most important factors that contributed to the nutritional status of children. The education and household’s economic status were important determinants of child morbidity. Malnutrition and poor health of children and women is linked to the existing poverty in the study region, therefore emphasis needs to be put on eradication of discrimination against women in accessing education and accessing land, which will contribute to an increase in household incomes. Government policies need to focus on promotion of nutrition education through adult education programmes and incorporating it in the school curricula. Improvement of health‐care facilities in rural areas is also paramount to improving health and nutrition in these areas.
Leisure book reading and purchasing: an analysis of Turkish consumers
Authors: Ozturk Sevgi Ayse , Sevim Nurdan , Eroglu Elif 
Published: June 2006

AbstractTracking studies all over the world report a decline in time devoted to reading in all age groups. There is a common stereotype indicating that people prefer other leisure activities to reading books. Low levels of book readership and book purchasing has always been a matter of discussion in Turkey. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to develop a better understanding of Turkish people’s involvement with books. To achieve this aim, a research survey via self‐administered questionnaire to collect data about leisure time reading, book purchasing and related attitudes was prepared. The sample represents 601 people from eight cities. It was found that around 80% of the sample had read at least one book within the last 6 months, and 58% had purchased a book for her‐ or himself. In addition, a Likert scale with 26 items was utilized to understand the attitudes of respondents to book reading, purchasing and book marketing activities. A factor analysis was also used to check the possibility of reducing the number of attitude items on the scale. Four factors emerged as a result of the factor analysis, labelled as ‘high involvement in books’, ‘preference towards more visual products’, ‘economy factor’ and ‘books must be heavily promoted’. Furthermore, ANOVA and t‐tests were performed to analyse whether attitudes change with demographic variables. Contrary to common beliefs about book readership, this study has revealed favourable attitudes towards book reading and purchasing.
Quebec young adults’ use of and knowledge of credit
Authors: Lachance Marie J. , Beaudoin Pierre , Robitaille Jean 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThis research aimed to study young adults’ use of and knowledge of credit. A large representative sample of Quebec young adults aged 18–29 years participated in a telephone survey. Results reveal that their use of credit has increased remarkably over the last decade. The mean score on the credit knowledge scale used in this study is 49.4% for the entire group. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis show that credit knowledge is positively related to personal income, number of debts, amount of total debt, number of credit cards and favourable attitude towards credit and debts. Young adults reporting either personal experience or family and relatives as their main source of learning about personal finances were found to have a lower level of knowledge about credit in general than those reporting having learned of this subject from courses, the media or financial counsellors. The learning of basic knowledge about credit and personal finances, with stress on the sensible use of credit, should be part of the educational agenda for young consumers.
The central issue? Visceral fat mass is a good marker of insulin resistance and metabolic disturbance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Lord J , Thomas R , Fox B , Acharya U , Wilkin T 
Published: June 2006

Objective  To establish whether visceral fat mass is the most significant variable correlating with insulin resistance and other metabolic parameters in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Design  Prospective cross‐sectional trial.Setting  Reproductive medicine clinic.Population  Forty women with anovulatory PCOS.Methods  Measurements were taken at recruitment, and analysis was performed to define correlations between the outcome measures and the explanatory variables.Main outcome measures  Visceral and subcutaneous fat by computed tomography scan, insulin resistance, anthropometric measures, markers of the metabolic syndrome and androgens.Results  Strong linear correlation of visceral fat to insulin resistance (r= 0.68, P < 0.001) was observed. There were also statistically significant correlations with fasting insulin (r= 0.73, P < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment β‐cell function (r= 0.50, P= 0.007), triglycerides (r= 0.45, P= 0.003), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=−0.42, P= 0.007), urate (r= 0.47, P= 0.002), Sex hormone binding globulin (r=−0.39, P= 0.01) and luteinising hormone (r=−0.32, P= 0.02). There were no significant correlations of testosterone with fat distribution or metabolic parameters. Insulin resistance showed closest correlation to visceral fat mass (r= 0.68, P < 0.001), then to waist circumference (r= 0.62, P < 0.001), with the weakest correlation being waist:hip ratio (r= 0.36, P= 0.01). The best regression model for predicting insulin resistance is with visceral fat mass and triglycerides as the explanatory variables (r= 0.72, P < 0.001).Conclusions  Visceral fat is the most significant variable correlating with metabolic dysfunction in women with PCOS. Our data support the hypothesis that visceral fat either causes insulin resistance or is a very early effect of it. It also implies that reducing visceral fat should reduce insulin resistance which may account for the observations that exercise and weight loss appear to be more effective interventions than pharmacological treatments. The best anthropometric measure of insulin resistance is waist circumference.
Rates of neonatal death and cerebral palsy associated with fetal growth restriction among very low birthweight infants. A temporal analysis
Authors: Spinillo A , Gardella B , Preti E , Zanchi S , Stronati M , Fazzi E 
Published: June 2006

Objective  To assess whether changes over time in neonatal survival and infants’ neurodevelopmental outcome among very low birthweight (VLBW) infants was correlated with the obstetric aetiology of VLBW.Design  A cohort study of 773 VLBW infants.Setting  A University hospital in Northern Italy.Population  All the VLBW infants born over a 20‐year period (1983–2002) at a single institution.Methods  Evaluation of neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcome of the surviving infants at 2 years of corrected age. Logistic regression analysis was used to compare the improvements of neonatal outcome associated with obstetric risk factors over time.Main outcome measures  The risk reduction of neonatal death or cerebral palsy associated with each obstetric category responsible for VLBW over time.Results  The overall rates of neonatal mortality and cerebral palsy were 38.7% (43/111) and 17% (9/53) in the period 1983–87 and 13.7% (34/24) and 6.3% (13/205) in the period 1998–2002, respectively. The adjusted decrement per 5‐year period was 33.1% (95% CI = 7.9–51.4) for neonatal death and 29.1% (95% CI = 25.3–32.7) for cerebral palsy, respectively. The adjusted rise in the rate of intact survival at 2 years of corrected age was 7.6% (95% CI = 3.1–12.3) per quinquennium. In logistic models with neonatal death or cerebral palsy as a combined outcome variable, and gestational age, corticosteroid use, surfactant use, and time of birth as explanatory variables, fetal growth restriction (P < 0.001) and pre‐eclampsia (P= 0.011) interacted significantly with period of birth. The adjusted decrement in the rate of neonatal death or cerebral palsy as a combined variable was 27.5% per 5 years (95% CI = 13–39.6) in the overall population, 54.5% per 5 years (95% CI = 46.8–61.2) (P < 0.001 compared with overall population) among growth‐restricted infants and 50.3% per 5 years (95% CI = 42.5–57.1) (P= 0.003 compared with overall population) in infants born to mothers with pre‐eclampsia.Conclusions  Over a period of 20 years, the decrement in the rate of neonatal death or cerebral palsy was higher in growth‐restricted fetuses than in other VLBW infants. This reduction was not obtained at the expense of an increased rate of neurodevelopmental impairments in surviving infants.
Protease‐activated receptor‐1 protects rat astrocytes from apoptotic cell death via JNK‐mediated release of the chemokine GRO/CINC‐1
Authors: Wang Yingfei , Luo Weibo , Stricker Rolf , Reiser Georg 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThrombin at low doses is an endogenous mediator of protection in ischaemic and haemorrhagic models of stroke. However, the mechanism of thrombin‐induced protection remains unclear. Recently accumulating evidence has shown that astrocytes play an important role in the brain after injury. We report that thrombin and thrombin receptor agonist peptide (TRag) up‐regulated secretion of the chemokine growth‐regulated oncogene/cytokine‐induced neutrophil chemoattractant‐1 (GRO/CINC‐1) in primary rat astrocytes in a concentration‐dependent manner. However, we found no increase of interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α secretion. Protease‐activated receptor 1 (PAR‐1)‐induced GRO/CINC‐1 release was mainly mediated by c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) activation. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 might be partially involved, but not p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Further studies demonstrated that PAR‐1 activation, as well as application of recombinant GRO/CINC‐1, protected astrocytes from C2‐ceramide‐induced cell death. Protection occurred with suppression of cytochrome c release from mitochondria. The inhibition of cytochrome c release was largely reduced by the antagonist of chemokine receptor CXCR2, SB‐332235. Importantly, a specific JNK inhibitor significantly abolished the protective action of PAR‐1. These results demonstrate for the first time that PAR‐1 plays an important role in anti‐apoptosis in the brain by regulating the release of chemokine GRO/CINC‐1, which gives a feedback through its receptor CXCR2 to preserve astrocytes from toxic insults.
Up‐regulation of NMDA receptor subunit and post‐synaptic density protein expression in the thalamus of elderly patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Clinton Sarah M. , Haroutunian Vahram , Meador‐Woodruff James H. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractNumerous studies have described structural and functional abnormalities of the thalamus in schizophrenia, but surprisingly few studies have examined neurochemical abnormalities that accompany these pathological changes. We previously identified abnormalities of multiple molecules associated with glutamatergic neurotransmission, including changes in NMDA receptor subunit transcripts and binding sites and NMDA receptor‐associated post‐synaptic density (PSD) protein transcripts in the thalamus of elderly patients with schizophrenia. In the present study, we performed western blot analysis to determine whether protein levels of NMDA receptor subunits (NR1, NR2A, NR2B) and associated PSD proteins (NF‐L, PSD95, SAP102) are altered in schizophrenia. Thalamic tissue from each subject was grossly dissected into two regions: a dorsomedial region containing limbic‐associated dorsomedial, anterior and central medial thalamic nuclei; and a ventral thalamus region that primarily consisted of the ventral lateral nucleus. We observed increased protein expression of the NR2B NMDA receptor subunit and its associated intracellular protein, PSD95, in the dorsomedial thalamus of patients with schizophrenia, but the other molecules were unchanged, and we found no changes in the ventral thalamus. These data provide additional evidence of thalamic neurochemical abnormalities, particularly in thalamic nuclei which project to limbic regions of the brain. Further, these findings provide additional evidence of NMDA receptor alterations in schizophrenia, which may play an important role in the neurobiology of the illness.
Isolation and characterization of 125 microsatellite DNA markers in the blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra
Authors: BARANSKI MATTHEW , ROURKE MEAGHAN , LOUGHNAN SHANNON , AUSTIN CHRIS , ROBINSON NICK 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAustralian abalone species are subject to wild harvest and aquaculture production. This study characterized 125 polymorphic microsatellite markers in the blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra, and evaluated cross‐species amplification in Haliotis laevigata and Haliotis coccoradiata. Segregation analysis of a mapping family revealed non‐amplifying polymerase chain reaction null alleles at 34 loci. Cross‐species amplification was achieved for 89 loci.