bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the effects of four commercially available weight-loss programmes on lipid-based cardiovascular risk factors
Authors: Morgan LM , Griffin BA , Millward DJ , DeLooy A , Fox KR , Baic S , Bonham MP , Wallace JMW , MacDonald I , Taylor MA , Truby H 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relative efficacy of four popular weight-loss programmes on plasma lipids and lipoproteins as measures of CVD risk.DesignA multi-centred, randomised, controlled trial of four diets – Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, The Slim-Fast Plan, Weight Watchers Pure Points programme and Rosemary Conley’s ‘Eat yourself Slim’ Diet and Fitness Plan – against a control diet, in parallel for 6 months.Setting and subjectsThe trial was conducted at five universities across the UK (Surrey, Nottingham, Ulster (Coleraine), Bristol and Edinburgh (Queen Margaret University College)) and involved the participation of 300 overweight and obese males and females aged 21–60 years in a community setting.ResultsSignificant weight loss was achieved by all dieting groups (5–9 kg at 6 months) but no significant difference was observed between diets at 6 months. The Weight Watchers and Rosemary Conley (low-fat) diets were followed by significant reductions in plasma LDL cholesterol (both −12·2 % after 6 months,P< 0·01), whereas the Atkins (low-carbohydrate) and Weight Watchers diets were followed by marked reductions in plasma TAG (–38·2 % and –22·6 % at 6 months respectively,P< 0·01). These latter two diets were associated with an increase in LDL particle size, a change that has been linked to reduced CVD risk.ConclusionsOverall, these results demonstrate the favourable effects of weight loss on lipid-mediated CVD risk factors that can be achieved through commercially available weight-loss programmes. No detrimental effects on lipid-based CVD risk factors were observed in participants consuming a low-carbohydrate diet.
Hyperlipidaemia and its risk factors in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations
Authors: Ruixing Yin , Dezhai Yang , Shuquan Li , Yuming Chen , Hanjun Yang , Qiming Feng , Shangling Pan , Weixiong Lin , Jing Tan , Yiyang Li 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the differences in hyperlipidaemia prevalence and its risk factors between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.DesignCross-sectional study of hyperlipidaemia.SettingBoth populations were from Lihu and Baxu villages in Nandan County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China.SubjectsA total of 1170 healthy subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 1173 participants of Han Chinese aged 15–89 years were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on demographic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics was collected by standard questionnaires. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, serum lipids and apolipoproteins were measured, and BMI (kg/m2) was calculated as weight divided by the square of height.ResultsThe prevalence rates of hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriacylglycerolaemia and hyperlipidaemia in Bai Ku Yao and Han were 12·4 % v. 26·2 % (P < 0·001), 15·0 % v. 14·8 % (P > 0·05) and 24·4 % v. 33·9 % (P < 0·001), respectively. Hyperlipidaemia was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, total energy and total fat intakes, and negatively associated with physical activity and total dietary fibre intake in Bai Ku Yao (P < 0·05 to 0·001). Hyperlipidaemia was positively associated with age, alcohol consumption, BMI, waist circumference, total energy and total fat intakes, and inversely correlated with physical activity and total dietary fibre intake in Han (P < 0·05 to 0·001).ConclusionsThe prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia was significantly lower in the Bai Ku Yao than in the Han population, which might result from different dietary habits, lifestyle choices and physical activity level, as well as genetic factors between the two ethnic groups.
Impact of a school-based food garden on attitudes and identification skills regarding vegetables and fruit: a 12-month intervention trial
Authors: Somerset Shawn , Markwell Katherine 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine changes in ability to identify specific vegetables and fruits, and attitudes towards vegetables and fruit, associated with the introduction of a school-based food garden.DesignA 12-month intervention trial using a historical control (controln132, interventionn120), class-based, self-administered questionnaires requiring one-word answers and 3-point Likert scale responses.SettingA state primary school (grades 4 to 7) in a low socio-economic area of Brisbane, Australia.InterventionThe introduction of a school-based food garden, including the funding of a teacher coordinator for 11 h/week to facilitate integration of garden activities into the curriculum.Main outcome measuresAbility to identify a series of vegetables and fruits, attitudes towards vegetables and fruit.AnalysisFrequency distributions for each item were generated andχ2analyses were used to determine statistical significance. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to detect major trends in data.ResultsThe intervention led to enhanced ability to identify individual vegetables and fruits, greater attention to origins of produce (garden-grown and fresh), changes to perceived consumption of vegetables and fruits, and enhanced confidence in preparing fruit and vegetable snacks, but decreased interest in trying new fruits.ConclusionsThe introduction of this school-based food garden was associated with skill and attitudinal changes conducive to enhancing vegetable and fruit consumption. The ways in which such changes might impact on dietary behaviours and intake require further analysis.
Remediation of Groundwater Contaminated by Nuclear Waste: A Workshop on Accelerating Development of Practical Field‐Scale Bioremediation Models; An Online Meeting, 23 January to 20 February 2008
Authors: Parker Jack , Palumbo Anthony 
Published: July 2008

A Web‐based workshop sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Remediation Sciences Program (DOE/ERSP) was organized in early 2008 to assess the state of the science and knowledge gaps associated with the use of computer models to facilitate remediation of groundwater contaminated by wastes from Cold War era nuclear weapons development and production. Microbially mediated biological reactions offer a potentially efficient means to treat these sites, but considerable uncertainty exists in the coupled biological, chemical, and physical processes and their mathematical representation.Individuals from academia and DOE laboratories with expertise in modeling or microbiology and experience involving groundwater bioremediation participated in the workshop, which involved 10 hours of online meetings over a 5‐week period in early 2008 via linked audio and video communication. The objective of the workshop was to narrow the communication gap between modelers and microbiologists, engineers, and scientists, who tend to look at problems from different and sometimes divergent perspectives.
Prevalence of acute reactions to iopromide: postmarketing surveillance study of 74,717 patients
Authors: Kopp A. F. , Mortele K. J. , Cho Y. D. , Palkowitsch P. , Bettmann M. A. , Claussen C. D. 
Published: July 2008

Background: Iodinated X-ray contrast media (CM) are recognized worldwide to be among the safest and most widely used injectable drugs. However, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) may still occur, ranging in severity from minor disturbances to severe and potentially fatal complications. Purpose: To prospectively determine the incidence and characteristics of acute ADRs during clinical utilization of a single nonionic monomeric contrast agent, iopromide, in routine radiological practice in a large number of nonselected patients. Material and Methods: 74,717 patients were enrolled in a prospective international postmarketing surveillance registry with iopromide (Ultravist; Bayer Schering Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany). A standardized questionnaire was used to collect the following patient information from 762 centers in 27 countries: baseline demographics, risk factors, premedication regimen, type of examination, route of injection, volume and selected concentration of iopromide, and overall tolerance to CM (utilizing specific criteria and descriptors). Results: The overall rate of ADRs, including tolerance indicators (TI) (i.e., heat sensation and pain at the injection site), was 2%; when TIs were excluded, the rate was 1.5%. Fourteen serious adverse reactions were reported (rate 0.02%), of which none were fatal. There was a higher incidence of ADRs among women and for the age group ranging between 18 and 30 years. Patients with established risk factors, such as a history of previous CM reaction or allergic diathesis (7.4% and 4.1%, respectively), were at an increased risk for developing an ADR when compared to patients without risk factors (1.2%). The incidence of ADRs was not altered by the use of premedication. Conclusion: The safety of iopromide in routine clinical practice was shown to be comparable to the published safety profiles of other nonionic iodinated contrast agents. Adverse drug reaction rates were affected by age, gender, and risk factors (especially previous CM reactions or allergies), but not by premedication.
The influence of psychological factors on breastfeeding duration
Authors: O’Brien Maxine , Buikstra Elizabeth , Hegney Desley 
Published: July 2008

AbstractTitle.  The influence of psychological factors on breastfeeding duration. Aim.  This paper reports on a study examining the relationship between women’s psychological characteristics and breastfeeding duration, after controlling for socio‐demographic factors.Background.  The literature suggests that psychological factors may influence breastfeeding behaviour, but studies are few. Existing evidence and the results of phase 1 of our study were used to construct a list of psychological factors, which were tested for their association with breastfeeding duration in the current design.Method.  Participants were postnatal inpatients in one of two regional hospitals between October and December 2005 and they completed the initial questionnaire within 14 days of giving birth (n = 375). Infant feeding method at 6 months and the timing of introduction of other food(s), where relevant, were ascertained by telephone interview.Findings.  Forty‐four per cent of the sample showed signs of postnatal distress in the 14 days following the birth. Breastfeeding duration was statistically significantly associated with psychological factors including dispositional optimism, breastfeeding self‐efficacy, faith in breastmilk, breastfeeding expectations, anxiety, planned duration of breastfeeding and the time of the infant feeding decision. As a set, these psychological factors were more predictive of breastfeeding duration than was the set of socio‐demographic characteristics. The duration of any breastfeeding was uniquely predicted by faith in breastmilk, planned breastfeeding duration and breastfeeding self‐efficacy.Conclusion.  This increased knowledge of the factors influencing breastfeeding will assist in identifying women at risk of early weaning and in constructing programmes capable of increasing the length of time for which women breastfeed.
Focal adhesion interactions with topographical structures: a novel method for immuno‐SEM labelling of focal adhesions in S‐phase cells
Authors: BIGGS M.J.P. , RICHARDS R.G. , WILKINSON C.D.W. , DALBY M.J. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryCurrent understanding of the mechanisms involved in osseointegration following implantation of a biomaterial has led to adhesion quantification being implemented as an assay of cytocompatibility. Such measurement can be hindered by intra‐sample variation owing to morphological changes associated with the cell cycle. Here we report on a new scanning electron microscopical method for the simultaneous immunogold labelling of cellular focal adhesions and S‐phase nuclei identified by BrdU incorporation. Prior to labelling, cellular membranes are removed by tritonization and antigens of non‐interest blocked by serum incubation. Adhesion plaque–associated vinculin and S‐phase nuclei were both separately labelled with a 1.4 nm gold colloid and visualized by subsequent colloid enhancement via silver deposition. This study is specifically concerned with the effects microgroove topographies have on adhesion formation in S‐phase osteoblasts. By combining backscattered electron (BSE) imaging with secondary electron (SE) imaging it was possible to visualize S‐phase nuclei and the immunogold‐labelled adhesion sites in one energy ‘plane’ and the underlying nanotopography in another. Osteoblast adhesion to these nanotopographies was ascertained by quantification of adhesion complex formation.
Quantitative image correction and calibration for confocal fluorescence microscopy using thin reference layers and SIPchart‐based calibration procedures
Authors: ZWIER J.M. , OOMEN L. , BROCKS L. , JALINK K. , BRAKENHOFF G.J. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe fluorescence intensity image of an axially integrated through‐focus series of a thin standardized uniform fluorescent layer can be used for image intensity correction and calibration in sectioning microscopy. This intensity image is in fact available from the earlier introduced Sectioned Imaging Property (SIP) charts (Brakenhoff et al., 2005). It is shown that the integrated intensity of a z‐stack from a biological sample, imaged under identical conditions as the layer, can be calibrated in terms of fluorescence layer units of the calibration layer. The imaging after such calibration becomes, as a first approximation, independent of the microscope system and imaging conditions. This is demonstrated on axially integrated images of standard fluorescent beads and standard BPAE Fluorocells. Corrections on the microscope imaging conditions include shading effects, imaging with different magnifications and objectives, and using different microscope systems. It is also shown that with the present approach the actual underlying three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence data set itself can be corrected for variations in point spread function (PSF) imaging efficiency over the imaging data cube. Realizing such calibration between imaging conditions or systems requires basically only the 2D fluorescer molecule density of the reference layers and the section distances with which the layer data are collected.
Application of wavelet denoising to improve compression efficiency while preserving integrity of digital micrographs
Authors: BERNAS T. , ASEM E.K. , ROBINSON J.P. , RAJWA B. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryModern microscopy methods require efficient image compression techniques owing to collection of up to thousands of images per experiment. Current irreversible techniques such as JPEG and JPEG2000 are not optimized to preserve the integrity of the scientific data as required by 21 CFR part 11. Therefore, to construct an irreversible, yet integrity‐preserving compression mechanism, we establish a model of noise as a function of signal in our imaging system. The noise is then removed with a wavelet shrinkage algorithm whose parameters are adapted to local image structure. We ascertain the integrity of the denoised images by measuring changes in spatial and intensity distributions of registered light in the biological images and estimating changes of the effective microscope MTF. We demonstrate that the proposed denoising procedure leads to a decrease in image file size when a reversible JPEG2000 coding is used and provides better fidelity than irreversible JPEG and JPEG2000 at the same compression ratio. We also demonstrate that denoising reduces image artefacts when used as a pre‐filtering step prior to irreversible image coding.
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer of GFP and YFP by spectral imaging and quantitative acceptor photobleaching
Authors: DINANT C. , VAN ROYEN M. E. , VERMEULEN W. , HOUTSMULLER A. B. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryTo study protein–protein interactions by fluorescence energy transfer (FRET), the proteins of interest are tagged with either a donor or an acceptor fluorophore. For efficient FRET, fluorophores need to have a reasonable overlap of donor emission and acceptor excitation spectra. However, given the relatively small Stokes shift of conventional fluorescent proteins, donor and acceptor pairs with high FRET efficiencies have emission spectra that are difficult to separate. GFP and YFP are widely used in fluorescence microscopy studies. The spectral qualities of GFP and YFP make them one of the most efficient FRET donor–acceptor couples available. However, the emission peaks of GFP (510 nm) and YFP (527 nm) are spectrally too close for separation by conventional fluorescence microscopy. Difficulties in simultaneous detection of GFP and YFP with a fluorescence microscope are eliminated when spectral imaging and subsequent linear unmixing are applied. This allows FRET microscopy using these tags to study protein–protein interactions. We adapted the linear unmixing procedure from commercially available software (Zeiss) for use with acceptor photobleaching FRET using GFP and YFP as FRET pair. FRET efficiencies up to 52% for a GFP‐YFP fusion protein were measured. To investigate the applicability of the procedure, we used two constituents of the nucleotide excision repair system, which removes UV‐induced single‐strand DNA damage. ERCC1 and XPF form a heterodimeric 5′ endonuclease in nucleotide excision repair. FRET between ERCC1‐GFP and XPF‐YFP occurs with an efficiency of 30%.
Electron microscopy study of different stages of oxidation of Ti‐47Al‐2Nb‐2Cr‐0.15B and Ti‐45Al‐15Nb at 900°C
Authors: LU W. , CHEN C. , HE L. , WANG F. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThe initial stage of oxidation of Ti‐47Al‐2Nb‐2Cr‐0.15B and Ti‐45Al‐15Nb alloys was studied. Studies reveal that the X and NbCr2 phases will form in advance in the transition layer of the 2Nb2Cr alloy compared with the 15Nb alloy. The adherence between the nitride layer and underling layer is good. However, an obvious boundary exists between the mixed layer and the inner layer. The recrystallizing of the base alloy leads to an increase of the volume fraction of grain boundaries that can increase the oxidation rate at the initial oxidation stage. An Nb‐based compound forms in the transition layer, which can prevent the formation of X phase.
Total internal reflection microscopy for live imaging of cellular uptake of sub‐micron non‐fluorescent particles
Authors: BYRNE G. D. , PITTER M. C. , ZHANG J. , FALCONE F. H. , STOLNIK S. , SOMEKH M. G. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryThis paper presents a simple, high‐resolution, non‐fluorescent imaging technique called total internal reflection microscopy (TIRM) and demonstrates its potential application to real‐time imaging of live cellular events. In addition, a novel instrument is introduced that combines the simplicity of TIRM with the specificity afforded by dual‐colour total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and allows sequential imaging with the two modalities. The key design considerations necessary to apply these imaging modes in a single instrument are discussed. The application of TIRM alone yielded high‐resolution live images of cell adherence to a poly‐l‐lysine modified substrate, whereby fine cellular structures are imaged. Non‐fluorescent imaging of the uptake of sub‐micron–sized polymeric particles by live cells is also demonstrated. Finally, images of fluorescently labelled cells were obtained in TIRF mode, sequentially to images obtained of the same cell in TIRM mode. Visual information gained using TIRF is compared with TIRM to demonstrate that the level of cell structure information obtainable with our total internal reflection microscope is comparable with the TIRF technique.
An unusual case of both upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Siu Y.P. , Tong M.K.H. , Kwok Y.L. , Leung K.T. , Kwan T.H. , Lam C.S. , Au T.C. 
Published: July 2008

Background. Tuberculosis (TB) is an uncommon opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Extrapulmonary infection involving the intestine is rare and poses diagnostic difficulties.Case report. A 49‐year‐old man with IgA nephropathy underwent a kidney transplantation in 1996 and was put on cyclosporine, azathioprine, and steroid. He suffered from a recurrence of his primary kidney disease and had a gradual deterioration of renal function since 1998. By 2005, he presented with an unusual gastrointestinal (GI) symptom with alternating signs of upper GI bleeding – melena – as well as lower GI bleeding with fresh rectal bleeding, resulting in severe anemia with hemoglobin level down to 5.0 g/dL. At the same time, his renal function further deteriorated and necessitated the initiation of dialysis while he was maintained on low‐dose immunosuppressive drugs. Repeated upper and lower GI endoscopies were either unremarkable or revealed non‐specific lesions. Symptoms persisted and exploratory laparotomy finally showed a 1 cm submucosal mass at the proximal jejunum and multiple inflammatory lesions at the terminal ileum. Segmental resection of the lesions was performed and confirmed TB infection. However, despite the initiation of anti‐tuberculous treatment, the patient eventually died of complications.Conclusion. Diagnosing TB intestinal infection is a clinical challenge. A high index of suspicion in susceptible subjects is necessary, and early surgical intervention should always be considered when facing diagnostic uncertainties.
Modulation of spinal inhibitory reflex responses to cutaneous nociceptive stimuli during upper limb movement
Authors: Don Romildo , Pierelli Francesco , Ranavolo Alberto , Serrao Mariano , Mangone Massimiliano , Paoloni Marco , Cacchio Angelo , Sandrini Giorgio , Santilli Valter 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn the present study we investigated the probability, latency and duration of the inhibitory component of the withdrawal reflex elicited by painful electrical stimulation of the index finger in humans. The stimulus consisted of a train of high‐intensity pulses. The investigation was carried out in several upper limb muscles during isometric contractions of different strengths and during a motor sequence consisting of reaching, picking up and transporting an object. We used a new algorithm to detect and characterize the inhibitory reflex. The reflex was found in all muscles except the brachioradialis at all the isometric contraction strengths, and showed a distal‐to‐proximal gradient of latency and duration. Conversely, during movement the reflex probability was high (> 80%) in the anterior deltoid and triceps muscles during reaching, in the extensor carpi radialis muscle during transporting of the object, and in the first interosseous muscle during both picking up and transporting of the object. This modulation of inhibitory reflex transmission in the upper limb muscles suggests that the motor response is organized in such a way as to inhibit the overall ongoing motor task by interrupting motion during reaching and by releasing the object during transporting. This pattern of modulation appears to differ markedly from that previously reported for the excitatory component of the withdrawal reflex. Study of the nociceptive inhibitory reflexes during movement offers new and more profound insights into the functional anatomical organization of the spinal interneuronal network mediating sensory–motor integration.