bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial communities in a porphyry copper tailings impoundment and their impact on the geochemical dynamics of the mine waste
Authors: Diaby Nouhou , Dold Bernhard , Pfeifer Hans‐Rudolf , Holliger Christof , Johnson D. Barrie , Hallberg Kevin B. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe distribution and diversity of acidophilic bacteria of a tailings impoundment at the La Andina copper mine, Chile, was examined. The tailings have low sulfide (1.7% pyrite equivalent) and carbonate (1.4% calcite equivalent) contents and are stratified into three distinct zones: a surface (0‐70‐80 cm) ‘oxidation zone’ characterized by low‐pH (2.5–4), a ‘neutralization zone’ (70–80 to 300–400 cm) and an unaltered ‘primary zone’ below 400 cm. A combined cultivation‐dependent and biomolecular approach (terminal restriction enzyme fragment length polymorphism and 16S rRNA clone library analysis) was used to characterize the indigenous prokaryotic communities in the mine tailings. Total cell counts showed that the microbial biomass was greatest in the top 125 cm of the tailings. The largest numbers of bacteria (109 g−1 dry weight of tailings) were found at the oxidation front (the junction between the oxidation and neutralization zones), where sulfide minerals and oxygen were both present. The dominant iron‐/sulfur‐oxidizing bacteria identified at the oxidation front included bacteria of the genus Leptospirillum (detected by molecular methods), and Gram‐positive iron‐oxidizing acidophiles related to Sulfobacillus (identified both by molecular and cultivation methods). Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was also detected, albeit in relatively small numbers. Heterotrophic acidophiles related to Acidobacterium capsulatum were found by molecular methods, while another Acidobacterium‐like bacterium and an Acidiphilium sp. were isolated from oxidation zone samples. A conceptual model was developed, based on microbiological and geochemical data derived from the tailings, to account for the biogeochemical evolution of the Piuquenes tailings impoundment.
Student Finance and Widening Participation in the British Isles: Common Problems, Different Solutions
Authors: Adnett Nick 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAcross the British Isles there are common forces encouraging an expansion of higher education (HE) while constraining the ability and willingness of governments to finance it. We examine the nature of these forces and conclude that together they are likely to lead over time to the general taxpayer funding a declining share of HE costs. While there are some potential efficiency and social equity benefits from reforms of student finance motivated by switching more of the costs towards students and their parents, the likely impact of these reforms on widening participation is unclear. We examine the current student finance systems in the British Isles and assess whether or not a system based upon income‐contingent student loans, means‐tested grants and targeted bursaries can deliver both the desired expansion and widening access.
Increased lipolysis in non‐obese pregnant women studied in the third trimester
Authors: Diderholm Barbro , Stridsberg Mats , Ewald Uwe , Lindeberg‐Nordén Solveig , Gustafsson Jan 
Published: September 2006

Background  During pregnancy, metabolic adaptation takes place in the mother to provide for the supply of substrates to the growing fetus.Objective  To determine rates and endocrine regulation of lipolysis and glucose production (GPR) in late pregnancy.Design  Energy substrate production was measured in healthy pregnant women by use of stable isotope‐labelled compounds.Setting  University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.Sample  Eight healthy non‐obese, non‐smoking women with normal pregnancies were studied at 33–36 weeks of gestation after an overnight (12–14 hours) fast.Methods  Rates of glycerol and glucose production were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry following constant rate infusion of [1,1,2,3,3‐2H5]‐glycerol and [6,6‐2H2]‐glucose.Main outcome measure  Glycerol and glucose production in the third trimester.Results  The mean rate of glycerol production, reflecting lipolysis, was 3.06 (0.66) and the mean GPR was 13.2 (1.5) μmol kg−1 minute−1 [2.38 (0.27) mg kg−1 minute−1]. There was a correlation between rate of glycerol production and GPR (r= 0.75, P= 0.033). Fasting insulin levels correlated inversely with both the rate of glycerol production (r=−0.85, P= 0.008) and GPR (r=−0.78, P= 0.021).Conclusions  Our results show that lipolysis is markedly increased during late pregnancy compared with reported data for non‐pregnant women. The data also confirm the occurrence of an increased GPR in pregnant women. The finding of a correlation between rate of glycerol production and GPR corroborates the view that lipolysis promotes gluconeogenesis. Although late gestation is associated with insulin resistance, the results show that insulin plays a regulatory role both in lipolysis and glucose production.
Rising rates, changing relationships: caesarean section and its correlates in South Korea, 1988–2000
Authors: Lee Sang‐Il , Khang Young‐Ho , Yun Sungcheol , Jo Min‐Woo 
Published: September 2006

Objective To examine the trends in the relationship between caesarean section rates in South Korea and its correlates.Design Five rounds (1988, 1991, 1994, 1997 and 2000) of population‐based National Fertility and Family Health Survey of South Korea.Setting South Korea.Sample Mothers (N= 9184) aged 15–44 years.Methods Caesarean rates were calculated according to correlates and then directly adjusted to five‐year age and parity groups. Distribution of all samples (9184 mothers) was standard, producing age‐ and parity‐adjusted caesarean rates. Linear trends of correlates with caesarean rates were examined for ordinal variables such as education, income, urbanisation level (area of residence) and level of prenatal visits.Main outcome measure Age‐ and parity‐adjusted caesarean section rates.Results As caesarean rates rose by year, the relationship of caesarean section with education, occupation and area of residence has been reversed. Associations between caesarean rates, income level, place of delivery and level of prenatal visit were found in 1988 but disappeared by 2000. In 2000, relatively low caesarean rates were found in variables that will be more prevalent in the future, such as higher maternal education, higher maternal occupation and residence in big cities.Conclusion Caesarean rates may have reached a plateau in South Korea. No maternal or health service factors were detected to further increase the proportion of caesarean deliveries.
Preterm delivery predicted by soluble CD163 and CRP in women with symptoms of preterm delivery
Authors: Vogel Ida , Grove Jakob , Thorsen Poul , Moestrup Søren K. , Uldbjerg Niels , Møller Holger Jon 
Published: September 2006

Objective  To evaluate whether soluble CD163 (sCD163) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) can predict spontaneous preterm delivery in women with symptoms of preterm delivery.Design  Prospective cohort study.Setting  Labour ward at a tertiary university hospital.Population  Ninety‐three women with symptoms of preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation.Methods  sCD163 and CRP were individually examined as predictors of preterm delivery. A model for prediction of preterm delivery was established using exact logistic regression for risk factors individually associated with preterm delivery.Main outcome measures  Gestational age at delivery.Results  In women with symptoms of preterm delivery, median sCD163 and CRP levels were significantly higher statistically in women delivering preterm (3.4 mg/L, and 62 nmol/L) compared with the women delivering at term (2.7 mg/L, and <48 nmol/L, Mann–Whitney U test, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001) for sCD163 and CRP, respectively. sCD163 above 5 mg/L was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (crude OR = 10, [95% CI 1.3–466], adjusted OR = 27, [0.7–∞]). CRP above 47 mg/L was associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery (crude OR = 5 [1.8–14], adjusted OR = 5 [1.04–31]). Likelihood ratio of a positive test was 8.6 [2.8–14] and 2.8 [0–6.2] for sCD163 and CRP, respectively. The logistic regression model was able to predict 85% of preterm deliveries with 13% false positive, giving a likelihood ratio of 8 [2.2–13.5].Conclusion  High levels of sCD163 or CRP are associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery in women with symptoms of delivery. Good prediction of preterm delivery before 34 weeks of gestation was obtained by a combination of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM), overweight, relaxin, CRP and sCD163.
Alterations in dopaminergic modulation of prefrontal cortical acetylcholine release in post‐pubertal rats with neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions
Authors: Laplante François , Srivastava Lalit K. , Quirion Rémi 
Published: September 2006

AbstractExcitotoxic lesion of the ventral hippocampus in neonatal rats is a putative animal model of schizophrenia with characteristic developmental abnormalities in dopaminergic neurotransmission and prefrontal cortical functions. Converging evidence also points to the involvement of the central cholinergic system in neuropsychiatric disorders. These two neurotransmitter systems are interlinked in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) where dopamine stimulates acetylcholine (ACh) release. In the present study, we investigated the role of dopamine in the developmental regulation of prefrontal cortical ACh release and the expression of nicotinic and muscarinic receptors in pre‐ and post‐pubertal rats with neonatal ibotenic acid‐induced lesions of the ventral hippocampus (NVH). In vivo microdialysis in the PFC revealed that systemic injections of the D1‐like receptor agonist (±)‐6‐chloro‐7,8‐dihydroxy‐1‐phenyl2,3,4,5‐tetrahydro‐1H‐3‐benzazepine hydrobromide (SKF 81297) (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg i.p.) caused significantly higher ACh release in post‐pubertal NVH‐lesioned animals (250 and 300% baseline for 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively) compared with post‐pubertal shams (150 and 220% baseline for 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg, respectively). Most interestingly, while prefrontal cortical perfusion of SKF 81297 (100 and 250 µm) had no significant effect on ACh release in post‐pubertal sham‐operated animals, it significantly stimulated ACh release to approximately 250% baseline at both doses in post‐pubertal NVH‐lesioned animals. Receptor autoradiography demonstrated a significant and selective increase in M1‐like receptor binding sites in the infralimbic area of the PFC in the post‐pubertal NVH‐lesioned animals. For all experiments, significant differences between sham and NVH‐lesioned animals were observed only in post‐pubertal rats. These results suggest a developmentally specific reorganization of the prefrontal cortical cholinergic system involving D1‐like receptors in the NVH model.
Attenuation of chronic neuroinflammation by a nitric oxide‐releasing derivative of the antioxidant ferulic acid
Authors: Wenk Gary L. , McGann‐Gramling Kristin , Hauss‐Wegrzyniak Beatrice , Ronchetti Daniela , Maucci Raffaella , Rosi Susanna , Gasparini Laura , Ongini Ennio 
Published: September 2006

AbstractChronic neuroinflammation and oxidative stress contribute to the neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease and represent targets for therapy. Ferulic acid is a natural compound that expresses antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities. Nitric oxide is also a key modulator of inflammatory responses. Grafting a nitric oxide‐releasing moiety onto anti‐inflammatory drugs results in enhanced anti‐inflammatory activity. We compared the effectiveness of ferulic acid with a novel nitric oxide‐releasing derivative of ferulic acid in an animal model of chronic neuroinflammation that reproduces many interesting features of Alzheimer's disease. Lipopolysaccharide was infused into the 4th ventricle of young rats for 14 days. Various doses of ferulic acid or its nitric oxide‐releasing derivative were administered daily. Both drugs produced a dose‐dependent reduction in microglia activation within the temporal lobe. However, the nitric oxide‐releasing ferulic acid derivative was significantly more potent. If we delayed the initiation of therapy for 14 days, we found no reduction in microglial activation. In addition, both drugs demonstrated antioxidant and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities in in vitro studies. Overall, our results predict that a treatment using nitric oxide‐releasing ferulic acid may attenuate the processes that drive the pathology associated with Alzheimer's disease if the treatment is initiated before the neuroinflammatory processes can develop.
Kinetics of glial glutamine efflux and the mechanism of neuronal uptake studiedin vivoin mildly hyperammonemic rat brain
Authors: Kanamori Keiko , Ross Brian D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractKinetics of glial glutamine (GLN) transport to the extracellular fluid (ECF) and the mechanism of GLNECFtransport into the neuron – crucial pathways in the glutamine–glutamate cycle – were studiedin vivoin mildly hyperammonemic rat brain, by NMR and microdialysis to monitor intra‐ and extracellular GLN. The minimum rate of glial GLN efflux, determined from the rate of GLNECFincrease during perfusion of α‐(methylamino)isobutyrate (MeAIB), which inhibits neuronal GLNECFuptake by sodium‐coupled amino‐acid transporter (SAT), was 2.88 ± 0.22 μmol/g/h at steady‐state brain [GLN] of 8.5 ± 0.8 μmol/g. Our previous study showed that the rate of glutamine synthesis under identical experimental conditions was 3.3 ± 0.3 μmol/g/h. At steady‐state glial [GLN], this is equal to its efflux rate to the ECF. Comparison of the two rates suggests that SAT mediates at least 87 ± 8% (= 2.88/3.3 × 100%) of neuronal GLNECFuptake. While MeAIB induced > 2‐fold elevation of GLNECF, no sustained elevation was observed during perfusion of the selective inhibitor of LAT, 2‐amino‐bicyclo[1,1,2]heptane‐2‐carboxylic acid (BCH), or ofd‐threonine, a putative selective inhibitor of ASCT2‐mediated GLN uptake. The results strongly suggest that SAT is the predominant mediator of neuronal GLNECFuptake in adult rat brainin vivo.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers from Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: ZHI‐YING JIA , XIAO‐WEN SUN , LI‐QUN LIANG , DA‐YU LI , QING‐QUAN LEI 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe report the development of 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) using an unenriched genomic library. The number of the alleles ranged from two to 18 and observed hererozygosity ranged from 0.0286 to 0.9429, indicating that these markers will be useful for population studies and mapping in pacific white shrimp. Seven loci were detected deviated from Hardy–Weinberg, caused by deficiency of heterozygote, suggesting population genetic structure across the sampled population. No evidence for linkage disequilibrium was found.
Characterization of 36 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) including two sex‐linked loci and their amplification in four other Charadrius species
Authors: KÜPPER CLEMENS , HORSBURGH GAVIN J. , DAWSON DEBORAH A. , FFRENCH‐CONSTANT RICHARD , SZÉKELY TAMÁS , BURKE TERRY 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe isolated 45 new Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) microsatellite loci. These were tested for polymorphism in 42 Kentish plovers breeding in the Çukurova Delta, Turkey. Thirty‐six of the 45 loci were polymorphic with observed heterozygosity varying between 0.22 and 0.93. Genotypes of individuals of known sex indicated that two loci were sex‐linked (Calex‐26 is located on the Z chromosome and Calex‐31 on the W chromosome). Additionally, we tested all loci for amplification in four other species of Charadridae (Kittlitz's plover, Madagascar plover, three‐banded plover and white‐fronted plover). On average 34 loci amplified per species (range 29–36).
Ten novel dinucleotide microsatellite loci cloned from the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) are polymorphic in other pinniped species
Authors: HOFFMAN JOSEPH I. , STEINFARTZ SEBASTIAN , WOLF JOCHEN B. W. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe isolated and characterized 10 novel dinucleotide microsatellite loci from the Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus californianus wollebaeki) and tested their amplification utility in four further otariid species (Zalophus californianus californianus, Arctocephalus gazella, Arctocephalus australis and Eumetopias jubatus) and three phocid species (Hydrurga leptonyx, Halichoerus grypus and Phoca vitulina). All of the loci amplified polymorphic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products in at least three species other than the Galápagos sea lion. These markers will be useful for studies of pinniped mating systems, genetic structure and genetic diversity.
VICISSITUDES OF BENEFIT SHARING OF CROP GENETIC RESOURCES: DOWNSTREAM AND UPSTREAM
Authors: DE JONGE BRAM , KORTHALS MICHIEL 
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACTIn this article, we will first give a historic overview of the concept of benefit sharing and its appearance in official agreements, particularly with respect to crop genetic resources. It will become clear that, at present, benefit sharing is primarily considered as an instrument of compensation or exchange, and thus refers to commutative justice. However, we believe that such a narrow interpretation of benefit sharing disregards, and even undermines, much of its (historical) content and potency, especially where crop genetic resources are concerned. We argue that benefit sharing should not be based merely on commutative justice but rather on a broader model that is also grounded in the concept of distributive justice. This has repercussions for the application of benefit sharing, which we try to clarify by distinguishing between downstream and upstream benefit sharing. Upstream benefit sharing is not so much inspired by compensation for actions done, or the distribution downstream of benefits developed, but by the idea of shared decision‐making on the research and development of resources fundamental to human welfare. Going upstream in the research process of crop genetic resources, and determining research agendas and improving crops according to the needs of the poor, benefit sharing may well be a tool to contribute to world food security and global justice. We concretize our ideas on upstream benefit sharing by introducing a set of criteria that determine the success of consultations on agricultural research agenda setting.
Diversity and origin of hepatitis C virus infection among unpaid blood donors in the Netherlands
Authors: Van De Laar Thijs J.W. , Koppelman Marco H.G.M. , Van Der Bij Akke K. , Zaaijer Hans L. , Cuijpers H. Theo M. , Van Der Poel Cees L. , Coutinho Roel A. , Bruisten Sylvia M. 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: To improve transfusion policy and to increase understanding of the spread of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the general population, HCV infections among voluntary Dutch blood donors were examined with molecular epidemiologic techniques.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: During 6 years, 1997 through 2002, confirmed anti‐HCV–positive donors were interviewed on HCV‐associated risk behavior with a standardized questionnaire. Additionally, HCV isolates were genotyped, partially sequenced, and compared to sequences obtained from Dutch injecting drug users (IDUs).RESULTS: HCV prevalence and incidence rates among Dutch donors were extremely low; the residual risk of transmitting HCV was calculated to be 1 in 30 million donations. Former IDUs (21%), transfusion recipients (30%), and immigrants (>12%) were identified as major HCV risk groups. Cryptogenic transmission caused 18 percent of infections among new donors and all infections among repeat donors. Compared to IDUs, genotype distribution among donors was highly diverse; major subtypes were 3a (27%), 1a (24%), 1b (24%), 2a/b (10%), and 4 (9%). Half of the donors were infected with IDU‐related subtypes 1a and 3a, whereas subtype 1b mainly spread via blood transfusion and various other nosocomial modes of transmission in the past. HCV infections acquired in endemic countries could be clearly identified based on genotype.CONCLUSION: Different modes of transmission are linked to infections with certain HCV subtypes, suggesting separate HCV epidemics, but spillover between different risk groups underlines the value of molecular epidemiologic techniques to gain insight into the origin and dynamics of HCV infections on a population level.
A KEL gene encoding serine at position 193 of the Kell glycoprotein results in expression of KEL1 antigen
Authors: Poole Joyce , Warke Nicole , Hustinx Hein , Taleghani Behrouz Mansouri , Martin Peter , Finning Kirstin , Crew Vanja Karamatic , Green Carole , Bromilow Imelda , Daniels Geoff 
Published: September 2006

BACKGROUND: The KEL2/KEL1 (k/K) blood group polymorphism represents 578C>T in the KEL gene and Thr193Met in the Kell glycoprotein. Anti‐KEL1 can cause severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Molecular genotyping for KEL*1 is routinely used for assessing whether a fetus is at risk. Red blood cells (RBCs) from a KEL:1 blood donor (D1) were found to have abnormal KEL1 expression during evaluation of anti‐KEL1 reagents.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Kell genotyping methods, including KEL exon 6 direct sequencing, were applied. KEL cDNA from D1 was sequenced. Flow cytometry was used to assess KEL1 and KEL2 RBC expression.RESULTS: RBCs from the donor, her mother, and an unrelated donor gave weak or negative reactions with some anti‐KEL1 reagents. Other Kell‐system antigens appeared normal. The three individuals were homozygous for KEL C578 (KEL*2) but heterozygous for a 577A>T transversion, encoding Ser193. They appeared to be KEL*2 homozygotes by routine genotyping methods. Flow cytometry revealed weak KEL1 expression and normal KEL2, similar to that of KEL*2 homozygotes.CONCLUSION: Ser193 in the Kell glycoprotein appears to result in expression of abnormal KEL1, in addition to KEL2. The mutation is not detected by routine Kell genotyping methods and, because of unpredicted KEL1 expression, could lead to a misdiagnosis.