bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extracting DNA from museum bird eggs, and whole genome amplification of archive DNA
Authors: LEE PATRICIA L. M. , PRYS‐JONES ROBERT P. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe present a comprehensive protocol for extracting DNA from egg membranes and other internal debris recovered from the interior of blown museum bird eggs. A variety of commercially available DNA extraction methods were found to be applicable. DNA sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products for a 176‐bp fragment of mitochondrial DNA was successful for most egg samples (> 78%) even though the amount of DNA extracted (mean = 14.71 ± 4.55 ng/µL) was significantly less than that obtained for bird skin samples (mean = 67.88 ± 4.77 ng/µL). For PCR and sequencing of snipe (Gallinago) DNA, we provide eight new primers for the ‘DNA barcode’ region of COI mtDNA. In various combinations, the primers target a range of PCR products sized from 72 bp to the full ‘barcode’ of 751 bp. Not all possible combinations were tested with archive snipe DNA, but we found a significantly better success rate of PCR amplification for a shorter 176‐bp target compared with a larger 288‐bp fragment (67% vs. 39%). Finally, we explored the feasibility of whole genome amplification (WGA) for extending the use of archive DNA in PCR and sequencing applications. Of two WGA approaches, a PCR‐based method was found to be able to amplify whole genomic DNA from archive skins and eggs from museum bird collections. After WGA, significantly more archive egg samples produced visible PCR products on agarose (56.9% before WGA vs. 79.0% after WGA). However, overall sequencing success did not improve significantly (78.8% compared with 83.0%).
Isolation, characterization, and cross‐amplification of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Guaiacum coulteri (Zygophyllaceae)
Authors: MCCAULEY ROSS A. , CORTÉS‐PALOMEC AUREA C. , OYAMA KEN 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Guaiacum coulteri is a dry forest hardwood species of conservation concern endemic to the Pacific coast of Mexico. Fifteen microsatellite markers were developed which show high levels of polymorphism across two populations with the number of alleles ranging from four to 21. Most loci additionally exhibited consistent multiple banding patterns, indicating the likely polyploidy of this species. All loci were tested for cross‐amplification with most found to amplify well across the genus Guaiacum, although amplification in other related genera of the Zygophyllaceae was limited.
Group‐specific primers for DNA‐based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents
Authors: KUUSK A. K. , AGUSTÍ N. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractGroup‐specific, degenerate polymerase chain reaction primers for DNA‐based detection of springtails (Hexapoda: Collembola) within predator gut contents have been developed for the first time. Primers were designed from 18S rDNA and amplified fragments of 272 bp and 177 bp from 17 springtail species collected in agricultural habitats. Specificity tests against 41 nontarget species revealed no cross‐reactivity. Group‐specific polymerase chain reaction is advantageous when working in species‐rich habitats and these primers could facilitate studies of trophic links between springtails and generalist arthropod predators worldwide.
Development of polymorphic microsatellite markers for the sorghum plant bug, Stenotus rubrovittatus (Heteroptera: Miridae)
Authors: KOBAYASHI TETSUYA 
Published: November 2007

AbstractNine polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers from the sorghum plant bug, Stenotus rubrovittatus, were isolated and characterized. These markers were used to analyse 22 individuals from a single field population. The number of alleles at these nine loci ranged from two to 28 (mean = 11.4) and heterozygosity ranged from 0.27 to 0.86 (mean = 0.58). Stenotus rubrovittatus has shown rapid population growth in the decades since the first report in the 1980s of serious damage to a rice crop. These microsatellite markers will be of value for studying both the population genetics and population dynamics of S. rubrovittatus.
Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin®) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Minnella Angelo M. , Savastano Cristina M. , Ziccardi Lucia , Scupola Andrea , Sasso Paola , Falsini Benedetto , Balestrazzi Emilio 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal bevacizumab in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients.Methods:  This interventional case series study included 15 eyes of 10 patients with bilateral PDR: 13 eyes with severe PDR and active new vessels (NV) and two eyes with recurrent vitreous haemorrhages. Study eyes received a single intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab. All eyes were followed up for 3 months, and eight of them for 9 months. Reinjection was performed in three eyes 4–6 months after the first injection. Study eyes were evaluated by fluorescein angiography at baseline, 1, 3 and 9 months. Quantitative planimetric analysis (QPA) of NV area was measured before and after treatment. All eyes received or completed panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) 1 month after the first injection.Results:  As early as at 1 month, all study eyes had a regression (paired t‐test, P = 0.01) of QPA‐estimated NV area. The eyes with recurrent vitreous haemorrhages had clearing of bleeding. These early effects were maintained at 3 months for all eyes and tended to be stable at 9 months. The fast and measurable efficacy of bevacizumab allowed a subsequent complete and safe PRP.Conclusion:  Intravitreal bevacizumab did not reveal any side‐effects and was effective in the regression of NV areas and the resolution of vitreous haemorrhages. This approach is potentially useful in allowing (within a planned temporal window) a safe and efficient PRP to be performed while minimizing the risk of its complications.
Comparison of adapted Vryghem macular function test and Lotmar‐light interferometer in predicting visual acuity after cataract surgery
Authors: Bertschinger Dimiter R. , Janin Yves A. , Dosso André 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To assess the accuracy of a newly described macular function test (Vryghem macular function test) adapted to our examination equipment and to compare it to the Lotmar‐light interferometer for the preoperative evaluation of cataract patients at the University Eye Clinic, Geneva, Switzerland.Methods:  This prospective study included 71 consecutive patients (72 eyes) who were undergoing uneventful cataract surgery. Testing with the Lotmar‐light interferometer and an adapted form of Vryghem macular function test (AVMFT) using a Birkhauser reading chart, a hyperaddition of +8 D and halogen illumination were performed to assess macular function and to predict postoperative visual acuity (VA). The duration of each test and the density and location of lens opacities were also noted. Best‐corrected postoperative VA was compared to the predicted values of each test.Results:  The positive predictive value was 94.2% for AVMFT compared to 92.2% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The negative predictive value was 50% for AVMFT compared to 42.9% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The sensitivity was 83.1% for AVMFT and 79.7% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The specificity was 76.9% for AVMFT and 69.2% for the Lotmar‐light interferometer. The correlation coefficient for AVMFT and preoperative Lotmar results (both in LogMAR) with postoperative best‐corrected VA (poBCVA; LogMAR) were similar (0.74 and 0.77 respectively).Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that AVMFT is as reliable as the Lotmar‐light interferometer in predicting postoperative VA after uneventful cataract surgery. The correlation coefficients with postoperative VA were 0.74 and 0.77, respectively. Both tests showed a high positive (94.2% and 92.2%, respectively) but a low negative (50.0% and 42.9%, respectively) predictive value.
Complement factor H Y402H polymorphism and characteristics of exudative age‐related macular degeneration lesions
Authors: Seitsonen Sanna , Järvelä Irma , Meri Seppo , Tommila Petri , Ranta Päivi , Immonen Ilkka 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  The Y402H polymorphism of the complement factor H (CFH) gene is associated with age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in many populations. The reported genotype−phenotype correlations in the CFH Y402H polymorphism have not been pronounced and no studies on the effect of the polymorphism on the subgroups within wet AMD have been performed. In this study, we wanted to evaluate whether the CFH Y402H polymorphism has an effect on clinical variables in recent exudative AMD lesions.Methods:  The study included 172 patients with exudative AMD. The size of AMD lesions and the presence and area of other AMD lesion variables were recorded in fluorescein angiography (FA) and analysed in relation to the Y402H genotypes.Results:  The median lesion size (classic + occult choroidal neovascularization [CNV] + serous pigment epithelium detachment [PED] + haemorrhage, if present) was 8.15 mm2 in patients homozygous for the CFH risk allele (CC), 7.50 mm2 in heterozygous patients (CT), and 7.05 mm2 in those with the normal genotype (TT) (p = 0.599). Areas of classic and occult CNV, combined, without serous PED or haemorrhage were 6.37 mm2, 5.00 mm2 and 5.18 mm2, respectively (p = 0.407). There was a trend for CC patients to have more frequently minimally classic and less frequently predominantly classic lesion composition than CT or TT subjects.Conclusions:  We detected no clear impact of the CFH Y402H polymorphism on recent exudative AMD lesion characteristics. Although the complement cascade is implicated in CNV formation and scarring processes in the retina, the Y402H polymorphism appears relatively neutral in these functions.
Quantification and characterization of GABA‐ergic amacrine cells in the retina of GAD67‐GFP knock‐in mice
Authors: May Christian Albrecht , Nakamura Kouichi , Fujiyama Fumino , Yanagawa Yuchio 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  Although the presence of γ‐aminobutyrate acid (GABA) in amacrine cells and its co‐localization with other neuronal substances is well known, there exists only little information about their quantitative distribution in the mouse eye. The aim of the present study was to characterize GABA‐ergic amacrine cells in the retina of the recently introduced glutamate decarboxylase 67‐green fluorescent protein (GAD67‐GFP) knock‐in mouse.Methods:  Whole mounts of the retina were prepared and the GFP‐positive neurons quantified. Immunofluorescence staining was performed with antibodies against GABA, calbindin (CB), calretinin (CR), parvalbumin (PV), choline acetyl transferase (ChAT), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicular glutamate transporter (VGluT) 1, VGluT2 and VGluT3.Results:  Displaced GABA‐ergic amacrine cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) showed a density of 1006 ± 170 cells/mm2. In the inner nuclear layer (INL), the density of amacrine cells was 8821 ± 448 cells/mm2 in the central region and 6825 ± 408 cells/mm2 in the peripheral region. GFP‐positive amacrine cells co‐localized with GABA (99%), CR (INL 18%, GCL 71.3%), CB (INL 6.3%), bNOS (INL 1%, GCL 4%), and ChAT (INL 17%, GCL 92.6%). No co‐localization was seen with antibodies against PV, TH, and VGluT 1‐3.Conclusions:  This study presents the first quantitative data concerning the co‐localization of GABA‐ergic neurons in the mouse retina with various neuronal markers.
Panretinal photocoagulation versus PRP plus intravitreal bevacizumab for high‐risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (IBeHi study)
Authors: Tonello Matheus , Costa Rogério A. , Almeida Felipe P. P. , Barbosa José C. , Scott Ingrid U. , Jorge Rodrigo 
Published: November 2007

Abstract.Purpose:  To evaluate the effects of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) compared with PRP plus intravitreal bevacizumab on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and total area of fluorescein leakage from active new vessels (NVs) in patients with high‐risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).Methods:  We carried out a prospective study of patients with high‐risk PDR and no prior laser treatment who were randomly assigned to receive PRP (PRP group) or PRP plus intravitreal injection of 1.5 mg of bevacizumab (PRP‐plus group). In all patients, the PRP was administered at two time‐points (weeks 1 and 3), with the intravitreal bevacizumab delivered at the end of the second laser episode in the PRP‐plus group. Standardized ophthalmic evaluation including Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study BCVA as well as stereoscopic fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 9 (± 1) and 16 (± 2). Main outcome measures included changes in BCVA and in total area of fluorescein leakage from active NVs.Results:  Twenty‐two (n = 30 eyes) consecutive patients completed the 16‐week follow‐up. There was no significant difference between the PRP and PRP‐plus groups with respect to age, gender, type or duration of diabetes, area of fluorescein leakage from active NVs or BCVA. No significant difference in BCVA was observed between the groups throughout the study period. However, the total area of actively leaking NVs was significantly reduced in the PRP‐plus group compared with the PRP group at weeks 4, 9 and 16 (p < 0.001). No major adverse events were identified.Conclusions:  In the short‐term, the adjunctive use of intravitreal bevacizumab with PRP was associated with a greater reduction in the area of active leaking NVs than PRP alone in patients with high‐risk PDR.
Choosing breakfast: How well does packet information on Australian breakfast cereals, bars and drinks reflect recommendations?
Authors: WOODS Julie , WALKER Karen 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To survey nutrient information and claims appearing on packets of breakfast foods (cereals, bars and drinks) and determine how they conform to dietary guidelines and labelling recommendations.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study based on data collected in August–September 2004 was conducted in a single large supermarket in metropolitan Melbourne. The main outcome measures are cost, nutrient content, fortification, nutrition and function‐related claims. Nutrient content with current recommendations, stated versus calculated energy content and consistency of claims made with current regulations and guidelines were analysed.Results:  One hundred and eighty‐two cereals, 27 bars and 10 drinks were analysed. Only two of six breakfast cereal categories exhibited mean nutrient profiles concordant with present recommendations. Breakfast bars provide more total fat, saturated fat and sugar, while breakfast drinks provide more energy, sugar and sodium, than a serve of cereal eaten with full‐cream milk. Bars and drinks were more expensive per gram of protein and per kilojoule than the breakfast cereals. On 15% of cereal labels, stated energy content differed by over 5% from that calculated from the given macronutrients. Fortification with vitamins and minerals was common. Nutrient claims were largely consistent with current regulations.Conclusion:  This survey provides baseline data against which future changes in nutrient and health claims and patterns of fortification in breakfast foods may be measured.
In search of a method to assess the availability, quality and price of vegetables and fruit
Authors: HERZFELD Miriam , MCMANUS Alexandra 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to develop and trial a survey tool that could be used to gather evidence relating to vegetable and fruit availability, quality and price in urban fringe and rural communities. The study involved three components: a review of the literature to develop an understanding of the potential impact of availability, quality and price of vegetables and fruit on food choice and consumption patterns; development of a survey tool to assess the availability, quantity, variety and price of vegetables and fruit; and piloting of the survey tool in one urban fringe and one rural community in Tasmania. The food supply characteristic with the highest proportion of products rated the same by all raters was availability (94%) and variety (range 62–91%). There were significant variation between raters on quantity (8–66%), quality (18–53%) and price (56–94%). Difficulties encountered when piloting the survey tool included survey layout, details required, assessment of different varieties, interpreting the codes for quality and quantity, determining the price of products and the time taken to conduct the surveys. The study demonstrated the difficulties with measuring availability, quality and price of vegetables and fruit in urban fringe and rural communities in Tasmania. It is recommended that further work be undertaken on the survey tool to strengthen its reliability.
Monitoring consumption of ‘extra’ foods in the Australian diet: Comparing two sets of criteria for classifying foods as ‘extras’
Authors: RANGAN Anna , HECTOR Debra , RANDALL Deborah , GILL Tim , WEBB Karen 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  To compare two systems which classify energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor ‘extra’ foods which can be used to monitor the contribution of these foods in the diets of Australian children. The aim is to develop consistent criteria that may be used to monitor trends in the consumption of ‘extra’ foods in dietary surveys and, for research purposes, to examine associations between ‘extra’ food consumption and weight gain.Methods:  The intake of ‘extra’ foods was investigated among 2‐ to 18‐year‐old children (n = 3007) who participated in the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Two classification systems were used, both based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating: a simple food grouping system, and a more complex system based on specific fat and sugar cut‐points applied to food subgroups.Results:  Both classification systems resulted in similar lists of commonly consumed ‘extra’ foods, and showed similar estimates for energy contribution from ‘extra’ foods, 41–42%, and similar, relatively low, contributions of micronutrients, 20–25%.Conclusion:  A relatively simple food grouping classification system may be useful to estimate total energy and nutrient intake from ‘extra’ foods. However, for more detailed food‐specific analyses, a food criteria system based on cut‐points may be preferred. Nationally consistent criteria are needed for classifying ‘extra’ foods for both monitoring and research purposes, to enable comparisons of dietary data from surveys over time, and to investigate associations between ‘extra’ food consumption and nutrition outcomes such as weight gain and body mass index.
Adelaide Healthy Food Basket: A survey on food cost, availability and affordability in five local government areas in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia
Authors: TSANG Alfonso , NDUNG'U Margaret W. , COVENEY John , O'DWYER Lisel 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  There is evidence that some people in Australia do not have access to affordable, healthy foods. Information on food accessibility and affordability is essential in pubic health nutrition to assist in policy making and determining areas of intervention. The aim of the present study assess and compare the cost, availability and affordability of a standardised healthy food basket (HFB) in five local government areas (LGAs) in metropolitan Adelaide.Methods:  Five LGAs in metropolitan Adelaide were selected based on ranges of socioeconomic status (SES). A reference family was used as the basis for the costing a HFB. Prices of food items were collected in selected suburbs in May, August and September in 2005. Cost of the Adelaide HFB was compared with welfare payment and average weekly earnings (AWE).Results:  Average weekly cost of Adelaide HFB was $245.63 for the 11 suburbs: lowest in Coolabah, in low SES City of Fordlow ($224.17), and highest in Banksia, in high SES City of Sidehigh ($271.87). The proportion of AWE taken up by the average HFB was 35%, while that of the welfare payments was 31%.Conclusion:  The study showed that the cost of HFB was lower in low‐SES suburbs. Items in the HFB were found in most supermarkets surveyed; therefore, availability of healthy food at this geographical level is not a concern. However, the study highlighted the proportionately high costs of a healthy diet for families on welfare or on a single income based on AWE, which needs to be considered in programs encouraging healthy food choices.
Health claims for food made in Australian magazine advertisements
Authors: WILLIAMS Peter , TAPSELL Linda , JONES Sandra , MCCONVILLE Kellie 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  The aim was to describe the level of health claims being used in magazine advertisements, the categories of foods carrying health claims, and the types of benefits being claimed for particular foods or food ingredients. Data were compared with similar studies of food labels and Internet sites to reflect the impact of rule governance of the different media and highlight implications for the current proposed changes in food standards legislation.Methods:  From January to June 2005, a survey of all print advertisements for food in Australia's 30 top‐selling magazines was undertaken. The results were compared with those from a 1996 survey of health claims in Australian magazines and more recent surveys of claims for food on product labels and on Internet sites.Results:  The survey found that 29.5% of 390 advertisements for food carried a health claim. Many of the claims were high‐level claims (29%) or therapeutic claims (8%), which are not permitted by current food standards. The most common benefits being promoted related to cardiovascular disease, energy, cancer and weight control, and most claims referred to the effect of the whole food, rather than specific ingredients. Results were similar to previous studies of food labels and Internet sites.Conclusion:  Health claims are being used widely in the print advertising of food products in Australia. Moreover, the presence of high‐level and therapeutic claims in this media bears significant implications for the implementation of rules governing health claims on foods across the different media.
Nutrition knowledge and attitudes of New Zealand registered midwives
Authors: ELIAS Sandra , GREEN Tim 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim:  The importance of nutrition for a healthy pregnancy is well established. In New Zealand, the majority of women choose midwives as their maternity provider. Therefore, it is important that midwives have an understanding of nutrition issues related to pregnancy. The purpose of the present study was to determine the nutrition knowledge of New Zealand midwives, and to assess the importance they place on nutrition during pregnancy.Methods:  An 18‐question postal survey was sent to all members of the New Zealand College of Midwives (n = 1340).Results:  A total of 370 questionnaires were returned (response rate of 27.6%). Less than 40% of midwives reported that they had formal nutrition education; however, nearly 75% of respondents indicated that they had received nutrition information through their midwifery education. Most midwives indicated that nutrition was important or very important during pregnancy (98.4%), and that they had a significant or very significant role in educating pregnant women (94.9%) about nutrition. Midwives generally reported a high level of confidence in dealing with nutrition‐related issues. Midwives answered most of the nutrition knowledge questions correctly. However, 64.6% of midwives (n = 369) incorrectly identified spirulina as a good source of iron for vegetarians, 28.1% (n = 104) incorrectly answered that maternal intake of cabbage and beans are often responsible for colic in breastfed infants, and 40.0% (n = 128) incorrectly answered that to reduce food allergies all lactating women should avoid peanuts and shellfish.Conclusion:  Overall, midwives were knowledgeable on nutrition issues related to pregnancy and reported a high level of confidence on educating women about nutrition.