bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPROVING THE FOOD SECURITY OF LOW-RESOURCE FARMERS: INTRODUCING HORSEGRAM INTO MAIZE-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS
Authors: WITCOMBE J. R. , BILLORE M. , SINGHAL H. C. , PATEL N. B. , TIKKA S. B. S. , SAINI D. P. , SHARMA L. K. , SHARMA R. , YADAV S. K. , YADAVENDRA J. P. 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARYIn the hilly areas of eastern Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh and southern Rajasthan, in western India, farmers are very resource-poor and cultivate small and fragmented land holdings. Maize is their main rainy season (kharif) cereal and it is grown as a rainfed crop in low-fertility fields, often on sloping land that is vulnerable to soil erosion. Its productivity is very low, averaging below 1 t ha−1. New farm technologies to increase this productivity have to be low cost to be attractive to farmers who have limited access to purchased inputs and few means to purchase them. From observations of local farming practices, intercropping of maize with legumes was identified as an attractive option because the only additional input needed is seed of the legume crop. Participatory research was conducted on intercropping of maize with improved varieties of horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum). Many farmers who tried this intercropping adopted it in subsequent years, while others preferred to grow the new horsegram varieties as a sole crop. Farmers reported that less weeding was required in the intercrop as the horsegram smothered weeds. All farmers used the dry stover from the horsegram as a fodder for their animals. Farmers used the whole seed as dal, which provided additional protein in their diet. Farmers also sold the grain, but it fetched a low price in the poorly developed market for horsegram. Previously intercropping had been tried with local landraces, but the acceptance of intercropping was higher with new varieties such as AK-42 that yielded over 60% more grain. Participatory trials in which only one entry was compared with the local variety did not show a difference between AK-21 and AK-42 as in all cases both were preferred over the local variety. When they were directly compared with each other, farmers' perceptions showed a significant preference for AK-42. Variety IVH-2 was found to be better than AK-42: it matured 15 days earlier, better matching the maturity of the maize, had superior grain quality and yielded about the same. The greater uptake of improved horsegram varieties for sole and intercropping is likely to be limited by the lack of seed supply.
Hormonal carcinogenesis and socio‐biological development factors in endometrial cancer: A clinical review
Authors: TINELLI ANDREA , VERGARA DANIELE , MARTIGNAGO ROBERTA , LEO GIUSEPPE , MALVASI ANTONIO , TINELLI RAFFAELE 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective. Endometrial cancer is one of the most common invasive gynecologic malignancies in developed countries and the eighth leading cause of cancer death in women; it typically arises in the sixth or seventh decade of life. The aim of this review was to evaluate possible roles of genetic and socio‐biological factors in type I endometrial cancer, largely confined to pre‐ and perimenopausal women, with a history of estrogen exposure and/or endometrial hyperplasia. Methods. An extensive literature review, from 1990 to 2007 was performed on modifiable risk factors for type I endometrial cancer. Additionally, carcinogenesis mechanisms, biomarker and hormonal and biomolecular approaches to cancer detection, progression and monitoring and socio‐biological factors were reviewed. Results. Several socio‐biological and lifestyle characteristics, such as hormone replacement therapy, glycemic index, obesity, alcohol use, antipsychotic medication, melatonin, physical activity and variants in hormone metabolism genes have been identified as risk factors for developing endometrial cancer of type I, the majority of which are associated with excess estrogens causing continued stimulation of the endometrium. There is a genetic link to non‐polyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, but association of endometrial cancer risk to other genetic polymorphisms has yielded conflicting results. Conclusions. Many factors linked to hormonal imbalance, such as obesity, weight change, body size, alcohol, hyper‐androgenic states, glycemic index and antidepressant agents, influence the endometrial cancer risk, central to which are endogenous and exogenous estrogen hyperstimulation of the endometrium. Conversely, smoking cigarettes, diet, physical activity and melatonin production seem to reduce the risk of cancer development. Other external factors fit well with the unopposed estrogen theory, but more studies are needed to investigate modifiable and added risk factors for endometrial cancer.
Expression of adhesion molecules in first trimester spontaneous abortions and their role in abortion pathogenesis
Authors: YURDAKAN GAMZE , EKEM TULU E , BAHADIR BURAK , GUN BANU DOGAN , KUZEY GAMZE MOCAN , OZDAMAR SUKRU O 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackground. Early placental development is associated with complex regulatory mechanisms, and molecular communication problems that arise during the developmental process are dangerous for continuation of the pregnancy. As studies on the process of invasion and migration of trophoblast cells have shown the importance of cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions, we examined the effects of adhesion molecules on the mechanism(s) of spontaneous abortions and compared them to elective abortion materials using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate adhesion molecules in spontaneous abortions. Methods. Curettage materials from abortions were examined retrospectively in the Department of Pathology, Zonguldak Karaelmas University School of Medicine, Zonguldak, Turkey. CD31/PECAM‐1 (endothelial cell marker), CD44v (variant 3), E‐cadherin, CD54/ICAM‐1, and CD106/VCAM‐1 expression profiles were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, and cellular localization was determined under light microscopy. The results of spontaneous abortions were compared to those of elective abortions. Results. The staining percentages of CD31, CD44, CD106, and E‐cadherin decreased in cases of spontaneous abortion, but CD54 (ICAM‐1) expression increased. Statistically significant differences were detected between spontaneous and elective abortion materials with regard to cytotrophoblasts (CTs), syncytiotrophoblasts (STs), and extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) with the anti‐CD31 antibody (p = 0.0001). In addition, CD54 (p = 0.007 and p = 0.002) and E‐cadherin (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02) expression in CTs and STs, respectively, were significantly different. Furthermore, CD44 expression (p = 0.003) in decidual (D) cells and CD106 (p = 0.0001) expression in vessels of endometrial (E) and villous tissues were also significantly different. Conclusions. Decreased CD31 expression in CTs that invade the spiral arterioles and mimic E cells in spontaneous abortion cases suggests that CD31/PECAM‐1 is an important molecule in uteroplacental adequacy. Moreover, diminished expression of CD44 in D cells caused impaired stroma–villous connections. Enhancement of ICAM‐1 in placental and invading STs may be useful as a diagnostic marker for patients who may have a tendency to have spontaneous abortions. A down‐regulation of E‐cadherin was observed, which may be responsible for impaired CT differentiation and loss of the pregnancy. Furthermore, decreased VCAM‐1 expression in spontaneous abortions may be consistent with the importance of VCAM‐1 in trophoblast–endothelial cell interactions. Many adhesion molecules are known to be effective in the normal development of a pregnancy, and the analysis of adhesion molecules in spontaneous abortions will provide useful information for clarifying the physiopathology of spontaneous abortions.
The influence of lunar cycle on frequency of birth, birth complications, neonatal outcome and the gender: A retrospective analysis
Authors: STABOULIDOU ISMINI , SOERGEL PHILIPP , VASKE BERNHARD , HILLEMANNS PETER 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective. The relation of lunar phases to the birth rate has been the focus of considerable research with still controversial results. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of the lunar cycle on the frequency of birth, on instrumental delivery, neonatal outcome as well as a possible relationship between lunar position at time of conception and the gender of the child. Material and methods. Six thousand seven hundred and twenty five deliveries were retrospectively analyzed from 01 January 2000 to 31 December 2006 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University Medical School of Hannover. Inclusion criteria were: spontaneous vaginal births without induction, vacuum and forceps extractions as well as non‐elective cesarean sections, all cases without labor induction. Exact lunar phases were determined by means of birthday and birth time by a specific computer software. Results. The analysis revealed no significant correlation of birth rate to lunar phases. There were also no significant differences regarding birth complications, neonatal outcome and gender to the lunar cycle at the time of conception. Conclusion. There is no predictable influence of the lunar cycle on deliveries or delivery complications nor to the gender of the baby. As expected and in agreement with some recent studies this pervasive myth is not evidence based.
Magnetic resonance-guided growth plate bone bridge resection at 0.23 tesla: report of a novel technique
Authors: Blanco Sequeiros R. , Vähäsarja V. , Ojala R. 
Published: June 2008

Background: Growth plate or physeal cartilage trauma may result in delayed or immediate failure of growth due to bone bridge formation at the insult site. With computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the role of imaging has expanded from diagnosis to treatment planning and therapy guidance. Purpose: To describe a technique for MR-guided growth plate bone bridge resection and to evaluate feasibility of the procedure. Material and Methods: Three consecutive patients with growth plate bone bridges were treated surgically under MR guidance. All bridges were detected with prior MRI and radiographs. All patients were referred to procedure due to growth plate bridge associated growth anomaly and pertaining clinical symptoms. The effect of the treatment was evaluated after 48 months with a clinical follow-up. Results: All bridges were successfully detected, marked, and removed under MRI guidance. All patients had relief from their symptoms. Two patients had lasting results from the operation with no further operative treatment needed or scheduled at 48 months from primary treatment. There was one clinical failure, with the patient requiring repeated osteotomies. Conclusion: We have successfully implemented a novel therapy for growth plate bridge resection.
Detection of cholangiocarcinoma with magnetic resonance spectroscopy of bile in patients with and without primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Albiin N. , Smith I. C. P. , Arnelo U. , Lindberg B. , Bergquist A. , Dolenko B. , Bryksina N. , Bezabeh T. 
Published: June 2008

Background: Early detection of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is very difficult, especially in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who are at increased risk of developing CC. Purpose: To evaluate 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of bile as a diagnostic marker for CC in patients with and without PSC. Material and Methods: The institutional review board approved the study, and all patients gave informed consent. Bile from 49 patients was sampled and investigated using 1H-MRS. MR spectra of bile samples from 45 patients (18 female; age range 22–87 years, mean age 57 years) were analyzed both conventionally and using computerized multivariate analysis. Sixteen of the patients had CC, 18 had PSC, and 11 had other benign findings. Results: The spectra of bile from CC patients differed from the benign group in the levels of phosphatidylcholine, bile acids, lipid, and cholesterol. It was possible to distinguish CC from benign conditions in all patients with malignancy. Two benign non-PSC patients were misclassified as malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 88.9%, 87.1%, and 87.8%, respectively. Conclusion: With 1H-MRS of bile, cholangiocarcinoma could be discriminated from benign biliary conditions with or without PSC.
It's Not Just about Teaching Kids to Read: Helping Preservice Teachers Acquire a Mindset for Teaching Children in Urban Communities
Authors: Lazar Althier M. 
Published: June 2008

This study looks at preservice teachers' attitudes toward children and teaching in an urban high-poverty community in relation to their involvement in two different literacy education experiences: one literacy course sequence addressed issues of cultural diversity with respect to this community, and the other did not explicitly address these issues. The study specifically examines preservice teachers' (a) attitudes toward children's literacy potential, (b) confidence in teaching children to read, and (c) interest in teaching in urban schools. The diversity-oriented literacy experience, combined with highly satisfying field placements, positively affected preservice teacher's confidence and interest in teaching children in this community. Further, these preservice teachers tended to recognize children's literacy potential, while those who took the more typical literacy courses tended to doubt these children's literacy abilities. They also exited the diversity-oriented literacy courses with an enriched sense of children's culture and home language, although their awareness of literacy as culturally situated practice remained superficial. Analysis of preservice teachers' cultural autobiographies provided evidence that they acquired many new understandings about race, class, culture, literacy, children, and teaching in the first literacy course. Based on these findings, recommendations are made for reforming preservice teacher curricula and forming stronger alliances with schools in high-poverty communities. What happens in classrooms is first and foremost about the personal and collective connections that exist among the individuals who inhabit those spaces. Consequently, teachers' beliefs and values, how these are communicated to students through teaching practices and behaviors and their impact on the lives of students—these are the factors that make teaching so consequential in the lives of many people (Nieto, 1999, p. 130).
Catch rates as indicators of ecosystem health and exploitation status in the shrimp fishery in the South China sea
Authors: Christensen Steen , Thi Dang van 
Published: June 2008

Based on catch and effort data analyses covering the period 1996–2002, time series of catch rates in the trawl fisheries in the South China Sea along the coasts of Bac Lieu and Ca Mau in South East Vietnam were estimated.
The indicators include catch rates for total shrimp catch, five major shrimp catch groups and 15 commercial shrimp groups estimated as quarterly averages for trawlers divided into five size groups.
The analyses indicated that despite a reduction in catch rates, shrimp is still the principal resource for the trawl fleets in South Vietnam. Seasonality in the shrimp catch rates that might reflect seasonality in shrimp recruitment was found, making this resource potentially suitable for a fishery management system based on closed seasons. Further, the data indicate that the major part of the catches are comprised of low value species belonging to the genera Parapenaeopsis; whereas the most valuable species, i.e. the Penaeus and Metapenaeus catch groups have been significantly depleted during the period investigated.
Based on the experiences from the present analysis, recommendations are presented with regard to adjustments of the enumerator data collection programme to fulfil the requirement of a dynamic fishery management system.
Composition, Molecular Structure, Properties, and In Vitro Digestibility of Starches from Newly Released Canadian Pulse Cultivars
Authors: Chung Hyun‐Jung , Liu Qiang , Donner Elizabeth , Hoover Ratnajothi , Warkentin Tom D. , Vandenberg Bert 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTPulse starches were isolated from different cultivars of pea, lentil, and chickpea grown in Canada under identical environmental conditions. The in vitro digestibility and physicochemical properties were investigated and the correlations between the physicochemical properties and starch digestibility were determined. Pulse starch granules were irregularly shaped, ranging from oval to round. The amylose content was 34.9–39.0%. The amount of short A chains (DP 6‐12) of chickpea starch was much higher than the other pulse starches, but the proportions of B1 and B2 chains (DP 13‐24 and DP 25‐36, respectively) were lower. The X‐ray pattern of all starches was of the C type. The relative crystallinity of lentil (26.2–28.3%) was higher than that of pea (24.4–25.5%) and chickpea starches (23.0–24.8%). The swelling factor (SF) in the temperature range 60–90°C followed the order of lentil ≈ chickpea > pea. The extent of amylose leaching (AML) at 60°C followed the order of pea ≈ chickpea > lentil. However, in the temperature range 70–90°C, AML followed the order of lentil > pea > chickpea. The gelatinization temperatures followed the order of lentil > pea > chickpea. The peak viscosity, setback, and final viscosity of pea starch were lower than those of the other starches. Lentil starch exhibited lower rapidly digestible starch (RDS) content, hydrolysis rate, and expected glycemic index (eGI). The resistant starch (RS) content of both lentil cultivars was nearly similar. However, pea and chickpea cultivars exhibited wide variations in their RS content. Digestibility of the pulse starches were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with swelling factor (60°C), amylose leaching (60°C), gelatinization temperature, gelatinization enthalpy, relative crystallinity, and chain length distribution of amylopectin (A, B1, and B2 chains).
Gliadin Immunoreactivity and Dough Rheological Properties of Winter Wheat Genotypes Modified by Thioredoxin
Authors: Waga J. , Zientarski J. , Obtułowicz K. , Bilo B. , Stachowicz M. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTGliadins are among the most important protein fractions affecting wheat baking quality, but they are also plant allergens and a cause of celiac disease or food intolerance. Therefore, we investigated how gliadin immunoreactivity and dough rheological properties are influenced by thioredoxin, a regulatory disulfide protein that can reduce disulfide bonds, a typical motive in many allergenic proteins. Ten winter wheat genotypes of different qualities were analyzed. Reduction by thioredoxin strongly (>50%) decreased gliadin immunoreactivity as estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay with immunoglobulin E (IgE) sera from allergic patients and standard antigliadin antibodies but did not significantly affect dough rheological properties. Most parameters from the Brabender extensigraph were only slightly lower. Simultaneously, the farinograph curve exhibited a drawdown dislocation, possibly due to increased water absorption by modified flour, and dough consistency visibly improved. Results suggest that thioredoxin may be a universal natural beneficial modifier, able to significantly decrease gliadin immunoreactivity (hence its potential allergenicity) without decreasing the unique technological properties of wheat flour.
Colonization processes and the maintenance of genetic diversity: insights from a pioneer rainforest tree,Aucoumea klaineana
Authors: Born Céline , Kjellberg Finn , Chevallier Marie-Hélène , Vignes Hélène , Dikangadissi Jean-Toussaint , Sanguié Jodel , Wickings E. Jean , Hossaert-McKey Martine 
Published: June 2008

Despite recurrent episodes of range expansion and contraction, forest trees often harbour high genetic diversity. Studies of temperate forest trees suggest that prolonged juvenile phase and high pollen flow are the main factors limiting founder effects. Here, we studied the local colonization process of a pioneer rainforest tree in central Africa,Aucoumea klaineana. We identified 87% of parents among trees up to 20–25 years old and could thus compare direct parentage structure data with classical population genetics estimators.In this species, genetic diversity was maintained during colonization. The absence of founder effects was explained by (i) local random mating and (ii) local recruitment, as we showed that 75% of the trees in the close neighbourhood participated in the recruitment of new saplings. Long-distance pollen flow contributed little to genetic diversity: pollen and seed dispersal was mainly within stand (128 and 118 m, respectively). Spatial genetic structure was explained by aggregated seed dispersal rather than by mother–offspring proximity as assumed in classical isolation-by-distance models.Hence,A. klaineanapresents a genetic diversity pattern typical of forest trees but does not follow the classical rules by which this diversity is generally achieved. We suggest that while high local genetic variability is of general importance to forest tree survival, the proximate mechanisms by which it is achieved may follow very different scenarios.
Does the European Clinical Trials Directive really improve clinical trial approval time?
Authors: Lambers Heerspink Hiddo J. , Dobre Daniela , Hillege Hans L. , Grobbee Diederick E. , De Zeeuw Dick 
Published: June 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT • The European Union adopted the European Union Clinical Trials Directive in 2001 to facilitate clinical drug research within Europe.• The European Clinical Trials Directive has raised concerns over increased costs and complex administrative procedures, but the impact on duration between submission of a clinical trial application and approval by regulatory authorities is unknown. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS • The introduction of the European Union Clinical Trials Directive appears not to shorten the duration of regulatory procedures within Europe.• Duration of regulatory approval procedures is shorter in the USA compared with Europe.AIMSTo facilitate and improve clinical research within Europe, the European Union (EU) adopted in 2001 the Clinical Trials Directive (EUCTD). The aim of this study was to compare duration between submission of a clinical drug trial application and approval by regulatory authorities in EU countries regulated by EUCTD vs. EU countries regulated by local legislation and, second, to compare the duration of regulatory approval in Europe vs. the USA and Australia.METHODSApplication for clinical drug trial initiation was submitted to the regulatory authorities of 14 European countries, to the USA and to Australia. In Europe, 10 countries were regulated by EUCTD and four by local legislation.RESULTSIn Europe, the median duration of regulatory procedures was longer in EUCTD countries compared with countries following local legislation (75 vs. 59 days; P < 0.001). Five EUCTD countries had a time to approval of >60 days (maximum within EUCTD rules). The long duration of regulatory procedures was the consequence of (i) sequential instead of simultaneous submission of trial application to regulatory authorities, and (ii) involvement of local ethics committees in procedures that should be followed only by central ethics committees. The duration of regulatory procedures was similar in Australia (67 vs. 68 days, P = 0.388), but significantly shorter in the USA (67 vs. 15 days, P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSIn this early stage of implementation, EUCTD appears not to shorten the duration of regulatory procedures for clinical trial initiation. Furthermore, Europe lags behind the USA in speed of regulatory procedures.