bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CHARACTERISTICS OF VASORELAXATION RESPONSES IN A RAT MODEL OF METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Kagota Satomi , Tanaka Naoko , Kubota Yoko , Yamaguchi Yu , Nakamura Kazuki , Kunitomo Masaru , Shinozuka Kazumasa 
Published: January 2005

SUMMARY1. Abnormal vasorelaxation responses are seen in the context of various disease states, including obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by the concomitant presence of all of these disease states, develops spontaneously in the SHR/NDmcr‐cp (cp/cp) rat (SHR‐cp). The goal of the present study was to determine whether abnormal vasorelaxation responses were present with metabolic syndrome.2. Acetylcholine‐induced endothelial‐dependent relaxation was significantly enhanced in aortas isolated from SHR‐cp at the age of 18 weeks when compared to that from control rats [lean littermates SHR/NDmcr‐cp (+/+) (SHR)]. In contrast, endothelium‐independent relaxation in response to sodium nitroprusside was equally attenuated in the two rat groups compared with normotensive Wistar‐Kyoto rats.3. These results suggest that endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production increased in the aorta of SHR‐cp as compared to SHR. This may compensate for the concomitant impairment in the NO‐mediated relaxation response in smooth muscle cells, that probably results from hypertension. Enhanced NO production may result from a variety of factors, including increases in oxidative stress in the context of the metabolic syndrome.
SOY AND THE PREVENTION OF LIFESTYLE‐RELATED DISEASES
Authors: Zhou Jin‐Rong 
Published: January 2005

Summary1. Epidemiological studies suggest that consumption of soy foods is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, and breast and prostate cancers.2. Clinical intervention studies indicate that some soy components, especially soy isoflavone‐containing soy protein isolate, reduced serum total cholesterol and LDL‐cholesterol.3. Animal studies generally support the conclusion that some soy components prevent the development and progression of breast and prostate cancers.4. Epidemiological investigations and intervention studies suggest that some soy products are effective for the relief of menopausal symptoms.
Freshwater selenium‐methylating bacterial thiopurine methyltransferases: diversity and molecular phylogeny
Authors: Favre‐Bonté S. , Ranjard L. , Colinon C. , Prigent‐Combaret C. , Nazaret S. , Cournoyer B. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe diversity of bacterial thiopurine methyltransferases (bTPMT) among five natural Se‐methylating freshwaters was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screenings and sequencings. DNA sequence analyses confirmed the cloned products’ identity and revealed a broad diversity of freshwater TPMTs. Neighbour‐joining (NJ) phylogenetic analyses combining these sequences, all GenBank entries closely related to these sequences and deduced TPMTs obtained in this work from selected γ‐proteobacteria showed TPMTs to form a distinct radiation, closely related to UbiG methyltransferases. Inside the TPMT phylogenetic cluster, eukaryote sequences diverged early from the bacterial ones, and all the bacterial database entries belonged to a subgroup of γ‐proteobacteria, with an apparent lateral transfer of a particular allele to β‐proteobacteria of Bordetella. The NJ phylogenetic tree revealed 22 bTPMT lineages, 10 of which harboured freshwater sequences. All lineages showed deep and long branches indicative of major genetic drifts outside regions encoding highly conserved domains. Selected residues among these highly variable domains could reflect adaptations for particular ecological niches. PCR lineage‐specific primers differentiated Se‐methylating freshwaters according to their ‘tpm lineage’ signatures. Most freshwater tpm alleles were found to be distinct from those available in the databases, but a group of tpm was found encoding TPMTs identical to an Aeromonas veronii TPMT characterized in this work.
Rarity associated with specific ecological niches in the bacterial world: the ‘Synergistes’ example
Authors: Godon Jean‐Jacques , Morinière Jeanne , Moletta Marina , Gaillac Marianne , Bru Valérie , Delgènes Jean‐Philippe 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe ‘Synergistes’ group, which apparently represents an as yet unnamed division of the bacteria, was explored in 93 anaerobic environments (guts, soils, digestors, etc.). From 16S rDNA gene‐targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, this group appeared to be present in 90% of the anaerobic microbial ecosystems analysed. The phylogeny of 103 16S rDNA sequences from 30 ecosystems showed a strong link between 16S rDNA sequences and given ecosystems. ‘Synergistes’ 16S rDNA sequences from animal sources (termites, guinea pigs, pigs, birds, etc.) formed clustered phylogenetical groups. ‘Synergistes’ groups were also associated either with anaerobic digestors and soils or with thermophilic conditions. Sequences available from the DNA database were consistent with the results. These results show the wide diversity of the ‘Synergistes’ division as well as the specific ecological niche of each 16S rDNA sequences.
The microbial community structure of different permeable sandy sediments characterized by the investigation of bacterial fatty acids and fluorescence in situ hybridization
Authors: Bühring S. I. , Elvert M. , Witte U. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThis study describes the microbial community structure of three sandy sediment stations that differed with respect to median grain size and permeability in the German Bight of the Southern North Sea. The microbial community was investigated using lipid biomarker analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization.  For  further  characterization  we  determined the stable carbon isotope composition of the biomarkers. Biomarkers identified belong to different bacterial groups such as members of the Cytophaga‐Flavobacterium cluster and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB). To support these findings, investigations using different  fluorescent  in  situ hybridization  probes were performed, specifically targeting Cytophaga‐Flavobacterium, γ‐Proteobacteria and different members of the SRB. Depth profiles of bacterial fatty acid relative abundances revealed elevated subsurface peaks for the fine sediment, whereas at the other sandy sediment stations the concentrations were less variable with depth. Although oxygen penetrates deeper into the coarser and more permeable sediments, the SRB biomarkers are similarly abundant, indicating suboxic to anoxic niches in these environments. We detected SRB in all sediment types as well as in the surface and at greater depth, which suggests that SRB play a more important role in oxygenated marine sediments than previously thought.
Therapy of ocular and visceral leishmaniasis in a cat
Authors: Leiva Marta , Lloret Albert , Peña Teresa , Roura Xavier 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old, spayed female Domestic Short‐haired cat was referred for further evaluation of chronic lymphocytic–plasmacytic stomatitis and bilateral ocular disease. The cat had been treated with systemic glucocorticoids for several months. Initial ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral deep stromal corneal ulcers, exudative panuveitis and secondary glaucoma. Mature mild neutrophilia and monocytosis were detected on complete blood cell count. Abnormalities in the serum profile were hyperglycemia, mild azotemia, hyperglobulinemia and moderate polyclonal gammapathy. Urinalysis revealed glucosuria without ketonuria. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed and treatment with long‐acting insulin was started. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was highly positive for leishmaniasis, and treatment with allopurinol was started. Although specific topical treatment was applied, melting ulcers progressed to corneal perforation and both eyes were enucleated. Ocular histology showed large numbers of intracellular organisms compatible with amastigotes of the genusLeishmanialocated in the uveal tract, cornea, sclera and retina. Results of inmunohistochemistry staining on ocular samples were positive forLeishmania. Bone marrow cytology demonstrated numerous macrophages with intracytoplasmaticLeishmania.Polymerase chain reaction results on bone marrow forLeishmaniawere positive. Three weeks later, hypoglycemic episodes permitted withdrawal of the insulin therapy. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first case of ocular and visceral leishmaniasis diagnosedin vivoand under systemic treatment in a cat.
Immunohistochemical characterization of a malignant intraocular teratoid medulloepithelioma in a cockatiel
Authors: Bras I. Dineli , Gemensky‐Metzler Anne J. , Kusewitt Donna F. , Colitz Carmen M. H. , Wilkie David A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA 3‐year‐old cockatiel was presented for evaluation of a buphthalmic right eye (OD). The history included a traumatic event 5 months prior to presentation, and the referring veterinarian diagnosed cataract and secondary glaucoma. Computed tomography of the bird's orbital region revealed a large right orbital soft tissue mass that extended lateral to the orbital rim with obliteration of the globe without bone involvement. There was also no evidence of metastatic disease within the lungs or any abnormalities within the celomic cavity, therefore enucleation was recommended to achieve a histopathologic diagnosis and prognosis, and to palliate the clinical signs. Final diagnosis was malignant intraocular teratoid medulloepithelioma.
Unicentric extranodal lymphoma of the upper eyelid conjunctiva in a dog
Authors: Vascellari Marta , Multari Domenico , Mutinelli Franco 
Published: January 2005

AbstractA case of conjunctival lymphoma in a 4‐year‐old Siberian husky is reported. A large red mass protruding from the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid of the right eye was present. Irritation, blepharospasm and epiphora were revealed on initial ophthalmic examination. After anti‐inflammatory treatment, surgery was performed. Histologically, the mass consisted of large polygonal cells with a high nucleus to cytoplasm ratio, moderate amounts of slightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, pleomorphic nuclei with vesicular chromatin and prominent multiple nucleoli. Mitotic figures were frequent. Approximately 70% of the neoplastic cells were CD3 positive and CD79α negative. On the basis of histologic and immunohistochemical findings, a diagnosis of intermediate‐grade, diffuse large‐cell lymphoma with T‐cell immunophenotype was made. The surgical area healed uneventfully and, although chemotherapy was not received, after 12 months the dog exhibited no recurrence. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of unicentric extranodal conjunctival lymphoma in a dog.
How do morphotypes and chemotypes relate to genotypes? The colonial ascidianCystodytes(Polycitoridae)
Authors: López‐Legentil Susanna , Turon Xavier 
Published: January 2005

Intraspecies variability is widespread in marine invertebrates. Size, colour, texture, general shape and secondary chemistry can differ quite drastically from one individual to another.Cystodytes dellechiajei(Polycitoridae) is a cosmopolitan colonial ascidian with several morphotypes, most of which differ in colour and spicular composition. New molecular tools enable us to assess the taxonomic status of these morphotypes. To determine whether variation observed in MediterraneanCystodyteshas a genetic basis, we sequenced 45 specimens from eight locations of the western Mediterranean and one from Mayotte (Indian Ocean), and obtained a 617 bp fragment of the mitochondrial gene COI. Fifteen different colour morphs were recorded and four kinds of spicules were found: disk‐shaped, sphere‐shaped, star‐shaped and discoidal, thick spicules with a toothed margin. Zooid morphology was remarkably uniform in the whole sample set. Different tree construction methods (distance‐based, parsimony‐based, and maximum‐likelihood‐based) yielded consistent results, and recognized six major clades, which had no correspondence with spicule shape and were only partially consistent with colour morphs. Results are discussed in the light of previous knowledge of the chemistry of blue, green, brown and purple colour morphs. In spite of the different colour patterns and spicular variability we concluded, on the basis of chemical and genetic data, that the morphological traits analysed were not consistent enough to be used to differentiate betweenCystodytesspecies. We point out the importance of genetics and chemistry in assessing the taxonomic status of species with variable morphology.
Assessing species boundaries and evolutionary relationships in a group of south‐western European species ofIsotomurus(Collembola, Isotomidae) using allozyme data
Authors: Carapelli Antonio , Frati Francesco , Fanciulli Pietro P. , Nardi Francesco , Dallai Romano 
Published: January 2005

In this study allozyme data were used to examine evolutionary relationships in the cosmopolitan collembolan genusIsotomurus. Fifty‐six south‐western European populations from 13 species were compared, with the aim of delimiting species boundaries and testing the robustness of the most frequently used morphological characters for species identification. Observed allozyme variability suggests that genetic differentiation is more pronounced than the amount of morphological variability among and within species. Convergence in models of pigmentation pattern may lead to erroneous taxonomic identification when this is the only feature used for species diagnosis. In this respect, this study confirms that diagnosis is greatly improved when assisted by biochemical or molecular analyses. Allozyme data have also been used to reconstruct evolutionary hypotheses for relationships at the species and population level. The monophyly ofIsotomurus maculatus,I. unifasciatus,I. fucicolus,I. nebulosusandI. pseudopalustriswas confirmed on molecular grounds. Conversely, the monophyly ofI. ghibellinusandI. palustriswas rejected, suggesting the presence of cryptic species.
Stress and Mood: The Moderating Role of Activity Inhibition
Authors: Langens Thomas A. , Stucke Tanja S. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe present research tested the hypothesis that activity inhibition (as measured by the picture story exercise) moderates the relationship between stress and mood. Based on prior research that shows that (a) individuals high in activity inhibition restrain emotional and motivational impulses and (b) inhibiting negative emotion may lead to further emotional impairments, we assumed that individuals high in activity inhibition show evidence of increased negative mood when they are confronted with stressful events. Study 1 found evidence of increased negative mood‐relevant thought among individuals high in activity inhibition who were confronted with the threat of social rejection. Study 2 found high negative mood among individuals high in activity inhibition who experienced many daily hassles. Also, participants high in activity inhibition reported a disproportionally higher amount of daily hassles in the middle (but not at the beginning) of a university semester. We suggest that this pattern of results can be accounted for by Wegner's (1994) theory of ironic effects of the suppression of thought and emotion.
Adiponectin: action, regulation and association to insulin sensitivity
Authors: Lihn A. S. , Pedersen S. B. , Richelsen B. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryAdiponectin is a novel adipocyte‐specific protein, which, it has been suggested, plays a role in the development of insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Although it circulates in high concentrations, adiponectin levels are lower in obese subjects than in lean subjects. Apart from negative correlations with measures of adiposity, adiponectin levels are also reduced in association with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Visceral adiposity has been shown to be an independent negative predictor of adiponectin. Thus, most features of the metabolic syndrome's negative associations with adiponectin have been shown. Adiponectin levels seem to be reduced prior to the development of type 2 diabetes, and administration of adiponectin has been accompanied by lower plasma glucose levels as well as increased insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, reduced expression of adiponectin has been associated with some degree of insulin resistance in animal studies indicating a role for hypoadiponectinaemia in relation to insulin resistance. The primary mechanisms by which adiponectin enhance insulin sensitivity appears to be through increased fatty acid oxidation and inhibition of hepatic glucose production. Adiponectin levels are increased by thiazoledinedione treatment, and this effect might be important for the enhanced insulin sensitivity induced by thiazolidinediones. In contrast, adiponectin levels are reduced by pro‐inflammatory cytokines especially tumour necrosis factor‐α. In summary, adiponectin in addition to possible anti‐inflammatory and anti‐atherogenic effects appears to be an insulin enhancer, with potential as a new pharmacologic treatment modality of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Prevalence of obesity in Great Britain
Authors: Rennie K. L. , Jebb S. A. 
Published: January 2005

SummarySince 1980 the prevalence of obesity in Great Britain in adults has almost trebled. Latest figures show that 23% of men and 25% of women were obese in 2002. In children, obesity prevalence is lower but the increase in the prevalence of overweight is similar to the rise in obesity in adults. Data from national surveys also show that there are marked differences in the prevalence of obesity that underpin health inequalities. Obesity is higher in low social classes, some ethnic minority groups particularly from South Asia and in Scotland and Wales relative to England.
A review of psychosocial pre‐treatment predictors of weight control
Authors: Teixeira P. J. , Going S. B. , Sardinha L. B. , Lohman T. G. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryPrompted by the large heterogeneity of individual results in obesity treatment, many studies have attempted to predict weight outcomes from information collected from participants before they start the programme. Identifying significant predictors of weight loss outcomes is central to improving treatments for obesity, as it could help professionals focus efforts on those most likely to benefit, suggest supplementary or alternative treatments for those less likely to succeed, and help in matching individuals to different treatments. To date, however, research efforts have resulted in weak predictive models with limited practical usefulness. The two primary goals of this article are to review the best individual‐level psychosocial pre‐treatment predictors of short‐ and long‐term (1 year or more) weight loss and to identify research needs and propose directions for further work in this area. Results from original studies published since 1995 show that few previous weight loss attempts and an autonomous, self‐motivated cognitive style are the best prospective predictors of successful weight management. In the more obese samples, higher initial body mass index (BMI) may also be correlated with larger absolute weight losses. Several variables, including binge eating, eating disinhibition and restraint, and depression/mood clearly do not predict treatment outcomes, when assessed before treatment. Importantly, for a considerable number of psychosocial constructs (e.g. eating self‐efficacy, body image, self‐esteem, outcome expectancies, weight‐specific quality of life and several variables related to exercise), evidence is suggestive but inconsistent or too scant for an informed conclusion to be drawn. Results are discussed in the context of past and present conceptual and methodological limitations, and several future research directions are described.
Who succeeds in maintaining weight loss? A conceptual review of factors associated with weight loss maintenance and weight regain
Authors: Elfhag K. , Rössner S. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryWeight loss is difficult to achieve and maintaining the weight loss is an even greater challenge. The identification of factors associated with weight loss maintenance can enhance our understanding for the behaviours and prerequisites that are crucial in sustaining a lowered body weight. In this paper we have reviewed the literature on factors associated with weight loss maintenance and weight regain. We have used a definition of weight maintenance implying intentional weight loss that has subsequently been maintained for at least 6 months. According to our review, successful weight maintenance is associated with more initial weight loss, reaching a self‐determined goal weight, having a physically active lifestyle, a regular meal rhythm including breakfast and healthier eating, control of over‐eating and self‐monitoring of behaviours. Weight maintenance is further associated with an internal motivation to lose weight, social support, better coping strategies and ability to handle life stress, self‐efficacy, autonomy, assuming responsibility in life, and overall more psychological strength and stability. Factors that may pose a risk for weight regain include a history of weight cycling, disinhibited eating, binge eating, more hunger, eating in response to negative emotions and stress, and more passive reactions to problems.
Obesity prevention: a proposed framework for translating evidence into action
Authors: Swinburn B. , Gill T. , Kumanyika S. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObesity as a major public health and economic problem has risen to the top of policy and programme agendas in many countries, with prevention of childhood obesity providing a particularly compelling mandate for action. There is widespread agreement that action is needed urgently, that it should be comprehensive and sustained, and that it should be evidence‐based. While policy and programme funding decisions are inevitably subject to a variety of historical, social, and political influences, a framework for defining their evidence base is needed. This paper describes the development of an evidence‐based, decision‐making framework that is particularly relevant to obesity prevention. Building upon existing work within the fields of public health and health promotion, the Prevention Group of the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) developed a set of key issues and evidence requirements for obesity prevention. These were presented and discussed at an IOTF workshop in April 2004 and were then further developed into a practical framework. The framework is defined by five key policy and programme issues that form the basis of the framework. These are: (i) building a case for action on obesity; (ii) identifying contributing factors and points of intervention; (iii) defining the opportunities for action; (iv)evaluating potential interventions; and (v) selecting a portfolio of specific policies, programmes, and actions. Each issue has a different set of evidence requirements and analytical outputs to support policy and programme decision‐making. Issue 4 was identified as currently the most problematic because of the relative lack of efficacy and effectiveness studies. Compared with clinical decision‐making where the evidence base is dominated by randomized controlled trials with high internal validity, the evidence base for obesity prevention needs many different types of evidence and often needs the informed opinions of stakeholders to ensure external validity and contextual relevance.