bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of enalapril and verapamil on the left ventricular hypertrophy and the left ventricular cardiomyocyte numerical density in rats submitted to nitric oxide inhibition
Authors: Pereira Leila Maria Meirelles , Mandarim‐de‐Lacerda Carlos Alberto 
Published: December 2004

Forty male Wistar rats were separated into four groups of ten rats each (control and other three groups that have received nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor L‐NAME) but the last two groups have concomitantly received antihypertensive drugs (Enalapril and Verapamil). After 40 days of experimentation, the heart and the ventricles were measured. The optical disector was used for the calculation of numerical density of the cardiomyocytes (Nv[c]). The left ventricular myocytes number (N[c]) was calculated as the product of Nv[c] and the left ventricular myocardium volume (LVMV) that was determined by using the Scherle's method. In the L‐NAME group the blood pressure (BP) had a significant weekly increment. In the enalapril and the verapamil groups, BP increased in the first two weeks, but decreased in the following weeks. The LVMV increased in the L‐NAME rats and decreased in the enalapril and verapamil animals. The Nv[c] and N[c] decreased in the L‐NAME rats but the verapamil and enalapril treatments maintained the Nv[c] close to the control group. In conclusion, the left ventricular hypertrophy and the significant decrease of the left ventricular cardiomyocyte number caused by the NO synthesis inhibition are efficiently prevented with the use of enalapril and verapamil.
The functions of cytokines and their uses in toxicology
Authors: Foster John R. 
Published: December 2004

Cytokines are critical controllers of cell, and hence tissue, growth, migration, development and differentiation. The family includes the inflammatory cytokines such as the interleukins and interferons, growth factors such as epidermal and hepatocyte growth factor and chemokines such as the macrophage inflammatory proteins, MIP‐1α and MIP‐1β. They do not include the peptide and steroid hormones of the endocrine system. Cytokines have important roles in chemically induced tissue damage repair, in cancer development and progression, in the control of cell replication and apoptosis, and in the modulation of immune reactions such as sensitization. They have the potential for being sensitive markers of chemically induced perturbations in function but from a toxicological point of view, the detection of cytokine changes in the whole animal is limited by the fact that they are locally released, with plasma measures being generally unreliable or irrelevant, and they have short half lives which require precise timing to detect. Even where methodology is adequate the interpretation of the downstream effects of high, local concentrations of a particular cytokine is problematic because of their interdependence and the pleiotropism of their action. A range of techniques exist for their measurement including those dependent upon antibodies specific for the respective cytokines, but with the introduction of genomic and proteomic technology, a more complete study of cytokine changes occurring under the influence of chemical toxicity should be possible. Their further study, as markers of chemical toxicity, will undoubtedly lead to a greater understanding of how synthetic molecules perturb normal cell biology and if, and how, this can be avoided by more intuitive molecular design in the future.
Preparation of spent brewer's yeast β‐glucans for potential applications in the food industry
Authors: Thammakiti Saowanee , Suphantharika Manop , Phaesuwan Thanaporn , Verduyn Cornel 
Published: December 2004

SummaryA preparation of β‐glucan, obtained from spent brewer's yeast, was evaluated for potential food applications. This material was autolysed and the cell walls that were obtained were homogenized, extracted firstly with alkali, then with acid, and then spray dried. Effects of the homogenization on the chemical composition, rheological properties and functional properties of β‐glucan were investigated. Homogenized cell walls exhibited higher β‐glucan content and apparent viscosity than those which had not been homogenized because of fragmentation of the cell walls. When compared with commercial β‐glucan from baker's yeast, it was found that the β‐glucan obtained from this study had higher apparent viscosity, water‐holding capacity and emulsion stabilizing capacity, but very similar oil‐binding capacity. These findings suggest that β‐glucan obtained from brewer's yeast can be used in food products as a thickening, water‐holding, or oil‐binding agent and emulsifying stabilizer.
The storage stability and textural, physico‐chemical and sensory quality of low‐fat ground pork patties with Carrageenan as fat replacer
Authors: Kumar Manish , Sharma B. D. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryLow‐fat ground pork patties (<10% total fat) made with carrageenan added at either 0.25, 0.50 or 0.75% final concentration were processed and the compositional and sensory characteristics compared with control patties which contained 20% fat. The moisture content of raw and cooked low‐fat patties was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than control patties because of greater amounts of water added during formulation. Cooking yield, fat and moisture retention also improved significantly (P < 0.05) in low‐fat patties that had carrageenan incorporated when compared to a control product. The dimensions of the low‐fat patties were maintained better than those of the control product during cooking. The sensory attributes of low‐fat patties with 0.5% carrageenan were similar to those of the high‐fat control. The lipid profile revealed as much as a 47.7 or 44.1% decrease in total lipids and cholesterol content respectively, compared with the controls. The calorie content was reduced by 31.1% in low‐fat cooked patties compared with the controls. The texture profile of low‐fat patties that had been made with 0.5% carrageenan were similar to control patties with only a slight increase in hardness and gumminess in the low‐fat product. The low‐fat ground pork patties made in the present study remained stable without any appreciable loss of physico‐chemical, microbiological and organoleptic quality during refrigerated storage (4 ± 1 °C) for 21 and 35 days in aerobic and vacuum packaging respectively.
The effect of washing on physicochemical changes in packaged, sliced green peppers
Authors: Toivonen Peter M. A. , Stan Sabina 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWhole green bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) were obtained through a local fresh‐cut company. They were washed in a 100 ppm chlorine solution, dried and then sliced into 0.5‐cm wide strips. A bulk sample of slices was divided into four treatments: (1) no wash, (2) one wash in fresh distilled water, (3) two sequential washes in fresh distilled water, and (4) three sequential washes in fresh distilled water. Retention of firmness of the pepper slices during storage at 7 °C improved with the number of washes after cutting. The modification of package atmosphere was less in all wash treatments than in the ‘no wash’ control. The sliced tissues of ‘no wash’ controls had higher levels of acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate. Analysis of the wash water revealed that sequential washes with water removed incremental amounts of acetaldehyde and soluble phenols from the cut surfaces of the tissue. These results show that washing has a dramatic effect on physicochemical measures of quality in green pepper slices, and it is likely that this effect is mediated by the removal of stress‐related compounds produced during the cutting operation. While acetaldehyde and total phenolics were the two stress‐related compounds measured in the wash water, it may be that other compounds removed in the wash water could have contributed to the beneficial effects on quality reported in this study.
Interactions between anthocyanins and organic food molecules in model systems
Authors: Mazzaracchio Palmira , Pifferi Piergiorgio , Kindt Maddalena , Munyaneza Athanase , Barbiroli Giancarlo 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe interactions between different glucosidic anthocyanins (pelargonin, cyanin, delphinin, malvin and petunin) and some organic compounds (lactic, galacturonic, tannic, phenolic and sinapic acids; pyrogallol, furfural, pectin, cellulose, hydrolitic lignin) which are present in food‐stuffs were investigated at pH 3.0–4.3 and 25 °C. The interactions were monitored by means of u.v.‐VIS spectra and their different behaviours were highlighted by following changes in absorbance over a range of wavelengths (Δλ and ΔA). Significant effects on absorbance were detected and are discussed in terms of the phenomenon of co‐pigmentation.
The creation of a large UK‐based multicentre cohort of HIV‐infected individuals: The UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (UK CHIC) Study
Authors:   The UK Collaborative HIV Cohort Steering Committee
Published: December 2004

ObjectivesThis paper describes the development of the UK Collaborative HIV Cohort (CHIC) Study. The aim of the study is to collate routinely collected data on HIV‐infected individuals attending one of seven clinical centres in the UK since 1 January 1996, with the objectives of describing changes over time in the frequency of AIDS‐defining illnesses, describing the uptake of and response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and identifying factors associated with virological and immunological responses to HAART.MethodsBy December 2002, demographic, clinical and laboratory data had been collected on HIV‐positive patients seen at six of the seven HIV centres. Missing and inconsistent data had been investigated and the datasets audited. Records identified as relating to the same patient had been merged, and cross‐checks made with UK death registers to improve the accuracy of death reporting.ResultsThe cohort currently contains information on 13 833 individuals. Eighty‐two per cent of the cohort are male, and the median age was 34 years at first follow‐up. The main risk factors for HIV infection have been determined as sex between men (63%) and sex between men and women (24%). Twenty‐five per cent of the cohort are known to have developed AIDS, and 8% have died.ConclusionsThe UK CHIC Study provides important information on the status of individuals infected with HIV in the UK, and provides a means to study the response to HAART and to monitor changes in the clinical event and death rates that have occurred since the introduction of HAART in the UK.
A cross‐cultural exploration of materialism in adolescents
Authors: Schaefer Allen D. , Hermans Charles M. , Parker R. Stephen 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTo date, few studies have empirically examined specific values with respect to the global teenager hypothesis. In testing the global teenager hypothesis, this study investigates similarities and differences in materialism among 14‐ to 17‐year olds in China, Japan and the USA. Significant differences were found between respondents from the three nations for materialism and discretionary spending power. Discretionary spending power had a significant effect on materialism across nations. In addition, evidence supports cross‐national differences in the psychological structure of the materialism construct. While personal gain and social gain explain two materialism dimensions for the Japanese and American samples, factor analysis results suggest materialism may have alternative conceptual underpinnings in China. The findings of this study generally fail to support the global teenager hypothesis as it relates to the value of materialism.
Children's advertising: the ethics of economic socialisation
Authors: Preston Chris 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThere is focus upon advertising and children for two broad reasons. First, it is because children are children, and are considered separately. Second, it is because children will become adults. Advertising therefore effects behaviour during childhood and continues to do so into adulthood. Advertising to children rarely receives a good press, and it remains a controversial topic in the wider domain. Is it responsible for poor diet? Does it make children pester their parents? Is there too much of it? And does Christmas have to start in September? Subsequently the issue has evolved to question whether there should be advertising to children, and if so whether it should be regulated. This discussion paper examines arguments for and against children's advertising, and concludes that whilst there are compelling arguments on both sides, advertising to children remains an economic necessity in need of adjustment and regulation.
Consumer education: creating consumer awareness among adolescents in Botswana
Authors: Makela Carole J. , Peters Selinah 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSenior secondary schools’ students in Botswana were studied to determine their awareness of consumer rights and responsibilities and their perceptions of consumer behaviour and consumer education. Recommendations will inform the refinement of consumer education teaching in Botswana as well as other secondary education programmes. A questionnaire suitable for this study was used to collect data. Responses from 3107 students were received. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to determine frequencies and central tendencies. Chi‐square tests were computed to examine relationships among variables by gender, class level, and school location. Two‐thirds of the students correctly identified consumer rights and responsibilities. Female students were more likely to identify consumer rights and responsibilities than males. Students agreed that they were informed on consumer issues and females were more likely to be informed than males. Topics identified to be taught in consumer education included consumer rights and responsibilities, purchasing decisions, advertising and others. The delivery methods identified were classes in school, workshops, radio and television programmes, and consumer youth clubs. Consumer education programmes were found to have an impact on adolescents because most of them were aware of consumer rights and responsibilities and acted as informed consumers on most consumer issues.
The use of electronic books in midwifery education: the student perspective
Authors: Appleton Leo 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe objectives of this paper are: (i) to illustrate the use of e‐books by health studies students at a college of higher education; (ii) to provide a demonstration of how e‐books may be facilitated by library and information services staff working across the health and academic sectors; (iii) to comment upon the experiences of health studies students, in using e‐books. A focus group of 10 student midwives was used to gain insight into how e‐books may be used in an academic context for health professionals. The findings of the student midwives’ focus group are reported and discussed. In this instance, the student midwives were encouraged to use e‐books as part of a structured information skills programme. The paper concentrates on how the e‐books were used within this context and addresses the potential benefits and disadvantages from a student perspective. The results provide evidence of a largely positive experience of using e‐books as an electronic information resource. The focus group reveals many benefits and advantages in the facilitation and use of e‐books, as well as addressing areas for development. It is concluded that e‐books have a place in health library and information resources, but further development of e‐books and e‐book collections is required and subsequent investigation into their most effective use.
Marketing and health libraries
Authors: Wakeham Maurice 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAim:  To present an overview of the concepts of marketing and to examine ways in which they can be applied to health libraries.Methods:  A review was carried out of literature relating to health libraries using lisa, cinahl, bni and Google.Results:  Marketing is seen as a strategic management activity aimed at developing customer relationships. Concepts such as the ‘four Ps’ (product, price, place and promotion), marketing plans, the marketing mix, segmentation, promotion and evaluation are identified and discussed in relation to health libraries.Conclusion:  In increasingly complex health service and information environments, the marketing and promotion of library services is becoming more important if those services are to justify the resources given to them. Marketing techniques are equally applicable to physical and digital library services.
Interlocality variation in speed of moult in the Citril Finch Serinus citrinella
Authors: Borras A. , Cabrera T. , Cabrera J. , Senar J. C. 
Published: December 2004

The speed of avian moult has been related to body condition, and this to habitat quality. These facts suggest a relationship between habitat quality and moult speed. We looked for evidence of such a relationship in the Citril Finch Serinus citrinella in the Pyrenees, where, because of a Mediterranean influence, there is an important bioclimatic contrast between north‐ and south‐facing slopes of the same mountain. This contrast strongly affects the general body condition of birds there (higher body mass, fat score and survival on north‐facing slopes). Citril Finches in the higher quality area moulted more rapidly (measured as residual wing raggedness) than those in the lower quality area, the two sampling localities being only 5 km apart. As the birds initiated moult at the same time in the two locations, this difference in speed cannot have resulted from a differential effect of photoperiod. This stresses the importance of habitat selection, even at very small scales, for the completion of moult.
The distribution and population of the Seychelles (Bare‐legged) Scops Owl Otus insularis on Mahé: consequences for conservation
Authors: Currie Dave , Fanchette Rodney , Millett James , Hoareau Camille , Shah Nirmal J. 
Published: December 2004

This study details the first baseline survey of the Critically Endangered Seychelles Scops Owl Otus insularis, currently only recorded from the 152‐km2 island of Mahé, the largest and highest island in the granitic Seychelles, western Indian Ocean. A survey was conducted in October 2000–March 2001 using playback of conspecific calls in random squares (500 m × 500 m) with midpoints being at least equal to 100 m asl. Playback was conducted in 159 of a possible 375 squares (42%). Territorial responses were detected in 60 of 159 (38%) squares, which represented an estimated 70 distinct territorial responses. Pairs responded in 51% and single birds responded in 49% of squares where a response was elicited. Scops Owls were more likely to be detected at higher altitudes, in mixed forest, and sympatrically with endemic frogs (Tachycnemis seychellensis and Sooglossus spp.). Two models were used to predict population: one based exclusively on altitude resulted in a population estimate of 134–159 territories (268–318 individuals) within a 34‐km2 range, whereas a second incorporating altitude and vegetation, which excluded unsuitable habitat, resulted in an estimate of 125–142 territories (250–284 individuals) in a 31‐km2 range. We discuss the implications of our findings to the Owl's conservation status and management.
Do body condition and plumage during fuelling predict northwards departure dates of Great Knots Calidris tenuirostris from north‐west Australia?
Authors: Battley Phil F. , Piersma Theunis , Rogers Danny I. , Dekinga Anne , Spaans Bernard , Van Gils Jan A. 
Published: December 2004

It is often assumed that strong selection pressures give rise to trade‐offs between body condition and time in long‐distance migrating birds. Birds that are ‘behind schedule’ in fuel deposition or moult should delay departure, and this should result in a negative correlation between initial condition and departure date. We tested this hypothesis in the Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris migrating from north‐west Australia to eastern Asia en route to Siberia. Great Knot gain mass and moult into breeding plumage before leaving northern Australia in late March and early April, and fly 5400–6000 km to eastern China and Korea. We radiotracked 27 individuals (17 males and ten females) to determine departure dates; 23 migrated and four remained in Australia. We characterized body condition at capture using body mass, predicted pectoral muscle mass (based on ultrasound estimates of the size of the pectoral muscles) and breeding plumage scores. Residual condition indices were uncorrelated, indicating that at the individual level, variation in one fuelling component was not strongly associated with variation in the other components. Birds that did not depart had lower residual body mass and breeding plumage indices than those that did migrate; these four birds may have been subadults. Neither sex, size nor the condition indices explained variation in departure date of migrants. Reasons for this are explored. Departure dates for northward migrating waders indicate that the migration window (span over which birds depart) decreases with proximity to the northern breeding grounds. We suggest that migration schedules become tighter as birds get nearer to the breeding grounds. Thus the lack of a relationship between condition and departure date in Great Knots may reflect the fact that the departure episode under study is the first one in sequence and is still 4–8 weeks before breeding.
Poor nutritional condition as a consequence of high dominance status in the Coal Tit Parus ater
Authors: Hay Jacqueline M. , Evans Peter R. , Ward Robin M. , Hamer Keith C. 
Published: December 2004

The costs and benefits of dominance status have been investigated in the past and it has generally been reported that subdominant birds are at a nutritional disadvantage owing to their low dominance status. The nutritional condition of birds during winter can be important in determining their likelihood of survival. This is particularly so in small passerines that are sensitive to severe weather conditions. Ptilochronology is an accurate method used to produce a long‐term estimate of body condition spanning the number of days that it takes to grow a new feather. Ptilochronology was used during this study to estimate the nutritional condition of Coal Tits Parus ater during one winter and how condition was affected by dominance status. Dominant Coal Tits produced poorer quality feathers, which they grew at a slower rate, than did subdominant conspecifics. This study highlights a nutritional cost to high dominance status that could have long‐term consequences because the induced tail feathers will not be replaced for at least 5 months.