bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diets and selected lifestyle practices of self-defined adult vegetarians from a population-based sample suggest they are more 'health conscious'
Authors: Bedford Jennifer L , Barr Susan I 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Few population-based studies of vegetarians have been published. Thus we compared self-reported vegetarians to non-vegetarians in a representative sample of British Columbia (BC) adults, weighted to reflect the BC population.

Methods
Questionnaires, 24-hr recalls and anthropometric measures were completed during in-person interviews with 1817 community-dwelling residents, 19–84 years, recruited using a population-based health registry. Vegetarian status was self-defined. ANOVA with age as a covariate was used to analyze continuous variables, and chi-square was used for categorical variables. Supplement intakes were compared using the Mann-Whitney test.

Results
Approximately 6% (n = 106) stated that they were vegetarian, and most did not adhere rigidly to a flesh-free diet. Vegetarians were more likely female (71% vs. 49%), single, of low-income status, and tended to be younger. Female vegetarians had lower BMI than non-vegetarians (23.1 ± 0.7 (mean ± SE) vs. 25.7 ± 0.2 kg/m2), and also had lower waist circumference (75.0 ± 1.5 vs. 79.8 ± 0.5 cm). Male vegetarians and non-vegetarians had similar BMI (25.9 ± 0.8 vs. 26.7 ± 0.2 kg/m2) and waist circumference (92.5 ± 2.3 vs. 91.7 ± 0.4 cm). Female vegetarians were more physically active (69% vs. 42% active ≥4/wk) while male vegetarians were more likely to use nutritive supplements (71% vs. 51%). Energy intakes were similar, but vegetarians reported higher % energy as carbohydrate (56% vs. 50%), and lower % protein (men only; 13% vs. 17%) or % fat (women only; 27% vs. 33%). Vegetarians had higher fiber, magnesium and potassium intakes. For several other nutrients, differences by vegetarian status differed by gender. The prevalence of inadequate magnesium intake (% below Estimated Average Requirement) was lower in vegetarians than non-vegetarians (15% vs. 34%). Female vegetarians also had a lower prevalence of inadequate thiamin, folate, vitamin B6 and C intakes. Vegetarians were more likely than non-vegetarians to consider various health conditions and food/nutrition concerns when choosing foods.

Conclusion
In this population-based study, evidence was obtained to indicate that vegetarians appear more 'health conscious' than non-vegetarians, although specific differences were not always consistent by gender. Additional population-based studies are required to determine if the observed gender differences exist in other populations.
Dissection of a DNA-damage-induced transcriptional network using a combination of microarrays, RNA interference and computational promoter analysis
Authors: Elkon Ran , Rashi-Elkeles Sharon , Lerenthal Yaniv , Linhart Chaim , Tenne Tamar , Amariglio Ninette , Rechavi Gideon , Shamir Ron , Shiloh Yosef 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background
Gene-expression microarrays and RNA interferences (RNAi) are among the most prominent techniques in functional genomics. The combination of the two holds promise for systematic, large-scale dissection of transcriptional networks. Recent studies, however, raise the concern that nonspecific responses to small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) might obscure the consequences of silencing the gene of interest, throwing into question the ability of this experimental strategy to achieve precise network dissections.

Results
We used microarrays and RNAi to dissect a transcriptional network induced by DNA damage in a human cellular system. We recorded expression profiles with and without exposure of the cells to a radiomimetic drug that induces DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Profiles were measured in control cells and in cells knocked-down for the Rel-A subunit of NFκB and for p53, two pivotal stress-induced transcription factors, and for the protein kinase ATM, the major transducer of the cellular responses to DSBs. We observed that NFκB and p53 mediated most of the damage-induced gene activation; that they controlled the activation of largely disjoint sets of genes; and that ATM was required for the activation of both pathways. Applying computational promoter analysis, we demonstrated that the dissection of the network into ATM/NFκB and ATM/p53-mediated arms was highly accurate.

Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that the combined experimental strategy of expression arrays and RNAi is indeed a powerful method for the dissection of complex transcriptional networks, and that computational promoter analysis can provide a strong complementary means for assessing the accuracy of this dissection.
1170 consecutive hysterectomies: indications and pathology
Authors: MacKenzie Ian Z. , Naish Caroline , Rees Margaret , Manek Sanjiv 
Published: April 2005

Objective: An analysis of consecutive hysterectomies during 1997-99 exploring the relationship between histological findings, operation performed and clinical indication was conducted to observe any trends. Methods: A retrospective review of histology reports for hysterectomies performed in a large district teaching hospital. Results: The rate of hysterectomy for women aged over 25 years was 23 per 10,000 women. Menstrual disturbance including endometriosis was the indication in 45%, pelvic tumours including fibroids in 21%, prolapse in 17% and malignant or pre-malignant conditions in 15%; 1% were performed in relation to childbirth. 79% were total abdominal hysterectomies, 4% subtotal and 17% vaginal. 50% included removal of both ovaries and in 8% omentectomy was also performed. The uterus was histologically normal in 20% of abdominal hysterectomies, the rate rising to 70% for vaginal hysterectomies. Conclusions: The rate of hysterectomy has not changed over the past 15 years, despite the introduction of alternative medical and surgical therapies for managing menstrual problems and fibroids. There may have been a greater proportion performed for malignant and premalignant conditions and genital tract prolapse. There were fewer specimens with no evidence of pathology than is often suggested.
Long-term safety and tolerability of continuous-combined hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: results from a seven-year randomised comparison of low and standard doses
Authors: Heikkinen Jorma , Vaheri Raija , Timonen Ulla 
Published: April 2005

Objective. To establish the long-term safety profile of four oestradiol valerate/medroxyprogesterone acetate (E2V/MPA) regimens. Study design. 419 postmenopausal women in parallel treatment groups started treatment with 1 or 2 mg E2V with either 2.5 or 5 mg MPA for 84 cycles of 28 days in a randomised, comparative study. The first 24 month double-blind efficacy period has been previously reported. This report focuses on the open safety period after the first two years until completion of 84 treatment cycles. Results. A total of 275 women (65.6%) completed the seven-year study. All regimens provided good bleeding control and endometrial protection, with no cases of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer diagnosed. All regimens were well tolerated with a low frequency of adverse effects, mostly occurring within the first two years. The most common drug-related adverse events included breakthrough bleeding, headache/migraine, abdominal pain and mood changes. Very few women (n = 4) receiving the lowest dose option (1 mg E2V + 2.5 mg MPA) reported adverse effects (p<0.009 vs other groups). No serious cardiovascular events occurred in any of the groups, the incidence of strokes was lower than the national incidence for the age group and the incidence of breast cancer was comparable with the national incidence (95% CI). In the lowest dose group, no women had to stop therapy prematurely due to serious adverse events. Conclusions. The results support the use of lower doses for longterm hormone therapies.
A new selective substrate for cathepsin E based on the cleavage site sequence of α2-macroglobulin
Authors: Yasuda Yoshiyuki , Kohmura Keiko , Kadowaki Tomoko , Tsukuba Takayuki , Yamamoto Kenji 
Published: April 2005

AbstractCathepsin E is an intracellular aspartic proteinase of the pepsin family predominantly expressed in cells of the immune system and believed to contribute to homeostasis by participating in host defense mechanisms. Studies on its enzymatic properties, however, have been limited by a lack of sensitive and selective substrates. For a better understanding of the importance of this enzymein vivo, we designed and synthesized a highly sensitive peptide substrate for cathepsin E based on the sequence of the specific cleavage site of α2-macroglobulin. The substrate constructed, MOCAc-Gly-Ser-Pro-Ala-Phe-Leu-Ala-Lys(Dnp)-D-Arg-NH2[where MOCAc is (7-methoxycoumarin-4-yl)acetyl and Dnp is dinitrophenyl], derived from the cleavage site sequence of human α2-macroglobulin, was the most sensitive and selective for cathepsin E, withkcat/Kmvalues of 8–11 μM-1S-1, whereas it was resistant to hydrolysis by the analogous aspartic proteinases cathepsin D and pepsin, as well as the lysosomal cysteine proteinases cathepsins B, L, and H. The assay allows the detection of a few fmol of cathepsin E, even in the presence of plasma and cell lysate, and gives accurate results over a wide enzyme concentration range. This substrate might represent a useful tool for monitoring and accurately quantifying cathepsin E, even in crude enzyme preparations.
Evaluation of a high-sensitivity turbidimetric immunoassay for serum C-reactive protein: application to the study of longitudinal changes throughout normal pregnancy
Authors: Bertran Núria , Camps Jordi , Fernández-Ballart Joan , Murphy Michelle M. , Arija Victoria , Ferré Natàlia , Tous Mònica , Joven Jorge 
Published: April 2005

AbstractC-Reactive protein has been associated with several complications of pregnancy. The aims of the present study were: (1) to evaluate a turbidimetric immunoassay for the measurement of C-reactive protein; and (2) to investigate the chronological changes of the levels of this protein from preconception throughout normal pregnancy and its relationship with variables associated with preconception and pregnancy outcome. Inter-assay imprecision was <5% for C-reactive protein >1mg/L and 18% at a mean value of 0.33mg/L. The limit of detection was 0.10mg/L. The method was linear between 0.10 and 30mg/L. There were no observed interferences from jaundice, hemolysis, lipemia or paraproteinemia at the levels studied. There was good agreement with the nephelometric method. A total of 39 women were studied at preconception, at 8, 20 and 32weeks of pregnancy, and in labor. Preconception C-reactive protein concentration was 1.17±0.18mg/L and increased (p<0.001) throughout pregnancy up to 5.69±0.82mg/L. Body mass index at preconception and weight gain during pregnancy were the main factors associated with this increase in C-reactive protein.
Cystic fibrosis carriers have higher neonatal immunoreactive trypsinogen values than non‐carriers
Authors: Castellani Carlo , Picci Luigi , Scarpa Maurizio , Dechecchi Maria Cristina , Zanolla Luisa , Assael Baroukh Maurice , Zacchello Franco 
Published: April 2005

AbstractFollowing cystic fibrosis (CF) neonatal screening implementation, a high frequency of heterozygotes has been reported among neonates with elevated immunoreactive trypsinogen (IRT) and normal sweat chloride levels. We studied the relationship between normal IRT values and CF heterozygosity: 10,000 neonates were screened for CF by IRT measurement and tested for 40 CF mutations; the 294 carriers detected were coupled with newborns negative to the same genetic testing, and the two groups' IRT levels compared. Heterozygotes had higher IRT levels than their controls (mean 35.32 vs. 27.58 μg/L, P < 0.001). Even within normal trypsinogen range, the probability of being a CF carrier increases with neonatal IRT concentration. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GJB2 (connexin 26) mutations are not a major cause of hearing loss in the Indonesian population
Authors: Snoeckx Rikkert L. , Djelantik Bulantrisna , Van Laer Lut , Van de Heyning Paul , Van Camp Guy 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAlthough hereditary hearing loss is a very heterogeneous disorder, variants in one gene, GJB2 (connexin 26), account for up to 50% of autosomal recessive nonsyndromal sensorineural hearing loss in most populations. This study investigates the contribution of GJB2 to autosomal recessive nonsyndromal hearing loss in the Indonesian population. We performed DNA sequence analysis in 120 patients with profound early childhood nonsyndromal hearing loss and in 100 control individuals and identified three novel variations resulting in amino acid substitutions (p.Gly4Asp, p.Thr5Ala, and p.Gly160Arg). Although we proved that p.Gly4Asp was not disease‐causing, the pathological nature of p.Thr5Ala and p.Gly160Arg could not be determined. No recurrent disease‐causing mutation could be detected in this Indonesian population. These findings are in contrast with the results obtained in other populations where GJB2 is a major cause of congenital recessive hearing loss. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Latent catalyst effects in halogen‐free epoxy molding compounds for semiconductor encapsulation
Authors: Ryu Je Hong , Choi Ki Seop , Kim Whan Gun 
Published: April 2005

AbstractLatent catalyst effects were investigated to improve the physical properties of halogen‐free epoxy molding compounds (EMCs) for semiconductor encapsulation. In this study, biphenyl‐type resins were used as the epoxy and hardener resin for halogen‐free EMCs to obtain high flame‐retardant properties and high filler contents. Latent catalyst effects were examined with two kinds of EMC compositions, halogen‐free EMCs and conventional EMC compositions. We used triphenylphosphine‐benzoquinone salt (TPP‐BQ) as a latent catalyst. Spiral flow and gel time were measured to investigate the change in moldability with the latent catalyst. We measured package fail, moisture absorption, and delamination for reliability evaluation and flexural strength, flexural modulus, and adhesion for mechanical properties to examine latent catalyst effects. An improvement in moldability, reliability, and the mechanical properties were observed in two types of halogen‐free EMCs with TPP‐BQ as a latent catalyst. These phenomena were seen in conventional EMCs, including o‐cresol novolac epoxy resin. The cure kinetics of these systems were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry with an isothermal approach to explain these phenomena. The results indicate that the improvement in moldability in halogen‐free EMCs with TPP‐BQ was due to the low conversion rate of this system, and the increase in mechanical properties was attributed to the high conversion of curing reaction. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2287–2299, 2005
Thermal and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive spectroscopy analysis of styrene–butadiene rubber–butadiene rubber/silicon dioxide and styrene–butadiene rubber–butadiene rubber/carbon black–silicon dioxide composites
Authors: Venter S. A. S. , Kunita M. H. , Matos R. , Nery R. C. , Radovanovic E. , Muniz E. C. , Girotto E. M. , Rubira A. F. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractSilica as a reinforcement filler for automotive tires is used to reduce the friction between precured treads and roads. This results in lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions of pollutant gases. In this work, the existing physical interactions between the filler and elastomer were analyzed through the extraction of the sol phase of styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)–butadiene rubber (BR)/SiO2 composites. The extraction of the sol phase from samples filled with carbon black was also studied. The activation energy (Ea) was calculated from differential thermogravimetry curves obtained during pyrolysis analysis. For the SBR–BR blend, Ea was 315 kJ/mol. The values obtained for the composites containing 20 and 30 parts of silica per hundred parts of rubber were 231 and 197 kJ/mol, respectively. These results indicated an increasing filler–filler interaction, instead of filler–polymer interactions, with respect to the more charged composite. A microscopic analysis with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy showed silica agglomerates and matched the decreasing Ea values for the SBR–BR/30SiO2 composite well. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2273–2279, 2005
Synthesis and characterization of negative‐type photosensitive polyimides based on cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride
Authors: Choi Sung Mook , Kim Kyung Jun , Choi Kil‐Yeong , Yi Mi Hye 
Published: April 2005

AbstractA series of negative‐type photosensitive polyamic acids (PAAs) with various molecular weights was synthesized from cyclobutane‐1,2,3,4‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl‐3,5‐diaminobenzoate, and 2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl‐4‐aminobenzoate inN‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone. We investigated the degree of planarity, transmittance, and thermal stability for the PAAs after the photoirradiation reaction at an exposure dose of 200 mJ/cm2. The films prepared from the PAA with the lowest molecular weight (PAA‐1) exhibited a higher degree of planarity and transmittance compared with those of the film prepared from the PAA with the highest molecular weight (PAA‐4). The initial decomposition temperatures of the cured PAAs with different molecular weights were similar and were stable up to around 300°C. Further, the photosensitivity and transmittance of PAA‐1 were investigated in the presence of photoinitiators at 365–400 nm with a high‐pressure mercury lamp. The resolution of the photocured film was about 50 μm. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2300–2308, 2005
Alkali reduction and reactive dye dyeing of T/N nonwoven fabrics dipped into silicon‐containing, water‐borne polyurethane
Authors: Wang Huei‐Hsiung , Tzai Gi‐Mao , Chang Cheng‐Chieh 
Published: April 2005

AbstractTwo series of anionic water‐borne polyurethanes with alkali resistance and covalent bonds of a reactive dye were synthesized with different molar ratios of poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG). They were classified with respect to PTMG 1000 and PTMG 2000. The fiber blends of polyester/nylon nonwoven fabrics were dipped into silicon‐containing, water‐borne polyurethane and squeezed to an 80% pickup ratio. Finally, the manmade leather was treated with alkali reduction and dyed with a reactive dye. The alkali reduction and the thermal, mechanical, and dyeing properties of the manmade leather were studied. For alkali reduction, different ratios of NaOH and Na2CO3 concentrations were used. Na2CO3 was used because of its better spreading and buffering properties. The softness and breaking load were measured and related to the weight reduction. For the dyeing properties, a reactive dye with vinyl sulfone groups was found to bond with the OH group of water‐borne polyurethane by covalent bonding. On the basis of alkali reduction, a mixture of NaOH and Na2CO3 with a concentration ratio of 0.1N/0.2N could lead to better softness and alkali reduction of leather. For the mechanical properties, leather of the PTMG 1000 series showed a higher breaking load than leather of the PTMG 2000 series. However, less elongation in the PTMG 1000 series resulted. Differential scanning calorimetry showed an endothermic peak at 50–100°C. This indicated that the glass‐transition temperature of the hard segment decreased with an increasing amount of the soft segment in leather; meanwhile, both the glass‐transition temperature of the soft segment and the melting temperature of the hard segment also decreased as the content of the soft segment increased. For the dyeing properties, the reactive blue dye could reach up to 96.1% dye uptake in the polyurethane part of the leather. Moreover, the washing fastness could be graded as high as 4–5, and the light resistance was also graded to 4–5, in the dyed leather. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2324–2335, 2005
On promoting intercalation and exfoliation of bentonite in high‐density polyethylene by grafting acrylic acid
Authors: Xu Yuzhen , Fang Zhengping , Tong Lifang 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAcrylic acid (AA) grafted high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/bentonite (BT) composites and HDPE/BT composites were prepared via melt compounding. XRD and TEM results indicated that the modification of AA grafting promoted the dispersion and intercalation of BT in HDPE matrix; IR proved that there were interactions between AA and BT sheets. Consequently, with increasing BT content, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of HDPE‐g‐AA/BT nanocomposites increased, while that of HDPE/BT composites decreased. Moreover, the addition of BT to HDPE‐g‐AA decreased the ability of crystallization of the matrix. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2429–2434, 2005
Observation of the concentric diffractive banding on the spherulites of poly(ethylene oxide) by a dynamic method
Authors: Yang Hu , Yin Weisi , Zhang Xueqin , Cai Zhengchun , Wang Zhiliu , Cheng Rongshi 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe growth of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) spherulites was observed synchronously with a polarized optical microscope, which was equipped with a video detector, and so the whole growing process of the PEO spherulites was dynamically recorded as a movie. There was a series of concentric diffractive bands on the surface of the PEO spherulites; furthermore, the diffractive banding did not exist until at least two independent PEO spherulites came into contact with each other. However, the formation of the diffractive banding on the PEO spherulites was also related to the crystallization conditions. It was concluded qualitatively that the diffractive banding formed more easily at the crystallization temperature with a high degree of supercooling, and this was explained in kinetic terms. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 2454–2458, 2005
Sperm‐mediated gene transfer: Applications and implications
Authors: Smith Kevin , Spadafora Corrado 
Published: April 2005

AbstractRecent developments in studies of sperm‐mediated gene transfer (SMGT) now provide solid ground for the notion that sperm cells can act as vectors for exogenous genetic sequences. A substantive body of evidence indicates that SMGT is potentially useable in animal transgenesis, but also suggests that the final fate of the exogenous sequences transferred by sperm is not always predictable. The analysis of SMGT‐derived offspring has shown the existence of integrated foreign sequences in some cases, while in others stable modifications of the genome are difficult to detect. The appearance of SMGT‐derived modified offspring on the one hand and, on the other hand, the rarity of actual modification of the genome, suggest inheritance as extrachromosomal structures. Several specific factors have been identified that mediate distinct steps in SMGT. Among those, a prominent role is played by an endogenous reverse transcriptase of retrotransposon origin. Mature spermatozoa are naturally protected against the intrusion of foreign nucleic acid molecules; however, particular environmental conditions, such as those occurring during human assisted reproduction, can abolish this protection. The possibility that sperm cells under these conditions carry genetic sequences affecting the integrity or identity of the host genome should be critically considered. These considerations further suggest the possibility that SMGT events may occasionally take place in nature, with profound implications for evolutionary processes. BioEssays 27: 551–562, 2005. © 2005 Wiley periodicals, Inc.