bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Usual diet in Bubis, a rural immigrant population of African origin in Madrid
Authors: Gil A. , Vioque J. , Torija E. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractObjective  To assess the usual diet of an immigrant Bubis population living in Madrid, the main ethnic group from the Island of Bioco, Equatorial Guinea, and explore how different it is from the predominant diet in West Africa and from the adult population of Madrid.Design  Cross‐sectional study. We randomly selected a sample of 213 Bubis aged 18–84 years, 83 men and 130 women, who were born in Bioco, emigrated and now live in the Madrid area. Participants were interviewed about their usual diet with the use of a food frequency questionnaire. Height and weight were also measured during interviews and prevalence of obesity was estimated as a body mass index (kg m−2).Setting  The urban area of Madrid in 2001.Results  The diet of the Bubis living in the metropolitan area of Madrid resembles more the urban diet observed among Spanish people than the traditional rural diet observed among people of West Africa. The percentage of calories from fat, protein and carbohydrates was 33.9, 18.3 and 47.7%, respectively. The Bubi diet presented a much higher protein intake and much lower fat intake than the usual diet in Cameroon. The usual Bubi diet also contained more protein and less fat and alcohol than the predominant diet of adult population living in the Madrid area. Women presented higher prevalence of obesity (23.2%) than men (11.0%), and even higher than that observed among Spanish women.Conclusions  The first immigrant generation of Bubis in Madrid showed food and nutrient intakes closer to the prevalent diet in Madrid than to the diet of their native land. The impact of this westernization of the diet of this and other immigrant populations in Spain needs to be monitored in the future.
Gene function beyond the single trait: natural variation, gene effects, and evolutionary ecology in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: TONSOR S. J. , ALONSO‐BLANCO C. , KOORNNEEF M. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTThe purpose of plant functional genomics is to describe the patterns of gene expression and internal plant function underlying the ecological functions that sustain plant growth and reproduction. Plants function as integrated systems in which metabolic and developmental pathways draw on common resource pools and respond to a relatively small number of signal/response systems. Plants are also integrated with their environment, exchanging energy and matter with their surroundings and are consequently sensitive to changes in energy and resource fluxes. These two levels of integration complicate the description of gene function. Internal integration results in single genes often affecting multiple characteristics (pleiotropy) and interacting with multiple other genes (epistasis). Integration with the external environment leads to gene expression and the genes’ phenotypic effects varying across environmental backgrounds (gene–environment interaction). An accurate description of the function of all genes requires an augmentation, already underway, of the study of isolated developmental and metabolic pathways to a more integrated approach involving the study of genetic effects across scales of variation usually regarded as the purview of ecological and evolutionary research. Since the evolution of gene function also depends on this complex of gene effects, progress in evolutionary genetics will also require understanding the nature of gene interactions and pleiotropy and the constraints and patterns they impose on adaptive evolution. Studying gene function in the context of the integrated organism is a major challenge, best met by developing co‐ordinated research efforts in model systems. This review highlights natural variation in A. thaliana as a system for understanding integrated gene function in an ecological and evolutionary context. The current state of this research integration in A. thaliana is described by summarizing relevant approaches, current knowledge, and some potentially fruitful future studies. By introducing some of the fundamental questions of ecological and evolutionary research, experimental approaches and systems that can reveal new facets of gene function and gene effect are also described. A glossary is included in the Appendix.
Illuminating topics in plant photobiology
Authors: SPALDING E. P. , FOLTA K. M. 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTLight signals acting through photoreceptors and signal transduction chains shape plant growth, development, physiology and metabolism to best suit the organism to the prevailing conditions. Genetic, biochemical and molecular studies, particularly in the model system Arabidopsis thaliana, have produced highly detailed descriptions of many light responses so that now molecular pathways are coming into view. In this review the current state of research in several diverse areas within the field of plant photomorphogenesis is discussed. The topics include phytochrome localization and interactions with signalling elements, cryptochrome function, phototropin photochemistry and physiology, the role of proteolysis in light signalling, the plant circadian clock, and the transition to flowering.
The NO world for plants: achieving balance in an open system
Authors: YAMASAKI H 
Published: January 2005

ABSTRACTNitric oxide (NO) is a free radical that had been known for many years simply as a toxic air pollutant. The discovery of enzymatic NO production in many living organisms has established a new paradigm: NO being an essential molecule endogenously produced in the cells. In plant science it has been suggested that NO acts as a plant hormone equivalent to ethylene; that is, as a gaseous signal transmitter. Even after experiencing such a scientific breakthrough, however, researchers may still feel difficulty in exploring plant NO signalling systems with conventional approaches. A major difference between plants and animals is that the growth and development of plants is closely linked to the surrounding environment where NO levels vary according to biotic and abiotic activities. This fundamental difference may make the NO‐signalling network system of plants larger and more complicated than that of vertebrates. This review intends to show prospects for the future of NO signalling research in plants by introducing a holistic concept to aid in the exploration of complicated systems such as the plant‐environment system. Furthermore, the novel ONS hypothesis is proposed to encompass the complexity and simplicity of NO in chemistry, biochemistry and physiology.
Steroid avoidance in renal transplantation using basiliximab induction, cyclosporine‐based immunosuppression and protocol biopsies
Authors: Anil Kumar Mysore S , Xiao Sheng‐Guang , Fyfe Billie , Sierka Debra , Heifets Michael , Moritz Michael J , Saeed Muhammad I , Kumar Aparna 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Reducing chronic steroid exposure is important to minimize steroid‐related morbidity, particularly for susceptible renal transplant recipients. Steroid‐free and steroid‐sparing protocols have shown benefits, but safety has not been established for all populations. We investigated the safety of steroid avoidance (SA) in a population including African‐Americans, using modern immunosuppression with protocol biopsy monitoring.Methods:  A randomized‐controlled SA trial (early discontinuation, days 2–7) was conducted in a population (n = 77) including African‐Americans and cadaveric kidney recipients. Patients received basiliximab, cyclosporine (CsA), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). In controls, steroids were tapered to 5 mg prednisone/d by day 30. Protocol biopsies were performed (1, 6, 12 and 24 months) to evaluate subclinical acute rejection (SCAR) and chronic allograft nephropathy (CAN).Results:  The SA did not result in significantly higher incidences of graft loss, AR, SCAR, CAN, or renal fibrosis. SA patients experienced similar renal function, comparable serum lipid levels, and a trend toward fewer cases of new‐onset diabetes. Clinical outcomes of African‐American and non‐African‐American patients did not significantly differ.Conclusions:  The SA is safe in the context of basiliximab induction and CsA‐based immunosuppression. This protocol could minimize steroid‐related side effects in susceptible groups, including African‐Americans, without increasing the risk of AR or graft failure.
Comparing renal transplant patients’ adherence to free cyclosporine and free tacrolimus immunosuppressant therapy
Authors: Chisholm Marie A , Mulloy Laura L , DiPiro Joseph T 
Published: January 2005

Abstract:  Background:  The purpose of this study is to determine if there is a difference in renal transplant patients’ (RTPs) adherence to cyclosporine compared to tacrolimus when medications are supplied free to the RTPs.Methods:  Adult primary RTPs were included in the study if they received a renal transplant at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) from June 1998 through August 2001 and received their first post‐transplant year of follow‐up care at MCG and free cyclosporine or free tacrolimus from the MCG outpatient pharmacy. Adherence was estimated by comparing each RTPs’ tacrolimus or cyclosporine pharmacy refill records to the prescribed regimen for 12 months after transplant. Patients’ cyclosporine and tacrolimus serum concentrations were used to validate adherence. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to estimate the fraction of RTPs remaining adherent and to compare the mean time RTPs were adherent in each group (cyclosporine vs. tacrolimus).Results:  Thirty‐three RTPs were included in the study, 25 (76%) received cyclosporine and eight received tacrolimus. The mean time to the first non‐adherent month was 8 months post‐transplant. At 12‐months post‐transplant, approximately 42% of the patients remained adherent. A greater percentage of the patients who received tacrolimus remained adherent compared with those who were taking cyclosporine (63% vs. 33%, p < 0.05). Approximately 75% of non‐adherent patients were found to have subtarget drug concentrations, and only 24% of adherent patients had subtarget levels (p < 0.01).Conclusions:  When provided free, patients are more adherent to tacrolimus than cyclosporine. Regardless of treatment, intensive efforts to increase adherence should be implemented.
Morphological Examination of the Intraorbital Muscles (musculi bulbi) in Persian Cats in the Perinatal Period
Authors: Klećkowska J. , Pospieszny N. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe study involved 34 fetuses of Persian cats from eight uteruses, gestational day 58. The intraorbital muscles were analysed morphologically in respect of the location of the recti muscles, oblique muscles and retractor bulbi muscle, their length and breadth, the distance of the muscle tendon insertions from the corneal limbus and the line of insertions.
Histomorphology of the Equine Cervix
Authors: Huchzermeyer S. , Wehrend A. , Bostedt H. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe cervix provides an effective, morphological barrier between the uterus and the outside world. The aim of this study was to characterize the epithelial morphology and the vascular structures of the equine cervix along the longitudinal and horizontal axis in more detail by light microscopy. For this purpose, cervical tissue specimens that had been removed from five different regions along the caudocranial axis of 10 genitally healthy mares were available. The histological staining was carried out with haematoxylin–eosin, azan according to Heidenhain, periodic acid‐Schiff reaction and resorcinfuchsin. An average epithelial cell height of 17.5 ± 1.7 μm is measured, there being differences in the various areas of the mucosal folds and along the longitudinal axis of the cervix. Three types of cells can be differentiated morphologically. Contrary to the data in the literature, in a large number of cells the free cell membrane shows a clearly discernible border of kinocilia along the total cervical canal. The deep layers of the lamina propria mucosae show pronounced vascularization (46.3 ± 25.1 vessels/mm2) that mainly consists of veins and venules. Support of the occlusive function of the cervical canal in the form of a cavernous body is assumed to be the function of this vascular plexus.
Three‐dimensional Reconstruction of the Equine Ovary
Authors: Kimura J. , Hirano Y. , Takemoto S. , Nambo Y. , Ishinazaka T. , Himeno R. , Mishima T. , Tsumagari S. , Yokota H. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe equine ovary has a very unique structure in terms of its extreme large size, the presence of the ovulation fossa and the inverted location of its cortex and medulla. In the previous study, it was recognized that the application of three‐dimensional internal structure microscopy (3D‐ISM) to observe the mare ovary is very effective. Three‐dimensional reconstruction of serially sliced images made by 3D‐ISM was successful in this study with the aid of the sophisticated image processing technique. The rotation of the reconstructed ovary has been carried out with and without the application of the transparency technique in the ovarian stromal region. The spatial localization of follicles and corpus luteum was clearly visualized by rotating the reconstructed image of the ovary. The extraction of the images of follicles and corpus luteum was also available and gave a quantifiable understanding of their structure.
Non‐Vocal Shaping of Avian Song Development: Parallels to Human Speech Development
Authors: King Andrew P. , West Meredith J. , Goldstein Michael H. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractVocal development in young male cowbirds (Molothrus ater) is sensitive to acoustical stimulation from males, but also to social feedback from female cowbirds, even though females do not sing. Juvenile males show different vocal trajectories if housed with local or distant population females. The major goal of the present study was to identify differences in the form and timing of non‐vocal cues from females during the period in early spring when juvenile males begin to sing stereotyped song and to finalize their repertoires. We housed juvenile males with either local or distant population females and no adult males. We found significant differences between the two groups of females in the use of wing stroking and in male reactions to wing strokes and gapes. There were also differences between the groups in male song performance. To understand further the potential consequences of these differences, we correlated measures of male and female responsiveness to results reported in Smith et al. (2000) on vocal ontogeny and song potency. We found that wing stroking by females was associated with a faster rate of song development and tended to relate to differences in song potency. The non‐vocal shaping seen here may represent a general mechanism for the development of vocal communication, as similar processes influence phonological development in human infants.
Variation of plasma parameters and nitrogen metabolism in finishing Belgian Blue double‐muscled cull females
Authors: Cabaraux J.‐F. , Dufrasne I. , Istasse L. , Hornick J.‐L. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThe changes over time in plasma parameters and nitrogen metabolism were studied in finishing Belgian Blue double‐muscled females offered a maize silage based diet. When compared with literature data, plasma glucose along with triglycerides concentrations was low while non‐esterified fatty acids were high and rich in polyunsaturated forms. The concentrations in thyroid hormones, insulin‐like growth factor 1 and insulin were also low and plasma insulin decreased with time. Growth hormone concentration, by contrast, increased with time. On average, the females retained 44 g nitrogen per day from an intake of 210 g but the efficiency of retention decreased with time. The fractional rates of accretion and synthesis of muscle protein were also affected by time. The dry matter content in muscle biopsies was close to 22% and increased with the finishing, as did the diameter of the tailhead adipocytes.
These are a few of my favourite things: reflections on the doctor–doctor relationship
Authors: Allen R. K. A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe doctor–patient relationship is often spoken about and is typically characterized by one of trust and compassion. However, the doctor–doctor relationship is rarely discussed openly as it is too hurtful to reveal the truth. Lack of compassion, competitiveness and even cruelty abounds in the opinion of the author who exemplifies this by some personal anecdotes and is based on 30 years as a physician. Unfortunately the lessons to be learned occur too late for most individuals. Selection of medical graduates may also play an important role in the whole malady. (Intern Med J 2005; 35: 65–66)
DNA sequence variation at the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I subunit among pheromotypes of the sibling taxaDiachrysia chrysitisandD. tutti(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Hille Axel , Miller Michael A. , Erlacher Sven 
Published: January 2005

We surveyed variation in the mtDNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene in the noctuid sibling speciesDiachrysia chrysitisandD. tutti, whose taxonomic status has been queried. Taxonomically, these taxa are separated on the basis of wing pattern and time of flight period. Samples were field‐collected from different geographical sites where pheromone traps were baited to attract males containing different mixtures of two blends of pheromone components: (Z)‐5‐decenyl acetate and (Z)‐7‐decenyl acetate. Most specimens were sequenced over a 709‐bp segment of the COI gene. Single specimens each ofD. chrysitisandD. tuttiwere sequenced over a region of 1.5 kilobases. mtDNA variation within and amongD. chrysitisandD. tuttiis most simply interpreted as DNA polymorphism within a complex of closely related, but well‐differentiated pheromotypes. Maximal nucleotide difference per site among haplotypes was 0.28%, which is at the lower end of the range for interspecific mtDNA nucleotide diversity in Lepidoptera. Coefficient of differentiation Gstwasc. 76.3% ± 11.7%, a typical value at the intraspecific level. Sequences revealed stable diagnostic differences between pheromotypes irrespective of geographical origin. Identification of pheromone‐trapped males based on morphology remained vague and uncorrelated to mtDNA haplotypes. The survey illustrated the potential utility of direct DNA sequencing in assessing lineage structures or taxon limits among moths that have been previously found to be different using the pheromone mate recognition system, but which have not been subjected to DNA analysis. The results of mtDNA analyses presented here support recognition ofchrysitisandtuttilineages as presented in previous allozyme studies.
Protoxenidae fam. nov. (Insecta, Strepsiptera) from Baltic amber — a ‘missing link’ in strepsipteran phylogeny
Authors: Pohl Hans , Beutel Rolf G. , Kinzelbach Ragnar 
Published: January 2005

A male specimen of a new strepsipteran genus and species (Protoxenos janzeni gen. et sp. nov.) and family (Protoxenidae fam. nov.) found in Baltic amber is described and illustrated. It shows features which are apparently more plesiomorphic than in hitherto known strepsipterans, such as laterally inserted eight‐segmented antennae, very robust mandibles with a broad base, a prominent galea, a comparatively short, transverse metapostnotum, hindwings that are feebly extended in a rostrocaudal direction, and equally sclerotized abdominal tergites and sternites. Based on a cladistic analysis of 46 characters of males of 11 genera and three outgroup taxa, P. janzeni is the sister group of all other known strepsipterans, and Mengea the sister group of Strepsiptera s.s. Eoxenos is the sister group of the remaining extant strepsipterans and Mengenillidae is therefore paraphyletic. Newly established groundplan features of Strepsiptera will facilitate the clarification of the systematic position of the Order in future studies.
Effect of chitosan on weight loss in overweight and obese individuals: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Mhurchu C. Ni , Dunshea‐Mooij C. , Bennett D. , Rodgers A. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryThis article aims to determine whether chitosan, a popular, over‐the‐counter, weight loss supplement, is an effective treatment for overweight and obesity. It is designed as a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. The data sources include the electronic databases Medline, EMBASE, Biosis, CINAHL and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CCTR); the specialized websites Controlled Trials, International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements (IBIDS), System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe (SIGLE), Reuter's Health Service, Natural Alternatives International and Pharmanutrients; and bibliographies of relevant journal articles. Included were randomized controlled trials of chitosan with a minimum duration of 4 weeks in adults who were overweight or obese and/or had hypercholesterolaemia at baseline. Fourteen trials involving a total of 1071 participants were included in the review. Analyses involving all trials indicated that chitosan preparations result in a small but statistically significant greater reduction in body weight (weighted mean difference −1.7 kg; 95% confidence interval −2.1, −1.3 kg, P < 0.00001) compared with placebo. Analyses restricted to high‐quality studies showed that reductions in weight [−0.6 (−1.2, 0.1) kg, P = 0.11] were less than in lower quality  studies [−2.3 (−2.7, −1.8) kg, P < 0.00001]. Results obtained from high‐quality trials indicate that the effect of chitosan on body weight is minimal and unlikely to be of clinical significance.
Prevalence of obesity in the United States
Authors: Baskin M. L. , Ard J. , Franklin F. , Allison D. B. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryObesity is a major public health problem in the United States. Data on measured heights and weights indicates that the prevalence of obesity has significantly increased among the US population over the past 30 years. Data collected from 1999 to 2002 estimates that nearly 1/3 of adults are obese (27.6% of men and 33.2% of women) and one in six children and adolescents is overweight. Increased prevalence of excessive weight is noted among all age, gender and racial/ethnic groups; however, disparities exist. There is a need for further research to better understand why these increases have occurred, why the observed disparities exist and how to reverse these trends.
Prevalence of obesity in Turkey
Authors: Yumuk V. D. 
Published: January 2005

SummaryObesity and overweight are increasing in Turkey according to the field surveys that were carried out a decade apart (TEKHARF 1990 and 2000). The overall prevalence of obesity in adults was 18.6% in the year 1990. Ten years later in 2000, the prevalence was 21.9%, which shows a relative increase rate of 17.7%. As it is true for most of the countries, overweight is more common in men and obesity is more prevalent among women in Turkey.