bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why is high-risk drinking more prevalent among men than women? evidence from South Korea
Authors: Chung Woojin , Lim Seungji , Lee Sunmi
Published: February 2012

Background

It is important to identify and quantify the factors that affect gender differences in high-risk drinking (HRD), from both an academic and a policy perspective. However, little is currently known about them. This study examines these factors and estimates the percentage contribution each makes to gender differences in HRD.

Methods

This study analyzed information on 23,587 adults obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Surveys of 1998, 2001, and 2005. It found that the prevalence of HRD was about 5 times higher among men (0.37) than women (0.08). Using a decomposition approach extended from the Oaxaca-Blinder method, we decomposed the gender difference in HRD to an "overall composition effect" (contributions due to gender differences in the distribution of observed socio-economic characteristics), and an "overall HRD-tendency effect" (contributions due to gender differences in tendencies in HRD for individuals who share socio-economic characteristics).

Results

The HRD-tendency effect accounted for 96% of the gender difference in HRD in South Korea, whereas gender differences in observed socio-economic characteristics explained just 4% of the difference. Notably, the gender-specific HRD-tendency effect accounts for 90% of the gender difference in HRD.

Conclusion

We came to a finding that gender-specific HRD tendency is the greatest contributor to gender differences in HRD. Therefore, to effective reduce HRD, it will be necessary to understand gender differences in socioeconomic characteristics between men and women but also take notice of such differences in sociocultural settings as they experience. And it will be also required to prepare any gender-differentiated intervention strategy for men and women.
MS/MS library facilitated MRM quantification of native peptides prepared by denaturing ultrafiltration
Authors: Lenco Juraj , Lan Renny , Edwards Nathan , Goldman Radoslav
Published: February 2012

Naturally occurring native peptides provide important information about physiological states of an organism and its changes in disease conditions but protocols and methods for assessing their abundance are not well-developed. In this paper, we describe a simple procedure for the quantification of non-tryptic peptides in body fluids. The workflow includes an enrichment step followed by two-dimensional fractionation of native peptides and MS/MS data management facilitating the design and validation of LC- MRM MS assays. The added value of the workflow is demonstrated in the development of a triplex LC-MRM MS assay used for quantification of peptides potentially associated with the progression of liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with frequency of breakfast, lunch and evening meal: cross-sectional study of 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds
Authors: Pedersen Trine Pagh , Meilstrup Charlotte , Holstein Bjørn E , Rasmussen Mette
Published: February 2012

Background

Frequency of eating breakfast, lunch and evening meal as a determinant of fruit and vegetable intake among young people is little studied. We investigated whether irregular meal consumption was associated with fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents. We used separate analyses, and special emphasis was on the potentially modifying effect of sex and age.

Methods

Data were from the Danish contribution to the international collaborative Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Study (HBSC) in 2002. We used a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional design to study schoolchildren aged 11, 13 and 15 years (n = 3913) selected from a random sample of schools in Denmark. Fruit intake and vegetable intake were measured by a food frequency questionnaire and analyses were conducted using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Overall, statistically significant associations were found between irregular breakfast, lunch and evening meal consumption and low frequency of fruit intake and vegetable intake (breakfast: fruit OR = 1.42, vegetables OR = 1.48; lunch: fruit OR = 1.68, vegetables OR = 1.83; evening meal: vegetables OR = 1.70). No association was found for irregular evening meal consumption and low frequency of fruit intake. Analyses stratified by sex showed that the associations between irregular breakfast consumption and both fruit and vegetable intake remained statistically significant only among girls. When analyses were stratified by both sex and age, different patterns appeared. Overall, skipping meals seemed to be a less serious risk factor for low frequency of fruit and vegetable intake among younger participants compared with those who were older. This was especially evident for skipping breakfast. The same tendency was also seen for skipping lunch and evening meal, although the age pattern varied between boys and girls and between fruit and vegetable intake.

Conclusion

Our results showed that irregular breakfast, lunch and evening meal consumption among adolescents was associated with a low frequency of fruit and vegetable intake and that sex and age may play a modifying role. The different associations observed in different age and sex groups indicate the importance of analysing fruit and vegetable intake and meal types separately. The results highlight the importance of promoting regular meal consumption when trying to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables among adolescents.
The chronic effects of fish oil with exercise on postprandial lipaemia and chylomicron homeostasis in insulin resistant viscerally obese men
Authors: Slivkoff-Clark Karin M , James Anthony P , Mamo John C L
Published: February 2012

Background

Visceral obesity and insulin resistance are associated with a postprandial accumulation of atherogenic chylomicron remnants that is difficult to modulate with lipid-lowering therapies. Dietary fish oil and exercise are cardioprotective interventions that can significantly modify the metabolism of TAG-rich lipoproteins. In this study, we investigated whether chronic exercise and fish oil act in combination to affect chylomicron metabolism in obese men with moderate insulin resistance.

Methods

The single blind study tested the effect of fish oil, exercise and the combined treatments on fasting and postprandial chylomicron metabolism. Twenty nine men with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to take fish oil or placebo for four weeks, before undertaking an additional 12 week walking program. At baseline and at the end of each treatment, subjects were tested for concentrations of fasting apo B48, plasma lipids and insulin. Postprandial apo B48 and TAG kinetics were also determined following ingestion of a fat enriched meal.

Results

Combining fish oil and exercise resulted in a significant reduction in the fasting apo B48 concentration, concomitant with attenuation of fasting TAG concentrations and the postprandial TAGIAUC response (p < 0.05). Fish oil by itself reduced the postprandial TAG response (p < 0.05) but not postprandial apo B48 kinetics. Individual treatments of fish oil and exercise did not correspond with improvements in fasting plasma TAG and apo B48.

Conclusion

Fish oil was shown to independently improve plasma TAG homeostasis but did not resolve hyper-chylomicronaemia. Instead, combining fish oil with chronic exercise reduced the plasma concentration of pro-atherogenic chylomicron remnants; in addition it reduced the fasting and postprandial TAG response in viscerally obese insulin resistant subjects.
Female Anopheles gambiae antennae: increased transcript accumulation of the mosquito-specific odorant-binding-protein OBP2
Authors: Hoffman Seth A , Aravind Lakshminarayanan , Velmurugan Soundarapandian
Published: February 2012

Background

New interventions are required to optimally and sustainably control the Anopheles sp. mosquitoes that transmit malaria and filariasis. The mosquito olfactory system is important in host seeking (transmission) and mate finding (reproduction). Understanding olfactory function could lead to development of control strategies based on repelling parasite-carrying mosquitoes or attracting them into a fatal trap.

Findings

Our initial focus is on odorant binding proteins with differential transcript accumulation between female and male mosquitoes. We report that the odorant binding protein, OBP2 (AGAP003306), had increased expression in the antennae of female vs. male Anopheles gambiae
sensu stricto (G3 strain). The increased expression in antennae of females of this gene by quantitative RT-PCR was 4.2 to 32.3 fold in three independent biological replicates and two technical replicate experiments using A. gambiae from two different laboratories. OBP2 is a member of the vast OBP superfamily of insect odorant binding proteins and belongs to the predominantly dipteran clade that includes the Culex oviposition kairomone-binding OBP1. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that its orthologs are present across culicid mosquitoes and are likely to play a conserved role in recognizing a molecule that might be critical for female behavior.

Conclusions

OBP2 has increased mRNA transcript accumulation in the antennae of female as compared to male A. gambiae. This molecule and related molecules may play an important role in female mosquito feeding and breeding behavior. This finding may be a step toward providing a foundation for understanding mosquito olfactory requirements and developing control strategies based on reducing mosquito feeding and breeding success.
Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials for the Incidence and Risk of Treatment-Related Mortality in Patients With Cancer Treated With Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Schutz Fabio A.B. , Je Youjin , Richards Christopher J. , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have become the cornerstone in the treatment of several malignancies. These drugs have also been associated with an increase in the risk of potentially life-threatening adverse events, such as arterial thrombotic events, bleeding, congestive heart failure, and others. We performed an up-to-date meta-analysis to determine the risk of fatal adverse events (FAEs) in patients with cancer treated with VEGFR TKIs.

Methods

MEDLINE and PubMed databases were searched for articles published from January 1966 to February 2011. Eligible studies were limited to trials of US Food and Drug Administration–approved VEGFR TKIs (pazopanib, sunitinib, and sorafenib) that reported on patients with cancer with any primary tumor type, randomized design, and adequate safety profile. Statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the summary incidence, relative risk (RR), and 95% CIs by using random-effects or fixed-effects models on the basis of the heterogeneity of included studies.

Results

In all, 4,679 patients from 10 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, with 2,856 from sorafenib, 1,388 from sunitinib, and 435 from pazopanib trials. The incidence of FAEs related to VEGFR TKIs was 1.5% (95% CI, 0.8% to 2.4%) with an RR of 2.23 (95% CI, 1.12 to 4.44; P = .023) compared with control patients. On subgroup analysis, no difference in the rate of FAEs was found between different VEGFR TKIs or tumor types. No evidence of publication bias was observed.

Conclusion

In a meta-analysis of RCTs, the use of VEGFR TKIs was associated with an increased risk of FAEs compared with control patients.
Defucosylated Anti-CCR4 Monoclonal Antibody (KW-0761) for Relapsed Adult T-Cell Leukemia-Lymphoma: A Multicenter Phase II Study
Authors: Ishida Takashi , Joh Tatsuro , Uike Naokuni , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Utsunomiya Atae , Yoshida Shinichiro , Saburi Yoshio , Miyamoto Toshihiro , Takemoto Shigeki , Suzushima Hitoshi , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Nosaka Kisato , Fujiwara Hiroshi , Ishitsuka Kenji , Inagaki Hiroshi , Ogura Michinori , Akinaga Shiro , Tomonaga Masao , Tobinai Kensei , Ueda Ryuzo
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is usually resistant to conventional chemotherapies, and there are few other treatment options. Because CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4) is expressed on tumor cells from most patients with ATL, KW-0761, a humanized anti-CCR4 monoclonal antibody, which markedly enhances antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, was evaluated in the treatment of patients with relapsed ATL.

Patients and Methods

A multicenter phase II study of KW-0761 for patients with relapsed, aggressive CCR4-positive ATL was conducted to evaluate efficacy, pharmacokinetic profile, and safety. The primary end point was overall response rate, and secondary end points included progression-free and overall survival from the first dose of KW-0761. Patients received intravenous infusions of KW-0761 once per week for 8 weeks at a dose of 1.0 mg/kg.

Results

Of 28 patients enrolled onto the study, 27 received at least one infusion of KW-0761. Objective responses were noted in 13 of 26 evaluable patients, including eight complete responses, with an overall response rate of 50% (95% CI, 30% to 70%). Median progression-free and overall survival were 5.2 and 13.7 months, respectively. The mean half-life period after the eighth infusion was 422 ± 147 hours (± standard deviation). The most common adverse events were infusion reactions (89%) and skin rashes (63%), which were manageable and reversible in all cases.

Conclusion

KW-0761 demonstrated clinically meaningful antitumor activity in patients with relapsed ATL, with an acceptable toxicity profile. Further investigation of KW-0761 for treatment of ATL and other T-cell neoplasms is warranted.
Initiation of synapse formation by Wnt-induced MuSK endocytosis
Authors: Gordon Laura R. , Gribble Katherine D. , Syrett Camille M. , Granato Michael
Published: February 2012

In zebrafish, the MuSK receptor initiates neuromuscular synapse formation by restricting presynaptic growth cones and postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) to the center of skeletal muscle cells. Increasing evidence suggests a role for Wnts in this process, yet how muscle cells respond to Wnt signals is unclear. Here, we show that in vivo, wnt11r and wnt4a initiate MuSK translocation from muscle membranes to recycling endosomes and that this transition is crucial for AChR accumulation at future synaptic sites. Moreover, we demonstrate that components of the planar cell polarity pathway colocalize to recycling endosomes and that this localization is MuSK dependent. Knockdown of several core components disrupts MuSK translocation to endosomes, AChR localization and axonal guidance. We propose that Wnt-induced trafficking of the MuSK receptor to endosomes initiates a signaling cascade to align pre- with postsynaptic elements. Collectively, these findings suggest a general mechanism by which Wnt signals shape synaptic connectivity through localized receptor endocytosis.
Cis-regulatory properties of medaka synexpression groups
Authors: Ramialison Mirana , Reinhardt Robert , Henrich Thorsten , Wittbrodt Beate , Kellner Tanja , Lowy Camille M. , Wittbrodt Joachim
Published: February 2012

During embryogenesis, tissue specification is triggered by the expression of a unique combination of developmental genes and their expression in time and space is crucial for successful development. Synexpression groups are batteries of spatiotemporally co-expressed genes that act in shared biological processes through their coordinated expression. Although several synexpression groups have been described in numerous vertebrate species, the regulatory mechanisms that orchestrate their common complex expression pattern remain to be elucidated. Here we performed a pilot screen on 560 genes of the vertebrate model system medaka (Oryzias latipes) to systematically identify synexpression groups and investigate their regulatory properties by searching for common regulatory cues. We find that synexpression groups share DNA motifs that are arranged in various combinations into cis-regulatory modules that drive co-expression. In contrast to previous assumptions that these genes are located randomly in the genome, we discovered that genes belonging to the same synexpression group frequently occur in synexpression clusters in the genome. This work presents a first repertoire of synexpression group common signatures, a resource that will contribute to deciphering developmental gene regulatory networks.
Endothelial dysfunction enhances the pulmonary and systemic vasodilator effects of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition in awake swine at rest and during treadmill exercise
Authors: Houweling Birgit , Quispel Johan , Beier Norbert , Verdouw Pieter D , Duncker Dirk J , Merkus Daphne
Published: February 2012

Cardiovascular disease is characterized by impaired exercise capacity and endothelial dysfunction, i.e. reduced bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibition is a promising vasodilator therapy, but its effects on pulmonary and systemic hemodynamic responses to exercise in the absence, and particularly in the presence, of endothelial dysfunction have not been studied. We investigated the effects of PDE5 inhibitor EMD360527 in chronically instrumented swine at rest and during exercise with and without NO synthase inhibition ( Nω-nitro-l-arginine; NLA). PDE5 inhibition caused a 19 ± 3% decrease in systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and a 24 ± 4% decrease in pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) at rest. At maximal exercise, PDE5 inhibition caused a 13 ± 1% decrease in SVR and a 29 ± 3% decrease in PVR. NLA enhanced PDE5-inhibition-induced pulmonary (decrease in PVR 32 ± 12% at rest and 41 ± 3% during exercise) and systemic (decrease in SVR 24 ± 5% at rest and 18 ± 3% during exercise) vasodilation. Similarly, NLA increased the pulmonary and systemic vasodilation to nitroprusside and 8-bromo-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), indicating that inhibition of NO synthase increases responsiveness to stimulation of the NO/cGMP pathway. Thus, PDE5 inhibition causes pulmonary and systemic vasodilation that is, respectively, maintained and slightly blunted during exercise. The degree of dilation in both the pulmonary and systemic beds were paradoxically enhanced in the presence of reduced bioavailability of NO, suggesting that this vasodilator therapy is most effective in patients with cardiovascular disease.
What Was the Programme Theory of New Labour'S Health System Reforms?
Authors: Millar Ross , Powell Martin , Dixon Anna
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To examine whether the Health System Reforms delivered the promise of being a coherent and mutually supporting reform programme; to identify the underlying programme theory of the reform programme; to reflect on whether lessons have been learned.

Methods

Documentary analysis mapping the implicit and explicit programme theories about how the reforms intended to achieve its goals and outcomes. Semi-structured interviews with policy-makers to further understand the programme theory.

Results

The Health System Reforms assumed a ‘one size fits all’ approach to policy implementation with little recognition that some contexts can be more receptive than others. There was evidence of some policy evolution and rebalancing between the reform streams as policy-makers became aware of some perverse incentives and unforeseen consequences. Later elements aimed to restore balance to the system.

Conclusions

The Health System Reforms do not appear to comprise a coherent and mutually supportive set of levers and incentives. They appear unbalanced with the centre of gravity favouring suppliers over commissioners. However, recent reform changes have sought to redress this imbalance to some extent, suggesting that lessons have been learned and policies have been adapted over time.
Commissioning Processes in Primary Care Trusts: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Health Care Commissioners in England
Authors: Sampson Fiona , O'cathain Alicia , Strong Mark , Pickin Mark , Esmonde Lisa
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To determine the extent to which primary care trusts (PCTs) in England employed processes associated with quality commissioning and to assess whether changes occurred in these processes during a policy drive to improve commissioning.

Methods

Telephone surveys of PCT managers leading commissioning for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), coronary heart disease (CHD), and emergency and urgent care in all 152 PCTs in both 2009 and 2010.

Results

The response rate was 51% (77/152) of PCTs in 2009 and 60% (91/152) in 2010. Two-thirds of commissioners had commissioned initiatives starting in the previous financial year. Over half of initiatives starting in 2008/09 had been instigated by the PCT alone. This reduced to a third in 2010, showing a shift towards partnership working. Commissioners reported that a large proportion of initiatives had been developed and shaped with the involvement of general practitioners (GPs) with direct links to the PCT and of specialist clinicians (70%), but that a lower proportion of initiatives had involvement from other GPs (40%). Patients or the public were less likely to be involved in initiatives than clinicians, but there was evidence of increasing involvement over the two years from 35% (52/149) to 51% (67/132) of initiatives. There was no evidence of changes in whether needs assessment was undertaken, how evidence was used or how initiatives were led and performance managed.

Conclusions

PCT commissioners reported clinical engagement in the majority of commissioning initiatives, a shift towards partnership commissioning, and increased involvement of patients and public in the development of initiatives. The new model of commissioning in England through clinical commissioning groups will need to improve on these processes if it is to demonstrate a higher quality approach to commissioning.
The influence of temperature and small organic ligands on the sorption of Eu(III) on Opalinus Clay
Authors: Schott J. , Acker M. , Barkleit A. , Brendler V. , Taut S. , Bernhard G.
Published: February 2012

The influence of temperature up to 50 ºC and small organic ligands (citrate, tartrate) on the sorption of Eu(III) on the natural clay rock Opalinus Clay (OPA) under aerobic (pCO2= 10−3.5 atm) synthetic OPA pore water conditions (pH 7.6,I= 0.4 mol L−1) was investigated. Batch sorption experiments and time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) were used to study these influencing factors on the Eu(III) sorption.

Sorption isotherms and distribution coefficientsRd(15 ºC: logRd= 4.50 ± 0.05...50 ºC: logRd= 5.54 ± 0.06) at 2 × 10−9 mol L−1Eu(III) as a function of the solid-to-liquid ratio (up to 3 g L−1) and temperature were determined. A significant temperature dependency of the Eu(III) sorption was observed. With rising temperature the Eu(III) sorption increases. The surface reaction is endothermic (ΔHsorb∼ 50 kJ mol−1). Using TRLFS, a surface species with a luminescence emission lifetime of 201 ± 9 μs was identified.

In the presence of tartrate or citrate the Eu(III) sorption decreases with increasing ligand concentration due to a complex formation of Eu(III) in solution, with citrate having a more pronounced influence on the sorption than tartrate. With the batch sorption experiments it can be shown that at a citrate concentration larger than 10−5 mol L−1and at a tartrate concentration larger than 10−4 mol L−1an increasing Eu(III) desorption occurs. This result is supported by TRLFS measurements, which show the correlation between the complexation of Eu(III) by citrate or tartrate in solution and the Eu(III) desorption process. Possible Eu(III) citrate or Eu(III) tartrate surface species on OPA could not be detected using TRLFS.
Early Childhood Family Intervention and Long-term Obesity Prevention Among High-risk Minority Youth
Authors: Brotman Laurie Miller , Dawson-McClure Spring , Huang Keng-Yen , Theise Rachelle , Kamboukos Dimitra , Wang Jing , Petkova Eva , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To test the hypothesis that family intervention to promote effective parenting in early childhood affects obesity in preadolescence.

METHODS:

Participants were 186 minority youth at risk for behavior problems who enrolled in long-term follow-up studies after random assignment to family intervention or control condition at age 4. Follow-up Study 1 included 40 girls at familial risk for behavior problems; Follow-up Study 2 included 146 boys and girls at risk for behavior problems based on teacher ratings. Family intervention aimed to promote effective parenting and prevent behavior problems during early childhood; it did not focus on physical health. BMI and health behaviors were measured an average of 5 years after intervention in Study 1 and 3 years after intervention in Study 2.

RESULTS:

Youth randomized to intervention had significantly lower BMI at follow-up relative to controls (Study 1 P = .05; Study 2 P = .006). Clinical impact is evidenced by lower rates of obesity (BMI ≥95th percentile) among intervention girls and boys relative to controls (Study 2: 24% vs 54%, P = .002). There were significant intervention-control group differences on physical and sedentary activity, blood pressure, and diet.

CONCLUSIONS:

Two long-term follow-up studies of randomized trials show that relative to controls, youth at risk for behavior problems who received family intervention at age 4 had lower BMI and improved health behaviors as they approached adolescence. Efforts to promote effective parenting and prevent behavior problems early in life may contribute to the reduction of obesity and health disparities.
Direct Synthesis of Pure Radiative Vo2 (M) Plate Like Structures Via Hydrothermolysis at Low Temperature
Authors: Simo A. , Edomwonyi-Otu L.C. , Madjoe R. , Maaza M.
Published: February 2012

Facile and direct synthesis of radiative VO2 (M) plate-like is reported. The snowflake material presents superstructures plate-like aggregate with an anisotropic orientation in shape governed by V2O5 and NaOH concentration giving high surface energy liable for chemical reactions with the medium. Pure crystalline VO2 (M) has been obtained with a complete hydrothermolysis of the precursor. The morphological, structural, elemental composition, crystallinity and vibrational bands of the powders were characterized by Powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Selected Area Electron Diffraction (SAED) and Fourier Transform-Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) infrared spectroscopy.
Thermoelectric Properties of Silicon Nanowire Array and Spin-on Glass Composites Fabricated with CMOS-compatible Techniques
Authors: Curtin Benjamin M. , Bowers John E.
Published: February 2012

Silicon nanowires (NWs) are promising thermoelectric materials as they offer large reductions in thermal conductivity over bulk Si without a significant decrease in the Seebeck coefficient or electrical conductivity. In this work, interference lithography was used to pattern a square lattice photoresist template over 2 cm x 2 cm Si substrates. The resulting vertical Si NW arrays were 1 μm tall with a packing density of ~15%, and the diameter of the Si NWs were 80 - 90 nm. The Si NW arrays were then embedded in spin-on glass (SOG) to form a dense composite material with a measured thermal conductivity of 1.45 W/m-K at 300 K. Devices were fabricated for cross-plane Seebeck coefficient measurements and the Si NW/SOG composite was found to have a Seebeck coefficient of roughly -284 μV/K, which is similar to bulk Si with the same doping. We also report a combined power generation of 29.3 μW from both the Si NW array and Si substrate with a temperature difference of 56 K and 50 μm x 50 μm device area.
The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitizationand Reprocessing in the Treatment of TraumatizedChildren and Youth
Authors: Fleming Jocelyn
Published: February 2012

This article provides a summary of all the studies that have investigated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment of traumatized children and adolescents. The effectiveness of the treatment is revealed in more than 15 studies. This article considers the differences between Type I and Type II traumas and specifically examines the effects of EMDR on traumatic stress experienced by children and youth following Type I and Type II traumas. There is a considerable body of research evaluating EMDR treatment of Type I traumas, showing strong evidence for its efficacy, but there are few studies that have specifically investigated EMDR treatment of Type II traumas. The effect of EMDR on various symptoms and problem areas is also examined. Recommendations are made for the clinical application of EMDR and for further research.
Spontaneous Potentials in Hydrocarbon Reservoirs During Waterflooding: Application to Water-Front Monitoring
Authors: Jackson M.D.. D. , Gulamali M.Y.. Y. , Leinov E.. , Saunders J.H.. H. , Vinogradov J..
Published: February 2012

Spontaneous potential (SP) is routinely measured using wireline tools during reservoir characterization. However, SP signals are also generated during hydrocarbon production, in response to gradients in the water-phase pressure (relative to hydrostatic), chemical composition, and temperature. We use numerical modeling to investigate the likely magnitude of the SP in an oil reservoir during production, and suggest that measurements of SP, using electrodes permanently installed downhole, could be used to detect and monitor water encroaching on a well while it is several tens to hundreds of meters away. We simulate the SP generated during production from a single vertical well, with pressure support provided by water injection. We vary the production rate, and the temperature and salinity of the injected water, to vary the contribution of the different components of the SP signal. We also vary the values of the so-called "coupling coefficients," which relate gradients in fluid potential, salinity, and temperature to gradients in electrical potential. The values of these coupling coefficients at reservoir conditions are poorly constrained.

We find that the magnitude of the SP can be large (up to hundreds of mV) and peaks at the location of the moving water front, where there are steep gradients in water saturation and salinity. The signal decays with distance from the front, typically over several tens to hundreds of meters; consequently, the encroaching water can be detected and monitored before it arrives at the production well. Before water breakthrough, the SP at the well is dominated by the electrokinetic and electrochemical components arising from gradients in fluid potential and salinity; thermoelectric potentials only become significant after water breakthrough, because the temperature change associated with the injected water lags behind the water front. The shape of the SP signal measured along the well reflects the geometry of the encroaching waterfront. Our results suggest that SP monitoring during production, using permanently installed downhole electrodes, is a promising method to image moving water fronts. Larger signals will be obtained in low-permeability reservoirs produced at high rate, saturated with formation brine of low salinity, or with brine of a very different salinity from that injected.
Composite Resin to Yttria Stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal Bonding: Comparison of Repair Methods
Authors: Cristoforides P. , Amaral R. , May L. G. , Bottino M. A. , Valandro L. F.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate different approaches for bonding composite to the surface of yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (Y-TZP) ceramics.

Methods

One hundred Y-TZP blocks were embedded in acrylic resin, had the free surface polished, and were randomly divided into 10 groups (n=10). The tested repair approaches included four surface treatments: tribochemical silica coating (TBS), methacryloxydecyldihidrogenphosphate (MDP)–containing primer/silane, sandblasting, and metal/zirconia primer. Alcohol cleaning was used as a “no treatment” control. Surface treatment was followed by the application (or lack thereof) of an MDP-containing resin cement liner. Subsequently, a composite resin was applied to the ceramic surface using a cylindrical mold (4-mm diameter). After aging for 60 days in water storage, including 6000 thermal cycles, the specimens were submitted to a shear test. Analysis of variance and the Tukey test were used for statistical analyses (α=0.05).

Results

Surface treatment was a statistically significant factor (F=85.42; p<0.0001). The application of the MDP-containing liner had no effect on bond strength (p=0.1017). TBS was the only treatment that had a significantly positive effect on bond strength after aging.

Conclusion

Considering the evaluated approaches, TBS seems to be the best surface treatment for Y-TZP composite repairs. The use of an MDP-containing liner between the composite and Y-TZP surfaces is not effective.
Degree of Conversion of Simplified Contemporary Adhesive Systems as Influenced by Extended Air-Activated or Passive Solvent Volatilization Modes
Authors: Borges BCD , Souza-Junior EJ , Brandt WC , Loguercio AD , Montes MAJR , Puppin-Rontani RM , Sinhoreti MAC
Published: February 2012

This study evaluated the effect of five methods of solvent volatilization on the degree of conversion (DC) of nine one-bottle adhesive systems using Fouriertransform infrared/attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR) analysis. Nine adhesives were tested: Adper Single Bond 2 (SB), Adper Easy One (EO), One Up Bond F Plus (OUP), One Coat Bond SL (OC), XP Bond (XP), Ambar (AM), Natural Bond (NB), GO, and Stae. The adhesive systems were applied to a zinc-selenide pellet and 1) cured without solvent volatilization, 2) left undisturbed for 10 seconds before curing, 3) left undisturbed for 60 seconds before curing, 4) air-dried with an air stream for 10 seconds before curing, and 5) air-dried with an air stream for 60 seconds before curing. FTIR/ATR spectra were obtained, and the DC was calculated by comparing the aliphatic bonds/reference peaks before and after light activation for 10 seconds (FlashLite 1401). The DC means of each material were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test (p<0.05). The DC of GO and Stae adhesive systems was not affected by the five evaporation conditions. Air-drying for 60 seconds before curing yielded the highest DC for SB, EO, and OC. Extended solvent volatilization time (60 seconds) either with or without air-drying before curing provided the highest DC for AM, NB, XP, and OUP. Thus, the monomer conversion of adhesive systems was material dependent. In general, the 60-second passive or active air-drying modes to volatilize solvents before curing enhanced the degree of conversion for the one-bottle simplified adhesive systems.
Comparative leaf anatomy of some endemic Crocus L. taxa from Turkey
Authors: Kandemir Nezahat
Published: February 2012

Relationships among 14 Crocus L. taxa such as, C. ancyrensis (Herbert) Maw, C. baytopiorum Mathew, C. biflorus Miller ssp. crewei (Hook.) Mathew, C. biflorus ssp. isauricus (Siehe ex Bowles) Mathew, C. biflorus ssp. nubigena (Herbert) Mathew, C. biflorus ssp. pseudonubigena Mathew, C. cancellatus Herbert ssp. cancellatus, C. cancellatus ssp. damascenus (Herb ert) Mathew, C. cancellatus ssp. lycius Mathew, C. cancellatus ssp. mazziaricus (Herbert) Mathew, C. cancellatus ssp. pamphylicus Mathew, C. pestalozzae Boiss., C. reticulatus Steven ex Adams ssp. hittiticus (T. Baytop & Mathew) Mathew and C. sieheanus Barr ex Burtt collected from different two locations of Turkey have been investigated using 11 anatomic leaves characters. These taxa are endemic (except ssp. damascenus) and rare in Turkey. The anatomical variations in the cross sections of the leaf parts of the taxa were ascertained by statistical methods. It appears that the length and breadth measurements of palisade and spongy parenchyma cells, trachea diameter and cuticle thickness are important leaf anatomical characters that show variation in relation to altitudes. Key words: Crocus; Endemic; Leaf anatomy; Relationships DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i2.9771   Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(2): 155-162, 2011 (December)
Genetic variability of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott.
Authors: Paul KK , Bari MA , Debnath SC
Published: February 2012

Studies on the nature and extent of variability of aqua edible aroids cultivars, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott. revealed significant differences and wide range of variations among the accessions and cultivars. Genotypic variances and coefficient of variation for most of the characters were remarkably higher than their corresponding variances due to environment which also indicate the existence of variation in genotypic origin. Plant height, petiole length, leaf length, each stolon weight, total stolon weight, stolon length and corm length expressed high heritability with moderate to high genetic advance signaled heritable in nature. Key words: Genetic variability; Heritability; Colocasia esculenta; Genetic advance DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v40i2.9775   Bangladesh J. Bot. 40(2): 185-188, 2011 (December)
Bacteriological, Physical And Chemical Properties Of The Pagla Sewage Treatment Plants Water
Authors: Saha Mihir Lal , Alam Ashraful , Khan Mahbubar Rahman , Hoque Sirajul
Published: February 2012

Samples from Pagla sewage treatment plant at different treatment stages showed more or less similar temperature (26.9 - 27.5°C). The pH ranged from 7.2 - 7.9. Influent water and primary sedimentation tank water were brownish in colour while sludge water was light black. The lagoon water and treated water were greenish. The ammonium?nitrogen (NH+4-N) and nitrate?nitrogen (NO-3?N) ranged from 5.24 - 61.94 mg/l and 2.55 - 11.02 mg/l, respectively. Phosphorus of the water was 1.34 - 4.50 mg/l. The suspended solids (SS) ranged from 25.48 ? 374.69 mg/l. In the present study the amount of SS in the treated water were found to be quite satisfactory. The total bacterial population in Pagla sewage treatments plant was in between 2.9 × 104 and 2.5 × 106 cfu/ml. The qualitative bacterial spectrum showed a potential consortium of bacteria associated with the treatment plant. Both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were present. Gram positive bacteria were represented by the different species of the genus Bacillus, Aureobacterium and Kurthia. Among them Bacillus was the dominant genus. The different species of Bacillus were Bacillus sphaericus, B. fastidiosus, B. circulans and B. pasteurii. Gram negative bacteria were Zoogloea, Yersinia, Citrobacter and Pseudomonas. A good number of microorganisms were found to be associated with the bio-oxidation of the organic compounds of the influent. The Zoogloea along with other free flowing aerobic heterotrophic bacteria like Bacillus, Pseudomonas could play the major role in the sewage treatment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i1.9739 DUJBS 2012 21(1): 1-7
Morphogenesis Of Three Surface-Water Gley Soils From The Meghna Floodplain Of Bangladesh
Authors: Khan ZH , Hussain MS , Ottner F
Published: February 2012

Surface-water gley soils comprise extensive area on the seasonally wet landscape of Meghna floodplain in Bangladesh. Three typical surface-water gley soils from the above floodplain were studied in the field and laboratory for their pedogenesis. Morphological properties indicate that there is formation of gleyed/ pseudogleyed horizons in the soil profiles. Extensive development of mottles, ploughpans and flood coatings or gleyans is the most notable morphogenetic features in these soils. Physically, these soils are medium to fine textured where textural class ranged between silt loam and silty clay. Chemically, the soils are moderately acidic to neutral in reaction with seasonally fluctuating pH in the surface horizon. The ΔpH values are all negative and range from – 0.90 to – 2.01. The organic matter content in the surface soil is relatively low that decreases steadily with depth. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soils ranged from 3.53 to 14.08 cmol p+/kg with an average of 10.10 cmol p+/kg and base saturation per cent (BSP) varied from 59 to 86. The Ca++/Mg++ ratio is less than unity indicating loss of Ca++ due to gleization in these soils.
Haematological Profile Of Thai And Indigenous Male And Female Air Breathing Climbing Perch
Authors: Hasan Mahmud , Al-Mamun Abdullah , Rabbane Md Golam
Published: February 2012

This study evaluated the haematological profile of air breathing Thai and indigenous male and female climbing perch (in Bangla, koi) Anabus testudineus to improve understanding the differences between two strains at blood parameters level. Haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), erythrocyte red blood cells (RBC) or erythrocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils and eosinophils were identified by mythic 18 automated haematology analyzer. Most haematological parameters indicated significant (p < 0.05) intra species sex variations. Higher Hb concentration, RBC counts and HCT percentages were found in Thai and indigenous males compared to their counterparts but higher MCH values, WBC counts and ESR levels were detected in both Thai and indigenous females than in the males. Similar concentration of Hb was detected in the same sex between fish. In contrast, higher level of ESR was observed in both female than did the males. Total counts of RBC observed in both Thai and indigenous male was significantly higher than in the females. MCV was found higher in indigenous male and female than in Thai one. However, no significant differences were observed in neutrophils, lymphocytes and eosinophils. Findings of this study showed sex variations in the haematological parameters between Thai and indigenous climbing perch. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i1.9746 DUJBS 2012 21(1): 67-77
Nutritional Qualities Of Hilsha And Sarpunti In Different Salt Curing Methods
Authors: Mustafa Md Ghulam , Begum Sayeda Rezwana , Khaleque Md Abdul , Jannat Meshkatul , Ahsan Dewan Ali
Published: February 2012

Qualities of different salt curing methods such as pickle, mixed, dry and brine salting were assessed in respect of biochemical composition in hilsha and sarpunti. In hilsha, protein, fat and calcium (Ca) contents were slightly higher in laboratory salted products than that of commercial one and phosphorous (P) and iron (Fe) were more or less similar in both laboratory and commercial cases. In sarpunti protein, fat, P and Fe contents were more or less similar both in laboratory and commercially salted products but Ca content is significantly higher in four types of laboratory products than those of commercial one. Among the four salted products of hilsha and sarpunti, the protein (36.24 ± 0.58 and 34.04 ± 0.62%), fat (6.81 ± 0.34 and 11.34 ± 0.60%), Ca (114.45 ± 1.45 and 444.13 ± 0.83 mg/100g fish), P (193 ± 1.40 and 124.09 ± 1.37 mg/100g fish) and Fe (1.37 ± 0.13 and 2.19 ± 0.27 mg/100g fish) were found. Contents were the highest in mixed salted products. Moreover, for producing the finished products dry salting required the least time (5 days in hilsha and 10 days in sarpunti). However, on the basis of the quality and performance, the suitability of four salting methods can be arranged as follows: mixed > dry > pickle > brine. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i1.9749 DUJBS 2012 21(1): 97-104
Qualitative And Quantitative Microbiological Studies Of Antacid And Paracetamol Suspensions From Different Drugstores Of Dhaka
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Faisal Ashrafi Md Farukh , Mia Zakaria
Published: February 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujbs.v21i1.9750 DUJBS 2012 21(1): 105-107
Antibiotic sensitivity and in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant extracts to pseudomonas fluorescens isolates collected from diseased fish
Authors: Foysal MJ , Rahman MM , Alam M
Published: February 2012

Studies were conducted to identify Pseudomonas fluorescens isolates from a collection of bacteria isolated from bacterial haemorrhagic septicaemia infected carp and catfish, evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity pattern and screen the antibacterial activity of some medicinal plant extracts against the isolates.. A total of 10 isolates were identified as P. fluorescens by morphological, physiological and biochemical tests. In vitro antibiotic sensitivity test of the P. fluorescens isolates were conducted by disc diffusion method for seven antibiotics where, all of the isolates were found to be sensitive only against streptomycin and gentamycin but, most of the isolates (80%) were found resistant to chloramphenicol (C). Moreover, eighty percent of the isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics. A total of 118 plant extracts were screened for their antibacterial activity against the P. fluorescens isolates where the isolates exhibited sensitivity to 30 samples. Leaf extracts of Tamarindus indicus, Terminalia chebula, Citrus aurantifolia, Eugenia caryophyllata and Spondias pinnata were found to inhibit the growth of all of the P. fluorescens isolates. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i4.9733 IJNS 2011 1(4): 82-88
Clinical and Histopathological Study of Sheep Pox in Ethiopia
Authors: Chanie Mersha
Published: February 2012

Clinical signs, postmortem and histopathological lesions in sheep suffering from sheep pox were evaluated. Animals were selected purposively from Yemeze Gera Midir, Kalu and Kutaber district veterinary clinics, Ethiopia. Relevant data and samples were collected for the period from November, 2007 to December, 2009. Of the total 3263 sheep examined, 49.5% (1615) showed skin lesions, suppressed appetite and depression. The lesions were detected in all ages and both sexes. The chief clinical signs observed were: fever, macules, papules, nodules, enlarged lymph nodes, dyspnea, conjunctivitis, nasal discharge and labored and noisy breathing. The mortality rate was 10.42% (340). At postmortem, the skin showed necrotic lesions and scabs surrounded by areas of edema, hemorrhage and congestion. The mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, vulva and prepuce were ulcerated. The lungs contained edematous, congested, consolidated areas, and firm gray to white nodules. Papules and ulcerated areas were common on the abomasal mucosa. The histopathologic examination of hematoxylin and eosin and van Gieson stained skin biopsy sections taken from 21 sheep were done in Sebeta National Veterinary Diagnostic Center. The degree of damage on the skin varied from minimal to severe. The reaction to the virus range from few epidermal hyperplasia to different degrees of degeneration and necrosis of epidermis and dermis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i4.9734 IJNS 2011 1(4): 89-92
Lipid Lowering Activity and Free Radical Scavenging Effect of Cinnamomum tamala (Fam: Lauraceae)
Authors: Al-Mamun R , Hamid A , Islam MK , Chowdhury JA , Azam ATM Zafrul
Published: February 2012

Lipid profile is a blood test that measures the amount of lipids, or fats, in your blood. The lipids measured are usually total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglycerides. When levels of these lipids are abnormal, there is an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In our study, we use methanol crude extract for lipid lowering activity on rabbit and found that lipid profile was reduced by 14.0, 1.0, 4.0 and 15.0 mg/dl for total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride respectively after using the plant extract (dose 500mg/rabbit for 10 days); where atorvastatin (0.005mg/rabbit) was used as standard lipid lowering agent. We also focused on the antioxidant property of crude methanol extract. Here we also carried out free radical-scavenging activity study and found the IC50 value for C. tamala is 6.00 μg/ml where the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid) gave the value of 3.21μg/ml. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v1i4.9735 IJNS 2011 1(4): 93-96