bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide investigation reveals pathogen-specific and shared signatures in the response of Caenorhabditis elegansto infection
Authors: Wong Daniel , Bazopoulou Daphne , Pujol Nathalie , Tavernarakis Nektarios , Ewbank Jonathan J
Published: September 2007

Background

There are striking similarities between the innate immune systems of invertebrates and vertebrates. Caenorhabditis elegans is increasingly used as a model for the study of innate immunity. Evidence is accumulating that C. elegans mounts distinct responses to different pathogens, but the true extent of this specificity is unclear. Here, we employ direct comparative genomic analyses to explore the nature of the host immune response.

Results

Using whole-genome microarrays representing 20,334 genes, we analyzed the transcriptional response of C. elegans to four bacterial pathogens. Different bacteria provoke pathogen-specific signatures within the host, involving differential regulation of 3.5-5% of all genes. These include genes that encode potential pathogen-recognition and antimicrobial proteins. Additionally, variance analysis revealed a robust signature shared by the pathogens, involving 22 genes associated with proteolysis, cell death and stress responses. The expression of these genes, including those that mediate necrosis, is similarly altered following infection with three bacterial pathogens. We show that necrosis aggravates pathogenesis and accelerates the death of the host.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that in C. elegans, different infections trigger both specific responses and responses shared by several pathogens, involving immune defense genes. The response shared by pathogens involves necrotic cell death, which has been associated with infection in humans. Our results are the first indication that necrosis is important for disease susceptibility in C. elegans. This opens the way for detailed study of the means by which certain bacteria exploit conserved elements of host cell-death machinery to increase their effective virulence.
Prescribing psychotropic drugs for the elderly
Authors: Burns Alistair , Baldwin Robert
Published: September 2007

The pharmacological treatment of the elderly differs from that of younger patients, mainly because of altered pharmacokinetics and the higher proportion of patients with organic disorders. We deal here with dementia, delirium, affective disorder, late-life schizophrenia, sleep disturbance, and rapid tranquillisation.
Introducing continuing professional development
Authors: Sims Andrew
Published: September 2007

Most professions have recently realised that basic undergraduate and postgraduate training is not enough to maintain high standards of practice throughout a long career. Continuing professional development (CPD) has become a feature therefore of the working life of these professions, and medicine, which was in the forefront for undergraduate and postgraduate education, has somewhat lagged behind in this. The failure of consultants to keep up to date in their professional knowledge and attitudes is clearly detrimental to patients, to the doctors themselves, and to the Health Service.
Psychiatric illness and learning disability: a dual diagnosis
Authors: Bernal Jane , Hollins Sheila
Published: September 2007

The prevalence of moderate to profound learning disability is roughly 3 per 1000 and of mild learning disability about 3 per hundred (Abramowicz & Richardson, 1975). There are estimated to be more than 120 million people with learning disability worldwide.
Substance misuse in the severely mentally ill
Authors: Cantwell Roch , Harrison Glynn
Published: September 2007

Comorbidity and dual diagnosis have a fashionable, and thus ephemeral, ring that belies their relevance to day-to-day practice. The topic has been increasingly addressed in North American literature where there is a recognition of the extent of substance misuse in the severely mentally ill, and the need to find ways of effectively managing its consequences. Substance misuse may colour the diagnosis, management and prognosis of major mental illness and can adversely affect the relationship between staff and patients. Despite its common occurrence, it frequently remains undetected (Ananthet al, 1989). With burgeoning research interest, there is some consensus as to how to manage the problem, but, as yet, little agreement on the precise nature of causal relationships.
On lightening up: improvement trajectories in recovery from depression
Authors: Parker Gordon
Published: September 2007

This article is an extended consideration of a recent editorial (Parker, 1996), and seeks to argue the importance of studying both onset and trajectories of improvement in those with depressive disorders.
Prevention of relapse and recurrence of depression: newer versus older antidepressants
Authors: Edwards J. Guy
Published: September 2007

In a 17- to 19-year follow-up study it was shown that patients admitted to the Maudsley Hospital, London (whose index episode marked their first psychiatric contact) had a 50% chance of readmission during their lifetime; those with previous admissions had a similar chance of readmission within three years. Less than one-fifth of the patients had remained well, and over one-third suffered severe chronic distress and handicap or had died unnaturally (Lee & Murray, 1988). Similar gloomy pictures were reported in a 15-year follow-up study of patients in London and Sydney (Kilohet al, 1988) and an 11-year follow-up study of patients in Montreal (Lehmannet al, 1988). As a result of such findings, much emphasis is now put on the importance of continuation and maintenance treatment of depression.
Assessing risk of interpersonal violence in the mentally ill
Authors: Mullen Paul E.
Published: September 2007

Mental health professionals regard the assessment of suicide risk as part of normal clinical practice, but most shy away from assessment of risk of interpersonal violence, either doubting that such predictions are possible, or, if possible, are part of their role. In part, this fastidiousness reflects the influence of a consensus which emerged in the 1970s to the effect that there was no substantial relationship between mental illness and violent behaviour. The only basis for risk assessments which remained were those factors in the general population known to be associated with criminality. Even here, however, the accuracy of predictions made by clinicians had been subject to considerable critical scrutiny, which undermined any claims the profession may have had to expertise (Monahan, 1981; Brizer, 1989). There seems to have been wide acceptance that psychiatrists were doubly disabled in the business of predicting violence by having no relevant specialist knowledge and by being poor at applying knowledge gleaned from other disciplines such as criminology.
Effects of chronic illness on children and their families
Authors: Eiser Christine
Published: September 2007

The proportion of children affected by chronic illness is relatively high, approximately 10–12%. For these children, there is no available cure and the best that medical care can currently offer is relief from symptoms and the opportunity to participate in normal life as far as possible. Epidemiological work suggests that many of the children experience relatively few restrictions on everyday life, but about 1–2% of the total population of sick children have more severe conditions (Gortmaker & Sappenfield, 1984).
General professional training: consultant supervision of trainees
Authors: Robertson John R. , Dean Anne
Published: September 2007

‘Educational supervisor’ is the term now used by the General Medical Council for a consultant who has junior doctors working with him/her, whether employed by the National Health Service or a university. This paper represents our views of the role of the educational supervisor, rather than official College policy.
Abuse of people with learning disabilities and other vulnerable adults
Authors: Cooke Leila B. , Sinason Valerie
Published: September 2007

Workers in the field of learning disability drew attention to the problem of sexual abuse and learning-disabled children and adults only a decade ago (Sinason, 1986; Cooke, 1989), at the same time that British society first tolerated the knowledge that non-disabled children were being abused. Although guidelines have been produced and voluntary organisations such as the National Association for the Protection from Sexual Abuse of Adults and Children with Learning Disabilies (NAPSAC), the Association for Residential Care (ARC) and Voice UK have made vital contributions, psychiatric involvement and provision is uneven (ARC & NAPSAC, 1993).
Cognitive therapy in the treatment of hypochondriasis
Authors: Warwick Hilary M. C.
Published: September 2007

The term hypochondriasis was first coined over 2000 years ago to describe a physical illness afflicting the hypochondrium. Subsequently the term was used for a variety of physical illnesses, until the 17th century when forms of melancholia were labelled as hypochondriasis. Since then a very large number of psychiatric disorders have been given the term hypochondriasis, for example, a form of schizophrenia, anxiety neurosis and malingering (Kellner, 1986).
Cognitive therapy in the treatment of obsessive—compulsive disorder
Authors: Veale David
Published: September 2007

Behaviour therapy, namely exposure and response prevention, has for many years been the treatment of choice for most patients with obsessive—compulsive disorder (OCD). However, at least 25% of patients with OCD refuse exposure and response prevention or drop-out early. Of those who do comply, about 75% make reasonable gains and maintain them in the long-term. This means that 50% of patients who are offered treatment by exposure and response prevention either refuse, drop-out or show little improvement. Many patients find exposure distressing and this is probably the main reason for dropping-out early. Treatment failures tend to be associated with a depressed mood, over-valued ideation, slowness, mental compulsions and severe degrees of avoidance.
Supervision
Authors: Cottrell David
Published: September 2007

Supervision is a key feature of professional development in a wide range of professions. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, in its ‘Statement on approval of training schemes for basic specialist training for the MRCPsych’ (available on request from the Postgraduate Educational Services Department of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, 17 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8PG) dictates that each basic specialist trainee should have a “protected hour per week” with his or her educational supervisor. This time should belong “exclusively” to the trainee and be “for the benefit of the trainee”. The Higher Specialist Training Handbook (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1998) also emphasises the central importance of supervision as part of higher training for specialist registrars. Training consultants are expected to be “readily available” to trainees, and to provide a “regular, weekly, timetabled supervision session”. Supervision is obviously perceived by those responsible for standard-setting in psychiatry as a key activity. However, there is a marked lack of clarity as to what constitutes good and effective supervision and there are often few opportunities for learning how to supervise. Hayes (1996) writes about research supervision but his comments are equally applicable to other forms of supervision. He suggests that quality supervision, where it exists, is often by accident rather than by design. It is likely to have been acquired experientially and not without some past hurt to either supervisor or supervised or both. He argues that too much attention has been paid to the quality control of supervision and not enough to quality assurance, with insufficient attention paid to all the possible roles of a supervisor and the key personal attributes necessary to fulfil these roles.
Specific laboratory investigations for assessments and management of drug problems
Authors: Wolff Kim , Welch Sarah , Strang John
Published: September 2007

Much of the drug testing available today is able to determine the presence or absence of a variety of psychoactive substances in a range of body fluids and tissues. For the results of such tests to be confidently interpreted, additional information is required, including general assessment and history-taking. In a wide range of large psychiatric surveys, substance dependence emerges as one of the most common mental health-related disorders, and it is also the one that is least likely to be treated. The range of available tests can be best considered as acting to support and complement a broader assessment and diagnostic procedure.
Role of Lymphangiogenesis in Cancer
Authors: Sundar Sudha S. , Ganesan Trivadi S.
Published: September 2007

Regional lymph node metastasis is a common event in solid tumors and is considered a marker for dissemination, increased stage, and worse prognosis. Despite rapid advances in tumor biology, the molecular processes that underpin lymphatic invasion and lymph node metastasis remain poorly understood. However, exciting discoveries have been made in the field of lymphangiogenesis in recent years. The identification of vascular endothelial growth factor ligands and cognate receptors involved in lymphangiogenesis, an understanding of the embryology of the mammalian lymphatic system, the recent isolation of pure populations of lymphatic endothelial cells, the investigation of lymphatic metastases in animal models, and the identification of markers that discriminate lymphatics from blood vessels at immunohistochemistry are current advances in the field of lymphangiogenesis, and as such are the main focus of this article. This review also evaluates evidence for lymphangiogenesis (ie, new lymphatic vessel formation in cancer) and critically reviews current data on the prognostic significance of lymphatic vascular density in tumors. A targeted approach to block pathways of lymphangiogenesis seems to be an attractive anticancer treatment strategy. Conversely, promotion of lymphangiogenesis may be a promising approach to the management of treatment-induced lymphedema in cancer survivors. Finally, the implications of these developments in cancer therapeutics and directions for future research are discussed.
Phase II Study of Vandetanib or Placebo in Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients After Complete or Partial Response to Induction Chemotherapy With or Without Radiation Therapy: National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group Study BR.20
Authors: Arnold Andrew M. , Seymour Lesley , Smylie Michael , Ding Keyue , Ung Yee , Findlay Brian , Lee Christopher W. , Djurfeldt Marina , Whitehead Marlo , Ellis Peter , Goss Glenwood , Chan Adrien , Meharchand Jacinta , Alam Yasmin , Gregg Richard , Butts Charles , Langmuir Peter , Shepherd Frances
Published: September 2007

Purpose

This double-blind randomized phase II trial examined whether vandetanib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial and epidermal growth factor receptors, could prolong progression-free survival in responding patients with small-cell lung cancer.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients with complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) to combination chemotherapy (± thoracic or prophylactic cranial radiation) received oral vandetanib 300 mg/d or matched placebo. With 100 patients and 77 events, the study had 80% power to detect an improvement in median progression-free survival from 4 to 6.5 months (one-sided, 10%-level test).

Results

Between May 2003 and March 2006, 107 patients were accrued; 46 had limited disease and 61 extensive disease. There were fewer patients with a performance status of 0 (n = 11 v 20), and fewer had CR to initial therapy (n = 4 v 8) in the vandetanib arm. Vandetanib patients had more toxicity and required more dose modifications for gastrointestinal toxicity and rash. Asymptomatic Corrected QT interval (QTC) prolongation was observed in eight vandetanib patients. Median progression-free survival for vandetanib and placebo was 2.7 and 2.8 months, respectively (hazard ratio [HR], 1.01; 80% CI, 0.75 to 1.36; one-sided P = .51). Overall survival for vandetanib was 10.6 versus 11.9 months for placebo (HR, 1.43; 80% CI, 1.00 to 2.05; one-sided P = 0.9). In planned subgroup analyses, a significant interaction was noted (P = .01): limited-stage vandetanib patients had longer overall survival (HR, 0.45; one-sided P = .07) and extensive-stage vandetanib patients shorter survival compared with placebo (HR, 2.27; one-sided P = .996).

Conclusion

Vandetanib failed to demonstrate efficacy as maintenance therapy for small-cell lung cancer.
Requirements for adherens junction components in the interaction between epithelial tissues during dorsal closure inDrosophila
Authors: Gorfinkiel Nicole , Arias Alfonso Martinez
Published: September 2007

Dynamic interactions between epithelial sheets are a regular feature of morphogenetic processes. Dorsal closure in Drosophila relies on the coordinated movements of two epithelia, the epidermis and the amnioserosa, and provides an excellent model system for a genetic and cell biological approach. Here, we have analyzed the contribution of junctional organization of these epithelia to dorsal closure. We observe a stringent requirement for adherens junctions at the leading edge, the interface between the amnioserosa and the epidermis, for the transmission of the forces generated during the process. We also find that interactions between Armadillo and E-cadherin play an important role in maintaining the adhesion at the leading edge, revealing the particular dynamics of this interface. Our results show that regulated cell adhesion is a crucial element of the interactions that shape epithelial sheets in morphogenetic processes.
The AAA-ATPase FIGL-1 controls mitotic progression, and its levels are regulated by the CUL-3MEL-26 E3 ligase in theC. elegansgerm line
Authors: Luke-Glaser Sarah , Pintard Lionel , Tyers Mike , Peter Matthias
Published: September 2007

Members of the AAA-ATPase (ATPases associated with diverse cellular activities) family use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to disrupt protein complexes involved in many cellular processes. Here, we report that FIGL-1 (Fidgetin-like 1), the single Caenorhabditis elegans homolog of mammalian fidgetin and fidgetin-like 1 AAA-ATPases, controls progression through mitosis in the germ line and the early embryo. Loss of figl-1 function leads to the accumulation of mitotic nuclei in the proliferative zone of the germ line, resulting in sterility owing to depletion of germ cells. Like the AAA-ATPase MEI-1 (also known as katanin), FIGL-1 interacts with microtubules and with MEL-26, a specificity factor of CUL-3-based E3 ligases involved in targeting proteins for ubiquitin-dependent degradation by the 26S proteasome. In the germ line, FIGL-1 is enriched in nuclei of mitotic cells, but it disappears at the transition into meiosis. Conversely, MEL-26 expression is low in nuclei of the mitotic zone and induced during meiosis. FIGL-1 accumulates in the germ line and spreads to the meiotic zone after inactivation of mel-26 or cul-3 in vivo. We conclude that degradation of FIGL-1 by the CUL-3MEL-26 E3 ligase spatially restricts FIGL-1 function to mitotic cells, where it is required for correct progression through mitosis.
Confidence in work‐related goals and feelings of exhaustion during a therapeutic intervention for burnout: A time‐series approach
Authors: Nurmi Jari‐Erik , Salmela‐Aro Katariina , Keskivaara Pertti , Näätänen Petri
Published: September 2007

This study investigated recursive relations between confidence in achieving work‐related goals and work exhaustion among employees who participated in an intervention to reduce their burnout. Thirty‐six employees of age 33–59 years suffering from severe burnout (28 females and 8 males) filled in burnout and well‐being measures before and after a 10‐month therapeutic intervention. They also filled in weekly measures of confidence in work‐related goals (progress and capability) and work exhaustion throughout the intervention, as well as 4 weeks before and 4 weeks afterwards. Intra‐individual variation was modelled using dynamic factor analyses. The results showed that, for most participants, confidence in work‐related goals and work exhaustion during a given week could be predicted from those of the preceding week. Moreover, high self‐esteem predicted low weekly stability in goal confidence, whereas high burnout contributed to high weekly stability in work exhaustion. The intra‐individual stabilities in goal confidence and exhaustion also predicted which of the participants benefited from the intervention in terms of increasing well‐being and decreasing work‐related stress.
CYP27A1 and CYP24 Expression as a Function of Malignant Transformation in the Colon
Authors: Matusiak Damien , Benya Richard V.
Published: September 2007

Vitamin D deficiency is strongly associated with the risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Because of the propensity of bioactive 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to cause toxic hypercalcemia, considerable effort has been directed to identifying safer drugs while retaining the efficacy of the parent compound. However, vitamin D precursors do not present toxicity concerns and may be sufficient for CRC chemoprevention or chemotherapy, providing the appropriate enzymes are present in colonic epithelia. We previously showed that CYP27B1 is present at equally high levels in the colon and CRC irrespective of differentiation but was not present in metastases. In this study we used quantitative immunohistochemistry to show that CYP27A1, converting D3 to 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, is present in increasing concentrations in the nuclei of normal colonic epithelia, aberrant crypt foci (ACF), and adenomatous polyps. Whereas total cellular CYP27A1 remains high in CRC and lymph node metastases, the amount of enzyme present in the nuclei decreases with tumor cell dedifferentiation while rising in the cytoplasm. Similarly, increasing amounts of the deactivating enzyme CYP24 are present in the nuclei of normal colonic epithelia, ACFs, and adenomatous polyps. Although the amount of total CYP24 decreases slightly in CRC as a function of tumor cell dedifferentiation and metastasis, location of this enzyme shifts almost entirely from the nuclear compartment to the cytoplasmic compartment. These data indicate that non-toxic vitamin D precursors should be sufficient for CRC chemoprevention, but that neither vitamin D nor its precursors may be sufficient for CRC chemotherapy.
Role of Family Medical History Information in Pediatric Primary Care and Public Health: Introduction
Authors: Olney Richard S. , Yoon Paula W.
Published: September 2007

In February 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sponsored a workgroup meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on the use of family medical history information in pediatric primary care and public health. The meeting focused on pediatric topics as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Family History Public Health Initiative. One outcome of the meeting was a series of published articles that summarized the proceedings and explored 4 topics that emerged as leading issues from the meeting: (1) optimizing use of family history in primary care; (2) linking obstetric and pediatric clinicians through preconception health care; (3) assessing potential campaigns to prevent chronic disease, starting with family history assessment in childhood; and (4) using birth defect family histories for prevention efforts. In this introduction we highlight each article and preview existing efforts in preconception health care and birth defects prevention that use family history.
Family History in Pediatric Primary Care
Authors: Trotter Tracy L. , Martin Helen M.
Published: September 2007

The family history is a critical element in pediatric medicine and represents the gateway to the molecular age of medicine for both pediatric clinicians and their patients. The pediatric clinician has several opportunities to obtain a family history and multiple clinical and educational uses for that information. Available methods include paper and digital forms, classical pedigrees, online programs, and focused family history at the time of a new diagnosis or problem. Numerous barriers impede the application of family history information to primary pediatric practice. The most common barrier is the limited amount of time the typical primary care encounter allows for its collection. The family history can be used in many facets of pediatric practice: (1) as a diagnostic tool and guide to testing and evaluation; (2) to identify patterns of inheritance; and (3) as a patient-education tool. The most exciting future use of family history is as a tool for public health and preventive medicine. More accurately identifying children at risk for common chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and cardiovascular disease could change the primary care clinician's approach to pediatric medicine.
Variable Rainfall Intensity and Tillage Effects on Runoff, Sediment, and Carbon Losses from a Loamy Sand under Simulated Rainfall
Authors: Truman C.C. , Strickland T.C. , Potter T.L. , Franklin D.H. , Bosch D.D. , Bednarz C.W.
Published: September 2007

The low‐carbon, intensively cropped Coastal Plain soils of Georgia are susceptible to runoff, soil loss, and drought. Reduced tillage systems offer the best management tool for sustained row crop production. Understanding runoff, sediment, and chemical losses from conventional and reduced tillage systems is expected to improve if the effect of a variable rainfall intensity storm was quantified. Our objective was to quantify and compare effects of a constant (Ic) intensity pattern and a more realistic, observed, variable (Iv) rainfall intensity pattern on runoff (R), sediment (E), and carbon losses (C) from a Tifton loamy sand cropped to conventional‐till (CT) and strip‐till (ST) cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.). Four treatments were evaluated: CT‐Ic, CT‐Iv, ST‐Ic, and ST‐Iv, each replicated three times. Field plots (n = 12), each 2 by 3 m, were established on each treatment. Each 6‐m2field plot received simulated rainfall at a constant (57 mm h−1) or variable rainfall intensity pattern for 70 min (12‐run ave. = 1402 mL; CV = 3%). The Ivpattern represented the most frequent occurring intensity pattern for spring storms in the region. Compared with CT, ST decreased R by 2.5‐fold, E by 3.5‐fold, and C by 7‐fold. Maximum runoff values for Ivevents were 1.6‐fold higher than those for Icevents and occurred 38 min earlier. Values for Etotand Ctotfor Ivevents were 19–36% and 1.5‐fold higher than corresponding values for Icevents. Values for Emaxand Cmaxfor Ivevents were 3‐fold and 4‐fold higher than corresponding values for Icevents. Carbon enrichment ratios (CER) were ≤1.0 for ST plots and ≥1.0 for CT plots (except for first 20 min). Maximum CER for CT‐Ic, CT‐Iv, ST‐Ic, and ST‐Ivwere 2.0, 2.2, 1.0, and 1.2, respectively. Transport of sediment, carbon, and agrichemicals would be better understood if variable rainfall intensity patterns derived from natural rainfall were used in rainfall simulations to evaluate their fate and transport from CT and ST systems.
Increase in Phosphorus Losses from Grassland in Response to Olsen‐P Accumulation
Authors: Watson C. J. , Smith R. V. , Matthews D. I.
Published: September 2007

The Olsen‐P status of grazed grassland (Lolium perenne L.) swards in Northern Ireland was increased over a 5‐yr period (March 2000 to February 2005) by applying different rates of P fertilizer (0, 10, 20, 40, or 80 kg P ha−1 yr−1) to assess the relationship between soil P status and P losses in land drainage water and overland flow. Plots (0.2 ha) were hydrologically isolated and artificially drained to v‐notch weirs, with flow proportional monitoring of drainage water and overland flow. Annually, the collectors for overland flow intercepted between 11 and 35% of the surplus rainfall. Single flow events accounted for up to 52% of the annual dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) load. The Olsen‐P status of the soil influenced DRP and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations in land drainage water and overland flow. Annual TP loss was highly variable and ranged from 0.19 to 1.55 kg P ha−1 yr−1 for the plot receiving no P fertilizer and from 0.35 to 2.94 kg P ha−1 yr−1 for the plot receiving 80 kg P ha−1 yr−1 Despite the Olsen‐P status in the soils ranging from 22 to 99 mg P kg−1, after 5 yr of fertilizer P applications it was difficult to identify a clear Olsen‐P concentration at which P losses increased. Any relationship was confounded by annual variability of hydrologic events and flows and by hydrologic differences between plots. Withholding P fertilizer for over 5 yr was not long enough to lower P losses or to have an adverse effect on herbage P concentrations.
Factors Affecting the Spatial Pattern of Nitrate Contamination in Shallow Groundwater
Authors: Kaown Dugin , Hyun Yunjung , Bae Gwang‐Ok , Lee Kang‐Kun
Published: September 2007

The elevated level of nitrate in groundwater is a serious problem in Korean agricultural areas. To control and manage groundwater quality, the characterization of groundwater contamination and identification of the factors affecting the nitrate concentration of groundwater are significant. The characterization of groundwater contamination at a hydrologically complex agricultural site in Yupori, Chuncheon (Korea) was undertaken by analyzing the hydrochemical data of groundwater within a statistical framework. Multivariate statistical tools such as cluster analyses and Tobit regression were applied to investigate the spatial variation of nitrate contamination and to analyze the factors affecting the NO3–N concentration in a shallow groundwater system. The groundwater groups from the cluster analysis were consistent with the land use pattern of the study area. The clustered group of a gentle‐slope area with lower elevations showed higher NO3–N contamination of groundwater than groups on a hillside with higher elevations. Tobit regression results indicated that the agricultural activity in the vegetable fields and barns were the major factors affecting the elevated NO3–N concentration while the land slopes and elevations were negatively correlated with the NO3–N concentration. This shows that topographic characteristics such as land slopes and elevations should be considered to evaluate the land use impact on shallow groundwater quality.
Direct Link between Fluoranthene Biodegradation and the Mobility and Sequestration of its Residues during Aging
Authors: Vessigaud S. , Perrin‐Ganier C. , Belkessam L. , Denys S. , Schiavon M.
Published: September 2007

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)‐degrading activity in the fate of fluoranthene in soils. Three soil samples with different degrading activities (an industrial soil, the same industrial soil after biostimulation, and an agricultural soil) were spiked with 14C‐fluoranthene and incubated for 6 mo with monitoring of biodegradation and mineralization. To follow the distribution of the 14C‐fluoranthene residues (i.e., 14C‐fluoranthene and its degradation products) among the soil compartments, we performed successively leaching, centrifugation (to collect intra‐aggregate pore water), solvent extraction, and combustion of the soil columns. In the industrial soil, no mineralization of 14C‐fluoranthene was observed, and only 3% of the initial 14C‐activity was non‐extractable (with acetone:dichloromethane) after 165 d of incubation. The biostimulation (addition of unlabeled polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) increased the degrading activity in this soil (59% of 14C‐fluoranthene was mineralized) and increased the residues sequestration (13% of 14C‐activity was non‐extractable). The microflora of the agricultural soil mineralized 14C‐fluoranthene more slowly and to a lesser extent (25%) than the biostimulated soil, but a higher amount of 14C‐activity was sequestered (41%). Thus, the rate and extent of 14C‐fluoranthene mineralization seemed to be related to the 14C‐activity sequestration by controlling the accumulation of degradation products in the soil. 14C‐Fluoranthene biodegradation enhanced the concentration of 14C‐polar compounds in the intra‐aggregate pore water. Our results point out the close link between fluoranthene biodegradation and two key aging processes, diffusion and sequestration, in soils. Biodegradation controls the mobility and sequestration of residues by transforming fluoranthene into more polar molecules that can diffuse into the intra‐aggregate pore water and then might become bound to the matrix or entrapped in the microporosity.
Measuring Bioavailability: From a Scientific Approach to Standard Methods
Authors: Harmsen Joop
Published: September 2007

Biological effects are not related to the total concentration of a contaminant in the soil and soil‐like materials. Organisms respond only to the fraction that is biologically available. The bioavailable fractions of contaminants are dependent on soil properties and various processes varying with time and on the behavior or the target organism. Bioavailability may be assessed in two complementary ways: (i) by chemical methods (e.g., extraction methods), which determine a defined available fraction of a well defined class of contaminants; and (ii) by biological methods, which expose organisms to soil or soil eluates to monitor effects. Although there is scientific discussion on the concept of bioavailability, the literature gives enough evidence to recognize bioavailability as a promising tool in risk assessment. A large number of methods are available. Under regulatory aspects of soil protection, a risk assessment should be based on the same common concept of determination and assessment of exposure and measuring and assessment of effects. A harmonized framework on bioavailability is necessary to promote the development and introduction of workable (international) standard methods to be used in soil and site assessment. The working group ‘Bioavailability’ of ISO/TC190‐Soil Quality has developed a guidance document for development and selection of methods to assess bioavailability for different target species with regard to several classes of contaminants. The way to this standard, on the boarder of science and regulation, is described in this article.
Improved Understanding of Hyperaccumulation Yields Commercial Phytoextraction and Phytomining Technologies
Authors: Chaney Rufus L. , Angle J. Scott , Broadhurst C. Leigh , Peters Carinne A. , Tappero Ryan V. , Sparks Donald L.
Published: September 2007

This paper reviews progress in phytoextraction of soil elements and illustrates the key role of hyperaccumulator plant species in useful phytoextraction technologies. Much research has focused on elements which are not practically phytoextracted (Pb); on addition of chelating agents which cause unacceptable contaminant leaching and are cost prohibitive; and on plant species which offer no useful phytoextraction capability (e.g., Brassica juncea Czern). Nickel phytoextraction by Alyssum hyperaccumulator species, which have been developed into a commercial phytomining technology, is discussed in more detail. Nickel is ultimately accumulated in vacuoles of leaf epidermal cells which prevents metal toxicity and provides defense against some insect predators and plant diseases. Constitutive up‐regulation of trans‐membrane element transporters appears to be the key process that allows these plants to achieve hyperaccumulation. Cadmium phytoextraction is needed for rice soils contaminated by mine wastes and smelter emissions with 100‐fold more soil Zn than Cd. Although many plant species can accumulate high levels of Cd in the absence of Zn, when Cd/Zn > 100, only Thlaspi caerulescens from southern France has demonstrated the ability to phytoextract useful amounts of Cd. Production of element‐enriched biomass with value as ore or fertilizer or improved food (Se) or feed supplement may offset costs of phytoextraction crop production. Transgenic phytoextraction plants have been achieved for Hg, but not for other elements. Although several researchers have been attempting to clone all genes required for effective hyperaccumulation of several elements, success appears years away; such demonstrations will be needed to prove we have identified all necessary processes in hyperaccumulation.
Integrating Biodegradation and Electroosmosis for the Enhanced Removal of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Creosote‐Polluted Soils
Authors: Niqui‐Arroyo José‐Luis , Ortega‐Calvo José‐Julio
Published: September 2007

This paper presents a hybrid technology of soil remediation based on the integration of biodegradation and electroosmosis. We employed soils with different texture (clay soil and loamy sand) containing a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) present in creosote, and inoculation with a representative soil bacterium able to degrade fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, anthracene, and benzo[a]pyrene. Two different modes of treatment were prospected: (i) inducing in soil the simultaneous occurrence of biodegradation and electroosmosis in the presence of a biodegradable surfactant, and (ii) treating the soils sequentially with electrokinetics and bioremediation. Losses of PAH due to simultaneous biodegradation and electroosmosis (induced by a continuous electric field) were significantly higher than in control cells that contained the surfactant but no biological activity or no current. The method was especially successful with loamy sand. For example, benzo[a]pyrene decreased its concentration by 50% after 7 d, whereas 22 and 17% of the compound had disappeared as a result of electrokinetic flushing and bioremediation alone, respectively. The use of periodical changes in polarity and current pulses increased by 16% in the removal of total PAH and in up to 30% of specific compounds, including benzo[a]pyrene. With the aim of reaching lower residual levels through bioremediation, an electrokinetic pretreatment was also evaluated as a way to mobilize the less bioaccessible fraction of PAH. Residual concentrations of total biodegradable PAH, remaining after bioremediation in soil slurries, were twofold lower in electrokinetically pretreated soils than in untreated soils. The results indicate that biodegradation and electroosmosis can be successfully integrated to promote the removal of PAH from soil.
EU demonstration project for separate discharge and treatment of urine, faeces and greywater – Part I: Results
Authors: Peter-Fröhlich A. , Pawlowski L. , Bonhomme A. , Oldenburg M.
Published: September 2007

The main aim of this EU demonstration project was to test two new sanitation concepts to determine if these concepts are more sustainable, compared with the conventional sanitation system, particularly with regard to nutrient recycling. Two different sanitation concepts were tested. One concept comprised the use of gravity separation toilets, the other used vacuum separation toilets. Results from a life-cycle-assessment investigation show that the new sanitation concepts are more sustainable. A cost analysis for an existing residential area did not prove lower costs for the new sanitation concepts in this special case. The experience from this demonstration project shows that prior to a widespread use of the new sanitation concepts, several improvements have to be made. One important issue is the improvement of separation toilets. Since nutrient recycling, water saving and reuse as well energy reduction become more and more important, further research should be undertaken in this field.
In vitro effects of the active metabolite of leflunomide, A77 1726, on feline herpesvirus–1
Authors: Williams Courtney R. , Sykes Jane E. , Mehl Margo , MacLeod Jennifer S. , Lindsay LeAnn L. , Poland Amy M. , Chen Yi-Je , Kyles Andrew E. , Waldman W. James , Gregory Clare R.
Published: September 2007

Objective—To determine whether the active metabolite of leflunomide, A77 1726 (A77), inhibits replication of feline herpesvirus-1 (FHV-1) in cell culture.

Study Population—Crandell Rees feline kidney (CRFK) cell cultures.

Procedures—Cell cultures were inoculated with FHV-1 and treated simultaneously with concentrations of A77 ranging from 0 to 200μM. The antiviral effect of A77 was determined by use of conventional plaque reduction assays. The effect of A77 on viral load was determined via real-time PCR analysis, and transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate the effect of A77 on viral morphology. To determine whether the antiviral effect was attributable to alterations in CRFK cell viability and number, CRFK cells were treated with various concentrations of A77 and stained with Annexin V and propidium iodide to assess apoptosis and a mitochondrial function assay was used to determine cell viability.

Results—Concentrations of A77 ≥ 20μM were associated with substantial reduction in plaque number and viral load. Concentrations ≥ 100μM were associated with complete suppression of plaque formation. At low concentrations of A77, clusters of intracytoplasmic virus particles that appeared to lack tegument and an external membrane were detected. Treatment of uninfected CRFK cell monolayers with A77 was associated with reduction in mitochondrial function with minimal evidence of apoptosis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Leflunomide may be an alternative to current calcineurin-based immunosuppressive protocols used in feline organ transplantation because of its antiherpesviral activity.
Effect of fibroblast growth factor-2 on equine mesenchymal stem cell monolayer expansion and chondrogenesis
Authors: Stewart Allison A. , Byron Christopher R. , Pondenis Holly , Stewart Matthew C.
Published: September 2007

Objective—To determine whether fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) treatment of equine mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) during monolayer expansion enhances subsequent chondrogenesis in a 3-dimensional culture system.

Animals—6 healthy horses, 6 months to 5 years of age.

Procedures—Bone marrow–derived MSCs were obtained from 6 horses. First-passage MSCs were seeded as monolayers at 10,000 cells/cm2 and in medium containing 0, 1, 10, or 100 ng of FGF-2/mL. After 6 days, MSCs were transferred to pellet cultures (200,000 cells/pellet) and maintained in chondrogenic medium. Pellets were collected after 15 days. Pellets were analyzed for collagen type II content by use of an ELISA, total glycosaminoglycan content by use of the dimethylmethylene blue dye–binding assay, and DNA content by use of fluorometric quantification. Semiquantitative PCR assay was performed to assess relative concentrations of collagen type II and aggrecan mRNAs.

Results—Use of 100 ng of FGF-2/mL significantly increased pellet DNA and glycosaminoglycan content. Collagen type II content of the pellet was also increased by use of 10 and 100 ng of FGF-2/mL. Collagen type II and aggrecan mRNA transcripts were increased by treatment with FGF-2. Some control samples had minimal evidence of collagen type II and aggrecan transcripts after 35 cycles of amplification.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—FGF-2 treatment of bone marrow–derived MSC monolayers enhanced subsequent chondrogenic differentiation in a 3-dimensional culture. This result is important for tissue engineering strategies dependent on MSC expansion for cartilage repair.
Dorsolateral approach for arthrocentesis of the centrodistal joint in horses
Authors: Just Elisabeth M. , Patan Bianca , Licka Theresia F.
Published: September 2007

Objective—To develop a dorsolateral approach to the centrodistal (distal intertarsal) joint in horses and compare its success rate with that of the traditional medial approach in that joint.

Sample Population—25 cadaveric equine hind limbs, ultrasonographic images, and radiographic views of the tarsal region of 5 and 59 healthy horses, respectively, and 22 horses with a clinical indication for centrodistal joint centesis.

Procedures—The dorsolateral approach was established anatomically (3 cadaveric limbs), ultrasonographically (5 horses), and radiographically (59 horses). Centrodistal joint arthrocentesis was performed in 22 cadaveric hind limbs and 22 horses; the number of needle repositionings required for procedure completion via the medial (in vitro) and the dorsolateral approach (in vitro and in vivo) was determined.

Results—For the dorsolateral approach to the centrodistal joint, the injection site was 2 to 3 mm lateral to the long digital extensor tendon and 6 to 8 mm proximal to a line drawn perpendicular to the axis of the third metatarsal bone through the proximal end of the fourth metatarsal bone. The needle was directed plantaromedially (angle of approx 70° from the sagittal plane). The number of needle repositionings required to complete centrodistal joint centesis via the dorsolateral and medial approaches was not significantly different.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance—In a clinical setting, the dorsolateral approach to the centrodistal joint in horses appears to have some advantages over the traditional medial approach. The success rate of arthrocentesis was similar via either approach, and palpation of the anatomic landmarks was easy.
Time-frequency and complexity analyses for differentiation of physiologic murmurs from heart murmurs caused by aortic stenosis in Boxers
Authors: Höglund Katja , Ahlstrom Christer H. G. , Häggström Jens , Ask Per N. A. , Hult P. H. Peter , Kvart Clarence
Published: September 2007

Objective—To investigate whether time-frequency and complexity analyses of heart murmurs can be used to differentiate physiologic murmurs from murmurs caused by aortic stenosis (AS) in Boxers.

Animals—27 Boxers with murmurs.

Procedures—Dogs were evaluated via auscultation and echocardiography. Analyses of time-frequency properties (TFPs; ie, maximal murmur frequency and duration of murmur frequency > 200 Hz) and correlation dimension (T2) of murmurs were performed on phonocardiographic sound data. Time-frequency property and T2 analyses of low-intensity murmurs in 16 dogs without AS were performed at 7 weeks and 12 months of age. Additionally, TFP and T2 analyses were performed on data obtained from 11 adult AS-affected dogs with murmurs.

Results—In dogs with low-intensity murmurs, TFP or T2 values at 7 weeks and 12 months did not differ significantly. For differentiation of physiologic murmurs from murmurs caused by mild AS, duration of murmur frequency > 200 Hz was useful and the combination assessment of duration of frequency > 200 Hz and T2 of the murmur had a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 82%. Maximal murmur frequency did not differentiate dogs with AS from those without AS.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that assessment of the duration of murmur frequency > 200 Hz can be used to distinguish physiologic heart murmurs from murmurs caused by mild AS in Boxers. Combination of this analysis with T2 analysis may be a useful complementary method for diagnostic assessment of cardiovascular function in dogs.