bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioremediation of Heavy Metals and Organic Toxicants by Composting
Authors: Barker Allen V. , Bryson Gretchen M.
Published: March 2005

Hazardous organic and metallic residues or by-products can enter into plants, soils, and sediments from processes associated with domestic, municipal, agricultural, industrial, and military activities. Handling, ingestion, application to land or other distributions of the contaminated materials into the environment might render harm to humans, livestock, wildlife, crops, or native plants. Considerable remediation of the hazardous wastes or contaminated plants, soils, and sediments can be accomplished by composting. High microbial diversity and activity during composting, due to the abundance of substrates in feedstocks, promotes degradation of xenobiotic organic compounds, such as pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). For composting of contaminated soils, noncontaminated organic matter should be cocomposted with the soils. Metallic pollutants are not degraded during composting but may be converted into organic combinations that have less bioavailability than mineral combinations of the metals. Degradation of organic contaminants in soils is facilitated by addition of composted or raw organic matter, thereby increasing the substrate levels for cometabolism of the contaminants. Similar to the composting of soils in vessels or piles, the on-site addition of organic matter to soils (sheet composting) accelerates degradation of organic pollutants and binds metallic pollutants. Recalcitrant materials, such as organochlorines, may not undergo degradation in composts or in soils, and the effects of forming organic complexes with metallic pollutants may be nonpermanent or short lived. The general conclusion is, however, that composting degrades or binds pollutants to innocuous levels or into innocuous compounds in the finished product.
Attentional Phenotypes for the Analysis of Higher Mental Function
Authors: Fossella John , Posner Michael I. , Fan Jin , Swanson James M. , Pfaff Donald W.
Published: March 2005

We outline a strategy to relate normal cognitive processes to candidate genes. First, brain imaging is used to specify a cognitive process “attention” in terms of the neural networks involved. Next, evidence is presented showing that the operation of each network involves a dominant neuromodulator. Then we discuss development of a task designed to measure the efficiency of each network in normal individuals and consider evidence on the independence, reliability, and heritability of the networks. DNA from cheek swabs of subjects who performed the task are then used to examine candidate polymorphisms in genes related to the transmitters. We then examine the ability of these candidate alleles to predict the efficiency of relevant networks. This process has demonstrated that candidate genes are related to specific networks of attention to a greater degree than to overall performance as measured by reaction time and accuracy. These findings require replication and possible extension to other cognitive processes.
Receptor-Mediated Gene Delivery
Authors: Gust Tatjana C. , Zenke Martin
Published: March 2005

Receptor-mediated gene delivery capitalises on the presence of specific cell surface molecules for DNA uptake into cells and represents a particularly appealing approach for targeting vector DNA to specific cell types in vivo and in vitro. Various ligand/DNA and antibody/DNA transfer complexes were generated that, following binding to cells, are internalised and reach the endosomal compartment. Vector complexes contain endosomolytic components that ensure vector release from the endosome and translocation of vector DNA into the nucleus where transcription occurs. Thus, receptor-mediated gene delivery encompasses several critical steps that must be considered when designing and applying such vector systems.
The TREX2 3′→ 5′ Exonuclease Physically Interacts with DNA Polymerase δ and Increases Its Accuracy
Authors: Shevelev Igor V. , Ramadan Kristijan , Hubscher Ulrich
Published: March 2005

Proofreading function by the 3′→ 5′ exonuclease of DNA polymerase δ (pol δ) is consistent with the observation that deficiency of the associated exonuclease can lead to a strong mutation phenotype, high error rates during DNA replication, and ultimately cancer. We have isolated pol δdfrom isotonic (pol δi) and detergent (pol δd) calf thymus extracts. Pol δdhad a 20-fold higher ratio of exonuclease to DNA polymerase than pol δi. This was due to the physical association of the TREX2 exonuclease to pol δd, which was missing from pol δi. Pol δdwas fivefold more accurate than pol δiunder error-prone conditions (1 μM dGTP and 20 dATP, dCTP, and dTTP) in a M13mp2 DNA forward mutation assay, and fourfold more accurate in an M13mp2T90 reversion assay. Under error-free conditions (20 μM each of the four dNTPs), however, both polymerases showed equal fidelity. Our data suggested that autonomous 3′→ 5′ exonucleases, such as TREX2, through its association with pol I can guarantee high fidelity under difficult conditions in the cell (e.g., imbalance of dNTPs) and can add to the accuracy of the DNA replication machinery, thus preventing mutagenesis.
The Use of Spreadsheets for Pharmacokinetic Simulations
Authors: Chamberlain Joseph
Published: March 2005

The use of simple spreadsheets is described to create simulations of complex pharmacokinetic phenomena. The basics of spreadsheets are first described and are developed to demonstrate classical pharmacokinetics without the use of differential or integral calculus. Using standard spreadsheet commands, the technique is shown to be applicable to the full range of advanced pharmacokinetic simulations. Demonstrations of the effect of a variety of physiological eventualities are included to show the versatility of the technique. The technique is very simple to use and is always in the complete control of the modeller.
Inhibition of Return Biases Orienting During the Search of Complex Scenes
Authors: Macinnes W. Joseph , Klein Raymond M.
Published: March 2005

In Klein and MacInnes[1], observers searched a complex scene for a camouflaged target. Reflecting Inhibition of Return (IOR) observers were slower to detect and saccade to uncamouflaged probes that interrupted active search when these were placed in the vicinity of a recent fixation. To explore the generality of this finding of IOR during search, we changed the mental state of the observer at the time of the probes by instructing observers to inspect the scene until they found something interesting and stop there. After this voluntary cessation of search, we presented an uncamouflaged probe that observers were required to foveate. Extending our previous demonstration, we observed a relative increase in the time required to locate these probes when they were in the general region of a previous fixation so long as the scene was maintained. When the scene was removed, probe reaction time was unaffected by distance from the last fixation. The pattern of results supports the proposal that IOR biases overt orienting during search.
The DNA Polymerase _-Primase Complex: Multiple Functions and Interactions
Authors: Muzi-Falconi Marco , Giannattasio Michele , Foiani Marco , Plevani Paolo
Published: March 2005

DNA polymerase _ (pol _) holds a special position among the growing family of eukaryotic DNA polymerases. In fact, pol _ is associated with DNA primase to form a four subunit complex and, as a consequence, is the only enzyme able to start DNA synthesis de novo. Because of this peculiarity the major role of the DNA polymerase _-primase complex (pol-prim) is in the initiation of DNA replication at chromosomal origins and in the discontinuous synthesis of Okazaki fragments on the lagging strand of the replication fork. However, pol-prim seems to play additional roles in other complex cellular processes, such as the response to DNA damage, telomere maintenance, and the epigenetic control of higher order chromatin assembly.
Cell Cycle Dynamics of the Nuclear Envelope
Authors: Foisner Roland
Published: March 2005

The nuclear envelope (NE) consists of an inner and an outer membrane, nuclear pore complexes, and the underlying nuclear lamina, a filamentous scaffold structure formed by lamins. The inner membrane is linked to the lamina and chromatin by its integral membrane proteins, such as lamin B receptor (LBR), emerin, and various isoforms of lamina-associated polypeptides (LAP) 1 and 2, which bind lamins and/or chromatin. During mitosis, the NE is disassembled upon phosphorylation of its core components, and the NE is torn apart by a dynein-driven microtubule-dependent mechanism. Nuclear reassembly after sister chromatid separation requires a timely coordinated and dephosphorylation-dependent association of lamin-binding proteins and lamins with chromosomal proteins and targeting of membranes to specific sites on chromosomes. Various chromatin-binding domains in lamina proteins, such as the LEM domain, present in all LAP2 isoforms and in emerin, as well as unique regions in lamina proteins and in specific LAP2 isoforms have been implicated in defined steps of NE reformation. Furthermore, novel mechanisms of membrane fusion involving Ran GTPase are just beginning to emerge.
Holistic Medicine III: The Holistic Process Theory of Healing
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Andersen Niels Jørgen , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

It is possible to understand the process of healing from a holistic perspective. According to the life mission theory, we can stretch our existence and lower our quality of life when we are in crises, to survive and adapt, and we can relax to increase our quality of life when we later have resources for healing. The holistic process theory explains how this healing comes about: Healing happens in a state of consciousness exactly opposite to the state of crises. The patient enters the “holistic state of healing” when the (1) patient and (2) the physician have a perspective in accordance with life, (3) a safe environment, (4) personal resources, (5) the patient has the will to live, (6) the patient and (7) the physician have the intention of healing, (8) the trust of the patient in the physician, and (9) sufficient holding. The holding must be fivefold, giving the patient (1) acknowledgment, (2) awareness, (3) respect, (4) care, and (5) acceptance. The holistic process has three obligatory steps: (1) to feel, (2) to understand, and (3) to let go of negative decisions. This paper presents a theory for the holistic process of healing, and lists the necessities for holistic therapy restoring the quality of life, health, and ability to function of the patient.
Quality of Life Philosophy VI. The Concepts
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Andersen Niels Jørgen , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

The about a hundred central concepts related to research in the global quality of life can, in a holistic medical frame of interpretation, be organized under ten abstract key concepts: existence, creation of the world, state of being, daily living, talents, relations, sex, health, personal development, and therapy with subthemes as discussed in this paper. The paper shows that the concepts in each group can be seen as related to each other in a quite intuitive and logical way, to give a coherent quality of life philosophy that allows the physician to encourage, inspire, and support his patient. In every consultation, one new concept and idea of existence can be taught to the patient, helping him or her to realize the meaning of life, the source of joy, and the reason for the actual suffering. In this way, we help the patient to mobilize hidden and known resources and to improve quality of life, subjective health, and the ability to function. The concepts were harvested in 2003 at a Nordic seminar on quality of life research, held in Sweden. Life does not only cohere on the inside, but also on the outside. The same power that ties together all the cells in our body, seems to tie us together in relationships and new wholeness. This power evolves into new kinds of relations that unite on more and more complex levels, with the global ecosystem as the highest known level.Our intentions come from this coherent matrix of life. In the beginning of our life, the web of life itself gave birth to our fundamental purpose of life. The abstract purpose determines the frame of interpretation of reality: How we will perceive ourselves throughout life, our inner life, and the world around us. The frame of interpretation is pitched in language and concepts, in fact it creates our perceptions. Based on these perceptions and our purposes of life, our behavior arises. Our consciousness evolves through the witnessing of our behavior and through the response caused by it. Through the slowly acquired mastering of our surrounding world, we obtain our power, which gives us success in life, when we use it responsibly and unite it in harmony with our deepest purpose of life. When many people experience not having success, it is because they are not conscious about their original purpose or the deepest meaning of their lives. They do not know themselves. They do not experience the world in that way and do not realize that they themselves are the cause. Therefore responsibility and self-knowledge, which add up to wisdom, are the ways to a good and successful life.
Early Discharge after Delivery. A Study of Safety and Risk Factors
Authors: Zimmerman Deena R. , Klinger Gil , Merlob Paul
Published: March 2005

The increased frequency of early discharge of newborns has led to questions of its safety. Most studies have looked at mortality and rehospitalization, not all missed diagnoses. The purpose of this study was to determine diagnoses in newborn infants that would have been missed if the infant had been discharged in <24 h. The design was a cohort study at Rabin Medical Center-Beilinson Campus (average monthly deliveries 1996 [250], 1997 [500]), a university-affiliated community hospital with all in-born term (≥37 weeks) infants born September through November 1996 and June 1997.

The main outcome measures were medical diagnoses (except trivial physical descriptions) noted at discharge (generally at ≥48 h) exam, not noted on admission exam (<24 h).

The results showed that 54 infants (5.1%) had diagnoses that were not detected before the infant was 24 h of age. The leading diagnosis was hyperbilirubinemia. Other potentially missed diagnoses included congenital heart disease (n = 10), morbidity of birth trauma (n = 9), metabolic disturbances (n = 2), hip dislocation (n = 1), suspected sepsis (n = 2), excessive weight loss (n = 2), polycythemia (n = 2), inguinal hernia (n = 1), and abducens paresis (n = 1).

It is concluded that diagnoses can be missed by discharging infants in 24 h or less. These diagnoses have the potential for adverse sequela. Even if early discharge is felt to be cost effective, parents should be counseled that it is not risk free. Better mechanisms should be put in place for assuring the safety of such infants.
Squeezing an Egg into a Worm: C. elegans Embryonic Morphogenesis
Authors: Piekny A. J. , Mains P. E.
Published: March 2005

We review key morphogenetic events that occur during Caenorhabditis elegans (www.wormbase.org/) embryogenesis. Morphogenesis transforms tissues from one shape into another through cell migrations and shape changes, often utilizing highly conserved actin-based contractile systems. Three major morphogenetic events occur during C. elegans embryogenesis: (1) dorsal intercalation, during which two rows of dorsal epidermal cells intercalate to form a single row; (2) ventral enclosure, where the dorsally located sheet of epidermal cells stretches to the ventral midline, encasing the embryo within a single epithelial sheet; and (3) elongation, during which actin-mediated contractions within the epithelial sheet lengthens the embryo. Here, we describe the known molecular players involved in each of these processes.
Holistic Medicine IV: Principles of Existential Holistic Group Therapy and the Holistic Process of Healing in a Group Setting
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Andersen Niels Jorgen , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

In existential holistic group therapy, the whole person heals in accordance with the holistic process theory and the life mission theory. Existential group psychotherapy addresses the emotional aspect of the human mind related to death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness, while existential holistic group therapy addresses the state of the person�s wholeness. This includes the body, the person�s philosophy of life, and often also love, purpose of life, and the spiritual dimension, to the same extent as it addresses the emotional psyche and sexuality, and it is thus much broader than traditional psychotherapy.Where existential psychotherapy is rather depressing concerning the fundamental human condition, existential holistic therapy conceives life to be basically good. The fundamentals in existential holistic therapy are that everybody has the potential for healing themselves to become loving, joyful, sexually attractive, strong, and gifted, which is a message that most patients welcome. While the patient is suffering and fighting to get through life, the most important job for the holistic therapist is to keep a positive perspective of life. In accordance with these fundamentals, many participants in holistic group therapy will have positive emotional experiences, often of an unknown intensity, and these experiences appear to transform their lives within only a few days or weeks of therapy.An important idea of the course is Bohm�s concept of �holo-movement� in the group, resulting from intense coherence between the group members. When the group comes together, the individual will be linked to the totality and the great movement forward towards love, consciousness, and happiness will happen collectively � if it happens at all. This gives the individual the feeling that everything that happens is right, important, and valuable for all the participants at the same time. Native Americans and other premodern people refer to this experience as �the spiritual design�. This design is actually an underlying regulation that appears when people, through their feelings and engagement for each other, tie the group together and engage their complex emotional intelligence. Practically, this means that all participants are sunk in the same information matrix, so that everybody learns from each other. Everything that happens in the perception of each trainee has immediate and developing relevance for him.Spontaneous healing happens far more effectively in a group setting, where all the participants stand together and support each other, than it does in the clinic, where the therapist is alone with the patient. A 5-day course in personal development can be compatible to a half year of holistic individual therapy.
Effect of Putting Grip on Eye and Head Movements During the Golf Putting Stroke
Authors: Hung George K.
Published: March 2005

The objective of this article is to determine the effect of three different putting grips (conventional, cross-hand, and one-handed) on variations in eye and head movements during the putting stroke. Seven volunteer novice players, ranging in age from 21 to 22 years, participated in the study. During each experimental session, the subject stood on a specially designed platform covered with artificial turf and putted golf balls towards a standard golf hole. The three different types of grips were tested at two distances: 3 and 9 ft. For each condition, 20 putts were attempted. For each putt, data were recorded over a 3-s interval at a sampling rate of 100 Hz. Eye movements were recorded using a helmet-mounted eye movement monitor. Head rotation about an imaginary axis through the top of the head and its center-of-rotation was measured by means of a potentiometer mounted on a fixed frame and coupled to the helmet. Putter-head motion was measured using a linear array of infrared phototransistors embedded in the platform. The standard deviation (STD, relative to the initial level) was calculated for eye and head movements over the duration of the putt (i.e., from the beginning of the backstroke, through the forward stroke, to impact). The averaged STD for the attempted putts was calculated for each subject. Then, the averaged STDs and other data for the seven subjects were statistically compared across the three grip conditions. The STD of eye movements were greater (p < 0.1) for conventional than cross-hand (9 ft) and one-handed (3 and 9 ft) grips. Also, the STD of head movements were greater (p < 0.1; 3 ft) for conventional than cross-hand and one-handed grips. Vestibulo-ocular responses associated with head rotations could be observed in many 9 ft and some 3 ft putts. The duration of the putt was significantly longer (p < 0.05; 3 and 9 ft) for the one-handed than conventional and cross-hand grips. Finally, performance, or percentage putts made, was significantly better (p <0.05; 9 ft) for cross-hand than conventional grip. The smaller variations, both in eye movements during longer putts and head movements during shorter putts, using cross-hand and one-handed grips may explain why some golfers, based on their playing experience, prefer these over the conventional grip. Also, the longer duration for the one-handed grip, which improves tempo, may explain why some senior players prefer the long-shaft (effectively one-handed grip) putter.
Neurophysiological Effects of Chronic Indoor Environmental Toxic Mold Exposure on Children
Authors: Anyanwu Ebere C. , Campbell Andrew W. , Vojdani Aristo
Published: March 2005

The phenomenon of building-related diseases is attracting much research interest in recent years because of the extent to which it affects people with compromised immune systems, especially children. In this study, we reported the neurological findings in children who attended our Center because of chronic exposure to toxic molds. Clinical neurological and neurobehavioral questionnaires were administered with the cooperation of the children�s parents. The children then underwent a series of neurophysiological tests including electroencephalogram (EEG), brainstem evoked potential (BAEP), visual evoked potential (VEP), and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP). The results showed high levels of abnormalities in the analysis of the subjective responses derived from the questionnaires. The EEG examination was abnormal in seven out of ten of the patients compared to the controls with only one in ten with episodes of bihemispheric sharp activity. In all the patients, there was frontotemporal theta wave ativity that seemed to indicate diffuse changes characteristic of metabolic encephalopathies. Also, there was highly marked 1 to 3 Hz delta activity that was asymmetrical in the right hemisphere of the brain in three out of ten patients. The waveforms of BAEP showed abnormalities in 90% of the patients with both 15’ and 31’ check sizes compared to none in the controls. There were significant delays in waveform V in a majority of the patients representing dysfunctional cognitive process and conductive hearing loss in both ears. VEP showed clear abnormalities in four in ten of the patients with P100 amplitudes and latencies decreased bilaterally. In all the patients, there was slowing of conduction in the right tibial at an average of 36.9 ms and there was significant decrease in amplitude of response at the proximal stimulation site. Sensory latencies obtained in the median, ulnar, and sural nerves bilaterally showed abnormalities in five out of ten compared to none in the controls. The median, ulnar, and sural sensory potentials were abnormal in six out of ten patients. There was prolongation of the median distal sensory latencies bilaterally at an average of 4.55 ms on the right and an average of 6.10 ms on the left as compared to the ulnars of 2.55 ms bilaterally. There was no abnormality in the controls. These findings represent evidence of diffuse polyneuropathy to which three patients demonstrated borderline slow motor conduction at an average of 41.1 ms. Overall, the objective neurophysiological measurements (EEG, BAEP, VEP, and SSEP) were abnormal, indicating significant neurological deficits in all the patients. Our findings revealed the extent to which toxic molds can affect the neurological and behavioral status of children. Further work should be encouraged in this regard.
Elderly Persons with Intellectual Disability: A Study of Clinical Characteristics, Functional Status, and Sensory Capacity
Authors: Carmeli Eli , Merrick Joav , Kessel Shlomo , Masharawi Yossef , Carmeli Varda
Published: March 2005

Longer life expectancy is resulting in increasing numbers of elderly adults with intellectual disability (ID). There has been the question whether persons with ID demonstrate early signs of aging before the general population. The aim of this study was to determine if persons with ID (with and without Down syndrome) showed premature aging changes compared with a control group. Elderly persons (n = 24, average age of 61) from one residential care center in Israel and younger adults from another center (n = 37, average age of 45) were compared with elderly residents without ID in an independent living facility. The study considered demographic data, medical data, anthropometric measurements, body fat and body mass index, flexibility, and sensorimotor function tests. The results showed that the persons with ID had basically similar body composition to that of persons without ID, however, the functional performance of elderly adults with ID was more impaired. We postulate that the slower functioning responses may be explained by a less physically active lifestyle, that may accelerate the onset of disease and result in symptoms associated with aging that are detrimental to health. It is therefore important that persons with ID participate in physical activity and exercises in order to promote health and prevent disease.
Optical Enzyme Sensor for Urea Determination via Immobilized pH Indicator and Urease onto Transparent Membranes
Authors: Krysteva Milka , Al Hallak Mohamed
Published: March 2005

Transparent triacetylcellulose membranes with immobilized pH indicator (neutral red) as well as with simultaneously immobilized urease and neutral red were used as optical sensors for determination of urea concentrations in model solutions. Decomposition of urea with the enzyme urease is accompanied by evolution of ammonia. This leads to the changes of the neutral red absorption, which is proportional to the substrate (urea) within certain concentration limits in model solution. As a result of the investigation, standard curves were plotted for determination of urea over the range of 1 to 500 mM using immobilized indicator and free urease. Simultaneous immobilization of indicator and urease permitted determination of urea in the interval 50 to 500 mM. The membrane used contained 0.169 U urease activity on an area of 1.7 cm2. The standard curves were plotted using the linear region of the kinetic curves for the corresponding substrate concentrations. A possible scheme of the interaction between the activated triacetylcellulose membrane and the indicator and enzyme is proposed. The membranes obtained are suitable for repeated ecological applications where urea is to be determined.
Psychoactive Drugs and Quality of Life
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

This study was performed on a representative sample of the Danish population in order to investigate the connection to the use of psychoactive drugs and quality of life (QOL) by way of a questionnaire-based survey. The questionnaire was mailed in February 1993 to 2,460 persons aged between 18 and 88, randomly selected from the CPR (Danish Central Register), and 7,222 persons from the Copenhagen Perinatal Birth Cohort 195961.A total of 1,501 persons between the ages 18 and 88 years and 4,626 persons between the ages 31 and 33 years returned the questionnaire (response rates of 61.0% and 64.1%, respectively). Variables investigated in this study were ten different psychotropic drugs and quality of life.Our study showed that over half the Danish population had used illegal psychotropic drugs. The most commonly used was cannabis (marijuana) though experience of this drug appeared not to co-vary with QOL to any significant extent. Cocaine, amphetamine, and psilocybin had been used by 1.2 to 3.3% of the population and this varied with QOL to a clear albeit small extent. LSD has been used by 1.2% of the population and the users had a QOL score 10% lower than those who had never used psychotropic drugs. The group with the lowest quality of life was found to be persons who had used heroin, morphine, methadone, and a mixture of alcohol and tranquilizers (1020% below the group with the highest quality of life).
The Birth of a Child with Disability. Coping by Parents and Siblings
Authors: Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

When a child is born, the life of the family changes significantly and each of its members must adapt to the new situation. When the child is born with a disability, in addition to regular adaptation, the family must cope with stress, grief, disappointments, and challenges, which may lead to a serious crisis or even disruption of family life.Parents must coordinate assessments, evaluations, and various treatments while maintaining contact with many professionals and numerous institutions or services. They find themselves faced with important decisions on behalf of the child, decisions on management of the child with disability, and economic decisions that will affect the whole family.This paper reviews the literature on the topic of coping when a child with disability is born and also studies the question as to whether a connection exists between parental orientation toward feelings of guilt and the family relationships system. The event of a child born with a disability is always a tragedy for the family, but early intervention and support may help the family to adjust and become positively involved in the care and development of the child, even if that child is different and in need of special treatment.
Growth Responses of Wheat (Triticum aestivumL. var. HD 2329) Exposed to Ambient Air Pollution under Varying Fertility Regimes
Authors: Singh Anoop , Agrawal S. B. , Rathore Dheeraj
Published: March 2005

The problem of urban air pollution has attracted special attention in India due to a tremendous increase in the urban population; motor vehicles vis a vis the extent of energy utilization. Field studies were conducted on wheat crops (Triticum aestivum L. var. HD 2329) by keeping the pot-grown plants in similar edaphic conditions at nine different sites in Allahabad City to quantify the effects of ambient air pollution levels on selected growth and yield parameters. Air quality monitoring was done at all the sites for gaseous pollutants viz. SO2, NO2, and O3. Various growth parameters (plant height, biomass, leaf area, NPP, etc.) showed adverse effects at sites receiving higher pollution load. Reduction in test weight and harvest index was found to be directly correlated with the levels of pollutant concentrations. The study clearly showed the negative impact of air pollution on periurban agriculture.
Modern Approach to Ureteral Stones
Authors: Tailly Geert G.
Published: March 2005

Urolithiasis is a very common affliction of mankind. In western countries incidence is increasing steadily. An increasing proportion of patients are presenting with ureteral stones, of which renal colic most often is the first complaint and the most common reason for an emergency visit to a urologist. Proper imaging strategy is of paramount importance in the diagnosis of acute flank pain and in the subsequent therapy planning once a ureteral stone is diagnosed. Renal colic during pregnancy poses specific problems, both in imaging and therapy. Apart from the adequate treatment of renal colic, modern therapy of those ureteral calculi that will not pass spontaneously will consist of a judicious combination of ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy), endourology, and laparoscopy. Open surgery should only be reserved for limited and very specific indications. Although beyond the scope of this article, metaphylaxis should take an important role in the follow-up of stone patients in general.
Voluntary Spatial Attention has Different Effects on Voluntary and Reflexive Saccades
Authors: Seidlits Stephanie K. , Reza Tammie , Briand Kevin A. , Sereno Anne B.
Published: March 2005

Although numerous studies have investigated the relationship between saccadic eye movements and spatial attention, one fundamental issue remains controversial. Some studies have suggested that spatial attention facilitates saccades, whereas others have claimed that eye movements are actually inhibited when spatial attention is engaged. However, these discrepancies may be because previous research has neglected to separate and specify the effects of attention for two distinct types of saccades, namely reflexive (stimulus-directed) and voluntary (antisaccades). The present study explored the effects of voluntary spatial attention on both voluntary and reflexive saccades. Results indicate that voluntary spatial attention has different effects on the two types of saccades. Antisaccades were always greatly facilitated following the engagement of spatial attention by symbolic cues (arrows) informing the subject where the upcoming saccade should be directed. Reflexive saccades showed little or no cueing effects and exhibited significant facilitation only when these cues were randomly intermixed with uncued trials. In addition, the present study tested the effects of fixation condition (gap, step, and overlap) on attentional modulation. Cueing effects did not vary due to fixation condition. Thus, voluntary spatial attention consistently showed different effects on voluntary and reflexive saccades, and there was no evidence in these studies that voluntary cues inhibit reflexive saccades, even in a gap paradigm.
Measurement of Quality of Life V. How to Use the SEQOL, QOL5, QOL1, and Other Global and Generic Questionnaires for Research
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Merrick Joav , Andersen Niels Jorgen
Published: March 2005

A survey can be divided into four phases: (1) planning, (2) distributing and collecting the questionnaires, (3) analysis, and (4) dissemination of the results. This paper provides step-by-step guidance on how the global and genetic SEQOL (self-evaluated quality of life) and QOL5 questionnaires can be used in a large- or small-scale survey of quality of life (QOL). It covers what is required to conduct a survey and generate results that should be of interest to local politicians, decision makers, and representatives from the surveyed groups and should be published after it has been processed and edited. If the results are to be published in the scientific literature, it is necessary to seek the assistance of an expert in statistics and/or research and the dissemination of research results.
Late Termination of Pregnancy. Professional Dilemmas
Authors: Kandel Isack , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

Abortion is an issue as long as history and hotly debated in all societies and communities. In some societies and countries it is legal, while other countries have no legal basis, and some countries have made it a crime. Today up to 90% of abortions take place in the first trimester, about 9% in the second trimester, and the rest in the third trimester.This paper deals with the issue of late termination of pregnancy, the practical medical aspects, legal issues, international aspects, and the dilemma for the professional.In early history, abortion was accepted by clergy and societies, but in recent history it is more restricted and in some countries prohibited. It does not seem that restriction leads to a lower abortion rate, but rather an active contraceptive policy, campaign, and availability to prevent pregnancies that are unwanted. In countries where abortion is restricted, the trend has been an increase in illegal abortion that leads to unsafe abortion with complications, permanent injuries, and maternal mortality.Unsafe and illegal abortion is a public health concern that governments should try to prevent and instead find ways to strengthen their commitments toward better and safer health and family planning services for women.Late termination of pregnancies is an issue of grave concern with many practical medical aspects, ethical questions, and professional dilemmas. This is especially of concern because of the viability of the fetus and should only take place in order to prevent harm to the physical and mental health of the mother or due to an anomaly or disability of the fetus.
Quality of Life Theory I. The IQOL Theory: An Integrative Theory of the Global Quality of Life Concept
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Merrick Joav , Andersen Niels Jorgen
Published: March 2005

Quality of life (QOL) means a good life and we believe that a good life is the same as living a life with a high quality. This paper presents the theoretical and philosophical framework of the Danish Quality of Life Survey, and of the SEQOL, QOL5, and QOL1 questionnaires.The notion of a good life can be observed from subjective to the objective, where this spectrum incorporates a number of existing quality of life theories. We call this spectrum the integrative quality-of-life (IQOL) theory and discuss the following aspects in this paper: well being, satisfaction with life, happiness, meaning in life, the biological information system (�balance�), realizing life potential, fulfillment of needs, and objective factors.The philosophy of life outlined in this paper tries to measure the global quality of life with questions derived from the integrative theory of the quality of life. The IQOL theory is an overall theory or meta-theory encompassing eight more factual theories in a subjective-existential-objective spectrum. Other philosophies of life can stress other aspects of life, but by this notion of introducing such an existential depth into the health and social sciences, we believe to have taken a necessary step towards a new humility and respect for the richness and complexity of life.
Measurement of Quality of Life VII. Statistical Covariation and Global Quality of Life Data: The Method of Weight-Modified Linear Regression
Authors: Ventegodt Soren , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

Existing standard statistical procedures do not seem to fulfill the needs of the researcher in global quality-of-life (QOL) research, because the most interesting question seems to be the exact size of statistical covariations. A method is necessary if we are to isolate the most important factors connected to quality of life among the thousands of possible factors in life. We have developed a new procedure we call �weight-modified linear regression�. Unfortunately as demonstrated in the discussion, the procedure is not totally without problems and weaknesses. In spite of the critique, we believe the procedure to be valid for the purpose of estimating the size of the covariation in population studies including psychometric measures of global quality of life. As we need to be certain that the procedure is valid, we hereby invite the scientific community to give us further critique of the method and suggestions for its improvement.
Uric Acid or 1-Methyl Uric Acid in the Urinary Bladder Increases Serum Glucose, Insulin, True Triglyceride, and Total Cholesterol Levels in Wistar Rats
Authors: Balasubramanian T.
Published: March 2005

In animals deprived of food for a long period, a drop in the fat mass below 5% of the total body mass results in an increase in blood glucocorticoids and uric acid levels, followed by foraging activity. Since the glucocorticoids increase the uric acid excretion, an increase in the level of uric acid in the bladder urine could be the signal for this feeding behaviour and subsequent fat storage. Accumulation of fat is associated with hyperglycaemia, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and hypercholesterolaemia as seen in the metabolic syndrome or hibernation. It is hypothesized that uric acid or its structurally related compound, 1-methyl uric acid (one of the metabolites of the methyl xanthines namely caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine present in coffee, tea, cocoa, and some drugs), can act on the urinary bladder mucosa and increases the blood glucose, insulin, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. In rats, perfusion of the urinary bladder with saturated aqueous solution of uric acid or 1-methyl uric acid results in a significant increase in the serum levels of glucose, insulin, true triglyceride, and total cholesterol in comparison with perfusion of the bladder with distilled water at 20, 40, and 80 min. The uric acid or the 1-methyl uric acid acts on the urinary bladder mucosa and increases the serum glucose, insulin, true triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels.
The Neurological Significance of Abnormal Natural Killer Cell Activity in Chronic Toxigenic Mold Exposures
Authors: Anyanwu Ebere , Campbell Andrew W. , Jones Joseph , Ehiri John E. , Akpan Akpan I.
Published: March 2005

Toxigenic mold activities produce metabolites that are either broad-spectrum antibiotics or mycotoxins that are cytotoxic. Indoor environmental exposure to these toxigenic molds leads to adverse health conditions with the main outcome measure of frequent neuroimmunologic and behavioral consequences. One of the immune system disorders found in patients presenting with toxigenic mold exposure is an abnormal natural killer cell activity. This paper presents an overview of the neurological significance of abnormal natural killer cell (NKC) activity in chronic toxigenic mold exposure. A comprehensive review of the literature was carried out to evaluate and assess the conditions under which the immune system could be dysfunctionally interfered with leading to abnormal NKC activity and the involvement of mycotoxins in these processes. The functions, mechanism, the factors that influence NKC activities, and the roles of mycotoxins in NKCs were cited wherever necessary. The major presentations are headache, general debilitating pains, nose bleeding, fevers with body temperatures up to 40�C (104�F), cough, memory loss, depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances, anxiety, chronic fatigue, vertigo/dizziness, and in some cases, seizures. Although sleep is commonly considered a restorative process that is important for the proper functioning of the immune system, it could be disturbed by mycotoxins. Most likely, mycotoxins exert some rigorous effects on the circadian rhythmic processes resulting in sleep deprivation to which an acute and transient increase in NKC activity is observed. Depression, psychological stress, tissue injuries, malignancies, carcinogenesis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis could be induced at very low physiological concentrations by mycotoxin-induced NKC activity. In the light of this review, it is concluded that chronic exposures to toxigenic mold could lead to abnormal NKC activity with a wide range of neurological consequences, some of which were headache, general debilitating pains, fever, cough, memory loss, depression, mood swings, sleep disturbances, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and seizures.
Plutonium in the Arctic Marine Environment — A Short Review
Authors: Skipperud Lindis
Published: March 2005

Anthropogenic plutonium has been introduced into the environment over the past 50 years as the result of the detonation of nuclear weapons and operational releases from the nuclear industry. In the Arctic environment, the main source of plutonium is from atmospheric weapons testing, which has resulted in a relatively uniform, underlying global distribution of plutonium. Previous studies of plutonium in the Kara Sea have shown that, at certain sites, other releases have given rise to enhanced local concentrations. Since different plutonium sources are characterised by distinctive plutonium-isotope ratios, evidence of a localised influence can be supported by clear perturbations in the plutonium-isotope ratio fingerprints as compared to the known ratio in global fallout. In Kara Sea sites, such perturbations have been observed as a result of underwater weapons tests at Chernaya Bay, dumped radioactive waste in Novaya Zemlya, and terrestrial runoff from the Ob and Yenisey Rivers. Measurement of the plutonium-isotope ratios offers both a means of identifying the origin of radionuclide contamination and the influence of the various nuclear installations on inputs to the Arctic, as well as a potential method for following the movement of water and sediment loads in the rivers.
Clinical Holistic Medicine: Holistic Treatment of Children
Authors: Ventegodt Søren , Morad Mohammed , Vardi Gideon , Merrick Joav
Published: March 2005

We believe a holistic approach to problems in childhood and adolescence will benefit the child, adolescent, and the whole family. As a rule, children have far less to say in the family than their parents. Therefore, it is the parents who set the agenda and decide how things are done at home and in relation to the child. Most often, it is also the parents who have a problem when the child is not thriving. The child thus acts as the thermometer of the family. When children are not feeling well or are sick, the parents are not doing well either. Most problems arising from dysfunctional patterns are almost impossible for the parents to solve on their own, but with help and support from the holistically oriented physician, we believe that many problems can be discovered and solved. Not only can health problems be addressed, but also problems of poor thriving in the family in general. With the physician in the role of a coach, the family can be provided with relevant exercises that will change the patterns of dysfunction. Consciousness-based medicine also seems to be efficient with children and adolescents, who are much more sensitive to the psychosocial dimensions than adults. Five needs seem to be essential for the thriving and health of the child: attention, respect, love, acceptance (touch), and acknowledgment. The physician should be able to see if the child lacks fulfillment in one or more of these needs, and he can then demonstrate to the parents how these needs should be handled. This should be followed by simple instructions and exercises for the parents in the spirit of coaching. This approach is especially relevant when the child is chronically ill.
Handgrip Strength as a Diagnostic Tool in Work-Related Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders in Women
Authors: Alperovitch-Najenson Deborah , Carmeli Eli , Coleman Raymond , Ring Haim
Published: March 2005

The aim of this study was to determine if handgrip strength might be used as a diagnostic tool in musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities in women working in an industrial environment. The setting was an electronic factory with four groups of women (n = 101) in a factory assembling electronic components. Handgrip strength was measured using a Jamar® hydraulic hand dynamometer. The study investigated grip strength in managers-engineers, cable wiring, circuit board assembly, integrated circuits women at 90? elbow flexion and 180? elbow extension. Women seeking or receiving medical care for musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities or neck showed significant declines (p< 0.01) in handgrip strength and these also related to the type of work and the level of perceived physical exertion. Women in the managerial-engineering group showed fewer musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremity compared with the other groups and also had significantly stronger handgrip. Our findings encourage us to recommend hand dynamometer testing as a useful diagnostic tool to determine loss of handgrip strength.
RNA Editing in Hepatitis Delta Virus: Unsolved Puzzles
Authors: Jayan Geetha C.
Published: March 2005

RNA editing, or post-transcriptional changes in the sequences of RNAs, is being increasingly recognized as an important player in the regulation of gene expression in vertebrates and invertebrates. Different types of RNA editing have been reported. This review discuss the type of RNA editing caused by cellular enzymes known as adenosine deaminases that act on RNAs (ADARs), and it's significance in the lifecycle of an RNA virus, hepatitis delta virus.