bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of DNA repair and metabolic genes in response to a flavonoid-rich diet
Authors: Guarrera Simonetta , Sacerdote Carlotta , Fiorini Laura , Marsala Rosa , Polidoro Silvia , Gamberini Sara , Saletta Federica , Malaveille Christian , Talaska Glenn , Vineis Paolo , Matullo Giuseppe
Published: April 2007

A diet rich in fruit and vegetables can be effective in the reduction of oxidative stress, through the antioxidant effects of phytochemicals and other mechanisms. Protection against the carcinogenic effects of chemicals may also be exerted by an enhancement of detoxification and DNA damage repair mechanisms. To investigate a putative effect of flavonoids, a class of polyphenols, on the regulation of the gene expression of DNA repair and metabolic genes, a 1-month flavonoid-rich diet was administered to thirty healthy male smokers, nine of whom underwent gene expression analysis. We postulated that tobacco smoke is a powerful source of reactive oxygen species. The expression level of twelve genes (APEX,ERCC1,ERCC2,ERCC4,MGMT,OGG1,XPA,XPC,XRCC1,XRCC3,AHR,CYP1A1) was investigated. We found a significant increase (P < 0·001) in flavonoid intake. Urinary phenolic content and anti-mutagenicity did not significantly change after diet, nor was a correlation found between flavonoid intake and urinary phenolic levels or anti-mutagenicity. Phenolic levels showed a significant positive correlation with urinary anti-mutagenicity.AHRlevels were significantly reduced after the diet (P = 0·038), whereas the other genes showed a generalized up regulation, significant forXRCC3gene (P = 0·038). Also in the context of a generalized up regulation of DNA repair genes, we found a non-significant negative correlation between flavonoid intake and the expression of all the DNA repair genes. Larger studies are needed to clarify the possible effects of flavonoidsin vivo; our preliminary results could help to better plan new studies on gene expression and diet.
Effects of arachidonate-enriched triacylglycerol supplementation on serum fatty acids and platelet aggregation in healthy male subjects with a fish diet
Authors: Kusumoto Aki , Ishikura Yoshiyuki , Kawashima Hiroshi , Kiso Yoshinobu , Takai Shinji , Miyazaki Mizuo
Published: April 2007

The changes in fatty acid composition of serum and in platelet aggregation induced by supplementation of arachidonate-enriched TAG were investigated in twenty-four healthy Japanese men in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The arachidonate-enriched TAG ingested was an edible oil, extracted and purified from a biomass of submerged fermentedMortierella alpina. Mean daily intake of fish and shellfish by subjects was 87·2 (se5·3) g/d, while dietary intakes of arachidonic acid (ARA) by the ARA group and placebo group were 175 (se12) and 179 (se13) mg/d, respectively. In the ARA group, after 2-week supplementation of 838 mg ARA/d, ARA concentration in serum phospholipids was increased from 9·6 (se0·4) to 13·7 (se0·4) g/100 g total fatty acids, and was significantly different from that in the placebo group (P < 0·001). This level was maintained for 4 weeks but returned to baseline level after a 4-week washout period. Linoleic acid concentration in serum phospholipids decreased from 19·2 (se0·8) to 16·3 (se0·6) g/100 g total fatty acids in the ARA group. Similarly, ARA content of serum TAG increased after ARA supplementation. Neither the EPA nor DHA content of serum phospholipids or TAG was altered by ARA supplementation. The platelet aggregation induced in platelet-rich plasma by adding adenosine diphosphate, collagen and ARA, physical characteristics of subjects, and biochemical parameters were unchanged throughout the test period. These findings suggest that ARA concentration in serum phospholipids and TAG can be safely increased by supplementation of arachidonate-enriched TAG oil.
Energy and nutrient intakes by pre-school children in Flanders-Belgium
Authors: Huybrechts Inge , De Henauw Stefaan
Published: April 2007

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate energy and nutrient intakes in pre-school children in Flanders-Belgium, using multistage clustered sampling. Diets of 661 children (338 boys; 323 girls) between 2·5 and 6·5 years old were assessed, with parentally reported 3 d estimated diet records. Usual energy and nutrient intakes were compared with national and international recommendations. Statistical modelling was used to account for within-individual variation. Mean daily energy intakes (boys, 6543 kJ; girls, 5757 kJ) approached the estimated energy requirements (EER) (boys, 6040 kJ; girls, 5798 kJ) for children < 4 years old. For children at least 4 years old, mean energy intakes (boys, 6408 kJ; girls, 5914 kJ) were below the EER of 6995 and 6740 kJ/d, respectively. Mean energy percentage (en%) derived from saturated fatty acids (SFA) (13–14 en%) was above the acceptable macronutrient distribution range (AMDR) upper level of 12 en%. Mean percentages derived from MUFA (10–11 en%) and PUFA (4–5 en%) were below the AMDR lower levels of 12 and 8 en%, respectively. For fibre, iron and vitamin D intakes, < 15 % of the children reached the recommended dietary allowances. Everybody exceeded the tolerable upper intake levels for sodium. Although diets in Belgian children were adequate in most nutrients, the implications of low iron, vitamin D and fibre intakes should be investigated. Furthermore, this affluent diet, characterised by SFA, MUFA and PUFA intakes differing from the recommendations and excessive sodium intakes, might increase the risk for CVD in later life.
Amethyst geodes in the basaltic flow from Triz quarry at Ametista do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil): magmatic source of silica for the amethyst crystallizations
Authors: PROUST DOMINIQUE , FONTAINE CLAUDE
Published: April 2007

The amethyst geodes observed in the tholeiitic basaltic flow from the Triz quarry at Ametista do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) show particular wall-layering infillings with, from the outside inwards, celadonite, chalcedony, fine-grained quartz and large-sized amethyst crystals. The primary fluid inclusions analysed in the amethyst crystals yield a 152 to 238 °C crystallization temperature range. The amethyst geodes are always located in the massive, fracture-free, basaltic part of the lava flows and surrounded by a limited wall-lining alteration halo, the thickness of which depends on the geode radius. The geochemical balances calculated from fresh to altered basalt in the geode environment indicate that the amount of SiO2 released from the alteration halo is always sufficient to produce the siliceous rims in the geodes without requirement for extraneous silica supply. The results point to a volcanic origin for the amethyst geode infillings through basalt ‘autoalteration’ by authigenic high temperature hydrothermal fluids. These fluids can originate from (1) unmixing of volatile coumpounds from melt through pressure release, (2) cooling to supercritical hydrous fluids with ‘autoalteration’ of the surrounding basalt and (3) migration of the residual hot fluids from the basalt to the geodic cavities through the pressure gradient between the geodic cavity and the rock.
Otorhinolaryngologists' interest in facial plastic surgery: a survey in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Burns P , Miller I , Timon C , Walsh M
Published: April 2007

Introduction:

Within the field of otorhinolaryngology, interest in facial plastic surgery has grown significantly in recent years. There is a lack of evidence in the literature documenting this interest in the British Isles.

Materials and methods:

572 questionnaires were mailed to all members of the British Association of Otolaryngologists, Head and Neck Surgeons and to members of the Irish Otolaryngological Society.

Results:

Our response rate was 68 per cent. One-third of respondents were performing facial plastic procedures regularly, most commonly otoplasty (80 per cent), rhinoplasty (74 per cent) and facial flaps (28 per cent). Two-thirds of respondents had attended supplementary courses in facial plastic surgery, and 65 per cent would like facial plastic surgery to compose one-third of their daily practice.

Discussion:

Facial plastic surgery has become a significant part of the otorhinolaryngologists' practice. They are now offering a wider variety of procedures in the area. This is the first paper to document this interest in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The Pakistan (Lahore) cochlear implant programme: issues relating to implantation in a developing country
Authors: Khan M I J , Mukhtar N , Saeed S R , Ramsden R T
Published: April 2007

The Pakistan cochlear implant programme was started in Lahore in August 2000. It was initially established with the technical support of the Manchester cochlear implant team. There are no government resources available for cochlear implantation in Pakistan and the cost of cochlear implantation is met by the candidates and their families. Up till December 2005, 52 individuals have been implanted. Forty-four (84.6 per cent) of these patients were children and eight (15.4 per cent) patients were adults. Congenital deafness (94 per cent) is the main aetiological factor in children. Seventy-six per cent of these children were born to blood related parents. All patients received a Med-El Combi 40+  device. The listening progress profile, the meaningful auditory integration scale and the meaningful use of speech scale were used to assess the auditory performance in children. Thirty-nine children achieved an average listening progress profile score of 37.7 after 12 months of implantation. The overall rate of major and minor complications was 11.5 per cent. Failure rate for the device itself has been 3.8 per cent. In addition to considering these preliminary outcomes and funding issues, the problems of setting up a cochlear implant programme in a developing country are discussed.
Voice outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kennedy J T , Paddle P M , Cook B J , Chapman P , Iseli T A
Published: April 2007

Introduction:

Early glottic cancer may be treated with primary radiotherapy or transoral laser microsurgery with comparable survival. The choice of therapy therefore depends on patient preference after discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives.

Materials and methods:

All previously untreated patients undergoing transoral laser microsurgery for T1 or T2 glottic cancer at St Vincent's Hospital between July 1997 and December 2004 had their staging and demographics recorded. Surgery was categorised according to the European Laryngological Society. A voice recording was made pre-operatively then at 12 weeks post-operatively and scored by two independent speech therapists on the Oates Russell Voice Profile – a scale of zero (normal) to five (severe dysphonia). Follow up was for a minimum of two years.

Results and analysis:

Fifty-three patients with a mean age of 56 were included. The observed survival was T1 89.4 per cent and T2 85.3 per cent after a mean follow up of 47 months. Nineteen patients staged T1 underwent cordectomy. A second procedure was required in 22.2 per cent, however, none required a laryngectomy. Thirty-four patients staged T2 underwent hemilaryngectomy. A second procedure was required in 41.2 per cent including 8.8 per cent requiring salvage laryngectomy. One patient died with unresectable nodal disease. The mean Oates Russell Voice Profile for T1 disease was 2.37 and for T2 2.68 (range 1 to 4) indicating a mild (2) to moderate (3) degree of voice impairment.

Conclusions:

Survival outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery are comparable to treatment with radiotherapy. Voice impairment is usually mild to moderate following transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic cancer but overall may be greater than in radiotherapy patients. The repeatability of transoral laser microsurgery may result in a lower laryngectomy rate compared with published series using radiotherapy.
Comparative study of efficacy and toxicities of cisplatin vs vinorelbine as radiosensitisers in locally advanced head and neck cancer
Authors: Sarkar S K , Patra N B , Goswami J , Basu S
Published: April 2007

Introduction:

Currently, concomitant chemoradiation using cisplatin is one of the standards of care for the management of head and neck cancer, but at the cost of increased acute toxicity. Our aim was to assess whether vinorelbine was less toxic and of at least comparable efficacy, if not better, compared with cisplatin.

Materials and methods:

A total of 72 patients with squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region were recruited, 40 in arm A and 32 in arm B. Patients in arm A received 40 mg/m2 cisplatin weekly. Patients in arm B received 6 mg/m2 vinorelbine weekly. Both arms also received 66 Gy of radiation in conventional fractionation.

Results and analysis:

There was no statistically significant difference in response rate or toxicities between the two arms, except for nausea and/or vomiting, which was significantly less frequent in the vinorelbine arm.

Conclusion:

Vinorelbine was as effective as cisplatin in controlling locoregional disease in locally advanced head and neck cancer, but was only marginally less toxic than cisplatin.
A model to account for the consequences of host nutrition on the outcome of gastrointestinal parasitism in sheep: model evaluation
Authors: VAGENAS D. , BISHOP S. C. , KYRIAZAKIS I.
Published: April 2007

This paper describes sensitivity analyses and expectations obtained from a mathematical model developed to account for the effects of host nutrition on the consequences of gastrointestinal parasitism in sheep. The scenarios explored included different levels of parasitic challenge at different planes of nutrition, for hosts differing only in their characteristics for growth. The model was able to predict the consequences of host nutrition on the outcome of parasitism, in terms of worm burden, number of eggs excreted per gram faeces and animal performance. The model outputs predict that conclusions on the ability of hosts of different characteristics for growth to cope with parasitism (i.e. resistance) depend on the plane of nutrition. Furthermore, differences in the growth rate of sheep, on their own, are not sufficient to account for differences in the observed resistance of animals. The model forms the basis for evaluating the consequences of differing management strategies and environments, such as breeding for certain traits associated with resistance and nutritional strategies, on the consequences of gastrointestinal parasitism on sheep.
Poorer results of mice with latent toxoplasmosis in learning tests: impaired learning processes or the novelty discrimination mechanism?
Authors: HODKOVA H. , KODYM P. , FLEGR J.
Published: April 2007

The heteroxenous protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is transmitted from the intermediate host (any warm-blooded animal) to the definitive host (members of the felidae) by carnivory. The infected intermediate hosts develop several specific behavioural changes that are usually considered products of manipulative activity of the parasite aimed to increase the probability of its transmission to the definitive host. Among other changes, the infected rodents were shown to have impaired learning capability. All previous studies were done 2–6 weeks after the infection. Therefore, it was difficult to resolve whether the observed impairment of learning processes was a result of acute or latent toxoplasmosis, i.e. whether it was a side-effect of the disease or a product of manipulation activity. Here we studied the learning capability of Toxoplasma-infected mice in the static rod test and 8-arm radial maze test and their spontaneous activity in the wheel running test 10 weeks after the infection. The infected mice achieved worse scores in the learning tests but showed higher spontaneous activity in the wheel running test. However, a detailed study of the obtained results as well as of the data reported by other authors suggested that the differences between infected and control mice were a result of impaired ability to recognize novel stimuli rather than of impaired learning capacity in animals with latent toxoplasmosis.
Antioxidant gene expression and function inin vitro-developingSchistosoma mansonimother sporocysts: possible role in self-protection
Authors: VERMEIRE J. J. , YOSHINO T. P.
Published: April 2007

The ability of the larval forms ofSchistosoma mansonito invade and parasitize their molluscan host,Biomphalaria glabrata, is determined by a multitude of factors. In this study we sought to elucidate the possible mechanisms by which the invading larvae are able to counteract the potentially harmful oxidative environment presented by the host upon initial miracidial infection. This was attempted by examining the gene expression profile of parasite antioxidant enzymes of the linked glutathione-(GSH) thioredoxin (Trx) redox pathway during early intramolluscan larval development. Three such enzymes, the peroxiredoxins (Prx1, Prx2 and Prx3) were examined as to their activity and sites of expression withinS. mansonimiracidia andin vitro-cultured mother sporocysts. Results of these studies demonstrated that the H2O2-reducing enzymes Prx1 and 2 are upregulated during early mother sporocyst development compared to miracidia. Immunolocalization studies further indicated that Prx1 and Prx2 proteins are expressed within the apical papillae of miracidia and tegumental syncytium of sporocysts, and are released with parasite excretory-secretory proteins (ESP) duringin vitrolarval transformation. Removal of Prx1 and Prx2 from larval ESP by immunoabsorption significantly reduced the ability of ESP to breakdown exogenous H2O2, thereby directly linking ESP Prx proteins with H2O2-scavenging activity. Moreover, exposure of live sporocysts to exogenous H2O2stimulated an upregulation of Prx1 and 2 gene expression suggesting the involvement of H2O2–responsive elements in regulating larval Prx gene expression. These data provide evidence that Prx1 and Prx2 may function in the protection ofS. mansonisporocysts during the early stages of infection.
Local climate aridity influences the distribution of thelastomatoid nematodes of the Australian giant burrowing cockroach
Authors: JEX A. R. , SCHNEIDER M. A. , ROSE H. A. , CRIBB T. H.
Published: April 2007

In this study, we examined the effects of local climate aridity on the richness and composition of the thelastomatoid (Nematoda: Oxyurida) guild parasitizing the Australian giant burrowing cockroach,Macropanesthia rhinoceros(Blattodea: Geoscapheinae). In total, 9 thelastomatoid species parasitized this cockroach in north-eastern Australia (Queensland). Local observed richness ranged from 3 species (in Cooktown, Magnetic Island, Maiden Springs and Whitsunday Island) to 7 species (in Rochford Scrub). The lowest richness occurred in both relatively wet and dry climates, and the highest richness was in moderate climates. Three species,Cordonicola gibsoni,Leidynemella fusiformisandTravassosinema jaidenae, were found at all 13 collection sites. One species,Geoscaphenema megaovum, was found exclusively in dry to moderate climates. The remaining species,Blattophila sphaerolaima,Coronostoma australiae,Desmicola ornata,Hammerschmidtiella hochiandJaidenema rhinoceratum, were found in moderate climates only. We hypothesize that the egg is the stage in the thelastomatoid life-cycle most vulnerable to the effects of adverse climate and that the geographical distribution for each species is, in part, bound by environments that are too dry, resulting in egg desiccation, and by environments that are too wet, resulting in decreased oxygen uptake across the egg-shell and in osmotic lysing.
Density dependence of feeding success in haematophagous ectoparasites
Authors: KRASNOV B. R. , HOVHANYAN A. , KHOKHLOVA I. S. , DEGEN A. A.
Published: April 2007

We studied the effect of density on feeding success of 2 fleas, Xenopsylla conformis and Xenopsylla ramesis, when exploiting rodents Meriones crassus and Gerbillus dasyurus. We tested 2 alternative hypotheses: (i) that intraspecific interference competition occurs and, thus, feeding success of a flea decreases with an increase in density and (ii) that facilitation via suppression of a host defence system occurs and thus, feeding success of a flea increases with an increase in density. The mean size of a bloodmeal and the proportion of highly engorged individuals in X. conformis feeding on both hosts were affected by density. When on G. dasyurus, both the size of a bloodmeal and the proportion of highly engorged individuals were lower at low (5–15 fleas per host) than at high (25–50 fleas per host) densities. The opposite was true when this flea fed on M. crassus. The mean bloodmeal size and proportions of highly engorged X. ramesis parasitizing either host were not affected by flea density. This study showed that the density dependence of feeding success of a flea (a) varied both between fleas and within-fleas between hosts and (b) indicated either intraspecific competition or facilitation via the host in a particular flea-host association.
Engaging scripture: incarnation and the Gospel of John
Authors: Paddison Angus
Published: April 2007

This article presents a theological engagement with the Christ of the Gospel of John. Christology has two basic responsibilities. First, all Christology is required to demonstrate that it is rooted in scriptural reading. Second, consistent attentiveness needs to be paid to the dynamic relationship between Christ's person and work. The nature of these two responsibilities is elucidated by exploring some recent christological contributions. The remainder of the essay engages with the encounter at the centre of the Fourth Gospel: that in the Word made flesh the eternal love between the Father and the Son is unfolded into the time of this world. Jesus' life and ministry is the decisive meeting of time and eternity. Counsel is then offered for how John's Gospel may faithfully be read in line with this subject matter. Important objections to ‘Logos’ Christologies, and Johannine Christology in particular, are introduced. This article then proceeds to argue for the realistic meeting of all that is human and all that is divine in the person of Jesus who lives a life of loving obedience to the Father. Throughout, this article maintains a conversation with the Fourth Gospel, the ontological implications of this text, and those voices from within Christian tradition that can help us in the reading of John.
Robert Jenson and the spirit of it all: or, you (sometimes) wonder where everything else went
Authors: Cumin Paul
Published: April 2007

Three aspects of Robert Jenson's theology are investigated and then related according to their common pneumatological implications. First Jenson's neo-Barthian doctrine of revelation is considered as it leads him to an immediate or near-immediate relation of the being and act of God. This puts particular tensions on how he maintains the ontological distinction between creator and creation. Second, the same tension is found repeated in the way Jenson rejects the notion of divine timelessness. In bringing the being of God into history, and time into the being of God, he eventually calls the Father, Son and Spirit the ‘past’, ‘present’ and ‘future’ of the triune life. These tensions are heightened even further in the third section. With his characteristic concept of ‘narrative causality’ Jenson attempts a constructive recovery of Hegelian categories by suggesting the ‘End’ – as brought about by the Spirit-‘Outcome’ of God – is that ‘sublation which is itself not sublated’. The article concludes without entering the specifically Hegelian controversy, rather with more simple questions about the doctrinal integrity of Jenson's eschatology.
A survey of the christology of Theodore of Tarsus in the Laterculus Malalianus
Authors: Siemens James
Published: April 2007

Bede's Historia ecclesiastica makes it clear that Theodore of Tarsus, the seventh-century archbishop of Canterbury, is a figure who should command an immense amount of interest. His learning and cosmopolitan formation call upon the scholar to ask what it is that he contributed to the English church in his time and beyond. Yet interest in Theodore as a theologian has been lacking to date, most likely due to the limited amount of material attributable to him. Jane Stevenson's work on the anonymous Laterculus Malalianus in the early 1990s suggested Theodore as the most likely author. That this suggestion has proven consistent with other, cumulative evidence of Theodore's life and work makes the Laterculus an invaluable text for the student investigating his theology. This article seeks to present the theological themes of the text, especially as they relate to the person and work of Christ, and to introduce the reader to Theodore of Tarsus as a figure of interest in the study of early medieval christology.
Autonomously clearing obstacles using the biological flexor reflex in a quadrupedal robot
Authors: Xiuli Zhang , Haojun Zheng
Published: April 2007

This paper suggests one possible mechanism for the biological flexor reflex by emulating a cat's behavior with its robotic counterpart, making it capable of walking around and clearing obstacles autonomously in various environments. A central pattern generator and a hip-to-knee mapping function are employed to realize basic rhythmic motion for a quadrupedal robot. When an input from a contact sensor on the robot's toe is detected, a patterned motion generated by the flexor reflex emerges depending on the location of the bumping phase, and replaces the ongoing rhythmic motion of that leg, causing it to be raised high enough to clear the obstacle. By restricting this reflex to within one cycle time of the walk and only to the bumping leg, rhythm and stability of motion are ensured. Numerical simulations and experimental implementation on a physical quadrupedal robot demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
GNSS Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring with a Dynamic Model
Authors: Hewitson Steve , Wang Jinling
Published: April 2007

Traditionally, GNSS receiver autonomous integrity monitoring (RAIM) has been based upon single epoch solutions. RAIM can be improved considerably when available dynamic information is fused together with the GNSS range measurements in a Kalman filter. However, while the Kalman filtering technique is widely accepted to provide optimal estimates for the navigation parameters of a dynamic platform, assuming the state and observation models are correct, it is still susceptible to unmodelled errors. Furthermore, significant deviations from the assumed models for dynamic systems may also occur. It is therefore necessary that the state estimation procedure is complemented with effective and reliable integrity measures capable of identifying both measurement and modelling errors. Within this paper, fundamental equations required for the effective detection and identification of outliers in a kinematic GNSS positioning and navigation system are described together with the reliability and separability measures. These quality measures are implemented using a Kalman filtering procedure formulated with Gauss-Markov models where the state estimates are derived from least squares principles. Detailed simulations and analyses have been performed to assess the impact of the dynamic information on GNSS RAIM with respect to outlier detection and identification, reliability and separability. The ability of the RAIM algorithms to detect and identify dynamic modelling errors is also investigated.
Efficient LEO Dynamic Orbit Determination with Triple Differenced GPS Carrier Phases
Authors: Bae Tae-Suk , Grejner-Brzezinska Dorota , Hyoun Kwon Jay
Published: April 2007

The dynamic precise orbit determination of a Low Earth Orbit satellite using triple differenced GPS phases is presented in this study. The atmospheric drag parameters are estimated to compensate the incomplete atmosphere model for better precision of the orbit solution. In addition, the empirical force parameters, especially once- and twice-per-revolution components, along with the new IERS Conventions and models to compute the perturbing forces are introduced to absorb the remaining unmodelled forces. The optimal arc length for the parameterization and the data processing strategy are also tested and analyzed for the best orbit solutions. The triple differencing technique enables fast and efficient orbit estimation, because no ambiguity resolution and cycle slip detection are required. With the triple differenced ion-free GPS phase observables, the orbit and the velocity solutions for 24 hours of CHAMP are calculated; they compare with the published Rapid Science Orbit with the accuracy of 8 cm and 0·12 mm/s in 3D RMS for the orbit and the velocity, respectively, and are statistically consistent with the RSO when it is not better than 4 cm in terms of an absolute accuracy. The approach presented here provides an efficient and simple, but robust, alternative approach, while the solution's accuracy is still comparable to the double-difference results.
Perceptions of Integrated Electronic Marine Systems – A Preliminary Study
Authors: Mills Stella
Published: April 2007

Integrated electronic marine systems have been put forward as one way of reducing information overload for officers of the watch and other personnel who work on ships' bridges or in fishing wheelhouses. It may be that such systems will improve safety records which, in the case of fishing, are amongst the worst in the world. This article builds on previous work about issues for the systems designer by using a small study of fishing skippers to ascertain their perceptions of using integrated electronic systems in the wheelhouse. Semi-structured interviews were used with 11 skippers from one port who were all familiar with integrated electronic marine systems but did not use them on their vessels. The main reasons for this were a perception of unreliability of both the hardware and the software, together with concerns about data integrity and user control.
Navigating Lancasters in WW II
Authors: Hoare Peter
Published: April 2007

This paper describes the air navigation techniques and drills used by Lancasters of the Pathfinder Force of Royal Air Force Bomber Command in early 1945. A brief description is given of the equipment and fixing aids available to the navigator and the environment in which he worked. The paper is based on the author's personal experience and with reference to the log and chart of an operation in which he took part. A running commentary on the navigational aspects of the operation is also given.
Analyses of the 1957 (Asian) influenza pandemic in the United Kingdom and the impact of school closures
Authors: VYNNYCKY E. , EDMUNDS W. J.
Published: April 2007

Many countries plan to close schools during a future influenza pandemic, although the potential impact is poorly understood. We apply a model of the transmission dynamics of pandemic influenza to consultation, serological and clinical data from the United Kingdom from the 1957 (Asian) influenza pandemic, to estimate the basic reproduction number (R0), the proportion of infected individuals who experience clinical symptoms and the impact of school/nursery closures. The R0 for Asian influenza was about 1·8 and 60–65% of infected individuals were estimated to have experienced clinical symptoms. During a future pandemic, closure of schools/nurseries could reduce the epidemic size only by a very small amount (<10%) if R0 is high (e.g. 2·5 or 3·5), and modest reductions, e.g. 22% might be possible if it is low (1·8) and schools are closed early, depending on assumptions about contact patterns. Further data on contact patterns and their dependence on school closures are needed.
Prevalence and determinants of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cytological abnormalities in imprisoned women
Authors: GONZÁLEZ C. , CANALS J. , ORTIZ M. , MUÑOZ L. , TORRES M. , GARCÍA-SAIZ A. , DEL AMO J.
Published: April 2007

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors associated with infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in cervix and squamous intra-epithelial lesions (SIL) in imprisoned women. This was done by a cross-sectional study of imprisoned women attending the gynaecological clinic in Foncalent prison in Alicante, Spain. The study period was from May 2003 to December 2005. HR-HPV infection was determined through Digene HPV Test, Hybrid Capture II (HC-II). HPV typing was determined by multiplex nested PCR assay combining degenerate E6/E7 consensus primers. Multiple logistic regression modelling was used for the analysis of associations between variables where some were considered possible confounders after checking for interactions. A total of 219 women were studied. HR-HPV prevalence was 27·4% and prevalence of SIL was 13·3%. HIV prevalence was 18%, higher in Spaniards than in migrant women (24·6%vs. 14·3%,P<0·05). In multivariate analyses, risk factors for HPV infection were younger age (Pfor trend=0·001) and tobacco use (OR 2·62, 95% CI 1·01–6·73). HPV infection (OR 4·8, 95% CI 1·7–13·8) and HIV infection were associated with SIL (OR 4·8, 95% CI 1·6–14·1). The commonest HPV types were HPV16 (29·4%), HPV18 (17·6%), HPV39 (17·6%) and HPV68 (17·6%). The prevalence of both HR-HPV infection and SIL in imprisoned women found in this study is high. Determinants for each of the outcomes studied were different. HPV infection is the most important determinant for SIL. A strong effect of HIV co-infection on the prevalence of SIL has been detected. Our findings reinforce the need to support gynaecological clinics in the prison setting.
Use of sensitivity analysis to assess the effects on anti-hepatitis A virus antibodies of access to household water supply
Authors: CABRAL M. D. B. , LUIZ R. R.
Published: April 2007

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of a possible unmeasured confounding variable in a previously published association between the effects of household water supply and positive results for hepatitis A serology. This was estimated using a path of integration between two methods of sensitivity analysis, called Rosenbaum's method and Greenland's external adjustment. The association between household water supply and positive results for hepatitis A (outcome) serology was insensitive to confounding unless the odds ratio for the association between the confounder and the outcome was ⩾4. The integration of the two sensitivity analysis methods presented proved useful when assessing the effects of a potential unmeasured confounder.
Epidemiological evidence forMycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosisas a cause of Crohn's disease
Authors: UZOIGWE J. C. , KHAITSA M. L. , GIBBS P. S.
Published: April 2007

Mycobacterium aviumsubspeciesparatuberculosisis the causative agent of Johne's disease, a chronic enteritis in ruminants including cattle, sheep, goats, and farmed deer. Recently, this bacterium has received an increasingly wide interest because of a rapidly growing body of scientific evidence which suggests that human infection with this microorganism may be causing some, and possibly all, cases of Crohn's disease. Recent studies have shown that a high percentage of people with Crohn's disease are infected withM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosis; whether the association of this bacterium and Crohn's disease is causal or coincidental is not known. Crohn's disease is a gastrointestinal disease in humans with similar histopathological findings to those observed in the paucibacillary form of Johne's disease in cattle. The search for risk factors in Crohn's disease has been frustrating. However, epidemiologists have gathered enough information that points to an association betweenM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisand Crohn's disease. This paper reviews epidemiological models of disease causation, the major philosophical doctrines about causation, the established epidemiological criteria for causation, and the currently known epidemiological evidence ofM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisas a possible cause of Crohn's disease.
An outbreak ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 infection in southern Sweden associated with consumption of fermented sausage; aspects of sausage production that increase the risk of contamination
Authors: SARTZ L. , De JONG B. , HJERTQVIST M. , PLYM-FORSHELL L. , ALSTERLUND R. , LÖFDAHL S. , OSTERMAN B. , STÅHL A. , ERIKSSON E. , HANSSON H.-B. , KARPMAN D.
Published: April 2007

A large outbreak of enterohaemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC) infections occurred in southern Sweden during autumn 2002. A matched case-control study was performed and indicated an association between consumption of fermented sausage and EHEC infection (odds ratio 5·4,P<0·002). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis identified a strain ofE. coliO157:H7 in clinical faecal isolates, which was identical to a strain isolated from sausage samples obtained from households of infected individuals. A combination of microbiological and epidemiological results established a link between sausage consumption and the outbreak in 30 out of a total of 39 investigated cases. Contaminated beef was suspected to be the source of infection. Delayed start of fermentation, lack of heat-treatment and a short curing period in cold temperature were identified as the main factors enabling EHEC survival. EHEC can survive throughout the entire production process of fermented sausage if curing conditions are inadequate.
Necrotizing fasciitis in captive juvenileCrocodylus porosuscaused byStreptococcus agalactiae: an outbreak and review of the animal and human literature
Authors: BISHOP E. J. , SHILTON C. , BENEDICT S. , KONG F. , GILBERT G. L. , GAL D. , GODOY D. , SPRATT B. G. , CURRIE B. J.
Published: April 2007

We observed an outbreak of necrotizing fasciitis associated withStreptococcus agalactiaeinfection in a group of juvenile saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). We undertook screening of crocodiles and the environment to clarify the source of the outbreak and evaluated the isolates cultured from post-mortem specimens with molecular methods to assess clonality and the presence of known group B streptococcal virulence determinants. The isolates were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. They were a typical serotype Ia strain with the Cα-like protein gene, epsilon (oralp1), the mobile genetic elements IS381ISSag1and ISSag2, and belonged to multi-locus sequence type (ST) 23. All of these characteristics suggest they were probably of human origin. We review the medical and veterinary literature relating toS. agalactiaenecrotizing fasciitis, epidemiology and virulence determinants.
Transoesophageal echocardiography in monitoring, guiding, and evaluating surgical repair of congenital cardiac malformations in children
Authors: Ma Xiao-Jing , Huang Guo-Ying , Liang Xue-Cun , Chen Zhang-Gen , Jia Bing , Li Xin , Ye Ming
Published: April 2007

Objective: To evaluate the role of transoesophageal echocardiography and problems related to safety during the surgical repair of congenital cardiac malformations in children. Methods: We examined the transoesophageal recordings made in 350 children with congenital cardiac diseases, aged from 2 months to 17 years and 9 months, with a median age of 2.7 years, tracings having been taken both before and after cardiopulmonary bypass. All patients had been scanned by transthoracic echocardiography before the operative procedures. Results: Preoperative transoesophageal echocardiography added additional findings, or changed the diagnoses made using transthoracic echocardiography, in 33 cases (9.4%), among which the findings had therapeutic significance in 23 cases (6.6%) that altered the planned surgical procedures. Residual problems or sequels were detected by postoperative transoesophageal echocardiography in 57 cases (16.3%), with 13 patients (3.7%) requiring instant intervention or return to bypass for modifications of the surgical procedures. We encountered no severe complications due to the performance of transoesophageal echocardiography. Mild complications occurred in only 2 patients (0.6%). Conclusions: Transoesophageal echocardiography is a useful tool with which to determine the strategies for treatment in the perioperative period, and to improve the quality of surgical procedures in children with congenital cardiac diseases. Complications were few, but still deserved careful attention to detail.
Interference of electrocardiographic recordings by a mobile telephone
Authors: Brodlie Malcolm , Robertson Daniel , Wyllie Jonathan
Published: April 2007

The ownership of mobile telephones is now almost universal amongst the teenage population of the United Kingdom. Such telephones are a potential source of electromagnetic interference to medical equipment. We describe a case of troublesome interference with an electrocardiogram recording in a teenage patient whose mobile telephone was left switched on during a visit to hospital. This is likely to be a common reason for poor quality electrocardiographic recordings.
Polymorphism C242T of the gene of the p22phox subunit for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, and erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes, in patients with tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Guerra António , Rego Carla , Coelho Constança , Guimarães Nuno , Thiran Catarina , Aguiar Álvaro , Areias José Carlos , Bicho Manuel
Published: April 2007

Background:Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase of the vascular cell membrane is an important source of reactive oxygen species. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible influence of the p22phox C242T gene polymorphism on blood pressure and some markers of oxidative stress in children with tetralogy of Fallot.Methods:After surgical repair in early life, we recruited 38 children, aged 11.7 plus or minus 3.2 years, including 185 healthy individuals as controls for the purposes of establishing frequencies of alleles and genotypes. From this latter group, we matched a sub-sample of 53 healthy caucasian children, aged 11.0 plus or minus 1.0 years, in order to compare enzymic activities.Results:The children with tetralogy of Fallot showed significantly lower values of low-molecular-weight protein tyrosine phosphatase, particularly in carriers of CC genotype for the p22phox gene, with values of 145.2 plus or minus 77.4 μmol/g Hb/h, compared to controls, at 344.4 plus or minus 100.4 μmol/g Hb/h (p less than 0.001). Methemoglobin reductase activity in the patients with tetralogy was also lower in those with the CC genotype, at 9.8 plus or minus 3.2 μmol/g Hb−1min−1compared to 24.2 plus or minus 11.8 μmol/g Hb−1min−1as measured in the controls (p less than 0.01). Lower systolic (p less than 0.05) and diastolic (p less than 0.01) blood pressures were also observed in the patients with tetralogy of Fallot.Conclusions:Patients with tetralogy of Fallot having the CC genotype may be at a higher state of oxidative stress than T allele carriers, a finding which could have prognostic implications. Long term follow-up of these patients, however, may be necessary in order to draw definite conclusions.
Exploring the Galaxy using space probes
Authors: Bjørk R.
Published: April 2007

This paper investigates the possible use of space probes to explore the Milky Way, as a means both of finding life elsewhere in the Galaxy and as finding an answer to the Fermi paradox. Exploration of the Galaxy is simulated by first examining how long time it takes a given number of space probes to explore 40 000 stars in a box from −300 to 300 pc above the Galactic thin disc, as a function of Galactic radius. The Galaxy is then modelled to consist of ∼260 000 of these 40 000 stellar systems all located in a defined Galactic Habitable Zone and how long a time it takes to explore this zone is shown. The result is that with eight probes, each with eight subprobes, ∼4% of the Galaxy can be explored in 2.92×108 years. Increasing the number of probes to 200, still with eight subprobes each, reduces the exploration time to 1.52×107 years.
Possible evidence for panspermia: the labelled release experiment
Authors: Levin Gilbert V.
Published: April 2007

30 years after the Viking Mission landed on Mars (20 July 1976) to search for life, despite the positive findings of the Labelled Release (LR) experiment, the issue remains unresolved. The controversial history, following the immediate dismissal of the LR’s evidence for microbial activity in the Martian soil, and the later claim to its having found living microorganisms are reviewed. The bearing of post-Viking-to-current data on the issue is discussed in the context of the scientific community’s growing interest in the long-dismissed possibility of microbial life on Mars. Objections raised over the years to the biological interpretation of the Mars LR, those currently maintained, and their rebuttals are reviewed. A case is presented that enough evidence now exists for an objective review by astrobiologists to resolve this key issue, a review, surprisingly, not yet held. The results could greatly influence NASA’s currently shifting plans for Mars exploration. A variation of the LR experiment to test for chiral specificity in the metabolism of substrates by the active agent found in the Martian soil, and thus having the capability of obtaining an unambiguous answer to the life question, is proposed. Confirmation of life on Mars by this experiment can also determine whether Martian and Earth life forms share a common heritage. Together with mounting evidence for the viable transfer of microorganisms between the two planets, this would be evidence for panspermia, and establish the presence of a common biosphere in which the two planets participate. Should Martian microorganisms show a different chiral specificity than that of Earth life then this would indicate separate origins of the two neighbouring life forms, thereby strongly implying that life occurs widely throughout the cosmos. Any one of these possible outcomes would be a paradigm-breaking event.
Added astroglia promote greater synapse density and higher activity in neuronal networks
Authors: Boehler Michael D. , Wheeler Bruce C. , Brewer Gregory J.
Published: April 2007

Astroglia are known to potentiate individual synapses, but their contribution to networks is unclear. Here we examined the effect of adding either astroglia or media conditioned by astroglia on entire networks of rat hippocampal neurons cultured on microelectrode arrays. Added astroglia increased spontaneous spike rates nearly two-fold and glutamate-stimulated spiking by six-fold, with desensitization eliminated for bath addition of 25 μM glutamate. Astrocyte-conditioned medium partly mimicked the effects of added astroglia. Bursting behavior was largely unaffected by added astroglia except with added glutamate. Addition of the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline also increased spike rates but with more subtle differences between networks without or with added astroglia. This indicates that networks without added astroglia were inhibited greatly. In all conditions, the log–log distribution of spike rates fit well to linear distributions over three orders of magnitude. Networks with added astroglia shifted consistently toward higher spike rates. Immunostaining for GFAP revealed a linear increase with added astroglia, which also increased neuronal survival. The increased spike rates with added astroglia correlated with a 1.7-fold increase in immunoreactive synaptophysin puncta, and increases of six-fold for GABAAβ, two-fold for NMDA-R1 and two-fold for Glu-R1 puncta, with receptor clustering that indicated synaptic scaling. Together, these results indicate that added astroglia increase the density of synapses and receptors, and facilitate higher spike rates for many elements in the network. These effects are reproduced by glia-conditioned media, with the exception of glutamate-mediated transmission.