bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fall Injuries in Older Adults from an Unusual Source: Entering and Exiting a Vehicle
Authors: Dellinger Ann M. , Boyd Rebecca M. , Haileyesus Tadesse
Published: February 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine injuries in older adults due to boarding (i.e., entering) and alighting from (i.e., exiting) motor vehicles, with a special emphasis on falls.

DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of incident fall injuries while boarding or alighting from a motor vehicle.

SETTING: 2001 to 2003 National Electronic Injury Surveillance System‐All Injury Program (NEISS‐AIP) data from a representative sample of 500,000 injury and consumer product–related emergency department (ED) cases in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen thousand seven hundred seventy‐four persons unintentionally injured while boarding or alighting from a passenger vehicle.

MEASUREMENTS: Annualized estimates and injury rates.

RESULTS: There were an estimated 37,000 annual boarding and alighting injuries requiring medical care in EDs among older adults, many of these injuries (41.3%) due to falls. Fall rates were higher in women (52.8 per 100,000) than men (29.5 per 100,000) (P<.01). The hospitalization rate was 10 times higher for those aged 65 and older than for those younger than 65 (P<.001). Injury rates differed according to whether the person was boarding or alighting from the vehicle. Fall‐related injury associated with alighting was more common (11,030) than with boarding (4,346), and the overall injury rate for alighting (31.0 per 100,000) was more than twice the rate for boarding (12.2 per 100,000).

CONCLUSION: The high incidence of falls in older adults in this study points to a variety of injury circumstances that result in falls; therefore, fall prevention activities must address the underlying risks that are widespread in this population.
Postictal Psychosis: Common, Dangerous, and Treatable
Authors: Devinsky Orrin
Published: February 2008

“Occasionally, after a fit, or, more frequently, after a series of fits, an attack of mental disturbance may come on which lasts for several days. It may be simply a demented state, or there may be hallucinations, with irritability and even violence ( 1 ).”
Channeling into the Epilepsies
Authors: Graves Tracey D. , Hanna Michael G.
Published: February 2008

The Spectrum of SCN1A-Related Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathies. Harkin LA, McMahon JM, Iona X, Dibbens L, Pelekanos JT, Zuberi SM, Sadleir LG, Andermann E, Gill D, Farrell K, Connolly M, Stanley T, Harbord M, Andermann F, Wang J, Batish SD, Jones JG, Seltzer WK, Gardner A; Infantile Epileptic Encephalopathy Referral Consortium, Sutherland G, Berkovic SF, Mulley JC, Scheffer IE. Brain 2007;130(Pt 3):843–852. The relationship between severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI or Dravet syndrome) and the related syndrome SMEI-borderlands (SMEB) with mutations in the sodium channel alpha 1 subunit gene SCN1A is well established. To explore the phenotypic variability associated with SCN1A mutations, 188 patients with a range of epileptic encephalopathies were examined for SCN1A sequence variations by denaturing high performance liquid chromatography and sequencing. All patients had seizure onset within the first 2 years of life. A higher proportion of mutations were identified in patients with SMEI (52/66; 79%) compared to patients with SMEB (25/36; 69%). By studying a broader spectrum of infantile epileptic encephalopathies, we identified mutations in other syndromes including cryptogenic generalized epilepsy (24%) and cryptogenic focal epilepsy (22%). Within the latter group, a distinctive subgroup designated as severe infantile multifocal epilepsy had SCN1A mutations in three of five cases. This phenotype is characterized by early onset multifocal seizures and later cognitive decline. Knowledge of an expanded spectrum of epileptic encephalopathies associated with SCN1A mutations allows earlier diagnostic confirmation for children with these devastating disorders.
Multiple Auras: Not an Ominous Sign for Epilepsy Surgery
Authors: Abou-Khalil Bassel W.
Published: February 2008

Multiple Auras: Clinical Significance and Pathophysiology. Widdess-Walsh P, Kotagal P, Jeha L, Wu G, Burgess R. Neurology 2007;69(8):755–761. Erratum in: Neurology 2007;69(19):1890.

Background

Patients with partial epilepsy may report multiple types of aura during their seizures. The significance of the occurrence of multiple auras in the same patient is not known.

Methods

The clinical and electrophysiologic characteristics of patients with more than one aura type (abdominal, auditory, autonomic, gustatory, olfactory, psychic, somatosensory, and visual auras), evaluated in the Cleveland Clinic epilepsy monitoring unit between 1989 and 2005, were studied.

Results

Thirty-one patients experienced multiple aura types during a seizure. Ninety percent of patients with at least two aura types ( n = 31) and 100% of patients with at least three aura types ( n = 12) had seizures arising from the right/nondominant hemisphere. EEG seizures remained restricted in all patients during their auras. Twenty patients had epilepsy surgery with seizure freedom in 53%. Subdural EEG recordings in six patients showed either a march of sequential auras, or in one case, several ictal onset zones resulting in separate isolated auras. Ictal SPECT in six patients with right-sided seizures showed a lack of activation in brainstem structures.

Conclusions

Most patients who report multiple aura types have localized epilepsy in the nondominant hemisphere, and are good surgical candidates. A common mechanism for multiple auras may be a spreading but restricted EEG seizure activating sequential symptomatogenic zones, but without the ictal activation of deeper structures or contralateral spread to cause loss of awareness and amnesia for the auras.
Suicide in Patients with Epilepsy
Authors: Meador Kimford J.
Published: February 2008

Epilepsy and Risk of Suicide: A Population-Based Case–Control Study. Christensen J, Vestergaard M, Mortensen PB, Sidenius P, Agerbo E. Lancet Neurology 2007;6(8):693–698.

Background

Studies have linked epilepsy with an increased suicide risk, but the association might be modified by psychiatric, demographic, and socioeconomic factors.

Methods

Suicide cases were identified in the Cause of Death Register in Denmark from 1981 to 1997. Up to 20 controls, matched by sex, birth year, and calendar date, were assigned to each suicide case.

Findings

We identified 21,169 cases of suicide and 423,128 controls. In total, 492 (2.32%) individuals who committed suicide had epilepsy compared with 3,140 (0.74%) controls, corresponding to a three times higher risk (rate ratio [RR] 3.17 [95% CI 2.88–3.50]; p < 0.0001). The RR remained high after excluding those with a history of psychiatric disease and adjusting for socioeconomic factors (1.99, 1.71–2.32; p < 0.0001). The highest risk of suicide was identified in patients with epilepsy and comorbid psychiatric disease, even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors (13.7, 11.8–16.0; p < 0.0001). In individuals with epilepsy, the highest risk of suicide was found during the first half year after diagnosis was made (5.35, 3.43–8.33; p < 0.0001), and was especially high in those with a history of comorbid psychiatric disease (29.2, 16.4–51.9; p < 0.0001).

Interpretation

Individuals with epilepsy have a higher risk of suicide, even if coexisting psychiatric disease, demographic differences, and socioeconomic factors are taken into account. Our study identifies people with newly diagnosed epilepsy as a vulnerable group that require special attention. Depression and Suicide in Epileptic Victims: A Population-Based Study of Suicide Victims during the Years 1988–2002 in Northern Finland. Mainio A, Alamäki K, Karvonen K, Hakko H, Särkioja T, Räsänen P. Epilepsy Behav 2007; 11:389–393. Patients with epilepsy are known to have comorbid affective disorders and a higher risk for suicide compared with the general population. Epilepsy, depression, and suicidal behavior have been shown to have common pathogenic mechanisms in their etiology. We evaluated the association between epilepsy, suicidal behavior, and depression by using the comprehensive database of all suicides ( n = 1,877) committed in northern Finland during the years 1988–2002 with information on all hospital-treated somatic and psychiatric disorders. Hospital-treated epilepsy occurred in 1.3% of the victims. Compared with other suicide victims, those with epilepsy were more often female, were older, and had significantly more often suffered from depression. Epilepsy was first diagnosed 8.8 (3.9–11.6) years before suicide, and depression, about 1 year after epilepsy diagnosis. Interictal depression among patients with chronic epilepsy is often classified as atypical or chronic depression, or it can mimic a dysthymic disorder. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of depression among patients with epilepsy constitute a great challenge in clinical practice.
Epileptogenic Role of Astrocyte Dysfunction
Authors: Vezzani Annamaria
Published: February 2008

Astrocytes Are a Specific Immunological Target in Rasmussen's Encephalitis. Bauer J, Elger CE, Hans VH, Schramm J, Urbach H, Lassmann H, Bien CH. Ann Neurol 2007;62(1):67–80.

Objective

The current histopathological criteria of Rasmussen's encephalitis (RE) include the presence of T-cell-dominated inflammation, microglial activation, neuronal loss, and astrocytic activation. An in vitro study, however, suggested glutamate receptor 3 (GluR3) antibody-mediated astrocytic loss. Therefore, we investigated astrocytic apoptosis and loss in situ.

Methods

Histochemical, immunohistochemical, terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated biotin-dUTP nick end labeling, and in situ hybridization techniques were applied to paraffin sections of 20 RE cases, 6 healthy control subjects, and 6 paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis, 10 Ammon's horn sclerosis, and 5 focal cortical dysplasia cases.

Results

Astrocytic apoptosis and subsequent loss of these cells is a specific feature of RE. Such lesions are not found in the control groups. In RE, astrocytic apoptosis and loss was present both in cortical and in white matter areas. Astrocytes in these tissues showed major histocompatibility complex class I expression. Furthermore, granzyme-B+ lymphocytes were found in close apposition to astrocytes bordering astrocyte-deficient lesions. Granzyme-B+ granules in these lymphocytes were polarized and faced the astrocytic membranes. No evidence was found for an antibody-mediated destruction.

Interpretation

We suggest a specific attack by cytotoxic T lymphocytes as a possible mechanism responsible for astrocytic degeneration in RE. The loss of astrocytes might play a role in neuronal dysfunction, seizure induction, and enhancement of neuronal cell death.
On Discourse, Communication, and (Some) Fundamental Concepts in SLA Research
Authors: FIRTH ALAN , WAGNER JOHANNES
Published: February 2008

This article argues for a reconceptualization of Second Language Acquisition (SLA) research that would enlarge the ontological and empirical parameters of the field. We claim that methodologies, theories, and foci within SLA reflect an imbalance between cognitive and mentalistic orientations, and social and contextual orientations to language, the former orientation being unquestionably in the ascendancy. This has resulted in a skewed perspective on discourse and communication, which conceives of the foreign language speaker as a deficient communicator struggling to overcome an underdeveloped L2 competence, striving to reach the “target” competence of an idealized native speaker (NS). We contend that SLA research requires a significantly enhanced awareness of the contextual and interactional dimensions of language use, an increased “emic” (i.e., participant‐relevant) sensitivity towards fundamental concepts, and the broadening of the traditional SLA data base. With such changes in place, the field of SLA has the capacity to become a theoretically and methodologically richer, more robust enterprise, better able to explicate the processes of second or foreign language (S/FL) acquisition, and better situated to engage with and contribute to research commonly perceived to reside outside its boundaries.
Reflecting on the Cognitive–Social Debate in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: LARSEN–FREEMAN DIANE
Published: February 2008

Firth and Wagner's (1997)call for a more socially and contextually situated view of second language acquisition (SLA) research has generated a great deal of discussion and debate, a summary of which is offered in this reflective commentary. Given the individualistic, cognitive origin of the SLA field, such controversy is entirely understandable. With different ontologies and epistemologies, the two views, individual/cognitive and social/contextual, have had little impact on each other. These days, a theoretical pluralism prevails. Eventually, their differences may, though it is not clear that they will, be settled empirically. Another possibility is for there to be a reframing of our understanding, and I offer chaos/complexity theory as one means for doing so. Indeed, the solution the SLA field has perennially adopted when there are conflicting views is to seek a larger frame, one that acknowledges the contributions of each perspective. More specifically, I expect that it will be the point where the two perspectives intersect that will prove to be the most productive for future understanding of SLA, and I believe that there is a new consensus around this point that is emerging.
Three Fundamental Concepts in Second Language Acquisition and Their Relevance in Multilingual Contexts
Authors: KRAMSCH CLAIRE , WHITESIDE ANNE
Published: February 2008

This article considers how 3 fundamental concepts of second language acquisition (SLA), the native speaker, interlanguage, and the language learner have fared since Firth and Wagner (1997). We review the ascendancy of these concepts and their relationship to the traditional dichotomies of language learning versus language use and individual mind versus social‐context‐as‐environment. We discuss geopolitical changes of the 1990s and the related theoretical shifts from structuralist theories to discourse‐based and constructionist social theories, which paved the way for Firth and Wagner. We examine subsequent efforts to reframe SLA as social process and knowledge as social action, arguing that such notions as collaborative dialogue, affordance, and investment have reconceptualized the concepts of output, input, and motivation without, however, escaping their structuralist roots. Looking at data from multilingual exchanges between immigrants recorded in shops in California, we suggest that 3 fundamental concepts be treated as discursive, socially, and historically relative categories, with the subject position of the researcher factored in.
Lingua Franca English, Multilingual Communities, and Language Acquisition
Authors: CANAGARAJAH SURESH
Published: February 2008

Firth and Wagner (1997) questioned the dichotomies nonnative versus native speaker, learner versus user, and interlanguage versus target language, which reflect a bias toward innateness, cognition, and form in language acquisition. Research on lingua franca English (LFE) not only affirms this questioning, but reveals what multilingual communities have known all along: Language learning and use succeed through performance strategies, situational resources, and social negotiations in fluid communicative contexts. Proficiency is therefore practice‐based, adaptive, and emergent. These findings compel us to theorize language acquisition as multimodal, multisensory, multilateral, and, therefore, multidimensional. The previously dominant constructs such as form, cognition, and the individual are not ignored; they get redefined as hybrid, fluid, and situated in a more socially embedded, ecologically sensitive, and interactionally open model.
New MAX‐Phase Compounds in the V–Cr–Al–C System
Authors: Zhou Yanchun , Meng Fanling , Zhang Jie
Published: February 2008

New layered compounds, (V0.5Cr0.5)3AlC2, (V0.5Cr0.5)4AlC3, and (V0.5Cr0.5)5Al2C3 were synthesized by reactive hot pressing V, Cr, Al, and graphite powders. The crystal structures of these new phases were determined using a combination of X‐ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy. (V0.5Cr0.5)3AlC2 is isotypical to Ti3AlC2; while (V0.5Cr0.5)4AlC3 has the Ti4AlN3 or α‐Ta4AlC3‐type crystal structure. (V0.5Cr0.5)5Al2C3 is formed by periodically stacking of half‐unit cells of (V0.5Cr0.5)2AlC and (V0.5Cr0.5)3AlC2.
Effects of Presentation and Electrocardiogram on Time to Treatment of Hyperkalemia
Authors: Freeman Kalev , Feldman James A. , Mitchell Patricia , Donovan Jacqueline , Dyer K. Sophia , Eliseo Laura , White Laura Forsberg , Temin Elizabeth S.
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  To assess the time to treatment for emergency department (ED) patients with critical hyperkalemia and to determine whether the timing of treatment was associated with clinical characteristics or electrocardiographic abnormalities.

Methods:  The authors performed a retrospective chart review of ED patients with the laboratory diagnosis of hyperkalemia (potassium level > 6.0 mmol/L). Patients presenting in cardiac arrest or who were referred for hyperkalemia or dialysis were excluded. Patient charts were reviewed to find whether patients received specific treatment for hyperkalemia and, if so, what clinical attributes were associated with the time to initiation of treatment.

Results:  Of 175 ED visits that occurred over a 1‐year time period, 168 (96%) received specific treatment for hyperkalemia. The median time from triage to initiation of treatment was 117 minutes (interquartile range [IQR] = 59 to 196 minutes). The 7 cases in which hyperkalemia was not treated include 4 cases in which the patient was discharged home, with a missed diagnosis of hyperkalemia. Despite initiation of specific therapy for hyperkalemia in 168 cases, 2 patients died of cardiac arrhythmias. Among the patients who received treatment, 15% had a documented systolic blood pressure (sBP) < 90 mmHg, and 30% of treated patients were admitted to intensive care units. The median potassium value was 6.5 mmol/L (IQR = 6.3 to 7.1 mmol/L). The predominant complaints were dyspnea (20%) and weakness (19%). Thirty‐six percent of patients were taking angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Initial electrocardiograms (ECGs) were abnormal in 83% of patient visits, including 24% of ECGs with nonspecific ST abnormalities. Findings of peaked T‐wave morphology (34%), first‐degree atrioventricular block (17%), and interventricular conduction delay (12%) did not lead to early treatment. Vital sign abnormalities, including hypotension (sBP < 90 mmHg), were not associated with early treatment. The chief complaint of “unresponsive” was most likely to lead to early treatment; treatment delays occurred in patients not transported by ambulance, those with a chief complaint of syncope and those with a history of hypertension.

Conclusions:  Recognition of patients with severe hyperkalemia is challenging, and the initiation of appropriate therapy for this disorder is frequently delayed.
Estimating the Probability of Passing the National Paramedic Certification Examination
Authors: Fernandez Antonio R. , Studnek Jonathan R. , Margolis Gregg S.
Published: February 2008

Objectives:  It is hypothesized that student and program characteristics will influence the probability of passing the national paramedic certification exam. The objective of this study was to utilize student and program characteristics to build a statistical model to determine the probability of success on the cognitive portion of the national paramedic certification exam.

Methods:  The study population for this analysis consisted of graduates attempting the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) paramedic written examination from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2002. To be included in this analysis, graduates must have been first‐time testers and have completed a survey attached to the exam. Independent variables analyzed reflected program and student characteristics derived from the survey questions and the NREMT application. A multivariable logistic regression model was fit to the outcome (pass/fail) of the examination.

Results:  Complete demographic and survey data were available for 5,208 (86.8%) individuals. The final multivariable logistic regression model included nine independent variables. There were two programmatic characteristics (national accreditation and instructor qualification), six student characteristics (high school class rank, years of education, required for employment, age, race, and gender), and one graduate characteristic (elapsed time since course completion) that had a significant effect on the probability of passing the examination.

Conclusions:  National program accreditation, lead instructor qualifications, student educational background, and student demographics are all significantly associated with the probability of success on the national paramedic certification examination. This model can be used by program directors, paramedic program instructors, and prospective paramedic students to maximize the probability of attaining national paramedic certification.
Ca2+ Triggers a Novel Clathrin‐Independent but Actin‐Dependent Fast Endocytosis in Pancreatic Beta Cells
Authors: He Zixuan , Fan Junmei , Kang Lijun , Lu Jingze , Xue Yanhong , Xu Pingyong , Xu Tao , Chen Liangyi
Published: February 2008

The existence of clathrin‐independent recycling of secretory vesicles has been controversial. By combining patch‐clamp capacitance recording, optical methods and specific molecular interventions, we dissect two types of mechanistically different endocytosis in pancreatic β cells, both of which require GTP and dynamin. The fast one is a novel clathrin‐independent but actin‐dependent endocytosis that is triggered by high cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Large fluorescent dextran (10 nm in diameter) was able to be internalized by this pathway, indicating that it was not likely to be ‘kiss and run’. The slow endocytosis is a clathrin‐dependent process in which actin plays a complementary role. For the first time, we show that the rate constants for both types of endocytosis exhibit supralinear dependence on increase in [Ca2+]i. Compared with the slow endocytosis, higher [Ca2+]i level was required to fully accelerate the fast one, indicative of distinct Ca2+ sensors for different endocytosis. In the end, we show that physiologically relevant stimulation induces clathrin‐independent endocytosis in intact β cells, implying that it may contribute to the normal recycling of secretory vesicles in vivo.
Effects of salt on the kinetics and thermodynamic stability of endonuclease I from Vibrio salmonicida and Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Niiranen Laila , Altermark Bjørn , Brandsdal Bjørn O. , Leiros Hanna‐Kirsti S. , Helland Ronny , Smalås Arne O. , Willassen Nils P.
Published: February 2008

Adaptation to extreme environments affects the stability and catalytic efficiency of enzymes, often endowing them with great industrial potential. We compared the environmental adaptation of the secreted endonuclease I from the cold‐adapted marine fish pathogen Vibrio salmonicida (VsEndA) and the human pathogen Vibrio cholerae (VcEndA). Kinetic analysis showed that VsEndA displayed unique halotolerance. It retained a considerable amount of activity from low concentrations to at least 0.6 m NaCl, and was adapted to work at higher salt concentrations than VcEndA by maintaining a low Km value and increasing kcat. In differential scanning calorimetry, salt stabilized both enzymes, but the effect on the calorimetric enthalpy and cooperativity of unfolding was larger for VsEndA, indicating salt dependence. Mutation of DNA binding site residues (VsEndA, Q69N and K71N; VcEndA, N69Q and N71K) affected the kinetic parameters. The VsEndA Q69N mutation also increased the Tm value, whereas other mutations affected mainly ΔHcal. The determined crystal structure of VcEndA N69Q revealed the loss of one hydrogen bond present in native VcEndA, but also the formation of a new hydrogen bond involving residue 69 that could possibly explain the similar Tm values for native and N69Q‐mutated VcEndA. Structural analysis suggested that the stability, catalytic efficiency and salt tolerance of EndA were controlled by small changes in the hydrogen bonding networks and surface electrostatic potential. Our results indicate that endonuclease I adaptation is closely coupled to the conditions of the habitats of natural Vibrio, with VsEndA displaying a remarkable salt tolerance unique amongst the endonucleases characterized so far.
The properties of phosphodiesterase 11A4 GAF domains are regulated by modifications in its N‐terminal domain
Authors: Gross‐Langenhoff Marco , Stenzl Arnulf , Altenberend Florian , Schultz Anita , Schultz Joachim E.
Published: February 2008

The tandem GAF domain of human phosphodiesterase 11A4 (hPDE11A4) requires 72 μm cGMP for half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) of a cyanobacterial adenylyl cyclase used as a reporter enzyme. Here we examine whether modifications in the N‐terminus of PDE11A4 affect cGMP signalling. The N‐terminus has two phosphorylation sites for cyclic nucleotide monophosphate‐dependent protein kinases (Ser117, Ser168). Phosphorylation of both by cAMP‐dependent protein kinase decreased the EC50 value for cGMP from 72 to 23 μm. Phosphomimetic point mutations (S117D/S167D), which project complete phosphorylation, lowered the EC50 value to 16 μm. Structural and sequence data indicate that 196 amino acids precede the start of the GAF domain in hPDE11A4. Removal of 197 amino acids yielded unregulated cyclase activity, whereas truncation by 196 amino acids resulted in a cGMP‐regulated protein with a cGMP EC50 value of 7.6 μm. Truncation by 176 amino acids was required for cGMP EC50 values to decrease to below 10 μm; a construct truncated by 168 amino acids had an EC50 value of 224 μm. The decrease in EC50 values was accompanied by a sixfold increase in basal activity; the extent of cGMP stimulation remained unaffected, however. We conclude that N‐terminal modifications strongly affect cGMP regulation of hPDE11A4.
Hexadecylphosphocholine interferes with the intracellular transport of cholesterol in HepG2 cells
Authors: Carrasco María P. , Jiménez‐López José M. , Segovia Josefa L. , Marco Carmen
Published: February 2008

We have shown, in a previous publication, that nontoxic concentrations of hexadecylphosphocholine exert an antiproliferative effect on HepG2 cells. Hexadecylphosphocholine also interferes with the biosynthesis of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine. We have now extended our studies to try to establish the molecular mechanism by which hexadecylphosphocholine disrupts cholesterol homeostasis. Using radiolabelled substrates we determined the effect of hexadecylphosphocholine on cholesterol synthesis, the destiny of cholesterol from low‐density lipoprotein and the transport of cholesterol between the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum. Protein levels and gene expression of the main proteins involved in cholesterol homeostasis were analysed by western blotting and RT‐PCR, respectively. HepG2 cells exposed to hexadecylphosphocholine showed an increase in cholesterol biosynthesis when acetate, but not mevalonate, was used as a substrate. The activity of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (EC 1.1.1.34) and low‐density lipoprotein receptor, as well as the corresponding mRNA expression, increased after 24 h of treatment with hexadecylphosphocholine. Cholesteryl linoleate in low‐density lipoprotein uptake and further hydrolysis of these esters increased but the cholesterol esterification was reduced after 6 h of treatment with alkylphosphocholine. Cholesterol transport from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum was impaired by hexadecylphosphocholine. In conclusion, hexadecylphosphocholine interfered with the transport of cholesterol from the cell surface to the endoplasmic reticulum, leading to a depletion of cholesterol in the endoplasmic reticulum and a deregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis. The accumulation of cholesterol within the cell and the reduction in phosphatidylcholine synthesis produces an alteration in the phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol ratio that may well be responsible for the antiproliferative activity exhibited by hexadecylphosphocholine in HepG2 cells.
ANTILIPOPEROXIDATIVE EFFECT OF THREE EDIBLE PLANTS EXTRACTS: VISCUM ALBUM, ARUM DIOSCORIDIS AND EMINIUM SPICULATUM
Authors: JANAKAT S. , AL‐THNAIBAT O.
Published: February 2008

In this study, evaluation of the antilipoperoxidative activity of the aqueous, boiled and nonboiled, and methanolic extracts of Viscum album (leaves, stems and fruits), Arum dioscoridis and Eminium spiculatum leaves against lipid peroxidation (LPO) induced by a rat liver homogenate model was undertaken. LPO was induced by ascorbate/FeCl2 mixture and evaluated using thiobarbituric acid reactive species assay. Nonboiled aqueous extracts exhibited the highest LPO inhibition percent, followed by methanolic and boiled aqueous extracts. Moreover, LPO inhibition percent was dose dependent, where 1.65 × 10−2 mg/mL caused the highest inhibition percent in all aqueous extracts. Aqueous extracts of A. dioscoridis and E. spiculatum exhibited significantly lower LPO inhibition percents than V. album parts, which were comparable to those obtained from the aerial parts of the positive control (Rosmarinus officinalis). Antioxidant capacity was the highest in V. album stems and leaves in all methods of extraction, and was comparable to the R. officinalis results, while V. album fruits, A. dioscoridis and E. spiculatum leaves possessed approximately 50% of antioxidant capacity using all methods of extractions. These results suggest that these plants can be used as a condiment during food processing, to improve the quality, enhance flavor, increase the nutritional value and increase the shelf life of processed food.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Viscum album, Arum Dioscoridis and Eminium Spiculatum can be used to improve the quality, boost the nutritional value and prolong the shelf life of processed food.
EFFECTS OF ACIDIFICATION ON PE ACTIVITY, COLOR AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF COLD BREAK TOMATO JUICE
Authors: SARR FALLOU , TSAI PI‐JEN
Published: February 2008

Turbidity maintenance, high antioxidant activity and attractive red color are important attributes of good tomato juice. Acidification was found effective in pectin esterase (PE) inactivation and turbidity maintenance. However, no information related to the changes of antioxidant properties after enzyme inactivation by acidification has been reported. In this article, acidification of cold break tomato juice to pH 2 or 3 was conducted after extraction. The changes of antioxidant properties (content and activity) and their correlation with PE activity and color in the juice were studied. Results indicated that acidification enhanced the viscosity of tomato juice by decreasing its PE activity. Significant increases of the main antioxidant contents (lycopene, polyphenols and vitamin C) and antioxidant activities (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging, ferrous ion chelating ability [FICA] and reducing power), as well as red color, were also found. In addition, the acidified cold break tomato juice exhibited better FICA and reducing power than butylated hydroxyanisole andα‐tocopherol. This finding reveals the possibility of producing tomato juice with high antioxidant capacities by acidification.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The consumers' demand for healthy products with high quality toward fresh and health has increased remarkably these years. Tomato is one of the most popular vegetable juices, and its important quality aspects are color, stability and antioxidant capacity. Pectin esterase is the principal agent responsible for tomato juice stability. In addition, the goal of tomato juice processors is to optimize processing conditions by prevention of heat and oxidative damages on antioxidant components. Our results indicated that acidification may stabilize tomato juice and improve its color characteristics and main nutritional factors. Therefore, the acidification treatment could be used as a tool for providing the attractive color and enhancing the nutritional value and health‐promoting properties of cold break tomato juice.
SCREENING AND QUANTIFICATION OF AFLATOXINS AND OCHRATOXIN A IN DIFFERENT CEREALS CULTIVATED IN ROMANIA USING THIN‐LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY‐DENSITOMETRY
Authors: BRAICU C. , PUIA C. , BODOKI E. , SOCACIU C.
Published: February 2008

The main focus of our study was to implement a rapid, inexpensive and reliable method that could be utilized to check the cereals for safety (i.e., screening for total aflatoxins, as well as individual B1, B2, G1, G2 aflatoxins and ochratoxin A). We developed a protocol by which we were able to isolate mycotoxins from cereals collected from different regions of Romania. After extraction in chloroform, the mycotoxins were separated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and quantified using densitometry.

Forty‐three samples of different cereals (wheat, maize, rye and Triticale) were analyzed. Twenty‐five of the 43 samples (58.14% of the total number) were found to be contaminated with different mycotoxins in various concentrations: aflatoxin B1 (1.6–5.7 µg/kg), aflatoxin B2 (0.89–4 µg/kg), aflatoxin G1 (1.2–5.76 µg/kg), aflatoxin G2 (0.96–3.4 µg/kg) and/or 4.3–30 µg/kg ochratoxin A. The concentration of total aflatoxin contamination ranged from 11.2 to 10.8 µg/kg. Among the different cereals, the highest number of contaminated samples was found to be in the wheat samples (62.5%). The method outlined in this study has been adopted already by our laboratory for current analyses of mycotoxins. The results obtained using this method is in compliance with the strict regulatory guidelines developed both in Romania, as well as in the European Union.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) is a rapid, inexpensive and convenient method that can be used routinely to screen for mycotoxins. This article describes the detailed procedures for the extraction, purification and quantification of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A, using TLC. Using this method one can identify concomitantly five different mycotoxins and by coupling it with densitometry a quantitative determination is also possible. Therefore, this could become a routine technique in regional laboratories responsible for checking agrifood safety.
INCIDENCE OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN RETAIL CHICKEN MEAT AND ESTABLISHING RELATIONSHIP WITH SOME BACTERIA BY LOGISTIC REGRESSION
Authors: CEYLAN Z.G. , DEMİRKAYA A.K. , ADIGÜZEL G.
Published: February 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the contamination of retail poultry meat in Erzurum (Turkey) by Listeria monocytogenes and to evaluate its relationship with indicator bacteria using logistic regression. The incidence of L. monocytogenes was 32.76%, found in 38 of 116 samples. The application of logistic regression showed Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp. and Brochothrix thermosphacta populations have positive, and yeast and mold population have negative relationship with L. monocytogenes presence. The results of this study demonstrate that there is a serious risk in raw poultry meat for consumer health in Erzurum, because of the high incidence of L. monocytogenes in the samples of the present study. Hygienic conditions described in HACCP program should still be enforced in order to minimize L. monocytogenes in poultry meat during the processing.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species have been isolated from many different types of raw and processed food, but the main sources and routes of contamination are still not fully understood. There is a need for more knowledge, and data are needed for risk assessment and for improved preventive measures. In order to prevent and control contamination of the environment and food products with this pathogen, it is important to detect the most important sources of contamination and to understand the mechanisms of growth, including relationships with other bacteria. The main concern with raw poultry meat is the incidence of L. monocytogenes in raw chicken because of cross‐contamination with other foods in the home and the possibility of the microorganism surviving in processed chicken. Application of logistic regression was used to identify the main hazards associated with the presence of microorganisms, as well as for applications in predictive food microbiology, modeling binomially distributed data that involve the use of probability models, where the response variable is a “presence/absence” observation of whether or not growth will occur.
The Influence of Geologic Structures on Deformation due to Ground Water Withdrawal
Authors: Burbey Thomas J.
Published: February 2008

A 62 day controlled aquifer test was conducted in thick alluvial deposits at Mesquite, Nevada, for the purpose of monitoring horizontal and vertical surface deformations using a high‐precision global positioning system (GPS) network. Initial analysis of the data indicated an anisotropic aquifer system on the basis of the observed radial and tangential deformations. However, new InSAR data seem to indicate that the site may be bounded by an oblique normal fault as the subsidence bowl is both truncated to the northwest and offset from the pumping well to the south. A finite‐element numerical model was developed using ABAQUS to evaluate the potential location and hydromechanical properties of the fault based on the observed horizontal deformations. Simulation results indicate that for the magnitude and direction of motion at the pumping well and at other GPS stations, which is toward the southeast (away from the inferred fault), the fault zone (5 m wide) must possess a very high permeability and storage coefficient and cross the study area in a northeast‐southwest direction. Simulated horizontal and vertical displacements that include the fault zone closely match observed displacements and indicate the likelihood of the presence of the inferred fault. This analysis shows how monitoring horizontal displacements can provide valuable information about faults, and boundary conditions in general, in evaluating aquifer systems during an aquifer test.
Public choice: “Yes Minister” made it popular, but does winning the Nobel Prize make it true?
Authors: Borins Sandford F.
Published: February 2008

Abstract: This paper discusses the influence and validity of public choice economics, which uses the traditional methodology of self‐interested utility‐maximizing rational choice to explain the behaviour of voters, politicians and bureaucrats. Public choice authors view the democratic political system pessimistically, fearing that politicians, interest groups and bureaucrats will collude to expand government activity, which will benefit these three groups but harm the public at large. Thus, public choice writers are supporters of the conservative agenda of balanced budgets and reduced government spending. The article shows how the successful British television series “Yes Minister” draws much of its inspiration from the public choice model and how this is reflected in the behaviour of the key characters in the series. It is argued that the series has been effective at popularizing the model. Finally, the article critically reviews the recent Canadian public choice literature, and finds that it uses the marginal voter hypothesis tautologically, that many tests of the validity of the public choice model have been methodologically sloppy, and that public choice writers could have profited from an interview methodology in attempting to explain public policy outcomes.

Sommaire: Cet article analyse l'influence de l‘école du “choix public” en économie laquelle utilise la méthode classique du choix rationnel fondé sur les intérêts personnels et la maximisation de l'utilité pour expliquer le comportement des électeurs, des politiciens et des bureaucrates. Les auteurs, tenants de cette école, sont pessimistes à l’égard du régime politique démocratique car ils craignent que les politiciens, les groupes d'intérêt et les bureaucrates se concertent pour accroître les activités gouvernementales à leur avantage mais au détriment du grand public. Ces auteurs favorisent donc un programme politique conservateur prônant l‘équilibre budgétaire et la réduction des dépenses gouvernementales. L'article montre comment le feuilleton télévisé britannique “Yes Minister”, qui connaît un vif succès dans le monde entier, s'inspire du modèle “du choix public” et comment le jeu des principaux personnages en est influencé. On affirme même que le feuilleton a contribuéà populariser ce modèle. L'auteur critique enfin les derniers ouvrages canadiens sur le choix public et estime qu'on utilise l'hypothèse de l’électeur marginal de manière tautologique et, par ailleurs, que de nombreux tests sur la validité du modèle du choix public laissent à désirer au niveau de la méthodologie. Les auteurs du choix public auraient eu intérêt à recourir à la méthode des entrevues pour expliquer les décisions gouvernementales.
Oral cancer awareness for the general practitioner: new approaches to patient care
Authors: Farah CS , McCullough MJ
Published: February 2008

In Australia, oral cancer accounts for approximately 2–3 per cent of all cancers, and approximately 1 per cent of deaths from cancer. The incidence of intra‐oral cancer is gradually increasing. It is now well established that early detection of potentially malignant disease can improve the clinical outcome for patients, and as such it is the responsibility of dentists to identify such lesions early. To facilitate early detection of suspicious oral lesions several clinical methods of detection can be used. In addition to conventional visual screening of oral tissues with the naked eye under projected incandescent or halogen illumination, there are many clinical diagnostic aids that can be undertaken to help detect oral cancer. In this article we explore clinically available modalities that may be used by the general dental practitioner, and highlight their inherent strengths and weaknesses.
An in vitro assessment of the role of Tooth Mousse in preventing wine erosion
Authors: Piekarz C , Ranjitkar S , Hunt D , McIntyre J
Published: February 2008

Background:  The recommendation that Tooth Mousse (TM), an anticariogenic remineralizing agent, is effective for controlling dental erosion in professional wine tasters is not evidence‐based. The aim of this in vitro study was to determine the effectiveness of TM in reducing erosion of coronal enamel and radicular dentine/cementum simulating a typical wine judging session.

Methods:  Enamel and dentine/cementum from buccal halves (experimental sample) and palatal halves (control sample) of human maxillary premolar teeth were subjected to 1500 one‐minute exposures (cycles) to white wine (pH = 3.5). TM was applied every 20 cycles to the experimental sample, but not to the control sample. Paired t‐tests were used to determine whether there were significant differences in erosion depths between the experimental and control samples.

Results:  Mean erosion depths were significantly shallower in the experimental sample than the control sample for both enamel (34.4 μm versus 49.2 μm, respectively) (p < 0.05) and dentine/cementum (143.2 μm versus 203.7 μm, respectively) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  TM may have significant role in the management of wine erosion, which is under‐recognized as an occupational hazard by the Australian wine industry. Future studies are needed to compare the relative benefits of TM and other remineralizing agents, when used individually or in combination, in preventing dental erosion.
The Caries Management System: an evidence‐based preventive strategy for dental practitioners. Application for adults
Authors: Evans RW , Pakdaman A , Dennison PJ , Howe ELC
Published: February 2008

In the absence of effective caries preventive methods, operative care became established as the means for caries control in general practice. Water fluoridation resulted in a declining caries incidence which decreased further following the advent of fluoridated toothpaste. The challenge today is to develop a non‐invasive model of practice that will sustain a low level of primary caries experience in the younger generation and reduce risk of caries experience in the older generations. The Caries Management System is a ten step non‐invasive strategy to arrest and remineralize early lesions. The governing principle of this system is that caries management must include consideration of the patient at risk, the status of each lesion, patient management, clinical management and monitoring. Both dental caries risk and treatment are managed according to a set of protocols that are applied at various steps throughout patient consultation and treatment. The anticipated outcome of implementing the Caries Management System in general dental practice is reduction in caries incidence and increased patient satisfaction. Since the attainment and maintenance of oral health is determined mainly by controlling both caries and periodontal disease, the implementation of the Caries Management System in general practice will promote both outcomes.
The effect of casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate on remineralization of artificial caries‐like lesions: an in vitro study
Authors: Kumar VLN , Itthagarun A , King NM
Published: February 2008

Background:  The aims of this study were to investigate the efficacy of CPP‐ACP containing Tooth Mousse on the remineralization of enamel lesions and to compare its efficacy to that of a fluoride‐containing toothpaste.

Methods:  Permanent teeth were placed in demineralizing solution for 96 hours to produce artificial caries‐like lesions 120–200 μm in depth. They were sectioned into 100–150 μm thick samples and randomly assigned to five groups: for Group A, a fluoridated toothpaste (1100 ppm) was used as a positive control and in Group B, a non‐fluoridated toothpaste was used as a negative control. Tooth Mousse containing CPP‐ACP was tested by three different means: as a toothpaste (Group C); as a topical coating (Group D); and (Group E) as a topical coating after treating the sections with the same fluoridated toothpaste as in Group A.

Results:  The lesion depth decreased significantly by 7 per cent in Group A, 10.1 per cent in Groups C and D, and 13.1 per cent in Group E (Paired t‐ test, p < 0.05), while in Group B the lesion depth increased significantly by 23 per cent.

Conclusions:  Based on the data obtained, CPP‐ACP containing Tooth Mousse remineralized initial enamel lesions and it showed a higher remineralizing potential when applied as a topical coating after the use of a fluoridated toothpaste.
Ridge preservation: what is it and when should it be considered
Authors: Darby I , Chen S , De Poi R
Published: February 2008

The resorption of bone following extraction may present a significant problem in implant and restorative dentistry. Ridge preservation is a technique whereby the amount of bone loss is limited. This paper discusses the scientific literature examining the healing post‐extraction and ridge preserving techniques, primarily from the perspective of implant dentistry. Some indications for ridge preservation and methods considered appropriate are discussed.