bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies of vegetation burial: a focus for biogeography and biogeomorphology?
Authors: Kent M. , Owen N. W. , Dale P. , Newnham R. M. , Giles T. M.
Published: January 2007

This paper examines the literature on research into the effects of burial by deposition of blown sand, volcanic deposits (tephra, lavas and lahars) or fluvial sediment on vegetation and the subsequent capacity of the vegetation for survival and regeneration. Research on this topic involves the understanding and skills of the biogeographer, the ecologist and the geomorpholo-gist and represents a potentially very interesting area for integration between these areas of physical geography.

Burial is closely linked to concepts of plant succession and pedogenesis. A general model of burial stress is presented that shows how types of stress are linked to the burial environment and the characteristics of the burial event, in particular the magnitude and frequency. The importance of elasticity of response of species to burial is vital, as demonstrated by the evolution of certain species, such as those of the genus Ammophila in sand dunes that appear to respond positively to the burial process.

Research into burial by dust deposition, by volcanic tephra and lavas, by sand in coastal and lake dune environments, in desert environments and by alluvium and ‘run-on’ following hydro-logical events are reviewed in turn. The significance of burial to palaeoenvironmental and palaeoecological research is then demonstrated by reference to machair sand dune stratification in the Outer Hebrides and vegetation damage and burial following proximal volcanic impacts in New Zealand. Finally, methods of experimental research into burial in both the field and in the greenhouse are summarized and the conclusion stresses the need for more holistic approaches to the study of burial that link the biogeographical aspects of plant ecophysiology and both individual species and community ecology to the various geomorphic processes of deposition and sedimentation.
A review of the application of BRDF models to infer land cover parameters at regional and global scales
Authors: Roberts Gareth
Published: January 2007

This paper presents a review of the application of Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution Function (BRDF) models in the inference of land surface parameters at regional and global scales using remotely sensed data. Information on land surface parameters, such as Leaf Area Index (LAI), fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (fAPAR), aerodynamic surface roughness and albedo, are valuable for understanding the transfer of energy and mass between terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere (e.g., carbon, nitrogen and methane cycling) and for ingestion into the lower boundary condition of global circulation models (GCM)s. Conventional techniques for acquiring information on land surface parameters do not account for or utilize the directional nature of surface reflectance. This paper reviews empirical, semi-empirical and, to a lesser extent, physical BRDF models that describe the surface BRDF. In each case examples are given of their application in inferring land surface parameters. The review concludes by discussing the future prospects of BRDF modelling using spaceborne sensors.
Current approaches to modelling the spread of wildland fire: a review
Authors: Perry G. L.W.
Published: January 2007

This review considers the development of some of the models and modelling approaches designed to predict the spread and spatial behaviour of wildland fire events. Such events and their accurate prediction are of great importance to those seeking to understand and manage fire-prone ecosystems. The key problem which fire modelling seeks to address is outlined. Models predicting the rate of fire spread may be classified as physical, semi-physical or empirical according to the nature of their construction. The benefits and shortcomings of each type of model are considered with reference to specific examples of each type. It is shown that there are problems with current operational models which restrict their effective use. However, the development of rigorous physical models as replacements is impeded by conceptual and practical difficulties. Accurate estimation of the rate of spread and the intensity of a fire allows prediction of the final shape and area of a fire event. The modelling techniques used to estimate the shape and area of a fire are considered including the development of sophisticated computer-based simulations of fire spread. Spatial information technologies such as remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) offer great potential for the effective modelling of wildland fire behaviour. While such spatial information technologies have been frequently used in the evaluation of fire danger risk, their use for the simulation of the spatiotemporal behaviour of wildland fire is not common. The way in which spatial information technologies and decision-support systems are used for fire risk evaluation and fire spread simulation is discussed. Two research areas of great importance if fire modelling techniques are to improve are a better understanding of fire-dependent phenomena and the development of a ‘new generation’ of fire spread models; current trends in these areas of research are evaluated.
Aspects of the genesis and geomorphology of pingos: perennial permafrost mounds
Authors: Gurney S. D.
Published: January 2007

Pingos are true perennial permafrost mounds. It is generally accepted that there are two main types of pingos in terms of genesis: hydrostatic (closed system) and hydraulic (open system). It is here proposed that a third category of ‘polygenetic’ (or ‘mixed') pingos should also be recognized in the light of published work and recent investigations. The lack of comprehension of hydraulic pingo genesis would seem to add weight to this proposal. Since suitable conditions for the formation of pure hydrostatic pingos are rarely met outside the Mackenzie Delta/Tuktoyaktuk Peninsula area the ‘world’ type of pingo is most likely to be of an hydraulic or ‘polygenetic’ variety and thus further investigation is warranted, particularly for the elucidation of the palaeoenvironmental inferences of ‘relict pingos'.
Periglacial research in Africa: past, present and future
Authors: Grab Stefan
Published: January 2007

With global periglacial geomorphology undergoing significant advancements, it is appropriate to review the past and current status of such research in Africa. A brief historical overview of research outputs and approaches is presented for the respective African regions. Potential future quantitative periglacial research needs and approaches identified for Africa include: the examination of active periglacial processes, the identification of landforms and ground-ice forms, the potential for environmental change and the palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, and the application of periglacial studies.

It is demonstrated that while periglacial geomorphology has progressed significantly in southern Africa, there has been little or no advancement elsewhere on the continent over the last two decades. None the less, on a more positive note, it is concluded that Africa has considerable potential in future global periglacial research.
Urban effects on precipitation amount
Authors: Lowry William P.
Published: January 2007

Major reviews of urban effects on local climate, extending from Kratzer in 1937 through to Landsberg in 1981, have dealt primarily with radiation, temperature, wind, and air quality. To a much lesser extent they have examined moisture-related elements including humidity, cloud, precipitation, and storminess. Selecting air temperature to represent the former group and precipitation amount to represent the latter, the author asserts that, because of the intrinsic physical differences between them, there are necessarily important differences in the methods to be used for their proper observation, analysis, presentation, and interpretation pertaining to urban effects. The principal differences are based in the fact that temperature is continuous in both time and space, whereas precipitation is continuous in neither. The author maintains that because of these differences, urban climatologists have had much greater success in specifying and explaining urban effects on temperature than on precipitation amount. Further, he makes the case that, lack of recognition that methods used for the study of urban effects on temperature are too often inappropriate for study of urban effects on precipitation amount, has led to a state of affairs where there remains basic uncertainty about the specification of urban effects on precipitation amount, and even greater uncertainty about their explanation. In making that case, the author includes 1) an historical perspective, 2) a critical evaluation of methods, 3) an overview of the status of urban precipitation climatology, and 4) recommendations concerning future research.
Sudden climate transitions during the Quaternary
Authors: Adams Jonathan , Maslin Mark , Thomas Ellen
Published: January 2007

The time span of the past few million years has been punctuated by many rapid climate transitions, most of them on timescales of centuries to decades. The most detailed information is available for the Younger Dryas-to-Holocene stepwise change around 11 500 years ago, which seems to have occurred over a few decades. The speed of this change is probably representative of similar but less well studied climate transitions during the last few hundred thousand years. These include sudden cold events (Heinrich events/stadials), warm events (interstadials) and the beginning and ending of long warm phases, such as the Eemian interglacial. Detailed analysis of terrestrial and marine records of climate change will, however, be necessary before we can say confidently on what timescale these events occurred; they almost certainly did not take longer than a few centuries.

Various mechanisms, involving changes in ocean circulation and biotic productivity, changes in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases and haze particles, and changes in snow and ice cover, have been invoked to explain sudden regional and global transitions. We do not know whether such changes could occur in the near future as a result of human effects on climate. Phenomena such as the Younger Dryas and Heinrich events might only occur in a ‘glacial’ world with much larger ice sheets and more extensive sea-ice cover. A major sudden cold event, however, did probably occur under global climate conditions similar to those of the present, during the Eemian interglacial around 122 000 years ago. Less intensive, but significant rapid climate changes also occurred during the present (Holocene) interglacial, with cold and dry phases occurring on a 1500-year cycle, and with climate transitions on a decade-to-century timescale. In the past few centuries, smaller transitions (such as the ending of the Little Ice Age at about AD 1650) probably occurred over only a few decades at most. All evidence indicates that long-term climate change occurs in sudden jumps rather than incremental changes.
Controls on the formation and sudden drainage of glacier-impounded lakes: implications for jökulhlaup characteristics
Authors: Tweed Fiona S. , Russell Andrew J.
Published: January 2007

Over the past few years there has been an increase in understanding of glacier-impounded or ‘ice-dammed’ lake behaviour. The spectacular jökulhlaup (catastrophic flood) from Grímsvötn, Iceland in November 1996 has both raised the profile of such events and emphasized the need for awareness of the processes involved. This review summarizes the extent of current knowledge of ice-dammed lakes, highlighting key developments and outlining areas of study still subject to difficulties. Controls on ice-dammed lake formation and persistence are identified, and cycles of jökulhlaup activity are related to glacier fluctuations. Ice-dammed lake drainage trigger mechanisms are reviewed and recent progress in the understanding of such mechanisms is emphasized. Controls on jökulhlaup routing and the development and character of jökulhlaup conduits are discussed and recent advances in jökulhlaup prediction, hydrograph modelling and peak discharge estimation are assessed. A process-based schematic model, drawing on published research, links ice-dammed lake occurrence and drainage to jökulhlaup characteristics. It is demonstrated that ice-dammed lake and ice-dam characteristics ultimately control seven key jökulhlaup attributes which determine the potential impact of jökulhlaups on both landscape and human activity in glaciated regions.
Research on glaciers and snow in New Zealand
Authors: Fitzharris Blair , Lawson Wendy , Owens Ian
Published: January 2007

The glaciers and snowfields of the Southern Alps of New Zealand are the most significant in the Southern Hemisphere outside Antarctica and South America. The most substantial data on Southern Hemisphere glacier fluctuations come from New Zealand. The nature and behaviour of New Zealand's glaciers are also of wider scientific interest, because they are highly sensitive, high input-output systems that represent the temperate, maritime end of the glacier process-behaviour continuum. The areal extent and volume of glaciers and snow are outlined and an assessment is made of their scientific relevance and of their importance as resources and hazards. The main themes and progress of research on glaciers and snow, including snow avalanches, are reviewed. Glacier research has concentrated on only a few key glaciers and has focused on understanding glacier change. Main topics covered in this review relate to this focus and include fluctuations in termini, other mass balance signals and response to climate variability. Research on mass balance processes, glacier dynamics and glacier hydrology is also outlined. Seasonal snow has received less attention until recently. The main emphasis has been on quantification and past variability and its contribution to river flow, particularly in the most important hydroelectric power catchments of the South Island. Some field measurements have been made of the energy balance over snow. Research on snow avalanches has grown as the demands of winter recreation and alpine tourism have increased the hazard. Research first concentrated on production of avalanche atlases for the most hazardous areas and on quantifying the nature of the hazard. Subsequently, there has been a shift towards more process studies that are related to avalanche formation and runout distance. The main gaps in research on glaciers and snow are identified and key areas for future work proposed. There is an urgent need, in particular, for glacier mass-balance measurements. Extensive data on snow structure need to be synthesized. Satellite imagery should be used for monitoring of seasonal snow. Snow melt during northwest storms needs to be better defined. A more developed engineering approach is required for the study of snow avalanches. New Zealand offers exciting possibilities for the study of cryospheric processes, including response to future climate change.
The Relative Importance of Race and Socioeconomic Status Among Hispanic and White Students
Authors: Battle Juan , Pastrana Antonio
Published: January 2007

Using a nationally representative sample from the National Educational Longitudinal Study, this research examines the longitudinal effects of race and socioeconomic status on 12th-grade educational achievement and achievement 2 years after high school. For 12th-grade outcomes, the authors found no statistical difference in scores between Hispanic and White students. Two years after high school, the results were very surprising: (a) when controlling for socioeconomic status, Hispanic students actually outperformed their White counterparts; (b) socioeconomic status was 10 times more powerful than race in predicting outcomes; and (c) White students received a greater benefit for increases in socioeconomic status than did their Hispanic counterparts.
Acculturation and Its Effect on Depressive Symptom Structure in a Sample of Mexican American Elders
Authors: Chiriboga David A. , Jang Yuri , Banks Steve , Kim Giyeon
Published: January 2007

In this study, we compared the depressive symptoms reported by Mexican American elders who scored higher and lower on a linguistic acculturation scale. Prevalence, equality of covariance matrices, equality of error variances, and factor structures were examined for the 20 items included in the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale. The sample consisted of 3,050 community-dwelling Mexican Americans from five states. Significant differences were found on all parameters, indicating that level of acculturation is associated with pervasive differences in the way items are endorsed on the most commonly used inventory of depressive symptoms. Results add to literature suggesting that there may not be a universal structure to symptoms. Higher or lower scores may have different implications for people representing different cultures and/or stages of acculturation, something that both researchers and clinicians should be sensitive to when interpreting results of screening tests.
Membrane transport of naphthalene and dodecane in jet fuel mixtures
Authors: Baynes Ronald E. , Brooks James D. , Riviere Jim E.
Published: January 2007

Jet fuels are formulated with numerous aliphatic and aromatic components that are thought to cause dermal irritation in air force personnel. However, diffusion of these components in such a complex mixture is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physicochemical properties of these mixtures in the context of how they influence partitioning, diffusion, and absorption of aromatic (14C-naphthalene) and aliphatic (14C-dodecane) markers in porcine skin and silastic membranes in vitro. In these 5-h flowthrough diffusion studies, Jet-A, JP-8, and JP-8(100) fuels, and weathered JP-8 (JP-8 (Puddle)) were tested. In both membrane systems and across all jet fuels tested, naphthalene absorption (1.29-1.84% dose) was significantly greater than dodecane absorption (0.14-0.28% dose). However, significantly more dodecane than naphthalene was observed in the stratum corneum (SC; 4.23-7.23% dose vs. 1.88-4.08% dose) and silastic membranes (59.2-81.7% dose vs. 30.5-36.7% dose). Naphthalene was least likely to be retained on the skin surface compared to dodecane, while this trend was reversed in silastic membranes. In porcine skin. weathered JP-8 significantly increased dodecane absorption, permeability (0.19×10−4 cm/h), and diffusivity, and also naphthalene deposition in the SC compared to other jet fuels. In contrast, weathered JP-8 appears to decrease naphthalene flux (1.56 μg/cm2/h) and permeability (1.14×10−4 cm/h) in skin. There were no differences among the three jet fuels in terms of their ability to influence naphthalene or dodecane disposition in skin and, generally, no significant differences among the four jet fuel mixtures were observed in silastic membranes. In conclusion, these transport studies suggest that absorption and deposition of naphthalene and dodecane are different when dosed in various jet fuel mixtures, and disposition in weathered jet fuel is significantly different from that in commercial and military fuels. These interactions may not only be related to the unique chemistry of these components, but also specific membrane interactions in the SC and viable epidermis.
Toxicological assessment of industrial solvents using human cell bioassays: assessment of short-term cytotoxicity and long-term genotoxicity potential
Authors: Hasspieler Bruce , Haffner Douglas , Stelljes Mark , Adeli Khosrow
Published: January 2007

There is an increasing demand for simple toxicological screening methods to assess the human health risk associated with exposure to environmental toxicants. Such screening tools should allow for risk evaluation in terms of both short-term/acute toxicity and longer-term genetic damage, which may lead to mutagenicity and carcinogenicity. We employed a battery of human cell bioassays using the human hepatoma cell-line, HepG2, to assess the cytotoxic and genotoxic potential of environmental pollutants. Here, we demonstrate direct application of these human cell bioassays to the toxicological assessment of a number of industrial solvents that are in common use worldwide. HepG2 cells were exposed to various solvents at concentrations ranging from 25 to 500 ppm. The cells were then analysed using specific protocols for four different adverse effects: cell death/acute cytotoxicity using a neutral red uptake assay, altered enzyme function (often an indicator of cell stress) using the ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) bioassay, DNA single strand breaks (SSB), and DNA repair induction, which evaluates mutagenic activity. Using the positive controls, linear dose-response curves were achieved for all four bioassays. The high sensitivity of the tests allowed for environmentally meaningful assessments, and precision studies showed excellent reproducibility for all four bioassays. Comparing the results of the four bioassays on each of 16 industrial solvents allowed for ranking of the anticipated relative human toxicity of these solvents, which were comparable with data from standard toxicity tests and human occupational data. Overall, the study clearly supports the application of the HepG2 cell bioassay system for rapid toxicological screening of many candidate toxicants for both short- and long-term toxicity potential.
Neuroendocrine and reproductive effects of contemporary-use pesticides
Authors: Goldman Jerome M. , Stoker Tammy E. , Cooper Ralph L.
Published: January 2007

Work in our laboratory has focused on the hypothesis that certain environmental contaminants will interfere with reproductive function because they disrupt the neuroendocrine regulation of gonadal function. In this article, we review the evidence that certain classes of contemporary-use pesticides alter gonadotropin secretion through a disruption of hypothalamic mechanisms. Specifically, we discuss the effect of formamidine and dithiocarbamate pesticides on the noradrenergic control of pituitary hormone secretion, ovarian function, and pregnancy in the rat. This is followed by a review of studies evaluating the effect of a chlorotriazine herbicide, atrazine, on the hormonal control of ovulation and lactation. We also discuss the physiological consequences of these endocrine alterations in the female, how toxicant-induced endocrine alterations may differ in physiological outcome in the male and female, and the fact that the reproductive risk assessment of some pesticides that act on the central nervous system (CNS) may be influenced by the development of tolerance.
Organochlorine compounds in subtropical and tropical marine organisms: a meta-analysis
Authors: Araújo Rafael J. , Capin Allan A. , Hearon Michael D. , Ofengand Erik A. , Snedaker Samuel C.
Published: January 2007

A search of the published and unpublished literature was conducted for analytical data on organochlorine compounds in tissues of subtropical and tropical marine organisms. The search was limited to reports of analyte concentrations in whole body or muscle tissue that were minimally determined by chromatographic procedures. A total of 1564 sample analyses consisting of 4431 analyte determinations were obtained for hard and soft corals, sponges, benthic seagrasses and algae, gastropods, fish and shellfish, and `market-basket' (processed seafood) samples. For comparative purposes, data that were reported on a wet-or fresh-weight basis were uniformly converted to a common dry-weight estimate by dividing the wet-weight values by five ( i.e., 80% water, 20% dry-weight tissue). Due to the large variation in analytical procedures, target analytes, chromatographic interpretations, and reporting units, the data were pooled by organochlorine-compound class ( i.e., chlorinated cyclodienes, chlorinated aliphatics, chlorinated phenols, and chlorinated terpenes, hexachlorocyclohexanes, and polychlorinated biphenyls). A meta-analysis of the resulting database yielded a mean analyte concentration of 1594 ± 8768 ng g−1 (dry weight), a median concentration of 23 ng g−1 (dry weight), and a mean of 2.89 analytes per sample; the corresponding mean tissue burden is 4608 ng g−1 (dry weight), the equivalent of 922 ng g−1 on a wet-weight basis. It was also found that the chlorinated aliphatics ( i.e., DDT and its metabolites) constituted 40.15% of the reported analyte determinations.
Are we on the threshold of a new theory of disease? Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance and its relationship to addiction and abdiction
Authors: Miller Claudia S.
Published: January 2007

`Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance' (or TILT) describes a two-step disease process in which (1) certain chemical exposures, e.g., indoor air contaminants, chemical spills, or pesticide applications, cause certain susceptible persons to lose their prior natural tolerance for common chemicals, foods, and drugs (initiation); (2) subsequently, previously tolerated exposures trigger symptoms. Responses may manifest as addictive or abdictive (avoidant) behaviors. In some affected individuals, overlapping responses to common chemical, food, and drug exposures, as well as habituation to recurrent exposures, may hide (mask) responses to particular triggers. Accumulating evidence suggests that this disease process might underlie a broad array of medical illnesses including chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches, depression, asthma, the unexplained illnesses of Gulf War veterans, multiple chemical sensitivity, and attention deficit disorder.
Behavioral sensitization after repeated formaldehyde exposure in rats
Authors: Sorg Barbara A. , Hochstatter Tressa
Published: January 2007

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a phenomenon whereby individuals report increased sensitivity to chemicals in the environment, and attribute their sensitivities to prior exposure to the same or often structurally unrelated chemicals. A leading hypothesis suggests that MCS is akin to behavioral sensitization observed in rodents after repeated exposure to drugs of abuse or environmental stressors. Sensitization occurring within limbic circuitry of the central nervous system (CNS) may explain the multisymptom complaints in individuals with MCS. The present studies represent the continuing development of an animal model for MCS, the basis of which is the CNS sensitization hypothesis. Three behaviors were assessed in rats repeatedly exposed to formaldehyde (Form) inhalation. In the first series of experiments, rats were given high-dose Form exposure (11 parts per million [ppm]; 1 h/day × 7 days) or low-dose Form exposure (1 ppm; either 1 h/day × 7 days or 1 h/day × 5 days/week × 4 weeks). Within a few days after discontinuing daily Form, cocaine-induced locomotor activity was elevated after high-dose Form or 20 days of low-dose Form inhalation. Approximately 1 month later, cocaine-induced locomotor activity remained significantly elevated in the 20-day Form-exposed rats. The second experiment assessed whether prior exposure to Form (20 days, as above) would alter the ability to condition to an odor (orange oil) paired with footshock. The results suggested a tendency to increase the conditioned fear response to the odor but not the context of the footshock box, and a decreased tendency to extinguish the conditioned fear response to odor. The third experiment examined whether CNS sensitization to daily cocaine or stress would alter subsequent avoidance responding to odor (Form). Daily cocaine significantly elevated approach responses to Form, while daily stress pretreatment produced a trend in the opposite direction, producing greater avoidance of Form. Preliminary studies indicated that repeated daily Form inhalation (20 days, as above) produced a greater avoidance to subsequent Form presentation, suggesting that daily Form inhalation may serve as a stressor. The results support the hypothesis that repeated chemical exposure in rats may produce CNS plasticity manifest as greater sensitivity to dopaminergic drugs, enhanced fear conditioning to odor paired with an aversive event, and greater avoidance of odors. Some of these behavioral changes observed in rats may provide a link with symptoms in a subset of individuals with MCS.
Neurotoxicity in single photon emission computed tomography brain scans of patients reporting chemical sensitivities†
Authors: Ross Gerald H. , Rea William J. , Johnson Alfred R. , Hickey David C. , Simon Theodore R.
Published: January 2007

The subset of patients reporting chemical sensitivity with neurocognitive complaints usually exhibits specific abnormalities of brain metabolism consistent with neurotoxicity, on imaging with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). These recurrent neurotoxic patterns are characterized by a mismatch in tracer uptake between early-and late-phase imaging, multiple hot and cold foci throughout the cortex, temporal asymmetry and increased tracer uptake into the soft tissues and, sometimes, the basal ganglia. Previous studies confirm these neurotoxic findings in patients with neurotoxic chemical exposures and breast implants. Affective processes such as depression do not, alone, show this pattern. These abnormalities in SPECT images correlate with documented neurocognitive impairment. Controlled challenges to ambient chemicals can induce profound neurotoxic changes seen on SPECT imaging in chemically sensitive patients. Detoxification treatment techniques frequently produce significant improvement on brain SPECT brain imaging in these patients. Neurotoxicity appears to be characteristic in many cases of chemical sensitivity.
The effect of isopropyl alcohol on the permeation of gloves exposed to antineoplastic agents
Authors: Connor Thomas H , Xiang Qian
Published: January 2007

Introduction. Two commercially available gloves, one latex and one nitrile, were evaluated for permeation with six antineoplastic agents following exposure to 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Materials. Commercially available antineoplastic agents prepared at the standard concentrations included carmustine, cyclophosphamide, fluorouracil, doxorubicin, thiotepa, and cisplatin. Additional solutions included distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol.

Methods. Following exposure to isopropyl alcohol for 0.5, 1, or 5 minutes, latex and nitrile glove materials were tested for permeation with the antineoplastic drugs. Five samples of each glove material were tested with the six drugs and the contact time was 2 hours. Permeation was measured by the use of a bacterial mutagenicity assay that can detect low levels of these drugs.

Results. The exposure of the two glove materials to isopropyl alcohol for up to 5 minutes resulted in a minimal observed increase in permeation for one of the six antineoplastic agents. Permeation with the latex gloves was seen with carmustine at the 1-minute exposure to the alcohol.

Conclusions. It appears that the use of isopropyl alcohol for cleaning and disinfecting has little to no effect on the integrity of these latex and nitrile gloves related to protection offered by these materials to antineoplastic drugs.
Physicochemical stability of irinotecan injection concentrate and diluted infusion solutions in PVC bags
Authors: Thiesen Judith , Krämer Irene
Published: January 2007

Purpose. To determine the physicochemical stability of irinotecan injection concentrate and irinotecan infusion solutions after dilution in two commonly used infusion fluids (0.9% sodium chloride, 5% dextrose) in PVC bags, stored under refrigeration (2-8°C) or at room temperature either light protected or exposed to light.

Methods. Stability of irinotecan injection concentrate was determined in the original amber glass vials. Diluted irinotecan infusion solutions were aseptically prepared by further dilution of irinotecan stock solution with either 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% dextrose in PVC bags, in amounts yielding irinotecan concentrations of 0.4, 1.0, or 2.8 mg/ml. Test solutions were stored under refrigeration (2-8°C) or at room temperature either light protected or exposed to light (mixed daylight and normal laboratory fluorescent light) in parallel. Irinotecan concentrations were determined periodically throughout a 4-week storage period via a stability-indicating HPLC assay with ultraviolet detection. In addition, measurements of pH values were performed regularly and test solutions were visually examined for colour change and precipitation.

Results. Irinotecan injection concentrate and infusion solutions are shown to be physicochemically stable (at a level of >90% irinotecan) for 4 weeks when stored under refrigeration or light protected at room temperature, independent of the vehicle (0.9% sodium chloride, 5% dextrose) or the concentration (0.4, 1.0, or 2.8 mg/ml). Irinotecan infusion solutions exposed to daylight exhibited concentration-dependent instability, solutions were stable for only 7 to 14 days.

Conclusions. Irinotecan injection concentrate and diluted infusion solutions are shown to have adequate physicochemical stability for convenient pharmacy-based centralized preparation.
Docetaxel-induced extravasation injury: a report of three cases
Authors: Harrison Bruce R , Ketts Jennifer R , Schultz Michelle Z , Yackzan Susan
Published: January 2007

Extravasation of chemotherapy drugs may cause serious adverse effects in cancer patients. The clinical course and preferred treatment of some of the newer chemotherapy drugs has not been well described. Three cases of docetaxel extravasation are presented in this report.

The three patients experienced four extravasations of docetaxel and were observed for periods ranging from nine to 19 weeks. Symptoms were fairly similar in all three patients including pain, erythema, edema, pruritus, dyschromia, and hypoesthesia. All three patients received subsequent therapy with docetaxel with no delays in therapy or apparent exacerbation of symptoms. None of these patients had ulceration or visible necrosis. Case 3 received treatment with ice to the second extravasation site. No treatment was administered following the other extravasations.

No recommendations for treating docetaxel extravasation were found. Observations of these three cases suggest that docetaxel is an irritant, but there currently is no evidence to implicate docetaxel as a vesicant. Docetaxel extravasation should be managed conservatively.
Documentation of capecitabine usage as a third-line chemotherapy option for metastatic breast cancer patients
Authors: Rajora Anupam , Chow Katherine S , Vu Thanh T , Chambers Carole R
Published: January 2007

Objective. To document options metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients chose for third-line chemo-therapy within the Alberta Cancer Board (ACB) between December 1995 to April 2000. To record the early market experience with capecitabine use in MBC.

Methods. Treatment of MBC with a marketed taxane between December 1995 and April 2000 was reviewed. Patients were included if they were within treatment guidelines of the Alberta Cancer Board Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program, and excluded if they were currently on a taxane, treated outside guidelines, or died before receiving a third-line agent. Pre- and postcapecitabine availability cohorts were used to compare prescribing patterns.

Results. Before the availability of capecitabine, vinorelbine was the most prescribed third-line chemotherapy (18.8%). After its availability, cape-citabine was the most prescribed third-line chemo-therapy (44.9%). Patients experienced, in order of decreasing frequency, hand-foot syndrome, diarrhea, and nausea as side effects of capecitabine. The majority of dose changes to capecitabine were side effect-related. The first dose was decreased on average by 24.2%, and the sum of the first and second dose adjustments averaged 44.2%. For patients who have discontinued capecitabine, 66.7% were due to disease-related reasons.

Conclusion. At the ACB, capecitabine is the current primary choice of third-line chemotherapy. During early experience with its usage, capecitabine was well tolerated and toxicity was adequately managed by dose adjustments. J Oncol Pharm Practice (2001) 6, 138-145.
Penetration and splash protection of six disposable gown materials against fifteen antineoplastic drugs
Authors: Harrison Bruce R , Kloos Michael D
Published: January 2007

Introduction. Six commercially available, disposable protective gown materials were tested for splash protection and penetration against 15 antineoplastic drugs and five control solutions.

Materials. The commercially available drugs in standard concentrations included etoposide, teniposide, docetaxel, paclitaxel, carmustine, topotecan, irinotecan, doxorubicin, liposomal doxorubicin, vinorelbine, cisplatin, carboplatin, mitoxantrone, cyclophosphamide, and fluorouracil. Control solutions included water, saline, 10% ethanol, fluorescein aqueous, and fluorescein in 25% ethanol.

Methods. A6 3 6 cm gown sample was placed on an absorptive pad on the work surface of a biological safety cabinet. A single drop of each solution was dropped onto the gown from a height of 20 cm to simulate a simple splash. Each dispensed drop was observed for 1 minute. Two endpoints were used: (a) absorption into the gown material versus beading on the gown surface and (b) visible detection of the drug on the opposite side of the gown.

Results. Two gowns failed; one (ChemoPlust) allowed penetration of 10 solutions and the other (ChemoBloct Wraparound), four solutions. Three gowns allowed non-water soluble drugs to soak into the material but did not allow penetration: Tyvekt (five drugs), ChemoBloct Maximum (two drugs), and CYTA (one drug). Only one gown (Saranext) provided complete splash protection, with beading on the gown surface observed for all agents.

Conclusions. Gowns with polyethylene or vinyl coating provided adequate splash protection and prevented penetration of the challenge chemicals during the 1-minute observation period. Polypropylene-based gowns did not provide adequate splash protection and should not be used to prepare chemotherapy.
The K-port concept: Proposal for optimising a fully implantable port system
Authors: Krug Florian , Psathakis Dimitri , Hirsch Ulrich , Bruch Hans-Peter
Published: January 2007

Objective. Typical reasons for the malfunction of implantable central venous catheters involve obstructions caused by blood clots, perforation through the skin, and contamination of the device. The objective of introducing this new port concept is to reduce the incidence of complications by making alterations to the design.

Design. The main characteristics of this new port chamber are its drop-shaped interior, which opens into the catheter-connecting piece rather like a funnel, the lateral position of the puncture membrane, and the exchangeable catheter connection device. As a result, the following improvements with regard to conventional port catheters are feasible.

Results. The puncture is made laterally next to the port chamber in a large, previously unstressed area of skin. The subcutaneous puncture channel can be used for a greater length of time so as to avoid ascending infections. In the event of an occlusion of the catheter, a wire can be pushed through the cannula to clean it. The puncture cannula lies against the skin and can be attached more readily. Various port chamber sizes can be combined with different catheter thicknesses to best meet the individual requirements of the patient.

Current Status. The afore-mentioned port system is still at a conceptional stage of development. There are no data on practical experiences with the K-port, as licensing details have yet to be agreed upon with a manufacturer. We have applied for a patent for this device.
Differential Effects of Preferential Treatment Levels on Relational Outcomes
Authors: Lacey Russell , Suh Jaebeom , Morgan Robert M.
Published: January 2007

Despite its often controversial and philosophically divisive nature, preferential treatment of customers holds the potential to contribute to important relational outcomes valued by firms. In this study, sampled customers (n = 2,461) of a national upscale department store chain representing recipients of three different levels of preferential treatment are tested. While controlling for individual customer characteristics, higher levels of preferential treatment are shown to positively influence relationship commitment, increased purchases, share of customer, word of mouth, and customer feedback. This study fills a major services marketing research gap by assessing the favorable effects of higher levels of preferential treatment as a relationship marketing strategy.
Interferon gamma production in blood lymphocytes correlates with disability score in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Petereit H F , Richter N , Pukrop R , Bamborschke S
Published: January 2007

The proinflammatory cytokine interferon gamma (IFG) is elevated in body fluids of multiple sclerosis patients but its variation range is broad. The reason for this wide scatter of IFG production is not yet known. We looked for the relation between clinical parameters such as disability, exacerbation frequency, disease duration, course of the disease and IFG producing blood lymphocytes. Forty-one consecutive, clinically stable multiple sclerosis patients with primary relapsing course of the disease and without immunomodulatory or immunosuppressive treatment in the last 3 months were investigated for IFG in blood lymphocytes by flow cytometry. A significant positive correlation between IFG production and disability (r = 0.45, P50.01, Spearman's rho coefficient) was found. Pathophysiological implications and therapeutical relevance of this unexpected finding are discussed.
Systemic upregulation of CD40 and CD40 ligand mRNA expression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Huang Wen-Xin , Huang Ping , Hillert Jan
Published: January 2007

It is increasingly clear that the CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) receptor-ligand pair mediates a crucial activation signal in both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. Here, we detected mRNA levels of CD40 and CD40L in non-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells in 46 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and 46 healthy controls by a competitive RT-PCR procedure allowing quantification without previous culture or antigenic stimulation. The levels of CD40 and CD40L mRNA were markedly increased in MS patients (P <0.0001) compared with healthy controls. There was no difference between clinical MS subgroups or stage of disease. Our findings indicate that, although MS is an organ specific disorder an increased signaling via the CD40 and CD40L pathway may be present at the systemic level. The nature of this upregulation, whether primary or secondary to the organ-specific autoimmune response, is yet to be determined. Since interference with CD40/CD40L is an effective way to interfere with autoimmune model diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, it may be relevant to investigate further the role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of MS.
MRI and clinical activity in MS patients after terminating treatment with interferon beta-l b
Authors: Richert Nancy D , Zierak Mary Christina , Bash Craig N , Lewis Bobbi K , McFarland Henry F , Frank Joseph A
Published: January 2007

Monthly MRI activity and clinical disability were evaluated in two relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patient for 4 years during a cross-over treatment trial with IFNβ-Ib, and for a mean of 21 months after terminating treatment with IFNβ-Ib. Post-treatment MRI activity was compared to baseline activity in these patient. Although contrast enhancing lesions (CEL) and the bulk white matter lesion load (BWMLL) on T2-weighted images eventually returned to baseline values, there was a refractory period of 6-10 months after terminating treatment before baseline MRI activity was restored. Although the mechanism for a sustained effect of IFNβ- Ib is unclear at this time, these result have important implications for enrollment of such patients into new treatment protocols that rely on contrast enhancing lesion frequency as an outcome measure.
Histocompatibility antigen (HLA) associations with multiple sclerosis in Iran
Authors: Kalanie H , Kamgooyan M , Sadeghian H , Kalanie A R
Published: January 2007

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types were obtained from 79 Iranian patients with multiple sclerosis and compared with 100 controls. The prevalence of HLA-A24 (30.3% versus 18.0%), HLA-DR2 (43.0% versus 28.0%) and HLA-DR15 (36.7% versus 23.0%) were significantly increased in multiple sclerosis patients compared with controls. However age at onset, and disease status (relapsing-remitting or primary progressive) did not show an association with any particular HLA type.
Enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Filippi M
Published: January 2007

Gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very sensitive in the detection of active lesions of multiple sclerosis (MS) and has become a valuable tool to monitor the evolution of the disease either natural or modified by treatment. In the past few years, several studies, on the one hand, have assessed several ways to increase the sensitivity of enhanced MRI to disease activity and, on the other, have investigated in vivo the nature and evolution of enhancing lesions using different non-conventional MR techniques to better define the relationship between enhancement and tissue loss in MS. The present review is a summary of these studies whose results are discussed in the context of MS clinical trial planning and monitoring.
Quality of life during the first 6 months of interferon-b treatment in patients with MS
Authors: Arnoldus J HA , Killestein J , Pfennings L EMA , Jelles B , Uitdehaag B MJ , Polman C H
Published: January 2007

Objectives: To determine the quality of life (QoL) of MS patients during the initial 6 months of treatment with interferon-b (IFN-b). Furthermore, to determine whether changes in QoL relate to disability, emotional state, therapeutic expectations or side effect profile. Background: IFN-b has been shown to have beneficial effects on the course of MS. Since the aim of IFN-b treatment is not to cure but to slow down the disease it is important to know how this treatment affects QoL. Surprisingly, the impact of treatment with IFN-b on QoL measures has not been extensively studied so far. Methods: Case report documentation, including EDSS, SF-36 and MADRAS scores, of 51 relapsing-remitting MS patients treated with IFN-b was obtained at baseline and at months 1, 3 and 6. Patients also filled in a form about their expectations of therapy and a questionnaire on side effects. Results: During treatment there was a significant linear trend indicating improvement in the role-physical functioning (RPF) scale of the SF-36 (F1,50=4.9, P=0.032). A transient decrease at month 1 was found in the scale for bodily pain, indicating more experienced pain (F1,50=19.8, P50.001). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with most depressive symptoms on the MADRAS at baseline contributed most to the increase in RPF scores over time (F1,24=5,6 P=0.026). Furthermore, we found associations between adverse event scores and several domains of QoL. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IFN-b therapy has an impact on QoL of MS patients in that it improves role-physical functioning and transiently worsens experienced bodily pain. QoL during treatment with IFN-b is influenced by depressive symptoms at baseline as well as by treatment-associated side-effects.