bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilization Of Fly Ash In Heavy Metal Removal From Acid Mine Drainage
Authors:   Program Geologi, Pusat Pengajian Sains Sekitaran dan Sumber Alam, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Mohammed Nuur Hani , Wan Yaacob Wan Zuhairi ,   Program Geologi, Pusat Pengajian Sains Sekitaran dan Sumber Alam, Fakulti Sains dan Teknologi, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: May 2022

Acid mine drainage (AMD) contains very toxic heavy metal with strong acidity. The high concentration of heavy metals in AMD have the potential as a major contamination sources that affect human life, aquatic and other natural resources. In this study, the removal of heavy metals was carried out by using low-cost industrial waste material which is fly ash. The adsorption capacity of fly ash was determined by two methods which are batch adsorption and tank remediation test. The effects of quantity of dosage, pH and heavy metal concentration were investigated. Fly ash consist of carbonate minerals (>50%) with high potential as adsorbent material to treat acid mine. The maximum adsorption rate for fly ash occurred at pH 5 for Pb, pH 7 for Zn and pH 3 for Cu. Adsorption capacity also increased with increasing dose. Fly ash as high alkaline material remediated and neutralized AMD solution from acidic phase (pH 2.11) to neutral phase (pH 7.09). Increasing pH value during treatment process will increase the capacity of the removal of heavy metals.
Distinct Depositional Environments Of Two Internal Reference Materials With Marine Sediment Matrix From Nearby Bangka Island
Authors:   Center for Geological Survey Indonesia, Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung, 40122, Indonesia, Irzon Ronaldo , Kurnia Kurnia ,   Center for Geological Survey Indonesia, Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung, 40122, Indonesia, Haryanto Agus Didit ,   Faculty of Geological Engineering, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jl. Raya Bandung-Sumedang Km. 21 Jatinangor, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia, Maryanto Sigit ,   Center for Geological Survey Indonesia, Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung, 40122, Indonesia, Hernawan Undang ,   Center for Geological Survey Indonesia, Jl. Diponegoro 57, Bandung, 40122, Indonesia
Published: May 2022

Internal reference materials are generated by laboratories to overcome the high cost and limited matrix of certified reference materials (CRM). Rare earth elements (REE) are strategic metals which is used in modern technology and explored within different matrices. Rare earth elements exploration surely needs appropriate reference materials for accurate interpretation. The current study aims to explain internal standard reference materials generation of marine sediment matrices from nearby the tin Bangka Island, especially the rare earth elements character, to overcome the CRM dependency. The first sample was taken with a dredger while the second one using a suction vessel. Repeated samples measurements were done by applying inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) from the Center for Geological Survey Indonesia for repeatability tests. The samples were analyzed in another certified laboratory in Indonesia using the same device for reproducibility assessment. The two candidates should be deposited in different environments with different influx material due to their distinct rare earth elements characters. Most of the analytes’ contents are suitable to be set as internal reference material values according to acceptable repeatability and reproducibility evaluations. The internal reference materials are ready for studying suitable matrices in the future.
Periodismo, fuentes políticas y género en Chile. Una relación desproporcionada
Authors:   Universidad de Santiago de Chile, Hudson Eileen , Porath William ,   Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile, Ortega-Gunckel Constanza ,   Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile
Published: May 2022

Ante la problemática que supone la escasa presencia de las mujeres como fuentes en noticias sobre política en los medios, este estudio observó cuál es el tipo de tratamiento periodístico que se le da a la información política cuando su voz es femenina. Para ello, se analizó el contenido de cuatro periódicos que circulan en la capital de Chile y de dos medios regionales durante 2007, 2011 y 2015, con el fin de estudiar la cantidad de fuentes de ambos sexos presentes en la información política, la cantidad de espacio asignada, el tipo de fuente de las que se trataba, y si la prensa utiliza a hombres y mujeres de manera diferenciada al enmarcar las noticias con algunos de los cinco encuadres noticiosos propuestos por Semetko y Valkenburg (2000). Mediante este análisis, se constató que de las 2569 fuente analizadas las mujeres figuran como fuentes en el 16,8%. Se puede observar que, en general, el periodismo no trata a los hombres y a las mujeres que trabajan en política de manera similar, salvo en el caso de la extensión de las citas. A la luz de los resultados, se plantea la necesidad promover un periodismo más consciente y dispuesto a reducir estas brechas por medio de la visibilidad y la normalización de la participación de la mujer en cargos políticos de alta relevancia, considerados hasta hace pocos años como espacios masculinos.
Mask-wearing Behaviours among the Public in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Alfaki Mysara , Alkarani Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Public behaviour involving the wearing of face masks are influenced by a host of interdependent demographic, economic, and educational factors, therefore, mask-wearing behaviours among the public vary not only in different countries but also from region to region within a country. Aim: To assess mask-wearing behaviours among the public in Saudi Arabia during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among the general public of Saudi Arabia who could communicate in Arabic, from 9th August 2021 to 12th October 2021, after approval from Taif University. To collect as many respondents as possible, convenience sampling was used. A social media platform was used for the data collection. Descriptive statistics and a logistical regression model were employed for data analysis. Results: A total of 481 participants consented to take part in the current research, with 56.8% being male and 43.2% being female. Most individuals showed poor compliance (67.6%). Female participants, participants who had graduate degree, and people who worked in a confined environment, including a hospital, restaurant or similar place, reported better compliance with the use of a face mask (χ2 =13.29; p-value< 0.001), (χ2 = 8.26; p-value= 0.041), and (χ2 =16.84; p-value <0.010), respectively. Regression analysis defined three characteristics linked with good compliance ie., sex, level of education and present work/ living situation. Conclusion: Most people did not comply with public behaviour concerning the use of face masks. Female participants were more likely to wear a face mask.
SARS-CoV-2 Positivity using Closed System RT-PCR at a Tertiary Care Medical Institute in Manipur, India
Authors: Yengkhom Bijendra Singh , Laifangbam Supriya , Mahajan Kishalay , Roy Antara , Samom Preety
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Rapid cost effective, Point-of-Care (PoC) Truenat assay for the diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been developed to shorten the Turn Around Time (TAT) of reporting with a wireless data transfer system. Aim: To explore the SARS-CoV-2 positivity using closed system Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was carried out in Molecular Laboratory of, Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India, using Truenat RT-PCR (Molbio diagnostics) and data was entered from May 2020 to April 2021. Manufacturer’s literature was followed while performing the test. Screening of sample was done with Envelope (E) gene test and confirmed with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene (RdRP) gene test. Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel sheet by calculating the percentage, proportions. Results: A total of 1,528 individuals were tested for SARSCov-2 and 73 tests were reported positive. The positivity rate by age was highest among 21-30 years. The positivity rate was higher among males than females. Among 1,105 asymptomatic individual, 27 (2.4%) were positive and among 423 symptomatic, 46 (10.9%) were positive. Conclusion: Using Truenat, positivity rate among symptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) suspected persons was about four times more than positivity rate among exposed contact persons who are asymptomatic.
Comparison of Characteristics and Outcomes of Pregnant Women with COVID-19 in First and Second Wave Admitted in a COVID Hospital in Arunachal Pradesh: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Doke Goter , Paley Tamar , Singha Binita , Basar Tomar
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) has affected the pregnant women and newborn child across the world. Empirical data shows that the characteristic of the effect of COVID-19 virus varies between the subsequent wave. Aim: To compare the demographic characteristics, severity of illness, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions, maternal and neonatal outcomes in COVID-19 positive pregnant women of first and second wave. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at dedicated COVID-19 Hospital under Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India. All COVID-19 positive pregnant women admitted between July 2020 and August 2021 were included in the study. The patients admitted during 1st July 2020 to 31st January 2021 were considered in 1st wave of COVID-19 and those from 1st February 2021 to 31st August 2021 as 2nd wave of COVID-19. Data of baseline characteristics, clinical presentations, severity, ICU admissions, abortion, modes of delivery, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission, maternal and neonatal mortality were analysed and compared. Results: A total of 144 COVID-19 positive pregnant women admitted from July 2020 to August 2021 were included in the study. Of 144 patients, 58 were in first wave and 86 in second wave of COVID-19. Number of moderate and severe cases admitted was 23.3% and 7% during second wave compared to only 12.1% moderate case only in first wave (p-value=0.015). Three pregnant women died due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia during the second wave. NICU admissions and other neonatal outcomes were comparable in both the study groups. Conclusion: A significantly increase number of pregnant women were affected with severe COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in second wave. Neonatal outcomes were similar in both waves.
Christianity and Citizens’ Participation in the Electoral Process: A Case of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Southern Province of Zambia
Authors: Chilufya Lewis B. , Milanzi Peggy M. , Magasu Oliver
Published: May 2022

This article assesses the influence that the Christian religious beliefs and practices of the Seventh Day Adventist Church (hereinafter SDA) in Zambia’s nascent democracy. By employing a comparative theoretical approach, it highlights religious motivations that are meant to drive the levels of participation of members of the SDA in the electoral process such as campaigns and voting. Furthermore, it identifies secular factors that influence their civic participation as well as the emergent trends that have become characteristic of SDA political involvement. In this light, the article argues that secular factors have increasingly become more predominant than Christian motivations in SDA members’ political involvement. This trend was evidenced by electoral results in Southern province of Zambia, which holds the stronghold of the Church’s membership. Thus, the article recommends, among other things, that leaders of the SDA Church should offer clear teachings and consistent guidance on members’ participation in politics.  This will require, at least in the Zambian context, recalibrating the Church’s religious education on civic matters.
Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Sterilization
Authors: Das Sutapa
Published: May 2022

The purpose of the present study was to investigate about the knowledge and attitude of women residing in the rural area regarding sterilization. This study deals with the analysis and interpretation of the data collected from 100 women attending selected rural antenatal clinic to assess knowledge and attitude towards sterilization. Majority of the rural pregnant women had good knowledge about sterilization. Common method chosen was female sterilization. None adopted male sterilization. Reasons for not using contraception were desire to have child, desire for boys, worried about side effect, opposition from family members, felt pregnancy was naturally spaced, no specific reasons, couldn’t avail contraceptive facilities, inconvenient to use. Effort was made to identify reasons for wide gap between knowledge and attitude of contraception. All women knew at least one method of contraception but 48% were using some sort of contraception. Most known method was female sterilization, least known were injectables and male sterilization. Educational and motivational activities from doctors and health workers is needed to promote the use of contraception.
Morphometric Analysis of Nanjannad Hill Watershed in South India using Geographical Information System
Authors: Karthik Gangannagari , Nagarajan K. , Manivannan S. , Kannan Balaji , Duraisamy M. R.
Published: May 2022

Watershed is a natural geohydrological unit that allows surface runoff to a particular point or outlet, Morphometric analysis plays a vital role in the proper planning and development of the watershed. Morphometric analysis of the Nanjannad watershed is carried out using integrated approach of remote sensing and GIS techniques. The present study attempted to determine the morphometric characteristics of Nanjannad watershed of Ooty, Tamil Nadu. Geographical information system (GIS) is used to evaluate linear, areal and relief aspects of morphometric parameters. The drainage area of the watershed is 434 ha, the watershed is a Fourth-order drainage basin, and the lower order streams are mostly dominating in the watershed. Physiography, rainfall and lithology of the location control the stream orders. The development of stream segments in the watershed area is affected by rain, slope of the watershed varies from 0 to 87%. The mean Rb of the entire watershed is 4.38, indicating that geological structures do not influence the drainage pattern much. The whole watershed elongation ratio is 0.67 showing the majority of the area has Moderate relief and a steep slope, Relief ratio values implies that the discharge of the Nanjannad watershed is high and groundwater potential is meager, the moderate value of drainage density, stream frequency and drainage intensity, indicates that runoff is more likely to cause water logging. This work can be used as input to evaluate hydrology and water resources and will be helpful for integrated watershed planning.
Study of Early Lactate Clearance as an Independent Predictor of Survival in Patients with Presumed Sepsis
Authors: Patel Parth , Shah Naimesh , Shukla Dipak
Published: May 2022

Aim: Measurement of serial serum lactate levels in patients presenting with sepsis and correlating with 1. early lactate clearance with mortality. 2. Early lactate clearance vs. first (baseline) lactate level in mortality prediction. 3. Early lactate clearance vs. ACUTE PHYSIOLOGY AND CHRONIC HEALTH EVALUATION II score in mortality prediction. 4. Early lactate clearance vs. non lactate clearance in mortality prediction.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Medicine, SMIMER, Surat, Gujarat between December 1st 2017 and November 25th 2019.

Methodology: 50 patients (36 male, 14 females; age more than 18 years) Patient with sepsis were selected from Medicine ICU by using ACUTE PHYSIOLOGY AND CHRONIC HEALTH EVALUATION II score ≥ 12 points. Lactate levels at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours were measured by using ABG done by ABL 800 basic analyzer. ACUTE PHYSIOLOGY AND CHRONIC HEALTH EVALUATION II score was calculated on admission. Lactate clearance was calculated (<10% OR >10%) and was correlated with mortality (< 7 days or > 7 days).

Results: Among 50 patients studied, 39 patients were in lactate clearance group and 11 patients were in lactate non-clearance group. In lactate clearance group 35 (89%) patients survived and 4 (11%) patients expired. In lactate non-clearance group 9 (81%) patients expired and 2 (19%) patients survived. On observing the lactate trend, Serial serum lactate levels were decreasing in survived patients while serial serum lactate levels were static or increasing in expired patients. There was no correlation between serum lactate at 0 hour and mortality in the study group (p value > 0.05). There was correlation between serum lactate at 6, 12, and 24 hours with mortality (p value <0.05). There was strong correlation between serum lactate clearance and mortality (p value < 0.01).

Conclusion: Study confirmed the prognostic value of serial serum lactate monitoring and its clearance for prediction of mortality. We concluded that early lactate clearance could be used as an independent predictor of survival in patients with presumed sepsis.
The Acceptance of Rubber Dam Isolation by Patients undergoing Endodontic Treatment and Its Feedback: A Questionnaire Based Survey
Authors: Handa Aashish , Bhullar Kanwalpreet Kaur , Kaur Sumandeep , Batra Diksha , Grover Jasneel Singh , Malhotra Shantun , Kaur Rupam
Published: May 2022

Objective: The study was done to evaluate the average time taken by the operators to apply the rubber dam, procedure time and the acceptability or rejection of placement of rubber dam by the patients during endodontic treatment procedures.

Design: The study was carried out on 450 patients requiring endodontic treatment reported at department during the time interval of May, 2021 to August, 2021. Out of 450 patients, 180 patients were randomly selected for the study by lottery method. All the endodontic procedures were performed under rubber dam isolation and rubber dam application time and time for isolation was determined. Further, a questionnaire survey was performed to evaluate the patient’s acceptance or rejection of procedures rubber dam and various reasons for rejection.

Results: The highest number of respondents belonged to 21-30 years of age group i.e. 26.6% followed by 31-40 years i.e. 26.11%. Average rubber dam application time and procedure time were estimated as 4.04 and 44.07 minutes respectively. More than 90 % of the participants were willing to accept the procedure under rubber dam isolation in future. However, on contrary, only 9.44 % of the participants rejected the procedure under rubber dam isolation and the most common reasons for rejection were uneasiness felt by the patient and difficulty in breathing.

Conclusions: The acceptability of rubber dam isolation while performing endodontic procedures/ treatments was quite significant among the patients. Very few patients had allergy to the latex material of rubber dam sheets and respiratory disorders.
Entre o arraial e a cidade: Pequenos e grandes comerciantes em Minas Gerais no século XIX. Apontamentos sobre economia e hierarquia social em Furquim e Mariana
Authors: Braga de Andrade Leandro
Published: May 2022

O texto que segue pretende apresentar as características de comércio local e da atuação de comerciantes na cidade de Mariana no século XIX. A circulação interna de mercadorias promoveu a integração de regiões do Brasil e também obteve capacidade deacumulação suficiente para gerar uma elite regional. Aqueles comerciantes estabelecidos em Mariana articulavam a circulação de produção local e de importados, inclusive escravos, além do controle do crédito informal, conferindo-lhes assim certo prestígio social. A comparação entre o perfil e a atuação de negociantes da face urbana da cidade com pequenos empreendimentos no meio rural também podem revelar significativos elementos da estratificação social.
O intelectual como ator: Tocqueville, Gramsci e a modernização brasileira
Authors: Perlatto Fernando
Published: May 2022

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir o papel dos intelectuais nas obras de Tocqueville e Gramsci. Para Tocqueville, a posição de destaque dos intelectuais na França teria conduzido a um processo revolucionário, enquanto que para Gramsci a posição de destaque desempenhada pelos intelectuais no contexto italiano teria conduzido a um processo de modernização conservadora. Além disso, dialogando com estes autores, procuraremos neste artigo analisar o protagonismo dos intelectuais no contexto da modernização brasileira.
Entre Deuses e Demônios: religiosidade e imaginário em Sergipe oitocentista
Authors: Francisco de Jesus Santos Magno
Published: May 2022

Caraíbas. Esse nome no final do século XIX provocou pânico nas autoridades religiosas e civis de Sergipe. Localizada na zona rural da vila do Riachão, um grupo de anônimos tentou constituir um território sagrado, a mercê da benevolência de santos deuses e demônios, que pelo imaginário do grupo, vivam entre eles. Neste artigo tem-se a ambição de compreender os aspectos inerentes à religiosidade e ao imaginário de Sergipe, por meio do estudo da santidade que foi organizada no sul da província deste estado na segunda metade do século XIX. Trata-se de uma tentativa de investigar um movimento que foi perseguido e destituído pelo poder local, mas que legou ao futuro ruídos de insatisfação, murmúrios de leitura diferenciada da realidade.
Memórias locais: análise das escrituras de Valdon Varjão sobre Barra do Garças
Authors: Lopes Murillo Aline
Published: May 2022

Este artigo debruça-se sobre as obras do escritor local Valdon Varjão com o objetivo de compreender uma versão da construção simbólica da cidade mato-grossense de Barra do Garças. Trata-se de resultados preliminares da pesquisa do mestrado. Alguns estudos antropológicos classificam esses livros como “literatura local”. São produções simbólicas que referenciam lugares, pessoas, grupos e saberes local. Nesse sentido, as narrativas da literatura local visibilizam elementos da constituição de uma memória da comunidade.
O catolicismo entre práticas e representações
Authors: Lucas Fabricio Edison
Published: May 2022

Resenha do livro SOUZA, Rogério Luiz de; OTTO, Clarícia (orgs). Faces do Catolicismo. Florianópolis: Insular, 2008
Voltage‐dependent inactivation in a cardiac‐skeletal chimeric calcium channel
Authors: Parent L , Gopalakrishnan M , Lacerda A.E , Wei X , Perez-Reyes E
Published: July 2002

The loci for inactivation in calcium channel proteins are unknown. Mechanisms for inactivation may be distributed across Ca2+ channel subunits and appear to be complex, multiple and interacting. We took advantage of the properties of chimeras, constructed between cardiac (H4) and skeletal muscle (Sk4) calcium channel α
1 subunits to study the molecular mechanism of inactivation in L‐type calcium channels. Sk1H3, a chimeric construct of these two L‐type calcium channels, was expressed in Xenopus oocytes in the absence of auxiliary subunits. Sk1H3 incorporated repeat I from skeletal muscle α
1, and repeats II, III, IV from heart α
1, subunit. Sk1H3 inactivated faster (τ ≈ 300 ms) and more fully than the wild‐type H4 with Ba2+ ions as the charge carrier. Thus, inactivation of Sk1H3 was 90% complete after a 5‐s conditioning pulse at +20 mV while inactivation of H4 was only 37% complete. Sk1H3 inactivation also developed at more negative potentials with E
0.5 = −15 mV as compared to E
0.5 = −5 mV for H4. In the presence of external calcium ions, the extent of inactivation significantly increased from 37 to 83% for H4 while inactivation of Sk1H3 was only slightly increased. Inactivation with Ba2+ as the charge carrier was confirmed at the single‐ channel level where averaged single‐channel ensembles showed a similar rate of inactivation. Collectively, these observations demonstrate that Sk1H3 inactivation appears to have a prominent voltage‐dependent component. Whether Sk1H3 inactivation involves interactions within repeat I alone or interactions between repeat I and site(s) located in the three other repeats of the α
1 subunit has yet to be determined.
Major allergen Phl p Vb in timothy grass is a novel pollen RNase
Authors: Bufe A. , Schramm G. , Keown M.B. , Schlaak M. , Becker W.-M.
Published: July 2002

A cDNA coding for the major group V allergen Phl p Vb was isolated from a timothy grass pollen cDNA library by immunoscreening with a specific monoclonal antibody. It was discovered for the first time that the recombinant Phl p Vb pollen allergen after expression and purification has ribonuclease activity. High homology of Phl p Vb to other group V allergens in grass pollen indicates similar function. By RNase activity gel of natural pollen extract of timothy grass and consecutive Western blot analysis of the excised proteins, the RNase active bands were shown to be group V allergens. Additionally it was demonstrated that an homologous protein to Phl p Vb in the mother plant could be induced by salicylic acid. This indicates that group Vb allergens may be involved in host‐pathogen interactions because in pollen they are quickly exported RNases and in the mother plant they depend on a hormone which is related to expression of plant resistance genes.
Phosphorylation of the p190 RhoGAP N‐terminal domain by c‐Src results in a loss of GTP binding activity
Authors: Roof Richard W. , Dukes Bernard D. , Chang Jin-Hong , Parsons Sarah J.
Published: July 2002

p190 RhoGAP is a multi‐domain protein that is thought to regulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics. It can be phosphorylated both in vitro and in vivo at multiple sites by the Src tyrosine kinase and one or more of these sites is postulated to modulate p190 function. One of the regions which is multiply phosphorylated by Src in vitro is the N‐terminal GTP binding domain. Using a partially purified, bacterially expressed recombinant protein that includes the GTP binding domain (residues 1–389), we show that GTP binds to this fragment in a specific and saturable manner that is both time‐ and dose‐dependent and that tyrosine phosphorylation of this fragment by c‐Src results in a loss of GTP binding activity. These findings suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of the p190 N‐terminal domain can alter its ability to bind GTP.
The effects of L‐carnitine treatment on left ventricular function and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gürlek Adalet , Tutar Eralp , Akçil Ethem , Dinçer İrem , Erol Çetin , Kocatürk Pelin A. , Oral Derviş
Published: July 2002

We studied the effects of l‐carnitine on left ventricular systolic function and the erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in 51 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. They all previously were under the treatment of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, digitalis and diuretics. Patients were randomized into two groups. In group I (n = 31), 2 g/day l‐carnitine was added to therapy. l‐Carnitine was not given to the other 20 patients (Group II). In group I (mean age 64.3 ± 7.8 years), 27 of the patients were men, and four were women. In group II (mean age 66.2 ± 8.7 years), 17 of the patients were men, and three were women. Twenty age‐matched healthy subjects (mean age: 60.1 ± 5.3 years) constituted the control group. In each group, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by echocardiography and red cell superoxide dismutase activity by spectrophotometric method were measured initially and after 1 month of randomisation. Compared with normal healthy subjects (n = 20), patients (n = 51) had significantly higher red cell SOD activity (5633 ± 1225 vs. 3202 ± 373 U/g Hb, P < 0.001). At the end of 1 month of l‐carnitine therapy, red cell SOD activity showed an increase in group I (5918 ± 1448 to 7218 ± 1917 U/g Hb, P < 0.05). In group II, red cell SOD activity showed no significant change after 1 month of randomisation (5190 ± 545 to 5234 ± 487 U/g Hb, P = 0.256). One month after randomisation there was a significant increase in LVEF in both groups I and II (37.8–42.3%, P < 0.001 in group I; 41.5–43.8%, P < 0.001 in group II). The improvement in LVEF was more significant in the l‐carnitine group (4.5% vs. 2.3%, P < 0.01). We conclude that, as a sign of increased free radical production, superoxide dismutase activity was further increased in patients with l‐carnitine treatment. l‐Carnitine treatment in combination with other traditional pharmacological therapy might have an additive effect for the improvement of left ventricular function in ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Baseline clinical characteristics of patients recruited into the assessment of treatment with lisinopril and survival study
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Armstrong P. , Horowitz J.D. , Massie B. , Packer M. , Poole‐Wilson P.A. , Rydén L.
Published: July 2002

Background:

The beneficial effect of ACE inhibitors on mortality has been established in a series of trials. However, in clinical practice, ACE inhibitors are commonly administered in doses much lower than those shown to be effective in the landmark trials.

Aims:

This report describes the baseline characteristics of the patients recruited into the ATLAS study by age and gender sub‐groups.

Methods:

The ATLAS study compared the effects of ‘low’ dose (2.5–5.0 mg/day) to ‘high’ dose (32.5–55.0 mg/day) lisinopril in a double‐blind study of 5164 patients with moderate to severe heart failure and left ventricular ejection fraction < 30% during a mean follow‐up period of 46 months. The primary end‐point was all cause mortality and the principal secondary end‐point a composite of all‐cause hospitalisation or all‐cause mortality.

Results:

Among patients with heart failure selected for the presence of left ventricular systolic function there were few differences among age groups or between genders. Older patients were not so heavy, were more likely to have ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and atrial fibrillation contributing to their heart failure and had a higher blood urea. Women were not so heavy as men. Age and gender had no major influence on mean ejection fraction or baseline treatment in the ATLAS study.

Conclusions:

Weight and renal function may alter the plasma concentration of any given dose of an ACE inhibitor. Potential interactions between dose of lisinopril, weight and renal function will be explored after the study is completed.
GC‐MS Analysis of Amino Acids Rapidly Provides Rich Information for Isotopomer Balancing
Authors: Dauner Michael , Sauer Uwe
Published: July 2002

Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) is a rapid method that provides rich information on isotopomer distributions for metabolic flux analysis. First, we established a fast and reliable experimental protocol for GC‐MS analysis of amino acids from total biomass hydrolyzates, and common experimental pitfalls are discussed. Second, a suitable interface for the use of mass isotopomer data is presented. For this purpose, a general, matrix‐based correction procedure that accounts for naturally occurring isotopes is introduced. Simulated and experimentally determined mass distributions of unlabeled amino acids showed a deviation of less than 3% for 89% of the analyzed fragments. Third, to investigate general properties of GC‐MS‐based isotopomer balancing, altered flux ratios through glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathway and/or exchange fluxes were simulated. Different fluxes were found to exert specific and significant influence on the mass isotopomer distributions, thus indicating that GC‐MS data contain valuable information for metabolic flux analysis. Fourth, comparison of different methods revealed that GC‐MS analysis provides the largest number of independent constraints on amino acid isotopomer abundance, followed by correlation spectroscopy and fractional enrichment analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance.
Coupling of Surface Carboxyls of Carboxymethylcellulase with Aniline via Chemical Modification: Extreme Thermostabilization in Aqueous and Water‐Miscible Organic Mixtures
Authors: Bokhari Saleem A. , Afzal A. Jawaad , Rashid M. Hamid , Rajoka M. Ibrahim , Siddiqui Khawar S.
Published: July 2002

We wish to report the attainment of the highest ever Topt by introducing approximately two aromatic rings through chemical modification of surface carboxyl groups in carboxymethylcellulase from Scopulariopsis sp. with concomitant decrease in Vmax, Km, and optimum pH! This extraordinary enhancement in thermophilicity of aniline‐coupled CMCase ( Topt = 122 °C) by a margin of 73 °C as compared with the native enzyme ( Topt = 49 °C) is the highest reported for any mesophilic enzyme that has been modified either through chemical modification or site‐directed mutagenesis. It is also reported for the first time that aniline coupled CMCase (ACC) is simultaneously thermostable in aqueous as well as water‐miscible organic solvents. The Topt of native CMCase and ACC were 25 and 90 °C, respectively, in 40% (v/v) aqueous dioxan. The modified enzyme was also stabilized against irreversible thermal denaturation. Therefore, at 55 °C, ACC had a half‐life of 136 min as compared with native CMCase whose half‐life was only 5 min. We believe that the reasons for this elevated thermostability and thermophilicity are surface aromatic–aromatic interactions and aromatic interactions with the sugar backbone of the substrate, respectively.
Effect of pH on High‐Temperature Production of Bacterial Penicillin Acylase in Escherichiacoli
Authors: Huang S.‐W. , Lin Y.‐H. , Chin H.‐L. , Wang W.‐C. , Kuo B.‐Y. , Chou C. P.
Published: July 2002

High‐temperature‐oriented production of bacterial penicillin acylase (PAC), which is usually expressed at low temperatures (less than 30 °C), was demonstrated in this study via heterologous expression of the Providencia rettgeri ( P. rettgeri) pac gene in Escherichia coli ( E. coli). While it is possible to produce PAC at a temperature as high as 37 °C, the environmental condition (specifically, culture pH) critically affected culture performance. Production of PAC at 37 °C was feasible only when culture pH was close to neutral (i.e., 6.5–7.5). Outside this pH range, cell physiology for the host/vector system was seriously affected, resulting in poor culture performance. In acidic culture environments, temperature significantly affected the pac expression level and specific PAC activity decreased with an increase in culture temperature. In basic culture environments, cell growth was seriously inhibited though the pac expression level was minimally affected by temperature. Such unusual types of pH and temperature effects on pac expression were never reported for bacterial PACs. The results suggest that culture pH should be precisely controlled for the current host/vector systems being applied on the overproduction of P. rettgeri PAC in E. coli at high temperatures.
Purification of Antibodies from Protein Mixtures and Mouse Ascites Fluid Using Zeolite X
Authors: Yu Y. C. , Huang Y. C. , Lee T. Y.
Published: July 2002

Zeolite A and calcium phosphate modified Zeolite A have been shown to be a new effective packing material in ion exchange chromatography for the purification of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from binary mixtures and mouse ascites fluid. This study was to determine the effectiveness of purifying IgG using Zeolite X and dealuminated Zeolite X with twice the pore size of Zeolite A. Binary mixtures (IgG−albumin and IgG−transferrin) and a mouse ascites fluid were purified in Zeolite X (in Na+, K+, or NH4+ form) chromatographic columns and with dealuminated Zeolite X under a variety of operational conditions. The biological activity of the purified IgG from the mouse ascites fluid was confirmed by ELISA. The characteristics of zeolites in the present study suggest that functional groups of a protein displace the cations of zeolites near the crystal surfaces and create a different strength of affinity. The study demonstrated that Zeolite X and dealuminated Zeolite X are also promising new packing materials for the purification of IgG from biological materials.
β2‐agonist exerts differential effects on the development of cord blood T cells but not on peripheral blood T cells
Authors: Huang Miao‐Tzu , Yang Yao‐Hsu , Lin Yu‐Tsan , Lu Mon‐Yao , Wang Ling‐Hwa , Tsai Ming‐Jer , Chiang Bor‐Luen
Published: July 2002

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by reversible airway obstruction caused by edematous airway lining, thickened mucosal secretions, and smooth muscle constriction. β2‐adrenoceptor agonists are widely used in the treatment of bronchial asthma because of their ability to induce relaxation of airway smooth muscle. Evidence indicates that desensitization and down‐regulation of β‐adrenoceptors occurs in long‐term β2‐agonist therapy, and these medications were thought to cause increased severity of, and mortality in, asthma. The purpose of this study was to delineate further the potential adverse effects of β2‐agonists on the development of T lymphocytes. T cells isolated from umbilical cord blood and adult peripheral blood were cultured in the presence of salbutamol. Intracellular staining with fluorescence‐labeled antibodies was used to differentiate the frequency of type 1 T‐helper (Th1) and type 2 T‐helper (Th2) cells. The results showed a statistically significant inverse relationship between the concentration of salbutamol and the ratio of Th1 over Th2 on cord blood T cells. However, this trend was not observed in adult peripheral blood T cells. The data revealed another potential adverse effect in which chronic β2‐agonist exposure predisposed differentiation of T lymphocytes towards Th2 while that of Th1 was relatively suppressed, especially in cord blood T cells. Hence, β2‐agonists, despite their effect in symptomatic rescue in asthma, should not be used indiscriminately as long‐term therapeutic agents.
Introduction of mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporin reduction in children with chronic transplant nephropathy
Authors: David‐Neto Elias , Araujo Lilian M. P. , Lemos Francine C. , David Daisa S. R. , Mazzucchi Eduardo , Nahas William C. , Arap Sami , Ianhez Luiz E.
Published: July 2002

Abstract: Chronic transplant nephropathy (CTN) is the most important cause of kidney graft dysfunction. Studies in adult populations have reported a beneficial effect of non‐nephrotoxic mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) on graft function in this setting. However, few studies were reported in children in this setting. We therefore reviewed the charts/medical records of renal transplanted patients < 18 yr of age at a single center who had switched from azathioprine to MMF as a result of progressive loss in graft function, for which vascular, infectious, and urological causes were excluded. Serum creatinine (SCr) and calculated creatinine clearance were compared prior to and after MMF introduction. Thirteen patients (nine male/four female), followed‐up for 59.3 ± 35.4 months after transplantation, were analyzed. Age at MMF introduction was 14.2 ± 3.6 yr. In 11 patients a previous biopsy had shown features of CTN and four patients also presented signs of chronic cyclosporin A (CsA) nephrotoxicity. MMF was started at a dose of 1211 ± 351 mg/day, and the CsA dose was decreased from 6.69 ± 3.15 mg/kg/day 6 months before MMF to 4.8 ± 2.3 mg/kg/day at the time of MMF introduction. CsA was withdrawn in four patients. The median (25–75%) SCr value increased from 1.60 mg/dL (range 1.3 to 1.87 mg/dL) 6 months before MMF to 2.2 mg/dL (range 1.87–2.32 mg/dL) when MMF was introduced. Six months after introduction of MMF, the SCr level had decreased to 1.5 mg/dL (range 1.2–1.8 mg/dL) and remained stable until the last follow‐up (17.5 ± 9.2 months after MMF was started). A similar pattern occured with calculated SCr clearance. There were no acute rejections after changes in immunosuppression. The safety of MMF was also analyzed and in only one patient was the drug stopped as a result of intractable diarrhea. These findings suggest that MMF is sufficiently powerful to allow a decrease/withdrawal of CsA without the burden of acute rejection in a pediatric population with CTN.
Effects of nicorandil on myocardial function and metabolism in the post‐ischaemic reperfused heart with or without inhalation anaesthetics
Authors: Furuya A. , Kashimoto S. , Kumazawa T.
Published: July 2002

Background: Nicorandil, which is an ATP‐sensitive K channel opener, has been reported to protect the ischaemic myocardium. However, its interaction with inhalation anaesthetics on the ischaemic myocardium has not been well elucidated. So, we have investigated whether isoflurane or sevoflurane modify the effects of nicorandil on cardiac function and metabolism in the rat heart–lung preparation.

Methods: Animals were allocated to 4 groups as follows: Control group, no drug; Nic group, nicorandil; Nic+Iso group, nicorandil and isoflurane; Nic+Sev group, nicorandil and sevoflurane. Seven minutes after the start of perfusion, nicorandil was administered and 10 min after the start of perfusion, the heart was rendered globally ischaemic for 10 min, and then the heart was reperfused for 10 min.

Results: LVdP/dt max in the Nic group was higher than those in the other groups. Right atrial pressure in the Nic+Iso and Nic+Sev groups was significantly higher than in the Control and Nic groups. Myocardial ATP in the Nic group was higher than in the other groups. DHBA levels in the perfusate in the Nic and Nic+Iso groups were lower than those in the Control and Nic+Sev groups, but those in the Nic+Sev group were higher than those in the other groups.

Conclusions: Nicorandil improved post‐ischaemic cardiac function and preserved high‐energy phosphates. However, these beneficial effects of nicorandil were abolished by the combination with isoflurane or sevoflurane. In addition, sevoflurane increased hydroxyl radical formation in the post‐ischaemic reperfused heart.
Bone turnover and cortical bone mineral density in the distal radius in patients with hyperthyroidism being treated with antithyroid drugs for various periods of time
Authors: Oikawa Michio , Kushida Kazuhiro , Takahashi Masaaki , Ohishi Tsuyoshi , Hoshino Hironobu , Suzuki Motohiro , Ogihara Hiroaki , Ishigaki Jitsuhiro , Inoue Tetsuo
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

Whether patients, who have lost bone mass, can be restored to age‐matched control levels by some means is still controversial. We investigated how the thyroid status after antithyroid drug therapy for various periods of time affects bone metabolism in patients with hyperthyroidism by assessing currently used biochemical markers of bone turnover and distal radius bone mineral density (BMD).

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

The biochemical markers of bone turnover and BMD at the distal one third of the radius were measured in 79 women with hyperthy‐roidism treated with antithyroid drugs for various periods of time. The patients were divided into two groups according to thyroid function at the time of study: a hyperthyroid group (serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) < 0.4 mU/l) and an euthyroid group (TSH 0.4–4.0 mU/l). Second, each group was further divided according to the duration of therapy: short‐term (less than 3 years ) and long‐term (3 or more years).

MEASUREMENTS

Urinary type I collagen degradation products (CTx) were measured by the CrossLapsTM ELISA kit. Urinary pyridinoline (Pyr) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpyr) were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) after acid hydrolysis. Serum N‐mid osteocalcin (OCN‐mid) was measured by a recently developed enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was determined by routine laboratory methods. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the distal one third of the radius was measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA; DCS‐600EX, Aloka, Tokyo).

RESULTS

There were statistically significant positive correlations of FT3 and FT4 with the biochemical markers of bone turnover. There were significant negative correlations between the biochemical markers and BMD only in patients undergoing long‐term therapy. In a comparison between hyperthyroid and euthyroid groups based on duration of treatment (long‐term and short‐term), and in a comparison without regard for length of treatment (all patients), it was evident that ALP and CTx levels were significantly higher in the hyperthyroid than in the euthyroid groups. Significantly lower BMD Z‐scores in the hyperthyroid group compared to those in the euthyroid group were observed only in patients undergoing long‐term therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary type I collagen degradation products were a sensitive marker for evaluating the bone turnover in patients with hyperthyroidism. Our data suggested that it might be important to control the levels of TSH within normal ranges during long‐term antithyroid drug therapy in order to prevent bone loss.
Development of a factor VIII inhibitor in a newborn haemophiliac
Authors: Haya S. , Lorenzo J. I. , DasÍ M. A. , Aznar J. A.
Published: July 2002

A major problem in the treatment of haemophilia A is the development of inhibitors (antibodies) against factor VIII. We report the case of a newborn male with no family history of haemophilia who developed an intracerebral haemorrhage. On day 10 post‐delivery severe haemophilia A was diagnosed and treatment with recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) concentrate was started. Seventy‐two hours later the presence of inhibitors was suspected because high doses of rFVIII were required to maintain therapeutic FVIII plasma levels. Days after, the inhibitor was detected. The quick detection of the inhibitor in this newborn haemophiliac allowed us to start the immunotolerance early, without interruption in the administration of rFVIII.
Expression and subcellular location of COX‐2 in human gastric cancer cells
Authors: Ling Li , Kaichun Wu , Yongzhan Nie , Hanping Wu , Chunmei Wang , Daiming Fan
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE: To detect the expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) in human gastric cancer cell lines and determine the subcellular location of its isoforms.

METHODS: Immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) were used to investigate the expression and distribution of COX.

RESULTS: Positive staining for COX‐2 and COX‐1 protein was seen in human gastric cancer cell lines MKN45, SGC7901 and AGS. However, COX‐2 staining was absent and COX‐1 staining was weak in the MGC803 cell line, although COX‐2 mRNA was present in all four cell lines. When compared with COX‐1, COX‐2 was more strongly expressed at both protein and mRNA levels in the gastric cancer cell lines, which was confirmed by double labeling and LSCM. A quantitative analysis of fluorescein intensity indicated that the pixel intensity peak of COX‐2 had a gray scale value of 50–70, while COX‐1 was only 10. The LSCM technique also revealed the presence of COX‐2 in the cytoplasm and nuclear envelope and COX‐1 in the cytoplasm only.

CONCLUSIONS: In human gastric cancer cells, COX‐2 is expressed at higher levels than COX‐1 and the different distributions of the two isoforms suggest that their roles in cell function are distinct.