bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustained High Frequencies of Specific CD4 T Cells Restricted to a Single Persistent Virus
Authors: Sester Martina , Sester Urban , Gärtner Barbara , Kubuschok Boris , Girndt Matthias , Meyerhans Andreas , Köhler Hans
Published: July 2002

Replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV) is largely controlled by the cellular arm of the immune response. In this study the CMV-specific CD4 T-cell response was characterized in a cohort of apparently healthy individuals. In 11% of all individuals, extremely high frequencies, between 10 and 40%, were found. High-level frequencies of CMV-specific CD4 T cells persisted over several months and were not the result of an acute infection. Specific T cells were oligoclonal and were phenotypically and functionally characterized as mature effector cells, with both cytokine-secreting and proliferative potential. These high-level frequencies do not seem to compromise the immune response towards heterologous infections, and no signs of immunopathology were observed. Whereas a large temporary expansion of virus-specific T cells is well known to occur during acute infection, we now show that extremely high frequencies of virus-specific T cells may continuously exist in chronic CMV infection without overtly compromising the remaining protective immunity.
Reovirus Core Protein μ2 Determines the Filamentous Morphology of Viral Inclusion Bodies by Interacting with and Stabilizing Microtubules
Authors: Parker John S. L. , Broering Teresa J. , Kim Jonghwa , Higgins Darren E. , Nibert Max L.
Published: July 2002

Cells infected with mammalian reoviruses often contain large perinuclear inclusion bodies, or “factories,” where viral replication and assembly are thought to occur. Here, we report a viral strain difference in the morphology of these inclusions: filamentous inclusions formed in cells infected with reovirus type 1 Lang (T1L), whereas globular inclusions formed in cells infected with our laboratory's isolate of reovirus type 3 Dearing (T3D). Examination by immunofluorescence microscopy revealed the filamentous inclusions to be colinear with microtubules (MTs). The filamentous distribution was dependent on an intact MT network, as depolymerization of MTs early after infection caused globular inclusions to form. The inclusion phenotypes of T1L × T3D reassortant viruses identified the viral M1 genome segment as the primary genetic determinant of the strain difference in inclusion morphology. Filamentous inclusions were seen with 21 of 22 other reovirus strains, including an isolate of T3D obtained from another laboratory. When the μ2 proteins derived from T1L and the other laboratory's T3D isolate were expressed after transfection of their cloned M1 genes, they associated with filamentous structures that colocalized with MTs, whereas the μ2 protein derived from our laboratory's T3D isolate did not. MTs were stabilized in cells infected with the viruses that induced filamentous inclusions and after transfection with the M1 genes derived from those viruses. Evidence for MT stabilization included bundling and hyperacetylation of α-tubulin, changes characteristically seen when MT-associated proteins (MAPs) are overexpressed. Sequencing of the M1 segments from the different T1L and T3D isolates revealed that a single-amino-acid difference at position 208 correlated with the inclusion morphology. Two mutant forms of μ2 with the changes Pro-208 to Ser in a background of T1L μ2 and Ser-208 to Pro in a background of T3D μ2 had MT association phenotypes opposite to those of the respective wild-type proteins. We conclude that the μ2 protein of most reovirus strains is a viral MAP and that it plays a key role in the formation and structural organization of reovirus inclusion bodies.
Synthesis and Properties of Substituted 1-(2-Benzothiazolyl)-2-pyridones
Authors: Štetinová Jarmila , Kada Rudolf , Leško Ján , Zalibera Lubomír , Ilavský Dušan , Bartovič Alexander
Published: July 2002

The studied 1-(2-benzothiazolyl)-2-pyridones Va-Vf were prepared from N-(2-benzothiazolyl)cyanoacetamide (II) which on reaction with 4-substituted benzaldehydes afforded 3-aryl-N-(2-benzothiazolyl)-2-cyano-2-propenamides IVa-IVg. Compounds IVa-IVf were cyclized with malonodinitrile in the presence of piperidine to give the corresponding pyridones Va-Vf.
An Unequivocal Synthesis of 4-Amino-1,5,6,8-tetrahydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,7-diones and 2-Amino-3,5,6,8-tetrahydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4,7-diones
Authors: Borrell José I. , Teixidó Jordi , Martínez-Teipel Blanca , Serra Blanca , Matallana Josep Lluís , Costa Marta , Batllori Xavier
Published: July 2002

An unequivocal set of procedures for the synthesis of 4-amino-1,5,6,8-tetrahydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-2,7-diones (7) and 2-amino-3,5,6,8-tetrahydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine-4,7-diones (8), in a maximum of four steps from an α,β-unsaturated ester 1, is reported. Thus, the acid hydrolysis of the 2,4-diaminopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines 3 yields the 4-amino-2-oxopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines 7 while the cyclization of the Michael adducts 9 (formed by reaction of 1 and methyl cyanoacetate) with guanidine affords the corresponding 2-amino-4-oxopyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidines 8. Both isomers were also obtained by hydrolysis of the 4-amino-2-bromo- and 2-amino-4-bromo-5,6-dihydropyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7(8H)-ones 5 and 6, respectively.
C-Formylation of Some 2(3H)-Benzazolones and 2H-1,4-Benzoxazin-3(4H)-one
Authors: Petrov Ognyan I. , Kalcheva Veneta B. , Antonova Antonina Ts.
Published: July 2002

The C-formylation of 1,3-dimethyl-2(3H)-benzimidazolone and 4-methyl-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one was performed using 1,1-dichloromethyl methyl ether at the Friedel-Crafts reaction conditions. The formylation of 3-methyl-2(3H)-benzoxa- and -thiazolone at the 6-position was carried out by modified Duff's method with hexamethylenetetramine in trifluoroacetic acid.
Effect of the Crystallographic Orientation on Photovoltaic Properties of p-GaP Electrodes
Authors: Jakubec Ivo , Vondrák Jiří , Bludská Jana , Pekárek Ladislav
Published: July 2002

Hydrogen evolution from aqueous solutions on the p-gallium phosphide electrodes was studied by means of cyclic voltammetry and impedance spectroscopy. The semiconductor properties of the material, and consequently the efficiency of water photolysis, are affected by the crystallographic orientation of the photocathode surface.
Adsorption Properties of ZSM-5 Zeolites
Authors: Hudec Pavol , Smiešková Agáta , Židek Zdenek , Zúbek Milan , Schneider Petr , Kočiřík Milan , Kozánková Jana
Published: July 2002

Adsorption properties determined by physical adsorption of nitrogen for a series of ZSM-5 zeolite samples with various Si/Al ratios and different crystal size were compared. In addition to the BET method, the t-plot method was used to determine the microporosity of samples. Very small crystals of ZSM-5 zeolites, generally below 1 μm, with Si/Al ratio between 14 and 21 exhibit adsorption isotherms typical for purely microporous solids. Samples with Si/Al ratios larger than (about) 95 show low-pressure steps and hysteresis loops and, depending on crystal morphology, also high-pressure hysteresis loops. The low-pressure steps were associated with steps on t-plots which showed two linear parts. Small increase of adsorption up to relative pressure 0.2 is characteristic for samples with Si/Al ratios between 25 and 50.
Preparation of 2,3-Dideoxy-2,3-epimino and 3,4-Dideoxy-3,4-epimino Derivatives of 1,6-Anhydro-β-D-hexopyranoses by Mitsunobu Reaction
Authors: Kroutil Jiří , Trnka Tomáš , Buděšínský Miloš , Černý Miloslav
Published: July 2002

A series of new 2-, 3- and 4-benzylamino-2-, 3- and 4-deoxy derivatives of 1,6-anhydro-β-D-hexopyranoses were prepared from 1,6:2,3- and 1,6:3,4-dianhydro-β-D-hexopyranoses by treatment with benzylamine and converted into 2,3-(N-benzylepimino)-2,3-dideoxy- and 3,4-(N-benzylepimino)-3,4-dideoxy-β-D-hexopyranoses of the D-allo, D-galacto and D-talo configuration by Mitsunobu reaction. The structures of benzylamino and benzylimino derivatives were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR spectra.
Synthesis of Some Analogs of Indole Phytoalexins Brassinin and Methoxybrassenin B and Their Positional Isomers
Authors: Kutschy Peter , Dzurilla Milan , Takasugi Mitsuo , Sabová Adriana
Published: July 2002

Treatment of indole-3-carboxylic acid with phosphorus trichloride and subsequent reaction of the obtained acid chloride with potassium thiocyanate afforded indol-3-ylcarbonyl isothiocyanate (13). Its treatment with sodium hydrogensulfide in the presence of methyl iodide lead to the corresponding methyl dithiocarbamate, an oxo derivative of brassinin (oxobrassinin, 14), which by methylation with methyl iodide afforded brassenin B (8). Corresponding 2-isomers, 21 and 23, were obtained by an analogous sequence, starting from indole-2-carboxylic acid. During the preparation of isooxobrassinin (21), which appeared to be unstable in the basic reaction medium, also an imidazo[3,4-a]indole derivative 22 has been isolated as an unexpected side product. Related oxobrassinin analogs and their 2-isomers were prepared by treatment of indol-3- and indol-2-ylcarbonyl isothiocyanate with methanol and amines. In the case of isothiocyanate 13, besides the expected products of nucleophilic addition to NCS group (monothiocarbamate 25a and thiourea derivatives 25b-25g), also the substitution products were obtained. Their formation could be explained by partial decomposition of the starting isothiocyanate to an unstable ketene, which reacts with methanol and amines to afford the corresponding methyl carboxylate 26a and carboxamides 26b-26g. Antifungal activity of the prepared compounds has been examined, using the fungus Bipolaris leersiae. All of the compounds exhibited lower activity than phytoalexin brassinin.
Photophysics of Cyanine Dyes on Surfaces: Laser-Induced Photoisomer Emission of 3,3'-Dialkylthiacarbocyanines Adsorbed on Microcrystalline Cellulose
Authors: Oliveira Anabela S. , Almeida Paulo , Vieira Ferreira Luis Filipe
Published: July 2002

The photophysics of three thiacarbocyanine dyes, 3,3'-dimethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DMTCC), 3,3'-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DETCC), and 3,3′-dipropylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DPTCC) was studied when adsorbed on microcrystalline cellulose in the concentration range from 5.0 · 10-4 to 10.0 μmol g-1. Using ground-state diffuse reflectance absorption technique, only H aggregate formation was detected for all the probes. The amount of aggregate formed depends on the hydration degree of the sample, always decreasing with sample dryness. The fluorescence quantum yields for all the adsorbed dyes are one order of magnitude higher than those observed in nonviscous solvents, being 0.98 for DMTCC, 0.96 for DETCC, and 0.63 for DPTCC. Laser-induced fluorescence emissions were recorded (using an intensified-charge-coupled-device detection system) as a function of the laser power, showing that for dry concentrated samples irradiated with high laser intensity, a second fluorescence emission band (bathochromically shifted relative to the monomer emission) was detected. This emission shows a supralinear dependence on laser power. The new emissions here detected arise from fluorescent photoisomers formed via singlet monomers, by a two-photon absorption process.
Molecular and Crystal Structure of Benzohydroxamic Acid and Its Ring-Substituted Derivatives
Authors: Podlaha Jaroslav , Císařová Ivana , Soukupová Ludmila , Schraml Jan
Published: July 2002

Crystal structure of benzohydroxamic acid and its ring-substituted derivatives RC6H4C(O)NHOH (R = 4-Me, 4-NO2, 4-Cl, 3-Cl and 2-Cl) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In all the compounds, the hydroxamic group is in the planar amide form and the structures differ mainly in the tilt of the aromatic and hydroxamic acid planes. For the 2-chloro derivative, the dihedral angle of the two planes is 46.1° which corresponds to the intramolecular van der Waals contact of the ortho-substituents. In other compounds, the tilt originates from intermolecular hydrogen bonding and varies between 3.5 and 22.0°; four crystallographically independent molecules present in the structure of benzohydroxamic acid also differ significantly in this tilt, as well as three independent molecules of the 4-nitro derivative do. Although there are only two types of hydrogen bonding in all the compounds, a short one between OH and O-N and a second longer between NH and O=C, bonded network in the crystal is of three different types. In unsubstituted acid, its 4-Me, 4-Cl and 3-Cl derivative, the molecules are assembled into hydrogen-bonded layers stacked loosely along the largest cell parameter. As a result of the large tilt of the molecular planes in the 2-Cl compound, its molecules are linked into chains with unusual, strongly bent orientation of the aromatic groups. The self-assembly of the remaining 4-nitro compound is quite unique, consisting of pseudohexagonal, partly interpenetrating stacks. In several cases, the hydrogen bonding is supported by π-interaction of the aromatic rings.
Should infants be screened for anaemia? A prospective study investigating the relation between haemoglobin at 8, 12, and 18 months and development at 18 months
Authors: Sherriff A , Emond A , Bell J C , Golding J , Team the ALSPAC Study
Published: July 2002

AIMS

To investigate the relation between haemoglobin in children followed longitudinally from 8 to 18 months, and developmental outcome at 18 months.

METHODS

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC) is a longitudinal survey of a geographically defined population of children born in 1991–92. In a randomly selected subsample, blood samples were assayed for Hb at 8, 12, and 18 months; a developmental assessment was carried out at 18 months on 1141 children using the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development.

RESULTS

There was a strong quadratic association between Hb at 8 months and performance on the locomotor subscale at 18 months. Average scores increased with increasing Hb up to 95 g/l; there was little additional developmental benefit in Hb levels beyond 95 g/l. Infants with Hb <95 g/l at 8 months of age scored on average 6 points lower on the locomotor subscale than infants with Hb ⩾ 95 g/l; infants with Hb <90 g/l at 8 months scored 12 points lower on the locomotor subscale than children with Hb ⩾ 90 g/l.

CONCLUSIONS

Low Hb concentrations (⩽ 95 g/l) in 8 month old children are associated with impaired motor development at 18 months. This cut off point corresponds to the 5th centile of Hb at 8 months. The results indicate that if there is an adverse effect of low Hb on developmental outcome, screening may be more effective at 8 months or earlier, rather than after this age. We propose to examine the importance of infant anaemia in relation to more accurate and detailed long term outcomes as the children get older.
Anabolic steroid accelerated multicompartment syndrome following trauma
Authors: Bahia H , Platt A , Hart N B , Baguley P
Published: July 2002

The case is reported of a 23 year old male body builder who was involved in a road traffic accident after taking anabolic steroids. The resulting trauma caused a severe life threatening acute multicompartment syndrome resulting in the need for urgent multiple fasciotomies.
Physiological and metabolic characteristics of elite tug of war athletes
Authors: Warrington G , Ryan C , Murray F , Duffy P , Kirwan J P
Published: July 2002

Objective—To determine the aerobic power (V̇o2max), body composition, strength, muscular power, flexibility, and biochemical profile of an elite international squad of tug of war athletes.

Methods—Sixteen male competitors (mean (SEM) age 34 (2) years) were evaluated in a laboratory. For comparative purposes, data were analysed relative to normative data for our centre and to a group of 20 rugby forwards from the Irish international squad.

Results—The tug of war participants were lighter (83.6 (3.0)v104.4 (1.8) kg, p<0.0001) and had less lean body mass (69.4 (2.1)v86.2 (1.2) kg) than the rugby players and had lower than normal body fat (16.7 (0.9)%); all values are mean (SEM). Aerobic power measured during a treadmill test was 55.8 (1.6) ml/kg/min for the tug of war participants compared with 51.1 (1.4) ml/kg/min for the rugby forwards (p<0.03). A composite measure of strength derived from (sum of dominant and non-dominant grip strength and back strength)/lean body mass yielded a strength/mass ratio that was 32% greater (p<0.0001) for the tug of war group than the rugby group. Dynamic leg power was lower for the tug of war group than the rugby forwards (4659.8 (151.6)v6198.2 (105) W respectively; p<0.0001). Leg flexibility was 25.4 (2.0) cm for the tug of war group. Back flexibility was 28.6 (1.4) cm which was lower (p<0.02) than the rugby forwards 34.2 (1.5) cm. Whereas blood chemistry and haematology were normal, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and erythrocyte volume were lower in the tug of war group than in the rugby players (p<0.05). All three haematological measures correlated with muscle mass (packed cell volume,r2= 0.37, p<0.0001; haemoglobin concentration,r2= 0.13, p<0.05; erythrocyte volume,r2= 0.21, p<0.01).

Conclusions—The data indicate that international level tug of war participants have excellent strength and above average endurance relative to body size, but have relatively low explosive leg power and back flexibility. The data provide reference standards for the sport and may be useful for monitoring and evaluating current and future participants.
Death - whose decision? Euthanasia and the terminally ill
Authors: Fraser Sharon I , Walters James W
Published: July 2002

In Australia and Oregon, USA, legislation to permit statutory sanctioned physician-assisted dying was enacted. However, opponents, many of whom held strong religious views, were successful with repeal in Australia. Similar opposition in Oregon was formidable, but ultimately lost in a 60-40% vote reaffirming physician-assisted dying. This paper examines the human dilemma which arises when technological advances in end-of-life medicine conflict with traditional and religious sanctity-of-life values. Society places high value on personal autonomy, particularly in the United States. We compare the potential for inherent contradictions and arbitrary decisions where patient autonomy is either permitted or forbidden. The broader implications for human experience resulting from new legislation in both Australia and Oregon are discussed. We conclude that allowing autonomy for the terminally ill, within circumscribed options, results in fewer ethical contradictions and greater preservation of dignity.
Disability, gene therapy and eugenics - a challenge to John Harris
Authors: Reindal Solveig Magnus
Published: July 2002

This article challenges the view of disability presented by Harris in his article, “Is gene therapy a form of eugenics?”1It is argued that his definition of disability rests on an individual model of disability, where disability is regarded as a product of biological determinism or “personal tragedy” in the individual. Within disability theory this view is often called “the medical model” and it has been criticised for not being able to deal with the term “disability”, but only with impairment. The individual model of disability presupposes a necessary causal link between a certain condition in the individual and disablement. The shortcomings of such a view of disability are stated and it is argued that in order to have an adequate ethical discourse on gene therapy perspectives from disability research need to be taken into consideration.
Paying for informed consent
Authors: Akabayashi Akira , Fetters Michael D
Published: July 2002

The Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare has implemented a policy of paying physicians to explain the nature of the patient's medical condition and the treatment plan. We describe the precepts of this policy and examine ethical dimensions of this development. We question whether this policy will be sufficient to ensure patients will have the opportunity to become informed participants in medical decision making. The policy also raises a broader philosophical question as to whether informed consent is a fundamental ethical requirement of all doctor-patient encounters or an option that can be exercised by physicians for financial gain. The impact of this policy in Japan merits continued observation from abroad.
Teaching old dogs new tricks—a personal perspective on a decade of efforts by a clinical ethics committee to promote awareness of medical ethics
Authors: Tweeddale Martin G
Published: July 2002

To incorporate medical ethics into clinical practice, it must first be understood and valued by health care professionals. The recognition of this principle led to an expanding and continuing educational effort by the ethics committee of the Vancouver General Hospital. This paper reviews this venture, including some pitfalls and failures, as well as successes. Although we began with consultants, it quickly became apparent that education in medical ethics must reach all health care professionals—and medical students as well. Our greatest successes came in the formative years of a medical career (ie, in medical school and residency training programmes), but other efforts were not wasted, particularly among nurses and other health care professionals.

Although this is a personal review of the experience in one institution, the lessons learnt in Vancouver are applicable to the further development of medical ethics in the UK.
Moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication
Authors: Williamson A M , Feyer Anne-Marie
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES

To compare the relative effects on performance of sleep deprivation and alcohol.

METHODS

Performance effects were studied in the same subjects over a period of 28 hours of sleep deprivation and after measured doses of alcohol up to about 0.1% blood alcohol concentration (BAC). There were 39 subjects, 30 employees from the transport industry and nine from the army.

RESULTS

After 17–19 hours without sleep, corresponding to 2230 and 0100, performance on some tests was equivalent or worse than that at a BAC of 0.05%. Response speeds were up to 50% slower for some tests and accuracy measures were significantly poorer than at this level of alcohol. After longer periods without sleep, performance reached levels equivalent to the maximum alcohol dose given to subjects (BAC of 0.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reinforce the evidence that the fatigue of sleep deprivation is an important factor likely to compromise performance of speed and accuracy of the kind needed for safety on the road and in other industrial settings.
Half life of chromium in serum and urine in a former plasma cutter of stainless steel
Authors: Petersen Rolf , Thomsen Jane Frølund , Jørgensen Niels Kjærgaard , Mikkelsen Sigurd
Published: July 2002

For 8 years chromium in serum and urine has been followed up in a former plasma cutter of stainless steel who was exposed to airborne dust and fumes containing chromium during this work. After the first examination for serum chromium the exposure ended. Serum chromium concentration has been measured seven times during the period and was initially very high and has subsequently dropped slowly. The half life was 40 months in serum. Urinary chromium has been measured five times. The half life was 129 months in urine. The study shows that exposure to airborne dust and fumes containing chromium may cause accumulation of chromium in the body, and that when exposure ends, elimination of chromium is very slow. Previous studies suggest that chromium mainly accumulates in the lungs.
Living near opencast coal mining sites and children's respiratory health
Authors: Pless-Mulloli Tanja , Howel Denise , King Andrew , Stone Ian , Merefield John , Bessell Jan , Darnell Ross
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES

To answer the question whether living near opencast coal mining sites affects acute and chronic respiratory health.

METHODS

All 4860 children aged 1–11 from five socioeconomically matched pairs of communities close to active opencast sites and control sites away from them were selected. Exposure was assessed by concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter <10 μm (PM10), residential proximity to active opencast sites, and particle composition. PM10was monitored and sampled for 6 weeks in four pairs, and for 24 weeks in one pair. A postal questionnaire collected data on health and lifestyle. Daily health information was collected by a symptom diary (concurrently with PM10monitoring) and general practitioner (GP) records were abstracted (concurrently with PM10monitoring and 52 weeks before the study). Outcomes were the cumulative and period prevalence (2 and 12 months) of wheeze, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory symptoms, and the prevalence and incidence of daily symptoms and GP consultations.

RESULTS

Patterns of the daily variation of PM10were similar in opencast and control communities, but PM10was higher in opencast areas (mean ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.13 to 1.16, geometric mean 17.0 μg/m3v14.9 μg/m3). Opencast sites were a measurable contributor to PM10in adjacent areas. Little evidence was found for associations between living near an opencast site and an increased prevalence of respiratory illnesses, asthma severity, or daily diary symptoms, but children in opencast communities 1–4 had significantly more respiratory consultations (1.5v1.1 per person-year) than children in control communities for the 6 week study periods. Associations between daily PM10concentrations and acute health events were similar in opencast and control communities.

CONCLUSIONS

Children in opencast communities were exposed to a small but significant amount of additional PM10to which the opencast sites were a measurable contributor. Past and present respiratory health of children was similar, but GP consultations for respiratory conditions were higher in opencast communities during the core study period.
Increased prevalence of hypertension in a population exposed to aircraft noise
Authors: Rosenlund M , Berglind N , Pershagen G , Järup L , Bluhm G
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether there is a relation between residential exposure to aircraft noise and hypertension.

METHODS

The study population comprised two random samples of subjects aged 19–80 years, one including 266 residents in the vicinity of Stockholm Arlanda airport, and another comprising 2693 inhabitants in other parts of Stockholm county. The subjects were classified according to the time weighted equal energy and maximum aircraft noise levels at their residence. A questionnaire provided information on individual characteristics including history of hypertension.

RESULTS

The prevalence odds ratio for hypertension adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and education was 1.6 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0 to 2.5) among those with energy averaged aircraft noise levels exceeding 55 dBA, and 1.8 (95% CI 1.1 to 2.8) among those with maximum aircraft noise levels exceeding 72 dBA. An exposure-response relation was suggested for both exposure measures. The exposure to aircraft noise seemed particularly important for older subjects and for those not reporting impaired hearing ability.

CONCLUSIONS

Community exposure to aircraft noise may be associated with hypertension.

Main messages

Exposure to aircraft noise may be a risk factor for hypertension.

It is suggested that special attention be paid to maximum noise levels because of possible physiological effects from aircraft noise.
Prognostic factors for respiratory sickness absence and return to work among blue collar workers and office personnel
Authors: Alexopoulos E C , Burdorf A
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES

To analyze factors that determine the occurrence of sickness absence due to respiratory disorders and the time it takes to return to work.

METHODS

A longitudinal study with 2 year follow up was conducted among 326 male blue collar and white collar workers. The survey started with an interview on respiratory complaints and spirometry. Sixty six (21%) workers were lost to follow up. Complete data on sickness absence among 251 workers during the follow up were collected from absence records and self reports. Regression analysis based on a proportional hazards model was applied to identify risk factors for the occurrence and duration of sickness absence due to respiratory disorders.

RESULTS

During the follow up 35% workers attributed at least one period of sickness absence to respiratory complaints, which accounted for 14.2% of all days lost. A history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) did not predict sickness absence for COPD; the same was true for chronic non-specific lung disease (CNSLD). Complaints about asthma contributed significantly to absence due to asthma (relative risk (RR) 3.96; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.99 to 7.90). Job title was a significant predictor of sickness absence due to respiratory complaints. Decrease in forced vital capacity (FVC, <80% of the reference value) was also a significant predictor of absence due to asthma (RR 4.03; 95% CI 1.41 to 11.54) and of respiratory absence (RR 2.49; 95% CI 1.07 to 5.79). Absence with respiratory complaints was not associated with age, height, body mass index, or smoking. Duration of employment was a weak almost significant predictor against respiratory absenteeism (RR 0.94; 95% CI 0.91 to 0.97). Return to work after respiratory absence was worse for blue collar workers than office personnel (RR 5.74; 95% CI 1.90 to 17.4 for welders, and RR 6.43; 95% CI 2.08 to 19.85 for metal workers).

CONCLUSIONS

Asthmatic complaints in the 12 months before the study were associated with sickness absence for these complaints during the follow up. An abnormal level of FVC also influenced respiratory absenteeism. Blue collar workers had more often and more prolonged absences due to respiratory disorders than white collar workers. Workers with absence due to respiratory complaints were at higher risk of subsequent sickness absence in the next year.
Short term respiratory effects of acute exposure to chlorine due to a swimming pool accident
Authors: Agabiti N , Ancona C , Forastiere F , Di Napoli A , Lo Presti E , Corbo G M , D'Orsi F , Perucci C A
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVE

Acute exposure to chlorine causes lung damage, and recovery may proceed slowly for several weeks. The short term respiratory effects of acute chlorine inhalation during a swimming pool accident were examined.

METHODS

A total of 282 subjects (134 children, aged <14 years) inhaled hydrogen chloride and sodium hypochlorite during an accident caused by a malfunction of the water chlorinating system in a community pool in Rome in 1998. Most people received bronchodilators and cortisone at the emergency room; five children were admitted to hospital. A total of 260 subjects (92.2%) were interviewed about duration of exposure (<3, 3–5, >5 minutes), intensity of exposure (not at all or a little, a moderate amount, a lot), and respiratory symptoms. Lung function was measured in 184 people (82 children) after 15–30 days. The effects of exposure to chlorine were analysed through multiple linear regression, separately in adults and in children.

RESULTS

Acute respiratory symptoms occurred among 66.7% of adults and 71.6% of children. The incidences were highest among those who had chronic respiratory disease and had a longer duration of exposure. In about 30% of the subjects, respiratory symptoms persisted for 15–30 days after the accident. Lung function levels were lower in those who reported a high intensity of exposure than in those who reported low exposure, both in children and in adults (mean (95% confidence interval (95% CI)) differences in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1,) were −109 (−310 to 93) ml, and −275 (−510 to −40) ml, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Persistent symptoms and lung function impairment were found up to 1 month after the incident. Although community pool accidents happen rarely, the medical community needs to be alerted to the possible clinical and physiological sequelae, especially among susceptible people.
Occupational risk factors for male bladder cancer: results from a population based case cohort study in the Netherlands
Authors: Zeegers M P A , Swaen G M H , Kant I , Goldbohm R A , van den Brandt P A
Published: July 2002

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted to estimate risk of bladder cancer associated with occupational exposures to paint components, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), diesel exhausts, and aromatic amines among the general population in The Netherlands.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted among 58 279 men. In September 1986, the cohort members (55–69 years) completed a self administered questionnaire on risk factors for cancer including job history. Follow up for incident bladder cancer was established by linkage to cancer registries until December 1992. A case-cohort approach was used based on 532 cases and 1630 subcohort members. A case by case expert assessment was carried out to assign to the cases and subcohort members a cumulative probability of occupational exposure for each carcinogenic exposure.

RESULTS

Men in the highest tertiles of occupational exposure to paint components, PAHs, aromatic amines, and diesel exhaust had non-significantly higher age and smoking adjusted incident rate ratios (RRs) of bladder cancer than men with no exposure: 1.29 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.71 to 2.33), 1.24 (95% CI 0.68 to 2.27), 1.32 (95% CI 0.41 to 4.23) and 1.21 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.88), respectively. The associations between paint components and PAHs and risk of bladder cancer were most pronounced for current smokers. Among former smokers it seemed that for cumulative probability of exposure to paint components and PAHs, men who had smoked more than 15 cigarettes a day had RRs below unity compared with men who had smoked less than 15 cigarettes a day, whereas among current smokers the opposite was found. Exposure to diesel exhaust was positively associated with risk of bladder cancer among current and former smokers who had smoked more than 15 cigarettes a day.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided only marginal evidence for an association between occupational exposure to paint components, PAHs, aromatic amines, and bladder cancer. Despite the small proportion of exposed subjects, an interaction with cigarette smoking was found, specifically for paint components, suggesting that the carcinogenic effect on the bladder might decrease after stopping smoking.
Effluents from a pulp and paper mill: a skin and health survey of children living in upstream and downstream villages
Authors: Lee J , Koh D , Andijani M , Saw S M , Munoz C , Chia S E , Wong M L , Hong C Y , Ong C N
Published: July 2002

Objectives:A health survey of three villages (upstream village Rantau Baru and two downstream villages, Sering and Pelalawan) in the vicinity of a pulp and paper mill along the Kampar river in the province of Riau, Indonesia was conducted to find whether exposure to the effluents from the mill was related to skin conditions and ill health.

Methods:A cross sectional survey was carried out of children living in the three villages.

Results:Common skin conditions such as dermatitis, fungal infections, insect bites, and miliaria were found. No significantly increased risk of dermatitis or any illness in general was found with increasing levels of exposure to river water for downstream villages when compared with the upstream village. However, there was an increased risk of diarrhoea in Sering especially with drinking water directly from the river (prevalence rate ratio (PRR) 4.9, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.4 to 63.9). An increased risk was also found within the upstream village Rantau Baru (PRR 2.3, 95% CI 0.9 to 5.8) and downstream village Sering (PRR 1.4, 95% CI 0.4 to 5.2) when children who drank water directly from the river were compared with those who never did. Analysis of the river water also showed physical and chemical variables within the acceptable range except for faecal coliforms (6 MPN/100 ml) found in the sample taken from Sering.

Conclusions:The effluent from the mill is unlikely to be causing skin conditions and ill health. Diarrhoea may be due to faecal coliform contamination of the water because all raw sewerage is deposited in the river. Community health outreach programmes are being implemented based on these findings.
Widal agglutination test − 100 years later: still plagued by controversy
Authors: Olopoenia Lateef A , King Aprileona L
Published: July 2002

We review the significance of the Widal agglutination test in the diagnosis of typhoid fever. Over 100 years since its introduction as a serologic means of detecting the presence of typhoid fever, the Widal test continues to be plagued with controversies involving the quality of the antigens used and interpretation of the result, particularly in endemic areas. Areas of concern with clinical and laboratory significance discussed in this review include: the techniques of test performance, interpretation of results, limitation of the value of the test results in endemic typhoid areas, the quality of the antigens used, and alternative diagnostic tests.
Venlafaxine-induced serotonin syndrome with relapse following amitriptyline
Authors: Perry Nicholas K
Published: July 2002

A case of venlafaxine-induced serotonin syndrome is described with relapse following the introduction of amitriptyline, despite a 2-week period between the discontinuation of one drug and the commencement of the other. Electroencephalography may play an important part in diagnosis. With the increasing use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, greater awareness of the serotonin syndrome is necessary. Furthermore, the potential for drug interactions which may lead to the syndrome needs to be recognised.
Smoking and diabetes in Chinese men
Authors: Ko G T C , Chan J C N , Tsang L W W , Critchley J A J H , Cockram C S
Published: July 2002

Smoking is a major cardiovascular risk factor and cause of death. Diabetes mellitus is also associated with an increased mortality and morbidity. Evidence concerning whether smoking increases the incidence of diabetes remains conflicting. Glycaemic status and smoking habits were analysed in 3718 Chinese subjects in order to assess the possible association between smoking and risk of diabetes in the Chinese population. The World Health Organisation 1998 criteria were used for the diagnosis of glucose intolerance. Smoking was defined as current cigarette smoking or ex-smoking without regard to daily consumption. The smoking habits of the studied subjects were correlated with glycaemic status. There were 3003 (80.8%) women and 715 (19.2%) men. The mean age (SD) was 38.4 (12.8) years (median 35.0, range 12–88 years). Of the 3718 subjects, 786 (21.1%) had diabetes, 708 (19.1%) had impaired glucose tolerance, and 2224 (59.8%) had normal results. Of the 3003 women, only 87 (2.9%) were smokers. The female smokers were younger, heavier, and had higher alcohol consumption than non-smokers. The prevalence of diabetes was similar between female smokers and non-smokers after adjustment for age, body mass index, family history of diabetes, and alcohol. Of the 715 men, 175 (24.5%) were smokers. The male smokers were younger, had lower blood pressure, and higher alcohol consumption. After adjustment for age, body mass index, family history of diabetes and alcohol, the male smokers had lower blood pressure, higher one hour plasma glucose, and more diabetes. Using logistic regression analysis (stepwise forward) with age, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, and family history of diabetes as independent variables to predict the risk of having diabetes, age and body mass index are independently associated with diabetes in both men and women. In addition, smoking is independently associated with the risk of diabetes in men, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) being 1.705 (1.106 to 2.630). Family history of diabetes is independently associated with the risk of diabetes in women, and the odds ratio (95% CI) is 1.643 (1.314, to 2.053). In conclusion, it was found that smoking is independently associated with diabetes after adjustment for age, body mass index, alcohol, and family history of diabetes in Hong Kong Chinese men, the odds ratio being 1.7. The prevalence of smoking in Hong Kong Chinese women is low and its association with diabetes is inconclusive.
Thiamine deficiency in patients with B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a pilot study
Authors: Seligmann H , Levi R , Konijn A M , Prokocimer M
Published: July 2002

Malignancy associated primary thiamine deficiency has been documented in several experimental tumours, sporadic clinical case reports, and in a number of patients with fast growing haematological malignancies.

Thiamine status was assessed prospectively in 14 untreated B-chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients, and in 14 age matched control patients with non-malignant disease. Patients with any known cause of absolute, relative, or functional thiamine deficiency were excluded.

High (>15%) thiamine pyrophosphate effect (TPPE), indicating thiamine deficiency, was found in five out of 14 CLL patients (35.7%) and in none of the controls (p=0.057). Mean (SD) TPPE in the thiamine deficient patients group was 21.6 (3.4)%. In all the patients, thiamine deficiency was subclinical. No correlates for the thiamine deficiency have been found save for an increment of more than 20% in the total leucocyte count over the preceding three months, which was found in all five thiamine deficient patients compared with only one of the nine non-thiamine deficient CLL patients.

Thus, CLL patients may be prone to develop primary thiamine deficiency possibly promoted by the increased leucocytes span, which may increase thiamine consumption. Since even subclinical thiamine deficiency may be detrimental to the patient's clinical course, and in view of the theoretical danger of thiamine promoted tumour cell proliferation, further large scale studies are warranted to confirm this observation, and to elucidate the issue of thiamine supplementation to CLL patients.
The estrogen receptor: more than the average transcription factor
Authors: Hart Laura L , Davie James R
Published: July 2002

The human estrogen receptor is a steroid nuclear receptor found in breast cancer and a variety of other tissues. Located in the nucleus, it can exist either loosely or tightly associated with the nuclear matrix depending on whether or not it is bound to ligand. When bound to ligand, it is responsible for the transcriptional regulation of estrogen-responsive genes through recruitment of coactivators and corepressors of transcription. The estrogen receptor is also capable of ligand-independent transcriptional activation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Ligands have been implicated in the regulation of estrogen receptor levels via changing the levels and stability of estrogen receptor mRNA and protein. The resulting levels of estrogen receptor and the type of ligand bound to it have a direct impact on the transcription of estrogen-responsive genes.Key words: estrogen receptor, transcription factor, mitogen-activated protein kinase, MAPK, estrogen-responsive genes.
The SU(2) realization for the Morse potential and its coherent states
Authors: Dong S -H
Published: July 2002

A realization of the raising and lowering operators for the Morse potential is presented. We show that these operators satisfy the commutation relations for the SU(2) group. Closed analytical expressions are derived for the matrix elements of different functions such as 1/y and d/dy. The harmonic limit of the SU(2) operators is also studied. The transition probability between two eigenstates produced by a harmonic perturbation as a function of the operators [Formula: see text]±,0 is discussed. The average values of some observables in the coherent states |α > for the Morse potential are also calculated.

PACS Nos.: 02.30+b, 03.65Fd, 42.50Ar, and 33.10Cs
Distribution and abundance of Cryptorhynchus lapathi on Salix spp. in British Columbia
Authors: Broberg Cynthia L , Borden John H , Humble Leland M
Published: July 2002

Larvae of the poplar and willow borer, Cryptorhynchus lapathi (L.), an exotic Eurasian weevil, bore into the stems of Salix and Populus spp. creating infection courts for pathogens and weakening stems to breakage. We conducted a survey to determine the distribution and prevalence of C. lapathi in British Columbia. The survey spanned five biogeoclimatic zones, 15 subzones, 45 locations, 135 sites, and 3360 trees. We found the still-expanding range of C. lapathi to have at least doubled since 1963. The weevil was present in 38 locations and 14 subzones, with prevalence of weevil-attacked trees significantly lower in cold than in warm subzones. A regression model based on number of months with mean temperature >10°C reliably described the proportions of attacked trees in the 15 subzones (r2 = 0.81) and predicts that [Formula: see text] 25% of willows in 58.1% of British Columbia could ultimately be infested. The number of individual weevils per tree and per stem and the intensity of attack were positively and either exponentially (per tree and per stem) or logistically (intensity of attack) related to the prevalence of attacked trees (r2 = 0.41, 0.36, and 0.75, respectively). As the prevalence and intensity of attack by C. lapathi in British Columbia increase, so may the ecological and economic impact of the weevil.
Superselection Structures for C*-Algebras with Nontrivial Center
Authors: Baumgärtel Hellmut , Lledó Fernando
Published: July 2002

We present and prove some results within the framework of Hilbert C*-systems [Formula: see text] with a compact group [Formula: see text]. We assume that the fixed point algebra [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] has a nontrivial center [Formula: see text] and its relative commutant w.r.t. ℱ coincides with [Formula: see text], i.e. we have [Formula: see text]. In this context we propose a generalization of the notion of an irreducible endomorphism and study the behaviour of such irreducibles w.r.t. [Formula: see text]. Finally, we give several characterizations of the stabilizer of [Formula: see text].
COHOMOLOGY RINGS OF TORIC HYPERKÄHLER MANIFOLDS
Authors: KONNO HIROSHI
Published: July 2002

A hyperKähler quotient of a quaternionic vector space HN by a subtorus of TN is called a toric hyperKähler manifold if it has a manifold structure. We describe the cohomology ring of a toric hyperKähler manifold in two ways. Since its topology depends only on the subtorus, we describe its cohomology ring only in terms of the subtorus. On the other hand, a toric hyperKähler manifold is constructed from a certain arrangement of hyperplanes. So we also describe its cohomology ring in terms of the arrangement of hyperplanes.
FLOER HOMOLOGY AND INVARIANTS OF HOMOLOGY COBORDISM
Authors: SAVELIEV NIKOLAI
Published: July 2002

By using surgery techniques, we compute Floer homology for certain classes of integral homology 3-spheres homology cobordant to zero. We prove that Floer homology is two-periodic for all these manifolds. Based on this fact, we introduce a new integer valued invariant of integral homology 3-spheres. Our computations suggest its homology cobordism invariance.
SYMPLECTIC EMBEDDING AND HAMILTON–JACOBI ANALYSIS OF PROCA MODEL
Authors: HONG SOON-TAE , KIM YONG-WAN , PARK YOUNG-JAI , ROTHE K. D.
Published: July 2002

Following the symplectic approach we show how to embed the Abelian Proca model into a first-class system by extending the configuration space to include an additional pair of scalar fields, and compare it with the improved Dirac scheme. We obtain in this way the desired Wess–Zumino and gauge fixing terms of BRST-invariant Lagrangian. Furthermore, the integrability properties of the second-class system described by the Abelian Proca model are investigated using the Hamilton–Jacobi formalism, where we construct the closed Lie algebra by introducing operators associated with the generalized Poisson brackets.