bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and measurement of the effects of fertilizer‐N and crop residue incorporation on N‐dynamics in vegetable cropping
Authors: Greenwood D.J. , Rahn C. , Draycott A. , Vaidyanathan L.V. , Paterson C.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. An easy‐to‐use simulation model was developed with the aim of improving fertilizer practice when crop residues are incorporated instead of removed. It was tested against data from a well‐monitored N fertilizer experiment in which three successive brassica crops were grown followed by barley.

Experimental findings included: (a) that fertilizer‐N greatly increased yield of 3 crops without increasing residual soil mineral‐N at harvest unless supply exceeded crop demand; (b) that, by contrast, fertilizer‐N increased both yield of and residual soil mineral‐N left by the remaining crop throughout the range of applications; and (c) that at each harvest the apparent disappearance of fertilizer‐N by immobilization and other processes was almost proportional to fertilizer‐N. These phenomena were simulated by the model.

Overall the model gave estimates of soil mineral‐N, plant weight and % N in the crop for each crop that were either in close agreement with or linearly related to the measured values. Deviations from this pattern are shown to result almost entirely from experimental error. In addition the model gave simulations of the time course of soil mineral‐N and soil water that were in good agreement with measurement.

Simulations with the model indicate that appreciable benefits from residue incorporation of crops will only be obtained when fertilizer‐N is also applied, unless plant masses at harvest are small.
A model for estimating soil moisture changes as an aid to irrigation scheduling and crop water‐use studies: II. Field test of the model
Authors: Bailey R.J. , Groves S.J. , Spackman E.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. A model was developed to estimate daily evapotranspiration and root zone soil moisture changes appropriate for scheduling irrigation, incorporating a modified version of the Penman‐Monteith equation.

The model was field tested during 1992–94, for potatoes and sugarbeet, by comparing modelled root zone soil moisture changes with field measurements taken using neutron probes. The study confirmed the accuracy of the model when predicting crop water use and soil moisture change. Linear regression of measured versus modelled data exhibited a slope of 0.99 and an intercept close to and not significantly different from zero. The relationship accounted for 80% of the variation.
Impact of excreted nitrogen by grazing cattle on nitrate leaching
Authors: Broeke M.J.D. Hack‐ten , De Groot W.J.M. , Dijkstra J.P.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. At De Marke experimental farm, data on water and nitrogen flows in the unsaturated zone were gathered on two grazed pastures on sandy soils during the years 1991 to 1994. These provided a basis for calibration and validation of simulation models. The different levels of nitrate‐N concentrations of the two plots could largely be explained by differences in crop uptake and simulated denitrification as influenced by different groundwater levels. The irregular distribution of excreta was taken into account by a simulation study quantifying the variability of nitrate‐N concentrations under a grazed field. The resulting distribution of simulated nitrate‐N concentrations explained the average and peak values of the measured concentrations. Temporal variability of weather was used to assess the nitrate leaching risk under urine patches deposited in either July or September. At site A the probability of exceeding the EC‐directive by drinking water (11.3 mg/1 nitrate‐N) under a urination deposited in either July or September was respectively 10 and 25%. The average field concentration at this site will hardly ever be a high risk for the environment under the current farm management. At site B the EC‐directive will be exceeded under any urine patch in almost 100% of the years, affecting the field average concentration. In field B careful grazing management would result in less nitrate leaching, but the environmental goals would not be reached.
The influence of soil variability on tree establishment at an experimental agroforestry site in North East Nigeria
Authors: Adderley W. P. , Jenkins D. A. , Sinclair E. L. , Stevens P. A. , Verinumbe I.
Published: February 2007

Abstract.The characteristics and variability of soils within a 30 ha experimental site in N. E. Nigeria are analysed in relation to tree establishment. Profile description and analyses for some 480 surface samples of the sandy to clayey surface soils from Lake Chad lacustrine sediments provide baseline properties against which any subsequent modifications resulting from agroforestry practices can be assessed and to which initial tree performance can be related. This has been undertaken using principal component and spatial analyses. Inherited soil properties show spatial variations across the site which can be related to the soil textural parameters. The initial survival of trees planted for agroforestry experimentation shows strong correlations with the inherited characteristics of the soil rather than with acquired soil properties.
The use of porous ceramic cup water samplers to measure solute leaching on chalk soils
Authors: Williams J. R. , Lord E. I.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. This paper reports results from a four year study to investigate the suitability of porous ceramic cups to measure solute leaching on shallow chalk soils. Measurements were carried out in one field following surface applications of nitrate and bromide tracers and in two fields after only bromide was applied. Soil water samples were collected from porous cups at 30,60 and 90cm depth after every 25 mm of drainage, and soil samples from 0–30, 30–60 and 60–90 cm were collected monthly eachwinter. Soil matric suctions andvolumetric moisture content were measured in one winter. Leaching losses, measured with ceramic cups were compared with those measured by soil analysis. Porous cups installed in chalk at 60 and 90 cm depth were only able to collect samples regularly when soil matric suctions were less than 15 kPa. Water held at such low suctions is likely to move quickly through relatively large fissures in the chalk. The slow rate of equilibration between solute concentrations in water moving in macrofissures and those in water moving through micropores of the chalk matrix, means that porous cups may not provide good estimates of leaching losses if they are installed in chalk rock.
The effect of phosphorus and mulching on the efficiency of phosphorus use and productivity of wheat grown on a mountain Alfisol in the Western Himalayas
Authors: Sharma P. K. , Parmar D. K.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. A field experiment was conducted over two years in one of the mountain Alfisols of the Western Himalayas to study the effects of phosphorus and mulching on phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) and productivity of wheat (cv. S‐308) at difference growth stages. The source of phosphorus was single superphosphate at 0, 26, 52 and 78 kg P/ha whereas the sources of mulching materials were pine needles (Pinus longifolia), lantana weed (Lantana camara) at 8 t/ha and transparent polyethylene sheet compared with no mulch.

The phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) at tillering, flowering and harvesting was greatest at the lowest dose of P and decreased as the P levels were increased. However, the increased levels of P up to 78 kg/ha, significantly improved the dry matter yield at tillering stage (30%) and flowering stage (93%) and also the grain yield (139%) and straw yield (148%) at the harvest stage. The application of mulching materials in general, and polyethylene in particular, significantly increased the phosphorus use efficiency and the productivity of wheat by 27% at tillering stage; 17% at flowering stage, and by 98 and 110% in the case of grain and straw yield at harvest stage.

Although the polyethylene mulch effect was physically superior to the other materials, the latter gave greater financial returns. Consequently, the economic optimum application of P in association with 8 t/ha of lantana mulch was found to be 53 kg/ha over two years, whereas, in the absence of mulching, it was 58 kg/ha.
Organic manure phosphorus accumulation, mobility and management
Authors: Smith K. A. , Chalmers A. G. , Chambers B. J. , Christie P.
Published: February 2007

Abstract. Organic manures are an important source of P which can make a significant economic contribution to farm fertilizer policies. In the region of 119000 tonnes of P are returned annually to UK agricultural land in the form of manures collected and handled on farms, with an estimated 66000 tonnes of P applied to tillage land and 53000 tonnes to grassland.

Previous research on the utilization of manure P has tended to indicate a lower efficiency compared to inorganic fertilizer P in the season following application, but in the longer term manure and fertilizer P can be regarded as equivalent. Failure to adequately account for manure P additions to the land may result in soil enrichment which could increase the agricultural contribution to eutrophication, as a result of surface runoff or leaching.

Recent research has indicated that the current guidelines for minimizing runoff losses following the land spreading of manures are generally soundly based. However, there is a need for further research where manures are applied to cracking clay soils with underdrainage, and where rainfall soon after slurry application can increase surface runoff.

The careful cycling of manures within a properly devised fertilizer plan should minimize the risk of unnecessary soil P enrichment and subsequent leaching losses by restricting topsoil extractable P levels to less than 70 mg I‐1.
Time Spent Moving Is Related to Systolic Blood Pressure Among Older Women
Authors: Brennan Patrick , Pescatello Linda S. , Bohannon Richard W. , Marschke Lisa , Murphy Mary , Coble Denis , Hasson Scott
Published: February 2007

Isolated systolic hypertension is present in the majority of older women. Exercise is an attractive antihypertensive lifestyle therapy for older women with isolated systolic hypertension, but the amount of exercise needed to reduce blood pressure (BP) is not clear. Evidence is accumulating that lower levels of physical exertion are associated with decreased BP. The authors sought to determine if BP was related to daily time spent moving. Participants were 109 women (mean ± SD, 75.2±7.2 yr). A majority (63.3%) had hypertension, and 48.6% had isolated systolic hypertension. Systolic BP was lower among women moving ≥5 h/d (142.2±18.7 mm Hg) than those moving <5 h/d (149.8±19.0 mm Hg) (p=0.038). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the potentially strong confounding effects of antihypertensive medication use, adiposity, and age did not eliminate these favorable associations between daily time spent moving and systolic BP. Older women should be encouraged to regularly engage in physical activities typical of everyday life such as walking because of its BP benefits.
The Association of Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis With Abdominal and Total Obesity in Asymptomatic Men
Authors: Nasir Khurram , Campbell Catherine Y. , Santos Raul D. , Roguin Ariel , Braunstein Joel B. , Carvalho Jose A.M. , Blumenthal Roger S.
Published: February 2007

The present study assesses and compares the association of waist circumference and body mass index with presence and severity of coronary artery calcium in asymptomatic men. The study population consisted of 451 asymptomatic men free of known coronary heart disease. The subjects were broadly divided into tertiles by waist circumference (≤92 cm; 92.5–100 cm; ≥101 cm) and body mass index (≤25.5 kg/m2; 25.6–28.4 kg/m2; ≥28.5 kg/m2), respectively. The risk of coronary artery calcium was two‐fold higher among those with a waist circumference in the highest tertile (≥101 cm) compared with men with waist circumference ≤92 cm. The relationship was found to be independent of body mass index, age, and conventional coronary heart disease risk factors. No significant association of body mass index with coronary artery calcium was observed. Our results are consistent with evidence that measures of central obesity, compared with body mass index, are more strongly related to clinical as well as subclinical coronary heart disease end points.
Providing End‐Organ Protection With Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibition: The Evidence So Far
Authors: Weir Matthew R.
Published: February 2007

Much debate surrounds the question of the optimal therapeutic choices for medication to control blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular events. Experimental evidence suggests that drugs that block the renin‐angiotensin system retard vascular disease through their direct ability to antagonize the effects of angiotensin II, which has vasoconstrictive, vascular proliferative, and atherosclerotic effects. It is not known how to separate the potential vascular protective effects of the drugs from their antihypertensive benefits. Clinical trial evidence indicates that achieved lower blood pressure goals almost always confer cardiovascular risk reduction advantages. There is also evidence, however, that successful antihypertensive regimens incorporating a renin‐angiotensin system blocker, such as an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker, provide more cardiovascular risk reduction benefit compared with regimens that do not incorporate a renin‐angiotensin blocker. This includes composite or specific end points involving reduction of stroke, myocardial infarction, or development of end‐stage renal disease.
Hypertension and Kidney Damage
Authors: Griffin Karen A. , Bidani Anil K.
Published: February 2007

Substantial evidence indicates that hypertension is a major contributor to the development of end‐stage renal disease in most patients. However, such risk ranges from being fairly low in essential hypertension to a marked increase in susceptibility to hypertensive injury in patients with chronic kidney disease, including diabetic nephropathy. Studies in experimental animal models using blood pressure radiotelemetry have provided significant insights into the quantitative relationships between blood pressure and renal damage and the importance of protective renal autoregulatory capacity as a determinant of such differences in susceptibility to hypertensive injury. Moreover, such investigations have also emphasized the predominant importance of achieving normotension per se over the selection of particular antihypertensive regimens, including renin–angiotensin system blockade, in slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Attempted Forced Titration of Blood Pressure to <130/85 mm Hg in Type 2 Diabetic Hypertensive Patients in Clinical Practice: The Diastolic Cost
Authors: Osher Esther , Greenman Yona , Tordjman Karen , Kisch Eldad , Shenkerman Galina , Koffler Michael , Shapira Itzhak , Stern Naftali
Published: February 2007

The authors assessed the practicality and results of forced titrating of blood pressure to <130/85 mm Hg based on guidelines of the sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in the setting of a clinical practice in 257 diabetic, hypertensive patients. Goal diastolic pressure was achieved in 90% of the patients, but goal systolic pressure was achieved in only 33%. In 57% of the patients, the attained diastolic pressure was ≤70 mm Hg, and in 20% of the cohort diastolic pressure was reduced to <70 mm Hg (mean, 60±1 mm Hg). Patients with final diastolic pressure <70 mm Hg were older, had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease, and higher initial systolic and pulse pressures compared with patients with final diastolic pressure of 71–85 mm Hg. Thus, attempted lowering of blood pressure to <130/85 mm Hg is associated with excessive lowering of diastolic pressure in a significant number of patients. Whether the benefits of tight systolic control out‐weigh the risks of excessive diastolic reduction requires further prospective assessment.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension: United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2002
Authors: Cheung Bernard M.Y. , Ong Kwok Leung , Man Yu Bun , Lam Karen S.L. , Lau Chu‐Pak
Published: February 2007

The prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in the United States are analyzed using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database covering the period 1988–2002. Mean body mass index was 26.1±0.1 kg/m2 in 1988–1991 and 27.9±0.2 kg/m2 in 2001–2002 (p<0.001). In the same period, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus increased from 5.0% to 6.5% (p=0.03). Diastolic blood pressure was 73.3±0.2 mm Hg in 1988–1991 and 71.6±0.4 mm Hg in 2001–2002 (p<0.001). Among the 18–39 years and 60 years and older age groups, the prevalence of hypertension increased significantly since 1988–1991. Multiple regression shows age, body mass index, and being non‐Hispanic black were significantly associated with hypertension. In the period 1988–2002, the percentage receiving treatment and the percentage with blood pressure controlled increased significantly. In 2001–2002, significantly more people with hypertension and diabetes reached a blood pressure target of <130/85 mm Hg. Overall, the control rates were low, especially among middle‐aged Mexican‐American men (8%).
Human Soluble Leptin Receptor Concentration in Healthy Offspring of Hypertensive Parents
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitris P. , Makris Thomas K. , Poulakou Maria , Papazachou Urania G. , Hatzizacharias Antonios N. , Perrea Despina N. , Votteas Vassilios E.
Published: February 2007

Essential hypertension is associated with increased plasma leptin levels and decreased human soluble leptin receptor (hsLR) concentration. The aim of this study was to determine whether the concentration of hsLR differs among offspring of hypertensive compared with nonhypertensive parents. Subjects in the 2 groups were matched for age, sex, and body mass index. Forty‐six (24 male, 22 female; mean age, 18 ±3 years; body mass index, 22.4±1.4 kg/m2) healthy offspring of hypertensive parents (group A) and 50 (28 male, 22 female; mean age, 18±3.2 years; body mass index, 22.6±1.7 kg/m2) healthy offspring of healthy parents (group B) were studied. The hsLR concentration (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay method) and leptin plasma levels (radioimmunoassay method) were determined in the study population. Plasma leptin levels were significantly higher (10±5 vs 6±3 ng/mL; P<001), while hsLR concentration was significantly lower (20±7 vs 29±8 U/mL; P<.001) in group A compared with group B. Our findings suggest that offspring of hypertensive parents have significantly higher plasma leptin levels and significantly lower hsLR concentrations compared with healthy offspring of healthy normotensive parents. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of these observations.
Molecular characterization of the variable domains of an αIIbβ3‐specific immunoglobulin M κ platelet cold agglutinin in a follicular lymphoma patient with treatment refractory autoimmune thrombocytopenia: idiotypic overlap between αIIbβ3 integrin antibodies
Authors: Jennings Nicola S. , Harmer Ian J. , Campbell Kate , Stafford Prachi , Smith Graham A. , Metcalfe Paul , Benton M. Ann , Marsh Judith C.W. , Ouwehand Willem H.
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND: Cold hemagglutinins are generally immunoglobulin M (IgM) κ antibodies reactive at temperatures below 37°C and if of high titer may cause hemolysis. Platelet (PLT) cold agglutinins (CAs) are rare and poorly characterized. A detailed molecular characterization of the variable domains of a pathologic, PLT‐reactive, CA is presented.

CASE REPORT: A 70‐year‐old woman was admitted with rectal bleeding accompanied by widespread petechiae, bruising, tongue and buccal mucosa bleeding, and epistaxes and proved refractory to HLA‐ and HPA‐matched PLTs. Detailed investigation showed monoclonal heavy‐chain gene rearrangement with an IgM paraprotein of 3.3 g per L and a trace of κ Bence Jones protein in the urine, compatible with a diagnosis of secretory B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (B‐NHL). PLT antibody (PAIg) investigations revealed a potent IgM κ PLT CA. Sequencing of the rearranged variable domain genes of the malignant clone together with idiotype‐specific antibodies obtained by DNA‐based immunization of rabbits and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization–time‐of‐flight analysis of the PAIgM provided a irrefutable link between the thrombocytopenia, the IgM paraprotein, and the PAIgM against αIIbβ3. The thrombocytopenia and bleeding were refractory to standard treatment and PLT transfusion, but treatment with rituximab resulted in a recovery of the PLT count and a complete remission of B‐NHL.

CONCLUSION: The IgM κ paraprotein derived from the malignant B‐cell clone was a potent and clinically significant CA against αIIbβ3. The testing for PLT CAs in patients with a paraprotein and refractory to matched PLTs may aid the selection of appropriate treatment.
Residual risk of transfusion‐transmitted viral infections in Shenzhen, China, 2001 through 2004
Authors: Shang Guifang , Seed Clive R. , Wang Fei , Nie Dongmei , Farrugia Albert
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND: There are no current estimates of the residual risks of transmission by blood of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in China. Such estimates are an essential prerequisite to monitoring and improving transfusion safety as well as supporting evidence based assessment of the value of implementing new screening interventions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Viral screening data for donors from Shenzhen, China, for the period 2001 to 2004, were retrospectively analyzed. The data were applied to a published model to estimate the residual risk of transmitting HIV, HBV, and HCV by blood transfusion in Shenzhen, as well as to assess the residual risk reduction value of various new tests.

RESULTS: The point estimates for the combined 2003 and 2004 period calculate as 1 in 17,501 for HBV, 1 in 59,588 for HCV, and 1 in 903,498 for HIV. The predicted yield for improved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assays, minipool (MP) nucleic acid testing (NAT), and individual‐donation (ID) NAT was 6.9, 9.5, and 28.3 per million donations, respectively. The predicted yield for implementing a fourth‐generation HCV (antigen‐antibody) or MP NAT assay was 13.4 or 14.7 per million donations, respectively. For HIV, the predicted yield for implementing a fourth‐generation HIV (antigen‐antibody) or MP NAT assay was markedly smaller, 0.25 or 0.65 per million donations, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Relative to that reported for Western blood systems, the prevalence and the residual risk of HBV and HCV are high, whereas HIV is comparable. Pending a formal cost‐effectiveness study for NAT, implementing improved HBsAg and combination HCV antibody‐antigen assays in Shenzhen would markedly reduce the residual risk.
Occam's Razor and the Unraveling of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: KLEIN GEORGE J. , O'NEILL MARK D. , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , JAÏS PIERRE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , CLEMENTY JACQUES
Published: February 2007

The search for a mechanism to explain atrial fibrillation (AF) has lasted for over a century and continues. Significant progress in understanding this arrhythmia accelerated with the era of operative treatment of this arrhythmia and intensified with the advent of catheter ablation. Through considerable trial and some error, effective “curative” therapies have evolved for paroxysmal AF and are evolving for persistent AF. It is becoming clear that no single mechanism suffices to explain AF in all its forms and multiple mechanisms are playing a role in the most complicated cases.
The Costs and Quality‐of‐Life Outcomes of Drug‐Eluting Coronary Stents: A Systematic Review
Authors: GROENEVELD PETER W. , SUH JANICE J. , MATTA MARY ANNE
Published: February 2007

Objectives:While the efficacy of drug‐eluting coronary stents (DES) has been demonstrated by several clinical trials, the impact of DES on health‐care costs and recipient quality of life (QOL) is controversial. We performed a systematic review of the published literature on DES costs and the QOL effects of restenosis and target vessel revascularization (TVR).

Methods:Among 536 potential articles initially identified by a broad search, 12 publications ultimately met inclusion criteria. Data were independently abstracted, evaluated for quality and relevance, and summarized by two reviewers. Excessive heterogeneity among these studies prevented formal meta‐analysis, thus a narrative synthesis of the literature was performed.

Results:In four economic studies, DES recipients had $1,600–$3,200 higher up‐front costs than recipients of bare metal stents, but the differences in total costs after 1 year were less pronounced ($200–$1,200), and estimates of the average cost of an avoided revascularization ranged widely ($1,800–$36,900). All eight QOL studies indicated that restenosis was associated with lower QOL, but only two studies quantified this in terms of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), with estimates ranging from 0.06 to 0.08. An additional study estimated that the median willingness to pay to prevent restenosis was $2,400–$3,600.

Conclusions:There is a lack of convergence in the literature on the cost of DES in avoiding TVR. There is more agreement that the average QALY benefit of an avoided revascularization is 0.04–0.08. This implies that use of DES in patients where the average cost per avoided revascularization exceeds $8,000 may be less likely to be cost‐effective.
Aneurysm of the Left Main Stem Leading to Anterior Wall Infarction
Authors: HERTTING KLAUS , KRAUSE KORFF , HÄRLE TOBIAS , REIMERS JACOBUS , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ
Published: February 2007

We report a case of a woman with a spontaneous dissection of the left main stem leading to a large aneurysm compressing the left coronary artery. The lesion was initially treated with a conventional multicellular stent. However, persistence of the aneurysm required that two polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stents be implanted. Follow‐up angiographic and clinical results were excellent.
Predictors of Complete Heart Block After Alcohol Septal Ablation for Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and the Timing of Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: EL‐JACK SEIFEDDIN S. , NASIF MARWAN , BLAKE JAMES W. , DIXON SIMON R. , GRINES CINDY L. , O'NEILL WILLIAM W.
Published: February 2007

Catheter‐based alcohol septal ablation has recently been introduced for the treatment of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. It is associated with various conduction disturbances and may lead to transient or persistent complete heart block (CHB). Electrocardiographic (ECG) changes and predictors of developing CHB and the timing of permanent pacemaker implantation have been variable among the different studies. Among 50 patients studied, we found that a new right bundle branch pattern was the most common new ECG change after septal ablation and that baseline left bundle branch block was strongly associated with the development of CHB (P = 0.004); 9 patients (18%) required permanent pacemaker implantation of whom 7 (78%) remained pacemaker dependent at 14 days with no delayed recovery of atrioventricular conduction. This favors an early pacemaker implantation strategy.
An Unusual Case of Sudden Unexpected Death: Postmortem Investigation and Biomechanical Analysis of the Cervical Spine
Authors: Ejlersen June A. , Dalstra Michel , Uhrenholt Lars , Charles Annie Vesterby
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: A naked man died under peculiar circumstances and the postmortem examination revealed unexpected lesions in the cervical spine. Investigations of the cervical spine (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and histological examination) showed that a piece of bone was torn of the anterior part of vertebra C6 and that there was fresh bleeding in the surrounding tissue. The cause of death remained unclear but was most likely cardiac arrhythmia initiated by β‐2 agonist inhalation due to an acute asthmatic attack. Data from biomechanical investigation using finite element analysis supported the conclusion that the cervical spine injury was secondary to impact during falling as a consequence of the cardiac arrhythmia.
Provenance Determination of Oriental Porcelain Using Laser Ablation‐Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS)*
Authors: Bartle Emma K. , Watling R. John
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: The sale of fraudulent oriental ceramics constitutes a large proportion of the illegal artifact and antique trade and threatens to undermine the legitimate international market. The sophistication and skill of forgers has reached a level where, using traditional appraisal by eye and hand, even the most experienced specialist is often unable to distinguish between a genuine and fraudulent piece. In addition, current provenancing techniques such as energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry and thermoluminescence (TL) dating can result in significant damage to the artifact itself. Laser ablation‐inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS), a relatively nondestructive analytical technique, has been used for the provenance determination of materials based on geographical origin. The technique requires the production of a laser crater, c. 100 μm in diameter, which is essentially invisible to the naked eye. Debris from this crater is analyzed using ICP‐MS, with the results forming the basis of the provenance establishment protocol. Chinese, Japanese, and English porcelain shards have been analyzed using this protocol and generic isotopic distribution patterns have been produced that enable the provenance establishment of porcelain artifacts to their country of production. Minor variations between elemental fingerprints of artifacts produced in the same country also indicate that it may be possible to further provenance oriental ceramics to a specific production region or kiln site.
Patient feedback as a motivating force to quit smoking
Authors: Hanioka Takashi , Ojima Miki , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Naito Mariko
Published: February 2007

Abstract –  Objectives:  The effectiveness of a brief intervention by dental professionals utilizing feedback of oral symptoms and dental treatments specifically relevant to smoking was examined in terms of it being a motivating factor to quit smoking.

Methods:  Information pertaining to the present study was mailed to 208 dental clinics and 45 dentists agreed to participate. Dental patients who currently smoked were assigned consecutively to either an intervention (IG) or nonintervention group (NG) in each clinic during the 6‐month experimental period. In IG, dental professionals provided brief explanations regarding oral symptoms and dental treatments specifically relevant to smoking. The effectiveness of intervention was evaluated with respect to attempts to quit and progression through the stages of behavioral changes involved in quitting using the standardized questionnaire.

Results:  Dropout was considerable; 10 clinics terminated their participation. Questionnaires of 797 patients (IG, 416; NG, 381) were received from 35 clinics and the records of 497 patients (IG, 248; NG, 249) were analyzed. Among patients in IG and NG, 12.1% and 4.8% reported attempts to quit, respectively. Odds ratios of quitting attempts and progression and regression through the stages of behavioral changes adjusted for sex, age, and stage at the first visit were 2.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.04, 4.5), 1.7 (1.1, 2.8), and 0.28 (0.15, 0.53) for all patients, respectively, and 3.1 (1.3, 7.5), 2.1 (1.3, 3.4), and 0.21 (0.11, 0.44), respectively, for patients who were not ready to quit. Trends in the movement through stages differed because of the stage at the first visit.

Conclusions:  As a result of the limitation imposed by the considerable dropout number, we concluded that a brief intervention by dental professionals potentially motivates smokers with respect to their attempts to quit smoking and promotes behavioral changes involved in quitting.
Effects of Pinealectomy and Aging on the Serum Corticosterone Circadian Rhythm in Rats
Authors: Oxenkrug Gregory F. , McIntyre Iain M. , Gershon Samuel
Published: February 2007

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were housed in alternate light/dark conditions (light on, 7:00 AM, light off, 7:00 PM). Corticosterone was determined by radioimmunoassay from blood samples that were obtained by tail clip at 4‐h intervals. Pinealectomized animals have shown significant increase of corticosterone levels at 7:00 AM, 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM in comparison with 2‐month‐old intact rats. There were no differences in serum corticosterone rhythm between 24‐month‐old and pinealectomized animals. Twelve‐month‐old rats have shown significant increase of corticosterone levels at 7:00 and 11:00 AM in comparison with 2‐month‐old animals.

The age‐associated increase of serum corticosterone and the similarity between serum corticosterone circadian rhythm in aged and pinealectomized animals suggest that an age‐related decrease in melatonin production [Reiter et al., 1981] may contribute to age related changes of hypothalamic‐pituitary adrenal axis regulation.
Melatonin Inhibits Prostaglandin E Release From the Medial Basal Hypothalamus of Pinealectomized Rats
Authors: Pawlikowski Marek , Juszczak Marlena , Karasek Ewa , Muszyǹska Barbara , Karasek Michal
Published: February 2007

The effects of pinealectomy and of melatonin administration on prostaglandin E synthesis in the medial basal hypothalamus were studied in male rats. Melatonin treatment significantly decreased prostaglandin E release from the medial basal hypothalamus in pinealectomized rats. The results of the present study suggest that melatonin modulates hypothalamo‐hypophyseal function, at least in part, via inhibition of hypothalamic prostaglandin synthesis.
Effect of Acute Light Exposure Upon Melatonin Content, NAT Activity, and Nuclear Volume in the Gerbil Pineal Complex
Authors: Rollag Mark D. , Welsh Marcia G. , Klein David C.
Published: February 2007

This report describes the response of both the superficial and deep components of the gerbil pineal gland to a 30‐min pulse of fluorescent light at the time of the nocturnal peak in pineal activity. When gerbils were maintained in a 14 h light: 10 h dark photoperiod, mean melatonin concentrations in the superficial pineal gland ranged between 72 and 108 pg/gland during the day and first 4 h of darkness, rose to a peak of 399 pg/gland 7 h after lights out, then returned to basal levels at the expected time of light onset. Pineal melatonin contents were reduced to daytime values within 30 min after exposure of gerbils to fluorescent light at the time of the nocturnal peak. These changes in superficial pineal melatonin content reflected the circadian pattern in serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (NAT) activity, as would be expected if NAT controls melatonin synthesis. In addition to the reductions in NAT and melatonin content induced by nocturnal photic stimulation, there was a 30% reduction in mean pinealocyte nuclear volume. A nocturnal elevation in melatonin content but not in NAT activity occurred in the deep pineal gland. Unlike the superficial pineal gland, the deep pineal gland did not demonstrate a response in melatonin content, NAT activity, or pinealocyte nuclear volumes upon exposure of gerbils to light at the time of the nocturnal peak in superficial pineal activity.
Effects of Some Fatty Acids on the Serotonin N‐Acetyltransferase Activity in Cultured Chick Pineal Glands
Authors: Wainwright S. D. , Wainwright Lillian K.
Published: February 2007

Low concentrations of aracbidonate, oleate, or palmitate signficantly affected the cycle of NAT activity of cultured chick pineal glands in different ways. The effects observed were altered by change of the lighting conditions of culture. Effects of arachidonate were also shown to be altered by change of the serum component of the culture medium.

Effects of premature exposure to light of glands cultured under diurnal conditions of illumination were changed markedly by substitution of the serum component of the medium or a supplement of ionophore A23187 and less markedly by supplements of fatty acids.
Diurnal Changes in Sensitivity to Melatonin in Intact and Pinealectomized Djungarian Hamsters: Effects on Thermogenesis, Cold Tolerance, and Gonads
Authors: Holtorf Anke Peggy , Heldmaier Gerhard , Thiele Gerhard , Steinlechner Stephan
Published: February 2007

Djungarian hamsters kept in long photoperiod (16:8 L:D) were injected daily at 0800, 1200, or 1600 with 25 μg of melatonin. During 90 days of treatment, body weight and fur coloration were checked at weekly intervals, and at the end of the treatment the reproductive status of the hamsters and their thermoregulatory properties (cold limit, maximum thermoregulatory heat production, nonshivering thermogenesis, cytochrome oxidase activity in brown adipose tissue) were measured. Hamsters injected at 1600 changed from summer to winter status with regard to all functions investigated responding simultaneously; i. e., their body weights decreased, their fur became white, their gonads regressed, and their thermoregulatory properties improved. All these changes were identical to the effects of short photoperiod (8:16 L:D) exposure. Injections of melatonin at 0800 and 1200 were ineffective for reproductive functions, but the injection of melatonin at 0800 caused slight improvements of thermogenesis. The response to melatonin injected at 1600 could be suppressed by an additional injection of melatonin at 0800 (75 μg). Pinealectomized or ganglionectomized hamsters kept in long photoperiod did not respond to daily injections of melatonin at 1600 for the first 60 days of treatment, but during a prolonged treatment their sensitivity to melatonin was restored. Similarly, pinealectomized or ganglionectomized hamsters failed to respond to short photoperiod for about 40 days, but during prolonged exposure their sensitivity to short photoperiod was restored.
Melatonin Inhibits the Basal and TSH‐Stimulated Mitotic Activity of Thyroid Follicular Cells In Vivo and in Organ Culture
Authors: Lewiński Andrzej , Sewerynek Ewa
Published: February 2007

The aim of the present study has been to examine the effect of melatonin, administered to mice as daily subcutaneous injections for a total of 10 days, on the mitotic activity of thyroid follicular cells (TFC). The colchicine metaphasearrest technique was employed in the experiment. We found that melatonin (10μg and/or 100μg injection) decreased significantly the mean mitotic activity rate (MMAR) of TFC in both male and female mice. Moreover, melatonin totally suppressed the stimulatory effect of TSH on the MMAR of TFC in both sexes of mice.

Furthermore, the effect of melatonin (5 × 10−7 M) on the proliferation of TFC in the organ‐cultured rat and mouse thyroid explants was investigated. It was found that melatonin almost totally suppressed the MMAR of TFC in organ culture. Moreover, melatonin blocked the stimulatory effect of TSH on the MMAR of TFC in both rat and mouse thyroid explants. N‐acetylserotonin (NAc‐5HT, 10−6 M) also decreased the MMAR of cultured thyroid explants, but its effect was less expressed when compared to melatonin inhibition.

The present data indicate that melatonin can exert its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of TFC directly at the thyroid level, since this pineal indoleamine has been shown to suppress not only basal but also TSH‐stimulated mitotic activity.

The results are in agreement with the hypothesis of a pineal‐thyroid negative feedback, assuming the direct inhibitory effect of melatonin on the thyroid growth.
In Vitro Effects of Estradiol, Testosterone, and Progesterone on 5‐Methoxyindole Content, Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′‐Monophosphate Synthesis, and Norepinephrine Release in Different Parts of the Female Guinea Pig Pineal Complex
Authors: Cardinali Daniel P. , Vacas María I. , Solveyra César González , Sarmiento María I. Keller , Vollrath Lutz
Published: February 2007

To examine the effects of estradiol, testosterone, or progesterone on cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (AMP) accumulation, 5‐methoxyindole levels, and norepinephrine (NE) release by the female guinea pig pineal complex, samples of the deep, intermediate, or superficial portions of the complex were incubated in vitro with varied concentrations of either hormone. Exposure for 10 minutes to physiological amounts of estradiol (10 nM) or to 100 μM NE increased significantly cyclic AMP levels to the same extent in the three pineal regions. A maximal effect on cyclic AMP accumulation was observed at 100‐nM concentrations of estradiol, with a tendency to return to basal levels at 1–10 μM of estradiol. Only high concentrations of testosterone or progesterone (i. e., 1–10 μM) increased cyclic AMP accumulation in incubated guinea pig pineal fragments. At a 100‐nM concentration estradiol did not affect NE‐stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in guinea pig pineal fragments. In samples of either pineal region incubated for 6 hours in TC 199 medium with 10−7M or greater concentrations of estradiol and analyzed for melatonin, 5‐methoxyindoleacetic acid, and 5‐methoxytryptophol by high‐pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection, a significant increase of melatonin levels was found. Neither testosterone nor progesterone modified 5‐methoxyindole levels of incubated explants. K+‐stimulated transmitter release from guinea pig pineal fragments previously incubated with 3H‐NE was not affected by hormone exposure. These results suggest that physiological concentrations of estradiol may exert a postsynaptic stimulation of cyclic AMP and melatonin synthesis to the same extent in all three regions of the female guinea pig pineal complex.
Phase Delay of the Rhythm of 6‐Sulphatoxy Melatonin Excretion by Artificial Light
Authors: Kennaway D.J. , Earl C.R. , Shaw P.F. , Royles P. , Carbone F. , Webb H.
Published: February 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of bright artificial light exposure on the rhythms of 6‐sulphatoxy melatonin cortisol excretion in urine. Six healthy males were exposed to light (> 3,000 lux) from 1900 to 0200 h (sunset 1928 h) on one occasion. The artificial light delayed the onset of 6‐sulphatoxy melatonin excretion. On the next evening the onset of 6‐sulphatoxy melatonin excretion in normal light/darkness was delayed by 1 h. The timing of the peak excretion of cortisol was not affected by the light treatment; however, cortisol excretion rate was maintained at a signficantly higher rate in the morning afternoon after the treatment. These results demonstrate the inhibitory action of high intensity light in humans suggest that one 6‐h period of extra light in the evening can phase delay the melatonin onset.
Effects of Olfactory Bulbectomy, Melatonin, and/or Pinealectomy on Three Sublines of the Dunning R3327 Rat Prostatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Toma Jean G. , Amerongen Helen M. , Hennes Scott C. , O'Brien M. Gail , McBlain William A. , Buzzell Gerald R.
Published: February 2007

Conventional antiandrogen therapy for prostatic cancer generally results in the death of androgen‐dependent cells, resulting in shrinkage of the tumor, followed by regrowth of the tumor as androgen‐insensitive cells take over. Because of reported antigonadotropic antineoplastic effects of the pineal hormone melatonin (MEL), we hypothesized that this indole might provide an effective therapy for prostate cancer, as it would be effective against both populations of tumor cells. We used three sublines of the Dunning R3327 rat prostatic adenocarcinoma to determine whether MEL could suppress the growth of these tumors and, if so, by what mechanisms this occurs. In one experiment, we compared the growth of a well‐differentiated slow‐growing Dunning tumor in rats given MEL combined with the potentiating procedure olfactory bulbectomy (BULBX), with that in rats pinealectomized (PINX) or untreated. Tumor growth in BULBX‐MEL rats was significantly suppressed over that in the other two groups, as were the weights of the gonads accessory sex glands. Tumor morphology, DNA concentration, androgen receptor concentration distribution were identical in untreated controls in BULBX‐MEL rats, suggesting that the treatment affected all populations of tumor cells equally. With another strain of well‐differentiated slow‐growing Dunning tumor, we examined the effects of MEL in rats with without BULBX. Reproductive parameters were not suppressed in BULBX‐MEL rats and, while there was a trend toward slower tumor growth in this group, this was not significant. Intact rats given MEL grew larger tumors than did control rats but, again, differences were not significant. In a third experiment, we examined a fast‐growing androgen‐insensitive anaplastic Dunning tumor. PINX was without effect on this tumor, but BULBX‐MEL resulted in a significant suppression of one of the constants in the logistic equation fitted to the growth curves. This indicates that there were some direct antitumor effects of BULBX‐MEL on this tumor strain. We conclude that MEL suppresses growth of some Dunning tumor strains.
Xenopus Tadpole Melanophores Are Controlled by Dark and Light and Melatonin Without Influence of Time of Day
Authors: Binkley Sue , Mosher Karen , Rubin Frances , White Beatrix
Published: February 2007

Melanophores were studied in tadpoles of the South African clawed toad, Xenopus laevis, during the first week after hatching (stages 46–49) at 25°C. The tadpoles had melanophores with dispersed melanosomes in the light and punctate melanophores in the dark in LD12:12. The melanophores remained punctate in constant dark and the melanosomes remained dispersed in constant light. Lights‐out (in the light‐time of LD12:12) caused the melanophores to become punctate, which occurred more quickly than the dispersion of melanosomes, which commenced when the lights were turned on (in the dark‐time of LD12:12). Melanophores with dispersed melanosomes in tadpoles (in constant light) became punctate in response to a series of melatonin concentrations (0.2–5 ng/ml) in their bathing water irrespective of the time of day melatonin was administered. An image‐analysis technique for assessing melanophore responses was tested.
Characterization of a Neurohypophyseal Hormone‐Like Activity Isolated From Ovine Pineal Glands
Authors: Noteborn H. P. J. M. , Ebels I. , Reinharz A. C. , Pévet P. , Benson B. , Salemink C. A.
Published: February 2007

The milk‐ejecting response of lactating mouse mammary gland tissue to ovine pineal extracts indicated the presence of a neurohormone‐like bioactivity in this tissue. After successive fractionation on gel permeation chromatography and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (HPLC) in conjunction with radioimmunoassays (RIA), it was demonstrated that the milk‐ejection response to ovine pineal components with an Mr < 1,000 corresponded to a biologically active peptide sequence that probably differs from that of arginine vasopressin, arginine vasotocin, and oxytocin and from peptides with a COOH‐terminal Pro‐Arg‐Gly‐amide ending. Gel permeation chromatography in formic acid appeared also to indicate the presence of a noncovalent interaction of the neurohormone‐like bioactivity with proteins (Mr > 25,000) of the pineal.