bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing the Presence of Interproximal Dental Papillae Between Maxillary Anterior Teeth
Authors: Chen Min‐Chieh , Liao Yu‐Fang , Chan Chiu‐Po , Ku Yen‐Chen , Pan Whei‐Lin , Tu Yu‐Kang
Published: February 2010

Background: The presence of interdental papillae in the maxillary anterior region plays a key esthetic role. The aim of this study is to investigate the impact of demographic variables, such as gender and ages, and radiographic measurements of interdental area anatomy on the presence of interdental papillae.

Methods: Periapical radiographs of 102 interdental papillae between maxillary anterior teeth were obtained in 30 adults who had fully erupted permanent dentition, healthy gingiva, and well‐aligned maxillary anterior teeth. A radiopaque material was placed on the tip of the interdental papilla and the mucogingival junction. Radiographic measurements of tooth shape, alveolar bone level, and interdental space anatomy were undertaken using computer software.

Results: When each factor was evaluated individually, the shorter the distance between the contact bone and alveolar bone crest, the shorter the distance between two adjacent teeth, and the smaller the embrasure area, the more likely interdental papillae were present. Interdental papillae were more likely to be present between teeth with a rectangular tooth form. When all factors were evaluated together, the presence of interdental papillae was only significantly related to the distance from the contact point to the bone crest (P = 0.038).

Conclusion: In the anterior maxillary region, the shorter the distance between the contact point to the bone crest, the more likely interdental papillae were present.
Treatment of the azo dye direct blue 2 in a biological aerated filter under anaerobic/aerobic conditions
Authors: González-Martínez S. , Piña-Mondragón S. , González-Barceló Ó.
Published: February 2010

The main objective of this research was to determine the feasibility to treat the azo dye direct blue 2 together with municipal wastewater in a biological aerated filter (BAF) using lava stones as support of the microorganisms and under combined anaerobic/aerobic conditions. A 3 m high pilot biological aerated filter was fed with municipal wastewater and, after several weeks, the azo dye direct blue 2 was added to the wastewater to reach a final concentration of 50 mg/L (34 mgCOD/L). Under continuous operation, two strategies were tested: Alternating aeration (12 h anaerobic and 12 h aerobic) and combined aeration (the lower part of the filter anaerobic and the upper part aerobic). The results indicate that municipal wastewater acted as a good electron donor resulting in satisfactory COD and dye removal rates. Better dye removal (61%) was obtained with combined aeration than with alternating aeration (45%). After beginning the azo dye addition, the COD removal rates decreased from 87 to 81% for both alternating and combined aeration procedures. The average ammonia nitrogen removal, without the addition of the dye, was 73% and increased to 90% shortly after beginning the dye addition, then it decreased to 81% during the combined aeration period. Excellent nitrification was observed in the upper aerobic part of the filter. For the combined aeration phase, the conditions change from anaerobic to aerobic does not seem to affect the behavior of the COD and TSS curves.
Nitrification in brackish water recirculating aquaculture system integrated with activated packed bed bioreactor
Authors: Kumar V. J. Rejish , Joseph Valsamma , Philip Rosamma , Singh I. S. Bright
Published: February 2010

Recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) depend on nitrifying biofilters for the maintenance of water quality, increased biosecurity and environmental sustainability. To satisfy these requirements a packed bed bioreactor (PBBR) activated with indigenous nitrifying bacterial consortia has been developed and commercialized for operation under different salinities for instant nitrification in shrimp and prawn hatchery systems. In the present study the nitrification efficiency of the bioreactor was tested in a laboratory level recirculating aquaculture system for the rearing of Penaeus monodon for a period of two months under higher feeding rates and no water exchange. Rapid setting up of nitrification was observed during the operation, as the volumetric total ammonia nitrogen removal rates (VTR) increased with total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) production in the system. The average Volumetric TAN Removal Rates (VTR) at the feeding rate of 160 g/day from 54–60th days of culture was 0.1533 ± 0.0045 kg TAN/m3/day. The regression between VTR and TAN explained 86% variability in VTR (P < 0.001). The laboratory level RAS demonstrated here showed high performance both in terms of shrimp biomass yield and nitrification and environmental quality maintenance. Fluorescent in-situ Hybridization analysis of the reactor biofilm ensured the presence of autotrophic nitrifier groups such as Nitrosococcus mobilis lineage, Nitrobacter spp and phylum Nitrospira, the constituent members present in the original consortia used for activating the reactors. This showed the stability of the consortia on long term operation.
Effect of anoxic decay process on simultaneous nitrification denitrification in a membrane bioreactor operated without an anoxic tank
Authors: Sarioglu M. , Insel G. , Artan N. , Orhon D.
Published: February 2010

This study was focused on evaluating the role and the effect of anoxic decay on the extent of simultaneous nitrification–denitrification (SNdN) process sustained in a single membrane bioreactor. The membrane bioreactor was fed with relatively strong domestic sewage and operated at steady state at a sludge age of 36 days at a corresponding suspended solids level maintained in the range of 17,500–21,000 mg/L. The SNdN could be sustained due to diffusion limitation of oxygen into the flocs. The evaluation identified an MLSS threshold level of around 17,000–18,000 mg/L below which nitrogen removal was essentially controlled by denitrification and above, the rate limiting mechanism shifted to nitrification maintaining total nitrogen removal efficiency of 85–95% for a typical domestic sewage. The contribution of anoxic decay process to the overall denitrification potential was evaluated as 60%, substantially higher than the remaining 40% associated with the anoxic growth during the SNdN process.
Ammonia volatilisation in waste stabilisation ponds: a cascade of misinterpretations?
Authors: Camargo Valero M. A. , Mara D. D.
Published: February 2010

Ammonia volatilisation has generally been reported as, or assumed to be, the main nitrogen removal mechanism in waste stabilisation ponds (WSP). Nitrogen removal via ammonia volatilisation is based on two observations: (a) in-pond pH values can reach high values (>9, even >10), so increasing the proportion of the total ammonia present as the un-ionized form or free ammonia (NH3); and (b) in-pond temperatures can also be high, so improving the mass transfer rate of free ammonia to the atmosphere. Consequently, one of the most widely accepted models for ammonia removal in WSP is that reported by Pano & Middlebrooks in 1982, which was developed to reflect the occurrence of these two observations. This work reports how simple mathematical models for ammonia volatilisation in WSP, in spite of the possibility of their giving good predictions, may not accurately describe the main pathways and mechanisms involved in ammonia removal in WSP.
Potentiometric polymeric membrane electrodes for mercury detection using calixarene ionophores
Authors: Tyagi Sonika , Agarwal Himanshu , Ikram Saiqa
Published: February 2010

It is here established that potentiometric polymeric membrane electrodes based on electrically neutral ionophores are a useful analytical tool for the detection of heavy metal ions from environmental and industrial waste water. PVC based membrane containing p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arenethioether derivative as active material along with sodiumtetraphenylborate (NaTPB) as solvent mediator and dibutylphthalate as a plasticizer in the ratio 45:9:460:310 (w/w%) (I:NaTPB:DBP:PVC) exhibits good properties with a Nernstian response of 29.50±1.0 mV per decade of activity and a working concentration range of 7.2 × 10−8–1.0 × 10−1 M. The electrode gave more stable potential readings when used around pH 2.5–6.8 and exhibits fast response time of 14 s. The sensors were found to work satisfactorily in partially non-aqueous media up to 40% (v/v) content of acetone, methanol or ethanol and could be used over a period of 7–9 months. Excellent selectivity for Hg2+ ions is indicated by match potential method and fixed interference method. The sensors could be used successfully in the estimation of mercury in different sample.
Advances in membrane materials: desalination membranes based on directly copolymerized disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) random copolymers
Authors: Xie Wei , Park Ho-Bum , Cook Joseph , Lee Chang Hyun , Byun Gwangsu , Freeman Benny D. , McGrath James E.
Published: February 2010

The water and salt transport properties of chlorine tolerant disulfonated poly(arylene ether sulfone) (BPS) copolymers have been characterized. Cast BPS membranes of both salt form and acid form with sulfonation levels from 20% to 40% were investigated. Water permeability of BPS films increases more than one order of magnitude as sulfonation level increases from 20% to 40%, while the salt permeability of the corresponding membranes increases two orders of magnitude. Moderate salt rejection (98.2%) was achieved by a BPS salt form membrane with a sulfonation level of 20%.
Removal of magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents through advanced water treatment plants
Authors: Lawrence Michael G. , Keller Jurg , Poussade Yvan
Published: February 2010

Stable gadolinium (Gd) complexes have been used as paramagnetic contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for over 20 years, and have recently been identified as environmental contaminants. As the rare earth elements (REE), which include Gd, are able to be measured accurately at very low concentrations (e.g. Tb is measured at 7 fmol/kg in this study) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), it is possible to determine the fate of this class of compounds during the production of purified recycled water from effluent. Coagulation and microfiltration have negligible removal, with the major removal step occurring across the reverse osmosis membrane where anthropogenic Gd (the amount of Gd attributable to MRI contrast agents) is reduced from 0.39 nmol/kg to 0.59 pmol/kg, a reduction of 99.85%. The RO concentrate has anthropogenic Gd concentrations of 2.6 nmol/kg, an increase in concentration in line with the design characteristics of the plant. The increased concentration in the RO concentrate may allow further development of anthropogenic Gd as a tracer of the fate of the RO concentrate in the environment.
Recovery of nickel ions from simulated electroplating rinse water by electrodeionization process
Authors: Lu H. , Wang J. , Yan B. , Bu S.
Published: February 2010

Pure water production and recovery of Ni2 +  from dilute NiSO4 solution via improved electrodeionization (EDI) process were investigated. It was indicated that, with the feed water containing 50 mg L−1 Ni2 + , the dilute resistivity of the EDI could achieve 3 MΩ cm which gave a Ni2 +  rejection more than 99.8% while the Ni2 +  was concentrated as high as 1,583 mg L−1 in the concentrate stream. The current efficiency was as high as 40% and the concentrate factor could reach 31.7. The experiment results demonstrated that, just in a single process, it was feasible to purifying and concentrating dilute nickel wastewater synchronously by the EDI technology.
High yield hydrogen production in a single-chamber membrane-less microbial electrolysis cell
Authors: Ye Yejie , Wang Liyong , Chen Yingwen , Zhu Shemin , Shen Shubao
Published: February 2010

The single-chamber membrane-less MEC exerted much better hydrogen production performance while given higher applied voltages than it did at lower. High applied voltages that could shorten the reaction time and the exposure of anode to air for at least 30 min between cycles can significantly suppress methanogen and increase hydrogen production. At an applied voltage of 1.0 V, a hydrogen production rate of 1.02 m3/m3/day with a current density of 5.7 A/m2 was achieved. Cathodic hydrogen recovery and coulombic efficiency were 63.4% and 69.3% respectively. The hydrogen concentration of mixture gas produced of 98.4% was obtained at 1.0 V, which was the best result of reports. The reasons that such a high hydrogen concentration can be achieved were probably the high electrochemical activity and hydrogen production capability of the active microorganisms. Increase in substrate concentrations could not improve MEC's performance, but increased the reaction times. Further, reactor configuration and operation factors optimisation should be considered to increase current density, hydrogen production rate and hydrogen recovery.
Simultaneous online measurement of sulfide and nitrate in sewers for nitrate dosage optimisation
Authors: Gutierrez Oriol , Sutherland-Stacey Luke , Yuan Zhiguo
Published: February 2010

A new method for the simultaneous online measurement of sulfide and nitrate in wastewater is developed. A UV-VIS spectrometer was used. The sensor was calibrated by means of simultaneous online and offline measurements of sulfide and nitrate in batch tests carried out on a laboratory-scale sewer system. The developed calibration algorithm was successfully validated for both sulfide and nitrate measurement, with confidence limits of 2.7 mg S/L for total dissolved sulfide, and 7.5 mg N/L for nitrate. The online measurement of sulfide and nitrate enabled detailed evaluation of seven nitrate dosing strategies in the laboratory-scale sewer system, providing strong support to process optimisation. The dosage optimisation revealed that nitrate should be added at a location close to the point of sulfide control rather than at the beginning of a rising main, at a rate proportional to the expected hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the wastewater in the sewer section between the point of nitrate addition and the point where sulfide control is desired.
Fate and levels of steroid oestrogens and androgens in waste stabilisation ponds: quantification by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Coleman H. M. , Le-Minh N. , Khan S. J. , Short M. D. , Chernicharo C. , Stuetz R. M.
Published: February 2010

The capacity for removing wastewater-borne endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was investigated for two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) incorporating waste stabilisation ponds (WSPs) as the principal treatment technology. Samples were analysed for a number of steroidal oestrogens and androgens using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Removal efficiency for steroid androgens was high for both WWTPs (93–100%) but WSP treatment was observed to be less effective for removing steroid oestrogens, particularly oestriol.
Wastewater treatment and algal production in high rate algal ponds with carbon dioxide addition
Authors: Park J. B. K. , Craggs R. J.
Published: February 2010

High rate algal ponds (HRAPs) provide improved wastewater treatment over conventional wastewater stabilisation ponds; however, algal production and recovery of wastewater nutrients as algal biomass is limited by the low carbon:nitrogen ratio of wastewater. This paper investigates the influence of CO2 addition (to augment daytime carbon availability) on wastewater treatment performance and algal production of two pilot-scale HRAPs operated with different hydraulic retention times (4 and 8 days) over a New Zealand Summer (November–March, 07/08). Weekly measurements were made of influent and effluent flow rate and water qualities, algal and bacterial biomass production, and the percentage of algae biomass harvested in gravity settling units. This research shows that the wastewater treatment HRAPs with CO2 addition achieved a mean algal productivity of 16.7 g/m2/d for the HRAP4d (4 d HRT, maximum algae productivity of 24.7 g/m2/d measured in January 08) and 9.0 g/m2/d for the HRAP8d (8 d HRT)). Algae biomass produced in the HRAPs was efficiently harvested by simple gravity settling units (mean harvested algal productivity: 11.5 g/m2/d for the HRAP4d and 7.5 g/m2/d for the HRAP8d respectively). Higher bacterial composition and the larger size of algal/bacterial flocs of the HRAP8d biomass increased harvestability (83%) compared to that of HRAP4d biomass (69%).
Price Is a Better Climate Commitment
Authors: Cramton Peter , Stoft Steven
Published: February 2010

At the international level, a global carbon price is a better form of commitment to reduce carbon emissions than a system of national caps. Peter Cramton and Steven Stoft outline a price-based approach that is simple, effective, and remarkably affordable.
Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide–Null Mice Demonstrate Enhanced Sweet Taste Preference, Dysglycemia, and Reduced Taste Bud Leptin Receptor Expression
Authors: Martin Bronwen , Shin Yu-Kyong , White Caitlin M. , Ji Sunggoan , Kim Wook , Carlson Olga D. , Napora Joshua K. , Chadwick Wayne , Chapter Megan , Waschek James A. , Mattson Mark P. , Maudsley Stuart , Egan Josephine M.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

It is becoming apparent that there is a strong link between taste perception and energy homeostasis. Recent evidence implicates gut-related hormones in taste perception, including glucagon-like peptide 1 and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). We used VIP knockout mice to investigate VIP's specific role in taste perception and connection to energy regulation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Body weight, food intake, and plasma levels of multiple energy-regulating hormones were measured and pancreatic morphology was determined. In addition, the immunocytochemical profile of taste cells and gustatory behavior were examined in wild-type and VIP knockout mice.

RESULTS

VIP knockout mice demonstrate elevated plasma glucose, insulin, and leptin levels, with no islet β-cell number/topography alteration. VIP and its receptors (VPAC1, VPAC2) were identified in type II taste cells of the taste bud, and VIP knockout mice exhibit enhanced taste preference to sweet tastants. VIP knockout mouse taste cells show a significant decrease in leptin receptor expression and elevated expression of glucagon-like peptide 1, which may explain sweet taste preference of VIP knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the tongue can play a direct role in modulating energy intake to correct peripheral glycemic imbalances. In this way, we could view the tongue as a sensory mechanism that is bidirectionally regulated and thus forms a bridge between available foodstuffs and the intricate hormonal balance in the animal itself.
Estimating Visceral Fat Area by Multifrequency Bioelectrical Impedance
Authors: Nagai Masato , Komiya Hideaki , Mori Yutaka , Ohta Teruo , Kasahara Yasuhiro , Ikeda Yoshio
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

We developed a new method of estimating visceral fat area (VFA) using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance (BI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We considered abdominal composition as a parallel circuit model composed of VFA and subcutaneous fat area and calculated the impedance of VFA (IPVFA) from this model. The methods were tested against measures of VFA by computed tomography (CT). Multiple regression analysis was performed on 103 participants to estimate VFA. We cross-validated the regression equation against CT-measured VFA in 30 additional participants.

RESULTS

The regression equation was VFA = 3.57 × sagittal abdominal diameter + 311.97 × waist-to-height ratio + 0.71 × age + 23.93 × sex + 1.57 × IPVFA (250 kHz) − 174.35 (r = 0.904, P < 0.01). We observed a strong correlation by cross-validation (r = 0.905).

CONCLUSIONS

Our method using BI is a simple and convenient method for accurately estimating VFA.
Self-Efficacy, Problem Solving, and Social-Environmental Support Are Associated With Diabetes Self-Management Behaviors
Authors: King Diane K. , Glasgow Russell E. , Toobert Deborah J. , Strycker Lisa A. , Estabrooks Paul A. , Osuna Diego , Faber Andrew J.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate associations between psychosocial and social-environmental variables and diabetes self-management, and diabetes control.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Baseline data from a type 2 diabetes self-management randomized trial with 463 adults having elevated BMI (M = 34.8 kg/m2) were used to investigate relations among demographic, psychosocial, and social-environmental variables; dietary, exercise, and medication-taking behaviors; and biologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Self-efficacy, problem solving, and social-environmental support were independently associated with diet and exercise, increasing the variance accounted for by 23 and 19%, respectively. Only diet contributed to explained variance in BMI (β = −0.17, P = 0.0003) and self-rated health status (β = 0.25, P < 0.0001); and only medication-taking behaviors contributed to lipid ratio (total–to–HDL) (β = −0.20, P = 0.0001) and A1C (β = −0.21, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions should focus on enhancing self-efficacy, problem solving, and social-environmental support to improve self-management of diabetes.
Neighborhood Socioeconomic Change and Diabetes Risk
Authors: Grigsby-Toussaint Diana S. , Lipton Rebecca , Chavez Noel , Handler Arden , Johnson Timothy P. , Kubo Jessica
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether patterns in socioeconomic characteristics in Chicago over a 30-year period are associated with neighborhood distribution of youth diabetes risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Incident cases of diabetes in youth aged 0–17 years were identified from the Chicago Childhood Diabetes Registry between 1994 and 2003. Those with a type 2 diabetes–like clinical course or related indicators were classified as non–type 1 diabetic; the remaining cases were considered to have type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS

Compared with stable diversity neighborhoods, significant associations for type 1 diabetes were found for younger children residing in emerging low-income neighborhoods (relative risk 0.56 [95% CI 0.36–0.90]) and older children residing in emerging high-income neighborhoods (1.52 [1.17–1.98]). For non–type 1 diabetes, older youth residing in desertification neighborhoods were at increased risk (1.47 [1.09–1.99]).

CONCLUSIONS

Neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics in Chicago may be associated with the risk of diabetes in youth.
Pioglitazone Decreases Plasma Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Mass, Associated With a Decrease in Hepatic Triglyceride Content, in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Jonker Jacqueline T. , Wang Yanan , de Haan Willeke , Diamant Michaela , Rijzewijk Luuk J. , van der Meer Rutger W. , Lamb Hildo J. , Tamsma Jouke T. , de Roos Albert , Romijn Johannes A. , Rensen Patrick C.N. , Smit Johannes W.A.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Thiazolidinediones reduce hepatic steatosis and increase HDL cholesterol levels. In mice with human-like lipoprotein metabolism (APOE*3-Leiden.CETP transgenic mice), a decrease in hepatic triglyceride content is associated with a decrease in plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) mass and an increase in HDL levels. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of pioglitazone on CETP mass in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We included 78 men with type 2 diabetes (aged 56.5 ± 0.6 years; HbA1c 7.1 ± 0.1%) who were randomly assigned to treatment with pioglitazone (30 mg/day) or metformin (2000 mg/day) and matching placebo, in addition to glimepiride. At baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment plasma HDL cholesterol levels and CETP mass were measured, and hepatic triglyceride content was assessed by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Pioglitazone decreased hepatic triglyceride content (5.9 [interquartile range 2.6–17.4] versus 4.1 [1.9–12.3]%, P < 0.05), decreased plasma CETP mass (2.33 ± 0.10 vs. 2.06 ± 0.10 μg/ml, P < 0.05), and increased plasma HDL cholesterol level (1.22 ± 0.05 vs. 1.34 ± 0.05 mmol/l, P < 0.05). Metformin did not significantly change any of these parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

A decrease in hepatic triglyceride content by pioglitazone is accompanied by a decrease in plasma CETP mass and associated with an increase in HDL cholesterol levels. These results in patients with type 2 diabetes fully confirm recent findings in mice.
Time Course and Mechanisms of Circulating Progenitor Cell Reduction in the Natural History of Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Boscaro Elisa , de Kreutzenberg Saula , Agostini Carlo , Seeger Florian , Dimmeler Stefanie , Zeiher Andreas , Tiengo Antonio , Avogaro Angelo
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Reduction of bone marrow–derived circulating progenitor cells has been proposed as a novel mechanism of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes. The present study was designed to describe the extent and potential mechanisms of progenitor cell reduction during the natural history of type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified 425 individuals, divided into seven categories according to carbohydrate metabolism status (normal glucose tolerance [NGT], impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance [IGT], and newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes) and diabetes duration (0–9, 10–19, and ≥20 years). These categories were examined as ideally describing the natural history of type 2 diabetes development and progression. We measured CD34+ and CD34+KDR+ progenitor cells by flow cytometry. We also evaluated progenitor cells in 20 coupled bone marrow and peripheral blood samples and examined progenitor cell apoptosis in 34 subjects.

RESULTS

In comparison to NGT, CD34+ cells were significantly reduced in IGT and had a first nadir in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and a second nadir after 20 years of diabetes. Statistical adjustment for possible confounders confirmed that CD34+ cell counts are deeply reduced at time of diagnosis, that they partially recover during the subsequent 0–19 years, and that they dip again after ≥20 years. A similar, but less consistent, trend was detected for CD34+KDR+ cells. Peripheral blood CD34+ cells were directly correlated with bone marrow CD34+ cells and inversely correlated with CD34+ cell apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating progenitor cell reduction marks the clinical onset of type 2 diabetes. Both defective mobilization and increased apoptosis may account for this phenomenon. While a partial recovery occurs during subsequent years, bone marrow reserve seems exhausted in the long term.
Early Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Effects of Mixing Lispro With Glargine Insulin
Authors: Cengiz Eda , Tamborlane William V. , Martin-Fredericksen Melody , Dziura James , Weinzimer Stuart A.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

Clinicians who treat children with type 1 diabetes often try to minimize the number of daily injections to reduce treatment burden and improve compliance. Despite the manufacturer's cautions against mixing glargine with rapid-acting insulin analogs, clinical studies have failed to demonstrate deleterious effects of mixing on glucose excursions or A1C levels. However, no formal glucose clamp studies have been performed to determine whether mixing with glargine has an adverse effect on the early pharmacodynamic action of rapid-acting insulin in humans.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To examine this question, euglycemic glucose clamps were performed twice, in random order, in 11 youth with type 1 diabetes (age 15.1 ± 3 years, A1C 7.6 ± 0.6%) with 0.2 units/kg lispro and 0.4 units/kg glargine, given either as separate or as a single mixed injection.

RESULTS

Mixing the two insulins shifted the time action curve to the right, with significantly lower glucose infusion rate (GIR) values after the mixed injections between 60 and 190 min and significantly higher values between 270 and 300 min, lowered the GIRmax (separate 7.1 ± 1 vs. mix 3.9 ± 1, P = 0.03), and markedly delayed the time to reach GIRmax (separate 116 ± 8 min vs. mix 209 ± 15 min, P = 0.004). The GIR area under the curve was significantly lower after the mixed injections. Mixing had similar effects on plasma insulin pharmacokinetics.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that mixing lispro with glargine markedly flattens the early pharmacodynamic peak of lispro and causes a shift to the right in the GIR curve changes that might lead to difficulties in controlling meal-related glucose excursions.
The Relationship Between Diabetes Distress and Clinical Depression With Glycemic Control Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Fisher Lawrence , Glasgow Russell E. , Strycker Lisa A.
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

To clarify previous findings that diabetes distress is related to glycemic control and self-management whereas measures of depression are not, using both binary and continuous measures of depression.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Four hundred and sixty-three type 2 patients completed measures of diabetes distress (Diabetes Distress Scale [DDS]) and clinical depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 8 [PHQ8]). PHQ8 was employed as either a binary (≥10) or continuous variable. Dependent variables were A1C, diet, physical activity (PA), and medication adherence (MA).

RESULTS

The inclusion of a binary or continuous PHQ8 score yielded no differences in any equation. DDS was significantly associated with A1C and PA, whereas PHQ8 was not; both DDS and PHQ8 were significantly and independently associated with diet and MA.

CONCLUSIONS

The lack of association between depression and glycemic control is not due to the use of a binary measure of depression. Findings further clarify the significant association between distress and A1C.
New effects and applications of thioflavins
Authors: Lakatoš Boris , Kaliňaková Barbora , Hudecová Daniela , Varečka Ľudovít
Published: February 2010

The thiazol dye Thioflavin T (ThT), which is used to stain amyloid fibrils, was found to have strong inhibitory effects on both growth and conidiation of the deuteromycete Trichoderma viride at concentrations between 10–100 µg/ml (ca. 30–300 µmol/l). Thioflavin S (ThS), also known to stain amyloid fibrils, had no significant effect at these concentrations. Both stains yielded a fluorescence response, but their distributions were different. ThT was non-homogenously distributed throughout the cytoplasm, whereas ThS fluorescence was strongly bound to septal regions. The effect of ThT was studied on several model microorganisms. It exerted a strong inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacterium) (MIC=10 µmol/l), but the effect on Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacterium) was one order of magnitude less pronounced. The effect on Candida albicans was also very strong (MIC=50 µmol/l). The dermatophytic fungus Microsporum gypseum and deuteromycete Alternaria alternata were less affected by ThT (MIC=250 µmol/l and >500 µmol/l, respectively). These results show that ThT could be a useful inhibitor of selected microorganisms, whereas ThS could be a useful agent for monitoring formation and maintenance of intrahyphal septa without inhibiting the growth of the microorganism.
Phytoplankton community of the drinking water supply reservoir Borovitsa (South Bulgaria) with an emphasis on cyanotoxins and water quality
Authors: Teneva Ivanka , Mladenov Rumen , Belkinova Detelina , Dimitrova-Dyulgerova Ivanka , Dzhambazov Balik
Published: February 2010

The phytoplankton diversity, algal biomass, and selected physicochemical parameters were investigated in the drinking water reservoir (Borovitsa) located in the Kardzhali region, Bulgaria. Particular attention was given to Cyanoprokaryota and presence of cyanotoxins in the water samples. Twenty-nine species belonging to six divisions (Cyanoprokaryota, Chlorophyta, Zygnemophyta, Dinophyta, Euglenophyta and Bacillariophyta) were identified. The microscopic examination of the phytoplankton samples showed the dominance of Ankyra judayi, Oocystis lacustris (Chlorophyta) and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (Cyanoprokaryota) in July 2006, and Microcystis pulverea, Synechococcus elongatus (Cyanoprokaryota), Radiococcus planktonicus (Chlorophyta) and Melosira varians (Bacillariophyta) in September 2006. A blooming event due to Aphanizomenon flos-aquae was observed in July 2006. The reservoir exhibits a tendency to shift from an oligotrophic environment to a state of mesotrophy. Presence of cyanotoxins such as anatoxin-a, microcystins and saxitoxins were analyzed by HPLC and ELISA methods. Our results demonstrated the presence of anatoxin-a and microcystins (0.09 µg/L) in the raw water samples from July 2006, and saxitoxins (2.5 µg/L) and microcystins (0.18 µg/L) in the raw water samples from September 2006. The study underlines that permanent monitoring programs of Cyanoprokaryota in the reservoirs used as sources of drinking water and toxicity assessments should be implemented. Indirect exposure and transfer of cyanotoxins through food chains must also be considered.
SSR data mined from expressed sequence tags of phytoparasitic nematodes
Authors: Huang Q. , Cheng X. , Xie B. , Xu R.
Published: February 2010

SSR markers have become the most popular resource for studying population genetic variation in eukaryotes. However, few studies with SSR markers have been carried out with phytoparasitic nematodes. In this study a primary survey on EST-SSRs was made utilizing bioinformatics methods to derive SSRs from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of 16 species of PPN, which belong to 7 genera and 5 families. The results showed that trinucleotide repeats were the most abundant SSRs in coding ESTs, while tetranucleotide SSRs were predominant in non-coding ESTs and genome sequences. AG/CT, AAC/GTT and (AAAN)n motifs were predominant, and CG/GC, ACT/AGT motifs were scanty in the ESTs of most genera and species. SSRs were more abundant in non-coding ESTs than in coding ESTs. The distribution frequencies of SSR motifs in coding ESTs, non-coding ESTs and genomes are different. Our results will provide useful information for screening SSRs from each genus and species for further genetic study of phytoparastic nematodes.
Paranaella luquei (Monogenea: Microcotylidae), an ectoparasite from the gills of Steindachnerina brevipinna, in the tributaries Corvo and Guairacá, Paranapanema River, Paraná, Brazil
Authors: Ceschini T. , Takemoto R. , Yamada F. , Moreira L. , Pavanelli G.
Published: February 2010

Paranaella luquei is a monogenean from family Microcotylidae, which was found parasitizing the gills of Steindachnerina brevipinna (Eigenmann & Eigenmann, 1889), collected in two different tributaries of Paranapanema River, Paraná, Brazil. This parasite was the first species of Microcotylidae described parasitizing freshwater fishes (Hypostomus sp., Hypostomus regani (Ihering) and Rhinelepis aspera Spix & Agassiz (Loricariidae) in the country.
Abundance and diversity of soil nematodes as influenced by different types of organic manure
Authors: Hu C. , Qi Y.
Published: February 2010

Nematode abundance and diversity from different types of organic manure soil treatments were investigated in a longterm field experiment carried out in Qu-Zhou experimental station, China Agricultural University. The composts used in the experiment were a traditional compost (C) (60 % straw, 30 % livestock dung, 5 % cottonseed-pressed trash and 5 % brans), traditional compost and chicken dung compost (60 % straw, 30 % chiken dung, 5 % cottonseedpressed trash and 5 % brans) added with effective microorganisms, EMC and EMCDC respectively. Six treatments were arranged according to a randomized block design with three replicates per treatment. Treatments were incorporation into the soil of compost EMC, EMCDC, and C each at the rates of 7.5 and 15 t/ha. Plots were sown with winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize (Zea mays L.) every year from 1997 to 2004. Overall, 28 nematode genera were found. Seven genera were bacterivores, 3 genera were fungivores, 13 genera were plantparasites and 5 genera were omnivores-predators. The Rhabditis, Cephalobus, Helicotylenchus were dominant genera in the present study. The bacterivores and plantparasitic nematodes were the dominant trophic groups except in C treatment. Nematode abundance per 100 g dried soil ranged from 372 to 553. Addition of effective microorganism increased the number and proportion of bacterivorous nematodes and decreased the number and proportion of plant-parasitic nematodes compared to traditional compost C. Total number of nematode was significantly influenced by compost amount, but didn’t significantly influence by EM agent. Total abundance of nematode was positively correlated with the content of soil organic matter, total N, available P and K. The long-term addition of EM agent hasn’t adverse effect on soil nematode community.
First record of Paratrophurus hungaricus Andrássy, 1973 (Tylenchida, Telotylenchidae) from Slovakia
Authors: Lišková M.
Published: February 2010

In soil of floodplain forests along the Danube and Moravia Rivers a rare nematode species Paratrophurus hungaricus Andrássy, 1973 was recorded for the first time from the territory of Slovakia. Presented here are some notes on morphology and ecology of the species observed.
Nature-conservancy evaluation of the birds of Medvedce reservoir (NE Slovenia), and the existing threat factors
Authors: Božič Luka , Kerček Matjaž , Bordjan Dejan
Published: February 2010

Naravovarstveno Vrednotenje Avifavne Območja Zadrževalnika Medvedce (SV Slovenija) in Dejavniki Ogrožanja
Differentiation of Modernization Processes in EU Countries and in Poland in Time and Space - Non Classical View
Authors: Dworak Edyta , Malarska Anna
Published: February 2010

The aim of this paper is a typology of EU-countries from the point of view of their modernization measures, a diagnostics and an evaluation of changes in a sectoral structure of the employment in EU-countries. Against this background there are exposed changes in Polish economy in the period 1997-2008. There were used the multidimensional comparative analysis of the sequence separation of homogenous objects subsets (cluster analysis and quick cluster) and the little known in Poland, but popular in the US, measurement technique of sectoral changes in time – the shift share-technique to illustrate and verify empirically the theory of three sectors by A. Fisher, C. Clark i J. Fourastiè, orientated to the evaluation of the modernization process of EU-economies.
SMES Competitive Behavior: Strategic Resources and Strategies
Authors: Rubio Alicia , Aragón Antonio
Published: February 2010

A central goal of strategic management is to understand why some organizations outperform others. Based on the literature, we test the links among strategic resources, firm’s strategic orientation, and performance using data from 1,201 Spanish small and medium‐sized enterprises. The results can guide managers to invest in the appropriate resources since there is evidence that technology, innovation, quality, and human resource management leads to better company performance. It is also shown how strategic resources varies according to strategic orientation.
Lessons from an Audit of Psychoeducation at an Older Adolescent Inpatient Unit
Authors: Swadi Harith , Bobier Candace , Price Lisa , Craig Brian
Published: February 2010

Objectives: The aim of this paper was to determine if patients undergoing treatment at an older adolescent inpatient unit receive psychoeducation according to the unit philosophy of providing timely and pertinent information regarding illness/diagnosis, medication, diet, outpatient follow-up, and alcohol/ drug use.

Methods: Data were gathered prospectively as part of a quality assurance initiative at the Christchurch Youth Inpatient Unit. Patients were interviewed by a registered nurse using a structured audit tool.

Results: Participants reported receiving adequate information on medication and illness, and most received information on outpatient follow-up and alcohol and drug use. However, the majority reported a lack of information/ advice about diet. Patients' reported awareness of relapse prevention and the relationship of alcohol and other drugs use to medication and treatment was lower than expected.

Conclusions: The audit highlighted areas of discrepancy between information staff believed they had delivered and information youth perceived as received. Psychiatric staff working with young people need be aware of the timing, language and mode of delivery of psychoeducation to enable their patients to ‘take in’ the information provided.
Self-reported Side Effects in children and Adolescents Taking Risperidone
Authors: Byrne Simon , Walter Garry , Hunt Glenn , Soh Nerissa , Cleary Michelle , Duffy Paul , Crawford Geoff , Krabman Peter , Concannon Patrick , Malhi Gin
Published: February 2010

Objective: We aimed to describe medication side effects in a cross-section of young people taking low-dose risperidone, using a self-report measure.

Methods: The Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side Effect Rating Scale (LUNSERS) was completed by 66 patients aged between 6 and 18 years who had been taking low-dose risperidone (alone or in conjunction with other medications) for up to 13 years.

Results: Young persons, overall, seemed to tolerate risperidone well, but longer exposure to the medication was associated with higher side effect levels, particularly for the psychic (pertaining to mind and emotion) and extrapyramidal subscales. The most common complaints related to psychic side effects, such as tiredness, difficulty concentrating, difficulty remembering things and increased dreaming.

Conclusions: Clinicians need to monitor the side effects of young patients taking low doses of risperidone, and other psychotropics, and maintain vigilance in those who have been taking medication for extended periods.
Risk Management in Mental Health: Applying Lessons From Commercial Aviation
Authors: Hatcher Simon
Published: February 2010

Objective: Risk management in mental health focuses on risks in patients and fails to predict rare but catastrophic events such as suicide. Commercial aviation has a similar task in preventing rare but catastrophic accidents. This article describes the systems in place in commercial aviation that allows that industry to prevent disasters and contrasts this with the situation in mental health.

Conclusions: In mental health we should learn from commercial aviation by having: national policies to promote patient safety; a national body responsible for implementing this policy which maintains a database of safety occurrences, sets targets and investigates adverse outcomes; legislation in place which encourages clinicians to report safety occurrences; and a common method and language for investigating safety occurrences.
Retracted: Fear of the Yawning Mother: A Case of Misophonia
Authors: Collins Noel
Published: February 2010

RETRACTED
Syphilis, Sex and Psychiatry, 1789–1925: Part 1
Authors: Kaplan Robert M
Published: February 2010

Objectives: Syphilis has changed the course of history, shaped the path of medicine and had more influence on psychiatry than any other illness. This paper, part one of a two-part series, investigates the historical, social and cultural aspects of the interaction of syphilis and psychiatry.

Conclusion: Syphilis did not manifest as a psychiatric illness until the French Revolution. At the time, the Pinel School was focussing on the environment and moral therapy. Bayle, who made the first discovery of the cause of a psychiatric disease – chronic arachnoiditis – paid the price for his discovery by being driven from psychiatry. The 19th century led to the rise of a new medical polymath: the syphilologist – a specialist in every aspect of a disease that showed a remarkable capacity to affect every organ and tissue in the body and produce symptoms resembling other illnesses. The field was dominated by Frenchmen, Philippe Ricord and Alfred Fournier, and Englishman Jonathan Hutchinson. A middle-class illness, neurosyphilis struck at the heart of the class interests – property. This reeked havoc with the family business or finances, causing considerable distress to their relatives. General paresis of the insane became associated in the public eye with creative, intellectual or philosophical activity. It affected a long list of artists, writers and musicians, including Oscar Wilde, Robert Schumann, Baudelaire, Schubert and Ivan the Terrible. While the features of syphilis were delineated, confirmation remained elusive and neurosyphilis continued to hide its secrets. It remained the grand cause that defined psychiatry and it was not until the middle of the 20th century that it ceased to play a part in the daily life of doctors in psychiatric wards.
Syphilis, Sex and Psychiatry, 1789–1925: Part 2
Authors: Kaplan Robert M
Published: February 2010

Objectives: Syphilis has changed the course of history, shaped the path of medicine and had more influence on psychiatry than any other illness. This paper, part two of a two-part series, investigates the historical, social and cultural aspects of the interaction of syphilis and psychiatry.

Conclusion: By the end of the 19th century, social changes such as population growth, mass migration from Eastern Europe and technological developments led to a great rise in syphilis. By 1900, it was estimated that 5–20% of the population of Europe and the USA had, or would have, syphilis. By 1914, there were over 100 000 new cases and 3 million cases of syphilis in Great Britain. There was a constant interaction between syphilis, prostitution and sexual crime; it was the likely motivation for the Jack the Ripper murders, if not many in the next century. The idea of hereditary syphilis fitted perfectly into the theory of degeneration and coursed through psychiatry and caught the attention of Adolf Hitler, facilitating his antisemitic paranoia. Psychiatric progress passed to the German school, led by Kraepelin who did his first research into the symptoms and course of neurosyphilis. In 1906, Wasserman's serological test for syphilis showed that latent lesions could be present. Any doubt about the cause of syphilis was finally eliminated when Noguchi and Moore demonstrated the presence of treponema pallidum in paretic brains in 1913. 1 German academic psychiatry defined psychiatric practice for the next century but malariotherapy, the first physical treatment in psychiatry, was announced by Julius Wagner-Juarreg in Vienna in 1917, bringing hope to the incurable and destroying the climate of therapeutic nihilism that haunted psychiatry. The first trial of malariotherapy in Australia was done by Reginald Ellery at Mont Park Hospital In 1927 in Melbourne. The discovery of penicillin was a caesura, ending malariotherapy and leading many to regard syphilis as a nigh-extinct illness, but this turned out to be an illusion. Syphilis is returning in new forms in tandem with the AIDS epidemic. Written-off endlessly by its obituarists, syphilis abides.
Vanuatu: Happiest Nation On Earth, Mental Health and the Church
Authors: George Kuruvilla
Published: February 2010

Objective: The aim of this paper was to gain an understanding of the mental health needs and services in Vanuatu, and examine the importance of the Church in the lives of the local people and the part that the Church can play in mental health service delivery.

Method: The author visited Vanuatu to gain an understanding of the mental health needs and services in Vanuatu. This was followed by interaction with a number of churches to find out the views of church leaders about mental illness and their interest to learn about mental illness. A questionnaire was completed by 80 individuals who were also involved in some training.

Results: There was a widely held view that mental illness was due to a weak faith, sin or demon possession. However, there is a desire and an interest among churches to have a better understanding about mental illness.

Conclusion: Churches in Vanuatu can and need to be mobilized to make mental health service delivery successful in the country.