bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Décontamination à l'échelle pilote de sols pollués en métaux toxiques par des procédés miniers et lixiviation chimique
Authors: Mercier Guy , Blais Jean-Francois , Chartier Myriam
Published: May 2007

A pilot plant study permitted to demonstrate the scale up of a process using screening, spiral, hydrocyclone, and chemical leaching to decontaminate a soil. Thirty tons of a soil were treated. Screening allowed to separate a clean coarse fraction (>2 mm) of sand and gravel representing 70.9% of the total mass of soil. The <2 mm fraction of untreated soil contained 2200 mg Pb/kg, 350 mg Cu/kg, and 956 mg Zn/kg. The spiral treatment removed 10.2% Pb, 22.7% Cu, and 4.3% Zn, but it produced a small proportion of concentrate (0.53% of the whole soil). The spiral was more effective for Cu removal, because the 1–2 mm fraction of the soil contained more Cu than the smaller size fractions. The spirals are not usually efficient for the <75 µm fraction. This process was then not efficient for Pb removal, this metal being particularly concentrated in the <20 µm fraction. The <20 µm fraction, representing 6.48% of the total mass of soil and containing 5150 mg Pb/kg, was removed using a hydrocyclone. The chemical leaching process was used to treat 20.4% of the whole soil. This method has allowed to decrease the Pb concentration by approximately 57%, thus reducing the Pb content below the C criteria (1000 mg/kg) for commercial or industrial use in the province of Quebec. Overall, the process produced 91.1% of a noncontaminated soil and 8.9% of metallic residue and heavily contaminated soil. Key words: metals, soil, treatment, leaching, decontamination, mineral processing technology.
Mitochondrial alterations in human gastric carcinoma cell line
Authors: Kim Hyoung Kyu , Park Won Sun , Kang Sung Hyun , Warda Mohamad , Kim Nari , Ko Jae-Hong , Prince Abd El-bary , Han Jin
Published: May 2007

We compared mitochondrial function, morphology, and proteome in the rat normal gastric cell line RGM-1 and the human gastric cancer cell line AGS. Total numbers and cross-sectional sizes of mitochondria were smaller in AGS cells. Mitochondria in AGS cells were deformed and consumed less oxygen. Confocal microscopy indicated that the mitochondrial inner membrane potential was hyperpolarized and the mitochondrial Ca2+ concentration was elevated in AGS cells. Interestingly, two-dimensional electrophoresis proteomics on the mitochondria-enriched fraction revealed high expression of four mitochondrial proteins in AGS cells: ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase, mitochondrial short-chain enoyl-coenzyme A hydratase-1, heat shock protein 60, and mitochondria elongation factor Tu. The results provide clues as to the mechanism of the mitochondrial changes in cancer at the protein level and may serve as potential cancer biomarkers in mitochondria.
Chemotherapeutic stress selectively activates NF-κB-dependent AKT and VEGF expression in liver cancer-derived endothelial cells
Authors: Meng Fanyin , Henson Roger , Patel Tushar
Published: May 2007

Targeting endothelial cells (EC) that line tumor blood vessels forms the basis for metronomic therapy and is a promising new strategy for the treatment of cancer. Genetic and phenotypic differences between tumor-derived and normal ECs indicate that targeting tumor ECs may be therapeutically useful. In the present study, we examined differences in responses to chemotherapy in microvascular EC lines from tumoral (T-EC) and normal (N-EC) mouse liver tissues. The identity of these cells was confirmed by immunocytochemistry for EC markers, such as vascular endothelial-cadherin and CD31 for both types of ECs, and the tumor-endothelial-specific marker tumor endothelial marker-7 for T-EC. The involvement of Akt in NF-κB-dependent angiogenesis was different between N-EC and T-EC. Chemotherapeutic stress increased angiogenesis in T-EC, but not N-EC via an NF-κB-Akt-dependent manner. Both NF-κB and Akt were involved in enhanced survival and migration in T-EC in response to chemotherapeutic stress. Moreover, Akt was involved in NF-κB-dependent VEGF expression and angiogenesis. These studies, showing differences in cellular responses to chemotherapy in tumor-derived ECs, indicate that specific therapies targeting these cells may be therapeutically useful for liver cancers.
Estimation of the size and shape of GH secretory bursts in healthy women using a physiological estradiol clamp and variable-waveform deconvolution model
Authors: Veldhuis Johannes D. , Keenan Daniel M. , Bowers Cyril Y.
Published: May 2007

Because estrogen production and age are strong covariates, distinguishing their individual impact on hypothalamo-pituitary regulation of growth hormone (GH) output is difficult. In addition, at fixed elimination kinetics, systemic GH concentration patterns are controlled by three major signal types [GH-releasing hormone (GHRH), GH-releasing peptide (GHRP, ghrelin), and somatostatin (SS)] and by four dynamic mechanisms [the number, mass (size), and shape (waveform) of secretory bursts and basal (time invariant) GH secretion]. The present study introduces an investigative strategy comprising 1) imposition of an experimental estradiol clamp in pre- (PRE) and postmenopausal (POST) women; 2) stimulation of fasting GH secretion by each of GHRH, GHRP-2 (a ghrelin analog), and l-arginine (to putatively limit SSergic restraint); and 3) implementation of a flexible-waveform deconvolution model to estimate basal GH secretion simultaneously with the size and shape of secretory bursts, conditional on pulse number. The combined approach unveiled the following salient percent POST/PRE contrasts: 1) only 27% as much GH secreted in bursts during fasting ( P < 0.001); 2) markedly attenuated burstlike GH secretion in response to bolus GHRP-2 (29%), bolus GHRH (30%), l-arginine (37%), constant GHRP-2 (38%), and constant GHRH (42%) (age contrasts, 0.0016 ≤ P ≤ 0.027); and 3) a 160% prolongation and 32% abbreviation of the time required to achieve maximal GH secretion after injection of l-arginine and bolus GHRP-2, respectively (both, P < 0.001). Accordingly, age selectively determines both the size (amount) and shape (waveform) of GH secretory bursts in healthy women independently of the short-term estrogen milieu.
Compensatory airway dilation and additive ventilatory augmentation mediated by dorsomedial medullary 5-hydroxytryptamine 2 receptor activity and hypercapnia
Authors: Kanamaru Mitsuko , Homma Ikuo
Published: May 2007

5-HT2 receptor activity in the hypoglossal nucleus and hypercapnia is associated with airway dilation. 5-HT neurons in the medullary raphe and hypercapnia are responsible for tidal volume change. In this study, the effects of 5-HT2 receptors in the dorsomedial medulla oblongata (DMM), which receives projections from the medullary raphe, and hypercapnia on airway resistance and respiratory variables were studied in mice while monitoring 5-HT release in the DMM. A microdialysis probe was inserted into the DMM of anesthetized adult mice. Each mouse was placed in a double-chamber plethysmograph. After recovery from anesthesia, the mice were exposed to stepwise increases in CO2inhalation (5%, 7%, and 9% CO2in O2) at 8-min intervals with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, or fluoxetine plus a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, LY-53857 in the DMM. In response to fluoxetine plus LY-53857 coperfusion, specific airway resistance was increased, and tidal volume and minute ventilation were decreased. CO2inhalation with fluoxetine plus LY-53857 coperfusion in the DMM largely decreased airway resistance and additively increased minute ventilation. Thus, 5-HT2 receptor activity in the DMM increases basal levels of airway dilation and ventilatory volume, dependent on central inspiratory activity and the volume threshold of the inspiratory off-switch mechanism. Hypercapnia with low 5-HT2 receptor activity in the DMM largely recovers airway dilation and additively increases ventilatory volume. Interaction between 5-HT2 receptor activity in the DMM and CO2drive may elicit a cycle of hyperventilation with airway dilation and hypoventilation with airway narrowing.
Biphasic Modulation of GABA Release From Stellate Cells by Glutamatergic Receptor Subtypes
Authors: Liu Siqiong June
Published: May 2007

The release of inhibitory transmitters from CNS neurons can be modulated by ionotropic glutamate receptors that are present in the presynaptic terminals. In the cerebellum, glutamate released from climbing fibers (but not from parallel fibers) activates presynaptic AMPA receptors and suppresses the release of the inhibitory transmitter GABA from basket cells onto postsynaptic Purkinje cells. This input-specific modulation has been attributed to the close proximity of the climbing fibers to the axons of the basket cells. Our recent work indicates that glutamate released from parallel fibers can “spill over” and reach the axons of stellate cells. Here I test the possibility that this spillover glutamate can activate presynaptic AMPA receptors in stellate cells and in this way modulate their release of GABA. I find that stimulation of parallel fibers activates AMPA receptors and transiently suppresses autoreceptor and autaptic GABAergic currents in stellate cells. Activation of AMPA receptors reduces the release of GABA and the suppression occurs more frequently in immature cells that have a high release probability. By contrast the release of GABA from mature stellate cells that have a low release probability is potentiated by the activation of NMDA-type glutamate receptors on presynaptic terminals. Thus during development, the glutamatergic modulation of GABA release switches from an AMPA-receptor–mediated transient suppression to a NMDA-receptor–induced lasting potentiation.
Moraxella catarrhalisinduces ERK- and NF-κB-dependent COX-2 and prostaglandin E2in lung epithelium
Authors: N'Guessan P. D. , Temmesfeld-Wollbrück B. , Zahlten J. , Eitel J. , Zabel S. , Schmeck B. , Opitz B. , Hippenstiel S. , Suttorp N. , Slevogt H.
Published: May 2007

Moraxella catarrhalisis a major cause of infectious exacerbations of chronic obstructive lung disease. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandins, such as prostaglandin E2(PGE2), are considered to be important regulators of lung function. The present authors tested the hypothesis thatM. catarrhalisinduces COX-2-dependent PGE2production in pulmonary epithelial cells.

In the present study, the authors demonstrate thatM. catarrhalisspecifically induces COX-2 expression and subsequent PGE2release in pulmonary epithelial cells. Furthermore, the prostanoid receptor subtypes EP2 and EP4 were also upregulated in these cells.

TheM. catarrhalis-specific ubiquitous cell surface protein A1 was important for the induction of COX-2 and PGE2. Moreover,M. catarrhalis-induced COX-2 and PGE2expression was dependent on extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-driven activation of nuclear factor-κB, but not on the activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

In conclusion, the present data suggest that ubiquitous cell surface protein A1 ofMoraxella catarrhalis, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and nuclear factor-κB control cyclooxygenase-2 expression and subsequent prostaglandin E2release by lung epithelial cells.Moraxella catarrhalis-induced prostaglandin E2expression might counteract lung inflammation promoting colonisation of the respiratory tract in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Cigarette smoke condensate inhibits ENaC α-subunit expression in lung epithelial cells
Authors: Xu H. , Ferro T. J. , Chu S.
Published: May 2007

Cigarette smoke has been associated with lung fluid accumulation and increased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome. It was postulated that ENaC α-subunit, which plays a critical role in lung fluid absorption, is affected by cigarette smoke.

Cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) was used to treat a human lung epithelial cell line. ENaC α-subunit expression was measured using immunoblotting, quantitative PCR and promoter–reporter assays.

The current authors found that CSC, without affecting cell survival, suppressed α-subunit expression at the transcriptional level in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. This suppression is neither related to nicotine nor due to an increase of hydrogen peroxide levels in CSC-treated cells. CSC also suppressed α-subunit core promoter activity. Dexamethasone, which activates the core promoter, was able to attenuate the inhibitory effect of CSC. However, in the presence of CSC, dexamethasone was unable to elicit a full-scale activation of α-subunit expression. This inhibition of dexamethasone was partially reversed by withdrawal of CSC.

The present results demonstrate that cigarette smoke condensate inhibits ENaC α-subunit expression at the transcriptional level through its promoter. This inhibition could be reversed by dexamethasone. The results also suggest that higher doses of dexamethasone may be needed to activate α-subunit expression in smokers’ lungs compared with nonsmokers’ lungs, and that quitting smoking might improve the effectiveness of dexamethasone.
Respiratory symptoms, atopy and bronchial hyperreactivity in professional firefighters
Authors: Miedinger D. , Chhajed P. N. , Stolz D. , Gysin C. , Wanzenried A-B. , Schindler C. , Surber C. , Bucher H. C. , Tamm M. , Leuppi J. D.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present study was to assess respiratory health in professional firefighters.

A total of 101 male professional firefighters from Basel, Switzerland, were included in the study. A control group consisting of 735 male subjects of the general population was composed of the Basel sample of the Swiss Study on Air Pollution and Lung Diseases in Adults. All subjects were administered a standardised questionnaire, spirometry, skin-prick tests and bronchial challenge testing to methacholine.

Respiratory symptoms at work were more frequent in firefighters compared with the control group, including burning eyes (21versus3%), running nose (19versus2%), itchy throat (26versus3%), cough (28versus3%), dyspnoea (7versus2%) and headache (25versus3%), respectively. Atopy was present in 51% of firefighters compared with 32% in the control group. The odds ratio for hyperreactivity to methacholine was 2.24 (95% confidence interval 1.12–4.48) for firefighters compared with the control group.

Firefighters reported more respiratory symptoms at work and suffered more often from atopy compared with the control group. Bronchial hyperreactivity was more pronounced in firefighters, but it was not related to acute exposure or duration of employment. It remains unclear whether these findings were present at recruitment or developed after joining the workforce.
M. tuberculosis genotypic diversity and drug susceptibility pattern in HIV- infected and non-HIV-infected patients in northern Tanzania
Authors: Kibiki Gibson S , Mulder Bert , Dolmans Wil MV , de Beer Jessica L , Boeree Martin , Sam Noel , van Soolingen Dick , Sola Christophe , van der Zanden Adri GM
Published: May 2007

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem and HIV is the major cause of the increase in TB. Sub-Saharan Africa is endemic for both TB and HIV infection. Determination of the prevalence of M. tuberculosis strains and their drug susceptibility is important for TB control.

TB positive culture, BAL fluid or sputum samples from 130 patients were collected and genotyped. The spoligotypes were correlated with anti-tuberculous drug susceptibility in HIV-infected and non-HIV patients from Tanzania.

Results

One-third of patients were TB/HIV co-infected. Forty-seven spoligotypes were identified.

Fourteen isolates (10.8%) had new and unique spoligotypes while 116 isolates (89.2%) belonged to 33 known spoligotypes. The major spoligotypes contained nine clusters: CAS1-Kili 30.0%, LAM11- ZWE 14.6%, ND 9.2%, EAI 6.2%, Beijing 5.4%, T-undefined 4.6%, CAS1-Delhi 3.8%, T1 3.8% and LAM9 3.8%. Twelve (10.8%) of the 111 phenotypically tested strains were resistant to anti-TB drugs. Eight (7.2%) were monoresistant strains: 7 to isoniazid (INH) and one to streptomycin. Four strains (3.5%) were resistant to multiple drugs: one (0.9%) was resistant to INH and streptomycin and the other three (2.7%) were MDR strains: one was resistant to INH, rifampicin and ethambutol and two were resistant to all four anti-TB drugs. Mutation in the kat G gene codon 315 and the rpo B hotspot region showed a low and high sensitivity, respectively, as predictor of phenotypic drug resistance.

Conclusion

CAS1-Kili and LAM11-ZWE were the most common families. Strains of the Beijing family and CAS1-Kili were not or least often associated with resistance, respectively. HIV status was not associated with spoligotypes, resistance or previous TB treatment.
"They think we're OK and we know we're not". A qualitative study of asylum seekers' access, knowledge and views to health care in the UK
Authors: O'Donnell Catherine A , Higgins Maria , Chauhan Rohan , Mullen Kenneth
Published: May 2007

Background

The provision of healthcare for asylum seekers is a global issue. Providing appropriate and culturally sensitive services requires us to understand the barriers facing asylum seekers and the facilitators that help them access health care. Here, we report on two linked studies exploring these issues, along with the health care needs and beliefs of asylum seekers living in the UK.

Methods

Two qualitative methods were employed: focus groups facilitated by members of the asylum seeking community and interviews, either one-to-one or in a group, conducted through an interpreter. Analysis was facilitated using the Framework method.

Results

Most asylum seekers were registered with a GP, facilitated for some by an Asylum Support nurse. Many experienced difficulty getting timely appointments with their doctor, especially for self-limiting symptoms that they felt could become more serious, especially in children. Most were positive about the health care they received, although some commented on the lack of continuity. However, there was surprise and disappointment at the length of waiting times both for hospital appointments and when attending accident and emergency departments. Most had attended a dentist, but usually only when there was a clinical need. The provision of interpreters in primary care was generally good, although there was a tension between interpreters translating verbatim and acting as patient advocates. Access to interpreters in other settings, e.g. in-patient hospital stays, was problematic. Barriers included the cost of over-the-counter medication, e.g. children's paracetamol; knowledge of out-of-hours medical care; and access to specialists in secondary care. Most respondents came from countries with no system of primary medical care, which impacted on their expectations of the UK system.

Conclusion

Most asylum seekers were positive about their experiences of health care. However, we have identified issues regarding their understanding of how the UK system works, in particular the role of general practitioners and referral to hospital specialists. The provision of an Asylum Support nurse was clearly a facilitator to accessing primary medical care. Initiatives to increase their awareness and understanding of the UK system would be beneficial. Interpreting services also need to be developed, in particular their role in secondary care and the development of the role of interpreter as patient advocate.
The effect of acetaminophen (four grams a day for three consecutive days) on hepatic tests in alcoholic patients – a multicenter randomized study
Authors: Kuffner EK , Green JL , Bogdan GM , Knox PC , Palmer RB , Heard K , Slattery JT , Dart RC
Published: May 2007

Background

Hepatic failure has been associated with reported therapeutic use of acetaminophen by alcoholic patients. The highest risk period for alcoholic patients is immediately after discontinuation of alcohol intake. This period exhibits the largest increase in CYP2E1 induction and lowest glutathione levels. Our hypothesis was that common liver tests would be unaffected by administration of the maximum recommended daily dosage of acetaminophen for 3 consecutive days to newly-abstinent alcoholic subjects.

Methods

Adult alcoholic subjects entering two alcohol detoxification centers were enrolled in a prospective double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were randomized to acetaminophen, 4 g/day, or placebo for 3 consecutive days. The study had 95% probability of detecting a 15 IU/L difference in serum ALT.

Results

A total of 443 subjects were enrolled: 308 (258 completed) received acetaminophen and 135 subjects (114 completed) received placebo. Study groups did not differ in demographics, alcohol consumption, nutritional status or baseline laboratory assessments. The peak mean ALT activity was 57 ± 45 IU/L and 55 ± 48 IU/L in the acetaminophen and placebo groups, respectively. Subgroup analyses for subjects presenting with an elevated ALT, subjects fulfilling a diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis and subjects attaining a peak ALT greater than 200 IU/L showed no statistical difference between the acetaminophen and control groups. The one participant developing an increased international normalized ratio was in the placebo group.

Conclusion

Alcoholic patients treated with the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen for 3 consecutive days did not develop increases in serum transaminase or other measures of liver injury. Treatment of pain or fever for 3 days with acetaminophen appears safe in newly-abstinent alcoholic patients, such as those presenting for acute medical care.
Temperament, character and personality disorders as predictors of response to interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression
Authors: Joyce Peter R. , McKenzie Janice M. , Carter Janet D. , Rae Alma M. , Luty Suzanne E. , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Mulder Roger T.
Published: May 2007

Background

Interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive–behavioural therapy are widely accepted as effective treatments for major depression. There is little evidence on how personality disorder or personality traits affect treatment response.

Aims

To determine whether personality disorder or traits have an adverse impact on treatment response to interpersonal psychotherapy or cognitive–behavioural therapy in people receiving out-patient treatment for depression.

Method

The study was a randomised trial in a university-based clinical research unit for out-patients with depression.

Results

Personality disorder did not adversely affect treatment response for patients with depression randomised to cognitive–behavioural therapy Conversely, personality disorder did adversely affect treatment response for patients randomised to interpersonal psychotherapy.

Conclusions

Despite the two therapies having comparable efficacy in patients with depression, response to interpersonal psychotherapy (but not cognitive–behavioural therapy) is affected by personality traits. This could suggest the two therapies are indicated for different patients or that they work by different mechanisms.
Short-term antidepressant treatment and facial processing
Authors: Norbury Ray , Mackay Clare E. , Cowen Philip J. , Goodwin Guy M. , Harmer Catherine J.
Published: May 2007

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the effects of short-term treatment with reboxetine, a selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, on emotional facial processing in healthy volunteers. Reboxetine was associated with a reduced amygdala response to fearful faces and increased activation to happy v. neutral facial expressions in the right fusiform gyrus, relative to placebo treatment and in the absence of changes in mood. Our results show that reboxetine modulates the neural substrates of emotional processing, highlighting a mechanism by which drug treatment could normalise negative bias in depression and anxiety.
Does treating depression improve survival after acute coronary syndrome?
Authors: Carney Robert M. , Freedland Kenneth E.
Published: May 2007

Both the MIND–IT and the ENRICHD studies failed to show that medical outcomes of acute myocardial infarction can be improved by treating deperssion. However, neither study had sufficient statistical power to convincingly test this hypothesis. More effective treatments for depression will have to be developed if this hypothesis is to be tested with sufficient power in attainable samples.
Telephone peer supervision and surviving as an isolated consultant
Authors: Mason Rebecca , Hayes Helen
Published: May 2007

Mentoring for newly appointed consultants in all specialties is recognised and established as offering important and essential support in the early years after appointment to a consultant post (Connoret al, 2000; Robertset al, 2002; Waters, 2002; Dosani, 2006). In some regions this is now formalised and is in line with recommendations of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (Dean, 2002, 2003).
Crime rates and local newspaper coverage of schizophrenia
Authors: Chopra Arun K. , Doody Gillian A.
Published: May 2007

Aims and Method

The association in the media of mental illness with violence is well established. This study looks at whether there are differences in the portrayal of schizophrenia in the local newspapers of Nottingham, an area with a high crime rate and Dorset, an area with a low crime rate.

Results

We analysed 98 newspaper articles, 55 from Nottingham and 43 from Dorset, and found no statistically significant difference in the portrayal of schizophrenia. Overall, 36.1% of articles were negative in tone, 56.7% were neutral and 7.2% were positive. In 6 of the 98 articles (6.1%) a person with schizophrenia or their carer was interviewed. These articles were either positive or neutral in tone. Schizophrenia has entered the language as a metaphor.

Clinical Implications

Local levels of crime do not appear to influence the portrayal of schizophrenia in local newspapers. Associations with dangerousness continue to predominate and the lay public continues to receive a distorted image of people living with schizophrenia. More interviews with patients and carers might help to address this imbalance. It is important to explore what the word schizophrenia means to patients and carers.
Cxcl12/Cxcr4 chemokine signaling is required for placode assembly and sensory axon pathfinding in the zebrafish olfactory system
Authors: Miyasaka Nobuhiko , Knaut Holger , Yoshihara Yoshihiro
Published: May 2007

Positioning neurons in the right places and wiring axons to the appropriate targets are essential events for establishment of neural circuits. In the zebrafish olfactory system, precursors of olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs)assemble into a compact cluster to form the olfactory placode. Subsequently,OSNs differentiate and extend their axons to the presumptive olfactory bulb with high precision. In this study, we aim to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying these two developmental processes. cxcr4b,encoding a chemokine receptor, is expressed in the migrating olfactory placodal precursors, and cxcl12a (SDF-1a), encoding a ligand for Cxcr4b, is expressed in the abutting anterior neural plate. The expression of cxcr4b persists in the olfactory placode at the initial phase of OSN axon pathfinding. At this time, cxcl12a is expressed along the placode-telencephalon border and at the anterior tip of the telencephalon,prefiguring the route and target of OSN axons, respectively. Interfering with Cxcl12a/Cxcr4b signaling perturbs the assembly of the olfactory placode,resulting in the appearance of ventrally displaced olfactory neurons. Moreover, OSN axons frequently fail to exit the olfactory placode and accumulate near the placode-telencephalon border in the absence of Cxcr4b-mediated signaling. These data indicate that chemokine signaling contributes to both the olfactory placode assembly and the OSN axon pathfinding in zebrafish.
Lewis Acid Mediated Reactions of Allyl Chalcogenides with Ethyl Glyoxylate
Authors: Hirabayashi Kazunori , Sato Hideki , Kuriyama Yu , Matsuo Jun-ichi , Sato Soichi , Shimizu Toshio , Kamigata Nobumasa
Published: May 2007

Allyl mesityl sulfide reacted with ethyl glyoxylate in the presence of tin(IV) chloride to give a tetrahydrofuran derivative. The presence of a bulky substituent on the sulfur atom was crucial to the present reaction. The reaction of allyl mesityl selenide also gave a cycloaddition product, whereas allylation occurred when allyl mesityl telluride was used.
Ultra-high Magnetic Field (21.8 T) Solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance for Inorganic Materials
Authors: Shimoda Keiji , Kanehashi Koji , Hatakeyama Moriaki , Tobu Yasuhiro , Shimizu Tadashi , Saito Koji
Published: May 2007

We hereby report that ultra-high magnetic field (21.8 T) solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is very useful in studies of quadrupolar nuclides in inorganic materials. The increase in signal sensitivity, especially for species with large quadrupolar products, and the decrease in signal width become significant with increasing magnetic field strength. An 27Al 5QMAS spectrum of a refractory mortar was considerably resolved at 21.8 T compared with 16.4 T, suggesting the effectiveness of the ultra-high field NMR in clarifying the local structures in complex materials.
Partial Quenching of Sonoluminescence by Monoatomic Gases
Authors: Abe Yuhki , Nakabayashi Seiichiro
Published: May 2007

In a solitary bubble trapped at the antinode of the standing acoustic field in water, the density increase of n-butanoic acid in the bubble quenched the sonoluminescence in consuming the acoustic energy by sonochemical reaction. In the bubbles filled with inert gases (He, Ar, and Xe), the quenching was obvious in Xe, but in He. These observations suggest that He locating at the bubble center reduces the sonochemical reactivity.
A comparison of survival of moulded monoblock and modular tibial components of 751 AGC total knee replacements in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Himanen A.-K. , Belt E. A. , Lehto M. U. K. , Hämäläinen M. M. J.
Published: May 2007

We evaluated the survival of moulded monoblock and modular tibial components of the AGC total knee replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Between 1985 and 1995, 751 knees with this diagnosis were replaced at our institution. A total of 256 tibial components were of the moulded design and 495 of the modular design. The mean follow-up of the moulded subgroup was 9.6 years (0.5 to 14.7), and that of the modular group 7.0 years (0.1 to 14.7).

The groups differed significantly from each other in Larsen grade, cementing of components and patellar resurfacing, but no statistically significant difference between the survival of the components was found (Log rank test, p = 0.91). The cumulative success rate of the moulded group was 96.8% (95% confidence interval 93.6% to 98.4%) at five years and 94.4% (95% confidence interval 90.4% to 96.7%) at ten years, and of the modular group 96.2% (95% confidence interval 94% to 97.6%) and 93.6% (95% confidence interval 89.7% to 96%), respectively. Revision was required in 37 total knee replacements, the main causes were infection, pain, loosening of the tibial component and patellar problems. Survival rates for both components were satisfactory.
The factors affecting outcome after non-vascular bone grafting and internal fixation for nonunion of the scaphoid
Authors: Ramamurthy C. , Cutler L. , Nuttall D. , Simison A J. M. , Trail I. A. , Stanley J. K.
Published: May 2007

This study identified variables which influence the outcome of surgical management on 126 ununited scaphoid fractures managed by internal fixation and non-vascular bone grafting. The site of fracture was defined by a new method: the ratio of the length of the proximal fragment to the sum of the lengths of both fragments, calculated using specific views in the plain radiographs. Bone healing occurred in 71% (89) of cases. Only the site of nonunion (p = 1 × 10−6) and the delay to surgery (p = 0.001) remained significant on multivariate analysis. The effect of surgical delay on the probability of union increased as the fracture site moved proximally. A prediction model was produced by stepwise logistic regression analysis, enabling the surgeon to predict the success of surgery where the site of the nonunion and delay to surgery is known.
Factors affecting the stability of screws in human cortical osteoporotic bone
Authors: Thiele O. C. , Eckhardt C. , Linke B. , Schneider E. , Lill C. A.
Published: May 2007

We investigated several factors which affect the stability of cortical screws in osteoporotic bone using 18 femora from cadavers of women aged between 45 and 96 years (mean 76). We performed bone densitometry to measure the bone mineral density of the cortical and cancellous bone of the shaft and head of the femur, respectively. The thickness and overall bone mass of the cortical layer of the shaft of the femur were measured using a microCT scanner. The force required to pull-out a 3.5 mm titanium cortical bone screw was determined after standardised insertion into specimens of the cortex of the femoral shaft.

A significant correlation was found between the pull-out strength and the overall bone mass of the cortical layer (r2 = 0.867, p < 0.01) and also between its thickness (r2 = 0.826, p < 0.01) and bone mineral density (r2 = 0.861, p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant correlation between the age of the donor and the pull-out force (p = 0.246), the cortical thickness (p = 0.199), the bone mineral density (p = 0.697) or the level of osteoporosis (p = 0.378).

We conclude that the overall bone mass, the thickness and the bone mineral density of the cortical layer, are the main factors which affect the stability of a screw in human female osteoporotic cortical bone.
Treatment of failed arthroscopic acetabular labral debridement by femoral chondro-osteoplasty
Authors: May O. , Matar W. Y. , Beaulé P. E.
Published: May 2007

Femoroacetabular impingement is recognised as being a cause of labral tears and chondral damage. We report a series of five patients who presented with persistent pain in the hip after arthroscopy for isolated labral debridement. All five had a bony abnormality consistent with cam-type femoroacetabular impingement. They had a further operation to correct the abnormality by chondro-osteoplasty of the femoral head-neck junction. At a mean follow-up of 16.3 months (12 to 24) all had symptomatic improvement.
Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Affects Bone Homeostasis by Regulating Osteoblast and Osteoclast Function
Authors: Furlan Federico , Galbiati Clara , Jorgensen Niklas R , Jensen Jens-Erik B , Mrak Emanuela , Rubinacci Alessandro , Talotta Francesco , Verde Pasquale , Blasi Francesco
Published: May 2007

The uPAR and its ligand uPA are expressed by both osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Their function in bone remodeling is unknown. We report that uPAR-lacking mice display increased BMD, increased osteogenic potential of osteoblasts, decreased osteoclasts formation, and altered cytoskeletal reorganization in mature osteoclasts.

Introduction: Urokinase receptor (uPAR) is actively involved in the regulation of important cell functions, such as proliferation, adhesion, and migration. It was previously shown that the major players in bone remodeling, osteoblasts and osteoclasts, express uPAR and produce urokinase (uPA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of uPAR in bone remodeling.

Materials and Methods: In vivo studies were performed in uPAR knockout (KO) and wildtype (WT) mice on a C57Bl6/SV129 (75:25) background. Bone mass was analyzed by pQCT. Excised tibias were subjected to mechanical tests. UPAR KO calvaria osteoblasts were characterized by proliferation assays, RT-PCR for important proteins secreted during differentiation, and immunoblot for activator protein 1 (AP-1) family members. In vitro osteoclast formation was tested with uPAR KO bone marrow monocytes in the presence of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and RANKL. Phalloidin staining in osteoclasts served to study actin ring and podosome formation.

Results: pQCT revealed increased bone mass in uPAR-null mice. Mechanical tests showed reduced load-sustaining capability in uPAR KO tibias. uPAR KO osteoblasts showed a proliferative advantage with no difference in apoptosis, higher matrix mineralization, and earlier appearance of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Surface RANKL expression at different stages of differentiation was not altered. AP-1 components, such as JunB and Fra-1, were upregulated in uPAR KO osteoblasts, along with other osteoblasts markers. On the resorptive side, the number of osteoclasts formed in vitro from uPAR KO monocytes was decreased. Podosome imaging in uPAR KO osteoclasts revealed a defect in actin ring formation.

Conclusions: The defective proliferation and differentiation of bone cells, coincident with both aberrant expression of transcription factors and cytoskeletal organization, are typical uPAR-dependent molecular phenotypes, and we have now shown their function in osteoblasts and osteoclasts function in vivo.
Centripetality and centrifugality in translation: With reference to European languages and Chinese
Authors: Wong Laurence
Published: May 2007

Practitioners of translation who have had the experience of translating between any two major European languages as well as between Chinese and a European language will be aware that the former type of translation is much less complex than the latter. With reference to English, French, German, Italian, Spanish,. Latin, Greek, and Chinese, this article examines translation in various directions, and shows how
centrifugality
and
centripetality
account for increased or reduced complexity of the translation process.
Comparison of Open Versus Closed Group Interventions for Sexually Abused Adolescent Girls
Authors: Tourigny Marc , Hébert Martine
Published: May 2007

A first aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an open group therapy for sexually abused teenagers using a quasi-experimental pretest/posttest treatment design. A second aim was to explore whether differential gains were linked to an open versus a closed group format. Results indicate that sexually abused girls involved in an open group therapy showed significant gains relative to teenagers of the control group girls for the majority of the variables considered. Analyses contrasting the two formats of group therapy fail to identify statistical differences suggesting that both open and closed group formats are likely to be associated with the same significant gains for sexually abused teenagers.
Routine Activities and Sexual Assault: An Analysis of Individual- and School-Level Factors
Authors: Cass Amy I.
Published: May 2007

The efficacy of routine activities theory is examined to explain sexual assault on the college campus. Although many research studies have utilized routine activities theory to predict sexual assault using individual-level factors, little is known about the effect of school-level factors on a student’s risk of sexual assault. Based on interviews from 3,036 randomly selected students and surveys from 11 randomly selected colleges in the United States, a hierarchical linear model was created to predict student victimizations by school characteristics. For the individual, results reveal that being female, drug use, and marital status are statistically significant for predicting the probability of a sexual assault. At the institutional level, however, none of the variables are significant in predicting sexual assault among college coeds. Policy implications for prevention measures on college campuses are discussed.
Community-Based Elder Care: A Model for Working With the Marginally Housed Elderly
Authors: Mai Loan , Eng Judy
Published: May 2007

The community-based elder care (C-BEC) model is a critical treatment leverage that can be used to serve the older geriatric population who live in marginal housing tenements and who have little to nonexistent formal or informal support systems. Service engagement includes a model of care encompassing health maintenance with ongoing assessment of several specific dimensions. These dimensions include motor functioning, environmental barriers, emotional health, supportive services, and adherence motivation. All of these effect outcome and treatment course, despite a variety of medical diagnosis, level of functioning, and supportive needs. From evaluation of the individuals described in this article, considerations for collaborative treatment relationships, interdisciplinary teams, and service assessments are recognized as focal points of change that can be facilitated with C-BEC. The model is replicable and recommended for service providers working with an ambulatory, homebound, frail, and older aged population.
Seven Decades So Far
Authors: Larsen Bea V.
Published: May 2007

For a number of years Bea V. Larsen, senior mediator at the Center for Resolution of Disputes in Cincinnati, Ohio, www.cfrdmediation.com, presented weekly commentaries on public radio, both on her professional work as a mediator and on her more personal experiences. These broadcasts reached thousands of listeners in a number of Midwestern states. A new series of online commentaries at www.bealarsen.com now continue that tradition. Here she writes as a professionally active woman of 77 years, seeking to distill what she has learned over the years into thought-provoking stories.
Making Medication Therapy Management a Cornerstone of Community-Based Care for People With Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Forms of Dementia
Authors: Medicare Rights Center
Published: May 2007

Editor’s Note. The following document reports on research conducted in 2006 and is reprinted and adapted for the Care Management Journals format with permission from the Medicare Rights Center (www.medicarerights.org).
Treatment of Gingival Overgrowth in a Child With Bardet‐Biedl Syndrome
Authors: Drugowick Rayen Millanao , Da Rós Gonçalves Lorena , Barrôso Áurea Simone , Feres‐Filho Eduardo Jorge , Maia Lucianne Cople
Published: May 2007

Background: Bardet‐Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare, heterogeneous, autosomal recessive condition, primarily characterized by polydactyly, obesity, mental retardation, hypogonadism, retinopathy, and renal failure. Dental anomalies, regarded as secondary manifestations, include hypodontia, microdontia, short roots, and deep palate. Few reports in the literature have described the oral manifestations of BBS. This article reports a case of BBS in a boy who presented some typical oral manifestations added to a generalized gingival overgrowth, an anomaly that had not been reported previously in patients with this syndrome.

Methods: A 12‐year‐old white male presented with a diagnosis of BBS and chief complaint of gingival enlargement in the anterior segment of both arcades. The treatment plan included surgical removal of the overgrown gingiva followed by orthodontic therapy. The excised tissues were submitted to histologic analysis.

Results: There was no sign of recurrence 1 year after gingivectomy. Histopathology revealed a dense connective tissue with a mild inflammatory infiltrate, irregularly arranged fiber bundles, and epithelial acanthosis, which is characteristic of gingival overgrowth.

Conclusions: The gingival overgrowth was treated successfully by gingivectomy. The periodontal surgery minimized the functional, social, and emotional consequences of the oral manifestation associated with the syndrome.
Interviewing Self‐Reported Highly Anxious Patients During Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Hansen B. Frode
Published: May 2007

Background: Little information exists on highly anxious patients referred for periodontal therapy.

Methods: All patients referred for periodontal therapy between November 1, 2002 and April 1, 2004 were included in this study. Patients who perceived themselves as extremely anxious were interviewed further, and their anxiety levels were observed during the various stages of periodontal therapy.

Results: Twenty‐one (19 females and two males, average age, 49.76 years) of 176 patients (12.1%) reported extreme anticipatory anxiety. The main reasons for their anxiety were fear of pain and previous bad experience(s).

Conclusions: Average anxiety levels decreased with the progress of the periodontal therapy. However, individual responses varied greatly and were unpredictable.
Hypoplasminogenemia With Ligneous Periodontitis: A Failed Local Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Kurtulus Idil , Gokbuget Aslan , Efeoglu Ahmet , Cintan Serdar , Tefs Katrin , Schuster Volker , Scully Crispian
Published: May 2007

Background: Hypoplasminogenemia is a rare condition that is associated with ligneous conjunctivitis, a form of chronic conjunctivitis characterized by firm, fibrin‐rich, pseudomembranous lesions on the tarsal conjunctivae and oral lesions. Pseudomembranes may develop on the gingivae, and there may be periodontal involvement.

Methods: Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to treat such patients, but they have had limited effect. We used gingivectomies, topical heparin, and corticosteroids to treat periodontal lesions in an 18‐year‐old girl.

Results: This approach had no benefit.

Conclusion: The question remains about how best to manage patients with hypoplasminogenemia.
Streamline Technology for the Evaluation of Full-Field Compositional Processes: Midale—A Case Study
Authors: McKishnie R. A. , Malik S. , Chugh S. , Lavoie R. G. , Griffith P. J.
Published: May 2007

Traditionally, the evaluation of CO2-flooding processes is performed with finite-difference compositional-simulation models. However, compositional simulation is impractical for modeling large-scale CO2 floods because of computational run-time restrictions. In cases in which reservoir heterogeneity and fluid mobility dominate the reservoir recovery mechanism, streamline simulation offers a viable alternative to compositional simulation. The "reduced" physics in streamline simulation allows field-scale CO2-flood modeling to be feasible, as long as the streamline pressure/volume/ temperature (PVT) model can be calibrated so that the streamline model will produce accurate results for CO2-injection processes. Using streamline simulation allows for the evaluation of multiple full-field development scenarios that otherwise would not be possible with compositional simulation.

The objective of the study was to provide CO2-flood performance forecasts under various full-field development scenarios for the Midale field. This paper focuses on the methodology and results from the 1,000-well, >400,000-gridblock, 45+-year streamline simulation of the Midale field. In particular, it discusses the construction and history match of the full-field model, the calibration of the streamline model with the compositional model, and the development of the full-field CO2 forecasts.