bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Health Education at the University of California, Davis: Past, Present, and Future Programs
Authors: Hird David W. , Lloyd K.C. Kent , McCurdy Stephen A. , Schenker Marc B. , Troidl John J. , Kass Philip H.
Published: August 2008

This article reviews the history of public-health education at the University of California, Davis, from the inception of the Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine Program in the School of Veterinary Medicine through the creation of the Master of Public Health Program offered jointly by the Schools of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. The long history of collaborative teaching and research between the schools, as well as the university's close proximity to and relationship with numerous university-affiliated and state public-health agencies, has created remarkable opportunities for novel and creative public-health education. The university is already anticipating the approval of a School of Public Health on its campus, which will create even more educational opportunities in both human and veterinary public-health disciplines. Given the projected shortfall of veterinarians entering such fields, the opportunity of a novel Doctor of Public Health degree program specifically suited to the needs of veterinary medicine is also discussed as a means of addressing this shortage.
Purdue University Graduate Certificate Program in Veterinary Homeland Security
Authors: Amass Sandra F. , Blossom Thaddaeus D. , Ash Marianne , McCay Don , Mattix Marc E.
Published: August 2008

Our nation lacks a critical mass of professionals trained to prevent and respond to food- and animal-related emergencies. Training veterinarians provides an immediate means of addressing this shortage of experts. Achievement of critical mass to effectively address animal-related emergencies is expedited by concurrent training of professionals and graduate students in related areas. Purdue University offers a Web-based Graduate Certificate in Veterinary Homeland Security to address this special area of need. The program is a collaborative effort among the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, the Purdue Homeland Security Institute, the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, the Indiana State Police, and others with the overall goal of increasing capacity and preparedness to manage animal-related emergencies. Individuals with expertise in veterinary medicine, public health, animal science, or homeland security are encouraged to participate. The Web-based system allows courses to be delivered efficiently and effectively around the world and allows participants to continue their graduate education while maintaining full-time jobs. Participants enhance their understanding of natural and intentional threats to animal health, strengthen their skills in managing animal-health emergencies, and develop problem-solving expertise to become effective members of animal emergency response teams and of their communities. Students receive graduate credit from Purdue University that can be used toward the certificate and toward an advanced graduate degree. Currently, 70 participants from 28 states; Washington, DC; Singapore; and Bermuda are enrolled.
Training Veterinary Personnel for Effective Identification and Diagnosis of Exotic Animal Diseases
Authors: Kerwick Carmel M. , Meers Joanne , Phillips Clive J.C.
Published: August 2008

The requirements for exotic animal disease (EAD) training were considered at a workshop organized for those with responsibilities for EAD response management in the different states of Australia, with the objective of identifying the optimum strategy for training veterinarians to identify and act upon EADs. It was concluded that there should be specialized within-country training in EAD recognition for an elite group of diagnostic veterinarians who are required to recognize the major exotic diseases of animals, instigate the correct procedures to confirm the diagnosis of the disease, and undertake appropriate measures for effective initial management of the disease. The use of live, deliberately infected animals for demonstration purposes is not currently supported by any research indicating an improved learning outcome compared with that from alternatives, such as videos, necropsy specimens, and dedicated computer-aided learning packages. Therefore, ethical requirements to minimize the use of animals in teaching and research may prevent live-animal use. It is concluded that training should take place within each country via a course of instruction that includes an initial intensive course followed by continued professional development, with examination of knowledge at the end of each.
Assessing Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response of Rural Veterinarians: Experiences and Training Needs
Authors: Hsu Chiehwen Ed , Jacobson Holly , Feldman Katherine , Miller Jerry A. , Rodriguez Lori , Soto Mas Francisco
Published: August 2008

Veterinarians play a unique role in emergency preparedness and response, and federal agencies and academic institutions therefore allocate considerable resources to provide training to enhance their readiness. However, the level of preparedness of veterinarians in many rural regions is yet to be improved. This article reports an assessment of the bioterrorism preparedness, specifically the experience and training needs, of rural veterinarians in North Texas. The study employed a cross-sectional design with a study population that included all veterinarians (N = 352) in the 37 counties within Texas Department of State Health Services Regions 2 and 3. Data on veterinarians practicing or residing in the target region were obtained from the Texas State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The response rate was 35% (n = 121). Results indicate that chemical exposure was the condition most frequently seen and treated, followed by botulism and anthrax. The majority (80%) of respondents indicated that they had not previously participated in training related to bioterrorism preparedness, and many (41%) also indicated a willingness to participate in a state health department–initiated bioterrorism response plan. However, only 18% were confident in their ability to diagnose and treat bioterrorism cases. These results suggest that many North Texas veterinarians practicing in rural regions could benefit from additional training in bioterrorism preparedness and response. An area in particular need of further training is the diagnosis and treatment of Category A agents. Federal, state, and local health agencies are urged to increase training opportunities and to make additional efforts to involve veterinarians in bioterrorism preparedness and response.
Teaching and Assessing Nutrition Competence in a Changing Curricular Environment
Authors: Abood Sarah K.
Published: August 2008

In the past, the required introductory veterinary nutrition course at Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU-CVM) has provided 29 hours of didactic lectures, with student performance evaluated by short-answer or multiple-choice questions. Because of a 50% reduction in allotted course credits and a change in prerequisites for admission, the course is being redesigned to focus on three of 29 nutrition competencies outlined by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. Professional communication skills will be developed through small-group learning experiences, case-based problems, and videotaped interviews with standardized clients to teach and assess nutrition competencies. Assessment strategies will differ from traditional multiple-choice examinations and include pre- and post-course self-efficacy ratings, written evaluations from trained standardized clients, and oral and written evaluations from coaches or facilitators.
SPIKE and D-PIKE: Innovative Experiences That Engage Students Early and Position Them to Succeed in Food-Supply Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Karriker Locke A. , Ramirez Alejandro , Leuschen Bruce , Halbur Pat
Published: August 2008

Recent trends in urbanization of the population, increased need for bio-security on large farms, and more food-animal or mixed-animal practitioners approaching retirement age are forcing a renewed focus on recruiting and training veterinary students with an interest in production-animal medicine. The increasing number of veterinary students coming from urban backgrounds has led to a need to expose these students to standard animal-production practices and to interest them in a career involving food animals. This article describes one such program developed at Iowa State University, in which 14 students obtained hands-on experience in all aspects of swine and dairy production across a wide sampling of herd size, housing style, bio-security levels, and production phases. The participating students, ranging from senior undergraduates to third-year veterinary students, gained valuable insight not only into daily farming practices but also the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality veterinary care to these clients. The first year of this program has yielded positive feedback from all participants, including the veterinary practices, private producers, corporate sponsors, and students. Current applicants cite positive comments from past participants as motivating their interest in the program. This program has the potential to expand as an opportunity to educate selected students in the field of food-supply veterinary medicine and to help fill the anticipated void in this area.
Historical Profile of Gender in Turkish Veterinary Education
Authors: Gül Raziye Tamay Başağaç , Özkul Türel , Akçay Aytaç , Özen Abdullah
Published: August 2008

Women in Turkey were first given the opportunity to attend schools of higher education in 1914. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, a number of social, judicial, and economic reforms took place that enabled women to participate actively in both the public and private sectors, and, as a consequence, the number of women students in higher education increased rapidly. The first woman graduated from the veterinary school in Ankara in 1935, becoming the first female veterinarian in the country. Since that time, the number of female veterinary graduates in Turkey has steadily increased.
Comparison of Student Performance after Lecture-Based and Case-Based/Problem-Based Teaching in a Large Group
Authors: Grauer Gregory F. , Forrester S. Dru , Shuman Cindy , Sanderson Michael W.
Published: August 2008

The purpose of this study was to compare traditional lecture-based (LB) and case-based/problem-based (CB/PB) learning in a large group. Year 3 veterinary students at Kansas State University were asked to participate in a randomized controlled study. Students were grouped and randomly assigned to be taught by a CB/PB or a LB method. Students took identical multiple-choice examinations, one given within a week of the last class and a different one given four months later. There was no direct effect of teaching method on group scores for either examination. CB/PB students scored higher on higher-difficulty questions on the first examination (p < 0.003), but there was no effect on questions of lower and medium difficulty. There was no effect of teaching method on student performance for the second examination; however, the question difficulty category scores were all different (p < 0.017). Evaluation of examination scores suggests that the two teaching methods were of similar efficacy.
Development and Evaluation of an Online Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) Package to Promote Small-Animal Welfare
Authors: Denwood Matthew , Dale Vicki H.M. , Yam Philippa
Published: August 2008

Rationale for the study – The aims of the study, conducted as a student research project in the 2004–5 session, were to develop an interactive, online computer-aided learning (CAL) package on the topic of small-animal husbandry; to validate the resource as a suitable lecture replacement for first-year veterinary students; and to raise awareness of current guidelines and legislation relating to small-animal housing among local catteries and kennels and in the wider community.

Methodology – Quantitative feedback was collected from student and teaching staff using paper-based questionnaires. Qualitative feedback was gathered from open questionnaire responses and through focus-group discussions with students. Student examination marks were compared for 2004 and 2005, allowing a comparison of student performance before and after the replacement of the traditional lecture with the CAL package. Ethical approval for the study was granted by the faculty's Ethics Committee.

Results and conclusions – The CAL package on small-animal housing was well received by teaching staff and students; student performance in examinations improved after the introduction of the CAL program, suggesting that it provides a suitable alternative to didactic teaching. The creation and distribution of the CAL package on CD-ROM and its availability via the Internet are intended to contribute to small-animal welfare education in local catteries and kennels and further afield. The package sets a precedent for the development of more Internet-based, student-authored CAL packages in the future, providing additional resources for independent learning.
Yield, creep, and wear properties of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene processed by high velocity compaction
Authors: Jauffrès D. , Lame O. , Vigier G. , Doré F. , Fridrici V.
Published: August 2008

A new processing method, high velocity compaction (HVC), is particularly adapted to process ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). In a previous study, it has been shown that UHMWPE processed by HVC exhibits superior Young's modulus and significant ductility, owing to the preservation of nascent high crystallinity and high‐quality sintering (Jauffrès et al., Polymer 2007, 48, 6374). In this article, a comparative study of yield, creep, and wear properties of HVC–UHMWPE and compression‐molded UHMWPE is reported. HVC–UHMWPE has an enhanced resistance to plastic deformation, likely due to its particular microstructure that improves its wear resistance. Concerning creep resistance, HVC–UHMWPE also exhibits enhanced performances thanks to its higher crystallinity. Consequently, HVC could be a new mean to improve UHMWPE performance for a wide range of applications, requiring high wear resistance, both in industrial and biomedical fields. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
New lower matrix bounds for the solution of the continuous algebraic lyapunov equation
Authors: Davies Richard , Shi Peng , Wiltshire Ron
Published: August 2008

New lower matrix bounds are derived for the solution of the continuous algebraic Lyapunov equation (CALE). Following each bound derivation, an iterative algorithm is proposed to derive tighter matrix bounds. In comparison to existing results, the presented results are more concise and are always valid when the CALE has a non‐negative definite solution. We finally give numerical examples to show the effectiveness of the derived bounds and make comparisons with existing results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
“Kontakte” – Reflexionen naturwissenschaftlich‐technischer Innovationsprozesse in der frühen Elektronischen Musik Karlheinz Stockhausens (1952–1960)
Authors: Böhlandt Marco
Published: August 2008

“Kontakte” – Reflections of Innovative Processes in Science and Technology in Karlheinz Stockhausen's Early Electronic Music (1952–1960). The following article will give an overview of the interdependence of aesthetic and scientific/technical developments in German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen's early works of electronic music. It is an outline of the major steps in his artistic evolution between the works “Etude (Musique concrète)” and “Kontakte”, their relation to innovations in psychoacoustic and sound‐studio technology as well as the impact, that the works from that period had on the fundamental changes in musical aesthetics during the course of the 20th century.
Design and use of a multimedia trainer for the subject Descriptive Geometry
Authors: Pérez Morales Máximo , Peñín Pedro Álvarez , Sevillano Ángeles Pascual , Cerra Pablo Pando
Published: August 2008

Less and less time is being dedicated to Descriptive Geometry in Technical Careers. For that reason, a multimedia application that allows us improve and optimize the teaching–learning process in the resolution of typical problems of this subject has been designed. Easy of use, interactiveness or efficiency are characteristics that can be related to this application. In this article, we describe the more important aspects of the developed Multimedia Trainer, as well as the results obtained in an experience with students with the purpose of evaluating its possibilities of use. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 17: 13–24, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae20164
Structure determination of chiral sulfoxide in diastereomeric bicalutamide derivatives
Authors: Li Wei , Hwang Dong Jin , Cremer Dieter , Joo Hyun , Kraka Elfi , Kim Juhyun , Ross Charles R. , Nguyen Viet Q. , Dalton James T. , Miller Duane D.
Published: August 2008

We report on the synthesis and investigation of two diastereomers (5a and 5b) of a new bicalutamide analog with an asymmetric carbon atom and a chiral sulfoxide group. These bicalutamide analogs are novel androgen receptor antagonists with biological activities that depend significantly on the configuration of their stereogenic centers. We determined the absolute configuration at the SO center by combining X‐ray and NMR measurements with quantum chemical calculations. Since 5a and 5b failed to yield satisfactory crystals for X‐ray crystal structure determination, analogs 6a and 6b differing in only one remote functional group relative to the chiral sulfoxide were synthesized, which yielded satisfactory crystals. X‐ray structure determination of 6a and 6b provided the absolute configuration at the chiral sulfoxide. Since the structural difference between 5 and 6 is remote from the chiral sulfoxide, the structural assignment was extended from the diastereomers of 6 to those of 5 provisionally. These assignments were verified with the help of measured and DFT‐calculated proton and carbon NMR chemical shifts. Chirality, 2008. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A quantitative study of spinothalamic neurons in laminae I, III, and IV in lumbar and cervical segments of the rat spinal cord
Authors: Al‐Khater Khulood M. , Kerr Robert , Todd Andrew J.
Published: August 2008

The major ascending outputs from superficial spinal dorsal horn consist of projection neurons in lamina I, together with neurons in laminae III–IV that express the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1r) and have dendrites that enter the superficial laminae. Some neurons in each of these populations belong to the spinothalamic tract, which conveys nociceptive information via the thalamus to cortical areas involved in pain. A projection from the cervical superficial dorsal horn to the posterior triangular nucleus (PoT) has recently been identified. PoT is at the caudal end of the thalamus and was not included in injection sites in many previous retrograde tracing studies. We have injected various tracers (cholera toxin B subunit, Fluoro‐Gold, and fluorescent latex microspheres) into the thalamus to estimate the number of spinothalamic neurons in each of these two populations, and to investigate their projection targets. Most lamina I and lamina III/IV NK1r‐immunoreactive spinothalamic neurons in cervical and lumbar segments could be labeled from injections centered on PoT. Our results suggest that there are 90 lamina I spinothalamic neurons per side in C7 and 15 in L4 and that some of those in C7 only project to PoT. We found that 85% of the lamina III/IV NK1r‐immunoreactive neurons in C6 and 17% of those in L5 belong to the spinothalamic tract, and these apparently project exclusively to the caudal thalamus, including PoT. Because PoT projects to second somatosensory and insular cortices, our results suggest that these are major targets for information conveyed by both these populations of spinothalamic neurons. J. Comp. Neurol. 511:1–18, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conjugation and Maximal Biliary Excretion of Bilirubin in the Rat During Pregnancy and Lactation and During Estroprogestogen Treatment
Authors: Muraca Maurizio , Leyten Roger , Fevery Johan
Published: August 2008

Hepatic bilirubin conjugation and excretion were investigated during pregnancy and lactation in the rat. Bilirubin uridine diphosphate-glucuronyltransferase activity was decreased by 30% in pregnant rats, both when expressed per milligram of protein or as specific activity and per unit of liver weight. Liver size increased during pregnancy, and, as a consequence, total hepatic glucuronyltransferase activity was unchanged. The biliary bilirubin output was normal in pregnant rats, and when loaded with bilirubin, the maximal output in bile for the whole liver was also normal. In lactating rats, specific glucuronyltransferase activity returned to control values, but the activity per unit of liver weight was still lower, due to the decreased hepatic protein concentration. The liver remained enlarged during lactation, and total hepatic glucuronyltransferase activity was increased, together with the maximal output of bilirubin in bile. Two weeks after delivery, hepatic bilirubin conjugation and excretion in nonlactating mothers were comparable to those of virgin females. Parallel modifications of bilirubin glucuronyltransferase assayedin vitroand of maximal biliary output of the pigmentin vivowere observed in all animals studied. The output of bilirubin diconjugates in bile was decreased during pregnancy but no changes of the proportion of the monoto diconjugates in bile were observed 2 weeks after delivery both in lactating and in nonlactating rats. The modifications observed during pregnancy could not be reproduced by treatment with β-estradiol and progesterone. This suggests that different hormones or modifications of steroid metabolism are probably involved in the alterations of hepatic bilirubin metabolism in pregnant and lactating rats.
In Vivo Interactions Between H2-Receptor Antagonists and Ethanol Metabolism in Man and in Rats
Authors: Seitz Helmut K. , Veith Siegrid , Czygan Peter , Bösche Johann , Simon Bernd , Gugler Roland , Kommerell Burkhard
Published: August 2008

The influence of a 7-day medication of either cimetidine (1,000 mg per day) or ranitidine (300 mg per day) on serum ethanol concentrations after a single oral dose of ethanol (0.8 gm per kg body weight) was investigated in a randomized placebo-controlled study in eight male volunteers. Compared with the placebo, cimetidine but not ranitidine produced a significant increase in both the peak serum ethanol concentration (85.9 ± 3.5 vs. 73.0 ± 3.2 mg dl−1, p < 0.02) and in the area under the serum ethanol concentration time curve (350 ± 19 vs. 304 ± 25 mg dl−1hr−1, p < 0.05). However, the ethanol elimination rate was not affected by cimetidine. When ethanol (1.0 gm per kg body weight) was administered intravenously, cimetidine failed to induce a change in ethanol metabolism. Furthermore, the effect of H2-receptor antagonists was studied in animal experiments. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received a single dose of ethanol (7 or 3 gm per kg body weight) together with an intraperitoneal injection of either cimetidine (120 mg per kg body weight), ranitidine (120 mg per kg body weight) or isotonic saline. After alcohol absorption, ethanol elimination was significantly inhibited by both cimetidine (3.99 ± 0.39 vs. 5.68 ± 0.23 mmoles kg−1hr−1, p < 0.02) and ranitidine (4.21 ± 0.14 vs. 5.68 ± 0.23 mmoles kg−1hr−1, p < 0.02) at high ethanol concentrations (60 to 20 mM) but not at blood ethanol concentrations below 20 mM. These results suggest an increase in ethanol absorption due to cimetidine but not to ranitidine in man at ethanol serum concentrations below 20 mM. At ethanol serum concentrations above 20 mM, both H2-receptor antagonists inhibit ethanol elimination in the rat suggesting inhibition of microsomal ethanol oxidation.
Characterization of the transcriptional regulation of the regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2) gene during 3T3‐L1 preadipocyte differentiation
Authors: Cheng Ya‐Shan , Lee Tzong‐Shyuan , Hsu Hui‐Chi , Kou Yu Ru , Wu Yuh‐Lin
Published: August 2008

Adipocyte differentiation is a complex process involving several signaling pathways. Molecular mechanisms regulating the very early stage of adipocyte differentiation is not fully appreciated yet. Several inducible genes at the early stage of preadipocyte differentiation have been identified, including the regulator of G protein signaling 2 (RGS2), a member of the RGS protein superfamily. This study aimed to clarify the precise induction profile of RGS2 and to determine the essential transcription element(s) regulating RGS2 expression in differentiating 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes. RGS2 mRNA expression was elevated immediately at 1 h after differentiation initiation and it remained high until the late stage of differentiation. The putative promoter sequence (∼3,000 bp) of the mouse RGS2 gene was isolated and the RGS2 promoter activity was significantly upregulated 3 h after inducing differentiation. The primary signaling pathway leading to RGS2 transcriptional activation appeared to be cAMP‐dependent. Sequential deletion and site‐directed mutagenesis strategies demonstrate that the RGS2 promoter sequence truncated down to 78 bp in size retained full inducibility by the differentiation stimuli. Mutation of a Sp1 site within the 78 bp region significantly blocked promoter activity. In addition, high expression of Sp1 transcription factor was noted prior to and paralleling the differentiation process. Taken together, our data suggest that RGS2 transcription is immediately induced via a cAMP‐dependent pathway after initiation of 3T3‐L1 differentiation and the RGS2 mRNA level remains consistently high throughout the differentiation progression. A Sp1 site within RGS2 promoter appeared to be a crucial response element to regulate RGS2 transcription. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 922–930, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Statistical design of experiments of acid activation of smectite clay from Serbia and its bleaching capacity
Authors: Petrović Srdan , Novaković Tatjana , Rožić Ljiljana
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Serbian smectite clay has been activated using a response surface method with central composite design. Because, among the criteria of an edible oil, colour is the most important factor in the commercial value of the oil, and since the colour is due to the presence of pigments such as β‐carotene in the crude oil, acid‐activated clay was used for decolourisation of soybean oil.

RESULTS: The effects of five parameters, namely, temperature, time, acid strength, solid/liquid ratio and stirring speed, on the process of acid activation of the clay and its bleaching capacity were determined using a statistical model. The results indicated that all parameters were significant factors in the bleaching capacity of acid‐activated clay, and a quadratic polynomial equation for bleaching capacity was obtained by multiple regression analysis. The optimal bleaching capacity was estimated to be 96.61% for an experimental run under the following conditions: activation temperature 80 °C, HCl concentration 4.78 mol L−1, stirring speed 450 rpm, solid/liquid ratio 1:4.5 and activation time 2.81 h.

CONCLUSIONS: The central composite design, regression analysis and response surface method were effective in identifying the optimal conditions for bleaching capacity of acid‐activated smectite. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A new monoclonal antibody, A3B10, specific for astrocyte‐lineage cells recognizes calmodulin‐regulated spectrin‐associated protein 1 (Camsap1)
Authors: Yamamoto Masahiro , Yoshimura Kazunori , Kitada Masaaki , Nakahara Jin , Seiwa Chika , Ueki Toshiyuki , Shimoda Yasushi , Ishige Atsushi , Watanabe Kenji , Asou Hiroaki
Published: August 2008

Recent studies of adult neurogenesis of the mammalian central nervous system have suggested unexpected plasticity and complexity of neural cell ontogenesis. Redefinition and reconstitution of cell classification and lineage relationships, especially between glial and neural precursors, are an urgent and crucial concern. In the present study, we describe a new monoclonal antibody, A3B10, which was produced by immunizing mice with the membrane fraction prepared from astrocyte‐enriched primary neural cell cultures. Immunohistochemistry of brain sections, including brains from glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)‐deficient mice and primary mixed neural cell cultures, as well as immunoblot analysis and immunoelectron microscopy, have revealed that 1) A3B10 recognizes a majority of cells in ependyma in neonatal and adult rats, 2) A3B10 stains almost all GFAP+ cells and some S100β+ cells in the corpus callosum, 3) A3B10 specifically stains astrocytes in vitro in primary cultures of rat embryonic cerebral hemispheres, 4) A3B10 equally stains ependymal cells of wild‐type and GFAP‐deficient mice, and 5) A3B10 antigen might construct intermediate filament bundles with GFAP and/or vimentin. These data suggested that the antibody labels a wide array of astorcytic‐lineage cells including astrocytes, astrocyte precursors, and neural stem cells. Screening a cDNA library derived from rat embryonic brain has revealed that the antibody recognizes calmodulin‐regulated spectrin‐associated protein 1 (Camsap1). Thus this antibody may provide not only a new marker to identify astrocyte‐lineage cells but also a new target molecule to elucidate the ontogeny, development, and pathophysiological functions of astrocyte‐lineage cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quality of life and nutritional assessment in peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM): recommendations for care
Authors: McQuellon Richard , Gavazzi Cecilia , Piso Pompiliu , Swain David , Levine Edward
Published: August 2008

Quality of life (QOL) and nutritional status of patients treated for peritoneal surface malignancy are important areas for ongoing assessment. A working group of clinicians including a dietitian, physicians, and quality of life researchers was formed as part of the Fifth International Workshop on Peritoneal Surface Malignancy. The purpose of the group was to form a consensus statement on both quality of life and nutritional assessment in PSM. The relevant literature from the quality of life and nutritional assessment in peritoneal surface malignancy was reviewed and integrated to form a consensus statement. Baseline and ongoing assessment of both quality of life and nutritional status of patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is recommended. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:300–305. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Nomenclature and modalities of perfusion
Authors: Glehen Olivier , Cotte Eddy , Kusamura Shigeki , Deraco Marcello , Baratti Dario , Passot Guillaume , Beaujard Annie‐Claude , Noel Gilly Francois
Published: August 2008

Following international consensus, HIPEC should be the acronym used in the scientific literature to refer to the hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Several modalities of perfusion are used to deliver HIPEC: open abdominal technique (Coliseum), closed abdominal technique, peritoneal cavity expander, semi‐opened abdominal technique. There is no sufficient evidence in literature confirming the superiority of one technique over the others in terms of outcome, morbidity and safety to the personnel of the operating theatre. Each option has its own operational advantages and disadvantages and future prospective studies must be conducted to establish which one is the best alternative. Today, the best technique is the one which is routinely used and improved into each specialized institution involved in the management of peritoneal surface malignancy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;98:242–246. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between the physicochemical properties of starches and the glycemic indices of some Jamaican yams (Dioscoreaspp.)
Authors: Riley Cliff K. , Bahado‐Singh Perceval S. , Wheatley Andrew O. , Ahmad Mohammed H. , Asemota Helen N.
Published: August 2008

Starch granules from round leaf yellow yam (RY), Lucea yam (LY), white yam (WY), and Chinese yam (CY) grown in Jamaica were isolated and the relationship between starch amylose content, crystallinity, microscopic properties,in vitrodigestibility, and the glycemic index (GI) of the tubers was investigated. The results indicate that RY had the highest amylose content (265.30 ± 0.09 g/kg starch) while CY the lowest (111.44 ± 0.03 g/kg starch). A corresponding variation in starch digestibility and GI was also observed, as CY which had the highestin vitrodigestibility had the highest GI (21.27 ± 0.01 and 97.42 ± 0.62%, respectively), while RY, LY, and WY starches with low digestibility had lowest GI. Differences in the crystalline pattern of the different starches were observed, where RY, LY, and WY displayed the type B crystalline pattern while CY had the intermediate crystallite (type C).
DEM analysis of bonded granular geomaterials
Authors: Utili S. , Nova R.
Published: August 2008

In this paper, the application of the distinct element method (DEM) to frictional cohesive (c, ϕ) geomaterials is described. A new contact bond model based on the Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion has been implemented in PFC2D. According to this model, the bond strength can be clearly divided into two distinct micromechanical contributions: an intergranular friction angle and a cohesive bond force. A parametric analysis, based on several biaxial tests, has been run to validate the proposed model and to calibrate the micromechanical parameters. Simple relationships between the macromechanical strength parameters (c, ϕ) and the corresponding micromechanical quantities have been obtained so that they can be used to model boundary value problems with the DEM without need of further calibration.

As an example application, the evolution of natural cliffs subject to weathering has been studied. Different weathering scenarios have been considered for an initially vertical cliff. Firstly, the case of uniform weathering has been studied. Although unrealistic, this case has been considered in order to validate the DEM approach by comparison against analytical predictions available from limit analysis. Secondly, non‐uniform weathering has been studied. The results obtained clearly show that with the DEM it is possible to realistically model boundary value problems of bonded geomaterials, which would be overwhelmingly difficult to do with other numerical techniques. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High level of mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase‐1 expression is associated with cisplatin resistance in osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Zhihong , Zhou Jun‐Ying , Kanakapalli Deepa , Buck Steven , Wu Gen Sheng , Ravindranath Yaddanapudi
Published: August 2008

Background

Cisplatin is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of several solid tumors including osteosarcoma (OS). Despite aggressive treatment, 25% of patients with OS continue to die from their disease. Since cisplatin based regimens have been uniformly used in OS therapy, treatment failure is likely due, at least in part, to cisplatin resistance.

Procedure

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between MKP‐1 expression and cisplatin sensitivity of OS cell lines and to explore the mechanism underlying this relationship. Three OS cell lines were examined for their MKP‐1 expression and cisplatin sensitivity. JNK phosphorylation and apoptosis induction was also measured. Western and Northern blot, flow cytometry, siRNA, and MTT assays were used.

Results

U2OS cells, which express high level of MKP‐1, are less sensitive to cisplatin‐induced cell death. Inhibition of MKP‐1 by siRNA silencing sensitizes U2OS cells to cisplatin‐induced cell death. Furthermore, delayed apoptosis induction following cisplatin treatment was observed in U2OS, in parallel to decreased JNK activation, increased MKP‐1 expression and relatively increased cisplatin resistance. Interestingly, triptolide, an MKP‐1 inhibitor, blocks MKP‐1 expression and enhances cisplatin‐induced cell death.

Conclusion

High MKP‐1 expression is associated with decreased sensitivity or increased resistance to cisplatin‐induced cell death in OS cell lines, and MKP‐1 could potentially be used as a marker of cisplatin resistance and a therapeutic target for molecular therapies. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:754–759. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnosis and drug treatment of extraoesophageal reflux
Authors: Dettmar Peter , Strugala Vicki
Published: August 2008

Gastric reflux is not only associated with heartburn and dyspepsia but can also cause a wide range of extraoesophageal conditions. Here the authors describe the recommended management of extraoesophageal reflex. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
NICE lipid modification guidance: more questions than answers?
Authors: Duerden Martin
Published: August 2008

NICE recently published its long‐awaited guidance on lipid modification in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and in type 2 diabetes. Here, Dr Martin Duerden gives his interpretation of the guidance and discusses the health resource implications. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Retapamulin (Altargo): novel antibacterial for impetigo
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Kennedy Cameron
Published: August 2008

Retapamulin is a new topical antibacterial licensed for impetigo and minor skin infections. In our New products review Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Dr Cameron Kennedy comments on its place in therapy. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Incorporation of arsenic in diamond grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Frangieh G. , Pinault M.‐A. , Barjon J. , Jomard F. , Chevallier J.
Published: August 2008

For the n‐type doping of diamond, phosphorus is currently the only well‐established substitutional donor. However, it is a relatively deep donor with an ionization energy of 0.6 eV. Theoretical studies show that other elements could behave as shallower donors in diamond. For instance, arsenic is predicted to have an ionization energy of 0.4 eV. In this work, we present a study on homoepitaxial diamond layers grown on (111) HPHT substrates by microwave plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition adding trimethylarsenic in the gaseous phase. A large set of growth conditions are investigated, starting with the ones classically employed for phosphorus doping. Some of the samples were also grown under a sequential gas flow that consists in a pulsed CH4 injection. Secondary ion mass spectrometry shows that arsenic is incorporated in the diamond layer. In addition, we show that, for a given [CH4]/[H2] ratio, the arsenic incorporation ratio is larger with sequential growth than with continuous growth. However, the arsenic donor activity is not detected by cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. These results are discussed at the light of the diamond layer quality which is studied by Raman spectroscopy, Nomarski optical microscopy and electron channelling patterns. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester)‐based propolis extract (Bio 30) suppresses the growth of human neurofibromatosis (NF) tumor xenografts in mice
Authors: Demestre M. , Messerli S. M. , Celli N. , Shahhossini M. , Kluwe L. , Mautner V. , Maruta H.
Published: August 2008

Dysfunction of the NF1 gene coding a RAS GAP is the major cause of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), whereas neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is caused primarily by dysfunction of the NF2 gene product called merlin that inhibits directly PAK1, an oncogenic Rac/CDC42‐dependent Ser/Thr kinase. It was demonstrated previously that PAK1 is essential for the growth of both NF1 and NF2 tumors. Thus, several anti‐PAK1 drugs, including FK228 and CEP‐1347, are being developed for the treatment of NF tumors. However, so far no effective NF therapeutic is available on the market. Since propolis, a very safe healthcare product from bee hives, contains anticancer ingredients called CAPE (caffeic acid phenethyl ester) or ARC (artepillin C), depending on the source, both of which block the oncogenic PAK1 signaling pathways, its potential therapeutic effect on NF tumors was explored in vivo. Here it is demonstrated that Bio 30, a CAPE‐rich water‐miscible extract of New Zealand (NZ) propolis suppressed completely the growth of a human NF1 cancer called MPNST (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor) and caused an almost complete regression of human NF2 tumor (Schwannoma), both grafted in nude mice. Although CAPE alone has never been used clinically, due to its poor bioavailability/water‐solubility, Bio 30 contains plenty of lipids which solubilize CAPE, and also includes several other anticancer ingredients that seem to act synergistically with CAPE. Thus, it would be worth testing clinically to see if Bio 30 and other CAPE‐rich propolis are useful for the treatment of NF patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric pressure glow discharge desorption mass spectrometry for rapid screening of pesticides in food
Authors: Jecklin Matthias Conradin , Gamez Gerardo , Touboul David , Zenobi Renato
Published: August 2008

Flowing afterglow atmospheric pressure glow discharge tandem mass spectrometry (APGD‐MS/MS) is used for the analysis of trace amounts of pesticides in fruit juices and on fruit peel. The APGD source was rebuilt after Andrade et al. (Andrade et al., Anal. Chem. 2008; 80: 2646–2653; 2654–2663) and mounted onto a hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer. Apple, cranberry, grape and orange juices as well as fruit peel and salad leafs were spiked with aqueous solutions containing trace amounts of the pesticides alachlor, atrazine, carbendazim, carbofuran, dinoseb, isoproturon, metolachlor, metolcarb, propoxur and simazine. Best limits of determination (LODs) of pesticides in the fruit juices were achieved for metolcarb (1 µg/L in apple juice), carbofuran and dinoseb (2 µg/L in apple juice); for the analysis of apple skin best LODs were 10 pg/cm2 of atrazine, metolcarb and propoxur which corresponds to an estimated concentration of 0.01 µg/kg apple, taking into account the surface area and the weight of the apple. The measured LODs were within or below the allowed maximum residue levels (MRLs) decreed by the European Union (1–500 µg/kg for pesticides in fruit juice and 0.01–5 µg/kg for apple skin). No sample pretreatment (extraction, pre‐concentration, chromatographic separation) was necessary to analyze these pesticides by direct desorption/ionization using APGD‐MS and to identify them using MS/MS. This makes APGD‐MS a powerful high‐throughput tool for the investigation of very low amounts of pesticides in fruit juices and on fruit peel/vegetable skin. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subchronic racemic gamma vinyl‐GABA produces weight loss in Sprague Dawley and Zucker fatty rats
Authors: DeMarco Amy , Dalal Reema M. , Kahanda Milan , Mullapudi Uma , Pai Jessica , Hammel Crystie , Liebling Courtney N.B. , Patel Vinal , Brodie Jonathan D. , Schiffer Wynne K. , Dewey Stephen L. , Aquilina Stefanie D.
Published: August 2008

Given the growing obesity epidemic, pressure to develop an effective pharmacologic treatment is mounting. Following the completion of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo controlled trial as well as two small open label trials, gamma vinyl‐GABA (GVG) has been shown to be safe and effective for treating cocaine and/or methamphetamine dependence. In an extension of these findings, the present study examined whether GVG could produce weight loss in adolescent as well as genetically obese animals. Specifically, adolescent Sprague Dawley and adolescent and adult Zucker fatty rats received GVG at various doses (75–300 mg/kg, i.p., racemic) for treatment periods lasting no longer than 14 consecutive days. GVG produced significant weight loss in a dose dependent fashion in all groups. These effects were marked, as average decreases of 12–20% of original body weight were observed. These findings suggest that GVG may be useful as a treatment for obesity. Further, that these results occurred in genetically obese animals offers the possibility that GVG may even help manage severe obesity resulting from binge‐eating, a disorder involving food consumption in a pattern similar to the compulsive drug‐seeking behavior observed in cocaine and methamphetamine dependent subjects. Synapse 62:870–872, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spore ornamentation of Minchinia occulta n. sp. (Haplosporidia) in rock oysters Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1778)
Authors: BEARHAM D. , SPIERS Z. , RAIDAL S. R. , JONES J. B. , NICHOLLS P. K.
Published: August 2008

A Minchinia sp. (Haplosporidia: Haplosporidiidae) parasite was identified infecting rock oysters and morphologically described by Hine and Thorne (2002) using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The parasite was associated with up to 80% mortality in the host species and it is suspected that the parasite would be a major impediment to the development of a tropical rock oyster aquaculture industry in northern Western Australia. However, attempts to identify the parasite following the development of a specific probe for Haplosporidium nelsoni were unsuccessful. The SSU region of the parasite's rRNA gene was later characterized in our laboratory and an in situ hybridization assay for the parasite was developed. This study names the parasite as Minchinia occulta n sp. and morphologically describes the parasite using histology, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The non-spore stages were unusual in that they consisted primarily of uninucleate stages reminiscent of Bonamia spp. The parasite's spores were ovoid to circular shaped and measured 4·5 μm–5·0 μm×3·5–4·1 μm in size. The nucleus of the sporoplasm measured 1·5–2·3 μm and was centrally located. The spores were covered in a branching network of microtubule-like structures that may degrade as the spore matures.
Molecular cloning and characterization ofEchinostoma caproniheat shock protein-70 and differential expression in the parasite derived from low- and high-compatible hosts
Authors: HIGÓN M. , MONTEAGUDO C. , FRIED B. , ESTEBAN J. G. , TOLEDO R. , MARCILLA A.
Published: August 2008

We cloned and expressedEchinostoma caproniHSP70 inEscherichia coli. This molecule presents an open reading frame (ORF) of 655 amino acids, and a theoretical molecular weight of 71 kDa.E. caproniHSP70 protein showed a high homology to other helminth molecules, major differences being located in the C-terminal region of the molecule, with a hydrophobic portion. Studies of protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression revealed a distinct pattern, depending on the host (low- or high-compatible). Specific polyclonal antisera raised against the recombinant protein expressed inEscherichia colidemonstrated its selective presence in excretory/secretory products (ESP) of adult parasites obtained from high-compatible hosts. Immunological studies showed clearly the association of HSP70 with the parasite surface and other structures, including eggs.
ALGEBRAS ASSOCIATED WITH A FREE INVERSE MONOID
Authors: CRABB M. J.
Published: August 2008

Let S be an ideal of the free inverse monoid on a set X, and let ℬ denote the Banach algebra l1(S). It is shown that the following statements are equivalent: ℬ is *-primitive; ℬ is prime; X is infinite. A similar result holds if ℬ is replaced by ℂ[S], the complex semigroup algebra of S.