bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the best available wastewater management techniques for a textile mill: cost and benefit analysis
Authors: Dogan Bugce , Kerestecioglu Merih , Yetis Ulku
Published: February 2010

In the present study, several water recovery and end-of-pipe wastewater treatment alternatives were evaluated towards the evaluation of Best Available Techniques (BATs) for the management of wastewaters from a denim textile mill in accordance with the European Union's Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive. For this purpose, an assessment that translates the key environmental aspects into a quantitative measure of environmental performance and also financial analysis was performed for each of the alternatives. The alternatives considered for water recovery from dyeing wastewaters were nanofiltration (NF) with coagulation and/or microfiltration (MF) pre-treatment, ozonation or peroxone and Fenton oxidation. On the other hand, for the end-of-pipe treatment of the mill's mixed wastewater, ozonation, Fenton oxidation, membrane bioreactor (MBR) and activated sludge (AS) process followed by membrane filtration technologies were evaluated. The results have indicated that membrane filtration process with the least environmental impacts is the BAT for water recovery. On the other side, MBR technology has appeared as the BAT for the end-of-pipe treatment of the mill's mixed wastewater. A technical and financial comparison of these two BAT alternatives revealed that water recovery via membrane filtration from dyeing wastewaters is selected as the BAT for the water and wastewater management in the mill.
Quantitative and qualitative effects of bioaugmentation on ammonia oxidisers at a two-step WWTP
Authors: Podmirseg S. M. , Schoen M. A. , Murthy S. , Insam H. , Wett B.
Published: February 2010

Large waste water treatment plants (WWTP) often operate nitrification in two different process environments: the cold-dilute sewage is treated in the mainstream nitrification/denitrification system, while the high strength ammonia liquors from sludge dewatering are treated in a separate high temperature reactor (SBR). This study investigates transfer from nitrifier biomass into a two-stage WWTP, commonly referred to as bioaugmentation. Besides the quantitation of ammonia oxidising bacteria (AOB), community differences were analysed with two techniques, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and real-time PCR melt curve analysis. It was shown that, without bioaugmentation, two distinct AOB communities establish in the mainstream and in the SBR, respectively. A gradual shift of the two AOB communities with increasing pump rates between the systems could be demonstrated. These molecular findings support process engineering experience, that cycling of waste activated sludge improves the ability of AOB to adapt to different process environments.
Modelling the effect of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on marine phytoplankton in the Singapore Strait
Authors: Sundarambal P. , Tkalich P. , Balasubramanian R.
Published: February 2010

Atmospheric deposition is an important source of nutrients to the ocean, potentially stimulating primary production, but its relative effect on coastal eutrophication remains largely unknown. This paper presents data generated by the 3-D modelling program NEUTRO to assess the proportion of atmospheric nutrient fluxes, allowing a quantification of the relative contribution of atmospheric and ocean fluxes in the Singapore Strait. This work included an assessment of the importance of high concentration episodic inputs of nitrate-nitrogen associated with transport of polluted air onto the surface water. The NEUTRO model features a nutrient-fuelled food web composed of nutrients, plankton, and dissolved oxygen dynamics. Model simulations show that atmospheric deposition fluxes alone might contribute nitrate-nitrogen mass up to 15% into the Singapore Strait. This amount might be a significant contributor toward regional eutrophication when the system is under nutrient-depleted conditions. Model calibrations for temporal and spatial variability of nutrients qualitatively and quantitatively agreed with available measurements.
The effect of urban landfill leachate characteristics on the coexistence of anammox bacteria and heterotrophic denitrifiers
Authors: Ruscalleda M. , Puig S. , Mora X. , López H. , Ganigué R. , Balaguer M. D. , Colprim J.
Published: February 2010

Heterotrophic denitrification coexists with the anammox process contributing to N removal owing to the biodegradable organic matter supply from urban landfill leachate and the decay of microorganisms. Both biomasses consumed nitrite increasing the nitrite requirements of the system. The aim of this paper is the study of the causes which induce the system to decrease nitrogen removal efficiency. In this study, urban landfill leachate has been treated in an anammox Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) for 360 days. The anammox reactor treated on average 0.24 kgN m−3 d−1 obtaining nitrogen removal efficiencies up to 89%. The results demonstrated that i) a suitable influent nitrite to ammonium molar ratio is a crucial factor to avoid troubles in the anammox reactor performance; ii) an excess of nitrite implied nitrite accumulation in the reactor; iii) a lower nitrite supply than the necessary for the system could force a loss of specific anammox activity due to nitrite competition with denitrifiers. These results pointed out the importance of the previous partial-nitritation process control in order to obtain a correct influent nitrite to ammonium molar ratio for the anammox reactor. In addition, sudden variation of the leachate characteristics must be avoided.
Post-treatment of UASB reactor effluent in waste stabilization ponds and in horizontal flow constructed wetlands: a comparative study in pilot scale in Southeast Brazil
Authors: Bastos R. K. X. , Calijuri M. L. , Bevilacqua P. D. , Rios E. N. , Dias E. H. O. , Capelete B. C. , Magalhães T. B.
Published: February 2010

The results of a 20-month period study in Brazil were analyzed to compare horizontal-flow constructed wetlands (CW) and waste stabilization pond (WSP) systems in terms of land area requirements and performance to produce effluent qualities for surface water discharge, and for wastewater use in agriculture and/or aquaculture. Nitrogen, E. coli and helminth eggs were more effectively removed in WSP than in CW. It is indicated that CW and WSP require similar land areas to achieve a bacteriological effluent quality suitable for unrestricted irrigation (103E. coli per 100 mL), but CW would require 2.6 times more land area than ponds to achieve quite relaxed ammonia effluent discharge standards (20 mg NH3 L−1), and, by far, more land than WSP to produce an effluent complying with the WHO helminth guideline for agricultural use (≤1 egg per litre).
Mineral substances in the bone tissue and blood of patients with osteoporosis
Authors: Ajdukovic Zorica , Dimic Aleksandar , Stankovic Sasa , Krunic Nebojsa , Aleksov Ljiljana , Ignjatovic Nenad
Published: February 2010

Introduction. Osteoporosis is a very common disorder of skeleton, which can be caused by various metabolic disturbances, malnutrition, immobilization, endocrine disorders, bone marrow diseases, connective tissue disorders, and, in some cases, by inappropriate therapy. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the relationships between the mineral content in the alveolar bone and serum osteoporosis in chosen patients. Material and methods. The study included an experimental and a control group of patients who were submitted to internal and prosthodontic therapy. The plan of therapy was to extract anticipated parodonthopathic teeth, taking samples of the alveolar bone and its analysis by spectrometry. At the same time the biochemical analyses of the blood were performed. Results. Before the therapy, due to negative remodeling, values of mineral content in decalcified bone tissue and serum were significantly lower than in the control group. After the therapy, the quality of the bone tissue was improved, with increased contents of mineral substances. Discussion and conclusion. Disorders of mineral metabolism are very important for osteoporosis. This disorder may involve entire skeleton, especially stomatoghnatic complex. Therefore osteoporosis is one of very important illnesses in dentistry, especially in prosthodontics, because of the supporting nature of bone tissue for all types of dental prostheses.
Bone metabolism during substitution therapy of primary hypothyroidism
Authors: Pejin Radoslav , Curic Nikola , Kovacev-Zavisic Branka , Todorovic-Djilas Ljiljana
Published: February 2010

Introduction. The relation between thyroid hormones and bone metabolism markers in hyperthyroidism is well known. Earlier studies indicate the possibility of bone metabolism acceleration during the excessive replacement therapy with l-thyroxin in hypothyroid patients especially in one with other risk factors for bone metabolism impairment. This study evaluated the effect of physiological l-thyroxine treatment on bone metabolism in patient with primary hypothyroidism. Material and methods. In the study group of 30 hypothyroid patients individual thyroxine replacement was performed targeting euthyroid status. Bone and calcium metabolism parameters (osteocalcin-OC, alkaline phosphates-ALP, C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide type I-CL, parathormone-PTH, Ca, ionized Ca, P), thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, TSH) were measured before treatment and when euthyroid status was achieved. Results and discussion. A significant treatment effect was observed for bone formation and resorption parameters before and during the therapy; OC (p=0.000024), CL (p=0.002648). Ionized calcium levels also showed significantly higher values in euthyroid status confirming bone metabolism acceleration during the l-thyroxine therapy (p= 0.020). Thus, calcium metabolism hormone regulators were not significantly different before and after the therapy; PTH (p=0.27). Thyroid hormone levels showed significant correlation with bone metabolism parameters before the therapy whereas this correlation was not found during therapy because of different individual l-thyroxine doses. Conclusion. It can be concluded that physiological doses of l-thyroxine therapy accelerate bone metabolism in hypothyroid patients. Thus, the argument against bone loss during physiological substitution is highly specific mutual correlation between bone formation and resorption parameters. These assumptions require further investigations in long term prospective studies in patients on replacement l-thyroxine therapy.
Endotracheal intubation without the use of muscle relaxants in patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Vlajkovic Gordana , Sindjelic Radomir , Markovic Dejan , Terzic Milica , Bumbasirevic Vesna
Published: February 2010

Introduction. Although muscle relaxants have been widely used to facilitate endotracheal intubation, the administration of these drugs in myasthenic patients may be associated with adverse events. Material and methods. After obtaining Institutional Reviewing Board approval and informed, patient consent, 30 patients with myasthenia gravis were enrolled in a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. We compared intubating conditions (ease of laryngoscopy, vocal cords, cough, jaw relaxation, limb movement) following fentanyl 2 mg/kg and propofol 2 mg/kg (group PRO, n = 15) vs fentanyl 2 mg/kg and sevoflurane 5% in a 1:2 mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (group SEVO, n = 15). The statistical analysis was performed using Student's t test and Chi-quadrate test, p<0.05 being regarded as significant. Results. The overall intubating conditions were excellent in 67% of patients in the group PRO vs 80% of patients in the group SEVO (p>0.05). One patient in each group had clinically unacceptable conditions for intubation. The mean intubation score was 5.7?1.0 in the group PRO vs 5.9?0.9 in the group SEVO (p>0.05). Three patients receiving propofol and one patient receiving sevoflurane had mild hoarseness after the surgery (p>0.05). Conclusion. Both propofol and sevoflurane, supplemented with fentanyl, provide good intubating conditions without the use of muscle relaxants in patients with myasthenia gravis.
Cytoarchitecture of the human paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus
Authors: Babovic Sinisa , Ivanov Dejan , Mijatov-Ukropina Ljilja , Toyonaga Takashi , Dimitrijevic Ivan , Djordjevic Milena
Published: February 2010

Introduction. The significance of this research in terms of structure and biochemical processes in PVN contributes to further understanding of vital physiological processes from delivery and stress to delicate chemical processes that keep the hypothalamo-hypophysial axis in balance. Conclusion. Comparative studies of the human hypothalamus with the hypothalamus of other mammals enable further research, especially pharmacological and physiological ones. These are made possible with the aid of highly sophisticated equipment for examination of neurophysiological features of the brain.
The quantity of information which parents and their seven-year-old children have on the affects of nutrition, oral hygiene and fluoride prophylaxis on dental health
Authors: Igic Marija , Apostolovic Mirjana , Kostadinovic Ljiljana , Trickovic-Janjic Olivera , Surdilovic Dusan
Published: February 2010

Introduction. Health education plays a crucial oral in maintaining good oral health of human population and, primarily, in reducing the incidence of caries as one of the most frequent oral diseases. This implies the need for a change in the behavior of individuals, groups or the society as a whole, in terms of the following: establishing a proper nutrition regime, establishing the habit of maintaining oral hygiene and the use of fluorides. The goal of the paper is to determine the quantity of information which parents and their seven year old children have on the effects of nutrition, oral hygiene and fluoride prophylaxis on dental health in rural and urban environment. Material and methods. The survey included 450 seven-year-old children and their parents in urban and rural environments. The quantity of information about proper nutrition, oral hygiene and fluoride prophylaxis was determined based on specific questionnaires for children and their parents. Results. The quantity of information about the effects of proper nutrition, oral hygiene and fluoride prophylaxis on dental health of seven year old children is significantly larger in urban, as compared to the rural environment. The quantity of information of parents about the effects of proper nutrition, oral hygiene and fluoride prophylaxis on dental health is larger in urban, as compared to the rural environment. Conclusion. This research suggests a need to intensify health education activities, especially in the rural environment.
Immunopathogenesis of recurrent genital candidosis in women
Authors: Tasic Suzana , Miladinovic-Tasic Natasa
Published: February 2010

Introduction. There are more and more women that suffer from chronic recurrent genital candidiasis. At the beginning of the research in this field the researchers usually studied the properties of the microorganism then nonspecific resistance of the vaginal mucosa, possibility of endogenous and exogenous reinfection, hormonal status of women in order to determine the cause of the recurrent genitall candidosis. After numerous studies, only the risk factors were determined, but not the very cause of the recurrence of this fungal infection. The following investigation encompassed examination of the immunity of the vaginal mucosa, as welll as the influence of the system cellular immunity to the course of the vaginal fungal infection. Results of those studies show that neither hyporeactivity, nor the disregulation of the system cellular immunity has influence to the course of the recurrent genital candidosis. Conclusion. Based on the existence of the antigen presenting cells and phenotypically different T- lymphocytes in the vaginal mucosa, it was determined that this mucous membrane represents immunocompetent tissue, and accordingly, one may assume that the cause of the recurrent genital candidosis may lie in disregulation of the local immune response to the Candida sp. antigens.
Clinical characteristics of infectious spondylodiscitis
Authors: Knezevic Aleksandar , Turkulov Vesna , Boskovic Ksenija , Klasnja Aleksandar , Tomasevic-Todorovic Snezana , Devecerski Gordana
Published: February 2010

Spondylodiscitis represents an inflammatory process, localized in the vertebrae body and in the intervertebral discs. The goals of this research were to identify subjective complaints, clinical findings, and laboratory characteristics in patients with spondylodiscitis, as well as to establish the importance of magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing this disease. The data of 40 patients treated at the Clinic for Infectious diseases of the Clinical Center of Vojvodina from 2003 till 2007 were reviewed. Majority of the patients had low back pain (90%). Fever was present in 37.5% of patients (X2= 2,5; p>0,05). Laboratory parameters of inflammation were higher than normal in most of the patients before the treatment. Diagnosis of spondylodiscitis was made using MRI in 97,5% of the patients. Keeping in mind unspecific subjective complaints and clinical findings in patients with spondylodiscitis, a health professional should always suspect spondylodiscitis when back pain occurs, in order to diagnose and treat this severe disease as early as possible. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most advantageous method in diagnosing spondylodiscitis.
Scoliosis in school children aged from 7 to 8 and conditions in primary and secondary schools in Kragujevac
Authors: Djonovic Nela , Milic Caslav , Kocic Sanja , Radovanovic Snezana
Published: February 2010

Introduction. Scoliosis, a lateral curvature of the spine, is the most frequent deformity of the spinal column. It is additionally aggravated by the inadequate environmental conditions in schools, such as unadjusted furniture, teaching aids and most of all, school bag and bad lighting. Material and methods. This investigation was carried out during the years 2005 and 2006 on the territory of the city of Kragujevac and included school children attending 22 primary and 8 secondary schools, whose medical records were obtained from school children health centres, the counseling centre for scoliosis at the Orthopedic Department of the Hospital in Kragujevac and the Institute of Public Health in Kragujevac. Results. The statistical analysis of these data showed that a significantly higher number of children with scoliosis was detected in 2005, being ??=11.6, p<0.01 for primary schools. Scoliosis was more frequent in girls than in boys: in 2005 it was ??=10.54, p<0.01 and in 2006 ??=10.72, p<0.01 in primary schools, whereas no difference was found in secondary schools in 2005 -c2=4.14, p>0.05, but in 2006 scoliosis was more frequent in girls ??=49.51, p<0.01. Conclusion. Scoliosis is extremely important in both primary and secondary schools and therefore, it is necessary to intensify preventive systematic examinations of school children.
Risk factors and disposition in development of the nervous system infections
Authors: Nesic Ljiljana , Canovic Predrag , Mijailovic Zeljko , Djokovic Jelena
Published: February 2010

Introduction. Although well protected, brain is not resistant to infection agents. Acute infections of our nervous system appear more often in children and in persons who have medical history data about previous disorders, especially disorders of the nervous system. It is difficult to list possible risk factors which can be responsible for the appearance of infections of CNS and the resulting conditions. It is often difficult or impossible to determine what previous neural damage was (trauma, anoxic damages etc.) from those appearing during infections of CNS. All-inclusive anamnestic research reduces the possibility of approximate judgments. Material and methods. The research was based on the retrospective analysis of medical documentation of 275 patients. All patients were divided into three groups according to the final diagnosis. The first group consisted of 125 patients who were treated for acute virus encephalitis, the second group consisted of 125 patients who were treated for acute bacterial meningoencephalitis and the third group consisted of 25 patients who were treated for cerebritis. Discussion. In our studies sample, the youngest patient was 3 years old and the oldest was 87 years old. The highest number of patients with virus infection of the CNS was in the group under 25 years of age (45.6%). The highest number of patients with bacterial infections of the CNS and cerebritis was in the group of patients over 45 years of age (64%, 37%). Conclusion. Risk factors were more present in bacterial infections of the nervous system and cerebrit thanin virus infection of CNS. In virus infections of the CNS, 28% of patients had some risk factor, most often-chronic ethylism, diabetes mellitus and acquired heart diseases. In bacterial infections of the CNS, 64% of patients had some predisposed factor. The most frequent factor of risk in these patients were chronic otitis (21.6%) and craniotrauma (14.4%). In cerebritis, risk factors were present in 76% of patients and they were: sepsis (20%), chronic otitis (12%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (8%).
Dermatomyositis associated with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma: Case report
Authors: Vesic Sonja , Djakovic Zorana , Vukicevic Jelica , Vukovic Jelena , Stojkovic Jelena , Medenica Ljiljana
Published: February 2010

Introduction. Dermatomyositis is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with characteristic cutaneous changes. The disease belongs to paraneoplastic dermatosis. Association of dermatomyositis with malignant conditions has been described in various studies. We present a patient with paraneoplastic dermatomyositis associated with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma. Case report. A 66 - year - old man was hospitalized in our Institute due to skin changes and myopathy in October 2006. According to the medical documents and history, he underwent surgery because of rectal adenocarcinoma in April 2006. Skin changes appeared 5 months before, while aggravation occurred 6 months after the surgery. The diagnosis of dermatomyositis was based on: characteristic clinical picture; the elevated serum level of following enzymes: creatinine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase; the presence of anti - Mi 2 antibodies in serum; electromyographic finding; and by histology of the muscle biopsy. Paraneoplastic nature of dermatomyositis was confirmed by computer tomography of the abdomen which revealed multiple deposits in the liver, by explorative laparotomy showing peritoneal dissemination and histopathological analysis that verified metastatic adenocarcinoma of the rectum. The oncological consulting team suggested chemotherapy which was not carried out because of the rapid lethal outcome. Conclusion. We report a case of paraneoplastic dermatomyositis associated with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma and lethal outcome, and suggest a comprehensive evaluation of patients with dermatomyositis older than 50 years in order to exclude or verify the occult malignancy.
Motor and Sensory Nerve Conduction Are Affected Differently by Ice Pack, Ice Massage, and Cold Water Immersion
Authors: Herrera Esperanza , Sandoval Maria C. , Camargo Diana M. , Salvini Tania F.
Published: February 2010

Background

It is well known that reducing tissue temperature changes sensory and motor nerve conduction. However, few studies have compared the effect of different cold modalities on nerve conduction parameters.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of ice pack, ice massage, and cold water immersion on the conduction parameters of the sural (sensorial) and tibial motor nerves.

Design

An experimental study was conducted in which the participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 intervention groups (n=12 per group). Independent variables were cold modality and pre- and post-cooling measurement time. Dependent variables were skin temperature and nerve conduction parameters.

Methods

Thirty-six people who were healthy, with a mean (SD) age of 20.5 (1.9) years, participated in the study. Each group received 1 of the 3 cold modalities, applied to the right calf region for 15 minutes. Skin temperature and nerve conduction parameters were measured before and immediately after cooling.

Results

All 3 modalities reduced skin temperature (mean=18.2°C). There also was a reduction in amplitude and an increase in latency and duration of the compound action potential. Ice massage, ice pack, and cold water immersion reduced sensory nerve conduction velocity (NCV) by 20.4, 16.7, and 22.6 m/s and motor NCV by 2.5, 2.1, and 8.3 m/s, respectively. Cold water immersion was the most effective modality in changing nerve conduction parameters.

Limitations

The cooling area of the ice massage and ice pack was smaller than that of the cold water immersion. The examiner was not blinded to the treatment group. The population included only participants who were healthy and young.

Conclusions

All 3 modalities were effective in reducing skin temperature and changing sensory conduction at a physiological level that is sufficient to induce a hypoalgesic effect. The results suggest that cold water immersion, as applied in this study, is the most indicated modality for inducing therapeutic effects associated with the reduction of motor nerve conduction.
Symptomatology and Neuropsychological Functioning in Cannabis Using Subjects at Ultra-High Risk for Developing Psychosis and Healthy Controls
Authors: Korver Nikie , Nieman Dorien H. , Becker Hiske E. , van de Fliert J. Reinaud , Dingemans Peter H. , de Haan Lieuwe , Spiering Mark , Schmitz Nicole , Linszen Don H.
Published: February 2010

Objective: The relationship between cannabis use and psychosis has been studied intensively. Few data, however, are available on the relationship between cannabis use, ultra-high risk for developing psychosis and neurocognition. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was therefore to investigate the relationship between cannabis use, ultra-high-risk (UHR) symptoms and cognitive functioning in UHR patients and healthy controls.

Methods: A total of 63 ultra-high-risk patients (34 cannabis users) and 58 control subjects (28 cannabis users) were assessed with clinical measures and a neuropsychological test battery. Patients were eligible for the study if they were between the ages of 12 and 35 years and if they fell into one or more of the following inclusion groups: familial risk and reduced functioning, attenuated psychotic symptoms, brief limited intermittent psychotic symptoms and basic symptoms. Control subjects were eligible for the study if they were between the ages 12 and 35, had no present or past psychiatric illness, no family history of psychiatric illness, no drug use in the non-cannabis-using group, and use of at least four joints per week in the cannabis-using control group.

Results: In the UHR and the control group, cannabis users experienced more basic symptoms and UHR symptoms than the non-cannabis users. Moreover, cannabis users in the control group performed at the level of the UHR subjects on a test of verbal memory and verbal fluency. Frequency of cannabis use correlated with severity of several UHR symptoms.

Conclusions: Cannabis-using UHR patients have more basic symptoms than non-using patients. In addition, healthy cannabis users have more subclinical UHR and basic symptoms and more neuropsychological dysfunctions than non-cannabis users. More frequent cannabis use was related to increased severity of certain UHR symptoms.
Self-Mutilation and Suicide Attempts: Relationships to Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Temperament and Character
Authors: Joyce Peter R. , Light Katrina J. , Rowe Sarah L. , Cloninger C. Robert , Kennedy Martin A.
Published: February 2010

Objective: Self-mutilation has traditionally been associated with borderline personality disorder, and seldom examined separately from suicide attempts. Clinical experience suggests that self-mutilation is common in bipolar disorder.

Methods: A family study was conducted on the molecular genetics of depression and personality, in which the proband had been treated for depression. All probands and parents or siblings were interviewed with a structured interview and completed the Temperament and Character Inventory.

Results: Fourteen per cent of subjects interviewed reported a history of self-mutilation, mostly by wrist cutting. Self-mutilation was more common in bipolar I disorder subjects then in any other diagnostic groups. In multiple logistic regression self-mutilation was predicted by mood disorder diagnosis and harm avoidance, but not by borderline personality disorder. Furthermore, the relatives of non-bipolar depressed probands with self-mutilation had higher rates of bipolar I or II disorder and higher rates of self-mutilation. Sixteen per cent of subjects reported suicide attempts and these were most common in those with bipolar I disorder and in those with borderline personality disorder. On multiple logistic regression, however, only mood disorder diagnosis and harm avoidance predicted suicide attempts. Suicide attempts, unlike self-mutilation, were not familial.

Conclusions: Self-mutilation and suicide attempts are only partially overlapping behaviours, although both are predicted by mood disorder diagnosis and harm avoidance. Self-mutilation has a particularly strong association with bipolar disorder. Clinicians need to think of bipolar disorder, not borderline personality disorder, when assessing an individual who has a history of self-mutilation.
Self-Organization during Friction in Complex Surface Engineered Tribosystems
Authors: Fox-Rabinovich German S. , Gershman Iosif S. , Yamamoto Kenji , Biksa Andrew , Veldhuis Stephen C. , Beake Ben D. , Kovalev Anatoliy I.
Published: February 2010

Self-organization during friction in complex surface engineered tribosystems is investigated. The probability of self-organization in these complex tribosystems is studied on the basis of the theoretical concepts of irreversible thermodynamics. It is shown that a higher number of interrelated processes within the system result in an increased probability of self-organization. The results of this thermodynamic model are confirmed by the investigation of the wear performance of a novel Ti0.2Al0.55Cr0.2Si0.03Y0.02N/Ti0.25Al0.65Cr0.1N (PVD) coating with complex nano-multilayered structure under extreme tribological conditions of dry high-speed end milling of hardened H13 tool steel.
Detection of Fumonisin B1 and Ochratoxin A in Grain Products Using Microsphere-Based Fluid Array Immunoassays
Authors: Anderson George P. , Kowtha Vasudha A. , Taitt Chris R.
Published: February 2010

Grain products are a staple of diets worldwide and therefore, the ability to accurately and efficiently detect foodborne contaminants such as mycotoxins is of importance to everyone. Here we describe an indirect competitive fluid array fluoroimmunoassay to quantify the mycotoxins, fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A. Both toxins were immobilized to the surface of microspheres using a variety of intermediate molecules and binding of biotinylated "tracer" antibody tracers determined through flow cytometry using streptavidin-phycoerythrin conjugates and the Luminex100 flow cytometer. Competitive assays were developed where the binding of biotinylated monoclonal antibodies to fumonisin B and ochratoxin A was competitively inhibited by different concentrations of those toxins in solution. Concentrations of fumonisin giving 50% inhibition were 300 pg/mL in buffer, 100 ng/g in spiked oats, and 1 μg/g in spiked cornmeal; analogous concentrations for ochratoxin A were 30 ng/mL in buffer, 30 ng/g in spiked oats, and 10 ng/g in spiked corn. The future challenge will be to expand the number of mycotoxins tested both individually and in multiplexed format using this platform.
Sequential Hepatogenic Transdifferentiation of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells: Relevance of Different Extracellular Signaling Molecules, Transcription Factors Involved, and Expression of New Key Marker Genes
Authors: Bonora-Centelles A. , Jover R. , Mirabet V. , Lahoz A. , Carbonell F. , Castell J. V. , Gómez-Lechón M. J.
Published: February 2010

Adipose tissue contains a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population known as adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) capable of differentiating into different cell types. Our aim was to induce hepatic transdifferentiation of ASCs by sequential exposure to several combinations of cytokines, growth factors, and hormones. The most efficient hepatogenic protocol includes fibroblastic growth factors (FGF) 2 and 4 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) (step 1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), FGF2, FGF4, and nicotinamide (Nic) (step 2), and oncostatin M (OSM), dexamethasone (Dex), and insulin-tranferrin-selenium (step 3). This protocol activated transcription factors [GATA6, Hex, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α and β (CEBPα and β), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, coactivator 1 α (PGC1α), and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 α (HNF4α)], which promoted a characteristic hepatic phenotype, as assessed by new informative markers for the step-by-step hepatic transdifferentiation of hMSC [early markers: albumin (ALB), α-2-macroglobuline (α2M), complement protein C3 (C3), and selenoprotein P1 (SEPP1); late markers: cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), apolipoprotein E (APOE), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 1 (ACSL1), and angiotensin II receptor, type 1 (AGTR1)]. The loss of adipose adult stem cell phenotype was detected by losing expression of Thy1 and inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (Id3). The reexpression of phosphoenolpyruvate corboxykinase (PEPCK), apolipoprotein C3 (APOCIII), aldolase B (ALDOB), and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) was achieved by transduction with a recombinant adenovirus for HNF4α and finally hepatic functionality was also assessed by analyzing specific biochemical markers. We conclude that ASCs could represent an alternative tool in clinical therapy for liver dysfunction and regenerative medicine.
Use of Transduced Adipose Tissue Stromal Cells as Biologic Minipumps to Deliver Levodopa for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain: Possibilities and Limitations
Authors: Cobacho Nuria , Serrano Ana Belén , Casarejos Maria José , Mena Mari Angeles , Paíno Carlos Luis
Published: February 2010

Subarachnoidal grafting of monoamine-producing cells has been used with success to treat chronic pain in animal models. In the search for a source of autologous transplantable cells, capable of delivering neuroactive substances to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to treat pain, we have tested adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) transduced to produce levodopa. Intrathecally grafted ADSCs survive for long term adhered to spinal cord and nerve root meninges. Cultured ADSCs were retrovirally transduced with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and/or GTP cyclohydroxylase 1 (GCH1) genes and stably expressed them for at least 6 weeks in culture. Singly transduced cultures did not produce measurable levodopa but doubly transduced or a mixture of singly transduced ADSCs were able to efficiently synthesize and release levodopa. When 0.5–1 × 106 TH-and GCH1-expressing ADSCs were intrathecally grafted in rats, elevated levels of levodopa and dopamine metabolites were found in CSF at 3 days, although at lower concentrations than expected. Unexpectedly, no levodopa was measurable in CSF at 6 days. In a rat model of neuropathic pain, intrathecal grafting of doubly transduced cells did not produce antiallodynic effects at 2 or 6 days, even when histological analysis revealed the presence of weak TH-immunoreactive subarachnoidal cell clusters. These results suggested that doubly transduced cells could indeed function as biological minipumps to enhance the dopaminergic neurotransmission at the spinal cord level but transgenes were rapidly silenced after intrathecal grafting. Transgene silencing was mimicked in culture by serum deprivation for 3 days. Serum addition at this point recovered trans-gene expression in just 6 h, as did, to a smaller degree, dbcAMP or histone deacetylase inhibitors. Transgene expression silencing in serum deprivation conditions was prevented by 5′-terminal IRES sequences. The present study does not discard the use of transduced cells as a strategy to treat chronic pain but shows that controlling transgene silencing in implanted cells needs to be achieved first.
Secreted Products from the Porcine Choroid Plexus Accelerate the Healing of Cutaneous Wounds
Authors: Thanos C. G. , Emerich D. F. , Bintz B. E. , Goddard M. , Mills J. , Jensen R. , Lombardi M. , Hall S. , Boekelheide K.
Published: February 2010

The choroid plexus (CP), located at the blood–brain interface, is partially responsible for maintaining the composition of cerebrospinal fluid. Epithelial cell clusters isolated from the CP secrete numerous biologically active molecules, and are neuroprotective when transplanted in animal models of Huntington's disease and stroke. The transcriptomic and proteomic profiles of CP may extend beyond CNS applications due to an abundance of trophic and regenerative factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, and others. We used microarray to investigate the transcriptome of porcine CP epithelium, and then assessed the in vitro and in vivo regenerative capability of secreted CP products in cell monolayers and full-thickness cutaneous wounds. In vitro, CP reduced the void area of fibroblast and keratinocyte scratch cultures by 70% and 33%, respectively, compared to empty capsule controls, which reduced the area by only 35% and 6%, respectively. In vivo, after 10 days of topical application, CP conditioned medium lyophilate dispersed in antibiotic ointment produced a twofold improvement in incision tensile strength compared to ointment containing lyophilized control medium, and an increase in the regeneration of epidermal appendages from roughly 50–150 features per wound. Together, these data identify the CP as a source of secreted regenerative molecules to accelerate and improve the healing of superficial wounds and potentially other similar indications.
E-Cadherin Protects Primary Hepatocyte Spheroids from Cell Death by a Caspase-Independent Mechanism
Authors: Luebke-Wheeler Jennifer L. , Nedredal Geir , Yee Le , Amiot Bruce P. , Nyberg Scott L.
Published: February 2010

Cultivation of primary hepatocytes as spheroids creates an efficient three-dimensional model system for hepatic studies in vitro and as a cell source for a spheroid reservoir bioartificial liver. The mechanism of spheroid formation is poorly understood, as is an explanation for why normal, anchorage-dependent hepatocytes remain viable and do not undergo detachment-induced apoptosis, known as anoikis, when placed in suspension spheroid culture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of E-cadherin, a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule, in the formation and maintenance of hepatocyte spheroids. Hepatocyte spheroids were formed by a novel rocker technique and cultured in suspension for up to 24 h. The dependence of spheroid formation on E-cadherin and calcium was established using an E-cadherin blocking antibody and a calcium chelator. We found that inhibiting E-cadherin prevented cell–cell attachment and spheroid formation, and, surprisingly, E-cadherin inhibition led to hepatocyte death through a caspase-independent mechanism. In conclusion, E-cadherin is required for hepatocyte spheroid formation and may be responsible for protecting hepatocytes from a novel form of caspase-independent cell death.
Increased Apelin following Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cell Transplantation Contributes to the Improvement of Cardiac Function in Patients with Severe Heart Failure
Authors: Gao Lian Ru , Xu Ru Yi , Zhang Ning Kun , Chen Yu , Wang Zhi Guo , Zhu Zhi Ming , Fei Yu Xing , Cao Yi , Xu Hong Tao , Yang Ye
Published: February 2010

We previously reported that intracoronary implantation of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMC) into ischemic hearts improved cardiac function after myocardial infarction. However, the mechanisms have not been elucidated. The present study investigates whether apelin, a newly described inotropic peptide with important cardiovascular regulatory properties, contributes to the functional improvement in patients with severe heart failure after cell transplantation. Forty consecutive patients with severe heart failure secondary to myocardial infarction were assigned to the BMMC therapy group or the standard medication group according to each patient's decision on a signed consent document. In 20 patients intracoronary cell infusion was performed, and another 20 patients were matched to receive standard medication as therapeutic controls. An additional 20 healthy subjects were designated as normal controls. Clinical manifestations, echocardiograms, and biochemical assays were recorded. Plasma apelin and brain natriuretic protein (BNP) levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Baseline levels of plasma apelin were significantly lower in all heart failure patients compared to normal subjects. In patients who underwent cell transplantation, apelin increased significantly from 3 to 21 days after operation, followed by significant improvement in cardiac function. In parallel, BNP varied inversely with the increase of apelin. In patients receiving standard medical treatment, apelin remained at a lower level. Our findings indicated that increased apelin levels following cell therapy may act as a paracrine mediator produced from BMMCs and play an important role in the treatment of heart failure through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms.
Refractory Angina Cell Therapy (ReACT) Involving Autologous Bone Marrow Cells in Patients without Left Ventricular Dysfunction: A Possible Role for Monocytes
Authors: Hossne Nelson Americo , Invitti Adriana Luckow , Buffolo Enio , Azevedo Silvia , de Oliveira Jose Salvador Rodrigues , Stolf Noedir Groppo , Cruz L. Eduardo , Sanberg Paul R.
Published: February 2010

Autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (BMMC) transplantation has emerged as a potential therapeutic option for refractory angina patients. Previous studies have shown conflicting myocardium reperfusion results. The present study evaluated safety and efficacy of CellPraxis Refractory Angina Cell Therapy Protocol (ReACT), in which a specific BMMC formulation was administered as the sole therapy for these patients. The phase I/IIa noncontrolled, open label, clinical trial, involved eight patients with refractory angina and viable ischemic myocardium, without left ventricular dysfunction and who were not suitable for conventional myocardial revascularization. ReACT is a surgical procedure involving a single series of multiple injections (40–90 injections, 0.2 ml each) into ischemic areas of the left ventricle. Primary endpoints were Canadian Cardiovascular Society Angina Classification (CCSAC) improvement at 18 months follow-up and myocardium ischemic area reduction (assessed by scintigraphic analysis) at 12 months follow-up, in correlation with a specific BMMC formulation. Almost all patients presented progressive improvement in angina classification beginning 3 months ( p = 0.008) postprocedure, which was sustained at 18 months follow-up ( p = 0.004), as well as objective myocardium ischemic area reduction at 12 months (decrease of 84.4%, p < 0.004). A positive correlation was found between monocyte concentration and CCSAC improvement ( r = −0.759, p < 0.05). Improvement in CCSAC, followed by correlated reduction in scintigraphic myocardium ischemic area, strongly suggests neoangiogenesis as the main stem cell action mechanism. The significant correlation between number of monocytes and improvement strongly supports a cell-related effect of ReACT. ReACT appeared safe and effective.
Induction of IDO-1 by Immunostimulatory DNA Limits Severity of Experimental Colitis
Authors: Ciorba Matthew A. , Bettonville Ellen E. , McDonald Keely G. , Metz Richard , Prendergast George C. , Newberry Rodney D. , Stenson William F.
Published: February 2010

The chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are characterized by aberrant innate and adaptive immune responses to commensal luminal bacteria. In both human inflammatory bowel disease and in experimental models of colitis, there is an increased expression of the enzyme IDO. IDO expression has the capacity to exert antimicrobial effects and dampen adaptive immune responses. In the murine trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid model of colitis, inhibition of this enzyme leads to worsened disease severity, suggesting that IDO acts as a natural break in limiting colitis. In this investigation, we show that induction of IDO-1 by a TLR-9 agonist, immunostimulatory (ISS) DNA, critically contributes to its colitis limiting capacities. ISS DNA induces intestinal expression of IDO-1 but not the recently described paralog enzyme IDO-2. This induction occurred in both epithelial cells and in subsets of CD11c+ and CD11b+ cells of the lamina propria, which also increase after ISS-oligodeoxynucleotide. Signaling required for intestinal IDO-1 induction involves IFN-dependent pathways, as IDO-1 was not induced in STAT-1 knockout mice. Using both the trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and dextran sodium sulfate models of colitis, we show the importance of IDO-1s induction in limiting colitis severity. The clinical parameters and histological correlates of colitis in these models were improved by administration of the TLR-9 agonist; however, when the function of IDO is inhibited, the colitis limiting effects of ISS-oligodeoxynucleotide were abrogated. These findings support the possibility that targeted induction of IDO-1 is an approach deserving further investigation as a therapeutic strategy for diseases of intestinal inflammation.
TNF Activates a NF-κB–Regulated Cellular Program in Human CD45RA– Regulatory T Cells that Modulates Their Suppressive Function
Authors: Nagar Meital , Jacob-Hirsch Jasmine , Vernitsky Helly , Berkun Yackov , Ben-Horin Shomron , Amariglio Ninette , Bank Ilan , Kloog Yoel , Rechavi Gideon , Goldstein Itamar
Published: February 2010

Emerging data suggest that regulatory T cell (Treg) dysfunction and consequent breakdown of immunological self-tolerance in autoimmunity can be mediated by factors that are not Treg-intrinsic (e.g., cytokines). Indeed, recent studies show that in rheumatoid arthritis the proinflammatory cytokine TNF reduces the suppressive function of Tregs, whereas in vivo TNF blockade restores this function and accordingly self-tolerance. However, until now a coherent mechanism by which TNF regulates the Treg has not been described. In this paper, we show that TNF induces preferential and significant activation of the canonical NF-κB pathway in human Tregs as compared with CD25– conventional T cells. Furthermore, TNF induced primarily in CD45RA– Tregs a transcription program highly enriched for typical NF-κB target genes, such as the cytokines lymphotoxin-α and TNF, the TNFR superfamily members FAS, 4-1BB, and OX-40, various antiapoptotic genes, and other important immune-response genes. FACS analysis revealed that TNF also induced upregulation of cell surface expression of 4-1BB and OX40 specifically in CD45RA–FOXP3+ Tregs. In contrast, TNF had only a minimal effect on the Treg’s core transcriptional signature or on the intracellular levels of the FOXP3 protein in Tregs. Importantly, TNF treatment modulated the capacity of Tregs to suppress the proliferation and IFN-γ secretion by conventional T cells, an effect that was fully reversed by cotreatment with anti-TNFR2 mAbs. Our findings thus provide new mechanistic insight into the role of TNF and TNFR2 in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.