bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation of saline soils by means of volcanic material coverings
Authors: Tejedor M. , Jiménez C. , Díaz F.
Published: March 2007

The scarcity of water in arid regions promotes natural soil salinization processes, which limit soil productivity, cause degradation and contribute to desertification. Human activity can speed up these processes although it can also help reduce their effects and even rehabilitate affected soils. A number of traditional soil water conservation systems used in farming are also techniques for reducing soil salinity. Examples include systems that involve the use of volcanic materials as mulch, a practice known as ‘arenados’ that has been common for decades in the Canary Islands. The present work examines short‐term changes in the salinity of two saline soils, one with clay texture and the other with loamy texture, both of which were covered artificially with a 12‐cm layer of basaltic pyroclasts. Monitoring over a period of 4 years, during which rainfall averaged 130 mm for the clay soil and 120 mm for the loam, revealed a decrease of approximately 76% and 86%, respectively, in the salinity of the top 40 cm of the profile in the two soils. The decreased salinity of the rooting zone, which is associated with an improved moisture regime in the covered soils has given rise to a form of dryland farming with acceptable yields in a soil environment which is otherwise poorly suited to agriculture.
Weathering and allophane neoformation in soils developed on volcanic ash in the Azores
Authors: Gérard M. , Caquineau S. , Pinheiro J. , Stoops G.
Published: March 2007

On Faial and Pico islands (Azores), we studied two profiles on basaltic pyroclasts that contain buried horizons, and we focussed on petrography, micropedology and mineralogy. Emphasis was given to weathering of the lapilli and ashes, and the neoformation of allophane. A combination of optical studies, in situ chemical analyses, X‐ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy of clay fractions revealed that allophane is present both in the micromass of the groundmass, in alteromorphs after lapilli or pumice, and in clay coatings. Whereas most studies describe allophane as a colloidal fraction formed by the congruent and total dissolution of the ashes, this study shows evidence for the formation of allophane alteromorphs, due to leaching of Si and cations, with preservation of the original shapes of the tephra. The allophane alteromorphs often display optical characteristics that resemble those of palagonite. Increasing alteration is observed through three steps: (i) hydration of the glass associated with strong cation and Si leaching, (ii) allophane hypocoatings, and (iii) allophane alteromorphs with development of intragrain bridges. The chemical signature of the alteromorphs varies from a pure alumino‐silicate at one extreme to an Fe(Ti) enriched alumino‐silicate at the other. Between those two extremes, the colour grades from yellow to dark orange, with microzonations. An Al‐rich allophane composition is associated with gibbsite in the EUR6‐Pico profile, whereas at the base of the EUR5‐Faial profile, Si‐rich allophane is associated with halloysite. Some variations of the palaeo‐environment are also suggested by strong iron segregation observed with various secondary phases (ferrihydrite, haematite, iddingsite).
Recovery of three arctic stream reaches from experimental nutrient enrichment
Authors: BENSTEAD JONATHAN P. , GREEN ADRIAN C. , DEEGAN LINDA A. , PETERSON BRUCE J. , SLAVIK KARIE , BOWDEN WILLIAM B. , HERSHEY ANNE E.
Published: March 2007

1. Nutrient enrichment and resulting eutrophication is a widespread anthropogenic influence on freshwater ecosystems, but recovery from nutrient enrichment is poorly understood, especially in stream environments. We examined multi‐year patterns in community recovery from experimental low‐concentration nutrient enrichment (N + P or P only) in three reaches of two Arctic tundra streams (Kuparuk River and Oksrukuyik Creek) on the North Slope of Alaska (U.S.A.).

2. Rates of recovery varied among community components and depended on duration of enrichment (2–13 consecutive growing seasons). Biomass of epilithic algae returned to reference levels rapidly (within 2 years), regardless of nutrients added or enrichment duration. Aquatic bryophyte cover, which increased greatly in the Kuparuk River only after long‐term enrichment (8 years), took 8 years of recovery to approach reference levels, after storms had scoured most remnant moss in the recovering reach.

3. Multi‐year persistence of bryophytes in the Kuparuk River appeared to prevent recovery of insect populations that had either been positively (e.g. the mayfly Ephemerella, most chironomid midge taxa) or negatively (e.g. the tube‐building chironomid Orthocladius rivulorum) affected by this shift in dominant primary producer. These lags in recovery (of >3 years) were probably driven by the persistent effect of bryophytes on physical benthic habitat.

4. Summer growth rates of Arctic grayling (both adults and young‐of‐year) in Oksrukuyik Creek (fertilised for 6 years with no bryophyte colonisation), which were consistently increased by nutrient addition, returned to reference rates within 1–2 years.

5. Rates of recovery of these virtually pristine Arctic stream ecosystems from low‐level nutrient enrichment appeared to be controlled largely by duration of enrichment, mediated through physical habitat shifts caused by eventual bryophyte colonisation, and subsequent physical disturbance that removed bryophytes. Nutrient enrichment of oligotrophic Arctic stream ecosystems caused by climate change or local anthropogenic activity may have dramatic and persistent consequences if it results in the colonisation of long‐lived primary producers that alter physical habitat.
Intensive trapping and increased fish predation cause massive population decline of an invasive crayfish
Authors: HEIN CATHERINE L. , VANDER ZANDEN M. JAKE , MAGNUSON JOHN J.
Published: March 2007

1. Invasive species frequently have adverse impacts on native communities and ecosystems. Management options are often limited. Our goal is to evaluate the effect of intensive trapping and fish predation on the population dynamics of an invasive crayfish.

2. From 2001 to 2005, we removed invasive rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus) by trapping in Sparkling Lake in northern WI. In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources restricted harvest of fish species known to consume crayfish, thereby increasing predation on crayfish that are too small to trap.

3. After an initial increase, catch rates of rusty crayfish declined by approximately 95%, from 11 crayfish per trap per day in 2002 to 0.65 in 2004. The catch rate in 2005 remained low at 0.5 crayfish per trap. Females comprised nearly 50% of the catch from 2002 to 2004. Unlike rusty crayfish in Sparkling Lake, catch rates of O. rusticus and Orconectes propinquus in three nearby lakes increased or remained relatively constant over the 5‐year removal period.

4. We also examined the influence of habitat and temperature on crayfish catch rates. Catch rates were highest at water temperatures between 20 and 25 °C and on cobble, log or macrophyte habitats that may serve as refuge from fish predation.

5. Five summers of intensive trapping and fisheries management practices reduced abundances, but did not extirpate rusty crayfish in Sparkling Lake. To determine the potential of trapping as a management option for invasive crayfishes, these methods must be tested in other systems.
Using biological assemblage composition to infer the values of covarying environmental factors
Authors: YUAN LESTER L.
Published: March 2007

1. Observations of different organisms can often be used to infer environmental conditions at a site. These inferences may be useful for diagnosing the causes of degradation in streams and rivers.

2. When used for diagnosis, biological inferences must not only provide accurate, unbiased predictions of environmental conditions, but also pairs of inferred environmental variables must covary no more strongly than actual measurements of those same environmental variables.

3. Mathematical analysis of the relationship between the measured and inferred values of different environmental variables provides an approach for comparing the covariance between measurements with the covariance between inferences. Then, simulated and field‐collected data are used to assess the performance of weighted average and maximum likelihood inference methods.

4. Weighted average inferences became less accurate as covariance in the calibration data increased, whereas maximum likelihood inferences were unaffected by covariance in the calibration data. In contrast, the accuracy of weighted average inferences was unaffected by changes in measurement error, whilst the accuracy of maximum likelihood inferences decreased as measurement error increased. Weighted average inferences artificially increased the covariance of environmental variables beyond what was expected from measurements, whereas maximum likelihood inference methods more accurately reproduced the expected covariances.

5. Multivariate maximum likelihood inference methods can potentially provide more useful diagnostic information than single variable inference models.
Emission of methane from chalk streams has potential implications for agricultural practices
Authors: SANDERS I. A. , HEPPELL C. M. , COTTON J. A. , WHARTON G. , HILDREW A. G. , FLOWERS E. J. , TRIMMER M.
Published: March 2007

1. The emission of biogenic gases, particularly methane, is usually associated with wetlands rather than clean streams. Here, we investigated methane production from a southern English chalk stream, where increased sedimentation, compounded by extensive macrophyte growth, may have altered ecosystem function.

2. Cover of the channel by the dominant macrophyte, Ranunculus penicillatus, peaked in August, when plant beds were associated with low water velocity and the accumulation of sediment (<2000 μm) dominated by the sand‐sized fraction (63–1000 μm).

3. Over spring and summer there was a marked increase in the silt/clay fraction of the sediment, a concomitant drop in mean particle size and, hence, inferred permeability. At the same time there was an increase in CH4 transport through Ranunculus stems and an increase in water column CH4 concentration, while the sediment CH4 concentration increased 100‐fold between February and April. A marked seasonal enrichment in the δ15N of N2 dissolved in the pore water correlated with CH4 flux and, coupled to the shift in particle size, suggested a transient input of organic matter, possibly of terrestrial origin.

4. Potential areal methane production and measured efflux were similar to that from some U.K. peatlands and represent one of the first accounts of significant methanogenesis to be measured in a stream channel. Most (>90%) of the methane flux is transported to the atmosphere through the Ranunculus stems.

5. Although the total flux of methane from U.K. chalk streams is probably relatively modest (estimated at 3.2 × 10−6 Tg CH4 year−1), this phenomenon changes our perception of the health of these ecosystems and indicates another deleterious side effect of agriculture.
Modelling the effects of changing retention time on abundance and composition of phytoplankton species in a small lake
Authors: JONES I. D. , ELLIOTT J. A.
Published: March 2007

1. The phytoplankton community model, PROTECH, was used to model the algal response to changing annual mean retention time in a small lake.

2. Simulations of short retention time with a fixed nutrient load resulted in a reduced chlorophyll concentration. A similar relationship was observed when the simulations were repeated but with inflowing nutrients increased in proportion to river discharge.

3. Longer retention time caused the spring bloom to start earlier and the autumn bloom to persist longer.

4. Changes in discharge of the inflowing river also caused a change in the thermal structure of the lake. This change in thermal structure, in turn, influenced the magnitude and composition of the phytoplankton population, particularly those in the CS‐functional group, such as Aphanizomenon.
Experimental assessment of the fecundity of Eucypris virens (Ostracoda, Crustacea) under natural sex ratios
Authors: VANDEKERKHOVE JOCHEN , MATZKE‐KARASZ RENATE , MEZQUITA FRANCESC , ROSSETTI GIAMPAOLO
Published: March 2007

1. The adaptive significance of the observed variations in sex ratios in non‐marine ostracods is unclear. This study quantified the fecundity of females taken from a presumed fully sexual Eucypris virens population that were experimentally combined with different proportions of males (male : female sex ratios: 1 : 1, 1 : 2, 1 : 4, 1 : 8 and 0 : 1).

2. The results yielded no indications that female fecundity is altered by short‐term variations in the proportion of males, at least not within the range of sex ratios that are common in natural ostracod populations. Complete removal of males, however, did strongly reduce hatching success of dried eggs. This suggests the need for multiple mating events during the reproductive lifetime of the female. It also emphasizes the need for a minimum number of males, although this minimum number evidently may be rather low, as we found a high number of spermatozoa in the seminal receptacles after a single mating event.

3. The sex ratio in the source population was strongly female biased (1 : 3.4; n = 514), whereas in the hatchling assemblages reared in the laboratory, males and females were found in equal proportions (1 : 1.0; n = 1516), irrespective of the prevailing sex ratio. This clear discrepancy is intriguing, and points to the importance of epigenetic factors for the determination of field sex ratios.
Food preference, growth and maturation of Nemurella pictetii (Plecoptera: Nemouridae)
Authors: LIESKE R. , ZWICK P.
Published: March 2007

1. The stonefly Nemurella pictetii has a highly variable life cycle and is semi‐ and uni‐, but also plurivoltine in different geographical areas.

2. The influence of the type of food on growth and maturation of larvae was studied in laboratory experiments. Food preference was also assessed.

3. Larvae of N. pictetii are strongly opportunistic feeders utilising a broad range of food sources. However, biofilm was preferred over detritus (conditioned leaves), green algae and animal food. The highly mobile larvae quickly found the preferred food. Larvae fed on biofilm grew and developed significantly faster than larvae fed on conditioned leaves.

4. Larval growth and maturation in experiments as well as in the field differed with available food qualities. Phases of faster growth and maturation corresponded well with maximum availability of biofilm in the field. This contributes to the interpretations of differences in life cycles in the field.
BCG stimulated dendritic cells induce an interleukin‐10 producing T‐cell population with no T helper 1 or T helper 2 bias in vitro
Authors: Madura Larsen Jeppe , Stabell Benn Christine , Fillie Yvonne , Van Der Kleij Desiree , Aaby Peter , Yazdanbakhsh Maria
Published: March 2007

Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been associated with beneficial effects on overall childhood mortality in low‐income countries; this cannot be explained merely by the prevention of tuberculosis (TB) deaths. The beneficial effects of BCG vaccine could be the result of either strengthening of pro‐inflammatory mechanisms, helping neonates to fight infections, or the induction of an immune‐regulatory network restricting overt inflammation and intense pathology. We aimed to study the effect of live BCG on the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to polarize T‐cell responses. Monocyte‐derived DCs were matured in the presence or absence of BCG. The DC phenotype was assessed by CD83 expression, interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and IL‐10 production, as well as for the ability to polarize T‐cell responses. Following stimulation with CD40 ligand, DCs matured in the presence of BCG showed enhanced IL‐10 and diminished IL‐12 production. These DCs primed naive T cells to develop into IL‐10‐producing T cells, with no T helper 1 or T helper 2 bias. These results suggest that BCG vaccination might result in the development of IL‐10‐producing DCs as well as IL‐10‐producing T cells that could contribute to restricting overt inflammation in infants exposed to pathogens and thus lead to lower infant mortality.
Sphingosylphosphorylcholine activates dendritic cells, stimulating the production of interleukin‐12
Authors: Ceballos Ana , Sabatté Juan , Nahmod Karen , Martínez Diego , Salamone Gabriela , Vermeulen Mónica , Maggini Julián , Salomón Horacio , Geffner Jorge
Published: March 2007

Compared with other lysophospholipid mediators such as sphingosine‐1‐phosphate and lysophosphatidic acid, little is known about the physiological significance of the related bioactive lysosphingolipid sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC), which is present in high‐density lipoprotein particles. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of SPC on human immature dendritic cells (DCs). Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and flow cytometry assays revealed that DCs express two putative receptors for SPC, ovarian cancer G‐protein‐coupled receptor 1 and G‐protein‐coupled receptor 4. Exposure to SPC induced a rapid and transient increase in intracellular free calcium concentrations but did not stimulate endocytosis or chemotaxis of DCs. SPC increased the expression of HLA‐DR, CD86 and CD83 and improved the T‐cell priming ability of DCs, as well as the ability of DCs to stimulate the production of interferon‐γ by allogeneic peripheral blood mononuclear cells during the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Consistent with these results, we also observed that SPC stimulated the production of interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐18 by DCs. Taken together, our results support the notion that the accumulation of SPC in peripheral tissues during the course of inflammatory processes may favour the development of T helper type 1 immunity.
Potential functional role of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in cancer immunity
Authors: Kim Ryungsa , Emi Manabu , Tanabe Kazuaki , Arihiro Koji
Published: March 2007

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), as well as myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), have a dual role not only in initiating immune responses but also in inducing tolerance to exogenous and endogenous antigens. Tumour antigens originate from endogenous self‐antigens, which are poorly immunogenic and also subject to change during tumour progression. In general, tumour antigens derived from apoptotic cells are captured by immature mDCs, antigen presentation by which is most likely to result in immune tolerance. In contrast, tumour antigens may be taken up by pDCs through Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9) via receptor‐mediated endocytosis. TLR9‐dependent activation of pDCs results in the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)‐12 and type I interferons (IFNs) through a MyD88‐dependent pathway. Type I IFNs also activate mDCs for T‐cell priming. Although pDCs recruited to the tumour site are implicated in facilitating tumour growth via immune suppression, they can be released from the tumour as a result of cell death caused by primary systemic chemotherapy, and can then be activated through TLR9. Thus, synergistically with mDCs, pDCs may also play a crucial role in mediating cancer immunity. In this review, the potential functional duality and plasticity of pDCs mediated by TLR9 ligation in cancer immunity will be discussed.
Influence of local anaesthesia on the quality of class II glass ionomer restorations
Authors: VAN DE HOEF NANDA , VAN AMERONGEN EVERT
Published: March 2007

Objective.  To investigate the influence of local anaesthesia on the quality of class II glass ionomer restorations with discomfort as cofactor.

Material and methods.  The study population consisted of 6‐ to 7‐year‐old schoolchildren in Paramaribo and its environs. To be included, each child needed to have a proximally situated cavity in a primary molar that was accessible to hand instruments and where no pulp exposure was expected. They were randomly divided into four treatment groups: conventional method with and without local anaesthesia and atraumatic restorative treatment method (ART) with and without local anaesthesia. The restoration quality was scored using the evaluation criteria for ART restorations (successful if restoration is correct or has a minor defect and fails if defects are larger than 0.5 mm, if secondary caries is observed, if the restoration is fractured, partly or totally lost or if the pulp is involved) at 6 and 30 months after treatment. The extent of discomfort was registered by assessing the behaviour (modified Venham score) and observing the heart rate during treatment.

Results.  For this study 153 children were treated with hand instruments (ART) and 146 children with rotary instruments (conventional method). A total of 198 restorations were evaluated during follow‐up periods. There were no significant differences in patient discomfort between the ART and the conventional group and between the anaesthesia and the non‐anaesthesia group. The conventional restorations demonstrated significantly higher success rates than ART restorations after 6 (P = 0.001) and 30 months (P = 0.032). There were no significant differences in success rate between the anaesthesia and the non‐anaesthesia group.

Conclusion.  Local anaesthesia has no influence on discomfort during treatment. Furthermore, discomfort during treatment does not affect the success rate of restorations.
Predictors, costs and characteristics of out of area placement for people with intellectual disability and challenging behaviour
Authors: Allen D. G. , Lowe K. , Moore K. , Brophy S.
Published: March 2007

Background  Out of area placements for people with challenging behaviour represent an expensive and often ineffective strategy for meeting the needs of this service user group.

Methods  More than 800 agencies and service settings in a large area of South Wales were screened to identify children and adults with challenging behaviour against a number of defined operational criteria. Detailed data on identified individuals and the services they received were collected by interviewing key informants. Univariate and multivariate statistics were employed to identify predictors of out of area placement.

Results  In total, 1458 people were identified. Full data were available for 901 participants, 97 of whom were placed out of area. Predictors of out of area placement included behaviours resulting in physical injury and exclusion from service settings, a history of formal detention under the mental health act, the presence of mental health problems, a diagnosis of autism and higher total score on the Adaptive Behaviour Scale. Out of area placements were typically of high cost, and associated with only limited evidence of improved service quality.

Conclusions  Identifying predictors for out of area placement can be used to highlight deficiencies in local services and individuals at increased risk of exclusion from local services.
Mortality in adults with moderate to profound intellectual disability: a population‐based study
Authors: Tyrer F. , Smith L. K. , McGrother C. W.
Published: March 2007

Background People with intellectual disability (ID) experience a variety of health inequalities compared with the general population including higher mortality rates. This is the first UK population‐based study to measure the extent of excess mortality in people with ID compared with the general population.

Method Indirectly standardized all‐cause and disease mortality ratios (SMRs) and exact Poisson confidence intervals were calculated by age and sex for all adults, aged 20 years or over, with moderate to profound ID living in Leicestershire and Rutland, UK, between 1993 and 2005. The general population of Leicestershire and Rutland, which has a population of approximately 700 000 individuals in this age range, was used for comparison. To explore differences within the study population, overall SMRs were also calculated by presence of Down syndrome and last place of residence (city or county).

Results Of 2436 adults identified, 409 (17%) died during 23 000 person‐years of follow‐up. Both all‐cause and disease‐specific mortality were around three times higher than the general population but varied considerably with age. The largest differences were observed in people in their twenties, where all‐cause mortality was almost nine times higher in men (SMR = 883; 95% CI = 560–1325) and more than 17 times higher in women (SMR = 1722; 95% CI = 964–2840). At a particular disadvantage were people with Down syndrome and women with ID living in the city.

Conclusions The relatively high SMRs observed in young people and in women, particularly those living in inner city areas and with Down syndrome, deserve further investigation for possible explanations, including socio‐economic factors.
Interaction between Chromaffin and Sustentacular Cells in Adrenal Medulla of Viscacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus)
Authors: Rodriguez H. , Filippa V. , Mohamed F. , Dominguez S. , Scardapane L.
Published: March 2007

New evidence provides valuable information about the participation of sustentacular cells in chromaffin cell catecholamine secretion. In this process, calcium ions play an important role. It has been shown that there is an intense ionic traffic between both types of cells. Moreover, sustentacular cells take an active part in calcium metabolism, regulating levels of the ion and indirectly, the synthesis and release of catecholamines. This background information encouraged us to study the sustentacular population ofLagostomusadrenal medulla and its morphologic relationship with the chromaffin population. The animals were captured, transported to the animal facilities, anaesthetized and killed. The adrenal gland was processed by immunohistochemistry using antiserum against S‐100 (subunitαandβ), a specific marker. Through the morphological and immunohistochemical study, it was found that there are sustentacular cells in deferent regions of adrenal medulla, mainly in the basal zone of chromaffin cells, which constitute the glomerular structure around blood capillaries. Cytoplasmic extentions of sustentacular cells penetrate into chromaffin cells and make contact with the basal membrane of the capillary endothelium. The relationship among chromaffin cells, capillaries and sustentacular cells suggests that they may intervene actively in the adrenal medulla metabolism.
The Distribution and Chemical Coding of Intramural Neurons Supplying the Porcine Stomach – the Study on Normal Pigs and on Animals Suffering from Swine Dysentery
Authors: Kaleczyc J. , Klimczuk M. , Franke‐Radowiecka A. , Sienkiewicz W. , Majewski M. , Łakomy M.
Published: March 2007

The present study was designed to investigate the expression of biologically active substances by intramural neurons supplying the stomach in normal (control) pigs and in pigs suffering from dysentery. Eight juvenile female pigs were used. Both dysenteric (n = 4; inoculated with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) and control (n = 4) animals were deeply anaesthetized, transcardially perfused with buffered paraformalehyde, and tissue samples comprising all layers of the wall of the ventricular fundus were collected. The cryostat sections were processed for double‐labelling immunofluorescence to study the distribution of the intramural nerve structures (visualized with antibodies against protein gene‐product 9.5) and their chemical coding using antibodies against vesicular acetylcholine (ACh) transporter (VAChT), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), galanin (GAL), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM), Leu5‐enkephalin (LENK), substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). In both inner and outer submucosal plexuses of the control pigs, the majority of neurons were SP (55% and 58%, respectively)‐ or VAChT (54%)‐positive. Many neurons stained also for CGRP (43 and 45%) or GAL (20% and 18%) and solitary perikarya were NOS‐, SOM‐ or VIP‐positive. The myenteric plexus neurons stained for NOS (20%), VAChT (15%), GAL (10%), VIP (7%), SP (6%) or CGRP (solitary neurons), but they were SOM‐negative. No intramural neurons immunoreactive to LENK were found. The most remarkable difference in the chemical coding of enteric neurons between the control and dysenteric pigs was a very increased number of GAL‐ and VAChT‐positive nerve cells (up to 61% and 85%, respectively) in submucosal plexuses of the infected animals. The present results suggest that GAL and ACh have a specific role in local neural circuits of the inflamed porcine stomach in the course of swine dysentery.
Heavy Metal Contents of Vegetables Grown in Soil, Irrigated with Mixtures of Wastewater and Sewage Sludge in Pakistan, using Ultrasonic‐Assisted Pseudo‐digestion
Authors: Jamali M. K. , Kazi T. G. , Arain M. B. , Afridi H. I. , Jalbani N. , Memon A. R.
Published: March 2007

The success of risk assessment of metal‐contaminated soils depends on how precisely one can predict the bio‐availability of trace and toxic metals in soil and transfer to the human food chain. A field experiment was carried out from 2004 to 2005 to evaluate the long‐term effect of sewage sludge application in agricultural lands where mostly vegetables are grown. The aim of this study was to predict the uptake of Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn by different vegetables grown on agricultural soil irrigated for long period with untreated domestic waste water and sewage sludge (SIDWS) as test samples and for comparative purposes, same vegetables grown on agricultural soil irrigated with fresh canal water (SIFW), collected as control samples. A sample preparation method based on ultrasound‐assisted pseudo‐digestion (UASD) of soil, sewage sludge and vegetable samples in ultrasonic bath was developed. A conventional wet acid digestion method was used for comparison purposes. The EDTA‐extractable metal in SIFW and SIDWS was also studied. The extracts and digests were analysed by flame atomic absorption spectrometer/electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (FAAS/ETAAS). Analytical results for six metals and metalloid by UASD in bath and conventional wet digestion methods showed a good agreement, thus indicating the possibility of using low mass and minimum quantity of digesting acid mixture in less time when compared with the conventional digestion method (CDM). The validation of the proposed UASD method was assessed by using certified reference materials BCR 483 and (whole meal flour) BCR 189. Recoveries ranging from 95.5 % to 102.3 % for understudied metals were obtained for different samples (soils and vegetables). The average relative standard deviation of UASD method varied between 2.3 % and 7.9 % for N = 12, depending on the analyte. The vegetables grown in SIDWS showed high level of heavy metals when compared with control samples. This investigation highlights the increased danger of growing vegetables in the agricultural land, continuously irrigated and dressed with waste water and solid sewage sludge.
Application of an Electrometric Method for Measurement of Blood Cholinesterase Activities in Sheep, Goats and Cattle Treated with Organophosphate Insecticides
Authors: Mohammad F. K. , Alias A. S. , Faris G. A.‐M. , Al‐Baggou B. Kh.
Published: March 2007

A modified electrometric cholinesterase method has been described for use in ruminants exposed to organophosphate insecticides. The method was used to measure cholinesterase activities in the plasma and erythrocytes of sheep, goats and cattle treated with organophosphate insecticides under field conditions. The animals were treated topically to control ectoparasites with malathion (0.05%) or diazinon (0.06%). The treated animals did not suffer from adverse effects related to cholinesterase inhibition. However, 2 h after treatments, plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities significantly decreased in sheep by 20% and 39% and in goats by 18% and 30%, respectively, when compared with respective untreated control values. Diazinon did not significantly affect plasma and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities in the cattle. The results suggest that the described electrometric method could be efficiently used for detecting cholinesterase inhibition in ruminants exposed to organophosphate insecticides.
Effect of Supplementation with Agro‐industrial By‐products and Khat (Catha edulis) Leftovers on Testicular Growth and Sperm Production in Ogaden Bucks
Authors: Mekasha Y. , Tegegne A. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H.
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to characterize growth and sperm production parameters in Ogaden bucks fed a basal diet of hay and supplemented with agro‐industrial by‐products and Khat leftovers in Ethiopia. Thirty‐five bucks with a mean (±SD) initial live body weight (BW) of 15.5 ± 1.5 kg were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments for a period of 13 weeks. Treatments consisted of native hay fed ad libitum (control; C), native hay supplemented with a 1% of BW agro‐industrial by‐products (treatment 1; T1), native hay supplemented with Khat (Catha edulis) leftovers at a rate of 1% of BW (treatment 2; T2) and Khat leftovers fed ad libitum (treatment 3; T3). Bucks fed on T1–T3 had higher BW, body condition score, scrotal circumference (SC), testicular width and testicular length, compared to controls (P < 0.05). Also, bucks in T1–T3 had higher sperm progressive motility, sperm concentration per ml and total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate compared to controls (P < 0.05). Between treatments, bucks in T3 recorded the highest BW (17.2 ± 0.16) and testicular size (21.1 ± 0.17 cm). Both testicular and epididymal weight and dimensions were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by supplementation compared to controls. Testicular size was positively correlated to live BW (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). SC was positively correlated with ejaculate volume (r = 0.37, P < 0.001), sperm mass activity (r = 0.65, P < 0.001) and individual sperm progressive motility (r = 0.40; P < 0.001). Supplementation with Khat leftovers induced the highest improvement in live BW, testicular size, semen production and sperm motility in Ogaden bucks and can possibly be considered as a feed supplement to enhance goat production under smallholder livestock farming system in Ethiopia.
A Contribution for the Definition of Serum Chemistry Values in Captive Adults Antillean Manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Silva F. M. O. , Vergara‐Parente J. E. , Gomes J. K. N. , Teixeira M. N. , Lima R. P.
Published: March 2007

Serum chemistry analyses represents a fundamental tool for the diagnosis and understanding of diseases in marine mammals. Although several studies are being conducted within the field of clinical pathology, haematological and serum chemistry data for Antillean manatees are deficient. The purpose of this study was to determine serum chemistry values for captive Antillean manatees within the CMA/Ibama facility in Brazil. Serum samples were obtained from five captive adult Antillean manatees fed with seagrass and analysed for aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, phosphate, chloride, calcium and uric acid. Blood chemistry parameters were determined using a semi‐automatic analyzer. Maximum, minimum, mean and standard deviations were calculated for each serum chemistry parameter. Differences on the values of males and females were verified using an unpaired Student's t‐test. All the parameters analysed were similar between sexes, with exception of AP, which was higher in females (191.43 ± 31.86 U/l). Alanine aminotransferase and uric acid values for Trichechus manatus manatus are reported for the first time in this paper. This study is the first to report serum chemistry parameter values for long‐term captive male and female Antillean manatees. Therefore, the lower values of albumin, phosphate, chloride, cholesterol and triglycerides obtained here highlight the importance of clinical pathology during health monitoring of captive marine mammals.
The Possible Protective effect of L‐carnitine on Tilmicosin‐induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Kart A. , Yapar K. , Karapehlivan M. , Citil M.
Published: March 2007

The protective effect of l‐carnitine was investigated against tilmicosin‐induced cardiotoxic effects including blood creatine kinase (CK), CK‐MB, total sialic acid as well as the alterations in glutathione and malondialdehyde concentrations in mice. Thirty‐two Balb/C mice were divided into four groups including group 1 (control), group 2 (l‐carnitine, s.c., 500 mg/kg for 5 days), group 3 (tilmicosin, s.c., single dose of 75 mg/kg) and group 4 (l‐carnitine plus tilmicosin). Serum CK, CK‐MB and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group 3 compared with those of other groups. Total sialic acid level in group 3 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that in groups 1 and 2, as well. Contrary to these results, glutathione level in group 3 was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that in groups 1 and 2. In group 4, serum CK, CK‐MB, MDA and total sialic acid levels were found to be significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those in group 3. These results suggest that tilmicosin is cardiotoxic in mice as evidenced by higher total sialic acid, CK and CK‐MB. In addition, tilmicosin caused the decrease in glutathione and increase in MDA levels. However, administration of l‐carnitine could ameliorate these adverse toxic effects of tilmicosin in mice.
Clinical Pathological Findings in an Owl (Athene noctua) with Microfilaraemia in Italy
Authors: Bedin M. , Petterino C. , Gallo E. , Selleri P. , Morgante M.
Published: March 2007

We report the first case of microfilaria infection in a free‐flying owl Athene noctua in Italy. A macroparasite, about 10.1‐mm long, was observed in the right chamber of the heart. On microscopic examination microfilariae were seen in liver, kidney, myocardium and lungs, although no cellular reaction was present in association with the parasites in any of these tissues. Because of the low pathogenicity of this parasite, infection with microfilaria may be not harmful in wild owls.
Selenium, Vitamin E and Vitamin A Status in Dairy Sheep Reared Under Different Feeding Systems in Greece
Authors: Panousis N. , Giadinis N. , Roubies N. , Fytianou A. , Kalaitzakis E. , Pourliotis K. , Polizopoulou Z. , Karatzias H.
Published: March 2007

The main purpose of the study was to investigate whether the feeding system applied has any effect on the status of blood selenium (Se) and vitamins A and E in dairy sheep. In total 200 dairy sheep from 10 flocks were used in the study (20 animals per flock). Group A consisted of 100 sheep (five flocks) reared under the intensive feeding system and group B of 100 sheep (five flocks) reared under the semi‐intensive feeding system. The 100 sheep of each group consisted of 25 lambs aged 3–6 months, 25 ewes 1–3 years, 25 ewes more than 3 years and 25 non‐lactating ewes in late gestation. Another purpose was to evaluate the potential effect of the age and the reproductive stage of the animals on these parameters. To determine the effect of age, 150 of these animals were divided into three subgroups: 50 lambs, 50 non‐pregnant lactating ewes aged 1–3 years and 50 non‐pregnant lactating ewes aged more than 3 years. For the evaluation of the effect of the reproductive stage the 50 non‐lactating ewes in late gestation and the 100 non‐pregnant lactating ewes were used. Blood samplings were performed once, between December and January for non‐lactating ewes in late gestation and March to May for lambs and lactating ewes. Whole blood Se and vitamin E and A serum concentrations were determined. The main conclusion is that the feeding system significantly affects Se and serum vitamin A concentration, as they were higher in the intensive one. It was secondly concluded that age affects the serum concentrations of vitamin A.
Renal Pathology and Urinary Protein Excretion in a 14‐Month‐Old Bernese Mountain Dog with Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Raila J. , Aupperle H. , Raila G. , Schoon H. ‐A. , Schweigert F. J.
Published: March 2007

The renal pathology and urinary protein pattern of a 14‐month‐old female Bernese mountain dog with chronic renal failure was investigated. Sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamid gel electrophoresis and subsequent Western blot analysis of urine showed the presence of heavy and light chains of immunoglobulin, transferrin, albumin, vitamin D‐binding protein, transthyretin and retinol‐binding protein (RBP), but no excretion of Tamm–Horsfall protein (THP). Histopathological examinations of the kidneys revealed severe membranous glomerulonephritis accompanied by tubular dilatation, tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The renal expression of megalin, the main endocytic receptor for the re‐uptake of proteins in proximal tubules, RBP and THP was reduced or completely absent, indicating severe tubular dysfunction. The identified urinary proteins may be of interest as additional markers for the diagnosis of juvenile nephropathy in Bernese mountain dogs.
Experimental Transmission of Pasteurella multocida 6:B in Goats
Authors: Shafarin M. S. , Zamri‐Saad M. , Jamil S. M. , Siti Khairani B. , Saharee A. A.
Published: March 2007

Haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS) is an acute disease of cattle and buffaloes caused by Pasteurella multocida 6:B. Outbreaks of the disease have been closely associated with carrier animals that transmit the organism to susceptible animals during stressful condition. This study was conducted to determine whether goats exposed intranasally to P. multocida 6:B can transmit the organism to contact goats. Thirty‐six healthy local Katjang goats were divided into four groups and goats of groups 1 and 3 were each inoculated intranasally with a 1‐ml inoculum that contained 1 × 109 CFU/ml of live P. multocida 6:B. Following the exposure, all goats of groups 3 and 4 were injected with dexamethasone at the rate of 1 mg/kg for three consecutive days. At the end of the dexamethasone treatment, goats of groups 1 and 2 were commingled but kept separate from goats of groups 3 and 4, which were commingled in another pen. Three surviving goats from each group were killed on days 7, 14 and 21 post‐exposure for postmortem examination. Naso‐pharyngeal mucus and heart blood were collected on swabs. Tissues from lungs, lymph nodes and tonsils were collected for bacteriological isolation and identification. Only one goat of group 3 died 6 days post‐exposure showing clinical signs and lesions typical of HS. Other goats showed mild signs of upper respiratory tract infection. Goats of all groups developed acute mild pneumonic lesions, however, those treated with dexamethasone had significantly (P < 0.05) more extensive lesion scoring based on the lesion scoring system. P. multocida 6:B was isolated from the nasal mucosa and lung lesions of exposed and contact goats not treated with dexamethasone. Exposed and contact goats treated with dexamethasone carried the organism for 21 days. P. multocida isolation from heart blood was made only from exposed and contact goats treated with dexamethasone. P. multocida was isolated from the lymph node of the goat that died during the experiment.
Preventive effects of vitamin K on recurrent disease in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma arising from hepatitis C viral infection
Authors: Kakizaki Satoru , Sohara Naondo , Sato Ken , Suzuki Hideyuki , Yanagisawa Masatoshi , Nakajima Hiroaki , Takagi Hitoshi , Naganuma Atsushi , Otsuka Toshiyuki , Takahashi Hitomi , Hamada Tetsuya , Mori Masatomo
Published: March 2007

Background:  Despite the progression of therapeutic approaches, a high frequency of recurrence is what determines the long‐term prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, the chemopreventive effects of vitamin K2 on the recurrence and survival of patients with HCC after curative therapy were evaluated.

Methods:  Sixty patients who were diagnosed to be free of HCC after radiofrequency ablation therapy or surgery were randomly assigned to either the vitamin K2 group (n = 30 patients) or the control group (n = 30 patients). All patients were positive for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody and hepatitis B surface antigen positive patients were excluded from this study. Patients in the vitamin K2 group received an oral dose of menatetrenone at 45 mg per day. Disease recurrence and the survival rates were analyzed in patients with HCC.

Results:  The cumulative recurrence‐free rates in the vitamin K2 group were 92.3% at 12 months, 48.6% at 24 months and 38.8% at 36 months; and those in the control group were 71.7%, 35.9% and 9.9%, respectively (P = 0.045). The cumulative survival rates in the vitamin K2 group were 100% at 12 months, 95.0% at 24 months and 77.5% at 36 months; and those in the control group were 95.8%, 90.2% and 66.4%, respectively (P = 0.70).

Conclusions:  Vitamin K2 may have a suppressive effect on the recurrence of HCC and a beneficial effect on tumor recurrence. However, there was no significant difference in the survival rates. The chemopreventive effects of vitamin K2 are not sufficient. The development of a further regimen such as combination therapy is required.
Bacterial translocation: Overview of mechanisms and clinical impact
Authors: Balzan Silvio , De Almeida Quadros Claudio , De Cleva Roberto , Zilberstein Bruno , Cecconello Ivan
Published: March 2007

Bacterial translocation (BT) is a phenomenon in which live bacteria or its products cross the intestinal barrier. Gut translocation of bacteria has been shown in both animal and human studies. BT and its complications have been shown clearly to occur in animal models, but its existence and importance in humans has been difficult to ascertain. We review the mechanisms of BT and its clinical impact based on the current literature.
A GUIDE TO WAVELETS FOR ECONOMISTS*
Authors: Crowley Patrick M.
Published: March 2007

AbstractWavelet analysis, although used extensively in disciplines such as signal processing, engineering, medical sciences, physics and astronomy, has not fully entered the economics discipline yet. In this survey article, wavelet analysis is introduced in an intuitive manner, and the existing economics and finance literature that utilizes wavelets is surveyed and explored. Extensive examples of exploratory wavelet analysis are given, most using Canadian, US and Finnish industrial production data. Finally, potential and possible future applications for wavelet analysis in economics are discussed.
PRICE STABILITY AND THE ECB'S MONETARY POLICY STRATEGY*
Authors: Bordes Christian , Clerc Laurent
Published: March 2007

Abstract This paper focuses on the price stability objective within the framework of the single monetary policy strategy. It starts by reviewing what this objective, which is common to all central banks, means. Second, this paper focuses exclusively on the anchoring of short‐ to medium‐term inflation expectations (Part 2). Several measures show that this anchoring is effective. A ‘two‐pillar’ small structural macro‐economic model framework is used to analyze the impact that this anchoring of expectations has on the determination of the short‐ to medium‐term inflation rate. From this point of view, observed inflation in the euro area seems to be in line with the theory and the ECB's action seems to be very effective. Third, we focus on the other aspect of monetary stability: the degree of price‐level uncertainty and the anchoring of inflation expectations in the medium to long term. Even though this assessment is more difficult than it is in the short to medium term, since we only have a track record covering 6 years, various indicators from the theoretical analysis paint a fairly reassuring picture of the effectiveness of the device used by the ECB.