bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aquaculture Feed and Food Safety
Authors: Tacon Albert G. J. , Metian Marc
Published: August 2009

The ultimate objective of an aquaculture feed manufacturer and aquaculture food supplier is to ensure that the feed or food produced is both safe and wholesome. Reported food safety risks, which may be associated with the use of commercial animal feeds, including compound aquaculture feeds, usually result from the possible presence of unwanted contaminants, either within the feed ingredients used or from the external contamination of the finished feed on prolonged storage. The major animal feed contaminants that have been reported to date have included Salmonellae, mycotoxins, veterinary drug residues, persistent organic pollutants, agricultural and other chemicals (solvent residues, melamine), heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium) and excess mineral salts (hexavalent chromium, arsenic, selenium, flourine), and transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. Apart from the direct negative effect of these possible contaminants on the health of the cultured target species, there is a risk that the feed contaminants may be passed along the food chain, via contaminated aquaculture produce, to consumers. In recent years, public concern regarding food safety has increased as a consequence of the increasing prevalence of antibiotic residues, persistent organic pollutants, and chemicals in farmed seafood. The important role played by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Codex Alimentarius Commission in the development of international standards, guidelines, and recommendations to protect the health of consumers and ensure fair practices in the food trade is discussed.
Levels of Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Selected Homes in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand
Authors: Pentamwa Prapat , Oanh Nguyen Thi Kim
Published: August 2009

Past uses of hazardous chemicals in Thailand for agricultural and household purposes have resulted in their ubiquity in the environment. This study aims to characterize the levels of 41 target chemicals, including 25 organochlorine pesticides (OCP), of which 17 are persistent organic pollutant (POP) pesticides, 7 pyrethroids, and 9 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 8 homes in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). The study is the first of these types for Thailand, and was conducted during the dry season of 2006–2007. Samples were collected at three areas of the BMR, including urban, suburban, and rural for indoor and outdoor (I/O) air, as well as from deposits on floor surfaces. Airborne samples were taken over 24 h for both the gaseous and particulate matter phases and analyzed separately by GC‐ECD following the U.S. EPA TO‐10A method. Overall 35 out of 41 compounds were detected in the samples. The compounds were mostly detected and at higher levels in the gas phase, except for a few less volatile compounds, such as pyrethroids or DDT. Indoor air concentrations are higher than the outdoor levels for most chemicals; hence, the I/O ratios are mostly above 1.0, especially for rural homes. Among the OCPs, heptachlor was found at the highest concentrations for urban homes (5.2 ± 3.1 ng/m3 indoor and 2.6 ± 0.4 ng/m3 outdoor). PCB profiles were dominated by the lighter congeners, with the highest levels found for PCB31 (10.4 indoors in urban homes (ng/m3)). Suspended matters were found to be high indoors in the rural homes, which may be linked to high‐strength of indoor sources.
Zinc Toxicity among Galvanization Workers in the Iron and Steel Industry
Authors: Safty Amal El , Mahgoub Khalid El , Helal Sawsan , Maksoud Neveen Abdel
Published: August 2009

Galvanization is the process of coating steel or cast iron pieces with zinc, allowing complete protection against corrosion. The ultimate goal of this work was to assess the effect of occupational exposure to zinc in the galvanization process on different metals in the human body and to detect the association between zinc exposure and its effect on the respiratory system. This study was conducted in 111 subjects in one of the major companies in the iron and steel industry. There were 61 subjects (workers) who were involved in the galvanization process. Fifty adult men were chosen as a matched reference group from other departments of the company. All workers were interviewed using a special questionnaire on occupational history and chest diseases. Ventilatory functions and chest X rays were assessed in all examined workers. Also, complete blood counts were performed, and serum zinc, iron, copper, calcium, and magnesium levels were tested. This study illustrated the relation between zinc exposure in the galvanization process and high zinc levels among exposed workers, which was associated with a high prevalence rate of metal fume fever (MFF) and low blood copper and calcium levels. There was no statistically significant difference between the exposed and control groups with regards to the magnesium level. No long‐term effect of metals exposure was detected on ventilatory functions or chest X rays among the exposed workers.
Fate of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers during Wastewater Treatment/Polishing and Sludge Stabilization/Disposal
Authors: Arnold Robert G. , Teske Sondra , Tomanek Matt , Engstrom Jason , Leung Cary , Zhang Jianmin , Banihani Qais , Quanrud David , Ela Wendell P. , Sáez A. Eduardo
Published: August 2009

Large quantities of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants in clothing and plastic products since the 1970s. A small fraction of the PBDEs in manufactured products subsequently enters municipal wastewater. Nevertheless, the resistance of these compounds to chemical and biochemical transformations provides opportunities for accumulation in sediments that are in contact with wastewater effluent and agricultural soils that are amended with biosolids derived from wastewater treatment. Balances developed for PBDE congeners indicate that conventional wastewater treatment processes and soil infiltration of treated wastewater in recharge operations do not discriminate significantly among the major congeners in commercially available PBDE products. Accumulation of PBDEs at near part‐per‐million levels was measured in the surface sediments at the Sweetwater Recharge Facility in Tucson, Arizona, during 10–15 years of operation. Half‐lives for loss of major PBDE congeners from sediments were decades or longer. Local agricultural soils amended with biosolids over a 20‐year period showed similar accumulation of PBDEs. The widespread use of PBDEs in commercial products, compound persistence, and toxicity indicate that additional effort is warranted to better understand fate‐determining processes for PBDEs in the environment.
The Studying of Washing of Arsenic and Sulfur from Coals Having Different Ranges of Arsenic Contents
Authors: Wang Mingshi , Song Dangyu , Zheng Baoshan , Finkelman R.B.
Published: August 2009

To study the effectiveness of washing in removal of arsenic and sulfur from coals with different ranges of arsenic concentration, coal was divided into three groups on the basis of arsenic content: 0–5.5 mg/kg, 5.5 mg/kg–8.00 mg/kg, and over 8.00 mg/kg. The result shows that the arsenic in coals with higher arsenic content occurs mainly in an inorganic state and can be relatively easily removed. Arsenic removal is very difficult and less complete when the arsenic content is lower than 5.5 mg/kg because most of this arsenic is in an organic state. There is no relationship between washing rate of total sulfur and arsenic content, but the relationship between the washing rate of total sulfur and percent of organic sulfur is very strong.
Effect of Ferrous Iron on Arsenate Sorption to Amorphous Ferric Hydroxide
Authors: Mukiibi Muhammed , Ela Wendell P. , Sáez A. Eduardo
Published: August 2009

Amorphous ferric hydroxide (AFH) sorbents are commonly used for removal of arsenate from water. When disposed in microbially active, reducing environments, such as landfills, Fe(II) will be generated by reductive dissolution of the AFH surface and arsenate will be desorbed. However, the observed ratio of arsenate (and, in fact, total arsenic) to total iron in the leachate is not consistent with the original ratio of arsenate to iron on the AFH. Work to determine if ferrous iron re‐adsorption to the AFH can partially explain this inconsistency is described. As pH increases above 7, Fe(II) increasingly sorbs onto the AFH surface. This sorption is largely independent of ionic strength and somewhat irreversible at high pH. In contrast, arsenate partitioning to AFH decreases with increasing pH. However, over the pH range from 5 to 9, the presence of Fe(II) sorbed to the AFH surface increases the capacity for arsenate sorption. In addition, when no Fe(II) is present, arsenate binding is largely to surface sites inaccessible to Fe(II) binding. The results are also consistent with Fe(II) sorption to AFH sites, otherwise unfavorable to arsenate binding and transformation of those sites into arsenate‐amenable binding sites.
Arsenic‐induced Aberrant Gene Expression in Fetal Mouse Primary Liver‐Cell Cultures
Authors: Liu Jie , Yu Limei , Tokar Erik J. , Bortner Carl , Sifre Maria I. , Sun Yang , Waalkes Michael P.
Published: August 2009

Exposure of maternal mice to inorganic arsenic through the drinking water induces liver tumors and aberrant gene expression in offspring when they reach adulthood. To help define if these are direct fetal effects of arsenic, fetal liver cells were isolated from untreated mice at gestation day 13.5 by mechanical dissection and centrifugation. Two hours after seeding the cells on collagen1‐coated plates in William E media containing 10% fetal bovine serum, 1x ITS (insulin, transferrin, and selenium) and antibiotics, inorganic arsenite (0, 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 μM) was added to the fresh media for 72 h. Cell morphology and viability were not significantly altered by these arsenic concentrations. At the end of arsenic exposure, cells were harvested into Trizol, and total RNA was extracted, purified, and subjected to real‐time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis. Arsenite exposure produced a concentration‐dependent induction of heme oxygenase‐1 (up to eight‐fold) and metallothionein‐1 (up to five‐fold), indicative of stress response to adapt to arsenic insult. Expression of genes related to steroid metabolism, such as 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐7 (HSD17β7) and Cyp2a4, were increased approximately two‐fold, together with increases in estrogen receptor‐α (ER‐α) and ER‐α‐linked genes, such as anterior gradient‐2, keratin 1–19, and trefoil factor‐3. Arsenic in vitro induced a three‐fold increase in the expression of α‐fetoprotein (AFP), a biomarker associated with transplacental arsenic‐induced mouse liver tumors. Thus, exposure of mouse fetal liver cells to arsenic induces adaptive responses and aberrant gene expression, which could alter genetic programming at a very early life stage, potentially contributing to tumor formation much later in life.
Chromogranin-A and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide: An Excellent Pair of Biomarkers for Diagnostics in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Korse Catharina M. , Taal Babs G. , de Groot Cornelis A. , Bakker Robert H. , Bonfrer Johannes M.G.
Published: August 2009

Purpose

For the last decade chromogranin-A (CgA) has been a well-established marker for neuroendocrine tumor (NET), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been a useful marker for left ventricular dysfunction. This study examined the diagnostic value of CgA and NT-proBNP for carcinoid heart disease (CHD), and their prognostic value for overall survival in NET patients.

Patients and Methods

Serum samples were obtained and cardiac ultrasound studies performed in 102 NET patients. The criterion for mild and severe CHD was tricuspid regurgitation stage I/II and III/IV, respectively. Proportional odds and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed respectively to identify the association between CHD and overall survival with patient characteristics and the two markers.

Results

Severe CHD was found in 15 (15%) of 102 patients, 13 of whom had elevated NT-proBNP levels. In the univariate proportional odds model CHD was correlated with age (P = .007), CgA (P = .002), and NT-proBNP (P < .001), whereas in the multivariate model NT-proBNP and CgA were significantly associated with CHD (P < .001 and P = .01). In the univariate Cox models, age (P = .04), sex (P = .03), CgA (P = .003), and NT-proBNP (P = .04) were related to overall survival, and in the multivariate model CgA and NT-proBNP remained significantly related to overall survival (P = .002 and P = .04, respectively).

Conclusion

NT-proBNP and CgA are very important markers in the diagnosis of CHD in patients with NET. Furthermore, patients with elevated NT-proBNP in addition to elevated CgA levels showed worse overall survival than patients with elevated CgA alone.
Early and Late Therapy Response Assessment With [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Pediatric Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Analysis of a Prospective Multicenter Trial
Authors: Furth Christian , Steffen Ingo G. , Amthauer Holger , Ruf Juri , Misch Daniel , Schönberger Stefan , Kobe Carsten , Denecke Timm , Stöver Brigitte , Hautzel Hubertus , Henze Günter , Hundsdoerfer Patrick
Published: August 2009

Purpose

In adult Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) risk stratification after early therapy response assessment with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) seems to allow tailoring therapy with less toxicity for patients with adequate metabolic response. This study delivers the first prospective data on the potential of FDG-PET for response assessment in pediatric HL.

Patients and Methods

FDG-PET was performed in 40 pediatric HL patients before polychemotherapy (PET-1), after two cycles of polychemotherapy (PET-2), and after completion of polychemotherapy (PET-3). Mean follow-up was 46 months (range, 26 to 72 months).

Results

At early and late response assessment, the proportion of PET-negative patients was significantly higher compared with those patients with negative findings in conventional imaging methods (CIMs; PET-2, 26 of 40 v CIM-2, one of 40; P < .001; PET-3, 21 of 29 v CIM-3, four of 29; P < .001). Sensitivity and negative predictive value were 100% for early and late therapy response assessment by PET. Both patients suffering a relapse during follow-up were identified by PET-2/3, whereas one of these patients was not detected by CIM-3. PET was superior to CIMs with regard to specificity in early and late therapy response assessment (68% v 3%, and 78% v 11%, respectively; both P < .001). Specificity of early therapy response assessment by PET was improved to 97% by quantitative analysis of maximal standardized uptake value reduction using a cutoff value of 58%.

Conclusion

Pediatric HL patients with a negative PET in response assessment have an excellent prognosis while PET-positive patients have an increased risk for relapse.
Breast Cancer Risk in Female Survivors of Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Lower Risk After Smaller Radiation Volumes
Authors: De Bruin Marie L. , Sparidans Judith , van't Veer Mars B. , Noordijk Evert M. , Louwman Marieke W.J. , Zijlstra Josée M. , van den Berg Hendrik , Russell Nicola S. , Broeks Annegien , Baaijens Margreet H.A. , Aleman Berthe M.P. , van Leeuwen Flora E.
Published: August 2009

Purpose

We assessed the long-term risk of breast cancer (BC) after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). We focused on the volume of breast tissue exposed to radiation and the influence of gonadotoxic chemotherapy (CT).

Patients and Methods

We performed a cohort study among 1,122 female 5-year survivors treated for HL before the age of 51 years between 1965 and 1995. We compared the incidence of BC with that in the general population. To assess the risk according to radiation volume and hormone factors, we performed multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

After a median follow-up of 17.8 years, 120 women developed BC (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 5.6; 95% CI, 4.6 to 6.8), absolute excess risk 57 per 10,000 patients per year. The overall cumulative incidence 30 years after treatment was 19% (95% CI, 16% to 23%); for those treated before age 21 years, it was 26% (95% CI, 19% to 33%). The relative risk remained high after prolonged follow-up (> 30 years after treatment: SIR, 9.5; 95% CI, 4.9 to 16.6). Mantle field irradiation (involving the axillary, mediastinal, and neck nodes) was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.1 to 6.9) compared with similarly dosed (36 to 44 Gy) mediastinal irradiation alone. Women with ≥ 20 years of intact ovarian function after radiotherapy at young ages (< 31 years) experienced significantly higher risks for BC than those with fewer than 10 years of intact ovarian function.

Conclusion

Reduction of radiation volume appears to decrease the risk for BC after HL. In addition, shorter duration of intact ovarian function after irradiation is associated with a significant reduction of the risk for BC.
SOX Antibodies in Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome: Frequency and Relation With Survival
Authors: Titulaer Maarten J. , Klooster Rinse , Potman Marko , Sabater Lidia , Graus Francesc , Hegeman Ingrid M. , Thijssen Peter E. , Wirtz Paul W. , Twijnstra Albert , Smitt Peter A.E. Sillevis , van der Maarel Silvère M. , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M.
Published: August 2009

Purpose

SOX1 antibodies are common in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) with and without paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) and can serve as serological tumor marker. Addition of other antibodies might improve its diagnostic power. We validated an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the diagnostic value of serum antibodies in SCLC and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Clinical outcome with respect to SOX antibodies was evaluated, as the SOX-related antitumor immune response might help to control the tumor growth.

Patients and Methods

We used recombinant SOX1, SOX2, SOX3, SOX21, HuC, HuD, or HelN1 proteins in an ELISA to titrate serum samples and validated the assay by western blot. We tested 136 consecutive SCLC patients, 86 LEMS patients (43 with SCLC), 14 patients with SCLC and PNS (paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration or Hu syndrome), 62 polyneuropathy patients, and 18 healthy controls.

Results

Our ELISA was equally reliable as western blot. Forty-three percent of SCLC patients and 67% of SCLC-LEMS patients had antibodies to one of the SOX or Hu proteins. SOX antibodies had a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 95% to discriminate between LEMS with SCLC and nontumor LEMS. No difference in survival was observed between SOX positive and SOX negative SCLC patients.

Conclusion

SOX antibodies are specific serological markers for SCLC. Our assay is suitable for high throughput screening, detecting 43% of SCLC. SOX antibodies have diagnostic value in discriminating SCLC-LEMS from nontumor LEMS, but have no relation to survival in patients with SCLC.
Evaluation of Microtubule-Associated Protein-Tau Expression As a Prognostic and Predictive Marker in the NSABP-B 28 Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pusztai Lajos , Jeong Jong-Hyeon , Gong Yun , Ross Jeffrey S. , Kim Chungyeul , Paik Soonmyung , Rouzier Roman , Andre Fabrice , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Wolmark Norman , Symmans W. Fraser
Published: August 2009

Purpose

We assessed Tau protein expression in primary breast cancer specimens of patients included in the National Surgical Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) -B 28 clinical trial. Expression levels were correlated with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Interaction between this marker and paclitaxel efficacy was also examined.

Methods

Tissue microarrays were available for 1,942 patients (63% of all trial participants) who were randomly assigned to receive either four courses of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC) or AC followed by four courses of adjuvant paclitaxel chemotherapy. All patients who were hormone receptor positive received adjuvant endocrine therapy. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure Tau expression at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center blinded to clinical outcome. Correlation between Tau and OS and DFS was performed by the NSABP Biostatistical Center.

Results

Forty-three percent of patients were Tau positive. Tau positivity correlated with estrogen receptor (ER) -positive status (P < .0001), lower histologic grade (P < .001), and lack of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression (P < .0001). In univariate analyses, Tau- and ER-positive status were both associated with better DFS and OS (P < .0001) whereas greater tumor size, high grade, lymph node- and HER2-positive status were each associated with worse DFS and OS (P < .0001). In multivariate analysis, the same variables except HER2 remained significant. There was no significant interaction between Tau expression and benefit from paclitaxel in the total population or among ER-positive or -negative patients.

Conclusion

High Tau protein expression is associated with better prognosis in patients treated with adjuvant anthracycline and paclitaxel chemotherapy and endocrine therapy, but there was no significant interaction between Tau expression and paclitaxel benefit.
Pharmacogenetic Pathway Analysis for Determination of Sunitinib-Induced Toxicity
Authors: van Erp Nielka P. , Eechoute Karel , van der Veldt Astrid A. , Haanen John B. , Reyners An K.L. , Mathijssen Ron H.J. , Boven Epie , van der Straaten Tahar , Baak-Pablo Renée F. , Wessels Judith A.M. , Guchelaar Henk-Jan , Gelderblom Hans
Published: August 2009

Purpose

To identify genetic markers in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic pathways of sunitinib that predispose for development of toxicities: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, mucosal inflammation, hand-foot syndrome, and any toxicity according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria higher than grade 2.

Patients and Methods

A multicenter pharmacogenetic association study was performed in 219 patients treated with single-agent sunitinib. A total of 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 12 candidate genes, together with several nongenetic variants, were analyzed for a possible association with toxicity. In addition, genetic haplotypes were developed and related to toxicity.

Results

The risk for leukopenia was increased when the G allele in CYP1A1 2455A/G (odds ratio [OR], 6.24; P = .029) or the T allele in FLT3 738T/C (OR, 2.8; P = .008) were present or CAG in the NR1I3 (5719C/T, 7738A/C, 7837T/G) haplotype (OR, 1.74; P = .041) was absent. Any toxicity higher than grade 2 prevalence was increased when the T allele of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 1191C/T (OR, 2.39; P = .046) or a copy of TT in the ABCG2 (−15622C/T, 1143C/T) haplotype (OR, 2.63; P = .016) were present. The risk for mucosal inflammation was increased in the presence of the G allele in CYP1A1 2455A/G (OR, 4.03; P = .021) and the prevalence of hand-foot syndrome was increased when a copy of TTT in the ABCB1 (3435C/T, 1236C/T, 2677G/T) haplotype (OR, 2.56; P = .035) was present.

Conclusion

This exploratory study suggests that polymorphisms in specific genes encoding for metabolizing enzymes, efflux transporters, and drug targets are associated with sunitinib-related toxicities. A better understanding of genetic and nongenetic determinants of sunitinib toxicity should help to optimize drug treatment in individual patients.
Photochromic diarylethene molecules and crystals
Authors: Irie Masahiro , Morimoto Masakazu
Published: August 2009

Some of the diarylethene derivatives were found to undergo photoisomerization reactions between two isomers even in the single-crystalline phase. The two isomers have different electronic as well as geometrical structures. The electronic structure change induces the reversible color change of the crystal. Single crystals composed of three different kinds of diarylethenes having similar geometrical structures, bisoxazolylethene, bisthiazolylethene, and bisthienylethene have been prepared. The crystals exhibited multicolor photochromism. The colorless crystals turned yellow, red, and blue upon irradiation with the appropriate wavelength of light. The geometrical structure change of component diarylethene molecules in crystals induces reversible surface morphology as well as shape and size changes of the crystals. The photoinduced geometrical structure changes of the molecules in the densely packed crystals were successfully linked to the macro-scale mechanical motion of the solid crystals and resulted in the net task of launching a tiny silica particle.
Regulatory Divergence inDrosophila melanogasterandD. simulans, a Genomewide Analysis of Allele-Specific Expression
Authors: Graze Rita M , McIntyre Lauren M , Main Bradley J , Wayne Marta L , Nuzhdin Sergey V
Published: August 2009

Species-specific regulation of gene expression contributes to the development and maintenance of reproductive isolation and to species differences in ecologically important traits. A better understanding of the evolutionary forces that shape regulatory variation and divergence can be developed by comparing expression differences among species and interspecific hybrids. Once expression differences are identified, the underlying genetics of regulatory variation or divergence can be explored. With the goal of associating cis and/or trans components of regulatory divergence with differences in gene expression, overall and allele-specific expression levels were assayed genomewide in female adult heads of Drosophila melanogaster, D. simulans, and their F1 hybrids. A greater proportion of cis differences than trans differences were identified for genes expressed in heads and, in accordance with previous studies, cis differences also explained a larger number of species differences in overall expression level. Regulatory divergence was found to be prevalent among genes associated with defense, olfaction, and among genes downstream of the Drosophila sex determination hierarchy. In addition, two genes, with critical roles in sex determination and micro RNA processing, Sxl and loqs, were identified as misexpressed in hybrid female heads, potentially contributing to hybrid incompatibility.
Comparing Mutational and Standing Genetic Variability for Fitness and Size inCaenorhabditis briggsaeandC. elegans
Authors: Salomon Matthew P , Ostrow Dejerianne , Phillips Naomi , Blanton Dustin , Bour Whitney , Keller Thomas E , Levy Laura , Sylvestre Thamar , Upadhyay Ambuj , Baer Charles F
Published: August 2009

The genetic variation present in a species depends on the interplay between mutation, population size, and natural selection. At mutation-(purifying) selection balance (MSB) in a large population, the standing genetic variance for a trait (VG) is predicted to be proportional to the mutational variance for the trait (VM); VM is proportional to the mutation rate for the trait. The ratio VM/VG predicts the average strength of selection (S) against a new mutation. Here we compare VM and VG for lifetime reproductive success (≈ fitness) and body volume in two species of self-fertilizing rhabditid nematodes, Caenorhabditis briggsae and C. elegans, which the evidence suggests have different mutation rates. Averaged over traits, species, and populations within species, the relationship between VG and VM is quite stable, consistent with the hypothesis that differences among groups in standing variance can be explained by differences in mutational input. The average (homozygous) selection coefficient inferred from VM/VG is a few percent, smaller than typical direct estimates from mutation accumulation (MA) experiments. With one exception, the variance present in a worldwide sample of these species is similar to the variance present within a sample from a single locale. These results are consistent with specieswide MSB and uniform purifying selection, but genetic draft (hitchhiking) is a plausible alternative possibility.
Reflections on Well-Child Care Practice: A National Study of Pediatric Clinicians
Authors: Tanner J. Lane , Stein Martin T. , Olson Lynn M. , Frintner Mary Pat , Radecki Linda
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE: To assess perspectives about the practice of well-child care among pediatric clinicians, especially in the areas of child development and behavior.

METHODS: Thirty-one focus groups (282 pediatricians and 41 pediatric nurse practitioners) in 13 cities addressed current practices, priorities used to determine content of well-child care visits, and changes to improve visit quality and outcomes.

RESULTS: Although most clinicians were positive about their practice of well-child care, they reported areas of concern and suggested ideas for improvements. Establishing a therapeutic relationship and individualizing care were viewed as significant contributions to quality of care. Participants agreed about the importance of eliciting parent concerns as the first priority for all well-child care visits. Community resources outside the office setting were seen as both a major influence on and, in some communities, a limitation to pediatric care. The challenges of early recognition of developmental and behavior problems through standardized questionnaires and effective interviewing were viewed as a priority to improve pediatric effectiveness in monitoring and treatment. To enhance primary care practices in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, participants suggested innovations in practice organization, community linkages, information technology, and integration of existing innovative programs. Education for pediatricians and enhanced resident training in developmental and behavioral pediatrics were endorsed.

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric clinicians' support a vision of preventive care that is comprehensive, family centered, and developmentally relevant, both for children with greater risk to long-term healthy development and for families with more normative child-rearing concerns.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children With Type 1 Diabetes Screened for Celiac Disease
Authors: Narula Priya , Porter Lesley , Langton Josephine , Rao Veena , Davies Paul , Cummins Carole , Kirk Jeremy , Barrett Timothy , Protheroe Susan
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: The association between celiac disease (CD) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is recognized. Most cases of CD in patients with DM are reported to be asymptomatic.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to (1) compare and audit our practice with the published standards for screening for CD in children with DM, (2) characterize the children with DM and biopsy-confirmed CD, in terms of growth and gastrointestinal symptoms, and compare them with children with DM and negative celiac serology, and (3) document the effects of a gluten-free diet (GFD) after 1 year of gastrointestinal symptoms, growth, and insulin requirement.

METHOD: We performed a retrospective case-note review of 22 children with DM, positive celiac serology ± biopsy-confirmed CD, and 50 children with DM and negative celiac serology.

RESULTS: Twenty-two children (3.9% of the total diabetic population) had positive celiac serology on screening, with 17 (3%) having biopsy-confirmed CD. Ninety-four percent of the children had standardized celiac serology testing. At diagnosis of CD, 13 of the 17 biopsy-positive children (76.4%) had ≥1 gastrointestinal symptom. The frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms in negative celiac serology diabetic children was 6% (3 of 50) (P < .0005). Symptoms resolved in all children after introduction of a GFD. A significant improvement in weight SD score (P = .008) and BMI SD score (P = .02) was noted in those compliant with a GFD after 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS: Children with DM and CD have a higher frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms than their diabetic peers with negative celiac serology and are not truly asymptomatic. Institution of a GFD has a positive effect on nutritional status and symptom resolution in the short-term.
Computerized Order Entry With Limited Decision Support to Prevent Prescription Errors in a PICU
Authors: Kadmon Gili , Bron-Harlev Efrat , Nahum Elhanan , Schiller Ofer , Haski Gali , Shonfeld Tommy
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE: The value of computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) in preventing prescription errors in pediatrics is unclear. We investigated the change in prescription error rates with the introduction of CPOE with and without a CDSS limited to weight-based dosing in a PICU.

METHODS: In a PICU of a major tertiary-care pediatric medical center, 5000 orders were reviewed, that is, 1250 orders from each of 4 periods: period 1, before CPOE implementation; period 2, 1 year after CPOE implementation; period 3, after CDSS implementation; and period 4, after a change in prescription authorization. Prescription errors were identified and classified into: potential adverse drug events (ADEs), medication prescription errors (MPEs), and rule violations (RVs).

RESULTS: We identified 273 errors (5.5%). The rate of potential ADEs decreased slightly between periods 1 and 2 (from 2.5% to 2.4%) and significantly in periods 3 and 4 (to 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively; P < .005). The rate of MPEs decreased slightly between periods 1 and 2 (from 5.5% to 5.3%), but new types of MPEs appeared. There was a significant decrease in period 3 (to 3.8%; P < .05) and a dramatically significant decrease in period 4 (to 0.7%; P < .0005). Only 3 RVs were found. Interrater agreement (κ statistic) was 0.788 between evaluators.

CONCLUSIONS: CPOE implementation decreased prescription errors only to a small extent. However, the addition of a CDSS that limits doses by weight significantly reduced prescription error rates and, most importantly, potential ADEs. This finding emphasizes the major impact of weight-based calculation errors in pediatrics.
Decision-making by Adolescents and Parents of Children With Cancer Regarding Health Research Participation
Authors: Read Kate , Fernandez Conrad Vincent , Gao Jun , Strahlendorf Caron , Moghrabi Albert , Pentz Rebecca Davis , Barfield Raymond Carlton , Baker Justin Nathaniel , Santor Darcy , Weijer Charles , Kodish Eric
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Low rates of participation of adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in clinical oncology trials may contribute to poorer outcomes. Factors that influence the decision of AYAs to participate in health research and whether these factors are different from those that affect the participation of parents of children with cancer.

METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of data from validated questionnaires provided to adolescents (>12 years old) diagnosed with cancer and parents of children with cancer at 3 sites in Canada (Halifax, Vancouver, and Montreal) and 2 in the United States (Atlanta, GA, and Memphis, TN). Respondents reported their own research participation and cited factors that would influence their own decision to participate in, or to provide parental authorization for their child to participate in health research.

RESULTS: Completed questionnaire rates for AYAs and parents were 86 (46.5%) of 185 and 409 (65.2%) of 627, respectively. AYAs (n = 86 [67%]) and parents (n = 409 [85%]) cited that they would participate in research because it would help others. AYAs perceived pressure by their family and friends (16%) and their physician (19%). Having too much to think about at the time of accrual was an impediment to both groups (36% AYAs and 47% parents). The main deterrent for AYAs was that research would take up too much time (45%). Nonwhite parents (7 of 56 [12.5%]) were more apt to decline than white parents (12 of 32 [3.7%]; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS: AYAs identified time commitment and having too much to think about as significant impediments to research participation. Addressing these barriers by minimizing time requirements and further supporting decision-making may improve informed consent and impact on enrollment in trials.
Propranolol for Severe Infantile Hemangiomas: Follow-Up Report
Authors: Sans Véronique , de la Roque Eric Dumas , Berge Jérôme , Grenier Nicolas , Boralevi Franck , Mazereeuw-Hautier Juliette , Lipsker Dan , Dupuis Elisabeth , Ezzedine Khaled , Vergnes Pierre , Taïeb Alain , Léauté-Labrèze Christine
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE: Infantile hemangiomas (IHs) are the most-common soft-tissue tumors of infancy. We report the use of propranolol to control the growth phase of IHs.

METHODS: Propranolol was given to 32 children (21 girls; mean age at onset of treatment: 4.2 months) after clinical and ultrasound evaluations. After electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluations, propranolol was administered with a starting dose of 2 to 3 mg/kg per day, given in 2 or 3 divided doses. Blood pressure and heart rate were monitored during the first 6 hours of treatment. In the absence of side effects, treatment was continued at home and the child was reevaluated after 10 days of treatment and then every month. Ultrasound measurements were performed after 60 days of treatment.

RESULTS: Immediate effects on color and growth were noted in all cases and were especially dramatic in cases of dyspnea, hemodynamic compromise, or palpebral occlusion. In ulcerated IHs, complete healing occurred in <2 months. Objective clinical and ultrasound evidence of longer-term regression was seen in 2 months. Systemic corticosteroid treatment could be stopped within a few weeks. Treatment was administered for a mean total duration of 6.1 months. Relapses were mild and responded to retreatment. Side effects were limited and mild. One patient discontinued treatment because of wheezing.

CONCLUSION: Propranolol administered orally at 2 to 3 mg/kg per day has a consistent, rapid, therapeutic effect, leading to considerable shortening of the natural course of IHs, with good clinical tolerance.
Failure to Thrive: When to Suspect Inborn Errors of Metabolism
Authors: Ficicioglu Can , an Haack Kristina
Published: August 2009

Failure to thrive (FTT) is a common symptom, not a diagnosis, of a wide range of childhood diseases. Although FTT is usually caused by inadequate energy intake in diet or constitutional small size, organic pathology should be considered in some cases of FTT. This article is intended to guide primary care physicians for when to suspect inborn errors of metabolism in children who present with FTT.
Impact of Growth Hormone Therapy on Adult Height of Children Born Small for Gestational Age
Authors: Maiorana Arianna , Cianfarani Stefano
Published: August 2009

CONTEXT: Use of growth hormone (GH) therapy to promote growth in short children born small for gestational age (SGA) was recently approved in the United States and Europe, but there is still disagreement about the magnitude of effectiveness of GH.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of GH therapy on adult height in short SGA children by a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS: We performed a systematic review of controlled studies using as data sources the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, and the bibliographic references from all retrieved articles describing RCTs up to November 2008. A meta-analysis of all RCT studies conducted up to the achievement of adult height was performed. Inclusion criteria were birth weight and/or length below −2 SD score (SDS), initial height less than −2 SDS, and GH dose range of 33 to 67 μg/kg per day. Adult height SDS and overall height gain SDS were the primary outcome measures.

RESULTS: Four RCTs (391 children) met the inclusion criteria. The adult height of the GH-treated group significantly exceeded controls by 0.9 SDS. Mean height gain was 1.5 SDS in treated versus 0.25 SDS in untreated SGA subjects. No significant difference in adult height was observed between the 2 GH dose regimens.

CONCLUSIONS: GH therapy seems to be an effective approach to partially reduce the adult height deficit in short SGA children. However, the response to therapy is highly variable, and additional studies are needed to identify the responders.
Dynamical Modelling and Simulation of Wastewater Filtration Process by Submerged Membrane Bioreactors
Authors: Zarragoitia Alain , Schetrite Sylvie , Jauregui-Haza Ulises J. , Albasi Claire
Published: August 2009

A mathematical model was developed for the filtration process and the influence of aeration on Submerged Membrane Bioreactors. The dynamics of sludge attachment to and detachment from the membrane, in relation to the filtration and a strong intermittent aeration, were included in the model. The influence on the membrane fouling of intermittent aeration injected on the membrane surface, and its synchronization with intermittent filtration, were studied numerically and experimentally. For the evaluation of filtration cake development, the assumption of the presence of two cake layers (one dynamic and the other stable) was considered. The model development and simulation focused on the description of existing relationships among important system variables like mixed liquor suspended solids concentration, aeration, temperature of the sludge suspension, transmembrane pressure, and the fouling increase during the filtration process. The model obtained offers the possibility of improving the design configuration and operation strategies of Submerged Membrane Bioreactors in wastewater treatment, and it allows the of aeration-filtration cycles to be optimized.
Complete classification of spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in arbitrary non-flat pseudo-Riemannian space forms
Authors: Chen Bang-Yen
Published: August 2009

Submanifolds with parallel mean curvature vector play important roles in differential geometry, theory of harmonic maps as well as in physics. Spatial surfaces in 4D Lorentzian space forms with parallel mean curvature vector were classified by B. Y. Chen and J. Van der Veken in [9]. Recently, spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in arbitrary pseudo-Euclidean spaces are also classified in [7]. In this article, we classify spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in pseudo-Riemannian spheres and pseudo-hyperbolic spaces with arbitrary codimension and arbitrary index. Consequently, we achieve the complete classification of spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in all pseudo-Riemannian space forms. As an immediate by-product, we obtain the complete classifications of spatial surfaces with parallel mean curvature vector in arbitrary Lorentzian space forms.
Representation and duality for Hilbert algebras
Authors: Celani Sergio , Cabrer Leonardo , Montangie Daniela
Published: August 2009

In this paper we introduce a special kind of ordered topological spaces, called Hilbert spaces. We prove that the category of Hilbert algebras with semi-homomorphisms is dually equivalent to the category of Hilbert spaces with certain relations. We restrict this result to give a duality for the category of Hilbert algebras with homomorphisms. We apply these results to prove that the lattice of the deductive systems of a Hilbert algebra and the lattice of open subsets of its dual Hilbert space, are isomorphic. We explore how this duality is related to the duality given in [6] for finite Hilbert algebras, and with the topological duality developed in [7] for Tarski algebras.
Functional a posteriori error estimates for incremental models in elasto-plasticity
Authors: Repin Sergey , Valdman Jan
Published: August 2009

We consider incremental problem arising in elasto-plastic models with isotropic hardening. Our goal is to derive computable and guaranteed bounds of the difference between the exact solution and any function in the admissible (energy) class of the problem considered. Such estimates are obtained by an advanced version of the variational approach earlier used for linear boundary-value problems and nonlinear variational problems with convex functionals [24, 30]. They do no contain mesh-dependent constants and are valid for any conforming approximations regardless of the method used for their derivation. It is shown that the structure of error majorant reflects properties of the exact solution so that the majorant vanishes only if an approximate solution coincides with the exact one. Moreover, it possesses necessary continuity properties, so that any sequence of approximations converging to the exact solution in the energy space generates a sequence of positive numbers (explicitly computable by the majorant functional) that tends to zero.
Role of Vitamin E on Antispermatogenic Effects of Indomethacin on Number of Sperm Containing Seminiferous Tubules of Testes in Long Evans Rats
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Khatun Monira , Begum Manowara , Hossain Muazzem , Akhter Jesmin , Paul Uttam Kumar , Begum Tahmina
Published: August 2009

Context: Indomethacin is the most commonly and widely used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesic and antipyretic drug. Despite its effectiveness as an antiinflammatory use, indomethacin causes inhibition of spermatogenesis leading to infertility. On the other hand, vitamin E enhances spermatogenesis. Therefore, the present study was designed to observe the protective role of vitamin E on indomethacin induced testicular damage. Objective: To observe the effects of vitamin E on indomethacin induced testicular damage in Long Evans rats. Study design: An experimental study. Place and period of study: The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka. Materials and methods: Eightyfour mature Long Evans male rats were divided into four groups (I, II, III and IV). The rats of group I, II and III were treated with indomethacin at different doses and duration. Group IV rats were treated with indomethacin and vitamin E at different doses for 49 days. Histologically the number of sperm containing and nonsperm containing seminiferous tubules were counted. Results: There was significant reduction (P<0.001) in number of sperm containing seminiferous tubules when the rats were treated with indomethacin at low (2 mg/kg body wt/day) and high dose (10 mg/kg body wt/day) for 7, 14 and 42 days, respectively. On the other hand, rats treated with indomethacin and vitamin E for 49 days showed increase in number of sperm containing seminiferous tubules compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that vitamin E has potential role in the prevention of the antispermatogenic effects of indomethacin. Key words: Seminiferous tubules, Indomethacin, Vitamin E    doi: 10.3329/bja.v7i1.3009 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy January 2009, Vol. 7 No. 1 pp. 5-9