bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in vascular surgery patients
Authors: Falkensammer Juergen , Hakaim Albert G. , Falkensammer Claudia E. , Broderick Gregory A. , Crook Julia E. , Heckman Michael G. , Oldenburg W. Andrew , Hugl Beate
Published: March 2007

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently associated with cardiovascular disease. Epidemiological data on the frequency of ED in vascular surgery patients is rarely reported. We evaluated the prevalence of this comorbidity in patients consulting the vascular surgery outpatient clinic. Over a 6-month period, a short version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire consisting of six EDrelevant questions was handed out to 440 vascular surgery outpatients. Clinical data were collected from patients' records. Linear regression models with forward selection were used to investigate associations between erectile function score and possible risk factors. The return rate was 31% (137 patients). Eight patients (6%) were taking phosphodiesterase inhibitors. ED, as defined by an erectile function score of 25 or less and/or use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, was found in 90% (95% CI: 84% to 95%) of cases. Moderate or severe ED, as defined by an erectile function score of 16 or less and/or use of phosphodiesterase inhibitors, was found in 70% (95% CI: 62% to 78%) of cases. Increased age, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, urologic disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and use of beta-blockers were significantly associated with a lower erectile function score. In conclusion, erectile dysfunction is a frequent and often missed comorbidity in vascular surgery patients. While ED may have a profound impact on the patient's quality of life, attention should also be paid to the patient's preoperative sexual function, considering the availability of oral pharmacotherapies and possible consequences concerning liability in postoperative patients in whom pre-existing ED was not identified properly.
Assessment of peripheral vascular endothelial function in the ambulatory setting
Authors: Kuvin Jeffrey T. , Mammen Anish , Mooney Paula , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi A. , Karas Richard H.
Published: March 2007

Until now, peripheral vascular endothelial function testing has been performed in research laboratories under highly controlled conditions, thus limiting its clinical applicability. In this study, we evaluated endothelial function in two peripheral vascular beds before and during reactive hyperemia in an outpatient clinic setting. The brachial artery was imaged with a portable ultrasound device and changes in vessel diameter were expressed as percent flow-mediated dilation (%FMD). Pulse wave amplitude of the finger was detected by peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) and PAT hyperemia was defined as the maximal plethysmographic recording compared to baseline. Sixty individuals (43 men) were enrolled with an average age 53 ± 2 years (mean ± SE). The 31 individuals with more than two cardiac risk factors (CRF) had lower FMD (7.0 ± 1.1%) and PAT hyperemia (2.1 ± 0.9) compared to the 29 individuals with 0—2 CRF (FMD 11.3 ± 0.8%, PAT hyperemia 2.4 ± 0.1; p < 0.05 for both). The 32 individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD) had lower FMD (6.8 ± 1.1%) and PAT hyperemia (2.0 ± 0.1) compared to the 28 individuals without CAD (FMD 11.5 ± 0.8%, PAT hyperemia 2.4 ± 0.1; p < 0.05 for both). Thus, peripheral vascular endothelial function testing in the ambulatory setting correlates with the extent of CAD risk and the presence or absence of CAD. In conclusion, these data suggest that peripheral vascular endothelial function testing is feasible in ambulatory patients, and this is an important next step in bringing this technology to clinical applicability.
Purple glove syndrome following intravenous phenytoin administration
Authors: Chokshi Reena , Openshaw John , Mehta Nehal N , Mohler Emile
Published: March 2007

Purple glove syndrome (PGS) is a rare complication of intravenous phenytoin use that typically presents with pain, edema, and discoloration at the injection site that spreads to the distal limb. Several risk factors have been associated with the development of PGS; however, the etiology remains unknown. We present a case of PGS and briefly review the current understanding of this syndrome.
A Conceptual History of Koro
Authors: Buckle Chris , Chuah Y.M. Lisa , Fones Calvin S.L. , Wong Albert H.C.
Published: March 2007

Koro is a culture-bound syndrome characterized by a fear that the genitals or breasts will retract into the body and cause death. Here we consider the history of ideas about Koro, from early concepts in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to contemporary ideas from medicine and sociology. This conceptual history reveals important issues about the classification (nosology) of Koro. In doing so, it demonstrates the need to integrate standardized phenomenological criteria with etiological models in order to capture the important features of complex behavioral disorders in the cross-cultural setting.
Global Assessment of Relational Functioning Scale (GARF)
Authors: Feijo Mello Andrea , Blay Sergio Luis , Kohn Robert
Published: March 2007

The Global Assessment of Relational Functioning Scale (GARF) has been proposed as an additional domain on Axis V, yet few validation studies have been conducted. This study examines the validity of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the GARF. An experienced family therapist interviewed 34 families in which one member had a diagnosis of DSM-IV recurrent major depression. A semi-structured family interview was used to classify families into functional or dysfunctional. A second interviewer, blind to the earlier evaluation, used the GARF to assess the families' functioning. Validity coefficients with the best balance between sensitivity and specificity were obtained with a cut-off point of 70 on the GARF: sensitivity, 78%; specificity, 86%; positive predictive value, 95%; and negative predictive value, 50%. Regression analyses identified demographic and clinical variables that influenced GARF scores. The following variables accounted for 41% of the GARF's variance: patients' educational level, severity of the current depressive episode, and the role of the family member participating in the study. The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the GARF has acceptable validity coefficients, and may be a useful tool in cross-cultural settings.
Conceptualizing Psychosis in Uganda
Authors: Teuton Joanna , Bentall Richard , Dowrick Chris
Published: March 2007

A qualitative study, investigating the representations and explanatory models of `madness' held by indigenous and religious healers, was undertaken in urban Uganda. Case vignettes of individuals with a diagnosis of a psychotic disorder were discussed by the healers in terms of phenomenology, causality, intervention and outcome. Indigenous healers primarily understood `madness' as spiritual or physiological, whereas religious healers also held psychological models. Healers' understandings of `madness' are inextricably linked with the historical and sociopolitical context and may be useful to individuals with psychotic experiences, however, it is likely that these models are dynamic and continually changing.
News values for consumer groups
Authors: Niblock Sarah , Machin David
Published: March 2007

National news agencies, staffed by fewer than a dozen journalists per shift in some cases, are able to produce ready-made news bulletins for hundreds of national and regional radio stations. These bulletins are tailor made to meet target audience criteria crucial for maintaining listener figures. Criticisms of market-driven journalism from media sociologists have focused on so-called `dumbing down'. However, our reflexive ethnographic research into everyday news decision-making, gathering and writing at a major UK news agency, Independent Radio News, suggests a more sophisticated process at work. Journalists were targeting lifestyle groups through careful selection and use of language, to ensure their news was accessible and engaging. The study questions whether news values have become secondary to a range of lifestyle targeting criteria, and considers the implications for journalism's role in society. We examine the processes and practices of news targeting for consumer groups through three days of close observation and a series of reflexive interviews with senior editorial staff.
Selective iron chelation in Friedreich ataxia: biologic and clinical implications
Authors: Boddaert Nathalie , Le Quan Sang Kim Hanh , Rötig Agnès , Leroy-Willig Anne , Gallet Serge , Brunelle Francis , Sidi Daniel , Thalabard Jean-Christophe , Munnich Arnold , Cabantchik Z. Ioav
Published: March 2007

Genetic disorders of iron metabolism and chronic inflammation often evoke local iron accumulation. In Friedreich ataxia, decreased iron-sulphur cluster and heme formation leads to mitochondrial iron accumulation and ensuing oxidative damage that primarily affects sensory neurons, the myocardium, and endocrine glands. We assessed the possibility of reducing brain iron accumulation in Friedreich ataxia patients with a membrane-permeant chelator capable of shuttling chelated iron from cells to transferrin, using regimens suitable for patients with no systemic iron overload. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of Friedreich ataxia patients compared with age-matched controls revealed smaller and irregularly shaped dentate nuclei with significantly (P < .027) higher H-relaxation rates R2*, indicating regional iron accumulation. A 6-month treatment with 20 to 30 mg/kg/d deferiprone of 9 adolescent patients with no overt cardiomyopathy reduced R2* from 18.3 s−1 (± 1.6 s−1) to 15.7 s−1 (± 0.7 s−1; P < .002), specifically in dentate nuclei and proportionally to the initial R2* (r = 0.90). Chelator treatment caused no apparent hematologic or neurologic side effects while reducing neuropathy and ataxic gait in the youngest patients. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical demonstration of chelation removing labile iron accumulated in a specific brain area implicated in a neurodegenerative disease. The use of moderate chelation for relocating iron from areas of deposition to areas of deprivation has clinical implications for various neurodegenerative and hematologic disorders.
Clathrin-mediated endocytic signals are required for the regeneration of,as well as homeostasis in, the planarian CNS
Authors: Inoue Takeshi , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Takechi Katsuaki , Agata Kiyokazu
Published: March 2007

Planarians have a well-organized central nervous system (CNS), including a brain, and can regenerate the CNS from almost any portion of the body using pluripotent stem cells. In this study, to identify genes required for CNS regeneration, genes expressed in the regenerating CNS were systematically cloned and subjected to functional analysis. RNA interference (RNAi) of the planarian clathrin heavy chain (DjCHC) gene prevented CNS regeneration in the intermediate stage of regeneration prior to neural circuit formation. To analyze DjCHC gene function at the cellular level, we developed a functional analysis method using primary cultures of planarian neurons purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) after RNAi treatment. Using this method, we showed that the DjCHC gene was not essential for neural differentiation, but was required for neurite extension and maintenance, and that DjCHC-RNAi-treated neurons entered a TUNEL-positive apoptotic state. DjCHC-RNAi-treated uncut planarians showed brain atrophy, and the DjCHC-RNAi planarian phenotype was mimicked by RNAi-treated planarians of the mu-2 (μ2)gene, which is involved in endocytosis, but not the mu-1(μ1) gene, which is involved in exocytosis. Thus,clathrin-mediated endocytic signals may be required for not only maintenance of neurons after synaptic formation, but also axonal extension at the early stage of neural differentiation.
Control of cell and petal morphogenesis by R2R3 MYB transcription factors
Authors: Baumann Kim , Perez-Rodriguez Maria , Bradley Desmond , Venail Julien , Bailey Paul , Jin Hailing , Koes Ronald , Roberts Keith , Martin Cathie
Published: March 2007

Petals of animal-pollinated angiosperms have adapted to attract pollinators. Factors influencing pollinator attention include colour and overall size of flowers. Colour is determined by the nature of the pigments,their environment and by the morphology of the petal epidermal cells. Most angiosperms have conical epidermal cells, which enhance the colour intensity and brightness of petal surfaces. The MYB-related transcription factor MIXTA controls the development of conical epidermal cells in petals of Antirrhinum majus. Another gene encoding an R2R3 MYB factor very closely related to MIXTA, AmMYBML2, is also expressed in flowers of A. majus. We have analysed the roles of AmMYBML2 and two MIXTA-related genes, PhMYB1 from Petunia hybridaand AtMYB16 from Arabidopsis thaliana, in petal development. The structural similarity between these genes, their comparable expression patterns and the similarity of the phenotypes they induce when ectopically expressed in tobacco, suggest they share homologous functions closely related to, but distinct from, that of MIXTA. Detailed phenotypic analysis of a phmyb1 mutant confirmed the role of PhMYB1 in the control of cell morphogenesis in the petal epidermis. The phmyb1 mutant showed that epidermal cell shape affects petal presentation, a phenotypic trait also observed following re-examination of mixta mutants. This suggests that the activity of MIXTA-like genes also contributes to petal form, another important factor influencing pollinator attraction.
Solvent-free Organocatalytic Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Thiols to α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Ishino Takeru , Oriyama Takeshi
Published: March 2007

A highly enantioselective asymmetric conjugate addition of thiols to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes has been achieved catalyzed by newly designed organocatalyst without solvent.
'Cooling corpses': Section 43 of the Human Tissue Act 2004 and organ donation
Authors: Sangster C
Published: March 2007

In an attempt to increase the number of organs available for transplantation, section 43 of the Human Tissue Act 2004 provides, for the first time, a statutory basis for the non-consensual preservation of organs. However, several issues arise out of the terminology of the section relating to where the preservation steps can be carried out and, indeed, what preservation steps can be performed which may affect the success of this attempt to increase the organ donor pool.
A comparison of direct and spontaneous methods for assessing parental attributions
Authors: Wilson Charlotte , Calam Rachel , White Caroline
Published: March 2007

Objectives The study aim was to test whether spontaneous parental attributions were more closely related to parental attributions reported after a third child non‐compliance, than to those reported after the first non‐compliance.

Methods Twenty‐six parents completed two attributional measures. Direct attributions were measured using Dopke and Milner's procedure where a vignette describing child non‐compliance is presented three times and attributions elicited after the first and third non‐compliance. Spontaneous attributions were elicited during interview and coded using the Leeds Attributional Coding System.

Results Spontaneous attributions were no more associated with parental attributions after the third child non‐compliance than with those reported after the first.

Conclusion The results suggest that the measures may be assessing different aspects of parental cognition.
Die Beteiligung des Garanten am Rechtsgutsangriff: Zur Abgrenzung von Täterschaft und Beihilfe durch Unterlassen
Authors: Hoffmann-Holland Klaus
Published: March 2007

I. Problemstellung

Können ein bestimmter Gesichtsausdruck oder allgemein die Belustigung einer Person darüber, dass ein anderer eine Straftat begeht, den Unterschied zwischen Täterschaft und Teilnahme begründen? Dies mag zunächst fernliegend erscheinen, da zwar die Belohnung und Billigung von Straftaten gemäß § 140 StGB im Besonderen Teil des Strafrechts zu finden ist, nicht jedoch die allgemeine Unterscheidung von Täterschaft und Teilnahme damit verbunden wird. Und doch vermittelt eine Entscheidung des 5. Strafsenates des Bundesgerichtshofs aus dem Jahr 1966 zu einer solchen Abgrenzungsfrage gerade diesen Eindruck. Die Frage, der im Folgenden nachzugehen ist, lautet: Wie ist die Beteiligungsform – Täterschaft oder Beihilfe – zu bestimmen, wenn ein Garant das täterschaftliche Begehungsunrecht eines Dritten nicht verhindert?
Role of ghrelin in reproduction
Authors: García María C , López Miguel , Alvarez Clara V , Casanueva Felipe , Tena-Sempere Manuel , Diéguez Carlos
Published: March 2007

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of GH secretagogue receptor type 1a, has emerged as a pleiotropic modulator of diverse biological functions, including energy homeostasis and, lately reproduction. Here, we review recent reports evaluating the reproductive effects and sites of action of ghrelin, with particular emphasis regarding its role as a molecule integrating reproductive function and energy status. Data gleaned from rodent studies clearly show that besides having direct gonadal effects, ghrelin may participate in the regulation of gonadotropin secretion and it may influence the timing of puberty. In addition, experimental data showing that ghrelin and/or its receptor are expressed in normal human ovary and testis as well as in human ovarian and testicular tumors raise the possibility that the ghrelin system may be involved in the control of cell proliferation in these tumors. We propose that ghrelin either acting as an endocrine and/or paracrine signal may play a major role in the endocrine network that integrates energy balance and reproduction.
Temporal expression of factors involved in chromatin remodeling and in gene regulation during early bovine in vitro embryo development
Authors: McGraw Serge , Vigneault Christian , Sirard Marc-André
Published: March 2007

Distinct epigenetic modification events regulate gene expression and chromatin structure during the period between the immature oocyte and the blastocyst. Throughout this developmental period, important methylation fluctuations occur on genomic DNA and histones. Finding single orcombinations offactors, which are at work during this period is essential to understand the entire epigenetic process. With this in mind, we assessed the precise temporal expression profile, during preimplantation embryo development, of 15 key regulators involved in RNA, DNA or histone methylation, chromatin modification or silencing and transcription regulation. To achieve this, real-time RT-PCR was used to quantify the mRNA levels of ATF7IP, DMAP1, EHMT1, EHMT2, HELLS, JARID1A, JARID1B, JMJD1A, JMJD2A, LSD1, MeCP2, METTL3, PRMT2, PRMT5 and RCOR2, in the oocyte and throughout in vitro bovine embryo development. Our results demonstrate that all the 15 key regulators were present to different degrees in the developmental stages tested, and they can be divided into three different groups depending on their respective mRNA profile.
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand expression and activity in hen granulosa cells
Authors: Johnson A L , Ratajczak Christine , Haugen Morgan J , Liu Han-Ken , Woods Dori C
Published: March 2007

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) represents one of several cytokine members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily reported to initiate apoptosis in a wide range of transformed, but not most normal, cell types. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the potential for TRAIL to promote apoptotic cell death in differentiated granulosa cells collected from hen preovulatory follicles. While mRNA encoding critical components (including TRAIL) required for a functional extrinsic cell death pathway are expressed in granulosa cells, TRAIL treatment by itself fails to induce either caspase-3 activity or a decrease in cell viability. On the other hand, preculture of cells with the conventional chemotherapeutic, cisplatin, or the 20S proteosome inhibitor, Z-LLF-CHO, sensitizes granulosa cells to TRAIL as evidenced by enhanced caspase-3 activity after 4 h of culture and loss of cell viability after 24 h when compared with either cisplatin or Z-LLF-CHO treatment alone. Moreover, the sensitizing effect of Z-LLF-CHO on TRAIL-induced loss of cell viability is prevented by the selective caspase-8 inhibitor, Z-IETD-FMK. Interestingly, TRAIL mRNA expression is elevated both in prehierarchal follicles undergoing spontaneous atresia and in prehierarchal follicles induced to undergo atresia for 6 h in vitro. In summary, the data demonstrate the presence of a functional TRAIL signaling pathway in hen granulosa cells, and are consistent with the possibility that TRAIL signaling may directly or indirectly participate in the process of follicle atresia in vivo.
Aphanomyces invadans and Ulcerative Mycosis in Estuarine and Freshwater Fish in Florida
Authors: Sosa Emilio R. , Landsberg Jan H. , Stephenson Christy M. , Forstchen Ann B. , Vandersea Mark W. , Litaker R. Wayne
Published: March 2007

In the spring of 1998, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute received numerous reports of lesioned or ulcerated fish primarily from the St. Lucie Estuary on the southeast coast of Florida, an area known since the late 1970s for lesions of the ulcerative mycosis (UM) type. From these and archived reports, as well as others received from different areas of Florida, we documented that diseased specimens had randomly distributed skin ulcers (usually reddened or hemorrhagic) with raised irregular margins and, in some cases, deeply penetrating hyphae in the surrounding muscle tissue. Since 1998, 256 fish (comprising 18 species) with ulcerative lesions (from 15 different locations) were confirmed with hyphae in fresh squash preparation or by histological evaluation. Squash preparations revealed nonseptate, sparsely branching, thick-walled hyphae; histological sections revealed mycotic granulomas in the dermis that occasionally penetrated into the skeletal muscle. These pathological characteristics were consistent with UM caused by the oomycete Aphanomyces invadans in Southeast Asia, Japan, Australia, and the United States. For specific identification, six isolates from ulcerated fish were cultured and prepared for molecular characterization using established diagnostic methods. Ribosomal RNA gene sequence analysis identified three isolates as Aphanomyces invadans, one as the oomycete Achlya bisexualis, and two as the ascomycete Phialemonium dimorphosporum. A more extensive survey of 67 ulcerated skin samples from fish collected between 1998 and 2003 was performed using a polymerase chain reaction assay specific for Aphanomyces invadans. Of these, 26 (38.8%) samples from seven fish species and nine collection locations were positive. Confirmation of UM associated with Aphanomyces invadans represents new host records in Florida for the sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus, striped mullet Mugil cephalus, white mullet Mugil curema, silver perch Bairdiella chrysoura, black drum Pogonias cromis, largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides, and American shad Alosa sapidissima.
Pathogenicity Studies with the Fungi Aphanomyces invadans, Achlya bisexualis, and Phialemonium dimorphosporum: Induction of Skin Ulcers in Striped Mullet
Authors: Sosa Emilio R. , Landsberg Jan H. , Kiryu Yasunari , Stephenson Christy M. , Cody Theresa T. , Dukeman Angela K. , Wolfe Heather P. , Vandersea Mark W. , Litaker R. Wayne
Published: March 2007

Based on isolations from naturally infected fish in Florida, we investigated the role of the fungi Aphanomyces invadans, Achlya bisexualis, and Phialemonium dimorphosporum in the etiology of ulcerative mycosis (UM) in striped mullet Mugil cephalus. We injected healthy striped mullet subcutaneously with secondary zoospores of four oomycete isolates: two concentrations (50 and 115 zoospores/mL) of SJR (an endemic isolate of Aphanomyces invadans in American shad Alosa sapidissima from the St. Johns River); two concentrations each of CAL (25 and 65 zoospores/mL) and ACH (1,400 and 2,000 zoospores/mL; endemic isolates of Aphanomyces invadans and Achlya bisexualis, respectively, in striped mullet from the Caloosahatchee River); and two concentrations of the ascomycete culture MTZ (2,500 and 3,500 zoospores/mL; endemic isolate of P. dimorphosporum from whirligig mullet M. gyrans in the Matanzas Inlet). All fish injected with either concentration of SJR developed granulomatous ulcers after 8 d and died within 21 d. Eighty percent (8/10) of fish injected with the high dose of CAL developed ulcers after 13 d and died within 28 d, but only 30% (3/10) of fish injected with the low dose of CAL developed ulcers. Four of the ulcerated fish died within 28 d, and the remaining fish were terminated after 32 d. Fish injected with zoospores of Aphanomyces invadans developed ulcers that were grossly and histologically similar to those observed in naturally infected striped mullet with UM from several estuaries or rivers in Florida. These hemorrhagic skin ulcers were characterized by myonecrosis and the presence of mycotic granulomas. None of the fish injected with ACH, MTZ, or sterile water developed ulcers. This study fulfilled Koch's postulates and demonstrated that ulcers could be experimentally induced in striped mullet after exposure via injection to secondary zoospores of an endemic Florida strain of Aphanomyces invadans.
The Effects of Five Different Glycans on Innate Immune Responses by Phagocytes of Hybrid Tilapia and Japanese Eels Anguilla japonica
Authors: Wang Way-Shyan , Hung Shao-Wen , Lin Yu-Hsing , Tu Ching-Yu , Wong Min-Liang , Chiou Shiow-Her , Shieh Meng-Tong
Published: March 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immune responses in hybrid tilapia (Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus × Mozambique tilapia O. mossambicus) and Japanese eels Anguilla japonica after treatment with five glycans: barley, krestin, MacroGard, scleroglucan, and zymosan. The effects of the glycans on the innate immune responses of the fish were investigated using the phagocytic index (PI), lysozyme activity, complement opsonization, and activation assay. The results of the lysozyme assay demonstrated that the lysozyme activities increased after treatment with glycans. Moreover, based on the PI, treatment with each of the five glycans resulted in increased phagocytic activities in anterior kidney and peripheral blood phagocytes in both tilapia and Japanese eels. The opsonic effect of complement on phagocytosis in tilapia and Japanese eels were investigated using baker's yeast, which served as the activator in the classical complement pathway (CCP) and in the alternative complement pathway (ACP). Tilapia and Japanese eel sera that were treated with glycans greatly enhanced phagocytosis. The classical pathway–hemolytic complement titer (CH50) of Japanese eels treated with glycans was slightly increased in vitro and in vivo. While glycan treatment enhanced the CCP of both species in vitro and in vivo, the alternative pathway–hemolytic complement titer (ACH50) was only increased in vitro and in vivo in glycan-treated tilapia. Thus, it follows that the ACP must have been activated in tilapia treated with glycans. However, in Japanese eels, the ACH50 of the ACP activation assay was undetected in vitro or in vivo due to possible unknown factors in the Japanese eel serum that caused lysis of the rabbit red blood cells. Our study investigated the effects of glycans used to enhance phagocytosis and activate both of the complement pathways involved in stimulating the innate immune responses of Japanese eels and tilapia.
A Piscirickettsiosis-like Syndrome in Cultured Nile Tilapia in Latin America with Francisella spp. as the Pathogenic Agent
Authors: Mauel M. J. , Soto E. , Moralis J. A. , Hawke J.
Published: March 2007

In 2004, cultured Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in several Latin America farms began to succumb to a disease similar to the piscirickettsiosis-like syndrome previously reported in tilapia in Taiwan and the United States. Mortality increased during 2005; reductions in tilapia biomass ranged from 5% to 80% in individual ponds and averaged 50% overall. All ages of fish have been involved. Clinical signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, petechia, exophthalmia, and abnormal swimming behavior. Gross lesions have included splenomegaly, renomegaly, and numerous white nodules observed in the spleen, kidney, testes, heart, ovaries, and occasionally the liver. A previously unreported black granulomatous lesion was reported in up to 30% of the fillets. Histologically, granulomatous infiltrates were observed in the kidney, spleen, liver, testes, ovary, and choroid gland, and rarely in the brain and heart. A small pleomorphic bacterium was observed in Giemsa-stained blood smears and spleen imprints. The bacterium did not grow on standard microbiological media and has not been isolated in cell culture. We obtained a near-complete 16S ribosomal DNA sequence with high similarity to Francisella spp. sequences previously identified in tilapias Oreochromis spp. (Taiwan), Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (Norway), and three-line grunts Parapristipoma trilineatum (Japan).
Close Encounters with a Fish Screen II: Delta Smelt Behavior Before and During Screen Contact
Authors: White David K. , Swanson Christina , Young Paciencia S. , Cech Joseph J. , Chen Zhi Qiang , Kavvas M. Levent
Published: March 2007

Fish screens reduce entrainment losses of fish at water diversions, but little is known about the behavior of individual fish near these structures, including the likelihood, consequences, and mechanics of involuntary screen contact. Recent studies using a large, laboratory‐based flume, the Fish Treadmill, have shown that such contact can result in injury, stress, and mortality. We investigated key aspects of screen contact events using videotape records of Fish Treadmill experiments. We quantitatively described precontact behavior, impact velocity and angle, contact duration, distance traveled, and velocity of delta smelt Hypomesus transpacificus while in contact with the screen, and related these responses to postexperiment injuries and mortality. Immediately prior to contact, delta smelt generally exhibited positive rheotaxis and moderate swimming velocity (mean ± SD = 20.2 ± 9.7 cm/s). Most fish impacted the screen broadside (within 40° of parallel to the screen) and tail first. Impact velocity generally increased as water velocity increased; however, at water velocities greater than 25 cm/s, impact velocity decreased with increases in fish swimming velocity and was less than the water velocity measured near the screen. Mean contact duration was short (<1 s) and decreased with increasing water velocity. Distance traveled in contact with the screen was not related to flow, but the velocity at which fish were dragged along the screen surface increased with increases in water velocity. Only impact velocity affected injury rates and severity; injuries increased with increases in the velocity of the flow vector normal to the screen (approach velocity). Combined with previous Fish Treadmill results for delta smelt and other species, these findings suggest a mechanism for screen contact‐ and flow‐related injuries and mortality, provide additional support for fish screen criteria designed to limit screen contacts, and demonstrate the value of experimental approaches that integrate hydraulic design with physiological and behavioral responses of fish.
A Comparison of the Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Sludges from a Complete‐Mix Activated Sludge Reactor and a Submerged Membrane Bioreactor
Authors: Merlo Rion P. , Trussell R. Shane , Hermanowicz Slawomir W. , Jenkins David
Published: March 2007

The properties of sludges from a pilot‐scale submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) and two bench‐scale complete‐mix, activated sludge (CMAS) reactors treating municipal primary effluent were determined. Compared with the CMAS sludges, the SMBR sludge contained a higher amount of soluble microbial products (SMP) and colloidal material attributed to the use of a membrane for solid–liquid separation; a higher amount nocardioform bacteria, resulting from efficient foam trapping; and a lower amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), possibly because there was no selective pressure for the sludge to settle. High aeration rates in both the CMAS and SMBR reactors produced sludges with higher numbers of smaller particles. Normalized capillary suction time values for the SMBR sludge were lower than for the CMAS sludges, possibly because of its lower EPS content.
The Role of Wastewater Treatment in Protecting Water Supplies Against Emerging Pathogens
Authors: Crockett Christopher S.
Published: March 2007

Traditionally, regulators, dischargers, and even water suppliers believed that wastewater discharge meeting the levels of 200 cfu/100 mL of fecal coliforms in wastewater effluent was sufficient to protect against downstream microbial effects. However, these beliefs are now being challenged by emerging pathogens that are resistant to standard water and wastewater treatment processes, exhibit extended survival periods in the environment, can adversely affect sensitive subpopulations, and require extremely low doses for human infection. Based on this new information, it is estimated that discharges of emerging pathogens from conventional wastewater treatment plants as far as 160 km upstream and cumulative amounts of wastewater discharge ranging from 2 to 20 ML/d have the potential to reach a water supply intake in a viable state at significant concentrations that could exceed regulatory limits for drinking water supplies, increase endemic risk from drinking water, and/or require additional drinking water treatment. Wastewater dischargers may be able mitigate this potential effect and achieve upwards of 6 log combined removal and inactivation of emerging pathogens to mitigate drinking water effects by using alternative treatment processes, such as filtration or UV light disinfection, or optimizing these processes based on site‐specific conditions.
Published Case Studies of Waterborne Disease Outbreaks—Evidence of a Recurrent Threat
Authors: Hrudey Steve E. , Hrudey Elizabeth J.
Published: March 2007

Residents of affluent nations are remarkably lucky to have high‐quality, safe drinking water supplies that most residents of modern cities enjoy, particularly when considered in contrast to the toll of death and misery that unsafe drinking water causes for most of the world's population. Some may presume that drinking‐water disease outbreaks are a thing of the past, but complacency can easily arise. A review of drinking water outbreaks in developed countries over the past 3 decades reveals some of the reasons why drinking water outbreaks keep occurring when society clearly has the means to prevent them. Prevention of future outbreaks does not demand perfection, only a commitment to learn from past mistakes and to act on what has been learned.
Bioaerosols from Land‐Applied Biosolids: Issues and Needs
Authors: Pillai Suresh D.
Published: March 2007

Bioaerosols are a vehicle for the dissemination of human and animal pathogens. Because of land‐filling costs and the ban on ocean dumping of municipal biosolids, land application of biosolids and animal manure is increasing all over the globe. There is no doubt that the creation, generation, and disposal of human and animal wastes increases the aerosolization potential of a wide variety of microbial pathogens and related pollutants. In an attempt to address public health issues associated with the land application of municipal biosolids, the U.S. National Research Council (Washington, D.C.) published a report on this issue in 2002. This paper focuses on the current information and technology gaps related to estimating the public health risks associated with bioaerosols during the land application of biosolids.
Virulence Factor Activity Relationships: Challenges and Development Approaches
Authors: Tourlousse Dieter M. , Stedtfeld Robert D. , Baushke Samuel W. , Wick Lukas M. , Hashsham Syed A.
Published: March 2007

Virulence factor activity relationships (VFAR) is a predictive approach proposed by the National Research Council's Committee on Drinking Water Contaminants (Washington, D.C.) to classify and rank waterborne pathogens. It is based on the presumption that health threats of waterborne pathogens can be predicted from descriptors at different levels of cellular organization. This paper summarizes challenges that need to be addressed while developing VFAR, with a focus on genomics, such as genomic variability among related pathogens and the need to incorporate genetic descriptors for persistence and host susceptibility. Three key components of VFAR development and validation are also presented, including (1) compilation of a comprehensive VFAR database, (2) development of predictive mathematical models relating descriptors to health effects and other microbial responses, and (3) high‐throughput molecular monitoring of drinking water supplies and sources. Bayesian approach and on‐chip polymerase chain reaction are discussed as examples of mathematical models and molecular monitoring.
Synthesis and characterization of azo‐based methacrylate polymers with methoxy and nitro end groups for nonlinear optical applications
Authors: Sadagopan K. , Rekha A. S. , Ratna D. , Samui A. B.
Published: March 2007

One new and three already described azobased methacrylate monomers with methoxy and nitro end groups and spacer length 2 and 6 were synthesized. These monomers were copolymerized with methyl methacrylate and the monomers as well as copolymers were characterized by classical spectroscopy techniques (FTIR, NMR, and UV‐VIS), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), elemental analysis and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC). The glass transition temperature of the polymers was found to be above room temperature and thermal decomposition temperatures above 100°C. All the polymers were amorphous in nature and formed excellent homogeneous films with good optical transparency. The polymer films coated on indium tin oxide glass slides were poled and their order parameters were calculated to check the stability of oriented dipoles. Few samples were also studied for their second harmonic generation properties. Temporal stability, checked up to 120 h at room temperature, was found to be quite satisfactory. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3497–3504, 2007
Preparation, morphology, and properties of polyurethane–urea elastomers derived from sulphone‐containing aromatic diamine
Authors: Qin XiuMin , Xiong JiaWen , Yang XiaoHui , Wang XinLing , Zheng Zhen
Published: March 2007

An aromatic diamine containing both sulfone and diphenyl ether groups, bis[4‐(4‐aminophenoxy)phenyl]sulfone, was synthesized in a two‐step way, whose structure was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and elemental analysis. Then, the obtained BAPS was used as the chain‐extender to prepare a polyurethane–urea elastomer, whose morphology, thermal stability and mechanical properties were examined by means of attenuated total reflection, DSC, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and stress–strain measurements. The results showed that the PUU elastomer based on BAPS showed good heat‐resistance and mechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3554–3561, 2007
Die Individualisierung des Hermaphroditen in Medizin und Naturgeschichte des 17. Jahrhunderts
Authors: Krämer Fabian
Published: March 2007

The Individualisation of Hermaphrodites in Seventeenth Century Medicine and Natural History. – Certain significant changes in the way in which human hermaphrodites were depicted and described in scientific texts occurred over the course of the seventeenth century: Around 1600, short notes about hermaphroditic individuals, and pictures thereof, circulated widely, between both erudite texts and more popular text genres such as the broadside or the Prodigy book, amongst others. They were usually rather short and, due to conventions that reached back over centuries, very similar in style. In contrast, articles published mostly by medical men in the new learned journals, between 1670 and 1710, typically provided the reader with a very precise description of an hermaphrodite who had been examined by the respective author. Both verbal descriptions and pictures now seem to be less constricted by convention and are more specific. Above all, they individualise the examined hermaphrodite: much biographical and anatomical detail renders the person in question as more than another example of a type shaped by learned tradition. The article shows how more general developments of the sciences led to this remarkable change.
BaY2Si3O10: A New Flux‐Grown Trisilicate.
Authors: Kolitsch Uwe , Wierzbicka Maria , Tillmanns Ekkehart
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Magnetic Structure and Magnetic Properties of Synthetic Lindgrenite, Cu3(OH)2(MoO4)2.
Authors: Vilminot Serge , Andre Gilles , Richard‐Plouet Mireille , Bouree‐Vigneron Francoise , Kurmoo Mohamedally
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
High‐Pressure Synthesis and Structure Determination of K6(SeO4)(SeO5), the First Potassium Orthoselenate(VI).
Authors: Orosel Denis , Dinnebier Robert , Jansen Martin
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Density Functional Theory‐Based Prediction of Some Aqueous‐Phase Chemistry of Superheavy Element 111. Roentgenium(I) Is the “Softest” Metal Ion.
Authors: Hancock Robert D. , Bartolotti Libero J. , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Simple Asymmetric Organocatalytic Approach to Optically Active Cyclohexenones.
Authors: Carlone Armando , Marigo Mauro , North Chris , Landa Aitor , Joergensen Karl Anker
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Dioxygenase‐Catalyzed Dihydroxylation of Arene cis‐Dihydrodiols and Acetonide Derivatives: A New Approach to the Synthesis of Enantiopure Tetraoxygenated Bioproducts from Arenes.
Authors: Boyd Derek R. , Sharma Narain D. , Belhocine Tayeb , Malone John F. , McGregor Stuart , Allen Christopher C. R.
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Chlorine Atom Transfer Radical Cyclization Reactions of Unsaturated α‐Chloro β‐Keto Esters.
Authors: Yang Dan , Yan Yi‐Long , Zheng Bao‐Fu , Gao Qiang , Zhu Nian‐Yong
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Vinylogous Horner—Wadsworth—Emmons Route to Densely Substituted 1,3‐Butadienes.
Authors: Date Sonali M. , Ghosh Sunil K.
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reaction Using Lanthanum(III) Nitrate Hexahydrate. Part 6. A Mild and Efficient Chemoselective Protection of Amines as N‐Benzyloxycarbonyl Derivatives in the Presence of La(NO3)3×6H2O under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Mahesh K. Chinni , Narasimhulu M. , Reddy T. Srikanth , Suryakiran N. , Venkateswarlu Y.
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chemo‐ and Regioselective Preparation and Reaction of a Kinetic Zinc Enolate Formed from a Thiol Ester and Bis(iodozincio)methane.
Authors: Ikeda Zenichi , Hirayama Takaharu , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Oxidative Cross‐Coupling Through Double Transmetalation: Surprisingly High Selectivity for Palladium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Alkylzinc and Alkynylstannanes.
Authors: Zhao Yingsheng , Wang Haibo , Hou Xiaohui , Hu Yanhe , Lei Aiwen , Zhang Heng , Zhu Lizheng
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Regioselective Conversion of Unsymmetrical Terminal Epoxides into Vicinal Chlorohydrins Using Dimethoxyboron Chloride.
Authors: Roy Chandra D.
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Efficient and Stereoselective Synthesis of Allylic Ethers and Alcohols.
Authors: Pospisil Jiri , Marko Istvan E.
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Highly Active in situ Catalysts for anti‐Markovnikov Hydration of Terminal Alkynes.
Authors: Labonne Aurelie , Kribber Thomas , Hintermann Lukas
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enantioselective Conjugate Addition of a Lithium Ester Enolate Catalyzed by Chiral Lithium Amides.
Authors: Duguet Nicolas , Harrison‐Marchand Anne , Maddaluno Jacques , Tomioka Kiyoshi
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Sequential Hydrocarbon Functionalization: Allylic C—H Oxidation/Vinylic C—H Arylation.
Authors: Delcamp Jared H. , White M. Christina
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Lithium 1‐Alkynesulfenates by the Mild Oxidation of Thiolates with a Pinacolone‐Derived N‐Sulfonyloxaziridine.
Authors: Sandrinelli Franck , Boudou Cedric , Caupene Caroline , Averbuch‐Pouchot Marie‐Therese , Perrio Stephane , Metzner Patrick
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Cyclopropyl Carbenoid Insertion into Alkenylzirconocenes — A Convergent Synthesis of Alkenylcyclopropanes and Alkylidenecyclopropanes.
Authors: Thomas Emma , Kasatkin Alexander N. , Whitby Richard J.
Published: March 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.