bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of copper industry waste and production of sintered glass-ceramic
Authors: Çoruh Semra , Ergun Osman Nuri , Cheng Ta-Wui
Published: May 2006

Copper waste is iron-rich hazardous waste containing heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Co, Pb. The results of leaching tests show that the concentration of these elements exceeds the Turkish and EPA regulatory limits. Consequently, this waste cannot be disposed of in its present form and therefore requires treatment to stabilize it or make it inert prior to disposal. Vitrification was selected as the technology for the treatment of the toxic waste under investigation. During the vitrification process significant amounts of the toxic organic and inorganic chemical compounds could be destroyed, and at the same time, the metal species are immobilized as they become an integral part of the glass matrix. The copper flotation waste samples used in this research were obtained from the Black Sea Copper Works of Samsun, Turkey. The samples were vitrified after being mixed with other inorganic waste and materials. The copper flotation waste and their glass-ceramic products were characterized by X-ray analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and by the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure test. The products showed very good chemical durability. The glass-ceramics fabricated at 850°C/2 h have a large application potential especially as construction and building materials.
Protective effect of overlying geosynthetic on geomembrane liner observed from landfill field tests and inclined board laboratory experiments
Authors: Chung Moonkyung , Seo Min Woo , Kim Kang Suk , Park Jun Boum
Published: May 2006

Geosynthetic liner systems are generally installed in landfill sites to prevent toxic leachate from escaping into the adjoining environment by utilizing their impervious characteristics. Therefore, it is important to protect the geomembrane from being damaged or destroyed during all phases of landfilling, namely landfill construction, waste tipping and landfill closure. This paper presents firstly the observed performance of a geomembrane liner from a landfill site where the geomembrane liner was installed on the slopes of a Korean landfill; and secondly the results of an inclined board laboratory test. Two types of experiments were conducted to identify the protecting effect of the overlaying geosynthetic on the geomembrane liners. At a testing landfill site, the slope consisted of three different sub-inclines and two 2-m-wide intermediate levels. The sub-inclines were each 8 m in vertical height and their angle of inclination was 1: 1.5 (vertical: horizontal). The reported observations were made for a time period of approximately 1 year, until the landfill was filled with wastes to the top of the uppermost slope. In addition, inclined board laboratory tests were carried out. During the inclined board test, a base table is inclined slowly and steadily until the block located on the base table starts to slide, when the tension and displacements of two geosynthetics, namely the geomembrane liner and protecting geotextile, are measured. In conclusion, test results showed that the down-drag force generated by waste accumulation and sliding of upper material was to a large extent dissipated through the elongation of the protecting geosynthetic overlying the geomembrane and thus was not transferred to the geomembrane. Unless the protecting geosynthetic undergoes structural failure, this stress relaxation phenomenon continues to occur so that the magnitude of tensile force to be applied on the geomembrane remains marginal.
Closed-loop recycling of construction and demolition waste in Germany in view of stricter environmental threshold values
Authors: Weil Marcel , Jeske Udo , Schebek Liselotte
Published: May 2006

Recycling of construction and demolition waste contributes decisively to the saving of natural mineral resources. In Germany, processed mineral construction and demolition waste from structural engineering is used nearly exclusively in civil engineering (earthwork and road construction sector) as open-loop recycling. Due to the planned stricter limit values for the protection of soil and water, however, this recycling path in civil engineering may no longer be applicable in the future. According to some new guidelines and standards adopted recently, recycled aggregates may also be used for concrete production in the structural engineering sector (closed-loop recycling). Wastes from the structural engineering sector can thus be kept in a closed cycle, and their disposal on a landfill can be avoided. The present report focuses on the determination of maximum waste volumes that may be handled by this new recycling option. Potential adverse effects on the saving of resources and climate protection have been analysed. For this purpose, materials flow analysis and ecobalancing methods have been used.
Oxygen intrusion into waste in old landfills of low organic content
Authors: Kallel Amjad , Tanaka Nobutoshi , Tojo Yasumasa , Matsuto Toshihiko , Hanada Shigehisa
Published: May 2006

Oxygen invasion into old landfills was studied by assuming the installation of gas venting pipes to promote stabilization of waste. In an experiment using a column pack with old incombustible waste, oxygen intrusion was observed and the oxygen consumption rate was estimated. Oxygen diffused into the waste layer very quickly in the initial stage of the experiment, but oxygen concentration increased only gradually due to reduced gradient and decreasing oxygen consumption. The maximum oxygen consumption rate in packed waste was one-third of that in loosely deposited waste in a beaker measured in a respiration test. A mathematical model was created which fitted the experimental data well and a three-dimensional simulation of a full-scale landfill and a sensitivity analysis were performed.
Report: Anaerobic digestion of a sulphate-rich high-strength landfill leachate: the effect of differential dosing with FeCl3
Authors: Wang Zhengjian , Banks Charles J.
Published: May 2006

The effect of different dose concentrations of FeCl3 on the performance of a mesophilic anaerobic digester treating a highly alkaline, high-strength and sulphate-rich landfill leachate was tested. The results indicated that sulphate reduction was the predominant reaction and methanogenic processes were entirely inhibited in the reactor without FeCl3 addition. Adding FeCl3 into the reactor restored some methanogenic activity and also improved the rates of sulphate reduction. A combination of sulphate reduction and methanogenic activity resulted in up to 75% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and 85% sulphate removal. Sulphate reduction remained the principle mechanism by which COD removal took place with a methane yield of only between 0.14 and 0.18 m3 CH4 kg-1 COD removed being achieved. The process was, however, stable and offered advantages for the further treatment or conveyance of the anaerobically treated leachate.
A Relevance-Theoretic Account of the Development and Deficits of Theory of Mind in Normally Developing Children and Individuals with Autism
Authors: Papp Szilvia
Published: May 2006

This paper argues that positing a Theory of Mind and mindreading abilities in particular is necessary in order to be able to account for the development and possible impairments of communication in normally developing children and individuals with autism. To account for the different impairments that people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit, what is needed is a refinement of the levels or degrees of mind-reading abilities that are usually posited in the literature. Instead of the two-tiered system of first-and second-order mind-reading abilities, there is a need to propose several other layers of meta-representation to account for the comprehension of different communicative events, such as metaphors, under-and overstatements, direct and indirect speech acts, lies, deceits, humour, jokes, irony and sarcasm. This paper assumes a relevancetheoretic perspective to explain deficits in communicative abilities in individuals with ASD. It suggests that the pragmatic impairments specific to autism can be accounted for by the role of context retrieval in the comprehension and production process, especially those related to knowledge about the speaker.
Problems with a Relevance-Theoretic Account of Autism
Authors: Colombino Tommaso
Published: May 2006

This paper responds to Szilvia Papp's paper ‘A Relevance-Theoretic Account of the Development and Deficits of Theory of Mind in Normally Developing Children and Individuals with Autism’. This response argues that positing mind-reading abilities, in the form of a Theory of Mind, is necessary to account for autistic behavior only if one subscribes a priori to theoretical reductions of mental predicates (such as understanding) to cognitive and linguistic processes. This, in the author's opinion, is an unnecessary theoretical appropriation of concepts the meaning of which has not been logically distinguished from their common-sense use. Ordinary observable behavior (autistic or otherwise) is described in language that does not imply, and from which one can not unproblematically infer, theoretical propositions of a neurobehavioral kind. This response therefore argues that the refinement to Theory of Mind proposed by Szilvia Papp, into first-and second-order mind-reading abilities, does not, in fact, address this critique.
Clarifying the Point
Authors: McHoul Alec , Rapley Mark
Published: May 2006

This is a short response to a particular point made by our colleagues Wes Sharrock and Jeff Coulter in their otherwise convincing and devastating critique of the ‘Theory of Mind’ (ToM) avatar of cognitivism. We think they may have misunderstood what we once said about the use of ‘mental predicates’ and wish to clarify the point in question.
A Reply to McHoul and Rapley
Authors: Sharrock Wes , Coulter Jeff
Published: May 2006

We reject the claim advanced by McHoul and Rapley that our remarks implied any ironic attitude toward ‘lay usage’. We do not think that elucidating the grammar of use involves any sort of irony and argue that such a charge is based upon the misconception (interestingly shared by many cognitivist thinkers) that ordinary use is a function of lay users’ beliefs.
Factors promoting psychological adjustment to childhood atopic eczema
Authors: Dennis Hannah , Rostill Helen , Reed Julie , Gill Steve
Published: May 2006

Research has found that children with atopic eczema are more likely to experience psychosocial difficulties than would be expected within the general population. This article aims to explore the relationship between child, parent and family factors in promoting positive adjustment to atopic eczema. Children aged five to 11 years with atopic eczema and their parents were identified from a specialist children's dermatology clinic. Seventy-four respondents completed questionnaires assessing child behaviour, parental well-being and family functioning. Parental psychological health, a supportive family environment and low impact of atopic eczema on family functioning were found to predict lower levels of internalizing behaviour (anxiety, depression and social withdrawal). These findings emphasize the importance of family and parental psychological processes rather than biomedical variables in promoting positive adjustment to atopic eczema.
Compliance with child accident precautions by child health nurses
Authors: Carlsson Anna , Karlsson Elisabeth Dejin , Håkansson Anders , Udén Giggi
Published: May 2006

The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which parents follow advice from child health nurses about child accident prevention. The study was performed in one of the 10 districts in the city of Malmö, Sweden. Parents to 90, 10-month old children in southern Sweden participated. These parents completed a questionnaire that prompted responses related to parents' background and socio-economic factors as well as questions about any precautions they have taken to decrease hazards to children in their home. Odds ratios, confidence intervals and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. The results indicated that lower educated parents (i.e. those with 12 years' education or less) and foreign-born parents complied with a significantly lower level. These results support the need to increase efforts in child accident prevention work. It is important for child health nurses to concentrate their efforts on foreign parents and on less educated parents. Information should be relayed regularly to these parents in a motivational way, in order to decrease risks of child accidents at home.
Changing practice: implementing validated paediatric pain assessment tools
Authors: Simons Joan , MacDonald Louise M.
Published: May 2006

This study attempted to address a lack of evidence-based pain management by implementing validated pain assessment tools across a children's hospital. The method used was action research. The first part of this study where nurses' views of pain tools was elicited has already been reported (Simons and Macdonald, 2004). An action research cycle of negotiation, assessment, diagnosing, planning, action, evaluation and withdrawal was utilized. Data collection occurred at two points in time. Three age-appropriate tools were implemented hospital-wide supported by education and clinical input. A survey of nurses was carried out six months and 12 months post implementation of the tools. At the same time evaluation of the use of the tool was performed. Six months after education and implementation 23 percent of children on 10 wards had a pain tool in use. This had increased to 40 percent six months later. There were many inconsistencies between the replies the nurses gave in relation to their reported use of the tools and the actual use of the tools.
Lyn kinase promotes erythroblast expansion and late-stage development
Authors: Karur Vinit G. , Lowell Clifford A. , Besmer Peter , Agosti Valter , Wojchowski Don M.
Published: May 2006

Lyn kinase is known to modulate the formation and function of B cells, monocytes, and mast cells. However, Lyn-/- mice also develop erythrosplenomegaly, and cases for both negative and positive erythropoietic actions of Lyn recently have been outlined. In phenylhydrazine-treated Lyn-/- mice, extramedullary splenic erythropoiesis was hyperactivated, but this did not lead to accelerated recovery from anemia. Furthermore, ex vivo analyses of the development of bone marrow-derived Lyn-/- erythroblasts in unique primary culture systems indicated positive roles for Lyn at 2 stages. Late-stage Lyn-/- erythroblasts exhibited deficit Ter119pos cell formation, and this was paralleled by increased apoptosis (and decreased Bcl-xL expression). During early development, Lyn-/- erythroblasts accumulated at a KitposCD71high stage, possessed decreased proliferative capacity, and were attenuated in entering an apparent G1/S cell-cycle phase. In proposed compensatory responses, Lyn-/- erythroblasts expressed increased levels of activated Akt and p60-Src and decreased levels of death-associated protein kinase-2. Stat5 activation and Bcl-xL expression, in contrast, were significantly decreased in keeping with decreased survival and developmental potentials. Lyn, therefore, is proposed to function via erythroid cell-intrinsic mechanisms to promote progenitor cell expansion beyond a KitposCD71high stage and to support subsequent late-stage development.
Transforming growth factor-β1 regulates macrophage migration via RhoA
Authors: Kim Jun-Sub , Kim Jae-Gyu , Moon Mi-Young , Jeon Chan-Young , Won Ha-Young , Kim Hee-Jun , Jeon Yee-Jin , Seo Ji-Yeon , Kim Jong-Il , Kim Jaebong , Lee Jae-Yong , Kim Pyeung-Hyeun , Park Jae-Bong
Published: May 2006

Brief treatment with transforming growth factor (TGF)–β1 stimulated the migration of macrophages, whereas long-term exposure decreased their migration. Cell migration stimulated by TGF-β1 was markedly inhibited by 10 μg/mL Tat-C3 exoenzyme. TGF-β1 increased mRNA and protein levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)–1α in the initial period, and these effects also were inhibited by 10 μg/mL Tat-C3 and a dominant-negative (DN)–RhoA (N19RhoA). Cycloheximide, actinomycin D, and antibodies against MIP-1α and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) abolished the stimulation of cell migration by TGF-β1. These findings suggest that migration of these cells is regulated directly and indirectly via the expression of chemokines such as MIP-1α and MCP-1 mediated by RhoA in response to TGF-β1. TGF-β1 activated RhoA in the initial period, and thereafter inactivated them, suggesting that the inactivation of RhoA may be the cause of the reduced cell migration in response to TGF-β1 at later times. We therefore attempted to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the inactivation of RhoA by TGF-β1. First, TGF-β1 phosphorylated RhoA via protein kinase A, leading to inactivation of RhoA. Second, wild-type p190 Rho GTPase activating protein (p190RhoGAP) reduced and DN-p190RhoGAP reversed the reduction of cell migration induced by TGF-β, suggesting that it inactivated RhoA via p190 Rho GAP.
Cell death provoked by loss of interleukin-3 signaling is independent of Bad, Bim, and PI3 kinase, but depends in part on Puma
Authors: Ekert Paul G. , Jabbour Anissa M. , Manoharan Anand , Heraud Jacki E. , Yu Jai , Pakusch Miha , Michalak Ewa M. , Kelly Priscilla N. , Callus Bernard , Kiefer Thomas , Verhagen Anne , Silke John , Strasser Andreas , Borner Christoph , Vaux David L.
Published: May 2006

Growth and survival of hematopoietic cells is regulated by growth factors and cytokines, such as interleukin 3 (IL-3). When cytokine is removed, cells dependent on IL-3 kill themselves by a mechanism that is inhibited by overexpression of Bcl-2 and is likely to be mediated by proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members. Bad and Bim are 2 such BH3-only Bcl-2 family members that have been implicated as key initiators in apoptosis following growth factor withdrawal, particularly in IL-3-dependent cells. To test the role of Bad, Bim, and other proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members in IL-3 withdrawal-induced apoptosis, we generated IL-3-dependent cell lines from mice lacking the genes for Bad, Bim, Puma, both Bad and Bim, and both Bax and Bak. Surprisingly, Bad was not required for cell death following IL-3 withdrawal, suggesting changes to phosphorylation of Bad play only a minor role in apoptosis in this system. Deletion of Bim also had no effect, but cells lacking Puma survived and formed colonies when IL-3 was restored. Inhibition of the PI3 kinase pathway promoted apoptosis in the presence or absence of IL-3 and did not require Bad, Bim, or Puma, suggesting IL-3 receptor survival signals and PI3 kinase survival signals are independent.
The epitope recognized by rituximab
Authors: Binder Mascha , Otto Florian , Mertelsmann Roland , Veelken Hendrik , Trepel Martin
Published: May 2006

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody widely used in the treatment of malignant lymphoma and autoimmunity. Its epitope within the B-cell antigen CD20 is largely unknown. We used phage display libraries to select peptides binding to rituximab. Enriched peptides showed 2 sequence patterns: one motif (CALMIANSC) is related to (170)ANPS(173) within CD20, while another motif (WEWTI) may mimic the CD20 segment (182)YCYSI(185). Phages displaying either motif specifically bound rituximab. Binding to rituximab by the CD20 peptides ANPS and YCYSI was weak when used separately and enhanced when both peptides were linked. Recombinant CD20 extracellular loop proteins blocked binding of the selected CWWEWTIGC phage to rituximab, suggesting that CWWEWTIGC mimics the epitope. Blocking capacity was strongly reduced upon mutation of the CD20 strings ANPS or YCYSI. We conclude that rituximab binds a discontinuous epitope in CD20, comprised of (170)ANPS(173) and (182)YCYSI(185), with both strings brought in steric proximity by a disulfide bridge between C(167) and C(183).
Analysis of fibrinogen variants at γ387Ile shows that the side chain of γ387 and the tertiary structure of the γC-terminal tail are important not only for assembly and secretion of fibrinogen but also for lateral aggregation of protofibrils and XIIIa-catalyzed γ-γ dimer formation
Authors: Kani Satomi , Terasawa Fumiko , Yamauchi Kazuyoshi , Tozuka Minoru , Okumura Nobuo
Published: May 2006

To examine the role of fibrinogen γ-chain residue 387Ile in the assembly and secretion of this multichain protein, we synthesized a series of variants with substitution at γ387 by Arg, Leu, Met, Ala, or Asp. Only the variant γ387Asp showed impaired synthesis in the cells and very low secretion into the medium. In addition, we performed thrombin-catalyzed fibrin polymerization and factor (F) XIIIa-catalyzed cross-linking of the γ-chain for 4 variants. The degree of lateral aggregation of protofibrils into fibrin fibers was slightly reduced for γ387Arg and Ala, and moderately reduced for γ387Leu and Met. Although the FXIIIa-catalyzed cross-linking for all of the variants was slower than that for γ387Ile, that of γ387Arg was much more markedly impaired than that of the others. In summary, our studies demonstrated that the specific residue at γ387 or the conformation of γ388-411 residues, but not the length of the γC tail, is critical for fibrinogen assembly and subsequent secretion. Moreover, this residue or the conformation is also important for not only the lateral aggregation of fibrin polymers but also the FXIIIa-catalyzed cross-linking of the γ-chain. Interestingly, our results clearly indicate that the conformations critical for these 2 functions are different from each other.
The development and validation of the Virtual Tissue Matrix, a software application that facilitates the review of tissue microarrays on line
Authors: Conway Catherine M , O'Shea Deirdre , O'Brien Sallyann , Lawler Darragh K , Dodrill Graham D , O'Grady Anthony , Barrett Helen , Gulmann Christian , O'Driscoll Lorraine , Gallagher William M , Kay Elaine W , O'Shea Daniel G
Published: May 2006

Background

The Tissue Microarray (TMA) facilitates high-throughput analysis of hundreds of tissue specimens simultaneously. However, bottlenecks in the storage and manipulation of the data generated from TMA reviews have become apparent. A number of software applications have been developed to assist in image and data management; however no solution currently facilitates the easy online review, scoring and subsequent storage of images and data associated with TMA experimentation.

Results

This paper describes the design, development and validation of the Virtual Tissue Matrix (VTM). Through an intuitive HTML driven user interface, the VTM provides digital/virtual slide based images of each TMA core and a means to record observations on each TMA spot. Data generated from a TMA review is stored in an associated relational database, which facilitates the use of flexible scoring forms. The system allows multiple users to record their interpretation of each TMA spot for any parameters assessed. Images generated for the VTM were captured using a standard background lighting intensity and corrective algorithms were applied to each image to eliminate any background lighting hue inconsistencies or vignetting.

Validation of the VTM involved examination of inter-and intra-observer variability between microscope and digital TMA reviews. Six bladder TMAs were immunohistochemically stained for E-Cadherin, β-Catenin and PhosphoMet and were assessed by two reviewers for the amount of core and tumour present, the amount and intensity of membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear staining.

Conclusion

Results show that digital VTM images are representative of the original tissue viewed with a microscope. There were equivalent levels of inter-and intra-observer agreement for five out of the eight parameters assessed. Results also suggest that digital reviews may correct potential problems experienced when reviewing TMAs using a microscope, for example, removal of background lighting variance and tint, and potential disorientation of the reviewer, which may have resulted in the discrepancies evident in the remaining three parameters.
Characterization of human malignant mesothelioma cell lines orthotopically implanted in the pleural cavity of immunodeficient mice for their ability to grow and form metastasis
Authors: Martarelli Daniele , Catalano Alfonso , Procopio Antonio , Orecchia Sara , Libener Roberta , Santoni Giorgio
Published: May 2006

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumor known to be resistant to conventional therapies. Thus, an in vivo model can represent an important tool for assessing the efficacy of novel approaches in the treatment of MPM.

Presently, human MPM cells have been grown orthotopically in mice upon transplantation of tumor masses or tumor cell suspensions following surgery. In these models however, surgery can interfere with the tumor growth and the early stages of tumor development cannot be easily explored. Finally, results may not be so accurate due to implantation of potentially different tumor samples in different experimental groups.

Our work aimed at establishing a nude mouse model xenotransplanted with human MPM cell lines in which tumor progression exhibits some features of the human disease.

Methods

Three distinct human MPM cell lines previously established from MPM patients displaying two different phenotypes, biphasic (MM-B1 and IST-Mes3) and epithelioid (IST-Mes2), were directly injected into the pleural cavity of nude mice. At different times, mice were sacrificed for autopsy, tumor nodules were counted and then removed for histology. Presence of metastases in visceral organs was also monitored.

Results

IST-Mes2 cells were unable to grow in nude mice. MM-B1 and IST-Mes3 cells were capable of growing in nude mice and formed tumor nodules in the pleura. Post-mortem examination showed that MPM cells progressively colonized the parietal and visceral pleura, the diaphragm, the mediastinum and, lastly the lung parenchyma. No pneumo-thorax was evidenced in the mice. Pleural effusions as well as lymph node metastases were observed only at later times.

Conclusion

This model mimics the progression of human malignant mesothelioma and it is easy to perform and reproducible; therefore it can be useful to study human MPM biology and evaluate the efficacy of novel therapies.
Analysis of folylpoly-γ-glutamate synthetase gene expression in human B-precursor ALL and T-lineage ALL cells
Authors: Leclerc Guy J , Leclerc Gilles M , Kinser Ting Ting Hsieh , Barredo Julio C
Published: May 2006

Background

Expression of folylpoly-γ-glutamate synthetase (FPGS) gene is two- to three-fold higher in B-precursor ALL (Bp- ALL) than in T-lineage ALL (T-ALL) and correlates with intracellular accumulation of methotrexate (MTX) polyglutamates and lymphoblast sensitivity to MTX. In this report, we investigated the molecular regulatory mechanisms directing FPGS gene expression in Bp-ALL and T-ALL cells.

Methods

To determine FPGS transcription rate in Bp-ALL and T-ALL we used nuclear run-on assays. 5'-RACE was used to uncover potential regulatory regions involved in the lineage differences. We developed a luciferase reporter gene assay to investigate FPGS promoter/enhancer activity. To further characterize the FPGS proximal promoter, we determined the role of the putative transcription binding sites NFY and E-box on FPGS expression using luciferase reporter gene assays with substitution mutants and EMSA.

Results

FPGS transcription initiation rate was 1.6-fold higher in NALM6vs. CCRF-CEM cells indicating that differences in transcription rate led to the observed lineage differences in FPGS expression between Bp-ALL and T-ALL blasts. Two major transcripts encoding the mitochondrial/cytosolic and cytosolic isoforms were detected in Bp-ALL (NALM6 and REH) whereas in T-ALL (CCRF-CEM) cells only the mitochondrial/cytosolic transcript was detected. In all DNA fragments examined for promoter/enhancer activity, we measured significantly lower luciferase activity in NALM6vs. CCRF-CEM cells, suggesting the need for additional yet unidentified regulatory elements in Bp-ALL. Finally, we determined that the putative transcription factor binding site NFY, but not E-box, plays a role in FPGS transcription in both Bp- and T-lineage.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the minimal FPGS promoter region previously described in CCRF-CEM is not sufficient to effectively drive FPGS transcription in NALM6 cells, suggesting that different regulatory elements are required for FPGS gene expression in Bp-cells. Our data indicate that the control of FPGS expression in human hematopoietic cells is complex and involves lineage-specific differences in regulatory elements, transcription initiation rates, and mRNA processing. Understanding the lineage-specific mechanisms of FPGS expression should lead to improved therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming MTX resistance or inducing apoptosis in leukemic cells.
Immunization coverage and risk factors for failure to immunize within the Expanded Programme on Immunization in Kenya after introduction of new Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis b virus antigens
Authors: Ndiritu Moses , Cowgill Karen D , Ismail Amina , Chiphatsi Salome , Kamau Tatu , Fegan Gregory , Feikin Daniel R , Newton Charles RJC , Scott J Anthony G
Published: May 2006

Background

Kenya introduced a pentavalent vaccine including the DTP, Haemophilus influenzae type b and hepatitis b virus antigens in Nov 2001 and strengthened immunization services. We estimated immunization coverage before and after introduction, timeliness of vaccination and risk factors for failure to immunize in Kilifi district, Kenya.

Methods

In Nov 2002 we performed WHO cluster-sample surveys of >200 children scheduled for vaccination before or after introduction of pentavalent vaccine. In Mar 2004 we conducted a simple random sample (SRS) survey of 204 children aged 9–23 months. Coverage was estimated by inverse Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of vaccine-card and mothers' recall data and corroborated by reviewing administrative records from national and provincial vaccine stores. The contribution to timely immunization of distance from clinic, seasonal rainfall, mother's age, and family size was estimated by a proportional hazards model.

Results

Immunization coverage for three DTP and pentavalent doses was 100% before and 91% after pentavalent vaccine introduction, respectively. By SRS survey, coverage was 88% for three pentavalent doses. The median age at first, second and third vaccine dose was 8, 13 and 18 weeks. Vials dispatched to Kilifi District during 2001–2003 would provide three immunizations for 92% of the birth cohort. Immunization rate ratios were reduced with every kilometre of distance from home to vaccine clinic (HR 0.95, CI 0.91–1.00), rainy seasons (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.61–0.89) and family size, increasing progressively up to 4 children (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.41–0.73).

Conclusion

Vaccine coverage was high before and after introduction of pentavalent vaccine, but most doses were given late. Coverage is limited by seasonal factors and family size.
The wider social environment and changes in self-reported quality of life in the transition from late childhood to early adolescence: a cohort study
Authors: Drukker Marjan , Kaplan Charles , Schneiders Josien , Feron Frans JM , van Os Jim
Published: May 2006

Background

Neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and social capital have been associated with adolescent well-being, but the majority of studies were cross-sectional, and the time window over which the neighbourhood may impact on development is unknown. Therefore, the contribution of the neighbourhood environment to adolescents' quality of life and the course of these effects during the period of transition from childhood to early adolescence was examined.

Methods

A cohort of adolescents living in Maastricht (The Netherlands), with a mean age of 11.2 years at baseline and of 13.5 years at follow-up was followed. Adolescents who responded both at baseline and at follow-up were included in the analysis (n = 475). Multilevel regression analyses estimated neighbourhood effects while controlling for individual-level effects. Neighbourhood-level socioeconomic and social capital variables, individual-level confounders, and baseline values of the outcome measures were included in the models.

Results

None of the neighbourhood factors was associated with changes in general health or mental health over the two-year period. However, two-year exposure to greater disparity between individual level socioeconomic status on the one hand and neighbourhood level of socioeconomic status on the other (e.g. high socioeconomic status adolescents living in deprived neighbourhoods and vice versa) negatively impacted on self-esteem and satisfaction.

Conclusion

The neighbourhood environmentper sedoes not contribute to change in quality of life during the transition to early adolescence. However, adolescents living in families whose socioeconomic status deviates from the mean level of neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation may be negatively affected.
Non-specific low back pain in primary care in the Spanish National Health Service: a prospective study on clinical outcomes and determinants of management
Authors: Kovacs Francisco M , Fernández Carmen , Cordero Antonio , Muriel Alfonso , González-Luján Luis , Gil del Real María Teresa ,   the Spanish Back Pain Research Network
Published: May 2006

Background

The Spanish National Health Service is a universal and free health care system. Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent disorder, generating large health and social costs. The objectives of this study were to describe its management in primary care, to assess patient characteristics that influence physicians' decisions, and to describe clinical outcome at 2 months.

Methods

A cross-sectional sample of 648 patients with non-specific low back pain was recruited by 75 physicians (out of 361 – 20.8%) working in 40 primary care centers in 10 of the 17 administrative regions in Spain, covering 693,026 out of the 40,499,792 inhabitants. Patients were assessed on the day they were recruited, and prospectively followed-up 14 and 60 days later. The principal patient characteristics that were analyzed were: sex, duration of the episode, history of LBP, working status, severity of LBP, leg pain and disability, and results of straight leg raising test. Descriptors of management were: performance of the straight leg raising test, ordering of diagnostic procedures, prescription of drug treatment, referral to physical therapy, rehabilitation or surgery, and granting of sick leave. Regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between patients' baseline characteristics and physicians' management decisions. Only workers were included in the models on sick leave.

Results

Mean age (SD) of included patients was 46.5 (15.5) years, 367 (56.6%) were workers, and 338 (52.5%) were females. Median (25th–75th interquartile range) duration of pain when entering the study was 4 (2–10) days and only 28 patients (4.3%) had chronic low back pain. Diagnostic studies included plain radiographs in 43.1% of patients and CT or MRI scans in 18.8%. Drug medication was prescribed to 91.7% of patients, 19.1% were sent to physical therapy or rehabilitation, and 9.6% were referred to surgery. The main determinants of the clinical management were duration of the episode and, to a lesser extent, the intensity of the pain (especially leg pain), a positive straight leg raising test, and degree of disability. The main determinant of sick leave was the degree of disability, followed by the characteristics of the labor contract and the intensity of leg pain (but not low back pain). After at least 2 months of treatment, 37% of patients were still in pain and approximately 10% of patients had not improved or had worsened.

Conclusion

Although the use of X-Rays is high, determinants of physicians' management of LBP in primary care made clinical sense and were consistent with patterns suggested by evidence-based recommendations. However, after 2 months of treatment more than one third of patients continued to have back pain and about 10% had worsened.
Artemether-lumefantrine versus artesunate plus amodiaquine for treating uncomplicated childhood malaria in Nigeria: randomized controlled trial
Authors: Meremikwu Martin , Alaribe Ambrose , Ejemot Regina , Oyo-Ita Angela , Ekenjoku John , Nwachukwu Chukwuemeka , Ordu Donald , Ezedinachi Emmanuel
Published: May 2006

Background

The therapeutic efficacy of artesunate plus amodiaquine and artemether/lumefantrine were assessed in an area of Nigeria with high levels of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine.

Participants

Children aged 6 to 59 months with uncomplicated P. falciparum infection and parasite density 1,000 to 200,000 parasites/μL enrolled following informed consent by parents.

Methods

Eligible children were randomly assigned to receive either a 3-day course of artesunate (4 mg/kg) plus amodiaquine (10 mg/kg) or 6-dose course of artemether/lumefantrine (20/120 mg tablets) over three days. Patients were followed up with clinical and laboratory assessments until day 14 using standard WHO in-vivo antimalarial drug test protocol.

Results

A total 119 eligible children were enrolled but 111 completed the study. Adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) was 47 (87.0%) and 47 (82.5%) for artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate+amodiaquine (AAMQ) respectively (OR 0.7, 95% confidence interval 0.22 to 2.22). Early treatment failure (ETF) occurred in one participant (1.8%) treated with AAQ but in none of those with AL. Two (3.7%) patients in the AL group and none in the AAQ group had late clinical failure. Late parasitological failure was observed in 9 (15.8) and 5 (9.3%) of patients treated with AAQ and AL respectively. None of participants had a serious adverse event.

Conclusion

Artemether-lumenfantrine and artesunate plus amodiaquine have high and comparable cure rates and tolerability among under-five children in Calabar, Nigeria.
Predicting outbreaks: a spatial risk assessment of West Nile virus in British Columbia
Authors: Tachiiri Kaoru , Klinkenberg Brian , Mak Sunny , Kazmi Jamil
Published: May 2006

Background

West Nile virus (WNv) has recently emerged as a health threat to the North American population. After the initial disease outbreak in New York City in 1999, WNv has spread widely and quickly across North America to every contiguous American state and Canadian province, with the exceptions of British Columbia (BC), Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland. In this study we develop models of mosquito population dynamics for Culex tarsalis and C. pipiens, and create a spatial risk assessment of WNv prior to its arrival in BC by creating a raster-based mosquito abundance model using basic geographic and temperature data. Among the parameters included in the model are spatial factors determined from the locations of BC Centre for Disease Control mosquito traps (e.g., distance of the trap from the closest wetland or lake), while other parameters were obtained from the literature. Factors not considered in the current assessment but which could influence the results are also discussed.

Results

Since the model performs much better for C. tarsalis than for C. pipiens, the risk assessment is carried out using the output of C. tarsalis model. The result of the spatially-explicit mosquito abundance model indicates that the Okanagan Valley, the Thompson Region, Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and southeastern Vancouver Island have the highest potential abundance of the mosquitoes. After including human population data, Greater Vancouver, due to its high population density, increases in significance relative to the other areas.

Conclusion

Creating a raster-based mosquito abundance map enabled us to quantitatively evaluate WNv risk throughout BC and to identify the areas of greatest potential risk, prior to WNv introduction. In producing the map important gaps in our knowledge related to mosquito ecology in BC were identified, as well, it became evident that increased efforts in bird and mosquito surveillance are required if more accurate models and maps are to be produced. Access to real time climatic data is the key for developing a real time early warning system for forecasting vector borne disease outbreaks, while including social factors is important when producing a detailed assessment in urban areas.
Frozen section is superior to imprint cytology for the intra-operative assessment of sentinel lymph node metastasis in Stage I Breast cancer patients
Authors: Mori Miki , Tada Keiichiro , Ikenaga Motoko , Miyagi Yumi , Nishimura Seiichiro , Takahashi Kaoru , Makita Masujiro , Iwase Takuji , Kasumi Fujio , Koizumi Mituru
Published: May 2006

Background

A standard intra-operative procedure for assessing sentinel lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients has not yet been established.

Patients and methods

One hundred and thirty-eight patients with stage I breast cancer who underwent sentinel node biopsy using both imprint cytology and frozen section were analyzed.

Results

Seventeen of the 138 patients had sentinel node involvement. Results of imprint cytology included nine false negative cases (sensitivity, 47.1%). In contrast, only two cases of false negatives were found on frozen section (sensitivity, 88.2%). There were two false positive cases identified by imprint cytology (specificity, 98.3%). On the other hand, frozen section had 100% specificity.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that frozen section is superior to imprint cytology for the intra-operative determination of sentinel lymph node metastasis in stage I breast cancer patients.
On the front line of primary health care: the profile of community health workers in rural Quechua communities in Peru
Authors: Brown Angela , Malca Rosa , Zumaran Adriana , Miranda J Jaime
Published: May 2006

Objective

To describe the profile of community health workers – health promoters, traditional birth attendants and traditional healers – in rural Quechua communities from Ayacucho, Peru.

Methods

Basic quantitative and qualitative information was gathered as part of a community health project implemented between 1997 and 2002 in 40 Andean communities with information from questionnaires, personal interviews and group discussions.

Results

The majority of current community health workers are men with limited education who are primarily Quechua speakers undertaking their work on a voluntary basis. Health promoters are mostly young, male, high school graduates. There exists a high drop-out rate among these workers. In contrast, traditional healers and traditional birth attendants possess an almost diametrically opposite profile in terms of age, education and drop-out rates, though males still predominate. At the community level the health promoters are the most visible community health workers.

Conclusion

It is very important to consider and to be aware of the profile of community health workers in order to provide appropriate alternatives when working with these groups as well as with the indigenous population, particularly in terms of culture, language and gender issues.
Stochastic modeling of oligodendrocyte generation in cell culture: model validation with time-lapse data
Authors: Hyrien Ollivier , Ambeskovic Ibro , Mayer-Proschel Margot , Noble Mark , Yakovlev Andrei
Published: May 2006

Background

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. The first objective is to validate the assumptions behind a stochastic model developed earlier by these authors to describe oligodendrocyte generation in cell culture. The second is to generate time-lapse data that may help biomathematicians to build stochastic models of cell proliferation and differentiation under other experimental scenarios.

Results

Using time-lapse video recording it is possible to follow the individual evolutions of different cells within each clone. This experimental technique is very laborious and cannot replace model-based quantitative inference from clonal data. However, it is unrivalled in validating the structure of a stochastic model intended to describe cell proliferation and differentiation at the clonal level. In this paper, such data are reported and analyzed for oligodendrocyte precursor cells culturedin vitro.

Conclusion

The results strongly support the validity of the most basic assumptions underpinning the previously proposed model of oligodendrocyte development in cell culture. However, there are some discrepancies; the most important is that the contribution of progenitor cell death to cell kinetics in this experimental system has been underestimated.
Analysis of right anterolateral impacts: the effect of trunk flexion on the cervical muscle whiplash response
Authors: Kumar Shrawan , Ferrari Robert , Narayan Yogesh , Vieira Edgar
Published: May 2006

Background

The cervical muscles are considered a potential site of whiplash injury, and there is a need to understand the cervical muscle response under non-conventional whiplash impact scenarios, including variable body position and impact direction. There is no data, however, on the effect of occupant position on the muscle response to frontal impacts. Therefore, the objective of the study was to measure cervical muscle response to graded right anterolateral impacts.

Methods

Twenty volunteers were subjected to right anterolateral impacts of 4.3, 7.8, 10.6, and 12.8 m/s2 acceleration with their trunk flexed forward 45 degrees and laterally flexed right or left by 45 degrees. Bilateral EMG of the sternocleidomastoids, trapezii, and splenii capitis and acceleration of the sled, torso, and head were measured.

Results and discussion

With either direction of trunk flexion at impact, the trapezius EMGs increased with increasing acceleration (p < 0.05). Time to onset of the electromyogram and time to peak electromyogram for most muscles showed a trend towards decreasing with increasing acceleration. With trunk flexion to the left, the left trapezius generated 38% of its maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) EMG, while the right trapezius generated 28% of its MVC EMG. All other muscles generated 25% or less of this measure (25% for the left splenius capitis, 8% for the right splenius capitis, 6% for the left sternocleidomastoid, and 2% for the left sterncleidomastoid). Conversely, with the trunk flexed to the right, the right trapezius generated 44% of its MVC EMG, while the left trapezius generated 31% of this value, and all other muscles generated 20% or less of their MVC EMG (20% for the left splenius capitis, 14% for the right splenius capitis, 4% for both the left and right sternocleidomastoids).

Conclusion

When the subject sits with trunk flexed out of neutral posture at the time of anterolateral impact, the cervical muscle response is dramatically reduced compared to frontal impacts with the trunk in neutral posture. In the absence of bodily impact, the flexed trunk posture appears to produce a biomechanical response that would decrease the likelihood of cervical muscle injury in low velocity impacts.