bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between-day reliability of electromechanical delay of selected neck muscles during performance of maximal isometric efforts
Authors: Almosnino Sivan , Pelland Lucie , Pedlow Samuel V , Stevenson Joan M
Published: September 2009

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the between-day reliability of the electromechanical delay (EMD) of selected neck muscles during the performance of maximal isometric contractions in five different directions.

Methods

Twenty-one physically active males participated in two testing sessions separated by seven to eight days. Using a custom-made fixed frame dynamometer, cervical force and surface electromyography (EMG) were recorded bilaterally from the splenius capitis, upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles during the performance of efforts in extension, flexion, left and right lateral bending, and protraction. The EMD was extracted using the Teager-Kaiser Energy Operator. Reliability indices calculated for each muscle in each testing direction were: the difference in scores between the two testing sessions and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, the standard error of measurement (SEM) and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

EMD values showed no evidence of systematic difference between the two testing sessions across all muscles and testing directions. The SEM for extension, flexion and lateral bending efforts ranged between 2.5 ms to 4.8 ms, indicating a good level of measurement precision. For protraction, SEM values were higher and considered to be imprecise for research and clinical purposes. ICC values for all muscles across all testing directions ranged from 0.23 to 0.79.

Conclusion

EMD of selected neck muscles can be measured with sufficient precision for the assessment of neck muscle function in an athletic population in the majority of directions tested.
Efficacy of antibiotic therapy for SAPHO syndrome is lost after its discontinuation: an interventional study
Authors: Assmann Gunter , Kueck Olaf , Kirchhoff Timm , Rosenthal Herbert , Voswinkel Jan , Pfreundschuh Michael , Zeidler Henning , Wagner Annette D
Published: September 2009

Introduction

The acronym SAPHO was introduced in 1987 to unify the various descriptions of a seronegative arthritis associated with skin manifestations and to show synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis with and without sterile multifocal osteomyelitis. The etiology of SAPHO syndrome is unknown, but an association with infection by semipathogenic bacteria like Propionibacterium acnes has been suggested. We conducted an interventional study of SAPHO patients receiving antibiotics.

Methods

Thirty-seven patients met the clinical criteria of SAPHO syndrome, 21 of them underwent a needle biopsy of the osteitis lesion, and 14 of them showed positive bacteriological cultures for P. acnes. Thirty patients (14 bacteriological positive and 16 without biopsy) were treated with antibiotics for 16 weeks. The activity of skin disease and osteitis were assessed by a physician using a scoring model (from 0 to 6). In addition, patients completed a Health Assessment Score (HAS, from 0 to 6). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was determined and a MRI (of the osteitis lesion, radiologic activity score from 0 to 2) was performed in week 1 (W1), week 16 (W16), and week 28 (W28, 12 weeks after antibiotics).

Results

Twenty-seven patients continued the medication (azithromycin, n = 25, 500 mg twice a week; clindamycin, n = 1, 300 mg daily; or doxycycline, n = 1, 100 mg daily) for 16 weeks. After W16 the scores for MRI (1.5 to 1.1, P = 0.01), skin activity (3.2 to 1.2, P = 0.01), osteitis activity (4.0 to 2.1, P = 0.02), and HAS (3.3 to 2.1, P = 0.01) decreased significantly. However, this was followed by increasing values for MRI scores (1.2 to 1.4, P = 0.08), skin activity (1.2 to 1.7, P = 0.11), osteitis activity (1.9 to 2.7, P = 0.01), and HAS (2.2 to 3.3, P = 0.02) from W16 to W28. The comparison of the scores in W1 and W28 in these 12 patients showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

For the period of application, the antibiotic therapy seems to have controlled the disease. After antibiotic discontinuation, however, disease relapse was observed. SAPHO syndrome thus groups with other chronic inflammatory arthropathies with a need for permanent therapy.
The membrane mucin MUC4 is elevated in breast tumor lymph node metastases relative to matched primary tumors and confers aggressive properties to breast cancer cells
Authors: Workman Heather C , Miller Jamie K , Ingalla Ellen Q , Kaur Rouminder P , Yamamoto Diane I , Beckett Laurel A , Young Lawrence JT , Cardiff Robert D , Borowsky Alexander D , Carraway Kermit L , Sweeney Colleen , Carraway Kermit L
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Previous studies indicate that overexpression of the membrane-associated mucin MUC4 is potently anti-adhesive to cultured tumor cells, and suppresses cellular apoptotic response to a variety of insults. Such observations raise the possibility that MUC4 expression could contribute to tumor progression or metastasis, but the potential involvement of MUC4 in breast cancer has not been rigorously assessed. The present study aimed to investigate the expression of the membrane mucin MUC4 in normal breast tissue, primary breast tumors and lymph node metastases, and to evaluate the role of MUC4 in promoting the malignant properties of breast tumor cells.

Methods

MUC4 expression levels in patient-matched normal and tumor breast tissue was initially examined by immunoblotting lysates of fresh frozen tissue samples with a highly specific preparation of anti-MUC4 monoclonal antibody 1G8. Immunohistochemical analysis was then carried out using tissue microarrays encompassing patient-matched normal breast tissue and primary tumors, and patient-matched lymph node metastases and primary tumors. Finally, shRNA-mediated knockdown was employed to assess the contribution of MUC4 to the cellular growth and malignancy properties of JIMT-1 breast cancer cells.

Results

Immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry revealed that MUC4 levels are suppressed in the majority (58%, p < 0.001) of primary tumors relative to patient-matched normal tissue. On the other hand, lymph node metastatic lesions from 37% (p < 0.05) of patients expressed higher MUC4 protein levels than patient-matched primary tumors. MUC4-positive tumor emboli were often found in lymphovascular spaces of lymph node metastatic lesions. shRNA-mediated MUC4 knockdown compromised the migration, proliferation and anoikis resistance of JIMT-1 cells, strongly suggesting that MUC4 expression actively contributes to cellular properties associated with breast tumor metastasis.

Conclusions

Our observations suggest that after an initial loss of MUC4 levels during the transition of normal breast tissue to primary tumor, the re-establishment of elevated MUC4 levels confers an advantage to metastasizing breast tumor cells by promoting the acquisition of cellular properties associated with malignancy.
KCNE4 suppresses Kv1.3 currents by modulating trafficking, surface expression and channel gating
Authors: Solé Laura , Roura-Ferrer Meritxell , Pérez-Verdaguer Mireia , Oliveras Anna , Calvo Maria , Fernández-Fernández José Manuel , Felipe Antonio
Published: September 2009

Voltage-dependent potassium channels (Kv) play a crucial role in the activation and proliferation of leukocytes. Kv channels are either homo- or hetero-oligomers. This composition modulates their surface expression and serves as a mechanism for regulating channel activity. Kv channel interaction with accessory subunits provides mechanisms for channels to respond to stimuli beyond changes in membrane potential. Here, we demonstrate that KCNE4 (potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily E member 4), but not KCNE2, functions as an inhibitory Kv1.3 partner in leukocytes. Kv1.3 trafficking, targeting and activity are altered by the presence of KCNE4. KCNE4 decreases current density, slows activation, accelerates inactivation, increases cumulative inactivation, retains Kv1.3 in the ER and impairs channel targeting to lipid raft microdomains. KCNE4 associates with Kv1.3 in the ER and decreases the number of Kv1.3 channels at the cell surface, which diminishes cell excitability. Kv1.3 and KCNE4 are differentially regulated upon activation or immunosuppression in macrophages. Thus, lipopolysaccharide-induced activation increases Kv1.3 and KCNE4 mRNA, whereas dexamethasone triggers a decrease in Kv1.3 with no changes in KCNE4. The channelosome composition determines the activity and affects surface expression and membrane localization. Therefore, KCNE4 association might play a crucial role in controlling immunological responses. Our results indicate that KCNE ancillary subunits could be new targets for immunomodulation.
The Effects of Privatization and Ownership in Transition Economies
Authors: Estrin Saul , Hanousek Jan , Kočenda Evžen , Svejnar Jan
Published: September 2009

In this paper, we evaluate what we have learned to date about the effects of privatization from the experiences during the last fifteen to twenty years in the postcommunist (transition) economies and, where relevant, China. We distinguish separately the impact of privatization on efficiency, profitability, revenues, and other indicators and distinguish between studies on the basis of their econometric methodology in order to focus attention on more credible results. The effect of privatization is mostly positive in Central Europe, but quantitatively smaller than that to foreign owners and greater in the later than earlier transition period. In the Commonwealth of Independent States, privatization to foreign owners yields a positive or insignificant effect while privatization to domestic owners generates a negative or insignificant effect. The available papers on China find diverse results, with the effect of nonstate ownership on total factor productivity being mostly positive but sometimes insignificant or negative.
Intra- and Interformat Competition Among Discounters and Supermarkets
Authors: Cleeren Kathleen , Verboven Frank , Dekimpe Marnik G. , Gielens Katrijn
Published: September 2009

The price-aggressive discount format, popularized by chains such as Aldi and Lidl, is very successful in most Western economies. Its success is a major source of concern for traditional supermarkets. Discounters not only have a direct effect on supermarkets' market shares, but they also exert considerable pressure to improve operational efficiency and/or to decrease prices.

We use an empirical entry model to study the degree of intra- and interformat competition between discounters and supermarkets. Information on the competitive impact of new entrants is derived from the observed entry decisions of supermarkets and discounters in a large cross section of local markets, after controlling for a number of local market characteristics. In our modeling framework, we endogenize the number of retailers and allow for asymmetric intra- and interformat competitive effects in a flexible way.

We apply our modeling approach to the German grocery industry, where the discount format has stabilized after two decades of continued growth. We find evidence of intense competition within both the supermarket and discounter format, although competition between supermarkets is found to be more severe. Most importantly, discounters only start to affect the profitability of conventional supermarkets from the third entrant onwards. This may explain why many retailers rush to add a discount chain to their portfolio: early entrants may benefit from the growth of the discount-prone segment without cannibalizing the profits of their more conventional supermarket stores.
Does a neuropsychological index of hemispheric lateralization predict onset of upper respiratory tract infectious symptoms?
Authors: Gidron Yori , Hall Peter , Wesnes Keith A. , Bucks Romola S.
Published: September 2009

Objectives. Past studies demonstrate relationships between hemispheric lateralization (HL) and immunity. However, the relevance of HL–immune relationships to health and illness has rarely been investigated. This study tested whether a neuropsychological index of right‐hemispheric lateralization (right‐HL) predicts development of upper respiratory tract infectious (URTI) symptoms.

Design. We used a prospective, matched, case‐control design.

Methods. Initially, 80 URTI symptom free adults underwent neuropsychological assessment including right‐HL (picture vs. word recognition), and were then followed‐up during 10 weeks for development of URTI symptoms and objective signs of URTI. Participants reporting URTI symptoms (Ill; N =21) were matched on age, gender, and IQ with 21 participants remaining well.

Results. At baseline, the right‐HL index was significantly higher in participants who later became ill (9.9%) compared to well participants (3.9%, p <.05). Health behaviour also predicted URTI symptoms. In a logistic regression, right‐HL significantly predicted self‐reported URTI, independent of health behaviour and neuroticism.

Conclusions. Greater right‐HL predicted URTI symptom development during follow‐up, independent of important confounders. These findings expand previous HL–immune relationships to a common immune‐related illness.
The Meanings of Dishonesty in Theft
Authors: Steel Alex
Published: September 2009

This paper examines the development of the element of fraudulence in larceny and its recasting as dishonesty in modern theft offences. It examines the diverging approaches in England, Canada, New Zealand and Australia and attempts to explain the implications of the various approaches. It suggests that historical debates over the term arose because of the lack of clarity in early decisions, and that those debates continue today. Consequently, the principled basis for dishonesty as a legal term remains fundamentally unclear and discussion of the term requires further consideration.
The Application and Use of TASERs by a Midwestern Police Agency
Authors: DeLone Gregory J. , Thompson Liddie M.
Published: September 2009

Of the some 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, TASERs have been adopted by approximately 7,000 departments. Following on the call of White and Ready (2007) for more research on TASER use by police, this paper investigates the use of TASERs by a medium sized, Midwestern police agency. All TASER deployments by police officers in this Midwestern city are examined for a three-and-a-half-year time period (January 2004–August 2007). Findings indicate that the TASER was used primarily against physically resistant white male suspects with a history of police contact. The majority of the incidents took place at a private residence or apartment as opposed to a public place of business. The TASER was overwhelmingly effective and, as for officer safety, on the few occasions that an officer was injured, the injury was not related to the TASER.
Policing Police Crime: The Case of Criminals in the Norwegian Police
Authors: Gottschalk Petter
Published: September 2009

There seems to be a tendency to consider police crime as a result of bad practice, lack of resources or mismanagement, rather than acts of criminals. However, examples illustrate that criminal acts are intentionally carried out by police officers on duty. For example, a 30-year-old female police officer in Norway used her computer access in the police department to change the addresses of her personal enemies in public systems, which represents a serious kind of document crime. Unauthorised disclosure of confidential information occurred in two out of ten criminal police cases in Norwegian courts in 2007. Police crime does not only occur in countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, Mexico and Nigeria. It is common in the UK, USA, Australia and Norway as well — although on a smaller scale. Police crime tends to be discovered when investigating police complaints. Police crime is defined as intentional crime committed by police officers on duty. Policing police crime is defined as enforcing law on potential and actual criminal employees in the police organisation. In days gone by we would have said, ‘Who will watch the watchman?’, or ‘Who is guarding the guardian?’ — now we say, ‘Who is policing the police?’. This paper addresses the following question: what kind of knowledge is needed for policing the police?
An Examination of Police Officers' Notes of Interviews with Alleged Child Abuse Victims
Authors: Cauchi Rita , Powell Martine B.
Published: September 2009

This study provided a critical examination of handwritten records (notes) of interviews contained in a sample of 89 police case files about alleged child abuse. Some of the notes examined related to initial disclosure (complaint) interviews which were not electronically recorded and were meant to be recorded verbatim. Notes of electronically recorded interviews, which merely constituted a convenient summary of the case details, were also examined. Collectively, the analyses focused on the accessibility, completeness and accuracy of the notes, and the degree to which the interviewers' questions and witnesses' answers were differentiated. In relation to the disclosure interviews, a substantial proportion of these were not accessible. Of those where the notes were obtained, the detail recorded was not a complete record of conversation, and there was often poor delineation of questions and responses. Analysis of the electronically recorded interviews showed that these were not an entirely accurate summary of event details even though the note takers' sole task was to document the interview. The implications of these findings are discussed.
‘A Drunken Consent is Still Consent’—Or is it? A Critical Analysis of the Law on a Drunken Consent to Sex following Bree
Authors: Wallerstein Shlomit
Published: September 2009

Does a person who is voluntarily drunk remain capable of giving valid consent to sex? The Court of Appeal in Bree held that ‘a drunken consent is still (valid) consent’, though it further recognises that the capacity to consent may evaporate well before a complainant becomes unconscious. This decision is a move in the right direction, yet this article argues that it has not gone far enough, and that s. 74 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 which governs these scenarios allows—and even requires—a more drastic interpretation: a drunken consent is not consent when the person is very drunk. Based on a distinction between factual and legal consent, the article starts by setting up the legal framework as set out in s. 74, and developed in Bree and H. It then goes on to criticise the current case law and its interpretation of s. 74 for not being restrictive enough, by examining two possible theoretical rationales, mentioned in the judgments. The first, which is based on an analogy with the law relating to intoxicated offenders, is criticised on the grounds of differences between consent and intent. The second, which is based on the general argument that this position recognises the positive aspect of sexual autonomy, is criticised for its failure to distinguish between claims of normative facts and claims of public policy and for giving too much weight to the latter considerations. From the discussion an alternative, more restrictive position, emerges in line with s. 74 of the 2003 Act, according to which a drunken consent is not consent. This position can be adopted by judges, through the provision of better guidance to juries, but failing that a reform of the law might be needed.
Early impairment of trabecular microarchitecture assessed with HR-pQCT in patients with stage II-IV chronic kidney disease
Authors: Bacchetta Justine , Boutroy Stéphanie , Vilayphiou Nicolas , Juillard Laurent , Guebre-Egziabher Fitsum , Rognant Nicolas , Sornay-Rendu Elisabeth , Szulc Pawel , Laville Maurice , Delmas Pierre D , Fouque Denis , Chapurlat Roland
Published: September 2009

Bone fragility is a complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to assess whether volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and microarchitecture could be impaired early in the course of CKD. Bone microarchitecture was examined with a noninvasive 3D imaging technique [high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT)] at the tibia and radius in 70 stage II-IV CKD patients older than 50 years of age; controls belonged to two cohorts of healthy subjects comparable for age and gender (OFELY cohort in women and STRAMBO cohort in men). We examined 46 men and 24 women; 19 patients were diabetic. Mean age was 70.8 ± 8.5 years, mean glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 34 ± 12 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and mean serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 87 ± 59 pg/mL. Both CKD men and women experienced a moderate but significant trabecular (Tb) impairment, positioning CKD patient values between those of normal and osteopenic controls (e.g., CKD men versus healthy controls: Tb vBMD 172 ± 35 versus 188 ± 34 mg HA/cm3; Tb number 1.75 ± 0.27 versus 1.86 ± 0.26 mm−1, and Tb separation 503 ± 94 versus 465 ± 78 µm; p < .05). Cortical thickness (Ct.Th) in men also was significantly decreased compared with healthy controls (e.g., CKD men versus healthy controls: tibial Ct.Th 1171 ± 331 versus 1288 ± 283 µm; p < .05). In conclusion, this study, using a noninvasive bone-imaging device, shows for the first time an early impairment of trabecular microarchitecture in stage II-IV CKD patients. Further longitudinal studies should be performed to validate HR-pQCT as a tool for predicting the fracture risk in CKD. © 2010 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Arrestin Competition Influences the Kinetics and Variability of the Single-Photon Responses of Mammalian Rod Photoreceptors
Authors: Doan Thuy , Azevedo Anthony W. , Hurley James B. , Rieke Fred
Published: September 2009

Reliable signal transduction via G-protein-coupled receptors requires proper receptor inactivation. For example, signals originating from single rhodopsin molecules vary little from one to the next, requiring reproducible inactivation of rhodopsin by phosphorylation and arrestin binding. We determined how reduced concentrations of rhodopsin kinase (GRK1) and/or arrestin1 influenced the kinetics and variability of the single-photon responses of mouse rod photoreceptors. These experiments revealed that arrestin, in addition to its role in quenching the activity of rhodopsin, can tune the kinetics of rhodopsin phosphorylation by competing with GRK1. This competition influenced the variability of the active lifetime of rhodopsin. Biasing the competition in favor of GRK1 revealed that rhodopsin remained active through much of the single-photon response under the conditions of our experiments. This long-lasting rhodopsin activity can explain the characteristic time course of single-photon response variability. Indeed, explaining the late time-to-peak of the variance required an active lifetime of rhodopsin approximately twice that of the G-protein transducin. Competition between arrestins and kinases may be a general means of influencing signals mediated by G-protein-coupled receptors, particularly when activation of a few receptors produces signals of functional importance.
CD14 and Toll-Like Receptors 2 and 4 Are Required for Fibrillar Aβ-Stimulated Microglial Activation
Authors: Reed-Geaghan Erin G. , Savage Julie C. , Hise Amy G. , Landreth Gary E.
Published: September 2009

Microglia are the brain's tissue macrophages and are found in an activated state surrounding β-amyloid plaques in the Alzheimer's disease brain. Microglia interact with fibrillar β-amyloid (fAβ) through an ensemble of surface receptors composed of the α6β1integrin, CD36, CD47, and the class A scavenger receptor. These receptors act in concert to initiate intracellular signaling cascades and phenotypic activation of these cells. However, it is unclear how engagement of this receptor complex is linked to the induction of an activated microglial phenotype. We report that the response of microglial cells to fibrillar forms of Aβ requires the participation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the coreceptor CD14. The response of microglia to fAβ is reliant upon CD14, which act together with TLR4 and TLR2 to bind fAβ and to activate intracellular signaling. We find that cells lacking these receptors could not initiate a Src-Vav-Rac signaling cascade leading to reactive oxygen species production and phagocytosis. The fAβ-mediated activation of p38 MAPK also required CD14, TLR4, and TLR2. Inhibition of p38 abrogated fAβ-induced reactive oxygen species production and attenuated the induction of phagocytosis. Microglia lacking CD14, TLR4, and TLR2 showed no induction of phosphorylated IκBα following fAβ. These data indicate these innate immune receptors function as members of the microglial fAβ receptor complex and identify the signaling mechanisms whereby they contribute to microglial activation.
Communicative strategies in the Italian of Igbo-Nigerian immigrants in Italy: a contact-linguistic approach
Authors: Goglia Francesco
Published: September 2009

This paper reports on communicative strategies employed by Igbo-Nigerian immigrants living in the city of Padova (North-Eastern Italy). It proposes a new approach to the analysis of non-guided Second Language Acquisition (henceforth SLA). This approach treats immigrant speakers qua effective communication achievers. It focuses on communicative interaction, treating individual linguistic strategies as language innovations potentially initiating language change. It also sees non-guided SLA as a contact phenomenon and adopts a unified contact approach which puts all contact phenomena under the same umbrella.
Synthesis and structure of N-ferrocenoyl-labeled tripeptide: N-Fc-L-Pro-L-Leu-Gly-OMe
Authors: Xiang Jin , Peng Yong , Schatte Gabriele , Yang Qiaoqin , Liu You-Nian
Published: September 2009

The synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of the title compound, N-ferrocenoyl-L-Pro-L-Leu-Gly-OMe (Fc-PLG), were reported in this paper. The title compound crystallized in a monoclinic system, space group C2 with Z = 4, a = 20.803(3) Å, b = 6.4428(4) Å, c = 20.557(2) Å, α = 90°, β = 115.498(5)°, γ = 90°; R = 0.0451. The Cp rings in the ferrocenoyl group are nearly coplanar, making a dihedral angle of 178.2 (4)°, while the substituted cyclopentadienyl ring and the proline ring are virtually coplanar with a very small twist angle of 14.0°. Strong hydrogen bonds between the Gly amide group N13 and the Pro carbonyl group O11 (d (N … O) = 2.835 Å) make the molecules fold into a β-turn conformation.
Crescimento e produção de hastes florais de gladíolo cultivado sob diferentes tensões de água no solo
Authors: Pereira Joelma Rezende Durão , Carvalho Jacinto de Assunção , Paiva Patrícia Duarte de Oliveira , Silva Douglas José da , Souza Alexandre Márcio Gomes de , Souza Kleber Junio de
Published: September 2009

As plantas ornamentais, em geral, e o gladíolo, em particular, são bastante suscetíveis às variações do nível de água no solo. No presente estudo foram avaliados os efeitos de diferentes níveis de tensão de água no solo sobre o crescimento e produção do gladíolo, em experimento realizado em casa-de-vegetação em Lavras, Minas Gerais. Esses efeitos foram caracterizados nas fases de crescimento vegetativo, espigamento e floração, por análises das seguintes medidas de crescimento: altura da planta, tamanho da haste floral e número de flores. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema de faixas, avaliando-se quatro níveis de tensão de água no solo (15, 25, 40 e 60 kPa) em cada uma das três fases fenológicas da cultura, totalizando doze tratamentos e seis repetições. Os resultados mostraram que a altura da planta, tamanho da haste floral e o número de flores foram significativamente reduzidos pelo aumento dos níveis de tensão de água no solo, sendo os efeitos mais intensos nas fases de crescimento e espigamento. Os melhores resultados em relação ao tamanho da planta, da haste floral e número de flores, foram obtidos mantendo-se a tensão de água no solo próxima à capacidade de campo.
In vitro investigations of Cynara scolymus L. extract on cell physiology of HepG2 liver cells
Authors: Löhr Gesine , Deters Alexandra , Hensel Andreas
Published: September 2009

The objective of this study was the investigation of a potential influence of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) on the cell physiology and gene expression of phase I/II enzymes of human liver cells HepG2 and investigation on potential cell protective effects against ethanol-induced cell toxicity against HepG2 cells. Cell biological assays under in vitro conditions using HepG2 liver cells and investigation of mitochondrial activity (MTT test), proliferation assay (BrdU incorporation ELISA), LDH as toxicity marker, gene expression analysis by RT-PCR and enzyme activity of glutationtransferase. Artichocke extract, containing 27% caffeoylquinic acids and 7% flavonoids induced mitochondrial activity, proliferation and total protein content under in vitro conditions in human liver cells HepG2. These effects could not be correlated to the well-known artichoke secondary compounds cynarin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside. The flavones luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside had inhibitory effects at 100 µg/mL level on HepG2 cells, with luteolin being a significant stronger inhibitor compared to the respective glucoside. Artichoke leaf extract had minor stimulating effect on gene expression of CYP1A2, while CYP3A4, GGT, GPX2, GSR and GST were slightly inhibited. GST inhibition under in vitro conditions was also shown by quantification of GST enzyme activity. Induction of gene expression of CYP1A2 was shown to be supraadditive after simultaneous application of ethanol plus artichoke extract. Artichoke leaf extract exhibited cell protective effects against ethanol-induced toxicity within cotreatment under in vitro conditions. Also H2O2 damage was significantly inhibited by simultaneous artichoke incubation. Pre- and posttreatments did not exert protective effects. DMSO-induced toxicity was significantly reduced by pre-, post- and cotreatment with artichoke extract and especially with luteolin-7-O-glucoside, indicating a direct interaction with the toxifying agent and an induction of repair mechanisms.
Analysis of advertisements of infant food commercialized in the city of Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Authors: Pagnoncelli Maria Giovana Binder , Batista Almária Mariz , Silva Michelle Cristine Medeiros Da , Costa Ana Paula Marques Da , Araújo Fábio Resende De , Marques Marcela Pinheiro , Fidalgo Cláudia M. De Quelhas , Carvalho Maria Cleide Ribeiro Dantas de
Published: September 2009

The advertising about maternal milk substitutes has been pointed as one of the factors responsible for the breastfeeding low rates. In this way, legal support was created to assure that the use of such products would not interfere on the healthy breastfeeding habit of the population. This study, developed between June 2006 and May 2008 in the city of Natal, state of Rio Grande do Norte, analyzed the food advertisements divulged under the validity of Law # 11.265/2006, which controls in Brazil the food commercialization and the publicity addressed to parents or keepers of nursling and children in the first childhood. 220 advertisements, being 141 of technical-scientific nature, and 79 for strictly commercial promotion, were collected and evaluated according to legal requirements. The results from this analysis showed that 100% of the advertisements of technical-scientific nature overstepped the clause V; 18.4% the clause IV and 14.2% the clauses I, II and III of article 19th of Law # 11265/2006. In 42% of the advertisements strictly for commercial promotion, the mandatory information mentioned at clauses I and II of the article 5th were not shown. In 8.7% of the advertisements containing such information, it was placed in an area that embarrassed its identification and reading, due to used fonts size and/or color; similarly as occurred with the information required by article 19th, in the advertisements of technical-scientific nature.
Design and optimization of purification procedure for biodiesel washing
Authors: Glisic Sandra , Skala Dejan
Published: September 2009

Almost complete methanolysis of triglycerides is usually not enough to fulfil the strict standards of biodiesel quality. A key step in this process is neutralization of alkali (catalyst) followed by the washing procedure necessary for removing different impurities such as traces of catalyst and methanol and removal of soaps and glycerol from esters phase. The washing with hot water is still widely used in many industrial units for the biodiesel production. In this study, different procedures of biodiesel washing using hot water were investigated. The orto-phosphoric acid was suggested as the best compound for alkali catalyst (sodium hydroxide) neutralization. The main goal of the performed analysis was to minimize the water usage in the washing-neutralization step during the biodiesel production. Such solution would make the process of biodiesel synthesis more economical taking into account the decrease of energy consumed for evaporation of water during the final product purification, as well as more acceptable procedure related to the impact on environment (minimal waste water release). Results of the performed simulation of the washing process supported by original experimental data suggested that neutralization after the optimized washing process of the methyl ester layer could be the best solution. The proposed washing procedure significantly decreases the amount of waste water giving at the same time the desired purity of final products (biodiesel and glycerol). The simulation of the process was performed using ASPEN plus software supported by ELCANTREL and UNIQUAC procedure of required properties calculation.
The synthesis and characterization of some novel 5-chloro-2-(substituted alkoxy)-N-phenylbenzamide derivatives
Authors: Ienaşcu Ioana , Lupea Alfa , Popescu Iuliana , Pădure Mirabela , Zamfir Alina
Published: September 2009

To obtain biologically active compounds, the synthesis of some new derivatives with an o-hydroxybenzamide structure was performed. The ethyl esters 4-6 were obtained by the reaction of 5-chloro-2-hydroxy-N-phenylbenzamide and chloro-substituted acid ethyl esters 1-3 in ethyl methyl ketone. The obtained ethyl esters were condensed with hydrazine yielding the hydrazides 7-8. The hydrazones 11-14 were obtained by the reaction of the hydrazides and the chloro-substituted benzaldehydes 9-10. All the newly synthesized compounds were characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS and elemental analyses.
Changes in the infrared attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectra of lignins from alfalfa stem with growth and development
Authors: Markovic Jordan , Radovic Jasmina , Strbanovic Ratibor , Bajic Danica , Vrvic Miroslav
Published: September 2009

Lignin is a poorly characterized polymer and its exact properties vary depending on both the species of the plant and its location within the plant. Three classes of lignins taken from alfalfa stem were examined. The investigation was concentrated on the determination of chemical changes in the lignins during growth and development by the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) infrared (IR) spectrometric technique. The spectrum of permanganate lignin was comparable to that of acid detergent lignin. The main differences were in the different relative absorbance of the peaks. The predominant component of acid detergent lignin and permanganate lignin was guaiacyl-type lignin. The predominant component of Klason lignin was syringyl-type lignin. A comparison between the signals from lignin in different development stages revealed the appearance of new peaks, which are indications of new bonds and changes in the structure of the lignins.
Synthesis, characterization, chelation with transition metal ions, and antibacterial and antifungal studies of the 4-[(E)- -phenyldiazenyl]-2-[(E)-(phenylimino)methyl]phenol dye
Authors: Kurtoglu Nurcan
Published: September 2009

New Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes were synthesized with the bidentate azo-azomethine dye, 4-[(E)-phenyldiazenyl]-2-[(E)-(phenylimino)methyl] phenol (dmpH), which was prepared by the reaction of 2-hydroxy-5-[(E)- phenyldiazenyl]benzaldehyde with aniline in EtOH. The syntheses of the metal chelates of the azo-azomethine dye were realized by the precipitation technique. The synthesized metal complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, as well as infrared and UV-Vis spectral data. Based on these characterizations, the metal complexes of the transition metal ions may be formulated as [M(dmp)Cl(H2O)] where M = Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II). The metal complexes were formed by the coordination of N and O atoms of the ligand. The molar conductance values of the Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) complexes of the bidentate ligand indicate their non-ionic character. The free ligand and its metal complexes were tested for their in vitro antimicrobial properties against eight bacteria: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus cloacae, Bacillus megaterium, and Micrococcus luteus, and three fungi, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Rhodotorula rubra and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, in order to assess their antimicrobial potential. The [Ni(dmp)Cl(H2O)] chelate exhibited high activity against all the bacteria and fungi, except Rhodotorula rubra.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Lines in the Behavioral Health Client: A Perspective
Authors: Deacon Vera , Oliver Susan
Published: September 2009

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are used in many different patient populations. The indications for use vary and include infusions of hyperalimentation, chemotherapeutic agents, hyperosmolar solutions, antibiotics, or long-term rehydration. However, on occasion, there are clients who do not fit the typical criteria for PICC insertion. This includes, but is not limited to, those individuals who are receiving frequent intravenous (IV) “sticks” or even short-term infusions of irritating drugs. The behavioral health client is one who may not be the typical PICC or IV patient but who may benefit from the placement of a PICC for certain treatment modalities.
Catheter-Related Central Venous Thrombosis: The Development of a Nationwide Consensus Paper in Italy
Authors: Campisi Costantino , Biffi Roberto , Pittiruti Mauro ,   on behalf of the GAVeCeLT Committee for the Consensus
Published: September 2009

Catheter-related central venous thrombosis is a serious complication in patients who need long-term venous access. Though scientific data and clinical experience are steadily increasing, many uncertainties still exist about several aspects of this complication, including etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and prevention of this complication. The GAVeCeLT (the Italian Study Group for Long Term Central Venous Access) promoted a nationwide consensus, and 12 experts reviewed systematically all the available literature. A preliminary document was presented and discussed during a specific Consensus Meeting, in front of a panel of more than 80 experts (representing different health professions and disciplines). This led to a prefinal document, which was presented to more than 800 health professionals. After peer review by an external board of experts, the final document was prepared. In this article, methodology and results of the consensus are presented.
Clinical Performance of a New Transparent Chlorhexidine Gluconate Central Venous Catheter Dressing
Authors: Olson Carol , Heilman James M.
Published: September 2009

As the sciences of vascular access and infection prevention rapidly advance healthcare professionals are often faced with new technologies designed to help, but which are often so complicated to use that they cause unforeseen problems. As a vascular access team at a major mid-western hospital, we evaluated the ease-of-use and the performance characteristics of a new transparent catheter dressing, 3M Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) containing the antimicrobial chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), with a variety of central venous catheters insertion sites in comparison to a standard non-antimicrobial dressing Tegaderm® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN). Following IRB approval, sixty-three consenting patients were enrolled and randomized; 33 in the CHG antimicrobial dressing group and 30 in the standard dressing group. Thirty six patients had peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), 20 had intrajugular insertions (IJ), and 7 had subclavian insertions. The new 3M Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) was evaluated for its ability to permit visualization of the insertion site, ease of use, ease of using correctly, ability to secure the catheter and absorb exudates and remain transparent.

The new 3M Tegaderm CHG IV Securement Dressing® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) was found to be as easy to use in central venous catheter care clinical practice as the standard of care non-antimicrobial transparent adhesive dressing. No additional training or education was required to properly use it. This dressing was applied and removed like standard transparent adhesive dressings, but offered many advantages over standard dressings. Advantages include that it is antimicrobial, handles moderate bleeding, remains transparent and appears to offer greater catheter securement than the Tegaderm® (3M Health Care™, St. Paul, MN) standard dressing. The CHG gel pad also conformed well to the catheter.
The Effectiveness of Nurse Led 2-D Ultrasound Guided Insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Krstenic Wendy Joanne , Brealey Stephen , Gaikwad Susimala , Maraveyas Anthony
Published: September 2009

To conduct a systematic review that compares the effectiveness of nurses using 2-D ultrasound guided insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) with the landmark method in adult patients. Nine electronic databases were searched, the reference lists of studies were screened, the Internet was searched, and contact was made with experts. A quality assessment checklist was used to assess study validity. Dichotomous outcome data on the failure rate to insert PICCs were calculated as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals. Data were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel fixed effects model. From 156 studies, four eligible non-randomised studies were identified. Three studies originated from the United States and RR of failure to insert PICCs was significantly lower in the ultrasound group: 0.26 (0.10 to 0.64), 0.47 (0.38 to 0.59) and 0.28 (0.20 to 0.41). One study from the United Kingdom did not find a statistically significant difference in failure to insert PICCs between landmark and ultrasound groups: single centre RR was 0.60 (0.23 to 1.57) and multi centre RR was 0.42 (0.16 to 1.09). The pooled RR for all studies was 0.40 (0.33 to 0.48) showing that ultrasound significantly reduces failure rates by 60%. The presence of bias is evident in all studies. There is evidence to support the use of 2-D ultrasound by nurses to insert PICC lines. Further more rigorous research is required, such as a multi-centre randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation, before the widespread uptake of this technology can be recommended.
No Going Back: Advantages of Ultrasound-Guided Upper Arm PICC Placement
Authors: Simcock Liz
Published: September 2009

Background, Method and Purpose: The use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in the UK has been steadily increasing since they were first introduced in 1995. Ultrasound-guided upper arm placement - which has become prevalent in the USA over the last few years - is gradually attracting interest amongst PICC placers in the UK. The literature shows that upper arm placement improves insertion success rate (Hockley, Hamilton, Young, Chapman, Taylor, Creed et al, 2007; Hunter, 2007; Krstenic, Brealey, Gaikwad & Maraveyas, 2008) and patient satisfaction (Polak, Anderson, Hagspiel, & Mungovan, 1998; Sansivero, 2000; McMahon, 2002). Following a switch to upper arm placement at her institution, the author examined audit data from before and after the change in practice to see if there were other measurable clinical improvements.

Results: Comparison of data from a four-year period shows that upper arm placement in our patient population increased insertion success rate and line longevity, while reducing exit site infection, thrombosis and catheter migration.

Implications for Practice: This data shows that ultrasound-guided upper-arm placement improves patient outcomes. PICC placers still using the more traditional antecubital approach should consider a change in practice.
Issues and Best Practices Related to Ethical Writing and Publishing
Authors: King Cynthia R.
Published: September 2009

For decades there have been several common ethical issues in writing and publishing that have plagued nurse authors and editors. These have included authorship, duplicate or redundant publication, conflicts of interest (including financial), misconduct, and peer review. These topics have been discussed independently and together, but it has not been until recently that appropriate guidelines or best practices have emerged. Nursing and other scientific journals have struggled with these issues continuously and now organizations (e.g., International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and Office of Integrity) have developed guidelines and best practices to help authors and editors.
Maturarbeit: Färbemittel und ihre Bedeutung für unsere Welt Geschichte, Theorie und Praxis hautnah
Authors: Steck Nicole
Published: September 2009

This contribution is a very short excerpt of an extensive matura thesis by Nicole Steck. The original work consists of a careful description of the life and achievements of William Henry Perkin, some background on dyes and color perception, and the work and impressions of a high school
student working for the first time in a university laboratory. This excerpt concentrates on two easily repeated pairs of syntheses. The fluorescent compounds are related to optical brighteners. They demonstrate how modifications may be systematically used to change the fluorescence properties
of a lead compound.
High temperature mechanical spectroscopy of fine-grained ceramics
Authors: Schaller Robert , Ionascu Claudia
Published: September 2009

Mechanical loss measurements were performed at high temperature in fine-grained ceramics, such as zirconia and alumina. At high temperature, the mechanical loss increases exponentially with temperature, which accounts for material creep. The results are analyzed with a model of grain-boundary sliding lubricated by an intergranular glassy phase. When the amount of the intergranular glassy phase is higher, the mechanical loss level is globally higher and so is the creep rate. On the other hand, doping fine-grained ceramics with nano-sized reinforcements such as multiwall carbon nanotubes results in a decrease in the high-temperature mechanical loss. In this case grain-boundary sliding is more difficult and as a consequence better creep resistance is observed.
Are RENiAl hydrides metallic?
Authors: Eichinger Karl , Havela Ladislav , Prokleška Jan , Stelmakhovych Olha , Daniš Stanislav , Šantavá Eva , Miliyanchuk Khrystyna
Published: September 2009

Due to hydrogenation, the crystal structure of GdNiAl distorts from hexagonal to orthorhombic. The magnetic ordering temperature decreases dramatically and the magnetic entropy of this phase transition is in good agreement with theory. LuNiAl does not change its structure type, but it was found that the electronic contribution to specific heat decreases dramatically. None of the two phases loses its metallic character.