bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarker Evaluation in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to Assess the Health Status of Aquaculture Areas in the Seven Lakes of San Pablo
Authors: Guevarra Roselin Dominique , Paraso Michelle Grace , Lola Ma. Suzanneth Epifania
Published: November 2022

The seven lakes of San Pablo have been subjected to different degrees of stresses brought about by intensive aquaculture, sewage discharges, and other anthropogenic disturbances, which could have serious implications on the health of these ecosystems. This study was conducted to assess the health condition of cage aquaculture areas in the lakes using biomarkers in the adult Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 84 cultured fish samples consisting of 12 individuals per lake were examined to determine the condition factor (K-factor); hepatosomatic index (HSI); splenosomatic index (SSI); and histopathological features of the liver, spleen, and gills. The measured values for K-factor are suggestive of isometric growth and good health condition; however, fish from Sampaloc Lake had relatively lower values in comparison to the other groups. Although all liver samples had normal microstructure, the HSI of fish in Sampaloc and Palakpakin Lakes was significantly reduced than those obtained in fish from Lakes Bunot, Calibato, and Yambo. All spleen samples showed melanomacrophage centers (MMCs), with fish in Calibato Lake having higher SSI compared to the others. The majority of the gill samples showed minimal to mild clubbing of secondary lamellae, thrombosis, and aneurysm. Based on the endpoints considered in this study, Yambo Lake had the most optimal condition for fish culture. Lakes Sampaloc, Palakpakin, and Mohicap – on the other hand – had the lowest environmental status.
Towards the Establishment of Baseline Scientific Information Based on the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of Philippine Traditional Alcoholic Beverages
Authors: Gregorio Cynthia Grace , Yu Kristine Larissa , Singson Franco Vittorio , Alas Chester Angelo , Balbuena Jenny Wendy
Published: November 2022

Investigations on four Philippine traditional alcoholic beverages – namely, lambanog, tapuy, basi, and tuba – were carried out by determining volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in these beverages. Headspace gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (HS-GC-FID) is employed in this study to quantify four compounds – namely, ethanol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, and isobutyl alcohol. Mean concentration values for the these VOCs within each beverage type were found to be as follows: 35.69% (v/v) ethanol, 329.67 mg/L ethyl acetate, 145.03 mg/L isoamyl alcohol, and 51.86 mg/L isobutyl alcohol for lambanog; 10.86% (v/v) ethanol, 212.87 mg/L ethyl acetate, 175.82 mg/L isoamyl alcohol, and 37.98 mg/L isobutyl alcohol for tapuy; 11.06% (v/v) ethanol, 114.18 mg/L ethyl acetate, 247.45 mg/L isoamyl alcohol, and 66.54 mg/L isobutyl alcohol for basi; and 8.79% (v/v) ethanol, 351.77 mg/L ethyl acetate, 68.74 mg/L isoamyl alcohol, and 16.23 mg/L isobutyl alcohol for tuba. Results showed that there is wide variability in the VOCs quantified in the four beverages, possibly on account of the sampling site, raw material used, and manufacturing process. Preliminary gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies qualitatively confirm the presence of other families of VOCs. The results from this study are envisioned to serve as new baseline information on Philippine traditional beverages.
Establishment of Neutron Reference Fields in Vietnam: A Review
Authors: Thiem Le Ngoc
Published: November 2022

This paper summarizes the characterizations of neutron reference fields using radionuclide sources at the Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INST), Hanoi, Vietnam for the purposes of radiation protection and calibrations. The dosimetric quantities of spectral neutron fluence rates and neutron ambient dose equivalent rates have been calculated and presented using the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport code, version 5 (MCNP5) and Bonner sphere spectrometer (BSS) measurements in the combination with MAXED unfolding code. The characterizations of neutron reference fields have been done, complying with the ISO 8529 and 12789 series. The results confirm the neutron calibration capability at the INST in order to fulfill the domestic calibration demands of neutron ambient dose equivalent rate meters.
Characterization and Agronomic Evaluation of Naturally Occurring Short-statured Saba Banana in the Philippines
Authors: Gueco Lavernee , Posada Irish , Corpuz Frelyn , Yanos Lyka , dela Cruz Felipe , Damasco Olivia , Descalsota Michelle Lyka , Molina Agustin
Published: November 2022

One of the major constraints in the Philippine banana chips industry is the lack of steady supply of raw materials for sustained production operation. The current cultivar, Saba, is tall and bears first fruits in almost two years after planting. This study was conducted to characterize the putative short-statured Saba germplasm assembled at the national repository, identify promising accessions based on agro-morphological traits, and evaluate their performance in replicated trials. Nineteen (19) Saba accessions were characterized morphologically using 17 qualitative and 17 quantitative descriptors. Characterization data revealed an intermediate genetic variation within the collection. The computed Shannon-Weaver diversity index ranged from 0.13 (pseudostem color) to 0.85 (wing type). Further analysis of the quantitative data grouped the accessions into six morphological clusters based on HCPC. Four promising lines were selected from the clusters formed, characterized by shorter plant height, shorter cropping period, and acceptable fruit and yield characters. The replicated evaluation trial of the selected accessions along with two check varieties revealed accession 09-063 as the most promising collection with the shortest plant height, earliest maturity, and with the plant crop's computed bunch weight per annum (BWPA) of 14.91 kg. Utilization of this accession in banana plantations, in combination with high-density planting, would provide a significant impact on yield, profit, and availability of raw Saba for direct consumption and processing.
Pääsihteeriltä: Monitieteistä tutkimusta näkyväksi
Authors: Aula Pekka
Published: November 2022

Uudesti syntynyt ”Tiedeakatemian Annaali”, kuten ensimmäistä vuoden 1908 sarjaa kutsuttiin, toteuttaa tiedeakatemioiden perustehtävää: mielenkiintoisten, korkeatasoisten tutkimusten esittelyä. Annales on vertaisarvoitu, monitieteinen ja monikielinen. Se tullaan julkaisemaan pääosin niin sanottuna näköispainoksena verkossa, aluksi kaksi numeroa vuodessa. Julkaisu tulee saamaan rinnalleen digitaalisen, julkaisutavaltaan ja sisällöltään monimuotoisen, työnimellä AASF+ kulkevan version. AASF+ mahdollistaa perinteistä julkaisurytmiä nopeamman sisällön julkaisemisen esimerkiksi keskusteluina tai blogina. Se myös laajentaa lehden lukijakuntaa. Ajankohtainen tiede- ja tutkimusorientoitunut reagointi maailman tapahtumiin tullee osaksi AASF+ -sisältöjä.
Annales Academiae Scientiarum Fennicae on osa Suomalaisen Tiedeakatemian pyrkimyksiä rakentaa yhteisöllisyyttä, tukea monitieteisyyttä ja edistää tieteen vaikuttavuutta. Annales on vahva panoksemme Suomessa harjoitettavan tieteen näkyväksi tekemiseen ja yhteiskunnalliseen keskusteluun.
Εκπαιδευτικό Πρόγραμμα: Ανάπτυξη Δεξιοτήτων Για Την Προαγωγή Της Αγωγής Υγείας. Η Εμπειρία και η Προοπτική της Μακρόχρονης και Εντατικής Εκπαίδευσης των Υπευθύνων Αγωγής Υγείας Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης και Υπευθύνων Συμβουλευτικών Σταθμών Νέων
Authors: Κυρίτση Ιωάννα , Παπαναστασάτος Γεράσιμος , Τρίαντος Πέτρος , Τσιώτρα Σωτηρία , Γώγου Χριστίνα
Published: November 2022

Στο παρόν άρθρο παρουσιάζεται το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα «Ανάπτυξη Δεξιοτήτων για την Προαγωγή της Υγείας» που πραγματοποίησε το Κέντρο Θεραπείας Εξαρτημένων Ατόμων (ΚΕΘΕΑ), σε Αθήνα και Θεσσαλονίκη. Πρόκειται για ένα πρόγραμμα που απευθύνθηκε στους Υπεύθυνους Αγωγής Υγείας Πρωτοβάθμιας και Δευτεροβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης και στους Υπεύθυνους Συμβουλευτικών Σταθμών Νέων ολόκληρης της χώρας, στοχεύοντας στην εκπαίδευση και ενίσχυση του ρόλου των επαγγελματιών προαγωγής της υγείας στη σχολική κοινότητα. Η προαγωγή της υγείας στο σχολικό περιβάλλον μέσω των προγραμμάτων Αγωγής Υγείας και του θεσμού των Συμβουλευτικών Σταθμών Νέων εστιάζει στην ανάγκη ανάπτυξης «κοινωνικών δεξιοτήτων» των νέων. Βασικός στόχος της ανάπτυξης και καλλιέργειας των κοινωνικών δεξιοτήτων είναι να γίνουν οι νέοι περισσότερο ενεργοί και δραστήριοι αλλά και να αντεπεξέρχονται δημιουργικά στις νέες μεταβαλλόμενες συνθήκες όπως αυτές διαμορφώνονται στις σύγχρονες κοινωνίες. Ως κοινωνικές δεξιότητες μπορούν να οριστούν οι δεξιότητες διαχείρισης σχέσεων, δεξιότητες συνεργασίας, ομαδικής εργασίας, δημιουργικότητας και επιδίωξης ποιότητας καθώς και η αυτοπεποίθηση, ο αυτό-προσανατολισμός και η διακινδύνευση (Σύνοδος Λισαβόνας, 2000). Τέλος, μπορούν να θεωρηθούν ως κοινωνικές δεξιότητες η ικανότητα να εκφράζεσαι αποτελεσματικά, η ικανότητα να αξιολογείς καταστάσεις και να επιλύεις προβλήματα, η ικανότητα να διευθύνεις ανθρώπους ακόμα και η ικανότητα να μαθαίνεις πώς να μαθαίνεις (Chisholm et al., 2004). Στο παρόν άρθρο παρουσιάζονται οι αρχές που διαμόρφωσαν το εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα οι οποίες αξιοποίησαν το γενικό θεωρητικό πλαίσιο των Προγραμμάτων Αγωγής Υγείας, σε συνδυασμό με τις βασικές αρχές της εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων. Παρουσιάζονται επίσης η μεθοδολογία εφαρμογής του εκπαιδευτικού προγράμματος, το περιεχόμενό του με τα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά του εκπαιδευτικού πλαισίου συμπεριλαμβανομένων των στόχων και των προσδοκώμενων αποτελεσμάτων. Τέλος, παρουσιάζεται εκτενώς η αξιολόγηση του προγράμματος με έμφαση στη μεθοδολογία και τα αποτελέσματα. Τα συμπεράσμα
Διαφορές στο προφίλ των εξαρτημένων με κριτήριο τη διακοπή της θεραπείας και το φύλο
Authors: Σταυρόπουλος Βασίλης
Published: November 2022

Κύριος σκοπός της έρευνας αυτής ήταν η διερεύνηση διαφορών στο προφίλ των εξαρτημένων, με άξονες την έκβαση της δεύτερης φάσης θεραπείας (διακοπή ή ολοκλήρωση) και το φύλο. Το προφίλ αυτά επιχειρήθηκε να περιγραφούν μέσα από ερωτηματολόγια αυτοαναφοράς, δημογραφικών χαρακτηριστικών, χαρακτηριστικών χρήσης, γνωσιακών χαρακτηριστικών, ψυχοπαθολογίας, γεγονότων ζωής και καθημερινών προστριβών. Στην έρευνα αυτή συμμετείχαν 56 εξαρτημένοι, άνδρες και γυναίκες, κατά την εισαγωγή τους στη δεύτερη φάση θεραπείας ψυχολογικής απεξάρτησης. Ως προς την έκβαση της θεραπείας της Β’ φάσης, τα αποτελέσματα ανέδειξαν διαφορές σε σχέση με τις συνυπάρχουσες μορφές ψυχοπαθολογίας. Ειδικότερα φανερώθηκε, ότι αυτοί που διακόπτουν, έχουν κατά την εισαγωγή τους εντονότερα συμπτώματα σωματοποίησης και κατάθλιψης, σε σχέση με εκείνους που ολοκληρώνουν. Ως προς το φύλο των συμμετεχόντων, φάνηκε ότι οι γυναίκες διακόπτουν αργότερα την εκπαίδευση από τους άνδρες, λειτουργούν περισσότερο αποφευκτικά, συναντούν λιγότερες κοινωνικές δυσκολίες και εκδηλώνουν εντονότερα συμπτώματα σωματοποίησης, ψυχαναγκαστικότητας- καταναγκαστικότητας, κατάθλιψης, άγχους, και παρανοειδούς ιδεασμού, ενώ υποφέρουν γενικότερα, περισσότερο, από ενοχλήσεις ψυχοπαθολογίας. Οι άνδρες τείνουν να κάνουν σε μεγαλύτερο βαθμό παράλληλη χρήση πολλών ουσιών, ενώ εκδηλώνουν πιο πολύ θυμό και επιθετικότητα. Λέξεις Κλειδιά: Εξάρτηση, Διακοπή Θεραπείας, Φύλο, Ψυχοπαθολογία, Γνωσιακά Χαρακτηριστικά.
New, but Not More Diverse? The Effect of New Parties on the Social Bias of the Czech Parliamentary Elite since 2010
Authors: Bakke Elisabeth
Published: November 2022

Across Europe, new parties challenge more established parties and are challenged by even newer parties. The ‘new party’ literature focuses on why they succeed or fail, and whether they represent an alternative in terms of ideology, political platform, or ways of organizing, while the impact on descriptive representation has received less attention. Drawing on the new party literature and the elite literature, I investigate whether and how the rise of new parties with few members and little or no presence ‘on the ground’ has changed elite recruitment processes and outcomes in the Czech Republic, with special emphasis on the recent 2021 election. I find that although new parties put together are somewhat more representative of the voters in terms of gender, age, and education, all these parameters vary across the divide between longstanding and new parties. New parties are more open to non-party candidates, but because of low membership nomination processes are in practice even less inclusive and often more centralized than in longstanding parties. Strikingly, all parties reinforce the already strong education bias of the recruitment pool substantially. Otherwise, the social bias of the parliamentary elites to a large extent reflects the bias of the recruitment pool. The effect of preference votes on social bias was limited in most elections and candidate selection modes as such explain next to nothing.
Landfill gas – public hazard or valuable resource?
Authors:   Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Published: November 2022

This POSTnote addresses the processes underlying the generation of landfill gas and describes some of the options available for its control and use
PERAN BIOSILIKA ABU SEKAM PADITERHADAP PRODUKSI TANAMAN PADI SAWAH
Authors: Murniati Nely , John Bimasri
Published: November 2022

Silika bukan merupakan salah satu unsur esensial bagi tanaman, tetapi tanaman padi menyerap silika dalam jumlah yang cukup besar selama pertumbuhnnya.   Salah bahan organik yang mengandung silika yang cukup tinggi adalah sekam padi.  Sekam padi yang dijadikan abu dapat berperan sebagai amilioran dan sumber silika tanah.  Penelitian dilakukan bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi peranan biosilika ari abu sekam padi terhadap pertumbuhan an produksi tanaman padi sawah.  Penelitian dilaksanakan di Kelurahan Air Kuti Kota Lubuklinggau Propinsi Sumatera Selatan dari bulan Agustus 2020 sampai  bulan Oktober 2020.  Rancangan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Kelompok (RAK) dengan  6 level perlakuandan diulang 3 kali.   Jumlah silika abu sekam padi yang dicobakan, yaitu S0 = tanpa pemberian silika, S1 = 28,85 g, S2 = 38,46 g,   S3 = 48,08 g,  S4 = 57,69 g, dan S5 = 63,94 g,  Parameteryang diamati berupa, tinggi tanaman, jumlah anakan perumpun, jumlah anakan produktif, panjang malai, dan berat gabah perumpun.  Data yang dihasilkan dianalisa menggunakan analisis keragaman (Anova) pada taraf uji 1%.  Hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa abu sekam padi merupakan salah satu bhan organik yang mengandung silika yang tinggi yang dapat meningkatkan ketersediaan silika pada budidaya tanaman padi sawah.  Pemberian silika dari abu sekam padi mampu meningkatkan pertumbuhan dan produksi tanaman padi sawah. Produksi gabah perumpun tanaman padi sawah yang diberikan silika dari abu sekam padi meningkat 35,72% sampai 65,49%.
hermenêutica reconstrutiva na educação comparada: uma abordagem voltada para a aprendizagem com o “outro”
Authors: Macedo Aldenora Conceição de , Devechi Cátia Piccolo Viero
Published: November 2022

O artigo objetiva apresentar as contribuições da abordagem hermenêutica reconstrutiva aos estudos comparados em educação. Parte da compreensão da hermenêutica filosófica de Gadamer, passa pela leitura reconstrutiva da hermenêutica com base no pensamento habermasiano, para discutir a educação comparada numa perspectiva de aprendizagem com o “outro”. O debate fundamenta-se na compreensão de que a hermenêutica reconstrutiva se constitui como uma importante estratégia de troca discursiva entre unidades de comparação, na qual o “outro” não apenas auxilia na compreensão, mas contribui no tratamento argumentativo dos problemas. Uma possibilidade de pesquisa a ser construída não apenas por sentidos interpretativos alcançados de forma singular, mas pela força do argumento racional diante do “outro” e dos pares.
Sovětská národnostní politika vůči Kurdům v letech 1917-1956
Authors: Pohl J. Otto
Published: November 2022

Soviet policy towards its Kurdish minority shifted from supporting their cultural development during the 1920s and early 1930s to a more repressive policy from 1937-1956 and then back again to a more favorable position. Soviet repression of its Kurdish population reached its height in November 1944 with the deportation of a significant number of them from the areas of Georgia bordering Turkey to Central Asia. Here they were placed under special settlement restrictions limiting their movement and suffered from material deprivations resulting in a significant number of deaths. This article focuses on Soviet policy towards its Kurdish minority from the time of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917 until several years after the death of Stalin in 1956 when the Kurds in Central Asia were released from the special settlement restrictions.
Application of Augmented Reality Technology to Hospitality French Learning
Authors: Destria Ria Fuji , . Zulherman , Fibriasari Hesti , . Baharuddin , Nasution Rizki Fadila
Published: November 2022

The delivery of teaching materials in lectures is one of the parts that determine students' understanding of the material presented, especially when lecture materials are things that demand equipment that supports outdoor activities or requires practicum devices that are not possible to be applied to the room, for example in the Unimed French Language Education study program in semester 6. Students will meet the practicum course in the l'hôtellerie or hospitality course this course requires students to imagine being in a hotel directly with all existing activities with a long enough duration. If this course is delivered only in words and sometimes monotonous delivery bores students so that they are less interested in difficulty in mastering the lecture material. One way that can be done to overcome this is to use visual equipment so that what is conveyed in a visual way makes students interested in the material presented and then brings the imagination that they are in a real hotel so that they live the learning in this hospitality course. However, visual delivery in the room is also a problem when the number of learners is large. For this reason, equipment is needed that can provide information visually and is easy to use or carry that can spur student activities to interact. Media augmented reality is a visual model that can provide new experiences in interacting between real objects and virtual objects that are formed in three-dimensional form, using augmented reality packaged as learning material can help students to understand the teaching material in l'hôtellerie lectures.
Ethiodised Oil Lymphangiography in the Management of Chyluria
Authors: Bakare Vishal Nandkishor , Yadav Pratiksha , Nerella Krishna Teja
Published: November 2022

Chyluria is clinical condition in which there is excretion of chyle in urine. The most common cause of chyluria is lymphatic filariasis. This case report describes imaging findings of non filarial chyluria due to retroperitoneal lymphatic cyst and its successful management by minimally invasive percutaneous lymphangiography procedure. The patient presented with complaints of passing milky white urine which was confirmed to be chyluria. After a non successful trial of conservative approach in form of highprotein and low-fat diet, percutaneous ethiodised oil lymphangiography was performed, which resulted in immediate symptomatic improvement and no recurrence on follow-up.
Evaluating A.S.K. Gatekeeper Training: Supporting Mental Health in Post-Secondary Settings
Authors: Stuart Heather , Krupa Terry , Druick Dwight , Melvin Alexandria
Published: November 2022

This article describes the evaluation of the A.S.K. Gatekeeper Training Program which focuses on improving post-secondary participants’ ability to identify, reach out to, and support those experiencing mental health issues. Students at one Canadian college provided data at registration, prior to and following the intervention. Data from 105 matched surveys showed that prior to training participants held positive attitudes about those experiencing mental health issues but were uncertain of their abilities to assist. There was an improvement in their self-perceived confidence and skills following training. Further evaluation is needed to determine its effectiveness with other campus stakeholders, including those experiencing mental health issues.
Novelties in Chrysochlamys membranacea (Clusiaceae: Clusieae), an Update on the Nomenclatural and Morphological Knowledge of this Species Described from Biogeographic Chocó, Colombia
Authors: Caro-Sánchez Angy V. , Idárraga-Piedrahíta Álvaro , Alzate-Guarín Fernando
Published: November 2022

Chrysochlamys membranacea Planch. & Triana is a species described as a pistillate specimen collected between Nariño and Cauca departments, in the locality of biogeographic Chocó, Colombia. In that publication the authors also provide a description of staminate flowers, however, there is no clarity about the collection related to it. During studies on the Clusiaceae family in Colombia, it was shown that C. membranacea is one of the species for which clarity about its sexual dimorphism is lacking and that, additionally, the citation of collections and localities has also generated taxonomic and nomenclatural uncertainty. In this work the knowledge about the identity of C. membranacea is revalued, its morphology is extensively described, emphasizing the fruits and staminate flowers, and the lectotype for this species is proposed. Finally, some notes are provided on its geographic distribution, phenology, taxonomic affinities, sexual dimorphism, and threat category according to the categories and criteria of the IUCN.
Identification of Garlic Genotypes for Resistant Sources against Purple Blotch Disease
Authors: Vijaykumar K. N. , Kulkarni Shripad , Shashidhar T. R. , Hiremath S. M. , Mahajan Vijay , Khar Anil , Kambrekar D. N. , Patil P. V.
Published: November 2022

Garlic is an herbaceous annual bulbous plant in the family Amaryllidaceae grown for its pungent and edible bulb. Among the various biotic factors hindering production and productivity, purple blotch plays a predominant role in changing the crops morpho-physiological characters, thus deteriorating the metabolic activity in turn affecting the yield considerably. Fungicides have been recommended for the control of the disease, however use of fungicides is expensive and not eco-friendly. The best approach to control the disease is by using resistant genotypes. Hence, 37 genotypes were field screened at AINRPOG (All India Network Research Project on Onion and Garlic), MARS (Main Agricultural Research Station), Dharwad against purple blotch disease under artificial epiphytotic conditions during Kharif in year 2019 to identify the resistant sources. The results revealed that twenty genotypes were found to be resistant (1-10%) and five genotypes were immune (0%) however, ten genotypes were found moderately resistant (11-20%) in reaction. The remaining two genotypes viz., HRG Local and DOGR409 were found moderately susceptible (21-40%) with a maximum grade of 3 on (0-5) scale. None of the genotypes showed susceptible or highly susceptible reactions to purple blotch. Breeders can make use of these identified resistant lines in developing high yield purple blotch disease resistant varieties.
Analysis of Safety Factors of Embankment Pipeline
Authors: Li Ying
Published: November 2022

With the rapid development of the modern economy, the safety of the embankment of the pipeline through the embankment is particularly important. Combining the construction method of the pipeline, the location of the pipeline crossing with the exit and entry points, the burial depth of the pipeline below the riverbed with the scouring depth of the riverbed, the permeability coefficient of the embankment and the stratum, the initial water level on the waterward side and the backwater side of the embankment, and other factors are analyzed to provide a theoretical basis for the future implementation of the project.
Co‐expression of the neurokinin NK2 receptor and G‐protein components in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Arkinstall Steve , Edgerton Mike , Payton Mark , Maundrell Kinsey
Published: July 2002

The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe has proven useful for studying molecular interactions between a range of signal transduction components. We now report the first coexpression of a mammalian seven‐transmembrane receptor and G‐protein components in S. pombe. We selected the human neurokinin NK2 receptor together with its G‐protein‐signalling partner Gq for this study. Yeast membrane fractions showed high levels of NK2 receptor‐binding activity (1159 ± 534 (n = 3) fmol/mg protein) although initial experiments with intact cells revealed an absence of receptors at the cell surface. Using a construct comprising the NK2 coding sequence fused with the signal sequence from an endogenous phosphatase (phol), we detected ∼ 400 NK2 receptors/cell in unbroken yeast. Successful co‐expression of the NK2 receptor with the G‐protien subunits Gαq, β1 or β2 and γ3 failed to modulate agonist binding, suggesting the absence of functional interaction between these components. As an alternative test of Gαq function, we next expressed its downstream effector target phospholipase C‐β1 (PLCβ1) in S. pombe. Al‐though PLCβ1 undergoes powerful in vitro activation by Gαq derived from baculovirus‐infected Sf9 cells and mammalian cells, Gαq expressed in S. pombe is totally ineffective. Similar results were also achieved with the G‐protein subunit Gα16. Together, these data suggest that seven‐transmembrane receptors can be expressed in S. pombe at high levels and directed to the cell surface although their interaction with co‐expressed G‐proteins in undetectable. Production of inactive Gα‐chains in S. pombe may account for these observations.
Drosophila centrosomes are unable to trigger parthenogenetic development of Xenopus eggs
Authors: Tournier Frédéric , Bobinnec Yves , Debec Alain , Santamaria Pedro , Bornens Michel
Published: July 2002

Centrosomes are powerful and exclusive parthenogenetic agents in the Xenopus egg. We have previously shown that heterologous centrosomes from various vertebrate species were able to promote egg cleavage in Xenopus and that human centrosome activity was associated with an insoluble proteinacious structure that is not significantly simpler than the native centrosome. In this work, we have investigated the parthenogenetic capacity of more evolutionary distant centrosomes. We show that centrosomes devoid of centrioles, such as SPBs isolated from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, do not form asters of microtubules in cytoplasmic extracts from Xenopus eggs, and are inactive in the parthenogenetic test. We further show that Drosophila centrosomes which possess a typical centriole architecture, and are quite active to nucleate microtubules in Xenopus cytoplasmic extracts, are unable to trigger egg cleavage. This was observed both with centrosomes isolated from Drosophila syncytial embryos and nucleus‐centrosome complexes from the Drosophila Kc23 cell line. We demonstrate that this inability could not be restored after pre‐incubation of Drosophila centrosomes in the egg cytoplasm before injection. We conclude that the parthenogenetic activity of a centrosome is not directly linked to its capacity to nucleate microtubules from the egg tubulin, and that the evolutionary conserved nine‐fold symmetrical structure of the centriole cannot be considered as sufficient for triggering procentriole assembly.
Fruit‐pollen‐latex cross‐reactivity: implication of profilin (Bet v 2)
Authors: Díez‐Gómez M.L. , Quirce S. , Cuevas M. , Sánchez‐Fernández C. , Baz G. , Moradiellos F.J. , Martínez A.
Published: July 2002

Background

An association between allergy to fruits and latex, and between pollen and plant‐derived food has been described. The cross‐reactive structures responsible for these associations have not yet been completely elucidated.

Methods

IgE reactivity to the recombinant allergens Bet v 1 and Bet v 2, different pollens, natural latex, papain, and bromelain was Investigated In 29 patients with allergy to fruits or vegetables who lived in an area without birch trees. Results: Exactly 79.3% of patients were allergic to grass pollen, and two of them had clinical allergy to latex. Serum IgE reactivity (CAP) to birch pollen was found in 65% of patients, to Bet v 2 in 51.7%, to Bet v 1 in 3.4%, to latex in 58.6%, to bromelain in 51.7%, and to papain in 17.2% of patients. All subjects with positive IgE to Bet v 2 had also reactivity to latex, grass, olive tree, birch, and mugwort pollens. The six patients not allergic to pollen did not show IgE reactivity to latex. Bet v 1, or Bet v 2. A significant correlation was found between CAP to latex with Bet v 2 (r=0.86, P<0.001), with birch (r=0.86, P<0.001), and with ryegrass (r=0.81, P<0.001). Immunoblotting using nine sera with positive CAP to birch pollen showed IgE‐binding to a 15‐kDa band that was recognized by antiprofilin monoclonal antibody. Bet v 2 CAP could be inhibited up to 52% by ryegrass and up to 23% by mugwort. CAP to latex was almost completely inhibited by ryegrass pollen with sera from five subjects without symptoms due to latex, whereas no inhibition was observed with serum from one patient with allergy to latex.

Conclusions

Patients with allergy to plant‐derived food and associated pollinosis showed a high frequency of IgE reactivity to Bet v 2, which may cause positive serum IgE determinations to latex and birch pollen due to the presence of cross‐reactive epitopes. IgE reactivity to Bet v 2 may serve as an indicator of broad sensitization.
Genetic aspects of population policy
Authors: Morton Newton E
Published: July 2002

Every science begins in folklore and matures as it reacts against dogma and myth. Astronomy developed in the Neolithic, but it did not outgrow astrology until the sixteenth century. Chemistry discarded alchemy at about the same time. On the contrary, the short history of genetics has been concurrent with the pseudo‐science of eugenics, which, at times, has been widely accepted and incorporated in population policy and directive genetic counselling, with rare opposition by geneticists. Societal pressures are likely to increase with the power of genetic technology, the fear it generates and the perception that population growth threatens human welfare. Without a pertinent ethical code, geneticists are vulnerable to both temptation and opprobrium. The intrusion of eugenics into genetic counselling has been a recent source of concern to societies and congresses of genetics. This review traces the causes of this concern and the manner of its expression in the absence of an international voice for genetics that could address ethical and other common interests.
Acute leukaemia and other secondary neoplasms in patients treated with conventional chemotherapy for multiple myeloma: a Finnish Leukaemia Group study
Authors:   Finnish Leukaemia Group (The investigators and institutions participating in this Finnish Leukaemia Group Study are listed in the Appendix.)
Published: July 2002

Abstract: The occurrence of acute leukaemia and other secondary neoplasms in 432 patients treated with conventional chemotherapy for multiple myeloma was analysed after a follow‐up period of 11–19 yr (mean 16 yr). The number and organ‐specific distribution of observed solid neoplasms was close to that expected in the general population. Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma developed in three patients (expected 0.7, p=0.19). Acute leukaemia was diagnosed in 14 patients with an actuarial risk of 9.8% at 9 yr. No further cases were diagnosed thereafter. The average numbers of courses (26.2 vs. 25.5) and cumulative doses of melphalan (1440 and 1400 mg) were similar in patients with or without acute leukaemia. It seems possible that the advanced stage of multiple myeloma is more vulnerable to the leukaemogenic effect of melphalan compared with the earlier stages.
Fruit and seed ecology of wild robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Froehner) in Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Oryem‐Origa H.
Published: July 2002

Coffee fruit production, frugivorous activities and seed longevity were investigated during two seasons. The average densities of fruiting coffee trees during the first sampling period ranged from four to seven per 25 m2 and during the second sampling period, four fruiting trees per 25 m2 were estimated. Fruiting coffee trees were significantly less than the non‐fruiting trees (P < 0.05, t‐test). Periods of maximum coffee fruit fall coincided with those of lowest rainfall. Coffee fruit yield per tree from ground collections was 7–40 m−2 in 1992 and 16–38 m−2 in 1993/1994. Split coffee berries ranged between 71.7% and 83.6% of all fruits collected from the forest floor in the 1993/94 sampling period. Coffee seeds collected from the forest floor were mostly undamaged. Black and white colobus and redtail monkeys were observed to feed on ripe coffee fruits but did not crush the seeds. Coffee seed viability declined rapidly during storage. Seeds left on the forest floor survived longest, those stored under laboratory conditions lost viability fastest, and those in cold storage showed intermediate longevity.
LECTURE: A consultant looks at the NHS today (Part 1 of a text based on a lecture delivered by the author at the Royal London Hospital, England, UK)
Authors: Fowler P.B.S.
Published: July 2002

Distinguished colleagues, Ladies and Gentlemen, fifty years ago decisions were made by clinicians and not academics, managers nor politicians and, for the first few years of the NHS, it was run efficiently and at low cost. Patients were only too well aware that the service that they were receiving was excellent and they were grateful. Although the academics, the managers and the politicians have caused medicine to be replaced by a costly, inefficient and incompetent health industry, the blame lies initially at the door of those clinicians who were too concerned with patient care to see the takeover which was occurring. Lord Platt, in his Harveian oration ‘Medical science: master or servant?’, points out that academic departments had not been responsible for nor even seriously involved in many of the discoveries in therapeutics or preventive medicine (Platt 1967). He goes on to state that ‘the phenomenal success of modern medical treatment seems to have depended almost wholly on non‐clinicians, often non‐medical scientists, frequently working in, or in close collaboration with, the pharmaceutical industry, and it would be a serious mistake to think that the role of industry has been largely in the field of commercial development. A great deal of the basic scientific work, especially chemical isolation, analysis and synthesis, has taken place there.’ It should be consolation for hard‐working clinicians today to read Platt’s confirmation that ‘ideas come from lucky accidents or from the inspiration of men of imagination’ and ‘a great deal of modern Practice in medicine and surgery has been evolved from men whose researches were part of their daily clinical tasks’. So‐called non‐academic physicians may find amusing the friend of Lord Platt who talked about some form of research being ‘occupational therapy for the university staff’. A mild comment by myself that the active invasion of the teaching hospitals by the universities had not been an unmixed blessing (Fowler 1985) produced a dismissive response (Booth 1986).
Far field resolution beyond the Abbe limit using photodiffraction
Authors: Velinov T. S. , See C. W. , Somekh M. G. , Schumacher K. L.
Published: July 2002

In this paper we show how a tightly focused pump beam can be used to alter the local refractive index of the sample. This local variation acts as a scattering site, which enables resolution exceeding that of a conventional scanning microscope to be obtained in the far field. The improvement in resolution depends on a number of factors which are discussed in the paper, including the optical configuration (confocal or non‐confocal), the thermal properties of the sample, the ‘strength’ of the object and the duration of the heating pulse. Experimental results confirming the theoretical predictions are presented; these demonstrate more than 25% improvement in edge response compared with a conventional scanning system.
Comparison of high initial and fixed‐dose regimens of interferon‐α2a in chronic hepatitis C: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ouzan D. , Babany >. , Valla D. , Opolon P.
Published: July 2002

The efficacy of a high‐dose de‐escalating treatment regimen versus the standard, fixed‐treatment regimen of interferon‐α2a (IFN; Roferon®‐A) in chronic hepatitis C was evaluated in 291 patients who had elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, for at least 6 months prior to the study, and histologically proven chronic hepatitis. Patients were randomized into two groups: 142 patients received IFN at a fixed dose (3 million international units (MIU) three times a week for 6 months) and 149 patients received 6MIU three times a week for 3 months followed by 3MIU three times a week for the next 3 months. The groups did not differ significantly with respect to age, gender or percentage of patients with cirrhosis. Response was evaluated by monitoring ALT levels monthly during treatment and during the 6 months post‐treatment follow‐up. Sixty‐one per cent and 66% of the patients in the fixed and de‐escalating treatment groups had a primary response (serum ALT normalization) during the treatment period; sustained‐response rates at the end of follow‐up were 20% and 29%, respectively (not significant). In non‐cirrhotic patients, a primary response was recorded in 65% and 70% of the patients in the fixed and de‐escalating groups; sustained‐response rates were 22% and 33%, respectively. Overall, 62% of patients with a sustained response showed histological improvement. In univariate analysis, patients with sustained response tended to be non‐cirrhotic and had lower initial serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and ferritin levels. Multivariate analysis indicated that only ALT activity assessed at month 1 (P<0.01) was a significant predictor of sustained response. These findings suggest that although the difference in the response rates between the de‐escalating (6MIU three times a week for 3 months; 3MIU three times a week for 3 months) and fixed (3MIU three times a week for 6 months) treatment regimens did not reach statistical significance, there was a clear trend towards higher response with the 6MIU induction dose in patients without cirrhosis.
Survival of Botrytis cinerea conidia on kiwifruit
Authors: Walter M. , Boyd‐Wilson K. S. H. , Perry J. H. , Elmer P. A. G. , Frampton C. M.
Published: July 2002

Experiments were conducted over two seasons (1995 and 1996) to determine the survival of Botrytis cinerea conidia applied to the fruit surface of kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa, cv. Hayward). In 1995, potted vines were exposed for nine weeks to controlled environments at the National Climate Laboratory and to natural conditions in a shadehouse. In 1996, field experiments were carried out over a period of 16 weeks at two research sites. Change in number of conidia (enumeration), viability (germination) and vigour (germ‐tube length, 1995; infection of host tissue, 1996) of conidia were assessed over time. In both years, the number of conidia/fruit declined significantly over time. However, conidia remained viable on the fruit surface throughout the two experiments. In both seasons, approximately 40% of the conidia recovered still germinated after field exposure and the vigour of viable conidia remained constant over the duration of the two experiments. The results of the research showed that B. cinerea conidia are able to survive on fruit surfaces of kiwifruit, remaining viable and infectious throughout the growing season.
Acetylcholine‐Induced Contractions in the Porcine Internal Mammary Artery: Possible Role of Muscarinic Receptors
Authors: Pešić S. , Grbović L. , Jovanović A. , Radenković M.
Published: July 2002

The effect of acetylcholine on the isolated, non‐precontracted, porcine internal mammary artery (IMA) was investigated. Acetylcholine induced concentration‐dependent contractions of non‐precontracted IMA rings with denuded endothelium (pEC50 = 5.80 ± 0.04) and was without effect on arterial segments with intact endothelium. The muscarinic receptor antagonists atropine, pirenzepine, methoctramine and p‐fluoro‐hexahydro‐sila‐diphenidol (pFHHSiD) antagonized the response to acetylcholine. The constrained pA2 values were 10.14, 7.74, 7.34 and 10.5, respectively. It is concluded that acetylcholine induces concentration‐dependent contractions of porcine internal mammary artery rings on basal tone and that this contractile effect is probably due to direct cholinergic stimulation of smooth muscle cells, maybe including activation of muscarinic M1 receptors.
Treatment of infrarenal aortic stenosis by stent placement: A 6‐year experience
Authors: McPherson Simon J , Laing Andrew D , Thomson Kenneth R , Mitchell Peter J , Milne Peter , Atkinson Noel , Cox Geoffrey
Published: July 2002

There is a significant re‐stenosis rate with percutaneous treatment of stenoses of the infrarenal abdominal aorta with balloon angioplasty. Since 1990 the authors have primarily treated local infrarenal aortic stenoses with metallic endoluminal stents. The authors’ experience with 12 consecutive patients (nine women and three men, aged from 30 to 72 years (mean age = 57 years)) is presented. Follow‐up is available in 11 cases over 7–78 months (mean 32 months). The procedure was technically successful in all patients. Of the 11 patients with follow‐up available, claudication was cured (n = 7) or significantly improved (n = 4). Those with persisting claudication had concurrent distal arterial dis‐ease. Periprocedural complications occurred in five cases, with two significant complications. One case required iliac angioplasty for embolized aortic atherosclerotic plaque, and one case required surgical thrombectomy and vein patch for iliac thrombosis complicating iliac dissection, without long‐term sequelae in either case. One patient has had recurrent symptomatic aortic stenosis occurring 6 years after initial stenting, which responded to further stent insertion. Primary patency of 91% and secondary assisted patency of 100% has been achieved. Primary treatment of infrarenal aortic stenosis with endoluminal stenting results in high patency rates, with low morbidity and relatively low complication rates.
Simultaneous adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy for stage I and II breast cancer
Authors: Lamb D , Atkinson C , Joseph D , O’Brien P , Ackland S , Bonaventura A , Dady P , Hamilton C , Spry N , Stewart J , Denham J
Published: July 2002

The purpose of the present paper was to evaluate treatment outcome after conservative breast surgery or mastectomy followed by simultaneous adjuvant radiotherapy and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) therapy. Two hundred and sixty eight (268) patients were treated at two Australian and two New Zealand centres between 1981 and July 1995. One hundred and sixty‐nine patients underwent conservation surgery and 99 had mastectomies. Median follow‐up was 53 months. Conventionally fractionated radiation was delivered simultaneously during the first two cycles of CMF, avoiding radiation on the Fridays that the intravenous components of CMF were delivered. In conservatively treated patients, 5‐year actuarial rates of any recurrence, distant recurrence and overall survival were 34.5 ± 5.2%, 25.4 ± 4.5% and 75.5 ± 4.8%, respectively. Crude incidence of local relapse at 4 years was 6.3% and at regional/distant sites was 26.3%. Highest grades of granulocyte toxicity (< 0.5 × 109/L), moist desquamation, radiation pneumonitis and persistent breast oedema were recorded in 10.7, 8.5, 8.9 and 17.2%, respectively. In patients treated by mastectomy, 5‐year actuarial rates of any recurrence, distant recurrence and overall survival were 59.7 ± 7.3%, 56.7 ± 7.4% and 50.1 ± 7%. The crude incidence of local relapse at 4 years was 5.6% and at regional/distant sites it was 45.7%. The issue of appropriate timing of adjuvant therapies has become particularly important with the increasing acknowledgement of the value of anthracycline‐based regimens. For women in lower risk categories (e.g. 1–3 nodes positive or node negative), CMF may offer a potentially better therapy, particularly where breast‐conserving surgical techniques have been used. In such cases CMF allows the simultaneous delivery of radiotherapy with the result of optimum local control, without compromise or regional or systemic relapse rates. Further randomized trials that directly address the optimal integration of the two modalities, such as the one carried out in Boston, are clearly necessary.
Serum concentrations of antioxidant nutrients in healthy American, Chinese and Korean adults
Authors: Kyung‐Jin Yeum  , Yang Cha Lee‐Kim  , Shunshi Zhu  , Shudong Xiao  , Joel Mason  , Robert M Russell
Published: July 2002

Population variabilities of serum carotenoid and tocopherol levels using reverse‐phase HPLC in healthy American (Caucasian), Chinese and Korean adults were determined. Considerable variation in serum nutrient concentrations was found among these groups. The mean serum concentration of lutein/zeaxanthin was significantly higher in the Chinese than in the white Americans (P < 0.001), whereas serum α‐carotene and lycopene concentrations were significantly higher in white Americans than in Chinese (P < 0.001). Serum β‐carotene concentrations in Koreans were significantly higher than in either white Americans or in Chinese. The mean serum lycopene concentration in Koreans was lower than in Americans. The mean serum retinol concentration was significantly higher in white Americans than in Chinese or Koreans (P < 0.005). American serum α‐tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.005) than those of the Chinese, whereas γ‐tocopherol values were significantly lower (P < 0.001) than those of the Chinese. These differences probably reflect differences in dietary intakes among these population groups.
Transballoon cystometry: a new technique to assess detrusor function after urinary retention
Authors: Makar  , Thomas  , Fletcher  , Harrison
Published: July 2002

Objective

 To validate a new urodynamic technique to assess detrusor function in patients presenting with acute urinary retention, using the balloon channel of their Foley catheter (transballoon cystometry), and to use the technique to assess patients presenting in acute retention.

Patients and methods

 The technique of transballoon cystometry is described and validated in vitro using a specially constructed water manometer, and in vivo on five patients who had a suprapubic catheter in addition to the urethral Foley catheter. Fifty‐two patients presenting in acute retention underwent transballoon cystometry one week after catheterization; they were divided according to their clinical presentation into uncomplicated acute retention (41 patients) and acute‐on‐chronic retention (11 patients). The results from transballoon cystometry were compared between these groups.

Results

 The pressure recorded through the balloon channel was equal to that recorded through the lumen of the catheter, both in vitro and in vivo. Patients with acute‐on‐chronic retention had a larger volume at first sensation, a larger maximum cystometric capacity, higher end‐filling pressure and lower maximum detrusor pressure during isometric contraction than patients in uncomplicated retention.

Conclusion

 Transballoon cystometry is accurate and easy to perform. The clinical distinction between uncomplicated acute retention and acute‐on‐chronic retention was supported by the urodynamic data. This test could be used before surgery to identify patients with detrusor failure.