bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutrient release from integrated constructed wetlands sediment receiving farmyard run‐off and domestic wastewater
Authors: Dong Yu , Kayranli Birol , Scholz Miklas , Harrington Rory 
Published: October 2012

AbstractConstructed wetland sediments are frequently contaminated with nitrogen and phosphorus. There is a risk that accumulated pollutants can either be remobilised or reach the groundwater. Five identical mesocosms, which were filled with subsoil collected from full‐scale integrated constructed wetland (the first cell receives the most contaminated influent), were set up to examine nutrient removal within sediment layers. The results indicated that accumulated nutrients leached out into inflow water and that the sediment capacity of nutrient retention decreased as the wetlands aged. Furthermore, the mesocosm planted withPhragmites australisachieved better treatment results compared with the one planted withAgrostis stolonifera. The risk of contamination to groundwater does not exist because none of the treated water reached the bottom outlet during the study period. Both the bentonite (clay) and biogeochemical processes taking place within sediments proved to be efficient in preventing polluted water from infiltrating into lower lying soils.
Constrained‐beam inverse planning for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy of prostate cancer patients with bilateral hip prostheses
Authors: Martin Darren A , Hruby George , Whitaker May K , Foo Kerwyn Y‐M 
Published: October 2012

SummaryHip prostheses present a technical challenge in the planning of curative external beam radiation treatment for patients with prostate cancer. Bilateral prostheses compel planners to compromise between target coverage and avoidance of beam entry through the prostheses. Inverse planning systems given objectives to avoid dose to prostheses are overly restricted from allowing exit dose to them. We report a novel inverse planning technique for intensity‐modulated radiation therapy of patients with prostate cancer and bilateral hip prostheses, by constraining beam characteristics rather than dose in the inverse planning process.
Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for the saphenous reflux and varicose veins: A follow‐up study
Authors: Firouznia Kavous , Ghanaati Hossein , Hedayati Mahsa , Shakiba Madjid , Jalali Amir Hossein , Mirsharifi Rasoul , Dargahi Abbas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study is to report our experience about endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) for lower extremity varices in our centre which was followed by ultrasonography during the 6‐month period.MethodsDuring a 1‐year period, 46 patients who were treated by EVLT with the 940‐nm diode laser for venous insufficiency enrolled in the study. The diagnosis of greater saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence with reflux was made by clinical evaluation and duplex Doppler examinations. Clinical outcomes, complications and duplex ultrasound of the GSV were assessed within 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months, after the endovascular laser treatment.ResultsThe mean age of our patients was 44 ± 11 years (24–70), and among them, 23 (50%) were male. Improvement in visible varicosity was seen in 39 (84.8%) patients after 6 months (P value = 0.011). The baseline mean diameter of GSV was 4.9 ± 1.6 mm and it dropped to 3.5 ± 1.3 after 6 months (P < 0.0001). After 6 months, 95.7% of our patients were satisfied and recommended this procedure to others.ConclusionsEndovascular laser ablation seems to be a safe and effective method for the treatment of lower limb varices.
Robust tests of equivalence for k independent groups
Authors: Koh Andy , Cribbie Robert 
Published: October 2012

A common question of interest to researchers in psychology is the equivalence of two or more groups. Failure to reject the null hypothesis of traditional hypothesis tests such as the ANOVA F‐test (i.e., H0: μ1 = … = μk) does not imply the equivalence of the population means. Researchers interested in determining the equivalence of k independent groups should apply a one‐way test of equivalence (e.g., Wellek, 2003). The goals of this study were to investigate the robustness of the one‐way Wellek test of equivalence to violations of homogeneity of variance assumption, and compare the Type I error rates and power of the Wellek test with a heteroscedastic version which was based on the logic of the one‐way Welch (1951) F‐test. The results indicate that the proposed Wellek–Welch test was insensitive to violations of the homogeneity of variance assumption, whereas the original Wellek test was not appropriate when the population variances were not equal.
Modification of chromosomal architecture in human spermatozoa with large vacuoles
Authors: Perdrix A. , Travers A. , Clatot F. , Sibert L. , Mitchell V. , Jumeau F. , Macé B. , Rives N. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryHuman normal spermatozoa present a specific chromatin organization, illustrated particularly by the non‐random chromosome positioning. Spermatozoa with large vacuoles, described using motile sperm organelle morphology organization (MSOME), are associated with nuclear alterations, such as abnormal chromatin condensation and aneuploidy. To question a probable association between large nuclear vacuoles and chromatin disorganization, we evaluated chromosomes X, Y and 18 topography in normal spermatozoa (NS) compared with spermatozoa with large vacuoles (SLV). After centrifugation on a gradient density system, 229 NS (spermatozoa presenting a normal nuclear shape and a vacuole area <6.5% of head area) from 10 normal semen samples and 221 SLV (spermatozoa presenting a vacuole area >13% of head area) from 10 semen samples with teratozoospermia were selected using MSOME. A three‐colour FISH was carried out using α‐satellite centromeric probes for chromosomes X, Y and 18. For each chromosome, longitudinal and spatial positioning of centromeres was analysed. Distribution of each chromosome was non‐random in NS and in SLV, whatever the methodology used. Using longitudinal positioning, distribution of chromosome 18 and chromosome Y centromeres did not differ significantly between SLV and NS. On the contrary, chromosome X centromeres were more frequently positioned in the posterior region of sperm nucleus in SLV (p = 0.01). Considering spatial positioning, distributions differed significantly between SN and SLV for chromosome Y (p = 0.02) and chromosome 18 (p < 10−4) and marginally for chromosome X (p = 0.08). Our study concluded to a modification in chromosomes X, Y and 18 centromere topography between NS and SLV, representing a novel and supplementary evidence to argue chromatin disorganization in SLV.
The relationship between anogenital distance and age
Authors: Eisenberg M. L. , Hsieh T.‐C. , Lipshultz L. I. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryIn humans, recent studies have correlated anogenital distance (AGD) in adult men to intrinsic testicular function. Although rodent studies suggest that AGD is determined in utero and remains constant in adult life, it is not certain if AGD remains constant across a man's adult life. We sought to determine if adult male AGD varies based on age. A cross‐sectional study of men being evaluated at a men's health clinic. Anogenital distance (the distance from the posterior aspect of the scrotum to the anal verge) and penile length (PL) were measured using digital callipers. anova and linear regression were used to determine correlations between AGD, fatherhood status and age. In all, 473 men were included in the analysis with a mean age of 43 ± 13 years. The mean AGD for the group was 39 ± 13 mm. Anogenital distance did not vary between age categories for the entire group, for fathers, and for childless men. Moreover, penile length also remained constant across age categories. On adjusted analyses stratified by fatherhood status, there was no relationship between AGDp and age. The current cross‐sectional study demonstrates that anogenital distance, defined as the distance from the posterior scrotum to the anal verge, is similar for men of different ages. As such, AGD may provide a measure for genital development and function throughout adult life. However, confirmation with longitudinal studies is needed.
Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Essential Oil on Growth and Citrinin Production by Penicillium citrinum in Culture Media and Mozzarella Cheese
Authors: Noori Negin , Yahyaraeyat Ramak , Khosravi Alireza , Atefi Parinaz , Akhondzadeh Basti Afshin , Akrami Fateme , Bahonar Alireza , Misaghi Ali 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn the present work, the effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (EO) against growth and citrinin production by Penicillium citrinum ATCC 1156 were evaluated in culture media and mozzarella cheese.The growth was completely inhibited at 200 ppm on potato dextrose agar, and minimum fungicidal concentration of the EO was estimated at 400 ppm.EO strongly suppressed the growth and citrinin formation in media with a dose‐dependent manner. At 200 ppm in yeast extract sucrose (broth) flasks, mycelial dry weight and citrinin production significantly reduced by 87.5 and 92.4%, respectively (P < 0.05).The EO at all concentrations had an inhibitory effect against fungal growth and citrinin production by P. citrinum in mozzarella cheese but no concentration of EO tested was able to absolutely prevent the fungal growth and citrinin production in mozzarella cheese.It is concluded that this EO could be safely used as a preservative material on some kinds of food such as cheese to protect them from fungal contaminations.Practical ApplicationsThe significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effect of the essential oil (EO) on growth and citrinin production by Penicillium citrinum presented in this study can propose the use of the EO as an antifungal compound in the food industry.
Prevalence of Thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in Turkey Meat and Antibiotic Resistance of C. jejuni Isolates
Authors: Cakmak O. , Erol I. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in turkey meat samples by conventional cultivation method, to confirm the Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli, and Campylobacter lari isolates by the detection of specific genes with polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and to find out the antimicrobial susceptibility of the C. jejuni isolates using disc diffusion method. In the present study, thermophilic Campylobacter spp. were in 123 of 270 (45.6%) turkey meat samples. Among the isolates, 109 (40.4%) were C. jejuni and 11 (4.1%) were C. coli as identified by conventional cultivation technique and verified by PCR assay. Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. was higher in warm months than cold months. In the study, 104 (95.4%) of the C. jejuni isolates were found resistant to azithromycin, while 103 (94.5%) to erythromycin, 40 (36.7%) to tetracycline, 19 (17.4%) to ciprofloxacin and 10 (9.2%) to nalidixic acid.Practical ApplicationsThermophilic Campylobacter is one of the major causes of human gastroenteritis worldwide and the present study emphasizes the importance of turkey meat as an important thermophilic Campylobacter spp. source from a public health point of view. Although antimicrobial therapy is suggested for human campylobacteriosis, an increase in antibiotic resistance of Campylobacter jejuni, isolates from human cases and animals were reported. In the present study, prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter spp. in turkey meat and the antibiotic resistance profiles of the C. jejuni isolates were reported.
Phomopsis (Diaporthe) Species as the Cause of Soybean Seed Decay in Korea
Authors: Sun Suli , Kim Moon Young , Chaisan Tanapon , Lee Yin‐Won , Van Kyujung , Lee Suk‐Ha 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSoybeans are an important crop known to harbour a complex of Diaporthe and Phomopsis species. This complex has been reported to be involved in several soybean diseases, including Phomopsis seed decay. In this study, two species of Diaporthe/Phomopsis fungi from soybean plants were identified by morphological and molecular characterizations. Koch's postulates were confirmed by pathogenicity tests on hypocotyls of soybean seedlings. Phomopsis longicolla was found to be the most common and virulent pathogen to soybeans in Korea. Phomopsis sp., which was considered as a new soybean pathogen, might have been introduced from other plants given that similar strains of Phomopsis sp. have infected fruit trees in China, Japan and Portugal and vegetable plants in the United States.
Therapeutic potential of RNA interference: a new molecular approach to antiviral treatment for hepatitis C
Authors: Motavaf M. , Safari S. , Alavian S. M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major cause of chronic liver disease with an estimated 170 million carriers worldwide. Current treatments have significant side effects and have met with only partial success. Therefore, alternative antiviral drugs that efficiently block virus production are needed. During recent decades, RNA interference (RNAi) technology has not only become a powerful tool for functional genomics but also represents a new therapeutic approach for treating human diseases including viral infections. RNAi is a sequence‐specific and post‐transcriptional gene silencing process mediated by double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA). As the HCV genome is a single‐stranded RNA that functions as both a messenger RNA (mRNA) and replication template, it is an attractive target for the study of RNAi‐based viral therapies. In this review, we will give a brief overview about the history and current status of RNAi and focus on its potential application as a therapeutic option for treatment for HCV infection.
Macrophage‐derived hedgehog ligands promotes fibrogenic and angiogenic responses in human schistosomiasis mansoni
Authors: Pereira Thiago A. , Xie Guanhua , Choi Steve S. , Syn Wing‐Kin , Voieta Izabela , Lu Jiuyi , Chan Isaac S. , Swiderska Marzena , Amaral Kirsten B. , Antunes Carlos M. , Secor William E. , Witek Rafal P. , Lambertucci José R. , Pereira Fausto L. , Diehl Anna Mae 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundSchistosomiasis mansoni is a major cause of portal fibrosis and portal hypertension. The Hedgehog pathway regulates fibrogenic repair in some types of liver injury.AimsDetermine if Hedgehog pathway activation occurs during fibrosis progression in schistosomiasis and to determine if macrophage‐related mechanisms are involved.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was used to characterize the cells that generate and respond to Hedgehog ligands in 28 liver biopsies from patients with different grades of schistosomiasis fibrosis staged by ultrasound. Cultured macrophages (RAW264.7 and primary rat Kupffer cells) and primary rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) were treated with schistosome egg antigen (SEA) and evaluated using qRT‐PCR. Inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway was used to investigate its role in alternative activation of macrophages (M2) and vascular tube formation.ResultsPatients with schistosomiasis expressed more ligands (Shh and Ihh) and target genes (Patched and Gli2) than healthy individuals. Activated LSEC and myofibroblasts were Hedgehog responsive [Gli2(+)] and accumulated in parallel with fibrosis stage (P < 0.05). Double IHC for Ihh/CD68 showed that Ihh(+) cells were macrophages. In vitro studies demonstrated that SEA‐stimulated macrophages to express Ihh and Shh mRNA (P < 0.05). Conditioned media from such macrophages induced luciferase production by Shh‐LightII cells (P < 0.001) and Hedgehog inhibitors blocked this effect (P < 0.001). SEA‐treated macrophages also up‐regulated their own expression of M2 markers, and Hh pathway inhibitors abrogated this response (P < 0.01). Inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway in LSEC blocked SEA‐induced migration and tube formation.ConclusionSEA stimulates liver macrophages to produce Hh ligands, which promote alternative activation of macrophages, fibrogenesis and vascular remodelling in schistosomiasis.
Epidemiology of candidemia in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumours in Brazil
Authors: Bergamasco M. D. , Garnica M. , Colombo A. L. , Nucci M. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryCandidemia in cancer patients may differ according to the type of cancer. To characterise the epidemiology and outcome of candidemia in cancer patients from Brazilian hospitals, we compared the characteristics of patients with hematologic malignancies (HM) and solid tumours (ST). A retrospective study was performed, based on data collected from laboratory‐based surveillance studies in 18 tertiary care hospitals between March/2003 and December/2007. The characteristics of patients with HM (n = 117) were compared with patients with ST (n = 248). Predictors of 30‐day mortality were identified by uni‐ and multivariate analyses. Candidemia in HM was more likely to occur in the setting of chemotherapy, corticosteroids, neutropenia, mucositis and tunnelled central venous catheter (CVC), whereas surgery, intensive care unit admission and invasive procedures (mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition and CVC) were more frequent in ST. The 30‐day mortality rate was higher in the ST group (65% vs. 46%, P = 0.001). Factors significantly associated with 30‐day mortality were older age and intensive care unit admission. Important differences in the epidemiology and outcome of candidemia in HM and ST were observed. The characterisation of the epidemiology is important to drive preventive measures and to select appropriate therapies.
An Introduction to the Tibetan Dzogchen (Great Perfection) Philosophy of Mind
Authors: Higgins David 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article is an introduction to the philosophy of mind that developed within the syncretistic rDzogs chen (Great Perfection) tradition of Tibetan Buddhism between the 8th and 14th centuries CE. Despite the growing interest in this tradition in recent decades, there has so far been no systematic appraisal of its views on mind that traces their evolution and complex relationships with antecedent Buddhist philosophies of mind. These views merit attention not only because of their intrinsic interest and relevance to contemporary consciousness studies but also because they provide an essential key to understanding the tradition’s leading ideas and practices. From a traditional standpoint, discerning the nature and structure of human consciousness in accordance with the crucial distinction between dualistic mind (sems) and primordial knowing (ye shes) is deemed indispensable to understanding rDzogs chen view and meditation. To this end, the present article focuses on how this distinction allowed rDzogs chen adepts to precisely describe, on the basis of careful first‐personal observation, what occurs when a human being becomes a buddha, and to articulate a disclosive model of goal‐realization commensurate with their findings. It traces the development of the distinction within its historical and doctrinal contexts and then examines its subsequent clarifications and refinements as a soteriological model. It finally summarizes the tradition’s distinctive (re)intepretations of ‘mind’ and ‘primordial knowing’, and concludes with a brief assessment of the contemporary relevance of the distinction.
Biophysical measures of skin tissue water: variations within and among anatomical sites and correlations between measures
Authors: Mayrovitz Harvey N. , Bernal Maria , Brlit Frances , Desfor Rebecca 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundBiophysical measures to assess that skin water includes stratum corneum hydration via capacitance (SC), dermal water via tissue dielectric constant (TDC), and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Since skin differs among anatomical sites and tissue depth we sought to determine the site and depth variability of these measures and their relationships.MethodsMeasurements were done at 17 skin sites from forehead to foot in 32 supine healthy women. Measurements included SC at 1.25 MHz, TDC at 300 MHz to depths of 0.5, 1.5, and 2.5 mm and TEWL.ResultsTissue dielectric constant decreased with increasing depth at forehead, forearm, and calf; increased with depth at palm, thenar eminence and great toe; and was independent of depth at cheek, hand dorsum, thumb pulp, and foot dorsum. SC correlated with TDC at most sites and depths. TEWL correlated with TDC at 2.5 mm only at calf sites and thenar eminence.ConclusionsResults establish parameter ranges for each measure, show that TDC values do not necessarily change with skin depth, and show a significant correlation between TDC and SC values at most sites. These correlations suggest that SC hydration but not TEWL is directly linked to dermal tissue water levels in normal skin.
Direct and GABA‐mediated indirect effects of nicotinic ACh receptor agonists on striatal neurones
Authors: Luo Ruixi , Janssen Megan J. , Partridge John G. , Vicini Stefano 
Published: October 2012

Key points
Pharmacological activation of nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) excites striatal interneurones and induces a GABA‐mediated current in medium spiny projecting neurones (MSNs) via feedforward inhibition.
Striatal interneurones identified as neuropeptide Y (NPY)+, parvalbumin (PV)+ and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+ have somatic expression of nAChRs.
The neurogliaform (NGF) subtype of NPY+ interneurones exhibits the most robust nicotinic response and has high synaptic connectivity with MSNs.
Antagonism of nAChR responses suggests the expression of distinct receptor subtypes between interneurone classes.
NPY+ NGF and TH+ interneurones mediate cholinergic control of MSNs and thus striatal output via GABAA receptors.
Abstract  Choline acetyltransferase‐expressing interneurones (ChAT)+ of the striatum influence the activity of medium spiny projecting neurones (MSNs) and striatal output via a disynaptic mechanism that involves GABAergic neurotransmission. Using transgenic mice that allow visual identification of MSNs and distinct populations of GABAergic interneurones expressing neuropeptide Y (NPY)+, parvalbumin (PV)+ and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)+, we further elucidate this mechanism by studying nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR)‐mediated responses. First, we determined whether striatal neurones exhibit pharmacologically induced nicotinic responses by performing patch‐clamp recordings. With high [Cl−]i, our results showed increased spontaneous IPSC frequency and amplitude in MSNs as well as in the majority of interneurones. However, direct nAChR‐mediated activity was observed in interneurones but not MSNs. In recordings with physiological [Cl−]i, these responses manifested as inward currents in the presence of tetrodotoxin and bicuculline methobromide. Nicotinic responses in MSNs were primarily mediated through GABAA receptors in feedforward inhibition. To identify the GABAergic interneurones that mediate the response, we performed dual recordings from GABAergic interneurones and MSNs. Both TH+ and neurogliaform subtypes of NPY+ (NPY+ NGF) interneurones form synaptic connections with MSNs, although the strength of connectivity, response kinetics and pharmacology differ between and within the two populations. Importantly, both cell types appear to contribute to nAChR‐mediated GABAergic responses in MSNs. Our data offer insight into the striatal network activity under cholinergic control, and suggest that subclasses of recently identified TH+ and NPY+ interneurones are key mediators of striatal nicotinic responses via GABAergic tonic and phasic currents.