bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood and urine cadmium and bioelements profile in nickel-cadmium battery workers in Serbia
Authors: Bulat Z Plamenac , Đukić-Ćosić D , Đokić M , Bulat P , Matović V 
Published: May 2009

Although cadmium (Cd) is extensively used for nickel-cadmium battery production, few recent reports are available on the effect of this toxic metal on the imbalance of biometals in occupational exposure. The current study was carried out to determine the Cd level and its effect on the content of bioelements: zinc, cooper, magnesium, and iron in blood and urine of workers exposed to Cd during nickel-cadmium battery production. β2-microglobulins (β2-MG), as indicators of kidney damage, were determined in urine. The study group comprised 32 male nickel-cadmium battery workers, and the control group had 15 male construction workers with no history of Cd exposure. Levels of Cd and bioelements were determined in blood and urine by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Cd concentration in blood of exposed workers was around 10 μg/L and in urine ranged from 1.93 to 8.76 μg/g creatinine (cr). Urine Cd concentration was significantly higher in exposed workers than in the controls, although no statistical difference in β2-MG content was observed in urine between the two groups. Blood Zn and Mg level were significantly reduced and urine Zn level was increased in Cd-exposed group when compared with controls. The mean Cd concentrations in blood and urine did not exceed the recommended reference values of 10 μg/L in blood and 10 μg/g cr in urine. Cd exposure resulted in disturbances of Zn in blood and urine and Mg in blood but had no effect on Cu and Fe content in biological fluids.
Successful treatment of extreme acute lead intoxication
Authors: Mikler J , Banovcin P , Jesenak M , Hamzikova J , Statelova D 
Published: May 2009

Severe acute lead intoxications are rare and are associated with accidental or purposeful ingestion. There were only few cases of severe to fatal poisonings reported in literature in children. We report a case of acute lead intoxication in a child with extremely high lead blood level of 20.4 μmol/L (422.7 μg/dL), who was treated with chelation and in whom significant organ dysfunction did not develop. Documented significant high level above 3.37 μmol/L (corresponding to 70 μg/dL) in this patient persisted for approximately 24 h. Adequate, single or combined chelatation therapy in early phase of acute lead poisoning is essential for the further patient’s outcome.
A study of particulates and metallic element concentrations in temple
Authors: Fang GC , Lin SJ , Lee JF , Chang CC 
Published: May 2009

Concentrations of ambient suspended particulates were measured at Tzu Yun Yen temple in Taiwan (120°, 34 ′, 46.2 ″E, 24°, 16 ′, 17.1 ″N), where semi-open incense burning is characteristic. Many pilgrims from different areas with various beliefs visit the temple and burn incense. Samples were collected with a universal sampler used for measuring suspended particulate concentrations. Sampling period was from August 8, 2006, to October 6, 2006. The average PM10 concentrations measured at the temple were 16% higher than 125 μg/m3 (this value is the outdoor air quality standard according to Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration (EPA)). In coarse particulates (PM2.5–10), the mean metallic elements concentrations are in the order of Ca>Mg>Zn>Fe>Mn>Cr>Cu>Pb during weekend and weekday sampling. In addition, the fine particulates (PM2.5) mean metallic elements concentrations are in the order of Ca>Mg>Fe>Zn>Cr>Mn>Pb>Cu during weekend sampling and Ca>Fe>Mg>Zn>Cr>Mn>Pb>Cu during weekday sampling.
Parallel Algorithms for the Execution of Relational Database Operations Revisited On Grids
Authors: Mach Werner , Schikuta Erich 
Published: May 2009

This paper presents an analytical discussion of algorithms for relational database operations in a grid environment, compares the findings with the classical generalized multiprocessor framework, and describes an optimization algorithm to maximize performance for a heterogeneous environment. We develop a concise but comprehensive analytical model of parallel algorithms for sorting, joining, and aggregation. In our approach we focus on a limited number of characteristic parameters to keep the analytical model clear. It is shown that an expressive model can be built upon just three characteristic parameter sets, namely the node processing performance and the network and the disk bandwidths. These parameters are the input for the optimization process for the orchestration of the execution workflow on the grid. Based on these results the paper proves that using smart enhancement to exploit the heterogeneity of the grid, the performance of the algorithms for database operations can be increased remarkably.
Equilibrium study of adsorption of L-cysteine by natural bentonite
Authors: Faghihian H. , Nejati-Yazdinejad M. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractL-cysteine (Cys) was adsorbed by bentonite (Ben) from aqueous solutions of variable concentrations and pHs. The raw materials and the adsorbed molecules (Ben-Cys) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal analysis methods (TG, DTG and DSC). The results indicated that the adsorption process depended strongly on pH, temperature and concentration of amino acid. Cysteine is specifically adsorbed on bentonite surface sites, probably through its NH3+ moiety. The pH dependence suggests that these sites may be silanolate groups (≡Si-O–). It is presumed that ion exchange interaction governs the adsorption process. The experimental data of adsorption isotherms obtained and analysed with the Langmuir model showed that this model fitted the adsorption data. Calculated thermodynamic parameters (ΔHº, ΔSº, and ΔGº) indicate that the adsorption processes were exothermic.
Dickite and kaolinite in the Pb-Zn-Ag sulphide deposits of northern Kosovo (Trepča and Crnac)
Authors: Palinkaš S. S. , Šoštarić S. B. , Bermanec V. , Palinkaš L. , Prochaska W. , Furić K. , Smajlović J. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAlteration minerals dickite and kaolinite were detected in two hydrothermal Pb-Zn-Ag sulphide deposits in the northern Kosovo region. Dickite is associated with skarn mineralization in the Trepča (Stari Trg) deposit and kaolinite occurs in vein sulphide parageneses in the Crnac deposit. The mineralogical characteristics of dickite and kaolinite were determined by X-ray powder diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with EDS detector. Fluid-inclusion microthermometry and ion chromatography of leachates provided information on theP-T-Xconditions of the genesis of dickite at Trepča. It was formed at temperatures between 290 and 330ºC and pressures between 12 and 60 MPa from a fluid with salinity in the range 6–8.5 wt.% NaCl eq. and pH <5.5. Kaolinite was deposited from a fluid with minimum temperatures between 210 and 250ºC, minimum pressure of 1.7 to 3.7 MPa, and salinity between 4.6 and 5.1 wt.% NaCl eq. Both dickite and kaolinite are related to the acidic pre-mineralization phase in the deposits.
MIMAS 3.0 is a Multiomics Information Management and Annotation System
Authors: Gattiker Alexandre , Hermida Leandro , Liechti Robin , Xenarios Ioannis , Collin Olivier , Rougemont Jacques , Primig Michael 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
DNA sequence integrity, mRNA concentrations and protein-DNA interactions have been subject to genome-wide analyses based on microarrays with ever increasing efficiency and reliability over the past fifteen years. However, very recently novel technologies for Ultra High-Throughput DNA Sequencing (UHTS) have been harnessed to study these phenomena with unprecedented precision. As a consequence, the extensive bioinformatics environment available for array data management, analysis, interpretation and publication must be extended to include these novel sequencing data types.

Description
MIMAS was originally conceived as a simple, convenient and local Microarray Information Management and Annotation System focused on GeneChips for expression profiling studies. MIMAS 3.0 enables users to manage data from high-density oligonucleotide SNP Chips, expression arrays (both 3'UTR and tiling) and promoter arrays, BeadArrays as well as UHTS data using MIAME-compliant standardized vocabulary. Importantly, researchers can export data in MAGE-TAB format and upload them to the EBI's ArrayExpress certified data repository using a one-step procedure.

Conclusion
We have vastly extended the capability of the system such that it processes the data output of six types of GeneChips (Affymetrix), two different BeadArrays for mRNA and miRNA (Illumina) and the Genome Analyzer (a popular Ultra-High Throughput DNA Sequencer, Illumina), without compromising on its flexibility and user-friendliness. MIMAS, appropriately renamed into Multiomics Information Management and Annotation System, is currently used by scientists working in approximately 50 academic laboratories and genomics platforms in Switzerland and France. MIMAS 3.0 is freely available via http://multiomics.sourceforge.net/.
Antiulcer activity of fluvoxamine in rats and its effect on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in stomach tissue
Authors: Dursun Hakan , Bilici Mehmet , Albayrak Fatih , Ozturk Cengiz , Saglam Mustafa B , Alp Hamit H , Suleyman Halis 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Although many drugs are available for the treatment of gastric ulcers, often these drugs are ineffective. Many antidepressant drugs have been shown to have antiulcer activity in various models of experimental ulcer. One such drug, the antidepressant mirtazapine, has been reported to have an antiulcer effect that involves an increase in antioxidant, and a decrease in oxidant, parameters. To date, however, there is no information available regarding the antiulcer activity for a similar antidepressant, fluvoxamine. This study aimed to investigate the antiulcer effects of fluvoxamine and to determine its relationship with antioxidants.

Methods
Groups of rats fasted for 24 h received fluvoxamine (25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), ranitidine (50 mg/kg) or distilled water by oral gavage. Indomethacin (25 mg/kg) was orally administered to the rats as an ulcerative agent. Six hours after ulcer induction, the stomachs of the rats were excised and an ulcer index determined. Separate groups of rats were treated with the same doses of fluvoxamine and ranitidine, but not with indomethacin, to test effects of these drugs alone on biochemical parameters. The stomachs were evaluated biochemically to determine oxidant and antioxidant parameters. We used one-way ANOVA and least significant difference (LSD) options for data analysis.

Results
The 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of fluvoxamine exerted antiulcer effects of 48.5, 67.5, 82.1 and 96.1%, respectively, compared to the control rat group. Ranitidine showed an 86.5% antiulcer effect. No differences were observed in the absence of indomethacin treatment for any dose of fluvoxamine or for ranitidine. The levels of antioxidant parameters, total glutathione and nitric oxide, were increased in all fluvoxamine groups and in the ranitidine group when compared with the indomethacin-only group. In addition, fluvoxamine and ranitidine decreased the levels of the oxidant parameters, myeloperoxidase and malondialdeyhyde, in the stomach tissues of the rats when compared to indomethacin group.

Conclusion
We conclude that fluvoxamine has antiulcer effects, and that these occur by a mechanism that involves activation of antioxidant parameters and inhibition of some toxic oxidant parameters.
Potential antitumor effects of nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate in hormone receptor negative breast cancer patients with bone metastases
Authors: Park In Hae , Ro Jungsil , Nam Byung Ho , Kwon Youngmi , Lee Keun Seok 
Published: May 2009

AbstractBackgroundThis retrospective study evaluated, according to hormone receptor status, the antitumor effects of bisphosphonate especially on survival and disease progression in breast cancer patients with metastatic bone disease.MethodsOf 317 patients with initial bone metastasis and known breast cancer subtypes, 230 patients (72.6%) had hormone receptor (HR) positive tumors, and 87 patients (27.4%) had HR negative tumors. We assessed the primary outcome of overall survival (OS), after adjusting for other factors, comparing a group that received bisphosphonates (BPs) with a group that did not receive it.Results87.8% of HR positive and 69.0% of HR negative patients received BPs with a median number of 17.7 cycles. Although BPs treatment made no survival benefit in HR positive group, HR negative patients showed a significant prolonged survival when they received BPs treatment (hazard ratio = 0.56 [95% CI 0.34 to 0.91],P= 0.019). In multivariate analysis, disease free interval > 2 years (P= 0.036), a sum of metastatic sites < 3 (P= 0.034), and BP treatments (P= 0.007) were significant factors for survival in HR negative patients.ConclusionBisphosphonate treatment can result in a survival benefit in metastatic breast cancer patients with HR negative tumors.
Physical activity inversely associated with the presence of depression among urban adolescents in regional China
Authors: Hong Xin , Li JieQuan , Xu Fei , Tse Lap Ah , Liang YaQiong , Wang ZhiYong , Yu Ignatius Tak-sun , Griffiths Sian 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
An inverse relationship between physical activity (PA) and depression among adolescents has been reported in developed communities without consideration of sedentary behaviors (SB, including sitting for course study, viewing TV, and sleeping). We explored the association between recreational PA time (hr/wk) and depression after adjustment with SB and other possible confounders among Chinese adolescents.

Methods
A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Nanjing municipality of China in 2004 using a multi-stage cluster sampling approach. A total of 72 classes were randomly selected from 24 urban junior high schools and all students completed the structured questionnaire. Adolescent depression was examined by the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) of Chinese version with cutoff point value of 20 or above as the presence of depression. Recreational PA time was measured by a question on weekly hours of PA outside of school. Descriptive statistics, multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used in analysis.

Results
The overall prevalence of depression was 15.7% (95%CI: 14.3%, 17.1%) among 2,444 eligible participants. It was found that physical activity was negatively associated with depression. After adjustment for sedentary behaviors and other potential confounders, participants who spent 1–7 hr/wk, 8–14 hr/wk and 15+ hr/wk for recreational PA, respectively, had odds ratios of 0.70 (95% CI = 0.57, 0.86), 0.68 (95% CI = 0.53, 0.88) and 0.66 (95% CI = 0.50, 0.87) for likelihood of being depressive, compared to their counterparts who spent 0–0.9 hr/wk for PA. This inverse relationship between PA time and depression remained statistically significant by gender and grade.

Conclusion
This study, conducted among Chinese adolescents, strengthened the evidence that physical activity was inversely associated with depression. Our study has important implications for health officers and public health professionals to pay much attention to the relationship between physical activity and depression in Mainland China.
B-cell Lymphoma in retrieved femoral heads: a long term follow up
Authors: Zwitser Eline W , de Gast Arthur , Basie Mirjam JA , van Kemenade Folkert J , van Royen Barend J 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
A relatively high incidence of pathological conditions in retrieved femoral heads, including a group of patients having low grade B-cell lymphoma, has been described before. At short term follow up none of these patients with low-grade B-cell lymphoma showed evidence of systemic disease. However, the long term follow up of these patients is not known.

Methods
From November 1994 up to and including December 2005 we screened all femoral heads removed at the time of primary total hip replacement histopathologically and included them in the bone banking protocol according to the guidelines of the American Associations of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the European Association of Musculo-Skeletal Transplantation (EAMST). We determined the percentage of B-cell lymphoma in all femoral heads and in the group that fulfilled all criteria of the bone banking protocol and report on the long-term follow-up.

Results
Of 852 femoral heads fourteen (1.6%) were highly suspicious for low-grade B-cell lymphoma. Of these 852 femoral heads, 504 were eligible for bone transplantation according to the guidelines of the AATB and the EAMST. Six femoral heads of this group of 504 were highly suspicious for low-grade B-cell lymphoma (1.2%). At long term follow up two (0.2%) of all patients developed systemic malignant disease and one of them needed medical treatment for her condition.

Conclusion
In routine histopathological screening we found variable numbers of low-grade B-cell lymphoma throughout the years, even in a group of femoral heads that were eligible for bone transplantation. Allogenic transmission of malignancy has not yet been reported on, but surviving viruses are proven to be transmissible. Therefore, we recommend the routine histopathological evaluation of all femoral heads removed at primary total hip arthroplasty as a tool for quality control, whether the femoral head is used for bone banking or not.
Universal partitioning of the hierarchical fold network of 50-residue segments in proteins
Authors: Ito Jun-ichi , Sonobe Yuki , Ikeda Kazuyoshi , Tomii Kentaro , Higo Junichi 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Several studies have demonstrated that protein fold space is structured hierarchically and that power-law statistics are satisfied in relation between the numbers of protein families and protein folds (or superfamilies). We examined the internal structure and statistics in the fold space of 50 amino-acid residue segments taken from various protein folds. We used inter-residue contact patterns to measure the tertiary structural similarity among segments. Using this similarity measure, the segments were classified into a number (K
c) of clusters. We examined various K
c values for the clustering. The special resolution to differentiate the segment tertiary structures increases with increasing K
c. Furthermore, we constructed networks by linking structurally similar clusters.

Results
The network was partitioned persistently into four regions for K
c ≥ 1000. This main partitioning is consistent with results of earlier studies, where similar partitioning was reported in classifying protein domain structures. Furthermore, the network was partitioned naturally into several dozens of sub-networks (i.e., communities). Therefore, intra-sub-network clusters were mutually connected with numerous links, although inter-sub-network ones were rarely done with few links. For K
c ≥ 1000, the major sub-networks were about 40; the contents of the major sub-networks were conserved. This sub-partitioning is a novel finding, suggesting that the network is structured hierarchically: Segments construct a cluster, clusters form a sub-network, and sub-networks constitute a region. Additionally, the network was characterized by non-power-law statistics, which is also a novel finding.

Conclusion
Main findings are: (1) The universe of 50 residue segments found here was characterized by non-power-law statistics. Therefore, the universe differs from those ever reported for the protein domains. (2) The 50-residue segments were partitioned persistently and universally into some dozens (ca. 40) of major sub-networks, irrespective of the number of clusters. (3) These major sub-networks encompassed 90% of all segments. Consequently, the protein tertiary structure is constructed using the dozens of elements (sub-networks).
Determinants of participation in worksite health promotion programmes: a systematic review
Authors: Robroek Suzan JW , van Lenthe Frank J , van Empelen Pepijn , Burdorf Alex 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
The workplace has been identified as a promising setting for health promotion, and many worksite health promotion programmes have been implemented in the past years. Research has mainly focused on the effectiveness of these interventions. For implementation of interventions at a large scale however, information about (determinants of) participation in these programmes is essential. This systematic review investigates initial participation in worksite health promotion programmes, the underlying determinants of participation, and programme characteristics influencing participation levels.

Methods
Studies on characteristics of participants and non-participants in worksite health promotion programmes aimed at physical activity and/or nutrition published from 1988 to 2007 were identified through a structured search in PubMed and Web of Science. Studies were included if a primary preventive worksite health promotion programme on PA and/or nutrition was described, and if quantitative information was present on determinants of participation.

Results
In total, 23 studies were included with 10 studies on educational or counselling programmes, 6 fitness centre interventions, and 7 studies examining determinants of participation in multi-component programmes. Participation levels varied from 10% to 64%, with a median of 33% (95% CI 25–42%). In general, female workers had a higher participation than men (OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.25–2.27]), but this difference was not observed for interventions consisting of access to fitness centre programmes. For the other demographic, health- and work-related characteristics no consistent effect on participation was found. Pooling of studies showed a higher participation level when an incentive was offered, when the programme consisted of multiple components, or when the programme was aimed at multiple behaviours.

Conclusion
In this systematic review, participation levels in health promotion interventions at the workplace were typically below 50%. Few studies evaluated the influence of health, lifestyle and work-related factors on participation, which hampers the insight in the underlying determinants of initial participation in worksite health promotion. Nevertheless, the present review does provide some strategies that can be adopted in order to increase participation levels. In addition, the review highlights that further insight is essential to develop intervention programmes with the ability to reach many employees, including those who need it most and to increase the generalizability across all workers.
Erratum to: Arch height change during sit‐to‐stand: an alternative for the navicular drop test
Authors: McPoil Thomas G , Cornwall Mark W , Medoff Lynn , Vicenzino Bill , Fosberg Kelly K , Hilz Dana 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCorrection to McPoil TG, Cornwall MW, Medoff L, Vicenzion B, Fosberg K, Hilz D. Arch height change during sit‐to‐stand: an alternative for the navicular drop test. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 2008; 1:3.