bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Access to health insurance: Experiences and attitudes of those with genetic versus non‐genetic medical conditions
Authors: Kass Nancy E. , Medley Amy M. , Natowicz Marvin R. , Hull Sara Chandros , Faden Ruth R. , Plantinga Laura , Gostin Lawrence O. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWhile studies reveal that individuals with both genetic and other chronic medical conditions have difficulty obtaining health insurance, no large‐scale studies have compared the health insurance experiences of these groups. The goal of this study was to document and compare the health insurance experiences, attitudes, and beliefs of persons with genetic conditions to those of persons with or at risk for other serious medical conditions. We interviewed approximately 100 adults or parents of children with one of each of the following medical conditions: sickle cell disease (SCD), cystic fibrosis (CF), diabetes, and HIV, and 200 adults with or at risk for breast (BC) or colon cancer (CC). The interview included items related to respondents' experiences and attitudes regarding health insurance. Twenty‐seven percent of 597 total respondents self‐reported having been denied health insurance or offered insurance at a prohibitive rate. Respondents with single‐gene disorders (CF and SCD) were twice as likely to report this as those with non‐genetic conditions. Legislation that exists to limit genetic discrimination in insurance addresses genetic risks or traits only, however, rather than protecting those with actual disease. Thus, current legislation may not address the challenges faced by individuals like those in this study, who try to maintain access to health insurance when they or their children are symptomatic with a genetic or other serious health condition. More than one‐third of all respondents thought there was a high chance they would be denied health insurance in the future or their insurance would become unaffordable. That individuals with all six health conditions expressed concern regarding their ability to obtain future health insurance suggests policy proposals should be broad‐based, addressing the needs and concerns of individuals with diverse health conditions. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular cytogenetic and rapid aneuploidy detection methods in prenatal diagnosis
Authors: Shaffer Lisa G. , Bui The‐Hung 
Published: February 2007

AbstractCytogenetic analysis is an important component of prenatal diagnosis. The ability to rapidly detect aneuploidy and identify small structural abnormalities of fetal chromosomes has been greatly enhanced by the use of molecular cytogenetic technologies. In this review, we will present some of the molecular cytogenetic techniques available to the clinical cytogenetics laboratory. These include fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF‐PCR), multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). The benefits and limitations of each technology will be discussed in the context of prenatal diagnosis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Aneuploidy screening in the first trimester
Authors: Spencer Kevin 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis article reviews the performance of first trimester screening for chromosomal anomalies using various combinations of ultrasound and maternal serum biochemical modalities. Detection rates in excess of 90% can be routinely achieved for Trisomy 21, Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18 using a combination of fetal nuchal translucency (NT) thickness and maternal serum free ß‐hCG and PAPP‐A at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the general practice research database congenital heart defects prevalence: Comparison to United Kingdom national systems
Authors: Wurst Keele E. , Ephross Sara A. , Loehr James , Clark Douglas W. , Guess Harry A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBACKGROUND:As part of an effort to validate the General Practice Research Database (GPRD) for future studies of medication use in pregnancy, this study examined whether the rates of all, and specific types of, congenital heart defects obtained from the GPRD are similar to those obtained from UK national systems.METHODS:The prevalence rates of heart defects for 2001–2003 were determined from the GPRD and compared with both the National Congenital Anomaly System (NCAS) and the European Concerted Action of Congenital Anomalies and Twins (EUROCAT). Rate ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs were calculated comparing the prevalence of all congenital heart defects as well as specific types of heart defects in the three data sources. In addition, the effect of the child's age on the frequency of heart defects in the GPRD was determined.RESULTS:The prevalence of heart defects in the GPRD was more than twice as high as in the NCAS and slightly higher than in the EUROCAT. All differences were statistically significant. The prevalence of specific heart defects varied across the GPRD, NCAS, and EUROCAT. The measured prevalence of congenital heart defects in the GPRD was higher if calculated including children up to age 6.CONCLUSIONS:The comparisons of the GPRD prevalence rates to national prevalence estimates demonstrate that the GPRD can serve as a more complete source of background prevalence for the most commonly occurring congenital heart defects, which is essential to properly assess possible associations between maternal exposures and congenital heart defects. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cognitive effects of head‐movements in stray fields generated by a 7 Tesla whole‐body MRI magnet
Authors: de Vocht F. , Stevens T. , Glover P. , Sunderland A. , Gowland P. , Kromhout H. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe study investigates the impact of exposure to the stray magnetic field of a whole‐body 7 T MRI scanner on neurobehavioral performance and cognition. Twenty seven volunteers completed four sessions, which exposed them to ∼1600 mT (twice), 800 mT and negligible static field exposure. The order of exposure was assigned at random and was masked by placing volunteers in a tent to hide their position relative to the magnet bore. Volunteers completed a test battery assessing auditory working memory, eye–hand co‐ordination, and visual perception. During three sessions the volunteers were instructed to complete a series of standardized head movements to generate additional time‐varying fields (∼300 and ∼150 mT·s−1 r.m.s.). In one session, volunteers were instructed to keep their heads as stable as possible. Performance on a visual tracking task was negatively influenced (P<.01) by 1.3% per 100 mT exposure. Furthermore, there was a trend for performance on two cognitive‐motor tests to be decreased (P<.10). No effects were observed on working memory. Taken together with results of earlier studies, these results suggest that there are effects on visual perception and hand–eye co‐ordination, but these are weak and variable between studies. The magnitude of these effects may depend on the magnitude of time‐varying fields and not so much on the static field. While this study did not include exposure above 1.6 T, it suggests that use of strong magnetic fields is not a significant confounder in fMRI studies of cognitive function. Future work should further assess whether ultra‐high field may impair performance of employees working in the vicinity of these magnets. Bioelectromagnetics 28:247–255, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A bioluminescent signal system: detection of chemical toxicants in water
Authors: Vetrova E. , Esimbekova E. , Remmel N. , Kotova S. , Beloskov N. , Kratasyuk V. , Gitelson I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPrototype technologies of a bioluminescent signal system (BSS) based on the luminous bacterium Photobacterium phosphoreum and three enzymatic bioluminescence systems have been proposed for detecting and signalling the presence of toxicants in water systems. A number of pesticides, mostly known as poisonous substances, similar in their structures and physicochemical properties, have been taken as model compounds of chemical agents. The effect of toxicants (organophosphates, derivatives of dithiocarbamide acid, and pyrethroid preparations) on the bioluminescence of the four systems has been analysed. EC50 and EC80 have been determined and compared to the maximum permissible concentration for each of the analysed substances. The triple‐enzyme systems with ADH and trypsin have been shown to be more sensitive to organophosphorous compounds (0.13–11 mg/L), while the triple‐enzyme system with trypsin is highly sensitive to lipotropic poison, a derivative of dithiocarbamine acid (0.03 mg/L). Sensitivities of the triple‐enzyme systems to pyrethroid preparations are similar to those of luminous bacteria (0.9–5 mg/L). The results can be used to construct an alarm‐test bioluminescence system for detecting chemical toxicants, based on intact bacteria or enzyme systems. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kraftmikroskopie, seltsame Federn und Proteinfaltung: Komplexität im Küchenexperiment
Authors: Euler Manfred 
Published: February 2007

AbstractEin verdrilltes Gummiband ist ein erstaunlich tragfähiges mechanisches Basismodell, das Ideen dafür liefert, wie aus etwas Einfachem etwas Komplexes entstehen kann. Das Auftreten von neuen Strukturen in dem einfachen Gummiband‐Universum zeigt vielfältige Analogien zur Emergenz neuer Eigenschaften in anderen, wesentlich komplizierteren Systemen. Es verkörpert die Mechanik kreativer Wandlungsprozesse, die in ähnlicher Weise bei Proteinen zu Strukturen und neuen Funktionen führen. Das vorliegende Küchenexperiment fordert dazu heraus, die wenig anschaulichen und komplexen Eigenschaften der Nanowelt mit konkreten Erfahrungen aus der Alltagswelt zu verknüpfen und zu reflektieren, um so einen produktiven Transfer anzuregen und zu unterstützen.
Lebensraum Mundhöhle: Mikroorganismen und orale Erkrankungen
Authors: Rupf Stefan , Jentsch Holger , Eschrich Klaus 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIm Verlauf der vergangenen Jahrzehnte wurde erkannt, dass die Entstehung von Karies und Parodontitis nicht durch spezifische Pathogene allein, sondern durch dynamische Wechselwirkungen von Mikroflora und Wirtsorganismus bestimmt werden. Da die Erkrankungen von Zähnen und Parodont nach reversiblen Initialstadien unumkehrbar verlaufen und Therapien erst im Sinne von Defektreparaturen zur Anwendung kommen, sind Risikoabschätzungen die Basis für eine sinnvolle Vorbeugung. Entsprechende diagnostische Parameter stehen jedoch zurzeit erst begrenzt zur Verfügung. Eine große Herausforderung der zahnmedizinischen Wissenschaft des 21. Jahrhunderts ist somit die Aufklärung und die Beschreibung der vielfältigen Prozesse zwischen dem Menschen und seiner Mikroflora.
Vielversprechende Symbiose aus der indischen Wüste
Authors: Feil Sylvia 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDer Pilz Piriformospora indica wurde 1997 in der indischen Thar‐Wüste entdeckt. Er lebt symbiotisch in Wurzeln und fördert die Abwehr seiner Wirtspflanzen gegenüber biotischem und abiotischem Stress. Dabei regt der Pilz den Zelltod von Pflanzenzellen an, um diese selbst zu besiedeln.
Glycolyse statt Atmung in Tumoren
Authors: Brennicke Axel 
Published: February 2007

Abstract1931 hat Otto Warburg zum ersten Mal beschrieben, dass Krebszellen ihren Metabolismus umschalten und ihre Energie weniger aus der Atmung und mehr aus der Glykolyse beziehen. Erst 75 Jahre später wurde eine molekulare Verbindung zwischen einem der häufigsten Tumorgene, dem p53, und der reduzierten Atmung gefunden.
Evolutionstheorie contra Schöpfungslehre – ein alter Streit kommt an die Unis
Authors: Simon Uwe K. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractDer Streit zwischen Kreationisten und Naturwissenschaftlern ist nicht neu. Schon Darwin, Huxley und andere Vordenker der Evolutionstheorie hatten mit Anfeindungen seitens der Kirchen zu kämpfen. In den USA wird die Kontroverse seit einigen Jahren scharf geführt. Gegner der Evolutionslehre kämpfen in einzelnen Bundesstaaten darum, kreationistische Modelle als zumindest gleichwertig an Schulen vorzustellen. Wohlgemerkt: nicht im Religions‐, sondern im Biologieunterricht. Auch auf internationalen Kongressen und an Universitäten begegnet man Studenten und Forschern, die Glauben und Wissenschaft vermengen, wie unser Autor feststellte.
Stenting of coronary bifurcation lesions by using modified crush technique with double kissing balloon inflation (sleeve technique): Immediate procedure result and short‐term clinical outcomes
Authors: Jim Man‐Hong , Ho Hee‐Hwa , Chan Annie On‐On , Chow Wing‐Hing 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground: Sleeve technique is a modified version of crush technique. It is specifically designed to increase the success rate of final kissing balloon inflation, which used to be a major limitation of the latter. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility, safety, and early clinical outcomes of sleeve technique in stenting different types (de novo, in‐stent restenotic or in‐stent bifurcation) of coronary bifurcation lesions at different locations. Methods: From August 2005 to May 2006, 41 consecutive patients with symptomatic, nonleft‐main coronary bifurcation stenoses of diameter narrowing ≥50% were treated with two‐stent strategy, using sleeve technique. Results: The mean age was 63.6 ± 11.6 years with male predominance (70.7%). High prevalence of diabetes mellitus (31.7%), total occlusion (22.0%), and multi‐vessel disease (65.9%) was observed in this cohort. Intravenous abciximab was given in 35 (85.4%) patients. Final kissing balloon inflation was successfully performed in all patients. The minimal luminal diameter in main vessel and side branch was increased from 0.97 ± 0.53 mm and 0.81 ± 0.45 mm to 2.76 ± 0.34 mm and 2.22 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. The mean procedure time was only 66.6 ± 24.6 min. There was one (2.4%) case of subacute stent thrombosis presented as non‐Q‐wave myocardial infarction at day 3 postprocedure. The resultant in‐hospital and 30‐day major adverse cardiac event rate were both 2.4%. Conclusions: Sleeve technique is a feasible and efficient approach in stenting of coronary bifurcation stenoses. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ecological Chemistry in New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union
Authors: Duca Gheorghe 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn overview is presented on the research in Ecological Chemistry performed recently in the NIS countries in various research areas, including: ecological chemistry of water, air, soil, waste management and cleaner production, and chemical risk management. General links of Ecological Chemistry to other scientific areas are shown. The main environmental problems and anthropogenic impacts are mentioned, among them those which are specific for the NIS countries, and recent results, both of theoretical and practical significance, which were obtained by various research teams of the NIS countries are presented.
Speciation of Arsenic Using Chelation Solvent Extraction and High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Cathum Shamil J. , Brown Carl E. , Obenauf Alison , Punt Monique 
Published: February 2007

AbstractResearch interest in speciation of arsenic stems from its species dependent behavior in the environment and in living organisms. The complexity of the matrix to be analyzed and low concentrations of target arsenic species that may be labile or difficult to chromatogram, indicate that a suitable pre‐treatment methodology is required. This study investigated the usefulness of chelation solvent extraction – high performance liquid chromatography (CSE‐HPLC) for the speciation of arsenic in water. It involved reacting arsenic with the chelant known for its affinity towards arsenic, followed by extraction, separation, and identification of the arsenic‐chelant‐arsenic complex. Arsenic species having different physicochemical properties were investigated. Species, such as, As2O3, As3O5, KH2AsO4, Na2HAsO4, and NaAsO2 were detected as a group of closely eluted peaks with different retention times and spectral properties, whereas, the organic arsenic species CH3Na2AsO3, o‐arsanilic acid, roxarson and triphenyl arsine separated quite well on the EnviroseP‐CM HPLC column. Key method parameters, such as, type of HPLC column, composition of mobile phase and organic solvents affecting peak resolution and sensitivity were optimized. Real environmental matrices contaminated with arsenic were analyzed under varying wavelengths (λmax = 190, 210, 220, 234, 244, and 282 nm), with good precision. Different arsenic species were detected in these samples with excellent background and signal‐to‐noise ratios demonstrating the robustness of the method. The detection limit, reproducibility, selectivity, accuracy, and dynamic range of the calibration curves were evaluated.
Role of Humification Processes in Recycling Organic Wastes of Various Nature and Sources as Soil Amendments
Authors: Senesi Nicola , Plaza César 
Published: February 2007

AbstractRecycling the large amounts of organic wastes produced by agriculture, forestry, urban and industrial activities as soil, organic amendments are the most popular and efficient option for avoiding their dispersion in the environment and restoring, maintaining, and/or improving the content of soil organic matter. Chemical stability and biological maturity are two important factors for the successful use of organic wastes in agriculture with limited risk for the surrounding environment. Stabilization and maturation of raw organic wastes inherently imply the achievement of an extensive humification, that is, a wide conversion of easily degradable organic matter to refractory organic compounds that resemble native soil humic substances (HS). Soil HS are the most important components of soil organic matter responsible of several soil functions and processes. As a consequence, the amount and quality of HS‐like fractions in any organic amendment are believed to be of primary importance for its agronomic efficacy, environmental safety and economic value. The first part of this review focuses on the chemical and physico‐chemical changes occurring in the humic substances (HS) ‐like fractions of organic wastes of various nature and sources subjected to common treatment processes aimed at producing environmentally‐safe soil amendments with beneficial agronomic properties. The second part discusses the composition, structure, and chemical reactivity of the HS‐like components in organic amendments of various origins and nature, and their effects on native soil HS. The review concludes by highlighting the need for innovative research targeted mainly to achieve a better fundamental understanding of the molecular structure and reactivity of soil HS and HS‐like fractions in organic amendments, the mechanisms of HS formation and transformations in the natural environment and during the treatment processes of raw organic wastes, the interactions with metals and organic xenobiotics, and the direct physiological effects that HS may exert on plants.
Laboratory Testing of Sulfamethoxazole and its Metabolite Acetyl‐Sulfamethoxazole in Soil
Authors: Höltge Sibylla , Kreuzig Robert 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe fate of 14C‐labeled sulfamethoxazole and acetyl‐sulfamethoxazole in soil has been investigated with special respect to possible entry routes of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals into soil environments. Therefore, the stability of the test substances was monitored first in sewage sludge and bovine manure. Within the incubation period of 72 d, 1% at maximum of the initially applied radiotracers was released as 14C‐carbon dioxide while ⪈75% was transferred to non‐extractable residues that were operationally defined by the ethyl acetate extraction. Test‐sludge and test‐manure samples with defined aged residues were prepared and, supplementary to standard solutions, applied to silty‐clay soil samples. After standard and test‐sludge application, soil/water distribution coefficients of Kd < 5 L kg–1 were determined revealing both test substances as potential leachers. In contrast, the sorption of sulfamethoxazole increased after test‐manure application (Kd > 10 L kg–1). In the long‐term degradability tests, the metabolic fate of both test substances was characterized by the continuous decrease of extractable residues, resulting in disappearance times of DT90 ⪇ 33 d, and the increase of non‐extractable residues. Mineralization reached 11% at maximum. Thereby, the dynamics of these processes differed whether the test substances were applied via standard, test‐sludge or test‐manure application. This fact emphasized the relevance of entry route specific matrix effects on the fate of both test substances in soil.
Assessment of Metal Contamination in Surface Sediments of Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, China
Authors: Wang Xu‐Chen , Feng Huan , Ma Hai‐Qing 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn assessment of metal contamination in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, one of the rapidly developing coastal economic zones in China, is provided. Sediments were collected from 10 stations and a total of 15 heavy metals were analyzed. Concentrations of metals show significant variability and range from 210 to 620 ppm for Ti, 2.7 to 23 ppm for Ni, 4.2 to 28 ppm for Cu, 5.2 to 18 ppm for Pb, 12 to 58 ppm for Zn, 0.03 to 0.11 ppm for Cd, 5 to 51 ppm for Cr, 1.5 to 9.9 ppm for Co, 5.3 to 19 ppm for As, 12 to 32 ppm for Se, and 19 to 97 ppm for Sr. Based on concentration relationships and enrichment factor (EF) analyses, the results indicate that sediment grain size and organic matter played important roles in controlling the distribution of the heavy metals in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay. The study shows that the sediment of the Jiaozhou Bay has been contaminated by heavy metals to various degrees, with prominent arsenic contributing the most to the contamination. The analysis suggests that the major sources of metal contamination in the Jiaozhou Bay are land‐based anthropogenic ones, such as discharge of industrial waste water and municipal sewage and run‐off. Notably, the elevated heavy metal concentrations of the Jiaozhou Bay sediments could have a significant impact on the bay's ecosystem. With the rapid economic development and urbanization around the Jiaozhou Bay, coastal management and pollution control should focus on these contaminant sources, as well as provide ongoing monitoring studies of heavy metal contamination within the bay.
Comparison of Different Gold Recovery Methods with Regard to Pollution Control and Efficiency
Authors: Hylander Lars D. , Plath David , Miranda Conrado R. , Lücke Sofie , Öhlander Jenny , Rivera Ana T. F. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis case study performed at the largest gold mining village in the Philippines compares four methods for gold recovery: amalgamation, cyanide leaching, a shaking sluice, and Cleangold® sluices. The results show that a combination of manual panning or Cleangold® sluices followed by cyanidation is the best solution under present conditions, followed by cyanidation alone. Based on the knowledge obtained, remarks on suitable policy actions, which may be applied also in other gold fields, are made.