bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Further validation of the Elderly Mobility Scale for measurement of mobility of hospitalized elderly people
Authors: Prosser Linda , Canby Anne 
Published: July 2008

Objective: To further assess the validity and inter-rater reliability of the Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS). Also whether the scale reflects elderly people's perceptions regarding their mobility, and whether it can predict discharge destination, or likelihood of falling. Design: Questionnaire-based study completed on admission and weekly after this on all patients referred to physiotherapy for mobility problems over the course of one month. Setting: Care of the elderly wards in the Bristol General Hospital. Subjects: Sixty-six patients (ages 66-69 years, 66% female) were included in the validity study. Nineteen patients (ages 71-95 years, 47% female) were included in the inter-rater reliability study. Interventions: EMS, Barthel and patients' perceptions of mobility were tested with routine physiotherapy treatment carried out as necessary. Main outcome measures: Concurrent validity was assessed by correlating EMS scores with Barthel scores using Spearman's test. Inter-rater reliability was also tested using a Spearman's correlation. EMS scores of patients were also evaluated in conjunction with whether or not they fell and their destination on discharge. Results: A significant correlation between EMS and Barthel scores indicated concurrent validity. Inter-rater reliability was demonstrated on 19 patients with a significant correlation between scores. No predictive validity could be ascribed to EMS in terms of discharge destination or likelihood of falling. Results do indicate a possible predictive validity of the functional reach component of the EMS regarding the risk of future falls. Conclusions: The EMS was found to be a valid scale with good inter-rater reliability that could be readily applied during daily clinical work. However, it was found to have no predictive validity in terms of falling or discharge destination.
The Continuity of Tradition
Authors: Galley Micheline 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn Malta and Southern Italy, legends centred on the prestigious figure of the Sibyl are still known by the older people. In Majorca, the prophetic song attributed to the Greek Sibyl, Erythrea (6th century BC), is still sung on Christmas eve in the monastery-sanctuary of Lluc. This paper focuses on the history of this prophetic song since its adoption by the medieval Church and on its surviving tradition in certain areas of Catalan culture – a fabulous example of cultural continuity.
Antioxidant biofactor, a processed grain food, inhibits iron nitrilotriacetate–induced renal tumorigenesis, hyperproliferative response, and oxidative damage
Authors: Mizote A , Okazaki Y , Iqbal M , Okada S 
Published: July 2008

We have evaluated the effect of dietary antioxidant, antioxidant biofactor (a processed grain food), on iron nitrilotriacetate–induced renal tumorigenesis, hyperproliferative response, and oxidative damage. In tumorigenesis studies, iron nitrilotriacetate alone treatment resulted in a development of 75% renal cell tumor incidence, whereas, in the group of animals fed with antioxidant biofactor diet and treated with iron nitrilotriacetate, only 43% of renal cell tumor incidence was observed. In oxidative damage studies, the decrease in the level of renal glutathione and antioxidant enzymes induced by iron nitrilotriacetate was significantly reversed by antioxidant biofactor diet pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner (18–71% recovery, P < 0.05). Antioxidant biofactor diet pretreatment also resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition (35–49% inhibition, P < 0.05) of iron nitrilotriacetate–induced lipid peroxidation as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances formation in renal tissues. Similarly, in hyperproliferation studies, antioxidant biofactor diet pretreatment showed a strong inhibition of iron nitrilotriacetate–induced renal ornithine decarboxylase activity (18–54% inhibition, P < 0.05). In addition, antioxidant biofactor fed diet pretreatment also protected the kidney tissues against observed histopathological alterations. From this data, it can be concluded that antioxidant biofactor diet can abrogate the toxic and tumor promoting effects of iron nitrilotriacetate and can serve as a potent chemopreventive agent to suppress oxidant–induced tissue injury and tumorigenesis.
Comparison of selected skin decontaminant products and regimens against VX in domestic swine
Authors: Bjarnason S , Mikler J , Hill I , Tenn C , Garrett M , Caddy N , Sawyer TW 
Published: July 2008

An anesthetized domestic swine model was used to compare the efficacy and cross-contamination potential of selected skin decontaminant products and regimens against the chemical warfare agent, VX. Animals topically exposed to 2×, 3× or 5× LD50 VX showed typical signs of organophosphate nerve agent poisoning, including miosis, salivation, mastication, dysrhythmias, and respiratory distress prior to death. Animals were exposed to 5× LD50 VX and then decontaminated 45 min later with the reactive skin decontamination lotion (RSDL®), Fuller’s earth (FE), 0.5% hypochlorite, or soapy water. Survival was 100% when the reactive skin decontamination lotion or FE was utilized, although 50% of Fuller’s earth-decontaminated animals exhibited serious signs of VX poisoning. Decontamination of VX-treated animals with 0.5% hypochlorite was less effective but also increased survival. Soapy water was ineffective in preventing lethality. Blood cholinesterase levels were not predictive of clinical outcome in decontaminated animals. The potential of “decontaminated” VX in open wounds to cause poisoning was assessed by vigorously mixing 5× LD50 VX with the test decontaminants for 5 min and then placing the mixture onto a full-thickness skin wound. Soapy water was ineffective in preventing lethality. Although treatment with dry Fuller’s earth prevented death and all signs of organophosphate poisoning, a significant proportion of treated animals decontaminated with Fuller’s earth in aqueous suspension exhibited serious signs of organophosphate poisoning, suggesting that live agent may be desorbed from Fuller’s earth when it is exposed to a liquid environment. Animals treated with reactive skin decontamination lotion or 0.5% hypochlorite-VX mixtures showed no signs of organophosphate poisoning during the 6- h test period.
Effects of calcium gluconate and PMSF in the treatment of acute intoxication of chicken by TOCP
Authors: Muzardo GA , Machado RGP , Honorato de Oliveira G 
Published: July 2008

To examine the efficacy of calcium gluconate (two doses of Ca-Glu 5 mg/kg i.v.) to alleviate the injurious effects of organophosphorus induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN) in the presence or absence of phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF 90 mg/kg i.m.), 14 groups of four isabrown hens were used. To measure the lymphocyte neuropathy target esterase (LNTE)activity, groups receiving just distilled water (control), groups receiving just Tri-orto-cresyl phosphate (TOCP; 500 mg/kg p.o.) (Positive control), and other groups receiving TOCP and Ca-Glu or PMSF simultaneously or 12 hours later following intoxication by TOCP were used. They were sacrificed 12 and 24 hours after the administration of TOCP. To observe a 28-day time course of neurotoxicity scores and calcium plasma concentration, five groups were used. Regarding free Ca2+in the plasma, the positive control produced a characteristic profile time course up and down during 28 days, and some hens with maximum score of neurotoxicity in 28 days. The treatment, which prevented greater oscillation in free Ca2+ in the plasma, presented a decrease in OPIDN in relation to the positive control. Twelve hours after the administration of TOCP, LNTE was 70–80% inhibited when compared with control, whereas the first decrease in the free Ca2+ in the plasma was significantly different from the control only 24 hours after the administration of TOCP. In summary, the sooner the Ca-Glu is started, the less severe the neuropathy effects.
The heparin-binding exosite of factor IXa is a critical regulator of plasma thrombin generation and venous thrombosis
Authors: Buyue Yang , Whinna Herbert C. , Sheehan John P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe role of the factor IXa heparin-binding exosite in coagulation was assessed with mutations that enhance (R170A) or reduce (R233A) stability of the protease-factor VIIIa A2 domain interaction. After tissue factor (TF) addition to reconstituted factor IX-deficient plasma, factor IX R170A supported a 2-fold increase in velocity index (slope) and peak thrombin concentration, whereas factor IX R233A had a 4- to 10-fold reduction relative to factor IX wild-type. In the absence of TF, 5 to 100 pM of factor IXa increased thrombin generation to approach TF-stimulated thrombin generation at 100% factor IX. Factor IXa R170A demonstrated a 2- to 3-fold increase in peak thrombin concentration and 5-fold increase in velocity index, whereas the response for factor IXa R233A was blunted and delayed relative to wild-type protease. In hemophilia B mice, factor IX replacement reduced the average time to hemostasis after saphenous vein incision, and the time to occlusion after FeCl3-induced saphenous vein injury. At 5% factor IX, the times to occlusion for factor IX wild-type, R170A, and R233A were 15.7 minutes, 9.1 minutes (P ≤ .003), and more than 45 minutes. These data support the role of the factor IXa heparin-binding exosite as a critical regulator of coagulation and novel antithrombotic target.
In vitro behaviour of endothelial cells on a titanium surface
Authors: Breithaupt-Faloppa Ana Cristina , de Lima Wothan Tavares , Oliveira-Filho Ricardo Martins , Kleinheinz Johannes 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
Endothelial cells play an important role in the delivery of cells to the inflammation site, chemotaxis, cell adhesion and extravasation. Implantation of a foreign material into the human body determines inflammatory and repair reactions, involving different cell types with a plethora of released chemical mediators. The evaluation of the interaction of endothelial cells and implanted materials must take into account other parameters in addition to the analysis of maintenance of cell viability.

Methods
In the present investigation, we examined the behavior of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) harvested on titanium (Ti), using histological and immunohistochemical methods. The cells, after two passages, were seeded in a standard density on commercially plate-shaped titanium pieces, and maintained for 1, 7 or 14 days.

Results
After 14 days, we could observe a confluent monolayer of endothelial cells (ECs) on the titanium surface. Upon one-day Ti/cell contact the expression of fibronectin was predominantly cytoplasmatic and stronger than on the control surface. It was observed strong and uniform cell expression along the time of α5β1 integrin on the cells in contact with titanium.

Conclusion
The attachment of ECs on titanium was found to be related to cellular-derived fibronectin and the binding to its specific receptor, the α5β1 integrin. It was observed that titanium effectively serves as a suitable substrate for endothelial cell attachment, growth and proliferation. However, upon a 7-day contact with Ti, the Weibel-Palade bodies appeared to be not fully processed and exhibited an anomalous morphology, with corresponding alterations of PECAM-1 localization.
Jejunal atresia presenting with mesenteric cyst in a neonate: a case report
Authors: Pandey A , Gangopadhyay AN , Sharma SP , Upadhyaya VD , Kumar V 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Jejunoileal atresia is a congenital anomaly that is characterized clinically by bilious vomiting and abdominal distension. It has been associated with various congenital anomalies but its association with mesenteric cyst has only been reported sporadically. As this is a very rare entity, it is being reported with a brief review of literature.
The aromatase inhibitor letrozole and inhibitors of insulin-like growth factor I receptor synergistically induce apoptosis in in vitro models of estrogen-dependent breast cancer
Authors: Lisztwan Joanna , Pornon Astrid , Chen Bin , Chen Shiuan , Evans Dean B 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Endocrine-dependent, estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells proliferate in response to estrogens, synthesized by the cytochrome p450 aromatase enzyme. Letrozole is a potent nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor that is registered for the treatment of postmenopausal women with advanced metastatic breast cancers and in the neoadjuvant, early, and extended adjuvant indications. Because crosstalk exists between estrogen receptor and insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR), the effect of combining a selective IGF-IR inhibitor (NVP-AEW541) with letrozole was assessed in two independent in vitro models of estrogen-dependent breast cancer.

Methods
MCF7 and T47D cells stably expressing aromatase (MCF7/Aro and T47D/Aro) were used as in vitro models of aromatase-driven breast cancer. The role of the IGF-IR pathway in breast cancer cells stimulated only by 17β-estradiol or androstenedione was assessed by proliferation assays. The combination of letrozole and NVP-AEW541 was assessed for synergy in inhibiting cell proliferation using Chou-Talalay derived equations. Finally, combination or single agent effects on proliferation and apoptosis were assessed using proliferation assays, flow cytometry, and immunoblotting.

Results
Both MCF7 and T47D cells, as well as MCF7/Aro and T47D/Aro, exhibited sensitivity to inhibition of 17β-estradiol dependent proliferation by NVP-AEW541. Letrozole combined with NVP-AEW541 synergistically inhibited androstenedione-dependent proliferation in aromatase-expressing cells with combination index values of 0.6 or less. Synergistic combination effects correlated with higher levels of apoptosis as compared with cells treated with the single agent alone. Treatment with either agent also appeared to inhibit IGF-IR signalling via phosphoinositide 3-kinase. Notably, IGF-IR inhibition had limited effect on estrogen-dependent proliferation in the cell lines, but was clearly required for survival, suggesting that the combination of letrozole and IGF-IR inhibition sensitizes cells to apoptosis.

Conclusion
Inhibition of the IGF-IR pathway and aromatase was synergistic in two independent estrogen-dependent in vitro models of breast cancer. Moreover, synergism of NVP-AEW541 and letrozole correlated with induction of apoptosis, but not cell cycle arrest, in the cell lines tested. Combination of IGF-IR inhibitors and letrozole may hold promise for the treatment of patients with estrogen-dependent breast cancers.
Visually assessed breast density, breast cancer risk and the importance of the craniocaudal view
Authors: Duffy Stephen W , Nagtegaal Iris D , Astley Susan M , Gillan Maureen GC , McGee Magnus A , Boggis Caroline RM , Wilson Mary , Beetles Ursula M , Griffiths Miriam A , Jain Anil K , Johnson Jill , Roberts Rita , Deans Heather , Duncan Karen A , Iyengar Geeta , Griffiths Pam M , Warwick Jane , Cuzick Jack , Gilbert Fiona J 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Mammographic density is known to be a strong risk factor for breast cancer. A particularly strong association with risk has been observed when density is measured using interactive threshold software. This, however, is a labour-intensive process for large-scale studies.

Methods
Our aim was to determine the performance of visually assessed percent breast density as an indicator of breast cancer risk. We compared the effect on risk of density as measured with the mediolateral oblique view only versus that estimated as the average density from the mediolateral oblique view and the craniocaudal view. Density was assessed using a visual analogue scale in 10,048 screening mammograms, including 311 breast cancer cases diagnosed at that screening episode or within the following 6 years.

Results
Where only the mediolateral oblique view was available, there was a modest effect of breast density on risk with an odds ratio for the 76% to 100% density relative to 0% to 25% of 1.51 (95% confidence interval 0.71 to 3.18). When two views were available, there was a considerably stronger association, with the corresponding odds ratio being 6.77 (95% confidence interval 2.75 to 16.67).

Conclusion
This indicates that a substantial amount of information on risk from percentage breast density is contained in the second view. It also suggests that visually assessed breast density has predictive potential for breast cancer risk comparable to that of density measured using the interactive threshold software when two views are available. This observation needs to be confirmed by studies applying the different measurement methods to the same individuals.
Synthesis of High-silica CHA Zeolite from FAU Zeolite in the Presence of Benzyltrimethylammonium Hydroxide
Authors: Itakura Masaya , Inoue Takayuki , Takahashi Atsushi , Fujitani Tadahiro , Oumi Yasunori , Sano Tsuneji 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
A highly crystalline and pure high-silica chabazite zeolite with a Si/Al ratio of ca. 17 was obtained by the hydrothermal conversion of FAU zeolite used as a crystalline Si/Al source in benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide media.
Photoresponsive Fluorescence Color Change Derived from TICT in an Organogel System
Authors: Kitahara Tatsuya , Fujita Norifumi , Shinkai Seiji 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
A novel gelator containing 9-(9′-acridyl)carbazole (TICT probe) and azobenzene within a molecule was synthesized and the photoresponsive gel properties were investigated by spectroscopic analyses; it showed an interesting photoinduced fluorescence wavelength change, which leads to a potential development toward a new type of optical information materials.
Silicon-containing Bilayer Resist Based on a Single Component Nonchemically Amplified Resist System
Authors: Park Ji Young , Kim Jin-Baek 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
A photobleachable bilayer resist material based on a nonchemically amplified resist system was synthesized by copolymerization of 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane, 2-(2-diazo-3-oxobutyryloxy)ethyl methacrylate, and γ-butyrolactonyl methacrylate. Upon UV irradiation, the resist film in the exposed region become insoluble in organic solvent by the reaction of methoxysilanes with carboxylic acids generated by photoinduced reaction of diazoketo groups. The initial lithographic evaluation of the resist showed the potential of this system for the next generation resist.
Magnetically Retrievable Palladium/Maghemite Nanocomposite Catalysts Prepared by Sonochemical Reduction Method
Authors: Mizukoshi Yoshiteru , Sato Kazuhisa , Konno Toyohiko J , Masahashi Naoya , Tanabe Shuji 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Nanocomposite catalysts, consisting of Pd and magnetic maghemite, prepared by sonochemical reduction method showed high catalytic activities for the reduction of nitrobenzene. The used catalysts could be readily retrieved by magnets and be employed for further repetitive tests and verified the durability of the catalytic performance.
Monocusp – novel common femoral vein monocusp surgery uncorrectable chronic venous insufficiency with aplastic/dysplastic valves
Authors: Opie J C , Izdebski T , Payne D N , Opie S R 
Published: July 2008

Objective Previous reparative valvular surgical options directed at reconstructing damaged common femoral vein (CFV) valves associated with pathological chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) have not succeeded in reliably managing CVI. In consequence, venous valvuloplasty is rare and most patients are managed conservatively. As a result, monocusp surgery was identified as an optional surgical solution for this large underserved patient group. Methods Ulcer patients appear at wound clinics and often experience disappointing results. Monocusp valves were constructed utilizing viable vein wall in 14 operations on 11 patients. These patients were observed for four years to see if such an autogenous vein wall valve might control aggressive symptomatic CVI when faced with unusable valves. Results Long-term follow-up showed that the monocusp valves remained competent at four years. Symptomatic failures have not appeared at this time. Pain, swelling, ulcers and leg congestion were reliably reversed. VEnous INsufficiency Epidemiologic and Economic Study (VEINES) classification (see Abenhaim L, Krux X, VIENES Study collaborators. Angiology 1997;48:59 and Kurz X, Kahn SR, Abenhaim L, et al. Int Angiol 1999;18:83–102) improved over four years from 2.7 ± 0.9 to 0 ( P < 0.001); CEAP classifications (see Kistner RL, Eklof B, Masuda EM. Mayo Clin Proc 1996;71:338–45) improved from grade 4–6 to 0–1 (CEAP is not generally a postoperative grading system, but it can be used to develop some form of qualitative analyses as to intervention effectiveness, i.e. what existed preoperatively no longer exists postoperatively. Its postsurgery use is limited by (C5) classification – history of ulcer, which by definition cannot go below that with a history of ulcer even if the ulcer has been cured). Mean venous reflux scores decreased from 3.8 ± 0.4 to 0.3 ± 0.5 ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Monocusp implantation reliably resolved patient symptoms when unusable CFV valves were encountered. Postoperative CFV reflux is usually undetectable. The monocusp valve exhibits minimal thrombogenicity related to its viability with attendant antithrombotic hormone production capacity and has markedly improved the patient's quality of life. Full thickness monocusp surgery could become widespread with the difficult dysplastic/aplastic CVI patient subset because of its simplicity, repeatability, durability, low complication rate, effectiveness, persistent availability and viability providing nitric oxide synthase and thymomodulin hormone production capacity. The full thickness of vein wall has distinct advantages over other partial thickness valve creation methods because of its long-term vitality. Postoperative coumadin is recommended for six months to minimize risks of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism.
Cyber Bullying: Overview and Strategies for School Counsellors, Guidance Officers, and All School Personnel
Authors: Bhat Christine Suniti 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCyber bullying or bullying via information and communications technology tools such as the internet and mobile phones is a problem of growing concern with school-aged students. Cyber bullying actions may not take place on school premises, but detrimental effects are experienced by victims of cyber bullying in schools. Tools used by cyber bullies are presented and the impact on victims is discussed. Intervention strategies for school counsellors, guidance officers, and school personnel to adopt with students and parents are presented.
Adsorption of Cd(II), Zn(II) by extracellular polymeric substances extracted from waste activated sludge
Authors: Lei Zheng , Yu Tian , Ai-zhong Ding , Jin-sheng Wang 
Published: July 2008

Adsorption of Cd(II) and Zn(II) ions in single solutions using extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from activated sludge was investigated. Langmuir and Freundlich models were applied to describe metal adsorption. The results showed that EPS was an effective adsorbent for the zinc and cadmium ions from aqueous solution. The equilibrium metal uptake was increased with increasing the initial concentration of metal ion. Constants calculated from isotherms model showed that the maximum uptake capacity of cadmium was estimated to be 45 mg/g of Cd(II) and 80 mg/g of Zn(II). Both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were suitable for describing adsorption of Cd(II) by EPS, while the Langmuir isotherm equation fit the date of Zn(II) adsorption better, indicating that EPS adsorb Cd(II) and Zn(II) by different mechanisms.
Analysis of FTIR spectra demonstrated that C-O-C of polysaccharides at 1,150–1,030 cm−1, group of the amide(I), CH2 group of the lipids, carboxyl and -OH groups of proteins and polysaccharides were involved in cadmium and zinc binding, of which the -OH groups and the C-O-C group of polysaccharides.