bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic profiles in goat does in late pregnancy with and without subclinical pregnancy toxemia
Authors: Bani Ismail Z.A. , Al‐Majali A.M. , Amireh F. , Al‐Rawashdeh O.F. 
Published: September 2008

Background: Pregnant goat does can develop various metabolic diseases during late pregnancy that may have profound effects on their health and productivity, including subclinical pregnancy toxemia.Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate serum biochemical findings in goats in late pregnancy with and without subclinical pregnancy toxemia.Methods: Serum samples were obtained from 153 clinically healthy goats in the last trimester of pregnancy from 14 herds in central and northern Jordan. Serum was analyzed for the following constituents: 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3‐HB), glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, cortisol, T3, T4, total calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, using commercially available kits. Goats were classified as having subclinical pregnancy toxemia or as controls on the basis of 3‐HB results. Biochemical results were compared between the 2 groups using nonparametric statistical tests.Results: Fifty‐three does had subclinical pregnancy toxemia (3‐HB>0.86 mmol/L) and 100 were pregnant control does (3‐HB≤0.86 mmol/L). Does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia had significantly lower glucose concentrations (P<.001) and significantly higher urea (P=.042) and total protein (P=.048) concentrations compared with pregnant control does. 3‐HB concentration was significantly correlated with glucose (r=0.290, P=.035), phosphorus (r=0.351, P=.01), and cortisol (r=0.394, P=.004) concentrations in goats with subclinical toxemia.Conclusions: Results of this study indicate that the biochemical profile of does with subclinical pregnancy toxemia differs from that of other pregnant goats. 3‐HB should be measured in pregnant does in late stages of gestation with hypoglycemia or with elevated urea and total protein concentrations.
On the State and Prospects of the Study of Zoroastrianism
Authors: Stausberg Michael 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe academic study of Zoroastrianism goes back to the seventeenth century. It was a classic topic in the History of Religions as an academic discipline throughout its formative period. Zoroastrianism has become less visible on the field of the History of Religions since the 1970s. This, however, does not mean that there was no progress in Zoroastrian Studies since that time. Quite to the contrary, despite the customary tendency to paint a gloomy picture of the progress of Zoroastrian Studies, scholarship in this field has advanced considerably in recent decades. The present article sketches eighteen major subjects of innovative recent research activities. Topics include textual studies, law, astrology, secondary sources, religion and politics, regional diversity, marginalization, impact on and interaction with other religious traditions, the modern communities in India, Iran, and various "diasporic" settings as well as gender, rituals, and outside reception. e article concludes by sketching some prospects for the study of Zoroastrianism.
Asceticism in Transition: Exploring the Concepts of Memory, Performance and Ambiguity in 20th Century Dutch Monastic Life
Authors: Bosgraaf Emke 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAsceticism is a topic of interest among a wide range of scholars. In the past two decades the corpus on asceticism has been growing steadily and contributions have been made from a variety of perspectives (for an overview see Wimbusch and Valantasis, Asceticism [1995]). In this article I will focus on the almost unknown history of asceticism in 20th century Dutch monastic life. This is a history that, especially after the 1950s, reflects a period of transition in which a radical erosion of asceticism occurred. In order to understand and explore asceticism in this specific period and context, I will discuss the demarcation of asceticism that Gavin Flood outlined in his thought-provoking study of 2004, The Ascetic Self: Subjectivity, Memory and Tradition. In this book Flood distinguishes three central parameters of asceticism, in short: memory, performance and ambiguity. These three concepts are applied to research material that is based upon a historical study of Catholic spiritual literature (1930–1965) and eighteen interviews with members of Dutch religious communities who personally experienced ascetic practices during their religious lives. I will argue that the memory of ascetic tradition is no longer being appropriated, which has specific consequences for examining the two parameters of performance and ambiguity.
Joseph and Aseneth in Rumania
Authors: Burchard Christoph 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe article offers a survey of the text-forms of "Joseph and Aseneth" in Serbo-Slavonic, Greek, and Rumanian which circulated in Rumania in the 17th to the middle of the 19th centuries, especially a Rumanian condensation produced by orthodox monks in the early 18th century for moral education. Particular attention is paid to textual contamination among the forms. This is the end of the long history of vernacular versions and adaptations of the story which started around 600 C.E. with the Syriac translation.
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: A Court “Off the Shelf” for a Divided Country
Authors: Wetzel Jan Erik , Mitri Yvonne 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe Special Tribunal for Lebanon is the most recently established international criminal tribunal. Controversially created by the UN Security Council in 2007 amid rising political tensions in the country, it is designed to investigate a number of politically motivated killings, including the assassination of the former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. It shares many characteristics of other hybrid (or “internationalized”) criminal tribunals, especially the Special Court for Sierra Leone, which facilitated its speedy establishment. But it breaks new ground as an international effort to specifically end impunity for terrorist acts. This article argues that in many respects, the legal framework of the Special Tribunal distills the “best practices” of prior tribunals. At the same time, the debate over its creation and its chances to assist the peace process in Lebanon continues.
Regulating Immigration Control: Carrier Sanctions in the Netherlands
Authors: Scholten Sophie , Minderhoud Paul 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article attempts to put carrier sanctions policies in a broad perspective by looking at the immigration context, the rationale behind the policy, the changing character of borders and the regulatory environment of this policy. Carrier sanction legislation can be understood as a remote control instrument, which is supplementary to controls before and at the border and internal controls, whereby the concept of the border as a line between states is abandoned. The second part of the article focuses on the implementation of the carrier sanctions policy in the Netherlands. The Dutch government tries to overcome the principal-agent dilemma arising from involving a third party in enforcement, by installing a system of 'contiguous measures', both negative and positive, to stimulate carriers to perform controls on their passengers' documents. Responsibilities are imposed on carriers but the state, by using 'soft' and 'hard touch' legislation, remains in control.
Case Report on Laval, 18 December 2007 (Case C-341/05) and Viking, 11 December 2007 (Case C-438/05)
Authors: Tans Simon 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis case report examines the ECJ cases Laval and Viking focusing on three important issues. First, regarding Directive 96/71/EC and the posting of workers, the report provides a clarification of the key arguments submitted in the Laval case explaining that the collective agreement at issue falls outside the scope of the Directive. In doing so, background information on relevant rules and cases on cross-border posting of workers will be provided. Second, the report explains the Court's approach to horizontal implications of Articles 43 EC and 49 EC for trade unions. It is submitted that the Court uses the same, well-known, approach used earlier in regard to sporting associations and bar associations. Such private entities can, under specific circumstances, have the obligation to act in conformity with Articles 43 EC and 49 EC. Due attention is given to possible justification grounds. Finally, this case note investigates the implications of Laval and Viking from a fundamental rights perspective. The Court recognises collective action as a fundamental right under Community law, thereby relying on the Charter of fundamental rights. The use of this source by the ECJ receives specific attention as does the relationship between fundamental freedoms and fundamental rights.
Severe acute poisoning due to a glufosinate containing preparation without mitochondrial involvement
Authors: Lluís M , Nogué S , Miró O 
Published: September 2008

Glufosinate is a non-selective herbicide widely used in domestic gardens and agriculture. Few cases of glufosinate poisoning have been reported although there has been an increase in recent years, particularly in Japan. Glufosinate toxicity is related to its capacity to inhibit glutamine synthetase and glutamate decarboxylase, which may lead to a potentially fatal multiorgan failure. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman who ingested between 30 and 50 mL of a herbicide (Finale®) containing glufosinate (14%) in a suicide attempt. One hour after ingestion, the patient attended the Emergency Department of her own volition. Her overall status was good, and the physical examination was unremarkable. Gastric lavage was carried out, 25 g of activated charcoal was administered, and the patient was admitted for observation. Seventeen hours later, the patient presented drowsiness and a sinus bradycardia of 40 bpm. Thirty-two hours after ingestion, the Glasgow Coma Score was 8, and orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation were begun. At 3 days, the patient presented a self-limiting episode of ventricular tachycardia. She recovered consciousness progressively and was extubated without complications. The evolution was favorable, but the sinus bradycardia persisted up to 8 days after the ingestion. A study of lymphocyte mitochondrial function showed no alteration in mitochondrial oxidative capacity or the enzymatic activity of the complexes of the electron transport chain. A small ingestion of glufosinate can cause severe poisoning, whose manifestations predominantly involve the central nervous system and heart rhythm. Signs and symptoms may not appear for several hours and may persist for several days. In spite of these multi-organ manifestations, no alteration in lymphocyte mitochondrial function has been reported.
Background of REACH in EU regulations on evaluation of chemicals
Authors: Foth H , Hayes AW 
Published: September 2008

Industrial chemicals are needed for chemical synthesis or technical purposes. These beneficial effects are counterbalanced by the potential health risks for all who come into contact with them. The new chemical legislation of the EU, Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) will force the responsibility of manufacturers and importers of chemical substances to gather the right information needed to decide on the right circumstances of use and control of chemical substances and products. In order to understand the roots of REACH, experiences gained with regard to existing chemicals legislation, particularly in Germany, will be reviewed. Since Council Directive 67/548/EEC all chemicals placed on the market need a set of standard information and provisions for safe transportation. This directive and its amendments (Council Directive(s) 79/831/EEC and 92/32/EEC) have established for new substances a sound information data basis for classification of dangerous properties. Under Council Regulation 793/93/EEC, regulations and administrative provisions have established the requirement to assess the risk to man and the environment of existing substances. So far, only 119 substances have been evaluated under the forces of this regulation. This separation has led to a substantial imbalance between existing substances and new substances with respect to available data needed to recognize hazards for health. The register of produced and imported chemical substances under REACH should eliminate some of this separation and will also be the key for selection of substances of very high concern by the authorization process to restrict the use and distribution accordingly.
Occupational ototoxicity of n-hexane
Authors: Vyskocil A , Leroux T , Truchon G , Gendron M , El Majidi N , Viau C 
Published: September 2008

The ability of chemicals to produce hearing loss themselves or to promote noise-induced hearing loss has been reported for some organic solvents. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to n-hexane on the auditory system and consider its relevance for occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible inhalation exposure limits. In Quebec, the time-weighted average exposure value (TWAEV) for 8 h is 50 ppm. In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at five times the TWAEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of n-hexane-induced hearing loss in workers. In rats, n-hexane seems to affect auditory function; however, the site of these alterations cannot be determined from the present data. Further studies with sufficient data on the exposure of workers to n-hexane are necessary to make a definitive conclusion. In the interim, we recommend considering n-hexane as a possibly ototoxic agent.
Study on the oxidative stress status among cement plant workers
Authors: Pournourmohammadi S , Khazaeli P , Eslamizad S , Tajvar A , Mohammadirad A , Abdollahi M 
Published: September 2008

The cement industry is considered as a major pollution problem because of dust and particulate matter emitted at various steps of cement production. In the present study, volunteer male workers from a cement factory were studied for oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers in relation to their serum levels of aluminum (Al) and chromium (Cr). The subjects were divided into two groups of direct and indirect exposure. Subject who worked in production steps were considered as direct exposure group, and those who worked in administration building were considered as indirect exposure group. For comparison, healthy subjects at the same age and socioeconomic status were tested as a control group. Serum levels of lipid peroxidation (LP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecules (TTM), and nitric oxide (NO) as well as Al and Cr were measured. The results indicated a significant increase in Al ( P = 0.001) and Cr ( P = 0.009) levels in direct-exposed workers in comparison to healthy control group. Further, a significant increase in Al ( P = 0.002) and Cr ( P = 0.009) levels was observed in direct-exposed workers as compared to indirect-exposed one. Serum levels of TTM and TAC were significantly lower in both direct- and indirect-exposed groups in comparison to healthy control group ( P = 0.00). Serum TTM and TAC were significantly lower in direct-exposed workers as compared to indirect-exposed ones ( P = 0.00 and P = 0.024, respectively). There was no significant difference on the level of LP and NO among groups. A correlation was found between serum level of Cr, TAC, and platelets between direct- and indirect-exposed groups ( P < 0.05). Further correlation was found among serum level of Cr and those of TTM, platelets, and chronic disease ( P < 0.05). Chronic disease had a significant influence adjusted to other predictor variables on the post-shift values of Al ( P < 0.05). Although plasma levels of Al and Cr were found in normal ranges, analyses confirm their role in impairment of TMM and TAC.
Administration of ziprasidone for 10 days increases cocaine toxicity in mice
Authors: Heard K , Krier S , Zahniser NR 
Published: September 2008

Long-term treatment with antipsychotic medications alters the regional density of several of the neurotransmitter receptors that mediate cocaine toxicity. However, the effect of either up- or down-regulation of the neurotransmitter receptors on cocaine toxicity is unknown. In this study, we determined if subacute administration of the atypical antipsychotic ziprasidone altered the toxic effects of cocaine in mice. Ziprasidone (4 mg/kg) or placebo was administered to the first two groups of CF-1 mice for 10 days and, then on day 10, an estimated LD50 dose of cocaine (102 mg/kg) was given to these mice. In a third group, in order to produce a ziprasidone withdrawal state, we administered ziprasidone for 10 days, followed by no treatment for 2 days before cocaine administration. There was no significant difference among the three groups in overall survival: 63% in the treatment group, 60% in the withdrawal group, and 80% in the placebo group. Survival time was significantly shorter for the withdrawal group than for the control group. Our study may have been limited by lower than expected serum ziprasidone concentrations and lower than expected lethality from cocaine. However, our findings suggest that administration of an atypical antipsychotic for 10 days may increase the toxic effects of cocaine.
Protection from graft-versus-host disease with a novel B7 binding site–specific mouse anti–mouse CD28 monoclonal antibody
Authors: Beyersdorf Niklas , Ding Xin , Blank Gregor , Dennehy Kevin M. , Kerkau Thomas , Hünig Thomas 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe studied the role of CD28 in T-cell biology and T cell–mediated pathology using a novel mouse anti–mouse CD28 antibody, E18, which recognizes an epitope close to the B7 binding site. In vitro, this antibody completely blocked binding of B7 molecules to CD28 expressed on mouse thymocytes but enhanced anti-CD3–induced proliferation of peripheral T cells. Injections of E18 monoclonal antibody into normal BALB/c mice in vivo, however, led to a reversible reduction in Treg cell frequencies among CD4+ cells, both in the thymus and in secondary lymphoid organs, suggesting that E18 acted as an inhibitor of CD28 signaling under these conditions. Antagonistic activity of E18 in vivo was further implied by suppressed responses of conventional CD4+ T cells to stimulation with the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B and in a model of acute graft-versus-host disease. In contrast to healthy mice, intact monoclonal antibody E18, but not its nonstimulatory Fab fragment, increased the frequencies of Treg cells among CD4+ T cells in these pro-inflammatory settings allowing for efficacious protection from acute graft-versus-host disease. Thus, the agonistic signal generated by conventional, ie, nonsuperagonistic, anti-CD28 antibodies is important for their immunotherapeutic potential in vivo.
Association between H-RAST81C genetic polymorphism and gastrointestinal cancer risk: A population based case-control study in China
Authors: Zhang Yongjing , Jin Mingjuan , Liu Bing , Ma Xinyuan , Yao Kaiyan , Li Qilong , Chen Kun 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Gastrointestinal cancer, such as gastric, colon and rectal cancer, is a major medical and economic burden worldwide. However, the exact mechanism of gastrointestinal cancer development still remains unclear. RAS genes have been elucidated as major participants in the development and progression of a series of human tumours and the single nucleotide polymorphism at H-RAS cDNA position 81 was demonstrated to contribute to the risks of bladder, oral and thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, we hypothesized that this polymorphisms in H-RAS could influence susceptibility to gastrointestinal cancer as well, and we conducted this study to test the hypothesis in Chinese population.

Methods
A population based case-control study, including 296 cases with gastrointestinal cancer and 448 healthy controls selected from a Chinese population was conducted. H-RAS T81C polymorphism was genotyped by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay.

Results
In the healthy controls, the TT, TC and CC genotypes frequencies of H-RAS T81C polymorphism, were 79.24%, 19.87% and 0.89%, respectively, and the C allele frequency was 10.83%. Compared with TT genotype, the TC genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer (adjusted OR = 3.67, 95%CI = 2.21–6.08), while the CC genotype showed an increased risk as well (adjusted OR = 3.29, 95%CI = 0.54–19.86), but it was not statistically significant. In contrast, the frequency of TC genotype was not significantly increased in colon cancer and rectal cancer patients. Further analysis was performed by combining TC and CC genotypes compared against TT genotype. As a result, a statistically significant risk with adjusted OR of 3.65 (95%CI, 2.22–6.00) was found in gastric cancer, while no significant association of H-RAS T81C polymorphism with colon cancer and rectal cancer was observed.

Conclusion
These findings indicate, for the first time, that there is an H-RAS T81C polymorphism existing in Chinese population, and this SNP might be a low penetrance gene predisposition factor for gastric cancer.
The importance of rectal cancer MRI protocols on iInterpretation accuracy
Authors: Suzuki Chikako , Torkzad Michael R , Tanaka Soichi , Palmer Gabriella , Lindholm Johan , Holm Torbjörn , Blomqvist Lennart 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

Background
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for preoperative local staging in patients with rectal cancer. Our aim was to retrospectively study the effects of the imaging protocol on the staging accuracy.

Patients and methods
MR-examinations of 37 patients with locally advanced disease were divided into two groups; compliant and noncompliant, based on the imaging protocol, without knowledge of the histopathological results. A compliant rectal cancer imaging protocol was defined as including T2-weighted imaging in the sagittal and axial planes with supplementary coronal in low rectal tumors, alongside a high-resolution plane perpendicular to the rectum at the level of the primary tumor. Protocols not complying with these criteria were defined as noncompliant. Histopathological results were used as gold standard.

Results
Compliant rectal imaging protocols showed significantly better correlation with histopathological results regarding assessment of anterior organ involvement (sensitivity and specificity rates in compliant group were 86% and 94%, respectively vs. 50% and 33% in the noncompliant group). Compliant imaging protocols also used statistically significantly smaller voxel sizes and fewer number of MR sequences than the noncompliant protocols

Conclusion
Appropriate MR imaging protocols enable more accurate local staging of locally advanced rectal tumors with less number of sequences and without intravenous gadolinium contrast agents.