bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of alcohol ethoxylate environmental monitoring data using different analytical procedures
Authors: McAvoy Drew C. , Eckhoff William S. , Begley William M. , Pessler Daniel G. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Several analytical methods have been developed for analyzing alcohol ethoxylates (AE) in aqueous environmental samples. These methods differ widely in their selectivity and sensitivity for measuring the AE components; that is, they vary in their resolution of alkyl chain length homologs and ethoxymer distributions (degree of ethoxylation for each homolog). Given these differences, AE monitoring results from different studies often are inconsistent and, sometimes, are deemed to be incomparable. To address these differences, three currently available methods for determining AE concentrations in environmental matrices were compared among a common set of wastewater treatment plant samples. These methods included the detection of hydrogen bromide-derivatized homologs by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, the detection of aqueous homologs by high-pressure liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry, and the detection of pyridinium-derivatized homologs by high-pressure liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry. Results from the present study showed that all three methods responded differently in determining the complex suite of chemical species that comprise AE in the environment. The collective information, however, allowed a consistent comparison among the methods. This comparison was then used to reevaluate results from previous AE monitoring studies. Results from this reevaluation provided a more realistic profile of both historical AE removal during wastewater treatment as well as the occurrence of AE in U.S. surface waters.
Short-term responses to cadmium exposure in the estuarine polychaete Laeonereis acuta (Polychaeta, Nereididae): Subcellular distribution and oxidative stress generation
Authors: Sandrini Juliana Zomer , Regoli Francesco , Fattorini Daniele , Notti Alessandra , Inácio Alan Ferreira , Linde-Arias Ana Rosa , Laurino Jomar , Bainy Afonso Celso Dias , Marins Luis Fernando Fernandes , Monserrat José María 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Some effects of cadmium exposure (100 μg/L for 4, 8, 12, and 24 h) on the estuarine polychaete Laeonereis acuta (Nereididae) were evaluated. This polychaete was able to accumulate cadmium in the body, with the metal stored mainly in the cytosolic fraction (&gt;10 kDa). Activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione reductase (GR) as well as the total oxyradical scavenger capacity, the glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit gene expression, and the metallothionein-like proteins content were not affected by cadmium at any exposure time tested. Catalase (CAT) activity, however, was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) in worms treated with cadmium compared with that in controls after 8 h of exposure. At the same exposure time, lipid peroxide levels were increased (p &lt; 0.05) in worms exposed to cadmium compared with those in control worms. Interestingly, CAT and GR activities decreased over time (p &lt; 0.05) independent of cadmium treatment, which is a result that could be attributed to starvation. The effects caused by cadmium in the present study were observed only after 8 h of exposure, demonstrating that cadmium can generate oxidative stress.
Weathering and toxicity of marine sediments contaminated with oils and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Jonker Michiel T. O. , Brils Jos M. , Sinke Anja J. C. , Murk Albertinka J. , Koelmans Albert A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMany sediments are contaminated with mixtures of oil residues and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), but little is known about the toxicity of such mixtures to sediment-dwelling organisms and the change in toxicity on weathering. In the present study, we investigated the effects of a seminatural, two-year weathering period on PAH/oil chemistry and toxicity in a marine sediment that had been spiked with three different oils (a gas oil, a lubricating oil, and a crude oil; all tested at five concentrations). Toxicity of bioavailable, pore water-accommodated oil/PAH fractions was quantified using a bacterial (Vibrio fischeri) assay and the in vitro chemical-activated luciferase expression assay (DR-CALUX; using conditions to detect PAHs). Results of chemical analyses pointed to (microbial) degradation of all three oils: Sediment oxygen demand during weathering increased with increasing oil concentration, total oil concentrations decreased to between 17 and 29% of initial levels, and resolved n-alkanes were depleted in weathered oil fractions. Furthermore, a shift in the relative importance of different boiling-point fraction ranges of the oils was observed on weathering. Generally, the lowest fraction range (C10-C16) disappeared, whereas the relative proportion of the highest (C28-C40) fraction range increased considerably. Remarkably, for the gas oil, this fraction shift was dependent on the oil concentration in sediment. Similarly, degradation of PAHs was strongly affected by the sedimentary oil content, indicating that the presence of oil stimulated PAH degradation. This phenomenon applied to both low- and high-molecular-weight PAHs, although the first group (3- and 4-ring PAHs) was degraded most. Results from the V. fischeri and DR-CALUX assay showed that in most cases, pore-water toxicity decreased on weathering. Combining the assay responses with chemical data indicated that the observed toxicity probably was not caused by the analyzed PAHs but, rather, by specific oil constituents instead.
Toxic effects of uranium on Desulfovibrio desulfuricans G20
Authors: Sani Rajesh K. , Peyton Brent M. , Dohnalkova Alice 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The toxic effects of U(VI) were studied using Desulfovibrio desulfuricans G20 in a medium containing bicarbonate or 1,4-piperazinediethane sulfonic acid disodium salt monohydrate (PIPES) buffer (each at 30 mM and pH 7). Uranium(VI) toxicity was dependent on the medium buffer and was observed in terms of longer lag times and, in some cases, no measurable growth. The minimum inhibiting concentration was 140 μM U(VI) in PIPES-buffered medium. This is 36-fold lower than that reported previously for D. desulfuricans. For all cases in which D. desulfuricans G20 grew in the presence of U(VI), the final cell protein yield was equivalent to that of the U(VI)-free control. In 24 h, D. desulfuricans G20 (total cell protein, 40 mg/L) removed 50 μM U(VI) from solution in PIPES buffer, as compared to 96 μM U(VI) in bicarbonate buffer under anaerobic, nongrowth conditions. Even though the solubility of U(VI) was significantly lower in PIPES buffer than in bicarbonate buffer, U(VI) was much more toxic in PIPES buffer than in bicarbonate buffer. Analysis of thin sections of D. desulfuricans G20 treated with 90 μM U(VI) in medium containing PIPES buffer revealed that only a very small fraction of cells had reduced U precipitates in the periplasmic spaces. In the presence of bicarbonate buffer, however, reduced U was observed not only in the periplasm but also in the cytoplasm. Selected-area electron diffraction patterns and crystallographic analysis of transmission-electron microscopic lattice fringe images confirmed the structure of precipitated U in the cell periplasm and cytoplasm as being that of uraninite. These results suggest that U(VI) toxicity and the detoxification mechanisms of D. desulfuricans G20 depend greatly on the chemical forms of U(VI) that are present.
The efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate treatment: Results of a phase IIB randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐ranging trial
Authors: Emery Paul , Fleischmann Roy , Filipowicz‐Sosnowska Anna , Schechtman Joy , Szczepanski Leszek , Kavanaugh Arthur , Racewicz Artur J. , van Vollenhoven Ronald F. , Li Nicole F. , Agarwal Sunil , Hessey Eva W. , Shaw Timothy M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the efficacy and safety of different rituximab doses plus methotrexate (MTX), with or without glucocorticoids, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) resistant to disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including biologic agents.MethodsA total of 465 patients were randomized into 9 treatment groups: 3 rituximab groups (placebo [n = 149], 500 mg [n = 124], or 1,000 mg [n = 192] on days 1 and 15) each also taking either placebo glucocorticoids, intravenous methylprednisolone premedication, or intravenous methylprednisolone premedication plus oral prednisone for 2 weeks. All patients received MTX (10–25 mg/week); no other DMARDs were permitted.ResultsSignificantly more patients who received 2 500‐mg or 2 1,000‐mg infusions of rituximab met the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (achieved an ACR20 response) at week 24 (55% and 54%, respectively) compared with placebo (28%; P < 0.0001). ACR50 responses were achieved by 33%, 34%, and 13% of patients, respectively (P < 0.001), and ACR70 responses were achieved by 13%, 20%, and 5% of patients (P < 0.05). Changes in the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (−1.79, −2.05, −0.67; P < 0.0001) and moderate to good responses on the European League Against Rheumatism criteria (P < 0.0001) reflected the ACR criteria responses. Glucocorticoids did not contribute significantly to the primary efficacy end point, ACR20 response at 24 weeks. Intravenous glucocorticoid premedication reduced the frequency and intensity of first infusion–associated events; oral glucocorticoids conferred no additional safety benefit. Rituximab was well tolerated; the type and severity of infections was similar to those for placebo.ConclusionBoth rituximab doses were effective and well tolerated when added to MTX therapy in patients with active RA. The primary end point (ACR20 response) was independent of glucocorticoids, although intravenous glucocorticoid premedication improved tolerability during the first rituximab infusion.
Benefit of taxanes as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer
Authors: Bria Emilio , Nistico Cecilia , Cuppone Federica , Carlini Paolo , Ciccarese Mariangela , Milella Michele , Natoli Guido , Terzoli Edmondo , Cognetti Francesco , Giannarelli Diana 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe magnitude of the survival benefit of taxanes as adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer is still unclear. A pooled analysis of Phase III trials was performed to assess the advantages that adjuvant taxane chemotherapy has over standard chemotherapy.METHODSAll Phase III trials were considered eligible. A pooled analysis was accomplished and event‐based relative risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were derived. The significant differences in disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were explored. Magnitude outcome measures were absolute benefits and the number of patients needed to treat. A heterogeneity test was applied as well. A sensitivity analysis in 6 subpopulations was also performed.RESULTSNine trials designed to assess if paclitaxel or docetaxel improve survival (15,598 patients) were gathered. One of the 9 trials did not report OS results. Significant differences in favor of taxanes were seen in DFS in the overall (RR: 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81–0.90 [P<.00001]) and lymph node‐positive population (RR: 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79–0.89 [P<.0001]), and in OS in the overall (RR: 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81–0.83 [P<.0001]) and lymph node‐positive population (RR: 0.84; 95% CI, 0.77–0.92 [P<.0001]). The absolute benefits in DFS and OS in favor of taxanes ranged from 3.3% to 4.6% and from 2.0% to 2.8%, respectively.CONCLUSIONSConsidering all the available Phase III trials, taxane‐based adjuvant chemotherapy for early breast cancer seems to add a significant benefit in both DFS and OS over standard chemotherapy. The lack of significant heterogeneity in the sensitivity analysis underscores the homogeneous effect across all trials. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Quality of life in long‐term survivors of bladder cancer
Authors: Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Kennedy Julianna , West Michele M. , Konety Badrinath R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe quality of life (QOL) of long‐term survivors of bladder cancer in a population‐based registry was assessed.METHODSThe Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT‐BL) instrument was used to evaluate QOL in a population‐based sample of bladder cancer patients. QOL scores were compared between those undergoing radical cystectomy (RC) or those with an intact bladder (BI) and between continent and conduit urinary diversion groups. The influence of current age and time since diagnosis of cancer on QOL were also examined. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the influence of age, time since diagnosis, current condition, treatment, stage of cancer, and comorbid conditions on QOL.RESULTSA total of 259 patients participated in the study who had undergone RC (n = 82) or other therapy (BI) (n = 177). There were no differences in general QOL scores between RC and BI groups and between the 2 urinary diversion groups, but patients undergoing RC had worse sexual function scores. QOL scores for BI patients tended to decrease with increasing age (P = .01). Presence of comorbid conditions lowered QOL (P<.05).CONCLUSIONSGeneral QOL does not vary among long‐term bladder cancer survivors regardless of treatment, but sexual functioning can be adversely affected in those undergoing cystectomy. Long‐term QOL declines even in those with intact bladders, particularly in those with comorbidities. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Controlling delivery properties of a waterborne, in‐situ‐forming biomaterial
Authors: McLemore Ryan , Preul Mark C. , Vernon Brent L. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis study details efforts to transition an in‐situ‐gelling polymer for endovascular embolization from the bench‐top to preclinical cerebral arteriovenous malformation animal model studies. The in‐situ‐forming gel is based on waterborne, reverse emulsion materials. For controlled embolization of vascular defects, it is crucial to understand the delivery properties of an in‐situ‐forming gel. Directing a liquid into a small cavity requires both precise control of the fluid flow, and depends upon minimal variability in the materials behavior. A 23 factorial experiment performed in the laboratory revealed that temperature, mixing time, and buffer strength are all significant factors affecting the gelation time of the specific system studied. All three factors were also seen to reduce the standard deviation on the gel times. Changing the temperature from 21.3 to 37.0°C reduced the cross population variability from 6.0 ± 3.3 min to 3.4 ± 1.6 min. At 30‐s premixing, the protocol produced an average gel time of 5.3 ± 3.0 min, which was reduced to 3.3 ± 1.2 min with 90 s. Finally, a 50 mM buffer solution provided a gel time of 6.5 ± 3.2 min, which was reduced to 2.95 ± 0.6 min at 100 mM. Viscosity data was analyzed to suggest a model for injection volume and viscosity. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Diffusion‐induced water movement within resin–dentin bonds during bonding
Authors: Hashimoto Masanori , Tay Franklin R. , Sano Hidehiko , Kaga Masayuki , Pashley David H. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIt is thought that water‐filled channels and nanovoids in resin–dentin bonds represent potential sites for degradation of bonds or hydrolysis of collagen or both. How water gains access to bonded interfaces is not clear. This study evaluated the diffusion‐induced water uptake through resin–dentin interfaces during bonding. Two light‐cured total‐etch adhesive systems (Excite and One‐Step Plus) and a chemical‐cured adhesive (Amalgambond Plus) were used in this study. Dentin disks were placed in a split‐chamber device, and the fluid movement across dentin was measured, with and without a physiological pressure, during bonding procedures and 24 h after bonding. For light‐cured adhesives in the experimental groups, a 6 min interval of dark storage was conducted prior to light‐curing, to evaluate the diffusion of water through the uncured resin monomers, and to test the effect of prolonged infiltration time of adhesives on water permeability of bonds. Prolonged adhesive infiltration reduced the water permeability of resin–dentin bonds for light‐cured adhesives. Water gradients produced by bonding systems contribute to water movement across the dentin–adhesive interfaces during bonding procedures. Differences in chemical formulations for adhesive systems may lead to differences in the extent of diffusion‐induced water movement and the amount of water within the resin–dentin bonds. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
The role of fMRI in drug discovery
Authors: Wise Richard G. , Tracey Irene 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPharmacological functional (phMRI) studies are making a significant contribution to our understanding of drug‐effects on brain systems. Pharmacological fMRI has an additional contribution to make in the translation of disease models and candidate compounds from preclinical to clinical investigation and in the early clinical stages of drug development. Here it can demonstrate a proof‐of‐concept of drug action in a small human cohort and thus contribute substantially to decision‐making in drug development. We review the methods underlying pharmacological fMRI studies and the links that can be made between animal and human investigations. We discuss the potential fMRI markers of drug effect, experimental designs and caveats in interpreting hemodynamic fMRI data as reflective of changes in neuronal activity. Although there are no current published examples of fMRI applied to novel compounds, we illustrate the potential of fMRI across a range of applications and with specific reference to processing of pain in the human brain and pharmacological analgesia. Pharmacological fMRI is developing to meet the neuroscientific challenges. Electrophysiological methods can be used to corroborate the drug effects measured hemodynamically with fMRI. In future, pharmacological fMRI is likely to extend to examinations of the spinal cord and into pharmacogenetics to relate genetic polymorphisms to differential responses of the brain to drugs. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opioid peptides and receptors in joint tissues: Study in the rat
Authors: Bergström Jonas , Ahmed Mahmood , Li Jian , Ahmad Tashfeen , Kreicbergs Andris , Spetea Mariana 
Published: April 2006

AbstractUsing immunohistochemical and biochemical techniques, the occurrence of endogenous opioid peptides and their receptors in normal rat bone and joint tissues was investigated. Opioid receptors were detected, quantified, and characterized in homogenates from capsule/synovium and periosteum using radioligand binding assays. Receptor binding of the nonselective opioid [3H]naloxone to tissue homogenates was stereospecific and saturable, showing similar characteristics to that of brain tissue, although with lower binding capacities. By immunohistochemistry, the neuronal occurrence of four different enkephalins was demonstrated in synovium, bone marrow, periosteum, and juxta‐articular bone, whereas no neuronal dynorphin immunoreactivity was detected. Double‐staining studies disclosed that enkephalins coexisted with substance P in primary afferent fibers. The applied techniques can be used to assess changes in the distribution of endogenous opioids and their receptors in joint tissues in conditions associated with pain and inflammation. The endogenous opioid system now demonstrated might be targeted and exploited therapeutically to obtain peripheral control of symptoms in joint disorders. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Correlation of swelling pressure and intrafibrillar water in young and aged human intervertebral discs
Authors: Sivan Sarit , Merkher Yulia , Wachtel Ellen , Ehrlich Shlomit , Maroudas Alice 
Published: April 2006

AbstractFluid balance in the intervertebral disc under applied load is determined primarily by its swelling pressure, that is, the external pressure at which it neither loses nor gains water. This depends on the composition of the tissue, in particular on its proteoglycan concentration. Proteoglycans develop a high osmotic pressure due to their fixed negatively charged groups. Because of their size, proteoglycans are excluded from the collagen's intrafibrillar volume; hence their osmotic activity is determined only by the extrafibrillar water. Here, we show that in order to evaluate correctly the swelling pressure in the annuli fibrosi of human intervertebral disc, it is essential to evaluate its proportion of intrafibrillar water. We used low‐angle X‐ray scattering and osmotic stress techniques to determine the lateral packing of the collagen molecules in the fibrils of the annuli fibrosi (ages: 25–77). It was found that the lateral packing and, hence, the intrafibrillar water content depends on age, external osmotic pressure, and location in the tissue. Subtracting intrafibrillar water from total hydration yields the amount of extrafibrillar water, from which the true fixed charge density of the tissue could be estimated. From a force balance, it would appear that collagen tension plays only a minor role in the equilibrium of the human intervertebral disc under load, in contrast to articular cartilage, where collagen tension is important for load bearing. © 2006 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res
Analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: An update covering the period 1999–2000
Authors: Harvey David J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis review describes the use of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the analysis of carbohydrates and glycoconjugates and continues coverage of the field from the previous review published in 1999 (D. J. Harvey, Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry of carbohydrates, 1999, Mass Spectrom Rev, 18:349–451) for the period 1999–2000. As MALDI mass spectrometry is acquiring the status of a mature technique in this field, there has been a greater emphasis on applications rather than to method development as opposed to the previous review. The present review covers applications to plant‐derived carbohydrates, N‐ and O‐linked glycans from glycoproteins, glycated proteins, mucins, glycosaminoglycans, bacterial glycolipids, glycosphingolipids, glycoglycerolipids and related compounds, and glycosides. Applications of MALDI mass spectrometry to the study of enzymes acting on carbohydrates (glycosyltransferases and glycosidases) and to the synthesis of carbohydrates, are also covered. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 25:595–662, 2006