bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms in patients with periodontitis
Authors: Hooshmand B. , Hajilooi M. , Rafiei A. , Mani‐Kashani KH , Ghasemi R. 
Published: July 2007

Background and Objective:  Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease and immunologic and genetic factors have an important role in its pathogenesis. Mutation in the promoter regions of the interleukin‐4 and interferon‐γ genes has been reported to modify the protein expression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible role of interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) polymorphisms in the susceptibility to periodontitis.Material and Methods:  In this case–control study, 53 patients (36 women and 17 men), comprising 27 patients with aggressive periodontitis and 26 patients with chronic periodontitis, and 56 healthy volunteers, were enrolled. DNA was isolated from all subjects, and the polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific primer method was used to study the interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms.Results:  Our results showed no significant difference in the allele and genotype frequencies of interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms between patients with periodontal disease and controls.Conclusion:  The results suggest that the interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms may not be associated with the susceptibility of Iranian individuals to periodontitis.
Can an Educational Program Optimize PDE5i Therapy? A Study of Canadian Primary Care Practices
Authors: Brock Gerald , Carrier Serge , Casey Richard , Tarride Jean-Eric , Elliott Stacey , Dugré Hélène , Rousseau Catherine , D'Angelo Pina , Defoy Isabelle 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACT

Introduction
The importance of patient instructions, designed to optimize therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), has recently been demonstrated.

Aim
To evaluate the impact of an educational program for new sildenafil users against usual ED management in Canadian primary care practices.

Methods
This multicenter, 6-month cluster randomized prospective study was conducted across Canada in general practitioners' offices where sites were randomized to receive a treatment optimization program (TOP) tool at visit 1 (TOP sites) or not to receive the TOP tool (non-TOP sites) while continuing with usual practice. Study participants were men seeking medical attention for ED and who were sildenafil naïve. The TOP tool consisted of a tear-off sheet, a brochure, and a video. Study drug was not provided to the patients. Sildenafil samples and prescriptions were dispensed as per usual care practices.

Main Outcome Measures
The Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used to determine treatment satisfaction at visit 2 (month 3) and visit 3 (month 6). Patient and physician satisfaction with the TOP tool was assessed using self-reported questionnaires.

Results
The intent-to-treat (ITT) population consisted of 2,573 patients from 231 primary care sites. At visits 2 and 3, treatment satisfaction with sildenafil was high with almost 9 patients out of 10 satisfied with treatment. No significant statistical differences were observed in the EDITS scores between the TOP and the non-TOP groups at visits 2 and 3. More than 80% of the participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the video and the brochure. More than 8 out of 10 participating physicians (84%) would use the TOP tool in their current practice if available.

Conclusions
TOP is a valuable and time-efficient ED management tool providing benefits to newly diagnosed ED patients and to their physicians.
Phylogenetic Age is Positively Correlated with Sensitivity to Timber Harvest in Bornean Mammals
Authors: Meijaard Erik , Sheil Douglas , Marshall Andrew J. , Nasi Robert 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe reasons that forest vertebrates differ in their response to selective timber extraction in tropical forests remain poorly characterized. Understanding what determines response and sensitivity can indicate how forest management might yield greater conservation benefits, and help us identify which lesser‐known species may be especially vulnerable. We assessed the response of 41 Bornean mammals to selective timber harvest and tested eight hypotheses regarding the correlation between those responses and a range of species characteristics. Multivariate analyses show that phylogenetic species age is a key variable determining sensitivity. Older species are less able to cope with the effects of selective timber harvest. Most of these species are endemic to insular southeast Asia, and do not occur on the Asian mainland. These species are more specialized, and appear less able to cope with habitat change. In contrast, species tolerant to logging evolved more recently. This group tends to be omnivorous or herbivorous, to use all vegetation strata, and to be regionally widespread. This finding allows the sensitivity to habitat disturbance of lesser‐known species to be predicted, and therefore has important conservation implications. These new insights also help in the design of large‐scale forest landscapes that combine sustainable forest management and species conservation requirements. We recognize that these functions can be compatible, but that some species still need completely protected areas for their survival.
How Small is too Small? Camera Trap Survey Areas and Density Estimates for Ocelots in the Bolivian Chaco
Authors: Maffei Leonardo , Noss Andrew J. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTStudies on carnivores, which are generally difficult to observe directly because they are elusive and nocturnal, are carried out through indirect methods, e.g., camera trapping and radiotracking. The first method has been used to estimate population densities of species that can be differentiated as individuals using unique pelage patterns. However, the use of capture–recapture methodology has raised doubts regarding the estimation of the sampling area around the camera traps, which is obtained using maximum distances traveled by individuals photographed at two or more different locations. In this paper, the results from camera traps are compared with a radiotracking study carried out simultaneously with ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) to confirm whether maximum distances observed in camera traps coincide with ranging patterns determined from radio telemetry, and in turn whether the sampling areas estimated from camera traps are appropriate for estimating density. Mean maximum distance moved was 2880 m according to camera trap records during a 60‐d survey period while, with radiotracking, the maximum distance moved was 3176 m during the same period. The difference is not significant, and the sampling areas estimated with camera traps to assess ocelot density are reliable. However, if the area covered by cameras is reduced to less than three to four times average home range for the target species, then density estimates from camera trapping are exaggerated because of the reduced observed distances and the fact that multiple individuals can overlap in relatively small areas.
The Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS)
Authors: Schonewille Wouter J. , Wijman Christine A. C. , Michel Patrik , Algra Ale , Kappelle L. Jaap 
Published: July 2007

Basilar artery occlusion is a rare cause of stroke with a high case fatality rate and an often poor clinical outcome among survivors. Our limited knowledge on the outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion comes from small case series of selected patients. Study Aim The main purpose of the registry is to collect preliminary data that will help direct the design of a future clinical treatment trial. The target number of patients included is 500. Design BASICS is a prospective, observational, multi-center, international registry of consecutive patients presenting with a symptomatic and radiologically confirmed basilar artery occlusion. Study Outcomes From November 2002 until December 2006 data have been collected on 400 patients, from 42 centers in 12 countries. Most patients were treated with IA therapy (55%), followed by antithrombotics (29%) and IV thrombolysis (6%). The overall mortality was 45%.
Stroke Rehabilitation 2007: What Should it Be?
Authors: Dewey Helen M. , Sherry Lisa J. , Collier Janice M. 
Published: July 2007

Background There are an estimated 62 million stroke survivors worldwide. The majority will have long-term disability. Despite this reality, there have been few large, high-quality randomized controlled trials of stroke rehabilitation interventions. Summary of review There is excellent evidence for the effectiveness of a number of stroke rehabilitation interventions, notably care of stroke patients in inpatient stroke units and stroke rehabilitation units providing organized, goal-focused care via a multidisciplinary team. Stroke units (in comparison with care on general medical wards) effectively reduce death and disability with the number needed to treat to prevent one person from failing to regain independence being 20. Unfortunately, only a minority of stroke patients have access to stroke unit care. The key principles of effective stroke rehabilitation have been identified. These include ( 1 ) a functional approach targeted at specific activities e.g. walking, activities of daily living, ( 2 ) frequent and intense practice, and ( 3 ) commencement in the first days or weeks after stroke. Conclusion The most effective approaches to restoration of brain function after stroke remain unknown and there is an urgent need for more high-quality research. In the meantime, simple, broadly applicable stroke rehabilitation interventions with proven efficacy, particularly stroke unit care, must be applied more widely.
Guinea Worm and Water Supply in Kordofan, Sudan
Authors: CAIRNCROSS S. , TAYEH A. 
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSISA study of a guinea worm epidemiology in South Kordofan, Sudan, found two different patterns of infection. In four villages, all with large open reservoirs (hafirs), the one‐year period prevalence was over 34 per cent, and was not strongly related to age. In the remaining 23 villages, the prevalence did not exceed 20 per cent but was greater in adults than in children. The former pattern suggested contamination of the water carried home, while the latter appeared to be associated with casual use of water sources outside the village. Guinea worm disease was associated with the use of certain water sources, particularly in the poorly‐maintained hafirs, but not with hand pumps, when these functioned, or open dug wells. In this context, open dug wells seem to be a more cost‐effective intervention for guinea worm control than boreholes with hand pumps or the rehabilitation of hafirs.
Results of the First Pilot‐Scale Controlled Cohort Epidemiological Investigation into the Possible Health Effects of Bathing in Seawater at Langland Bay, Swansea
Authors: JONES F. , KAY D. , STANWELL‐SMITH R. , WYER M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA pilot study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using adult volunteers to examine the possible health effects of bathing in UK seawaters which passed the EC bathing waters Directive. Langland Bay, near Swansea, was chosen for this experiment, which was conducted on 2 September 1989. Adult volunteers were recruited from the City of Swansea and randomly divided into bather and non‐bather groups. All volunteers were given medical examinations and medical questionnaire interviews before and after 2 September.Water quality on the day of the test was relatively unpolluted, as indexed by the commonly‐employed bacterial and viral indicator species. The detailed medical questionnaire resulted in higher reported attack rates of perceived illness in both bather and non‐bather groups than those published in previous studies, which have commonly employed a single telephone interview to acquire disease perception data. Statistically‐significant differences in the bather and non‐bather cohorts were found for the following perceived symptoms: sore throat, ear symptom, eye symptom at 3 d after 2 September, and for diarrhoea at three weeks after the experiment. The clinical tests employed failed to confirm these significant perceived symptom attack rate differentials.The significance of these results is discussed in the context of previous research protocols to demonstrate the feasibility of this novel prospective controlled cohort approach for the acquisition of scientifically robust data on the health effect of recreational water use. If taken to a full‐scale study, it is argued that this research protocol could offer considerable advantages over past methods and lead to scientifically valid water‐quality standards for recreational waters.
A Replacement Outfall for Peterhead
Authors: DUNCAN R. S. , WHARTON S. T. , BOTTERILL T. J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper describes the design and construction of an outfall into Sandford Bay, Peterhead, on a highly‐exposed stretch of the NE coast of Scotland.The outfall forms part of a drainage system that was installed in the early 1970s to reduce pollution in Peterhead Bay and to accommodate increased flows from oil‐related development. It replaces the original outfall, which failed in 1979 due to wave action.Stability of the new steel‐pipe outfall, which was installed by the bottom pull method, is ensured by burial within an excavated rock trench, backfilled and armoured with graded stone.The exposed location of the site was demonstrated during construction work when bad weather and adverse sea conditions delayed completion by one year.The paper concludes that the full significance of prevailing sea and weather conditions, and consequently reduced working ‘windows’, should be taken into account in the planning and programming of outfall work, to reduce the risk of damage to a partially completed and unprotected outfall.
Lessons Learned from the UN Water Decade
Authors: CARTER R. , TYRREL S. F. , HOWSAM P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe United Nations Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade ran from 1981 to 1990. Much was achieved, but the target of a safe water supply and adequate sanitation for all was not. However, many helpful lessons of experience were derived, and these should guide work in this sector over the next several decades. The paper briefly reviews the achievements of the decade, and considers the lessons learned.
Identification of Odour Problems in the River Dee: A Case Study
Authors: CAMPBELL A. T. , READE A. J. , WARBURTON I. , WHITEMAN R. F. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTAn intermittent strong vegetable/cabbage odour was noted on raw water abstracted from the River Dee (NW England). The source of the odour was traced to an industrial discharge from an animal feed manufacturer to a tributary of the River Dee. Analysis of water samples by CLSA GC‐MS revealed the likely causes of the odour to be dimethyl disulphide and dimethyl trisulphide. 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMB), a hydroxy methionine analogue growth supplement used by the feed manufacturer was a likely precursor to the odour problem. Studies conducted on the behaviour of HMB in untreated water showed it to be rapidly degraded. Degradation products included dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl trisulphide and methyl(methylthio)methyl disulphide. The odour of water samples incubated with HMB changed from that of potato to cabbage/sprout, indicating that breakdown of this compound was responsible for the vegetable odour on untreated river water.
A Methodology for Surveying Domestic Water Consumption
Authors: EDWARDS K. , MARTIN L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper describes the experimental design and engineering of the largest contemporary survey of domestic water consumption in the UK. Results are presented for the first full year of data collection and are discussed in terms of explanatory variables, reliability and usefulness. Significant findings include (a) the range of per capita consumption, (b) relationships to explanatory variables, (c) components of consumption including legitimate night flows, and (d) the contributions of specific domestic appliances.
Organochlorine Contamination in Sediments of the Inner Thames Estuary
Authors: SCRIMSHAW M. D. , LESTER J. N. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe saltmarsh at Two Tree Island, situated in the Thames estuary, has previously been identified as exhibiting a relatively enhanced degree of contamination with respect to organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. This survey of sediment samples from mud flats on the north bank of the River Thames, creeks surrounding Canvey Island and from Two Tree Island, indicated that contamination with organochlorine and polychlorinated biphenyls was ubiquitous throughout the inner Thames estuary. Values observed were in agreement with those in other European estuaries, and the degree of contamination at Two Tree Island was considered to reflect the local background. The outfall from Benfleet sewage‐treatment works was identified as a possible source of contaminants: however, no other point sources were located. Samples of annelids taken from mud flats by Two Tree Island had accumulated penta‐ and hexa‐chlorinated biphenyls to a greater degree than lower chlorinated cogeners, and demonstrated signs of an ability to metabolize DDT.
Groundwater Rebound in the Leicestershire Coalfield
Authors: Smith J. , Colls J. J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Leicestershire coalfield has been mined for at least eight hundred years, the last deep mine closing in 1991. The earliest shallow mines on the exposed coalfield are not recorded on plan, but were later connected to the deeper workings in many seams. In order to protect the last deep mines, pumping was maintained from the abandoned mines to the north.Water‐table rebound was observed prior to closure, and is now affecting the surface. Increased emissions of poor‐quality water into low‐discharge surface water‐courses are predicted. Renewed subsidence has implications for roads, services and property. Rising water levels will affect old opencast excavations and waste disposal sites.Fieldwork and abandoned mine plan inspections have demonstrated renewed subsidence and evidence of increased emissions in those low‐lying areas of the exposed coalfield which are believed to be most at risk.
Aspects of the Behaviour of Filamentous Microbes in Activated Sludge
Authors: Forster C. F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFilamentous bacteria tend to be an integral part of the activated‐sludge floc, and they can impart characteristics to the sludge which have an adverse effect on the sludge properties, resulting in poor settlement or the formation of stable foams. Both can result in the discharge of excess solids in the final effluent. This paper examines (a) the different types of filament in activated sludge, (b) the problems which they cause, and (c) the options which may be used to reduce the impact of the problems. In particular, it examines the problems associated with the species Microthrix parvicella, the use of selectors and the interactions which can occur in sludges dominated by this species.
River‐Management Issues in Scottish Rivers
Authors: Pender G. , Smart D. , Hoey T. B. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDuring recent years, there has been an increase in the use of‘alternative’or environmentally acceptable methods of river engineering and management. Most of the published information finds greatest application in lowland rivers where rates of fluvial process operation are slow; however, there is a lack of information relating to high‐energy upland rivers.The paper presents the results of a consultative review of river‐management problems in Scottish upland rivers. In addition, suggestions for good environmental practice relating to bank protection, fish‐habitat improvement, flood alleviation and confluence realignment are discussed. Where appropriate, design guidelines are presented.
Nitrification Trials at Dunnswood Sewage‐Treatment Works and Process Modelling Using WRc STOAT
Authors: Smith M. , Cooper P. , McMurchie J. , Stevenson D. , Mann B. , Stocker D. , Bayes C. , (Member) D. Clark 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe paper describes an experimental programme on an existing full‐scale plant to demonstrate the conditions which are necessary to achieve nitrification. The programme was guided by parallel computer modelling of the plant using the WRc STOAT simulation package. Nitrification was successfully achieved, and the studies and computer modelling indicated how the plant should be extended to provide year‐round nitrification. The effect of storm flows on effluent quality was assessed for each process option. The effluent quality consent of 5 mg/l ammoniacal nitrogen as a 95 percentile was achieved, and there was a significant improvement in river water quality with respect to ammoniacal nitrogen.
Inter‐Basin Water Transfers and Drought Management in the Kielder/Derwent System
Authors: Soulsby C. , Gibbons C. N. , Robins T. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTDuring the dry years between 1989 and 1994, inter‐basin water transfers from the Kielder system augmented flows in the River Derwent, and these flows substituted compensation releases from Derwent reservoir to retain storage for supply and recreational purposes.The paper discusses the use of the Kielder transfers together with their impact upon (a) flow regime, (b) water quality, and (c) instream ecology of the River Derwent. Also, implications of the increasing use of water transfers in the UK are critically evaluated from the perspective of sustainability.
Water‐Resource Allocation for Recreation, Leisure and Amenity
Authors: Eaton J. W. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe paper (a) assesses the social and economic demands for water‐related recreational, leisure and amenity facilities, (b) reviews the ways in which these demands are currently satisfied for lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals, and (c) identifies possible future trends. The significant degree of interaction with other uses of water is also discussed.
Development of Biological Aerated Filters: A Review
Authors: Hodkinson B. , Williams J. B. , Butler J. E. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTBiological aerated filters are wastewater‐treatment systems which contain support media for the development of a biofilm and provide oxygen at the base of the reactor for aerobic microbial processes. The origins of this type of filter date back to the early 1900s, and modern designs can provide a high level of treatment in small reactor ‘footprints’.This paper provides a review of the technology and development of biological aerated filters and submerged aerated filter systems.
Investigation Into the Retention‐Time Distribution of a Hydrodynamic Vortex Separator
Authors: Higgins P. R. , Alkhadar R. M. , Phipps D. A. , Andoh R. Y. G. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThis study describes the macromixing within a hydro‐dynamic vortex separator and considers its potential as a disinfectant contact tank. It is typically used in the sedimentation process during the treatment of sewage. The macromixing was investigated by conducting tracer experiments from which the retention time distribution was obtained and interpreted to characterize the mixing. The separator was operated in a continuous mode with no baseflow, and the retention‐time distribution was obtained using a pulse input for a range of flow‐rates. The method of moments was used to obtain various functions and axial dispersion and tanks‐in‐series model parameters.