bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary protein and calcium on thymus apoptosis induced by fluoride in female rats (Wistar rats)
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Zhou Bianhua , Cao Jinling , Gu Xinli , Cao Chunfang , Wang Jundong 
Published: July 2008

AbstractOur previous studies showed that excessive fluoride (F) ingestion seriously damaged the nonspecific immune function in rabbits. However, the underlying mechanisms of the F‐induced damage to the immune system are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether F induces thymus apoptosis in female rats and its underlying mechanisms by monitoring ultrastructural changes and DNA fragmentation. The results showed that excessive F induced ultrastructural changes and significantly increased the tail length and tailing ratio in thymus lymphocytes. Protein (Pr) supplementation markedly decreased the tailing ratio in thymus lymphocytes in the case of malnutrition. Furthermore, molecular analysis showed that excessive F ingestion significantly up‐regulated the expression levels of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 mRNA, whereas Pr and calcium (Ca) supplementation down‐regulated the expression levels induced by excessive F in the case of malnutrition. In conclusion, these results indicate that excessive F up‐regulates the expression levels of caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 mRNA and induces thymus apoptosis in female rats. Pr and Ca play key roles in process of F‐induced thymus apoptosis in malnourished female rats. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Molecular cloning of CYP1A gene and its expression by benzo(a)pyrene from goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Oh Seung‐Min , Ryu Byung Taek , Kim Ha Ryong , Choi Kyunghee , Chung Kyu‐Hyuck 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe cloned and sequenced the cytochrome P450 1A (CYP1A) gene from goldfish (Carassius auratus). It has a 1581 bp open reading frame that encodes a 526 amino acid protein with a theoretical molecular weight of 59.02 kDa. The CYP1A amino acid sequence clusters in a monophyletic group with other fish CYP1As, and more closely related to zebrafish CYP1A (91% identity) than to other fish CYP1As. Exposure to benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) by intraperitoneal injection increased biliary BaP metabolites and liver CYP1A gene expression. BaP exposure also increased CYP1A gene expression in extrahepatic organs, including intestine, and gill, which are sensitive to aqueous and dietary exposure to Arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists. Therefore, goldfish CYP1A identified in this study offers basic information for further research related to biomarker use of CYP1A of goldfish. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
Cadmium toxicity and phytochelatin production in a rooted‐submerged macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis exposed to low concentrations of cadmium
Authors: Wang Chao , Sun Qin , Wang Liya 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPhytochelatins (PCs) have been involved in metal detoxification, and used as potential biomarkers for an evaluation of metal toxicity. However, most studies have generally been limited to high concentrations of metals. In this study, low concentrations of cadmium (Cd) (0.01–0.64 μM) usually present in moderately polluted environments were adopted to investigate Cd toxicity, PC production, and their relationship in a rooted‐submerged macrophyte Vallisneria spiralis. It was observed that 0.01–0.04 μM Cd had no significant effects on the growth of this plant when compared with the control plant without Cd, whereas 0.08–0.64 μM Cd showed toxicity, as indicated by the gradual decreases of leaf and root fresh weights. Cadmium accumulation was significantly higher in leaves than in the roots. Correspondingly, PCs were induced in leaves and roots at every Cd concentrations studied, in particular 0.16–0.64 μM, which were higher in leaves than in roots. There existed a positively linear relationship between PC concentrations and Cd toxicity in leaf and root. Furthermore, the levels of glutathione (GSH) in leaves and roots increased with increasing Cd concentrations in solutions and exposure time, but the extent of such increase was lower than that of PCs. Cadmium uptake antagonized Zn uptake. Combined effects of Cd and Fe or Cd and Mn were antagonistic in leaves and synergistic in roots. On the basis of the present results, it was further suggested that PCs can be used as potential biomarkers for monitoring the metal toxicity in moderately polluted environments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
The use of a portable energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer for the characterization of patinas from the architectural heritage of the Iberian peninsula
Authors: Vazquez‐Calvo Carmen , Gómez Tubío Blanca , Alvarez de Buergo Monica , Ortega Feliu Inés , Fort Rafael , Respaldiza Miguel Angel 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article focuses on the study of patinas by means of a non‐destructive and fast energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique using portable equipment. The term patina is referred here to thin films or coverings (5–500 µm thick) on the surface of stone building materials, characterized by a common yellowish colour and a common presence of calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate, calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, silicate and iron oxide and/or hydroxide. Some of these patinas are the result of applied past treatments with protective and/or aesthetical purposes. The main aim of this article is to assess the potential of the technique, together with the determination of the elemental composition of the samples and the provision of analytical information leading to the discrimination between different types of patinas. This work proved that the EDXRF spectrometry is a useful technique for qualitative and even semi‐quantitative analyses of patinas in situ. It is a reliable method for a first approach to the study of a patina of any building. The results obtained showed that the patina is characterized by the presence and enrichment of elements like Si, P, K, Fe, Ti and Mn. For this reason, they could be considered as characteristics of this kind of material. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satellites, hypersatellites and RAE from Ti, V, Cr, Mn and Fe in photoionisation
Authors: Mitra D. , Sarkar M. , Bhattacharya D. , Natarajan L. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractK x‐ray satellites, hypersatellites and lines due to radiative Auger effect (RAE) of Ti, V, Cr, Mn and Fe were measured after exciting the samples with Ag bremsstrahlung at 35 kV. All the lines were measured with the ‘Spectroscan VY’ spectrometer of Spectron—OPTEL, Russia, in which a curved LiF(200) crystal was used. The spectra were deconvoluted using Voigt functions, and the peak positions of the satellites and hypersatellites were determined with errors of ± (1–5) eV. The energy shifts of the satellite lines with respect to their parent lines were also obtained. Multi‐configuration Dirac–Fock (MCDF) calculations with the inclusion of higher‐order corrections were carried out to predict the peak positions of the satellite and hypersatellite lines. Our data were then compared with our own calculated values and also with the data of others. Our measured energy shifts for KαL1, KαL2, Kαh and KβL1, when compared with our MCDF calculations, show a maximum deviation of 8, 12, 2 and 20% respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New methodology for sulfur analysis in geological samples by WD‐XRF spectrometry
Authors: Gazulla M. F. , Gómez M. P. , Orduña M. , Rodrigo M. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis article describes a methodology for analysing sulfur in geological samples by wavelength‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometry. Calibration curves were constructed with different sulfur compounds in samples prepared in the form of both beads and pellets, and the results compared. A new way of preparing the beads has been established, adding the quantity of barium required for the sulfur contained in the sample to form a stable BaSO4 compound, which suppresses the problem of sulfur loss during the fusion process.The methodology developed for the determination of sulfur by WD‐XRF analysis has been validated by comparing the findings with the results obtained using an independent method of combustion with infrared (IR) detection and analysing reference materials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improvement approaches for the determination of Cr(VI), Cd(II), Pd(II) and Pt(IV) contained in aqueous samples by conventional XRF instrumentation
Authors: Fontàs Clàudia , Marguí Eva , Hidalgo Manuela , Queralt Ignasi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis work was aimed to achieve improved instrumental sensitivity and detection limits for the determination of several elements (Cr (VI), Cd, Pd and Pt) in liquid samples by using conventional energy dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and wavelength dispersive x‐ray fluorescence (WDXRF) instrumentation. In all cases, the preconcentration of metals from liquid solutions was performed by using membranes activated with the commercial anionic exchanger Aliquat 336 (a quaternary ammonium salt), which also permits the isolation of Cr (VI) species for further x‐ray fluorescence analysis. Likewise, for the improvement of the instrumental sensitivity, a special sample holder device was used in the case of Cd determination by EDXRF (tungsten x‐ray source) instrumentation. For WDXRF analysis, the spectral evaluation was carried out by the integration of the peak area (using WinQXAS software) instead of the common net peak line intensity traditionally used in conventional WDXRF systems. With the proposed methodologies, a linear response between the metal present in the aqueous solutions and the metal extracted in the membranes was obtained, highlighting the feasibility of using these membranes as standards for x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) analysis for future determination of these elements when contained in liquid samples. Concerning the calculated detection limits, in all cases, they were in the µg l−1 range, indicating the possibilities of the proposed methodology for trace determination content of Cd, Cr(VI), Pd and Pt in liquid solutions using conventional EDXRF and WDXRF instrumentation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Properties of ε-Fe3N-Based Magnetic Fluid
Authors: Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
In this work, ε-Fe3N nanoparticles and ε-Fe3N-based magnetic fluid were synthesized by chemical reaction of iron carbonyl and ammonia gas. The size of ε-Fe3N nanoparticles was tested by TEM and XRD. Stable ε-Fe3N-based magnetic fluid was prepared by controlling the proper ratio of carrier liquid and surfactant. The saturation magnetization of stable ε-Fe3N-based magnetic fluid was calculated according to the volume fraction of the particles in the fluid. The result shows that both the calculated and measured magnetizations increase by increasing the particle concentration. With the increasing concentration of the ε-Fe3N particles, the measured value of the magnetic fluid magnetization gradually departs from the calculated magnetization, which was caused by agglomeration affects due to large volume fraction and large particle size.
Spinal cord injury‐related pain in rehabilitation: A cross‐sectional study of relationships with cognitions, mood and physical function
Authors: Perry Kathryn Nicholson , Nicholas Michael K. , Middleton James 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTAlthough psychological aspects of SCI‐related pain have been investigated in those with chronic pain, little data is available regarding these factors in those early in the course of the injury. Using a sample admitted for SCI rehabilitation, this paper describes the relationships between usual pain intensity, mood, disability and both pain and SCI‐related psychological factors. The sample were largely similar to other samples of individuals with SCI‐related chronic pain in terms of mood, but were noted to be less catastrophic in their thinking about pain than a comparative pain clinic sample. They also reported SCI self‐efficacy and acceptance scores consistent with other SCI samples. Compared with other SCI populations there were mixed findings in relation to physical disability. Consistent with previous findings in chronic pain SCI samples, usual pain intensity was found to have a strong relationship with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and pain‐related life interference. SCI acceptance was significantly negatively associated with depression scores, pain catastrophizing was significantly positively associated with both anxiety and depression scores, and SCI self‐efficacy was significantly negatively associated with both anxiety and depression scores. SCI self‐efficacy was also significantly positively associated with physical function scores. These findings suggest that pain‐related psychological factors may have importance even early in the clinical course following SCI, but that it is important, however, to consider more general SCI‐related psychological factors alongside them. In addition, these findings suggest the possibility that early interventions based upon the cognitive behavioural treatment of pain may be integrated into SCI rehabilitation programmes.
Comparison of voice outcomes after radial forearm free flap reconstruction versus primary closure after laryngectomy
Authors: Alam Daniel S. , Vivek Prashant P. , Kmiecik Joann 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVELaryngectomy with primary closure and tracheoesophageal prosthesis (TEP) voice rehabilitation has been the mainstay of the management of patients with advanced laryngeal malignancy. When adequate mucosal tissue is not available, pharyngeal reconstruction with free flaps can be utilized. The speech outcomes of these patients have been traditionally considered inferior based on the findings of a limited number of studies. We report the results of a review of our experience with radial forearm free flap (RFFF) reconstruction of extensive laryngopharyngectomy defects vs our institutional outcomes seen with primary closure.STUDY DESIGNRetrospective review.SUBJECTS AND METHODSAll patients treated with laryngectomy procedures with either primary closure (28 patients) or RFFF (20 patients) reconstructions at the Cleveland Clinic from 2002 through 2007 were included. Blinded evaluation with statistical analysis of standard speech outcomes measures (maximal sustained phonation, fluent count) as well as qualitative variables are reported.RESULTSBased on our data collection, the two groups are statistically indistinguishable.CONCLUSIONSThese findings support the utility and effectiveness of the RFFF in pharyngeal reconstruction in achieving good voice outcomes.
Transoral removal of submandibular hilar stone and sialodochoplasty
Authors: Roh Jong‐Lyel , Park Chan II 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of intraoral stone removal and sialodochoplasty in 59 patients with hilar submandibular stones.STUDY DESIGNProspective, randomized, controlled study.SUBJECTS AND METHODSFifty‐four patients underwent complete stone removal without significant complications, and five had unsuccessful removal of stones. The 54 patients with successful stone removal were randomized to additional sialodochoplasty (n = 28) or not (n = 26). Salivary scintigraphy was performed before and 6 months after surgery.RESULTSSalivary secretory function of the affected gland was less than that of a normal gland but returned to normal after stone removal. Symptom recurrence and recovery of salivary gland function were not affected by sialodochoplasty; rather, they were affected by successful removal of the stones.CONCLUSIONHilar submandibular stones can be transorally removed with high success rate, low‐level risk, and substantial recovery of gland function. Sialodochoplasty may have no effect in preventing symptom recurrence.
Making difficult ethical decisions in patient care during natural disasters and other mass casualty events
Authors: Holt G. Richard 
Published: July 2008

OBJECTIVERecent experiences in the United States with unprecedented terrorist attacks (9/11) and a devastating natural disaster (Hurricane Katrina) have demonstrated that the medical care of mass casualties during such disasters poses ethical problems not normally experienced in civilian health care. It is important to 1) identify the unique ethical challenges facing physicians who feel an obligation to care for victims of such disasters and 2) develop a national consensus on ethical guidelines as a resource for ethical decision making in medical disaster relief.STUDY DESIGNA survey of pertinent literature was performed to assess experience and opinions on the condition of medical care in terrorist attacks and natural disasters, the ethical challenges of disaster medical care, and the professional responsibilities and responsiveness in disasters.CONCLUSIONSIt is necessary to develop a national consensus on the ethical guidelines for physicians who care for patients, victims, and casualties of disasters, and to formulate a virtue‐based, yet practical, ethical approach to medical care under such extreme conditions. An educational curriculum for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians is required to best prepare all physicians who might be called upon, in the future, to triage patients, allocate resources, and make difficult decisions about treatment priorities and comfort care. It is not appropriate to address these questions at the time of the disaster, but rather in advance, as part of the ethics education of the medical profession. Important issues for resolution include inpatient and casualty triage and prioritization, medical liability, altered standards of care, justice and equity, informed consent and patient autonomy, expanding scope of practice in disaster medicine, and the moral and ethical responsibilities of physicians to care for disaster victims.
Predictors of quality of life after treatment for oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Gurney Theresa A. , Eisele David W. , Orloff Lisa A. , Wang Steven J. 
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUNDTreatment for head and neck cancer, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, can impact quality of life.DESIGNPatients seen at an academic institution and treated for oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinoma were asked to participate. The standardized University of Michigan Head and Neck Specific Quality of Life questionnaire was distributed.RESULTSEighty‐seven patients completed the questionnaire. The majority had squamous cell carcinoma (94%), stage III or IV disease (53%), and a history of tobacco or alcohol dependence (59%), and were male (62%). Eighteen percent had free‐tissue transfer (fibula free flap in 8% and radial forearm free flap in 10%). Predictors of worse quality of life included advanced stage, gastrostomy‐tube dependence, complication, or recurrence.CONCLUSIONStage, gastrostomy‐tube dependence, complication, recurrence, and treatment modality influence quality of life. A better understanding of the impact of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer treatment on quality of life will enable us to better advise our patients.
Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and associated risk factors in Brazilian schoolchildren
Authors: Seki Mario , Matsuo Tiemi , Faria Carrilho Alexandre Jose 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in schoolchildren from 6 to 16 years old, while considering their socio-economic status and other potential risk factors.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted between April and November of 2005 in a semi-rural city with a total population of 13 000 inhabitants.SettingThe study was conducted in Maracai city, located in the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo.SubjectsSchoolchildren (n 2170) of both genders, corresponding to approximately 82 % of all Maracai schoolchildren, were evaluated for components of MetS, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program; reference values for children and adolescents were adjusted for age and sex.ResultsOverall, MetS prevalence was 3·6 % (95 % CI 2·9, 4·5) and did not differ statistically between genders, skin colour, between children and adolescents. However, when we analysed groups of subjects by weight, MetS prevalence progressively increased from 0·3 % (95 % CI 0·1, 0·8) in normal-weight subjects to 10·7 % (95 % CI 7·4, 14·8) and 34·5 % (95 % CI 25·9, 43·9) in overweight and obese subjects, respectively (both P < 0·001 compared to normal-weight controls). When socio-economic classes were considered, 4·7 % high-income students (95 % CI 3·5, 6·2) had MetS, which was significantly greater than low-income students (2·7 %; 95 % CI 1·9, 3·9; P = 0·023).ConclusionsMetS prevalence was high in overweight and obese schoolchildren and these risk factors were present during childhood and adolescence. Changes in lifestyle and alimentary safety should be encouraged to avoid future cardiovascular morbidity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
A short-term intervention for the treatment of severe malnutrition in a post-conflict country: results of a survey in Guinea Bissau
Authors: Colombatti Raffaella , Coin Alessandra , Bestagini Piero , Vieira Cesaltina Silva , Schiavon Laura , Ambrosini Venceslao , Bertinato Luigi , Zancan Lucia , Riccardi Fabio 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo determine (i) the extent of malnutrition and the risk factors for severe malnutrition in Guinea Bissau, a post-conflict country experiencing long-term consequences of civil war; and (ii) the feasibility and effectiveness of a short-term intervention characterized by outpatient treatment with locally produced food for the treatment of severe malnutrition during the rainy season.Design and settingSocial, clinical, nutritional information were collected for children reaching the paediatric outpatient clinic of the Hospital ‘Comunità di Sant’Egidio’ in Bissau, Guinea Bissau, from 1 July to 12 August 2003. Severely malnourished children (weight-for-age <−3sd) in poor health status were admitted for daily nutritional and pharmacological treatment until complete recovery. Social and health indicators were analysed to define risk factors of severe malnutrition.ResultsIn total, 2642 children were visited (age range: 1 month–17 years). Fever, cough and dermatological problems were the main reasons for access. Social data outlined poor housing conditions: 86·4 % used water from unprotected wells, 97·3 % did not have a bathroom at home, 78·2 % lived in a mud house. Weight-for-age was <−2sdin 23·0 % of the children and <−3sdin 10·3 %; thirty-seven children (1·4 %) were severely malnourished and admitted for day care. All recovered with a weight gain of 4·45 g/kg per d, none died or relapsed after 1 year. Severely malnourished children were mainly infants, part of large families and had illiterate mothers.ConclusionShort-term interventions performed in post-conflict countries during seasons of high burden of disease and malnutrition are feasible and successful at low cost; day-care treatment of severe malnutrition with locally produced food is an option that can be tested in other settings.