bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing pesticide fate and side effects in the terrestrial environment
Authors: Torstensson L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTests are needed to make predictions of pesticide fate and pattern of influence on nontarget organisms in the terrestrial environment. Problems connected with testing and the evaluation of test results are discussed. It is argued that if the effects of factors influencing qualitative and quantitative properties of pesticide decomposition could be expressed in mathematical form, such as equations with rate constants, this would be an efficient test system. There are two approaches to testing the influence of a pesticide on soil organisms; to establish the magnitude and type of any response, or to ascertain whether or not a pesticide constitutes a hazard to the soil organisms and consequently to soil fertility. It is concluded that there is a pressing need for development of means of interpreting data obtained in tests with pesticides.
Rapid, specific, defined substrate technology for the simultaneous detection of total coliforms and Escherichia coli
Authors: Edberg Stephen C. , Allen Martin J. , Smith Darrell B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe Autoanalysis Colilert (AC) test is a modification of the defined substrate technology designed to enumerate specific target microbe(s) from a mixture. All ingredients are present in the tube or vessel in powdered form. The AC test is simple to perform—a measured amount of water is added to test tubes (for the most probable number test) or vessel [Presence/Absence (P/A) test]. After incubation, the development of a yellow color is specific for total coliforms. Fluorescence in the same tube(s) is specific for Escherichia coli. No confirmatory or completed tests need be performed. A national United States evaluation covering all sources and processing of water was conducted. The AC test was compared to multiple tube fermentation (quantitative) and P/A (qualitative) Standard Methods procedures. Testing protocol was that of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Monitoring and Support Laboratory for establishing equivalency between methods. The quantitative comparison showed that the AC test was slightly more sensitive than MTF. For two of five sites it was more precise; for the other three it was equal. For the qualitative P/A the AC and Standard Methods analysis agreed 94%. Specificity of the AC method was established by subculturing a species of total coliform or E. coli from positives. The AC test was easy to use, can be performed by large and small utilities, and is less expensive than current methods. It can simultaneously, specifically enumerate total coliforms and E. coli without the need for confirmatory tests.
Waterborne Klebsiella and human disease
Authors: Duncan I. B. R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractKlebsiella occurs widely in nature and is often present in surface waters used for human consumption or for recreational purposes. The organism can survive in water distribution systems despite chlorination. Many strains give rise to a positive fecal coliform test even when they are the only organisms present in the water sample. The public health significance of Klebsiella in water is therefore an important concern. In the past Klebsiella was thought to be a significant pathogen in the community causing serious primary pneumonia, but such cases are now extremely rare. Serious Klebsiella infections are today commonly seen only in hospital patients whose resistance has been impaired by their primary disease condition. There is no evidence that waterborne Klebsiella play any significant part in the epidemiology of these hospital‐acquired infections. Klebsiella in water supplies should therefore not to be considered a hazard to human health.
Influence of metals on oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide fixation, and cytochrome reduction in Nitrobacter Agilis
Authors: Tsai Yu‐Li , Tuovinen Olli H. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOxygen uptake coupled with nitrite oxidation by washed cell suspensions of Nitrobacter agilis was tested in the presence of copper, nickel, aluminum, uranyl, and molybdate ions. Copper ion was slightly stimulatory at low concentrations and strongly inhibitory at 17 mM. Molybdate ion showed either slight enhancement or no inhibition at all test concentrations. With the other test ions, inhibition of oxygen uptake was observed. Carbon dioxide fixation was generally more sensitive to metal ions than was oxygen uptake. Cytochrome reduction in washed cells of N. agilis was demonstrated in the presence and absence of metal ions. Cytochrome aa3 and cytochrome a1 (α‐peak at 590 nm) were sensitive to aluminum, uranyl, and molybdate ions, whereas cytochrome c (β‐peak at 520 nm) was insensitive to test ions. All metal ions inhibited the reduction of cytochrome a1 (γ‐peak at 438 nm). This inhibition decreased when the concentration of copper and molybdate was increased to 1.7 mM. Only aluminum and nickel ions demonstrated a concentration‐dependent inhibition of cytochrome a1 (438 nm). The test ions blocked the activity of cytochrome c (α‐peak at 550 nm). The inhibition of cytochrome c at 415 nm (γ‐peak) was also apparent.
Effect of selenium on microbial communities in laboratory microcosms and outdoor streams
Authors: Pratt James R. , Bowers N. J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractEcological effects of selenium (as sodium selenite) on naturally derived microbial communities were evaluated in laboratory microcosms and in outdoor experimental streams at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Monticello Ecological Research Station (MERS). Microcosms were continuously dosed for 21 days at selenium concentrations ranging from 0 to 160μg Se/L. Outdoor streams were continuously dosed at 0, 10, and 30 μg Se/L, the highest concentration approximating the current U.S. EPA water quality criterion. In laboratory microcosms, protozoan species richness was reduced by 20%, and chlorophyll and hexosamine levels were reduced by 40% at μ80 μg Se/L. Total biomass and carbohydrate levels decreased with increasing Se, but these effects were not significant. Selenium had no effect on microcosm production to respiration ratios. In outdoor streams, microbial community biomass collected on artificial substrata was 2–3 times greater than in the laboratory. In general, adverse effects were not observed, confirming laboratory estimates of no adverse effects at <80 μg Se/L. However, low doses (10μg Se/L) consistently stimulated microbial biomass (protein, chlorophyll, hexosamine) and elevated production to biomass (P/B), consistent with reports of Se stimulation of algal growth. The highest Se dose (30 μg/L) caused decreased primary production and decreased P/B compared to controls. Experiments showed that ecological responses of laboratory microcosms and outdoor experimental ecosystems are similar, and are at least as sensitive as standard toxicological responses.
Biotoxicity of tributyltin acrylate polymers
Authors: Joshi Ravi R. , Gupta Sudhir K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe biotoxicity of 3 tributyltin monomers, their homopolymers, and 8 copolymers of tributyltin α‐chloroacrylate (TCA) against 2 microorganisms (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Sarcina lutea) and the larvae Artemia salina (Naupli II) is reported. Biotoxicity of the TCA monomer was found to be lower than that of the tributyltin acrylate (TBTAA) monomer. However, the toxicity of homopolymers of TCA was higher than that of TBTAA. The toxicity of copolymers increased with an increase in tributyltin content in the polymer. The biotoxicity could not be correlated with the chemical structure of the polymer.
Method and context perspectives on learning and knowledge creation in quality management
Authors: Choo Adrian S. , Linderman Kevin W. , Schroeder Roger G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis research develops a framework of learning and knowledge‐based quality improvement by integrating the two perspectives of learning and knowledge creation. One perspective focuses on adhering to a prescribed methodology while the other emphasizes managing the context. By conceptualizing a comprehensive quality program as comprising basic contextual and methodological elements, we develop theoretically how a comprehensive quality program such as Six Sigma can produce dissimilar types of learning and knowledge, and how a quality advantage can become more sustainable.
Octreotide therapy in dumping syndrome: analysis of long‐term results
Authors: DIDDEN P. , PENNING C. , MASCLEE A. A. M. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackgroundOctreotide therapy is effective in controlling severe dumping symptoms during short‐term follow‐up but little is known about long‐term results.AimTo report on the long‐term results of patients with severe dumping syndrome treated at the Leiden University Medical Center with subcutaneous or depot intramuscular (long‐acting release) octreotide.MethodsFollow‐up of 34 patients with severe dumping syndrome refractory to other therapeutic measures treated between 1987 and 2005 with octreotide subcutaneous/long‐acting release. At regular intervals symptoms, quality of life, weight, faecal fat excretion and gallstone formation were evaluated.ResultsAll patients had excellent initial relief of symptoms during octreotide subcutaneous therapy. However, during follow‐up 16 patients stopped therapy because of side effects (n = 9) or loss of efficacy (n = 7). Four patients died. Fourteen patients (41%) remain using octreotide (follow‐up 93 ± 15 months), seven are on octreotide subcutaneous and seven on octreotide long‐acting release. Patients with severe dumping (both early and late) do better on subcutaneous than long‐acting release despite the inconvenience of frequent injections. Dumping symptoms are reduced by 50% even in long‐term users. Body weight continues to increase during therapy despite more pronounced steatorrhoea.ConclusionThe long‐term the efficacy of octreotide is much less favourable compared with short‐term treatment.
Genetic patterns in Podocarpus parlatorei reveal the long‐term persistence of cold‐tolerant elements in the southern Yungas
Authors: Quiroga M. Paula , Premoli Andrea C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAim  This study analyses long‐term responses to climate changes in Podocarpus parlatorei, a cold‐tolerant tree species from the subtropics in South America, using distribution patterns of isozyme variation.Location  Podocarpus parlatorei characterizes montane forests within the Yungas, a cloud forest of the subtropics of north‐western Argentina and southern Bolivia. Podocarpus parlatorei consists of disjunct populations ecologically subdivided into northern, central, and southern sectors that we predict will be genetically divergent from one another as a result of historical isolation.Methods  We collected fresh leaves from a maximum of 30 randomly selected individuals from each of 18 populations. We resolved 25 isozyme loci, and scored the most consistent 14, 57% of which were polymorphic. Within‐population variation was tested against latitude, longitude, and elevation using multiple regressions. Genetic structure across populations was analysed using diversity parameters. The relationship between genetic and geographic distances was explored with reference to Pearson correlation coefficients.Results  The effective number of alleles and observed heterozygosity increase latitudinally. Southern populations tend to be the most variable and genetically distinct. This result suggests that they could represent the location of a long‐term refuge for P. parlatorei. The mean number of alleles per locus decreases with elevation. The total genetic diversity is HT = 0.163, 10% of which is distributed among populations. A positive association between genetic and geographic distances was detected.Main conclusions  Reductions in genetic diversity towards the north and high‐elevation mountains are consistent with evidence of patterns of forest migration resulting from climate change during the Late Quaternary, northern expansion during episodes of cooling, and range contraction towards the highlands during warming trends. Naturally disjunct populations of P. parlatorei are genetically divergent from one another, indicating that local genetic stocks should be used for restoration of degraded habitats.
Association between reflux esophagitis and/or hiatus hernia and gastric mucosal atrophy level in Japan
Authors: Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Tanaka Yuriko , Hayashi Yoshinori , Kotoyori Makoto , Kawami Noriyuki , Kawakami Akihiko , Sakamoto Choitsu 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The mechanisms involved in reflux esophagitis (RE) are mainly esophageal motor dysfunction and abnormal esophageal acid exposure. Therefore the extent of gastric mucosal atrophy (GMA), which is related to gastric acid secretion, is an important factor in the development of RE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of RE and hiatus hernia (HH) according to level of GMA.Methods:  A total of 1897 prospective, consecutive endoscopic examinations were performed by the same endoscopist to investigate the prevalence of RE and HH in patients with closed or open‐type GMA. The patients were divided into four age groups: under 44, 45–54, 55–64 and over 65 years.Results:  The prevalence of RE and HH in patients with closed‐type GMA was significantly higher than that of open‐type GMA in the 45–54, 55–64 and over 65 age groups. In patients with open‐type GMA, the prevalence of RE in each age group was similar at 5.0–7.4%, and the prevalence of HH in the over 65 age group was significantly higher than that of the 55–64 age group. In patients with closed‐type GMA, the prevalence of RE and HH in the over 65 age group was significantly higher than that of other age groups.Conclusions:  The existence of closed‐type GMA and age over 65 years were important factors in the development of RE and HH.
Hospital services for children in the Solomon Islands: Rebuilding after the civil conflict
Authors: Auto James , Nasi Titus , Ogaoga Divi , Kelly Julian , Duke Trevor 
Published: October 2006

Aims:  The Solomon Islands health service, infrastructure and economy were severely affected by the civil conflict that occurred between 1998 and 2003. In 2002 plans to rebuild health services for children, especially those provided in provincial hospitals, were developed by paediatricians, in collaboration with the World Health Organization. We aimed to inform this process by an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the child health service, particularly in provincial hospitals.Methods:  A systematic assessment of the quality of hospital care for children in Solomon Islands was conducted in November 2003. The study used a WHO assessment tool, modified for use in the Asia‐Pacific region.Results:  The assessment highlighted several problems in clinical care, human resources, health financing, referral systems, and training, and has been used as a basis for several interventions for improving the quality of paediatric care.Conclusion:  This study and the initiatives that have followed it demonstrate the link between such assessments, child health policy and quality improvement activities. Such programs can be implemented even where resources are very limited. Sustaining initiatives based on this assessment will be important for the Solomon Islands if it is to achieve the Millennium Development Goals for child survival by 2015.
Effect of ergocalciferol supplementation on serum parathyroid hormone and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in chronic kidney disease
Authors: DEVILLE JASON , THORP MICAH L , TOBIN LOIS , GRAY EEVA , JOHNSON ERIC S , SMITH DAVID H 
Published: October 2006

SUMMARY:Aim:  To assess the impact of the administration of ergocalciferol on serum parathyroid hormone levels at different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:  A continuous series of 85 patients with stages 3–5 CKD but excluding patients on dialysis referred to the Kaiser Kidney Program were followed. Baseline serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured. All patients were administered ergocalciferol in doses ranging from 800 iu/day to 100 000 iu/week. We obtained serum levels of iPTH and 25(OH)D for a post‐treatment endpoint after a median treatment period of 90 days.Results:  Pre‐ and post‐treatment serum iPTH levels displayed a mean difference of 2.8 pmol/L (95% CI 1.3–4.4, P < 0.001). Patients with stage 4 CKD had a mean difference of 3.6 pmol/L (95% CI 1.7–5.5, P < 0.001) between pre‐ and post‐iPTH levels. Serum iPTH levels decreased among CKD stages 3 and 5, but were not statistically significant. All CKD groups analysed in the present study had significant increases in serum 25(OH)D levels. None of the study population required cessation of vitamin D therapy and no adverse outcomes were reported.Conclusion:  Ergocalciferol supplementation appears a safe and effective treatment for CKD populations which may raise levels of serum 25(OH)D levels and decrease iPTH levels.
Sleep‐disordered breathing and continuous positive airway pressure compliance in a group of commercial bus drivers in Hong Kong
Authors: HUI David S.C. , KO Fanny W.S. , CHAN Joseph K.W. , TO Kin W. , FOK Joan P.C. , NGAI Jenny C. , CHAN Michael C.H. , TUNG Alvin , CHAN Doris P. , HO Catherine W. , LAI Christopher K.W. 
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  Sleep‐disordered breathing may predispose drivers to road traffic accidents. However, CPAP acceptance and compliance among commercial bus drivers is unknown.Methods:  We conducted a sleep questionnaire survey at a bus depot followed by random selection of bus drivers for home sleep study with the mesam iv device. Bus drivers with a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ≥ 5/h were invited to have hospital‐based polysomnography for confirmation followed by nasal CPAP treatment.Results:  Out of 1477 bus drivers, 1016 (971 men) were interviewed with mean (SD) age of 45.3 (7.5) years, BMI 24.9 (3.6) kg/m2, neck circumference 38.9 (3.1) cm and Epworth sleepiness score 4.8 (4.0). Sleepiness at work was reported by 60.9%, snoring ≥3 nights per week 23.9%, witnessed apnoea 3.7% and having fallen asleep during driving by 24%. Among 211 who underwent home sleep study, 85 (40.3%), 55 (26.1%) and 37 (17.5%) had RDI ≥5, ≥10 and ≥15/h respectively. BMI, snoring intensity and neck circumference were the positive independent factors associated with the RDI. Of the 25 drivers who attended polysomnography, nine accepted CPAP prescription with improvement of Epworth sleepiness score, trail B and digit span after 3 months with CPAP usage of 4.5 (1.3) h/night.Conclusion:  The estimated minimum prevalence rates of sleep‐disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome were 8.4% and 5.4% respectively among the bus drivers. Home CPAP acceptance was low among bus drivers with sleep apnoea but there was significant improvement of subjective sleepiness and cognitive function among those on CPAP treatment.
Comparison of pre‐ and postoperative pulmonary function in obese and non‐obese female patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: AKDUR Hülya , YIðIT Zerrin , SÖZEN Ahmet Bilge , ÇAðATAY Tülin , GÜVEN ÖZen 
Published: October 2006

Objective and background:  Various studies have suggested that body size and in‐hospital mortality are related. However, only a few analysed the effects of obesity on pulmonary complications following coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The purpose of the present study was to assess early changes in lung volumes, respiratory complications and arterial blood gas tension following CABG in obese women.Methods:  Pulmonary function tests (PFTs), treadmill exercise capacity tests (TM), arterial blood gases and pulmonary complications were studied in 124 obese (mean age 57.2 ± 5.8 years) and 108 non‐obese (mean age 58.6 ± 5.9 years) female patients undergoing elective CABG. PFT, TM tests, arterial blood gas analyses and CXR were performed in the preoperative and postoperative periods and pulmonary complications were recorded. Breathing and coughing exercises, early ambulation and pulmonary clearing techniques were used by physical therapists to prevent pulmonary complications after CABG surgery.Results:  Postoperative PFT and TM tests deteriorated significantly in both groups (P < 0.0001). The deterioration in the obese group was highly significant. The postoperative deterioration of blood gas measurements in obese patients was also statistically significant compared to non‐obese patients. Early pulmonary complications developed in 21 (16.94%) of the obese patients and in 10 (9.25%) of non‐obese patients. Duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital stays were longer compared to the non‐obese patients (P = 0.008, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0386, respectively).Conclusion:  Obesity has a detrimental effect on pulmonary function, exercise capacity, blood gas measurements and complications rates in postoperative period following CABG surgery.
Cardiac arrest in a child with cerebral palsy undergoing sevoflurane induction of anesthesia after preoperative clonidine
Authors: GOLDFINGER MARK M. , TRIPI PAUL A. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryClonidine is a frequently administered α2‐adrenergic agonist which can decrease heart rate and blood pressure. We present a case of a 5‐year‐old child with cerebral palsy and seizure disorder, receiving clonidine for restlessness, who presented for placement of a baclofen pump. Without the knowledge of the medical personnel, the patient's mother administered three doses of clonidine during the evening before and morning of surgery to reduce anxiety. During induction of anesthesia, the patient developed bradycardia and hypotension requiring cardiac resuscitation. There are no previous reports of clonidine‐associated cardiac arrest in a child undergoing induction of anesthesia.
The efficacy of intravenous or peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine for postoperative pain relief in children following adenotonsillectomy1
Authors: DAL DIDEM , CELEBI NALAN , ELVAN ELVAN GAYE , CELIKER VAROL , AYPAR ULKU 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBackground : A few previous studies have suggested the efficacy of i.v. ketamine for postoperative pain relief in children after adenotonsillectomy, but none has investigated the efficacy of peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine in these children.Methods : This randomized, placebo‐controlled study evaluated the effects of peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Ninety ASA I‐II children were randomized three groups of 30 each. Group I received: 2 ml i.v. saline, group II received i.v. ketamine (0.5 mg·kg−1) and group III received a local peritonsillar infiltration of ketamine (0.5 mg·kg−1). All medications were 2 ml in volume which was applied 1 ml per tonsil 3 min prior to tonsillectomy. Modified Hannallah pain scale [observational pain scores (OPS)], nausea, vomiting, bleeding, rescue analgesia, sedation and Aldrete scores were recorded at first, 15th, 30th and 60th min postoperatively. Patients were interviewed on the day after surgery to assess the postoperative pain, nightmares, hallucinations, vomiting and bleeding.Results : Group I had higher OPS scores than group II and group III. Group II and group III had comparable scores, which were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Group II had higher sedation score at 15th min (P = 0.015). Thirty‐two children, 19 of whom were in group I had rescue analgesia in postanesthesia care unit (P < 0.05) and the time to first analgesic requirement was significantly shorter in group I than the other groups (P = 0.006). Group II and group III also had less pain than group I at home (P = 0.023).Conclusions : Low dose ketamine given i.v. or by peritonsillar infiltration perioperatively provides efficient pain relief without side‐effects in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.