bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thymidine incorporation and bacterial mortality as ecotoxicological assessment in aquatic habitats
Authors: Martínez J. , Vives‐Rego J. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe impact of urban and industrial wastes on marine bacteria was assessed by thymidine incorporation and bacterial mortality. The results indicate that heavy metals are highly toxic to the marine bacteria, while alkyl benzene sulfonate exhibits a moderate biotoxicity. The lyophilized wastes are, however, only mildly toxic to the marine bacteria. In general, the bacterial mortality rate is increased with the industrial waste loading.
Microbial toxicity assays used for water quality evaluation in South Africa
Authors: Slabbert J. L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA number of microbial assays have been developed for the detection of toxic chemicals in water. These include bacterial and protozoan oxygen uptake assays, a bacterial growth test, a colony formation test, and a microassay. The bioassays are rapid and relatively simple, cost effective and sensitive, and have been applied to the toxicity evaluation of drinking water and wastewaters. These tests have been used as a valuable part of a battery of bioassays that also include other, more time‐consuming biological tests.
Battery of screening tests approach applied to sediment extracts
Authors: Dutka B. J. , Kwan K. K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper reports the application of a battery of microbiological and toxicant screening tests to sediments collected from the Port Hope area. The sediments were extracted using Milli‐Q water and solvents. The solvent extracts indicated that the whole sampling area has been impacted by toxic chemicals. The Daphnia magna test was the most sensitive screening test in Milli‐Q water extracts. Microbiological studies indicated that the sampling area was, and is continuing to be, impacted by fecal pollution.
Development of a field test kit for coliphage detection in natural waters
Authors: Loh C. L. , Jangi M. S. , Ho Y. C. , Ngeow Y. F. , Wang C. W. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractColiphages may be suitable alternative indicators of fecal pollution in natural waters. The relationship between coliphage and fecal coliform numbers may be expressed by log10 transformed linear regression equations in surface waters (correlation coefficient, r2 = 0.5872; p < 0.001) and in well waters (r2 = 0.4767; p < 0.001). Using the American Public Health Association 919C single agar layer method, coliphages can be enumerated easily and at less cost and more rapidly than coliform enumeration methods. In adapting this test for use in a field test kit, however, further modifications and simplifications are required.The use of 2,3,5‐triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TPTZ) to enhance plaque visibility while helpful, was not essential. Matched‐pair t‐test analysis showed no significant difference between the plaque numbers enumerated with or without TPTZ to help plaque visibility.The Escherichia coli C host bacteria can be maintained either as a frozen preparation or dried on to paper disks with protective milk colloids. In the latter procedure, a resuscitation period of 18–24 h in broth at 30°C was found to be satisfactory in giving plaque numbers in the test that were not significantly different than when frozen host was used.A portable field kit has been designed to carry out a total of eight tests. The kit includes the media, the bacterial host, petri dishes, syringes, receptacles, and a camping gas cylinder. It measures 38 cm by 25.5 cm by 33.5 cm and weighs about 6.4 kg. Using the kit, the test procedure for a water sample can be carried out in under 15 min.
Is the Lichtenstein Operation of Strangulated Groin Hernia a Safe Procedure?
Authors: Wysocki Andrzej , Kulawik Jan , Poźniczek Marek , Strzałka Marcin 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn spite of many published articles describing the hernia repairs, there are only a few original reports concerning the polymer mesh application during emergency procedures for strangulated inguinal hernias. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results of the Lichtenstein and Bassini operations for strangulated groin hernias and to show the changing number of the tension‐free repairs.MethodsFrom 1997 to 2004, the Bassini procedure was performed in 21 patients, 6 of whom underwent small intestine resection and 2 others required resection of the necrotic omentum. The strangulated intestinal loop or omentum were released in 13 cases. After the repair 1 patient died of shock caused by intestinal necrosis. Of 56 patients who underwent an emergency Lichtenstein procedure, 55 were followed‐up. A small intestine resection was performed in 2 cases to correct segmental necrosis. The gangrenous omental appendix of the sigmoid colon was excised in 1 patient, and necrotic omental fragments were resected in 2 cases. The strangulated intestinal loop or omentum was released in 51 patients. All patients were given wide‐spectrum antibiotics intravenously.ResultsBetween 1997 and 2000 tension‐free procedures were performed in half of the patients undergoing emergency operation for strangulated hernia; between 2001 and 2004 such procedures were employed in more than 90% of the cases. In 2 patients we observed a small inflammatory infiltration of the wound that resolved within several days after Lichtenstein repair. A serous fluid collection was present in 2 cases. The treatment consisted of puncture and was successful in both cases.ConclusionsThe use of monofilament polypropylene mesh for strangulated inguinal hernia repair is safe, and the risk of the local infectious complications is low.
Combined Low Pressure Pneumoperitoneum and Intraperitoneal Infusion of Normal Saline for Reducing Shoulder Tip Pain Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Esmat M. Emad , Elsebae Magdy M.A. , Nasr Magid M.A. , Elsebaie Sameh B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIntroductionIntraabdominal CO2 gas after laparoscopic cholecystectomy causes postoperative shoulder‐tip pain. Many methods of analgesia have been used to reduce this pain, including analgesic drugs, intraperitoneal local anesthetic, intraperitoneal saline, a gas drain, heated gas, low‐pressure gas, and nitrous oxide pneumoperitoneum. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined low‐pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum and intraperitoneal infusion of normal saline in reducing the incidence of postoperative shoulder‐tip pain.MethodsAltogether, 109 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized prospectively into three groups. Patients in group A (n = 34) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 14 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum; patients in group B (n = 37) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 10 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum; and those in group C (n = 38) underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with 10 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum in addition to intraperitoneal normal saline infusion in the right hemidiaphragmatic area. Shoulder‐tip pain was recorded on a verbal rating scale 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after operation.ResultsTwelve patients in group A (35.2 percent), six in group B (16.2 percent), and seven in group C (18.4 percent) complained of shoulder‐tip pain. Hence, there was a significant decrease in the frequency of shoulder‐tip pain in groups B and C in relation to group A, but there was no significant difference between groups B and C. The postoperative shoulder‐tip pain scores were significantly reduced in group C at 6, 12, and 24 hours. The number of patients who required additional analgesics was also reduced in group C.ConclusionsLow‐pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum reduces the number of patients complaining of shoulder‐tip pain and the intensity of the pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The addition of intraperitoneal normal saline infusion to low‐pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum seems to reduce the intensity but not the frequency of shoulder‐tip pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Interim Results of Sentinel Node Biopsy during Laparoscopic Gastrectomy: Possible Role in Function‐Preserving Surgery for Early Cancer
Authors: Saikawa Yoshiro , Otani Yoshihide , Kitagawa Yuko , Yoshida Masashi , Wada Norihito , Kubota Tetsuro , Kumai Koichiro , Sugino Yoshinori , Mukai Makio , Kameyama Kaori , Kubo Atsushi , Kitajima Masaki 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIntroductionIntraoperative detection of sentinel nodes (SNs) has been used clinically to predict regional lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with breast cancer and malignant melanoma. Intraoperative lymphatic mapping and SN biopsy can potentially be combined with minimally invasive surgery. However, few reports have demonstrated the validity of SN biopsy during laparoscopic gastrectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of laparoscopic lymphatic mapping in predicting LN status in patients with gastric cancer.MethodsA total of 35 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed preoperatively as T1, N0 were enrolled. Endoscopic injection of technetium‐99m‐radiolabeled tin colloid was completed 16 hours before surgery, and radioactive SNs were identified with a gamma probe intraoperatively. Isosulfan blue dye was injected endoscopically during the operation. Laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy with LN dissection was performed. All resected LNs were evaluated by routine pathology examination.ResultsSNs were detected in 33 (94.3%) of 35 patients. The mean number of SNs was 3.9, and the diagnostic accuracy according to SN status was 97.0% (32/33), as one patient with a false‐negative result was observed. The patient with the false‐negative specimen was finally diagnosed as having advanced gastric cancer with invasion into the proper muscular layer and severe lymphatic vessel invasion, causing destruction of normal lymphatic flow by the tumor.ConclusionsRadio‐guided SN mapping during laparoscopic gastrectomy is an accurate diagnostic tool for detecting lymph node metastasis in patients with early‐stage gastric cancer. Validation of this method requires further studies on technical issues, including indications, tracers, methods of lymph node retrieval, and diagnostic modalities of metastasis.
Antarctic Shallow Drilling Project provides key core samples
Authors: Anderson John B. , Smith Wellner Julia , Bohaty Steve , Manley Patricia L. , Wise Sherwood W. 
Published: October 2006

The understanding of Antarctica's climate, cryosphere, and biosphere evolution is limited, which is due in part to the paucity of outcrops and cores that record changes during the Tertiary. This problem has been partially rectified using conventional drill ships, such as the JOIDES Resolution, but access to key areas of the continental margin has been restricted because of the inability of these ships to operate in ice‐covered waters. While researchers are restricted in their ability to acquire long cores in ice‐prone areas, nature has provided an alternative method.During past glacial maxima, ice sheets advanced onto the continental shelf, eroding deeply into the stratigraphic section. Several areas of the shelf are characterized by seaward dipping strata a few meters beneath the seafloor. However, these older strata are overlaid by glacial sediments that have proven to be impenetrable by standard piston coring. The Shallow Drilling Project (SHALDRIL) began with the idea of using an icebreaking vessel as the drill platform so that drilling could be conducted in areas that are inaccessible by standard drill ships.Though, even icebreaking vessels with a drill stem hanging beneath them are vulnerable to ever‐present changes in sea state, winds, and ice conditions. Thus, the approach, by necessity, needs to be one of ‘drill and run.’ Two cruises, in the austral falls of 2005 and 2006, have shown the efficacy of this approach.
A turning point in auroral physics
Authors: Bryant Duncan A. 
Published: October 2006

Auroral studies have reached a turning point. It now seems clear that the ‘standard’ theory which claims that the electrons responsible for bright, curtain‐like auroral arcs gain their energy from static electric fields, is indefensible, while a theory which attributes the acceleration to plasma waves is poised as a possible successor.It was approximately 100 years ago that the Norwegian mathematician and physicist Kristian Birkeland inferred that the aurora was a scintillation of the atmosphere caused by an influx of charged particles. Just over half a century later, McIlwain [1960] discovered, from pioneering rocket flights made from near the town of Churchill in Manitoba, Canada, that Birkeland was right, and that the particles were primarily electrons. Moreover, Mcllwain was able to deduce that the electrons producing a curtain‐like auroral arc exhibited a local maximum, or peak, in their energy spectrum. This conclusion was confirmed with progressively increasing resolution and sensitivity by Albert [1967] and others in the 1960s.
Barriers and bias hold back women in academic science
Authors: Zielinski Sarah 
Published: October 2006

Underlying biases and discrimination result in barriers that prevent women in science and engineering from advancing in academic positions, according to an 18 September report from the U.S. National Academies.‘What this report demonstrates is that despite years of talking about the problem, it still remains a huge problem,’ said Mary Lou Zoback, a retired U.S. Geological Survey seismologist and a member of the committee that commissioned the report, entitled ‘Beyond Bias and Barriers: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering.’
“Walking on water” and the geoscientists' fear of social controversy
Authors: Nof Doron 
Published: October 2006

Communications with editors of 13 specialized scientific journals concerning the possible publication of a seemingly controversial manuscript, which was recently published, are analyzed. On the basis of this analysis, many geoscience editors (as well as many geoscientists) may b e reluctant to publish articles with social controversies extending beyond the natural sciences, particularly when these issues involve religion. This hinders the progress of the geosciences rather than advances it, as it creates a detrimental and artificial separation between the geosciences and society at large.McKeague, Paldor, and I addressed the question of whether there is a natural explanation for ‘walking on water’ in the Sea of Galilee in an article published in the April issue of the Journal of Paleolimnology (JOPL), a journal that focuses on the reconstruction of lakes history (and hence is an ideal medium for this particular paper). We suggested in the paper (JOPL, 35, 417–439,2006) that the legend of Jesus walking on water might be rooted in unusual freezing events that took place over relatively small parts of the Sea of Galilee. Such events probably happened during several cold episodes (lasting hundreds of years) that occurred during the past 2500 years. Because of salty and warm springs that emptied into the lake, a localized ‘convection free’ freeze just above the plume created by the springs (covering an area of about 1000 square meters) probably occurred as a result of short cold spells lasting two to three days. These brief cold spells were superimposed on the much longer cold episodes that occur every 500–1000 years.
Characterization of the snake venom ligand [125I]‐DNP binding to natriuretic peptide receptor‐A in human artery and potent DNP mediated vasodilatation
Authors: Singh G , Maguire J J , Kuc R E , Skepper J N , Fidock M , Davenport A P 
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:The natriuretic peptides, ANP and BNP, modulate vascular smooth muscle tone in human conduit arteries. Surprisingly, the natriuretic peptide receptor‐A (NPR‐A) has not been visualized using radioligand binding in these vessels. A new member of this peptide family, Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) identified from snake venom, has been proposed to be present in human plasma and endothelial cells. Also, recently a novel radioligand, [125I]‐DNP, has been characterized as selective for NPR‐A in human heart.Experimental approach:Our aims were to investigate expression and function of NPR‐A receptors in human mammary artery using [125I]‐DNP to quantify receptor density, immunocytochemistry to delineate the cellular distribution of the receptor and in vitro pharmacology to compare DNP induced vasodilatation to that of ANP.Key results:Saturable, sub‐nanomolar affinity [125I]‐DNP binding was detected to smooth muscle of mammary artery, with receptor density of ∼2 fmol mg–1 protein, comparable to that of other vasoactive peptides. NPR‐A immunoreactivity was localised to vascular smooth muscle cells and this was confirmed with fluorescence dual labelling. NPR‐A expression was not detected in the endothelium. Like ANP, DNP fully reversed the constrictor response to ET‐1 in endothelium intact or denuded mammary artery, with comparable nanomolar potencies.Conclusions and Implications:This is the first characterization of NPR‐A in human mammary artery using [125I]‐DNP and we provide evidence for the presence of receptor protein on vascular smooth muscle cells, but not endothelial cells. This implies that the observed vasodilatation is predominantly mediated via direct activation of smooth muscle NPR‐A.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 838–844. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706924
The MC4 receptor and control of appetite
Authors: Adan R A H , Tiesjema B , Hillebrand J J G , la Fleur S E , Kas M J H , de Krom M 
Published: October 2006

Mutations in the human melanocortin (MC)4 receptor have been associated with obesity, which underscores the relevance of this receptor as a drug target to treat obesity. Infusion of MC4R agonists decreases food intake, whereas inhibition of MC receptor activity by infusion of an MC receptor antagonist or with the inverse agonist AgRP results in increased food intake. This review addresses the role of the MC system in different aspects of feeding behaviour. MC4R activity affects meal size and meal choice, but not meal frequency, and the type of diet affects the efficacy of MC4R agonists to reduce food intake. The central sites involved in the different aspects of feeding behaviour that are affected by MC4R signalling are being unravelled. The paraventricular nucleus plays an important role in food intake per se, whereas MC signalling in the lateral hypothalamus is associated with the response to a high fat diet. MC4R signalling in the brainstem has been shown to affect meal size. Further genetic, behavioural and brain‐region specific studies need to clarify how the MC4R agonists affect feeding behaviour in order to determine which obese individuals would benefit most from treatment with these drugs. Application of MCR agonists in humans has already revealed side effects, such as penile erections, which may complicate introduction of these drugs in the treatment of obesity.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 815–827. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706929
Isolation of an adult blood‐derived progenitor cell population capable of differentiation into angiogenic, myocardial and neural lineages
Authors: Porat Yael , Porozov Svetlana , Belkin Danny , Shimoni Daphna , Fisher Yehudit , Belleli Adina , Czeiger David , Silverman William F. , Belkin Michael , Battler Alexander , Fulga Valentin , Savion Naphtali 
Published: October 2006

SummaryBlood‐derived adult stem cells were previously considered impractical for therapeutic use because of their small numbers. This report describes the isolation of a novel human cell population derived from the peripheral blood, termed synergetic cell population (SCP), and defined by the expression of CD31Bright, CD34+, CD45−/Dim and CD34Bright, but not lineage‐specific features. The SCP was capable of differentiating into a variety of cell lineages upon exposure to defined culture conditions. The resulting cells exhibited morphological, immunocytochemical and functional characteristics of angiogenic, neural or myocardial lineages. Angiogenic cell precursors (ACPs) expressed CD34, CD133, KDR, Tie‐2, CD144, von Willebrand factor, CD31Bright, concomitant binding of Ulex‐Lectin and uptake of acetylated low density lipoprotein (Ac‐LDL), secreted interleukin‐8, vascular endothelial growth factor and angiogenin and formed tube‐like structures in vitro. The majority of CD31Bright ACP cells demonstrated Ac‐LDL uptake. Neural cell precursors (NCPs) expressed the neuronal markers Nestin, βIII‐Tubulin, and Neu‐N, the glial markers GFAP and O4, and responded to neurotransmitter stimulation. Myocardial cell precursors (MCPs) expressed Desmin, cardiac Troponin and Connexin 43. In conclusion, the simple and rapid method of SCP generation and the resulting considerable quantities of lineage‐specific precursor cells makes it a potential source of autologous treatment for a variety of diseases.
Multiple anthropogenic stressors cause ecological surprises in boreal lakes
Authors: CHRISTENSEN MICHAEL R. , GRAHAM MARK D. , VINEBROOKE ROLF D. , FINDLAY DAVID L. , PATERSON MICHAEL J. , TURNER MICHAEL A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe number of combinations of anthropogenic stressors affecting global change is increasing; however, few studies have empirically tested for their interactive effects on ecosystems. Most importantly, interactions among ecological stressors generate nonadditive effects that cannot be easily predicted based on single‐stressor studies. Here, we corroborate findings from anin situmesocosm experiment with evidence from a whole‐ecosystem manipulation to demonstrate for the first time that interactions between climate and acidification determine their cumulative impact on the food‐web structure of coldwater lakes. Interactions among warming, drought, and acidification, rather than the sum of their individual effects, best explained significant changes in planktonic consumer and producer biomass over a 23‐year period. Further, these stressors interactively exerted significant synergistic and antagonistic effects on consumers and producers, respectively. The observed prevalence of long‐ and short‐term ecological surprises involving the cumulative impacts of multiple anthropogenic stressors highlights the high degree of uncertainty surrounding current forecasts of the consequences of global change.
Structure and expression of a novel gene family showing male germline specific expression in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Di Cara F. , Morra R. , Cavaliere D. , Sorrentino A. , De Simone A. , Polito C. L. , Digilio A. F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractWe report the characterization of two novel genes of Drosophila melanogaster, named mst36Fa and mst36Fb. They define a novel gene family, showing identical time and tissue‐specificity limited to male germ cells where their transcription starts during meiotic prophase. These two genes encode for two slightly basic proteins highly homologous to each other and fairly rich in leucine and glutamic acid. Although strictly clustered, these genes utilize different promoter regions as revealed by examination of transgenic flies bearing mst36F‐promoter‐lacZ reporter constructs and by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction assays. Our data suggest that at least one gene (mst36Fa) of the cluster is under translational repression until spermiogenesis suggesting a putative role in the spermatides differentiation. The present study is aimed at the structural analysis of these genes.