bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MetPAD: A bioassay kit for the specific determination of heavy metal toxicity in sediments from hazardous waste sites
Authors: Bitton Gabriel , Campbell Marjorie , Koopman Ben 
Published: October 2006

AbstractMetPADTM, a bioassay kit designed for the specific determination of heavy metal toxicity in environmental samples, was evaluated for toxicity assessment of sediment elutriates from hazardous waste sites in Florida. MetPAD, when run concurrently with Microtox® was useful in pinpointing sediments with heavy metal toxicity. MetPAD results were confirmed by heavy metal analysis of the samples. The MetPAD bioassay for the specific detection of the presence of bioavailable heavy metals should be included in test batteries for toxicity assessment of sediments. © 1992 John Wiley & sons, Inc.
Effects of copper and nickel on the growth of nitrosomonas europaea
Authors: Sato Chikashi , Schnoor Jerald L. , McDonald Donald B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe toxic effects of copper(II) and nickel(II) species on the growth of Nitrosomonas europuea were investigated. The initial conditions of media were defined in terms of chemical speciation using a chemical equilibrium model. The investigation measured the response of N. europaea (the oxidation of ammonium to nitrite) cultured in a simple medium containing five cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, K+, Na+ ) and five inorganic ligands (CO2−3, SO2−4, Cl−, PO3−4, OH−), to changing concentrations of heavy metals (Cu2+, Ni2+) and total ammonia (NH3 plus NH+4). Experimental conditions were controlled as to allow interpretation of the results in terms of chemical species and their toxic effects on the organisms.Decrease of the specific growth rate of N. europaea was linearly correlated (r≥ 0.90) with the logarithmic activities of Cu(II)‐ammine species (i.e., CuNH2+3, Cu(NH3)2+2, Cu(NH3)2+3, Cu(NH3)2+4,), regardless of the total copper(II) activity in the medium. Nickel(II) was far less toxic than copper(II) on the basis of specific growth rate, but nickel induced a lag or synchronized growth on the culture. The duration of lag increased with increasing total nickel concentration, while it decreased significantly as total ammonia concentration increased. The lag time was highly correlated (r>0.85) with total nickel and Ni2+ activities on log‐log scale at high ammonia concentrations, but no particular nickel species was implicated as the toxic agent. The toxicity of copper and nickel were markedly influenced by the substrate concentration.
Continuous biodegradation and detoxification of chlorinated phenols using immobilized bacteria
Authors: Portier R. J. , Fujisaki K. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGlass, cellulose and chitin materials were used as immobilized supports for porous solid matrix attachment of bacterial strains in continuous flow biocatalyst studies for chlorinated phenols detoxification. Several bacterial strains, isolated from diverse aquatic environments in south Louisiana, were utilized in continuous biotransformation and detoxification of select chlorinated phenols typically found in industrial effluents. Toxicants included phenol, 2–chlorophenol, 2,4‐dichlorophenol, 2,4,5‐trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol. Continuous removal of 100 ppm solutions were achieved for periods of 3 months or longer. Residual levels of 100 ppb or less were noted. Mathematical models of biotransformation kinetics were tested based on laboratory results.
Parental satisfaction with health services provided to children with Down syndrome in north-west England: an ENT perspective
Authors: Hans P S , Belloso A , Sheehan P Z 
Published: October 2006

Aims: To evaluate parents' satisfaction with medical and allied health services provided to children with Down syndrome in north-west England, comparing ENT and its allied services with other areas of health service provision.Methods: A questionnaire survey of parents attending a north-west England Down syndrome association conference. Demographic data, departments visited, satisfaction with each service (scored one to five), waiting times for each service (scored one to five), service need (scored one to three) and accessibility (scored one to three) were recorded.Results: Otolaryngology had been used by 50 per cent of children, with a satisfaction of 2.63 (the second worst score). Speech and language therapy was used by 90 per cent of the children, with a satisfaction of 3.26 (the worst score). The service felt to be most needed and also most difficult to access was speech and language therapy.Conclusion: Otorhinolaryngology departments should assess how they can improve their service to this population with specific ENT needs. Speech and language services for children with Down syndrome should be expanded.
Determination of thermodynamics and kinetics of RNA reactions by force
Authors: Tinoco Ignacio , T. X. Li Pan , Bustamante Carlos 
Published: October 2006

1. Introduction 3262. Instrumentation 3282.1 Instruments to study mechanical properties of RNA 3282.1.1 AFM 3282.1.2 Magnetic tweezers 3282.1.3 Optical tweezers 3302.2 Optical trap instrumentation 3302.3 Calibrations 3322.3.1 Calibration of trap stiffness 3322.3.2 Calibration of force 3332.3.3 Calibration of distance 3342.4 Types of experiments 3342.4.1 Force-ramp 3342.4.2 Force-clamp or constant-force experiments 3352.4.3 Extension-clamp or constant extension experiments 3352.4.4 Force-jump, Force-drop 3362.4.5 Passive mode 3363. Thermodynamics 3363.1 Reversibility 3363.2 Gibbs free energy 3373.2.1 Stretching free energy 3383.2.1.1 Rigid molecules 3383.2.1.2 Compliant or flexible molecules 3393.2.2 Free energy of a reversible unfolding transition 3393.2.3 Free energy of unfolding at zero force 3403.2.4 Free energy of an irreversible unfolding transition 3403.2.4.1 Jarzynski's method 3413.2.4.2 Crooks fluctuation theorem 3434. Kinetics 3454.1 Measuring rate constants 3454.1.1 Hopping 3454.1.2 Force-jump, Force-drop 3474.1.3 Force-ramp 3484.1.4 Instrumental effects 3504.2 Kinetic mechanisms 3514.2.1 Free-energy landscapes 3514.2.2 Kinetics of unfolding 3535. Relating force-measured data to other measurements 3545.1 Thermodynamics 3545.2 Kinetics 3576. Acknowledgements 3577. References 358Single-molecule methods have made it possible to apply force to an individual RNA molecule. Two beads are attached to the RNA; one is on a micropipette, the other is in a laser trap. The force on the RNA and the distance between the beads are measured. Force can change the equilibrium and the rate of any reaction in which the product has a different extension from the reactant. This review describes use of laser tweezers to measure thermodynamics and kinetics of unfolding/refolding RNA. For a reversible reaction the work directly provides the free energy; for irreversible reactions the free energy is obtained from the distribution of work values. The rate constants for the folding and unfolding reactions can be measured by several methods. The effect of pulling rate on the distribution of force-unfolding values leads to rate constants for unfolding. Hopping of the RNA between folded and unfolded states at constant force provides both unfolding and folding rates. Force-jumps and force-drops, similar to the temperature jump method, provide direct measurement of reaction rates over a wide range of forces. The advantages of applying force and using single-molecule methods are discussed. These methods, for example, allow reactions to be studied in non-denaturing solvents at physiological temperatures; they also simplify analysis of kinetic mechanisms because only one intermediate at a time is present. Unfolding of RNA in biological cells by helicases, or ribosomes, has similarities to unfolding by force.
The Hsp70 member, Ssa1, acts as a DNA‐binding transcriptional co‐activator of laccase in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Zhang Shirong , Hacham Moshe , Panepinto John , Hu Guowu , Shin Soowan , Zhu Xudong , Williamson Peter R. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryHsp70 proteins are a well‐known class of chaperones that have also been described to have roles in cellular regulation. Here, we show that a Cryptococcus neoformans Hsp70 homologue Ssa1 acts as a DNA‐binding transcriptional co‐activator of the fungal virulence factor, laccase, via binding to a GC‐rich element within the 5′‐UAS in response to glucose starvation, iron, copper, calcium and temperature. In addition, Ssa1 forms a regulatory complex with heat shock transcription factor and TATA‐binding protein during laccase induction. Furthermore, deletion of Ssa1 results in reduced laccase and attenuated virulence using a mouse model. These results indicate that Hsp70 functions as a stress‐related transcriptional co‐activator required for fungal virulence.
Integration of omics data: how well does it work for bacteria?
Authors: De Keersmaecker Sigrid C. J. , Thijs Inge M. V. , Vanderleyden Jos , Marchal Kathleen 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIn the current omics era, innovative high‐throughput technologies allow measuring temporal and conditional changes at various cellular levels. Although individual analysis of each of these omics data undoubtedly results into interesting findings, it is only by integrating them that gaining a global insight into cellular behaviour can be aimed at. A systems approach thus is predicated on data integration. However, because of the complexity of biological systems and the specificities of the data‐generating technologies (noisiness, heterogeneity, etc.), integrating omics data in an attempt to reconstruct signalling networks is not trivial. Developing its methodologies constitutes a major research challenge. Besides for their intrinsic value towards health care, environment and industry, prokaryotes are ideal model systems to further develop these methods because of their lower regulatory complexity compared with eukaryotes, and the ease with which they can be manipulated. Several successful examples outlined in this review already show the potential of the systems approach for both fundamental and industrial applications, which would be time‐consuming or impossible to develop solely through traditional reductionist approaches.
Evaluation of adhesion to buccal epithelial cells in Candida species obtained from denture wearers after exposure to fluconazole
Authors: Pereira Lyon Juliana , De Resende Maria Aparecida 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe aim of this study was to assess the adhesion ability by Candida spp. obtained from denture wearer patients with and without denture stomatitis and the possible reduction in adhesion after exposure to fluconazole. Nine C. tropicalis, five C. glabrata and two C. parapsilosis obtained from the oral cavity of patients with denture stomatitis and 11 C. tropicalis, nine C. glabrata and six C. parapsilosis obtained from the oral cavity of denture wearers with normal palatal mucosa were compared for adhesion ability to buccal epithelial cells (BEC) and reduction in adhesion after exposure to fluconazole. Candida spp. obtained from denture stomatitis patients were more adherent to BEC, and there was a reduction in adhesion after exposure to fluconazole in all the species tested. Our results demonstrated that exposure to fluconazole reduces Candida spp. adherence to BEC. These results also suggest that adhesion, even in non‐albicans species, could be factors that, along with predisposing conditions related to the host, determine if an individual will develop disease or remain as a healthy carrier and confirm that fluconazole has an impact in the adherence ability in Candida spp.
Efficacy and safety of a new single‐dose terbinafine 1% formulation in patients with tinea pedis (athlete's foot): a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Ortonne JP , Korting HC , Viguié‐Vallanet C , Larnier C , Savaluny E 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Tinea pedis is a common dermatophyte infection with frequent recurrences. Terbinafine (presently used as a 1‐week topical treatment of tinea pedis) is now available in a novel topical solution (film‐forming solution – FFS), developed to allow single application.Objectives  To demonstrate the efficacy and safety of terbinafine 1% FFS in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trial, and to determine relapse or re‐infection rate of tinea pedis at 12 weeks.Patients/methods  Fifty‐four centres (27 in France; 27 in Germany) enrolled 273 evaluable patients (2 : 1 randomization). Patients applied terbinafine 1% FFS or placebo only once between, under and over the toes, soles and sides of both feet. Efficacy assessments included direct microscopy, mycological culture, and clinical signs and symptoms at baseline, and at weeks 1, 6 and 12 after the single drug application.Results  Effective treatment (negative mycology plus absent/minimal symptoms) at week 6 in the terbinafine 1% FFS group was 63%; vehicle was 17% (P 0.0001). Mycological cure was 72% in the terbinafine group and 21% in the placebo (P 0.0001) at week 6. Clinical signs/symptoms decreased significantly in the active group compared to the placebo. The self‐assessment of itching and burning sensation by the patient showed a clear reduction in symptoms starting 15 min after treatment application (this could be attributed to the cooling effect of the FFS). Recurrence (positive culture at 3 months) occurred in 12.5% of the effectively treated patients at week 6 in the terbinafine group. FFS was well tolerated.Conclusion  Terbinafine 1% FFS, single dose application is an effective, safe and convenient treatment for tinea pedis. The relapse/re‐infection rate 3 months after the end of single‐dose therapy is similar to that previously demonstrated in a study using terbinafine 1% cream for 7 days.
Porous Acetylene-black Spheres as the Cathode Materials of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cai Fengshi , Chen Jun , Xu Ruisong 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Porous acetylene-black (AB) spheres were used as the cathode materials of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC), showing low-cost, high electrochemical activity and energy-conversion efficiency (5.76%), indicating the potential replacement of noble-metal Pt in the cathode of DSC.
Arsenic Recovery from Water Containing Arsenite Ions by Hydrothermal Mineralization
Authors: Itakura Takeshi , Sasai Ryo , Itoh Hideaki 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Here, we demonstrated the recovery of arsenic from water containing various concentrations of arsenite ions by hydrothermal mineralization treatment using the mineralizer Ca(OH)2. As a result, it was found that the yield recovery of hydrothermal mineralization treatment is independent of initial concentration and arsenic valence. Therefore, the present technique is effective for treating water contaminated by arsenic species.
Adsorption Behavior of 6-Octylthio-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol Monosodium on Au(111) Investigated by Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy
Authors: Kaneko Shingo , Yoshimoto Soichiro , Sawaguchi Takahiro , Shikakura Kenta , Kameyama Atsushi , Takahashi Satoshi , Kobayakawa Koichi , Sato Yuichi 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
An electrochemical STM study revealed that the ordered adlayers of 6-octylthio-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-dithiol monosodium (OTDS) were formed on a Au(111) electrode surface in HClO4, resulting in the formation of stripe structure by stacking along the √3 direction.
The combined sensate radial forearm and iliac crest free flaps for reconstruction of significant glossectomy‐mandibulectomy defects
Authors: Urken Mark L. , Weinberg Hubert , Vickery Carlin , Aviv Jonathan E. , Buchbinder Daniel , Lawson William , Biller Hugh F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe loss of motor and sensory function of the tongue following ablative surgery has a devastating effect on oral function. At the present time, there is no way to restore lost tongue musculature following partial glossectomy. The use of sensate cutaneous flaps has been shown to restore sensory feedback to reconstructed areas of the oral cavity. No single composite flap supplies a sensate soft‐tissue component together with an osseous component of sufficient bone stock for functional mastication. In this article, the combination of the radial forearm free flap with the iliac crest osteocutaneous or osteomyocutaneous free flap is reported. The radial forearm free flap was used to resurface the resected portion of the tongue to provide maximum mobility and sensation. The lingual nerve was the recipient nerve for anastomosis to the antebrachial cutaneous nerves in all but one case. The iliac bone was used to reconstruct the mandible, with the iliac skin paddle or the internal oblique muscle used to reconstruct the neoridge. This combination of flaps was used in 10 patients. There was one flap failure due to vascular kinking from“piggybacking” the iliac crest to the distal end of the radial forearm flap. As a result, the use of two separate sets of recipient vessels is now advocated.Although a single composite free flap offers an excellent form of oromandibular reconstruction in most cases, it has been shown that oral function deteriorates when large areas of anesthesia are present in the oral cavity. We believe that this combination of two free flaps offers an opportunity for superior function in select patients with significant glossectomy and/or large mucosal defects.
Temporal bone histopathologic findings of Waardenburg's syndrome: A case report
Authors: Nakashima Shigeto , Sando Isamu , Takahashi Haruo , Hashida Yoshie 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA histopathological study of the temporal bones of a 3‐year‐old black girl who had bilateral deafness associated with Waardenburg's syndrome type II showed a similar pattern of pathology in both ears. The most striking findings were an absence of pigmentation in the inner ear and cochleosaccular abnormality. This is, to our knowledge, only the third report on human temporal bone histopathology in Waardenburg's syndrome and the first report of such a case with absence of pigment (melanin) in the inner ear. A possible association of hearing loss with absence of inner ear pigment in this case is discussed.
Anatomic correlates of normal and diseased adenoids in children
Authors: Brodsky Linda , Koch R. James 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn order to better understand the pathogenesis and sequelae of obstructive adenoid hyperplasia in children, the anatomic relationships of the adenoids to the hard and soft palates, oropharynx, and nasopharynx were studied in vivo in 94 children. Direct, intraoperative palatal, nasopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal measurements were performed in 19 children with normal, nondiseased adenoids (controls [C]) and compared to 75 children undergoing adenoidectomy for obstructive adenoid hyperplasia (OAH) (n = 44) or chronic adenoid infection (CAI) (n = 31).As expected, the weight and volume of the adenoids removed were significantly greater in the OAH vs. CAI group (P < .001). Before adenoidectomy, the volume of the nasopharynx was significantly smaller in the OAH group; however, nasopharyngeal volumes after adenoidectomy were quite similar in all three groups and ranged from 5.4 to 6.2 cc. Only the change in the volume of the nasopharynx after adenoidectomy for obstruction was significant (2.5 ± 1.2 cc, P < .01). Differences in oropharyngeal and palatal dimensions were not associated with longstanding obstruction from adenoid hyperplasia.These data indicate that the nasal obstruction from adenoid hyperplasia is due to an absolute increase in adenoid size rather than a relatively smaller nasopharynx. Differences in palatal and oropharyngeal dimensions usually described and attributed to longstanding nasal obstruction could not be demonstrated in this study.
Trends in Elective Hand Surgery Referrals from Primary Care
Authors: Wildin Clair , Dias Joseph J , Heras-Palou Carlos , Bradley Mary J , Burke Frank D 
Published: October 2006

INTRODUCTION Two prospective audits of activity in a hand unit were performed, in 1989–1990 and during 2000–2001, to identify trends in elective hand surgery referrals from primary care. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two 6-month prospective audits of activity in a hand unit were performed, including elective referrals from primary care. Data were collected on all in-district referrals with elective hand disorders. Cross boundary flow was identified to permit assessment of changes in referrals by diagnosis over a decade. RESULTS There was a 36% increase in health authority referrals for elective hand surgery over the decade (from 289 to 392 per 100,000 of population per year). The number of elective hand surgery operations rose 34% over the decade (from 149 to 199 operations per 100,000 of population per year). Carpal tunnel syndrome (the commonest reason for elective referral) almost doubled (from 59.7 to 112 per 100,000 of population per year). Referrals for ganglion, the second most common elective referral, rose modestly. Referrals for osteoarthritis (commonly basal thumb arthritis) almost trebled over the decade to become the fourth commonest condition referred to the hand unit (from 12.7 to 34 per 100,000 of population per year). Referrals for Dupuytrens disease, trigger finger and rheumatoid arthritis were relatively unchanged over the decade. Congenital hand referrals are uncommon but doubled during the decade. CONCLUSIONS Hand surgery referrals rose by 36% over the decade. Analysis of the commoner conditions referred reveal a high prevalence within the community with the possibility of increased referrals in years to come.
Breast Reduction Surgery in the UK and Ireland–Current Trends
Authors: Iwuagwu OC , Platt AJ , Drew PJ 
Published: October 2006

INTRODUCTION This paper reviews the current status of bilateral breast reduction surgery in the UK and Ireland. It examines the pre-operative, operative and postoperative management of women. PATIENTS AND METHODS A questionnaire established information about surgeons' experience, bilateral breast reduction work-load, pre-operative assessment, selection criteria, issues of operative technique and postoperative management. This was sent to 230 consultant plastic surgeons working in the NHS in the UK and Ireland. RESULTS There was a 61% response rate. Of respondent surgeons, 82% always perform pre-operative photography, 71% never do a mammogram even in patients above the age of 50 years. Body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used criteria for patient selection (60%). Two-thirds of the surgeons use an inferior pedicle technique and 75% of surgeons work in health authorities that restrict breast reduction surgery. CONCLUSIONS There was significant variation in practice among surgeons performing bilateral breast reduction. This may reflect a lack of evidence base for practise. Published literature focuses almost exclusively on the description of different techniques. Further work is required to evaluate the role of pre-operative mammography, specimen mammography, antibiotics and selection criteria for surgery.
The Value of Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) in Surgical In-Patients: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Gardner-Thorpe J , Love N , Wrightson J , Walsh S , Keeling N 
Published: October 2006

INTRODUCTION The Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) is a simple, physiological score that may allow improvement in the quality and safety of management provided to surgical ward patients. The primary purpose is to prevent delay in intervention or transfer of critically ill patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 334 consecutive ward patients were prospectively studied. MEWS were recorded on all patients and the primary end-point was transfer to ITU or HDU. RESULTS Fifty-seven (17%) ward patients triggered the call-out algorithm by scoring four or more on MEWS. Emergency patients were more likely to trigger the system than elective patients. Sixteen (5% of the total) patients were admitted to the ITU or HDU. MEWS with a threshold of four or more was 75% sensitive and 83% specific for patients who required transfer to ITU or HDU. CONCLUSIONS The MEWS in association with a call-out algorithm is a useful and appropriate risk-management tool that should be implemented for all surgical in-patients.