bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of an Antisense RNA Strategy To Investigate the Functional Significance of Mn-Catalase in the Extreme Thermophile
Thermus thermophilus
Authors: Moreno Renata , Hidalgo Aurelio , Cava Felipe , Fernández-Lafuente Roberto , Guisán José Manuel , Berenguer José 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

The expression of an antisense RNA revealed that an Mn-catalase was required in
Thermus thermophilus
for aerobic but not for anaerobic growth. The antisense system is based on the constitutive expression of a “bicistronic” transcript consisting of the kanamycin resistance gene mRNA followed by the antisense RNA against the selected target.
Mutation of a Single Lytic Transglycosylase Causes Aberrant Septation and Inhibits Cell Separation of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Cloud Karen A. , Dillard Joseph P. 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

The function of lytic peptidoglycan transglycosylases is poorly understood. Single lytic transglycosylase mutants of
Escherichia coli
have no growth phenotype. By contrast, mutation of
Neisseria gonorrhoeae ltgC
inhibited cell separation without affecting peptidoglycan monomer production. Thus, LtgC has a dedicated function in gonococcal cell division.
Cold Sensitivity of Thermophilic and Mesophilic RNA Polymerases
Authors: Kulbachinskiy A. , Bass I. , Bogdanova E. , Goldfarb A. , Nikiforov V. 
Published: October 2004

ABSTRACT

RNA polymerase from mesophilic
Deinococcus radiodurans
displays the same cold sensitivity of promoter opening as RNA polymerase from the closely related thermophilic
Thermus aquaticus.
This suggests that, contrary to the accepted view, cold sensitivity of promoter opening by thermophilic RNA polymerases may not be a consequence of their thermostability.
Quality of life and function after electroconvulsive therapy
Authors: McCall W. Vaughn , Dunn Aaron , Rosenquist Peter B. 
Published: October 2004

BackgroundThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence in the UK has recommended limiting the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), partly because of the inadequacy of research into the effects of ECT on quality of life and function.AimsTo examine the effects of ECT on function and quality of life, particularly as they relate to changes in mood and cognition in the month following this therapy.MethodWe measured changes in quality of life, function, mood and cognition in a prospective sample of 77 depressed patients given ECT.ResultsAll quality of life and function outcomes were improved at the 2-week and 4-week marks after ECT. Improvement in quality of life was related to mood, whereas improvement in instrumental activities of daily living function was related to improvement in global cognition.ConclusionsElectroconvulsive therapy is associated with early improvement in function and quality of life. A restrictive attitude towards this therapy is not warranted on the basis of its effects on quality of life and function.
Adapting to the challenge of psychosis: personal resilience and the use of sealing-over (avoidant) coping strategies
Authors: Tait Lynda , Birchwood Max , Petertrower  
Published: October 2004

BackgroundAvoidance coping (e.g. sealing over) is common in people recovering from psychosis, but it is not understood why some individuals ‘seal over’.AimsWe examined the hypothesis that individuals who ‘seal over’ do not have the personal resilience to withstand this major life event.MethodFifty participants were interviewed during an acute episode of psychosis and reassessed at 3-month and 6-month follow-up. Measures included psychotic symptoms, recovery style, service engagement, parental and adult attachment and self-evaluative beliefs.ResultsSealing-over recovery styles are associated with negative early childhood experience, insecure adult attachment, negative self-evaluative beliefs and insecure identity. Insecure adult attachment was associated with less engagement with services.ConclusionsSealing over was associated with multiple signs of low personal resilience in adapting to psychosis.
Effects of education and culture on the validity of the Geriatric Mental State and its AGECAT algorithm
Authors: Prince Martin , Acosta Daisy , Chiu Helen , Copeland John , Dewey Michael , Scazufca Marcia , Varghese Mathew ,   for the 10/66 Dementia Research Group
Published: October 2004

BackgroundThe Geriatric Mental State (GMS) is the most widely used psychiatric research assessment for older persons. Evidence for validity comes from the developed world.AimsTo assess the validity of GMS/AGECAT organicity and depression diagnoses in 26 centres in India, China, Latin America and Africa.MethodWe studied 2941 persons aged 60 years and over: 742 people with dementia and three groups free of dementia (697 with depression, 719 with high and 783 with low levels of education). Local clinicians diagnosed dementia (DSM–IV) and depression (Montgomery – Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score ⩾18).ResultsFor dementia diagnosis GMS/AGECAT performed well in many centres but educational bias was evident. Specificity was poor in India and sensitivity sub-optimal in Latin America. A predictive algorithm excluding certain orientation items but including interviewer judgements improved upon the AGECAT algorithm. For depression, sensitivity was high. The EURO–D depression scale, derived from GMS items using European data, has a similar factor structure in Latin America, India and, to a lesser extent, China.ConclusionsValid, comprehensive mental status assessment across cultures seems achievable in principle.
Evaluation of a symptom-triggered front-loading detoxification technique for alcohol dependence: A pilot study
Authors: Day Ed , Patel Jaimin , Georgiou George 
Published: October 2004

Aims and MethodsA pilot study was set up to compare a symptom-triggered ‘front-loading’ detoxification technique with the usual fixed dosage method. A group of 23 in-patients with alcohol dependence were randomised to receive either the intervention technique using diazepam or the standard chlordiazepoxide taper over 10 days.ResultsThe intervention group received a mean dosage of 74 mg diazepam (equivalent to 222 mg chlordiazepoxide) compared with 700 mg chlordiazepoxide in those receiving usual treatment. There was no statistical difference in the severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms in the two groups, and the intervention group were slightly more satisfied with their treatment than the group undergoing the usual detoxification treatment. Feedback from the nursing staff was positive towards the new approach but highlighted some potential problems for its wider implementation.Clinical ImplicationsIt was possible to use a simple randomised trial design to introduce a new technique for alcohol detoxification to a specialist unit. Symptom-triggered front-loading detoxification using diazepam was as effective as a standard taper technique in terms of withdrawal severity reduction, and was acceptable to both patients and staff. This is potentially a useful technique for busy acute psychiatric wards.
A survey of the provision of psychological treatments to older adults in the NHS
Authors: Evans Sandra 
Published: October 2004

Aims and MethodA questionnaire was sent to old age psychiatrists to ascertain their experience, views and clinical practice regarding psychological therapies in their services.ResultsThe provision of psychological treatments of all modalities to older people is widely varied in Britain. The main difficulty seems to be a lack of resources, but it would appear that inexperience with psychological therapies applied to older adults is also a factor. Most mental health teams (95%) provide anxiety management therapy, and cognitive–behavioural therapy is widely available (76% of teams), but areas such as training and staff supervision appear to be poorly provided.Clinical ImplicationsSuggestions are made to increase provision and quality of service within existing resources; improving services to the standards of the National Service Framework would be a bigger challenge.
Market risk and the cattle feeding margin: An application of Value‐at‐Risk
Authors: Manfredo Mark R. , Leuthold Raymond M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractValue‐at‐Risk, known as VaR, gives a prediction with a certain level of confidence of potential portfolio losses that may be encountered over a specified time period due to adverse price movements in the portfolio's assets. For example, a VaR of 1 million dollars at the 95% level of confidence implies that overall portfolio losses should not exceed 1 million dollars more than 5% of the time over a given holding period. This research examines the effectiveness of VaR measures, developed using alternative estimation techniques, in predicting large losses in the cattle‐feeding margin. Results show that several estimation techniques, both parametric and nonparametric, provide well‐calibrated estimates of VaR such that violations (losses exceeding the VaR estimate) are commensurate with the desired level of confidence. In particular, estimates developed using the RiskMetricsTM method appear robust for instruments that have linear payoff structures such as cash commodity prices. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Determinants of foreign direct investment in the food industry: The case of Poland
Authors: Walkenhorst; Peter 
Published: October 2004

AbstractIn this article, a statistical model is developed to analyze determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Polish food industry. Data on FDI inflows from three investor home country clusters is related to characteristics of 12 food industry branches. The results indicate that firm size, privatization speed, value‐added, and import share are important determinants of food industry FDI. The findings confirm the importance of a swift reduction of state control over agro‐industrial enterprises, while pointing to the need for effective competition policies in transition countries to contain potentially emerging market power of foreign multinationals in oligopolistic food industry branches. [Econ‐Lit citations: F23 (multinational firms); P33 (international linkages in transition); Q13 (agribusiness)] © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Exploring future developments in international olive oil trade and marketing: A Spanish perspective
Authors: Mili Samir , Zúñiga Manuel Rodríguez 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThis article forecasts the main trends and likely developments affecting the Spanish olive oil export business over the next decade. A Delphi survey was conducted in 1999 with a highly qualified panel of experts from the olive oil sector who, over two rounds of mailings, contributed their judgments about export prospects for the Spanish olive oil sector. Issues discussed include expected trends in world olive oil supply and demand, the likely implications of the major impending changes in the macroeconomic and regulatory setting, the characteristics of potential markets, the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish olive oil export industry, and the key international marketing variables for the future. [Econ‐Lit citations: F140, Q130, Q170]. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cellular location of proteins related to iron absorption and transport
Authors: Simovich Marcia J. , Conrad Marcel E. , Umbreit Jay N. , Moore Elizabeth G. , Hainsworth Lucille N. , Smith Hilary K. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractK562 erythroleukemia cells and IEC6 rat cells were examined using confocal microscopy and antibodies raised against DMT‐1 (Nramp‐2, DCT‐1), transferrin receptor (CD71), β3 integrin (CD61), mobilferrin (calreticulin), and Hephaestin. The cellular location of each of these proteins was identified by immunofluorescence in both saponin‐permeabilized and non‐permeabilized cells. Fluorescent reactivity was observed on or near the cell surface of each of these proteins, suggesting that they might participate in surface membrane transport of iron. Fluorescence was observed in the region of the cytoplasm with each antibody to include β3 integrin and transferrin receptor. It was pronounced in cells incubated with mobilferrin, Hephaestin, and DMT‐1 antibodies. Speckled nuclear fluorescence was observed in cells incubated with anti‐DMT‐1. While these observations are descriptive, they demonstrate that there are significant concentrations of DMT‐1, mobilferrin, and Hephaestin in the cytoplasmic region of cells. This suggests that there may be intracellular roles for these proteins in addition to their serving to transit iron across the cell surface membrane. Am. J. Hematol. 69:164–170, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organophosphate pesticide residues in urine of farmworkers and their children in Fresno County, California
Authors: Mills Paul K. , Zahm Shelia Hoar 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundChildhood cancer, notably leukemia, brain cancer, non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and Hodgkin's disease, has been associated with pesticide exposure, often with greater relative risks than among exposed adults, suggesting greater susceptibility in children. These differences in risk may be due to developmental factors or differences in pesticide exposure.MethodsA feasibility study was conducted to determine levels of pesticide metabolites in urine of adults (n = 18) and children (n = 9) in Fresno County, California, an intensely agricultural county in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Spot urine samples were obtained and analyzed for six metabolites of organophosphate (OP) pesticides using gas chromatography with flame photometric detection methods. The metabolites of OP pesticides included DMP, DEP, DMTP, DMDTP, DETP, and DEDTP.ResultsLevels were generally low for both adults and children for most metabolites tested. Frequencies of detection ranged from 0 to 37%, with mean levels ranging from non‐detectable to 13.22 ppb. However, levels of several metabolites were higher in children than in adults. The most frequently detected metabolite, DMP, was found among 44% of the children and 33% of the adults. DMTP was detected among 33% of the children and 28% of the adults.ConclusionsThese results are difficult to interpret given the sampling variation associated with the small sample size. Nevertheless, because OP pesticides have been associated with increased cancer risk in animal and human studies, these results indicate a need to closely monitor children's exposure to environmental chemicals. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:571–577, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of Mexican American migrant farmworker work practices and organochlorine pesticide metabolites
Authors: Hernández‐Valero María A. , Bondy Melissa L. , Spitz Margaret R. , Zahm Shelia H. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundEpidemiologic studies often must rely upon questionnaire data to assess past exposures. The ability of questionnaires to rank migrant farmworkers according to past pesticide exposure is not known.MethodsWe conducted a pilot feasibility study to measure a panel of 21 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and correlate levels with reported occupational exposures in 26 Mexican–American migrant farmworkers in Baytown, Texas. The Migrant Farmworker Questionnaire developed by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) was administered and each participant donated a blood sample. Three OCPs [mean (ppb) levels: mirex 1.8, DDT 1.0, and trans‐nonachlor 0.7] were detected despite the fact that these chemicals have been banned in the US for many years, and the detected levels were far higher than the standard provided by the referent laboratory. Work clothes, protective attire, and self‐reported pesticide exposures were significant predictors of OCP exposure. Similarly, personal hygiene, length of employment, and number of duties also predicted OCP exposure.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicate that data obtained from standardized questionnaires may be reasonable indicators of occupational exposure when biomarker data are not available. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:554–560, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory diseases caused by occupational exposure to 1,5‐naphthalene‐diisocyanate (NDI): Results of workplace‐related challenge tests and antibody analyses
Authors: Baur X. , Chen Z. , Marczynski B. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackground1,5‐naphthalene‐diisocyanate (NDI) is an aromatic diisocyanate with a very low vapor pressure which is mainly used in the automotive industry.MethodsIn the present study we described five cases with workplace‐related asthma and one case with extrinsic allergic alveolitis associated with pulmonary hemorrhage after NDI exposure.ResultsCorresponding to case histories, extrinsic alveolitis on asthmatic reactions in three subjects and a rhinitis reaction in one patient could be reproduced by inhalative challenge tests to NDI at a concentration of 10 ppb. Preliminary IgE and IgG antibody analyses in patients' sera did not produce significantly positive results.ConclusionsAccording to the outcome of our tests and in comparison with several other studies, we conclude that NDI should be classified as potent airway‐sensitizing substance. Improved workplace conditions and decrease in threshold limit values should therefore be recommended. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:369–372, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality among unionized construction plasterers and cement masons*
Authors: Stern Frank , Lehman Everett , Ruder Avima 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundPlasterers perform a variety of duties including interior and exterior plastering of drywall, cement, stucco, and stone imitation; the preparation, installation, and repair of all interior and exterior insulation systems; and the fireproofing of steel beams and columns. Some of the current potential toxic exposures among plasterers include plaster of Paris, silica, fiberglass, talc, and 1,1,1‐trichloroethylene; asbestos had been used by the plasterers in the past. Cement masons, on the other hand, are involved in concrete construction of buildings, bridges, curbs and gutters, sidewalks, highways, streets and roads, floors and pavements and the finishing of same, when necessary, by sandblasting or any other method. Exposures include cement dust, silica, asphalt, and various solvents.MethodsProportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) and proportionate cancer mortality ratios (PCMRs) were calculated for 99 causes of death among 12,873 members of the Operative Plasterers' and Cement Masons' International Association who died between 1972 and 1996 using United States age‐, race‐, and calender‐specific death rates. Statistical significance (P value) of results was based upon the Poisson distribution.ResultsAmong plasterers, statistically significant elevated mortality was observed for asbestosis, where the PMR reached 1,657 (P < 0.01) with eleven observed deaths and less than one death expected, for lung cancer (PCMR = 124, P < 0.01), and for benign neoplasms (PMR = 210, P < 0.05). Among cement masons, statistically significant elevated mortality was observed for cancer of the stomach (PCMR = 133, P < 0.01), benign neoplasms (PMR = 132, P < 0.01), and poisonings (PMR = 159, P < 0.05). Except for poisonings, which were not thought to be occupationally related, all of the statistically significant results occurred among those members who entered the union prior to 1950. However, the risk for lung cancer among plasterers was still elevated among those entering the union after 1970 as was the risk for stomach cancer among cement masons who entered the union after 1950.ConclusionsThe present study suggests that plasterers and cement masons still have elevated risks for certain diseases, especially lung and stomach cancer. Therefore, union members currently living should be screened for asbestos‐related diseases and educated about the future risks for these diseases.Am. J. Ind. Med.39:373–388, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Control of chemical risks during the treatment of soil contaminated with chlorophenol, creosote and copper‐chrome‐arsenic‐wood preservatives
Authors: Priha Eero , Ahonen Ilpo , Oksa Panu 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundExposure to chemicals in polluted soil was studied during the remediation of four polluted sites. They are sawmill areas contaminated with chlorophenols and polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and furanes (PCDD/F), wood impregnating plants contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from creosote oil, old gas works area contaminated with PAH, and a wood impregnation plant contaminated with copper‐chromium‐arsenic (CCA) preservative.MethodsThe exposure levels were determined by both air and biological monitoring.ResultsAir monitoring showed that the exposure levels were generally well below the current occupational exposure limits. The calculations indicated, however, that the lowest acceptable daily intake value recommended for PCDD/F by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was exceeded. Chlorophenol exposure was generally low. Exposure to volatile PAH was 0.038–0.884 mg/m3 and that to particulate PAH was 0.004–0.183 mg/m3. The biomonitoring results (urinary 1‐pyrenol) suggested that some exposure occurs, probably through the contamination of hands or skin absorption. At the sites contaminated with CCA salts, no exposure limits were exceeded.ConclusionsThe results generally suggest that the exposure of cleanup workers is generally below the current occupational exposure limits but that short‐term high exposure cannot be excluded. There was also some indication of poor skin protection, which should be improved when soil contaminated with PAH and creosote oil is handled. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:402–409, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Work environment factors, health, lifestyle and marital status as predictors of job change and early retirement in physically heavy occupations
Authors: Lund Thomas , Iversen Lars , Poulsen Kjeld B. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to assess the rate at which waste collectors and municipal workers leave their job, to establish the outcome and to identify associated risk factors within work environment, health, lifestyle and marital status.MethodsA questionnaire‐based survey among a cohort of 2,918 waste collectors and municipal workers was performed in 1994, with follow‐up 2.5 years later.ResultsTwenty‐five percent had left the job at follow‐up. Of these, 31% had changed jobs (associated with low decision authority), 16% were unemployed (associated with low skill discretion, pushing heavy loads and extreme bending of back), 10% received Disability Pension/long‐term sick leave (associated with low skill discretion, prevalent diseases, underweight and smoking), and 12% received Early Retirement Pension (associated with extreme bending of back and marital status).ConclusionsThe study suggests a potential for preventing people from leaving physically heavy occupations by improving the physical and psychosocial work environment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 40:161–169, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.