bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conclusion: European Publics and the Legitimacy of Internationalized Governance
Authors: Everts Philip , Sinnott Richard 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThis chapter presents a balance sheet regarding the assessments of public support for internationalized governance presented in the preceding chapters. On the credit side, there is widespread and high‐level support for European Community integration, some evidence for the emergence of a sense of European identity, and some signs of willingness to transfer responsibilities in certain policy areas to the supranational level. On the debit side, there is evidence that support for EC integration has been declining since 1991, and that concern over a perceived ‘democratic deficit’ has been growing. Moreover, the assessment of public attitudes towards EC integration cannot be aggregated into a simple quotient, but needs to take account of the wide variations within the spectrum of public opinion within member countries, between various policy areas, and between publics of different countries.
Mechanism of AlN Formation through the Carbothermal Reduction of Al2O3 in a Flowing N2 Atmosphere
Authors: Lefort Pierre , Billy Michel 
Published: April 2005

Mixtures of Al2O3, and C powders in a molar ratio of 1:3 were reduced in a N2 atmosphere. The effects of time, temperature, particle size of both reactants, and N2 flow rate were investigated. Kinetics show that the rate‐limiting process is the combustion of carbon, which leads to the reaction mechanism through the following basic steps:Al2O3= 2Al + 3/2 O23C + 3/2 O2→ 3CO (slow, with or without intermediate formation of CO2)2Al + N2= 2AlN (fast)All of the experimental results have been discussed on the basis of this model, which allows one to predict the best conditions for preparing AlN powders.
Is buscopan effective in meat bolus obstruction?
Authors: Thomas L. , Webb C. , Duvvi S. , Jones T. , Reddy K.T.V. 
Published: April 2005

Objective:  To assess the efficacy of hyoscine butyl bromide (buscopan) in relieving oesophageal meat bolus obstruction.Design:  Retrospective review of case notes.Setting:  Secondary otorhinolaryngology care.Participants:  Twenty‐nine patients who presented to the Accidents & Emergency department satisfying, inclusion criteria: (i) ≥16 years old, (ii) patients with only meat bolus obstruction and (iii) had either only buscopan or no medications. Exclusion criteria were: (i) <16 years of age, (ii) patients who received any medications other than or in addition to buscopan, (iii) other foreign body obstructions and (iv) any patient in whom the approximate time of resolution of obstruction was not documented.Results:  Twenty‐nine patients with 31 episodes of obstruction were analysed. Twenty‐two episodes were treated with buscopan and in 18 (82%) the obstruction was relieved. Two had spontaneous relief >24 h later and two had surgical disimpaction. In nine episodes, where no medications were given, seven (78%) cleared spontaneously and two had surgical removal. Fisher's exact test failed to show any significant difference between the two groups. The study groups were too small and power calculation showed that the number required for statistically validated result would be 140 in each group.Conclusion:  Routine use of buscopan in oesophageal obstruction especially in the upper two‐thirds needs to be reviewed because of the possibility of side‐effects and lack of objective evidence of its efficacy.
Dental side‐effects of mandibular advancement splint wear in patients who snore
Authors: Battagel J.M. , Kotecha B. 
Published: April 2005

Objectives:  (a) To evaluate the longer term orthodontic side‐effects of a Herbst mandibular advancement splint (MAS) in subjects with sleep disordered breathing. (b) To determine whether these are related to dental occlusion, degree of mandibular advancement or duration of appliance wear.Design:  Retrospective, cohort study.Setting: Teaching hospital dental school.Participants:  Subjects with sleep disordered breathing who had been wearing an MAS regularly (a minimum of 5 h per night, six nights a week) for at least 2 years. Of 192 subjects who were identified, 30 fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were prepared to attend for review.Interventions:  Dental casts were obtained and BMI and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores recorded. These data were compared with those collected when the subject was first referred. A questionnaire was completed concerning MAS use, side‐effects and any problems associated with the device.Main outcome measures:  Changes in incisor tooth position.Results:  Median duration of MAS wear was 3.64 years. Small, statistically significant reductions in both vertical (−0.4 mm) and horizontal (−0.5 mm) overlap of the incisor teeth were found. This correlated with the degree of vertical opening of the MAS but was not related to the amount of mandibular protrusion or the duration of appliance wear.Conclusions:  Patients who are considered suitable for MAS should be warned that dental changes may occur. Thus referring surgeons should also be aware of this possibility.
Itraconazole in the treatment of acute and recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis: comparison of a 1‐day and a 3‐day regimen
Authors: Spacek J. , Buchta V. 
Published: April 2005

SummaryItraconazole is a systemic triazole with a broad‐spectrum antifungal effect which belongs to a standard choice for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidosis. Thirty‐four patients with acute and 26 patients with recurrent form of culture documented attacks of vulvovaginal candidosis were evaluated. There was frequent discrepancy between severe symptoms and weaker signs in patients with recurrent form than in the group with acute sporadic form. Eighteen patients with the acute form and 13 patients with the recurrent form of vulvovaginal candidosis received 1‐day therapy (twice 200 mg of itraconazole in 1 day). Sixteen patients with the acute form and 13 patients with the recurrent form received 3‐day therapy (200 mg of itraconazole daily for three following days). The cure rates 1 month after treatment were 97.1 and 76.9% in patients with the acute sporadic and recurrent form of vulvovaginal candidosis, respectively. Positive cultures in the latter group documented relapses. These clinical failures were not related to the resistance of yeasts to itraconazole. With the exception of one case of alopecia areata, side effects were minimal. The application of the long‐term regimens and suppressive therapy with azole drugs is suggested in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis.
Place(ment) matters: students’ clinical experiences and their preferences for first employers
Authors: Andrews G. J. , Brodie D. A. , Andrews J. P. , Wong J. , Thomas B. G. 
Published: April 2005

Background  Although a significant volume of nursing research has focused on students’ experiences of clinical placements, to date, none has considered these experiences in the context of workforce recruitment and specifically how they may impact upon preferences for working for health care providers.Methods  In this context, the research used a place‐sensitive geographical perspective and a combined questionnaire (n = 650), interview (n = 30) and focus group (n = 7) method to collect data on the complex range of clinical experiences which together impact upon the perceived attractiveness of different health care settings.Findings  The data identified a range of experiential factors associated with mentorship, ward management, learning opportunities and racism. An important finding was that although students’ experiences are obtained at the micro ward level, even if they may not necessarily reflect what happens throughout the hospital, they potentially impact, both positively and negatively, upon their broader perceptions of the hospital and the likelihood of seeking work there.Implications  The study highlighted a variety of issues that should be addressed by both higher education institutions and hospitals so that they may be able to provide a more consistent and positive experience for students. In the longer term, this may pay dividends through increased recruitment of new graduates.
Evolution of fluid chemistry during travertine formation in the Troll thermal springs, Svalbard, Norway
Authors: HAMMER Ø. , JAMTVEIT B. , BENNING L. G. , DYSTHE D. K. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractArctic hydrothermal springs at Bockfjorden, Svalbard, have isotope and trace element signatures indicative of derivation from glacial melt waters with minor contribution from seawater. Downstream gradients in water chemistry, isotopic composition and carbonate precipitation rates have been documented for the Troll spring and travertine terrace system. The main controls on the downstream evolution of these parameters are carbon dioxide degassing, calcite precipitation, evaporation and biological activity. The carbonate precipitation rates not only show an approximately parabolic dependence on the calcite supersaturation levels, but depend also on local hydrodynamics. Downstream loss of light isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen can be explained as an effect of evaporation, as estimated using chloride as a conservative marker. Biological activity affects nitrate and bromide concentrations and influences the morphology of calcite precipitates.
Impact of different pasteurization temperatures on the survival of microbial contaminants isolated from pasteurized milk
Authors: DUMALISILE PHOLISA , WITTHUHN R CORLI , BRITZ TREVOR J 
Published: April 2005

The thermal inactivation of selected microbes was studied using the low temperature long time (LTLT), high temperature short time (HTST) and ‘pot’ pasteurization methods. Survivors were enumerated after heating for up to 40 min for the LTLT and HTST pasteurization methods and after heating for up to 30 min for the ‘pot’ pasteurization method. With the exception of the Bacillus cereus strain, the selected microbes did not survive the LTLT and HTST pasteurization methods. The results from the ‘pot’ pasteurizer showed that B. cereus, Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, Pseudomonas putida, Acinetobacter baumannii and Escherichia coli strains survived the pasteurization conditions applied, showing that the ‘pot’ pasteurizer does not pasteurize effectively.
Comparative study of the efficacy of three coagulants in treating dairy factory waste water
Authors: HAMDANI A , MOUNTADAR M , ASSOBHEI O 
Published: April 2005

The treatment of dairy factory waste water by coagulation and decantation has shown that calcium hydroxide at a weak dose of 0.49–0.63 g provides the highly efficient removal of suspended matter (SM) (94%) and total phosphorus (Tp‐P) (89%) accompanied by an average elimination of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN‐N), faecal coliforms (FC) and faecal streptococci (FS). This is within the Moroccan limits for the first two parameters (SM and TP‐P). The dose necessary to obtain optimal removal is 0.8–1.2 g when using aluminium sulfate and 0.6–0.75 g with iron chloride and the percentage elimination of chemical and bacteriological pollutants is not substantial. However, coagulation by calcium hydroxide induced less sludge (0.93 g/L) than either aluminium sulfate (1.21 g/L) or iron chloride (1.38 g/L). In terms of cost, the price of treating 1 m3 of dairy effluent by using calcium hydroxide is lower (approximately 25 times less expensive) than when using the other two coagulants.
Induction of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 attenuates metabolic insults induced by 3‐nitropropionic acid in rat C6 glioma cells
Authors: Yang Ya‐Ting , Ju Tzyh‐Chwen , Yang Ding‐I 
Published: April 2005

AbstractCompromised mitochondrial function in neurons and glia has been observed in several neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Chemical/hypoxic preconditioning may afford protection against subsequently more severe oxidative damages. In this study, we tested whether induction of hypoxia inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) may exert cytoprotective effects against mitochondrial dysfunction caused by 3‐nitropropionic acid (3‐NP) in glial cells. Preconditioning of C6 astroglial cells with cobalt chloride, mimosine (MIM), and desferrioxamine (DFO), all of which known to activate HIF‐1, significantly attenuated cytotoxicity induced by 3‐NP, an irreversible inhibitor of mitochondrial complex II, and antimycin A, a mitochondrial complex III inhibitor. Application of cadmium chloride capable of neutralizing cobalt‐induced HIF‐1 activation, HIF‐specific oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) decoy, and antisense phosphorothioate ODN against HIF‐1α abolished the protective effect mediated by preconditioning with cobalt chloride. Preloading of C6 cells with SN50, PD98059, or SB202190, the respective inhibitor of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), p44/p42 extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), failed to affect the protection afforded by cobalt preconditioning. Taken together, these results suggest that HIF‐1 induction secondary to preconditioning with cobalt chloride or iron chelators may mediate the protective effects against metabolic insult induced by the mitochondrial inhibitor 3‐NP in C6 astroglial cells.
Decreased expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides in Huntington disease transgenic mice with expanded polyglutamine‐EGFP fluorescent aggregates
Authors: Kotliarova Svetlana , Jana Nihar R. , Sakamoto Naoaki , Kurosawa Masaru , Miyazaki Haruko , Nekooki Munenori , Doi Hiroshi , Machida Yoko , Wong Hon Kit , Suzuki Taishi , Uchikawa Chiharu , Kotliarov Yuri , Uchida Kazuyo , Nagao Yoshiro , Nagaoka Utako , Tamaoka Akira , Oyanagi Kiyomitsu , Oyama Fumitaka , Nukina Nobuyuki 
Published: April 2005

AbstractHuntington disease is caused by polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in huntingtin. Selective and progressive neuronal loss is observed in the striatum and cerebral cortex in Huntington disease. We have addressed whether expanded polyQ aggregates appear in regions of the brain apart from the striatum and cortex and whether there is a correlation between expanded polyQ aggregate formation and dysregulated transcription. We generated transgenic mouse lines expressing mutant truncated N‐terminal huntingtin (expanded polyQ) fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) and carried out a high‐density oligonucleotide array analysis using mRNA extracted from the cerebrum, followed by TaqMan RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization. The transgenic mice formed expanded polyQ‐EGFP fluorescent aggregates and this system allowed us to directly visualize expanded polyQ aggregates in various regions of the brain without performing immunohistochemical studies. We show here that polyQ‐EGFP aggregates were intense in the hypothalamus, where the expression of six hypothalamic neuropeptide mRNAs, such as oxytocin, vasopressin and cocaine‐amphetamine‐regulated transcript, was down‐regulated in the transgenic mouse brain without observing a significant loss of hypothalamic neurons. These results indicate that the hypothalamus is susceptible to aggregate formation in these mice and this may result in the down‐regulation of specific genes in this region of the brain.
Tryptophan metabolism and oxidative stress in patients with Huntington's disease
Authors: Stoy N. , Mackay G. M. , Forrest C. M. , Christofides J. , Egerton M. , Stone T. W. , Darlington L. G. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAbnormalities in the kynurenine pathway may play a role in Huntington's disease (HD). In this study, tryptophan depletion and loading were used to investigate changes in blood kynurenine pathway metabolites, as well as markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in HD patients and healthy controls. Results showed that the kynurenine : tryptophan ratio was greater in HD than controls in the baseline state and after tryptophan depletion, indicating increased indoleamine dioxygenase activity in HD. Evidence for persistent inflammation in HD was provided by elevated baseline levels of C‐reactive protein, neopterin and lipid peroxidation products compared with controls. The kynurenate : kynurenine ratio suggested lower kynurenine aminotransferase activity in patients and the higher levels of kynurenine in patients at baseline, after depletion and loading, do not result in any differences in kynurenic acid levels, providing no supportive evidence for a compensatory neuroprotective role for kynurenic acid. Quinolinic acid showed wide variations in blood levels. The lipid peroxidation data indicate a high level of oxidative stress in HD patients many years after disease onset. Levels of the free radical generators 3‐hydroxykynurenine and 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid were decreased in HD patients, and hence did not appear to contribute to the oxidative stress. It is concluded that patients with HD exhibit abnormal handling of tryptophan metabolism and increased oxidative stress, and that these factors could contribute to ongoing brain dysfunction.
Adenosine A2A receptors control the extracellular levels of adenosine through modulation of nucleoside transporters activity in the rat hippocampus
Authors: Pinto‐Duarte António , Coelho Joana E. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Ribeiro Joaquim Alexandre , Sebastião Ana M. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAdenosine, a neuromodulator of the CNS, activates inhibitory‐A1 receptors and facilitatory‐A2A receptors; its synaptic levels are controlled by the activity of bi‐directional equilibrative nucleoside transporters. To study the relationship between the extracellular formation/inactivation of adenosine and the activation of adenosine receptors, we investigated how A1 and A2A receptor activation modifies adenosine transport in hippocampal synaptosomes. The A2A receptor agonist, CGS 21680 (30 nm), facilitated adenosine uptake through a PKC‐dependent mechanism, but A1 receptor activation had no effect. CGS 21680 (30 nm) also increased depolarization‐induced release of adenosine. Both effects were prevented by A2A receptor blockade. A2A receptor‐mediated enhancement of adenosine transport system is important for formatting adenosine neuromodulation according to the stimulation frequency, as: (1) A1 receptor antagonist, DPCPX (250 nm), facilitated the evoked release of [3H]acetylcholine under low‐frequency stimulation (2 Hz) from CA3 hippocampal slices, but had no effect under high‐frequency stimulation (50 Hz); (2) either nucleoside transporter or A2A receptor blockade revealed the facilitatory effect of DPCPX (250 nm) on [3H]acetylcholine evoked‐release triggered by high‐frequency stimulation. These results indicate that A2A receptor activation facilitates the activity of nucleoside transporters, which have a preponderant role in modulating the extracellular adenosine levels available to activate A1 receptors.
Nanomolar concentrations of kynurenic acid reduce extracellular dopamine levels in the striatum
Authors: Rassoulpour Arash , Wu Hui‐Qiu , Ferrė Sergi , Schwarcz Robert 
Published: April 2005

AbstractPrecise regulation of dopaminergic activity is of obvious importance for the physiology and pathology of basal ganglia. We report here that nanomolar concentrations of the astrocyte‐derived neuroinhibitory metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) potently reduce the extracellular levels of striatal dopamine in unanesthetized rats in vivo. This effect, which is initiated by the KYNA‐induced blockade of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, highlights the functional relevance of glia–neuron interactions in the striatum and indicates that even modest increases in the brain levels of endogenous KYNA are capable of interfering with dopaminergic neurotransmission.
Adjunctive effect of a polylactide/polyglycolide copolymer in the treatment of deep periodontal intra‐osseous defects: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Minenna Luigi , Herrero Federico , Sanz Mariano , Trombelli Leonardo 
Published: April 2005

AbstractAim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of re‐constructive surgery in human deep intra‐osseous defects with the use of a polylactide/polyglycolide (PLA/PGA) copolymer graft in conjunction with an open flap debridement (OFD) procedure (test group) as compared with OFD procedure alone (control group).Materials and Methods: Thirty‐two patients, each contributing one defect, were selected and completed the 12‐month follow‐up period. Sixteen patients (eight males, mean age: 49.9 years) received the test treatment, 16 patients (nine males, mean age: 42.8 years) received the control treatment. Clinical recordings, assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months post‐surgery, included defect‐specific plaque score, defect‐specific bleeding score, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and recession depth. Surgical procedure aimed to preserve supra‐crestal soft tissues at defect site in order to ensure primary closure was used in all cases.Results: Test and control treatment produced a significant CAL decrease and PD reduction at both 6 and 12 months with respect to baseline value (p<0.000). At 6 months CAL was significantly greater in test compared with control group (p=0.019). Twelve‐month CAL gain was 3.6±1.5 and 3.4±1.4 mm for the test and control group, respectively. At 12 months no significant differences in any of the clinical parameters were observed between groups.Conclusion: The results indicate that OFD with and without PLA/PGA graft provide clinically and statistically significant improvements in PD and CAL measurements. However, the additional use of PLA/PGA did not provide an additional benefit in terms of CAL gain and PD reduction compared with OFD procedure.
Interleukin‐1 levels in gingival crevicular fluid adjacent to restorations of calcium aluminate cement and resin composite
Authors: Konradsson Katarina , Van Dijken Jan W. V. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractObjectives: The aim of this clinical study was to intra‐individually compare Class V restorations of a calcium aluminate cement (CAC), resin composite and enamel with respect to the adjacent levels of interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). The hypothesis was that there are higher IL‐1 levels adjacent to resin composite, compared with CAC and enamel.Materials and methods: In 15 subjects, at least one set of two Class V restorations with subgingival margins, one CAC and one universal hybrid resin composite, and one control surface of enamel were included. In a cross‐sectional study and on days 0, 3 and 7 of an experimental gingivitis study, GCFs were collected with Periopaper for 30 s. The GCF concentrations of IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1ra were quantified with enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.Results: Neither the cross‐sectional study nor the experimental gingivitis study showed any significant differences in the levels of IL‐1α, IL‐1β and IL‐1ra between CAC, resin composite and enamel sites (p>0.05). In the cross‐sectional study, low IL‐1 concentrations were observed. The IL‐1 levels increased significantly during the experimental gingivitis.Conclusion: Regardless of CAC or resin composite, the restorations per se did not affect the GCF levels of IL‐1 and IL‐1ra, neither at healthy gingiva, nor at initiation of plaque‐related gingival inflammation.