EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE, Issue 6 2009
Strategies for prevention in cancer survivors
LÓPEZ M.L., LANA A., DÍAZ S., FOLGUERAS M.V., SANCHEZ L., COMENDADOR M.A., BELYAKOVA E., RODRÍGUEZ J.M. & CUETO A. (2009) European Journal of Cancer Care Multiple primary cancer: an increasing health problem. Strategies for prevention in cancer survivors This study was set to look for associations between the sites of the first and subsequent tumours in patients with multiple primary cancer (MPC) diagnosed from 1975 to 2002 in the reference hospital of a Spanish northern region, and propose prevention strategies. Patient and tumour variables were measured. Crude and standardized incidence rates per 100 000 inhabitants were obtained, and the association between MPC incidence and time was analysed by means of lineal regression. Relative risks were calculated to analyse associations between tumour sites. A total of 2737 MPC cases were registered (male/female ratio = 2). The percentage of MPC with respect to the total cancer increased from 1.78% in the 1975,1979 period to 7.08% in the 2000,2002 period (R2 = 0.92; P = 0.003). Great increase of incidence by time was found (R2 = 0.90; P = 0.004). Breast, prostate and bladder cancers increase risk of second tumour in female genital organs [RR 4.78 (3.84,5.93)], urinary system [RR 3.69 (2.89,4.69)] and male genital organs [RR 3.76 (2.84,4.69)] respectively. The MPC incidence is increasing. Interventions for MPC prevention, according to the European Code against Cancer, should be implemented early after the first cancer principally if patients suffer breast, bladder, prostate, larynx and colon cancers. [source]

Thermomyces lanuginosus: properties of strains and their hemicellulases

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS, Issue 1 2003
Suren Singh
Abstract The non-cellulolytic Thermomyces lanuginosus is a widespread and frequently isolated thermophilic fungus. Several strains of this fungus have been reported to produce high levels of cellulase-free ,-xylanase both in shake-flask and bioreactor cultivations but intraspecies variability in terms of ,-xylanase production is apparent. Furthermore all strains produce low extracellular levels of other hemicellulases involved in hemicellulose hydrolysis. Crude and purified hemicellulases from this fungus are stable at high temperatures in the range of 50,80°C and over a broad pH range (3,12). Various strains are reported to produce a single xylanase with molecular masses varying between 23 and 29 kDa and pI values between 3.7 and 4.1. The gene encoding the T. lanuginosus xylanase has been cloned and sequenced and is shown to be a member of family 11 glycosyl hydrolases. The crystal structure of the xylanase indicates that the enzyme consists of two ,-sheets and one ,-helix and forms a rigid complex with the three central sugars of xyloheptaose whereas the peripheral sugars might assume different configurations thereby allowing branched xylan chains to be accepted. The presence of an extra disulfide bridge between the ,-strand and the ,-helix, as well as to an increase in the density of charged residues throughout the xylanase might contribute to the thermostability. The ability of T. lanuginosus to produce high levels of cellulase-free thermostable xylanase has made the fungus an attractive source of thermostable xylanase with potential as a bleach-boosting agent in the pulp and paper industry and as an additive in the baking industry. [source]

Long-term effect of the ICU-diary concept on quality of life after critical illness

ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 6 2010
C. G. BÄCKMAN
Background: Critically ill patients often spend time in the intensive care unit (ICU) either unconscious or sedated. On recovery, they are often in a state of confusion with memory loss that may be associated with a longstanding reduction in health-related quality of life (QoL). We hypothesised that the ICU-diary concept could improve their QoL by filling in their memory gaps. Methods: A non-randomised, prospective study in a non-academic eight-bedded general ICU. A group of patients (n=38) were selected to receive the ICU-diary concept (keeping a diary with photos while on the ICU plus a follow-up meeting) when a long and complicated course was expected. Health-related QoL at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months was compared with a group that did not receive the ICU-diary (n=224). The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form (SF-36) was used to measure health-related QoL. Multiple regression models adjusted for age, sex, illness severity, pre-existing disease and diagnostic category was used to analyse the effects of the ICU-diary concept at 6 months, and changes over time were analysed using repeated measures MANOVA. Results: Crude and adjusted scores for two dimensions of SF-36 (general health and vitality) and the physical component summary score were significantly higher at 6 months in the ICU-diary group (P<0.05) and some of the effects remained during the 3-year follow-up period (P<0.05). Conclusion: The ICU-diary concept was associated with improved health-related QoL during the 3-year follow-up period after a critical illness. The effect of this intervention needs to be confirmed in a larger randomised study. [source]

LIPID OXIDATION OF FISH LIVER OIL AS AFFECTED BY LIGHT, ANTIOXIDANTS AND TEMPERATURE

JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 1 2004
WEIGUO SANG
Crude and refined Mackerel liver oil with or without antioxidants were stored in artificial light or in darkness to assess the effects of photo-oxidative stress on the stability of oils and the antioxidant activity of butylated hydroxy-anisole (BHA) and tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) on those oils. Changes in peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid value (TBA) were monitored over 18 days at 5C and 40C. The results showed that visible light exposure played the most critical role in the acceleration of fish liver oil oxidation. The addition of antioxidants showed a significant effect in retarding oxidation with TBHQ more effective than BHA. The oxidation rate of the oils decreased in the following order: control with light > control + BHA with light > control without light > control + TBHQ with light > control + BHA without light > control + TBHQ without light. Higher PV and TBA values were observed in refined oils versus crude oils. Increasing storage temperature accelerated the oxidation of only refined oils in light. [source]

Study of the Biosynthesis of 1-Octen-3-ol Using a Crude Homogenate of Agaricus bisporus in a Bioreactor

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 3 2008
R.O. Morawicki
ABSTRACT:, 1-Octen-3-ol and 10-oxo- trans -8-decenoic acid are metabolites of the breakdown of linoleic acid (LA) by mushroom enzymes. These compounds can be produced in a bioreactor using a crude mushroom homogenate and the exogenous addition of LA and oxygen. The factors' duration of blending, mushroom,buffer ratio, effect of a surfactant, whole against partially clarified reaction broths, purity of LA, and utilization of stumps instead of whole mushrooms were studied for their effect on reaction yield using a 1-L bioreactor. The results showed the feasibility of using the more inexpensive 60%-pure LA instead of the 99%-pure LA even when a yield loss was involved. Waste stumps could be used instead of whole mushrooms with a yield decline of 26%. [source]

Alcohol Abuse or Dependence Among Mexican American Women Who Report Violence

ALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2001
E. Anne Lown
Background: Violence against women has been linked to alcohol disorders in various populations. Few studies have assessed alcohol disorders among assaulted women in a general population of Mexican Americans. This study examined alcohol disorders among Mexican American women who reported physical or sexual assault. Methods: Participants were women (n= 1516, ages 18,59) living in Fresno County, California, who were enrolled in a population-based, randomized household survey of Mexican-origin men and women. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for alcohol dependence/abuse (ADA) and physical or sexual assault by a current partner or someone other than a current partner. Results: Women who reported lifetime physical or sexual assault were significantly more likely to meet criteria for ADA (OR = 8.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.4,15.4). After we adjusted for birthplace, age, income, and parental problem drinking, assaulted women were still 4.7 times more likely to meet criteria for ADA (CI, 2.1,10.4). Physical or sexual assault by someone other than a partner was more strongly associated with ADA (OR = 8.7; CI, 4.5,16.9) than assault by a current partner (OR = 3.2; CI, 1.3,7.6). Both physical (OR = 9.0; CI, 4.7,17.0) and sexual assault (OR = 4.7; CI, 2.2,10.0) by either type of perpetrator were associated with ADA. Conclusion: There is a strong association between reporting violence and having a lifetime history of ADA. Although temporal order could not be established, these findings highlight the importance of screening for physical and sexual assault in settings that treat alcohol disorders as well as screening for alcohol disorders among women who seek services related to previous or current violence. [source]

Reflux symptoms in wind instrument players

ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS, Issue 5 2010
G. CAMMAROTA
Aliment Pharmacol Ther,31, 593,600 Summary Background, An occupation-related susceptibility of orchestral wind instrument players to gastro-oesophageal reflux was hypothesized. Aim, To compare reflux symptoms reported by wind instrument players with those reported by players of other instruments. Methods, A questionnaire was distributed to 1083 musicians (414 wind instrument players and 669 players of other instruments) from 21 Italian orchestras to obtain information on reflux symptoms in the year preceding the survey together with selected individual characteristics and lifestyle habits. Crude and adjusted prevalence rate ratios (PRR) were computed by a model including gender, age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol consumption and other confounding factors. Results, Wind instrument players reported a higher prevalence of heartburn in the previous year than the other instrument players (adjusted PRR 1.23, CI 95% 1.04,1.46). Wind instrument players also reported higher, although not fully significant, prevalence of regurgitation (adjusted PRR 1.22, CI 95% 0.97,1.54). Flute and double-reed instrument players seem to carry a higher risk of reflux symptoms. Conclusions, Wind instrument players reported a prevalence of typical reflux symptoms higher than other instrument players. [source]

Increased risk of hip fracture in the elderly associated with prochlorperazine: is a prescribing cascade contributing?,

PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY, Issue 9 2010
Gillian E. Caughey
Abstract Purpose To examine the prescribing of prochlorperazine secondary to the prescribing of a medicine which could lead to symptoms for which prochlorperazine is indicated and commonly used. Given the range of potential hypotensive, sedative, dystonic and other extra-pyramidal side effects associated with prochlorperazine, its association with hip fracture was also examined. Methods Prescription/event sequence symmetry analyses were undertaken from 1st January 2003 to 31st December 2006, using administrative claims data from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, Australia. This method assesses asymmetry in the distribution of an incident event (either prescription of another medicine or hospitalization) before and after the initiation of prochlorperazine. Crude and adjusted sequence ratios (ASR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Results A total of 34,235 persons with incident use of prochlorperazine were identified during the study period. Statistically significant positive associations were found for a number of commonly used medicines, including cardiovascular medicines, NSAIDs, opioids and sedatives and the subsequent initiation of prochlorperazine that ranged from 1.07 (95%CI 1.01,1.14) for diuretics to 1.50 (95%CI 1.40,1.61) for statins. Prescription event analysis showed a 49% (95%CI 1.19,1.86) increased risk of hospitalisation for hip fracture following dispensing of prochlorperazine. Conclusions Prescribers should consider the possible contributing role of newly initiated medicines with the potential to cause of dizziness, and where possible address this through dose reduction or cessation of the medicine, rather than prescribing prochlorperazine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Effects of Crude and Partially Purified Extracts from UV-B,irradiated Rice Leaves on Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner),

PHOTOCHEMISTRY & PHOTOBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2005
Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit
ABSTRACT The effect of crude and partially purified extracts from ultraviolet-B (UV-B),irradiated rice (Oryza sativa L.) leaves on the growth and development of corn earworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), was investigated. Fifty ,L droplets of a liquid diet containing different concentrations of the crude and partially purified extracts were fed to H. armigera neonates to determine possible short-term toxicity effects. A choice test using a solid artificial diet was also performed to determine larval feeding preferences and antifeedant effects. To study effects on the life history of the insect, different concentrations of the crude and partially purified extracts were also incorporated in the artificial diet and fed to individually confined neonates of H. armigera. The neonates were reared up to the adult stage. Results showed that crude and partially purified extracts of UV-B,irradiated rice leaves demonstrated antifeedant, growth-inhibitory and antibiotic properties against H. armigera. At high concentrations, the extract initially stimulated larval feeding; however, there were subsequent negative effects on pupal and adult traits, thereby reducing the reproductive potential of adults. These partially purified extracts appeared to have an antifertility effect because adults laid fewer eggs and, of those eggs laid, viability was lower. These results suggest that the accumulated flavonoids or other phenolics in UV-B,irradiated leaves, extracted from UV-B,resistant rice cultivar ,M202,' affected the growth, development and reproduction of H. armigera, a polyphagous insect pest. [source]

Micro-injection of lygus salivary gland proteins to simulate feeding damage in alfalfa and cotton flowers ,

ARCHIVES OF INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2005
Kenneth A. Shackel
Abstract Alfalfa and cotton flowers were pierced with small glass capillaries of an overall size and shape similar to that of Lygus stylets, and injected with small quantities (6 to 100 nL) of solutions that contained Lygus salivary enzymes. Crude and partially purified protein solutions from Lygus heads and isolated salivary glands showed substantial polygalacturonase (PG) activity, as has been previously reported. Following injection with both crude and partially purified protein solutions, as well as with pure fungal and bacterial PGs, flowers of both alfalfa and cotton exhibited damage similar to that caused by Lygus feeding. Injection with the same volume of a buffer control as well as a buffer control containing BSA at a comparable protein concentration (approximately 6 ,g/mL) showed no symptoms. These results are consistent with a previously suggested hypothesis that the extensive tissue damage caused by Lygus feeding is primarily due to the action of the PG enzyme on the host tissue, rather than to mechanical damage caused by the insect stylet. Substantial genotypic variation for a PG inhibiting protein (PGIP) exists in alfalfa and cotton. We, therefore, suggest that breeding and selection for increased native PGIP levels, or transformation with genes encoding PGIP from other plant species, may be of value in obtaining alfalfa and cotton varieties that are more resistant to Lygus feeding damage. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 58:69,83, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Predictors of Mortality in Patients with Delirium Tremens

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE, Issue 8 2008
Ayesha Khan MD
Abstract Objectives:, The objectives were to identify factors that may help predict mortality for patients with delirium tremens (DT). Methods:, The authors conducted a 1:1 gender- and age-matched case,control study of patients hospitalized for DT. Using McNemar chi-square tests and conditional logistic regression (CLR), risk factors for death, including demographics, location of diagnosis, vital sign derangements, treatment methods, and comorbid conditions, were evaluated. Crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. Results:, Thirty-five patients with DT died between January 2000 and June 2006. The majority (31; 88.6%) were male with a mean (±standard deviation [SD]) age of 51.7 (±7.6) years. Hyperthermia in the first 24 hours of DT diagnosis (OR = 10.0, 95% CI = 2.3 to 42.7), persistent tachycardia (OR = 24.0, 95% CI = 3.3 to 177.4), and use of restraints (OR = 7.50, 95% CI = 1.7 to 32.8) were associated with increased mortality by univariate analysis, while an emergency department (ED) diagnosis of DT (OR = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.05 to 0.6) and use of clonidine (OR = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.01 to 0.78) were associated with decreased mortality. In the CLR model, restraint use and hyperthermia were the only variables that remained significant (OR = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.0 to 32.2; and OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 1.2 to 30.4, respectively). Conclusions:, The use of restraints and hyperthermia is associated with increased odds of death for patients with DT. This study highlights the need for further research into modifiable factors influencing mortality from DT. [source]

Functional binding of inner-arm dyneins with demembranated flagella of Chlamydomonas mutants

CYTOSKELETON, Issue 5 2006
Ryosuke Yamamoto
Abstract Experiments were carried out to see if isolated inner arm dyneins could functionally combine with axonemes lacking them. High-salt extract from the axoneme of Chlamydomonas oda1 mutant lacking outer-arm dynein was added to the demembranated cell models of ida1oda1 lacking inner arm dynein f (dynein I1) and outer arm dynein. After incubation, the originally paralyzed ida1oda1 axonemes recovered the ability to beat in the presence of ATP. A similar good motility recovery after incubation with crude oda1 extract was observed in ida9oda2 lacking outer arm and inner arm dynein c, and partial recovery in ida4oda1 lacking outer arm and inner arm species a, c, and d. These observations indicate that dynein f and dynein c can functionally bind with mutant axonemes lacking them. A method for combining isolated inner arm dyneins with axonemes in a functionally active manner should provide a powerful experimental tool with which to study the mechanism of beating. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Life expectancy among people with cerebral palsy in Western Australia

DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 8 2001
E Blair PhD
This report describes trends, predictors, and causes of mortality in persons with cerebral palsy (CP)using individuals identified by the Western Australian Cerebral Palsy Register and born between 1958 and 1994. Two thousand and fourteen people were identified (1154 males, 860 females), of whom 225 had died by 1 June 1997. Using date-of-death data, crude and standardized mortality rates were estimated and predictors of mortality sought using survival analysis stratified by decade of birth, description of impairments, and demographic and perinatal variables. For those born after 1967, the cause of death profile was examined over time. Mortality exceeded 1% per annum in the first 5 years and declined to age 15 years after which it remained steady at about 0.35% for the next 20 years. The strongest single predictor was intellectual disability, but all forms of disability contributed to decreased life expectancy. Half of those with IQ/DQ score <20 survived to adulthood, increasing to 76% with IQ/DQ score 20,34, and exceeding 92% for higher scores. Severe motor impairment primarily increased the risk of early mortality. Despite there being 72 persons aged from 25 to 41 years with severe motor impairment in our data set, none had died after the age of 25 years. Infants born after more than 32 weeks'gestation were at significantly higher risk of mortality than very preterm infants, accounted for by their higher rates of intellectual disability. No improvements in survival of persons with CP were seen over the study period despite advances in medical care, improved community awareness, and the increasing proportion of very preterm births among people with CP. This may be the result of improved neonatal care enabling the survival of infants with increasingly severe disabilities. [source]

Zinc and nitrate in the ground water and the incidence of Type 1 diabetes in Finland

DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 3 2004
E. Moltchanova
Abstract Aims In Finland, the risk of childhood Type 1 diabetes varies geographically. Therefore we investigated the association between spatial variation of Type 1 diabetes and its putative environmental risk factors, zinc and nitrates. Methods The association was evaluated using Bayesian modelling and the geo-referenced data on diabetes cases and population. Results Neither zinc nor nitrate nor the urban/rural status of the area had a significant effect on the variation in incidence of childhood Type 1 diabetes. Conclusions The results showed that although there was no significant difference in incidence between rural and urban areas, there was a tendency to increasing risk of Type 1 diabetes with the increasing concentration of NO3 in drinking water. The fact that no significant effect was found may stem from the aggregated data being too crude to detect it. [source]

Techniques to measure the dry aeolian deposition of dust in arid and semi-arid landscapes: a comparative study in West Niger

EARTH SURFACE PROCESSES AND LANDFORMS, Issue 2 2008
Dirk Goossens
Abstract Seven techniques designed to measure the dry aeolian deposition of dust on a desert surface were tested during field experiments in Niger, central-west Africa. Deposition fluxes were measured during eight periods of 3,4 days each. Experimental techniques tested were the MDCO (marble dust collector) method, the Frisbee method, the glass plate method (optical analysis of dust deposited on glass surfaces using particle imaging software), the soil surface method (deposition on a simulated desert floor) and the CAPYR (capteur pyramidal) method. Theoretical techniques tested were the inferential method and the combination method (gradient method extended with a deposition term for coarse dust particles). The results obtained by the MDCO, Frisbee, inferential and combination methods could be directly compared by converting the data to identical standard conditions (deposition on a water surface producing no resuspension). The results obtained by the other methods (glass plate, soil surface, CAPYR) were compared relatively. The study shows that the crude (unconverted) deposition fluxes of the five experimental techniques were similar, while the crude deposition fluxes calculated by the two theoretical techniques were substantially higher, of the order of four to five times as high as for the experimental techniques. Recalculation of the data to identical environmental conditions (the standard water surface) resulted in nearly identical deposition fluxes for the MDCO, Frisbee, inferential and combination techniques, although the latter two still had slightly higher values (but the differences remained small). The measurements illustrate the need to include a grain shape factor in theoretical dust deposition models. Without such a factor, theoretical models overestimate the deposition. The paper also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the techniques tested. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Eyes Wide Shut: Recent Educational Policy in the Light of Changing Notions of English Identity,

ENGLISH IN EDUCATION, Issue 3 2000
Chris Kearney
Abstract Although Curriculum 2000 includes some welcome changes, such as the inclusion of drama, it is essentially a missed opportunity. I argue that it fails to address the complexity of modern life. In many academic areas, including literature, issues of identity are central to fundamental debates. Such debates have been precipitated by increasing economic globalisation and the consequent increase in interdependence between people from diverse cultural heritages. Although this situation is not new, the social and technological changes of recent decades have altered the pace of such developments. In most cities school populations reflect such changes. In this paper I argue that there are substantial gaps in the curriculum which derive mainly from government policy being premised on crude and obsolete notions of English identity. Such notions lead to a confusion of the concepts of culture and citizenship as modes of belonging. In my view both of these factors severely constrain our ability to construct a critical curriculum which adequately addresses contemporary interests and dilemmas. [source]

Near real-time, autonomous detection of marine bacterioplankton on a coastal mooring in Monterey Bay, California, using rRNA-targeted DNA probes

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 5 2009
Christina M. Preston
Summary A sandwich hybridization assay (SHA) was developed to detect 16S rRNAs indicative of phylogenetically distinct groups of marine bacterioplankton in a 96-well plate format as well as low-density arrays printed on a membrane support. The arrays were used in a field-deployable instrument, the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP). The SHA employs a chaotropic buffer for both cell homogenization and hybridization, thus target sequences are captured directly from crude homogenates. Capture probes for seven of nine different bacterioplankton clades examined reacted specifically when challenged with target and non-target 16S rRNAs derived from in vitro transcribed 16S rRNA genes cloned from natural samples. Detection limits were between 0.10,1.98 and 4.43, 12.54 fmole ml,1 homogenate for the 96-well plate and array SHA respectively. Arrays printed with five of the bacterioplankton-specific capture probes were deployed on the ESP in Monterey Bay, CA, twice in 2006 for a total of 25 days and also utilized in a laboratory time series study. Groups detected included marine alphaproteobacteria, SAR11, marine cyanobacteria, marine group I crenarchaea, and marine group II euryarchaea. To our knowledge this represents the first report of remote in situ DNA probe-based detection of marine bacterioplankton. [source]

Comment on "Toxicity of weathered Exxon Valdez crude oil to pink salmon embryos"

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2008
Ron A. Heintz
No abstract is available for this article. [source]

Monitoring river sediments contaminated predominantly with polyaromatic hydrocarbons by chemical and in vitro bioassay techniques

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2001
Jan Vondrá
Abstract Extracts of sediment samples collected from the Morava River and its tributaries (Czech Republic) were examined for mutagenic, dioxin-like, and estrogenic activities. Moreover, the human leukemic HL-60 cell line was tested as a potential model for the detection of effects of environmental contaminants on cell proliferation and differentiation processes. Analytical data indicate that the sediments were contaminated predominantly with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalate esters. The sums of concentrations of 16 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs ranged from 0.8 to 13.2 ,g/g and those of phthalates reached up to 3,000 ng/g, while only low levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons were found. The main goal of the present study was to determine effects of PAH prevalence on in vitro bioassays, with special emphasis on dioxin-like activity. The dioxin-like activity was tested using a reporter gene assay based on chemical-activated luciferase expression (the CALUX assay). Significant dioxin-like activity (2.6,40.1 ,g/g benzo[a]pyrene equivalents and 5.9,48.2 ng/g 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin equivalents) was detected in all samples, and the results obtained with various exposure times or with both crude and PAH-deprived extracts indicate that the response was probably caused almost exclusively by the presence of high concentrations of PAHs. This corresponds with results of chemical analyses and indicates that various exposure times would allow a discrimination between dioxin-like activities of persistent compounds and easily metabolized aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor inducers. Only sediment extracts containing the highest concentrations of PAHs were mutagenic, as determined by the umu assay. Estrogenic activity was found in several samples (4.75,22.61 pg/g estradiol equivalents) using cells stably transfected with an estrogen-responsive element linked to a luciferase promoter. Noncytotoxic doses of extracts had no effects on HL-60 cell proliferation, while two of the tested crude extracts significantly enhanced their all- trans retinoic acid-induced differentiation. These activities were not associated with phthalate esters and/or PAHs. Our results indicate that cellular and biochemical in vitro assays based on various specific modes of action may yield data complementary to results of mutagenicity tests and that they could be useful in environmental risk assessment. High levels of PAHs are apparently associated with dioxin-like and mutagenic activities rather than with estrogenic activity. [source]

A population-based study of hairy cell leukemia in Israel

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2006
Ora Paltiel
Abstract:,Objectives: Few population-based data exist on the incidence and prognosis of hairy cell leukemia (HCL). Our objectives were to study the effect of socio-demographic factors on this rare disease and the risk of second malignancies occurring in HCL patients. Methods: We measured crude and age-adjusted incidence rates of HCL based on reporting to the Israel Cancer Registry (ICR) 1991,2001. Using Kaplan,Meier and multivariate analysis, we assessed survival by gender, ethnicity and geographic region. We ascertained additional primary tumors reported in this population and calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for tumors reported after the diagnosis of HCL. Results: The ICR registered 147 cases of HCL among males and 34 in females between 1991 and 2001. Age-adjusted incidence rates were 1.62/106/yr for women and 7.97/106/yr for men, with rates 1.5 times higher in Jewish than in non-Jewish (mainly Arab) men. Mean overall survival also differed by ethnicity. In a multivariate model, increasing age at diagnosis (P < 0.001), as well as Arab origin (P = 0.008) were associated with poorer survival but gender did not significantly affect the survival after controlling for age and ethnicity. Other primary malignancies were reported in 20 (11%) individuals, with a predominance of genito-urinary tumors (65%) among males. Secondary genito-urinary tumors were significantly increased above the expected population rates (SIR 3.23, 95% confidence interval: 1.39,6.36, P = 0.008). Conclusions: In the Israeli population, age and ethnicity were associated with prognosis of HCL. Variations in disease characteristics, stage of disease at diagnosis or differential access to treatment may contribute to these findings. Patients with HCL appear to be at increased risk for genito-urinary malignancies. [source]

Characterization and chemometric study of crude and refined oils from table olive by-products

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF LIPID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2008
M. Victoria Ruiz-Méndez
Abstract Table olive processing produces defective fruits and the conditioning operations give rise to solid by-products which are processed to obtain oil. In this study, the most relevant characteristics of crude oils extracted from table olive by-products were high average acidity values (4.5%, green olives; 8.1%, ripe olives), ECN42 values of 0.34 (green olives) and 0.10 (ripe olives), while 2-mono-palmitin averaged 0.92%. The overall content of sterols was 2257,mg/kg (green olives) and 1746,mg/kg (ripe olives), while the concentration of cholesterol was 36,mg/kg (green olives) and 19,mg/kg (ripe olives). The effect of refining was mainly reflected by a decrease in acidity and sterols. Although most characteristics were in agreement with the established regulation for olive oil, the overall trans fatty acid content, the low apparent ,-sitosterol content, and the relatively high cholesterol content prevented their inclusion into classes of crude or refined lampante or pomace olive oils, not even into the vegetable oil category. Therefore, the oils analyzed should be considered for non-edible purposes. The physicochemical characteristics used for chemometric discrimination permitted discrimination among types of oils (crude, 100%; physically refined, 90%; chemically refined, 100%), elaboration styles (green and ripe olives, 100%) and cultivars (Gordal, Manzanilla, Hojiblanca and Cacereña, 100%), with the sterol composition being the most useful parameter for discrimination. [source]

Aspects of cleavage fracture initiation , relative influence of stress and strain

FATIGUE & FRACTURE OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES, Issue 9-10 2006
K. WALLIN
ABSTRACT Cleavage fracture initiation has generally been assumed to be controlled mainly by matrix stress. Recently, several different cleavage fracture models have been proposed, where also strain is included in the failure criterion. However, the proposals have been rather crude and unable to provide clearly improved fracture estimates. Here, the first two steps of cleavage fracture (particle failure and grain fracture) are examined in more detail. It is shown that both stress and strain are important for cleavage fracture initiation, but that strain mainly affects particle failure, whereas grain fracture is controlled by a pure Griffith criterion. The findings are important for the development of new cleavage fracture models and to the proper way of accounting for constraint. [source]

Effect of livestock breed and grazing intensity on grazing systems: 5.

GRASS & FORAGE SCIENCE, Issue 4 2007
Management, policy implications
Summary This paper explores the management and policy implications of research findings investigating the use of grazing intensity and traditional breeds to achieve biodiversity outcomes on grasslands in four countries of Europe. An economic analysis, based on these research findings, indicated that financial assistance and/or premium prices are required to achieve sustainable grazing systems with a high biodiversity. The research findings suggested that existing agri-environment scheme prescriptions based only on blanket stocking rates are too crude to increase plant diversity, lacking consideration of initial site conditions. Conversely, some invertebrates seem to rapidly benefit from lenient stocking, highlighting the importance of clear goals for agri-environment schemes. Recommendations for an appropriate support package to deliver grazing systems with high biodiversity are presented. [source]

An Effective and Convenient Method for the Preparation of KAD-1229

HELVETICA CHIMICA ACTA, Issue 8 2004
Jianchao Liu
A new convenient method for the asymmetric synthesis of the potent hypoglycemic agent KAD-1229 was developed. The key step of this method is diasteroselective alkylation of 1 to give crude 2 (d.e.>93%) in good yield with the easily available Oppolzer's camphorsultam as chiral auxiliary. The overall yield of the product was 57%. [source]

Optimisation study of gum extraction from Basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum L.)

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2009
Seyed M. A. Razavi
Summary Basil seed (Ocimum basilicum L.) is cultivated in large quantities in different regions of Iran. This seed has reasonable amounts of gum with good functional properties which is comparable with commercial food hydrocolloids. A central composite rotatable design was applied to evaluate the effects of temperature, pH and water/seed ratio on the yield, apparent viscosity and protein content of water-extracted Basil seed gum. All of the variables significantly (P < 0.05) affected the extraction yield, whereas the effect of water/seed ratio on apparent viscosity and the effects of pH and water/seed ratio on protein content were not significant (P > 0.05). Numerical optimisation determined the optimum extraction conditions based on the highest yield and viscosity and the lowest protein content as being temperature 68.71 °C, pH 8.09 and water/seed ratio 65.98:1. Power law model well described non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour of BSG. Flow behaviour index (n) and consistency index (K) of 1% crude and pure BSG samples were 0.306, 0.283 and 17.46, 20.22 Pa sn, respectively. [source]

Standardized routine outcome measurement: Pot holes in the road to recovery

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 4 2004
Richard Lakeman
Abstract: Routine ,outcome measurement' is currently being introduced across Australian mental health services. This paper asserts that routine standardized outcome measurement in its current form can only provide a crude and narrow lens through which to witness recovery. It has only a limited capacity to capture the richness of people's recovery journeys or provide information that can usefully inform care. Indeed, in its implementation nurses may be required to collude in practices or account for practice in ways which run counter to the personal recovery paradigm. Nurses should view a focus on outcomes as an opportunity for critical reflection as well as to seek ways to account for recovery stories in meaningful ways. [source]

The effect of wheat ,-amylase inhibitors incorporated into wheat-based artificial diets on development of Sitophilus granarius L., Tribolium confusum Duv., and Ephestia kuehniella Zell

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ENTOMOLOGY, Issue 4 2002
J. R. Warchalewski
Artificial grain kernels made from ground wheat grain, commercial wheat starch and wheat proteinaceous ,-amylase inhibitors were used as diets for adults of the granary weevil (Sitophilus granarius L). For the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum Duv.) and the Mediterranean flour moth (Ephesitia kuehniella Zell.), a friable mixture of the diets was used. The results of feeding trials showed that the survival of S. granarius adults was not correlated with the soluble proteins extracted from wheat and amylolytic activity located in this protein fraction. On the other hand, the weight of dust (the index of feeding intensity) produced during feeding depended on the presence of ,-amylase and trypsin inhibitors in wheat-based diets. Ephesitia kuehniella larvae did not develop at all on a diet consisting of 50% wheat starch and 50% crude ,-amylase inhibitors from wheat. The same diet lengthened the development time of T. confusum larvae by 15.1 days. These results attest to the existence of a specific native enzymatic apparatus in the alimentary canals of these three grain pests. However, the highly active insect ,-amylase inhibitors appear to have a limited influence on the developmental parameters studied although some reduction of insects populations might be expected. [source]

Benefit of Adherence With Bisphosphonates Depends on Age and Fracture Type: Results From an Analysis of 101,038 New Bisphosphonate Users,,

JOURNAL OF BONE AND MINERAL RESEARCH, Issue 9 2008
Jeffrey R Curtis
Abstract The relationship between high adherence to oral bisphosphonates and the risk of different types of fractures has not been well studied among adults of different ages. Using claims data from a large U.S. health care organization, we quantified adherence after initiating bisphosphonate therapy using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and identified fractures. Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the rate of fracture among nonadherent persons (MPR < 50%) compared with highly adherent persons (MPR , 80%) across several age strata and a variety of types of clinical fractures. In conjunction with fracture incidence rates among the nonadherent, these estimates were used to compute the number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one fracture, by age and fracture type. Among 101,038 new bisphosphonate users, the proportion of persons with high adherence at 1, 2, and 3 yr was 44%, 39%, and 35%, respectively. Among 65- to 78-yr-old persons with a physician diagnosis of osteoporosis, the crude and adjusted rate of hip fracture among the nonadherent was 1.96 (95% CI, 1.48,2.60) and 1.74 (95% CI, 1.30,2.31), respectively, resulting in a number needed to treat with high adherence to prevent one hip fracture of 107. The impact of high adherence was substantially less for other types of fractures and for younger persons. Analysis of adherence in a non,time-dependent fashion artifactually magnified differences in fracture rates between adherent and nonadherent persons. The antifracture effectiveness associated with high adherence to oral bisphosphonates varied substantially by age and fracture type. These results provide estimates of absolute fracture effectiveness across age subgroups and fracture types that have been minimally evaluated in clinical trials and may be useful for future cost-effectiveness studies. [source]

KINETICS OF SOYBEAN LIPOXYGENASES ARE RELATED TO pH, SUBSTRATE AVAILABILITY AND EXTRACTION PROCEDURES

JOURNAL OF FOOD BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2008
VERONICA S. CHEDEA
ABSTRACT The kinetic patterns of pure soy lipoxygenase LOX-1 and crude or defatted soybean extracts containing LOX isoenzymes (LOX-1, LOX-2 and LOX-3) were studied by UV spectrometry at 234 and 280 nm, depending on their extraction and measurement conditions. Different pHs (from 6.0 to 9.0), corresponding to specific activation of LOX isoenzymes and the ratios of enzyme protein per substrate were used in order to evaluate the enzyme rates, as indicators of its affinity for substrate in different environments. The crude soy extract contained mainly LOX-1 activity (measured at 234 nm, at pH 9.0) and LOX-3, in an approximate ratio of 3:1. The LOX-2 activity was very low. The defatted extracts buffered at pH 6.8 and 7.1 showed a low LOX-1 and LOX 2 activity, but mostly LOX-3 activity (measured at 280 nm, at pH 7.1), with a mirror-type relation between the enzyme/substrate ratio and their enzymatic specific activity. The results suggest that defatting inhibits specifically the LOX-1 activity and indicate the possibility to modulate LOX activity by modifications of enzyme/substrate ratios and modifications of pH in the enzyme environment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Because of the specific kinetic behaviors of the three different LOXs found in crude soy extracts involved in off-flavor generation, one can modulate the inhibition of these isoenzymes during soybean processing. Our experiments showed that pH variation could be a simple solution to inhibit the LOX isoenzymes, and therefore, the off-flavor generation. From the analytical point of view, the techniques described in this article are designed to be as simple as possible, and easy to use at large-scale level in food industry (food chain control). The idea is to minimize the number of separate chemical manipulations and, thereby, minimize errors. These studies can offer the background of further inhibition experiments in vitro using natural extracts. The LOX inhibition by natural antioxidants is related as well to pH and other factors influencing the enzyme's activity; this idea can be also valorized practically in the future. [source]

PURIFICATION OF AMYLASE FROM TILAPIA BY MAGNETIC PARTICLE

JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 1 2010
MING CHANG WU
ABSTRACT Recent development in magnetic carrier technology involves the use of nonmagnetic substrates attached to superparamagnetic particles forming functionally modified magnetic support to isolate a particular enzyme in a controllable magnetic field. In this study, the superparamagnetic particles were modified by epichlorohydrin and other agents to cross-link with starch to form the purification support. This affinity support was able to bind the amylase and was used in the purification of amylase from Taiwan tilapia. After ammonium sulfate precipitation of amylase from Taiwan tilapia, the modified superparamagnetic particles were able to purify the crude amylase by 20.78-fold with recovery of activity of 75.6%. The molecular weight of the amylase was estimated to be 66.1 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Both crude and purified amylase reached an optimum at a pH of 8.0 and temperature of 50C, and the enzyme was stable between 20 and 50C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Because of the rapid development of high technology such as carrier supports for enzyme purification, the development, research and application of magnetic carriers are timely needed. The present study demonstrated that the affinity superparamagnetic particles could be used as a carrier support to absorb and purify the amylase and that technology of affinity purification can be widely used in protein purification. Compared with the traditional chromatography used in the purification of proteins, this novel affinity superparamagnetic particle technology is rapid, has low operation cost, requires simple facilities, and involves easy separation and recovery of the enzymes. [source]