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PubMed2002

Adsorption of dyes onto carbonaceous materials produced from coffee grounds by microwave treatment.

Organic wastes have been burned for reclamation. However, they have to be recycled and reused for industrial sustainable development. Carbonaceous materials were produced from coffee grounds by microwave treatment. There are many phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on the surface of carbonaceous materials. The base consumption of the carbonaceous materials was larger than that of the commercially activated carbon. The carbonaceous materials produced from coffee grounds were applied to the adsorbates for the removal of basic dyes (methylene blue and gentian violet) in wastewater. This result indicated that the adsorption of dyes depended upon the surface polar groups on the carbonaceous materials. Moreover, the Freundlich constants of isotherms for the adsorption of methylene blue and gentian violet onto the carbonaceous materials produced from coffee grounds were greater than those for adsorption onto activated carbon or ceramic activated carbon. The interaction was greatest between the surface or porosity of the carbonaceous materials and methylene blue and gentian violet. The microwave treatment would be useful for the carbonization of organic wastes to save energy.

Adsorption↗
PubMed1994

Electrophysiological mechanisms of action of the levorotatory isomer of sotalol in a canine infarct model of inducible ventricular tachycardia: comparison with the beta-1 receptor antagonist bisoprolol.

To evaluate the antiarrhythmic efficacy of l-sotalol and bisoprolol on inducible ventricular arrhythmias, conscious dogs with 4- to 8-day-old myocardial infarction were studied by programmed electrical stimulation. Direct recordings from infarcted and adjacent normal subepicardium were made using a specially designed composite electrode. From 18 dogs developing sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT) during control stimulation, l-sotalol (1.5 mg/kg i.v.) prevented reinducibility of sVT in 10 animals, while in seven other animals it significantly reduced the rate of tachycardia. Bisoprolol (0.2 mg/kg i.v.), tested in a separate group of 10 dogs susceptible to sVT, was mostly ineffective in preventing or slowing the tachycardia. Both agents significantly prolonged conduction time and refractoriness within the atrioventricular conduction system, and decreased heart rate. However, while l-sotalol lengthened ventricular refractoriness and QT interval, bisoprolol exerted only a minor effect on these parameters. Neither of the drugs affected conduction in normal and infarcted myocardium, as indicated by almost unchanged QRS complex width and duration of ventricular late potentials, respectively. The results indicate that acute beta-blockade is ineffective against sVT induced during the subacute stage of myocardial infarction. The antiarrhythmic efficacy of l-sotalol may predominantly be related to its prolonging effect on ventricular refractoriness, supporting the concept of pure class III action.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Automated identification of filaments in cryoelectron microscopy images.

Since the foundation for the three-dimensional image reconstruction of helical objects from electron micrographs was laid more than 30 years ago, there have been sustained developments in specimen preparation, data acquisition, image analysis, and interpretation of results. However, the boxing of filaments in large numbers of images--one of the critical steps toward the reconstruction at high resolution--is still constrained by manual processing even though interactive interfaces have been built to aid the tedious and sometimes inaccurate boxing process. This article describes an accurate approach for automated detection of filamentous structures in low-contrast images acquired in defocus pairs using cryoelectron microscopy. The performance of the approach has been evaluated across various magnifications and at a series of defocus values using tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) preserved in vitreous ice as a test specimen. By integrating the proposed approach into our automated data acquisition and reconstruction system, we are now able to generate a three-dimensional map of TMV to approximately 10-A resolution within 24 h of inserting the specimen grid into the microscope.

Algorithms↗
PubMed1997

Liver injury model induced in mice by a cellular immunologic mechanism--study for use in immunopharmacological evaluations.

Various drugs for clinical hepatitis were applied to a new model of liver injury induced in mice by delayed-type hypersensitivity to picryl chloride (PCI-DTH). The hepatoprotective agent, biphenyl dimethyl dicarboxylate showed a remarkable improvement against the elevation of serum transaminase levels as well as the histopathological changes when given during the induction phase but not during the effector phase of DTH reaction. Cyclophosphamide (Cy), an immunosuppressive agent, significantly inhibited the enzymatic elevation given in both induction and effector phases. However, Cy did not affect the sustaining of liver injury 4 weeks after the liver injury eliciting. Moreover, the consecutive administration of prednisolone (Pred), in both induction phase and sustaining process of liver injury, conversely caused a more severe liver damage. Such exacerbation by Pred might be resulted from its toxic action to hepatocytes. As an immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory agent, glycyrrhizin remarkably improved the sustaining process but not the acute phase of the liver injury. Krestin and malotilate also showed an improving effect on the sustaining development of liver injury. These findings that most of above drugs showed an improving action in their respective manner suggest that this model may be useful for the pharmacological evaluation of drugs especially immunomodulating agents for hepatitis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Comparison of the anti-bronchoconstrictor activities of inhaled formoterol, its (R,R)- and (S,S)-enantiomers and salmeterol in the rhesus monkey.

The principle objective of this study was to define the anti-bronchoconstrictor effects of inhaled racemic formoterol and its (R,R)- and (S,S)-enantiomers in a new model of methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction in the rhesus monkey. A second long-acting beta(2)agonist, salmeterol, was included for comparison. Anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing rhesus monkeys were set up for measuring airway resistance. Blood pressure, heart rate and serum potassium concentrations were measured concomitantly to gauge systemic exposure and the potential for side effects. Formoterol, 0.14, 0.34 and 1.15 microg/kg, administered by aerosol, induced rapidly developing, sustained, dose-related inhibition of the bronchoconstrictor responses to aerosolised methacholine (maximum 76%) accompanied by sustained, dose-related tachycardia. (R,R)-formoterol, 0.56 microg/kg, induced anti-bronconstrictor effects and an associated tachycardia which corresponded closely to the effects seen following twice the dose of the racemate. (S,S)-formoterol, 0.54 microg/kg, was inactive. Salmeterol, 1.4 microg/kg, had no significant anti-bronchoconstrictor effect whereas doses of 5.5 and 30 microg/kg produced quantitatively similar but submaximal anti-bronchoconstrictor effects (maximum 47%). Sustained dose-dependent tachycardia was seen with salmeterol over the full dose range. Thus, the anti-bronchoconstrictor activity of formoterol resides in the (R,R) enantiomer and the (S,S) enantiomer does not interfere with the activity when present in the racemic form. Furthermore, the data indicate that the present model of methacholine-induced bronchospasm in the rhesus monkey could be useful in defining the key properties of beta(2)agonist bronchodilators such as relative potency, efficacy, duration of action and potential for systemic side effects.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1982

Two types of cross-gender identity.

A revision of the typology of male cross-gender identity was carried out by means of formalized, easily replicable methods. The results suggest (1) that there are two discrete types of cross-gender identity, one heterosexual, the other homosexual; (2) that transvestism, and closely related conditions of cross-gender identity, occur exclusively or almost exclusively in heterosexuals; (3) that of the two types of transsexualism distinguished in this study, type A is, in heterosexuals, very rare or completely nonexistent; (4) that (in the course of time) transvestites or borderline transsexuals (defined below) may develop sustained cross-gender identity, as observed by Stoller (1971); (5) that although, according to Hoenig and Kenna (1974), transsexualism by itself is not an anomalous erotic preference, it is (virtually) always either preceded by transvestism or accompanied by homosexuality or cross-gender fetishism.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Successful long term therapy of biopterin deficiency.

A hyperphenylalaninaemic infant, started on dietary therapy at 14 days of age, had severe developmental retardation and neurological abnormalities despite excellent biochemical control. A diagnosis of a deficit in biopterin synthesis was made at five months of age as a result of the following: high neopterin and low biopterin levels in both blood and urine, normal dihydropteridine reductase in the liver and a sharp drop in the plasma phenylalanine level 4 h after the administration of a test dose of tetrahydrobiopterin. Treatment with levodopa, carbidopa and 5-hydroxytryptophan resulted in prompt neurological improvement. This was followed by gradual and sustained development. At present, at the age of 7 years, the child is mentally and physically normal.

5-Hydroxytryptophan↗
PubMed2005

Demand for and accessibility to reproductive health service of urban floating population.

The demand for knowledge of productive health and the current status of productive health services provided by relevant governmental institutions were qualitatively and quantitatively studied. The study identified the key factors that influenced the demand for the productive health services and results of the services. It also discussed the effective approaches to control, planning and sustainable development of the reproductive health services for the floating populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Short-term model of the production of construction aggregates in Taiwan based on artificial neural networks.

BACKGROUND: Taiwan's geography and limited stock of sandstone have caused sandstone resources to gradually decline to the point of exhaustion after long-term excavation. Moreover, the Taiwanese government has continuously increased the amount of land area near rivers that cannot be excavated to facilitate riverbed remediation and promote conservation of water resources. Accordingly, predicting and managing the annual production of construction aggregates in future construction projects, and dealing appropriately with some thorny problems, for instance, demand that excess supply, excessive excavation, unregulated excavation, and the consequent environmental damage, will significantly affect the efficient use of natural resources in a manner that accords with the national policy of Sustainable Development (SD). METHODS: . This study establishes an empirical model for forecasting the annual production of future construction aggregates using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), based on 15 relevant socio-economic indicators, such as indicator of annual consumption of cement. A sensitivity analysis is then performed on these indicators. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: This work applies ANN to estimate the annual production of construction aggregates; the estimates, the verification of the model and the sensitivity analysis are all acceptable. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis results indicate that the annual consumption of cement is the indicator that most strongly influences the production of construction aggregates, as well as whether construction waste can be recycled and steel structures can be used in buildings, helping to reduce the future production of construction aggregates in Taiwan. CONCLUSIONS: The elaborate prediction methodology presented in this study avoids some of the weaknesses or limitations of conventional linear statistics, linear programming or system dynamics. Additionally, the results not only provide a short-term prediction of the production of construction aggregates in Taiwan, but also provide a viable and flexible means of verifying quality certification of the production data of construction aggregates in the future by incorporating those relevant socio-economic indicators. RECOMMENDATIONS AND OUTLOOK: The continuity and quality of the database of relevant indicators used in this study should be closely scrutinized in order to ensure the SD means of exploiting resources.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed2003

Recovery of normal hematopoiesis after severe bone marrow aplasia induced by interferon-alpha in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia.

We describe an interesting case of a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who developed sustained severe bone marrow aplasia after 2 years and 11 months of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy but demonstrated recovery of normal hematopoiesis when treated with immunosuppressive therapy with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). Administration of G-CSF resulted in a partial recovery of hematopoiesis, and after starting immunosuppressive therapy, the patient was no longer dependent on blood transfusions. Moreover, her bone marrow had no Philadelphia chromosome-positive clones. According to the results of the present case, bone marrow recovery can be achieved with immunosuppressive therapy and a fatal outcome avoided, even in CML patients suffering from sustained bone marrow aplasia during IFN-alpha treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Daily nasal spray of hPTH(1-34) for 3 months increases bone mass in osteoporotic subjects: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Although intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) injection can lead to strong anabolic effects on bone, daily subcutaneous injection is a disadvantage for patient acceptance. We have developed a nasal spray formula of parathyroid peptide [hPTH(1-34)] with peak serum hPTH(1-34) concentrations by nasal spray of 1,000 microg similar to those by subcutaneous injections of 20 microg hPTH(1-34). METHODS: To determine the clinical efficacy and safety of nasal hPTH(1-34) spray, a randomized, open-labeled clinical trial was conducted in subjects with osteoporosis. Ninety osteoporotic subjects age 52-84 years (mean 66.5 years) were randomly assigned to receive either 250 microg (PTH250, n=31), 500 microg (PTH500, n=30), or 1,000 microg (PTH1000, n=29) of daily nasal hPTH(1-34) spray for 3 months. All received daily supplements of 300 mg calcium and 200 IU vitamin D(3). RESULTS: Daily nasal hPTH(1-34) spray for 3 months increased lumbar bone mineral density (L-BMD) in a dose-dependent manner, and the PTH1000 group showed a 2.4% increase in L-BMD from baseline. Only the 1,000-microg dose produced consistent and statistically significant changes in markers of bone turnover; after 3 months, median serum type I procollagen N-propeptide (PINP) and osteocalcin increased 14.8% and 19.4% from baseline, while urinary type I collagen N-telopeptide (NTX) decreased 16.4%. Seven subjects developed transient hypercalcemia at 3 h after nasal hPTH(1-34) spray, but none of the subjects developed sustained hypercalcemia. CONCLUSION: These observations demonstrate that nasal hPTH(1-34) spray is safe and well tolerated and can rapidly increase L-BMD. The results warrant further studies to examine its long-term efficacy on bone mass and fractures.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2004

Immunolocalization of heat shock protein 27 in developing jaw bones and tooth germs of human fetuses.

27 kDa Heat shock protein (Hsp27), which is also identified as p29 estrogen-receptor associated protein, plays a crucial role in specific growth stages. It also seems to be involved in the balance between differentiation and apoptosis. To determine whether Hsp27 is involved during craniofacial development and odontogenesis, its expression was studied through immunohistochemistry of developing jaw bone as well as the odontogenesis of heads from human fetuses. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens of 7 human fetuses (3 female, 4 male), obtained from miscarriages occurring between the 9th and 16th weeks of pregnancy, were examined by using a monoclonal antibody against Hsp27. Staining intensity (weak, +; moderate, ++; strong, +++) was evaluated semiquantitatively. The sample slice was cut through a coronal plane, which included eyes, nasal cavities, tongue, and primitive dental lamina with tooth germs. A transient and spatially restricted expression of Hsp27 in developing human jaw bones and teeth was observed. Osteoblasts around the uncalcified bone matrix showed Hsp27 immunoreaction products (+++), whereas osteocytes were not immunolabeled. In mandibular condyle, immunolabeling was restricted to hypertrophic chondrocytes (++). In developing tooth germs, Hsp27 immunostaining was detected throughout the bud (+++). At the early cap stage, a strong immunolabeling for Hsp27 was seen in the dental lamina (+++), and a moderate staining was seen in the outer dental epithelium (++). At the late cap stage, Hsp27 expression was detected in the outer dental epithelium (++) as well as in the cells of the future stellate reticulum (++). The spatiotemporal-restricted expression of Hsp27 in craniofacial bones during development suggests that this protein could be involved in the balance between differentiation and apoptosis, by modulating the viability of osteoblasts and chondrocytes. The specific regional and temporal expression patterns of Hsp27 during tooth development sustains that this small Hsp might be related to the morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation processes of tooth germs.

Female↗
PubMed2003

Environmental and habitat management: the case of Ethiopia and Ghana.

This article examines the environment and habitat management experiences of Ethiopia and Ghana in the postindependence period (1960-2000). Based on extensive archival research, semistructured focused interviews of environment and habitat officers of the World Bank, the United Nations System and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and personal professional field experiences, the paper argues that the uncritical adoption of externally generated discourses, narratives, policy guidelines, and strategies of environmental and habitat management has structured thought and action in both countries. The experience of both countries in defining and responding to environmental and human settlement management is explored from a political ecology perspective. The analysis indicates that both countries have essentially adopted a technocratic, state-centered, and unsustainable management strategy framework based on population control, poverty reduction, sustainable development, and capacity-building. It also suggests that international organizations such as the World Bank, INCN, and the United Nations system have been important sources of thought and action in both countries. Conversely, regional international organizations such as the Economic Commission for Africa, the Organization of African Unity and the African Development Bank have largely served as conduits for the diffusion of global discourses, narratives, policies and strategies. The need for adopting management policies and strategies that are based on principles of multiple engagement, decentralization, incentives, public education, and participation is underscored.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed2003

Dust storm as an environmental problem in north China.

Dust storms in north China, which are associated with land deterioration from increasing human pressures, have intensified over the past decades. Although synoptic meteorological conditions and sedimental environments dictate the occurrence of dust storms, their increase in frequency in north China due to human activities can be expected. Sand stabilization and control projects may be compromised by the pursuit of short-term economic returns and lack of systematic and integrated understanding of land degradation. Two actions are recommended as positive responses to escalating dust storms in north China. A policy of long-term ecologically sustainable development strategies is needed as well as a scientific research initiative combining biophysical and socioeconomic aspects.

China↗
PubMed2004

Sustainable mining in the European Union: the legislative aspect.

This paper is a review of the community legislation of the European Union ("acquis communautaire") with regard to the mineral extractive industry. It highlights the existing inconsistencies of the acquis, which require correction. Historically, the mining industry has received privileged treatment within the European Community. The treaties declare the promotion of a policy of using natural resources prudently and rationally to avoid their unconsidered exhaustion. However, mining is excluded from the scope of major environmental directives or reserves a certain freedom for interpretation. This has led to an increasing number of related cases at the European Court of Justice. The regulatory tools of the environmental acquis are rather diverse in controlling the emission sources, the pollution pathways, and the impacted receptor media through administrative measures or assigning environmental quality targets. A combined approach is needed for controlling the environmental impacts of the extractive industries. The amendment of the Seveso II Directive, the elaboration of a reference document on best available techniques and the preparation of a widescope directive on mining waste management might provide a frame for the elimination of the above discrepancies. In addition, a coherent European Community policy based on the balanced consideration of economic, environmental, and social aspects could ensure a sustainable development of the mining industry.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed2004

Adverse effects on Alfeios River Basin and an integrated management framework based on sustainability.

The Alfeios River, the longest and highest flow-rate river in Peloponnisos, constitutes an important water resource and ecosystem in Greece. In the present study, human activities in the Alfeios River Basin are described, and their impacts on water quality and the ecosystem are analyzed; effects resulting from interventions on river geomorphology between Flokas Dam and the river delta are determined. These actions have caused significant adverse impacts on the infrastructure (the dam, railroad, and road bridges), the level of aquifer water table and area water uses, and the aquatic and riparian ecosystem. A general integrated management strategy is formulated and a master management plan is proposed for resolving management problems in river basins. The plan considers local conditions and national requirements and complies with the European Communities legislation; it would help prevent further basin deterioration, improve water quality, and protect water resources and ecosystems in the area in accordance to sustainable development. The Alfeios River Basin serves as a case study in the development of the plan.

Agriculture↗
PubMed2006

Effectiveness of fish habitat compensation in Canada in achieving no net loss.

Fish habitat loss has been prevalent over the last century in Canada. To prevent further erosion of the resource base and ensure sustainable development, Fisheries and Oceans Canada enacted the habitat provisions of the Fisheries Act in 1976. In 1986, this was articulated by a policy that a "harmful alteration, disruption, or destruction to fish habitat" (HADD) cannot occur unless authorised with legally binding compensatory habitat to offset the HADD. Despite Canada's progressive conservation policies, the effectiveness of compensation habitat in replicating ecosystem function has never been tested on a national scale. The effectiveness of habitat compensation projects in achieving no net loss of habitat productivity (NNL) was evaluated at 16 sites across Canada. Periphyton biomass, invertebrate density, fish biomass, and riparian vegetation density were used as indicators of habitat productivity. Approximately 63% of projects resulted in net losses in habitat productivity. These projects were characterised by mean compensation ratios (area gain:area loss) of 0.7:1. Twenty-five percent of projects achieved NNL and 12% of projects achieved a net gain in habitat productivity. These projects were characterised by mean ratios of 1.1:1 and 4.8:1, respectively. We demonstrated that artificially increasing ratios to 2:1 was not sufficient to achieve NNL for all projects. The ability to replicate ecosystem function is clearly limited. Improvements in both compensation science and institutional approaches are recommended to achieve Canada's conservation goal.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Impact of 100-year human interventions on the deltaic coastal zone of the Inner Thermaikos Gulf (Greece): a DPSIR framework analysis.

The Axios River delta and the Inner Thermaikos Gulf coastal zone have experienced a long period of human interventions during the past 100 years. A post-evaluation of long run coastal zone changes under the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impacts-Response (DPSIR) conceptual framework is presented. The DPSIR approach is then used to project out into possible futures in order to connect with policy and management options proposed for the improvement of the current conditions and the achievement of sustainable development, in the coastal zone. Socio-economic driving forces with their origins in the end of the 19th century have generated numerous pressures in the coastal environment that changed the state of the environment. In the first part of the last century, there was no coupling between change of state and policy. Due to increasing environmental awareness, a coupling became more apparent over the last thirty years. Human interventions include river route realignment, extensive drainage of the plains, irrigation network, roads and dam constructions. The consequences were positive for the economic development of the area, human health, and navigation for the port of Thessaloniki. In contrast, the manipulation and over-use of natural resources has led to a reduction of wetlands, biodiversity loss, stress on freshwater supplies, and subsidence of coastal areas, aquifer salinization, and rapid coastal erosion. Three plausible future scenarios are utilised in order to investigate the implications of this environmental change process and possible socio-economic consequences.

Environmental Health↗