bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of muscarinic receptor subtypes in human urinary bladder mucosa: Age and gender‐dependent modifications
Authors: Arrighi Nicola , Bodei Serena , Peroni Angelo , Mirabella Giuseppe , Zani Danilo , Simeone Claudio , Cunico Sergio Cosciani , Spano PierFranco , Sigala Sandra
Published: October 2007

Aims

Muscarinic receptor subtypes expressed in the human urinary bladder mucosa were characterized, investigating whether there were gender‐dependent differences and if aging could induce changes in their expression.

Methods

The study was carried out on 34 subjects, 22 men and 12 women, divided in four groups, based on gender and age. Gene expression was evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR. The Western blot was performed using the 4–12% NuPAGE Bis–Tris Gel System.

Results

The molecular expression of each subtype of the M1receptor family was observed and it was not influenced either by gender or age. M2receptor family transcripts revealed that both M2and M4were detected and that the M2transcripts were modified by both gender and age. Indeed, M2mRNA was lower in old rather than adult men (P < 0.05), but higher in rather old than adult women (P < 0.05). Further, adult men expressed more M2mRNA than adult women (P < 0.05), while the opposite was detected in old age (P < 0.05). The Western blot followed by quantification confirmed that the mRNAs were translated into proteins, and that the M2subtype showed similar modifications found at molecular level.

Discussion

The selective modification of M2receptors observed at the urinary bladder mucosa levels indicates that this anatomical structure could play an active role in the pathophysiology of micturition and supports evidence suggesting an effect of antimuscarinic drugs at this level. Whether these results may influence the age‐dependent development of micturition disorders remains to be determined. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:421–428, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis, characterization, electrochemistry and optical properties of a novel phenanthrenequinone‐ alt‐dialkylfluorene conjugated copolymer
Authors: Hanif Muddasir , Lu Ping , Li Mao , Zheng Yan , Xie Zengqi , Ma Yuguang , Li Di , Li Jinghong
Published: October 2007

This paper describes the synthesis, characterization and electro‐optical properties of a 9,10‐phenanthrenequinone (PQ)‐containing alternating conjugated copolymer: poly[(9,10‐phenanthrenequinone‐2,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(9,9‐di‐n‐hexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl)] (PPQF). The copolymer has good solubility in common organic solvents such as CH2Cl2, CHCl3 and tetrahydrofuran. The polymer structure was determined using 1H NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography and elemental analysis. The polymer possesses a low‐energy n → π* electronic state caused by the CO groups of the PQ repeating units, and exhibits interesting and improved electrochemical reduction activity as compared to poly(9,9‐di‐n‐hexylfluorene‐2,7‐diyl) and molecular PQ. PPQF has no fluorescence in solution but shows interesting transitions from no fluorescence to strong fluorescence after it undergoes electrochemical reduction. The polymer PPQF may find use as a starting material for a range of applications and can also be used to prepare other polymers due to the presence of the PQ repeating units. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Structure and properties of thermotropic liquid crystal polymer and poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) blend fibers
Authors: Kim Seong Yun , Kim Jun Young , Kim Seong Hun
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: The melt blending of thermotropic liquid crystal polymers (TLCPs) using conventional thermoplastics has attracted much attention due to the improved strength and tensile modulus of the resulting polymer composites. Moreover, because of their low melt viscosity, the addition of small amounts of TLCPs can reduce the melt viscosity of polymer blends, thereby enhancing the processability.

RESULTS: In this study, TLCP/poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) blend fibers were prepared by melt blending and melt spinning to improve fiber performance and processability. The relation between the structure and the mechanical properties of TLCP/PEN blend fibers and the effect of annealing on these properties were also investigated. The mechanical properties of the blend fibers were improved by increasing the spinning speed and by adding TLCP. These properties of the blend fibers were also improved by annealing. The tensile strength of TLCP5/PEN spun at a spinning speed of 2.0 km h−1 and annealed at 235 °C for 2 h was about three times higher than that of TLCP5/PEN spun at a spinning speed of 0.5 km h−1. The double melting behavior observed in the annealed fibers depended on the annealing temperature and time.

CONCLUSION: The improvement of the mechanical properties of the blend fibers with spinning speed, by adding TLCP and by annealing was attributed to an increase in crystallite size, an increase in the degree of crystallinity and an improvement in crystal perfection. The double melting behavior was influenced by the distribution in lamella thickness that occurred because of a melt‐reorganization process during differential scanning calorimetry scans. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Main properties and current applications of some polysaccharides as biomaterials
Authors: Rinaudo Marguerite
Published: October 2007

This review concerns the applications of some polysaccharides in the domain of biomaterials and bioactive polymers. Natural polysaccharides from different sources have been studied for a long time, and their main properties are summarized in this paper; some of their derivatives obtained by chemical modification are also described. The main polysaccharides currently used in the biomedical and pharmaceutical domains are chitin and its derivative chitosan, hyaluronan and alginates. Alginates are well known for their property of forming a physical gel in the presence of divalent counterions (Ca, Ba, Sr) whereas carrageenans form a thermoreversible gel; these seaweed polysaccharides are mainly used to encapsulate different materials (cells, bacteria, fungi). Other promising systems are the electrostatic complexes formed when an anionic polysaccharide is mixed with a cationic polysaccharide (e.g. alginate/chitosan or hyaluronan/chitosan). An important development of the applications of polysaccharides can be predicted for the next few years in relation to their intrinsic properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability in the human body for some of them; they are also renewable and have interesting physical properties (film‐forming, gelling and thickening properties). In addition, they are easily processed in different forms such as beads, films, capsules and fibres. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organoclay nanocomposites using a polyester ionomer as a compatibilizer
Authors: Vidotti Suel E. , Chinellato Anne C. , Hu Guo‐Hua , Pessan Luiz A.
Published: October 2007

In this work, poly(ethylene terephthalate)/organically modified montmorillonite (PET/o‐MMT) nanocomposites were prepared via direct melt compounding in a twin‐screw extruder. The main objective was to study the effects of using a polyester ionomer (PETi) as a compatibilizer to promote the intercalation and/or exfoliation of the o‐MMT in the PET. The o‐MMT content was 0, 1, 3, or 5 wt % and the PETi/o‐MMT mass ratio was 0/1, 1/1, or 3/1. The PETi was efficient to promote the intercalation/exfoliation of the o‐MMT in the PET matrix, as revealed by wide angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Rheological characterization showed that the PET/o‐MMT nanocomposites exhibited a higher complex viscosity at low frequencies than PET, which is characteristic of materials presenting yield strength. Moreover, the higher the content and/or the degree of intercalation/exfoliation of the o‐MMT, the more the nanocomposite behaved like a solid because of a percolated structure formed by the o‐MMT layers, and the more the storage and loss modulus, G′ and G″, became independent of the frequency at low frequencies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 3084–3091, 2007
Temporal synergism can enhance carbamate and neonicotinoid insecticidal activity against resistant crop pests
Authors: Bingham Georgina , Gunning Robin V , Delogu Giovanna , Borzatta Valerio , Field Linda M , Moores Graham D
Published: October 2007

BACKGROUND: Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) effectively synergises synthetic pyrethroids, rendering even very resistant insect pests susceptible, provided a temporal element is included between exposure to synergist and insecticide. This concept is now applied to carbamates and neonicotinoids.

RESULTS: A microencapsulated formulation of PBO and pirimicarb reduced the resistance factor in a clone of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) from > 19 000‐ to 100‐fold and in Aphis gossypii (Glover) from > 48 000‐ to 30‐fold. Similar results were obtained for a strain of Bemisia tabaci Gennadius resistant to imidacloprid and acetamiprid, although a second resistant strain did not exhibit such a dramatic reduction, presumably owing to the presence of target‐site insensitivity and the absence of metabolic resistance. Synergism was also observed in laboratory susceptible insects, suggesting that, even when detoxification is not enhanced, there is degradation of insecticides by the background enzymes. Use of an analogue of PBO, which inhibits esterases but has reduced potency against microsomal oxidases, suggests that acetamiprid resistance in whiteflies is largely oxidase based.

CONCLUSION: Temporal synergism can effectively enhance the activity of carbamates and neonicotinoids against resistant insect pests. Although the extent of this enhancement is dependent upon the resistance mechanisms present, inhibition of background enzymes can confer increased sensitivity against target‐site resistance as well as increased metabolism. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Antimutagenic and antiproliferative effects of roasted and defatted peanut dregs on human leukemic U937 and HL‐60 cells
Authors: Hwang Jean‐Yu , Wang Yuh Tai , Shyu Yung‐Shin , Wu James Swi‐Bea
Published: October 2007

The antimutagenic effects on Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains and antiproliferative effects on leukemia cell lines (U937 and HL‐60) of peanut protein isolate (PPI), peanut protein isolate enzyme hydrolysate (PPIEH), roasted and defatted peanut dregs (RDPD), and roasted and defatted peanut dregs enzyme hydrolysate (RDPDEH) were investigated. The antimutagenic effects on B(a)P and 4‐NQO toward the TA98 and TA100 strains were found to follow a diminishing order: RDPD > RDPDEH >> PPI = PPIEH with dose‐dependency. Antiproliferative effects on leukemia cells U937 and HL‐60 were also detected. RDPD was found to be the most effective of all the peanut preparations. At 100 µg/mL concentration, RDPD inhibited the proliferation of U937 and HL‐60 cells by 56% and 52%, respectively. We propose to consider RDPD and RDPDEH in the development of natural chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive dietary supplements against leukemia and to upgrade the utilization of these by‐products in peanut oil production. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early experience of tele‐robotic sugery in children
Authors: Najmaldin A. , Antao B.
Published: October 2007

Background

The application of robotic technology in paediatric and adult surgery is limited. We report our early experience in children.

Methods

Selected children from the age of 3 years who underwent da Vinci© robotic surgery were included. All procedures were carried out by the senior author (A.N.), using three robotic ports and an accessory laparoscopic port if and when necessary. The telescope port was placed using an open technique and all port sites were closed in layers at the end of the procedure. Post‐operatively all patients were offered overnight intravenous morphine. All data was collected prospectively.

Results

During March 2006–July 2007 there were 50 procedures in 40 children: fundoplication (5), fundoplication and gastrostomy (6), Heller's myotomy and fundoplication (2), cholecystectomy (1), splenectomy (1), cholecystectomy and splenectomy (1), re‐do rectal mobilization (1), excision of Müllerian remnant and bilateral orchidopexy (1), partial nephroureterectomy (1), nephroureterectomy (4), neprectomy (4) and transperitoneal pyeloplasty (13). The mean age was 10.2 (range 3–17) years. The mean docking time was 11.9 (range 4–20) min. Forty‐seven procedures in 37 children were successfully completed. There were three conversions, one robot‐related (mechanical failure) and two non‐robot‐related (severe adhesions, difficulty with placing a guide wire for nephrostent) but no other operative complications. Post‐operative complications were not robot‐related (one wound infection, one urine extravasation from a displaced ureteric stent). The mean hospital stay was 2.4 (range 1–6) days, and this was affected by the patients' pre‐existing clinical and social conditions.

Conclusions

In children robotic surgery is safe and applicable to a wide range of surgical conditions. Further experience is required in order to establish its full potential. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nash equilibria in random games
Authors: Bárány Imre , Vempala Santosh , Vetta Adrian
Published: October 2007

We consider Nash equilibria in 2‐player random games and analyze a simple Las Vegas algorithm for finding an equilibrium. The algorithm is combinatorial and always finds a Nash equilibrium; onm×npayoff matrices, it runs in timeO(m2nloglogn+n2mloglogm) with high probability. Our result follows from showing that a 2‐player random game has a Nash equilibrium with supports of size two with high probability, at least 1 −O(1/logn). Our main tool is a polytope formulation of equilibria. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
Proteomic Studies of Saliva: A Proposal for a Standardized Handling of Clinical Samples
Authors: Chevalier François , Hirtz Christophe , Chay Sandrine , Cuisinier Frédéric , Sommerer Nicolas , Rossignol Michel , de Périère Dominique Deville
Published: October 2007

Background

In recent years, differential analysis of proteins from human saliva, i.e., proteomic analysis, has received much attention mainly due to its unstressful sampling and its great potential for biomarker research. It is widely considered that saliva is a highly stable medium for proteins thanks to a large amount of antiprotease agents, even at ambient and physiological temperatures.

Objective

To find the best protocol for the handling of samples, we have investigated the stability of saliva proteins stored at different temperatures (from −80 to 20°C) by one- and two-dimensional electrophoresis.

Results

At 20°C, no major changes were observed on protein one-dimensional profiles following 1 day of storage; however, between 7 days and 30 days, the native alpha-amylase band decreased slightly to give several bands with molecular weight between 35 and 25 kDa. The same phenomenon appeared after 30 days of storage at 4°C. Two-dimensional analysis of salivary maps revealed degradation from day 7 of several protein groups for samples stored at 20°C.

Conclusion

All these findings have to be carefully considered when saliva is collected for clinical proteomic analysis. We can conclude that, to maintain the optimum stability of saliva proteins, saliva samples should be collected on ice followed by the addition of protease inhibitor cocktail, centrifuged to remove insoluble material, and stored at −20 or −80°C.
Caveolin‐1 affects serotonin binding and cell surface levels of human 5‐HT7(a) receptors
Authors: Sjögren Benita , Svenningsson Per
Published: October 2007

Studies using HeLa cells expressing 5‐HT7 receptors showed that detergent resistant membranous lipid rafts purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation contained 5‐HT7 receptors and caveolin‐1. Caveolin‐1 siRNA‐mediated knockdown or serotonin (5‐HT) treatment caused significant reductions of maximum [3H]5‐HT binding to 5‐HT7 receptors and total immunoreactivity of membranous 5‐HT7 receptors in intact cells. Co‐treatment with 5‐HT, caveolin‐1 siRNA and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin had no additive effects on reducing maximum binding of [3H]5‐HT to 5‐HT7 receptors. 5‐HT‐mediated reduction of [3H]5‐HT binding to 5‐HT7 receptors was counteracted by genistein, but not by sucrose. Caveolin‐1, specifically localized in cholesterol‐enriched lipid rafts, appears to regulate constitutive and agonist‐stimulated cell surface levels of 5‐HT7 receptors via a clathrin‐independent mechanism.
Concurrent folate treatment prevents Na+,K+‐ATPase activity inhibition and memory impairments caused by chronic hyperhomocysteinemia during rat development
Authors: Matté Cristiane , Scherer Emilene B.S. , Stefanello Francieli M. , Barschak Alethéa G. , Vargas Carmen R. , Netto Carlos A. , Wyse Angela T.S.
Published: October 2007

We investigated the hypothesis that folate administration would prevent hyperhomocysteinemia‐induced memory deficits and Na+,K+‐ATPase activity inhibition. Chronic hyperhomocysteinemia was induced from the 6th to the 28th day of life by subcutaneous injection of homocysteine (0.3–0.6 μmol/g), twice a day; control Wistar rats received the same volume of saline solution (0.9% NaCl). Half of the homocysteine‐ and saline‐treated groups also received intraperitoneal administration of folate (0.011 μmol/g) from the 6th to the 28th day of life. A group of animals was killed 12 h after the last injection, plasma and parietal cortex were collected for biochemical analysis. Another group stayed at Central Animal House until 60th day of life, when the rats were submitted to behavioral testing in water maze or were killed for evaluation of cortical Na+,K+‐ATPase activity. Results showed that hyperhomocysteinemia impaired reference memory for platform location, as assessed by fewer crossings to the platform place and increased latency for the first crossing, when compared to controls. In the working memory task homocysteine‐treated animals also needed more time to find the platform. We also observed that Na+,K+‐ATPase activity was reduced in parietal cortex of hyperhomocysteinemic rats sacrificed 12 h after the last injection of homocysteine (29‐day‐old rats). In contrast, this enzyme was not altered when the rats were sacrificed 31 days after the treatment (60‐day‐old rats). Hyperhomocysteinemic rats treated with folate had all those impairments prevented, an effect probably related to folate antioxidant properties.
Significance of olive oil in the host immune resistance to infection
Authors: Puertollano María A. , Puertollano Elena , Álvarez de Cienfuegos Gerardo , de Pablo Manuel A.
Published: October 2007

The effects exerted by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on immune system functions have been investigated in recent years. These studies have reported the important role thatn-3 PUFA play in the diminution of incidence and severity of inflammatory disorders. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to the action of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) upon the immune system. The administration of a diet containing a high amount of olive oil in experimental animals produces a suppression of lymphocyte proliferation, an inhibition of cytokine production and a reduction in natural killer (NK) cell activity. Despite these alterations in immune functions, it has been reported that olive oil-rich diets are not as immunosuppressive as fish oil diets. An important aspect in immunonutrition is focused on the relationship between fats, the immune system and host resistance to infection, particularly when these nutrients are supplied to patients at risk of sepsis. Different studies have determined that olive oil-rich diets do not impair the host resistance to infection. Therefore, olive oil constitutes a suitable fat that may be applied in clinical nutrition and administered to critically ill patients. In the present review, we summarize the current knowledge on olive oil and immune system functions, the biological consequences derived from the administration of diets containing olive oil and the impact of olive oil on immune defence.
Prebiotics in inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Guarner Francisco
Published: October 2007

In genetically susceptible individuals, an altered mucosal immune response against some commensal bacteria of the gut ecosystem appears to be the principal mechanism leading to intestinal lesions in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The information currently available does not provide an exact explanation about the origin of this important dysfunction of the interaction between host and commensal bacteria, but an altered microbial composition has been detected in the gut ecosystem of patients with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. Prebiotics are food ingredients not digested nor absorbed in the upper intestinal tract that are fermented by intestinal bacteria in a selective way promoting changes in the gut ecosystem. Experimental and human studies have shown that inulin and oligofructose stimulate saccharolysis in the colonic lumen and favour the growth of indigenous lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These effects are associated with reduced mucosal inflammation in animal models of IBD. Strong experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that inulin and oligofructose can offer an opportunity to prevent or mitigate intestinal inflammatory lesions in human Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and pouchitis. Encouraging results have been obtained in preliminary clinical trials.
Immunomodulatory effects of probiotics in different stages of life
Authors: Nova Esther , Wärnberg Julia , Gómez-Martínez Sonia , Díaz Ligia E. , Romeo Javier , Marcos Ascensión
Published: October 2007

The immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and foods containing them (e.g., fermented milks) is a topic currently under investigation. Individuals could potentially benefit from the inclusion of LAB in the diet at different times during the life cycle. One of the most accepted specific uses of probiotic bacteria is the prevention of atopic eczema in infants with family history of the disease who receive the probiotic bacteria early, through supplementation of the gestating mother and orally after birth. Immune enhancing effects have also been suggested to be beneficial in diarrhoea treatment, especially in children infected with rotavirus and in malnourished patients, infants and adolescents, whose capacity to produce IFN-γ can be increased after LAB-containing yoghurt intake. Regarding young people and adults, investigations have been conducted exploring the immunomodulation by LAB in subjects under stressful situations, in the prevention of urinary tract infections in fertile women and in the treatment of allergy. However, the beneficial effects of probiotics in these conditions remain controversial and the scientific evidence provided so far is not considered to be conclusive. The elderly population has been the focus of investigations aimed at identifying the capacity of probiotics to counteract the immunosenescence process by increasing phagocytic and natural killer (NK) cell activities and to protect against infection. The mechanisms involved in the different effects attributed to LAB remain to be clarified. Moreover, considering that the immunomodulatory properties are strain-specific, defining the optimal dose of a certain bacteria or combination of bacteria strains and the duration of treatment for a desired effect in a target population group is essential in order to substantiate health claims.
Nutrition and immunity in cancer
Authors: Valdés-Ramos Roxana , Benítez-Arciniega Alejandra D.
Published: October 2007

The purpose of this article is to give a general overview of the effects of nutrition on the development of cancer as well as part of a therapeutic approach. There is much evidence that diet and lifestyle can alter the risk of cancer development as is the case for many other chronic diseases. This may be through a direct action on the immune system, either by enhancing or suppressing it, as well as on the development of the tumour itself, by modulating gene expression or by antioxidant activity. Protective effects can be achieved by adequate intakes of vitamins A and C, β-carotene, selenium and n-3 fatty acids among others, while negative effects are found mainly with high intakes of n-6 and saturated fatty acids. Weight gain, obesity and lack of regular physical activity have also been associated with an increased risk of cancer. The protective effects are best observed when adequate diet and lifestyle are present together. With respect to the therapeutic role of nutrition in cancer, it has been observed that the use of pre- or post-operative enteral or parenteral nutrition may improve patients' survival rates and quality of life; however, more research is needed in this particular area. Breast, colon, rectum, prostate, stomach and lung are the types of cancer most commonly associated with diet or dietary components.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in the pathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Harbige Laurence S. , Sharief Mohammad K.
Published: October 2007

Epidemiological, biochemical, animal model and clinical trial data described in this overview strongly suggest that polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularlyn-6 fatty acids, have a role in the pathogenesis and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Data presented provides further evidence for a disturbance inn-6 fatty acid metabolism in MS. Disturbance ofn-6 fatty acid metabolism and dysregulation of cytokines are shown to be linked and a “proof of concept clinical trial” further supports such a hypothesis. In a randomised double-blind, placebo controlled trial of a high dose and low dose selected GLA (18 : 3n-6)-rich oil and placebo control, the high dose had a marked clinical effect in relapsing-remitting MS, significantly decreasing the relapse rate and the progression of disease. Laboratory findings paralleled clinical changes in the placebo group in that production of mononuclear cell pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) was increased and anti-inflammatory TGF-β markedly decreased with loss of membranen-6 fatty acids linoleic (18 : 2n-6) and arachidonic acids (20 : 4n-6). In contrast there were no such changes in the high dose group. The improvement in disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale) in the high dose suggests there maybe a beneficial effect on neuronal lipids and neural function in MS. Thus disturbedn-6 fatty acid metabolism in MS gives rise to loss of membrane long chainn-6 fatty acids and loss of the anti-inflammatory regulatory cytokine TGF-β, particularly during the relapse phase, as well as loss of these important neural fatty acids for CNS structure and function and consequent long term neurological deficit in MS.
Amino acid uptake from a probiotic milk in lactose intolerant subjects
Authors: Parra Dolores , Alfredo Martínez J.
Published: October 2007

This trial was designed to assess the effect of live probiotic consumption on leucine assimilation from fresh and pasteurised yoghurt in volunteers with different lactose digestibility. Thirty-three volunteers (mean age 32, s.d. 7 years) participated in this parallel single-blind study (16 of them with moderate lactose intolerance). Breath samples were taken before and at 15 min intervals over 3-h after the ingestion of fresh and pasteurised yoghurt extrinsically labelled with (1-13C)leucine. The 13C enrichment in breath was measured by isotopic rate mass spectrometry and mathematically converted to a percentage of assimilated leucine (100-%13C-dose in breath) and the assimilation kinetic constant (min− 1). The 13C-leucine assimilation was statistically higher after the fresh yoghurt intake than after the pasteurised product intake (P = 0·032) while the kinetic constant of assimilation was slower in intolerance status (P = 0·014) although a product-related effect (P = 0·445) was not found. In conclusion, fresh yoghurt intake resulted in higher short-term leucine assimilation, while lactose intolerance appears to negatively affect the assimilation rate of leucine from dairy products. These findings offer new insight on acute in vivo amino acid assimilation in the presence of probiotics and moderate lactose intolerance.
The application of probiotics in cancer
Authors: de LeBlanc Alejandra de Moreno , Matar Chantal , Perdigón Gabriela
Published: October 2007

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are present in many foods such as yoghurt and are frequently used as probiotics to favour some biological functions in the host. Many investigators have evaluated the therapeutic effects of yoghurt and LAB commonly used in yoghurt production against diseases such as cancer, infection, and gastrointestinal disorders. The increase of immune cell activity in the prevention of cancer by LAB consumption has also been described. Another possible explanation for the preventive effect of probiotics on carcinogenesis is their effect on other bacteria in the intestine. Probiotics may suppress the growth of bacteria that convert procarcinogens into carcinogens, thereby reducing the amount of carcinogens in the intestine. The present review is focused on two types of cancer in which milk fermented by LAB may show a beneficial effect: colon cancer and breast cancer
Nutritional status in patients with HIV infection and AIDS
Authors: Stambullian Marcela , Feliu Susana , Slobodianik Nora H.
Published: October 2007

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of adults with HIV infection or with AIDS through the use of biochemical parameters. The study was performed on 43 patients (19 HIV+ and 24 AIDS patients), between 26 and 44 years of age, from low and medium socioeconomic status, with access to health care services; 35 patients were under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) treatment. Body weight and height were determined, and the Body Mass Index calculated (kg/m2). Blood samples were collected from fasting patients. Plasma cholesterol (total, HDL and LDL), triacylglycerol, total protein, apolipoproteins A-I and B, albumin, transthyretin, retinol binding protein, and ceruloplasmin concentrations were determined. Plasma levels of zinc, copper, and selenium were determined in a haemolysis-free sample by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analyses were performed with the Student's t-test. AIDS patients showed changes in biochemical parameters, particularly an increase in fibrinogen and a trend to decreased transthyretin levels. These findings stress the importance of the inclusion of functional biochemical parameters in the periodic evaluation of these patients. This would allow an early assessment of the need for appropriate nutritional support, implemented along with the specific retroviral treatment. This would aim at delaying the progression of the disease, and might improve the prospects of survival and quality of life.
Investigation of the vitamins A and E and β-carotene content in milk from UK organic and conventional dairy farms
Authors: Ellis Kathryn A , Monteiro Ana , Innocent Giles T , Grove-White Dai , Cripps Peter , Graham McLean W , Howard C Vyvyan , Mihm Monika
Published: October 2007

During a 12-month longitudinal study, bulk-tank milk was collected from organic (n=17) and conventional (n=19) dairy farms in the UK. Milk samples were analysed for vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (α-tocopherol) and β-carotene content. The farming system type, herd production level and nutritional factors affecting the milk fat vitamin content were investigated by use of mixed model analyses. Conventionally produced milk fat had a higher mean content of vitamin A than organically produced milk fat, although there were no significant differences in the vitamin E or β-carotene contents between the two types of milk fat. Apart from farming system, other key factors that affected milk fat vitamin content were season, herd yield and concentrate feeding level. Milk vitamin content increased in the summer months and in association with increased concentrate feeding, whilst higher-yielding herds had a lower milk vitamin E and β-carotene content. Thus, conventional dairy farms in the UK produced milk with a higher vitamin A content, possibly owing to increased vitamin A supplementation in concentrate feeds. However, knowledge of the effects of season, access to fresh grazing or specific silage types and herd production level may also be used by all producers and processors to enhance the vitamin content in milk.
Stochastic modelling to assess economic effects of treatment of chronic subclinical mastitis caused by Streptococcus uberis
Authors: Steeneveld Wilma , Swinkels Jantijn , Hogeveen Henk
Published: October 2007

Chronic subclinical mastitis is usually not treated during the lactation. However, some veterinarians regard treatment of some types of subclinical mastitis to be effective. The goal of this research was to develop a stochastic Monte Carlo simulation model to support decisions around treatment of chronic subclinical mastitis caused by Streptococcus uberis. Factors in the model included the probability of cure after treatment, probability of the cow becoming clinically diseased, transmission of infection to other cows, and physiological effects of the infection. Using basic input parameters for Dutch circumstances, the average economic costs per cow of an untreated chronic subclinical mastitis case caused by Str. uberis in a single quarter from day of diagnosis onwards was €109. With treatment, the average costs were higher (€120). Thus, for the average cow, treatment was not efficient economically. However, the risk of high costs was much higher when cows with chronic subclinical mastitis were not treated. A sensitivity analysis showed that profitability of treatment of chronic subclinical Str. uberis mastitis depended on farm-specific factors (such as economic value of discarded milk) and cow-specific factors (such as day of diagnosis, duration of infection, amount of transmission to other cows and cure rate). Therefore, herd level protocols are not sufficient and decision support should be cow specific. Given the importance of cow-specific factors, information from the current model could be applied to automatic decision support systems.
COPD education and cognitive behavioral therapy group treatment for clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety in COPD patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kunik M. E. , Veazey C. , Cully J. A. , Souchek J. , Graham D. P. , Hopko D. , Carter R. , Sharafkhaneh A. , Goepfert E. J. , Wray N. , Stanley M. A.
Published: October 2007

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 14 to 20 million Americans and is associated with increased prevalence of affective disorders, contributing significantly to disability. This study compared cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group treatment for anxiety and depression with COPD education for COPD patients with moderate-to-severe anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.

Method

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted between 11 July 2002 and 30 April 2005 at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX. Participants were 238 patients treated for COPD the year before, with forced expiratory value in 1 second (FEV)1/forced vital capacity (FVC)<70% and FEV1<70% predicted, and symptoms of moderate anxiety and/or moderate depression, who were being treated by a primary care provider or pulmonologist. Participants attended eight sessions of CBT or COPD education. Assessments were at baseline, at 4 and 8 weeks, and 4, 8 and 12 months. Primary outcomes were disease-specific and generic quality of life (QoL) [Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36) respectively]. Secondary outcomes were anxiety [Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)], depressive symptoms [Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)], 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and use of health services.

Results

Both treatments significantly improved QoL, anxiety and depression (p<0.005) over 8 weeks; the rate of change did not differ between groups. Improvements were maintained with no significant change during follow-up. Ratios of post- to pretreatment use of health services were equal to 1 for both groups.

Conclusions

CBT group treatment and COPD education can achieve sustainable improvements in QoL for COPD patients experiencing moderate-to-severe symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Identification of newly recognized serotype 1c as the most prevalentShigella flexneriserotype in northern rural Vietnam
Authors: STAGG R. M. , CAM P. D. , VERMA N. K.
Published: October 2007

We investigated the identity of 37Shigella flexneristrains that had previously been isolated from northern rural Vietnam (Son Tay Province) and described as untypable. Twenty-four isolates reacted with MASF 1c, a monoclonal antibody specific forS. flexneriserotype 1c. A further ten untypable isolates were found to be rough mutants (no longer expressing O-antigen) that were derived from serotype 1c strains. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated that these strains consisted of many different clones, indicating serotype 1c was well established in this region in the late 1990s. Serotype 1c was the most prevalentS. flexneriserotype isolated in the Son Tay Province, accounting for about 40% ofS. flexneriisolates. Subsequent isolation ofS. flexneriserotype 1c in this region and elsewhere in Vietnam confirmed that serotype 1c is of genuine importance in Vietnam.
Dietary sugars intake and micronutrient adequacy: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Gibson Sigrid A.
Published: October 2007

Guidelines for sugars intake range from a population mean of less than 10 % energy from free sugars, to a maximum for individuals of 25 % energy from added sugars. The aim of the present review was to examine the evidence for micronutrient dilution by sugars and evaluate its nutritional significance. From a web-based search of MEDLINE and hand search of linked papers, forty-eight relevant publications were identified on sugars (total sugars, non-milk extrinsic sugars, or added sugars) or sugar-containing drinks. These included five reports from expert committees, six reviews, thirty-three observational studies and four small-scale interventions. There was inconsistency between studies as to the relationship between sugars intake (however expressed) and micronutrients. The statistical patterns varied between nutrients and population groups. Curvilinear associations were found in some analyses, with lower nutrient intakes at both extremes of sugar intake; however, factors such as dieting and under-reporting may confound the associations observed. Some studies found statistically significant inverse associations but these were weak, with sugars explaining less than 5 % of the variance. Mean intakes of most micronutrients were above the RDA or reference nutrient intake except among very high consumers of sugars. The available evidence does not allow for firm conclusions on an optimal level of added sugars intake for micronutrient adequacy and the trends that exist may have little biological significance except for a few nutrients (for example, Fe). It is established that energy intake is the prime predictor of micronutrient adequacy. A better understanding of valid approaches to energy adjustment, misreporting and the assessment of micronutrient adequacy is crucial to further progress in this area.
Effect of Genotype on Micronutrient Absorption and Metabolism: a Review of Iron, Copper, Iodine and Selenium, and Folates
Authors: Mithen
Published: October 2007

For the majority of micronutrients, there are very little data, or none at all, on the role of genetic polymorphisms on their absorption and metabolism. In many cases, the elucidation of biochemical pathways and regulators of homeostatic mechanisms have come from studies of individuals that have mutations in certain genes. Other polymorphisms in these genes that result in a less severe phenotype may be important in determining the natural range of variation in absorption and metabolism that is commonly observed. To illustrate some of these aspects, I briefly review the increased understanding of iron metabolism that has arisen from our knowledge of the effects of mutations in several genes, the role of genetic variation in mediating the nutritional effects of iodine and selenium, and finally, the interaction between a genetic polymorphism in folate metabolism and folic acid fortification.
Interactions Affecting the Bioavailability of Dietary Polyphenols in Vivo
Authors: Scholz  , Williamson
Published: October 2007

Polyphenols are widely abundant dietary constituents in plants that are associated with health-promoting effects. This review summarizes factors influencing the bioavailability of polyphenols, specifically flavanols, flavonols, flavanones, flavones, and hydroxycinnamic (phenolic) acids. Most factors tested so far indicate that bioaccessibility, defined as the amount of compound reaching the enterocyte in a form suitable for absorption, is the most important factor determining the absorption in the gut. Factors leading to an improved absorption of flavonols, notably quercetin and its metabolites, are primarily the nature of the attached sugar, and secondly, the solubility as modified by ethanol, fat, and emulsifiers. The absorption of flavanols, notably green tea catechins, is affected by epimerization reactions occurring during processing, the presence of lipid and carbohydrate, and is improved by the presence of piperine and tartaric acid. Flavanones, such as hesperidin, are strongly affected by the type of attached sugar. Phenolic acids are affected by the attached sugar, which can covalently link these compounds to the cereal bran matrix. In the few examples tested, absorption of polyphenols is dependent on release from the food matrix. There are only a few examples reported, but where information is available, the absorption increases with dose but is sometimes linear and sometimes saturated. The lack of systematic information on the effects of other components on the bioavailability of polyphenols needs to be addressed, and more human studies should be conducted in this field to establish general principles affecting absorption in vivo. Information derived from such experiments could be useful for the optimal design of future bioefficacy studies.
An improved derivation of the top‐of‐atmosphere albedo from POLDER/ADEOS‐2: 2. Broadband albedo
Authors: Buriez Jean‐Claude , Parol Frédéric , Poussi Zegbeu , Viollier Michel
Published: October 2007

The narrowband albedos derived from Polarization and Directionality of Earth Reflectances (POLDER) measurements have been described in a companion paper (Buriez et al., 2005). Here, they are used to estimate the broadband shortwave albedo. Except for the gaseous absorption, the albedos at 443 and 670 nm are considered as representative of the UV‐visible range, and the albedo at 865 nm is considered as representative of the near infrared. The gaseous absorption is estimated from TOMS data and from the POLDER 910‐ to 865‐nm reflectance ratio. In a previous approach, the respective weights of the three narrowband albedos were based on radiative transfer simulations. Now, we take advantage of spatiotemporal coincidences between the second Advanced Earth Observing Satellite (ADEOS‐2) and Terra to adjust these weights from the comparison between POLDER narrowband and CERES broadband reflectances. With no adjustment, the POLDER albedos are underestimated by 2% (in relative value) whereas the associated reflectances are underestimated by 4%. With an adjustment to the CERES reflectances, the POLDER shortwave albedos are overestimated by 2%. With or without adjustment the RMS difference between the POLDER and the CERES 1°‐regional instantaneous shortwave albedos is 6%; this is quite satisfactory since it is comparable to the CERES SW albedo consistency between nadir and oblique viewing zenith angles. When considering only homogeneous areas, the agreement between POLDER and CERES estimates was rather less good in the previous approach; it is now more than twice better. The difference between POLDER and CERES shortwave albedo estimates appears, for a large part, due to our plane‐parallel assumption that is crucial for the heterogeneous liquid water clouds. It results in a bias in monthly mean shortwave flux around 2 W m−2 that is found to present only small variations in latitude.
A method to measure Kr/N2 ratios in air bubbles trapped in ice cores and its application in reconstructing past mean ocean temperature
Authors: Headly Melissa A. , Severinghaus Jeffrey P.
Published: October 2007

We describe a new method for precise measurement of Kr/N2 ratios in air bubbles trapped in ice cores and the first reconstruction of atmospheric Kr/N2 during the last glacial maximum (LGM) ∼20,000 years ago. After gravitational correction, the Kr/N2 record in ice cores should represent the atmospheric ratio, which in turn should reflect past ocean temperature change due to the dependence of gas solubility on temperature. The increase in krypton inventory in the glacial ocean due to higher gas solubility in colder water causes a decrease in the atmospheric inventory of krypton. Assuming Kr and N2 inventories in the ocean‐atmosphere system are conserved, we use a mass balance model to estimate a mean ocean temperature change between the LGM and today. We measured Kr/N2 in air bubbles in Greenland (GISP2) ice from the late Holocene and LGM, using the present atmosphere as a standard. The late Holocene δKr/N2 means from two sets of measurements are not different from zero (+0.07 ± 0.30‰ and −0.14 ± 0.93‰), as expected from the relatively constant climate of the last millennium. The mean δKr/N2 in air bubbles from the LGM is −1.34 ± 0.37‰. Using the mass balance model, we estimate that the mean temperature change between the LGM ocean and today's ocean was 2.7 ± 0.6°C. Although this error is large compared to the observed change, this finding is consistent with most previous estimates of LGM deep ocean temperature based on foraminiferal δ18O and sediment pore water δ18O and chlorinity.
Fluid‐induced rupture experiment on Fontainebleau sandstone: Premonitory activity, rupture propagation, and aftershocks
Authors: Schubnel A. , Thompson B. D. , Fortin J. , Guéguen Y. , Young R. P.
Published: October 2007

A 14% porosity Fontainebleau sandstone sample (diameter = 40 mm, length = 88 mm) was loaded tri‐axially, under 100 MPa confining pressure and 240 MPa differential stress. In drained conditions and under constant load, pore pressure (water) was raised until failure was triggered. During the experiment, elastic wave velocities and permeability were monitored while more than 3000 Acoustic Emissions (AE) were located prior and after failure. AE locations show that macroscopic fracture propagated from a large nucleation patch at speeds comprised between 0.1 and 4 m/s. Number of AE hits per second followed Omori's law, with exponents of 0.92 and 1.18 pre‐ and post‐failure respectively. No quiescence was observed post failure, except where rupture initially nucleated from. Fast depressurization of the pore space induced secondary aftershocks located within the fracture plane, possibly indicating a heterogeneous fault geometry after rupture, of lower permeability, that compacted during the release of pore pressure.