bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Livreor Symphony? Lutosławski'sLivre pour orchestreand the Enigma of Musical Narrativity
Authors: Reyland Nicholas
Published: November 2009

Despite a lasting ambivalence regarding the title of his 1968 orchestral work, Livre pour orchestre, Lutosławski ultimately consented to publication of the work under the name with which it was premiered. Analysts approaching the piece might therefore begin by asking if this work is indeed a livre of independent parts or a more sustained musical utterance encoding some kind of longer‐range musical narrative. Drawing on Lutosławski's poetics of musical plot, Roland Barthes's theories of narrative, music‐analytical adaptations of Barthes's theories, ongoing debates surrounding the issue of musical narrativity and the composer's artistic and social context, this article constructs a close reading of a piece in which a classicist conception of symphonic plot vies with an alternative structural paradigm reinvigorated by modernism, manipulating and ultimately reversing expectations while sculpting a powerful experience of musical change.
New Music, Late Style: Adorno's ‘Form in the New Music’
Authors: Williams Alastair
Published: November 2009

‘Form in the New Music’, which was originally published in a volume of Darmstädter Beiträge zur Neuen Musik devoted to the issue of form, engages with most of Adorno's earlier essays on new music, modifying and developing those ideas. In it, Adorno maintains the important perspective that a focus on technique cannot transcend subjectivity, but he depends less on the achievements of the Second Viennese School than in some earlier articles. He also contemplates contemporary approaches to composition, particularly as expressed by György Ligeti, drawing out the wider aesthetic implications of these ideas. Furthermore, as in many of Adorno's writings in the 1960s, the author explores themes that were to become prevalent in the posthumously published Aesthetic Theory. In general, the essay exhibits the characteristics of Adorno's late style: it returns to ideas located elsewhere in the author's oeuvre, but does so with altered nuances, which create an incremental shift in perspective.
The Religious‐Philosophical Heritage of Lev Shestov in the Context of Contemporary Russia and the Wider World
Authors: Tabachnikova Olga
Published: November 2009

The Russian‐Jewish religious thinker Lev Shestov (1866–1938) has returned from obscurity in the post‐Soviet revival of religious and philosophical thought in Russia. Despite his reputation as an anti‐modern irrationalist, his heritage is of key relevance to contemporary currents in Russia and the wider world; we here explore the implications of his contribution in religious, social, philosophical and literary‐cultural contexts. In particular, we trace Shestov's relation to post‐modernism in various settings. We explore the connection between his thought and the conflict between moral principles and scientific advance, and argue that his existential perspective is a precursor to anti‐globalism. We expose a link between the apophatic theology that underlies modern Russian religiosity and the Hassidic tradition which, arguably, influenced Shestov's thought, and show the relevance of his premonitions to contemporary religious developments in Russia.
Rise in maternal mortality in the Netherlands
Authors: Schutte JM , Steegers EAP , Schuitemaker NWE , Santema JG , de Boer K , Pel M , Vermeulen G , Visser W , van Roosmalen J ,   the Netherlands Maternal Mortality Committee
Published: November 2009

Please cite this paper as: Schutte J, Steegers E, Schuitemaker N, Santema J, de Boer K, Pel M, Vermeulen G, Visser W, van Roosmalen J, the Netherlands Maternal Mortality Committee. Rise in maternal mortality in the Netherlands. BJOG 2009;117:399–406.

Objective  To assess causes, trends and substandard care factors in maternal mortality in the Netherlands.

Design  Confidential enquiry into the causes of maternal mortality.

Setting  Nationwide in the Netherlands.

Population  2,557,208 live births.

Methods  Data analysis of all maternal deaths in the period 1993–2005.

Main outcome measures  Maternal mortality.

Results  The overall maternal mortality ratio was 12.1 per 100 000 live births, which was a statistically significant rise compared with the maternal mortality ratio of 9.7 in the period 1983–1992 (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.0–1.5). The most frequent direct causes were (pre‐)eclampsia, thromboembolism, sudden death in pregnancy, sepsis, obstetric haemorrhage and amniotic fluid embolism. The number of indirect deaths also increased, mainly caused by an increase in cardiovascular disorders (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.4–4.6). Women younger than 20 years and older than 45 years, those with high parity or from nonwestern immigrant populations were at higher risk. Most substandard care was found in women with pre‐eclampsia (91%) and in immigrant populations (62%).

Conclusions  Maternal mortality in the Netherlands has increased since 1983–1992. Pre‐eclampsia remains the number one cause. Groups at higher risk for complications during pregnancy should be better identified early in pregnancy or before conception, in order to receive preconception advice and more frequent antenatal visits. There is an urgent need for the better education of women and professionals concerning the danger signs, and for the training of professionals in order to improve maternal health care.
The polypill in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Wald David S. , Wald Nicholas J.
Published: November 2009

Coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke are the most common causes of death worldwide. The polypill, a multi‐component tablet or capsule designed to reduce several cardiovascular causal risk factors simultaneously, has the potential to reduce the incidence of heart attacks and stroke by about 80%, the precise reduction depending on the formulation of the polypill and adherence to preventive treatment. The full public health impact can only be realized if the polypill is used to prevent first cardiovascular disease events, because most heart attacks and strokes are first events. A simple and effective method of selecting who should be offered the polypill is needed. Even though serum cholesterol and blood pressure are important causes of CHD and stroke and lowering them has a large preventive effect (a 1.8 mmol/L reduction in LDL cholesterol reduces the incidence of CHD events by about 60% and a 10 mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure also reduces the incidence of stroke by about 60%), they are poor screening tests. They add little to age in discriminating between individuals who will and will not have a CHD event or stroke. Including them in a risk assessment algorithm needlessly complicates the screening process and tends to medicalize the preventive strategy. Age alone is effective and a simpler means of selecting people for preventive treatment using the polypill.
The chemokine receptor antagonist, TAK‐779, decreased experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by reducing inflammatory cell migration into the central nervous system, without affecting T cell function
Authors: Ni Jia , Zhu Yi‐Na , Zhong Xiang‐Gen , Ding Yu , Hou Li‐Fei , Tong Xian‐Kun , Tang Wei , Ono Shiro , Yang Yi‐Fu , Zuo Jian‐Ping
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  The C–C chemokine receptor CCR5, and the C–X–C chemokine receptor CXCR3 are involved in the regulation of T cell‐mediated immune responses, and in the migration and activation of these cells. To determine whether blockade of these chemokine receptors modulated inflammatory responses in the central nervous sytem (CNS), we investigated the effect of a non‐peptide chemokine receptor antagonist, TAK‐779, in mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).

Experimental approach:  EAE was induced by immunization of C57BL/6 mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) 35–55. TAK‐779 was injected s.c. once a day after immunization. Disease incidence and severity (over 3 weeks) were monitored by histopathological evaluation and FACS assay of inflammatory cells infiltrating into the spinal cord, polymerase chain reaction quantification of mRNA expression, assay of T cell proliferation, by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and cytokine production by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Key results:  Treatment with TAK‐779 reduced incidence and severity of EAE. It strongly inhibited migration of CXCR3/CCR5 bearing CD4+, CD8+ and CD11b+ leukocytes to the CNS. TAK‐779 did not reduce proliferation of anti‐MOG T cells, the production of IFN‐γ by T cells or CXCR3 expression on T cells. In addition, TAK‐779 did not affect production of IL‐12 by antigen‐presenting cells, CCR5 induction on T cells and the potential of MOG‐specific T cells to transfer EAE.

Conclusions and implications:  TAK‐779 restricted the development of MOG‐induced EAE. This effect involved reduced migration of inflammatory cells into the CNS without affecting responses of anti‐MOG T cells or the ability of MOG‐specific T cells to transfer EAE.
New Pulsatile Hydrostatic Pressure Bioreactor for Vascular Tissue‐engineered Constructs
Authors: Shaikh Faisal M. , O'Brien Thomas P. , Callanan Anthony , Kavanagh Eamon G. , Burke Paul E. , Grace Pierce A. , McGloughlin Timothy M.
Published: November 2009

Mechanical conditioning represents a potential means to enhance the biochemical and biomechanical properties of tissue‐engineered cell constructs. Bioreactors that can simulate physiologic conditions can play an important role in the preparation of tissue‐engineered constructs. Although various forms of bioreactor systems are currently available, these have certain limitations, particularly when these are used for the creation of vascular constructs. The aim of the present report is to describe and validate a novel pressure bioreactor system for the creation of vascular tissue. Here, we present and discuss the design concepts, criteria, as well as the development of a novel pressure bioreactor. The system is compact and easily housed in an incubator to maintain sterility of the construct. Moreover, the proposed bioreactor, in addition to mimicking in vivo pressure conditions, is flexible, allowing different types of constructs to be exposed to various physiologic pressure conditions. The core bioreactor elements can be easily sterilized and have good ergonomic assembly characteristics. This system is a fundamental tool, which may enable us to make further advances in bioreactor technology and tissue engineering. The novel system allows for the application of pressure that may facilitate the growth and development of constructs needed to produce a tissue‐engineered vascular graft.
The ecology of information: an overview on the ecological significance of making informed decisions
Authors: Schmidt Kenneth A. , Dall Sasha R. X. , Van Gils Jan A.
Published: November 2009

Information is characterized as the reduction of uncertainty and by a change in the state of a receiving organism. Thus, organisms can acquire information about their environment that reduces uncertainty and increases their likelihood of choosing a best‐matching strategy. We define the ecology of information as the study of how organisms acquire and use information in decision‐making and its significance for populations, communities, landscapes and ecosystems. As a whole, it encompasses the reception and processing of information, decision‐making, and the ecological consequences of making informed decisions. The first two stages constitute the domains of, e.g. sensory ecology and behavioral ecology. The exploration of the consequences of information use at larger spatial and temporal scales in ecology has lagged behind these other disciplines. In our overview we characterize information, discuss statistical decision theory as a quantitative framework to analyze information and decision‐making, and discuss potential ecological ramifications. Rather than attempt a cursory review of the enormity of the scope of information we highlight information use in development, breeding habitat selection, and interceptive eavesdropping on alarm calls. Through these topics we discuss specific examples of ecological information use and the emerging ecological consequences. We emphasize recurring themes: information is collected from multiple sources, over varying temporal and spatial scales, and in many cases links heterospecifics to one another. We conclude by breaking from specific ecological contexts to explore implications of information as a central organizing principle, including: information webs, information as a component of the niche concept, and information as an ecosystem process. With information having such an enormous reach in ecology we further cast a spotlight on the potential harmful effects of anthropogenic noise and info‐disruption.
Binase cleaves cellular noncoding RNAs and affects coding mRNAs
Authors: Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Tchurikov Nickolai A. , Zelenikhin Pavel V. , Petrushanko Irina Yu. , Makarov Alexander A. , Ilinskaya Olga N.
Published: November 2009

Bacterial RNases are promising tools for the development of anticancer drugs. Neoplastic transformation leads to enhanced accumulation of rRNA and tRNA, and altered expression of regulatory noncoding RNAs. Cleavage of RNA in cancer cells is the main reason for the cytotoxic effects of exogenic RNases. We have shown that binase, a cytotoxic ribonuclease from Bacillus intermedius, affects the total amount of intracellular RNA and the expression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic mRNAs. For four cell lines, we visualized cellular RNA by fluorescence microscopy, and determined RNA levels, viability and apoptosis by flow cytometry. We found that the level of cellular RNA was decreased in cells that were sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of binase. The RNA level was lowered by 44% in HEK cells transfected with the hSK4 gene of the Ca2+‐activated potassium channels (HEKhSK4) and by 20% in kit‐transformed myeloid progenitor FDC‐P1iR1171 cells. The most significant decrease in RNA levels was registered in the subpopulations of apoptotic cells. However, the binase‐induced RNA decrease did not correlate with apoptosis. Kit‐transformed cells with binase‐induced RNA decrease retained viability if the interleukin‐dependent proliferation pathway was activated. Using quantitative RT‐PCR with RNA samples isolated from the binase‐treated HEKhSK4 cells, we found that the amount of mRNA of the antiapoptotic bcl‐2 gene in vivo was reduced about two‐fold. In contrast, expression of the proapoptotic genes p53 and hSK4 was increased 1.5‐fold and 4.3‐fold, respectively. These results show that binase is a regulator of RNA‐dependent processes of cell proliferation and apoptosis.
Experiences of difficulty that patients with cancer faced in the learning process of progressive muscle relaxation
Authors: KONDO Yuka , KOITABASHI Kikuyo , KANEKO Yukiko
Published: November 2009

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to clarify the experiences of difficulty that patients with cancer faced in the learning process of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and to consider which kind of PMR guidance should be given to weak patients with cancer.

Methods:  The participants were instructed to practise PMR for 2 weeks when they were in good condition. The interview was conducted 1 week and 2 weeks after the PMR intervention. The 21 participants who experienced difficulty were analyzed. The analysis was completed by using the content analysis method.

Results:  Fifteen patients practised PMR by themselves one‐to‐two times per day. However, six patients practised PMR three‐to‐four times per week when they were in good condition. The interview answers fell into two categories: (i) experiences of difficulty that patients encountered in the learning process; and (ii) experiences in which patients had no feeling of change though they had practised PMR. The former category included the subcategories of experiences in which patients felt difficulty with PMR, experiences in which patients felt uncomfortable symptoms after PMR, and experiences in which patients did not feel it was good timing to learn PMR.

Conclusion:  It is easy for disease to progress in patients with cancer and those with poor strength, so it is necessary to match the functional status of individual patients. It also is important to support patients in practising PMR whenever they have the desire, by respecting their will.
Personality traits affect individual interests in day service activities
Authors: MORITA Kumiko , SASAKI Akiko , TANUMA Tomoko
Published: November 2009

Aim:  To assess the association of user interest in various activities with personality traits for the provision of activity programs at adult day centers.

Methods:  A self‐reported questionnaire survey of service users was conducted at 25 day centers in Tokyo; 133 men and 344 women, with a mean age of 81.6 ± 7.9 years, responded. The questionnaire examined their demographics, lifestyles, requested activities, purpose of activity participation, attitudes toward participation, and personality traits by using the BASIC‐3 Personality Inventory (PI)‐short version.

Results:  The participants with higher sociability and novelty‐seeking scores on the BASIC‐3 PI‐short version requested significantly more activities than those with lower scores. Music appreciation and singing were significantly associated with both sociability and novelty‐seeking facets. The sociability facets were significantly associated with activities, such as walking and interaction with children, while the novelty‐seeking facets were significantly associated with contact with animals and the Internet. There was no significant relationship between the neuroticism facets and any specific activity. Flower arrangement, handicrafts, fashion or make up, cooking, and singing were significantly more frequently requested by the women than by the men, while shogi or mahjong was requested significantly more frequently by the men than by the women.

Conclusions:  Sociability and novelty‐seeking facets, sex, and age were significantly associated with an interest in particular activities. We recommend that adult day centers create a system under which nurses and formal caregivers fully assess the elderly in order to provide activity programs based on user needs.
Performance of Hybrids between Weedy Rice and Insect‐resistant Transgenic Rice under Field Experiments: Implication for Environmental Biosafety Assessment
Authors: Cao Qian‐Jin , Xia Hui , Yang Xiao , Lu Bao‐Rong
Published: November 2009

Transgene escape from genetically modified (GM) rice into weedy rice via gene flow may cause undesired environmental consequences. Estimating the field performance of crop‐weed hybrids will facilitate our understanding of potential introgression of crop genes (including transgenes) into weedy rice populations, allowing for effective biosafety assessment. Comparative studies of three weedy rice strains and their hybrids with two GM rice lines containing different insect‐resistance transgenes (CpTI or Bt/CpTI) indicated an enhanced relative performance of the crop‐weed hybrids, with taller plants, more tillers, panicles, and spikelets per plant, as well as higher 1 000‐seed weight, compared with the weedy rice parents, although the hybrids produced less filled seeds per plant than their weedy parents. Seeds from the F1 hybrids had higher germination rates and produced more seedlings than the weedy parents, which correlated positively with 1 000‐seed weight. The crop‐weed hybrids demonstrated a generally enhanced relative performance than their weedy rice parents in our field experiments. These findings indicate that transgenes from GM rice can persist to and introgress into weedy rice populations through recurrent crop‐to‐weed gene flow with the aid of slightly increased relative fitness in F1 hybrids.
Drought‐Stimulated Activity of Plasma Membrane Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate Oxidase and Its Catalytic Properties in Rice
Authors: Duan Zhuang‐Qin , Bai Lei , Zhao Zhi‐Guang , Zhang Guo‐Ping , Cheng Fang‐Min , Jiang Li‐Xi , Chen Kun‐Ming
Published: November 2009

The activity of plasma membrane (PM) nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase and its catalytic properties in rice was investigated under drought stress conditions. Drought stress led to decreased leaf relative water content (RWC) and, as a result of drought‐induced oxidative stress, the activities of antioxidant enzymes increased significantly. More interestingly, the intensity of applied water stress was correlated with increased production of H2O2 and O2− and elevated activity of PM NADPH oxidase, a key enzyme of reactive oxygen species generation in plants. Histochemical analyses also revealed increased H2O2 and O2− production in drought‐stressed leaves. Application of diphenylene iodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of PM NADPH oxidase, did not alleviate drought‐induced production of H2O2 and O2−. Catalysis experiments indicated that the rice PM NADPH oxidase was partially flavin‐dependent. The pH and temperature optima for this enzyme were 9.8 and 40 °C, respectively. In addition, drought stress enhanced the activity under alkaline pH and high temperature conditions. These results suggest that a complex regulatory mechanism, associated with the NADPH oxidase‐H2O2 system, is involved in the response of rice to drought stress.
Determination of Essential Fatty Acid Composition among Mutant Lines of Canola (Brassica napus), through High Pressure Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Raza Ghulam , Siddique Aquil , Khan Imtiaz Ahmad , Ashraf Muhammed Yasin , Khatri Abdullah
Published: November 2009

The present study aimed to quantify the methyl esters of lenoleic acid (LA), γ‐lenolenic acid (LNA) and oleic acid (OL) in the oil of Brassica napus mutants. Five stable mutants (ROO‐75/1, ROO‐100/6, ROO‐125/12, ROO‐125/14, and ROO‐125/17) of B. napus cv. ‘Rainbow’ (P) and three mutants (W97‐95/16, W97‐0.75/11 and W97‐.075/13) of B. napus cv. ‘Westar’ (P) at M6 stage, exhibiting better yield and yield components, were analyzed for essential fatty acids. The highest seed yield was observed in the mutant (ROO‐100/6) followed by ROO‐125/14 of Rainbow, that is, 34% and 32% higher than their parent plants, respectively. Westar mutant W97‐75/11 also showed 30% higher seed yield than its parent plant. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of the composition of fatty acids indicated that OL was the most dominant fatty acid, ranging from 39.1 to 66.3%; LA was second (15.3–41.6%) and LNA was third (18.1–28.9%). Mutant ROO‐125/14 showed higher OL contents than parent (Rainbow). These results are expected to support the approval of ROO‐125/14 in the National Uniform Varietal Yield Trials (NUVYT) as a new variety based on high oil quality.
Gibberellin and Jasmonate Crosstalk during Stamen Development
Authors: Peng Jinrong
Published: November 2009

Gibberellin (GA) and jasmonate (JA) are two types of phytohormones that play important roles during stamen development. For example, Arabidopsis plants deficient in either of GA or JA develop short stamens. An apparent question to ask is whether GA action and JA action during stamen filament development are independent of each other or are in a hierarchy. Recent studies showed that GA modulates the expression of genes essential for JA biosynthesis to promote JA production and high levels of JA will induce the expression of three MYB genes MYB21, MYB24 and MYB57. These three MYB genes are crucial factors for the normal development of stamen filament in Arabidopsis.
Hydrogen Sulfide Promotes Root Organogenesis in Ipomoea batatas, Salix matsudana and Glycine max
Authors: Zhang Hua , Tang Jun , Liu Xiao‐Ping , Wang Yun , Yu Wei , Peng Wei‐Yan , Fang Fang , Ma Dai‐Fu , Wei Zhao‐Jun , Hu Lan‐Ying
Published: November 2009

In this report, we demonstrate that sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor, promoted adventitious root formation mediated by auxin and nitric oxide (NO). Application of the H2S donor to seedling cuttings of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) promoted the number and length of adventitious roots in a dose‐dependent manner. It was also verified that H2S or HS− rather than other sulfur‐containing components derived from NaHS could be attributed to the stimulation of adventitious root formation. A rapid increase in endogenous H2S, indole acetic acid (IAA) and NO were sequentially observed in shoot tips of sweet potato seedlings treated with HaHS. Further investigation showed that H2S‐mediated root formation was alleviated by N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA), an IAA transport inhibitor, and 2‐(4‐carboxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide (cPTIO), an NO scavenger. Similar phenomena in H2S donor‐dependent root organogenesis were observed in both excised willow (Salix matsudana var. tortuosa Vilm) shoots and soybean (Glycine max L.) seedlings. These results indicated that the process of H2S‐induced adventitious root formation was likely mediated by IAA and NO, and that H2S acts upstream of IAA and NO signal transduction pathways.
Advanced Glycation End Products and Receptor–Oxidative Stress System in Diabetic Vascular Complications
Authors: Yamagishi Sho‐ichi
Published: November 2009

Reducing sugars can react non‐enzymatically with amino groups of protein to form Amadori products. These early glycation products undergo further complex reactions, such as rearrangement, dehydration, and condensation, to become irreversibly cross‐linked, heterogeneous fluorescent derivatives, termed advanced glycation end products (AGEs). The formation and accumulation of AGEs have been known to progress at an accelerated rate in patients with diabetes mellitus, thus being involved in the development and progression of diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathy. Indeed, there is accumulating evidence that an interaction between an AGE and its receptor (RAGE) generates oxidative stress and subsequently evokes vascular inflammation and thrombosis, thereby playing a central role in diabetic vascular complications. In this paper, we review the pathophysiological role of AGE‐RAGE–oxidative stress system and its therapeutic interventions in diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathy.
Hemoperfusion With a Polymyxin B Fiber Column Decreases Clotting Activity
Authors: Kushi Hidehiko , Miki Takahiro , Sakagami Yuichiro , Sato Jun , Saito Takeshi , Tanjoh Katsuhisa
Published: November 2009

We investigated whether hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B column (DHP‐PMX) was able to improve coagulation abnormalities in patients with sepsis. Sixteen patients with sepsis were enrolled in the study. They all had signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome due to infection and a mean arterial blood pressure ≥65mm Hg (irrespective of the use of catecholamines). A thermodilution catheter was inserted prior to DHP‐PMX for intravenous infusion, and DHP‐PMX was performed twice within 24 h for 3 h each time. Circulating levels of thrombin–antithrombin complex (TAT), plasmin‐α2 plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC), the TAT/PIC ratio, and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) were measured six times. Before DHP‐PMX, the TAT level was 24.5 ± 8.3 ng/mL, the PIC level was 2.5 ± 1.1 µg/mL, the TAT/PIC ratio was 13.9 ± 3.5, and the PAI‐1 level was 143.0 ± 24.4 ng/L. The TAT level, TAT/PIC ratio, and PAI‐1 were all significantly lower (P < 0.05) after 48 hr compared with before DHP‐PMX, but no significant change of PIC was observed. In these patients with sepsis, fibrinolysis was inhibited by PAI‐1, whereas clotting activity was significantly increased. This coagulation/fibrinolysis imbalance was improved by DHP‐PMX. The present results suggest that indirect inhibition of clotting activity can be achieved in patients with sepsis through adsorption of lipopolysaccharide by DHP‐PMX.
Angiopoietin Balance in Septic Shock Patients Treated by Direct Hemoperfusion With Polymyxin B‐immobilized Fiber
Authors: Ebihara Itaru , Hirayama Kouichi , Nagai Kei , Kakita Tomoko , Miyamoto Yasunori , Nagai Miho , Ogawa Yujiro , Fujita Shogo , Shimohata Homare , Kai Hirayasu , Usui Joichi , Yamagata Kunihiro , Kobayashi Masaki
Published: November 2009

Capillary permeability is a tightly regulated feature of microcirculation in all organ beds; however, in sepsis this feature is fundamentally altered. We previously reported elevated levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor (fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1) in patients with septic shock, then investigated two kinds of angiopoietins in those patients. An enzyme‐linked immunoassay was used to measure serum angiopoietin‐1 and ‐2 levels in 12 patients with septic shock who were treated by direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B‐immobilized fiber column (DHP‐PMX). The angiopoietin‐1 level was lower in patients with septic shock (7.01 ± 10.08 ng/mL) than in controls (28.24 ± 11.61 ng/mL, P < 0.001), but the angiopoietin‐2 level was higher in septic shock patients (40.83 ± 30.13 ng/mL vs. 2.47 ± 1.78 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Between seven survivors and five non‐survivors there was no significant difference in angiopoietin‐1 levels before DHP‐PMX therapy. During DHP‐PMX therapy, however, the angiopoietin‐2 level was significantly decreased in survivors (31.52 ± 26.15 ng/mL vs. 17.32 ± 22.46 ng/mL, P = 0.035). Moreover, at the end of the therapy, the angiopoietin‐1 level was significantly lower in non‐survivors (1.14 ± 1.30 ng/mL vs. 10.43 ± 13.56 ng/mL, P = 0.042), but the angiopoietin‐2 level in non‐survivors was significantly higher (70.79 ± 40.47 ng/mL vs. 17.32 ± 22.46 ng/mL, P = 0.019). The angiopoietin‐2 level may be associated with vascular permeability in septic patients, and angiopoietins may be suitable markers of disease severity and mortality.
Hemoperfusion With an Immobilized Polymyxin B Fiber Column Decreases Macrophage and Monocyte Activity
Authors: Kushi Hidehiko , Miki Takahiro , Sakagami Yuichiro , Sato Jun , Saito Takeshi , Tanjoh Katsuhisa
Published: November 2009

We investigated whether direct hemoperfusion with a polymyxin B column (DHP‐PMX) was able to decrease macrophage and monocyte activity in patients with sepsis. Nineteen patients with sepsis were enrolled in the study. They all had signs of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) due to infection and a mean arterial blood pressure ≥65 mm Hg (irrespective of the use of catecholamines). A thermodilution catheter was inserted prior to DHP‐PMX for intravenous infusion, and DHP‐PMX was performed twice within 24 h for 3 h each time. Serum neopterin was measured four times: before DHP‐PMX, and 24, 48, 72 h after it had begun. The serum concentrations of neopterin were 654 ± 234 nmol/L prior to DHP‐PMX vs. 573 ± 196 nmol/L at 24 h, 452 ± 161 nmol/L at 48 h, and 372 ± 139 nmol/L at 72 h, showing a significant decrease from 48 h onwards compared with before treatment. These data suggest that DHP‐PMX decreases macrophage and monocyte activity.
An Overview of Regular Dialysis Treatment in Japan (As of 31 December 2007)
Authors: Nakai Shigeru , Masakane Ikuto , Shigematsu Takashi , Hamano Takayuki , Yamagata Kunihiro , Watanabe Yuuzou , Itami Noritomo , Ogata Satoshi , Kimata Naoki , Shinoda Toshio , Syouji Tetsuo , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Taniguchi Masatomo , Tsuchida Kenji , Nakamoto Hidetomo , Nishi Shinichi , Nishi Hiroshi , Hashimoto Seiji , Hasegawa Takeshi , Hanafusa Norio , Fujii Naohiko , Marubayashi Seiji , Morita Osamu , Wakai Kenji , Wada Atsushi , Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu
Published: November 2009

A nationwide statistical survey of 4098 dialysis facilities was conducted at the end of 2007, and 4052 facilities (98.88%) participated. The number of patients undergoing dialysis at the end of 2007 was determined to be 275 242, an increase of 10 769 patients (4.1%) compared with that at the end of 2006.The number of dialysis patients per million at the end of 2007 was 2154. The crude death rate of dialysis patients at the end of 2007 from the end of 2006 was 9.4%. The mean age of new patients begun on dialysis was 66.8 years and the mean age of the entire dialysis patient population was 64.9 years. For the primary diseases of new patients begun on dialysis, the percentages of patients with diabetic nephropathy and chronic glomerulonephritis were 43.4% and 23.8%, respectively. The percentages of facilities that achieved the control standard of endotoxin concentration in the dialysate solution of <0.05 EU/mL and those that achieved a bacterial count of <100 cfu/mL in the dialysate solution, as specified by the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, were 93.6% and 97.4%, respectively. The percentage of patients positive for the hepatitis C virus antibody among the entire dialysis population significantly decreased from 15.95% at the end of 1999 to 9.83% at the end of 2007. The mean hemoglobin concentration in all the dialysis patients at the end of 2007 was 10.27 (±1.32, SD) g/dL, which has scarcely changed over the last three years. The numbers of male and female patients with a history of hip fracture were 142.9 and 339.0 per 10 000 dialysis patients, respectively, showing an extremely high prevalence among female patients. A history of hip fracture correlates with a low body mass index, serum albumin concentration, and a history of diabetes. The serum creatinine level of patients upon introduction to dialysis was 8.34 (±3.55) mg/dL, and the estimated glomerular filtration rate was 5.43 (±3.43) mL/min/1.73 m2 for the patients who were newly begun on dialysis in 2007.
HPLC ANALYSIS OF n‐3 AND n‐6 FATTY ACID LEVELS IN RAT SERUM AFTER CHRONIC TREATMENT WITH DIETETIC OILS
Authors: RUSTICHELLI CECILIA , AVALLONE ROSSELLA , CAMPIOLI ENRICO , BRAGHIROLI DANIELA , PARENTI CARLO , BARALDI MARIO
Published: November 2009

High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the major fatty acids of the n‐3 family and n‐6 family in rat serum was carried out. To perform sample cleanup, existing techniques of lipid extraction were tested and modified to achieve maximal free fatty acids recovery in a reasonable time. Concerning chromatographic analyses, p‐bromophenacyl bromide was used as ultraviolet (UV)‐derivatizing agent followed by reversed‐phase HPLC/UV under mobile phase gradient conditions. The optimized and validated procedure was then applied to rats fed with flaxseed oil and a combination of flaxseed, fish and sunflower oils, defined as “dietetic oil,” in order to evaluate how their chronic supplementation can influence serum levels of n‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Rats treated chronically with flaxseed oil and “dietetic oil” (composed of flaxseed, fish and sunflower oils) showed enhanced levels of n‐3 fatty acids. In particular, the levels found for α‐linolenic acid was a little higher after administration of the dietetic oil, probably due to an enhanced absorption and also a decreased metabolism. The data obtained underline that the tested oils can enhance the levels of n‐3 fatty acids and, therefore, they could be successfully used in the dietetic treatment of lipid‐related diseases.
COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF TUNA OIL AND SALMON OIL ON LIVER LIPID METABOLISM AND FATTY ACID CONCENTRATIONS IN RATS
Authors: HUANG TAO , SINCLAIR ANDREW J. , SHEN LIRONG , YANG BIN , LI DUO
Published: November 2009

The comparative effect of tuna oil (TO) and salmon oil (SO) on the plasma and liver lipid and fatty acid compositions in Sprague Dawley rats was investigated. The total triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations in liver was significantly decreased in the TO group; TG level in liver was also significantly decreased in the SO group. The mRNA expression of HMG‐CoA reductase in liver was significantly down‐regulated in the TO and SO groups relative to the control group. The plasma TG and TC were decreased in TO, but not in SO; plasma low‐density lipoprotein and very low‐density lipoprotein levels in TO and SO were decreased compared with the control group. The total n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in plasma and liver phospholipids was significantly elevated in the TO and SO. Docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n‐3) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n‐3) in tissues were significantly increased in the TO and SO, respectively. In this study, TO had a more beneficial effect on liver TC and plasma TG, TC, high‐density lipoprotein in rats than SO. The likely mechanism for lowering liver and plasma cholesterol by n‐3 PUFA is to suppress the mRNA expression of gene encoding HMG‐CoA reductase responsible for cholesterol biosynthesis.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The beneficial effects of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from fish and fish oil on human health is derived from their role in modulating membrane lipid composition and affecting metabolic and signal‐transduction pathways. In the present study, we demonstrated that n‐3 PUFA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from tuna and salmon oils can be effectively incorporated into tissue membranes. Tuna oil rich in DHA has more beneficial effect on liver total cholesterol (TC) and plasma triglyceride, TC and HDL in rats than salmon oil, which is rich in EPA. The present data could provide information for the potential application of fish oils as components of functional food, and selected for fortiﬁcation with different fish oils.
FATTY ACIDS, TOCOPHEROLS AND CAROTENOIDS FROM SEEDS OF TUNISIAN CAPER “CAPPARIS SPINOSA”
Authors: TLILI NIZAR , MUNNE‐BOSCH SERGI , NASRI NIZAR , SAADAOUI EZZEDDINE , KHALDI ABDELHAMID , TRIKI SAÏDA
Published: November 2009

Capparis spinosa is widely distributed all over the Mediterranean Basin. Fatty acid composition of oils of C. spinosa from seven Tunisian regions was determined. The oil content of the seeds ranged from 23.25 to 33.64% on a dry weight basis. Unsaturated fatty acids accounted for the majority of the fatty acids. Oleic acid with 45.82% was the main fatty acid followed by linoleic acid (25.37%), palmitic acid (15.93%), palmitoleic acid (4.55%) and stearic acid (4.06%). C. spinosa seed oil also contained a high level of tocopherols (ca. 628 mg/100 g). γ‐Tocopherol was the major homologue (ca. 92%), followed by α‐tocopherol (ca. 4%) and δ‐tocopherol (ca. 2%). Seed oil of C. spinosa contained high amounts of carotenoids (ca. 457 µg/100 g). The contents of β‐carotene (as pro‐vitamin A) were also very significant (ca. 375 µg/100 g). Results encourage the use of this plant species as a new source of vegetable oil for nutritional, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The seeds of Capparis spinosa may serve as a new potential source of oil (ca. 27%). It contained mainly unsaturated fatty acids (ca. 77%). Oleic acid was the major fatty acid (ca. 45%). The level of linoleic and linolenic fatty acids was about 25 and 1%, respectively. Moreover, C. spinosa seed oil is an important source of tocopherols (as vitamin E), with approximately 628 mg/100 g and also of carotenoids (457 µg/100 g). These compounds have an important role in the prevention of many diseases and can be used in a number of personal care products. Seeds of C. spinosa are especially attractive for producing oil for food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
ULTRASOUND‐ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF OIL FROM TEA SEEDS
Authors: SHALMASHI ANVAR
Published: November 2009

Ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) of oil from tea seeds, and the effects of some operating parameters such as ultrasonic power, extraction time, extraction temperature and solvent to solid ratio on the yield of tea seed oil were investigated; some of the results were compared with those of the conventional method. It was found that UAE requires a shorter extraction time and a reduced solvent consumption. The yield of tea seed oil increased with the increase of the ultrasonic power and decreased as the temperature increased. The fatty acid compositions of the oils extracted by the ultrasound‐assisted method and the conventional method were analyzed using gas chromatography. The result showed no significant affect on the compositions of the tea seed oil by the application of ultrasound.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) can enhance the extraction efficiency, facilitating solvent penetration into the plant material and allowing the intracellular product release. Ultrasound also agitates the solvent used for extraction, thus increasing the contact surface area between the solvent and the targeted compounds by permitting greater penetration of the solvent into the sample matrix. Therefore, UAE reduces extraction time as well as solvent consumption. In addition, UAE can be carried out at a lower temperature, thus avoiding thermal damage to the extracts and minimizing the loss of bioactive compounds. Therefore, it may serve as an effective method for extraction of oil from tea seeds.
ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF O. ONITES, T. VULGARIS AND O. BASILICUM SPECIES GROWN IN GREECE AND THEIR TOTAL PHENOL AND ROSMARINIC ACID CONTENT
Authors: LAGOURI V. , NISTEROPOULOU E.
Published: November 2009

This study determined the total phenol (TP), rosmarinic acid (RA) content and the free‐radical scavenging and ferric‐reducing antioxidant properties of acetonic and methanolic extracts of O. onites (oregano), T. vulgaris (thyme) and O. basilicum (basil) species (Crete, Greece). Oregano and thyme were higher in their 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than basil (EC50: 0.489, 0.555, 1.16 mg/mL, respectively). In ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay oregano was superior to thyme and basil (EC50: 0.04, 0.088 and 0.1452 mg/mL, respectively), as high as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (EC50: 0.0365 mg/mL). RA was a stronger radical scavenger than BHT and α‐tocopherol (EC50: 0.032, 0.083 and 0.123 mg/mL, respectively) and as strong a reducing agent as ascorbic acid (EC50: 0.00216, 0.0033 mg/mL). Thyme was the richest source of RA compared to oregano and basil (4,532, 3,280 and 2,372 mg/kg dry leaf, respectively). Oregano and thyme are more potent antioxidant sources than basil. The high positive correlations between TP, RA and DPPH activity (r = 0.854, r = 0.924, P < 0.05), indicate the significant contribution of o‐dihydroxyphenolic compounds to the antioxidant activity of the plant extracts.

PRACTICAL APPLICATONS

The studies reported may prove beneficial in the exploitation of natural antioxidant sources for the preservation and/or extension of the shelf life of raw and processed foods.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM. SEED OIL OF THE INDIGENOUS‐CULTIVAR OF BANGLADESH
Authors: RAHMAN ISMAIL M. M. , BARUA SUMAN , NAZIMUDDIN M. , BEGUM ZINNAT A. , RAHMAN M. AZIZUR , HASEGAWA HIROSHI
Published: November 2009

Moringa oleifera Lam. seed oil of the indigenous‐cultivar of Bangladesh was extracted using n‐hexane (H), light petroleum ether (LPE) (bp 40–60C) and chloroform/methanol (50:50, v/v) mixture (CM). The oil content ranged from 37.50 (H) to 40.20% (CM). The moisture, protein, ash and crude fiber contents of seed residues, and the density, refractive index, color, acidity, saponification value, iodine value, unsaponifiable matter content, oxidative state, sterols, tocopherols and fatty acid composition of the extracted oil were determined. The oil contained a high amount of oleic acid (C18:1) of up to 74.41% and a high ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fatty acids with moderate oxidative stability. The results of the present study were compared with those reported in literature for different regional habitats and species variants.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A high‐oleic oil with a good potential for edible and industrial use can be produced from Moringa oleifera Lam. (M. oleifera) oilseeds of the indigenous cultivar of Bangladesh. Thus, mature seeds of M. oleifera can be considered as an alternative source of vegetable oil in Bangladesh provided that it is cultivated on a large scale.
THERMAL AND VISCOSITY PROPERTIES OF MEDIUM‐ AND LONG‐CHAIN TRIACYLGLYCEROL BLENDS
Authors: KOH S.P. , TAN C.P. , ARIFIN N. , YUSOFF M.S.A. , LONG K. , LAI O.M.
Published: November 2009

The physical properties of medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerol (MLCT) blends were characterized in this study. Blending MLCT oil with either palm olein or soybean oil changed the distribution of fatty acid groups, the crystallization and melting behavior of oil samples, and oil cloudiness. The crystallization and melting curves of both palm olein‐ and soybean‐based MLCT blends showed that the peaks shift to different transition temperatures depending on the percent of MLCT oil added. Viscosity analysis revealed that the oil viscosity was dependent on the temperature and triacylglycerol composition of the oil samples. Blending MLCT oil with either 50% palm olein or 50% soybean oil could assist in preventing crystal growth for the first 8 h of storage at 5 and 0C, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this study, the physical properties of medium‐ and long‐chain triacylglycerols (MLCTs) and MLCT‐blended oils were determined. Under an appropriate dietary regime, consumption of MLCT has been shown to reduce body weight and blood hypertriglyceridemic. Knowledge about the viscosity of MLCT and MLCT‐blended oils is important for process design and the transportation of fats and oils products. Moreover, this study attempted to produce clear MLCT‐blended oil as there is an important consideration for oil sold in plastic containers or glass bottles to be crystal clear. The findings from this study provide useful information for the application of MLCT‐blended oils in various food products such as frying oil.
REFINING OF HIGH FREE FATTY ACID RICE BRAN OIL AND ITS QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: RAJA RAJAN R.G. , GOPALA KRISHNA A.G.
Published: November 2009

Commercial rice bran contains 15–20% of oil and also an endogenous lipase which degrades the oil and produces free fatty acids (FFAs). This study was undertaken to examine the quality of refined oil prepared from crude oil after the action of endogenous lipase in bran. The oil which was degraded by lipase to low, medium and high FFAs, upon extraction in the rice bran oil industry were obtained and were refined in the laboratory, and quality of the oils was studied. The crude oils had FFA of 6.5, 36.0 and 87.0%; oryzanol content of 1.52, 1.55 and 1.65%; color of 32.0, 65.0 and 65.0, lovibond units; unsaponifiable matter of 3.2, 4.2 and 4.9%; phytosterol content of 4,600, 4,000 and 1,900 ppm; and sum of tocopherols and tocotrienols of 962, 56 and 96 ppm, respectively. After refining these three crude oils (6.5, 36.0 and 87.0% FFA) were refined; the resultant oils had an FFA content of 0.4, 2.4 and 4.8%; oryzanol content of 1.13, 2.5 and 6.35%; color of 20.0, 55.0 and 50.0 lovibond units; unsaponifiable matter of 3.5, 6.5 and 33.4%, phytosterol content of 4,900, 6,100 and 13,800 ppm, and the sum of tocopherols and tocotrienols of 1,050, 880 and 740 ppm, respectively. The refined oils produced from high FFA crude oil had high amounts of unsaponifiable matter, oryzanol, phytosterols and sum of tocopherols and tocotrienols than the permitted level for refined rice bran oil. The refined rice bran oil obtained from fresh rice bran (without lipase action) contained about 90% of triacylglycerols whereas, the refined oil from that of high FFA bran oil showed about 10% triacylglycerols. Hence the latter cannot be used as an edible oil, but instead can be used at low levels as a nutraceutical in foods.

PRACTICAL APPICATIONS

The suitability of refined rice bran oils from crude oils obtained from lipase‐acted brans for use as edible oil was investigated. For this purpose, the lipase‐acted bran oils were subjected to physicochemical analysis along with their refined oils. The refined oils had high amounts of phytosterols as well as tocopherols and tocotrienols when compared with their respective crude oils. Fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition of the refined oils prepared from low free fatty acid (FFA) crude oil or the high FFA crude oil were almost similar with little changes. As the refined oils obtained from high FFA crude oils had very low levels of triacylglycerols and a high unsaponifiable matter, it cannot be used as refined rice bran oil. However, it can be used as a nutraceutical of rice bran oil in small amounts to provide health benefits.