bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symmetrical primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma associated with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yıldırım Fatma Elif , Karaduman Ayşen , Hürmüz Pervin , Özyar Enis , Barışta İbrahim , Sağlam Arzu
Published: August 2009

Primary cutaneous marginal zone B‐cell lymphoma (PCMZL) is an indolent low grade B cell lymphoma of the skin, with lack of extracutaneous involvement at the time of diagnosis. Herein we report the case of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who developed symmetrical PCMZL lesions on both ear lobes. Lesions occurring symmetrically on ear lobes are more specific for cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia (CLH) and this kind of symmetrical localization hasn't been reported for PCMZL before. PCMZL is considered to arise from a background of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and this case point out the concept of CLH and PCMZL spectrum. Association of marginal zone lymphoma with rheumatoid arthritis and resolution of lesions together with the resolution of symptoms due to rheumatoid arthritis after rituximab therapy is another interesting point for this case. To the best of our knowledge PCMZL associated with RA has not been reported previously.

Yildirim FE, Karaduman A, Hürmüz P, Özyar E, Barışta İ, Sağlam A. Symmetrical primary cutaneous marginal zone lymphoma associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
C‐reactive protein as a marker of serious bacterial infections in hospitalized febrile infants
Authors: Bilavsky Efraim , Yarden‐Bilavsky Havatzelet , Ashkenazi Shai , Amir Jacob
Published: August 2009

Objective:  To determine the potential predictive power of C‐reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in hospitalized febrile infants aged ≤3 months.

Patients and Methods:  Data on blood CRP levels were collected prospectively on admission for all infants aged ≤3 months who were hospitalized for fever from 2005 to 2008. The patients were divided into two groups by the presence or absence of findings of SBI.

Results:  A total of 892 infants met the inclusion criteria, of whom 102 had a SBI. Mean CRP level was significantly higher in the infants who had a bacterial infection than in those who did not (5.3 ± 6.3 mg/dL vs. 1.3 ± 2.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.67–0.80) for CRP compared to 0.70 (95% CI: 0.64–0.76) for white blood cell (WBC) count. When analyses were limited to predicting bacteremia or meningitis only, the AUCs for CRP and WBC were 0.81 (95% CI: 0.66–0.96) and 0.63 (95% CI: 0.42–0.83), respectively.

Conclusion:  C‐reactive protein is a valuable laboratory test in the assessment of febrile infants aged ≤3 months old and may serve as a better diagnostic marker of SBI than total WBC count.
Temporary Implants for Patients with Low Bone Density of the Upper Maxilla: An Alternative Rehabilitation Strategy
Authors: de Aguiar Rogério Coelho , Zabolotsky Borys , de Souza Dircilene Colares , Ferreira Cimara Fortes , Cardoso Antônio Carlos
Published: August 2009

Background:  The use of removable provisional prosthesis after implant placement is undesirable for many patients. In addition, removable prostheses place unfavorable pressure over implants during the healing period.

Purpose:  The use of temporary implants enable greater stability and functionality of the prostheses.

Materials and Methods:  This clinical report shows the use of temporary implants in a low density maxilla in conjunction with a fixed provisional prosthesis.

Results:  The temporary implants contributed to the support of the provisional fixed upper arch prosthesis and to patient comfort with a fixed prosthesis during the healing period.

Conclusions:  Fixed provisional prostheses are a potentially desirable alternative treatment strategy.
Mandibular Incisive Canal: Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Pires Carlos A. , Bissada Nabil F. , Becker Jeffery J. , Kanawati Ali , Landers Michael A.
Published: August 2009

Purpose: Panoramic radiography is often used to analyze the anatomical structure of the teeth, jaws, and temporomandibular joints. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging allows multiple axial slices of the image to be obtained through these anatomical structures. The aim of this study was to assess CBCT compared with panoramic radiography to verify the presence, location, and dimensions of the mandibular incisive canal.

Materials and Methods: CBCT scan images and panoramic radiographs of 89 subjects were compared for the presence of the mandibular incisive canal, its location, size, and anterior‐posterior length. The distance between the incisive canal and the buccal and lingual plate of the alveolar bone, and the distance from the canal to the inferior border of the mandible and the tooth apex were also measured. A paired t‐test was used to calculate any significant difference between the two imaging techniques.

Results: Eighty‐three percent of the CBCT scans showed the presence of the incisive canal, as did 11% of the panoramic radiographs. The range of the incisive canal diameter, as seen in the CBCT scans, was from 0.4 × 0.4 mm to 4.6 × 3.2 mm. The mean length of the canal was 7 ± 3.8 mm. The distance from the inferior border of the mandible to the canal was 10.2 ± 2.4 mm, and the mean distance to the buccal plate was 2.4 mm. The apex–canal distance (in dentate subjects) was 5.3 mm.

Conclusion: The presence, location, and dimensions of the mandibular incisive canal are better determined by CBCT imaging than by panoramic radiography.
Flapless Implant Surgery Using a Mini‐Incision
Authors: Jeong Seung‐Mi , Choi Byung‐Ho , Xuan Feng , Kim Ha‐Rang
Published: August 2009

Background: Traditional flapless implant surgery using a soft tissue punch device requires a circumferential excision of keratinized tissue at the implant site. A new flapless implant technique that can submerge implant fixtures is needed.

Purpose: This article describes a flapless implant surgery method using a mini‐incision and compares the effects of soft tissue punch and mini‐incision surgery on both the amount of osseointegration and the bone height around the implants using a canine mandible model.

Materials and Methods: Bilateral, edentulated, flat alveolar ridges were created in the mandibles of six mongrel dogs. After a 3‐month healing period, two implants were placed on each side of the mandible using either soft tissue punch or mini‐incision procedures. After an additional 3‐month healing period, a second stage surgery and transmucosal abutment attachment was performed for mini‐incision implant cases. Following a 2‐month healing period, the dogs were sacrificed to evaluate the osseointegration and bone height around the implants.

Results: Average bone height was 9.6 ± 0.4 mm in the soft tissue punch group and 9.8 ± 0.3 mm in the mini‐incision group (p > .05). Average osseointegration was 70.4 ± 6.3% in the soft tissue punch group and 71.2 ± 7.1% in the mini‐incision group (p > .05). No significant differences were noted between the two groups in vertical alveolar ridge height or bone/implant contact.

Conclusions: Our findings support the clinical use of mini‐incision implant surgery at sites where implants need to be protected below the soft tissue during the early phase of healing, particularly for patients with poor bone quality and/or low primary implant stability.
A 10‐Year Prospective Study of Single Tooth Implants Placed in the Anterior Maxilla
Authors: Gotfredsen Klaus
Published: August 2009

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the biological and technical outcomes of early and delayed placed single tooth implants after 10 years of follow‐up.

Materials and Methods: Twenty consecutive patients who needed a single tooth replacement in the anterior maxilla were included in this study. Ten implants were placed with an early placement protocol, that is, 4 weeks after tooth extraction, whereas the other 10 implants were placed with a conventional delayed placement protocol, for example, 12 weeks after tooth extraction. At the baseline and at the annual re‐examinations, pain from implant regions, mobility, plaque, mucositis, and marginal bone levels were recorded. Biological and technical complications were registered. The patients evaluated the functional and aesthetic outcomes subjectively on a visual analogue scale after 3 and 10 years.

Results: All implants were still in situ after 10 years. The cumulative implant survival rate was 100%. Two implant‐supported crowns were remade because of ceramic fractures. The 10‐year crown survival rate was 90%. No significant differences in implant survival rates were found between the early and delayed protocols, regarding plaque retention, mucositis, or marginal bone levels. After 10 years, the mean marginal bone loss at both sides of the implants was less than 1.0 mm in the two groups. During the 10‐year interval, 1 patient lost more than 1.5 mm of marginal bone, 3 patients lost between 1.0 mm and 1.4 mm of bone, and 16 patients lost less than 1.0 mm of bone as an average of the mesial and distal bone loss.

Conclusions: This 10‐year prospective clinical trial demonstrated a 100% implant survival and a 90% crown survival. The average marginal bone level change was less than 1 mm, and there was no difference between early and delayed implant placement. Patient satisfaction with the implant‐supported single crowns reduced with time.
The β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidases NAG1 and NAG2 are essential for growth of Trichoderma atroviride on chitin
Authors: López‐Mondéjar Rubén , Catalano Valentina , Kubicek Christian P. , Seidl Verena
Published: August 2009

The chitinolytic enzyme machinery of fungi consists of chitinases and β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidases. These enzymes are important during the fungal life cycle for degradation of exogenous chitin, which is the second most abundant biopolymer, as well as fungal cell‐wall remodelling. In addition, involvement of chitinolytic enzymes in the lysis of the host cell wall in mycoparasitic Trichoderma spp. has been reported. In view of the fact that fungi have on average 15–20 chitinases, but only two β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidases, the question arises how important the latter enzymes actually are for various aspects of chitin degradation. In this study, the role of two β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidases, NAG1 and NAG2, was analysed in the mycoparasitic fungus Trichoderma atroviride. No β‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase activity was detected in T. atrovirideΔnag1Δnag2 strains, suggesting that NAG1 and NAG2 are the only enzymes in T. atroviride that possess this activity. Δnag1Δnag2 strains were not able to grow on chitin and chitobiose, but the presence of either NAG1 or NAG2 was sufficient to restore growth on chitinous carbon sources in solid media. Our results demonstrated that T. atroviride cannot metabolize chitobiose but only the monomer N‐acetylglucosamine, and that N‐acetylglucosaminidases are therefore essential for the use of chitin as a nutrient source. NAG1 is predominantly secreted into the medium, whereas NAG2 mainly remains attached to the cell wall. No physiological changes or reduction of the mycoparasitic potential of T. atroviride was detected in the double knockout strains, suggesting that the use of chitin as carbon source is only of minor importance for these processes.
Functional LC ω‐3 PUFAs in pregnancy: a short review of the literature
Authors: Derbyshire Emma
Published: August 2009

At present, research shows that pregnant women are not consuming enough long‐chain (LC) ω‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) from their diet alone. Therefore, functional foods and supplements may be an alternative way for women to attain LC ω‐3 PUFA guidelines in pregnancy. A review of the literature has identified that there are a limited number of studies investigating the use of functional foods/supplements in pregnancy. However, those that have been undertaken do appear to indicate that their consumption may be beneficial to both mother and child. Further research is now needed to reinforce preliminary findings from these studies.
Health benefits of probiotics for the elderly: a review
Authors: Baker Hannah Claire , Tran Dang Ngoc , Thomas Linda Valerie
Published: August 2009

Age‐related changes in the gut microflora appear to involve a reduction in numbers of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, and an increase in numbers of potentially harmful species. Such changes are generally perceived as unhealthy, and have been linked to increased frailty, gastrointestinal disorders and infections. This has prompted investigations into probiotic benefits for this age group. This paper reviews probiotics in general, with particular focus on the latest research relevant to elderly people, e.g. trials examining functional bowel problems (constipation and irritable bowel syndrome), stimulation of the immune system and improved resistance to winter infections, norovirus, antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea and Clostridium difficile. A growing body of research indicates that certain probiotics may help to maintain the health of elderly people, suggesting both health and cost‐saving benefits in offering fermented dairy products to patients or residents in hospital wards, as well as nursing and care homes.
A laboratory analysis of total fat content and an examination of portion size of foods served in four New Jersey public middle‐school foodservice operations
Authors: Feldman Charles , Briceno‐Pinar Edgar Alonso , Konas David W. , Ruskin Martin , Toney Jeffrey , Wunderlich Shahla
Published: August 2009

This study reports the actual laboratory‐tested total fat amounts and portion sizes of food samples taken from four New Jersey public middle‐school cafeterias. It is based on the hypothesis that the actual total dietary fat of foods served by schools can vary from published school foodservice administration expectations and surveyed findings in the literature. Seventy‐two individual food samples were taken from middle school cafeterias. Total fat analysis was done using a standard Association of Official Agricultural Chemists method. Portion size and total fat values were compared with listed amounts in school foodservice records. With the exception of certain menu items with significantly higher than total fat listed, the average total fat across the schools was generally close to values reported by the schools. Average portion sizes were more problematic and overall, generally higher than documented values. Concerns with respect to portion size and total fat consistency were revealed.
Use of allyl isothiocyanate sachet to preserve cottage cheese
Authors: Conceição Gonçalves Maria Paula Junqueira , Dos Santos Pires Ana Clarissa , Soares Nilda de Fátima Ferreira , Araújo Emiliane Andrade
Published: August 2009

Cottage cheese frequently presents yeast and mould counts higher than the limit allowed by legislation. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of an antimicrobial sachet on cheese preservation. Cottage cheese was produced according to Good Manufacturing Practices and without preservatives. The sachet was produced by the incorporation of allyl isothiocyanate (AIT). The sachets were attached to the inner surface of the lids of cups containing cheese. The cups were stored for 35 days at 10°C ± 2°C. Two control treatments were used: sachet without AIT (control 1) and packaging without sachet and without headspace (commercial form) (control 2). The efficiency of the antimicrobial sachet was evaluated by determination of yeast and mould counts. The antimicrobial sachet was effective against yeasts and moulds. Therefore, it has the potential to extend the shelf life of cheese and reduce the use of preservatives.
Protein Targets of Oxidative Damage in Human Neurodegenerative Diseases with Abnormal Protein Aggregates
Authors: Martínez Anna , Portero‐Otin Manuel , Pamplona Reinald , Ferrer Isidre
Published: August 2009

Human neurodegenerative diseases with abnormal protein aggregates are associated with aberrant post‐translational modifications, solubility, aggregation and fibril formation of selected proteins which cannot be degraded by cytosolic proteases, ubiquitin–protesome system and autophagy, and, therefore, accumulate in cells and extracellular compartments as residual debris. In addition to the accumulation of “primary” proteins, several other mechanisms are involved in the degenerative process and probably may explain crucial aspects such as the timing, selective cellular vulnerability and progression of the disease in particular individuals. One of these mechanisms is oxidative stress, which occurs in the vast majority of, if not all, degenerative diseases of the nervous system. The present review covers most of the protein targets that have been recognized as modified proteins mainly using bidimensional gel electrophoresis, Western blotting with oxidative and nitrosative markers, and identified by mass spectrometry in Alzheimer disease; certain tauopathies such as progressive supranuclear palsy, Pick disease, argyrophilic grain disease and frontotemporal lobar degeneration linked to mutations in tau protein, for example, FTLD‐tau, Parkinson disease and related α‐synucleinopathies; Huntington disease; and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, together with related animal and cellular models. Vulnerable proteins can be mostly grouped in defined metabolic pathways covering glycolysis and energy metabolism, cytoskeletal, chaperoning, cellular stress responses, and members of the ubiquitin–proteasome system. Available information points to the fact that vital metabolic pathways are hampered by protein oxidative damage in several human degenerative diseases and that oxidative damage occurs at very early stages of the disease. Yet parallel functional studies are limited and further work is needed to document whether protein oxidation results in loss of activity and impaired performance. A better understanding of proteins susceptible to oxidation and nitration may serve to define damaged metabolic networks at early stages of disease and to advance therapeutic interventions to attenuate disease progression.
Evaluation of Milk Quality in Delivering Sterilized Milk with Soft Tank Transportation System
Authors: Tsukamoto C. , Rula Sa , Asano H. , Ando K.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  A new transportation system is proposed recently to improve the defects of liquid transportation by tank trucks. This method is called “soft tank transportation system”; a driver installs a sac‐like container (soft tank), which is made from a tarpaulin with high‐pressure resistant‐waterproof zippers, in a general cargo vehicle. To evaluate the quality of sterilized milk by using the soft tank transportation system, ground and marine transportation for a long distance which took about 36 h from the shipper's loading to the receiver's unloading in a high‐temperature summer season (average outside temperature was 33.4 °C) were carried out. Although the difference of milk temperature before and after the delivery varied from −0.7 to +1.4 °C, there was no difference in milk quality (fat, nonfat solids, total dissolved solids, and pH) and no coliform bacteria were detected. It can be evaluated that sterilized milk was carried in keeping good conditions by soft tank transportation system.
Changes in Chemical and Sensory Properties of Migaki‐Nishin (Dried Herring Fillet) during Drying
Authors: Shah A.K.M.A. , Tokunaga C. , Ogasawara M. , Kurihara H. , Takahashi K.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Migaki‐nishin is a Japanese term that refers to dried herring fillets. It is widely consumed in Japan due to its characteristic flavor enhancing properties. This study was conducted to investigate the changes in chemical and sensory properties of migaki‐nishin during drying. Chemical analyses showed that extractive nitrogen and amount of peptides increased significantly (P < 0.05) up to the 8th day of drying and then slightly decreased by the 10th day. Glutamic acid, alanine, glycine, and histidine were the most abundant free amino acids and the largest increase was found in samples dried for 10 d. A decrease in Hunter's L* value (lightness) and increase in b* value (yellowness) as well as browning intensity suggested that nonenzymatic browning occurred in migaki‐nishin during drying. Fluorescence spectrophotometric determination also revealed that Maillard reactions progressed throughout the drying period. In addition, available lysine content and free amino groups decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as drying progressed. Sensory evaluation showed that addition of water‐soluble extracts to Japanese noodle soup (mentsuyu) linearly enhanced the flavor characteristics such as thickness, mouthfulness, and continuity with the increased length of drying time. These results suggest that during the drying period, proteolysis as well as Maillard reaction products increased markedly, which might contribute to the characteristic taste and flavor of migaki‐nishin.
Apple Peel‐Based Edible Film Development Using a High‐Pressure Homogenization
Authors: Sablani Shyam S. , Dasse Florian , Bastarrachea Luis , Dhawan Sumeet , Hendrix Kathleen M. , Min Sea C.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Biopolymer films were developed from apple peels of apple process co‐products and their physical properties were determined. Apple peel‐based films with glycerol (23%, 33%, and 44%[w/w, dry basis]) were prepared using high‐pressure homogenization (HPH) at different levels of pressure (138, 172, and 207 MPa). An evaluation of the rheological properties (elastic modulus [G′], viscous modulus [G″], and viscosity) of the film‐forming solutions was performed. For the apple peel films, the water sorption isotherms, the kinetics of water absorption, the water vapor permeability (WVP), the oxygen permeability (OP), and the tensile properties were determined. The G′ and viscosity of the film‐forming solutions decreased significantly with increasing processing pressure (P < 0.05). However, no difference was observed in G″ values at different homogenization pressures (P > 0.05). The viscosity decreased from 644 to 468 kPa·s as the pressure increased from 138 to 207 MPa at 90 °C. The monolayer water content of the apple peel films decreased with increasing content of glycerol from 23% to 33%. Further increase in glycerol content did not change the monolayer water content. The water diffusion coefficient of the films was highest at the intermediate level of glycerol content. The barrier properties (WVP and OP) of the films increased with increasing level of glycerol, while processing pressure did not influence the gas barrier properties. The films prepared at 207 MPa were less stiff and strong, but more stretchable than those prepared at 138 and 172 MPa.
Antioxidative and Anti‐Inflammatory Neuroprotective Effects of Astaxanthin and Canthaxanthin in Nerve Growth Factor Differentiated PC12 Cells
Authors: Chan Kung‐chi , Mong Mei‐chin , Yin Mei‐chin
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Nerve growth factor differentiated PC12 cells were used to examine the antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects of astaxanthin (AX) and canthaxanthin (CX). PC12 cells were pretreated with AX or CX at 10 or 20 μM, and followed by exposure of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium ion (MPP+) to induce cell injury. H2O2 or MPP+ treatment significantly decreased cell viability, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, enhanced DNA fragmentation, and lowered mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) (P < 0.05). The pretreatments from AX or CX concentration‐dependently alleviated H2O2 or MPP+‐induced cell death, LDH release, DNA fragmentation, and MMP reduction (P < 0.05). Either H2O2 or MPP+ treatment significantly increased malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formations, decreased glutathione content, and lowered glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase activities (P < 0.05). The pretreatments from AX or CX significantly retained GPX and catalase activities, and decreased MDA and ROS formations (P < 0.05). H2O2 or MPP+ treatment significantly decreased Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity, elevated caspase‐3 activity and levels of interleukin (IL)‐1, IL‐6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (P < 0.05); and the pretreatments from these agents significantly restored Na+‐K+‐ATPase activity, suppressed caspase‐3 activity and release of IL‐1, IL‐6, and TNF‐α (P < 0.05). Based on the observed antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory protection from AX and CX, these 2 compounds were potent agents against neurodegenerative disorder.
Development and Evaluation of an Ozonated Water System for Antimicrobial Treatment of Durum Wheat
Authors: Dhillon B. , Wiesenborn D. , Wolf‐Hall C. , Manthey F.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  Ozonated water is reported to be effective in reducing the microbial load in foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains. Ozonated water may be an effective alternative to chlorinated water in treating durum wheat before milling. Therefore, durum wheat was washed with ozonated water and analyzed for yeast and mold count (YMC) and aerobic plate count (APC). A system for producing and monitoring ozonated water was developed. The effect of water quality (tap, distilled, and ultra‐pure), temperature (7, 15, and 25 °C), and pH (2, 4, and 6.5) was evaluated on the following: steady‐state dissolved ozone concentration, ozone decay constant, half‐life, mass transfer coefficient, equilibrium ozone concentration, and solubility ratio. The study of these parameters was important to attain a stable, high dissolved ozone concentration at the outset of washing and to have information for system improvement and scale‐up. A 1% acetic acid solution (pH 2) at 15 °C resulted in high dissolved ozone concentration (21.8 mg/L) and long half‐life (9.2 min). Subsequently, wheat was washed with 5 wash water types: distilled water, ozonated water (16.5 mg/L), chlorinated water (700 mg/L), acetic acid solution (1%), and acetic acid + ozonated water (1%, 20.5 mg/L). The treated samples were analyzed for YMC and APC. The acetic acid + ozonated water treatment was the most effective, with a reduction of 4.1 and 3.2 log10 colony forming units/g in YMC and APC, respectively. Though ozonated water was not very effective alone, it was useful in combination with acetic acid.
Hydroxypropylated Tapioca Starch Retards the Development of Insulin Resistance in KKAy Mice, a Type 2 Diabetes Model, Fed a High‐Fat Diet
Authors: Tachibe Makoto , Kato Ryo , Sugano Shozo , Kishida Taro , Ebihara Kiyoshi
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  The hypoglycemic and antidiabetic effect of hydroxypropyl tapioca starch (HPTS, degree of substitution = 0.180) was investigated in male KKAy mice. Mice were fed a purified high‐fat (20%) diet without or with HPTS (5% or 10%) for 33 d. Gelatinized tapioca starch (TS) was used as a reference. Fasting blood glucose concentrations, days 14 and 28, were significantly lower in the 10% HPTS group compared with the reference. In an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), day 28, blood glucose concentrations in the 5% HPTS group, at 60, 90, and 120 min, and in the 10% HPTS group, at 30, 60, and 90 min after oral administration of glucose, were significantly lower compared with the reference. The area under the glucose curve (AUC) for glucose in both HPTS groups was significantly lower compared with the reference. Energy intake was significantly lower in the 10% HPTS group compared with the reference. At the end of the experiment, adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in the 10% HPTS group compared with the reference. A homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) tended to be lower in the 10% HPTS group compared with the reference, whereas a quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) was significantly higher in both HPTS groups compared with the reference. These results show that HPTS retards the development of insulin resistance in KKAy mice fed a high‐fat diet.
Wet Method for Measuring Starch Gelatinization Temperature Using Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Morales‐Sanchez E. , Figueroa J.D.C. , Gaytan‐Martínez M.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  The objective of the present study was to develop a method for obtaining the gelatinization temperature of starches by using electrical conductivity. Native starches from corn, rice, potato, and wheat were prepared with different proportions of water and heated from room temperature to 90 °C, in a device especially designed for monitoring the electrical conductivity as a function of temperature. The results showed a linear trend of the electrical conductivity with the temperature until it reaches the onset gelatinization temperature. After that point, the electrical conductivity presented an increment or decrement depending on the water content in the sample and it was related to starch swelling and gelatinization phenomena. At the end gelatinization temperature, the conductivity becomes stable and linear, indicating that there are no more changes of phase. The starch gelatinization parameter, which was evaluated in the 4 types of starches using the electrical conductivity, was compared with those obtained by using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The onset temperature at which the electrical conductivity increased or decreased was found to be similar to that obtained by DSC. Also, the final temperature at which the electrical conductivity returned to linearity matched the end gelatinization temperature of the DSC. Further, a wet method for measuring the onset, peak, and end gelatinization temperatures as a function of temperature using the electrical conductivity curves is presented for a starch–water suspension.
Blood Pressure Control in Hypertensive Patients in Irish Primary Care Practices
Authors: Buckley Brendan , Shanahan Eamonn , Colwell Niall , Turgonyi Eva , Bramlage Peter , Perry Ivan J.
Published: August 2009

In Ireland, cardiovascular disease is a major cause of death. However, blood pressure (BP) goal achievement is unsatisfactory. The authors aimed to document BP control and increase awareness. A total of 1534 patients were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 64.7±11.9 years (53.8% women). Duration of hypertension was 8.7±7.7 years, and 14.6% had diabetes, 13.8% had coronary artery disease, and 40.5% were taking antihypertensive monotherapy. β‐Blockers (39.8%), angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (32.2%), and angiotensin receptor blockers (22.0%) were prescribed most frequently. Mean BP was 136.0±6.1 mm Hg/89.5±5.0 mm Hg in nondiabetic patients (48.6% <140/90 mm Hg) and 131.0±7.4 mm Hg/81.7±4.6 mm Hg in diabetic patients (16.7% <130/80 mm Hg). Diet, exercise, and lifestyle modifications (63.5%) were frequently recommended. Increased patient awareness and compliance together with the adherence of physicians to current guidelines and greater willingness to take action in patients with uncontrolled hypertension should help in improving BP control and thus reduce cardiovascular risk.
24‐Hour and Nighttime Blood Pressures in Type 2 Diabetic Hypertensive Patients Following Morning or Evening Administration of Olmesartan
Authors: Tofé Povedano Santiago , García De La Villa Bernardo
Published: August 2009

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) allows determining of the nocturnal blood pressure fall (NBPF). An NBPF below 10% (nondipper pattern) has been related to increased cardiovascular risk, and it is a common finding in type 2 diabetic hypertensive patients. The authors evaluated the impact on 24‐hour blood pressure, NBPF, and albuminuria of olmesartan 40 mg, administered in a morning‐ vs a nocturnal‐based dosing scheme, in type 2 diabetic patients with newly diagnosed hypertension. Using a crossover design, 40 patients (42.1% men) received olmesartan 40 mg once daily at wake up or bedtime for 8 weeks. Patients underwent 24‐hour ABPM at baseline and at weeks 8 and 16, and albumin to creatinine ratio was measured at baseline and 8 weeks. Night systolic blood pressure (BP) (P=.007) and mean BP (P=.012) were significantly reduced following the bedtime dose, compared with morning dosing. Night BP fall (%) was significantly reduced by bedtime dosing, compared with morning dosing (P=.0001). No differences were seen for urinary albumin excretion between both arms at week 8. Without affecting 24‐hour BP control, night dosing of olmesartan increases nocturnal BP fall significantly more than conventional morning dosing, increasing the number of dipper diabetic hypertensive patients.
Receptor for activated C‐kinase 1 regulates the cellular localization and function of ABCB4
Authors: Ikebuchi Yuki , Takada Tappei , Ito Kousei , Yoshikado Takashi , Anzai Naohiko , Kanai Yoshikatsu , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: August 2009

Aim:  Multidrug resistance protein 3 (MDR3/ABCB4), located on the bile canalicular membrane of hepatocytes, is responsible for the translocation of phosphatidylcholine across the plasma membrane, and its hereditary defect causes liver disorders, such as progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3. We aimed to identify the proteins responsible for the surface expression of human ABCB4.

Methods:  We performed yeast two‐hybrid screening with the cytoplasmic linker region of ABCB4 against a human liver cDNA library. This screening allowed us to identify the receptor for activated C‐kinase 1 (RACK1) as a novel binding partner of ABCB4. The association of RACK1 with the linker region of ABCB4 was further confirmed by GST‐pulldown assay, although we could not find out the interaction of full length of ABCB4 and RACK1 in co‐immunoprecipitation assay in HeLa cells.

Results:  Down‐regulation of endogenous RACK1 expression by siRNA in HeLa cells resulted in the localization of ABCB4 in the cytosolic compartment as well as reduced protein expression of ABCB4, although mRNA expression and the protein stability of ABCB4 were not affected by the suppression of endogenous RACK1. Similar alterations in cellular localization of ABCB4 were also found by suppressing endogenous RACK1 expression in HepG2 cells. Consequently, ABCB4‐mediated phosphatidylcholine translocation activity was significantly reduced when endogenous RACK1 expression was suppressed in HeLa cells. In contrast, the membrane surface localization and the protein expression of ABCB1 were not affected by the suppression of endogenous RACK1 expression.

Conclusion:  These results suggest that RACK1 may have a functional significance as a regulatory cofactor of ABCB4 and is indispensable for the plasma membrane localization and translocation function of ABCB4.
Effects of Antibiotics and a Proto-Oncogene Homolog on Destruction of Protein Translocator SecY
Authors: van Stelten Johna , Silva Filo , Belin Dominique , Silhavy Thomas J.
Published: August 2009

Jamming Protein Translocation

Antibiotics are tremendously important drugs in modern medicine, yet we are still learning precisely how they work. SecY is a bacterial membrane protein that is part of a complex that allows protein secretion across the membrane.

Van Stelten
et al.

(p.
753
; see the Perspective by

Breukink

) found in
Escherichia coli
cells that if the protein translocator complex becomes jammed with a protein that cannot pass through, the SecY protein is degraded by the protease FtsH, leading to cell death. Cells could be protected by increasing amounts of an inhibitor of FtsH, the YccA protein. Antibiotics that block protein translation also caused jamming of the SecY machinery and destruction of SecY, thus contributing to cell death.
Multiscale Mechanics of Fibrin Polymer: Gel Stretching with Protein Unfolding and Loss of Water
Authors: Brown André E. X. , Litvinov Rustem I. , Discher Dennis E. , Purohit Prashant K. , Weisel John W.
Published: August 2009

<< Focusing on Fibrin

Vascular injury initiates biochemical reactions that cause the blood protein, fibrin, to polymerize and help to stop bleeding and support wound healing. Fibrin can also be a scaffold for thrombi that lead to cardiovascular diseases. To maintain homeostasis, fibrin clots must be stiff, plastic, and, so that the network can be decompsed, permeable.

Brown
et al.

(p.
741
) investigated the behavior of fibrin clots at the macroscopic, single-fiber, and molecular scale. At relatively low strains, fibers aligned and formed bundles, and at higher strains, protein unfolding occurred. An integrated model provides a molecular basis for fibrin elasticity and extensibility.
Phylogenetic Conservatism of Extinctions in Marine Bivalves
Authors: Roy Kaustuv , Hunt Gene , Jablonski David
Published: August 2009

Honing Bivalve History

What are the lasting effects of extinction, both persistent background extinctions and major events, on surviving lineages?Royet al.(p.733) examined the excellent fossil record of marine bivalves over the past 200 million years, which spans the end-Cretaceous extinction. Background extinctions tended to be higher within certain lineages and depended on the previous history of extinctions within those lineages. Cenozoic taxa are still reflecting the end-Cretaceous event.
Emulation of a Quantum Spin with a Superconducting Phase Qudit
Authors: Neeley Matthew , Ansmann Markus , Bialczak Radoslaw C. , Hofheinz Max , Lucero Erik , O'Connell Aaron D. , Sank Daniel , Wang Haohua , Wenner James , Cleland Andrew N. , Geller Michael R. , Martinis John M.
Published: August 2009

Higher-Level Quantum Emulation

At the heart of a quantum computer is the device on which information is to be encoded. This is typically done with a qubit, a two-level quantum system analogous to the two-level bit that encodes 0 and 1 in classical computers. However, there need not be just two quantum energy levels. There could be three (a qutrit), or more generally,
d
-levels (a qudit) in the device.

Neeley
et al.

(p.
722
; see the Perspective by

Nori

) demonstrate a five-level quantum device and show that their qudit can be used to emulate the processes involved in manipulating quantum spin. The use of multilevel qudits may also have potential in quantum information processing by simplifying certain computational tasks and simplifying the circuitry required to realize the quantum computer itself.
Frontiers in Reactor Engineering
Authors: Dudukovic Milorad P.
Published: August 2009

The key challenge for reactor engineering is to establish the scientifically based sustainable technologies necessary for meeting the future energy, environmental, and materials needs of the world. This goal requires advancing our scientific understanding of multiscale kinetic transport interactions to enable better reactor choice and to ensure higher reactor and process efficiencies.
Frontiers in Olefin Polymerization: Reinventing the World’s Most Common Synthetic Polymers
Authors: Hustad Phillip D.
Published: August 2009

Synthetic polymers are vital to our society, affecting practically every aspect of modern life. The ubiquitous nature of these materials is a result of years of collaboration between basic and applied researchers across many disciplines, resulting in economic routes to materials that meet customer needs. These considerations are exemplified by recent developments in the synthesis of block copolymers from simple olefins. The practical application of creative chemistry has produced materials with a favorable balance of desirable polymer properties and process economics.
Kepler’s Optical Phase Curve of the Exoplanet HAT-P-7b
Authors: Borucki W. J. , Koch D. , Jenkins J. , Sasselov D. , Gilliland R. , Batalha N. , Latham D. W. , Caldwell D. , Basri G. , Brown T. , Christensen-Dalsgaard J. , Cochran W. D. , DeVore E. , Dunham E. , Dupree A. K. , Gautier T. , Geary J. , Gould A. , Howell S. , Kjeldsen H. , Lissauer J. , Marcy G. , Meibom S. , Morrison D. , Tarter J.
Published: August 2009

The Kepler mission is performing at the level required to detect Earth-size planets orbiting solar-type stars.
Epoxying Isoprene Chemistry
Authors: Kleindienst Tadeusz E.
Published: August 2009

Laboratory experiments show how the gas-phase and aerosol chemistry of isoprene may be connected.
A-maize-ing Diversity
Authors: Mackay Trudy F. C.
Published: August 2009

Analysis of a new maize resource reveals that a large number of genetic loci with small effects may underlie the wide variation seen in traits such as flowering time.
Lethal Traffic Jam
Authors: Breukink Eefjan
Published: August 2009

Antibiotics activate a pathway that disables protein secretion in bacteria.
Quantum Football
Authors: Nori Franco
Published: August 2009

A superconducting circuit passes a quantum state between several energy levels like a football is passed between players.
Selling Science
Unscientific America
How Scientific Illiteracy Threatens Our Future

by Chris Mooney and Sheril Kirshenbaum

Basic Books, New York, 2009. 223 pp. $24, £13.99, C$30.50. ISBN 9780465013050.
Authors: Coyne Jerry
Published: August 2009

In addition to discussing threats posed by scientific illiteracy, Mooney and Kirshenbaum argue that American ignorance of science stems from the vociferous atheism of some prominent science popularizers and scientists' insufficient interest in and preparation for outreach activities.
Type 2 Poliovirus Back From The Dead in Nigeria
Authors: Roberts Leslie
Published: August 2009

Springing back to life from a weakened form of the pathogen used in a vaccine, poliovirus type 2, which had been eradicated in 1999, is causing a runaway outbreak in Nigeria, where types 1 and 3 are also raging.
Systematics Researchers Want to Fend Off Patents
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: August 2009

The phylogenetics community is worried about a patent application that claims the invention of techniques that evolutionary biologists have been using for years to discern how organisms were related to one another through evolutionary time, based on similarities in genetic sequence.
On the Origin of Eukaryotes
Authors: Zimmer Carl
Published: August 2009

If the eukaryote cell hadn't evolved, we wouldn't be here to discuss the question of how it originated. In the eighth essay in
Science
's series in honor of the Year of Darwin, Carl Zimmer describes one of the most important transitions in the history of life: the origin of cells with a nucleus, which gave rise to every multicellular form of life.
A Late Hit for Pro Football Players
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: August 2009

Emerging research suggests that hard knocks on the field may cause delayed brain damage in retired athletes.
A New Wave of Chemical Regulations Just Ahead?
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: August 2009

The United States's aging flagship law for controlling toxic compounds is ripe for overhaul, and chemical companies—or some of them—want to play a major role in shaping what comes next.
Young Industrial Chemists Find The Learning Curve Never Ends
Authors: Petkewich Rachel
Published: August 2009

Academia teaches technical skills, but scientists in the private sector say landing a job and thriving there is an education in itself.
Evaluation of the CervidTB STAT-PAK for the Detection of
Mycobacterium bovis
Infection in Wild Deer in Great Britain
Authors: Gowtage-Sequeira S. , Paterson A. , Lyashchenko K. P. , Lesellier S. , Chambers M. A.
Published: August 2009

Deer are acknowledged as hosts of
Mycobacterium bovis
, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB), and determining the prevalence of infection in deer species is one of the key steps in understanding the epidemiological role played by cervids in the transmission and maintenance of bTB in the United Kingdom. This study evaluated a rapid lateral-flow test for the detection of bTB in samples from wild deer species in the United Kingdom. Fallow deer (
Dama dama
), roe deer (
Capreolus capreolus
), and red deer (
Cervus elaphus
) from areas in Wales, the Cotswolds, and southwestern England were necropsied for a bTB survey. Serum samples from individual deer were tested with the CervidTB STAT-PAK, and the results were evaluated against the culture of
M. bovis
from tissues (
n
= 432). Sensitivity and specificity were 85.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42.1 to 99.6%) and 94.8% (95% CI, 92.3 to 96.7%), respectively, with an odds ratio of 109.9 (95% CI, 12.7 to 953.6%) for a positive STAT-PAK result among culture-positive deer. The low prevalence of infection (3.8%,
n
= 860) affected the confidence of the sensitivity estimate of the test, but all culture-positive fallow deer (
n
= 6) were detected by the test. In addition, antibodies to
M. bovis
could be detected in poor-quality serum samples. The results suggest that the CervidTB STAT-PAK could be deployed as a field test for further evaluation.
Improvement of a Dendritic Cell-Based Therapeutic Cancer Vaccine with Components ofToxoplasma gondii
Authors: Motamedi Masoumeh , Arab Samaneh , Moazzeni Seied Mohammad , Khamis Abadi Masoomeh , Hadjati Jamshid
Published: August 2009

The use of dendritic cells (DCs) as a cellular adjuvant is a promising approach to the immunotherapy of cancer. It has previously been demonstrated that DCs pulsed ex vivo withToxoplasma gondiiantigens trigger a systemic Th1-biased specific immune response and induce protective and specific antitoxoplasma immunity. In the present study, we demonstrate that tumor antigen-pulsed DCs matured in the presence ofToxoplasma gondiicomponents induce a potent antitumor response in a mouse model of fibrosarcoma. Bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) were cultured in the presence of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and interleukin-4. After 5 days, tumor lysates with or without theT. gondiilysate were added to the culture for another 2 days. The cytokine production in the BMDC culture and the coculture supernatants of DCs and splenic cells was evaluated. For immunization, 7 days after tumor challenge, different groups of BALB/c mice received different kinds of DCs subcutaneously around the tumor site. Tumor growth was monitored, and 2 weeks after DC immunotherapy, the cytotoxic activity and the infiltration of CD8+T cells were monitored in different groups. According to the findings, immunotherapy withT. gondii-matured DCs led to a significant increase in the activity of cytotoxic T cells and decreased the rate of growth of the tumor in immunized animals. Immature DCs did not cause any change in cytotoxic activity or the tumor growth rate compared to that in the healthy controls. The current study suggests that a specific antitumor immune response can be induced by DCs matured withT. gondiicomponents and provide the basis for the use ofT. gondiiin DC-targeted clinical therapies.
Rapid Detection of Vaginal
Candida
Species by Newly Developed Immunochromatography
Authors: Matsui Hidehito , Hanaki Hideaki , Takahashi Kengo , Yokoyama Akihiko , Nakae Taiji , Sunakawa Keisuke , Omura Satoshi
Published: August 2009

For the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis, we developed a simple immunochromatographic method that enables the detection of vaginal
Candida
spp. within about 30 min. Overall, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of this method appeared to be 80.3, 99.3, 98.0, and 92.0%, respectively.