bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cover Picture: CXCL12‐induced partitioning of flotillin‐1 with lipid rafts plays a role in CXCR4 function – Eur. J. Immunol. 8/2007
Authors: Giri Banabihari , Dixit Vishwa D. , Ghosh Manik C. , Collins Gary D. , Khan Islam U. , Madara Karen , Weeraratna Ashani T. , Taub Dennis D.
Published: July 2007

Giri et al. (pp. 2104–2116) determine that flotillin‐1, but not flotillin‐2, is specifically recruited to lipid rafts following CXCL12 stimulation of human T cells. The cover image taken from this article shows a Jurkat cell transfected with control siRNA and stimulated with CXCL12; the location of flotillin‐1 (red), CXCR4 (green) and the nucleus (blue) are determined by immunofluorescence. A distinct “capped” phenotype is observed with significant recruitment and colocalization (yellow/orange) of flotillin‐1 and CXCR4 in lipid rafts; such CXCR4 recruitment is decreased in flotillin‐1 siRNA transfected cells. Together the data of Giri et al. indicate a role for flotillin‐1 in chemokine receptor signalling.
Management of the unknown primary carcinoma: Long‐term follow‐up on a negative PET scan and negative panendoscopy
Authors: Miller Frank R. , Karnad Anand B. , Eng Tony , Hussey David H. , Stan McGuff H. , Otto Randal A.
Published: July 2007

Background

The unknown primary carcinoma in the head and neck has been estimated to represent up to 7% of all head and neck carcinomas. In an attempt to identify the occult primary tumor the evaluation of this patient population has included a complete head and neck examination, flexible fiberoptic endoscopy, and imaging with CT/MRI. More recently, positron emission tomography (PET) has been advocated as a tool to detect primary tumors.

Methods

A cohort of 31 patients with fine‐needle aspiration biopsy–confirmed squamous cell carcinoma were prospectively entered into a diagnostic protocol to identify the occult primary tumor. The diagnostic protocol included a comprehensive head and neck examination (including flexible endoscopy) and CT and/or MRI. If the initial diagnostic evaluation failed to identify a primary tumor, the patients then underwent whole body PET imaging followed by staging endoscopy with biopsy of the at‐risk occult tumor sites. The outcome measures included the accuracy of the PET to predict the presence of occult tumor at staging endoscopy and the accuracy of the negative PET and negative panendoscopy in predicting the subsequent development of a primary tumor in the upper aerodigestive tract during follow‐up.

Results

The PET detected 9 occult primary tumors in the 31 patients (detection rate, 29%). Five occult primary tumors (2 base of tongue and 3 palatine tonsil) were detected during panendoscopy despite a negative PET. The combination of PET and panendoscopy detected 45.2% of the unknown primary tumors. Seventeen patients (N1, n = 7; N2a, n = 4; N2b, n = 2; N3, n = 4) had no primary tumor detected and were treated as an unknown primary carcinoma with primary neck dissection +/− radiation therapy +/− chemotherapy. In this series of 17 patients, there were 3 neck recurrences (17.6%). In addition, only 1 patient (5.8%) developed a primary tumor of the upper aerodigestive tract with a mean follow‐up of 31.1 months (range, 21–60 months).

Conclusion

A negative PET study in patients with an occult primary head and neck carcinoma does not preclude the need for panendoscopy with biopsy to detect the occult primary tumor. The risk of subsequent primary tumor appears to be low in the patients with a negative PET and a negative panendoscopy (<6%). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Deletion of the PDZ motif of HPV16 E6 preventing immortalization and anchorage‐independent growth in human tonsil epithelial cells
Authors: Spanos William C. , Geiger Jeremy , Anderson Mary E. , Harris George F. , Bossler Aaron D. , Smith Russell B. , Klingelhutz Aloysius J. , Lee John H.
Published: July 2007

Background

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) has been associated with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in up to 60% of sampled specimens.

Methods

To understand better the viral genes required to transform human tonsil epithelial cells (HTEC), we isolated HTEC's and transduced them with retroviral vectors containing HPV16E6andE7.

Results

Immortalization and anchorage‐independent growth of HTEC's only occurred with expression ofE6andE7with resultant degradation of p53. However, cells expressingE6lacking the PSD‐95/disc‐large/Zo‐1 (PDZ) motif did not immortalize or grow anchorage independent. Telomerase activity and degradation of p53 were similar for wild‐type and mutant E6.

Conclusion

The mechanism of oncogenic transformation by E6 in HTEC's is dependent on the PDZ binding motif. Identification of pathways affected by the interaction of E6 and PDZ domain containing proteins will further our understanding of how HPV causes HNSCC and will provide potential therapeutic targets. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2008
Profibrogenic transforming growth factor-β/activin receptor–like kinase 5 signaling via connective tissue growth factor expression in hepatocytes
Authors: Weng Hong-Lei , Ciuclan Loredana , Liu Yan , Hamzavi Jafar , Godoy Patricio , Gaitantzi Haristi , Kanzler Stefan , Heuchel Rainer , Ueberham Uwe , Gebhardt Rolf , Breitkopf Katja , Dooley Steven
Published: July 2007

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is important for transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)–induced liver fibrogenesis. Hepatic stellate cells have been recognized as its major cellular source in the liver. Here we demonstrate the induction of CTGF expression in hepatocytes of damaged livers and identify a molecular mechanism responsible for it. CTGF expression was found by immunohistochemistry in bile duct epithelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatocytes in fibrotic liver tissue from patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. Similarly, CTGF expression was induced in hepatocytes of carbon tetrachloride–treated mice. CTGF expression and secretion were detected spontaneously in a medium of hepatocytes after 3 days of culture, which was enhanced by stimulation with TGF-β. TGF-β–induced CTGF expression was mediated through the activin receptor–like kinase 5 (ALK5)/Smad3 pathway, whereas activin receptor–like kinase 1 activation antagonized this effect. CTGF expression in the liver tissue of TGF-β transgenic mice correlated with serum TGF-β levels. Smad7 overexpression in cultured hepatocytes abrogated TGF-β–dependent and intrinsic CTGF expression, indicating that TGF-β signaling was required. In line with these data, hepatocyte-specific transgenic Smad7 reduced CTGF expression in carbon tetrachloride–treated animals, whereas in Smad7 knockout mice, it was enhanced. Furthermore, an interferon gamma treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection induced Smad7 expression in hepatocytes, leading to decreased CTGF expression and fibrogenesis.

Conclusion:

Our data provide evidence for the profibrogenic activity of TGF-β directed to hepatocytes and mediated via the up-regulation of CTGF. We identify ALK5-dependent Smad3 signaling as the responsible pathway inducing CTGF expression, which can be hindered by an activated activin receptor–like kinase 1 pathway and completely inhibited by TGF-β antagonist Smad7. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
Endogenous sex hormones, prolactin and mammographic density in postmenopausal Norwegian women
Authors: Bremnes Yngve , Ursin Giske , Bjurstam Nils , Rinaldi Sabina , Kaaks Rudolf , Gram Inger T.
Published: July 2007

The associations between endogenous sex hormone levels and breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women are well established. Mammographic density is a strong risk factor for breast cancer, and possibly an intermediate marker. However, the results from studies on the associations between endogenous sex hormones and mammographic density are conflicting. The authors examined the associations between circulating levels of sex hormones, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and prolactin and mammographic densities among postmenopausal women not currently using postmenopausal hormone therapy (HT). The authors also examined if insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) levels influenced the association between estrogen and mammographic density. Altogether, 722 postmenopausal participants in the Norwegian governmental mammographic screening program had endogenous hormone concentrations measured. Mammograms were classified according to percent and absolute mammographic density using a previously validated computer‐assisted method. After adjustment for age, number of children, age at menopause, body mass index and HT use, both plasma concentrations of SHBG (p‐trend = 0.003) and estrone (p‐trend = 0.07) were positively associated with percent mammographic density. When the analyses were stratified according to median IGF‐I concentration, the weak association between estrone and mammographic density was strengthened among women with IGF‐I levels below median, while the association disappeared among women with over median IGF‐I levels (pfor interaction = 0.02). In summary, the authors found a positive association between plasma SHBG levels and mammographic densities among 722 postmenopausal Norwegian women not currently using HT. Further, the authors found a positive but weak association between plasma estrone concentration and mammographic density, which appeared to be modified by IGF‐I levels. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Engraftment of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from human T‐lymphotropic virus Type 1 carriers in NOD/SCID/γcnull (NOG) mice
Authors: Takajo Ichiro , Umeki Kazumi , Morishita Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Ikuo , Kubuki Yoko , Hatakeyama Kinta , Kataoka Hiroaki , Okayama Akihiko
Published: July 2007

The transmission of human T‐lymphotropic virus Type 1 (HTLV‐1) occurs mainly via breast‐feeding, sexual intercourse and blood transfusions. After transmission, the HTLV‐1 infection is predominantly maintained by cell‐to‐cell infection and clonal expansion; however, the details have not yet been clarified. To investigate how HTLV‐1 infected cells act in an environment without an effective immune reaction, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from asymptomatic HTLV‐1 carriers were inoculated into nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient (NOD/SCID)/γcnull (NOG) mice, which have immunological dysfunctions of T‐ and B‐lymphocytes and NK cells. Human mononuclear cells including both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were found to have infiltrated into various organs, including the liver, kidney, spleen and lung, when the mice were sacrificed 1 month after inoculation. The copy numbers of HTLV‐1 provirus detected in the tissue‐infiltrating human cells were much higher than those in the original PBMCs from the carriers. The expression of HTLV‐1 mRNA was demonstrated in the tissue‐infiltrating cells by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Inverse‐long polymerase chain reaction showed that the pattern of HTLV‐1 proviral integration was different from that of the original carrier and that it varied among NOG mice inoculated with PBMCs from the same carrier. These results suggest the selective proliferation of particular clones of HTLV‐1 infected cells in NOG mice. Alternatively, transmission and new integration of HTLV‐1 from infected cells to noninfected cells might have occurred in an environment without an effective immune reaction. The NOG mouse is considered a good animal model for the patho‐physiological study of HTLV‐1 infection with immunodeficiency. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A lipophilic statin, pitavastatin, suppresses inflammation‐associated mouse colon carcinogenesis
Authors: Yasui Yumiko , Suzuki Rikako , Miyamoto Shingo , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Sugie Shigeyuki , Kohno Hiroyuki , Tanaka Takuji
Published: July 2007

3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors are known to modulate carcinogenesis. In this study, we investigated whether a lipophilic HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitor pitavastatin suppresses inflammation‐related mouse colon carcinogenesis. Male CD‐1 (ICR) mice were initiated with a single intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (AOM, 10 mg/kg body weight) and promoted by 2% (w/v) dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days. The experimental diets containing pitavastatin at 2 dose levels (1 and 10 ppm) were fed to male CD‐1 (ICR) mice for 17 weeks, staring 1 week after the cessation of DSS exposure. The effects of dietary pitavastatin on colonic tumor development were assessed at Weeks 5, 10 and 20. Feeding with pitavastatin at both doses significantly inhibited the multiplicity of colonic adenocarcinoma at Week 20. Furthermore, the treatment significantly lowered the positive rates of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and increased the apoptotic index in the colonic epithelial malignancies. The treatment also reduced nitrotyrosine‐positivity in the colonic mucosa. Our findings thus show that pitavastatin is effective in inhibiting colitis‐related colon carcinogenesis through modulation of mucosal inflammation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and cell proliferation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inappropriate gold standard bias in cervical cancer screening studies
Authors: Pretorius Robert G. , Bao Yan‐Ping , Belinson Jerome L. , Burchette Raoul J. , Smith Jennifer S. , Qiao You‐Lin
Published: July 2007

As acetic acid‐aided visual inspection (VIA) and colposcopic‐directed biopsy miss small ≥cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2, inflation of sensitivity of VIA may occur when colposcopic‐directed biopsy is the gold standard for ≥CIN 2. To determine whether such inflation occurs, we reviewed 375 women with ≥CIN 2 from the Shanxi Province Cervical Cancer Screening Study II. These women had positive self or physician‐collected tests for high‐risk human papillomavirus or abnormal cervical cytology and had VIA followed by colposcopy with directed biopsy and endocervical curettage (ECC). If a cervical quadrant had no lesion, a random biopsy at the squamocolumnar junction within that quadrant was obtained. Sensitivity of colposcopic‐directed biopsy was higher for ≥CIN 2 involving 3–4 cervical quadrants (81.3%) than for ≥CIN 2 involving 0–2 quadrants (49.0%, p < 0.001). Sensitivities of VIA, cytology of ≥ASC‐US, ≥LSIL, and ≥HSIL were higher for ≥CIN 2 involving 3–4 quadrants than for ≥CIN 2 involving 0–2 quadrants. When a colposcopic‐directed biopsy gold standard was compared with that of a 5‐biopsy standard (which included ≥CIN 2 from colposcopic‐directed biopsy, random biopsy, or ECC), the sensitivity for ≥CIN 2 of VIA was inflated by 20.0% (65.9% vs. 45.9%, p < 0.001). Sensitivities of other screening tests were not affected. Similar inflation of sensitivity of VIA was found with an endpoint of ≥CIN 3 (70.4% vs. 52.0%, p = 0.0013). Inflation of sensitivity of VIA depended upon agreement between colposcopic‐directed biopsy and the screening tests as measured by kappa. Studies of VIA that used colposcopic‐directed biopsy as the gold standard require reevaluation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The REVEALS model, a new tool to estimate past regional plant abundance from pollen data in large lakes: validation in southern Sweden
Authors: Hellman Sofie , Gaillard Marie‐José , Broström Anna , Sugita Shinya
Published: July 2007

The REVEALS model was developed to reconstruct quantitatively regional vegetation abundance (in a 104–105 km2 area) from pollen assemblages in large lakes (≥100–500 ha). This model corrects for biases in pollen percentages caused by inter‐taxonomic differences in pollen productivity and dispersal. This paper presents the first case study to validate REVEALS, using empirical data from southern Sweden. Percentage cover of modern regional vegetation in Skåne and Småland, two contrasting vegetation regions, was predicted with REVEALS for 26 key taxa, using pollen assemblages from surface sediments in 10 large lakes, and compared to the actual vegetation within 104 km2 compiled from satellite data, forestry inventories, crop statistics, aerial photographs, and vegetation inventories. REVEALS works well in predicting the percentage cover of large vegetation units such as total trees (wooded land), total herbs (open land), total conifers and total broad‐leaved trees, and it provides reasonable estimates for individual taxa, including Pinus, Picea, Betula, Corylus, Alnus, Tilia, Salix spp., Juniperus, Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Cerealia and Secale. The results show great potential for REVEALS applications, including (1) quantitative reconstructions of past regional land cover important for palaeoclimatology and nature conservation, and (2) local‐scale reconstruction of vegetation (<1 km2 up to ∼ 5 km2 area) relevant for palaeoecology and archaeology. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass problems and almost everywhere domination
Authors: Simpson Stephen G.
Published: July 2007

We examine the concept of almost everywhere domination from the viewpoint of mass problems. Let AED and MLR be the sets of reals which are almost everywhere dominating and Martin‐Löf random, respectively. Let b1, b2, and b3 be the degrees of unsolvability of the mass problems associated with AED, MLR × AED, and MLR ∩ AED, respectively. Let 𝒫w be the lattice of degrees of unsolvability of mass problems associated with nonempty Π01 subsets of 2ω . Let 1 and 0 be the top and bottom elements of 𝒫w . We show that inf(b1, 1), inf(b2, 1), and inf(b3, 1) belong to 𝒫w and 0 < inf(b1, 1) < inf(b2, 1) < inf(b3, 1) < 1. Under the natural embedding of the recursively enumerable Turing degrees into 𝒫w , we show that inf(b1, 1) and inf(b3, 1) but not inf(b2, 1) are comparable with some recursively enumerable Turing degrees other than 0 and 0′. In order to make this paper more self‐contained, we exposit the proofs of some recent theorems due to Hirschfeldt, Miller, Nies, and Stephan. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Degradation of Engineering Materials – Implications to Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J. , Lewandowska Małgorzata , Święszkowski Wojciech , Lewandowska‐Szumieł Małgorzata
Published: July 2007

Summary: Materials in general, to some degree are susceptible to environmental degradation. The degradation of biomaterials is one of the most relevant issues in the field of regenerative medicine. In industrial practice, the degradation is always a negative phenomenon. In bioengineering, the degradation may be undesirable (e.g. corrosion of metallic implants, wear of artificial joint implant) or desirable (biodegradable devices and tissue engineering). In both cases, the knowledge of the kinetics of degradation is crucial for safe use of biocomponents. The methods for predicting remaining life commonly used in industrial practice will be presented in the context of biomaterials. Non destructive techniques for monitoring degradation will be discussed and some ideas about their application to bio‐environments proposed.
Chemical Surface Modifications of Titanium Implants
Authors: Lewandowska Małgorzata , Włodkowska Monika , Olkowski Radosław , Roguska Agata , Polak Beata , Pisarek Marcin , Lewandowska‐Szumieł Małgorzata , Kurzydłowski Krzysztof J.
Published: July 2007

Summary: In the present work, various surface modifications have been applied to titanium surface. The aim of the modifications was to improve cell adhesion and to determine their influence on the properties of titanium surface. The unmodified and modified surfaces were observed using SEM. Subtle changes in modified surface layer of titanium samples were examined using the Auger Electron Microanalysis and Photoelectron Spectroscopy. The properties of surfaces were evaluated by contact angle and roughness measurements. The results revealed large differences in morphology of Ti modified with different procedures whereas only minor differences in the chemistry of the surfaces were detected. Preliminary quantitative measurements (cell number, viability and differentiation) of the MG 63 osteoblast‐like cells in the direct contact with the surface of the investigated materials show that both the not pre‐treated titanium surface and the surfaces modified by the methods used in the this work are all well tolerated by the living cells. Within the experimental scatter all the surfaces provided good substrate for proliferation and growth of the cells.
Prospective study of positive factors for improvement of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnant women
Authors: Mondelli Mauro , Rossi Stefania , Monti Elena , Aprile Irene , Caliandro Pietro , Pazzaglia Costanza , Romano Clara , Padua Luca
Published: July 2007

The aims of this study were to evaluate differences between women with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and symptom onset in pregnancy (pregnancy cohort) and women with idiopathic CTS (control cohort) and to report changes in symptoms assessed by the Levine Boston Questionnaire (BQ) administered by phone 3 years after diagnosis. Forty‐five pregnant women with CTS (mean age 32 ± 3.9 years) and 90 age‐matched women with idiopathic CTS were consecutively enrolled. Diagnosis was based on clinical findings and abnormal transcarpal median nerve conduction. Univariate analysis showed that the pregnancy cohort had a shorter duration of symptoms, higher frequency of bilateral symptoms and non–blue‐collar workers, and lower clinical and electrophysiological severity evaluated by ordinal scales and BQ scores. Multivariate analysis showed that the pregnancy cohort had a probability of improvement of symptoms 3–4 times greater than the control cohort. The need for further treatment depended on BQ functional score; 50% of pregnant women had tolerable CTS symptoms and 85% did not require further treatment 3 years after diagnosis, whereas 72% of women in the control cohort did not require long‐term therapy. The probability of need for CTS treatment did not depend on the cohort, but only on the severity of hand disability. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Polytope finite elements
Authors: Milbradt P. , Pick T.
Published: July 2007

In this paper, finite elements based on arbitrary convex and non‐convex polytopes are introduced. Polytopes in combination with natural element coordinates (NECs) permit a uniform element formulation of interpolation functions that are independent of the dimension of space, localization and the number of vertices. NECs based on the natural neighbor interpolation are restricted to the polytope and can be understood as an extension of the barycentric coordinates on simplexes. The differentiation and integration of these interpolation functions on the basis of NECs is essential for finite element approximations.

The accuracy of the finite element interpolation or approximation can be controlled by either applying the h‐version or by utilizing the p‐version of the finite element method (FEM). Advantages in the handling of hanging nodes are discussed. Furthermore, we present construction methods for Lagrangian as well as for hierarchical interpolation functions based on NECs.

Numerical experiments on different convex and non‐convex decompositions will show the usability,
accuracy and convergence of the developed polytope FEM. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A numerical scheme for the solution of viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation
Authors: Momani Shaher , Erturk Vedat Suat
Published: July 2007

In this paper, we present a numerical scheme for the solution of viscous Cahn–Hilliard equation. The scheme is based on Adomian's decomposition approach and the solutions are calculated in the form of a convergent series with easily computable components. Some numerical examples are presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2008
Fetal intra‐abdominal calcifications from meconium peritonitis: sonographic predictors of postnatal surgery
Authors: Zangheri Giulia , Andreani Marianna , Ciriello Elena , Urban Gabriele , Incerti Maddalena , Vergani Patrizia
Published: July 2007

Objective

To study the relationship between prenatal ultrasound features and postnatal course of meconium peritonitis.

Study Design

We reviewed our cohort of cases of meconium peritonitis (MP) (n = 13/37, 225 pregnancies or 0.3/1000) as well as those published in the English literature with prenatal ultrasonographic findings and postnatal follow‐up (n = 56). The total number of cases (n = 69) was divided into 4 grades of progressive severity based on the number of pertinent sonographic findings: grade 0, isolated intra‐abdominal calcifications (n = 18); grade 1, intra‐abdominal calcifications and ascites (n = 17) or pseudocyst (n = 2) or bowel dilatation (n = 6); grade 2, two associated findings (n = 20); and grade 3, all sonographic features (n = 6). Presence of polyhydramnios was also recorded. Prenatal predictors of need for neonatal surgery and risk of neonatal death were identified using Chi‐square and Fisher exact test, with P < 0.05 considered significant.

Results

Neonatal surgical intervention was required in 0% (0/18) of newborns with grade 0 MP; in 52% (13/25) of those with grade 1; in 80% (16/20) with grade 2; and in 100% (6/6) with grade 3 MP (P < 0.001, Chi‐square for trend). Moreover, neonatal surgery was more frequent in the presence than absence of polyhydramnios [69% (18/26) vs 37% (16/43); P = 0.007]. Neonatal mortality was 6% (4/69; 3 after surgery and 1 for premature delivery) and it was confined to the subgroup with polyhydramnios (4/26, 15%).

Conclusions

Prenatal sonographic features are related to postnatal outcome. Persistently isolated intra‐abdominal calcifications have an excellent outcome. Delivery in a tertiary care center is recommended when calcifications are associated with other sonographic findings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Orthogonal coordinates for the dynamics of four bodies and for the representation of potentials of tetra‐atomic molecules
Authors: Ragni Mirco , Bitencourt Ana Carla P. , Aquilanti Vincenzo
Published: July 2007

We discuss systems of orthogonal coordinates for the dynamical treatment of four particles, generated by making extensive use of the concept of kinematic rotations, which act on coordinates of the particles and are represented by matrices only dependent on their masses. The explicit representations of the kinetic rotation matrices are given: this allows us to define alternative particle schemes, such as those based on the Jacobi and Radau‐Smith vectors, as well as on mixed types of vectors, of possible interest for specific molecules or aggregates. A list is given of relevant formulas connecting these coordinate sets to the geometrical parameters (internuclear distances, bond and dihedral angles) of use for the representation of the potential energy surface of four atomic systems. Applications are indicated for molecular and cluster physics. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2007
Lipase‐mediated acyl‐exchange reactions with butteroil in anhydrous media
Authors: Elliott Jerome M. , Parkin Kirk L.
Published: July 2007

Conditions optimum for porcine pancreatic lipase catalyzed acyl‐exchange reactions between a free fatty acid (FFA), undecanoic acid, and butteroil in anhydrous media were established. No solvent was required for reaction, indicating that butteroil could act as dispersant as well as substrate in reactive mixtures. Optimum temperature and pH for the reaction were 70°C and 6.5 to 7.0, respectively. The addition of up to 550 mM water to reactive mixtures had little influence on the initial rates of acyl‐exchange, but shifted the reaction equilibrium to favor net hydrolysis. Optimal FFA concentration for acyl‐exchange was 250 mM in terms of initial reaction rates, and substrate inhibition by FFA was apparent at levels up to 1000 mM. In terms of % reaction yield and absolute reaction yield after 18 hr, 50 mM and 250 mM FFA, respectively, were optimum. Initial reaction rates for acyl‐exchange between two model triacylglycerides indicated that esterified fatty acids‐were better substrates than FFA under the conditions evaluated.
Rapeseed protein concentrate preparation and evaluation
Authors: Jones J. D.
Published: July 2007

Rapeseed is a major oilseed crop in Canada. Many investigators have turned their attention to use of protein left in the meal after oil extraction. However, the meal contains goitrogenic substances which must be removed or inactivated before the meal can be used as a potential protein source for food and feed. A water extraction process has been developed which removes over 90% of the glycosinolates and which results in a protein concentrate having an essential amino acid balance that has been shown by nutritional evaluation to be superior to any other known oilseed protein. However, in highly stressed animals being fed rapeseed protein as the only protein source, a zinc deficiency readily manifests itself, especially with pregnant rats. The zinc deficiency syndrome is readily overcome by supplementing the diets of pregnant rats with zinc in amounts sufficient to complex the phytic acid present in the protein concentrate. This approach appears to be more practical for overcoming the adverse effects of phytates than attempting to remove them by processing treatments. This contribution demonstrates the extensive studies necessary before a protein from a source known to possess toxic and antinutritional factors can be accepted as a food ingredient.
Oilseed phytates: Nutritional implications
Authors: Erdman J. W.
Published: July 2007

The protein quantity and quality, caloric value, and overall nutrient content of oilseeds are quite good. However, oilseeds are high in phytic acid and contain fiber and perhaps other binding agents which reduce mineral bioavailability from the seeds. Phytic acid, the hexaphosphate of myoinositol, functions as the chief storage form of phosphate and inositol in mature seeds. On a dry basis, whole oilseeds contain about 1.5% while some oilseed protein concentrates can contain over 7.0% of the compound. Phytic acid is a strong chelating agent that can bind mono‐ and divalent metal ions to form the complex phytate. Published results from numerous animal feeding trials suggest poor bioavailability of minerals such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and possibly iron from diets containing high phytate foods. Recent studies involving the feeding of soy products to rats suggest that zinc is the mineral of most concern as its bioavailability from some soy products is quite low. Prediction of mineral bioavailability from phytate‐containing foods is complicated by the complex interactions between the minerals and phytic acid contained in the foods, intestinal and the meal phytase activities, previous food processing conditions (especially pH), digestibility of the foods as well as the physiological status of the consumer of the foods. Very little is known about the chemistry of such interactions. Therefore, most of the emphasis in controlling or reducing mineral binding in oilseed products has been placed upon development of methodology for phytate removal.
Determination of diester formation in diethylene glycol and tetraethylene glycol monoesters
Authors: Parris N. , Weil J. K.
Published: July 2007

Polyethylene glycol monoesters on standing rearrange to form diesters. The formation of diester in monoester samples stored at 3 C, 25 C, and 37 C, respectively, for approximately 3 months was determined by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in less than one‐half hour. Formation of diester increased with increasing storage temperature, regardless of the chemical nature of the
Occurrence of punicic acid inTrichosanthes bracteata andTrichosanthes nervifolia seed oils
Authors: Lakshminarayana G. , Rao K. Sundar , Klttur M. H. , Mahajanshetty C. S.
Published: July 2007

The seeds ofTrichosanthes bracteata andTrichosanthes nervifolia (Cucurbitaceae) contained 31.6 and 27.9% oil and 18.8 and 16.7% protein, respectively. Spectral, chromatographic and chemical analyses showed the punicic acid to occur to an extent of 41.8% inT. bracteata and 51.7% inT. nervifolia seed oils.
Catalytic behavior of palladium in the hydrogenation of edible oils
Authors: Hsu N. , Dlosady L. L. , Rubin L. J.
Published: July 2007

Palladium supported on alumina was used to hydrogenate soybean and canola oil. Previous literature reports indicated that palladium forms moretrans isomers than nickel. At 750 psig, 50 ppm palladium, and at 70 C, only 9.4%trans were formed when canola oil was hydrogenated to IV 74. In general, high pressure and low temperature favored lowtrans formation with no appreciable loss in catalyst activity. The effect of pressure, temperature and catalyst concentration on reaction rate,trans formation and selectivity is presented. A survey of various catalyst supports is discussed. Apparent activation energies of 6.3 to 8.9 kcal/mol were obtained; they are in good agreement with values reported in the literature.
Turbidimetric measurement of wax in sunflower oil
Authors: Moulton K. J.
Published: July 2007

Wax content in sunflower oil may be estimated quickly at room temperature by a turbidimetric method. Five ml of a throughly mixed oil/solvent mixture is transferred to a 13‐mm sample vial and inserted in a turbidimeter. Instrument reading are converted directly to wax content in the original suflower oil by means of a correlation equation. This rapid method can be used over a wider range of wax values than previous methods.
Flavor evaluation of crude oil to predict the quality of soybean oil
Authors: Warner K. , Frankel E. N. , Moulton K. J.
Published: July 2007

Reliable methods for evaluation of crude oils are needed to assist processing and to improve flavor quality of finished products. The quality of crude oils from soybeans of different sources and treatments was determined by sensory evaluation and by capillary gas chromatographic (GC) analyses of volatiles. Taste panelists were specially trained in using a new technique to evaluate crude oils by dilution and comparison with freshly deodorized oils. The flavor quality of crude oils from untempered soybeans was significantly poorer than that of oils from soybeans steam‐tempered at 104 C for four min. Capillary GC analyses of total volatiles and hexanal correlated well with differences in flavor quality and stability. Crude oils extracted from soybeans damaged by storage at 45 C and 13% moisture received decreasing flavor scores with prolonged storage time. Similarlly, hexanal and total volatile contents increased with storage times. Commercial crude oils from several geographic locations showed a wide range in flavor scores. However, flavor scores of crude oils showed good agreement with flavor stabilities (decrease in flavor scores after storage at 60 C) of the corresponding oils after refining, bleaching, and deodorization. Therefore, the combined use, of sensory evaluations and GC‐volatile analyses of crude oils can provide convenient, rapid, sensitive and reliable screening methods to assist in improving the quality of finished soybean oils by controlling soybean storage and processing.
Removal of sulfur compounds from canola oil
Authors: Abraham V. , deMan J. M.
Published: July 2007

The effect of a number of physical methods for the removal of sulfur compounds from canola oil was investigated. The methods tested included laboratory deodorization and use of catalyst and of bleaching earth. Nine temperature‐time combinations were used for the deodorization. Bleaching earth had little effect on the removal of sulfur compounds from the oil. Other methods removed part of the sulfur. High temperature, longer time and high vacuum for deodorization facilitated the complete removal of volatile sulfur compounds. Treatment of oil with catalyst removed most of the volatile sulfur and part of the Raney nickel sulfur.
Trimethylsilyl Derivatization/Gas Chromatography as a Method to Determine the Free Fatty Acid Content of Vegetable Oils
Authors: Wan Peter J. , Dowd Michael K. , Thomas Audrey E. , Butler Boyce H.
Published: July 2007

Thirty‐one samples of vegetable oils were analyzed for free fatty acid (FFA) concentration by titration against sodium hydroxide and by trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatization followed by gas chromatography (GC). In preliminary experiments, two silylation chemistries and three GC stationary phases were tested for TMS fatty acid ester formation and separation. No ideal combination of conditions was identified; however, hexamethyldisilazane with an acid catalyst and a non‐polar J & W DB‐5 column were chosen for comparison of the two approaches. Over the range of FFA values studied (0.04–12%), the results from the two methods were highly correlated (R > +0.996) and were generally in good agreement. However, values from the chromatographic method were slightly lower than values obtained by titration for the crude oil samples (which had higher FFA levels). For oils with >0.4% FFA, the GC approach was slightly less reproducible (average coefficient of variance of ~3%) compared with the titration approach (average coefficient of variance of ~1.4%). For oils with <0.4% FFA, the coefficients of variance were higher (8–9%) and comparable between the methods.
Genetik der nichtsyndromalen Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumen-Spalten
Authors: Mangold E.
Published: July 2007

Die Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumen-Spalte (LKG) stellt eine der häufigsten angeborenen Fehlbildungen dar. Etwa 50–60% der LKG-Fälle sind nichtsyndromal und in der Regel genetisch komplex vererbt. Assoziations- und Kopplungsanalysen ergaben eine Reihe von Kandidatengenen bzw. -regionen, wobei bislang nur wenige Befunde in unabhängigen Stichproben unterstützt werden konnten. Zur Anwendung in der medizinischen Routine eignen sich die bisherigen Erkenntnisse über genetische Faktoren noch nicht. Die langfristig zu erwartende Identifizierung aller ursächlichen Gene und exogenen Faktoren wird ein umfassendes Verständnis der pathophysiologischen Ursachen ermöglichen und zur Entwicklung neuer Präventionsstrategien beitragen.
Valproate induces apoptosis by inducing accumulation of neutral lipids which was prevented by disruption of the SIR2 gene in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Sun Qi , Bi Lifu , Su XiuLan , Tsurugi Kunio , Mitsui Kazuhiro
Published: July 2007

We investigated the participation of HDACs in VPA induced apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. VPA (20 mM) induced apoptosis in several HDAC mutants, including PRD3 and HDA1‐disrupted cells and SIR2 over expressing cells, as well as in wild‐type cells but not SIR2‐disrupted cells. Intracellular reactive oxygen species and neutral lipid content increased markedly in all kinds of HDAC mutant cells tested except for SIR2‐disrupted cells. Thus, these results suggest that 20 mM VPA induces neutral lipid accumulation and apoptosis‐like features in S. cerevisiae, and that VPA‐induced apoptosis was evaded by deletion of SIR2.
Modification of substrate specificity in single point mutants of Agrobacterium tumefaciens type II NADH dehydrogenase
Authors: Desplats C. , Beyly A. , Cuiné S. , Bernard L. , Cournac L. , Peltier G.
Published: July 2007

Type II NADH dehydrogenases (NDH‐2) are monomeric flavoenzymes catalyzing electron transfer from NADH to quinones. While most NDH‐2 preferentially oxidize NADH, some of these enzymes have been reported to efficiently oxidize NADPH. With the aim to modify the NADPH vs NADH specificity of the relatively NADH specific Agrobacterium tumefaciens NDH‐2, two conserved residues (E and A) of the substrate binding domain were, respectively, mutated to Q and S. We show that when E was replaced by Q at position 203 the enzyme was able to oxidize NADPH as efficiently as NADH. Growth on a minimal medium of an Escherichia coli double mutant lacking both NDH‐1 and NDH‐2 was restored more efficiently when mutated proteins able to oxidize NADPH were expressed. The biotechnological interest of expressing such modified enzymes in photosynthetic organisms is discussed.
Differential modulation of hepatic very low-density lipoprotein secretion by triacylglycerol-rich lipoproteins derived from different oleic-acid rich dietary oils
Authors: Perona Javier S. , Avella Michael , Botham Kathleen M. , Ruiz-Gutierrez Valentina
Published: July 2007

Minor components from dietary oils can modulate the atherogenic response of the TAG-rich lipoproteins (TRL) in which they are transported. In the present study we investigated the influence of TRL isolated from man after the intake of oleic acid-rich oils with different minor component compositions on VLDL secretion by rat primary hepatocytes. TRL were isolated from nine men after the intake of meals enriched with high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) or virgin olive oil (VOO) or VOO enriched with minor components (EVO). TRL were incubated with rat primary hepatocytes and the lipid accumulation was analysed in the cells and the secreted VLDL. The expression of genes for proteins related to hepatic lipid metabolism and VLDL production was also measured. Incubation of hepatocytes with TRL derived from HOSO as compared to VOO led to lower intracellular lipid accumulation and VLDL production despite higher mRNA expression for diacylglycerol-acyltransferase, microsomal TAG transfer protein, apoB and PPARα. When TRL derived from EVO were used there were no changes in VLDL secretion. These results suggest that incorporation of minor components from dietary high-oleic oils into TRL modulates the effect of these atherogenic particles on VLDL secretion.
Dietary Selenium for the counteraction of oxidative damage: fortified foods or supplements?
Authors: Bordoni Alessandra , Danesi Francesca , Malaguti Marco , Di Nunzio Mattia , Pasqui Francesca , Maranesi Magda , Luigi Biagi Pier
Published: July 2007

Since any significant modification in the Se status, leading to changes in the activity of the seleno-enzymes, may have important consequences on the susceptibility of tissues to oxidative stress, considerable efforts have been made upon increasing Se dietary intake. In this respect, an important debate is still open about the bioavailability and the effectiveness of Se, and more generally nutrients, in supplements compared with foods. Using male Wistar rats, we have compared the effectiveness of two different diets in which an adequate Se content (0·1 mg/kg) was achieved by adding the element as sodium selenite or as component of a lyophilized Se-enriched food, in the counteraction of an oxidative stress induced by intraperitoneal administration of adriamycin. Both Se-enriched diets were able to reduce the consequences of the oxidative stress in liver, mainly by increasing glutathione peroxidase activity. This increase was more evident in rats fed on the diet enriched with the lyophilized food, probably due to the different chemical forms of Se, or to other components of the food itself. Although further studies are needed, data herein presented may contribute to the characterization of the effectiveness of Se from different sources, foods or supplements, in the light of dietary advice to the population concerning improvement of Se intake.
Effect of pruning on growth, leaf yield and pod yields of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench)
Authors: OLASANTAN F. O. , SALAU A. W.
Published: July 2007

Young leaves and pods of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus(L.) Moench) are edible, and so a crop management strategy for removing edible leaves while sustaining good pod yields is required. Pruning treatments were imposed on apically debudded okra plants for 3 years to assess effects of removing a quarter, half or three-quarters of the primary branches on growth and fresh leaf and pod yields. Pruning significantly (P<0·05) delayed fruiting by 8–10 days, extended length of harvest duration by 12–15 days and increased number of pods/plant by 10–40% and pod yield by 9–36% more than the control plants which had neither apical bud removal nor pruning. However, no difference in pod weight or pod length was found between these treatments and the control. Three-quarters pruning significantly (P<0·05) increased fresh leaf yield by 29–49%, but not all the leaves were desirable for consumption because of high fibre content. Decreases were seen in the numbers of secondary branches, shoot dry weight and pod yields (by 40–57, 22–36 and 22–30%, respectively, more than a quarter or half pruning). Although early production of pods in the control plants is often important for early maturity and high market prices, the present study found that a delay in fruiting, an extension in length of harvest duration and an increase in pod yield in plants with a quarter or half pruning enhanced staggered production and maximal pod yield. This helps to ensure a better market price and to enable growers avoid a glut on the market. A direct promotional effect of pruning on pod yields provides a possible strategy for growing okra for both leaf and pod harvests. A quarter or half pruning from the upper parts of the main stems of apically debudded plants to ensure good production and quality of leaves and pods is therefore recommended if okra is to be grown for both leaf and pod yields.
Effects of periparturient systemic treatment with penethamate hydriodide on udder health and milk yield of dairy heifers
Authors: Kreiger Martina , Friton Gabriele M , Hofer Johannes , Fuchs Klemens , Winter Petra
Published: July 2007

Sixty dairy heifers from seven Austrian herds, with high prevalence ofStaphylococcus aureusmastitis, were used in this pilot study. Heifers were randomly allocated to two groups. The treatment group received at parturition intramuscularly 10 million i.u. of penethamate hydriodide and then 24 h later, 5 million i.u.; the control group received no treatment. Bacteriological examination was conducted on 7, 14, 21, 35 and 49 d post partum (pp) and milk yield data, fat and protein contents and SCC data were collected every 5th week for the first 200 d of lactation. Occurrence of retained placenta and endometritis were recorded, and the days open of both groups were compared. No effect was observed on the postparturient genital tract health and reproduction indicators. On day 7 pp, four intramammary infections (IMI; two severe clinical; one mild clinical; and one subclinical mastitis) were detected in the untreated control group, whereas there were no IMI in the antibiotic-treated group. At subsequent samplings, there were fewer IMI in the antibiotic-treated group, which were later in lactation, less severe and less persistent. Although SCC was numerically lower in the treatment group, significant differences in SCC between groups could not be detected. Antibiotic-treated heifers produced significantly more milk during the first 15 weeks of lactation than untreated heifers. Over the whole observation period (200 d), peripartum antibiotic-treated heifers produced 323 kg more milk than heifers in the untreated control. Periparturient antibiotic treatment of heifers with penethamate hydriodide prevented IMI during the first week after parturition and achieved a significant increase in milk yield, which was found to be economically beneficial.
Transnasal oesophagoscopy-guided in-office secondary tracheoesophageal puncture
Authors: Doctor V S , Enepekides D J , Farwell D G , Belafsky P C
Published: July 2007

Objective:

Tracheoesophageal puncture is recognised as an effective and reliable method for voice restoration following total laryngectomy. Several techniques have been described, ranging from rigid oesophagoscopy under general anaesthesia to more recent endoscopic techniques utilising intravenous sedation or local anaesthetic. We describe our technique for secondary tracheoesophageal puncture utilising unsedated transnasal oesophagoscopy in an office setting.

Method:

Retrospective review of all total laryngectomy patients undergoing in-office transnasal oesophagoscopy-assisted tracheoesophageal puncture between October 1 2004 and December 31 2006.

Results:

Eleven patients undergoing transnasal oesophagoscopy-guided tracheoesophageal puncture were identified. Successful tracheoesophageal puncture placement was achieved in 10 of 11 patients (91 per cent). In one patient tracheoesophageal puncture could not be performed due to anatomic constraints. One patient had bleeding from the puncture site requiring silver nitrate cautery. All patients tolerated the procedure well. Voice results were satisfactory in all cases.

Conclusions:

Transnasal oesophagoscopy-guided tracheoesophageal puncture provides a simple, safe option for secondary voice rehabilitation in laryngectomy patients.