bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of carbohydrate and fat variation in euenergetic diets on postabsorptive free fatty acid release
Authors: Bisschop Peter H. , Ackermans Mariëtte T. , Endert Erik , Ruiter An F. C. , Meijer Alfred J. , Kuipers Folkert , Sauerwein Hans P. , Romijn Johannes A.
Published: July 2006

Diet composition and energy content modulate free fatty acid (FFA) release. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose–response effects of euenergetic variations in dietary carbohydrate and fat content on postabsorptive FFA release. The rate of appearance (Ra) of palmitate was measured by infusion of [2,2-2H2]palmitate after an overnight fast in six healthy men on three separate occasions, i.e. after 7 d on euenergetic control, high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets. The protein content and composition was identical for each diet. Postabsorptive plasma fatty acid concentrations were not different between the high-carbohydrate and control diets (0·36 (SE 0·07) V. 0·43 (se 0·04) mmol/l), but were increased after the high-fat diet (0·75 (se 0·09) mmol/l, (P<0·01 compared with the other diets). Ra palmitate was not different between the high-carbohydrate and control diets (1·36 (se 0·20) v. 1·47 (se 0·15) μmol/kg per min). However, Ra palmitate was increased to 2·36 (se 0·26) μmol/kg per min after the high-fat diet (P<0·01 compared with the other diets). The fatty acid flux and whole-body fat oxidation were not affected by the high-carbohydrate diet compared with the control diet, but were increased by 67 and 47 % respectively, on the high-fat diet (P<0·01 compared with the other diets). A euenergetic high-fat diet results in increased postabsorptive FFA release and fat oxidation, whereas a euenergetic high-carbohydrate diet does not affect these variables of fat metabolism.
Plasma phylloquinone (vitamin K1) concentration and its relationship to intake in a national sample of British elderly people
Authors: Thane C. W. , Bates C. J. , Shearer M. J. , Unadkat N. , Harrington D. J. , Paul A. A. , Prentice A. , Bolton-Smith C.
Published: July 2006

Plasma phylloquinone (vitamin K1) concentration was examined according to season, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors and phylloquinone intake in a nationally representative sample of British people aged 65 years and over from the 1994–5 National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Values for both plasma phylloquinone concentration and phylloquinone intake were available from 1076 participants (561 men, 515 women). Eight hundred and thirty-four were living in private households, 242 in residential or nursing homes. Weighted geometric mean plasma phylloquinone concentrations were 0·36 (95 % CI 0·06, 2·01) and 0·24 (95 % CI 0·06, 0·96) nmol/l in free-living and institution samples respectively. Plasma phylloquinone concentrations did not generally differ between men and women, although values in free-living people were significantly lower during autumn and winter (October to March). Plasma phylloquinone concentration was not significantly associated with age. Plasma phylloquinone concentrations were positively correlated with phylloquinone intake in free-living men and women (r0·18 and 0·30 respectively, bothP<0·001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis found that 11 % of the variation in plasma phylloquinone concentration was explained by phylloquinone intake, season and plasma triacylglycerol concentration. After adjustment for age and corresponding nutrient intakes, plasma phylloquinone concentration was significantly associated (eachP<0·01) with plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, cholesterol, retinol and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in free-living women but not men, and with plasma concentrations of carotenes, α- and γ-tocopherols and lutein in free-living men and women. The possibility of concurrent low fat-soluble vitamin status in elderly populations may be a cause for concern.
Intake and sources of phylloquinone (vitamin K1): variation with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in a national sample of British elderly people
Authors: Thane C. W. , Paul A. A. , Bates C. J. , Bolton-Smith C. , Prentice A. , Shearer M. J.
Published: July 2006

Intake and sources of phylloquinone (vitamin K1) were examined according to socio-demographic and lifestyle factors in free-living British people aged 65 years and over, from the 1994–5 National Diet and Nutrition Survey. Complete 4-d weighed dietary records were obtained from 1152 participants living in private households. Using newly-available, mainly UK-specific food content data, the weighted geometric mean intake of phylloquinone was estimated at 65 (95 % CI 62, 67) μg/d for all participants, with higher intakes in men than in women (70 v. 61 μg/d respectively, P<0·01). The mean nutrient densities of phylloquinone intake were 9·3 and 10·5 μg/MJ for men and women respectively (P<0·01), after adjusting for age group, region and smoking status. Of all the participants, 59 % had phylloquinone intakes below the current guideline for adequacy of 1 μg/kg body weight per d. Participants aged 85 years and over, formerly in manual occupations, or living in Scotland or in northern England reported lower phylloquinone intakes than their comparative groups. Overall, vegetables contributed 60 % of total phylloquinone intake, with cooked green vegetables providing around 28 % of the total. Dietary supplements contributed less than 0·5 % of phylloquinone intake. Participants living in northern England or in Scotland, in particular, derived less phylloquinone from vegetables than those living in southern England.
Quantitative kinetics of glucose appearance and disposal following a13C-labelled starch-rich meal: comparison of male and female subjects
Authors: Robertson M. Denise , Livesey Geoff , Mathers John C.
Published: July 2006

In the UK, starch contributes up to 25 % of energy intake in adults (). The present study investigated the acute response to a starchy meal on whole-body glucose metabolism and assessed insulin sensitivity in men compared with women. Low insulin sensitivity has been postulated to pre-dispose individuals to a cluster of associated abnormalities known to increase the risk of CHD. Metabolic responses to a13C-labelled meal were determined in conjunction with a primed continuous infusion of D-[6,6-2H]glucose in groups of healthy age- and BMI-matched men and women. Peripheral plasma glucose disposal (Gd) was computed using non-steady state kinetics in a single compartment model, simultaneously with determination of whole-body net glucose oxidation by indirect calorimetry. Insulin sensitivity was derived using cumulative Gd as the dependent variable, and time and the integrated insulin concentration as independent variables. The female group had the higher fractional rate of glucose appearance in plasma from starch (P=0·019) immediately after ingestion. Females also had a higher rate of plasma Gd and a significantly higher insulin-dependent Gd (6·8v.5·6 μg glucose/(min.kg) per pmol insulin,P<0·05) compared with the males. A smaller absolute pool of endogenous glucose in females allowed the rate of exogenous13CO2production to be significantly higher in the females (P=0·007) corresponding also to a significantly higher (P<0·05) carbohydrate oxidation rate obtained by indirect calorimetry. The present study suggests that during the ingestion of a starchy meal, females exhibit higher glucose flux and greater whole-body insulin sensitivity than males.
The effect of dietary protein content and feeding level on the rate of protein deposition and energy utilization in growing Iberian pigs from 15 to 50kg body weight
Authors: Nieto R. , Miranda A. , García M. A. , Aguilera J. F.
Published: July 2006

The effects of dietary protein content and feeding level on the utilization of metabolizable energy (ME) and on the rates of gain, protein and fat deposition have been studied in seventy-two Iberian pigs growing from 15 to 50 kg body weight (BW) by means of comparative slaughter experiments. The animals were fed on six diets providing 223, 192, 175, 156, 129 and 101 g crude ideal protein (N×6·25; CP)/kg DM and 14·64, 14·14, 14·37, 14·80, 15·36 and 15·53 MJ ME/kg DM respectively. Each diet was offered at three levels of feeding: 0·60, 0·80 and 0·95×ad libitum intake. Protein deposition (PD) increased significantly (P<0·01) with each decrease in dietary CP content and reached a maximum value (74·0 g) when the diet providing 129 g CP/kg DM (6·86 g digestible ideal protein/MJ ME) was offered at the highest feeding level. This feeding regimen resulted in average values for live-weight gain and retained energy (RE) of 559 g/d and 10·9 MJ/d respectively. RE increased significantly (P<0·001) from 480 to 626 kJ/kg BW0·75 with each decrease in dietary CP content from 192 to 129 g/kg DM. Raising the level of feed intake led to significant linear increases in PD and RE irrespective of the diet fed (P<0·001). When diets approaching an adequate supply of CP were given, the net efficiency of use of ME for growth (kw) and the maintenance energy requirements were 58·2 % and 422 kJ/kg BW0·75 per d respectively.
UK Food Standards Agencycis-monounsaturated fatty acid workshop report
Authors: Sanderson Peter , Gill Jason M. R. , Packard Chris J. , Sanders Thomas A. B. , Vessby Bengt , Williams Christine M.
Published: July 2006

The UK Food Standards Agency convened a group of expert scientists to review current research investigating the optimal dietary intake forn-9cis-monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The aim was to review the mechanisms underlying the reported beneficial effects of MUFA on CHD risk, and to establish priorities for future research. The issue of optimal MUFA intake is contingent upon optimal total fat intake; however, there is no consensus of opinion on what the optimal total fat intake should be. Thus, it was recommended that a large multi-centre study should look at the effects on CHD risk of MUFA replacement of saturated fatty acids in relation to varying total fat intakes; this study should be of sufficient size to take account of genetic variation, sex, physical activity and stage of life factors, as well as being of sufficient duration to account for adaptation to diets. Recommendations for studies investigating the mechanistic effects of MUFA were also made. Methods of manipulating the food chain to increase MUFA at the expense of saturated fatty acids were also discussed.
Effect of timing of food deprivation on host resistance to fungal infection in mice
Authors: Oarada Motoko , Nikawa Takeshi , Kurita Nobuyuki
Published: July 2006

Mice were deprived of food for a period of 72h at varying times relative to the time of infection withParacoccidioides brasiliensis.Host resistance was diminished profoundly when the period of food deprivation was from 48h before to 24h after infection (group B). When food deprivation was initiated immediately after infection (group C), host resistance was reduced less profoundly. When food deprivation was initiated at 24 and 48h post-infection, reductions in host resistance were only moderate or not observed respectively. These results suggest that the earlier in the course of infection starvation occurs, the more profoundly host resistance is impaired. When food deprivation was initiated 72h before infection, finishing at the time of infection (group A), the reduction in host resistance was considerably less profound compared with group B mice, suggesting that refeeding initiated immediately after infection is responsible for rapid restoration of the antifungal resistance in starved mice. Infection-induced responses of corticosterone and interferon-γ were changed according to the timing of food deprivation. Group A mice, similar to non-fasted controls, showed an infection-induced increase in serum corticosterone concentration, while groups B and C did not. Group C mice showed a substantially greater infection-induced increase in serum interferon-γ compared with the other fasted and non-fasted control groups.
Whole grain food intake elevates serum enterolactone
Authors: Jacobs David R. , Pereira Mark A. , Stumpf Katariina , Pins Joel J. , Adlercreutz Herman
Published: July 2006

Both intake of whole grain and higher levels of serum enterolactone have been related to reduced risk for CHD and some cancers. Because lignans are prevalent in the outer layers of grains, these findings may be related. We carried out a crossover feeding study in which overweight, hyperinsulinaemic, non-diabetic men (n5) and women (n6) ate, in random order, wholegrain foods or refined-grain foods in a diet with 30% energy from fat. The dominant whole grain was wheat, followed by oats and rice. All food was supplied by the investigators and each diet lasted for 6 weeks, with an intervening washout period of 6–9 weeks. Serum enterolactone concentrations were higher when eating the wholegrain than the refined-grain diet by 6·2 (within person SE 1·7) nmol/l (P=0·0008). Most of the increase in serum enterolactone when eating the wholegrain diet occurred within 2 weeks, though the serum enterolactone difference between wholegrain and refined-grain diets continued to increase through 6 weeks. Serum enterolactone concentrations can be raised by eating a diet rich in whole grains.
A comparison of the capacity of six cold-pressed plant oils to support development of acquired immune competence in the weanling mouse: superiority of low-linoleic-acid oils
Authors: Hillyer L. M. , Woodward Bill
Published: July 2006

The objective of this investigation was to compare, at several levels of intake, the capacity of diverse cold-pressed plant oils to support development of acquired immune competence assessedin vivoin the weanling mouse. Safflower, maize, soyabean, rapeseed, flaxseed and olive oils were selected to represent widely differing 18: 1n-9, 18: 2n-6 and 18: 3n-3 contents, and each oil was fed at three dietary levels (40, 80 and 160 g/kg) as the exclusive source of fat. C57BL/6J mice, ten males and ten females, had free access to each diet for 28 d beginning at 19 d of age. The primary serum haemagglutinin response to sheep red blood cells and the primary cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity response to dinitrochlorobenzene were used to assess humoral and cell-mediated competence respectively, on day 28. A zero-time control group, assessed immunologically at 19 d of age, was also included (n32). Independently of dietary oil level, flaxseed, rapeseed, olive and soyabean oils supported development of a more vigorous antibody response than safflower (a useful point of reference, being rich in 18: 2n-6 but low in 18: 1n-9 and 18: 3n-3), whereas only flaxseed oil supported development of cell-mediated responsiveness exceeding that of safflower-fed mice. Independently of oil type, development of both immunological indices correlated negatively with intake of 18: 2n-6, and development of humoral competence varied inversely with dietary oil level. A low content of 18: 2n-6, perhaps less than 20 g/100 g fatty acids, appears important to the capacity of a plant oil to support development of acquired immune competence in the young.
Evaluation of large-intestinal parameters associated with dietary treatments designed to reduce the occurrence of swine dysentery
Authors: Durmic Zorica , Pethick David W. , Mullan Bruce P. , Accioly Jeisane M. , Schulze Hagen , Hampson David J.
Published: July 2006

Diets containing soluble NSP (sNSP) and resistant starch (RS) increase hindgut fermentation in pigs, which in turn increases the incidence of swine dysentery (SD) after infection with the intestinal spirochaeteBrachyspira hyodysenteriae.In the present study pigs were fed diets based on either wheat or sorghum, fed either raw or treated by extrusion, and/or with the addition of dietary enzymes to reduce RS and/or sNSP content. The aim was to determine the effects of these treatments on pig performance, large intestinal fermentation and expression of SD. Weaned pigs (n132) were fed experimental diets for 4 weeks, when half the pigs in each treatment group were euthanased and samples collected to assess the influence of the diet on hindgut fermentation. The remaining pigs then were infected withB. hyodysenteriae, and monitored for development of SD. In general, compared with pigs fed raw wheat, fermentation in all parts of the large intestine was reduced either by feeding raw sorghum-based diets, or by feeding diets that were extruded. The addition of enzymes that degrade RS or sNSP reduced fermentation only in the distal parts of the large intestine. The incidence of SD was lower in pigs fed sorghum-based diets, and some of the extruded diets, but none of the dietary treatments offered full protection against SD. Multiple regression analysis of the results from all three experiments showed that colonisation by spirochaetes was highly related to dietary sNSP concentrations, whilst development of SD was similarly influenced by RS content of the diet.
Changes with malnutrition in the concentration of plasma vitamin D binding protein in growing rats
Authors: Laing Christopher J. , Fraser David R.
Published: July 2006

The work presented here examines the possible effects of nutritional deficiencies on the characteristics of the plasma transport protein for vitamin D and its metabolites (vitamin D binding protein, DBP) in the growing rat. Deficiencies in both dietary protein intake and dietary energy intake may decrease the concentration of DBP in the circulation, although plasma DBP was not affected by dietary Ca deficiency. None of the dietary factors examined appears to influence the affinity of DBP for its major ligand, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3). Protein-deficient rats seemed to have difficulty in maintaining adequate concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) in the circulation. The sensitivity of DBP to dietary protein and energy intake may constitute a novel mechanism that may help to explain the observed associations between malnutrition and the development of metabolic bone disease, through alterations to the cellular availability of vitamin D ligands to DBP.
Comparison of the effects of linseed oil and different doses of fish oil on mononuclear cell function in healthy human subjects
Authors: Wallace Fiona A. , Miles Elizabeth A. , Calder Philip C.
Published: July 2006

Studies on animal and human subjects have shown that greatly increasing the amount of linseed (also known as flaxseed) oil (rich in the n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) α-linolenic acid (ALNA)) or fish oil (FO; rich in the long-chain n−3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) in the diet can decrease a number of markers of immune function. The immunological effects of more modest doses of n−3 PUFA in human subjects are unclear, dose–response relationships between n−3 PUFA supply and immune function have not been established and whether ALNA has the same effects as its long-chain derivatives is not known. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the effect of enriching the diet with different doses of FO or with a modest dose of ALNA on a range of functional responses of human monocytes and lymphocytes. In a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel study, forty healthy males aged 18–39 years were randomised to receive placebo or 3·5 g ALNA/d or 0·44, 0·94 or 1·9 g (EPA+DHA)/d in capsules for 12 weeks. The EPA:DHA ratio in the FO used was 1·0:2·5. ALNA supplementation increased the proportion of EPA but not DHA in plasma phospholipids. FO supplementation decreased the proportions of linoleic acid and arachidonic acid and increased the proportions of EPA and DHA in plasma phospholipids. The interventions did not alter circulating mononuclear cell subsets or the production of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 or interferon-γ by stimulated mononuclear cells. There was little effect of the interventions on lymphocyte proliferation. The two higher doses of FO resulted in a significant decrease in IL-6 production by stimulated mononuclear cells. It is concluded that, with the exception of IL-6 production, a modest increase in intake of either ALNA or EPA+DHA does not influence the functional activity of mononuclear cells. The threshold of EPA+DHA intake that results in decreased IL-6 production is between 0·44 and 0·94 g/d.
Differences in reasons for smoking between younger and older smokers
Authors: OEI TIAN P. S. , TILLEY DIANNE , GOW KATHRYN
Published: July 2006

The reasons why older people smoke have not been examined in the literature. This paper attempted to examine the differences in motivation and maintenance factors of elderly and young smokers using the Horn‐Waingrow Why do you smoke questionnaire. One hundred and thirteen clinical patients and 112 non‐patient controls were used in this study. The clinical group was divided into an elderly group (n = 58) and a younger group (n = 55). The results of a discriminant analysis showed that patients significantly differed from non‐patients on ‘automatic habit and stimulation’, and ‘crutch/tension reduction’ factors. Elderly patients were found to be significantly differentiated from both younger patients and the control group on the ‘pleasurable relaxation’ factor. These findings offer support for the US Surgeon Generals' report that elderly smokers do have different motivating factors for their smoking behaviours from younger smokers. [Oei, TPS, Tilley, D & Gow, K. Differences in reasons for smoking between younger and older smokers. Drug Alcohol Rev 1991;10:323–330]
Increasing resource allocation and research into tobacco control activities: a comprehensive approach including primary prevention, treatment and brief intervention
Authors: RICHMOND ROBYN
Published: July 2006

The range of tobacco control activities should be viewed as essential parts of a complex multi‐component puzzle. Intervention strategies designed to address tobacco control should be comprehensive and include both primary and secondary prevention activities and be multi‐faceted and capable of bringing about change at both the individual and broader social and cultural levels. In this paper I argue for a mutually inclusive framework in which the various components contribute in important and different ways. I examine the prevalence of smoking and identify the high risk groups, then I examine the range of available strategies and present the evidence for their success. I discuss the primary prevention approaches such as warning labels, taxes, price increases, workplace bans, education in schools, mass media and self‐help materials, as well as brief interventions and treatment strategies which are conducted at the worksite, general practice and specialized cessation clinics. The areas for future research are delineated for increased resource allocation and include: the best ways to disseminate brief interventions to smokers, methods to motivate smokers; training of health professionals to deliver brief interventions; enhancing quitting and access to existing treatment resources among specific disadvantaged minority groups, e.g. migrants, unemployed youth, the effect on smoking prevalence of warning labels on cigarette packets and price rises on cigarettes.
Response to the Distilled spirits Industry Council of Australia Inc. position paper ‘Alcohol Availability’
Authors: Hawks David
Published: July 2006

A critique is offered of the Distilled Spirits Industry Council position paper ‘Alcohol Availability’. It is argued that this position paper presents a simple‐minded analysis of the complex relationship between the availability of alcohol and its consumption which pays no attention to the importance of price in determining consumption. As a consequence, it misconstrues the lessons to be drawn from the Victorian experiment in liberalization and fails to consider its implications for the incidence of alcohol related problems.
The development of guidelines for drug and alcohol dependence treatment: affecting policy and practice
Authors: HEATHER NICK , MATTICK RICHARD P.
Published: July 2006

The rationale and methodology behind the Australian Quality Assurance Project is described. The Project aimed to develop guidelines for treatment content based on three sources of information: research findings, current practice and expert opinion. The issue of the gap between research and practice is discussed, as well as the role of dissemination in altering clinician behaviour. [Heather, N, Mattick, RP. The development of guidelines for drug and alcohol dependence treatment: affecting policy and practice. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:119–125.]
Genetic factors in alcohol use—a genetic epidemiological perspective
Authors: HOPPER JOHN L.
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this paper is to put a genetic epidemiological perspective on the role of genetic factors involved in the susceptibility and expression of alcohol use. The consequences of familial aggregation in a trait is explained, and the evidence for familial aggregation in alcoholism is viewed critically. Methods for making inference about unmeasured genetic factors from family‐based studies of twins, adoptees, etc. are examined. The meaning and limitations of “heritability” are explained. A summary of the literature regarding the possible role of genetic factors on several aspects of alcohol use, including alcohol metabolism, is presented. Some of the evidence for measured genetic factors related to alcoholism and alcohol use is examined. The basic requirements for justifying genetic screening for an adult onset condition, such as alcoholism, are outlined. It is concluded that, although behavioural geneticists have tended to overstate the case for a genetic aetiology, it may only be a matter of time before one or more genetic loci, which in some part determine susceptibility to problem drinking and alcohol abuse, are identified. Genetic screening programmes, however, are unlikely to be justified, especially given the lack of proven prevention strategies. [Hopper JL. Genetic factors in alcohol use—a genetic epidemiological perspective. Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:375–384]
“Who is responsible for my health—is Nanny always right?”
Authors: HAWKS DAVID
Published: July 2006

Allegations of nannyism on the part of the State are examined in relation to alcohol and drug policies. It is argued that some form of protectionism is inherent in public health, and that the argument turns not so much on whether the State has a mandate for such protectionism but what limitations should be placed on the State's mandate. [Hawks D. Who is responsible for my health—is Nanny always right'? Drug Alcohol Rev 1994;13:467–472]
Reality monitoring and resistance to forgetting under short delay intervals
Authors: Mammarella Nicola , Fairfield Beth , Cornoldi Cesare
Published: July 2006

In three experiments, participants were asked to perform simple action statements or to imagine performing the actions in a single study session. In a test session that occurred 1 hr, 24 hr, 48 hr (Experiments 1a and 1b), or 1 week later (Experiments 2 and 3), participants were instructed to tell whether the action statement had been carried out or imagined. The primary finding was that, overall, recognition and reality monitoring showed a comparable rate of forgetting. The results add evidence to the hypothesis that, also after long retention delays, discrimination between an internal and an external source may not be inferior to item recognition. A new theoretical proposal to account for these findings is outlined.
The role of goal representations in moving to temporal and spatial targets
Authors: Rieger Martina
Published: July 2006

Traditionally, movement kinematics are thought to reflect physical properties (e.g., position and time) of movement targets. However, targets may also evoke intentional goals like “to be in a certain position at a given time”. Therefore, kinematics may be viewed not as a reaction to stimuli, but rather as the means to attain intended goals. In the present study participants performed continuous reversal movements. It was first shown that kinematics towards temporal and spatial targets differ from kinematics away from those targets. Further, kinematics are different for movements to temporal (relatively short movement times, high and late peak velocity) and spatial (relatively long movement times, early peak velocity) targets (Experiments 1 and 2). In order to obtain evidence for the influence of goal representations on kinematics, combinations of temporal and spatial targets were investigated in Experiments 3 and 4. Specifically, the conditions were: spatial targets always present with varying temporal targets, temporal targets always present with varying spatial targets, and combined and separate spatial and temporal targets. Not only the physical features, but also how the targets were represented as movement goals, were important. Thus, movement kinematics do not simply reflect stimulus properties, but rather the representation of the intended goal.
CAM and Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Hankey Alex
Published: July 2006

In the form of the Transcendental Meditation program CAM offers a method of eliminating deep‐rooted stress, the efficacy of which has been demonstrated in several related studies. Any discussion of CAM and post‐traumatic stress disorder should include a study of its application to Vietnam War Veterans in which improvements were observed on all variables, and several participants were able to return to work after several years of being unable to hold a job. The intervention has been studied for its impact on brain and autonomic nervous system function. It has been found to be highly effective against other stress‐related conditions such as hypertension, and to improve brain coherence—a measure of effective brain function. It should be considered a possible ‘new and improved mode of treatment’ for PTSD, and further studies of its application made.
Adaptive evolution in two large families of ubiquitin-ligase adapters in nematodes and plants
Authors: Thomas James H.
Published: July 2006

Host–pathogen arms races can result in adaptive evolution (positive selection) of host genes that mediate pathogen recognition and defense. To identify such genes in nematodes, I used maximum-likelihood analysis of codon evolution to survey all paralogous gene groups inCaenorhabditis elegans. This survey found robust evidence of positive selection in two classes of genes not previously implicated in pathogen defense. Both classes of genes encode ubiquitin-dependent proteasome adapters, which recruit diverse substrate proteins for poly-ubiquitination and proteolysis by Cullin-E3 ubiquitin-ligase complexes. The adapter proteins are members of the F-box superfamily and the MATH-BTB family, which consist of a conserved Cullin-binding domain and a variable substrate-binding domain. Further analysis showed that most of the ∼520 members of the F-box superfamily and ∼50 members of the MATH-BTB family inC. elegansare under strong positive selection at sites in their substrate-binding domains but not in their Cullin-binding domains. Structural modeling of positively selected sites in MATH-BTB proteins suggests that they are concentrated in the MATH peptide-binding cleft. Comparisons among threeCaenorhabditisspecies also indicate an extremely high rate of gene duplication and deletion (birth–death evolution) in F-box and MATH-BTB families. Finally, I found strikingly similar patterns of positive selection and birth–death evolution in the large F-box superfamily in plants. Based on these patterns of molecular evolution, I propose that most members of the MATH-BTB family and the F-box superfamily are adapters that target foreign proteins for proteolysis. I speculate that this system functions to combat viral pathogens or bacterial protein toxins.
Desensitization of GSTF8 Induction by a Prior Chemical Treatment Is Long Lasting and Operates in a Tissue-Dependent Manner
Authors: Foley Rhonda C. , Sappl Pia G. , Perl-Treves Rafael , Millar A. Harvey , Singh Karam B.
Published: July 2006

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) GSTF8 gene is a member of the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family whose expression is induced by defense signals, certain chemical stresses, and some pathogens. Here, we have used transgenic plants and an in vivo imaging system to demonstrate that GSTF8 expression is subject to a distinct desensitization phenomenon because prior chemical treatment significantly reduces reactivation of the GSTF8 promoter by hydrogen peroxide, auxin, and salicylic acid. A GSTF8 null line had similar desensitization properties to wild type, demonstrating that GSTF8 protein levels are not responsible for desensitization. The resulting refractory period is unusually long lasting, with full recovery taking 4 d. Expression of the GSTF8 promoter following a second treatment occurred predominantly in newly formed tissue at the root tip, suggesting that desensitization is lost upon cell division. Expression of the endogenous GSTF8 gene and another GST gene, GSTF6, is also desensitized following treatment with hydrogen peroxide. The desensitization phenomenon can be activated by a very low concentration of inducer that is not sufficient to activate the GSTF8 promoter. These results demonstrate that activation of the GSTF8 promoter is not essential for eliciting desensitization. A key promoter sequence within the GSTF8 gene, the ocs element, is also affected by desensitization. Treatment with a phosphatase inhibitor prevents desensitization of GSTF8 expression and ocs element activity, suggesting that dephosphorylation of one or more proteins is required for desensitization to occur.
Disruption and Overexpression of Arabidopsis Phytosulfokine Receptor Gene Affects Cellular Longevity and Potential for Growth
Authors: Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu , Ogawa Mari , Kihara Hitomi , Niwa Masaaki , Sakagami Youji
Published: July 2006

Phytosulfokine (PSK), a 5-amino acid sulfated peptide that has been identified in conditioned medium of plant cell cultures, promotes cellular growth in vitro via binding to the membrane-localized PSK receptor. Here, we report that loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) PSK receptor gene (AtPSKR1) alter cellular longevity and potential for growth without interfering with basic morphogenesis of plants. Although mutant pskr1-1 plants exhibit morphologically normal growth until 3 weeks after germination, individual pskr1-1 cells gradually lose their potential to form calluses as tissues mature. Shortly after a pskr1-1 callus forms, it loses potential for growth, resulting in formation of a smaller callus than the wild type. Leaves of pskr1-1 plants exhibit premature senescence after bolting. Leaves of AtPSKR1ox plants exhibit greater longevity and significantly greater potential for callus formation than leaves of wild-type plants, irrespective of their age. Calluses derived from AtPSKR1ox plants maintain their potential for growth longer than wild-type calluses. Combined with our finding that PSK precursor genes are more strongly expressed in mature plant parts than in immature plant parts, the available evidence indicates that PSK signaling affects cellular longevity and potential for growth and thereby exerts a pleiotropic effect on cultured tissue in response to environmental hormonal conditions.
Differential Expression and Localization of Early Light-Induced Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Heddad Mounia , Norén Hanna , Reiser Verena , Dunaeva Marina , Andersson Bertil , Adamska Iwona
Published: July 2006

The early light-induced proteins (Elips) in higher plants are nuclear-encoded, light stress-induced proteins located in thylakoid membranes and related to light-harvesting chlorophyll (LHC) a/b-binding proteins. A photoprotective function was proposed for Elips. Here we showed that after 2 h exposure of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves to light stress Elip1 and Elip2 coisolate equally with monomeric (mLhcb) and trimeric (tLhcb) populations of the major LHC from photosystem II (PSII) as based on the Elip:Lhcb protein ratio. A longer exposure to light stress resulted in increased amounts of Elips in tLhcb as compared to mLhcb, due to a reduction of tLhcb amounts. We demonstrated further that the expression of Elip1 and Elip2 transcripts was differentially regulated in green leaves exposed to light stress. The accumulation of Elip1 transcripts and proteins increased almost linearly with increasing light intensities and correlated with the degree of photoinactivation and photodamage of PSII reaction centers. A stepwise accumulation of Elip2 was induced when 40% of PSII reaction centers became photodamaged. The differential expression of Elip1 and Elip2 occurred also in light stress-preadapted or senescent leaves exposed to light stress but there was a lack of correlation between transcript and protein accumulation. Also in this system the accumulation of Elip1 but not Elip2 correlated with the degree of PSII photodamage. Based on pigment analysis, measurements of PSII activity, and assays of the oxidation status of proteins we propose that the discrepancy between amounts of Elip transcripts and proteins in light stress-preadapted or senescent leaves is related to a presence of photoprotective anthocyanins or to lower chlorophyll availability, respectively.
AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8Is a Negative Regulator of Fruit Initiation inArabidopsis
Authors: Goetz Marc , Vivian-Smith Adam , Johnson Susan D. , Koltunow Anna M.
Published: July 2006

Fruit and seed formation in plants is normally initiated after pollination and fertilization, and, in the absence of fertilization, flowers senesce. In the Arabidopsis thaliana mutant fruit without fertilization, a mutation in AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR8 (ARF8) results in the uncoupling of fruit development from pollination and fertilization and gives rise to seedless (parthenocarpic) fruit. Parthenocarpy was confirmed in two additional recessive alleles and was caused by mutations within the coding region of ARF8. Genetic experiments indicate that ARF8 acts as an inhibitor to stop further carpel development in the absence of fertilization and the generation of signals required to initiate fruit and seed development. Expression of ARF8 was found to be regulated at multiple levels, and transcriptional autoregulation of ARF8 was observed. Analysis of plants transformed with a transcriptional PARF8:β-glucuronidase (GUS) construct or a translational ARF8:GUS fusion construct displayed distinct developmental regulation of the reporter in floral tissues involved in pollination and fertilization and in the carpel wall. After fertilization, the level of GUS activity declined in the developing seed, while in unfertilized ovules that are destined to senesce, ARF8:GUS expression spread throughout the ovule. This is consistent with a proposed role for ARF8 in restricting signal transduction processes in ovules and growth in pistils until the fruit initiation cue.
Functional Replacement of Ferredoxin by a Cyanobacterial Flavodoxin in Tobacco Confers Broad-Range Stress Tolerance
Authors: Tognetti Vanesa B. , Palatnik Javier F. , Fillat María F. , Melzer Michael , Hajirezaei Mohammad-Reza , Valle Estela M. , Carrillo Néstor
Published: July 2006

Chloroplast ferredoxin (Fd) plays a pivotal role in plant cell metabolism by delivering reducing equivalents to various essential oxidoreductive pathways. Fd levels decrease under adverse environmental conditions in many microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, which share a common ancestor with chloroplasts. Conversely, stress situations induce the synthesis of flavodoxin (Fld), an electron carrier flavoprotein not found in plants, which can efficiently replace Fd in most electron transfer processes. We report here that chloroplast Fd also declined in plants exposed to oxidants or stress conditions. A purified cyanobacterial Fld was able to mediate plant Fd-dependent reactions in vitro, including NADP+ and thioredoxin reduction. Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants expressing Fld in chloroplasts displayed increased tolerance to multiple sources of stress, including redox-cycling herbicides, extreme temperatures, high irradiation, water deficit, and UV radiation. Oxidant buildup and oxidative inactivation of thioredoxin-dependent plastidic enzymes were decreased in stressed plants expressing plastid-targeted Fld, suggesting that development of the tolerant phenotype relied on productive interaction of this flavoprotein with Fd-dependent oxidoreductive pathways of the host, most remarkably, thioredoxin reduction. The use of Fld provides new tools to investigate the requirements of photosynthesis in planta and to increase plant stress tolerance based on the introduction of a cyanobacterial product that is free from endogenous regulation in higher plants.
1,1-Bis(tert-butylamido)-3,3,5,5-tetraphenylcyclotrisiloxane
Authors: Copsey May C. , Balakrishna Maravanji S. , Chivers Tristram
Published: July 2006

The title compound, C32H40N2O3Si3 or (Ph2SiO)2OSi(NH-
t
Bu)2, was synthesized by the in situ reaction of [Ph2Si(OH)]2O with two equivalents of
n
BuLi, followed by the addition of Cl2Si(NH-
t
Bu)2. The addition of tert-butylamide substituents to one of the Si centres causes a slight distortion of the planar cyclotrisiloxane ring.
N-Benzoyl-N,N′-dicyclohexylurea
Authors: Orea Flores Ma. Laura , Galindo Guzmán Alberto , Gnecco Medina Dino , Bernès Sylvain
Published: July 2006

The title compound, C20H28N2O2, and N,N′-dicyclohexyl-N-(2-pyrazinoyl)urea are isostructural. Molecules are linked into chains through (amide)N—H...O=C(amide) intermolecular hydrogen bonds.
Antiretroviral treatment for injecting drug users in developing and transitional countries 1 year before the end of the ‘Treating 3 million by 2005. Making it happen. The WHO strategy’ (‘3by5’)*
Authors: Aceijas Carmen , Oppenheimer Edna , Stimson Gerry V. , Ashcroft Richard E. , Matic Srdan , Hickman Matthew ,   the Reference Group on HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care among IDU in Developing and Transitional Countries
Published: July 2006

Objective  To describe and estimate the availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART) to injecting drug users (IDUs) in developing and transitional countries.

Methods  Literature review of grey and published literature and key informants’ communications on the estimated number of current/former injecting drug users (IDUs) receiving ART and the proportion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attributed to injecting drug use (IDU), the number of people in ART and in need of ART, the number of people living with HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (PLWHA) and the main source of ART.

Results  Data on former/current IDUs on ART were available from 50 countries (in 19 countries: nil IDUs in treatment) suggesting that ∼34 000 IDUs were receiving ART by the end of 2004, of whom 30 000 were in Brazil. In these 50 countries IDUs represent ∼15% of the people in ART. In Eastern European and Central Asia IDU are associated with > 80% of HIV cases but only ∼2000 (14%) of the people in ART. In South and South‐East Asia there were ∼1700 former/current IDUs receiving ART (∼1.8% of the people in ART), whereas the proportion of HIV cases associated to IDU is > 20% in five countries (and regionally ranges from 4% to 75%).

Discussion  There is evidence that the coverage of ART among current/former IDUs is proportionally substantially less than other exposure categories. Ongoing monitoring of ART by exposure and population subgroups is critical to ensuring that scale‐up is equitable, and that the distribution of ART is, at the very least, transparent.
The origin of MDMA (ecstasy) revisited: the true story reconstructed from the original documents*
Authors: Freudenmann Roland W. , Öxler Florian , Bernschneider‐Reif Sabine
Published: July 2006

Background  Little is known about the origin of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy). The most commonly repeated statement in the medical literature is that MDMA was synthesized by the German pharmaceutical company Merck in 1912 in order to develop an appetite suppressor.

 Aim  To reconstruct the true story of the first known description of MDMA at Merck using the original documents.

Methods  A systematic analysis of the original documents in Merck’s historical archive in Darmstadt, Germany, was conducted (years 1900–60). 

Results  There were no indications for plans to develop an appetite suppressant at Merck between 1900 and 1960. Although MDMA was, in fact, first synthesized at Merck in 1912, it was not tested pharmacologically because it was only an unimportant precursor in a new synthesis for haemostatic substances. The new pathway was patented in order to evade an existing patent by a local competitor. MDMA was called ‘Methylsafrylamin’ in 1912. In 1927 and 1959, the pharmacological effects of MDMA were studied at Merck, but not in humans.

Discussion  A systematic analysis of the original documents in the company’s archive revealed that uncritical copy‐paste procedures may have contributed to the famous myth that MDMA was patented as an appetite suppressor in 1912.
Puffy hand syndrome due to drug addiction: a case–control study of the pathogenesis
Authors: Andresz Valérie , Marcantoni Nicolas , Binder Florence , Velten Michel , Alt Martine , Weber Jean‐Christophe , Stephan Dominique
Published: July 2006

Aim  We studied the pathogenesis of puffy hand syndrome of intravenous drug use. We hypothesized that injections of high‐dose sublingual buprenorphine, instead of the recommended sublingual administration, could play an important role in lymphatic obstruction and destruction.

Design and participants  We set up a case–control study in substitution centres, recruiting intravenous drug addicts with and without puffy hands, respectively. The subjects were asked to answer anonymously a questionnaire of 40 items comprising social and demographic status, history of illicit drugs use, buprenorphine misuse and injection practices.

Findings  We included 33 cases and 33 controls, mean age of 34 years. They were past heroin users, mainly methadone‐substituted. In multivariate analysis, sex (women) (OR = 8.9, P = 0.03), injections in the hands (OR = 5.9, P = 0.03), injections in the feet (OR = 6.5, P = 0.01) and the absence of tourniquet (OR = 7.0, p = 0.02) were significant risk factors for puffy hand syndrome. In 69.7% of the cases and 59.4% of the controls, respectively, there was a high‐dose sublingual buprenorphine misuse, although it appeared not to be a significant risk factor for puffy hand syndrome.

Conclusions  Injection practices are likely to cause puffy hands syndrome, but buprenorphine misuse should not be considered as a significant risk factor. However, intravenous drug users must still be warned of local and systemic complications of intravenous drug misuse.