bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Norepinephrine Augments
Salmonella enterica
-Induced Enteritis in a Manner Associated with Increased Net Replication but Independent of the Putative Adrenergic Sensor Kinases QseC and QseE
Authors: Pullinger Gillian D. , Carnell Sonya C. , Sharaff Fathima F. , van Diemen Pauline M. , Dziva Francis , Morgan Eirwen , Lyte Mark , Freestone Primrose P. E. , Stevens Mark P.
Published: November 2009

Stress has long been correlated with susceptibility to microbial infection. One explanation for this phenomenon is the ability of pathogens to sense and respond to host stress-related catecholamines, such as norepinephrine (NE). In Gram-negative enteric pathogens, it has been proposed that NE may facilitate growth by mediating iron supply, or it may alter gene expression by activating adrenergic sensor kinases. The aim of this work was to investigate the relative importance of these processes in a model in which NE alters the outcome of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium infection. A bovine ligated ileal loop model was used to study the effect of NE on enteritis induced by
S
. Typhimurium and on the bacterial in vivo replication rate. Mutants lacking putative adrenergic receptor genes were assessed in the loop model, in a calf intestinal colonization model, and in vitro.
S
. Typhimurium-induced enteritis was significantly enhanced by addition of 5 mM NE. This effect was associated with increased net bacterial replication in the same model. Exogenous ferric iron also stimulated bacterial replication in the medium used but not transcription of enteritis-associated loci. The putative adrenergic sensors QseC and QseE were not required for NE-enhanced enteritis, intestinal colonization of calves, or NE-dependent growth in iron-restricted medium and did not influence expression or secretion of enteritis-associated virulence factors. Our findings support a role for stress-related catecholamines in modulating the virulence of enteric bacterial pathogens in vivo but suggest that bacterial adrenergic sensors may not be the vital link in such interkingdom signaling in
Salmonella
.
Characterisation of the liver progenitor cell niche in liver diseases: potential involvement of Wnt and Notch signalling
Authors: Spee Bart , Carpino Guido , Schotanus Baukje A , Katoonizadeh Azeam , Borght Sara Vander , Gaudio Eugenio , Roskams Tania
Published: November 2009

Background

Hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) hold a great potential for therapeutic intervention for currently untreatable liver diseases. However, in human diseases molecular mechanisms involved in proliferation and differentiation of HPCs are poorly understood.

Methods and results

In the present study activated HPCs and their microenvironment (niche) were investigated in acute and chronic human liver disease by gene-expression analysis and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Cryopreserved liver tissues were used from patients with parenchymal versus biliary diseases: acute necrotising hepatitis (AH), cirrhosis after hepatitis C infection, and primary biliary cirrhosis in order to study differentiation of HPCs towards hepatocytic versus biliary lineage. Keratin 7 positive HPCs/reactive ductules were captured by means of laser capture microdissection and gene-expression profiles were obtained by using a customised PCR array. Gene expression results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence double staining. In all disease groups, microdissected HPCs expressed progenitor cell markers such as KRT7, KRT19, NCAM, ABCG2, LIF, KIT, OCT4, CD44 and TERT. In AH, HPCs were most activated and showed a high expression of prominin-1 (CD133) and α-fetoprotein, and a strong activation of the Wnt pathway. In contrast to parenchymal diseases, HPCs in primary biliary cirrhosis (biliary differentiation) showed a high activation of Notch signalling.

Conclusion

A distinct pattern of HPC surface markers was found between acute and chronic liver diseases. Similar to what is known from animal experiments, strong evidence has been found signifying the role of Wnt signalling in proliferation of human HPCs whereas Notch signalling is involved in biliary differentiation. These pathways can be targeted in future therapies.
Acid and weakly acidic solutions impair mucosal integrity of distal exposed and proximal non-exposed human oesophagus
Authors: Farré Ricard , Fornari Fernando , Blondeau Kathleen , Vieth Michael , De Vos Rita , Bisschops Raf , Mertens Veerle , Pauwels Ans , Tack Jan , Sifrim Daniel
Published: November 2009

Background

Oesophageal mucosa dilated intercellular spaces (DIS) may be important for symptom perception in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD). Patients with NERD might have DIS even in the proximal oesophagus. We aimed to assess the effect of oesophageal perfusions with acid and weakly acidic solutions on ‘exposed’ and ‘non-exposed’ oesophageal mucosa and its relationship to symptoms in healthy subjects.

Methods

14 healthy volunteers underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsies at 3 and 13 cm proximal to the oesophagogastric junction (OGJ). In following sessions, subjects received 30 min perfusions with neutral, weakly acidic, acidic and acidic-bile acid solutions at 5 cm above the EGJ (separated 4 weeks). Biopsies were taken 20 min after perfusions. Electron microscopy was used to measure DIS. Subjects scored heartburn during perfusions using a visual analogue scale.

Results

(1) Oesophageal perfusion with acid solutions, with or without bile acids, provoked DIS in the ‘exposed’ oesophageal mucosa; (2) oesophageal perfusion with weakly acidic solutions provoked identical changes to those observed after perfusion with acid solutions; (3) distal oesophageal perfusions not only provoked changes in the ‘exposed’ but also in the more proximal ‘non-exposed’ mucosa; and (4) in spite of the presence of perfusion-induced DIS, most healthy subjects did not perceive heartburn during the experiments.

Conclusions

The human oesophageal mucosa is very sensitive to continuous exposure with acidic and weakly acidic solutions. In spite of the presence of intraluminal acid and DIS, healthy subjects did not experience heartburn, suggesting that NERD patients should have other critical factors underlying their symptoms.
Increased bladder cancer risk among workers exposed too-toluidine and aniline: a reanalysis
Authors: Carreón Tania , Hein Misty J , Viet Susan M , Hanley Kevin W , Ruder Avima M , Ward Elizabeth M
Published: November 2009

Introduction

In 1991, the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reported an increased bladder cancer risk in a cohort of 1749 workers potentially exposed too-toluidine and aniline at a chemical manufacturing plant. As additional information showed that workers in certain departments had been misclassified regardingo-toluidine exposure, we therefore conducted a reanalysis of the data using updated exposure categories.

Methods

We updated exposure categories based on information ascertained during a plant walkthrough, documents on file at the plant, interviews with current and former employees, and answers provided by company and union officials to specific questions. Bladder cancer incidence was determined through 31 December 1988 and mortality through 31 December 1994.

Results

Thirteen cases of bladder cancer were observed versus 3.57 expected (New York State rates excluding New York City) (standardised incidence ratio (SIR) 3.64, 95% CI 1.94 to 6.23). Among workers classified as definitely exposed, increasing risks were observed for longer duration of employment (for ≥10 years, standardised rate ratio (SRR) 6.07, 95% CI 0.77 to 48.17) and time since first employment in the exposed departments (for ≥20 years, SRR 3.39, 95% CI 0.40 to 29.03). One bladder cancer death was observed among those definitely exposed.

Conclusions

These findings are comparable to the results reported earlier by NIOSH, and confirm that workers in this plant have an increased risk of bladder cancer.
Chromosomal location of the cadmium uptake gene (Cdu1) in durum wheat
Authors: Knox R. E. , Pozniak C. J. , Clarke F. R. , Clarke J. M. , Houshmand S. , Singh A. K.
Published: November 2009

Levels of the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) in food products are a food safety concern. Grain Cd is higher in durum (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) than in common wheat, so reduction of Cd in durum grain is a priority of breeding programs. Previous research demonstrated that a single dominant gene, Cdu1, confers the low grain Cd phenotype, but the map location of the gene is not known. A doubled haploid population segregating for Cd concentration, developed from the cross of W9262-260D3 (a Kyle*2/Biodur inbred selection with low Cd uptake) and Kofa (high Cd uptake) and mapped with microsatellite markers, was used to locate Cdu1. Grain Cd concentration was determined by standard laboratory methods on field grain samples in 2000 and 2001. The Cd concentration segregated bimodally, allowing Cdu1 to be mapped qualitatively as well as quantitatively with quantitative trait locus analysis. The Cdu1 gene mapped to the long arm of chromosome 5B.
Development and characterization of genic SSR markers inMedicago truncatulaand their transferability in leguminous and non-leguminous species
Authors: Gupta Sarika , Prasad Manoj
Published: November 2009

Expressed sequence tag (EST)–derived simple sequence repeat (eSSR) markers are important resources for gene discovery and comparative mapping aimed at crop improvement. In this study, we developed eSSR markers for Medicago truncatula and assessed their cross-species transferability. We detected 36 847 non-redundant sequences (“unigenes”) from 198 642 M. truncatula EST sequences. Mining of microsatellites from the 36 847 unigene sequences (representing ∼25.8 Mb) revealed 14 637 eSSRs in 11 750 SSR-containing ESTs, and primer pairs were successfully designed for 4 636 (39.5%). Of the 14 637 eSSRs, 82.6% were mononucleotide repeats and the rest (in descending order of abundance) were tri-, di-, penta-, and tetranucleotide repeats. When less stringent SSR detection criteria were used, the frequency of dinucleotide repeat motifs increased more than twofold, and the frequencies of di- (11%) and trinucleotide motifs (10.6%) were almost equal. This demonstrates that the eSSR frequency and distribution were related to the choice of search criteria. Forty-one randomly selected primer pairs were validated, and their transferability in three leguminous and three non-leguminous species was assessed. The markers showed a high level of transferability in the leguminous (53%–71%) and non-leguminous (33%–44%) species. The validation studies thus demonstrate the utility of the Medicago eSSRs in assessing genomic relationships in both leguminous and non-leguminous species.
Extensive NOR site polymorphism in geographically isolated populations of Golden mahseer,Tor putitora
Authors: Singh Mamta , Kumar Ravindra , Nagpure N. S. , Kushwaha B. , Mani Indra , Lakra W. S.
Published: November 2009

Analyses of nucleolar organizer region (NOR) site polymorphism using silver staining were carried out in 72 individuals of 5 geographically isolated populations of Tor putitora from India. All Ag-NORs analyzed were constituted by rDNA that was confirmed by the presence of positive fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) signals. Analyses of the extra NORs among the populations confirmed the hypothesis that multi-chromosomal NOR site polymorphism is not an exception but a rule. We found a negative correlation between the mean number of extra NORs and geographical distance from the Alaknanda River population, and a significant positive correlation between the genetic distances obtained by NOR data and geographical distances among the isolated populations. These findings suggest a single geographical origin of this NOR polymorphism, from which it might have radiated to neighboring populations before their isolation. The distribution of NOR site variation was compared with the sequence variation of the ITS1 region of major rDNA (45S) and the two were found to be positively related. Different mechanisms such as transposable elements adjacent to ribosomal genes, repetitive elements which could serve as a point for chromosome exchange, amplification of minor rDNA loci, and reinsertion of extrachromosomal rDNA amplified during oogenesis have been proposed to explain the apparent NOR site polymorphism. The high dispersion of NOR site variants within and among the populations suggests that whatever transposition phenomenon is responsible for repetitive DNA or NOR jumping, it could still be active in T. putitora.
Genome size variation inBegonia
Authors: Dewitte Angelo , Leus Leen , Eeckhaut Tom , Vanstechelman Ives , Van Huylenbroeck Johan , Van Bockstaele Erik
Published: November 2009

The genome sizes of a Begonia collection comprising 37 species and 23 hybrids of African, Asiatic, Middle American, and South American origin were screened using flow cytometry. Within the collection, 1C values varied between 0.23 and 1.46 pg DNA. Genome sizes were, in most cases, not positively correlated with chromosome number, but with pollen size. A 12-fold difference in mean chromosome size was found between the genotypes with the largest and smallest chromosomes. In general, chromosomes from South American genotypes were smaller than chromosomes of African, Asian, or Middle American genotypes, except for B. boliviensis and B. pearcei. Cytological chromosome studies in different genotypes showed variable chromosome numbers, length, width, and total chromosome volume, which confirmed the diversity in genome size. Large secondary constrictions were present in several investigated genotypes. These data show that chromosome number and structure exhibit a great deal of variation within the genus Begonia, and likely help to explain the large number of taxa found within the genus.
Evaluation of degenerating germ cells in normal juvenile mice
Authors: Trifonova Anastassia , Moens Peter B.
Published: November 2009

Absence of spermiogenesis in mice with meiotic defects complicates the staging of meiotic arrest using light microscopy. Consequently, new methodologies are required to establish accurate relationships among germ cells. In this study, we utilized a novel approach to analyze germ cell degeneration in juvenile mice. We used terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) in combination with meiosis-specific antibodies. Germ cell degeneration is a normal component of early spermatogenesis in juvenile mice. The incidence of germ cell death was monitored at various postnatal ages of mice using the TUNEL assay to quantify the incidence of apoptosis. Cell death occurred predominantly at 15.5 days after birth. It was found that groups of apoptotic cells were apparent in tubules containing two generations of spermatocytes that form in two progressive cohorts. Electron microscopic observations further illustrated that the majority of cells in the first cohort are in late pachytene, while groups of cells in the second cohort can degenerate in early pachytene. The methodology utilized in this study is significant because it allows one to accurately determine the point at which germ cells arrest. Consequently, we believe that these methods can be applied to study animals with meiotic defects that prevent spermiogenesis.
Rapid cytological diploidization in newly formed allopolyploids of the wheat (Aegilops-Triticum) group
Authors: Ozkan Hakan , Feldman Moshe
Published: November 2009

Recent studies in the genera Aegilops and Triticum showed that allopolyploid formation triggers rapid genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to cytological and genetic diploidization. To better understand the consequences of cytological diploidization, chromosome pairing and seed fertility were studied in S1, S2, and S3generations of 18 newly formed allopolyploids at different ploidy levels. Results showed that bivalent pairing at first meiotic metaphase was enhanced and seed fertility was improved during each successive generation. A positive linear relationship was found between increased bivalent pairing, improved fertility, and elimination of low-copy noncoding DNA sequences. These findings support the conclusion that rapid elimination of low-copy noncoding DNA sequences from one genome of a newly formed allopolyploid, different sequences from different genomes, is an efficient way to quickly augment the divergence between homoeologous chromosomes and thus bring about cytological diploidization. This facilitates the rapid establishment of the raw allopolyploids as successful, competitive species in nature.
Presence of triploid cytotypes in the common fig (Ficus carica L.)
Authors: Falistocco E.
Published: November 2009

Ficus carica (2n = 26) is one of the oldest fruit trees of the Mediterranean basin. Recently there has been increasing interest in this species, in particular for questions related to germplasm such as genetic diversity and cultivar identification. This study was undertaken to gain more knowledge of F. carica cytogenetics and provide data useful for the characterization of its germplasm. Karyomorphological analysis and physical mapping of 18S–25S and 5S rRNA genes by the FISH technique contributed to defining the basic traits of the chromosome complement of F. carica. However, the most interesting result was the discovery of triploid (2n = 39) cytotypes of the cultivated common fig. This result demonstrates the importance of cytogenetic investigations in studies of fig germplasm and emphasizes the role of cross-fertilization as a source of variability not only in wild populations but also in cultivated forms. The results of pollen analysis suggest spontaneous sexual polyploidization as a possible origin of triploid cytotypes. Further studies are necessary to clarify the origin and effective spreading of polyploidy, the presence of other ploidy levels, and their distribution in wild and cultivated forms.
Muscle atrophy in cancer: a role for nutrition and exercise
Authors: Mourtzakis Marina , Bedbrook Megan
Published: November 2009

Developing successful antineoplastic therapies has been a primary focus of cancer research, whereas less attention has been directed at body composition and metabolism in cancer patients. Here, we examine the metabolic implications of muscle atrophy in cancer as well as the potential factors that contribute to muscle atrophy, including energy imbalance, hormone perturbations, and inflammation. The role of nutrition and exercise interventions in maintaining muscle mass during the cancer trajectory is examined.
Adrenergic control of the human cutaneous circulation
Authors: Hodges Gary J. , Johnson John M.
Published: November 2009

The cutaneous circulation is influenced by a variety of thermoregulatory (skin and internal temperature-driven) and nonthermoregulatory (e.g., baroreflex, exercise-associated reflexes) challenges. The responses to these stimuli are brought about through vasoconstrictor nerves, vasodilator nerves, and changes in the local temperature of the vessels themselves. In this review, we examine how thermoregulatory influences mediate changes in skin blood flow through the sympathetic nervous system. We discuss cutaneous vascular responses to both local and whole-body heating and cooling and the mechanisms underlying these responses, with the overarching conclusion that sympathetic function plays significant roles in reflex vasoconstriction and vasodilatation and in the responses to both local cooling and local heating of the skin.
The physiological effects of pre-event and midevent cooling during intermittent running in the heat in elite female soccer players
Authors: Price Michael J. , Boyd Craig , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria L.
Published: November 2009

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of both pre-exercise and combined pre-exercise and midexercise cooling strategies during simulated match play in elite female soccer players in the heat. Eight elite female soccer players performed two 45 min periods of intermittent running separated by 15 min seated rest on 3 separate occasions (30.6 ± 0.2 °C, 63.4 ± 2.5% relative humidity). Participants undertook a no-cooling (CON) or ice-vest cooling for 20 min pre-exercise (PRE) or both pre-exercise and during the 15 min rest period (PRE+MID). Rectal temperature (Tre), skin temperatures, and heart rate were monitored continuously. Mean skin temperature (TMS) and heat storage were calculated. Significant interactions (trial × time) were observed for the change in Tre from rest, TMS, and heat storage (p < 0.05). The change in Tre from rest was greater during CON when compared with PRE and PRE+MID from 35 min until the end of exercise (p < 0.05). When compared with CON (p < 0.05), TMS was lower after precooling (PRE and PRE+MID) and during the 15 min rest period and the first 5 min of the second exercise bout for PRE+MID. Heat storage was also lower after precooling (PRE and PRE+MID) (p < 0.05) and from 60 min until the end of exercise for PRE+MID (p < 0.05) and until 85 min and again at 95 min during PRE (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that both cooling strategies were effective in reducing thermal strain during intermittent exercise in the heat. However, PRE+MID cooling was more effective than PRE cooling in offsetting heat storage.
Human health benefits of vaccenic acid
Authors: Field Catherine J. , Blewett Heather Hosea , Proctor Spencer , Vine Donna
Published: November 2009

The health risks associated with consumption of diets high in trans fats from industrially produced hydrogenated fats are well documented. However, trans fatty acids are not a homogeneous group of molecules, and less is known about the health effects of consuming diets containing vaccenic acid (VA), a positional and geometric isomer of oleic acid, the predominant trans isomer in ruminant fats. The presence of VA in industrial trans fats has raised the question of whether VA produces the same adverse health effects as industrially produced trans fats. VA is also the major trans fat in ruminant fats, and questions have arisen as to whether consuming this trans fat has the same effects on health risk. The purpose of this paper is to critically review the published studies in humans, animals, and cell lines. Epidemiological, but not rodent, studies suggest that VA intake or serum concentrations may be associated with increased cancer risk. However, epidemiological, clinical, and rodent studies to date have not demonstrated a relationship with heart or cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, or inflammation. VA is the only known dietary precursor of c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), but recent data suggest that consumption of this trans fat may impart health benefits beyond those associated with CLA.
The interleukin-6, serotonin transporter, and monoamine oxidase A genes and endurance performance during the South African Ironman Triathlon
Authors: de Milander Liesl , Stein Dan J. , Collins Malcolm
Published: November 2009

Previous studies have identified an association of genetic variants believed to alter physiological and biochemical processes locally within the skeletal muscle and therefore performance in the Ironman triathlon. There is growing evidence that the serotonergic system and circulating interleukin (IL)-6 levels are also involved in mediating endurance capacity. Investigators have demonstrated that recombinant human IL-6 administration and serotonergic neurotransmission manipulation, with 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) inhibitors, prior to exercise, can alter running performance, consistent with a central governor hypothesis. The aim of this study was to investigate possible associations of functional polymorphisms within the IL-6 , 5-HTT , and MAO-A genes with endurance performance of Ironman triathletes. Four hundred sixty-eight male Caucasian triathletes who completed the 2000 and (or) 2001 South African Ironman Triathlon and 200 healthy Caucasian male controls were genotyped for the –174 IL-6 G/C, 5-HTT 40 base pair (bp) insertion–deletion and 30 bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) MAO-A gene polymorphisms. There were no significant differences in the relative genotype distributions within the IL-6 (p = 0.636), 5-HTT (p = 0.659), and MOA-A (p = 0.227) polymorphisms when the fastest-fnishing, middle-finishing, and slowest-finishing triathletes, as well as the control groups, were compared. There were no direct associations between the IL-6 –174 G/C, 5-HTT 44 bp insertion–deletion, and MAO-A 30 bp VNTR gene polymorphisms and endurance performance in the 2000 and (or) 2001 South African Ironman Triathlons. The neurogenetic basis of the central governor requires further investigation.
Isometric torque and shortening velocity following fatigue and recovery of different voluntary tasks in the dorsiflexors
Authors: Cheng Arthur J. , Rice Charles L.
Published: November 2009

The present study was designed to compare the relative influence of various fatigue-related factors involved in isometric and dynamic task failure following an equivalent decrease in isometric maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) torque. Using a similar duty cycle (∼1-s contraction per 2 s) and contraction load (50% of MVC), 9 young males performed in the dorsiflexors a dynamic task, and on a separate occasion an intermittent isometric task, to an equal decrease in isometric MVC torque. Dynamic contractions had greater motor unit activation and maximum rate of torque development, and required fewer contractions to task failure than the isometric task, indicating a faster development of fatigue during the velocity-dependent dynamic contractions. Peripheral factors, rather than impairments in voluntary drive, were responsible for the equivalent decrease in MVC torque at task failure and its subsequent incomplete recovery. These included, for both tasks, similar changes during fatigue and recovery in voluntary isometric MVC torque, shortening velocity, stimulated twitch and 50 Hz torque, and 50 Hz maximum rate of relaxation. Irrespective of the task, however, the greater reduction in shortening velocity at task failure and its subsequent faster recovery than MVC torque suggest that changes in metabolites affect velocity to a greater extent than isometric torque.
Heart rate variability and nonlinear analysis of heart rate dynamics following single and multiple Wingate bouts
Authors: Millar Philip J. , Rakobowchuk Mark , McCartney Neil , MacDonald Maureen J.
Published: November 2009

Sprint interval training involves short bouts of high-intensity exercise and has produced training responses similar to those of endurance training. The effects of multiple supramaximal exercise bouts on neurocardiac modulation have not been examined. Therefore, we investigated the recovery of heart rate (HR) variability and nonlinear HR dynamics in 10 young (20.1 ± 1.2 years) healthy males following single (1) and multiple (4) Wingate tests. HR variability was assessed with time and frequency domain measures, whereas nonlinear HR dynamics were determined by assessing the complexity (sample entropy) and fractal nature (detrended fluctuation analysis) of the HR time series. Responses were determined at pre-exercise baseline and at 3 time points during recovery from exercise: Post1 (5–20 min), Post2 (45–60 min), and Post3 (105–120 min). Following a single Wingate test, all temporal and spectral HR measures had returned to baseline by 1 h of recovery. In contrast, these measures were different from baseline at 2 h following multiple Wingate tests. Fractal HR properties were altered (p < 0.05) at Post1 following a single Wingate test and at Post1 and Post2 following multiple Wingate tests. HR complexity was reduced (p < 0.001) throughout the 2-h recovery following both exercise conditions. In conclusion, Wingate tests result in alterations in cardiac autonomic control, with multiple Wingate tests resulting in larger, more prolonged alterations. Based on the results of the single Wingate test, nonlinear measures, such as HR complexity, may be more sensitive in detecting subtle alterations in neurocardiac behaviour, compared with traditional measures of HR variability.
Haematological, inflammatory, and immunological responses in elite judo athletes maintaining high training loads during Ramadan
Authors: Chaouachi Anis , Coutts Aaron J. , Wong Del P. , Roky Rachida , Mbazaa Abderraouf , Amri Mohamed , Chamari Karim
Published: November 2009

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and fluid intake from dawn to sunset for 1 month. These behavioural changes that accompany Ramadan may impact upon Muslim athletes who continue to train intensely. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting (RIF) on the haematological, inflammatory, and immunological measures in elite judo athletes maintaining their usual high training loads. Haematological markers of inflammation, hormones, and immune status were studied in 15 elite male judo athletes before, during, and after Ramadan. The RIF produced small but significant changes in inflammatory, hormonal, and immunological profiles in judo athletes. Serum C-reactive protein increased from 2.93 ± 0.26 mg·L–1 pre-Ramadan to 4.60 ± 0.51 mg·L–1 at the end of Ramadan. Haptoglobin and antitrypsin also significantly increased at different phases during Ramadan, whereas homocysteine and prealbumin remained relatively unchanged. Albumin decreased slightly by mid-Ramadan, then recovered. Immunoglobulin Aincreased from 1.87 ± 0.56 g·L–1 before Ramadan to 2.49 ± 0.75 g·L–1 at the end, and remained high 3 weeks after. There were no changes in the leucocyte cell counts throughout the study. The mean blood level of thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine increased significantly during RIF. Most of these changes were within the normal ranges. These results suggest that athletes who continue to train intensely during Ramadan are liable to experience a myriad of small fluctuations in hormones, immunoglobulins, antioxidants, and inflammatory responses.
Serum markers of bone turnover are increased by modest weight loss with or without weight-bearing exercise in overweight premenopausal women
Authors: Rector R. Scott , Loethen Joanne , Ruebel Meghan , Thomas Tom R. , Hinton Pamela S.
Published: November 2009

Weight loss improves metabolic fitness and reduces morbidity and mortality; however, weight reduction also reduces bone mineral density (BMD) and increases bone turnover. Weight-bearing aerobic exercise may preserve bone mass and maintain normal bone turnover during weight reduction. We investigated the impact of weight-bearing and nonweight-bearing exercise on serum markers of bone formation and breakdown during short-term, modest weight loss in overweight premenopausal women. Subjects (n = 36) were assigned to 1 of 3 weight-loss interventions designed to produce a 5% reduction in body weight over 6 weeks: (i) energy restriction only (n = 11; DIET); (ii) energy restriction plus nonweight-bearing exercise (n = 12, CYCLE); or (iii) energy restriction plus weight-bearing exercise (n = 13, RUN). Bone turnover markers were measured in serum collected at baseline and after weight loss. All groups achieved a ∼5% reduction in body weight (DIET = 5.2%; CYCLE = 5.0%; RUN = 4.7%). Osteocalcin (OC) and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) increased with weight loss in all 3 groups (p < 0.05), whereas bone alkaline phosphatase was unaltered by the weight-loss interventions. At baseline, OC and CTX were positively correlated (r = 0.36, p = 0.03), but the strength of this association was diminished (r = 0.30, p = 0.06) after weight loss. Modest weight loss, regardless of method, resulted in a significant increase in both OC and CTX. Low-impact, weight-bearing exercise had no effect on serum markers of bone formation or resorption in premenopausal women during weight loss. Future studies that examine the effects of high-impact, weight-bearing activity on bone turnover and BMD during weight loss are warranted.
Retrofit strategies to protect structures from blast loadingThis article is one of a selection of papers published in the Special Issue on Blast Engineering.
Authors: King Kim W. , Wawclawczyk Johnny H. , Ozbey Cem
Published: November 2009

Structural retrofits to buildings can be implemented to increase the protection level to occupants from potential terrorist bombing attacks. Retrofit strategies discussed in this paper can be categorized into three groups: (i) strengthening concepts, (ii) shielding concepts, and (iii) concepts to control hazardous debris. Strengthening concepts such as span reduction and increasing member sections are considered in this paper for three common construction systems including steel, concrete, and masonry. Shielding concepts are intended to prevent structural members from being fully loaded by blast forces and range from local area applications to entire building coverage. Examples of shielding concepts include a new section of wall that shields a vulnerable portion of the building or a new structure built over an entire building. Examples of concepts to control hazardous debris include arresting or deflecting failed cladding away from critical areas with “catch systems” or internal shield systems. This paper is intended to discuss typical building retrofit strategies for primary structural members (load bearing) and secondary structural members (nonload bearing) through strengthening, shielding, or controlling hazardous debris.
Probabilistic modelling of safety and damage blast risks for window glazingThis paper is one of a selection of papers in the Special Issue on Blast Engineering.
Authors: Netherton Michael D. , Stewart Mark G.
Published: November 2009

There are many computational techniques to model the consequences to built infrastructure when subject to explosive blast loads; however, the majority of these do not account for the uncertainties associated with system response or blast loading. This paper describes a new computational model, called “Blast-RF” (Blast Risks for Facades), that incorporates existing (deterministic) blast-response models within an environment that considers threat and (or) vulnerability uncertainties and variability using probability and structural reliability theory. The structural reliability analysis uses stress limit states and the UK Glazing Hazard Guide's rating criteria to calculate probabilities of glazing damage and occupant safety hazards conditional on a given blast scenario. This allows the prediction of likelihood and extent of damage and (or) casualties, useful information for risk mitigation considerations, emergency service's contingency and response planning, collateral damage estimation, weaponeering, and post-blast forensic analysis.
Formulation of a pull production system for optimal inventory control of temporary rebar assembly plants
Authors: Im Keon Soon , Han Seung Heon , Koo Bonsang , Jung Do Young
Published: November 2009

Temporary fabrication plants such as rebar assembly and precast segment shops are increasingly used in large scale construction projects to provide a construction site of its material needs. A plant needs to be operated in such a way that it is flexible enough to adapt to changing project demands while minimizing inventories. Meeting such needs requires careful control of the level of raw materials and assembly products fabricated in the plant, the two main types of inventories. However, in practice the ordering of raw materials and assembly times are ad hoc, leading to excess inventories and added costs to the project. This paper presents a methodology for effective, efficient, and economic control of inventory levels in temporary rebar assembly plants. Ordering processes are formalized to convert existing approaches into a pull production system. Given this transformation, a methodology is presented that employs Monte Carlo simulation and optimization techniques to identify inventory levels that minimize inventory costs while simulating variability in demand, procurement lead times, and production capacity. A retrospective case on a rebar assembly plant shows that the same amount of work can be performed with significantly less inventory levels when applying the proposed production methodology. It also provides evidence that the cost savings from inventory costs outweigh any additional holding or delivery costs associated with a pull production system.
Comfort thresholds for horizontal curve design
Authors: Said Dalia , Hassan Yasser , Abd El Halim A.O.
Published: November 2009

A key to better geometric design of highways is designing horizontal curves conforming to driver behaviour. The values of side friction factors in the point mass formula, used for the design of the minimum radius of a horizontal curve, are based on the upper threshold of driver comfort. In the current guidelines, these driver comfort levels were established in research work carried out back in the 1930s. Recently, it was found that faster drivers tend to accept higher comfort thresholds to maintain their speed and minimize speed reduction between curve and tangent. An experiment was designed at Carleton University to collect newer data on driver behaviour including speed and lateral acceleration. The results confirmed the need to revise the values of side friction demand especially for sharp curves. In addition, a model was developed to determine the side friction factor to be used in design or in consistency evaluation of horizontal curves on rural roads and ramps.
Effect of analgesics on the antibiotic resistance of ammonia-oxidizing organismsA paper submitted to the Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science.
Authors: Koney Prapurna , Morse Audra
Published: November 2009

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of analgesics (aspirin and salicylic acid) on heterotrophic organisms and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) resistance to antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and nalidixic acid) using the spread plate method. The bacteria were cultured from a biological graywater reclamation system. The results indicate an increase in ciprofloxacin resistance of AOB at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mmol/L salicylic acid and aspirin. An increase in resistance of heterotrophic organisms and AOB in the presence of salicylic acid and aspirin was observed at 0.064 and 0.107 mmol/L of nalidixic acid. However, the effect of salicylic acid and aspirin on amoxicillin resistance of heterotrophic organisms and AOB was minimal. This study is important because it focuses on the antibiotic resistance of the less studied environmental microbes by considering the impact of compounds other than antibiotics to induce antibiotic resistance.
Comparison of the annual minimum flow and the deficit below threshold approaches: case study for the province of New Brunswick, Canada
Authors: Benyahya Loubna , Caissie Daniel , Ashkar Fahim , El-Jabi Nassir , Satish Mysore
Published: November 2009

A low-flow frequency analysis using the annual minimum flow (AMF) and the deficit below threshold (DBT) approaches was carried out for 30 hydrometric stations across the province of New Brunswick. The AMF method considers only the annual minimum events, and the DBT method considers all low flows below a certain threshold (or truncation level). In the present study, the DBT method characterizes low flow in terms of deficit intensity, which is becoming increasingly important in both water and aquatic resources management. The annual minimum series were fitted using the three-parameter Weibull distribution (AMF–WEI3), and the intensity data series were fitted using the two-parameter Weibull distribution (DBT–WEI2) and the generalized Pareto distribution (DBT–GP). All parameter estimates were obtained using the maximum likelihood method. The AMF–WEI3 and DBT–GP approaches provided a good fit to at-site data in terms of annual minimum flow and deficit intensity, respectively. However, the present study showed that the DBT–WEI2 approach underestimated the right tail of low-flow intensity. The Anderson–Darling statistic was also calculated for the data series and can provide insight into which distribution may adequately model the low-flow characteristics. A regionalization study was also performed using the AMF–WEI3 and DBT–GP methods.
Large-scale simulation modeling system for industrial construction
Authors: Wang Ping , AbouRizk Simaan M.
Published: November 2009

Industrial construction is a complex production system involving multiple supply chains. Engineers need a tool that enables them to plan and improve the system by testing different theories. This research developed a special modeling system tailored for building large-scale simulation models for industrial construction. The modeling system can be used to model an industrial construction project as a whole supply chain system, covering spool drafting, material supply, spool fabrication, module assembly, and site installation, complete with details of the production level. The entire production system can be conceived in terms of not only activities, but also product flows and information flows by the developed modeling system. The developed model was utilized to execute several simulation experimentations to test the various theories. This testing ultimately facilitates the improvement of the performance of the whole industrial construction project system.
Protection and replication of telomeres in fission yeastThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 30th Annual International Asilomar Chromatin and Chromosomes Conference, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Moser Bettina A. , Nakamura Toru M.
Published: November 2009

Telomeres, the natural ends of linear chromosomes, must be protected and completely replicated to guarantee genomic stability in eukaryotic cells. However, the protected state of telomeres is not compatible with recruitment of telomerase, an enzyme responsible for extending telomeric G-rich repeats during S-phase; thus, telomeres must undergo switches from a protected state to an accessible state during the cell cycle. In this minireview, we will summarize recent advances in our understanding of proteins involved in the protection and replication of telomeres, and the way these factors are dynamically recruited to telomeres during the cell cycle. We will focus mainly on recent results from fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe , and compare them with results from budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian cell studies. In addition, a model for the way in which fission yeast cells replicate telomeres will be presented.
Life without RNAi: noncoding RNAs and their functions inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this Special Issue, entitled 30th Annual International Asilomar Chromatin and Chromosomes Conference, and has undergone the Journal’s usual peer review process.
Authors: Harrison Benjamin R. , Yazgan Oya , Krebs Jocelyn E.
Published: November 2009

There are a number of well-characterized and fundamental roles for noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) in gene regulation in all kingdoms of life. ncRNAs, such as ribosomal RNAs, transfer RNAs, small nuclear RNAs, small nucleolar RNAs, and small interfering RNAs, can serve catalytic and scaffolding functions in transcription, messenger RNA processing, translation, and RNA degradation. Recently, our understanding of gene expression has been dramatically challenged by the identification of large and diverse populations of novel ncRNAs in the eukaryotic genomes surveyed thus far. Studies carried out using the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae indicate that at least some coding genes are regulated by these novel ncRNAs. S. cerevisiae lacks RNA interference (RNAi) and, thus, provides an ideal system for studying the RNAi-independent mechanisms of ncRNA-based gene regulation. The current picture of gene regulation is one of great unknowns, in which the transcriptional environment surrounding a given locus may have as much to do with its regulation as its DNA sequence or local chromatin structure. Drawing on the recent research in S. cerevisiae and other organisms, this review will discuss the identification of ncRNAs, their origins and processing, and several models that incorporate ncRNAs into the regulation of gene expression and chromatin structure.
The investigation of nematocidal activity inStenotrophomonas maltophiliaG2 and characterization of a novel virulence serine protease
Authors: Huang Xiaowei , Liu Junwei , Ding Junmei , He Qiusheng , Xiong Rui , Zhang Keqin
Published: November 2009

The Gram-negative bacterium Stenotrophomonas maltophilia G2 was isolated from a soil sample and was found to have high nematotoxic activity against a free-living nematode, Panagrellus redivivus, and a plant-parasitic nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus . The analysis of virulence factors revealed that although the small molecular metabolites participated in nematode killing, the crude extracellular protein extract from the bacterial culture supernatant contributed significantly to its nematocidal activity. An extracellular protease was purified by chromatography, and its effects on degrading purified nematode cuticle and killing living nematodes were confirmed experimentally. Characterization of this purified protease revealed that the application of phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride, an inhibitor of serine proteases, could completely abolish its proteolytic activity. The results from N-terminal amino acid sequencing showed no similarity with any known serine protease in S. maltophilia, suggesting a novel virulence serine protease was obtained. Our study is the first to show the nematocidal activity of S. maltophilia, and we identified a novel serine protease as an important pathogenicity factor.
Application of a novel decontamination process using gaseous ozone
Authors: Moat John , Cargill James , Shone John , Upton Mathew
Published: November 2009

Environmental disinfection in a health care setting is an important aspect of infection control. Recently, there has been interest in the use of vapor- and gas-based treatments for decontamination of surfaces and rooms. We describe preliminary results for an ozone-based decontamination of surfaces seeded with a range of vegetative cells and spores of bacteria of clinical relevance. The efficacy of the approach for room sanitization was also assessed. The protocol included use of a quenching agent to rapidly reduce ozone concentrations to safe levels allowing treatment times of less than 1 h for the majority of organisms tested. Using bacteria seeded onto agar plates and solid surfaces, reductions in bacterial load of greater than 3 log values were recorded for a number of organisms including Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . Application of the process in a 30 m3room showed similar reductions in viable counts for these organisms and for Clostridium difficile spores. We suggest that the potential of this ozone–quench approach should be further evaluated for disinfection or decontamination of healthcare environments.
A dual mode of regulation offlgMby ScoC inBacillus subtilis
Authors: Kodgire Prashant , Rao K. Krishnamurthy
Published: November 2009

In Bacillus subtilis , the transition state regulator ScoC indirectly, negatively regulates the anti-σDfactor FlgM in a SinR-dependent pathway leading to an increased availability of σD. In addition to the SinR-dependent pathway, ScoC negatively regulates FlgM via directly repressing flgM transcription by binding to two sites in the promoter region of the flgM operon. Our studies also show that the regulation of FlgM by SinR is not at the transcriptional or translational levels. Thus, ScoC shows a dual mode of downregulation of FlgM, via both SinR-dependent and -independent pathways, which eventually results in the increased σDactivity.