bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A role for HVEM, but not lymphotoxin‐β receptor, in LIGHT‐induced tumor cell death and chemokine production
Authors: Pasero Christine , Barbarat Bernadette , Just‐Landi Sylvaine , Bernard Alain , Aurran‐Schleinitz Thérèse , Rey Jérome , Eldering Eric , Truneh Alemsedeg , Costello Régis T , Olive Daniel
Published: August 2009

The TNF member LIGHT also known as TL4 or TNFSF14) can play a major role in cancer control via its two receptors; it induces tumor cell death through lymphotoxin‐β receptor (LT‐βR) and ligation to the herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM) amplifies the immune response. By studying the effect of LIGHT in the transcriptional profile of a lymphoid malignancy, we found that HVEM, but not LT‐βR, stimulation induces a significant increase in the expression of chemokine genes such as IL‐8, and an unexpected upregulation of apoptotic genes. This had functional consequences, since LIGHT, or HVEM mAb, thus far known to costimulate T‐ and B‐cell activation, induced chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell death. Many of the mediators involved were identified here, with an apoptotic pathway as demonstrated by caspases activation, decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, upregulation of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax, but also a role of TRAIL. Moreover, HVEM induced endogenous TNF‐α production and TNF‐α enhanced HVEM‐mediated cell death. HVEM function was mainly dependent on LIGHT, since other ligands like HSV‐glycoprotein D and B and T lymphocyte attenuator were essentially ineffective. In conclusion, we describe a novel, as yet unknown killing effect of LIGHT through HVEM on a lymphoid malignancy, and combined with induction of chemokine release this may represent an additional tool to boost cancer immunotherapy.
The role of NF‐κB and Smad3 in TGF‐β‐mediated Foxp3 expression
Authors: Jana Srikanta , Jailwala Parthav , Haribhai Dipica , Waukau Jill , Glisic Sanja , Grossman William , Mishra Manoj , Wen Renren , Wang Demin , Williams Calvin B. , Ghosh Soumitra
Published: August 2009

The transcription factor Foxp3 is essential for the development of functional, natural Treg (nTreg), which plays a prominent role in self‐tolerance. Suppressive Foxp3+ Treg cells can be generated from naïve T cells ex vivo, following TCR and TGF‐β1 stimulations. However, the molecular contributions from the different arms of these pathways leading to Foxp3 expression are not fully understood. TGF‐β1‐activated Smad3 plays a major role in the expression of Foxp3, since TGF‐β1‐induced‐Treg generation from Smad3−/− mice is markedly reduced and abolished by inactivating Smad2. In the TCR pathway, deletion of Bcl10, which activates NF‐κB, markedly reduces both IL‐2 and Foxp3 production. However, partial rescue of Foxp3 expression occurs on addition of exogenous IL‐2. TGF‐β1 significantly attenuates NF‐κB binding to the Foxp3 promoter, while inducing Foxp3 expression. Furthermore, deletion of p50, a NF‐κB subunit, results in increased Foxp3 expression despite a decline in the IL‐2 production. We posit several TCR‐NF‐κB pathways, some increasing (Bcl10‐IL‐2‐Foxp3) while others decreasing (p50‐Foxp3) Foxp3 expression, with the former predominating. A better understanding of Foxp3 regulation could be useful in dissecting the cause of Treg dysfunction in several autoimmune diseases and for generating more potent TGF‐β1‐induced‐Treg cells for therapeutic purposes.
Peripheral Thy1+ lymphocytes rearranging TCR‐γδ genes in LAT‐deficient mice
Authors: Miazek Arkadiusz , Macha Kornelia , Łaszkiewicz Agnieszka , Kissenpfennig Adrien , Malissen Bernard , Kisielow Pawel
Published: August 2009

Linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is an adaptor molecule indispensable for development of αβ and γδ T lymphocytes. Surprisingly, using a new model of LAT‐deficient mice we found that despite arrested thymic development, a discrete population of cells with active Lat promoter, expressing Thy1 molecules, accumulated in peripheral lymphoid organs of homozygous (LatInv/Inv) mutant mice. By measuring frequencies of TCR gene rearrangements in conjunction with a panel of cell surface Ag, we dissected two subsets of these Thy1+ cells. Thy1dull cells expressed markers of NK lymphocytes and contained low frequency of TCR‐γ gene rearrangements without detectable TCR‐δ rearrangements. Thy1high cells resembled immature CD44+CD25+ thymocytes and contained high frequency of non‐productive TCR‐γ and TCR‐δ rearrangements, indicating that cells displaying molecular signatures of commitment toward γδ T‐cell lineage can develop and populate lymphoid tissues of LAT‐deficient mice. Phenotypically similar Thy1high cells were also found in lymph nodes of lymphocyte‐deficient (Rag2−/−) mice but not in T lymphocyte proficient, heterozygous Lat+/Inv mice suggesting that Thy1high cells of LAT‐deficient mice identified in this study accumulate in peripheral lymphoid organs as a result of congenital lymphopenia.
Lignin valorisation for chemicals and (transportation) fuels via (catalytic) pyrolysis and hydrodeoxygenation
Authors: de Wild Paul , Van der Laan Ron , Kloekhorst Arjan , Heeres Erik
Published: August 2009

New technology is needed to exploit the potential of lignin as a renewable feedstock for fuels, chemicals and performance products. Fast fluidized bed pyrolysis of different lignins at 400°C yields up to 21 wt% (d.b.) of a phenolic fraction containing 10 wt% (d.b.) of several phenols. Subsequent catalytic hydrotreating of this phenolic fraction with 100 bar of hydrogen in dodecane at 350°C yields mainly cycloalkanes, cyclohexanols and alkanes. For the production of monomeric phenols, it appears that the used ruthenium on carbon is a too active catalyst. However, cyclohexanols may be interesting products, e.g., for use as oxygenates in engine fuel. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Triclosan inhibit the growth of the late liver‐stage of Plasmodium
Authors: Singh Agam Prasad , Surolia Namita , Surolia Avadhesha
Published: August 2009

Annually, approximately two million human deaths are caused worldwide by malaria, most of them being children. Plasmodium falciparum is the leading cause of cerebral malaria, the most severe and fatal form of disease. Moreover, the emergence of resistant strains to the existing drugs has worsened the situation. Currently, primaquine is the only drug available for eliminating liver‐stage parasites. Because of the emergence of resistant parasite strains, it becomes necessary to find new targets unique to the malaria parasites. In the Plasmodium species, the discovery of a distinct Type‐II fatty‐acid synthesis pathway has created an opportunity to target this pathway for the development of new inhibitors of malaria parasite growth. The present study explored the growth inhibition potential of triclosan in the case of liver‐stage parasites. Liver‐stage of Plasmodium is an excellent target for intervention due to very small parasite load as well as possibility of eliminating parasites before it can cause blood‐stage infection. Here we report that triclosan inhibits the development of the Plasmodium liver‐stage parasites. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(9): 923–928, 2009
Dynamic visualization of signal transduction in living cells: From second messengers to kinases
Authors: Herbst Katie J. , Ni Qiang , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2009

Coimaging strategies that can be used to monitor multiple signaling events simultaneously. See Dynamic Visualization of Signal Transduction in Living Cells: From Second Messengers to Kinases by Herbst et al., pp. 902–908.
Evaluation of the genotoxic and antigenotoxic potential of Baccharis dracunculifolia extract on V79 cells by the comet assay
Authors: Munari Carla Carolina , Alves Jacqueline Morais , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Tavares Denise Crispim
Published: August 2009

Baccharis dracunculifolia (Asteraceae), the main botanical source of green propolis, is a shrub of the Brazilian ‘cerrado’. In folk medicine it is used as an anti‐inflammatory agent, mainly for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of B. dracunculifolia ethyl acetate extract (Bd‐EAE) on Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (V79 cells) by the comet assay. Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; 200 μM) was used as an inducer of DNA damage. Genotoxicity was evaluated using four different concentrations of Bd‐EAE: 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 and 100.0 μg ml−1. Antigenotoxicity was assessed before, simultaneously, and after treatment with the mutagen. The results showed a significant increase in the frequency of DNA damage in cultures treated with 50.0 and 100.0 μg ml−1 Bd‐EAE. Regarding its antigenotoxic potential, Bd‐EAE reduced the frequency of DNA damage induced by MMS. However, this chemopreventive activity depended on the concentrations and treatment regimens used. The antioxidant activity of phenolic components present in Bd‐EAE may contribute to reduce the alkylation damage induced by MMS. In conclusion, our findings confirmed the chemopreventive activity of Bd‐EAE and showed that this effect occurs under different mechanism. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid–air partition coefficients of 1,1‐difluoroethane (HFC152a), 1,1,1‐trifluoroethane (HFC143a), 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (HFC134a), 1,1,1,2,2‐pentafluoroethane (HFC125) and 1,1,1,3,3‐pentafluoropropane (HFC245fa)
Authors: Ernstgård Lena , Lind Birger , Andersen Melvin E. , Johanson Gunnar
Published: August 2009

Blood–air and tissue–blood coefficients (λ) are essential to characterize the uptake and disposition of volatile substances, e.g. by physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling. Highly volatile chemicals, including many hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) have low solubility in liquid media. These characteristics pose challenges for determining λ values. A modified head‐space vial equilibrium method was used to determine λ values for five widely used HFCs. The method is based on automated head‐space gas chromatography and injection of equal amount of chemical in two head‐space vials with identical air phase volumes but different volumes of the liquid phase. The liquids used were water (physiological saline), fresh human blood, and olive oil. The average λ values (n = 8) were as follows: 1,1‐difluoroethane (HFC152a) – 1.08 (blood–air), 1.11 (water–air) and 5.6 (oil–air); 1,1,1‐trifluoroethane (HFC143a) – 0.15, 0.15 and 1.90; 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (HFC134a) – 0.36, 0.35 and 3.5; 1,1,1,2,2‐pentafluoroethane (HFC125) – 0.083, 0.074 and 1.71; and 1,1,1,3,3‐pentafluoropropane (HFC245fa) – 0.62, 0.58 and 12.1. The λ values appeared to be concentration‐independent in the investigated range (2–200 ppm). In spite of the low λ values, the method errors were modest, with coefficients of variation of 9, 11 and 10% for water, blood and oil, respectively. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomimetic PEG hydrogels crosslinked with minimal plasmin‐sensitive tri‐amino acid peptides
Authors: Jo Yun Suk , Rizzi Simone C. , Ehrbar Martin , Weber Franz E. , Hubbell Jeffrey A. , Lutolf Matthias P.
Published: August 2009

Semi‐synthetic, proteolytically degradable polymer hydrogels have proven effective as scaffolds to augment bone and skin regeneration in animals. However, high costs due to expensive peptide building blocks pose a significant hurdle towards broad clinical usage of these materials. Here we demonstrate that tri‐amino acid peptides bearing lysine (or arginine), flanked by two cysteine residues for crosslinking, are adequate as minimal plasmin‐sensitive peptides in poly(ethylene glycol)‐based hydrogels formed via Michael‐type addition. Substitution of lysine (or arginine) with serine rendered the matrices insensitive to the action of plasmin. This was demonstrated in vitro by performing gel degradation experiments in the presence of plasmin (0.1 U/mL), and in the in vivo situation of regeneration of critical‐sized bone defects. When placed as implants into rat calvaria, gels formed from the minimal plasmin substrates showed clear signs of cell infiltration and gel remodeling that coincided with extensive bone formation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Peroxotitanates for biodelivery of metals
Authors: Wataha John C. , Hobbs David T. , Lockwood Petra E. , Davis Ryan R. , Elvington Mark C. , Lewis Jill B. , Messer Regina L. W.
Published: August 2009

Metal‐based drugs are largely undeveloped in pharmacology. One limiting factor is the systemic toxicity of metal‐based compounds. A solid‐phase, sequestratable delivery agent for local delivery of metals could reduce systemic toxicity, facilitating new drug development in this nascent area. Amorphous peroxotitanates (APT) are ion‐exchange materials with high affinity for several heavy metal ions and have been proposed to deliver or sequester metal ions in biological contexts. In the current study, we tested a hypothesis that APTs are able to deliver metals or metal compounds to cells. We exposed fibroblasts (L929) or monocytes (THP1) to metal‐APT materials for 72 h in vitro and then measured cellular mitochondrial activity (SDH‐MTT method) to assess the biological impact of the metal‐APT materials versus metals or APT alone. APT alone did not significantly affect cellular mitochondrial activity, but all metal‐APT materials suppressed the mitochondrial activity of fibroblasts (by 30–65% of controls). The concentration of metal‐APT materials required to suppress cellular mitochondrial activity was below that required for metals alone, suggesting that simple extracellular release of the metals from the metal‐APT materials was not the primary mechanism of mitochondrial suppression. In contrast to fibroblasts, no metal‐APT material had a measurable effect on THP1 monocyte mitochondrial activity, despite potent suppression by metals alone. This latter result suggested that “biodelivery” by metal‐APT materials may be cell type‐specific. Therefore, it appears that APTs are plausible solid‐phase delivery agents of metals or metal compounds to some types of cells for potential therapeutic effect. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
In vivo evaluation of noble metal coatings
Authors: Suska Felicia , Svensson Sara , Johansson Anna , Emanuelsson Lena , Karlholm Helen , Ohrlander Mattias , Thomsen Peter
Published: August 2009

A nanotopographic noble metal (Ag, Au, Pd) coating has been applied on commercial urinary catheters and used in more than 80,000 patients, with good clinical results. We have previously evaluated the biocompatibility of different variations of this coating, showing high cellular viability and function in vitro. However, the reasons for good clinical and preclinical behavior are not known. This in vivo study aimed to investigate the soft tissue peri‐implant reaction to five coatings with systematically altered noble metal ratios after 1, 3, and 21 days of implantation in rats. The results show that coatings of silver only, or silver with medium amounts of gold and low‐medium palladium content were superior to other tested coatings. Such surfaces were during the first days after implantation associated with a decreased recruitment of inflammatory cells to implant close exudates, a lower percentage of neutrophils, higher cell viability, and lower production of monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), compared to the other coatings and uncoated silicone (PDMS) control. In contrast, the addition of higher concentrations of gold and palladium to silver induced a thicker soft tissue capsule. Coatings with high concentration of palladium induced the thickest fibrouscapsule after 21 days of implantation. The study demonstrates that by varying the noble metal ratio at implant surfaces it is possible to modulate inflammation and fibrosis in soft tissue. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2010
Increasing students' perceived sociopolitical empowerment through online and face‐to‐face community psychology seminars
Authors: Francescato Donata , Solimeno Andrea , Mebane Minou Ella , Tomai Manuela
Published: August 2009

Community psychology theorists underline the importance of promoting sociopolitical empowerment, but few studies have been conducted on the evaluation of the efficacy of empowering programs among university students. The authors report two studies: the first, with 216 psychology majors, compared the efficacy of face‐to‐face and online community psychology seminars in promoting perceived sociopolitical empowerment and self efficacy. The second, with 170 psychology majors, explored if differences in teachers experiences affected students sociopolitical empowerment. Results of ANOVA, on measures of empowerment and self‐efficacy, indicate that learning community psychology principles and a community analysis skill did increase sociopolitical empowerment and efficacies in all studies, both in online and face‐to‐face settings, regardless of teachers' experience. Implications for promoting active citizenship and attracting more students to community psychology programs are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics of adsorption of sulfur mustard on Al2O3 nanoparticles with and without impregnants
Authors: Saxena Amit , Sharma Abha , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Singh Beer , Gutch Pranav Kumar , Semwal Rajendra Prasad
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Chemical warfare (CW) agents are highly toxic compounds and have been used in war to produce physical immobilization, so safe and effective ways to detoxify them without endangering human life or the environment is of great concern. One of the important ways to achieve protection against CW agents contaminating air is to utilize suitable adsorbent materials, e.g. activated carbon, nanoparticles, etc. In the present study nanoparticles, synthesized through sol–gel processes and loaded with reactive compounds have been used for the degradation of CW agents and to understand their adsorption kinetics using Fickian and linear driving force models.

RESULTS: Nanoparticles of AP‐Al2O3 (aerogel‐produced alumina) in the size range 2–30 nm with high surface area (375 m2 g−1) were produced by an alkoxide‐based synthesis, and then characterized using N2‐Brunauer–Emmet–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Thereafter, these were impregnated, and finally tested for kinetics of adsorption of sulfur mustard (HD) under static conditions. The kinetics was studied using linear driving force and Fickian diffusion models and the kinetics parameters determined.

CONCLUSION: AP‐Al2O3 with 10% impregnation of 9‐molybdo‐3‐vanadophosphoric acid (10%, w/w) showed the maximum uptake (640 mg g−1) of HD. The highest adsorption potential indicated that the adsorption was due not only to physisorption but also involved chemisorption. Values of the diffusional exponent indicated the mechanism to be Fickian and anomalous. Hydrolysis, dehydrochlorination and oxidation reactions (identified using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS)) were found to be the route of degradation of HD over the prepared nanoparticle based adsorbents. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Incorporation of Ag nanoparticles into membrane mimetic systems composed by phospholipid layer‐by‐layer (LbL) films to achieve surface‐enhanced Raman scattering as a tool in drug interaction studies
Authors: Aoki Pedro Henrique Benites , Alessio Priscila , De Saja Jose Antonio , Constantino Carlos José Leopoldo
Published: August 2009

The synergistic effect produced by nanoparticles when incorporated into different systems used as analytical tools represents a growing research field nowadays. On the other hand, the study of interactions involving pharmacological drugs and biological membranes using phospholipids as mimetic systems is a research field already well established. Here, we combine both the anionic phospholipid dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl glycerol (DPPG) and negative Ag nanoparticles (AgNP) to form layer‐by‐layer (LbL) multilayered films using the cationic polymer poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) as the supporting polyelectrolyte, which were further investigated in the presence of a phenothiazine compound (methylene blue—MB). The molecular architecture of the LbL films in terms of controlled growth, morphology with micro and nanometer spatial resolutions, and dispersion of both AgNP and MB within the DPPG matrix was determined combining spectroscopy [ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption and micro‐Raman spectroscopy] and microscopy [scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM)]. The results showed that the LbL films can be grown in a controlled way at nanometer thickness scale with the surface morphology susceptible to the presence of both AgNP and MB. The surface‐enhanced phenomenon was applied to investigate the LbL films taking the advantage of the strong surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) signal presented by the MB molecules. Besides, as MB is a pharmacological drug of interest, its molecular arrangements when dispersed in LbL films containing DPPG, which is the biological membrane mimetic system here, were investigated. In this case, the AgNP played a key role in achieving the MB SERRS signal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seed‐mediated growth method for electroless deposition of AgNPs on glass substrates for use in SERS measurements
Authors: Cheng Min‐Liang , Yang Jyisy
Published: August 2009

In this work, an electroless deposition method for silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on glass substrates was developed for use in surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. To obtain evenly distributed AgNPs of suitable size on the glass substrates, a seeding procedure was utilized as a pretreatment before the electroless deposition of AgNPs. The AgNPs thus formed were affected by both the seeding and growing procedures. To optimize the procedures for preparation of SERS substrates, several factors, including reaction time, the concentration of silver ions, and the concentration of reducing agents (glucose) for seeding and growing procedures, were varied. The morphologies of the seeds and the resulting AgNPs on the glass substrates were characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and correlated with the SERS signals from probing with para‐nitrothiophenol (pNTP). The results indicated that only the seeding time and the concentration of silver ions significantly influenced the distribution and sizes of the Ag seeds on the substrates. In the growing procedures, both the concentration of silver nitrate and the reducing agent affected the morphologies of the resulting AgNPs and, hence, the SERS signals. The substrates prepared using this newly developed method offer 2–5 times improvement of the SERS signals compared to substrates prepared without seed treatment. Also, the AgNPs prepared by this method can be easily controlled to designated sizes with even spatial and size distributions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of high hydrostatic pressure on mortality and allergenicity ofAnisakis simplexL3 and on muscle properties of infested hake
Authors: Vidacek Sanja , de las Heras Cristina , Solas Maria Teresa , Rodriguez Mahillo Ana I , Tejada Margarita
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND:High pressure (HP) ranging from 100 to 350 MPa (1–15 min) was applied toAnisakis simplexlarvae and parasitised hake (Merluccius merluccius) muscle. The aim of the study was to kill the larvae to prevent human anisakidosis, to evaluate the effect onA. simplexallergens and to minimally alter fish muscle quality.

RESULTS:The larvae were killed at pressures ≥ 200 MPa and times ≥ 1 min, producing alterations in the larva body and ruptures in the cuticle when observed by scanning electron microscopy. Nevertheless, Ani s 4 andA. simplexcrude antigens were recognised by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry at all HPs assayed. Small changes in colour and texture were observed in fish muscle under all pressure/time conditions. Major changes were observed visually at 300 MPa, where the muscle appeared as slightly cooked. Apparent viscosity of muscle homogenates decreased significantly at longer times or higher applied pressure. No changes were detected at 200 MPa in the electrophoretic pattern of proteins treated with or without β‐mercaptoethanol, suggesting that disulfide bonds were not formed.

CONCLUSION:Application of HP at 200 MPa for up to 5 min would killA. simplexlarvae, avoiding infestation of the consumer and causing small changes in the hake muscle perceived sensorially. However, HP‐treatedA. simplex‐parasitised fish would still be a potential hazard for consumers allergic to the larvae. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Pulsed electric field treatment of carrots before drying and rehydration
Authors: Gachovska Tanya K , Simpson Marian V , Ngadi Michael O , Raghavan GSV
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND:In this study the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) pretreatment were evaluated during drying and rehydration of carrots. Carrots pretreated with an electric field intensity of 1 kV cm−1(capacitance 0.5 µF, 20 pulses) or 1.5 kV cm−1(capacitance 1 µF, 20 pulses) as well as blanched (100 °C, 3 min) carrots were used for the study. Following pretreatment, samples were oven dried at 70 °C and then rehydrated in distilled water (1:30 w/v) at room temperature (24 ± 1 °C).

RESULTS:PEF pretreatment increased the drying rate of carrots. However, the rehydration rate of PEF‐pretreated carrots was lower than that of blanched carrots. There were no colour differences between PEF‐pretreated and blanched carrots before drying and after rehydration. In terms of texture, PEF‐pretreated carrots were firmer than blanched carrots. PEF pretreatment reduced the activity of peroxidase by 30–50%, while blanching completely inactivated the enzyme (>95%).

CONCLUSIONS:Overall, the results suggest that PEF could be an effective pretreatment during drying and rehydration of carrots. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Estimation of metabolisable energy content of date pit and its effect on lipid and protein oxidation in broiler chicks
Authors: Zaghari Mojtaba , Taherkhani Reza , Ghasemi Mehdi , Shivazad Mahmood
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate date pit as a feed ingredient in broiler chick diets. In the first experiment, apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of date pit was determined using 72 Ross (308) broiler chicks. Broiler chicks received experimental diets from 25 to 30 days of age. Two diets were fed: diet 1, basal diet and diet 2, 60% basal diet + 40% date pit. Date pit ileal AMEn was estimated to be 704 kcal kg−1. The second study was conducted to evaluate the AMEn value obtained and also the effectiveness of using a commercial multi‐enzyme in diets containing date pit. Diets with three levels of date pit (10, 20 and 30% date pit) with or without enzyme supplementation were fed to broiler chicks from day old to 42 days of age.

RESULTS: Chicks receiving different levels of dietary date pit had comparable body weight to those fed on corn–soybean meal diet. Both date pit levels and enzyme supplementation had a significant effect on feed conversion ratio. Plasma total antioxidant levels of positive control were significantly lower than the experimental diets.

CONCLUSION: Results obtained in our study suggested that date pit could be used as a feed ingredient in the diet of broiler chicks without any negative effect on performance. Furthermore, date pit may have beneficial effects on plasma antioxidant status in broiler chicks. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Factors associated with fumonisin contamination of maize in Uganda
Authors: Atukwase Abel , Kaaya Archileo N , Muyanja Charles
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: During production and handling, maize is attacked by many Fusarium species, some of which are prolific producers of fumonisins. Contamination of maize with fumonisins is influenced by climate, agronomic and postharvest practices. This study investigated the factors associated with the occurrence of fumonisins in maize produced in three agroecological zones of Uganda.

RESULTS: All the maize samples were positive for fumonisins with levels ranging from 0.27 to 10 mg kg−1. A positive and significant correlation (P < 0.01) was observed between fumonisin levels and agroecological zone. Maize from high altitude zone had significantly higher (P < 0.05) mean total fumonisin content (4.93 mg kg−1) than maize from the mid altitude‐moist (4.53 mg kg−1) and mid altitude‐dry (4.50 mg kg−1) zones. Five farmer practices, namely intercropping, crop rotation, delayed harvesting, drying maize on bare ground and planting treated seeds were significantly associated with fumonisin production in maize. Intercropping, delayed harvesting and drying maize on bare ground increased fumonisin contamination whereas crop rotation and planting treated seeds reduced the contamination.

CONCLUSION: All maize samples obtained from the three agroecological zones were contaminated with fumonisins. The study showed that some of the farmers' practices predispose maize to fumonisin contamination. The findings are important for future studies aimed at designing strategies to control and prevent contamination of maize with fumonisins. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Microstructural changes in Lupinus campestris seed in response to three thermal debittering treatments
Authors: Jiménez‐Martínez Cristian , Campos‐Mendiola Roberto , Sánchez‐Espíndola Ma. Esther , Jiménez‐Aparicio Antonio , Gutiérrez‐López Gustavo , Dávila‐Ortiz Gloria
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Lupinus campestris seed has a high protein (350–450 g kg−1) and oil (180–200 g kg−1) content, but its use is limited by toxic substances, such as quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs), that can be reduced by debittering thermal treatments (DTTs) which cause biochemical changes in seed compounds such as carbohydrates and proteins and could induce changes in the seed microstructure. This work aims to correlate biochemical and microstructural changes with nutritional composition in lupin seeds in response to DTT.

RESULTS: Three DTTs, aqueous (AqT), acid (AcT) and alkaline (AlT), were performed with L. campestris and the effects on nutritional value were evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to evaluate microstructural changes of raw and debittered seeds using image and fractal analysis tools. DTT caused a decrease of QAs, carbohydrate content and protein increase. These effects were more pronounced with A1T. Analysis of microstructural changes indicated decreased rugosity and smoother texture of seed surface subjected to DTT. Smoother surfaces exhibited oval and polyhedrical structures corresponding to globular protein aggregation.

CONCLUSIONS: DTT had effects on the seed surface, which showed a smoother texture associated with oval and polyhedrical structures that may be caused by aggregation of globular proteins. These findings allowed associate debittering treatments to microstructural features. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Aroma components at various stages of litchi juice processing
Authors: Li Chunmei , Hao Jufang , Zhong Huizhen , Dang Meizhu , Xie Bijun
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Considering the importance of flavour on the quality of litchi juice, a study was conducted on how processing and operating stages influence the aroma components of clear litchi juice during processing.

RESULTS: The aroma fractions isolated by solid‐phase micro‐extraction were analysed by capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. According to statistical analyses, the amount of total and seven characteristic aroma compounds (geraniol, citronellol, phenylethyl alcohol, D‐limonene, nonanal, geranial and linalool) increased significantly after enzyme hydrolysis, but decreased significantly during the process of enzyme inactivation, ultra‐filtration and sterilisation.

CONCLUSION: The aromatic fraction of litchi juice decreased greatly during processing. The major losses in aromatic composition of clear litchi juice were related to the ultra‐filtration and sterilisation processes. With regard to the retention of aroma, an ultra‐filtration membrane with a larger pore size is better than a membrane with a smaller pore size, and a high‐voltage pulsed electric field was better than thermal sterilisation. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Depassivation of steel reinforcement in case of pitting corrosion: detection techniques for laboratory studies
Authors: Bertolini L. , Redaelli E.
Published: August 2009

Methods for service life prediction of reinforced concrete structures exposed to chloride‐bearing environments require, amongst other parameters, the knowledge of the chloride threshold for pitting corrosion initiation (Clth). Nowadays, although the main factors influencing the chloride threshold are well known, it is often difficult to quantify a value of the chloride threshold, partly because of its intrinsic high variability, and partly because of the different test methods that have been used to measure it. All the experimental tests rely on the detection of steel depassivation and simultaneous measurement of chloride content or steel potential. This paper deals with the methods that can be used to detect steel depassivation in relation with the determination of the chloride threshold. Tests in concrete‐pore‐simulating solutions as well as tests in concrete will be considered, and advantages and limitations will be discussed.
Release bias in accessing medical records in clinical trials: a STAR*D report
Authors: Kashner T. Michael , Trivedi Madhukar H. , Wicker Annie , Fava Maurizio , Shores‐Wilson Kathy , Wisniewski Stephen R. , Rush A. John
Published: August 2009

Clinical trials often require subjects to sign medical record releases to allow investigators to measure treatment fidelity, off‐protocol care use, and care costs. Little is known, however, if limiting samples to those willing to sign releases impacts external validity. Data came from outpatients with non‐psychotic major depressive disorder who enrolled in the multisite Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study. Differences between those who signed (n = 3116) and who did not sign (n = 925) releases were assessed using logistic regression and two‐part, three‐level log‐transformed regression models, corrected for site clustering and repeated measures. Patients who released records tended to believe care was helpful, were younger, and married. However, release status had little material or consistent associations with patient health outcomes or use of care. With appropriate adjustments to data, requiring patient medical records may pose only minimal challenges to external validity in cost‐outcome studies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychometric properties of an interviewer‐administered version of the Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10) among Dutch, Moroccan and Turkish respondents
Authors: Fassaert T. , De Wit M.A.S. , Tuinebreijer W.C. , Wouters H. , Verhoeff A.P. , Beekman A.T.F. , Dekker J.
Published: August 2009

The Kessler Psychological Distress scale (K10) is an instrument that is widely used to screen for mental disorders, but information is lacking on its psychometric qualities in non‐Western samples. This study used a population‐based sample (N = 725) to assess the reliability and validity of the K10 across ethnic groups in an urban area. The results were generally supportive of the K10 as a reliable and valid instrument to screen for anxiety and depression in all three groups. Cronbach's alpha was high (0.93) and the results indicated the existence of a solid single factor structure. Item bias in relation to ethnic background was minor. In each group, there was good criterion validity with respect to one‐month DSM‐IV diagnosis for depressive and/or anxiety disorder. The results nevertheless highlight the importance of cross‐cultural validation, as we found different cut‐off values for ethnic subgroups to obtain optimal sensitivity and specificity for detecting depressive and/or anxiety disorders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blinding in clozapine trials: a problem and a potential solution
Authors: Wohlfarth Tamar , Linszen Don , Van Den Brink Wim
Published: August 2009

Background: A methodological problem arises when efficacy of clozapine is compared with other antipsychotic medication in double blind randomized studies. Due to the risk of leucopenia and agranulocytosis, patients in the clozapine condition need to have regular blood testing. The problem is that in order to maintain blinding, patients in the comparison conditions need to undergo blood testing as well and this can lead to underestimation of treatment acceptability and efficacy of the comparators.

Methods: A thought experiment considering all possible solutions for the methodological problem.

Results: We propose a special study design that preserves randomization and blinding while at the same time prevents underestimation of the effect in the comparator treatments. In addition, the necessity for blood testing is limited to only a small number of patients who receive comparative treatments. The design involves initial randomization to a sub‐study including clozapine and a small comparator arm or to a sub‐study that includes only comparator arms. Blood testing is only necessary in the first sub‐study.

Discussion: Limitations of the proposed design are discussed. It is noted that this study design may offer a solution to similar situations where blood testing or other types of monitoring (e.g. as with lithium) is required in one but not in all of the treatment arms of a double blind randomized study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Line‐shape analysis of J‐resolved NMR spectra: application to metabolomics and quantification of intensity errors from signal processing and high signal congestion
Authors: Parsons Helen M. , Ludwig Christian , Viant Mark R.
Published: August 2009

NMR spectroscopy remains one of the primary analytical approaches in metabolomics. Although 1D 1H NMR spectroscopy is versatile, highly reproducible and currently the most widely used technique in NMR metabolomics, analysis of complex biological samples typically yields highly congested spectra with severely overlapping signals making unambiguous metabolite identification and quantification almost impossible. Consequently there is a growing use of 2D NMR methods, in particular 1H J‐resolved (JRES) spectroscopy, which spreads the high signal density into a second dimension. One potentially powerful method to deconvolute these JRES spectra, facilitating metabolite quantification, is via line‐shape fitting. However, the mathematical functions describing the JRES NMR line‐shape, in particular after applying apodisation functions and JRES specific processing, including tilting and symmetrisation, remain uncharacterised. Furthermore, possible quantitation errors arising from processing JRES spectra have not been evaluated, nor have the potentially adverse quantitative effects of overlapping dispersive tails of closely spaced signals in the 2D spectrum. Here we address these issues and evaluate the suitability of the JRES experiment for accurate complex mixture analysis. Specifically, we have examined changes in NMR line‐shape and signal intensity after application of different apodisation functions (SINE and SEM) and JRES specific processing (tilting and symmetrising), comparing simulated and experimental data. We also report a significant quantitation error of up to 33%, dependent upon apodisation, due to overlap of the dispersive tails of closely spaced resonances. Finally, we have validated the use of these mathematical line‐shape functions for metabolite quantitation of 2D JRES spectra, by comparison to corresponding 1D NMR datasets, using both gravimetrically‐prepared chemically defined mixtures as well as biological tissue extracts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allocation of clearance assets in IED warfare
Authors: Washburn Alan , Lee Ewing LTC P.
Published: August 2009

This article deals with the optimal allocation of mine clearance resources to a network of roads that is continually being mined by an opponent. The motivating application is IED warfare as practiced in Iraq and Afghanistan. The situation differs from most mine warfare analyses in being protracted indefinitely in time, with the processes of mine placement by Red and mine clearance by Blue being intermixed. Each incident involving a Blue convoy and a Red mine removes the mine and possibly causes some damage to the convoy. Blue's object is to minimize the total damage rate by optimally deploying mine clearance forces to road segments. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 58: 180–187, 2011
Convergence analysis and computational testing of the finite element discretization of the Navier–Stokes alpha model
Authors: Connors Jeffrey
Published: August 2009

This report performs a complete analysis of convergence and rates of convergence of finite element approximations of the Navier–Stokes‐α (NS‐α) regularization of the NSE, under a zero‐divergence constraint on the velocity, to the true solution of the NSE. Convergence of the discrete NS‐α approximate velocity to the true Navier–Stokes velocity is proved and rates of convergence derived, under no‐slip boundary conditions. Generalization of the results herein to periodic boundary conditions is evident. Two‐dimensional experiments are performed, verifying convergence and predicted rates of convergence. It is shown that the NS‐α‐FE solutions converge at the theoretical limit of O(h2) when choosing α = h, in the H1 norm. Furthermore, in the case of flow over a step the NS‐α model is shown to resolve vortex separation in the recirculation zone. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2010
Preparation of antimicrobial polycaprolactone‐silica composite films with nanosilver rods and triclosan using roll‐milling method
Authors: Olgun Uğursoy , Tunç Kenan , Özaslan Vildan
Published: August 2009

In this study, antimicrobial polycaprolactone composite films containing 12.5% silica and 0.15% silver nanorods were prepared using the roll‐milling method. The destruction of E. coli and S. aureus on the surface of the composite films was evaluated after 6 hr of incubation at 37°C. For the E. Coli, no bacterial contamination was detected after 6 hr and the film surface was completely disinfected with 100% reduction of the microbial contamination. For the S. aureus, 94% reduction of the bacterial contamination was observed after 6 hr. The results were compared with the composite films containing triclosan, a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial agent. The antimicrobial activity tests with 0.25% triclosan incorporated polycaprolactone‐silica composite films showed only 70% reduction of E. coli and 95% reduction of S. aureus after 6 hr. The results demonstrated that the use of silver nanoparticles in the biopolymer industry has huge potential for the self‐cleaning applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of polyethylene/montmorillonite nanocomposites formed via ethylene copolymerization
Authors: Guo Cun‐Yue , Ke Yucai , Liu Yuanxia , Mi Xia , Zhang Mingge , Hu Youliang
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: In situ formation of polyethylene/clay nanocomposites is one of the prevalent preparation methods that include also solution blending and melt blending with regard to process simplification, economy in cost, environment protection and marked improvement in the mechanical properties of the polymeric matrix. In the work reported here, the preparation of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and fabrication of polymer/clay nanocomposites were combined into a facile route by immobilizing pre‐catalysts for ethylene oligomerization on montmorillonite (MMT).

RESULTS: [(2‐ArNC(Me))2C5H3N]FeCl2 (Ar = 2,4‐Me2(C6H3)) was supported on MMT treated using three different methods. The MMT‐supported iron complex together with metallocene compound rac‐Et(Ind)2ZrCl2 catalyzed ethylene to LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites upon activation with methylaluminoxane. The oligomer that was formed between layers of MMT promoted further exfoliation of MMT layers. The LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites were highly stable upon heating. Detailed scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the marked improvement in impact strength of the LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites originated from the dispersed MMT layers which underwent cavitation upon impact and caused plastic deformation to absorb most of the impact energy. In general, the mechanical properties of the LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites were improved as a result of the uniform dispersion of MMT layers in the LLDPE matrix.

CONCLUSION: The use of the MMT‐supported iron‐based diimine complex together with metallocene led to ethylene copolymerization between layers of MMT to form LLDPE/MMT nanocomposites. The introduction of exfoliated MMT layers greatly improved the thermal stability and mechanical properties of LLDPE. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Reproducibility, sensitivity and compatibility of the ProteoExtract® subcellular fractionation kit with saturation labeling of laser microdissected tissues
Authors: Sawhney Sonal , Stubbs Richard , Hood Kylie
Published: August 2009

Laser microdissection (LMD), a method of isolating specific microscopic regions of interest from a tissue that has been sectioned, is increasingly being applied to study proteomics. LMD generally requires tissues to be fixed and histologically stained, which can interfere with protein recovery and subsequent analysis. We evaluated the compatibility and reproducibility of protein extractions from laser microdissected human colon mucosa using a subcellular fractionation kit (ProteoExtract®, Calbiochem). Four protein fractions corresponding to cytosol (fraction 1), membrane/organelle (fraction 2), nucleus (fraction 3) and cytoskeleton (fraction 4) were extracted, saturation labeled with Cy5 and 5 μg separated by both acidic (pH 4–7) and basic (pH 6–11) 2‐DE. The histological stains and fixation required for LMD did not interfere with the accurate subcellular fractionation of proteins into their predicted fraction. The combination of subcellular fractionation and saturation CyDye labeling produced very well resolved, distinct protein spot maps by 2‐DE for each of the subcellular fractions, and the total number of protein spots consistently resolved between three independent extractions for each fraction was 893, 1128, 1245 and 1577 for fractions 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Although significant carryover of protein did occur between fractions, this carryover was consistent between experiments, and very low inter‐experimental variation was observed. In summary, subcellular fractionation kits are very compatible with saturation labeling DIGE of LMD tissues and provide greater coverage of proteins from very small amounts of microdissected material.
Proteomics of mouse liver microsomes: Performance of different protein separation workflows for LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Zgoda Victor G. , Moshkovskii Sergei A. , Ponomarenko Elena A. , Andreewski Timofey V. , Kopylov Arthur T. , Tikhonova Olga V. , Melnik Stanislav A. , Lisitsa Andrei V. , Archakov Alexander I.
Published: August 2009

The mouse liver microsome proteome was investigated using ion trap MS combined with three separation workflows including SDS‐PAGE followed by reverse‐phase LC of in‐gel protein digestions (519 proteins identified); 2‐D LC of protein digestion (1410 proteins); whole protein separation on mRP heat‐stable column followed by 2‐D LC of protein digestions from each fraction (3‐D LC; 3703 proteins). The higher number of proteins identified in the workflow corresponded to the lesser percentage of run‐to‐run reproducibility. Gel‐based method yielded a number of predicted membrane proteins similar to LC‐based workflows.