bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
'SINAMI': a tool for the economic evaluation of forest fire management programs in Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: Rodréguez y Silva Francisco , González-Cabán Armando
Published: November 2010

Historically, in Spain and most European countries, forest fire budgets have never been subjected to an objective and rigorous economic analysis indicative of the returns on investments in fire management protection programs. Thus far we have witnessed expansive growth of costs without any investment planning. New economic realities and more focussed oversight by regulating organisations are forcing agencies with fire protection responsibilities to formally justify their fire protection budget requests. The fire economics evaluation system described here (SINAMI) is the first attempt by Spain’s National Forest System to help agencies with fire responsibilities perform an economic analysis of their budget requests for fire management and protection. SINAMI uses a marginal analysis and the economic criterion of cost-plus-net-value change (C+NVC) to determine the most efficient program and budget level for fire protection for a simulated fire season. The results are used in establishing strategic fire management plans to respond to historical fire situations. The model also provides information on number of fires and area affected by fire intensity level, as well as the number and type of firefighting resources used through the simulated fire season. The SINAMI model is based on the original structure of the National Fire Management Analysis System developed by the USDA Forest Service, expanded and adapted to Spanish conditions.
The validity and utility of MODIS data for simple estimation of area burned and aerosols emitted by wildfire events
Authors: Henderson Sarah B. , Ichoku Charles , Burkholder Benjamin J. , Brauer Michael , Jackson Peter L.
Published: November 2010

Wildfire emissions are challenging to measure and model, but simple and realistic estimates can benefit multiple disciplines. We evaluate the potential of MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) data to address this objective. A total of 11 004 fire pixels detected over 92 days were clustered into 242 discrete fire events in a mountainous region of North America. Burned areas were estimated with spatial buffers around the MODIS detections, and all events were matched and compared with administrative fire records based on their location and duration. Linear regression between recorded and estimated burned areas showed excellent agreement (slope = 0.93 and R2 = 0.96). Aerosol emission rates were estimated for each MODIS detection using its fire radiative power measurement. Results were compared with estimates from the Canadian Fire Behaviour (CANFB) prediction system in Canada and the US Emissions Production Model (USEPM) for detections in the US. Median emission rates were similar for the MODIS and CANFB methods (600 and 579 g s–1 respectively) but not for the MODIS and USEPM methods (575 and 382 g s–1 respectively). The MODIS rates were much more variable in both comparisons. Linear regression on emission rates summed daily across the study area shows that the MODIS method is more consistent with CANFB (slope = 0.71, R2 = 0.71) than with USEPM (slope = 0.24, R2 = 0.68). We conclude that simple calculations based on remote sensing data can yield results that are comparable with those obtained with more complex methods.
A database view of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides: nomenclature, classification and amino acid sequence analysis.
Authors: Wang G. S. , Li X. , Zasloff M.
Published: November 2010

The nomenclature and classification of naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are complex and have not been fully standardized. The Antimicrobial Peptide Database (http://aps.unmc.edu/AP/main.php) is a useful tool that facilitates peptide naming and classification. The names of AMPs are normally derived from peptide properties, source species or a combination of both. In the database, AMPs are classified based on source organisms (protozoa, bacteria, archaea, fungi, plants and animals), biological activities (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, spermicidal and insecticidal), peptide features (charge, length, hydrophobic residue content, chemical modification and threedimensional structure), binding targets (membranes and non-membranes) and mechanisms of action of the peptides. This database also enables bioinformatic analysis of AMPs that reveals amino acid composition signatures as well as frequently occurring residues.
Database-aided prediction and design of novel antimicrobial peptides.
Authors: Wang G. S.
Published: November 2010

The isolation and characterization of potent antimicrobial peptides from natural sources has opened a new avenue to the development of future antimicrobials. To further expand the peptide space, new antimicrobial peptides can be predicted or designed based on natural peptide templates. By using the knowledge derived from mature peptides, propeptides, or both (i.e. precursor proteins), a variety of peptide prediction tools have been developed. Furthermore, bacteriocins are predicted under the genomic context by considering not only the peptide itself, but also the accompanying genes for its expression, processing and export. This chapter also discusses database-aided peptide design based on database screening, sequence shuffl ing, grammar-based design and de novo design. Finally, major strategies for improving peptide selectivity and stability are highlighted.
Discovery of novel antimicrobial peptides using combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput screening.
Authors: Wimley W. C.
Published: November 2010

The field of antimicrobial peptide (AMP) research has now spanned three decades, in which hundreds of AMPs have been discovered, designed or engineered. Yet despite a vast literature, obvious structure-function relationships are rare and this has created a bottleneck in the discovery of novel AMPs. Instead of rigorous structure-function principles, AMP activity may be best addressed using the physical chemistry concept of 'interfacial activity', a concept that does not help one predict or engineer AMP activity. In this chapter, I address one method of circumventing this engineering bottleneck: combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput screening. Combinatorial methods are first discussed from the perspective of library synthesis techniques, for both indexed and non-indexed methods. This is followed by a discussion of available high-throughput screening techniques. Finally, I address the accomplishments to date generated using combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput screening and future directions the field may take. Combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput screening are powerful and effective tools for discovering novel AMPs. The future of this field holds great promise.
Lung infection: shifting the equilibrium towards the free and active form of human LL-37 and the design of alternative antimicrobial agents.
Authors: Janmey P. A. , Bucki R.
Published: November 2010

Under disease conditions, human LL-37 and other cationic antimicrobial factors are expressed but inactive due to their binding to anionic polyelectrolytes such as DNA, F-actin or acidic polysaccharides. This chapter discusses the basis for this electrostatic interaction and alternative strategies that liberate LL-37 and other amphipathic cations from the bound state so that they are available to fight invading pathogenic bacteria. The potential of this approach for therapeutic use is discussed.
Hap2-3-5-Gln3 determine transcriptional activation of GDH1 and ASN1 under repressive nitrogen conditions in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Hernández Hugo , Aranda Cristina , López Geovani , Riego Lina , González Alicia
Published: November 2010

The transcriptional activation response relies on a repertoire of transcriptional activators, which decipher regulatory information through their specific binding to cognate sequences, and their capacity to selectively recruit the components that constitute a given transcriptional complex. We have addressed the possibility of achieving novel transcriptional responses by the construction of a new transcriptional regulator – the Hap2-3-5-Gln3 hybrid modulator – harbouring the HAP complex polypeptides that constitute the DNA-binding domain (Hap2-3-5) and the Gln3 activation domain, which usually act in an uncombined fashion. The results presented in this paper show that transcriptional activation of GDH1 and ASN1 under repressive nitrogen conditions is achieved through the action of the novel Hap2-3-5-Gln3 transcriptional regulator. We propose that the combination of the Hap DNA-binding and Gln3 activation domains results in a hybrid modulator that elicits a novel transcriptional response not evoked when these modulators act independently.
Plastids Contain a Second Sec Translocase System with Essential Functions
Authors: Skalitzky Courtney A. , Martin Jonathan R. , Harwood Jessica H. , Beirne John J. , Adamczyk Benjamin J. , Heck Gregory R. , Cline Kenneth , Fernandez Donna E.
Published: November 2010

Proteins that are synthesized on cytoplasmic ribosomes but function within plastids must be imported and then targeted to one of six plastid locations. Although multiple systems that target proteins to the thylakoid membranes or thylakoid lumen have been identified, a system that can direct the integration of inner envelope membrane proteins from the stroma has not been previously described. Genetics and localization studies were used to show that plastids contain two different Sec systems with distinct functions. Loss-of-function mutations in components of the previously described thylakoid-localized Sec system, designated as SCY1 (At2g18710), SECA1 (At4g01800), and SECE1 (At4g14870) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), result in albino seedlings and sucrose-dependent heterotrophic growth. Loss-of-function mutations in components of the second Sec system, designated as SCY2 (At2g31530) and SECA2 (At1g21650) in Arabidopsis, result in arrest at the globular stage and embryo lethality. Promoter-swap experiments provided evidence that SCY1 and SCY2 are functionally nonredundant and perform different roles in the cell. Finally, chloroplast import and fractionation assays and immunogold localization of SCY2-green fluorescent protein fusion proteins in root tissues indicated that SCY2 is part of an envelope-localized Sec system. Our data suggest that SCY2 and SECA2 function in Sec-mediated integration and translocation processes at the inner envelope membrane.
Measurement of apoptosis in cytological specimens by flow cytometry: comparison of Annexin V, caspase cleavage and dUTP incorporation assays
Authors: Dong H. P. , Holth A. , Ruud M. G. , Emilsen E. , Risberg B. , Davidson B.
Published: November 2010

H. P. Dong, A. Holth, M. G. Ruud, E. Emilsen, B. Risberg and B. Davidson

Measurement of apoptosis in cytological specimens by flow cytometry: comparison of annexin V, caspase cleavage and dUTP incorporation assays

Objective:  To compare the performance of different assays for measuring apoptosis in cytological specimens.

Methods:  Apoptosis was assessed in 27 specimens (22 effusions, five fine needle aspirates; 20 malignant, seven reactive) using flow cytometry, applying assays for the measurement of annexin V expression, caspase‐3 and ‐8 cleavage and deoxynucleotidyl transferase deoxyuridine triphosphates (dUTP) incorporation. Results were studied for differences between reactive and malignant specimens, as well as performance across assays.

Results:  Wide variation in the degree of apoptosis was observed in both benign and malignant specimens using all assays. However, the percentage of annexin V‐positive cells was higher compared with those showing caspase cleavage or dUTP incorporation in the majority of cases, irrespective of specimen type. Comparative analysis of benign and malignant specimens showed no significant differences in expression of any of the studied parameters. However, tumour cells and reactive mesothelial cells in pleural effusions had a significantly lower level of dUTP incorporation compared with their counterparts in peritoneal specimens (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:  The present data are in agreement with our previous observation in ovarian carcinoma effusions, that measurement of apoptosis by the annexin V assay provides higher expression values than those obtained by other assays, suggesting that this assay does not accurately reflect the degree of apoptosis in benign or malignant cells in effusions.
Strain origin drives virulence and persistence ofXylella fastidiosain alfalfa
Authors: Lopes J. R. S. , Daugherty M. P. , Almeida R. P. P.
Published: November 2010

Generalist pathogens frequently exist as a complex of genetically differentiated strains, which can differ in virulence and transmissibility. A description of the extent to which strain variability mediates host species competence is needed to understand disease dynamics for systems with both host and pathogen strain diversity. This study tested the hypothesis that strain‐specific variation of a generalist vector‐borne plant pathogen,Xylella fastidiosa, affects disease severity in alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and competence of this crop as a reservoir host. Alfalfa seedlings were inoculated with one of 23X. fastidiosaisolates collected from different hosts, eight identified as belonging to an almond strain, and the remainder from a grape strain. Pathogen population, symptom severity and infection incidence were compared over five successive harvests. Infected plant size, measured mainly by plant height, internode length and above ground biomass, was reduced up to 50% compared to buffer‐inoculated controls, and more severe symptoms were observed at later harvests and for higher pathogen populations. Grape isolates had higher bacterial populations within alfalfa than almond isolates. In addition, infection with grape isolates resulted in more severe alfalfa stunting than that caused by almond isolates. Moreover, there was a strong positive relationship between isolate multiplication rate and both symptom severity and infection persistence (i.e. maintenance of chronic infection within host). Isolates with low initial populations had low incidence at the final harvest, with one isolate dying out altogether. The results showed thatX. fastidiosa‐genetic diversity contributed to variation in alfalfa disease severity. The results also suggest that pathogen strain may mediate host competence via differences in bacterial population density and persistence.
Metformin inhibits P‐glycoprotein expression via the NF‐κB pathway and CRE transcriptional activity through AMPK activation
Authors: Kim Hyung Gyun , Hien Tran Thi , Han Eun Hee , Hwang Yong Pil , Choi Jae Ho , Kang Keon Wook , Kwon Kwang‐il , Kim Bong‐Hee , Kim Sang Kyum , Song Gye Yong , Jeong Tae Cheon , Jeong Hye Gwang
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The expression of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), encoded by the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene, is associated with the emergence of the MDR phenotype in cancer cells. We investigated whether metformin (1,1‐dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride) down‐regulates MDR1 expression in MCF‐7/adriamycin (MCF‐7/adr) cells.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH MCF‐7 and MCF‐7/adr cells were incubated with metformin and changes in P‐gp expression were determined at the mRNA, protein and functional level. Transient transfection assays were performed to assess its gene promoter activities, and immunoblot analysis to study its molecular mechanisms of action.

KEY RESULTS Metformin significantly inhibited MDR1 expression by blocking MDR1 gene transcription. Metformin also significantly increased the intracellular accumulation of the fluorescent P‐gp substrate rhodamine‐123. Nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activity and the level of IκB degradation were reduced by metformin treatment. Moreover, transduction of MCF‐7/adr cells with the p65 subunit of NF‐κB induced MDR1 promoter activity and expression, and this effect was attenuated by metformin. The suppression of MDR1 promoter activity and protein expression was mediated through metformin‐induced activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Small interfering RNA methods confirmed that reduction of AMPK levels attenuates the inhibition of MDR1 activation associated with metformin exposure. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of metformin on MDR1 expression and cAMP‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation were reversed by overexpression of a dominant‐negative mutant of AMPK.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that metformin activates AMPK and suppresses MDR1 expression in MCF‐7/adr cells by inhibiting the activation of NF‐κB and CREB. This study reveals a novel function of metformin as an anticancer agent.
Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase affects mitochondrial function in part through inducing peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator‐1β expression
Authors: Gao Minghui , Wang Junjian , Wang Wenxian , Liu Jinsong , Wong Chi‐Wai
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Hyperactivation of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K), commonly observed in cancer, is believed to promote cancer cell growth and survival. Appropriate mitochondrial function is an integral part of cellular function. How PI3K affects mitochondrial homeostasis is not fully understood.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mitochondrial mass, membrane potential and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified by three different fluorogenic probes. Gene expression at the levels of mRNA and protein were measured by quantitative RT‐PCR and Western analysis.

KEY RESULTS Using the PI3K inhibitors LY294002 and PI103, we found that suppressing PI3K activity altered mitochondrial function. Specifically, LY294002 and PI103 suppressed the mRNA expression levels of mitochondrial regulators nuclear respiratory factors 1 and 2 (NRF1 and NRF2). As NRF1 and NRF2 are under the transcriptional control of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivators‐1α and ‐1β (PGC‐1α and PGC‐1β), we found that suppressing PI3K activity selectively reduced both the mRNA and protein levels of PGC‐1β but not PGC‐1α. Reducing PGC‐1β expression also led to reduced mRNA expression levels of uncoupling protein 1, 2 (UCP1 and UCP2) and superoxide dismutase 2. Correspondingly, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and ROS levels were increased. Finally, we partially blunted the LY294002‐mediated growth suppression by using an antioxidant or over‐expressing PGC‐1β.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS PI3K regulates mitochondrial homeostasis in part through PGC‐1β and blocking this pathway induces ROS to arrest cell growth at the G1 phase.
Status epilepticus in fragile X syndrome
Authors: Gauthey Magali , Poloni Claudia B. , Ramelli Gian‐Paolo , Roulet‐Perez Eliane , Korff Christian M.
Published: November 2010

Epilepsy is frequent in fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common cause of inherited mental retardation. Status epilepticus (SE), however, seems exceptional in FXS, particularly as an initial epileptic manifestation. To our knowledge, SE was reported in only four FXS patients. We report the clinical features and electroencephalography (EEG) findings of five children with FXS, who presented with SE as their initial seizure.
STXBP1 mutations cause not only Ohtahara syndrome but also West syndrome—Result of Japanese cohort study
Authors: Otsuka Motoko , Oguni Hirokazu , Liang Jao‐Shwann , Ikeda Hiroko , Imai Katsumi , Hirasawa Kyoko , Imai Kaoru , Tachikawa Emiko , Shimojima Keiko , Osawa Makiko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: November 2010

We performed STXBP1 mutation analyses in 86 patients with various types of epilepsies, including 10 patients with OS, 43 with West syndrome, 2 with Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome, 12 with symptomatic generalized epilepsy, 14 with symptomatic partial epilepsy, and 5 with other undetermined types of epilepsy. In all patients, the etiology was unknown, but ARX and CDKL5 mutations were negative in all cases. All coding exons of STXBP1 were analyzed by direct‐sequencing. Two de novo nucleotide alterations of STXBP1 were identified in two patients with Ohtahara and West syndrome, respectively. No de novo or deleterious mutations in STXBP1 were found in the remaining 84 patients with various types of symptomatic epilepsies. This is the first case report showing that STXBP1 mutations caused West syndrome from the onset of epilepsy. STXBP1 analysis should be considered as an etiology of symptomatic West syndrome without explainable cause.
The impact of maternal depressive symptoms on health‐related quality of life in children with epilepsy: A prospective study of family environment as mediators and moderators
Authors: Ferro Mark A. , Avison William R. , Karen Campbell M. , Speechley Kathy N.
Published: November 2010

Purpose:  To examine the impact of maternal depressive symptoms (DS) on health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in children with new‐onset epilepsy and to identify family factors that moderate and mediate this relationship during the first 24 months after epilepsy diagnosis.

Methods:  A sample of 339 mother–child dyads recruited from pediatric neurologists across Canada in the Health‐related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study. Mothers’ and neurologists’ reports were collected at four times during the 24‐month follow‐up. Mothers’ DS were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D) and children’s HRQL using the Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy (QOLCE). Data were modeled using individual growth curve modeling.

Key Findings:  Maternal DS were observed to have a negative impact on QOLCE scores at 24 months (β = −0.47, p < 0.0001) and the rate of change in QOLCE scores during follow‐up (β = −0.04, p = 0.0250). This relationship was moderated by family resources (β = 0.25, p = 0.0243), and the magnitude of moderation varied over time (β = 0.09, p = 0.0212). Family functioning and demands partially mediated the impact of maternal DS on child HRQL (β = −0.07, p = 0.0007; β = −0.12, p = 0.0006).

Significance:  Maternal DS negatively impact child HRQL in new‐onset epilepsy during the first 24 months after diagnosis. This relationship is moderated by family resources and mediated by family functioning and demands. By adopting family centered approaches, health care professionals may be able to intervene at the maternal or family level to promote more positive outcomes in children.
Drug monitoring of lamotrigine and oxcarbazepine combination during pregnancy
Authors: Wegner Ilse , Edelbroek Peter , De Haan Gerrit‐Jan , Lindhout Dick , Sander Josemir W.
Published: November 2010

Little is known about pregnancy‐induced alterations in the pharmacokinetics of the newer antiepileptic drugs, especially when used in combinations. Two women receiving combination therapy of lamotrigine (LTG) and oxcarbazepine (OXC) were followed prospectively during pregnancy and puerperium. Steady‐state concentrations of LTG and the active metabolite of OXC, 10‐hydroxycarbazepine (MHD), were measured at regular intervals using a dried blood spot method, and clearances were calculated. A strong effect of pregnancy on the clearance of both LTG and MHD was seen. An increase in seizure frequency occurred in both women. This stresses the importance of therapeutic drug monitoring of LTG and MHD during pregnancy. In case of breakthrough seizures or increased seizure frequency, dosage adjustment of both drugs may be required.
γ‐secretase complexes containing caspase‐cleaved presenilin‐1 increase intracellular Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio
Authors: Hedskog Louise , Petersen Camilla A. Hansson , Svensson Annelie I. , Welander Hedvig , Tjernberg Lars O. , Karlström Helena , Ankarcrona Maria
Published: November 2010

Markers for caspase activation and apoptosis have been shown in brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and AD‐mouse models. In neurons, caspase activation is associated with elevated amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) production. Caspases cleave numerous substrates including presenilin‐1 (PS1). The cleavage takes place in the large cytosolic loop of PS1‐C‐terminal fragment (PS1CTF), generating a truncated PS1CTF lacking half of the loop domain (caspCTF). The loop has been shown to possess important regulatory functions with regard to Aβ40 and Aβ42 production. Previously, we have demonstrated that γ‐secretase complexes are active during apoptosis regardless of caspase cleavage in the PS1CTF‐loop. Here, a PS1/PS2‐knockout mouse blastocyst‐derived cell line was used to establish stable or transient cell lines expressing either caspCTF or full‐length CTF (wtCTF). We show that caspCTF restores γ‐secretase activity and forms active γ‐secretase complexes together with Nicastrin, Pen‐2, Aph‐1 and PS1‐N‐terminal fragment. Further, caspCTF containing γ‐secretase complexes have a sustained capacity to cleave amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch, generating APP and Notch intracellular domain, respectively. However, when compared to wtCTF cells, caspCTF cells exhibit increased intracellular production of Aβ42 accompanied by increased intracellular Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio without changing the Aβ secretion pattern. Similarly, induction of apoptosis in wtCTF cells generate a similar shift in intracellular Aβ pattern with increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. In summary, we show that caspase cleavage of PS1 generates a γ‐secretase complex that increases the intracellular Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. This can have implications for AD pathogenesis and suggests caspase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.
Facilitation can maintain clustered spatial pattern of plant populations during density‐dependent mortality: insights from a zone‐of‐influence model
Authors: Jia Xin , Dai Xin‐Feng , Shen Zhu‐Xia , Zhang Jun‐Yan , Wang Gen‐Xuan
Published: November 2010

Recent years have seen a growing body of evidence showing that plant competition and facilitation usually operate simultaneously to drive population dynamics, community structure and ecosystem functions. However, the potential role of facilitation in spatial patterning of plant populations has rarely been explicitly examined. We used a ‘zone‐of‐influence’ model to explore how facilitation interacts with competition and abiotic stress to determine the spatial patterning of populations during density‐dependent mortality. Model simulations revealed that started with the same clustered pattern, the final pattern of simulated populations depended strongly on the interaction among facilitation, stress level and size‐symmetry of competition. Asymmetric competition consistently led to immediate and non‐random mortality towards regularity, thus rapidly decayed the initially clustered pattern to final patterns of small‐scale regularity and large‐scale randomness. The role of symmetric competition in decaying the clustered pattern increased with abiotic stress because stress‐induced reductions in plants’ growth rates can make individuals in high‐density clusters more likely to die even from symmetric competition. Facilitation played a clear role in counteracting the effect of stress, thus tended to maintain the degree of clustering of the pattern during density‐dependent mortality. This is because the amelioration of harsh conditions by neighboring plants relieved the reductions in plant growth due to competition, thus slowed down and reduced the mortality inside clusters (relative to that outside clusters). Moreover, the effect of facilitation appeared to increase with abiotic stress. Our results indicate that facilitation among neighboring plants should partially be responsible for clustered population spatial patterns observed in stressful environments, even though its contribution relative to other factors (e.g. local dispersal and environmental heterogeneity) remains to be evaluated. In addition, the potential influence of facilitation on self‐thinning trajectory should be explicitly examined in future modeling and experimental studies considering its effects on density‐dependent mortality.
Prevalence of the Complaint of Ejaculating Prematurely and the Four Premature Ejaculation Syndromes: Results from the Turkish Society of Andrology Sexual Health Survey
Authors: Serefoglu Ege C. , Yaman Onder , Cayan Selahittin , Asci Ramazan , Orhan Irfan , Usta Mustafa F. , Ekmekcioglu Oguz , Kendirci Muammer , Semerci Bulent , Kadioglu Ates
Published: November 2010

Introduction

In addition to the previously known lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation (PE) syndromes, the existence of two more PE syndromes has been suggested: natural variable PE and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction. However, epidemiological studies investigating the prevalence of these four PE syndromes have yet to be conducted.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of the complaint of ejaculating prematurely across the four PE syndromes.

Methods

This study, conducted between June 2009 and December 2009, was designed as a non-interventional, observational cross-sectional field survey. Participating couples were randomly selected from 17 provinces of Turkey. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire including data regarding demographics, socioeconomic status, social and cultural factors, medical and sexual history, current medications, and ejaculation time. Subjects with a complaint of ejaculating prematurely were classified as lifelong, acquired, and natural variable PE, or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction.

Main Outcome Measures

The main outcome measures were prevalence of complaint of ejaculating prematurely in the general population and across the four PE syndromes.

Results

A total of 2,593 couples (mean age, 41.9 ± 12.7 years for males and 38.2 ± 12.1 years for females) were enrolled. Five-hundred twelve subjects (20.0%) complained of ejaculating prematurely. Fifty-eight (2.3%), 100 (3.9%), 215 (8.5%), and 131 (5.1%) subjects were classified as lifelong, acquired, and natural variable PE, and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction, respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of the complaint of ejaculating prematurely among Turkish men was 20.0%, with the highest PE syndrome being natural variable PE (8.5%) and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (5.1%).
Cranial nerve palsy in multiple myeloma and solitary plasmacytoma
Authors: KASHYAP Rajesh , KUMAR Raj , KUMAR Shaleen
Published: November 2010

Cranial nerve involvement in multiple myeloma and solitary plasmacytoma is rare. We report on two patients who developed cranial nerve palsy due to skull base plasmacytoma. Patient 1, a 55‐year old man with multiple myeloma, developed right sixth cranial nerve palsy during a phase of chemotherapy. He had an intracranial plasmacytoma in the clival region and was treated with 30 Gy whole brain radiotherapy. Patient 2, a 40‐year old man, presented with right third cranial nerve palsy and was detected to have a solitary skull base plasmacytoma. He was treated with radiotherapy followed by thalidomide plus dexamethasone.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery in an elderly population: comparison with those in an adult population
Authors: Ban J.H. , Kwon H.J. , Lee K.C.
Published: November 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol.2010,35,300–306

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery in two patient groups: adults younger than 65 years of age and adults aged 65 years or older.

Design: A retrospective study.

Setting: This study was conducted at an academic tertiary referral centre.

Participants: One hundred and eighty consecutive older patients (≥65 years), and 180 adult patients (>15, <65 years) with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery under local anaesthesia between 1997 and 2007 were enrolled in this study.

Main outcome measures: Recurrence and complication rates were analyzed. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test, Fisher’s Exact test, the Pearson Chi‐Square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: When looked at without control for other factors the surgical complication rates were higher in the older group patients (31%) compared with the younger patients (11%). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative duration of symptoms, length of follow‐up, and diabetes mellitus were positively correlated with complications. In this analysis, the older patients, once controlled for these factors, were less likely to have complications. Regarding recurrence, in multivariate analysis there was no difference between the older and the younger group with preoperative duration and length of postoperative follow‐up having a small effect.

Conclusions: Comorbidity especially diabetes mellitus and duration of the condition should be the factors considered preoperatively to predict the likely hood of complications rather than whether the patient is younger or older that 65 years of age.
Understanding mortality in the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in England and Wales
Authors: Pearce Dora C. , Pallaghy Paul K. , McCaw James M. , McVernon Jodie , Mathews John D.
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Pearce et al. (2011) Understanding mortality in the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in England and Wales. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(2), 89–98.

Background  The causes of recurrent waves in the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic are not fully understood.

Objectives  To identify the risk factors for influenza onset, spread and mortality in waves 1, 2 and 3 (summer, autumn and winter) in England and Wales in 1918–1919.

Methods  Influenza mortality rates for 333 population units and putative risk factors were analysed by correlation and by regressions weighted by population size and adjusted for spatial trends.

Results  For waves 1 and 3, influenza mortality was higher in younger, northerly and socially disadvantaged populations experiencing higher all‐cause mortality in 1911–1914. Influenza mortality was greatest in wave 2, but less dependent on underlying population characteristics. Wave duration was shorter in areas with higher influenza mortality, typically associated with increasing population density. Regression analyses confirmed the importance of geographical factors and pre‐pandemic mortality for all three waves. Age effects were complex, with the suggestion that younger populations with greater mortality in wave 1 had lesser mortality in wave 2.

Conclusions  Our findings suggest that socially disadvantaged populations were more vulnerable, that older populations were partially protected by prior immunity in wave 1 and that exposure of (younger) populations in one wave could protect against mortality in the subsequent wave. An increase in viral virulence could explain the greater mortality in wave 2. Further modelling of causal processes will help to explain, in considerable detail, how social and geographical factors, season, pre‐existing and acquired immunity and virulence affected viral transmission and pandemic mortality in 1918–1919.
Nucleolar Disruption and Cajal Body Disassembly are Nuclear Hallmarks of DNA Damage‐Induced Neurodegeneration in Purkinje Cells
Authors: Baltanás Fernando C. , Casafont Iñigo , Weruaga Eduardo , Alonso José R. , Berciano María T. , Lafarga Miguel
Published: November 2010

The Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration (pcd) phenotype results from mutation in nna1 gene and is associated with the degeneration and death of PCs during the postnatal life. Although the pcd mutation is a model of the ataxic mouse, it shares clinical and pathological characteristics of inherited human spinocerebellar ataxias. PC degeneration in pcd mice provides a useful neuronal system to study nuclear mechanisms involved in DNA damage‐dependent neurodegeneration, particularly the contribution of nucleoli and Cajal bodies (CBs). Both nuclear structures are engaged in housekeeping functions for neuronal survival, the biogenesis of ribosomes and the maturation of snRNPs and snoRNPs required for pre‐mRNA and pre‐rRNA processing, respectively. In this study, we use ultrastructural analysis, in situ transcription assay and molecular markers for DNA damage, nucleoli and CB components to demonstrate that PC degeneration involves the progressive accumulation of nuclear DNA damage associated with disruption of nucleoli and CBs, disassembly of polyribosomes into monoribosomes, ribophagy and shut down of nucleolar and extranucleolar transcription. Microarray analysis reveals that four genes encoding repressors of nucleolar rRNA synthesis (p53, Rb, PTEN and SNF2) are upregulated in the cerebellum of pcd mice. Collectively, these data support that nucleolar and CB alterations are hallmarks of DNA damage‐induced neurodegeneration.
Microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Powders: Relationship of Powder Physical Properties to Probiotic Survival during Storage
Authors: Ying Dan Yang , Phoon Mei Chi , Sanguansri Luz , Weerakkody Rangika , Burgar Iko , Augustin Mary Ann
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Freeze‐dried commercial Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) were encapsulated in an emulsion‐based formulation stabilized by whey protein and resistant starch and either spray‐dried or freeze‐dried to produce probiotic microcapsules. There was no difference in loss of probiotics viability after spray drying or freeze drying. Particle size, morphology, moisture sorption, and water mobility of the powder microcapsules were examined. Particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy showed that spray‐dried LGG microcapsules (SDMC) were small spherical particles, whereas freeze‐dried LGG microcapsules (FDMC) were larger nonspherical particles. Moisture sorption isotherms obtained using dynamic vapor sorption showed a slightly higher water uptake in spray‐dried microcapsules. The effect of water mobility, as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, at various water activities (aw 0.32, 0.57, and 0.70) and probiotic viability during storage at 25 °C was also examined. Increasing the relative humidity of the environment at which the samples were stored caused an increase in water mobility and the rate of loss in viability. The viability data during storage indicated that SDMC had better storage stability compared to FDMC. Although more water was adsorbed for spray‐dried than freeze‐dried microcapsules, water mobility was similar for corresponding storage conditions because there was a stronger water‐binding energy for spray‐dried microcapsule. This possibly accounted for the improved survival of probiotics in spray‐dried microcapsules.

Practical Application:  The mechanistic insights gained from this study using freeze‐dried probiotics can be applied during optimization of the microcapsule formulations and processing conditions for encapsulation and spray drying of fresh culture in a commercial application.
An Investigation of Bread‐Baking Process in a Pilot‐Scale Electrical Heating Oven Using Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Anishaparvin A. , Chhanwal N. , Indrani D. , Raghavarao K.S.M.S. , Anandharamakrishnan C.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was developed for bread‐baking process in a pilot‐scale baking oven to find out the effect of hot air distribution and placement of bread on temperature and starch gelatinization index of bread. In this study, product (bread) simulation was carried out with different placements of bread. Simulation results were validated with experimental measurements of bread temperature. This study showed that nonuniform air flow pattern inside the oven cavity leads to uneven temperature distribution. The study with respect to placement of bread showed that baking of bread in upper trays required shorter baking time and gelatinization index compared to those in the bottom tray. The upper tray bread center reached 100 °C at 1200 s, whereas starch gelatinization completed within 900 s, which was the minimum baking index. Moreover, the heat penetration and starch gelatinization were higher along the sides of the bread as compared to the top and bottom portions of the bread.
Kinetic Characterization of a Basic Peroxidase from Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Cloves
Authors: Marzouki Saida Medjeldi , Almagro Lorena , Sabater‐Jara Ana B. , Barceló Alfonso Ros , Pedreño María A.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Peroxidases catalyze the reduction of H2O2 by taking electrons from a variety of compounds from the secondary metabolism including flavonoids and lignin precursors. This work describes the purification and kinetic characterization of a basic peroxidase from garlic cloves using quercetin and p‐coumaric acid, flavonoid and phenolic compounds found in garlic cloves. The high catalytic efficiency shown by this basic peroxidase in the oxidation of quercetin at acidic pH suggests good adaptation of this enzyme, involved in quercetin catabolism in the acidic physiological pH conditions of the vacuoles, where it is presumably located. Likewise, garlic peroxidase showed similar oxidation rates for hydroxycinnamyl (p‐coumaric) and sinapyl‐type structures, which suggests its involvement in the cross‐coupling reactions that occur in the cell wall during lignification. On the other hand, the high affinity of this enzyme for H2O2 would be in accordance with the oxidation of both flavonoid and phenolic compounds to regulate H2O2 levels in tissues/organelles, where this peroxidase is expressed.
A Human Gastric Simulator (HGS) to Study Food Digestion in Human Stomach
Authors: Kong Fanbin , Singh R. Paul
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro stomach model, the Human Gastric Simulator (HGS), for studying gastric digestion of foods. The HGS is designed in such a way as to simulate the continuous peristaltic movement of stomach walls, with similar amplitude and frequency of contraction forces as reported in vivo. The HGS mainly consists of a latex vessel, simulating the stomach chamber, and a series of rollers secured on belts that are driven by motor and pulleys to create a continuous contraction of the latex wall. It also incorporates gastric secretion, emptying systems, and temperature control that enable accurate simulation of dynamic digestion process for detailed investigation of the changes in the physical chemical properties of ingested foods. The simulated gastric contraction force demonstrates a similar pattern as in vivo stomach forces. The precise control of gastric secretion and emptying and the adjustable mechanical forces in the HGS provide a useful tool to study transformation of food constituents under simulated physiological conditions.

Practical Application:  HGS could be used to study changes in the physical and chemical properties of gastric contents, and transformation of food constituents that occur during simulated digestion, and the influence of physiological conditions including acid and enzyme secretion and contraction forces on disintegration kinetics of foods and nutrient release.
Soybean Peptide Lunasin Suppresses In Vitro and In Vivo 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐Induced Tumorigenesis
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Chien , Hernández‐Ledesma Blanca , de Lumen Ben O.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Lunasin is a novel peptide identified in soybean and other seeds. This study evaluated the anti‐tumorigenic effects of lunasin on 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 3‐methylcholanthrene‐treated (MCA) fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. Lunasin significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cancerous foci formation in these 2 chemical carcinogens‐treated cells. An in vivo SENCAR mouse model induced with DMBA was used to study the mammary cancer preventive properties of dietary lunasin contained in soy protein. Tumor incidence was 67% and 50%, and the tumor generation was 1.88 ± 0.48 and 1.17 ± 0.17, respectively, for the mice fed control diet and experimental diet obtained after AIN‐93G supplementation with lunasin‐enriched soy protein concentrate (containing 0.23% lunasin). However, no effects were observed in mice fed AIN‐93G supplemented with soy protein concentrate (containing 0.15% lunasin). The data provided illustrate the anticancer potential of lunasin both in vitro and in vivo and supports the recommendation of soy protein as a dietary component that may aid in the prevention of mammary cancer.

Practical Application:  Daily intake of lunasin‐enriched soy protein is introduced as a promising strategy to prevent chemical carcinogens‐induced mammary tumors.
Effect of NaCl on the Biofilm Formation by Foodborne Pathogens
Authors: Xu Hua , Zou Yunyun , Lee Hyeon‐Yong , Ahn Juhee
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  This study was designed to evaluate the effect of NaCl on the biofilm formation of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella boydii, and Salmonella Typhimurium. The biofilm cells were cultured in media containing different NaCl concentrations (0% to 10%) for 10 d of incubation at 37 °C using a 24‐well polystyrene microtiter plate, collected by swabbing methods, and enumerated using plate count method. The attachment and detachment kinetic patterns were estimated according to the modified Gompertz model. The cell surface hydrophobicity and auto‐aggregation were observed at different NaCl concentrations. Most strains showed 2 distinctive phases at lower than 6% NaCl, while the numbers of adhered cells gradually increased throughout the incubation period at 4% to 10% NaCl. At 0% NaCl, the numbers of adhered L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, S. boydii, and S. Typhimurium cells rapidly increased up to 7.04, 6.47, 6.39, and 7.27 log CFU/cm2, respectively, within 4 d of incubation. The maximum growth rate (kA) and specific growth rate (μA) of adherent pathogenic cells were decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Noticeable decline in the numbers of adherent cells was observed at low concentration levels of NaCl (<2%). The adherence abilities of foodborne pathogens were influenced by the physicochemical surface properties. The hydrophobicity and auto‐aggregation enhanced the biofilm formation during the incubation periods. Therefore, this study could provide useful information to better understand the adhesion and detachment capability of foodborne pathogens on food contact surfaces.
Effect of Light and Sweeteners on Color in an Amaretto‐Type Liqueur
Authors: Castañeda‐Olivares F. , Pless R.C. , González‐Jasso E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Studies on the color loss in an amaretto‐type liqueur under controlled light conditions showed a clear dependence of the decoloration rate on the light intensity, and complete color stability in the absence of light. The principal sweetener used in the preparation of the liqueur strongly affected the rate of color loss under irradiation, color stability being much greater for the formulations containing sucrose or no added sweetener instead of fructose 42. These differences were more pronounced in experiments conducted with chemically well‐defined mixtures that contained either of the 2 azo dyes used in the coloration of the amaretto, tartrazine, and Allura Red, and various alternative sweeteners, in 28% (v/v) ethanol solution: D‐fructose and, to a lesser extent, D‐glucose, at concentrations of 14% (w/v), were effective in bringing about photodecoloration, while no color loss was detected in the presence of sucrose, or in the absence of any added sugar. The results are interpreted in terms of a redox reaction of reducing sugars with the diarylazo compounds, the function of the light being the conversion of the azo compound from the predominant trans configuration to the cis configuration, which on geometric grounds lends itself better to a concerted, cyclical redox reaction with the reducing sugar.

Practical Application:  The present study describes an interaction between azo dyes and reducing sugars under irradiation with light, which results in rapid decoloration. This result is of interest as the coincidence of these 3 factors may occur with some frequency.