bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Obesity in Turkish children and adolescents: prevalence and non‐nutritional correlates in an urban sample
Authors: Discigil G. , Tekin N. , Soylemez A.
Published: February 2009

Objectives  The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence and non‐nutritional correlates of childhood obesity in primary school children and adolescents living in a representative sample of an urban area in western Anatolia.

Methods  The study was designed as a cross‐sectional, population‐based study. A representative sample of primary school children in Aydin was randomly selected according to age, gender and socio‐economic status. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated after weight and height measurement. Centres for Disease Control 2000 growth charts for children and adolescents were used to identify BMI percentiles. Weight and height percentiles were obtained from charts of growth curves for Turkish children.

Results  The age range of children was 6–16 years. A total of 924 children and 424 adolescents were screened for obesity. Overweight and obesity prevalence in primary school children living in Aydin was 12.2% and 3.7%, respectively. High socio‐economic status was found to be associated with childhood obesity. There was no association between obesity and gender, adolescence, educational status of parents and occupation of father.

Conclusion  In the present study, we focused on some of the non‐nutritional correlates of obesity in a representative population of an urban area in a developing country. Obesity prevalence rate in Turkish children living in Aydin was higher in children from a higher socio‐economic group in contrast to reports from many developed countries.
Increased prevalence of autoimmunity in Turner syndrome – influence of age
Authors: Mortensen K H , Cleemann L , Hjerrild B E , Nexo E , Locht H , Jeppesen E M , Gravholt C H
Published: February 2009

Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) are prone to develop autoimmune conditions such as coeliac disease (CD), thyroiditis and type 1 diabetes (T1DM). The objective of the present study was to examine TS of various karyotypes for autoantibodies and corresponding diseases. This was investigated in a prospective cross-sectional study of Danish TS patients (n = 107, median age 36·7 years, range: 6–60 years). A medical history was recorded and a blood sample was analysed for autoantibodies against gliadin, transglutaminase, adrenal cortex, intrinsic factor, anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and glutamic-acid-decarboxylase 65 (GAD-65). Autoantibodies were present in 58% (n = 61) of all patients, whereof 18% (11) had autoantibodies targeting more than one organ. Patients with autoantibodies were significantly older than those without (P = 0·001). Anti-TPO was present in 45% (48) of patients, of whom 33% (16) were hypothyroid. Overall, 18% (19) presented with CD autoantibodies, of whom 26% (five) had CD. Anti-TPO and CD autoantibodies co-existed in 9% (10). Immunoglobulin A deficiency was found in 3% (three) of patients, who all had CD autoantibodies without disease. Among four patients with anti-GAD-65 none had T1DM, but two were classified as having T2DM. One patient had adrenocortical autoantibodies but not adrenal failure. Autoantibodies against intrinsic factor were absent. Anti-GAD-65 was increased in isochromosomal karyotypes (3/23 versus 1/84, P = 0·008) with no other association found between autoantibodies and karyotype. In conclusion, TS girls and women face a high prevalence of autoimmunity and associated disease with a preponderance towards hypothyroidism and CD. Thus, health care providers dealing with this patient group should be observant and test liberally for these conditions even before clinical symptoms emerge.
The relationship between thyroid function, serum monokine induced by interferon gamma and soluble interleukin-2 receptor in thyroid autoimmune diseases
Authors: Jiskra J , Antošová M , Límanová Z , Telička Z , Lacinová Z
Published: February 2009

Interactions between cytokines play an important role in the development of thyroid autoimmunity. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we investigated serum concentrations of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, CD30, monokine induced by interferon-gamma (MIG), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 and markers of apoptosis decoy receptor 3 and Bcl-2 in 28 patients with hyperthyroid Graves' disease (GD), 24 patients with untreated Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and 15 healthy controls. TNF-α, IL-10 and sIL-2R were higher in GD compared with HT and controls (TNF-α: 8·79 in GD versus 2·54 pg/ml in HT, P = 0·01; IL-10: 10·00 versus 3·10 versus 3·10 pg/ml, P1 < 0·001, P2 = 0·005; sIL-2R: 1·26 versus 0·64 versus 0·46 ng/ml, P < 0·001). MIG and CD30 were higher in HT compared with controls (649·22 ± 262·55 versus 312·95 ± 143·35 pg/ml, P = 0·037, 6·57 ± 2·35 versus 3·03 ± 1·04 U/ml, P = 0·036 respectively). In GD sIL-2R decreased when the euthyroid state was achieved (1·31 ± 0·64 versus 0·260 ± 0·11, n = 12, P < 0·001). sIL-2R correlated positively with free thyroxine (FT4) (R = 0·521, P = 0·000) and negatively with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) (R = −0·472, P = 0·00132). MIG correlated negatively with FT4 (R = −0·573, P = 0·00234) and positively with TSH (R = 0·462, P = 0·0179). The results suggest that serum concentrations of sIL-2R and MIG are related to thyroid function rather than to activation of autoimmunity.
Fractalkine functions as a chemoattractant for osteoarthritis synovial fibroblasts and stimulates phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and Akt
Authors: Klosowska K , Volin M V , Huynh N , Chong K K , Halloran M M , Woods J M
Published: February 2009

Fractalkine (FKN/CX3CL1) has been detected in synovial fluids from osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Additionally, low-level expression of the FKN receptor, CX3CR1, has been demonstrated in OA synovial lining. This study aimed to determine a biological function for this ligand/receptor pair in OA and to assess a potential signalling mechanism for FKN in this predominant synovial lining cell type, using chemotaxis assays, Western blotting and F-actin staining. Chemotaxis assays demonstrate that the chemokine domain of FKN effectively induces migration of OA fibroblasts. Consistent with this finding, visualization of F-actin demonstrates that 1 or 10 nM FKN induces noticeable reorganization of cytoskeletal structure in OA fibroblasts after 30 min stimulation with a maximal enhancement at approximately 2 h. In addition, Western blotting analysis demonstrates that FKN stimulates phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 as well as the serine-threonine kinase Akt at Ser 473 and Thr 308. All these phosphorylation events occur in a time-dependent manner, with little or no activation within 1 min, and maximal activation occurring typically between 5 and 30 min. Moreover, inhibition of ERK 1/2 significantly reduces FKN-induced OA fibroblast migration. These results suggest that FKN is a novel chemoattractant for OA fibroblasts, consistent with FKN-induced alterations in cytoskeletal structure. In addition, FKN induces OA fibroblast signalling via the MAP kinases p38, JNK and ERK 1/2, as well as Akt.
Content of synthetic astaxanthin in escaped farmed Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., ascending Norwegian rivers
Authors: LURA H. , ØKLAND F.
Published: February 2009

Abstract  Isomeric ratios of astaxanthin in eggs and alevins of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., have proven useful in identifying female spawners of farmed origin, but the method underestimates the proportion of fish of farmed origin. The rate of underestimation was studied by analysing astaxanthin content in tissue of 55 farmed Atlantic salmon ascending two Norwegian rivers in the autumn of 1991. The astaxanthin content fell into two distinct classes. Fifty‐one per cent of the adult escaped salmon had isomeric ratios similar to salmon fed synthetic astaxanthin, whereas all the remaining fish had ratios similar to wild fish. Discriminant analysis classified 96.4% of the fish with known astaxanthin content into the correct astaxanthin class on basis of tail‐fin erosion, length, weight and gill‐cover damage. This discriminant function was used to estimate the astaxanthin classification of 1017 farmed salmon caught in nine rivers during 1989–1991. The classification success varied among years from 52 to 64%. Corresponding numbers for females and males were 45–48% and 54–70%, respectively. Thus, estimates of spawning rates of farmed female salmon via astaxanthin content in eggs or alevins from redds should be adjusted accordingly. The observed isomeric ratios of astaxanthin in the escaped farmed salmon and the relationship with morphology indicates that a significant proportion of the escapees ascending rivers have spent more than 1 year in the wild after escape.
DIC‐1 over‐expression enhances respiratory activity in Caenorhabditis elegans by promoting mitochondrial cristae formation
Authors: Lee Tae Hoon , Mun Ji Young , Han Sung Min , Yoon Gyesoon , Han Sung Sik , Koo Hyeon‐Sook
Published: February 2009

Deficiency of the Caenorhabditis elegans protein, DIC‐1, located in the inner membrane of mitochondria produces an abnormal mitochondrial morphology. The mechanism by which DIC‐1 controls the topology of the inner membrane was investigated by transiently over‐expressing DIC‐1 in C. elegans. Cryo‐electron microscopy showed that DIC‐1 over‐expression greatly increased the number and fractional area of mitochondrial cristae, suggesting that DIC‐1 actively participates in cristae formation. These morphological changes were accompanied by increases in the oxygen consumption rate and ATP content of C. elegans worms, and decreases in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and sensitivity to paraquat. DIC‐1 knockdown induced the opposite changes in ATP, ROS and paraquat‐sensitivity. The ability of DIC‐1 to increase cristae formation and secondarily, oxidative phosphorylation, suggests a potential use of this factor to control mitochondrial activity.
A novel technique for the removal of fractured instruments in the apical third of curved root canals
Authors: Rahimi M. , Parashos P.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To report on a conservative approach for removal of a fractured file in the severely curved apical portion of the distobuccal canal of a mandibular molar.

Summary  With the assistance of stainless steel hand files and a chloroform‐dipped gutta‐percha cone, a fractured rotary NiTi instrument was successfully removed. The use of this technique may assist in removal of loose instrument fragments that are not easily accessible to other removal techniques.

Key learning points  • Instrument fractures do not always lead to an unfavourable prognosis and their removal from the apical third of curved canals should not be routinely attempted.

• The case highlights that it is possible to conservatively remove loosely bound objects from the hard‐to‐reach areas of the root canal system.
Histopathological profile of surgically removed persistent periapical radiolucent lesions of endodontic origin
Authors: Love R. M. , Firth N.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To determine the types of periapical lesions associated with root filled teeth with persistent periapical pathosis that required surgical treatment based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Methodology  Periapical lesions from a consecutive clinical sample of 100 patients were examined histopathologically to determine a definitive diagnosis.

Results  Females were more represented (n = 56), the average age was 46.5 years and there were no age differences between gender or lesion type. A diagnosis of periapical granuloma was the most common finding with a similar number present in females (n = 40) and males (n = 37). A cyst was present in 18% of the cases with a majority of females (n = 12) represented in the sample. Evidence of foreign material, with an appearance consistent with endodontic sealer materials, was seen in 25 periapical granulomas, two cysts and one scar. Two periapical scars were seen, one had a history of apicectomy and amalgam root‐end filling while the other was associated with extruded root filling material.

Conclusions  By using defined clinical inclusion and exclusion criteria a predictable clinical diagnosis of a persistent periapical lesion due to endodontic origin can be reliably made. Periapical granulomas and cysts were the most common periapical lesions of endodontic origin associated with persistent periapical pathosis with the overall incidence of periapical cysts similar to previous studies. The presence of endodontic material in a high proportion of periapical lesions suggests a cause‐effect association with the inference that clinicians should employ canal preparation techniques that limit apical extrusion of material.
Variables affecting endodontic recall
Authors: Ross C. , Scheetz J. , Crim G. , Caicedo R. , Morelli J. , Clark S.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To determine the recall rate in an endodontic practice and to evaluate specified variables as to their effect on the rate of patients returning for recall.

Methodology  The records of 7105 patients treated by one endodontist between 1975 and 1998 were reviewed. Recorded variables included chart number, patient gender and age, treated tooth number, pulp status, presence of spontaneous pain at initial visit, history of trauma to treated tooth, previous root canal treatment in the treated tooth, and presence of endodontic recall.

Results  The recall rate was 49% for the 5641 patients who completed endodontic treatment. Odds ratio analysis showed that females returned for recall at a rate that was significantly higher than males (52% vs. 44%). Odds ratio and chi square analysis revealed that a diagnosis of pulp necrosis or previous root filling resulted in a higher than expected recall rate while a diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis resulted in a lower than expected recall rate (p < 0.001). Patients aged 6–40 years of age returned at a lower rate than expected and those aged 41–80 returned at a higher rate than expected (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in recall rate for patients reporting spontaneous pain or history of trauma with the treated tooth. The type of treated tooth had no effect on patient recall rate.

Conclusions  Forty‐nine per cent of patients returned for recall after a minimum of 6 months with patient age, patient gender and pulp status affecting the rate of recall significantly.
Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of pulp capping materials in two cell lines
Authors: Camargo S. E. A. , Camargo C. H. R. , Hiller K.‐A. , Rode S. M. , Schweikl H. , Schmalz G.
Published: February 2009

Aim  The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of the new castor oil bean cement (COB) material in comparison to commonly used pulp capping materials.

Methodology  Specimens of COB, calcium hydroxide (Hydro C), and mineral trioxide aggregate (white and gray MTA) were extracted in culture medium (91.6 mm2 sample surface mL−1). Transfected human pulp cells (tHPCs) were exposed to dilutions of the extracts for 1 h, and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by flow cytometry (FACS) using H2DCF‐DA as a dye. Survival of tHPCs was measured photometrically using a crystal violet assay after a 24‐h exposure period. Genotoxicity as indicated by the formation of micronuclei in V79 cells, and the modification of the normal cell cycle by extracts of the materials was analysed by FACS.

Results  Clear cytotoxic effects were detected only with extracts of Hydro C under the current experimental conditions. The two MTA preparations induced an insignificant reduction in the number of cells. In contrast, the extracts of COB slightly induced cell proliferation. Extracts of Hydro C caused a twofold increase in ROS production, whilst the other tested materials were ineffective. An increase in the number of micronuclei was not detected with any material tested; Hydro C slightly increased the number of cells in G1 and G2.

Conclusions  The COB and the two MTA preparations did not negatively influence cell survival or ROS production and may thus be further considered for pulp capping studies.
Articaine buccal infiltration enhances the effectiveness of lidocaine inferior alveolar nerve block
Authors: Kanaa M. D. , Whitworth J. M. , Corbett I. P. , Meechan J. G.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To compare mandibular tooth pulpal anaesthesia and reported discomfort following lidocaine inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) with and without supplementary articaine buccal infiltration.

Methodology  In this prospective randomized double‐blind cross‐over study, thirty‐six healthy adult volunteers received two IANB injections of 2 mL lidocaine 2% with epinephrine 1 : 80 000 over two visits. At one visit, an infiltration of 2 mL of articaine 4% with epinephrine 1 : 100 000 was administered in the mucobuccal fold opposite a mandibular first molar. At the other visit, a dummy injection was performed. Injection discomfort was recorded on 100 mm visual analogue scales. Pulpal anaesthesia of first molar, premolar, and lateral incisor teeth was assessed with an electronic pulp tester until 45 min post‐injection. A successful outcome was recorded in the absence of sensation on two or more consecutive maximal pulp tester stimulations. Data were analysed using McNemar and Student’s t‐tests.

Results  The IANB with supplementary articaine infiltration produced more success than IANB alone in first molars (33 volunteers vs. 20 volunteers respectively, P < 0.001), premolars (32 volunteers vs. 24 volunteers respectively, P = 0.021) and lateral incisors (28 volunteers vs. 7 volunteers respectively, P < 0.001). Buccal infiltration with articaine or dummy injection produced less discomfort than IANB injection (t = 4.1, P < 0.001; t = 3.0, P = 0.005 respectively).

Conclusions  The IANB injection supplemented with articaine buccal infiltration was more successful than IANB alone for pulpal anaesthesia in mandibular teeth. Articaine buccal infiltration or dummy buccal infiltration was more comfortable than IANB.
Effect of simulated pulpal microcirculation on intrapulpal temperature changes following application of heat on tooth surfaces
Authors: Kodonas K. , Gogos C. , Tziafas D.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To evaluate ex vivo whether a simulated pulpal microcirculation inside a pulp chamber influenced intrapulpal temperature rise following application of heat on tooth surfaces.

Methodology  An ex vivo model that allowed the circulation of 37 °C warm water inside the pulp chamber of an extracted human tooth was designed. The experimental model resembled pulpal microcirculation. After application of specific thermal stimuli for 30 s to the external surface of 15 maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, temperature changes were measured in the pulp chamber. The Greenhouse–Geisser and Bonferroni tests were used for analysis of the data. The level of significance was set at 0.05.

Results  Significant differences were found in all three groups of teeth between temperature measurements with or without intrapulpal water flow. Additionally, temperature changes resulting from the application of different stimuli to the group of lateral incisors were significantly greater compared with the other groups of teeth (P < 0.05).

Conclusions  The importance of the cooling effect of simulated pulp microcirculation in the thermal behaviour of the dentine was established. Thickness of tooth tissue influenced significantly pulp temperature rise ex vivo.
In vitro genotoxicity of root canal sealers
Authors: Brzovic V. , Miletic I. , Zeljezic D. , Mladinic M. , Kasuba V. , Ramic S. , Anic I.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To evaluate the effect of leakage on differences in genotoxicity of root canal sealers ex vivo according to their main components using two different cytogenetic assays.

Methodology  Six materials of different composition (GuttaFlow, Epiphany, Diaket, IRM, SuperEBA and Hermetic) were tested on human peripheral blood lymphocytes using the comet assay and chromosomal aberration analysis. Prepared materials were eluted in physiological solution for 1 h, 1 day, 5 and 30 days. Thereafter cultures were treated with 8 μg, 4 μg and 2 μg of each sealer. Frequencies of chromatide and chromosome breaks and accentric fragments were determined. Comet assay was used to evaluate primary DNA damage by measuring tail length and tail intensity. Chi‐square, Fisher’s PLSD (Protected Least Significant Difference) and Kruskall–Wallis non parametric tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results  After 1‐h elution only the highest dose of Diaket, Hermetic and SuperEBA significantly (P = 0.035, P = 0.048, P = 0.037 respectively) affected the measured cytogenetic parameters. The migration ability of DNA was more strongly affected than induction of chromosomal aberrations. After elutions longer than 24 h none of the tested sealers exhibited a genotoxic effect.

Conclusion  Under the conditions used in the study all sealers had acceptable biocompatibility in terms of genotoxicity.
Capabilities of near‐infrared spectroscopy to analyse changes in water bonding during honey crystallisation process
Authors: Bakier Sławomir
Published: February 2009

To characterise the changes occurring in honey under the influence of crystallisation process near‐infrared spectroscopy has been used. The technique involved analysing the same type of honey by subtracting its crystallised spectrum from the liquid spectrum. The comparison of the difference spectra made it possible to determine specific water bonding processes affected by crystallisation. The surface area under the peak obtained during absorption by water was in the range of wavenumber ν ? 〈5330; 4965〉 cm−1 with the maximum at ν = 5155 cm−1. It was found out that the area under the peak was directly related to water activity changes that occurred in honey during the crystallisation process. A regression equation between the area under the peak and water activity assumed a linear form characterised by a high value of the determination coefficient R2.
Effect of pan‐frying in extra‐virgin olive oil on odour profile, volatile compounds and vitamins
Authors: Messina Valeria , Biolatto Andrea , Descalzo Adriana , Sancho Ana , Baby Rosa , De Reca Noemí Walsöe
Published: February 2009

Changes in odour of Arauco (ARA) and Arbequina (ARB) extra‐virgin olive oil (OO) were monitored during frying by electronic nose (EN) and solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography methodologies. Degradation of α‐ and γ‐tocopherols was monitored by HPLC. Electronic nose data and volatile compounds were analysed at intervals of 15 min (t15) during 60 min of frying (t60). α‐ and γ‐tocopherols were determined at intervals of 5 min (t5) during 30 min of frying (t30). Principal components analysis applied to EN data showed one component, PC1 which accounted 96.6% of the total odour variation. SnO2 sensors had a positive correlation with PC1. ARA variety corresponding to frying t60 had the highest positive correlation with PC1. Analysis of variance results for volatile compounds showed an increase on production for: 3‐methyl butanal, n‐pentanal, n‐hexanal, n‐heptanal and n‐nonanal at 15 min of frying for ARB OO and at 30 min for ARA OO. α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocopherol showed an important decrease after the first 5 min of frying for ARB OO and at 15 min for ARA OO.
Physicochemical and functional properties of full fat and defatted cashew kernel flours
Authors: Alobo Arubi P. , Agbo Blessing N. , Ilesanmi Solomon A.
Published: February 2009

Full fat and defatted cashew kernel flours were prepared and analysed for their physicochemical and functional properties. There were significant increase in protein and carbohydrate contents of the flour as a result of defatting. The defatted flour possessed higher Ca, P, Na and K contents. It had improved gel strength, foaming and emulsion properties. Foam capacity for the full fat and defatted flours increased from 42% to 50% and 55% to 57% with increased NaCl concentration up to 0.25 and 0.05 m, respectively. The foam capacity and stability of the flours were also pH dependent. The emulsion activity and stability of both flours decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. Minimum and maximum protein solubility were at pH 4 and 8, respectively for the full fat and defatted flours. These results suggest that defatted cashew flour may have potential application as a functional ingredient and as a supplement in foods.
Development and evaluation of a laboratory scale conch for chocolate production
Authors: Bordin Schumacher Andrea , Brandelli Adriano , Schumacher Erwino Wulf , Carrion Macedo Fernanda , Pieta Luiza , Venzke Klug Tâmmila , Vogt de Jong Erna
Published: February 2009

In this study a laboratory scale conch was developed with the purpose of testing new formulations using small amounts of chocolate mass. The equipment was built with working parts of others machines and the chocolate manufactured with the conch was evaluated in relation to the viscosity, moisture, acidity and polyphenol concentration. The resulting chocolate was tempered and then evaluated by a sensory panel. The results were always compared with an industrial conching process. The material used in the assays was dark chocolate (40% cocoa). Data were submitted to variance analysis (anova) and when there was significant difference among the averages, the Tukey’s test was applied. It was verified that the reduction of moisture and viscosity of the mass in the laboratory scale was similar to industrial scale. The parameters acidity and polyphenols showed no significant alterations when comparing both process scales. However, in the sensory analysis a flavour difference between the processing scales was perceptible.
Evolution of monosaccharides of honey over 3 years: influence of induced granulation
Authors: Mar Cavia Maria , Fernández‐Muiño Miguel Angel , Huidobro José Francisco , Álvarez Cristina , Teresa Sancho M.
Published: February 2009

Evolution of fructose and glucose over 30 months was researched in sixty fresh and unheated samples of honey collected in areas with typical Continental and Oceanic climates. Samples were stored at room temperature and analysed every 5 months. Influence of induced granulation process was also studied. Evolution patterns of both sugars were similar for all samples. We observed that both monosaccharides decreased with time being the evolution highly dependent on the initial pH of the samples. The lower the initial pH, the greater the decrease of monosaccharides. Induced granulation showed no influence on the evolution of fructose and glucose.
Evaluation of the amino acid content and the quality of protein in florets of white cauliflower: raw, cooked, and prepared for consumption after freezing
Authors: Słupski Jacek , Bernaś Emilia , Kmiecik Waldemar , Lisiewska Zofia
Published: February 2009

The aim of the work was to evaluate the retention of amino acids in white cauliflower florets and the quality of protein. The investigation concerned the raw material and florets prepared for consumption, both from the fresh material and from two types of frozen product: one obtained using the traditional method (blanching–freezing–refrigerated storage–cooking); and the other using a modified method (cooking–freezing–refrigerated storage–microwave defrosting and heating). In 100 g of the raw material the total amino acid content was 1674 mg; the content was significantly higher only in the modified frozen product. The amino acid content found in 16 g N did not significantly differ between the investigated samples, varying in the range of 79.76–87.53 g. Essential amino acids constituted 43–45%. In all the samples the limiting amino acids were cystine with methionine, with glutamic and aspartic acids dominating.
Addition of cashew tree gum to maltodextrin‐based carriers for spray drying of cashew apple juice
Authors: De Oliveira Mirela Araújo , Maia Geraldo Arraes , De Figueiredo Raimundo Wilane , De Souza Arthur Cláudio Rodrigues , De Brito Edy Sousa , De Azeredo Henriette Monteiro Cordeiro
Published: February 2009

This study involved an attempt to totally or partially replace maltodextrin DE10 (MD10) by cashew tree gum (CTG) as a drying aid agent in spray drying of cashew apple juice. The objective was to evaluate the impact of drying aid/cashew apple juice dry weight ratio (D/C, ranging from 3 to 5) and degree of replacement of MD10 with CTG (CTGR, ranging from 0% to 100%) on ascorbic acid retention (AAR), hygroscopicity, flowability and water solubility of spray dried cashew apple juice powder. AAR was increased from 72.90% to 95.46% by increasing D/C from 3 to 5. CTG was shown as a promising maltodextrin replacer, being more effective than the latter to decrease powder hygroscopicity. The most adequate drying conditions (D/C = 5, CTGR≥50%) resulted in more than 90% of AAR, and produced a powder with good flowing properties and water solubility.
Influence of particle size fractions on the physicochemical properties of maize flour and textural characteristics of a maize‐based nonfermented food gel
Authors: Bolade Mathew K. , Adeyemi Isaac A. , Ogunsua Augustine O.
Published: February 2009

The physicochemical properties of fractionated maize flour and the textural characteristics of a maize‐based nonfermented food gel (maize tuwo) prepared from the respective fractionated flours were evaluated. The maize flour was fractionated into four fractions: <75 μm, 75–150 μm, 150–300 μm, 300–425 μm and whole meal (<425 μm). There were variations in the selected chemical constituents of fractionated maize flour including protein (2.9–4%), ash (0.80–0.97%), crude fibre (0.73–0.91%) and damaged starch (10.1–17.4%). The fractionated maize flour gave variable bulk density (0.80–0.93 g cm−3), water absorption capacity (1.9–2.1 g g−1) and oil absorption capacity (1.7–2.1 g g−1). The colour characteristics of the fractionated maize flour and the pasting properties were all affected by the fractionation. The cohesiveness index (strain at peak compressive force) of the food gel from the flour fractions ranged between 15% and 19.5% while the softness index of the food gel ranged between 16.7 and 17.5 mm. The relative high cohesiveness and softness indexes (i.e. 19.5% and 17.4 mm respectively) of maize tuwo prepared from the flour fraction of 75–150 μm can predispose the food gel towards easier hand‐mouldability and swallowability respectively; being important quality indicators for its acceptability.
Assessing the prevalence of intellectual disability among young male prisoners
Authors: Herrington V.
Published: February 2009

Background In recent years, academic debate has (re)focused on the extent of the co‐occurrence of intellectual disability (ID) and criminality, although findings from prevalence studies examining this link have been inconsistent. In April 2004, a process for transferring responsibility for commissioning healthcare services in UK prisons to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) commenced. This development meant that it was important for PCTs to ascertain the need for specialist ID services in prisons in their areas. Because there were no reliable prevalence data, this research was commissioned by one such PCT.

Method Using a stratified random sampling frame, data were collected from 185 young adult male prisoners aged 18 and 21 years old. Participants completed a semi‐structured research questionnaire, the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (Second Edition) (KBIT2) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Second Edition) (VABS2).

Results Ten per cent had an IQ composite of 69 or below, indicating a significant impairment in cognitive functioning. A further 10% had IQ composite scores between 70 and 74, and 14% between 75 and 79. None of the sample had an Adaptive Behavior Composite (ABC) score of 69 or less, although 15% scored between 70 and 79 on this measure. While none of the sample could be classified as having an ID in strict diagnostic terms, 4% scored 69 or below on the KBIT2 and in the borderline (71–79) range on the VABS2, 4% had borderline ABCs and IQs between 70 and 74; and 3% had borderline ABCs and IQs less than 79. This equates to a point prevalence of borderline ID of 11%.

Conclusions Eleven per cent of the sample had borderline ID, supporting suggestions that this group are prevalent – and easily hidden – in mainstream criminal justice settings. Differences between borderline ID inmates and non‐ID counterparts are discussed, and implications for service delivery are considered.
Speciation inPasserinabuntings: introgression patterns of sex‐linked loci identify a candidate gene region for reproductive isolation
Authors: CARLING MATTHEW D. , BRUMFIELD ROBB T.
Published: February 2009

Sex‐chromosomes are thought to play an important role in speciation, but few studies of non‐model organisms have investigated the relative influence of multiple sex‐linked markers on reproductive isolation. We collected 222 individuals along a geographical transect spanning the hybrid zone betweenPasserina amoenaandP. cyanea(Aves: Cardinalidae). Using maximum‐likelihood cline fitting methods, we estimated locus‐specific introgression rates for 10 z‐linked markers. Although the cline width estimates ranged from 2.8 to 584 km, eight of 10 loci had cline widths between 224 and 271 km. We also used coalescent‐based estimates of locus‐specific divergence times betweenP. amoenaandP. cyaneato test a recently proposed hypothesis of an inverse relationship between divergence time and cline width but did not find a significant association. The narrow width (2.8 km) of the cline estimated from theVLDLR9locus indicates strong selection retarding introgression of alleles at this locus across the hybrid zone. Interestingly, a mutation in the very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR) gene, in whichVLDLR9is an intron, is known to reduce the egg‐laying ability of some chickens, suggesting a possible link between this gene region and reproductive isolation betweenP. amoenaandP. cyanea. These results underscore the importance of sampling multiple loci to investigate introgression patterns across a chromosome or genome and support previous findings of the importance of sex‐linked genes in speciation.
The limits of cryptic diversity in groundwater: phylogeography of the cave shrimp Troglocaris anophthalmus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae)
Authors: ZAKšEK VALERIJA , SKET BORIS , GOTTSTEIN SANJA , FRANJEVIĆ DAMJAN , TRONTELJ PETER
Published: February 2009

Recent studies have revealed high local diversity and endemism in groundwaters, and showed that species with large ranges are extremely rare. One of such species is the cave shrimp Troglocaris anophthalmus from the Dinaric Karst on the western Balkan Peninsula, apparently uniform across a range of more than 500 kilometres. As such it contradicts the paradigm that subterranean organisms form localized, long‐term stable populations that cannot disperse over long distances. We tested it for possible cryptic diversity and/or unexpected evolutionary processes, analysing mitochondrial (COI, 16S rRNA) and nuclear (ITS2) genes of 232 specimens from the entire range. The results of an array of phylogeographical procedures congruently suggested that the picture of a widespread, continuously distributed and homogenous T. anophthalmus was wrong. The taxon is composed of four or possibly five monophyletic, geographically defined phylogroups that meet several species delimitation criteria, two of them showing evidence of biological reproductive isolation in sympatry. COI genetic distances between phylogroups turned out to be a poor predictor, as they were much lower than the sometimes suggested crustacean threshold value of 0.16 substitutions per site. Most results confirmed the nondispersal hypothesis of subterranean fauna, but the southern Adriatic phylogroup displayed a paradoxical pattern of recent dispersal across 300 kilometres of hydrographically fragmented karst terrain. We suggest a model of migration under extreme water‐level conditions, when flooded poljes could act as stepping‐stones. In the north of the range (Slovenia), the results confirmed the existence of a zone of unique biogeographical conflict, where surface fauna is concordant with the current watershed, and subterranean fauna is not.
Cryobanking of viable biomaterials: implementation of new strategies for conservation purposes
Authors: LERMEN DOMINIK , BLÖMEKE BRUNHILDE , BROWNE ROBERT , CLARKE ANN , DYCE PAUL W. , FIXEMER THOMAS , FUHR GÜNTER R. , HOLT WILLIAM V. , JEWGENOW KATARINA , LLOYD RHIANNON E. , LÖTTERS STEFAN , PAULUS MARTIN , REID GORDON MCGREGOR , RAPOPORT DANIEL H. , RAWSON DAVID , RINGLEB JENNIFER , RYDER OLIVER A. , SPÖRL GABRIELE , SCHMITT THOMAS , VEITH MICHAEL , MÜLLER PAUL
Published: February 2009

Cryobanking, the freezing of biological specimens to maintain their integrity for a variety of anticipated and unanticipated uses, offers unique opportunities to advance the basic knowledge of biological systems and their evolution. Notably, cryobanking provides a crucial opportunity to support conservation efforts for endangered species. Historically, cryobanking has been developed mostly in response to human economic and medical needs — these needs must now be extended to biodiversity conservation. Reproduction technologies utilizing cryobanked gametes, embryos and somatic cells are already vital components of endangered species recovery efforts. Advances in modern biological research (e.g. stem cell research, genomics and proteomics) are already drawing heavily on cryobanked specimens, and future needs are anticipated to be immense. The challenges of developing and applying cryobanking for a broader diversity of species were addressed at an international conference held at Trier University (Germany) in June 2008. However, the magnitude of the potential benefits of cryobanking stood in stark contrast to the lack of substantial resources available for this area of strategic interest for biological science — and society at large. The meeting at Trier established a foundation for a strong global incentive to cryobank threatened species. The establishment of an Amphibian Ark cryobanking programme offers the first opportunity for global cooperation to achieve the cryobanking of the threatened species from an entire vertebrate class.
The circular definition of populations and its implications for biological sampling
Authors: HARWOOD THOMAS D.
Published: February 2009

Application of population‐based theoretical models to the study of real world populations requires the relationship between the real and theoretical populations to be defined. Otherwise, it is not possible to take a representative field sample or census of a population. I demonstrate that the concept of a biological population is based on a circular definition and is logically untenable. A population is composed of a number of individuals whose membership of the population is determined by their relationship to the rest of the population. This has serious implications for common practice in a range of ecological and evolutionary disciplines.
Allelic and genotypic diversity in long‐term asexual populations of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum in comparison with sexual populations
Authors: KANBE TAKASHI , AKIMOTO SHIN‐ICHI
Published: February 2009

Many aphid species exhibit geographical variation in the mode of reproduction that ranges from cyclical parthenogenesis with a sexual phase to obligate parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction). Theoretical studies predict that organisms reproducing asexually should maintain higher allelic diversity per locus but lower genotypic diversity than organisms reproducing sexually. To corroborate this hypothesis, we evaluated genotypic and allelic diversities in the sexual and asexual populations of the pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris). Microsatellite analysis revealed that populations in central Japan are asexual, whereas populations in northern Japan are obligatorily sexual. No mixed populations were detected in our study sites. Phylogenetic analysis using microsatellite data and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences revealed a long history of asexuality in central Japan and negated the possibility of the recent origin of the asexual populations from the sexual populations. Asexual populations exhibited much lower genotypic diversity but higher allelic richness per locus than did sexual populations. Asexual populations consisted of a few predominant clones that were considerably differentiated from one another. Sexual populations on alfalfa, an exotic plant in Japan, were most closely related to asexual populations associated with Vicia sativa L. The alfalfa‐associated sexual populations harboured one COI haplotype that was included in the haplotype clade of the asexual populations. Available evidence suggests that the sexuality of the alfalfa‐associated populations has recently been restored through the northward migration and colonization of alfalfa by V. sativa‐associated lineages. Therefore, our results support the theoretical predictions and provide a new perspective on the origin of sexual populations.
Hydrophobic peptides: novel regulators within bacterial membrane
Authors: Alix Eric , Blanc‐Potard Anne‐Béatrice
Published: February 2009

Identification of short coding sequences is challenging, both experimentally and in silico, and functional natural peptides (< 50 amino acids) have to a large extent been overlooked in Gram‐negative bacteria. Recent results have converged to highlight the role of hydrophobic peptides that form a novel class of active molecules in Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. These peptides can play a regulatory role by interacting with protein partners at the inner membrane and by modulating protein partner activity or stability. Genome‐wide analyses in both bacterial species have identified several conserved short open reading frames encoding a single transmembrane segment. We discuss the known and predicted membrane‐associated peptides and the tools for their identification. Besides the identification of novel regulatory networks, characterization of peptides with a single transmembrane helix segment and proteins that interact with them provides a powerful opportunity to study interactions between alpha helices within biological membranes. In addition, some bioactive membrane peptides could provide a basis for engineering membrane protein antagonists.
Solanum lycopersicum cv. Heinz 1706 chromosome 6: distribution and abundance of genes and retrotransposable elements
Authors: Peters Sander A. , Datema Erwin , Szinay Dóra , Van Staveren Marjo J. , Schijlen Elio G.W.M. , Van Haarst Jan C. , Hesselink Thamara , Abma‐Henkens Marleen H.C. , Bai Yuling , De Jong Hans , Stiekema Willem J. , Klein Lankhorst René M. , Van Ham Roeland C.H.J.
Published: February 2009

We studied the physical and genetic organization of chromosome 6 of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) cv. Heinz 1706 by combining bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) sequence analysis, high‐information‐content fingerprinting, genetic analysis, and BAC‐fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) mapping data. The chromosome positions of 81 anchored seed and extension BACs corresponded in most cases with the linear marker order on the high‐density EXPEN 2000 linkage map. We assembled 25 BAC contigs and eight singleton BACs spanning 2.0 Mb of the short‐arm euchromatin, 1.8 Mb of the pericentromeric heterochromatin and 6.9 Mb of the long‐arm euchromatin. Sequence data were combined with their corresponding genetic and pachytene chromosome positions into an integrated map that covers approximately a third of the chromosome 6 euchromatin and a small part of the pericentromeric heterochromatin. We then compared physical length (Mb), genetic (cM) and chromosome distances (μm) for determining gap sizes between contigs, revealing relative hot and cold spots of recombination. Through sequence annotation we identified several clusters of functionally related genes and an uneven distribution of both gene and repeat sequences between heterochromatin and euchromatin domains. Although a greater number of the non‐transposon genes were located in the euchromatin, the highly repetitive (22.4%) pericentromeric heterochromatin displayed an unexpectedly high gene content of one gene per 36.7 kb. Surprisingly, the short‐arm euchromatin was relatively rich in repeats as well, with a repeat content of 13.4%, yet the ratio of Ty3/Gypsy and Ty1/Copia retrotransposable elements across the chromosome clearly distinguished euchromatin (2:3) from heterochromatin (3:2).
Plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide levels in cardiac donors
Authors: Amir Nezar L. , Gerber Ivor L. , Edmond John J. , Langlands Janice M. , Richards A. Mark , Ruygrok Peter N.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Introduction:  Elevated levels of plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and amino‐terminal BNP (NT‐proBNP) are associated with adverse cardiac outcomes. It is not known whether BNP and NT‐proBNP levels in heart donors can aid in selection and predict outcomes in transplant recipients.

Methods:  Plasma BNP and NT‐proBNP were measured in 32 organ donors prior to removal from life‐support systems. Twelve hearts were accepted and 20 hearts were declined (no suitable recipient – 12, probable coronary artery disease – four, abnormal echocardiogram – three, other medical reasons – one). Records of heart transplant recipients were reviewed for: survival at 30 d, length of intensive care stay and need for intra‐aortic balloon counter‐pulsation (IABP).

Results:  Donors were divided into three groups – Group 1 (n = 12): accepted hearts; Group 2 (n = 12): acceptable hearts not transplanted for logistic reasons; Group 3 (n = 8): declined because of probable cardiac disease. BNP and NT‐proBNP levels were significantly lower in donors with acceptable hearts (n = 24) compared with those with unacceptable hearts (n = 8) (p = 0.02 and 0.032, respectively). Of the 12 patients transplanted, four suffered a suboptimal outcome (two died, one required inotropic support and IABP, one prolonged hospitalization) while eight had good outcomes with no significant difference in BNP/NT‐proBNP levels between these groups.

Conclusion:  BNP and NT‐proBNP levels were lower in organ donors whose hearts were acceptable for transplantation compared with those whose hearts were unsuitable. Measuring natriuretic peptides may be a useful adjunctive tool in the selection of donor hearts. We feel that further studies are warranted.
Biochemical and physiological characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana AtCoAse: a Nudix CoA hydrolyzing protein that improves plant development
Authors: Kupke Thomas , Caparrós‐Martín José A. , Malquichagua Salazar Karina J. , Culiáñez‐Macià Francisco A.
Published: February 2009

CoA is required for many synthetic and degradative reactions in intermediary metabolism and is the principal acyl carrier in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. CoA is synthesized in five steps from pantothenate, and recently, the CoA biosynthetic genes of Arabidopsis have all been identified and characterized. Here, we demonstrate the biochemical and physiological characterization of a pyrophosphatase from Arabidopsis thaliana, called AtCoAse (locus tag At5g45940), cleaving CoA to 4′‐phosphopantetheine and 3′,5′‐adenosine‐diphosphate in the presence of Mg2+/Mn2+ ions. The CoA cleaving enzyme is a member of the Nudix hydrolases, pyrophosphatases that hydrolyze nucleoside diphosphates, already described as CoAse and now further characterized in detail by us. Mutagenesis of residues of the so‐called Nudix and NuCoA motifs drastically reduced the hydrolase activity. AtCoAse is not absolute specific for CoA, and in the presence of Mn2+ ions, a minor hydrolyzing activity was observed with NADH as substrate. The AtCoAse expression is ubiquitous, strongly in flower and unaffected by abiotic stress. The immunohistochemical localization indicates that the AtCoAse protein is observed in the cytoplasm of distinct cells types from different heterotrophic Arabidopsis tissues, mainly restricted to the vascular elements of the root and shoot and in flower and developing embryo. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants, with increased AtCoAse expression, show altered growth rates and development, expanding their live cycle far away from the wild‐type.