bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systemic‐to‐pulmonary vascular malformation of lung visualized by computer‐assisted 3‐D reconstruction
Authors: AKAHANE T , YAEGASHI H. , KUROKAWA Y. , SATOMI S. , TAKAHASHI T.
Published: November 2003

Aims:

While a growing number of cases with pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) have been reported, detailed analysis has yet to be found on the relation of abnormal vessels with the whole lung vasculature and airways. To gain more insight into the structure–function interrelation of this disease, we attempted to visualize the vessels in and around the arteriovenous malformation, resorting to computer‐aided 3‐D reconstruction.

Methods and results:

The material was the upper lobe of the right lung from a 44‐year‐old man resected for recurrent haemoptysis. On pre‐surgical selective angiography, an arteriovenous communication was suggested to exist between a tributary of the right 3rd intercostal artery and pulmonary vein. Semi‐serial sections were prepared from the material and submitted to 3‐D reconstruction of blood vessels and airways. In 3‐D images, branches of the 3rd intercostal artery proved to be forming a plexus of abnormally dilated, thin‐walled vessels in the subepithelial layer of a membranous bronchiole, a situation clearly explaining the mechanism of haemoptysis. There was no capillary bed interventing between the afferent arteries and draining vessels leading to the pulmonary vein.

Conclusions:

This presents the first overall visualization of PAVM, allowing comparison of 2‐D microscopy with the corresponding 3‐D morphology.
Keratin expression in anal carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: WILLIAMS G.R. , TALBOT I.C. , LEIGH I.M.
Published: November 2003

The keratin expression of 40 frozen tissue specimens of anal carcinoma was investigated using a panel of 17 monoclonal antibodies to 14 individual keratins. The tumours were divided into three histological subgroups showing pure squamous, squamous and basaloid, or squamous and glandular differentiation. A further assessment of the tumour grade was made. The overall profile was of expression of keratins 4, 13, 17, 18 and 19 across the majority of the tumours, with the minority expressing keratins 1 and 10, and keratin 7. Dedifferentiation was associated with loss of expression of keratinocyte keratins, particularly the cornification markers keratin 1 and 10, and K6 and 16 associated with keratinocyte hyperproliferation and differentiation. This correlated with acquisition of the simple epithelial keratins 7 and 8. Compared with the tumours as a whole, well differentiated squamous tumours (the most easily identifiable histological group) showed consistent positivity for keratins 6 and 16, expressed suprabasally, while simple keratins 18 and 19 were also found. Independent of grade, mixed tumours showed more widespread positivity for simple epithelial keratins 7, 8 and 18 and loss of expression of cornification keratins 1 and 10 and K6 and 16 compared with pure squamous tumours. The relatively limited keratin profile of pure squamous tumours, predominantly consisting of keratinocyte keratins, suggests that these malignancies are less likely to originate from the region of the anal canal where the keratin profile is heterogeneous, i.e. the anal transitional zone.
Histopathology and microbiology of isolated rectal bleeding in neonates: the so‐called ‘ecchymotic colitis’
Authors: CANIONI D. , PAULIAT S. , GAILLARD J.L. , MOUGENOT J.F. , BOMPARD Y. , BERCHE P. , SCHMITZ J. , BROUSSE N.
Published: November 2003

Rectal bleeding in neonates is an alarming event which suggests a possible necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) but is usually the only symptom of an unexplained colitis characterized endoscopically by ecchymotic mucosal lesions, the so‐called ‘ecchymotic colitis’ (EC). We studied histologically and bacteriologically 18 infants (mean age: 18 days) presenting with rectal bleeding by systematic rectosigmoidoscopy and intestinal biopsies. The 18 infants were hospitalized. Prematurity was found in seven cases and an underlying condition in 14 cases (respiratory distress: six cases; infection: six cases; surgery: two cases). Histology showed a mild to moderate inflammation (10/12) of the mucosa with a prevalence of polymorphonuclear cells (8/10), frequent focal haemorrhages (11/12) and foci of pneumatosis (4/12). Numerous bacteria were seen in the mucus layer focally forming large clusters. Cultures of intestinal biopsies yielded exclusively Enterobacteriaceae species: Escherichia coli (seven cases), Klebsiella spp. (seven cases), and Enterobacter cloacae (three cases); four cases were sterile. Our study demonstrates that neonatal bleeding is associated with endoscopic and histological ‘ecchymotic colitis’ lesions and with a peculiar microbial flora of EBC strains. EC and necrotizing enterocolitis share similar features raising the question of the link between the two syndromes.
Oxidative stress triggers tyrosine phosphorylation in B cells through a redox‐ and inflammatory cytokine‐sensitive mechanism
Authors: SUZUKI Y. , OHSUGI K. , ONO Y.
Published: November 2003

Exposure to oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and γ‐ray irradiation has been recently shown to trigger tyrosine phosphorylation in B cells as does cross‐linking surface immunoglobulin (sIg) by antigens or anti‐immunoglobulins. We studied the mechanism by which H2O2 induced tyrosine phosphorylation in B cells and compared it with the mechanism utilized by sIg. Both anti‐immunoglobulin M (anti‐IgM) and H2O2 induced tyrosine phosphorylation through protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activation. However, the tyrosine phosphorylation caused by H2O2 but not that induced by anti‐IgM, was modulated by agents affecting cellular thiols and glutathione contents including dithiothreitol, 2‐mercaptoethanol, and buthionine sulphoximine. Moreover, the tyrosine phosphorylation caused by the oxidant but not that induced by anti‐IgM was markedly augmented by two inflammatory cytokines, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1α, although these agents by themselves did not stimulate PTK activity nor induce tyrosine phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that oxidative stress but not surface IgM (sIgM) ligation triggers tyrosine phosphorylation through a mechanism that is sensitive to cellular thiols and these inflammatory cytokines.
Agalactosyl IgG and β‐1,4‐galactosyltransferase gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis patients and in the arthritis‐prone MRL lpr/lpr mouse
Authors: JEDDI P. A. , BODMAN‐SMITH K. B. , LUND T. , LYDYARD P. M. , MENGLE‐GAW L. , ISENBERG D. A. , YOUINOU P. , DELVES P. J.
Published: November 2003

Reduced galactosylation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) is well documented in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the reason for this defect is still unknown. There is some evidence supporting a defect in the biosynthetic pathway, and a reduction in the level of β‐1,4‐galactosyltransferase (β‐1,4‐GalTase) enzyme activity. Since glycosyltransferases are, in general, regulated at the level of transcription, we have measured the level of β‐1,4‐GalTase gene expression in B cells from patients with RA and normal control individuals. We found no significant difference in mRNA levels for the transferase in these two groups (P > 0.7). MRL/Mp‐lpr/lpr (MRL‐lpr) mice develop a spontaneous arthritis with increased levels of agalactosyl IgG (G0). In spite of a significant reduction in the level of β‐1,4‐GalTase mRNA in total spleen lymphocytes from MRL‐lpr mice compared with the congenic MRL/Mp‐+/+ (MRL‐+/+) mice and with CBA/Ca mice, we found comparable levels of the β‐1,4‐GalTase mRNA in purified B cells from both spleen and lymph nodes of the three strains. Amongst the lymphoid compartments examined, the spleen and peripheral blood were found to be the major contributors of G0 in MRL‐lpr mice. These data indicate that in neither human RA, nor in an animal model of this disease, is reduced IgG galactosylation caused by impaired expression of the β‐1,4‐GalTase gene in B lymphocytes. Furthermore, splenic B cells, which have normal levels of β‐1,4‐GalTase mRNA, appear to be a major source of G0 in MRL‐lpr mice.
Reduced primary antigen‐specific T‐cell precursor frequencies in neonates is associated with deficient interleukin‐2 production
Authors: HASSAN J. , REEN D. J.
Published: November 2003

Clinical evidence has indicated that the neonatal cell‐mediated immune response to primary infection is delayed when compared to that of adults with the same primary infection. The mechanisms regulating the development of antigen‐specific T‐cell immunity in neonates remain to be elucidated. We examined the primary immune response to the non‐recall antigen, keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) in adults and neonates in vitro. We report here that conventional bulk culture methods show reduced proliferative responses in neonates although statistical significance was not achieved. Using limiting dilution analysis, the frequencies of KLH‐specific T lymphocytes were 10–100‐fold lower in neonates when compared to adults. Interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) production was significantly lower in the supernatants of neonatal mononuclear cells (MNC) stimulated with KLH when compared to adults. Addition of exogenous IL‐2 increased precursor frequencies twofold in both adult and newborn cultures. In contrast to the secreted IL‐2 levels, IL‐2 mRNA expression was higher in antigen‐stimulated neonatal MNC preparations, even though proliferation was lower. These observations indicate differential in vitro responsiveness in neonates and adults to primary antigenic challenge. Since no IL‐2 was detected in cell lysates, the presence of high levels of IL‐2 mRNA and low IL‐2 production suggests inability by neonatal MNC to translate IL‐2. This deficiency in IL‐2 production may explain the reduced precursor frequencies, suggesting failure to recruit T lymphocytes in order to expand the KLH‐specific T‐cell response. These observations are important for the understanding of the development of primary immune responses and immunological maturation in neonates.
Differential expression of inducible NO synthase in two murine macrophage cell lines
Authors: LE PAGE C. , SANCEAU J. , DRAPIER J.‐C. , WIETZERBIN J.
Published: November 2003

Although primary macrophages and most murine macrophage cell lines such as RAW 264.7 cells respond to interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by producing large amounts of nitrite, i.e. the oxidation product of nitric oxide (NO) produced by inducible NO synthase (iNOS), other cell lines like P388.D1 cells do not produce significant amounts. To gain insight into the signalling pathway that leads to the induction of iNOS activity, we compared iNOS expression in RAW 264.7 and P388.D1 cells. We showed that IFN‐γ binds to each cell line with a similar affinity. Furthermore, no differences in iNOS gene structure were detectable by Southern blot analysis. Even though no significant nitrite secretion was found in the supernatant of P388.D1 cells stimulated with IFN‐γ and/or LPS, iNOS mRNA expression was induced. In addition, IFN‐γ induced the interferon regulatory factor‐1 (IRF‐1) gene and activated the binding of this factor to its target sequence in the iNOS gene. This binding was recently shown to be necessary for iNOS expression. However, in P388.D1 cells, we were unable to detect the corresponding iNOS protein. These results indicate a deficiency in P388.D1 cells which appears to be restricted to the signalling pathway controlling iNOS protein synthesis. This deficiency does not affect the overall IFN‐γ biological response, but rather a convergent post‐transcriptional step common to IFN‐γ and LPS.
Thymocyte emigration in the chicken: an over‐representation of CD4+ cells over CD8+ in the periphery
Authors: KATEVUO K. , VAINIO O.
Published: November 2003

We have examined the emigration of chicken thymocytes after intrathymic fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labelling in situ. In this paper we show that in young birds about 0.7% and 0.4% of thymocytes emigrate from the thymus to the blood and the spleen, respectively, per day. This suggests that, as in mammals, most thymocytes die within the thymus. At 3 weeks of age γδ and αβ T cells leave the thymus in comparable levels to their appearance in the blood. The phenotype of recent emigrants in peripheral tissues is similar to that of mature T cells. Interestingly, recent emigrants contain relatively much higher numbers of CD4+ and fewer CD8+ cells than is observed in peripheral tissues in a steady‐state situation.
Diadenosine polyphosphates induce intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in human neutrophils via a pertussis toxin sensitive G‐protein‘pa
Authors: GASMI L. , MCLENNAN A. G. , EDWARDS S. W.
Published: November 2003

The diadenosine polyphosphates diadenosine 5′,5′′′‐P1,P3‐triphosphate(Ap3A), diadenosine 5′,5′′′‐P1,P4‐tetraphosphate (Ap4A), diadenosine 5′,5′′′‐P1,P5‐pentaphosphate (Ap5A) and diadenosine 5′,5′′′‐P1,P6‐hexaphosphate (Ap6A) all stimulated increases in intracellular Ca2+ in human neutrophils. Maximal increases in intracellular Ca2+ of 650 nm were obtained at dinucleotide concentrations of 500–700 μm. These increases in intracellular Ca2+ were completely abolished by pre‐treatment of the neutrophils with pertussis toxin and were hardly affected when the extracellular buffer was devoid of Ca.2+ On the other hand, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) could stimuate much greater increases in intracellular Ca2+ (up to 1·1 μm) at much lower concentrations (half maximal responses obtained at around 5 μm ATP). Receptor de‐sensitization experiments indicate that human neutrophils may possess two types of P2‐purinoceptors. The first of these may bind ATP (but not the dinucleotides) with high affinity whilst the second may bind the dinucleotides with lower affinity and also bind ATP.
TCR‐independent CD28‐mediated gene expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes from donors chronically infected with HIV‐1
Authors: WONG J. G. P. , SMITHGALL M. D. , HAFFAR O. K.
Published: November 2003

Complete activation of peripheral blood T cells requires both T‐cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and CD28 costimulation. Signalling pathways associated specifically with CD28 are not well understood, however, because ligation of CD28 in the absence of TCR stimulation does not give rise to cellular responses in normal cells. In peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from donors chronically infected with human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1), CD28 can induce viral replication through an alternative pathway that does not require TCR ligation. We have exploited this observation to study CD28‐mediated signal transduction using reverse transcriptase‐mediated polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to amplify viral RNA. Independent ligation of CD28 on donor PBL induced expression of the HIV‐1 tat gene but not the interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) gene. Viral inductiondid not occur following pretreatment of cells with actinomycin D, suggesting it was mediated through transcriptional activation of the viral long terminal repeat (LTR). tat was induced in the presence of the protein kinase C inhibitor H‐7, but was inhibited by cyclosporin A. Our results demonstrate that CD28 is linked directly to specific signalling pathways leading to de novo induction of genes in PBL.
Obtaining a functional recombinant anti‐rhesus (D) antibody using the baculovirus–insect cell expression system
Authors: EDELMAN L. , MARGARITTE C. , CHAABIHI H. , MONCHÂTRE E. , BLANCHARD D. , CARDONA A. , MORIN F. , DUMAS G. , PETRES S. , KACZOREK M.
Published: November 2003

The cloning and production of a human anti‐rhesus (Rh) D monoclonal antibody (mAb) using the baculovirus–insect cell expression system is described. This monoclonal recombinant antibody R.D7C2 derived from a human parental IgMλ immunoglobulin was obtained after immortalization of lymphocytes by Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). The human heavy (VH) and light (VL) variable regions were cloned from the parental cell line and genetically fused to the human constant IgG1 heavy (H) and light (L) chain genes (γl and λ, respectively). A recombinant baculovirus was constructed that directs the co‐expression of genes encoding both genetically fused heavy and light chains under the control of two late and strong baculovirus promoters. After infecting the Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cell line with this baculovector, a complete IgGl mAb was secreted in the culture medium indicating that each immunoglobulin chain was correctly processed and assembled with a functional glycosylation into a tetrameric form. In vitro analysis showed that the functional properties of R.D7C2 using agglutination tests were efficient for the specific recognition of Rh‐D‐positive red blood cells (RBC). In addition, R.D7C2 showed effector functions of the γl heavy chain resulting in the lysis of Rh+ papain RBC by an antibody‐directed cellular cytotoxicity mechanism. These results demonstrate that R.D7C2 can be produced in the baculovirus–insect cell expression system as a source for potential therapeutic application in the treatment of the haemolytic disease of the newborn.
A genealogical exploration of gendered genres in IT cultures
Authors: Harvey Lynda
Published: November 2003

Information technology (IT) is socially constructed, occurring within what can be called an IT culture. In this paper, the argument is presented that IT culture is a masculine culture and that this denies the feminine voice. The paper looks at four formative cultures that have influenced the IT culture, these being the military, academia, engineering and industry. In looking at these, a genealogy is developed, using the voice of a post‐modern ethnography. Five ethnographic field studies are revisited by the author to deconstruct the voice of IT culture, showing its masculine genre and the dominance that this has on a feminine voice. The implications for IT as knowledge in practice are discussed.
The nonvitellogenic female protein ofMusca domesticais an adult‐specific hexamerin
Authors: Capurro M. de L. , Marinotti O. , Farah C. S. , James A. A. , Bianchi A. G. de
Published: November 2003

During

Musca domestica

vitellogenesis a protein is preferentially synthesized by the female fat body and accumulates in the haemolymph but not in the ovaries. This protein, designated nonvitellogenic female protein (NVFP), was purified and shown to be a hexamer with an Mr = 430 kDa, and subunits of Mr = 70 kDa. The hexamer dissociates into subunits when the pH is elevated from 7.0 to 9.0. Two cDNA clones, F0 and F2, were isolated and analysed. The 2.2 kb F2 clone has an open reading frame that encodes a conceptual translation product that has similarity to the

Drosophila melanogaster

LSP‐2 hexamerin. Recombinant protein from the F2‐cDNA is recognized by a specific anti‐NVFP serum. The temporal pattern of mRNA expression of the gene represented by the F2 clone follows that determined for the synthesis of NVFP. The data support the conclusion that NVFP is an hexamerin specific to the adult stage of

Musca domestica

.
Sperm morphology assessment: diagnostic potential and comparitive analysis of strict or WHO criteria in a fertile and a subfertile population
Authors: OMBELET W. , WOUTERS E. , BOELS L. , COX A. , JANSSEN M. , SPIESSENS C. , VEREECKEN A. , BOSMANS E. , STEENO O.
Published: November 2003

This prospective study compared the diagnostic and predictive potential of sperm morphology assessments in a fertile vs. a subfertile population, evaluated in three different laboratories. The fertile population included 144 men who had recently fertilized their partners. As subfertile controls, 136 men with a history of subfertility for more than 12␣months were used. All semen samples (280) were evaluated in three different centres in a blind fashion, without any patient information. The evaluation of sperm morphology was performed according to the criteria normally used in the different laboratories: WHO (1992) criteria for laboratory A, and Tygerberg strict criteria for laboratories B and C. Using ROC analysis, the predictive power of sperm morphology turned out to be different in the three laboratories (area under ROC curve: 69% for lab A, 72% for lab B and 78% for lab C). Using percentile 10 of the fertile population as the cut‐off value for normality, we obtained the following results: 2, 1 and 5% for laboratories A, B and C, respectively. Using ROC analysis cut‐off values with optimal specificity and sensitivity were 6, 1 and 10%, respectively.

Although our data highlight a reasonable predictive power of sperm morphology in centres using different or the same criteria, cut‐off values for normality were different, even when the same criteria were applied. These results stress the importance of standardization in sperm morphology evaluation and the need for examining a reference population in estimating the real threshold value in different laboratories.
Phenytoin‐induced cerebral thrombosis in rats: cerebral ultrastructure, water content and ischaemic volume in the acute phase
Authors: IWASAKI HITOSHI , OHMACHI YASUSHI , TAKASHIMA KOHKI , TANI SHIGERU , KASUYA HIDETOSHI , SHIMIZU TAKASHI
Published: November 2003

A new rat model for multifocal cerebral thrombosis has recently been reported (Tani et al., 1994; 1995). Ultrastructural changes in the cerebral neocortex in the acute phase were investigated in order to characterize the early pathological events in this model. A bolus injection of alkaline phenytoin solution (pH 10.8) into one internal carotid artery in the rat caused severe endothelial injury accompanied by thrombosis in the cerebral vasculature within 5 minutes, and severe oedema of the ipsilateral hemisphere within an hour. Cerebral water content was measured by the simple dry–wet method, and cerebral surface area and the surface area and volume of the ischaemic zone were measured using computer‐aided image analysis. Good correlations were demonstrated between cerebral water content and cerebral surface area, and between the surface area and volume of the ischaemic zone. We report here that quantitative evaluation of acute cerebral damage induced by phenytoin solution is possible with high reliability using simple image analysis.
Monitoring post‐harvest quality of Granny Smith apple under simulated shelf‐life conditions: destructive, non‐destructive and analytical measurements
Authors: Tu Kang , De Baerdemaeker Josse , Deltour Roger , De Barsy Thierry
Published: November 2003

The purpose of this research was to use destructive and non‐destructive measurement methods to evaluate Granny Smith apple quality changes under room storage conditions (20°C, 65% relative humidity) and to relate it to internal structure changes as observed using light microscopy. The Granny Smith apple Firmness was non‐destructively measured with forced vibration and acoustic impulse techniques. At the determined time intervals, compression and tensile tests were carried out to determine apple Flesh mechanical properties. The cell‐wall rupture was examined with light microscopy. The pH value, internal air space (IAS), soluble solids concentration (SSC), colour changes and weight losses of the apples were also monitored during storage. Apple Firmness measured with forced vibration correlated well with the impulse test. The acoustic impulse measurement had less deviation compared with the vibration test. The pH value and IAS increased during storage at room temperature. The Granny Smith apple has a long storage life and the criteria for the mealiness are suggested from compression and tensile tests.
Optical properties of corn oil during frying
Authors: Vijayan Jayadeep , Slaughter David C. , Singh R. Paul
Published: November 2003

Optical absorption characteristics of corn oil were investigated in the visible and near infrared regions between 400 and 2500 nm as the oil degraded during potato frying. The visible wavelength of maximum absorption between 400 and 600 nm shifted towards longer wavelengths as the frying operation progressed. The results showed that light absorption in the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum between 400 and 600nm correlated well with viscosity.
Use of response surface methodology to describe the combined effects of pH, temperature and E/S ratio on the hydrolysis of dogfish (Squalus acanthias) muscle
Authors: Diniz Fabio M. , Martin Antonio M.
Published: November 2003

Response surface methodology was used to study the effects of pH, temperature and enzyme – substrate ratio (E/S) on the degree of hydrolysis (DH) of dogfish muscle protein. The effect of the hydrolysis variables was described using a three‐level Box–Behnken factorial design giving a mathematical model that shows the influence of each variable and their interactions. Based on degree of hydrolysis (DH) of the original substrate, the hydrolysis variables were optimized at a pH of 8.3, a hydrolysis temperature of 53.6°C and an E/S of 3.6% (w/w). The coefficient of determination (R2ad) was greater than 95%, and a lack‐of‐fit test revealed a non‐significant value for the DH model equation, indicating that the regression equation was adequate for predicting the degree of hydrolysis under any combination of values of the variables.
Glass transition and caking of spray‐dried lactose
Authors: Lloyd Richard J. , Dong Chen X. , Hargreaves Jim B.
Published: November 2003

Simple test methods to determine the onset temperatures of viscous flow and caking of spray‐dried amorphous lactose are described. The extent of viscous flow was measured as an increase in the density of lactose plugs within a cylindrical aluminium compaction apparatus after incubation for 3h at a specified temperature. Caking was characterized by an increase in the hardness of the lactose plugs formed. The onset temperature of viscous flow decreased with increasing water activity, Aw, and corresponded to the onset temperature of glass transition, Tg1. Glass transition temperatures were determined using both differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spin relaxation. The results suggest that elevation of the powder temperature above Tg1 promotes viscous flow and increases the potential for caking of amorphous food powders.
Water recycling in processing orange peel to a high dietary fibre powder
Authors: Larrauri José A. , Borroto Bárbara , Crespo Arelys R.
Published: November 2003

Water recyling in fruit and vegetable processing may contribute to decreasing industrial waste and load. Water was recycled for washing orange peel to prepare a high dietary fibre powder using tap water washing as the standard. Total sugar (12.1–13.1%), total dietary fibre (70–71.5%), soluble dietary fibre (21–22%), yield (59–60%), water holding capacity (7.8–8.1 g water g−1 dry matter), colour and microbiological quality of a dry product were not significantly affected when the liquors from pulping and pressing were recycled for washing peel. Recycling liquors from pulping and pressing gave the highest energy (43%) and water (33.4%) savings, respectively.
Inhibition of yeast growth in grape juice through removal of iron and other metals
Authors: Feng Minhua , Lalor Brendan , Hu Shuwei , Mei Jia , Huber Ann , Kidby Denis , Holdein Bruce
Published: November 2003

Growth of microbial spoilage organisms requires an adequate supply of essential trace metals. Removal of iron and other metals from grape juice with chelating resins was studied with a view to obtaining microbiological stability without the addition of chemical preservatives. Several chelating resins were examined for their iron and other metal removal efficiencies. High affinity and selective removal of essential trace microbial nutrient metals was investigated for its effects on the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in grape juice.

Iron removal from grape juice was studied in terms of removal kinetics and completeness. Iron removal was fast, and almost all of the iron was removed within 1 h. The chelating resins were able to easily remove the iron to a level below 5 p.p.b. in a batch process, and with a column process the iron concentration could be reduced to about 1 p.p.b. Other metals significantly removed by the resins in the treatment were Cu, Mn, Mg, Ca and Zn. Levels of Na and K were also significantly affected by the treatments.

Grape juice with an iron content below 3 p.p.b. could be prepared by using the chelating resins. Preliminary evaluation indicated that the growth of S. cerevisiae, a bottom wine yeast, was substantially inhibited in the treated grape juice. The inhibitory effect could be abolished by re‐addition of the removed metals.
A small‐scale rotary fermentation unit for rooibos tea
Authors: Joubert Elizabeth , Müller Rikus
Published: November 2003

A small‐scale low‐cost rotary unit was developed for batch fermentation of rooibos tea. Aeration of the fermenting tea was accomplished by periodic rotation. The performance of the unit was evaluated in terms of control of processing parameters and tea quality. Good control of the tea temperature was obtained and drying of the tea during fermentation was prevented. Rooibos tea with its characteristic sweet, honey‐like flavour and red‐brown extract colour was obtained after fermentation of the tea at 40°C with periodic aeration.
Benzoyl chloride modified ionomer films as antimicrobial food packaging materials
Authors: Weng Yih‐Ming , Chen Min‐Jane , Chen Wenlung
Published: November 2003

Modified ionomer films were prepared and their antimicrobial abilities were investigated. The anhydride linkage of the modified films was manufactured via the reaction of acid/base‐treated films with benzoyl chloride as evidenced by the specific anhydride absorption (–CO–O–CO–, 1807 cm−1 and 1741 cm−1; –C–O–C–, 1009 cm−1) in Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectra. Release of benzoic acid from the modified ionomer films either immersed in buffer solutions or buried between two layers of potato dextrose agar (PDA) media was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that implied the feasibility of the modified ionomer films as an antimicrobial food packaging material. It showed that the base‐treated modified films expressed better choice as an antimicrobial food packaging materials than the acid‐treated ones because of the higher amount of benzoic acid released from the former than from the later. The antimicrobial ability of modified ionomer films was further demonstrated by its inhibition against the growth of Penicillium sp. and Aspergillusniger. The modified ionomer films successfully exhibited high efficiency in the inhibition of microbial growth.
Comparative effects of gamma irradiation and ozone treatment on hygienic quality of aloe powders
Authors: Byun Myung‐Woo , Yook Hong‐Sun , Kwon Oh‐Jin
Published: November 2003

The effects of gamma irradiation and ozone treatment on the microbiological and physicochemical qualities of aloe powders were compared. Gamma irradiation at 10 kGy could reduce total aerobic bacteria, moulds and coliforms below detection levels, but ozone treatment up to 18 p.p.m. for 8 h was not sufficient to achieve the same effect. The fatty acid and amino acid compositions, minerals, TBA value, barbaloin and pigments were not significantly changed by gamma irradiation, whereas ozone treatment caused significant changes in fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation and the destruction of barbaloin and natural pigments.
Comparison of the sensory profiles of regular and reduced‐fat commercial processed cheese spreads
Authors: Muir D. Donald , Williams Simon A.R. , Tamime Adnan Y. , Shenana M. E.
Published: November 2003

The sensory character of 16 samples of commercial, processed cheese spread has been characterized. Samples were selected to provide information on variations both between brands and, for products differing in fat content, within brands. Products were rated for eight flavour attributes and six textural attributes by a panel of 13 professional assessors. Significant differences in both the flavour and the texture of the spreads were associated with brand. No systematic differences were found between the flavour attributes and the fat content of the spread. However, differences were revealed between spreads – classified on the basis of fat content as regular, light and ultra light – in the sensory dimensions associated with texture and mouth feel. Nevertheless, within some brands the effect of reducing fat content was minimal. This result was probably achieved by other changes in product formulation.
Establishing processing conditions for canning cowpea seeds in tomato sauce
Authors: Taiwo Kehinde A. , Akanbi Charles T. , Ajibola Obafemi O.
Published: November 2003

The thermal process time and sensory attributes of Ife‐BPC cowpeas canned in tomato sauce were studied. Heat resistance of Bacillus stearothermophilus 1518 was determined by the plate count method at 114.5 and 120.6°C. Surviving spores were cultured and TDT curves were plotted from these data to obtain D values of 2.2 ± 0.2 min at 120.6°C and 7.5 ± 0.5 min at 114.5°C. Heat penetration studies were conducted on two can sizes and at two operating temperatures. Thermal process parameters were determined using both the general and formula methods. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) in the process times determined by the two methods although slightly higher values were obtained with the formula method. The medium can size required a longer process time to approach the retort temperature than the small can size. The lethal effect of sterilizing at 120.6°C resulted in a lower D‐value, higher sterilizing value (F0), and higher safety ratio (a/b) than at 114.5°C. The final F0 at the end of processing was greater than the targeted F0 (11.0 min) from the 5D value, suggesting that the processing time is adequate for safe food production. Taste panel assessments were conducted to identify optimal processing conditions. The sensory attributes of dry and semi‐dry Ife‐BPC cowpeas canned in tomato sauce were compared with those of imported baked beans. Semi‐dry processed cowpeas had high consumer preference over the dry seeds, and acceptable canning qualities similar to those of the imported baked beans.
Perceptions of public health nursing: views from the field
Authors: Reutter Linda I , Ford Joan S
Published: November 2003

While there has been considerable debate about future roles for public health nurses, there is little research that explores public health nursing from the practitioner's perspective The findings reported in this paper are part of a larger study that explored public health nurses' perspectives and experiences of their practice what they do and how they feel about what they do Qualitative data were gathered through in‐depth individual and focus group interviews with 28 female public health nurses (PHNs) in Alberta, Canada This paper describes how PHNs feel about their work The analysis revealed that public health nurses perceived that their work was valuable and worthwhile, enjoyable, demanding, and not well understood by others These perceptions are discussed in terms of their implications for the future role of public health nursing in a reformed health care system and for the quality of nursing work‐life
Patient compliance: recognition of factors involved and suggestions for promoting compliance with therapeutic regimens
Authors: Cameron Catherine
Published: November 2003

Patient compliance is paramount in the effectiveness of therapeutic regimens Without compliance therapeutic goals cannot be achieved, resulting in poorer patient outcomes The social and psychological factors thought to influence compliance are identified as (a) knowledge and understanding including communication, (b) quality of the interaction including the patient–provider relationship and patient satisfaction, (c) social isolation and social support including the effect of the family, (d) health beliefs and attitudes — health belief model variables, and (e) factors associated with the illness and the treatment including the duration and the complexity of the regimen Noncompliance is a significant problem and a major challenge for the health care team Practical advice is offered for nurses and other health care professionals to increase patient compliance with therapeutic regimens These include factors involved in the patient‐provider relationship, communication skills and information‐giving, and the mobilization of existing social support networks Further research is needed to provide more conclusive results into the factors involved in patient compliance and to test the effectiveness of compliance‐enhancing strategies
Negotiating the role of the practice nurse in general practice
Authors: Atkin Karl , Lunt Neil
Published: November 2003

The debate about the role of the practice nurse is not only about practice nursing per se, but raises broader issues about the organization of primary health care Two related issues emerge as significant the role of the practice nurse in providing primary health care, and the effective use of the practice nurse resource in the ‘new’ National Health Service This paper, by drawing on material from a qualitative study, specifically examines the type of work performed by practice nurses and the factors that influence this The responses of practice nurses, general practitioners, Family Health Service Authority (FHSA) advisers, community nurse purchasers and managers of community nursing provider units suggest that a consensus on the future development of practice nursing is unlikely The different stakeholders emphasized different issues, reflecting their own priorities and backgrounds Practice nurses' accounts of the future, for example, focused on professional issues General practitioners stressed the importance of role development which met then‐General Medical Service responsibilities Purchasing agencies, provider units and FHSAs adopted a wider perspective and were more concerned to develop an effective and integrated primary health care service The tensions generated by their different interests and perspectives, and the subsequent organizational and policy initiatives that emerge, will provide the context in which the role of practice nurses will be negotiated
Promoting participation of informal caregivers in the hospital care of the elderly patient: informal caregivers' perceptions
Authors: Laitinen Pirjo , Isola Arja
Published: November 2003

A study to identify informal caregivers' perceptions of factors promoting or inhibiting their participation in the care of elderly patients was conducted An open‐ended questionnaire was completed by 369 informal caregivers during 2‐month periods in late 1991,1992 and 1993 Several factors related to the patient, informal caregiver, nurse and environment were identified The findings and implications for nursing are discussed The data presented here are from a larger study which is reported in earlier issues of the Journal of Advanced Nursing
Do programmes of medicine self‐administration enhance patient knowledge, compliance and satisfaction?
Authors: Furlong Sarah
Published: November 2003

Self‐administration of medicine (SAM) programmes for hospital in‐patients have become increasingly popular Such programmes are considered to facilitate education and learning A quasi‐experimental, longitudinal study was carried out to examine and compare knowledge acquisition, drug compliance, and satisfaction between patients who self‐administered their medications and those who did not Improvements in knowledge and compliance with medication regimes could not be linked directly with a SAM programme All patients had a high level of knowledge of their medications and appeared to be compliant with prescribed drug regimes Study findings support the hypothesis that knowledge improves with time, regardless of how medications are administered, but do not support the hypothesis that patients who self‐administrate are more knowledgeable about their medications than those who do not Therefore, SAM programmes may improve patient knowledge but opportunities to obtain knowledge may not be unique to such programmes The ward or unit philosophy may be such that other patients, who are less willing or able to participate directly in their own care, also have the opportunity to improve their knowledge
Nurse researcher: a study of a contradiction in terms?
Authors: Hicks Carolyn
Published: November 2003

Despite considerable top‐down pressure and numerous professional body initiatives, a persistent shortfall in published nursing research has been noted Numerous explanations have been put forward to account for this which implicate issues at both the individual/psychological and the structural/ organizational levels However, one area which has not yet been properly addressed is that of role appropriateness, in that research skills and activities may be construed as being incompatible with the traditional role expectations and values of nursing To test this proposition, two groups of qualified nurses were each required to consider six descriptors of an imaginary nurse following the paradigm of Asch's (1946) seminal Central Trait Theory study Of these, five adjectives were identical for both groups, but the sixth descriptor was manipulated, such that one group received ‘good clinician’ and the other ‘good researcher’ The subjects then had to rate this imaginary nurse along each of 15 bipolar traits The groups ‘ratings were compared using a series of unrelated t‐tests The results indicated that if a nurse was described as a good researcher she or he was also assumed to be more ambitious, a poorer communicator, less kind, stronger, more logical, more controlled, more confident, less popular, more ruthless, more rational and more analytical than if she or he was described as a good clinician These findings suggest that the qualities attributed to a good nurse are dissonant with those attributed to a good researcher and, in this way, the mutual incompatibility of each role's requirements may serve as an obstacle to the development of research with nursing
The changes in the role of the nurse teacher following the formation of links with higher education
Authors: Carlisle Caroline , Kirk Susan , Luker Karen A
Published: November 2003

A national study was conducted in England over a three‐year period (1991–1994) to explore the changing role of the nurse teacher The study used multiple methods of data collection, including a modified Delphi survey and a series of telephone interviews A wide variety of respondents (nurse teachers, midwife teachers, clinical nurses, health service managers and higher education lecturers) were included in the sample This paper presents findings relating to the changes in the role of the nurse teacher following the formation of links with higher education Some of the issues discussed include the difficulties related to academic status and the relationships between nurse teachers and other lecturers in higher education, changes in teaching styles and the place of student nurses with higher education The implications for nurse teachers which stem from a closer association with higher education are explored
Mechanisms of electrical field stimulation‐induced vasodilatation in the guinea‐pig basilar artery: the role of endothelium
Authors: Jiang F. , Li C. G. , Rand M. J.
Published: November 2003

1 The role of endothelium in neuronal vasodilatation elicited by electrical field stimulation (EFS) was investigated in preparations of the isolated guinea‐pig basilar artery in which the tone was raised with prostaglandin F2α.

2 In preparations with intact endothelium, EFS produced frequency‐dependent dilatations which were not affected by guanethidine but were slightly yet significantly reduced by atropine (1 μm), and were blocked by tetrodotoxin (1 μM) and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l‐NAME (10 μm).

3 Dilatations were elicited by acetylcholine (3 μm); these were blocked by l‐NAME and atropine (1 μm).

4 Dilatations were elicited by nicotine (100 μm); these were blocked by l‐NAME and hexamethonium (100 μm).

5 Dilatation elicited by sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 3 μm) was not affected by l‐NAME.

6 The inhibitory effects of l‐NAME were partially prevented by l‐arginine (1 mm).

7 Removal of the endothelium resulted in a significant reduction of dilatations elicited by EFS, elimination of the dilator action of acetylcholine, but enhancement of that to SNP.

8 The results suggest that EFS‐induced vasodilatation is mediated in part by the nitrergic transmitter and in part by endothelium derived relaxing factor (EDRF) activated by acetylcholine released from cholinergic nerves.
Cognitive loads and the empowering effect of music composition software
Authors: Phillips R. J. , Pierson A. J.
Published: November 2003

An investigation of music composition software in classrooms was used to study some ways in which open software can support problem solving and thinking. Students of different abilities and ages were observed doing music composition with the software in a variety of teaching contexts. The observations, and the resulting compositions, often showed a level of sophistication in musical structure which could not have been achieved unaided. A number of explanations are considered for this: it is argued that an explanation based on cognitive loads is most convincing in this case. The removal of cognitive loads does nothing positive to help students, but simply gives more space to think by transferring low level cognitive burdens to the software.
Development and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific for two different exoproteases of Aeromonas salmonicida
Authors: Wagner U , Lachmann I , Hädge D , Drössler K
Published: November 2003

Monoclonal antibodies (mabs) against native epitopes of Aeromonas salmonicida strain F216.1/83‐secreted proteases were isolated by means of a Protease‐Capture‐Assay. Ten antibodies reacted with the 70‐kDa serine protease as judged from the molecular mass and enzymatic behaviour of the recognized antigen. Eight other mabs bound gelatinolytic antigens which lacked caseinolytic properties and possessed some characteristics of a zinc‐dependent metalloprotease. The molecular mass of these mab‐defined, immunologically cross‐reactive antigens were estimated to be predominantly 108, 90 and 57 kDa. By comparing the antigen recognition and epitope mapping profiles among anti‐serine protease‐ and anti‐metalloprotease‐mabs, at least six and five different epitope specificities were demonstrated, respectively. Both panels of mabs were shown to recognize the two types of exoproteases in culture filtrates of strain MT004 and of several other typical A. salmonicida strains.
Comparison of different challenge methods to evaluate the efficacy of furunculosis vaccines in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Nordmo R , Ramstad A
Published: November 2003

Four challenge methods, intraperitoneal (i.p.) and intramuscular (i.m.) inoculation, bath and cohabitation exposure, were evaluated as methods for testing the efficacy of furunculosis vaccines in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Groups of fish vaccinated with one of two different vaccines containing aluminium phosphate or animal/vegetable oil as an adjuvant were challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida 6 and 12 weeks after vaccination. Relative per cent survival (RPS) was calculated daily during a 3‐week observation period post‐challenge. A large variation in protection measured by RPS, both between methods and between different time points for each method, was found. Towards the end of the observation period, RPS tended to be similar in the i.p. and cohabitation challenge groups. A high degree of protection was demonstrated for the oil adjuvanted vaccine. The i.m. challenge produced very low RPS numbers for both vaccines, but this was most marked for the aluminium‐phosphate‐adjuvanted vaccine. The bath exposure resulted in RPS values intermediate to the cohabitation and injection methods. The study also demonstrated that, after i.p. and i.m. challenges, the initial peak mortality caused by the inoculation was followed by a secondary increase in mortality, probably because of shedding of bacteria into the water during the first mortality phase and hence contributing to a superinfection state.