bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agonist and antagonist modulation of [35S]‐GTPγS binding in transfected CHO cells expressing the neurotensin receptor
Authors: Hermans Emmanuel , Geurts Muriel , Maloteaux Jean‐Marie
Published: August 2006

The functional interaction of the cloned rat neurotensin receptor with intracellular G‐proteins was investigated by studying the binding of the radiolabelled guanylyl nucleotide analogue [35S]‐GTPγS induced by neurotensin to membranes prepared from transfected Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.

The agonist‐induced binding of [35S]‐GTPγS was only detected in the presence of NaCl in the incubation buffer. However, it was also demonstrated that the binding of [3H]‐neurotensin to its receptor was inhibited by NaCl. In the presence of 50 mM NaCl, the binding of the labelled nucleotide was about 2 fold increased by stimulation with saturating concentrations of neurotensin (EC50 value of 2.3±0.9 nM).

The stimulation of [35S]‐GTPγS binding by neurotensin was mimicked by the stable analogue of neurotensin, JMV‐449 (EC50 value of 1.7±0.4 nM) and the neurotensin related peptide neuromedin N (EC50 value of 21±6 nM).

The NT‐induced [35S]‐GTPγS binding was competitively inhibited by SR48692 (pA2 value of 9.55±0.28), a non‐peptide neurotensin receptor antagonist. SR48692 alone had no effect on the specific binding of [35S]‐GTPγS.

The response to neurotensin was found to be inhibited by the aminosteroid U‐73122, a putative inhibitor of phospholipase C‐dependent processes, indicating that this drug may act at the G‐protein level.

Taken together, these results constitute the first characterization of the exchange of guanylyl nucleotides at the G‐protein level that is induced by the neuropeptide neurotensin after binding to its receptor.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 121, 1817–1823; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0701334
Evidence that anandamide and EDHF act via different mechanisms in rat isolated mesenteric arteries
Authors: Plane F , Holland M , Waldron G. J. , Garland C. J. , Boyle J. P.
Published: August 2006

The endogenous cannabinoid, anandamide, has been suggested as an endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF). We found that anandamide‐evoked relaxation in isolated segments of rat mesenteric artery was associated with smooth muscle hyperpolarization. However, although anandamide‐evoked relaxation was inhibited by either charybdotoxin (ChTX) or iberiotoxin, inhibition of the relaxation to EDHF required a combination of ChTX and apamin. The relaxations induced by either anandamide or EDHF were not inhibited by the cannabinoid receptor (CB1) antagonist SRI41716A, or mimicked by selective CB1 agonists. Thus, anandamide appears to cause smooth muscle relaxation via a CB1 receptor‐independent mechanism and cannabinoid receptor activation apparently does not contribute to EDHF‐mediated relaxation in this resistance artery.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 121, 1509–1511; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0701361
The co‐chaperone XAP2 is required for activation of hypothalamic thyrotropin‐releasing hormone transcription in vivo
Authors: Froidevaux Marie‐Stéphanie Clerget , Berg Petra , Seugnet Isabelle , Decherf Stéphanie , Becker Nathalie , Sachs Laurent M , Bilesimo Patrice , Nygård Maria , Pongratz Ingemar , Demeneix Barbara A
Published: August 2006

Transcriptional control of hypothalamic thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH) integrates central regulation of the hypothalamo‐hypophyseal‐thyroid axis and hence thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine (T3)) homeostasis. The two β thyroid hormone receptors, TRβ1 and TRβ2, contribute to T3 feedback on TRH, with TRβ1 having a more important role in the activation of TRH transcription. How TRβ1 fulfils its role in activating TRH gene transcription is unknown. By using a yeast two‐hybrid screening of a mouse hypothalamic complementary DNA library, we identified a novel partner for TRβ1, hepatitis virus B X‐associated protein 2 (XAP2), a protein first identified as a co‐chaperone protein. TR–XAP2 interactions were TR isoform specific, being observed only with TRβ1, and were enhanced by T3 both in yeast and mammalian cells. Furthermore, small inhibitory RNA‐mediated knockdown of XAP2 in vitro affected the stability of TRβ1. In vivo, siXAP2 abrogated specifically TRβ1‐mediated (but not TRβ2) activation of hypothalamic TRH transcription. This study provides the first in vivo demonstration of a regulatory, physiological role for XAP2.
Structural basis for the fast maturation of Arthropoda green fluorescent protein
Authors: Evdokimov Artem G , Pokross Matthew E , Egorov Nikolay S , Zaraisky Andrey G , Yampolsky Ilya V , Merzlyak Ekaterina M , Shkoporov Andrey N , Sander Ian , Lukyanov Konstantin A , Chudakov Dmitriy M
Published: August 2006

Since the cloning of Aequorea victoria green fluorescent protein (GFP) in 1992, a family of known GFP‐like proteins has been growing rapidly. Today, it includes more than a hundred proteins with different spectral characteristics cloned from Cnidaria species. For some of these proteins, crystal structures have been solved, showing diversity in chromophore modifications and conformational states. However, we are still far from a complete understanding of the origin, functions and evolution of the GFP family. Novel proteins of the family were recently cloned from evolutionarily distant marine Copepoda species, phylum Arthropoda, demonstrating an extremely rapid generation of fluorescent signal. Here, we have generated a non‐aggregating mutant of Copepoda fluorescent protein and solved its high‐resolution crystal structure. It was found that the protein β‐barrel contains a pore, leading to the chromophore. Using site‐directed mutagenesis, we showed that this feature is critical for the fast maturation of the chromophore.
MARCH‐V is a novel mitofusin 2‐ and Drp1‐binding protein able to change mitochondrial morphology
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiro , Kimura Yasuo , Tokuda Masaki , Honda Shinji , Hirose Shigehisa
Published: August 2006

Mitofusins and Drp1 are key components in mitochondrial membrane fusion and division, but the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of their activities remains to be clarified. Here, we identified human membrane‐associated RING‐CH (MARCH)‐V as a novel transmembrane protein of the mitochondrial outer membrane. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that MARCH‐V interacts with mitofusin 2 (MFN2) and ubiquitinated forms of Drp1. Overexpression of MARCH‐V promoted the formation of long tubular mitochondria in a manner that depends on MFN2 activity. By contrast, mutations in the RING finger caused fragmentation of mitochondria. We also show that MARCH‐V promotes ubiquitination of Drp1. These results indicate that MARCH‐V has a crucial role in the control of mitochondrial morphology by regulating MFN2 and Drp1 activities.
Phylogenetic relationships of Rhododendron section Vireya (Ericaceae) inferred from the ITS nrDNA region
Authors: Brown Gillian K. , Craven Lyn A. , Udovicic Frank , Ladiges Pauline Y.
Published: August 2006

Rhododendron L. taxonomy has been tested in recent times by molecular phylogenies based on several DNA regions. Most of these studies have aimed at higher-level relationships, despite the importance of lower ranks, such as sections, to most workers on the genus. Almost one-third of the species of Rhododendron are placed in one of the lepidote (scaly) sections, section Vireya (Blume) Copel.f. Results of phylogenetic analyses of the ITS region (ITS-1, 5.8S and ITS-2) for the genus Rhododendron, with sampling concentrated on section Vireya, are presented. The results of Bayesian and parsimony analyses were predominantly congruent. Subgenus Rhododendron is inferred to be monophyletic, while two of the three sections, Rhododendron and Vireya, are polyphyletic; the monophyly of section Pogonanthum Aitch. & Hemsl. was not tested in this study. Relationships between the species of section Vireya do not correspond to the traditional classification based on morphology, instead correlating strongly with geographic areas, with a disjunction between an Australian–New Guinea clade and clades of west and middle Malesian taxa. The phylogeny also indicates that the ITS region may not undergo complete homogenisation in all species of Rhododendron.
MIWI associates with translational machinery and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) in regulating spermatogenesis
Authors: Grivna Shane T. , Pyhtila Brook , Lin Haifan
Published: August 2006

Noncoding small RNAs have emerged as important regulators of gene expression at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. Particularly, microRNA (miRNA)-mediated translational repression involving PIWI/Argonaute family proteins has been widely recognized as a novel mechanism of gene regulation. We previously reported that MIWI, a murine PIWI family member, is required for initiating spermiogenesis, a process that transforms round spermatids into mature sperm. MIWI is a cytoplasmic protein present in spermatocytes and round spermatids, and it is required for the expression of its target mRNAs involved in spermiogenesis. Most recently, we discovered a class of noncoding small RNAs called PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that are abundantly expressed during spermiogenesis in a MIWI-dependent fashion. Here, we show that MIWI associates with both piRNAs and mRNAs in cytosolic ribonucleoprotein and polysomal fractions. As polysomes increase in early spermiogenesis, MIWI increases in polysome fractions. Moreover, MIWI associates with the mRNA cap-binding complex. Interestingly, MIWI is required for the expression of not only piRNAs but also a subset of miRNAs, despite the presence of Dicer. These results suggest that MIWI has a complicated role in the biogenesis and/or maintenance of two distinct types of small RNAs. Together, our results indicate that MIWI, a PIWI subfamily protein, uses piRNA as the major, but not exclusive, binding partner, and it is associated with translational machinery.
Improved Clinical Outcome of Patients With Candida Bloodstream Infections Through Direct Consultation by Infectious Diseases Physicians in a Japanese University Hospital
Authors: Takakura Shunji , Fujihara Naoko , Saito Takashi , Kimoto Terumi , Ito Yutaka , Iinuma Yoshitsugu , Ichiyama Satoshi
Published: August 2006

Objective.

To examine whether intervention by infectious diseases physicians (IDPs) in the treatment decisions that emphasize adequate antifungal treatment and early removal of central venous catheter for patients with Candida bloodstream infection (BSI) improves prognosis.

Design.

Retrospective cohort study of patients with Candida BSI, comparing the prognosis of patients before and after the start of the intervention.

Setting.

A 1,240-bed, tertiary care university hospital.

Patients.

Forty patients with Candida BSI during a 2-year period, from January 2001 to December 2002, were included in the study Twenty-three patients in the first year after the start of intervention by IDPs (intervention group) were compared with 17 patients in the first year before the start of the IDP intervention (baseline group).

Interventions.

In January 2002, a total of 5 IDPs at Kyoto University Hospital gave unsolicited recommendations on antifungal treatment and advised all physicians treating inpatients who had Candida BSI to remove the central venous catheter.

Results.

No significant difference was seen between the 2 groups in patients' clinical background, species, and fluconazole susceptibility of the causative organisms. The 30-day survival rate was significantly better in the intervention group (18 [78%] of 23 patients) than in the baseline group (7 [44%] of 16 patients; P = .04 by Fisher's exact test). More patients in the intervention group than in the baseline group received appropriate antifungal therapy (81% vs 50%) and had their central venous catheter removed at an appropriate time (95% vs 81%)

Conclusion.

The introduction of an active system of IDP consultation for every case of Candida BSI in our hospital substantially improved patient outcomes.
Efficiency of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission Through Injections and Other Medical Procedures Evidence, Estimates, and Unfinished Business
Authors: Gisselquist David , Upham Garance , Potterat John J.
Published: August 2006

Objective.

To estimate the transmission efficiency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through medical injections and other invasive procedures.

Design.

We searched our own files and Medline (from 1966-2004, using the keywords [“iatrogenic” or “nosocomial” or “injections”] and “HIV”) for reports of iatrogenic outbreaks worldwide, except outbreaks traced to receipt of contaminated blood or blood products. We also analyzed information from a case-control study of percutaneous exposures to healthcare workers.

Setting.

Worldwide healthcare settings.

Events.

We identified 8 iatrogenic outbreaks that met our study criteria; published information from 4 outbreaks was sufficient to estimate transmission efficiency.

Results.

From the 4 documented iatrogenic outbreaks, we estimated that 1 iatrogenic infection occurred after 8-52 procedures involving HIV-infected persons. Although only 0.3% of healthcare workers seroconvert after percutaneous exposure, a case-control study reported that deep injuries and other risk factors collectively increased seroconversion risk by as much as 50 times. Laboratory investigations demonstrate HIV survival through time and various rinsing regimens. We estimate that the transmission efficiency in medical settings with no or grossly insufficient efforts to clean equipment ranges from 0.5% to 3% for lower risk procedures (eg, intramuscular injections) and from 10% to 20% or more for high-risk procedures. Efforts to clean equipment, short of sterilization, may cut the transmission efficiency by 0%-100%. Procedures that contaminate multidose vials may accelerate transmission efficiency.

Conclusion.

To achieve better estimates of the transmission efficiency for a range of medical procedures and settings, investigations of iatrogenic outbreaks should be accorded high priority.
Exogenous Sources ofPseudomonas aeruginosain Intensive Care Unit Patients Implementation of Infection Control Measures and Follow-Up With Molecular Typing
Authors: Petignat Christiane , Francioli Patrick , Nahimana Immaculée , Wenger Aline , Bille Jacques , Schaller Marie-Denise , Revelly Jean-Pierre , Zanetti Giorgio , Blanc Dominique S.
Published: August 2006

Background.

In 1998, a study in the intensive care unit (ICU) of our institution suggested possible transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from faucet to patient and from patient to patient. Infection-control measures were implemented to reduce the degree ofP. aeruginosacolonization in faucets, to reduce the use of faucet water in certain patient care procedures, and to reduce the rate of transmission from patient to patient.

Objective.

To evaluate the effect of the control measures instituted in 1999 to preventP. aeruginosainfection and colonization in ICU patients.

Design.

Prospective, molecular, epidemiological investigation.

Setting.

A 870-bed, university-affiliated, tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods.

The investigation was performed in a manner identical to the 1998 investigation. ICU patients with a clinical specimen positive forP. aeruginosawere identified prospectively. Swab specimens from the inner part of the ICU faucets were obtained for the culture on 9 occasions between September 1997 and December 2000. All patients and environmental isolates were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results.

Compared with the 1998 study, in 2000 we found that the annual incidence of ICU patients colonized or infected withP. aeruginosahad decreased by half (26.6 patients per 1,000 admissions in 2000 vs 59.0 patients per 1,000 admissions in 1998), although the populations of patients were comparable. This decrease was the result of the decreased incidence of cases in which an isolate had a PFGE pattern identical to that of an isolate from a faucet (7.0 cases per 1,000 admissions in 2000, vs 23.6 per 1,000 admissions in 1998) or from another patient (6.5 cases per 1,000 admissions in 2000 vs 16.5 cases per 1,000 admissions in 1998), whereas the incidence of cases in which the isolate had a unique PFGE pattern remained nearly unchanged (13.1 cases per 1,000 admissions in 2000 vs 15.6 cases per 1,000 admissions in 1998).

Conclusions.

These results suggest that infection control measures were effective in decreasing the rate ofP. aeruginosacolonization and infection in ICU patients, confirming thatP. aeruginosastrains were of exogenous origin in a substantial proportion of patients during the preintervention period.
Outbreak of Postoperative Shoulder Arthritis Due to Propionibacterium acnes Infection in Nondebilitated Patients
Authors: Berthelot Philippe , Carricajo A. , Aubert G. , Akhavan H. , Gazielly D. , Lucht Frédéric
Published: August 2006

We investigated an outbreak of postoperative shoulder arthritis due to Propionibacterium acnes infection in nondebilitated patients. Risk factors were male sex, the order in which surgery was performed during the daily operating schedule, and increased duration of the surgical procedure. After modification of the ventilation system and implementation of improved cleaning methods in the operating theater, no new cases were recorded
First Outbreak of Colonization and Infection With Vancomycin-ResistantEnterococcus faeciumin a Tertiary Care Hospital in Singapore
Authors: Chlebicki Maciej Piotr , Ling Moi Lin , Koh Tse Hsien , Hsu Li Yang , Tan Ban Hock , How Kue Bien , Sng Li-Hwei , Wang Grace Chee Yeng , Kurup Asok , Kang Mei Ling , Low Jenny Guek Hong
Published: August 2006

We report the first outbreak of vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus faeciumcolonization and infection among inpatients in the hematology ward of an acute tertiary care public hospital in Singapore. Two cases of bacteremia and 4 cases of gastrointestinal carriage were uncovered before implementation of strict infection control measures resulted in control of the outbreak.
Compliance With Antiseptic Hand Rub Use in Intensive Care Units The Hawthorne Effect
Authors: Eckmanns Tim , Bessert Jan , Behnke Michael , Gastmeier Petra , Rüden Henning
Published: August 2006

Objective.

To determine the influence the Hawthorne effect has on compliance with antiseptic hand rub (AHR) use among healthcare personnel.

Design.

Observational study.

Setting.

Five intensive care units of a university hospital in Berlin, Germany.

Participants.

Medical personnel were monitored in 2 periods regarding compliance with AHR use when there were indications for AHR use. In the first period, the personnel had no knowledge of being observed. The second observation period was announced to the staff of the intensive care units in advance and information about what the observer would be monitoring was provided. Potential confounders of compliance with AHR use included occupational groups (nurses, physicians, and other healthcare workers), intensive care units, and indications for AHR use before or after any procedure.

Results.

Data were collected from 2,808 indications for AHR use. The overall rate of compliance was 29% (95% confidence interval, 26%–32%) in the first period and 45% (95% confidence interval, 43%–47%) in the second period. A logistic regression analysis with potential confounders revealed a significant odds ratio for the comparison between period 2 and period 1. The differences in compliance with AHR use were statistically significant (P<.001) between the occupational groups (nurses had the highest compliance and physicians had middle compliance) and between indication for AHR use before procedures and indication for AHR use after procedures.

Conclusions.

The Hawthorne effect has a marked influence on compliance with AHR use, with a 55% increase of compliance with overt observation. This result is consistent throughout subgroups. The rate of compliance with AHR use may in fact be lower than we thought because of results from studies that did not take the Hawthorne effect into account. The results of this study underline the necessity for infection control teams to be on wards as often as possible.
The clinical spectrum of adult acute myeloid leukaemia associated with core binding factor translocations
Authors: Appelbaum Frederick R. , Kopecky Kenneth J. , Tallman Martin S. , Slovak Marilyn L. , Gundacker Holly M. , Kim Haesook T. , Dewald Gordon W. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Pierce Sherry R. , Estey Elihu H.
Published: August 2006

To better understand the spectrum of adult acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) associated with core binding factor (CBF) translocations, 370 patients with newly diagnosed CBF‐associated AML were analysed. Patients’ age ranged from 16–83 years (median 39 years) with a slight male predominance (55%); 53% had inv(16); 47% had t(8;21). Patients with t(8;21) tended to be younger (P = 0·056), have lower peripheral blood white cell counts (P < 0·0001) and were more likely to have additional cytogenetic abnormalities (P < 0·0001). Loss of sex chromosome, del(9q) and complex abnormalities were more common among patients with t(8;21), while +22 and +21 were more common with inv(16). Overall, 87% [95% confidence interval (CI) 83–90%] of patients achieved complete response (CR) with no difference between t(8;21) and inv(16); however, the CR rate was lower in older patients due to increased resistant disease and early deaths. Ten‐year overall survival (OS) was 44% (95% CI 39–50%) and, in multivariate analysis, was shorter with increasing age (P < 0·0001), increased peripheral blast percentage (P = 0·0006), in patients with complex cytogenetic abnormalities in addition to the CBF translocation (P = 0·021), and in patients with t(8;21) (P = 0·025). OS was superior in patients who received regimens with high‐dose cytarabine, a combination of fludarabine and intermediate‐dose cytarabine, or haematopoietic cell transplantation.
Association of the BTNL2 rs2076530 single nucleotide polymorphism with Graves’ disease appears to be secondary to DRB1 exon 2 position β74
Authors: Simmonds M. J. , Heward J. M. , Barrett J. C. , Franklyn J. A. , Gough S. C. L.
Published: August 2006

Objective  The HLA region encodes numerous immune response genes, with the DR/DQ molecules consistently associated with autoimmune disease (AID). Recent studies in sarcoidosis have identified association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2076530 within BTNL2, a potential T‐cell inhibitor, independent of the known DRB1 association. The aim of this study was to investigate the association rs2076530 with disease in a large UK Caucasian Graves’ disease (GD) dataset.

Design  A case control association study of the rs2076530 polymorphism.

Patients  Eight hundred sixty‐four Graves’ disease patients and 864 controls.

Measurements  Tests for association with disease.

Results  We detected association of rs2076530 within a large GD dataset [OR = 1·32 (95% CI = 1·14–1·52)], however, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed association of rs2076530 to be secondary to the previously established DRB1 exon 2 encoded position β74 effect although a rare haplotype effect, including both loci, cannot be excluded.

Conclusions  BTNL2 may be a sarcoidosis‐specific susceptibility loci, although only extensive examination of the whole HLA region in different inflammatory/AIDs will enable DR/DQ independent HLA effects to be determined.
Plasma phospholipid transfer protein activity, a determinant of HDL kinetics in vivo
Authors: Ooi Esther M. M. , Watts Gerald F. , Ji Juying , Rye Kerry‐Anne , Johnson Anthony G. , Chan Dick C. , Barrett P. Hugh R.
Published: August 2006

Objective  Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) is an important regulator in the transport of surface components of triglyceride‐rich lipoprotein (TRL) to high density lipoprotein (HDL) during lipolysis and may therefore play an important role in regulating HDL transport. In this study we investigated the relationship of plasma PLTP activity with HDL metabolism in men.

Design and methods  The kinetics of HDL LpA‐I and LpA‐I:A‐II were measured using intravenous administration of [d3]‐leucine, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS) and a new multicompartmental model for HDL subpopulation kinetics (SAAM II) in 31 men with wide‐ranging body mass index (BMI 18–46 kg/m2). Plasma PLTP activity was determined as the transfer of radiolabelled phosphatidylcholine from small unilamellar phosphatidylcholine vesicles to ultracentrifugally isolated HDL.

Results  PLTP activity was inversely associated with LpA‐I concentration and production rate (PR) after adjusting for insulin resistance (P < 0·05). No significant associations were observed between plasma PLTP activity and LpA‐I fractional catabolic rate (FCR). In multivariate analysis, including homeostasis model assessment score (HOMA), triglyceride, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and PLTP activity, PLTP activity was the only significant determinant of LpA‐I concentration and PR (P = 0·020 and P = 0·016, respectively).

Conclusions  Plasma PLTP activity may be a significant, independent determinant of LpA‐I kinetics in men, and may contribute to the maintenance of the plasma concentration of these lipoprotein particles in setting of hypercatabolism of HDL.
Natural course of benign thyroid nodules in a moderately iodine‐deficient area
Authors: Erdogan Murat Faik , Gursoy Alptekin , Erdogan Gurbuz
Published: August 2006

Objective  Few studies using ultrasonographic evaluation have addressed the natural course of benign thyroid nodules. In this study, we present the long‐term analysis of benign, untreated thyroid nodules in a moderately iodine‐deficient area.

Design  We collected the retrospective data for 531 nodules in 420 patients followed by ultrasonography for a mean time period of 39·7 ± 27·8 months (range 12–168 months).

Results  When we considered significant nodule size decrease criteria as decreases in nodule volume of at least 15% and 30%, we found that 33·1% and 20·7% of thyroid nodules decreased in size, respectively. Using the criteria of a greater than 15% and 30% increase in volume showed that 32% and 24·1% increased in size, respectively. A logistic regression analysis using mixed models to predict thyroid nodule growth (volume change ≥ 15%), including age, TSH, sex and time between evaluations, failed to predict nodule growth. Only hypoechoic echo pattern remained as a statistically significant predictor of growth.

Conclusion  In 40 months’ follow‐up, we found that benign thyroid nodules exhibited a mostly favourable clinical natural course. One‐third of benign thyroid nodules showed continuous growth, one‐third remained unchanged, and the other third decreased in size.
MINERAL CONSTITUENTS OF HONEY
Authors: SCHUETTE H. A. , TRILLER RALPH E.
Published: August 2006

As a result of the analysis of 23 honeys deemed to include representatives of most of the honeys produced commercially in the United States, it appears that there apparently exists a qualitative relationship between degree of pigmentation as measured by the current practice of color‐grading this food and the quantity of sulfur and chlorine which it contains. All available data on this phase of honey composition have been collected and collated. Although some measure of similarity in sulfur content exists between the honeys in question and those produced in the foreign countries included in this survey, such has not been found to hold true for chlorine. Honeys of European origins probably do not contain notably greater amounts of this element than do those grown in continental United States, but no such large chlorine content has been found as that reported by others for the honeys characteristic of the product of the Hawaiian Islands nor yet those from the West Indies, South America, and Australia. There is need, however, for more data on the honeys from the latter group of geographical units, except perhaps the Hawaiian Islands, because the number of samples here involved is small.
VITAMIN B1 AND VITAMIN B2 (G) CONTENT OF VEGETABLES AS INFLUENCED BY QUICK‐FREEZING AND CANNING1, 2
Authors: FELLERS C. E. , ESSELEN W. B. , FITZGERALD G. A.
Published: August 2006

Controlled samples from the same lots of asparagus, peas, lima beans, and spinach were quick‐frozen and canned by commercial methods and their vitamin B1 and vitamin B2 (G) content was compared with that of the raw vegetables. Fresh asparagus, peas, lima beans, and spinach were found to contain 65, 133, 67, and 36 International Units of vitamin B1, and 53, 70, 122, and 145 Bourquin‐Sherman units of vitamin B2 (G) per 100 grams, respectively. Asparagus, peas, lima beans, and spinach retained 78, 97, 46, and 94 per cent of their vitamin Bt and 95, 100, 84, and 91 per cent of their vitamin B2 (G), respectively, when quick‐frozen; and 72, 60, 28, and 71 per cent of their vitamin B1 and 98, 100, 70, and 45 per cent of their vitamin B2 (G) content, respectively, when canned.

The length of the blanching period may influence the vitamin B1 and B2 (G) content of quick‐frozen and canned vegetables. Because of the solubility of these vitamins in water, minimum blanching periods consistent with the requirements are recommended.

In conclusion, it may be stated that both quick‐frozen and canned vegetables retain nutritionally significant percentages of vitamins B1 and B2 (G) and both types of preserved foods are good sources of these two water‐soluble vitamins.
A SIMPLIFIED MEDIUM FOR COUNTING CLOSTRIDIUM SPORESab
Authors: WYNNE E. STATEN , SCHMIEDING WILLIAM E. , DAYE GEORGE T.
Published: August 2006

A simple, easily prepared medium for counting Clostridium spores is described. With yeast extract starch bicarbonate (YESB) agar, counts of mildly heated (75°C. for 60 minutes) spores of 5 Clostridium strains were consistently comparable to those secured in a modification of Yesair's pork infusion medium, with or without added bicarbonate. Omission of bicarbonate from YESB agar resulted consistently in a small but significant decrease in counts with Cl. Botulinum 62A. Addition of bicarbonate to the Yesair medium resulted in increased counts and earlier colony development with Cl. botulinum 62A.

With spores of 6 Clostridium strains heated at 100°C. for a period sufficient to insure at least 99.95% destruction, recovery counts in YESB were comparable to those in modified Yesair's medium, with no evidence of dormancy.
STUDIES OP CERTAIN RED PIGMENTS FORMED FROM 2‐THIOBARBITURIC ACIDa
Authors: JENNINGS W. G. , DUNKLEY W. L. , REIBEB H. G.
Published: August 2006

Methods for the preparation of pigments from thiobarbituric acid and oxidized milk fat, malonaldehyde, and 2‐sulfanilamidopyrimidine are presented, and the general characteristics of the pigment preparations are described. Various oxidized vegetable oils were found to react with thiobarbituric acid to produce the characteristic red color. The chromatographic adsorption techniques investigated did not prove satisfactory for isolation and purification of the pigment preparations. Attempts to form chemical derivatives were unsuccessful, and the solubility characteristics of the pigments prevented the determination of molecular weights by colligative properties. Elemental analyses of pigment preparations were not sufficiently consistent to justify definite conclusions.

A spectrophotometric technique permitting calculation of the stoichiometry of the malonaldehyde‐thiobarbiturie acid pigment is presented. Results suggest an equimolar reaction without loss of water. Other spectral data indicate the pigment is degraded to yield equal quantities of malonaldehyde and thiobarbituric acid. A second malonaldehyde‐thiobarbiturie acid pigment with an absorption maximum of 507 mμ was isolated. The spectral techniques indicated a combining ratio of 3 aldehyde molecules to 1 thiobarbituric acid molecule for this pigment.
THE EFFECT OF BRAISING AND PRESSURE SAUCEPAN COOKERY ON THE COOKING LOSSES, PALATABILITY, AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF THE PROTEINS OF ROUND STEAKSab
Authors: CLARK HELEN E. , WILMETH MARIE C. , HARRISON DOROTHY L. , VAIL GLADYS E.
Published: August 2006

Paired top and bottom round steaks cut from 3 carcasses, graded U. S. Commercial, were cooked by the following methods: (a) under 10 p.s.i.g. pressure to an internal temperature of 176°F. (80°C), (b) under 15 p.s.i.g. pressure to an internal temperature of 176°F. (80°C), (c) under 15 p.s.i.g. pressure to an internal temperature of 234°F. (112.2°C.), and (d) braised to an internal temperature of 176°F. (80°C.) in a rotary gas oven maintained at 300°F. (148.9°C).

The internal temperature to which the meat was cooked, rather than the method of cooking, was important in determining the cooking losses and palatability of the steaks. Those cooked to 176°F. (80°C.) lost less weight during cooking, and were less tender, but more desirable in aroma, flavor, and juiciness than steaks cooked to 234°F. (112.2°C.).

None of the cooking methods lowered the nutritive value of the meat when measured in terms of growth and nitrogen retention in the growing rat. Under the conditions of the experiment, a diet supplying 1.6% of nitrogen from beef was as useful as a diet providing 2.0% of nitrogen for comparing the nutritive value of beef prepared by different methods.
Loss of Ascorbic Acid During Estimation by the Roe‐Kuether Method
Authors: TEWARI C. P. , KRISHNAN P.S.
Published: August 2006

Application of the 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine method of Roe and co‐workers to plant extracts, wherein ascorbic acid was present largely or completely in the form of DHA and DKA, resulted in abnormal data, in the sense that the value of AA + DHA+ DKA was significantly lower than that of DHA + DKA. Such a discrepancy, though not to the same degree, was observed also when the analyses were carried out on solutions of DHA. The loss is believed to take place during H2S treatment, there being a correlation between the extent of loss and the duration of H2S treatment, in the majority of the experiments.
Carotenoid Pigments of Pineapple Fruit. I. Acid‐Catalyzed Isomerization of the Pigmentsa
Authors: SINGLETON L. , GORTNER WILLIS A. , YOUNG H. Y.
Published: August 2006

The total carotenoid pigments of pineapple fruit contain a high proportion of epoxide groups which are readily isomerized to furanoid forms in an acid but not an alkaline environment. This isomerization causes a characteristic hypsochromic shift in the absorption maxima of the pigment extract. The absorbance at 425 mμ remains relatively unchanged as isomerization proceeds, and thus can serve as a measure of the total carotenoid pigment regardless of its isomeric form. The sharp maximum at 466 mμ is lost as isomerization progresses. Thus, the ratio of absorbances at 466 and 425 mμ can serve as a measure of the extent of isomerization of the pigments.
Antimicrobial Agent of Aged Surface Ripened Cheese. I. Isolation and Assaya,b
Authors: GRECZ N. , DACK G. M. , HEDRICK L. R.
Published: August 2006

Two types of soft surface ripened cheese become inhibitory to microbial growth after storage at 2 to 4° C for 8 weeks. The antimicrobial agent has been concentrated 4‐ to 16‐ fold by aqueous extraction and lyophilization or drying by a current of air. The total antimicrobial activity of aged surface ripened cheese of the described types was estimated to be at least 18.6 antimicrobial units per gram of product.

The active principle inhibited growth and toxin production of type A Clostridium botulinum 62A, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus 223 and Bacillus cereus 800/58. Threshold subinhibitory amounts of the antimicrobial concentrates stimulated growth of these organisms.
The Effect of Added Enzymes Upon the Free Amino Groups and Organoleptic Ratings of Irradiated Beef During Storagea,b
Authors: WEST R. G. , PEARSON A. M. , McARDLE F. J.
Published: August 2006

The presence of catheptic enzymes in irradiated meat was shown to be responsible for an increase in free amino nitrogen and a decline in panel scores as storage progressed. Immediately following irradiation, about one‐third of the free amino nitrogen was water soluble while the remainder was bound to the muscle fibers. At the end of 6 months storage, the proportion of free amino nitrogen in the heat‐in activated sample to which the inactive enzyme preparation had been added remained unchanged, but for the inactivated sample with added active cathepsins only one‐third of the free amino nitrogen remained bound to the fibers, whereas, in the raw sample only 15% was bound to the fibers. The addition of catheptic enzymes resulted in the release of a higher proportion of tyrosine and tryptophane than did the naturally occurring enzymes in raw meat.
Bitterness in Celerya,b
Authors: PAN HUO‐PING
Published: August 2006

The bitter principle of celery was isolated by successive solvent extraction, paper chromatography and curtain electrophoresis. It is a colorless crystalline non‐flavonoid D‐glucoside with mp of 159°C. It is cationic at pH greater than 7, soluble in polar solvents, and fluorescent under ultraviolet light. Electrophoresis is introduced as a new technique in the isolation of a bitter principle from a vegetable. A new conception of bitterness in plants is introduced.
Chemical Composition of Potatoes. I. Preliminary Studies on the Relationships Between Specific Gravity and the Nitrogenous Constituents
Authors: TALLEY EUGENE A. , FITZPATRICK THOMAS J. , PORTER WILLIAM L. , MURPHY HUGH J.
Published: August 2006

Katahdin potatoes (1959 crop) were placed in storage at 38°F. Monthly samples were removed and separated into three specific‐gravity levels‐‐‐high, intermediate, and low. Total solids changed but little in storage, indicating that shrinkage is due to a loss of both solids and water in the ratio in the original composition. Total and soluble nitrogen analyses over 10 months demonstrated an inverse relationship between total solids and these constituents when calculated on a moisture‐free basis. The nitrogen per gram of fresh weight shows no significant difference between samples of different solids contents. Therefore, the apparent inverse relationship on a moisture‐free basis is due to the storage of other constituents, presumed to be principally starch, in the case of high‐solids potatoes. About 60‐62% of the nitrogen is extracted by 70% by weight ethanol. Subsampling of large lots of potatoes for specific‐gravity studies is extremely difficult. All data should be checked for variations from sampling error.
Study of a Lipohydroperoxide Breakdown Factor in Soy Extractsa
Authors: GINI BRUNO , KOCH ROBERT B.
Published: August 2006

The rapid decrease in linoleic acid hydroperoxides observed with relatively high levels of soy flour extract was investigated. The hydroperoxide breakdown factor can be eliminated by high‐temperature short‐time treatment of soy extracts. The addition of KCN to reaction mixtures caused a partial inhibition of the breakdown factor activity. Variations in hydroperoxide breakdown activity with variations in pH and reaction time were studied. A possible optimum at pH 8‐9 was indicated. Qualitative evidence for the presence of a lipohydroperoxidase was obtained with well‐known reagents that produce a specific color reaction with peroxidases.
Precipitation of Food Gums by Thiazine, Oxazine, Azine and Other Cationic Dyes: Specificity of the Methylene Blue Carrageenan Reaction
Authors: GRAHAM HORACE D. , THOMAS LINNIE B.
Published: August 2006

Several dyes of the thiazine, azine, azo and other classes were mixed with carrageenan, furcellaran, fucoidan and other hydrocolloids and the nature of the precipitates formed was carefully observed. The results obtained indicate that the antigen‐antibody‐like specificity ascribed to the methylene blue‐carrageenan reaction is much less rigid than previously thought.

Dyes bearing the thiazine, phenazine, azine, oxazine or azo core structure will give the typical methylene blue‐carrageenan stringy precipitate when mixed with the hydrocolloids mentioned above. The sulfated polygalactose moiety is an essential for the formation of such a precipitate. Salts, at concentrations above certain threshold levels, inhibit formation of the stringy precipitate and, at low pH levels of the medium, the strings are considerably shortened. It is postulated that formation of the stringy precipitate results from the tendency of the linear macromolecules of carrageenan to agglomerate into fibers on precipitation from solutions.
Effects of Ionizing Radiations on Plant Tissues. V. Some Effects of Gamma Radiation on Lettuce Leavesa
Authors: MASSEY L. M. , TALLMAN D. F. , KERTESZ Z. I.
Published: August 2006

The effect of gamma radiation from a Cobalt60 source upon lettuce tissue was studied. The radiation‐induced softening of leaf discs was assessed with an instrument designed to measure the bending of the disc under application of a given weight. It is estimated that the “threshold dose” of radiation‐induced softening of lettuce is between 600 and 1,000 Kilorad. Lettuce leaf tissue thus appears more resistant to the softening effect of gamma radiation than the storage‐type tissues of apples, carrots, or beets. The radiation‐induced changes in the respiratory activity of lettuce were also studied, both during and after irradiation. Although both oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide evolution are stimulated during irradiation, the response subsides to near‐normal rates shortly after irradiation is stopped. There is some indication that the magnitude of the respiratory rate stimulation response is based primarily upon dose rate. A comparison of softening and respiratory rate measurements indicates that the tissue softening is probably not directly related to the respiratory stimulation that occurs during gamma irradiation.
Browning of Sugar Solutions. VI. Isolation and Characterization of the Brown Pigment in Maple Sirupa
Authors: UNDERWOOD J. C. , WILLITS C. O. , LENTO H. G.
Published: August 2006

The colorant of maple sirup has been isolated using ion exchange resins and purified by dialysis. The purified pigment had an empirical formula of C18H27O12N.
Effect of Pre‐irradiation Heating Temperatures, Irradiation Level, and Storage Time at 34° F on the Free Amino Acid Composition of Beefa,b
Authors: THOMPSON R. H. , BAUTISTA FLORDELIZA R. , CAIN R. F.
Published: August 2006

Slices of fresh beef were heated to 130, 150, and 1.95°F, then irradiated at 0.1 and 5.0 megarads, and stored at 34°F for periods up to 60 days. Unheated and unirradiated beef was subjected to the same variables. No free lysine, lysine, or tryptophan was found. Heating to 150°F inhibited the release of amino acids from the parent protein. Histidine and tyrosine were observed in quantitative amounts, but only traces of alanine, glycine, leueine, threonine, and valine were observed at 60 days. Heating to 150°F completely inhibited the appearance of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, methionine, and phenylalanine. Methionine and valine were affected by radiation at both levels. Serine, phenylalanine, histidine, glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and alanine were affected only at the 5.0‐megarad level. Storage generally resulted in increasing quantities of the free amino acids except for arginine and proline.
Enzyme‐Catalyzed Breakdown of Dehydroascorbic Acid in Plant Tissue
Authors: TEWARI C. P. , KRISHNAN P. S.
Published: August 2006

Homogenates of plant material were examined for enzymatic delactonization of dehydroascorbic acid and oxidation of diketogulonic acid. Bitter gourd fruit, cauliflower, and the leaves of the tapioca plant contain an enzyme that brings about conversion of dehydroascorbic acid to diketogulonic acid. Tapioca leaves are able to effect, in addition, a significant enzyme‐catalyzed degradation of diketogulonic acid. The 1eaves of the tapioca plant contain some material that stabilizes ascorbic acid against oxidation to dehydroascorbic acid during homogenization in a Waring blender.
The Microbicidal Activity of Gaseous Propylene Oxide and Its Application to Powdered or Flaked Foods
Authors: BRUCH C. W. , KOESTERER M. G.
Published: August 2006

The sporicidal activity of gaseous propylene oxide was determined at several concentrations and at low and high relative humidity (RH). At 37°C, 85% RH, and a concentration of 1250 mg/L, propylene oxide will kill 90% of a population of dry spores of B. subtilis var. niger in one hour. If RH is lowered to 25% under the same conditions, 90% of the spores are killed in 40 minutes. Microbial decontamination of several flaked or powdered foods with propylene oxide was determined in 4‐L rolling jars or in a 4‐cu‐ft revolving blender. The bacterial count of cereal flakes inoculated with dry spores of B. subtilis var. niger was reduced 95% in 4 hours at 37 and 55°C, hut further reduction in count was achieved only after prolonged holding times. Studies with cocoa powder showed that exposure to a propylene oxide concentration of l‐2% by weight of cocoa (or 1000‐2000 mg/L of space) at 37°C for 2‐3 hours reduced bacterial count by 50‐70% and thermophilic count by 50‐90%. Destruction of molds and vegetative bacteria in cocoa or other foods was 90‐99.9% under these conditions. Destruction of the microbial flora of cocoa was greater when the treated Cocoa was stored with some residual propylene oxide in bottles or plastic bags. Addition of liquid propylene oxide directly to small samples of cocoa gave good reduction of the microbial flora, but also some physical destruction of the contents.
The Carotenoids of Navel Oranges
Authors: CURL A. LAURENCE , BAILEY GLEN F.
Published: August 2006

The carotenoid mixtures of the peel and pulp of navel oranges were investigated. The composition of both is qualitatively much like those from Valencia oranges. About half of the total carotenoids in both pulp and peel consisted of violaxanthin and its 5,8‐epoxide isomerization products. The peel carotenoids contained a fraction, possibly monol epoxides, in considerably greater quantity than found in Valeneia orange or tangerine peels. This fraction included mono‐ and diepoxides of cryptoxanthin, and was the best source so far located for a cryptoflavin‐like earotenoid previously found in several other fruits. Neoxanthin and a trolliflor‐like pigment were found in the pulp of navel oranges.
The Autoxidation of Crystallized Beef Myoglobina
Authors: SNYDER HARRY E. , AYRES JOHN C.
Published: August 2006

The autoxidation rate in air for crystallized beef muscle myoglobin and the temperature dependence of the autoxidation were studied. Results show that autoxidation of beef muscle myoglobin is essentially the same as that reported by others for horse heart myoglobin. The rate constant for autoxidation was found to be dependent upon the amount of sodium hydrosulfite used to reduce metmyoglobin. It was shown that increased autoxidation, resulting from relatively high concentrations of sodium hydrosulfite, was not due to hydrogen peroxide. Control of the amount of sodium hydrosulfite used to 0.005% or less substantially reduced fluctuations observed in rate constants for autoxidation. For crystallized beef muscle myoglobin at pH 5.7 and 30°C, the rate constant is 0.21 ± 0.02 hr−1. The abnormally high temperature dependence of myoglobin autoxidation and the relative importance of bacteria and autoxidation as causes of meat discoloration were discussed.
The Use of Natural Gamma Activity to Measure the Composition of Pork and Lamb Samplesa
Authors: KIRTON A. H. , PEARSON A. M. , PORTER R. W. , NELSON R. H.
Published: August 2006

The gamma activity of 20 pork and 15 lamb samples, varying over a wide range in composition and each weighing 38 lb, was used to predict their chemical composition in terms of percentage of water, fat, and protein. All correlations between the estimated potassium content of the samples and the sample components were highly significant. However, the standard errors of the regression equations indicated that none of the relationships between the chemical components of the lamb samples and their potassium content were close enough to be of practical significance. The results on the pork samples seemed more promising. The standard errors suggest that chemical analysis should be used when accurate results are required or when the range in composition is small. However, advances in instrumentation may increase the accuracy of the K‐40 method. Some of the difficulties in applying the method to the measurement of meat composition are discussed.