bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic and Chemical Interesterification of Rice Bran Oil, Sheaolein, and Palm Stearin and Comparative Study of Their Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Adhikari Prakash , Hu Peng
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  Total of 3 different mixtures of rice bran oil (RBO), sheaolein (SO), and palm stearin (PS) (RBO : SO : PS, 40 : 35 : 25; 15 : 40 : 45; 10 : 35 : 55) were modified by enzymatic interesterification (EIE) using TLIM as a bio‐catalyst. After interesterification, a physicochemical properties of selected ratio (10 : 35 : 55; RBO : SO : PS) was compared with chemical interesterification (CIE). CIE sample showed higher SFC than EIE in each measured temperature. DAG content was lower in CIE than EIE sample. Besides, each EIE or CIE products were compared with blends, where higher SFC, longer induction time was observed in the blends. Oxidative stability was measured based on Rancimat and peroxide value (PV) where EIE sample showed longer induction time and lower PV compared to CIE sample. Further, EIE sample was selected for oxidation studies and kept at 60 °C for 22 d after the addition of antioxidants (EGCG, rosemary) where induction time was significantly increased compared to control. EGCG containing sample showed longer induction time and lower PV compared to rosemary containing sample.

Practical Application:  This research can show the application of SO in the bakery industry, which is a byproduct of shea butter production. There is very limited published information about SO application in bakery food. In addition, it could be useful for industrial application to compare the physicochemical properties of enzymatic interesterification compared to chemical interesterification.
Impact of Roasting on the Chemical Composition and Oxidative Stability of Perilla Oil
Authors: Zhao TingTing , Hong Seung In , Lee Junsoo , Lee Jeom‐Sig , Kim In‐Hwan
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  The impact of roasting was observed with regard to certain changes in the chemical components and oxidative stability of oil expelled from the roasted perilla seeds. The roasting times were established differently at each roasting temperature of 180, 200, and 220 °C. Trans fatty acids in perilla oil were detected, and the level detected increased as the roasting time increased. Moreover, the roasting of perilla seed led to an increase of 4 tocopherols, α‐, β‐, γ‐, and δ‐tocopherol, as well as phosphorus in the oil. The oxidative stability of the oils obtained after roasting increased during 60 d of storage at 60 °C. The rate of decrease of tocopherol in the oil from unroasted perilla seed was faster than that of the tocopherol in the oils from roasted perilla seeds during storage.

Practical Application:  The results reported in present research provide useful information that the producers of perilla oil could apply for their processing.
Occurrence of Biogenic Amines in Miso, Japanese Traditional Fermented Soybean Paste
Authors: Byun Bo Young , Mah Jae‐Hyung
Published: November 2012

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to analyze overall contents of biogenic amines in Miso and thereby evaluate the safety of the food. Through HPLC analysis of 22 different Miso products, it was found that most samples had low biogenic amine contents. However, some samples contained both histamine and tyramine close to hazardous levels of the amines, which indicate that the amounts of biogenic amines in Miso are not completely within the safe level for human health. Meanwhile, the biogenic amine contents showed no clear relationship with physicochemical parameters, whereas they revealed a good relationship with the ratio of soybean to other grains used in raw material. Thus, it turned out that biogenic amine contents in Miso are primarily affected by the ratio of raw ingredients, especially soybeans. The aerobic plate counts of Miso samples ranged from 3 to 8 Log CFU/g, and all the strains isolated from Miso samples were found to produce biogenic amines. Most strains were identified to be Bacillus subtilis, often regarded as the predominant contaminant bacteria in Miso, and highly capable of producing tyramine and spermine. Taken together, therefore, this study suggests that variability of biogenic amine contents in Miso are primarily attributed to the ratio of raw ingredients in the food that affects the relative contribution level of bacterial contaminants to the contents.

Practical Application:  Biogenic amines are harmful nitrogenous compounds. The amounts of biogenic amines in Miso are less when the ratio of soybean to other grains is lower in raw materials. This information would be helpful for consumers at the time of purchasing Miso product.
It's for your benefit: exploring patients' opinions about the inclusion of textual and numerical benefit information in medicine leaflets
Authors: Hamrosi Kim , Dickinson Rebecca , Knapp Peter , Raynor David K , Krass Ines , Sowter Julie , Aslani Parisa
Published: November 2012

Objectives

To explore consumers' beliefs and preferences for benefit information in medicine leaflets and examine their understanding and reaction to treatment benefits.

Methods

Forty-five participants were recruited to eight focus groups, run concurrently in Australia (23 participants in four groups) and the UK (22 participants in four groups). Participants were provided with amended leaflets based on the medicine clopidogrel, containing textual and numerical benefit information presented using numbers needed to treat (NNT). A topic guide which explored use of leaflets, preferences and opinions was used to direct discussion. Focus group discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and content analysed using adapted cross-case study analysis.

Key findings

The consensus was that the inclusion of benefit information was a positive factor. Many participants felt that textual benefit information offered an incentive to take a medicine, although some Australian participants had concerns that included benefit information could create anxiety. The presentation of numerical benefit information provoked strong feelings of disbelief and shock. Participants were surprised that so few people would benefit. Some participants struggled to understand and interpret the NNT and others found it difficult to comprehend the magnitude of the benefit information, instead operating on initial and often crude assumptions of what the data meant. In both countries the provision of numerical benefit information appeared to shake participants' faith in drug treatments. Participants were concerned about how this might affect the ‘less-informed’ patient. However, in the UK, participants stated that their adherence to treatment was also reinforced by their doctor's advice.

Conclusions

Participants wanted to receive information about the benefits of their medicines. However, they may misinterpret the numerical information provided.
Template‐Based Synthesis of Aluminum Nitride Hollow Nanofibers Via Plasma‐Enhanced Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Ozgit‐Akgun Cagla , Kayaci Fatma , Donmez Inci , Uyar Tamer , Biyikli Necmi
Published: November 2012

Aluminum nitride (AlN) hollow nanofibers were synthesized via plasma‐enhanced atomic layer deposition using sacrificial electrospun polymeric nanofiber templates having different average fiber diameters (~70, ~330, and ~740 nm). Depositions were carried out at 200°C using trimethylaluminum and ammonia precursors. AlN‐coated nanofibers were calcined subsequently at 500°C for 2 h to remove the sacrificial polymeric nanofiber template. SEM studies have shown that there is a critical wall thickness value depending on the template's average fiber diameter for AlN hollow nanofibers to preserve their shapes after the template has been removed by calcination. Best morphologies were observed for AlN hollow nanofibers prepared by depositing 800 cycles (corresponding to ~69 nm) on nanofiber templates having ~330 nm average fiber diameter. TEM images indicated uniform wall thicknesses of ~65 nm along the fiber axes for samples prepared using templates having ~70 and ~330 nm average fiber diameters. Synthesized AlN hollow nanofibers were polycrystalline with a hexagonal crystal structure as determined by high‐resolution TEM and selected area electron diffraction. Chemical compositions of coated and calcined samples were studied using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). High‐resolution XPS spectra confirmed the presence of AlN.
Rapid Microwave Annealing of Amorphous Lead Zirconate Titanate Thin Films Deposited by Sol‐Gel Method on LaNiO3/SiO2/Si Substrates
Authors: Chen Y. N. , Wang Z. J.
Published: November 2012

The heating behavior of LaNiO3 (LNO) films on SiO2/Si substrate heated by 2.45 GHz microwave irradiation in the microwave magnetic field was first investigated, and then amorphous Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin films were deposited on LNO‐coated SiO2/Si substrates by a sol‐gel method and crystallized in the microwave magnetic field. The crystalline phases and microstructures as well as the electrical properties of the PZT films were investigated as a function of the elevated temperature generated by microwave irradiation. The perovskite PZT films with a highly (100)‐preferred orientation can be obtained by microwave annealing at 700°C for only 180 s of total processing time, and have good electrical properties. The results demonstrated that conductive metal oxide LNO as a bottom electrode layer is an advantage for the crystallization of PZT thin films by microwave irradiation in the microwave magnetic field.
Facile Fabrication of TiO2/SrTiO3 Composite Nanofibers by Electrospinning for High Efficient H2 Generation
Authors: Bai Hongwei , Liu Zhaoyang , Sun Darren D.
Published: November 2012

Using electrospinning, specially prepared Ti and Sr precursor TiO2/SrTiO3 composite nanofibers were successfully fabricated. This would ensure the close and uniform contact between TiO2 and SrTiO3, which significantly contributes to the electrons transfer at the interface between the two semiconductors with different band gaps. Meanwhile, the long fibrous structure of TiO2/SrTiO3 composite nanofibers would further ease the electron transfer, enlarge the specific surface area, and enhance the light absorption capability thus leading to the improvement of photocatalytic efficiency. Because of the above‐mentioned advantages, the TiO2/SrTiO3 composite nanofibers exhibited higher photocatalytic H2 generation efficiency over bare TiO2 nanofibers in a water/methanol sacrificial reagent system under the irradiation of UV light.
Polymorph and Morphology Control of CaCO3 via Temperature and PEG During the Decomposition of Ca(HCO3)2
Authors: Jiang Jiuxin , Ye Jiuzhou , Zhang Gaowen , Gong Xinghou , Nie Longhui , Liu Jianing
Published: November 2012

As research continues, the control on the polymorph and morphology of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) becomes a hot topic because its application is limited by these parameters. The polymorph and morphology control of CaCO3 was successfully achieved via temperature and PEG (Mw = 6000) during the decomposition of Ca(HCO3)2, which has rarely been employed to prepare precipitated CaCO3. As‐prepared CaCO3 was characterized using XRD and SEM. In the case of no PEG, rhombohedra calcite, lamellar vaterite, rod‐ and needlelike aragonite are observed, and calcite is the major phase at all samples and it increases with temperature, whereas vaterite and aragonite decrease with temperature. The addition of PEG restrains the formation of vaterite and promotes the emergence of needlelike aragonite particles at 70°C, and prevents the generation of calcite and encourages the production of rodlike aragonite particles at 80°C and 90°C. This work not only provides a new way on the preparation of CaCO3 powder but also presents the feasible control method in this route.
Integration of Merged Delayed‐Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Multidetector Computed Tomography for the Guidance of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation: A Pilot Study
Authors: COCHET HUBERT , KOMATSU YUKI , SACHER FREDERIC , JADIDI AMIR SHERWAN , SCHERR DANIEL , RIFFAUD MATTHIEU , DERVAL NICOLAS , SHAH ASHOK , ROTEN LAURENT , PASCALE PATRIZIO , RELAN JATIN , SERMESANT MAXIME , AYACHE NICHOLAS , MONTAUDON MICHEL , LAURENT FRANÇOIS , HOCINI MÉLÈZE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , JAÏS PIERRE
Published: November 2012

MDCT/MRI Fusion for the Guidance of VT Ablation. Background: Delayed enhancement (DE) MRI can assess the fibrotic substrate of scar‐related VT. MDCT has the advantage of inframillimetric spatial resolution and better 3D reconstructions. We sought to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of integrating merged MDCT/MRI data in 3D‐mapping systems for structure–function assessment and multimodal guidance of VT mapping and ablation.

Methods:
Nine patients, including 3 ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), 3 nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), 2 myocarditis, and 1 redo procedure for idiopathic VT, underwent MRI and MDCT before VT ablation. Merged MRI/MDCT data were integrated in 3D‐mapping systems and registered to high‐density endocardial and epicardial maps. Low‐voltage areas (<1.5 mV) and local abnormal ventricular activities (LAVA) during sinus rhythm were correlated to DE at MRI, and wall‐thinning (WT) at MDCT.

Results:
Endocardium and epicardium were mapped with 391 ± 388 and 1098 ± 734 points per map, respectively. Registration of MDCT allowed visualization of coronary arteries during epicardial mapping/ablation. In the idiopathic patient, integration of MRI data identified previously ablated regions. In ICM patients, both DE at MRI and WT at MDCT matched areas of low voltage (overlap 94 ± 6% and 79 ± 5%, respectively). In NICM patients, wall‐thinning areas matched areas of low voltage (overlap 63 ± 21%). In patients with myocarditis, subepicardial DE matched areas of epicardial low voltage (overlap 92 ± 12%). A total number of 266 LAVA sites were found in 7/9 patients. All LAVA sites were associated to structural substrate at imaging (90% inside, 100% within 18 mm).

Conclusion:
The integration of merged MDCT and DEMRI data is feasible and allows combining substrate assessment with high‐spatial resolution to better define structure–function relationship in scar‐related VT. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 419‐426, April 2013)
SIMAGRIO‐W: Development of a prediction model for wireworms in relation to soil moisture, temperature and type
Authors: Jung Jeanette , Racca Paolo , Schmitt Juliane , Kleinhenz Benno
Published: November 2012

As a result of increasing cultivation of corn and potatoes, the polyphagous larvae of the click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae), called wireworms, become a problem in agriculture (Parker and Howard 2001). The hypothesis that the vertical distribution of wireworms depends on soil moisture, soil temperature and soil type had to be verified. In field experiments, investigations on wireworm activity in relation to soil moisture and soil temperature were carried out over a period of 2 years. Bait traps were buried in soil, and the appearance of larvae was recorded during the seasons. In laboratory, the optimum soil moisture for larvae was tested with four soil types. Correlations between the percentage of observed wireworms and soil moisture were analysed.

The results were taken as the basis for the prediction model SIMAGRIO‐W (SIMulation of the larvae of AGRIOtes (Wireworms)), which appraises the risk of damages on field culture caused by wireworms in relation to soil moisture and soil temperature. With logistic and Gaussian regressions, a first approach of a prediction model was developed. One output of the model displays the risk for damages in form of a binary response, which identifies two risk classes (risk and no risk). A second output displays for four soil types the percentage of appeared wireworms in relation to soil moisture, starting with an undefined amount of wireworms on a field. With a R² from 0.81 to 0.89, the percentage of occurred wireworms could be calculated well. The correlations were significant in all tested soil types (P ≤ 0.05). With data collected in 2010 and 2011, an independent validation was carried out to get information about the predictions quality of the developed model SIMAGRIO‐W. The hit rate was validated within two classes, risk and no risk. With correct results in over 85% of the cases, the class was predicted correctly.
Current prospects for interferon‐free treatment of hepatitis C in 2012
Authors: Stedman Catherine AM
Published: November 2012

Present interferon‐based therapy for chronic hepatitis C is limited by both efficacy and tolerability. Telaprevir and boceprevir are the first two direct‐acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) that inhibit hepatitis C virus replication to be licensed for use in conjunction with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Numerous other DAAs are in clinical development, and phases 2 and 3 trials are evaluating interferon‐free combination DAA therapy. Interferon‐free sustained virologic responses have now been achieved with combinations of asunaprevir and daclatasvir; sofosbuvir and ribavirin; sofosbuvir and daclatasvir; faldaprevir and BI207127; ABT‐450, ritonovir and ABT‐333; ABT‐450, ritonovir and ABT‐072; miracitabine, danoprevir and ritonavir; and alisporivir and ribavirin. Some drugs are genotype‐specific in their activity, whereas others are pan‐genotypic, and differential responses for the genotype 1 subtypes 1a and 1b have emerged with many DAA combinations. Viral breakthrough and resistance are important considerations for future trial design. The prospect of interferon‐free combination DAA therapy for hepatitis C virus is now finally becoming a reality.
Non‐26S Proteasome Proteolytic Role of Ubiquitin in Plant Endocytosis and Endosomal TraffickingF
Authors: Tian Miaomiao , Xie Qi
Published: November 2012

The 76 amino acid protein ubiquitin (Ub) is highly conserved in all eukaryotic species. It plays important roles in many cellular processes by covalently attaching to the target proteins. The best known function of Ub is marking substrate proteins for degradation by the 26S proteasome. In fact, other consequences of ubiquitination have been discovered in yeast and mammals, such as membrane trafficking, DNA repair, chromatin modification, and protein kinase activation. The common mechanism underlying these processes is that Ub serves as a signal to sort proteins to the vacuoles or lysosomes for degradation as opposed to 26S proteasome‐dependent degradation. To date, several reports have indicated that a similar function of Ub also exists in plants. This review focuses on a summary and analysis of the recent research progress on Ub acting as a signal to mediate endocytosis and endosomal trafficking in plants.

image

[ Qi Xie (Corresponding author)]
A Kelch Motif‐Containing Serine/Threonine Protein Phosphatase Determines the Large Grain QTL Trait in Rice
Authors: Hu Zejun , He Haohua , Zhang Shiyong , Sun Fan , Xin Xiaoyun , Wang Wenxiang , Qian Xi , Yang Jingshui , Luo Xiaojin
Published: November 2012

A thorough understanding of the genetic basis of rice grain traits is critical for the improvement of rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties. In this study, we generated an F2 population by crossing the large‐grain japonica cultivar CW23 with Peiai 64 (PA64), an elite indica small‐grain cultivar. Using QTL analysis, 17 QTLs for five grain traits were detected on four different chromosomes. Eight of the QTLs were newly‐identified in this study. In particular, qGL3‐1, a newly‐identified grain length QTL with the highest LOD value and largest phenotypic variation, was fine‐mapped to the 17 kb region of chromosome 3. A serine/threonine protein phosphatase gene encoding a repeat domain containing two Kelch motifs was identified as the unique candidate gene corresponding to this QTL. A comparison of PA64 and CW23 sequences revealed a single nucleotide substitution (C→A) at position 1092 in exon 10, resulting in replacement of Asp (D) in PA64 with Glu (E) in CW23 for the 364th amino acid. This variation is located at the D position of the conserved sequence motif AVLDT of the Kelch repeat. Genetic analysis of a near‐isogenic line (NIL) for qGL3‐1 revealed that the allele qGL3‐1 from CW23 has an additive or partly dominant effect, and is suitable for use in molecular marker‐assisted selection.
Infant growth patterns of the mandible in modern humans: a closer exploration of the developmental interactions between the symphyseal bone, the teeth, and the suprahyoid and tongue muscle insertion sites
Authors: Coquerelle Michael , Prados‐Frutos Juan Carlos , Benazzi Stefano , Bookstein Fred L. , Senck Sascha , Mitteroecker Philipp , Weber Gerhard W.
Published: November 2012

The ontogenetic development of the mental region still poses a number of unresolved questions in human growth, development and phylogeny. In our study we examine the hypotheses of DuBrul & Sicher (1954) (The Adaptive Chin. Springfield, IL: Charles) and Enlow (1990) (Facial Growth, 3rd edn. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders) to explain the presence of a prominent mental region in anatomically modern humans. In particular, we test whether the prominence of the mental region and the positioning of the teeth are both correlated with the developmental relocation of the tongue and the suprahyoid muscles inserting at the lingual side of the symphysis. Furthermore, we test whether the development of the mental region is associated with the development of the back of the vocal tract. Using geometric morphometric methods, we measured the 3D mandibular and tooth surfaces in a cross‐sectional sample of 36 CT‐scanned living humans, incorporating the positions of the tongue and the geniohyoid and digastric muscle insertions. The specimens' ages range from birth to the complete emergence of the deciduous dentition. We used multivariate regression and two‐block partial least squares (PLS) analysis to study the covariation among the mental region, the muscle insertions, and the teeth both across and within age stages. In order to confirm our results from the 3D cross‐sectional sample, and to relate them to facial growth and the position of the cervical column and the hyoid bone, we used 46 lateral radiographs of eight children from the longitudinal Denver Growth Study. The 3D analysis demonstrates that the lingual side of the lower border of the symphysis develops downwards and forwards. These shape changes are significantly correlated with the relocation of muscle insertion sites and also with the vertical reorientation of the anterior teeth prior to emergence. The 2D analysis confirms the idea that as the mental region prominence develops, the space of the laryngopharynx becomes restricted due to upper mid‐face retraction and the acquisition of upright body posture. In agreement with the hypotheses of DuBrul & Sicher (1954) and Enlow (1990), our results suggest that the presence of a prominent mental region responds to the space restriction at the back of the vocal tract, and to the packaging of the tongue and suprahyoid muscles in order to preserve the functionality of the laryngopharynx during respiration, feeding and speech.
A Molecular Phylogenetic Study of the Tribe Corallineae (Corallinales, Rhodophyta) with an Assessment of Genus‐Level Taxonomic Features and Descriptions of Novel Genera
Authors: Hind Katharine R. , Saunders Gary W.
Published: November 2012

A multigene phylogeny using COI‐5P (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1), psbA (PSII reaction center protein D1), and EF2 (elongation factor 2) sequence data for members of the tribe Corallineae was constructed to assess generic boundaries. We determined that traditional reliance on conceptacle position as an indicator of generic affinities in the Corallineae is not supported and taxonomic changes are required. We found that species currently assigned to Pseudolithophyllum muricatum resolved within the Corallineae in all analyses. This is the first record of crustose members in the subfamily Corallinoideae. Further‐more, the genus Serraticardia was polyphyletic; we propose to synonomize Serraticardia with Corallina, transfer the type species S. maxima to Corallina (C. maxima (Yendo) comb. nov.), and describe the new genus Johansenia for S. macmillanii (J. macmillanii (Yendo) comb. nov.). Our molecular data also indicate that species in the genus Marginisporum have evolutionary affinities among species of Corallina and these genera should also be synonymized. This necessitates the combinations C. aberrans (Yendo) comb. nov. for M. aberrans (Yendo) Johansen & Chihara, C. crassissima (Yendo) comb. nov. for M. crassissimum (Yendo) Ganesan, and C. declinata (Yendo) comb. nov. for M. declinata (Yendo) Ganesan. Corallina elongata was divergent from all other members of Corallina and is transferred to a new genus, Ellisolandia (E. elongata (J. Ellis & Solander) comb. nov). In addition, COI‐5P and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) data combined with morphological characters were used to establish that rather than the four Corallina species recognized in Canada, there are nine.
Gram‐positive bacteria as an antigen topically applied into gingival sulcus of immunized rat accelerates periodontal destruction
Authors: Nagano F. , Kaneko T. , Yoshinaga Y. , Ukai T. , Kuramoto A. , Nakatsu S. , Oshino K. , Ichimura I. , Hara Y.
Published: November 2012

Background and objective

Periodontitis is generally accepted to relate to gram‐negative bacteria, and the host defense system influences its onset and progression. However, little is known about the relation between gram‐positive bacteria and periodontitis. In this study, we topically applied gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacterial suspensions to the gingival sulcus in rats after immunization, and then histopathologically examined their influence on periodontal destruction.

Materials and Methods

Rats previously immunized with heat‐treated and sonicated Staphylococcus aureus or Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were used as immunized groups. The non‐immunized group received only sterile phosphate‐buffered saline. In each animal, S. aureus or A. actinomycetemcomitans suspension was applied topically to the palatal gingival sulcus of first molars every 24 h for 10 d. Blood samples were collected and the serum level of anti‐S. aureus or anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The first molar regions were resected and observed histopathologically. Osteoclasts were stained with tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The formation of immune complexes was confirmed by immunohistological staining of C1qB.

Results

Serum levels of anti‐S. aureus and anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans IgG antibodies in the immunized groups were significantly higher than those in the non‐immunized groups were. The loss of attachment, increase in apical migration of the junctional epithelium, and decreases in alveolar bone level and number of TRAP‐positive multinuclear cells in each immunized group were significantly greater than in each non‐immunized group. The presence of C1qB was observed in the junctional epithelium and adjacent connective tissue in the immunized groups.

Conclusions

Heat‐treated and sonicated S. aureus and A. actinomycetemcomitans induced attachment loss in rats immunized with their suspensions. Our results suggest that not only gram‐negative but also gram‐positive bacteria are able to induce periodontal destruction.
The human leucocyte antigen DQB1*0602 allele is associated with electroencephelograph differences in individuals with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Manzotte Thais , Guindalini Camila , Mazzotti Diego R. , Palombini Luciana , de Souza Altay L. , Poyares Dalva , Bittencourt Lia R. A. , Tufik Sergio
Published: November 2012

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA) DQB1*0602 allele, a well‐known genetic risk factor for narcolepsy, has been associated with sleep parameters in healthy subjects. We aimed to assess the association of this allele with daytime sleepiness and altered sleep electroencephalogram characteristics in the general population and in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). Eight hundred and ninety‐four individuals from the Epidemiologic Study of Sleep were genotyped for the HLA DQB1*0602 allele. Full‐night polysomnography was performed, and daytime sleepiness was analysed according to the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. HLA‐DQB1*0602 allele‐positive and ‐negative subjects in the general population, as well as in patients with OSAS, exhibited similar sleep parameters and levels of daytime sleepiness. However, spectral analysis showed that allele‐positive individuals with OSAS exhibited higher theta power during sleep Stage 1 (P < 0.05) in occipital derivations, and lower delta power during sleep Stages 1 and 2 (P < 0.01) compared with individuals negative for the allele, even after correction for potential confounders as age, sex, body mass index and European ancestry. No significant differences in the electroencephalogram variables were found in individuals without OSAS. The data highlight the HLA‐DQB1*0602 as a potential genetic factor influencing sleep physiology in individuals diagnosed with OSAS.
Milk Thistle and Its Derivative Compounds: A Review of Opportunities for Treatment of Liver Disease
Authors: Hackett E.S. , Twedt D.C. , Gustafson D.L.
Published: November 2012

Milk thistle extracts have been used as a “liver tonic” for centuries. In recent years, silibinin, the active ingredient in milk thistle extracts, has been studied both in vitro and in vivo to evaluate the beneficial effects in hepatic disease. Silibinin increases antioxidant concentrations and improves outcomes in hepatic diseases resulting from oxidant injury. Silibinin treatment has been associated with protection against hepatic toxins, and also has resulted in decreased hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Limited information currently is available regarding silibinin use in veterinary medicine. Future study is justified to evaluate dose, kinetics, and treatment effects in domestic animals.
The effects of meteorite impacts on the availability of bioessential elements for endolithic organisms
Authors: PONTEFRACT Alexandra , OSINSKI Gordon R. , LINDGREN Paula , PARNELL John , COCKELL Charles S. , SOUTHAM Gordon
Published: November 2012

Abstract– Meteorite impacts, one of the most ubiquitous processes in the solar system, have the ability to destroy as well as create habitats for life. The impact process can increase the translucency and porosity of the target substrate, as well as mobilize biologically relevant elements within the substrate. For endolithic organisms, this process has important implications, especially in extreme environments where they are forced to seek refuge in the interior of rocks. Here, we show that unshocked target rocks and rocks that have experienced pressures up to about 80 GPa from the Haughton impact structure, Devon Island, Canada, possess a small, but discernible change in bulk chemistry within the major oxide analysis. However, changes in the distribution of elements did occur with increasing shock level for both the sedimentary and crystalline target. Both the crystalline and sedimentary target rocks contain significant amounts of glasses at higher shock levels (up to about 95% by volume), which would improve the availability of these elements to potential microbial endoliths as glasses are more easily dissolved by organic acids. The implication that impact events do not impoverish their capacity to serve as a “substrate” through volatilization is important with respect to analogous impact structures on Mars. After the deleterious effects of the direct meteorite impact, any microorganisms on Mars would have benefited from the input of heat, the mobilization of a possible frozen groundwater system, as well as increased translucency, porosity, and trace nutrient availability of the target substrate.
Raman spectroscopic study of diamond and graphite in ureilites and the origin of diamonds
Authors: NAGASHIMA Kana , NARA Masayuki , MATSUDA Jun‐ichi
Published: November 2012

Abstract– We performed micro‐Raman spectroscopic analyses of the carbon vein in five ureilites: Allan Hills (ALH) A77257, Northwest Africa (NWA) 3140, Shişr 007, Yamato 790981 (Y‐790981), and Yamato 791538 (Y‐791538). The graphite peaks showed that the graphite structure in ureilite is well developed, especially compared with the carbonaceous material in carbonaceous chondrite. The domain sizes of the graphite were 45–110 Å. We observed shifts in the diamond peak positions to higher wave numbers with a large full width at half maximum (FWHM), especially for NWA 3140. Although the FWHM of a diamond peak is not a crucial diagnostic test for a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) origin of diamond, the shift of the diamond peaks to higher wave numbers could be a strong indicator that supports the CVD origin as these shifts have only been observed in CVD diamonds. We discuss the origin of diamond from various aspects, and confirm that the CVD model is the most plausible. We conclude that all carbon material (graphite, amorphous carbon, diamond, etc.) condensed on the early condensates in the primitive solar nebula.
Oxygen isotope composition of meteoritic ablation debris from the Transantarctic Mountains: Constraining the parent body and implications for the impact scenario
Authors: Van GINNEKEN M. , SUAVET C. , CORDIER C. , FOLCO L. , ROCHETTE P. , SONZOGNI C. , PERCHIAZZI N.
Published: November 2012

Abstract– Microscopic meteoritic ablation spheres recently found on top of the Victoria Land in Transantarctic Mountains, and in the L2 Dome C and DF2691 Dome Fuji ice core layers document a major impact of a 108 kg (or larger) cosmic body in the Antarctic region about 480 kyr ago. Although of broadly chondritic composition, the exact nature of the impactor is unknown, and whether the impactor struck the Antarctic ice sheet or exploded in the atmosphere is a matter of debate. Based on oxygen isotope analyses of ablation spheres from the Transantarctic Mountains by means of IR‐laser fluorination coupled with mass spectrometry, we suggest that they represent the debris of an atmospheric airburst of a primitive asteroid of CV, CO, or CK composition, or a comet with composition similar to the short‐period comet 81P/Wild 2.
Hybridization ofSouthernHemisphere blue whale subspecies and a sympatric area offAntarctica: impacts of whaling or climate change?
Authors: Attard Catherine R. M. , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Jenner K. Curt S. , Gill Peter C. , Jenner Micheline‐Nicole , Morrice Margaret G. , Robertson Kelly M. , Möller Luciana M.
Published: November 2012

Understanding the degree of genetic exchange between subspecies and populations is vital for the appropriate management of endangered species. Blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) have two recognizedSouthernHemisphere subspecies that show differences in geographic distribution, morphology, vocalizations and genetics. During the austral summer feeding season, the Antarctic blue whale (B. m. intermedia) is found in polar waters and the pygmy blue whale (B. m. brevicauda) in temperate waters. Here, we genetically analyzed samples collected during the feeding season to report on several cases of hybridization between the two recognized blue whaleSouthernHemisphere subspecies in a previously unconfirmed sympatric area offAntarctica. This means the pygmy blue whales using waters offAntarctica may migrate and then breed during the austral winter with theAntarctic subspecies. Alternatively, the subspecies may interbreed off Antarctica outside the expected austral winter breeding season. The genetically estimated recent migration rates from the pygmy toAntarctic subspecies were greater than estimates of evolutionary migration rates and previous estimates based on morphology of whaling catches. This discrepancy may be due to differences in the methods or an increase in the proportion of pygmy blue whales off Antarctica within the last four decades. Potential causes for the latter are whaling, anthropogenic climate change or a combination of these and may have led to hybridization between the subspecies. Our findings challenge the current knowledge about the breeding behaviour of the world's largest animal and provide key information that can be incorporated into management and conservation practices for this endangered species.
Dextromethorphan Attenuates LPS‐Induced Adhesion Molecule Expression in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Jiang Shinn‐Jong , Hsu Sheng‐Yao , Deng Chuan‐Rou , Huang Huey‐Chun , Liu Shu‐Lin , Shi Guey‐Yueh , Wu Hua‐Lin
Published: November 2012

Objective

This study examines the effect of Dextromethorphan (d‐3‐methoxy‐17‐methylmorphinan; DXM), a commonly used cough‐suppressing drug, on the expression of VCAM‐1 and ICAM‐1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

The effect of DXM on expression of cell adhesion molecules induced by LPS was evaluated by monocyte bindings in vitro and ex vivo and transmigration assays. The signaling pathways involved in the inflammation inhibitory effect of DXM were analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescent stain.

Results

Pretreatment of HUVECs with DXM inhibited LPS‐induced adhesion of THP‐1 cells in vitro and ex vivo, and reduced transendothelial migration of these cells. Furthermore, treatment of HUVECs with DXM can significantly decrease LPS‐induced expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1. DXM abrogated LPS‐induced phosphorylation of ERK and Akt. The translocation of early growth response gene‐1 (Egr‐1), a downstream transcription factor involved in the mitogen‐activated kinase (MEK)‐ERK signaling pathway, was suppressed by DXM treatment. Furthermore, DXM inhibited LPS‐induced IκBα degradation and nuclear translocation of p65.

Conclusions

Dextromethorphan inhibits the adhesive capacity of HUVECs by reducing the LPS‐induced ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 expression via the suppression of the ERK, Akt, and NF‐κB signaling pathways. Thus, DXM is a potential anti‐inflammatory therapeutic that may modulate atherogenesis.
Vascular Tone and Ca2+ Signaling in Murine Cremaster Muscle Arterioles In Vivo
Authors: Mauban Joseph R.H. , Zacharia Joseph , Zhang Jin , Wier Withrow Gil
Published: November 2012

Objectives

We sought to determine some of the molecular requirements for basal state “tone” of skeletal muscle arterioles in vivo, and whether asynchronous Ca2+ waves are involved or not.

Methods

Cremaster muscles of anesthetized exMLCK and smGCaMP2 biosensor mice were exteriorized, and the fluorescent arterioles were visualized with wide‐field, confocal or multiphoton microscopy to observe Ca2+ signaling and arteriolar diameter.

Results

Basal state tone of the arterioles was ~50%. Local block of Ang‐II receptors (AT1) or α1‐adrenoceptors (α1‐AR) had no effect on diameter, nor did complete block of sympathetic nerve activity (SNA). Inhibition of phospholipase C caused dilation nearly to the Ca2+‐free (passive) diameter, as did exposure to nifedipine or 2‐APB. Arterioles were also dilated when treated with SKF96365. High‐resolution imaging of exMLCK fluorescence (ratio) or GCaMP2 fluorescence in smooth muscle cells failed to reveal Ca2+ waves (although Ca2+ waves/transients were readily detected by both biosensors in small arteries, ex vivo).

Conclusions

Arterioles of cremaster muscle have vascular tone of ~ 50%, which is not due to α1‐AR, AT1R, or SNA. PLC activity, L‐type Ca2+ channels, 2‐APB‐ and SKF96365‐sensitive channels are required. Propagating Ca2+ waves are not present. A key role for PLC and InsP3R in vascular tone in vivo, other than producing Ca2+ waves, is suggested.
A LuxR‐type repressor of Burkholderia cenocepacia inhibits transcription via antiactivation and is inactivated by its cognate acylhomoserine lactone
Authors: Ryan Gina T. , Wei Yuping , Winans Stephen C.
Published: November 2012

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an opportunistic human pathogen that encodes two LuxI‐type acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) synthases and three LuxR‐type AHL receptors. Of these, cepI and cepR form a cognate synthase/receptor pair, as do cciI and cciR, while cepR2 lacks a genetically linked AHL synthase gene. Another group showed that a cepR2 mutant overexpressed a cluster of linked genes that appear to direct the production of a secondary metabolite. We found that these same genes were upregulated by octanoylhomoserine lactone (OHL), which is synthesized by CepI. These data suggest that several cepR2‐linked promoters are repressed by CepR2 and that CepR2 is antagonized by OHL. Fusions of two divergent promoters to lacZ were used to confirm these hypotheses, and promoter resections and DNase I footprinting assays revealed a single CepR2 binding site between the two promoters. This binding site lies well upstream of both promoters, suggesting an unusual mode of repression. Adjacent to the cepR2 gene is a gene that we designate cepS, which encodes an AraC‐type transcription factor. CepS is essential for expression of both promoters, regardless of the CepR2 status or OHL concentration. CepS therefore acts downstream of CepR2, and CepR2 appears to function as a CepS antiactivator.
Do lower cuff pressures reduce damage to the tracheal mucosa? A scanning electron microscopy study in neonatal pigs
Authors: Kutter Annette P. N. , Bittermann Anne G. , Bettschart‐Wolfensberger Regula , Spielmann Nelly , Hartnack Sonja , Ziegler Urs , Weiss Markus , Mauch Jacqueline Y.
Published: November 2012

Background

Modern high volume–low pressure (HVLP) endotracheal tubes (ETT) cuffs can seal the trachea using baseline cuff pressures (CP) lower than peak inspiratory airway pressures (PIP). The aim of the study was to determine whether this technique reduces the damage to the tracheal mucosa compared to constant CP of 20 cmH2O.

Methods

Eighteen piglets were intubated with an ID 4.0 mm HVLP cuffed ETT (Microcuff PET) and artificially ventilated with 20 cmH2O PIP and 5 cmH2O PEEP. Animals were randomly allocated to two groups of CP: group A (just seal; n = 9) and group B (20 cmH2O; n = 9), controlled constantly with a manometer during the following 4‐h study period under sevoflurane anesthesia. After euthanasia, cuff position was marked in situ. Damage in the cuff region was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination by grading of mucosal damage and by estimating percentage of intact mucosal area both by a blinded observer.

Results

Maximal CP to seal the trachea in group A ranged from 12 to 18 cmH2O (median: 14 cmH2O). Using a mixed effects model approach, the estimated mean effect of group B vs group A was an increase of 17.9% (SE 8.1%) higher proportion of pictures with an area of at least 5% intact mucosa (P = 0.042).

Conclusion

Minimal sealing pressures with cyclic pressure changes from CP did not result in decreased damage to the tracheal mucosa compared to constant CP of 20 cmH2O in this short‐term animal trial.
An unexpected cause of cardiac arrest during laparoscopy in an infant with supravalvar aortic stenosis
Authors: Groenewald Cornelius B. , Latham Gregory J.
Published: November 2012

Patients with congenital supravalvar aortic stenosis (SVAS) with associated biventricular outflow tract obstruction and coronary artery abnormalities have a tenuous myocardial oxygen supply/demand relationship. They are at increased risk of acute myocardial ischemia and sudden death, especially during anesthesia. Furthermore, resuscitation during cardiac arrest is frequently unsuccessful. We report a case of perioperative cardiac arrest due to an unexpected cause in a 2 month old with SVAS during a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.
Accelerated development of quality protein maize hybrid through marker‐assisted introgression of opaque‐2 allele
Authors: Gupta Hari S. , Raman Babu , Agrawal Pawan K. , Mahajan Vinay , Hossain Firoz , Thirunavukkarasu Nepolean
Published: November 2012

Vivek Maize Hybrid 9‐ a popular single‐cross hybrid developed by crossing CM 212 and CM 145 was released for commercial cultivation in India. The parental lines, being deficient in lysine and tryptophan, were selected for introgression of opaque‐2 allele using CML 180 and CML 170 as donor lines through marker‐assisted backcross breeding. The opaque‐2 homozygous recessive genotypes with >90% recovery of the recurrent parent genome were selected in BC2F2, and the seeds with <25% opaqueness in BC2F3 were forwarded for seed multiplication. Vivek Quality Protein Maize (QPM) 9, the improved QPM hybrid, showed 41% increase in tryptophan and 30% increase in lysine over the original hybrid. The grain yield of the improved hybrid was on par with the original hybrid. The newly improved QPM maize hybrid released in 2008 will help in reducing the protein malnutrition because its biological value is superior over the normal maize hybrids. This short duration QPM maize hybrid has been adopted in several hill states of North Western and North Eastern Himalayan regions.
Resistance of Human Butyrylcholinesterase to Methylene Blue‐Catalyzed Photoinactivation; Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Oxidation Products
Authors: Tacal Ozden , Li Bin , Lockridge Oksana , Schopfer Lawrence M.
Published: November 2012

Methylene blue, 3, 7‐bis(dimethylamino)‐phenothiazin‐5‐ium chloride, is a reversible inhibitor of human butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) in the absence of light. In the presence of light and oxygen, methylene blue promotes irreversible inhibition of human BChE as a function of time, requiring 3 h irradiation to inhibit 95% activity. Inactivation was accompanied by a progressive loss of Coomassie‐stained protein bands on native and denaturing polyacrylamide gels, suggesting backbone fragmentation. Aggregation was not detected. MALDI–TOF/TOF mass spectrometry identified oxidized tryptophan (W52, 56, 231, 376, 412, 490, 522), oxidized methionine (M81, 144, 302, 532, 554, 555), oxidized histidine (H214), oxidized proline (P230), oxidized cysteine (C519) and oxidized serine (S215). A 20 min irradiation in the presence of methylene blue resulted in 17% loss of BChE activity, suggesting that BChE is relatively resistant to methylene blue‐catalyzed photoinactivation and that therefore this process could be used to sterilize BChE preparations.
Photoexcited Singlet and Triplet States of a UV Absorber Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Authors: Kikuchi Azusa , Hata Yuki , Kumasaka Ryo , Nanbu Yuichi , Yagi Mikio
Published: November 2012

The excited states of UV absorber, ethylhexyl methoxycrylene (EHMCR) have been studied through measurements of UV absorption, fluorescence, phosphorescence and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra in ethanol. The energy levels of the lowest excited singlet (S1) and triplet (T1) states of EHMCR were determined. The energy levels of the S1 and T1 states of EHMCR are much lower than those of photolabile 4‐tert‐butyl‐4′‐methoxydibenzoylmethane. The energy levels of the S1 and T1 states of EHMCR are lower than those of octyl methoxycinnamate. The weak phosphorescence and EPR Bmin signals were observed and the lifetime was estimated to be 93 ms. These facts suggest that the significant proportion of the S1 molecules undergoes intersystem crossing to the T1 state, and the deactivation process from the T1 state is predominantly radiationless. The photostability of EHMCR arises from the 3ππ* character in the T1 state. The zero‐field splitting (ZFS) parameter in the T1 state is D** = 0.113 cm−1.
A novel HLA‐A*66 allele, A*66:07
Authors: Dongmei W. , Li W. , Wang L. , Ni L. , Zhixin Z.
Published: November 2012

HLA‐A*66:07 allele differs from HLA‐A*66:01 by an amino acid exchange at position 165.
Controversies in granzyme biology
Authors: Susanto O. , Trapani J. A. , Brasacchio D.
Published: November 2012

Granzymes (Grz) are a family of serine proteases found in the granules of cytotoxic lymphocytes and are emerging as an important group of proteins involved in immune function and surveillance. Grz have both cytotoxic and more recently reported non‐cytotoxic roles, however these functions are still subject to thorough investigation. The significance of the cytotoxic and importantly the non‐cytotoxic roles of Grz will be discussed in this review, detailing accepted and controversial functions.