bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deciphering Phenotypic Diversity of Ralstonia solanacearum Strains Pathogenic to Potato
Authors: Cellier G. , Prior P.
Published: July 2010

Based on the phylotype classification, we questioned how genetically and phenotypically diverse strains of Ralstonia solanacearum pathogenic to potato may be. We studied 129 European and Mediterranean strains along with 57 reference strains known to cover genetic diversity in this species. Phylogeny analysis was done on endoglucanase gene sequences. Pathogenicity to potato, tomato, and eggplant was established at 24 to 30°C and 15 to 24°C, whereas tests on banana were conducted at 24 to 30°C. The ability to cause wilt on species of Solanaceae was shared by strains in all four phylotypes. Brown rot phylotypes IIB-1 and IIB-2 and phylotype IIB-27 established latent infections in banana, and Moko disease-causing phylotypes IIA-6, IIB-3, and IIB-4 were virulent to susceptible potato and tomato, addressing the question of host adaptation mechanisms, which may have undergone a similar bottleneck evolution. Cold-tolerance ability is only shared on species of Solanaceae among brown rot phylotype IIB-1, which gathered the majority of European and Mediterranean strains. We surveyed strain LNPV24.25 as the first report of an emerging phylotype IIB-4NPB strain in France. These findings showed that pathogenicity traits of genetically identified strains still need to be understood, especially in the perspective of post-genomics comparative analysis, to understand bacterial speciation in the R. solanacearum species complex.
Metabolic Profiling of Hearts Exposed to Sevoflurane and Propofol Reveals Distinct Regulation of Fatty Acid and Glucose Oxidation
Authors: Wang Lianguo , Ko Kerry W. S. , Lucchinetti Eliana , Zhang Liyan , Troxler Heinz , Hersberger Martin , Omar Mohamed A. , Posse de Chaves Elena I. , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Clanachan Alexander S. , Zaugg Michael
Published: July 2010

Background

Myocardial energy metabolism is a strong predictor of postoperative cardiac function. This study profiled the metabolites and metabolic changes in the myocardium exposed to sevoflurane, propofol, and Intralipid and investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Sevoflurane (2 vol%) and propofol (10 and 100 microM) in the formulation of 1% Diprivan (AstraZeneca Inc., Mississauga, ON, Canada) were compared for their effects on oxidative energy metabolism and contractility in the isolated working rat heart model. Intralipid served as a control. Substrate flux through the major pathways for adenosine triphosphate generation in the heart, that is, fatty acid and glucose oxidation, was measured using [H]palmitate and [C]glucose. Biochemical analyses of nucleotides, acyl-CoAs, ceramides, and 32 acylcarnitine species were used to profile individual metabolites. Lipid rafts were isolated and used for Western blotting of the plasma membrane transporters CD36 and glucose transporter 4.

Results

Metabolic profiling of the hearts exposed to sevoflurane and propofol revealed distinct regulation of fatty acid and glucose oxidation. Sevoflurane selectively decreased fatty acid oxidation, which was closely related to a marked reduction in left ventricular work. In contrast, propofol at 100 microM but not 10 microM increased glucose oxidation without affecting cardiac work. Sevoflurane decreased fatty acid transporter CD36 in lipid rafts/caveolae, whereas high propofol increased pyruvate dehydrogenase activity without affecting glucose transporter 4, providing mechanisms for the fuel shifts in energy metabolism. Propofol increased ceramide formation, and Intralipid increased hydroxy acylcarnitine species.

Conclusions

Anesthetics and their solvents elicit distinct metabolic profiles in the myocardium, which may have clinical implications for the already jeopardized diseased heart.
N -Acetylcysteine Protects against Bupivacaine-induced Myotoxicity Caused by Oxidative and Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Human Skeletal Myotubes
Authors: Galbes Olivier , Bourret Annick , Nouette-Gaulain Karine , Pillard Fabien , Matecki Stefan , Py Guillaume , Mercier Jacques , Capdevila Xavier , Philips Alexandre
Published: July 2010

Background

Local anesthetics offer the benefits of extended analgesia with greater patient satisfaction and faster rehabilitation compared with intravenous morphine. These benefits, however, can be offset by adverse iatrogenic muscle pain. Here, the authors investigate the mechanisms of local anesthetic-induced myotoxicity and assess the protective effect of N-acetylcysteine.

Methods

The authors used primary cell cultures of human skeletal muscle myoblasts to study local anesthetic adverse effects. Production of reactive oxygen species was investigated in human skeletal myotubes by fluorescence microscopy. Expression of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum stress markers and induction of apoptosis were followed by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Finally, the effect of N-acetylcysteine on bupivacaine-induced myotoxicity was investigated in vitro.

Results

Bupivacaine sequentially induced reactive oxygen species production, oxidative stress, sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum stress, and activation of caspases 9 and 7 in human differentiated myoblasts. These iatrogenic effects were prevented by N-acetylcysteine.

Conclusions

The authors demonstrated a protective effect of N-acetylcysteine against bupivacaine-induced sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis in primary human skeletal muscle cell.
Increased Pulmonary Venous Resistance in Morbidly Obese Patients without Daytime Hypoxia
Authors: Her Charles , Cerabona Thomas , Baek Seung-Hoon , Shin Sang-Wook
Published: July 2010

Background

The pulmonary artery (PA) diastolic-pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PAD-PCWP) gradient has been shown to be increased in morbidly obese patients without daytime hypoxia. In sepsis, the increased pulmonary venous resistance (PvR) contributes to increases in PAD-PCWP gradient. In addition, the obesity-related endotoxemia is known to be involved in the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome in obesity. Therefore, it is possible that the increased PvR contributes to increases in PAD-PCWP gradient in morbid obesity. We examined this possibility.

Methods

Included were 25 obese patients without daytime hypoxia undergoing bariatric surgery under general anesthesia. PvR was calculated as the difference between mean PA output pressure and PCWP divided by cardiac index. Mean PA output pressure was computed from the harmonic form of the recorded PA pressure by applying an attenuating factor to its phasic components, for which Fourier analysis was used. Total pulmonary vascular resistance (TPVR) was calculated as the difference between mean PA pressure and PCWP divided by cardiac index. To avoid the effect of PA resistance on TPVR and PvR, the PvR/TPVR ratio was used.

Results

There was a good correlation between PvR/TPVR ratio and PAD-PCWP gradient (r2=0.785, P<0.0001). When patients were divided into two groups based on PAD-PCWP gradient, the PvR/TPVR ratio was 0.67+/-0.06 (mean+/-SD) in the group with a PAD-PCWP gradient of at least 6 mmHg and 0.48+/-0.05 in the other group (P<0.0001).

Conclusions

A strong correlation between PvR/TPVR ratio and PAD-PCWP gradient suggests that the increased PvR contributes to increased PAD-PCWP gradient in obese patients without daytime hypoxia.
Effects of Preoxygenation on Desaturation Time during Hemorrhagic Shock in Pigs
Authors: Pehböck Daniel , Wenzel Volker , Voelckel Wolfgang , Jonsson Kim , Herff Holger , Mittlböck Martina , Nagele Peter
Published: July 2010

Background

Patients in hemorrhagic shock often require emergent airway management. Clinical experience suggests that oxygen desaturation occurs rapidly in these patients; however, data are scant. The hypothesis of this study was that increasing levels of hemorrhagic shock, varying levels of fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) for preoxygenation, and fluid resuscitation significantly affect the duration until critical desaturation occurs.

Methods

Fifteen pigs were studied in a hemorrhagic shock model with controlled hemorrhage (15, 30, and 45 ml/kg blood loss) and randomized to standard fluid resuscitation or no fluids. At each shock level, three apnea experiments (in randomized order) were performed after 5 min of preoxygenation at 21, 50, or 100% Fio2. After preoxygenation, ventilation was discontinued and the time to peripheral oxygen saturation of 70% or less was measured.

Results

During normovolemia, peripheral oxygen desaturation to less than 70% occurred after 33+/-7 s (Fio2=0.21, mean+/-SD), 89+/-12 s (Fio2=0.5), and 165+/-22 s (Fio2=1.0; P<0.001). During increasing blood loss, peripheral oxygen desaturation to Spo2 less than 70% occurred significantly (P<0.001) faster compared with normovolemia, but no effect of fluid resuscitation was observed. With 45 ml/kg blood loss, peripheral oxygen desaturation to less than 70% occurred after approximately 15 (Fio2=0.21) to 65 (Fio2=0.5) to 140 s (Fio2=1.0).

Conclusions

Findings from this swine hemorrhagic shock model confirm that Fio2 and the level of hemorrhagic shock, but not fluid resuscitation, influence the rate of apneic desaturation. A five-fold increase in time until critical oxygen desaturation occurs can be achieved when preoxygenating with 100% oxygen compared with room air, underscoring the importance of adequate preoxygenation before emergent airway management.
Toll-like Receptor 4-Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 Signaling Contributes to Ventilator-induced Lung Injury in Mice
Authors: Li Huihua , Su Xiaoli , Yan Xuebin , Wasserloos Karla , Chao Wei , Kaynar A. Murat , Liu Zhao-Qian , Leikauf George D. , Pitt Bruce R. , Zhang Li-Ming
Published: July 2010

Background

The mechanisms of ventilator-induced lung injury, an iatrogenic inflammatory condition induced by mechanical ventilation, are not completely understood. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling via the adaptor protein myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) is proinflammatory and plays a critical role in host immune response to invading pathogen and noninfectious tissue injury. The role of TLR4-MyD88 signaling in ventilator-induced lung injury remains incompletely understood.

Methods

Mice were ventilated with low or high tidal volume (HTV), 7 or 20 ml/kg, after tracheotomy for 4 h. Control mice were tracheotomized without ventilation. Lung injury was assessed by: alveolar capillary permeability to Evans blue albumin, wet/dry ratio, bronchoalveolar lavage analysis for cell counts, total proteins and cytokines, results of histopathological examination of the lung, and plasma cytokine levels.

Results

Wild-type mice subjected to HTV had increased pulmonary permeability, inflammatory cell infiltration/lung edema, and interleukin-6/macrophage-inflammatory protein-2 in the lavage compared with control mice. In HTV, levels of inhibitor of kappaB alpha decreased, whereas phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases increased. TLR4 mutant and MyD88 mice showed markedly attenuated response to HTV, including less lung inflammation, pulmonary edema, cell number, protein content, and the cytokines in the lavage. Furthermore, compared with wild-type mice, both TLR4 mutant and MyD88 mice had significantly higher levels of inhibitor of kappaB alpha and reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation after HTV.

Conclusions

TLR4-MyD88 signaling plays an important role in the development of ventilator-induced lung injury in mice, possibly through mechanisms involving nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.
Commensal Escherichia coli of healthy humans: a reservoir for antibiotic-resistance determinants
Authors: Bailey Jannine K. , Pinyon Jeremy L. , Anantham Sashindran , Hall Ruth M.
Published: July 2010

This study examined in detail the population structure of Escherichia coli from healthy adults with respect to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and specific resistance determinants. E. coli isolated from the faeces of 20 healthy adults not recently exposed to antibiotics was tested for resistance to ten antibiotics and for carriage of integrons and resistance determinants using PCR. Strain diversity was assessed using biochemical and molecular criteria. E. coli was present in 19 subjects at levels ranging from 2.0×104 to 1.7×108 c.f.u. (g faeces)−1. Strains resistant to one to six antibiotics were found at high levels (>30 %) in only ten individuals, but at significant levels (>0.5 %) in 14. Resistant isolates with the same phenotype from the same individual were indistinguishable, but more than one susceptible strain was sometimes found. Overall, individuals harboured one to four E. coli strains, although in 17 samples one strain was dominant (>70 % of isolates). Eighteen strains resistant to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and trimethoprim in 15 different combinations were observed. One resistant strain was carried by two unrelated individuals and a susceptible strain was shared by two cohabiting subjects. Two minority strains were derivatives of a more abundant resistant strain in the same sample, showing that continuous evolution is occurring in vivo. The trimethoprim-resistance genes dfrA1, dfrA5, dfrA7, dfrA12 or dfrA17 were in cassettes in a class 1 or class 2 integron. Ampicillin resistance was conferred by the bla
TEM gene, sulfamethoxazole resistance by sul1, sul2 or sul3 and tetracycline resistance by tetA(A) or tetA(B). Chloramphenicol resistance (cmlA1 gene) was detected only once. Phylogenetic groups A and B2 were more common than B1 and D. Commensal E. coli of healthy humans represent an important reservoir for numerous antibiotic-resistance genes in many combinations. However, measuring the true extent of resistance carriage in commensal E. coli requires in-depth analysis.
A locus necessary for the transport and catabolism of erythritol in Sinorhizobium meliloti
Authors: Geddes Barney A. , Pickering Brad S. , Poysti Nathan J. , Collins Heather , Yudistira Harry , Oresnik Ivan J.
Published: July 2010

In this work we have genetically defined an erythritol utilization locus inSinorhizobium meliloti. A cosmid containing the locus was isolated by complementation of a transposon mutant and was subsequently mutagenized using Tn5 : : B20. The locus was found to consist of five transcriptional units, each of which was necessary for the utilization of erythritol. Genetic complementation experiments using genes putatively annotated as erythritol catabolic genes clearly showed that, of the 17 genes at this locus, six genes are not necessary for the utilization of erythritol as a sole carbon source. The remaining genes encode EryA, EryB, EryC and TpiB as well as an uncharacterized ABC-type transporter. Transport experiments using labelled erythritol showed that components of the ABC transporter are necessary for the uptake of erythritol. The locus also contains two regulators: EryD, a SorC class regulator, and SMc01615, a DeoR class regulator. Quantitative RT-PCR experiments showed that each of these regulators negatively regulates its own transcription. In addition, induction of the erythritol locus was dependent upon EryD and a product of erythritol catabolism. Further characterization of polar mutations revealed that in addition to erythritol, the locus contains determinants for adonitol andl-arabitol utilization. The context of the mutations suggests that the locus is important for both the transport and catabolism of adonitol andl-arabitol.
Identification and Characterization of in Vitro Galactosyltransferase Activities Involved in Arabinogalactan-Protein Glycosylation in Tobacco and Arabidopsis
Authors: Liang Yan , Faik Ahmed , Kieliszewski Marcia , Tan Li , Xu Wen-Liang , Showalter Allan M.
Published: July 2010

Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) are highly glycosylated hydroxyproline (Hyp)-rich glycoproteins that are frequently characterized by the presence of [Alanine-Hyp] ([AO]) repetitive units. AGP galactosyltransferase (GalT) activities in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) microsomal membranes were studied here with an in vitro GalT reaction system, which used acceptor substrates composed of [AO] repetitive units, specifically, a chemically synthesized [AO]7 acceptor and a transgenically produced and deglycosylated d[AO]51 acceptor. Incorporation of [14C]Gal from UDP-[14C]Gal into the [AO]7 and d[AO]51 acceptors was observed following HPLC fractionation of the reaction products. Hyp-[14C]Gal monosaccharide and Hyp-[14C]Gal disaccharide were identified in the base hydrolysates of the GalT reaction products, indicating the presence of two distinct GalT activities for the addition of the first and second Gal residues to the [AO] peptide in both tobacco and Arabidopsis. Examination of the Arabidopsis Hyp:GalT activity using various acceptor substrates, including two extensin sequences containing SO4 modules and a [AP]7 peptide, indicated this activity was specific for peptidyl Hyp in AGP sequences. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that only one Gal was added per peptide molecule to the C-terminal or penultimate Hyp residue of the [AO]7 peptide. In addition, [AO]7:GalT and d[AO]51:GalT activities were localized to the endomembrane system of Arabidopsis suspension-cultured cells following sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The in vitro assay reported here to detect GalT activities using AGP peptide and glycopeptide acceptor substrates provides a useful tool for the identification and verification of AGP-specific GalT proteins/genes and an entry point for elucidation of arabinogalactan biosynthesis for AGPs.
Extracellular Nucleotides Elicit Cytosolic Free Calcium Oscillations in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tanaka Kiwamu , Swanson Sarah J. , Gilroy Simon , Stacey Gary
Published: July 2010

Extracellular ATP induces a rise in the level of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) in plant cells. To expand our knowledge about the function of extracellular nucleotides in plants, the effects of several nucleotide analogs and pharmacological agents on [Ca2+]cyt changes were studied using transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) expressing aequorin or the fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based Ca2+ sensor Yellow Cameleon 3.6. Exogenously applied CTP caused elevations in [Ca2+]cyt that displayed distinct time- and dose-dependent kinetics compared with the purine nucleotides ATP and GTP. The inhibitory effects of antagonists of mammalian P2 receptors and calcium influx inhibitors on nucleotide-induced [Ca2+]cyt elevations were distinct between CTP and purine nucleotides. These results suggest that distinct recognition systems may exist for the respective types of nucleotides. Interestingly, a mutant lacking the heterotrimeric G protein Gβ-subunit exhibited a remarkably higher [Ca2+]cyt elevation in response to all tested nucleotides in comparison with the wild type. These data suggest a role for Gβ in negatively regulating extracellular nucleotide signaling and point to an important role for heterotrimeric G proteins in modulating the cellular effects of extracellular nucleotides. The addition of extracellular nucleotides induced multiple temporal [Ca2+]cyt oscillations, which could be localized to specific root cells. The oscillations were attenuated by a vesicle-trafficking inhibitor, indicating that the oscillations likely require ATP release via exocytotic secretion. The results reveal new molecular details concerning extracellular nucleotide signaling in plants and the importance of fine control of extracellular nucleotide levels to mediate specific plant cell responses.
Efficiency in the calculation of absorption corrections for cylinders
Authors: Ida Takashi
Published: July 2010

Efficiency in the numerical calculation of absorption corrections for cylinders has been examined. Two mathematical expressions for the correction factors have been evaluated by two methods for numerical integration. It has been found that the Gauss–Legendre quadrature applied to the formula proposed by Thorkildsen & Larsen [Acta Cryst.(1998), A54, 172–185] gives results with relative errors ≤10−6, using 12 × 12 terms in the numerical integration. The conventional approach, using Simpson's method in conjunction with the formula given by Dwiggins [Acta Cryst.(1975), A31, 146–148] for the absorption correction, is far less efficient.
Determination of the optical sign of a crystal by a conoscopic method
Authors: Pikoul Olga
Published: July 2010

To determine the optical sign of an investigated crystal plate, a conoscopic pattern of the latter is changed in an optical system without a polarizing microscope. To change the conoscopic pattern, an auxiliary plane-parallel crystal plate of arbitrary thickness and known optical sign is used. Such a plate, which is either capable of rotation about its vertical axis or fixed at a small angle to the investigated plate, is introduced into the optical system.  Upon rotation of the auxiliary crystal plate, isochromatic rings on the conoscopic pattern are offset. Based on the direction of the offset from the centre of the pattern, a conclusion is drawn about the optical sign of the investigated crystal plate. When the auxiliary crystal plate is fixed at a small angle to the investigated plate, either two or three conoscopic patterns are observed on the screen. The optical sign of the investigated crystal plate is determined by the number of conoscopic patterns on the screen. If there are three patterns, then the optical signs of the auxiliary and the investigated plates are the same. If there are two patterns, then the optical signs of the auxiliary and the investigated plates are opposite.
Reversible structural phase transition of pyridinium-4-carboxylic acid perchlorate
Authors: Ye Heng-Yun , Cai Hong-Ling , Ge Jia-Zeng , Xiong Ren-Gen
Published: July 2010

Pyridinium-4-carboxylic acid perchlorate (C6H6NO2·ClO4) was synthesized and separated as crystals. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement shows that this compound undergoes a reversible phase transition at about 122 K with a heat hysteresis of 1.8 K. A dielectric anomaly observed at 127 K further confirms the phase transition. The low-temperature (LT;T= 103 K) structure has space groupP21/cand cell parametersa= 17.356 (6),b= 13.241 (3),c= 16.161 (7) Å, β = 138.055 (17)°. The high-temperature (HT;T= 298 K) structure has space groupP21/cand cell parametersa= 5.5046 (11),b= 13.574 (3),c= 11.834 (2) Å, β = 99.35 (3)°, but can be re-described using new axesa′ =a,b′ =b,c′ = −2a+c,V′ =Vto give the cella′ = 5.5046 (11),b′ = 13.574 (3),c′ = 17.424 (3) Å, β′ = 137.92 (3)° and space groupP21/c. The associated coordinate transformation isx′ =x+ 2z,y′ =y,z′ =zand the associated reflection index transformation ish′ =h,k′ =k,l′ =l− 2h. The relationship between the two cells is 3a,b,c(HT) approximatesa,b,c(LT). The crystal comprises one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded chains of the pyridinium-4-carboxylic acid cations and perchlorate anions. A precise analysis of the main packing and structural differences as well as the changes in the intermolecular interactions between the HT phase and the LT phase reveals that the disorder–order transition of the perchlorate anions may be the driving force of the transition, and the hydrogen-bonding effect may contribute to the transition as a secondary parameter.
Dynamical scaling in fractal structures in the aggregation of tetraethoxysilane-derived sonogels
Authors: Vollet Dimas R. , Donatti Dario A. , Ibañez Ruiz Alberto , de Vicente Fabio S.
Published: July 2010

Dynamical scaling properties in fractal structures were investigated from small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) data of the kinetics of aggregation in silica-based gelling systems. For lack of a maximum in the SAXS intensity curves, a characteristic correlation distance ξ was evaluated by fitting a particle scattering factor model valid for polydisperse coils of linear chains andf-functional branched polycondensates in solution, so the intensity atq= ξ−1,I(ξ−1,t), was considered to probe dynamical scaling properties. The following properties have been found: (i) the SAXS intensities corresponding to different timest,I(q,t), are given by a time-independent functionF(qξ) =I(q,t)ξ−D/Q, where the scattering invariantQhas been found to be time-independent; (ii) ξ exhibited a power-law behavior with time as ξ ≃tα, the exponent α being close to 1 but diminishing with temperature; (iii)I(ξ−1,t) exhibited a time dependence given byI(ξ−1,t) ≃tβ, with the exponent β found to be around 2 but diminishing with temperature, following the same behavior as the exponent α. In all cases, β/α was quite close to the fractal dimensionDat the end of the studied process. This set of findings is in notable agreement with the dynamical scaling properties.
Effects of acetyl‐L‐carnitine and oxfenicine on aorta stiffness in diabetic rats
Authors: Chang Kuo‐Chu , Tseng Chuen‐Den , Lu Shao‐Chun , Liang Jin‐Tung , Wu Ming‐Shiou , Tsai Ming‐Shian , Hsu Kwan‐Lih
Published: July 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (11): 1002–1010

Background  We compared the haemodynamic and metabolic effects of acetyl‐L‐carnitine (one of the carnitine derivatives) and of oxfenicine (a carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1 inhibitor) in streptozotocin‐induced diabetes in male Wistar rats.

Materials and methods  Diabetes was induced by a single tail vein injection of 55 mg kg−1 streptozotocin. The diabetic animals daily treated with either acetyl‐L‐carnitine (150 mg kg−1 in drinking water) or oxfenicine (150 mg kg−1 by oral gavage) for 8 weeks,were compared with the untreated age‐matched diabetic controls. Arterial wave reflection was derived using the impulse response function of the filtered aortic input impedance spectra. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) measurement was used to estimate malondialdehyde (MDA) content.

Results  Oxfenicine, but not acetyl‐L‐carnitine, increased total peripheral resistance in diabetes, which paralleled its elevation in plasma levels of free fatty acids. By contrast, acetyl‐L‐carnitine, but not oxfenicine, resulted in a significant increase in wave transit time and a decrease in wave reflection factor, suggesting that acetyl‐L‐carnitine may attenuate the diabetes‐induced deterioration in systolic loading condition for the left ventricle. This was in parallel with its lowering of MDA/TBARS content in plasma and aortic walls in diabetes. Acetyl‐L‐carnitine therapy also prevented the diabetes‐related cardiac hypertrophy, as evidenced by the reduction in ratio of the left ventricular weight to body weight.

Conclusion  Acetyl‐L‐carnitine, but not oxfenicine, attenuates aortic stiffening and cardiac hypertrophy, possibly through its decrease of lipid oxidation‐derived MDA/TBARS in the rats with insulin deficiency.
Critical Issues in R&D of Soy Isoflavone‐enriched Foods and Dietary Supplements
Authors: UZZAN M. , ABUZA T. P. L
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACT: Increasing consumer awareness of soy as a healthy food ingredient has led to a tremendous growth in sales of soy isoflavone‐enriched foods and dietary supplements in the past 3 y. Because of their weak estrogenic activity, isoflavones are believed to have preventive effects for several hormone‐dependent diseases. This article discusses some critical issues to be considered in any R&D program of novel soy and isoflavone products for the healthy‐food market, such as (1) Which isoflavone compounds should be in the product? (2) Which individual isoflavones are the most beneficial ones? (3) Can certain isoflavone groups be targeted to specific disease prevention goals? (4) Are there any safety concerns in isoflavone consumption? (5) How are isoflavones affected by thermal processing and storage? (6) How should isoflavones be analyzed? These questions may affect the choice of isoflavone source, processing conditions, quality control procedures, and marketing considerations.
Dental health and salivary Streptococcus mutans levels in a group of children with heart defects
Authors: POLLARD M. A. , CURZON M. E. J.
Published: July 2010

Summary. One‐hundred children aged 2–16 years who were attending the Outpatients Department of the Yorkshire Regional Cardiac Centre were examined for dental caries, gingivitis, plaque and calculus. A control group of 100 children was also examined. A saliva sample was taken from each child in the study group to assess the level of Streptococcus mutans colonization. Comparing study and control groups, dental caries experience (dmft) was significantly higher only in the primary teeth of 5–9‐year‐old children in the study group, and there were no significant differences in gingivitis, plaque or calculus. The S. mutans count was found to be positively correlated to the number of decayed teeth in the study group.

Resumé.

Cent enfants, âgés de2à16 ans, suivis en consultation externe au Centre de Cardiologie Régional du Yorkshire, ont été examinés en ce qui concerne les caries, la gingivite, la plaque dentaire et le tartre. Un groupe de contrôle de cent enfants a été aussi examiné. Le taux de S. mutans aété déterminé dans un échantillon de salive prélevé chez chaque enfant pour connaitre le niveau de colonisation. En comparant les deux groupes, l'indice CAO était plus élevé de façon significative chez les dents temporaires des enfants de 5–9 ans du groupe étudié mais il n'y avait pas de différence pour la gingivite, la plaque dentaire ou le tartre. Le nombre de S. mutans est corrélé de façon significative au nombre de dents cariées dans le groupe étudié.

100 Kinder im Alter von 2–16 ambulante Patienten des Yorkshire Regional Herzzentrums wurden untersucht bezüglich der Kariesanfälligkeit, Gingivitis und den weichen und harten Beläge. Ebenso wurde eine Kontrollgruppe von ebenfalls 100 Kindern untersucht. Eine Speichelprobe wurde von jedem Kind der Studiengruppe entnommen und das Grad der Kolonisation mit dem S. Mutans festgestellt. Der Vergleich der Studiengruppe mit der Kontrollgruppe ergab, dass der (dmft) signifikant höher war nur bei den Milchzähnen der 5–9 jährigen Kinder der Studiengruppe. Keine signifikante Unterschiede wurden gefunden bei der Gingivitis und der Beläge. Die Anzahl der S. Mutans war in positiver Relation zu der Anzahl der befallenen Zähne in der Studiengruppe.

Cien niños de 2–16 años de edad atendidos en el Departamento de Consulta Externa del Centro Cardiológico Regional de Yorkshire fueron examinados para evaluar caries, gingivitis, placa y cálculos. Un grupo control de 100 niños tambien fue examinado. De cada niño se tomo muestra salival para evaluar el nivel de colonización del S. mutans. Comparando el grupo de estudio con el control, la experiencia de caries (dmft) fue significativamente mas alta solo en los dientes temporales de los niños de 5–9 años en el grupo de estudio y no hubo diferencias significativas en la gingivitis, placa o cálculos. En el grupo de estudio se encontro que el número de S. mutans estuvo correlacionado con el número de dientes cariados.
Dental caries in 12‐year‐old children in Salford, UK: changes over 28 years
Authors: WHITTLE J. G. , DAVIES KATHERINE W.
Published: July 2010

Summary. A sample of 111 12‐year‐old children in Salford, UK was examined in 1988, and the findings compared with those of a survey carried out in 1960 of 12‐year‐old children in the same city. Between 1960 and 1988, the mean DMFT of the boys fell from 604 to 2·34 and that of the girls from 6·54 to 3·40. All types of teeth were affected by caries in 1960 but in 1988 none of the canines and mandibular lateral incisors were affected. In 1960 the permanent first molars contributed 57% of the boys' and 54% of the girls' total DMFT while in 1988 they contributed 87% of the boys' and 73% of the girls' DMFT. Jackson's Treatment Index showed that the dental services were making a greater impact in 1988; for the boys it rose from 29·5 to 63·2 and for the girls from 27·8 to 62·3.

Resumé.

Un énchantillon de 111 enfants âgés de 12 ans de Salford (Grande‐Bretagne) a été examiné en 1983 et les résultats comparés avec ceux d'une étude réalisée en 1960 chez des enfants âges de 12 ans de la même ville. Entre 1960 et 1988, la moyenne CAO est tombée de 6·04 à 2·34 chez les garçons et de 6·54 a 3·40 chez les filles. Toutes les dents étaient atteintes par la carie en 1960 mais en 1988 aucune canine et incisive latérale inférieure n'était atteinte. En 1960, les premières molaires permanentes contribuaient pour 57% chez les garçons et 54% chez les filles à l'indice CAO alors qu'en 1988 elles y contribuaient pour.

In 1988 wurde eine Gruppe von 111; 12‐jahrigen Kindern aus Salford untersucht. Die Befunde wurden verglichen mit dem Untersuch von 1960 an gleichaltrigen Kindern der selben Stadt. Von 1960 bis 1988 fiel der durchschnittliche DMFT‐Index der Knaben von 6·04 auf 2·34. Der der Mädchen von 6·54 auf 3·40. In 1960 waren noch alle Zähne befallen. In 1988 keine der Eckzähne und der seitlichen unteren Schneidezähne. Die ersten Molaren machten 1960 noch 57% bei de Knaben und 54% bei den Mädchen des gesammten DMFT aus. In 1988 waren es 87% resp. 73%. Der Jackson Behandlung‐sindex zeigte eine Erhöhung der zahn‐ärztzlichen Leistungen von 29·5 zu 63·2 bei den Knaben und von 27·8 zu 62·3 bei den Mädchen.

Una muestra de 111 niños de 12 años de edad de Salford, Reino Unido, fue examinada en 1988 y los hallazgos comparados con los obtenidos en un examen realizado en 1960 en niños de 12 años de edad de la misma ciudad. Entre 1960 y 1988, la media DMFT de los niños disminuyó de 6·04 a 2·34 y en las hembras de 6·54 a 3·40. Todos los tipos de dientes fueron afectados por caries en 1960 mientras que en 1988 ninguno de los caninos e incisivos laterales mandibulares fueron afectados. En 1960, los primeros molares permanentes contribuyeron al 57% en los niños y 54% en las niñas en el total de DMFT mientras que en 1988 contribuyeron al 87% en los niños y 73% en las niñas en el total de DMFT. El Indice de Tratamiento de Jackson mostro que los servicios odontológicos tuvieron mayor impacto en 1988; para los varones aumentó de 29·5 a 63·2 y para las hembras de 27·8 a 62·3
Heat shock proteins (chaperones) in fish and shellfish and their potential role in relation to fish health: a review
Authors: Roberts R J , Agius C , Saliba C , Bossier P , Sung Y Y
Published: July 2010

Heat shock proteins (HSPs), also known as stress proteins and extrinsic chaperones, are a suite of highly conserved proteins of varying molecular weight (c. 16–100 kDa) produced in all cellular organisms when they are exposed to stress. They develop following up‐regulation of specific genes, whose transcription is mediated by the interaction of heat shock factors with heat shock elements in gene promoter regions. HSPs function as helper molecules or chaperones for all protein and lipid metabolic activities of the cell, and it is now recognized that the up‐regulation in response to stress is universal to all cells and not restricted to heat stress. Thus, other stressors such as anoxia, ischaemia, toxins, protein degradation, hypoxia, acidosis and microbial damage will also lead to their up‐regulation. They play a fundamental role in the regulation of normal protein synthesis within the cell. HSP families, such as HSP90 and HSP70, are critical to the folding and assembly of other cellular proteins and are also involved in regulation of kinetic partitioning between folding, translocation and aggregation within the cell. HSPs also have a wider role in relation to the function of the immune system, apoptosis and various facets of the inflammatory process. In aquatic animals, they have been shown to play an important role in health, in relation to the host response to environmental pollutants, to food toxins and in particular in the development of inflammation and the specific and non‐specific immune responses to bacterial and viral infections in both finfish and shrimp. With the recent development of non‐traumatic methods for enhancing HSP levels in fish and shrimp populations via heat, via provision of exogenous HSPs or by oral or water administration of HSP stimulants, they have also, in addition to the health effects, been demonstrated to be valuable in contributing to reducing trauma and physical stress in relation to husbandry events such as transportation and vaccination.
How it’s Made: Organisational Effects of Hormones on the Developing Brain
Authors: McCarthy M. M.
Published: July 2010

Gonadal steroid hormones exert permanent organisational effects on the developing brain and thereby direct adult hormonal responsiveness to dictate sex‐specific behaviour and physiology. Considerable progress has been made in elucidating the cellular mechanism of action of androgens and oestrogens during the perinatal sensitive period during which organisation occurs. This review highlights the findings obtained with respect to differential cell death and synaptogenesis with an emphasis on region‐specific mechanisms that involve diverse signalling molecules including tumour necrosis factor‐α, BAX, GABA, glutamate, prostaglandin E2, FAK and paxillin.
Relationship between clinical dental status and eating difficulty in an old Chinese population
Authors: ZENG X. , SHEIHAM A. , TSAKOS G.
Published: July 2010

Summary  This study investigated the relationship between clinical dental status and eating difficulty in a sample of older Chinese people in Guangxi, China. Sample was selected from people aged 55 years and older who had routine annual health check‐ups at a large hospital health centre. The sample consisted of 1196 dentate people who had clinical oral examinations and face‐to‐face interviews. Different measures, namely the Index of Eating Difficulty, dissatisfaction with chewing ability and ease of eating certain foods were used to measure eating difficulty. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for the effects of age, sex, occupation, self‐assessed social class and self‐perceived general health, increased eating difficulty was significantly related with having fewer teeth, fewer posterior and anterior occluding pairs of teeth (both natural teeth only and natural plus replaced teeth), more unfilled posterior spaces, more unfilled anterior spaces, mobile teeth, decayed teeth and roots. In conclusion, clinical dental status was strongly related with eating difficulty in a sample of older Chinese dentate people.
A novel class of peptide pheromone precursors in ascomycetous fungi
Authors: Schmoll Monika , Seibel Christian , Tisch Doris , Dorrer Marcel , Kubicek Christian P.
Published: July 2010

Recently, sexual development in the heterothallic ascomycete Trichoderma reesei (anamorph of Hypocrea jecorina) has been achieved and thus initiated attempts to elucidate regulation and determinants of this process. While the α‐type pheromone of this fungus fits the consensus known from other fungi, the assumed a‐type peptide pheromone precursor shows remarkably unusual characteristics: it comprises three copies of the motif (LI)GC(TS)VM thus constituting a CAAX domain at the C‐terminus and two Kex2‐protease sites. This structure shares characteristics of both a‐ and α‐type peptide pheromone precursors. Presence of hybrid‐type peptide pheromone precursor 1 (hpp1) is essential for male fertility, thus indicating its functionality as a peptide pheromone precursor, while its phosphorylation site is not relevant for this process. However, sexual development in a female fertile background is not perturbed in the absence of hpp1, which rules out a higher order function in this process. Open reading frames encoding proteins with similar characteristics to HPP1 were also found in Fusarium spp., of which Fusarium solani still retains a putative a‐factor‐like protein, but so far in no other fungal genome available. We therefore propose the novel class of h‐type (hybrid) peptide pheromone precursors with H. jecorina HPP1 as the first member of this class.
Chronic non‐malignant pain patients report as poor health‐related quality of life as palliative cancer patients
Authors: FREDHEIM O. M. S. , KAASA S. , FAYERS P. , SALTNES T. , JORDHØY M. , BORCHGREVINK P. C.
Published: July 2010

Background: Patients with chronic non‐malignant pain (CNMP) conditions are known to report reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this exploratory study was to compare HRQoL between patients admitted to a multidisciplinary pain centre, palliative cancer (PC) patients and national norms.

Methods: HRQoL data from 288 patients with CNMP admitted to the multidisciplinary pain centre at Trondheim University Hospital were compared with 434 patients with advanced cancer included in a trial of comprehensive palliative care in the hospital palliative medicine unit and national norms. HRQoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted norm data were calculated and compared between the two groups.

Results: Scores from both groups deviated from adjusted norm data on all scales, with poorer functioning and more symptoms. Compared with PC patients, CNMP patients reported a larger deviation (worse scores) on global quality of life, cognitive functioning, pain, sleep disturbances and financial difficulties. Deviations from norm data were similar for physical, social and emotional functioning, diarrhoea, dyspnoea and fatigue. PC patients reported worse scores on role functioning, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite and constipation.

Conclusion: CNMP patients admitted to multidisciplinary pain centres report significantly reduced HRQoL, in addition to severe pain. They consider their HRQoL to be as poor as HRQoL reported from dying cancer patients and substantially poorer than national norms. Factors other than the biological severity of the disease seem to be of major importance for self‐reported HRQoL.
Observations on the biology of the potato tuber moth Phthorimaea operculella Zell. (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) in Iraq1
Authors: Al‐Ali A. S. , Al‐Neamy I. K. , Abbas S. A. , Abdul‐Masih A. M. E.
Published: July 2010

The life‐history of Phthorimaea operculella was observed on potato tubers in laboratory. The incubation period for eggs was 2.3–7.2 days, while larval development period was 6.2–29.5 days, and that for the pupal development was 4.1–12.6 days. The pre‐oviposition period ranged between 1.6 and 7.9 days. The generations varied in duration from 17.5 days (summer) to 57.2 days (winter). Eight generations developed between November 22, 1973 and July 29, 1974, while the ninth generation failed to proceed beyond the larval stage. Mortality of eggs and pupae was almost zero, and that of larvae was 12.8–100%, while that of adults was not determined. Sex ratio was almost 1:1. Temperature extremes of 4 and 36° C proved to be lethal to all stages.

Beobachtungen über die Biologie der Kartoflelmotte Phthorimaea operculella Zell. (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) im Irak

Es wurde die Lebensweise der Kartoffelmotte während 8 Generationen in einem Jahr an Kartoffeln im Labor untersucht. Es variierten: die Eientwicklung zwischen 2,3 und 7,2 Tage, die Larvenentwicklung zwischen 6,2 und 29,5 Tage, die Puppenentwicklung zwischen 4,1 und 12,6 Tagen, die Praeovipositionsperiode zwischen 1,6 und 7,9 Tagen und die Gesamtentwicklungszeit einer Generation zwischen 17,5 Tagen (im Sommer) und 57,2 Tagen (im Winter). Zwischen dem 22. 11. 1973 und dem 29. 7. 1974 entwickelten sich 8 Generationen, während die 9. Generation danach in Larvendiapause fiel.

Die Mortalität der Eier und Puppen war gleich Null, die der Larven betrug 12,8 bis 100%. Das Geschlechterverhältnis war ausgeglichen. Unterhalb 4° und oberhalb 36° C starben alle Stadien ab.
Forstentomologie und Forstschutz in Brasilien1
Authors: Schönherr J.
Published: July 2010

Forest entomology and forest protection in Brazil

The author reports on the situation and organization of forest protection measures in Brazil and on the forest entomological problems, developped from the intensive reforestations in the South of the country. In this connection the cultivation of Central American Pine species (Pinus elliottii, P. taeda a. o.) within the areal of Araucaria angustifolia is placed in the foreground.

Der Autor berichtet aus zweijähriger Erfahrung im Lande über die Situation und Organisation des Forstschutzes in Brasilien sowie über die mit der intensiven Aufforstung im Süden Brasiliens zusammenhängenden forstentomologischen Probleme. Im Vordergrund steht dabei der Anbau mittelamerikanischer Kiefern (Pinus elliottii, P. taeda u. a.) im Verbreitungsgebiet der Araukarie (Araucaria angustifolia).
Restricted development of the parasitic mite Varroa jacobsoni Oud. in the Cape honeybee Apis mellifera capensis Esch.1
Authors: MORITZ R. F. A. , HÄNEL H.
Published: July 2010

The Cape honey bee, Apis mellifera capensis Esch. has a shorter development than European races of Apis mellifera. Due to the short post capping stage, the development of the parasitic mite Varroa jacobsoni is restricted. Only 21% of all reproductive mites are able to produce infective offspring instead of 100% in Apis mellifera carnica. Laboratory experiments as well as field observations indicate that the course of Varroatosis in the Cape honeybee will not be as dangerous as in European honeybees.

Eingeschränkte Entwicklung der parasitischen Milbe Varroa jacobsoni Oud. in der Kap‐Honigbiene, Apis mellifera capensis Esch.

Die Kap‐Honigbiene (Apis mellifera capensis) hat gegenüber den europäischen Rassen von Apis mellifera eine deutlich verkürzte Entwicklungszeit. Für die Vermehrung der parasitischen Milbe Varroa jacobsoni ist die Zeitspanne entscheidend, die zwischen der Zellverdecklung und dem Schlupf der adulten Biene liegt. Hier schränkt die Kürze der Zeit bei der Kap‐Biene die Vermehrung drastisch ein. Nur 21% der untersuchten, reproduktionsfähigen Milbenweibchen waren in der Lage infektiöse Töchter zu erzeugen. Dagegen fanden sich bei 100% der untersuchten Milben in A. mellifera carnica‐Zellen ausgewachsene Nachkommen. Laborversuche wie auch Beobachtungen im Freiland weisen darauf hin, daß sich der Verlauf der Varroatose bei Kap‐Bienen deutlich weniger gefährlich darstellt als in den europäischen Bienenrassen.
Serum levels of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB and vascular endothelial growth factor as prognostic factors for patients with fulminant hepatic failure
Authors: Takayama Hiroki , Miyake Yasuhiro , Nouso Kazuhiro , Ikeda Fusao , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Kobashi Haruhiko , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: July 2010

Background and Aims:  In animal models for acute liver injury, the administration of some angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) are shown to reduce liver injury and improve liver proliferative capacity. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of angiogenic factors in fulminant hepatic failure (FHF).

Methods:  Serum levels of nine angiogenic factors (angiopoietin‐2, follistatin, G‐CSF, hepatocyte growth factor [HGF], interleukin‐8, leptin, platelet‐derived growth factor [PDGF]‐BB, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 and VEGF) were measured using the Bio‐Plex Protein Array System in 30 patients, 17 of whom were diagnosed with FHF, 13 with acute hepatitis (AH), and 20 controls.

Results:  Serum levels of PDGF‐BB and VEGF were lower in FHF patients than AH patients and controls (PDGF‐BB; 2050 ± 1572 pg/mL vs 4521 ± 2419 pg/mL vs 8506 ± 5500 pg/mL, VEGF; 39 ± 38 pg/mL vs 144 ± 122 pg/mL vs 205 ± 121 pg/mL). By using univariate logistic regression models, serum levels of PDGF‐BB and VEGF were associated with poor outcomes. Serum PDGF‐BB levels were strongly correlated with serum VEGF levels (r = 0.70). Furthermore, serum PDGF‐BB levels were significantly correlated with platelet counts (r = 0.79), PT activity (r = 0.37) and D.Bil/T.Bil ratio (r = 0.50), while serum VEGF levels were significantly correlated with platelet counts (r = 0.68) and PT activity (r = 0.38).

Conclusions:  We consider that serum levels of PDGF‐BB and VEGF are worth investigating as biomarkers for predicting outcomes of FHF patients.