bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation products formed from long‐chain PUFA during deodorization of fish oil
Authors: Fournier Véronique , Destaillats Frédéric , Lambelet Pierre , Dionisi Fabiola , Sébédio Jean‐Louis , Berdeaux Olivier
Published: January 2007

Omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA) are sensitive to heat and may be destroyed by thermal processes such as deodorization. For example, deodorization of fish oil may induce polymerization, geometrical isomerization and cyclization of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. In this paper, we review our main findings on the effects of deodorization at three different temperatures on semi‐refined fish oil LC‐PUFA. Cyclic structures have been elucidated and mechanisms responsible for ring formation have been discussed. Polymers were found to be the most abundant degradation products formed during fish oil deodorization. A method for quantitative measurement of geometrical isomers of EPA and DHA by gas‐liquid chromatography (GLC) has been developed and validated. Overall assessment of the results obtained with this method suggests that deodorization at temperatures above 180°C affects the quality and the content of LC‐PUFA in fish oil.
Carbonic anhydrase‐related protein VIII promotes colon cancer cell growth
Authors: Nishikata Makoto , Nishimori Isao , Taniuchi Keisuke , Takeuchi Tamotsu , Minakuchi Tomoko , Kohsaki Takuhiro , Adachi Yoshihiro , Ohtsuki Yuji , Onishi Saburo
Published: January 2007

Increased expression of carbonic anhydrase‐related protein (CA‐RP) VIII has previously been shown in colorectal carcinoma. Since CA‐RP has no catalytic carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity, the present study attempted to elucidate its biological significance in colon cancer cells. From a colon cancer cell line (LoVo), we established clones that overexpressed CA‐RP VIII (LoVo‐CA8) and a control transfectant with a vector alone (LoVo‐pCIneo) and studied alterations in the biological behaviors of the tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. LoVo‐CA8 cells showed significantly increased mRNA and protein expressions of CA‐RP VIII as compared to LoVo‐pCIneo cells. Cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell invasion assays showed that LoVo‐CA8 cells had significantly higher cell proliferative and invasive abilities as compared to parental LoVo and LoVo‐pCIneo cells in vitro. In an in vivo xenograft assay, LoVo‐CA8 cells showed a higher tumor growth rate than parental LoVo cells. Further, small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of CA‐RP VIII revealed significant inhibition in cell proliferation and colony formation of a colon cancer cell line HCT116, which showed high endogenous expression of CA‐RP VIII. These findings indicated that CA‐RP VIII plays a role in the growth of colon cancer cells. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure‐activity relationship of flavonoids for inhibition of epidermal growth factor‐induced transformation of JB6 Cl 41 cells
Authors: Ichimatsu Daisuke , Nomura Masaaki , Nakamura Seiji , Moritani Shuzo , Yokogawa Koichi , Kobayashi Shinjiro , Nishioka Tatsuo , Miyamoto Ken‐ichi
Published: January 2007

We found that quercetin, myricetin, quercetagetin, fisetin, (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and theaflavins, among 24 flavonoids examined, markedly inhibited epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐induced cell transformation of mouse epidermal JB6 Cl 41 cells. The six flavonoids suppressed the EGF‐induced activation of activator protein 1 (AP‐1). In addition, myricetin, quercetagetin, EGCG, and theaflavins directly inhibited EGF‐induced phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) activation. The important structural features of flavonoids for cell transformation‐inhibitory activity are 3′‐ and 4′‐OH on the B‐ring, 3‐OH on the C‐ring, C2C3 double bond in the C‐ring, and the phenylchromone (C6C5C6) skeleton in the flavonols, and the galloyl group in EGCG and theaflavins. Our results provide new insight into possible mechanisms of the anti‐carcinogenic effects of flavonoids, and could help to provide a basis for the design of novel cancer chemopreventive agents. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inactivation of MAPK affects centrosome assembly, but not actin filament assembly, in mouse oocytes maturing in vitro
Authors: Lee Seung‐Eun , Kim Ji‐Hoi , Kim Nam‐Hyung
Published: January 2007

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays a crucial role in meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes. In order to understand the mechanism by which MAPK regulates meiotic maturation, we examined the effects of the MAPK pathway inhibitor U0126 on microtubule organization, γ‐tubulin and nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA) distribution, and actin filament assembly in mouse oocytes maturing in vitro. Western blotting with antibodies that detect active, phosphorylated MAPK revealed that MAPK was inactive in fully grown germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes. Phosphorylated MAPK was first detected 3 hr after the initiation of maturation cultures, was fully active at 6 hr, and remained active until metaphase II. Treatment of GV stage oocytes with 20 µM U0126 completely blocked MAPK phosphorylation, but did not affect GV breakdown (GVBD). However, the oocytes did not progress to the Metaphase I stage, which would normally occur after 9 hr in the maturation cultures. The inhibition of MAPK resulted in abnormal spindles and abnormal distributions of γ‐tubulin and NuMA, but did not affect actin filament assembly. In oocytes treated with U0126 after GVBD, polar body extrusion was normal, but the organization of the metaphase plate and chromosome segregation were abnormal. In conclusion, the meiotic abnormalities caused by U0126, a specific inhibitor of MAPK signaling, indicate that MAPK plays an important regulatory role in microtubule and centrosome assembly, but not actin filament assembly. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 904–911, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of eccentric exercise on position sense and joint reaction angle of the lower limbs
Authors: Paschalis V. , Nikolaidis M. G. , Giakas G. , Jamurtas A. Z. , Pappas A. , Koutedakis Y.
Published: January 2007

Impaired position sense and impaired joint reaction angle of the lower limbs after muscle‐damaging activities is a serious functional limitation that may lead to an increased risk of injury, particularly in older populations. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether position sense and joint reaction angle to release can be affected by eccentric exercise–induced muscle damage. Twelve women underwent an isokinetic exercise session of the lower limb. Isometric peak torque, delayed‐onset muscle soreness, serum creatine kinase, position sense, and knee joint reaction angle to release were examined before, immediately after, and 24, 48, and 72 h post‐exercise. Due to the effect of eccentric exercise, subjects persistently placed their lower limb at a more extended position, representing a shorter knee extensor muscle. Eccentric exercise increased the knee reaction angle of the lower limb after release from 0° and 15° but not from 30° and 45°. Position sense and joint reaction to release were similarly affected by eccentric exercise and independently of visual feedback. Position sense was impaired only immediately post‐exercise (probably due to muscle fatigue), whereas impairment of the reaction angle to release persisted up to 3 days post‐exercise (probably due to muscle damage). Attenuation of position sense and joint reaction angle of the lower limbs after damaging activities is a serious functional limitation that may lead to an increase risk of injury, particularly in older populations. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Time course of axonal regeneration in acute motor axonal neuropathy
Authors: Tamura Noriko , Kuwabara Satoshi , Misawa Sonoko , Kanai Kazuaki , Nakata Miho , Sawai Setsu , Mori Masahiro , Hattori Takamichi
Published: January 2007

Patients with acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) generally recover well. We reviewed clinical and electrophysiologic recovery in 13 patients for up to 5 years. Twelve patients showed rapid recovery over 12 months, whereas in the remaining one the recovery was slow and incomplete at 5 years. In AMAN, axonal degeneration appears to develop predominantly in the motor nerve terminals, and only occasionally more proximally in the nerve roots. Nerve terminal degeneration–regeneration presumably provides a mechanism for good recovery. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Motor cortex abnormalities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with transcranial direct‐current stimulation
Authors: Quartarone Angelo , Lang Nicolas , Rizzo Vincenzo , Bagnato Sergio , Morgante Francesca , Sant'Angelo Antonino , Crupi Domenica , Battaglia Fortunato , Messina Corrado , Girlanda Paolo
Published: January 2007

The aim of this study was to identify a neurophysiological marker of upper motoneuron involvement in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). For this purpose we evaluated the after‐effects of transcranial direct‐current stimulation (tDCS) on excitability of the motor cortex of eight ALS patients and eight healthy controls. Healthy controls showed a transient polarity‐specific change in corticospinal excitability of about ±45%, with anodal tDCS inducing facilitation and cathodal tDCS leading to inhibition, whereas no change could be induced in ALS patients after either type of tDCS. It is likely that the lack of tDCS after‐effects in ALS is the result of alterations of the motoneuronal membrane or, alternatively, may represent an electrophysiological correlate of disordered glutamate neurotransmission. Further studies are warranted to confirm these results. The present findings may lead to a new, reliable electrophysiological marker of upper motoneuronal involvement in ALS. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Vascular endothelial growth factor and angiopoietin are required for prostate regeneration
Authors: Wang Gui‐min , Kovalenko Bruce , Huang Yili , Moscatelli David
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND

The regulation of the prostate size by androgens may be partly the result of androgen effects on the prostatic vasculature. We examined the effect of changes in androgen levels on the expression of a variety of angiogenic factors in the mouse prostate and determined if vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐A and the angiopoietins are involved in the vascular response to androgens.

METHODS

Expression of angiogenic factors in prostate was quantitated using real‐time PCR at different times after castration and after administration of testosterone to castrated mice. Angiopoietins were localized in prostate by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The roles of VEGF and the angiopoietins in regeneration of the prostate were examined in mice inoculated with cells expressing soluble VEGF receptor‐2 or soluble Tie‐2.

RESULTS

Castration resulted in a decrease in VEGF‐A, VEGF‐B, VEGF‐C, placenta growth factor, FGF‐2, and FGF‐8 expression after 1 day. In contrast, VEGF‐D mRNA levels increased. No changes in angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1), angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2), hepatocyte growth factor, VEGF receptor‐1, VEGF receptor‐2, or tie‐2 mRNA levels were observed. Administration of testosterone to castrated mice had the opposite effect on expression of these angiogenic factors. Ang‐2 was expressed predominately in prostate epithelial cells whereas Ang‐1 was expressed in epithelium and smooth muscle. Inoculation of mice with cells expressing soluble VEGF receptor‐2 or Tie‐2 blocked the increase in vascular density normally observed after administration of testosterone to castrated mice. The soluble receptors also blocked the increase in prostate weight and proliferation of prostatic epithelial cells.

CONCLUSION

VEGF‐A and angiopoietins are required for the vascular response to androgens and for the ability of the prostate to regenerate in response to androgens. Prostate 67: 485–499, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prostate‐derived factor as a paracrine and autocrine factor for the proliferation of androgen receptor‐positive human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Chen Siu‐Ju , Karan Dev , Johansson Sonny L. , Lin Fen‐Fen , Zeckser Jeffrey , Singh Ajay P. , Batra Surinder K. , Lin Ming‐Fong
Published: January 2007

BACKGROUND

The expression of prostate‐derived factor (PDF) is significantly elevated in human prostate tumors. We investigate the functional role and signaling of PDF in androgen receptor (AR)‐positive human prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

Transient or stable expression of PDF by cDNA transfection, antisense‐mediated gene silencing, media conditioned by PDF‐elevated cells, and antibody (Ab) neutralization were employed.

RESULTS

Elevated endogenous and exogenous expression of PDF and treatment of PDF‐enriched media were associated with increased proliferation and clonogenic growth of the cells. On the contrary, knockdown of PDF or addition of PDF neutralizing Ab resulted in diminished proliferation and reduced anchorage‐independent growth. Further, ERK1/2 and p90RSK, but not Smad2/3, were activated in PDF‐elevated cells as well as in cells treated with PDF‐enriched media, while inhibition of ERK1/2 decreased the growth of those cells.

CONCLUSION

PDF promotes AR‐positive prostate tumor progression through upregulating cell proliferation via ERK1/2 signal pathway. Prostate 67: 557–571, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Equivalence of information from single frequency v. bioimpedance spectroscopy in bodybuilders
Authors: Piccoli Antonio , Pastori Giordano , Codognotto Marta , Paoli Antonio
Published: January 2007

In bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS), it is assumed that the current path is only extracellular at the lowest frequencies and that it is both extra- and intracellular at the highest frequencies. We tested validity of BIS assumptions in bodybuilders who have an increased intracellular volume due to hypertrophy of muscle fibres. The study was observational cross-sectional in a study group of thirty professional bodybuilders compared with thirty control subjects. Resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) vector components fitting the Cole's arc with BIS (SFB3 analyser) were compared with components at 50 kHz frequency. The average Cole's arc in bodybuilders was significantly smaller and shifted to the left in the R–Xc plane (both R and Xc values were smaller at any individual frequency). The ratio of Xc at 5 kHz and Xc at the characteristic frequency was 70 % in bodybuilders and 64 % in control subjects, indicating a huge intracellular flow of the electric current at low frequencies in both groups (expected ratio close to 0 if the current path was extracellular). As a consequence of a common path, the correlation coefficient between R values at 50 kHz and at other frequencies (from 0 to infinity) was 0·94 to 1·00. The correlation between total body water estimated with BIS or with R at 50 kHz was 0·98. Hence, there was equivalence between information provided by the vector components R and Xc at 50 kHz and that provided by 496 correlated vectors that were measured with BIS.
Predictors and dietary consequences of frequent intake of high-sugar, low-nutrient foods in 1-year-old children participating in the ABIS study
Authors: Brekke Hilde K. , van Odijk Jenny , Ludvigsson Johnny
Published: January 2007

Foods rich in sugar have been suggested to contribute to the increasing prevalence of obesity in children. The aim of this report is to investigate the dietary pattern in 1-year-old children who frequently receive foods rich in sugar but low in nutrients and to study associated demographic and parental factors. During 1977–9, 21 700 infants were invited to participate in this prospective, population-based, longitudinal cohort study. Screening questionnaires were completed for 16 070 infants after delivery. Follow-up questionnaires from 10 762 children at 1 year of age are included in the analysis. It was found that 24 % of the children received sweets/pastries more often than one or two times per week. They had a higher intake of French fries, potato crisps and cream as well as a lower intake of fruit and vegetables. A frequent intake of sugar-rich, low-nutrient foods was significantly associated with several maternal factors (high intake of sweets/pastries during pregnancy, young age, mother living alone) as well as presence of older siblings. Maternal smoking during pregnancy and maternal overweight were of borderline significance. Parental education level was inversely associated with the frequency of intake of sweets/pastries in the child. Children who frequently receive sweets/pastries also have an otherwise unfavourable dietary pattern. Several parental and demographic factors were associated with this feeding pattern, especially high intake of sweets/pastries during pregnancy. Screening of pregnant women for risk predictors like consumption of sweets/pastries, young age and smoking could be possible ways of identifying children at future risk for low dietary quality.
Two high-amylose maize starches with different amounts of resistant starch vary in their effects on fermentation, tissue and digesta mass accretion, and bacterial populations in the large bowel of pigs
Authors: Bird Anthony R. , Vuaran Michelle , Brown Ian , Topping David L.
Published: January 2007

Four groups of young pigs (n6) were fed a diet containing 50 % maize starch as either a highly digestible waxy starch (control; 0 % amylose) or one of three resistant starch (RS) diets, namely a high-amylose maize starch (HAMS; 85 % amylose), this starch subjected to hydrothermal treatment (HTHAMS; 85 % amylose), or a blend of HAMS and HTHAMS included in equal amounts, for 21 d. Food intake and live weight at the end of the study were similar among the four groups. Ileal starch digestibility was lower in pigs fed the three RS diets but was greater for HAMS (88 %) than for HTHAMS (70 %;P < 0·05). Faecal output and large bowel digesta mass, and concentrations and pools of individual and total SCFA were higher (by about two- to threefold; allP < 0·05) and digesta pH lower (by about 1 unit, allP < 0·001) in pigs fed either HAMS or HTHAMS compared to the controls. These differences in biomarkers were seen along the length of the large bowel. Colon length was 0·5–0·9 m longer (19–35 %) in pigs fed the high-RS diets relative to those fed the highly digestible starch diet (P < 0·05). Faecal and proximal colonic lactobacilli and bifidobacteria numbers were higher (by 1 and 3 log units;P < 0·05) in pigs fed the HAMS or HTHAMS diets. Although both high-amylose starches promoted fermentation throughout the large bowel, the data suggest that the effects of HTHAMS may be more pronounced in the distal region compared to those of HAMS.
Does zinc deficiency play a role in stunting among primary school children in NE Thailand?
Authors: Gibson Rosalind S. , Manger Mari Skar , Krittaphol Woravimol , Pongcharoen Tippawan , Gowachirapant Sueppong , Bailey Karl B. , Winichagoon Pattanee
Published: January 2007

Stunting in school-age years may result in a decrease in adult size, and thus reduced work capacity and adverse reproductive outcomes. We have compared the mean intakes of energy, protein and selected growth-limiting nutrients in fifty-eight stunted children and 172 non-stunted controls drawn from 567 children aged 6–13 years attending ten rural schools in NE Thailand. Control children were selected randomly after stratifying children by age in each school. Dietary data were calculated from 24-h recalls using nutrient values from Thai food composition data and chemical analysis. Inter-relationships between stunting and sociodemographic, anthropometric and biochemical variables were also examined. Biochemical variables investigated were serum albumin, zinc, ferritin, transferrin receptor and retinol, and iodine in casual urine samples. Significantly more males than females were stunted (males,n38, 65·5 %v.females,n20, 34·5 %;P = 0·025). Stunted males had lower mean intakes of energy, protein, calcium, phosphorus and zinc, and a lower mean (95 % CI) serum zinc (9·19 (8·53, 9·84)v. 9·70 (8·53, 9·29) μmol/l) than non-stunted males; no other biochemical differences were noted. Stunted males also had a lower mean arm muscle area (P = 0·015), after adjusting for age, than non-stunted males. In conclusion, the lower dietary intakes of the stunted males compared to their non-stunted counterparts may be associated with anorexia and hypogeusia induced by zinc deficiency. Hence, zinc deficiency may be a factor limiting linear growth, especially among boys in NE Thailand, but more research is needed to establish whether other factors also play a role.
Comparative analysis of sesame lignans (sesamin and sesamolin) in affecting hepatic fatty acid metabolism in rats
Authors: Lim Jin Seon , Adachi Yoshikazu , Takahashi Yoko , Ide Takashi
Published: January 2007

Effects of sesamin and sesamolin (sesame lignans) on hepatic fatty acid metabolism were compared in rats. Rats were fed either a lignan-free diet, a diet containing 0·6 or 2 g/kg lignan (sesamin or sesamolin), or a diet containing both sesamin (1·4 g/kg) and sesamolin (0·6 g/kg), for 10 d. Sesamin and sesamolin dose-dependently increased the activity and mRNA abundance of various enzymes involved in hepatic fatty acid oxidation. The increase was much greater with sesamolin than with sesamin. These lignans increased parameters of hepatic fatty acid oxidation in an additive manner when added simultaneously to an experimental diet. In contrast, they decreased the activity and mRNA abundance of hepatic lipogenic enzymes despite dose-dependent effects not being necessarily obvious. Sesamin and sesamolin were equally effective in lowering parameters of lipogenesis. Sesamolin accumulated in serum at 33- and 46-fold the level of sesamin at dietary concentrations of 0·6 and 2 g/kg, respectively. The amount of sesamolin accumulated in liver was 10- and 7-fold that of sesamin at the respective dietary levels. Sesamolin rather than sesamin can account for the potent physiological effect of sesame seeds in increasing hepatic fatty acid oxidation observed previously. Differences in bio-availability may contribute to the divergent effects of sesamin and sesamolin on hepatic fatty acid oxidation. Sesamin compared to sesamolin was more effective in reducing serum and liver lipid levels despite sesamolin more strongly increasing hepatic fatty acid oxidation.
Dietarytrans10,cis12-conjugated linoleic acid reduces the expression of fatty acid oxidation and drug detoxification enzymes in mouse liver
Authors: Rasooly Reuven , Kelley Darshan S. , Greg Jeff , Mackey Bruce E.
Published: January 2007

Mice fed diets containingtrans10,cis12 (t10, c12)-conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) develop fatty livers and the role of hepatic fatty acid oxidation enzymes in this development is not well defined. We examined the effects of dietarycis9,trans11-CLA (c9, t11-CLA) and t10, c12-CLA on the expression of hepatic genes for fatty acid metabolism. Female mice, 8 weeks old, (six animals per group) were fed either a control diet or diets supplemented with 0·5 % c9, t11- or t10, c12-CLA for 8 weeks. DNA microarray analysis showed that t10, c12-CLA increased the expression of 278 hepatic genes and decreased those of 121 genes (>2-fold); c9, t11-CLA increased expression of twenty-two genes and decreased those of nine. Real-time PCR confirmed that t10, c12-CLA reduced by the expression of fatty acid oxidation genes including flavin monooxygenase (FMO)-3 95 %, cytochrome P450 (cyt P450) 69 %, carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1a 77 %, acetyl CoA oxidase (ACOX) 50 % and PPARα 65 %; it increased the expression of fatty acid synthase by 3·5-fold (P < 0·05 for all genes, except ACOXP = 0·08). It also reduced the enzymatic activity of hepatic microsomal FMO by 40 % and the FMO3 specific protein by 67 %. c9, t11-CLA reduced FMO3 and cyt P450 expression by 61 % (P = 0·001) and 38 % (P = 0·06) and increased steoryl CoA desaturase transcription by 5·9-fold (P = 0·07). Both decreased fatty acid oxidation and increased fatty acid synthesis seem to contribute to the CLA-induced fatty liver. Since FMO and cyt P450 are also involved in drug detoxification, suppression of the transcription of these genes by CLA may have other health consequences besides development of fatty liver.
A comparative study of the preventative effects exerted by two probiotics,Lactobacillus reuteriandLactobacillus fermentum, in the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid model of rat colitis
Authors: Peran Laura , Sierra Saleta , Comalada Mònica , Lara-Villoslada Federico , Bailón Elvira , Nieto Ana , Concha Ángel , Olivares Mónica , Zarzuelo Antonio , Xaus Jordi , Gálvez Julio
Published: January 2007

The intestinal anti-inflammatory effects of two probiotics isolated from breast milk,Lactobacillus reuteriandL. fermentum, were evaluated and compared in the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model of rat colitis. Colitis was induced in rats by intracolonic administration of 10 mg TNBS dissolved in 50 % ethanol (0·25 ml). EitherL. reuteriorL. fermentumwas daily administered orally (5 × 108colony-forming units suspended in 0·5 ml skimmed milk) to each group of rats (n10) for 3 weeks, starting 2 weeks before colitis induction. Colonic damage was evaluated histologically and biochemically, and the colonic luminal contents were used for bacterial studies and for SCFA production. Both probiotics showed intestinal anti-inflammatory effects in this model of experimental colitis, as evidenced histologically and by a significant reduction of colonic myeloperoxidase activity (P < 0·05).L. fermentumsignificantly counteracted the colonic glutathione depletion induced by the inflammatory process. In addition, both probiotics lowered colonic TNFα levels (P < 0·01) and inducible NO synthase expression when compared with non-treated rats; however, the decrease in colonic cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression was only achieved withL. fermentumadministration. Finally, the two probiotics induced the growth of Lactobacilli species in comparison with control colitic rats, but the production of SCFA in colonic contents was only increased whenL. fermentumwas given. In conclusion,L. fermentumcan exert beneficial immunomodulatory properties in inflammatory bowel disease, being more effective thanL. reuteri, a probiotic with reputed efficacy in promoting beneficial effects on human health.
Trans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid increases phagocytosis of porcine peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cellsin vitro
Authors: Kang Ji-Houn , Lee Geun-Shik , Jeung Eui-Bae , Yang Mhan-Pyo
Published: January 2007

Trans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid (t10c12-CLA) has been shown to alter immune function. PPARγ has been shown to potentially play an important role in regulating inflammatory and immune responses by modulating the activity of monocytes and macrophages. Previous studies have indicated that the phagocytic capacity of porcine peripheral blood polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) was enhanced by the culture supernatant fraction from t10c12-CLA-stimulated porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) but not by t10c12-CLA itself. In the present study, we examined the effects of t10c12-CLA on PPARγ and TNF-α expression of porcine PBMC and the phagocytic capacity of PMN. t10c12-CLA increased TNF-α mRNA expression and production by PBMC. The phagocytic capacity of porcine PMN was enhanced by either culture supernatant fraction from PBMC treated with t10c12-CLA or recombinant porcine (rp) TNF-α. Anti-rpTNF-α polyclonal antibody inhibited the enhancement of PMN phagocytic capacity. t10c12-CLA also up regulated PPARγ mRNA expression in porcine PBMC. Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether, a PPARγ antagonist, not only completely negated the t10c12-CLA-stimulating effects on TNF-α expression and production by porcine PBMC, but also decreased the enhancement of PMN phagocytic capacity by the t10c12-CLA-stimulated porcine PBMC culture supernatant fraction. These results suggest that t10c12-CLA has an immunostimulating effect on porcine PMN phagocytic capacity, which is mediated by TNF-α from PBMC via a PPARγ-dependent pathway.
Maximum flood depth characterizes above-ground biomass in African seasonally shallowly flooded grasslands
Authors: Scholte Paul
Published: January 2007

Flood depth has been frequently used to explain the distribution of plant species in seasonally flooded grasslands, but its relation with vegetation production has remained ambiguous. The relationship between flooding and above-ground biomass at the end of the flooding season and during the dry season was studied to assess the impact of reflooding on the Logone floodplain, Cameroon. Above-ground biomass of a combination of all species and of the individual perennial grasses Oryza longistaminata and Echinochloa pyramidalis showed a positive linear relationship with maximum flood depth up to 1 m. The gradient of these relationships became steeper and their fit better during the 2 y following the installation of the flooding, showing the response lag to floodplain rehabilitation. Flood duration only explained the above-ground biomass of the combination of all species and not of the individual species. Above-ground biomass data from other floodplains in the three main African geographic regions showed a similar relationship with maximum flood depth less than 1 m. Dry-season regrowth, important because of its high nutrient quality during forage scarcity, was not directly related to maximum flood depth, possibly because of its dependency on the period of burning and soil moisture. Presented data indicate that a rise of water level of 1 cm corresponds to an increase in above-ground biomass of c. 150 kg DM ha−1.
Root mycorrhizal colonization and plant responsiveness are related to root plasticity, soil fertility and successional status of native woody species in southern Brazil
Authors: Zangaro Waldemar , Nishidate Fabio Rodrigo , Vandresen Julia , Andrade Galdino , Nogueira Marco Antonio
Published: January 2007

Twelve native woody species were studied to investigate the influences of soil fertility and root morphology on colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi during seedling establishment and growth. Seedlings were grown in soils of low and high natural fertility, uninoculated or inoculated with AM fungi, under greenhouse conditions. The mycorrhizal root colonization and plant responsiveness were higher among early successional species than late successional ones. Among early successional species, in both soils, mycorrhizal colonization provided significant increase in total dry mass, growth rates of shoot and root, root length, density of root tissues, root surface area and P concentration and content in the shoot. Early successional species grown with AM fungi displayed significant decreases in carbon allocation to roots, specific root length and the length and incidence of root hairs. Mycorrhizal colonization did not affect the root morphology of the late successional species in either soil. The growth of these woody species was influenced by differences in soil fertility. There was positive correlation between the degree of plant responses to AM inoculation with the percentage of root colonized by AM fungi. In both soils, plant responsiveness and mycorrhizal root colonization correlated positively to root-hair incidence and root-hair length and correlated negatively to fine-root diameter. The results suggest that during the establishment of seedlings, the large responses to the inoculation and colonization of roots by AM fungi are related to both the successional status and root morphological plasticity of the host plant, regardless of soil fertility.
Contrasting nitrogen and phosphorus resorption efficiencies in trees and lianas from a tropical montane rain forest in Xishuangbanna, south-west China
Authors: Cai Zhi-quan , Bongers Frans
Published: January 2007

Tropical montane rain forest is widely considered to be a highly threatened hotspot of global diversity (Brummitt & Nic Lughadha 2003), and one of the least understood humid tropical forest ecosystems in terms of nutrient cycling (Bruijnzeel & Proctor 1995). There is, therefore, an urgent need to improve our understanding of nutrient cycling processes in this ecosystem, including the absorption of nutrients (mainly N and P) from senescing leaves, which may be a key component of adaptive mechanisms that conserve limiting nutrients (Killingbeck 1996). Nutrients which are not resorbed, however, will be circulated through litterfall in the longer term (Aerts 1996). The degree of nutrient resorption affects litter quality, which consequently affects decomposition rates and soil nutrient availability (Aerts & Chapin 2000). The importance of resorption in nutrient conservation has led to general hypotheses that species adapted to nutrient-poor environments have high resorption efficiencies (Richardson et al. 2005), and that low leaf nutrient concentrations are associated with high resorption efficiencies within species (Aerts 1996, Kobe et al. 2005). Nutrient resorption has also been shown not to differ greatly between growth forms (e.g. shrubs, grasses, forbs and trees) (Aerts 1996). However, its relative importance among plant functional groups is still highly controversial (Richardson et al. 2005).
Impact of rain-forest logging on helminth assemblages in small mammals (Muridae, Tupaiidae) from Borneo
Authors: Wells Konstans , Smales Lesley R. , Kalko Elisabeth K. V. , Pfeiffer Martin
Published: January 2007

Parasites are ubiquitous in wild animals, with host-specific life histories considered as major determinants of prevalence and parasite assemblage patterns. It is predicted that habitat differences in logged rain forests influence population performances of small mammals and consequently may change the infection patterns of local animal populations with regard to endo- and ectoparasites. We investigated patterns of helminth species assemblages (Nematoda, Platyhelminthes) in two rat species (Leopoldamys sabanus, Niviventer cremoriventer) and two tree shrew species (Tupaia tana, T. longipes) in three logged and three unlogged rain forests in Borneo by examining 337 faecal samples with non-invasive faecal egg count (FEC). Nematode eggs prevailed in 95% of all samples with up to five (mean 1.9 ± 1.1) morphotypes. Whereas members of Strongylida were most prevalent in L. sabanus, T. tana and T. longipes, Spirurida dominated in N. cremoriventer that revealed at the same time the lowest average nematode prevalence and FEC. Cestode eggs were only found in L. sabanus and T. tana. Composition and abundance patterns of the parasitic helminth assemblages were influenced by logging. As hypothesized, species richness of nematode morphotypes and mean number of infections per host of T. longipes were larger in logged than in unlogged forest. In contrast, L. sabanus was more heavily infected with cestodes in unlogged than in logged forest and also revealed larger egg counts for strongylids and spirurids in unlogged forest. Our results suggest that forest degradation and altered environmental conditions influence helminth diversity and infection patterns of small mammals with contrasting trends among host species. The inconsistent logging-induced changes in helminth assemblages from different hosts indicate that specific sets of habitat-host-parasite interactions are uniquely influenced by the effects of logging. Consequently, predictions on changes of parasite diversity and prevalence with regard to habitat disturbance need to be based on the individual life histories of the hosts (and the parasites).
Detection of antibodies to Japanese encephalitis virus in the wild boars in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan
Authors: HAMANO M. , LIM C. K. , TAKAGI H. , SAWABE K. , KUWAYAMA M. , KISHI N. , KURANE I. , TAKASAKI T.
Published: January 2007

Serum specimens were collected from 25 wild boars in Hiroshima prefecture located in the western region of Japan from November 2004 to February 2005. The sera were tested for antibodies to Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) by IgM capture and IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test. Seventeen samples (68%) were positive for neutralizing antibody to JEV. All the neutralizing antibody-positive samples were positive for IgG-ELISA. One was also positive for IgM. The results indicate that approximately 70% of the wild boars were positive for anti-JEV antibody, and raises the possibility that wild boars may play a role in the infectious cycle of JEV in this region.
Optimizing typhoid fever case definitions by combining serological tests in a large population study in Hechi City, China
Authors: DONG B. , GALINDO C. M. , SHIN E. , ACOSTA C. J. , PAGE A. L. , WANG M. , KIM D. , OCHIAI R. L. , PARK J. , ALI M. , SEIDLEIN L. V. , XU Z. , YANG J. , CLEMENS J. D.
Published: January 2007

Blood culture-based diagnosis can only detect a fraction of the total burden ofSalmonella entericasubsp.entericaserovar Typhi. The objective of the study was to detect additional typhoid fever cases through serological tests. A total of 1732 prolonged fever episodes were evaluated using three serological tests, Widal, Tubex®and Typhidot-M®in a typhoid fever endemic area of southern China. A case definition which included a positive Widal test (TO⩾80 & TH>A), a positive Tubex®test (⩾4) and a positive Typhidot-M®test, increased the detection of cases by more than twofold from 13 to 28 cases. The case definition has a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 39%. Case definitions based on combinations of serological tests can detect additional typhoid fever cases with higher specificity than a single serological test. Improved case detection is essential to understand the true disease burden and can help to boost the power of intervention trials.
Frankfurter Gruppentraining sozialer Fertigkeiten für Kinder und Jugendliche mit autistischen Störungen
Authors: Herbrecht Evelyn , Poustka Fritz
Published: January 2007

Zusammenfassung: Fragestellung: Trotz des hohen Bedarfs an gruppentherapeutischen Interventionen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit autistischen Störungen stehen bisher kaum spezifische deutschsprachige Therapieprogramme zur Verfügung. Seit 2003 wird an unserer Klinik ein strukturiertes Gruppentraining sozialer Fertigkeiten primär für Kinder und Jugendliche mit High-Functioning-Autismus und Asperger-Syndrom entwickelt und durchgeführt. Das Training adressiert die Hauptproblembereiche dieser Störungsbilder, Hauptziele sind die Verbesserung der sozialen Kommunikations- und Interaktionsfertigkeiten. Methodik: Die Teilnehmer sind Kinder und Jugendliche mit ausreichenden kognitiven Fähigkeiten und funktionaler Sprache. Prinzipien der Intervention sind die Strukturierung der Abläufe, Kombination von theoretischen und praktischen Elementen, verbindliche Gruppenregeln, Berücksichtigung individueller Problembereiche, schrittweises Vorgehen und sukzessive Steigerung des Schwierigkeitsgrades der Therapiebausteine. Die Therapiebausteine umfassen strukturierte Gruppenspiele, Training der Emotionserkennung, gemeinsame Gruppenaktivitäten, Rollenspiele, Gruppendiskussionen, Feedback und Hausaufgaben. Verwendet wird ein an unserer Klinik entwickeltes Gruppentrainingsprogramm sozialer Fertigkeiten in Form eines strukturierten Trainingsmanuals. Das Training umfasst aktuell drei Gruppen (5-7 Teilnehmer) unterschiedlicher Altersbereiche (Kinder und Jugendliche) und findet wöchentlich/14-tägig für 1-1,5 Stunden außerhalb der Schulferien statt. Jeweils zwei Gruppenleiter leiten die Trainingsstunden und wechseln sich im Verlauf des Programms ab. Es finden in regelmäßigen Abständen Gruppengesprächsrunden mit den Eltern zum gegenseitigen Erfahrungsaustausch und zur Information über Einzelheiten des Programms statt. Ergebnisse: Sowohl die Akzeptanz und Zufriedenheit mit dem Training als auch die Toleranz für die jeweiligen individuellen Probleme sind unter den Teilnehmern hoch. Rückmeldung der Eltern und die klinischen Beobachtungen der Gruppenleiter weisen auf eine klare Verbesserung der Verbalisations- und Kontaktfähigkeit hin. Die Teilnehmer scheinen dabei insbesondere von den Rollenspielen zu profitieren. Schlussfolgerungen: Qualitative Daten (Angaben der Teilnehmer, Eltern und der Gruppenleiter zu Veränderungen der sozialen Fertigkeiten) legen verbesserte Interaktions-, Kommunikations- und Problemlösefertigkeiten im Verlauf des Gruppentrainings nahe. Eine laufende Pilotevaluation des Gruppentrainings beinhaltet auch die Erfassung von Effekten in Alltagssituationen. In Abhängigkeit der Ergebnisse könnte das Training nachfolgend in gemischten Gruppen mit anderen psychiatrischen Störungsbildern angewendet und überprüft werden.
Entwicklungsaspekte in der Strafrechtsbegutachtung
Authors: Schepker Renate , Toker Mehmet
Published: January 2007

Zusammenfassung: Die rechtsgeschichtliche Entstehung der Strafmündigkeitsgrenze in Deutschland mit der Entwicklungsorientierung des JGG führte zur Strafmündigkeitsgrenze von 14 Jahren und damit im EU-Vergleich einem mittleren Mindestalter, obwohl die meisten Kenntnisse über das Unrecht eines Tuns lebensgeschichtlich früher entstehen. Die zu beachtenden familiären und situativen Kontextvariablen sowie die Forderung nach einer emotionalen Verankerung der Unrechtserkenntnis machen Begutachtungen nach § 3 JGG zu einer anspruchsvollen jugendpsychiatrischen Aufgabe. Unabdingbar sollte auch vor dem Hintergrund entwicklungsbiologischer Erkenntnisse die neuronale Reifeentwicklung einbezogen sein. Demgegenüber stellt eine Bewertung nach § 105 JGG auf die allgemeine Reifeentwicklung ab. Eine entwicklungspsychiatrische Fundierung bezogen auf Aussagen zur Prognose wird für einige Delikttypen (Tötungs-, Sexualdelikte, Brandstiftung) diskutiert.
How much is the ocean really warming?
Authors: Gouretski Viktor , Koltermann Klaus Peter
Published: January 2007

We use a global hydrographic dataset to study the effect of instrument related biases on the estimates of long‐term temperature changes in the global ocean since the 1950s. The largest discrepancies are found between the expendable bathythermographs (XBT) and bottle and CTD data, with XBT temperatures being positively biased by 0.2–0.4°C on average. Since the XBT data are the largest proportion of the dataset, this bias results in a significant World Ocean warming artefact when time periods before and after introduction of XBT are compared. Using bias‐corrected XBT data we argue reduces the ocean heat content change since the 1950s by a factor of 0.62. Our estimate of the ocean heat content increase (0–3000 m) between 1957–66 and 1987–96 is 12.8·1022 J. Because of imperfect sampling this estimate has an uncertainty of at least 8·1022 J
Determinants of terrestrial ecosystem carbon balance inferred from European eddy covariance flux sites
Authors: Reichstein Markus , Papale Dario , Valentini Riccardo , Aubinet Marc , Bernhofer Christian , Knohl Alexander , Laurila Tuomas , Lindroth Anders , Moors Eddy , Pilegaard Kim , Seufert Günther
Published: January 2007

Pioneering work in the last century has resulted in a widely accepted paradigm that primary production is strongly positively related to temperature and water availability such that the northern hemispheric forest carbon sink may increase under conditions of global warming. However, the terrestrial carbon sink at the ecosystem level (i.e. net ecosystem productivity, NEP) depends on the net balance between gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (TER). Through an analysis of European eddy covariance flux data sets, we find that the common climate relationships for primary production do not hold for NEP. This is explained by the fact that decreases in GPP are largely compensated by parallel decreases in TER when climatic factors become more limiting. Moreover, we found overall that water availability was a significant modulator of NEP, while the multivariate effect of mean annual temperature is small and not significant. These results indicate that climate‐ and particularly temperature‐based projections of net carbon balance may be misleading. Future research should focus on interactions between the water and carbon cycles and the effects of disturbances on the carbon balance of terrestrial ecosystems.
A nearly universal solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling function inferred from 10 magnetospheric state variables
Authors: Newell P. T. , Sotirelis T. , Liou K. , Meng C.‐I. , Rich F. J.
Published: January 2007

We investigated whether one or a few coupling functions can represent best the interaction between the solar wind and the magnetosphere over a wide variety of magnetospheric activity. Ten variables which characterize the state of the magnetosphere were studied. Five indices from ground‐based magnetometers were selected, namely Dst, Kp, AE, AU, and AL, and five from other sources, namely auroral power (Polar UVI), cusp latitude (sin(Λc)), b2i (both DMSP), geosynchronous magnetic inclination angle (GOES), and polar cap size (SuperDARN). These indices were correlated with more than 20 candidate solar wind coupling functions. One function, representing the rate magnetic flux is opened at the magnetopause, correlated best with 9 out of 10 indices of magnetospheric activity. This is dΦMP/dt = v4/3BT2/3sin8/3(θc/2), calculated from (rate IMF field lines approach the magnetopause, ∼v)(% of IMF lines which merge, sin8/3(θc/2))(interplanetary field magnitude, BT)(merging line length, ∼(BMP/BT)1/3). The merging line length is based on flux matching between the solar wind and a dipole field and agrees with a superposed IMF on a vacuum dipole. The IMF clock angle dependence matches the merging rate reported (albeit with limited statistics) at high altitude. The nonlinearities of the magnetospheric response to BT and v are evident when the mean values of indices are plotted, in scatterplots, and in the superior correlations from dΦMP/dt. Our results show that a wide variety of magnetospheric phenomena can be predicted with reasonable accuracy (r > 0.80 in several cases) ab initio, that is without the time history of the target index, by a single function, estimating the dayside merging rate. Across all state variables studied (including AL, which is hard to predict, and polar cap size, which is hard to measure), dΦMP/dt accounts for about 57.2% of the variance, compared to 50.9% for EKL and 48.8% for vBs. All data sets included at least thousands of points over many years, up to two solar cycles, with just two parameter fits, and the correlations are thus robust. The sole index which does not correlate best with dΦMP/dt is Dst, which correlates best (r = 0.87) with p1/2dΦMP/dt. If dΦMP/dt were credited with this success, its average score would be even higher.
Convective and moist vorticity vectors associated with tropical oceanic convection: A three‐dimensional cloud‐resolving model simulation
Authors: Gao Shouting , Li Xiaofan , Tao Wei‐Kuo , Shie Chung‐Lin , Lang Steve
Published: January 2007

The relationships between cloud hydrometeors and convective/moist vorticity vectors are investigated using hourly data from a three‐dimensional, 5‐day cloud‐resolving model (CRM) simulation during the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX). Vertical components of convective and moist vorticity vectors are highly correlated with cloud hydrometeors. The vertical components represent the interaction between horizontal vorticity and horizontal moist potential temperature/specific humidity gradient. The vertical components of convective and moist vorticity vectors can be used to study tropical oceanic convection in both two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional frameworks.
The Use and Perceived Usefulness of Information Sources among Japanese Overseas Tourists
Authors: Nishimura Sachiko , Waryszak Robert , King Brian
Published: January 2007

This investigation into the use and perceived usefulness of information among Japanese outbound travellers reports on the findings of a survey conducted with over 1,200 Japanese travellers. The research examines information use by travellers about a range of travel components including restaurants, attractionsand accommodation at both the before and during travel phases. It was found that travel guidebooks were the most heavily used source of information and their usefulness was evaluated as one of the highest during both phases. Using correspondence analysis, it is shown that while travel guidebooks were used heavily for finding out about most travel components, the only component that did not show significant reliance on information from travel guidebooks at either the prior to or during travel phases was accommodation.