bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Residents in the Emergency Department: A Structured Educational Program
Authors: Dorfsman Michele L. , Wolfson Allan B.
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  The objective was to describe the implementation of a program of structured direct observation of emergency medicine (EM) residents during clinical shifts in the emergency department (ED).

Methods:  The authors developed a program in which an observer spent 4 to 5 hours with each resident, without intervening in the clinical encounters. A structured data form was developed to document the resident’s performance in a number of defined clinical areas relevant to patient care and mastery of the core competencies. Individual strengths and weaknesses were noted, and the observer provided directed feedback at the end of the session.

Results:  Over an 18‐month period, 32 EM residents were observed during their ED shifts. The sessions not only provided specific information on individual residents’ performances, but also identified areas where the residency program curriculum could be enhanced and provided a means of assessing mastery of the core competencies. In addition, the program provided an opportunity to give detailed and timely directed feedback to residents. Both residents and attending staff found the sessions acceptable and useful.

Conclusions:  Implementation of a structured direct observation program was feasible and well received and provided insight into the strengths and weaknesses of residents both individually and as a group.
The role of RhoC in growth and metastatic capacity of melanoma
Authors: Boone Barbara , Van Gele Mireille , Lambert Jo , Haspeslagh Marc , Brochez Lieve
Published: February 2009

Background:  RhoC overexpression in tumor cells promotes invasive and metastatic behavior. RhoC expression levels have been correlated with tumor progression and metastasis in multiple human cancers. In melanoma, RhoC is upregulated in highly metastatic tumors. Induced expression in melanoma cell lines resulted in invasion and metastasis, whereas inhibition of RhoC reversed the metastatic phenotype both in vitro and in vivo.

Methods:  RhoC mRNA and protein expression in two human melanoma cell lines (DX3aza and MeWo) and pooled primary melanocytes were investigated by means of real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. RhoC protein expression was evaluated in 123 primary cutaneous melanoma samples by the use of immunohistochemistry and correlated with known prognostic features.

Results:  RhoC upregulation was observed in the highly metastatic DX3aza cell line, whereas in MeWo, only low expression levels could be detected. RhoC expression in primary cutaneous melanoma was strongly associated with thicker and ulcerated tumors. RhoC expression was associated with the presence of lymphatic metastases at the time of diagnosis and shorter disease‐free and overall survival rates, without being an independent predictor.

Conclusion:  These results further support a role for RhoC in growth and metastasis of melanoma.
The severity of epithelial dysplasia is associated with loss of maspin expression in actinic cheilitis
Authors: Fontes Alexandra , De Sousa Suzana M. , Dos Santos Elisa , Martins Marília T.
Published: February 2009

Background:  Prolonged exposure of the lip to sunlight may cause actinic cheilitis (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Maspin is a serpin with tumor suppressor functions. This work analyzed the presence and distribution of maspin in AC and lip SCC.

Methods:  Sections from 36 cases diagnosed as AC (18 cases with mild epithelial dysplasia, 11 with moderate and 7 with severe), 18 cases diagnosed as lip SCC and 7 specimens containing normal lip vermillion epithelium were submitted for immunohistochemical analysis to detect maspin.

Results:  All AC cases with mild and two cases with moderate dysplasia were scored 3. The remaining nine cases with moderate dysplasia were identified as score 2, whereas all cases with severe dysplasia were scored 1. Positive staining for maspin decreased from the basal layer to the surface. Among the 18 lip SCCs studied, 15 cases showed abundant staining for maspin. Epithelium adjacent to the SCCs also showed intense positive staining in all cells.

Conclusions:  Our results suggest that the loss of maspin expression occurs from the basal layer to the surface. Lip SCCs related to solar radiation show an intense presence of maspin protein in almost all tumor cells as well as the neighboring epithelium.
Laboratory diagnosis of the antiphospholipid syndrome: a plethora of obstacles to overcome
Authors: Devreese Katrien , Hoylaerts Marc F.
Published: February 2009

The antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) is defined by two major elements: the presence in plasma of auto‐antibodies, i.e. antiphospholipid antibodies and the occurrence of clinical features, categorised as vascular thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity. In contrast to recent reviews on the physiopathology of APS, the present review focuses on the laboratory diagnosis of APS. The original clinical and laboratory criteria that defined patients with APS were set in 1998 in the so‐called Sapporo criteria. Although a revision of these criteria was published in 2006, a number of questions on the laboratory diagnosis of APS remain unresolved. The highlight in this review will therefore be on the potential and limitations of the detection of the lupus anticoagulant, as an established laboratory criterion for the diagnosis of APS. The strengths and weaknesses of the current laboratory guidelines are discussed against our current insight in the physiopathology of APS.
Bortezomib, ascorbic acid and melphalan (BAM) therapy for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: an effective and well‐tolerated frontline regimen
Authors: Berenson James R. , Yellin Ori , Woytowitz Donald , Flam Marshall S. , Cartmell Alan , Patel Ravi , Duvivier Herb , Nassir Youram , Eades Benjamin , Abaya Christina DiLauro , Hilger Jacqueline , Swift Regina A.
Published: February 2009

Background:  We conducted a single‐arm, multicentre phase 2 study to evaluate bortezomib, ascorbic acid and melphalan (BAM) for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods:  Induction consisted of up to eight 28‐d cycles of bortezomib 1.0 mg/m2 on days 1, 4, 8 and 11, plus oral ascorbic acid 1 g and oral melphalan 0.1 mg/kg on days 1–4, followed by maintenance bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 every 2 wk until progression.

Results:  Among 35 patients enrolled (median age 70 yr), responses occurred in 23/31 evaluable patients (74%) including five (16%) complete, three (10%) very good partial, six (19%) partial and nine (29%) minimal responses. Six patients (19%) had stable disease. Thus, disease control was achieved in 29 (94%) patients. Median times to first and best responses were 2 and 3 months (ranges 1–5 and 1–7), respectively. Median time to progression was 19 months and median overall survival has not been reached (range 2–23+ months). Grade 3 and 4 adverse events occurred in 17 and 5 patients, respectively; the most common were neutropenia, neuropathy and thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions:  BAM is an efficacious, well‐tolerated and steroid‐ and immunomodulatory drug (IMiD)‐free frontline treatment regimen for MM patients.
Analysis of fetal blood using capillary electrophoresis system: a simple method for prenatal diagnosis of severe thalassemia diseases
Authors: Srivorakun Hataichanok , Fucharoen Goonnapa , Sae‐Ung Nattaya , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Ratanasiri Thawalwong , Fucharoen Supan
Published: February 2009

Introduction:  Prenatal diagnosis of severe α‐ and β‐thalasssemia diseases is usually performed by DNA analysis.

Objective:  To establish a simple method, we have evaluated the reliability of prenatal diagnosis by fetal blood analysis using automated capillary electrophoresis system.

Methods:  Forty‐seven fetal blood specimens collected by cordocentesis at 18–28 wk of gestation were analyzed by the capillary electrophoresis system (Sebia). Fetal DNA was analyzed for respective thalassemia alleles by PCR.

Results:  Among 47 fetuses, 20 were at risk for the Hb Bart’s hydrops fetalis. DNA analysis identified four cases of homozygous α°‐thalassemia (SEA type). Hb analysis by the capillary electrophoresis demonstrated a major peak of Hb Bart’s (78.4–81.3%), Hb H (0.8–1.4%) and minor peaks of presumably embryonic Hbs. No Hb F and Hb A was observed. The level of Hb Bart’s was found to be 3.4–5.8% in unaffected heterozygote whereas normal fetus had no Hb Bart’s. Among the remaining 27 fetuses at risk for Hb E‐β‐thalassemia, DNA analysis identified 12 affected fetuses. Hb analysis showed Hb F (94.9–98.9%) and Hb E (1.1–1.8%) without Hb A in all cases. The levels of Hb A were found to be (4.3–7.2%), (1.0–5.5%) and (2.1–3.9%) in normal, heterozygous Hb E and heterozygous β‐thalassemia fetuses, respectively. Affected and unaffected fetuses could be easily distinguished.

Conclusion:  Capillary electrophoresis system is a simple and automated procedure for accurate prenatal diagnosis of severe thalassemia diseases which could readily be performed in routine setting.
Course of oral lichen planus: a retrospective study of 808 northern Italian patients
Authors: Carbone M , Arduino PG , Carrozzo M , Gandolfo S , Argiolas MR , Bertolusso G , Conrotto D , Pentenero M , Broccoletti R
Published: February 2009

Objectives:  To undertake a retrospective inspection of the general features, clinical presentation and outcome of 808 Italian patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), followed up from 6 months to 17 years.

Results:  The mean age was 61 years for women (n = 493) and 58 years for men (n = 315). More than 20% of the total cases had liver abnormalities (n = 164) of which 83.5% infected with hepatitis C virus (n = 137). The reticular and plaque form were the predominant type, affecting almost 60% of patients. 12.3% of patients had also extraoral manifestation, taking into account the skin (n = 63) and genital (n = 24). Symptoms were present in 40% of the total patients. Only less than 2.47% of patients underwent remission, whereas 78% still had oral lesions at the end of the follow‐up period. Treatment was directed towards almost 42% of the patients, mainly using topical corticosteroids. Oral squamous cell carcinoma developed in 15 patients, commonly arising on the lateral border of the tongue.

Conclusion:  This is one of the largest groups of OLP patients with such long a follow‐up ever reported. We confirm the chronic nature of this disorder, rarely remissive and the treatment intend for alleviating symptoms. OLP is established to be a disease with small frequency of malignant transformation.
Amputation of an ectopic partially formed foot attached to the ankle in a case of fibular deficiency
Authors: Khare Ghanshyam N. , Goel Satish C. , Singh Saurabh
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT  A rare case of an ectopic partially formed foot attached to the ankle and associated with fibular deficiency and scoliosis due to congenital hemivertebra is reported. The ectopic partially formed foot was amputated and the child was given a below‐knee caliper to prevent further deformity of the foot.
Effects of in utero exposure to 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) on somatic growth and endocrine status in rat offspring
Authors: Kobayashi Kenichi , Miyagawa Muneyuki , Wang Rui‐Sheng , Suda Megumi , Sekiguchi Soichiro , Honma Takeshi
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT  Exposure to polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) mixtures at an early stage of development has been reported to affect endocrine glands; however, little is known about the precise toxicological properties of individual PCB. The present study was undertaken to determine whether prenatal exposure to 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153), a di‐ortho‐substituted non‐coplanar congener, affects postnatal development in rat offspring. Pregnant Sprague‐Dawley rats (Crj: CD (SD) IGS) were given PCB 153 (0, 16, or 64 mg/kg/day) orally from gestational day (GD) 10 through GD 16, and developmental parameters in the male and female offspring were examined. We found no dose‐dependent changes in body weight, body length (nose–anus length), tail length, or the weights of kidneys, testes, ovaries and uterus in offspring at 1 or 3 weeks of age. Liver weights were increased in the PCB 153–treated groups, although we observed a significant difference only in males. Anogenital distance was unaffected in the PCB 153–treated groups. We observed a significant dose‐dependent decrease in the plasma concentrations of thyroxine and tri‐iodothyronine, whereas those of thyroid‐stimulating hormone were not significantly changed. In addition, there were no dose‐dependent changes in plasma concentrations of growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor‐I in any dose group. These findings suggest that prenatal exposure to PCB 153 (GD 10–16, 16–64 mg/kg/day) may alter the thyroid status in rat offspring to some extent without affecting somatic growth or its related hormonal parameters.
Urorectal septum malformation sequence: A report of seven cases
Authors: Jain Deepali , Sharma Mehar C. , Kulkarni Kalyani K. , Aggrawal Shipra , Karak Asis K.
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT  Urorectal septum malformation (URSM) sequence is an extremely uncommon anomaly. We report herein seven cases of URSM sequence that were identified after reviewing all autopsies conducted at our hospital over a period of 26 years (1981–2006). The URSM spectrum includes partial and full URSM sequences. Absent perineal and anal openings with ambiguous genitalia are included under ‘full URSM sequence’, and a single perineal or anal opening draining a common cloaca with an imperforate anus is called ‘partial URSM sequence’. Of our seven cases of URSM, three were full URSM sequence and four were partial URSM sequence. Associated renal anomalies were found in all of the cases. Three cases had unilateral renal agenesis and one each had bilateral renal agenesis and bilateral renal dysplasia, respectively. The remaining two cases had unilateral renal agenesis with contralateral kidney showing features of cystic dysplastic kidney and renal hypoplasia, respectively. Congenital anomalies involving other organs were also found in some of the cases. The longest survival period in our series was 10 days, in accordance with the short survival period usually associated with URSM. Five of the patients were females, one was male, and the sex of one neonate could not be ascertained. One of the neonates was from a twin pregnancy; the other twin was normal.
Delineation of a multiple congenital abnormality syndrome in the offspring of pregnant women affected with high fever‐related disorders: A population‐based study
Authors: Czeizel Andrew E. , Puhó Erzsébet H. , Ács Nándor , Bánhidy Ferenc
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT  Our previous study showed an association between high fever‐related maternal diseases during the second and/or third gestational months and a higher risk of multiple congenital abnormalities (MCA) in the population‐based large dataset of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities. The objective of our analysis is to attempt the delineation of the spectrum of the characteristic component defects of an MCA syndrome associated with high fever‐related maternal diseases. Of 1349 cases with MCA without recognized genetic and teratogenic syndromes in the total dataset, 181 had a possible association with influenza, common cold with secondary complications, tonsillitis and recurrent orofacial herpes with high fever in the second and/or third gestational months. At the evaluation of component defects in these 181 MCA cases, an association was found between the components of the so‐called two schisis‐type defects, such as neural‐tube defects and orofacial cleft, in addition to microphthalmos, neurogenic limb contractures, and indeterminate sex (i.e. maldevelopment of male external genital organs, such as hypoplasia of the penis and pseudohermaphroditism). In addition, previous findings that showed an association between high fever and facial anomalies (micrognathia and midfacial hypoplasia), microcephaly and defects of external ears, were confirmed in our dataset. Thus, we delineated the maternal high fever‐related MCA syndrome, including the above component defects and this MCA syndrome was identified in 38 MCA (21.0%) among 181 MCA babies born to mothers with high fever‐related diseases. In the total dataset of 1349 MCA, 2.8% of cases can be associated with high fever.
Proteolytic processing of porcine deoxyribonuclease II occurs in lysosomes but is not required for enzyme activation
Authors: Huang Ru‐Ting , Liao Ta‐Hsiu , Lu Shao‐Chun
Published: February 2009

DNase II purified from porcine spleen (pDNase II) comprises α1, α2 and β subunits. The three subunits are encoded by one cDNA, in the sequence α1, β, and α2, and the peptides linking these subunits are presumably cleaved out post‐translationally. To understand the relevance of post‐translational cleavage to pDNase II, recombinant pDNase II (rpDNase II) was produced in human 293T cells by transfection with an expression plasmid containing pDNase II cDNA (pcDNaseII). An 11.5, a 35 and a 46.5 kDa protein were detected in the cell lysates, whereas only a 46.5 kDa protein was detected in the culture medium of the pcDNaseII‐transfected cells. The 46.5 kDa rpDNase II secreted into the medium was purified to homogeneity and characterized. MALDI‐TOF MS and N‐terminal amino acid sequencing of the 46.5 kDa protein revealed a single contiguous polypeptide chain of pDNase II. Zymographic analysis showed that the 46.5 kDa protein digested DNA in acidic conditions and that the specific activity of this rpDNase II was about twice that of pDNase II purified from porcine spleen. Treatment with chloroquine, a lysosomal inhibitor, resulted in the accumulation of only the 46.5 kDa protein in the pcDNaseII‐transfected cells. Treatments with cycloheximide 22 h after transfection led to accumulation of the processed enzyme and disappearance of the 46.5 kDa protein. These results suggest that the proteolytic processing of rpDNase II occurs in the lysosome, which is not involved in the activation of pDNase II.
Inhibition of Snake Venoms and Phospholipases A2 by Extracts from Native and Genetically Modified Eclipta alba: Isolation of Active Coumestans
Authors: Diogo Luciana C. , Fernandes Renata S. , Marcussi Silvana , Menaldo Danilo L. , Roberto Patrícia G. , Matrangulo Paula V. F. , Pereira Paulo S. , França Suzelei C. , Giuliatti Silvana , Soares Andreimar M. , Lourenço Miriam V.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  We genetically modified Eclipta alba using Agrobacterium rhizogenes LBA 9402, with the aim of producing secondary metabolites with pharmacological properties against phospholipase A2 and the myotoxic activities of snake venom. Extracts from in natura aerial parts and roots, both native and genetically modified (in vitro), were prepared and analysed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. In natura materials showed the coumestan wedelolactone at higher concentration in the aerial parts, while demethylwedelolactone appeared at higher concentration in roots. Among the modified roots, clone 19 showed higher concentrations of these coumestans. Our results show that the in natura extracts of plants collected from Botucatu and Ribeirão Preto were efficient in inhibiting snake venom phospholipase A2 activity. Regarding in vitro material, the best effect against Crotalus durissus terrificus venom was that of clone 19. Clone 19 and isolated coumestans (wedelolactone and demethylwedelolactone) inhibited the myotoxic activity induced by basic phospholipases A2 isolated from the venoms of Crotalus durissus terrificus (CB) and Bothrops jararacussu (BthTX‐I and II). The search for antivenom is justified by the need of finding active principles that are more efficient in neutralizing snake venoms and also as an attempt to complement serum therapy.
Protective Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Zingiber officinale Rhizome on the Development of Metabolic Syndrome in High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Rats
Authors: Nammi Srinivas , Sreemantula Satyanarayana , Roufogalis Basil D.
Published: February 2009

Abstract:  Metabolic syndrome, including obesity, dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance that predisposes type 2 diabetes is a major disease problem around the world and a plethora of herbal medicines are claimed to be effective in controlling these disorders. The rhizome of Zingiber officinale (Zingiberaceae) is commonly used as a spice in various foods and beverages. Apart from its other traditional medical uses, Z. officinale has been used to control diabetes and dyslipidaemia. In the present study, the protective effects of an ethanolic extract of Z. officinale on the development of metabolic syndrome were investigated in a high‐fat diet‐fed rat model at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. The marked rise in body weights, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids in serum of the rats that followed 6 weeks of high‐fat diet treatment were significantly reduced by Z. officinale treatment. However, no significant change in serum HDL cholesterol was observed either with high‐fat diet or Z. officinale compared to both control groups. The present results provide scientific evidence to substantiate the traditional use of Z. officinale in preventing metabolic disorders.
Necrotic Actions of Nitrogen‐Containing Bisphosphonates and Their Inhibition by Clodronate, a Non‐Nitrogen‐Containing Bisphosphonate in Mice: Potential for Utilization of Clodronate as a Combination Drug with a Nitrogen‐Containing Bisphosphonate
Authors: Oizumi Takefumi , Yamaguchi Kouji , Funayama Hiromi , Kuroishi Toshinobu , Kawamura Hiroshi , Sugawara Shunji , Endo Yasuo
Published: February 2009

Abstract: Nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates (NBPs) exhibit powerful anti‐bone‐resorptive effects (ABREs) via inhibition of farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase during cholesterol biosynthesis. Clinical applications have disclosed an unexpected side effect, namely osteonecrosis of jaw bones, and although thousands of cases have been documented in the last few years the mechanism remains unclear. Since NBPs accumulate in bone‐hydroxyapatite, more jaw bone osteonecrosis cases may come to light if NBPs continue to be used as they are being used now. We have previously reported that in mice, systemic (intraperitoneal) injection of clodronate (a non‐NBP) prevents the inflammatory effects of NBPs. Here, we examined in mice the local necrotic actions of various NBPs and the anti‐necrotic effects of clodronate. A single subcutaneous injection of an NBP into the ear pinna induced necrosis at the injection site (relative potencies of necrotic actions of NBPs: zoledronate >> pamidronate ≥ alendronate > risedronate), while non‐NBPs lacked this effect. Clodronate, when injected together with an NBP, reduced or prevented the necrosis induced by that NBP, but not its ABRE. Clodronate reduced the amount of each NBP retained within tissues. These results, together with those of previous studies, suggest that (i) clodronate inhibits the inflammatory and necrotic actions of NBPs by inhibiting their incorporation into cells related to inflammation and/or necrosis, (ii) clodronate could be useful as a combination drug with NBPs for preventing their necrotic actions while retaining their ABREs and (iii) clodronate could also be useful as a substitution drug for NBPs in patients at risk of osteonecrosis of jaw bones.
CHANGES IN Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu AND Zn LEVELS DURING THE PRODUCTION OF KAŞAR CHEESE
Authors: YÜZBAŞI NURAY , SEZGIN EMEL , YILDIRIM ZELIHA , YILDIRIM METIN
Published: February 2009

Levels of Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu and Zn in milk, curd, pressed curd, fresh cheese, whey, rennet and scalding water taken from two different Kaşar cheese plants (A and B) in Ankara, Turkey were investigated. The milk used in plant A contained higher amount of Pb, Fe and Zn than the milk used in plant B. Pb level during processing in both dairy plants showed a significant increase from milk to curd (626.2–912.3 µg/kg for plant A and 265.2–371.8 µg/kg, dry weight, for plant B) (P < 0.01). Similarly, Fe, Cu and Zn contents of the curds in plant A and B showed an important increase with respect to the milk (P < 0.01). During transition of the curd to pressed curd and of pressed curd to fresh cheese, almost all metals tested showed a decrease because of the loss of these metals into whey and scalding water. The results showed that curdling the milk was the most important contamination step.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Heavy metals may enter the human body through food, water, air or absorption through the skin, and can cause metabolic anormalies. Heavy metals may reach our foods from a number of sources. The more important of these are: soil; the chemicals applied to agricultural land; the water used in food processing or cooking; and the equipment, containers and utensils used for food processing, storage or cooking. Milk and milk products are the basic components of the human diet, and among milk products cheese holds an important place. Kaşar cheese ranks second with respect to consumption, significantly contributing to the Turkish diet. In order to prevent the health risk of consuming contaminated cheeses, it is very important to determine the effect of equipment and process variation on the heavy‐metal content of Kaşar cheese. The results of this study would help the regulatory authorities to establish a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan and to identify important contamination sources for Kaşar and similar kind of cheeses.
INFLUENCE OF STORAGE CONDITIONS ON SENSORY SHELF LIFE OF YERBA MATE
Authors: SURKAN S. , ALBANI O. , RAMALLO L.
Published: February 2009

Samples of yerba mate (YM) manufactured with natural and accelerated processes were stored under constant conditions of temperature (30 and 40C) and relative humidity (75 and 90% RH). Mold and yeast count and changes in sensory attributes, intensity of the flavor, bitterness and humidity flavor were studied. The end of shelf life was determined using the Weibull hazard method, calculated as the time at which 50% of the panelists find the product unacceptable. Conducted tests of acceptability carried out with habitual consumers of YM confirmed results obtained with the trained panel. Similar values of shelf life were found with the high humidity flavor descriptor and with results of acceptance–rejection test. Storage time to which off‐flavor was developed is analogous to the time of fast mold and yeast growth. The RH is the most important variable: sensory shelf life time of 32–44 days at 75% RH and 10–13 days at 90% RH were found at both temperatures of storage.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

An important contribution of the present work is the analysis of the influence of storage conditions on the quality loss of yerba mate (YM). Furthermore, the shelf life in unfavorable environmental conditions for the YM storage was determined. This is important because even though the Código Alimentario Argentino establishes an upper limit of moisture in YM, there are no systematic studies about the issue.

In addition, sensory parameters of YM quality are associated to the consumer's habits and no standard sensory quality attributes are established. Nevertheless, the consumer expectation is satisfied by preservation of product sensory characteristics. In this sense, from the results of this study, it is possible to establish conditions of humidity and temperature of storage that guarantee the preservation of sensory quality of YM during their commercialization
EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT PEKMEZ (FRUIT MOLASSES) TYPES ON CHEMICAL, NUTRITIONAL CONTENT AND STORAGE STABILITY OF CAKE
Authors: BILGIÇLI NERMIN , AKBULUT MEHMET
Published: February 2009

Pekmez is a natural sugar source that is obtained by concentration of fruit juice up to 70–80% soluble dry matter concentration. In this research, different kinds of pekmezes (mulberry, apricot, elecampane, grape and watermelon) were used in cake formulations instead of crystal sugar. Some chemical and nutritional properties and storage stability of cakes were investigated. Total and reducing sugar content of pekmezes ranged from 36.78 to 65.38% and from 33.54 to 64.70%, respectively. While water activity and crust color values of cakes generally decreased with pekmez addition, ash and mineral contents increased. Hydroxymethylfurfural content of cakes was found between 2.03 and 15.78 mg/kg and the highest value was obtained with grape pekmez addition. Ca, Fe, K, P and Zn contents of pekmez‐added cakes were 92.72–177.82 mg, 4.09–22.70 mg, 4501.99–7208.45 mg, 255.68–416.41 mg and 2.91–4.86 mg/100 g, respectively. After 21 days of storage, apricot‐ and watermelon‐added cakes were found to be softer than others cakes and control.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Preparation of cake with pekmez addition improved the nutritional value and especially apricot and watermelon addition gave increased shelf life. A new nutritious and delicious product was improved with pekmez additions. Elecampane and grape pekmez‐added cakes were found as alternative food sources of Fe for anemic persons.
DIFFERENTIATION OF CURED COOKED HAMS BY PHYSICO‐CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND CHEMOMETRICS
Authors: MORETTI VITTORIO M. , BELLAGAMBA FEDERICA , PALEARI MARIA A. , BERETTA GIUSEPPE , BUSETTO MARIA L. , CAPRINO FABIO
Published: February 2009

Comparison of physico‐chemical and compositional traits was carried out on cooked hams. Deboned fresh pig thighs of three different origins were divided into three batches: 200 pig thighs from the Italian market, H1; 200 from The Netherlands, H2; and 200 from Denmark, H3. Boneless pig thighs were processed under commercial guidelines for production of cooked hams, using brine at 25% level of injection. After processing, 12 cooked hams from each batch were sampled randomly and analyzed for proximate and fatty acid composition. Color measurement was performed on the muscles: biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and semitendinosus. H1 hams showed a higher weight loss and a lower technological yield compared to H2 and H3 hams. Analysis of variance on compositional data showed that H1 hams had a lower moisture/protein ratio, a higher fat content, a lower percentage ofα‐linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid, and a higher percentage of myristic and palmitic acids when compared to H2 and H3 hams (P < 0.05). Analysis of color of the three muscles demonstrated that hams from the H1 group had the highest a* values. The application of linear discriminant analysis demonstrated that the use of only four variables allowed to correctly discriminate among groups of cooked hams.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The following are the practical applications of this research. The comparison of physico‐chemical and compositional traits were carried out on cooked hams. Pig thighs of different origin were processed under commercial guidelines. The physicochemical parameters of cooked hams were defined and showed some differences characterizing the products.
State Prescription Drug Policies, Cost Barriers, and the Use of Acute Care Services by Medicaid Beneficiaries
Authors: TENNYSON SHARON , YANG HAE KYUNG
Published: February 2009

This paper examines the relationship between Medicaid pharmacy benefit restrictions and reports of prescription cost barriers by beneficiaries, and the relationship between prescription cost barriers and hospitalizations. The analysis uses data for adult Medicaid beneficiaries from the 2000–2001 and 2003 Community Tracking Survey household surveys, combined with data on states’ Medicaid pharmacy benefit restrictions and characteristics of local health‐care markets. Estimation results show that state Medicaid restrictions are associated with a higher incidence of reported drug cost barriers and that Medicaid recipients who report prescription cost barriers experience a greater number of hospitalizations.
Understanding Communication Research Findings
Authors: PRESTON IVAN L.
Published: February 2009

A central aspect of communication research is widely misunderstood, ignored, or not known by researchers in other fields and by the public. The problems this creates are discussed; the correct understanding is identified, and an appeal is made for attention to the issue by researchers.
Common Fallacies in Law‐Related Consumer Research
Authors: RICHARDS JEF I.
Published: February 2009

Researchers frequently publish studies inspired by laws or regulations, and often, the authors hope to be affecting public policy. In doing so, they draw upon and address aspects of law. Most of these scholars, however, have no special training in law, and all too often, the consequence is a manuscript that is replete with misstatements of law or faulty suppositions.
Pan Evaporation Trends and the Terrestrial Water Balance. I. Principles and Observations
Authors: Roderick Michael L. , Hobbins Michael T. , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: February 2009

Pan evaporation is just that – it is the evaporation rate of water from a small dish located at the ground‐surface. Pan evaporation is a measure of the evaporative demand over terrestrial surfaces. Declines in pan evaporation have now been reported in many regions of the world. The trends vary from one pan to the next, but when averaged over many pans, they are typically in the range of −1 to −4 mm a−2(mm per annum per annum). In energetic terms, a trend of −2 mm a−2is equivalent to −0.16 W m−2 a−1and over 30 years this is a change of −4.8 W m−2. For comparison, the top‐of‐atmosphere forcing due to doubled CO2is estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to be ~3.7 W m−2. Hence, the magnitude of the pan evaporation trend is large. What is of even greater interest is the direction – a decline – given the well‐established warming of the last 30–50 years. In this article, the first in a two part series, we describe the underlying principles in using and interpreting pan evaporation data and then summarise the reported observations from different countries. In the second article, we describe the interpretation of the trends in terms of changes in the terrestrial water balance.
Pan Evaporation Trends and the Terrestrial Water Balance. II. Energy Balance and Interpretation
Authors: Roderick Michael L. , Hobbins Michael T. , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: February 2009

Declines in pan evaporation have been reported across the USA, former Soviet Union, India, China, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, among other places. The trend is large – approximately an order of magnitude larger than model‐based estimates of top of the atmosphere radiative forcing. The pan evaporation trend also has a different sign (i.e. decline) from commonly held conceptions. These are a remarkably interesting set of observations. In the first article of this two‐part series, we discussed the measurements themselves and then presented summaries of the worldwide observations. In this, the second article, we outline the use of energy balance methods to attribute the observed changes in pan evaporation to changes in the underlying physical variables, namely, radiation, temperature, vapour pressure deficit and wind speed. We find that much of the decline in pan evaporation can be attributed to declines in radiation (i.e. dimming) and/or wind speed (i.e. stilling). We then discuss the interpretation of changes in the terrestrial water balance. This has been an area of much misunderstanding and confusion, most of which can be rectified through use of the familiar and longstanding supply/demand framework. The key in using the pan evaporation data to make inferences about changes in the terrestrial water balance is to distinguish between water‐ and energy‐limited conditions where different interpretations apply.
Artificial Neural Networks and Remote Sensing
Authors: Jensen Ryan R. , Hardin Perry J. , Yu Genong
Published: February 2009

Accurate land cover classifications and biophysical estimations derived from remotely sensed data are important to generate map products and provide information about the Earth's changing surface. Statistical classifiers are often used to generate many of these data, but these classifiers rely on assumptions that may limit their utility for many datasets. Conversely, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) provide an accurate way for researchers to classify land cover and estimate biophysical properties of earthly phenomena without having to rely on statistical procedures or assumptions. This article describes the role of ANNs in remote sensing from their inception and contrasts ANNs with statistical remote sensing classifiers. We conclude that ANNs will continue to play a crucial role in remote sensing because of their many benefits.
DNA barcoding in Tardigrada: the first case study onMacrobiotus macrocalix Bertolani & Rebecchi 1993 (Eutardigrada, Macrobiotidae)
Authors: CESARI MICHELE , BERTOLANI ROBERTO , REBECCHI LORENA , GUIDETTI ROBERTO
Published: February 2009

Morphological and molecular studies on a tardigrade species have been carried out to verify the possibility of using a DNA barcoding approach for species identification in this phylum.Macrobiotus macrocalixBertolani & Rebecchi,1993 was chosen as the test species since it belongs to a group of species in which the taxonomy is quite problematic. Animals and eggs belonging to three Italian and one Swedish populations have been investigated. Both morphological and molecular analyses show that all the populations belong to the same species. The low genetic distances recorded among the studied populations (0.3–1.0%) and the high genetic distance (15.9–16.3%) between these populations and a closely related species confirm the possibility of identifying a specimen of this species by its cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequence. Data from other authors support our results indicating that DNA barcoding can be applied to tardigrades. With our protocols, we have obtained voucher specimens that enable us to show a correspondence between morphology and molecular data.
Isolation and characterization of 17 microsatellite loci for the Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris)
Authors: XIAO MINGSONG , YANG GUANG
Published: February 2009

We describe the isolation and development of 17 polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellite loci for the Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris). All loci were polymorphic in the 30 individuals tested. The number of alleles per variable locus ranged from 6 to 18, with a mean of 11.71. Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.467 to 1.000 and from 0.540 to 0.929, respectively. Eight loci were found to have deviated from HWE in the sampled population after Bonferroni correction. Linkage disequilibrium tests revealed significant linkage between two loci (LLW5 and LL27). These microsatellite loci will be useful for revealing population structure, genetic diversity, and phylogeography of the Chinese longsnout catfish.
DNA barcoding of stylommatophoran land snails: a test of existing sequences
Authors: DAVISON ANGUS , BLACKIE ROSE L. E. , SCOTHERN GARY P.
Published: February 2009

DNA barcoding has attracted attention because it is a potentially simple and universal method for taxonomic assignment. One anticipated problem in applying the method to stylommatophoran land snails is that they frequently exhibit extreme divergence of mitochondrial DNA sequences, sometimes reaching 30% within species. We therefore trialled the utility of barcodes in identifying land snails, by analysing the stylommatophoran cytochrome oxidase subunit I sequences from GenBank. Two alignments of 381 and 228 base pairs were used to determine potential error rates among a test data set of 97 or 127 species, respectively. Identification success rates using neighbour‐joining phylogenies were 92% for the longer sequence and 82% for the shorter sequence, indicating that a high degree of mitochondrial variation may actually be an advantage when using phylogeny‐based methods for barcoding. There was, however, a large overlap between intra‐ and interspecific variation, with assignment failure (per cent of samples not placed with correct species) particularly associated with a low degree of mitochondrial variation (Kimura 2‐parameter distance < 0.05) and a small GenBank sample size (< 25 per species). Thus, while the optimum intra/interspecific threshold value was 4%, this was associated with an overall error of 32% for the longer sequences and 44% for the shorter sequences. The high error rate necessitates that barcoding of land snails is a potentially useful method to discriminate species of land snail, but only when a baseline has first been established using conventional taxonomy and sample DNA sequences. There is no evidence for a barcoding gap, ruling out species discovery based on a threshold value alone.
A new test for genotype–fitness associations reveals a single microsatellite allele that strongly predicts the nature of tuberculosis infections in wild boar
Authors: AMOS WILLIAM , ACEVEDO‐WHITEHOUSE KARINA
Published: February 2009

There is increasing interest in the basis of commonly observed heterozygosity–fitness correlations (HFCs). Two models appear possible, a genome‐wide effect due to inbreeding depression, and a single‐locus effect due to chance linkage to a gene(s) experiencing balancing selection. Recent studies suggest that the latter tends to be more important in the majority of studies, but tests for the presence of single‐locus effects tend to be rather weak. One of the problems is that the linkage disequilibrium between a microsatellite and a nearby gene experiencing balancing selection is never likely to be 100%. With this in mind, we conduct stochastic simulations aimed at determining the conditions under which single‐locus HFCs may develop. We also suggest a new approach that could offer improved detection of HFCs but which also offers a more general method for detecting genotype–fitness correlations. Our method is based on looking for the maximum possible strength of association between genotype and fitness, and then asking whether randomized data sets are able to generate similarly strong associations. This method is tested on both simulated and real data. In both cases, our method generates greater levels of significance than current tests. Applied to previously published data from wild boar affected by tuberculosis, the method uncovers a strong single‐allele association that is strongly predictive of whether the disease is localized or spreads throughout the body. We further suggest a simple method for dealing with the problem of population structure, and believe this approach will help to identify genomic regions associated with fitness.
Cold‐induced disruption of Na+ channel slow inactivation underlies paralysis in highly thermosensitive paramyotonia
Authors: Carle Thomas , Fournier Emmanuel , Sternberg Damien , Fontaine Bertrand , Tabti Nacira
Published: February 2009

The Q270K mutation of the skeletal muscle Na+ channel α subunit (Nav1.4) causes atypical paramyotonia with a striking sensitivity to cold. Attacks of paralysis and a drop in the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) are exclusively observed at cold. To understand the pathogenic process, we studied the consequences of this mutation on channel gating at different temperatures. WT or Q270K recombinant Nav1.4 channels fused at their C‐terminal end to the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were expressed in HEK‐293 cells. Whole‐cell Na+ currents were recorded using the patch clamp technique to examine channel gating at 30°C and after cooling the bathing solution to 20°C. Mutant channel fast inactivation was impaired at both temperatures. Cooling slowed the kinetics and enhanced steady‐state fast inactivation of both mutant and WT channels. Mutant channel slow inactivation was fairly comparable to that of the WT at 30°C, but became clearly abnormal at 20°C. Cooling enhanced slow inactivation in the WT by shifting the voltage dependence toward hyperpolarization, but induced the opposite effect in the mutant. Destabilization of mutant channel slow inactivation in combination with defective fast inactivation is expected to increase the susceptibility to prolonged membrane depolarization, and can ultimately lead to membrane inexcitability and paralysis at cold. Thus, abnormal temperature sensitivity of slow inactivation can be a determinant pathogenic factor, and should therefore be more widely considered in thermosensitive Na+ channelopathies.
Interaction between the second messengers cAMP and Ca2+ in mouse presynaptic taste cells
Authors: Roberts Craig D. , Dvoryanchikov Gennady , Roper Stephen D. , Chaudhari Nirupa
Published: February 2009

The second messenger, 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), is known to be modulated in taste buds following exposure to gustatory and other stimuli. Which taste cell type(s) (Type I/glial‐like cells, Type II/receptor cells, or Type III/presynaptic cells) undergo taste‐evoked changes of cAMP and what the functional consequences of such changes are remain unknown. Using Fura‐2 imaging of isolated mouse vallate taste cells, we explored how elevating cAMP alters Ca2+ levels in identified taste cells. Stimulating taste buds with forskolin (Fsk; 1 μm) + isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX; 100 μm), which elevates cellular cAMP, triggered Ca2+ transients in 38% of presynaptic cells (n= 128). We used transgenic GAD‐GFP mice to show that cAMP‐triggered Ca2+ responses occur only in the subset of presynaptic cells that lack glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD). We never observed cAMP‐stimulated responses in receptor cells, glial‐like cells or GAD‐expressing presynaptic cells. The response to cAMP was blocked by the protein kinase A inhibitor H89 and by removing extracellular Ca2+. Thus, the response to elevated cAMP is a PKA‐dependent influx of Ca2+. This Ca2+ influx was blocked by nifedipine (an inhibitor of L‐type voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels) but was unperturbed by ω‐agatoxin IVA and ω‐conotoxin GVIA (P/Q‐type and N‐type channel inhibitors, respectively). Single‐cell RT‐PCR on functionally identified presynaptic cells from GAD‐GFP mice confirmed the pharmacological analyses: Cav1.2 (an L‐type subunit) is expressed in cells that display cAMP‐triggered Ca2+ influx, while Cav2.1 (a P/Q subunit) is expressed in all presynaptic cells, and underlies depolarization‐triggered Ca2+ influx. Collectively, these data demonstrate cross‐talk between cAMP and Ca2+ signalling in a subclass of taste cells that form synapses with gustatory fibres and may integrate tastant‐evoked signals.