bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA REPAIR SYNTHESIS IN MOUSE P‐388 CELLS TREATED WITH MITOMYCIN C
Authors: ørstavik Jon
Published: August 2010

DNA repair synthesis was studied in mitomycin C treated mouse P‐388 cells grown in suspension culture by measuring the incorporation of 3H‐thymidine into non‐replicating DNA. Two methods of density labelling with bromodeoxyuridine were used. By the first method, repair synthesis was measured as incorporation of 3H‐thymidine into light DNA (banding at 1.70 in neutral CsCl) during simultaneous labelling with 3H‐thymidine and bromodeoxyuridine. Increasing amounts of 3H‐labelled light DNA were then found after exposure to increasing concentrations of mitomycin C. By the second method, repair synthesis was measured as incorporation of 3H‐thymidine into hybrid DNA (banding at 1.75 in neutral CsCl) of cells grown in medium containing bromodeoxyuridine prior to treatment with mitomycin C. Exposure to increasing concentrations of the antibiotic then resulted in a progressive accumulation of 3H‐labelled hybrid DNA. The results indicated that the mouse P‐388 cells carried out repair of DNA lesions after treatment with mitomycin C.
SENSITIVITY TO NORMAL BRAIN ANTIGENS OF BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES FROM PATIENTS WITH GLIOMAS
Authors: Wahlström T.
Published: August 2010

Immunological sensitivity to normal brain antigens of blood lymphocytes from neurosurgical patients and healthy subjects was investigated in vitro. Lymphocytes from 9 out of 14 patients with gliomas of varying histological malignancy were stimulated into enhanced DNA synthesis by two soluble extracts of brain tissue. Lymphocytes from one patient with brain infarction were also slightly stimulated. The mechanisms by which such immunity may be induced are discussed.
GLIA‐SPECIFIC ANTIGENS IN CELL CULTURES FROM RABBIT BRAIN, HUMAN FOETAL AND ADULT BRAIN, AND GLIOMAS
Authors: Wahlström Torsten , Linder Ewert , Saksela Eero
Published: August 2010

Glia‐specific antigens were demonstrated in cells cultured from human foetal and adult brain tissue, baby rabbit brain tissue, and established cell lines from human malignant gliomas by the indirect immunofluorescent staining technique. The significance of such antigens in demyelinating processes is discussed.
INFLUENCE OF AZATHIOPRINE ON HUMORAL DEFENCE FACTORS AGAINSTESCHERICHIA COLIIN GERMFREE AND MONOCONTAMINATED RATS
Authors: Baardsen A. , Midtvedt T. , Trippestad A.
Published: August 2010

By means of radioisotope technique the influence of azathioprine on humoral defence factors againstE. coliwas studied on germfree and ex‐germfree rats monocontaminated withE. coli.Using inactivated sera, by the addition of serum from germfree rats as a source of complement, titration of antibodies showed that the bactericidal activity of serum from azathioprine‐treated rats was reduced in relation to control serum. By distinguishing the immunoglobulins on the basis of their sensitivity to 2‐mercaptoethanol, it was found that azathioprine blocked the production of 2‐mercaptoethanol‐resistant antibodies. The complement activity in the azathioprine‐treated animals was not found to be decreased. Apart from complement other non‐specific humoral factors againstE. colidid not seem to participate significantly in the system used.
STUDIES ON STACHYBOTRYS ALTERNANS
Authors: Korpinen Eeva‐Liisa , Kurkinen M. , Nummi M. , Enari T.‐M.
Published: August 2010

Chromatographic analyses and tissue culture toxicity tests were simultaneously carried out with stachybotrys crude toxin. Toxic fractions were localized by tissue culture toxicity tests, and further chemical analyses were concentrated on these parts. By using consecutive partition chromatography on silica gel columns with different solvent systems the crude toxin was resolved into three components which were toxic to mouse primary fibroblast culture. These three toxic stachybotrys components contained some impurities, they were non‐fluorescent and they gave a negative resorcinol test.
YEAST FUNGUS FLORA IN PATIENTS IN A GERIATRIC HOSPITAL
Authors: Kahanpää Asko
Published: August 2010

In a 220‐bed geriatric hospital in Helsinki, 427 specimens were taken for fungal culture from 155 aged persons in 1970–1973. Of this sample material, 44.0 per cent were positive for yeast growth. A total of 212 yeast strains, belonging to 11 species, were isolated. The strains were most generally isolated from sputum (66.7 per cent of specimens were positive for yeast). The incidence of occurrence of the most common yeast, Candida albicans, was 26.3 per cent in the total specimen material (= 52.8 per cent of all isolated yeasts). The second in frequency was Torulopsis glabrata (21.2 per cent of isolated yeasts).
BACTERIOPHAGE TYPING OF MYCOBACTERIUM RANAE (FORTUITUM). THE USE OF UNADAPTED AND ADAPTED PHAGES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TYPING SYSTEM
Authors: Nordström Gerd , Grange J. M.
Published: August 2010

Mycobacterium ranae has been used as an experimental model to investigate the feasibility of developing a phage typing system for the subdivision of a mycobacterial species. Typing by means of unadapted phages was of limited value whereas, for one group of strains, a highly discriminative set of adapted phages was produced. The eleven phages used in the study were divisible into four groups, one consisting of three phages from pseudolysogenic strains. Two other groups have been named the Tara and Penso groups, respectively. Two hitherto undescribed phages have been isolated and designated Mx1 and Mx2.
CORRELATION OF PHYTOHAEMAGGLUTININ‐INDUCED LYMPHOCYTE TRANSFORMATION WITH CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF SARCOIDOSIS*
Authors: Horsmnhemo Maija , Virolainen M.
Published: August 2010

In vitro lymphocyte activation by phytohaemagglutinin was measured as3H‐TdR incorporation by buffy coat cultures from 90 patients with sarcoidosis. Neither the median response nor the geometric mean response in sarcoidosis differed significantly from those in controls. However, when the series was divided into clinical subgroups, patients with hilar adenopathy and parenchymal pulmonary changes had significantly weaker responses. The PHA response was significantly higher in patients with erythema nodosum than in those without this symptom.
STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF BLOOD MONOCYTES CULTURED IN VITRO
Authors: ødegaard Arne , Viken Karl‐Erik , Lamvik Jon
Published: August 2010

Mononuclear phagocytes from human venous blood were cultured in plastic Petri dishes and on glass coverslips in Petri dishes. After an initial cell loss, the cell cultures showed a good structural and functional stability. No signs of cell proliferation were noticed. Young cultured cells had an appearance like that of monocytes while older cultured cells appeared like macrophages with the ability to engulf and digest heat‐killed Candida albicans. The young cells showed the ability of engulfing Candida, but were unable to break down the engulfed corpuscles.
INFLUENCE OF PHENYLBUTAZONE ON THE PHAGOCYTIC AND BACTERICIDAL ACTIVITIES OF NEUTROPHIL GRANULOCYTES
Authors: Solberg Claus O.
Published: August 2010

The influence of phenylbutazone on the phagocytosis and intracellular killing of bacteria by human neutrophil granulocytes has been examined using a method which facilitates a precise in vitro evaluation of the phagocytic and bactericidal activities of polymorphonuclear leucocytes. In high concentrations, phenylbutazone caused a marked reduction in phagocytic activity and abruptly stopped the intracellular killing of bacteria by the granulocytes. No permanent effect of the drug upon resting cells was observed.
UPTAKE OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL PROTEIN A BY PERITONEAL MACROPHAGES IN VITRO
Authors: Heczko Piotr B. , Grov .Arne , Oeding Per
Published: August 2010

Radioactive protein A is actively taken up by rabbit peritoneal macrophages in the presence of immune rabbit IgG, most probably due to an immune reaction leaving the Fc sites available for macrophage adherence. The low rate of protein A uptake by guinea pig peritoneal macrophages in the presence of normal or immune guinea pig sera is apparently a result of the extensive Fc‐interaction with protein A of the IgG in these sera. Delayed hypersensitivity to protein A of the donor animals does not influence the rate of uptake.
BIOCHEMICAL AND SEROLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS FROM VARIOUS HUMAN AND ANIMAL SOURCES
Authors: Perch B. , Kjems E. , Ravn T.
Published: August 2010

The main part of strains of Streptococcus mutans isolated from the present Danish material of blood from patients with subacute endocarditis and from human teeth belonged to two of five serotypes established by Bratthall, viz. type c and type e. Two new types were established: type f and type g. Strain SL‐1 seems to constitute a distinct type. Strains of serotypes a and b have not been isolated in Denmark, and strains of serotypes d, g and SL have been isolated from teeth only. The registered differences in biochemical behaviour warrant a proposal of a subdivision into three biotypes.
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS ON THE LACTOBACILLUS CASEI FOLATE ASSAY
Authors: Asbjørnsen Gunnar
Published: August 2010

Seventeen antimicrobial agents were added to serum in vitro and tested for their ability to influence the assay of folic acid activity by the L. casei method. Eight drugs were found to cause significant inhibition. The lowest serum concentrations needed to reduce the estimated folic acid activity by as much as 25 per cent were 0.5–1.0 μg/ml trimethoprim, just below 2.5 μg/ml carbenicillin, 2.5–5 μg/ml lincomycin or phenoxymethylpenicillin, 5–10 μg/ml erythromycin, 10–25 μg/ml benzylpenicillin, just above 25 μg/ml ampicillin and 25–125 μg/ml chloramphenicol.
STAPHYLOCOCCAL RADIOIMMUNOASSAY FOR HEPATITIS B ANTIGEN AND ANTIBODY
Authors: Figenschau K. J. , Ulstrup J. C.
Published: August 2010

A rapid radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the measurement of hepatitis B antigen and antibody is described in which protein A carrying Staphylococcus aureus is used as a solid phase antigamma globulin reagent. The tests are easy to perform, they are completed in two hours, and are easily automatized. The competition principle is used for antigen testing while antibody is measured by direct binding of radiolabelled hepatitis B antigen. Using human reconvalescent antisera, the staphylococcal test for antigen in 25 μl serum has about the same sensitivity as the Ausria test. The staphylococcal test for antibody has at least the sensitivity of the passive hemagglutination test. Both tests are highly specific.
FREQUENCIES OF STREPTOCOCCI OF GROUPS A, B, C, D AND G IN URETHRA AND CERVIX SWAB SPECIMENS FROM PATIENTS WITH SUSPECTED GONOCOCCAL INFECTION
Authors: Christensen Karen Kvist , Christensen Poul , Flamholc Leo , Ripa Torvald
Published: August 2010

Urethral (male or female) and cervical swab specimens from 526 patients to be investigated for gonococcal infection were examined for streptococci of groups A, B, C, D and G. The overall frequencies of streptococci were group A: 0.6 per cent; B: 19.0 per cent; C: 0.8 per cent; D: 15.0 per cent; and G: 0.6 per cent. 22.3 per cent of the females and 11.7 per cent of the males harboured group B streptococci. 31.7 per cent of 41 patients with gonococcal infection harboured group B streptococci. This frequency is higher (p < 0.05) than those found among the other patients. These findings lend support to the view that group B streptococci in women are spread by sexual intercourse. The frequencies of streptococci group B and D in the males investigated, 11.7 per cent and 9.3 per cent, respectively, are higher than those found by others. Finally, of 81 females with group B streptococci, 45.7 per cent harboured group B streptococci in both urethra and cervix, 48.1 per cent only in urethra and 6.2 per cent only in cervix. Screening of women for group B streptococci should therefore always include urethral swab specimens.
BACTERIAL METABOLIZATION OF TAUROLITHOCHOLIC ACID 3‐α‐SULFATE
Authors: Bremmelgaard Arne , Bremmelgaard Annie
Published: August 2010

Deconjugation of taurolithocholic acid sulfate is demonstrated in 24 out of 107 strains belonging to genera often found in the intestinal tract of man, whereas bacterial hydrolysis of the sulfate ester bond did not occur.
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA INFECTION IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS. Relationship between mucoid strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the humoral immune response
Authors: Høiby Niels
Published: August 2010

The occurrence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the respiratory tract of 70 cystic fibrosis patients and the occurrence of precipitins against Ps. aeruginosa in sera from the same patients have been investigated during one year by means of monthly bacteriological examinations of tracheal secretions and by means of crossed Immunoelectrophoresis of a polyvalent Ps. aeruginosa antigen against sera from the patients. The one‐year period prevalence rate of patients harbouring Ps. aeruginosa was 64 per cent. In newly colonized patients and in intermittently colonized patients non‐mucoid strains were predominating, whereas mucoid strains were predominating in chronically colonized patients. The occurrence of mucoid strains, especially in chronically colonized patients, was associated with a significantly higher number of precipitins against Ps. aeruginosa than the occurrence of non‐mucoid strains. Males chronically colonized with mucoid strains presented a significantly higher number of precipitins than females chronically colonized with mucoid strains and the number of precipitins was correlated with the duration of the chronic colonization with Ps. aeruginosa in males in contrast to females. The results are in accordance with the hypothesis that mucoid substance could be a virulence factor because it might inhibit the opsonizing effect of the precipitins on the mucoid cells and the complement dependent lysis of the cells hereby favouring mucoid strains at the expense of non‐mucoid strains in the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis patients.
Effects of Glutathione and Related Compounds on Teratogenicity of 5‐Fluorouracil or Cadmium Hydrochloride in Mice*
Authors: NAYA Masato , YASUDA Mineo
Published: August 2010

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide consisting of cysteine, glutamic acid and glycine, and plays an important role in detoxification reactions. In this report, we describe (1) the effects of the depleting agents of GSH such as diethylmaleate (DEM), phorone, and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) on teratogenicity of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in mice, (2) the effects of GSH or N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (NAC), a precursor of GSH on teratogenicity of 5‐FU or cadmium hydrochloride (Cd) in mice. Pregnant ICR mice were injected intra‐peritoneally (i.p.) with 5‐FU at dose levels of 20, 25, and 30 mg/kg on day 11 of gestation (vaginal plug = day 0). Mice were injected i.p. with DEM, phorone, or BSO 4 to 6 hours before dosing with 5‐FU. Mice were also pretreated intravenously (i.v.) with GSH at dose levels of 150, 300 and 600 mg/kg, or NAC at dose levels of 80, 160, and 320 mg/kg 0.5 to 2 hours before dosing with 5‐FU. In the Cd‐teratogenicity study, mice were injected i.v. with GSH or NAC before dosing with Cd at 3.5 mg/kg i.p. on day 11 of gestation. Pretreatment with DEM, phorone or BSO increased the incidence of oligodactyly induced by 5‐FU, while pretreatment with GSH or NAC decreased the incidences. Pretreatment with GSH or NAC decreased the incidence of cleft palate and abnormal palatal rugae induced by Cd. The results suggest that cysteine plays a key role in the teratogenicity of 5‐FU or Cd in mice.
First trimester three‐dimensional transvaginal imaging of alobar holoprosencephaly associated with proboscis and hypotelorism (ethmocephaly) in a 46,XX fetus
Authors: Tonni Gabriele , Ventura Alessandro , Centini Giovanni , De Felice Claudio
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT  A 19‐year‐old woman was scanned at 10+6 weeks gestation by 2D‐3D ultrasound. The fetus had a crown‐rump length of 40.9 mm, with the cephalic pole occupied by a single cystic cavity measuring 10.6 × 7.7 × 6.8 mm and severe hypotelorism associated with mid‐facial hypoplasia. 3D ultrasound confirmed the malformations seen on the 2D scan and enabled the visualization of a proboscis and a low‐set right ear. Fetal karyotyping was performed by chorionic villus sampling. Due to major fetal malformations of the fetus, the patient opted for termination of pregnancy. First trimester sonographic diagnosis of holoprosencephaly relies on bilateral visualization of choroid plexuses in what has been called the ‘butterfly’ sign. Differential diagnosis between holoprosencephaly and hydranencephaly may be difficult in the first trimester of pregnancy. However, midline structures such as falx cerebri, interhemispheric fissure and third ventricle are present in hydranencephaly and are absent in alobar holoprosencephaly, and thalami are never fused in hydranencephaly. 3D ultrasound has demonstrated an increased definition of anatomical abnormalities of malformations, compared with 2D ultrasound, and has proven to be crucial in the decision‐making process of parents and in later prenatal counseling, especially in this case where necroscopy examination was refused by the parents. Images obtained by 3D ultrasound gave detailed insight into this ventral midline anomaly, depicting much of the disordered prosencephalic development.
Embolization as first‐line treatment in the management of puerperal hematoma in a case of congenital urogenital anomaly
Authors: Bolton Helen , Choji Kiyoshi , Pandit Meghana
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT  This case report highlights the need for detailed consideration of a patient's entire medical history before complex surgical management. This is a complex case of congenital urogenital anomaly that had obstetric complications. Our patient had a pelvic hematoma following a home birth, which was treated with pelvic artery embolization. We are fortunate to have local expertise in pelvic artery embolization and demonstrate excellent multidisciplinary management of a complex case.
Modulation of Early Stress‐related Biomarkers in Cytoplasm by the Antioxidants Silymarin and Quercetin Using a Cellular Model of Acute Arsenic Poisoning
Authors: Soria Elio A. , Eynard Aldo R. , Bongiovanni Guillermina A.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Several pathologies (e.g. cancer and diabetes) are increased in arsenic‐exposed populations, with oxidative stress being a major toxicological mechanism. Since the flavonoids silymarin (S) and quercetin (Q) are antioxidants and may protect cells, it would be valuable to develop a model which allows assessing the potential of xenobiotic against arsenic cytotoxicity in an efficient and rapid way. Thus, the oxidant production [e.g. reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species (RNS)], the molecular parameters of biological response [e.g. plasma membrane composition, actin microfilaments and activated diphosphorilated c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)] and cellular viability were determined in CHO‐K1 cells treated with arsenite (As), S and Q. Arsenic caused loss of the cellular viability in a time‐dependent manner. This effect was accompanied by a lipid hydroperoxide (LHP) formation, with no RNS induction or ganglioside content changes being found. Both flavonoids counteracted oxidative damage. Despite all treatments had unspecific responses on nitrite cellular release along the time, there was no relation between them and the cellular viability. Arsenic induced cytoplasmic microfilament rearrangement (tight perinuclear distribution with projections, stress fibres and pseudopodia) which was reversed by S. Also, activated JNK showed a similar distribution to actin. Contrarily, Q caused a dysmorphic granular pattern, thus behaving as a toxic agent. Summing up, toxic levels of arsenic disturb the redox homeostasis with LHP induction and early triggering of stress responses in cytoskeleton and cell signalling. Using the proposed model, only S showed to protect cells from arsenical cytotoxicity without own toxic properties. Thus, S might be considered for modulation of the human arsenic susceptibility.
Association of Nodular Hyperplasia With Resistance to Cinacalcet Therapy for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hirai Takayuki , Nakashima Ayumu , Takasugi Norihisa , Yorioka Noriaki
Published: August 2010

There have been few long‐term prospective studies investigating the effect of cinacalcet on secondary hyperparathyroidism with or without nodular hyperplasia. We examined whether the effect of cinacalcet on secondary hyperparathyroidism differed between patients with or without nodular hyperplasia. Stable hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism resistant to conventional treatment received cinacalcet for 12 months. Based on ultrasonography findings, patients were divided into group S (gland < 500 mm3 without nodular hyperplasia) and group L (gland ≥ 500 mm3 with nodular hyperplasia). Serum levels of intact parathyroid hormone, bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and cross‐linked N‐terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen were measured. Thirty‐one patients completed the study. The changes of parameters from the baseline did not differ significantly between the two groups after 6 months. However, the percentage reduction of each parameter was significantly smaller in group L compared with group S after 12 months. Nodular hyperplasia is associated with resistance to cinacalcet therapy in patients on chronic dialysis with secondary hyperparathyroidism.
A New Device to Monitor Blood Volume in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yoshida Izumi , Ando Katsunobu , Ando Yasuhiro , Ookawara Susumu , Suzuki Masayuki , Furuya Hiroaki , Iimura Osamu , Takada Daisuke , Kajiya Masaharu , Komada Takanori , Mori Honami , Tabei Kaoru ,   BVM Study Group
Published: August 2010

We developed a new optical device (Nikkiso) to assess changes through blood volume monitoring (BVM) during hemodialysis and were able to determine the ideal levels in which changes in blood volume percentage (BV%) occur among hemodialysis patients in one hemodialysis center. We evaluated both the reliability of BVM and these ideal levels in a multicenter group. The purpose of this manuscript is to develop a navigating system to set dry weight in a variety of situations as the final goal. First, based on the obtained BVM (BV%BVM) measurements, the relationships between BV% and hematocrit (BV%HT) and between BV% and CRIT‐LINE (BV%CLM; Hema Metrics, Kaysville, UT, USA) were then evaluated. In 30 hemodialysis patients, there was a close correlation between both BV%BVM vs. BV%HT and BV%BVM vs. BV%CLM (n = 30, r = 0.967, P < 0.001, and n = 36, r = 0.7867, P < 0.001, respectively). Second, BV% data were obtained from 464 treatment cases performed on 26 subjects in one satellite hemodialysis center on patients whose body weight was deemed clinically suitable. The formulas for the levels of BV% (standardized by the percent change in body weight at the end of hemodialysis treatment: BW%end) were determined.

Finally, we revalidated the reliability of the above levels. A total of 1126 measurements were performed on 201 patients whose body weights were deemed suitable in seven hemodialysis centers. New ideal levels were then recalculated.

We therefore conclude that BVM is a sufficiently accurate method of monitoring BV% in hemodialysis treatment. Most well‐controlled hemodialysis patients display the same pattern of BV%/BW%end. Monitoring BV% during hemodialysis is beneficial for determining dry weight (DW).
Characteristics of 20‐Year Survivors Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Morimoto Satoshi , Nishioka Hiroaki , Morita Tatsuyori , Jo Fusakazu , Someya Kazunori , Nakahigashi Mitsutaka , Kusabe Makiko , Ueda Hiroko , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Iwasaka Toshiji , Maki Kei
Published: August 2010

Hemodialysis techniques have improved remarkably in recent decades and the number of long‐term survivors among patients with end‐stage renal disease has increased. The mortality rate of hemodialysis patients has been reported to be low in Japan. However, the long‐term survival rate of dialysis patients is still low: 23.6% for 15 years and 17.4% for 20 years, even in Japan, and background information on patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy for more than 20 years is scarce in this country. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of 20‐year survivors undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at our medical center. We compared the characteristics of hemodialysis patients who had survived for more than 20 years after the initiation of hemodialysis with those of patients who started hemodialysis at the same time and had already died. No patient among those who were still alive had diabetes mellitus while 15% of patients who had died had diabetes mellitus at the time of initiation of hemodialysis. Age, cardiothoracic ratio, and serum levels of total cholesterol and triglyceride 6 months after the initiation of hemodialysis, as well as decreases in body weight per year were significantly lower in those who had survived than in those who had died. These results suggest that long‐term hemodialysis survivors are characterized by (i) initiation of hemodialysis at a young age (ii) being free of diabetes mellitus (iii) a well‐controlled cardiothoracic ratio (iv) small successive change in body weight, and (v) being free of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.
White Blood Cell Count Predicts All‐Cause, Cardiovascular Disease‐Cause and Infection‐Cause One‐Year Mortality of Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hsu Ching‐Wei , Lin Ja‐Liang , Lin‐Tan Dan‐Tzu , Yen Tzung‐Hai , Chen Kuan‐Hsing
Published: August 2010

Elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts predict coronary heart disease and all‐cause mortality in the general population. Chronic inflammation and malnutrition are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular death in individuals with chronic kidney disease. In this study, we investigated the association between WBC count with inflammation, malnutrition, and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. A total of 959 MHD patients were stratified into four equal sized groups based on WBC count. Demographic, hematological, nutritional and inflammatory markers, and biochemical and dialysis‐related data were obtained for cross‐sectional analysis. All patients were followed for one year to investigate the risks for mortality. The mean WBC count was 6.4 ± 1.8 × 103/µL (range: 2.3–16.3 × 103/µL). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated a positive correlation between WBC count and inflammation (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein > 3 mg/L). Forty‐five patients (4.7%) died within the 1‐year study period. Cox multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that total WBC count significantly predicts 1‐year mortality due to all‐cause (hazard ratio (HR): 1.228, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.095–1.378; P < 0.001), due to cardiovascular disease (HR: 1.242, 95% CI: 1.046–1.475; P = 0.013) and due to infection (HR: 1.252, 95% CI: 1.066–1.470; P = 0.006). These findings suggest that total WBC count should be measured in future studies that evaluate the clinical outcome of MHD patients and that dialysis patients with elevated WBC counts require further medical attention to reduce risks of mortality.
EFFECT OF TOMATO DECAY PROPORTION ON ERGOSTEROL LEVEL AND SOME TOMATO PULP PROPERTIES
Authors: KADAKAL ÇETIN , TAĞI ŞEREF , ARTIK NEVZAT
Published: August 2010

There is a need to develop a chemical method to determine the amount of decayed tomatoes used to produce tomato products. Tomato pulp samples produced from surface decayed tomatoes as sound, 30, 60 and 100% were tested for pH, brix, titrable acidity, Hunter L, a and b, Howard Mold Count (HMC) and ergosterol values. Tomato pomace for each decay portion was tested for HMC and ergosterol. Ergosterol analysis was carried out by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Decay proportion was linearly correlated with HMC (r = 0.97) and ergosterol (r = 0.96) in pulp samples but not to pH and acidity. Only ergosterol measurement was applicable in tomato pomace and correlated well (r = 0.95) with the decay proportions. In general, the color values of the samples produced from 100% decayed tomatoes were high compared with the others. The measurement of ergosterol has the potential to be used for the quality assessment of tomato products made from Red Top tomatoes.
BIOLOGICAL COMPETITION AS A PRESERVING MECHANISM
Authors: GOMBAS D. E.
Published: August 2010

Biological competition is one “barrier'’against pathogenic growth which has been recommended for use in refrigerated foods. Historically used in fermented foods, lactic acid bacteria alter foods to preclude growth of pathogens. The primary mechanism of inhibition is pH reduction, although other contributing factors have been described. More recently, various lactic acid bacteria have shown potential for inhibiting spoilage bacteria in refrigerated foods, without pH reduction. Other studies have indicated successful inhibition of pathogenic growth by lactic acid bacteria during temperature‐abuse of non‐fermented, refrigerated foods.
EFFECT OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE CONCENTRATION AND pH ON INACTIVATION KINETICS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI
Authors: RAFFELLINI SILVIA , GUERRERO SANDRA , ALZAMORA STELLA MARIS
Published: August 2010

The inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli ATCC 35218 in hydrogen peroxide solutions at different concentrations (0–3.00% w/v) and pH values (3.0–7.2) at 25C was studied. Effectiveness of H2O2 solutions against E. coli ATCC 35218 appeared to improve at both higher H2O2 concentrations and more acidic pH values. As the H2O2 level was lowered, the influence of the pH of the solution on the rate of E. coli destruction was more notorious. Most of the inactivation semilogarithmic curves were not linear. Inactivation kinetics was modeled by using a Weibull type distribution of resistances. Quadratic polynomial models were applied to express the effects of H2O2 concentration and pH on the exposure time needed to reduce the microbial population by 5 log.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study gives useful information to predict the effect of H2O2 treatment on Escherichia coli survival as a basis for understanding the only effects of hydrogen peroxide concentration and pH levels, without considering other factors involved in sanitization such as produce surface characteristics, microorganism attachment features and presence of organic material other than the bacteria.

Further similar studies using different E. coli strains and other pathogenic bacteria, biofilms and fresh produce would allow to optimize hydrogen peroxide treatments, avoiding or minimizing adverse effects on quality of fresh produce.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF ASPONGOPUS VIDUATUS (MELON BUG) OIL
Authors: MUSTAFA N.E.M. , MARIOD A.A. , MATTHÄUS B.
Published: August 2010

Aspongopus viduatus (melon bug) oil is insect oil used as famine food in western parts of Sudan and has traditional medicinal uses. The antibacterial activities of melon bug crude oil, silicic acid column purified oil and phenolic compounds‐free oil were determined by agar diffusion assay against seven bacterial isolates, four of them are food‐related bacterial species: Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica serovar Paratyphi, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, and the three other isolates are: B. subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The main constituents of this oil were examined. The crude oil and the phenolic compounds‐free oil showed high antibacterial activities against some test species while the silicic acid column purified oil showed no antibacterial activity. The study highlights the possibility of using this oil in food preservation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In this study, the antimicrobial properties and main components of insect oil (Aspongopus viduatus) were identified. The oil has traditional medicinal uses in human and animal skin diseases and is also used for meat dressing before drying in western regions of Sudan. The oil has long stability against rancidity because of its high oleic acid content. This oil in its crude form or phenolic compounds‐free form could be used in meat and meat products preservation processes to control gram‐positive bacteria.
CONDITIONS AFFECTING AUTOINDUCER‐2‐BASED QUORUM‐SENSING OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 ON FRESH BEEF
Authors: YOON Y. , SOFOS J.N.
Published: August 2010

This study evaluated whether inoculated (none, 1, 5 log colony‐forming units [cfu]/cm2) Escherichia coli O157:H7 would result in detection of autoinducer (AI)‐2‐like activity on beef. Inoculated fresh beef, containing low (LNB) or high (HNB) initial levels of natural flora, was analyzed for bacterial populations and AI‐2‐like activity during aerobic or vacuum‐packaged storage (4, 10, 25C). As expected, no growth of E. coli O157:H7 was detected at 4C, while at 10C, growth was detected only on LNB samples stored aerobically; AI‐2‐like activity was minimal (P ≥ 0.05) at both temperatures. E. coli O157:H7 showed more growth in LNB than HNB, and in aerobically than vacuum‐packaged samples inoculated with 1 log cfu/cm2 of the pathogen during storage at 25C. AI‐2‐like activity was generally higher in LNB than HNB samples stored aerobically at 25C, while no significant AI‐2‐like activity was detected in samples stored in vacuum packages. The results indicated that E. coli O157:H7 may exhibit AI‐2‐like activity on aerobically stored beef in the presence of lower initial levels of natural flora, and at temperatures allowing prolific growth of the pathogen. Thus, AI‐2‐based quorum‐sensing of E. coli O157:H7 may not be of importance in beef stored at low temperatures.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study presents evidence that Escherichia coli O157:H7 showed autoinducer (AI)‐2 activity and involved in quorum‐sensing on fresh beefcontaining low initial levels of natural flora during aerobic storage at abusive storage temperatures. Thus, AI‐2‐based quorum‐sensing of E. coli O157:H7 may not be important in beef stored at recommended low temperatures.
One Size Fits All? Regional Differentiation and Rural Development Policy Un moule unique? Différenciation régionale et politiques de développement rural Sind alle Regionen gleich? Regionalen Differenzierung und die Politik zur Entwicklung des ländlichen Raums
Authors: Copus Andrew K. , Johansson Mats , McQuaid Ronald W.
Published: August 2010

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One Size Fits All? Regional Differentiation and Rural Development Policy

Since enlargement the European Union has become more diverse in many socio‐economic, demographic and agricultural respects. A recent research project sponsored by DG Agriculture (SERA ‐ Study on Employment in Rural Areas) carried out a review of a broad range of regional statistics relating to rural labour markets. The results were presented within the framework of the OECD rural‐urban classification. A broad overview of the findings confirms the importance of two widely acknowledged processes of change, urbanisation and counter‐urbanisation. Overlaying these urban‐based centripetal and centrifugal processes both east‐west and north‐south differentiation affects particular socio‐economic aspects. The net result of this complex combination of (macro‐scale) processes is a tendency for accumulation of human capital in accessible significantly rural (SR) regions and a depletion of the remoter, sparsely populated predominantly rural (PR) regions. The emphasis upon macro‐scale patterns and trends complements the recent preoccupation of much rural development research upon localised ‘soft factors’. There is arguably scope for both in the design of rural policy Broad spatial processes should influence resource allocation, whilst localised advantages, such as strong human and social capital, good governance, networking, clusters and networks, entrepreneurial culture, and so on, can form the basis of strategies for intervention.
GM Crops in Europe: How Much Value and for Whom? Les cultures génétiquement modifiées en Europe : quels avantages et pour qui? Genetisch veränderte Feldfrüchte in Europa: Welcher Wert und für wen?
Authors: Demont Matty , Dillen Koen , Mathijs Erik , Tollens Eric
Published: August 2010

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GM Crops in Europe: How Much Value and for Whom?

Who gains from genetically modified (GM) crops in Europe? We review the global impact literature and assess the potential value of GM crops for Europe and how this value is shared among stakeholders. The literature suggests that, on average, two thirds of the global benefits are shared ‘downstream’, i.e., among domestic and foreign farmers and consumers, while only one third is extracted ‘upstream’, i.e., by gene developers and seed suppliers. Can this global rule of thumb be extrapolated to the EU? We review studies on GM maize, sugar beet and oilseed rape in Spain, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the EU‐25. The potential annual value of GM technologies for single Member States ranges from €0.1 million to €42 million, distributed according to the same rule of thumb. With a global annual value of €668 million, herbicide tolerance in sugar beet cultivation is the EU's most promising ‘first‐generation’ GM technology The new Member States could also substantially benefit from GM crops. While the Czech Republic embraced GM maize in recent years, Hungary imposed a de facto ban on GM crops. By denying farmers access to potentially cost‐reducing technologies, banning GM crops could be counterproductive for the future competitiveness of EU agriculture.
ECOLOGY AND COMMUNITY: THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF LOCAL COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Authors: Watson Robert P.
Published: August 2010

While attention has been given to national environmental policies and the global environmental condition by scholars, and there is ample research addressing public opinion and attitudes on environmental issues, little research has focused on environment issues in communities and, specifically, on the forces within the local policy setting that shape environmental policy. This paper, based on a study of cities and counties in Florida, explores two concerns: identifying the level of commitment to environmental protection in communities; and identifying forces associated with communities prioritizing environmental protection. The author finds evidence that counties afford a high level of prioritization to environmental protection. Florida's communities appear to define the issue narrowly along the lines of water resources. The findings have theoretical relevance, as it was found that socioeconomic and “social quality of life” indicators tend to explain community environmental orientations and prioritization.
TRENDS AMONG THE YOUNG: POLITICAL ISSUES AND IDENTIFICATIONS, 1972–1991
Authors: Corbett Michael
Published: August 2010

This research uses NORC surveys from 1972 to 1991 to examine changes in political party identifications, liberalism‐conservatism identifications, and issue stands among citizens in the 20–29 age category. During this time, young people became more likely to label themselves as Republicans and as conservatives. Young people remained fairly stable in their views on certain issues (e.g., political tolerance, social welfare), but they became more conservative on some issues—especially crime issues. At the same time, they became more liberal on racial and sexual equality issues. Party identifications have not become more linked to issue stands, but the linkage between party identification and presidential voting became stronger from 1972 to 1991 among the young.
PRO‐LIFE AND PRO‐CHOICE ISSUE VOTING
Authors: Johnson Stephen D. , Tamney Joseph B. , Burton Ronald
Published: August 2010

Four hundred and eighteen residents of “Middletown” (Muncie, Indiana) were randomly selected to develop empirical models of factors related to using the abortion issue in selecting a candidate for political ofice, for both pro‐life and pro‐choice people. Regression analysis was used to develop those models. For pro‐life people, social consensus developed within conservative Protestant environments related to abortion‐issue voting. For pro‐choice people, abortion issue‐voting behavior was based more on their political (vs. religious) views and there was less need for group support to do this. Among these pro‐choice advocates as well, young educated women were the most likely to translate their attitude position into a pro‐choice vote. Possible explanations for these results are then presented.
“FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS VOTING” IN GUBERNATORIAL AND SENATORIAL PRIMARIES
Authors: Potoski Mtthew
Published: August 2010

This study tests for localism in statewide primary elections using a sample of 197 candidates in 35 states from 1988 through 1990. Results show that, on average, candidates received 12.08 percentage points more of the vote in their home counties than in the rest of the state. Three determinants of localism are isolated: the size of the candidate's home county, the region in which the race took place, and incumbency.
ECONOMICS, POLITICS, AND POLICY MAKING IN SMALL TOWNS
Authors: Kanervo David
Published: August 2010

Peterson, in City Limits, argues that economic conditions in cities limit the policy choices which are available to government decision makers. Because of the desire to increase the tax base, municipal policy makers pursue developmental policies, but generally avoid redistributive policies because of the drain on the local economy. Critics of Peterson's model of policy making claim that political factors are more important determinants of urban policy than he recognizes.

This study examines policy making in small towns and finds that economic capacity is related to developmental, allocational, and redistributive policy. In stable and growing communities, political factors are also found to be related to the adoption of these three types of policy. The fiscal capacity provided by a growing tax base provides small town policy makers with the opportunity to pursue program improvements that are not possible in communities with limited resources.
EVALUATING THE EFFICACY OF FOREIGN POLICY: AN ESSAY ON THE COMPLEXITY OF FOREIGN POLICY GOALS
Authors: Clark John F.
Published: August 2010

For those rejecting the idea of an objective “national interest,” the problem of evaluating the efficacy of foreign policies begins with establishing foreign policy goals. Yet the full complexity of foreign policy goals is frequently underestimated. As a standard for evaluating foreign policy, such goals must be specified in geographical and conceptual scope, temporal range and ranking. A further methodological difficulty lies in deriving such goals from the words and deeds of national leaders. Among the problems in this area are deciding whose goals are national goals, and at what moment one should identify them. Collectively, these difficulties probably doom any truly scientific evaluation of foreign policy, but it is not certain that they render any objective judgment impossible, as some post‐modernist analysis suggests.
RACE AND RACE‐OF‐INSTITUTION EFFECTS ON MAILED QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE
Authors: Pratto David J. , Bernick E. Lee , Davis Robert
Published: August 2010

This paper reports the results of research examining the issue of non‐response bias to mailed surveys. The hypothesis for this experitnent was that lower response rates of black citizens to mail questionnaires could be overcome, in part, by using black sponsoring institutions. A city was selected which contained both a traditionally black and a traditionally white state supported university. Two samples of randomly chosen registered voters from selected precincts received the same mailed survey. The samples consisted of equal numbers of black and white registered voters. Some precincts were racially segregated (all black or all white) and others integrated and were from middle and working class neighborhoods. If a total design method is used (in contrast to a single shot survey design) institutional afiliation does not affect response rates of black or white citizens. The research helps to elucidate empirically the complexity of the response rate hypothesis as it applies to race.
THE REHNQUIST COURT AND THE RELIGION CASES: UNSETTLED CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
Authors: Mauney Connie P.
Published: August 2010

In recent years the Rehnquist Court's interpretation of the religion clauses has been characterized chiefly by division and uncertainty. In numerous opinions, various members of the Court have defended and challenged traditional definitions and tests applied by earlier courts to First Amendment free exercise and establishment clause issues. By the mid‐1990s the wide divergence of views revealed a fractured Court with little or no leadership on the part of the Chief Justice. The religion cases examined in this article illustrate how the Court has incrementally modified constitutional law. Selective analysis of judicial opinions supports the conclusion that the justices have often distinguished precedents and reevaluated Courtmade tests, producing results in individual decisions that adhere to no distinct pattern. The Rehnquist Court, while frequently challenging traditional interpretations, has nevertheless been reluctant to attempt basic doctrinal innovation in this area of First Amendment jurisprudence.
THE REHNQUIST COURT, CRIMINAL PROCESS, AND THE QUEST FOR EMERGING COALITIONS
Authors: Simon Kathleen M.
Published: August 2010

Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor recently observed that, “It is always true that when we lose a justice and get a new one, we have a new court” (Biskupic 1994a, 33). In light of the number of new justices added to the Supreme Court in the past few years, it may be futile to attempt generalizations concerning the ideological criminal procedure trends of “a” Rehnquist Court, and more informative to view the decisions from public policy and judicial behavior perspectives. Focusing on the criminal justice area, this article provides (1) a comparative overview of decisionmaking characteristics of the Burger and Rehnquist Courts, and (2) an analysis of Rehnquist Court decisions, highlighting specific substantive areas of conflict and noting emerging judicial coalitions as gleaned from close‐margin cases decided during the 1986–1993 Terms. If the labels “liberal” and “conservative” no longer have real value in describing distinct ideologies of blocs of sitting justices, then political scientists are urged to evaluate the Rehnquist Court as nine independent political actors in temporary and shifting coalitions formed in response to specific, factbound problems.
IDEOLOGY ON THE REHNQUIST COURT
Authors: John M. Scheb II  , Bowen Terry M.
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we use multidimensional scaling (MDS) as developed by Kruskal to examine patterns of behavior on the Supreme Court for the five “natural courts” during the period 1986–1994. The data employed in the study are the interagreement scores among the justices compiled by and published in the Harvard Law Review. In general, we find that a one‐dimensional solution performs satisfactorily in capturing the variance in the interagreement matrix. In examining the distribution of scale scores along this underlying dimension, it is evident that the relative positioning of the justices resembles the common sense placement of them along the conventional liberal‐conservative continuum. Thus, MDS appears to be a convenient and useful means of systematically identifying the Court's ideological spectrum from its decision making behavior.
CAN STATE COURTS PRODUCE SOCIAL REFORM? SCHOOL FINANCE EQUALIZATION IN KENTUCKY, TEXAS, AND NEW JERSEY
Authors: Dinan John
Published: August 2010

One model of judicial capacity holds that litigation can produce significant social change when courts promulgate a clear remedy, monitor closely the legislative response, and enforce aggressively their rulings. But this framework cannot adequately account for the outcomes of a series of prominent state supreme court rulings in the area of school finance equalization. An examination of the relationship among courts, political institutions, public opinion, and education reform in Kentucky, Texas, and New Jersey provides support for an alternate model of judicial capacity. Litigation can produce social reform, but only when there is existing support for reform goals in the public and in the legislative or executive branches, and then only when the judicial decision provides flexibility for the political actors who support these goals.