bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations between fish abundances, summer temperatures, and forest harvest in a northern Minnesota stream system from 1997 to 2007
Authors: Merten E. C. , Hemstad N. A. , Eggert S. L. , Johnson L. B. , Kolka R. K. , Newman R. M. , Vondracek B.
Published: October 2009

Merten EC, Hemstad NA, Eggert SL, Johnson LB, Kolka RK, Newman RM, Vondracek B. Relations between fish abundances, summer temperatures, and forest harvest in a northern Minnesota stream system from 1997 to 2007. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 63–73. 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Short‐term effects of forest harvest on fish habitat have been well documented, including sediment inputs, leaf litter reductions, and stream warming. However, few studies have considered changes in local climate when examining postlogging changes in fish communities. To address this need, we examined fish abundances between 1997 and 2007 in a basin in a northern hardwood forest. Streams in the basin were subjected to experimental riparian forest harvest in fall 1997. We noted a significant decrease for fish index of biotic integrity and abundance of Salvelinus fontinalis and Phoxinus eos over the study period. However, for P. eos and Culaea inconstans, the temporal patterns in abundances were related more to summer air temperatures than to fine sediment or spring precipitation when examined using multiple regressions. Univariate regressions suggested that summer air temperatures influenced temporal patterns in fish communities more than fine sediment or spring precipitation.
Distinct thermal migration behaviors in response to different thermal gradients in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jurado P. , Kodama E. , Tanizawa Y. , Mori I.
Published: October 2009

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits a complex behavior called thermotaxis in response to temperature. This behavior is defined as a form of associative learning, in which temperature pairs with the presence or absence of food. Different interpretations have been drawn from the diverse results obtained by several groups, mainly because of the application of different methodologies for the analysis of thermotaxis. To clarify the discrepancies in behavioral observations and subsequent interpretations by different laboratories, we attempted to systematize several parameters to observe thermotaxis behavior as originally defined by Hedgecock and Russell in 1975. In this study, we show clearly how C. elegans can show a conditioned migration toward colder or warmer areas on a thermal gradient, given certain criteria necessary for the observation of thermotaxis. We thus propose to distinguish thermotaxis from other temperature‐related behaviors, such as the warm avoidance response displayed at temperature gradients of 1°C/cm and steeper.
Clinical, histological and immunpathological findings in 32 patients with dermatitis herpetiformis Duhring
Authors: Rose Christian , Bröcker Eva‐Bettina , Zillikens Detlef
Published: October 2009

Background: Dermatitis herpetiformis is a chronic severely pruritic dermatosis. It is a cutaneous manifestation of celiac disease. The aim of our study was to collect clinical, histological and immunopathological data on patients who were treated in the University Departments of Dermatology in Würzburg and Lübeck from 1996 to 2008.

Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 32 patients. Only patients with positive findings on direct immunofluorescence microscopy were included in this study.

Results: All patients demonstrated skin lesions in the predilection areas of knees, elbows, gluteal region and scalp. The male to female ratio was 1.5 : 1 and the average age was 43 years. The interval between the first symptoms and diagnosis ranged from 6 weeks to 20 years. Direct immunofluorescence microscopy showed that granular IgA deposits were more often found continuously along the dermal‐epidermal junction rather than focally in the tips of the dermal papillae. Results of small intestinal biopsies were available from 29 patients and confirmed the presence of celiac disease in all cases. None of the patients reported gastrointestinal symptoms. IgA antibodies against tissue transglutaminase and epidermal transglutaminase were found in 88% and 94% of patient sera, respectively.

Conclusions: The detection of IgA autoantibodies against epidermal transglut‐aminase is the most sensitive serological test in the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis. Our observations confirm that patients with dermatitis herpetiformis usually do not demonstrate apparent gastrointestinal symptoms.
Dispersal kernels of the invasive alien western corn rootworm and the effectiveness of buffer zones in eradication programmes in Europe
Authors: Carrasco L.R. , Harwood T.D. , Toepfer S. , MacLeod A. , Levay N. , Kiss J. , Baker R.H.A. , Mumford J.D. , Knight J.D.
Published: October 2009

Europe is attempting to contain or, in some regions, to eradicate the invading and maize destroying western corn rootworm (WCR). Eradication and containment measures include crop rotation and insecticide treatments within different types of buffer zones surrounding new introduction points. However, quantitative estimates of the relationship between the probability of adult dispersal and distance from an introduction point have not been used to determine the width of buffer zones. We address this by fitting dispersal models of the negative exponential and negative power law families in logarithmic and non‐logarithmic form to recapture data from nine mark‐release‐recapture experiments of marked WCR adults from habitats as typically found in the vicinity of airports in southern Hungary in 2003 and 2004. After each release of 4000–6300 marked WCR, recaptures were recorded three times using non‐baited yellow sticky traps at 30–305 m from the release point and sex pheromone‐baited transparent sticky traps placed at 500–3500 m. Both the negative exponential and negative power law models in non‐log form presented the best overall fit to the numbers of recaptured adults (1% recapture rate). The negative exponential model in log form presented the best fit to the data in the tail. The models suggested that half of the dispersing WCR adults travelling along a given bearing will have travelled between 117 and 425 m and 1% of the adults between 775 and 8250 m after 1 day. An individual‐based model of dispersal and mortality over a generation of WCR adults indicated that 9.7–45.3% of the adults would escape a focus zone (where maize is only grown once in 3 consecutive years) of 1 km radius and 0.6–21% a safety zone (where maize is only grown once in 2 consecutive years) of 5 km radius and consequently current European Commission (EC) measures are inadequate for the eradication of WCR in Europe. Although buffer zones large enough to allow eradication would be economically unpalatable, an increase of the minimum width of the focus zone from 1 to 5 km and the safety zone from 5 to 50 km would improve the management of local dispersal.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE ISOLATION AND PURIFICATION OF LUTEIN FROM MARIGOLD FLOWER (TAGETES ERECTA L.) AND ITS ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY
Authors: KUMAR RAJESH , YU WENLI , JIANG CUILAN , SHI CONGLEI , ZHAO YAPING
Published: October 2009

Lutein is associated with the prevention of many chronic diseases, like age‐related macular degeneration, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Lutein is found in many plants, but the purest and richest source is the petals of marigold flowers (Tagetes erecta L.).

Commercially prepared T. erecta extract (oleoresin) was used during the experiment. Saponification reaction was carried out using alcoholic potassium hydroxide solution and tetrahydrofuran at room temperature for 4 h to saponify the xanthophyll esters. The purity and recovery of lutein after saponification were 89 and 63.05%, respectively. Different solvents were used for recrystallization to get a high purity of lutein. Among them, purity and recovery of lutein reached >98 and 72% in ethyl alcohol, which were higher than reported earlier.

The scavenging efficacy of lutein against peroxide, superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and lipid free radicals was measured by chemiluminescence. Peroxide, superoxide anions and hydroxyl and lipid free radicals were generated by hydrogen peroxide, pyrogallol, Fenton reaction system and 2,2′‐azobis (2‐amidino‐propane) dihydrochloride‐induced γ‐linolenic acid peroxidation system, respectively. Lutein exhibited strong antioxidant activity against superoxide anion, peroxide and hydroxyl and lipid free radicals. Among all tested reactive oxygen species, lipid free radicals showed the lowest effective concentration.

A reaction time of 6 s was enough to scavenge superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, while it was 60 and 120 s for peroxide and lipid free radicals, respectively.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This work was performed to demonstrate that high purity of lutein can be recovered using tertrahydrofuran and alcoholic potassium hydroxide at room temperature. Ethyl alcohol can be used as a recrystallizing solvent for lutein. Dissolved impurities from the lutein can be removed by washing during filtration. The scavenging activity of lutein against peroxide, superoxide anions and hydroxyl and lipid free radicals in the chemiluminescence meter enhanced the nutraceutical value of lutein.
LINE‐SCAN SPECTRAL IMAGING SYSTEM FOR ONLINE POULTRY CARCASS INSPECTION*
Authors: CHAO KUANGLIN , YANG CHUN‐CHIEH , KIM MOON S.
Published: October 2009

A line‐scan spectral imaging system was developed for online identification of wholesome and unwholesome freshly slaughtered chicken carcasses on commercial processing lines. Hyperspectral images acquired by the imaging system for 5,549 wholesome and 93 unwholesome chicken carcasses on a 140 bird per minute (bpm) processing line were analyzed to optimize region of interest size and location and determine key wavebands by which to implement online multispectral inspection based on single‐waveband intensity and a two‐waveband ratio. Multispectral inspection algorithms were developed for real‐time online chicken inspection. The imaging system inspected over 100,000 chickens on the processing line during continuous operation and accurately identified over 99% of wholesome and over 96% of unwholesome chickens. A system of this type can perform food safety inspection tasks accurately and consistently on high‐speed processing lines (e.g., at least 140 bpm), to help poultry processors improve production efficiency and satisfy increasing consumer demand for poultry products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The line‐scan spectral imaging system was designed as a tool to assist poultry processors in meeting the requirements of the HACCP‐Based Inspection Models Project as implemented by Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The system is particularly well suited for presorting poultry carcasses on high‐speed processing lines by removing systemically diseased birds prior to the inspection stations. This can increase efficiency and reduce cross‐contamination risks by minimizing the presence and unnecessary processing of unwholesome birds on the processing line. Real‐time data collection and prompt removal of unwholesome poultry carcasses can enhance the ability of FSIS to certify U.S. poultry products for both domestic and export markets. In addition, the spectral imaging methodology of this system has the potential for easy adaptation to other high‐speed food processing tasks, particularly those involving automated inspection for quality indicators.
PREDICTING THERMAL RESPONSE OF CONDUCTIVE FOODS DURING START‐UP OF PROCESS EQUIPMENT USING TRANSFER FUNCTIONS
Authors: ANSORENA M.R. , DI SCALA K.C.
Published: October 2009

Transfer function approach to predict thermal histories of conductive foodstuffs when surroundings present different forcing functions during start‐up of processes is reported. Food is assimilated to a delayed first‐order system with unit gain and characterized by two parameters, the dead time (L) and the time constant (τ). The comparison of experimental data with the proposed models for cooking as well as for retorting processes presented very satisfactory results when the equipment evolved as first‐order, second‐order and bounded integrating systems.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Transfer functions appear as relevant mathematical tools because they are relatively simple models that need only dynamics input–output data to represent more complex systems related to food process engineering, generally nonlinear ones. Besides, their potential application allows the performance of optimal process control in real‐time modality. In particular, this paper deals with the problem of processes start‐up, which represents a transient operation to be overcome, and also with the ability of the transfer function methodology to estimate both food and equipment temperature evolution during different food operations when changes in the surrounding temperature take place.
DIMENSIONLESS CORRELATIONS FOR CONVECTIVE HEAT TRANSFER IN CANNED PARTICULATE FLUIDS UNDER AXIAL ROTATION PROCESSING
Authors: DWIVEDI MRITUNJAY , RAMASWAMY HOSAHALLI S.
Published: October 2009

Dimensionless correlations for estimating heat transfer coefficients (U and hfp) in canned high viscosity Newtonian liquids (with and without particles) were developed using stepwise multiple nonlinear regressions of statistically significant dimensionless groups using tangent as an estimate and Newton as search method. Data on overall heat transfer coefficient U and fluid‐to‐particle heat transfer coefficients hfpwere obtained for several processing conditions and were analyzed separately for particle and particle‐free conditions. In free axial mode, a newly developed form, combining natural and forced convection, provided higher R2 = 0.93. In the absence of particles in end‐over‐end mode, introducing natural convection term (Gr × Pr), improved R2 from 0.81 to 0.97. Combination of the reel radius, radius of the can and radius of the particles was chosen as characteristics length.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Most earlier dimensionless correlations for a canned liquid particulate mixture subjected to free axial mode of agitation are present for either U or hfp individually due to the difficulties in obtaining time–temperature profiles of the liquid and particles simultaneously; however, the time–temperature prediction at the particle center requires appropriate correlations for both U and hfp and cannot be made with only one of these coefficients.

Additionally, importance of natural convection in forced convection heat transfer correlations has been demonstrated by developing the U and hfp correlations using the mixed convection approach as the combination of natural and forced convection heat transfer.

These developed correlations would help in modeling the time–temperature profiles of a canned particulate mixture and will be helpful in determining the contribution of natural and forced convection heat transfer. These dimensional numbers would give a better understanding of the physical phenomenon and can also be easily used for scale‐up purposes.
A NEW CLEANER PRODUCTION TECHNIQUE OF PICKLE MUSTARD TUBER AT LOW SALINITY BY LACTIC ACID BACTERIA
Authors: WENG P.F. , WU Z.F. , SHEN X.Q. , LIU P.
Published: October 2009

A strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) Lact.8 was applied in low‐salinity pickled processing of mustard tuber, using this LAB as fermentation starter in order to control harmful microbes. Meanwhile, a cleaner production technique with no saline wastewater was set up in pickled processing by using LAB technology. In this study, two kinds of production technique were compared, which was low‐salinity concentration pickling inoculated with Lact.8 and a traditional high‐salinity pickling method. The strain Lact.8 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum by using 16S rRNA gene sequence assay. The end product quality of pickle mustard tuber by new technique was better than that of traditional product in flavor, texture and safety by sample evaluation method. The leaching liquor presented rich in nutrition compositions by quality analysis, and developed as condiment juice. The essential free amino acids reached 112 mg/L in the juice, accounting for 39.7% in total free amino acids. This pickled processing technique is compatible to a cleaner production technique.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The traditional pickled vegetables processing was well known that it causes a series of problems including the product quality and environmental damage of waste water with high salinity concentration. The experimental achievements and a new type of processing technology in this article are benefit to overcome these disadvantages via using lactic acid bacteria technology, which result in the improving of product quality, including nutrient value and sensory quality and economic efficiency at a condition of low salinity pickling. It is also called a cleaner production technology. Therefore, this processing mode was fully considered to further practical application in present vegetables prickle processing industry.
OPTIMIZATION OF SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION/HEADSPACE SOLID‐PHASE MICROEXTRACTION AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY–MASS SPECTROMETRY METHOD FOR DETERMINATING ORGANOTIN COMPOUNDS IN CLAM SAMPLES
Authors: LIU TONGJU , LI SHUFEN , LIU SHAOCONG , LV GANG
Published: October 2009

For the food safety of sea products, the variables of headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) were optimized for the determination of organotin compounds in clam samples by method of off‐line SFE/HS‐SPME and gas chromatographic analysis with mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The best result was obtained while the spiked clam sample was extracted at 45C and 30 MPa with carbon dioxide modified with 5% (mol) methanol at 1.2 L/min (as carbon dioxide in ambient pressure) for 15 min, and SFE extract was ethylated with 2% (w/v) sodium tetraethylborate (NaBEt4) in pH 4 buffer solution and simultaneously adsorbed by HS‐SPME with polydimethylsiloxane‐divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) fiber at 50C for 30 min, followed by GC‐MS. The whole sampling and analyzing process was within 1 h, and only less than 10 mL of solvent were used. The results were comparable with those obtained by traditional method which use of methanol (contain 0.03% tropolone), and the procedure also seems to be less time‐ and labor‐consuming. The pollution of OTCs in seafood indicated a potential danger for the health of the local people who cared for these foods.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The present investigation was carried out to optimize the method for the determination of organotin compounds in sea products. Organotin compounds (OTCs) was widely used in antifouling painting, which has been the most important pollution in marine environment. The sea products contaminated by the OTCs became a great problem on the food safety. Using this method for the determination of organotin compounds in sea products, the whole sampling and analyzing process was within 1 h, and only less than 10 mL of solvent were used. This method was a rapid and green method for monitoring the organotin pollution of sea products.
Model Averaging Techniques for Quantifying Conceptual Model Uncertainty
Authors: Singh Abhishek , Mishra Srikanta , Ruskauff Greg
Published: October 2009

In recent years a growing understanding has emerged regarding the need to expand the modeling paradigm to include conceptual model uncertainty for groundwater models. Conceptual model uncertainty is typically addressed by formulating alternative model conceptualizations and assessing their relative likelihoods using statistical model averaging approaches. Several model averaging techniques and likelihood measures have been proposed in the recent literature for this purpose with two broad categories—Monte Carlo‐based techniques such as Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation or GLUE (Beven and Binley 1992) and criterion‐based techniques that use metrics such as the Bayesian and Kashyap Information Criteria (e.g., the Maximum Likelihood Bayesian Model Averaging or MLBMA approach proposed by Neuman 2003) and Akaike Information Criterion‐based model averaging (AICMA) (Poeter and Anderson 2005). These different techniques can often lead to significantly different relative model weights and ranks because of differences in the underlying statistical assumptions about the nature of model uncertainty. This paper provides a comparative assessment of the four model averaging techniques (GLUE, MLBMA with KIC, MLBMA with BIC, and AIC‐based model averaging) mentioned above for the purpose of quantifying the impacts of model uncertainty on groundwater model predictions. Pros and cons of each model averaging technique are examined from a practitioner's perspective using two groundwater modeling case studies. Recommendations are provided regarding the use of these techniques in groundwater modeling practice.
Salinity and Soluble Organic Matter on Virus Sorption in Sand and Soil Columns
Authors: Cao Haibo , Tsai Frank T.‐C. , Rusch Kelly A.
Published: October 2009

The objective of this research was to study the sorption and transport of bacteriophage MS‐2 (a bacterial virus) in saturated sediments under the effect of salinity and soluble organic matter (SOM). One‐dimensional column experiments were conducted on washed high‐purity silica sand and sandy soil. In sand column tests, increasing salinity showed distinct effect on enhancing MS‐2 sorption. However, SOM decreased MS‐2 sorption. Using a two‐site reversible‐irreversible sorption model and the double layer theory, we explained that pore‐water salinity potentially compressed the theoretical thickness of double layers of MS‐2 and sand, and thus increased sorption on reversible sorption sites. On irreversible sorption sites, increasing salinity reversed charges of some sand particles from negative to positive, and thus converted reversible sorption sites into irreversible sites and enhanced sorption of MS‐2. SOM was able to expand the double layer thickness on reversible sites and competed with MS‐2 for the same binding place on irreversible sites. In sandy soil column tests, the bonded and dissolved (natural) soil organic matters suppressed the effects of pore‐water salinity and added SOM and significantly reduced MS‐2 adsorption. This was explained that the bonded soil organic matter occupied a great portion of sorption sites and significantly reduced sorption sites for MS‐2. In addition, the dissolved soil organic matter potentially expanded the double layer thickness of MS‐2 and sandy soil on reversible sorption sites and competed with MS‐2 for the same binding place.
The Influence of Topology on Hydraulic Conductivity in a Sand‐and‐Gravel Aquifer
Authors: Morin Roger H. , LeBlanc Denis R. , Troutman Brent M.
Published: October 2009

A field experiment consisting of geophysical logging and tracer testing was conducted in a single well that penetrated a sand‐and‐gravel aquifer at the U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Substances Hydrology research site on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Geophysical logs and flowmeter/pumping measurements were obtained to estimate vertical profiles of porosity ϕ, hydraulic conductivity K, temperature, and bulk electrical conductivity under background, freshwater conditions. Saline‐tracer fluid was then injected into the well for 2 h and its radial migration into the surrounding deposits was monitored by recording an electromagnetic‐induction log every 10 min. The field data are analyzed and interpreted primarily through the use of Archie's (1942) law to investigate the role of topological factors such as pore geometry and connectivity, and grain size and packing configuration in regulating fluid flow through these coarse‐grained materials. The logs reveal no significant correlation between K and ϕ, and imply that groundwater models that link these two properties may not be useful at this site. Rather, it is the distribution and connectivity of the fluid phase as defined by formation factor F, cementation index m, and tortuosity α that primarily control the hydraulic conductivity. Results show that F correlates well with K, thereby indicating that induction logs provide qualitative information on the distribution of hydraulic conductivity. A comparison of α, which incorporates porosity data, with K produces only a slightly better correlation and further emphasizes the weak influence of the bulk value of ϕ on K.
Analysis of c‐Met Kinase Domain Complexes: A New Specific Catalytic Site Receptor Model for Defining Binding Modes of ATP‐Competitive Ligands
Authors: Asses Yasmine , Leroux Vincent , Tairi‐Kellou Safia , Dono Rosanna , Maina Flavio , Maigret Bernard
Published: October 2009

The receptor tyrosine kinase c‐Met have multiple roles during cancer development and is currently considered as an important target for molecularly targeted therapies. Structural knowledge of how compounds interact on c‐Met catalytic site could guide structure‐based drug design strategies towards more effective and selective anticancer drug candidates. However, although 17 crystal structures of c‐Met complexed with adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐competitive kinase inhibitors are publicly available (August 2009), there are still open questions regarding the prediction of ligand binding modes. We have applied molecular modeling and molecular mechanics to analyze the distribution of ligands interaction energy on c‐Met residues, and deduced a new model of the active site allowing for an unambiguous identification of ligand binding modes. We demonstrate that the binding of known ligands on the c‐Met catalytic site involves seven identified structurally‐distinct areas. Five of these match the generic kinase ATP binding site model built by Novartis scientists in the 1990s, while the two others are distinct allosteric regions that can be exploited by second generation kinase inhibitors such as Gleevec. We show here that c‐Met can accept both such kinds of allosteric inhibitors, a very unusual feature in the kinase family that opens new grounds for highly specific drug design.
Structure‐based Drug Metabolism Predictions for Drug Design
Authors: Sun Hao , Scott Dennis O.
Published: October 2009

Significant progress has been made in structure‐based drug design by pharmaceutical companies at different stages of drug discovery such as identifying new hits, enhancing molecule binding affinity in hit‐to‐lead, and reducing toxicities in lead optimization. Drug metabolism is a major consideration for modifying drug clearance and also a primary source for drug metabolite‐induced toxicity. With major cytochrome P450 structures identified and characterized recently, structure‐based drug metabolism prediction becomes increasingly attractive.In silicomethods based on molecular and quantum mechanics such as docking, molecular dynamics andab initiochemical reactivity calculations bring us closer to understand drug metabolism and predict drug–drug interactions. In this study, we review important progress in drug metabolism and commonin silicotechniques adopted to predict drug regioselectivity, stereoselectivity, reactive metabolites, induction, inhibition and mechanism‐based inactivation, as well as their implementation in hit‐to‐lead drug discovery.
Irritable bowel syndrome: Role of food in pathogenesis and management
Authors: MORCOS Ashraf , DINAN Ted , QUIGLEY Eamonn MM
Published: October 2009

Patients with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) commonly report the precipitation of symptoms on food ingestion. Though the role of dietary constituents in IBS has not been extensively studied, food could contribute to symptom onset or even the causation of IBS through a number of mechanisms. First, the physiological response of the intestine to food ingestion could precipitate symptoms in predisposed individuals; second, there is some evidence that allergy or intolerance to a particular food can produce IBS‐like symptoms, third, certain foods may alter the composition of the luminal milieu, either directly or indirectly through effects on bacterial metabolism, and thus induce symptoms and, finally, IBS may develop following exposure to food‐borne pathogens. Anticipatory, psychological factors generated by previous negative experiences with food ingestion or other factors may also contribute though their contribution has been scarcely quantified. Not surprisingly, there is considerable interest in the potential roles of diet and food supplements in the therapy of IBS; for the most part, the evidence base for such recommendations remains slim though certain probiotics show considerable promise.
Ectopic expression of guanylyl cyclase C in gastric cancer as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target
Authors: MAO Zhen Biao , ZHANG Jian Feng , XU Zhong , ZHU Hui Jun , ZHANG Jian Guo , PAN Zheng Ping , XIAO Feng , YANG Jun Ling
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the expression of guanylyl cyclase C (GCC) in human gastric cancer (GC) tissues and assess the effect of GCC small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the proliferation and apoptosis of SGC‐7901.

METHODS:  The expression of GCC in 30 specimens and three human GC cell lines (SGC‐7901, AGS, NCI‐N87) were detected by RT‐PCR for messenger RNA (mRNA) by Western blot and immunofluorescence for proteins. Recombinant plasmids containing GCC siRNA and scrambled siRNA were constructed and transfected into SGC‐7901 cells, respectively. A cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry (FCM) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TDT)‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labeling were used to evaluate cell viability, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis, followed by wound healing assay and cell adherent assay for cell motility and adherent, respectively.

RESULTS:  The expression of GCC was absent in paracancerous tissues, whereas the GCC mRNA and protein expressions were detected in 20/30 and 19/30 of GC specimens, respectively. Moreover, intestinal GC was statistically different from diffuse GC (P < 0.05). The proliferation of SGC‐7901 cells was markedly inhibited by GCC siRNA‐3 (P < 0.05) and cell morphological changes including volumetric reduction, karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis were observed. FCM showed that the cell count in the sub‐G0/G1 peak increased from 5.47% (48 h after transfection) to 5.63% (72 h after transfection). The wound healing assay and cell adherent assay revealed that GCC gene silencing decreased cell motility and adherent.

CONCLUSION:  The over‐expression of GCC has been detected in intestinal type GC. GCC siRNA can effectively inhibit the proliferation and invasion of SGC‐7901 cells and induce cell apoptosis. GCC might be a novel biomarker and therapeutic target for GC.
Role of Helicobacter pylori infection on neuronal expression in the stomach and spinal cord of a murine model
Authors: LI Xiao Bo , CHEN Hui Min , LU Hong , ZHENG Qing , CHEN Xiao Yu , PENG Yan Shen , GE Zhi Zheng , LIU Wen Zhong
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the effect of Helicobactor pylori (H. pylori) infection on neuronal expressions in the stomach and spinal cord of mice so as to explain dyspepsia symptoms in H. pylori infected patients.

METHODS:  C57BL/6 female mice were studied at 2 weeks (acute infection group) and 12 weeks (chronic infection group) after H. pylori inoculation. Histological analyses for gastric inflammation and bacterial colonization were assessed by HE staining and Warthin–Starry staining. Fos, vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide expressions (CGRP) were studied by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS:  H. pylori colonization was present mainly in pyloric region, but bacterial density was similar in both infected groups. The intensity of mucosal inflammation and activity was significantly higher in two infected groups than in those in the control group. The degree of mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cell infiltration in proventricular‐glandular region and gastric corpus at 12 weeks after H. pylori inoculation was higher than that at 2 weeks after inoculation. The neuronal expressions of fos, VIP, and CGRP in the stomach and spinal cord were significantly more marked in the infected groups than in the control group, but there was no significant difference between two infected groups.

CONCLUSION:  H. pylori infection induced different degrees of gastric mucosal inflammation in the murine model. Both early and chronic infection groups of mice showed enhanced neuronal expressions of fos, VIP and CGRP of stomach and spinal cord and these could form a basis for appearance of functional dyspeptic symptoms in patients with H. pylori infection.
Cholesterol metabolism and expression of its relevant genes in cultured steatotic hepatocytes
Authors: WANG Xiao Hong , TIAN Yan , GUO Zhao Jun , FAN Zhu Ping , QIU De Kai , ZENG Min De
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the cholesterol metabolism and mRNA expression of the relevant genes in cholesterol synthesis of the cultured steatotic hepatocytes model.

METHODS:  A steatotic model of hepatocytes was constructed by adding palmitic acid to the growing L‐02 cells. These cells were collected at day 3 and 6, respectively. Cells with the culture solution without palmitic acid added served as the control. The contents of intracellular triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were detected by the analysis kit. The expression of sterol‐regulatory element binding protein‐2 (SREBP‐2) and its target gene hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMGCR) and low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) were measured by RT‐PCR.

RESULTS:  Hepatocyte steatosis was observed at day 3 and became more intense at day 6. The contents of intracellular TG and TC were increased and the expression of the SREBP‐2, HMGCR and LDLR mRNA were upregulated in a time‐dependent manner in the model group. Compared with the control group, the content of intracellular TG was higher at both day 3 and 6 (P < 0.05), while the content of intracellular TC was significantly increased only at day 6; The expression of HMGCR and LDLR mRNA was upregulated in steatotic hepatocytes at both day 3 and 6 (P < 0.05), whereas the SREBP‐2 mRNA was increased only at day 6 (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:  Cholesterol accumulation is probably due to the upregulated expression of the relevant genes in the cholesterol synthesis of the steatotic hepatocytes.
The role of entecavir in preventing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: XI Zhi Feng , XIA Qiang , ZHANG Jian Jun , CHEN Xiao Song , HAN Long Zhi , WANG Xin , SHEN Cong Huan , LUO Yi , XIN Tian Yu , WANG Si Yue , QIU De Kai
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE:  Although hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation has been reduced to 0%–10% since the application of the combination therapy of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and lamivudine, the viral mutation resistance of lamivudine is still an obstacle to the outcome of liver transplantation. Here we evaluate the role of entecavir in preventing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation.

METHODS:

Patients who received a liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related end‐stage liver disease in our center from March 2006 to December 2008 were enrolled in this study. All patients received entecavir (0.5 mg orally, daily) or lamivudine (100 mg orally, daily) together with a long‐term low dosage of HBIG to prevent hepatitis B recurrence after transplantation. Serum viral markers (HBsAg, anti‐HBs, HBeAg, anti‐HBc and anti‐HBe) and HBV‐DNA level were determined.

RESULTS:  Thirty patients receiving entecavir and 90 patients receiving lamivudine were matched with the same age and sex in both groups. No reinfection of hepatitis B was detected in the entecavir group. The hepatitis B surface antigen of patients in the entecavir group became negative within one week and no patient had any adverse effect relating to entecavir. There was no difference in the cumulative survival rate between the entecavir group and the lamivudine group (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:  This study shows that entecavir combined with low dosages of HBIG is effective and safe in preventing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation, but its long‐term effect is still under investigation and a large‐sample study will be carried out in the future.
A prospective study of the efficacy of endoscopic biliary stenting on common bile duct stones
Authors: LI Ke Wei , ZHANG Xi Wen , DING Jun , CHEN Tao , WANG Jian , SHI Wei Jin
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the efficacy of endoscopic biliary stenting on common bile duct stones.

METHODS:  Fifty patients with choledocholithiasis were treated with endoscopic biliary stenting and followed. The early and late outcome was assessed.

RESULTS:  The procedure was successful in all patients and there was only one patient with mild pancreatitis. The patency rates of stent at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after biliary stenting were 94%, 79% and 58%, respectively. The rate of reduction in size of stone was 60%.

CONCLUSION:  Endoscopic biliary stenting was not a definitive treatment of choledocholithiasis. It may be an option for patients clinically unfit for definitive treatment.
Plasma thrombopoietin level and platelet indices in hemodialysis patients receiving recombinant human erythropoietin
Authors: ASANUMA M. , SEINO K. , MIZUNO T. , NASU M. , YAMAUCHI F. , FUJISHIMA M.
Published: October 2009

We focused on thrombocytopenia in hemodialysis patients (HD) receiving recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and investigated thrombopoietin (TPO) level and platelet indices. We analyzed platelet parameters including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet‐crit (PCT), mean platelet component (MPC) concentration and platelet count (PLT) using ADVIA 2120 in 375 HD patients. This study included 25 HD patients undergoing treatment with rHuEPO at 9000 IU/week. These patients were divided into two groups by reference PLT of 130 × 109/l [eight patients with low PLT (L‐PLT group) and 17 patients with normal PLT (N‐PLT group)], and TPO level and platelet indices in each group were compared with those in nine HD patients not receiving rHuEPO. In HD patients, the mean value of MPV was slightly higher and the mean values of PLT, PCT, and MPC were significantly lower than those in healthy controls. TPO levels were significantly higher in patients receiving rHuEPO than in patients not receiving rHuEPO. However, no significant difference was found between TPO levels in patients in the L‐PLT group and patients in the N‐PLT group. TPO levels were not correlated with PLT in these patients and that MPC levels decreased remarkably regardless of PLT.
Social Capital and the Care Networks of Frail Seniors
Authors: KEATING NORAH , DOSMAN DONNA
Published: October 2009

Le capital social a constitué un cadre important pour la conceptualisation de la place des liens sociaux dans la qualité de vie. La famille n'a pas fait partie des groupes d'intérêts dans les recherches sur le capital social. Néanmoins, dans le contexte de la recherche et de la politique publique sur le vieillissement, le discours contemporain sur les familles et sur les soins est congruent avec les hypothèses sur le capital social. Les auteurs s'inspirent de la documentation sur le capital social pour encadrer leur compréhension du capital social inhérent aux familles ayant des personnes âgées de santé fragile. Ils émettent l'hypothèse de leur capacité de bénéficier des soins des membres de la famille. Les données proviennent de l'Enquête sociale générale sur le vieillissement et le soutien social (ESG 2002) de Statistique Canada.

Social capital has been a key framework in conceptualizing the place of social ties in quality of life. Families have not been among groups of interest in social capital research. Yet within the context of research and public policy on aging, the contemporary discourse on families and care is congruent with social capital assumptions. In this paper, we draw on social capital literature to frame our understanding of the social capital inherent in families of frail older adults, and hypothesize their abilities to benefit family members. Data are drawn from Statistics Canada 2002 General Social Survey on Aging and Social Support.
Models of Earning and Caring: Determinants of the Division of Work
Authors: RAVANERA ZENAIDA , BEAUJOT RODERIC , LIU JIANYE
Published: October 2009

Les auteurs examinent les déterminants possibles des modèles de la répartition des revenus et des activités de soins chez les couples canadiens. En utilisant l'Enquête sociale générale—L'emploi du temps (ESG), ils énumèrent cinq modèles de division du travail: complémentaire‐traditionnel, complémentaire‐genre inversé, double tâche de la femme, double tâche de l'homme et rôles partagés. Tandis que le modèle complémentaire‐traditionnel est en déclin, il se retrouve encore chez le tiers des couples. La double tâche de la femme constitue la deuxième catégorie en importance, c'est‐à‐dire qu'on la constate chez 27% des couples en 2005, alors que la double tâche de l'homme représente 11%. Les rôles partagés conviennent à environ un quart des couples. S'inspirant de ces typologies des revenus et des activités de soins, les auteurs analysent l'importance relative du cours de la vie, de même que les facteurs structuraux et culturels en tant que déterminants de la répartition du travail rémunéré ou non chez les couples. Ils constatent que les approches complémentaire‐traditionnelle et double tâche de la femme ont plus de chances de se rencontrer chez les personnes âgées et chez celles qui ont de jeunes enfants. Les modèles alternatifs sont plus courants lorsque les femmes ont de plus grandes ressources de la part de leurs parents, chez les jeunes personnes et chez les personnes vivant au Québec et dans les milieux urbains.

This paper examines possible determinants of models of the division of earning and caring activities in Canadian couples. Using the General Social Survey on Time Use, we identify five models of the division of work: complementary‐traditional, complementary‐gender‐reversed, women's double burden, men's double burden, and shared roles. While the complementary‐traditional model is declining, it still represents a third of couples. Women's double burden is the second largest category, representing 27 percent of couples in 2005, with men's double burden representing another 11 percent. The shared roles account for about a quarter of couples. Building on these typologies of earning and caring, we analyze the relative importance of life course, as well as structural and cultural factors as determinants of the division of paid and unpaid work within couples. We find that the complementary‐traditional and women's double burdens are more likely for older persons, and for persons with young children. Alternative models are more common when women have higher relative resources, for younger persons, and for persons living in Quebec and in urban areas.
Social Origins and the Educational and Occupational Achievements of the 1.5 and Second Generations
Authors: BOYD MONICA
Published: October 2009

Des enquêtes spéciales démontrent que l'origine sociale constitue un déterminant important du niveau d'instruction des enfants immigrants. Cependant, l'omission de poser des questions sur l'origine sociale dans les grandes enquêtes empêche souvent l'étude de la relation existant entre l'origine sociale et la réussite socioéconomique de la progéniture des immigrants à l'âge adulte. L'analyse de l'Enquête sociale générale—cycle 15: rétrospective sur la famille de 2001 confirme l'influence de l'origine sociale, y compris les caractéristiques des antécédents familiaux, sur le niveau d'instruction et sur la réussite professionnelle de la progéniture des adultes immigrants âgée de 30 à 64 ans, classée par la distance de l'expérience migratoire et par la région d'origine. Les modèles de réussite de la progéniture des groupes spécifiques d'immigrants, particulièrement ceux provenant de nouvelles régions autres que les États‐Unis, le Royaume‐Uni, l'Irlande et l'Europe, sont en accord avec le modèle de l'«optimisme de l'immigrant» observé dans les études antérieures.

Special surveys show social origins are important determinants in the educational achievements of immigrant children. However, the omission of social origin questions on large surveys frequently prevents studying the relationship between social origins and the socioeconomic attainments of immigrant offspring in adulthood. Analysis of the 2001 General Social Survey Cycle 15 on Family History confirms the influence of social origins including family background characteristics on the educational and occupational achievements of adult immigrant offspring, age 30 to 64, demarcated by distance from the migration experience and by region of origin. The patterns of achievement for specific groups of immigrant offspring, particularly those whose origins are from new areas other than the United States, United Kingdom and Ireland, and Europe, is consistent with the “immigrant optimism” model observed in earlier studies.
Treatment of aseptic diaphyseal nonunion of the lower extremities with exchange intramedullary nailing and blocking screws without open bone graft
Authors: Gao Kan‐da , Huang Jian‐hua , Li Fan , Wang Qiu‐gen , Li Hao‐qing , Tao Jie , Wang Jian‐dong , Wu Xiao‐ming , Wu Xiao‐feng , Zhou Zi‐hui , Wang Fang , Lu Hai‐ming
Published: October 2009

Objective:  To report the preliminary results of the treatment of aseptic diaphyseal nonunion of the lower extremities with exchange nailing plus blocking screws.

Methods:  Between June 2005 and September 2008, twelve patients with diaphyseal nonunion in the lower extremities (femur in five patients and tibia in seven; hypertrophic nonunion in eight patients and atrophic nonunion in four) were treated by reaming, exchanging the original intramedullary nail with a larger one, and using blocking screws, and the therapeutic effect assessed.

Results:  All patients were followed up for 1–2 years (average, 1.5 years) to assess union. Bony union was achieved in all patients within 4.7–13.5 months (average, 7.8 months). All patients were pain free without any complications by the last follow‐up.

Conclusion:  The therapeutic method of exchanging the nail combined with blocking screws is effective for aseptic nonunion of the lower extremity after intramedullary nailing.
Treatment of fractures of the ulnar coronoid process
Authors: Wang You‐hua , Meng Qing‐bing , Wu Jia‐dong , Ma Jian‐chuan , Liu Fan
Published: October 2009

Objective:  To discuss the classification, management and outcome of fractures of the ulnar coronoid process.

Methods:  Retrospective analysis was carried out in 31 patients (19 men and 12 women of average age 29.8 years [range, 18–52 years]) with fractures of the ulnar coronoid process. The fractures were classified into four major groups based on the extent of injury to the ulnar coronoid process, the state of the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligaments (UCL) and elbow stability. A fracture of the coronoid process less than halfway up was defined as type I (eleven cases); of the middle of the coronoid process with injury of the UCL as type II (nine cases); of the base of coronoid process with dislocation of the elbow joint, sometimes with injury of the UCL, as type III (six cases); and severe comminuted fracture of the coronoid process with elbow instability as type IV (five cases). We chose treatment according to the type of injury.

Results:  Follow‐up was 18–72 months (average 28.6 months). All patients achieved fracture union without inflammation, neural injuries or elbow instability. One type III and two type IV patients had traumatic osteoarthritis, and two type III and two type IV developed heterotopic ossification. There was a statistically significant difference between the ranges of movement of the two‐side joints in type IV.

Conclusion:  We choose conservative treatment for type I fractures unless the bone fragment affected movement of the elbow joint, in which case we chose operative treatment so that elbow stability was not affected. Type II and type III fractures with elbow instability were reduced by internal fixation and the ligament repaired or reconstructed. In type IV cases, bone reconstruction was necessary to recover elbow stability. Proper post‐operative rehabilitation can decrease the occurrence of traumatic osteoarthritis.