bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intermethod Reliability of Real‐time Versus Delayed Videotaped Evaluation of a High‐fidelity Medical Simulation Septic Shock Scenario
Authors: Williams Justin B. , McDonough Marie A. , Hilliard Michael W. , Williams Annette L. , Cuniowski Peter C. , Gonzalez Michael G.
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  High‐fidelity medical simulation (HFMS) is increasingly utilized in resident education and evaluation. No criterion standard of assessing performance currently exists. This study compared the intermethod reliability of real‐time versus videotaped evaluation of HFMS participant performance.

Methods:  Twenty‐five emergency medicine residents and one transitional resident participated in a septic shock HFMS scenario. Four evaluators assessed the performance of participants on technical (26‐item yes/no completion) and nontechnical (seven item, five‐point Likert scale assessment) scorecards. Two evaluators provided assessment in real time, and two provided delayed videotape review. After 13 scenarios, evaluators crossed over and completed the scenarios in the opposite method. Real‐time evaluations were completed immediately at the end of the simulation; videotape reviewers were allowed to review the scenarios with no time limit. Agreement between raters was tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), with Cronbach’s alpha used to measure consistency among items on the scores on the checklists.

Results:  Bland‐Altman plot analysis of both conditions revealed substantial agreement between the real‐time and videotaped review scores by reviewers. The mean difference between the reviewers was 0.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] = –3.7 to 3.6) on the technical evaluation and –1.6 (95% CI = –11.4 to 8.2) on the nontechnical scorecard assessment. Comparison of evaluations for the videotape technical scorecard demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.914, with an ICC of 0.842 (95% CI = 0.679 to 0.926), and the real‐time technical scorecard demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.899, with an ICC of 0.817 (95% CI = 0.633 to 0.914), demonstrating excellent intermethod reliability. Comparison of evaluations for the videotape nontechnical scorecard demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.888, with an ICC of 0.798 (95% CI = 0.600 to 0.904), and the real‐time nontechnical scorecard demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.833, with an ICC of 0.714 (95% CI = 0.457 to 0.861), demonstrating substantial interrater reliability. The raters were consistent in agreement on performance within each level of training, as the analysis of variance demonstrated no significant differences between the technical scorecard (p = 0.176) and nontechnical scorecard (p = 0.367).

Conclusions:  Real‐time and videotaped‐based evaluations of resident performance of both technical and nontechnical skills during an HFMS septic shock scenario provided equally reliable methods of assessment.
Effects of Cyanoacrylate Fuming, Time After Recovery, and Location of Biological Material on the Recovery and Analysis of DNA from Post‐Blast Pipe Bomb Fragments*
Authors: Bille Todd W. , Cromartie Carter , Farr Matthew
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  This study investigated the effects of time, cyanoacrylate fuming, and location of the biological material on DNA analysis of post‐blast pipe bomb fragments. Multiple aliquots of a cell suspension (prepared by soaking buccal swabs in water) were deposited on components of the devices prior to assembly. The pipe bombs were then deflagrated and the fragments recovered. Fragments from half of the devices were cyanoacrylate fumed. The cell spots on the fragments were swabbed and polymerase chain reaction/short tandem repeat analysis was performed 1 week and 3 months after deflagration. A significant decrease in the amount of DNA recovered was observed between samples collected and analyzed within 1 week compared with the samples collected and analyzed 3 months after deflagration. Cyanoacrylate fuming did not have a measurable effect on the success of the DNA analysis at either time point. Greater quantities of DNA were recovered from the pipe nipples than the end caps. Undeflagrated controls showed that the majority (>95%) of the DNA deposited on the devices was not recovered at a week or 3 months.
Low level laser irradiation precondition to create friendly milieu of infarcted myocardium and enhance early survival of transplanted bone marrow cells
Authors: Zhang Hao , Hou Jian‐feng , Shen Ya , Wang Wei , Wei Ying‐jie , Hu Shengshou
Published: September 2009

We suggested that low‐level laser irradiation (LLLI) precondition prior to cell transplantation might remodel the hostile milieu of infarcted myocardium and subsequently enhance early survival and therapeutic potential of implanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Therefore, in this study we wanted to address: (1) whether LLLI pre‐treatment change the local cardiac micro‐environment after myocardial infarction (MI) and (2) whether the LLLI preconditions enhance early cell survival and thus improve therapeutic angiogenesis and heart function. MI was induced by left anterior descending artery ligation in female rats. A 635 nm, 5 mW diode laser was performed with energy density of 0.96 J/cm2 for 150 sec. for the purpose of myocardial precondition. Three weeks later, qualified rats were randomly received with LLLI precondition (n= 26) or without LLLI precondition (n= 27) for LLLI precondition study. Rats that received thoracotomy without coronary ligation were served as sham group (n= 24). In the cell survival study, rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: serum‐free culture media injection (n= 8), LLLI precondition and culture media injection (n= 8), 2 million male BMSCs transplantation without LLLI pre‐treatment (n= 26) and 2 million male BMSCs transplantation with LLLI precondition (n= 25) group, respectively. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the infarcted myocardium were evaluated by Western blotting, real‐time PCR and colorimetry, respectively, at 1 hr, 1 day and 1 week after laser irradiation. Cell survival was assayed with quantitative real‐time PCR to identify Y chromosome gene and apoptosis was assayed with transferase‐mediated dUTP end labelling staining. Capillary density, myogenic differentiation and left ventricular function were tested by immunohistochemistry and echocardiography, respectively, at 1 week. After LLLI precondition, increased VEGF and GRP78 expression, as well as the enhanced SOD activity and inhibited MDA production, was observed. Compared with BMSC transplantation and culture media injection group, although there was no difference in the improved heart function and myogenic differentiation, LLLI precondition significantly enhanced early cell survival rate by 2‐fold, decreased the apoptotic percentage of implanted BMSCs in infarcted myocardium and thus increased the number of newly formed capillaries. Taken together, LLLI precondition could be a novel non‐invasive approach for intraoperative cell transplantation to enhance cell early survival and therapeutic potential.
The aortic ring model of angiogenesis: a quarter century of search and discovery
Authors: Nicosia R. F.
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Summary and conclusion

The aortic ring model has become one of the most widely used methods to study angiogenesis and its mechanisms. Many factors have contributed to its popularity including reproducibility, cost effectiveness, ease of use and good correlation with in vivo studies. In this system aortic rings embedded in biomatrix gels and cultured under chemically defined conditions generate arborizing vascular outgrowths which can be stimulated or inhibited with angiogenic regulators. Originally based on the rat aorta, the aortic ring model was later adapted to the mouse for the evaluation of specific molecular alterations in genetically modified animals. Viral transduction of the aortic rings has enabled investigators to overexpress genes of interest in the aortic cultures. Experiments on angiogenic mechanisms have demonstrated that formation of neovessels in aortic cultures is regulated by macrophages, pericytes and fibroblasts through a complex molecular cascade involving growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, axonal guidance cues, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and matrix‐degrading proteolytic enzymes. These studies have shown that endothelial sprouting can be effectively blocked by depleting the aortic explants of macrophages or by interfering with the angiogenic cascade at multiple levels including growth factor signalling, cell adhesion and proteolytic degradation of the ECM. In this paper, we review the literature in this field and retrace the journey from our first morphological descriptions of the aortic outgrowths to the latest breakthroughs in the cellular and molecular regulation of aortic vessel growth and regression.
Melatonin and dehydroepiandrosterone combination: does this treatment exert a synergistic effect during experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection?
Authors: Kuehn Christian C. , Rodrigues Oliveira Luiz G. , Santos Carla Domingues , Ferreira Daniele Silva , Alonso Toldo Míriam P. , De Albuquerque Sérgio , Do Prado José Clóvis
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Previous studies showed that melatonin or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances the immune response against parasitic pathogens. The present study investigated the in vitro activity of melatonin combined with DHEA in a period of 24 hr during the course of in vivo T. cruzi infection. The in vitro activity of melatonin or DHEA alone, as well as together, were tested for the trypomastigote forms (doses ranging from 0.5 to 128 μm). In vitro, neither melatonin nor DHEA alone had any activity against trypomastigote forms, although when the highest concentration of combined melatonin and DHEA was used, it was active against the trypomastigote forms of the parasite. However, for this concentration, a quite toxicity on peritoneal macrophages was observed. For in vivo evaluation, male Wistar rats were infected with the Y strain of T. cruzi. They were orally treated with 10 mg/kg body weight/day of melatonin and subcutaneously with 40 mg/kg body weight/day of DHEA. Treatment with melatonin, DHEA and the association showed a significant reduction in the number of blood trypomastigotes during the acute phase of infection as compared to untreated animals (P < 0.05). A significant increase in the number of macrophages and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were observed during the peak of parasitaemia with melatonin alone or combined with DHEA. However, with DHEA alone the highest concentration of NO was observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, DHEA treatment increased TNF‐alpha levels during the infection (P < 0.05). These results show that melatonin, DHEA or the combination of both reduces parasitemia during the acute phase of infection. The combined action of both molecules did not exert a synergic action on the host’s ability to fight infection, and it seems that among all treatments DHEA induces a more efficient immune response.
Novel Shuttling Domain in a Regulator (RSC1A1) of Transporter SGLT1 Steers Cell Cycle‐Dependent Nuclear Location
Authors: Filatova Alina , Leyerer Marina , Gorboulev Valentin , Chintalapati Chakravarthi , Reinders Yvonne , Müller Thomas D. , Srinivasan Aruna , Hübner Stefan , Koepsell Hermann
Published: September 2009

The gene product of RSC1A1, RS1, participates in the regulation of the Na+‐d‐glucose cotransporter SGLT1. RS1 inhibits release of SGLT1 from the trans Golgi network. In subconfluent LLC‐PK1 cells, RS1 migrates into the nucleus and modulates transcription of SGLT1, whereas most confluent cells do not contain RS1 in the nuclei. We showed that confluence‐dependent nuclear location of RS1 is because of different phases of the cell cycle and identified a RS1 nuclear shuttling domain (RNS) with an associated protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation site (RNS‐PKC) that mediates cell cycle‐dependent nuclear location. RNS‐PKC contains a novel non‐conventional nuclear localization signal interacting with importin β1, a nuclear export signal mediating export via protein CRM1 and a Ca2+‐dependent calmodulin binding site. PKC and calmodulin compete for binding to RNS‐PKC. Mutagenesis experiments and analyses of the phosphorylation status suggest the following sequences of events. Subconfluent cells without and with synchronization to the G2/M phase contain non‐phosphorylated RNS‐PKC that mediates nuclear import of RS1 but not its export. During confluence or synchronization of subconfluent cells to the G2/M phase, phosphorylation of RNS‐PKC mediates rapid nuclear export of RS1.
Regeneration traits are structuring phylogenetic diversity in cork oak (Quercus suber) woodlands
Authors: Coca Manuel , Pausas Juli G.
Published: September 2009

Question: What factors determine the deviations from the relationship between species richness (which considers species as independent entities) and phylogenetic diversity (PD) (which considers species relatedness)? What are the implications for community composition and phylogenetic structure?

Location: Los Alcornocales Natural Park (36°03′–36°45′N and 5°20′–5°45′W), in southern Iberian Peninsula (Spain).

Methods: We recorded all woody species and geographical features on 94 (20 m × 20 m) plots of cork oak woodlands. Disturbance information was obtained from the Park records; precipitation was estimated from local maps. PD was computed as the minimum total length of all the phylogenetic branches spanning the set of species on each site. Then, PD was regressed against species richness to test to what extent the unexplained variance in this relationship could be accounted for by environmental variables and disturbances, and against the representation of species with different regeneration strategies.

Results: Species richness and PD are strongly related; however, the remaining variability can be explained by: (1) precipitation and disturbance, and (2) the proportion of seeder species. Thus, the PD both of areas with low precipitation and high disturbance, and of areas with a high representation of seeder species, is lower than what would be expected from the species richness.

Conclusions: Regeneration traits are important in structuring plant community composition; specifically, they contribute to shaping biodiversity in Mediterranean ecosystems. Species richness tends to overestimate biodiversity in highly disturbed systems.
Autonomy Markers in Brazilian Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Dos Santos Flávia Heloísa , Groth Silvana Maria , Machado Maria Luiza
Published: September 2009

The objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between autonomy markers in adult people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and variables such as intelligence quotient (IQ), early aging, and literacy. Participants were 47 adults with ID (33 men; aged 28–58 years with nonspecific etiology, 34 literate). All participants were trainees at the Center for Training of Capacity and Orientation for Employment at Associação de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais de São Paulo, São Paulo State, Brazil. They were divided into two age groups: younger (n = 27, mean age 31.85; ±2.23), and older (n = 38, mean age 41.84; ±5.54). They were administered intelligence scales twice, and answered questions related to social participation, community integration, and choice‐making; the percentage of item responses leaning toward self‐determination and freedom in choice‐making was considered in defining the autonomy score. For both groups, IQ declined from the first to the second assessment. Autonomy scores were more determined by IQ classification than by literacy. Authors concluded that autonomy in people with ID is a multifactorial phenomenon associated with cognitive decline.
Transgenic Cdx2 induces endogenous Cdx1 in intestinal metaplasia of Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach
Authors: Mutoh Hiroyuki , Hayakawa Hiroko , Sakamoto Hirotsugu , Sashikawa Miho , Sugano Kentaro
Published: September 2009

Cdx1 and Cdx2, which are transcription factors regulating normal intestinal development, have been studied as potential key molecules in the pathogenesis of the precancerous intestinal metaplasia of the human stomach. However, the regulation of Cdx1 expression in the intestinal metaplasia is poorly understood. Cdx2‐expressing gastric mucosa of Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach was replaced by intestinal metaplastic mucosa. The aim of this study was to investigate the following: (a) Cdx1 expression in the intestinal metaplastic mucosa of the Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach; and (b) the relationship between Cdx1 and Cdx2. A mouse model of intestinal metaplasia, the Cdx2‐transgenic mouse, was used to investigate Cdx1 gene expression by RT‐PCR. DNA methylation profile analysis was performed by bisulfite sequencing, and the interaction of Cdx2 with the Cdx1 promoter was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and luciferase reporter assays. Cdx2 mRNA was expressed in the Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach. However, endogenous Cdx2 mRNA was not expressed in the intestinal metaplasia of the Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach. On the other hand, endogenous Cdx1 mRNA and protein were expressed in the intestinal metaplasia of the Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach. The Cdx1 promoter was unmethylated in the intestinal metaplasia of the Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that Cdx2 was bound to the Cdx1 promoter region in the intestinal metaplasia and the normal intestine. Cdx2 upregulated and siRNA‐Cdx2 downregulated the transcriptional activity of the Cdx1 gene in the human gastric carcinoma cell lines AGS, MKN45, and MKN74. In conclusion, transgenic Cdx2 induced endogenous Cdx1 through the binding of Cdx2 to the unmethylated Cdx1 promoter region in the intestinal metaplasia of the Cdx2‐transgenic mouse stomach.
Sexual Dysfunctions and Suicidality in Patients with Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Depression
Authors: Dell’Osso Liliana , Carmassi Claudia , Carlini Marina , Rucci Paola , Torri Paolo , Cesari Daniela , Landi Paola , Ciapparelli Antonio , Maggi Mario
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Impairment in sexual function is frequent and underestimated in patients with mental disorders, particularly in those with mood disorders. Few studies have examined the relationship between sexual dysfunctions and the clinical characteristics of mood disorders.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to explore the frequency of sexual dysfunctions in patients with bipolar I disorder (BD) and unipolar depression (UD) with respect to control subjects, as well as their relationship with suicidality.

Main Outcome Measures

Assessments included: the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (SCID-I/P), the 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Mood Spectrum Self-Report, a questionnaire exploring lifetime mood spectrum symptomatology including symptoms of sexual functioning and suicidality.

Methods

A consecutive sample of 142 patients (60 BD and 82 UD) and a comparison group of 101 control subjects were recruited in a multicenter study involving 11 academic departments of psychiatry.

Results

Lifetime impairment in the sexual response cycle, including desire, excitement, and ability to achieve orgasm, was significantly more common in patients with mood disorders compared with control subjects. Increase in sexual activity and promiscuity were significantly more common in patients with BD vs. the other two groups.

Lifetime dysfunctions in all three phases of the sexual response cycle explored were significantly associated with lifetime suicide attempts in patients with BD and with thoughts of death in patients with UD. In BD patients, the lifetime presence of periods with frequent changes of sexual partners was significantly associated with thoughts of death.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the importance of assessing sexual dysfunctions in patients with either BD or UD, as they may be clinically helpful in identifying phenotypes of mood disorders characterized by high suicidality.
Vaginal Orgasm Is Associated with Vaginal (Not Clitoral) Sex Education, Focusing Mental Attention on Vaginal Sensations, Intercourse Duration, and a Preference for a Longer Penis
Authors: Brody Stuart , Weiss Petr
Published: September 2009

Introduction

Evidence was recently provided for vaginal orgasm, orgasm triggered purely by penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI), being associated with better psychological functioning. Common sex education and sexual medicine approaches might undermine vaginal orgasm benefits.

Aims

To examine the extent to which women’s vaginal orgasm consistency is associated with (i) being told in childhood or adolescence that the vagina was the important zone for inducing female orgasm; (ii) how well they focus mentally on vaginal sensations during PVI; (iii) greater PVI duration; and (iv) preference for above-average penis length.

Methods

In a representative sample of the Czech population, 1,000 women reported their vaginal orgasm consistency (from never to almost every time; only 21.9% never had a vaginal orgasm), estimates of their typical foreplay and PVI durations, what they were told in childhood and adolescence was the important zone for inducing female orgasm, their degree of focus on vaginal sensations during PVI, and whether they were more likely to orgasm with a longer than average penis.

Main Outcome Measures

The association of vaginal orgasm consistency with the predictors noted above.

Results

Vaginal orgasm consistency was associated with all hypothesized correlates. Multivariate analysis indicated the most important predictors were being educated that the vagina is important for female orgasm, being mentally focused on vaginal sensations during PVI, and in some analyses duration of PVI (but not foreplay) and preferring a longer than average penis.

Conclusions

Focusing attention on penile–vaginal sensation supports vaginal orgasm and the myriad benefits thereof.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—ENDOCRINOLOGY: Comparison of Free Testosterone Results by Analog Radioimmunoassay and Calculated Free Testosterone in an Ambulatory Clinical Population
Authors: Moreno Sergio A. , Shyam Anita , Morgentaler Abraham
Published: September 2009

Introduction

The most widely used method for measuring free testosterone (FT) is by analog immunoassay (aFT); however, this assay has been criticized as unreliable based on laboratory studies in small groups of men. Calculated FT (cFT), derived from total testosterone (TT) and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) values has been recommended in its place. There are limited data comparing aFT and cFT in clinical populations.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to compare aFT with cFT in a population of ambulatory men in a clinical setting.

Methods

Medical records were reviewed for 100 randomly selected men in a urology practice, yielding 140 test results complete for TT, aFT, and SHBG. Calculated FT was determined via an online calculator. Comparisons were made with Pearson rank coefficients.

Main Outcome Measures

Pearson rank correlation between aFT and cFT.

Results

Mean patient age was 52.3 ± 14.3 years (range 24–80). Mean TT was 443.0 ± 208.3 ng/dL (range 110–1276). Mean aFT was 1.22 ± 0.54 ng/dL (range 0.24–3.8) and mean cFT 9.4 ± 4.5 ng/dL (range 1.8–27.8). Mean SHBG was 34.2 ± 19.5 nmol/L (range 9–127). A strong correlation was observed for aFT and cFT (r = 0.88, P <0.0001), particularly at low concentrations. Significant correlations were also noted between aFT and TT (r = 0.73, P <0.0001), and between cFT and TT (r = 0.82, P <0.0001). Numerical values for aFT were approximately one-eighth of the values obtained for cFT. Neither aFT nor cFT correlated with SHBG.

Conclusions

A strong correlation was observed between aFT and cFT in this clinical population of ambulatory men. Different sets of reference values must be applied for each of these tests.
Effects of photoperiod on gluconeogenic activity and total lipid concentration in organs of crabs, Neohelice granulata, challenged by salinity changes
Authors: Chittó Ana Lúcia Fernandes , Schein Vanessa , Etges Rodrigo , Kucharski Luiz Carlos , Da Silva Roselis Silveira Martins
Published: September 2009

Abstract. This study assessed the effects of long (LD) or short (SD) days on the conversion of [14C]‐glycerol to [14C]‐glucose and total lipid concentration in organs of the crab Neohelice granulata challenged by a change in external salinity. In the 20‰‐acclimated crabs, no difference was found in the concentration of total lipids in the muscle, hepatopancreas, gills, or hemolymph between crabs acclimated to SD or LD. In SD crabs, the total lipid levels in the anterior and posterior gills did not decrease during an osmotic challenge. Only in the posterior gills did the total lipid levels decrease during acclimation to the 34‰ medium in LD animals. The total lipid concentration in the hemolymph decreased after 1 d of osmotic stress in SD, and increased in the hepatopancreas. In LD crabs, the lipid contents decreased gradually in muscle, and in the hepatopancreas on day 3 after transfer to 34‰ medium. In 20‰‐acclimated crabs, the gluconeogenesis activity in both sets of gills was higher in LD than in SD animals. The gluconeogenesis capacity decreased in both sets of gills on the first day of osmotic challenge in SD, and in the posterior gills on the third day in LD crabs. These results suggest that in organs of N. granulata, photoperiod affects the metabolic adjustments to an osmotic challenge.
Small‐Sample Equating Using a Single‐Group Nearly Equivalent Test (SiGNET) Design
Authors: Puhan Gautam , Moses Timothy P. , Grant Mary C. , McHale Frederick
Published: September 2009

A single‐group (SG) equating with nearly equivalent test forms (SiGNET) design was developed by Grant to equate small‐volume tests. Under this design, the scored items for the operational form are divided into testlets or mini tests. An additional testlet is created but not scored for the first form. If the scored testlets are testlets 1–6 and the unscored testlet is testlet 7, then the first form is composed of testlets 1–6 and the second form is composed of testlets 2–7. The seven testlets are administered as a single administered form, and when a sufficient number of examinees have taken the administered form, the second form (testlets 2–7) is equated to the first form (testlets 1–6) using an SG equating design. As evident, this design facilitates the use of an SG equating and allows for the accumulation of data, both of which may reduce equating error. This study compared equatings under the SiGNET and common‐item equating designs and found lower equating error for the SiGNET design in very small sample size conditions (e.g., N = 10).
REMOVAL OF LIPID AND CHOLESTEROL FROM GOAT PLACENTA BY SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE EXTRACTION
Authors: LIU GUANGMIN , ZHENG YUANYUAN , XU XIANG , LIU XUAN , YUAN FANG , GAO YANXIANG
Published: September 2009

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction was applied to remove lipid and cholesterol from the freeze‐dried goat placenta. The effects of process parameters including pressure, temperature, moisture content and particle size on the lipid and cholesterol removal efficiencies were investigated. The composition of fatty acid in the lipid extracted by SC‐CO2 was compared with those by traditional extraction techniques with n‐hexane and chloroform/methanol mixture, respectively. The cholesterol content in placenta was reduced to 7.09 mg/g (equal to 96% removal efficiency,) and 80% lipid recovery were achieved by SC‐CO2 extraction at 30 MPa and 47.5C with 15 L/h for CO2 flow rate and 5.2% moisture content of raw material. Therefore, supercritical carbon dioxide extraction is suitable for effective and selective removal of lipid and cholesterol from goat placenta.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Supercritical fluid extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) nowadays has been considered a new alternative for benign extraction of natural compounds. SC‐CO2 extraction has been successfully applied to lower the cholesterol level in many animal products such as beef, chicken, pork, cow brain, shrimp and butter oil. This study showed the feasibility of selectively removing lipid and cholesterol from goat placenta with SC‐CO2. Placenta products, with the removal of lipid and cholesterol, can be developed as healthy low‐cholesterol foods.
DESIGN OF PI CONTROLLER WITH INPUT CONSTRAINT: APPLICATION ON BLENDING PROCESS
Authors: CHUA B.L. , TAIP F.S. , AZIZ N.A. , CHOONG T.S.Y.
Published: September 2009

Because of their simplicity, reliability and effectiveness, proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controllers remain the most widely used controllers in the process industries. Actuator saturation is among the most common and significant problem in control systems design. Normal PID controller does not take this into consideration. Normally, an anti‐windup compensator is employed in the system to overcome the problem. In this contribution, a new set of controller tuning relations is developed to tune the PI controller when the system is under saturation. The blending process was described as first order plus time delay (FOPTD) process and an expression is developed for saturation level, U as a function of controller gain, Kc with the range of R 0.4–2 (ratio of time delay to time constant). The proposed tuning rule relate the parameters of the controller to the parameters of a FOPTD model of the plant to a step change in the set point. The proposed method was applied to PI controller and tested on the process of blending system of sweetened condensed milk. The performance of the controller with various tuning formulae incorporated with classical anti‐windup strategies has been compared. The simulation results showed that the proposed method could give satisfactory performance in controlling the process.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The proposed tuning method can be applied to a proportional–integral (PI) controller and can be tested to any first order plus time delay process, for example, spray‐drying process, pasteurization and blending process with or without input saturation. If the final product of the food process is deviated from the set point, it will send a signal to the PI controller tuned by proposed tuning method and the actuator will receive the signal from the PI controller and, finally, the actuator will control the opening of the valve. It can ensure that the controlled variable in the food processes is within the set point and at the same time avoid the input saturation. With this proper control strategy incorporated to any food process, it can ensure the safety of plant and at the same time achieve higher profits.
ULTRASONIC ASSISTED EXTRACTION OF COENZYME Q10 FROM LITCHI (LITCHI CHINENSIS SONN.) PERICARP USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: RAO GUOHUA , SHEN GUANGLIN , XU GUANG
Published: September 2009

Litchi is an exotic fruit in tropical and subtropical areas. In this work, litchi pericarp was chosen to extract coenzyme Q10 by ultrasonic treatment. Response surface methodology was used to build a mathematical model between the yield of coenzyme Q10 and ultrasonic variables (ultrasonic power, time and temperature). The P values of the model and “lack of fit,” as well as R2, were determined to be 0.0006, 0.143 and 0.938, respectively. All these values confirmed that the model had a good fitness to the true behavior. The response surface plots indicated that ultrasonic time and temperature showed apparent effects on the yield of coenzyme Q10. The optimal conditions to obtain the highest yield of coenzyme Q10 were determined to be 127.9 W, 50.0 min and 69.8C. The predicted yield was 135.3 µg/g dry pericarp, which was not significantly (P > 0.05) different to the experimental value determined under the same ultrasonic conditions.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Coenzyme Q10 has been reported to have many pharmaceutical properties such as against heart failure and hypertension. Litchi is a well‐accepted fruit over the world. A significant amount of coenzyme Q10 has been detected in its pericarp. It will be an interesting attempt to investigate the potential of litchi fruit pericarp as the source of coenzyme Q10. Therefore, coenzyme Q10 was extracted from litchi fruit pericarp by ultrasonic treatment in this work. The effects of ultrasonic power, time and temperature on the yield of coenzyme Q10 were measured by response surface methodology. The optimalconditions to obtain the highest yield of coenzyme Q10 were calculated. The results confirmed litchi pericarp as a good source of coenzyme Q10. This research was helpful for extensive development of this special fruit.
THE EFFECT OF SPRING WHEAT STARCH PROPERTIES ON FLOUR TORTILLA QUALITY
Authors: WHITNEY KRISTIN , SIMSEK SENAY , BERZONSKY WILLIAM , OHM JAE‐BOM , SORENSON BRIAN
Published: September 2009

Starch properties affect the end‐use quality of products made from wheat flour. Seven genotypes of wheat flour, having various amounts of amylose, were grown in North Dakota. Flour from these genotypes was tested for starch properties to assess the impact of starch on tortilla quality. Amylose content of flours ranged from 10.38 to 25.35%. Amylose content of the flours showed a correlation of 0.756 (P < 0.05) to the specific volume of tortillas. Amylose content showed a correlation of 0.878 (P < 0.01) to work required to stretch on day 1. There was correlation of 0.769, 0.871 and −0.760 (P < 0.05) between amylose content and force to stretch on days 0, 3 and 7, respectively. Gelatinization and pasting properties of extracted starch were determined and the values were correlated to tortilla quality parameters. Wheat flour starch properties and composition significantly impact tortilla quality, and various low‐amylose flour mixtures could result in enhancement of tortilla quality.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tortilla is a flat bread made from either corn or wheat. They are the second highest‐selling product in the packaged bread category. In this study, flour from seven genotypes of wheat grown at three separate North Dakota locations as well as commercial flour samples were analyzed for their starch properties and tortilla quality. Results of this study showed that wheat flour starch properties and composition significantly impact tortilla quality, and various low‐amylose flour mixtures could result in enhancement of tortilla quality. We believe that tortilla industry can utilize the results of this study in their applications.
General Steady‐State Shape Factor for a Partially Penetrating Well
Authors: Zlotnik Vitaly A. , Goss David , Duffield Glenn M.
Published: September 2009

We present the closed form of a general steady‐state shape factor for a partially penetrating well in a uniform anisotropic aquifer. Our simple analytical expression for the shape factor has a uniform representation for full range of parameters and meets or exceeds the accuracy of previous results obtained through semiempirical methods (e.g., Bouwer and Rice [1976] equations). This general shape factor pertains to the flow of fluids (water or air) in subsurface formations when the upper formation boundary has constant potential and the lower boundary is impermeable. The results of our investigation are directly applicable to analyses of (1) slug tests with falling or rising head and (2) injection/extraction tests with constant head, essential techniques for the characterization of hydraulic conductivity of aquifers, streambeds, or lakebeds as well as the design of aquifer and soil remediation systems.
Could “Acculturation” Effects be Explained by Latent Health Disadvantages among Mexican Immigrants?
Authors: Finch Brian K. , Do Diem Phuong , Frank Reanne , Seeman Teresa
Published: September 2009

This paper tests portions of a new theory of immigrant health by focusing exclusively on latent biomarkers of future health risks. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III, 1988–1994 – we uncover the typically observed immigrant health advantage among recent immigrants that diminishes among long-term immigrants. In addition, we observe worse health among U.S.-born Mexican Americans relative to non-Hispanic Whites. Finally, although our theory suggests that recent immigrants may have latent health risks due to disadvantaged childhood experiences, we do not find evidence in support of this theory.
Recession and Migration: A New Era for Labor Migration?
Authors: Martin Philip
Published: September 2009

The current recession, the worst in a half century, is likely to affect international migration differently than past recessions. In 1973–1974 and 1981–1982, rising oil prices led to recessions in oil-importing countries and economic booms in oil-exporting countries, enabling some migrants to shift from bust to boom areas, as from Europe to the Middle East. The 1997–1998 Asian financial crisis did not spread globally, and was followed by a relatively quick resumption of economic and job growth that attracted migrant workers. The 2008–2009 recession is most severe in countries that had the most severe debt excesses, including the U.S., Spain, and Eastern Europe, and in countries most dependent on trade, including many Asian countries. New deployments of migrants are likely to slow, but what is not yet clear is how many migrants who lose jobs will remain abroad.
Circulating Cardiac Troponin‐I Autoantibodies in Human Plasma and Serum
Authors: Adamczyk Maciej , Brashear R. Jeffrey , Mattingly Phillip G.
Published: September 2009

We identified IgG reactive with human cardiac troponin‐I (cTnI) in plasma and serum samples (N= 1930) from normal blood donors, and in sample cohorts characterized on the basis of clinical biomarkers associated with cardiac, infectious, and autoimmune diseases. cTnI and brain natriuretic peptide were the biomarkers chosen to reflect myocyte damage or left ventricular dysfunction, respectively. The infectious disease cohorts were serologically positive for antibodies to hepatitis B (natural infection), hepatitis C virus, and Chagas (i.e., T.cruzi). The autoimmune cohorts were represented by samples from diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (biomarker: dsDNA) and rheumatoid arthritis (biomarker: rheumatoid factor) subjects. The prevalence of IgG autoantibodies reactive with cTnI was high in the normal donor cohort (95/750, 12.7%). The prevalence in the other sample cohorts was not significantly different from that in the normal blood donors, with the exception of a slight increase in the rheumatoid factor cohort (28/137, 20.4%). The presence of anti‐cTnI IgG in highly reactive samples was confirmed by inhibition with the antigen and further by screening with a library of peptides derived from the human cTnI amino acid sequence. Our data suggest that these autoantibodies are polyspecific, encompassing epitopes across the entire cTnI sequence, including the cardiac‐specific amino terminal region.
TNF‐α Antagonist Survival Rate in a Cohort of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Observed under Conditions of Standard Clinical Practice
Authors: Marchesoni Antonio , Zaccara Eleonora , Gorla Roberto , Bazzani Chiara , Sarzi‐Puttini Piercarlo , Atzeni Fabiola , Caporali Roberto , Bobbio‐Pallavicini Francesca , Favalli Ennio Giulio
Published: September 2009

A cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in the Lombardy Rheumatology Network (LOHREN) registry and receiving anti‐TNF therapy was evaluated after 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. Of the 1114 patients in the registry 1064 met the clinical criteria for inclusion with 519 receiving infliximab, 303 adalimumab, and 242 etanercept. The therapeutic survival curve of these patients showed that the likelihood of continuing anti‐TNF therapy was 78.8% after 12 months, 65.2% after 24 months, and 52.9% after 36 months, with a risk of dropout similar for inefficacy and adverse events. There were 405 anti‐TNF therapy discontinuations (38.1%): 180 (16.9%) due to inefficacy, 194 (18.2%) adverse events, and 31 (2.9%) other reasons. Four deaths (2 septicemia, 1 postinfective cerebritis, 1 heart failure) were considered to be related to anti‐TNF therapy. Of the discontinuations, 219 (54.1%) occurred within the first 12 months: 110 due to adverse events, 89 inefficacy, and 20 due to other reasons. After 36 months, the likelihood of survival on etanercept (62.5%) was significantly greater than the likelihood of survival on infliximab (49.1%) or adalimumab (53.6%). A higher risk of therapy discontinuations due to adverse events was associated with increasing age, a corticosteroid >5 mg/day, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), a higher risk of therapy discontinuations due to inefficacy was associated with the previous use of ≥4 disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and a high ESR. Comorbidities, increasing DAS28 values and co‐therapy with methotrexate were associated with a lower risk of discontinuation.
A New Bone Marrow Transplantation Method for Stem Cell Disorders
Authors: Ikehara Susumu
Published: September 2009

Using animal models for autoimmune diseases, we have previously shown that allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) can be used to treat autoimmune diseases and that autoimmune diseases are hemopoietic stem cell (HSC) disorders. We have recently developed a new BMT method. The method consists of a perfusion method (PM) plus intrabone marrow (IBM)‐BMT. The PM, in comparison with conventional aspiration, can minimize the contamination of BMCs with T cells from peripheral blood, and consequently no graft‐versus‐host disease develops. Because bone marrow cells collected by the PM contain not only HSCs but also mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), the injection of both cells directly into the bone marrow cavity facilitates the engraftment of donor hemopoietic cells. Using this new method, we show that most age‐associated diseases, such as osteoporosis and emphysema, are MSC disorders and, on the basis of this evidence, propose a new concept of stem cell disorders, including HSC and MSC disorders. We believe that the advent of IBM‐BMT and our proposed concept herald a revolution in the field of transplantation (BMT and organ transplantation) and regeneration medicine.
Correlation Between Clinical Activity and Serological Markers in a Wide Cohort of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Villegas‐Zambrano Neifred , Martínez‐Taboada Victor M. , Bolívar Ainhoa , Martín María San , Alvarez Lorena , Marín María José , López‐Hoyos Marcos
Published: September 2009

Titers of serum anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies (anti‐dsDNA Abs) and C3 and C4 are used for monitoring systematic lupis erythematosus (SLE) patients. Here, we assessed the relationship between the clinical activity index (SLEDAI) and serum titers of anti‐dsDNA Abs, C3, and C4 in an 8‐year prospective study conducted in 194 SLE patients. The association of anti‐dsDNA Abs and complement with M‐SLEDAI was significant but low. Ninety‐eight of the 194 patients were selected because they were followed for at least 5 years. We observed four types of clinical‐serological patterns: parallelism between serum and clinical activity (n= 24), clinical quiescence with partial serum activity (n= 30), clinical quiescence but serologically fully active (n= 18), and clinical activity but serologically quiescent (n= 21). The serological markers evaluated are of limited utility in the monitoring of SLE patients and their use must be individualized.
NGF and Its Receptor System
Authors: Raychaudhuri Smriti K. , Raychaudhuri Siba P.
Published: September 2009

A contributing role of nerve growth factor (NGF)‐mediated neuroimmunologic mechanisms has provided a new dimension in the understanding of various cutaneous and systemic inflammatory diseases. Recent evidence implicates NGF as a key mediator of inflammation and pain. NGF influences an inflammatory reaction by regulating neuropeptides, angiogenesis, cell trafficking molecules, and T cell activation. All of these functions of NGF are relevant in maintenance or initiation of the critical biologic events in various rheumatologic conditions. The recognition of a pathologic role of NGF and its receptor system has provided an attractive opportunity to develop a novel class of therapeutics for inflammatory diseases and chronic pain syndromes. In this chapter we will discuss the role of NGF and its receptor system in psoriatic disease, inflammatory arthritis, and arthritic pain of osteoarthritis.
Genetic and Epigenetic Control of the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class Ib Gene HLA‐G in Trophoblast Cell Lines
Authors: Holling Tjadine M. , Bergevoet Marloes W.T. , Wierda Rutger J. , Van Eggermond Marja C.J.A. , Van Den Elsen Peter J.
Published: September 2009

The transcriptional regulation of the major histocompatibility complex class (MHC) Ib gene HLA‐G differs from the classical MHC class I genes. The cis‐acting regulatory elements typical for classical MHC class I promoters are divergent in the promoter of HLA‐G, rendering this gene unresponsive to NF‐κB, IRF‐1, and class II transactivator (CIITA)‐mediated activation pathways. However, as we have previously shown, transactivation of HLA‐G is regulated by CREB‐1. Because CREB‐1 is ubiquitously expressed, this observation does not explain the tissue‐restricted expression of HLA‐G in extravillous cytotrophoblasts. Using HLA‐G‐expressing JEG‐3 cells and HLA‐G‐deficient JAR trophoblast‐derived choriocarcinoma cells as a model, we have investigated the contribution of DNA methylation and histone acetylation in the transcriptional activation of HLA‐G. Despite similar levels of DNA methylation both in JEG3 and JAR cells, we found the levels of histone acetylation in HLA‐G promoter chromatin to be significantly enhanced in JEG3 cells coinciding with HLA‐G expression.
Infectious Serologies and Autoantibodies in Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lidar Merav , Langevitz Pnina , Barzilai Ori , Ram Maya , Porat‐Katz Bat‐Sheba , Bizzaro Nicola , Tonutti Elio , Maieron Roberto , Chowers Yehuda , Bar‐Meir Simon , Shoenfeld Yehuda
Published: September 2009

The aim of this study was to reevaluate the role of infection in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Sera from 119 patients with IBD [80 with Crohn's disease (CD); 39 with ulcerative colitis] and 98 healthy controls were assessed using the Bio‐Rad BioPlex 2200 for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, Treponema pallidum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and anti‐Helicobacter pylori antibodies were assessed by ELISA. In addition, sera were tested for a panel of antibodies associated with thrombophilia as well as various autoantibodies. Titers of antibodies toward HCV and T. gondii, and S. cerevisiae were higher in IBD patients than in controls, while the H. pylori autoantibodies were less prevalent among the patient population. Several thrombophilia‐associated antibodies were more common in CD patients, and a single patient had a thromboembolic event. Our results show an excess of anti‐HCV and anti‐T. gondii antibodies among patients with IBD compared to healthy controls. Whereas the former may be the result of immunosuppression from the inflammatory disease itself or from the medications used to treat it, the latter association suggests that T. gondii is involved in the etiopathogenesis of IBD, and especially CD, in humans, as has been shown in the murine model. However, our findings also reiterate the positive association between CD and anti‐S. cerevisiae antibodies as well as the negative association with H. pylori infections. These, in turn, lend indirect support to the “hygiene hypothesis” in IBD as well as the newly proposed role of commensal bacteria in the initiation of the disease process.