bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research in practice: Different dendritic cell types in skin with various functions – important implications for intradermal vaccines
Authors: von Stebut Esther
Published: May 2011

It was long believed that epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) are responsible for the initiation of cellular immunity. Only recently it has been shown that in skin alone 5 different subtypes of dendritic cells (DC) can be identified. Among these, LC, but also two Langerin‐expressing dermal DC populations and two more Langerin‐negative DC subtypes exist. Novel findings in the model disease leishmaniasis, as well as evidence from research in contact hypersensitivity, have revealed that activation of LC in skin leads to induction of regulatory, immunosuppressive T cells, whereas the other skin DC subtypes stimulate effector T cells. Thus, when producing vaccines designed for intradermal use, it would seem advisable to attempt to activate dermal DC subtypes while avoiding activation of epidermal LC.
Physiological aspects of human milk lipids and implications for infant feeding: a workshop report
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Agostoni Carlo , Bergmann Renate , Ritzenthaler Kristin , Shamir Raanan
Published: May 2011

The biology of human milk and lactation helps understand the physiology of breastfed infants. The compositional and biological effects of human milk lipids have received considerable interest regarding their modulating effects on growth, metabolism and functions of the cardiovascular, immune and nervous system.

Conclusion:  This paper describes key aspects of a scientific workshop focused on current knowledge, unresolved questions and future research needs in the area of human milk lipids and their physiological effects in infants.
Evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions to prevent delirium
Authors: Wand Anne Pamela Frances
Published: May 2011

The aim of this study was to combine knowledge about how clinicians learn with a review of educational interventions to prevent delirium in hospitalised patients. The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of approaches to delirium education. A detailed search of educational and medical databases was undertaken. The type of intervention used was classified according to the PRECEED model of Green and colleagues, using factors relevant to behaviour change in health promotion. The effectiveness of the intervention was determined by assessing changes in staff performance and patient outcomes. Nineteen studies of variable design and quality were identified. Studies using predisposing, enabling and reinforcing strategies together were more often effective in producing changes in staff behaviour and patient outcomes. Education and guidelines used together or in combination have little effect. When strategies to enable and reinforce changes in clinical practice are used together with education sessions, outcomes for patients are more positive.
Phosphorylation is the major mechanism regulating isocitrate lyase activity in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis yeast cells
Authors: da Silva Cruz Aline H. , Brock Matthias , Zambuzzi‐Carvalho Patrícia F. , Santos‐Silva Ludier K. , Troian Rogério F. , Góes Alfredo M. , de Almeida Soares Célia M. , Pereira Maristela
Published: May 2011

The glyoxylate cycle plays an essential role for anaplerosis of oxaloacetate during growth of microorganisms on carbon sources such as acetate or fatty acids and has been shown to contribute to virulence of several pathogens. Here, we investigated the transcriptional and post‐translational regulation of the glyoxylate cycle key enzyme isocitrate lyase (PbICL) in the human pathogenic fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Although sequence analyses on fungal isocitrate lyases revealed a high phylogenetic conservation, their regulation seems to differ significantly. Closely related Aspergillus species regulate the glyoxylate cycle at the transcriptional level, whereas Pbicl was constitutively expressed in yeast cells. However, only low PbICL activity was detected when cells were grown in the presence of glucose. Two‐dimensional gel analyses with subsequent antibody hybridization revealed constitutive production of PbICL, but low PbICL activity on glucose coincided with extensive protein phosphorylation. Since an in vitro dephosphorylation of PbICL from glucose grown cells strongly increased ICL activity and resembled the phosphorylation pattern of highly active acetate grown cells, post‐translational modification seems the main mechanism regulating PbICL activity in yeast cells. In agreement, a transfer of yeast cells from glucose to acetate medium increased PbICL activity without requirement of de novo protein synthesis. Thus, inactivation of PbICL by phosphorylation is reversible, denoting a new strategy for the rapid adaptation to changing environmental conditions.
Asian Tapirs Are No Elephants When It Comes To Seed Dispersal
Authors: Campos‐Arceiz Ahimsa , Traeholt Carl , Jaffar Razak , Santamaria Luis , Corlett Richard T.
Published: May 2011

The elimination of the largest herbivores (elephants and rhinoceroses) from many forests in tropical East Asia may have severe consequences for plant species that depend on them for seed dispersal. We assessed the capacity of Malayan tapirs Tapirus indicus—the next largest nonruminant herbivore in the region—as a substitute for the lost megafauna in this role by studying their ability to disperse the seeds of nine fleshy‐fruited plants with seeds 5–97 mm in length. We combined information from feeding trials, germination tests, and field telemetry to assess the effect of tapir consumption on seed viability and to estimate how far the seeds would be dispersed. The tapirs (N=8) ingested few seeds. Seed survival through gut passage was moderately high for small‐seeded plants (e.g., 36.9% for Dillenia indica) but very low for medium‐ (e.g., 7.6% for Tamarindus indica) and large‐seeded (e.g., 2.8% for Artocarpus integer) plants. Mean seed gut passage times were long (63–236 h) and only the smallest seeds germinated afterwards. Using movement data from four wild tapirs in Peninsular Malaysia we estimated mean dispersal distances of 917–1287 m (range=22–3289 m) for small‐seeded plants. Malayan tapirs effectively dispersed small‐seeded plants but acted as seed predators for the large‐seeded plants included in our study, suggesting that they cannot replace larger herbivores in seed dispersal. With the absence of elephants and rhinos many megafaunal‐syndrome plants in tropical East Asia are expected to face severe dispersal limitation problems.
DEGRADATION KINETICS AND COLOR STABILITY OF SPRAY‐DRIED ENCAPSULATED ANTHOCYANINS FROM HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA L.
Authors: IDHAM ZUHAILI , MUHAMAD IDA IDAYU , SARMIDI MOHD ROJI
Published: May 2011

Dry powder of red color from roselle calyces, which can be used as natural colorant and functional food ingredient, was produced using microencapsulation technique. Four different matrices, i.e., maltodextrin, gum Arabic, combination of maltodextrin and gum Arabic, and soluble starch were used for encapsulation study. Identification and measurement of anthocyanins in encapsulated roselle was made by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Encapsulation efficiencies were determined and compared with storage analysis data. The stability of encapsulated pigments was investigated during storage under three different storage temperatures (4, 25 and 37C) until 105 days. The four type of matrices largely increased the half‐life of the pigments during storage especially at 37C (P < 0.05) compared with the non‐encapsulated roselle extract. Storage temperature did not significantly (P > 0.05) effect the L*, a* and b* values. However, type of encapsulation agent and storage time significantly (P < 0.05) affected the color changes. The L* and a* values were decreased during storage whereas the b* value was increased. Combination of maltodextrin and gum Arabic showed the highest encapsulation efficiencies (99.87 ± 0.04%), lower degradation rate in 4C (3.7 ± 0.3) and had smaller changes in a* and b* values among the four matrices.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

A spectrum of natural, red‐hue primer colorants derived from roselle plant extracts, substantially free of alkaloids, enzymes, aroma or solvent residuals, and microencapsulated to ensure good stability and shelf life. This study measures the storage stability and suitability of the microencapsulated natural colorants. The colorants are for functional use in the food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other industries.
DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF A DRINK UTILIZING CITRUS (CITRUS UNSHIU) PEEL EXTRACT
Authors: KIM JONG KOOK , BAIK MOO YEOL , HAHM YOUNG TAE , KIM BYUNG YONG
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTS

Citrus (Citrus unshiu) peel extracts were utilized to develop a drink using a mixture design and optimization process. The contents of narirutin and hesperidin in the citrus peel extracts, as determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography, were 10.25 and 7.65 mg/g, respectively. Residual pesticides in the citrus peel, such as chlorobenzilate, diethofencarb, malathion, methiocarb and carbaryl, were not detected. Heavy metals, including lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), were determined as 16.00 and 6.55 µg/g prior to washing the citrus peels, and 5.83 and 5.83 µg/g after washing, respectively. Development of the drink with citrus peel extract was carried out using fructo‐oligosaccharide syrup and water. The interaction effects of these ingredients were investigated using a modified distance‐based design and analyzed by linear regression models, nonlinear regression models and trace plots. Optimization of the mixture ratio was determined with statistical modeling using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid content and taste tests, all of which are important target constraints in a drink. Every constraint demonstrated a nonlinear canonical form. The response trace plot revealed that DPPH radical scavenging activity, total flavonoid content and taste tests were quite sensitive to citrus peel extract content in the drink. The optimal formulation of the drink was set at 1.974% citrus peel extract, 27.543% fructo‐oligosaccharide syrup and 70.364% water.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Citrus peels extract can be utilized to functional drinks having a narirutin and hesperidin. Mixture design and optimization process enables us to attain the optimal mixture ratio with drink ingredients for the drink. Numerical optimization process can be effectively applied in other food mixture systems.
A MULTISTEP OPTIMIZATION APPROACH FOR THE PRODUCTION OF HEALTHFUL PASTA BASED ON NONCONVENTIONAL FLOURS
Authors: MASTROMATTEO M. , CHILLO S. , CIVICA V. , IANNETTI M. , SURIANO N. , DEL NOBILE M.A.
Published: May 2011

A multistep approach is proposed in this study for optimizing the production process of pasta based on nonconventional flours. The spaghetti samples obtained in the first experimental phase (Step 1) were in quinoa and oat base. In the second step (Step 2), legume flour was added. In the next phase (Step 3), oat was substituted with maize. In the final phase (Step 4), quinoa, maize and soy were used. The dough rheological properties and the sensorial parameters of spaghetti were evaluated. In Step 1, the sample with 60% of quinoa, 10% of pregelatinized quinoa and 30% of oat had appropriate firmness to be extruded. The legume flour added to the dough in Step 2 increased its viscosity. In Step 3, the added maize brought about lower values of viscosity. The spaghetti manufactured in Step 4 had viscosity values similar to that of the previous step but close to that of the durum wheat semolina dough.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

High protein flours can be added to the semolina or be a substitute in production of nonconventional kinds of “pasta” with healthy characteristics or directed to specific targets, such as people following a celiac diet. The amount of nonconventional flour that can be added to or substituted for semolina represents a compromise between nutritional improvement of the pasta and achievement of satisfactory sensory and functional properties. The present work is focused on the manufacturing of spaghetti based on quinoa, oat, chickpea, broad bean, maize and soy flours. A multistep approach is proposed for optimizing the production process of pasta. Moreover, for each experimental step, the rheological properties of the doughs and the sensory characteristics of the spaghetti samples were evaluated. Results of this study could provide the industry useful information about potential utilizing of different grains in food formulations and product development for new functional foods.
ANALYSIS OF MATHEMATICAL MODELS TO DESCRIBE THE MIGRATION OF ADDITIVES FROM PACKAGING PLASTICS TO FOODS
Authors: POÇAS MARIA F. , OLIVEIRA JORGE C. , BRANDSCH RAINER , HOGG TIMOTHY
Published: May 2011

The mathematical modeling of migration of additives from plastics to food simulants was studied using experimental data published in the literature, following two routes: the conventional approach using the solution of Fick's 2nd law, and a kinetic model based on the Weibull distribution function. The objective of this comparison was to permit using a mathematically simpler model equally able to describe migration data, and that could have a generally wider applicability by describing situations more complex than those that simple diffusional phenomena can describe. The relationship between the parameters of the two models was analyzed by regression of data generated by Fick's law using the Weibull model. The results show that the time constant parameter is related to the diffusion coefficient and the material thickness. It depends on temperature and on the molecular weight of the migrant in a similar manner to the diffusion coefficient. The activation energy presented values from 72 to 125 kJ/mol. The shape parameter is a function of the contribution of the mass transfer resistance at the interface. It was independent of temperature and of the migrant, assuming a global constant value of 0.67, for the systems and conditions studied. The results indicate that the Weibull model can be used to describe and analyze the migration of additives from plastics to foods with a meaning of the parameters in terms of the underlying physical phenomena.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The Weibull model can be used to describe the migration from packaging to foods with the advantage of significant simplicity of calculation compared to Fick's 2nd law. The model can be applied in packaging systems with mass transfer processes more complex than those that simple diffusional phenomena can describe. In the migration of components from paper‐based materials (instead of plastics) into solid foods, mass transfer occurs in a heterogeneous medium of paper fibers and air. Migration curves commonly present an initial lag phase for heavier migrants. The sigmoidal‐shape of the migration curves are not adequately described by the established models based in Fick's 2nd law solutions, and the Weibull model is a good alternative. Additionally, this simple model can potentially be used in probabilistic approaches for exposure assessments of consumers to migrants originating from packaging materials.
Unique seasonal forage bases within a local population of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Olin Jill A. , Fair Patricia A. , Recks Melissa A. , Zolman Eric , Adams Jeff , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Using photo‐identification data, bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) populations can be differentiated based on their use of particular estuaries or coastal habitats. Questions remain, however, about the validity of such fine‐scale population partitioning and whether the resulting assemblages utilize unique forage bases. To address the issue of forage base use, stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N) and sulfur (δ34S) were analyzed from skin tissues (n= 74) of bottlenose dolphins sampled seasonally along the coast and in three estuaries near Charleston, South Carolina. Autumn values of δ34S, δ15N, and δ13C and summer values of δ34S indicated that dolphins sampled from these four assemblages utilized unique forage bases, despite limited sample sizes. Likewise, autumn and spring differences in δ15N and δ13C values were evident in the North Edisto River, and in δ34S from dolphins sampled from all three estuarine assemblages; no seasonal differences were identified in the coastal assemblage. Results demonstrate the importance of considering spatial and temporal variation in forage base when developing local management plans for bottlenose dolphin and highlight the discriminatory power of δ34S for estuarine and coastal marine mammals. These results also suggest that stable isotopes could be developed as a complementary tool for photo‐identification based partitioning of bottlenose dolphin populations.
On the Role of Translations in State‐of‐the‐Art Statistical Machine Translation
Authors: Way Andy , Hearne Mary
Published: May 2011

For the state‐of‐the‐art in Machine Translation (MT) to advance, we contend that Statistical MT (SMT) practitioners will have to collaborate with linguists and translators. This has not happened to date for two main reasons: (i) there remain many translators – and even more surprisingly, many experienced MT protagonists – who find the basic model of SMT very difficult to understand; and (ii) while current approaches to MT depend entirely on the availability of large quantities of translated data, very little thought is given to the process by which the data were produced and the kinds of phenomena that are known to exist in real‐translated texts. We argue that much light can be shed on these by looking at the areas of contrastive linguistics and translation studies. In this paper, we describe how central linguists and translators are to the MT process, so that SMT developers and researchers may better understand how to include these previously neglected groups in continuing to advance the state‐of‐the‐art. In a companion paper, we describe the workings of SMT in language that is understandable to linguists and translators. If these constituencies are to make an impact in the field of MT, they need to know how their input is used by the SMT systems, and how they can help in the data annotation phase which is crucial if greater strides are to be made than heretofore.
Clinical multicenter evaluation of a new FXa‐based Antithrombin assay
Authors: MERZ M. , BÖHM‐WEIGERT M. , BRAUN S. , COOPER P. C. , FISCHER R. , HICKEY K. , STEFFAN A. , KEMKES‐MATTHES B. , KITCHEN S.
Published: May 2011

Introduction:  The determination of functional Antithrombin is a central part of thrombophilia screening. In this multicenter study, a new FXa‐based method (INNOVANCE® Antithrombin) was evaluated on four different analyzers.

Methods:  The INNOVANCE Antithrombin method was evaluated by precision and reference interval studies and by comparing the new method with established methods through parallel measurement of samples from 249 patients and 151 apparently healthy individuals.

Results:  The INNOVANCE Antithrombin assay demonstrated on all analyzers repeatability coefficients of variation (CVs) ≤ 3.2% and within‐device and between‐run CVs ≤ 6.9%. The reference intervals of all analyzers are comparable with 2.5th percentiles between 80% and 85% of normal. The INNOVANCE Antithrombin and the FIIa‐based Berichrom® AT III (A) methods demonstrated good concordance with correlation coefficients of r = 0.908 or higher. The INNOVANCE Antithrombin method demonstrated furthermore an excellent comparability with the STA® Antithrombin III assay and an acceptable comparability with the Coamatic® LR Antithrombin assay. The patients with congenital deficiency (n = 31) were identified with all assays except for the patients carrying the P41L heparin‐binding site mutation, which was only identified with the INNOVANCE Antithrombin and the STA Antithrombin III methods.

Conclusion:  The INNOVANCE Antithrombin assay has high sensitivity for Antithrombin deficiencies and is reliable, precise and suitable for routine clinical use.
An Embodied‐Socio‐Psychological Perspective in Health Psychology?
Authors: Santiago Delefosse Marie
Published: May 2011

The author introduces an alternative perspective to the biopsychosocial model in health psychology. In the first part of her article, she presents the major critiques levelled at mainstream research in health psychology. In the second part, she reviews fundamental studies on the place of emotions in corporeality, then studies that are more psycho‐socially oriented and focus on the relationship between health and the social. This literature review shows the necessity of an alternative perspective. The Embodied‐Socio‐Psychological (ESP) perspective which is presented here is based on a historico‐cultural and developmental approach, drawing from Wallon and Vygotsky’s work and supported by current research in neuroscience on mirror neurons as well as by early interaction psychology. The ESP perspective enables accounting for the articulation between embodied emotional development and the development of superior psychological functions within the social and cultural field; during the crisis of serious illness, this articulation is strongly disrupted in its embodied emotional, embodied social as well as socio‐psychological foundations. This perspective proposes going beyond a notion of the ill human being as a juxtaposition of BPS variables, in order to account for the complementary, indissociable and complex articulation of the corporeal, the social and the psychological. It refers to a theoretical approach that is clearly psychological and no longer anchored in a biomedical definition.
‘Oh My Child, What an Inappropriate Spouse for You!’: Asymmetrical Preferences and Parent–Offspring Conflict Over Mating
Authors: Apostolou Menelaos
Published: May 2011

During human evolutionary time, parents have been influential in controlling the mating decisions of their offspring. As a result, they have evolved preferences that enable them to choose as sons‐in‐law and daughters‐in‐law those individuals who are most beneficial for them. Despite parental control over mating, offspring have been able to exercise their own mate choice, and they have evolved preferences which enable them to choose as mates those individuals who are most beneficial for them. However, parents and offspring are not genetically identical and thus they do not share identical interests with respect to mate choice. As a consequence, in‐law and mate preferences do not always converge, with a number of traits being valued differently in an in‐law and in a spouse. Recent advancements in evolutionary psychology have identified specific in‐law and mate preferences, along with specific areas of disagreement between the two. These findings have important implications for psychology, evolutionary theory and the social sciences, which are further explored.
Social Psychology, War and Peace: Towards a Critical Discursive Peace Psychology
Authors: Gibson Stephen
Published: May 2011

In this paper, I make two related arguments: that peace psychology and social psychological peace research should give greater attention to discourse, and that critical discursive approaches in social psychology should explore matters of international military conflict, an area which has hitherto been somewhat neglected in this tradition of work. These arguments are developed in relation to debates concerning the nature and status of psychological ‘science’, and the neglect of language in social and peace psychology. To illustrate the possibilities of a critical discursive approach, research on the discursive function of ‘peace’ is discussed. In conclusion, it is suggested that a critical discursive perspective enables analysts to interrogate a range of assumptions underpinning militaristic ideologies.
The Quest for Multicultural Competence: Challenges and Lessons Learned from Clinical and Organizational Research
Authors: Chao Melody Manchi , Okazaki Sumie , Hong Ying‐yi
Published: May 2011

Multicultural competence refers to the ability to appreciate diversity and to work effectively in multicultural settings. In this increasingly diverse and globalized world, being culturally competent has become more important than ever. Integrating research in counseling and organizational studies, the authors examine the conceptualization of cultural competence across disciplinary boundaries. The authors review pertinent research to dissect the major challenges posted to the quest for cultural competence and conclude that training programs that overemphasize knowing the different ‘Others’ may promote a false sense of competence, and even fuel intergroup hostility and reactance. To enhance cultural competence, we recommend shifting the emphasis in competence trainings from knowing the different ‘Others’ to enhancing critical self‐awareness.
The Future of Social‐Health Psychology: Prospects and Predictions
Authors: Taylor Shelley
Published: May 2011

Social‐health psychology has made substantial contributions to health psychology and is poised to make many more in the future. Some new developments will come from empirical progress in theoretical and empirical social psychology that can elucidate the psychological mechanisms whereby social variables affect health. Others will come from technological advances, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, that will uncover mechanisms that underlie effects of stress, coping, persuasive communications, and other factors on health. Progress will also come from social psychologists’ increasing comfort with biological processes and measures, including genetics and neuroendocrine mechanisms. As such, social‐health psychology will not only continue to enrich both health psychology and social psychology, but increasingly be able to speak to intervention possibilities. Moreover, by virtue of its emphasis on psychobiological mechanisms, social‐health psychology leads the way for an expanding role of social psychology in the integrative science of the future.
Transnational Linkages and Movement Communities
Authors: Aunio Anna‐Liisa , Staggenborg Suzanne
Published: May 2011

To conceptualize the emergence and maintenance of transnational movements and linkages among supporters, we identify three types of movement communities: professional communities, grassroots communities and conscience communities, which are differentiated on bases of location, repertoire and networks. We argue that these ‘imagined communities’ are all critical to the construction of transnational social movement identities and campaigns. Based on this approach, research is needed to show how different types of movement communities are activated by campaigns, what parts they play in the mobilization and outcomes of campaigns, and how linkages are created and maintained among these communities.
Spectrophotometric Determination of Gold (III) after Liquid–Liquid Extraction and Selective Pre‐concentration with a Novel Dibenzo‐18‐Crown‐6 Derivative
Authors: Bulut Volkan N. , Duran Celal , Biyiklioglu Zekeriya , Tufekci Mehmet , Soylak Mustafa
Published: May 2011

A selective and sensitive method for the extraction and spectrophotometric determination of gold with N,N′‐6,7,9,10,17,18,20,21‐octahydrodibenzo[b,k][1,4,7,10,13,16] hexaoxacyclo‐octadecine‐2,13–diylbis(2‐chloroacetamide) (ODBOCA) is described. The ODBOCA–Au(III) complex was extracted from a slightly acidic aqueous solution (pH 5) into a chloroform layer and then the absorbance of the extract was measured using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer with 1.0 cm quartz cells at 540 nm. An enrichment factor of 200 was achieved. In the chloroform medium at 540 nm, the molar absorptivity and Sandell’s sensitivity were 4.12 × 103 l mol−1 cm−1 and 0.048 μg cm−2, respectively. Beer’s law was obeyed in the range of 0.5–15 μg ml−1 in the measured solution. The relative standard deviation for ten replicate samples at the 1.0 μg ml−1 level was 3.0%. The limit of detection, based on 3s, was 0.5 μg l−1 in the original sample. The effects of pH, ligand concentration and shaking time were studied. The ratio of the metal ion to ligand molecules in the complex was found to be 1:2 according to the Job Method. The effects of interference by a number of metal ions were investigated. The method was verified with certified reference materials and spiked tests, and quantitative recovery values were obtained. The method was fast, accurate, selective and precise, and was applied to the determination of gold in water and ore with good results.
Bartonella spp. DNA in Cardiac Tissues from Dogs in Colorado and Wyoming
Authors: Fenimore A. , Varanat M. , Maggi R. , Schultheiss P. , Breitschwerdt E. , Lappin M. R.
Published: May 2011

Background: Several Bartonella species (spp.) have been identified in dogs diagnosed with infectious endocarditis (IE) or myocarditis.

Objective: To interrogate cardiac tissues of dogs with suspected IE for the presence of Bartonella spp. DNA of dogs in the Rocky Mountain states.

Animals: Nine dogs with a clinical diagnosis of endocarditis from January 1990 to June 2008 were included.

Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were searched. Animals were excluded if there was no diagnosis of IE in the original necropsy report. Paraffin embedded tissue blocks and medical records were available from 9 dogs. Total DNA was extracted from the cardiac tissues and assessed for Bartonella spp. DNA by 3 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. For positive samples, the Bartonella spp. were determined by genetic sequencing or fluorogenic real‐time PCR.

Results: Bartonella henselae DNA was amplified from the tissues of 7 dogs; Bartonella vinsonii subsp berkhoffii DNA was amplified concurrently from 3 dogs. Six dogs were from Colorado and 1 was from Wyoming. Flea or tick infestations were reported in 2 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Bartonella spp. should be on the differential list for dogs in the Rocky Mountain states. The results emphasize the need for routine use of external parasite control products even in regions perceived to have low risk for flea and tick infestations.
Should topical opioid analgesics be regarded as effective and safe when applied to chronic cutaneous lesions?
Authors: Farley Peter
Published: May 2011

Objectives

The induction of analgesia for many chronic cutaneous lesions requires treatment with an opioid analgesic. In many patients suffering with these wounds such drugs are either contraindicated or shunned because of their association with death. There are now case reports involving over 100 patients with many different types of chronic superficial wounds, which suggest that the topical application of an opioid in a suitable gel leads to a significant reduction in the level of perceived pain.

Key findings

Some work has been undertaken to elucidate the mechanisms by which such a reduction is achieved. To date there have been no proven deleterious effects of such an analgesic system upon wound healing. Although morphine is not absorbed through the intact epidermis, an open wound provides no such barrier and for large wounds drug absorption can be problematic. However, for most chronic cutaneous lesions, where data has been gathered, the blood levels of the drug applied ranges from undetectable to below that required for a systemic effect.

If proven, the use of opioids in this way would provide adequate analgesia for a collection of wounds, which are difficult to treat in patients who are often vulnerable. Proof of this concept is now urgently required.
Chemical study and anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of the leaves of Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz, Elaeocarpaceae
Authors: Muñoz Orlando , Christen Philippe , Cretton Sylvian , Backhouse Nadine , Torres Vanessa , Correa Olosmira , Costa Edda , Miranda Hugo , Delporte Carla
Published: May 2011

Objectives

Aristotelia chilensis leaves (Elaeocarpaceae) are used in Chilean folk medicine to treat pain and inflammation. A bioguided study was carried out on serial extracts (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, aqueous extract (INFU) and a crude mixture of alkaloids (ALK-MIX). All extracts were evaluated for (1) topical administration against both arachidonic acid and 12-deoxyphorbol-13-decanoate (TPA)-induced inflammation in mice and (2) per-os administration against inflammation by λ-carrageenan-induced paw oedema in guinea-pigs and (3) topical analgesia in tail flick and formalin models and per-os writhing test in mice.

Methods

Greater anti-inflammatory effects were obtained against TPA with dichloromethane extract and methanol extract (63.9 and 66.0%, respectively). INFU showed the most potent effect (56.2%) against arachidonic acid. Greater effects were obtained in the writhing test with hexane and dichloromethane extracts (89.2% both). In the topical analgesia models, all the extracts and ALK-MIX were active with exception of the hexane extract in the formalin assay. In tail flick test, ALK-MIX and the methanol extract were the most active (58.2 and 55.2%, respectively). In relation to the tail formalin assay, the methanol extract (74.1%) was the most active. Concerning antioxidant activity, both INFU and the methanol extract were the most active either in the inhibition of xanthine oxidase (52.9 and 62.7%, respectively) or in the DPPH free radical scavenging activity (EC50 (concentration that produced 50% of activity) = 12.1 and 9.7 µg/ml, respectively).

Key findings

Aristoteline, aristone, serratoline and hobartinol were isolated from ALK-MIX. Ursolic acid, friedelin and quercetin 5,3′-dimethyl ether were present in the dichloromethane extract while quercetin 3-O-β-d-glucoside and kaempferol were present in the methanol extract. From INFU were isolated protopine, aristoteline and caffeic and ferulic acids.

Conclusions

The effects of A. chilensis are herein demonstrated, validating its use in traditional medicine. Protopine is reported for the first time in Elaeocarpaceae.
Prevention of benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation of chymotrypsinogen by PEGylation
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez José A , Rivera-Rivera Izarys , Griebenow Kai
Published: May 2011

Objectives

Addition of the antimicrobial preservative benzyl alcohol to reconstitution buffer promotes the formation of undesirable aggregates in multidose protein formulations. Herein we investigated the efficiency of PEGylation (attachment of poly(ethylene glycol)) to prevent benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation of the model protein α-chymotrypsinogen A (aCTgn).

Methods

Various PEG-aCTgn conjugates were prepared using PEG with a molecular weight of either 700 or 5000 Da by varying the PEG-to-protein ratio during synthesis and the formation of insoluble aggregates was studied. The effect of benzyl alcohol on the thermodynamic stability and tertiary structure of aCTgn was also examined.

Key findings

When the model protein was reconstituted in buffer containing 0.9% benzyl alcohol, copious amounts of buffer-insoluble aggregates formed within 24 h (>10%). Benzyl alcohol-induced aggregation was completely prevented when two or five molecules of PEG with a molecular weight of 5000 Da were attached to the protein, whereas two or four molecules of bound 700 Da PEG were completely inefficient in preventing aggregation. Mechanistic investigations excluded prevention of structural perturbations or increased thermodynamic stability by PEGylation from being responsible for the prevention of aggregation. Simple addition of PEG to the buffer was also inefficient and PEG had to be covalently linked to the protein to be efficient.

Conclusions

The most likely explanation for the protective effect of the 5000 Da PEG is shielding of exposed hydrophobic protein surface area and prevention of protein–protein contacts (molecular spacer effect).
Supersonic Jet Noise Reduction Technologies for Gas Turbine Engines
Authors: Munday David , Heeb Nick , Gutmark Ephraim , Liu Junhui , Kailasanath K.
Published: May 2011

This paper presents observations and simulations of the impact of several technologies on modifying the flow-field and acoustic emissions from supersonic jets from nozzles typical of those used on military aircraft. The flow-field is measured experimentally by shadowgraph and particle image velocimetry. The acoustics are characterized by near- and far-field microphone measurements. The flow- and near-field pressures are simulated by a monotonically integrated large eddy simulation. Use of unstructured grids allows accurate modeling of the nozzle geometry. The emphasis of the work is on “off-design” or nonideally expanded flow conditions. The technologies applied to these nozzles include chevrons, fluidic injection, and fluidically enhanced chevrons. The fluidic injection geometry and the fluidic enhancement geometry follow the approach found successful for subsonic jets by employing jets pitched 60 deg into the flow, impinging on the shear layer just past the tips of the chevrons or in the same axial position when injection is without chevrons.
Optimum Positioning of Ports in the Limaçon Gas Expanders
Authors: Sultan Ibrahim A. , Schaller Carl G.
Published: May 2011

Positive displacement expanders are quickly gaining popularity in the fields of micropower generation and refrigeration engineering. Unlike turbomachines, expanders can handle two-phase flow applications at low speed and flow rate levels. This paper is concerned with a simple-design positive displacement expander based on the limaçon of Pascal. The paper offers an insight into the thermodynamic workings of the limaçon gas expander and presents a mathematical model to describe the manner in which the port locations affect the expander performance. A stochastic optimization technique is adopted to find the locations, for the expander ports, which produce best expander performance for given chamber dimensions. The operating speed and other parameters will be held constant during the optimization procedure. A case study is offered in this paper to prove the validity of the presented approach, and comments are given on how various operating parameters affect system performance in the limaçon design.
Inverse Estimation for Heat Flux Distribution at the Metal-Mold Interface Using Fuzzy Inference
Authors: Zhu Lina , Wang Guangjun , Chen Hong , Luo Zhaoming
Published: May 2011

This study provides a new inverse approach based on fuzzy inference for solving the problem of estimating heat flux distribution at the metal-mold interface in the continuous casting process. Measured temperatures acquired with the thermocouples buried in the mold are used to obtain corresponding inference results with the fuzzy inference. Then according to the importance of measured information for estimating the heat flux distribution, inference results are weighted to realize estimation of heat flux distribution at the metal-mold interface. Some numerical tests are presented to discuss the validity of the present approach by using different initial guesses of heat flux distribution, the number of measuring points, and measurement errors. In comparison with the conjugate gradient method, it is concluded that the method based on fuzzy inference is of a good anti-ill-posed characteristic.
Application of the Euler–Lagrange Method to Model Developed Hydrodynamic Slugs in Conduits
Authors: Guzmán J. E. V. , Zenit R.
Published: May 2011

Hydrodynamic slugging occurs frequently in nature and in various industrial systems. Under certain circumstances, a mechanistic approach to study such flows is possible and the Euler–Lagrange method may be conveniently implemented. Here, the modeling procedure is illustrated with a simple application to a conduit of a general topographic shape. As an example, the model is adapted to simulate the transient pressure response of an oil-industry-like pipeline configuration. The results are validated with experimental data for short, medium, and long slugs. The model constitutes an extension of previous modeling efforts, and illustrates why the usual flow prediction techniques (based on flow-maps) need to be reinterpreted when long slugs are present in such systems.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 3 May 2011
Authors: Mitchell Thomas C. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: May 2011

Two related ligands that activate the same receptor have different effects on immune system stimulation and inflammation.
Separation of Activation and Internalization
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: May 2011

Transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases by G protein–coupled receptors does not always result in internalization.
A Fungus Among Us
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: May 2011

Dectin-1 initiates antifungal responses only when bound to the particulate form of its ligand.
Signal Stealer
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: May 2011

An inhibitory T cell receptor acts by stripping activating ligands off dendritic cells.
CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide 2006 and Miltefosine, a Potential Combination for Treatment of Experimental Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Gupta Suman , Sane Shraddha A. , Shakya Nishi , Vishwakarma Preeti , Haq W.
Published: May 2011

In view of the severe immunosuppression in visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a rational approach to effectively combat the parasitic scourge would be to enhance the immune status of the host. Use of CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG-ODN) against leishmaniasis has previously been reported, especially as an immunomodulator and adjuvant with various immunogens. In the present study, experiments were carried out with BALB/c mice and hamsters infected withLeishmania donovani. Immunostimulating class B bacterial CpG-ODN namely, ODN-2006, was administered at various doses by the intraperitoneal (i.p.) route. The dose of CpG-ODN-2006 (1 nM/single dose) showing the most antileishmanial activity was given as free and liposomal forms with different doses of miltefosine, namely, 5 and 10 mg/kg of body weight, for 5 days in mice and hamsters, respectively. Among the various groups, mice coadministered liposomal CpG-ODN and miltefosine (5 mg/kg) showed the best inhibitory effect (97% parasite inhibition) compared with free CpG-ODN plus miltefosine and miltefosine, free CpG-ODN, and liposomal CpG-ODN given separately. Similar responses were observed in the case of hamsters, where the combination of liposomal CpG-ODN with miltefosine (10 mg/kg) gave 96% parasite inhibition. Promising antileishmanial efficacy was observed in animals treated with liposomal CpG-ODN and miltefosine.
Antimicrobial Penetration and Efficacy in an
In Vitro
Oral Biofilm Model
Authors: Corbin Audrey , Pitts Betsey , Parker Albert , Stewart Philip S.
Published: May 2011

The penetration and overall efficacy of six mouthrinse actives was evaluated by using an
in vitro
flow cell oral biofilm model. The technique involved preloading biofilm cells with a green fluorescent dye that leaked out as the cells were permeabilized by a treatment. The loss of green color, and of biomass, was observed by time-lapse microscopy during 60 min of treatment under continuous flow conditions. The six actives analyzed were ethanol, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), cetylpyridinium chloride, and nisin. Each of these agents effected loss of green fluorescence throughout biofilm cell clusters, with faster action at the edge of a cell cluster and slower action in the cluster center. The time to reach half of the initial fluorescent intensity at the center of a cell cluster, which can be viewed as a combined penetration and biological action time, ranged from 0.6 to 19 min for the various agents. These times are much longer than the predicted penetration time based on diffusion alone, suggesting that anti-biofilm action was controlled more by the biological action time than by the penetration time of the active. None of the agents tested caused any removal of the biofilm. The extent of fluorescence loss after 1 h of exposure to an active ranged from 87 to 99.5%, with CHX being the most effective. The extent of fluorescence loss
in vitro
, but not penetration and action time, correlated well with the relative efficacy data from published clinical trials.
In Vitro
Susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum to Macrolides and Tetracycline Antibiotics
Authors: Loreto Érico Silva , Mario Débora Alves Nunes , Denardi Laura Bedin , Alves Sydney Hartz , Santurio Janio Morais
Published: May 2011

We describe the
in vitro
activity of macrolides and tetracycline antibiotics against
Pythium insidiosum
. The MICs were determined according to CLSI procedures (visual MIC) and by a colorimetric method [3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT)]. The lowest geometric mean (GM) MIC (MICs in μg/ml) (0.39 and 0.7 by visual reading and colorimetric method, respectively) and MIC ranges (0.125 to 2.0) were obtained for minocycline, while the highest MICs were shown for erythromycin (GM of 7.58 and 12.25 by visual reading and colorimetric method, respectively, and MIC ranged from 2 to 32). This significant
in vitro
activity makes these classes of antibiotics good candidates for experimental treatment of pythiosis.
Pharmacokinetics of Lopinavir in HIV-Infected Adults Receiving Rifampin with Adjusted Doses of Lopinavir-Ritonavir Tablets
Authors: Decloedt Eric H. , McIlleron Helen , Smith Peter , Merry Concepta , Orrell Catherine , Maartens Gary
Published: May 2011

Rifampin coadministration dramatically reduces plasma lopinavir (LPV) concentrations. In healthy volunteers, doubling the dose of a lopinavir-ritonavir (LPV/r) capsule formulation overcame this interaction, but a subsequent study of double doses of the tablet formulation was stopped early owing to hepatotoxicity. However, healthy-volunteer study findings may not apply to HIV-infected adults. We evaluated the steady-state pharmacokinetics of LPV in HIV-infected adults virologically suppressed on an LPV/r regimen who were given rifampin, and the dose of the LPV/r tablet formulation was gradually increased. The steady-state pharmacokinetics of LPV/r were evaluated at baseline, a week after commencing rifampin, a week after the LPV/r dose was increased 1.5 times, and a week after the LPV/r dose was doubled. Twenty-one participants were enrolled. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] predose LPV concentrations (C0) were 8.1 (6.2 to 9.8) mg/liter at baseline, 1.7 (0.3 to 3.0) mg/liter after 7 days of rifampin, 5.9 (2.1 to 9.9) mg/liter with 1.5 times the dose of LPV/r, and 10.8 (7.0 to 13.1) mg/liter with double-dose LPV/r. There were no significant differences in the LPV area under the plasma concentration-time curve from 0 to 12 h (AUC0-12),C0,C12, maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax), or half-life (t1/2) between the baseline and double-dose LPV/r time points. Treatment was generally well tolerated, with two participants developing asymptomatic grade 3/4 transaminitis. Doubling the dose of the tablet formulation of LPV/r overcomes induction by rifampin. Less hepatotoxicity occurred in our cohort of HIV-infected participants than was reported in healthy-volunteer studies.