bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of metabonomic analytical techniques in the modernization and toxicology research of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Lao Yong‐Min , Jiang Jian‐Guo , Yan Lu
Published: June 2009

In the recent years, a wide range of metabonomic analytical techniques are widely used in the modern research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). At the same time, the international community has attached increasing importance to TCM toxicity problems. Thus, many studies have been implemented to investigate the toxicity mechanisms of TCM. Among these studies, many metabonomic‐based methods have been implemented to facilitate TCM toxicity investigation. At present, the most prevailing methods for TCM toxicity research are mainly single analysis techniques using only one analytical means. These techniques include nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS), etc.; with these techniques, some favourable outcomes have been gained in the toxic reaction studies of TCM, such as the action target organs assay, the establishment of action pattern, the elucidation of action mechanism and the exploration of action material foundation. However, every analytical technique has its advantages and drawbacks, no existing analytical technique can be versatile. Multi‐analysed techniques can partially overcome the shortcomings of single‐analysed techniques. Combination of GC‐MS and LC‐MS metabolic profiling approaches has unravelled the pathological outcomes of aristolochic acid‐induced nephrotoxicity, which can not be achieved by single‐analysed techniques. It is believed that with the further development of metabonomic analytical techniques, especially multi‐analysed techniques, metabonomics will greatly promote TCM toxicity research and be beneficial to the modernization of TCM in terms of extending the application of modern means in the TCM safety assessment, assisting the formulation of TCM safety norms and establishing the international standards indicators.
Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) expression in canine intracranial meningiomas
Authors: Rossmeisl J. H. , Robertson J. L. , Zimmerman K. L. , Higgins M. A. , Geiger D. A.
Published: June 2009

Meningiomas are the most common canine intracranial tumour. Neurologic disability and death from treatment failure remain problematic despite current surgical and radiotheraputic treatments for canine intracranial meningiomas. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) over‐expression has been demonstrated in multiple canine malignancies, and COX‐2 inhibitory treatment strategies have been shown to have both preventative and therapeutic effects in spontaneous and experimental models of cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate COX‐2 expression in canine intracranial meningiomas. Immunohistochemical and Western blot (WB) analyses showed COX‐2 expression in multiple tissues of the normal canine brain, and 87% (21/24) of intracranial meningiomas studied were immunoreactive to COX‐2. No significant associations between COX‐2 immunoreactivity and tumour grade were identified. Further studies are required to elucidate the physiologic roles of constitutive COX‐2 expression in the central nervous system as well as its participation in meningioma tumourigenesis.
Assessment of Hormone Loss Through Hemofiltration
Authors: Kramer Peter , Matthaei Dieter , Fuchs Christoph , Arnold Rudolf , Ebert Reinhold , McIntosh Christopher , Schauder Peter , Schwinn Gottfried , Scheler Fritz , Ludwig Helga , Spitteller Gerhard
Published: June 2009

The concentrations of testosterone, cortisone, gastrin, insulin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP), somatomedin B, parathyroid hormone (PTH), human growth hormone (HGH) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) have been determined in the plasma and the ultrafiltrate of five uremic patients undergoing intermittent hemofiltration treatment. There was a considerable loss of gastrin, insulin, GIP, somatomedin B and PTH by hemofiltration treatment. The plasma concentrations, however, did not decrease except for immunoreactive‐PTH (IR‐PTH) which returned from elevated to normal levels. Cortisone, HGH and TSH concentrations in the ultrafiltrate were below the measureable range. A significant elimination of 11‐hydroxylated androstans by hemofiltration may have a positive effect on the disturbed steroid metabolism. Results indicate that hemofiltration does not cause a hormone deficiency syndrome. On the contrary, the loss of degradation products of hormones with disturbing biological activity may be a favorable effect of the hemofiltration treatment.
Reduced Protein Loss During Hemofiltration Using Cuprophan Membranes
Authors: Rubin Jack E. , Adler Andrew J. , Friedman Eli A. , Berlyne Geoffrey M.
Published: June 2009

In a study of four patients treated with one hour of hemofiltration using Cuprophan membranes, followed by three hours of hemodialysis, it was found that protein loss during hemofiltration was minimal. Losses ranged from 0.013 mg/ml at a transmembrane pressure (TMP) of 300 mmHg to 0.012 mg/ml at a TMP of 600 mmHg. Protein loss was not dependent on TMP and varied from dialyzer to dialyzer. Protein levels in serum remained unchanged during the period of hemofiltration in these patients and no evidence of protein wastage was evident.
Clinical Experience with Continuously Monitored Fluid Balance in Automatic Hemofiltration
Authors: Kramer Peter , Wigger Wilhelm , Matthaei Dieter , Langescheid Cornells , Rieger Joachim , Fuchs Christoph , Rumpf Karl‐Wolfgang , Scheler Fritz
Published: June 2009

Automatic fluid balancing, as obtained with the hemofiltration machines from Sartorius (Göttingen, West Germany) and Dialysetechnik (Karlsruhe, West Germany), is accurate enough to replace bed scales, which have been necessary in conventional hemodialysis for patients who are confined to beds. Side effects such as hypotension, nausea and muscle cramps during treatment may be reduced with these new machines, compared to conventional methods, provided that the rate of effective fluid withdrawal does not exceed 0.5 L/hr. In particular, the constant weight loss associated with automatic hemofiltration seems to be well tolerated by the patients with fewer side effects.
Molecular, Microscopic, Microstructural and Mechanical Methods of Analyzing Pseudoneointimal Linings within Partial Artificial Hearts in Man and the Calf
Authors: Trono Ruben , Brewer M. Alan , Edmonds Charles H. , Fuqua John M. , Hibbs C. Wayne , Holub Daniel A. , Igo Stephen R. , Norman John C.
Published: June 2009

Ex vivo molecular, microscopic (cellular), microstructural and mechanical methods have been utilized to evaluate biologic, blood‐interfacing linings (pseudneointima) formed on textured, fibril‐flocked pumping surfaces within abdominal left ventricular assist devices (ALVADs) or partial artificial hearts. Thus far, seventeen human and twenty bovine pseudoneointimal linings (1–28 day pumping durations) have been evaluated by these methods. The results indicate that pseudoneointima begins developing within 24 hours after contact of the pumping surface with blood and is well developed at five days. The linings exhibit surface immunofluorescent fibrinogen activity, viable surface macrophages and histiocytes and scattered erythrocytes at ALVAD removal. Structurally similar linings (20 μ to 500 μ in thickness) develop in calves and in man. Mechanically, pseudoneointima is a stable, adherent, highly compliant, isotropic structural material. It is linearly elastic and strain‐rate independent, with small viscous energy losses under physiologic strains. The methods employed for the evaluation of pseudoneointima provide useful information to determine the suitability of textured or rough surfaces for blood interfacing. The cumulative results indicate that the textured surface approach is useful for intermediate‐term clinical ALVAD utilization.
Clinical Experience with a New Pulsatile Assist Device (PAD®) During Open‐Heart Surgery
Authors: Bregman David
Published: June 2009

Until now, it has not been possible to routinely use counterpulsation during open‐heart surgery. A new pulsatile assist device (PAD®) has been developed to convert roller pump flow to pulsatile flow in a simple fashion. In addition, the PADr̀ can be used as an arterial counterpulsator before and after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

The PAD® is inserted in the arterial line close to the aortic root. The device consists of a flexible, valveless balloon through which the arterial blood flows. The balloon is contained within a rigid plastic housing which is connected to a standard intra‐aortic balloon pump unit, thereby enabling the blood‐filled balloon to be squeezed.

The PAD® was employed in 400 adult patients undergoing open‐heart surgery for coronary artery and/or valvular heart disease from 1975 to 1978. Seventy‐two percent of these patients were categorized in the New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV, or had ejection fractions of less than 0.3. The device functioned as a hemodynamically effective counterpulsator before and after CPB. Urinary outputs during CPB were more than doubled on the PAD® when compared to a control group. In addition, during CPB, coronary graft blood flow increased an average of 21.4% with the PAD®. Free plasma hemoglobin levels after CPB were not elevated. Only eight patients (2%) had a perioperative myocardial infarction. Six patients were treated with intra‐aortic balloon pumping (IABP) and five survived. Total mortality in this series was eight patients (2%).

It is suggested that the PAD® is a simple and reliable device for both intraoperative counterpulsation and creation of pulsatile CPB. More significantly, use of the PAD® may decrease both the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction and the need for postoperative IABP.
A Simple Left Heart Assist Device For Use After Intracardiac Surgery: Development, Deployment and Clinical Experience
Authors: Koffsky Robert M. , Litwak Robert S. , Mitchell Bennett L. , Jurado Roy A.
Published: June 2009

A simple left heart assist device (LHAD) has been developed and employed in nineteen patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction who could not be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass following intracardiac surgery. It has been used when all other means of weaning, including maximum pharmacologic therapy and intra‐aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABC), had failed. The device utilizes specially designed and constructed obturated cannulae in the left atrium and the ascending aorta, and an extracorporeal roller pump to partially bypass the left ventricle. With improved cardiac performance, the patient may be separated from the device without need for thoracic reentry.

Of the nineteen patients having LHAD support (2–500 hours), thirteen were eventually weaned from the device and seven were discharged from the hospital. Five patients remain alive and well (18 to 50 months postoperatively).
Biological Reactors As Renal Substitutes
Authors: Malchesky Paul S. , Nosé Yukihiko
Published: June 2009

It is the goal of research on renal substitutes to develop systems that may be more physiologic in that they provide continuous purification, provide selective adaptive transport mechanisms, are suitable for in situ use and aid other physiologic processes. In an effort to meet these goals, the concept of using specific strains of microorganisms (biological reactors) was studied. Batch reactor studies, carried out in uitro with normal urine in an aerobic environment, were done to assess the mass transfer characteristics of select strains of microorganisms, based upon the removal of nitrogenous metabolites. Appreciable quantities of these metabolites (urea, creatinine and uric acid) were removed. Studies indicated that mixed strains of microorganisms are required and that interdependence among the, different strains exists. For certain solutes, such as creatinine, there was a temperature dependence. While further work is required, these background studies stimulate further research into the possibility of applying nature's own mechanisms for the treatment of renal failure. Whether as viable species or as carriers of enzymes, biological reactors may be useful in combination with other present technologies and in the design of future treatment modalities.
Thiols and Hepatic Coma
Authors: Holloway C. J. , Brunner Gorig , Schmidt E. , Schmidt F. W.
Published: June 2009

The plasma concentrations of methane and ethane thiols have been determined during the course of acute liver failure by a gas‐chromatographic technique, and a prognostic evaluation is possible using this analysis. Further, the effects of some therapeutic measures, notably hemoperfusion, on the thiol levels have been investigated. It is concluded that these toxins, which are to a large extent co‐valently protein‐bound, are extremely difficult to remove in an extracorporeal liver support system. Since the cause of the pathological thiol concentrations is probably the elevated plasma methionine levels associated with severe liver disease, it is suggested that the most hopeful course of action against the accumulation of thiols in the body might be a preventative therapy involving the normalization of methionine at an early stage of the disease.
Effects of Glucose Dehydrogenase in Converting Urea and Ammonia into Amino Acid Using Artificial Cells
Authors: Chang Thomas M. S. , Malouf Celeste
Published: June 2009

A microencapsulated multienzyme system containing urease, glutamate dehydrogenase and glucose dehydrogenase has been used to convert urea and ammonia into an amino acid. The effect of two different glucose dehydrogenases was studied in detail. High‐specific‐activity glucose dehydrogenase requires minimal cofactor and glucose and can greatly facilitate the further development of this approach for possible clinical applications.
An Extracorporeal System That Modifies Hemoglobin in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Babb Albert L. , Scribner Belding H. , Uvelli David A. , Fry DeLoss L. , Agodoa Laurence C. Y.
Published: June 2009

The authors have developed an extracorporeal device, the Sickle Cell Machine (SCM), which adds sodium cyanate to the blood, allows time for irreversible reaction with hemoglobin (carbamylation), removes the excess free cyanate by dialysis and monitors the flowing blood to prevent excess free cyanate from returning to the patient. In vivo trials on sheep confirmed the safety and reliability of the SCM and performance criteria for the three disposable components in the extracorporeal circuit: 1) the Hemo‐Reactor, in which sodium cyanate reacts predominantly with NHAerminal valine on hemoglobin chains; 2) the Hemo‐Detoxifier, which is a specially designed hollow fiber dialyzer with an extraction efficiency of 97% or more at Qsbb/sb> = 20–40 ml/min and Qsbd/sb> = 500 ml/min; and 3) the Hemo‐Analyzer, which is a small hollow fiber dialyzer for continuous on‐line analysis of the concentration of free (unreacted) sodium cyanate in blood returned continuously to the patient during a treatment. For a 70‐Kg patient at steady state, the average degree of carbamylation following one 4‐hr treatment will be about 1.8 moles cyanate/mole sickle cell hemoglobin tetramer and will drop to about 1.2 at the end of a two‐to‐three‐week intertreatment period. The postcarbamylation distribution will be such that about 90% of the red cells will have been treated whereas the precarbamylation distribution will be such that 55% will still be carbamylated.

The system described herein can be modified to continuously treat whole blood with any chemical agent that binds to blood components and then remove the unreacted chemical before it is returned to the patient. A special on‐line monitor continuously measures the concentration of the residual drug in the blood before it is returned. It then compares by computer both the rate and total amount of drug returned with respect to pre‐set limits and automatically isolates the patient from the extracorporeal circuit if these limits are exceeded.

The first clinical trials of the SCM will begin soon. It is important to understand that, whereas the machine is safe to use on patients, there is no conclusive evidence that cyanate will indeed prevent sickle cell crises. It is anticipated that it will take several years to determine whether or not cyanate treatment of sickle cell blood with the SCM will prove of benefit to patients with sickle cell disease.
Heparin Allergy Accompanying Acute Renal Failure
Authors: Rosenzweig Philip , Gary Nancy E. , Gocke David J. , Saidi Parvin , Felton Stephen M. , Eisinger Robert P.
Published: June 2009

A generalized cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction to a porcine heparin preparation was observed in a patient during the course of acute renal failure. Im‐munological studies, including gel diffusion and immunoelectrophoresis, suggested that the reaction was to a contaminant of the heparin and involved both IgG and IgE antibodies.
Plasma Administration to Defibrinogenated Dogs During Extracorporeal Circulation
Authors: Berglin Eva , Hansson Hans‐Arne , William‐Olsson Goran
Published: June 2009

Plasma, in an amount corresponding to 0.05 gm fibrinogen/Kg of body weight, was administered during one hour to defibrinogenated dogs subjected to extracorporeal circulation. Four blood filters included in the extracorporeal circuit were removed one by one at 30‐minute intervals. The prefilter pressures rose gradually during the whole experiment. Scanning electron microscopy of the filter surfaces revealed equal amounts of deposits before, during and after the infusion of plasma. Only minimal amounts of fibrin were found on the filter surfaces by immunoelectrophoresis. Mean arterial pressure, arterial blood gases, fibrinogen concentration, platelet count and leukocyte count were followed before, during and after plasma infusion and showed no significant changes. Thus, it is possible to administer limited amounts of plasma to defibrinogenated dogs subjected to extracorporeal circulation.
A subpopulation of mesenchymal stromal cells with high osteogenic potential
Authors: Liu Hua , Toh Wei Seong , Lu Kai , MacAry Paul Anthony , Kemeny David Michael , Cao Tong
Published: June 2009

Current bone disease therapy with bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) is hampered by low efficiency. Advanced allogeneic studies on well‐established mouse genetic and disease models are hindered by difficulties in isolating murine MSC (mMSC). And mMSC prepared from different laboratories exhibit significant heterogeneity. Hence, this study aimed to identify and isolate a sub‐population of mMSC at an early passage number with high osteogenic potential. Enrichment of mMSC was achieved by 1‐hr silica incubation and negative selection. Approximately 96% of these cells synthesized osteocalcin after 28 days of osteogenic induction in vitro, and displayed a complete dynamic alteration of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity with increasing osteogenic maturation and strong mineralization. Moreover, the cells displayed uniform and stable surface molecular profile, long‐term survival, fast proliferation in vitro with maintenance of normal karyotype and distinct immunological properties. CD73 was found to be expressed exclusively in osteogenesis but not in adipogenesis. These cells also retained high osteogenic potential upon allogeneic transplantation in an ectopic site by the detection of bone‐specific ALP, osteopontin, osteocalcin and local mineralization as early as 12 days after implantation. Hence, these cells may provide a useful source for improving current strategies in bone regenerative therapy, and for characterizing markers defining the putative MSC population.
Growth inhibition of colorectal carcinoma by lentiviral TRAIL‐transgenic human mesenchymal stem cells requires their substantial intratumoral presence
Authors: Luetzkendorf Jana , Mueller Lutz P. , Mueller Thomas , Caysa Henrike , Nerger Katrin , Schmoll Hans‐Joachim
Published: June 2009

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) constitutes a common malignancy with limited therapeutic options in metastasized stages. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) home to tumours and may therefore serve as a novel therapeutic tool for intratumoral delivery of antineoplastic factors. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) which promises apoptosis induction preferentially in tumour cells represents such a factor. We generated TRAIL‐MSC by transduction of human MSC with a third generation lentiviral vector system and analysed their characteristics and capacity to inhibit CRC growth. (1) TRAIL‐MSC showed stable transgene expression with neither changes in the defining MSC characteristics nor signs of malignant transformation. (2) Upon direct in vitro coculture TRAIL‐MSC induced apoptosis in TRAIL‐sensitive CRC‐cell lines (DLD‐1 and HCT‐15) but also in CRC‐cell lines resistant to soluble TRAIL (HCT‐8 and SW480). (3) In mixed subcutaneous (s.c.) xenografts TRAIL‐MSC inhibited CRC‐tumour growth presumably by apoptosis induction but a substantial proportion of TRAIL‐MSC within the total tumour cell number was needed to yield such anti‐tumour effect. (4) Systemic application of TRAIL‐MSC had no effect on the growth of s.c. DLD‐1 xenografts which appeared to be due to a pulmonary entrapment and low rate of tumour integration of TRAIL‐MSC. Systemic TRAIL‐MSC caused no toxicity in this model. (5) Wild‐type MSC seemed to exert a tumour growth‐supporting effect in mixed s.c. DLD‐1 xenografts. These novel results support the idea that lentiviral TRAIL‐transgenic human MSC may serve as vehicles for clinical tumour therapy but also highlight the need for further investigations to improve tumour integration of transgenic MSC and to clarify a potential tumour‐supporting effect by MSC.
Long‐term changes in graft height after maxillary sinus floor elevation with different grafting materials: radiographic evaluation with a minimum follow‐up of 4.5 years
Authors: Zijderveld Steven A. , Schulten Engelbert A. J. M. , Aartman Irene H. A. , Ten Bruggenkate Christiaan M.
Published: June 2009

Objective: To compare the vertical dimensional changes with regard to graft height in a long‐term follow‐up in patients treated with two different grafting materials used in maxillary sinus floor elevation procedures.

Material and methods: Twenty consecutive patients were included. One group was grafted with autogenous bone from the mandible (chin area), and the other group was augmented with a 100%β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP). During a 4‐ to 5‐year period, in each patient, at least five panoramic radiographs were made. These panoramic radiographs were used for morphometric measurements, at three different locations. The three locations were the first bone to implant contact at the distal side of the second most posterior implant (L1), halfway between this implant and the most posterior implant (L2) and the site 5 mm distal to the most posterior implant (L3). The measured vertical bone heights were evaluated to assess whether there was loss of height and, if so, whether the reduction in graft height occurred in an initial healing period or whether it was an ongoing process during the whole study period.

Results: There is a statistically significant reduction of vertical bone height in time at all locations (P<0.001). The mean decrease of the total vertical height during the whole study period at the three different locations did not differ significantly for and between both grafting groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance showed that at location L1, the reduction in millimeters per month decreased in time (P=0.001). There was no difference between the grafting groups (P=0.958). Similar results were found on L2 (P=0.005). For L3, there also appeared to be a statistically significant difference in reduction in time in millimeters per month (P=0.004). There was no statistically significant difference in height reduction between locations L1, L2 and L3 for vertical bone height and graft height, respectively.

Conclusions: Both β‐TCP and mandibular bone grafts resulted in radiographic reduction of the vertical height over the 5‐year period following maxillary sinus floor elevation. After an initial height reduction in the first 1.5 year, subsequent changes were minimal. No significant differences were observed between the two types of grafting material. There was no statistically significant difference in reduction between the three locations for vertical bone height and graft height, respectively.
Constraining white dwarf kicks in globular clusters – IV. Retarding core collapse
Authors: Heyl Jeremy , Penrice Matt
Published: June 2009

Observations of white dwarfs in the globular clusters NGC 6397 and Omega Centauri indicate that these stars may get a velocity kick during their time as giants. If the mass loss while on the asymptotic giant branch is slightly asymmetric, the resulting white dwarf could be born with such a velocity kick. These energetic white dwarfs will impart their excess energy on other stars as they travel through the cluster. A Monte Carlo simulation of the white dwarfs kicks combined with estimate of the phase-space diffusion of the white dwarfs reveals that as the white dwarfs equilibrate, they lose most of their energy in the central region of the cluster. They could possibly augment the effect of binaries, delaying core collapse or increasing the size of globular cluster cores.
NESTED AUTOMATED RIBOSOMAL INTERGENIC SPACER ANALYSIS: A RAPID AND ACCURATE METHOD FOR COMPARISON OF BACTERIAL COMMUNITY COMPOSITION
Authors: LEAR G. , LEWIS G.D.
Published: June 2009

Nested automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) was used to examine the community structure of epilithic biofilms in freshwater streams experiencing different levels of human impact. This molecular fingerprinting technique generated reproducible profiles of bacterial community structure that varied significantly between stream sites. Nested ARISA was determined to be a cost‐effective, high‐throughput approach to assess bacterial community composition from very small sample volumes, requiring little sampling effort and without the need for taxonomic identification of individual organisms. In combination with multidimensional scaling, nested ARISA provides a rapid and sensitive method to carry out complex analyses of bacterial community structure.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Nested automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA) provides a high‐throughput molecular method with which to screen large numbers of environmental samples for differences in microbial community structure. This sensitive approach benefits assessments from small sample volumes or environments exhibiting reduced microbial biomass (both aquatic and terrestrial). Differences in bacterial community structure (obtained from ARISA profiles) could be used to characterize the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on freshwater systems, analogous to the current use of macroinvertebrate indicators of freshwater ecological health.
A HIGH THROUGHPUT SCREENING METHOD FOR 1,3‐DIHYDROXYACETONE‐PRODUCING BACTERIUM BY CULTIVATION IN A 96‐WELL MICROTITER PLATE
Authors: HU Z.‐C. , ZHENG Y.‐G.
Published: June 2009

1,3‐Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is used extensively in the cosmetic industry, and is the main active ingredient in all sunless tanning skincare preparation. In order to more efficiently and rapidly screen suitable strains or mutants for production of DHA, a high throughput screening method for DHA‐producing bacterium by cultivation in a 96‐well microtiter plate was developed. With this screening method, more than 100 strains that were able to convert glycerol to DHA were isolated from soil samples, and a mutant of Gluconobacter oxydans ZJB‐605 that displayed the highest DHA productivity was obtained.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The practical application of this work is to promote the microbial process for isolating DHA‐producing bacterium and screening DHA‐overproducing mutant. With it, DHA manufactory can improve efficiency of strain operation, reduce labor and decrease production costs of DHA. It also can be used for reference about researches of glycerol dehydrogenase, and other alcohol dehydrogenase.
VALUE CONTENT AND PRODUCTION NETWORKS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: APPLICATION OF AFTA AND ASEAN‐PLUS‐ONE FTA FORMULAS
Authors: KUROIWA Ikuo
Published: June 2009

Rules of origin are an integral part of all trade rules. To be eligible for Common Effective Preferential Tariffs under the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) agreement, a product must satisfy the conditions relative to value content. The present paper seeks to calculate value content of industries in Southeast Asia, using the formula specified by the rules of origin in AFTA, the ASEAN–China FTA, the ASEAN–Korea FTA, and the ASEAN–Japan FTA. Moreover, the paper attempts to calculate true value content of industries by applying a simple technique of input–output analysis, and to estimate error margins (i.e., overestimates) in calculating value content. The paper also examines the relationship between value content and production networks. The paper finds that many industries exhibited declines in local content during the period 1990–2000, but that the geographical spread of production networks raised the proportion of inputs supplied by the neighboring ASEAN countries, so that the contribution of the cumulative rule of origin increased.
Effect of Brining, Modified Atmosphere Packaging, and Superchilling on the Shelf Life of Cod (Gadus morhua) Loins
Authors: Lauzon Hélène L. , Magnússon Hannes , Sveinsdóttir Kolbrún , Gudjónsdóttir María , Martinsdóttir Emilía
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT:  The aim of these experiments was to evaluate the effect of brining, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), and superchilling on the quality changes of cod loins as measured by microbial, sensory, and chemical analysis. Unbrined and brined (2.5 ± 1.0% NaCl) cod loins were kept in styrofoam boxes (air) and under modified atmosphere (MA, CO2/O2/N2: 50/5/45) at 0, −2, and −3.6 °C. Samples were examined over a 4‐wk period. Total viable psychrotrophic counts and counts of H2S‐producing bacteria reached higher numbers in the air‐packed brined fish at −2 and −3.6 °C than in comparable unbrined groups, being significantly different (P < 0.05) at the lower temperature. However, lower counts of these bacteria were obtained in the brined MAP fish than in comparable unbrined fish. Counts of Photobacterium phosphoreum increased most rapidly in air‐ and MA‐packed loins kept at 0 °C. Lower counts were found at superchilled temperatures. According to sensory analysis the shelf life of unbrined air‐packed loins was about 11 d at 0 °C and 14 to 15 d at −2 °C. The shelf life of MA‐packed unbrined loins was about 14 to 15 d at 0 °C but 21 d at −2 °C. Thus, synergism of combined superchilling (−2 °C) and MA led to a considerable shelf life increase for unbrined loins despite the fact that processing and packaging took place 4 to 5 d post‐catch. The shelf life of air‐packed brined loins at −2 °C was 12 to 15 d but only 13 d under MA. The same synergistic effect did therefore not apply to brined loins as with unbrined ones.
Fat Content Influences the Color, Lipid Oxidation, and Volatiles of Irradiated Ground Beef
Authors: Ismail H.A. , Lee E.J. , Ko K.Y. , Ahn D.U.
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT: Ground beef with 10%, 15%, or 20% fat were added with none, 0.05% ascorbic acid + 0.01%α‐tocopherol, or 0.05% ascorbic acid + 0.01%α‐tocopherol + 0.01% sesamol, and irradiated at 0 or 2.5 kGy. The meat samples were displayed under fluorescent light for 14 d at 4 °C. Color, lipid oxidation, volatiles, oxidation‐reduction potential (ORP), and carbon monoxide (CO) production were determined during storage. Irradiation increased lipid oxidation and total volatiles of ground beef regardless of fat contents. Ascorbic acid +α‐tocopherol + sesamol treatment was the most effective in reducing lipid oxidation during storage. The production of ethanol in nonirradiated ground beef increased dramatically after 7 d of storage due to microbial growth. Total aldehydes and hexanal increased drastically in irradiated control over the storage period, but hexanal increased the most by irradiation. L*‐values was decreased by irradiation, but increased in all meat regardless of fat contents as storage period increased. Irradiation reduced the redness, but fat contents had no effect on the a*‐value of ground beef. Sesamol lowered, but ascorbic acid +α‐tocopherol maintained the redness of irradiated beef up to 2 wk of storage. The yellowness of meat was significantly decreased by irradiation. The reducing power of ascorbic acid +α‐tocopherol lasted for 3 d, after which ORP values increased. Irradiation increased CO production regardless of fat content in ground beef. In conclusion, up to 20% fat had no effect on the quality change of irradiated ground beef if ascorbic acid +α‐tocopherol was added.
ALTERNATIVE REPRESENTATION OF FUZZY COALITIONS
Authors: MAREŠ MILAN , VLACH MILAN
Published: June 2009

The theory of cooperative games with vague cooperation is based on modelling fuzzy coalitions as fuzzy subsets of the set of all players who participate in the coalitions with some part of their "power". Here, we suggest an alternative approach assuming that coalitions are formed by relatively compact groups of individual players each of which represents a specific common interest. Each individual player may participate in several such groups and, as their member, in several coalitions. Our aim is to show that such an alternative model of fuzzy coalitions, in spite of its seemingly higher complexity, offers an interesting more sophisticated reflection of the structure of vague cooperation and of relations being in its background.
GENE LOSS UNDER NEIGHBORHOOD SELECTION FOLLOWING WHOLE GENOME DUPLICATION AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF THE ANCESTRAL POPULUS GENOME
Authors: ZHENG CHUNFANG , KERR WALL P. , LEEBENS-MACK JAMES , DE PAMPHILIS CLAUDE , ALBERT VICTOR A. , SANKOFF DAVID
Published: June 2009

We develop criteria to detect neighborhood selection effects on gene loss following whole genome duplication, and apply them to the recently sequenced poplar (Populus trichocarpa) genome. We improve on guided genome halving algorithms so that several thousand gene sets, each containing two paralogs in the descendant T of the doubling event and their single ortholog from an undoubled reference genome R, can be analyzed to reconstruct the ancestor A of T at the time of doubling. At the same time, large numbers of defective gene sets, either missing one paralog from T or missing their ortholog in R, may be incorporated into the analysis in a consistent way. We apply this genomic rearrangement distance-based approach to the poplar and grapevine (Vitis vinifera) genomes, as T and R respectively. We conclude that, after chromosome doubling, the "choice" of which paralogous gene pairs will lose copies is random, but that the retention of strings of single-copy genes on one chromosome versus the other is decidedly non-random.
Probiotic and Gut Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria: Molecular Approaches to Study Diversity and Activity
Authors: Kleerebezem Michiel , Vaughan Elaine E.
Published: June 2009

Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria have traditionally been recognized as potential health-promoting microbes in the human gastrointestinal tract, which is clearly reflected by the pre- and probiotic supplements on the market. Bacterial genomics of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria is initiating the identification and validation of specific effector molecules that mediate host health effects. Combined with advanced postgenomic mammalian host response analyses, elucidations of the molecular interactions and mechanisms that underlie the host-health effects observed are beginning to be gathered. These developments should be seen in the complexity of the microbiota-host relationships in the intestine, which through the new metagenomic era has regained momentum and will undoubtedly progress to functional microbiomics and host response analyses within the next decade. Taken together, these developments are anticipated to dramatically alter the scope and impact of the probiotic field, offering tremendous new opportunities with accompanying challenges for research and industrial application.
LXRα activation perturbs hepatic insulin signaling and stimulates production of apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins
Authors: Basciano Heather , Miller Abigale , Baker Chris , Naples Mark , Adeli Khosrow
Published: June 2009

Liver X receptor-α (LXRα) is considered a master regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism; however, little is known about the link between LXR activation, hepatic insulin signaling, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-apolipoprotein B (apoB) assembly and secretion. Here, we examined the effect of LXRα activation on hepatic insulin signaling and apoB-lipoprotein production. In vivo activation of LXRα for 7 days using a synthetic LXR agonist, TO901317, in hamsters led to increased plasma triglyceride (TG; 3.6-fold compared with vehicle-treated controls, P = 0.006), apoB (54%, P < 0.0001), and VLDL-TG (eightfold increase compared with vehicle). As expected, LXR stimulation activated maturation of sterol response element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) as well as the SREBP-1c target genes steroyl CoA desaturase (SCD) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). Metabolic pulse-chase labeling experiments in primary hamster hepatocytes showed increased stability and secretion of newly synthesized apoB following LXR activation. Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) mRNA and protein were unchanged, however, likely because of the relatively short period of treatment and long half-life of MTP mRNA. Examination of hepatic insulin-signaling molecules revealed LXR-mediated reductions in insulin receptor (IR)β subunit mass (39%, P = 0.014) and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 tyrosine phosphorylation (24%, P = 0.023), as well as increases in protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)1B (29%, P < 0.001) protein mass. In contrast to IRS-1, a twofold increase in IRS-2 mass (228%, P = 0.0037) and a threefold increase in IRS-2 tyrosine phosphorylation (321%, P = 0.012) were observed. In conclusion, LXR activation dysregulates hepatic insulin signaling and leads to a considerable increase in the number of circulating TG-rich VLDL-apoB particles, likely due to enhanced hepatic assembly and secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and Its Receptor Act Synergistically to Increase the Risk of Carotid Atherosclerosis
Authors: Nyquist Paul A. , Winkler Cherie A. , McKenzie Louise M. , Yanek Lisa R. , Becker Lewis C. , Becker Diane M.
Published: June 2009

Background: Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), acting in concert with its receptor chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), promotes recruitment of macrophages into atherosclerotic plaque. We examined whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants in the MCP-1 or CCR2 genes independently or in combination are associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis in an African American population at increased risk of vascular disease. Methods: Four SNPs in MCP-1 and 1 in CCR2 were genotyped. Carotid artery duplex ultrasonography was used to identify the presence or absence of carotid plaque >1 mm. The study population included 325 apparently healthy 30- to 59-year-old black siblings of 185 probands with premature coronary artery disease (<60 years old). Associations between each independent SNP and the presence of carotid plaque were examined using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, educational level, diabetes, smoking, hypertension, obesity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and non-independence within families. Interactions between SNPs in the MCP-1 gene and the SNP in the CCR2 gene were examined by multivariate analysis. Results: Siblings were 32% males, with a mean age of 46 ± 7 years, and 77 (24%) demonstrated carotid plaque. In multivariate analyses, the CC genotype of MCP-1 SNP rs2857656 was independently associated with plaque (p = 0.05). Subjects who had both the MCP-1 CC genotype and were heterozygotic or homozygotic for the CCR2 V64I genotype (rs1799864; n = 12) had an even higher risk of carotid atherosclerosis (odds ratio 6.14, 95% confidence interval 1.82–20.73; p = 0.0037). Conclusion: The MCP-1 rs2857656 CC genotype is independently associated with carotid artery plaque in African American from families with premature coronary artery disease. The combination of the MCP-1 CC homozygous genotype and the homozygotic or heterozygote CCR2 V64I genotype is associated with a particularly high prevalence of carotid artery plaque.
Size Fractionation of Cell-Free DNA in Maternal Plasma Improves the Detection of a Paternally Inherited β-Thalassemia Point Mutation by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Ying , Di Naro Edoardo , Vitucci Angeloantonio , Grill Simon , Zhong Xiao Yan , Holzgreve Wolfgang , Hahn Sinuhe
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The selective enrichment of cell-free fetal DNA in maternal plasma by size fractionation leads to the improved detection of paternally inherited fetal point mutations when using conventional, real-time PCR, or as has more recently been shown by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. We have now examined the use of size fractionation in conjunction with mass spectrometry for the detection of a paternally inherited codon 39 mutation of the β-globin gene. Methods: Maternal plasma was obtained from an early second trimester pregnancy at risk for β-thalassemia, where the father carried the codon 39 mutation and the mother was a carrier for the IVSI-110 mutation of the β-globin gene. Cell-free DNA was analyzed by mutation-specific PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for the presence of the codon 39 mutation. A comparison was made between total cell-free DNA and that which had been enriched for a size of 100–300 bp. Results: The paternally inherited codon 39 mutant allele was detectable in both cell-free DNA preparations, but the signal was much more pronounced and precise in the size-fractionated sample. Conclusions: Size fractionation of cell-free DNA may lead to the improved non-invasive detection of fetal point mutations for β-thalassemia by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.
Patent Foramen Ovale, Cardiac Valve Thickening, and Antiphospholipid Antibodies as Risk Factors for Subsequent Vascular Events
Authors: Rajamani Kumar , Chaturvedi Seemant , Jin Zhezhen , Homma Shunichi , Brey Robin L. , Tilley Barbara C. , Sacco Ralph L. , Thompson J.L.P. , Mohr J.P. , Levine Steven R.
Published: June 2009

Background and Purpose—

We sought to estimate risk of recurrent stroke/TIA/death in the subgroup of the Patent Foramen Ovale in the Cryptogenic Stroke Study (PICSS) cohort with patent foramen ovale (PFO) and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and to estimate risk of recurrent stroke/TIA/death in aPL-positive patients who have thickened left-side heart valves (VaT). PFO is associated with cryptogenic ischemic stroke. Also, the presence of aPL is associated with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.

Methods—

Combined data from 2 major substudies of the Warfarin Aspirin Recurrent Stroke Trial (WARSS) were evaluated. PICSS subjects were included if they were enrolled in the Antiphospholipid Antibodies and Stroke Study (APASS) and underwent a baseline aPL test (lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibodies, or both) within 1 month of the stroke. All patients in PICSS underwent transesophageal echocardiography for PFO as well as VaT, which was performed blinded to aPL status and treatment arm (325 mg/day aspirin or adjusted dose warfarin; target international normalized ratio, 1.4–2.8). The primary outcome event was the 2-year risk of recurrent stroke/TIA/death and was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards model. Because there was no treatment effect, warfarin and aspirin groups were combined to increase power. For the combined end point, power to detect HR of 2 was 47.8% for the PFO and aPL-positive group, and 75.3% for the valve thickening and aPL-positive group, assuming 2-sided type I error of 0.05.

Results—

Five hundred twenty-five subjects were tested for the combined presence of PFO and aPL and were available for evaluation. The primary outcome event rate was 23.9% (HR, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.75–2.59) in the PFO-positive/aPL-positive group, compared to 13.9% (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.44–1.56) in the PFO-positive/aPL-negative group, and 19.9% (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.68–1.90) in the PFO-negative/aPL-positive group. Five hundred forty-five subjects tested for combined presence of aPL and left-side cardiac VaT were available for evaluation. The primary event rate was 22.6% (HR, 1.65; 95% CI, 0.88–3.09) in the VaT-positive/aPL-positive group, compared to 19.4% (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 0.82–2.75) in the VaT-positive/aPL-negative group, and 20.2% (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.81–3.25) in the VaT-negative/aPL-positive group.

Conclusions—

The combined presence of aPL either with a PFO or with left-side cardiac VaT did not significantly increase risk of subsequent cerebrovascular events in this PICCS/APASS cohort of patients.
Weekly and twice-weekly bortezomib in patients with systemic AL amyloidosis: results of a phase 1 dose-escalation study
Authors: Reece Donna E. , Sanchorawala Vaishali , Hegenbart Ute , Merlini Giampaolo , Palladini Giovanni , Fermand Jean-Paul , Vescio Robert A. , Liu Xiangyang , Elsayed Yusri A. , Cakana Andrew , Comenzo Raymond L. ,   for the VELCADE CAN2007 Study Group
Published: June 2009

New treatment options are required for primary systemic AL amyloidosis (AL). This phase 1 dose-escalation component of a phase 1/2 study in relapsed AL aimed to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of bortezomib once weekly (0.7-1.6 mg/m2; days 1, 8, 15, and 22; 35-day cycles) and twice weekly (0.7-1.3 mg/m2; days 1, 4, 8, and 11; 21-day cycles) and assess preliminary hematologic responses. Thirty-one patients with relapsed AL were enrolled across 7 cohorts. Dose-limiting toxicity included grade 3 congestive heart failure in 2 patients (1 at once weekly, 1.6 mg/m2, and 1 at twice weekly, 1.0 mg/m2). MTD was not defined for either schedule; the maximum doses of 1.6 mg/m2 (once weekly) and 1.3 mg/m2 (twice weekly) are being used in phase 2 evaluation. Most commonly reported toxicities on both schedules included gastrointestinal events, fatigue, and nervous system disorders. Discontinuations and dose reductions for toxicity were reported in 12 and 4 patients, respectively. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Hematologic responses occurred in 15 (50%) of 30 evaluable patients, including 6 (20%) complete responses. Median time to first response was 1.2 months. Once-weekly and twice-weekly bortezomib appear generally well tolerated in relapsed AL, with promising hematologic responses. This study is registered with http://ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT00298766.
Development of an integrative database with 499 novel microsatellite markers for Macaca fascicularis
Authors: Higashino Atsunori , Osada Naoki , Suto Yumiko , Hirata Makoto , Kameoka Yosuke , Takahashi Ichiro , Terao Keiji
Published: June 2009

Background

Cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) are a valuable resource for linkage studies of genetic disorders, but their microsatellite markers are not sufficient. In genetic studies, a prerequisite for mapping genes is development of a genome-wide set of microsatellite markers in target organisms. A whole genome sequence and its annotation also facilitate identification of markers for causative mutations. The aim of this study is to establish hundreds of microsatellite markers and to develop an integrative cynomolgus macaque genome database with a variety of datasets including marker and gene information that will be useful for further genetic analyses in this species.

Results

We investigated the level of polymorphisms in cynomolgus monkeys for 671 microsatellite markers that are covered by our established Bacterial Artificial Chromosome (BAC) clones. Four hundred and ninety-nine (74.4%) of the markers were found to be polymorphic using standard PCR analysis. The average number of alleles and average expected heterozygosity at these polymorphic loci in ten cynomolgus macaques were 8.20 and 0.75, respectively.

Conclusion

BAC clones and novel microsatellite markers were assigned to the rhesus genome sequence and linked with our cynomolgus macaque cDNA database (QFbase). Our novel microsatellite marker set and genomic database will be valuable integrative resources in analyzing genetic disorders in cynomolgus macaques.