bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of pre‐ vs. intra‐dialysis folic acid on arterial wave reflections and endothelial function in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Tochihara Yuka , Whiting Malcolm J. , Barbara Jeffrey A. , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: July 2008

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial wave reflection increase the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with end‐stage renal disease on haemodialysis.

• Folic acid enhances endothelial function, but its effects in end‐stage renal disease are controversial.

• Haemodialysis is associated with a significant reduction in the serum concentrations of folic acid as well as other biochemical factors impairing endothelial function.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• Preventing folic acid loss during haemodialysis is associated with a reduction in arterial wave reflection but no significant changes in endothelial‐dependent vasodilation.

• Given the prognostic significance of arterial wave reflections in end‐stage renal disease, the timing of folic acid may be important when designing interventional trials. The rapid replenishment of folic acid levels depleted during haemodialysis would ensure higher serum folic acid concentrations between haemodialysis sessions.

BACKGROUND

Haemodialysis (HD) is associated with the acute loss through the dialysis membrane of biochemical factors either enhancing [folic acid (F)] or impairing [asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)] arterial function. Changes in these opposing factors might explain the absence of significant modifications in arterial function during HD. We speculated that intra‐HD, instead of pre‐HD, F administration would provide beneficial effects on arterial wave reflections and endothelial function by preventing HD‐induced F loss.

METHODS

Arterial wave reflections [augmentation index (AIx), pulse‐wave analysis], endothelium‐dependent vasodilation (salbutamol‐mediated changes in AIx) and plasma concentrations of F and ADMA were measured pre‐HD and end‐HD in 10 patients (age 67.7 ± 10.3 years). Each subject received F 5 mg either pre‐HD or intra‐HD in two separate studies 2–4 weeks apart, in an open‐label randomized cross‐over trial.

RESULTS

Pre‐HD F administration did not prevent significant reductions in F during HD (end‐HD vs. pre‐HD, −865 ± 465 nmol l−1, P < 0.001), but no significant changes in AIx (+1.4 ± 5.7%) or salbutamol‐mediated AIx modifications (+0.4 ± 5.5%) were observed. By contrast, intra‐HD F administration was associated with significant increases in F (+298 ± 283 nmol l−1, P = 0.010) and a significant reduction of AIx (−4.7 ± 7.2%, P = 0.013), but no effects on salbutamol‐mediated AIx changes (+1.5 ± 4.4%). There was a trend towards greater HD‐induced reductions in plasma ADMA concentrations with intra‐HD F administration (P = 0.066).

CONCLUSIONS

Intra‐HD F administration reduces arterial wave reflections but not endothelial function during HD. Given the prognostic significance of arterial wave reflections in HD patients, the timing of F administration is important in the design of interventional trials in this cohort.
Adalimumab in dermatology
Authors: Traczewski Pawel , Rudnicka Lidia
Published: July 2008

Adalimumab is a biological agent, one of the tumour necrosis factor‐alpha inhibitors. Pivotal studies evaluating its efficacy in plaque psoriasis (CHAMPION, REVEAL) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) (ADEPT) were carried out in recent years. Adalimumab proved highly effective in psoriasis patients and in PsA patients previously unresponsive to nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. Results of smaller studies suggest therapy with the drug may be successful in psoriasis resistant to other biologics and PsA unresponsive to disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs. Adalimumab has also been shown to improve patients' quality of life significantly. Although they should be further extended as far as dermatological conditions are concerned, available data indicate adalimumab is safe and well tolerated. Numerous case reports featuring its off‐label use suggest the drug could be helpful in treating hidradenitis suppurativa, pyoderma gangrenosum, Sweet's syndrome, cutaneous sarcoidosis, pemphigus, systemic vasculitides, multicentric reticulohistiocytosis and stomatitis.
Causality assessment in hepatotoxicity by drugs and dietary supplements
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Schwarzenboeck Alexander , Hennermann Karl‐Heinz
Published: July 2008

Structured causality assessment of hepatotoxicity by drugs and dietary supplements (DDS) is a major clinical challenge, since temporal associations as the sole criteria for a valid evaluation are not acceptable. Initially, a clear intuition for an ad hoc evaluation is necessary, but only provisional, and must be followed by a diagnostic algorithm using a pretest, main test and post test. The evaluation is based on a variety of items such as latency period, course of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase after DDS discontinuation, risk factors, co‐medication, previous information on hepatotoxicity of the DDS, response to rechallenge, and exclusion of other diseases. It is essential that practising and hospital physicians as well as other key health professionals, such as pharmacists, gather all information required for a sound causality assessment, obviating major discussions by expert panels, manufacturers and health agencies in face of scanty and fragmentary data. Because pharmacogenetic alterations may trigger metabolic hepatotoxicity by a few DDS, levels in plasma and urine should be measured and may be helpful for diagnosis. Concomitant genotyping of cytochrome P450 and other enzymes may also be useful in future to minimize the risk of unwanted side‐effects, including toxic liver disease elicited by DDS.
Regional UK TTP Registry: correlation with laboratory ADAMTS 13 analysis and clinical features
Authors: Scully Marie , Yarranton Helen , Liesner Ri , Cavenagh Jamie , Hunt Beverley , Benjamin Sylvia , Bevan David , Mackie Ian , Machin Samuel
Published: July 2008

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an acute, rare, life‐threatening disorder. This report presents the South East (SE) England registry for TTP, from April 2002 to December 2006, which included 176 patients and 236 acute episodes; 75% of patients were female and 25% were male, overall median age at presentation was 42 years. Mortality was 8·5%, most cases died before treatment was instigated. The main ethnic groups were Caucasian (64%) and Afro Caribbean (27%). Seventy‐seven percent of cases were idiopathic, 5% were congenital and the remaining cases had a defined precipitant. Neurological features were the most prevalent, but cardiac involvement accounted for 42% of presenting features. The overall median number of plasma exchanges (PEXs) to remission was 15; between April 2002 and December 2003, the median number of PEXs was 19 and it was 12 between January 2004 and December 2006 (P < 0·0001). In the latter period, adjuvant therapies were reduced, but Rituximab was increased. ADAMTS 13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity was <10% in 74% and 95% of these cases had positive IgG antibodies to ADAMTS 13. Renal impairment and delayed normalisation of platelet count were the main differences between idiopathic and secondary TTP.
Interleukin‐10 protects against blood‐induced joint damage
Authors: Jansen Nathalie W. D. , Roosendaal Goris , Hooiveld Michel J. J. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Van Roon Joël A. G. , Theobald Matthias , Lafeber Floris P. J. G.
Published: July 2008

Despite prophylactic treatment, haemophilia patients suffer from spontaneous joint bleeds, which lead to severe joint damage. Also after joint trauma, an intra‐articular haemorrhage can add to joint damage over time. This study evaluated interleukin 10 (IL‐10) in the search for possible interventions to prevent or limit the damaging effects of joint bleeds. Human articular cartilage tissue explants were cultured in the presence or absence of 50% v/v blood (or its cellular components) for 4 d (the expected blood load in vivo after a joint haemorrhage), followed by a recovery period of 12 d. Pharmacological dosages of IL‐10 reached during treatment (1 or 10 ng/ml) were added. Additionally, cartilage and synovial tissue obtained from joints with end‐stage haemophilic arthropathy (HA) were cultured in the presence of IL‐10 (10 ng/ml). IL‐10 protected cartilage from the damaging effects of blood exposure, measured by its effects on proteoglycan turnover. In addition, IL‐10 beneficially influenced cartilage from patients with HA and reduced the production of the inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and tumour necrosis factor‐α by haemophilic synovial tissue. Taken together, although effects were obtained in vitro, IL‐10 protects against blood‐induced joint damage and might be further evaluated as candidate in treatment of tissue damaging effects of joint haemorrhages.
Low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma is difficult to diagnose by fine needle aspiration cytology: a cytomorphological study of eight cases
Authors: Domanski H. A. , Mertens F. , Panagopoulos I. , Åkerman M.
Published: July 2008

Background:  Low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is an uncommon neoplasm with bland morphology and an indolent clinical course, although metastases may develop in approximately 5–10% of the cases. The diagnosis of LGFMS can be difficult to render from fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) alone because of morphological overlap with other spindle cell and myxoid lesions.

Objective:  To determine cytological criteria for LGFMS by reviewing FNAC aspirates in eight cases and to compare the findings with those in subsequent histological sections.

Methods:  FNAC slides were reviewed from eight patients with subsequently excised tumours diagnosed as LGFMS. Of these patients, six also had core needle biopsies (CNB). Cytogenetic and/or molecular analysis was carried on all tumours.

Results:  The patients were six men and two women ranging in age from 26 to 78 years. Tumours arose in the deep soft tissues of the thigh (n = 5), shoulder girdle (n = 1) or upper arm (n = 1) and one in the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal wall. Cytological features included clusters of bland spindle and round/polygonal cells embedded in a collagenous and myxoid matrix along with dissociated, uniform or slightly/moderately pleomorphic spindle cells, bare nuclei and fragments of collagen and myxoid tissue in varying proportions. Unequivocal sarcoma was diagnosed in two aspirates, but mitoses were absent in all cases. In three cases, the diagnosis was inconclusive with regard to benignity or malignancy, while three were erroneously diagnosed as benign spindle cell lesions. Although the diagnosis was suggested on three of six CNB, these presented similar diagnostic problems.

Conclusions:  There were no cytomorphological findings in FNAC to allow for a clear cut separation of LGFMS from other spindle cell or myxoid lesions, but high‐grade sarcoma could be excluded. Surgical (incisional or excisional) biopsy or, alternatively, examination of RT‐PCR for the FUS/CREB3L or FUS/CREB3L1 fusion transcripts may be necessary to obtain a correct diagnosis.
European collaborative studies for the validation of PCR‐based detection tests targeting regulated fungi and oomycetes
Authors: Ioos R. , Iancu G.
Published: July 2008

In 2007, the mycology unit of the French plant protection laboratory (LNPV‐UMAF) organized and launched four collaborative studies for the validation of detection protocols targeting the regulated oomycetes Phytophthora ramorum, P. fragariae/P. rubi, Plasmopara halstedii and the fungus Monilia fructicola. The participants were recruited through the European Mycological Network (EMN). All four protocols were based on species‐specific PCR tests already published in the scientific literature and, except for Pl. halstedii, combined a detection test and a confirmation of detection test. For each target organism, we evaluated the performance of protocols, i.e. accuracy, qualitative repeatability and qualitative reproducibility, by a statistical analysis of the results obtained by the 16 participant laboratories with a series of 10 blinded samples. As demonstrated by the collaborative trials results, all four detection protocols were shown to be fit for the purpose of regulatory compliance. The collaborative trial appears a powerful tool to evaluate the performance of a detection method, and is of special interest to laboratories employing a quality assurance system.
Occurrence of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus on nectarine (Prunus persica) in India
Authors: Chandel V. , Rana T. , Hallan V. , Zaidi A. A.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents the results of the first survey for Prunus necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV) on nectarine (Prunus persica) in India, where stone fruits are grown on a commercial scale. Using basic diagnostic techniques such as ELISA and RT‐PCR, the occurrence of Prunus necrotic ringspot virus is reported for the first time on nectarine (Prunus persica) in India.
Significance of weed hosts for Potato virus Y protection in Syria
Authors: Chikh Ali M. , Katayama K. , Maoka T. , Natsuaki K. T.
Published: July 2008

A survey of Potato virus Y (PVY) was carried out on weeds growing in and around potato fields in Syria during the autumn growing seasons of 2002, 2004 and 2006. A total of 59 samples of eight weed species and three tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) samples were tested by ELISA using PVY antisera. Among them 15 samples belonged to Solanum nigrum (7 samples), Physalis sp. (6 samples) and tobacco (2 samples) were PVY infected. This suggests that weed hosts and neighbouring tobacco fields are natural reservoirs of PVY in Syria. According to their biological, serological and molecular characteristics, the majority of weed PVY isolates belonged to the PVYSYR variant indicating a possible correlation between the high incidence of PVYSYR in potato and weed hosts. This is the first report on the occurrence and characterization of weed PVY isolates from Syria.
Potential distribution ranges in Europe forAeolesthes sarta,Tetropium gracilicorneandXylotrechus altaicus, a CLIMEX analysis
Authors: Vanhanen H. , Veteli T. O. , Niemelä P.
Published: July 2008

In this study, the potential distribution ranges for three different Asian Cerambycid beetles,Aeolesthes sarta(Solsky),Tetropium gracilicorne(Reitter) andXylotrechus altaicus(Gebler), were simulated using the climatic modeling program CLIMEX. This program calculates an ecoclimatic index based on the life cycle requirements of a species and thus represents the probability of a viable population existing at a certain location. Simulations show that all of the studied species have a potential distribution in Europe according to climatic factors. Also, potential hosts for these species grow in much of Europe, making the potential establishment of these species possible. Simulation with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate change scenario A1B resulted in changes of 200 to 1100 km at the northern and southern edges of the distribution range for the studied species.
Potential distribution ranges in Europe for Ips hauseri, Ips subelongatus and Scolytus morawitzi, a CLIMEX analysis
Authors: Vanhanen H. , Veteli T. , Niemelä P.
Published: July 2008

Introduced bark and ambrosia beetles have become a worldwide problem for the forest industry as well as for recreational parks and nature reserves by directly damaging wood material and killing trees or by vectoring lethal tree diseases. In this study we used the climatic modeling program CLIMEX to simulate potential distribution ranges for three different Asian bark beetles, Ips hauseri (Reitter), Ips subelongatus (Motschulsky) and Scolytus morawitzi (Semenov) on the basis of their current distribution. The program calculates an ecoclimatic index based on the life cycle requirements of a species and thus represents the probability of a viable population existing at a certain location. Simulations show that all of the studied species have a potential distribution according to climatic factors. Also, potential hosts for these species grow in much of Europe, making the potential establishment of these species possible. Simulation with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) climate change scenario A1B resulted in changes of 200 to 900 km at the northern and southern edges of the distribution ranges for the studied species.
Simulation of the influence of poor soil drainage on grass‐based dairy production systems in Ireland
Authors: Fitzgerald J. B. , Brereton A. J. , Holden N. M.
Published: July 2008

A dairy cow system simulator, Dairy_sim, designed for assessing the interaction of climate and management on dairy cow production, based on rotational grass grazing, was further developed by integrating a soil water model. The soil water model was based on the concept of soil water deficits, and influenced the growth of grass herbage in the simulator when there was an excess of water over field capacity and when water content in the soil was approaching wilting point. The soil water model was tested using baseline meteorological data (1961–1990) and then the system simulation was parameterized and tested for poorly drained soils using data from a research farm in the west of Ireland. After testing, the effects of regional differences in climate on system management on well‐ and poorly drained soils were compared. Down‐scaled Global Climate Model (GCM) data for the baseline years (1961–1990) were used for this purpose. These data resulted in slightly more favourable weather than that recorded. It was found that the simulator was capable of generating results in good agreement with published data for dairy production on poorly drained soils. The regional analysis showed dairy farms on well‐drained soils out‐performed their equivalents on poorly drained soils and, in general, were able to sustain higher stocking rates by 0·6–0·9 cows ha−1. Dry matter production was around 1·5–3 t ha−1 greater per annum on well‐drained soils compared to poorly drained soils. The simulator, Dairy_sim, also captured a large difference in the requirement for housing and forage between the well and poorly drained soils. The simulation model can now be used to evaluate interactions between soils, systems and weather, and is thus a more useful tool for developing practical advice and for evaluating the impacts of possible climate change.
The molecular analysis of von Willebrand disease: a guideline from the UK Haemophilia Centre Doctors’ Organisation Haemophilia Genetics Laboratory Network
Authors: KEENEY S. , BOWEN D. , CUMMING A. , ENAYAT S. , GOODEVE A. , HILL M. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE UK HAEMOPHILIA CENTRE DOCTORS’ ORGANISATION (UKHCDO)
Published: July 2008

Summary.  von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a common autosomally inherited bleeding disorder associated with mucosal or trauma‐related bleeding in affected individuals. VWD results from a quantitative or qualitative deficiency of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a glycoprotein that is essential for primary haemostasis and that carries and protects coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) in the circulation. Through characterization of the phenotype and identification of mutations in the VWF gene in patients with VWD, understanding of the genetics and biochemistry of VWF and VWD has advanced considerably. The importance of specific regions of VWF for its interaction with other components of the vasculature has been revealed, and this has facilitated the formal classification of VWD into three subtypes based upon quantitative (types 1 and 3) and qualitative (type 2) deficiency of VWF. The underlying genetic lesions and associated molecular pathology have been identified in many cases of the qualitative type 2 VWD variants (2A, 2B, 2M, 2N) and in the severe quantitative deficiency, type 3 VWD. However in the partial quantitative deficiency, type 1 VWD, the picture is less clear: there is a variable relationship between plasma levels of VWF and bleeding, there is incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity within affected families, the causative molecular defect is unknown in a substantial number of cases, and even in those cases where the causative mutation is known, the associated molecular pathology is not necessarily understood. This guideline aims to provide a framework for best laboratory practice for the genetic diagnosis of VWD, based upon current knowledge and understanding.
Lesions of the jaws
Authors: Slootweg P J
Published: July 2008

The jaws differ in various aspects from all other bones in the skeleton. Embryologically, they are for the major part derived from migrating cells of the cranial neural crest, the so‐called ectomesenchyme, and not merely from mesoderm, and they contain teeth. This latter point, especially, results in the presence of lesions that are not found in other bones, a broad variety of odontogenic cysts and tumours. They will be the major topic of this review. Other lesions, not strictly odontogenic but also mainly confined to the jaw bones, are giant cell lesions, fibro‐osseous lesions, and the melanotic neuro‐ectodermal tumour of infancy. They also will be included in this overview.
Immunohistochemical localization of oncostatin M in epithelialized apical periodontitis lesions
Authors: Tsai C.‐H. , Huang F.‐M. , Chang Y.‐C.
Published: July 2008

Aim  To investigate the in situ location of oncostatin M (OSM) in epithelialized apical periodontitis lesions.

Methodology  Thirty periapical lesions of pulpal origin were collected with informed consent from patients at the time of apical surgery. Tissue specimens were fixed with 10% buffered formalin overnight, dehydrated in an ascending series of graded alcohol, and embedded in paraffin. Five micron sections from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded specimens were examined by immunohistochemistry. In addition, another section from each specimen was stained with haematoxylin and eosin to assess the presence of inflammatory infiltrates. Differences in OSM expression between tissue with low and high levels of inflammation were subsequently analyzed by Fisher’s exact test.

Results  Based on histological examination of haematoxylin and eosin stained sections, all specimens revealed the morphology of epithelialized apical periodontitis lesions. The results from immunohistochemistry demonstrated that OSM stain was detected in the inflammatory infiltrates, epithelium, connective tissue, and endothelium. The OSM signal was mainly expressed in endothelial cells (100%) followed by inflammatory cells (93.33%), epithelial cells (53.33%), and fibroblasts (16.67%). In addition, OSM expression was significantly higher in epithelialized apical periodontitis with higher levels of inflammatory infiltrates (P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Oncostatin M was found to be expressed in epithelialized apical periodontitis lesions and would form part of the cytokine network involved in the disease process of apical periodontitis.
Carbamazepine damage to rat spermatogenesis in different sexual developmental phases
Authors: De Oliva Samara Urban , Miraglia Sandra Maria
Published: July 2008

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a first‐line antiepileptic drug (AED), although it is also utilized for treatment of psychiatric disorders and neuropathic pain. The utilization of CBZ has been associated with damage to male reproduction including hormonal alterations, sexual dysfunction and reduction of sperm quality. Wide and long‐term use of CBZ has been a common schedule for children and adolescents, despite the fact it alters the testosterone level in adult rats and humans. In addition, hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis during pre‐puberty and puberty is more susceptible to toxic agents than in adult phase. The objective of this work was to evaluate the side effects of CBZ on the spermatogenic process of rats from pre‐puberty to puberty and sexual maturation. Damage on the seminiferous epithelium, testicular interstitial oedema, reductions of testosterone levels and an increase in oestradiol levels were observed in rats, which were CBZ‐treated since the weaning. The results suggest that CBZ, when administered from pre‐puberty, provokes specific side effects on rat testes, resulting in more severe damage in the adult phase.
Phenolic content and profiles of selected wild fruits of Zimbabwe: Ximenia caffra, Artobotrys brachypetalus and Syzygium cordatum
Authors: Ndhlala A. R. , Muchuweti M. , Mupure C. , Chitindingu K. , Murenje T. , Kasiyamhuru A. , Benhura M. A.
Published: July 2008

The phenolic compound content and profiles of three wild fruits found in Zimbabwe were tentatively identified using the traditional colorimetric methods and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The fruits assayed were: Ximenia caffra, Artobotrys brachypetalus and Syzygium cordatum. Ximenia caffra fruit peels contained the highest amounts of total phenolics amounting to 1205 μg g−1 in fresh weight, flavonols amounting to 27 μg g−1 and phenolic acids on HPLC tentative identification showed higher concentrations compared with the profiles of the other fruits. Syzygium cordatum fruit peels contained the least amounts of phenolics amounting to 20 μg g−1, flavonols amounting to 8 μg g−1 and phenolic acids’ HPLC profiles showed low concentrations. Comparing the peels and pulps of all the fruits, we detected more total phenolics in the peels of X. caffra as high as 1205 μg g−1 and the pulps had 228 μg g−1, more flavonols and phenolic acids while the peels of S. cordatum fruits contained the least with a total phenolic acid content of 20 μg g−1, and had more flavonols in the pulps than the peels, 11 μg g−1 and 8 μg g−1, respectively. Ximenia caffra contained 1.2% and about 1% dry weight condensed tannins in peels and pulps, respectively. In S. cordatum we detected 0.2% and 0.3% dry weight condensed tannins in the peels and pulps, respectively.
Effect of fermentation on the antioxidant activity of red beans (Phaseolus radiatus L. var. Aurea) ethanolic extract
Authors: Chou Su‐Tze , Chao Wen‐Wan , Chung Yun‐Chin
Published: July 2008

The antioxidant activities of 50% ethanol extracts from red bean non‐fermented and fermented by Bacillus subtilis or Aspergillus oryzae were determined using Sprague–Dawley rats as a testing model. Oral administration of all the extracts decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the liver but not in the brain tissue. Bacillus subtilis fermented extract increased the levels of ascorbic acid, α‐tocopherol and glutathione (GSH) and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver tissue, while it increased only the ascorbic acid level in the brain tissue. Aspergillus oryzae fermented extract increased the levels of GSH and the SOD activity in the liver tissue, and it also increased GSH and ascorbic acid in the brain tissue. In general, the extracts from fermented red bean were more effective than the non‐fermented extract in raising the antioxidant levels in the liver tissue.
A newly isolated strain Pediococcus parvulus from Xuanwei ham, a traditional Chinese fermented meat product
Authors: Li Pinglan , Shen Qingwu , Liu Ziyu , Fu Peng , Zhou Wei
Published: July 2008

A comparative study on technological suitability for fermented dry sausages of Pediococcus parvulus, a newly isolated strain from Xuanwei ham, a traditional Chinese fermented meat product, was carried out. One type of fermented dry sausage was produced with P. parvulus and the other without starter culture, using the same formulation and technological conditions. Thus, the evolutions of microbiological and physicochemical parameters during ripening, as well as colour, texture and sensory quality of end products, were measured and assessed. The results indicated that P. parvulus had an inhibitory effect on non‐lactic acid bacteria, especially Enterobacteriaceae. It was thought that the use of P. parvulus could enhance the hygienic quality of fermented sausages, which could mainly be attributed to its acidification of fermented sausages. Differences in colour parameters, with higher value in lightness (L*) and lower in redness (a*), were also found (P < 0.05). The most significant differences were observed in texture, informing the influence of P. parvulus on texture profile analysis characteristics of fermented sausages (P < 0.05). However, the evolutions of total nitrogen, fat and ash were the same. That meant the starter had no effects on these parameters during ripening of sausages. Free amino acid analysis showed that P. parvulus might have some proteolytic activity and more intense odour detected by our sensory judges. Our panelists also gave a higher score to the sausage with starter in terms of overall acceptability, indicating their preference of this product to the control. For all these results, we concluded that the newly isolated strain P. parvulus was a good starter for the production of fermented sausages.
Review of mechanisms, conditions, and factors involved in the oil uptake phenomenon during the deep‐fat frying process
Authors: Ziaiifar Aman Mohammad , Achir Nawel , Courtois Francis , Trezzani Isabelle , Trystram Gilles
Published: July 2008

Deep‐fat frying is a rapid and low cost process widely used to prepare tasty food. During this cooking process, oil is used both as the heating medium and as an ingredient producing calorific products. Nutrition has become a major health issue, especially in developed countries where increasing obesity is a problem, particularly among children. Many food research projects involving snack food industries therefore attempt to understand oil uptake during the frying process in order to control and reduce the fat content of fried products without deteriorating their desirable organoleptic characteristics. The main objectives of this paper are to review the literature on the frying process and more precisely the mechanisms and parameters involved in the oil uptake phenomenon. Both products and processes will be considered and their influence via experimental results will be discussed.
Effect of temperature and initial moisture content on sorption isotherms of banana dried by tunnel drier
Authors: Yan Zhengyong , Sousa‐Gallagher Maria J. , Oliveira Fernanda A. R.
Published: July 2008

Sorption isotherms of intermediate moisture content (IMC) products are essential to predict shelf‐life of packaged moisture‐sensitive product by modelling moisture uptake during storage and distribution. The effect of temperature and initial moisture content (MC) of IMC banana on the relationship between MC and water activity were investigated. Raw bananas were dried in a tunnel dryer at 2% relative humidity (RH), 70 °C, and a 3.2 ± 0.2 m s–1 air velocity. Drying procedure was carried out a number of times until various IMC levels were obtained (5%, 14%, 22% and 33% db for banana). Sorption isotherms of bananas were determined at 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C. The initial MC of IMC banana had no significant effect on the relationship between MC and water activity according to statistical analysis. All the sorption curves were found to be Type II. BET, GAB, modified GAB, Oswin, Halsey and modified Freundlich models were fitted to the data and it was found that the best results were obtained with a modified Freundlich equation. A secondary modified Freundlich model was built accounting for the effect of aw and temperature on the sample MC.
Optimisation of baking parameters of chapati with respect to vitamin B1 and B2 retention and quality
Authors: Yadav Deep Narayan , Patki Prakash Eakanathrao , Mahesh Chitrashekarachar , Sharma Gopal Kumar , Bawa Amrindar Singh
Published: July 2008

Vitamin losses during processing of cereal grains and their food products play an important role in human vitamin intake. Therefore, experiments were conducted to optimise the baking parameters for chapati, a flat unleavened, hot‐plate‐baked product of Asian diet. In the experiments, whole‐wheat flour (100% extraction rate) was used for the preparation of chapaties. Central composite rotatable design with three independent variables (thickness of dough sheet, time as well as temperature of baking) at five levels and nine dependent variables, i.e. vitamin B1 and B2 content, textural properties and overall acceptability scores, were used to conduct the experiments. The ranges for three independent variables were: thickness, 2.5–4.5 mm; time, 2.0–3.0 min; and temperature, 200–240 °C. Thickness of the dough sheet had a significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive effect on vitamin retention, while the temperature had greater negative effect as compared with the time of baking. Based on compromise optimisation, optimum conditions for baking of chapati, especially with respect to vitamin retention were: thickness of dough sheet 3.2 mm, time of baking 2.1 min and baking temperature 216.3 °C.
Pain management: a review of organisation models with integrated processes for the management of pain in adult cancer patients
Authors: Brink‐Huis Anita , Achterberg Theo van , Schoonhoven Lisette
Published: July 2008

Aims and objectives.  This paper reports a review of the literature conducted to identify organisation models in cancer pain management that contain integrated care processes and describe their effectiveness.

Background.  Pain is experienced by 30–50% of cancer patients receiving treatment and by 70–90% of those with advanced disease. Efforts to improve pain management have been made through the development and dissemination of clinical guidelines. Early improvements in pain management were focussed on just one or two single processes such as pain assessment and patient education. Little is known about organisational models with multiple integrated processes throughout the course of the disease trajectory and concerning all stages of the care process.

Design.  Systematic review.

Method.  The review involved a systematic search of the literature, published between 1986–2006. Subject‐specific keywords used to describe patients, disease, pain management interventions and integrated care processes, relevant for this review were selected using the thesaurus of the databases.

Conclusion.  Institutional models, clinical pathways and consultation services are three alternative models for the integration of care processes in cancer pain management. A clinical pathway is a comprehensive institutionalisation model, whereas a pain consultation service is a ‘stand‐alone’ model that can be integrated in a clinical pathway. Positive patient and process outcomes have been described for all three models, although the level of evidence is generally low. Evaluation of the quality of pain management must involve standardised measurements of both patient and process outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  We recommend the development of policies for referrals to a pain consultation service. These policies can be integrated within a clinical pathway. To evaluate the effectiveness of pain management models standardised outcome measures are needed.
Effectiveness of the PLISSIT model for solving the sexual problems of patients with stoma
Authors: Ayaz Sultan , Kubilay Gulumser
Published: July 2008

Aims and objectives.  This study was carried out to assess the effectiveness of the PLISSIT model in solving sexual problems of individuals with stoma.

Background.  Creating a stoma due to intestinal cancer may prolong the life expectancy of individuals. However, the problems resulting from stoma may cause significant changes in an individual’s life and adversely affect relations with family members and social and sexual life.

Design.  Experimental.

Methods.  The study consisted of individuals with stoma, living in Ankara. The sample consisted of 60 patients. The case group consisted of 30 patients living in Ankara; and the control group consisted of 30 patients living outside Ankara. In data collection, a questionnaire form, the PLISSIT model intervention plan and Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) were used. The individuals in the case group were paid eight home visits. During these visits, sexual problems of individuals with stoma were assessed and solutions sought under the guidance of the PLISSIT model intervention plan.

Results.  Increase of mean scores of Golombok–Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction and subgroups before evaluating the sexual problems by the PLISSIT model and the sixth week scores which the sexual activity is anticipated to start have been observed, but after evaluating the sexual problems by using the model, the mean scores decreased. It was determined that negative effects of concerns related to sexual life; some physical and emotional features and physiological problems have been observed and difference between the groups is significant (p < 0·05).

Conclusions.  As a result, it can be claimed that decreasing sexual problems can be accomplished by using the PLISSIT model.

Relevance to clinical practice.  People with stoma can meet sexual problems. However, nurses experience some difficulties while handling sexual problems. It is thought that an intervention plan prepared within the framework of the PLISSIT model will guide nurses in solving sexual problems of individuals with stoma and providing integrated care and help individuals to express their sexual problems.
A systematic review of wound cleansing for pressure ulcers
Authors: Moore Zena , Cowman Seamus
Published: July 2008

Aim. The aim of this study was to use a Cochrane systematic review process to explore the effect of wound cleansing solutions and techniques on pressure ulcer healing.

Background. Pressure ulcers impose a significant financial burden on health care systems and negatively affect the quality of life. Wound cleansing is an important component of pressure ulcer care; however, there is uncertainty regarding best practice.

Design. Systematic review.

Methods. The Specialised Trials Register of the Cochrane Wounds Group, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and bibliographies of relevant publications were searched. Drug companies and experts in the field were also contacted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing wound cleansing with no wound cleansing, or different wound cleansing solutions, or different cleansing techniques, were eligible for inclusion. For dichotomous outcomes, relative risk (RR) plus 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated; for continuous outcomes, weighted mean difference plus 95% CI were calculated. Meta analysis was not conducted because of the small number of diverse RCTs identified.

Results. No studies compared cleansing with no cleansing. A statistically significant improvement in healing occurred for wounds cleansed with saline spray containing Aloe vera, silver chloride and decyl glucoside (Vulnopur) compared with isotonic saline (p = 0·025). No statistically significant change in healing was seen when water was compared with saline (RR 3·00, 95% CI 0·21, 41·89). No statistically significant change in healing was seen for ulcers cleansed with, or without, a whirlpool (RR 2·10, 95% CI 0·93–4·76).

Conclusion. There is little trial evidence to support the use of any particular wound cleansing solution or technique for pressure ulcers.

Relevance to clinical practice. No firm recommendations for ways of cleansing pressure ulcers in clinical practice can be made, the lack of RCT evidence should be a concern for health care providers.
Hypothalamic Suppressor‐of‐Cytokine‐Signalling 3 mRNA is Elevated and Pro‐Opiomelanocortin mRNA is Reduced During Pregnancy in Brandt’s Voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii )
Authors: Tang G.‐B. , Cui J.‐G. , Wang D.‐H.
Published: July 2008

Leptin acts within the hypothalamus to diminish food intake. In Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii), both circulating leptin levels and food intake are elevated during pregnancy, suggesting an ineffectiveness of leptin to reduce food intake. Diminished hypothalamic leptin receptors and impaired leptin signal transduction are characteristic of central leptin resistance. The present study aimed to determine whether these characteristic modulations of leptin sensitivity occurred in pregnant Brandt’s voles. The mRNA expression of the long form of the leptin receptor (Ob‐Rb), suppressor‐of‐cytokine‐signalling 3 (SOCS3), neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti‐related protein (AgRP), pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) and cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) in the hypothalamus were examined on dioestrous, day 5, day 10 and day 18 of pregnancy. Compared to controls, there was no significant change in hypothalamic Ob‐Rb mRNA during the pregnancy. SOCS3 mRNA was increased significantly by 68% on day 10% and 93% on day 18 of pregnancy compared to controls. Despite elevated leptin levels, POMC mRNA was decreased significantly by 60% on day 18 of pregnancy, whereas no differences were found in the mRNA expression of NPY, AgRP and CART in pregnant voles compared to controls. The elevation of SOCS3 mRNA together with disrupted leptin regulation of neuropeptides in the hypothalamus suggests that leptin resistance may develop in pregnant Brandt’s voles.
Insulin and the Constituent Branches of the Hepatic Vagus Interact to Modulate Hypothalamic and Limbic Neuropeptide mRNA Expression Differentially
Authors: Warne J. P. , Horneman H. F. , Akana S. F. , Foster M. T. , Dallman M. F.
Published: July 2008

Insulin and signalling through the vagus nerve act in concert to regulate metabolic homeostasis and ingestive behaviour. Our previous studies using streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats have shown that hepatic branch vagotomy (HV), gastroduodenal branch vagotomy (GV) and capsaicin treatment of the common hepatic branch that selectively destroys afferent fibres (CapV), all promote lard, but not total, caloric intake to levels similar to those achieved with insulin treatment. Because hypothalamic and limbic mRNA expression of neuropeptides linked to energy balance is altered by STZ‐diabetes and HV, we examined the role(s) of insulin and the common hepatic and gastroduodenal branches of the vagus nerve and hepatic afferent fibres in the regulation of these neuropeptides in rats with high, steady‐state corticosterone levels. STZ‐diabetic rats were prepared with osmotic minipumps containing either saline or insulin and were compared with nondiabetic counterparts: half of each group received a vagal manipulation, the other half were sham operated. Five days after surgery, rats were offered the choice of lard and chow to consume for another 5 days, when brains were collected and processed for in situ hybridisation. Paraventricular nucleus corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) mRNA was elevated by STZ treatment, an effect prevented by either insulin treatment or GV. By contrast, CRF mRNA expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala and bed nuclei of the stria terminalis was unaffected by STZ treatment, but HV and CapV manipulations elevated expression in the nondiabetic, but not STZ‐diabetic groups. Arcuate nucleus neuropeptide Y, but not pro‐opiomelanocortin, mRNA expression was elevated by STZ treatment and all vagal manipulations; however, exogenous insulin treatment failed to prevent this, in keeping with their previously documented elevated caloric intake. These results strongly suggest that the gastroduodenal branch and hepatic branch proper, which merge to form the common hepatic branch, differentially interact with prevailing insulin levels to regulate hypothalamic and limbic neuropeptide mRNA expression.
A continuous 13C methacetin breath test for noninvasive assessment of intrahepatic inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection and normal ALT
Authors: Lalazar G. , Pappo O. , Hershcovici T. , Hadjaj T. , Shubi M. , Ohana H. , Hemed N. , Ilan Y.
Published: July 2008

Summary.  Up to 30% of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and normal serum alanine aminotransferase (NALT) have significant liver disease. Currently, many of these patients undergo a liver biopsy to guide therapeutic decisions. The BreathID® continuous online 13C‐methacetin breath test (MBT) reflects hepatic microsomal function and correlates with hepatic fibrosis. To assess its role in identifying intrahepatic inflammation and fibrosis in NALT patients, we tested 100 patients with untreated chronic HCV infection, and 100 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers using 13C MBT following ingestion of 75 mg methacetin. All HCV patients had undergone a liver biopsy within 12 months of performing the MBT. Patients with a necroinflammatory grade ≤4 or >4, based on Ishak (modified HAI) score, HAIa + HAIb + HAIc + HAId, were defined as having low or high inflammation, respectively. Patients with a histological activity fibrosis stage ≤2 or >2, were defined as having nonsignificant or significant fibrosis, respectively. A proprietary algorithm to differentiate intrahepatic inflammation within chronic HCV patients with NALT achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.90. Setting a threshold on the point of best agreement (at 83%) results in 82% sensitivity and 84% specificity. With application of another proprietary algorithm to differentiate patients with nonsignificant or significant fibrosis, 67% of liver biopsies performed in the patient group could have been avoided. This algorithm achieved an AUC of 0.92, with a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 88%. There was no correlation between body mass index (BMI) and MBT scores for patients with the same histological score. The continuous BreathID®13C MBT is an accurate tool for measuring the degree of inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV infection and NALT. As such, it may prove to be a powerful, noninvasive alternative to liver biopsy in the management of this patient population.
Intracistronic transcriptional polarity enhances translational repression: a new role for Rho
Authors: De Smit Maarten H. , Verlaan Paul W. G. , Van Duin Jan , Pleij Cornelis W. A.
Published: July 2008

Transcriptional polarity in Escherichia coli occurs when cryptic Rho‐dependent transcription terminators become activated as a consequence of reduced translation. Whether this is due to an increased spacing between the RNA polymerase and the leading ribosome or to prior functional inactivation of a subpopulation of the mRNAs has been a matter of discussion. Transcriptional polarity results in decreased synthesis of inefficiently translated mRNAs and therefore in decreased expression of downstream genes in the same operon (intercistronic polarity). By analogy, expression of the gene in which the conditional termination occurs is also expected to decrease, but this has so far not been demonstrated experimentally. To study the relevance of this intracistronic polarity for expression regulation in vivo, the polarity‐prone lacZ reporter gene was fused to a range of mutated ribosome binding sites, repressed to different degrees by local RNA structure. Quantitative analysis of protein and mRNA synthesis shows that polarity occurs on functionally active mRNA molecules and that it indeed affects expression of the cistron carrying the terminator, thus enhancing the effect of translational repression. These findings point to a novel regulatory function of transcriptional polarity, reminiscent of transcriptional attenuation but opposite in effect.
A new way out: protein localization on the bacterial cell surface via Tat and a novel Type II secretion system
Authors: Coulthurst Sarah J. , Palmer Tracy
Published: July 2008

The ability to move proteins out of the cytoplasm and across membranes is a key aspect of the physiology and pathogenicity of Gram‐negative bacteria. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Ferrandez and Condemine describe a novel protein targeting system in the enteric phytopathogen, Dickeya dadantii. The pectin lyase, PnlH, is exported by the Tat system and is somehow targeted to the outer membrane by its uncleaved N‐terminal Tat signal anchor. A novel Type II secretion system, Stt, is then responsible for moving it across the outer membrane, where it remains localized on the surface of the cell. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of both the mechanisms and physiological importance of bacterial protein targeting.