bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intrarenal haemodynamics and renal dysfunction in endotoxaemia: effects of nitric oxide synthase inhibition
Authors: Millar Colin G M. , Thiemermann Christoph
Published: August 2006

This study investigated the effects of low dose endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) on (i) systemic haemodynamics, (ii) renal blood flow (RBF), (iii) renal cortical and medullary perfusion and (iv) renal function in the anaesthetized rat. We have also investigated the effects of nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibition with NG‐methyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA) on the alterations in systemic and renal haemodynamics and renal function caused by endotoxin.

Infusion of low dose LPS (1 mg kg−1 over 30 min, n=6) caused a late fall in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP, at 5 and 6 h after LPS), but did not cause an early (at 1–4 h after LPS) hypotension. The pressor effect of noradrenaline (NA, 1 μg kg−1, i.v.) was significantly reduced at 1 to 6 h after LPS (vascular hyporeactivity). Infusion of L‐NMMA (50 μg kg−1 min−1 commencing 60 min before LPS and continued throughout the experiment, n=7) abolished the delayed hypotension and significantly attenuated the vascular hyporeactivity to NA (at 2–6 h).

Infusion of LPS (1 mg kg−1 over 30 min, n=6) caused a rapid (within 2 h) decline in renal function (measured by inulin clearance) in the absence of a significant fall in MAP or renal blood flow (RBF). L‐NMMA (n=7) attenuated the impairment in renal function caused by LPS so that the inulin clearance in LPS‐rats treated with L‐NMMA was significantly greater than in LPS‐rats treated with vehicle (control) at 3–6 h after infusion of LPS.

Endotoxaemia also caused a significant reduction in renal cortical, but not medullary perfusion (measured as Laser Doppler flux). Infusion of L‐NMMA caused a significant further fall in cortical perfusion and a significant fall in medullary perfusion in the absence of changes in RBF.

Infusion of LPS resulted in a progressive increase in the plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate (an indicator of the formation of NO), so that the plasma concentration of nitrite/nitrate was significantly higher than baseline at 150 to 330 min after LPS. Infusion of L‐NMMA attenuated the rise in the plasma concentration of nitrite/nitrate (at 270 and 330 min, P<0.05) caused by LPS.

Thus, the renal dysfunction caused by injection of low dose of endotoxin in the rat occurs in the absence of significant falls in blood pressure or total renal blood flow. Inhibition of NOS activity with L‐NMMA attenuates the renal dysfunction caused by endotoxin (without improving intrarenal haemodynamics), suggesting that an overproduction of NO may contribute to the development of renal injury and dysfunction by causing direct cytotoxic effects.

British Journal of Pharmacology (1997) 121, 1824–1830; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0701335
The retinoid X receptor ligand restores defective signalling by the vitamin D receptor
Authors: Sánchez‐Martínez Ruth , Castillo Ana I , Steinmeyer Andreas , Aranda Ana
Published: August 2006

It is assumed that the retinoid X receptor (RXR) acts as a silent partner to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) with its only function to increase affinity of VDR/RXR to its DNA recognition site. In this study, we show that the RXR ligand 9‐cis‐retinoic acid (9‐cis‐RA) induces recruitment of coactivators by the DNA‐bound heterodimer and potentiates vitamin D‐dependent transcriptional responses. The presence of 9‐cis‐RA increases induction of cyp24 transcripts and differentiation of colon cancer cells by vitamin D, confers significant agonistic activity to a VDR ligand with very low agonistic activity and can even restore transcriptional activity of an AF‐2 mutant VDR that causes hereditary rickets. This study shows that, in VDR/RXR heterodimers, allosteric communication triggered by the RXR ligand has a previously unrecognized role in vitamin D signalling, with important physiological and therapeutic implications.
Reinstatement of Loxogramme dictyopteris, based on phylogenetic evidence, for the New Zealand endemic fern, Anarthropteris lanceolata (Polypodiaceae, Polypodiidae)
Authors: Kreier Hans-Peter , Schneider Harald
Published: August 2006

Phylogenetic relationships of the New Zealand endemic Anarthropteris lanceolata are inferred from DNA sequences of four chloroplast genome regions, rbcL, rps4, rps4–trnS IGS, and trnL–F IGS. In addition to a broad collection of polygrammoid ferns, the sampling includes two species of the genus Dictymia, five species of the genus Loxogramme, and one sample of the monotypic genus Anarthropteris. The latter is found to be nested within Loxogramme, and we reinstate it here as Loxogramme dictyopteris, to replace Anarthropteris lanceolata. These findings are not in conflict with morphological evidence. Phylogenetic evidence implies an isolation of L. dictyopteris from its closest relatives in Malesia. The five other species of Loxogramme included in this study fall either into an Asiatic-Malesian clade or in an Afro-Madagascan-Neotropical clade.
Diversity and systematics of Ptilophora (Gelidiaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Tronchin E. , Bolton J. J. , Anderson R. J.
Published: August 2006

Ptilophora Kützing (Rhodophyta) is an algal genus containing 16 species that are predominantly temperate and known mostly from deep subtidal habitats. The genus generally has an Indian Ocean distribution, although two species are found in the north-west Pacific, two in the south-west Pacific, and one in the Mediterranean. Observation of type specimens, specimens from type localities and a thorough review of literature on this genus was carried out to create a comprehensive review of Ptilophora and provide further insight into some poorly understood species. A key to the species in this genus and a distribution map are included, as well as a description and photographic plate of each species. The type species Ptilophora spissa (Suhr) Kützing, only collected once in history, is placed in synonymy with P. diversifolia (Suhr) Papenfuss, having been found to be an aberrant morphology of the latter species. An epitype is designated for P. diversifolia since the lectotype (a figure) cannot be used for detailed studies. Ptilophora beckeri Holmes is reassessed and confirmed to be an unusual reproductive morphotype of P. pinnatifida J. Agardh. Similarly, Phyllophora aegei Giaccone is reassessed and confirmed to be a synonym of Ptilophora mediterranea (H. Huvé) R.E. Norris. The cystocarpic phase of P. rumpii (Dickinson) R.E. Norris and the male phase of P. pterocladioides Andriamampandry are reported here for the first time, and for P. helenae (Dickinson) R.E. Norris and P. leliaertii Tronchin et De Clerck new data on their distributions are added.
Role of T and NK cells and IL7/IL7r interactions during neonatal maturation of lymph nodes
Authors: Coles Mark C. , Veiga-Fernandes Henrique , Foster Katie E. , Norton Trisha , Pagakis Stamatis N. , Seddon Ben , Kioussis Dimitris
Published: August 2006

Lymph node (LN) development depends on prenatal interactions occurring between LN inducer and LN organizer cells. We have distinguished defects in LN formation due to failure in embryonic development (aly/aly) from defects in postnatal maturation (Il2rγ−/−Rag2−/−). Both mutant strains form normal primordial LNs with differing fate. Inaly/alymice, the LN primordium dissipates irreversibly late in gestation; in contrast,Il2rγ−/−Rag2−/−LN anlage persists for a week after birth but disperses subsequently, a process reversible by neonatal transfer of WT IL7r+TCR+T or natural killer (NK) cells, suggesting a role for IL7/IL7r interactions. Thus, we reveal a unique stage of postnatal LN development during which mature lymphocytes and IL7/IL7r interactions may play an important role.
Antioxidants protect
PINK1
-dependent dopaminergic neurons in
Drosophila
Authors: Wang Danling , Qian Li , Xiong Hui , Liu Jiandong , Neckameyer Wendi S. , Oldham Sean , Xia Kun , Wang Jianzhi , Bodmer Rolf , Zhang Zhuohua
Published: August 2006

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most frequent neurodegenerative movement disorder. Mutations in the
PINK1
gene are linked to the autosomal recessive early onset familial form of PD. The physiological function of PINK1 and pathological abnormality of PD-associated PINK1 mutants are largely unknown. We here show that inactivation of
Drosophila PINK1
(
dPINK1
) using RNAi results in progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and in ommatidial degeneration of the compound eye, which is rescued by expression of human
PINK1
(
hPINK1
). Expression of human
SOD1
suppresses neurodegeneration induced by
dPINK1
inactivation. Moreover, treatment of
dPINK1
RNAi flies with the antioxidants SOD and vitamin E significantly inhibits ommatidial degeneration. Thus,
dPINK1
plays an essential role in maintaining neuronal survival by preventing neurons from undergoing oxidative stress, thereby suggesting a potential mechanism by which a reduction in
PINK1
function leads to PD-associated neurodegeneration.
Trapped water molecules are essential to structural dynamics and function of a ribozyme
Authors: Rhodes Maria M. , Réblová Kamila , Šponer Jiří , Walter Nils G.
Published: August 2006

Ribozymes are catalytically competent examples of highly structured noncoding RNAs, which are ubiquitous in the processing and regulation of genetic information. Combining explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulation and single molecule fluorescence spectroscopy approaches, we find that a ribozyme from a subviral plant pathogen exhibits a coupled hydrogen bonding network that communicates dynamic structural rearrangements throughout the catalytic core in response to site-specific chemical modification. Trapped long-residency water molecules are critical for this network and only occasionally exchange with bulk solvent as they pass through a breathing interdomain base stack. These highly structured water molecules line up in a string that may potentially also be involved in specific base catalysis. Our observations suggest important, still underappreciated roles for specifically bound water molecules in the structural dynamics and function of noncoding RNAs.
Designing, fabricating, and imaging Raman hot spots
Authors: Qin Lidong , Zou Shengli , Xue Can , Atkinson Ariel , Schatz George C. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: August 2006

We have developed a probe of the electromagnetic mechanism of surface-enhanced Raman scattering via Au nanodisk arrays generated by using on-wire lithography. In this approach, disk thickness and interparticle gap are precisely controlled from 5 nm to many micrometers. Confocal Raman microscopy demonstrates that disk thickness and gap play a crucial role in determining surface-enhanced Raman scattering intensities. Theoretical calculations also demonstrate that these results are consistent with the electromagnetic mechanism, including the surprising result that the largest enhancement does not occur for the smallest gaps.
Outbreak of Colonization and Infection With Vancomycin-ResistantEnterococcus faeciumin a French University Hospital
Authors: Lesens Olivier , Mihaila L. , Robin F. , Baud O. , Romaszko J. P. , Tourniac O , Constantin J. M. , Souweine B. , Bonnet R. , Bouvet A. , Beytout J. , Traore O. , Laurichesse H.
Published: August 2006

An outbreak of infection with vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus faeciumoccurred at Hôtel-Dieu Hospital (Clermont-Ferrand, France). A case-control study was performed in the infectious diseases and hematology units of the hospital. Urinary catheter use (odds ratio [OR], 12 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.5-90];P<.02), prior exposure to a third-generation cephalosporin (OR, 22 [95% CI, 3-152];P= .002), and prior exposure to antianaerobials (OR, 11 [95% CI, 1.5-88];P<.02) were independently predictive of vancomycin-resistantEnterococcus faeciumcarriage.
Analysis of Risk Factors for Sternal Surgical Site Infection Emphasizing the Appropriate Ventilation of the Operating Theaters
Authors: Yavuz Serap Simsek , Bicer Yesim , Yapici Nihan , Kalaca Sibel , Aydin Osman Ozcan , Camur Gercek , Kocak Funda , Aykac Zuhal
Published: August 2006

Objective.

To determine the incidence of and identify risk factors for sternal surgical site infection (SSI).

Design.

Prospective cohort study. Data on potential risk factors, including the type of operating theater and infection data, were collected prospectively and analyzed by multivariate analysis.

Setting.

Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Hospital, a 700-bed teaching hospital and the largest center for cardiac surgery in Turkey. The cardiothoracic unit performs approximately 3,000 cardiac operations per year.

Patients.

All adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery with sternotomy between January 14, 2002, and July 1, 2002, and who survived at least 4 days after surgery were included in the study.

Results.

Potential risk factor data were complete for 991 patients. There was sternal SSI in 41 patients (4.1%). Female sex, diabetes mellitus, operation performed in the older operating theaters, and duration of procedure exceeding 5 hours were identified as independent risk factors for sternal SSI.

Conclusions.

Female and diabetic patients are at higher risk for sternal SSI and should be followed up carefully after cardiac surgery to prevent the development of sternal SSI. Reducing the duration of surgery could reduce the rate of postoperative sternal SSI. The operating theater environment may have an important role in the pathogenesis of sternal SSI, and appropriate ventilation of the operating theaters would be critical in the prevention of sternal SSI.
Descriptive Epidemiology and Case-Control Study of Patients Colonized With Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus and Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sigurdardottir Bryndis , Berg Jeffery Vande , Hu Jianfang , Alamu Josiah , McNutt Louise-Anne , Diekema Daniel J. , Herwaldt Loreen A.
Published: August 2006

Background.

Patients colonized or infected with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureusmay be at risk of acquiring vancomycin-resistantS. aureusif the vanA gene is transferred from vancomycin-resistant enterococcus to methicillin-resistantS. aureus..

Objective.

Our goal was to identify risk factors for cocolonization or coinfection (CC/CI) with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus and methicillin-resistantS. aureus.

Design.

We conducted a descriptive, epidemiologic study of all patients with CC/CI identified from January 1998 to May 2003 and a nested case-control study of a cohort of patients hospitalized in the burn and wound unit.

Setting.

We conducted our study in a 813-bed tertiary care university teaching hospital.

Population.

The study population consisted of patients found to have CC/CI during the study period.

Methods.

Descriptive epidemiologic data were collected from hospital records of all patients identified as having CC/CI. A subset of patients hospitalized in the burn and wound unit were included in a case-control study.

Results.

CC/CI was detected in 71% of the patients during a single hospital stay. The burn and wound unit, which does active surveillance for both organisms, and the general medicine unit, which does not do active surveillance for either organism, cared for more than one-half of these patients. Among patients being cared for in the burn and wound unit, having exposure to 2 or more invasive devices (central venous catheters, indwelling urinary catheters, and enteral feeding tubes) and renal insufficiency were independent risk factors for CC/CI.

Conclusions.

Patients with CC/CI are the population at greatest risk for vancomycin-resistantS. aureuscolonization or infection. The number of invasive devices to which patients are exposed and, thus, possibly the patients' underlying severity of illness, as well as renal insufficiency, appear to be risk factors for CC/CI.
Risk Factors for Recovery of Imipenem- or Ceftazidime-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Among Patients Admitted to a Teaching Hospital in Brazil
Authors: Fortaleza Carlos Magno C. B. , Freire Maristela P. , Filho Djalma de C. Moreira , Ramos Marcelo de Carvalho
Published: August 2006

Background.

The prevalence of resistance to imipenem and ceftazidime among Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates is increasing worldwide.

Objective.

Risk factors for nosocomial recovery (defined as the finding of culture-positive isolates after hospital admission) of imipenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (IRPA) and ceftazidime-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) were determined.

Design.

Two separate case-control studies were conducted. Control subjects were matched to case patients (ratio, 2:1) on the basis of admission to the same ward at the same time as the case patient. Variables investigated included demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and the classes of antimicrobials used.

Setting.

The study was conducted in a 400-bed general teaching hospital in Campinas, Brazil that has 14,500 admissions per year. Case patients and control subjects were selected from persons who were admitted to the hospital during 1992–2002.

Results.

IRPA and CRPA isolates were obtained from 108 and 55 patients, respectively. Statistically significant risk factors for acquisition of IRPA were previous admission to another hospital (odds ratio [OR],4.21 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.40-12.66];P = .01), hemodialysis (OR, 7.79 [95% CI, 1.59-38.16]; P = .01), and therapy with imipenem (OR, 18.51 [95% CI, 6.30-54.43]; P<.001), amikacin (OR, 3.22 [95% CI, 1.40-7.41]; P = .005), and/or vancomycin (OR, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.08-5.64]; P = .03). Risk factors for recovery of CRPA were previous admission to another hospital (OR, 18.69 [95% CI, 2.00-174.28]; P = .01) and amikacin use (OR, 3.69 [95% CI, 1.32-10.35]; P = .01).

Conclusion.

Our study suggests a definite role for several classes of antimicrobials as risk factors for recovery of IRPA but not for recovery of CRPA. Limiting the use of only imipenem and ceftazidime may not be a wise strategy to contain the spread of resistant P. aeruginosa strains.
Retrospective Analysis of Catheter-Related Infections in a Hemodialysis Unit
Authors: Colville Linda A. , Lee Andy H.
Published: August 2006

Objective.

To compare the incidence rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection associated with different vascular access methods in patients receiving hemodialysis.

Setting.

Tertiary care public hospital in Western Australia.

Design.

Retrospective analysis of surveillance data collected by the hospital's infection control department.

Methods.

The number of confirmed bloodstream infections for each type of vascular access was identified for the period from July 2002 through June 2003. The corresponding number of patient-days was determined to calculate the infection incidence rates. The serially correlated data were then analyzed using Poisson generalized estimating equations.

Results.

A total of 32 confirmed bloodstream infections were identified. Infection rates, in number of infections per 1,000 patient-days, were as follows: 0.4 for native arteriovenous fistulae; 2.86 for synthetic arteriovenous grafts; 4.02 for permanent, tunneled, cuffed central venous catheters; and 20.2 for temporary, nontunneled, noncuffed central venous catheters. Compared with permanent catheters, the monthly infection rate associated with the temporary catheters was significantly higher (incident rate ratio [IRR], 5.025 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.532-16.484]; P = .008) and that of arteriovenous fistulae was significantly lower (IRR, 0.099 [95% CI, 0.030-0.324]; P = .001). The monthly infection rate for arteriovenous grafts was not significantly different from that for permanent central venous catheters (IRR, 0.702 [95% CI, 0.246-2.008]; P = .510).

Conclusions.

A hierarchy of infection risk associated with vascular access type is evident. Native arteriovenous fistulae should be recommended for all patients receiving chronic hemodialysis, to minimize infection.
Vegetation of Kilimanjaro: hidden endemics and missing bamboo
Authors: Hemp Andreas
Published: August 2006

Kilimanjaro has a large variety of forest types over an altitudinal range of 3000 m containing over 1200 vascular plant species. MontaneOcoteaforests occur on the wet southern slope.CassipoureaandJuniperusforests grow on the dry northern slope. SubalpineEricaforests at 4100 m represent the highest elevation cloud forests in Africa. In contrast to this enormous biodiversity, the degree of endemism is low. However, forest relicts in the deepest valleys of the cultivated lower areas suggest that a rich forest flora inhabited Mt Kilimanjaro in the past, with restricted‐range species otherwise only known from the Eastern Arc mountains. The low degree of endemism on Kilimanjaro may result from destruction of lower altitude forest rather than the relatively young age of the mountain. Another feature of the forests of Kilimanjaro is the absence of a bamboo zone, which occurs on all other tall mountains in East Africa with a similarly high rainfall.Sinarundinaria alpinastands are favoured by elephants and buffaloes. On Kilimanjaro these megaherbivores occur on the northern slopes, where it is too dry for a large bamboo zone to develop. They are excluded from the wet southern slope forests by topography and humans, who have cultivated the foothills for at least 2000 years. This interplay of biotic and abiotic factors could explain not only the lack of a bamboo zone on Kilimanjaro but also offers possible explanations for the patterns of diversity and endemism. Kilimanjaro's forests can therefore serve as a striking example of the large and long‐lasting influence of both animals and humans on the African landscape.
Relevance of neutrophils in the murine model of haemolytic uraemic syndrome: mechanisms involved in Shiga toxin type 2-induced neutrophilia
Authors: Fernandez G C , Lopez M F , Gomez S A , Ramos M V , Bentancor L V , Fernandez-Brando R J , Landoni V I , Dran G I , Meiss R , Isturiz M A , Palermo M S
Published: August 2006

It has been demonstrated that infections due to Shiga toxins (Stx) producing Escherichia coli are the main cause of the haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). However, the contribution of the inflammatory response in the pathogenesis of the disease has also been well established. Neutrophils (PMN) represent a central component of inflammation during infections, and patients with high peripheral PMN counts at presentation have a poor prognosis. The mouse model of HUS, by intravenous injection of pure Stx type 2 (Stx2), reproduces human neutrophilia and allows the study of early events in the course of Stx2-induced pathophysiological mechanisms. The aim of this study was to address the contribution of PMN on Stx2 toxicity in a murine model of HUS, by evaluating the survival and renal damage in mice in which the granulocytic population was depleted. We found that the absence of PMN reduced Stx2-induced lethal effects and renal damage. We also investigated the mechanisms underlying Stx2-induced neutrophilia, studying the influence of Stx2 on myelopoyesis, on the emergence of cells from the bone marrow and on the in vivo migration into tissues. Stx2 administration led to an accelerated release of bone marrow cells, which egress at an earlier stage of maturation, together with an increase in the proliferation of myeloid progenitors. Moreover, Stx2-treated mice exhibited a lower migratory capacity to a local inflammatory site. In conclusion, PMN are essential in the pathogenesis of HUS and neutrophilia is not merely an epiphenomenon, but contributes to Stx2-damaging mechanism by potentiating Stx2 toxicity.
Activated T lymphocytes suppress osteoclastogenesis by diverting early monocyte/macrophage progenitor lineage commitment towards dendritic cell differentiation through down-regulation of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB and c-Fos
Authors: Grčević D , Lukić I K , Kovačić N , Ivčević S , Katavić V , Marušić A
Published: August 2006

Activated T lymphocytes either stimulate or inhibit osteoclastogenesis from haematopoietic progenitors in different experimental models. To address this controversy, we used several modes of T lymphocyte activation in osteoclast differentiation − mitogen-pulse, anti-CD3/CD28 stimulation and in vivo and in vitro alloactivation. Osteoclast-like cells were generated from non-adherent immature haematopoietic monocyte/macrophage progenitors in murine bone-marrow in the presence of receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL) and monocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). All modes of in vivo and in vitro T lymphocyte activation and both CD4+ and CD8+ subpopulations produced similar inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenesis paralleled by enhanced dendritic cell (DC) differentiation. Osteoclast-inhibitory effect was associated with T lymphocyte activation and not proliferation, and could be replaced by their culture supernatants. The stage of osteoclast differentiation was crucial for the inhibitory action of activated T lymphocytes on osteoclastogenesis, because the suppressive effect was visible only on early osteoclast progenitors but not on committed osteoclasts. Inhibition was associated specifically with increased granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) expression by the mechanism of progenitor commitment toward lineages other than osteoclast because activated T lymphocytes down-regulated RANK, CD115, c-Fos and calcitonin receptor expression, and increased differentiation towards CD11c-positive DC. An activated T lymphocyte inhibitory role in osteoclastogenesis, confirmed in vitro and in vivo, mediated through GM-CSF release, may be used to counteract activated bone resorption mediated by T lymphocyte-derived cytokines in inflammatory and immune disorders. We also demonstrated the importance of alloactivation in osteoclast differentiation and the ability of cyclosporin A to abrogate T lymphocyte inhibition of osteoclastogenesis, thereby confirming the functional link between alloreaction and bone metabolism.
Effects of pioglitazone and metformin on plasma adiponectin in newly detected type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sharma Pramod Kumar , Bhansali Anil , Sialy Ravinder , Malhotra Samir , Pandhi Promila
Published: August 2006

Objective  This prospective study evaluates the effect of insulin sensitizers, pioglitazone (PGZ) and metformin (MET) on plasma adiponectin and leptin levels in subjects newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Design  Double blind, randomized, active control, dose escalation study of 12 weeks treatment duration.

Patients  Thirty apparently healthy, treatment‐naive T2DM patients diagnosed within the past 6 months.

Measurements  Plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were estimated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and insulin resistance by the homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA‐IR).

Results  Baseline plasma levels of adiponectin were lower in diabetic (n = 30) subjects than matched controls (n = 10, 6·6 ± 1·1 vs 10·4 ± 4·2 µg/ml, P = 0·021). The 12‐week treatment with PGZ significantly increased adiponectin concentrations (6·6 ± 1·1–17·9 ± 7·4 µg/ml, P < 0·001) with no alteration in the MET treated group (6·8 ± 1·5–6·7 ± 2·8 µg/ml, P = 0·9). A significant decrease in plasma leptin levels was observed in the MET treated group (32·0 ± 28·9–21·4 ± 23·3 ng/ml, P = 0·024) but not in the PGZ treated group (23·9 ± 24·1–22·4 ± 25·4 ng/ml, P = 0·69). The alterations in plasma adiponectin and leptin levels were not associated with any change in body mass index (BMI). PGZ therapy improved insulin sensitivity to a greater degree (P = 0·007 and P = 0·001 for fasting plasma insulin (FPI) and HOMA‐IR, respectively) than MET (P = 0·75 and P = 0·02 for FPI and HOMA‐IR, respectively) but this improvement was not significantly different from that of MET at the end of 12 weeks (P = 0·146 and P = 0·09 for FPI and HOMA‐IR, respectively). However, improvement in insulin sensitivity with PGZ was not commensurate with the increase in adiponectin. Better control of postbreakfast plasma glucose (PBPG) as well as decrease in serum triglycerides (TGs) were also seen with PGZ (PBPG, P < 0·001; TGs, P = 0·013). The rest of the parameters were comparable. Adverse reactions reported were minor and did not result in treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions  Pioglitazone therapy appears to be better in achieving glycaemic control and increasing plasma adiponectin and insulin sensitivity in newly detected type 2 diabetics.
Role of the cholinergic system in regulating survival of newborn neurons in the adult mouse dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb
Authors: Kaneko Naoko , Okano Hideyuki , Sawamoto Kazunobu
Published: August 2006

Neurogenesis in the subgranular zone of the hippocampal dentate gyrus and olfactory bulbs continues into adulthood and has been implicated in the cognitive function of the adult brain. The basal forebrain cholinergic system has been suggested to play a role in regulating neurogenesis as well as learning and memory in these regions. Herein, we report that highly polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA‐NCAM)‐positive immature cells as well as neuronal nuclei (NeuN)‐positive mature neurons in the dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb express multiple acetylcholine receptor subunits and make contact with cholinergic fibers. To examine the function of acetylcholine in neurogenesis, we used donepezil (Aricept), a potent and selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that improves cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease. Intraperitoneal administrations of donepezil significantly enhanced the survival of newborn neurons, but not proliferation of neural progenitor cells in the subgranular zone or the subventricular zone of normal mice. Moreover, donepezil treatment reversed the chronic stress‐induced decrease in neurogenesis. Taken together, these results suggest that activation of the cholinergic system promotes survival of newborn neurons in the adult dentate gyrus and olfactory bulb under both normal and stressed conditions.
Dnmt3a2 targets endogenous Dnmt3L to ES cell chromatin and induces regional DNA methylation
Authors: Nimura Keisuke , Ishida Chisaki , Koriyama Hiroshi , Hata Kenichiro , Yamanaka Shinya , Li En , Ura Kiyoe , Kaneda Yasufumi
Published: August 2006

DNA methylation is involved in fundamental cellular processes such as silencing of genes and transposable elements, but the underlying mechanism of regulation of DNA methylation is largely unknown. DNA methyltransferase 3‐like protein (Dnmt3L), a member of the Dnmt3 family of proteins, is required during the establishment of DNA methylation patterns in germ cells. Dnmt3L does not possess enzymatic activity. Rather, in vitro analysis indicates that Dnmt3L stimulates DNA methylation by both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b through direct binding to these proteins. In the current study, we demonstrated that in vivo, Dnmt3L physically and functionally interacted with the Dnmt3 isoform Dnmt3a2. In wild‐type embryonic stem (ES) cells, but not in cells lacking Dnmt3a, endogenous Dnmt3L was concentrated in chromatin foci. In ES cells deficient in both Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b, Dnmt3L was distributed diffusely throughout the nucleus and cytoplasm, and ectopic expression of Dnmt3a2, but not Dnmt3a or Dnmt3b, restored wild‐type Dnmt3L localization. We showed that endogenous Dnmt3L physically interacted with Dnmt3a2, but not Dnmt3a or Dnmt3b, in ES cells and embryonic testes. We also found that specific CpG sites were demethylated upon depletion of either Dnmt3a or Dnmt3L, but not Dnmt3b, in ES cells. These results provide evidence for a physical and functional interaction between Dnmt3L and Dnmt3a2 in the nucleus. We propose that Dnmt3a2 recruits Dnmt3L to chromatin, and induces regional DNA methylation in germ cells.
Immunohistochemical detection of myogenin and p21 in methylcholanthrene‐induced mouse rhabdomyosarcomas
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Wu Haiyan
Published: August 2006

3‐Methylcholanthrene (MC)‐induced 10 embryonal (ERSs) and 24 pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcomas (PRSs) of the dermis in mouse were examined immunohistochemically for myogenin, p21 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) nuclear reactivity and myosin reactivity. ERSs had higher expression of myogenin and p21 compared with that of myosin. PRSs were divided into two groups having high (moderate or marked reactivity; HLM) and low (mild reactivity; LLM) levels of myosin expression. Expression of p21 was higher in HLM‐PRSs than in LLM‐PRSs. Statistically significant association was observed between myosin and p21 expression in PRSs, but not between myosin and myogenin expression. Myogenin and p21 reactivity were observed in myoblast‐like cells, but rarely in multinucleated cells. In ERSs, small undifferentiated myogenic precursor cells were also positive for p21. No difference of PCNA reactivity was observed between HLM‐PRSs and LLM‐PRSs, although its reactivity was higher in PRSs than in ERSs. The results suggest that myogenin is related to myoblast‐like cell differentiation in PRSs and that p21 plays essential roles in myotube formation and myosin expression. In ERSs, p21 may be involved in inhibition of myogenic precursor cell proliferation and differentiation.
SOURCES OF LEAD IN MAPLE SYRUP AND A METHOD FOR ITS REMOVAL1
Authors: WILLITS C. O. , TRESSLER C. J.
Published: August 2006

The chief sources of lead in maple syrup are (1) lead paint which has been used to paint maple‐producing equipment and chiefly sap buckets; (2) lead tin alloy used as a coating over some iron sap buckets, spouts, evaporators, and storage tanks; (3) lead‐tin solder used in making water‐tight joints in the above‐mentioned equipment. Lead is dissolved by the sap, under the right conditions of temperature and acidity, when it is in contact with these lead‐bearing materials.

The syrup can be produced lead‐free by modifying the equipment so as to eliminate lead‐bearing materials or by painting with a lead‐free paint.

If the lead has been allowed to dissolve in the syrup, it can be removed as a phosphate, a method which is practical only in plants handling large amounts of syrup. The smaller producer may delead (clarify) his syrup by the addition of ten per cent or more by weight of skimmed or whole milk, heating, and subsequent nitration.
REMOVAL OF LEAD IN MAPLE SYRUP BY MEANS OP BASE EXCHANGE MATERIAL1
Authors: WILLITS C. O. , TRESSLER C. J.
Published: August 2006

Calcium Zeo‐Karb (zeolite) will effectively remove lead from maple sap even when the lead concentration is as much as 36 p.p.m. in terms of syrup. This base‐exchange action of the calcium of the Calcium Zeo‐Karb and the lead in the maple sap are independent of the temperature in the range between 5 and 60°C.(41 and 140°F.), but it is dependent upon the contact time (rate of percolation of the sap through the zeolite). When a contact time of one minute was used, the lead concentration was effectively reduced from 36 p.p.m. to less than one p.p.m.

The present study has been limited to the removal of lead from maple sap by means of a base‐exchange material; however, the authors are continuing this work and are now conducting experiments on the removal of zinc, copper, iron, and tin from maple sap with this material.

During the 1939 maple‐sugar season a calcium Zeo‐Karb treatment plant will be set up and used in a sugar bush to ascertain its value under actual operating conditions.

This paper is written before the completion of the work on the removal of the other heavy metals from maple sap, since the question of lead in maple products is very keen at the present time and the authors feel that this paper may be of some value to other workers.

The use of this base‐exchange material would be extremely simple. It would only need to be assembled in the pipe line leading from the maple‐sap storage tank to the evaporator. It should require no attention whatever except to recharge it with calcium chloride at the beginning of each sugar season. The Zeo‐Karb, if kept clean and washed well after each season's use, should last indefinitely.
EXPERIMENTAL WORK ON LACTIC ACID IN PRESERVING PICKLES AND PICKLE PRODUCTS
Authors: FABIAN F. W. , WADSWORTH C. K.
Published: August 2006

The results show that salt is removed at a much faster rate during the first than during the second 24‐hour freshening period. Approximately 50 per cent of the salt was removed during the first hour after heating. A second heating was of little value in facilitating the removal of salt. Salt is removed from small pickles more rapidly than from medium‐sized ones.

Acetic acid penetrates pickles more rapidly than lactic acid.

The rate of penetration of acid into the pickles is greatest during the first 24 hours after they are placed in the acid liquor. In the case of small pickles 75 to 80 per cent of the total amount of acid absorbed by them is absorbed in the first six hours after they are placed in the acid liquor. Equilibrium is reached within 40 hours for small pickles, whereas with medium‐sized pickles it requires a longer time. Not only is the concentration of the acid important but also the ratio of weight of the pickles to weight of the acid present.
INFLUENCE OF SUNLIGHT ON FLAVOR AND ASCORBIC ACID CONTENT OF MILK EXPOSED IN THREE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PAPER CONTAINERS
Authors: HENDERSON J. L. , FOORD D. C. , ROADHOUSE C. L.
Published: August 2006

Single‐service paper containers for milk are being used more widely each year. The effect of sunlight on the flavor of milk stored in such containers has not, however, been studied extensively; and few data are available in the literature on this subject.
MAPLE SIRUP. VIII. A SIMPLE AND RAPID TEST FOR THE ANALYSIS OF MAPLE SIRUP FOR INVERT SUGARab
Authors: NAGHSKI J. , WILLITS C. O. , PORTER WILLIAM L.
Published: August 2006

A simple, rapid threshold test for the approximate analysis of invert sugar in maple sirup is described. The method is based on the selection of sample dilutions such that, for any given percentage of invert, one dilution will give a positive color test while the adjacent higher dilution will give a negative test reaction. The test requires only a simple kit, obtainable from all drug stores, and such equipment as can be found in the home or processing plant.
Thermal Destruction of Streptococcus faecalis in Prepared Frozen Foodsa
Authors: OTT THOMAS M. , EL‐BISI HAMED M. , ESSELEN WILLIAM B.
Published: August 2006

The thermal destruction rates of Streptococcus faecalis, ATCC 7080, were determined in a selected group of meat and fish precooked frozen products. Data on heat transfer through these products in a hot air household electric oven, were also obtained. Accordingly, the theoretical thermal treatments required to render such products commercially sterile were computed following the procedure of the General method of process calculation for canned foods with some modification. Inoculated product tests were also made to confirm the adequacy of the computed thermal treatments.

It is concluded that the procedure adopted for establishing the thermal treatment was accurate and proved feasible for this type of product. Based on the thermal resistance of our test strain, the heat treatments recommended on the commercial packages seem to be adequate, provided the heating and cooling procedures are similar to those followed in the present experiments. In the case of one product out of the five tested, however, the minimum recommended heating period fell short of the computed thermal requirement for that product.
Reflectance Color Measurements and Judges' Scores for Frozen Cauliflower and Spinach
Authors: BOGGS MILDRED M. , LUKENS H. C. , VENSTROM DELPHA W. , HARRIS JEAN G. , SHINODA SUMIKO , DEBEAU BERTHA P.
Published: August 2006

Color data on stored spinach and cauliflower were correlated with judges’scores to determine best sampling procedures for measurements with the Hunter Color and Color‐Difference Meter. Spinach stems, rather than leaves or mixtures, changed the most and most uniformly, correlated best with scores, and produced the smallest experimental errors. Cauliflower floret surface, instead of stems or mixture, gave smallest significant differences by judges. Good results on the instrument were obtained for both floret surface and a rapidly prepared slurry from a thin surface layer. Best of six color indices of deterioration were Hunter “a” and hue angle
The Sodium Content of Hawaii‐Grown Fruits and Vegetables in Relation to Environmenta
Authors: WENKAM NAO S. , MILLER CAREY D. , KANEHIKO YOSHINORI
Published: August 2006

From four of the major islands in the Hawaiian chain, 19 foods of plant origin, the soil in which they were grown and the water used for irrigation were assayed for sodium. Data on the influence of environment upon the sodium content of fruits and vegetables are given. Most fruits and vegetables were low in sodium. A few, such as papaya, beets, celery, daikon, and sweetpotato, were high and probably should be omitted from very restricted sodium diets. The sodium concentration of some of the foods varied with the soil sodium concentration, which points out the necessity of considering the source of these particular foods before using them in a sodium‐restricted diet. The results indicate that variations in sodium should be expected in plant foods, although the differences may not always be nutritionally significant.
Pineapple Stem Acid Phosphatases.a I. Effect of pH, Anions, Cations and Sulfhydryl Reagents on Crude Preparations
Authors: HEINICKE R. M. , LAU LORRIN , MORI R. , CHUN ALICE
Published: August 2006

The pineapple stem is an excellent source of two acid phosphatases. Although the enzymes are stable between pH 4.0 and 8.5 and are not readily surface‐denatured, yet the assay values are not too reproducible. Micelle formation may account for the erratic results. The enzyme shows optimum activity at pH 6.0 and requires no metal cofactor. Certain metals, such as magnesium, stabilize the enzyme. Molybdate and hydrogen peroxide are the most potent inhibitors. Dibasic phosphate is about three times as potent an inhibitor as dibasic arsenate.
Influence of Salt (NaCl) on Pectinolytic Softening of Cucumbersa
Authors: BELL THOMAS A. , ETCHELLS JOHN L.
Published: August 2006

Experimental packs of pasteurized cucumbers were treated with pectinase from three sources under controlled conditions with respect to temperature, pH, acidity, salt concentration, and absence of microbial development. The enzyme‐treated lots revealed that as the salt content of the cucumbers increased, their firmness likewise increased according to a first‐order reaction. Based on cucumber softening data obtained by use of the three pectinases, tabulated information is presented which permits an estimate of the relative degree of softening that may be expected in curing brines at different salt concentrations.
Radioresistance of Five Strains of Clostridium Botulinum in Selected Food Productsa,b
Authors: WHEATON E. , PRATT G. B. , JACKSON J. M.
Published: August 2006

Spore recovery counts made on five strains of Clostridium botulinum indicated striking differences in radioresistance. Strain 12885A was most resistant, and strain 32B least resistant. A difference was noted in the survival of spores in five food products (green beans, chicken, codfish, pork, and beef), with green beans providing the most destruction. It was also observed that a given substrate was found to allow a greater per cent survival of one strain than another, so that two strains compared in one food do not always show the same relationship as when compared in another food. Some evidence indicates a modest recovery of viability of the irradiated spores during frozen storage prior to culturing. Since the character of the food determines in part the dose required for the destruction of Cl. botulinum, no single dose would be best for all food products.
The Fatty Acids of Vegetables. II. Spinacha,b
Authors: MATTICK LEONARD R. , LEE FRANK A.
Published: August 2006

The fatty acids in the extracted crude lipid of spinach were studied to determine changes during storage at ‐17.8°C in the blanched and untreated condition. It was further determined that the total free fatty acids increased in the unblanched samples during storage. Palmitic acid increased during storage, whereas the longer‐chain fatty acids, particularly linolenic acid, decreased. A fatty acid containing 17 carbon atoms, n‐heptadecanoic acid, was present in fair quantity.
Studies on the Ecology of Selected Food Poisoning Organisms in Foods. I. Growth of Staphylococcus Aureus in Cream and a Cream Product
Authors: POST F. J. , BLISS A. H. , O'KEEFE W. B.
Published: August 2006

A commercially produced whipped cream product, sold as a “cream puff” from unrefrigerated home delivery trucks, was investigated. The need to provide refrigeration of cream and cream‐filled products on trucks during the hot weather in southern California was one of the basic considerations. The product investigated was one of the most hazardous food‐poison‐producing food products. Although over a million cream puffs had been sold in southern California from these trucks, no report of food poisoning was recorded, or even a claim against the company of suspected food poisoning. The laboratory investigation did not explain why there have been no food poisoning cases reported from eating this product.
An Olfactometer for Rapid and Critical Odor Measurement
Authors: OUGH C. S. , STONE H.
Published: August 2006

An olfactometer is described that will deliver calculated amounts of odor to subjects in a rapid and reproducible manner. It was found that sparging air through a test liquid will saturate the air at the vapor pressure of the liquid. Sensitivities, for a panel, were determined at two levels of acetic acid concentrations; they were 0.939 deviates per mg (× 10−5) per L for a concentration of 1.90 × 10−5 mg per L, and 0.587 deviates per mg (× 10−5) per L for a concentration of 3.37 × 10−5 mg per L. Some modifications of the olfactometer are suggested and discussed.
Free Sugars and Sugar Phosphates in Muscle of Chill‐Stored Aquarium Cod (Gadus callarias)
Authors: BURT J. R.
Published: August 2006

The concentrations of ribose, glucose, ribose 1‐phosphate, glucose 1‐phosphate, glucose 6‐phosphate, fructose monophosphate and fructose 1,6‐diphosphate in muscle extracts of aquarium‐kept cod were determined and their changes followed throughout a period of chill‐storage. A comparison is drawn between these results and those obtained previously from a similar study on trawled cod, and the probable enzymic processes responsible for the changes are discussed. It is observed that on the whole, rested cod muscle contains considerably more free sugars and sugar phosphates than trawled cod muscle and it is concluded that muscle from rested fish is more liable to “brown” than is that from exhausted fish.
Volatile Constituents of Black Peppera
Authors: JENNINGS W. G. , WROLSTAD R. E.
Published: August 2006

Black pepper oil, separated by gas chromatographic techniques, had at least 23 volatile components. On the basis of relative retention volumes and infrared spectroscopy, these include α‐pinene, β‐pinene, D‐limonene, and β‐caryophyllene. α‐phellandrene, reported by others, was not detected. Four samples of pepper oil differed in the relative amounts of various constituents. The methods described permit rapid screening of samples, and selection for greater flavor uniformity from batch to batch.