bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CDH1 (E‐cadherin) in testicular germ cell neoplasia: suppressed translation of mRNA in pre‐invasive carcinoma in situ but increased protein levels in advanced tumours
Authors: SONNE SI B. , HOEI‐HANSEN CHRISTINA E. , NIELSEN JOHN E. , HERLIHY AMY S. , ANDERSSON ANNA‐MARIA , ALMSTRUP KRISTIAN , DAUGAARD GEDSKE , SKAKKEBAEK NIELS E. , LEFFERS HENRIK , RAJPERT‐DE MEYTS EWA
Published: August 2006

E‐cadherin (CDH1) is a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in cellular adhesion. In our recent microarray studies of testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) and the common precursor carcinoma in situ (CIS), CDH1 mRNA was highly expressed in CIS and embryonal carcinoma. It has previously been reported that the CDH1 protein is not expressed in CIS. To resolve the discrepancy, we performed a detailed analysis of the expression of CDH1 mRNA and protein in a series of normal and neoplastic testes. High expression of CDH1 mRNA in CIS was confirmed by real‐time PCR and in situ hybridisation. At the protein level, however, CDH1 was only detected with one of three tested antibodies, but Western blotting analysis with this antibody showed additional bands, suggesting unspecific staining. The levels of a CDH1 protein fragment in serum samples from 58 patients with TGCTs were analysed by ELISA; we found significantly higher levels in patients with advanced disease (stage II/III) when compared to healthy individuals and patients with stage I TGCT. In conclusion, despite high mRNA levels, the CDH1 protein is not expressed in CIS, suggesting translational suppression of CDH1 protein expression. CDH1 serum levels may be a serological marker for staging of TGCT patients.
Differential gene expression of GDP‐L‐fucose‐synthesizing enzymes, GDP‐fucose transporter and fucosyltransferase VII
Authors: NIITTYMÄKI JAANA , MATTILA PIRKKO , RENKONEN RISTO
Published: August 2006

L‐fucose is a fundamental monosaccharide component of many mammalian glycoproteins and glycolipids. Fucosylation requires GDP‐L‐fucose as a donor of fucose and a specific fucosyltransferase (Fuc‐T) to catalyze the transfer of L‐fucose to various lactosamine acceptor molecules. The biosynthesis of GDP‐L‐fucose consists of two pathways. The constitutively active de novo pathway involves conversion of cellular GDP‐D‐mannose to GDP‐L‐fucose by GDP‐D‐mannose‐4,6‐dehydratase (GMD) and GDP‐4‐keto‐6‐deoxy‐D‐mannose‐3,5‐epimerase‐4‐reductase (FX). In the alternative biosynthetic pathway, in the salvage metabolism, L‐fucokinase (Fuk) synthesizes L‐fucose‐1‐phosphate from free fucose. L‐fucose‐1‐phosphate is further catalyzed to GDP‐L‐fucose by GDP‐L‐fucose pyrophosphorylase (Fpgt). GDP‐L‐fucose, synthesized in the cytosol, is translocated to the Golgi for fucosylation by a specific GDP‐fucose transporter (FUCT1). Glycans that contain α(1,3)‐fucosylated modifications, e.g. sialyl Lewis X‐type glycans, have an important role in inflammation and in tumorigenesis. We studied the mRNA expression levels of GDP‐L‐fucose‐synthesizing enzymes, GDP‐fucose transporter and fucosyltransferase VII by quantitative real‐time PCR in mouse endothelial cells, macrophages and lymphoid tumor cells. Moreover, the expression of the same transcripts was detected in acute inflammation using rat kidney allograft as model system. Our results indicate the simultaneous upregulation of the GDP‐L‐fucose synthesizing enzymes of the de novo pathway, GDP‐fucose transporter and fucosyltransferase VII in inflammation and in tumorigenesis.
Immunohistochemical staining patterns using epitope‐specific antibodies indicate conformation variants of antisecretory factor/S5a in the CNS
Authors: JENNISCHE EVA , JOHANSSON EWA , HANSSON HANS‐ARNE , JONSON INGELA
Published: August 2006

Antisecretory factor (AF/S5a/Rpn10) was originally identified through its ability to counteract pathological secretion. AF is also a potent anti‐inflammatory agent, a neuromodulator, and an important component of the proteasome. Human AF has a calculated molecular mass of 41 kDa and a pI of 4.7. No family of AF‐like proteins has been identified. AF has multiple functions in the cell, and different functional forms could exist as a result of post‐translational modifications. Epitope‐specific antibodies covering the entire length of AF were used to investigate whether modified forms of AF could be detected in the porcine spinal cord by Western blots, 2D gels, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blot and 2D gels showed that all antisera detected a single protein with very similar molecular mass and pI. However, IHC resulted in an epitope‐specific subcellular staining pattern. Antisera recognizing epitopes in the N‐terminal part of AF, containing the antisecretory activity, showed a more restricted localisation than antisera directed at the C‐terminal part, containing the ubiquitin‐binding sites. We suggest that AF can exist in several conformational variants, perhaps due to differences in redox state and/or pH in the various cellular compartments. Such conformational changes could be of functional importance.
No correlation of five gene polymorphisms with periodontal conditions in a Greek population
Authors: Sakellari D. , Katsares V. , Georgiadou M. , Kouvatsi A. , Arsenakis M. , Konstantinidis A.
Published: August 2006

Background: Various studies have examined possible correlations between a number of cytokine gene polymorphisms and periodontal disease in populations of different origins. The present study sought the correlation between four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (IL1A+3954, IL1B+4845, TNFA−308, COL1A1 Sp1), a variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism (IL1RN intron 2) and periodontal conditions in subjects of Greek origin.

Methods: One hundred and ninety‐two healthy subjects, stratified as non‐periodontitis and periodontitis (chronic and aggressive) cases, participated in the present study. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction‐based techniques using the primers and conditions described in the literature. The frequencies of genotypes between study groups were compared using Genepop v3.3 genetic software and Instat statistical package.

Results: No differences were observed among the groups concerning the distributions of genotypes under investigation.

Conclusions: Carriage rates of the polymorphisms under investigation in systemically healthy subjects of Greek origin are well within the range reported for Caucasians but these polymorphisms cannot discriminate between non‐periodontitis and periodontitis (chronic or aggressive) cases.
The influence of diabetes on gingival crevicular fluid β‐glucuronidase and interleukin‐8
Authors: Engebretson Steven P. , Vossughi Faranak , Hey‐Hadavi Judith , Emingil Gülnur , Grbic John T.
Published: August 2006

Objectives: Polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) dysfunction is associated with diabetes. We examined the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) β‐glucuronidase (BG) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) levels of periodontitis patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Material and methods: Forty five adults with type 2 DM and 32 adults without DM, both with chronic periodontitis were enrolled. GCF was collected from eight posterior sites in each quadrant, and periodontal parameters were recorded. GCF was assayed for IL‐8 by ELISA and BG by a flourometric assay.

Results: GCF IL‐8 was positively correlated with probing depth (PD), and GCF BG but not clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), or plaque index (PI). In contrast, GCF BG was strongly correlated with each of the clinical measures of periodontal disease. Subjects with DM significantly lower levels of both BG (73.0±44.8 versus 121.9±84.6 pg/sample; p=0.002) and IL‐8 (32.1±33.1 versus 90.8±83.2 pg/sample; p<0.0001) even after adjustments for age, gender, PD, CAL, BOP, and PI. Neither BG nor IL‐8 was correlated with HbA1c levels in subjects with DM.

Conclusion: These data suggest that an inadequate local response by PMN, partially explained by an altered chemokine gradient, may contribute to periodontal disease in patients with type 2 DM.
Effect of TNF‐α on the melatonin synthetic pathway in the rat pineal gland: basis for a ‘feedback’ of the immune response on circadian timing
Authors: Fernandes Pedro A.C.M. , Cecon Erika , Markus Regina P. , Ferreira Zulma S.
Published: August 2006

Abstract:  A retino‐hypothalamic‐sympathetic pathway drives the nocturnal surge of pineal melatonin production that determines the synchronization of pineal function with the environmental light/dark cycle. In many studies, melatonin has been implicated in the modulation of the inflammatory response. However, scant information on the feedback action of molecules present in the blood on the pineal gland during the time course of an inflammatory response is available. Here we analyzed the effect of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and corticosterone on the transcription of the Aa‐nat, hiomt and 14‐3‐3 protein genes in denervated pineal glands of rats stimulated for 5 hr with norepinephrine, using real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. The transcription of Aa‐nat, a gene encoding the key enzyme in melatonin biosynthesis, together with the synthesis of the melatonin precursor N‐acetylserotonin, was inhibited by TNF‐α. This inhibition was transient, and a preincubation of TNF‐α for more than 24 hr had no detectable effect. In fact, a protein(s) transcribed, later on, as shown by cycloheximide, was responsible for the reversal of the inhibition of Aa‐nat transcription. In addition, corticosterone induced a potentiation of norepinephrine‐induced Aa‐nat transcription even after 48 hr of incubation. These data support the hypothesis that the nocturnal surge in melatonin is impaired at the beginning of an inflammatory response and restored either during the shutdown of an acute response or in a chronic inflammatory pathology. Here, we introduce a new molecular pathway involved in the feedback of an inflammatory response on pineal activity, and provide a molecular basis for understanding the expression of circadian timing in injured organisms.
Is there an association between physical exercise and the quality of life of hypertensive patients?
Authors: Cuevas Fernandez F. J. , Marco Garcia M. T. , Rodriguez Alvarez C. , Iglesias Giron M. J. , Aguirre‐Jaime A.
Published: August 2006

Context: Quality of life of hypertensive patients (QOLHP) is associated with factors that are not always taken into account in the recommendations made by doctors.

Objective: To evaluate the association between QOLHP and physical exercise in an effectiveness approach, i.e. under the actual conditions of application of these treatments.

Methodology: In a sample of 361 hypertensive patients registered in a primary care center in Tenerife, Spain, the QOLHP is measured using the PECVEC questionnaire. The main factor considered is physical exercise. In addition, we compiled a set of control variables: pharmacological and dietetic treatments, pathological, clinical, functional, psychological, social, lifestyle and demographic characteristic of the patients. We explored the association between all these factors and the QOLHP by adjusting multiple linear regression models.

Results: The PECVEC results were between 2.0 and 3.5, with an overall Cronbach's α reliability statistic of 0.88. From the sample, 58% of the patients engage in physical exercise, 75% maintain a anti‐hypertension diet and 89% take hypertension medication. From all the treatments evaluated, only physical exercise is associated directly with all PECVEC scales, especially for women and patients over 65.

Conclusions: Recommending the practice of physical exercise may be a useful tool for doctors to improve the QOLHP.
Analysis of a simulated sprint competition in classical cross country skiing
Authors: Stöggl T. , Lindinger S. , Müller E.
Published: August 2006

The objectives of this project were first to analyze the physiological response of a classical cross country (XC) skiing sprint competition, second, to examine the relationships of kinematic and physiological variables with sprint performance and third, to test the hypothesis that maximal speed in double poling (DP) and diagonal stride (DIAG) predicts sprint performance. Twelve elite skiers performed a treadmill‐based simulation of a sprint competition that included two maximal speed tests (DP, DIAG), a test and three sprint heats over a 3.5‐h period. VO2, lactate, heart rate (HR) and kinematic variables were measured. Maximal DP and DIAG speed, the level of repeatedly produced lactate values and skiing technical aspects positively correlated with sprint performance. Fastest skiers produced longer cycle lengths in all techniques at equal poling frequency. VO2 variables showed no correlation to sprint performance. VO2, tidal volume (VT), and lactate decreased over the heats. XC‐sprint performance in classical style depends on speed abilities, technique use, fatigue resistance, and anaerobic capacity. The relationship of maximal speed with sprint performance suggests (a) integrating maximal speed tests in XC sprint diagnostics and (b) emphasizing training models for XC skiing‐specific speed abilities to improve performance in XC skiing sprint.
Oral cancer: experiences and diagnostic abilities elicited by dentists in North‐western Spain
Authors: Seoane J , Warnakulasuriya S , Varela‐Centelles P , Esparza G , Dios PD
Published: August 2006

Background:  Opinions, knowledge, behaviours and attitudes of general dental practitioners on oral cancer prevention and detection have been reported from many countries. However, experiences and skills of oral cancer detection have not been evaluated systematically.

Objective:  To obtain information on behaviours of screening and ability to correctly detect oral cancer and precancer among general dentists (GDP) in North‐western Spain.

Subjects and methods:  Thirty‐two randomly selected GDPs completed questionnaires and then classified 50 projected images of clinical lesions, into cancer, precancer or benign lesions.

Results:  87.5% reported conducting routine oral examinations, 84.4% provided routine advice to their subjects for risk modifications and 84.4% claimed to biopsy a suspected oral mucosal lesion that they detected in practice. In a quasi research setting using clinical slides, the sensitivity of visual diagnosis of a cancerous lesion was 61.4% and precancer 59.5%. The diagnostic accuracy reported here is lower than what is already reported by evaluation of published screening programmes by dentists.

Conclusions:  Our data from Spain suggest a need for improving the diagnostic ability of GDPs in the visual detection of oral cancer/precancer by strengthening continuing professional education.
Sialadenitis following radioiodine therapy – a new diagnostic and treatment modality
Authors: Nahlieli O , Nazarian Y
Published: August 2006

Objectives:  To explore the usage of salivary gland endoscope technique as a diagnostic tool as well as a novel treatment modality for sialadenitis following radioiodine therapy.

Subjects and methods:  Fifteen patients suffering from sialadenitis of the major salivary glands after I131 therapy for thyroid carcinoma underwent a single procedure of sialoendoscopy under local anesthesia.

Results:  All the patients were free of sialadenitis after one sialoendoscopy procedure with no complications accompanied.

Conclusions:  Sialoendoscopy is an efficient technique with low morbidity as well as a relatively simple surgical method for diagnosing and treating sialadenitis induced by radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer patients.
Hay–Wells syndrome (AEC): a case report
Authors: Macias Emilio , De Carlos Felix , Cobo Juan
Published: August 2006

We would like to present a case of the rare genetic skin disorder catalogued as AEC syndrome. This rare disorder was described in 1976 by Hay and Wells in seven individuals from four families, and it entails a complex polymalformative syndrome with an autosomal‐dominant inheritance pattern and variable penetration. Descriptive explanation and facial and intraoral images of this rare disorder constituted the study design. The neonatal report outlines dysplastic phenotype, micrognathia, hypoplasia of the hard and soft palate, cleft palate, small nose, mammary hypoplasia with ectopic mammary nodules, hypoplastic external genitalia with clitoral hypertrophy, hypoplasia of the nails, a tendency towards dorsiflexion of the big toe on both feet, ankyloblepharon filiforme, low positioning of the auricles and faulty development of the left auricle, scaly exanthema with eritrodermatitis and hyperkeratosis, good lung ventilation, normal heart rhythm and normal neurological examination. Although only a few cases published are available, clinical variability is one of the hallmarks of AEC syndrome. The majority of authors consider ankyloblepharon, ectodermal dysplasia and orofacial clefting as cardinal signs. They are all are present in the case reported.
Salivary interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in patients with drug‐induced xerostomia
Authors: Vučićević Boras V , Brailo V , Lukač J , Kordić D , Picek P , Blažič‐Potočki Z
Published: August 2006

It is well known that cytokines are involved in the homeostasis of oral cavity and that altered levels of either serum and/or salivary cytokines have been found in certain oral/systemic diseases. So far, cytokines in connection with xerostomia have been investigated in patients with Sjögren's syndrome. We wanted to find out whether drugs themselves influence salivary glands, which would result in altered cytokine level or whether xerostomia itself of different causes leads to the changes in salivary cytokine levels. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate levels of salivary interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in 30 patients with drug‐induced xerostomia, age range 29–84 and mean 63.9 years. Control group consisted of 30 healthy participants, age range 30–82 years and mean age 65.2 years. Enzyme‐linked immunoassay was performed on commercially available kits. Statistical analysis was performed by use of Student's test. No significant differences in salivary IL‐6 and TNF‐α between patients with drug‐induced xerostomia when compared with the healthy controls were found (P < 0.05). We might conclude that drugs do not induce damage to the salivary glands which could be seen in altered salivary IL‐6 and TNF‐α levels and that xerostomia itself, induced by drugs does not alter levels of the investigated salivary cytokines.
Cancer stem cells – new and potentially important targets for the therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Costea DE , Tsinkalovsky O , Vintermyr OK , Johannessen AC , Mackenzie IC
Published: August 2006

There is increasing evidence that the growth and spread of cancers is driven by a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) – the only cells that are capable of long‐term self‐renewal and generation of the phenotypically diverse tumour cell population. Current failure of cancer therapies may be due to their lesser effect on potentially quiescent CSCs which remain vital and retain their full capacity to repopulate the tumour. Treatment strategies for the elimination of cancer therefore need to consider the consequences of the presence of CSCs. However, the development of new CSC‐targeted strategies is currently hindered by the lack of reliable markers for the identification of CSCs and the poor understanding of their behaviour and fate determinants. Recent studies of cell lines derived from oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) indicate the presence of subpopulations of cells with phenotypic and behavioural characteristics corresponding to both normal epithelial stem cells and to cells capable of initiating tumours in vivo. The present review discusses the relevance to OSCC of current CSC concepts, the state of various methods for CSC identification, characterization and isolation (clonal functional assay, cell sorting based on surface markers or uptake of Hoechst dye), and possible new approaches to therapy.
Therapeutic doses of glucocorticoids: implications for oral medicine
Authors: Baid SK , Nieman LK
Published: August 2006

Glucocorticoids can cause adverse systemic side‐effects ranging from iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome during treatment, to hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis suppression and clinically significant adrenal insufficiency when the agents are discontinued. While the oral route of administration is most often implicated, it is now becoming more apparent that inhaled and topical administration also can cause these effects. Given the high therapeutic value of glucocorticoids, the ability to prescribe these agents while maintaining a low risk‐to‐benefit ratio for patients is critical. The aim of this review is to provide oral healthcare practitioners with a practical guide to commonly used glucocorticoids, their adverse effects, and perioperative use.
cDNA cloning and 1.75 Å crystal structure determination of PPL2, an endochitinase and N‐acetylglucosamine‐binding hemagglutinin from Parkia platycephala seeds
Authors: Cavada Benildo S. , Moreno Frederico B. B. , da Rocha Bruno A. M. , de Azevedo Walter F. , Castellón Rolando E. R. , Goersch Georg V. , Nagano Celso S. , de Souza Emmanuel P. , Nascimento Kyria S. , Radis‐Baptista Gandhi , Delatorre Plínio , Leroy Yves , Toyama Marcos H. , Pinto Vicente P. T. , Sampaio Alexandre H. , Barettino Domingo , Debray Henri , Calvete Juan J. , Sanz Libia
Published: August 2006

Parkia platycephala lectin 2 was purified from Parkia platycephala (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae) seeds by affinity chromatography and RP‐HPLC. Equilibrium sedimentation and MS showed that Parkia platycephala lectin 2 is a nonglycosylated monomeric protein of molecular mass 29 407 ± 15 Da, which contains six cysteine residues engaged in the formation of three intramolecular disulfide bonds. Parkia platycephala lectin 2 agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes, and this activity was specifically inhibited by N‐acetylglucosamine. In addition, Parkia platycephala lectin 2 hydrolyzed β(1–4) glycosidic bonds linking 2‐acetoamido‐2‐deoxy‐β‐d‐glucopyranose units in chitin. The full‐length amino acid sequence of Parkia platycephala lectin 2, determined by N‐terminal sequencing and cDNA cloning, and its three‐dimensional structure, established by X‐ray crystallography at 1.75 Å resolution, showed that Parkia platycephala lectin 2 is homologous to endochitinases of the glycosyl hydrolase family 18, which share the (βα)8 barrel topology harboring the catalytic residues Asp125, Glu127, and Tyr182.
Oxidative stress and apoptotic events during thermal stress in the symbiotic sea anemone, Anemonia viridis
Authors: Richier Sophie , Sabourault Cécile , Courtiade Juliette , Zucchini Nathalie , Allemand Denis , Furla Paola
Published: August 2006

Symbiosis between cnidarian and photosynthetic protists is widely distributed over temperate and tropical seas. These symbioses can periodically breakdown, a phenomenon known as cnidarian bleaching. This event can be irreversible for some associations subjected to acute and/or prolonged environmental disturbances, and leads to the death of the animal host. During bleaching, oxidative stress has been described previously as acting at molecular level and apoptosis is suggested to be one of the mechanisms involved. We focused our study on the role of apoptosis in bleaching via oxidative stress in the association between the sea anemone Anemonia viridis and the dinoflagellates Symbiodinium species. Characterization of caspase‐like enzymes were conducted at the biochemical and molecular level to confirm the presence of a caspase‐dependent apoptotic phenomenon in the cnidarian host. We provide evidence of oxidative stress followed by induction of caspase‐like activity in animal host cells after an elevated temperature stress, suggesting the concomitant action of these components in bleaching.
Sexual Function Status in Women with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Authors: Köseoğlu Nalan , Köseoğlu Hikmet , Itil Oya , Öztura İbrahim , Baklan Barış , Ikiz Ahmet Omer , Esen Ahmet Adil
Published: August 2006

Introduction

Several co-morbid diseases have been shown to affect sexual functions in both genders. In the literature, sexual function status in men with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been studied; however, sexual functions in women with OSAS have not yet been studied.

Aims

In this prospective study, we aimed to determine sexual function status in women with OSAS and its relationship with the disease parameters of OSAS.

Methods

Women, who were diagnosed with OSAS with polysomnography performed in the sleep center of our university hospital, formed the study population. Women with any genital deformity, postmenopausal women, and women without a regular partner were excluded from the study. General demographic properties, medical histories, polysomnography parameters, and frequency of intercourse per month were noted for each patient. Patients completed the Sexual Function Questionnaire Version 2 (SFQ-V2) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The patients were grouped as mild, moderate, and severe OSAS according to the level of respiratory disturbance index (RDI).

Main Outcome Measures

Scores of sexual function domains were determined from SFQ, and their relationships with parameters of polysomnography and demographics were studied.

Results

Twenty-five patients were included in the study. Mean age was 48.1 ± 2.7 years. All were married with a mean marriage duration of 25.6 ± 3.3 years. Mean frequency of intercourse per month was 3.3 ± 1.8. All domains of sexual functions except pain and enjoyment significantly decreased with increasing severity of OSAS. When we controlled for factors of age and co-morbid diseases, correlation analyses showed significant negative correlation between levels of RDI and all domains of sexual functions except pain and enjoyment (P  < 0.05).

Conclusions

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome negatively impacts sexual function in women independent of age and associated co-morbid diseases.
The Hubble diagram extended to z ≫1: the gamma-ray properties of gamma-ray bursts confirm the Λ cold dark matter model
Authors: Firmani C. , Avila-Reese V. , Ghisellini G. , Ghirlanda G.
Published: August 2006

Tight constraints on cosmological parameters can be obtained with standard candles spanning a range of redshifts as large as possible. We propose to treat Type Ia supernovae (SNIa) and long gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) as a single class of candles. Taking advantage of the recent release of the Supernova Legacy Survey and the recent finding of a tight correlation among the energetics and other prompt gamma-ray emission properties of GRBs, we are able to standardize the luminosities/energetics of both classes of objects. In this way we can jointly use GRBs and SNIa as cosmological probes to constrain Ωm and ΩΛ and the parameters of the dark energy equation of state through the same Bayesian method that we have, so far, applied to GRBs alone. Despite the large disparity in number (115 SNIa versus 19 GRBs) we show that the constraints on Ωm and ΩΛ are greatly improved by the inclusion of GRBs. More importantly, the result of the combined sample is in excellent agreement with the ΛCDM concordance cosmological model and does not require an evolving equation of state for the dark energy.
FUNCTIONAL LIPID CHARACTERISTICS OF CHERRY LAUREL SEEDS (LAUROCERASUS OFFICINALIS ROEM.)
Authors: ALASALVAR CESARETTIN , WANASUNDARA UDAYA , ZHONG YING , SHAHIDI FEREIDOON
Published: August 2006

The seeds of two native cherry laurel varieties (namely Kiraz and Findik), grown in the city of Giresun, Turkey, were compared in terms of their lipid content, lipid classes, fatty acids and fat soluble bioactives (tocols and phytosterols). Lipid content of the seeds in Kiraz and Findik varieties were 38.10 and 41.61%, respectively. The proportion of nonpolar and polar lipids ranged from 87.91 to 88.27% and from 11.73 to 12.09%, respectively. Triacylglycerol, and acetone mobile polar lipid and phospholipid, were the only nonpolar and polar lipids detected, respectively. No significant (P > 0.05) differences were found between the two samples among lipid classes. Thirteen, nine and four major fatty acids were detected in crude, neutral and polar lipids, respectively. Among those identified fatty acids, oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid (62.42–64.18% in crude oil, 56.60–60.11% in neutral lipid, and 78.23–79.55% in polar lipid) followed by linoleic acid and palmitic acid in all lipid fractions. Eight tocol isoforms (four tocopherols and four tocotrienols) and three common phytosterols were positively identified and quantified; among these, γ‐tocopherol (0.55–0.69 mg/100 g oil) and β‐sitosterol (192.5–222 mg/100 g oil) were predominant in both seed oils. Tocotrienols were detected in trace amounts (<0.01 mg/100 g oil). Significant differences (P < 0.05) existed between Kiraz and Findik varieties among tocopherols and phytosterols. Thus, the present results suggest that both cherry laurel seeds serve as good sources of lipid, monounsaturated fatty acids, and bioactives. Therefore, both cherry seed oils might be considered as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals.
ENZYMATIC ACIDOLYSIS OF EVENING PRIMROSE OIL WITH DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID USING RESPONSE SURFACE METHODOLOGY
Authors: SENANAYAKE S.P.J. NAMAL , SHAHIDI FEREIDOON
Published: August 2006

Lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis of evening primrose oil with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) was carried out using Novozym‐435 from Candida antarctica as the biocatalyst. Several parameters, namely the amount of enzyme (X1; 100–200 enzyme activity units), incubation temperature (X2; 30–60C) and reaction time (X3; 18–30 h) were examined as independent variables of face‐centered cube design. Using response surface methodology (RSM), the optimum reaction conditions for DHA incorporation into evening primrose oil were determined and quadratic response surface was drawn from the mathematical model. The results demonstrated that the amount of enzyme, reaction temperature and reaction time significantly (P ≤ 0.05) affected the incorporation of DHA into evening primrose oil. Optimum reaction conditions for DHA incorporation were 162 units of enzyme at 43C in 27 h. The optimum value predicted by RSM for DHA incorporation was 31.9%. Analysis of variance showed that 95% (R2 = 0.95) of the observed variation was explained by the polynomial model. Close agreement existed between experimental and predicted values. The positional distribution of fatty acids in DHA‐enriched evening primrose indicated that DHA was randomly distributed among the sn‐2 and sn‐1 + sn‐3 positions of the DHA‐enriched evening primrose oil.
ANALYTICAL DEFINITION OF THE QUALITY OF EXTRA‐VIRGIN OLIVE OIL STORED IN POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE BOTTLES
Authors: CECCHI TERESA , DE MARCO CORRADO , PASSAMONTI PAOLO , PUCCIARELLI FILIPPO
Published: August 2006

To assess the role of the container material on the quality of olive oil, 16 samples of selected extra‐virgin olive oils (obtained in dark‐green glass bottles as soon as they were produced) were stored in colorless polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and in dark‐green glass bottles for 2 months. For the very first time, room temperature and daylight storage were used to mimic the actual household storage conditions. Results clearly indicate that peroxide value increases rapidly above the threshold value; there was also an increase of free fatty acids and acidity and strong sensory quality loss upon storage in PET bottles. Influences of the technological operation adopted during oil extraction are discussed.
ANTIRADICAL PERFORMANCE AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF VEGETABLE OILS UPON FRYING OF FRENCH FRIES: A PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: SULIEMAN ABD EL‐RAHMAN MOHAMED , EL‐MAKHZANGY ATTYA , RAMADAN MOHAMED FAWZY
Published: August 2006

Results of physicochemical parameters and antiradical performance of vegetable oils during deep frying acting as an initial indicator for applying antiradical test for monitoring deep frying oils were compared. Refined and deodorized palm olein, sunflower oil and cottonseed oil were evaluated during intermittent frying of French fries on two consecutive days for 16 h with oil replenishing after 8 h. Changes in fatty acid profile were used to evaluate the alteration during frying. In the different systems, linoleic acid decreased while palmitic, stearic and oleic acids increased in the bath oil upon frying. Some physical and chemical measurements were chosen to evaluate the quality of frying media. Data showed that palm olein was stable as a frying medium compared to sunflower and cottonseed oils. This was evidenced in palm olein by the lower peroxide value, iodine value, color index, viscosity, total polar compounds and UV absorbances at 232 and 270 nm. In contrast, radical scavenging activities (RSAs) of the three vegetable oils were recorded during frying, wherein the results showed that palm olein had the highest RSA followed by sunflower and cottonseed oils, respectively. A proportional correlation and positive relationship existed between some physicochemical characteristics of vegetable oils and their RSAs. Thus, antiradical measurement could be used to quantify the oxidative and hydrolytic deteriorations of vegetable oils upon frying.
POLYUNSATURATED FATTY ACID CONTENT OF EDIBLE INSECTS IN THAILAND
Authors: YANG LI‐FENG. , SIRIAMORNPUN SIRITHON , LI DUO
Published: August 2006

Total lipid content and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of six species of insects (mole cricket, ground cricket, spur‐throated grasshopper, giant water bug, true water beetle and water scavenger beetle) were determined. The total PUFA ranged from 726 mg/100 g in water scavenger beetle to 2883 mg/100 g in ground cricket; 18:2n‐6 was the major PUFA in most insects, except in spur‐throated grasshopper where the predominant PUFA was 18:3n‐3. The C20 PUFA, 20:4n‐6 and 20:5n‐3 were only found in aquicolous species, 149 and 57 mg/100 g in water scavenger beetle, 233 and 92 mg/100 g in true water beetle, and 569 and 264 mg/100 g in giant water bug, respectively. Total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content ranged from 714 mg/100 g in water scavenger beetle to 5889 mg/100 g in giant water bug; total saturated fatty acid (SFA) content ranged from 653 mg/100 g in water scavenger beetle to 5432 mg/100 g in giant water bug. The major MUFA in all insects was 18:1 and predominant SFA was 16:0. Results also showed the ratios of n‐6/n‐3 ranged from 0.3 in spur‐throated grasshopper to 31 in mole cricket. The aquicolous edible insects may be an alternative source of C20 long‐chain PUFA.
COMPOSITION OF SOLVENT‐FRACTIONATED RICE BRAN OIL
Authors: YU FENG , KIM SONG HYUN , KIM NAM‐SUK , LEE JEUNG‐HEE , BAE DONG‐HO , LEE KI‐TEAK
Published: August 2006

Rice bran oil was acetone fractionated at low temperature. Two methods, independent fractionation (−8, −14 and −35C) and sequential fractionation (0, −8 and −14C), were compared for the preparation of triacylglycerol (TG) fraction‐enriched unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Among all fractions obtained from both methods, the liquid fraction from independent fractionation at −35C referred to as −35L was the best (89.6%) compared to other procedures used for enrichment of UFAs. However, when weight yield was considered, the largest amount of UFAs was obtained from the liquid fraction at 0C (0L) from sequential fractionation. After sequential fractionation at 0C, 87.5 wt % was recovered in the liquid fraction that contained 71.5% total UFAs. In addition, as the fractionation temperature was lowered, the content (%) of γ‐oryzanol in the liquid fractions was increased gradually. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography showed four regions based on the partition number of TG molecules of the separated peaks.
DETERMINATION OF CARBONYL VALUE IN RANCID OILS: A CRITICAL RECONSIDERATION
Authors: FARHOOSH REZA , MOOSAVI SEYED MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: August 2006

Different grades of 1‐butanol and 2‐propanol (2‐PrOH) with and without purification were reevaluated for preparation of blank solutions in a modified method for the determination of carbonyl value (CV) in rancid oils (soybean oil and a frying oil). Only purified 2‐PrOH with an absorbance lower than 0.35 at 420 nm was considered suitable as a solvent. Good correlations existed between the absorbance at 420 nm, and the molar concentration for 2‐decenal and 2,4‐decadienal solutions in 2‐PrOH reacted with 2,4‐dinitrophenylhydrazine. The sensitivity of the method in terms of 2‐decenal was higher than that of 2,4‐decadienal. The CVs calculated based on 2,4‐decadienal were higher than those of 2‐decenal, although differences between them were not statistically significant at low levels. Accordingly, the sensitivity of the measurement and the estimated CV content were dependent on the type of standard considered. Triphenylphosphine (TP) exerted a statistically significant effect on the CVs of the soybean oil, unless the peroxide content of the oil sample was very low or much higher than the amount of added TP. The addition of TP to the frying oil was not necessary because the conditions of the CV test did not lead to the production of excess carbonyl compounds caused by the degradation of peroxides.
EFFECTS OF REACTION PARAMETERS ON THE INCORPORATION OF CAPRYLIC ACID INTO SOYBEAN OIL FOR PRODUCTION OF STRUCTURED LIPIDS
Authors: TURAN SEMRA , KARABULUT IHSAN , VURAL HALIL
Published: August 2006

Structured lipids (SLs) were synthesized by transesterification of soybean oil (SBO) and caprylic acid (CA) with sn‐1,3‐specific lipase (TL IM, Thermomyces lanuginosa) in a batch stirred‐tank reactorwithout the use of solvent. Effects of variation in substrate mole ratio, temperature, enzyme load, reaction time and mixing speeds were investigated. To compare the effects of different parameters on the reaction, the default conditions were chosen as: temperature of 40C, stirring at 300 rpm, no extra water addition, enzyme dosage of 10 wt %, reaction time of 6 h and substrate mole ratio of 1:1 (SBO to CA). Products were analyzed by gas–liquid chromatography. An increase in substrate mole ratio decreased incorporation of CA into SBO. While the highest CA incorporation (7.84%) occurred at a mole ratio of 1:0.7 (SBO: CA) at default reaction conditions, 1:4 mole ratio gave the lowest value (0.52%). Optimum reaction temperature was 45C. As expected, the higher load of TL IM lipase in the reaction led to a higher incorporation of CA. At an enzyme dosage of 20 wt % in 6 h, the incorporation was 13.01%. A high incorporation of CA (7.19%) was obtained at 300 rpm, while 100 rpm gave the lowest incorporation (5.30%). A sharp increase was obtained for incorporation of CA into SBO during 18‐h reaction. After this point of the reaction, incorporation was very slow. To elevate the extent of acidolysis, reactions were repeated thrice with CA. Repeated reactions caused an increase in CA content of triacylglycerols (TAGs). After the third reaction, the CA content of TAGs reached to 35.38%. The incorporation of CA was slightly reduced from the first use (18.43%) to the fifth use of enzyme (8.19%).
STABILIZATION OF CHOLESTERYL LINOLEATE EMULSION MODEL SYSTEM BY CRACKLINGS HYDROLYSATES
Authors: FLACZYK EWA , RUDZIŃSKA MAGDALENA , KORCZAK JÓZEF , AMAROWICZ RYSZARD
Published: August 2006

Acid (CAH) and enzymatic (CEH) hydrolysates were prepared from cracklings. The effect of the addition of both hydrolysates and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the oxidative stability of cholesteryl linoleate in model emulsions was investigated. Emulsions were incubated at 37C for 6 days during which time the peroxide value (PV), the thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS), the conjugated dienes and the cholesterol oxidation products were determined. The stability properties of antioxidants so tested were represented by an antioxidant efficiency coefficient. CEH possessed a better antioxidant efficacy (AE) than CAH based on PV, content of conjugated dienes, TBARS values and quantities of cholesterol oxides. After 6 days of incubation, the level of oxysterols in samples to which hydrolysates were added was four to five times lower than that of the control sample. The AE of enzymatically and acid‐prepared hydrolysates in a model emulsion was lower than that of BHT. The protection of BHT against cholesterol oxidation was less than that of CEH. The 7‐keto‐C was the dominant oxysterol detected.
1,1‐DI‐(2′,5′‐DIHYDROXY‐4′‐TERT‐BUTYLPHENYL)ETHANE: A NOVEL ANTIOXIDANT
Authors: LI JIAYI , WANG TAO , WU HOU , HO CHI‐TANG , WENG XINCHU
Published: August 2006

A novel antioxidative compound, namely 1,1‐di‐(2′,5′‐dihydroxy‐4′‐tert‐butylphenyl)ethane (DHPE) was synthesized by condensation reaction between tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and acetaldehyde. The antioxidant and free‐radical scavenging activities of this compound were compared to other common antioxidants, namely butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, TBHQ and propyl gallate by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay and oil stability index experiment, deep‐fat frying and Schaal oven test. DHPE was the most potent antioxidant among all antioxidants tested using 10% emulsion and deep‐fat frying at 180C. It was also a very good antioxidant at room temperature in lard and soybean oil. DPPH radical scavenging assay showed that DHPE was a strong free‐radical scavenger.
New method for evaluation of lung lymph flow rate with intact lymphatics in anaesthetized sheep
Authors: Naito T. , Ozawa Y. , Tomoyasu M. , Inagaki M. , Fukue M. , Sakai M. , Yamamoto T. , Ishikawa S. , Onizuka M.
Published: August 2006

Aim:  Lung lymph has commonly been studied using a lymph fistula created by tube cannulation into the efferent duct of the caudal mediastinal node in sheep. In this method, the tail region of the caudal mediastinal node is resected and the diaphragm is cauterized to exclude systemic lymph contamination, and cannulation is performed into one of the multiple efferent ducts originating from the caudal mediastinal node. Moreover, the pumping activity of lymphatics might be diminished by cannulation. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the flow rate of lung lymph with maintenance of intact lymphatic networks around the caudal mediastinal node to the thoracic duct in sheep.

Methods:  An ultrasound transit‐time flow meter was used to measure lung lymph flow. The thoracic duct was clamped just above the diaphragm and the flow probe was attached to the thoracic duct just after the last junction with an efferent duct from the caudal mediastinal node. The lung lymph flow rate was measured at baseline and under conditions of lung‐oedema formation.

Results:  The baseline lung lymph flow rate in our model was three‐ to sixfold greater than values obtained with the cannulation method. With oedema‐formation, the lung lymph flow rate was the same as that measured using cannulation.

Conclusion:  The lung lymph flow was unexpectedly large under the conditions of the study, and our data suggest that the drainage effect of lymphatics is significant as a safety factor against pulmonary oedema formation.
Response to Comment by Volkov
et al
. on "Computational Improvements Reveal Great Bacterial Diversity and High Metal Toxicity in Soil"
Authors: Gans Jason , Wolinsky Murray , Dunbar John
Published: August 2006

Volkov
et al
. claim that significant conclusions about the total number of species (
S
) cannot be made because different abundance models cannot be distinguished and the sensitivity of the chi-square measure to changes in estimates of
S
is low. We point out that currently available data do not support these claims.
From Austria, Through
Aplysia
, Toward the Mind
Authors: Andreasen Nancy C.
Published: August 2006

In Search of Memory
. The Emergence of a New Science of Mind.
By Eric R. Kandel
. Norton, New York, 2006. 526 pp. $29.95, C$42, £19.99. ISBN 0-393-05863-8.

The Nobel Prize-winning author weaves together his memories and an accessible sketch of our current understanding of the biological basis of thought, learning, and memory.
A simple and rapid method for the differentiation and identification of thermophilic bacteria
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Hebin , Wu Suijie , Zhang Xiaobo , Xie Lianhui
Published: August 2006

In total, 170 strains of thermophilic bacteria were isolated from deep-sea hydrothermal fields in the Pacific Ocean and a hot spring in Xiamen of China. To facilitate the identification of thermophilic strains, sodium dodecyl sulfate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE) of whole-cell proteins of these strains was first performed. The results showed that there exist four different protein patterns, indicating that the 170 strains might belong to four species or genera. The RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) profiles of nine representative strains were consistent with those of SDS–PAGE. To further identify the species of the nine strains, their 16S rDNA sequences were analyzed. The results showed that the nine strains fell into four species of three genera, which was the same as revealed by SDS–PAGE. Therefore, SDS–PAGE of whole-cell proteins could be used as a rapid and simple method for the discrimination of thermophilic bacteria as the first step of species identification.Key words: thermophilic bacteria, SDS–PAGE, whole-cell protein, discrimination.
STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF DIPROPYL SULFIDE: A THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: ÇALIŞIR EMİNE DENİZ , ERKOÇ ŞAKİR
Published: August 2006

The structural, vibrational, electronic and QSAR properties of the dipropyl sulfide (DPS) molecule in gas phase have been investigated theoretically by performing semi-empirical molecular orbital (AM1 and PM3), ab initio (RHF) and density functional theory calculations. The geometry of the molecule has been optimized, infrared spectrum (vibrational modes and intensities) and the electronic properties of the molecule have been calculated in its ground state. It has been found that DPS molecule kinetically may not be stable however it is thermodynamically stable.
STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF COPPER NANOPARTICLES: MODIFIED DIFFUSION MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS
Authors: DUGAN NAZIM , ERKOÇ ŞAKİR
Published: August 2006

Brief information about nanoparticles and size dependency of their properties is given. Structural properties of copper nanoparticles, Cu n (n = 50, 100, 150) have been investigated by a modified version of diffusion Monte Carlo method, using an empirical pair potential developed and parameterized for copper. Radial distribution of atoms and the coordination numbers are investigated by the optimum geometries obtained. It has been found that stable structures of copper nanoparticles considered have compact spherical shapes.
INFORMATION LOSS IN BLACK HOLE EVAPORATION
Authors: ZHANG JINGYI , HU YAPENG , ZHAO ZHENG
Published: August 2006

Parikh–Wilczek tunnelling framework is investigated again. We argue that Parikh–Wilczek's treatment, which satisfies the first law of black hole thermodynamics and consists with an underlying unitary theory, is only suitable for a reversible process. Due to the negative heat capacity, an evaporating black hole is a highly unstable system. That is, the factual emission process is irreversible, the unitary theory will not be satisfied and information loss is possible.
SINGLE AND PAIR PRODUCTION OF HEAVY LEPTONS IN E6 MODEL
Authors: ALAN A. T. , TASCI A. T. , KARAGOZ N.
Published: August 2006

We investigate the single and pair production of new heavy leptons via string inspired E6 model at future linear colliders. Signal and corresponding backgrounds for these leptons are studied. We have found that single production of heavy leptons is more relevant than that of pair production, as expected. For a maximal mixing value of 0.1, the upper mass limits of 2750 GeV in the single case and 1250 GeV in the pair production case are obtained at [Formula: see text] collider option.