bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consensus Conference on Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease: Rationale, Methodology, and Results
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Feldmann Edward , Gomez Camilo R. , Johnston S. Claiborne , Kasner Scott E. , Quick Donald C. , Rasmussen Peter A. , Suri M. Fareed K. , Taylor Robert A. , Zaidat Osama O.
Published: October 2009

The consensus conference on intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD) identifies principles of management, and research priorities in various aspects upon which leading experts can agree (using “Delphi” method). ICAD is more prevalent in Asian, Hispanic, and African‐American populations. Patients who have had a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) attributed to stenosis (50‐99%) of a major intracranial artery face a 12‐14% risk of subsequent stroke during the 2‐year period after the initial ischemic event, despite treatment with antithrombotic medications. The annual risk of subsequent stroke may exceed 20% in high‐risk groups. The medical treatment of patients with symptomatic ICAD is directed toward: 1. Prevention of intraluminal thrombo‐embolism, 2. plaque stabilization and regression, and 3. management of atherogenic risk factors. In patients with ICAD, short‐term and long‐term anticoagulation (compared with aspirin) have not shown to be beneficial. The current guidelines recommend that aspirin monotherapy, the combination of aspirin and extended release dipyridamole, and clopidogrel monotherapy (rather than oral anticoagulants) are all acceptable options in patients with non‐cardioembolic ischemic stroke and TIA. Overall, the subgroup analysis from randomized trials provides evidence about benefit of aggressive atherogenic risk factor management among patients with ICAD. Intracranial angioplasty with or without stent placement has evolved as a therapeutic option for patients with symptomatic ICAD, particularly those with high‐grade stenosis with recurrent ischemic symptoms and/or medication failure. A matched comparison between medical‐treated patients in the Warfarin Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) study and stent‐treated patients in the National Institutes of Health intracranial stent registry concluded that stent placement may offer benefit in patients with 70‐99% stenosis. The 5‐year, multicenter, prospective, randomized Stenting and Aggressive Medical Management for Preventing Recurrent stroke in Intracranial Stenosis study supported by the National Institutes of Health is currently comparing stent placement with intense medical management with intense medical management alone in patients with high‐grade symptomatic intracranial stenosis. The proceedings of the consensus conference provide a template for standardizing management of patients with ICAD and determining research priorities.
Epidemiology of Intracranial Stenosis
Authors: Suri M. Fareed K. , Johnston S. Claiborne
Published: October 2009

Intracranial stenosis is a common etiology for ischemic stroke. Due to limitations of imaging studies, there are limited data on the prevalence of symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial stenosis. Intracranial stenosis is more prevalent in Asian, Hispanic, and African‐American populations. The reported proportion of patients with symptomatic intracranial stenosis among those hospitalized for ischemic cerebral events varies from 1% in non‐Hispanic whites to as high as 50% in Asian populations. In population‐based studies, the estimated prevalence of symptomatic intracranial disease varies from 1 in 100,000 for whites to 15 in 100,000 in African Americans. A Chinese population‐based study reported intracranial stenosis in 7% of the population aged more than 40 years. Autopsy studies have noted intracranial atherosclerotic disease in about 23% of population in the 6th decade and 80% of population in the 9th decade of life. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme polymorphisms, plasma endostatin/vascular endothelial growth factor ratio, glutathione S‐transferase omega‐1 gene polymorphism, and plasma homocysteine levels are non‐modifiable risk factors noted to be associated with intracranial stenosis. Hypertension and serum lipid profile are major modifiable risk factors, whereas sickle cell disease is an uncommon risk factor that can be managed to reduce risk. Associations of intracranial atherosclerosis with diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, aortic plaques, radiotherapy, and meningitis are less well documented.
Natural History of Symptomatic Intracranial Arterial Stenosis
Authors: Kasner Scott E.
Published: October 2009

Patients who have had a stroke or transitory ischemic attack (TIA) attributed to stenosis (50‐99%) of a major intracranial artery face a 12‐14% risk of subsequent stroke during the 2‐year period after the initial ischemic event, despite treatment with antithrombotic medications. Most of this risk accrues during the first year. Some patients are at substantially greater risk, particularly those with a severe (70‐99%) stenosis, those who have recently had an ischemic event, and women. Patients may also be at high risk if they had an initial stroke rather than TIA or if they have symptoms precipitated by hemodynamic maneuvers. The annual risk of subsequent stroke may exceed 20% in these high‐risk groups.
Periprocedural Management of Patients with Endovascular Treatment of Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Zaidat Osama O.
Published: October 2009

Clinical outcome in endovascular therapy of intracranial atherosclerosis with stenting and angioplasty or angioplasty alone is dependent on multiple other factors beside the procedure itself. Preprocedure combined antiplatelet administration of aspirin and clopidogrel and its duration is critical. Preferably, this should be administered 5‐7 days prior to the intended procedure and 90 days after the stent placement is preferred. Anticoagulation during the procedure is implemented routinely in the neurointerventional labs during intracranial intervention, with a goal of activated clotting time between 250 to 300 seconds. The preferred agent is unfractionated heparin as an intravenous bolus of 70‐80 units/kg, without postprocedure reversal in most cases. Control of blood pressure intraprocedure and in the neurointensive care unit to avoid intracranial hemorrhage and hyperperfusion injury is of paramount significance. The preferred blood pressure is not well known, but lowering the blood pressure below the baseline after luminal gain with stenting would be recommended to prevent secondary injury. The use of general anesthesia versus local and monitored awake anesthesia is controversial and there are no data to support one method over another in cases of intracranial atherosclerosis interventional and endovascular therapy. If the patient is cooperative and would be able to tolerate the procedure under awake anesthesia, the latter would provide an immediate assessment of the neurological outcome and feedback from the patient. However, general anesthesia would provide the interventionalist with less movement artifact and less road mapping need and immediate and accurate assessment of the location of the microwire, catheter, and stent.
Research Priorities for Intracranial Atherosclerotic Diseases
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Taylor Robert A.
Published: October 2009

The current review summarizes the characteristics of existing experimental models for intracranial atherosclerosis in rabbits, pigs, and dogs with potential implications for research. New methodologies for understanding plaque morphology, and plaque quantitation and its prognostic implications are important for risk stratification in regards to ischemic events and lesion progression. A potential treatment strategy for intracranial atherosclerotic disease may be aimed at medical therapies that induce plaque regression. The treatment with statins to stabilize and/or promote plaque regression of intracranial atherosclerotic lesions is largely inferred from data in the coronary literature. In patients with multisegmented intracranial atherosclerotic diseases with no other therapeutic option, angiogenic growth factors may represent a new venue.
A LDR‐PCR Approach for Multiplex Polymorphisms Genotyping of Severely Degraded DNA with Fragment Sizes <100 bp*
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Bao‐Jie , Guan Hong‐Yu , Pang Hao , Xuan Jin‐Feng
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Reducing amplicon sizes has become a major strategy for analyzing degraded DNA typical of forensic samples. However, amplicon sizes in current mini‐short tandem repeat‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and mini‐sequencing assays are still not suitable for analysis of severely degraded DNA. In this study, we present a multiplex typing method that couples ligase detection reaction with PCR that can be used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms and small‐scale insertion/deletions in a sample of severely fragmented DNA. This method adopts thermostable ligation for allele discrimination and subsequent PCR for signal enhancement. In this study, four polymorphic loci were used to assess the ability of this technique to discriminate alleles in an artificially degraded sample of DNA with fragment sizes <100 bp. Our results showed clear allelic discrimination of single or multiple loci, suggesting that this method might aid in the analysis of extremely degraded samples in which allelic drop out of larger fragments is observed.
Medicolegal Aspects of Post‐traumatic Gastroduodenal Ulcers: A Retrospective Study*
Authors: Savic Slobodan , Stevanovic Radmila , Alempijevic Djordje , Petkovic Stojan , Baralic Ivanka
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Retrospective examination of 5‐year autopsy material showed the presence of posttraumatic gastroduodenal ulcers (PGDU) in 17.7% of decedents deemed to be at risk. They were more common in males (77%) and in patients aged over 50. In the majority of cases (76%) the survival period was <12 days; in 16.5% it was < 48 h. PGDU developed most commonly in victims of polytrauma and isolated craniocerebral injury, with ISS values ≥16; patients with spinal cord injuries were at greatest risk. Most frequently affected was the stomach, exhibiting numerous, usually superficial lesions, while solitary acute and exacerbated chronic peptic ulcers were more common in the duodenum. Complications of PGDU developed in 40% of cases, mostly in the form of hemorrhage; in 20% of cases PGDU have contributed to death. Medicolegal aspects of PGDU are, most frequently, concerned with the causal relationship between trauma, PGDU, and fatal outcome, as well as the potential for allegations of medical negligence.
The Stable Isotope Ratios of Marijuana. II. Strontium Isotopes Relate to Geographic Origin
Authors: West Jason B. , Hurley Janet M. , Dudás Francis Ö. , Ehleringer James R.
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Effectively addressing marijuana trade is aided by understanding marijuana geographic sources. We analyzed the 87Sr/86Sr of marijuana samples grown in 79 counties across the United States to determine if a primary geologic signal is retained in marijuana, which could therefore be useful for geographic sourcing. The marijuana results were compared with modeled bedrock 87Sr/86Sr values based on 87Rb decay rates and a generalized geologic map of the U.S.A. A significant correlation was observed between marijuana 87Sr/86Sr and modeled bedrock 87Sr/86Sr. Although values clustered near the 1:1 relationship, there was a predominance of positive anomalies, perhaps attributable to carbonate bedrock. A small number of negative anomalies were also observed, which were generally associated with granitic bedrocks. These results suggest that strontium isotopes in marijuana record the geographic origins of marijuana, and that refinement of the base strontium map (or strontium isoscape) and improved understanding of other strontium sources would be productive.
The Use of Hemastix® and the Subsequent Lack of DNA Recovery Using the Promega DNA IQTM System
Authors: Poon Hiron , Elliott Jim , Modler Jeff , Frégeau Chantal
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Following implementation of our automated process incorporating the Promega DNA IQTM system as a DNA extraction method, a large number of blood‐containing exhibits failed to produce DNA. These exhibits had been tested with the Hemastix® reagent strip, commonly used by police investigators and forensic laboratories as a screening test for blood. Some exhibits were even tainted green following transfer of the presumptive test reagents onto the samples. A series of experiments were carried out to examine the effect of the Hemastix® chemistries on the DNA IQTM system. Our results indicate that one or more chemicals imbedded in the Hemastix® reagent strip severely reduce the ability to recover DNA from any suspected stain using the DNA IQTM magnetic bead technology. The 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) used as the reporting dye appears to interact with the magnetic beads to prevent DNA recovery. Hydrogen peroxide does not seem to be involved. The Hemastix® chemistries do not interfere in any way with DNA extraction performed using phenol‐chloroform. The incompatibility of the Hemastix® chemistries on the DNA IQTM system forced us to adopt an indirect approach using filter paper to carry out the presumptive test.
Overview of AEGIS
Authors: KIMMEL TROY S.
Published: October 2009

Foreword

Unlike most editions of the Naval Engineers Journal, this special edition is intended for those both within and outside of the naval profession. To those not versed in the terminology, diving into any one of these articles without an orientation could be overwhelming. This article provides some of the terms, concepts, and key events in the AEGIS Project, as well as a brief review of the events that led to the initiation of AEGIS. Other articles within the journal will provide greater detail on specific subjects, authored in most cases by people who led parts of the project in either the US Navy or industry. It is the most complete telling of the AEGIS story published to date.
Acute hamstring injuries in Danish elite football: A 12‐month prospective registration study among 374 players
Authors: Petersen J. , Thorborg K. , Nielsen M. B. , Hölmich P.
Published: October 2009

The purpose of the present study was to examine the incidence rates of acute hamstring injuries in Danish elite football sustained during training or match play. Furthermore, it was our intention to document details about the recurrence, severity and the injury seasonal distribution. Hamstring injuries among 374 elite football players were registered prospectively during a 12‐month period. A total of 46 first‐time and eight recurrent hamstring injuries were registered. The incidence rates for incurring a first‐time hamstring injury showed a significantly (P<0.01) greater incidence rate per 1000 h during match play compared with training. Of 32 players who reported a hamstring injury in the 12‐month period before the study, eight (25%) incurred an injury that fulfilled the criteria for a recurrent injury. In 69% of the injuries, the severity of injury was categorized as moderate (8–28 days from injury to injury free) and 18% as severe (>28 days from injury to injury free). Each team sustained a mean of 3.4 hamstring injuries per season, with a mean of 21.5 days missed per injury (range 3–136; median 16 days per injury). The seasonal distribution showed an accumulation of injuries in the first 2 months after a 3.5‐month mid‐season winter break.
The role of systemic inflammation in age‐related muscle weakness and wasting
Authors: Degens H.
Published: October 2009

Ageing is associated with a slow, but progressive muscle weakness, which is largely attributable to muscle wasting. A diminished function of satellite cells at old age may hamper preservation and repair from (contraction)‐induced injury and contribute to the age‐related muscle wasting. Satellite cell function may be affected by circulating factors, as muscle regeneration in old mice sharing the circulation of young mice is not impaired. Chronic low‐grade systemic inflammation in old organisms may be that environmental factor. Indeed, the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) negatively affects the muscle regenerating capacity. TNFα destabilizes MyoD, a muscle‐specific transcription factor involved in satellite cell proliferation and differentiation, and induces apoptosis of satellite cells, particularly at old age. Here it is proposed that some of these effects are mediated by TNFα‐induced expression of inhibitors of differentiation proteins. Yet, the increase in TNFα during the normal inflammatory response helps, rather than impairs, the repair process. This apparent contradiction may be resolved by the fact that the effects of TNFα are concentration and time dependent. Thus, the negative effect of systemic inflammation on muscle strength at old age may only become apparent when it exceeds a certain threshold and persists for a prolonged period.
Hydrophobic and Basic Domains Target Proteins to Lipid Droplets
Authors: Ingelmo‐Torres Mercedes , González‐Moreno Elena , Kassan Adam , Hanzal‐Bayer Michael , Tebar Francesc , Herms Albert , Grewal Thomas , Hancock John F. , Enrich Carlos , Bosch Marta , Gross Steven P. , Parton Robert G. , Pol Albert
Published: October 2009

In recent years, progress in the study of the lateral organization of the plasma membrane has led to the proposal that mammalian cells use two different organelles to store lipids: intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) and plasma membrane caveolae. Experimental evidence suggests that caveolin (CAV) may act as a sensitive lipid‐organizing molecule that physically connects these two lipid‐storing organelles. Here, we determine the sequences necessary for efficient sorting of CAV to LDs. We show that targeting is a process cooperatively mediated by two motifs. CAV's central hydrophobic domain (Hyd) anchors CAV to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Next, positively charged sequences (Pos‐Seqs) mediate sorting of CAVs into LDs. Our findings were confirmed by identifying an equivalent, non‐conserved but functionally interchangeable Pos‐Seq in ALDI, a bona fide LD‐resident protein. Using this information, we were able to retarget a cytosolic protein and convert it to an LD‐resident protein. Further studies suggest three requirements for targeting via this mechanism: the positive charge of the Pos‐Seq, physical proximity between Pos‐Seq and Hyd and a precise spatial orientation between both motifs. The study uncovers remarkable similarities with the signals that target proteins to the membrane of mitochondria and peroxisomes
Mammalian glutaminyl cyclases and their isoenzymes have identical enzymatic characteristics
Authors: Stephan Anett , Wermann Michael , von Bohlen Alex , Koch Birgit , Cynis Holger , Demuth Hans‐Ulrich , Schilling Stephan
Published: October 2009

Glutaminyl cyclases (QCs) catalyze the formation of pyroglutamate residues at the N‐terminus of several peptides and proteins from plants and animals. Recently, isoenzymes of mammalian QCs have been identified. In order to gain further insight into the biochemical characteristics of isoQCs, the human and murine enzymes were expressed in the secretory pathway ofPichia pastoris. Replacement of the N‐terminal signal anchor by an α‐factor prepropeptide fromSaccharomyces cerevisiaeresulted in poor secretion of the protein. Insertion of an N‐terminal glycosylation site and shortening of the N‐terminus improved isoQC secretion 100‐fold. A comparison of different recombinant isoQC proteins did not reveal an influence of mutagenic changes on catalytic activity. An initial characterization showed identical modes of substrate conversion of human isoQC and murine isoQC. Both proteins displayed a broad substrate specificity and preference for hydrophobic substrates, similar to the related QC. Likewise, a determination of the zinc content and reactivation of the apo‐isoQC revealed equimolar zinc present in QC and isoQC. Far‐UV CD spectroscopic analysis of murine QC and isoQC indicated virtually identical structural components. The present investigation provides the first enzymatic characterization of mammalian isoQCs. QC and isoQC represent very similar proteins, which are both present in the secretory pathway of cells. The functions of QCs and isoQC probably complement each other, suggesting a pivotal role of pyroglutamate modification for protein and peptide maturation.
LRRK2 in Parkinson’s disease: biochemical functions
Authors: Anand Vasanti S. , Braithwaite Steven P.
Published: October 2009

Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a large, complex, multidomain protein containing kinase and GTPase enzymatic activities and multiple protein–protein interaction domains. Mutations linked to autosomal dominant forms of Parkinson’s disease result in amino acid changes throughout the protein and alterations in both its enzymatic properties and interactions. The best characterized mutation to date, G2019S, leads to increased kinase activity, and mutations in the GTPase domain, such as R1441C and R1441G, have also been reported to influence kinase activity. Therefore, an examination of LRRK2’s properties as a kinase is important for understanding the mechanisms underlying the disorder and has the potential to lead to therapeutics. These findings also suggest that there may be complex interplay between the functional domains of LRRK2. Here, we review LRRK2’s biochemical functions based on structural and kinetic studies of the enzymatic domains, its potential substrates and the role of its interactions. Despite the field’s embryonic understanding of the true relevance of these substrates and interactions, initial studies are providing clues with respect to its pathophysiological functions. Together, these findings should increase our understanding of mechanisms underlying Parkinson’s disease and place LRRK2 as a unique molecular target for effective therapeutic development.
LRRK2 in Parkinson’s disease: in vivo models and approaches for understanding pathogenic roles
Authors: Yue Zhenyu
Published: October 2009

The recent discovery of the genetic causes for Parkinson’s disease (PD) is fruitful; however, the continuing revelation of PD‐related genes is rapidly outpacing the functional characterization of the gene products. Although the discovery of multiple PD‐related genes places PD as one of the most complex multigenetic diseases of the brain, it will undoubtedly facilitate the unfolding of a central pathogenic pathway and an understanding of the etiology of PD. Recent findings of pathogenic mutations in leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) (PARK8) that are linked to the most common familial forms and some sporadic forms of PD provide a unique opportunity to gain insight into the pathogenesis of PD. Despite rapid growth in biochemical, structural and in vitro cell culture studies of LRRK2, the in vivo characterizations of LRRK2 function generally fall short and are largely limited to invertebrates. The investigation of LRRK2 or homologs of LRRK2 in nonmammalian models provides important clues with respect to the cellular functions of LRRK2, but an elucidation of the physiology and pathophysiology of LRRK2 relevant to PD would still depend on mammalian models established by multiple genetic approaches, followed by rigorous examination of the models for pathological process. This minireview summarizes previous studies of genes for ROCO and LRRK2 homologs in slime mold, nematode worms and fruit flies. It also discusses the results obtained from available mouse models of LRRK2 that begin to provide information for understanding LRRK2‐mediated pathogenesis in PD.
The pro‐form of BMP‐2 interferes with BMP‐2 signalling by competing with BMP‐2 for IA receptor binding
Authors: Hauburger Anja , von Einem Sabrina , Schwaerzer Gerburg K. , Buttstedt Anja , Zebisch Matthias , Schräml Michael , Hortschansky Peter , Knaus Petra , Schwarz Elisabeth
Published: October 2009

Pro‐forms of growth factors have received increasing attention since it was shown that they can affect both the maturation and functions of mature growth factors. Here, we assessed the biological function of the pro‐form of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ)/ΒΜP superfamily. The role of the 263 amino acids of the pro‐peptide is currently unclear. In order to obtain an insight into the function of the pro‐form (proBMP‐2), the ability of proBMP‐2 to induce alkaline phosphatase (AP), a marker enzyme for cells differentiating into osteoblasts, was tested. Interestingly, in contrast to mature BMP‐2, proBMP‐2 did not lead to induction of AP. Instead, proBMP‐2 inhibited the induction of AP by BMP‐2. This result raised the question of whether proBMP‐2 may compete with mature BMP‐2 for receptor binding. ProBMP‐2 was found to bind to the purified extracellular ligand binding domain (ECD) of BMPR‐IA, a high‐affinity receptor for mature BMP‐2, with a similar affinity as mature BMP‐2. Binding of proBMP‐2 to BMPR‐IA was confirmed in cell culture by cross‐linking proBMP‐2 to BMPR‐IA presented on the cell surface. In contrast to this finding, proBMP‐2 did not bind to the ECD of BMPR‐II. ProBMP‐2 also differed from BMP‐2 in its capacity to induce p38 and Smad phosphorylation. The data presented here suggest that the pro‐domain of BMP‐2 can alter the signalling properties of the growth factor by modulating the ability of the mature part to interact with the receptors.

Structured digital abstract

 MINT‐7261817:BMPR‐IA (uniprotkb:P36894) and proBMP2 (uniprotkb:P12643) physically interact (MI:0915) by cross‐linking studies (MI:0030)

 MINT‐7261681, MINT‐7261693: BMP2 (uniprotkb:P12643) binds (MI:0407) to BMPR‐IA (uniprotkb:P36894) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)

 MINT‐7261751, MINT‐7261794: proBMP2 (uniprotkb:P12643) binds (MI:0407) to BMPR‐IA (uniprotkb:P36894) by competition binding (MI:0405)

 MINT‐7261806, MINT‐7261846: BMPR‐IA (uniprotkb:P36894) physically interacts (MI:0915) with BMP2 (uniprotkb:P12643) by anti bait coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0006)

 MINT‐7261628, MINT‐7261642: noggin (uniprotkb:Q13253) binds (MI:0407) to proBMP2 (uniprotkb:P12643) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)

 MINT‐7261597, MINT‐7261613: BMPR‐IA (uniprotkb:P36894) binds (MI:0407) to BMP2 (uniprotkb:P12643) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)
Interest rate rules and global determinacy: An alternative to the Taylor principle
Authors: Bénassy Jean‐Pascal
Published: October 2009

A well‐known determinacy condition on interest rate rules is the “Taylor principle,” which states that nominal interest rates should respond more than 100 percent to inflation. Unfortunately, notably because interest rates must be positive, the Taylor principle cannot be satisfied for all interest rates, and as a consequence global determinacy may not prevail even though there exists a locally determinate equilibrium. We propose here a simple alternative to the Taylor principle, which takes the form of a new condition on interest rate rules that ensures global determinacy. An important feature of the policy package is that it does not rely at all on any of the fiscal policies associated with the “fiscal theory of the price level,” which has so far been the main alternative for determinacy.
Effects of Losartan, HO-1 Inducers or HO-1 Inhibitors on Erectile Signaling in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Abdel Aziz Mohamed Talaat , El Asmer Mohamed Farid , Mostafa Taymour , Atta Hazem , Mahfouz Soheir , Fouad Hanan , Rashed Laila , Sabry Dina , Hassouna Amira , Abdel Aziz Ahmed Talaat , Senbel Amira , Demery Ahmed
Published: October 2009

Introduction

Activation of the renin-angiotensin system which is common in diabetes mellitus might affect heme oxygenase (HO-1) gene expression.

Aim

Assessment of the effects of administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist (losartan) with HO-1 inducer or inhibitor on erectile signaling in diabetic rats.

Materials and Methods

Seventy male rats were divided equally into seven groups; healthy controls, streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, rats on citrate buffer, diabetic rats on losartan, diabetic rats on HO-1 inducer (cobalt protoporphyrin [CoPP]), diabetic rats on losartan and CoPP, and diabetic rats on losartan and HO-1 inhibitor (stannus mesoporphyrin [SnMP]).

Main Outcome Measure

HO enzyme activity, HO-1 gene expression, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) assay, intracavernosal pressure (ICP), and cavernous tissue sinusoids surface area.

Results

HO-1 gene expression, HO enzymatic activity, and cGMP were significantly decreased in the cavernous tissue of diabetic rats. These parameters were significantly elevated with the use of CoPP that restored the normal control levels of HO enzyme activity. Administration of losartan exhibited a significant enhancing effect on these parameters compared with the diabetic group, but not restored to the control levels, whereas administration of CoPP combined with losartan led to the restoration of their normal levels. ICP demonstrated significant decline in diabetic rats. The use of CoPP and/or losartan led to its significant improvement compared with diabetic rats. Administration of either losartan and/or CoPP led to a significant increase in the cavernous sinusoids surface area of diabetic rats. Administration of losartan with SnMP significantly decreased the enhancing effect of losartan on the studied parameters.

Conclusion

The decline in erectile function in diabetes mellitus could be attributed to the downregulation of HO-1 gene expression. HO-1 induction added to Ang II receptor antagonist could improve erectile function.
Oct‐1 is responsible for the C‐33T polymorphism effect in the IL‐4 promoter
Authors: Gervaziev Y. V. , Olenina L. V. , Krasotkina J. V. , Lupatov A. Y. , Mazurina S. A. , Gervazieva V. B.
Published: October 2009

IL‐4 is a pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine secreted by Th2 subset of CD4+  Th cells. Several transcription factors (TFs) have been determined with various degrees of certainty to bind the IL‐4 promoter and to regulate its expression in human. To investigate the mechanisms responsible for phenotypic effects of the C‐33T IL‐4 promoter polymorphism, we performed a search of TFs binding to this promoter locus and discriminating the −33C and −33T alleles. In silico searches suggest few factors bind this region. Using an electromobility shift assay we found that Jurkat T cells contained proteins which specifically interacted with oligonucleotide probes, corresponding to the −33 region. Considerable binding differences between C and T alleles were demonstrated using competitive conditions, the proteins bound predominantly with −33C allele. We found that the transcription factor Oct‐1 produced the major shifted complex. The binding of Oct‐1 was not improved using activated nuclear extracts; however, we observed increases in other shifted complexes upon cell activation. We suppose that Oct‐1 occupancy may compete for binding of activator proteins to closely or overlapped binding sites. Our findings suggest that the interplay between Oct‐1 and unknown TFs may be responsible for the C‐33T polymorphism effects.
A novel Y331X nonsense mutation in TNFRSF1A gene in two unrelated Turkish families with periodic fever syndrome
Authors: Kutukculer N. , Gulez N. , Karaca N. , Aksu G. , Berdeli A.
Published: October 2009

The autoinflammatory disorders differ in severity, as well as age of onset, duration, and manifestations, but they all share some common features: recurring fever peaks, inflammation of serosal membranes, musculoskeletal involvement, varying types of skin rash, amyloidosis as a sequel of the disease. TRAPS is very rare in Turkish population and we present two unrelated Turkish children with similar clinical phenotypes and laboratory findings related with autoinflammatory disorders and with novel p. Y331X mutation in TNFRSF1A gene. Both of the patients were male and they had recurrent fever without abdominal pain and arthralgia. Full cDNA and exon–intron binding regions of TNFRSF1A, MEFV, MVK, CIAS1 genes were analysed by direct DNA sequencing methods in order to differentiate TRAPS, FMF, HIDS, CINCA/MWS/FCAS respectively. We screened ten exons of TNFRSF1A gene, and detected a heterozygous c.1080C>G nucleotide substitution in exon 10 in both of the unrelated patients, resulting p.Y360X nonsense (protein truncated) mutation. According to classical TNFRSF1A gene nomenclature and the agreement of 30th amino acid as the first one, it is accepted as p.Y331X. It was interesting to determine same mutations in fathers of two patients. In one of the cases, E148Q heterozygous mutation, which is one of the disease‐causing mutations of MEFV gene, was detected. No nucleotide substitution was identified in exon and exon–intron splicing regions encoding 396 amino acid of MVK gene in both of the patients. In CIAS1 gene, two different nucleotide substitutions resulting synonymous amino acid mutation were detected in exon 3: c.[732G>A] and c.[786A>G] nucleotide substitutions and compatible p.A242A (according to c.DNA p.A244A) and p.R260R (according to c.DNA p.R262R) synonymous amino acid mutations. These nucleotide substitutions were also detected in parents and were reported to be normal variations in Turkish population. In conclusion, in Turkish patients, with dominantly inherited recurrent fever, TRAPS is a diagnosis worthy of attention and novel mutations have to be reported with phenotype associations.
OPTIMIZATION OF ACTIVATION CONDITIONS OF LOCALLY AVAILABLE CLAYS FOR COTTONSEED OIL BLEACHING: CHARACTERIZATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Authors: CAGLAYAN MUSTAFA OGUZHAN , OTMAN BURCU
Published: October 2009

Cottonseed oil is consumed either in raw state or after refining, which enables it to acquire the characteristics such as neutral taste and odor, limpidity, light color, oxidation stability to oxidation, and for it to be used for frying. Refining comprises several strategies including bleaching, which involves the fixation of beta‐carotene, the pigment that is responsible for the red color of cottonseed oils, on a solid support generally known as bleaching earth. In this work, possible application of locally available clay (Ordu, Turkey) as bleaching earth was investigated for cottonseed oil refining. Raw clay was activated via various treatment methods including acid activation, cation treatment and thermal treatment. Structural changes caused by acid activation were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential thermal analysis, N2 adsorption (BET surface area), X‐ray fluorescence and scanning electron microscopy. Bleaching capacities of the treated clays were also determined spectrophotometrically. Bleaching efficiency was increased from 3 (raw clay) to 23% by H2SO4 activation and to 34% by Al3+ and heat treatment. However, commercial clay's efficiency was 32%. Tetrahedral destruction with proton attack was higher in HCl solution than H2SO4 solution, resulting in collapse in micropores. Bleaching efficiency increment using H2SO4 was higher than that of HCl.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

It is important to reduce color in oils of low quality by cheap and appropriate adsorbent instead of expensive commercial earths. Activationconditions differ from one clay to another. In this study, several activation methods were applied and possible mechanisms relating to bleaching efficiency improvement were also investigated.
FATTY SOILS REMOVAL FROM HARD SURFACES IN A CLEAN‐IN‐PLACE SYSTEM
Authors: JURADO ALAMEDA ENCARNACIÓN , BRAVO RODRIGUEZ VICENTE , BAILÓN MORENO RAFAEL , NÚÑEZ OLEA JOSEFA , VAZ DEISI ALTMAJER
Published: October 2009

The kinetics of fatty soil removal from glass surfaces using nonionic biodegradable surfactants has been investigated. For this, mathematical models have been developed, which take into account the equilibrium established between the processes of soil removal from the substrate surface and their subsequent redeposition. The washing tests have been conducted in a continuous‐flow device that simulates the conditions found in the clean‐in‐place system used in the food industry. A mixture of fatty acids (oleic, palmitic and stearic) frequently found in foods, and particularly difficult to remove, was used as the soiling agent. The experimental results show the effect of the different variables assayed (temperature, soiling‐agent concentration and surfactant concentration) on the washing process. The good agreement between the experimental detergency values and those predicted by the kinetic model indicate that this is adequate to explain the detersive process on hard surfaces.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In food industry, production lines are cleaned in place every day to provide the microbial quality and safety of the products. Moreover, the effectiveness of the cleaning process depends on many factors: temperature, detergent concentrations, hydrodynamic forces, characteristics of substrate, etc. In this work, we have studied the kinetics of the washing process using alkylpolyglucosides and fatty alcohol ethoxylates, both commercial surfactants. The tests were performed in a laboratory device that simulates the clean‐in‐place processes widely used in food industries. A mixture of fatty acids commonly found in foods was used as the soiling agent. A kinetic model assuming a process combining removal and deposition during the cleaning was developed. This model, which satisfactorily predicts the detergency data obtained under different experimental conditions, could be of great practical utility since it can help develop more effective detergent formulations.
PATHOGEN DETECTION IN FOOD MICROBIOLOGY LABORATORIES: AN ANALYSIS OF QUALITATIVE PROFICIENCY TEST DATA, 1999–2007
Authors: EDSON DANIEL C. , EMPSON SUE , MASSEY LAURA D.
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to assess laboratories' ability to detect or rule out the presence of four common food pathogens: Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter spp. To do this, qualitative proficiency test data provided by one proficiency test provider from 1999 to 2007 were examined. The annual and cumulative 9‐year percentages of false‐negative and false‐positive responses were calculated.

The cumulative 9‐year false‐negative rates were 7.8% for E. coli O157:H7, 5.9% for Salmonella spp., 7.2% for L. monocytogenes and 13.6% for Campylobacter spp. Atypical strains and low concentrations of bacteria were more likely to be missed, and the data showed no trend of improving performance over time. Percentages of false‐positive results were below 5.0% for all four pathogens.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The results imply that food testing laboratories often fail to detect the presence of these four food pathogens in real food specimens. To improve pathogen detection, supervisors should ensure that testing personnel are adequately trained, that recommended procedures are followed correctly, that samples are properly prepared, that proper conditions (temperature, atmosphere and incubation time) are maintained for good bacterial growth and that recommended quality control procedures are followed. Supervisors should also always investigate reasons for unsatisfactory proficiency test results and take corrective action. Finally, more research is needed into testing practices and proficiency test performance in food testing laboratories.
MODELING THE INACTIVATION KINETICS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI O157:H7 DURING THE STORAGE UNDER REFRIGERATION OF APPLE JUICE TREATED BY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS
Authors: GARCÍA DIEGO , SOMOLINOS MARÍA , HASSANI MOUNIR , ÁLVAREZ IGNACIO , PAGÁN RAFAEL
Published: October 2009

The aim was to describe the inactivation kinetics of Escherichia coli O157:H7 suspended in apple juice after pulsed electric fields (PEF) and a subsequent storage under refrigeration. Escherichia coli O157:H7 showed a great PEF resistance in apple juice, when survivors were evaluated immediately after PEF. However, PEF‐treated cells exhibited a great sensitivity to a subsequent holding in apple juice for 3 days. For instance, although a PEF treatment of 80 pulses at 35.0 kV/cm inactivated less than 0.5 log10 cell cycles, the maintenance of the samples up to 3 days at 4C caused an inactivation of 5.0 log10 cycles. An equation based on the Weibullian‐like distribution accurately described the kinetics of cell inactivation.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The storage time influences the pulsed electric fields (PEF) inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells suspended in apple juice. The potential of Weibullian‐like distributions to describe survival curves with deviations in their linearity has allowed us to obtain an equation that accurately describes the complete PEF survival profile of E. coli in apple juice, when survivors were evaluated immediately after PEF and also after a subsequent storage under refrigeration. These results underline the possibility of applying PEF to pasteurize acidic foods by taking into account the postprocessing effect of the acidity of the product.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF ORIGANUM SACCATUM L.
Authors: ÖZCAN MEHMET MUSA , CHALCHAT JEAN CLAUDE
Published: October 2009

The chemical constituents of essential oil isolated by hydrodistillation of aerial parts of Origanum saccatum L. growing wild of 39 constituents were identified accounting for 99.11% of the oil of O. saccatum. The oil of O. saccatum contained, as main components, p‐cymene (82.8%), γ‐terpinene (6.2%), p‐cymene‐8‐ol (1.5%) and carvacrol (1.2%). The essential oil of O. saccatum was characterized by its high content of p‐cymene.

Preliminary experiment was carried out in vitro using the diffusion method to investigate antimicrobial activity of the O. saccatum oil. The oil exerted varying levels of antimicrobial effects on the growth of all microorganisms (except for 100 ppm which belongs to Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus aureus). The antimicrobial activity of the O. saccatum oil was established by using agar diffusion method. The results showed that antimicrobial activity increased depending on the concentration degree used. The highest sensitive bacteria had Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. As a result, inhibitory effect of oil was weak on tested bacteria compared with fungi. The extent of inhibition of tested microorganism growth was dependent on the concentrations of essential oil used.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Some investigations showed that the use of spices in place of chemicals and synthetics has become indispensable because of their antimicrobial effects and also because of the increasing risk of the side effects of chemical and synthetic preservatives on health. Also, spices and derivatives have been used since ancient times to preserve foods, make foods tastier, cure diseases and produce aromatic substances. Many species of aromatic plants belonging to the Labiatae family grow wild in the east Mediterranean basin. Dried oregano leaves are well known not only in the herb industry mainly but also for other appetizing applications, and as a source of essential oils
A CASE OF “BLOWN PACK” MEAT LINKED TO CLOSTRIDIUM ESTERTHETICUM IN IRELAND
Authors: BYRNE B. , MONAGHAN A.M. , LYNG J.G. , SHERIDAN J.J. , BOLTON D.J.
Published: October 2009

The objective of this study was to determine whether Clostridium estertheticum can be linked to the “blown pack” of vacuum‐packed beef and lamb. Vacuum‐packed chilled beef and lamb samples that had been spoiled by gross gas distension were obtained from two Irish meat processing plants. A sample of purged liquid from each sample was removed from the each meat pack and divided into 3 replicate samples. Both polymerase chain reaction amplification and conventional culturing methods was used to detect C. estertheticum in each purge sample. DNA sequencing was used to confirm its detection. C. estertheticum DNA was detected in beef but not detected in lamb. C. estertheticum was not isolated from the beef or lamb purge samples. This study represents the first confirmed link between C. estertheticum and the blown pack vacuum‐packed beef in Ireland.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Blown pack spoilage of vacuum packed meat is a significant problem in the meat industry and has the potential to cause considerable economic loss to meat processors. This study found, the first evidence of Clostridium estertheticum in vacuum packed meat in Ireland. This research will contribute to a better understanding of blown pack spoilage of vacuum packed meat caused by C. estertheticum.
INHIBITORY ACTIVITY OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM THAI FERMENTED FOOD AGAINST PANDEMIC STRAINS OF VIBRIO PARAHAEMOLYTICUS
Authors: CHARERNJIRATRAGUL W. , BHOOPONG P. , KANTACHOTE D. , JOMDUANG S. , KONG‐NGOEN R. , NAIR G.B. , VUDDHAKUL V.
Published: October 2009

Since 1996, Vibrio parahaemolyticus serotype O3:K6 and its clones have been reported to cause human infections worldwide. In Thailand, infections caused by these pandemic strains are still high. In order to control these infections, an attempt has been made to use probiotic bacteria. In this study, 327 strains of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from 22 types of fermented Thai foods. They were screened for probiotic properties. One isolate designated as PSU‐LAB 71 strongly inhibited the pandemic strains of V. parahaemolyticus and also Vibrio cholerae. PSU‐LAB71 was isolated from naturally fermented pork and was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum. The mechanism of its ability to inhibit V. parahaemolyticus was most likely caused by acid production. PSU‐LAB71 showed high adhesion to an enterocyte‐like Caco‐2 cell line. This study highlighted the possibility of using PSU‐LAB71 as a probiotic strain to control infections by pandemic V. parahaemolyticus.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Asian countries use many fermented foods containing lactic acid bacteria. This study describes a method to isolate potential probiotic bacteria from fermented foods that have inhibitory properties against pathogenic Vibrio species, especially pandemic strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. This report may initiate other countries that face problems caused by this pathogen to isolate their local lactic acid bacteria that have the potential to act as probiotics to control infections.
Bankfull Regional Curves for North and Northwest Florida Streams1
Authors: Metcalf Christopher K. , Wilkerson Shawn D. , Harman William A.
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  Regional curves, which relate bankfull channel dimensions and discharge to watershed drainage area, are developed to aid in identifying the bankfull stage in ungaged watersheds, and estimating the bankfull discharge and dimensions for river studies and natural channel design applications. This study assessed 26 stable stream reaches in two hydro‐physiographic regions of the Florida Coastal Plain: the Northwest Florida Coastal Plain (NWFCP) and the North Florida Coastal Plain (NFCP). Data from stream reaches in Georgia and Alabama were also used to develop the Florida regional curves, since they are located in the same hydro‐physiographic region. Reaches were selected based on the presence of U.S. Geological Survey gage stations and indicators of limited watershed development (e.g., <10% impervious surface). Analyses were conducted to determine bankfull channel dimensions, bankfull discharge, average channel slope, and Rosgen stream classification. Based on these data, significant relationships were found between bankfull cross‐sectional area, width, mean depth, and discharge as a function of drainage area for both regions. Data from this study suggested that bankfull discharges and channel dimensions were larger from NWFCP streams than from Coastal Plain streams in North Carolina and Maryland. Bankfull discharges were similar between NFCP and Georgia coastal plain streams; therefore, the data were combined into one regional curve. In addition, the data were stratified by Rosgen stream type. This stratification strengthened the relationships of bankfull width and mean depth as a function of drainage area.