bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity in growth and protein degradation by dairy relevant lactic acid bacteria species in reconstituted whey
Authors: Pescuma Micaela , Hébert Elvira M. , Bru Elena , de Valdez Graciela Font , Mozzi Fernanda
Published: April 2012

The high nutritional value of whey makes it an interesting substrate for the development of fermented foods. The aim of this work was to evaluate the growth and proteolytic activity of sixty-four strains of lactic acid bacteria in whey to further formulate a starter culture for the development of fermented whey-based beverages. Fermentations were performed at 37°C for 24 h in 10 and 16% (w/v) reconstituted whey powder. Cultivable populations, pH, and proteolytic activity (o-phthaldialdehyde test) were determined at 6 and 24 h incubation. Hydrolysis of whey proteins was analysed by Tricine SDS-PAGE. A principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to evaluate the behaviour of strains. Forty-six percent of the strains grew between 1 and 2 Δlog CFU/ml while 19% grew less than 0·9 Δlog CFU/ml in both reconstituted whey solutions. Regarding the proteolytic activity, most of the lactobacilli released amino acids and small peptides during the first 6 h incubation while streptococci consumed the amino acids initially present in whey to sustain growth. Whey proteins were degraded by the studied strains although to different extents. Special attention was paid to the main allergenic whey protein, β-lactoglobulin, which was degraded the most byLactobacillus acidophilusCRL 636 andLb. delbrueckiisubsp.bulgaricusCRL 656. The strain variability observed and the PCA applied in this study allowed selecting appropriate strains able to improve the nutritional characteristics (through amino group release and protein degradation) and storage (decrease in pH) of whey.
Musical hallucination following whiplash injury: case report and literature review
Authors: Bhatt Y M , de Carpentier J P
Published: April 2012

Introduction:

A musical hallucination is defined as a form of auditory hallucination characterised by the perception of music in the absence of external acoustic stimuli. It is infrequently cited in the literature, although population studies suggest a greater prevalence. The aetiology of this unusual disorder remains unclear.

Case report:

A 70-year-old man with acquired hearing loss suffered a whiplash injury in a low-speed road traffic accident, and subsequently presented with bilateral ‘tinnitus.’ On closer questioning, he described hearing orchestral music. There was no evidence of psychosis, delirium or intoxication, and the patient was managed expectantly.

Conclusion:

This patient represents the first published case of musical hallucination precipitated by whiplash injury. We explore the possible pathophysiological underpinnings of musical hallucination and highlight the need for a greater awareness of this disorder. A management strategy is suggested.
Cervical sparganosis: case reports with focus on radiological findings
Authors: Kim H J , Lee B J , Lee J C , Yeo C K
Published: April 2012

Background:

Cervical sparganosis is a rare condition that presents as a lateral neck mass. Its radiological findings have not previously been investigated. Thus, the important radiological findings of cervical sparganosis are presented herein.

Methods:

We report two patients with cervical sparganosis who presented with cervical masses, and we review the relevant head and neck literature. Computed tomography was performed three times over 13 months of follow up for one patient.

Results:

On follow-up radiological examination, a migratory lesion with a tubular appearance, seen on serial images, should be considered significant for cervical sparganosis.

Conclusion:

Radiologically, a migratory cervical mass in the head and neck area with a tubular appearance is suggestive of cervical sparganosis.
Welfare Regimes and Global Cities: A Missing Link in the Comparative Analysis of Welfare States?
Authors: HUDSON JOHN
Published: April 2012

The ‘welfare modelling business’ has been at the heart of comparative social policy analysis but debate has largely proceeded on the basis that coherent national welfare states exist. This assumption was always problematic but globalisation processes have added a further dimension to this debate. In particular, geographers and sociologists have pointed to the increasing power of global cities that act as co-ordinating hubs for the global economy. Though residing in nation states, these cities have a special status flowing from their central role in the global economy. Little attempt has been made to explore the implications of these cities for welfare regimes and welfare regime analysis. This paper addresses this under explored issue and suggests there are strong overlaps between global city types and welfare types.
Streptococcus pneumoniaepurulent pericarditis in a neonate
Authors: Morris Lee , Groner Abraham , Geiger Miwa , Tosi Michael
Published: April 2012

Purulent bacterial pericarditis is an uncommon infection that manifests during childhood, and in the post-antibiotic eraStreptococcus pneumoniaeis an unusual cause. We report a case of purulent bacterial pericarditis in a neonate caused byStreptococcus pneumoniaeserotype 7F. Although cases of bacterial pericarditis caused byStreptococcus pneumoniaeas a causative agent have been reported, their combination in a neonate is unique and this is, to our knowledge, the first case of this combination in the newborn period.
Magnitude and composition of sinking particulate phosphorus fluxes in Santa Barbara Basin, California
Authors: Sekula‐Wood Emily , Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Bennett Melissa A. , Thunell Robert
Published: April 2012

The composition and bioavailability of particulate P influence marine biological community production on both modern and geologic time‐scales, and continental margins play a critical role in the supply, modification, and storage of particulate P. This study examined particulate P cycling in the Santa Barbara Basin (SBB) off the coast of southern California using a ∼520 m deep‐moored sediment trap deployed from 1993–2006 and a sediment core collected in 2005 directly beneath the sediment trap at 590 m. Total particulate P (TPP), particulate inorganic P (PIP), and particulate organic P (POP) were quantified using a 5‐step sequential extraction method (SEDEX) that chemically separates PIP into loosely bound, oxide‐bound, authigenic, and detrital P phases. POP fluxes, while similar in magnitude to other coastal regions (22 ± 10 μmol m−2 d−1) were a small component of the TPP pool (15%). Seasonal trends revealed significant increases in POP fluxes during upwelling due to increased biological production in surface waters by organisms that increased mineral ballast. High particulate organic carbon (POC) to POP ratios (337 ± 18) further indicated rapid and efficient remineralization of POP relative to POC as particles sank through the oxic water column; however, further reduction of POP ceased in the deeper anoxic waters. Loosely bound, oxide‐bound, and authigenic P, dominated the TPP pool, with PIP fluxes substantially higher than those measured in other coastal settings. Strong correlations between oxide‐associated, authigenic, and detrital P fluxes with lithogenic material indicated a terrestrial source associated with riverine discharge. Furthermore, more than 30% of the loosely bound and oxide‐bound P was remineralized prior to burial, with the magnitude of dissolution far exceeding that of POP. These results highlight the dynamic nature of the particulate P pool in coastal ecosystems and how changes in P source can alter the composition and lability of P that enters coastal waters.
Sympathetic Denervation of One White Fat Depot Changes Norepinephrine Content and Turnover in Intact White and Brown Fat Depots
Authors: Harris Ruth B.S.
Published: April 2012

It is well‐established that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) regulates adipocyte metabolism and recently it has been reported that sensory afferents from white fat overlap anatomically with sympathetic efferents to white fat. The studies described here characterize the response of intact fat pads to selective sympathectomy (local 6‐hydroxydopamine (6OHDA) injections) of inguinal (ING) or epididymal (EPI) fat in male NIH Swiss mice and provide in vivo evidence for communication between individual white and brown fat depots. The contralateral ING pad, both EPI pads, perirenal (PR), and mesenteric (MES) pads were significantly enlarged 4 weeks after denervating one ING pad, but only intrascapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) increased when both ING pads were denervated. Denervation of one or both EPI pad had no effect on fat depot weights. In an additional experiment, norepinephrine turnover (NETO) was inhibited in ING, retroperitoneal (RP), MES, and IBAT 2 days after denervation of both EPI or of both ING pads. NE content was reduced to 10–30% of control values in all fat depots. There was no relation between early changes in NETO and fat pad weight 4 weeks after denervation, even though the reduction in NE content of intact fat pads was maintained. These data demonstrate that there is communication among individual fat pads, presumably through central integration of activity of sensory afferent and sympathetic efferent fibers, that changes sympathetic drive to white adipose tissue in a unified manner. In specific situations, removal of sympathetic efferents to one pad induces a compensatory enlargement of other intact depots.
Effects of Sleep Restriction on Glucose Control and Insulin Secretion During Diet‐Induced Weight Loss
Authors: Nedeltcheva Arlet V. , Imperial Jacqueline G. , Penev Plamen D.
Published: April 2012

Insufficient sleep is associated with changes in glucose tolerance, insulin secretion, and insulin action. Despite widespread use of weight‐loss diets for metabolic risk reduction, the effects of insufficient sleep on glucose regulation in overweight dieters are not known. To examine the consequences of recurrent sleep restriction on 24‐h blood glucose control during diet‐induced weight loss, 10 overweight and obese adults (3F/7M; mean (s.d.) age 41 (5) years; BMI 27.4 (2.0) kg/m2) completed two 14‐day treatments with hypocaloric diet and 8.5‐ or 5.5‐h nighttime sleep opportunity in random order 7 (3) months apart. Oral and intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) data, fasting lipids and free fatty acids (FFA), 24‐h blood glucose, insulin, C‐peptide, and counter‐regulatory hormone measurements were collected after each treatment. Participants had comparable weight loss (1.0 (0.3) BMI units) during each treatment. Bedtime restriction reduced sleep by 131 (30) min/day. Recurrent sleep curtailment decreased 24‐h serum insulin concentrations (i.e., enhanced 24‐h insulin economy) without changes in oral glucose tolerance and 24‐h glucose control. This was accompanied by a decline in fasting blood glucose, increased fasting FFA, which suppressed normally following glucose ingestion, and lower total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Sleep‐loss‐related changes in counter‐regulatory hormone secretion during the IVGTT limited the utility of the test in this study. In conclusion, sleep restriction enhanced 24‐h insulin economy without compromising glucose homeostasis in overweight individuals placed on a balanced hypocaloric diet. The changes in fasting blood glucose, insulin, lipid and FFA concentrations in sleep‐restricted dieters resembled the pattern of human metabolic adaptation to reduced carbohydrate availability.
Nucleosome recognition and spacing by chromatin remodelling factor ISW1a
Authors: Richmond Timothy J.
Published: April 2012

Nucleosomes are actively positioned along DNA by ATP-dependent, chromatin remodelling factors. A structural model for the ISW1a chromatin remodelling factor from Saccharomyces cerevisiae in complex with a dinucleosome substrate was constructed from the X-ray structures of ISW1a (ΔATPase) with and without DNA bound, two different cryo-EM (cryo-electron microscopy) structures of ISW1a (ΔATPase) bound to a nucleosome, and site-directed photo-cross-linking analyses in solution. The X-ray structure of ISW1a (ΔATPase) with DNA bound suggests that DNA sequence may be involved in nucleosome recognition and thereby specificity of promoter interaction. The model suggests how the highly ordered nucleosome arrays observed by mapping nucleosomes in genes and their promoter regions could be generated by a chromatin remodelling factor.
Conformational epitopes at cadherin calcium-binding sites and p120-catenin phosphorylation regulate cell adhesion
Authors: Petrova Yuliya I. , Spano MarthaJoy M. , Gumbiner Barry M.
Published: April 2012

We investigated changes in cadherin structure at the cell surface that regulate its adhesive activity. Colo 205 cells are nonadhesive cells with a full but inactive complement of E-cadherin–catenin complexes at the cell surface, but they can be triggered to adhere and form monolayers. We were able to distinguish the inactive and active states of E-cadherin at the cell surface by using a special set of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Another set of mAbs binds E-cadherin and strongly activates adhesion. In other epithelial cell types these activating mAbs inhibit growth factor–induced down-regulation of adhesion and epithelial morphogenesis, indicating that these phenomena are also controlled by E-cadherin activity at the cell surface. Both types of mAbs recognize conformational epitopes at different interfaces between extracellular cadherin repeat domains (ECs), especially near calcium-binding sites. Activation also induces p120-catenin dephosphorylation, as well as changes in the cadherin cytoplasmic domain. Moreover, phospho-site mutations indicate that dephosphorylation of specific Ser/Thr residues in the N-terminal domain of p120-catenin mediate adhesion activation. Thus physiological regulation of the adhesive state of E-cadherin involves physical and/or conformational changes in the EC interface regions of the ectodomain at the cell surface that are mediated by catenin-associated changes across the membrane.
Variability in Atlantic water temperature and transport at the entrance to the Arctic Ocean, 1997–2010
Authors: Beszczynska-Möller Agnieszka , Fahrbach Eberhard , Schauer Ursula , Hansen Edmond
Published: April 2012

Beszczynska-Möller, A., Fahrbach, E., Schauer, U., and Hansen, E. 2012. Variability in Atlantic water temperature and transport at the entrance to the Arctic Ocean, 1997–2010. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 852–863. The variability in Atlantic water temperature and volume transport in the West Spitsbergen Current (WSC), based on measurements by an array of moorings in Fram Strait (78°50′N) over the period 1997–2010, is addressed. The long-term mean net volume transport in the current of 6.6 ± 0.4 Sv (directed northwards) delivered 3.0 ± 0.2 Sv of Atlantic water (AW) warmer than 2°C. The mean temperature of the AW inflow was 3.1 ± 0.1°C. On interannual time-scales, a nearly constant volume flux in the WSC core (long-term mean 1.8 ± 0.1 Sv northwards, including 1.3 ± 0.1 Sv of AW warmer than 2°C, and showing no seasonal variability) was accompanied by a highly variable transport of 2–6 Sv in the offshore branch (long-term mean of 5 ± 0.4 Sv, strong seasonal variability, and 1–2 Sv of warm AW). Two warm anomalies were found in the AW passing through Fram Strait in 1999–2000 and 2005–2007. For the period 1997–2010, there was a positive linear trend in the AW mean temperature of 0.06°C year−1, but no statistically significant trend was observed in the AW volume transport. A possible impact of warming on AW propagation in the Arctic Ocean and properties of the outflow to the North Atlantic are also discussed.
Panel Effects in the American National Election Studies
Authors: Bartels Larry M.
Published: April 2012

Parallel panel and fresh cross-section samples in recent National Election Study surveys provide valuable leverage for assessing the magnitude of biases in statistical analyses of survey data due to panel attrition and panel conditioning. My analyses employing a variety of typical regression models suggest that substantial panel biases are likely to be fairly rare in these data, even when panel and cross-section respondents have markedly different characteristics. However, two of the dependent variables considered here—campaign interest and turnout—do appear to be sufficiently sensitive to panel effects to warrant significant discounting or adjustment of panel data. I propose adjustments for panel effects in both cross-sectional and dynamic analyses, based upon variants of the “fractional pooling” (Bartels 1996) and “two-stage auxiliary instrumental variables” (Franklin 1990) methods.
No Evidence on Directional vs. Proximity Voting
Authors: Lewis Jeffrey B. , King Gary
Published: April 2012

The directional and proximity models offer dramatically different theories for how voters make decisions and fundamentally divergent views of the supposed microfoundations on which vast bodies of literature in theoretical rational choice and empirical political behavior have been built. We demonstrate here that the empirical tests in the large and growing body of literature on this subject amount to theoretical debates about which statistical assumption is right. The key statistical assumptions have not been empirically tested and, indeed, turn out to be effectively untestable with existing methods and data. Unfortunately, these assumptions are also crucial since changing them leads to different conclusions about voter decision processes.
Alternative Corrections for Sample Truncation: Applications to the 1988, 1990, and 1992 Senate Election Studies
Authors: Brehm John
Published: April 2012

High levels of nonresponse plague all three waves of the National Election Studies' Senate Studies. Each of the studies failed to elicit interviews from close to one of every two selected sample persons, a rate far worse than the NES regular Pre- and Post-Election Studies. This paper addresses three interdependent problems: Given limited data about the nonrespondents, how can we model the causes of nonresponse? Using these models, how can we adjust our analysis of the Senate Study data to compensate for nonresponse? What difference does nonresponse make for our understanding of the dynamics of Senate elections?
The Time to Give: PAC Motivations and Electoral Timing
Authors: McCarty Nolan , Rothenberg Lawrence S.
Published: April 2012

There has been much discussion about how members of Congress desire money early in the campaign season. However, theoretical models of how contributions are allocated during the electoral cycle have been lacking. Our analysis attempts to remedy this gap by providing and testing a model which specifies how the process of bargaining between members of Congress and organized interests produces the pattern of donations observed over the course of the electoral cycle. Most notably, our results suggest that strategic incumbents can receive money early in the campaign if they desire but that they are generally unwilling to pay the price of lower aggregate fundraising and greater provision of access. These findings buttress earlier empirical findings that question the instrumental value of early money. In addition, our results highlight that contribution choices are fundamentally influenced by short-term factors, especially electoral conditions, that do not lend themselves to the routinized behavior necessary for contributors to invest in incumbents for long-run payoffs.
Some Remarks on the “Generalized Event Count” Distribution
Authors: Londregan John
Published: April 2012

King (1989) presented the “Generalized Event Count” (GEC) model as a means of dealing with event count data when the analyst is unsure whether the data are “underdispersed” or “overdispersed.” Here I establish several useful properties of the GEC model and make some practical suggestions for estimation.
Predictions of the Bush-Clinton-Perot Presidential Race from the Press
Authors: Fan David P.
Published: April 2012

This paper uses the ideodynamic model to assess the impact of persuasive messages on candidate preference in the 1992 presidential election. The methodology is based on approaches common to the natural sciences. These approaches suggested that opinion predictions are most robust when they explicitly omit such factors as opinion poli values, incumbency, and economic performance. Instead, the only persuasive messages used to predict opinion came from 3,394 stories from the Major Paper library of the NEXIS electronic data base scored by computer for news favorable and unfavorable to George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot. The scores were used in the equations of ideodynamics to compute media share time trends that predicted 55 public opinion polls withR2of 0.84 and 0.79 for Clinton and Perot, respectively. These highR2values together with the significance of the model's parameters suggested that the news media comprised the dominant influence on candidate preference. Campaign stories were also scored for coverage of different issues, and this coverage was related to good and bad news for the candidates.
Genetic Optimization Using Derivatives
Authors: Sekhon Jasjeet S. , Mebane Walter R.
Published: April 2012

We describe a new computer program that combines evolutionary algorithm methods with a derivative-based, quasi-Newton method to solve difficult unconstrained optimization problems. The program, called GENOUD (GENetic Optimization Using Derivatives), effectively solves problems that are nonlinear or perhaps even discontinuous in the parameters of the function to be optimized. When a statistical model's estimating function (for example, a log-likelihood) is nonlinear in the model's parameters, the function to be optimized will usually not be globally concave and may contain irregularities such as saddlepoints or discontinuous jumps. Optimization methods that rely on derivatives of the objective function may be unable to find any optimum at all. Or multiple local optima may exist, so that there is no guarantee that a derivative-based method will converge to the global optimum. We discuss the theoretical basis for expecting GENOUD to have a high probability of finding global optima. We conduct Monte Carlo experiments using scalar Normal mixture densities to illustrate this capability. We also use a system of four simultaneous nonlinear equations that has many parameters and multiple local optima to compare the performance of GENOUD to that of the Gauss-Newton algorithm in SAS's PROC MODEL.
Simple Reversed-Phase HPLC Method with Spectrophotometric Detection for Measuring Acetaminophen-Protein Adducts in Rat Liver Samples
Authors: Acharya Miteshkumar , Lau-Cam Cesar A.
Published: April 2012

A simple reversed-phase HPLC method for measuring hepatic levels of acetaminophen- (APAP-) protein adduct following an overdose of APAP was developed. An aliquot of liver homogenate in phosphate-buffered saline pH 7.4 (PBS) was placed on a Nanosep centrifugal device, which was centrifuged to obtain a protein residue. This residue was incubated with a solution ofp-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), the internal standard, and bacterial protease in PBS, transferred to a Nanosep centrifugal device, and centrifuged. A 100 μL portion of the filtrate was analyzed on a YMC-Pack ODS-AMQ C18 column, using 100 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate-methanol-acetic acid (100 : 0.6 : 0.1) as the mobile phase, a flow rate of 1 mL/min, and photometric detection at 254 nm. PABA and APAP-cystein-S-yl (APAP-Cys) eluted at~14.7 min and 22.7 min, respectively. Method linearity, based on on-column concentrations of APAP-Cys, was observed over the range 0.078–40 μg. Recoveries of APAP-Cys from spiked blank liver homogenates ranged from~83% to 91%. Limits of detection and of quantification of APAP-Cys, based on column concentrations, were 0.06 μg and 0.14 μg, respectively. RSD values for interday and intraday analyses of a blank liver homogenate spiked with APAP-Cyst at three levels were, in all cases, ≤1.0% and <1.5%, respectively. The proposed method was found appropriate for comparing the antidotal properties of N-acetylcysteine and taurine in a rat model of APAP poisoning.
The Waveform Fluctuation and the Clinical Factors of the Initial and Sustained Erythropoietic Response to Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Liu Wen-Sheng , Wu Yueh-Lin , Li Szu-Yuan , Yang Wu-Chang , Chen Tzen-Wen , Lin Chih-Ching
Published: April 2012

Objectives. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are the main treatment for anemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We evaluated factors determining the response after treatment of a new ESA (continuous erythropoietin erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA)).Methods. 61 HD patients were classified by their response at two different timings. First, patients whose hematocrit (Hct) increased 1.5% in the first week were defined as initial responders (IR,n=16). We compared several parameters between IR and the rest of the study subjects (non-IR,n=45). Second, patients whose Hct increased 2% in the 4th week were defined as sustained responders (SR,n=12), and we did a similar comparison.Results. The Hct showed a waveform fluctuation. Compared with the rest, IR had significantly lower platelet counts and higher levels of ferritin, total protein, total bilirubin, and serum sodium, while SR had significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein (AllP<0.05). In comparison with the rest, higher Hct persisted for 10 weeks in SR but only for two separate weeks (the 1st and 7th week) in IR.Conclusions. The initial and sustained erythropoietic responses are independent from each other and are associated with different factors. Treatment focusing on these factors may improve the response.
Nitrogen-Doped Carbonaceous Materials for Removal of Phenol from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Hofman Magdalena , Pietrzak Robert
Published: April 2012

Carbonaceous material (brown coal) modified by pyrolysis, activation, and enrichment in nitrogen, with two different factor reagents, have been used as adsorbent of phenol from liquid phase. Changes in the phenol content in the test solutions were monitored after subsequent intervals of adsorption with selected adsorbents prepared from organic materials. Significant effect of nitrogen present in the adsorbent material on its adsorption capacity was noted. Sorption capacity of these selected materials was found to depend on the time of use, their surface area, and pore distribution. A conformation to the most well-known adsorption isotherm models, Langmuir, and Freundlich ones, confirms the formation of mono- and heterolayer solute (phenol) coverage on the surface of the adsorbent applied herein. The materials proposed as adsorbents of the aqueous solution contaminants were proved effective, which means that the waste materials considered are promising activated carbon precursors for liquid phase adsorbents for the environmental protection.
Plasma Total Cysteine and Cardiovascular Risk Burden: Action and Interaction
Authors: De Chiara Benedetta , Sedda Valentina , Parolini Marina , Campolo Jonica , De Maria Renata , Caruso Raffaele , Pizzi Gianluigi , Disoteo Olga , Dellanoce Cinzia , Corno Anna Rosa , Cighetti Giuliana , Parodi Oberdan
Published: April 2012

We hypothesized that redox analysis could provide sensitive markers of the oxidative pathway associated to the presence of an increasing number of cardiovascular risk factors (RFs), independently of type. We classified 304 subjects without cardiovascular disease into 4 groups according to the total number of RFs (smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperhomocysteinaemia, diabetes, obesity, and their combination). Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring plasma total and reduced homocysteine, cysteine (Cys), glutathione, cysteinylglycine, blood reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde. Twenty-seven percent of subjects were in group 0 RF, 26% in 1 RF, 31% in 2 RF, and 16% in ≥3 RF. By multivariable ordinal regression analysis, plasma total Cys was associated to a higher number of RF (OR = 1.068; 95% CI = 1.027–1.110, ). Total RF burden is associated with increased total Cys levels. These findings support a prooxidant effect of Cys in conjunction with RF burden, and shed light on the pathophysiologic role of redox state unbalance in preclinical atherosclerosis.
Plant Regeneration and Cellular Behaviour Studies inCelosia cristataGrownIn VivoandIn Vitro
Authors: Taha Rosna Mat , Wafa Sharifah Nurashikin
Published: April 2012

Tissue culture studies ofCelosia cristatawere established from various explants and the effects of various hormones on morphogenesis of this species were examined. It was found that complete plant regeneration occurred at highest percentage on MS medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/L NAA and 1.5 mg/L BAP, with the best response showed by shoot explants.In vitroflowering was observed on MS basal medium after six weeks. The occurrence of somaclonal variation and changes in cellular behavior fromin vivoandin vitrogrown plants were investigated through cytological studies and image analysis. It was observed that Mitotic Index (MI), mean chromosome numbers, and mean nuclear to cell area ratio ofin vitroroot meristem cells were slightly higher compared toin vivovalues. However,in vitroplants produced lower mean cell areas but higher nuclear areas when compared toin vivoplants. Thus, no occurrence of somaclonal variation was detected, and this was supported by morphological features of thein vitroplants.
Bladder Mucosal CO2Compared with Gastric Mucosal CO2as a Marker for Low Perfusion States in Septic Shock
Authors: Seller-Pérez Gemma , Herrera-Gutiérrez Manuel E. , Aragón-González Cesar , Granados Maria M. , Dominguez Juan M. , Navarrete Rocío , Quesada-García Guillermo , Morgaz Juán , Gómez-Villamandos Rafael
Published: April 2012

Recent reports indicate the possible role of bladder CO2as a marker of low perfusion states. To test this hypothesis, shock was induced in six beagle dogs with 1 mg/kg ofE. colilipopolysaccharide, gastric CO2(CO2-G) was measured with a continuous monitor, and a pulmonary catheter was inserted in the bladder to measure CO2(CO2-B). Levels of CO2-B were found to be lower than those of CO2-G, with a mean difference of 36.8 mmHg (P<0.001), and correlation between both measurements was poor (r2=0.16). Even when the correlation between CO2-G andΔCO2-G was narrow (r2=0.86), this was not the case for the relationship between CO2-B andΔCO2-B (r2=0.29). Finally, the correlation between CO2-G and base deficit was good (r2=0.45), which was not the case with the CO2-B correlation (r2=0.03). In our experience, bladder CO2does not correlate to hemodynamic parameters and does not substitute gastric CO2for detection of low perfusion states.
Effect of Potent Ethyl Acetate Fraction ofStereospermum suaveolensExtract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Balasubramanian T. , Chatterjee Tapan Kumar , Senthilkumar G. P. , Mani Tamizh
Published: April 2012

To evaluate the antihyperglycemic effect of ethyl acetate fraction of ethanol extract ofStereospermum suaveolensin streptozotocin-(STZ-) induced diabetic rats by acute and subacute models. In this paper, various fractions of ethanol extract ofStereospermum suaveolenswere prepared and their effects on blood glucose levels in STZ-induced diabetic rats were studied after a single oral administration (200?mg/kg). Administration of the ethyl acetate fraction at 200?mg/kg once daily for 14 days to STZ-induced diabetic rats was also carried out. The parameters such as the fasting blood glucose, hepatic glycogen content, and pancreatic antioxidant levels were monitored. In the acute study, the ethyl acetate fraction is the most potent in reducing the fasting serum glucose levels of the STZ-induced diabetic rats. The 14-day repeated oral administration of the ethyl acetate fraction significantly reduced the fasting blood glucose and pancreatic TBARS level and significantly increased the liver glycogen, pancreatic superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities as well as reduced glutathione levels. The histopathological studies during the subacute treatment have been shown to ameliorate the STZ-induced histological damage of pancreas. This paper concludes that the ethyl acetate fraction from ethanol extract ofStereospermum suaveolenspossesses potent antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties, thereby substantiating the use of plant in the indigenous system of medicine.
Intracellular Shuttle: The Lactate Aerobic Metabolism
Authors: Cruz Rogério Santos de Oliveira , de Aguiar Rafael Alves , Turnes Tiago , Penteado Dos Santos Rafael , Fernandes Mendes de Oliveira Mariana , Caputo Fabrizio
Published: April 2012

Lactate is a highly dynamic metabolite that can be used as a fuel by several cells of the human body, particularly during physical exercise. Traditionally, it has been believed that the first step of lactate oxidation occurs in cytosol; however, this idea was recently challenged. A new hypothesis has been presented based on the fact that lactate-to-pyruvate conversion cannot occur in cytosol, because the LDH enzyme characteristics and cytosolic environment do not allow the reaction in this way. Instead, the Intracellular Lactate Shuttle hypothesis states that lactate first enters in mitochondria and only then is metabolized. In several tissues of the human body this idea is well accepted but is quite resistant in skeletal muscle. In this paper, we will present not only the studies which are protagonists in this discussion, but the potential mechanism by which this oxidation occurs and also a link between lactate and mitochondrial proliferation. This new perspective brings some implications and comes to change our understanding of the interaction between the energy systems, because the product of one serves as a substrate for the other.
Growth, Root Formation, and Nutrient Value of Triticale Plants Fertilized with Biosolids
Authors: Rauw Wendy Mercedes , Teglas Michael Bela , Chandra Sudeep , Forister Matthew Lewis
Published: April 2012

Biosolids are utilized as nutrient rich fertilizer. Little material is available on benefits to forage crops resulting from fertilization with biosolids. This paper aimed to compare the effects of fertilization with biosolids versus commercial nitrogen fertilizer on growth, root formation, and nutrient value of triticale plants in a greenhouse experiment. Per treatment, five pots were seeded with five triticale seeds each. Treatments included a nonfertilized control, fertilization with 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ml biosolids per pot, and fertilization with a commercial nitrogen fertilizer at the recommended application rate and at double that rate. Biomass production, root length, root diameter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium concentration were analyzed at harvest. Fertilization with biosolids increased triticale production (P<0.001); production was similar for the 100 to 400 mL treatments. Root length, nitrogen, and phosphorus concentration increased, and potassium concentration decreased linearly with application rate. At the recommended rate, biomass production was similar between fertilization with biosolids and commercial fertilizer. However, plants fertilized with commercial fertilizer had considerably longer roots (P<0.001), higher nitrogen concentration (P<0.05), and lower potassium concentration (P<0.01) than those fertilized with biosolids. Our results indicate that at the recommended application rate, biomass production was similar between fertilization with biosolids and with commercial nitrogen fertilizer, indicating the value of biosolids fertilization as a potential alternative.
Griffing's Methods Comparison for General and Specific Combining Ability in Cucumber
Authors: Olfati J. A. , Samizadeh H. , Rabiei B. , Peyvast Gh.
Published: April 2012

A comparison among two forms of half-diallel analysis was made. The different half-diallel techniques used were Griffing's model I, method 2 and 4. These methods of diallel analysis were found to be interrelated. However, as Griffing's model I, method 4 partitioned heterosis into different components as well as gave information about combining ability and this method had certainly some advantages over the other. The results further indicated using parental generations in the second Griffing method may cause biased estimate of the GCA and SCA variances. Thus, using the fourth Griffing method is more suitable than the other methods in providing time, cost, and facilities, and it is recommended as an applicable method.
Genetic Aspects of Gastric Cancer Instability
Authors: Hudler Petra
Published: April 2012

Unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying gastric carcinogenesis is one of the major challenges in cancer genomics. Gastric cancer is a very complex and heterogeneous disease, and although much has been learned about the different genetic changes that eventually lead to its development, the detailed mechanisms still remain unclear. Malignant transformation of gastric cells is the consequence of a multistep process involving different genetic and epigenetic changes in numerous genes in combination with host genetic background and environmental factors. The majority of gastric adenocarcinomas are characterized by genetic instability, either microsatellite instability (MSI) or chromosomal instability (CIN). It is believed that chromosome destabilizations occur early in tumour progression. This paper summarizes the most common genetic alterations leading to instability in sporadic gastric cancers and its consequences.
Changes of Radial Diffusivity and Fractional Anisotopy in the Optic Nerve and Optic Radiation of Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Engelhorn Tobias , Michelson Georg , Waerntges Simone , Otto Marlen , El-Rafei Ahmed , Struffert Tobias , Doerfler Arnd
Published: April 2012

Purpose of this study was to evaluate with diffusion-tensor imaging (DTI) changes of radial diffusivity (RD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in the optic nerve (ON) and optic radiation (OR) in glaucoma and to determine whether changes in RD and FA correlate with disease severity. Therefore, glaucoma patients and controls were examined using 3T. Regions of interest were positioned on RD and FA maps, and mean values were calculated for ON and OR and correlated with optic nerve atrophy and reduced spatial-temporal contrast sensitivity (STCS) of the retina. We found, that RD in glaucoma patients was significantly higher in the ON (0.74 ± 0.21 versus 0.58 ± 0.17⋅10−3 mm2 s−1;P<0.05) and OR (0.79 ± 0.23 versus 0.62 ± 0.14⋅10−3 mm2 s−1;P<0.05) compared to controls. Aside, FA was significantly decreased (0.48 ± 0.15 versus 0.66 ± 0.12 and 0.50 ± 0.20 versus 0.66 ± 0.11;P<0.05). Hereby, correlation between changes in RD/FA and optic nerve atrophy/STCS was observed (r>0.77). In conclusion, DTI at 3 Tesla allows robust RD and FA measurements in the ON and OR. Hereby, the extent of RD increase and FA decrease in glaucoma correlate with established ophthalmological examinations.
Endothelial Cell Markers in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Stafiej Joanna , Malukiewicz Grażyna , Lesiewska-Junk Hanna , Rość Danuta , Kaźmierczak Karolina
Published: April 2012

The aim of the study was the assessment of the von Willebrand antigen (vWF Ag), E-selectin, and P-selectin concentration in blood plasma of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). The group studied comprised 30 patients with PEX, aged from 50 to 86 years (mean 73, SD 8 years). Patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, infectious disease, cancer, renal or liver insufficiency, connective tissue disease, current smoking, and hormone, antiplatelet, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, or antihypertensive drug therapy were excluded from the study. Each subject underwent a complete ophthalmological examination. Venous blood samples from the cubital vein were taken into sodium citrate solution. VWF Ag, sP-selectin, and sE-selectin concentration were determined by a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MedSystems, Diagnostica Stago/Roche, R&D). Concentrations of vWF Ag, soluble E-selectin, and soluble P-selectin in blood plasma in the study group were compared with the levels in blood plasma in the control group. No significant differences were found between the groups. Our results indicate that there might be no correlation between PEX and such endothelial cell markers as vWF Ag, sP-selectin, and sE-selectin concentrations. Since the study size is limited, further investigations to confirm that there is no association between endothelial dysfunction in PEX and risk of future cardiovascular disease are necessary.
Diversity of the Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species of Importance in Benin
Authors: Dansi A. , Vodouhè R. , Azokpota P. , Yedomonhan H. , Assogba P. , Adjatin A. , Loko Y. L. , Dossou-Aminon I. , Akpagana K.
Published: April 2012

Many of the plant species that are cultivated for food across the world are neglected and underutilized. To assess their diversity in Benin and identify the priority species and establish their research needs, a survey was conducted in 50 villages distributed throughout the country. The study revealed 41 neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS) among which 19 were identified as of priority base on 10 criteria among which included their extent and degree of consumption. Reasons for neglect vary with the producers and the agricultural technicians. Market surveys revealed that NUCS are important source of household incomes and substantially contribute to poverty reduction. Review of the literature available revealed that most of the species are rich in nutrients and have some proven medicinal values and the promotion of their use would help in combating malnutrition and improving the health status of the local populations. The knowledge gaps and research needs are immense on most of the species identified as no concrete scientific data is nationally available. In terms of research, almost all has to be done starting from basic ethnobotanical investigation. The results will help the scientists and students willing to conduct research on NUCS in Benin to better orient their research programs.
Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax in France: initial management experiences
Authors: Gamon A. , Lenne N.
Published: April 2012

Since 2008, the French NPPO has been controlling two outbreaks of Meloidogyne chitwoodi and Meloidogyne fallax, in Picardie (open fields) and in Bretagne (glasshouses). Intensive investigations have been undertaken to delimit these outbreaks and to help formulate the best control management strategy to adopt in these two very different situations. In open fields, eradication measures have been implemented, with bare fallow in infested fields being adopted as the main measure, despite the impact on affected growers and high financial cost. Recently, soil analyses in fields after 2 years of bare fallow showed that neither M. chitwoodi nor M. fallax was detected in 99% of cases, and measures have now been reduced: crops such as cereals are now allowed in these fields, but no tubers or root crops can be grown. Under glasshouses, eradication was not considered feasible and so a containment strategy was followed. An extensive national survey of susceptible crops has also been carried out for early detection of possible new outbreaks.
Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on Ocimum basilicum: a new geographical record for Greece
Authors: Papadopoulou S. , Chryssohoides C.
Published: April 2012

In Greece, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified for the first time in June 2010 in the regions of Thessaloniki, Xanthi and Kavala (Northern Greece). This mealybug was found on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). The highest population densities were observed on basil stems rather than on the leaves. Phenacoccus madeirensis is a serious pest of horticultural crops and this is its first record on O. basilicum in Greece.
A decision‐support scheme for mapping endangered areas in pest risk analysis*
Authors: Baker R. H. A. , Benninga J. , Bremmer J. , Brunel S. , Dupin M. , Eyre D. , Ilieva Z. , Jarošík V. , Kehlenbeck H. , Kriticos D. J. , Makowski D. , Pergl J. , Reynaud P. , Robinet C. , Soliman T. , Van der Werf W. , Worner S.
Published: April 2012

This paper describes a decision‐support scheme (DSS) for mapping the area where economically important loss is likely to occur (the endangered area). It has been designed by the PRATIQUE project to help pest risk analysts address the numerous risk mapping challenges and decide on the most suitable methods to follow. The introduction to the DSS indicates the time and expertise that is needed, the data requirements and the situations when mapping the endangered areas is most useful. The DSS itself has four stages. In stage 1, the key factors that influence the endangered area are identified, the data are assembled and, where appropriate, maps of the key factors are produced listing any significant assumptions. In stage 2, methods for combining these maps to identify the area of potential establishment and the area at highest risk from pest impacts are described, documenting any assumptions and combination rules utilised. When possible and appropriate, Stage 3 can then be followed to show whether economic loss will occur in the area at highest risk and to identify the endangered area. As required, Stage 4, described elsewhere, provides techniques for producing a dynamic picture of the invasion process using a suite of spread models. To illustrate how the DSS functions, a maize pest, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, and a freshwater invasive alien plant, Eichhornia crassipes, have been used as examples.
Consistency in pest risk analysis – how can it be achieved and what are the benefits?*
Authors: Schrader G. , MacLeod A. , Petter F. , Baker R. H. A. , Brunel S. , Holt J. , Leach A. W. , Mumford J. D.
Published: April 2012

This paper describes the efforts in the PRATIQUE EU project to increase consistency that were integrated into the revised EPPO Decision‐support scheme (DSS) for Pest Risk Analysis (PRA). The establishment section is used here to illustrate the changes and improvements of the DSS, as it has undergone the most comprehensive changes with reformulation and restructuring of many questions and detailed rating guidance. When revising the establishment section of the EPPO DSS for PRA, there were three principal objectives that influenced the revision: (i) to focus the assessment on the most relevant factors influencing establishment; (ii) to identify the area where establishment is possible before assessing the suitability of that area, and (iii) to enhance the consistency of the establishment section by providing rating guidance with sub‐questions and examples. To simplify the process, some questions were rephrased as closed questions (answer is either yes or no). Clearer notes were provided to explain what information is needed to answer the questions. Furthermore, consistency has been enhanced by developing tools to help assessors when deciding on an appropriate overall risk rating and uncertainty score by providing a visual summary of the risk ratings and uncertainty scores (‘Visualizer’) and a method for integrating all the responses to the questions to provide a summary score for each major section and an overall assessment of risk (‘Rule based matrix model’).