bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nerve origin of vestibular schwannoma: a prospective study
Authors: Khrais T , Romano G , Sanna M
Published: November 2007

Objective:

The origin of vestibular schwannoma has always been a matter of debate. The aim of our study was to identify the nerve origin of this tumour.

Study design:

Prospective case review. This study was conducted at Gruppo Otologico, a private referral centre for neurotology and skull base surgery.

Methods:

A total of 200 cases of vestibular schwannoma were included in the study. All the tumours were removed surgically utilising the translabyrinthine approach. The origin of the tumour was sought at the fundus of the internal auditory canal.

Results:

A total of 200 consecutive cases was included in the study. The origin of the tumour was limited to one nerve at the fundus in 152 cases (76 per cent). Out of these cases, the tumour originated from the inferior vestibular nerve in 139 cases (91.4 per cent), from the superior vestibular nerve in nine cases (6 per cent), from the cochlear nerve in two cases (1.3 per cent) and from the facial nerve in two cases (1.3 per cent).

Conclusion:

The vast majority of vestibular schwannomas originate from the inferior vestibular nerve; the incidence of involvement of this nerve increases as the tumour size increases. An origin of vestibular schwannoma from the inferior vestibular nerve can be considered as one of the explanatory factors for the poor functional outcome of the extended middle cranial fossa approach, and probably accounts also for the better hearing preservation rate reported in some series for the retrosigmoid approach.
The Norse in Greenland and late Holocene sea-level change
Authors: Mikkelsen Naja , Kuijpers Antoon , Arneborg Jette
Published: November 2007

Norse immigrants from Europe settled in southern Greenland in around AD 985 and managed to create a farming community during the Medieval Warm Period. The Norse vanished after approximately 500 years of existence in Greenland leaving no documentary evidence concerning why their culture foundered. The flooding of fertile grassland caused by late Holocene sea-level changes may be one of the factors that affected the Norse community. Holocene sea-level changes in Greenland are closely connected with the isostatic response of the Earth's crust to the behaviour of the Greenlandic ice sheet. An early Holocene regressive phase in south and west Greenland was reversed during the middle Holocene, and evidence is found for transgression and drowning of early-middle Holocene coast lines. This drowning started between 8 and 7ka BP in southern Greenland and continued during the Norse era to the present. An average late Holocene sea level rise in the order of 2–3 m/1000 years may be one of the factors that negatively affected the life of the Norse Greenlanders, and combined with other both socio-economic and environmental problems, such as increasing wind and sea ice expansion at the transition to the Little Ice Age, may eventually have led to the end of the Norse culture in Greenland.
A further Antarctic myth
Authors: Villela Rubens J.
Published: November 2007

I refer to the interesting paper by Summerhayes and Beeching entitled ‘Hitler's Antarctic base: the myth and the reality’ published in the January 2007 issue of Polar Record (Summerhayes and Beeching 2007). One might consider that a detailed examination of such obviously faked stories of Nazi activities in Antarctica is an uneconomical use of time and effort by such distinguished researchers were it not for the widespread coverage such fancy and misleading tales have gained in recent years. More importantly perhaps, the article contributes new and more complete information on lesser known aspects of Antarctic history, besides the Schwabenland expedition itself. These include Operation Tabarin (responsible for the first effective permanent occupation of the continent), U-boat activity in the South Atlantic, Operation Highjump, and the Argus nuclear explosions. All very interesting subjects indeed and well worth writing and reading about.
Holocene climate change in the Bransfield Basin, Antarctic Peninsula: evidence from sediment and diatom analysis
Authors: Heroy David C. , Sjunneskog Charlotte , Anderson John B.
Published: November 2007

We present the first study from the Bransfield Basin that extends through the Holocene, recording the variable climate history back to the decoupling of the ice sheet from the continental shelf ~10 650 calendar years before present (cal yrbp). Detailed sediment analysis reveals three stratigraphic units in PC-61 concomitant with three sedimentary environments, similar to sedimentary facies reported elsewhere: 1) subglacial, 2) glacial proximal/sub-ice shelf, and 3) open marine. These interpretations are based on a variety of sedimentological criteria, supported by ten AMS radiocarbon dates and detailed diatom analysis. We note two significant volcanic ash layers (tephra) at 3870 and 5500 cal yrbpfrom nearby Deception Island. Based on diatom assemblage analysis, we identify five separate climate regimes, highlighting a significantly shorter Mid-Holocene Climatic Optimum than reported by other studies (6800–5900 cal yrbp). This period is marked by the highestEucampia antarcticavar.antarcticaandFragilariopsis curtaabundance, total diatom abundance, sediment accumulation rates, and low magnetic susceptibility. We also identify a less pronounced Neoglacial period relative to other studies, which includes an increase ofCocconeis/Rhizosoleniaspp. assemblage related to unstable surface water conditions. Such observations probably reflect important regional variations in atmospheric or ocean circulation patterns.
Is Antarctic climate most sensitive to ozone depletion in the middle or lower stratosphere?
Authors: Keeley S. P. E. , Gillett N. P. , Thompson D. W. J. , Solomon S. , Forster P. M.
Published: November 2007

Antarctic stratospheric ozone depletion has been associated with an observed downward trend in tropospheric geopotential height and temperature. Stratospheric ozone depletion peaks in October–November, whereas tropospheric trends are largest in December–January, concurrent with maximum ozone changes close to the tropopause. Surface temperatures are most sensitive to ozone loss near the tropopause, therefore it has been suggested that the observed tropospheric response is forced mainly by ozone depletion in the lower stratosphere. In this study the climate response to ozone depletion exclusively below 164 hPa is simulated using HadSM3‐L64, and compared with simulations in which ozone depletion is prescribed exclusively above 164 hPa. Results indicate that the tropospheric response is dominated by ozone changes above 164 hPa, with ozone changes in the lowermost stratosphere playing an insignificant role. A tropospheric response is also seen in fall/winter which agrees well with observations and has not been found in modeling studies previously.
INFECTION OF WILD BIRDS WITH WHATAROA VIRUS IN SOUTH WESTLAND, NEW ZEALAND, 1964–1969
Authors: Miles JAR , Ross RW , Austin FJ , Maguire T , Macnamara FN , Ross Lesley M
Published: November 2007

Whataroa virus was enzootic in the survey area in South Westland from 1964 until 1989. In the 1965–66 season there was a sharp increase in the proportion of birds having virus neutralizing antibody. The virus appears to be maintained by thrushes, as the proportion of these birds having virus neutralizing antibody was relatively constant from season to season. All other bird species except blackbirds had low immunity rates in the enzootic seasons and high immunity rates in the epizootic season.
THE EFFECT OF SEROTONIN AND POTASSIUM ON CORTICOSTERONE AND ALDOSTERONE PRODUCTION BY ISOLATED ZONA GLOMERULOSA CELLS OF THE RAT ADRENAL CORTEX
Authors: Tait Sylvia AS , Tait JF , Bradley JES
Published: November 2007

The effects of serotonin (10−8−10−4M) and of changes in potassium concentration (2 to 13 mM), singly and in combination, on steroid output in vitro by isolated cells, have been examined. These cells were mainly zona glomerulosa, prepared from capsules of the rat adrenal.

Corticosterone and aldosterone were estimated by a simple and rapid radio‐immunoassay procedure using antibodies developed against these two steroids. It was found possible to measure both steroids in the unchromatographed extract of the incubation medium by adding 4‐14C corticosterone and 3H aldosterone as recover indicators.

The results showed that corticosterone and aldosterone outputs increased with increasing doses of serotonin to a constant maximum output at about 10−6M. The outputs of both steroids increased with the concentration of [K+] from 2 mM (the lowest concentration tested) to reach a maximum at 8·4 mM and then declined. The addition of 10−4M serotonin at different [K+] concentrations further increased the outputs of both steroids to reach a maximum at 5·9 mM [K+]. Addition of serotonin bad little or no effect at 8·4 and 13 nM [K+]. However, it was found that corticosterone and aldosterone production were consistently higher at 5·9 mM [K+] plus serotonin than at 8·4 mM [K+] without serotonin.

One possible interpretation is that at low [K+] concentrations, both [K+] and serotonin act to stimulate steroid output, possibly by the same mechanism. However. [K+] inhibits at high concentrations whereas serotonin does not.
HAEMOPOIETIC PRECURSOR CELLS IN EXPERIMENTAL HYPOPLASTIC MARROW FAILURE
Authors: Morley A , Blake J
Published: November 2007

Following a period of treatment with busulphan, mice sustained a prolonged or permanent residual injury to the marrow. This was characterized by a decrease in number of pluripotential stem cells (CFU) and granulocytic progenitor cells (CFC). Eventually, many mice developed frank marrow failure, and when this had occurred the numbers of CFU and CFC were found to be even more markedly depressed.
EFFECT OF ENTERIC MICRO‐ORGANISMS ON INTESTINAL SUGAR AND FATTY ACID ABSORPTION
Authors: Burke Valerie , Houghton M , Gracey M
Published: November 2007

The effect of micro‐organisms contaminating the upper intestinal contents of malnourished children on intestinal absorption of 3–0 methyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranose (3‐M.G.) and oleic acid was studied in rats in vivo. Oleic acid absorption was unaffected by non‐pathogenic E. coli but decreased by E. coli 0111, Salmonella paratyphi B. Shigella sonnei and Candida sp. This effect was probably explained by intestinal secretion diluting the test solution leading to a decreased diffusion gradient for solubilised fatty acid.

Inhibition of sugar absorption occurred with bacterial suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, E. coli and Candida sp. and cell‐free preparations of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus faecalis, a nonpathogenic E. coli, Proteus sp. Klebsiella sp. Pseudomonas sp. and Candida sp. These effects were not explained by dilution of the test solution. This indicates that numerous micro‐organisms and, in some instances, their cell‐free preparations can interfere with intestinal active sugar transport. These findings may be relevant to the production of malabsorption in malnourished children who have a wide variety of micro‐organisms contaminating their upper intestinal contents.
LABORATORY STUDIES ON THE TRANSMISSION OF YELLOW FEVER VIRUS BY AEDES (FINLAYA) NOTOSCRIPTUS (DIPT., CULICIDAE)
Authors: Russell RC , Mukwaya LG , Lule M
Published: November 2007

Aedes (Finlaya) notoscriptus (Skuse), a mosquito which occupies a similar ecological niche to Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (L), the urban vector of yellow fever virus, was screened as a possible vector of this disease. The results indicate that almost certainly Ae. notoscriptus is refractory to the virus and could not act as a vector if yellow fever were introduced to Australia.
ANTIGENICALLY DISTINCT STRAINS OF ROSS RIVER VIRUS FROM NORTH QUEENSLAND AND COASTAL NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Woodroofe Gwendolyn , Marshall Ian D , Taylor William P
Published: November 2007

Ross River virus strains recovered from north Queensland and the central coast of New South Wales can be clearly discriminated by the use of a short incubation haemagglutination inhibition test. Antigenic homology of strains within these regions and heterology between the regions seem unaffected by time, passage history, adaptation to laboratory mice and the nature of the original source material yielding the strains. It is concluded that the two antigenic types are enzootic to their respective regions and that they have evolved in isolation from a common ancestral virus. A short incubation complement fixation test was found to be more sensitive than the haemagglutination inhibition test in attempts to characterize the virus type inducing convalescent antibody in humans and horses.
IMMUNITY TO NEMATOSPIROIDES DUBIUS: CELL AND IMMUNOGLOBULIN CHANGES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ONSET OF IMMUNITY IN MICE
Authors: Prowse SJ , Ey PL , Jenkin CR
Published: November 2007

The effect of one or more immunising infections on the susceptibility of mice to a subsequent challenge dose of Nematospiroides dubius larvae has been investigated. Following a single infection, animals developed a partial resistance characterized by their capacity to kill no more than half of the challenge dose of larvae. This low decree of immunity prevailed for some weeks after initial infection. A second immunising infection was found to induce a sudden increase in resistance such that at least 95% of a subsequent challenge dose of larvae was killed. This increase occurred 6 to 8 days after the second immunisation. Similar results were observed for mice immunised orally or intravenously. During the course of immunisations, absolute and differential cell levels in the blood and peritoneum as well as serum concentrations of the various immunoglobulin classes were determined. The results are considered in terms of the possible involvement of two distinct mechanisms of immunity to N dubius, one requiring the participation of macrophages and the other, eosinophils.
THE RNA GENOME OF TILLIGERRY VIRUS
Authors: Gorman BM , Taylor J
Published: November 2007

RNA extracted from Tilligerry virus, a member of the Eubenangee group of orbiviruses, separated into ten segments after electrophoresis in acrylamide gels. The molecular weights of most segments differed from the corresponding segments of Eubenangee virus.
CYTOTOXIC AND PROLIFERATIVE LYMPHOCYTE RESPONSES TO ALLOGENEIC AND XENOGENEIC ANTIGENS IN VITRO
Authors: Woolnough James A , Misko Ihor S , Lafferty Kevin J
Published: November 2007

In vitro lymphoproliferative responses to foreign histocompatibility antigens are phylogenetically restricted. Responses occur most readily to allogeneic or closely related xenogeneic leucocytes, but not to unrelated xenogeneic cells. Specific cytotoxic T cell responses to foreign histocompatibility antigens show the same phylogenetic restriction. This tack of xenoreactivity is not due to a lack of precursor cells for the xenoantigens; guinea‐pig lymphocytes, although normally unresponsive to mouse antigens, have a similar precursor frequency for these antigens as do lymphocytes of allogeneic mouse strains. Specific cytotoxic responses of guinea‐pig lymphocytes to mouse antigens can be generated if a factor released from con A stimulated guinea‐pig spleen cells is added to the culture medium. The factor produced by con A‐activated spleen cells (CS) is also phylogenetically restricted in its action; CS must be obtained from animals homologous with the donor of the responding lymphocytes.
THE EFFECT OF IRON DEFICIENCY, PROTEIN DEFICIENCY AND DEXAMETHASONE ON INFECTION, RE‐INFECTION AND TREATMENT OF GIARDIA MURIS IN THE MOUSE
Authors: Duncombe VM , Bolin TD , Davis M , Fagan MR , Davis AE
Published: November 2007

The association between nutrient deficiencies, steroid administration, anti‐flagellate therapy and giardiasis was examined using the Giardia muris/mouse model. Administration of steroids to BALB/c mice resulted in persisting high levels of infection with G. muris, whereas untreated animals were able to eliminate this parasite. In addition, steroid treatment significantly reduced the efficacy of anti‐flagellate therapy. Protein‐deficient mice eliminated the parasite at the same rate as mice on an optimum diet and also developed strong acquired resistance to re‐infection. A similar pattern was observed in iron‐deficient mice, except that the number of parasites that became established during the first 2 weeks of infection was significantly reduced. Thus, there was no evidence of synergism between iron and protein deficiency and infection in this model.
MANNOSIDOSIS: PATTERNS OF STORAGE AND URINARY EXCRETION OF OLIGOSACCHARIDES IN THE BOVINE MODEL
Authors: Jolly RD , Slack PM , Winter PJ , Murphy CE
Published: November 2007

Mannose and glucosamine‐containing oligosaccharides were extracted from tissues of variously aged calves with mannosidosis. Whereas storage in the brain, and to a lesser extent in the pancreas and lymph nodes, was cumulative. that in the liver was relatively stable over the time period followed. It is suggested that in this latter organ the 15–20% residual α‐mannosidase activity attributable to the mutant enzyme might be sufficient to normalise function. In the kidney, levels actually fell over the first 15–20 weeks of life and thereafter remained constant. It is postulated that, in foetal life, storage is cumulative but, after birth, storage material is lost from the kidney into the urine by degeneration and/or desquamation of renal tubular cells. From 20 weeks the amount lost is in equilibrium with that formed or absorbed by the tubular cells.
ISOLATION OF A GROUP OF GLYCOLIPID TOXINS FROM SEEDHEADS OF ANNUAL RYEGRASS Lolium rigidum GAUD.) INFECTED BY Corynebacterium rathayi
Authors: Vogel P , Petterson DS , Berry PH , Frahn JL , Anderton N , Cockrum PA , Edgar JA , Jago MV , Lanigan GW , Payne AL , Culvenor CCJ
Published: November 2007

A group of highly toxic compounds was isolated from galled seedheads of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.) containing Corynebacterium rathayi. Purified extracts were resolved by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography into eight main fractions which have been partially characterised and shown to be toxic to nursling rats. A mixture of the toxins also produced clinical signs and brain lesions in Iambs consistent with annual ryegrass toxicity. The name ‘corynetoxin’ is tentatively proposed for the series, individual members being designated according to their order of elution from the high performance liquid chromatography column as corynetoxins 1 to 8. The two main fractions are corynetoxins 3 and 4 of which the former has been crystallised. They appear to be of glycolipid character, 3‐hydroxyheptadecanoic acid and a C6 amino sugar being identified among the hydrolysis products of corynetoxin 3, and heptadec‐2‐enoic acid and a C6 amino sugar from corynetoxin 4.
SENSITIVITY AND RESISTANCE OF HUMAN MELANOMA CELLS TO ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
Authors: Lavin Martin F , Good Michael , Counsilman Caroline , Kidson Chev
Published: November 2007

A human melanoma cell line (MM253) was found to be sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, having a Do of 1.0 J/m2 when cloned on plastic culture dishes and a Do of 2·3 J/m2 when cloned in agar. These figures are much lower than those obtained for all other human melanoma cell lines studied in this laboratory (Do of 32–40 J/m2) and demonstrate that MM253 is unusually UV sensitive. The increased level of UV sensitivity in MM253 is not due to a reduced capacity for excision of pyrimidine dimers, repair of DNA single‐strand breaks or elongation of newly‐synthesized DNA strands when comparison is made with a UV‐resistant melanoma cell line.
RESISTANCE AND ABROGATION OF RESISTANCE TO CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS IN RECONSTITUTED BALB/c NUDE MICE
Authors: Mitchell Graham F , Curtis Joan M , Scollay Roland G , Handman Emanuela
Published: November 2007

Normal BALB/c mice and hypothymic BALB/c nude mice are highly susceptible to infection with an isolate of the intramacrophage protozoan parasite, Leishmania tropica, developing severe cutaneous disease. Nude mice reconstituted with large numbers of BALB/c lymphoid cells are also susceptible but are resistant when injected with low numbers of cells (e.g. 5 × 106 spleen plus mesenteric lymph node cells). Susceptibility to chronic cutaneous disease is thus quite different in minimally reconstituted BALB/c nude mice than in BALB/c mice with a normal or near‐normal complement of T cells. Recovered minimally reconstituted nudes are susceptible to reinfection but, again, lesions heal.

The minimally reconstituted, resistant nude mouse has been used as a screen for cellular and serum components which may contribute to chronicity of cutaneous disease in infected BALB/c mice. low numbers of T cell‐enriched spleen cells from chronically infected BALB/c mice are not protective in nude mice and, in fact, abrogate the protective effect of low numbers of syngeneic normal mouse spleen cells in a mix experiment. Treatment of chronically infected mouse spleen cells with anti‐ly2 reagents does not affect the capacity of the cells to abrogate resistance. A proportion of minimally reconstituted nude mice were susceptible to cutaneous disease after multiple injections of serum from chronically infected mice. However, this abrogation of resistance differed from that mediated by cells of chronically infected mice in being inconsistent.

The results suggest that T cell‐dependent immune responses (but perhaps not Ly2+ T8 cell‐dependent effects) contribute to chronicity of infection in genetically susceptible BALB/c mice and inhibit healing of lesions in this mouse strain. Although the possibility is raised by the data, no compelling evidence was obtained in this series of experiments that TH cell‐dependent ‘blocking antibodies’, or other serum components, are involved in perpetuating chronic disease in BALB/c mice.
Many human immunoglobulin heavy‐chain IGHV gene polymorphisms have been reported in error
Authors: Wang Yan , Jackson Katherine J L , Sewell William A , Collins Andrew M
Published: November 2007

The identification of the genes that make up rearranged immunoglobulin genes is critical to many studies. For example, the enumeration of mutations in immunoglobulin genes is important for the prognosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and this requires the accurate identification of the germline genes from which a particular sequence is derived. The immunoglobulin heavy‐chain variable (IGHV) gene repertoire is generally considered to be highly polymorphic. In this report, we describe a bioinformatic analysis of germline and rearranged immunoglobulin gene sequences which casts doubt on the existence of a substantial proportion of reported germline polymorphisms. We report a five‐level classification system for IGHV genes, which indicates the likelihood that the genes have been reported accurately. The classification scheme also reflects the likelihood that germline genes could be incorrectly identified in mutated VDJ rearrangements, because of similarities to other alleles. Of the 226 IGHV alleles that have previously been reported, our analysis suggests that 104 of these alleles almost certainly include sequence errors, and should be removed from the available repertoire. The analysis also highlights the presence of common mismatches, with respect to the germline, in many rearranged heavy‐chain sequences, suggesting the existence of twelve previously unreported alleles. Sequencing of IGHV genes from six individuals in this study confirmed the existence of three of these alleles, which we designate IGHV3‐49*04, IGHV3‐49*05 and IGHV4‐39*07. We therefore present a revised repertoire of expressed IGHV genes, which should substantially improve the accuracy of immunoglobulin gene analysis.
Syndecan-3 is a dendritic cell-specific attachment receptor for HIV-1
Authors: de Witte Lot , Bobardt Michael , Chatterji Udayan , Degeest Gisèle , David Guido , Geijtenbeek Teunis B. H. , Gallay Philippe
Published: November 2007

Dendritic cells (DCs) efficiently capture HIV-1 and mediate transmission to T cells, but the underlying molecular mechanism is still being debated. The C-type lectin DC-SIGN is important in HIV-1 transmission by DCs. However, various studies strongly suggest that another HIV-1 receptor on DCs is involved in the capture of HIV-1. Here we have identified syndecan-3 as a major HIV-1 attachment receptor on DCs. Syndecan-3 is a DC-specific heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan that captures HIV-1 through interaction with the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120. Syndecan-3 stabilizes the captured virus, enhances DC infection
in cis
, and promotes transmission to T cells. Removal of the HSs from the cell surface by heparinase III or by silencing syndecan-3 by siRNA partially inhibited HIV-1 transmission by immature DCs, whereas neutralizing both syndecan-3 and DC-SIGN completely abrogated HIV-1 capture and subsequent transmission. Thus, HIV-1 exploits both syndecan-3 and DC-SIGN to mediate HIV-1 transmission, and an effective microbicide should target both syndecan-3 and DC-SIGN on DCs to prevent transmission.
Book Review
Authors: Hendel Helle W.
Published: November 2007

PET and PET/CT: A Clinical Guide. Lin EC, Alavi A. Stuttgart, New York: Georg Thieme Verlag, 2005. ISBN-10: 1588904008 / ISBN-13: 978-1588904003. 190 pages, color PET/CT images pages. Price paperback: USD 69.95
Pulmonary artery diameters measured by multidetector-row computed tomography in healthy adults
Authors: Bozlar U. , Ors F. , Deniz O. , Uzun M. , Gumus S. , Ugurel M. S. , Yazar F. , Tayfun C.
Published: November 2007

Background: The range of the diameters of pulmonary arteries (PA) is not fully shown in the current literature. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of the thorax might be used for measuring diameters of the PA.

Purpose: To determine the diameters of PAs in subjects with normal PA pressure by using thoracic CT.

Material and Methods: 126 subjects aged between 19 and 46 years, having normal thoracic CTs (5-mm slice thickness) and normal PA pressures (⩽25 mmHg, determined by echocardiography), were included in the study. The diameters of the main, right, and left PAs were measured by using multidetector CT.

Results: The main PA diameters of all the subjects showed a normal distribution, and the mean was 24.0±2.8 mm. The main PA diameters in male and female subjects also showed a normal distribution. The difference between the sexes for the main PA diameters was not significant ( P = 0.08). There were correlations between main PA diameter and body-mass index (BMI) ( R = 0.41, P = 0.001) and weight ( R = 0.34, P = 0.001). However, there was no significant correlation between main PA diameter and height ( R = 0.05, P = 0.6).

Conclusion: This study suggests that diameters of the main PA and its main branches show a normal distribution in subjects having normal PA pressures. Based on our findings, the upper limits of the main, right, and left PA diameters are 29.5 mm, 19.8 mm, and 22.1 mm, respectively, in healthy adults.
Cervical lymph node metastases of unknown origin: primary tumor detection with whole-body positron emission tomography/computed tomography
Authors: Nassenstein K. , Veit-Haibach P. , Stergar H. , Gutzeit A. , Freudenberg L. , Kuehl H. , Fischer M. , Barkhausen J. , Bockisch A. , Antoch G.
Published: November 2007

Background: Identification of primary tumor in patients with cervical lymph node metastasis of unknown primary (MUO) has a great impact on therapy approach and potentially on patient prognosis.

Purpose: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of combined positron emission tomography (PET)/computer tomography (CT) for primary tumor detection in cervical metastases of unknown origin compared to PET, CT, and PET+CT side-by-side evaluation.

Material and Methods: 39 consecutive patients (eight women, 31 men; mean age 59.9±11.2 years) with MUO were enrolled in this study. PET/CT images were obtained 1 hour after injection of 350 MBq of fluorodeoxyglucose. Oral and intravenous contrast agents were administered in all patients to ensure diagnostic CT data. Fused PET/CT data were evaluated for primary tumor detection. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated and compared with CT alone, PET alone, and side-by-side PET+CT evaluation. Statistical analysis of differences in diagnostic performance between the different imaging procedures was based on the McNemar test.

Results: Fused PET/CT depicted the primary tumor in 11 of 39 (28%) patients. In 28 (72%) patients, the primary tumor remained occult. CT revealed the primary in five (13%), PET alone in 10 (26%), and side-by-side evaluation of PET+CT in 10 (26%) of 39 patients. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences between the imaging modalities.

Conclusion: PET, side-by-side PET+CT, and PET/CT revealed similar detection rates for primary tumors in cervical MUO patients. Therefore, cervical metastases of an unknown primary may be assessed with either of these imaging modalities. Detection rates with CT were substantially lower. Thus, inclusion of functional data for assessment of cervical MUO patients must be recommended.
Endothelin-converting enzyme-1 regulates endosomal sorting of calcitonin receptor-like receptor and β-arrestins
Authors: Padilla Benjamin E. , Cottrell Graeme S. , Roosterman Dirk , Pikios Stella , Muller Laurent , Steinhoff Martin , Bunnett Nigel W.
Published: November 2007

Although cell surface metalloendopeptidases degrade neuropeptides in the extracellular fluid to terminate signaling, the function of peptidases in endosomes is unclear. We report that isoforms of endothelin-converting enzyme-1 (ECE-1a–d) are present in early endosomes, where they degrade neuropeptides and regulate post-endocytic sorting of receptors. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) co-internalizes with calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR), receptor activity-modifying protein 1 (RAMP1), β-arrestin2, and ECE-1 to early endosomes, where ECE-1 degrades CGRP. CGRP degradation promotes CLR/RAMP1 recycling and β-arrestin2 redistribution to the cytosol. ECE-1 inhibition or knockdown traps CLR/RAMP1 and β-arrestin2 in endosomes and inhibits CLR/RAMP1 recycling and resensitization, whereas ECE-1 overexpression has the opposite effect. ECE-1 does not regulate either the resensitization of receptors for peptides that are not ECE-1 substrates (e.g., angiotensin II), or the recycling of the bradykinin B2 receptor, which transiently interacts with β-arrestins. We propose a mechanism by which endosomal ECE-1 degrades neuropeptides in endosomes to disrupt the peptide/receptor/β-arrestin complex, freeing internalized receptors from β-arrestins and promoting recycling and resensitization.
Yellow fever and Max Theiler: the only Nobel Prize for a virus vaccine
Authors: Norrby Erling
Published: November 2007

In 1951, Max Theiler of the Rockefeller Foundation received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discovery of an effective vaccine against yellow fever—a discovery first reported in the JEM 70 years ago. This was the first, and so far the only, Nobel Prize given for the development of a virus vaccine. Recently released Nobel archives now reveal how the advances in the yellow fever vaccine field were evaluated more than 50 years ago, and how this led to a prize for Max Theiler.
Mutagenic analysis of Potato Virus X movement protein (TGBp1) and the coat protein (CP): in vitro TGBp1–CP binding and viral RNA translation activation
Authors: ZAYAKINA OLGA , ARKHIPENKO MARINA , KOZLOVSKY STANISLAV , NIKITIN NIKOLAI , SMIRNOV ALEXANDER , SUSI PETRI , RODIONOVA NINA , KARPOVA OLGA , ATABEKOV JOSEPH
Published: November 2007

Previously, we have shown that encapsidated Potato virus X (PVX) RNA was non‐translatable in vitro, but could be converted into a translatable form by binding of the PVX movement protein TGBp1 to one end of the virion or by coat protein (CP) phosphorylation. Here, a mutagenic analysis of PVX CP and TGBp1 was used to identify the regions involved in TGBp1–CP binding and translational activation of PVX RNA by TGBp1. It was found that the C‐terminal (C‐ter) 10/18 amino acids region was not essential for virus‐like particle (VP) assembly from CP and RNA. However, the VPs assembled from the CP lacking C‐ter 10/18 amino acids were incapable of TGBp1 binding and being translationally activated. It was suggested that the 10‐amino‐acid C‐ter regions of protein subunits located at one end of a polar helical PVX particle contain a domain accessible to TGBp1 binding and PVX remodelling. The non‐translatable particles assembled from the C‐ter mutant CP could be converted into a translatable form by CP phosphorylation. The TGBp1–CP binding activity was preserved unless a conservative motif IV was removed from TGBp1. By contrast, TGBp1‐dependent activation of PVX RNA translation was abolished by deletions of various NTPase/helicase conservative motifs and their combinations. The motif IV might be essential for TGBp1–CP binding, but insufficient for PVX RNA translation activation. The evidence to discriminate between these two events, i.e. TGBp1 binding to the CP‐helix and TGBp1‐dependent RNA translation activation, is discussed.
Effect of storage on the gel‐forming properties of yam‐containing surimi gels
Authors: Chung Yun‐Chin , Chiang Been‐Huang , Chen Pei‐Chun , Huang Po‐Chun , Hsu Cheng‐Kuang
Published: November 2007

The breaking forces, deformations and water‐holding capacities of pollock surimi gels (PSG) containing 20% fresh Tainung No. 1 (TNG1) yam (Dioscorea alata) stored at room temperature, 17 and 10 °C, were determined for 12 weeks to evaluate the feasibility of using fresh yam as a healthy ingredient and an alternative source for starch in surimi seafoods. The results showed that the texture properties of TNG1‐PSG decreased during storage regardless of the storage temperatures, except for an insignificant change found in the water‐holding capacity at 10 °C. Most changes in the texture properties occurred within 1 week, thus the use of fresh TNG1 immediately after harvest is required for producing TNG1‐PSG with good texture properties. Frozen storage of TNG‐PSG was also undertaken at −20 °C for 6 months. After 6‐months of storage, the breaking force and water‐holding capacity of TNG1‐PSG decreased by about 22% and 19%, respectively.
Study of how phase separation by filtration instead of centrifugation affects protein yield and gel quality during an alkaline solubilisation process – different surimi‐processing methods
Authors: Nolsøe Helgi , Imer Sinan , Hultin Herbert O.
Published: November 2007

Filtration and centrifugation for separating functional proteins from an alkaline solubilisation process are investigated. The influence of the method of separation on the yield and the gel quality of surimi produced from the protein isolates was studied. The possibility of replacing centrifugation by filtration is investigated for a first and a second centrifugation step where the first centrifugation separates a dissolved protein phase at high pH from undissolved material and the second centrifugation separates precipitated proteins from the waterphase at neutral pH. The separation method greatly affects the yield and the quality of the processed surimi. Replacing the first centrifugation with sieving improves the yield of protein isolate, but worsens the quality of the produced gel. Replacing the second centrifugation with filtration has no influence on the yield or the quality of the protein isolate.
Microwave drying characteristics and dried quality of pumpkin
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Jing Shuang , Yu Yong
Published: November 2007

Little detailed information is available on microwave drying characteristics of pumpkin and alternative microwave power drying of food products. This study focuses on describing microwave drying characteristics of pumpkin and discussing the effect of alternative drying input load‐power (power at each unit initial mass), sample thickness and mass on the dried quality. Experiments were conducted to study microwave drying characteristics and dried quality, and a two‐stage microwave drying using the first‐ and second‐stage power. It has two falling rate periods using microwave drying on pumpkin: the first falling rate period at moisture content of pumpkin more than 1.6 dry basic (d.b.), and the second falling rate period at moisture content less than 1.6 d.b. The same water loss will consume more energy at moisture content less than 1.6 d.b. Dehydration rate increased and energy consumption decreased with increase of input power, decrease of mass. The thicker sample dried more rapidly than the thinner one during the first falling rate period, but during the second falling rate period, dehydration rate of the thin sample is slightly higher than that of the thick sample. The quadratic orthogonal regression experiment was conducted, and models for effect of first‐stage drying load‐power, second‐stage drying load‐power, slice thickness and first‐stage drying time (four factors) on sensory quality, rehydration ratio and energy consumption rate (three indices) were established. The effect of four single‐factors on three indices is significant. All the interaction effects of four factors on sensory quality and energy consumption rate are not significant. The quadratic polynomial of first‐stage drying load‐power on three indices is significant. Drying factor optimising combination for three indices was obtained. For three indices, drying factor‐optimising combination is different. First‐stage drying load‐power should be higher for energy consumption rate and lower for rehydration ratio. Second‐stage drying load‐power should be higher for rehydration ratio, and slightly lower for energy consumption rate. Pumpkin slice thickness should be thick for three indices and can also be thin for energy consumption rate. First‐stage drying time should be longer for three indices and can also be shorter for sensory quality. For three indices, the first‐stage power differs from the second‐stage power. This implies that the alternative microwave power drying on pumpkin should be applied.
Effects of interesterified palm and cottonseed oil blends on cake quality
Authors: Dogan Ismail S. , Javidipour Issa , Akan Taşkın
Published: November 2007

Cake is one of the most loved bakery products. Formula constituents affect cake quality. Especially, fat in the formula alters internal and external attributes, shelf‐life and nutritional value of the cake. The type of fat is important for conscious consumers for health reason. Chemically interesterified palm (in‐es PO) and cottonseed oils (in‐es CO) were used instead of hydrogenated cake shortening (HS) in this study. The layer cakes were prepared according to modified American Association of Cereal Chemists Method. Physical characteristics such as batter density and consistency, cake volume, crust and crumb properties and sensory attributes such as moistness, flavour, mouth‐feel of cake samples prepared with chemically interesterified (in‐es) and non‐interesterified palm and cottonseed oil (non‐in‐es) blends at 0, 25, 50 and 100 (wt%) levels were compared with that of the layer cake prepared with HS. The total trans fatty acid (TFA) content of regular cake shortening was high (14.38%). The experimental shortenings have zero TFA. An increase in the level of CO in the interesterified and non‐interesterified blends lowered the solid fat content, thus increasing batter density and fluidity. Favourable cakes close to the standard cake have been made by using in‐es (PO:CO) at the ratio of 75:25 and 50:50 (wt%) without any significantly adverse change in sensorial properties. The results indicated that interesterification can be successfully applied in cake shortening production, resulting in decrease in the consumption of TFA.
In situ laboratory analysis of sucrose in sugarcane bagasse using attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy and chemometrics
Authors: Tewari Jagdish C. , Malik Kamal
Published: November 2007

The determination of low‐level sucrose residue in sugarcane bagasse was investigated by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy to increase the level of sugar production in on‐line sugar processing. The efficacy of ATR spectroscopy and chemometrics is described to determine the sucrose level of 0.5 percentage (w/w) or less. The ATR spectra from a range of sugar concentrations obtained by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer in its finger print region (900–1200 cm−1) were incorporated to compute the calibration model using chemometrics approaches such as partial least square and principal component regression. Through the use of this procedure, a calibration model based on absorbance spectra was computed for sucrose residue with standard errors of calibration of 0.662% and standard of prediction of 0.34% over 0.5–5% range. The correlation coefficient (R2) value of 0.998–0.988 suggested the accuracy of the calibration model. An independent set of twenty samples of sucrose solution was used to reconfirm the modal. Ten sugarcane bagasse samples were prepared in vitro and sucrose concentration were predicted using develop calibration model. The mathematically extracted sucrose concentrations were verified for accuracy by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results presented demonstrate that described technique is effective to determine sucrose level <0.5% (w/w) in sugarcane bagasse during sugar processing. The importance of timeframe for the analysis and the feasibility of using ATR spectroscopy to screen sucrose residue in sugarcane bagasse samples is discussed.
Current and potential uses of composted olive oil waste
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Kassaveti Aikaterini
Published: November 2007

Food industry will have to focus on waste avoidance as well as utilisation of process waste. Application of clean technologies greatly enhances the safety and quality of the product as well as reducing the energy requirements and environmental impact of the food industry. The main environmental impacts of the food sector are aquatic, atmospheric and solid waste emissions. Nowadays, the main treatment method of solid wastes is composting, while recovery and reuse of by‐products and wastes as raw materials stand for another effective option (). Composted olive oil waste can find applications (1) as amendment in agriculture because of its high nitrogen and phosphorus content, (2) as a biofertiliser, with a mixture of compost withSphagnumpeat or commercial substrate finding use for ornamental plants growth and (3) as a biofilter for toxic metal removal. However, there are a number of disadvantages as well, such as large decline of soil germination capability, necrosis of the leaves and slow emission of secondary stems, and enhanced phytotoxicity, because of pH neutralisation technique, which should be seriously taken into account prior to opting for composting as a promising waste treatment alternative.
Particle size distribution and starch damage in some soft wheat cultivars
Authors: Di Stasio M. , Vacca P. , Piciocchi N. , Meccariello C. , Volpe M. G.
Published: November 2007

The degree of milling of flour of soft wheat is carried out in order to estimate the degree of sifting of the flourmill. Milling technology affects the percentage of damaged starch that it is one of the factors responsible for the rheological‐qualitative behaviour of flour during bread‐making. In this report we have estimated the distribution of particle dimensions by laser scattering characterised by greater accuracy compared with traditional sieve systems and the percentage of damaged starch by X‐ray diffraction techniques. In particular, one variety has been split into fractions by sieves and analysed for further information. The results suggest that there is no clear correlation between the particle size distribution and percentage of damaged starch.
Characterisation of the volatiles of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) during storage by solid phase microextraction and GC–MS and their relationship to fish quality parameters
Authors: Edirisinghe Ranjith K.B. , Graffham Andrew J. , Taylor Sarah J.
Published: November 2007

Investigations were carried out to extract the volatile compounds of fish using solid phase microextraction (SPME) in order to develop a new rapid indicator for determining the quality of fish. Changes in the aroma composition of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) was studied at 30 °C and in ice, using SPME GC–MS, and their relationship with the fish quality parameters – total volatile basic nitrogen and sensory analysis – was determined using principal component analysis (PCA) and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Hexanal (30.9%) and 2‐nonanone (28.4%) were recorded in relatively high amounts in fresh fish, whereas 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone increased with storage time. PCA clearly differentiated the volatile profile of each sampling stage (P < 0.05) throughout storage treatments. Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between the fish quality and the levels of 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and pentadecane. The findings highlight the possibility of developing a rapid quality evaluation method for fish using SPME GC–MS.
Differentiation of young red wines obtained in a warm climate region
Authors: Viviani Ana , Moreno Juan , Peinado Rafael A.
Published: November 2007

Five red wines obtained from the grape varieties: Tempranillo, Syrah, Merlot, Graciano and Pinot Noir‐Cabernet Franc cultivated in the Montilla‐Moriles region have been subjected to analysis of major volatile compounds, polyols and enological variables. Among the colours parameters highlight the total polyphenol contents and the absorbance at 520 nm of the Syrah and Graciano wine samples, whereas the higher alcohols concentrations show values below 400 mg L−1. The propanol, isobutanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and 2‐phenylethanol have been used to distinguish by means of principal component analysis the five red wines. Only two components explained the 92.4% of the total variance.
Improvement of home‐made maize tortilla with soybean
Authors: Obatolu Veronica A. , Augustine Okoruwa , Iken J.E.
Published: November 2007

Chemical changes of some nutritional components (proximate, mineral and amino acids) and acceptability of traditional process tortillas made from whole maize grain fortified with 30% soybean were evaluated. Inclusion of soybean in tortilla processing improved tortilla quality by modifying protein content and quality. Total ash content was significantly (P < 0.05) increased with processing into tortilla. Soybean has a significantly (P < 0.05) higher phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron than maize and the process tortillas. The calcium content in the samples was 0.33 g kg−1, 3.12 g kg−1, 1.36 g kg−1, 2.60 g kg−1, 1.57 and 2.84 g kg−1 for maize, soybean, baked maize tortilla, baked soy‐fortified tortilla, fried maize tortilla and fried soy‐fortified tortilla, respectively. The sensory evaluation showed that the consumers prefer baked tortilla to be salted and fried tortilla to be sugar sweetened.
Effect of lactic acid fermentation of onions (Allium cepa) on the composition of flavonol glucosides
Authors: Bisakowski Barbara , Atwal Avtar S. , Gardner Nancy , Champagne Claude P.
Published: November 2007

Fermentation of red onions inoculated with Lactobacillus plantarum S1 (starter treatment) resulted in acid production to pH 4.5, after 48 h of incubation at 19 °C, which has proven to be adequate for proper preservation. In the presence of erythromycin (starter + antibiotic), acidification to pH 5.2 resulted, which was similar to that of the uninoculated control. The bacterial population was about 108 CFU mL−1 of brine after 3 days for the three treatments, suggesting that in the starter + antibiotic treatment, the antibiotic effectively suppressed the activity of the starter but not the native flora. Before lactic fermentation, the red onions contained 297.4 mg of total quercetin (Q) per kg wet weight, which consisted of 58.3%, 41.6% and 0.1% in quercetin diglucoside (Qdg), quercetin monoglucoside (Qmg) and free Q, respectively. For the starter treatment, Qdg decreased to 41.8% and 18.3% at 48 and 72 h, respectively, and a substantial amount of free Q had accumulated. The fermentation substantially increased the proportion of Qmg, which may have a positive effect as fractions containing higher ratios of Qmg to Qdg have been reported to have higher antioxidant activity.