bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
KSHV activation of VEGF secretion and invasion for endothelial cells is mediated through viral upregulation of emmprin‐induced signal transduction
Authors: Dai Lu , Bratoeva Momka , Toole Bryan P. , Qin Zhiqiang , Parsons Chris
Published: September 2011

Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS)—one of the most common tumors arising in the setting of immune suppression. Hallmarks of KS lesions include KSHV‐infected cells of endothelial lineage and neoangiogenesis. Promigratory factors secreted in the tumor microenvironment by KSHV‐infected cells promote endothelial cell (EC) migration and angiogenesis but existing therapies targeting these pathways are not widely utilized. This underscores the need for additional characterization of KSHV‐host interactions relevant to EC pathogenesis to identify new therapeutic targets. We recently demonstrated that de novo infection by KSHV promotes EC invasion through upregulation of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (emmprin)—a multifunctional glycoprotein previously shown to induce tumor cell invasion and regional angiogenesis through upregulation of signal transduction and promotion of tumor‐stroma interactions. This study was undertaken to determine whether EC invasion for KSHV‐infected cells is induced through activation of specific signal transduction pathways and proangiogenic factors by emmprin. We found that KSHV activation of emmprin induces PI3K/Akt‐ and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)‐dependent secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Functionally, EC invasion following de novo infection is induced by emmprin‐dependent PI3K/Akt and MAPK activation of VEGF. These findings support the potential utility of targeting emmprin for reducing VEGF secretion and EC migration in the KS microenvironment.
Quantitative analyses of DAPK1 methylation in AML and MDS
Authors: Claus Rainer , Hackanson Björn , Poetsch Anna R. , Zucknick Manuela , Sonnet Miriam , Blagitko‐Dorfs Nadja , Hiller Jan , Wilop Stefan , Brümmendorf Tim H. , Galm Oliver , Platzbecker Uwe , Byrd John C. , Döhner Konstanze , Döhner Hartmut , Lübbert Michael , Plass Christoph
Published: September 2011

Aberrant DNA methylation and concomitant transcriptional silencing of death‐associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) have been demonstrated to be key pathogenic events in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), however, the presence of elevated DNA methylation levels has been a matter of continued controversy. Several studies demonstrated highly variable frequencies of DAPK1 promoter methylation by the use of methylation‐specific PCR (MSP). By quantitative high‐resolution assessment, we demonstrate that aberrant DNA methylation is an extremely rare event in this region. We observed elevated levels just in one out of 246 (0.4%) AML patients, all 42 MDS patients were unmethylated. In conclusion, we present a refined DAPK1 methylation analysis in a large representative patient cohort of AML and MDS patients proofing almost complete absence of elevated DNA methylation. Our results highlight the importance of quantitative measurements for translational research questions on primary patient specimens, particularly.
Carcinogenesis, prevention and early detection of gastric cancer: Where we are and where we should go
Authors: González Carlos A. , Agudo Antonio
Published: September 2011

Helicobacter pylori is the most common cause of gastric cancer (GC), though smoking, alcohol, diet, genetics and epigenetic factors may also have a role in the occurrence of the disease. Why H. pylori cause GC in only a minority of those infected remains unknown. Although mechanisms of H. pylori‐induced carcinogenesis are not yet well understood, several genotypes of H. pylori have been associated with strain virulence and disease risk. Primary prevention of GC should be addressed by avoiding exposure to factors that increase the risk and to promote factors associated with decrease risk. Vaccines against H. pylori are an ongoing promise and not yet available. Chemoprevention through vitamin supplementation has shown no benefit. Screening and eradication of H. pylori in the general population is not advised. Given that GC is a multiple‐steps process, the identification of patients with preneoplastic lesions with high risk of progression, and periodic endoscopic surveillance of them represents the most effective way for early diagnosis of GC. However, clinical guidelines for surveillance are lacking and there are no clear criteria to classify patients into high or low risk of progressing to GC. No study has shown the potential usefulness of combining the information on the type of preneoplastic lesions, genetic and epigenetic, lifestyle and virulence bacterial factors in order to identify high risk patients who need more intensive surveillance. The integration of all this information, in a prediction model requires further research and could be the most important contribution for reducing the burden of GC.
Differences in pathological and clinical features of breast cancer in Arab as compared to Jewish women in Northern Israel
Authors: Zidan Jamal , Sikorsky Natalya , Basher Walid , Sharabi Adi , Friedman Eitan , Steiner Mariana
Published: September 2011

Breast cancer (BC) does not affect ethnic groups equally. BC mortality is higher in Israeli Palestinian Arab women than among Israeli Jewish women. This study aims to compare clinical, biological and pathological characteristics of breast cancer in the two populations. Records of 1,140 women with BC treated at Northern Israel between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed: 872 Jews and 268 Arabs. Age at diagnosis, tumor stage, pathological differentiation, estrogen receptor (ER) and HER‐2 expression were evaluated. The main age at diagnosis was 49.9 years for Arabs and 59.4 years for Jews (p < 0.0001). Mean tumor size was < 2 cm in 25% of Arabs and 53% of Jews (p < 0.0001). Lymph node metastases presented in 64.6% of Arabs and 37.2% of Jews (p < 0.0001). Stage I disease was 19% in Arab and 49.2% in Jewish women while Stages III and IV disease was 42% and 11.3% respectively (p < 0.001). ER was positive in 69% of Arabs and in 78.5% of Jews (p < 0.001). Poorly differentiated tumors were found in 28.8% of Arabs vs. 12.8% in Jews (p < 0.0001). Overexpression of HER‐2 was present in 35.4% of Arab and 22% of Jewish women (p < 0.001). We found that race is an important predictive factor for breast cancer. Arab women are diagnosed at younger age, with more advanced stage and biologically more aggressive disease than in Jewish women. Socioeconomic factors alone are not sufficient to explain significant effects of race on tumor characteristics. Findings suggest a different genetic susceptibility in the two populations which needs further research.
Chemical Synthesis of an Integral Membrane Enzyme — The Challenges of Diacylglycerol Kinase
Authors: Brehs Manuel , Bäuml Katja , Becker Christian F. W.
Published: September 2011

Access to integral membrane proteins via chemical synthesis or semisynthesis can provide detailed insights into the assembly and function of this diverse class of proteins. About one‐quarter to one‐third of all eukaryotic proteins are membrane proteins, and they fulfill a multitude of different functions as receptors and transducers for extracellular signals, as ion channels, and as scaffolds for large multi‐component assemblies. Many of these are still enigmatic and could benefit from synthetic access to these proteins, which allows almost unlimited variations of the peptide chain in order to address highly specific questions regarding their folding and function.

The technical and synthetic challenges encountered during synthesis of these macromolecules are tremendous and help to drive the field of chemical protein synthesis beyond current limitations with respect to the ability to synthesize “difficult” hydrophobic sequences, purify them, and handle them in subsequent transformations, such as chemoselective ligation reactions.

Here we provide an account of the synthetic challenges that we encountered en route to the first total chemical synthesis of an integral membrane protein comprising three membrane‐spanning domains: the E. coli diacylglycerol kinase. We hope this detailed description of our efforts will be helpful to others in tackling challenging protein synthesis targets.
YIELD AND WATER RELATIONS OF COTTON–MAIZE CROPPING SEQUENCE UNDER DEFICIT IRRIGATION USING DRIP SYSTEM
Authors: Sampathkumar T. , Pandian B. J. , Ranghaswamy M. V. , Manickasundaram P.
Published: September 2011

The assessment of water use efficiency and crop performance of cotton–maize cropping sequence under deficit irrigation has not been thoroughly studied in India. Field experiments were conducted at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore, during 2007–2009 to study the effect of deficit irrigation practices through a drip irrigation system on crop productivity, and the water use efficiency of cotton–maize cropping sequence. Experimental treatments comprised of six irrigation levels (full and deficit) through a drip system, with surface irrigation as one of the treatments for comparison. Maize was sown after hybrid cotton, under no‐till conditions, without disturbing the raised bed and drip layout. Among deficit irrigation practices, mild deficit (ADI at 100% ETc once in three days) registered higher values for seed cotton yield (3670–3760 kg ha‐1), grain yield of maize (7420–7590 kg ha‐1) and water use efficiency (9.0 and 18.0–20.4 kg ha‐1 mm‐1 for cotton and maize, respectively). A significant second‐degree polynomial relationship between crop yields and water use (WU) was found for both the crops. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct and metabolism‐dependent cytochrome P450 inhibition assays for evaluating drug–drug interactions
Authors: Lee Kye Sook , Kim Sang Kyum
Published: September 2011

We developed methods for evaluating the ntial inhibition of human cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, including CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2 C9, CYP2 C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4, using pooled human liver microsomes (HLMs). The CYP inhibition assay used substrate cocktail sets [set A: phenacetin for CYP1A2, coumarin for CYP2A6, (S)‐(+)‐mephenytoin for CYP2C19, dextromethorphan for CYP2D6 and midazolam for CYP3A4; set B: bupropion for CYP2B6, tolbutamide for CYP2C9, chlorzoxazone for CYP2E1, and testosterone for CYP3A4] with quantitation by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. A direct inhibition assay was performed with the substrate cocktails without β‐nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) pre‐incubation, and a metabolism‐dependent inhibition (MDI) assay was performed after 30 min of pre‐incubation with NADPH in HLMs. MDI was identified based on the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) shifts. The IC50 values of the direct inhibitors determined using the probe substrate cocktails were in good agreement with previously reported values. Eight metabolism‐dependent inhibitors including furafylline, 8‐methoxypsoralen, tienilic acid, ticlopidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, disulfiram and verapamil against CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4, respectively, resulted in significant IC50 shifts (≥2.5‐fold) after pre‐incubation. Thus, these CYP inhibition assays are considered to be useful tools for evaluating both direct inhibition and MDI at an early stage of the drug discovery and development process. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying efficient implicit nongeometric constraints in alchemical free energy simulations
Authors: Knight Jennifer L. , Brooks Charles L.
Published: September 2011

Several strategies have been developed for satisfying bond lengths, angle, and other geometric constraints in molecular dynamics simulations. Advanced variations of alchemical free energy perturbation simulations, however, also require nongeometric constraints. In our recently developed multisite λ‐dynamics simulation method, the conventional λ parameters that are associated with the progress variables in alchemical transformations are treated as dynamic variables and are constrained such that: 0 ≤ λi ≤ 1 and ∑ λi = 1. Here, we present four functional forms of λ that implicitly satisfy these nongeometric constraints, whose values and forces are facile to compute and that yield stable simulations using a 2 fs integration timestep. Using model systems, we present the sampling characteristics of these functional forms and demonstrate the enhanced sampling profiles and improved convergence rates that are achieved by the functional form:
$\lambda _i = {{e^{c\sin \theta _i } } \over {\sum\nolimits_{j = 1}^N {e^{c\sin \theta _j } } }}$
that oscillates between λi = 0 and λi = 1 and has relatively steep transitions between these endpoints. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Randomized tree construction algorithm to explore energy landscapes
Authors: Jaillet Léonard , Corcho Francesc J. , Pérez Juan‐Jesús , Cortés Juan
Published: September 2011

In this work, a new method for exploring conformational energy landscapes is described. The method, called transition‐rapidly exploring random tree (T‐RRT), combines ideas from statistical physics and robot path planning algorithms. A search tree is constructed on the conformational space starting from a given state. The tree expansion is driven by a double strategy: on the one hand, it is naturally biased toward yet unexplored regions of the space; on the other, a Monte Carlo‐like transition test guides the expansion toward energetically favorable regions. The balance between these two strategies is automatically achieved due to a self‐tuning mechanism. The method is able to efficiently find both energy minima and transition paths between them. As a proof of concept, the method is applied to two academic benchmarks and the alanine dipeptide. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Assessment of in situ butanol recovery by vacuum during acetone butanol ethanol (ABE) fermentation
Authors: Mariano Adriano Pinto , Qureshi Nasib , Maciel Filho Rubens , Ezeji Thaddeus Chukwuemeka
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Butanol fermentation is product limiting owing to butanol toxicity to microbial cells. Butanol (boiling point: 118 °C) boils at a higher temperature than water (boiling point: 100 °C) and application of vacuum technology to integrated acetone–butanol–ethanol (ABE) fermentation and recovery may have been ignored because of direct comparison of boiling points of water and butanol. This research investigated simultaneous ABE fermentation using Clostridium beijerinckii 8052 and in situ butanol recovery by vacuum. To facilitate ABE mass transfer and recovery at fermentation temperature, batch fermentation was conducted in triplicate at 35 °C in a 14 L bioreactor connected in series with a condensation system and vacuum pump.

RESULTS: Concentration of ABE in the recovered stream was greater than that in the fermentation broth (from 15.7 g L−1 up to 33 g L−1). Integration of the vacuum with the bioreactor resulted in enhanced ABE productivity by 100% and complete utilization of glucose as opposed to a significant amount of residual glucose in the control batch fermentation.

CONCLUSION: This research demonstrated that vacuum fermentation technology can be used for in situ butanol recovery during ABE fermentation and that C. beijerinckii 8052 can tolerate vacuum conditions, with no negative effect on cell growth and ABE production. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Bias in bacteriophage morphological classification by transmission electron microscopy due to breakage or loss of tail structures
Authors: Williamson Kurt E. , Helton Rebekah R. , Wommack K. Eric
Published: September 2011

Virtually every study that has used transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to estimate viral diversity has acknowledged that loss of phage tails during sample preparation may have biased the results. However, the magnitude of this potential bias has yet to be constrained. To characterize biases in virus morphological diversity due to tail loss, six phage strains representing the order Caudovirales were inoculated into sterile sediments and soils. Phage particles were then extracted using standard methods. Morphologies of extracted phage particles were compared to those of unmanipulated control samples to determine the extent of tail breakage incurred by extraction procedures. Podoviruses exhibited the smallest frequency of tail loss during extraction (1.2–14%), myoviruses were moderately susceptible to tail breakage (15–40%), and siphoviruses were highly susceptible (32–76%). Thus, TEM assessments of viral diversity in soils or sediments by distribution of tail morphologies may be biased toward podoviruses and virions lacking tails, while simultaneously underestimating the abundance of siphoviruses. However, since the majority of viral capsids observed under TEM were intact, estimates of viral diversity based on the distribution of capsid diameters may provide a more reliable basis for morphological comparisons within and across ecosystems. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Combination of transmission electron and atomic force microscopy techniques to determine volume equivalent diameter of submicrometer particles
Authors: Tumolva Laarnie , Park Ji‐Yeon , Park Kihong
Published: September 2011

Morphological properties of atmospheric particles are directly related to their residence time and transport behaviors, and their deposition patterns in human respiratory systems. The projected properties of particles measured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were combined with the particle height measured by atomic force microscopy (AFM) to determine volume equivalent diameter of submicrometer particles. For nonvolatile (refractory) laboratory‐generated spherical polystyrene latex and cubic NaCl particles, the measured volume equivalent diameters agreed well with the true values (within 4%). However, for nonrefractory (NH4)2SO4 particles, the measured volume equivalent diameter was much smaller than the true value due to evaporation of volatile species at low vacuum pressure and high electron‐beam intensity conditions in TEM, and deformation of particles in AFM. We observed that the volume equivalent diameter of 100 nm mobility‐classified atmospheric particles was 35 ± 5 nm, suggesting that these particles contain nonrefractory species, whereas that of 20 nm mobility‐classified atmospheric particles was found to be 19 ± 6 nm, suggesting that these particles were refractory and spherical. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms of summertime precipitation variability in the Bolivian Altiplano: present and future
Authors: Thibeault Jeanne , Seth Anji , Wang Guiling
Published: September 2011

Water availability is a major constraint to rural agriculture in the Bolivian Altiplano. The ability of medium and high‐resolution CMIP3 models to simulate observed relationships between interannual Altiplano summer precipitation anomalies and large‐scale patterns of precipitation, 200‐hPa winds and 200‐hPa geopotential height is examined. Altiplano precipitation anomalies are known to be related to upper‐level wind anomalies, with westerly (easterly) anomalies associated with deficit (excess) rainfall. A majority of models are able to simulate an easterly/wet‐westerly/dry relationship in response to changes in the zonal flow produced by fluctuations in tropical tropospheric temperatures that affect the meridional temperature gradient, consistent with observations.

The 21st century evolution of these relationships under conditions of greenhouse warming is also examined. Results indicate that wet anomalies will continue to require moisture transport from the east. However, expected changes in mean circulation (e.g. tropical tropospheric warming) will likely influence precipitation variability. Models that better simulate Altiplano precipitation variability project an increase in 200‐hPa westerly winds by 2050–2099, which are not favourable for precipitation in the Altiplano. The reduced frequency of summertime upper‐level easterly wind anomalies may explain projections for less frequent summertime rainfall. Models that better simulate Altiplano precipitation variability project reduced summertime precipitation, consistent with projections for more frequent westerly wind anomalies. Summertime soil moisture reductions are expected from about 2020 onward due to reductions in summer rainfall, increases in the runoff ratio, higher evapotranspiration rates, and reduced precipitation frequency. These findings are consistent with expected large‐scale changes in atmospheric circulation, providing confidence in the projections. These results have serious implications for water resources and food security in the Altiplano, but will require further testing with improved, higher‐resolution models. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Influence of different concentrations of 1‐methylcyclopropene on the quality of tomato harvested at different maturity stages
Authors: Sabir Ferhan K , Agar I Tayfun
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: A wide range of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) concentrations as well as various treatment durations have been studied in tomatoes by different researchers. However, little is known about interaction of 1‐MCP doses and maturity stages of tomatoes. Therefore the effects of different concentrations of 1‐MCP on storage and postharvest quality of ‘Zorro’ tomatoes harvested at mature green or pink maturity stages were investigated in a 2‐year trial study.

RESULTS: Higher concentrations of 1‐MCP delayed and/or inhibited all parameters related to fruit ripening, such as lycopene, chlorophyll, surface color, polygalacturonase (PG) activity and soluble solids content/titratable acidity (SSC/TA), and these effects were greater in tomatoes harvested at the mature green stages. Lower concentrations of 1‐MCP slightly reduced the loss in general quality features compared with untreated tomatoes.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that 1‐MCP, especially at higher doses, is effective for delaying ripening of mature green tomatoes. Mature green fruits treated with 1000 nL L−1 1‐MCP were stored for 35 days without significant decreases in quality characteristics such as elasticity, surface color and SSC/TA with certain physiological processes (ethylene production, PG activity, lycopene synthesis). Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Lipid metabolic effect of Korean red ginseng extract in mice fed on a high‐fat diet
Authors: Song Yong‐Bum , An Yu Ri , Kim Seung Jun , Park Hye‐Won , Jung Jin‐Wook , Kyung Jong‐Soo , Hwang Seung Yong , Kim Young‐Sook
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Ginseng saponin and ginsenosides exert anti‐obesity effects via the modulation of physiological lipid metabolism in vivo or intracellular signalling in cell culture systems. However, the complicated relationship between the anti‐obesity effects of ginseng and gene expression has yet to be defined under in vivo conditions. Therefore, we evaluated the relationship between the anti‐obesity effects of Korean red ginseng extract (KRGE) and hepatic gene expression profiles in mice fed long‐term on a high‐fat diet (HFD) in this study.

RESULTS: KRGE reduces the levels of cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C), serum triglycerides, and atherogenic indices. Levels of leptin, adiponectin and insulin, which regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, were impaired profoundly by HFD. However, KRGE treatment brought these levels back to normal. KRGE was found to down‐regulate genes associated with lipid metabolism or cholesterol metabolism (Lipa, Cyp7a1, Il1rn, Acot2, Mogat1, Osbpl3, Asah3l, Insig1, Anxa2, Vldlr, Hmgcs1, Sytl4, Plscr4, Pla2g4e, Slc27a3, Enpp6), all of which were up‐regulated by HFD.

CONCLUSION: KRGE regulated the expression of genes associated with abnormal physiology via HFD. Leptin, insulin, and adiponectin, which carry out critical functions in energy and lipid metabolism, were shown to be modulated by KRGE. These results show that KRGE is effective in preventing obesity. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Fat digestion and absorption in spice‐pretreated rats
Authors: Prakash Usha NS , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: A few common spices are known to stimulate secretion of bile with higher amount of bile acids which play a major role in digestion and absorption of dietary lipids. It would be appropriate to verify if these spices enable efficient digestion and absorption during high‐fat intake. In this context, dietary ginger (0.05%), piperine (0.02%), capsaicin (0.015%), and curcumin (0.5%) were examined for their influence on bile secretion, digestive enzymes of pancreas and absorption of dietary fat in high‐fat (30%) fed Wistar rats for 8 weeks.

RESULTS: These spices enhanced the activity of pancreatic lipase, amylase, trypsin and chymotrypsin by 22‐57%, 32‐51%, 63‐81% and 12‐38%, respectively. Dietary intake of spices along with high‐fat enhanced fat absorption. These dietary spices increased bile secretion with higher bile acid content. Stimulation of lipid mobilisation from adipose tissue was suggested by the decrease in perirenal adipose tissue weight by dietary capsaicin and piperine. This was also accompanied by prevention of the accumulation of triglyceride in liver and serum in high‐fat fed rats. Activities of key lipogenic enzymes in liver were reduced which was accompanied by an increased activity of hormone‐sensitive lipase.

CONCLUSION: Thus, dietary ginger and other spice compounds enhance fat digestion and absorption in high‐fat fed situation through enhanced secretion of bile salts and a stimulation of the activity pancreatic lipase. At the same time, the energy expenditure is facilitated by these spices to prevent the accumulation of absorbed fat. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Composition of hydroponic lettuce: effect of time of day, plant size, and season
Authors: Gent Martin PN
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The diurnal variation of nitrate and sugars in leafy green vegetables may vary with plant size or the ability of plants to buffer the uptake, synthesis, and use of metabolites. Bibb lettuce was grown in hydroponics in a greenhouse and sampled at 3 h intervals throughout one day in August 2007 and another day in November 2008 to determine fresh weight, dry matter, and concentration of nitrate and sugars. Plantings differing in size and age were sampled on each date.

RESULTS: The dry/fresh weight ratio increased during the daylight period. This increase was greater for small compared to large plants. On a fresh weight basis, tissue nitrate of small plants was only half that of larger plants. The variation in concentration with time was much less for nitrate than for soluble sugars. Soluble sugars were similar for all plant sizes early in the day, but they increased far more for small compared to large plants in the long days of summer.

CONCLUSION: The greatest yield on a fresh weight basis was obtained by harvesting lettuce at dawn. Although dry matter or sugar content increased later in the day, there is no commercial benefit to delaying harvest as consumers do not buy lettuce for these attributes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Extraction and mass spectrometry identification of a major peach allergen Pru p 1
Authors: Pasini Gabriella , Curioni Andrea , Vegro Mara , Pagani Mauro , Masi Antonio , Schievano Elisabetta , Antico Andrea
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Peach allergy can be caused by the allergen Pru p 1. This occurs by cross‐reactivity with the homologous birch pollen allergen Bet v 1. However, the direct identification of Pru p 1 as an immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐binding protein extracted from peach fruit has never been reported.

RESULTS: Phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and phenol extractions were applied to solubilise the proteins from peach peel and pulp, and IgE immunoblotting with sera of individual peach‐allergic patients was used to detect the potential allergens. Most of the patients showed binding to an 18 kDa band in IgE immunoblotting performed with the phenolic extracts of peach peel and pulp, but not when the PBS extracts were used. Mass spectrometry of the 18 kDa spot excised from a two‐dimensional electrophoretic gel showed this protein to correspond to the peach allergen Pru p 1.

CONCLUSION: Phenol extraction was necessary to detect by IgE immunoblotting a major peach allergen, which showed very low extractability with PBS, indicating the appropriateness of adopting different extraction procedures to identify plant allergens. The 18 kDa peach protein was definitively identified as the Bet v 1‐homologous peach allergen Pru p 1. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Cloning and expression of γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and its relationship to greening in crushed garlic (Allium sativum) cloves
Authors: Cho Jungeun , Park Minkyu , Choi Doil , Lee Seung Koo
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Garlic greening occurs when garlic cloves are stored at low temperature, increasing 1‐propenyl cysteine sulfoxide, which is induced by γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity. Although the metabolism of the γ‐glutamyl peptide is important for the biosynthesis of green pigments in crushed garlic cloves, garlic GGT is poorly characterised.

RESULTS: For the analysis of GGT at the gene level, the garlic GGT sequence was partially cloned using an onion GGT sequence. The relationship between garlic greening and related gene expressions, depending on storage condition, was investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for garlic GGT and alliinase. Three storage conditions were set: A, storage at a constant temperature of 20 °C; B, storage at 20 °C for 3 months and then transfer to 0 °C for an additional 3 months; C, storage at 0 °C for 3 months and then transfer to 20 °C for an additional 3 months. GGT expression increased under storage condition B and decreased under storage condition C. However, alliinase expression was not affected by storage condition.

CONCLUSION: Greening in crushed garlic cloves increases with increasing GGT expression at low temperature, while alliinase expression is not affected. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficient synthesis of hydroxystyrenes via biocatalytic decarboxylation/deacetylation of substituted cinnamic acids by newly isolated Pantoea agglomerans strains
Authors: Sharma Upendra K , Sharma Nandini , Salwan Richa , Kumar Rakesh , Kasana Ramesh C , Sinha Arun K
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids is a predominantly followed pathway for obtaining hydroxystyrenes—one of the most extensively explored bioactive compounds in the food and flavor industry (e.g. FEMA GRAS approved 4‐vinylguaiacol). For this, mild and green strategies providing good yields with high product selectivity are needed.

RESULTS: Two newly isolated bacterial strains, i.e. Pantoea agglomerans KJLPB4 and P. agglomerans KJPB2, are reported for mild and effective decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids into corresponding hydroxystyrenes. Key operational parameters for the process, such as incubation temperature, incubation time, substrate concentration and effect of co‐solvent, were optimized using ferulic acid as a model substrate. With strain KJLPB4, 1.51 g L−1 4‐vinyl guaiacol (98% yield) was selectively obtained from 2 g L−1 ferulic acid at 28 °C after 48 h incubation. However, KJPB2 provided vanillic acid in 85% yield after 72 h following the oxidative decarboxylation pathway. In addition, KJLPB4 was effectively exploited for the deacetylation of acetylated α‐phenylcinnamic acids, providing corresponding compounds in 65–95% yields.

CONCLUSION: Two newly isolated microbial strains are reported for the mild and selective decarboxylation of substituted cinnamic acids into hydroxystyrenes. Preparative‐scale synthesis of vinyl guaiacol and utilization of renewable feedstock (ferulic acid extracted from maize bran) have been demonstrated to enhance the practical utility of the process. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of germination on nutritional composition of waxy wheat
Authors: Hung Pham Van , Maeda Tomoko , Yamamoto Syota , Morita Naofumi
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: Germination is considered to improve the nutritive value, antioxidant capacity and functional properties of grains. In this study, changes in the chemical composition, nutritive value and antioxidant capacity of waxy wheat during germination were determined.

RESULTS: Over a 48 h period of germination the protein and free lipid contents of germinated waxy wheat were not significantly different from those of the control, whereas the bound lipid content decreased significantly. An increase in levels of ash and dietary fibre was clearly observed for the 48 h‐germinated wheat. The total free amino acid content of the 48 h‐germinated wheat was 7881 mg kg−1 flour (dry basis (d.b.)), significantly higher than that of the ungerminated wheat (2207 mg kg−1 flour, d.b.). In particular, γ‐aminobutyric acid increased from 84 mg kg−1 flour (d.b.) in the control to 155 mg kg−1 flour (d.b.) in the 48 h‐germinated wheat. Germination did not significantly affect the fatty acid composition of both free and bound lipids of waxy wheat, whereas free phenolic compounds increased during germination, resulting in an increase in antioxidant capacity of germinated wheat.

CONCLUSION: Germinated waxy wheat had a better nutritional composition, such as higher dietary fibre, free amino acid and total phenolic compound contents, than ungerminated waxy wheat. Therefore germinated waxy wheat should be used to improve the nutritional quality of cereal‐based products. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Sustainability of Tourism Development in Macao, China
Authors: Wan Yim King Penny , Li Xiangping
Published: September 2011

To maximize the benefits to stakeholders in Macao, the sustainability of Macao tourism was examined by assessing the economic, socio‐cultural and environmental impacts of tourism, visitor satisfaction and the level of community involvement in local tourism planning from 2002 to 2009, through the use of primary and secondary data. The results revealed that tourism did bring both positive and negative impacts to the community. Visitor satisfaction was found to be moderate. Channels for community participation in local tourism development were also lacking. The paper suggests that for sustainable tourism development, Macao needs to diversify away from its casino industry, to speed up the construction of the public transport system and to keep monitoring the environmental conditions, the students' drop‐out and crime rate and the locals' quality of life. More importantly, a master plan for its tourism development integrating all the key stakeholders' interests is urgently required. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel Glycopolymer Brushes via ATRP: 1. Synthesis and Characterization
Authors: Fleet Reda , van den Dungen Eric T. A. , Klumperman Bert
Published: September 2011

The synthesis and characterization of a series of glycopolymer brushes with P(methyl 6‐O‐methacryloyl‐α‐D‐glucoside) (P(6‐O‐MMAGIc)) side chains (SCs) is reported. The formation of well‐defined glycopolymer brushes is confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with a MALLS detector. Four multifunctional macroinitiators with different topologies and molar masses are prepared. The P(6‐O‐MMAGIc) SCs are cleaved from the backbone and analyzed by 1H NMR and SEC–MALLS, which further confirmed the synthesis of well‐defined glycopolymer brushes. The grafting efficiency of P(6‐O‐MMAGIc) from the different macroinitiators are determined to be in the range 0.37 < f < 0.55.
Analysis of PARK2 gene exon rearrangements in Russian patients with sporadic Parkinson's disease
Authors: Semenova Elena V. , Shadrina Maria I. , Slominsky Pyotr A. , Ivanova‐Smolenskaya Irina A. , Bagyeva Gulbakhar , Illarioshkin Sergei N. , Limborska Svetlana A.
Published: September 2011

Background:

Deletions and duplications of single exons or exon groups account for a large proportion of the PARK2 gene mutations described in juvenile autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD).

Methods:

We analyzed rearrangements in exons 1 to 12 of the PARK2 gene in Russian sporadic patients with early‐onset PD (EOPD) and late‐onset PD (LOPD).

Results:

The frequency of EOPD and LOPD patients carrying these mutations was 12.4% and 3.8%, respectively. The most frequent rearrangements were detected in exons 3 and 4. The odds ratio for EOPD in individuals carrying PARK2 exon deletions and duplications was 13.95 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.846–105.46; P = .0022). In addition, we found a correlation between exon rearrangements in PARK2 and the age at onset of PD, presence of dystonia, and symmetrical course of the disease.

Conclusions:

Exon rearrangements in the PARK2 gene play a significant role in the pathogenesis of sporadic PD in Russian patients. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Mortality from Parkinson's disease: A population‐based prospective study (NEDICES)
Authors: Posada Ignacio J. , Benito‐León Julián , Louis Elan D. , Trincado Rocío , Villarejo Alberto , Medrano María José , Bermejo‐Pareja Félix
Published: September 2011

Most studies of mortality in Parkinson's disease have been clinical studies, yielding results that are not representative of the general population. We assessed the risk of mortality from Parkinson's disease in the Neurological Disorders in Central Spain (NEDICES) study, a prospective population‐based study in which Parkinson's disease patients who were not ascertained through medical practitioners were also included. The cohort consisted of 5262 elderly subjects (mean baseline age, 73.0 years), including 81 with Parkinson's disease at baseline (1994–1995). Thirteen‐year mortality was assessed. Two thousand seven hundred and one of 5262 subjects (51.3%) died over a median follow‐up of 12.0 years (range, 0.04–14.8 years), including 66 of 81 subjects (81.5%) with Parkinson's disease at baseline and 2635 of 5181 subjects (50.8%) without Parkinson's disease at baseline. In an unadjusted Cox model, the hazard ratio of mortality was increased in subjects with Parkinson's disease (hazard ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.80–2.93; P < .001) versus subjects without Parkinson's disease (reference group). In a Cox model that adjusted for a variety of demographic factors and comorbidities, the risk of mortality remained elevated in subjects with Parkinson's disease (hazard ratio, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.32–2.31, P < .001). In additional Cox models, Parkinson's disease patients with dementia had particularly high risks of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.40–4.90; P < .001). In this prospective population‐based study, Parkinson's disease was an independent predictor of mortality in the elderly. Parkinson's disease patients with dementia had particularly high risks of mortality. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Comparison of flow rates in the antegrade and retrograde internal mammary vein for free flap breast reconstruction
Authors: Venturi Mark L. , Poh Melissa M. , Chevray Pierre M. , Hanasono Matthew M.
Published: September 2011

Background:The internal mammary vein (IMV) is commonly used as a recipient vessel in the direction of antegrade flow for free flap breast reconstruction. Recent reports show that the distal IMV is valveless and can accommodate retrograde flow. We sought to quantify blood velocity and flow through the distal IMV following free tissue transfer. Methods:Ten free flap breast reconstructions were performed. The larger vena comitans of the DIEA was anastomosed to the antegrade internal mammary vein (AIMV). The smaller vena comitans was anastomosed to the retrograde internal mammary vein (RIMV) in five free flaps, and the superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) was anastomosed to the RIMV in five other free flaps.Results:The mean diameter of the larger vena comitans (3.4 ± 0.5 mm) was significantly greater than that of the smaller vena comitans (2.4 ± 0.4 mm; P = 0.003). Mean velocity in the AIMV after anastomosis was 10.13 ± 5.21 mm/s compared with 7.01 ± 2.93 mm/s in the RIMV (P = 0.12). Mean blood flow in the AIMV and the RIMV was 81.33 ± 52.81 mm3/s and 57.84 ± 45.11 mm3/s, respectively (P = 0.30). Mean blood flow in the RIMV was not significantly affected by whether the donor vein was the smaller vena comitans (70.78 ± 61.43 mm3/s) or the SIEV (44.90 ± 19.70 mm3/s; P = 0.40).Conclusions:Blood flow in the RIMV was less but not significantly different from flow in the AIMV. The difference is likely due to the smaller‐sized donor vein anastomosed to the RIMV. The RIMV is a reliable, useful option when the antegrade vein is not available, or when a second recipient vein is needed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Current role of the iliac crest flap in mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Sakuraba Minoru , Nagamatsu Shogo , Hayashi Ryuichi
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the current role of the iliac crest osteocutaneous flap in mandibular reconstruction, with a focus on the reliability of its skin island. We reviewed outcomes in 18 cases of immediate mandibular reconstruction with the iliac crest flap. Intraoral mucosal defects were closed with the skin island of the iliac crest flap in 13 patients (iliac crest flap group) and were closed with another free flap, because of poor circulation of the iliac crest skin island, in five patients (double‐flap group). Postoperative results were poor in the iliac crest flap group. The rate of partial or total loss of the skin island was 46.2% in the iliac crest flap group and 20.0% in the double‐flap group. The presence of a dominant perforator did not reduce the overall rate of recipient‐site complications or reoperation. Combined use of another skin flap for intraoral lining provided better results. These results suggest that the skin island of the iliac crest flap should not be used for intraoral lining, unless adequate circulation of the skin island can be confirmed. If the circulation is questionable, combined use of another skin flap is strongly recommended. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Treatment of pelvic defect and infection with endoprosthesis exposure by topical negative pressure and irrigation with myocutaneous flap
Authors: Yoshida Sei , Yokoyama Ryohei , Sakamoto Akio
Published: September 2011

The treatment of wound complications and deep infection after hemipelvectomy is challenging. We describe a 17‐year‐old woman with Ewing sarcoma in the pelvis who underwent hemipelvectomy and reconstruction with an artificial hip joint and bone cement. After the operation, skin necrosis and deep infection with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were observed. Debridement resulted in exposure of the artificial joint and bone cement. Topical negative pressure (TNP) and irrigation successfully eradicated the infection. The skin and soft‐tissue defect was subsequently reconstructed using a combination of free latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap and serratus anterior muscle flap. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of combined TNP and irrigation with myocutaneous flap for the treatment of pelvic infection and skin and soft‐tissue defect with endoprosthesis exposure. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
Soft‐tissue management with immediate free flap transfer in segmental prosthetic replacement of proximal tibia sarcomas
Authors: Sönmez Erhan , Kamburoǧlu Haldun Onuralp , Aksu Ali̇ Emre , Nasir Serdar Nazi̇f , Evrenos Mustafa Kürşat , Şafak Tunç , Keçi̇k Abdullah
Published: September 2011

Knee reconstruction with endoprosthesis after tumor resection is accepted as superior when compared with the other methods. But sometimes soft tissue reconstruction would be a challenging problem in this way of treatment. Five patients who were operated for tumor resection in this location, followed by reconstruction were presented with their one‐year post operative results. Four latissimus dorsi and one rectus abdominis myocutaneous free flaps were used in these patients in order to manage soft tissue problems. All patients underwent chemotherapy in postoperative period. All flaps were successful in one year post operative examination. In this report we would like to stress the importance of surgical planning and soft tissue reconstruction of a specific patient population. We think that large musculocutaneous flaps such as latissimus dorsi and rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flaps should be preferred in soft tissue reconstruction of knee region after tumor resection followed by prosthetic replacement. Additionally, this way of treatment is superior when compared to the other methods in order to prevent complications such as prosthesis exposure or infection. © 2011Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2011.
HSQC‐1,n‐ADEQUATE: a new approach to long‐range 13C13C correlation by covariance processing
Authors: Martin Gary E. , Hilton Bruce D. , Robert Willcott III M. , Blinov Kirill A.
Published: September 2011

Long‐range, two‐dimensional heteronuclear shift correlation NMR methods play a pivotal role in the assembly of novel molecular structures. The well‐established GHMBC method is a high‐sensitivity mainstay technique, affording connectivity information via nJCH coupling pathways. Unfortunately, there is no simple way of determining the value of n and hence no way of differentiating two‐bond from three‐ and occasionally four‐bond correlations. Three‐bond correlations, however, generally predominate. Recent work has shown that the unsymmetrical indirect covariance or generalized indirect covariance processing of multiplicity edited GHSQC and 1,1‐ADEQUATE spectra provides high‐sensitivity access to a 13C13C connectivity map in the form of an HSQC‐1,1‐ADEQUATE spectrum. Covariance processing of these data allows the 1,1‐ADEQUATE connectivity information to be exploited with the inherent sensitivity of the GHSQC spectrum rather than the intrinsically lower sensitivity of the 1,1‐ADEQUATE spectrum itself. Data acquisition times and/or sample size can be substantially reduced when covariance processing is to be employed. In an extension of that work, 1,n‐ADEQUATE spectra can likewise be subjected to covariance processing to afford high‐sensitivity access to the equivalent of 4JCH GHMBC connectivity information. The method is illustrated using strychnine as a model compound. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of HR‐MAS NMR spectroscopy for studying chemotype variations of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Authors: Bharti S. K. , Bhatia Anil , Tewari S. K. , Sidhu O. P. , Roy Raja
Published: September 2011

Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (Solanaceae), commonly known as Ashwagandha, is one of the most valued Indian medicinal plants with a number of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Metabolic profiling has been performed by HR‐MAS NMR spectroscopy on fresh leaf and root tissue specimens from four chemotypes of W. somnifera. The HR‐MAS NMR spectroscopy of lyophilized defatted leaf tissue specimens clearly distinguishes resonances of medicinally important secondary metabolites (withaferin A and withanone) and its distinctive quantitative variability among the chemotypes. A total of 41 metabolites were identified from both the leaf and root tissues of the chemotypes. The presence of methanol in leaf and root tissues of W. somnifera was detected by HR‐MAS NMR spectroscopy. Multivariate principal component analysis (PCA) on HR‐MAS 1H NMR spectra of leaves revealed clear variations in primary metabolites among the chemotypes. The results of the present study demonstrated an efficient method, which can be utilized for metabolite profiling of primary and secondary metabolites in medicinally important plants. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.