bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drug−disease interaction: Crohn's disease elevates verapamil plasma concentrations but reduces response to the drug proportional to disease activity
Authors: Sanaee Forough , Clements John D. , Waugh Alistair W. G. , Fedorak Richard N. , Lewanczuk Richard , Jamali Fakhreddin 
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease are associated with cardiovascular complications. Inflammation also substantially reduces clearance of some cardiovascular drugs. It has also been shown that in rheumatoid arthritis, an elevation in verapamil concentration does not result in increased response.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• A reduced response upon increased verapamil concentration in another inflammatory condition, inflammatory bowel disease, with different aetiology from arthritis was found. Interestingly, however, a mere affliction with the disease is not sufficient to alter pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics since we found that the alteration is a function of disease severity. There is a remarkable reverse correlation between the disease severity and response to verapamil. Our observation suggests a complex relationship between pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics which may have implications beyond the disease and the drug studied herein.AIM Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases that includes reduced response to pharmacotherapy due to altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. It is not known if these effects exist in general in all inflammatory conditions. It also remains unknown whether in a given population the effect is a function of disease severity. We investigated whether pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a typical calcium channel inhibitor are influenced by Crohn's disease (CD), a disease for which the disease severity can be readily ranked.METHODS We administered 80 mg verapamil orally to (i) healthy control subjects (n= 9), (ii) patients with clinically quiescent CD (n= 22) and (iii) patients with clinically active CD (n= 14). Serial analysis of verapamil enantiomers (total and plasma unbound), blood pressure and electrocardiograms were recorded over 8 h post dose. The severity of CD was measured using the Harvey‐Bradshaw Index.RESULTS CD substantially and significantly increased plasma verapamil concentration and in a stereoselective fashion (S, 9‐fold; R, 2‐fold). The elevated verapamil concentration, however, failed to result in an increased verapamil pharmacodynamic effect so that the patients with elevated verapamil concentration demonstrated no significant increase in response measured as PR interval and blood pressure. Instead, the greater the disease severity, the lower was the drug potency to prolong PR interval (r= 0.86, P < 0.0006),CONCLUSIONS CD patients with severe disease may not respond to cardiovascular therapy with calcium channel blockers. Reducing the severity increases response despite reduced drug concentration. This observation may have therapeutic implication beyond the disease and the drug studies herein.
What is the best long‐term management strategy for patients with primary adrenal insufficiency?
Authors: Quinkler Marcus , Hahner Stefanie 
Published: May 2011

SummaryPrimary adrenal insufficiency is treated with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy. Recent data revealed that health‐related quality of life in adrenal insufficiency is impaired in many patients and that patients with adrenal insufficiency are also threatened by an increased mortality and morbidity. This may be caused by inadequate glucocortiocid therapy and adrenal crisis. Therefore, the optimization of hormone replacement therapy remains one of the most challenging tasks in endocrinology because it is largely based on clinical grounds because of the lack of objective assessment tools. This article provides answers to the important daily clinical questions, such as correct dose finding, dose adaptation in special situations, e g, pregnancy, improvement of quality of life and measures for protection from adrenal crisis. Other important aspects discussed are side effects of glucocortiocid replacement therapy and interactions with other drugs.
Effects of food components on the antimicrobial activity of polypropylene surfaces containing silver ions (Ag+)
Authors: Ilg Yvonne , Kreyenschmidt Judith 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate the influence of food components on the antimicrobial properties of surfaces containing silver. The antimicrobial activity of a polypropylene compound with a zirconium phosphate–based ceramic ion exchange resin containing silver was investigated by comparing the surface count of bacteria on sample and reference surfaces. Different food components were added to the inocula to investigate their influence on the extent of antimicrobial activity in comparison with pure inoculum (Pseudomonas fluorescens in saline solution). In the experiments with pure inoculum, a marked reduction in bacterial counts on samples containing silver was observed (7.4 log10 units). However, protein‐rich food strongly reduced or completely inhibited the antimicrobial activity of silver. Almost all other tested components from the carbohydrate or lipid group did not affect the antimicrobial activity. Overall, the effect and the risks of materials containing silver needs to be analysed individually for the respective application.
Chemical, antioxidant and antibacterial study of Brazilian fruits
Authors: Haminiuk Charles Windson Isidoro , Plata‐Oviedo Manuel Salvador Vicente , Guedes Amanda Roman , Stafussa Ana Paula , Bona Evandro , Carpes Solange Teresinha 
Published: May 2011

SummaryIn this study, the antioxidant capability, total phenolic content and antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extracts of seven fruits from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest were evaluated. The conditions for the extraction of crude phenolics from the fruits were determined using an experimental factorial design. Total phenolic content, 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) scavenging activity and β‐carotene‐linoleic acid couple oxidation assays were used to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the extracts. In addition, antimicrobial activity was screened using two Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and one Gram‐positive bacterium (Staphylococcus aureus). All native fruits assayed in this study have high potential as natural antioxidant sources. Among the seven fruits evaluated, Jabuticaba and Uvaia had the highest antioxidant activity in the DPPH• and of β‐carotene‐linoleic acid coupled oxidation assays. In the biological assay, K. pneumoniae was the most sensitive microorganism to the fruit extracts, and the Jabuticaba extract had a slight inhibitory effect against this Gram‐positive bacterium.
Effects of added phenolics on the storage stability of avocado and coconut oils
Authors: Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Thakorlal Jessica , Zhou Jing 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThis study investigated the effects of added phenolics on the storage stability of avocado and coconut oils. Avocado and coconut oils in the absence (control oil) and presence (treated oil) of caffeic acid (CA) or p‐coumaric acid (pCA) were stored at 20 and 60 °C for 50 days. The total phenolic content, peroxide value, p‐anisidine value (p‐AV), free fatty acids (FFAs) and FA composition of the obtained oils were examined on days 0, 7, 15, 23, 35 and 50. Results showed that storage at 60 °C accelerated oil oxidation, and the CA or pCA helped preserve avocado and coconut oils to different extents. CA and pCA protected some desirable unsaturated fatty acids at 60 °C, but facilitated the hydrolysis of triglycerides. Substantially extractable phenolics were still detected in the treated oils after either storage. Incorporation of phenolics into oil products is feasible and beneficial for increasing oil stability and nutritional value.
Factors affecting Penicillium roquefortii (Penicillium glaucum) in internally mould ripened cheeses: implications for pre‐packed blue cheeses
Authors: Fairclough Andrew C. , Cliffe Dawn E. , Knapper Sarah 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe amount and vivid colour of blue veins of internally mould ripened cheeses are desirable quality characteristics. It is therefore important that there is a sufficient amount of veining and that it maintains its blue appearance to be appealing to consumers therefore leading to maximised sales potential and profit for the manufacturing company. Optimum in vitro growth mimicking the conditions typically found in pre‐packed blue cheeses, and using lactose as the sole carbon source, was facilitated by a gas mixture of 5% oxygen/0% carbon dioxide/balance nitrogen). The work undertaken in this study determined that the factors for optimum in vitro growth of Penicillium roquefortii (strain PRB6) were: a temperature of 20 ± 1 °C, pH of 6.0 ± 0.1, and a relative humidity of 70 ± 0.1%. Further in vitro studies have also shown that the increasing ‘in‐pack’ carbon dioxide concentration not only depresses the growth of P. roquefortii but also affects immature conidiospore pigmentation (no effect has been seen on mature conidiospore pigmentation). The implications of this study suggest that the majority of pre‐packed internally mould ripened blue cheeses on sale in supermarkets are packaged in inappropriate materials. For some cheeses (e.g. the Roquefort‐type cheeses) this is not an issue since these are packed in a much more mature state and some loss of veining colour is not appreciably noticeable.
Development of an evidence‐based scoring system (HF‐IS) to assess the quality of heart failure programmes for patients postdischarge from hospital
Authors: Driscoll Andrea , Tonkin Andrew , Stewart Andrew , Thompson David R , Worrall‐Carter Linda , Riegel Barbara , Hare David L , Davidson Patricia M , Stewart Simon 
Published: May 2011

Aim.  The aim of this study was to develop a potential scoring algorithm for interventions in a chronic heart failure management programme – the Heart Failure Intervention Score – to facilitate quality improvement and programme auditing.Background.  The overall efficacy of chronic heart failure management programmes has been demonstrated in several meta‐analyses. However, meta‐analyses did not determine individual interventions in a programme that resulted in beneficial patient outcomes.Design.  A prospective cross‐sectional survey design.Method.  All chronic heart failure management programmes in Australia (n = 62), identified by a national register, were surveyed to determine programme characteristics and interventions.Results.  Of the 62 national chronic heart failure management programmes, 48 (77%) completed the survey and 27 individual interventions were identified. Variability in the use of the key interventions was common among the programmes. Each intervention was given an arbitrary weighted score according to the level of supportive evidence available and a total score calculated. Programmes were then categorised into low or high complexity based on several interventions implemented and their weighted score. A total score of ≥190 (median = 178, interquartile range 176–195) was used to divide programmes into two groups. Nine programmes were categorised into high Heart Failure Intervention Score group and majority of these were based in the acute hospital setting (78%). In the low Heart Failure Intervention Score group, there were 39 programmes of which there were a higher proportion of community‐based programmes (38%) and programmes in small community hospitals (10%).Conclusion.  The Heart Failure Intervention Score provides a potential evidence‐based quality improvement tool through which a set of minimum standards can be developed. Implementation of the Heart Failure Intervention Score provides guidance to programme coordinators to enable monitoring of standards of heart failure programmes, which may potentially result in better patient outcomes.Relevance to clinical practice.  The Heart Failure Intervention Score is an evidence‐based tool that can be easily used by heart failure programme coordinators to ensure that their programme is evidence‐based, which will improve the quality of their programme and potentially programme outcomes.
Assessing quality of life of older people with dementia in long‐term care: a comparison of two self‐report measures
Authors: Moyle Wendy , Gracia Natalie , Murfield Jenny E , Griffiths Susan G , Venturato Lorraine 
Published: May 2011

Aims and objectives.  This study sought to compare two well‐known and well‐used self‐report quality of life questionnaires in terms of completion rates, reliability and assessment of quality of life.Background.  People with dementia have a meaningful experience of quality of life and several disease‐specific instruments have been designed to capture self‐report assessments.Design.  A quantitative survey design, with a convenience sample of older people with dementia from four long‐term care facilities.Method.  Sixty‐one participants were recruited for survey on the Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire.Results.  The Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire had a higher rate of completion (98·4%) than the Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire (68·9%). Those unable to complete the latter measure had significantly greater cognitive impairment (F1,59 = 30·35, p < 0·001) than those completing the measure. Internal reliability was good for the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire (0·86), but there were varying levels found for the five Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire subscales (0·79–0·48). The Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire was significantly correlated with all the Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire subscales and overall item.Conclusions.  Although it is recognised that there is no superior instrument in assessing quality of life, this study found both the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire and Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire to be useful self‐report instruments.Relevance to clinical practice.  Assessment of quality of life should include the perspective of the person with dementia. The Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire and Dementia Quality of Life questionnaire appear to measure similar aspects of quality of life. Where assessments are sought from participants with more advanced cognitive and functional impairment, it may be favourable to employ the Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease questionnaire.
The N‐terminal part of Als1 protein from Candida albicans specifically binds fucose‐containing glycans
Authors: Donohue Dagmara S. , Ielasi Francesco S. , Goossens Katty V. Y. , Willaert Ronnie G. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans expresses on its surface Als (Agglutinin like sequence) proteins, which play an important role in the adhesion to host cells and in the development of candidiasis. The binding specificity of these proteins is broad, as they can bind to various mammalian proteins, such as extracellular matrix proteins, and N‐ and E‐cadherins. The N‐terminal part of Als proteins constitutes the substrate‐specific binding domain and is responsible for attachment to epithelial and endothelial cells. We have used glycan array screening to identify possible glycan receptors for the binding domain of Als1p‐N. Under those conditions, Als1p‐N binds specifically to fucose‐containing glycans, which adds a lectin function to the functional diversity of the Als1 protein. The binding between Als1p‐N and BSA‐fucose glycoconjugate was quantitatively characterized using surface plasmon resonance, which demonstrated a weak millimolar affinity between Als1p‐N and fucose. Furthermore, we have also quantified the affinity of Als1p‐N to the extracellular matrix proteins proteins fibronectin and laminin, which is situated in the micromolar range. Surface plasmon resonance characterization of Als1p‐N–Als1p‐N interaction was in the micromolar affinity range.
The SLH‐domain protein BslO is a determinant of Bacillus anthracis chain length
Authors: Anderson Valerie J. , Kern Justin W. , McCool Justin W. , Schneewind Olaf , Missiakas Dominique 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe Gram‐positive pathogen Bacillus anthracis grows in characteristic chains of individual, rod‐shaped cells. Here, we report the cell‐separating activity of BslO, a putative N‐acetylglucosaminidase bearing three N‐terminal S‐layer homology (SLH) domains for association with the secondary cell wall polysaccharide (SCWP). Mutants with an insertional lesion in the bslO gene exhibit exaggerated chain lengths, although individual cell dimensions are unchanged. Purified BslO complements this phenotype in trans, effectively dispersing chains of bslO‐deficient bacilli without lysis and localizing to the septa of vegetative cells. Compared with the extremely long chain lengths of csaB bacilli, which are incapable of binding proteins with SLH‐domains to SCWP, bslO mutants demonstrate a chaining phenotype that is intermediate between wild‐type and csaB. Computational simulation suggests that BslO effects a non‐random distribution of B. anthracis chain lengths, implying that all septa are not equal candidates for separation.
Signalling through the IL‐2 receptor γc peptide (CD132) is essential for the expression of immunity to Plasmodium chabaudi adami blood‐stage malaria
Authors: WEIDANZ W. P. , LaFLEUR G. , KITA‐YARBRO A. , NELSON K. , BURNS J. M. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryA genetic dissection approach was employed to determine whether the IL‐2 receptor complex (IL‐2R) comprised of α, β and γ chains is required for the suppression of Plasmodium chabaudi adami parasitemia. Blood‐stage infections in IL‐2Rγc−/y mice failed to cure with parasitemia remaining elevated for >50 days indicating the IL‐2Rγc through which all members of the γc family of cytokines signal has an essential role in protective immunity against blood‐stage malarial parasites. In contrast, the curing of parasitemia in IL‐2/15Rβ−/− mice, deficient in both IL‐2 and IL‐15 signalling was significantly delayed but did occur, indicating that neither cytokine plays an essential role in parasite clearance. Moreover, the observation that the time course of parasitemia in IL‐15−/− mice was nearly identical to that seen in controls suggests that the parasitemia‐suppressing role of stimulating through the IL‐2/15Rβ chain is owing to IL‐2 signalling and not a redundant function of IL‐15.
Antibodies directed against merozoite surface protein‐6 are induced by natural exposure to Plasmodium falciparum in a low transmission environment
Authors: JORDAN S. J. , OLIVEIRA A. L. , NEAL A. T. , HERNANDEZ J. N. , BRANCH O. H. , RAYNER J. C. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryMalaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is a major cause of global infant mortality, and there is currently no licensed vaccine that provides protection against infection or disease. Several P. falciparum vaccine targets have undergone early testing, but many more candidates remain with little data to support their development. Plasmodium falciparum Merozoite Surface Protein 6 (PfMSP6) is a candidate of particular interest because it is a member of the PfMSP3 multi‐gene family, raising the possibility that vaccine‐induced immune responses could cross‐react across multiple family members. However, few immunoepidemiological studies of PfMSP6 have been carried out to measure domain‐specific anti‐PfMSP6 responses. This study investigated anti‐PfMSP6 responses in P. falciparum‐infected individuals from the Peruvian Amazon, using two different PfMSP6 N‐terminal allele antigens and a single C‐terminal domain antigen, and compared the responses with both PfMSP6 genotyping data and anti‐PfMSP3 response data that had been previously generated for the same samples. Anti‐PfMSP6 responses were detected despite the low transmission setting, but were less frequent and of considerably lower intensity than anti‐PfMSP3 responses. There was a positive correlation between anti‐PfMSP3 and PfMSP6 responses, suggesting that the possibility that PfMSP3 family antigens could induce cross‐reactive responses requires further detailed investigation.
Suppression of the rice heterotrimeric G protein β‐subunit gene, RGB1, causes dwarfism and browning of internodes and lamina joint regions
Authors: Utsunomiya Yuzuko , Samejima Chihiro , Takayanagi Yoshiyuki , Izawa Yuki , Yoshida Takahisa , Sawada Yuka , Fujisawa Yukiko , Kato Hisaharu , Iwasaki Yukimoto 
Published: May 2011

SummaryIn the present study, we investigated the function of the heterotrimeric G protein β‐subunit (Gβ) gene (RGB1) in rice. RGB1 knock‐down lines were generated in the wild type and d1‐5, a mutant deficient for the heterotrimeric G protein α‐subunit (Gα) gene (RGA1). Both transgenic lines showed browning of the lamina joint regions and nodes that could be attributed to a reduction of RGB1 function, as the abnormality was not observed in d1‐5. The RGB1 knock‐down lines generated in d1‐5 were shorter, suggesting RGB1 to be a positive regulator of cellular proliferation, in addition to RGA1. The number of sterile seeds also increased in both RGB1 knock‐down lines. These results suggest that Gβγ and Gα cooperatively function in cellular proliferation and seed fertility. We discuss the potential predominant role of RGB1 in G protein signaling in rice.
The transcription factor EMISSION OF BENZENOIDS II activates the MYB ODORANT1 promoter at a MYB binding site specific for fragrant petunias
Authors: Van Moerkercke Alex , Haring Michel A. , Schuurink Robert C. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryFragrance production in petunia flowers is highly regulated. Two transcription factors, ODORANT1 (ODO1) and EMISSION OF BENZENOIDS II (EOBII) have recently been identified as regulators of the volatile benzenoid/phenylpropanoid pathway in petals. Unlike the non‐fragrant Petunia hybrida cultivar R27, the fragrant cultivar Mitchell highly expresses ODO1. Using stable reporter lines, we identified the 1.2‐kbp ODO1 promoter from Mitchell that is sufficient for tissue‐specific, developmental and rhythmic expression. This promoter fragment can be activated in non‐fragrant R27 petals, indicating that the set of trans‐acting factors driving ODO1 expression is conserved in these two petunias. Conversely, the 1.2‐kbp ODO1 promoter of R27 is much less active in Mitchell petals. Transient transformation of 5′ deletion and chimeric Mitchell and R27 ODO1 promoter reporter constructs in petunia petals identified an enhancer region, which is specific for the fragrant Mitchell cultivar and contains a putative MYB binding site (MBS). Mutations in the MBS of the Mitchell promoter decreased overall promoter activity by 50%, highlighting the importance of the enhancer region. We show that EOBII binds and activates the ODO1 promoter via this MBS, establishing a molecular link between these two regulators of floral fragrance biosynthesis in petunia.