bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The indolocarbazole, Gö6976, inhibits guanylyl cyclase‐A and ‐B
Authors: Robinson Jerid W , Lou Xiaoying , Potter Lincoln R 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) decrease vascular volume and pressure by activating guanylyl cyclase‐A (GC‐A). C‐type natriuretic peptide (CNP) activation of guanylyl cyclase‐B (GC‐B) stimulates long bone growth. This study investigated the effects of the indolocarbazole, Gö6976, on the guanylyl cyclase activity of GC‐A and GC‐B as a first step towards developing small molecule regulators of these enzymes.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Whole cell cGMP concentrations or 32P‐cGMP accumulation in membrane preparations measured the effects of indolocarbazoles on the enzymatic activity GC‐A and GC‐B from transfected 293T or endogenously expressing 3T3‐L1 cells.KEY RESULTS Gö6976 blocked cellular CNP‐dependent cGMP elevations in 293T‐GC‐B cells. The t½ for Gö6976 inhibition was 7 s and IC50 was 380 nM. Gö6976 increased the EC50 for CNP 4.5‐fold, but increasing the CNP concentration did not overcome the inhibition. Half of the inhibition was lost 1 h after removal of Gö6976 from the medium. Cellular exposure to Gö6976 reduced basal and natriuretic peptide‐dependent, but not detergent‐dependent, GC‐A and GC‐B activity. Inhibition was also observed when Gö6976 was added directly to the cyclase assay. A constitutively phosphorylated form of GC‐B was similarly inhibited.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data demonstrate that Gö6976 potently, rapidly and reversibly inhibited GC‐A and GC‐B via a process that did not require intact cells, known phosphorylation sites or inactivation of all catalytic sites. This is the first report of an intracellular inhibitor of a transmembrane guanylyl cyclase and the first report of a non‐kinase target for Gö6976.
Indirect modulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the hippocampus by activation of proteinase‐activated receptor‐2
Authors: Gan J , Greenwood SM , Cobb SR , Bushell TJ 
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Proteinase‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) is widely expressed in the CNS under normal physiological conditions. However, its potential role in modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission remains to be determined. Here, we have investigated whether PAR2 activation modulates synaptic activity in the hippocampus.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH PAR2 activation and its effect on the hippocampus were examined in rat primary cultures and acute slices using whole cell patch clamp and standard extracellular recordings, respectively.KEY RESULTS PAR2 activation leads to a depolarization of hippocampal neurones and a paradoxical reduction in the occurrence of synaptically driven spontaneous action potentials (APs). PAR2‐induced neuronal depolarization was abolished following either the inhibition of astrocytic function or antagonism of ionotropic glutamate receptors whilst the PAR2‐induced decrease in AP frequency was also reduced when astrocytic function was inhibited. Furthermore, when examined in acute hippocampal slices, PAR2 activation induced a profound long‐term depression of synaptic transmission that was dependent on NMDA receptor activation and was sensitive to disruption of astrocytic function.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These novel findings show that PAR2 activation indirectly inhibits hippocampal synaptic activity and indicate that these receptors may play an active role in modulating normal physiological CNS function, in addition to their role in pathophysiological disorders.
Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children
Authors: Kolawole KA , Oziegbe EO , Bamise CT 
Published: March 2011

To cite this article:

Int J Dent Hygiene
9, 2011; 143–148 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00466.x Kolawole KA, Oziegbe EO, Bamise CT.Oral hygiene measures and the periodontal status of school children.Abstract:Background:  Tooth brushing and other mechanical cleaning procedures are considered the most reliable methods of effective plaque removal, which is essential for prevention of periodontal diseases.Objective:  To investigate the relationship between oral hygiene practices, socioeconomic status and gingival health in a group of Nigerian children.Methods:  Our study population consisted of 242 randomly selected school children in Ile‐Ife, Nigeria. Participants completed a questionnaire on oral hygiene measures, their gingival health was assessed using oral hygiene index (OHI), plaque index (PI) and index of gingival inflammation (GI).Results:  Toothbrushing once daily was the most common practice (52.1%). Toothbrush with a fluoride‐containing toothpaste was the most common tooth cleaning aid, while the up and down brushing technique was predominantly used. There was no statistically significant gender difference in toothbrushing frequency; however, significant gender differences were observed in PI and OHI scores (P < 0.05). Gingivitis was absent in 28.9% of the children,, while 50.8% had mild, 13.6% moderate and 6.6% severe gingivitis. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between oral hygiene frequency and GI (P < 0.05). Socioeconomic status had no relationship with oral hygiene frequency, however it had low but significant correlation with OHI and GI (P < 0.05). A logistic regression analysis of the predictors on gingivitis showed that male gender and medium textured toothbrush had significant association with gingival health.Conclusions:  Gingival health was influenced by gender, socioeconomic status, oral hygiene frequency and toothbrush texture. Motivation to apply instructions given on oral health care and regular reinforcement are essential.
Factors associated with short‐course antiretroviral prophylaxis (dual therapy) adherence for PMTCT in Nkangala district, South Africa
Authors: Peltzer Karl , Sikwane Elisa , Majaja Mmapaseka 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAim:  To identify factors that influence adherence to short‐course antiretroviral (ARV) prophylaxis by pregnant women and mothers participating in the HIV prevention of mother to child (PMTCT) programme.Methods:  The sample interviewed included 139 HIV‐positive antenatal women (mean gestational age 32 weeks; sexually transmitted diseases [STD] = 2.8, range 4–9 months) and 607 postnatal HIV‐positive women, with either having an infant aged 1–10 weeks (30.8%), 11 weeks to 6 months (36.7%) or 7–12 months (32.5%) from Nkangala district, Mpumalanga province, South Africa.Results:  A large percentage of antenatal and postnatal women in this study initiated ARV prophylaxis for PMTCT or were on ARV (85.6% and 98%, respectively). Sixty‐one per cent of antenatal and 85.9% of postnatal women reported complete adherence to the appropriate medication schedule in the 4 days preceding the interview or prior to delivery. In multivariate analysis, it was found that women with higher HIV status disclosure and less discrimination were better in maternal AZT adherence, women with higher male involvement were better in maternal and infant nevirapine adherence.Conclusion:  Adherence to maternal and infant dual therapy prophylaxis was found to be less than optimal. Community factors (discrimination, HIV disclosure, male involvement) contribute to adherence to short‐course ARV prophylaxis in this largely rural setting in South Africa.
Comparing isotopic groundwater age measurements with simulated groundwater ages: example of the Abbotsford–Sumas Aquifer (USA and Canada) and application
Authors: Chesnaux R. , Allen D. M. , Simpson M. W. M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractElevated nitrate concentrations have been documented since the 1970s within the trans‐national Abbotsford–Sumas aquifer, situated in the central Fraser Valley of southern British Columbia, Canada, and northern Washington State, United States. Nitrate concentrations in excess of 10 mg/L NO3–N are commonly observed in the monitoring wells. A groundwater model is used in this study to conduct a particle tracking analysis to estimate groundwater travel times and compare these with groundwater ages determined from 3H/3He concentrations measured in several monitoring wells. Groundwater ages estimated from particle tracking show excellent agreement with measured ages (slope=1), although there is scatter (R2=0.76), reflecting the complexity of the travel pathways and ambiguities in groundwater ages because of mixing. An assessment of the efficacy of recommended nutrient management practices, which were implemented in 1992 to reduce nitrogen loading, suggests that wells shallower than about 20 m should be monitoring a decrease in nitrate concentration. However, persistent elevated nitrate concentrations even at shallow depths point to the lingering effects of a remnant manure–nitrate signature in combination with continued high loading.
Intestinal anion exchange in marine teleosts is involved in osmoregulation and contributes to the oceanic inorganic carbon cycle
Authors: Grosell M. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractMarine teleost fish osmoregulation involves seawater ingestion and intestinal fluid absorption. Solute coupled fluid absorption by the marine teleost fish intestine has long been believed to be the product of Na+ and Cl− absorption via the Na+:K+:2Cl− co‐transporter (NKCC2). However, the past decade has revealed that intestinal anion exchange contributes significantly to Cl− absorption, in exchange for HCO3− secretion, and that this process is important for intestinal water absorption. In addition to contributing to solute coupled water absorption intestinal anion exchange results in luminal precipitation of CaCO3 which acts to reduce luminal osmotic pressure and thus assist water absorption. Most recently, activity of apical H+‐pumps, especially in distal segments of the intestine have been suggested to not only promote anion exchange, but also to reduce luminal osmotic pressure by preventing excess HCO3− concentrations from accumulating in intestinal fluids, thereby aiding water absorption. The present review summarizes and synthesizes the most recent advances in our view of marine teleosts osmoregulation, including our emerging understanding of epithelial transport of acid–base equivalents in the intestine, the consequences for whole organism acid–base balance and finally the impact of piscine CaCO3 formation on the global oceanic carbon cycle.
Volatile Compounds in Light, Medium, and Dark Black Walnut and Their Influence on the Sensory Aromatic Profile
Authors: Lee Jeehyun , Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Adhikari Koushik , Warmund Michele , Elmore Janelle 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Light, medium, and dark colored kernels from 3 different cultivars (Emma K, Kwik Krop, and Sparks 127) and one wild species of black walnut were studied for their aroma volatiles. Solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to determine the aromatic compounds present in the headspace of these samples. Partial least square regression was used to correlate the instrumental aromatic data with the sensory responses, obtained in a previous study, for the same samples. Thirty‐four aromatic compounds were found in the black walnut cultivars, highlighting among them the presence of 14 esters. Although more than 50% of the total concentration of volatile compounds, esters were not important compounds in determining the differences in the sensory aromatic profiles of the 3 colors of the nuts. As a general trend, the concentration of total volatile compounds was always significantly higher in light black walnuts than in the medium colored samples; medium colored samples had higher volatile content than the dark black walnuts. The presence of hexanal was related to rancid and acrid aromas and was determined to differentiate the dark black walnuts from the medium and light colored samples.Practical Application:  The data presented in this article will help understand the aromatic differences between light, medium, and dark colored kernels of domestic and wild black walnut. The aromatic profile of these nuts, not studied until this moment, can be used as a model to develop flavorings and new products by the food industries.
The Biomimetic Immunoassay Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Progress and Future Prospects
Authors: Xu Z.X. , Gao H.J. , Zhang L.M. , Chen X.Q. , Qiao X.G. 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Immunoassay, based on a selective affinity of the biological antibody for its antigen, is one of the most usual analytical methods in food safety and environmental chemistry. However, it presents several drawbacks because of the nature of the antibody. Molecular imprinting technique, due to its high selectivity and stability, ease of preparation and low cost, has shown great potential in producing artificial antibodies in biomimetic immunoassays. This article focuses on the recent states, advantages, current problems and outlooks of molecularly imprinted radio, fluoro, enzyme‐linked and chemiluminescent immunoassays, and biomimetic immunosensor, with special emphasis on the challenges in developing biomimetic enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (BELISAs). The biomimetic immunoassay method will provide an important new analysis platform in food safety, although the sensitivity and specificity is relatively low.Practical Application:  As a new simple analysis method, the biomimetic immunoassay has attractive prospect, although some limitations were existed in real‐sample assay. In this critical review, some promising solutions for overcoming its drawbacks were put forward, which may promote the more quick development and extensive application of this method in food safety.
Antibrowning and Antimicrobial Activities of the Water‐Soluble Extract from Pine Needles of Cedrus deodara
Authors: Zeng Wei‐Cai , Jia Li‐Rong , Zhang Yan , Cen Jia‐Qi , Chen Xi , Gao Hong , Feng Su , Huang Yi‐Na 
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  The antibrowning and antimicrobial activities of the water‐soluble extract from pine needles of Cedrus deodara (CDE), a traditional Chinese medicine and raw materials of pine needle tea, was investigated. Total phenols of CDE were 31.4 ± 0.53 mg gallic acid equivalent/g, and total flavonoids were 23.1 ± 0.79 mg rutin equivalent/g. CDE showed a strong antioxidant activity against ABTS free radicals with IC50 (the half‐inhibitory concentration) of 25.5 ± 0.64 μg/mL. In mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory assay, IC50 values were 2.1 ± 0.98 and 2.27 ± 0.93 mg/mL for monophenolase and diphenolase, respectively. Evaluated by detecting changes of L* (indicated the darkness of sample), a* (indicated the redness of sample), and b* (indicated the yellowness of sample) values in fresh‐cut apple slices model, CDE showed a significant antibrowning effect when compared with ascorbic acid. In addition, it was discovered that CDE in combination with 0.5% ascorbic acid exhibited a synergistic antibrowning effect. Meanwhile, CDE was observed to show a potent antimicrobial effect on all of the tested Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. In conclusion, the results of the present research suggested that pine needles of C. deodara could be used as a natural resource of antibrowning and antimicrobial agents in food preservation.Practical Application:  The present study provides a theoretical basis for the potential application of pine needles of C. deodara to be used as a natural resource of antibrowning and antimicrobial agents in food industry.
Risk and benefit assessment of alien fish species of the aquaculture and aquarium trade into India
Authors: Singh Atul K. , Lakra Wazir S. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractThere has been an increasing demand for alien fish species in India. However, environmental, socioeconomic and biodiversity issues are important considerations when regulating the unauthorized culture and spread of alien species. Information collected in the present review revealed the presence of over 300 alien species imported intentionally or illegally; 291 ornamental species, 31 aquaculture species and two larvicidal fishes. Field data demonstrated the widespread occurrence of some of the world’s worst invasive species, for example, Cyprinus carpio, Oreochromis niloticus, Aristichthys nobilis, Pygocentrus nattereri and Pterygoplichthys spp., in inland waters; other species are emerging as a threat to aquatic biodiversity. The benefits and risks of alien species were analysed and the impact was quantified using a simple developed ‘Fish Invasiveness Screening Test’ (FIST). Our information suggests that alien species, despite possessing some attractive culture characteristics, generally reduce the availability of local species and establish in natural water bodies becoming invasive and consequently adversely affecting fish biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. In light of the adverse ecological impacts of alien species, we developed strategic regulations and quarantine procedures and advised aquaculturists to strictly follow them to contain potential and plausible menaces.
Genetic improvement of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with special reference to the work conducted by the WorldFish Center with the GIFT strain
Authors: Ponzoni Raul W. , Nguyen Nguyen Hong , Khaw Hooi Ling , Hamzah Azhar , Bakar Khairul Rizal Abu , Yee Hoong Yip 
Published: March 2011

AbstractWe mainly (but not exclusively) draw on research and development work carried out by The WorldFish Center (WorldFish). We review in detail the current state of development of a selection program that has had a main focus on growth rate and body traits. We also present some new, unpublished, information. There is evidence of sustained gains of 10–15% per generation over more than six generations. To date, these gains have not been accompanied by any undesirable correlated response. However, the prospects of altering sexual dimorphism and the shape of the fish appear to be very limited. We also examine the issue of an appropriate environment for selection. Not surprisingly, experimental evidence on genotype by environment interactions suggests that this is more likely to be of importance when the environments in question are markedly dissimilar. We argue that no universal guidelines can be prescribed with regard to the need for more than one selection program to cope with different production environments, but rather, each case should be examined in its own right. Finally, we discuss traits likely to be candidates for inclusion in future, more elaborate, breeding objectives for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), comment on selection methods that may be implemented in the future and conclude by stressing the need to maintain an effective population size in selection lines to ensure their sustainability over time.
AMaCAID: a useful tool for Accurate Marker Choice for Accession Identification and Discrimination
Authors: CAROLI S. , SANTONI S. , RONFORT J. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAMaCAID is an R program designed to analyse multilocus genotypic patterns in large samples. It allows (i) the computation of the number and frequency of the different multilocus patterns available in a molecular data set and (ii) the analysis of discriminatory power of each combination of k markers among n available. It thus enables the identification of the minimum number of markers required to distinguish all the observed genotypes and the subset of markers that maximize the number of distinct genotypes. AMaCAID can be used with any kind of molecular markers, on data sets mixing different kinds of markers, but also on qualitative characters like morphological or taxonomic traits. AMaCAID has been built primarily to select subsets of markers for identifying accessions and monitoring their genetic stability during regeneration cycles in an ex situ genebank. It can, however, also be used to screen any kind of data set that characterizes a set of individuals or species (e.g. taxonomic or phylogenetic studies) for discrimination purposes. The size of the assayed sample has no limitation, but the program only performs computations on all combinations of markers when there are less than 25 markers. For larger number of markers/characters, it is possible to ask AMaCAID to screen a large but limited number of combinations of markers. We apply AMaCAID to three data sets involving either molecular or taxonomic data and give some results on the computing time of the program with respect to the size of the data set.
Sunbeds and sunlamps: who used them and their risk for melanoma
Authors: Fears Thomas R. , Sagebiel Richard W. , Halpern Allan , Elder David E. , Holly Elizabeth A. , Guerry DuPont , Tucker Margaret A. 
Published: March 2011

SummarySunbed/sunlamp use was recently classified as carcinogenic. This report considers characteristics of those who use sunbeds/sunlamps and the effect of sunbed/sunlamp use on their risk for melanoma within a large case–control study carried out in 1991–1992. Females were more likely than males to have used sunbeds/sunlamps. Use by females increased strongly and significantly with younger ages and with the perceived ability to tan. For females, the individual risk for melanoma increased with typical session time and frequency of sessions. Use before age 20, current use and years of use were not significant. The use patterns of occasional and frequent users were very different. We estimate that typical 5‐min sessions would increase the risk for melanoma by 19% for frequent users (10+ sessions) and by 3% for occasional users (1–9 sessions). Body sites that are not generally exposed to sunlight were more common sites of primary melanomas for frequent sunbed/sunlamp users. For males, measures of sunbed/sunlamp use were not significantly associated with melanoma risk.
Melt in the impact breccias from the Eyreville drill cores, Chesapeake Bay impact structure, USA
Authors: BARTOSOVA Katerina , HECHT Lutz , KOEBERL Christian , LIBOWITZKY Eugen , REIMOLD Wolf Uwe 
Published: March 2011

Abstract–The center of the 35.3 Ma Chesapeake Bay impact structure (85 km diameter) was drilled during 2005/2006 in an ICDP–USGS drilling project. The Eyreville drill cores include polymict impact breccias and associated rocks (1397–1551 m depth). Tens of melt particles from these impactites were studied by optical and electron microscopy, electron microprobe, and microRaman spectroscopy, and classified into six groups: m1—clear or brownish melt, m2—brownish melt altered to phyllosilicates, m3—colorless silica melt, m4—melt with pyroxene and plagioclase crystallites, m5—dark brown melt, and m6—melt with globular texture. These melt types have partly overlapping major element abundances, and large compositional variations due to the presence of schlieren, poorly mixed melt phases, partly digested clasts, and variable crystallization and alteration. The different melt types also vary in their abundance with depth in the drill core. Based on the chemical data, mixing calculations were performed to determine possible precursors of these melt particles. The calculations suggest that most melt types formed mainly from the thick sedimentary section of the target sequence (mainly the Potomac Formation), but an additional crystalline basement (schist/gneiss) precursor is likely for the most abundant melt types m2 and m5. Sedimentary rocks with compositions similar to those of the melt particles are present among the Eyreville core samples. Therefore, sedimentary target rocks were the main precursor of the Eyreville melt particles. However, the composition of the melt particles is not only the result of the precursor composition but also the result of changes during melting and solidification, as well as postimpact alteration, which must also be considered. The variability of the melt particle compositions reflects the variety of target rocks and indicates that there was no uniform melt source. Original heterogeneities, resulting from melting of different target rocks, may be preserved in impactites of some large impact structures that formed in volatile‐rich targets, because no large melt body exists, in which homogenization would have taken place.