bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
γ‐secretase complexes containing caspase‐cleaved presenilin‐1 increase intracellular Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio
Authors: Hedskog Louise , Petersen Camilla A. Hansson , Svensson Annelie I. , Welander Hedvig , Tjernberg Lars O. , Karlström Helena , Ankarcrona Maria 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMarkers for caspase activation and apoptosis have been shown in brains of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and AD‐mouse models. In neurons, caspase activation is associated with elevated amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) production. Caspases cleave numerous substrates including presenilin‐1 (PS1). The cleavage takes place in the large cytosolic loop of PS1‐C‐terminal fragment (PS1CTF), generating a truncated PS1CTF lacking half of the loop domain (caspCTF). The loop has been shown to possess important regulatory functions with regard to Aβ40 and Aβ42 production. Previously, we have demonstrated that γ‐secretase complexes are active during apoptosis regardless of caspase cleavage in the PS1CTF‐loop. Here, a PS1/PS2‐knockout mouse blastocyst‐derived cell line was used to establish stable or transient cell lines expressing either caspCTF or full‐length CTF (wtCTF). We show that caspCTF restores γ‐secretase activity and forms active γ‐secretase complexes together with Nicastrin, Pen‐2, Aph‐1 and PS1‐N‐terminal fragment. Further, caspCTF containing γ‐secretase complexes have a sustained capacity to cleave amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch, generating APP and Notch intracellular domain, respectively. However, when compared to wtCTF cells, caspCTF cells exhibit increased intracellular production of Aβ42 accompanied by increased intracellular Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio without changing the Aβ secretion pattern. Similarly, induction of apoptosis in wtCTF cells generate a similar shift in intracellular Aβ pattern with increased Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. In summary, we show that caspase cleavage of PS1 generates a γ‐secretase complex that increases the intracellular Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio. This can have implications for AD pathogenesis and suggests caspase inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents.
Prevalence of the Complaint of Ejaculating Prematurely and the Four Premature Ejaculation Syndromes: Results from the Turkish Society of Andrology Sexual Health Survey
Authors: Serefoglu Ege C. , Yaman Onder , Cayan Selahittin , Asci Ramazan , Orhan Irfan , Usta Mustafa F. , Ekmekcioglu Oguz , Kendirci Muammer , Semerci Bulent , Kadioglu Ates 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In addition to the previously known lifelong and acquired premature ejaculation (PE) syndromes, the existence of two more PE syndromes has been suggested: natural variable PE and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction. However, epidemiological studies investigating the prevalence of these four PE syndromes have yet to be conducted.

Aim
To determine the prevalence of the complaint of ejaculating prematurely across the four PE syndromes.

Methods
This study, conducted between June 2009 and December 2009, was designed as a non-interventional, observational cross-sectional field survey. Participating couples were randomly selected from 17 provinces of Turkey. All participants were asked to complete a questionnaire including data regarding demographics, socioeconomic status, social and cultural factors, medical and sexual history, current medications, and ejaculation time. Subjects with a complaint of ejaculating prematurely were classified as lifelong, acquired, and natural variable PE, or premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were prevalence of complaint of ejaculating prematurely in the general population and across the four PE syndromes.

Results
A total of 2,593 couples (mean age, 41.9 ± 12.7 years for males and 38.2 ± 12.1 years for females) were enrolled. Five-hundred twelve subjects (20.0%) complained of ejaculating prematurely. Fifty-eight (2.3%), 100 (3.9%), 215 (8.5%), and 131 (5.1%) subjects were classified as lifelong, acquired, and natural variable PE, and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction, respectively.

Conclusions
The prevalence of the complaint of ejaculating prematurely among Turkish men was 20.0%, with the highest PE syndrome being natural variable PE (8.5%) and premature-like ejaculatory dysfunction (5.1%).
Cranial nerve palsy in multiple myeloma and solitary plasmacytoma
Authors: KASHYAP Rajesh , KUMAR Raj , KUMAR Shaleen 
Published: November 2010

AbstractCranial nerve involvement in multiple myeloma and solitary plasmacytoma is rare. We report on two patients who developed cranial nerve palsy due to skull base plasmacytoma. Patient 1, a 55‐year old man with multiple myeloma, developed right sixth cranial nerve palsy during a phase of chemotherapy. He had an intracranial plasmacytoma in the clival region and was treated with 30 Gy whole brain radiotherapy. Patient 2, a 40‐year old man, presented with right third cranial nerve palsy and was detected to have a solitary skull base plasmacytoma. He was treated with radiotherapy followed by thalidomide plus dexamethasone.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery in an elderly population: comparison with those in an adult population
Authors: Ban J.H. , Kwon H.J. , Lee K.C. 
Published: November 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol.2010,35,300–306Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of endoscopic sinus surgery in two patient groups: adults younger than 65 years of age and adults aged 65 years or older.Design: A retrospective study.Setting: This study was conducted at an academic tertiary referral centre.Participants: One hundred and eighty consecutive older patients (≥65 years), and 180 adult patients (>15, <65 years) with chronic rhinosinusitis who underwent endoscopic sinus surgery under local anaesthesia between 1997 and 2007 were enrolled in this study.Main outcome measures: Recurrence and complication rates were analyzed. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test, Fisher’s Exact test, the Pearson Chi‐Square test, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression.P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: When looked at without control for other factors the surgical complication rates were higher in the older group patients (31%) compared with the younger patients (11%). However, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative duration of symptoms, length of follow‐up, and diabetes mellitus were positively correlated with complications. In this analysis, the older patients, once controlled for these factors, were less likely to have complications. Regarding recurrence, in multivariate analysis there was no difference between the older and the younger group with preoperative duration and length of postoperative follow‐up having a small effect.Conclusions: Comorbidity especially diabetes mellitus and duration of the condition should be the factors considered preoperatively to predict the likely hood of complications rather than whether the patient is younger or older that 65 years of age.
Understanding mortality in the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in England and Wales
Authors: Pearce Dora C. , Pallaghy Paul K. , McCaw James M. , McVernon Jodie , Mathews John D. 
Published: November 2010

Please cite this paper as: Pearce et al. (2011) Understanding mortality in the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic in England and Wales. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 5(2), 89–98.Background  The causes of recurrent waves in the 1918–1919 influenza pandemic are not fully understood.Objectives  To identify the risk factors for influenza onset, spread and mortality in waves 1, 2 and 3 (summer, autumn and winter) in England and Wales in 1918–1919.Methods  Influenza mortality rates for 333 population units and putative risk factors were analysed by correlation and by regressions weighted by population size and adjusted for spatial trends.Results  For waves 1 and 3, influenza mortality was higher in younger, northerly and socially disadvantaged populations experiencing higher all‐cause mortality in 1911–1914. Influenza mortality was greatest in wave 2, but less dependent on underlying population characteristics. Wave duration was shorter in areas with higher influenza mortality, typically associated with increasing population density. Regression analyses confirmed the importance of geographical factors and pre‐pandemic mortality for all three waves. Age effects were complex, with the suggestion that younger populations with greater mortality in wave 1 had lesser mortality in wave 2.Conclusions  Our findings suggest that socially disadvantaged populations were more vulnerable, that older populations were partially protected by prior immunity in wave 1 and that exposure of (younger) populations in one wave could protect against mortality in the subsequent wave. An increase in viral virulence could explain the greater mortality in wave 2. Further modelling of causal processes will help to explain, in considerable detail, how social and geographical factors, season, pre‐existing and acquired immunity and virulence affected viral transmission and pandemic mortality in 1918–1919.
Nucleolar Disruption and Cajal Body Disassembly are Nuclear Hallmarks of DNA Damage‐Induced Neurodegeneration in Purkinje Cells
Authors: Baltanás Fernando C. , Casafont Iñigo , Weruaga Eduardo , Alonso José R. , Berciano María T. , Lafarga Miguel 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe Purkinje cell (PC) degeneration (pcd) phenotype results from mutation in nna1 gene and is associated with the degeneration and death of PCs during the postnatal life. Although the pcd mutation is a model of the ataxic mouse, it shares clinical and pathological characteristics of inherited human spinocerebellar ataxias. PC degeneration in pcd mice provides a useful neuronal system to study nuclear mechanisms involved in DNA damage‐dependent neurodegeneration, particularly the contribution of nucleoli and Cajal bodies (CBs). Both nuclear structures are engaged in housekeeping functions for neuronal survival, the biogenesis of ribosomes and the maturation of snRNPs and snoRNPs required for pre‐mRNA and pre‐rRNA processing, respectively. In this study, we use ultrastructural analysis, in situ transcription assay and molecular markers for DNA damage, nucleoli and CB components to demonstrate that PC degeneration involves the progressive accumulation of nuclear DNA damage associated with disruption of nucleoli and CBs, disassembly of polyribosomes into monoribosomes, ribophagy and shut down of nucleolar and extranucleolar transcription. Microarray analysis reveals that four genes encoding repressors of nucleolar rRNA synthesis (p53, Rb, PTEN and SNF2) are upregulated in the cerebellum of pcd mice. Collectively, these data support that nucleolar and CB alterations are hallmarks of DNA damage‐induced neurodegeneration.
Microencapsulated Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Powders: Relationship of Powder Physical Properties to Probiotic Survival during Storage
Authors: Ying Dan Yang , Phoon Mei Chi , Sanguansri Luz , Weerakkody Rangika , Burgar Iko , Augustin Mary Ann 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Freeze‐dried commercial Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) were encapsulated in an emulsion‐based formulation stabilized by whey protein and resistant starch and either spray‐dried or freeze‐dried to produce probiotic microcapsules. There was no difference in loss of probiotics viability after spray drying or freeze drying. Particle size, morphology, moisture sorption, and water mobility of the powder microcapsules were examined. Particle size analysis and scanning electron microscopy showed that spray‐dried LGG microcapsules (SDMC) were small spherical particles, whereas freeze‐dried LGG microcapsules (FDMC) were larger nonspherical particles. Moisture sorption isotherms obtained using dynamic vapor sorption showed a slightly higher water uptake in spray‐dried microcapsules. The effect of water mobility, as measured by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, at various water activities (aw 0.32, 0.57, and 0.70) and probiotic viability during storage at 25 °C was also examined. Increasing the relative humidity of the environment at which the samples were stored caused an increase in water mobility and the rate of loss in viability. The viability data during storage indicated that SDMC had better storage stability compared to FDMC. Although more water was adsorbed for spray‐dried than freeze‐dried microcapsules, water mobility was similar for corresponding storage conditions because there was a stronger water‐binding energy for spray‐dried microcapsule. This possibly accounted for the improved survival of probiotics in spray‐dried microcapsules.Practical Application:  The mechanistic insights gained from this study using freeze‐dried probiotics can be applied during optimization of the microcapsule formulations and processing conditions for encapsulation and spray drying of fresh culture in a commercial application.
A Human Gastric Simulator (HGS) to Study Food Digestion in Human Stomach
Authors: Kong Fanbin , Singh R. Paul 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro stomach model, the Human Gastric Simulator (HGS), for studying gastric digestion of foods. The HGS is designed in such a way as to simulate the continuous peristaltic movement of stomach walls, with similar amplitude and frequency of contraction forces as reported in vivo. The HGS mainly consists of a latex vessel, simulating the stomach chamber, and a series of rollers secured on belts that are driven by motor and pulleys to create a continuous contraction of the latex wall. It also incorporates gastric secretion, emptying systems, and temperature control that enable accurate simulation of dynamic digestion process for detailed investigation of the changes in the physical chemical properties of ingested foods. The simulated gastric contraction force demonstrates a similar pattern as in vivo stomach forces. The precise control of gastric secretion and emptying and the adjustable mechanical forces in the HGS provide a useful tool to study transformation of food constituents under simulated physiological conditions.Practical Application:  HGS could be used to study changes in the physical and chemical properties of gastric contents, and transformation of food constituents that occur during simulated digestion, and the influence of physiological conditions including acid and enzyme secretion and contraction forces on disintegration kinetics of foods and nutrient release.
Soybean Peptide Lunasin Suppresses In Vitro and In Vivo 7,12‐Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene‐Induced Tumorigenesis
Authors: Hsieh Chia‐Chien , Hernández‐Ledesma Blanca , de Lumen Ben O. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Lunasin is a novel peptide identified in soybean and other seeds. This study evaluated the anti‐tumorigenic effects of lunasin on 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) and 3‐methylcholanthrene‐treated (MCA) fibroblast NIH/3T3 cells. Lunasin significantly inhibited cell proliferation and cancerous foci formation in these 2 chemical carcinogens‐treated cells. An in vivo SENCAR mouse model induced with DMBA was used to study the mammary cancer preventive properties of dietary lunasin contained in soy protein. Tumor incidence was 67% and 50%, and the tumor generation was 1.88 ± 0.48 and 1.17 ± 0.17, respectively, for the mice fed control diet and experimental diet obtained after AIN‐93G supplementation with lunasin‐enriched soy protein concentrate (containing 0.23% lunasin). However, no effects were observed in mice fed AIN‐93G supplemented with soy protein concentrate (containing 0.15% lunasin). The data provided illustrate the anticancer potential of lunasin both in vitro and in vivo and supports the recommendation of soy protein as a dietary component that may aid in the prevention of mammary cancer.Practical Application:  Daily intake of lunasin‐enriched soy protein is introduced as a promising strategy to prevent chemical carcinogens‐induced mammary tumors.
Effect of Light and Sweeteners on Color in an Amaretto‐Type Liqueur
Authors: Castañeda‐Olivares F. , Pless R.C. , González‐Jasso E. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Studies on the color loss in an amaretto‐type liqueur under controlled light conditions showed a clear dependence of the decoloration rate on the light intensity, and complete color stability in the absence of light. The principal sweetener used in the preparation of the liqueur strongly affected the rate of color loss under irradiation, color stability being much greater for the formulations containing sucrose or no added sweetener instead of fructose 42. These differences were more pronounced in experiments conducted with chemically well‐defined mixtures that contained either of the 2 azo dyes used in the coloration of the amaretto, tartrazine, and Allura Red, and various alternative sweeteners, in 28% (v/v) ethanol solution: D‐fructose and, to a lesser extent, D‐glucose, at concentrations of 14% (w/v), were effective in bringing about photodecoloration, while no color loss was detected in the presence of sucrose, or in the absence of any added sugar. The results are interpreted in terms of a redox reaction of reducing sugars with the diarylazo compounds, the function of the light being the conversion of the azo compound from the predominant trans configuration to the cis configuration, which on geometric grounds lends itself better to a concerted, cyclical redox reaction with the reducing sugar.Practical Application:  The present study describes an interaction between azo dyes and reducing sugars under irradiation with light, which results in rapid decoloration. This result is of interest as the coincidence of these 3 factors may occur with some frequency.
Characterization of Butter Spoiling Yeasts and Their Inhibition by Some Spices
Authors: Sagdic Osman , Ozturk Ismet , Bayram Okan , Kesmen Zulal , Yilmaz Mustafa Tahsin 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  This study was designed to identify the yeasts in packaged and unpackaged butters and screen antiyeast activity of spices, including marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.), and black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) against the most dominant yeast species in the packaged and unpackaged butters. Mean total yeast populations were 5.40 log CFU/g in unpackaged butter samples and 2.22 log CFU/g in packaged butter samples, indicating better hygienic quality of packaged samples. Forty‐nine yeast species were isolated and identified from butter samples with the most prevalent isolates belonging to genera Candida—C. kefyr, C. zeylanoides, and C. lambica—and with moderate number of isolates belonging to genera Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, and Zygosaccharomyces. Black cumin exhibited the highest antiyeast activity against C. zeylanoides and C. lambica species, even inhibited these species, while summer savory inhibited C. kefyr. The results of this study revealed clear antimicrobial potential of black cumin against the yeast species isolated from butters. Marjoram, summer savory, and black cumin could be used as natural antimicrobial agents against spoilage yeasts in food preservation, especially in butter.Practical Application:  Yeasts are known to play an important role in the dairy industry for several reasons. They play an essential role in the preparation of certain fermented products and in the ripening of certain cheeses. Yeasts also can be used to ferment dairy products. However, yeasts are also known to cause spoilage of dairy and other food products. Spices have generally been considered as nonnutritive substances and their possible benefit to human health has recently been considered. In addition, spices could perform different antimicrobial activities on pathogenic and food spoilage yeasts. For this purpose, this study was designed to cover the following items: (1) enumeration of the yeast populations in packaged and unpackaged butter samples; (2) isolation and identification of the yeast species to characterize the yeasts of the butter samples; (3) screening of antiyeast activity of these spices against the most dominant yeast species, Candida kefyr, C. zeylanoides, and C. lambica, in the packaged and unpackaged butter samples.
Lessons from the Salk Polio Vaccine: Methods for and Risks of Rapid Translation
Authors: Juskewitch, B.A. Justin E. , Tapia, B.A. Carmen J. , Windebank Anthony J. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe Salk inactivated poliovirus vaccine is one of the most rapid examples of bench‐to‐bedside translation in medicine. In the span of 6 years, the key basic lab discoveries facilitating the development of the vaccine were made, optimization and safety testing was completed in both animals and human volunteers, the largest clinical trial in history of 1.8 million children was conducted, and the results were released to an eagerly awaiting public. Such examples of rapid translation cannot only offer clues to what factors can successfully drive and accelerate the translational process but also what mistakes can occur (and thus should be avoided) during such a swift process. In this commentary, we explore the translational path of the Salk polio vaccine from the key basic science discoveries to the 1954 Field Trials and delve into the scientific and sociopolitical factors that aided in its rapid development. Moreover, we look at the Cutter and Wyeth incidents after the vaccine’s approval and the errors that led to them. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 182–185
Review Article: Phospholemman: A Novel Cardiac Stress Protein
Authors: Cheung Joseph Y. , Zhang Xue‐Qian , Song Jianliang , Gao Erhe , Rabinowitz Joseph E. , Chan Tung O. , Wang JuFang 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPhospholemman (PLM), a member of the FXYD family of regulators of ion transport, is a major sarcolemmal substrate for protein kinases A and C in cardiac and skeletal muscle. In the heart, PLM co‐localizes and co‐immunoprecipitates with Na+‐K+‐ATPase, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and L‐type Ca2+ channel. Functionally, when phosphorylated at serine68, PLM stimulates Na+‐K+‐ATPase but inhibits Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in cardiac myocytes. In heterologous expression systems, PLM modulates the gating of cardiac L‐type Ca2+ channel. Therefore, PLM occupies a key modulatory role in intracellular Na+ and Ca2+ homeostasis and is intimately involved in regulation of excitation–contraction (EC) coupling. Genetic ablation of PLM results in a slight increase in baseline cardiac contractility and prolongation of action potential duration. When hearts are subjected to catecholamine stress, PLM minimizes the risks of arrhythmogenesis by reducing Na+ overload and simultaneously preserves inotropy by inhibiting Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. In heart failure, both expression and phosphorylation state of PLM are altered and may partly account for abnormalities in EC coupling. The unique role of PLM in regulation of Na+‐K+‐ATPase, Na+/Ca2+ exchanger, and potentially L‐type Ca2+ channel in the heart, together with the changes in its expression and phosphorylation in heart failure, make PLM a rational and novel target for development of drugs in our armamentarium against heart failure. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 189–196