bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FcRn‐mediated intestinal absorption of IgG anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes in mice
Authors: Paveglio S. , Puddington L. , Rafti E. , Matson A. P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe mechanism(s) responsible for the acquisition of maternal antibody isotypes other than IgG are not fully understood.ObjectiveTo define the ability of the neonatal Fc receptor for IgG uptake (FcRn) to mediate intestinal absorption of IgG1 anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes.MethodsC57BL/6 allergic ovalbumin (OVA)‐immune foster mothers were generated to nurse naïve FcRn+/− or FcRn−/− progeny. At the time of weaning, serum levels of OVA‐specific antibodies and IgG1 anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes were determined in allergic foster mothers and FcRn+/+, FcRn+/−, or FcRn−/− breastfed offspring. In separate experiments, FcRn+/− or FcRn−/− neonatal mice were gavage fed TNP‐specific IgE as IgG1 anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes, IgG1 isotype control and IgE, or IgE alone. Mice were killed 2 h after feeding to determine serum levels and biological activity of absorbed TNP‐specific IgE.ResultsAs expected, the absorption of maternal OVA‐specific IgG1 in FcRn−/− offspring was at levels 103‐104 less than observed in FcRn+/+ or FcRn+/− offspring. Surprisingly, FcRn expression also influenced the absorption of maternal IgE. OVA‐specific IgE was detected in FcRn+/+ and FcRn+/−offspring, but not in FcRn−/− offspring. IgG1 anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes were detected in allergic foster mothers and correlated strongly with levels in FcRn+/+ and FcRn+/− offspring (ρ = 0.88, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, FcRn expression was required for neonatal mice to absorb TNP‐specific IgE when fed as IgG1 anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes. When immune complexes were generated with IgG1 anti‐IgE directed against the Cε4 domain, the absorbed IgE was able to function in antigen‐dependent basophil degranulation.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese data demonstrate a novel mechanism by which FcRn may facilitate absorption of maternal antibodies other than IgG. These findings are clinically relevant because FcRn mediates the transplacental passage of maternal IgG to the fetus. This raises the possibility that FcRn could mediate the transplacental passage of maternal IgE as IgG anti‐IgE/IgE immune complexes.
Reduced high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular lesions in hypercholesterolaemic patients
Authors: Wang Wenqing , Xing Wenjuan , Zhang Haifeng , Ding Mingge , Shang Lei , Lau Wayne Bond , Wang Xiaoming , Li Rong 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe hormone adiponectin (APN) circulates in plasma as various multimeric complexes. The high‐molecular‐weight (HMW) isoform has been reported to exert the most favourable metabolic regulatory and vasculoprotective effects. This study determined the circulatory distribution of APN multimers and their relationships with cardiovascular disease (CVD)‐related biochemical indicators in patients with hypercholesterolaemia (HC).MethodsA total of 148 male age‐ and BMI‐matched patients with HC (80 with CVD and 68 without CVD) and 84 male healthy controls were enrolled. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, nephropathy and cigarette use constituted exclusion criteria.ResultsBoth HMW and medium‐molecular‐weight (MMW) forms of APN were significantly increased in HC without CVD (HMW: 4·98 ± 0·87 vs 2·51 ± 0·33 in control, P < 0·01; MMW: 2·20 ± 0·36 vs 1·01 ± 0·15 in control, P < 0·01) and were comparable to control in patients with hypercholesterolaemia with CVD (HCVD). In comparison with other APN oligomers, HMW is most closely associated with the HCVD‐related biochemical factors, total cholesterol (r = 0·345, P < 0·05), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc, r = 0·325, P < 0·05) and uric acid (UA, r = −0·472, P < 0·01). Additional analysis via binary logistic regression suggests that HMW is an independent predictor of risk of HCVD (OR, 8·434; P = 0·018).ConclusionThese results suggest that reduced HMW isoform concentrations might be considered as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular complications in patients with HC.
Familial pituitary adenomas – who should be tested for AIP mutations?
Authors: Korbonits Márta , Storr Helen , Kumar Ajith V. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryFamilial Isolated Pituitary Adenomas (FIPA), an autosomal dominant disease with low penetrance is being increasingly recognized. FIPA families can be divided into two distinct groups based on genetic and phenotypic features. Patients with mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor‐interacting protein (AIP) gene are characterized by young‐onset somatotroph or lactotroph macroadenomas, while in the other, larger group of FIPA patients with typically adult‐onset disease and more varied adenoma types, no causative gene(s) has been identified. Young‐onset macroadenoma patients can also be identified with germline AIP mutation without an apparent family history. Further data and longer follow‐up are necessary to establish formal guidelines, but the current data suggest genetic screening of the AIP gene in patients with a pituitary adenoma and no other associated features who have (i) a family history of pituitary adenoma, (ii) childhood‐onset pituitary adenoma or (iii) a pituitary somatotroph or lactotroph macroadenoma diagnosed before the age of 30 years.
Modelling defined mixtures of environmental oestrogens found in domestic animal and sewage treatment effluents using an in vitro oestrogen‐mediated transcriptional activation assay (T47D‐KBluc)
Authors: Bermudez Dieldrich S. , Gray L. Earl , Wilson Vickie S. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThere is growing concern of exposure of fish, wildlife and humans to water sources contaminated with oestrogens and the potential impact on reproductive health. Environmental oestrogens can come from various sources including concentrated animal feedlot operations (CAFO), municipal waste, agricultural and industrial effluents. US EPA’s drinking water contaminant candidate list 3 (CCL3) includes several oestrogenic compounds. Although these contaminants are currently not subject to any proposed or promulgated national primary drinking water regulations, they are known or anticipated to occur in public water systems and may require future regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Using an in vitro transcriptional activation assay, this study evaluated oestrogens from CCL3 both individually and as a seven oestrogen mixture (fixed ray design) over a broad range of concentrations, including environmentally relevant concentrations. Log EC50 and Hillslope values for individual oestrogens were as follows: estrone, −11.92, 1.283; estradiol‐17α, −9.61, 1.486; estradiol‐17β, 11.77, 1.494; estriol, −11.14, 1.074; ethinyl estradiol‐17α, −12.63, 1.562; Mestranol, −11.08, 0.809 and Equilin, −11.48, 0.946. In addition, mixtures that mirrored the primary oestrogens found in swine, poultry and dairy CAFO effluent (fixed‐ratio ray design), and a ternary mixture (4 × 4 × 4 factorial design) of oestrogens found in hormone replacement therapy and/or oral contraceptives were tested. Mixtures were evaluated for additivity using both the concentration addition (CA) model and oestrogen equivalence (EEQ) model. For each of the mixture studies, a broad range of concentrations were tested, both above and below environmentally relevant concentrations. Results show that the observed data did not vary consistently from either the CA or EEQ predictions for any mixture. Therefore, either the CA or EEQ model should be useful predictors for modelling oestrogen mixtures.
Evaluation of aflatoxin decontaminating by two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG in pistachio nuts
Authors: Rahaie Somaieh , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra , Razavi Sayed Hadi , Mazaheri Mansoureh 
Published: May 2012

SummaryIn this study, the surface binding ability of Saccharomayces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LBGG) to aflatoxin in pistachio nuts was compared. Results showed that Saccharomayces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains had aflatoxin binding ability of 40% and 35% with initial concentration of 10 ppb and 70% and 60% with initial concentration of 20 ppb aflatoxin, respectively. Acid treatment increased this ability for yeast and bacterium to 60% and 85% in first concentration and 73% and 90% for second concentration of aflatoxin, respectively. Also, heat treatment could raise surface binding of yeast to 55% and 75% for two concentrations. In addition, heat condition for Lactobacillus improved binding to 85% and 90% for two concentrations of aflatoxin. Experiments showed that microorganism’s immobilisation on contaminated pistachio had no effect on qualitative characteristics of pistachio such as colour, texture and peroxide value.
Frying of potato chips in a blend of canola oil and palm olein: changes in levels of individual fatty acids and tocols
Authors: Al‐Khusaibi Mohammed , Gordon Michael H. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Niranjan Keshavan 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe changes occurring in the levels of nutritionally relevant oil components were assessed during repeated frying of potato chips in a blend of palm olein and canola oil (1:1 w/w). The blend suffered minimal reductions in omega‐3 and omega‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. There was no significant difference between the fatty acid composition of the oil extracted from the product and that of the frying medium, in all three cases. The blend also contained a significant amount of tocols which add a nutritional value to the oil. The concentration of the tocols was satisfactorily retained over the period of oil usage, in contrast to the significant loses observed in the case of the individual oils. The blend also performed well when assessed by changes in total polar compounds, free fatty acids, p‐anisidine value. When fried in used oil, the product oil content increased progressively with oil usage time. This study shows that blended frying oils can combine good stability and nutritional quality.
Effects of roasting and boiling on the chemical composition, amino acids and oil stability of safflower seeds
Authors: Mariod Abdalbasit Adam , Ahmed Sara Yousif , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , Cheng Sit Foon , Eltom Ahmed Mohamedain , Yagoub Samia Osman , Gouk Shiou Wah 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of roasting and boiling on compositional and oil stability of safflower seeds. The moisture, carbohydrate and fibre contents decreased because of roasting and boiling treatments while fat and protein contents increased. The fatty acid compositions of treated samples changed slightly compared with control. The total amount of amino acids in control sample was 151.29, and this amount increased to 158.8 and 186.9 mg g−1 N by roasting and boiling, respectively. The peroxide value of the oil increased because of roasting and boiling, and it reaches above the accepted value to consumer. Concentrations of major elements such as Na, K and Cu in raw safflower seeds were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than roasted and boiled seeds. The effects of roasting and boiling with regard to loss and retention of the nutrients differed significantly (P > 0.05), with only the roasting retaining more of the nutrients than boiling. The peak intensities of control oil using FTIR spectroscopy were changed in comparison with treated oils.
Shrinking core model for extraction of phenylpropanoid amides of 5‐hydroxytriptamine from safflower seed meal
Authors: Jin Qingzhe , Zhou Li , Li Jinwei , Wang Xingguo , Liu Ruijie 
Published: May 2012

SummaryA shrinking core model for extraction of phenylpropanoid amides of 5‐hydroxytriptamine (PAHAs) from safflower seed meal by 60% ethanol solution is established based on Fick’s first law. The kinetic equation for extraction is obtained and proved to fit the data very well. The internal diffusion of dissolving PAHAs from extracted layer to the particle external surface through particle channels is determined to be the rate‐limiting step. The shrinking core model was proved applicable to the meal which reduction ratio of particles is from 35 to 80 meshes and suitable for applying to the prediction and analysis on the process of PAHAs extraction from safflower seed by ethanol. The effects of size of raw material on the extraction efficiency are evaluated by the mathematical model, which could be used to predict and analyse extraction process of PAHAs from safflower seed meal by ethanol and provide a basis for process design and choice of operating conditions.
Gas‐producing and spoilage potential of Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria isolated from chilled vacuum‐packaged beef
Authors: Chaves Rafael D. , Silva Alessandra R. , Sant’Ana Anderson S. , Campana Felippe B. , Massaguer Pilar R. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis study aimed to enumerate and identify lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae from spoiled and nonspoiled chilled vacuum‐packaged beef and determine their potential to cause blown pack spoilage. These microbial groups were also enumerated in nonspoiled samples and detected in abattoir samples. The potential of isolates to cause ‘blown pack’ spoilage of vacuum‐packaged beef stored at chilled temperature (4 °C) and abuse temperature (15 °C) was investigated. Populations of lactic acid bacteria in exudate of spoiled and nonspoiled samples were not significantly different (P > 0.05), whereas the number of lactic acid bacteria on the surface was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in spoiled samples as compared to nonspoiled samples. The population of Enterobacteriaceae species in exudate and on the surface of samples were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in spoiled packs in comparison with nonspoiled packs. Results of the deterioration potential showed that ‘blown pack’ spoilage was noticeable after 7 days at 15 °C and after 6 weeks at 4 °C for samples inoculated with Hafnia alvei.
Who benefits from clinical supervision and how? The association between clinical supervision and the work‐related well‐being of female hospital nurses
Authors: Koivu Aija , Saarinen Pirjo Irmeli , Hyrkas Kristiina 
Published: May 2012

Aim and objectives.  The aims of this study were (1) to identify which nurses benefitted most from clinical supervision and (2) to explore whether they were healthier and more satisfied with their work than their peers who did not attend clinical supervision.Background.  To maintain quality nursing, there is currently a social call to improve the well‐being of nurses at work. Restoring nurses’ well‐being is one of the main purposes of clinical supervision. However, research evidence on the effects of clinical supervision is scarce.Design.  Survey.Methods.  Questionnaires were distributed to female hospital nurses (n = 304), about a half of whom (48·7%) had attended clinical supervision. Perceptions of work and health among the nurses who gave the best evaluations of clinical supervision (n = 74) were compared with those of their peers who gave the worst evaluations (n = 74) or who had not attended clinical supervision (n = 156).Results.  The nurses who received efficient clinical supervision reported more job and personal resources and were more motivated and committed to the organisation than their peers. However, professional inefficacy was the only burnout dimension on which they scored lower than other nurses.Conclusions.  Clinical supervision can be conceptualised as an additional job resource associated with other job and personal resources, which mutually reinforce each other, promoting well‐being at work. Efficient clinical supervision is probably both an antecedent as well as a consequence of well‐being at work.Relevance to clinical practice.  The results of this study advocate management planning to provide formal support for health care providers. Medical–surgical nurses are interested in clinical supervision. Reflecting on practice in clinical supervision generates new ideas about how to improve the quality of care and the psychosocial work environment. However, clinical supervision may be viewed as a preventive method rather than a treatment for burnout.
Phylogeography and species biogeography of montane Great Basin stoneflies
Authors: SCHULTHEIS ALICIA S. , BOOTH JACKIE Y. , PERLMUTTER LISA R. , BOND JASON E. , SHELDON ANDREW L. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSky islands are ideal systems for determining the effects of climatic oscillations on species distributions and genetic structure. Our study focused on montane stonefly populations in the Great Basin of western North America. We used niche‐based distribution modelling, phylogeography and traditional species‐based biogeography to test several hypotheses as follows: (i) genetic differentiation among Doroneuria baumanni populations will be independent of hydrologic connectivity (headwater model); (ii) Sky islands were colonized when habitat was more continuous and populations likely experienced multiple expansions and contractions; (iii) Colonization events were coincident with the late Pleistocene and Holocene; and (iv) Shared topography and climate history will result in concordant patterns of genetic differentiation in D. baumanni and occurrences of 32 stonefly species across the region. Overall, ΦST’s and coalescent‐based estimates of migration were consistent with the headwater model. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian gene trees identified three major nonoverlapping east‐west clades. Distribution modelling indicated more suitable habitat in the Great Basin during the Last Glacial Maximum than at present, but none during the last interglacial period. Demographic analyses showed evidence of population expansion in one of the three major east–west clades. Intra‐clade divergence times (60 000–183 000 ybp) were well within the late Pleistocene while among‐clade divergence times (499 000–719 000 ybp) were deeper. Genetic differentiation in D. baumanni and distributions of stonefly species were significantly concordant. These results imply that climatic oscillations have played major roles in shaping the genetic structure and distributions of Great Basin stoneflies, but that divergence among clades occurred much earlier than our late Pleistocence/early Holocene predictions.
Cost of standard indoor ultra‐low‐volume space spraying as a method to control adult dengue vectors
Authors: Ditsuwan Thanittha , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Ditsuwan Vallop , Thammapalo Suwich 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectives To access the costs of standard indoor ultra‐low‐volume (SID‐ULV) space spraying for controlling dengue vectors in Thailand.Methods Resources related to SID‐ULV space spraying as a method to control dengue vectors between July and December 2009 were identified, measured and valued taking a societal perspective into consideration. Information on costs was collected from direct observations, interviews and bookkeeping records. Uncertainty of unit costs was investigated using a bootstrap technique.Results Costs of SID‐ULV were calculated from 18 new dengue cases that covered 1492 surrounding houses. The average coverage of the SID‐ULV was 64.4%. In the first round of spraying, 53% of target houses were sprayed and 44.6% in the second round, of which 69.2% and 54.7% received entire indoor space spraying. Unit costs per case, per 10 houses and per 100 m2were USD 705 (95% Confidence Interval CI, 539–888), 180 (95% CI, 150–212) and USD 23 (95% CI, 17–30). The majority of SID‐ULV unit cost per case was attributed to productivity loss (83.9%) and recurrent costs (15.2%). The unit cost of the SID‐ULV per case and per house in rural was 2.8 and 1.6 times lower than municipal area. The estimated annual cost of SID‐ULV space spraying from 2005 to 2009 using healthcare perspective ranged from USD 5.3 to 10.3 million.Conclusions The majority of the cost of SID‐ULV space spraying was attributed to productivity loss. Potential productivity loss influences the achievement of high coverage, so well‐planned SID‐ULV space spraying strategies are needed to reduce costs.
Wood anatomical responses of oak saplings exposed to air warming and soil drought
Authors: Fonti P. , Heller O. , Cherubini P. , Rigling A. , Arend M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWater is vital for plant performance and survival. Its scarcity, induced by a seasonal decline in soil water availability or an increase of evaporative demand, can cause failures of the water conducting system. An adequate tolerance to drought and the ability to acclimate to changing hydraulic conditions are important features for the survival of long‐lived woody plants in dry environments. In this study we examine secondary growth and xylem anatomical acclimation of 6 year old saplings of three European oak species (Quercus robur, Q. petraea, Q. pubescens) during the third consecutive year of exposure to soil drought and/or air warming (from 2007 to 2009). Intra‐annual pinning was applied to mark the development of the formation of the annual ring 2009. Vessel size, parenchyma cell density and fiber size produced at different time of the growing season 2009 were compared between drought and warming treatments and species. Drought reduced secondary growth and induced changes in xylem structure while air warming had little effect on wood anatomical traits. Results indicate that drought‐exposed saplings adjust their xylem structure to improve resistance and repairing abilities after cavitation. All species show a significant radial growth reduction, a reduced vessel size with diminished conductivity and a slightly increased density of parenchyma cells. Comparisons between species fostered our understanding of the relationship between the inter‐specific xylem hydraulic plasticity and the ecological response to drought. The stronger changes observed for Q. robur and Q. petraea indicate a lower drought tolerance than Q. pubescens.
454 Sequencing for the Identification of Genes Differentially Expressed in Avocado Fruit (cv. Fuerte) Infected by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Djami‐Tchatchou Arnaud Thierry , Straker Colin John , Allie Farhahna 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe anthracnose pathogen, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. & Sacc., is a major cause of disease in the avocado industry, causing significant economic losses, and infects all cultivars. In South Africa, cvs Fuerte and Hass are the most widely grown. Identification of genes differentially expressed in avocado during infection with the fungus represents an important step towards understanding the plants defence responses and would assist in designing appropriate intervention strategies. In this study, 454 sequencing and analysis of the transcriptome of infected cv. Fuerte avocado fruits were performed using the Roche 454 GS FLX Titanium platform. cDNA libraries enriched for differentially expressed genes were constructed from unharvested and harvested avocado fruit tissues collected after 1, 4 and 24 h postinfection (early response) and after 3, 4, 5 and 7 days postinfection (late response), then sequenced. RT‐PCR was used to validate the sequencing results. The single sequencing run produced 215 781 reads from the transcriptome with an average sequence length of 252–300 nucleotides. A total of 70.6 megabases of sequence data were generated and subjected to BLAST searches from which 639 genes encoding proteins functioning in metabolism, signal transduction, transcriptional control, defence, stress, transportation processes and some genes with unknown functions were identified. Avocado is able to respond to C. gloeosporioides infection by exhibiting a sophisticated molecular system for pathogen recognition and by activating structural and biochemical defence mechanisms. This study represents the first transcriptome analysis of avocado fruit following infection with C. gloeosporioides, and the findings are discussed in relation to the known or putative functions of the gene products.