bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Candida albicans, a distinctive fungal model for cellular aging study
Authors: Fu Xiao‐Hong , Meng Fei‐Long , Hu Yan , Zhou Jin‐Qiu 
Published: August 2008

SummaryThe unicellular eukaryotic organisms represent the popular model systems to understand aging in eukaryotes. Candida albicans, a polymorphic fungus, appears to be another distinctive unicellular aging model in addition to the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The two types of Candida cells, yeast (blastospore) form and hyphal (filamentous) form, have similar replicative lifespan. Taking the advantage of morphologic changes, we are able to obtain cells of different ages. Old Candida cells tend to accumulate glycogen and oxidatively damaged proteins. Deletion of the SIR2 gene causes a decrease of lifespan, while insertion of an extra copy of SIR2 extends lifespan, indicating that like in S. cerevisiae, Sir2 regulates cellular aging in C. albicans. Interestingly, Sir2 deletion does not result in the accumulation of extra‐chromosomal rDNA molecules, but influences the retention of oxidized proteins in mother cells, suggesting that the extra‐chromosomal rDNA molecules may not be associated with cellular aging in C. albicans. This novel aging model, which allows efficient large‐scale isolation of old cells, may facilitate biochemical characterizations and genomics/proteomics studies of cellular aging, and help to verify the aging pathways observed in other organisms including S. cerevisiae.
Molecular genetic analysis for the Bx subgroup revealing two novel alleles in the ABO gene
Authors: Cai Xiao‐Hong , Jin Sha , Liu Xi , Shen Wei , Lu Qiong , Wang Jian‐Lian , Fan Liang‐Feng , Sun Ji‐Li , Liu Da‐Zhuang , Xiang Dong 
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Bx is a very rare ABO blood group phenotype and the molecular mechanism underlying it still remains largely unknown. This study reports two novel Bx alleles in two Chinese individuals.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Serologic investigations including serum transferase activity assay were performed with standard methods. DNA sequences of all seven exons and exon‐intron boundaries of ABO gene were analyzed using genomic DNA by polymerase chain reaction and direct DNA sequencing or sequencing after gene cloning.RESULTS: Bx phenotypes were diagnosed in these two individuals. DNA analysis revealed that the ABO gene of the two Bx individuals was heterozygous of O01/B alleles. Two novel heterozygous mutations 905A>G and 541T>C were identified, respectively, which resulted in the amino acid changes D302G and W181R in the B glycosyltransferases. The mutations were not found in 120 randomly selected samples.CONCLUSION: Amino acid substitutions resulted from novel mutations 905A>G and 541T>C on ABO gene change highly conserved regions of the enzyme and may reduce the activity of the glycosyltransferases, leading to the Bx phenotype.
Investigation of CTLA‐4 and CD28 gene polymorphisms in a group of Turkish patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Dilmec F. , Ozgonul A. , Uzunkoy A. , Akkafa F. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryColorectal cancer (CRC), also called colon cancer or bowel cancer, includes cancerous growths in the colon, rectum and appendix. The immune system is an important defence mechanism against cancer and is often dysfunctional in patients with malignancies. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) and CD28 genes encode receptors that provide negative and positive signals, respectively. Polymorphisms in these genes can affect their functions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association of cancer with the frequencies and roles of CTLA‐4/+49A > G (exon 1) and –318C > T (promoter), and CD28/IVS3 + 17T > C (intron 3 position + 17). These polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) in 218 Turkish subjects (56 patients with CRC and 162 healthy controls). No statistically significant differences in the genotype distributions of CTLA‐4/+49GG (1.8% vs. 6.8%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.250, P = 0.305) and CTLA‐4/−318TT (0% vs. 0.6%, OR = 1.006, P = 1.000), and CD28/IVS3 + 17CC (8.9% vs. 3.7%, OR = 0.2411, P = 0.155) between patients with CRC and healthy controls, were observed. We also found that there were no significant differences in the frequencies of CTLA‐4/+49G (18.8% vs. 20.1%, OR = 0.920, P = 0.891) and CTLA‐4/−318T (7.1% vs. 4.3%, OR = 1.653, P = 0.314), and CD28/IVS3 + 17C alleles (25.9% vs. 19.1%, OR = 1.353, P = 0.139) between two study groups. Present results suggested that CTLA‐4 and CD28 gene polymorphisms did not play an important role in Turkish patients with CRC.
FCER1A gene proximal promoter polymorphisms in Caucasians and East Asians
Authors: Potaczek D. P. , Sanak M. , Nishiyama C. , Okumura K. , Ogawa H. , Szczeklik A. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryTwo FCER1A gene proximal promoter polymorphisms, –344C > T and –95T > C, both associated with total serum IgE and/or allergic disorders in Caucasians and East Asians, were shown to influence the gene expression in additive manner. In face of the rarity of other proximal promoter variants in Caucasians or their lack in East Asians, future investigations of the FCER1A locus in these ethnic groups should probably focus on three common haplotypes of the common –344C > T and –95T > C polymorphisms.
Genetic Diversity and Association Analysis for Salinity Tolerance, Heading Date and Plant Height of Barley Germplasm Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Eleuch Lilia , Jilal Abderrazek , Grando Stefania , Ceccarelli Salvatore , Von Korff Schmising Maria , Tsujimoto Hisashi , Hajer Amara , Daaloul Abderrazek , Baum Michael 
Published: August 2008

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the genetic diversity of barley accessions. Additionally, association trait analysis was conducted for grain yield under salinity, heading date and plant height. For this purpose, 48 barley genotypes were analyzed with 22 microsatellite simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Four of the 22 markers (Bmac316, scssr03907, HVM67 and Bmag770) were able to differentiate all barley genotypes. Cluster and principal coordinate analysis allowed a clear grouping between countries from the same region. The genotypes used in this study have been evaluated for agronomic performance in different environments. Conducting association analysis for grain yield under salinity conditions using TASSEL software revealed a close association of the marker Bmag749 (2H, bin 13) in two different environments with common significant alleles (175, 177), whereas the HVHOTR1 marker (2H, bin 3) was only significant in Sakhar_Egypt with alleles size being 158 and 161. Heading date also showed an association with scssr03907 through the common significant specific allele 111 and EBmac0415 markers in three different agro climatic locations, whereas HVCMA, scssr00103 and HVM67 were linked to heading date in the Egyptian environment only. The plant height association analysis revealed significant markers Bmag770 via the significant allele 152 and scssr09398.
Isolation and Characterization of a C‐repeat Binding Transcription Factor from Maize
Authors: Wang Lei , Luo Yanzhong , Zhang Lan , Zhao Jun , Hu Zhiqiu , Fan Yunliu , Zhang Chunyi 
Published: August 2008

Abstract C‐repeat binding proteins (CBFs) are a group of transcription factors that have been proven to be important for stress tolerance in plants. Many of these transcription factors transactivate the promoters of cold‐regulated genes via binding to low temperature‐ or dehydration‐responsive cis‐elements, thus conferring plants cold acclimation. In the present study, we isolated a C‐repeat binding transcription factor from maize using the yeast one‐hybrid system with the C‐repeat motif from the promoter of the Arabidopsis COR15a gene as bait. The isolated transcription factor is highly similar to the Arabidopsis CBF3 in their predicted amino acid sequences, and is therefore designated ZmCBF3. Point mutation analyses of the ZmCBF3‐binding cis‐element revealed (A/G)(C/T)CGAC as the core binding sequence. Expression analyses showed that ZmCBF3 was upregulated by both abscisic acid and low temperature, and was actively expressed during embryogenesis, suggesting that ZmCBF3 plays a role in stress response in maize.
Cold tolerance and cold hardening strategy of the Japanese pine sawyer Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Tian Jing , Hao Shu‐Guang , Kong Wei‐Na , Ma Rui‐Yan , Kang Le 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus, is an important pine forest pest and vector transmitting the pine wilt nematode that causes pine wilt disease. Low temperatures in autumn, winter and spring often differentially affect mortality of M. alternatus larvae. In this paper, we mainly compared the differences of mortality and cold hardening of larvae from different seasons, based on supercooling point (SCP) and cumulative probability of individuals freezing (CPIF). The cold hardening of the larvae from autumn, winter and spring seasons were largely different. Correlations between mortality and CPIF of autumn and spring larvae were highest on day 1/4, and gradually decreased with prolonged exposure duration. This beetle's death mainly resulted from freezing in short exposure duration. However, the correlation between mortality and CPIF of winter larvae increased gradually with the prolonged exposure duration. Death did not mainly result from freezing in long exposure duration. Autumn larvae are more susceptible and adaptable than winter and spring larvae. Winter larvae have a slight freeze‐tolerance trend. Our research showed that M. alternatus came into complex cold‐hardening strategies under natural selection. Freeze avoidance is the primary strategy; with prolonged exposure duration to above SCP or < 0 °C, chill tolerance is more important; this is followed by freeze tolerance during harsh winters.
Further compatibility tests of the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium with conventional insecticide products for control of sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci on poinsettia plants
Authors: Cuthbertson Andrew G. S. , Blackburn Lisa F. , Northing Phil , Luo Weiqi , Cannon Raymond J. C. , Walters Keith F. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe effect on spore germination of the entomopathogenic fungus Lecanicillium muscarium following direct exposure for 24 h to the insecticides Majestik, Spray Oil, Agri‐50E, Savona and Oberon for the control of both egg and second instar stages of the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, was determined. Exposure to both Agri‐50E and Oberon was followed by acceptable spore germination. Infectivity rates of L. muscarium on poinsettia foliage in the presence of dry residues of the insecticides were also investigated. No significant detrimental effects on the levels of control of B. tabaci were recorded compared with fungus applied to residue‐free foliage. Sequential application of the chemicals Savona, Spray Oil and Majestik with the fungus all produced mortalities of second instar B. tabaci above 90%. Incorporation of these chemicals with L. muscarium into integrated control programs for B. tabaci is discussed.
THE EFFECTS OF USING ALTERNATIVE SWEETENERS TO SUCROSE ON ICE CREAM QUALITY
Authors: OZDEMIR CIHAT , DAGDEMIR ELIF , OZDEMIR SALIH , SAGDIC OSMAN 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT In this study, seven different ice cream samples were produced using sucrose, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), glucose syrup (GS), honey, sucrose + GS, sucrose + HFCS and sucrose + honey mixtures (1/1). The ice cream samples containing only sucrose were used as control. The acidity values of the samples with sucrose and GS were lower than those of the others. The viscosity value of the sample containing honey and stored for 15 days was the lowest. When honey together with sucrose (1/1) was added to the ice cream mixture, the viscosity increased. On the other hand, using honey increased the fat destabilization value. The overrun ratio of the sample with sucrose was the highest. The lowest melting ratio was determined in samples containing GS at the beginning of storage period. The melting ratios of the ice creams slightly increased during 15 days of the storage. The highest glucose and fructose amounts were observed in the samples made with honey. Panellists preferred the ice cream samples with sucrose + GS compared to control and the other samples.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDue to increasing consumer demands for low calorie foods, products made with alternative sweeteners have became more popular recently. Changing attitudes in sucrose consumption have heightened because of its causing effect to diabetes and obesity. Therefore there is a need for evaluating the alternative sweeteners. Although there were many studies about ice cream in the literature, there are few studies on using different sugars in ice cream production.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT STORAGE CONDITIONS ON THE LIPID FRACTION OF A VEGETABLE CREAM
Authors: FERIOLI FEDERICO , CASTAGNETTI GIAN BATTISTA , CABONI MARIA FIORENZA 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT Fatty acids (free and esterified), diglycerides, peroxides and total sterols were determined in a vegetable cream. Cream samples were analyzed when fresh and after storage for 3 and 6 months at 4, 15, 30C and room temperature (10–25C). The product showed a higher amount of unsaturated fatty acids (≈50% of total fatty acids) with respect to milk fat and a low level of cholesterol (<0.01%). The phytosterol content (≈14 mg/100 g of cream) was not high enough to contribute to a decrease in cholesterolemia. Lipid oxidation remained low during storage (peroxides: 2.0–3.0 meq O2/kg of fat), but a small increase was observed at room temperature after 6 months (about 6.0 meq O2/kg of fat). Free fatty acids never exceeded 0.3% of fat. Storage at 4C and 15C delayed lipolysis in comparison to storage at 30C and room temperature.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe analysis of a vegetable cream demonstrated that it was a shelf‐stable product, showing a high stability toward lipid oxidation and lipolysis. Such a product might be employed as vehicle for healthy fat compounds like long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols and fat‐soluble vitamins.
PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF MEAT BY PEA FIBER AND WHEAT FIBER: EFFECT ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, COOKING CHARACTERISTICS AND SENSORY PROPERTIES OF BEEF BURGERS
Authors: BESBES SOUHAIL , ATTIA HAMADI , DEROANNE CLAUDE , MAKNI SAKANDER , BLECKER CHRISTOPHE 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT Pea fiber concentrate (PFC) and wheat fiber concentrate (WFC) were used as dietary fibers in beef burger formulation. These fibers were characterized in terms of chemical composition and techno‐functional properties. WFC and PFC presented similar water‐binding capacity (3.12 g/g and 3.07 g/g, respectively), whereas a higher oil‐binding capacity was observed for WFC (2.89 g/g versus 1.74 g/g). In this study, the level of PFC was fixed at 0.5%, whereas different levels of WFC (0.5%, 1% and 1.5%) were tested. The water‐holding capacity of raw beef burger was significantly higher with the addition of fibers. The use of these dietary fibers in beef burger formulation improves their cooking properties, i.e., increases the cooking yield and decreases the shrinkage, and minimizes production cost without degradation of sensory properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe use of dietary fiber and water for meat replacement in beef burger formulation was investigated in order to reduce production costs and to improve nutritional characteristics and cooking properties of beef burgers without affecting sensory properties.
SEASONAL CHANGES IN PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF ANCHOVY AND STORAGE STABILITY OF ANCHOVY OIL
Authors: BORAN GÖKHAN , BORAN MUHAMMET , KARAÇAM HİKMET 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT Changes in proximate composition of anchovy were investigated during the catching season from October to March. In addition, stability of anchovy oil depending on storage temperature and time were studied. During the recent study, water, fat, protein and ash content of anchovy varied between 65.9–74.0%, 9.0–15.3%, 12.8–16.4% and 1.7–2.2%, respectively. The anchovy oil stored at 4C was found to be unacceptable for consumption at the end of the 90th day of storage according to peroxide, acid, unsaponifiable matter and thiobarbituric acid values. An identical sample stored at−18C was acceptable for 120 days of storage, but eventually became unacceptable after that.PRACTICAL APLICATIONSAnchovy has a great economic importance for the Turkish fishery industry. Approximately 42% of the annual catch of anchovy is used in fish meal and oil production in Turkey (SIS 2002). Therefore, the proximate composition of anchovy and seasonal changes have fundamental importance for consumers, manufacturers and wholesalers, because it is important for consumers to know what they eat, for manufacturers to figure out how they manage long storage stability for their products, and for wholesalers to buy equivalent of their payment. An important issue that has attracted attention of the manufacturers is the storage life of fish oil. Therefore, the results presented in this study are expected to be useful for the fish oil industry in Turkey or even in other countries processing anchovy into fish oil.
Europe’s CAP: Changes and Challenges Die europäische GAP: Änderungen und Herausforderungen La PAC européenne : changements et défis
Authors: Fischler Franz 
Published: August 2008

SummaryEurope’s CAP: Changes and ChallengesImportant changes have occurred in the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union. The reforms during my term as EU Commissioner have modernised the CAP and prepared European agriculture and rural areas for the opportunities and challenges we face nowadays. Agenda 2000 established the second pillar of the CAP, a trendsetting step for the development of rural areas and European agricultural policies. Another fundamental reform followed in 2003. The CAP and the latest reforms are now being reviewed and further enhanced in the so‐called ‘Health Check’, which will result in a further improvement of the CAP. Adjustments will be introduced as deemed necessary to further simplify the policy, as well as preparing it for new challenges such as climate change, bioenergy, water management and the protection of biodiversity. At the annual Winter Congress of the Ecosocial Forum Austria a range of well‐known scientists, politicians in the field of Austrian agriculture and representatives of private corporations were invited to discuss these challenges in both an Austrian and global context. A key message from the Congress was that strategies have to be developed to ensure sustainable production of biofuel without deteriorating the food security situation in the Least Developed Countries, where food shortages are predicted to quintuple between 2000 and 2030.
Agricultural Commodity Prices: Perspectives and Policies Landwirtschaftliche Rohstoffpreise: Perspektiven und Politiken Les prix des produits de base agricoles : perspectives et politiques
Authors: Tangermann Stefan 
Published: August 2008

Agricultural Commodity Prices: Perspectives and PoliciesWorld prices of wheat, coarse grains, rice and oilseed crops nearly doubled between 2005 and 2007 and continued to rise into 2008, although some of them later started to fall back. The price increases have been a significant factor driving up the price of food to consumers and the cost of feed for cereal‐based livestock producers. They have drawn heightened attention to problems of food security and hunger, especially for poorer food consumers in developing countries. A major question is whether these price increases reflect a fundamental change in global food markets and an end to the long‐term downward trend in falling real prices of agricultural commodities. Understanding the causes of the recent price increases in the context of long‐term trends is vital in order to identify the appropriate policy responses by governments. This article, based on the latest OECD‐FAO Agricultural Outlook, 2008–2017, focuses on the factors behind the price increases, the medium‐term perspectives, and the appropriate policy responses. Rising food prices is an issue of a truly global nature. A calm, objective response is needed now from individual governments and from international organisations in order to ensure an effective and a coherent global response, and to avoid making a difficult situation worse.
Setting up An Acute Stroke Service
Authors: Reckless Ian , Nagel Simon , Buchan Alastair 
Published: August 2008

The administration of intravenous thrombolytic therapy to appropriate patients and the provision of care in a dedicated stroke unit setting form the pillars of evidence-based acute stroke care. Yet, the availability of these interventions remains variable around the world. Many challenges exist for physicians attempting to set up an acute stroke service for the first time. Based upon their experience in three countries, the authors propose 12 key steps in setting up a successful acute stroke service: identify the building blocks understand local funding mechanisms forge partnerships engage senior managers obtain training be inclusive adapt to local surroundings maintain a clinical focus be incremental capitalise on the enthusiasm of others lead from the front; and provide feedback. The authors then examine some of the specific barriers that may be encountered and offer three historical examples of evidence-based interventions that were slow to be adopted. An acute stroke service is evidence-based and cost effective, yet the ability of patients to access such a service is variable, even in the developed world. By considering 12 common-sense steps, physicians and managers can maximise their chances of setting up a sustainable and successful acute stroke service.
Linking data to tobacco control program action among students aged 13–15 in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states, 2000–2006
Authors: Sirichotiratana N , Sovann S , Aditama T Y , Krishnan M , Kyaing N N , Miguel-Baquilod M , Hai P T , Sinha D N , Warren C W , Jones N R 
Published: August 2008

Background:The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has made tobacco use prevention a primary health issue. All ASEAN countries except Indonesia have ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), the world’s first public health treaty on tobacco control.Methods:Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) data were collected from representative samples of students in school grades associated with ages 13–15 in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos (Vientiane), Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam (Hanoi).Results:Current cigarette smoking ranged from less than 5% (Vietnam and Cambodia) to 20.2% in Malaysia. Current use of tobacco products other than cigarettes was less than 10% in all countries. Boys were significantly more likely than girls to smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. Exposure to second-hand smoke in public places was greater than 50%, direct pro-tobacco advertising exposure was greater than 75% and over 10% of students were exposed to indirect advertising. Over 60% of students who currently smoked cigarettes wanted to stop, but 80% who tried to quit in the year prior to the survey failed.Conclusions:Efforts to reduce the current and projected harm caused by tobacco use in the ASEAN countries are urgently needed. ASEAN countries need to expand their national comprehensive tobacco prevention and control programs and enforce those laws already passed. Without this effort little reduction can be expected in the burden of chronic diseases and tobacco-related mortality.