bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid and sensitive determination of formaldehyde in some beverages and foods by flow‐injection fluorimetric analysis
Authors: Zhao Xiao‐Qing , Zhang Zhi‐Qi 
Published: September 2008

SummaryA simple and sensitive flow‐injection (FI) method for rapid determination of formaldehyde in beverage and food products has been developed. Adopting stop‐flow technique, the proposed method distinctly improved the sensitivity of FI fluorimetric method for the determination of formaldehyde based on Hantzsch reaction with cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione. The fluorescent intensity was proportional to formaldehyde concentrations ranging 0.1 ng mL−1 to 1.000 μg mL−1, and the detection limit (S/N = 3) was 0.04 ng mL−1 of formaldehyde. The relative standard deviations (n = 11) for determination of 0.100 and 0.005 μg mL−1 of formaldehyde were 1.3% and 2.1%, respectively. The analytical frequency was 18 samples per hour. This method was applied directly for the determination of formaldehyde in diluted beverages and extraction solutions of foods, and the results obtained correlated well with those obtained by the standard method in which a sample pretreatment of steam distillation was required.
Enrichment of land‐cover polygons with eco‐climatic information derived from MODIS NDVI imagery
Authors: Maselli Fabio , Di Gregorio Antonio , Capecchi Valerio , Breda Federico 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAim  The FAO land‐cover classification system (LCCS) represents an innovative approach to standardizing and harmonizing land‐cover classifications based on remote sensing data. The thematic information considered by the LCCS, however, is intrinsically related to vegetation physiognomy and does not report important eco‐climatic features. Our aim is to develop a methodology to enrich LCCS maps with information on vegetation productivity and phenology derived from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data.Location  The LCCS has recently been applied in East Africa by the Africover project. The proposed methodology is developed and tested in Tanzania using MODIS NDVI data for a 5‐year period (2001–05).Methods  Annual NDVI profiles of Africover polygons were extracted from MODIS imagery. These profiles, composed of 23 NDVI values per year, were averaged over the study period, purified for possible land‐cover errors and converted into a more manageable format composed of 24 half‐month values. The resulting NDVI profiles were first analysed visually and then evaluated statistically against rainfall measurements taken at 12 Tanzanian stations. The steps involved were as follows: NDVI values were aggregated on a monthly basis and represented with a one‐digit integer to obtain an extended code; a subset of parameters describing vegetation development and phenology was identified, thus obtaining a restricted codification; and finally, the information loss resulting from both the extended and restricted codification was evaluated with respect to the original NDVI profiles.Results  NDVI profiles of different Africover classes can differ in mean values but tend to have a similar shape, linked to the seasonality of local vegetation. Both NDVI annual averages and seasonal variations are strictly dependent on rainfall patterns, particularly in arid zones. The tested codifications effectively summarize the eco‐climatic information contained in the polygon NDVI profiles, with the extended and restricted codifications retaining > 90% and 80% of such information, respectively.Main conclusions  The proposed methodology is capable of enriching LCCS polygons with eco‐climatic information derived from MODIS NDVI data. Such information is related to vegetation development and seasonality, and can be efficiently condensed at various levels of detail.
Exercise workload, cardiovascular risk factor evaluation and the risk of stroke in middle‐aged men
Authors: Kurl S. , Sivenius J. , Mäkikallio T. H. , Rauramaa R. , Laukkanen J. A. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Objective.  We investigated the prognostic significance of risk scores and exercise workload with respect to stroke.Background.  There are no data on exercise workload combined with European Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) in the prediction of stroke.Methods.  Exercise workload was measured by exercise test with an electrically braked cycle ergometer performed at baseline. The study is based on a random population‐based sample of 1639 men (42–60 years) without history of type 2 diabetes or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease including coronary heart disease, stroke or claudication.Results.  During an average follow‐up of 16 years, a total of 97 strokes occurred, of which 71 were ischaemic strokes. Independent predictors for all strokes were European SCORE [for 1% increment, relative risk (RR): 1.12, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.22, P = 0.017), maximal workload (for 20 W increment, RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.95, P = 0.003) and body mass index (for 5 kg m−2 increment, RR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.14, P = 0.004), when adjusted for serum HDL, alcohol consumption, C‐reactive protein, family history of coronary heart disease, exercise‐induced ST changes and the use of medications for hypertension, dyslipidaemia or aspirin. The risk was 2.54‐fold (95% CI: 1.27–5.09, P = 0.008) for any strokes and 4.43‐fold (95% CI 1.69–11.78, P = 0.003) for ischaemic strokes amongst men with exercise capacity less than 162 W when compared with those with high exercise capacity over 230 W, after adjustment for risk factors.Conclusions.  Low exercise workload predicts an especially high risk for stroke in the presence of high risk SCORE.
Circulating serum adiponectin levels in patients with coronary artery disease: relationship to atherosclerotic burden and cardiac function
Authors: Patel J. V. , Abraheem A. , Dotsenko O. , Creamer J. , Gunning M. , Hughes E. A. , Lip G. Y. H. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Background.  Abnormal adipocyte function is implicated in both the pathophysiology of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiac function, where adiponectin provides a putative link. However, the utility of adiponectin as a discriminator of CHD severity is unclear and may be confounded by cardiac function. We hypothesized that plasma adiponectin would relate to indices of coronary artery disease severity (coronary atheroma scores, CAS), ejection fraction (EF) and regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) therein.Method.  We measured adiponectin using a cross‐sectional approach, we measured plasma adiponectin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 204 consecutive patients (aged 34–81 years) undergoing elective coronary angiography.Results.  Levels of adiponectin decreased in an ordinal fashion across tertiles of increasing CAS (P = 0.047), but were nonsignificantly correlated to absolute values of CAS (P = 0.06). Adiponectin levels were unrelated to left ventricular dysfunction related measures of RWMA or EF. On multivariate analysis, (including factors relating to CHD risk, history and medication) adiponectin levels were independently inversely associated with triglycerides (P = 0.001), CAS tertiles (P = 0.01) and positively with age (P < 0.001).Conclusion.  Levels of adiponectin decreased with coronary artery disease severity, without impact from systolic dysfunction, but levels may be moderated through established CHD risk factors such as smoking and triglycerides. Further work is warranted as to the clinical prognostic utility of this marker amongst CHD patients.
Effects of vitamin D supplementation on symptoms of depression in overweight and obese subjects: randomized double blind trial
Authors: Jorde R. , Sneve M. , Figenschau Y. , Svartberg J. , Waterloo K. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Objectives.  The objective of the present study was to examine the cross‐sectional relation between serum 25‐hydoxyvitamin D [25‐(OH) D] levels and depression in overweight and obese subjects and to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on depressive symptoms.Design.  Cross‐sectional study and randomized double blind controlled trial of 20.000 or 40.000 IU vitamin D per week versus placebo for 1 year.Setting.  A total of 441 subjects (body mass index 28–47 kg m−2, 159 men and 282 women, aged 21–70 years) recruited by advertisements or from the out‐patient clinic at the University Hospital of North Norway.Main outcome measures.  Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score with subscales 1–13 and 14–21.Results.  Subjects with serum 25(OH)D levels <40 nmol L−1 scored significantly higher (more depressive traits) than those with serum 25(OH)D levels ≥40 nmol L−1 on the BDI total [6.0 (0–23) versus 4.5 (0–28) (median and range)] and the BDI subscale 1–13 [2.0 (0–15) versus 1.0 (0–29.5)] (P < 0.05). In the two groups given vitamin D, but not in the placebo group, there was a significant improvement in BDI scores after 1 year. There was a significant decrease in serum parathyroid hormone in the two vitamin D groups without a concomitant increase in serum calcium.Conclusions.  It appears to be a relation between serum levels of 25(OH)D and symptoms of depression. Supplementation with high doses of vitamin D seems to ameliorate these symptoms indicating a possible causal relationship.
Blood p50 evaluation enhances diagnostic definition of isolated erythrocytosis
Authors: Rumi E. , Passamonti F. , Pagano L. , Ammirabile M. , Arcaini L. , Elena C. , Flagiello A. , Tedesco R. , Vercellati C. , Marcello A. P. , Pietra D. , Moratti R. , Cazzola M. , Lazzarino M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Background.  High oxygen‐affinity haemoglobin variants and 2,3‐diphosphoglycerate (2,3‐DPG) deficiency are inherited diseases generating low tissue oxygen tension and erythropoietin‐driven erythrocytosis, that characterizes the clinical phenotype of patients. Level of blood p50 (the oxygen tension at which haemoglobin is 50% saturated) is used to recognize these conditions.Objectives.  To define the clinical utility of blood p50 measurement in the diagnosis of isolated erythrocytosis.Subjects and design.  Venous blood p50 measurement was included in the diagnostic work‐up of 102 consecutive patients with isolated erythrocytosis besides blood cell count, arterial oxygen saturation, serum erythropoietin measurement and screening for JAK2 mutations.Setting.  Haematological Outpatient Section at University Hospital.Results.  Seven patients had relative erythrocytosis. Among 95 patients with absolute erythrocytosis, 4 (4.2%) had decreased p50 level. The extended study of family members revealed a familial inheritance. Two families had haemoglobin variants already described as Haemoglobin Malmö and Haemoglobin San Diego. In one family, the proband had a new high oxygen‐affinity haemoglobin variant (Haemoglobin Safi) resulting from the transversion C→A at codon 81 of the α2‐globin gene. In the last family, a deficiency of 2,3‐DPG was found. Within the 91 patients with normal p50 values, 46 (51%) had secondary erythrocytosis, 13 (14%) polycythemia vera and 32 (35%) idiopathic erythrocytosis.Conclusions.  This study suggests that the investigation of blood p50 level may be useful to define diagnosis in patients with isolated erythrocytosis.
Localization of PBP3 in Caulobacter crescentus is highly dynamic and largely relies on its functional transpeptidase domain
Authors: Costa Teresa , Priyadarshini Richa , Jacobs‐Wagner Christine 
Published: September 2008

SummaryIn rod‐shaped bacteria, septal peptidoglycan synthesis involves the late recruitment of the ftsI gene product (PBP3 in Escherichia coli) to the FtsZ ring. We show that in Caulobacter crescentus, PBP3 accumulates at the new pole at the beginning of the cell cycle. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments reveal that polar PBP3 molecules are, constantly and independently of FtsZ, replaced by those present in the cellular pool, implying that polar PBP3 is not a remnant of the previous division. By the time cell constriction is initiated, all PBP3 polar accumulation has disappeared in favour of an FtsZ‐dependent localization near midcell, consistent with PBP3 function in cell division. Kymograph analysis of time‐lapse experiments shows that the recruitment of PBP3 to the FtsZ ring is progressive and initiated very early on, shortly after FtsZ ring formation and well before cell constriction starts. Accumulation of PBP3 near midcell is also highly dynamic with a rapid exchange of PBP3 molecules between midcell and cellular pools. Localization of PBP3 at both midcell and pole appears multifactorial, primarily requiring the catalytic site of PBP3. Collectively, our results suggest a role for PBP3 in pole morphogenesis and provide new insights into the process of peptidoglycan assembly during division.
Origin and function of the two major tail proteins of bacteriophage SPP1
Authors: Auzat Isabelle , Dröge Anja , Weise Frank , Lurz Rudi , Tavares Paulo 
Published: September 2008

SummaryThe majority of bacteriophages have a long non‐contractile tail (Siphoviridae) that serves as a conduit for viral DNA traffic from the phage capsid to the host cell at the beginning of infection. The 160‐nm‐long tail tube of Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage SPP1 is shown to be composed of two major tail proteins (MTPs), gp17.1 and gp17.1*, at a ratio of about 3:1. They share a common amino‐terminus, but the latter species has ∼10 kDa more than gp17.1. A CCC.UAA sequence with overlapping proline codons at the 3′ end of gene 17.1 drives a programmed translational frameshift to another open reading frame. The recoding event generates gp17.1*. Phages carrying exclusively gp17.1 or gp17.1* are viable, but tails are structurally distinct. gp17.1 and the carboxyl‐terminus of gp17.1* have a distinct evolutionary history correlating with different functions: the polypeptide sequence identical in the two proteins is responsible for assembly of the tail tube while the additional module of gp17.1* shields the structure exterior exposed to the environment. The carboxyl‐terminal extension is an elaboration present in some tailed bacteriophages. Different extensions were found to combine in a mosaic fashion with the MTP essential module in a subset of Siphoviridae genomes.
An antioxidant redox system in the nucleus of wheat seed cells suffering oxidative stress
Authors: Pulido Pablo , Cazalis Roland , Cejudo Francisco Javier 
Published: September 2008

SummaryCereal seed cells contain different mechanisms for protection against the oxidative stress that occurs during maturation and germination. One such mechanism is based on the antioxidant activity of a 1‐Cys peroxiredoxin (1‐Cys Prx) localized in the nuclei of aleurone and scutellum cells. However, nothing is known about the mechanism of activation of this enzyme. Here, we describe the pattern of localization of NADPH thioredoxin reductase (NTR) in developing and germinating wheat seeds using an immunocytochemical analysis. The presence of NTR in transfer cells, vascular tissue, developing embryo and root meristematic cells, agrees with the localization of thioredoxin h (Trx h), and supports the important function of the NTR/Trx system in cell proliferation and communication. Interestingly, NTR is found in the nuclei of seed cells suffering oxidative stress, thus showing co‐localization with Trx h and 1‐Cys Prx. To test whether the NTR/Trx system serves as a reductant of the 1‐Cys Prx, we cloned a full‐length cDNA encoding 1‐Cys Prx from wheat, and expressed the recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. Using the purified components, we show NTR‐dependent activity of the 1‐Cys Prx. Mutants of the 1‐Cys Prx allowed us to demonstrate that the peroxidatic residue of the wheat enzyme is Cys46, which is overoxidized in vitro under oxidant conditions. Analysis of extracts from developing and germinating seeds confirmed 1‐Cys Prx overoxidation in vivo. Based on these results, we propose that NADPH is the source of the reducing power to regenerate 1‐Cys Prx in the nuclei of seed cells suffering oxidative stress, in a process that is catalyzed by NTR.
A conserved mechanism for nitrile metabolism in bacteria and plants
Authors: Howden Andrew J. M. , Jill Harrison C. , Preston Gail M. 
Published: September 2008

Summary Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 is a plant growth‐promoting bacterium that efficiently colonises the leaf surfaces and rhizosphere of a range of plants. Previous studies have identified a putative plant‐induced nitrilase gene (pinA) in P. fluorescens SBW25 that is expressed in the rhizosphere of sugar beet plants. Nitrilase enzymes have been characterised in plants, bacteria and fungi and are thought to be important in detoxification of nitriles, utilisation of nitrogen and synthesis of plant hormones. We reveal that pinA is a NIT4‐type nitrilase that catalyses the hydrolysis of β‐cyano‐l‐alanine, a nitrile common in the plant environment and an intermediate in the cyanide detoxification pathway in plants. In plants cyanide is converted to β‐cyano‐l‐alanine, which is subsequently detoxified to aspartic acid and ammonia by NIT4. In P. fluorescens SBW25 pinA is induced in the presence of β‐cyano‐l‐alanine, and the β‐cyano‐l‐alanine precursors cyanide and cysteine. pinA allows P. fluorescens SBW25 to use β‐cyano‐l‐alanine as a nitrogen source and to tolerate toxic concentrations of this nitrile. In addition, pinA is shown to complement a NIT4 mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana, enabling plants to grow in concentrations of β‐cyano‐l‐alanine that would otherwise prove lethal. Interestingly, over‐expression of pinA in wild‐type A. thaliana not only resulted in increased growth in high concentrations of β‐cyano‐l‐alanine, but also resulted in increased root elongation in the absence of exogenous β‐cyano‐l‐alanine, demonstrating that β‐cyano‐l‐alanine nitrilase activity can have a significant effect on root physiology and root development.
Sequential administration of sargramostim and filgrastim in pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation recipients undergoing myeloablative conditioning†
Authors: Waxman Ian M. , Militano Olga , Baldinger Leah , Roman Elizabeth , Qualter Erin , Morris Erin , Garvin James , Bradley Mary Brigid , Bhatia Monica , Satwani Prakash , George Diane , Del Toro Gustavo , Hawks Ria , Wolownik Karen , Foley Sandra , Cheung Ying‐Kuen , Schwartz Joseph , Van De Ven Carmella , Baxter‐Lowe Lee Ann , Cairo Mitchell S. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract: G‐CSF and GM‐CSF both hasten myeloid engraftment post‐MA‐alloSCT; however, GM‐CSF is earlier acting and less expensive. The objective was to evaluate efficacy/safety of sequential administration of GM‐CSF followed by G‐CSF in children post‐MA‐alloSCT. From January 2001 to June 2005, 31 children received 32 MA‐alloSCT: mean age 6.65 yr; MRD BM or PBSC vs. related or unrelated UCB 11:21; malignant vs. non‐malignant disorders 22:10. GM‐CSF (250 μg/m2 IV QD) began on day of stem cell infusion. GM‐CSF was switched to G‐CSF (10 μg/kg IV QD) when WBC ≥ 300/mm3 × 2 days. G‐CSF continued until ANC ≥ 2500/mm3 × 2 days, then tapered to maintain ANC ≥ 1000/mm3. Median time to myeloid engraftment (ANC ≥ 500/mm3 × 3 days) was 17 days [13 days vs. 24 days, MRD BM/PBSC vs. UCB (p < 0.0001)], occurring at a median time of two days after switch to G‐CSF. Clinically relevant adverse events were bone pain (n = 8) and large pleural effusion (n = 1). It was estimated that sequential GM‐CSF/G‐CSF was cost‐effective compared with G‐CSF alone [cost‐savings of $1311/patient ($41,952/study), 2007 Red Book™ Average Wholesale Price]. In summary, it was demonstrated that sequential administration of GM‐CSF/G‐CSF post‐MA‐alloSCT was safe, cost‐effective and resulted in prompt myeloid engraftment.
Extensive clonality of the endemic Calamagrostis pseudopurpurea Gerstl. ex O.R. Heine in central Germany revealed by RAPD markers
Authors: Schiebold S. , Hensen I. , Wesche K. , Röser M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Calamagrostis pseudopurpurea is one of only a few endemic species in Germany and is confined to the catchment area of the River Mulde in the states of Saxony and Saxony‐Anhalt. We studied the genetic structure and seed viability across its entire distribution area. Patterns of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) variation were analysed using 183 individuals from 43 stands in order to assess the overall genetic structure and the extent of clonality. In addition, four related Calamagrostis species (C. canescens, C. epigejos, C. phragmitoides and C. villosa) were included in our study to consider the probable phylogenetic origin of C. pseudopurpurea. We detected two clearly different RAPD phenotypes of C. pseudopurpurea, each distributed along the river banks of two spatially isolated stream courses. Both phenotypes are present downstream of the confluence. Our results indicate that C. pseudopurpurea originates from two distinct periods of hybridisation between the same parental taxa, and that clonal propagation is most likely the main reproduction method. In line with its hybrid origin, embryos of sampled C. pseudopurpurea caryopses were found to be mostly degraded or unviable over several years. Calamagrostis pseudopurpurea is genetically closer to C. canescens and C. phragmitoides than it is to other studied species, but C. canescens and C. phragmitoides have not been proven to be direct parental taxa of C. pseudopurpurea. Calamagrostis pseudopurpurea should therefore still be treated as a separate species that needs special attention from a conservation point of view.
Microspatial population genetic structure of the Mediterranean shrub Fumana thymifolia
Authors: Jump A. S. , Rico L. , Lloret F. , Peñuelas J. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Fumana thymifolia (Cistaceae) is an insect‐pollinated, gravity‐dispersed evergreen shrub, which is a common component of fire‐prone Mediterranean shrubland ecosystems. Despite the availability of basic knowledge on its ecology, little is known of its breeding system and no information is available on its population genetic structure. We explored the within‐population genetic structure of this species using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers and related this to predictions based on its breeding system, pollen and seed dispersal. Existing information on the reproductive ecology of F. thymifolia was supplemented by artificial pollination experiments. We determined that self‐fertilisation can occur in F. thymifolia but results in reduced fruit set. Significant genetic structuring was detected within the population, a likely consequence of localised seed dispersal in combination with a mixed mating system. In a study site covering approximately 0.5 ha, amova revealed that approximately 9% of genetic variability was distributed among population subsamples. Significant spatial genetic structure was detected, with kinship coefficients being significantly elevated above the null expectation in the first six distance classes (maximum 5 m), and a value of Sp of up to 0.0342, comparable with species having similar ecological characteristics. Weak isolation by distance at the plot scale was detected, suggesting that insect‐mediated pollen flow is non‐random, despite being more extensive than seed dispersal. Fumana thymifolia provides a promising model for the investigation of both short‐ and long‐term population dynamics in relation to fire frequency within this plant community.