bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PPAR‐γ expression in pituitary tumours and the functional activity of the glitazones: evidence that any anti‐proliferative effect of the glitazones is independent of the PPAR‐γ receptor
Authors: Emery Michelle N. , Leontiou Chrysanthia , Bonner Sarah E. , Merulli Chiara , Nanzer Alexandra M. , Musat Madalina , Galloway Malcolm , Powell Michael , Nikookam Khash , Korbonits Márta , Grossman Ashley B. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  It has been reported that both normal pituitary and pituitary tumours express PPAR‐γ, a nuclear hormone receptor, the expression being more abundant in pituitary tumours, and that this is the basis for the reported antiproliferative effects of the thiazolidinedione, rosiglitazone, in animal models. However, the mechanisms for the responsivity to rosiglitazone have remained unclear.Design and measurements To investigate this further, ‘real‐time’ PCR was used to assess PPAR‐γ mRNA expression, and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry to study its protein expression, in 46 human pituitary tumours and normal pituitary tissue. Cell proliferation of the GH3 pituitary cell line was assessed by [3H]‐thymidine‐incorporation after 48 h rosiglitazone and pioglitazone (10−4 m– 10−10 m) treatment alone, or rosiglitazone in combination with the PPAR‐γ antagonist GW9662.Results  PPAR‐γ mRNA and protein was found to be expressed in normal pituitary and was variably expressed in pituitary tumours, but were increased specifically in nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas. However, very little staining was observed with immunohistochemistry, with only occasional cell nuclei stained, and no difference was detectable between controls and tumours. Rosiglitazone at 10−4 mand 10−5 mconcentrations inhibited cell proliferation (10−4 m14·0% ± 1·5% and 10−5 m67% ± 4%[mean ± SEM]vsControl 100% ± 3%,P < 0·0001) while lower concentrations showed no significant effect. Following withdrawal of rosiglitazone 10−5 m, the cells fully recovered at a further 48 h, while lower doses showed a ‘rebound’ of stimulation. Pioglitazone was of similar potency to rosiglitazone in inhibiting proliferation. The PPAR‐γ antagonist did not show a significant reversal of the antiproliferative effect of rosiglitazone, and indeed suppressed proliferation on its own.Conclusions  Our data suggest that the antiproliferative action of rosiglitazone is probably not via PPAR‐γ.
Crystal structure of human Rad GTPase of the RGK‐family
Authors: Yanuar Arry , Sakurai Shigeru , Kitano Ken , Hakoshima Toshio 
Published: July 2006

Rad (Ras associated with diabetes) is an RGK‐family small GTPase that is over‐expressed in the skeletal muscle of humans with type II diabetes. Unlike other small GTPases, RGK family members including Rad lack several conserved residues in the GTPase domain. Here, we report the crystal structure of the GTPase domain of human Rad in the GDP‐bound form at 1.8 Å resolution. The structure revealed unexpected disordered structures of both switches I and II. We showed that the conformational flexibility of both switches is caused by non‐conservative substitutions in the G2 and G3 motifs forming the switch cores together with other substitutions in the structural elements interacting with the switches. Glycine‐rich sequences of the switches would also contribute to the flexibility. Switch I lacks the conserved phenylalanine that makes non‐polar interactions with the guanine base in H‐Ras. Instead, water‐mediated hydrogen bonding interactions were observed in Rad. The GDP molecule is located at the same position as in H‐Ras and adopts a similar conformation as that bound in H‐Ras. This similarity seems to be endowed by the conserved hydrogen bonding interactions with the guanine base‐recognition loops and the magnesium ion that has a typical octahedral coordination shell identical to that in H‐Ras.
From climate change to population change: the need to consider annual life cycles
Authors: ÅDAHL EMMA , LUNDBERG PER , JONZÉN NICLAS 
Published: July 2006

AbstractDetailed studies of organisms' life cycles are important for understanding population response to climate change. However, in general one cannot make strong inference about the overall population response from such studies, unless the full annual cycle of the species in question is covered. Here, we present a theoretical framework for the understanding of population response to climate change. Owing to the combined effects of demography, intraspecific feedback, and a possible use of environmental cues, environmentally induced changes in survival and/or reproduction do not necessarily lead to a straightforward change in population size. This framework can guide our thinking about how abiotic conditions work their way to the population level. More specifically, it can help us to identify mechanisms that need to be examined when predicting population change in response to expected climate change.
Coral bleaching, reef fish community phase shifts and the resilience of coral reefs
Authors: BELLWOOD DAVID R. , HOEY ANDREW S. , ACKERMAN JOHN L. , DEPCZYNSKI MARTIAL 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe 1998 global coral bleaching event was the largest recorded historical disturbance of coral reefs and resulted in extensive habitat loss. Annual censuses of reef fish community structure over a 12‐year period spanning the bleaching event revealed a marked phase shift from a prebleach to postbleach assemblage. Surprisingly, we found that the bleaching event had no detectable effect on the abundance, diversity or species richness of a local cryptobenthic reef fish community. Furthermore, there is no evidence of regeneration even after 5–35 generations of these short‐lived species. These results have significant implications for our understanding of the response of coral reef ecosystems to global warming and highlight the importance of selecting appropriate criteria for evaluating reef resilience.
The optimization of microwave‐assisted extraction of decursin from Angelica gigas Nakai root
Authors: Lee Gee‐Dong , Lee Seon‐Young , Kim Kwang‐Soo , Kwon Joong‐Ho 
Published: July 2006

SummaryResponse surface methodology was used to display the characteristics of microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of soluble solids and decursin from Angelica gigas Nakai root, thereby allowing MAE conditions to be optimized. These included ethanol concentration, microwave power and extraction time. The maximal solid yield was predicted to be 44.2% under conditions of 44.9% ethanol concentration, 115.6 W microwave power and 5.8 min extraction time. Decursin content of the extract was estimated to be maximal at 2.52% using 97.7% ethanol, 90.2 W microwave power, and 6.1 min extraction time. The estimated optimal MAE conditions (67% ethanol, 100 W and 6 min) to maximize both components were verified by comparing estimated values with experimental values (42.2% soluble solids, 2.2% decursin), which were higher than those (35.8% solids, 2.0% decursin) obtained by conventional reflux extraction (60% ethanol, 95 °C and 6 h).
Thermal, microstructural and textural characterisation of gelatinised corn, cassava and yam starch blends
Authors: Karam Laura B. , Ferrero Cristina , Martino Miriam N. , Zaritzky Noemi E. , Grossmann María Victoria E. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe functional properties of mixtures of maize, cassava and yam starches and their relationships with microstructural characteristics were investigated. Experiments were performed following the simplex‐centroid design with internal points and restrictions (upper limit) for yam starch proportion. The statistical model used (Scheffé canonical equation) was a powerful tool to predict the pastes behaviour within the limits of the experimental area. Polynomials with second level interactions were applied to obtain the surface response. Viscoelastic attributes of mixtures differed from those of individual starches. As shown by differential scanning calorimetry and microscopical observations, physical properties of the mixtures depended on the type of networks obtained. These networks varied upon yam, corn and cassava starch proportions as each one has a particular characteristic: gelatinisation temperature, granule size, swelling capacity and amylose/amylopectin ratio among others.
Prevalence and characterisation of Bacillus cereus in vacuum packed potato puree
Authors: Rajkovic Andreja , Uyttendaele Mieke , Courtens Tine , Heyndrickx Mark , Debevere Johan 
Published: July 2006

SummaryRefrigerated processed foods of extended durability (REPFED) potato puree was analysed for Bacillus cereus contamination along the production line and during the product shelf‐life. Isolated B. cereus strains were tested for their psychrotrophic character and the ability to produce enterotoxins. Bacillus cereus contamination during four subsequent productions was in the range of 2.3–4.0 log cfu g−1. Productions five and six were significantly less contaminated with B. cereus (≤1 log cfu g −1). All B. cereus isolates from the first four productions were able to grow at 7 ° and 10 °C, whereas the majority of the isolates from productions five and six did not. No B. cereus isolates grew at 4 °C. randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting showed that the most of B. cereus contamination originated from one source. In total, 30.4% of isolates expressed enterotoxic character. The present study points out the necessity to prevent an ‘in house’ colonisation and contamination during food processing in order to accomplish the safety of REPFED throughout the shelf‐life. It also indicates the most critical steps in the production line of ready‐to‐eat potato puree and impact of failures regarding the food safety. The data provided can be used for risk assessment studies regarding B. cereus in REPFED.
Development of a dipstick enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the organophosphorus insecticide parathion‐methyl
Authors: Kim Min Jung , Shim Jee Youn , Lee Yong Tae , Lee Hye‐Sung 
Published: July 2006

SummaryIn our previous study, polyclonal antibodies against the organophosphorus insecticide parathion‐methyl were obtained and competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for this pesticide were developed. In this study, using these antibodies and an enzyme tracer, a direct competitive ELISA for parathion‐methyl in dipstick format was developed. The dipstick ELISA using Immunodyne membrane as a solid support, allowed the quick visual detection of parathion‐methyl in concentrations above 10 μg L−1. The IC50 value of the dipstick ELISA using reflectance detection was 8.8 μg L−1 with a detection limit of 0.3 μg L−1. The recoveries of parathion‐methyl from spiked lettuce and rice samples using the dipstick ELISA ranged from 89% to 106%.
Characterisation of ice cream containing flaxseed oil
Authors: Goh Kelvin K.T. , Ye Aiqian , Dale Nicola 
Published: July 2006

SummaryFive batches of a 12% (w/w) fat ice cream formulation were prepared using different amounts of flaxseed oil (0%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% w/w) to replace milkfat. Meltdown rates, texture of ice cream, particle size of fat globules and microstructure of the ice cream were determined. Increasing the proportion of flaxseed oil in ice cream resulted in an increase in the meltdown rate and a decrease in the ice cream hardness. These were attributed to the low melting temperature of flaxseed oil and the varying extent of fat flocculation. In ice cream containing a high proportion of milkfat, the fat globules formed large particles largely due to flocculation rather than partial‐coalescence. The extent of fat flocculation decreased as the proportion of flaxseed oil was increased. Evidence of fat coalescence was observed in ice cream containing 12% flaxseed oil. The fat flocculates stabilised the air cells and strengthened the foam structure of the ice cream.
Changes in the volatile flavour components of Jinhua ham during the traditional ageing process
Authors: Zhang Jianhao , Wang Li , Liu Yuan , Zhu Jianhui , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: July 2006

SummaryChanges in volatile flavour compounds of Jinhua ham were studied during the traditional ageing process of sun‐drying, loft‐ageing and post‐ageing. About seventy‐eight volatile compounds were tentatively identified, including aldehydes (ten to fifteen), carboxylic acids (eight to ten), alcohols (thirteen to fourteen), ketones (eight), esters (eight to ten), aromatic hydrocarbons (five), sulphur‐containing compounds (two to three) and pyrazines (zero to four) which were the main components. The percentage content of aldehydes and ketones reduced over time as the temperature rose with each stage of the process, whereas alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, pyrazines and sulphur‐containing compounds increased gradually. Jinhua ham's high‐temperature maturating process (40 days at 30–37 °C) made the percentage content of carboxylic acids arising from Maillard reactions markedly increase (from sun‐dried ham 8.45% to fully aged ham 19.23%). This was the most obvious difference between Jinhua ham and the Mediterranean dry‐cured hams, and was the main factor leading to the unique flavour of Jinhua ham.
A phenomenological study of fatigue in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis
Authors: Jorgensen Roberta 
Published: July 2006

Aim. This paper reports the findings of research on the lived experience of fatigue in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis – a type of chronic liver disease.Background. Fatigue is a universal phenomenon, commonly associated with both acute and chronic illness, but also seen in healthy individuals. However, it is not often addressed in healthcare encounters despite its disabling nature, perhaps because of the multitude of contributing factors and the lack of effective treatments. It is a common and debilitating symptom in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Despite the prevalence of fatigue in this condition, patients’ experiences of this symptom have not been researched.Method. An interpretive‐phenomenological approach developed by van Manen was chosen and this combines features of descriptive and interpretive phenomenology. Eight participants were interviewed during 2005 about their fatigue experience. Thematic analysis was conducted.Findings. Five themes were identified: an unreliable body, fatigue as always present yet insidious, planning a life to conserve energy, struggling to maintain normality and emotional consequences. These themes reflected the unrelenting, intrusive nature of fatigue into the lives of those affected.Conclusion. This research will provide empathic insight into the fatigue experience in this condition and generate communication about coping strategies. It will add to the body of research on fatigue in chronic conditions and may generate ideas for intervention research.
The Patient Satisfaction Scale – an empirical investigation into the Finnish adaptation
Authors: Suhonen Riitta , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Välimäki Maritta , Kim Hesook Suzie 
Published: July 2006

AbstractRationale and aims  The aim of this paper is to empirically investigate the performance characteristics of the Finnish adaptation PSS‐Fin of the Patient Satisfaction Scale (PSS) intended to measure patient satisfaction with nursing care. The PSS‐Fin includes three sub‐scales: technical‐scientific, informational and interaction/support care‐needs.Methods  The PSS‐Fin was used in a cross‐sectional survey measuring the satisfaction of Finnish surgical patients (n = 454) with the nursing care they received. The feasibility, internal consistency, stability, equivalence and construct validity of the measure were investigated. Evaluation was based on statistical methods.Results  The PSS is brief and easy to use, and it produced low missing data. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient ranged from 0.79 to 0.89 for the sub‐scales. The items correlated strongly with the sub‐scales and the sub‐scales with the total PSS as well. Test–retest reliability of 0.7 showed reasonable stability over time. Three factor analytic procedures supported for the three‐factor solution with a technical‐scientific, informational and interaction/support factors, explaining approximately 77% of the variance. The PSS had some equivalence with another satisfaction instrument, but also exhibited the ability to discriminate between each other. In multiple regression analysis the informational care‐needs sub‐scale was the most significant factor explaining patient satisfaction.Conclusion  The PSS‐Fin demonstrated good psychometric properties and conceptual rigour and is thus reliable tool for examining patient satisfaction with nursing care.
Infectious pancreatic necrosis virus establishes an asymptomatic carrier state in kidney leucocytes of juvenile Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua L.
Authors: Garcia J , Urquhart K , Ellis A E 
Published: July 2006

AbstractJuvenile Atlantic cod (10 g) were infected with infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) by intraperitoneal injection and cohabitation. Fish showed no signs of disease but IPNV could be re‐isolated from kidney tissue for up to 12 weeks. On weeks 2, 5, 8, 10, 11 and 12 following infection, kidney leucocytes were fractionated on Percoll gradients, and cells separated into plastic adherent and non‐adherent cell populations after overnight incubation. IPNV was detectable in lysates of both cell populations and in supernatants by culture in CHSE‐214 cells. Wells containing 105−106 macrophages had an IPNV TCID50 of about 103/well and in serially diluted macrophages the minimum number of cells required to detect virus ranged from 101 to 104. These data indicate that about one in 104 macrophages were infected and the mean number of virus/infected cell was about 10. Replication of IPNV in the macrophages was low as the titre of the virus in macrophage lysates did not increase between days 1 and 3 of culturing the macrophages, but virus was released into the supernatant over this time.
Screening for immunomodulatory proteins of the intestinal parasitic nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus
Authors: RZEPECKA J. , LUCIUS R. , DOLIGALSKA M. , BECK S. , RAUSCH S. , HARTMANN S. 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY Parasitic nematodes are constantly exposed to the immune effector mechanisms of their hosts. One strategy of the worms to cope with these defence reactions is the secretion of modulatory proteins that down‐regulate cell‐mediated immune responses. We analysed the proliferation of mesenteric lymph node cells of mice infected with Heligmosomoides polygyrus and showed that cellular proliferation was strongly suppressed in the chronic phase of infection. To identify proteins of H. polygyrus that are involved in parasite‐induced immunomodulation, worm extract and culture supernatant of adult H. polygyrus were fractionated by gel chromatography and activity of each fraction was determined. One of the fractions (fraction 9) of worm extract as well as worm secretory products inhibited the antigen‐specific cellular proliferation by about 40%. This reduced cellular reactivity coincided with a down‐regulation of inducible nitric oxide production of mouse macrophages by 57%. Furthermore, fraction 9 contained antigens that were recognized by IgE antibodies of H. polygyrus‐infected mice and induced degranulation of an IgE‐sensitized basophil cell line. Single proteins of fraction 9 were analysed by mass spectrometry. These data suggest that antigens that are recognised by IgE antibodies might play an important role in immunomodulation exerted by nematode infections.
Interactions of malnutrition and immune impairment, with specific reference to immunity against parasites
Authors: HUGHES S. , KELLY P. 
Published: July 2006

KEY POINTS

Clinical malnutrition is a heterogenous group of disorders including macronutrient deficiencies leading to body cell mass depletion and micronutrient deficiencies, and these often coexist with infectious and inflammatory processes and environmental problems.
There is good evidence that specific micronutrients influence immunity, particularly zinc and vitamin A. Iron may have both beneficial and deleterious effects depending on circumstances.
There is surprisingly slender good evidence that immunity to parasites is dependent on macronutrient intake or body composition.
Co‐infection of helminths and malaria: modulation of the immune responses to malaria
Authors: HARTGERS F. C. , YAZDANBAKHSH M. 
Published: July 2006

SUMMARY Chronic helminth infections induce strong type 2 and regulatory immune responses and are known to influence immune activity to other antigens such as allergens and vaccines. Since malaria and helminth infections often coincide geographically in the same tropical regions, the question arises whether helminth infections modulate the immune responses towards the malaria parasite and affect its course of disease. Here, we will review studies on co‐infections in both animal models and in human populations, and discuss the changes in the immune system seen. Furthermore, the implications of helminth infection for the efficacy of malaria vaccines will be discussed.
Effects of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism on the Expression of Human Tumor Necrosis Factor‐alpha
Authors: Lv K. , Chen R. , Cai Q. , Fang M. , Sun S. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α plays a prominent role in inflammations and is a proinflammatory cytokine that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and infectious diseases. Recent association studies have found that the TNF‐α−857T allele was associated with several disorders. Here we demonstrate, with reporter genes under the control of the two allelic TNF‐α promoters, that the minor allele −857T is a much stronger transcriptional activator than the major allele −857C in RAW264.7 cell line in response to lipopolysaccharide stimulation. However, the result was not consistent in HeLa cell line. Furthermore, for the quantitative analysis of TNF‐α synthesis between the −857C/C genotype from healthy subjects and the −857C/T genotype from AS patients, the quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay were performed separately. There was no significant difference between the two groups at the level of mRNA and protein. These results show that this polymorphism may have a direct effect on TNF‐α regulation in a tissue‐specific manner, and apart from the polymorphism at −857 in the TNF‐α promoter, there may be other factors affecting the expression of TNF‐α.
On ‘Credo 2004’ as Viewed Under the ‘Development‐Context’ Model of Colin Anderson
Authors: Cohn M. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractIn analysing the Zinkernagel and Hengartner's ‘Credo 2004,’ Anderson introduces his ‘development‐context model’ for the immunity‐tolerance discrimination. He compares this model with the ‘geographical model of Credo 2004’ and our ‘time‐based two‐signal model’. The discussion here deals with the advantages and limitations of the Anderson model considered largely at the level of principle. A meaningful discussion requires that we agree on the principle which separates the pathway of the effector output into two decision steps, the sorting of the repertoire and the regulation of effector class. The mechanism for the sorting of the repertoire is what might be referred to as the Self–Nonself discrimination. The black box approach, antigen‐in, effector response‐out, is what is referred to as the immunity‐tolerance discrimination which includes the sorting of the repertoire. If this point of principle is accepted then we are left with a ‘time‐based two signal default model’.