bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a selective and potent antagonist of human P2X7receptors, AZ11645373
Authors: Stokes L , Jiang L‐H , Alcaraz L , Bent J , Bowers K , Fagura M , Furber M , Mortimore M , Lawson M , Theaker J , Laurent C , Braddock M , Surprenant A 
Published: October 2006

Background and purpose:The ATP‐gated P2X7receptor has been shown to play a role in several inflammatory processes, making it an attractive target for anti‐inflammatory drug discovery. We have recently identified a novel set of cyclic imide compounds that inhibited P2X7receptor‐mediated dye uptake in human macrophage THP‐1 cells. In this study the actions and selectivity of one of these compounds, AZ11645373, were characterized.Experimental approach:We measured membrane currents, calcium influx, and YOPRO‐1 uptake from HEK cells expressing individual P2X receptors, and YOPRO1 uptake and interleukin‐1β release from THP‐1 cells in response to ATP and the ATP analogue benzoylbenzoyl ATP (BzATP).Key results:AZ11645373 up to 10 μM, had no agonist or antagonist actions on membrane currents due to P2X receptor activation at human P2X1, rat P2X2, human P2X3, rat P2X2/3, human P2X4, or human P2X5receptors expressed in HEK cells. AZ11645373 inhibited human P2X7receptor responses in HEK cells in a non‐surmountable manner withKBvalues ranging from 5 ‐ 20 nM, with mean values not significantly different between assays.KBvalues were not altered by removing extracellular calcium and magnesium. ATP‐evoked IL‐1β release from lipopolysaccharide‐activated THP‐1 cells was inhibited by AZ11645373, IC50= 90 nM. AZ11645373 was > 500‐fold less effective at inhibiting rat P2X7receptor‐mediated currents with less than 50% inhibition occurring at 10 μM.Conclusions and implications:AZ11645373 is a highly selective and potent antagonist at human but not rat P2X7receptors and will have much practical value in studies of human cells.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 880–887. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706933
Mitochondria, the calcium uniporter, and reperfusion‐induced ventricular fibrillation
Authors: Clements‐Jewery H 
Published: October 2006

The role of the mitochondria, and in particular the calcium (Ca) uniporter, in mediating reperfusion‐induced arrhythmias is a novel investigative area. This commentary assesses the importance of a new article on this topic, published in this issue of the journal. Ventricular arrhythmogenesis remains an important area of research in the search of novel targets. The article by García‐Rivas et al in this issue represents a possible novel focus for investigation.British Journal of Pharmacology (2006) 149, 811–813. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706934
Species and response dependent differences in the effects of MAPK inhibitors on P2X7receptor function
Authors: Michel A D , Thompson K M , Simon J , Boyfield I , Fonfria E , Humphrey P P A 
Published: October 2006

Background:Recent studies have implicated the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) in cellular permeability changes following P2X7receptor activation in native tissues. In this study we have further studied the effect of MAPK inhibitors on recombinant and native P2X7receptors.Experimental Approach:The MAPK inhibitors SB‐203580, SB‐202190 and SB‐242235 were examined in HEK293 cells expressing recombinant P2X7receptors and in THP‐1 cells expressing native human P2X7receptors using a range of experimental approaches.Key results:At human recombinant P2X7receptors, SB‐203580 and SB‐202190 were weak, non‐competitive inhibitors (pIC50= 4.8 ‐ 6.4) of ethidium accumulation stimulated by 2’‐ & 3’‐O‐(4benzoylbenzoyl)‐ATP (BzATP) but SB‐242235 (0.1‐10μM) had no effect. SB‐203580 and SB‐202190 had no effect on rat or mouse recombinant P2X7receptors and studies with chimeric P2X7receptors suggested that SB‐203580 was only effective in chimeras containing the N‐terminal 255aa of the human P2X7receptor. SB‐203580 did not consistently affect BzATP‐mediated increases in cell calcium levels and, in electrophysiological studies, it slightly decreased responses to 30μM BzATP but potentiated responses to 100μM BzATP. In THP1 cells, SB‐203580 modestly inhibited BzATP‐stimulated ethidium accumulation (pIC505.7 – <5) but SB‐202190 had no effect. Finally, SB‐203580 did not block BzATP‐stimulated interleukin‐1β release in THP‐1 cells.Conclusions:This study confirms that high concentrations of SB‐203580 and SB‐202190 can block human P2X7receptor‐mediated increases in cellular ethidium accumulation but suggest this is not related to MAPK inhibition. Overall, the data cast doubt on a general role of MAPK in mediating P2X7receptor mediated changes in cellular permeability.British Journal of Pharmacology(2006)149, 948–957. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706938
Changes of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Children Effects of Inpatient and Outpatient Interventions
Authors: Reinehr Thomas , de Sousa Gideon , Wabitsch Martin 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjective:The aim of the study was to compare the benefits of 2 different therapeutic approaches on cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in obese children and adolescents.Methods:We analyzed the changes of weight status (as standard deviation score‐body mass index [SDS‐BMI]), blood pressure, lipids, and insulin levels in obese children (age range, 10‐14 years) during a 1‐year outpatient intervention based on lifestyle changes (group A, n = 124) and during a 6‐week inpatient intervention program with dietary restriction and exercise therapy (group B, n = 119). In addition, we studied these parameters in 65 obese children without intervention for 1 year (control group).Results:Age, degree of overweight, sex, and CVRF did not differ significantly between the control group and the intervention groups at baseline. During the observation period, CVRF did not change in the control group, whereas SDS‐BMI slightly increased (+0.1 SDS‐BMI). The SDS‐BMI decreased significantly (P < 0.001) in group A (SDS‐BMI, −0.40) and comparably in group B (SDS‐BMI, −0.43). The decreases of total (P < 0.001) and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels (P = 0.049) were significantly greater in group B, whereas triglyceride (P = 0.040) and insulin (P = 0.006) levels decreased significantly and were more pronounced in group A. High‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol level increased significantly (P < 0.001) only in group A. Blood pressure decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and comparably in both intervention groups (A and B).Conclusions:In contrast to obese children without intervention, CVRF improved in obese children with intervention. The 6‐week inpatient intervention led to a significant greater decrease of total and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels as compared with the 1‐year outpatient intervention, although the outpatient intervention yielded a significantly greater improvement in insulin, triglycerides, and high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol levels.
Growth and Change in Blood Haemoglobin Concentration Among Underweight Malawian Infants Receiving Fortified Spreads for 12 Weeks
Authors: Kuusipalo Heli , Maleta Kenneth , Briend André , Manary Mark , Ashorn Per 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACTObjective:Fortified spreads (FSs) have proven effective in the rehabilitation of severely malnourished children. We examined acceptability, growth and change in blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration among moderately underweight ambulatory infants given FS.Methods:This was a randomised, controlled, parallel‐group, investigator‐blind clinical trial in rural Malawi. Six‐ to 17‐month‐old underweight infants (weight for age <−2), whose weight was greater than 5.5 kg and weight‐for‐height z score greater than −3 received for 12 weeks at home 1 of 8 food supplementation schemes: nothing, 5, 25, 50, or 75 g/day milk‐based FS or 25, 50, or 75 g/day soy‐based FS. Outcome measures included change in weight, length and blood Hb concentration.Results:A total of 126 infants started and 125 completed the intervention. All infants accepted the spread well, and no intolerance was recorded. Average weight and length gains were higher among infants receiving daily 25 to 75 g FS than among those receiving only 0 to 5 g FS. Mean Hb concentration remained unchanged among unsupplemented controls but increased by 10 to 17 g/L among infants receiving any FS. All average gains were largest among infants receiving 50 g of FS daily: mean difference (95% confidence interval) in the 12‐week gain between infants in 50 g milk‐based FS group and the unsupplemented group was 290 g (range, −130 to 700 g), 0.9 cm (range, −0.3 to 2.2 cm), and 17 g/L (range, 0 to 34 g/L) for weight, length and blood Hb concentration, respectively. In soy‐ vs milk‐based FS groups, average outcomes were comparable.Conclusions:Supplementation with 25 to 75 g/day of highly fortified spread is feasible and may promote growth and alleviate anaemia among moderately malnourished infants. Further trials should test this hypothesis.
Molecular phylogenetics of an aquatic plant lineage, Potamogetonaceae
Authors: Lindqvist Charlotte , De Laet Jan , Haynes Robert R. , Aagesen Lone , Keener Brian R. , Albert Victor A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractLike most aquatic plants, the pondweeds (Potamogetonaceae) are among the most phenotypically reduced and plastic of all angiosperms. As such, hypotheses of structural homology present difficulties for morphological phylogenetic reconstruction. We used non‐coding nuclear and plastid DNA data to address Potamogetonaceae relationships and accompanying issues in character evolution and biogeography. Genera currently assigned to Potamogetonaceae, plusZannichellia, formed a strongly supported monophyletic group.PotamogetonandStuckenia(Potamogetonsubg.Coleogeton) were both resolved as monophyletic. WithinPotamogetonproper, two major clades followed the traditional split between broad‐ and narrow‐leaved species, with the latter condition optimized as basal. Heterophylly (submerged plus floating leaves) has evolved several times, and the ancestral distribution forPotamogetonappears to be Northern Hemispheric. Our phylogenetic results have provided a useful genetic framework from which to interpret morphological, cytological and biogeographical evolution.© The Willi Hennig Society 2006.
Plant community and landscape patterns of a floodplain wetland in Maputaland, Northern KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa
Authors: Patrick Marian J. , Ellery William N. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe lower Mkuze River floodplain is located east of the Lebombo Mountains on the Maputaland Coastal Plain in northern KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. The vegetation ecology of the floodplain was examined using the hierarchical framework described by landscape ecology theory. The smallest spatial scale to which the vegetation of the floodplain was described was the relatively homogeneous units of plant communities. From a landscape ecology perspective this level of analysis is referred to as the grain. Six plant communities were identified using two‐way indicator species analysis (TWINSPAN) classification. The distribution of these plant communities were correlated to an underlying inundation‐sedimentation gradient using the ordination technique, detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). This correlation provided a useful foundation for the examination of ecological processes and phenomena at the next higher, spatially coarser level within the landscape hierarchy, namely the reference level. This reference level was described by three functional types delimited by differing flooding and sedimentation regimes. The use of landscape ecology theory guided the interpretation of results by explicitly recognizing the importance of spatial heterogeneity, hierarchical organization and dynamics, and proved invaluable in developing process‐based understanding of the vegetation ecology of the lower Mkuze River floodplain.
Paraoxonase and arylesterase activities in coronary artery disease
Authors: Gur M. , Aslan M. , Yildiz A. , Demirbag R. , Yilmaz R. , Selek S. , Erel O. , Ozdogru I. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackground  Paraoxonase‐1 is an enzyme with three activities which are inversely related to cardiovascular diseases. Accordingly, the aim of the study was to investigate the paraoxonase, arylesterase activities and oxidative/anti‐oxidative status in coronary artery disease (CAD) and their correlation with the extent of CAD.Materials and methods  Study populations of 193 patients with angiographically documented CAD, 83 patients with normal coronary angiograms (NCAD) and 55 healthy volunteers were included in the study. The patients with CAD were divided into three categories according to the number of diseased coronaries. Also, a Gensini score was calculated for each patient. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. Oxidative and anti‐oxidative status was evaluated by measuring serum lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH), total anti‐oxidant status (TAS) and free sulfhydryl groups (–SH = total thiol). Lipid parameters were determined by routine laboratory methods.Results  Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, TAS and –SH levels were lower in the CAD group compared with the NCAD group and control group (P < 0·05, all). Serum LOOH levels of the CAD group were greater than those in both the control and NCAD groups (P < 0·05). The major decreases in paraoxonase, arylesterase activities, –SH and TAS levels and the major increase in LOOH levels were observed in the 3‐vessels disease group. In multiple linear regression analysis, the Gensini score was independently correlated with paraoxonase activity (β = −0·469, P < 0·001), –SH levels (β = −0·232, P < 0·001), HDL levels and history of diabetes.Conclusions  Both paraoxonase activity and –SH levels are independently associated with the presence and extent of CAD. Reduced paraoxonase activity and –SH levels may play a role in the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
Protein biomarkers associated with acute renal failure and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Perco P. , Pleban C. , Kainz A. , Lukas A. , Mayer G. , Mayer B. , Oberbauer R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAcute renal failure (ARF) as well as chronic kidney disease (CKD) are currently categorized according to serum creatinine concentrations. Serum creatinine, however, has shortcomings because of its low predictive values. The need for novel markers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of renal diseases is imminent, particularly for markers reflecting intrinsic organ injury in stages when glomerular filtration is not impaired. This review summarizes protein markers discussed in the context of ARF as well as CKD, and provides an overview on currently available discovery results following ‘omics’ techniques. The identified set of candidate marker proteins is discussed in their cellular and functional context. The systematic review of proteomics and genomics studies revealed 56 genes to be associated with acute or chronic kidney disease. Context analysis, i.e. correlation of biological processes and molecular functions of reported kidney markers, revealed that 15 genes on the candidate list were assigned to the most significant ontology groups: immunity and defence. Other significantly enriched groups were cell communication (14 genes), signal transduction (22 genes) and apoptosis (seven genes). Among 24 candidate protein markers, nine proteins were also identified by gene expression studies. Next generation candidate marker proteins with improved diagnostic and prognostic values for kidney diseases will be derived from whole genome scans and protemics approaches. Prospective validation still remains elusive for all proposed candidates.
Comparison of cervical and blood T‐cell responses to human papillomavirus‐16 in women with human papillomavirus‐associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Passmore Jo‐Ann S. , Milner Michelle , Denny Lynnette , Sampson Candice , Marais Dianne J. , Allan Bruce , Gumbi Pam P. , Hitzeroth Inga I. , Rybicki Edward P. , Williamson Anna‐Lise 
Published: October 2006

SummaryHuman papillomaviruses (HPVs) are obligate epithelial pathogens and typically cause localized mucosal infections. We therefore hypothesized that T‐cell responses to HPV antigens would be greater at sites of pathology than in the blood. Focusing on HPV‐16 because of its association with cervical cancer, the magnitude of HPV‐specific T‐cell responses at the cervix was compared with those in the peripheral blood by intracellular cytokine staining following direct ex vivo stimulation with both virus‐like particles assembled from the major capsid protein L1, and the major HPV oncoprotein, E7. We show that both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from the cervix responded to the HPV‐16 antigens and that interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production was HPV type‐specific. Comparing HPV‐specific T‐cell IFN‐γ responses at the cervix with those in the blood, we found that while CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell responses to L1 were significantly correlated between compartments (P = 0·02 and P = 0·05, respectively), IFN‐γ responses in both T‐cell subsets were significantly greater in magnitude at the cervix than in peripheral blood (P = 0·02 and P = 0·003, respectively). In contrast, both CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell IFN‐γ responses to E7 were of similar magnitude in both compartments and CD8+ responses were significantly correlated between these distinct immunological compartments (P = 0·04). We therefore show that inflammatory T‐cell responses against L1 (but not E7) demonstrate clear compartmental bias and the magnitude of these responses do reflect local viral replication but that correlation of HPV‐specific responses between compartments indicates their linkage.
Moisture diffusivity in pears: experimental determination and derivation of a mathematical prediction model
Authors: Guiné Raquel P.F. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryIn the present work the dependence of moisture diffusivity on pear composition (in particular, water and sugar concentrations) was examined from the drying rate data measured experimentally. A model for predicting diffusivity that accounts for the effects of three variables (temperature, moisture content and sugar concentration) was then developed, and compared with the model presented by Zogzas and Maroulis (Drying Technology 1996;14:1543), which accounts only for the influence of temperature and moisture concentration. It was observed that the value for the activation energy predicted by the model that includes the influence of the sugar concentration is higher, showing that the amount of sugar present influences the diffusion of moisture through the pear. From the results obtained it was possible to conclude that at constant temperature the diffusivity is increased for higher water contents and lower sugar concentrations. Furthermore, it was possible to observe that higher temperatures have a much more pronounced influence on the diffusivity, compared with lower temperatures.
Measurement and manipulation of aroma delivery allows control of perceived fruit flavour in low‐ and regular‐fat milks
Authors: Shojaei Zahra A. , Linforth Rob S.T. , Hort Joanne , Hollowood Tracey , Taylor Andrew J. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryTo investigate the relationship between aroma delivery and perception, low‐fat (LF) (0.1 g per 100 mL) and regular‐fat (RF) (3.6 g per 100 mL) milk samples were prepared with the same amount of ethyl hexanoate. Sensory analysis was carried out using around ninety panellists (four replicates each) and simultaneous in vivo aroma delivery was measured for every sample. Panellists rated the fruity flavour intensity higher in LF samples using a paired comparison method (P < 0.0001, one‐tailed test). In vivo delivery was expressed as the ratio between the maximum breath concentrations (Imax), measured in the LF and RF samples (i.e. Imax LF milk/Imax RF milk), to remove person‐to‐person variation. The sensory results were in accordance with differences in aroma delivery, with LF samples delivering nearly twice as much ethyl hexanoate as RF samples. Aroma content in LF samples was adjusted so that aroma delivery in vivo was the same for both LF and RF samples. In this case, panellists could not differentiate the samples, showing a good correlation between aroma delivery and perception.
Preparation of sausage from spent duck – an acceptability study
Authors: Bhattacharyya Debashis , Sinhamahapatra Mita , Biswas Subhasish 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA study was conducted to compare the quality of chicken and duck sausages (in natural and artificial casings) prepared from broiler, spent hen and duck. Emulsions were analyzed for pH, moisture, protein, fat, total plate count (TPC), total psychrophilic count (TPSC) and emulsion stability; and cooked sausages were analyzed for pH, moisture, fat, protein, cooking yield, TPC, TPSC, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values and sensory qualities. Sausages prepared from broiler meat showed significantly higher moisture content, emulsion stability and cooking yield. Fat content was significantly highest in duck sausage. TPC, TPSC, TBA values and sensory qualities of all the sausages were within the acceptable level up to 14th day of refrigerated storage. Sausages stuffed in natural casing were preferred by consumers. Despite the comparative differences among these sausages, spent duck meat can be used for nutritionally sound and acceptable sausage as the parameters are within the range of standard values.
Bacteriological quality of sheep meat in Mhow town of India
Authors: Yadav Mahendra Mohan , Tale Sham , Sharda Rakesh , Sharma Varsha , Tiwari Sheela , Garg Umesh K. 
Published: October 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate bacterial load in ready‐to‐sale sheep meat with special reference to Salmonella. Samples were collected from 100 sheep carcasses from retail meat shops in domestic markets. On carcasses, where bacterial counts were obtained, the mean of the log10 aerobic plate count was 7.26 cfu g−1, and that of total coliform count and total Escherichia coli count was 4.11 log10 cfu g−1 and 3.03 log10 cfu g−1, respectively. All the samples (100) were found positive for coliforms, 49.0% were positive for E. coli and 3.0% were positive for Salmonella. The isolates were serotyped as Salmonella infantis having antigenic structure 6, 7: r: 1, 5. Antibiogram revealed highest (100.0%) sensitivity towards amikacin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, colistin sulphate, gentamicin and nalidixic acid followed by cefuroxime and tetracycline (66.67% each) and cotrimoxazole (33.33%). All the strains were resistant to ampicillin.
Developing a Quality Index grading tool for hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops) based on the Quality Index Method
Authors: Nielsen Durita , Green David 
Published: October 2006

SummaryA Quality Index Method (QIM) scheme was developed for hybrid striped bass (Morone saxatilis × M. chrysops). The new scheme is a convenient way to estimate storage time and remaining shelf life of fresh hybrid striped bass stored in ice. It consists of eight descriptors resulting in a total allowable score or Quality Index (QI) of fourteen points. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to separate the effects of storage time and origin of fish. The calculated QI related linearly with storage days (QI = 0.483 × days in ice + 1.568, r2 = 0.934). Storage time of unknown samples can be predicted from this relationship with a prediction error of ±1.2 days. Using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA), the maximum shelf life of fresh hybrid striped bass was determined to be 14 days in ice.