bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population health and Mediterranean diet in southern Mediterranean countries
Authors: Belahsen Rekia , Rguibi Mohamed 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground and objectivesIn recent decades, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders has increased worldwide; the objective here is to describe the situation in southern Mediterranean countries.ResultsData derived from surveys in the region countries showed that in 2002 more than 60% of all deaths in the southern Mediterranean region are attributed to NCDs. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) caused from about 34.3 to 52% of all deaths, making it the major killer among NCDs. In almost all of the southern Mediterranean countries, CVD risk factors increased with age, affected more women and urban area and were significantly associated with obesity. The Mediterranean dietary pattern, generally recognised, as a healthy diet is still the model for southern Mediterranean population; however, following the rapid process of urbanisation, southern Mediterranean populations have changed their lifestyle and food habits and tend to shift from traditional food habit. Indeed, intake trends illustrate the fall in whole-grain intake with a rise in animal sources and vegetable oils. Dietary energy has been steadily increasing by approximately 1000 kcal per capita per day between 1965 and 2000, exceeding per caput energy requirements. Protein and carbohydrate contribution to the energy intake show only small deviations and fat contribution to the energy intake is low, whereas fibre intake is generally low and that of SFA is high. Also, sedentarity appears to play a critical role in the development of body fat and may be a risk indicator for features of metabolic syndrome.ConclusionThe major goal to prevent CVD should begin by preventing obesity through physical exercise and healthy nutrition. The nutritional prevention policy required should encourage population to adhere to the Mediterranean model.
Mediterranean diet, endothelial function and vascular inflammatory markers
Authors: Esposito Katherine , Ciotola Miryam , Giugliano Dario 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo discuss present knowledge about the relation between adipose tissue, inflammation and the Mediterranean-style diet.DesignReview of the literature and personal perspectives.Setting and resultsRecent studies indicate that adipose tissue is an endocrine organ producing numerous proteins, collectively referred to as adipokines, with broad biological activity, which play an important autocrine role in obesity-associated complications. Adipose tissue in general and visceral fat in particular are thought to be key regulators of inflammation which is heavily involved in the onset and development of atherothrombotic disease. Moreover, chronic inflammation may also represent a triggering factor in the origin of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus. An increased release of proinflammatory adipokines from the visceral adipose tissue, associated with a reduced secretion of anti-inflammatory adipokines and cytokines, could determine a low-grade chronic inflammatory state which might play a role in the future development of the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and atherosclerosis through both insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. Interventions aimed at decreasing weight loss and improving adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet in people with obesity or metabolic syndrome decrease the inflammatory milieu and ameliorate both insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction.ConclusionsAppropriate dietary patterns, as those associated with the eating model of Mediterranean-type diets, represent therapeutic strategies to reduce inflammation and the associated metabolic and cardiovascular risk.
Importance of functional foods in the Mediterranean diet
Authors: Ortega RM 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveAnalyse the importance of components of Mediterranean diet in functional feeding.DesignWe have based the study in a bibliographic review.ResultsMany of the characteristic components of the traditional Mediterranean diet (MD) are known to have positive effects on health, capacity and well-being, and can be used to design functional foods. Vegetables, fruits and nuts are all rich in phenols, flavonoids, isoflavonoids, phytosterols and phytic acid—essential bioactive compounds providing health benefits. The polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish effectively regulate haemostatic factors, protect against cardiac arrhythmias, cancer and hypertension, and play a vital role in the maintenance of neural functions and the prevention of certain psychiatric disorders. Accumulating evidence suggests that olive oil, an integral component of the MD, may have health benefits, including the reduction of the risk of coronary heart disease, the prevention of several types of cancer and the modification of the immune and inflammatory responses. Olive oil is known for its high levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and is a good source of phytochemicals, such as polyphenolic compounds, squalene and α-tocopherol.In the context of the MD, the benefits associated with the consumption of several functional components may be intensified by certain forms of food preparation. In addition, the practice of more physical activity (once common among Mediterranean populations) and the following of other healthy lifestyle habits may have additive effects.ConclusionsThe identification of the active constituents of the MD is crucial in the formulation of appropriate dietary guidelines. Research into the pharmacological properties of the minor components of this diet (vitamins, sterols, polyphenols, etc.) is very active and could lead to the formulation of functional foods and nutraceuticals.
Sexual dysfunction and the Mediterranean diet
Authors: Giugliano Dario , Giugliano Francesco , Esposito Katherine 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo discuss present knowledge about the relation between sexual dysfunction, metabolic factors and the Mediterranean-style diet.DesignReview of the literature and personal perspectives.Setting and resultsSexual problems appear to be widespread in society, influenced by both health-related and psychosocial factors, and are associated with impaired quality of life. Epidemiological studies suggest that modifiable health behaviours, including physical activity and leanness, are associated with a reduced risk for erectile dysfunction (ED) among men. Data from other surveys also indicate a higher prevalence of impotence in obese men. Obesity and the metabolic syndrome may be a risk factor for ED. The high prevalence of ED in patients with cardiovascular risk factors suggests that abnormalities of the vasodilator system of penile arteries play an important role in the pathophysiology of ED. We have shown that one-third of obese men with ED can regain their sexual activity after 2 years of adopting health behaviours, including a Mediterranean-style diet associated with regular exercise.ConclusionsWestern societies actually spend a huge part of their health care costs on chronic disease treatment and interventions for risk factors. The adoption of healthy lifestyles can reduce the prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome, and hopefully the burden of sexual dysfunction.
Protective effect of yoghurt consumption onHelicobacter pyloriseropositivity in a Mexican population
Authors: Ornelas India J , Galvan-Potrillo Marcia , López-Carrillo Lizbeth 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to determine the relationship between fermented and unfermented dairy product consumption andHelicobacter pyloriseropositivity in a Mexican population.DesignDietary interviews were conducted as part of a population-based case–control study in 2005. Serum was obtained for each participant to determineH. pyloriseropositivity status. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated from multivariate logistic regression models.SettingMexico City, Mexico.SubjectsA random sample of 464 healthy adult residents.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence ofH. pyloriin the study sample was 75.4%. In fully adjusted models, compared with those who did not consume yoghurt, there was a protective effect of eating up to one serving per week of yoghurt and more than one serving per week of yoghurt (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35–0.94 and OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.24–0.86, respectively), with aPfor trend of 0.01. There were no effects for the consumption of unfermented dairy products (milk and cheese).ConclusionsThis study suggests that yoghurt consumption may have a protective effect againstH. pyloriseropositivity. Additional studies are needed to determine whether consumption of yoghurt or other fermented dairy products can prevent or eradicateH. pyloriinfection.
Evaluating the Distribution of Cellulases and the Recycling of Free Cellulases during the Hydrolysis of Lignocellulosic Substrates
Authors: Tu Maobing , Chandra Richard P. , Saddler Jack N. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe recycling of cellulase enzymes is one potential strategy for reducing the cost of the enzymatic hydrolysis step during the bioconversion of lignocellulosics to ethanol. To determine the influence of lignin on the post‐hydrolysis distribution of cellulase enzymes between the liquid and solid phases, the hydrolysis of Avicel was compared to an organosolv‐pretreated Douglas fir substrate with a lignin content of 3.0%. After a 12 h hydrolysis reaction on Avicel, 90% of the added cellulases (including β‐glucosidases) remained “free” in the liquid phase compared to only 65% in the case of the hydrolysis of the organosolv‐pretreated Douglas fir substrate. The readsorption of free cellulases by supplementing the hydrolysis reaction with fresh substrate was explored as a potential means of recovering the free cellulases that remain in the liquid phase after hydrolysis. The Langmuir adsorption isotherm was used to develop a model predicting that 82% of the free cellulases could be recovered via readsorption onto fresh substrates during the hydrolysis of an ethanol‐pretreated mixed softwood substrate with a lignin content of 6%. Recoverable free cellulase values of 85% and 88% based on cellulase activity and protein content, respectively, were obtained after experimental verification of the model. The readsorption of free cellulases onto fresh lignocellulosic substrates was shown to be an effective method for free enzyme recovery.
IMEx: Imperfect Microsatellite Extractor
Authors: Mudunuri Suresh B. , Nagarajaram Hampapathalu A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMotivation: Microsatellites, also known as simple sequence repeats, are the tandem repeats of nucleotide motifs of the size 1–6 bp found in every genome known so far. Their importance in genomes is well known. Microsatellites are associated with various disease genes, have been used as molecular markers in linkage analysis and DNA fingerprinting studies, and also seem to play an important role in the genome evolution. Therefore, it is of importance to study distribution, enrichment and polymorphism of microsatellites in the genomes of interest. For this, the prerequisite is the availability of a computational tool for extraction of microsatellites (perfect as well as imperfect) and their related information from whole genome sequences. Examination of available tools revealed certain lacunae in them and prompted us to develop a new tool.Results: In order to efficiently screen genome sequences for microsatellites (perfect as well as imperfect), we developed a new tool called IMEx (Imperfect Microsatellite Extractor). IMEx uses simple string-matching algorithm with sliding window approach to screen DNA sequences for microsatellites and reports the motif, copy number, genomic location, nearby genes, mutational events and many other features useful for in-depth studies. IMEx is more sensitive, efficient and useful than the available widely used tools. IMEx is available in the form of a stand-alone program as well as in the form of a web-server.Availability: A World Wide Web server and the stand-alone program are available for free access at http://203.197.254.154/IMEX/ or http://www.cdfd.org.in/imexContact: han@cdfd.org.in
N‐terminal domains of native multidomain proteins have the potential to assist de novo folding of their downstream domains in vivo by acting as solubility enhancers
Authors: Kim Chul Woo , Han Kyoung Sim , Ryu Ki‐Sun , Kim Byung Hee , Kim Kyun‐Hwan , Choi Seong Il , Seong Baik L. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe fusion of soluble partner to the N terminus of aggregation‐prone polypeptide has been popularly used to overcome the formation of inclusion bodies in the E. coli cytosol.The chaperone‐like functions of the upstream fusion partner in the artificial multidomain proteins could occur in de novo folding of native multidomain proteins. Here, we show that the N‐terminal domains of three E. coli multidomain proteins such as lysyl‐tRNA synthetase, threonyl‐tRNA synthetase, and aconitase are potent solubility enhancers for various C‐terminal heterologous proteins. The results suggest that the N‐terminal domains could act as solubility enhancers for the folding of their authentic C‐terminal domains in vivo. Tandem repeat of N‐terminal domain or insertion of aspartic residues at the C terminus of the N‐terminal domain also increased the solubility of fusion proteins, suggesting that the solubilizing ability correlates with the size and charge of N‐terminal domains. The solubilizing ability of N‐terminal domains would contribute to the autonomous folding of multidomain proteins in vivo, and based on these results, we propose a model of how N‐terminal domains solubilize their downstream domains.
A quasi‐spontaneous amyloid route in a DNA binding gene regulatory domain: The papillomavirus HPV16 E2 protein
Authors: Wetzler Diana E. , Castaño Eduardo M. , de Prat‐Gay Gonzalo 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe DNA binding domain of papillomavirus E2 proteins is at the center of the regulation of gene transcription and replication of the virus. Its unique fold consists of a β‐barrel domain that combines an eight‐stranded dimeric β‐barrel core interface with two symmetrical DNA binding α‐helices and other two helices, packed against the central barrel. Treatment with low amounts of trifluoroethanol readily leads to a mostly β‐sheet oligomeric species, with a loss of near‐UV circular dichroism signal and increase in its ANS binding capacity, indicating that buried hydrophobic surfaces become accessible to the solvent. This species subsequently undergoes a slow transition into amyloid aggregates as determined by light scattering and Congo red and thioflavin T binding. Electron microscopy shows short amyloid fibers with a curly aspect as the end product. The amyloid route is completely prevented by addition of stoichiometrical amounts of specific DNA, strongly suggesting that unfolding of the DNA binding α‐helix is required for the formation of the intermediate. The slow nature of this expanded β‐oligomeric species and the availability of several different conformational probes make it an excellent model for investigating amyloid mechanisms. The mild perturbation required for entering an amyloid route is indicative of a preexisting equilibrium. Oligomerization processes are required for the assembly of transcription initiation and DNA replication machineries, where proteins from different viruses must come together with host cell proteins. The E2 protein is a virus‐encoded multifunctional master regulator that may exert one of its multiple functions through its ability to oligomerize.
Structural characterization of the fusion of two pentapeptide repeat proteins, Np275 and Np276, from Nostoc punctiforme: Resurrection of an ancestral protein
Authors: Vetting Matthew W. , Hegde Subray S. , Hazleton Keith Z. , Blanchard John S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe Nostoc punctiforme genes Np275 and Np276 are two adjacently encoded proteins of 98 and 75 amino acids in length and exhibit sequences composed of tandem pentapeptide repeats. The structures of Np275 and a fusion of Np275 and Np276 were determined to 2.1 and 1.5 Å, respectively. The two Nostoc proteins fold as highly symmetric right‐handed quadrilateral β‐helices similar to the mycobacterial protein MfpA implicated in fluoroquinolone resistance and DNA gyrase inhibition. The sequence composition of the intervening coding region and the ability to express a fused protein by removing the stop codon for Np275 suggests Np275 and Np276 were recently part of a larger ancestral pentapeptide repeat protein.
Cytogenetic abnormalities additional to t(11;14) correlate with clinical features in leukaemic presentation of mantle cell lymphoma, and may influence prognosis: a study of 60 cases by FISH
Authors: Parry‐Jones N. , Matutes E. , Morilla R. , Brito‐Babapulle V. , Wotherspoon A. , Swansbury G.J. , Catovsky D. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryMantle cell lymphoma (MCL), characterised by t(11;14)(q13;q32), has a poor prognosis. Many cases have additional cytogenetic abnormalities, and often have a complex karyotype. Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) was used to study 60 cases with leukaemic presentation of MCL, to determine the frequency, clinical correlations and prognostic impact of a panel of molecular cytogenetic abnormalities: 17p13 (TP53 locus), 13q14, 12 p11·1‐q11 (centromere), 6q21 and 11q23. CD38 expression, of prognostic value in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), was also studied, and correlations with clinical and cytogenetic abnormalities sought. Eighty per cent of cases had at least one abnormality in addition to t(11;14). Deletions at 17p13 (TP53) and 13q14 were most frequent and involved the majority of the leukaemic clone. Cases with TP53 deletion were more likely to have splenomegaly and marked leucocytosis (>30 × 109/l), and less likely to have lymphadenopathy than those without deletion. Deletions at 11q23 and 6q21 were associated with extranodal disease. 13q14 and 11q23 deletions showed a trend towards worse prognosis by univariate analysis. In multivariate analysis, deletions at 13q14 and 6q21 were independent predictors of poor outcome. Deletion at 17p13 did not show prognostic impact in this series. CD38, positive in two‐thirds of cases, was associated with male gender and nodal disease but not with any cytogenetic abnormality, or with survival.
Chronic graft‐versus‐host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation from an unrelated donor: incidence, risk factors and association with relapse. A report from the Japan Marrow Donor Program
Authors: Ozawa Shinichi , Nakaseko Chiaki , Nishimura Miki , Maruta Atsuo , Cho Ryuko , Ohwada Chikako , Sakamaki Hisashi , Sao Hiroshi , Mori Shin‐ichiro , Okamoto Shinichiro , Miyamura Kouichi , Kato Shunichi , Kawase Takakazu , Morishima Yasuo , Kodera Yoshihisa ,   for the Japan Marrow Donor Program
Published: March 2007

SummaryChronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remains the major cause of late morbidity and mortality after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We retrospectively analysed 2937 patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation from an unrelated donor (UR‐BMT) facilitated by the Japan Marrow Donor Program (JMDP) and survived beyond day 100 after transplantation. The cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD (limited + extensive) or extensive chronic GVHD at 5 years post‐transplant was 45·8% and 28·2%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, seven variables predicting chronic GVHD were identified: recipient age over 20 years, donor age over 30 years, primary diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐A or ‐B mismatch, total body irradiation‐containing regimen, platelet count not having reached 50 × 109/l by day 100, and prior acute GVHD. Among 2609 patients with haematological malignancy, overall survival was significantly higher in patients with limited chronic GVHD but lower in patients with extensive chronic GVHD compared with those without chronic GVHD. The cumulative incidence of relapse among patients with limited or extensive chronic GVHD was significantly lower than that among patients without chronic GVHD. Our results suggest that limited chronic GVHD provides a survival benefit to patients with haematological malignancies by reducing the risk of relapse without increasing the risk of death from chronic GVHD.
Efficacy of growth factors compared to other therapies for low‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Golshayan Ali‐Reza , Jin Tao , Maciejewski Jaroslaw , Fu Alex Z. , Bershadsky Boris , Kattan Michael W. , Kalaycio Matt E. , Sekeres Mikkael A. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) represent a heterogeneous group of disorders. Low‐risk MDS represent a subgroup with a relatively good prognosis, but with few trials evaluating outcomes. A pooled analysis based upon a MEDLINE search identified 162 original articles describing patient characteristics and effect of therapy on 2592 individuals with pathologically confirmed refractory anaemia or refractory anaemia with ringed sideroblasts with <5% bone marrow blasts. Treatments were categorised as growth factors (GF) or non‐growth factors (NGF). International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) score was documented or calculated when possible. Responses and outcomes were standardised according to the International Working Group MDS criteria. Growth factors produced higher overall response rates (39·5% vs. 31·4% for NGF, P = 0·019), while NGF yielded better CR/PR rates (25·6% vs. 9·1% for GF, P = 0·03). Over 2 years of follow‐up, those receiving GF demonstrated greater overall and progression‐free survival than NGF, after controlling for baseline patient characteristics. Decision tools need to be developed to determine which therapy to choose for patients with low‐risk MDS.
Oncolytic Coxsackievirus A21 as a novel therapy for multiple myeloma
Authors: Au Gough G. , Lincz Lisa F. , Enno Arno , Shafren Darren R. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryOncolytic viruses are attractive biological agents for the control of human malignancy. This study assessed the capacity of Coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21) to target and destroy multiple myeloma (MM) and precursor aberrant plasma cells in vitro using established MM cell lines and 15 patient bone marrow (BM) biopsies [n = 10 MM and five monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS)]. Cell surface analysis revealed that all tumour cells lines expressed high levels of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and decay‐accelerating factor (DAF), the receptor molecules to which CVA21 can bind, leading to subsequent cell‐entry and infection. MM cell lines were remarkably susceptible to CVA21 lytic infection, producing 100–1000‐fold increases in viral progeny within 24 h. In contrast, normal peripheral blood cells were refractile to CVA21 infection. Furthermore, challenge of patient BM biopsies with CVA21 for 48 h resulted in specific purging of up to 98·7% of CD138+ plasma cells, with no significant decrease in progenitor cell function. Data generated in this study suggests that CVA21 virotherapy may have potential applications as a systemic anti‐tumour agent for MM, or in the ex vivo purging of malignant plasma cells prior to autologous stem cell transplantation.