bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term ovariectomy decreases ovine compact bone viscoelasticity
Authors: Les C. M. , Vance J. L. , Christopherson G. T. , Turner A. S. , Divine G. W. , Fyhrie D. P. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractChanges in bone mineral density associated with estrogen depletion in humans do not account for all of the associated change in fracture risk, and it is possible that some of this variation may lie in changes of other aspects of bone quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in viscoelastic behavior of compact bone that may be associated with estrogen depletion. Changes in compact bone viscoelastic properties associated with three years of ovariectomy were investigated with dynamic mechanical analysis (low‐amplitude 3‐point bending at frequencies of 1–20 Hz) using beams milled from the diaphysis of the ovine radius. The viscoelastic storage modulus was significantly (5.2%) lower at the higher frequencies for the ovariectomized animals. The general anatomic variation in storage modulus, in which cranial sectors had higher values than caudal sectors, did not change with ovariectomy. The loss tangent (tan δ, a measure of damping) was also greatly decreased (up to 83%) at high frequencies in the ovariectomized animals. Anatomic variation in tan δ at low (6–12 Hz) frequencies (cranial and caudal sectors having higher values than lateral or medial sectors) was enhanced with ovariectomy. Changes in viscoelastic properties associated with long term estrogen depletion could be responsible for a significant reduction in the toughness or strength of a bone without concomitant changes in screening modalities used to evaluate bone quality (e.g., DXA, QCT, QUA). © 2005 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Characterization of the polyene macrolide P450 epoxidase from Streptomyces natalensis that converts de-epoxypimaricin into pimaricin
Authors: MENDES Marta V. , ANTÓN Nuria , MARTÍN Juan F. , APARICIO Jesús F. 
Published: February 2005

The biosynthesis of the antifungal agent pimaricin by Streptomyces natalensis has been proposed to involve a cytochrome P450 encoded by the gene pimD. Pimaricin is derived from its immediate precursor de-epoxypimaricin by epoxidation of the C-4–C-5 double bond on the macrolactone ring. We have overproduced PimD with a N-terminal His6 affinity tag in Escherichia coli and purified the enzyme for kinetic analysis. The protein showed a reduced CO-difference spectrum with a Soret maximum at 450 nm, indicating that it is a cytochrome P450. Purified PimD was shown to catalyse the in vitro C-4–C-5 epoxidation of 4,5-de-epoxypimaricin to pimaricin. The enzyme was dependent on NADPH for activity with optimal pH at 7.5, and the temperature optimum was 30 °C. The kcat value for the epoxidation of de-epoxypimaricin was similar to the values reported for other macrolide oxidases. Enzyme activity was inhibited at high substrate concentration. This is the first time that a polyene macrolide P450 mono-oxygenase has been expressed heterologously and studied. The unique specificity of this epoxidase should be useful for the oxidative modification of novel polyene macrolide antibiotics.
PARP inhibition sensitizes p53-deficient breast cancer cells to doxorubicin-induced apoptosis
Authors: MUÑOZ-GÁMEZ José Antonio , MARTÍN-OLIVA David , AGUILAR-QUESADA Rocío , CAÑUELO Ana , NUÑEZ M. Isabel , VALENZUELA M. Teresa , RUIZ de ALMODÓVAR J. M. , de MURCIA Gilbert , OLIVER F. Javier 
Published: February 2005

p53 deficiency confers resistance to doxo (doxorubicin), a clinically active and widely used antitumour anthracycline antibiotic. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the reversal mechanism of doxo resistance by the potent PARP [poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase] inhibitor ANI (4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide) in the p53-deficient breast cancer cell lines EVSA-T and MDA-MB-231. The effects of ANI, in comparison with doxo alone, on doxo-induced apoptosis, were investigated in matched pairs of EVSA-T or MDA-MB-231 with or without ANI co-treatment. Doxo elicited PARP activation as determined by Western blotting and immunofluorescence of poly(ADP-ribose), and ANI enhanced the cytotoxic activity of doxo 2.3 times and in a caspase-dependent manner. The long-term cytotoxic effect was studied by a colony-forming assay. Using this assay, ANI also significantly potentiates the long-term cytotoxic effect with respect to treatment with doxo alone. Decrease in mitochondrial potential together with an increase in cytochrome c release, association of Bax with the mitochondria and caspase 3 activation were also observed in the presence of ANI. Therefore PARP inhibition may represent a novel way of selectively targeting p53-deficient breast cancer cells. The underlying mechanism is probably a potentiation of unrepaired DNA damage, shifting from DNA repair to apoptosis due to the effective inhibition of PARP activity.
The expression of the human neuronal α3 Na+,K+-ATPase subunit gene is regulated by the activity of the Sp1 and NF-Y transcription factors
Authors: BENFANTE Roberta , ANTONINI Ruth Adele , VACCARI Monica , FLORA Adriano , CHEN Fabian , CLEMENTI Francesco , FORNASARI Diego 
Published: February 2005

The Na+,K+-ATPase is a ubiquitous protein found in virtually all animal cells which is involved in maintaining the electrochemical gradient across the plasma membrane. It is a multimeric enzyme consisting of α, β and γ subunits that may be present as different isoforms, each of which has a tissue-specific expression profile. The expression of the Na+,K+-ATPase α3 subunit in humans is confined to developing and adult brain and heart, thus suggesting that its catalytic activity is strictly required in excitable tissues. In the present study, we used structural, biochemical and functional criteria to analyse the transcriptional mechanisms controlling the expression of the human gene in neurons, and identified a minimal promoter region of approx. 100 bp upstream of the major transcription start site which is capable of preferentially driving the expression of a reporter gene in human neuronal cell lines. This region contains the cognate DNA sites for the transcription factors Sp1/3/4 (transcription factors 1/3/4 purified from Sephacryl and phosphocellulose columns), NF-Y (nuclear factor-Y) and a half CRE (cAMP-response element)-like element that binds a still unknown protein. Although the expression of these factors is not tissue-specific, co-operative functional interactions among them are required to direct the activity of the promoter predominantly in neuronal cells.
Diabetes and hypertension increases in a society with abdominal obesity: results of the Mexican National Health Survey 2000
Authors: Sánchez-Castillo Claudia P , Velásquez-Monroy Oscar , Lara-Esqueda Agustín , Berber Arturo , Sepulveda Jaime , Tapia-Conyer Roberto , James W Philip T 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the prevalences of overweight, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HT) in the Mexican population and compare them with those of a previous Mexican urban survey and an American survey.DesignA structured, randomised, nationally representative Mexican sample was compared with a 1993 Mexican urban survey and the US Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) of non-Hispanic Whites.SettingThe Mexican National Health Survey 2000.SubjectsSubjects were 12856 men and 28332 women, aged 20–69 years, who had their body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), blood pressure and fasting capillary blood glucose measured.ResultsMexican adult men and women had a high prevalence of overweight (41.3 and 36.3%, respectively) and obesity (19.4 and 29.0%, respectively), similar to those in the USA in 1988–1992 and exceeding those of the 1993 Mexican survey. The prevalence of HT was 33.3% in men and 25.6% in women, with inferred DM rates of 5.6 and 9.7%, respectively. Abdominal obesity affected 46.3% of men (WC ≥ 94 cm) and 81.4% of women (WC ≥ 80 cm). There was a high prevalence of abdominal obesity in normal-weight women, with co-morbidities relating better to WC than to body mass index (BMI) in both sexes. Rates of DM and HT exceeded US rates on a comparable BMI or WC basis in adults aged <50 years.ConclusionThe high prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity in Mexicans is associated with markedly increased prevalences of DM and HT to levels comparable with, or even higher than, those in NHANES III of non-Hispanic Whites.
Protection, promotion and support of breast-feeding in Europe: current situation
Authors: Cattaneo Adriano , Yngve Agneta , Koletzko Berthold , Guzman Luis Ruiz 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the current situation regarding protection, promotion and support of breast-feeding in Europe, as a first step towards the development of a blueprint for action.Design and settingA questionnaire was completed by 29 key informants and 128 other informants in the EU, including member states, accession and candidate countries.ResultsEU countries do not fully comply with the policies and recommendations of the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding that they endorsed during the 55th World Health Assembly in 2002. Some countries do not even comply with the targets of the Innocenti Declaration (1990). Pre-service training on breast-feeding practice is inadequate and in-service training achieves only low to medium coverage. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is well developed only in three countries; in 19 countries, less than 15% of births occur in baby-friendly hospitals. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, endorsed in 1981 by all countries, is not fully applied and submitted to independent monitoring. The legislation for working mothers meets on average the International Labour Organization standards, but covers only women with full formal employment. Voluntary mother-to-mother support groups and trained peer counsellors are present in 27 and 13 countries, respectively. Breast-feeding rates span over a wide range; comparisons are difficult due to use of non-standard methods. The rate of exclusive breast-feeding at 6 months is low everywhere, even in countries with high initiation rates.ConclusionsEU countries need to revise their policies and practices to meet the principles inscribed in the Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding in order to better protect, promote and support breast-feeding.
Vitamin A deficiency and child mortality in Mozambique
Authors: Aguayo Victor M , Kahn Sonia , Ismael Carina , Meershoek Stephan 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBackgroundIn areas where vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is prevalent, vitamin A repletion reduces child mortality by 23% on average.ObjectivesTo estimate the potential child survival benefits of policies and programmes aimed at controlling VAD in Mozambique, and to make policy and programme recommendations.MethodsThe potential contribution of VAD to child mortality in Mozambique was estimated by combining the observed VAD prevalence in the under-5s (71.2%), the measured child mortality effects of VAD (risk of death in children with VAD = 1.75 times higher than in children without VAD) and the observed under-5 mortality rate in the country (210 per 1000 live births).ResultsIn Mozambique, an estimated 2.3 million children below the age of 5 years are vitamin-A-deficient. In the absence of appropriate policy and programme action, VAD will be the attributable cause of over 30 000 deaths annually in the under-5s. This represents 34.8% of all-cause mortality in this age group.DiscussionVitamin A supplementation (VAS) has been adopted as a short- to medium-term strategy to control VAD in children, and is integrated into routine child health services. However, the last VAS coverage survey showed that only 46% of children received a vitamin A supplement in the 6 months preceding the survey. If VAS coverage is to increase significantly in the foreseeable future, four areas appear to be of paramount importance: (1) reduce missed opportunities for VAS such as visits of sick children to child health services and community outreach activities; (2) take advantage of all potential opportunities for accelerating VAS coverage, such as additional vaccination campaigns and emergency response activities; (3) strengthen health workers’ training, supervision and monitoring skills; and (4) increase community demand for VAS of children. Biannual VAS, as the primary component of an integrated strategy for VAD control in children, has the promise to be among the most cost-effective/high-impact child survival interventions in Mozambique.
The effect of drug abuse on body mass index in Hispanics with and without HIV infection
Authors: Forrester Janet E , Tucker Katherine L , Gorbach Sherwood L 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveThere is a widely held view that the lower weight of drug abusers is attributable to diet. However, many studies on the dietary intake of drug abusers have failed to find energy insufficiency, while non-dietary factors have rarely been examined. The purpose of this study was to examine non-dietary factors that could affect the weight of drug abusers with and without HIV infection.DesignParticipants were recruited into one of three groups: HIV-positive drug abusers (n=85), HIV-negative drug abusers (n=102) and HIV-positive persons who do not use drugs (‘non-drug abusers’, n=98). Non-dietary factors influencing weight included infection with HIV and/or hepatitis, malabsorption, resting energy expenditure and physical activity.SettingThe baseline data from a prospective cohort study of the role of drug abuse in HIV/AIDS weight loss conducted in Boston, USA.SubjectsThe first 286 participants to enrol in the study.ResultsHIV-positive drug abusers had a body mass index (BMI) that was significantly lower than that of HIV-positive non-drug abusers. The differences in weight were principally differences in fat. In the men, cocaine abuse, either alone or mixed with opiates, was associated with lower BMI, while strict opiate abuse was not. Infection with HIV or hepatitis, intestinal malabsorption, resting energy expenditure and physical activity, as measured in this study, did not explain the observed differences in weight and BMI.ConclusionsDrug abuse, and especially cocaine abuse, was associated with lower weight in men. However, infection with HIV and/or hepatitis, malabsorption and resting energy expenditure do not explain these findings.
Development and validation of a food-frequency questionnaire for the determination of detailed fatty acid intakes
Authors: Cantwell Marie M , Gibney Michael J , Cronin Denis , Younger Kate M , O'Neill John P , Hogan Linda , Flynn Mary AT 
Published: February 2005

AbstractObjectiveTo validate a fat intake questionnaire (FIQ) developed to assess habitual dietary intake while focusing on the assessment of detailed fatty acid intake including total trans unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA).DesignAn 88 food item/food group FIQ was developed using a meal pattern technique. Validation was achieved by comparison with dietary intake assessed by a modified diet history (DH) in a cross-over design. Eighty-four individuals supplied adipose tissue biopsies for linoleic acid and total TUFA analysis as an independent validation of the FIQ and DH.SettingMedical Centre, Dublin Airport, Republic of Ireland.SubjectsOne hundred and five healthy volunteers (43 females and 62 males aged 23–63 years).ResultsSignificant correlations (P < 0.0005) were achieved for intakes of energy (0.78), total fat (0.77), saturated fat (0.77), monounsaturated fat (0.63), polyunsaturated fat (0.73), TUFA (0.67) and linoleic acid (0.71) assessed by the FIQ compared with the DH. Linoleic acid intake assessed by the FIQ and the DH was significantly correlated with adipose tissue concentrations (r = 0.58 and 0.49, respectively; P<0.005); however, total TUFA intake was poorly correlated with adipose tissue concentrations (r = 0.17 and 0.10 for FIQ and DH, respectively).ConclusionsThe FIQ compared favourably with the DH in assessing habitual diet, in particular fatty acid intake. In addition, the FIQ was successfully validated against the linoleic acid composition of adipose tissue, an independent biomarker of relative fatty acid status. The FIQ could therefore be used as an alternative to the DH as it is a shorter, less labour-intensive method.
QUANTITATIVE, QUALITATIVE AND TOXIGENIC EVALUATIONS OF XEROPHILIC MOLD IN TRADITIONAL EGYPTIAN SALTED FISH, MOLOUHA
Authors: AHMED ALI MEAWAD , ISMAIL SOAD AHMED , ABD‐EL‐RAHMAN HOSNY ABD‐EL‐LATIEF 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACT Sixty samples of salted fish (Molouha) were randomly collected from Ismailia City, Egypt to evaluate the quantitative, qualitative and toxigenicity of xerophilic mold. The results revealed that 50 (83.3%) out of 60 salted fish analyzed were contaminated by xerophilic mold, while 16.7% were negative. The mean value of total xerophilic mold was 2.45 ± 0.95 log10 cfu/g. Aspergillus spp. was the most predominant xerophilic mold (58.2%) in the fish followed by Penicillium spp. (32.7%). Aspergillus niger and P. verrecosum var. verrecosum were the most predominant mold strains in investigated samples. Thirty‐one (18.8%) toxigenic xerophilic mold strains out of 165 isolated xerophilic mold species found to be Sterigmatocystin and Aflatoxin B2, G1mycotoxin producers. Salted fish processing should be controlled by the authority in concern to solve the poor mycological quality of retail salted fish in Ismailia city. Measures must be developed to control the growth and activity of xerophilic mold in salted fish.
THERMAL INACTIVATION OF SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS BY BOILING AND FRYING EGG METHODS
Authors: DE PAULA CHEILA MINÉIA DANIEL , MARIOT ROBERTA FOGLIATTO , TONDO EDUARDO CESAR 
Published: February 2005

ABSTRACTSalmonella enteritidis was cultivated in egg yolks and submitted to boiling and frying methods commonly used in domestic conditions in the south of Brazil. The results have demonstrated a rapid growth of the microorganism reaching counts of 9.0 log10at 168 h. When contaminated shell eggs were placed in water and slowly heated, a population of approximately 7.0 log10was completely inactivated after boiling for 1 min. However, in eggs placed directly in boiling water, the reduction was only 1.35 log10after 1 min, and the entire population was eliminated after 3 min. A reduction of approximately 2.78 log10was observed after frying for 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 min. Even though the solidification of yolk has been pointed out as an indicator of S. enteritidis elimination in egg yolks, attention should be given to frying procedures, as considerable high levels of this microorganism could be recovered even from solidified yolks.
Bone morphogenetic protein‐mediated type II collagen expression in pilomatricoma and cutaneous mixed tumor
Authors: Mieno Hideki , Kuroda Kei , Tajima Shingo 
Published: February 2005

Background:  We have previously reported that type II collagen deposition in overlying dermo–epidermal junction (DEJ) of pilomatricoma is mediated by bone morphogenetic protein 2/4 (BMP 2/4) expressed by shadow cells (SCs) of pilomatricoma.Objective:  This time, we studied the expression of type II collagen and BMP in a large number of cases of pilomatricoma and extended our study to cutaneous mixed tumor (CMT).Results:  We found type II collagen deposition in the overlying DEJ (16 of 50 cases) and in the SCs (19/50) of pilomatricoma. The number of case of type II collagen deposition in DEJ (DEJ+) and in SCs (SC+) of pilomatricoma correlated to the chronological stage of pilomatricoma. We also found type II collagen deposition in overlying DEJ (two of 11) and in the stromal chondroid tissue (four of 11) of CMT. BMP 2 was expressed in most cases of pilomatricoma (37/50) and CMT (seven of 11).Conclusions:  The expression of type II collagen in pilomatricoma is dependent upon the chronological stage of pilomatricoma. Type II collagen expression in the overlying DEJ and chondroid matrix in CMT may be induced by BMP via the same mechanism as in pilomatricoma.
The combination of the Zenon labeling technique and microscopic image analysis to study cell populations in normal and psoriatic epidermis
Authors: Van Duijnhoven Mirella W. F. M. , Van De Kerkhof Peter C. M. , Pasch Marcel C. , Muys Leon , Van Erp Piet E. J. 
Published: February 2005

Background:  In order to better characterize epidermal cell populations in psoriatic vs. normal skin, fluorescent immunohistochemical techniques were extended with a new labeling technique. The Zenon technique conjugates primary antibodies rapidly and quantitatively after which they are used in the same manner as covalently labeled primary antibodies. Digital microscopic images of epidermal expression of keratin 10 and keratin 6 (differentiation), Ki‐67 antigen (proliferation), and keratin 15 and β‐1 integrin (basal layer) were analyzed in a standardized way. Co‐expression of different proteins was demonstrated.Methods:  Sections of normal skin and psoriatic lesions were compared immunohistochemically. Antibodies against keratin 6, 10, and 15 were labeled with the Zenon technique. Antibodies against the Ki‐67 antigen and β‐1 integrin were covalently fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled. Using standardized image analysis, intensity and positive surface area of the different antibodies in the epidermis were measured.Results:  The number of Ki‐67‐antigen positive cells was significantly increased in lesional psoriatic skin. Intensity and positive surface area of keratin 10 and β‐1 integrin were significantly decreased in comparison to normal epidermis. Differential expression of keratin 6 and keratin 15 was demonstrated.Conclusions:  Using Zenon technology and image analysis, a description of morphology, co‐expression, and quantification of representative markers for epidermal cell populations is possible.
The ‘precautionary principle’ as a guide for future drug development
Authors: Alban S. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractDuring the last decade, the ‘precautionary principle’ health has gained importance. It is an approach to manage uncertain risks and to prevent any damage to the environment or human. A key element is to take action, even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically. Although there are also critics of this principle, it is meanwhile, also increasingly implemented in medicine. An important subject is medicinal products of human or animal origin. Manifold official precaution‐guided regulations have been stated to improve their safety, particularly to avoid any infection by viruses and pathogens causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. In addition to numerous regulations and decisions, it is generally recommended to substitute animal and human‐derived products with adequate alternatives wherever possible. This is a great challenge for research and drug development. One option is recombinant proteins, which however, are not generally free of any risk of contamination. Therefore, the best strategy might be the development of synthetic, specifically acting drugs.The most widely used medicinal product of animal origin at present is heparin. Although there has been no indication of any viral contamination, many other reasons suggest its substitution by alternative antithrombotics. These actually promoted the research on new anticoagulants. With the approval of fondaparinux, the first synthetic, selective factor Xa, a first alternative to the porcine‐derived heparin has become available. In addition, other synthetic antithrombotics are currently in clinical development. In principle, it is thus possible that the prophylaxis and therapy of thromboembolic diseases will become completely independent of animal‐derived drugs, which would be in line with the precautionary principle.