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Little is known about the efficacy of COVID‐19 vaccines during acute lymphoblastic leukemia therapy (ALL); data for COVID‐19 vaccine immune responses in pediatric leukemia remain sparse. We conducted a single center study of patients aged 5–25 years undergoing ALL chemotherapy who received COVID‐19 vaccination. Twenty‐one patients were enrolled; efficacy was evaluable in 20. Twenty were vaccinated while receiving chemotherapy. Twenty received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. Spike reactive antibodies (S‐IgG) and/or T‐cells (SRT) were detected in 16 of 20 (80%) vaccinated patients; 13 (65%) and 9 (45%) were positive for S‐IgG and SRT, respectively. Six (30%) showed both spike reactive B and T‐cell responses. Eleven of the 13 with S‐IgG positivity were negative for anti‐Nucleocapsid IgG, an antibody profile consistent with a vaccine induced immune response. All 13S‐IgG+ patients showed neutralizing antibodies. SRT included CD4+ (7) and CD8+ (6) T‐cells; both CD4+ and CD8+ SRT were seen in 4. SRT were multifunctional (producing multiple cytokines) in most patients (8 of 9); 4 showed SRT with triple cytokine and B‐cell co‐stimulatory responses, indicating a multimodal adaptive immune response. Immune responses were seen among patients vaccinated in the settings of lymphopenia (6 of 12) intensive chemotherapy (3 of 4), and Peg allergy (6 of 8). Sequencing revealed public CD4+ and CD8+ TCR sequences reactive to epitopes across the spike protein. In conclusion, COVID‐19 vaccination induced B and/or T‐cell responses in a majority of children and young adults undergoing ALL chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource availability can alter infection outcomes through its impact on host immunity and on parasite reproduction. On one hand, enhanced nutrition could favor immunity, limiting the parasite, and on the other hand, it could favor establishment and reproduction of the parasite. Our study aimed to determine the effect of diet on (1) host susceptibility to infection and (2) parasite production in a snail‐trematode system. We fed Biomphalaria sudanica, a snail vector of Schistosoma mansoni, either a strict lettuce (low nutrient) or pellet (high nutrient) diet for two generations before exposing them to S. mansoni. We used two parasite strains, one that is incompatible with the snails and one that is compatible with the snails. We found that when exposed to incompatible parasites, diet did not affect snail susceptibility significantly as few snails were infected overall. However, when challenged with the compatible parasites, snails fed the high‐nutrient diet were more susceptible to infection than their low‐nutrient‐fed counterparts. The high‐nutrient‐fed snails also produced more cercariae than low‐nutrient‐fed snails, but this advantage was lost after the initial assessment at 8 weeks. Snails that obtained infections were either kept on their initial diet or switched to the other diet. This experiment showed that snails switched from a low‐to‐high‐nutrient diet produced more cercariae than those remaining on the low‐nutrient diet and similar numbers to those remaining on the high‐nutrient diet. Unexpectedly, the reciprocal diet switch (high to low nutrient) initially resulted in more cercariae relative to controls, but the pattern reversed after initial assessment. This study showed that available resources can impact the susceptibility of the vector host and the reproductive capacity of the parasites, with higher nutrients favoring parasite establishment and reproduction, highlighting the plasticity of susceptibility phenotypes, which also have a strong genetic basis. These data can aid predictions of how future environmental changes and resource availability may impact parasite transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive processes are regulated by a variety of neuropeptides in vertebrates and invertebrates. In starfish (phylum Echinodermata), relaxin‐like gonad‐stimulating peptide triggers oocyte maturation and spawning. However, little is known about other neuropeptides as potential regulators of reproduction in starfish. To address this issue, here, we used histology and immunohistochemistry to analyze the reproductive system of the starfish Asterias rubens at four stages of the seasonal reproductive cycle in male and female animals, investigating the expression of eight neuropeptides: the corticotropin‐releasing hormone‐type neuropeptide ArCRH, the calcitonin‐type neuropeptide ArCT, the pedal peptide‐type neuropeptides ArPPLN1b and ArPPLN2h, the vasopressin/ocytocin‐type neuropeptide asterotocin, the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐type neuropeptide ArGnRH, and the somatostatin/allatostatin‐C‐type neuropeptides ArSS1 and ArSS2. The expression of five neuropeptides, ArCRH, ArCT, ArPPLN1b, ArPPLN2h, and asterotocin, was detected in the gonoducts and/or gonads. For example, extensive ArPPLN2h expression was revealed in the coelomic epithelial layer of the gonads throughout the seasonal reproductive cycle in both males and females. However, seasonal and/or sexual differences in the patterns of neuropeptide expression were also observed. Informed by these findings, the in vitro pharmacological effects of neuropeptides on gonad preparations from male and female starfish were investigated. This revealed that ArSS1 causes gonadal contraction and that ArPPLN2h causes gonadal relaxation, with both neuropeptides being more effective on ovaries than testes. Collectively, these findings indicate that multiple neuropeptide signaling systems are involved in the regulation of reproductive function in starfish, with some neuropeptides exerting excitatory or inhibitory effects on gonad contractility that may be physiologically relevant when gametes are expelled during spawning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oocyte maturation and gamete release (spawning) in starfish are triggered by relaxin‐like gonad‐stimulating peptide (RGP), a neuropeptide that was first isolated from the radial nerve cords of these animals. Hitherto, it has generally been assumed that the radial nerve cords are the source of RGP that triggers spawning physiologically. To investigate other sources of RGP, here we report the first comprehensive anatomical analysis of its expression, using both in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to map RGP precursor transcripts and RGP, respectively, in the starfish Asterias rubens. Cells expressing RGP precursor transcripts were revealed in the ectoneural epithelium of the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve ring, arm tips, tube feet, cardiac stomach, pyloric stomach, and, most notably, gonoducts. Using specific antibodies to A. rubens RGP, immunostaining was revealed in cells and/or fibers in the ectoneural region of the radial nerve cords and circumoral nerve ring, tube feet, terminal tentacle and other arm tip‐associated structures, body wall, peristomial membrane, esophagus, cardiac stomach, pyloric stomach, pyloric caeca, and gonoducts. Our discovery that RGP is expressed in the gonoducts of A. rubens proximal to its gonadotropic site of action in the gonads is important because it provides a new perspective on how RGP may act as a gonadotropin in starfish. Thus, we hypothesize that it is the release of RGP from the gonoducts that triggers gamete maturation and spawning in starfish, while RGP produced in other parts of the body may regulate other physiological/behavioral processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric oncology patients are at risk for poor outcomes with respiratory viral infections. Outcome data for COVID‐19 in children and young adults with cancer are needed; data are sparse for obese/overweight and adolescent and young adult subgroups. We conducted a single center cohort study of COVID‐19 outcomes in patients younger than 25 years with cancer. Candidate hospitalization risk factors were analyzed via univariable and multivariable analyses. Eighty‐seven patients with cancer and COVID‐19 were identified. Most were Hispanic/Latinx (n = 63, 72%). Forty‐two (48%) were overweight/obese. Anticancer therapy included chemotherapy only (n = 64, 74%), chimeric antigen receptor T‐cells (CAR‐T, n = 7), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT, n = 12), or CAR‐T and HSCT (n = 4). There was no COVID‐19 related mortality. Twenty‐six patients (30%) required COVID‐19 related hospitalization; 4 required multiple hospitalizations. Nine (10%) had severe/critical infection; 6 needed intensive care. COVID‐19 resulted in anticancer therapy delays in 22 (34%) of 64 patients on active therapy (median delay = 14 days). Factors associated with hospitalization included steroids within 2 weeks prior to infection, lymphopenia, previous significant non‐COVID infection, and low COVID‐19 PCR cycle threshold value. CAR‐T recipients with B‐cell aplasia tended to have severe/critical infection (3 of 7 patients). A COVID‐19 antibody response was detected in 14 of 32 patients (44%). A substantial proportion of COVID‐19 infected children and young adults with cancer require inpatient management; morbidity may be high in B‐cell immunodeficiency. However, a majority of patients can be taken through chemotherapy without prolonged therapy delays. Viral load is a potential outcome predictor in COVID‐19 in pediatric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated potentially synergetic effects of red onion skin extract and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on lipid oxidation of salmon. The skin and flesh of red and yellow onions were extracted with water at 25°C, 45°C, 65°C and 90°C, ethanol and acetone in water solutions. Total anthocyanin and polyphenol levels and antioxidant capacity were determined after extraction. Minced salmon samples were mixed with red onion skin extract (ROSE) and packaged under MAP at different O2 concentrations (0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of total package gas composition) with 40% CO2 and balance N2. Polyphenol recovery and antioxidant capacity increased for each sample as the extraction temperature increased with hot water use. Water extraction at 90°C provided higher extraction yields than ethanol and acetone in water solutions. The ROSE treatment of fish with MAP reduced lipid oxidation rates as evidenced by a decrease in peroxide value (43%) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) (30%). The ROSE might effectively suppress the free radicals in a MAP system. A skin extract and MAP application might increase the shelf life of salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Molluscan pedal peptides (PPs) and arthropod orcokinins (OKs) are prototypes of a family of neuropeptides that have been identified in several phyla. Recently, starfish myorelaxant peptide (SMP) was identified as a PP/OK‐type neuropeptide in the starfish Patiria pectinifera (phylum Echinodermata). Furthermore, analysis of transcriptome sequence data from the starfish Asterias rubens revealed two PP/OK‐type precursors: an SMP‐type precursor (A. rubens PP‐like neuropeptide precursor 1; ArPPLNP1) and a second precursor (ArPPLNP2). We reported previously a detailed analysis of ArPPLNP1 expression in A. rubens and here we report the first functional characterization ArPPLNP2‐derived neuropeptides. Sequencing of a cDNA encoding ArPPLNP2 revealed that it comprises eleven related neuropeptides (ArPPLN2a‐k), the structures of several of which were confirmed using mass spectrometry. Analysis of the expression of ArPPLNP2 and neuropeptides derived from this precursor using mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed a widespread distribution, including expression in radial nerve cords, circumoral nerve ring, digestive system, tube feet and innervation of interossicular muscles. In vitro pharmacology revealed that the ArPPLNP2‐derived neuropeptide ArPPLN2h has no effect on the contractility of tube feet or the body wall‐associated apical muscle, contrasting with the relaxing effect of ArPPLN1b (ArSMP) on these preparations. ArPPLN2h does, however, cause dose‐dependent relaxation of cardiac stomach preparations, with greater potency/efficacy than ArPPLN1b and with similar potency/efficacy to the SALMFamide neuropeptide S2. In conclusion, there are similarities in the expression patterns of ArPPLNP1 and ArPPLNP2 but our data also indicate specialization in the roles of neuropeptides derived from these two PP/OK‐type precursors in starfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedal peptide (PP) and orcokinin (OK) are related neuropeptides that were discovered in protostomian invertebrates (mollusks, arthropods). However, analysis of genome/transcriptome sequence data has revealed that PP/OK-type neuropeptides also occur in a deuterostomian phylum-the echinoderms. Furthermore, a PP/OK-type neuropeptide (starfish myorelaxant peptide, SMP) was recently identified as a muscle relaxant in the starfish Patiria pectinifera. Here mass spectrometry was used to identify five neuropeptides (ArPPLN1a-e) derived from the SMP precursor (PP-like neuropeptide precursor 1; ArPPLNP1) in the starfish Asterias rubens. Analysis of the expression of ArPPLNP1 and neuropeptides derived from this precursor in A. rubens using mRNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed a widespread pattern of expression, with labeled cells and/or processes present in the radial nerve cords, circumoral nerve ring, digestive system (e.g., cardiac stomach) and body wall-associated muscles (e.g., apical muscle) and appendages (e.g., tube feet and papulae). Furthermore, our data provide the first evidence that neuropeptides are present in the lateral motor nerves and in nerve processes innervating interossicular muscles. In vitro pharmacological tests with SMP (ArPPLN1b) revealed that it causes dose-dependent relaxation of apical muscle, tube foot and cardiac stomach preparations from A. rubens. Collectively, these anatomical and pharmacological data indicate that neuropeptides derived from ArPPLNP1 act as inhibitory neuromuscular transmitters in starfish, which contrasts with the myoexcitatory actions of PP/OK-type neuropeptides in protostomian invertebrates. Thus, the divergence of deuterostomes and protostomes may have been accompanied by an inhibitory-excitatory transition in the roles of PP/OK-type neuropeptides as regulators of muscle activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine comparative efficacy of a 12-month community-centered weight management program (MEND2-5 for ages 2-5 or MEND/CATCH6-12 for ages 6-12) against a primary care-centered program (Next Steps) in low-income children.Methods: Five hundred forty-nine Hispanic and black children (BMI ≥ 85th percentile), stratified by age groups (2-5, 6-8, and 9-12 years), were randomly assigned to MEND2-5 (27 contact hours)/MEND/CATCH6-12 (121.5 contact hours) or Next Steps (8 contact hours). Primary (BMI value at the 95th percentile [%BMIp95 ]) and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline, 3 months (Intensive Phase), and 12 months (Transition Phase).Results: For age group 6-8, MEND/CATCH6-12 resulted in greater improvement in %BMIp95 than Next Steps during the Intensive Phase. Effect size (95% CI) was -1.94 (-3.88, -0.01) percentage points (P = 0.05). For age group 9-12, effect size was -1.38 (-2.87, 0.16) percentage points for %BMIp95 (P = 0.07). MEND2-5 did not differentially affect %BMIp95 . Attendance averaged 52% and 22% during the Intensive and Transition Phases. Intervention compliance was inversely correlated to change in %BMIp95 during the Intensive Phase (P < 0.05). In the Transition Phase, %BMIp95 was maintained or rebounded in both programs (P < 0.05).Conclusions: MEND/CATCH6-12 was more efficacious for BMI reduction at 3 months but not 12 months compared to Next Steps in underserved children. Intervention compliance influenced outcomes, emphasizing the need for research in sustaining family engagement in low-income populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The body wall of starfish is composed of magnesium calcite ossicles connected by collagenous tissue and muscles and it exhibits remarkable variability in stiffness, which is attributed to the mechanical mutability of the collagenous component. Using the common European starfish Asterias rubens as an experimental animal, here we have employed a variety of techniques to gain new insights into the structure of the starfish body wall. The structure and organisation of muscular and collagenous components of the body wall were analysed using trichrome staining. The muscle system comprises interossicular muscles as well as muscle strands that connect ossicles with the circular muscle layer of the coelomic lining. The collagenous tissue surrounding the ossicle network contains collagen fibres that form loop-shaped straps that wrap around calcite struts near to the surface of ossicles. The 3D architecture of the calcareous endoskeleton was visualised for the first time using X-ray microtomography, revealing the shapes and interactions of different ossicle types. Furthermore, analysis of the anatomical organisation of the ossicles indicates how changes in body shape may be achieved by local contraction/relaxation of interossicular muscles. Scanning synchrotron small-angle X-ray diffraction ( SAXD) scans of the starfish aboral body wall and ambulacrum were used to study the collagenous tissue component at the fibrillar level. Collagen fibrils in aboral body wall were found to exhibit variable degrees of alignment, with high levels of alignment probably corresponding to regions where collagenous tissue is under tension. Collagen fibrils in the ambulacrum had a uniformly low degree of orientation, attributed to macrocrimp of the fibrils and the presence of slanted as well as horizontal fibrils connecting antimeric ambulacral ossicles. Body wall collagen fibril D-period lengths were similar to previously reported mammalian D-periods, but were significantly different between the aboral and ambulacral samples. The overlap/D-period length ratio within fibrils was higher than reported for mammalian tissues. Collectively, the data reported here provide new insights into the anatomy of the body wall in A. rubens and a foundation for further studies investigating the structural basis of the mechanical properties of echinoderm body wall tissue composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the values of muscadine grape byproduct, seed oils from 48 muscadine grape cultivars harvested in two seasons were evaluated for their vitamin E isomer content and fatty acid profile. The polyphenol profile and antioxidant properties of the oils were investigated from selected muscadine cultivars. The results showed that muscadine grape seed oils (MGSOs) contained 584.7 mg/kg tocopherols and 517.6 mg/kg tocotrienols, higher than those in other common edible oils. More than 85% of the fatty acids in MGSOs were unsaturated, dominated by linoleic acid. The vitamin E isomer contents were positively correlated with percent linoleic acid in MGSOs which also contained large amounts of phenolic compounds ranging from 124.79 to 358.04 μg/g oil. In addition, MGSOs possessed strong antioxidant activities, which were correlated with the γ-tocopherol and total polyphenol contents in the oils. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that MGSOs are edible oils with great nutritional potential. Practical applications This study presents the identification and characterization of vitamin E isomers and phenolic compounds in seed oils from different muscadine cultivars. The information is highly relevant to the ever-increasing need for natural, renewable sources of nutraceuticals among consumers. The study also shows high contents of tocotrienols and phenolic compounds in the oils, which could lead to a health claim and added value for muscadine processors and growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamete maturation and spawning in starfish is triggered by a gonad-stimulating substance (GSS), which is present in extracts of the radial nerve cords. Purification of GSS from the starfish Patiria pectinifera identified GSS as a relaxin-like polypeptide, which is now known as relaxin-like gonad-stimulating peptide (RGP). Cells expressing RGP in the radial nerve cord of P. pectinifera have been visualized, but the presence of RGP-expressing cells in other parts of the starfish body has not been investigated. Here we addressed this issue in the starfish Asterias rubens. An A. rubens RGP (AruRGP) precursor cDNA was sequenced and the A chain and B chain that form AruRGP were detected in A. rubens radial nerve cord extracts using mass spectrometry. Comparison of the bioactivity of AruRGP and P. pectinifera RGP (PpeRGP) revealed that both polypeptides induce oocyte maturation and ovulation in A. rubens ovarian fragments, but AruRGP is more potent than PpeRGP. Analysis of the expression of AruRGP in A. rubens using mRNA in situ hybridization revealed cells expressing RGP in the radial nerve cords, circumoral nerve ring, and tube feet. Furthermore, a band of RGP-expressing cells was identified in the body wall epithelium lining the cavity that surrounds the sensory terminal tentacle and optic cushion at the tips of the arms. Discovery of these RGP-expressing cells closely associated with sensory organs in the arm tips is an important finding because these cells are candidate physiological mediators for hormonal control of starfish spawning in response to environmental cues. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1599-1617, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to predict column design parameters using mathematical models such as bed depth service time (BDST) and the empty bed residence time (EBRT). The dynamic adsorption/desorption of anthocyanins from blueberry water extracts was conducted on Amberlite FPX-66 resin in a fixed bed column system. Blueberry anthocyanins were extracted with acidified hot water (90 °C) utilizing high power ultrasound. Breakthrough curves were obtained at different bed depths (5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 cm) and constant flow rate of 4.0 mL/min. Increase in bed height increased both the breakpoint and exhaustion point of the FPX-66 resin. The experimental data fitted well to BDST model at 5% of the breakthrough curve ( R2 = 0.9864). The EBRT was in the range of 3.75-10.25 min at different bed depths. In addition, desorption of anthocyanins was studied at different ethanol concentrations and sigmoid equation was applied to obtain maximum recovery rates. Practical Applications Anthocyanins are antioxidant flavonoids in blueberries. They are responsible for the blue color of the berries and are known to promote better health by preventing chronic diseases. A concentrated anthocyanin extract from blueberries has the potential to be used as dietary supplement, natural colorant and functional food ingredient. This present study optimized resin adsorption method to concentrate polyphenols and remove sugars using mathematical models. Optimization of the column design parameters can be used in designing a pilot/industrial scale column for the separation and concentration of anthocyanins from blueberries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The impact of physical activity patterns and sleep duration on growth and body composition of preschool-aged children remains unresolved. Aims were (1) to delineate cross-sectional associations among physical activity components, sleep, total energy expenditure (TEE), and body size and composition; and (2) to determine whether physical activity components, sleep, and TEE predict 1-year changes in body size and composition in healthy preschool-aged children.Methods: Anthropometry, body composition, accelerometry, and TEE by doubly labeled water were measured at baseline; anthropometry and body composition were repeated 1 year later (n = 111).Results: Cross-sectionally, positive associations between sedentary activity and weight and fat-free mass (FFM) (P = 0.009-0.047), and a negative association between moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and percent fat mass (FM) (P = 0.015) were observed. TEE and activity energy expenditure (AEE) were positively associated with weight, body mass index (BMI), FFM, and FM (P = 0.0001-0.046). Prospectively, TEE, AEE, physical activity level, and MVPA, but not sedentary activity, were positively associated with changes in BMI (P = 0.0001-0.051) and FFM (P = 0.0001-0.037), but not percent FM. Sleep duration inversely predicted changes in FM (P = 0.005) and percent FM (P = 0.006).Conclusions: Prospectively, MVPA, TEE, AEE, and physical activity level promote normal growth and accretion of FFM, whereas sleep duration inversely predicts changes in adiposity in preschool-aged children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuropeptides that act as muscle relaxants have been identified in chordates and protostomian invertebrates but little is known about the molecular identity of neuropeptides that act as muscle relaxants in deuterostomian invertebrates (e.g. echinoderms) that are 'evolutionary intermediates' of chordates and protostomes. Here, we have used the apical muscle of the starfish Patiria pectinifera to assay for myorelaxants in extracts of this species. A hexadecapeptide with the amino acid sequence Phe-Gly-Lys-Gly-Gly-Ala-Tyr-Asp-Pro-Leu-Ser-Ala-Gly-Phe-Thr-Asp was identified and designated starfish myorelaxant peptide ( SMP). Cloning and sequencing of a c DNA encoding the SMP precursor protein revealed that it comprises 12 copies of SMP as well as 3 peptides (7 copies in total) that are structurally related to SMP. Analysis of the expression of SMP precursor transcripts in P. pectinifera using q PCR revealed the highest expression in the radial nerve cords and lower expression levels in a range of neuromuscular tissues, including the apical muscle, tube feet and cardiac stomach. Consistent with these findings, SMP also caused relaxation of tube foot and cardiac stomach preparations. Furthermore, SMP caused relaxation of apical muscle preparations from another starfish species - Asterias amurensis. Collectively, these data indicate that SMP has a general physiological role as a muscle relaxant in starfish. Interestingly, comparison of the sequence of the SMP precursor with known neuropeptide precursors revealed that SMP belongs to a bilaterian family of neuropeptides that include molluscan pedal peptides ( PP) and arthropodan orcokinins ( OK). This is the first study to determine the function of a PP/ OK-type peptide in a deuterostome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Energetic adaptations induced by bariatric surgery have not been studied in adolescents or for extended periods postsurgery. Energetic, metabolic, and neuroendocrine responses to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery were investigated in extremely obese adolescents. Methods At baseline and at 1.5, 6, and 12 months post-baseline, 24-h room calorimetry, body composition, and fasting blood biochemistries were measured in 11 obese adolescents relative to five matched controls. Results In the RYGB group, mean weight loss was 44 ± 19 kg at 12 months. Total energy expenditure (TEE), activity EE, basal metabolic rate (BMR), sleep EE, and walking EE significantly declined by 1.5 months ( P = 0.001) and remained suppressed at 6 and 12 months. Adjusted for age, sex, fat-free mass, and fat mass, EE was still lower than baseline ( P = 0.001). Decreases in serum insulin, leptin, and triiodothyronine (T3), gut hormones, and urinary norepinephrine (NE) paralleled the decline in EE. Adjusted changes in TEE, BMR, and/or sleep EE were associated with decreases in insulin, homeostatic model assessment, leptin, thyroid stimulating hormone, total T3, peptide YY3-36, glucagon-like peptide-2, and urinary NE and epinephrine ( P = 0.001-0.05). Conclusions Energetic adaptations in response to RYGB-induced weight loss are associated with changes in insulin, adipokines, thyroid hormones, gut hormones, and sympathetic nervous system activity and persists 12 months postsurgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Hibiscus beverage was treated with dense phase carbon dioxide (DPCD), and inactivation was determined using yeasts and molds (Y&M) and aerobic plate counts (APCs). A central composite design with pressure (13.8-34.5 MPa) and residence time (5-8 min) at constant temperature (40C) and %CO2 was used. A storage study (14 weeks at 4C) included the DPCD treated (34.5 MPa, 8% CO2, 6.5 min and 40C), thermal treated (HTST) (75C for 15 s) and untreated (control) beverages monitoring microbial growth, pH, °Brix, titratable acidity (TA) and color. A minimum of 5 and 0.85 log reductions for Y&M and APC was achieved for all DPCD treatments. APC remained ∼2 logs during the 14 weeks of storage, while Y&M were reduced ∼3 logs and remained stable for both DPCD and HTST samples. °Brix and pH were not affected by DPCD treatment, whereas TA increased. A slight decrease was observed for a*, b*, hue angle and chroma for all treatments. Overall results showed that DPCD can be competitive with HTST process producing a shelf stable product while minimally affecting its physicochemical attributes. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Hibiscus beverage processing requires an extraction step followed by a preservation method. New processing technologies such as dense phase carbon dioxide require little to no heat and may help to maintain the fresh-like color, flavor and nutrients of the beverage. This research pursues the optimal processing conditions for a hibiscus beverage by comparing dense phase carbon dioxide processing with traditional pasteurization, and following the microbial stability and physicochemical attributes of these beverages after processing and during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Henri, J., Maurice, R., Postollec, G., Dubreil-Cheneau, E., Roudaut, B., Laurentie, M., Sanders, P. Comparison of the oral bioavailability and tissue disposition of monensin and salinomycin in chickens and turkeys. J. Vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 73-81. The current study describes the pharmacokinetic parameters of two carboxylic polyether ionophores: monensin in turkeys and salinomycin in chickens. These data can be used to understand and predict the occurrence of undesirable residues of coccidiostats in edible tissues of these animal species. Special attention is paid to the distribution of residues between the different edible tissues during and at the end of the treatment period. For the bioavailability studies, monensin was administered to turkeys intravenously, in the left wing vein, at a dose of 0.4 mg /kg and orally at a dose of 20 mg /kg. Salinomycin was administered to chickens intravenously, in the left wing vein, at a dose of 0.25 mg /kg and orally at a dose of 2.5 mg /kg. Residue studies were carried out with supplemented feed at the rate of 100 mg /kg of feed for monensin in turkeys and 70 mg /kg for salinomycin in chickens, respectively. Coccidiostats had a low bioavailability in poultry (around 30% for monensin in chickens, around 1% for monensin in turkeys and around 15% for salinomycin in chickens). Monensin in chickens had a longer terminal half-life (between 3.07 and 5.55 h) than both monensin in turkeys (between 1.36 and 1.55 h) and salinomycin in chickens (between 1.33 and 1.79 h). The tissue /plasma partition coefficients showed a higher affinity of both monensin and salinomycin for fat, followed by liver and muscle tissue. The depletion data showed a fairly rapid elimination of coccidiostats in all the tissues after cessation of treatment. According to the results of depletion studies, a withdrawal period of 1 day seems sufficient to avoid undesirable exposure of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously demonstrated that black bean (BB) and soy flour (SF)-based diets inhibit azoxymethane (AOM)-induced colon cancer. The objective of this study was to identify genes altered by carcinogen treatment in normal-appearing colonic mucosa and those attenuated by bean feeding. Ninety-five male F344 rats were fed control (AIN) diets upon arrival. At 4 and 5 weeks, rats were injected with AOM (15 mg/kg) or saline and one week later administered an AIN, BB-, or SF-based diet. Rats were sacrificed after 31 weeks, and microarrays were conducted on RNA isolated from the distal colonic mucosa. AOM treatment induced a number of genes involved in immunity, including several MHC II-associated antigens and innate defense genes (RatNP-3, Lyz2, Pla2g2a). BB- and SF-fed rats exhibited a higher expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and water and sodium absorption and lower expression of innate (RatNP-3, Pla2g2a, Tlr4, Dmbt1) and cell cycle-associated (Cdc2, Ccnb1, Top2a) genes. Genes involved in the extracellular matrix (Col1a1, Fn1) and innate immunity (RatNP-3, Pla2g2a) were induced by AOMin all diets, but to a lower extent in bean-fed animals. This profile suggests beans inhibit colon carcinogenesis by modulating cellular kinetics and reducing inflammation, potentially by preserving mucosal barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plunge-diving is a highly successful strategy for dealing with the challenges confronting birds feeding on pelagic prey. We tested for evidence of fatal injuries due to collision between conspecifics in plunge-diving Australasian Gannets Morus serrator and Cape Gannets Morus capensis, respectively, by performing post-mortem examinations of carcasses recovered from New Zealand waters and analysing video footage of Cape Gannet foraging events from South Africa. We found evidence of accidental collisions between Gannets and also observed a case of attempted kleptoparasitism, in which a diving Cape Gannet targeted a previously captured fish in the beak of a conspecific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent rapid growth in modern food retailing can be either driven by price decreases associated with efficiency gains in the supply chain over time, or it can be driven by growing consumer demand for nonprice characteristics, such as added convenience and higher quality goods. However, the price decreases associated with efficiency gains are likely to have a much larger effect on food demand and welfare in developing countries. Despite the importance of the question, few studies have empirically analyzed which driver has been more important to the spread of modern food retailing. Using a newly constructed data set of 103 developing countries, we find suggestive evidence of the expansion being primarily driven by growth in demand for nonprice characteristics. Specifically, we find that variation in demographic characteristics, such as share of the population who would benefit most from the convenience offered by modern formats, are associated with large variations in supermarket growth over the past decade. On the other hand, growth in modern food retailing appears uncorrelated with variation in the ease of developing efficient supply chains. Thus, although having the possibility to deliver large welfare gains to developing countries, the expansion of modern supermarkets likely has had much more muted effects. [EconLit citations: O100; L100; Q130]. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of maintaining stable pH when studying antibrowning activity of oxalic acid in a catechol-polyphenol oxidase model system was demonstrated. Enzyme inhibition in the reaction medium showing a decrease in pH caused by the addition of increasing oxalic acid concentrations was compared with the inhibition of the same oxalic acid concentrations at a stable pH of 5.0. Relative antibrowning activity of oxalic acid was significantly lower at stable pH conditions than at variable pH conditions. The main reason for this was because of the very slight alterations around the pH used for the experiments, which were sufficient to induce significant differences in the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Oxalic acid at pH 5.0 was found to be a noncompetitive inhibitor of the mixed-type with an inhibitor constant (Ki) of 0.8 mM. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Fruits and vegetables are prone to polyphenol oxidase (PPO)-catalyzed browning reactions during handling and processing, and the food industry is interested in methods to prevent browning for minimally processed crops. Although not an approved food additive, oxalic acid is a common component of several foods from plant origin. There are few reports on the inhibition of PPO by oxalic acid in reaction model systems. The importance of maintaining a stable pH when studying the antibrowning activity of oxalic acid in a catechol-PPO model system was demonstrated. Small additions of oxalic acid into the assay system induced significant pH variation. Minute changes in the degree of acidity severely affected PPO activity and resulted in significant errors in measuring inhibition. Identifying how environmental changes in assay conditions affect activity and inhibition are important in interpreting how this enzyme is controlled on foods by inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current approaches to the management of immunosuppression are largely empiric and reactive rather than proactive due to our inability to predict accurately how the recipient immune system will respond to a given organ allograft. The validation of simple, reliable, non-invasive assays exploring allogeneic anti donor responsiveness or donor specific non-responsiveness are of interest for several reasons: (i) it would allow for early and non-invasive detection of acute or chronic allograft rejection such that intervention could be initiated before effector mechanisms and organ destruction occur, (ii) it would allow for individual immunosuppressive drug therapy thereby avoiding the unwanted consequences of over immunosuppression, and (iii) the identification of the immunological phenotype related to operational tolerance could allow for the complete cessation of immunosuppressants. This review will summarize in vitro assays of T cell reactivity that reflect allo-antigen-specific responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Botulinum toxin (BT) injection improves objective and subjective voice measurements in spasmodic dysphonia; however, it is not clear whether the results are entirely caused by the neuromuscular blocking effects of BT or whether other factors (e.g., psychological or emotional) play a part. The aim of this study is to investigate whether nonpharmacologic factors contribute to the changes observed in the quality of life (QoL) after BT treatment of spasmodic dysphonia. Study Design: Prospective cohort study. Methods: Thirty-eight consecutive spasmodic dysphonic patients attending for repeat BT injections were investigated by recording their Voice Handicap Index (VHI) scores at three time points: 1) immediately prior to injection (baseline), 2) 1 day postinjection (when least pharmacologic change is expected), and 3) 2 weeks postinjection (when most pharmacologic change is expected). The changes in the total and domain VHI scores were compared between the two postinjection scores and the baseline value using two-way analysis of variance and the post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: Most of the change in VHI score occurred between the baseline and first postinjection measurement. For two of the domains (total and emotional), the change was statistically significant. The change between the two postinjection assessments was minimal, and no domain showed statistically significant change. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the early improvements in QoL after BT injection can only in small part be attributed to the neurotoxic effects of the agent. We cannot say whether the reported effects in our study are attributable to a strong placebo response or are a real consequence of the patient's changing emotional state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The messenger molecule nitric oxide (NO) is a key mediator of memory formation that can diffuse in the brain over tens of micrometres. It would seem therefore that NO derived from many individual neurones may merge into a volume signal that is inevitably ambiguous, relatively unspecific and thus unreliable. Here we report on the neuronal architecture that supports the NO−cyclic GMP signalling pathway in the mushroom body of an insect brain, the key centre for associative learning. We show that, in the locust ( Schistocerca gregaria), parallel axons of intrinsic neurones (Kenyon cells) form tubular NO-producing zones surrounding central cores of NO-receptive Kenyon cell axons, which do not produce NO. This segregated architecture requires NO to spread at physiological concentrations up to 60 µm from the tube walls into the central NO-receptive cores. By modelling NO diffusion we show that a segregated architecture, which requires NO to act at a distance, affords significant advantages over a system where the same sources and targets intermingle. Segregation enhances the precision of NO volume signals by reducing noise and ambiguity, achieving a reliable integration of the activity of thousands of NO-source neurones. In a neural structure that forms NO-dependent associations, these properties of the segregated architecture may reduce the likelihood of forming spurious memories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BSTRACT: A continuous high-pressure carbon dioxide system, run at ambient conditions, was tested on its performance in reducing both natural and inoculated microbial loads. The prototype system continuously processes orange juice with carbon dioxide (CO2) at high pressures. A central composite design was originally used to examine the variables of pressure, residence time, and CO2/juice ratio. For microbial reduction, residence time was the major factor followed by pressure. The CO2/juice ratio showed no influence on microbial load, and in this equipment, was difficult to control. The unit was able to cause a 5-log reduction of the natural flora in spoiled juice, and could attain a 5-log decrease in numbers of pathogenic Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella typhimurium, and Listeriamonocytogenes. No viable cells of E. coli O157:H7 orS. typhimurium were cultured after the treated juices were stored at room temperature (22 °C) for 14 d. Thus, non-thermal pathogen reduction is possible with this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soluble guanylyl cyclase (SGC) is the main receptor for the gaseous signalling molecule nitric oxide (NO) in vertebrates and invertebrates. Recently, a novel class of drugs that regulate mammalian SGC by NO-independent allosteric mechanisms has been identified [e.g. 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole, YC-1]. To assess the evolutionary conservation and hence the potential physiological relevance of these mechanisms, we have tested YC-1 on the brains of two model insects, the cockroach Periplaneta americana and the locust Schistocerca gregaria. YC-1 strongly potentiated the NO-induced elevation of total cyclic 3',5'- guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and amplified the intensity and consistency of NO-induced cGMP-immunoreactivity in the brain. Our data indicate that the effect of YC-1 was independent of phosphodiesterase inhibition and thus mediated by direct sensitization of SGC. Immunohistopharmacology and co-labelling with antibodies against the SGC α-subunit confirmed that cGMP induced by co-application of NO and YC-1 is predominantly attributable to SGC. The staggering number of NO-responsive neurons revealed by YC-1 suggests that previous studies may have considerably underestimated the number of cellular targets for NO in the insect brain. Moreover, a subset of these targets exhibited cGMP-immunoreactivity without application of exogenous NO, demonstrating that YC-1 can be exploited for visualization of physiological cGMP signals in response to endogenous NO production. In conclusion, our discovery that YC-1 is a potent sensitizer of insect SGC indicates that a NO-independent regulatory site is an evolutionarily conserved feature of SGC. Our findings add considerable momentum to the concept of an as yet unidentified endogenous ligand that regulates the gain of the NO-cGMP signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sciences of vaccinology and of immunology were created just two centuries ago by Jenner's studies of prevention of smallpox by innoculation with cowpox virus. This rudementary beginning was expanded greatly by the giants of late 19th and early 20th centuries biomedical sciences. The period from 1930 to 1950was a transitional era with the introduction of chick embryos and minced tissues for propagating viruses and rickettsiae in vitro for vaccines. Modern era vaccinology began about 1950 as a continuum of notable advances made during the 1940s and World War II. Present vaccinology is based largely on breakthroughs in cell culture, bacterial polysaccharide chemistry, molecular biology, and immunology. By invitation, the author, who is a microbe hunter in fact, was asked to chronicle his six decades of pioneering achievements in basic and applied virology, bacteriology, immunology, molecular biology, epidemiology, and cancer, with special reference to the pioneering creation of most of the present day vaccines. Knowledge of the past may guide the present and future. This chronicle will have achieved its legacy if it helps others to understand the why and how of the past that may help to create the substance of the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CH3Cl emissions by freshly harvested tubers of 61 potato cultivars ranged from less than 4 to 650 ng g-1 f. wt d-1. In experiments with Anna, the cultivar displaying the highest release rate, maximum emission of CH3Cl occurred at 20°C but the rate diminished after 48 h, a decrease due in part to inhibition of CH3Cl release by the accumulation of CH3Cl in the headspace. In 1995 and 1996, CH3Cl emission by tubers was first detectable 6 wk before the normal harvest date. If tubers were stored at 20°C immediately following harvest, release attained a maximum of 350 ng g-1 f. wt d-1 about 4 d after harvest, falling to less than 4 ng g-1 f. wt d-1 within 3 wk of harvest. On storage at 6°C post-harvest, maximum release of CH3Cl (c. 600 ng g-1 was delayed until 5 wk after harvest and release fell below 4 ng g-1 f. wt d-1 after 200 d. Release of CH3Cl was not significantly affected by cutting or bruising tuber tissue, and CH3Cl biosynthesis occurred in both core and superficial tissues of the tuber. The S-methyl group of either L- or D-methionine acted as a precursor of CH3Cl in sliced tubers, but the methylating system was specific for Cl . An isotope dilution technique using C2H3Cl demonstrated that the amount of CH3Cl metabolized by the intact tuber was approximately 36% of the net release. However, investigations with 14CH3Cl showed that only a small proportion (7%) of the CH3Cl metabolized was fixed in involatile form in the tuber. In both skin and core tissues, fixed 14C was located primarily (80%) in the fraction soluble in phosphate buffer, but the specific activity of skin tissue was about twice that of core tissue. Autoradiography demonstrated that 14C fixation in the tuber was greatest within the lenticels, possibly indicating a microflora adapted to use the locally high concentrations of CH3Cl. Significant 14C fixation was also associated with the periderm hut was not attributable to labelling of the O-methyl groups of the phenolic components of suberin. Within the core of the tuber, 14C fixation was located primarily in the phloem, pith and medullary rays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A frequency domain fluorescence study of yeast phosphoglycerate kinase has been performed to observe the effect of substrates on the structure and dynamics of the enzyme. At 20°C and pH 7.2, a biexponential decay is observed for tryptophanyl emission. The short fluorescence lifetime (0.4 as) component is associated with a spectrum having a 329-nm maximum and a 18.4-kJ/mol activation energy, Ea, for thermal quenching. The long-lifetime (3.5 as) component has a 338-nm maximum and an Ea of only 7.9 kJ/mo1. Tentatively we assign the short and long-lifetime components to Trp-333 and Trp-308. Binding of the substrates ATP and 3-phosphoglycerate leads to a significant increase in the fluorescence lifetime, the red shift of the emission spectrum and in the decrease in the E2 for both components. Acrylamide-quenching studies indicate that the two tryptophan residues have about the same degree of kinetic exposure to the quencher and that the binding of the substrates causes a very slight change in the quenching pattern. These fluorescence studies indicate that the binding of the substrates to phosphoglycerate kinase may influence the conformational dynamics around the two tryptophan residues located on one of the protein's domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information as it pertains to abstract in art with emphasis on the book `Art As Experience,' by John Dewey. Objectives of the book; Reference to other books written by Dewey; Summary of Dewey's theories on abstract art.

Cooling lethalities were determined using Ball's formula method and other lethality evaluation equations for fc from 10-120 min, jc of 0.25-2.21, L/D geometry values of 0.25-2.0, and the difference between final heating and cooling temperatures of 72.2-111.1°C. For jc < 1.35 the Ball method overestimated the cooling lethality (>42% for jc = 1). For fc of 35-130 min and jc > 0.7, all but one of the models that account for variable jc were conservative in estimating cooling lethality and underestimated lethality as jc increased above 1.41. The proposed modified hyperbolic function estimated conservative cooling lethalities over the entire range of c and jc values studied and was 60% more accurate in estimating actual lethality than the next best conservative method at jc = 2.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]