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2. Anaemia, iron and vitamin A status among South African school-aged children living with and without HIV

Author

Goosen, C, Baumgartner, J, Mikulic, N, Barnabas, S L, Cotton, M F, Zimmermann, M B, and Blaauw, R

Subjects
Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health
Abstract

Background. Data on iron and vitamin A deficiency are scarce in school-aged children living with HIV (HIV+) compared with children without HIV (HIV–). Both deficiencies can contribute to anaemia. Objective. To assess anaemia, iron and vitamin A status in a sample of HIV+ and HIV– school-aged children in South Africa. Methods. In this comparative cross-sectional study, biomarkers for anaemia (haemoglobin), iron (plasma ferritin (PF), soluble transferrin receptor), vitamin A (retinol-binding protein (RBP)) and inflammatory status (C-reactive protein, α-1-acid glycoprotein) were measured in 8 - 13-year-old children from Cape Town living with (n=143) and without HIV (n=148). Measurements of PF and RBP were adjusted for inflammation using a regression-correction approach. Results. HIV+ children had higher prevalences of anaemia (29% v. 14%; odds ratio (OR) = 2.6; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4 - 4.9; p=0.002), iron-deficient erythropoiesis (20% v. 9%; OR=2.5; 95% CI 1.2 - 5.0; p=0.013) and iron deficiency anaemia (11% v. 4%; OR=2.9; 95% CI 1.1 - 7.7; p=0.035) than HIV– children. Marginal vitamin A deficiency was noted in 52% of HIV+ and 57% of HIV– children (p=0.711). Subclinical inflammation was more prevalent in HIV+ than HIV– children (p=0.012). Conclusion. Anaemia, iron-deficient erythropoiesis and iron deficiency anaemia were more prevalent in HIV+ than HIV– children. Prevalence of marginal vitamin A deficiency was high in both groups. Efforts to improve micronutrient status and mitigate nutritional determinants of anaemia in HIV+ children from resource-limited settings should be prioritised.

Published
2022

7. Hepatic osteodystrophy in rats results mainly from portasystemic shunting. (Hepatobiliary)

Author

Merwe, S.W. van der, Bogaerde, J.B. van den, Goosen, C., Maree, F.F., Milner, R.J., Schnitzler, C.M., Biscardi, A., Mesquita, J.M., Engelbrecht, G., Kahn, D., and Fevery, J.

Subjects
Bone diseases -- Risk factors -- Complications and side effects, Liver diseases -- Risk factors -- Complications and side effects, Rats as laboratory animals -- Physiological aspects, Health
Abstract

Background and aims: In chronic liver disease, bone disease frequently develops. The contributions of the different features of liver disease such as parenchymal inflammation, portal hypertension, and portasystemic shunting on [...]

Published
2003

9. Abstracts of papers Pharmacological Meeting

Author

Bax, W. A., Saxena, P. R., Biewenga, Gerreke Ph., de Jong, Jan, Bast, Aalt, Bloemen, Pauline G. M., van den Tweel, Maria C., Henricks, Paul A. J., Engels, Ferdi, Nijkamp, Frans P., Molewijk, H. E., van der Poel, A. M., Olivier, B., Briejer, M. R., Schuurkes, J. A. J., Akkermans, L. M. A., Bruning, T. A., Hendriks, M. G. C., Chang, P. C., Kuypers, E. A. P., van Zwieten, P. A., Cappendijk, S. L. T., de Vries, R., Dzoljic, M. R., Bouwknecht, J. A., Crijns, F. R. L., Huijberts, M. S. P., Boudier, H. A. J. Struijker, Kruzeman, A. C. Nieuwenhuijzen, Wolffenbuttel, B. H. R., de Lannov, L. M., Danser, A. H. J., Schoemakef, R. G., Schalekamp, M. A. D. H., Du, Xiao Y., Schoemaker, Regien G., Saxena, Pramod R., Dubois, E. A., Batink, H. D., Pfaffendorf, M., van Roven, E. A., Garrelds, I. M., de Graaf-in 't Veld, C., Ziilstra, F. J., Jansen, A. P. H., van Wijk, R. Gerth, Gho, B. C. G., Schoemaker, R. G., Lee, C. v. d., Sharma, H. S., Verdouw, P. D., Groenink, L., van der Gugten, J., Zethof, T. J. J., Hasselaar, P., Jansen, J. W. C. M., van Giezen, J. J. J., Dreteler, G. H., Hulkenberq, A., Reinders, J. H., Toorop, G. P., Herremans, A. H. J., Hijzen, T. H., Slangen, J. L., Hessel, E. M., Van Oosterhout, A. J. M., Hofstra, C., Garssen, J., van Loveren, H., Savelkoul, H. F. J., Nijkamp, F. P., Hol, Thorwald, Van Ree, Jan M., Spruijt, Berry M., Hüsken, B. C. P., van Zwieren, P. A., Kalkman, E. A. J., Kam, K. L., Keuzenkamp-Jansen, C. W., De Abreu, R. A., Bökkerink, J. P. M., vd Heijden, M. A. H., Trijbels, J. M. F., Kraneveld, A. D., Buckley, T. L., van Schaik, Y., Koster, A. Sj., Mathôt R. A. A., Van den Aarsen B. C. F. M., Langemeijer M. W. E., Ijzerman A. P., Danhof M., Mohede, Inqe C. M., van Oosterhout, Antoon J. M., Monshouwer, M., Witkamp, R. F., Nijmeijer, S. M., Van Miert, A. S. J. P. A. M., Oosting, J., Janssen, B. J. A., Pijl, A. J., van der Wal, A. C., Mathy, M. -J., Pruimboom, W. M., van Dijk, A. P. M., Tak, C. J. A. M., Bonta, I. L., Wilson, J. H. P., Bac, D. J., Zijlstra, F. J., Hashjin, G. Sadeghi, Folkerts, G., Henricks, P. A. J., Santing, R. E., Pasman, Y., Olymulder, C. G., Roffel, A. F., Zaaqsma, J., Meurs, H., Scheerens, Heleen, Buckley, Theresa L., Van Loveren, Henk, Sipma, H., Duin, M., den Hertog, A., Nelemans, A., Smit, J., Coppes, R. P., Geurtsen, A., Zaagsma, J., Smit, M. J., Leurs, R., Bast, A., Timmerman, H., Stassen, F. R. M., De Mey, J. G. R., ten Berge, R. E. J., Tjon, Guno H. K., De Vries, Taco J., Ronken, Eric, Hogenboom, François, Warden, George, Mulder, Arie H., Schoffelmeer, Anton N. M., Van Bergen, P., Kleline, J. A., Janssen, P. M. L., Van Der Vaart, J. G. M., Kasbergen, C. M., Versteeg, D. H. G., De Wildt, D. J., van de Velde, M. J., Engels, F., van den Berg, C., Vleeming, W., van Amsterdam, J. G. C., Werner, J., van der Zee, L., den Hertoe, A., van Gelderen, E. Marcel, Agteresch, Hendrik J., De Bruijne, Emile L. E., Saxena, Pramod R., van Kats, J. P., Sassen, L. M. A., Admiraal, P. J. J., Verdouw, P. P., van Muiswinkel, F. L., Steinhusch, H. W. M., Drukarch, B., Sloof, J. C., de Vente, J., Vanderschuren, L. J. M. J., Van Ree, J. M., Verkade P., Verkleij A. J., Gispen W. H., Oestreicher A. B., Vermeulen, R. J., Goosen, C., Wolters, E. Ch., Stoof, J. C., Vincent, V. A. M., Schoffelmeer, A. N. M., Steinbush, H. W. M., Berlcenbosch, F., Voss, Hans-Peter, Donnell, David, Wesselman, J. P. M., VanBavel, E., Spaan, J. A. E., Zeilmaker, W. M., van 't Klooster, G. A. E., Horbach, G. J. M. J., Zhang, J., Zhang, J. S., and van Meet, J. C. A.

Published
1993
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22. Molecular and biochemical characterization of a novel intracellular invertase from Aspergillus niger with transfructosylating activity

Author

Goosen, C., Yuan, X.L., Munster, J.M. van, Ram, A.F.J., Maarel, M.J.E.C. van der, Dijkhuizen, L., and TNO Kwaliteit van Leven

Subjects
molecular cloning, Sucrose, sequence analysis, enzymology, Amino Acid Motifs, Molecular Sequence Data, Fructose, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, chemistry, phylogeny, Food technology, Substrate Specificity, Sequence Analysis, Protein, Escherichia coli, genetics, Amino Acid Sequence, Cloning, Molecular, enzyme specificity, protein motif, Biology, beta fructofuranosidase, beta-Fructofuranosidase, gene deletion, isolation and purification, pH, drug effect, thin layer chromatography, article, Temperature, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Kinetics, molecular genetics, Aspergillus niger, Chromatography, Thin Layer, metabolism
Abstract

A novel subfamily of putative intracellular invertase enzymes (glycoside hydrolase family 32) has previously been identified in fungal genomes. Here, we report phylogenetic, molecular, and biochemical characteristics of SucB, one of two novel intracellular invertases identified in Aspergillus niger. The sucB gene was expressed in Escherichia coli and an invertase-negative strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Enzyme purified from E. coli lysate displayed a molecular mass of 75 kDa, judging from sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. Its optimum pH and temperature for sucrose hydrolysis were determined to be 5.0 and 37 to 40°C, respectively. In addition to sucrose, the enzyme hydrolyzed 1-kestose, nystose, and raffinose but not inulin and levan. SucB produced 1-kestose and nystose from sucrose and 1-kestose, respectively. With nystose as a substrate, products up to a degree of polymerization of 4 were observed. SucB displayed typical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with substrate inhibition on sucrose (apparent Km, K i, and Vmax of 2.0 ± 0.2 mM, 268.1 ± 18.1 mM, and 6.6 ± 0.2 μmol min-1 mg-1 of protein [total activity], respectively). At sucrose concentrations up to 400 mM, transfructosylation (FTF) activity contributed approximately 20 to 30% to total activity. At higher sucrose concentrations, FTF activity increased to up to 50% of total activity. Disruption of sucB in A. niger resulted in an earlier onset of sporulation on solid medium containing various carbon sources, whereas no alteration of growth in liquid culture medium was observed. SucB thus does not play an essential role in inulin or sucrose catabolism in A. niger but may be needed for the intracellular conversion of sucrose to fructose, glucose, and small oligosaccharides. Copyright © 2007, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Published
2007

23. Database mining and transcriptional analysis of genes encoding inulin-modifying enzymes of Aspergillus niger

Author

Yuan, X.L., Goosen, C., Kools, H., van der Maare, M.J.E.C., van den Hondel, C.A.M.J., Dijkhuizen, L., Ram, A.F.J., Maarel, Marc J.E.C. van der, Host-Microbe Interactions, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Bioproduct Engineering, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, and Moleculaire Microbiologie

Subjects
Sucrose, Transcription, Genetic, Catabolite repression, invertase, chemistry.chemical_compound, MULTIPLE SEQUENCE ALIGNMENT, Microbiologie, CARBON CATABOLITE REPRESSION, 2 ENDOINULINASE GENES, Gene Expression Regulation, Fungal, 2 endoinulinase genes, DNA, Fungal, GeneralLiterature_REFERENCE(e.g.,dictionaries,encyclopedias,glossaries), bacillus-subtilis, EXO-INULINASE, Phylogeny, biology, Fungal genetics, Inulin, Biochemistry, ESCHERICHIA-COLI, ComputingMethodologies_DOCUMENTANDTEXTPROCESSING, multiple sequence alignment, Aspergillus niger, Genome, Fungal, exo-inulinase, Sequence analysis, Molecular Sequence Data, INVERTASE, NUCLEOTIDE-SEQUENCES, Fructose, Protein Sorting Signals, Microbiology, BACILLUS-SUBTILIS, RNA, Messenger, VLAG, MOLECULAR-CLONING, Sequence Homology, Amino Acid, beta-Fructofuranosidase, molecular-cloning, transformation, fungi, Computational Biology, RNA, Fungal, biology.organism_classification, carbon catabolite repression, Blotting, Northern, TRANSFORMATION, Invertase, nucleotide-sequences, chemistry, escherichia-coli
Abstract

As a soil fungus, Aspergillus niger can metabolize a wide variety of carbon sources, employing sets of enzymes able to degrade plant-derived polysaccharides. In this study the genome sequence of A. niger strain CBS 513.88 was surveyed, to analyse the gene/enzyme network involved in utilization of the plant storage polymer inulin, and of sucrose, the substrate for inulin synthesis in plants. In addition to three known activities, encoded by the genes suc1 (invertase activity; designated sucA), inuE (exo-inulinase activity) and inuA/inuB (endo-inulinase activity), two new putative invertase-like proteins were identified. These two putative proteins lack N-terminal signal sequences and therefore are expected to be intracellular enzymes. One of these two genes, designated sucB, is expressed at a low level, and its expression is up-regulated when A. niger is grown on sucrose- or inulin-containing media. Transcriptional analysis of the genes encoding the sucrose- (sucA) and inulin-hydrolysing enzymes (inuA and inuE) indicated that they are similarly regulated and all strongly induced on sucrose and inulin. Analysis of a ΔcreA mutant strain of A. niger revealed that expression of the extracellular inulinolytic enzymes is under control of the catabolite repressor CreA. Expression of the inulinolytic enzymes was not induced by fructose, not even in the ΔcreA background, indicating that fructose did not act as an inducer. Evidence is provided that sucrose, or a sucrose-derived intermediate, but not fructose, acts as an inducer for the expression of inulinolytic genes in A. niger.

Published
2006

26. Genome sequencing and analysis of the versatile cell factory Aspergillus niger CBS 513.88

Author

Pel, H.J., Winde, J.H. de, Archer, D.B., Dyer, P.S., Hofmann, G., Schaap, P.J., Turner, G., Vries, R.P. de, Albang, R., Albermann, K., Andersen, M.R., Bendtsen, J.D., Benen, J.A., Berg, M. van den, Breestraat, S., Caddick, M.X., Contreras, R., Cornell, M., Coutinho, P.M., Danchin, E.G., Debets, A.J., Dekker, P., Dijck, P.W. van, Dijk, A. van, Dijkhuizen, L., Driessen, A.J., D'Enfert, C., Geysens, S., Goosen, C., Groot, G.S., Groot, P.W. de, Guillemette, T., Henrissat, B., Herweijer, M., Hombergh, J.P. van den, Hondel, C.A. van den, Heijden, R.T.J.M. van der, Kaaij, R.M. van der, Klis, F.M., Kools, H.J., Kubicek, C.P., Kuyk, P.A. van, Lauber, J., Lu, X., Maarel, M.J. van der, Meulenberg, R., Menke, H., Mortimer, M.A., Nielsen, J., Oliver, S.G., Olsthoorn, M., Pal, K., Peij, N.N. van, Ram, A.F., Rinas, U., Roubos, J.A., Sagt, C.M., Schmoll, M., Sun, J., Ussery, D., Varga, J., Vervecken, W., Vondervoort, P.J. van de, Wedler, H., Wosten, H.A., Zeng, A.P., Ooyen, A.J. van, Visser, J.C., Stam, H., Pel, H.J., Winde, J.H. de, Archer, D.B., Dyer, P.S., Hofmann, G., Schaap, P.J., Turner, G., Vries, R.P. de, Albang, R., Albermann, K., Andersen, M.R., Bendtsen, J.D., Benen, J.A., Berg, M. van den, Breestraat, S., Caddick, M.X., Contreras, R., Cornell, M., Coutinho, P.M., Danchin, E.G., Debets, A.J., Dekker, P., Dijck, P.W. van, Dijk, A. van, Dijkhuizen, L., Driessen, A.J., D'Enfert, C., Geysens, S., Goosen, C., Groot, G.S., Groot, P.W. de, Guillemette, T., Henrissat, B., Herweijer, M., Hombergh, J.P. van den, Hondel, C.A. van den, Heijden, R.T.J.M. van der, Kaaij, R.M. van der, Klis, F.M., Kools, H.J., Kubicek, C.P., Kuyk, P.A. van, Lauber, J., Lu, X., Maarel, M.J. van der, Meulenberg, R., Menke, H., Mortimer, M.A., Nielsen, J., Oliver, S.G., Olsthoorn, M., Pal, K., Peij, N.N. van, Ram, A.F., Rinas, U., Roubos, J.A., Sagt, C.M., Schmoll, M., Sun, J., Ussery, D., Varga, J., Vervecken, W., Vondervoort, P.J. van de, Wedler, H., Wosten, H.A., Zeng, A.P., Ooyen, A.J. van, Visser, J.C., and Stam, H.

Abstract

Contains fulltext : 51722.pdf (publisher's version ) (Closed access), The filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger is widely exploited by the fermentation industry for the production of enzymes and organic acids, particularly citric acid. We sequenced the 33.9-megabase genome of A. niger CBS 513.88, the ancestor of currently used enzyme production strains. A high level of synteny was observed with other aspergilli sequenced. Strong function predictions were made for 6,506 of the 14,165 open reading frames identified. A detailed description of the components of the protein secretion pathway was made and striking differences in the hydrolytic enzyme spectra of aspergilli were observed. A reconstructed metabolic network comprising 1,069 unique reactions illustrates the versatile metabolism of A. niger. Noteworthy is the large number of major facilitator superfamily transporters and fungal zinc binuclear cluster transcription factors, and the presence of putative gene clusters for fumonisin and ochratoxin A synthesis.

Published
2007

27. Hepatic osteodystrophy in rats results mainly from portasystemic shunting

Author

UCL - Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCL, van der Merwe, SW, Kahn, David, van den Bogaerde, JB, Goosen, C, Maree, FF, Milner, RJ, Schnitzler, CM, Biscardi, A, Mesquita, JM, Engelbrecht, G, Fevery, J., UCL - Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCL, van der Merwe, SW, Kahn, David, van den Bogaerde, JB, Goosen, C, Maree, FF, Milner, RJ, Schnitzler, CM, Biscardi, A, Mesquita, JM, Engelbrecht, G, and Fevery, J.

Abstract

Background and aims: In chronic liver disease, bone disease frequently develops. The contributions of the different features of liver disease such as parenchymal inflammation, portal hypertension, and portasystemic shunting on bone metabolism have not been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to identify the features of liver disease contributing to bone disease using rat models. Methods: Parenchymal liver disease was induced by carbon tetrachloride administration, portal hypertension by partial portal vein ligation, and portasystemic shunting by end to side anastomosis of the portal vein to the inferior vena cava. Normal and sham operated surgical animals served as controls. Serum calcium, 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OH vit D), and osteocalcin levels, and urinary deoxypyridinoline excretion were analysed. Testosterone and oestradiol levels were determined in male and female rats, respectively. Interleukin 1, interleukin 6, and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) were determined in serum. Bone density was measured in all groups and in addition, in the surgical groups, histomorphometry was performed on undecalcified specimens of the proximal tibia. The calcium content of the femurs, removed at termination and ashed, was determined. Results: Early parenchymal disease and portal hypertension did not affect bone metabolism or body mass. Portasystemic shunting increased bone resorption, decreased bone formation, bone density, and trabecular bone volume which were commensurate with a reduction in body mass. TNF-alpha levels were elevated and testosterone levels were low in male portasystemic shunted rats. Conclusions: Portasystemic shunting in the rat adversely affects bone metabolism as part of a generalised catabolic state where high TNF-alpha and low testosterone and 25-OH vit D levels may play a role.

Published
2004

33. Infant feeding practices during the first 6 months of life in a low-income area of the Western Cape Province.

Author

Goosen, C., McLachlan, M. H., and Schübl, C.

Subjects
*BREASTFEEDING, *MORTALITY, *CROSS-sectional method, *HERBAL medicine, *LACTATION
Abstract

Background. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life protects against infant morbidity and mortality. Few studies describe the infant feeding practices of mothers living in low-income areas of the Western Cape Province of South Africa (SA). Objective. To describe the infant feeding practices of mothers of infants younger than 6 months in two low-income communities of SA. Methods. A cross-sectional community-based study using a structured questionnaire, and seven focus group discussions were conducted from February to August 2011 in Avian Park and Zwelethemba in Worcester, an urban area in the Western Cape. Results. Seventy-seven per cent of participants (n=108) had initiated breastfeeding. At the time of the study, 6% (n=8) breastfed exclusively. Ninety-four per cent (n=132) applied suboptimal breastfeeding practices: 36% (n=51) breastfed predominantly, 27% (n=38) breastfed partially and 31% (n=43) did not breastfeed. Ninety per cent (n=126) of the mothers had introduced water, of whom 83% (n=104) had done so before their infants were 1 month old. Forty-four per cent (n=61) of the mothers had introduced food or formula milk, of whom 75% (n=46) had done so before their infants were 3 months old. Qualitative findings indicated that gripe water, Lennon's Behoedmiddel and herbal medicines were also given to infants. Nutritive liquids and/or food most commonly given as supplementary feeds were formula milk and commercial infant cereal. Conclusion. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) during the first 6 months of life was a rare practice in these low-income communities. Water, non-prescription medicines and formula milk and/or food were introduced at an early age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2014
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34. FACTORS IMPEDING EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING IN A LOW-INCOME AREA OF THE WESTERN CAPE PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Author

Goosen, C., McLachlan, M. H., and Schübl, C.

Subjects
BREASTFEEDING, BREASTFEEDING promotion, FIELDWORK (Educational method), FOCUS groups, RESEARCH funding, JUDGMENT sampling, SOCIOECONOMIC factors, THEMATIC analysis, DATA analysis software, DESCRIPTIVE statistics, ATTITUDES toward breastfeeding
Abstract

The promotion of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is estimated to be the most effective measure to save infants from morbidity and mortality in low-income settings. South Africa is challenged by very poor exclusive breastfeeding practices (6.8-8.3%) during the first six months of life. In the low-income area investigated, the exclusive breastfeeding rate was 6% in 2011. The aim of this study was to describe the factors impeding exclusive breastfeeding practices in a low-income area of the Western Cape Province of South Africa in order to provide recommendations on tailored and generalisable intervention strategies for the promotion of exclusive breastfeeding practices. Focus group discussions were conducted with caregivers and health care workers. Several barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practices were reported and seven themes were identified during data analysis: 1) the perception that infants needed water, gripe water and Lennon's Behoedmiddel; 2) the concern that milk alone does not satisfy an infant; 3) inadequate infant feeding education and support by the health system; 4) the lack of community-based postnatal support; 5) convention and family influence; 6) mothers separated from infants; and 7) local beliefs about maternal behaviour and breastfeeding. The barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practices proved to be multifaceted and interlinked. The influence of convention and community perceptions and beliefs combined with suboptimal infant feeding education by the health system and the lack of local postnatal breastfeeding support initiatives posed an intricate group of barriers to exclusive breastfeeding practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2014

40. Exo-inulinase of Aspergillus niger N402: A hydrolytic enzyme with significant transfructosylating activity.

Author

Goosen, C., Van Der Maarel, M. J. E. C., and Dijkhuizen, L.

Subjects
*ENZYMES, *ASPERGILLUS niger, *ESCHERICHIA coli, *OLIGOSACCHARIDES, *INULIN, *SUCROSE
Abstract

The purified exo-inulinase enzyme of Aspergillus niger N402 (AngInuE; heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli) displayed a sucrose:inulin (S/I) hydrolysis ratio of 2.3, characteristic for a typical exo-inulinase. The enzyme also had significant transfructosylating activity with increasing sucrose concentrations, producing various oligosaccharides. The AngInuE protein molecular mass was 57 kDa, close to the calculated value for the mature protein. AngInuE thus was active as a monomeric, non-glycosylated protein. Contradictory data on hydrolysis/transfructosylation activity ratios have been published for the (almost) identical (but monomeric or dimeric and glycosylated) exo-inulinases of other aspergilli. Our data clearly show that the AngInuE enzyme, produced in and purified from E. coli, is a broad specificity exo-inulinase that also has significant transfructosylating activity with sucrose. Analysis of site-directed mutants of AngInuE showed that the glycoside hydrolase family 32 conserved domain G is important for catalytic efficiency, with a clear role in hydrolysis of both sucrose and fructans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
2008
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42. The Effect of Desglycinamide-(ARG8)-Vasopressin (DGAVP) on the Acquisition of Free-Choice Alcohol Drinking in Rhesus Monkeys.

Author

Kornet, M., Goosen, C., Ribbens, L. G., and Ree, J. M.

Abstract

The vasopressin analog desglycinamide-(Arg8)-vasopressin (DGAVP) has been reported to reduce the acquisition of heroin and cocaine self-injection behavior in rats. This led to the hypothesis that DGAVP can reduce the self-administration of psycho-active drugs (including ethanol) by attenuating central reinforcement processes. Under forced ingestion conditions, DGAVP has been reported, however, to enhance alcohol drinking in rats. We studied the effect of DGAVP on the acquisition of voluntary, free-choice alcohol drinking in naive rhesus monkeys, that had concurrent access to either 1% and 2% (n = 12) or to 4% and 8% (n = 8) ethanol/water solutions in addition to drinking water. Half of the monkeys were injected twice per day with 50 μg. kg-1 of DGAVP for 14 successive days, the other half received placebo. Subsequently, all subjects had access to the same solutions for another 14 days without treatment. DGAVP did not significantly affect concentration preference behavior. With regard to net ethanol ingestion in animals drinking 1% and 2% solutions, DGAVP decreased net ethanol intakes, having a time-dependent and long lasting effect; placebo-treated animals gradually increased net ethanol intakes over time. The placebo-treated animals in the 4% and 8% group, showed a different acquisition pattern; DGAVP reduced net ethanol intake in two animals in a similar way as above. Two animals behaved differently. It is concluded that in a free-choice condition DGAVP did not enhance the acquisition of alcohol drinking in monkeys, but rather inhibited ethanol self-administration in the majority of the subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published
1991
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48. Evaluation of a Novel Heminested PCR Assay Based on the Phosphoglucosamine Mutase Gene for Detection of Helicobacter pyloriin Saliva and Dental Plaque

Author

Goosen, C., Theron, J., Ntsala, M., Maree, F. F., Olckers, A., Botha, S. J., Lastovica, A. J., and van der Merwe, S. W.

Abstract

ABSTRACTA novel heminested PCR protocol was developed for the specific detection of Helicobacter pyloriat low copy numbers. A set of primers specific for the phosphoglucosamine mutase gene (glmM) of H. pyloriproduced a 765-bp fragment that was used as template for the heminested primer pair delineating a 496-bp fragment. By using agarose gel electrophoresis for detection of the heminested PCR-amplified products, amplification of H. pylorigenomic DNA was achieved at concentrations as low as 0.1 pg, equivalent to 5 × 102bacteria. A study was subsequently undertaken to evaluate the heminested PCR for detection of H. pyloriin dental plaque and saliva. Specimens collected from 58 individuals were cultured, and PCR was subsequently performed on the oral cultures. Identification of H. pyloriin the same series of saliva and dental plaque specimens was carried out with PCR using a primer pair specific for the H. pyloriurease B gene and by the heminested PCR assay. The identity of the amplified products was confirmed by DNA sequencing. Our results demonstrate that the heminested PCR assay was specific for detection of H. pylori, yielding no false-positive results, and that H. pylorihad a low prevalence (approximately 3%) in specimens obtained from the oral cavity.

Published
2002
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