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The capability of viscoelastic measurement parameters to screen anticoagulation activity of edoxaban in relation to its plasma concentrations was evaluated in 15 healthy male volunteers. Blood samples were drawn before the oral administration of edoxaban 60 mg and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 24 hours after administration. At each time, standard coagulation tests were performed, blood viscoelastic properties were measured with a thromboelastometry device ROTEM delta analyzer (Instrumentation Laboratory, Werfen, Barcelona, Spain), and edoxaban plasma concentrations were measured. Our primary interest was the possible correlation between edoxaban plasma concentrations and values for ROTEM ExTEM, and FibTEM. We also studied the correlation of edoxaban plasma concentrations with the results of standard coagulation tests. We saw the effect of a single dose of edoxaban most clearly in clotting time (CT) of ROTEM ExTEM and FibTEM. Changes in these parameters correlated significantly with edoxaban plasma concentrations up to 6 hours from the ingestion of the drug. Activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and anti-factor Xa were also affected. Peak changes were observed 2 and 4 hours after administration of edoxaban. The changes were mostly reversed after 8 hours. In conclusion, ROTEM CT correlates significantly with edoxaban plasma concentrations and can be used to estimate the effect of edoxaban. ROTEM should be considered as part of the assessment of coagulation, with the big advantage of being readily available on site.

Pressurized circulating fluidized-bed gasification by steam-oxygen has been developed at VTT for syngas applications. In this process, wood feedstocks are first converted into raw gasification gas, which is then filtered at about 600°C before catalytic reforming of tars and hydrocarbon gases. This article presents results of the gasification and gas filtration tests carried out with wood pellets, crushed pellets, bark, and crushed forest residues. The effects of operating pressure, bed material used, and other main operating variables were examined. Dolomite, magnesium oxide, and sand were used as bed materials. Gasification pressure was in the range 0.25–0.6 MPa and operating temperature 860–930°C. In best operating conditions, over 98% carbon conversion was achieved with very smooth long-term operation. The feedstock particle size, operation pressure, and the presence of calcium-based bed material had strong effects on tar formation and filter operability. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 681–687, 2014

Sindbis virus (SINV; family Togaviridae, genus Alphavirus) is an enveloped RNA virus widely distributed in Eurasia, Africa, Oceania and Australia. SINV is transmitted among its natural bird hosts via mosquitoes. Human disease caused by SINV infection has been reported mainly in South Africa and in Northern Europe. Vector mosquito abundance affects the annual incidence of SINV infections with occasional outbreaks of up to 1500 patients. Symptoms include fever, malaise, rash and musculoskeletal pain. In a significant portion of patients the debilitating musculoskeletal symptoms persist for years. Chronic disease after SINV infection shares many features with autoimmune diseases. Currently there is no specific treatment available. Recently SINV infections have been detected outside the previously known distribution range. In this article we will summarize the current knowledge on epidemiology, clinical disease and pathogenesis of SINV infection in man. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In eubacteria, replacement of one σ factor in the RNA polymerase (RNAP) holoenzyme by another one changes the transcription pattern. Cyanobacteria are eubacteria characterized by oxygenic photosynthesis, and they typically encode numerous group 2 σ factors that closely resemble the essential primary σ factor. A mutant strain of the model cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 without functional group 2 σ factors (named as ΔsigBCDE) could not acclimate to heat, high salt or bright light stress, but in standard conditions ΔsigBCDE grew only 9% slower than the control strain. One-fifth of the genes in ΔsigBCDE was differently expressed compared with the control strain in standard growth conditions and several physiological changes in photosynthesis, and pigment and lipid compositions were detected. To directly analyze the σ factor content of RNAP holoenzyme in vivo, a His-tag was added to the γ subunit of RNAP in Synechocystis and RNAPs were collected. The results revealed that all group 2 σ factors were recruited by RNAP in standard conditions, but recruitment of SigB and SigC increased in heat stress, SigD in bright light, SigE in darkness and SigB, SigC and SigE in high salt, explaining the poor acclimation of ΔsigBCDE to these stress conditions.

Summary Tetramisolum given at 10 mg./kg. live weight orally 2–3 times a year to reindeer kept in an enclosure eliminated the parasitic invasions, in spite of the established infection with Oedemagena tarandi, Cephenomyia trompe, Dictyocaulus and Trichostrongylus species during a period of six years. It was established that Tetramisolum has an effect upon the larval forms of 0. tarandi. After its regular use for four years O. arandi disappeared from the animals of the test group. The effect of Tetramisolum upon C. trompe is questionable. Zusammenfassung Antiparasitare Wirkung von Tetramisol (I. N. N.) auf Rentiere in einem Freilandgehege (Rangifer Tarandus Tarandus L.) unter spezieller Berucksichtigung von Oedemagena tarandi Tetramisol (10 mg/kg Lebendgewicht peroral, 2–3mal pro Jahr) machte eine in einem Freilandgehege gehaltene Herde Rentiere uber einen Zeitraum von 6 Jahren frei von Parasitenbefall, obwohl das Gebiet traditionell mit Oedemagena tarandi, Cephenomyia trompe sowie mit Dictyocaulus- und Trichostrongylus-Arten befallen war. Es wurde festgestellt, das Tetramisol auf die Larvenformen von O. tarandi wirkt. Nach regelmasiger Anwendung uber einen Zeitraum von 4 Jahren verschwanden die Parasiten der Spezies O. tarandi aus den Tieren der Testgruppe. Die Wirkung von Tetramisol auf C. trompe ist jedoch unsicher. Resume Action antiparasitaire du Tetramisol (I.N.N.) sur des rennes en semi-liberte (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) en fonction particulierement d'oedemagena tarandi Tetramisol a raison de 10 mg/kg de poids per os, 2–3 fois par annee, a elimine les parasites durant 6 ans dans un troupeau de rennes en semi-liberte malgre une region traditionnellement atteinte par Oedemagena tarandi, Cephenomyia trompe et des especes de Dictyocaulus et de Trichostrongylus. Il a ete etabli que Tetramisol agit sur les formes larvaires de O. tarandi. Apres une utilisation reguliere durant 4 ans, les parasites de l'espece O. tarandi ont disparu des animaux des groupes temoins. L'action de Tetramisol sur C. trompe est toutefois incertaine. Resumen Accion antiparasitaria de tetramisol (I.N.N.) en renos de un coto al aire libre (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) bajo la consideracion especial de Oedemagena tarandi Tetramisol (10mg/kg peso en pie por via oral, 2–3 veces por ano) libero a un rebano de renos, mantenido en coto a la intemperie durante un espacio de tiempo de 6 anos, de parasitosis, aunque la zona se hallaba afectada tradicionalmente por Oedemagena tarandi, Cephenomyia trompe y especies Dictyocaulus y Trichostrongylus. Se comprobo que tetramisol actua sobre las formas larvarias de O. tarandi. Tras aplicacion regular durante un espacio de tiempo de 4 anos desaparecieron los parasitos de la especie O. tarandi de los animales del grupo testigo. Sin embargo, es insegura la accion de tetramisol sobre C. trompe.

Summary The possible inclusion of Pekilo biomass, which is a dried powder produced from the filamentous microfungus Paecilomyces varioti and containing about 50% protein, in meat based food systems was evaluated using two types of sausage and meat balls as test products. The textural parameters evaluated indicated that Pekilo can form, in combination with meat, structures which are needed in these type of food systems provided that the water and fat content of the system is optimized. A comparatively strong taste owing to Pekilo was detected in these products, but it was not unanimously considered a negative factor in organoleptic analysis. Torutein and Promine D were used as reference materials in part of the sausage tests.

Background The mechanisms behind prostate cancer progression are largely unknown, but macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1) has been suggested to be involved in tumour dissemination in vivo due to its reductive effect on cell adhesion. Materials and methods We used two PC-3 prostate cancer epithelial cell line variants as tools to screen for gene expression differences during prostate cancer progression by cDNA microarray analysis. Selected genes were further analysed by Northern blot analysis using mRNA isolated from prostatic cell lines and tissues. MIC-1 expression was studied by in situ hybridization in archival patient specimens containing benign and malignant prostatic tissue. Results Gene expression of human collagen type VI, basement membrane heparan sulphate proteoglycan, integrin alpha 1, and fibronectin I were remarkably decreased in suspension-adapted PC-3 (saPC-3) cells, indicating a gene expression profile of reduced cell adhesion. Asparagine synthetase, serine protease 1, stanniocalcin homologue, NAD-dependent methylene tetrahydrate dehydrogenase cyclohydrolase (NMDMC), fortilin, and MIC-1 were overexpressed in saPC-3 cells. In prostate, the MIC-1 gene was mainly expressed in cancer tissue. However, MIC-1 transcripts were detected in benign tissue areas, especially in specimens containing prostate cancer with Gleason sum scores of 5–8. A significant inverse correlation (Spearman's rho correlation coefficient −0·928**) was observed between the ratio of cancerous to benign MIC-1 expression levels and Gleason scores. Conclusions Differential expression of the MIC-1 gene occurs during prostate cancer progression. The transcript level of the MIC-1 gene in histologically benign tissue seems to approach that in paired cancer tissue concomitant with an increasing Gleason score.

Summary Twenty-one Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina type A and 12 type B samples with ripened apothecia were collected in Sweden and Finland. Morphological dimensions of the ascospores were determined with an image analyser (Leica Qwin). Measured variables included length, width, perimeter and roundness of ascospores. Variations in these variables overlapped between the two types. Type A ascospores were significantly shorter (mean length 15.8 μm) than the type B ascospores (mean length 17.1 μm). Type A ascospores were also significantly rounder than type B ascospores. Differences between these morphological characters were, however, too small to distinguish the types as separate taxonomical species. Round-pointed and acute ascospores were found in the same apothecium but in different asci. According to the hypervariable marker GAAA1000, both round-pointed and acute ascospores originated from the same two parents in normal segregation. Resume Vingt-et-un echantillons avec des apothecies matures du type A de Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina et 12 du type B ont ete recoltes en Suede et Finlande. Les dimensions morphologiques des ascospores ont ete determinees avec un analyseur d'images (Leica Qwin). Les variables mesurees sont la longueur, la largeur, le perimetre et la rondeur des spores. Les gammes de variation de ces differentes variables se recouvrent entre les deux types. Les ascospores de type A sont significativement plus courtes (longueur moyenne de 15.8 μm) que les ascospores de type B (longueur moyenne de 17.1 μm). Les ascospores de type A sont aussi significativement plus rondes que celles de type B. Les differences pour ces caracteres morphologiques sont toutefois trop faibles pour distinguer les types comme des especes taxonomiques differentes. Des ascospores arrondies et pointues ont ete trouvees dans la meme apothecie mais dans des asques differents. En se basant sur le marqueur hypervariable GAAA1000, on peut etablir que les ascospores arrondies et pointues proviennent des memes deux parents en segregation normale. Zusammenfassung In Schweden und Finnland wurden 21 Gremmeniella abietina var. abietina Typ A- und 12 Typ B- Proben mit reifen Apothecien gesammelt. Folgende morphologische Messgrossen der Ascosporen wurden mit einem Image Analyser (Leica Quin) bestimmt: Lange, Breite, Umfang und Form. Die Variation der Variablen uberlappte bei den beiden Typen. Die Typ A-Ascosporen waren signifikant kurzer (15,8 μm mittlere Lange) als die Typ B-Ascosporen (17,1 μm). Der Typ A hatte signifikant rundere Ascosporen als der Typ B. Die Unterschiede in den morphologischen Merkmalen waren jedoch zu gering, um zwei taxonomische Arten zu unterscheiden. Ascosporen mit runden und spitzen Enden wurden im gleichen Apothecium, jedoch in verschiedenen Asci gefunden. Mit dem hypervariablen Marker GAAA1000 erwiesen sich Ascosporen mit rundem und spitzem Ende als Nachkommen der gleichen Eltern mit normaler Segregation.

BACKGROUND We have previously identified a GAAAATATGATA binding site (pros) of a transcription factor involved in prostatic and androgen-dependent gene regulation. We now purified the potential factors interacting with the pros and characterized their co-operation with the androgen receptor (AR). METHODS Sequence-specific DNA affinity chromatography, mass-spectrometry, electromobility shift assays, supershifts, glutathione-S-transferase pull-downs, and transient transfections. RESULTS Several proteins bound to the pros site, but only upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) was confirmed to be part of the transcription factor complex. Weak interaction was detected between AR and the transcription factor complex. Physical proximity between the androgen response element (ARE) and the pros was shown to be important for their co-operation. In the presence of pros and androgen, AR achieves its maximal efficiency even at low concentrations. CONCLUSIONS The protein complex binding to the GAAAATATGATA site does not have a significant independent function, but may interact with AR if GAAAATATGATA is physically close to the ARE and enhances the transactivation function of AR. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Summary An epidemic rust, Melampsoridium hiratsukanum, originating from East Asia has spread to Europe over the last two decades. We report the first observation of this rust in the British Isles on leaves of Alnus incana and A. glutinosa. In addition to M. hiratsukanum, a native M. betulinum–like rust co-occurred on the same leaves as a mixed infection. We also confirm that a rust on A. rubra in Western Canada is identical to M. hiratsukanum present in East Asia and Europe.

Summary The analysis of random amplified microsatellite (RAMS) markers among aecia of the causal agent of the resin top disease (Peridermium pini) on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) suggested that the genetic variation between the populations of this rust fungus is low in Finland. The method used allowed the identification of heterozygotic aecia in two loci, where the degree of heterozygosity was, however, low. The RAMS patterns of the Finnish aeciospores, other aeciospores from Thetford, UK and Cronartium flaccidum from Italy were highly similar suggesting that the autoecious and heteroecious forms of these rust fungi would be genetically closely related.

Ascospore release by Phacidium infestans was monitored with volumetric-recording spore traps in Finland. Detached branches of Scots pine infected naturally during the previous winter were used as a spore source. Spores were trapped during two autumns with simultaneous recording of weather factors. Free water from rain or thawing of rime or snow on the needles was required to initiate the spore release. After the onset of rain, the number of spores reached its maximum in 4–6 h, while heavy rain decreased the liberation of spores into the air. The number of spores had a higher correlation both with relative humidity and with precipitation delayed 3–7 h than with current precipitation. Temperature did not directly affect the ascospore release. Only a few spores were trapped at temperatures below 0°C. The effect of wind on the release of spores was mainly negative, and indirect through decreasing humidity. No diurnal periodicity was detected in the spore release.

The recently developed needle-trace method (NTM) was successfully used to verify retrospectively the occurrence of a well-documented needle-cast epidemic caused by Lophodermella sulcigena in the 5-year period of 1977–1981 in a stand of Pinus sylvestris.

The effect of the growth phase of pine seedlings on the success of Gremmeniella infection was studied in both simulated and natural growing seasons. Also the effect of cold and drought stress on the success of the infection was studied.

The winter activity of soil organisms and of the fungus Phacidium infestans inoculated on excised Scots pine shoots was monitored by measuring CO2 concentrations under the snow cover. Other variables measured, relating to respiration, were the temperature under the shoot heaps and the depth of snow cover. The concentrations were highest when the temperature under the snow remained at a relatively high level during the whole winter which also favoured respiration from P. infestans. When the soil was covered with a thin layer of snow, the conditions did not favor a high respiration rate until the snow melt period.

The properties of doughs containing various amounts of Pekilo biomass which is a dried powder produced from the filamentous microfungus Paecilomyces varioti and containing about 50% protein, were tested using Brabender farinograph and extensograph. The flavor properties of Pekilo in white wheat bread, and soft and hard rye bread were determined by a descriptive organoleptic method. Pekilo increased the water binding of the dough from about 62% to approximately 72% when the flour substitution level was raised from 0 to 8%. Pekilo had a negative effect on the stability and extensograph properties of the dough and this effect was augmented when the amount substituted was increased. The mild taste of Pekilo powder was distinctly observed in bread already at the lowest substitution levels. Soyafluff 200 T and Torutein were used as reference materials in wheat bread experiments. Crude lipase emulsion from poppy seed hydrolyses its endogenous substrate at an optimum pH of 4.9 and optimum temperature of 22-25°C. The lipase emulsion is stable up to 50°C. The enzyme is activated by low concentration of calcium ions; at higher concentrations a partial activity drop occurs. The addition of sodium chloride decrease the lipase activity, whereas casein, whey and bovine serum albumin stimulate its activity. The addition of sucrose does not affect the activity. During the enzymic reaction triglycerides are hydrolyzed yielding diglycerides, free fatty acids and to a lower extent monoglycerides as well.

According to recommended international standards edible fungi are blanched before salting and freezing. A study was conducted on the solution losses of Lactarius rufus due to blanching. Weight losses, changes of dry matter, raw fat, total nitrogen, amino nitrogen and ash contents as well as the pH value were determined when various methods of blanching were used. 3 min blanching at 95-100 degrees C was able to inactivate catalase and peroxydase while 6 min blanching was needed for inactivating polyphenoloxydase totally. After blanching there were 1/10 - 1/100 of spores left. During the 3 min blanching in water five times the quantity of mushrooms the losses of dry matter were about 10%; when doubling the quantity of blanching water the losses increased to 2-3 fold. The doubling of blanching time had no significant influence on the losses. The soluble dry matter content of blanched mushrooms was less than 50% of that of the fresh. Total nitrogen of fresh mushrooms was equal to that of the blanched but the amino nitrogen decreased to one tenth by blanching. The mineral element content of blanched mushrooms was about the half of that of the fresh. Blanching caused a slight decrease in the pH value. The necessity of the blanching of all edible fungi before freezing was discussed.