Inhibition of LPS-induced proinflammatory responses of J774.2 macrophages by immobilized enzymatically tailored pectins.

The surface of an implant device can be modified by immobilizing biological molecules on it to improve its integration into the host tissue. We have previously demonstrated that enzymatically tailored plant pectins are promising nanocoatings for biomaterials. This study investigates whether a coating of modified hairy region (rhamnogalacturonan-I) from apple pectin (MHR-alpha) which has anti-adhesive properties can inhibit the generation of inflammatory mediators by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated macrophages. For that purpose, J774.2 murine macrophages were cultured for 24h on MHR-alpha-coated Petri dishes and tissue culture polystyrene controls, with and without LPS. Cell morphology, cell growth, nitrite and TNF-alpha secretion were studied. The results indicate that MHR-alpha coating inhibits the LPS-induced activation of macrophages.

Differentiation of osteoblasts on pectin-coated titanium.

The gold standard for implant metals is titanium, and coatings such as collagen-I, RGD-peptide, chondroitin sulfate, and calcium phosphate have been used to modify its biocompatibility. We investigated how titanium coated with pectins, adaptable bioactive plant polysaccharides with anti-inflammatory effects, supports osteoblast differentiation. MC3T3-E1 cells, primary murine osteoblasts, and human mesenchymal cells (hMC) were cultured on titanium coated with rhamnogalacturonan-rich modified hairy regions (MHR-A and MHR-B) of apple pectin. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression and activity, calcium deposition, and cell spreading were investigated. MHR-B, but not MHR-A, supports osteoblast differentiation. The MHR-A surface was not mineralized, but on MHR-B, the average mineralized area was 14.0% with MC3T3-E1 cells and 26.6% with primary osteoblasts. The ALP activity of hMCs on MHR-A was 58.3% at day 7 and 9.3% from that of MHR-B at day 10. These data indicate that modified pectin nanocoatings may enhance the biocompatibility of bone and dental implants.

Colanic acid is an exopolysaccharide common to many enterobacteria isolated from paper-machine slimes.

In this study, polysaccharide-producing bacteria were isolated from slimes collected from two Finnish and one Spanish paper mill and the exopolysaccharides (EPSs) produced by 18 isolates were characterised. Most of the isolates, selected on the bases of slimy colony morphology, were members of the family Enterobacteriaceae most frequently belonging to the genera Enterobacter and Klebsiella including Raoultella. All of the EPSs analysed showed the presence of charged groups in the form of uronic acid or pyruvate revealing the polyanionic nature of these polysaccharides. Further results of the carbohydrate analysis showed that the EPS produced by nine of the enterobacteria was colanic acid.

Physico-chemical and transglucosylation properties of recombinant sucrose phosphorylase from Bifidobacterium adolescentis DSM20083.

Clones of a genomic library of Bifidobacterium adolescentis were grown in minimal medium with sucrose as sole carbon source. An enzymatic fructose dehydrogenase assay was used to identify sucrose-degrading enzymes. Plasmids were isolated from the positive colonies and sequence analysis revealed that two types of insert were present, which only differed with respect to their orientation in the plasmid. An open reading frame of 1,515 nucleotides with high homology for sucrose phosphorylases was detected on these inserts. The gene was designated SucP and encoded a protein of 56,189 Da. SucP was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, purified, and characterized. The molecular mass of SucP was 58 kDa, as estimated by SDS-PAGE, while 129 kDa was found with gel permeation, suggesting that the native enzyme was a dimer. The enzyme showed high activity towards sucrose and a lower extent towards alpha-glucose-1-phosphate. The transglucosylation properties were investigated using a broad range of monomeric sugars as acceptor substrate for the recombinant enzyme, while alpha-glucose-1-phosphate served as donor. D- and L-arabinose, D- and L-arabitol, and xylitol showed the highest production of transglucosylation products. The investigated disaccharides and trisaccharides were not suitable as acceptors. The structure of the transglucosylation product obtained with D-arabinose as acceptor was elucidated by NMR. The structure of the synthesized non-reducing dimer was alpha-Glcp(1-->1)beta-Araf.

[Population trends in the Netherlands, 1997]. / Demografie van Nederland 1997.

PIP: The authors outline the demographic situation in the Netherlands in 1997. Aspects considered include population size and growth, native and nonnative population, place of birth, household size and composition, marriages and number of children, fertility, divorce, migration, and mortality. (ANNOTATION)^ieng

[Population trends in the Netherlands, 1995]. / Demografie van Nederland 1995.

PIP: The authors summarize population trends in the Netherlands during 1995. Aspects considered include population size and growth, nationality, place of birth, fertility, mortality, marriage and divorce, international migration, and migration legislation. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

[Demographic review of the Netherlands, 1993]. / Demografie van Nederland 1993.

PIP: A review of demographic trends in the Netherlands in 1993 is presented. Separate consideration is given to natural increase and immigration, fertility, mortality, marriage and divorce, international migration, and population projections. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

[A demographic review of the Netherlands, 1991]. / Demografie van Nederland 1991.

PIP: This is a review of demographic trends in the Netherlands in 1991. The authors note that the rate of population growth continues to be the highest in Europe, due to relatively high levels of fertility and immigration. They also examine demographic aging, the foreign population, fertility, mortality, marriage and divorce, immigration, refugees, and residential relocation. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

[Demographic review of the Netherlands, 1990]. / Demografie van Nederland 1990.

PIP: Demographic data for the 15 million inhabitants of the Netherlands in 1990 are presented. Statistics on population growth, age distribution, fertility, foreign and native-born residents, mortality, life expectancy, marriage, divorce, and internal and international migration are included. Current trends indicate that the population will peak at or near 16 million inhabitants in the year 2001. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

Demographic review of the Netherlands 1989.

PIP: Demographic data for the Netherlands for 1989 are presented. Included are data concerning population growth, demographic aging, marital fertility, illegitimate births, mortality, life expectancy, marriage, divorce, consensual union, and internal and international migration patterns.^ieng

[Demography of the Netherlands 1988]. / Demografie van Nederland 1988.

PIP: This is a demographic review of the Netherlands for the year 1988. Tables and graphs present data on natural increase, population growth, fertility rate, death rate, migration, demographic aging, marriage patterns, family characteristics, and life expectancy. Data are from official Dutch sources. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

[Demographic review for the Netherlands, 1987]. / Demografie van Nederland 1987.

PIP: Population trends in the Netherlands during 1987 are reviewed. The authors note an increase in the rate of population growth to 0.7 percent. Fertility also increased, although probably remained below replacement level. Life expectancy increased to 80 for females and 73.5 for males. Data are also presented on nuptiality, including divorce, and on both internal and international migration. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

[Demography of the Netherlands, 1986]. / Demografie van Nederland 1986.

PIP: Population dynamics in the Netherlands during 1986 are described. The authors note that population increased by 84,000 during the year, primarily because of natural increase. Consideration is given to trends in fertility, mortality, international and internal migration, marriages, divorces, and the alien population. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

[Population statistics in the Netherlands]. / Bevolkingsstatistieken in Nederland.

PIP: The authors describe the collection of population statistics in the Netherlands. They note that most of the statistics come from the system of continuous population registration, in which all changes in marital status, births, deaths, and migrations are entered in municipal registers for people residing in the Netherlands. A historical review of Dutch population statistics is included as well as a review of other sources of data. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

[Demography of the alien population in the Netherlands, 1985]. / Demografie van de niet-Nederlandse bevolking in Nederland, 1985.

PIP: The characteristics of the resident alien population of the Netherlands in 1985 are described. Consideration is given to country of origin, fertility, mortality, and nuptiality. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

Population registers and population statistics.

The authors examine the use of population registers in the production of demographic statistics. "To do this, we first describe these registers; we then examine their further development as an independent source of population statistics--including current population estimates, vital and migration statistics--and as an alternative to population censuses. In conclusion, we consider a number of essential features of registers, including the original collection of data, the system's lifetime, privacy protection, and the government's ability to bring about a balance among conflicting interests regarding the collection and use of the data." The discussion is illustrated using examples from the Netherlands and Denmark.

[Demography of the Netherlands, 1985]. / Demografie van Nederland 1985.

PIP: A review of the population situation in the Netherlands in 1985 is presented based on official data. It is noted that the Netherlands is the most densely populated Western country and that the total population will continue to increase until the year 2004. Topics covered include trends in the foreign population, fertility, natural increase, international migration, nuptiality, and demographic aging. (SUMMARY IN ENG)^ieng

Aliens in the Netherlands on January 1st 1985.

"The increase in the number of aliens in the Netherlands has slowed down considerably since 1980. Nevertheless, we can still speak of significant changes in the alien population. This article gives a brief description of these changes in 1984 and looks at differences with the recent past.... Some preliminary figures on changes in the alien population in the first half of 1985 are also given. The article concludes with a summary of the (annually) available figures on aliens in the Netherlands." Data are included on people born in Suriname or the Netherlands Antilles who have Dutch nationality.

[Demography of the Netherlands, 1984]. / Demografie van Nederland 1984

PIP: A review of the demographic situation in the Netherlands in 1984 is presented. The author notes that the Netherlands is the most densely populated developed country and, next to Bangladesh, the most densely populated country in the world, barring islands and city states. Furthermore, the population is expected to continue to grow until the year 2004. Consideration is given to the foreign population, natural increase, nuptiality, fertility, divorce, and demographic aging. (summary in ENG)^ieng