bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoking and Pain
Authors: Shi Yu , Weingarten Toby N. , Mantilla Carlos B. , Hooten W. Michael , Warner David O.
Published: September 2010

Cigarette smoke, which serves as a nicotine delivery vehicle in humans, produces profound changes in physiology. Experimental studies suggest that nicotine has analgesic properties. However, epidemiologic evidence shows that smoking is a risk factor for chronic pain. The complex relationship between smoking and pain not only is of scientific interest, but also has clinical relevance in the practice of anesthesiology and pain medicine. This review will examine current knowledge regarding how acute and chronic exposure to nicotine and cigarette smoke affects acute and chronic painful conditions. It will cover the relevant pharmacology of nicotine and other ligands at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor as related to pain, explore the association of cigarette smoking with chronic painful conditions and potential mechanisms to explain this association, and examine clinical implications for the care of smokers with pain.
emm typing, antibiotic resistance and PFGE analysis of Streptococcus pyogenes in Lebanon
Authors: Bahnan Wael , Hashwa Fuad , Araj George , Tokajian Sima
Published: September 2010

One hundred and threeStreptococcus pyogenesisolates recovered mainly from streptococcal throat infections in Lebanon were characterized byemmand PFGE typing. Thirty-threeemmtypes and subtypes were detected among the isolates. PFGE was more discriminatory as a typing method. The prevalentemmtypes wereemm1(12.6 %),emm22(8.7 %),emm28(7.7 %),emm88(7.7 %) andemm4(6.8 %) and all isolates were susceptible to vancomycin and penicillin G. Ten per cent of the isolates were resistant to erythromycin and 3 % were resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, showing the macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B phenotype. Theemmsequences and PFGE pattern database that were generated in this study will serve as a basis for information for long-term evolutionary and epidemiological studies of localS. pyogenesrecovered not only in Lebanon, but also in neighbouring countries.
Citrus limonoids interfere with Vibrio harveyi cell–cell signalling and biofilm formation by modulating the response regulator LuxO
Authors: Vikram Amit , Jesudhasan Palmy R. , Jayaprakasha G. K. , Pillai Suresh D. , Patil Bhimanagouda S.
Published: September 2010

Citrus limonoids are unique secondary metabolites, characterized by a triterpenoid skeleton with a furan ring. Studies have demonstrated beneficial health properties of limonoids. In addition, certain citrus limonoids play a role in plant defence against insect pests. In the present study, five limonoids were purified from sour orange and evaluated for their ability to inhibit cell–cell signalling. The purified limonoids were tested for their ability to interfere with cell–cell signalling and biofilm formation inVibrio harveyi. Isolimonic acid, deacetylnomilinic acid glucoside and ichangin demonstrated significant inhibition of autoinducer-mediated cell–cell signalling and biofilm formation. Furthermore, isolimonic acid and ichangin treatment resulted in induced expression of the response regulator geneluxO. In addition,luxRpromoter activity was not affected by isolimonic acid or ichangin. Therefore, the ability of isolimonic acid and ichangin to interfere with cell–cell signalling and biofilm formation seems to stem from the modulation ofluxOexpression. The results suggest that isolimonic acid and ichangin are potent modulators of bacterial cell–cell signalling.
Downregulation of Rv0189c, encoding a dihydroxyacid dehydratase, affects growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro and in mice
Authors: Singh Vinayak , Chandra Deepak , Srivastava Brahm S. , Srivastava Ranjana
Published: September 2010

Dihydroxyacid dehydratase (DHAD), a key enzyme involved in branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) biosynthesis, catalyses the synthesis of 2-ketoacids from dihydroxyacids. InMycobacterium tuberculosis, DHAD is encoded by geneRv0189c, and it shares 40 % amino acid sequence identity and conserved motifs with DHAD ofEscherichia coliencoded byilvD. In this study,Rv0189cwas overexpressed inE. coliand the resultant protein was characterized as a homodimer (∼155 kDa). Functional characterization ofRv0189cwas established by biochemical testing and by genetic complementation of an intron-disruptedilvD-auxotrophic mutant ofE. colito prototrophy. Growth ofM. tuberculosis,E. coliBL21(DE3) and recombinantE. coliBL21(DE3) ΔilvDcarryingRv0189cwas inhibited by transient nitric oxide (NO) exposure in minimal medium but growth was restored if the medium was supplemented with BCAA (isoleucine, leucine and valine). This suggested that inactivation ofRv0189cby NO probably inhibited bacterial growth. The role ofRv0189cinM. tuberculosiswas elucidated by antisense and sense RNA constructs. Growth ofM. tuberculosistransformed with a plasmid encoding antisense mRNA was markedly poor in the lungs of infected mice and in Middlebrook 7H9 broth compared to that of sense and vector-alone transformants, but growth was normal when the medium was supplemented with BCAA. Upregulation ofRv0189cwas observed during the early exponential phase of growth, under acid stress andex vivo, suggesting thatRv0189chas a role in the survival ofM. tuberculosisduring normal and stress conditions. It may be concluded that the DHAD encoded byRv0189cis essential for the survival ofM. tuberculosisand could be a potential drug/vaccine target, as it is absent in mammals.
Mass spectrometric quantification of the adaptations in the wall proteome of Candida albicans in response to ambient pH
Authors: Sosinska Grazyna J. , de Koning Leo J. , de Groot Piet W. J. , Manders Erik M. M. , Dekker Henk L. , Hellingwerf Klaas J. , de Koster Chris G. , Klis Frans M.
Published: September 2010

The mucosal layers colonized by the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans differ widely in ambient pH. Because the properties and functions of wall proteins are probably pH dependent, we hypothesized that C. albicans adapts its wall proteome to the external pH. We developed an in vitro system that mimics colonization of mucosal surfaces by growing biomats at pH 7 and 4 on semi-solid agarose containing mucin as the sole nitrogen source. The biomats expanded radially for at least 8 days at a rate of ∼30 μm h−1. At pH 7, hyphal growth predominated and growth was invasive, whereas at pH 4 only yeast and pseudohyphal cells were present and growth was noninvasive. Both qualitative mass spectrometric analysis of the wall proteome by tandem mass spectrometry and relative quantification of individual wall proteins (pH 7/pH 4), using Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FT-MS) and a reference mixture of 15N-labelled yeast and hyphal walls, identified similar sets of >20 covalently linked wall proteins. The adhesion proteins Als1 and Als3, Hyr1, the transglucosidase Phr1, the detoxification enzyme Sod5 and the mammalian transglutaminase substrate Hwp1 (immunological detection) were only present at pH 7, whereas at pH 4 the level of the transglucosidase Phr2 was >35-fold higher than at pH 7. Sixteen out of the 22 proteins identified by FT-MS showed a greater than twofold change. These results demonstrate that ambient pH strongly affects the wall proteome of C. albicans, show that our quantitative approach can give detailed insights into the dynamics of the wall proteome, and point to potential vaccine targets.
Regulation of the nitrate reductase operon narKGHJI by the cAMP-dependent regulator GlxR in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Nishimura Taku , Teramoto Haruhiko , Toyoda Koichi , Inui Masayuki , Yukawa Hideaki
Published: September 2010

The Corynebacterium glutamicum anaerobic nitrate reductase operon narKGHJI is repressed by a transcriptional regulator, ArnR, under aerobic conditions. A consensus binding site of the cAMP receptor protein (CRP)-type regulator, GlxR, was recently found upstream of the ArnR binding site in the narK promoter region. Here we investigated the involvement of GlxR and cAMP in expression of the narKGHJI operon in vivo. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that the putative GlxR binding motif in the narK promoter region is essential for the cAMP-dependent binding of GlxR. Promoter-reporter assays showed that mutation in the GlxR binding site resulted in significant reduction of narK promoter activity. Furthermore, a deletion mutant of the adenylate cyclase gene cyaB, which is involved in cAMP synthesis, exhibited a decrease in both narK promoter activity and nitrate reductase activity. These results demonstrated that C. glutamicum GlxR positively regulates narKGHJI expression in a cAMP-dependent manner.
Two Coordinately Regulated Homologs of FLOWERING LOCUS T Are Involved in the Control of Photoperiodic Flowering in Soybean
Authors: Kong Fanjiang , Liu Baohui , Xia Zhengjun , Sato Shusei , Kim Bo Min , Watanabe Satoshi , Yamada Tetsuya , Tabata Satoshi , Kanazawa Akira , Harada Kyuya , Abe Jun
Published: September 2010

FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) is a key flowering integrator in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), with homologs that encode florigens in many plant species regardless of the type of photoperiodic response. We identified 10 FT homologs, which were arranged as five pairs of linked genes in different homoeologous chromosomal regions, in soybean (Glycine max), a paleopolyploid species. Two of the FT homologs, GmFT2a and GmFT5a, were highly up-regulated under short-day (SD) conditions (inductive for flowering in soybean) and had diurnal expression patterns with the highest expression 4 h after dawn. Under long-day (LD) conditions, expression of GmFT2a and GmFT5a was down-regulated and did not follow a diurnal pattern. Flowering took much longer to initiate under LD than under SD, and only the GmFT5a transcript accumulated late in development under LD. Ectopic expression analysis in Arabidopsis confirmed that both GmFT2a and GmFT5a had the same function as Arabidopsis FT, but the effect of GmFT5a was more prominent. A double-mutant soybean line for two PHYTOCHROME A (PHYA) genes expressed high levels of GmFT2a and GmFT5a under LD, and it flowered slightly earlier under LD than the wild type grown under SD. The expression levels of GmFT2a and GmFT5a were regulated by the PHYA-mediated photoperiodic regulation system, and the GmFT5a expression was also regulated by a photoperiod-independent system in LD. Taken together, our results suggest that GmFT2a and GmFT5a coordinately control flowering and enable the adaptation of soybean to a wide range of photoperiodic environments.
A High-Throughput Data Mining of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms inCoffeaSpecies Expressed Sequence Tags Suggests Differential Homeologous Gene Expression in the AllotetraploidCoffea arabica
Authors: Vidal Ramon Oliveira , Mondego Jorge Maurício Costa , Pot David , Ambrósio Alinne Batista , Andrade Alan Carvalho , Pereira Luiz Filipe Protasio , Colombo Carlos Augusto , Vieira Luiz Gonzaga Esteves , Carazzolle Marcelo Falsarella , Pereira Gonçalo Amarante Guimarães
Published: September 2010

Polyploidization constitutes a common mode of evolution in flowering plants. This event provides the raw material for the divergence of function in homeologous genes, leading to phenotypic novelty that can contribute to the success of polyploids in nature or their selection for use in agriculture. Mounting evidence underlined the existence of homeologous expression biases in polyploid genomes; however, strategies to analyze such transcriptome regulation remained scarce. Important factors regarding homeologous expression biases remain to be explored, such as whether this phenomenon influences specific genes, how paralogs are affected by genome doubling, and what is the importance of the variability of homeologous expression bias to genotype differences. This study reports the expressed sequence tag assembly of the allopolyploid Coffea arabica and one of its direct ancestors, Coffea canephora. The assembly was used for the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphisms through the identification of high-quality discrepancies in overlapped expressed sequence tags and for gene expression information indirectly estimated by the transcript redundancy. Sequence diversity profiles were evaluated within C. arabica (Ca) and C. canephora (Cc) and used to deduce the transcript contribution of the Coffea eugenioides (Ce) ancestor. The assignment of the C. arabica haplotypes to the C. canephora (CaCc) or C. eugenioides (CaCe) ancestral genomes allowed us to analyze gene expression contributions of each subgenome in C. arabica. In silico data were validated by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction and allele-specific combination TaqMAMA-based method. The presence of differential expression of C. arabica homeologous genes and its implications in coffee gene expression, ontology, and physiology are discussed.
Phase‐II trial of combination treatment of interferon‐α, cimetidine, cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor and renin‐angiotensin‐system inhibitor (I‐CCA therapy) for advanced renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Tatokoro Manabu , Fujii Yasuhisa , Kawakami Satoru , Saito Kazutaka , Koga Fumitaka , Matsuoka Yoh , Iimura Yasumasa , Masuda Hitoshi , Kihara Kazunori
Published: September 2010

We have recently reported favorable responses to a combination treatment comprising cimetidine, a cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor and a renin‐angiotensin‐system inhibitor in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In view of the potential synergistic effects of these three agents and interferon‐α (I‐CCA therapy), we conducted a phase‐II trial to examine the efficacy and toxicity of I‐CCA as first‐line treatment. Fifty‐one patients with advanced RCC received natural interferon‐α (3–6 million U thrice/week) and cimetidine (800 mg), cyclooxygenase‐2 inhibitor meloxicam (10 mg), and renin‐angiotensin‐system inhibitor candesartan (4 mg) or perindopril (4 mg) orally daily. Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center prognostic categories were favorable, intermediate and poor in 10 (20%), 31 (61%) and 10 (20%) patients, respectively. The primary end‐point was the objective response rate (ORR) and the secondary end‐points included clinical benefit, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and safety. Median follow‐up was 19 months. Complete response (CR) was observed in four patients (8%) and partial response in seven (14%), yielding an ORR of 22%. None of the four patients who achieved CR relapsed during the 16‐ to 81‐month follow up. The ORR were 17% in the favorable‐ or intermediate‐risk group and 40% in the poor‐risk group. The other 24 patients (45%) had stable disease for at least 6 months, resulting in a clinical benefit rate of 67%. The median PFS and OS were 12 and 30 months, respectively. Grade 3/4 toxicities were never observed. The I‐CCA therapy, providing favorable responses and low toxicity profiles, is worthy of further consideration as a first‐line therapy for metastatic RCC. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 137–143)
The 20S proteasome α5subunit ofArabidopsis thalianacarries an RNase activity and interactsin plantawith theLettuce mosaic potyvirusHcPro protein
Authors: DIELEN ANNE‐SOPHIE , SASSAKI FLAVIO TETSUO , WALTER JOCELYNE , MICHON THIERRY , MÉNARD GUILLAUME , PAGNY GAËLLE , KRAUSE‐SAKATE RENATE , MAIA IVAN DE GODOY , BADAOUI SALOUA , LE GALL OLIVIER , CANDRESSE THIERRY , GERMAN‐RETANA SYLVIE
Published: September 2010

In plants, the ubiquitin/26S proteasome system (UPS) plays a central role in protein degradation and is involved in many steps of defence mechanisms, regardless of the types of pathogen targeted. In addition to its proteolytic activities, the UPS ribonuclease (RNase) activity, previously detected in 20S proteasome preparations from cauliflower and sunflower (Helianthus annuus), has been shown to specifically target plant viral RNAsin vitro. In this study, we show that recombinantArabidopsis thalianaproteasomal α5subunit expressed inEscherichia coliharbours an RNase activity that degradesTobacco mosaic virus(TMV, Tobamovirus)‐ andLettuce mosaic virus(LMV, Potyvirus)‐derived RNAsin vitro. The analysis of mutated forms of the α5subunit demonstrated that mutation of a glutamic acid at position 110 affects RNase activity. Furthermore, it was demonstrated, using a bimolecular fluorescence complement assay, that the multifunctional helper component proteinase (HcPro) of LMV, already known to interfere with the 20S proteasome RNase activityin vitro, can interactin vivowith the recombinant α5subunit. Further experiments demonstrated that, in LMV‐infected lettuce cells, α5is partially relocalized to HcPro‐containing infection‐specific inclusions. Susceptibility analyses ofArabidopsismutants, knocked out for eachAt‐PAEgene encoding α5, showed that one (KO‐pae1) of the two mutants exhibited a significantly increased susceptibility to LMV infection. Taken together, these results extend toA. thalianaα5the range of HcPro‐interacting proteasomal subunits, and suggest that HcPro may modulate its associated RNase activity which may contribute to an antiviral response.
Erythropoietin enhances endogenous haem oxygenase-1 and represses immune responses to ameliorate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Chen Shyi-Jou , Wang Yen-Ling , Lo Wen-Tsung , Wu Chia-Cho , Hsieh Chia-Wen , Huang Ching-Feng , Lan Yu-Hsin , Wang Chih-Chien , Chang Deh-Ming , Sytwu Huey-Kang
Published: September 2010

Both erythropoietin (EPO) and haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an anti-oxidative stress protein, have proven protective roles in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a reliable animal model of multiple sclerosis. In this study, EPO delivered intraperitoneally could reduce disease severity in myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)–EAE mice. To assess the effect of EPO on endogenous HO-1 in EAE, we investigated expression of HO-1 mRNA by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), protein expression centrally and peripherally by Western blot and immunohistochemistry and mean fluorescence intensity of splenic HO-1 by flow cytometry. A significantly higher expression of HO-1 in both the central nervous system (CNS) and spleen was shown in EPO-treated MOG–EAE mice than in controls. We further examined the immunomodulatory effect of EPO in EAE, and via RT–PCR demonstrated significantly lower expression of interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-23, IL-6 and IL-17 mRNA, and significantly higher expression of IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA in CNS of EPO-treated MOG–EAE mice than in controls. Using flow cytometry, we also observed a significantly decreased ratio of both T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 lymphocyte subsets isolated from CNS and a significantly increased ratio of splenic regulatory CD4 T cells in EPO-treated MOG–EAE mice. In addition, we demonstrated that MOG-specific T cell proliferation was lower in the EPO-treated group than in controls and showed amelioration of EAE by adoptive transfer of splenocytes from EPO-treated MOG–EAE mice. Together, our data show that in EAE, EPO induction of endogenous HO-1 and modulation of adaptive immunity both centrally and peripherally may involve the repression of inflammatory responses.
Hiatus concretions
Authors: Zatoń Michał
Published: September 2010

The term ‘hiatus concretions’ was introduced for the first time by the late Ehrhard Voigt, a well‐known German bryozoan specialist, in 1968 (originally as Hiatus‐Konkretionen). Hiatus concretions are early diagenetic bodies that formed within the host sediment. In this respect, they are similar in composition to other concretions that are very common in siliciclastic deposits of different ages, some of which are known to contain fossils or minerals. Hiatus concretions, however, differ from conventional concretions in their complex post‐diagenetic history, including exhumation on the sea‐floor, colonization by various encrusting and/or boring organisms during a break in sedimentation, and final burial. Thus, the name ‘hiatus concretions’ refers to the fact that they indicate hiatal surfaces in sedimentary sequences (Fig. 1). It is known that hiatus concretions may have developed during very different time‐spans: for example, within a part of one ammonite subzone (i.e. tens of thousands to a few hundreds of thousands of years) or much longer, during a time embracing more than a stage (i.e. several millions of years). The majority of the hiatus concretions known from the fossil record have carbonate cements, usually calcite, and these are the main focus of this article. Some hiatus concretions, however, are cemented by phosphate minerals.

Hiatus concretions in the field. A. A horizon of hiatus concretions weathered out from the Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) clay sediments at Krzyworzeka, Polish Jura, Poland. B. Close‐up of the hiatus concretions.

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A kinetic study on extraction and transformation phenomena of phenolic compounds during red wine fermentation
Authors: Zanoni Bruno , Siliani Silvia , Canuti Valentina , Rosi Iolanda , Bertuccioli Mario
Published: September 2010

The aim of this work was both to model the kinetics of the extraction and transformation of phenolic compounds during fermentation and to propose an index to compare fermentation procedures. Six lots of Sangiovese grapes from five vineyards were used for red wine fermentation tests on lab and industrial scale during 2005 and 2006 vintages. Total phenol index, colour parameters, anthocyanin and pigmented polymer contents were measured during fermentations as variables related to phenolics. Microvinifications performed during vintage 2005 were used to model the evolution of total phenol index at 280 nm, malvidine content, colour parameter a* and pigmented polymer content during fermentation. Vinifications performed during vintage 2006 were used to validate the models. A specific adimensional number, called equivalent index, was set up to specify the operating conditions of red wine fermentation being a function of the extraction and transformation phenomena of phenolic compounds.
Physico‐chemical properties of starches from Indian kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) cultivars
Authors: Wani Idrees A. , Sogi Dalbir S. , Wani Ali A. , Gill Balmeet S. , Shivhare Uma S.
Published: September 2010

Starches isolated from four Kidney bean cultivars (French Yellow, Contender, Master Bean, Local Red) grown in temperate climate were studied for their physico‐chemical, morphological, thermal, pasting, textural and retrogradation properties. Physico‐chemical properties such as composition, amylose content, water absorption capacity, swelling power, syneresis, freeze–thaw stability and light transmittance showed significant differences among starches. Amylose content (36.4–41.7%) showed strong correlations with peak, trough, breakdown, final and setback viscosity, gel hardness, gumminess and chewiness. The starch granule morphology of these starches showed considerable variation when studied by scanning electron microscopy. Starch granules were observed to be round, irregular or elliptical with smooth surfaces. Master Bean starch granules were larger than those of other kidney bean starches. Pasting and textural properties of French Yellow starches were found to be higher than other kidney bean starches. Local Red starches showed the highest gelatinisation transition temperatures, whereas Master Bean starches showed the lowest transition temperatures.
Rheological behaviour and functionality of inulin‐extra virgin olive oil‐based mashed potatoes
Authors: Alvarez María Dolores , Fernández Cristina , Olivares María Dolores , Canet Wenceslao
Published: September 2010

Developing products having a high nutritional value and good storage stability during freezing is a challenge. Inulin (I) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have interesting functional properties. The effect of the addition of I and EVOO blends at different I:EVOO ratios (0:0, 0:60, 15:45, 30:30, 45:15, 60:0, 30:45 and 45:30) on the rheological, physical, sensory and structural properties of fresh and frozen/thawed mashed potatoes formulated without and with added cryoprotectants was analysed and compared. Addition of I and EVOO (either alone or blended) reduced apparent viscosity and pseudoplasticity producing softer systems, indicating that both ingredients behave as soft fillers. Samples with added I at the higher concentrations (≥45 g kg−1) showed lower flow index and consistency, which is related to formation of smaller I particles; microphotographs indicated that gelling properties of I depended mostly upon processing. Frozen/thawed samples were judged more acceptable and creamier than their fresh counterparts.
Storage stability of a tropical fruit (cashew apple, acerola, papaya, guava and passion fruit) mixed nectar added caffeine
Authors: De Sousa Paulo H. M. , Maia Geraldo A. , De Azeredo Henriette M. C. , Ramos Afonso M. , De Figueiredo Raimundo W.
Published: September 2010

Nectars are formulated beverages with a fruit juice or pulp as its main component. A blend of fruits can also be used, with the advantage of combining sensory and nutritional properties of different fruits. The beverages may be added with some energetic component, as caffeine, known by its stimulating effect on central nervous system. The objective of this study was to develop mixed nectar of cashew apple, papaya, guava, acerola fruit and passion fruit added caffeine. The beverage was prepared with 35% juice blend and 10% sugar, added with 100 mg of caffeine L−1 and 60 mg of sodium metabisulfite (SO2) L−1 and 500 mg of sodium benzoate L−1 as preservatives, packed in cleaned pasteurised bottles and heat processed at 90 °C for 30 s. Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses of the beverage were performed initially (time zero) and during 6 months of storage at room temperature (about 25 °C). The products were microbiologically stable during storage. The vitamin C content decreased significantly throughout storage time, although it has remained relatively high. The product presented good sensory acceptance, which suggests its potential for market.
Effect of cysteine on structural, rheological properties and solubility of wheat gluten by enzymatic hydrolysis
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Hua , Li Qin , Claver Irakoze P. , Zhu Ke‐Xue , Peng Wei , Zhou Hui‐Ming
Published: September 2010

The progressive enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat gluten was obtained with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy structural and rheological understanding of the molecular interactions and structural transformations as affected by cysteine. Cysteine which cleaved disulphide (SS) bonds and inhibited wheat gluten polymer formation induced the disappearance of 1622 cm−1 band (extended structures) and significant increases in the amount of β‐sheet in the amide I region and in hydration capacity. The alterations in structure had tremendous influence on the rheological properties of wheat gluten so that decreased the shear moduli (loss modulus and storage modulus) and viscosity. A typical viscoelastic behaviour (ranging from more solid‐like to more fluid‐like) affected by cysteine was manifested by wheat gluten dough. Consequently, the solubility of wheat gluten improved. Hence, structural, rheological changes and solubility gave rise to high enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat gluten.
Enhanced bioaccessibility of β‐carotene from yellow‐orange vegetables and green leafy vegetables by domestic heat processing
Authors: Veda Supriya , Platel Kalpana , Srinivasan Krishnapura
Published: September 2010

Effect of heat treatment involved in domestic cooking on the bioaccessibility of β‐carotene from yellow‐orange as well as green leafy vegetables was evaluated. Heat treatment of these vegetables by pressure‐cooking, stir‐frying and open‐pan boiling had a beneficial influence on the bioaccessibility of β‐carotene. The extent of increase in the per cent bioaccessibility of β‐carotene as a result of pressure‐cooking was 21–84%. Stir‐frying in presence of a small quantity of oil brought about an enormous increase in the bioaccessibility of β‐carotene from these vegetables, the extent of increase being 67–191%. Open‐pan boiling of vegetables increased the bioaccessibility of β‐carotene in the range 23–36%. Thus, among the three domestic heat processing methods, stir‐frying results in maximum bioaccessibility of this provitamin. The use of suitably heat‐processed vegetable sources of β‐carotene could form a dietary strategy to derive this micronutrient maximally by the population dependent on plant foods.
Modelling the respiration rate of minimally processed broccoli (Brassica rapa var. sylvestris) for modified atmosphere package design
Authors: Torrieri Elena , Perone Nadia , Cavella Silvana , Masi Paolo
Published: September 2010

In this work, the effect of temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide on the respiration rate of minimally processed broccoli was studied to develop suitable modified atmosphere packaging. Respiration rate was measured at 3, 5, 7, 10, 15 and 20 °C under different gas compositions of O2 and CO2 (1%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 21% of O2 with the balance N2, a mixture of 10% and 20% of carbon dioxide with the balance air and a mixture at 3% of O2 and 15% of CO2 with the balance N2). As expected, temperature was the most influential factor on respiration rate, for all atmospheres tested: increasing the temperature from 3 to 20 °C resulted, for air‐stored samples, in a 84% change in oxygen respiration rate, whereas at constant temperature, the respiration rate decreased by 35% with lowering the O2 concentration from 21% to 1% and by 44% with increasing the CO2 concentration from 0% to 20%. The Michaelis and Menten competitive model with maximum respiration rate varying against temperature with an Arrhenius equation accurately described the influence of gas composition and temperature on the respiration rate of minimally processed broccoli, and it was used to design a suitable package.
Influence of the postharvest processing method on polysaccharides and coffee beverages
Authors: Tarzia Andréa , Dos Santos Scholz Maria Brígida , De Oliveira Petkowicz Carmen Lúcia
Published: September 2010

Fresh coffee fruits were subjected to different types of postharvest processing. Intact fruits were processed using the dry method (DI), peeled fruits were processed using the semi‐dry method (DP) and fruits were processed using the wet method (W). The extraction of polysaccharides from the seeds from the unprocessed and processed fruits indicated that arabinogalactans and (galacto)mannans were the main polysaccharides. Higher amounts of polysaccharides were extracted from processed coffee. Among the treatments, lower amounts of water‐soluble galactomannans were obtained from coffee beans processed by the dry and wet methods. The polysaccharides obtained from beverages prepared using beans from DI, DP and W methods showed different yields, total sugar and protein contents. Galactomannans and AGPs were also present in the coffee beverages. Although differences were found in the chemical compositions, no differences were observed in the viscosity or surface tension of coffee beverages from the DI, DP and W methods.
Effects of chitosan coating on oxidative stress in bruised Yali pears (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.)
Authors: Li Jian , Yan Jiaqi , Wang Jingfa , Zhao Yumei , Cao Jiankang , Jiang Weibo
Published: September 2010

The protective effects of chitosan on oxidative stress in bruised Yali pears (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) were investigated. The fruit were treated with 1.5% chitosan before or after damage, respectively, and then stored at 16 °C and 90% relative humidity. Postharvest quality, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes were analysed. Results showed that bruise induced the accumulation of H2O2 and O2−. However, chitosan treatments reduced the levels of ROS and delayed the decease of glutathione (GSH) content in bruised fruit. Meanwhile, activities of antioxidant enzymes, including catalase, peroxidases, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase or GSH reductase was 40.7%, 98.1%, 62.3%, 127.8% or 23.8% higher in chitosan‐bruised fruit and 41.1%, 80.8%, 18.5%, 102.9% or 45.2%, respectively, higher in bruised‐chitosan fruit than untreated bruised fruit on the 15th day.
Rheological behaviour of concentrated mandarin juice at low temperatures
Authors: Falguera Victor , Vélez‐Ruiz Jorge Fernando , Alins Verónica , Ibarz Albert
Published: September 2010

Several rheological properties of concentrated mandarin juice were investigated, quantifying thixotropic behaviour and fitting experimental data to the Hahn, Weltman, and Figoni–Shoemaker equations. The latter one proved best for modelling the time dependency response. Pseudoplastic behaviour fitted well with the Herschel–Bulkley model in the interval between −12 and 6 °C, in which yield stress and the flow behaviour index scarcely changed with temperature. The consistency coefficient and apparent viscosity both decreased as temperature increased. Fitting these consistency data to the Arrhenius‐type equation, a value of 33 kJ mol−1 for activation energy was obtained. Concentrated mandarin juice displayed viscoelastic properties in the temperature range between −12 and 6 °C, with the elastic character (determined by the juice’s pectin content) predominating over the viscous nature at low frequency values, but with this behaviour being inverted for high values. Furthermore, as the temperature became higher, the elastic character became more important than the viscous nature.
Parental liminality: a way of understanding the early experiences of parents who have a very preterm infant
Authors: Watson Gill
Published: September 2010

Aim.  The aim of this study was to explore the early experiences of parents who have a very preterm infant.

Background.  Very preterm infants are physiologically ill‐prepared for extra‐uterine life, but a greater number now survive birth and the postnatal period. The complex needs of the very preterm infant are met in the technological environment of the neonatal intensive care area, separating parents, physically and psychologically from their very preterm infant. Studies exploring the parental experience have identified parental stress; lowly parental status and attachment issues as areas of concern. However, there is little understanding about the early parental experience.

Design.  This study used a phenomenological interpretive design.

Methods.  Ethical approval to conduct this study using two study centres was obtained. An interpretive interactionist approach guided this study. Data were collected from three sources: 20 parents of very preterm infants, five senior neonatal nurses and seven neonatal intensive care nurses. Purposive sampling was used for the first and second sources, and data were collected through semi‐structured interviews. The third source of data occurred opportunistically through one focus group.

Analysis.  Analysis involved constant comparative analysis.

Results.  Crisis, uncertainty and powerlessness, properties of liminality framed this early complex parental transition. It is argued that the overarching theme of parental liminality best framed the parental physical, psychological and social experiences.

Conclusion.  This qualitative interpretive study identified that parents of very preterm infants experienced many crises, uncertainty and powerlessness in their transition to parenthood, making them liminal people.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Parental liminality provides a means of conceptualising the early experiences of parents of very preterm infants, providing practitioners, at strategic and operational levels, with the means of developing supporting interventions in the early stages of transition for parents of very preterm infants. Such support could mediate parent–infant relationships.
Both seedling banks and specialist seed predators promote the evolution of synchronized and intermittent reproduction (masting) in trees
Authors: Tachiki Yuuya , Iwasa Yoh
Published: September 2010

1. Conditions leading to the evolution of masting (intermittent and synchronized reproduction of trees) are examined. According to the dynamics of the resource reserve of individuals, reproductive investment is the proportion of investment in flowers with coefficient k. If k evolves to sufficiently large values, trees show a large between‐year fluctuation in the seed crop even in a constant environment (masting).

2. Our assumptions are: the forest consists of many sites, each occupied by a single canopy tree. After a canopy tree falls, the vacant site (gap) becomes available for recruitment.

3. Masting never evolves if all vacant sites are filled by individuals from seeds produced in the same year, despite the fact that trees reproducing intermittently enjoy a higher pollination success than trees reproducing annually.

4. Masting can evolve if some seedlings survive for several years, forming a seedling bank on the forest floor, where seeds produced in different years compete for gap acquisition. In this case, the disadvantage of intermittent reproduction is compensated for by seedlings and the benefit of pollen limitation dominates.

5. We also study the effect of specialist seed predators. In the complete absence of seed bank or seeding bank, masting never evolves even in the presence of seed predators. If some seedlings survive for multiple years, seed predators can promote the evolution of masting.

6. Synthesis. Both seedling banks and specialist seed predators promote the evolution of masting. However, the presence of seed predators can work only when some seedlings can survive more than 1 year. The regeneration process of forests must be considered when the evolution of the reproduction of plants is discussed.
Modulation of exteroceptive suppression periods in human jaw‐closing muscles by subanaesthetic dose of propofol
Authors: TOYOSATO A. , BEGUM M. , SUGIYAMA K. , SOMEYA G.
Published: September 2010

Summary  Exteroceptive suppression (ES) periods in human jaw‐closing muscles can be conditioned by a wide range of somatosensory stimuli and cognitive states. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of subanaesthetic doses of midazolam, ketamine and propofol on the short latency (ES1) and long latency (ES2) reflex in the jaw‐closing muscles. First, we tried to evaluate the various methodological criteria for ES recording. We then examined the effect of subanaesthetic doses of midazolam (0·035 mg kg−1), ketamine (0·30 mg kg−1) and propofol (0·35 mg kg−1) on these reflexes of recording left masseter and temporalis muscle. ES duration did not differ greatly in the present study, recorded with the correct adjustment of stimulating and recording conditions. None of the subanaesthetic doses of the agents influenced ES1, and no significant effects on ES2 were observed with midazolam and ketamine. However, significant inhibitory change was observed in ES2 with propofol. ES2 is thought to be mediated by afferents, which descend in the spinal trigeminal tract and connect with a polysynaptic chain of excitatory interneurones located in the lateral reticular formation. Our observations indicate that propofol is uniquely effective not only through involvement of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor, but also through a range of other effects.
Efficacy of eight commercial formulations of lime sulphur on in vitro growth inhibition of Microsporum canis
Authors: Diesel Alison , Verbrugge Maria , Moriello Karen A.
Published: September 2010

Lime sulphur is a common topical treatment for dermatophytosis in animals. Until recently, a single veterinary lime sulphur formulation was available. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of eight lime sulphur products for in vitro growth inhibition of Microsporum canis using the isolated infected spore model. Infective M. canis spores were isolated from hairs collected from untreated cats. Hairs were macerated in Triton‐X solution and isolated according to a previously published protocol. Equal volumes of spore suspension and lime sulphur solutions were incubated for 5 min and plated onto modified BBL™ Mycosel™ agar (Becton, Dickinson and Company; Sparks, MD, USA) plates. Five plates were inoculated for each sample solution. Distilled water and bleach were used as controls. Colony forming units were counted daily for 21 days; positive control plates contained >300 colony forming units/plate. Seven of the products were supplied as concentrates and they were tested at the manufacturer’s recommended dilution, twice label concentration and half label concentration. A prediluted product SulfaDip® (Trask Research, Inc.; Daluca, GA, USA) was tested at the label and half label concentration. All veterinary products formed recommended treatment dilutions of 3% sulphurated lime solution except one (LymDyp®, IVX Animal Health Inc.; St Joseph, MO, USA), which formed a 2.4% sulphurated lime solution. Results of the study showed complete growth inhibition of M. canis spores by all products at all dilutions tested. These results indicate that all tested lime sulphur‐containing products were equivalent. Field studies are needed to test product equivalency in vivo.
The effect of a simple checklist on frequent pre‐induction deficiencies
Authors: THOMASSEN Ø. , BRATTEBØ G. , SØFTELAND E. , LOSSIUS H. M. , HELTNE J‐K.
Published: September 2010

Background: A substantial proportion of anaesthesia‐related adverse events are preventable by identification and correction of errors in planning, communication, fatigue, stress, and equipment. The aim of this study was to develop and implement a pre‐induction checklist in order to identify and solve problems before induction of anaesthesia.

Methods: The checklist was developed in a stepwise manner using a modified Delphi technique, literature search, expert's opinion, and a pilot version, and then implemented in a clinical environment during a 13‐week study period. Each list was registered and analysed using statistical process control. The checklist was mandatory, but emergency cases were excluded.

Results: The checklist, containing 26 items, was used in 502 (61%) of a total of 829 inductions. Eighty‐five checklists (17%) identified one or more missing items. The number of missing items decreased significantly throughout the study period. The most important missing items were lack of a second laryngoscope available, introducer not having been fitted to the endotracheal tube, the endotracheal tube cuff not having been tested, and no separate ventilation bag being available. It took a median of 88.5 s (range 52–118) to perform the checklist when no items were missing. The pre‐induction time was the same before and after the checklist was introduced (25.1 vs. 24.3 min, P=0.25).

Conclusions: It is possible to develop, introduce, and use a pre‐induction checklist even in a hectic and stressful clinical environment. The checklist identified and reduced a surprisingly large number of missing items required in a standard induction protocol.
The effect of remifentanil on cough suppression after endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized study
Authors: CHEN J. , LI W. , WANG D. , HU X.
Published: September 2010

Background: Excessive coughing may increase the risk of complications after sinus surgery. We hypothesized that remifentanil would decrease the incidence and severity of coughing after endoscopic sinus surgery with propofol and remifentanil anaesthesia.

Methods: Ninety patients scheduled for endoscopic sinus surgery were randomly assigned into three groups. Propofol was stopped at the completion of the surgical procedure. The remifentanil infusion was adjusted to an effect‐site concentration of 1.5, 2.0 or 2.5 ng/ml, 10 min before the anticipated end of surgery, in each of the three groups (RF1.5, RF2.0 and RF2.5) and continued until after extubation. The incidence and severity of coughing was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 3.

Results: The proportion of patients who did not cough was significantly higher in the RF2.0 (67.5%, 95% CI: 59.1–75.9%) and RF2.5 (74.2%, 95% CI: 66.4–82.0%) groups than in the RF1.5 group (35.%, 95% CI: 26.5–43.5%) (P<0.01). The incidence of grade 2 or 3 coughing was significantly higher in the RF1.5 group (grade 2: 15.1%, grade 3: 6.7%) than in the RF2.0 group (grade 2: 5.0%, grade 3: 0%) and the RF2.5 group (grade 2: 4.2%, grade 3: 0%) (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the time to extubation among the three groups.

Conclusion: Maintaining anaesthesia with remifentanil to the end of the surgery, until after extubation, can suppress coughing without prolonging the recovery from anaesthesia. This effect is dose dependent and is more pronounced at higher concentrations of remifentanil (2.0 or 2.5 ng/ml).
Management of post‐partum haemorrhage
Authors: AHONEN J. , STEFANOVIC V. , LASSILA R.
Published: September 2010

Management of post‐partum haemorrhage (PPH) involves the treatment of uterine atony, evacuation of retained placenta or placental fragments, surgery due to uterine or birth canal trauma, balloon tamponade, effective volume replacement and transfusion therapy, and occasionally, selective arterial embolization. This article aims at introducing pregnancy‐ and haemorrhage‐induced changes in coagulation and fibrinolysis and their relevant compensatory mechanisms, volume replacement therapy, optimal transfusion of blood products, and coagulation factor concentrates, and briefly cell salvage, management of uterine atony, surgical interventions, and selective arterial embolization. Special attention, respective management, and follow‐up are required in women with bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease, carriers of haemophilia A or B, and rare coagulation factor deficiencies. We also provide a proposal for practical instructions in the treatment of PPH.
Proteomic comparison between interphase and metaphase of isolated chloroplasts of Cyanidioschyzon merolae (Cyanidiophyceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Yoshida Yamato , Fujiwara Takayuki , Misumi Osami , Kuroiwa Haruko , Kuroiwa Tsuneyoshi
Published: September 2010

With the completion of the Cyanidioschyzon merolae genome project, detailed analysis of organelle proteins with mass spectrometry has now become possible. Chloroplasts of the unicellular red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae De Luca, Taddei et Varano (Rhodophyta, Cyanidiophyceae) were isolated from synchronized culture and the chloroplast lysates of both interphase and metaphase cells were prepared and subjected to 2D‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of 355 spots (170 identical spots) were recognized and quantified and then analyzed using mass spectrometry. A total of 105 proteins were identified, including 18 proteins for posttranslational functions, 17 photosynthesis‐related proteins, 10 carbohydrate‐related proteins, 15 proteins of unknown functions, and eight proteins predicted to be contaminated from other organelles. On the basis of spot quantity, photosynthesis‐related proteins were most dominant (45.3% in interphase and 56.4% in metaphase). In particular, the proteins forming phycobilisomal complexes were abundant. Comparison of interphase with metaphase revealed that CMG086C (aminomethyltransferase) notably increased in interphase. CMN235C (similar to chlorophyll a/b‐binding protein, CP24) increased in metaphase in agreement with a previously performed microarray analysis. Both CMQ295C (cell division protein FtsH) and CMS004C (plastid division protein FtsZ) increased in interphase. Seven proteins were detected to be interphase‐specific, and 12 proteins were metaphase‐specific. Proteins of unknown functions were poorly characterized by homology search, although thioredoxin‐like domains were predicted in several proteins.