bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms in allergic skin disorders
Authors: Degreef Hugo
Published: February 2011

Background Allergic skin disorders are initiated and maintained through the action and interaction between resident tissue cells, infiltrating leucocytes and mediators.

Review The major cellular components of the skin immune system are keratinocytes, dendritic cells such as epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal dendritic cells, mast cells and fibroblasts. Following an allergenic stimulus, inflammatory and immunocompetent cells accumulate in the epidermis and dermis, giving rise to specific clinical and histological manifestations. Leucocytes which accumulate in the inflammatory focus attract more leucocytes and stimulate the resident cell population. Primary mediators, released by resident cells upon stimulation, play a vital role in initiating and controlling inflammation. The mediators induce vascular endothelial cells to express adhesion molecules, which mediate migration of leucocytes into the dermis, where chemotactic factors attract them to the inflammatory focus. Activation of trapped T‐lymphocytes by antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) is followed by the release of inflammatory cytokines. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) depends on the activation of specifically sensitised T‐cells, and epidermal LCs are the primary APCs. Most contact allergens are small, chemically reactive moleculed and CD4+ Th1 type T‐cells are the target cells. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic eczematous condition, involving antibody IgE, LCs and dermal dendritic cells as the APCs, with Th2 T‐lymphocytes as the target cells. Urticaria comprises a heterogeneous group of conditions, characterised by a wheal and flare reaction. Mast cells are the principal source of mediators involved and histamine is the most important of these.
Therapy of atopic dermatitis
Authors: Cerio Rino
Published: February 2011

Background Appropriate management of patients with atopic dermatitis must depend primarily on early, accurate diagnosis and allergen avoidance in infants. Patients with less typical lesions, such as extensor involvement, may be misdiagnosed.

Aim Dermatologists should try to ensure that correct management is initiated in the primary care setting and maintained by patients and parents. Guidelines for the management of both paediatric and adult patients with atopic dermatitis have been drawn up by an international panel of dermatologists. For patients with mild disease, elaborate investigations to identify the trigger factors are unnecessary. Management should include general measures (skin hydration, irritant and allergen avoidance), provision of information to parents and intermittent use of low potency topical corticosteroids when necessary. For patients with mild to moderate disease, investigations may require assessment of food allergies in paediatric cases and of contact allergens and irritants in adult cases. Identification of Staphylococcus aureus and herpes simplex virus secondary infection is also important.

Conclusions General measures remain important in mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, with appropriate education and support for parents. Topical corticosteroids play an important role, possibly with antihistamines to help alleviate the pruritus. In certain situations, systemic treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids and other agents may be indicated.
Therapy of acute and chronic urticaria
Authors: Monroe Eugene
Published: February 2011

Background The drug management of chronic urticaria can be divided into three approaches: (i) blockade of released histamine at the receptor sites; (ii) blockade of histamine release from mast cells; and (iii) blockade of other mediators and possible inflammatory and cellular components. The first approach is the most successful and widely used. It primarily involves the use of H1‐antihistamines, although tricyclic antidepressants and H2‐antihistamines also have a place.

Treatments The usefulness of classic H1‐antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine, may be limited by side‐effects (most notably, sedation). The four most widely used of the newer antihistamines are loratadine, terfenadine, astemizole and cetirizine. These antihistamines are significantly superior to placebo and have similar efficacies comparable with hydroxyzine. Novel agents and methods, including nifedipine, sulphasalazine and plasmapheresis have been tried with some success in refractory patients.

Guidelines If acute cases are inadequately controlled, short‐term oral corticosteroids may be added. Systemic corticosteroids are occasionally indicated for the management of severe acute urticaria, severe serum sickness, pressure urticaria or urticarial vasculitis, or to break the cycle of a resistant case, but have no place in regular therapy for chronic urticaria. For those with severe acute urticaria with signs of respiratory distress, possible treatments include subcutaneous epinephrine, systemic corticosteroids and intramuscular H1‐antihistamines. Patients with chronic urticaria inadequately controlled on H1‐antihistamines alone may benefit from the addition of a classic antihistamine, a tricyclic antidepressant or an H2‐antihistamine. A short course of systemic corticosteroids may help those with severe chronic refractory disease.
An Empirical Re‐Examination of the Cross‐Section of Expected Returns: UK Evidence
Authors: Chan Andrew , Chui Alice P.L.
Published: February 2011

This paper is a study of the Fama and French (1992) analysis in the UK context. Consistent with their findings, our results do not support a positive relationship between beta and average monthly returns. We find that book‐to‐market equity and market leverage are consistently significant in explaining UK average returns. Contrary to the Fama‐French evidence, size has an insignificant effect on average returns. A puzzling negative beta‐returns relationship is found in some monthly regressions, and results based on annual data reveal a reversal of betas for the smallest‐size portfolios. Some possible explanations are offered for these findings.
Comparing latitudinal and upstream–downstream gradients: life history traits of invasive mosquitofish
Authors: Carmona‐Catot Gerard , Benito Josep , García‐Berthou Emili
Published: February 2011

Aim  Variation of life history traits along spatial gradients is poorly understood in invasive species and particularly in freshwater fish. We aimed to examine life history variation in a highly invasive fish (Gambusia holbrooki) along latitudinal and upstream–downstream river gradients and to assess the effects of age on this variation. We hypothesized similar responses in populations inhabiting environments more favourable to this species (lower latitudes and lower reaches of rivers).

Location  European rivers from southern Spain to southern France.

Methods  We sampled mosquitofish from the lowest reaches of ten river basins along 6° of latitude in the Mediterranean region and seven sites along the upstream–downstream gradient in three of the rivers. We examined abundance, population structure, size‐at‐age and other life history traits along these gradients.

Results  As hypothesized, lower reaches and lower latitudes both resulted in higher reproductive effort and lower body condition of mosquitofish. However, these patterns explained low per cent variation, were nonlinear and strongly depended on fish age. Independently of fish size, age groups differed in reproductive effort, in the gonadal weight–size relationship and its variation along spatial gradients. Mean size‐at‐age (or overall body size) did not vary with latitude (so the intra‐specific version of Bergmann’s rule or its converse does not apply) and in contrast increased upstream in rivers.

Main conclusions  Our findings suggest that for life history traits of freshwater organisms, river longitudinal variation plays a role as important as climate, with often differential effects. Our results also illustrate the poor knowledge of spatial variation of many life history traits, which precludes the understanding and prediction of biological invasions in a rapidly changing world.
Spatial and temporal trends in soil salinity for identifying perched and deep groundwater systems
Authors: Thomas M. , Fitzpatrick R. W. , Heinson G. S.
Published: February 2011

Characterization of spatial and temporal variability in water flow and solute transport to foster better land management in salt‐affected landscapes requires direct hydrological observation, for example using suites of nested piezometers and dip wells. Such methods are costly to install and produce data with low spatial density, so are not ideal for supporting within‐field scale land management decisions. We present a new methodology to characterize water‐flow systems in salt‐affected landscapes using trends in shallow (<1 m) down‐profile soil salinity based on electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECse) and salts (that is the water extractable major ions of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, Cl and S mg/kg) from a range of topographic settings. This involved coupling seasonal (late winter and late summer) salinity trends with clay percent (for soil morphology) and terrain patterns to understand the connectivity between perched and deep groundwater systems in a 120 ha catchment in the Mount Lofty Ranges, South Australia. From investigations at 19 sites in the catchment comprising toposequences or paired sites (in close proximity, but in different topographic settings), soil salinity trends revealed four hydro‐pedological systems: (i) a perched freshwater system with no hydraulic connectivity to the deep groundwater in upper slopes, (ii) an intermediate system comprising perched freshwater connected to a deep groundwater system in mid and upper slopes, (iii) a deep groundwater system in upper slopes, and (iv) a deep groundwater system in lower slopes. Although most of the 19 sites proved non‐saline, seasonal changes in ECse and ion concentration along with topography and soil morphology were sufficient to characterize the hydro‐pedological systems. We assigned these systems to a newly developed salinity classification based on dominant soil‐regolith‐hydrological processes and designed to support land management decisions. Conceptual hydro‐pedological models for each system were constructed to illustrate and explain the important interactions in each and how these relate to the new salinity classification. We propose that the methodology based on seasonal monitoring offers a new approach to landscape‐based hydro‐pedological characterization without reliance on the traditional groundwater monitoring methods. The new method offers wider access to catchment hydro‐pedological information to support better land management decisions in sloping landscapes subject to salinity.
Thomas More and the problem of charity
Authors: GURNEY EVAN
Published: February 2011

This article examines the impact and influence of the term ‘charity’ in the polemical exchange between Thomas More and William Tyndale. Much of More's criticism of Tyndale's unauthorized 1526 New Testament centres on this word, or rather its absence, as Tyndale opted to translate agape with the more general term ‘love’. Matters of linguistic usage traversed more complicated questions of interpretation and rhetoric, however, even as scriptural imperatives to perform charity lent sanction and urgency to both writers. Indeed, Tyndale's translation represented to More the larger dangers implicit in charity, which was vulnerable to misappropriation (as well as mistranslation) by heretics. This essay places their debate in the context of contemporary developments in poor relief, which exhibit comparable hermeneutic tendencies, ultimately suggesting that the problem of the heretic and the problem of the false beggar posed similar challenges to ‘charitable’ readers during the period.
Matrix metalloproteinase 2 genotype is associated with nonanastomotic biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation
Authors: Ten Hove W. Rogier , Korkmaz Kerem S. , op den Dries Sanna , de Rooij Bert‐Jan F. , van Hoek Bart , Porte Robert J. , van der Reijden Johan J. , Coenraad Minneke J. , Dubbeld Jeroen , Hommes Daniel W. , Verspaget Hein W.
Published: February 2011

Background: Nonanastomotic biliary strictures (NAS) are a serious complication after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in connective tissue remodelling in chronic liver disease and complications after OLT.

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 gene polymorphisms and NAS.

Methods: MMP‐2 (−1306 C/T) and MMP‐9 (−1562 C/T) gene promoter polymorphisms were analysed in 314 recipient–donor combinations. Serum levels of these MMPs were determined in subgroups of patients as well. NAS were identified with various radiological imaging studies performed within 4 years after OLT and defined as any stricture, dilation or irregularity of the intra‐ or extrahepatic bile ducts of the liver graft followed by an intervention, after exclusion of hepatic artery thrombosis and anastomotic strictures.

Results: The average incidence of NAS was 15%. The major clinical risk factor for the development of NAS was PSC in the recipient. The presence of the MMP‐2 CT genotype in donor and/or recipient was associated with a significantly higher incidence of NAS, up to 29% when both donor and recipient had the MMP‐2 CT genotype (P=0.003). In the multivariate analyses, pre‐OLT PSC (hazard ratio 2.1, P=0.02) and MMP‐2 CT genotype (hazard ratio 3.5, P=0.003) were found to be independent risk factors for the development of NAS after OLT. No obvious association was found between NAS and the MMP‐9 genotype and serum levels of the MMPs.

Conclusion: MMP‐2 CT genotype of donor and recipient is an independent risk factor, in addition to PSC, for the development of NAS after OLT.
The Commodification of Care
Authors: Claassen Rutger
Published: February 2011

This paper discusses the question whether care work for dependent persons (children, the elderly, and disabled persons) may be entrusted to the market; that is, whether and to what extent there is a normative justification for the “commodification of care.” It first proposes a capability theory for care that raises two relevant demands: a basic capability for receiving care and a capability for giving care. Next it discusses and rejects two objections that aim to show that market-based care undermines the caring motives essential to care, one of them because of its reliance on contracts and the other because of the corrupting influence of payment on motivation. If market care is in principle legitimate, the commodification question transforms into one about the appropriate combinations of market and non-market care. This question can be answered only by adding an additional complication: care is to be balanced against other activities, most notably work for the labor market. This brings in the problem of gender inequality, since paid work has been traditionally distributed to men and caring activities to women. I show how the capability theory of caring presented in this paper can help resolve the dispute between competing models for balancing work and caring.
Institutionalized Ignorance as a Precondition for Rational Risk Expertise
Authors: Merkelsen Henrik
Published: February 2011

The present case study seeks to explain the conditions for experts’ rational risk perception by analyzing the institutional contexts that constitute a field of food safety expertise in Denmark. The study highlights the role of risk reporting and how contextual factors affect risk reporting from the lowest organizational level, where concrete risks occur, to the highest organizational level, where the body of professional risk expertise is situated. The article emphasizes the role of knowledge, responsibility, loyalty, and trust as risk‐attenuation factors and concludes by suggesting that the preconditions for the expert's rationality may rather be a lack of risk‐specific knowledge due to poor risk reporting than a superior level of risk knowledge.
From Vietnam to Kosovo: Is The Diet‐Coke Generation Ready for the Real Thing?
Authors: GARDELS NATHAN
Published: February 2011

If Vietnam was a proxy war with Soviet communism, Kosovo is a proxy war with the Holocaust. Kosovo tests all the hallowed rhetoric of the West about self‐determination, multiethnic pluralism, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the rule of law. Failure in Kosovo would therefore be a failure of the very idea of the West. More than any other single event, the battle over Kosovo will thus define the West, and particularly Europe, at the turn of the century. That this is a war in Europe for Europe sets it apart from all the other tragedies globally, from Rwanda to Kashmir.
Percutaneous Closure of Coronary Artery Fistulae in Adults with Intermediate Term Follow‐Up Results
Authors: OTO ALİ , AYTEMIR KUDRET , ÇIL BARBAROS , PEYNIRCIOĞLU BORA , YORGUN HIKMET , CANPOLAT UĞUR , KAYA ERGÜN BARIŞ
Published: February 2011

Objective: Percutaneous closure of coronary artery fistulae (CAF) has become an alternative method to surgery. But there are limited data about intermediate and long‐term results. In this manuscript, we aimed to review our experience about the closure of CAF with several percutaneous methods in our center.

Methods: Seven patients who admitted to our hospital, either symptomatic or having complications attributable to CAF, were analyzed. The immediate closure results and clinical follow‐up were reviewed.

Results: Five patients were male (71%) and mean age was 58.3 ± 13.3 years. Five of the CAF were draining into pulmonary artery and 2 of them were draining into the right atrium. Closure of CAF was performed with coil embolization in 5 patients, detachable balloon in 1 patient, and a combination of coil embolization and glue in the remaining 1 patient. In the early follow‐up, 1 patient had atrial fibrillation and 1 patient had chest pain immediately after the closure procedure; other patients discharged from hospital uneventfully. Intermediate term follow‐up results (32–83 months; median, 54 months) revealed that the procedure was clinically successful in all of the patients, despite the complaint of chest pain in 3 patients and minimal flow in 1 of these patients.

Conclusion: Percutaneous closure of CAF is feasible and safe in anatomically suitable vessels with good results at intermediate term follow‐up. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:216–222)
Age‐related changes in skin mechanical properties: a quantitative evaluation of 120 female subjects
Authors: Krueger Nils , Luebberding Stefanie , Oltmer Mareike , Streker Meike , Kerscher Martina
Published: February 2011

Background/purpose: The most commonly used method to determine the mechanical ability of skin is the creep test using suction chamber devices. Until now, there is no scientific consensus upon which skin deformation parameters and which body sites are particularly suitable to describe age‐related changes in human skin mechanics. The aim of this study was to find those mechanical skin parameters best representing influence of aging at five different body sites.

Methods: A total of 120 healthy women aged 18–65, divided into four similar age groups, were included in this study. The biomechanical properties of the skin were measured using the Cutometer® MPA 580 on five body sites: cheek, neck, cleavage, volar forearm and back of the hand. In order to analyze parameters referred to 1 mm skin thickness, we also used 20 MHz sonography (DUB 20).

Results: A high average correlation with age was found for the parameters Ua/Uf, Ur/Ue, Ur, Ur/Uf and Ua. Only low correlation with age was found for the parameters Uv/Ue, Uf‐Ua, Uf5/Uf, Ud/Uf and Ua5. The localizations cheek, forearm and neck showed the highest correlation with age, while cleavage showed only low correlation.

Conclusion: According to the results of our study, we recommend the parameter ratio of elastic recovery to distensibility (Ur/Uf) as well as the gross elasticity (Ua/Uf) for evaluation of aging effects on the mechanical properties of skin. Their high correlation with age makes them particularly applicable to represent the influence of aging onto skin mechanical properties. Most suitable localizations to evaluate skin aging are cheek, forearm and neck.
Incidence and predisposing factors for severe disease in previously healthy term infants experiencing their first episode of bronchiolitis
Authors: Papoff Paola , Moretti Corrado , Cangiano Giulia , Bonci Enea , Roggini Mario , Pierangeli Alessandra , Scagnolari Carolina , Antonelli Guido , Midulla Fabio
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To determine the incidence and predisposing factors for severe bronchiolitis in previously healthy term infants <12 months of age experiencing their first episode of bronchiolitis.

Methods:  Epidemiological, clinical and virological data were prospectively collected. Severity was assessed by the need for ventilatory support.

Results:  Of the 310 infants enrolled, 16 (5.1%) presented with severe bronchiolitis requiring ventilatory support (11 since admission). Compared with infants with less severe bronchiolitis, infants with severe disease presented with lower birth weight, gestational age, postnatal weight and postnatal age, and were more likely to be born by cesarian section. C‐reactive protein positive results (>0.8 mg/dL) and pulmonary consolidation on chest X‐ray were more common among infants with severe disease. Severity was independently associated with younger age on admission <30 days, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and lymphocyte counts <3200/μL. No significant differences were found between epidemiologic variables.

Conclusions:  Severe bronchiolitis is uncommon in previously healthy term infants <12 months of age and when present develops soon after disease onset. Severity is predicted by young age and RSV carriage, whereas epidemiologic variables seem less likely to intervene.
Children with screening‐detected coeliac disease show increased levels of nitric oxide products in urine
Authors: Högberg L , Webb C , Fälth‐Magnusson K , Forslund T , Magnusson K‐E , Danielsson L , Ivarsson A , Sandström O , Sundqvist T
Published: February 2011

Aim:  Increased concentration of nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, nitrite and nitrate, in the urine is a strong indication of ongoing small intestinal inflammation, which is a hallmark of the enteropathy of coeliac disease (CD). It has previously been shown that children with symptomatic, untreated CD have increased levels of NO oxidation products in their urine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether screening‐detected, asymptomatic coeliac children display the same urinary nitrite/nitrate pattern.

Methods:  In a multicenter screening study, serum samples were collected from 7208 12‐year‐old children without previously diagnosed CD. Sera were analysed for anti‐human tissue transglutaminase (tTG) of isotype IgA. Small bowel biopsy was performed in antibody‐positive children, yielding 153 new cases of CD. In the screening‐detected individuals, the sum of nitrite and nitrate concentrations in the urine was analysed and used as an indicator of NO production. For comparison, 73 children with untreated, symptomatic CD were studied.

Results:  The nitrite/nitrate levels in children with screening‐detected CD and those with untreated symptomatic CD did not differ significantly. Both groups had significantly increased urinary nitrite/nitrate concentrations compared to the children with normal small bowel biopsy (p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Children with screening‐detected CD have increased production of NO just as children with untreated symptomatic CD. High NO metabolite levels in the urine may indicate a pathogenetic feature of CD and be a marker of major clinical importance.
Indomethacin prophylaxis revisited: changing practice and supportive evidence
Authors: AlFaleh K
Published: February 2011

Important short‐term intermediate outcomes such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), severe intraventricular haemorrhage, surgical ligation of PDA and serious pulmonary haemorrhage correlate with worse neurosensory outcomes in extreme low birth weight infants. Indomethacin prophylaxis has been shown to significantly prevent such outcomes. However, this positive effect did not translate into neither prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia nor long‐term neurosensory outcome. The indomethacin prophylaxis story is indeed a puzzling one to neonatal practitioners. We present a summary of evidence and possible explanations to the lack of appreciated long‐term effect of indomethacin prophylaxis. As the trial of indomethacin prophylaxis for preterms trial is a major contributor to current evidence, a detailed critical analysis of its methodology is presented. Methodological concerns such as the use of a composite outcome, statistical power, anticipated side effects of indomethacin prophylaxis and lack of predictive validity of cognitive delay measurements are presented.

Conclusion:  Conclusive evidence of indomethacin prophylaxis use in extreme low birth weight infants is still lacking. Future research should put more emphasis on parental preferences, synergistic effect of indomethacin prophylaxis and fluid restriction and early targeted approach to PDA management.
A case of neonatal intrapericardial teratoma. Clinical and pathological findings
Authors: Laforgia N , Calderoni G , Di Mauro A , Marzullo A , Troise D , Annecchino P
Published: February 2011

Aim:  It is of general agreement that complete surgical removal after birth of intrapericardial fetal teratomas is needed, because of the risk of severe cardiovascular and respiratory distress, related to the mass size, location and secondary pericardial effusion. Histological examination generally shows mature aspect of cells and tissues.

Methods:  We present a case of grade II immature pericardial teratoma, diagnosed in utero and completely removed after birth.

Results:  Even surgical removal was complete, histological aspects raised the need of long follow‐up with serial alpha‐fetoprotein determinations.

Conclusion:  A neonatal grade II immature pericardial teratoma was completely removed after birth. The follow‐up of the patient, until 10 months of life, was good with no recurrence of the disease.
Molecular aspects of Helicobacter pylori cag‐pathogenicity island
Authors: Zanotti Giuseppe
Published: February 2011

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Role of the cag‐pathogenicity island encoded type IV secretion system in Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis
Authors: Tegtmeyer Nicole , Wessler Silja , Backert Steffen
Published: February 2011

Helicobacter pylori is a very successful human‐specific bacterium worldwide. Infections of the stomach with this pathogen can induce pathologies, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer. Highly virulent H. pylori strains encode the cytotoxin‐associated gene (cag)‐pathogenicity island, which expresses a type IV secretion system (T4SS). This T4SS forms a syringe‐like pilus structure for the injection of virulence factors such as the CagA effector protein into host target cells. This is achieved by a number of T4SS proteins, including CagI, CagL, CagY and CagA, which by itself binds the host cell integrin member β1 followed by delivery of CagA across the host cell membrane. A role of CagA interaction with phosphatidylserine has also been shown to be important for the injection process. After delivery, CagA becomes phosphorylated by oncogenic tyrosine kinases and mimics a host cell factor for the activation or inactivation of some specific intracellular signalling pathways. We review recent progress aiming to characterize the CagA‐dependent and CagA‐independent signalling capabilities of the T4SS, which include the induction of membrane dynamics, disruption of cell–cell junctions and actin‐cytoskeletal rearrangements, as well as pro‐inflammatory, cell cycle‐related and anti‐apoptotic transcriptional responses. The contribution of these signalling pathways to pathogenesis during H. pylori infections is discussed.
Assembly and molecular mode of action of the Helicobacter pylori Cag type IV secretion apparatus
Authors: Fischer Wolfgang
Published: February 2011

Bacterial type IV secretion systems (T4SS) form supramolecular protein complexes that are capable of transporting DNA or protein substrates across the bacterial cell envelope and, in many cases, also across eukaryotic target cell membranes. Because of these characteristics, they are often used by pathogenic bacteria for the injection of host cell‐modulating virulence factors. One example is the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori, which uses the Cag‐T4SS to induce a pro‐inflammatory response and multiple cytoskeletal and gene regulatory effects in gastric epithelial cells. Work in recent years has shown that the Cag‐T4SS exhibits marked differences in relation to other systems, both with respect to the composition of its secretion apparatus and the molecular details of its secretion mechanisms. This review describes the molecular properties of the Cag‐T4SS and compares these with prototypical systems of this family of protein transporters.
Revealing O vii from stacked X-ray grating spectra of clusters, groups and elliptical galaxies
Authors: Sanders J. S. , Fabian A. C.
Published: February 2011

We stack 4.6 Ms of high spectral resolution XMM–Newton Reflection Grating Spectrometer spectra from galaxy clusters, groups of galaxies and elliptical galaxies. For those objects with a central temperature of less than 1 keV, we detect O vii for the first time, with a probability of false detection of 2.5 × 10−4. The flux ratio of the O vii to Fe xvii lines is one-fourth to one-eighth of the emission expected for isobaric radiative cooling in the absence of heating. There is either a process preventing cooling below 0.5 keV, anomalous O/Fe abundance ratios, absorbing material around the coolest X-ray-emitting gas or non-radiative cooling taking place. The mean N vii emission line is strong in the sub-keV sample. As the ratio of the hydrogenic N and O lines is largely independent of temperature, we measure a mean N/O ratio of 4.0 ± 0.6 Z⊙. Although the continuum around the C vi lines is difficult to measure, we can similarly estimate that the C/O ratio is 0.9 ± 0.3 Z⊙.
KEY CONSTITUENTS AFFECTING WINE BODY – AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: RUNNEBAUM R.C. , BOULTON R.B. , POWELL R.L. , HEYMANN H.
Published: February 2011

Multivariate statistical modeling was used to identify significant correlations between several chemical constituents and physical properties of wine and its perceived body or viscous mouthfeel. Seventeen white wines that span an anecdotal range of perceived viscous mouthfeel, including Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot gris, Riesling and Sauvignon blanc, were assessed using a descriptive analysis technique to determine quantitative ratings of viscous mouthfeel. These wines were also submitted to a wide range of chemical constituents and physical property analyses, including viscosity, density and concentrations of ethanol, total phenolics, organic acids (lactate, citrate, tartrate, malate, succinate), glycerol, sugars (fructose and glucose), total extract, and several inorganic anions and cations. The multivariate statistical model shows that the viscous mouthfeel of these white wines is significantly correlated with physical properties, such as viscosity and osmotic potential, chemical properties, such as lactate and total extract. This work is also consistent with previously published results from other researchers indicating that ethanol and glycerol do not significantly contribute to viscous mouthfeel.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This research provides evidence that panelists can differentiate the mouthfeel of wines that span a relatively narrow range of viscosities. The results were also correlated with various chemical and physical properties of wine. Sensory and analytical measurements such as these could provide a link from viscous mouthfeel to viticultural and winemaking practices of wine.
Oxygen gradients in the microcirculation
Authors: Pittman R. N.
Published: February 2011

Early in the last century August Krogh embarked on a series of seminal studies to understand the connection between tissue metabolism and mechanisms by which the cardiovascular system supplied oxygen to meet those needs. Krogh recognized that oxygen was supplied from blood to the tissues by passive diffusion and that the most likely site for oxygen exchange was the capillary network. Studies of tissue oxygen consumption and diffusion coefficient, coupled with anatomical studies of capillarity in various tissues, led him to formulate a model of oxygen diffusion from a single capillary. Fifty years after the publication of this work, new methods were developed which allowed the direct measurement of oxygen in and around microvessels. These direct measurements have confirmed the predictions by Krogh and have led to extensions of his ideas resulting in our current understanding of oxygenation within the microcirculation. Developments during the last 40 years are reviewed, including studies of oxygen gradients in arterioles, capillaries, venules, microvessel wall and surrounding tissue. These measurements were made possible by the development and use of new methods to investigate oxygen in the microcirculation, so mention is made of oxygen microelectrodes, microspectrophotometry of haemoglobin and phosphorescence quenching microscopy. Our understanding of oxygen transport from the perspective of the microcirculation has gone from a consideration of oxygen gradients in capillaries and tissue to the realization that oxygen has the ability to diffuse from any microvessel to another location under the conditions that there exists a large enough PO2 gradient and that the permeability for oxygen along the intervening pathway is sufficient.
Pregnancy protects against antiangiogenic and fibrogenic effects of angiotensin II in rat hearts
Authors: Aljabri M. B. , Songstad N. T. , Lund T. , Serrano M. C. , Andreasen T. V. , Al‐Saad S. , Lindal S. , Sitras V. , Acharya G. , Ytrehus K.
Published: February 2011

Aim:  To investigate the difference between physiological and pathological cardiac remodelling induced, respectively, by pregnancy and angiotensin (Ang) II, and to test the hypothesis that pregnancy protects against Ang II effects.

Methods:  Female Wistar rats, pregnant (n = 12) and non‐pregnant (n = 12), were implanted with mini‐pumps containing saline (sham) or 150 ng kg−1 min−1 Ang II. Ten days later echocardiography and blood pressure measurement were performed. Expression of 22 genes was assessed using RT‐PCR. Microscopic sections of LV were prepared to determine collagen content (Sirius Red staining), vessel density (β‐actin immunolabelling) and myocytes diameter (Toluidine Blue).

Results:  Heart weight (HW) was increased in Ang II treated groups compared with their controls. Furthermore, HW of Ang II treated pregnant rats (1.0 ± 0.03 g) was higher than that in non‐pregnant sham (0.7 ± 0.02 g), pregnant (0.8 ± 0.01 g) and Ang II treated non‐pregnant (0.8 ± 0.02 g) rats. Relative LV wall thickness showed similar pattern. Aortic pressure was significantly increased in Ang II groups. Collagen content was increased in Ang II (4.0 ± 0.5%) compared with sham (1.5 ± 0.1%) but reduced again when treated rats were pregnant (2.8 ± 0.4%). Vessel density was reduced by 47.8% after Ang II treatment in non‐pregnant and by only 13.9% in pregnant rats. Gene expression analysis showed increased expression of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), anykrin repeat domain‐containing protein 1 (Ankrd‐1), protein kinase C‐α and ‐δ and tumour suppressor gene TP53 (p53) in Ang II treated groups and upregulation of ANF, BNP and Ankrd‐1 remained when pregnancy was combined with Ang II. Pregnancy reduced expression of: α‐myosin heavy chain, tumour necrosis factor‐α, p53, endothelial nitric oxide synthase and inducible nitric oxide synthase.

Conclusion:  Pregnancy seems to counteract the detrimental effects of Ang II on fibrosis and angiogenesis in heart. In addition, pregnancy and Ang II lead to partly opposite changes in the expression of some genes important for heart function.
On the function of the mammalian renal papilla and the peristalsis of the surrounding pelvis
Authors: Schmidt‐Nielsen Bodil , Schmidt‐Nielsen Bent
Published: February 2011

This is an informal personal review of the development over time of my ideas about the concentrating mechanism of the mammalian renal papilla. It had been observed that animals with a need to produce a concentrated urine have a long renal papilla. I saw the function of the long papilla in desert rodents as an elongation of the counter‐current concentrating mechanism of the inner medulla. This model led me to overlook contrary evidence. For example, in many experiments, the final urine has a higher osmolality than that of the tissue at the tip of the papilla. In addition, we had observations of the peristalsis of the renal pelvis surrounding the papilla. The urine concentration falls if the peristalsis is stopped. I was wrong; together, these lines of evidence show that the renal papilla is not just an elongation of the inner medulla. We are left without a full explanation of the concentrating mechanism of the mammalian renal papilla. It is hoped that other researchers will tackle this interesting problem.
Monitoring of Cocoa Volatiles Produced during Roasting by Selected Ion Flow Tube‐Mass Spectrometry (SIFT‐MS)
Authors: Huang Yang , Barringer Sheryl A.
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Selected ion flow tube‐mass spectrometry (SIFT‐MS) was used to measure the real‐time concentrations of cocoa volatiles in the headspace during roasting. Alkalized and unalkalized Don Homero and Arriba cocoa beans were roasted at 120, 150, and 170 °C in a rotary roaster. The concentrations of total alcohols, acids, aldehydes, esters, ketones, and alkylpyrazines increased, peaked, and decreased within the timeframe used for typical roasting. The concentrations of alkylpyrazines and Strecker aldehydes increased as the roasting temperature increased from 120 to 170 °C. For most of the volatile compounds, there was no significant difference between Arriba and Don Homero beans, but Arriba beans showed higher concentrations of 2‐heptanone, acetone, ethyl acetate, methylbutanal, phenylacetaldehyde, and trimethylpyrazine. For unalkalized Don Homero beans (pH 5.7), the time to peak concentration decreased from 13.5 to 7.4 min for pyrazines, and from 12.7 to 7.4 min for aldehydes as the roasting temperature increased from 120 to 170 °C. Also, at 150 °C roasting, the time to peak concentration was shortened from 9 to 5.1 min for pyrazines, and from 9.1 to 5 min for aldehydes as the pH increased from 5.7 to 8.7.

Practical Application:  SIFT‐MS allows for real‐time monitoring of the key volatile compounds contributing to chocolate flavor, with minimal sample preparation, thus can be used to facilitate adjusting the roasting conditions, such as temperature and time, to optimize chocolate flavor during roasting. Real‐time monitoring during roasting can also be used to evaluate the flavor quality of different types of beans by comparing the concentrations of key flavor compounds.
Poly (DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) Nanoparticles with Entrapped trans‐Cinnamaldehyde and Eugenol for Antimicrobial Delivery Applications
Authors: Gomes Carmen , Moreira Rosana G. , Castell‐Perez Elena
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde are natural compounds known to be highly effective antimicrobials; however, both are hydrophobic molecules, a limitation to their use within the food industry. The goal of this study was to synthesize spherical poly (DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with entrapped eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde for future antimicrobial delivery applications. The emulsion evaporation method was used to form the nanoparticles in the presence of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a surfactant. The inclusion of antimicrobial compounds into the PLGA nanoparticles was accomplished in the organic phase. Synthesis was followed by ultrafiltration (performed to eliminate the excess of PVA and antimicrobial compound) and freeze‐drying. The nanoparticles were characterized by their shape, size, entrapment efficiency, and antimicrobial efficiency. The entrapment efficiency for eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde was approximately 98% and 92%, respectively. Controlled release experiments conducted in vitro at 37 °C and 100 rpm for 72 h showed an initial burst followed by a slower rate of release of the antimicrobial entrapped inside the PLGA matrix. All loaded nanoparticles formulations proved to be efficient in inhibiting growth of Salmonella spp. (Gram‐negative bacterium) and Listeria spp. (Gram‐positive bacterium) with concentrations ranging from 20 to 10 mg/mL. Results suggest that the application of these antimicrobial nanoparticles in food systems may be effective at inhibiting specific pathogens.

Practical Application:  Nanoencapsulation of lipophilic antimicrobial compounds has great potential for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of delivery in food systems. This study consisted of synthesizing PLGA nanoparticles with entrapped eugenol and trans‐cinnamaldehyde. By characterizing these new delivery systems, one can understand the controlled‐release mechanism and antimicrobial efficiency that provides a foundation that will enable food manufacturers to design smart food systems for future delivery applications, including packaging and processing, capable of ensuring food safety to consumers.
Effect of Salicylic Acid Treatment on Postharvest Quality, Antioxidant Activities, and Free Polyamines of Asparagus
Authors: Wei Yunxiao , Liu Zhenfeng , Su Yujing , Liu Donghong , Ye Xingqian
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  The effects of salicylic acid (SA) on the quality and antioxidant activity of asparagus stored at 18 ± 2 °C were investigated by analyzing the color, chlorophyll, shear force, and the activity of antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, phenolics, flavonoids, 1,1‐Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and polyamines (PAs). The results showed that SA improved the color and maintained the chlorophyll, phenolic, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid content of asparagus. High concentrations of SA caused a deterioration in asparagus would harm to color and had no effect on shear force within 6 d. SA induced the maximum concentration of phenolics in postharvest asparagus, promoted the increase in total flavonoids before 6 to 9 d, affected the antioxidant activity positively as indicated by the resultant increase in FRAP concentration; however, SA was only active with regard to DPPH scavenging activity within 6 d of treatment. Spermidine (Spd) is the most common form of PA in asparagus, and free putrescine (Put) contents increased over the first 3 d following harvest and then decreased. Spd and Spm concentrations evolved in a similar way and decreased during storage. Higher Spd and Spm contents in the SA pre‐treatment Put was inhabited and its peaks appeared later.
Behavior of Flavonols and Carotenoids of Minimally Processed Kale Leaves during Storage in Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging
Authors: Kobori C.N. , Huber L.S. , Sarantópoulos C.I.G.L , Rodriguez‐Amaya D.B.
Published: February 2011

Abstract: Minimally processed kale leaves were packed in passive modified atmosphere and stored at 3 conditions: 1 °C in the dark and 11 °C with or without light exposure. The products were evaluated during storage in terms of headspace gas composition, sensory attributes, flavonol, and carotenoid contents. The sensory quality decreased slightly during 17 d at 1 °C in the dark. At 11 °C, the vegetable shelf life was predicted to be 6 d in the dark and 3 d with light. Quercetin and kaempferol were stable during storage for 15 d at 1 °C in the absence of light. At 11 °C in the dark, quercetin was stable during 10 d, increasing slightly on the 8th day. Kaempferol decreased up to the 5th day but increased on the 8th day, decreasing again on the 10th day. After 5 d at 11 °C under light, the flavonol levels were significantly higher than those of the initial values. Neoxanthin and violaxanthin did not change significantly after 15 d at 1 °C in the dark. Lutein and β‐carotene, however, decreased 7.1% and 11.3%, respectively. At 11 °C in the dark, neoxanthin, violaxanthin, lutein, and β‐carotene decreased 16.1%, 13.2%, 24.1%, and 23.7% after 10 d, respectively. At 11 °C under light, neoxanthin and lutein had a slight increase while violaxanthin and β‐carotene decreased 23.1% and 16.5% after 5 d.

Practical Application: Passive modified atmosphere packaging together with refrigeration can extend the shelf life of minimally processed kale, retaining the health‐promoting compounds, flavonols and carotenoids. Quercetin, kaempferol, neoxanthin, and violaxanthin are stable and lutein and β‐carotene slightly reduced.
Genotoxicity Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Seed Extract and Lectin
Authors: Rolim Lucíola A.D.M.M. , Macêdo Márcia F.S. , Sisenando Herbert Ary , Napoleão Thiago H. , Felzenszwalb Israel , Aiub Claudia A. F. , Coelho Luana C.B.B. , Medeiros Silvia R.B. , Paiva Patrícia M.G.
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  This article reports the genotoxicity assessment of an extract of M. oleifera seed powder and the water‐soluble Moringa oleifera lectin (WSMoL) isolated from seeds. The lectin isolated by chitin chromatography showed hemagglutinating activity with different erythrocytes, activity in a broad pH range (4.5 to 9.5), and retention of hemagglutinating activity after being heated to 100 °C. Genotoxicity of the seed extract and WSMoL were assessed using the cell‐free plasmid DNA as well as the Salmonella typhimurium (Ames and Kado) assays with TA97, TA98, TA100, and TA102 in the presence or absence of hepatic metabolization. Seed extract at concentration (0.2 μg/μL) recommended to treat water was not genotoxic by Ames, Kado, and cell‐free plasmid DNA assays. S. typhimurium strains showed to be sensitive to M. oleifera extract revealing a mutagenic effect at doses higher than 0.6 μg/μL with hepatic metabolization. The extract at doses higher than 0.4 μg/μL, without hepatic metabolization, was mutagenic for TA100 and TA102. WSMoL was nonmutagenic by used assays. The use of high concentrations of the extract may pose a risk to human health and the safe use of M. oleifera seed powder to treat water for human consumption requires more study; however, the purified lectin could be an alternative for water treatment.

Practical Application:  The concentration 0.2 μg/μL of M. oleifera seed extract recommended to treat water for humans did not pose a risk to human health. The mutagenicity detected at concentrations higher than 0.4 μg/μL was not due to WSMoL, lectin isolated from extract.
Ammonia Gas Permeability of Meat Packaging Materials
Authors: Karim Faris , Hijaz Faraj , Kastner Curtis L. , Smith J. Scott
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  Meat products are packaged in polymer films designed to protect the product from exterior contaminants such as light, humidity, and harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, there is almost no data on ammonia permeability of packaging films. We investigated ammonia permeability of common meat packaging films: low‐density polyethylene (LDPE; 2.2 mil), multilayer polyolefin (MLP; 3 mil), and vacuum (V‐PA/PE; 3 mil, 0.6 mil polyamide/2.4 mil polyethylene). The films were fabricated into 10 × 5 cm pouches and filled with 50 mL deionized water. Pouches were placed in a plexiglass enclosure in a freezer and exposed to 50, 100, 250, or 500 ppm ammonia gas for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h at −17 ± 3 °C and 21 ± 3 °C. At freezing temperatures, no ammonia residues were detected and no differences in pH were found in the water. At room temperature, ammonia levels and pH of the water increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing exposure times and ammonia concentrations. Average ammonia levels in the water were 7.77 ppm for MLP, 5.94 ppm for LDPE, and 0.89 ppm for V‐PA/PE at 500 ppm exposure for 48 h at 21 ± 3 °C. Average pH values were 8.64 for MLP, 8.38 for LDPE, and 7.23 for V‐PA/PE (unexposed ranged from 5.49 to 6.44) at 500 ppm exposure for 48 h. The results showed that temperature influenced ammonia permeability. Meat packaging materials have low ammonia permeability and protect meat products exposed to ammonia leaks during frozen storage.