bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of ripening stages of banana flour on the quality of extruded products
Authors: Gamlath Shirani
Published: August 2008

The study investigated the physical, nutritional and sensory properties of different ripening stages of banana during extrusion processing in combination with rice flour to develop quality snack products. Dehydrated banana flours at ripening stages 4, 5 and 6 (peel colour) were mixed separately at 40% banana to 60% rice flour levels. The mixtures were extruded through a twin‐screw extruder at 120 °C barrel temperature, 220 and 260 r.p.m, screw speed and 12% feed moisture. Increase in ripeness indicated negative effect on expansion and water absorption capacity while increasing the water solubility index and moisture retention (wet basis) of the products. Protein and mineral (except for zinc and copper) content of the products were significantly different (P < 0.05) from 4 to 6 of the ripening stages. Most of the essential amino acids in the extruded products increased significantly (P < 0.05) at the ripening stage of 6. All the products were within the acceptable range in the 9‐point Hedonic scale showing the best texture and flavour scores for stage 4 and 6, respectively. The extruded products show potential as snack products because of their nutritional quality and sensory acceptability.
Probiotic potential and sensory properties of coconut flan supplemented with Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium lactis
Authors: Corrêa Sabrina B. M. , Castro Inar A. , Saad Susana M. I.
Published: August 2008

The effect of probiotic cultures on sensory performance of coconut flan during storage at 5 °C and the viability of these micro organisms for up to 28 days were investigated. Sensory analyses of the product were performed after 7, 14 and 21 days of storage. Coconut flans were produced with no addition of cultures (T1, control), or supplemented with Bifidobacterium lactis (T2), Lactobacillus paracasei (T3) and B. lactis + L. paracasei (T4). Populations of L. paracasei and B. lactis as single or in co‐culture remained above 7 log CFU g−1 during the entire storage period. Viability of L. paracasei was higher for T3. All products were well accepted and no significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected between the coconut flans studied. The addition of L. paracasei and B. lactis to coconut flan resulted in its having great potential as a functional food, which has high sensory acceptability.
Aromatic profiles of spray‐dried encapsulated orange flavours: influence of matrix composition on the aroma retention evaluated by sensory analysis and electronic nose techniques
Authors: Galmarini M. V , Zamora M. C. , Baby R. , Chirife J. , Mesina V.
Published: August 2008

Spray‐dried orange flavour encapsulated in different amorphous matrices composed of maltodextrin (MD) and different combinations with; sucrose, trehalose, lactose, modified starch and gum arabic (ga); were evaluated by sensory analysis and electronic nose (e‐nose). With both techniques the flavours encapsulated in MD‐sucrose and MD‐lactose–sucrose were perceived as similar. However, the e‐nose did not detect any differences among the other matrices (MD‐trehalose, MD, MD‐sucrose at a different concentration and MD‐ga). On the contrary, sensory analysis was able to group MD‐trehalose and MD describing them by: woody, marmalade, syrup, citrus terpenes, and Vitamin C; MD‐sucrose at 40% and 10% concentration and MD‐lactose–sucrose were grouped and represented by powder juice, tangerine and pungency, while MD‐ga was differentiated from the rest by the attributes peely, plastic, solvent and green. In this way, it was shown that matrix composition determines the aromatic profile of spray‐dried encapsulated orange flavours.
Probiotic foods: consumer perception and attitudes
Authors: Viana Julia V. , Da Cruz Adriano G. , Zoellner Sidney S. , Silva Ramon , Batista Aline L. D.
Published: August 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the perception and the attitudes towards probiotic foods of the population in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Four hundred and twenty (100.0%) people were interviewed in small‐, medium‐ and large‐sized supermarkets located in various parts of the city of Rio de Janeiro. One hundred and twenty‐two (29.05%) people defined probiotic foods correctly. Ninety‐one (21.67%) were unable to mention a single example of a probiotic food. The results of this study indicate the need for an elementary easy‐to‐understand educational programme using accessible language in order to fix the concepts related to these products.
Sensory shelf life of butterhead lettuce leaves in active and passive modified atmosphere packages
Authors: Ares Gastón , Lareo Claudia , Lema Patricia
Published: August 2008

The objective of the present work was to study the influence of both passive and active modified atmosphere packaging on sensory shelf life of butterhead lettuce leaves, stored at 5 and 10 °C. Results showed that the efficacy of active modified atmosphere with respect to passive modified atmosphere depended on the storage temperature considered. When stored at 10 °C, despite being subjected to different package atmosphere composition, lettuce leaves in active and passive modified atmosphere showed the same sensory deterioration rate and sensory shelf life. On the contrary, when stored at 5 °C, lettuce leaves in active modified atmosphere packages showed lower deterioration rate and higher sensory shelf life than those in passive modified atmosphere. Sensory shelf life of lettuce in modified atmosphere packages was estimated using criteria determined according to consumers’ rejection to purchase percentage, which consisted on an improvement over more arbitrary criteria presented in most studies.
Effect of soluble CO2 stabilisation and vacuum packaging in the shelf life of farmed sea bream and sea bass fillets
Authors: Mendes Rogério , Gonçalves Amparo
Published: August 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the differences of sensory, microbiological and chemical quality in vacuum‐packaged fillets of sea bream and sea bass previously submitted to soluble gas solubilisation (SGS) with 100% CO2, at 2 bar for 30 and 60 min and stored at chilled temperature for 15 days. Apart from pH value that showed a regular increase during chilled storage, the other chemical index [total volatile bases nitrogen (TVB‐N), trimethylamine nitrogen (TMA‐N) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs)] had showed to be poor indicators of changes in quality of products. Final TVB‐N values ranged from 16.0 to 17.4 mg N per 100 g and from 17.3 to 19.4 mg N per 100 g in sea bream and sea bass, respectively. Sensory evaluation resulted as the most reliable parameter of quality decay. The results show that SGS treatment kept the initial quality of fillets for longer time, which was particularly visible on the sea bream fillets, thus contributing to an extension in 2–3 days of the shelf life. SGS had also a positive effect in the delay of microbial growth.
Effect of fortification of defatted soy flour on sensory and rheological properties of wheat bread
Authors: Mashayekh Morteza , Mahmoodi Mohammad Reza , Entezari Mohammad Hasan
Published: August 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of soy‐fortified bread on the sensory and rheological properties. Ground defatted soy flour was blended with wheat flour at 3%, 7% and 12%. The organoleptic characteristics of soy‐fortified wheat breads were carried out by taste panel. The effect of this fortification on the rheological properties of the resulting dough was investigated using farinograph and extensograph for quality assessment of the final product. The ash and protein contents of 3% and 7% wheat–soy bread blends increased compared with control. The results revealed that organoleptic characteristics score such as bendability, appearance, flavour and taste, crust texture and overall acceptability properties of bread containing 3% defatted soy flour was highest even though it is not significantly different. Therefore, we conclude that adding 3% or 7% defatted soy flour actually gives as good a loaf of bread as the 100% wheat bread with higher nutritional quality and acceptable consumer attitude with rheological and sensory characteristics.
Effects of gelatine type and concentration on the shelf‐life stability and quality of marshmallows
Authors: Tan Johanna M. , Lim Miang H.
Published: August 2008

The effects of gelatine concentration, bloom strength, and origin on the quality and shelf‐life stability of marshmallows were studied. All six sample treatments were carried out under accelerated storage conditions of 25 °C and 75% relative humidity (RH) for 25 weeks. Gelatine A 150 bloom had the highest viscosity because of its highest concentration (2.54%), lowest density and greatest amount of moisture loss producing the hardest marshmallows. Hardness and water activity measurements correlate for all sample treatments indicating that moisture loss is the main mechanism for hardening. With the exception of Gelatine B 2.2%, sugar crystallisation may have occurred in all sample treatments at week 20 which would have an impact on hardness as well. Gel network formation may be contributing towards hardness in Gelatine B 2.2% as there was an increase in hardness but no changes were perceived in water activity.
Effect of freeze–thaw cycles and additives on rheological and sensory properties of ready to bake frozen chapaties
Authors: Yadav Deep N. , Patki Prakash E. , Khan Mohammad A. , Sharma Gopal K. , Bawa Amrindar S.
Published: August 2008

The wheat grains were conditioned at 18% moisture level for 1 h followed by heating for 80 s in a microwave oven to reduce the activity of polyphenol oxidase as well as other lipolytic and oxidative enzymes. The dough samples were prepared from whole wheat flour (milled from microwave treated wheat grains) using 68% water and 2% salt on flour weight basis as common ingredients. The additives like glycerol monostearate and glycerol (5% and 1% respectively on flour weight basis) were also used in order to study their effects on the quality of ready to bake frozen chapaties (R‐BFC) during freeze–thaw cycles. Alveographic properties of R‐BFC as well as textural profile and sensory quality of chapaties prepared from R‐BFC samples were evaluated during repeated freeze–thaw (FT) cycles. Results showed that the alveographic properties (P, L, and W) decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) in all the samples after each FT cycle, while glycerol added samples showed the least changes. Chapati hardness increased in all the samples up to fourth FT cycle, thereafter sharply decreased. However, chapaties with 1% glycerol were rated better in terms of mouth feel and texture during FT cycles.
Microbial levan in the diet of Labeo rohita Hamilton juveniles: effect on non‐specific immunity and histopathological changes after challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Gupta S K , Pal A K , Sahu N P , Dalvi R , Kumar V , Mukherjee S C
Published: August 2008

A 60‐day feeding trial was conducted to study the immuno‐protective effect of microbial levan on Labeo rohita juveniles challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Six purified diets were prepared with different levels of microbial levan: control (no levan), T1 (Basal + 0.25%), T2 (Basal + 0.50%), T3 (Basal + 0.75%), T4 (Basal + 1%) and T5 (Basal + 1.25%), fed to six groups of fish in triplicate. Among the treatment groups the haemoglobin content and total leucocyte count were increased with a dietary supplementation of levan at 1% or more. An increasing trend for total erythrocyte count was observed with increasing level of dietary levan. Lower levan‐supplemented groups showed a higher albumin/globulin ratio. As the levan supplementation was increased, there was a gradual increase in serum lysozyme activity and respiratory burst activity [nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assay] reduction values. The highest lysozyme activity and NBT were observed in the T5 group although this was similar to the T4 group (P > 0.05). No significant histo‐architectural changes were associated with dietary levan levels. After challenge with A. hydrophila, moderately degenerated hepatocytes, oedema and leucocytic infiltration in parenchymatous tissues, and extensive haemorrhage and haemosiderosis in the kidney were observed in the control group. However, the T5 group supplemented with 1.25% levan showed infiltrating leucocytes in the liver while the kidney showed only moderate degeneration of renal tubules. The relative survival per cent of juveniles after challenge with A. hydrophila was the highest in the T5 group followed by T4. This suggests that microbial levan at 1.25% can be used as dietary immunostimulant for L. rohita juveniles.
Surveillance of health status on eight marine rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), farms in Denmark in 2006
Authors: Pedersen K , Skall H F , Lassen‐Nielsen A M , Nielsen T F , Henriksen N H , Olesen N J
Published: August 2008

The health status of eight marine rainbow trout farms was followed from mid‐June to mid‐September 2006 by sampling both dead and healthy fish approximately every 2 weeks for bacteriological and virological investigation. No fish pathogenic viruses were detected, but all farms experienced disease and mortality as a result of various bacterial infections. Yersinia ruckeri was found on four and Renibacterium salmoninarum on five of the farms, but only during the first part of the surveillance period. This indicates that the fish carried the infection from fresh water, and cleared the infection in salt water. Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida caused mortality on five farms, but persisted throughout the sampling period. Although A. salmonicida was probably carried from fresh water, the fish were not able to clear the infection in the sea. Vibrio anguillarum caused mortality on six of the farms throughout the sampling period, O1 being the dominant serovar, and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae was found on seven farms as a cause of disease. During the period of highest water temperatures Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus were detected in dead fish in five and two farms, respectively, although their significance as causative pathogens is questionable. Vibrio vulnificus has not previously been found in rainbow trout in Denmark. Both mortality and number of antimicrobial treatments during the period were considerably higher in unvaccinated compared with vaccinated fish. Resistance to commonly used antimicrobials was low or absent.
Growth and performance of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., following administration of a rhabdovirus DNA vaccine alone or concurrently with an oil‐adjuvanted, polyvalent vaccine
Authors: Skinner L A , Schulte P M , LaPatra S E , Balfry S K , McKinley R S
Published: August 2008

This research demonstrates for the first time an absence of growth‐related side effects in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., following the injection of a DNA vaccine alone or concurrently with a commercially available, polyvalent, oil‐adjuvanted vaccine. Using weight and specific growth rate measurements, individually tagged Atlantic salmon were monitored for 2028 degree days (dd) post‐vaccination. During this time, DNA‐vaccinated fish did not differ in weight, length, condition factor or specific growth rate compared to unvaccinated control fish. While differences in weight were observed between unvaccinated control and concurrently vaccinated fish, there were no significant differences in weight, length, condition factor or specific growth rate between concurrently vaccinated fish and adjuvant‐vaccinated fish, suggesting that only adjuvant vaccination affected growth. To further determine if concurrent injection of a DNA vaccine and a polyvalent, oil‐adjuvanted vaccine had a physiological impact on the Atlantic salmon, swimming performance tests were performed at 106 dd post‐vaccination with Ucrit,1, Ucrit,2, the Ucrit recovery ratio (RR) and the normalized RR being similar to values obtained from unvaccinated control fish. In summary, this study shows that concurrent injection of a DNA vaccine and a polyvalent, oil‐adjuvanted vaccine does not negatively influence the growth or swimming performance of Atlantic salmon compared to adjuvant vaccination alone.
Immune responses and enhanced disease resistance in Chinese drum, Miichthys miiuy (Basilewsky), after oral administration of live or dead cells of Clostridium butyrium CB2
Authors: Pan X , Wu T , Song Z , Tang H , Zhao Z
Published: August 2008

Clostridium butyrium CB2 isolated from chickens was tested as a potential fish probiotic in the Chinese drum, Miichthys miiuy. Fish were fed live (CB), dead CB2 (D‐CB) cells (108 cells g−1) or spent culture supernatant (SCS), for 30 days and challenged with Vibrio anguillarum or Aeromonas hydrophila. Survival was higher in both the CB and the CB‐D fed groups, but the SCS group was not significantly different from the control. After feeding live or dead CB2 cells, there was increase in phagocytic activity of the head kidney macrophages, the lysozyme activity of serum and gut mucosa and immunoglobulin (Ig) level. The SCS group showed no obvious change in immune parameters. The results suggest that live or dead Clostridium butyrium CB2 has an immunomodulatory effect on fish.
Renin‐angiotensin system revisited
Authors: Fyhrquist F. , Saijonmaa O.
Published: August 2008

New components and functions of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) are still being unravelled. The classical RAS as it looked in the middle 1970s consisted of circulating renin, acting on angiotensinogen to produce angiotensin I, which in turn was converted into angiotensin II (Ang II) by angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE). Ang II, still considered the main effector of RAS was believed to act only as a circulating hormone via angiotensin receptors, AT1 and AT2. Since then, an expanded view of RAS has gradually emerged. Local tissue RAS systems have been identified in most organs. Recently, evidence for an intracellular RAS has been reported. The new expanded view of RAS therefore covers both endocrine, paracrine and intracrine functions. Other peptides of RAS have been shown to have biological actions; angiotensin 2–8 heptapeptide (Ang III) has actions similar to those of Ang II. Further, the angiotensin 3–8 hexapeptide (Ang IV) exerts its actions via insulin‐regulated amino peptidase receptors. Finally, angiotensin 1–7 (Ang 1–7) acts via mas receptors. The discovery of another ACE2 was an important complement to this picture. The recent discovery of renin receptors has made our view of RAS unexpectedly complex and multilayered. The importance of RAS in cardiovascular disease has been demonstrated by the clinical benefits of ACE inhibitors and AT1 receptor blockers. Great expectations are now generated by the introduction of renin inhibitors. Indeed, RAS regulates much more and diverse physiological functions than previously believed.
The role of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 on reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide production by macrophage cells stimulated with root canal pathogens
Authors: Marcato L. G. , Ferlini A. P. , Bonfim R. C. F. , Ramos‐Jorge M. L. , Ropert C. , Afonso L. F. C. , Vieira L. Q. , Sobrinho A. P. R.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  Periapical lesions arise as a result of the activation and interaction of the host immune responses against root canal infection. Recently identified Toll‐like receptors (TLR) seem to be involved in the recognition and development of immune responses against a myriad of microorganisms. However, very little information is available on the role of TLR in the induction of periapical lesions.

Method:  The role of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 in the activation of murine macrophages stimulated using Fusobacterium nucleatum and Peptostreptococcus anaerobius was investigated. The production of nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) was assessed.

Results:  The results demonstrate that TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 are involved in the production of ROS by activated macrophages. The microorganisms induced similar levels of NO production by TLR‐2‐competent and TLR‐2‐deficient macrophages, regardless of the addition of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), ruling out a role for TLR‐2 in the NO production induced by these bacteria. Only P. anaerobius induced NO production by TLR‐4‐competent macrophages without the addition of IFN‐γ. However, after IFN‐γ addition, F. nucleatum induced macrophage NO production. Therefore, NO production stimulated by IFN‐γ and these microorganisms seems to be TLR‐4‐independent.

Conclusion:  TLR‐2 seems to be involved in the induction of ROS production by macrophages in response to prevalent root canal bacteria, while only F. nucleatum induced ROS production by TLR‐4‐competent macrophages. Both microorganisms significantly induced large amounts of NO independent of TLR‐2 and TLR‐4. We conclude that microorganisms may participate in the induction and progression of periapical lesions through NO and ROS production by activated macrophages.
Inhibition of interferon‐γ‐induced nitric oxide production in endotoxin‐activated macrophages by cytolethal distending toxin
Authors: Fernandes K. P. S. , Mayer M. P. A. , Ando E. S. , Ulbrich A. G. , Amarente‐Mendes J. G. P. , Russo M.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  Cytolethal distending toxin (CDT) is a DNA‐targeting agent produced by certain pathogenic gram‐negative bacteria such as the periodontopathogenic organism Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. CDT targets lymphocytes and other cells causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, impairing the host immune response and contributing to the persistence of infections caused by this microorganism. In this study we explored the effects of CDT on the innate immune response, by investigating how it affects production of nitric oxide (NO) by macrophages.

Methods:  Murine peritoneal macrophages were stimulated with Escherichia coli sonicates and NO production was measured in the presence or not of active CDT.

Results:  We observed that CDT promptly and significantly inhibited NO production by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in a dose‐dependent manner. This inhibition is directed towards interferon‐γ‐dependent pathways and is not mediated by either interleukin‐4 or interleukin‐10.

Conclusion:  This mechanism may constitute an important aspect of the immunosuppression mediated by CDT and may have potential clinical implications in A. actinomycetemcomitans infections.
Mixed Candida albicans and Candida glabrata populations associated with the pathogenesis of denture stomatitis
Authors: Coco B. J. , Bagg J. , Cross L. J. , Jose A. , Cross J. , Ramage G.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  Oral yeasts are an important component of the resident microbial ecology of the oral cavity, but they are also associated with various forms of oral candidosis, such as denture stomatitis. Although Candida albicans is the predominant oral fungal pathogen, other species may also play an integral role in pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to examine the mycological ecology in patients with denture stomatitis, using an improved sampling technique, to determine whether species diversity and species quantity were related to oral pathology.

Methods:  Thirty‐seven patients attending the Glasgow Dental Hospital were enrolled in this study following informed consent. A full clinical history was obtained, including details of their oral hygiene practices and the levels of erythema based on Newton’s classification scale. Oral rinse, denture sonicate, and swab samples were taken, which were processed for quantitative and qualitative analysis of oral yeasts.

Results:  The proportion of patients with no inflammation or Newton’s Types I, II, and III were 31, 33, 25, and 14%, respectively. Denture sonication was a superior sampling procedure, with statistically greater quantities of yeasts isolated using this methodology (P < 0.01). The predominant oral yeasts isolated were C. albicans (75%) and Candida glabrata (30%), which were isolated in higher proportions in patients with the highest grades of inflammation (100 and 80%), and in combination from 80% of these patients.

Conclusions:  This study has demonstrated that mixed C. albicans and C. glabrata biofilms may play an important role in the pathogenesis associated with severe inflammation in denture wearers.
Effect of antiplaque compounds and mouthrinses on the activity of glucosyltransferases from Streptococcus sobrinus and insoluble glucan production
Authors: Furiga A. , Dols‐Lafargue M. , Heyraud A. , Chambat G. , Lonvaud‐Funel A. , Badet C.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  The development of therapeutic agents inhibiting the activity of glucosyltransferases (GTF) and their production of glucans is a potential strategy to reduce dental decay. The aim of this study was first to characterize a GTF preparation from Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 33478 and then to evaluate the effects of select compounds and mouthrinses on insoluble glucan (ISG) formation by combined GTFs.

Methods:  The purity of the crude GTF mixture was assessed by electrophoresis. The effects of pH, temperature, sucrose, and dextran T10 concentrations on GTF activity were analyzed and the chemical structure of the products was investigated. Finally, the inhibition of GTF by commercial mouthrinses used in oral hygiene and their active components (chlorhexidine, polyphenolic compounds, fluoride derivatives, polyols, cetylpyridinium chloride, and povidone iodine) was analyzed through the reductions in the overall reaction rate and the quantity of ISG synthesized.

Results:  The S. sobrinus ATCC 33478 crude GTF preparation obtained contains a mixture of four different GTFs known for this species. For optimal adherent ISG formation, the reaction parameters were 37°C, pH 6.5, sucrose 50 g/l, and dextran T10 2 g/l. Under these conditions, the most effective agents were chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and tannic acid. Eludril®, Elmex®, and Betadine® were the most effective inhibitors of all the mouthrinses tested.

Conclusion:  As the formulation of commercial products considerably influences the efficiency of active components, the fast representative ISG inhibition test developed in this study should be of great interest.
Molecular mimicry of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans with β2 glycoprotein I
Authors: Wang D. , Nagasawa T. , Chen Y. , Ushida Y. , Kobayashi H. , Takeuchi Y. , Umeda M. , Izumi Y.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  β2‐Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) is important in the suppression of coagulation, and antibodies against TLRVYK peptides on the β2GPI molecule are related to thrombosis. According to the Swiss‐Prot database, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin c has sequences (SIRVYK) that are homologous to the TLRVYK peptides. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of A. actinomycetemcomitans infection on the antibody response against SIRVYK peptides in patients with periodontitis.

Methods:  Serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody and IgG subclass antibody titers against SIRVYK or TLRVYK peptides were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 46 patients with aggressive periodontitis (eight with localized disease, 38 with generalized disease), 28 patients with chronic periodontitis, and 20 periodontally healthy subjects. The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in plaque and saliva samples was determined using polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  The level of anti‐SIRVYK antibodies was significantly higher in patients who were A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive than in A. actinomycetemcomitans‐negative patients (P < 0.05) in the chronic periodontitis group. A similar trend was found in the antibody response to TLRVYK peptide; however, no statistically significant difference was seen between A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive and ‐negative patients. The A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive patients displayed significantly higher levels of anti‐SIRVYK IgG2 and IgG3 antibodies than A. actinomycetemcomitans‐negative patients (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05, respectively). The level of IgG2 was highest among the four IgG subclasses and it predominantly increased in patients who were A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive. Anti‐TLRVYK antibody levels were significantly correlated with anti‐SIRVYK IgG antibody levels.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that A. actinomycetemcomitans infection may elicit anti‐SIRVYK IgG antibodies and modify the anti‐TLRVYK antibody response in patients with periodontitis by molecular mimicry with β2GPI.
Identification of novel genes in the oral pathogen Campylobacter rectus
Authors: LaGier M. J. , Threadgill D. S.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  A poorly described bacterium, Campylobacter rectus, has been implicated as an etiological agent of periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to use a comparative genomics approach to identify genes that contribute to the lifestyle of C. rectus as an oral pathogen.

Methods:  Suppressive subtractive hybridization was used to identify genes encoded by C. rectus ATCC 33238, but not present in the genome of a related Campylobacter species, Campylobacter jejuni ATCC 11168.

Results:  Suppressive subtractive hybridization identified 154 unique DNA sequences from the C. rectus genome. Ninety‐two of the 154 clones were classified as C. rectus‐specific, as they did not show significant sequence homology to genes identified in any strain of C. jejuni (blast E‐value >1E‐3). blast analysis predicted that the 92 C. rectus‐specific gene fragments play a role in a variety of biological processes including signal transduction mechanisms (histidine kinase, response regulators, diguanylate cyclases, chemotaxis receptor) and potentially virulence (S‐layer RTX and cysteine desulfhydrase). Further analysis of the C. rectus‐specific clones showed that 10 genes had Campylobacter homologues that were only found in species that commonly reside within the oral cavity of humans and 10 other fragments shared homology only with non‐campylobacter organisms.

Conclusions:  These data provide the first substantial insights into the genomic content of C. rectus, a significant oral pathogen. The genes identified in this study are a valuable resource for initiating new research on the virulence of C. rectus during periodontitis.
Proteome analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis cells placed in a subcutaneous chamber of mice
Authors: Yoshimura M. , Ohara N. , Kondo Y. , Shoji M. , Okano S. , Nakano Y. , Abiko Y. , Nakayama K.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  Porphyromonas gingivalis, an oral anaerobic bacterium, is considered a major pathogen for chronic periodontitis. Pathogenic bacteria usually upregulate or downregulate gene expression to combat the protective responses of their hosts.

Methods:  To determine what protein is regulated when P. gingivalis cells invade host tissues, we analyzed the proteome of P. gingivalis cells that were placed in a mouse subcutaneous chamber by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry.

Results:  Fourteen proteins were upregulated, while four proteins were downregulated. We focused on three upregulated proteins, PG1089 (DNA‐binding response regulator RprY), PG1385 (TPR domain protein), and PG2102 (immunoreactive 61‐kDa antigen), and constructed mutant strains that were defective in these proteins. Mouse abscess model experiments revealed that the mutant strain defective in PG1385 was clearly less virulent than the wild‐type parent strain.

Conclusion:  These results indicate that the PG1385 protein is involved in P. gingivalis virulence and that the method used here is useful when investigating the P. gingivalis proteins responsible for virulence.
Biofilm microbial communities of denture stomatitis
Authors: Campos M. S. , Marchini L. , Bernardes L. A. S. , Paulino L. C. , Nobrega F. G.
Published: August 2008

Introduction:  Denture stomatitis is a common lesion that affects denture wearers. Its multifactorial etiology seems to depend on a complex and poorly characterized biofilm. The purpose of this study was to assess the composition of the microbial biofilm obtained from complete denture wearers with and without denture stomatitis using culture‐independent methods.

Methods:  Samples were collected from healthy denture wearers and from patients with denture stomatitis. Libraries comprising about 600 cloned 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) bacterial sequences and 192 cloned eukaryotic internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequences, obtained by polymerase chain reactions, were analyzed.

Results:  The partial 16S rDNA sequences revealed a total of 82 bacterial species identified in healthy subjects and patients with denture stomatitis. Twenty‐seven bacterial species were detected in both biofilms, 29 species were exclusively present in patients with denture stomatitis, and 26 were found only in healthy subjects. Analysis of the ITS region revealed the presence of Candida sp. in both biofilms.

Conclusion:  The results revealed the extent of the microbial flora, suggesting the existence of distinct biofilms in healthy subjects and in patients with denture stomatitis.
Maternal Food Regurgitation to Nymphs in Earwigs (Forficula auricularia)
Authors: Staerkle Michael , Kölliker Mathias
Published: August 2008

The occurrence of parental food regurgitation as a form of parental care in (sub‐) social insects has been little studied and is largely based on anectodal and indirect evidence. However, understanding the behavioural mechanisms mediating the benefit of parental care is critical to advance research on the evolution of family interactions. Here, we report results from a study where we experimentally tested the hypothesis that European earwig (Forficula auricularia) females regurgitate food to their nymphs. We used a simple experimental method based on food dyes as colour markers to separate maternal food regurgitation and nymphal self‐feeding as the two components of food intake by nymphs. Two different food dyes were used to label the food offered to the earwig mother and the nymphs respectively. By analysing the colour of the gut content of the nymphs, we demonstrate significant food transfer from the mother to the nymphs. This study demonstrates unambiguously that maternal food regurgitation exists in earwigs and presents a simple and easily applicable technique to trace maternal food regurgitation in the study of insect parental care and family interactions.
MHC and Preferences for Male Odour in the Bank Vole
Authors: Radwan Jacek , Tkacz Aleksandra , Kloch Agnieszka
Published: August 2008

Highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are thought to play a central role in the choice of genetically compatible sexual partners in some vertebrates, although the evidence is variable across species. Here, we investigate the association between similarity in the MHC region and sexual preferences in the bank vole Myodes (=Clethrionomys) glareolus (Arvicollinae) in a laboratory setting. Females in post‐partum oestrus were given the choice between the scents of two males in a Y‐maze. Both males were unrelated to the female, but differed in their MHC similarity to the female. We found that females spent more time near the scent of MHC dissimilar males than those, with whom they shared MHC alleles. This suggests that bank voles use MHC‐related cues to choose compatible mates.
Examining the Role of Cuticular Hydrocarbons in Firefly Species Recognition
Authors: South Adam , LeVan Katherine , Leombruni Lisa , Orians Colin M. , Lewis Sara M.
Published: August 2008

During animal courtship, multiple signals transmitted in different sensory modalities may be used to recognize potential mates. In fireflies (Coleoptera: Lampyridae), nocturnally active species rely on long‐range bioluminescent signals for species, sex, and mate recognition, while several diurnally active species rely on pheromonal signals. Although in many insects non‐volatile cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) also function in species and sex discrimination, little is known about the potential role of CHC in fireflies. Here, we used gas chromatography to characterize species and sex differences in the CHC profiles of several North American fireflies, including three nocturnal and two diurnal species. Additionally, we conducted behavioral bioassays to determine whether firefly males (the searching sex) were differentially attracted to extracts from conspecific vs. heterospecific females. Gas chromatography revealed that nocturnalPhotinusfireflies had low or undetectable CHC levels in both sexes, while diurnal fireflies showed higher CHC levels. No major sex differences in CHC profiles were observed for any firefly species. Behavioral bioassays demonstrated that males of the diurnal fireflyEllychnia corruscawere preferentially attracted to chemical extracts from conspecific vs. heterospecific females, while males of the remaining species showed no discrimination. These results suggest that while CHC may function as species recognition signals for some diurnal fireflies, these compounds are unlikely to be important contact signals in nocturnalPhotinusfireflies.
Comparison of Color and Body Condition Between Early and Late Breeding King Penguins
Authors: Stephen Dobson F. , Nolan Paul M. , Nicolaus Marion , Bajzak Catherine , Coquel Anne‐Sophie , Jouventin Pierre
Published: August 2008

Early breeding is associated with greater reproductive success in many species. In king penguins, Aptenodytes patagonicus, laying extends for 6 mo. Early breeders may fledge a single chick at best, but late breeders virtually never fledge a chick. For early and late breeders, we compared colored ornaments known to be important in mate choice: yellow–orange feathers of the breast and auricular areas, and an ultraviolet and yellow–orange beak spot. Our purpose was to discern differences between males and females in this highly sexually monomorphic species, as well as to discern whether colored ornaments are more important for the more successful early breeders (aspects of color were hue, chroma, and brightness). For this, we weighed and measured 130 penguins. Early males had greater reflectance of ultraviolet color from the beak spot than did early females and late breeders of both sexes, and the early males were heavier and in better condition than late breeding males or females. Late breeding females were the yellowest in breast hue, a trait that has been linked to immunocompetence. Within pairs, males and females were significantly correlated in body mass, but only early in the breeding season. We concluded that early in the breeding season when reproductive success was greatest, potential mates were not only more similar in body mass, but also that females may have chosen males that had brighter beak spots and were in better body condition.
Body Weight and Rearing Conditions of Males, Female Choice and Paternities in a Small Mammal, Cavia aperea
Authors: Adrian Oliver , Dekomien Gabriele , Epplen Jörg T. , Sachser Norbert
Published: August 2008

Patterns of mate choice may be important determinants of a species’ social organisation and mating system. At least two different aspects of female mate choice can be distinguished: choice of a social partner and choice of the genetic father of the offspring. Different characteristics of males can qualify them for these two roles. Although social and reproductive partners have been shown to differ in many species, social association times are often used in laboratory choice tests to infer reproductive preferences. The traits for which females may choose partners are diverse. Body size can correlate with the male’s strength in defending resources or other abilities benefiting the female and her offspring. In species living in social groups, social skills learned from group members during infancy can be important for later reproductive success. In this laboratory study, we conducted choice tests with wild cavies, Cavia aperea, a harem‐living species of South American rodents, to determine social preferences of females towards two simultaneously available males. For offspring sired during these tests, paternities were determined by microsatellite DNA profiling. Males used in the tests differed in body weight and in rearing conditions: Half of the males had been reared in the presence or absence of their father, respectively. Male rearing conditions had no effect on either female social preferences or paternities. Females significantly preferred heavier males as social partners. In five of six tests, the heavier male also sired the offspring. Sires were in most cases but not consistently socially preferred. Heavier males may be preferable as social partners because they are better able to provide females with resources or have more experience in paternal care or predator avoidance as weight correlates with age. When choosing reproductive partners, females may prefer other male traits and the distribution of paternities may also be influenced by sperm competition.
Age‐Related Changes in Nestling Diet of the Cooperatively Breeding Green Woodhoopoe
Authors: Radford Andrew N.
Published: August 2008

In many socially monogamous bird species, parents of altricial young respond to the increasing demands of growing nestlings by increasing their feeding rate and the size of prey items delivered and by altering the types of prey provided. In some cooperatively breeding species, similar changes in feeding rate and prey size have been documented. However, potential changes in the types of prey delivered, both as nestlings age and by different group members, remain largely unexplored. Moreover, studies rarely compare the diet fed to nestlings with that eaten by the provisioning adults themselves. Here, I show that green woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) nestlings receive a smaller proportion of spiders and larger proportions of caterpillars and centipedes as they grow older. Both male and female adults delivered a higher proportion of spiders to young nestlings than they ate while self‐feeding, probably in response to particular nutritional requirements of the chicks. However, only males altered the proportions of caterpillars and centipedes delivered, providing smaller proportions to young nestlings than eaten themselves. These prey items may be too large for young nestlings to handle, and males may make a greater adjustment in provisioning diet than females because they collect more caterpillars and centipedes than do females. Although there were sex differences in provisioning diet, there were no differences between same‐sex breeders and helpers in terms of the overall proportions of prey delivered or the changes with nestling age. Hence, individuals of different reproductive status may be following the same provisioning rules, at least in terms of prey type.
Beech decline in Central Europe driven by the interaction between Phytophthora infections and climatic extremes
Authors: Jung T.
Published: August 2008

During the past decade, and in particular after the wet year 2002 and the dry year 2003, an increasing number of trees and stands of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in Bavaria were showing symptoms typical for Phytophthora diseases: increased transparency and crown dieback, small‐sized and often yellowish foliage, root and collar rot and aerial bleeding cankers up to stem heights of >20 m. Between 2003 and 2007 134 mature beech stands on a broad range of geological substrates were surveyed, and collar rot and aerial bleeding cankers were found in 116 (86.6%) stands. In most stands the majority of beech trees were declining and scattered or clustered mortality occurred. Bark and soil samples were taken from 314 trees in 112 stands, and 11 Phytophthora species were recovered from 253 trees (80.6%) in 104 stands (92.9%). The most frequent species were P. citricola, P. cambivora and P. cactorum. Primary Phytophthora lesions were soon infected by a series of secondary bark pathogens, including Nectria coccinea, and wood decay fungi. In addition, infected trees were often attacked by several bark and wood boring insects leading to rapid mortality. Bark necroses were examined for their probable age in order to determine whether the onset of the current Phytophthora epidemic was correlated to rainfall rates recorded at 22 Bavarian forest ecosystem monitoring stations. A small‐scale survey in nine Bavarian nurseries demonstrated regular infestations of all beech fields with the same range of Phytophthora species. The results indicate that (1) Phytophthora species are regularly associated with beech decline and may also be involved in the complex of ‘Beech Bark Disease’, (2) excessive rainfalls and droughts are triggering the disease, and (3) widespread Phytophthora infestations of nursery stock might endanger current and future silvicultural projects aiming on the replacement of non‐natural conifer stands by beech dominated mixed stands.
Group I mGluRs increase locomotor network excitability in Xenopus tadpoles via presynaptic inhibition of glycinergic neurotransmission
Authors: Chapman Rebecca J. , Issberner Jonathan P. , Sillar Keith T.
Published: August 2008

The group I metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (S)‐3,5‐dihyroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) increases the frequency of rhythmic swimming activity in Xenopus tadpoles. This study explores the possibility that group I receptor modulation occurs in part via depression of inhibitory synaptic transmission. Applications of the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine occluded the effects of DHPG, providing preliminary evidence that group I receptors affect motor network output by reducing glycinergic transmission. This evidence was supported further by intracellular and whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings from presumed motorneurons. DHPG applications produced two prominent effects: (i) during swimming activity, glycinergic mid‐cycle IPSPs were reduced in amplitude; and (ii) during quiescent periods, the frequency of spontaneous miniature IPSPs was also reduced. No change in membrane potential or input resistance following group I receptor activation was detected. The reduction in fast synaptic inhibition provides a plausible explanation for the increased excitability of the locomotor network, although other contributory mechanisms activated in parallel by group I receptors cannot be discounted. Aspects of this work have been published previously in abstract form [R. J. Chapman & K. T. Sillar (2003) SFN Abstracts 277.8].
Hypothalamic sites responding to predator threats – the role of the dorsal premammillary nucleus in unconditioned and conditioned antipredatory defensive behavior
Authors: Cezario A. F. , Ribeiro‐Barbosa E. R. , Baldo M. V. C. , Canteras N. S.
Published: August 2008

In this study we provide a comprehensive analysis of the hypothalamic activation pattern during exposure to a live predator or an environment previously associated with a predator. Our results support the view that hypothalamic processing of the actual and the contextual predatory threats share the same circuit, in which the dorsal premammillary nucleus (PMd) plays a pivotal role in amplifying this processing. To further understand the role of the PMd in the circuit organizing antipredatory defensive behaviors, we studied rats with cytotoxic PMd lesions during cat exposure and examined the pattern of behavioral responses as well as how PMd lesions affect the neuronal activation of the systems engaged in predator detection, in contextual memory formation and in defensive behavioral responses. Next, we investigated how pharmacological blockade of the PMd interferes with the conditioned behavioral responses to a context previously associated with a predator, and how this blockade affects the activation pattern of periaqueductal gray (PAG) sites likely to organize the conditioned behavioral responses to the predatory context. Behavioral observations indicate that the PMd interferes with both unconditioned and conditioned antipredatory defensive behavior. Moreover, we have shown that the PMd influences the activation of its major projecting targets, i.e. the ventral part of the anteromedial thalamic nucleus which is likely to influence mnemonic processing, and PAG sites involved in the expression of antipredatory unconditioned and conditioned behavioral responses. Of particular relevance, this work provides evidence to elucidate the basic organization of the neural circuits integrating unconditioned and contextual conditioned responses to predatory threats.