bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical trial: the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in primary care – prospective randomized comparison of rabeprazole 20 mg with esomeprazole 20 and 40 mg
Authors: EGGLESTON A. , KATELARIS P. H. , NANDURKAR S. , THORPE P. , HOLTMANN G. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE TREAT STUDY GROUP
Published: February 2009

Background  A trial of empirical PPI therapy is usual practice for most patients with symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in primary care.

Aim  To determine if the 4‐week efficacy of rabeprazole 20 mg for resolving heartburn and regurgitation symptoms is non‐inferior to esomeprazole 40 mg or 20 mg.

Methods  In all, 1392 patients were randomized to rabeprazole 20 mg, esomeprazole 20 mg or 40 mg once daily. Patients, doctors and assessors were blinded. Symptom resolution data were collected on days 0–7 and day‐28 using the Patient Assessment of Upper Gastrointestinal Disorders Symptom Severity Index with a shortened version used on days 8–27.

Results  Rabeprazole 20 mg was non‐inferior to esomeprazole 40 mg for complete resolution of regurgitation and satisfactory resolution of heartburn and regurgitation. For complete heartburn resolution, the efficacy of rabeprazole 20 mg and esomeprazole 40 mg was statistically indistinguishable, although the non‐inferiority test was inconclusive. Rabeprazole 20 mg was non‐inferior to esomeprazole 20 mg for all outcomes.

Conclusions  In uninvestigated GERD patients, rabeprazole 20 mg was non‐inferior to esomeprazole 40 mg for complete and satisfactory relief of regurgitation and satisfactory relief of heartburn, and not different for complete resolution of heartburn.
The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of warfarin in combination with ambrisentan in healthy volunteers
Authors: Walker Gennyne , Mandagere Arun , Dufton Christopher , Venitz Jürgen
Published: February 2009

WHAT IS ALRADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Warfarin anticoagulation therapy is commonly administered to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to reduce the risk of thrombosis and embolism.

• Ambrisentan is an orally active, propanoic acid‐based endothelin receptor antagonist that is likely to be co‐administered with warfarin to PAH patients.

• Concomitant therapies that induce or inhibit warfarin metabolism may alter the systemic exposure of warfarin and significantly alter clotting time, as measured by prothrombin time and International Normalized Ratio, thereby requiring substantial adjustments to warfarin dose.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study was undertaken in healthy subjects to identify any potential drug interactions between ambrisentan and warfarin.

• Multiple doses of ambrisentan had no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin; conversely, a single dose of warfarin had no clinically relevant effects on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of ambrisentan.

• Therefore, co‐administration of ambrisentan with warfarin should not require adjustment of the therapeutically effective dosing regimen for either drug.

AIMS Ambrisentan is an oral, propanoic acid‐based endothelin receptor antagonist often co‐administered with warfarin to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for ambrisentan to affect warfarin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

METHODS In this open‐label cross‐over study, 22 healthy subjects received a single dose of racemic warfarin 25 mg alone and after 8 days of ambrisentan 10 mg once daily. Assessments included exposure (AUC0–last) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) for R‐ and S‐warfarin, and International Normalized Ratio maximum observed value (INRmax) and area under the curve (INRAUC(0–last)). The effects of warfarin on ambrisentan steady‐state pharmacokinetics and the safety of ambrisentan/warfarin co‐administration were assessed. Data are presented as geometric mean ratios.

RESULTS Ambrisentan had no significant effects on the AUC0–last of R‐warfarin [104.7; 90% confidence interval (CI) 101.7, 107.7) or S‐warfarin (101.6; 90% CI 98.4, 105.0). Similarly, ambrisentan had no significant effects on the Cmax of R‐warfarin (91.6; 90% CI 86.2, 97.4) or S‐warfarin (89.9; 90% CI 84.8, 95.3). Consistent with these observations, little pharmacodynamic change was observed for INRmax (85.3; 90% CI 82.4, 88.2) or INRAUC(0–last) (93.0; 90% CI 90.8, 95.3). In addition, co‐administration of warfarin did not alter ambrisentan steady‐state pharmacokinetics. Adverse events were infrequent, and there were no bleeding adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS Multiple doses of ambrisentan had no clinically relevant effects on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a single dose of warfarin. Therefore, significant dose adjustments of either drug are unlikely to be required with co‐administration.
Factors associated with bed and room sharing in Chinese school‐aged children
Authors: Li S. , Jin X. , Yan C. , Wu S. , Jiang F. , Shen X.
Published: February 2009

Background and objectives  Co‐sleeping (bed or room sharing) has potential implications for children's development. Previous studies showed that co‐sleeping was more prevalent in non‐Western countries than in Western countries, which demonstrated that co‐sleeping was marked with ethnic and socio‐cultural background characteristics. The purpose of this study was to survey the prevalence of bed and room sharing and to examine related factors among school‐aged children in an Asian country – China.

Methods  A cross‐sectional questionnaire survey was conducted in 10 districts of Shanghai, China from November to December 2005. A total of 4108 elementary school children, 49.2% boys and 50.8% girls with a mean age of 8.79 years, participated. Parent‐administered questionnaires were used to collect information about children's sleeping arrangements and socio‐demographic characteristics.

Results  The prevalence of routine bed sharing, room sharing and sleeping alone in Chinese school‐aged children was 21.0%, 19.1% and 47.7%, respectively. Bed and room sharing didn't show significant gender difference but gradually decreased with increasing age. Multivariate logistic regression identified those factors associated with bed and room sharing: younger age, large family, children without their own bedroom and parents' approval of a co‐sleeping arrangement.

Conclusion  Co‐sleeping arrangement was a common practice in Chinese school‐aged children. Associated factors were characterized by intrinsic socio‐cultural values and socio‐economic status in China.
Prevalence of overweight in kindergarten children in the centre of Israel – association with lifestyle habits
Authors: Pinhas‐Hamiel O. , Bar‐Zvi E. , Boyko V. , Reichman B. , Lerner‐Geva L.
Published: February 2009

Objectives  (1) To determine the prevalence of overweight and at risk for overweight in a sample of 4‐ to 6‐year‐old Israeli children; and (2) to delineate factors which may be associated with excess of overweight such as food intake, food habits physical and sedentary activity, family and socio‐economic factors.

Methods  In a cross‐sectional survey in six kindergartens in the centre of Israel, 204 children (104 boys), mean age 5.5 years were studied.

Results  In total, 40% of the children were either at risk for overweight (25%) or overweight (15%). Parents of one‐third of all children reported their children ate unbalanced meals; however, caloric intake was not different between the weight groups. Overweight children were reported to eat according to mood status and preferred eating candies. Knowledge of dietary requirements was fairly good and similar in all three weight groups. Screen viewing time was more than twofold greater than the recommended in all weight groups. The rate of parental obesity was not different in the weight groups.

Conclusions  A high rate of overweight was documented among pre‐schoolers in the centre of Israel. Poor lifestyle habits were noted in about one‐third of all children; however, no association was found between the poor lifestyle habits and overweight but more overweight children eat according to mood status and preferred eating candies as a snack.
Anxiety and stress in mothers and fathers in the 24 h after their child's surgery
Authors: Scrimin S. , Haynes M. , Altoè G. , Bornstein M. H. , Axia G.
Published: February 2009

Background and objective  Surgery in a paediatric setting stresses children and their parents. Previous studies have focused on children and the preoperative period; however, the 24 h after child surgery are highly stressful for parents as their child is still physically recovering and physician–parent communication is vital. The aims of this study are to investigate the impact of three levels of severity of paediatric surgery on mothers' and fathers' anxiety and stress and to identify factors that contribute to parental anxiety and acute stress symptoms in the first 24 h after child surgery.

Patients and methods  A total of 154 parents (91 mothers, 63 fathers) of children who had just undergone elective surgery for a major intervention (n = 41), minor intervention (n = 64) or day surgery (n = 49) completed questionnaires aimed at assessing levels of state anxiety and acute stress symptoms. Social network, socio‐economic status and parental health locus of control were evaluated as contributors.

Results  Parents reported high levels of state anxiety (26% had scores on the state scale 2 standard deviations above the norm) and acute stress symptoms (28% in at least one of the four acute stress disorder symptom categories). Child's type of surgery is related to parental anxiety [F(2,134) = 38.12, P = 0.0001, η2 = 0.175] and acute stress symptoms [F(2,133) = 31.21, P = 0.0001, η2 = 0.133]. Parental state anxiety was predicted by parent's gender, trait anxiety and health external locus of control. Parent's number of acute stress symptoms was predicted by parental trait anxiety, health external locus of control, parent's level of education and the number of social contacts.

Conclusions  There is a need to take into consideration parental anxiety and distress in the 24 h after child surgery. Parental well‐being is related to several characteristics including the severity of child surgery; these aspects should be taken into consideration when interacting with parents in the aftermath of their child's surgery.
Why do some fathers become primary caregivers for their infants? A qualitative study
Authors: West A. F. , Lewis S. , Ram B. , Barnes J. , Leach P. , Sylva K. , Stein A. ,   the FCCC project team
Published: February 2009

Background  Despite recent advances, research on father–infant relations is still relatively lacking. One hitherto neglected area is the subjective experience of primary caregiving (PCG) fathers, including their reasons for taking on a PCG role.

Method  Twenty‐five PCG fathers, defined as those providing sole child care for their 1‐year‐old infant for at least 20 waking hours a week, completed semi‐structured interviews as part of a large two‐centre English study of child care. Interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and analysed using emergent theme analysis. Themes with a bearing on the fathers' explicit and implicit reasons for providing relatively high levels of sole child care were grouped using an iterative process of independent analysis, comparison and rechecking.

Results  Reasons included mother's and father's employment situation and relative earning power, the absence of acceptable alternative child care, perceptions of societal values, maternal and paternal health, family history and ideological values. Flexibility of paternal employment, or its relative unimportance, and motivation or willingness on the part of the father to share in child care were invariably present. For some, the fact of one or other of their own parents having been emotionally distant or physically absent had led to a determination to do things differently with their own children. Fathers reported that they valued the increased time spent with their child, even if they had not been consciously motivated beforehand.

Conclusions  Fathers describe a wide range of reasons for becoming primary caregivers for their infant, and generally experience themselves as being actively involved in that decision. If fathers are to take an increasing role in child care, societal values and financial pressure may need to be addressed.
Early head injury and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: retrospective cohort study
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: February 2009

.
 
Keenan H. T.,
Hall G. C. &
Marshall S.W.
(
2008
)

,
337
,
a1984
.
 
DOI:10.1136/bmj.a1984
.

Objective  To explore the hypothesis that medically attended head injury in young children may be causal in the later development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Design  Retrospective cohort study.

Setting  Health improvement network database (1988–2003), a longitudinal UK general practice dataset.

Participants  All children registered in the database from birth until their 10th birthday.

Main outcome measures  Risk of a child with a head injury before age 2 developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder before age 10 compared with children with a burn injury before age 2 and children with neither a burn nor a head injury.

Results  Of the 62 088 children who comprised the cohort, 2782 (4.5%) had a head injury and 1116 (1.8%) had a burn injury. The risk of diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder before 10 years of age after adjustment for sex, prematurity, socio‐economic status and practice identification number was similar in the head injury (relative risk 1.9, 95% confidence interval 1.5 to 2.5) and burn injury groups (1.7, 1.2 to 2.5) compared with all other children.

Discussion  Medically attended head injury before 2 years of age does not seem to be causal in the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Medically attended injury before 2 years of age may be a marker for subsequent diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Monocyte-derived dendritic cells from patients with severe forms of chromoblastomycosis induce CD4+ T cell activationin vitro
Authors: Sousa M Glória , Ghosn E Eid Bou , Nascimento R Ciciro , Bomfim G Facchioli , Noal V , Santiago K , De Maria Pedrozo e Silva Azevedo C , Marques S Garcia , Gonçalves A Guedes , De Castro Lima Santos D Wagner , Criado P Ricardo , Costa Martins J Eduardo , Almeida S Rogerio
Published: February 2009

Dendritic cells (DCs) have been described as initiators and modulators of the immune response. Recently we have shown a predominant production of interleukin-10 cytokine, low levels of interferon-γ and inefficient T cell proliferation in patients with severe forms of chromoblastomycosis. Chromoblastomycosis starts with subcutaneous inoculation of Fonsecaea pedrosoi into tissue where DCs are the first line of defence against this microorganism. In the present study, the interaction of F. pedrosoi and DCs obtained from patients with chromoblastomycosis was investigated. Our results showed that DCs from patients exhibited an increased expression of human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) and co-stimulatory molecules. In the presence of conidia, the expression of HLA-DR and CD86 was up-regulated by DCs from patients and controls. Finally, we demonstrate the reversal of antigen-specific anergy and a T helper type 1 response mediated by DCs incubated with F. pedrosoi conidea.
Complement classical pathway components are all important in clearance of apoptotic and secondary necrotic cells
Authors: Gullstrand B , Mårtensson U , Sturfelt G , Bengtsson A A , Truedsson L
Published: February 2009

Inherited deficiencies in components of the classical complement pathway are strong disease susceptibility factors for the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and there is a hierarchy among deficiency states, the strongest association being with C1q deficiency. We investigated the relative importance of the different complement pathways regarding clearance of apoptotic cells. Phagocytosis of labelled apoptotic Jurkat cells by monocyte-derived macrophages in the presence of sera from individuals with complement deficiencies was studied, as well as C3 deposition on apoptotic cells using flow cytometry. Sera from individuals deficient in C1q, C4, C2 or C3 all showed decreased phagocytosis. Mannose binding lectin (MBL) and the alternative pathway did not influence phagocytosis. Notably, the components of the complement classical pathway, including C1q, were equally important in clearance of apoptotic cells. This indicates that deposition of C3 fragments is of major significance; we therefore studied C3 deposition on apoptotic cells. Experiments with MBL-deficient serum depleted of C1q or factor D confirmed the predominance of the classical pathway. At low dilution, sera deficient of C1q, C4 or C2 supported C3 fragment deposition demonstrating alternative pathway activation. In conclusion, we have found that complement-mediated opsonization and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells, particularly those undergoing secondary necrosis, are dependent mainly upon an intact classical pathway. The alternative pathway is less important, but may play a role in some conditions. C1q was not more important than other classical pathway components, suggesting a role in additional pathogenetic processes in SLE other than clearance of apoptotic cells.
Immunomagnetic isolation of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ natural T regulatory lymphocytes for clinical applications
Authors: Di Ianni M , Del Papa B , Cecchini D , Bonifacio E , Moretti L , Zei T , Iacucci Ostini R , Falzetti F , Fontana L , Tagliapietra G , Maldini C , Martelli M F , Tabilio A
Published: February 2009

Although CD4+/CD25+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) are a potentially powerful tool in bone marrow transplantation, a prerequisite for clinical use is a cell-separation strategy complying with good manufacturing practice guidelines. We isolated Tregs from standard leukapheresis products using double-negative selection (anti-CD8 and anti-CD19 monoclonal antibodies) followed by positive selection (anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody). The final cell fraction (CD4+/CD25+) showed a mean purity of 93·6% ± 1·1. Recovery efficiency was 81·52% ± 7·4. The CD4+/CD25+bright cells were 28·4% ± 6·8. The CD4+/CD25+ fraction contained a mean of 51·9% ± 15·1 FoxP3 cells and a mean of 18·9% ± 11·5 CD127 cells. Increased FoxP3 and depleted CD127 mRNAs in CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells were in line with flow cytometric results. In Vβ spectratyping the complexity scores of CD4+/CD25+ cells and CD4+/CD25- cells were not significantly different, indicating that Tregs had a broad T cell receptor repertoire. The inhibition assay showed that CD4+/CD25+ cells inhibited CD4+/CD25- cells in a dose-dependent manner (mean inhibition percentages: 72·4 ± 8·9 [ratio of T responder (Tresp) to Tregs, 1:2]; 60·8% ± 20·5 (ratio of Tresp to Tregs, 1:1); 25·6 ± 19·6 (ratio of Tresp to Tregs, 1:0·1)). Our study shows that negative/positive Treg selection, performed using the CliniMACS device and reagents, enriches significantly CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells endowed with immunosuppressive capacities. The CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ population is a source of natural Treg cells that are depleted of CD8+ and CD4+/CD25- reacting clones which are potentially responsible for triggering graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Cells isolated by means of this approach might be used in allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation to facilitate engraftment and reduce the incidence and severity of GvHD without abrogating the potential graft-versus-tumour effect.
COUP‐TFII regulates the functions of Prox1 in lymphatic endothelial cells through direct interaction
Authors: Yamazaki Tomoko , Yoshimatsu Yasuhiro , Morishita Yasuyuki , Miyazono Kohei , Watabe Tetsuro
Published: February 2009

During embryonic lymphatic development, Prox1 homeobox transcription factor is expressed in a subset of venous blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs) in which COUP‐TFII orphan nuclear receptor is highly expressed. Prox1 induces differentiation of BECs into lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) by inducing the expression of various LEC markers including vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3). However, the molecular mechanisms of how transcriptional activities of Prox1 are regulated are largely unknown. In the present study, we show that COUP‐TFII plays important roles in the regulation of the function of Prox1. In BECs and LECs, Prox1 promotes the proliferation and migration toward VEGF‐C by inducing the expression of cyclin E1 and VEGFR3, respectively. Gain‐of‐function studies showed that COUP‐TFII negatively regulates the effects of Prox1 in BECs and LECs whereas loss‐of‐function studies showed that COUP‐TFII negatively and positively regulates Prox1 in BECs and LECs, respectively. We also show that endogenous Prox1 and COUP‐TFII physically interact in LECs and that both Prox1 and COUP‐TFII bind to the endogenous cyclin E1 promoter. These results suggest that COUP‐TFII physically and functionally interact during differentiation and maintenance of lymphatic vessels.
Analysis of the gutta‐percha filled area in C‐shaped mandibular molars obturated with a modified MicroSeal technique
Authors: Ordinola‐Zapata R. , Bramante C. M. , De Moraes I. G. , Bernardineli N. , Garcia R. B. , Gutmann J. L.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To analyse the gutta‐percha filled area of C‐shaped molar teeth root filled with the modified MicroSeal technique with reference to the radiographic features and the C‐shaped canal configuration.

Methodology  Twenty‐three mandibular second molar teeth with C‐shaped roots were classified according to their radiographic features as: type I – merging, type II – symmetrical and type III – asymmetrical. The canals were root filled using a modified technique of the MicroSeal system. Horizontal sections at intervals of 600 μm were made 1 mm from the apex to the subpulpal floor level. The percentage of gutta‐percha area from the apical, middle and coronal levels of the radiographic types was analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Complementary analysis of the C‐shaped canal configurations (C1, C2 and C3) determined from cross‐sections from the apical third was performed in a similar way.

Results  No significant differences were found between the radiographic types in terms of the percentage of gutta‐percha area at any level (P > 0.05): apical third, type I: 77.04%, II: 70.48% and III: 77.13%, middle third, type I: 95.72%, II: 93.17%, III: 91.13% and coronal level, type I: 98.30%, II: 98.25%, III: 97.14%. Overall, the percentage of the filling material was lower in the apical third (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the C‐shaped canal configurations apically; C1: 72.64%, C2: 79.62%, C3: 73.51% (P > 0.05).

Conclusions  The percentage of area filled with gutta‐percha was similar in the three radiographic types and canal configuration categories of C‐shaped molars. These results show the difficulty of achieving predictable filling of the root canal system when this anatomical variation exists. In general, the apical third was less completely filled.
Comparison of coronal bacterial leakage between immediate versus delayed post‐space preparation in root canals filled with Resilon/Epiphany
Authors: Lyons W. W. , Hartwell G. R. , Stewart J. T. , Reavley B. , Appelstein C. , Lafkowitz S.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To compare the sealing ability of Resilon/Epiphany™ after immediate versus delayed post‐space preparation using an ex vivo bacterial leakage model.

Methodology  Eighty extracted, decoronated, single‐rooted human maxillary teeth were randomly divided into two experimental groups and two control groups (n = 20). Root canals were prepared in a standard manner with Sequence nickel–titanium rotary files to a final apical size of 50, .06 taper. Root canals in the experimental groups were filled with Resilon/Epiphany™ using a warm vertical compaction technique. In group 1, the post‐space was prepared immediately and in group 2 the post‐space was prepared 5 days later. Positive controls were filled with Resilon master cones without sealer. The negative controls were not obturated but the entire root surface including the orifices and foramina were sealed with fingernail polish. Leakage was examined at different time intervals using a dual‐chamber bacterial microleakage model. The marker microorganism used was Streptococcus mutans.

Results  All positive controls leaked within 3 days. All negative controls showed no leakage at each time interval. All experimental specimens leaked within 14 days. Statistical analysis showed that there was no difference in microleakage between the two experimental groups at each time interval.

Conclusion  In this ex vivo study, there was no significant difference between immediate and delayed post‐space preparation using Resilon/Epiphany™. Both groups failed to provide an adequate apical seal regardless of the timing of the post‐space preparation.
Diagnosis and treatment of odontogenic cutaneous sinus tracts of endodontic origin: three case studies
Authors: Pasternak‐Júnior B. , Teixeira C. S. , Silva‐Sousa Y. T. C. , Sousa‐Neto M. D.
Published: February 2009

Aim  To describe three cases of extraoral sinus tracts, related to infected teeth, which were initially misdiagnosed as skin lesions and inappropriately treated.

Summary  The extraoral sinus tracts were initially misdiagnosed as skin lesions. Dermatological surgery was performed and antibiotics prescribed but the lesions did not resolve. Then, a dental cause was sought, and identified. Endodontic intervention resulted in resolution of the problem, confirming the initial misdiagnosis.

Key learning points • Dermatologists and other medical practitioners should be aware that dental extraoral sinus tracts can be confused with skin lesions.

• A dental aetiology, as part of a differential diagnosis, should be kept in mind with oro‐facial skin lesions.

• If an extraoral sinus tract is of endodontic origin, then elimination of infection through effective endodontic treatment will lead to resolution of the sinus tract.

• Early correct diagnosis can prevent unnecessary and ineffective antibiotic therapy and/or surgical intervention.
Effect of king palm (Archontophoenix alexandrae) flour incorporation on physicochemical and textural characteristics of gluten‐free cookies
Authors: De Simas Karina N. , Vieira Leila do N. , Podestá Rossana , Müller Carmen M. O. , Vieira Manoela A. , Beber Rosane C. , Reis Maurício S. , Barreto Pedro L. M. , Amante Edna R. , Amboni Renata D. M. C.
Published: February 2009

The replacement of the blend of rice flour (70%) and corn starch (30%) with king palm flour [Archontophoenix alexandrae (F. Muell.) H. Wendl. and Drude] at levels of 0–30% was investigated for its effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of gluten‐free dough and cookies. Cookies containing 10, 20 and 30% of king palm flour were analysed by twenty‐one celiac consumers through preference‐ranking test. Ash, minerals, and dietary fibre contents increased in cookies that were added with king palm flour. Compared with the control dough, the incorporation of king palm flour increased the firmness and decreased the adhesiveness of dough samples. The incorporation of king palm flour increased the hardness of cookies in relation to the control dough. None of the cookies differed significantly (P > 0.05) in the lightness (L*) parameter. All formulations produced cookies with hue angles around 60, which indicate a tendency to brown colour. The study reveals that the incorporation of king palm flour showed desirable results in nutritional characteristics, because of the increase of the dietary fibre and minerals contents. In this study, the cookies preferred by celiac consumers were those containing 10 and 20% of king palm flour (P > 0.05).
Confirmation/disconfirmation of consumers’ expectations about fresh and processed tropical fruit products
Authors: Sabbe Sara , Verbeke Wim , Van Damme Patrick
Published: February 2009

This study investigates tropical fruit acceptance in terms of confirmation or disconfirmation of consumers’ general expectations. Consumers evaluated multiple product attributes before and after tasting five fresh and five processed tropical fruit products. Consumers’ general expectations were confirmed after tasting persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) and cashew apple juice (Anacardium occidentale L.). Positive disconfirmation occurred after the consumption of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) and berrycactus jam (Myrtillocactus spp.) whereas expectations were negatively disconfirmed after consuming dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.), açaí juice (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), baobob juice (Adansonia digitata L.) and tamarind jam (Tamarindus indica L.). Sensory experiences are demonstrated to greatly influence the acceptance and purchasing intention of tropical fruits and their products, as well as to affect consumers’ perceptions about the product’s health and nutritional benefits, in particular in cases where negative taste disconfirmation occurred.
Biochemical composition and storage stability of a yogurt‐like product from African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa)
Authors: Aminigo Ebiokpo Rebecca , Metzger Lloyd , Lehtola Peggy Sue
Published: February 2009

The biochemical and storage properties of African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) yoghurt‐like product were evaluated. Milk extracted from the bean flour using hot water was supplemented with 4% milk protein concentrate (MPC), 0.15% dairy calcium (DC) and 0.5% gelatine (G) (singly or in combination). The milk was fermented with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii spp bulgaricus at 43 °C for 3–5 h. Supplemented African yam bean (AYB) yoghurts had a gel‐like consistency unlike the control (unsupplemented) sample. Total solids, protein, fat, ash, lactic acid bacterial count, lightness (L‐value) and viscosity were improved by supplementation. Riboflavin and antioxidants were reduced; macroelements and thiamine were increased by 0.71–15.6% and 16.7%, respectively, because of fermentation. The stability of the product during storage at 4 °C was improved by supplementation and stirring. The pH of the supplemented product ranged from 4.45 to 4.54 and microbial counts from 2.6 × 106 to 1.6 × 108 during storage for not more than 3 weeks.
Changes in rheological behaviour and functional properties of hen’s egg yolk induced by processing and fermentation with phospholipases
Authors: Jaekel Thomas , Ternes Waldemar
Published: February 2009

Functional changes of hen’s egg yolk rheological behaviour as a result of processing (pasteurisation, freeze‐drying) and modifying its phospholipids using phospholipase A1 (PLA1) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were studied. It could be shown how fermentation with phospholipases affects the different steps of heat‐induced gelation of egg yolk. As a consequence of fermentation of native yolk with 0.1% PLA1, the first viscosity maximum was shifted from 79 to 97 °C. In fermented pasteurised yolk, the homogenous gel‐like consistency from the first viscosity maximum was even stabilised up to 100 °C. The second viscosity ascent, which indicates solid gel structures (caused by aggregation of denatured proteins), was prevented entirely. In contrast to pancreatic PLA2, fermentation of egg yolk with microbial PLA1 resulted in a hydrolysis of approximately 78% of phosphatidylethanolamine and a significant change in flow behaviour (of yolk solutions).
Effect of different extraction and precipitation methods on yield and quality of pectin
Authors: Seggiani Maurizia , Puccini Monica , Pierini Maurizio , Giovando Samuele , Forneris Cristian
Published: February 2009

An experimental study has been conducted to determine the combined effects of different extraction conditions and precipitation method on the yield and quality of high methoxyl pectin from lemon peels. Pectin was extracted using different mineral acids (HCl, HNO3 and H2SO4) at four concentration levels (0.025; 0.05; 0.1 and 0.2 m), at 70 °C for 4 h. The soluble pectin was precipitated by iso‐propanol or by an aluminium sulphate, Al2(SO4)3, solution at pH 4. The extraction with HCl and HNO3, at the highest concentrations investigated, followed by aluminium precipitation led to the best results in terms of yield (22–25%), quality and gelling power of pectin with a remarkable decrease of alcohol consumption as compared to the alcoholic precipitation under the same extracting conditions.
Effect of sonication on orange juice quality parameters during storage
Authors: Tiwari Brijesh K. , O’ Donnell Colm P. , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanath , Cullen Patrick J.
Published: February 2009

Freshly squeezed orange juice was sonicated at various amplitude levels (40%, 70%, 100%), treatment times (2, 6 and 10 min) at a constant frequency of 20 kHz. Samples were stored for periods of up to 30 days at 10 °C. The combined effect of amplitude level, treatment time and storage period on pH, oBrix, titratable acidity, colour values (L*, a*, b*), non‐enzymatic browning (NEB), cloud value and ascorbic acid content were investigated. Second order polynomial models were employed to investigate the effect of independent variables. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in oBrix and titratable acidity were observed. Significant changes were observed in juice pH and colour values. During storage NEB increased while both cloud value and ascorbic acid content decreased. Predictive models developed for colour values, cloud value, NEB and ascorbic acid content were highly significant and were closely correlated to experimental data. Degradation mechanisms are proposed for the key quality parameters.
The rheological properties of ketchup as a function of different hydrocolloids and temperature
Authors: Koocheki Arash , Ghandi Amir , Razavi Seyed M. A. , Mortazavi Seyed Ali , Vasiljevic Todor
Published: February 2009

The flow properties of ketchup were assessed upon addition of commonly used food thickeners: guar, xanthan and CMC gum at three different concentrations (0.5%, 0.75% and 1%) and four temperatures (25, 35, 45 and 55 °C). The ketchup without supplementation served as a control. All ketchup formulations exhibited non‐Newtonian, pseudoplastic behaviour at all temperatures and hydrocolloid levels. The Power‐law and Herschel‐Buckley model were successfully applied to fit the shear stress versus shear rate data. The flow behaviour indices, n and n′, varied in the range of 0.189–0.228 and 0.216–0.263, respectively. The consistency coefficients, k and k′, were in the range of 8.42–27.22 and 6.56–20.10 Pa sn, respectively. The addition of hydrocolloids increased the yield point (τ0) and apparent viscosity of the ketchup in comparison to that of the control. The Arrhenius equation was successfully used to describe the effects of temperature on the apparent viscosity of the prepared formulations. The Ea value appeared in the range between 5492.6 and 21475.8 J mol−1.
Analysis of key aroma components in cider from Shaanxi (China) Fuji apple
Authors: Peng Bangzhu , Yue Tianli , Yuan Yahong
Published: February 2009

Aroma components play an important role in the quality of cider. To understand the contribution of every component to cider aroma quality, major aroma components present in ten ciders processed with different technological methods with different yeasts and apple orchards were determined by Headspace‐solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and internal standard method. Experimental results by principal component analysis indicated that ethyl acetate, acetic acid isobutylester, isopentylacohol acetate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl 4‐hydroxybutanoate, isopentylalcohol, 3,4,5‐trimethyl‐4‐heptanol, nonyl alcohol, 3‐methylthio‐1‐propanol serve as the key aroma components in cider from Shaanxi (China) fuji apple. A model was established and verified for evaluating aroma quality based on factor analysis by comparing with the sensory evaluation method.
High and low, fast or slow: the complementary contributions of altitude and latitude to understand life‐history variation
Authors: TIELEMAN B. IRENE
Published: February 2009

Dark‐eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) from two elevations in the Rocky Mountains of Canada display different life histories. Birds breeding at high elevation face a later and compressed reproductive season during which they raise on average half the number of broods (young) than their low‐elevation conspecifics. Fledglings at high elevation are heavier, fatter, and have an increased chance of surviving to 25 days of age. Likewise, survival of adults (males) increases at higher elevation. Put into a broader perspective, high‐elevation juncos show the life‐history strategy characteristic for low‐latitude birds. This raises questions about the mechanisms influencing life‐history evolution.
Isotopic and genetic evidence for culturally inherited site fidelity to feeding grounds in southern right whales (Eubalaena australis)
Authors: VALENZUELA LUCIANO O. , SIRONI MARIANO , ROWNTREE VICTORIA J. , SEGER JON
Published: February 2009

Ocean warming will undoubtedly affect the migratory patterns of many marine species, but specific changes can be predicted only where behavioural mechanisms guiding migration are understood. Southern right whales show maternally inherited site fidelity to near‐shore winter nursery grounds, but exactly where they feed in summer (collectively and individually) remains mysterious. They consume huge quantities of copepods and krill, and their reproductive rates respond to fluctuations in krill abundance linked to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). Here we show that genetic and isotopic signatures, analysed together, indicate maternally directed site fidelity to diverse summer feeding grounds for female right whales calving at Península Valdés, Argentina. Isotopic values from 131 skin samples span a broad range (–23.1 to –17.2‰δ13C, 6.0 to 13.8‰δ15N) and are more similar than expected among individuals sharing the same mitochondrial haplotype. This pattern indicates that calves learn summer feeding locations from their mothers, and that the timescale of culturally inherited site fidelity to feeding grounds is at least several generations. Such conservatism would be expected to limit the exploration of new feeding opportunities, and may explain why this population shows increased rates of reproductive failure in years following elevated sea‐surface temperature anomalies off South Georgia, the richest known feeding ground for baleen whales in the South Atlantic.
Ocean barriers and glaciation: evidence for explosive radiation of mitochondrial lineages in the Antarctic sea slug Doris kerguelenensis (Mollusca, Nudibranchia)
Authors: WILSON NERIDA G. , SCHRÖDL M. , HALANYCH KENNETH M.
Published: February 2009

Strong currents and deep passages of water can be barriers for larval dispersal of continental marine animals, but potential effects on direct developers are under‐investigated. We examined the genetic structure of Doris kerguelenensis, a directly developing sea slug that occurs across the Drake Passage, the body of water separating Antarctica from South America. We found deep mitochondrial divergences within populations on both sides of the Drake Passage, and South American animals formed multiple sister‐group relationships with Antarctic animals. A generalised molecular clock suggested these trans‐Drake pairs diverged during the Pliocene–Pleistocene, after the formation of the Drake Passage. Statistical parsimony methods recovered 29 separate haplotype networks (many sympatric) that likely correlate with allopatric events caused by repeated glacial cycles. Data from 16S were congruent but more conserved than COI, and the estimated ancestral 16S haplotype was widespread. The marked difference in the substitution rates between these two mitochondrial genes results in different estimates of connectivity. Demographic analyses on networks revealed some evidence for selection and expanding populations. Contrasting with the Northern Hemisphere, glaciation in Antarctica appears to have increased rather than reduced genetic diversity. This suggests orbitally forced range dynamics based on Northern Hemisphere phylogeography do not hold for Antarctica. The diverse lineages found in D. kerguelenensis point towards a recent, explosive radiation, likely reflecting multiple refuges during glaciation events, combined with limited subsequent dispersal. Whether recognised as cryptic species or not, genetic diversity in Antarctic marine invertebrates appears higher than expected from morphological analyses, and supports the Antarctic biodiversity pump phenomenon.
Outbreaks, gene flow and effective population size in the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria: a regional‐scale comparative survey
Authors: CHAPUIS MARIE‐PIERRE , LOISEAU ANNE , MICHALAKIS YANNIS , LECOQ MICHEL , FRANC ALEX , ESTOUP ARNAUD
Published: February 2009

The potential effect of population outbreaks on within and between genetic variation of populations in pest species has rarely been assessed. In this study, we compare patterns of genetic variation in different sets of historically frequently outbreaking and rarely outbreaking populations of an agricultural pest of major importance, the migratory locust,Locusta migratoria. We analyse genetic variation within and between 24 populations at 14 microsatellites in Western Europe, where only ancient and low‐intensity outbreaks have been reported (non‐outbreaking populations), and in Madagascar and Northern China, where frequent and intense outbreak events have been recorded over the last century (outbreaking populations). Our comparative survey shows that (i) the long‐term effective population size is similar in outbreaking and non‐outbreaking populations, as evidenced by similar estimates of genetic diversity, and (ii) gene flow is substantially larger among outbreaking populations than among non‐outbreaking populations, as evidenced by a fourfold to 30‐fold difference inFSTvalues. We discuss the implications for population dynamics and the consequences for management strategies of the observed patterns of genetic variation inL. migratoriapopulations with contrasting historical outbreak frequency and extent.
Comparing geographical genetic differentiation between candidate and noncandidate loci for adaptation strengthens support for parallel ecological divergence in the marine snail Littorina saxatilis
Authors: GALINDO J. , MORÁN P. , ROLÁN‐ALVAREZ E.
Published: February 2009

The Galician sympatric ecotypes of Littorina saxatilis have been proposed as a model system for studying parallel ecological speciation. Such a model system makes a clear prediction: candidate loci (for divergent adaptation) should present a higher level of geographical differentiation than noncandidate (neutral) loci. We used 2356 amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) and four microsatellite loci to identify candidate loci for ecological adaptation using the FST outlier method. Three per cent of the studied AFLP loci were identified as candidate loci associated with adaptation, after multitest adjustments, thus contributing to ecotype differentiation (candidate loci were not detected within ecotypes). Candidate and noncandidate loci were analysed separately at four different FST partitions: differences between ecotypes (overall and local), differences between localities and micro‐geographical differences within ecotypes. The magnitude of FST differed between candidate and noncandidate loci for all partitions except in the case of microgeographical differentiation within ecotypes, and the microsatellites (putatively neutral) showed an identical pattern to noncandidate loci. Thus, variation in candidate loci is determined partially independent by divergent natural selection (in addition to stochastic forces) at each locality, while noncandidate loci are exclusively driven by stochastic forces. These results support the evolutionary history described for these particular populations, considered to be a clear example of incomplete sympatric ecological speciation.
The protein kinase ImeB is required for light‐mediated inhibition of sexual development and for mycotoxin production in Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Bayram Özgür , Sari Fatih , Braus Gerhard H. , Irniger Stefan
Published: February 2009

Spore formation is a common process in the developmental cycle of fungi. In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ime2 is a key protein kinase for the meiotic cell cycle, which precedes ascospore formation. Here, we analysed the IME2‐related imeB gene of the filamentous ascomycete Aspergillus nidulans. imeB deletion strains are retarded in growth and overproduce fertile sexual fruiting bodies in the presence of light, which normally represses sexual development. imeB mutants also display abnormal differentiation of sexual Hülle cells in submerged cultures. Increased sexual development of imeB mutants is dependent on VeA, a component of the heterotrimeric velvet complex. A combined deletion of imeB with the phytochrome fphA, a red light receptor, results in a complete loss of light response, suggesting that ImeB and FphA cooperate in light‐mediated inhibition of sexual development. Furthermore, we found that imeB mutants fail to produce the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin, an aflatoxin precursor, and show that ImeB is needed for expression of the sterigmatocystin gene cluster. ImeB contains a TXY motif conserved in mitogen‐activated protein kinases. This sequence element is essential for ImeB function. We conclude that ImeB is a mitogen‐activated protein kinase‐related protein kinase required for the co‐ordinated control of light‐dependent development with mycotoxin production.
Vesicular stabilization and activity augmentation of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli haemolysin
Authors: Aldick Thomas , Bielaszewska Martina , Uhlin Bernt Eric , Humpf Hans‐Ulrich , Wai Sun Nyunt , Karch Helge
Published: February 2009

Haemolysin from enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC‐Hly), a putative EHEC virulence factor, belongs to the RTX (repeat‐in‐toxin) family whose members rapidly inactivate themselves by self‐aggregation. By investigating the status of EHEC‐Hly secreted extracellularly, we found the toxin both in a free, soluble form and associated, with high tendency and independently of its acylation status, to outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) extruded by EHEC. We compared the interaction of both toxin forms with erythrocytes using scanning electron microscopy and binding assays. The OMV‐associated toxin was substantially (80 times) more stable under physiological conditions than the free EHEC‐Hly as demonstrated by prolonged haemolytic activity (half‐life time 20 h versus 15 min). The haemolysis was preceded by calcium‐dependent binding of OMVs carrying EHEC‐Hly to erythrocytes; this binding was mediated by EHEC‐Hly. We demonstrate that EHEC‐Hly is a biologically active cargo in OMVs with dual roles: a cell‐binding protein and a haemolysin. These paired functions produce a biologically potent form of the OMV‐associated RTX toxin and augment its potential towards target cells. Our findings provide a general concept for stabilization of RTX toxins and open new insights into the biology of these important virulence factors.
Ribosomes initiating translation of the hbs mRNA protect it from 5′‐to‐3′ exoribonucleolytic degradation by RNase J1
Authors: Daou‐Chabo Roula , Mathy Nathalie , Bénard Lionel , Condon Ciarán
Published: February 2009

The discovery of the essential ribonuclease RNase J1, involved in global mRNA decay in Bacillus subtilis, has paved the way for studies on the turnover pathways of specific RNAs in this organism. Here we report an effect of RNase J1 depletion on both the maturation and degradation of the hbs mRNA, encoding the B. subtilis orthologue of the histone‐like protein HU. The major hbs transcript observed in wild‐type cells is generated by the blocking of 5′‐to‐3′ exonuclease activity of RNase J1 by ribosomes initiating translation of this mRNA. Increasing the strength of the Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence leads to greater accumulation of this species, while weakening of the SD leads to its disappearance. The 5′‐to‐3′ exonuclease activity of RNase J1 is also required for the turnover of the hbs mRNA, specifically the 3′ half of the transcript. For both the maturation and degradation reactions, RNase J1 access to the mRNA requires prior endonucleolytic cleavage.