bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary sexual characters and sperm traits in coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch
Authors: Pitcher T. E. , Doucet S. M. , Beausoleil J.‐M. J. , Hanley D.
Published: April 2009

A study was undertaken to examine secondary sexual characters (spawning colouration and overall body size) in relation to sperm metrics in one alternative reproductive tactic of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch: large hooknose males that spawn in dominance‐based hierarchies. Males with less intense red spawning colouration had higher sperm velocities than males with darker red spawning colouration. There was no relationship between male body size and sperm metrics. These results suggest that within an alternative reproductive tactic, variation in sperm competition intensity may select for a trade‐off between investment in sexual colouration and sperm quality.
Differences in thermal tolerance in coexisting sexual and asexual mollies (Poecilia, Poeciliidae, Teleostei)
Authors: Fischer C. , Schlupp I.
Published: April 2009

This study reports significant differences between the gynogenetic Amazon molly Poecilia formosa and one of its sperm hosts, and the sexual sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna in the critical temperatures at which individual fishes lost motion control. Based on these measurements, it is suggested that cold snaps occurring in winter, but not summer temperatures, can significantly change population composition of these closely related fishes by inflicting higher mortality on P. formosa.
Biochemical and stress responses of rohu Labeo rohita and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala in relation to acclimation temperatures
Authors: Das T. , Pal A. K. , Chakraborty S. K. , Manush S. M. , Dalvi R. S. , Apte S. K. , Sahu N. P. , Baruah K.
Published: April 2009

The biochemical and stress responses of two Indian major carps, rohu Labeo rohita and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala were studied after acclimating them to four preset temperatures (26, 31, 33 and 36° C) for 30 days. The blood glucose and liver glycogen levels showed an inverse trend in both the species and were significantly different in L. rohita at higher temperatures. The decrease in the liver glycogen level of C. mrigala, however, was not significant. Plasma cortisol levels increased significantly whereas the ascorbic acid content in the brain and kidney of both the species decreased significantly with increasing temperatures. Total lipid content in the liver of both the species decreased significantly with increasing acclimation temperatures. The phospholipid concentration decreased in L. rohita with increasing acclimation temperatures, and in C. mrigala the values decreased up to 33° C and increased at 36° C. In C. mrigala, the cholesterol level decreased up to 33° C and then increased at 36° C, but the absolute value was lower in comparison to L. rohita. The cholesterol levels, however, were not significantly different in L. rohita. Triglycerides and free fatty acids concentrations decreased significantly with increasing acclimation temperatures in both the species. The present study indicates species‐specific metabolic responses of L. rohita and C. mrigala to thermal acclimation.
Tethering induces increased stress artifacts in social fish species
Authors: Pursche A. R. , Suthers I. M. , Taylor M. D.
Published: April 2009

Behaviour of juvenile mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus were investigated under laboratory conditions to determine the efficacy of estimating predation mortality using tethering. The occurrence and duration of stressed behaviour was evaluated for individual A. japonicus that were hooked but untethered, hooked and tethered and unhooked and untethered (free swimming), both in schools and in isolation. Tethered and hooked treatments showed a significantly higher incidence and duration of stressed behaviour over controls, but stressed behaviour was lower for hooked but untethered fish in the presence of a school. Artifacts associated with elevated stress may reduce the reliability of estimates of relative predation derived from tethering data for schooling fishes.
A west Balkanian freshwater gobiid fish, Knipowitschia mrakovcici sp. nov. (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: Miller P. J.
Published: April 2009

A west Balkanian freshwater gobiid fish, Mrakovčić’s goby, Knipowitschia mrakovcici, from the River Krka catchment, Croatia, hitherto a nomen nudum, is given a formal description, and the affinities of K. mrakovcici with congeners having reduced squamation are discussed.
Behavioural thermoregulation by subyearling fall (autumn) Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in a reservoir
Authors: Tiffan K. F. , Kock T. J. , Connor W. P. , Steinhorst R. K. , Rondorf D. W.
Published: April 2009

This study investigated behavioural thermoregulation by subyearling fall (autumn) Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in a reservoir on the Snake River, Washington, U.S.A. During the summer, temperatures in the reservoir varied from 23° C on the surface to 11° C at 14 m depth. Subyearlings implanted with temperature‐sensing radio transmitters were released at the surface at temperatures >20° C during three blocks of time in summer 2004. Vertical profiles were taken to measure temperature and depth use as the fish moved downstream over an average of 5·6–7·2 h and 6·0–13·8 km. The majority of the subyearlings maintained average body temperatures that differed from average vertical profile temperatures during most of the time they were tracked. The mean proportion of the time subyearlings tracked within the 16–20° C temperature range was larger than the proportion of time this range was available, which confirmed temperature selection opposed to random use. The subyearlings selected a depth and temperature combination that allowed them to increase their exposure to temperatures of 16–20° C when temperatures <16 and >20° C were available at lower and higher positions in the water column. A portion of the subyearlings that selected a temperature c. 17·0° C during the day, moved into warmer water at night coincident with an increase in downstream movement rate. Though subyearlings used temperatures outside of the 16–20° C range part of the time, behavioural thermoregulation probably reduced the effects of intermittent exposure to suboptimal temperatures. By doing so, it might enhance growth opportunity and life‐history diversity in the population of subyearlings studied.
Phylogenetics of scutigeromorph centipedes (Myriapoda: Chilopoda) with implications for species delimitation and historical biogeography of the Australian and New Caledonian faunas
Authors: Edgecombe Gregory D. , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: April 2009

Phylogeny of the centipede order Scutigeromorpha has received recent attention from combined analyses of molecular and morphological data. Denser generic sampling, an additional marker (12S rRNA), and multiple specimens for selected species are used to explore phylogeny, biogeography and taxonomy of this charismatic group of centipedes. Among 55 specimens/27 species analysed for six genes are the first molecular data for the genera Dendrothereua, Pilbarascutigera, and Tachythereua, and previously unsampled species of Scutigerinae from Madagascar. Sampling density is especially increased for Thereuoneminae from Australia and New Caledonia. At the base of Scutigeromorpha, the split of Pselliodidae from Scutigerinidae + Scutigeridae is favoured by the optimal parameter set in combined analyses, but most suboptimal parameter sets instead unite pselliodids and scutigerinids. Dendrothereua is re‐established for a Neotropical clade that variably resolves as sister to Tachythereua or separate from Scutigerinae, grouped with Pselliodidae and Scutigerinidae. As traditionally diagnosed, the genera that comprise most of Australian and New Caledonian diversity, Allothereua and Parascutigera, are mutually polyphyletic, though they unite as a well supported clade, sister to or including the Western Australian Pilbarascutigera. The main biogeographical signal within the Allothereua/Parascutigera clade is Western Australia as sister area to eastern Australia/New Caledonia, within which New Caledonian “Parascutigera” has a single origin under optimal parameter sets. Genetic variation within scutigeromorph species is appraised using samples of Scutigera coleoptrata throughout its native distribution plus presumed synanthropic records, and from the Allothereua/Parascutigera clade. Variation between six alleged narrow‐range endemic species of Parascutigera in north Queensland is consistent with a single species.
Evidence from the United States on the Effect of Auditor Involvement in Assessing Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Authors: Bedard Jean C. , Hoitash Rani , Hoitash Udi
Published: April 2009

Securities regulators around the world are considering the costs and benefits of alternative policies for providing information to financial markets on corporate internal control. These policy options differ on the level of auditor involvement, among other dimensions. We examine the association of relative auditor involvement and auditor characteristics with Section 302 internal control disclosures made by US ‘non‐accelerated filers’ from 2003 to 2005. We find more material weaknesses disclosed in the fourth quarter, when there is relatively more auditor involvement, relative to the first three quarters. Clients of larger audit firms have higher disclosure rates (although they are probably less risky due to more stringent client acceptance standards), but this difference is due to fourth quarter disclosures. Audit firms with Section 404 experience also have greater material weakness disclosure, implying process improvement associated with knowledge sharing across engagements. Collectively, our results shed light on ways to increase the effectiveness of internal control regulation.
Dynamics of fecal microbiota in hospitalized elderly fed probiotic LKM512 yogurt
Authors: Matsumoto Mitsuharu , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Benno Yoshimi
Published: April 2009

The comprehensive dynamics of intestinal microbiota including uncultured bacteria in response to probiotic consumption have not been well studied. The aims of this study were twofold: firstly to analyze the impact on intestinal microbiota of yogurt fermented by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis LKM512, Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus LKM1759, and Streptococcus thermophilus LKM1742 (LKM512 yogurt) and placebo fermented by these lactic acid bacterial strains without LKM512; and secondly to investigate the changes in intestinal microbiota that influence the concentration of PA, one of the beneficial metabolites produced by bacteria in the intestine. The LKM512 yogurt/placebo trial was performed in six hospitalized elderly patients (three men and three women with an average age of 80.3 years) and lasted seven weeks with the following schedule: pre‐consumption for one week, LKM512 yogurt consumption for two weeks, washout period for two weeks, and placebo consumption for two weeks. The amount of ingested LKM512 yogurt or placebo was 100 g/day/individual. Fecal samples were analyzed using T‐RFLP and real‐time PCR. The T‐RFLP patterns in five of the six volunteers were changed in a similar fashion by LKM512 yogurt consumption, although these patterns were individually changed following consumption of placebo. It was confirmed that B. animalis subsp. lactis was increased dramatically and Lactobacillus spp. tended to be decreased by LKM512 yogurt consumption. Some indigenous uncultured bacteria were increased and some decreased by LKM512 yogurt/placebo consumption. The similar changes in the intestinal microbiota of the elderly caused by consumption of the LKM512 yogurt were found to be influenced by the LKM512 strain itself, and not by the lactic acid bacteria in the yogurt. Moreover, this study suggests that the increase in intestinal PA concentrations caused by LKM512 yogurt consumption is probably dependent on the LKM512 strain colonizing the intestine.
Development of recombinant OmpA and OmpB proteins as diagnostic antigens for rickettsial disease
Authors: Do Eun‐Ju , Kim Jung‐Eun , Park Jin‐Mi , Lee Kyung‐Min , Jung Mi‐Yun , Lee Haeng‐Jung , Cho Hyun‐Woo , Choi Yeon‐Joo , Lee Seung‐Hyun , Park Kyung‐Hee , Jang Won‐Jong
Published: April 2009

In this study the diagnostic potential of Rickettsia conorii recombinant antigens was analyzed. For this, site‐specific PCR primers were used to clone the OmpA and OmpB genes of R. conorii into pMAL‐c2X plasmids. Six fragments of OmpA and four of OmpB were expressed as fusion proteins with maltose‐binding protein in Escherichia coli. OmpA1350‐1784, OmpB801‐1269, and OmpB1227‐1634 regions from truncated proteins were selected as diagnostic candidate antigens by ELISA using control sera. ELISA results of three antigens were compared to the results obtained by using a commercial ELISA kit which contained whole OmpA and OmpB antigens from R. conorii. For this analysis, 40 serum samples taken from febrile patients and uninfected controls were tested. Of the 20 R. conorii test results which were positive with the commercial kit, 18 were shown to be positive by ELISA using OmpA1350‐1784 (a sensitivity of 90%). The specificity of the ELISA was 100%; all of the 20 samples shown to be negative using the commercial kit were also negative in our assay. The sensitivities of the ELISA using the OmpB801‐1269 and OmpB1227‐1634 were 90% and 95%, respectively. The specificities of the OmpB801‐1269 and the OmpB1227‐1634 were 100% and 95%, respectively. These results suggest that specific regions of OmpA and OmpB effectively detect antibodies against R. conorii, and the truncated recombinant antigens could be used for development of diagnostic tools for rickettsial disease.
Interleukin‐1 deficiency in combination with macrophage depletion increases susceptibility to Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia
Authors: Horino Tetsuya , Matsumoto Tetsuya , Ishikawa Hiroki , Kimura Soichiro , Uramatsu Masashi , Tanabe Masaaki , Tateda Kazuhiro , Miyazaki Shuichi , Aramaki Yukihiko , Iwakura Yoichiro , Yoshida Masaki , Onodera Shoichi , Yamaguchi Keizo
Published: April 2009

We evaluated the role of IL‐1 during Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia by intravenously injecting P. aeruginosa strain D4 into IL‐1‐deficient and WT mice. The two strains showed equivalent mortality rates. However, when the mice were pretreated with cyclophosphamide, bacteremia‐induced mortality was significantly greater in the IL‐1‐deficient mice than in the WT mice (P < 0.01). We then investigated the role of neutrophils and macrophages in protecting IL‐1‐deficient mice from bacteremia by administering anti‐Gr‐1 antibody or liposomes containing dichloromethylene diphosphonate, respectively. After P. aeruginosa inoculation survival was significantly lower in the macrophage‐depleted IL‐1‐deficient mice than in the WT mice. In contrast, neutrophil depletion did not have this effect. Compared to the macrophage‐depleted WT mice, the macrophage‐depleted IL‐1‐deficient bacteremic mice had higher bacterial counts in various organs 48 and 72 hr post‐infection. They also had lower TNF‐α, IL‐6, and INF‐γ concentrations in their livers during the early phase of sepsis. Thus, IL‐1 deficiency becomes disadvantageous during P. aeruginosa bacteremia when it is accompanied by immunosuppression, particularly when macrophage functions are seriously impaired.
Analysis of herpesvirus host specificity determinants using herpesvirus genomes as bacterial artificial chromosomes
Authors: Arii Jun , Kato Kentaro , Kawaguchi Yasushi , Tohya Yukinobu , Akashi Hiroomi
Published: April 2009

Almost all mammalian alphaherpesviruses can grow in cells derived from several types of animals in vitro. However, FHV‐1 can only infect feline cell lines. For this reason, FHV‐1 should be a good model to investigate species barriers to herpesviruses in vivo. To apply bacterial mutagenesis of FHV‐1, we cloned the FHV‐1 genome as a BAC. Using λ and flp recombinations, we introduced a monomeric red fluorescence protein into the C‐terminus of glycoprotein D. Although GFP in the constructed recombinant FHV‐1, a transfectant of the bacmid of FHV‐1 that possessed the GFP, acted in non‐feline cell lines, the virus could not enter non‐feline cell lines, demonstrating that the host specificity of FHV‐1 was restricted in an early step of infection. The host range of canine herpesvirus is limited to dogs in vitro and in vivo; it cannot enter non‐canine cell lines as a result of infection but the GFP is active by transfection, revealing the same result that the restriction step is at an early stage of infection. These results suggest the possibility of breaking species barriers of FHV‐1 and CHV by modifying the gene(s) that act at the early stage of infection.
Characteristics of dengue virus‐infected peripheral blood mononuclear cell death that correlates with the severity of illness
Authors: Jaiyen Yanin , Masrinoul Promsin , Kalayanarooj Siripen , Pulmanausahakul Rojjanaporn , Ubol Sukathida
Published: April 2009

The pathogenic mechanism of the severe form of dengue is complicated. Recent reports indicate that apoptotic death of various tissues or organs may be associated with vascular leakage, and ultimately leads to the death of DENV‐infected patients. In the present study, we provide additional evidence supporting the detrimental role of apoptosis in DENV infection. A comparison of the rate of apoptosis in PBMCs isolated from patients suffering DF, a mild form of the disease, and the rate in patients with DHF, a life‐threatening disease, revealed that PBMCs from DHF patients underwent apoptosis at a significantly higher rate than those suffering from DF alone. This suggests that the severity of natural DENV infection correlates with PBMC apoptosis. In addition, this cell death was induced not only by DENV itself, but also by the apoptotic activities of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF‐α, and IL‐1β, that were upregulated in DHF patients. The death of these mononuclear cells that function in an innate immune system may explain the higher viral load in DHF patients than in DF patients. Interestingly, a gene expression profile pattern elucidated that apoptosis occurring during natural DENV infection involved mainly the extrinsic apoptosis pathway, which is mediated via both caspase‐dependent and caspase‐independent mechanisms. In conclusion, our data highlight the adverse effect of apoptosis induced by DENV and by pro‐inflammatory cytokines during natural DENV infection.
Cytokine gene‐mediated immunotherapy: Current status and future perspectives
Authors: Jinushi Masahisa , Tahara Hideaki
Published: April 2009

Recent understanding of the molecular events crucial in overcoming immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments and generating effective antitumor immunity provides us with the wreath opportunity to manipulate genes that have a key role in antitumor immune responses. Granulocyte‐macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) are two indispensable cytokines for activating dendritic cells and boosting the strong immune responses against cancer. In this review, we describe the antitumor mechanisms and clinical application of gene‐modified tumor cells and dendritic cells to secrete GM‐CSF or IL‐12, respectively, in various preclinical and clinical settings. The principles operative in these vaccination strategies may prove applicable to other immunotherapy strategies, especially in combination with other therapeutic modalities, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy. (Cancer Sci 2009)
A proposal for standardization in forensic bovine DNA typing: allele nomenclature of 16 cattle‐specific short tandem repeat loci
Authors: Van De Goor L. H. P. , Panneman H. , Van Haeringen W. A.
Published: April 2009

In this study, a proposal is presented for the allele nomenclature of 16 polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) loci (BM1824, BM2113, ETH10, ETH225, INRA023, SPS115, TGLA122, TGLA126, TGLA227, ETH3, TGLA53, BM1818, CSRM60, CSSM66, HAUT27 and ILSTS006) for bovine genotyping (Bos taurus). The nomenclature is based on sequence data of the polymorphic region(s) of the STR loci as recommended by the DNA commission of the International Society of Forensic Genetics for human DNA typing. To cover commonly and rarely occurring alleles, a selection of animals homozygous for the alleles at these STR loci were analysed and subjected to sequence studies. The alleles of the STR loci consisted either of simple or compound dinucleotide repeat patterns. Only a limited number of alleles with the same fragment size showed different repeat structures. The allele designation described here was based on the number of repeats including all variable regions within the amplified fragment. The set of 16 STR markers should be propagated for the use in all bovine applications including forensic analysis.
Number needed to treat and number needed to harm are not the best way to report and assess the results of randomised clinical trials
Authors: Hutton Jane L.
Published: April 2009

The inverse of the difference between rates, called the ‘number needed to treat’ (NNT), was suggested 20 years ago as a good way to present the results of comparisons of success or failure under different therapies. Such comparisons usually arise in randomised controlled trials and meta‐analysis. This article reviews the claims made about this statistic, and the problems associated with it. Methods that have been proposed for confidence intervals are evaluated, and shown to be erroneous. We suggest that giving the baseline risk, and the difference in success or event rates, the ‘absolute risk reduction’, is preferable to the number needed to treat, for both theoretical and practical reasons.
High extracellular induced sputum haem oxygenase‐1 in sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease
Authors: Kokturk N. , Sabag M. , Stark M. , Grief J. , Fireman E.
Published: April 2009

Background  Sarcoidosis and chronic beryllium disease (CBD) are inflammatory conditions in which oxidative stress state may be crucial for disease outcome. This study compares haem oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) extracellular activity for the first time in patients with sarcoidosis or CBD and in healthy controls.

Materials and methods  Induced sputum was recovered using a standard protocol. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed by conventional methods. T lymphocyte subsets (CD4 and CD8) were measured by flow activated cell shorter (FACS). The HO‐1 and nitrite levels were measured by a bilirubin‐biliverdin reductase‐dependant reaction and Greiss reaction respectively. Ferritin and iron levels were measured by enzymatic reaction and chemiluminometric immunoassay respectively.

Results  The mean percentage of lymphocytes was significantly higher in the 36 sarcoid patients compared with that in the 17 controls (P = 0·001). The mean CD4/CD8 ratio was significantly higher in the sarcoid and the 10 CBD patients compared to that in controls (P = 0·000 and 0·002 respectively), as was the mean HO‐1 activity (P = 0·045 and 0·041 respectively). The HO‐1 activity did not differ with the sarcoidosis stage. The HO‐1 level and PFT parameters were negatively correlated. The differences in mean nitrite, ferritin and iron levels were non‐significant between the three groups. The HO‐1 and ferritin levels were correlated (P = 0·008).

Conclusions  We succeeded in non‐invasively measuring the activity of HO‐1 from cells of airways in spite of its being an intracellular enzyme. The HO‐1 levels in sarcoidosis and CBD were abnormally elevated.
Innate immune receptors on neutrophils and their role in chronic lung disease
Authors: Koller B. , Bals R. , Roos D. , Korting H. C. , Griese M. , Hartl D.
Published: April 2009

Neutrophils, the prototypic cells of the innate immune system, are recruited to infected sites to protect the human body from invading pathogens. To accomplish this function, neutrophils sense pathogens and endogenous damage‐associated molecules via innate immune receptors, such as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and other pattern recognition receptors. This defence function is essential for the pulmonary microenvironment where the host is faced with millions of particles and pathogens inhaled daily. Chronic lung diseases, such as cystic fibrosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are characterized by a neutrophil accumulation and chronic bacterial colonization of the airways. Consequently, insights into the role of TLRs on neutrophils in chronic lung diseases are of high relevance for further diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Here we summarize and discuss recent advances in the expression, regulation and functional role of TLRs on neutrophils in chronic lung diseases.
Euler homogeneity equation along ridges for a rapid estimation of potential field source properties
Authors: Quarta Tatiana Anna Maria
Published: April 2009

The Euler deconvolution is the most popular technique used to interpret potential field data in terms of simple sources characterized by the value of the degree of homogeneity. A more recent technique, the continuous wavelet transform, allows the same kind of interpretation. The Euler deconvolution is usually applied to data at a constant level while the continuous wavelet transform is usually applied to the points belonging to lines (ridges) connecting the m‐order partial derivative modulus maxima of the upward‐continued field at different altitudes in the harmonic region. In this paper a new method is proposed that unifies the two techniques. The method consists of the application of Euler's equation to the ridges so that the equation assumes a reduced form. Along each ridge the ratio among the m‐order partial derivative of the field and its vertical partial derivative, for isolated source model, is a straight line whose slope and intercept allows the estimation of the source depth and degree of homogeneity. The method, strictly valid for single source model, has also been applied to the multisource case, where the presence of the interference among the field generated by each single source causes the path of the ratio to be no longer straight. The method in this case gives approximate solutions that are good estimations of the source depth and its degree of homogeneity only for a restricted range of altitudes, where the ratio is approximately linear and the source behaves as if it were isolated.
Ex‐vivo area‐metric analysis of root canal obturation using gutta‐percha cones of different taper
Authors: Romania C. , Beltes P. , Boutsioukis C. , Dandakis C.
Published: April 2009

Aim  To evaluate the percentage of gutta‐percha and sealer‐filled canal area when four different types of master gutta‐percha cones were used.

Methodology  Sixty mandibular premolars with straight canals were instrumented using System ProTaper rotary instruments with a crown‐down technique and assigned to four groups. Canals were obturated with AH‐26 sealer either using lateral condensation and 0.02 taper gutta‐percha cones (group A), 0.04 taper gutta‐percha cones (group B), nonstandardized F‐ medium (group C) master gutta‐percha cones, or a single System ProTaper gutta‐percha cone (group D). The percentage of gutta‐percha and sealer‐filled area was calculated in horizontal sections of the apical portion of each canal, using image analysis software. The data was statistically analysed using Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results  The distribution of filling materials amongst groups was not significantly different at each level of sectioning (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  The percentage of gutta‐percha and sealer‐filled canal area was similar when canals were filled with different master cones using lateral condensation or single cone techniques.
pH of pus collected from periapical abscesses
Authors: Nekoofar M. H. , Namazikhah M. S. , Sheykhrezae M. S. , Mohammadi M. M. , Kazemi A. , Aseeley Z. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: April 2009

Aim  To determine the pH of pus collected from periapical abscesses.

Methodology  Forty patients (Male = 17/Female = 23) between the ages 17 and 37 years, each with a periapical abscess and with no relevant medical history, were recruited. All the participants had moderate‐to‐severe pain on percussion accompanied by localized or generalized swelling. At least 1 mL of pus was aspirated from each participant using a No 20 gauge needle. A pH meter was used to define the pH of the pus immediately following aspiration.

Result  The mean pH of pus from the periapical abscesses of patients was 6.68 ± 0.324 with a range between 6.0 and 7.3. There was no statistically significant difference in pH by gender or age.

Conclusion  The mean pH of pus from periapical abscesses was generally acidic, but some samples (two female and three male) were neutral and some samples (four female and one male) were alkaline.
Utilization of brewer’s spent grain in the production of Frankfurters
Authors: Özvural Emin Burçin , Vural Halil , Gökbulut İncilay , Özboy‐Özbaş Özen
Published: April 2009

The effects of dried and ground brewer’s spent grain (BSG) on dietary fibre content and some quality characteristics of beef Frankfurters were investigated. BSG preparations of fine (<212 μm), medium (212–425 μm) and coarse (425–850 μm) particle sizes were used in the production of Frankfurters. The total dietary fibre (TDF) content of the Frankfurters supplemented with BSG of different particle sizes increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the level of addition was increased. The mean TBA (2‐thiobarbituric acid), colour and texture values except springiness had significant differences (P < 0.05) among the treatments. The overall acceptability scores for the control and the Frankfurters with BSG were 7.57 and 5.47–7.02 on a nine‐point scale, respectively. Cluster analysis was also carried out to divide the measured parameters into clusters according to their similarities and to find out the correlations among them. It can be concluded that BSG can be added to Frankfurters to increase their fibre content without deleteriously affecting their sensory parameters.
Short‐chain fructooligosaccharides as potential functional ingredient in dry fermented sausages with different fat levels
Authors: Salazar Pilar , García Maria Luisa , Selgas Maria Dolores
Published: April 2009

The effects of short‐chain fructooligosaccharides (sc‐FOS) on colour, textural and sensory properties in dry fermented sausages have been studied. The sausages were manufactured with three different amounts of backfat (30%, 15% and 6%). The sc‐FOS was incorporated in a sufficient amount to constitute 2%, 4% and 6% of the initial mixture. Physico‐chemical parameters and microbiota evolution during ripening were not affected by the presence of this fibre. Colour parameters, especially lightness, decreased as the amount of sc‐FOS incorporated increased. However, the presence of sc‐FOS reduced hardness making the sausage easier to chew. Although all batches were well evaluated by the panellists, the higher acceptability was reported in batches with an intermediate fat level (15% of backfat). The results indicated that fibre could be suitable for use in the manufacture of dry fermented sausages
Canning of vegetable soybean: procedures and quality evaluations
Authors: Mozzoni Leandro A. , Morawicki Rubén O. , Chen Pengyin
Published: April 2009

Some aspects of the preservation process of vegetable soybean are discussed in this paper. Factors, like the effects of blanching duration, and brine composition, were discussed in relation with the quality attributes of the product including enzyme activity, texture and colour. It was observed that the concentration of CaCl2 influenced the texture and luminosity (L), while the pH affected luminosity (L) and green colour (–a/b) of the processed product. Furthermore, blanching for 90 s before heat‐processing was effective to inactivate 99% of the initial lipoxygenase activity. It was found that a brine containing 150 g L−1 NaCl and 2.9 g L−1 CaCl2, at pH 6.5 that was thermally treated for 9 min generated a lethality of 4 min that is enough to produce a 12‐log reduction required for low acid foods and at the same time retaining desirable colour and texture.
Chemical composition and inhibitory effect of essential oil and organic extracts of Cestrum nocturnum L. on food‐borne pathogens
Authors: Al‐Reza Sharif M. , Rahman Atiqur , Kang Sun Chul
Published: April 2009

In this study, we examined the chemical compositions of essential oil and tested the efficacy of oil and organic extracts of Cestrum nocturnum L. against food‐borne pathogens. The chemical compositions of the oil was analysed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Forty‐seven compounds representing 93.28% of the total oil were identified. The oil [5 μL of 1:5 (v/v) dilution of oil with methanol] and organic extracts of hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol (300 μg per disc) of C. nocturnum displayed a great potential of antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19166 and ATCC 15313), Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 2004, Salmonella typhimurium KCTC 2515 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. Also the oil had strong detrimental effect on the viable count of the tested bacteria. The results obtained from this study may contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents with potential applications in food industries as natural preservatives to control food‐borne pathogens.
Effectiveness of active and modified atmosphere packaging on shelf life extension of a cheese tart
Authors: Sanguinetti Anna Maria , Secchi Nicola , Del Caro Alessandra , Stara Giuseppe , Roggio Tonina , Piga Antonio
Published: April 2009

This study evaluated the shelf life extension of a cheese cake subjected to modified atmosphere (MAP) and active packaging (AP). Cheese cakes were packaged under different N2/CO2 ratios (70/30 and 20/80) (MAP batches), by placing a sachet of an iron oxide‐based oxygen absorber inside trays (AP batch) and with air (air batch). Changes in microbial growth, in‐package gas composition, chemical–physical parameters including texture and sensory attributes were monitored for 48 days at 20 °C. AP allowed a mould‐free cheese cake shelf life of 48 days, MAP extended the shelf life of samples packaged under 30% and 80% CO2 up to 14 and 34 days, respectively, whereas tarts stored with air spoiled after 7 days. MAP resulted in a significant increase in hardness after 14 days of storage, whereas AP tarts recovered the initial texture after 48 days. Panellists judged AP tarts over the acceptability threshold during the whole shelf life of cheese tarts.
Degradation kinetics of tomato juice quality parameters by ozonation
Authors: Tiwari Brijesh K. , O’ Donnell Colm P. , Brunton Nigel P. , Cullen Patrick J.
Published: April 2009

Tomato juice samples were ozonated with control variables of ozone concentration (1.6–7.8 %w/w) and treatment time (0–10 min). Effects of ozone processing variables on quality parameters of pH, oBrix, titratable acidity (TA), cloud value, non‐enzymatic browning, colour values (L*, a*, and b*) and ascorbic acid (AA) content were determined. No significant changes (P > 0.05) in pH, oBrix, TA, cloud value and Non enzymatic browning (NEB) (P ≤ 0.05) were found with ozonation. L*, a* and b* colour values were significantly affected by ozone concentration and treatment time. A significant reduction of AA (96 %) was observed at an ozone concentration of 7.8%w/w and a treatment time of 10 min. Results presented in this study indicate that visual colour and nutritional quality is significantly affected during ozone processing. Thus, the effects of ozonation on the nutritional properties of tomato juice should be considered by processors prior to its adoption as a preservation technique.
Potential formation of ethyl carbamate in simulated wine inoculated with Oenococcus oeni and Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Romero Silvana V. , Reguant Cristina , Bordons Albert , Masqué M. Carme
Published: April 2009

The production of ethyl carbamate (EC) and its precursor citrulline by two strains of Oenococcus oeni and one of Lactobacillus plantarum during malolactic fermentation (MLF) was studied in different conditions of pH, temperature, and ethanol and l‐malic acid concentrations. The potential EC, defined as the concentration of EC after wine is heated at 80 °C for 48 h, was also investigated. The O. oeni strains were able to degrade arginine in the conditions studied and to excrete some citrulline. In these strains, the conditions that led to a slight increase in EC were a high ethanol concentration, low pH and a high l‐malic acid concentration. However, the potential EC increased with higher pH. In the case of L. plantarum, arginine was not degraded and citrulline was not produced, although the potential EC was comparable with that of the O. oeni strains studied.
Flow behaviour of inulin‐enriched dairy desserts: influence of inulin average chain length
Authors: González‐Tomás Luis , Bayarri Sara , Coll‐Marqués José , Costell Elvira
Published: April 2009

The effect of the addition of different types of inulin (long‐chain, native and short‐chain inulin) at four concentrations (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5% w/w) on flow properties of semisolid dairy desserts formulated with either skimmed or whole milk and three modified tapioca starch concentrations (2.5, 3.25 and 4% w/w) was studied. All samples displayed shear‐thinning flow behaviour. The addition of the three types of inulin to whole milk samples with low starch concentrations (2.5 and 3.25% w/w) led to combined hysteresis loops: samples showed antithixotropy at low shear rate values, but thixotropy at high shear rate values. The remaining samples showed thixotropic behaviour. The effect of the different types of inulin on the flow properties was not only highly dependent on the inulin concentration but also on milk type and starch concentration. On adding 7.5% of long‐chain inulin, which significantly increased consistency index values and significantly decreased flow index values in both types of milk and for all starch concentrations.
The potential use of irradiation to extend the shelf‐life of clams (Ruditapes decussatus) during live storage: effect on bacterial and biochemical profiles
Authors: Mbarki Raouf , Nahdi Hela , Barkallah Insaf , Sadok Saloua
Published: April 2009

Changes in microbiological and biochemical quality of clams (Ruditapes decussatus) subjected to low doses of gamma irradiation (0.5 and 1 kGy) were investigated during alive storage, at 5 °C. The mortality rate was significantly lower for irradiated clams compared with the control. In the same way, ammonia content was lower for irradiated clams (especially 1 kGy irradiated group). Considerable levels of total mesophiles, coliforms, staphylococcus, faecal streptococcus and Escherichia coli were detected in the control and irradiation had immediately reduced these charges; all bacteria studied experienced a 1‐ to 3‐log reduction following 1 kGy irradiation. At the last day of storage, irradiated groups showed a noticeable reduction in the bacterial counts, whereas the mesophiles, staphylococcus and coliform germs were abundant in the control group (6.3, 2 and 1.7 log CFU g−1, respectively). Irradiation doses up to 1 kGy had not an immediate effect on fatty acids composition (P > 0.05) and lipid profile was better in irradiated samples, where polyunsaturated fatty acid fraction was maintained throughout storage using irradiation. Also, sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed minor changes in proteins bands between different samples. These results demonstrated that 1 kGy irradiation appeared to be the optimum dose for treating alive clams (R. decussatus), through improving the microbial quality and alleviating biochemical changes during refrigerated storage.
Lipid and protein changes in chilled sea salmon (Pseudopercis semifasciata): effect of previous rosemary extract (Rossmarinus officinalis L.) application
Authors: Tironi Valeria , Tomás Mabel , Añón María
Published: April 2009

The aim of this work was to analyse the effect of rosemary extract application (200 and 500 ppm) on lipid oxidation, colour and protein modifications during the chilled storage (1.0 ± 0.7 °C) of sea salmon (Pseudopercis semifasciata). Lipid oxidation and ω3‐22:6 fatty acid content modification were prevented by the addition of rosemary extract. Analysis of interaction between lipid oxidation products and proteins by fluorescence showed no relationship between their temporal changes in the aqueous phase and the lipid oxidation evolution since a similar behaviour was observed in both absence and presence of antioxidant. Protein extractability, sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, differential scanning calorimetry and lysine content determinations revealed no differences between muscle untreated or treated with rosemary. Fluorescent compounds evolution in organic phase would be in relation with the appearance of lipid oxidation products. In addition, rosemary extract partially prevented the loss of red colour in chilled muscle. Although protein alterations could not be prevented, rosemary extract shows to be a promissory antioxidant in sea salmon muscle.
Effect of extrusion process on antioxidant activity, total phenolics and β‐glucan content of extrudates developed from barley‐fruit and vegetable by‐products
Authors: Altan Aylin , McCarthy Kathryn L. , Maskan Medeni
Published: April 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of extrusion processing variables on antioxidant activity (AA), total phenolic content (TP) and β‐glucan content (BG) of extrudates. Products were prepared by extrusion cooking of barley flour, barley flour–tomato pomace and barley flour–grape pomace blends. Antioxidant activity as measured by the DPPH method was 43.17 ± 0.362, 27.57 ± 0.120 and 82.23 ± 0.785% while TPs, expressed as ferulic acid equivalents, were 5.29 ± 0.126, 4.66 ± 0.023 and 9.15 ± 0.015 mg g−1 dry sample in the extracts obtained from barley flour, tomato and grape pomaces, respectively. Extrusion cooking decreased AA and TP of barley, barley–tomato pomace and barley–grape pomace extrudates. Temperature and screw speed had significant (P < 0.05) effect on BGs of barley flour and barley–grape pomace extrudates. However, BG of tomato pomace blend extrudates had significantly (P < 0.05) influenced from pomace level only. Results indicated that the content of β‐glucan is higher in barley flour than in extrudates of barley flour and pomace blends.
Postharvest application of 1‐Methylcyclopropene modulates fruit ripening, storage life and quality of ‘Tegan Blue’ Japanese plum kept in ambient and cold storage
Authors: Khan Ahmad S. , Singh Zora , Swinny Ewald E.
Published: April 2009

The role of postharvest application of 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) in modulating ‘Tegan Blue’ Japanese plum fruit ripening and quality under ambient and cold storage conditions was investigated. 1‐MCP‐treated fruit (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 μL L−1) were allowed to ripen at ambient temperature in Experiment 1, while in the second experiment the fruit were kept in cold storage (0, 3 and 6 weeks) before ripening. In both experiments, 1‐MCP treatment significantly delayed (2–8 days), suppressed (30–70%) the climacteric ethylene production, maintained higher fruit firmness (34–60%), titratable acidity, L*, chroma, hue angle of fruit skin and pulp, and reduced concentrations of soluble solids, ascorbic acid, total carotenoids and total anti‐oxidants as compared to the control. 1‐MCP (1.0 μL L−1) treatment suppresses and delays the climacteric ethylene production with acceptable fruit quality during ripening at ambient temperature and is effective in extending the storage life up to 6 weeks with minimal loss of plum fruit quality.
Estimation of apparent thermal conductivity of carrot purée during freezing using inverse problem
Authors: Mariani Viviana Cocco , Do Amarante Álvaro Cesar Camargo , Dos Santos Coelho Leandro
Published: April 2009

This article presents an inverse problem to determine the apparent thermal conductivity of carrot purée during the freezing process. The heat diffusion equation with the enthalpy model is solved to estimate the thermal conductivity. A modern meta‐heuristic of evolutionary computation field called Differential Evolution (DE) is applied for the solution of inverse problem. Experiments were performed to estimate the thermal conductivity of the carrot purée as a function of temperature, using two piecewise functions. A best least square fitting between the experimental and predicted temperature curves during freezing conditions is obtained using DE. Statistical analysis are considered with Gaussian error of 0.05 and zero mean showing than the results for one piecewise function are more stable than with another piecewise function. Good agreement between the reported and estimated temperature curves was obtained. The apparent thermal conductivity was observed to decrease asymptotically with temperature in the range [−40 °C, 0 °C] and stay approximately a constant value for temperatures bigger than 0 °C.
Music‐assisted relaxation to improve sleep quality: meta‐analysis
Authors: De Niet Gerrit , Tiemens Bea , Lendemeijer Bert , Hutschemaekers Giel
Published: April 2009

Title. Music‐assisted relaxation to improve sleep quality: meta‐analysis.

Aim. This paper is a report of a meta‐analysis conducted to evaluate the efficacy of music‐assisted relaxation for sleep quality in adults and elders with sleep complaints with or without a co‐morbid medical condition.

Background. Clinical studies have shown that music can influence treatment outcome in a positive and beneficial way. Music holds the promise of counteracting psychological presleep arousal and thus improving the preconditions for sleep.

Data sources. We conducted a search in the Embase (1997 – July 2008), Medline (1950 – July 2008), Cochrane (2000 – July 2008), Psychinfo (1987 – July 2008) and Cinahl (1982 – July 2008) databases for randomized controlled trials reported in English, German, French and Dutch. The outcome measure of interest was sleep quality.

Methods. Data were extracted from the included studies using predefined data fields. The researchers independently assessed the quality of the trials using the Delphi list. Only studies with a score of 5 points or higher were included. A pooled analysis was performed based on a fixed effect model.

Results. Five randomized controlled trials with six treatment conditions and a total of 170 participants in intervention groups and 138 controls met our inclusion criteria. Music‐assisted relaxation had a moderate effect on the sleep quality of patients with sleep complaints (standardized mean difference, −0·74; 95% CI: −0·96, −0·46). Subgroup analysis revealed no statistically significant contribution of accompanying measures.

Conclusion. Music‐assisted relaxation can be used without intensive investment in training and materials and is therefore cheap, easily available and can be used by nurses to promote music‐assisted relaxation to improve sleep quality.