bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Cool Tip Versus 8‐mm Tip Catheter in Achieving Electrical Isolation of Pulmonary Veins for Long‐Term Control of Atrial Fibrillation: A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: DIXIT SANJAY , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , CALLANS DAVID J. , COOPER JOSHUA M. , LIN DAVID , RUSSO ANDREA M. , VERDINO RALPH J. , PATEL VICKAS V. , KIMMEL STEPHEN E. , RATCLIFFE SARAH J. , HSIA HENRY H. , NAYAK HEMAL M. , ZADO ERICA , REN JIAN‐FANG , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E.
Published: September 2006

Objective: To compare safety and efficacy of 8‐mm versus cooled tip catheter in achieving electrical isolation (EI) of pulmonary veins (PV) for long‐term control of atrial fibrillation (AF).

Background: There is paucity of studies comparing safety/efficacy of 8‐mm and cooled tip catheters in patients undergoing AF ablation.

Methods and Results: This was a randomized and patient‐blinded study. Subjects were followed by clinic visits (at 6 weeks and 6 months) and transtelephonic monitoring (3‐week duration) done around each visit. Primary endpoints were: (1) long‐term AF control (complete freedom and/or >90% reduction in AF burden on or off antiarrhythmic drugs at 6 months after a single ablation), and (2) occurrence of serious adverse events (cardiac tamponade, stroke, LA‐esophageal fistula, and/or death). Eighty‐two patients (age 56 ± 9 years, 60 males, paroxysmal AF = 59) were randomized (42 patients to 8‐mm tip and 40 patients to cooled tip). EI of PVs was achieved in shorter time by the 8‐mm tip as compared with cooled tip catheter (40 ± 23 minutes vs 50 ± 30 minutes; P < 0.05) but long‐term AF control was not different between the two (32 patients [78%] vs 28 patients [70%], respectively; P = NS). One serious adverse event occurred in each group (LA‐esophageal fistula and stroke, respectively) and no significant PV stenosis was observed in either.

Conclusion: EI of PVs using either 8‐mm or cooled tip catheter results in long‐term AF control in the majority after a single ablation procedure, with comparable efficacy and safety.
Remote Magnetic Navigation to Map and Ablate Left Coronary Cusp Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: BURKHARDT J. DAVID , SALIBA WALID I. , SCHWEIKERT ROBERT A. , CUMMINGS JENNIFER , NATALE ANDREA
Published: September 2006

Background: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and ventricular tachycardia may arise from the coronary cusps. Navigation, mapping, and ablation in the coronary cusps can be challenging. Remote magnetic navigation may offer an alternative to conventional manually operated catheters.

Objective: We report a case of left coronary cusp ventricular tachycardia ablation using remote magnetic navigation.

Methods: Right ventricular outflow tract and coronary cusp mapping, and ablation of the left coronary cusp using a remote magnetic navigation and three‐dimensional (3‐D) mapping system was performed in a 28‐year‐old male with frequent, symptomatic PVCs and ventricular tachycardia.

Results: Successful ablation of left coronary cusp ventricular tachycardia was performed using remote magnetic navigation.

Conclusions: Remote magnetic navigation may be used to map and ablate PVCs and ventricular tachycardia originating from the coronary cusps.
Paradoxical Atrial Undersensing: Noise Rate Reversion or Amplifier Ringing?
Authors: VAN GELDER BERRY M. , VAN DEN BROEK WALDY , BRACKE FRANK A. , MEIJER ALBERT
Published: September 2006

Atrial tachy‐arrhythmias may give rise to mode switching or noise rate reversion in dual‐chamber pacemakers. In case of high amplitude of the atrial electrogram during tachycardia, a paradoxical behavior of atrial sensitivity programming can be observed. Two patients with implanted dual‐chamber pacemakers showed intermittent and complete loss of atrial sensing during atrial tachycardia during device programming to a higher atrial sensitivity setting. This phenomenon is caused by amplifier ringing and can be considered as a state of amplifier saturation, which disables atrial sensing in spite of the high amplitude of the atrial signal. In patients with high amplitude of the atrial electrogram during atrial tachycardia, a paradoxical behavior of sensitivity programming resulting in atrial undersensing can be observed.
“Left‐Variant” Atypical Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia: Electrophysiological Characteristics and Effect of Slow Pathway Ablation within Coronary Sinus
Authors: OTOMO KIYOSHI , OKAMURA HIDEO , NODA TAKASHI , SATOMI KAZUHIRO , SHIMIZU WATARU , SUYAMA KAZUHIRO , KURITA TAKASHI , AIHARA NAOHIKO , KAMAKURA SHIRO
Published: September 2006

Introduction: Recent anatomical and electrophysiological studies have demonstrated the presence of leftward posterior nodal extension (LPNE); however, its role in the genesis of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT) is poorly understood. This study was performed to characterize successful slow pathway (SP) ablation site and to elucidate the role of LPNE in genesis of atypical AVNRT with eccentric activation patterns within the coronary sinus (CS).

Methods and Results: Among 45 patients with atypical AVNRT (slow‐slow/fast‐slow/both = 20/22/3 patients) with concentric (n = 37, 82%) or eccentric CS activation (n = 8, 18%), successful ablation site was evaluated. Among 35/37 patients (95%) with concentric CS activation, ablation at the conventional SP region outside CS eliminated both retrograde SP conduction and AVNRT inducibility. Among eight patients with eccentric CS activation, the earliest retrograde atrial activation was found at proximal CS 16 ± 4 mm distal to the ostium during AVNRT. The earliest retrograde activation site was located at inferior to inferoseptal mitral annulus, consistent with the presumed location of LPNE. Ablation at the conventional SP region with electroanatomical approach only rendered AVNRT nonsustained without elimination of retrograde SP conduction in seven of eight patients (88%). Ablation targeted to the earliest retrograde atrial activation site within proximal CS (15 ± 4 mm distal to the ostium); however, eliminated retrograde SP conduction and rendered AVNRT noninducible in six of eight patients (75%).

Conclusion: In 75% of “left‐variant” atypical AVNRT, ablation within proximal CS was required to eliminate eccentric retrograde SP conduction and render AVNRT noninducible, suggesting LPNE formed retrograde limb of reentrant circuit.
A Single Pulmonary Vein as Electrophysiological Substrate of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: HUANG HE , WANG XINGXIANG , CHUN JULIAN , ERNST SABINE , SATOMI KAZUHIRO , UJEYL AMAAR , CHU HUIMIN , SHI HAIFENG , BÄNSCH DIETMAR , ANTZ MATTHIAS , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ , OUYANG FEIFAN
Published: September 2006

Introduction: It has been demonstrated that pulmonary veins (PVs) play an important role in initiation and maintenance of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). However, it is not clearly known whether a single PV acts as electrophysiological substrate for paroxysmal AF.

Methods and Results: This study included five patients with paroxysmal AF. All patients underwent complete PV isolation with continuous circular lesions (CCLs) around the ipsilateral PVs guided by a three‐dimensional mapping system. Irrigated radiofrequency (RF) delivery was performed during AF on the right‐sided CCLs in two patients and on the left‐sided CCLs in three patients. The incomplete CCLs resulted in a change from AF to atrial tachycardia (AT), which presented with an identical atrial activation sequence and P wave morphology. Complete CCLs resulted in AF termination with persistent PV tachyarrhythmias within the isolated PV in all five patients. PV tachyarrhythmia within the isolated PV was PV fibrillation from the left common PV (LCPV) in two patients, PV tachycardia from the right superior PV (RSPV) in two patients, and from the left superior PV in one patient. All sustained PV tachyarrhythmias persisted for more than 30 minutes, needed external cardioversion for termination in four patients and a focal ablation in one patient. After the initial procedure, an AT from the RSPV occurred in a patient with PV fibrillation within the LCPV, and was successfully ablated.

Conclusion: In patients with paroxysmal AF, sustained PV tachyarrhythmias from a single PV can perpetuate AF. Complete isolation of all PV may provide good clinical outcome during long‐term follow‐up.
The New Urban Governance: Processes for Engaging Citizens and Stakeholders
Authors: Bingham Lisa Blomgren
Published: September 2006

The new urban governance requires not only tools (like tax incentives and contracts for privatizing government functions), but also new processes to carry the tools into effect, including deliberation and dialogue for making policy and dispute resolution (like negotiation, mediation, and voluntary monitoring) for implementing and enforcing it. The processes vary with their application in the policy process, from upstream identification of policy preferences to downstream enforcement. These processes share certain characteristics. All empower citizens and stakeholders to exercise their voice and become more engaged in their communities. All can substitute for or supplement traditional governance processes such as rulemaking or adjudication. They make it possible for leaders to collaborate with community stakeholders, and together to consider a broader and perhaps different set of ideas and proposals. These processes may permit participants to develop a consensus on priorities based on community values and interests rather than simply legal rights.
Collaboration and Citizen Participation in Community Mediation Centers
Authors: Gazley Beth , Chang Won Kyung , Bingham Lisa Blomgren
Published: September 2006

Community mediation programs could be viewed simply as community‐based alternatives to court‐based adjudicatory systems. Alternatively, they provide broader services and offer deeper benefits as “community‐owned” programs that foster citizen participation and democratic governance. However, little research has been conducted on the extent to which they fulfill these expectations. This study of the scope and structure of relationships forged by community mediation centers with their stakeholders, funders, and referral sources attempts to fill this gap in the scholarship. Data were obtained from a national sample of 174 agencies through the National Association for Community Mediation. Qualitative and quantitative descriptive data suggest that community mediation centers have established moderate to strong interorganizational linkages, multiple funding and referral streams, and broadly representative boards of directors. Their experience with participatory decision making and other means of citizen involvement is also present, although weaker.
A Preliminary Assessment of Water Institutions in India: An Institutional Design Perspective
Authors: Ananda Jayanath , Crase Lin , Pagan P.G.
Published: September 2006

Water institutions in India play a crucial role in managing scarce water resources and are central to economic development and poverty alleviation. Designing appropriate institutional mechanisms to allocate scarce water and river flows has been an enormous challenge due to the complex legal, constitutional, and social issues involved. The Indian water sector has been grappling with poor performance and deterioration of public (canal and tank) irrigation systems, high extraction levels of groundwater, and related economic and environmental problems. The objective of this article is to carry out a preliminary assessment of institutional mechanisms available to manage water resources in India. The article surveys various formal and informal institutional arrangements that are used at present and their design features in order to identify those institutions related to superior performance. The analysis indicates that crafting “winning institutions” and the policy frameworks to strengthen them should take into account not only the proven criteria of institutional design but also the changing socioeconomic, political, and cultural factors.
Initial and late prognostic factors to predict survival in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Le Quoc‐Hung , Thomas Xavier , Ecochard René , Iwaz Jean , Lhéritier Véronique , Michallet Mauricette , Fiere Denis
Published: September 2006

Factors able to predict overall survival in adult patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia were assessed according to the period since initiation of the treatment using a Cox proportional hazards model. This period covers successively an initial period during the induction treatment and a consolidation period during the postinduction treatment. From 1994 to 2002, 922 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (excluding French‐American‐British L3 subtype) were enrolled in a multicentre protocol and followed, with a mean follow up of 58 months. A multivariate time‐segmented analysis was performed on 658 patients. Analyses of the initial (before 100 d) and the late phases were realised after stratification on the type of induction treatment and on the different treatment strategies respectively. Age was the sole factor that influenced survival during the initial phase (hazard ratio 1.48 per 10‐yr increase;P < 0.01). Factors that predicted survival during the late phase were age (hazard ratio 1.12,P = 0.02), white blood cells count (hazard ratio 1.01 per 1010cells/L increase;P < 0.05), lactic dehydrogenase level (hazard ratio 1.001 for 10 IU/L increase;P < 0.01) and t(9;22) karyotype or miscellaneous others vs. normal karyotype (hazard ratios 1.40;P < 0.01 and 1.06;P = 0.04 respectively). This analysis suggests that predictive factors may be split into tolerance factors and haematological factors. Determination of such factors is crucial to adapt postremission therapeutic strategies in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Molecular events during leukocyte diapedesis
Authors: Petri Björn , Bixel M. Gabriele
Published: September 2006

The recruitment of leukocytes from the circulation into tissues requires leukocyte migration through the vascular endothelium. The mechanisms by which leukocytes attach and firmly adhere to the endothelial cell surface have been studied in detail. However, much less is known about the last step in this process, the diapedesis of leukocytes through the vascular endothelium. This minireview focuses on the interactions between leukocyte and endothelial cell adhesion molecules that are important during leukocyte extravasation. In the past few years a series of endothelial cell surface and adhesion molecules have been identified that are located at endothelial cell contacts and found to participate in leukocyte diapedesis. These junctional cell adhesion molecules are believed to have an active role in controlling the opening and closure of endothelial cell contacts to allow the passage of leukocytes between adjacent endothelial cells. Alternatively, leukocytes can cross the endothelium at nonjunctional locations, with leukocytes migrating through a single endothelial cell. Further work is clearly needed to understand, in greater detail, the molecular mechanisms that allow leukocytes to cross the endothelium via either the paracellular or the transcellular pathway.
Multi‐tasking of nonstructural gene products is required for bean yellow dwarf geminivirus transcriptional regulation
Authors: Hefferon Kathleen L. , Moon Yong‐Sun , Fan Ying
Published: September 2006

Mastreviridae, of the family geminiviridae, possess a monopartite genome and are transmitted by leafhoppers. Bean yellow dwarf dirus (BeYDV) is a mastrevirus which originated from South Africa and infects dicoyledenous plants, a feature unusual for mastreviridae. Previously, the nonstructural proteins Rep and RepA were examined with respect to their independent roles in BeYDV replication. This was achieved by placing both gene products under independent constitutive promoter control and examining their effects on replication‐competent constructs. In the current study, Rep and RepA are examined further for their roles in regulating BeYDV gene expression using a series of replication‐incompetent constructs. While both Rep and RepA are found to behave as equally potent inhibitors of complementary‐sense gene expression, they differ considerably with respect to their abilities to transactivate virion‐sense gene expression. Furthermore, RepA is identified as playing more than one role in this transactivation process. A nuclear localization domain is identified in Rep which is absent in RepA, and Rep–RepA interactions are examined under in vivo conditions. The study concludes with an investigation into the expression strategies of the BeYDV capsid protein.
Critical role of His369 in the reactivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase with oxygen
Authors: Centola Fabio , Rinaldo Serena , Brunori Maurizio , Cutruzzolà Francesca
Published: September 2006

In the denitrification pathway, Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase catalyzes the reduction of nitrite to nitric oxide; in vitro, this enzyme is also competent in the reduction of O2 to 2H2O. In this article, we present a comparative kinetic study of the O2 reaction in the wild‐type nitrite reductase and in three site‐directed mutants (Tyr10→Phe, His369→Ala and His327→Ala/His369→Ala) of the amino acid residues close to the d1 heme on the distal side. The results clearly indicate that His369 is the key residue in the control of reactivity, as its substitution with Ala, previously shown to affect the reduction of nitrite, also impairs the reaction with O2, affecting both the properties and lifespan of the intermediate species. Our findings allow the presentation of an overall picture for the reactivity of cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase and extend our previous conclusion that the conserved distal histidines are essential for the binding to reduced d1 heme of different anions, whether a substrate such as nitrite, a ligand such as cyanide, or an intermediate in the O2 reduction. Moreover, we propose that His369 also exerts a protective role against degradation of the d1 heme, by preventing the formation and adverse effects of the reactive O2 species (never present in significant amounts in wild‐type cytochrome cd1 nitrite reductase), a finding with clear physiological implications.
Crystal structures of Nipah and Hendra virus fusion core proteins
Authors: Lou Zhiyong , Xu Yanhui , Xiang Kehui , Su Nan , Qin Lan , Li Xu , Gao George F. , Bartlam Mark , Rao Zihe
Published: September 2006

The Nipah and Hendra viruses are highly pathogenic paramyxoviruses that recently emerged from flying foxes to cause serious disease outbreaks in humans and livestock in Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Bangladesh. Their unique genetic constitution, high virulence and wide host range set them apart from other paramyxoviruses. These characteristics have led to their classification into the new genus Henpavirus within the family Paramyxoviridae and to their designation as Biosafety Level 4 pathogens. The fusion protein, an enveloped glycoprotein essential for viral entry, belongs to the family of class I fusion proteins and is characterized by the presence of two heptad repeat (HR) regions, HR1 and HR2. These two regions associate to form a fusion‐active hairpin conformation that juxtaposes the viral and cellular membranes to facilitate membrane fusion and enable subsequent viral entry. The Hendra and Nipah virus fusion core proteins were crystallized and their structures determined to 2.2 Å resolution. The Nipah and Hendra fusion core structures are six‐helix bundles with three HR2 helices packed against the hydrophobic grooves on the surface of a central coiled coil formed by three parallel HR1 helices in an oblique antiparallel manner. Because of the high level of conservation in core regions, it is proposed that the Nipah and Hendra virus fusion cores can provide a model for membrane fusion in all paramyxoviruses. The relatively deep grooves on the surface of the central coiled coil represent a good target site for drug discovery strategies aimed at inhibiting viral entry by blocking hairpin formation.
Mutagenesis of hydrogenase accessory genes of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Hoffmann Dörte , Gutekunst Kirstin , Klissenbauer Monika , Schulz‐Friedrich Rüdiger , Appel Jens
Published: September 2006

Genes homologous to hydrogenase accessory genes are scattered over the whole genome in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Deletion and insertion mutants of hypA1 (slr1675), hypB1 (sll1432), hypC, hypD, hypE and hypF were constructed and showed no hydrogenase activity. Involvement of the respective genes in maturation of the enzyme was confirmed by complementation. Deletion of the additional homologues hypA2 (sll1078) and hypB2 (sll1079) had no effect on hydrogenase activity. Thus, hypA1 and hypB1 are specific for hydrogenase maturation. We suggest that hypA2 and hypB2 are involved in a different metal insertion process. The hydrogenase activity of ΔhypA1 and ΔhypB1 could be increased by the addition of nickel, suggesting that HypA1 and HypB1 are involved in the insertion of nickel into the active site of the enzyme. The urease activity of all the hypA and hypB single‐ and double‐mutants was the same as in wild‐type cells. Therefore, there seems to be no common function for these two hyp genes in hydrogenase and urease maturation in Synechocystis. Similarity searches in the whole genome yielded Slr1876 as the best candidate for the hydrogenase‐specific protease. The respective deletion mutant had no hydrogenase activity. Deletion of hupE had no effect on hydrogenase activity but resulted in a mutant unable to grow in a medium containing the metal chelator nitrilotriacetate. Growth was resumed upon the addition of cobalt or methionine. Because the latter is synthesized by a cobalt‐requiring enzyme in Synechocystis, HupE is a good candidate for a cobalt transporter in cyanobacteria.
A unique vertebrate histone H1‐related protamine‐like protein results in an unusual sperm chromatin organization
Authors: Saperas Núria , Chiva Manel , Casas M. Teresa , Campos J. Lourdes , Eirín‐López José M. , Frehlick Lindsay J. , Prieto Cèlia , Subirana Juan A. , Ausió Juan
Published: September 2006

Protamine‐like proteins constitute a group of sperm nuclear basic proteins that have been shown to be related to somatic linker histones (histone H1 family). Like protamines, they usually replace the chromatin somatic histone complement during spermiogenesis; hence their name. Several of these proteins have been characterized to date in invertebrate organisms, but information about their occurrence and characterization in vertebrates is still lacking. In this sense, the genus Mullus is unique, as it is the only known vertebrate that has its sperm chromatin organized by virtually only protamine‐like proteins. We show that the sperm chromatin of this organism is organized by two type I protamine‐like proteins (PL‐I), and we characterize the major protamine‐like component of the fish Mullus surmuletus (striped red mullet). The native chromatin structure resulting from the association of these proteins with DNA was studied by micrococcal nuclease digestion as well as electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. It is shown that the PL‐I proteins organize chromatin in parallel DNA bundles of different thickness in a quite distinct arrangement that is reminiscent of the chromatin organization of those organisms that contain protamines (but not histones) in their sperm.
Pictorial Representation
Authors: Kulvicki John
Published: September 2006

Maps, notes, descriptions, diagrams, flowcharts, photographs, paintings, and prints, all, in one way or another, manage to be about things or stand for them. This article looks at three ways in which philosophers have explained the way that pictures represent the world. It starts by describing some leading perceptual accounts and then surveys contemporary content and structural alternatives.
Race, Colorblindness, and Continental Philosophy
Authors: Monahan Michael J.
Published: September 2006

The “colorblind” society is often offered as a worthy ideal for individual interaction as well as public policy. The ethos of liberal democracy would seem indeed to demand that we comport ourselves in a manner completely indifferent to race (and class, and gender, and so on). But is this ideal of colorblindness capable of fulfillment? And whether it is or not, is it truly a worthy political goal? In order to address these questions, one must first explore the nature of “race” itself. Is it ultimately real, or merely an illusion? What kind of reality, if any, does it have, and what are the practical (moral and political) consequences of its ontological status? This paper will explore the issue of colorblindness, focusing particularly on recent developments dealing with this topic in Continental philosophy. Beginning with the question of racial ontology, I will argue that race has a social reality that makes the practice of colorblindness, at least for the time being, politically untenable, and it may remain suspect even as a long‐term goal.
Comparison of Galactooligosaccharide Production in Free‐Enzyme Ultrafiltration and in Immobilized‐Enzyme Systems
Authors: Matella N.J. , Dolan K.D. , Lee Y.S.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:  Galactooligosaccharides (GOSs) are prebiotics that have been shown to reduce colon cancer risk and enhance immunity. The GOSs can be formed enzymatically from whey lactose using β‐galactosidase, but commercial application has been limited. Free‐ and immobilized‐enzyme recycle batch processes were investigated and compared in this study. Optimum initial conditions were estimated using batch solutions. Using these optimum conditions, an ultrafiltration (UF) free‐enzyme system was developed, and UF fluid pressure (100 to 400 p.s.i.) effect on enzyme performance was studied and compared with a 0 p.s.i. batch control. The optimum conditions were also used to develop an immobilized‐enzyme process using polyethyleneimine (PEI), glutaraldehyde (GA), and cotton cloth. The PEI and GA immobilized agents were studied for their effect on enzyme inactivation. Finally, compatible free‐ and immobilized‐enzyme recycle batch systems were compared for GOS production. Optimum initial enzyme conditions were estimated as 270 g/L initial lactose, 4.5 g/L initial enzyme (Aspergillus oryzae, 9400 U/g), and 30‐min incubation. Fluid pressure within the free‐enzyme UF membrane system had no significant effect on enzyme performance. The highly agitated UF enzyme system was found to be superior to the less agitated 0 p.s.i batch control. In the immobilization process, approximately 50% to approximately 90% enzyme inactivation was found with the combination of PEI and GA. Equivalent free‐ and immobilized‐enzyme systems showed very similar maximum GOS production of approximately 22% and approximately 20% (w/v) at approximately 15 to 17 min, or 50% conversion for free‐ and immobilized‐systems, respectively.
Effects of 50% Ethanol Extract from Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) on α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity and the Elevation of Plasma Glucose Level in Rats, and Its Active Compound
Authors: Koga K. , Shibata H. , Yoshino K. , Nomoto K.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:  Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extract with 50% ethanol remarkably inhibited rat intestinal α‐glucosidase (sucrase) activity when compared with 31 different herbs and spices (aqueous and 50% ethanol aqueous extracts). Rosemary‐distilled extract obtained from 50% ethanol extract by evaporation inhibited α‐glucosidase activity in the reaction with both maltose and sucrose. Maltose or sucrose was orally administered, with or without rosemary‐distilled extract, to mice at a dose of 20 mg/mouse. A postprandial elevation in plasma glucose levels 30 min after administration of maltose or sucrose plus the distilled extract was significantly suppressed compared with glucose levels in mice that did not receive the distilled extract. A 0.01% aqueous solution of rosemary‐distilled extract supplied as drinking water to streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic mice significantly suppressed an increase in plasma glucose levels 4 d after injection of STZ. It was also shown that a 0.01% aqueous solution of the distilled extract inhibited α‐glucosidase (maltase and sucrase) in the small intestine of STZ‐induced diabetic mice. An active compound with IC50 values of 290 μg/mL (maltase inhibitory activity) and 150 μg/mL (sucrase inhibitory activity) was isolated and identified to be 5,7,3′,4′‐tetrahydroxy flavone (luteolin). These results suggested that rosemary extract might be a beneficial food material in the prevention of diabetes and obesity.
Antimicrobial Wine Formulations Active Against the Foodborne PathogensEscherichia coliO157: H7 andSalmonella enterica
Authors: Friedman Mendel , Henika Philip R. , Levin Carol E. , Mandrell Robert E.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT: We developed wine formulations containing plant essential oils and oil compounds effective against foodborne pathogenic bacteriaEscherichia coliO157:H7 andSalmonella enterica.HPLC was used to determine maximum solubility of antimicrobials in wines as well as amounts of antimicrobials extracted by wines from commercial oregano and thyme leaves. Activity of essential oils (cinnamon, lemongrass, oregano, and thyme) and oil compounds (carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral, and thymol) in wines were evaluated in terms of the percentage of the sample that resulted in a 50% decrease in the number of bacteria (BA50). The ranges of activities in wines (30 min BA50values) againstS. enterica/E. coliwere carvacrol, 0.0059 to 0.010/0.011 to 0.021; oregano oils, 0.0079 to 0.014/0.022 to 0.031; cinnamaldehyde, 0.030 to 0.051/0.098 to 0.13; citral, 0.033 to 0.038/0.060 to 0.070; lemongrass oil, 0.053 to 0.066/0.059 to 0.071; cinnamon oil 0.038 to 0.057/0.066 to 0.098; thymol, 0.0086 to 0.010/0.016 to 0.022; and thyme oil, 0.0097 to 0.011/0.033 to 0.039. Detailed studies with carvacrol, the main component of oregano oil, showed that antibacterial activity was greater againstS. entericathan againstE. coliand that wine formulations exhibited high activities at low concentrations of added antimicrobials. The results suggest that wines containing essential oils/oil compounds, added or extracted from oregano or thyme leaves, could be used to reduce pathogens in food and other environments.
Determination of the Sensory Characteristics of Rose Apples Cultivated In Thailand
Authors: Vara‐ubol Suntaree , Chambers Edgar , Kongpensook Varapha , Oupadissakoon Chintana , Yenket Renoo , Retiveau Annlyse
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:  Rose apple, an economic fruit in Southeast Asia, has potential as an export to western countries where its special attributes are better known to consumers. This research studied sensory characteristics of 8 rose apple varieties using highly trained panels and a defined sensory lexicon. A total of 9 sensory attributes including rose apple identity (ID), fruity, overall sweet, overall sour, bitter, firmness, cohesiveness of mass, astringent, and pulpy residue were present in all rose apple samples, but at different intensities for each variety. Only 5 attributes (floral/perfumy, green, spongy, initial crispness, and sustained crispness) were found in most samples, and were absent in a few samples; and “characteristic” attributes (rose, peel like, spicy, woody, earthy, starchy, and mealy) were detected in only 1 or a few samples. Based on their sensory characteristics, the rose apples being examined were categorized into 3 clusters. Rose apples in this study that are popularly cultivated and consumed including Pet‐Num‐Ping, Toon‐Klao, Tub‐Tim‐Jun, Pet‐Sai‐Rung, and Pet‐Sam‐Pran, all of which were grouped together in cluster 3. They all had a crispy texture, but were very bland in flavor. Ma‐Meow (cluster 1) and Num‐Dok‐Mai and Sa‐Rak (cluster 2), which are not as popular, did not have a crispy texture; however, they did have the characteristic flavors of floral/perfumy and rose. The rose apples in cluster 3 might become better accepted if they had the flavor notes similar to those in cluster 1 and 2.
Improved Sanitizing Treatments for Fresh Tomatoes
Authors: Sapers Gerald M. , Jones Donyel M.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:  Fresh tomatoes repeatedly have been associated with major outbreaks of salmonellosis; however, efforts to disinfect them with chlorine or other sanitizing agents have had only mixed success. Our objective was to determine whether hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) treatments would be more efficacious than conventional methods in disinfecting tomatoes containing human pathogens and, at the same time, be noninjurious to quality. Tomatoes were dip inoculated with Escherichia coli NRRL B‐766 or a Salmonella cocktail and then held for 0, 24, or 48 h at 4 or 24 °C prior to treatment. Treatments included 200 ppm chlorine (Cl2) at 20 °C for 3 min, water at 20 °C for 3 min or at 60 °C for 2 min, 1% H2O2 at 20 °C for 15 min or at 60 °C for 2 min, and 5% H2O2 at 60 °C for 2, 3, or 5 min. In tomatoes held 48 h postinoculation, the chlorine treatment was only marginally more effective than an equivalent water rinse in reducing the target bacterial population, while the hot water and 1% H2O2 treatments achieved reductions no greater than 1.3 logs. However, application of 5% H2O2 at 60 °C resulted in larger reductions. Efficacy of all treatments decreased as the time interval between inoculation and treatment increased. Greater reductions could not be achieved with 5% H2O2 at 60 °C by increasing the contact time or addition of surfactants, and these treatments caused some quality loss.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Rosemary Extract in Chicken Frankfurters
Authors: Rižnar Klavdija , Čelan ŠTefan , Knez ŽEljko , ŠKerget Mojca , Bauman Davorin , Glaser Roman
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:  The antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of commercially available oil‐soluble rosemary extracts VivOX 20 and VivOX 4 were investigated against lipid oxidation and microbial growth in vacuum‐packed chicken frankfurters. The content of the main active ingredient, carnosic acid, in extracts was 20% and 4% (w/w), respectively. For comparison, the activity of commercially available preservative Robin LI LS was also tested. The control was chicken frankfurters made without test additives. Antioxidant activity tests were performed at 3 storage temperatures (4, 12, 25 °C), using the Rancimat method. Antimicrobial effect was investigated by aerobic plate count. Results showed that both rosemary preparations possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that may make them useful in the food industry. In chicken frankfurters with added VivOX 20 and VivOX 4, higher oxidative stability was exhibited at all storage temperatures, as in frankfurters with Robin LI LS. Addition of VivOX 20, VivOX 4, and Robin LI LS also significantly reduced the aerobic plate count, compared to controls, stored at 4 or 12 °C.
Retention of Fortified Vitamin E and Sensory Quality of Fresh‐Cut Pears by Vacuum Impregnation With Honey
Authors: Lin D.S. , Leonard S.W. , Lederer C. , Traber M.G. , Zhao Y.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT: Our hypothesis was that the incorporation of vitamin E into honey‐based vacuum impregnation (VI) solution could be a novel approach to develop high‐quality and vitamin E‐fortified fresh‐cut pears (D'Anjou). A 20% diluted wildflower honey VI solution was used with 0.4% to 0.8%α‐tocopherol from 3 different sources: α‐tocopherol‐acetate (VE‐acetate), free α‐tocopherol (V‐OH), or water‐soluble α‐tocopherol‐acetate (VE‐H2O) for nutritional fortification of the pear slices. Fresh‐cut pear slices were immersed in VI solution and subjected to a vacuum at 100 mm Hg for 15 min following atmospheric restoration for 30 min. Samples were stored at 2 °C and 88% relative humidity up to 2 wk for nutritional, physiochemical, and sensory quality evaluations. Vitamin E content of pears impregnated with honey solution containing VE‐acetate, VE‐OH, or VE‐ H2O increased 80 to 100 times and 65% to 80% VE activities were retained during 2 wk storage. Microbial counts were under 2.6 log colony forming unit(CFU)/g pear at the end of 7 d storage, significantly lower than the industrial standard. Instrumental color analysis and sensory evaluation indicated that VE fortified pear slices had significantly higher lightness, lower browning index, and higher consumer acceptance rating than control (unfortified) ones. There is a strong Pearson correlation between instrumental analysis and consumer sensory evaluation in pear color. This study demonstrated a great potential for developing high‐quality, vitamin E‐fortified fresh‐cut pears by use of VI technology with honey, thus further enhancing the health benefit of pears.
Pasting Properties of Ohmically Heated Rice Starch and Rice Flours
Authors: An H. J. , King J. M.
Published: September 2006

ABSTRACT:  Pasting characteristics were examined for conventionally or ohmically heated rice starch and rice flours. Brown rice flour showed the greatest cooking stability and least retrogradation potential. Brown rice flour also showed the greatest pasting temperature and lowest peak viscosity, whereas commercial starch had the lowest pasting temperature. Nonstarch components of the brown rice flour, such as fat and protein, may have acted as stabilizers delaying water access into the granules and reducing swelling of the starch. Ohmic heating reduced pasting temperature for commercial rice starch, resulting in a starch that swelled faster. Furthermore, ohmic heating produced better cooking stability in white rice flour 1 and 2 than in the native sample, and caused white rice flour 2 to have less potential for retrogradation than the conventionally heated sample. At lower electric field strength (20 V/cm), ohmic heating resulted in the greatest cooking stable starches compared to higher voltages (40 and 70 V/cm) because more starch granules were disrupted from a longer cooking time, so there were fewer intact granules for pasting. Ohmic heating has been shown to alter rice starch and flour pasting characteristics with an added influence of lipids, proteins, and amylose contents.
The effects of face cooling during hyperthermic exercise in man: evidence for an integrated thermal, neuroendocrine and behavioural response
Authors: Mündel Toby , Bunn Sabrina J. , Hooper Paula L. , Jones David A.
Published: September 2006

The present study investigated whether face cooling reduced both the perceived exertion (RPE) and prolactin (PRL) release during hyperthermic exercise. Ten, non‐heat‐acclimated males (23 ± 2 years; maximal oxygen consumption, 56 ± 7 ml kg–1 min–1[mean ±s.d.]) exercised for 40 min on a cycle ergometer at 65% of their peak aerobic power, at an ambient temperature of 33°C (27% relative humidity) with (FC) and without face cooling as a control (CON). With FC, forehead temperature was maintained ∼6°C lower than CON, while other skin sites were similar or slightly warmer in the FC condition. Rectal temperature increased by ∼1.5°C with the same time course in both conditions. A relative bradycardia was observed during FC, with heart rate approximately 5 beats min–1 lower than CON (P < 0.05). Mean plasma lactate was lower during FC (FC, 5.0 ± 0.3 mmol l–1; CON, 5.9 ± 0.3 mmol l–1; P < 0.05) but no differences were observed for plasma glucose, which remained constant during exercise. Levels of PRL were maintained at 175 ± 17 mIU l–1 during exercise for FC, while values for CON increased to a peak of 373 ± 22 mIU l–1 so that towards the end of the exercise, for the same rectal temperature, PRL was significantly lower in the FC condition (P < 0.05). Global and breathing RPE were reduced but only towards the end of the 40 min of exercise during FC, whilst subjective thermal comfort was significantly lower during FC (P < 0.05). We confirm the substantial effect that FC has on the secretion of PRL during hyperthermic exercise but show that it makes a relatively small contribution to the perception of effort when compared to the effect of a cool total skin area as occurs with exercise in a thermoneutral environment.
Exercise‐induced inhibition of angiotensin II vasoconstriction in human thigh muscle
Authors: Brothers R. Matthew , Haslund Mads L. , Wray D. Walter , Raven Peter B. , Sander Mikael
Published: September 2006

It is well established that metabolic inhibition of adrenergic vasoconstriction contributes to the maintenance of adequate perfusion to exercising skeletal muscle. However, little is known regarding nonadrenergic vasoconstriction during exercise. We tested the hypothesis that a non‐adrenergic vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II (AngII), would be less sensitive to metabolic inhibition than an α1‐agonist, phenylephrine (PE), in the exercising human thigh. In 11 healthy men, femoral blood flow (FBF, ultrasound Doppler and thermodilution) and blood pressure were evaluated during wide‐ranging doses of intra‐arterial (femoral) infusions of PE and AngII at rest and during two workloads of steady‐state knee‐extensor exercise (7 W and 27 W). At rest, the maximal decrease in femoral artery diameter (FAD) during AngII (9.0 ± 0.2 to 8.4 ± 0.4 mm) was markedly less than during PE (9.0 ± 0.3 to 5.7 ± 0.5 mm), whereas maximal reductions in FBF and femoral vascular conductance (FVC) were similar during AngII (FBF: −65 ± 6 and FVC: −66 ± 6%) and PE (−57 ± 5 and −59 ± 4%). During exercise, FAD was not changed by AngII, but moderately decreased by PE. The maximal reductions in FBF and FVC were blunted during exercise compared to rest for both AngII (7 W: −28 ± 5 and −40 ± 5%; 27 W: −15 ± 4% and −29 ± 5%) and PE (7 W: −30 ± 4 and −37 ± 6%; 27 W: −15 ± 2 and −24 ± 6%), with no significant differences between drugs. The major new findings are (1) an exercise‐induced intensity‐dependent metabolic attenuation of non‐adrenergic vasoconstriction in the human leg; and (2) functional evidence that AngII‐vasoconstriction is predominantly distal, whereas α1‐vasoconstriction is proximal and distal within the muscle vascular bed of the human thigh.
Heterozygous HIF‐1α deficiency impairs carotid body‐mediated systemic responses and reactive oxygen species generation in mice exposed to intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Peng Ying‐Jie , Yuan Guoxiang , Ramakrishnan Deviprasadh , Sharma Suresh D. , Bosch‐Marce Marta , Kumar Ganesh K. , Semenza Gregg L. , Prabhakar Nanduri R.
Published: September 2006

Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) occurs in patients with sleep apnoea and has adverse effects on multiple physiological functions. Previous studies have shown that reflexes arising from carotid bodies mediate CIH‐evoked cardio‐respiratory responses, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play important roles in eliciting systemic responses to CIH. Very little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying CIH. The transcriptional activator hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) mediates a broad range of cellular and systemic responses to hypoxia, and HIF‐1 is activated in cell cultures exposed to IH. In the present study we examined whether CIH activates HIF‐1 and if so whether it contributes to cardio‐respiratory responses and ROS generation in mice. Experiments were performed on male littermate wild‐type (WT) and heterozygous (HET) mice partially deficient in HIF‐1α, the O2 regulated subunit of the HIF‐1 complex. Both groups of mice were exposed to either 10 days of CIH (15 s of hypoxia followed by 5 min of normoxia, 9 episodes h−1, 8 h day−1) or to 10 days of 21% O2 (controls). Carotid body response to hypoxia was augmented, and acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) induced sensory long‐term facilitation (sLTF) of the chemoreceptor activity in CIH‐exposed WT mice. In striking contrast, hypoxic sensory response was unaffected and AIH was ineffective in eliciting sLTF in CIH‐exposed HET mice. Analysis of cardio‐respiratory responses in CIH‐exposed WT mice revealed augmented hypoxic ventilatory response, LTF of breathing, elevated blood pressures and increased plasma noradrenaline. In striking contrast these responses were either absent or attenuated in HET mice exposed to CIH. In CIH‐exposed WT mice, ROS were elevated and this response was absent in HET mice. Manganese (III) tetrakis(1‐methyl‐4‐pyridyl) porphyrin pentachloride, a potent scavenger of superoxide, not only prevented CIH‐induced increases in ROS but also CIH‐evoked HIF‐1α up‐regulation in WT mice. These results indicate that: (a) HIF‐1 activation is critical for eliciting CIH‐induced carotid body‐mediated cardio‐respiratory responses; (b) CIH increases ROS; and (c) the effects of CIH involve complex positive interactions between HIF‐1 and ROS.
Similar nociceptive afferents mediate psychophysical and electrophysiological responses to heat stimulation of glabrous and hairy skin in humans
Authors: Iannetti G. D. , Zambreanu L. , Tracey I.
Published: September 2006

The ability to perceive and withdraw rapidly from noxious environmental stimuli is crucial for survival. When heat stimuli are applied to primate hairy skin, first pain sensation is mediated by type‐II A‐fibre nociceptors (II‐AMHs). In contrast, the reported absence of first pain and II‐AMH microneurographical responses when heat stimuli are applied to the hand palm has led to the notion that II‐AMHs are lacking in this primate glabrous skin. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of hairy and glabrous skin stimulation on neural transmission of nociceptive inputs elicited by different kinds of thermal heating. We recorded psychophysical and EEG brain responses to radiant (laser‐evoked potentials, LEPs) and contact heat stimuli (contact heat‐evoked potentials, CHEPs) delivered to the dorsum and the palm of the hand in normal volunteers. Brain responses were analysed at a single‐trial level, using an automated approach based on multiple linear regression. Laser stimulation of hairy and glabrous skin at the same energy elicited remarkably similar psychophysical ratings and LEPs. This finding provides strong evidence that first pain to heat does exist in glabrous skin, and suggests that similar nociceptive afferents, with the physiological properties of II‐AMHs, mediate first pain to heat stimulation of glabrous and hairy skin in humans. In contrast, when contact heat stimuli were employed, a significantly higher nominal temperature had to be applied to glabrous skin in order to achieve psychophysical ratings similar to those obtained following hairy skin stimulation, and CHEPs following glabrous skin stimulation had significantly longer latencies (N2 wave, +25%; P2 wave, +24%) and smaller amplitudes (N2 wave, −40%; P2 wave, −44%) than CHEPs following hairy skin stimulation. Irrespective of the stimulated territory, CHEPs always had significantly longer latencies (hairy skin N2 wave, +75%; P2 wave, +56%) and smaller amplitudes (hairy skin N2 wave, −42%; P2 wave, −19%) than LEPs. These findings are consistent with the thickness‐dependent delay and attenuation of the temperature waveform at nociceptor depth when conductive heating is applied, and suggest that the previously reported lack of first pain and microneurographical II‐AMH responses following glabrous skin stimulation could have been the result of a search bias consequent to the use of long‐wavelength radiant heating (i.e. CO2 laser) as stimulation procedure.