bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stroke aetiology and predictors of outcome in patients with heart failure and acute stroke: a 10‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Vemmos Kostas , Ntaios George , Savvari Paraskevi , Vemmou Anastasia M. , Koroboki Eleni , Manios Efstathios , Kounali Anna , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: December 2011

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate stroke aetiology and assess the predictors of early and late outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) and acute stroke.

Methods and results

A total of 2904 patients, admitted between 1993 and 2010, were regularly followed up at months 1, 3, and 6, and yearly thereafter up to 10 years. There were 283 (9.7%) stroke patients with HF; atrial fibrillation (AF) was present in 144 (50.9%) of them. Stroke aetiology in patients with HF and AF was mainly cardioembolism (82%) regardless of HF aetiology. In contrast, in the 139 non‐AF patients with HF, the stroke mechanism was associated with the aetiology of HF: valvular heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy were related to cardioembolism in 60% and 66.7% of patients, respectively, whereas HF due to coronary artery disease or hypertension was associated with atherosclerotic and lacunar stroke in 40.8% and 61.5%, respectively. In the overall population, HF was an independent predictor of 10‐year mortality [hazard ratio = 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29–1.83; P < 0.001]. Probability of 10‐year survival was 19.4% (95% CI 14.5–23.5) for HF patients and 44.1% (95% CI 41.4–46.8) for non‐HF patients (P < 0.0001). Ten‐year mortality in HF patients was associated with functional class of HF, age, diabetes, stroke severity, and in‐hospital aspirin use. The presence of AF in HF stroke patients did not influence 10‐year survival and composite cardiovascular events (P = 0.429 and P = 0.406, respectively).

Conclusions

In patients with HF, stroke aetiology is influenced by the presence of AF and the underlying cause of HF. Early and late stroke outcome is associated with HF severity but not with the presence of AF.
No evidence for biased co-transmission of speciation islands inAnopheles gambiae
Authors: Hahn Matthew W. , White Bradley J. , Muir Christopher D. , Besansky Nora J.
Published: December 2011

Genome-scale scans have revealed highly heterogeneous levels of divergence between closely related taxa in many systems. Generally, a small number of regions show high differentiation, with the rest of the genome showing no or only low levels of divergence. These patterns have been interpreted as evidence for ongoing speciation-with-gene-flow, with introgression homogenizing the whole genome except loci involved in reproductive isolation. However, as the number of selected loci increases, the probability of introgression at unselected loci decreases unless there is a transmission ratio distortion causing an over-representation of specific combinations of alleles. Here we examine the transmission of three ‘speciation islands’ that contain fixed differences between the M and S forms of the mosquito,Anopheles gambiae. We made reciprocal crosses between M and S parents and genotyped over 2000 F2individuals, developing a hierarchical likelihood model to identify specific genotypes that are under- or over-represented among the recombinant offspring. Though our overall results did not match the expected number of F2genotypes, we found no biased co-transmission among M or S alleles in the three islands. Our likelihood model did identify transmission ratio distortion at two of the three islands, but this distortion was small (approx. 3%) and in opposite directions for the two islands. We discuss how our results impinge on hypotheses of current gene flow between M and S and ongoing speciation-with-gene-flow in this system.
Genome-wide patterns of divergence during speciation: the lake whitefish case study
Authors: Renaut S. , Maillet N. , Normandeau E. , Sauvage C. , Derome N. , Rogers S. M. , Bernatchez L.
Published: December 2011

The nature, size and distribution of the genomic regions underlying divergence and promoting reproductive isolation remain largely unknown. Here, we summarize ongoing efforts using young (12 000 yr BP) species pairs of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis) to expand our understanding of the initial genomic patterns of divergence observed during speciation. Our results confirmed the predictions that: (i) on average, phenotypic quantitative trait loci (pQTL) show higherFSTvalues and are more likely to be outliers (and therefore candidates for being targets of divergent selection) than non-pQTL markers; (ii) large islands of divergence rather than small independent regions under selection characterize the early stages of adaptive divergence of lake whitefish; and (iii) there is a general trend towards an increase in terms of numbers and size of genomic regions of divergence from the least (East L.) to the most differentiated species pair (Cliff L.). This is consistent with previous estimates of reproductive isolation between these species pairs being driven by the same selective forces responsible for environment specialization. Altogether, dwarf and normal whitefish species pairs represent a continuum of both morphological and genomic differentiation contributing to ecological speciation. Admittedly, much progress is still required to more finely map and circumscribe genomic islands of speciation. This will be achieved through the use of next generation sequencing data but also through a better quantification of phenotypic traits moulded by selection as organisms adapt to new environmental conditions.
Genomic islands of divergence in hybridizing
Heliconius
butterflies identified by large-scale targeted sequencing
Authors: Nadeau Nicola J. , Whibley Annabel , Jones Robert T. , Davey John W. , Dasmahapatra Kanchon K. , Baxter Simon W. , Quail Michael A. , Joron Mathieu , ffrench-Constant Richard H. , Blaxter Mark L. , Mallet James , Jiggins Chris D.
Published: December 2011

Heliconius
butterflies represent a recent radiation of species, in which wing pattern divergence has been implicated in speciation. Several loci that control wing pattern phenotypes have been mapped and two were identified through sequencing. These same gene regions play a role in adaptation across the whole
Heliconius
radiation. Previous studies of population genetic patterns at these regions have sequenced small amplicons. Here, we use targeted next-generation sequence capture to survey patterns of divergence across these entire regions in divergent geographical races and species of
Heliconius
. This technique was successful both within and between species for obtaining high coverage of almost all coding regions and sufficient coverage of non-coding regions to perform population genetic analyses. We find major peaks of elevated population differentiation between races across hybrid zones, which indicate regions under strong divergent selection. These ‘islands’ of divergence appear to be more extensive between closely related species, but there is less clear evidence for such islands between more distantly related species at two further points along the ‘speciation continuum’. We also sequence fosmid clones across these regions in different
Heliconius melpomene
races. We find no major structural rearrangements but many relatively large (greater than 1 kb) insertion/deletion events (including gain/loss of transposable elements) that are variable between races.
Extensive linkage disequilibrium and parallel adaptive divergence across threespine stickleback genomes
Authors: Hohenlohe Paul A. , Bassham Susan , Currey Mark , Cresko William A.
Published: December 2011

Population genomic studies are beginning to provide a more comprehensive view of dynamic genome-scale processes in evolution. Patterns of genomic architecture, such as genomic islands of increased divergence, may be important for adaptive population differentiation and speciation. We used next-generation sequencing data to examine the patterns of local and long-distance linkage disequilibrium (LD) across oceanic and freshwater populations of threespine stickleback, a useful model for studies of evolution and speciation. We looked for associations between LD and signatures of divergent selection, and assessed the role of recombination rate variation in generating LD patterns. As predicted under the traditional biogeographic model of unidirectional gene flow from ancestral oceanic to derived freshwater stickleback populations, we found extensive local and long-distance LD in fresh water. Surprisingly, oceanic populations showed similar patterns of elevated LD, notably between large genomic regions previously implicated in adaptation to fresh water. These results support an alternative biogeographic model for the stickleback radiation, one of a metapopulation with appreciable bi-directional gene flow combined with strong divergent selection between oceanic and freshwater populations. As predicted by theory, these processes can maintain LD within and among genomic islands of divergence. These findings suggest that the genomic architecture in oceanic stickleback populations may provide a mechanism for the rapid re-assembly and evolution of multi-locus genotypes in newly colonized freshwater habitats, and may help explain genetic mapping of parallel phenotypic variation to similar loci across independent freshwater populations.
Genomics of adaptation and speciation in cichlid fishes: recent advances and analyses in African and Neotropical lineages
Authors: Fan Shaohua , Elmer Kathryn R. , Meyer Axel
Published: December 2011

Cichlid fishes are remarkably phenotypically diverse and species-rich. Therefore, they provide an exciting opportunity for the study of the genetics of adaptation and speciation by natural and sexual selection. Here, we review advances in the genomics and transcriptomics of cichlids, particularly regarding ecologically relevant differences in body shape, trophic apparatus, coloration and patterning, and sex determination. Research conducted so far has focused almost exclusively on African cichlids. To analyse genomic diversity and selection in a Neotropical radiation, we conducted a comparative transcriptomic analysis between sympatric, ecologically divergent crater-lake Midas cichlids (Lake Xiloá
Amphilophus amarillo
and
Amphilophus sagittae
). We pyrosequenced (Roche 454) expressed sequence tag (EST) libraries and generated more than 178 000 000 ESTs and identified nine ESTs under positive selection between these sister species (
K
a/
K
s > 1). None of these ESTs were found to be under selection in African cichlids. Of 11 candidate genes for ecomorphological differentiation in African cichlids, none showed signs of selection between
A. amarillo
and
A. sagittae
. Although more population-level studies are now needed to thoroughly document patterns of divergence during speciation of cichlids, available information so far suggests that adaptive phenotypic diversification in Neotropical and African cichlids may be evolving through non-parallel genetic bases.
Divergence hitchhiking and the spread of genomic isolation during ecological speciation-with-gene-flow
Authors: Via Sara
Published: December 2011

In allopatric populations, geographical separation simultaneously isolates the entire genome, allowing genetic divergence to accumulate virtually anywhere in the genome. In sympatric populations, however, the strong divergent selection required to overcome migration produces a genetic mosaic of divergent and non-divergent genomic regions. In some recent genome scans, each divergent genomic region has been interpreted as an independent incidence of migration/selection balance, such that the reduction of gene exchange is restricted to a few kilobases around each divergently selected gene. I propose an alternative mechanism, ‘divergence hitchhiking’ (DH), in which divergent selection can reduce gene exchange for several megabases around a gene under strong divergent selection. Not all genes/markers within a DH region are divergently selected, yet the entire region is protected to some degree from gene exchange, permitting genetic divergence from mechanisms other than divergent selection to accumulate secondarily. After contrasting DH and multilocus migration/selection balance (MM/SB), I outline a model in which genomic isolation at a given genomic location is jointly determined by DH and genome-wide effects of the progressive reduction in realized migration, then illustrate DH using data from several pairs of incipient species in the wild.
Muscle pain and serum creatine kinase are not associated with low serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels in patients receiving statins
Authors: Kurnik Daniel , Hochman Israel , Vesterman‐Landes Janet , Kenig Tali , Katzir Itzhak , Lomnicky Yosef , Halkin Hillel , Loebstein Ronen
Published: December 2011

Objective  Vitamin D deficiency has been associated in some studies with nonspecific musculoskeletal pain and, more specifically, with statin‐induced myalgia, which was ameliorated by high‐dose vitamin D supplements. Our objective was to explore the association between vitamin D status and statin‐induced myalgia and elevation of serum creatine kinase (CK).

Design  Retrospective cohort study, based on the electronic database of a health maintenance organization.

Patients  Six thousand eight hundred and eight patients (71·5% women) to whom statins were dispensed during 2008 and who had ≥1 CK and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) levels measured during statin exposure. Of these, 376 patients (5·5%) had switched from a first‐line statin to atorvastatin because of muscle pain (n = 220) or other reasons (n = 156).

Measurements  In the entire cohort, we compared serum CK levels among serum 25OHD quartiles. In addition, we compared CK and 25OHD levels among patients with myalgia, other switchers and nonswitchers.

Results  The median 25OHD level in the entire cohort was 21·8 ng/ml [interquartile range (IQR), 16·3–27·4]. CK levels were marginally lower in patients in the lowest 25OHD quartile [median CK (IQR) in 25OHD quartiles 1–4, 87 (61–130), 90 (65–131), 91 (65–132) and 91 (67–131) IU/ml, respectively; P = 0·007]. 25OHD levels in statin switchers were similar to those in nonswitchers; moreover, there were no differences in 25OHD among switchers with muscle pain and other switchers.

Conclusion  Our findings do not support an association between low 25OHD levels and statin‐induced myalgia or CK elevation.
Changes in heart valve structure and function in patients treated with dopamine agonists for prolactinomas, a 2‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Delgado Victoria , Biermasz Nienke R. , van Thiel Sjoerd W. , Ewe See H. , Marsan Nina Ajmone , Holman Eduard R. , Feelders Richard A. , Smit Johannes W. A. , Bax Jeroen J. , Pereira Alberto M.
Published: December 2011

Objective  The use of ergot‐derived dopamine agonists (DA) to treat patients with prolactinomas has not been associated with an increased risk of significant heart valve dysfunction. Accordingly, the present study evaluated whether the long‐term use of DA for hyperprolactinaemia may be associated with increased risk of significant valvular heart disease.

Methods  A total of 74 patients (mean age 48 ± 1·4 years, 23% male) with prolactinoma treated with DA for at least 1 year were evaluated with 2‐dimensional echocardiography at baseline. After 2 years of follow‐up, a repeat echocardiography was performed to evaluate significant changes in valvular heart structure (thickening, calcifications and leaflet motion abnormalities) and function (regurgitation or stenosis). Patients were classified according to treatment: patients treated with cabergoline (group 1: n = 45), and patients not treated with cabergoline (group 2: n = 29).

Results  At 2‐year follow‐up, no significant valvular stenosis was observed in any patient. In addition, the prevalence of any significant valve regurgitation did not change significantly (from 12% to 15%, P = NS). However, there was a significant increase in the prevalence of valvular calcifications (from 48% to 58%, P = 0·004) and, particularly, in the prevalence of aortic valve calcifications (from 39% to 53%, P = 0·002). In a per‐treatment‐based analysis, the group of patients treated with cabergoline had significantly higher prevalence of aortic valve calcification at 2 years follow‐up as compared to the group of patients not treated with cabergoline (63%vs 38%, P = 0·016).

Conclusions  The long‐term therapy with DA (cabergoline) of patients with prolactinoma is associated with an increased prevalence of valvular calcification. However, these structural changes were not accompanied by an increased prevalence of valvular dysfunction.
Using scattered hyperspectral imagery data to map the soil properties of a region
Authors: Lagacherie P. , Bailly J. S. , Monestiez P. , Gomez C.
Published: December 2011

Airborne hyperspectral imagery has been recently proved to be a successful technique for predicting soil properties of the bare soil surfaces that are usually scattered in the landscape. This new soil covariate could much improve the digital soil mapping (DSM) of soil properties over larger areas. To illustrate this, we experimented with digital soil mapping in a 24.6‐km2area located in the vineyard plain of Languedoc. As input data, we used 200 points with clay content measurements and 192 bare soil fields representing 3.5% of the total area in which the clay contents of the soil surface were successfully mapped at 5‐m resolution by hyperspectral remote sensing. The clay contents were estimated from CR2206, a spectrometric indicator that quantifies specific absorption features of clay at 2206 nm. We demonstrated by cross‐validation that the co‐kriging procedure based on our co‐regionalization model provided accurate error estimates at the clay measurement sites. Then, we applied a block co‐kriging model to map the mean clay content at increasing resolutions (50 , 100, 250 and 500 m). The results showed the following: (i) using hyperspectral data significantly increased the accuracy of the mean clay content estimations; (ii) a block co‐kriging procedure with reliable estimates of error variance can be used to estimate mean clay contents over larger areas and at coarser resolutions with acceptable and predictable errors and (iii) various maps can be produced that represent different compromises between prediction accuracy and spatial resolution.
Volatile and nonvolatile chemical composition of some date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) harvested at different stages of maturity
Authors: El Arem Amira , Saafi Emna B. , Flamini Guido , Issaoui Manel , Ferchichi Ali , Hammami Mohamed , Helall Ahmed N. , Achour Lotfi
Published: December 2011

Physico‐chemical and aroma volatile compositions of three date palm cultivars were studied throughout fruit maturation (besser, rutab and tamr stages) during 2008 harvest season. The studied parameters varied significantly through the different stages, with some variations also depending on the cultivar. Length and width of the three types of dates showed a progressive decrease during ripening. The pH level, total sugars and ash contents significantly increased up to tamr stage. Conversely, moisture, lipid and protein contents decreased. The profile of the volatile aroma compounds was evaluated using solid‐phase micro‐extraction. Sixty‐nine compounds were detected during maturation, accounting from 98.5% to 99.6% at besser, 93.1% to 99.2% at rutab and 94.3% to 98.4% at tamr stages of the total identified volatiles. The present study sheds more light on chemical characteristics of the studied cultivars that can be used in many industrial processes.
New ecological nixtamalisation process for tortilla production and its impact on the chemical properties of whole corn flour and wastewater effluents
Authors: Campechano Carrera Elsa María , de Dios Figueroa Cárdenas Juan , Arámbula Villa Gerónimo , Martínez Flores Héctor Eduardo , Jiménez Sandoval Sergio J. , Luna Bárcenas J. Gabriel
Published: December 2011

An ecological nixtamalisation process (EP) for making whole corn flour for tortillas was compared with the traditional nixtamalisation process (TP). One of the problems of TP is high level of solid losses. The aim was to evaluate the composition of these losses. In EP, dry matter losses of nejayote were from 1.2% to 1.4%, while in TP 3.2%. Nejayote from TP showed a pH of 11.9, whereas EP showed a pH close to neutral. The pericarp was retained in EP with the use of calcium salts, whereas in TP lime destroyed it almost completely. Losses of total dietary fibre in nejayote solids were about 41.2% for TP compared to an average of 17.4% for EP. Most of nejayote losses in TP were soluble fibre (30.4%), compared with EP that ranged from 6.2% to 7.9%. All compounds retained by nixtamal from EP are important sources of nutrients and dietary fibre.
Effect of nanocomposite‐based packaging on preservation quality of green tea
Authors: Zhao Liyan , Li Feng , Chen Guitang , Fang Yong , An Xinxin , Zheng Yonghua , Xin Zhihong , Zhang Min , Yang Yanting , Hu Qiuhui
Published: December 2011

An improved nanocomposite‐based packaging material (NCP) was prepared by blending polyethylene with nano‐Ag, nano‐TiO2 and attapulgite. And its effect on preservation quality of green tea (Biluochun and Qingfeng) during one‐year ambient storage was investigated. The results showed that adding nanoparticles to the polyethylene could significantly improve the barrier property. After one‐year ambient storage, the moisture of Biluochun and Qingfeng with NCP was decreased by 10.3% and 6.1% compared with the normal packaging material. Meanwhile, the contents of amino acid, tea polyphenols, chlorophyll and ascorbic acid were increased by 22.8%, 9.4%, 30.4% and 9.5% for Biluochun and 19.2%, 9.3%, 27.3% and 21.6% for Qingfeng, respectively, compared with the normal packaging material. Moreover, the sensory quality of NCP was also superior to that with the control. Therefore, the improved NCP material probably provides an attractive alternative to maintain the preservation quality of green tea at a high level during storage.
Development of made‐in‐transit set culture yoghurt: effect of increasing the concentration of reconstituted skim milk as the milk base
Authors: Nor‐Khaizura Mahmud‐Ab‐Rashid , Flint Steve H. , McCarthy Owen J. , Palmer Jon S. , Golding Matt , Jaworska Agata
Published: December 2011

The fermentation time, yoghurt acidity expressed as lactic acid, starter culture growth, viscosity and firmness of made‐in‐transit (MIT) set culture yoghurt produced using different concentrations of reconstituted skim milk powder (SMP) from 12% to 20% (w/v) as the milk base were investigated. All milk base formulations were ultra‐high temperature sterilised at 138 °C for 6 s. The results revealed that increasing the SMP concentration increased the viscosity and firmness of MIT set culture yoghurt. At 20% SMP, viscosity and firmness were 4650.8 cP and 1.266 N, respectively. Fermentation of MIT set culture yoghurt with 20% SMP was observed to be faster than with the other conditions. The fermentation time for a medium containing from 14% to 20% SMP could be extended to 168 h, reaching a final pH of 4.50–4.37 and at the same time improving the texture of the MIT set culture yoghurt. The SMP concentration had no influence on the total viable counts of starter bacteria in the yoghurt. The texture of MIT set culture yoghurt may be improved by increasing the concentration of SMP.
Moringa oleiferia leaves extract: a natural antioxidant for retarding lipid peroxidation in cooked goat meat patties
Authors: Das Arun Kumar , Rajkumar Vincent , Verma Arun Kumar , Swarup Devendra
Published: December 2011

The effective utilisation of Moringa oleiferia mature leaves (MOL) extract as an antioxidant in cooked goat meat patties during refrigerated storage was investigated, and its efficiency was evaluated against butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The extract exhibited high phenolic content (48.36 mg of gallic acid equivalent per g), flavonoid (31.42 mg g−1 of sample) being the major component. Moringa oleiferia mature leaves extract showed excellent antioxidant activity as determined by radical‐scavenging activity of 1, 1‐diphenyl 2 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The IC50 value of MOL extract for 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging was 18.54 μg mL−1. Total phenolic content (as gallic acid equivalent) significantly (P < 0.05) increased from 285.56 in control to 379.45 in patties with MOL extract. MOL extract (0.1%) when added to meat was found to retard lipid peroxidation of cooked goat meat patties as measured by TBARS number during refrigerated storage. The increase in TBARS number in MOL extract–treated samples was very slow and remained lowest (0.53 mg malonaldehyde per kg sample) up to 15 days. The antioxidant activity of MOL extract was found to be comparable to BHT. Addition of MOL extract did not affect any of the sensory attributes of patties. The MOL extract at a level of 100 mg/100 g meat was sufficient to protect goat meat patties against oxidative rancidity for periods longer than the most commonly used synthetic antioxidant like BHT.
Antioxidant activity and consumer acceptance of grape seed flour‐containing food products
Authors: Rosales Soto Maria U. , Brown Kelsie , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: December 2011

Grape seed flour (GSF) is produced from the pomace waste generated during winemaking. The inclusion of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon GSFs in cereal bars, pancakes and noodles was evaluated using antioxidant activity measurements [2,2 diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging]. Each product (noodles, pancakes and cereal bars) was also evaluated on separate days for consumer acceptance (n = 100 per panel). In comparing antioxidant activities, the highest DPPH radical‐scavenging activity was in pancakes containing Cabernet Sauvignon GSF (25% and 30%), noodles containing Cabernet Sauvignon GSF (20%) and cereal bars containing Merlot GSF (5%). From consumer sensory evaluation, cereal bars made with Merlot GSF, control pancakes and control noodles had high consumer acceptance. Products with low consumer acceptance included pancakes containing 25% Cabernet Sauvignon GSF and noodles containing 20% Cabernet Sauvignon GSF. Overall, the cereal bar containing 5% Merlot GSF showed a good balance of high antioxidant activity with consumer acceptability, making this a promising GSF‐containing new food product.
Effect of drying methods on volatile compounds, fatty acids and antioxidant property of Thai kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C.)
Authors: Raksakantong Pornpimol , Siriamornpun Sirithon , Meeso Naret
Published: December 2011

This study investigated the changes in colour, volatile compounds, fatty acids, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activity of kaffir lime leaves (makrud in Thai) Citrus hystrix D.C. after three drying treatments, namely hot‐air (HA) drying, low relative humidity (LRH) air drying and far‐infrared radiation (FIR) drying. Overall, when compared with fresh leaves, a slight decrease in L* values of the three dried samples was observed. TPC, TFC and ferric‐reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) values were increased by LRH and FIR drying (LRH: 39%, 43% and 28%; FIR: 62%, 39% and 39%), while HA drying decreased TPC, TFC and FRAP values (28%, 21% and 1%), compared with fresh leaves. The main volatile compounds in fresh leaves were citronellal, followed by linalool and viridiflorol. Drying brought about an increase in the concentrations of volatile components, such as citronellal with HA, LRH and FIR drying (79%, 83% and 64%, respectively), compared with the results for fresh leaves (56%). LRH and HA drying increased essential fatty acid alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3), while linoleic acid (LA, 18:2n‐6) was increased by FIR drying. The present study has provided useful information for the industrial use of dried kaffir lime production.
Sorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of freeze‐dried colostral whey powders with different additives
Authors: Yu Huaning , Li Yunfei
Published: December 2011

Moisture adsorption isotherms of colostral whey (CW) powders with different additives (maltodextrin and sucrose) were determined using gravimetric static method at 15–35 °C in the water activity range of 0.067–0.76. The moisture adsorption isotherms obtained were typical sigmoid curves, and the modified‐Halsey and Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) equations gave the best fit to experimental data among five well‐known equations. Addition with maltodextrin into CW powders could effectively decrease equilibrium moisture content (EMC), whereas addition with sucrose increased EMC in the water activity of 0.43–0.76 at 15 and 25 °C and in the water activity of 0.21–0.76 at 35 °C, respectively. Thermodynamic properties including net isosteric heat of sorption and differential entropy were determined from adsorption data using Clausius–Clapeyron equation. The results showed that net isosteric heat of sorption of all the samples decreased exponentially with increasing EMC. Enthalpy–entropy compensation theory was applicable for adsorption process of all the samples, and the adsorption processes were enthalpy‐driven.
Radiation processing of minimally processed sprouts (dew gram and chick pea): effect on sensory, nutritional and microbiological quality
Authors: Nagar Vandan , Hajare Sachin N. , Saroj Sunil D. , Bandekar Jayant R.
Published: December 2011

Sprouts have become an important part of the diet because of their nutritive value and low‐calorie content. The effect of radiation processing (1 and 2 kGy dose) on minimally processed dew gram and chick pea sprouts with respect to different quality parameters was studied over a storage period of 16 days at 8 °C. Radiation treatment and storage period did not have any significant effect on the sensory as well as nutritional qualities of irradiated dew gram and chick pea sprout. No significant change (P > 0.05) was observed in the colour and firmness of irradiated sprouts as compared to control samples. However, radiation processing resulted in significant reduction in aerobic plate counts (APC), coliform counts (CC), yeast and mould count (YMC) and staphylococci counts (SC). Radiation processing of dew gram and chick pea sprouts at 1 and 2 kGy extends the shelf life without affecting sensory and nutritional qualities.
The organic acid profile in wheat cultivar grains
Authors: Rodríguez Lía H. , Morales Desireé A. , Romero Carlos D. , Rodríguez Elena R.
Published: December 2011

Organic acids, pH and total acidity were determined in the grains of nineteen wheat cultivars. Six organic acids, such as glutamic, oxalic, malic, tartaric, shikimic and fumaric acids, were separated and identified in all wheat samples applying HPLC coupled to diode array detector. Glutamic acid was the major organic acid followed by tartaric and malic acids. A low oxalic acid/calcium ratio was observed in the wheat samples analysed. The wheat samples belonging to Triticum turgidum had a higher (P < 0.05) mean tartaric acid and pH values than the wheat samples from the Triticum aestivum. Some correlations between the analysed parameters were observed, emphasising the correlation between the malic and fumaric acids. Stepwise discriminant analysis was applied on the parameters analysed, allowing to differentiate the wheat samples according to the species.
Characterisation of gold kiwifruit pectin isolated by enzymatic treatment
Authors: Yuliarti Oni , Matia‐Merino Lara , Goh Kelvin T. , Mawson John , Brennan Charles
Published: December 2011

Pectin was extracted from gold kiwifruit by four commercial enzyme preparations (Celluclast 1.5 L, Cytolase CL, Cellulyve TR 400 and NS33048). The chosen enzymes were used either in single or in combination, with and without protease addition. The recovered pectin was characterised and compared for the yield, total nonstarch polysaccharide and neutral sugar composition, protein and ash, pectin, molecular weight distribution and the viscosity. Results indicated that enzyme‐extracted gold kiwifruit pectin was rich in galacturonic acid. Purified pectin yield, and their physicochemical composition and rheological property (viscosity), was significantly affected by the type of enzyme used. The pectin extracted by Celluclast 1.5 L demonstrated to be the most viscous and recorded the highest in molecular weight (Mw) (1.65 × 106 g mol–1) compared with the other extracts. The extract Mw and their distribution were discussed and related to their viscosity behaviour.
A study of the power absorption and temperature distribution during microwave reheating of instant rice
Authors: Fan Daming , Li Chunxiang , Ma Wenrui , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei
Published: December 2011

Microwave heating is a rapid and convenient food‐reheating method. However, uneven heating often occurs. To study the ‘cold spot’ problem of chilled instant rice during microwave reheating, online monitor was used to determine the temperature distribution during reheating. A cylindrical model was used to simulate the microwave reheating process of instant rice, and Lambert’s law was applied to analyse the microwave power absorption of rice and to predict the reheating temperature. The results showed that the internal temperature was highest at the geometric centre during microwave reheating. The predicted data using Lambert’s law matched the experimental results with relatively good agreement, and the correlation coefficient R2 is between 0.990 and 0.999.
Clathrin‐independent endocytosis contributes to uptake of glucose into BY‐2 protoplasts
Authors: Bandmann Vera , Homann Ulrike
Published: December 2011

In eukaryotic cells, several pathways exist for the internalization of plasma membrane proteins and extracellular cargo molecules. These endocytic pathways can be divided into clathrin‐dependent and clathrin‐independent pathways. While clathrin‐dependent pathways are known to be involved in a variety of cellular processes in plants, clathrin‐independent pathways have so far only been identified in animal and yeast cells. Here we show that internalization of fluorescent glucose into BY‐2 cells leads to accumulation of the sugar in compartments of the endocytic pathway. This endocytic uptake of glucose was not blocked by ikarugamycin, an inhibitor of clathrin‐dependent endocytosis, suggesting a role for clathrin‐independent endocytosis in glucose uptake. Investigations of fusion and fission of single vesicles by membrane capacitance measurements revealed stimulation of endocytic activity by extracellular glucose. Glucose‐stimulated fission of vesicles was not affected by addition of ikarugamycin or blocking of clathrin coat formation by transient over‐expression of HUB1 (the C‐terminal part of the clathrin heavy chain). These data demonstrate that clathrin‐independent endocytosis does occur in plant cells. This pathway may represent a common mechanism for the uptake of external nutrients.
Genetic dissection of methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase indicates a complex role for mitochondrial leucine catabolism during seed development and germination
Authors: Ding Geng , Che Ping , Ilarslan Hilal , Wurtele Eve S. , Nikolau Basil J.
Published: December 2011

3‐methylcrotonyl CoA carboxylase (MCCase) is a nuclear‐encoded, mitochondrial‐localized biotin‐containing enzyme. The reaction catalyzed by this enzyme is required for leucine (Leu) catabolism, and it may also play a role in the catabolism of isoprenoids and the mevalonate shunt. In Arabidopsis, two MCCase subunits (the biotinylated MCCA subunit and the non‐biotinylated MCCB subunit) are each encoded by single genes (At1g03090 and At4g34030, respectively). A reverse genetic approach was used to assess the physiological role of MCCase in plants. We recovered and characterized T‐DNA and transposon‐tagged knockout alleles of the MCCA and MCCB genes. Metabolite profiling studies indicate that mutations in either MCCA or MCCB block mitochondrial Leu catabolism, as inferred from the increased accumulation of Leu. Under light deprivation conditions, the hyper‐accumulation of Leu, 3‐methylcrotonyl CoA and isovaleryl CoA indicates that mitochondrial and peroxisomal Leu catabolism pathways are independently regulated. This biochemical block in mitochondrial Leu catabolism is associated with an impaired reproductive growth phenotype, which includes aberrant flower and silique development and decreased seed germination. The decreased seed germination phenotype is only observed for homozygous mutant seeds collected from a parent plant that is itself homozygous, but not from a parent plant that is heterozygous. These characterizations may shed light on the role of catabolic processes in growth and development, an area of plant biology that is poorly understood.
Evaluating auxin distribution in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) through an analysis of the PIN and AUX/LAX gene families
Authors: Pattison Richard J. , Catalá Carmen
Published: December 2011

The temporal and spatial control of auxin distribution has a key role in the regulation of plant growth and development, and much has been learnt about the mechanisms that influence auxin pools and gradients in vegetative tissues, particularly in Arabidopsis. For example polar auxin transport, mediated by PIN and AUX/LAX proteins, is central to the control of auxin distribution. In contrast, very little information is known about the dynamics of auxin distribution and the molecular basis of its transport within and between fruit tissues, despite the fact that auxin regulates many aspects of fruit development, which include fruit formation, expansion, ripening and abscission. In addition, functional information regarding the key regulators of auxin fluxes during both vegetative and reproductive development in species other than Arabidopsis is scarce. To address these issues, we have investigated the spatiotemporal distribution of auxin during tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit development and the function of the PIN and AUX/LAX gene families. Differential concentrations of auxin become apparent during early fruit growth, with auxin levels being higher in internal tissues than in the fruit pericarp and the pattern of auxin accumulation depended on polar transport. Ten tomato PIN (SlPIN1 to 10) and five AUX/LAX (SlLAX1 to 5) genes were identified and found to display heterogeneous expression patterns, with tissue and developmental‐stage specificity. RNAi‐mediated co‐silencing of SlPIN4 and SlPIN3 did not affect fruit development, which suggested functional redundancy of PIN proteins, but did lead to a vegetative phenotype, and revealed a role for these genes in the regulation of tomato shoot architecture.
Growth and nitrogen use in Xanthium canadense grown in an open or in a dense stand
Authors: Watari Ryoji , Nagashima Hisae , Hirose Tadaki
Published: December 2011

Plants develop branches profusely when grown solitarily, while less so when grown in a dense stand. Such changes in architecture are associated with changes in dry mass allocation and nitrogen use. Here, we studied what traits in plant growth and nitrogen use were influenced by different light climates in the stand. Annual plants (Xanthium canadense) were grown solitarily or in a dense stand. Dry mass growth was analyzed as the product of the net assimilation rate (NAR) and leaf area (LA). Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was analyzed as the product of nitrogen productivity (NP) and the mean residence time (MRT) of nitrogen. These growth variables were further factorized into their components. Solitary plants maintained a high NAR, whereas plants in the dense stand decreased the NAR due to mutual shading. Plants in the dense stand developed a larger LA with a higher specific leaf area than solitary plants. Solitary plants had higher NUE due to higher NP. A temporal increase in NUE was attributed to the increase in MRT of nitrogen. Light climate was different between solitary and dense‐stand plants, but they took up a comparable amount of nitrogen and used it differently in response to the given light climate. NUE was thus demonstrated to be a useful tool for analyzing the mechanism leading to different N use in plant growth.
Long‐term structural canopy changes sustain net photosynthesis per ground area in high arctic Vaccinium uliginosum exposed to changes in near‐ambient UV‐B levels
Authors: Boesgaard Kristine S. , Albert Kristian R. , Ro‐Poulsen Helge , Michelsen Anders , Mikkelsen Teis N. , Schmidt Niels M.
Published: December 2011

Full recovery of the ozone layer is not expected for several decades and consequently, the incoming level of solar ultraviolet‐B (UV‐B) will only slowly be reduced. Therefore to investigate the structural and photosynthetic responses to changes in solar UV‐B we conducted a 5‐year UV‐B exclusion study in high arctic Greenland. During the growing season, the gas exchange (H2O and CO2) and chlorophyll‐a fluorescence were measured in Vaccinium uliginosum. The leaf dry weight, carbon, nitrogen, stable carbon isotope ratio, chlorophyll and carotenoid content were determined from a late season harvest. The net photosynthesis per leaf area was on average 22% higher in 61% reduced UV‐B treatment across the season, but per ground area photosynthesis was unchanged. The leaf level increase in photosynthesis was accompanied by increased leaf nitrogen, higher stomatal conductance and Fv/Fm. There was no change in total leaf biomass, but reduction in total leaf area caused a pronounced reduction of specific leaf area and leaf area index in reduced UV‐B. This demonstrates the structural changes to counterbalance the reduced plant carbon uptake seen per leaf area in ambient UV‐B as the resulting plant carbon uptake per ground area was not affected. Thus, our understanding of long‐term responses to UV‐B reduction must take into account both leaf level processes as well as structural changes to understand the apparent robustness of plant carbon uptake per ground area. In this perspective, V. uliginosum seems able to adjust plant carbon uptake to the present amount of solar UV‐B radiation in the High Arctic.
Combined enhancements of temperature and UVB influence growth and phenolics in clones of the sexually dimorphic Salix myrsinifolia
Authors: Nybakken Line , Hörkkä Riia , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta
Published: December 2011

Although several climatic factors are expected to change simultaneously in the future, the effect of such combined changes on plants have seldom been tested under field conditions. We report on a field experiment with dark‐leaved willow, Salix myrsinifolia, subjected to enhancements in ultraviolet‐A (UVA), UVB radiation and temperature, setup in Joensuu, Eastern Finland. S. myrsinifolia is a dioecious species, known as an important food plant for many herbivores. Cuttings of eight clones, four of each sex, of dark‐leaved willow were planted in the field in spring 2009. In both 2009 and 2010, the total biomass increased significantly with temperature, and in 2010 there was an additive effect of UVB radiation. Both height and diameter increased with temperature in 2009, while the effect on height growth ceased in 2010. Males had greater diameter growth than females in 2010. Most phenolic compounds in the leaves decreased under enhanced temperature in both growing seasons. In 2010, four of six salicylates increased in response to enhanced temperature. Some quercetin derivatives increased under enhanced UVB radiation. Females had higher concentrations of chlorogenic acids than males, and while enhanced temperature reduced chlorogenic acid in females only, luteolins were reduced only in males. In summary, the combined enhancements gave no effects in addition to those that appeared under the single‐factor treatments, except for the additive effect of UVB on temperature‐increased biomass. The few gender‐related differences found in response to climate change do not allow any marked expectations of future climate‐induced changes in sex ratios.
BENEFICIAL USE OF MAGNIFYING ENDOSCOPY WITH NARROW‐BAND IMAGING FOR DIAGNOSING A PATIENT WITH SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE ANAL CANAL
Authors: MORISAKI TOMOHITO , ISOMOTO HAJIME , AKAZAWA YUKO , YAMAGUCHI NAOYUKI , OHNITA KEN , TAKESHIMA FUMINAO , TAKESHITA HIROAKI , SAWAI TERUMITSU , ABE KUNIKO , NAKAO KAZUHIKO
Published: December 2011

The patient was a 74‐year‐old woman. She visited a dermatology clinic with a complaint of discomfort in the anal region. Erosion was observed in the anal region, and biopsies were performed. She was diagnosed with Bowen's disease and was referred to the dermatology department of our hospital for treatment. At our department, an endoscopic examination was performed for assessing the extent of Bowen's disease in the rectum. A retroflexed view of the anal canal revealed a slightly raised lesion with a faded color and an irregular surface. Narrow‐band imaging (NBI) revealed a whitish lesion with a relatively clear margin and brown dots on the inside. Magnifying endoscopy with NBI revealed abnormal microvessels with dilatation, tortuosity, caliber change and various shapes, which were quite similar to the intrapapillary capillary loop patterns of superficial esophageal cancer. A complete transanal resection of the anal mucosa was performed thereafter. The patient was diagnosed with a well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma on the basis of a pathological examination. An early diagnosis is critical for successful treatment of anal canal cancer. In this regard, magnifying endoscopy with NBI may be useful for determining the presence and extent of anal canal cancer.
Prevalence and mental health outcomes of homicide survivors in a representative US sample of adolescents: data from the 2005 National Survey of Adolescents
Authors: Rheingold Alyssa A. , Zinzow Heidi , Hawkins Alesia , Saunders Benjamin E. , Kilpatrick Dean G.
Published: December 2011

Background:  Each homicide leaves behind several friends and family members, or homicide survivors. However, limited information is available on the impact of homicide on adolescent survivors. The purpose of the current study was to identify the prevalence of homicide survivorship and to determine mental health outcomes within a sample of US adolescent survivors.

Methods:  A nationally representative sample of American adolescents (N = 3,614) between the ages of 12 and 17 completed structured telephone interviews assessing homicide survivorship and mental health consequences including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, drug use, and alcohol abuse.

Results:  Reported prevalence within this sample of losing a loved one to criminal homicide was 9%, losing a loved one to vehicular homicide was 7%, and losing a loved one to both types of homicide was 2%. Logistic regression analyses found that adolescents who reported being homicide survivors were significantly more likely to report depression, drug use, and alcohol abuse after controlling for demographic factors and other violence exposure.

Conclusions:  If the results from this study are generalizable to the US population, roughly 1 in 5 American adolescents may be impacted by homicide. Further, adolescents exposed to such a loss are at increased risk for mental health sequelae. Results suggest that greater attention needs to be paid to address the needs of these often underserved victims.