bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corticotropin‐releasing hormone skin signalling is receptor mediated and is predominant in the sebaceous glands
Authors: Orlowski K. , Schnitger A. , Glass E. , Zouboulis Ch. C.
Published: August 2010

There is increasing evidence that the sebaceous gland is involved in responses to stress‐expressing receptors for several neuropeptides. Among them, corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), a hypothalamus‐derived peptide was currently found to also be produced in the skin. Urocortin, urotensin and sauvagine are recently described members of the family of structurally related CRH‐like peptides, with urocortin sharing a 45% homology to CRH. To better understand the effects of CRH and CRH‐like peptides on skin cells, the distribution of CRH, CRH receptors I and II as well as CRH‐binding protein in cultured skin cells was determined. Moreover, the effects of CRH and CRH‐like peptides on proliferation and inflammatory signalling of CRH receptors‐expressing skin cells in vitro were investigated. While native keratinocytes and SZ95 sebocytes expressed CRH, CRH‐binding protein, and both CRH receptors, endothelial cells did not express any of these molecules. There was a cell‐specific effect regarding cell proliferation. While CRH and urocortin inhibit SZ95 sebocyte growth, we could not observe such effect on HaCaT keratinocytes. Urotensin and sauvagine were inactive on both cell types. CRH and urocortin stimulated interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 release from SZ95 sebocytes, but they exhibited no effect on interleukin‐1α and ‐β release. α‐helical CRH, a CRH antagonist, annulled the CRH effect, but not that of urocortin, on SZ95 sebocyte proliferation and interleukin synthesis. In conclusion, CRH, and to less extend urocortin, is likely to play a major role on the signalling of stress pathophysiology in the skin. The sebaceous gland is more likely to be the CRH activity regulation centre in human skin.
In vitro interactions between sensory nerves, epidermis, hair follicles and capillaries in a tissue‐engineered reconstructed skin
Authors: Gagnon V. , Gingras M. , Germain L. , Durham H. D. , Berthod F.
Published: August 2010

Recent findings have established that cutaneous nerves modulate both skin homeostasis and various skin diseases, by influencing cell growth and differentiation, inflammation and wound healing. In order to study the influence of epidermis, hair follicles and capillaries on sensory neurons, and vice‐versa, we developed a tissue‐engineered model of innervated endothelialized reconstructed skin (MIERS). Mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons were seeded on a collagen sponge populated with human fibroblasts and human endothelial cells. Keratinocytes or mice newborn immature hair follicle buds were then seeded on the opposite side of the MIERS to study their influence on sensory nerves growth, and vice versa. A vigorous neurite elongation was detected inside the reconstructed dermis after 14 and 31 days of neurons culture. The presence of endothelial cells induced a significant increase of the neurite elongation after 14 days of culture. The addition of human keratinocytes totally avoided the twofold decrease in the amount of neurites observed between 14 and 31 days in controls. We have successfully developed the MIERS that allowed us to study the effects of epidermis and capillaries on nerve growth. This model will be a useful tool to study the modulation of sensory nerves on wound healing, angiogenesis, hair growth and neurogenic inflammation in the skin.
Skin and hair follicle fibroblasts differentially express POMC peptides, receptors and associated processing convertases during the hair growth cycle and in vitro– implications for fibroblast topographic differentiation in skin
Authors: Kauser S. , Karoo R. O. , Böhm M. , Tobin D. J.
Published: August 2010

Mesenchymal cells are involved in reciprocal mesenchymal–epithelial interactions during development and growth of skin and its appendages. Fibroblasts exhibit topographic differentiation and so constitute a highly diverse family of cells with distinct and characteristic traits. This heterogeneity is also seen in the skin where hair growth inductive fibroblasts called follicular papilla (FP) fibroblasts are distinct from fibroblasts of the connective tissue sheath (CTS), and both, in turn, are distinct from peripheral interfollicular dermal fibroblasts (DFs). POMC peptides and their cognate receptors are expressed variably by several skin cells types, including fibroblasts. However, it is not clear how the POMC system is regulated in different skin fibroblasts populations. We characterized the expression of the POMC peptide family and their receptors and pro‐hormone convertases (PCs) in human haired scalp during the hair growth cycle and in matched sets of DF, FP and CTS fibroblasts cultured from normal adult male scalp. Expression of POMC peptides, PC 2 and µ‐OR in FP fibroblasts was highest during anagen. By contrast, β‐end, 7B2 and PC1 were broadly undetectable during anagen but expression levels increased considerably during the apoptosis‐driven catagen phase. Matched sets of cultured FP and DF fibroblasts showed similar protein expression levels of α‐MSH, ACTH, PC2, 7B2, µ‐OR and MC1‐R. However, FP cells expressed higher levels of PC1 and β‐end peptide and higher µ‐OR mRNA levels than DF cells. Thus, follicular and interfollicular fibroblasts represent heterogeneous subpopulations that are likely to respond variably to POMC peptides.
Role of bulge cells in wound healing: possible implications for hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Ito M. , Liu Y. , Yang Z. , Nguyen J. , Morris R. , Liang F. , Cotsarelis G.
Published: August 2010

The hair follicle bulge harbors a cluster of quiescent epithelial stem cells, which generate the new lower hair follicle during follicle cycling. The role of bulge cells for maintenance of the hair follicle and epidermis during normal homeostasis and after wounding remains controversial. To address these questions, we targeted the suicide gene, thymidine kinase (TK), or CrePR recombinase to hair follicle bulge cells using a K15 promoter. Administration of ganciclovir to K15‐TK mice caused their death due to gastrointestinal injury. We then treated immunodeficient mice carrying K15‐TK skin grafts with ganciclovir. This resulted in injury of bulge cells within several days. Loss of hair and permanent injury to hair follicles ensued. Dermal scarring was also present. The epidermis without follicles survived for several months.

To further assess the contribution of bulge cells to epidermis, we used double transgenic K15‐crePR1, R26R mice. After 5 days of treatment with RU‐486 (time 0), bulge cells and a small fraction of epidermal cells expressed LacZ under control of the ROSA promoter. To determine whether bulge cells moved into the epidermis under normal homeostatic conditions, we counted labeled epidermal basal cells at times 0, 30 days, and 180 days. We found that the percentage of labeled epidermal basal cells (approximately 1%) remained constant, indicating an absence of cell movement from the bulge to the epidermis. After punch wounding, bulge progeny were detected in a radial pattern in the re‐epithelialized area. Radial streaks of bulge cell progeny emanated from the hair follicles at the wound edge. Bulge cell progeny proliferated and expressed normal epidermal differentiation markers such as keratin 10 and loricrin.

Overall, these results indicate that follicular stem cells in the bulge are necessary for hair follicle survival and that these cells functionally contribute to epidermal regeneration in response to wounding; however, the epidermis self‐renews autonomously of the bulge under normal conditions.

The role of bulge cells in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is not known; however, pathological studies suggest aberrant proliferation of the hair follicle may accompany HS and inappropriate stem cell activation and differentiation could be a component of this disorder. The K15‐crePR1 transgenic mouse will serve as a powerful tool for evaluating the role of hair follicle stem cells in mouse models of HS. Studying hair follicle stem cells with recently defined markers for these cells will be useful for evaluating stem cell behavior in HS lesions.
Surgical treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa and critical review of own experience
Authors: Marsch Wolfgang Christian
Published: August 2010

HS (acne inversa) is a chronic, progressive, initially inflammatory, ultimately a fistulating and scarring disease affecting apocrine gland‐bearing skin areas. Late phases afford a broad surgical removal of affected skin areas including subcutaneous fatty tissue, with secondary mesh grafting after a period of granulation tissue formation. Fifty‐three patients have been treated surgically at our Dermatology Department. Long‐term results are excellent concerning satisfaction of the patients and functional objectives. Local recurrences or development of new lesions in formerly unaffected areas were noticed only in some patients who did not stop smoking.

Patient details were as follows: gender distribution: male (M) 20 (38%), female (F) 33 (62%), age: M 19–62 (average 40.7), F 15–56 (average 35.4), onset: M 16–57 (32.2), F 8–50 (25.5), duration: 3 months to 37 years (8.0), F 6 months to 37 years (9.9). Sites mainly affected: axillary and perigenital. Specific regions for men: perineum and rima ani, for women: inguinal, submammary and abdominal. Multiple anatomical regions involved: men 40%, women 91%. Familiarity 0.4%. Associated acne papulo‐pustulosa or nodulo‐cystica (=conglobata): 19%. Cigarette smokers: men 100%, women 67%.

Excised material from each operation was carefully examined histologically. The results endorse the concept of ‘acne inversa’ by recognizing a perifollicular accumulation of lymphocytes simultaneously at different infrainfundibula of terminal hair follicles. However, a follicular hyperkeratosis seems secondary to this, follicular perforation, and a combination of sinus, abscess and scar formation are most obviously tertiary events. Therefore, HS seems to be an inflammatory, probably an immunological disease with an initially strictly dermal target, even followed by an intradermal horizontal propagation. Laser flux imaging could visualize the subclinical peripheral extension of the basically dermal perifollicular inflammation. Biologics may have a beneficial effect on these early or perpetuating inflammatory events; however, thus far surgery remains the first‐line therapy in late phases of the disease.
Expression of wild‐type, but not mutant, loricrin causes programmed cell death in HaCaT keratinocytes
Authors: YONEDA Kozo , DEMITSU Toshio , MANABE Motomu , IGARASHI Junsuke , KOSAKA Hiroaki , INAGAKI Nobuya , TAKAHASHI Hidetoshi , KON Atsushi , KAKURAI Maki , KUBOTA Yasuo
Published: August 2010

The epidermal cornified cell envelope is a complex protein–lipid composite that replaces the plasma membrane of corneocytes and is crucial for epidermal barrier function. Loricrin is a major constituent of the epidermal cornified cell envelope, contributing approximately 70% by mass. In order to explore novel function of wild‐type (WT) loricrin other than the major component of the epidermal cornified cell envelope, we transiently expressed construct encoding human WT and mutant loricrin (730insG) in HaCaT keratinocytes. HaCaT cells transfected with WT or mutant loricrin were at differentiation level. WT loricrin in the transfected cells was seen diffusely in the cytoplasm and nuclei. Positive transferase deoxytidyl uridine end labeling staining was observed in the nuclei of WT loricrin‐transfected HaCaT keratinocytes. Data from the DNA fragmentation assay showed that only WT loricrin induced DNA ladders compared with that of mutant loricrin. WT loricrin‐transfected HaCaT keratinocytes were susceptible to programmed cell death (PCD). Activation of caspase‐14 was also seen. In contrast, PCD or activation of caspase‐14 did not occur in mutant loricrin‐transfected HaCaT cells. These results suggest that the expression of WT loricrin facilitates induction of PCD in HaCaT keratinocytes.
Novel Brugada syndrome‐causing mutation in ion‐conducting pore of cardiac Na+ channel does not affect ion selectivity properties
Authors: Amin A. S. , Verkerk A. O. , Bhuiyan Z. A. , Wilde A. A. M. , Tan H. L.
Published: August 2010

Aim:  Brugada syndrome is an inherited cardiac disease with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Thus far Brugada syndrome has been linked only to mutations in SCN5A, the gene encoding the α‐subunit of cardiac Na+ channel. In this study, a novel SCN5A gene mutation (D1714G) is reported, which has been found in a 57‐year‐old male patient. Since the mutation is located in a segment of the ion‐conducting pore of the cardiac Na+ channel, which putatively determines ion selectivity, it may affect ion selectivity properties.

Methods:  HEK‐293 cells were transfected with wild‐type (WT) or D1714G α‐subunit and β‐subunit cDNA. Whole‐cell configuration of the patch‐clamp technique was used to study biophysical properties at room temperature (21 °C) and physiological temperature (36 °C). This study represents the first measurements of human Na+ channel kinetics at 36 °C. Ion selectivity, current density, and gating properties of WT and D1714G channel were studied.

Results:  D1714G channel yielded nearly 80% reduction of Na+ current density at 21 and 36 °C. At both temperatures, no significant changes were observed in V1/2 values and slope factors for voltage‐dependent activation and inactivation. At 36 °C, but not at 21 °C, D1714G channel exhibited more slow inactivation compared with WT channel. Ion selectivity properties were not affected by the mutation at both temperatures, as assessed by either current or permeability ratio.

Conclusion:  This study shows no changes in ion selectivity properties of D1714G channel. However, the profoundly decreased current density associated with the D1714G mutation may explain the Brugada syndrome phenotype in our patient.
Escherichia coliderived factors modulate human granulosa cell steroidogenesis
Authors: Reinsberg J. , Christoffel S. , Kumar A. , van der Ven H.
Published: August 2010

Aim: In order to identify bacterial compounds which directly affect granulosa cell steroidogenesis, the effect of culture‐supernatants and extracts fromEscherichia coliwere tested in anin vitrogranulosa cell culture model.

Methods: Samples were drawn from the culture‐supernatant ofE. coliATCC25922 cultured in Luria‐broth medium. Bacterial extract was prepared by incubation of freshly harvested bacteria in buffer. The bacterial culture‐supernatants and extracts were added to human granulosa cells in culture. The granulosa cells collected from the follicular aspirates from women undergoingin‐vitrofertilization were cultured for 17–53 h and progesterone or oestradiol was assayed in the spent culture medium.

Results: TheE. coliculture‐supernatant stimulated the basal granulosa cell progesterone production demonstrating its maximum activity reached after 200–240 min of bacterial growth. The heat denaturated bacterial extract as well as its low‐molecular‐weight fraction (<10 kDa) stimulated both the basal and the hCG‐stimulated progesterone production; the oestradiol production was slightly inhibited. Stimulation of progesterone production was time dependent increasing from 125 ± 18% of control within the first 3 h to 205 ± 35% within 17–53 h. The high‐molecular‐weight fraction (>30 kDa) of the bacterial extract inhibited progesterone production. The inhibitory activity was significantly diminished by heat denaturation.

Conclusions: The present study demonstrates the existence of various compounds which are secreted byE. coliand could also be extracted out ofE. colibacteria. These bacterial compounds modulate ovarian steroidogenesis. Further studies are needed to clarify how far these compounds contribute to menstrual disturbance observed in chronic pelvic inflammation.
A single bout of exercise is followed by a prolonged decrease in the interstitial glucose concentration in skeletal muscle
Authors: Henriksson J. , Knol M.
Published: August 2010

Aim:  The present study was performed to test the hypothesis that the interstitial glucose concentration in human skeletal muscle is decreased for a prolonged period following a single bout of exercise, while blood flow has returned to resting levels.

Methods:  Muscle interstitial concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and urea were monitored in six healthy individuals during 8 h following a 2‐h one‐leg exercise session by microdialysis at low perfusion flow rate. Simultaneously the blood flow was measured by the microdialysis ethanol technique.

Results:  The blood glucose and the control leg interstitial glucose concentrations were stable during the experiment averaging 5.7 ± 0.1 and 4.1 ± 0.3 mm, respectively. In contrast, the interstitial glucose concentration in the exercise leg was markedly decreased, averaging 1.9 ± 0.5 mm, during the first 5.5 h following exercise (P < 0.01), after which it returned towards normal values. Muscle blood flow at the site of the microdialysis catheter, measured as the ethanol outflow‐to‐inflow ratio, did not change significantly over time in the control or exercise leg and did not differ significantly between the two legs. Interstitial concentrations of lactate, pyruvate and urea were not significantly different between the control and exercise leg.

Conclusion:  The study shows that the interstitial glucose concentration in skeletal muscle is markedly decreased for several hours following a single exercise session. The decreased interstitial glucose concentration may serve to limit the rate of post‐exercise muscle glucose uptake to a rate compatible with normal blood glucose levels and may also be speculated to have a positive long‐term health implication by augmenting muscle insulin sensitivity.
Methotrexate in paediatric ulcerative colitis: a retrospective survey at a single tertiary referral centre
Authors: Aloi M. , Di Nardo G. , Conte F. , Mazzeo L. , Cavallari N. , Nuti F. , Cucchiara S. , Stronati L.
Published: August 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1017–1022

Background  Patients with ulcerative colitis often receive thiopurines as immunomodulators (IMs) to maintain remission and avoid corticosteroids. If unresponsive or intolerant to these agents, patients are treated with methotrexate, an antimetabolite never assessed in paediatric ulcerative colitis.

Aim  To describe the experience with methotrexate in children with ulcerative colitis.

Methods  Thirty‐two patients (median age 13.9 years) received methotrexate. Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis Activity Index (PUCAI) and use of corticosteroids were the main outcomes evaluated at baseline and at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results  Indications to methotrexate were azathioprine unresponsiveness in 18 patients, azathioprine intolerance/toxicity in 10 and spondyloarthropathy in four. Response or remission was achieved in 72%, 63% and 50% of patients at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. Mean PUCAI were 49.5 ± 23.3 at baseline and 32.9 ± 21.9, 29.5 ± 21.8 and 29.4 ± 19.9 at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively (P: 0.03). At the beginning of methotrexate, 16 patients (50%) received corticosteroids that were discontinued in 13 of them (81%) by 6 months. At the end of the study, 11 patients (33%) needed short courses of corticosteroids for disease relapse.

Conclusions  Methotrexate may be useful in treating children with ulcerative colitis, although large, controlled trials are warranted to define better its effectiveness.
Clinical trial: colectomy after rescue therapy in ulcerative colitis – 3‐year follow‐up of the Swedish‐Danish controlled infliximab study
Authors: Gustavsson A. , Järnerot G. , Hertervig E. , Friis‐Liby I. , Blomquist L. , Karlén P. , Grännö C. , Vilien M. , Ström M. , Verbaan H. , Hellström P. M. , Magnuson A. , Halfvarson J. , Tysk C.
Published: August 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 984–989

Background  The long‐term efficacy of infliximab as rescue therapy in steroid‐refractory ulcerative colitis is not well described.

Aim  To examine the long‐term efficacy of infliximab as a rescue therapy through a 3‐year follow‐up of a previous placebo‐controlled trial of infliximab in acute steroid‐refractory ulcerative colitis.

Method  In the original study, 45 patients were randomized to a single infusion of infliximab 5 mg/kg or placebo, and at 3 months, 7/24 patients given infliximab were operated vs. 14/21 patients given placebo. Three years or later, patients were asked to participate in a clinical follow‐up.

Results  Another seven patients underwent colectomy during follow‐up: five in the infliximab group and two in the placebo group. After 3 years, a total of 12/24 (50%) patients given infliximab and 16/21 (76%) given placebo (P = 0.012) had a colectomy. None of eight patients in endoscopic remission at 3 months later had a colectomy compared with 7/14 (50%) patients who were not in remission (P = 0.02). There was no mortality.

Conclusion  The benefit of rescue therapy with infliximab in steroid‐refractory acute ulcerative colitis remained after 3 years. The main advantage of infliximab treatment occurred during the first 3 months, whereas subsequent colectomy rates were similar in the two groups. Mucosal healing at 3 months influenced later risk of colectomy.
Risk of colorectal adenomas in patients with coeliac disease
Authors: Lebwohl B. , Stavsky E. , Neugut A. I. , Green P. H. R.
Published: August 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 1037–1043

Background  Coeliac disease is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma and small bowel malignancy, but most studies have found no increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Aim  To compare the prevalence of colorectal adenomas in coeliac disease patients with that in non‐coeliac disease controls.

Methods  We identified all coeliac disease patients who underwent colonoscopy at our institution during a 44‐month period. We matched each patient with non‐coeliac disease controls by age, gender and endoscopist. We compared the adenoma prevalence between these groups, and used multivariate analysis to assess the independent association of coeliac disease with adenomas.

Results  We identified 180 patients with coeliac disease and 346 controls. At least one adenoma was present in 13% of coeliac disease patients and 17% of controls (P = 0.20). On multivariate analysis, age (OR per year 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.07) and male gender (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.36–3.98) were associated with adenomas, while the relationship between coeliac disease and adenomas remained null (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.41–1.34).

Conclusions  Coeliac disease is not associated with an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. The lack of increased risk of colorectal cancer observed in population studies is related to a true average risk of colorectal neoplasia, rather than artifactually reflecting increased colonoscopy and associated polypectomies in the coeliac population.
Sexual and reproductive traits ofHypania invalida(Polychaeta, Ampharetidae): a remarkable invasive species in Central European waterways
Authors: NORF HELGE , KNIGGENDORF LEIF G. , FISCHER ALBRECHT , ARNDT HARTMUT , KURECK ARMIN
Published: August 2010

1. The Ponto‐Caspian polychaeteHypania invalida(Archiv für Naturgeschichte, 1860, 26, 109) is undergoing rapid range expansion in the Rhine and other central European waterways. We examined its reproductive traits in an attempt to account for its remarkable invasive success.

2. For the first time in this species, we found males, dioecy (gonochorism) and an exclusively sexual mode of reproduction; no indication for hermaphroditism or (unisexual) parthenogenesis, that could explain the rapid range expansion ofH. invalida,was found.

3. Our experimental evidence shows thatH. invalidareproduces by males discharging their sperm into the water column while eggs are retained and fertilised in the female dwelling tubes. This mode of ‘spermcast’ reproduction is common in sessile benthic animals on wave‐washed shores.

4. Fecundity ofH. invalidaranged between 60 and 260 eggs per clutch and is increased by iteroparity (i.e. multiple cycles of oogenesis and egg‐laying per specimen). Offspring are brooded for about 2 weeks before they leave the maternal dwelling tubes and disperse in the water column.

5. After connection to a supply of Rhine water, sediments in flumes were rapidly colonised up to a density of 12 000 ind. m−2via the settlement of small larvae (<300 μm) from the water column; these reached sexual maturity approximately 12 weeks after settlement.

6. The reproductive traits ofH. invalidagive the species a high rate of dispersal. The capacity of its larvae to survive passage through pumps before settlement enables them to travel in the ballast water of ships. This might explain the upstream expansion ofH. invalidain rivers. We conclude that further range expansion, and especially intercontinental transport of this polychaete, can only be prevented by improved ballast water treatment.
SUMOylation negatively regulates transcriptional and oncogenic activities of MafA
Authors: Kanai Kenichi , Reza Hasan Mahmud , Kamitani Akiyo , Hamazaki Yuri , Han Song‐iee , Yasuda Kunio , Kataoka Kohsuke
Published: August 2010

Dysregulated expression of Maf proteins (namely c‐Maf, MafA and MafB) leads to multiple myeloma in humans and oncogenic transformation of chicken embryonic fibroblasts. Maf proteins are transcriptional activators of tissue‐specific gene expression and regulators of cell differentiation. For example, MafA is a critical regulator of crystallin genes and the lens differentiation program in chickens. In mammals, MafA is essential for the development of mature insulin‐producing β‐cells of pancreas. It has been shown that MafA protein stability is regulated by phosphorylations at multiple serine and threonine residues. Here, we report that Maf proteins are also post‐translationally modified by small ubiquitin‐like modifier (SUMO) proteins at a conserved lysine residue in the amino‐terminal transactivator domain. A SUMOylation‐deficient mutant of MafA (K32R) was more potent than wild‐type MafA in transactivating luciferase reporter construct driven by αA‐crystallin or insulin gene promoter. In ovo electroporation into developing chicken embryo showed that the K32R mutant induced ectopic δ‐crystallin gene expression more efficiently than the wild‐type MafA. We also demonstrated that the K32R mutant had enhanced ability to induce colony formation of a chicken fibroblast cell line DF‐1. Therefore, SUMOylation is a functional post‐translational modification of MafA that negatively regulates its transcriptional and transforming activities.
Equilibrium moisture contents of air dried beef. Dependence on drying temperature
Authors: IGLESIAS HÉCTOR A. , CHIRIFE JORGE
Published: August 2010

The water adsorption isotherms at 30°C of precooked beef previously dried at three different temperature: 30°C, 55°C and 70°C, respectively, were determined. It was found that the higher the drying temperature the lower is the sorption capacity of dried beef. A B.E.T. analysis of the isotherms demonstrated that the quantity of water contained in the monolayer is affected by the temperature of drying. he adsorption and desorption isotherms at 50°C were also determined; no hysteresis was found. A multilayer adsorption equation is used to describe adequately the water sorption behaviour of cooked beef in the rante of water activities studied
Antioxidants in fruits and vegetables – the millennium’s health
Authors: Kaur Charanjit , Kapoor Harish C.
Published: August 2010

Some of the most exciting research in the last decade has been the discovery of a group of nutrients, which have protective effects against cell oxidation. These naturally occurring compounds impart bright colour to fruits and vegetables and act as antioxidants in the body by scavenging harmful free radicals, which are implicated in most degenerative diseases. Epidemiological studies have established a positive correlation between the intake of fruits and vegetables and prevention of diseases like atheroscelerosis, cancer, diabetes, arthritis and also ageing. So pronounced has been their effect on ageing that they have been called ‘fountains of youth’. Fruits and vegetables have thus had conferred on them the status of ‘functional foods’, capable of promoting good health and preventing or alleviating diseases. Phenolic flavonoids, lycopene, carotenoids and glucosinolates are among the most thoroughly studied antioxidants. The present review highlights the potential of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, their health benefits and the effect of processing on the bioavailability of these nutrients. The paper also reviews some of the important methods used to determine the antioxidant activity.
Ascorbic acid improves the antioxidant activity of European grape juices by improving the juices’ ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation of human LDL in vitro
Authors: Landbo Anne‐Katrine , Meyer Anne S.
Published: August 2010

Antioxidant activities of red and white European grape juices towards copper induced lipid oxidation of human low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) were examined in vitro. LDL lipid peroxidation was assessed spectrophotometrically by monitoring the development of conjugated lipid hydroperoxides at 234 nm. Red grape juice concentrate inhibited lipid peroxidation of LDL by prolonging the lag phase by 2.7 times relative to a control when evaluated at a total phenolic concentration of 10 μM gallic acid equivalents (GAE). Both red grape juices tested blocked lipid peroxidation of LDL at 20 μM GAE. White grape juice exerted prooxidant activity at 5–20 μM GAE. The antioxidant activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation of LDL in vitro, was correlated with the juices’ levels of total phenols (r > 0.98, P < 0.01), anthocyanins (r > 0.99, P < 0.01), flavan‐3‐ols (r > 0.97, P < 0.05), and hydroxybenzoates (r > 0.96, P < 0.05) when the phenolic composition of each grape juices was analysed by HPLC. 5 μM ascorbic acid alone did not exert antioxidant activity towards LDL, but combinations of 5 μM ascorbic acid with 5 μM GAE juice phenols eliminated the prooxidant activity of white grape juice, and significantly improved the antioxidant activities of red grape juices.
High hydrostatic pressure inactivation of Lactobacillus viridescens and its effects on ultrastructure of cells
Authors: Won Park Sung , Sohn Kyung Hyun , Shin Joong Han , Lee Hyong Joo
Published: August 2010

The effect of high hydrostatic pressure treatment on Lactobacillus viridescens, a major spoilage micro‐organism of processed meat, was investigated. When pressure was applied at 400, 500 and 600 MPa for 5 min, cell survival in MRS broth was reduced approximately by 2, 7 and 8 log cycles, respectively. The combination of high pressure and temperature increase showed synergistic effects on microbial inactivation. Empty cavities in the cell and DNA denaturation were observed after pressure treatment above 400 MPa. The level of microbial inactivation when Lb. viridescens was pressured in protein‐fortified MRS broth and ham were less than half compared with the inactivation achieved in peptone water. Increasing the temperature during high‐pressure treatment solved these adverse effects in the ham.
Thermal inactivation of Salmonella spp. in ground chicken breast or thigh meat
Authors: Juneja Vijay K.
Published: August 2010

Thermal inactivation of a four‐strain mixture of Salmonella spp. was determined in chicken breast and thigh meat. Inoculated meat was packaged in bags and then completely immersed in a circulating water bath and held at 55, 57.5, 60 and 62.5 °C for pre‐determined lengths of time. When the surviving bacteria were enumerated on tryptic soya agar supplemented with 0.6% yeast extract and 1% pyruvate (non‐selective medium), D‐values (time to inactivate 90% of bacteria) in chicken breast meat were 6.08, 4.77, 3.00 and 0.66 min at 55, 57.5, 60 and 62.5 °C, respectively; the values in thigh meat ranged from 11.48 min at 55 °C to 0.84 min at 62.5 °C. As expected, the measured heat resistance was lower when the recovery medium was selective (xylose lysine deoxycholate agar). Thermal death time values from this study will assist food processors in designing the HACCP plans to effectively eliminate Salmonella spp. in cooked chicken breast and thigh meat.
Content of some antinutritional factors in bean cultivars frequently consumed in Brazil
Authors: Almeida Deusdélia T. , Greiner Ralf , Furtunado Dalva M. N. , Trigueiro Ivaldo N. S. , Araújo Maria da Purificação N.
Published: August 2010

Protein content and content of some antinutrients were determined in four Vigna unguiculata (L) Walp and three Vicia faba cultivars frequently consumed in Brazil. The V. faba cultivars showed higher protein contents [26.8%–27.2% (w/w)] than the V. unguiculata cultivars [20.5%–22.5% (w/w)]. The difference was, however, not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05). Compared with the V. unguiculata cultivars, the V. faba cultivars exhibited a significantly higher content of all antinutritional factors analysed. In V. faba, condensed tannins ranged from 1.95 to 2.87 g eq. catechin (CE) kg−1, polyphenols from 4.81 to 7.21 g kg−1, phytate from 12.7 to 14.3 mmol kg−1, trypsin inhibitor activity from 4.12–4.38 TIU mg−1 and haemagglutinating activity from 51.3 to 57.2 HU kg−1; whereas in V. unguiculata, the corresponding values were determined to be 0.97–1.81 g eq. CE kg−1 for condensed tannins, 5.87–6.62 g kg−1 for polyphenols, 8.7–12.6 mmol kg−1 for phytate, 3.09–3.56 TIU mg−1 for trypsin inhibitor activity and 0.5–0.6 HU kg−1 for haemagglutinating activity.
Camellia sinensistea melanin suppresses transformation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor and prevents against dioxin‐induced toxicity in mice
Authors: Hung Yao‐Ching , Steven Huang Guewha , Sava Vasyl M. , Makan Svetlana Y. , Hong Meng‐Yen
Published: August 2010

The suppressive effects ofCamellia sinensistea melanin (CSTM) on transformation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) induced by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) were disclosed for the first time. CSTM strongly inhibited TCDD‐induced toxicity with IC50equalling 20.4 μg mL−1. Daily administration of CSTM (40 mg kg−1, p.o.) prevented TCDD‐induced body weight loss, ameliorated TCDD‐induced mortality and prevented TCDD‐induced hepatomegaly and thymic atrophy. Co‐administration of CSTM significantly inhibited TCDD‐induced hepatic CYP1 A1 activity. CSTM retarded transformation of AhRin vitro. In animals treated with CSTM, the antibody‐secreting cells produced significantly (P < 0.05) more antibodies (32–34%) than the antigen control. Administration of TCDD caused a suppression of antibody‐forming cells of 29–33% against the antigen control level. Co‐administration of CSTM restored immunity to the control level. We demonstrated that CSTM directly competed with TCDD during the transformation of AhR and suppressed the downstream activation of genes associated with TCDD toxicity.
Storage stability of pineapple slices preserved by combined methods
Authors: López‐Malo Aurelio , Palou Enrique
Published: August 2010

Storage stability during 3 months was evaluated for pineapple slices preserved by combined methods (blanching for 1 min with saturated vapour, aw reduction by osmotic concentration in sucrose syrup, pH reduction by addition of citric acid, and the addition of 1000 parts per million (ppm) of potassium sorbate and 150 ppm of sodium bisulphite). Pineapple slices were microbiologically sound and their moisture content,  °Brix, pH and aw remained almost constant during storage with mean values of 71.8%, 26.1, 3.65 and 0.978, respectively. Total sulphite and potassium sorbate concentrations of the pineapple slices were reduced during storage at 5 and 25 °C, being final concentrations 51% and 38% and 63% and 48% of the initial concentrations, respectively. Colour, texture and sensory evaluation revealed that there were no significant (P < 0.05) changes between samples stored at 5 or 25 °C. Good overall acceptability (initial mean score 7.21) of preserved pineapple slices even after 3 months storage at 25 °C (final mean score 7.02) was observed.
Influence of commercial freezing and storage on vitamin C content of some vegetables
Authors: Tosun Berat Nursal , Yücecan Sevinç
Published: August 2010

Vitamin C levels of commercially frozen okra, potatoes, green beans, broccoli, spinach and peas, including the impact of processing and storage, were studied. Depending on the vegetable type, prefreezing operations caused a 19.1–51.5% decrease in the initial vitamin C levels. The freezing process alone did not influence the vitamin levels except in the cases of green beans and spinach. Total losses (%) were between 27.6 and 57.9 for the vegetables at the end of commercial frozen storage (6 months). All the data obtained from this study confirmed that, depending on the vegetable type, prefreezing operations have a major impact on the vitamin C contents and this influence persists in the frozen storage.
Thermal kinetic degradation of anthocyanins in a roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. cv. ‘Criollo’) infusion
Authors: Aurelio Domínguez‐López , Edgardo Remondetto Gabriel , Navarro‐Galindo Salvador
Published: August 2010

The degradation kinetics of anthocyanins in a Roselle infusion (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), as assessed by visible absorption spectroscopy (absorbance at 520 nm), was verified (60–100 °C). The rate constants for absorbance retention were obtained from first‐order reaction kinetic plots. Based on an Arrhenius‐type model, the experimental data showed an energy of activation of 15.83 kcal mol−1 (66.22 kJ mol−1) and a Q10 value of 1.01. The obtained pattern allows to predict the retention of these antioxidant compounds as a function of temperature and time of thermal treatment.
Modification in direct analysis method: metal levels in raw milk at the region of Izmit by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer
Authors: Ay Ümit , Karayünlü Seda
Published: August 2010

A simple method was developed for the determination of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in milk serum prepared by spontaneous souring, using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples of raw milk were collected from the bulk holding tanks of thirty‐six dairy farms in twelve localities in Izmit. The samples were kept at room temperature (25 °C) for 48 h in order to allow the pH to decrease below 4.6, and the casein and fat to precipitate. Milk serum was filtered and directly injected into a graphite tube. The standard addition method was employed, and 0.1% phosphoric acid was used as the matrix modifier. The mean recoveries from three added concentrations were 91.4% for Cd and 95.8% for Pb. Cadmium and Pb concentrations found in the reference standard milk powder using this method were close to the certified values. The mean Cd contents obtained from thirty‐six samples were 0.257 μg L−1, ranging from 0.180 to 0.398 μg L−1. The mean Pb contents found were 6.83 μg L−1, ranging from 5.32 to 9.94 μg L−1.
Acetaldehyde migration from polyethylene terephthalate bottles into carbonated beverages in Türkiye
Authors: Özlem* Kizilirmak Esmer
Published: August 2010

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the packaging materials that is widely used for packaging of soft drinks. PET may contain acetaldehyde which is a thermal degradation product, and hence acetaldehyde may migrate into the product in the package. In this study, the migration of acetaldehyde from PET bottles into soft drinks containing carbonic acid was determined by gas chromatography without headspace instrument. Carbonated beverage samples obtained from four different firms following the filling process were stored at 5, 20 and 40 °C for 6 months and analysed periodically at 0 day, 2, 4 and 6 months. As a result, it was seen that the acetaldehyde concentrations of all samples were quite different from each other and also related to the storage temperature, and an increase in storage time raised acetaldehyde concentrations in beverages. Especially, storages at 40 °C had very serious effect on acetaldehyde concentrations in the beverages.
Essential oil composition of commercial black tea (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Rehman Saima , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Iqbal Zafar , Rashid Umer
Published: August 2010

The essential oil components of different tea brands were investigated by gas chromatography. The oil yields of dried tea samples were ranged from 0.09% to 0.63%. Twenty‐five compounds from Supreme and Lipton Yellow Label tea brands representing 98.0% and 88.0% of the Camellia sinensis oil were identified, respectively. The main ones were β‐pinene (51.2%) and α‐pinene (30.2%). Nineteen components from Tapal tea brand representing 76.7% of the C. sinensis oil were determined with high contents of muurol‐5‐en‐4‐a‐ol (10.5%) and muurol‐5‐en‐4‐b‐ol (31.3%). Fifteen components from Deer and Diana tea brands were identified, accounting for 83.3% and 78.2% of the oil containing α‐cadinol and β‐pinene. Seventeen components from non‐branded teas were determined with high contents of muurol‐5‐en‐4‐a‐ol and muurol‐5‐en‐4‐b‐ol. Twenty‐one compounds from non‐branded Bangladeshi Shezan and Indian teas were also identified. All oils consisted of monoterpenic hydrocarbons, oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes.
Stability of vacuolar betaxanthin pigments in juices from Moroccan yellow Opuntia ficus indica fruits
Authors: El Gharras Hasna , Hasib Aziz , Jaouad Abderrahim , El‐bouadili Aziz , Schoefs Benoît
Published: August 2010

Pigment stability of yellow juices prepared from Moroccan cactus pear (Opuntia ficus indica) was determined as a function of temperature and pH. The experiments were carried out at temperatures ranging from 80 to 100 °C with juices at pH 3.5, 5 and 6.5. The degree of pigment retention decreased when the temperature increased. The degradation constant rates were determined for thermal degradation rates of pseudo‐first order. The Arrhenius plot obtained for the degradation of betaxanthin from the yellow fruits was not linear. Regardless of the temperature treatment, the lowest degradation was obtained for pH 5. Where some stabilizers were tested for the protection of pigments, the results showed that ascorbic acid was a better protective agent at pH 3.5, increasing the protection by 40%.
Effect of antimicrobial agents and dough conditioners on the shelf‐life extension and quality of flat bread, as determined by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Abu‐Ghoush Mahmoud , Herald Thomas J. , Dowell Floyd , Xie Feng , Aramouni Fadi M. , Walker Chuck
Published: August 2010

Middle Eastern Countries are experiencing the emergence of high volume production and retail marketing over traditional unit baking and retailing. This phenomenon has revealed a shortcoming in quality issues in Arabic flat bread (AFB) manufacture. Therefore, shelf‐life extension and quality improvement are in demand to limit economic loss. Five improvers and a control (without any improver) were selected for improving shelf‐life and quality of AFB. The improver treatments included: (1) sodium 9 stearoyl‐2‐lactylate (SSL), (2) monoglycreides (MG), (3) hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose gum (HPMC), (4) high‐fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and (5) a combination of all the aforementioned improvers. The texture analysis data indicated that the presence of HFCS may act as a plasticizer through contributing to the longer tearing time. The other treatments exhibited a significant decline in tearing time throughout storage. The NIRS data indicated that after 3 days, the control was less fresh than AFB formulated with HFCS or improver combinations. The sensory evaluation of AFB exhibited that the improver combination significantly improved the quality attributes.
Fibres in the dough influencing freezing and thawing kinetics
Authors: Filipovic Jelena , Filipovic Nada
Published: August 2010

Three types of commercial fibres were incorporated into the dough formula at the level of 0%, 5% and 10%. Dough freezing/thawing kinetics was determined at –18 °C and +30 °C, respectively. Fibres type and quantity are influencing the slope of freezing curve not the trend of the freezing curve. Related to the control the presence of fibres in dough prevents the formation of the solid phase. Freezing/thawing process of dough is defined by the Fourier’s equation and tested with three approximations. Experimental data correspond the best to unsteady temperature profile, with introduced value of t2 referring to the phase transformation, proved by determination coefficient. At freezing/thawing the highest determination coefficient is experienced with 10% of inulin GR (0.966 and 0.991), and the lowest with 10% of fibrex (0.939 and 0.972). Pertinent data point at the possibility of mathematical interpretation of freezing/thawing processes that is of a particular interest for the bakery practice.
Effects of genotype, location and baking on the phenolic content and some antioxidant properties of cereal species
Authors: Menga Valeria , Fares Clara , Troccoli Antonio , Cattivelli Luigi , Baiano Antonietta
Published: August 2010

In order to assess the effect of genotype, location and their interaction on total phenolic content (TPC) of chemical extracts, the whole grains of durum and soft wheat, oat, barley and triticale were evaluated. Data showed differences in phenolic content of chemical extracts among cereal species and the analysis of variance confirmed the key role of location. Besides TPC and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values assessed by chemical extraction were compared with those obtained with an in vitro digestive enzymatic extraction. Differences were found between methanolic and enzymatic extracts, and data confirmed that enzymatic technique enhanced extraction of antioxidants but pointed out lesser differences among cereal types. The breads obtained by flours enriched with different levels of bran were also evaluated. Chemical extracts highlighted the increasing levels of antioxidants according to bran enrichments, without pointing out changes caused by baking. The enzymatic extraction instead did not show differences regarding to bran enrichments, but documented a loss in antioxidant properties of breads in respect to corresponding flours. On the other hand the scarce differences between flours and corresponding breads did not allow asserting that baking modified the TPC and TEAC, independently of the extraction methods used. Indeed, during baking process, also the observed phenolic acids profile variations did not vary the antioxidant properties of breads.
Improvement of soy‐sauce flavour by genome shuffling in Candida versatilis to improve salt stress resistance
Authors: Cao Xiaohong , Hou Lihua , Lu Meifang , Wang Chunling
Published: August 2010

Genome shuffling of Candida versatilis was applied to improve the soy‐sauce flavour by further increasing salt stress resistance. A mutant S3‐5, with a stronger resistance to salt, was isolated after three rounds of genome shuffling. It is found that S3‐5 improved stress tolerance to higher potassium chloride and lithium chloride. S3‐5 not only grew well in the YPD (peptone, yeast extract and dextrose) medium containing high concentrations of sodium chloride with various pH values, but also exhibited improvement of growth ability in soy‐sauce medium. The main aroma compounds in soy sauce were distinctly improved. Notably, S3‐5 produced about 2.78 times as much ethanol as the control strain. Another important aroma compound, 4‐hydroxy‐2 (or 5)‐ethyl‐5 (or 2)‐methyl‐3 (2H)‐furanone (HEMF) was enhanced by up to 80%. Meanwhile, S3‐5 accelerated flavour formation of soy sauce thus decreasing the total time required for the aroma development.