bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pro‐Life Arguments Against Infanticide and Why they are Not Convincing
Authors: Räsänen Joona
Published: September 2016

Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva's controversial article ‘After‐Birth Abortion: Why Should the Baby Live?’ has received a lot of criticism since its publishing. Part of the recent criticism has been made by pro‐life philosopher Christopher Kaczor, who argues against infanticide in his updated book ‘Ethics of Abortion’. Kaczor makes four arguments to show where Giubilini and Minerva's argument for permitting infanticide goes wrong. In this article I argue that Kaczor's arguments, and some similar arguments presented by other philosophers, are mistaken and cannot show Giubilini and Minerva's view to be flawed. I claim that if one wants to reject the permissibility of infanticide, one must find better arguments for doing so.
Biomarkers for evaluation of treatment response in classical Hodgkin lymphoma: comparison of sGalectin‐1, sCD163 and sCD30 with TARC
Authors: Plattel Wouter J. , Alsada Zainab N. D. , van Imhoff Gustaaf W. , Diepstra Arjan , van den Berg Anke , Visser Lydia
Published: September 2016

Soluble Galectin‐1 (sGal‐1, also termed LGALS1), soluble CD163 (sCD163) and soluble CD30 (sCD30) have been reported to be elevated in plasma or serum of patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). We aimed to determine the clinical utility of these biomarkers for evaluation of treatment response compared to thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC, also termed CCL17). Plasma or serum samples were prospectively collected among 103 newly diagnosed cHL patients before and after treatment. Levels of sGal‐1, sCD163, sCD30 and TARC were correlated with disease characteristics and clinical treatment response. Elevated plasma levels of sGal‐1, sCD163, sCD30 and TARC were found in 67%, 21%, 91% and 93% of cHL patients respectively. Mean plasma levels of sGal‐1 and sCD30 decreased after treatment but sCD163 did not decrease after treatment. There was no correlation with change of these markers and clinical treatment response in individual patients. TARC levels strongly correlated with disease characteristics and metabolic volume. TARC remained high in 6 out of 7 non‐responsive patients and dramatically decreased in 95 out of 96 responsive patients. In summary, elevated pre‐treatment levels of sGal‐1, sCD163, sCD30 and TARC can be found in patients with cHL. However, only plasma TARC accurately reflects disease activity and correlates with clinical treatment response.
Smooth muscle‐generated methylglyoxal impairs endothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation of cerebral microvessels in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Alomar Fadhel , Singh Jaipaul , Jang Hee‐Seong , Rozanzki George J , Shao Chun Hong , Padanilam Babu J , Mayhan William G , Bidasee Keshore R
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose

Endothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation of cerebral arterioles is impaired in individuals with Type 1 diabetes (T1D). This defect compromises haemodynamics and can lead to hypoxia, microbleeds, inflammation and exaggerated ischaemia‐reperfusion injuries. The molecular causes for dysregulation of cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (cECs) in T1D remains poorly defined. This study tests the hypothesis that cECs dysregulation in T1D is triggered by increased generation of the mitochondrial toxin, methylglyoxal, by smooth muscle cells in cerebral arterioles (cSMCs).

Experimental Approach

Endothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation, vascular transcytosis inflammation, hypoxia and ischaemia‐reperfusion injury were assessed in brains of male Sprague‐Dawley rats with streptozotocin‐induced diabetes and compared with those in diabetic rats with increased expression of methylglyoxal‐degrading enzyme glyoxalase‐I (Glo‐I) in cSMCs.

Key Results

After 7–8 weeks of T1D, endothelial cell‐mediated vasodilatation of cerebral arterioles was impaired. Microvascular leakage, gliosis, macrophage/neutrophil infiltration, NF‐κB activity and TNF‐α levels were increased, and density of perfused microvessels was reduced. Transient occlusion of a mid‐cerebral artery exacerbated ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. In cSMCs, Glo‐I protein was decreased, and the methylglyoxal‐synthesizing enzyme, vascular adhesion protein 1 (VAP‐1) and methylglyoxal were increased. Restoring Glo‐I protein in cSMCs of diabetic rats to control levels via gene transfer, blunted VAP‐1 and methylglyoxal increases, cECs dysfunction, microvascular leakage, inflammation, ischaemia‐reperfusion injury and increased microvessel perfusion.

Conclusions and Implications

Methylglyoxal generated by cSMCs induced cECs dysfunction, inflammation, hypoxia and exaggerated ischaemia‐reperfusion injury in diabetic rats. Lowering methylglyoxal produced by cSMCs may be a viable therapeutic strategy to preserve cECs function and blunt deleterious downstream consequences in T1D.
A functional variant of ATG16L2 is associated with Crohn's disease in the Chinese population
Authors: Ma T. , Wu S. , Yan W. , Xie R. , Zhou C.
Published: September 2016

Aim

To determine whether genetic polymorphism of the ATG16L2 gene is functionally associated with the incidence of Crohn's disease (CD) in the Chinese population.

Method

The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs11235604 of the ATG16L2 gene was genotyped in 363 patients with CD and 486 healthy volunteers from the Chinese Han population. The distributions of the genotype and allele frequency were compared between patients and controls by the chi‐square test. The mRNA expression of ATG16L2 in T cells was evaluated by real‐time PCR. Comparisons of mRNA expression of ATG16L2 between patients and controls and between patients with genotype CC and genotype CT/TT were performed with the Student's t‐test.

Results

Compared with the controls, patients were found to have a significantly higher proportion of genotype TT (5.5% vs 2.5%, P = 0.04). Allele T was the risk allele for the disease (16.3% vs 12.3%, P = 0.02), with an odds ratio of 1.31 (95% CI 1.04–1.67). The ATG16L2 mRNA of the patients was significantly reduced when compared with the controls (0.0044 ± 0.0018 vs 0.0064 ± 0.0023, P < 0.001). Patients with genotype TT/CT had a significant lower level of ATG16L2 mRNA than patients with genotype CC (0.0036 ± 0.0016 vs 0.0053 ± 0.0028, P = 0.005).

Conclusions

ATG16L2 is a susceptibility gene for CD in the Chinese population. The rs11235604 SNP is remarkably associated with downregulation of the expression of ATG16L2. Further investigation into the gene's function is warranted for a comprehensive knowledge of the contribution of the variant to the development of CD.
Loss‐of‐function mutation in RUSC2 causes intellectual disability and secondary microcephaly
Authors: Alwadei Ali H , Benini Ruba , Mahmoud Adel , Alasmari Ali , Kamsteeg Erik‐Jan , Alfadhel Majid
Published: September 2016

Inherited aberrancies in intracellular vesicular transport are associated with a variety of neurological and non‐neurological diseases. RUSC2 is a gene found on chromosome 9p13.3 that codes for iporin, a ubiquitous protein with high expression in the brain that interacts with Rab proteins (GTPases implicated in intracellular protein trafficking). Although mutations in Rab proteins have been described as causing brain abnormalities and intellectual disability, until now no disease‐causing mutations in RUSC2 have ever been reported in humans. We describe, to our knowledge for the first time, three patients with inherited homozygous nonsense mutations identified in RUSC2 on whole‐exome sequencing. All three patients had central hypotonia, microcephaly, and moderate to severe intellectual disability. Two patients had additional features of early‐onset epilepsy and absence of the splenium. This report adds to the ever‐expanding landscape of genetic causes of intellectual disability and increases our understanding of the cellular processes underlying this important neurological entity.
Visualization of haemophilic arthropathy in F8−/− rats by ultrasonography and micro‐computed tomography
Authors: Christensen K. R. , Roepstorff K. , Petersen M. , Wiinberg B. , Hansen A. K. , Kjelgaard‐Hansen M. , Nielsen L. N.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

A major complication of haemophilia is haemophilic arthropathy (HA), a debilitating disorder with an incompletely defined pathobiology. High‐resolution imaging may provide new knowledge about onset and progression of HA, and thereby support identification of new treatment opportunities. Recently, a F8−/− rat model of HA was developed. The size of the rat allows for convenient and high resolution imaging of the joints, which could enable in vivo studies of HA development.

Aim

To determine whether HA in the F8−/− rat can be visualized using ultrasonography (US) and micro‐computed tomography (μCT).

Methods

Sixty F8−/− and 20 wild‐type rats were subjected to a single or two induced knee bleeds. F8−/− rats were treated with either recombinant human FVIII (rhFVIII) or vehicle before the induction of knee bleeds. Haemophilic arthropathy was visualized using in vivo US and ex vivo μCT, and the observations correlated with histological evaluation.

Results

US and μCT detected pathologies in the knee related to HA. There was a strong correlation between disease severity determined by μCT and histopathology. rhFVIII treatment reduced the pathology identified with both imaging techniques.

Conclusion

US and μCT are suitable imaging techniques for detection of blood‐induced joint disease in F8−/− rats and may be used for longitudinal studies of disease progression.
Changes in browning‐related components of apple slices during different stages of instant controlled pressure drop‐assisted hot air drying (AD‐DIC)
Authors: Gao Kun , Chen Qinqin , Bi Jinfeng , Liu Xuan , Wu Xinye , Wang Xueyuan
Published: September 2016

The effect of instant controlled pressure drop‐assisted hot air drying (AD‐DIC) on browning‐related components in apple slices was studied. Results showed the AD temperature had no significant effect on colour index of final apple slices. The aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, histidine, arginine, sucrose and dehydroascorbic acid (DHAA) in apple slices increased firstly during the AD process and then decreased during DIC process. The fructose, glucose, reduced ascorbic acid and major phenolic compounds reduced with the abrupt increase of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) during AD‐DIC. There were significant correlations (P < 0.05) among moisture content (w.b.), water activity (aw), water state, reduced ascorbic acid, DHAA, chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B1, (+)‐catechin, (−)‐epicatechin and phlorizin during AD‐DIC. The colour difference showed that the major browning reaction of apple slices during the predrying process was enzymatic browning, while nonenzymatic browning played a crucial role on green‐red value (CIE a* value) during DIC.
Variation of composition and functional properties of gum from six Canadian flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars
Authors: Liu Jun , Shim Youn Young , Shen Jianheng , Wang Yong , Ghosh Supratim , Reaney Martin J. T.
Published: September 2016

Flaxseed gum (FG) was prepared from six Canadian flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars. Yield, neutral sugar content, acidic sugar content and protein content varied significantly among cultivar FG extracts. Zeta potential (−16.4 to −27.4 mV) and rheological properties of solution were cultivar dependent. Solutions prepared with CDC Glas FG had the highest viscosity (2.984 Pa•s), while CDC Sorrel produced the lowest (0.048 Pa•s). FG solutions exhibited pseudoplastic shear‐thinning behaviour. Viscosity of FG solution increased with concentration, while viscosity and pseudoplasticity decreased with increased temperature. NaCl addition decreased solution viscosity while adding sucrose increased viscosity. FG solutions prepared from Flanders and CDC Sorrel had the highest and lowest emulsion activity index, respectively, while solutions of CDC Arras and CDC Bethune FG had the lowest and highest emulsion stability, respectively. Findings presented here provide information that could enable greater utilisation in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as thickeners and/or emulsifiers.
Diagnostic accuracy of the use of parental‐reported sleep bruxism in a polysomnographic study in children
Authors: Restrepo Claudia , Manfredini Daniele , Castrillon Eduardo , Svensson Peter , Santamaria Adriana , Alvarez Claudia , Manrique Ruben , Lobbezoo Frank
Published: September 2016

Background

Polysomnography (PSG) is the gold standard for sleep bruxism (SB) diagnosis. PSG/SB children's criteria are not available; thus, parental‐report SB is widely used.

Aim

Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of parental report of sleep tooth grinding (STG) with a PSG/SB diagnosis in children, adopting adult criteria.

Design

Thirty‐seven children from clinics of Universidad CES were included. Parents filled the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) assessing the single‐observation report – CSHQ – of STG with a No/Yes answer and five ordinal answers. A 5‐day diary reporting the presence/absence of STG (multiple‐observation report) was also completed. Each child underwent a single‐night PSG study. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, accuracy, likelihood ratios, Spearman correlation coefficient, and Cohen's kappa coefficient were used to analyze data.

Results

Single observation, using No/Yes answer, showed acceptable specificity and NPV, while low PPV and sensitivity. Accuracy and likelihood ratios were low. When using the five ordinal answers, weak correlation and fair agreement (r = 0.34 and κ = 0.40) with PSG/SB adult criteria were found. Multiple‐observation evaluation of STG presented moderate correlation and agreement (r = 0.50 and κ = 0.48).

Conclusions

Although multiple‐observation report achieved better agreement than single‐observation report, our results failed supporting the validity of report strategies for the diagnosis of SB in children, as an equivalent of PSG/SB adult criteria.
Oral literacy demand in the pediatric dental clinic: a pilot study
Authors: Benadof Dafna , Hajishengallis Evlambia , Cole Amanda , Vidal Carolina
Published: September 2016

Background

The parent's ability to obtain, process, and understand important oral health information (i.e., their oral health literacy) is directly related to their child's oral health status.

Aim

To assess the relationship between oral literacy demands placed on parents by dentists and parents’ understanding of dental information given to them.

Design

Thirty‐one consenting primary caregivers of children attending their first dental visit completed a demographic survey, a REALD‐30 test, and a survey to test understanding of dental information. Dental appointments, performed by eight pediatric dental residents, were audio‐recorded and transcribed for qualitative analysis and descriptive statistics.

Results

Factors associated with language complexity were significantly higher in dental residents (R) than participants (P), that is, total number of words spoken (R: 1615.09 + 859.91 vs P: 480.68 + 232.034) and words per sentence (R: 8.82 + 1.74 vs P: 4.91 + 1.71). Speaking turns did not differ between resident and parent (R: 94.64 vs P: 83.27).

Conclusions

Although the dialogue between the participating dentists and parents was highly unequal, parents understood about 86% of the information provided by the resident. Future studies are needed to identify factors associated with gaps in the educational process of parents in the dental setting.
Effect of total contact cast in non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers in Lebanese patients
Authors: Merheb Marie , Gharios Elie , Younes Alaa , Cheikh Mohamad Al , Chaaban Toufic
Published: September 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of total contact casting (TCC) in treating non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers in Lebanese diabetic patients. Twenty‐three diabetic patients were treated with TCC, and relevant data were collected retrospectively. Sixteen patients were analysed; the average duration of casting was 6 weeks, and 75% of the patients achieved complete ulcer closure without recurrence during one year of follow‐up and without any complications. TCC appears to be an effective treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.
Trauma management in Homer's Iliad
Authors: Koutserimpas Christos , Alpantaki Kalliopi , Samonis George
Published: September 2016

Homer's Iliad is one of the highest intellectual products of the early ancient Greek civilisation. A plethora of medical information lies within Iliad's 24 rhapsodies, and a total of 147 injuries are described. The present study records and evaluates all cases of trauma management included in this epic poem. Not only Iliad's original text but also all myths related to Iliad from the five‐volume Greek Mythology by Ioannis Kakridis were meticulously studied to locate the injured person, the type of trauma, the care provider and the type of given care as well as the outcome of each case. A total of 21 cases were found and evaluated with a 5% mortality rate. The majority of these injuries were caused by an arrow (43%) and were located to the upper extremity (43%). Injuries of the head, neck and trunk were not treated as all of them were lethal. Many of the recorded trauma management techniques can be correlated to modern medicine. Furthermore, the role and skills of military doctors and paramedics, mentioned by Homer, is discussed.
Textured LiFePO4 Bulk with Enhanced Electrical Conductivity
Authors: Yu Wen , Ou Gang , Qi Longhao , Wu Hui
Published: September 2016

The intrinsic electrical conductivity of LiFePO4 is important to its use as a lithium storage electrode. In this communication, we successfully prepared high quality LiFePO4 bulk with texture structures by a rapid arc‐melting treatment. The LiFePO4 bulk materials, which have millimeter dimensions, have highly enhanced electronic conductivity of 9.5 × 10−7 S/cm along [020] direction at room temperature. The electrical conductivity of LiFePO4, which have been increased by about three orders of magnitude, is interesting to investigate high‐performance cathode for Li‐ion batteries.
Predicting Corporate Bankruptcy: An Evaluation of Alternative Statistical Frameworks
Authors: Jones Stewart , Johnstone David , Wilson Roy
Published: September 2016

Corporate bankruptcy prediction has attracted significant research attention from business academics, regulators and financial economists over the past five decades. However, much of this literature has relied on quite simplistic classifiers such as logistic regression and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Based on a large sample of US corporate bankruptcies, we examine the predictive performance of 16 classifiers, ranging from the most restrictive classifiers (such as logit, probit and linear discriminant analysis) to more advanced techniques such as neural networks, support vector machines (SVMs) and “new age” statistical learning models including generalised boosting, AdaBoost and random forests. Consistent with the findings of Jones et al. (), we show that quite simple classifiers such as logit and LDA perform reasonably well in bankruptcy prediction. However, we recommend the use of “new age” classifiers in corporate bankruptcy modelling because: (1) they predict significantly better than all other classifiers on both the cross‐sectional and longitudinal test samples; (2) the models may have considerable practical appeal because they are relatively easy to estimate and implement (for instance, they require minimal researcher intervention for data preparation, variable selection and model architecture specification); and (3) while the underlying model structures can be very complex, we demonstrate that “new age” classifiers have a reasonably good level of interpretability through such metrics as relative variable importances (RVIs).
Cardiovascular safety trials of incretin‐based drugs: What do they mean?
Authors: Yabe Daisuke , Seino Yutaka
Published: September 2016

Incretin‐based dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists are newer choices of antidiabetic medications that are now most widely used worldwide. Preclinical study results suggest that the two drugs potentially exert benefits to prevent onsets and/or progressions of diabetes‐related complications, such as myocardial infarctions and strokes. Outcomes of five clinical trials to evaluate the cardiovascular (CV) safety of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist have been recently reported. The heart failure findings of the Saxagliptin Assessment of Vascular Outcomes Recorded in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus‐Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction 53 (SAVOR‐TIMI53) are unexpected and very concerning; results of the Examination of Cardiovascular Outcomes with Alogliptin vs Standard of Care (EXAMINE), the Trial Evaluating Cardiovascular Outcomes with Sitagliptin (TECOS) and the Evaluation of Lixisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome (ELIXA) encourage neutral CV safety profiles of incretin‐based drugs in individuals with type 2 diabetes and established CV diseases or multiple CV risks. Furthermore, the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) results show the benefits of liraglutide in preventing CV events in a similar study population. Despite the many preclinical studies showing the beneficial effects of incretin‐related drugs, most CV safety trials of incretin‐based drugs, except for LEADER, did not show benefits for CV events. It is important to recognize that CV safety trials were carried out to meet the US Food and Drug Administration guidance to assess CV safety of all new antidiabetic drugs; they were not designed to assess their benefits for CV events. Therefore, the long‐term potential benefit, as well as even the safety, of incretin‐based drugs for certain CV outcomes has not been definitively established, and requires evaluation in more specific and more relevant trials. If the need for CV safety trials would be determined based on an individual drug's safety data during its earlier development as well as its mechanism of action, resources could be saved for carrying out such clinical trials.
Depth and temperature associations of haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus off southern Newfoundland
Authors: Rogers R. , Rowe S. , Morgan M. J.
Published: September 2016

Using data collected as part of offshore surveys conducted during 1972–2013, haddock Melanogrammus aeglefinus association patterns with depth and temperature in southern Newfoundland waters, the northern extremity of the species' range in the western Atlantic Ocean, were quantified. They were typically concentrated in the deep warm waters along the narrow shelf slope in North‐west Atlantic Fisheries Organization Divisions 3O and 3P with individuals moving seasonally into the shallow waters of the banks as they warmed. While M. aeglefinus were found over a range of depths and temperatures, they were primarily located at depths deeper and temperatures warmer than the median sampled. Analyses demonstrated that of the two hydrographic variables assessed, temperature was most influential in structuring distribution, with individuals appearing to change depth in order to maintain similar temperature throughout the year. Melanogrammus aeglefinus were found predominantly in temperatures of c. 4–8° C which often represented some of the warmest waters available. Differences in fish‐habitat association patterns in relation to sex or maturity status were not readily apparent from the analyses. Warming conditions off Newfoundland and Labrador in recent years might be predicted to improve local M. aeglefinus productivity.
Comparison between collet and cooking extrusions on physicochemical properties of whole grain barley
Authors: Chang Chiawei , Lin Jenshinn
Published: September 2016

The experiment was designed to study physicochemical properties of collet and cooking extrudates of hulless barley with different extrusion parameters: feed moisture content, screw speed, and temperature. The lightness (L*) and total color difference (ΔE) values were increased with increasing screw speed and decreasing feed moisture content in collet extrudates. The maximum shear force (MSF) decreased with the increase of temperature in collet extrusion, while MSF was increased with increasing temperature under same feed moisture content condition in cooking extrusion. The degree of gelatinization (DG) showed tendency to be increased at higher feed moisture content, lower screw speed, and higher extrusion temperature. Scanning electron microscope observation of extrudates with the lowest MSF, which was obtained from collet extrusion at 12% feed moisture content, 400 rpm screw speed, and 110 °C showed less dense structure and less un‐gelatinized starch, compared to collect extrudates that had the highest MSF. Soluble dietary fiber of hulless barley (7.84%) was increased after collet extrusion up to 0.34% and decreased after cooking extrusion up to 0.92%. Feed moisture content was the most influencing variable on L*, ΔE, MSF, and DG values of collet extrudates, whereas temperature was the most influencing variable on dietary fiber content.

Practical applications

The results obtained are useful for the food industry for value addition of hulless barley by extrusion cooking. Parameters (feed moisture content, screw speed and temperature) and extrusion methods (collet or cooking extrusions) needed to produce extrudates with expected psychochemical properties can be predicted from this study.
Model generation and process optimization of microwave‐assisted aqueous extraction of anthocyanins from grape juice waste
Authors: Varadharajan Venkatramanan , Shanmugam Sethupathi , Ramaswamy Arulvel
Published: September 2016

The microwave‐assisted extraction of anthocyanins from grape juice waste was investigated in this study. The optimization was implemented using response surface methodology with Box–Behnken design and genetic algorithm (GA). Anthocyanins from grape juice waste were extracted under various microwave power (100–600 W), exposure time (1–5 min) and solvent/solid ratio (10–50 ml/g). The total monomeric anthocyanin yield was considered as the response for optimization experiments. The results indicated that the quadratic model was significant for the chosen response at p < .0001. The analysis of variance and response surface plots showed a significant interaction of all the selected independent variables over anthocyanin extraction process. The maximum anthocyanin yield of 1.31881 mg/g of grape juice waste was predicted by response surface methodology, and the prediction was improved to 1.32244 mg/g of grape juice waste by GA. A confirmatory experiment performed under optimum conditions showed anthocyanin yield of 1.3215 mg/g of grape juice waste. Hence, this model was successful in predicting anthocyanin extraction from grape juice waste under microwave‐assisted extraction conditions.

Practical application

Anthocyanin pigments find a broad range of implementation as food colorants, antioxidants, and anticancerous agents. The waste residue obtained during grape juice production and processing is also rich in anthocyanins and can be used as an alternative source for anthocyanin extraction. This study exploits the use of grape juice waste for anthocyanin extraction, and it can be the best way of waste management and cost reduction in grape juice production units.
Supercritical fluid extraction of essential oil from mint leaves (mentha spicata): Process optimization and its quality evaluation
Authors: Shrigod Nehul M. , Swami Hulle Nishant R. , Prasad R. V.
Published: September 2016

Supercritical fluid extraction of mint leaves was carried out at different process parameters using central composite rotatable design. The effects of temperature (35–55 °C), pressure (100–300 bar), dynamic time (20–90 min), and particle size (0.2–1.0 mm) were evaluated with respect to essential oil yield and carvone content in volatile oil. The particle size was found to have the most significant effect (p < 0.05) on essential oil yield followed by pressure, temperature, and dynamic time. Although in case of carvone content, pressure showed the most significant effect (p < 0.05) followed by particle size and dynamic time. The optimized SFE process parameter obtained though numerical optimization was 48 °C, 151 bar, 0.40 mm and 37.5 min, respectively having essential oil yield of 1.4%, carvone content of 998 mg/100 g and desirability value of 0.53. Quality of essential oil of mint obtained by SFE was compared with hydrodistilled oil. The essential oil obtained using SFE showed highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli and a moderate activity against S. typhi and S. aureus.

Practical applications

The optimization of SFE process for mint oil extraction using response surface methodology approach is presented in the present study. The data obtained can be useful for scale up of batch scale SFE extraction of mint oil to a pilot or large scale system. A quadratic polynomial equation was developed, which can predict the oil yield as well as carvone content of mint leaves within the studied domain of the experimental SFE conditions. From the results obtained from this study, SFE can be used in industry for producing mint oil having high carvone content. The recommended operating condition for mint oil extraction is temperature 48 °C, pressure 151 bar, particle size of mint leaves 0.40 mm and dynamic extraction time of 37.5 min.
The impact of vertical centrifugation on olive oil quality
Authors: Guerrini Lorenzo , Luca Pantani Ottorino , Parenti Alessandro
Published: September 2016

Vertical centrifugation is an important step in continuous virgin olive oil production. It is used to clarify the oil, through the separation of water and suspended solids. Despite its effectiveness, the centrifuge can impair quality. In particular, it requires water to work, which reduces the concentration of minor compounds in the oil, and introduces dissolved oxygen. This paper reports the impact of the use of a vertical centrifuge on olive oil quality, with particular respect to minor compounds. Tests were carried out on two common cultivars (Arbequina and Coratina) 1 month after production and after six months of storage. The vertical centrifuge was found to impair parameters related to oxidation, such as peroxide value and K232. Particularly, the vertical centrifuge was able to increase the peroxide number of about 2 meqO2/kg. In addition, it oxidizes phenols and consequently reduces the ratio of oxidized and nonoxidized forms of secoiridoids. Furthermore, it removes both hydrophobic (i.e., roughly 25 mg/kg of tocopherols was removed) and hydrophilic antioxidants (biophenolic compounds). Phenols are removed as a function of the oil/water partition coefficient. A total phenols decrease of 47 mg/kg in Arbequina and 117 mg/kg in Coratina was due to vertical centrifugation. Finally, the vertical centrifuge oxidizes the oils and led to the detection of the rancid defect after six months of storage by an olive oil sensory panel group.

Practical applications

The use of the vertical centrifuge in VOO production is a debated issue. In fact, despite some producers recently started to avoid vertical centrifugation for their top quality products. However, vertical centrifugation is a fundamental step in VOO production, and little is still known on the influence of this centrifuge on VOO quality.
Listeria spp. contamination in a butcher shop environment and Listeria monocytogenes adhesion ability and sensitivity to food‐contact surface sanitizers
Authors: Silva Danilo A. L. , Camargo Anderson C. , Todorov Svetoslav D. , Nero Luís A.
Published: September 2016

This study evaluated the occurrence of L. monocytogenes in the processing environment of a butcher shop, and the in vitro adhesion capacity and sensitivity of isolates to two sanitizers: A (Mister MaxDG1, chlorine based) and B (B‐Quart Sept, quaternary ammonium based). Of the total of 40 samples, 75% were positive for Listeria spp. and 22.5% for L. monocytogenes. 20 isolates were from serogroup 1/2c or 3c, with positive results for all tested virulence genes. All isolates presented adhesion potential. The evaluated sanitizers had the potential to inhibit isolates growth and adhesion, and removed formed biofilms. After evaluation, the sanitizers were adopted by the butcher shop in its sanitation routine, being effective against L. monocytogenes. Collected data allowed identification of adhesion potential by L. monocytogenes and the effectiveness of the tested sanitizers to control contamination by this pathogen.

Practical applications

The presented study shows the adhesion potential of L. monocytogenes, as well as the resistance of isolates to chlorine and quaternary ammonium based sanitizers, relevant to food facilities cleaning. Finally, we demonstrated the effects of chlorine and quaternary ammonium sanitizers activity on L. monocytogenes biofilm, leading further procedures to avoid adhesion.
Promoting anti‐listeria activity of lemongrass oil on pork loin by cold nitrogen plasma assist
Authors: Cui Haiying , Wu Juan , Li Changzhu , Lin Lin
Published: September 2016

This work aims to evaluate the synergetic antimicrobial effects of cold nitrogen plasma (CNP) and lemongrass oil against L. monocytogenes on pork loin. Their possible effects on the physicochemical properties of pork were investigated as well. Lemongrass oil displayed anticipant antibacterial activities against L. monocytogenes at high dose, which could damage the bacterial membrane, leading to the losses of intracellular constituents, including DNA, protein and ATP. Compared with control groups, the number of L. monocytogenes on pork samples was reduced by 2.80 log10 steps after synergy treatment of CNP (500 W, 120 s) and lemongrass oil (5 mg/mL, 30 min). With the assistance of CNP, the satisfactory antibacterial effect for L. monocytogenes on pork was achieved after treatment for low concentration of lemongrass oil. In addition, the potential impacts on sensory attributes of pork were also minimized via combined treatment.

Practical applications

Under low concentration, lemongrass oil achieved the desired antibacterial effect for L. monocytogenes on pork loin with the assistance of CNP. The potential impacts on sensory attributes of pork loin were minimized via synergetic treatment as well. The synergetic treatment provides a new way for application of plant essential oil in food preservation.
Degradation kinetic models and inactivation of pathogenic microorganisms by dimethyl dicarbonate in fresh mandarin juice
Authors: Assatarakul Kitipong
Published: September 2016

The effect of dimethyl dicarbonate (DMDC) on degradation kinetics and inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis in fresh mandarin juice with and without heat, was studied. Physical and chemical properties were measured to evaluate any possible effect on quality. The best‐fitted model for microbial inactivation by DMDC was a first‐order kinetic model (R2 > 0.98). The rate constant was highest for E. coli O157:H7 (0.0437) and lowest for S. aureus (0.0152). An increasing in DMDC concentration resulted in a greater population reduction, with E. coli O157:H7 being the most sensitive pathogen. D values with 250 ppm DMDC added juices were slightly higher for Gram negative strains but slightly lower for Gram positive strains, when compared to their respective controls (no DMDC). There were no significant differences in pH, °Brix, total acid, total phenolic compound, flavonoid content, color values (L*, a*, b*) and color difference (▵E) between control and DMDC treated samples (P > 0.05). Results show that addition of DMDC can effectively aid in pathogen reduction which leads to a decrease in heating exposure of the fresh mandarin juice, possibly enhancing its quality.

Practical applications

The addition of DMDC can effectively aid in the microbial reduction against target pathogenic microorganisms including Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis. Therefore, DMDC can potentially be used as an additional treatment or in combination with other treatment to improve safety issue without significant effects on physical and chemical properties of fresh mandarin juice industry. Moreover, degradation kinetic studies showed that degradation of tested pathogen by DMDC followed first‐order kinetic model and this can be applied for microbial population prediction after DMDC treatment resulting in an improvement the safety of consumers.
Tooth Loss and Decline in Functional Capacity: A Prospective Cohort Study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study
Authors: Sato Yukihiro , Aida Jun , Kondo Katsunori , Tsuboya Toru , Watt Richard G. , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Koyama Shihoko , Matsuyama Yusuke , Osaka Ken
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To describe associations between tooth loss and changes in higher‐level functional capacity.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Twenty‐four Japanese municipalities between 2010 and 2013.

Participants

Functionally independent community‐dwelling persons aged 65 and older (N = 62,333).

Measurements

Self‐reported number of teeth was used as an exposure variable. The outcome was changes in higher‐level functional capacity measured using the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology Index of Competence (TMIG‐IC), which consists of three domains: instrumental activities of daily living, intellectual activity, and social roles. The TMIG‐IC score ranges from 0 (lowest function) to 13 (highest function). All covariates were chosen from baseline demographic, socioeconomic, health behavior, and health variables based upon evidence from previous studies. Inverse‐probability weighting (IPW) with propensity score and multiple linear regression, estimating nonstandardized coefficients (β) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were used.

Results

The baseline response rate was 65.2%, and the follow‐up rate was 70.1%. During the follow‐up period, participants’ TMIG‐IC score declined by an average of 0.247 points (standard deviation: 1.446). The results showed a significant dose‐response association between tooth loss and decline in higher‐level functional capacity in multiple linear regression models. IPW models estimated the increment in TMIG‐IC score (β = 0.170, 95% CI = 0.114 to 0.227) if edentulous participants gained 20 or more natural teeth.

Conclusion

Tooth loss is associated with future decline in higher‐level functional capacity. IPW models suggest that treatment for tooth loss attenuates decline in higher‐level functional capacity.
Development and validation of a quantitative snack and beverage food frequency questionnaire for adolescents
Authors: De Cock N. , Van Camp J. , Kolsteren P. , Lachat C. , Huybregts L. , Maes L. , Deforche B. , Verstraeten R. , Vangeel J. , Beullens K. , Eggermont S. , Van Lippevelde W.
Published: September 2016

Background

A short, reliable and valid tool to measure snack and beverage consumption in adolescents, taking into account the correct definitions, would benefit both epidemiological and intervention research. The present study aimed to develop a short quantitative beverage and snack food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and to assess the reliability and validity of thisFFQagainst three 24‐h recalls.

Methods

Reliability was assessed by comparing estimates of theFFQadministered 14 days apart (FFQ1 andFFQ2) in a convenience sample of 179 adolescents [60.3% male; mean (SD) 14.7 (0.9) years]. Validity was assessed by comparingFFQ1 with three telephone‐administered 24‐h recalls in a convenience sample of 99 adolescents [52.5% male, mean (SD) 14.8 (0.9) years]. Reliability and validity were assessed using Bland–Altman plots, classification agreements and correlation coefficients for the amount and frequency of consumption of unhealthy snacks, healthy snacks, unhealthy beverages, healthy beverages, and for the healthy snack and beverage ratios.

Results

Small mean differences (FFQ1 versusFFQ2) were observed for reliability, ranking ability ranged from fair to substantial, and Spearman coefficients fell within normal ranges. For the validity, mean differences (FFQ1 versus recalls) were small for beverage intake but large for snack intake, except for the healthy snack ratio. Ranking ability ranged from slightly to moderate, and Spearman coefficients fell within normal ranges.

Conclusions

Reliability and validity of theFFQfor all outcomes were found to be acceptable at a group level for epidemiological purposes, whereas for intervention purposes only the healthy snack and beverage ratios were found to be acceptable at a group level.
The influence of statins on osseointegration: a systematic review of animal model studies
Authors: Sendyk D. I. , Deboni M. C. Z. , Pannuti C. M. , Naclério‐Homem M. G. , Wennerberg A.
Published: September 2016

Recent research data have suggested that the beneficial action of statins in bone tissue could improve osseointegration around titanium implants by increasing the bone implant contact (BIC), the expression of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of statins on osseointegration of titanium implants in animal studies. Two reviewers searched independently four databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE and the Cochrane Library), until March 15, 2016. The Cochrane Collaboration’s Tool for Assessing Risk of Bias was used to assess the quality of the included studies. Papers that reported outcome data considering bone implant contact (BIC), mechanical tests or other histological evaluation were eligible for inclusion. 312 references were eletronically retrieved, 21 full‐text papers were screened and 17 studies were included. Thirteen trials presented histomorphometry data on bone implant contact measures. All of them showed a significant improved BIC when using statins. Despite data from included studies point to beneficial effects, standardized studies and with less risk of bias, are needed to clarify the role of statins on osseointegration.
Effects of Dietary Carbohydrase Supplementation on Performance and Apparent Digestibility Coefficients in Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Qiu Xuan , Davis D. Allen
Published: September 2016

A growth trial and a digestibility trial were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of carbohydrase supplemented to practical shrimp feeds. The 5‐wk growth trial investigated the effects of carbohydrase supplementation at 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, and 0.05% in soybean‐based diets on the performance of juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. No significant differences were observed in final biomass, final mean weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and survival across all treatments. The digestibility trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of carbohydrase supplementation at 0.02%, which is the recommended dose by the company that developed the carbohydrase on apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, and energy of Pacific white shrimp. Protein digestibility was significantly improved when fed diets contained 0.02% carbohydrase in contrast with the basal diet. No significant differences were found in apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and energy. Based on the positive results on protein digestibility, further research regarding the efficacy of exogenous enzymes and their application is warranted.
Intestinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease: Lessons learned from translational studies and experimental models
Authors: Pellegrini C. , Colucci R. , Antonioli L. , Barocelli E. , Ballabeni V. , Bernardini N. , Blandizzi C. , de Jonge W. J. , Fornai M.
Published: September 2016

Background

Symptoms of digestive dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) occur at all stages of the disease, often preceding the onset of central motor symptoms. On the basis of these PD‐preceding symptoms it has been proposed that PD could initiate in the gut, and that the presence of alpha‐synuclein aggregates, or Lewy bodies in the enteric nervous system might represent one of the earliest signs of the disease. Following this hypothesis, much research has been focused on the digestive tract to unravel the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of PD, with particular attention to the role of alterations in enteric neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of intestinal motility disturbances. There is also evidence suggesting that the development of central nigrostriatal neurodegeneration is associated with the occurrence of gut inflammation, characterized by increments of tissue pro‐inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, which might support conditions of bowel neuromotor abnormalities.

Purpose

The present review intends to provide an integrated and critical appraisal of the available knowledge on the alterations of enteric neuromuscular pathways regulating gut motor activity both in humans and preclinical models of PD. Moreover, we will discuss the possible involvement of neuro‐immune mechanisms in the pathophysiology of aberrant gastrointestinal gut transit and neuromuscular activity in the small and large bowel.
Modern management of phagocyte defects
Authors: Lanini Lorenza Lisa Serena , Prader Seraina , Siler Ulrich , Reichenbach Janine
Published: September 2016

Phagocytic neutrophil granulocytes are among the first immune cells active at sites of infection, forming an important first‐line defense against invading microorganisms. Congenital immune defects concerning these phagocytes may be due to reduced neutrophil numbers or function. Management of affected patients depends on the type and severity of disease. Here, we provide an overview of causes and treatment of diseases associated with congenital neutropenia, as well as defects of the phagocytic respiratory burst.
Allergic rhinitis causes loss of smell in children: The OLFAPEDRIAL study
Authors: Langdon Cristóbal , Guilemany José María , Valls Meritxell , Alobid Isam , Bartra Joan , Dávila Ignacio , del Cuvillo Alfonso , Ferrer Marta , Jáuregui Ignacio , Montoro Javier , Sastre Joaquín , Valero Antonio , Mullol Joaquim
Published: September 2016

Background

The objective of the OLFAPEDRIAL study was to assess the olfactory dysfunction in allergic paediatric population, which has been scarcely studied.

Methods

Observational, cross‐sectional and multicentre study evaluated the sense of smell in untreated allergic rhinitis (AR) paediatric patients aged 6–12 years.

Results

Forty‐four per cent (551 of 1260) of children with AR reported smell dysfunction, with both loss of smell frequency (52.1%, p < 0.001) and intensity (0.75 ± 0.84, p < 0.0001) being more frequent in patients with persistent than intermittent AR (38.0% and 0.51 ± 0.73, respectively). In addition, both loss of smell frequency and intensity increased according to disease severity (m‐ARIA classification) but always being significantly higher in persistent (p < 0.0001) than in intermittent AR.

Conclusions

Children with allergic rhinitis present a mild–moderate loss of smell frequency and intensity which is clearly related to the disease duration and severity. The loss of smell can be considered, as in adults, a clinical marker of disease severity.