bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐Pressure Thermal Sterilization: Food Safety and Food Quality of Baby Food Puree
Authors: Sevenich Robert , Kleinstueck Elke , Crews Colin , Anderson Warwick , Pye Celine , Riddellova Katerina , Hradecky Jaromir , Moravcova Eliska , Reineke Kai , Knorr Dietrich 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe benefits that high‐pressure thermal sterilization offers as an emerging technology could be used to produce a better overall food quality. Due to shorter dwell times and lower thermal load applied to the product in comparison to the thermal retorting, lower numbers and quantities of unwanted food processing contaminants (FPCs), for example, furan, acrylamide, HMF, and MCPD‐esters could be formed. Two spore strains were used to test the technique; Geobacillus stearothermophilus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, over the temperature range 90 to 121 °C at 600 MPa. The treatments were carried out in baby food puree and ACES‐buffer. The treatments at 90 and 105 °C showed that G. stearothermophilus is more pressure‐sensitive than B. amyloliquefaciens. The formation of FPCs was monitored during the sterilization process and compared to the amounts found in retorted samples of the same food. The amounts of furan could be reduced between 81% to 96% in comparison to retorting for the tested temperature pressure combination even at sterilization conditions of F0‐value in 7 min.
Prolonging Storage Time of Baby Ginger by Using a Sand‐Based Storage Medium and Essential Oil Treatment
Authors: Liu Ji , Sui Guoliang , He Yongzhou , Liu Dongjie , Yan Jing , Liu Shuxiang , Qin Wen 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWilt and rot occur readily during storage of baby ginger because of its tender skin and high moisture content (MC). A storage medium, which consisted of sand, 20% water, and 3.75% super absorbent polymers delayed weight loss and loss of firmness at 12 °C and 90% relative humidity. Microorganisms were isolated and purified from decayed rhizomes; among these, 3 fungi were identified as pathogens. The results of 18S rDNA sequence analysis showed that these fungi belonged to Penicillium, Fusarium, and Mortierella genera. The use of essential oil for controlling these pathogens was then investigated in vitro. Essential oils extracted from Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) and Thymus vulgaris (thyme) completely inhibited the growth of all of the above pathogens at a concentration of 2000 ppm. Cinnamon oil showed higher antifungal activity in the drug sensitivity test with minimal fungicidal concentration (<500 ppm against all pathogens). In the in vivo test, cinnamon fumigation at a concentration of 500 ppm reduced infection rates of Penicillium, Fusarium, and Mortierella by 50.3%, 54.3%, and 60.7%, respectively. We recommended cinnamon oil fumigation combined with medium storage at 12 °C as an integrated approach to baby ginger storage.
Assessment of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Essential Oil as Herbal Preservatives Based on Antifungal, Antiaflatoxin, and Antiochratoxin Activities and In Vivo Efficacy during Storage
Authors: Sonker Nivedita , Pandey Abhay K. , Singh Pooja , Tripathi N.N. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThirty‐five randomly collected samples of stored table grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) from different markets of Gorakhpur city, Uttar Pradesh, India, revealed occurrence of 11 types of fungi. Of which, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus ochraceus were dominant causing severe decay of grapes with 58%, 52%, and 67% incidence, respectively. On screening of 15 essential oils at 0.33 μL/mL, Cymbopogon citratus oil caused 100% mycelial inhibition against aforesaid dominant fungi. Oil was fungistatic at 0.29 μL/mL and exhibited broad fungitoxicity against other fruit rotting fungi associated with collected samples. C. citratus oil completely inhibited the growth and mycotoxin (AFB1 and OTA) secretion of the aflatoxigenic and ochratoxigenic strains of A. flavus, A. niger, and A. ochraceus at 0.8 μL/mL. E‐Citral (52.9%) and Z‐Citral (39.38%) were the major components of C. citratus oil during gas chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis. Application of 200 and 300 μL of C. citratus oil on 1 kg of stored grapes showed enhancement of shelf life up to 10 d. The oil did not exhibit any phytotoxic effect on fruits. These results confirm that C. citratus oil could be a natural alternative to commercial fungicide for control of fruit rotting fungi of stored grapes.
Variable effects of gender and Western diet on lipid and glucose homeostasis in aged PCSK9‐deficient C57BL/6 mice 性别与西方饮食对CSK9基因缺陷的PC57BL/6老龄小鼠的脂质以及葡萄糖内稳态的不同影响
Authors: Mbikay Majambu , Sirois Francine , Gyamera‐Acheampong Charles , Wang Gen‐Sheng , Rippstein Peter , Chen Andrew , Mayne Janice , Scott Fraser.W. , Chrétien Michel 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin‐type 9 (PCSK9) downregulates clearance of plasma cholesterol by liver. Its inactivation increases this clearance, reducing cardiovascular risk. However, a lack of PCSK9 could also lead to cholesterol accumulation in pancreatic islet beta cells, impairing insulin secretion. We reported earlier that 4‐month‐old male PCSK9‐deficient (KO) C57BL/6 mice were hyperglycemic and insulin‐insufficient relative to their wild‐type (WT) counterparts. Here, we examined how gender and diet affect lipid and glucose homeostasis in these mice at 8 months of age.MethodsAfter being fed a normal diet or a Western diet for over 6 months, KO mice were compared with same‐gender WT mice for fasting plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), glucose, and insulin; for glucose disposal and glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS); and for pancreatic islet morphology.ResultsA. Females: On normal diet, KO mice showed lower plasma TC, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C, higher plasma glucose, and normal glucose disposal despite impaired GSIS. On Western diet, they showed comparable plasma TC and HDL‐C, but lower LDL‐C, higher plasma glucose, and normal glucose disposal despite impaired GSIS. B. Males: On normal and Western diets, KO mice showed lower plasma TC, HDL‐C, and LDL‐C, similarly elevated plasma glucose, glucose intolerance, and impaired GSIS. C. Both: KO mice on either diet showed pancreatic islet dysmorphism, with larger, possibly immature secretory granules.ConclusionsLower LDL‐C and impaired GSIS are two major phenotypes in aged PCSK9‐deficient C57BL/6 mice. These phenotypes are modulated by gender and diet.
Trophoblasts and Decidual Stromal Cells Regulate Decidual NK Cell Functions Via Interaction between Collagen and LAIR‐1
Authors: Fu Qiang , Tao Yu , Piao Hailan , Du Mei‐Rong , Li Da‐Jin 
Published: February 2014

ProblemTo determine the effect of collagen from maternal–fetal interface on decidual natural killer cell (dNK) function.Method of studyDecidual and villous samples were collected from normal pregnancy and miscarriage. The phenotype and cytokine production were analyzed, respectively, by flow cytometry and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Co‐culture was established to investigate the effect of trophoblasts and decidual stromal cells (DSCs) on dNKs.ResultsMaternal–fetal interface of normal pregnancy showed higher collagen and LAIR‐1 expression than that of miscarriage. Co‐culture of dNKs with HTR‐8/DSCs up‐regulated LAIR‐1 on dNKs that could be attenuated by pre‐treatment with LAIR‐2, a competitive inhibitor of LAIR‐1. Collagen down‐regulated expression of cell surface receptor activity and intracellular perforin, while it up‐regulated expression of suppressive receptor on dNKs. Co‐culture of dNKs with HTR‐8/DSCs decreased perforin expression and Th1‐type cytokines production by dNKs, which could be abrogated by LAIR‐2. In addition, silence of collagen in HTR‐8/DSCs by shRNA significantly attenuated regulation on dNKs.ConclusionTrophoblasts and DSCs regulate decidual NK cell functions via secreting collagen, which is involved in the maintenance of human pregnancy.
Bougie‐related airway trauma: dangers of the hold‐up sign
Authors: Marson B. A. , Anderson E. , Wilkes A. R. , Hodzovic I. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe bougie is a popular tool in difficult intubations. The hold‐up sign is used to confirm tracheal placement of a bougie. This study aimed to establish the potential for airway trauma when using this sign with an Eschmann re‐usable bougie or a Frova single‐use bougie. Airways were simulated using a manikin (hold‐up force) and porcine lung model (airway perforation force). Mean (SD) hold‐up force (for airway lengths over the range 25–45 cm) of 1.0 (0.4) and 5.2 (1.1) N were recorded with the Eschmann and Frova bougies, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean (SD) force required to produce airway perforation was 0.9 (0.2) N with the Eschmann bougie and 1.1 (0.3) N with the Frova bougie (p = 0.11). It is possible to apply a force at least five times greater than the force required to produce significant trauma with a Frova single‐use bougie. We recommend that the hold‐up sign should no longer be used with single‐use bougies. Clinicians should be cautious when eliciting this sign using the Eschmann re‐usable bougie.
Medication reviews for nursing home residents to reduce mortality and hospitalization: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wallerstedt Susanna M. , Kindblom Jenny M. , Nylén Karin , Samuelsson Ola , Strandell Annika 
Published: February 2014

AimsMedication reviews by a third party have been introduced as a method to improve drug treatment in older people. We assessed whether this intervention reduces mortality and hospitalization for nursing home residents.MethodsSystematic literature searches were performed (from January 1990 to June 2012) in Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Sources and Health Technology Assessment databases. We included randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials (RCTs and non‐RCTs) of medication reviews compared with standard care or other types of medication reviews in nursing home residents. The outcome variables were mortality and hospitalization. Study quality was assessed systematically. We performed meta‐analyses using random‐effects models.ResultsSeven RCTs and five non‐RCTs fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The mean age of included patients varied between 78 and 86 years. They were treated with a mean of 4–12 drugs. The study quality was assessed as high (n = 1), moderate (n = 4) or low (n = 7). Eight studies compared medication reviews with standard care. In six of them, pharmacists were involved in the intervention. Meta‐analyses of RCTs revealed a risk ratio (RR) for mortality of 1.03 [medication reviews vs. standard care; five trials; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85–1.23]. The corresponding RR for hospitalization was 1.07 (two trials; 95% CI 0.61–1.87).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that medication reviews for nursing home residents do not reduce mortality or hospitalization. More research in the setting of controlled trials remains to be done in order to clarify how drug treatment can be optimized for these patients.
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase‐3 by levosimendan is sufficient to account for its inotropic effect in failing human heart
Authors: Ørstavik Ø , Ata S H , Riise J , Dahl C P , Andersen G Ø , Levy F O , Skomedal T , Osnes J‐B , Qvigstad E 
Published: February 2014

Background and PurposeLevosimendan is known as a calcium sensitizer, although it is also known to inhibit PDE3. We aimed to isolate each component and estimate their contribution to the increased cardiac contractility induced by levosimendan.Experimental ApproachContractile force was measured in electrically stimulated ventricular strips from explanted failing human hearts and left ventricular strips from normal male Wistar rats. PDE activity was measured in a two‐step PDE activity assay on failing human ventricle.Key ResultsLevosimendan exerted a positive inotropic effect (PIE) reaching maximum at 10−5 M in ventricular strips from failing human hearts. In the presence of the selective PDE3 inhibitor cilostamide, the PIE of levosimendan was abolished. During treatment with a PDE4 inhibitor and a supra‐threshold concentration of isoprenaline, levosimendan generated an amplified inotropic response. This effect was reversed by β‐adrenoceptor blockade and undetectable in strips pretreated with cilostamide. Levosimendan (10−6 M) increased the potency of β‐adrenoceptor agonists by 0.5 log units in failing human myocardium, but not in the presence of cilostamide. Every inotropic response to levosimendan was associated with a lusitropic response. Levosimendan did not affect the concentration–response curve to calcium in rat ventricular strips, in contrast to the effects of a known calcium sensitizer, EMD57033 [5‐(1‐(3,4‐dimethoxybenzoyl)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinolin‐6‐yl)‐6‐methyl‐3,6‐dihydro‐2H‐1,3,4‐thiadiazin‐2‐one]. PDE activity assays confirmed that levosimendan inhibited PDE3 as effectively as cilostamide.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur results indicate that the PDE3‐inhibitory property of levosimendan was enough to account for its inotropic effect, leaving a minor, if any, effect to a calcium‐sensitizing component.
Resveratrol decreases fructose‐induced oxidative stress, mediated by NADPH oxidase via an AMPK‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Cheng Pei‐Wen , Ho Wen‐Yu , Su Yu‐Ting , Lu Pei‐Jung , Chen Bo‐Zone , Cheng Wen‐Han , Lu Wen‐Hsien , Sun Gwo‐Ching , Yeh Tung‐Chen , Hsiao Michael , Tseng Ching‐Jiunn 
Published: February 2014

Background and PurposeOxidative stress is an important pathogenic factor in the development of hypertension. Resveratrol, the main antioxidant in red wine, improves NO bioavailability and prevents cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to examine whether resveratrol decreases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thereby reducing BP in rats with fructose‐induced hypertension.Experimental ApproachRats were fed 10% fructose with or without resveratrol (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 1 week or for 4 weeks with resveratrol treatment beginning at week 2; systolic BP (SBP) was measured by tail‐cuff method. Endogenous in vivo O2− production in the nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) was determined with dihydroethidium. Real‐time PCR and immunoblotting analyses were used to quantify RNA and protein expression levels.Key ResultsIn fructose‐fed rats, ROS levels in the NTS were higher, whereas the NO level was significantly decreased. Also, RNA and protein levels of NADPH oxidase subunits (p67, p22‐phox) were elevated, superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) reduced and AMP‐activated PK (AMPK) T172 phosphorylation levels in the NTS were lower in fructose‐fed rats. Treatment with the AMPK activator resveratrol decreased levels of NADPH oxidase subunits and ROS, and increased NO and SOD2 levels in the NTS of fructose‐fed rats. Administration of resveratrol, in combination with fructose at week 0 and later at week 2, significantly reduced the SBP of fructose‐fed rats.Conclusions and ImplicationsCollectively, resveratrol decreased BP through the phosphorylation of AMPK, Akt and neuronal NOS in fructose‐fed rats. These novel findings suggest that resveratrol may be a potential pharmacological candidate for the treatment of hypertension.
Anti-dsDNA antibodies as a classification criterion and a diagnostic marker for systemic lupus erythematosus: critical remarks
Authors: Rekvig O P 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAntibodies to mammalian dsDNA have, for decades, been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and particularly to its most serious complication, lupus nephritis. This canonical view derives from studies on its strong association with disease. The dogma was particularly settled when the antibody was included in the classification criteria for SLE that developed during the 1970s, most prominently in the 1982 American College of Rheumatology (ACR), and recently in The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) classification criteria. There are several problems to be discussed before the anti-dsDNA antibody can be accepted without further distinction as a criterion to classify SLE. Old and contemporary knowledge make it clear that an anti-dsDNA antibody is not a unifying term. It embraces antibodies with a wide spectrum of fine molecular specificities, antibodies that are produced transiently in context of infections and persistently in the context of true autoimmunity, and also includes anti-dsDNA antibodies that have the potential to bind chromatin (accessible DNA structures) and not (specificity for DNA structures that are embedded in chromatin and therefore unaccessible for the antibodies). This critical review summarizes this knowledge and questions whether or not an anti-dsDNA antibody, as simply that, can be used to classify SLE.
Effectiveness and clinical results of endoscopic management of sigmoid volvulus using unsedated water‐immersion colonoscopy
Authors: Sugimoto Shinya , Hosoe Naoki , Mizukami Takeshi , Tsunoda Yuya , Ito Tsuyoshi , Imamura Satoshi , Tamura Toshihide , Nagakubo Shuichi , Morohoshi Yuichi , Koike Yuji , Fujita Yuriko , Komatsu Hirokazu , Ogata Haruhiko , Kanai Takanori 
Published: February 2014

Background and AimAlthough intestinal obstruction as a result of sigmoid volvulus (SV) may be successfully resolved using endoscopic detorsion, surgical treatment remains the main therapeutic strategy. We evaluated the endoscopic detorsion procedure using unsedated water‐immersion colonoscopy for the treatment of SV.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on the clinical background and prognosis of 21 SV patients who underwent 71 endoscopic detorsion procedures using unsedated, water‐immersion colonoscopy.ResultsIn all, 14 (67%) male and seven (33%) female patients, with a mean age of 73 years (range, 54–95 years) were enrolled; 86% were >70 years of age. Among these patients, 90% had a background of key predisposing factors. In the 21 patients, endoscopic detorsion was successfully done using unsedated water‐immersion colonoscopy. SV recurred in 10 patients at a median of 180 days. Endoscopic detorsion for recurrent SV was successfully achieved in all cases, and none of the secondary cases became severe. Only male patients were observed to experience three or more recurrent episodes of SV.ConclusionsSV occurred most commonly in elderly patients with a surgical risk. Our experience suggests that conservative endoscopic treatment using unsedated water‐immersion colonoscopy is a safe, reasonable, conservative endoscopic approach for elderly patients in the absence of necrotic findings. We currently use this procedure in most of our cases.
Impact of underlying diabetes and presence of lung cavities on treatment outcomes in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Nakamura A. , Hagiwara E. , Hamai J. , Taguri M. , Terauchi Y. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsWe investigated the effects of diabetes and the presence of lung cavities on treatment outcomes in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the clinical records of all consecutive patients admitted to the Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Centre with the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. The study outcomes examined were time to sputum culture conversion and percentage of patients with sputum culture conversion by the time 2 months of treatment, and these outcomes were compared between patients with and without diabetes.ResultsOf the 260 patients enrolled in the study, 69 were diagnosed as having diabetes mellitus, while the remaining 191 did not have diabetes. The percentage of patients with cavities was higher in the patients with diabetes (71.0%) than in those without (45.5%; P = 0.0003). The time to sputum culture conversion was significantly longer in the patients with diabetes than in those without (P = 0.0005), and the percentage of patients with a positive sputum culture at 2 months was higher in the patients with diabetes (43.5%) than in those without (18.8%; P = 0.0001). Multivariate analyses revealed that the presence/absence of lung cavities was a more important determinant of treatment outcomes than the presence/absence of diabetes.ConclusionsThe presence of lung cavities was found to be a more important determinant of the treatment outcomes than that of diabetes per se in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Blue light inhibits transforming growth factor‐β1‐induced myofibroblast differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Taflinski Leonie , Demir Erhan , Kauczok Jens , Fuchs Paul Christian , Born Matthias , Suschek Christoph V. , Opländer Christian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTransforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is the major promoter of phenotypic shift between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts accompanied by the expression and incorporation of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). This differentiation is crucial during normal wound healing and wound closure; however, myofibroblasts are considered as the main effecter cell type in fibrosis, for example in scleroderma and hypertrophic scarring. As blue light has exerted antiprolific and toxic effects in several cell types, we investigated whether blue light irradiations with a light‐emitting diode array (420 nm) were able to affect proliferation and differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). We found that repeated irradiation with non‐toxic doses significantly inhibits TGF‐β1‐induced differentiation of HDF into myofibroblasts shown by α‐SMA immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Additionally, used doses reduced proliferation and myofibroblast contractibility measured by resazurin and collagen gel contraction assays. It could be demonstrated that blue light mediates cell toxicity by oxidative stress due to the generation of singlet oxygen. We postulate that irradiations at non‐toxic doses induce low‐level oxidative stress and energy‐consuming cellular responses, which both may effect proliferation stop and interfere with myofibroblast differentiation. Thus, targeting differentiation, proliferation and activity of myofibroblasts by blue light may represent a useful strategy to prevent or reduce pathological fibrotic conditions.
Cognitive dysfunction mediates the effects of poor physical fitness on decreased functional independence in heart failure
Authors: Alosco Michael L , Spitznagel Mary Beth , Sweet Lawrence H , Josephson Richard , Hughes Joel , Gunstad John 
Published: February 2014

AimHeart failure (HF) patients require assistance with activities of daily living (ADL). Poor physical fitness has recently been identified as a contributor to the high rates of disability inHF, though the mechanisms for such effects are unclear. Although not previously examined, decreased fitness might adversely impactADLinHFthrough its known association with cognitive impairment, a key correlate of self‐care abilities in this population. We sought to test this possibility using a model‐based approach.MethodsA total of 197 patients withHFcompleted a physical fitness test and a neuropsychological test battery. A totalADLcomposite was derived from theLawtonBrody scale. Structural equation modeling tested whether cognitive function mediated the association between physical fitness and totalADL.ResultsFitness was reduced, and cognitive dysfunction and impairedADLwere prevalent. The initially significant association between fitness and totalADLwas attenuated when cognitive function was introduced as a mediator. This model showed good fit (comparative fit index = 0.91: root mean‐square error of approximations = 0.077) with a significant indirect pathway between physical fitness and totalADLthrough cognitive function: Decreased physical fitness was associated with cognitive dysfunction (β = 0.35), which predicted greater assistance withADL(β = 0.22).ConclusionsPoor physical fitness might lead to decreased functional independence inHFthrough its negative effects on cognitive function. Prospective studies are required to confirm our findings, identify other mechanisms by which poor fitness impactsADL, and examine whether exercise interventions can improve cognition and help preserveADLindependence inHF.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 174–181.