bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined milk gel generated with a novel coagulating enzyme by Virgibacillus sp. SK37, a moderately halophilic bacterium
Authors: Rangnoi Kuntalee , Phrommao Ekkarat , Yamabhai Montarop , Yongsawatdigul Jirawat 
Published: June 2014

The hydrolysis of milk proteins by the recombinant AprX‐SK37 protease and the changes in the rheological properties of the milk gel generated with AprX‐SK37 and glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) were investigated. The AprX‐SK37 and rennet selectively hydrolysed κ‐casein to yield a 16‐kDa band, while subtilisin hydrolysed all of the casein components. Milk treated only with AprX‐SK37 formed softer gel. Storage modulus (G′) values of the combined gels increased with GDL concentrations up to 7 g/L. High tan δ was observed in the combined gel at 8.75 g/L GDL alongside syneresis. AprX‐SK37 is a promising milk‐clotting enzyme when combined with an optimal GDL concentration.
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis of Ignitable Liquids Based on the Total Ion Spectrum
Authors: Waddell Erin E. , Frisch‐Daiello Jessica L. , Williams Mary R. , Sigman Michael E. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractGas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) data of ignitable liquids in the Ignitable Liquids Reference Collection (ILRC) database were processed to obtain 445 total ion spectra (TIS), that is, average mass spectra across the chromatographic profile. Hierarchical cluster analysis, an unsupervised learning technique, was applied to find features useful for classification of ignitable liquids. A combination of the correlation distance and average linkage was utilized for grouping ignitable liquids with similar chemical composition. This study evaluated whether hierarchical cluster analysis of the TIS would cluster together ignitable liquids of the same ASTM class assignment, as designated in the ILRC database. The ignitable liquids clustered based on their chemical composition, and the ignitable liquids within each cluster were predominantly from one ASTM E1618‐11 class. These results reinforce use of the TIS as a tool to aid in forensic fire debris analysis.
Measurement of Muscle Exudate Protein Composition as an Indicator of Beef Tenderness
Authors: Bowker Brian C. , Eastridge Janet S. , Solomon Morse B. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the protein composition of muscle exudates and meat tenderness in beef. Frozen, intact beef strip loins (n = 24) were each divided into 3 equal portions (anterior, middle, and posterior). Steaks were removed from each portion, individually vacuum packaged, thawed at 4 °C, and aged for 0, 7, or 14 d. After the designated aging period, exudate was collected from the packaging and 1 steak from each strip loin portion was utilized for shear force measurements. Muscle exudates were analyzed for protein content (biuret assay) and composition (sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis). Shear force decreased (P < 0.0001) with aging from 0 to 14 d. The protein concentrations of the muscle exudates were not influenced by the aging period and were not related to the amount of exudate expressed. Electrophoretic analyses of the muscle exudates indicated that with aging the relative abundance of 4 proteins decreased (P < 0.01) and 10 proteins increased (P < 0.05) within the protein profiles of the exudates. The relative abundance of the 167, 97, and 47 kDa proteins in exudates at day 0 were significantly correlated (|r| = 0.57 to 0.77) to shear force at day 14. These data demonstrate that exudate protein composition changes with postmortem aging and beef tenderness.
Characterization of Important Odorants in Steamed Male Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) using Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry‐Olfactometry
Authors: Wu Na , Gu Saiqi , Tao Ningping , Wang Xichang , Ji Siru 
Published: June 2014

AbstractChinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) from Yangcheng Lake in Jiangsu Province is a popular species due to its unique pleasant aroma and intensive umami taste. In this study, odorants in steamed male E. sinensis were investigated using the headspace‐monolithic material sorptive extraction technique coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry‐olfactometry (GC‐MS‐O). A total of 74 volatile compounds were found, and the results of the GC‐MS‐O analysis, combined with odor activity values, showed that trimethylamine (fishy, ammonia‐like odor), (Z)‐4‐heptenal (mushroom‐like odor), and benzaldehyde (paint‐like odor) were the important odorants (IOs) in all 4 of the edible parts of steamed male E. sinensis. Furthermore, heptanal (mushroom‐like odor) was common to the abdomen, claw, and leg meat but was not found as the IO in the gonad. The abdomen meat also contained 3‐methylbutanal (vegetable‐like, grassy odor), while 2 additional IOs were found in claw meat (2‐methylbutanal, which has a mushroom odor and 3‐ethyl‐2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, which has a chocolate‐like, musty odor). Another IO (2‐nonanone, chocolate‐like odor) was also found in leg meat, while (E)‐2‐nonenal (green, fruity odor) was the IO found exclusively in the gonad.
Xylitol Improves Pancreatic Islets Morphology to Ameliorate Type 2 Diabetes in Rats: A Dose Response Study
Authors: Rahman Md. Atiar , Islam Md. Shahdiul 
Published: June 2014

AbstractXylitol has been reported as a potential antidiabetic sweetener in a number of recent studies; however, the most effective dietary dose and organ‐specific effects are still unclear. Six‐week‐old male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (DBC), diabetic xylitol 2.5% (DXL2.5), diabetic xylitol 5.0% (DXL5), and diabetic xylitol 10.0% (DXL10). Diabetes was induced only in the animals in DBC and DXL groups and considered diabetic when their nonfasting blood glucose level was >300 mg/dL. The DXL groups were fed with 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10% xylitol solution, whereas the NC and DBC groups were supplied with normal drinking water. After 4‐wk intervention, body weight, food and fluid intake, blood glucose, serum fructosamine, liver glycogen, serum alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, uric acid, creatinine, and most serum lipids were significantly decreased, and serum insulin concentration, glucose tolerance ability, and pancreatic islets morphology were significantly improved in the DXL10 group compared to the DBC group. The data of this study suggest that 10% xylitol has the better antidiabetic effects compared to 2.5% and 5.0% and it can be used as an excellent antidiabetic sweetener and food supplement in antidiabetic foods.
The outcome of cryoablation in treating advanced pancreatic cancer: A comparison with palliative bypass surgery alone
Authors: Song Zhen Guo , Hao Ji Hui , Gao Song , Gao Chun Tao , Tang Yong , Liu Jing Chen 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of palliative bypass surgery combined with cryoablation in treating patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and compare this combination therapy with palliative bypass surgery alone.MethodsMedical records of 118 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer who received palliative bypass surgery combined with cryoablation (the combination treatment group) or bypass surgery alone (the bypass surgery alone group) at the Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital (Tianjin, China) were retrospectively reviewed. Their baseline and peri‐operative parameters were collected and compared.ResultsIn both groups abdominal distension and pain was significantly ameliorated after treatment. Preoperative jaundice was more common in the bypass surgery group while backache was more frequent in the combination treatment group, which were both relieved by treatment. The pre‐operative serum bilirubin level was higher in the bypass surgery group and was decreased significantly after treatment. However, a significant reduction in tumor size and serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 level was found only in the combination treatment group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications and prognosis between the two groups.ConclusionsCryoablation can reduce tumor size and relieve the patients' symptoms and signs such as abdominal discomfort and backache, although it could not improve the patients' prognosis significantly. It is a safe and efficient modality when combined with bypass surgery for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
Geobacter sp. SD‐1 with enhanced electrochemical activity in high‐salt concentration solutions
Authors: Sun Dan , Call Douglas , Wang Aijie , Cheng Shaoan , Logan Bruce E. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryAn isolate, designated strain SD‐1, was obtained from a biofilm dominated by Geobacter sulfurreducens in a microbial fuel cell. The electrochemical activity of strain SD‐1 was compared with type strains, G. sulfurreducens PCA and Geobacter metallireducens GS‐15, and a mixed culture in microbial electrolysis cells. SD‐1 produced a maximum current density of 290 ± 29 A m−3 in a high‐concentration phosphate buffer solution (PBS‐H, 200 mM). This current density was significantly higher than that produced by the mixed culture (189 ± 44 A m−3) or the type strains (< 70 A m−3). In a highly saline water (SW; 50 mM PBS and 650 mM NaCl), current by SD‐1 (158 ± 4 A m−3) was reduced by 28% compared with 50 mM PBS (220 ± 4 A m−3), but it was still higher than that of the mixed culture (147 ± 19 A m−3), and strains PCA and GS‐15 did not produce any current. Electrochemical tests showed that the improved performance of SD‐1 was due to its lower charge transfer resistance and more negative potentials produced at higher current densities. These results show that the electrochemical activity of SD‐1 was significantly different than other Geobacter strains and mixed cultures in terms of its salt tolerance.
Role of smoking in regional variation in mortality in Poland
Authors: Muszyńska Magdalena M. , Fihel Agnieszka , Janssen Fanny 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimsWe assess the effect of smoking on regional disparities in mortality in Poland and its contribution to the change in regional disparities during the last two decades.Design, Setting and ParticipantsWe used population‐level mortality data from the population registry for 379 Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS)‐4 Polish regions for 1991–93 and 2008–10.MeasurementsThe importance of smoking was assessed by smoking‐attributable mortality (SAM) derived using a simplified indirect Peto‐Lopez method. Regional differences in age‐standardized all‐cause, smoking‐ and non‐smoking‐attributable mortality (NSAM) rates at ages 35 years and over were mapped, and spatial clustering (Moran's I) and coefficients of variation (CV) were estimated. The contribution of SAM to variation in all‐cause mortality was assessed by variance decomposition and compared over time.FindingsIn 2008–10, all‐cause and SAM rates were characterized by a similar pattern of spatial clustering (Moran's I > 0.44, P < 0.0001). For NSAM, a more random pattern with less regional clustering showed (Moran's I = 0.34, P < 0.0001). The contribution of smoking to regional variation was substantial [54%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 44.9, 62.5 among men; 24.9%, 95% CI = 20.9, 29.1 among women], and compared with 1991–93, 27.5 percentage points lower for men and 6.3 percentage points higher for women. Smoking contributed to the divergence between the regions in all‐cause mortality between 1991–93 and 2008–10 for men [increase in CV of SAM by 2% (0, 4%)], but not for women [decrease in CV of SAM by 15% (22, 10%)].ConclusionsDifferences in past smoking behaviour may largely explain the regional differences in all‐cause mortality existing in 2008–10 in Poland, and its trends since 1991–1993.
Copy number variants in Italian Large White pigs detected using high‐density single nucleotide polymorphisms and their association with back fat thickness
Authors: Schiavo G. , Dolezal M. A. , Scotti E. , Bertolini F. , Calò D. G. , Galimberti G. , Russo V. , Fontanesi L. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to identify copy number variants (CNVs) in Italian Large White pigs and test them for association with back fat thickness (BFT). Within a population of 12 000 performance‐tested pigs, two groups of animals with extreme and divergent BFT estimated breeding values (EBVs; 147 with negative and 150 with positive EBVs) were genotyped with the Illumina Porcine SNP60 BeadChip. CNVs were detected with penncnv software. We identified a total of 4146 CNV events in 170 copy number variation regions (CNVRs) located on 15 porcine autosomes. Validation of detected CNVRs was carried out (i) by comparing CNVRs already detected by other studies and (ii) by semiquantitative fluorescent multiplex (SQFM) PCR of a few CNVRs. Most of CNVRs detected in Italian Large White pigs (71.2%) were already reported in other pig breeds/populations, and 82.1% of the CNV events detected by penncnv were confirmed by SQFM PCR. For each CNVR, we compared the occurrence of CNV events between the pigs of the high and low BFT EBV tails. Sixteen regions showed significance at P < 0.10, and seven were significant at P < 0.05 but were not significant after Bonferroni correction (Fisher's exact test). These results indicated that CNVs could explain a limited fraction of the genetic variability of fat deposition in Italian Large White pigs. However, it was interesting to note that one of these CNVRs encompassed the ZPLD1 gene. In humans, a rare CNV event including this gene is associated with obesity. Studies identifying CNVs in pigs could assist in elucidating the genetic mechanisms underlying human obesity.
Comprehensive analysis of the whole transcriptomes from two different pig breeds using RNA‐Seq method
Authors: Ropka‐Molik Katarzyna , Żukowski Kacper , Eckert Robert , Gurgul Artur , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Oczkowicz Maria 
Published: June 2014

SummaryNext‐generation sequencing RNA‐Seq technology is a powerful tool that creates new possibilities for whole‐transcriptome analysis. In our study, the RNA‐Seq method was applied to analyze global changes in transcriptome from muscle tissue (m. semimembranosus) in two pig breeds (Pietrain and Polish Landrace, PL). The breeds differ in terms of muscularity, growth rate and reproduction traits. Using three different approaches (deseq, cufflinks and edger) and taking into account the most restrictive criteria, 35 genes differentially expressed between Pietrain and PL pigs were identified. In both breeds, the most abundant were transcripts encoding ribosomal and cytoskeletal proteins (TPM3, TCAP, TMOD4, TPM2, TNNC1) and calcium‐binding proteins involved in muscle contraction, calcium‐mediated signaling or cation transport (CASQ1, MLC2V, SLC25A4, MYL3). In PL pigs, we identified up‐regulation of several genes that play crucial roles in reproduction: female gamete generation (BDP1, PTPN21, USP9X), fertilization (EGFR) and embryonic development (CPEB4). In the Pietrain breed, only seven genes were over‐expressed (CISH, SPP1, TUBA8, ATP6V1C2, IGKC, predicted LOC100510960 and LOC100626400), and they play important roles in, for example, negative regulation of apoptosis, immune response, cell–cell signaling, cell growth and migration as well as the metabolic process. The functions of the majority of selected genes were consistent with phenotypic variation in investigated breeds; thus, we proposed a new panel of candidate genes that can be associated with economically important pig traits.
Beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplementation impairs peripheral insulin sensitivity in healthy sedentary Wistar rats
Authors: Yonamine C. Y. , Teixeira S. S. , Campello R. S. , Gerlinger‐Romero F. , Rodrigues C. F. , Guimarães‐Ferreira L. , Machado U. F. , Nunes M. T. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimInvestigate, in healthy sedentary rats, the potential mechanisms involved on the effects of beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation upon the glycaemic homeostasis, by evaluating the insulin sensitivity in liver, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue.MethodsRats were supplemented with either beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate (320 mg kg−1 BW) or saline by gavage for 4 weeks. After the experimental period, the animals were subjected to the glucose tolerance test (GTT) and plasma non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration measurements. The soleus skeletal muscle, liver and white adipose tissue were removed for molecular (western blotting and RT‐PCR) and histological analysis.ResultsThe beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplemented rats presented: (i) higher ratio between the area under the curve (AUC) of insulinaemia and glycaemia during glucose tolerance test; (ii) impairment of insulin sensitivity on liver and soleus skeletal muscle after insulin overload; (iii) reduction of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT 4) total and plasma membrane content on soleus; (iv) increased hormone‐sensitive lipase (HSL) mRNA and protein expression on white adipose tissue and plasma NEFA levels and (v) reduction of fibre cross‐sectional area of soleus muscle.ConclusionThe data altogether indicate that beta hydroxy beta methylbutyrate supplementation impairs insulin sensitivity in healthy sedentary rats, which, in the long‐term, could lead to an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
An overview of the patterns of prescription opioid use, costs and related harms in Australia
Authors: Blanch Bianca , Pearson Sallie‐Anne , Haber Paul S. 
Published: June 2014

AimsTo report Australian population trends in subsidized prescribed opioid use, total costs to the Australian government to subsidize these medicines and opioid‐related harms based on hospitalizations and accidental poisoning deaths.MethodsWe utilized three national aggregated data sources including dispensing claims from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, opioid‐related hospitalizations from the National Hospital Morbidity Database and accidental poisoning deaths from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.ResultsBetween 1992 and 2012, opioid dispensing episodes increased 15‐fold (500 000 to 7.5 million) and the corresponding cost to the Australian government increased 32‐fold ($8.5 million to $271 million). Opioid‐related harms also increased. Opioid‐related hospitalizations increased from 605 to 1464 cases (1998–2009), outnumbering hospitalizations due to heroin poisonings since 2001. Deaths due to accidental poisoning (pharmaceutical opioids and illicit substances combined) increased from 151 to 266 (2002–2011), resulting in a rise in the death rate of 0.78 to 1.19 deaths/100 000 population over 10 years. Death rates increased 1.8 fold in males and 1.4 fold in females.ConclusionsThe striking increase in opioid use and related harms in Australia is consistent with trends observed in other jurisdictions. Further, there is no evidence to suggest these increases are plateauing. There is currently limited evidence in Australia about individual patterns of opioid use and the associated risk of adverse events. Further research should focus on these important issues so as to provide important evidence supporting effective change in policy and practice.
Building Dialogue on Complex Conservation Issues in a Conference Setting
Authors: ROCK JENNY , SPARROW ANDREW , WASS ROB , MOLLER HENRIK 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDialogue about complex science and society issues is important for contemporary conservation agendas. Conferences provide an appropriate space for such dialogue, but despite its recognized worth, best practices for facilitating active dialogue are still being explored. Face‐to‐face (FTF) and computer‐mediated communication (CMC) are two approaches to facilitating dialogue that have different strengths. We assessed the use of these approaches to create dialogue on cultural perspectives of conservation and biodiversity at a national ecology conference. In particular, we aimed to evaluate their potential to enhance dialogue through their integrated application. We used an interactive blog to generate CMC on participant‐sourced issues and to prime subsequent discussion in an FTF conference workshop. The quantity and quality of both CMC and FTF discussion indicated that both approaches were effective in building dialogue. Prior to the conference the blog averaged 126 views per day, and 44 different authors contributed a total of 127 comments. Twenty‐five participants subsequently participated in active FTF discussion during a 3‐h workshop. Postconference surveys confirmed that CMC had developed participants’ thinking and deepened FTF dialogue; 88% indicated specifically that CMC helped facilitate the FTF discussion. A further 83% of respondents concluded that preliminary blog discussion would be useful for facilitating dialogue at future conferences.Construcción del Diálogo sobre Problemas Complejos de Conservación en un Escenario de Conferencia
Unexpectedly high prevalence of rare genetic disorders in kidney transplant recipients with an unknown causal nephropathy
Authors: Quaglia Marco , Musetti Claudio , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Fogazzi Giovanni Battista , Settanni Fabio , Boldorini Renzo Luciano , Lazzarich Elisa , Airoldi Andrea , Izzo Cristina , Giordano Mara , Stratta Piero 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundPatients with a rare genetic disease may receive renal transplantation (KTx) without a correct diagnosis of causal nephropathy and therefore develop unexpected and even severe complications. The aim of the study was to describe the cases of rare genetic disorders diagnosed after KTx, in order to draw clinical lessons for the transplant physician.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed all patients who had received a diagnosis of a rare genetic disorder after KTx.ResultsIn our center, more than 30% (278/911) of kidney transplant (KTx) recipients were diagnosed with a causal nephropathy: Prevalence of rare genetic disorders in this group was 4.32% (12/278), including 2,8‐dihydroxyadeninuria (2,8‐DHA) disease (n = 2), HNF‐1B‐associated nephropathy (n = 2), UMOD‐related nephropathy (n = 5), Fabry disease (n = 1), INF2 focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 1), and Senior‐Løken syndrome (n = 1). 2,8‐DHA nephropathy relapsed in both patients causing an acute renal failure and jeopardizing the graft.ConclusionsKidney transplant recipients without a diagnosis of causal nephropathy appear to be a selected population in which rare genetic diseases might be more common than expected. As even a belated diagnosis after KTx can have a significant impact on graft and patient survival and on other family members, this possibility should be evaluated in KTx recipients without a known causal nephropathy.