bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of single‐file reciprocating systems on Substance P and Calcitonin gene‐related peptide expression in human periodontal ligament
Authors: Caviedes‐Bucheli J. , Moreno J. O. , Carreño C. P. , Delgado R. , Garcia D. J. , Solano J. , Diaz E. , Munoz H. R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimTo quantify the effect of two single‐file reciprocating root canal preparation systems on Substance P (SP) and Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) expression in healthy human periodontal ligament (PDL).MethodologyForty PDL samples were obtained from healthy premolars where extraction was indicated for orthodontic reasons. Prior to extraction, 20 of these premolars were divided equally in two groups, and then, root canals were prepared using one of two different single‐file systems: WaveOne and Reciproc. Ten premolars were prepared with hand files and served as a positive control group. The remaining 10 premolars where extracted without treatment and served as a negative control group. All PDL samples were processed, and SP and CGRP were measured by radioimmunoassay.ResultsGreater SP and CGRP expression were found in the hand instrumentation group (1.220 pmol SP and 0.084 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL), followed by the WaveOne group (0.908 pmol SP and 0.046 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL) and the Reciproc group (0.511 pmol SP and 0.022 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL). The lower SP and CGRP values were associated with the intact control group (0.453 pmol SP and 0.018 pmol CGRP per mg of PDL). The Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences between groups (P < 0.001). Post hoc Tukey HSD tests revealed significant differences in SP and CGRP expression between intact teeth in the control group and all the other groups (P < 0.001) except with the Reciproc group (P = 0.165 and P = 0.42 for SP and CGRP, respectively). Hand instrumentation was associated with significant differences with all the other groups (P < 0.001). Differences between the WaveOne and Reciproc groups were also significant (P < 0.001).ConclusionSubstance P and CGRP expression in PDL cells increased when teeth were prepared with WaveOne as well as with hand instrumentation. Reciproc maintained SP and CGRP levels in line with the negative control group.
Antioxidant capacity and total reducing power of balsamic and traditional balsamic vinegar from Modena and Reggio Emilia by conventional chemical assays
Authors: Greco Emanuela , Cervellati Rinaldo , Litterio Maria Luisa 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAntioxidant capacity of a number of balsamic vinegar (BV) and traditional balsamic (TBV) vinegars from the districts of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) have been assessed using two chemical assays, the Briggs–Rauscher oscillating reaction method and the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) method. The total reducing power was also evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent. The results show that the antioxidant parameters of TBV are significantly better than those of the BV, in agreement with the different manufacturing procedures and product ageing. A good correlation was found between the methods used. Suggestion for an approximate evaluation of ageing based on antioxidant parameters values is also given.
Efficacy of Acorus calamus L. essential oil as a safe plant‐based antioxidant, Aflatoxin B1 suppressor and broad spectrum antimicrobial against food‐infesting fungi
Authors: Shukla Ravindra , Singh Priyanka , Prakash Bhanu , Dubey Nawal K. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe study explores the efficacy of Acorus calamus L. essential oil (EO) as a safe plant‐based broad spectrum antifungal, antiaflatoxin, antioxidant food additive. The oil completely inhibited the growth and toxin production of the toxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus at 0.4 and 0.25 μL mL−1, respectively. EO exhibited pronounced antifungal activity against sixteen food‐infesting fungal species at 0.5 μL mL−1. The EO showed strong antioxidant efficacy (IC50 1.06 μL mL−1) and nonphytotoxic nature on germination of chickpea seeds. The EO was found nonmammalian toxic showing high LD50 (4877.4 μL kg−1) for mice (oral, acute). The chemical profile of EO was determined through GC and GC–MS analysis. The findings strengthen the possibility of A. calamus EO as a plant‐based food additive in view of its favourable safety profile, antioxidant and antiaflatoxigenic efficacy and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against food‐infesting fungi.
Effect of drying temperature on key odourants in kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix D.C., Rutaceae) leaves
Authors: Jirapakkul Wannee , Tinchan Patcharaporn , Chaiseri Siree 
Published: September 2012

SummaryVolatile compounds of fresh and dried kaffir lime leaves were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Fifty‐four volatile compounds were identified in fresh kaffir lime leaf with citronellal being the most abundant, followed by l‐linalool, hexanal, sabinene and β‐citronellol. Aroma active compounds were determined by gas chromatography–olfactory (GC–O). Thirty‐seven aroma active compounds were reported along with their odour descriptions and Log3 FD. On the basis of high values of their Log3 FD and odour characteristics together with odour activity value (OAV), the concentrations of selected eleven key odourants were compared between fresh and dried samples. Three drying temperatures at 50, 60 and 70 °C for 6 h were applied for hot air‐drying. The concentrations of most compounds in 50 °C dried samples were not much different from those in fresh samples. Drying at 60 and 70 °C brought substantial losses of some key odourants. However, concentrations of citronellal and l‐linalool, as key aroma compounds of kaffir lime leaves, in 60 and 70 °C dried kaffir lime leaves were not significantly different.
Sensory evaluation of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables available to Irish consumers
Authors: Tobin Rachel , Moane Siobhan , Larkin Tracey 
Published: September 2012

SummaryMany Irish consumers believe organic foods taste better; however, scientific data to support this are scarce, inconclusive and limited in scope. Quantitative descriptive analysis was used to compare the sensory properties of nine organic and conventional fruits and vegetables. A panel of nine was trained according to ISO international standards (8586‐1, 1993). Independent t‐tests of individual descriptor data and a two‐way repeated measures anova of the entire data set were carried out via SPSS 19. Statistical analysis of panel scores failed to show any significant differences between the organic and conventional samples for any of the descriptors assessed (P < 0.05 and less) or between the overall organic and conventional data sets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the study found no statistically significant differences between the sensory attributes of a range of organic and conventional fruits and vegetables available to the Irish consumer.
Chemical and colour changes related to the use of sorbates and ascorbic acid in pickled cucumbers and caperberries during long‐term storage
Authors: Sánchez Antonio Higinio , Casado Francisco Javier , Beato Víctor Manuel , de Castro Antonio , Montaño Alfredo 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe evolution of two additives, potassium sorbate and ascorbic acid, during long‐term storage of pickled vegetables, as well as the impact of these additives on product colour, was investigated. For this investigation, cucumbers and caperberries packed in both glass bottles and plastic pouches were used. In general, the added sorbate level remained unchanged during long‐term storage irrespective of the packaging material. However, the ascorbic acid gradually disappeared at a significantly higher rate in plastic than in glass containers, and its level was higher in caperberries than in cucumbers. In the latter, the presence of sorbate caused a higher degradation rate of ascorbic acid compared to the absence of sorbate. Ascorbic acid had a protective effect against surface colour degradation in cucumbers packed in plastic pouches, whereas sorbate enhanced such degradation. However, in both pickled vegetables, ascorbic acid degradation had a significant impact on brine browning, particularly in plastic pouches.
Effect of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) muscle hydrolysates and fish skin hydrolysates on the quality of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) during 4 °C storage
Authors: Hu Sumei , Luo Yongkang , Cui Jianyun , Lu Wei , Wang Hang , You Juan , Shen Huixing 
Published: September 2012

SummarySilver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) skin and muscle were hydrolysed, respectively, and then used as part of an edible coating to preserve fish. The effects of muscle and skin hydrolysates as edible coatings for shelf life extension of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were evaluated over 18 days at 4 °C, by comparing these two treatments, a chitosan coating with muscle hydrolysate, chitosan alone, and an untreated control. All coatings were made up with 5% glycerol. The quality of the carp was assessed by using total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), total viable counts (TVC), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and K value. Compared with the control group, the rate of increase in TVB‐N, TVC, TBA and K value of carp coated with fish skin hydrolysates, fish muscle hydrolysates and chitosan added to fish muscle hydrolysates were lower. According to the total viable counts, the storage life of fish with fish skin hydrolysates coatings and chitosan added fish muscle hydrolysates coatings were 16 days, 2 days longer than those with the chitosan coatings and twice as long as the control group.
Effect of processing treatments (frozen, frying) on contents of minerals in tissues of ‘frutti di mare’
Authors: Anna Czech , Kamila Stachyra 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine the effect of thermal treatment (frying) of frozen seafood on the content of minerals and heavy metals. An analysis was conducted to compare concentration of sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, as well as lead, cadmium and mercury in the analysed tissues of invertebrates (shellfish – blue mussel, Japanese squid, white shrimp and octopus). Thermal processing (in this case, frying) applied to the frozen invertebrates was found to affect significantly the content of macro‐ and microelements as well as the content of heavy metals, except for potassium and manganese content in mussels and shrimps, respectively. Frozen and thermally treated (frying) mussels are characterised by significantly higher concentrations of the analysed minerals (except Na+, Ca+2, Cu+2), as well as higher concentrations of cadmium and mercury. In turn, shrimps and squids are invertebrates with lower content of both macro‐ and microelements.
Using c‐Fos/c‐Jun as hetero‐dimer interaction model to optimize donor to acceptor concentration ratio range for three‐filter fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurement
Authors: WANG S. , LI K.‐J. , LIN X.‐W. , JIANG C.‐Z. , CHEN D.‐H. , WU Q. , HUA Z.‐C. 
Published: September 2012

SummarySensitized emission FRET detection method based on three‐filter fluorescence microscopy is widely used and more suitable for live cell FRET imaging and dynamic protein–protein interaction analysis. But when it is applied to detect two proteins interaction in living cells, this intensity‐based detection method is complicated by many experimental factors such as spectral crosstalk and spectral bleed‐through and variable donor to acceptor concentration ratio. There are several FRET algorithms developed recently to correct those factors in order to quantitatively gauge and compare FRET signals between different experimental groups. But the algorithms are often difficult to choose when they are applied to certain experiments. In this research, we use c‐Fos/c‐Jun as a simple hetero‐dimer interaction model to quantitatively detect and compare the FRET signals based on the following widely used sensitized emission FRET algorithms: NFRET, FRETN, FR, FRETR, Eapp and EEFF. We optimized the donor to acceptor concentration ratio range for the above FRET algorithms and facilitate their use in accurate FRET signal determination based on the three‐filter FRET microscopy.
Generalization of the polar representation in time domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for biological applications: practical implementation
Authors: LERAY A. , SPRIET C. , TRINEL D. , USSON Y. , HÉLIOT L. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe polar representation or phasor, which provides a fast and visual indication on the number of exponentials present in the intensity decay of the fluorescence lifetime images is increasingly used in time domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy experiments. The calculations of the polar coordinates in time domain fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy experiments involve several experimental parameters (e.g. instrumental response function, background, angular frequency, number of temporal channels) whose role has not been exhaustively investigated. Here, we study theoretically, computationally and experimentally the influence of each parameter on the polar calculations and suggest parameter optimization for minimizing errors. We identify several sources of mistakes that may occur in the calculations of the polar coordinates and propose adapted corrections to compensate for them. For instance, we demonstrate that the numerical integration method employed for integrals calculations may induce errors when the number of temporal channels is low. We report theoretical generalized expressions to compensate for these deviations and conserve the semicircle integrity, facilitating the comparison between fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy images acquired with distinct channels number. These theoretical generalized expressions were finally corroborated with both Monte Carlo simulations and experiments.
Photoperiod‐Dependent Regulation of Carboxypeptidase E Affects the Selective Processing of Neuropeptides in the Seasonal Siberian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Helwig M. , Herwig A. , Heldmaier G. , Barrett P. , Mercer J. G. , Klingenspor M. 
Published: September 2012

The production of bioactive peptides from biologically inactive precursors involves extensive post‐translational processing, including enzymatic cleavage by proteolytic peptidases. Endoproteolytic prohormone‐convertases initially cleave the precursors of many neuropeptides at specific amino acid sequences to generate intermediates with basic amino acid extensions on their C‐termini. Subsequently, the related exopeptidases, carboxypeptidases D and E (CPD and CPE), are responsible for removing these amino acids before the peptides achieve biological activity. We investigated the effect of photoperiod on the processing of the neuropeptide precursor pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) and its derived neuropeptides, α‐ melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) and β‐endorphin (END), within the hypothalamus of the seasonal Siberian hamster (Phodopus sungorus). We thus compared hypothalamic distribution of CPD, CPE, α‐MSH and β‐END using immunohistochemistry and measured the enzyme activity of CPE and concentrations of C‐terminally cleaved α‐MSH in short‐day (SD; 8 : 16 h light/dark) and long‐day (LD; 16 : 8 h light/dark) acclimatised hamsters. Increased immunoreactivity (‐IR) of CPE, as well as higher CPE activity, was observed in SD. This increase was accompanied by more β‐END‐IR cells and substantially higher levels of C‐ terminally cleaved α‐MSH, as determined by radioimmunoassay. Our results suggest that exoproteolytic cleavage of POMC‐derived neuropeptides is tightly regulated by photoperiod in the Siberian hamster. Higher levels of biological active α‐MSH‐ and β‐END in SD are consistent with the hypothesis that post‐translational processing is a key event in the regulation of seasonal energy balance.
Internal methane transport through Juncus effusus: experimental manipulation of morphological barriers to test above‐ and below‐ground diffusion limitation
Authors: Henneberg Anders , Sorrell Brian K. , Brix Hans 
Published: September 2012

Summary

Aerenchymatous plants can transport methane (CH4) from the root zone to the atmosphere, bypassing the surface‐oxidizing layers of the soil, yet morphological and anatomical factors that govern the transport of methane have rarely been critically tested in manipulative experiments.

Here, we investigated the methane transport capacity of hydroponically grown Juncus effusus, in experiments with roots submerged in nutrient solutions sparged with methane (1.16 mmol CH4 l−1). Through a range of manipulations of the above‐ and below‐ground plant parts, we tested the contradictory claims in the literature regarding which sites provide the greatest resistance to gas transport.

Root manipulations had the greatest effect on methane transport. Removing root material reduced methane transport significantly, and especially the lateral roots and the root tips were important. Cutting of the shoots, with or without subsequent sealing, did not alter methane transport significantly.

We confirm modelling predictions that the limiting factor for methane transport in the tussock forming wetland graminoid, J. effusus, is the amount of permeable root surface, estimated using the proxy measurement of root length. The aerial tissues do not provide any significant resistance to methane transport, and the methane is emitted from the lower 50 mm of the shoots.
Common N1 and mismatch negativity neural evoked components are revealed by independent component model‐based clustering analysis
Authors: Lozano‐Soldevilla Diego , Marco‐Pallarés Josep , Fuentemilla Lluís , Grau Carles 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMismatch negativity (MMN) is an event‐related brain potential that appears when an auditory regularity is violated. Two main hypotheses have been proposed to explain it: the adaptation hypothesis and the memory‐based hypothesis. Critically, they differ in whether the MMN can be distinguished from the N1. In this study, we assessed the differential contribution of the N1 and the MMN using independent component analysis (ICA) combined with model‐based clustering. Our results show that the neural responses associated with the standard and deviant tones are explained by three clusters of reliable ICs with frontocentral scalp distribution. Two of these clusters exhibited a common N1 for both the standard and deviant tones and one cluster showed an enhancement of the anterior N1 at the MMN time range. These results support the adaptation hypothesis, which proposes that MMN is generated by neural mechanisms similar to those associated with auditory N1.
Someone to talk to: young mothers’ experiences of participating in a young parents support programme
Authors: Mills Annie , Schmied Virginia , Taylor Christine , Dahlen Hannah , Shuiringa Wies , Hudson Margaret E. 
Published: September 2012

Aims:  To identify young parents’ perceptions and experiences of a parenting support programme, run by a non‐government organisation, which provided both community group‐based, and one‐on‐one home visiting, support.Study Design:  A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in one of the most socio‐economically disadvantaged areas of Sydney, NSW; this is also an area with one of the highest percentage of births among young parents. Young parents were eligible to participate whether they attended one of the parenting groups and/or received professional home visiting through the young parents programme. Eighteen young women were interviewed, and a further ten participated in a focus group. Thematic analysis of the focus groups and interviews was undertaken.Findings:  Four themes were identified in the analysis: ‘someone I know and trust’, ‘we just talk about anything and everything’, ‘doing the personal’ and ‘getting out and relaxing’. These themes were linked through the common thread of relationships; the relationships between themselves and other young mothers, and with the workers on the programme. The characteristics of the person with whom they had a relationship, the type of relationship, the content of their interactions and the benefits of these relationships were all important.Conclusions:  This study is limited by the small sample size and the ‘low risk’ status of the young parents who engaged in the programme. This study demonstrated not only the importance for young parents of all forms of interaction, whether it is one‐on‐one, in a group or social networking; but most importantly, the benefits of having someone to talk to.
Cannabidivarin is anticonvulsant in mouse and rat
Authors: Hill AJ , Mercier MS , Hill TDM , Glyn SE , Jones NA , Yamasaki Y , Futamura T , Duncan M , Stott CG , Stephens GJ , Williams CM , Whalley BJ 
Published: September 2012

Background and PurposePhytocannabinoids in Cannabis sativa have diverse pharmacological targets extending beyond cannabinoid receptors and several exert notable anticonvulsant effects. For the first time, we investigated the anticonvulsant profile of the phytocannabinoid cannabidivarin (CBDV) in vitro and in in vivo seizure models.Experimental ApproachThe effect of CBDV (1–100 μM) on epileptiform local field potentials (LFPs) induced in rat hippocampal brain slices by 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) application or Mg2+‐free conditions was assessed by in vitro multi‐electrode array recordings. Additionally, the anticonvulsant profile of CBDV (50–200 mg·kg−1) in vivo was investigated in four rodent seizure models: maximal electroshock (mES) and audiogenic seizures in mice, and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and pilocarpine‐induced seizures in rats. The effects of CBDV in combination with commonly used antiepileptic drugs on rat seizures were investigated. Finally, the motor side effect profile of CBDV was investigated using static beam and grip strength assays.Key ResultsCBDV significantly attenuated status epilepticus‐like epileptiform LFPs induced by 4‐AP and Mg2+‐free conditions. CBDV had significant anticonvulsant effects on the mES (≥100 mg·kg−1), audiogenic (≥50 mg·kg−1) and PTZ‐induced seizures (≥100 mg·kg−1). CBDV (200 mg·kg−1) alone had no effect against pilocarpine‐induced seizures, but significantly attenuated these seizures when administered with valproate or phenobarbital at this dose. CBDV had no effect on motor function.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese results indicate that CBDV is an effective anticonvulsant in a broad range of seizure models. Also it did not significantly affect normal motor function and, therefore, merits further investigation as a novel anti‐epileptic in chronic epilepsy models.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.167.issue‐8