bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identifying Key Attributes for Protein Beverages
Authors: Oltman A.E. , Lopetcharat K. , Bastian E. , Drake M.A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study identified key attributes of protein beverages and evaluated effects of priming on liking of protein beverages. An adaptive choice‐based conjoint study was conducted along with Kano analysis to gain insight on protein beverage consumers (n = 432). Attributes evaluated included label claim, protein type, amount of protein, carbohydrates, sweeteners, and metabolic benefits. Utility scores for levels and importance scores for attributes were determined. Subsequently, two pairs of clear acidic whey protein beverages were manufactured that differed by age of protein source or the amount of whey protein per serving. Beverages were evaluated by 151 consumers on two occasions with or without priming statements. One priming statement declared “great flavor,” the other priming statement declared 20 g protein per serving. A two way analysis of variance was applied to discern the role of each priming statement. The most important attribute for protein beverages was sweetener type, followed by amount of protein, followed by type of protein followed by label claim. Beverages with whey protein, naturally sweetened, reduced sugar and ≥15 g protein per serving were most desired. Three consumer clusters were identified, differentiated by their preferences for protein type, sweetener and amount of protein. Priming statements positively impacted concept liking (P < 0.05) but had no effect on overall liking (P > 0.05). Consistent with trained panel profiles of increased cardboard flavor with higher protein content, consumers liked beverages with 10 g protein more than beverages with 20 g protein (6.8 compared with 5.7, P < 0.05). Protein beverages must have desirable flavor for wide consumer appeal.
Using Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy to Characterize the Glass Transition Time of Polydextrose
Authors: Buehler Martin G. , Kindle Michael L. , Carter Brady P. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDielectric relaxation spectroscopy was used to characterize the glass transition time, tg, of polydextrose, where the glass transition temperature, Tg, and water activity, aw (relative humidity), were held constant during polydextrose relaxation. The tg was determined from a shift in the peak frequency of the imaginary capacitance spectrum with time. It was found that when the peak frequency reaches 30 mHz, polydextrose undergoes glass transition. Glass transition time, tg, is the time for polydextrose to undergo glass transition at a specific Tg and aw. Results lead to a modified state diagram, where Tg is depressed with increasing aw. This curve forms a boundary: (a) below the boundary, polydextrose does not undergo glass transition and (b) above the boundary, polydextrose rapidly undergoes glass transition. As the boundary curve is specified by a tg value, it can assist in the selection of storage conditions. An important point on the boundary curve is at aw = 0, where Tg0 = 115 °C. The methodology can also be used to calculate the stress‐relaxation viscosity of polydextrose as a function of Tg and aw, which is important when characterizing the flow properties of polydextrose initially in powder form.
Development of Aa New Time Temperature Indicator for Enzymatic Validation of Pasteurization of Meat Products
Authors: Brizio Ana Paula Dutra Resem , Prentice Carlos 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper presents the development of a new smart time‐temperature indicator (TTI) of pasteurization whose operating principle is based on the complexation reaction between starch and iodine, and the subsequent action of an amylase on this complex causing its discoloration at a rate dependent on time and temperature of the medium. Laboratory simulations and tests in a manufacturing plant evaluated different enzyme concentrations in the TTI prototypes when exposed to pasteurization conditions. The results showed that the color response of the indicators was visually interpreted as adaptive to measurement using appropriate equipment, with satisfactory reliability in all conditions studied. The TTI containing 6.5% amylase was one whose best results were suited for use in validating the cooking of hams. When attached to the primary packaging of the product, this TTI indicated the pasteurization process inexpensively, easily, accurately, and nondestructively.
Recovery of Staphylococcus aureus in Gray Mugil cephalus Roe (Bottarga): Investigation by an Integrated Cultural/Molecular Approach
Authors: Brandas Valeria , Orrù Germano , Carraro Valentina , Sanna Adriana , Brajon Giovanni , Salati Fulvio , Sanna Clara , Ciusa Maria laura , Meloni Mauro , Coroneo Valentina 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn the Mediterranean area, salted and dried roe from the gray Mugil cephalus “bottarga” represent a speciality food with great commercial value. Bottarga is currently produced by a traditional handmade process and, the risk of human bacterial contamination during its manufacturing is still unknown; in this perspective the foodborne pathogen Staphylococcus aureus could potentially contaminate this product due to poor sanitation or bad handling during processing. The aim of this work is: to evaluate the contamination level of foodborne pathogens at different product manufacturing stages and, in addition, to describe a fast and realizable method for the rapid detection of S. aureus in bottarga samples in the field. A cultural procedure was initially used to investigate the occurrence of S. aureus and the other main foodborne pathogens in bottarga samples at the different manufacturing stages (from roe to final product). In addition, a molecular approach was used to rapidly determine the presence of total bacteria, S. aureus, and its potential toxigenicity. Of the 194 specimens analyzed, we identified: Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae. However, some samples resulted as being contaminated with S. aureus (4% in roe and 8.7% in the final product). During the bottarga manufacturing process, we observed an increase in pathogen levels (from 102 to 105 CFU/g) in contaminated samples, and entA and entB genotypes were identified. Reconstruction experiments suggest that the fresh roe and the bottarga (not completely dried) could represent a risk for the contamination and growth of pathogen bacteria.
The influence of Helicobacter pylori eradication on the expression and methylation status of the FHIT gene in non‐cancerous gastric mucosa of dyspeptic patients
Authors: Peczek Lukasz , Zuk Karolina , Stec‐Michalska Krystyna , Medrek Marta , Nawrot Barbara 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the expression level of the FHIT gene and its methylation status in the gastric mucosa of dyspeptic patients with or without a family history of gastric cancer (FHGC).MethodsIn all, 31 patients with H. pylori infection including 13 with FHGC were enrolled in the study. The effectiveness of H. pylori eradication were confirmed by UBT, RUT and multiplex PCR (the presence of selected H. pylori strains) for biopsy samples from the antrum and corpus. Histopathological assessment was also performed. The expression of FHIT mRNA was determined by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and the methylation status of the FHIT promoter was assessed by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAfter H. pylori eradication, the improvement of inflammation from superficial gastritis to normal mucosa (G→N) was observed in 39% of the patients without FHGC and in 54% of those with FHGC. FHIT mRNA expression was increased in patients without FHGC after H. pylori eradication (P < 0.05), while there was no statistically significant change in gene methylation status after H. pylori eradication (P > 0.05). For the samples from those with FHGC, the FHIT mRNA expression was not significantly changed and the methylation status fluctuated evenly.ConclusionsH. pylori eradication results in the improvement of gastric mucosal inflammation and histopathological non‐atrophic changes. The FHIT gene expression is increased in patients without FHGC, which may contribute to the prevention of GC development.
Statistical modelling of annual variation for inference on stochastic population dynamics using Integral Projection Models
Authors: Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Ellner Stephen P. , Childs Dylan Z. , Salguero‐Gómez Roberto , Merow Cory , McMahon Sean M. , Jongejans Eelke , Rees Mark 
Published: May 2015

Summary

Temporal fluctuations in vital rates such as survival, growth or reproduction alter long‐term population dynamics and can change the dynamics from invasion and population persistence to extinction. Projections of population dynamics made in the absence of such fluctuations may consequently be misleading. However, data for estimation of yearly fluctuations in demographic parameters are often limited. Accordingly, the current diverse range of statistical and demographic modelling strategies used for stochastic population modelling may influence predictions.

We used simulations to explore the effects of different methods of parameter estimation on projections of population dynamics obtained using stochastic integral projection models (IPMs). The simulations were built from data on a monocarpic thistle, Carlina vulgaris, and an ungulate, Soay sheep, Ovis aries; these populations are subject to yearly fluctuation in vital rates facilitating the exploration of the effects of different methods of model construction on the properties of stochastic IPMs. Specifically, we looked at effects on the stochastic growth rate, log λs, and the mean and variance in the one‐step population growth rate (Nt+1/Nt).

Our analyses showed that none of the tested approaches resulted in large biases in the estimation of log λs. However, when realistic study durations (e.g. 12 years) were used for statistical modelling, the confidence intervals around the λs estimates remained large. Estimation of the variance in one‐step population growth rates, on the other hand, was strongly sensitive to the method employed, and the overestimation and underestimation of the variance were also influenced by the life history of the organism.

Our findings highlight the need to consider the influences of statistical and demographic modelling approaches when population dynamics have significant temporal stochasticity, as in population viability analyses and evolutionary predictions of bet hedging.
Isolation of Nocardia mexicana from focal proliferative tenosynovitis and arthritis in a steer
Authors: Owen H , Buckle K , Olm J , Leitner M , Pandey S , Gaughan JB , Sullivan ML , Lees AM , Gibson JS 
Published: May 2015

Case reportAn 18‐month‐old Charolais steer was presented with lameness and fluctuant swelling of the right stifle joint, which yielded neutrophils on fine‐needle aspiration. A diagnosis of bacterial proliferative tenosynovitis and arthritis was made on postmortem and histological examination. Culture and 16S rRNA sequencing identified a Nocardia sp. with 99% homology with the corresponding DNA fragment of N. mexicana DSM 44952. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed the isolate was susceptible to co‐trimoxazole and third‐generation cephalosporins.ConclusionWe report the first case, both in Australia and internationally, of proliferative tenosynovitis and arthritis caused by Nocardia spp. infection in a bovine and the first report of pathology attributed to N. mexicana in a veterinary patient. Given the limited susceptibility of the bacteria, the poor antimicrobial penetration that would be expected and the morphological changes that had taken place in the joint; the steer would have required protracted antimicrobial treatment in addition to invasive debridement of the lesion. This case emphasises the importance of routinely performing cytology and extended incubation of cultures in cases of arthritis in order to make ethical and economically viable treatment decisions.
Retrospective survey of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology in Western Australian horses presented for evaluation of the respiratory tract: effect of season on relative cell percentages
Authors: Secombe CJ , Lester GD , Robertson ID , Cullimore AM 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo characterise the cytological changes in equine bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples over multiple years to determine if the prevalence of a relative mast cell response was influenced by season.MethodsMedical records of 228 horses with clinical signs consistent with non‐infectious respiratory disease or poor performance where a BAL was performed were reviewed retrospectively. BAL fluid cytology and categorised clinical variables were analysed using a Chi‐square test to determine associations.ResultsThe predominant signalment was a racing horse between 2 and 6 years of age, and poor athletic performance was the most common presenting complaint. Based on published criteria, 69.7% of horses had abnormal BAL cytology. The presence of nasal discharge was the only clinical finding that differed significantly between horses with abnormal and normal cytology. The most common cytological derangement was a mixed cell response (26.7%), the majority of which comprised elevated percentages of neutrophils and mast cells. A solely neutrophilic response or mast cell response occurred with equal frequency (18% and 18.95%, respectively), and an isolated eosinophilic response was noted in 6.1% of cases. Of the horses with cytology consistent with non‐infectious lower airway inflammation, 58.4% had increases in the relative percentage of mast cells. Cell profiles were significantly associated with season, with mastocytosis occurring more commonly in spring, whereas eosinophilic and neutrophilic responses were more common in summer.ConclusionIn this study, a relative mast cell increase was the most common cytological profile in horses with lower airway inflammation and was associated with season.
Integration of PKPD relationships into benefit–risk analysis
Authors: Bellanti Francesco , van Wijk Rob C. , Danhof Meindert , Della Pasqua Oscar 
Published: May 2015

AimDespite the continuous endeavour to achieve high standards in medical care through effectiveness measures, a quantitative framework for the assessment of the benefit–risk balance of new medicines is lacking prior to regulatory approval. The aim of this short review is to summarise the approaches currently available for benefit–risk assessment. In addition, we propose the use of pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) modelling as the pharmacological basis for evidence synthesis and evaluation of novel therapeutic agents.MethodsA comprehensive literature search has been performed using MESH terms in PubMed, in which articles describing benefit–risk assessment and modelling and simulation were identified. In parallel, a critical review of multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) is presented as a tool for characterising a drug's safety and efficacy profile.ResultsA definition of benefits and risks has been proposed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), in which qualitative and quantitative elements are included. However, in spite of the value of MCDA as a quantitative method, decisions about benefit–risk balance continue to rely on subjective expert opinion. By contrast, a model‐informed approach offers the opportunity for a more comprehensive evaluation of benefit–risk balance before extensive evidence is generated in clinical practice.ConclusionsBenefit–risk balance should be an integral part of the risk management plan and as such considered before marketing authorisation. Modelling and simulation can be incorporated into MCDA to support the evidence synthesis as well evidence generation taking into account the underlying correlations between favourable and unfavourable effects. In addition, it represents a valuable tool for the optimization of protocol design in effectiveness trials.
Changes in northern Gulf of Mexico sediment bacterial and archaeal communities exposed to hypoxia
Authors: Devereux R. , Mosher J. J. , Vishnivetskaya T. A. , Brown S. D. , Beddick D. L. , Yates D. F. , Palumbo A. V. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBiogeochemical changes in marine sediments during coastal water hypoxia are well described, but less is known about underlying changes in microbial communities. Bacterial and archaeal communities in Louisiana continental shelf (LCS) hypoxic zone sediments were characterized by pyrosequencing 16S rRNA V4‐region gene fragments obtained by PCR amplification of community genomic DNA with bacterial‐ or archaeal‐specific primers. Duplicate LCS sediment cores collected during hypoxia had higher concentrations of Fe(II), and dissolved inorganic carbon, phosphate, and ammonium than cores collected when overlying water oxygen concentrations were normal. Pyrosequencing yielded 158 686 bacterial and 225 591 archaeal sequences from 20 sediment samples, representing five 2‐cm depth intervals in the duplicate cores. Bacterial communities grouped by sampling date and sediment depth in a neighbor‐joining analysis using Chao–Jaccard shared species values. Redundancy analysis indicated that variance in bacterial communities was mainly associated with differences in sediment chemistry between oxic and hypoxic water column conditions. Gammaproteobacteria (26.5%) were most prominent among bacterial sequences, followed by Firmicutes (9.6%), and Alphaproteobacteria (5.6%). Crenarchaeotal, thaumarchaeotal, and euryarchaeotal lineages accounted for 57%, 27%, and 16% of archaeal sequences, respectively. In Thaumarchaeota Marine Group I, sequences were 96–99% identical to the Nitrosopumilus maritimus SCM1 sequence, were highest in surficial sediments, and accounted for 31% of archaeal sequences when waters were normoxic vs. 13% of archaeal sequences when waters were hypoxic. Redundancy analysis showed Nitrosopumilus‐related sequence abundance was correlated with high solid‐phase Fe(III) concentrations, whereas most of the remaining archaeal clusters were not. In contrast, crenarchaeotal sequences were from phylogenetically diverse lineages, differed little in relative abundance between sampling times, and increased to high relative abundance with sediment depth. These results provide further evidence that marine sediment microbial community composition can be structured according to sediment chemistry and suggest the expansion of hypoxia in coastal waters may alter sediment microbial communities involved in carbon and nitrogen cycling.
An oil‐soluble extract of Rubus idaeus cells enhances hydration and water homeostasis in skin cells
Authors: Tito A. , Bimonte M. , Carola A. , De Lucia A. , Barbulova A. , Tortora A. , Colucci G. , Apone F. 
Published: May 2015

SynopsisObjectiveRaspberry plants, belonging to the species of Rubus idaeus, are known for their excellent therapeutic properties as they are particularly rich in compounds with strong antioxidant activity, which promote health and well‐being of human cells. Besides their high content of phenolic compounds, Rubus plants are rich in oil‐soluble compounds, which are also primary components of the hydrolipidic film barrier of the skin. As plant cell cultures represented a valuable system to produce interesting compounds and ingredients for cosmetic applications, we developed liquid suspension cultures from Rubus idaeus leaves and used them to obtain an active ingredient aimed at improving hydration and moisturization capacity in the skin.MethodsRubus idaeus cells, grown in the laboratory under sterile and controlled conditions as liquid suspension cultures, were processed to obtain an oil‐soluble (liposoluble) extract, containing phenolic compounds and a wide range of fatty acids. The extract was tested on cultured keratinocytes and fibroblasts and then on the skin in vivo, to assess its cosmetic activities.ResultsWhen tested on skin cell cultures, the extract induced the genes responsible for skin hydration, such as aquaporin 3, filaggrin, involucrin and hyaluronic acid synthase, and stimulated the expression and the activity of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase, involved in ceramide production. Moreover, the liposoluble extract increased the synthesis of the extracellular matrix components in cultured fibroblasts and showed a remarkable skin‐hydrating capacity when tested on human skin in vivo.ConclusionsThanks to these activities, the Rubus idaeus liposoluble extract has several potential applications in skin care cosmetics: it can be used as hydrating and moisturizing ingredient in face and body lotions, and as anti‐ageing product in face creams specifically designed to fight wrinkle formation.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide suppresses macrophage‐mediated inflammation by downregulating interleukin‐17A expression via PKA‐ and PKC‐dependent pathways
Authors: Ran Wen‐Zhuo , Dong Liang , Tang Chun‐Yan , Zhou Yong , Sun Guo‐Ying , Liu Tian , Liu Yong‐Ping , Guan Cha‐Xiang 
Published: May 2015

SummaryInterleukin (IL)‐17A is a pro‐inflammatory cytokine that markedly enhances inflammatory responses in the lungs by recruiting neutrophils and interacting with other pro‐inflammatory mediators. Reducing the expression of IL‐17A could attenuate inflammation in the lungs. However, whether VIP exerts its anti‐inflammatory effects by regulating the expression of IL‐17A has remained unclear. Here, we show that there is a remarkable increase of IL‐17A in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue of mice with acute lung injury (ALI). Moreover, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulated elevated expression of IL‐17A, which was evident by the enhanced levels of mRNA and protein observed. Furthermore, we also found that VIP inhibited LPS‐mediated IL‐17A expression in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner in an in vitro model of ALI and that this process might be mediated via the phosphokinase A (PKA) and phosphokinase C (PKC) pathways. Taken together, our results demonstrated that VIP might be an effective protector during ALI by suppressing IL‐17A expression.
Just‐in‐time parts feeding policies for paced assembly lines: possible solutions for highly constrained layouts
Authors: Zammori Francesco , Braglia Marcello , Castellano Davide 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis paper deals with the dimensioning of a just‐in‐time (JIT) parts feeding system, for a paced assembly line. Specifically, we consider the quite frequent case of an old‐fashioned, push‐oriented warehouse arrangement, characterized by materials and subassemblies that are stocked in different and peripheral areas of the manufacturing plant. In these circumstance, layout changes are almost impossible and warehouses cannot be substituted by supermarkets. Nevertheless, this does not preclude the possibility to rationalize material flow and to reduce work in process (WIP) using a JIT parts feeding system. To this aim, we propose two alternative approaches, differentiating in terms of the order with which warehouses and workstations are visited. In order to dimension both systems and to estimate their expected performances, a mathematical model is also presented. At first, the model is presented in a basic formulation, which is very effective and easy to use. A more sophisticated formulation, based on Bayesian probability, is introduced next; this is not so much for practical purposes, but rather to demonstrate the potential of the proposed JIT system in very constrained operating settings.