bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined Effect of Bioactive Compounds and Storage Temperature on Sensory Quality and Safety of Minimally Processed Celery, Leek and Butternut Squash
Authors: Alvarez María V. , Ponce Alejandra G. , Moreira María R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this work, the combined effect of bioactive compounds (tea tree essential oil, propolis extract and gallic acid) and storage temperature (15 and 5C) on microbiological and sensory quality of fresh‐cut celery, leek and butternut squash was studied. It was confirmed that a good control of refrigeration temperature limits the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Tea tree essential oil and propolis showed significant effectiveness in controlling the microbiota present in vegetables. Also, both endogenous Escherichia coli and inoculated E. coli O157:H7 counts were significantly reduced in vegetables by the combined application of propolis and tea tree essential oil with optimal refrigeration temperature. Propolis improved visual quality extending the sensory shelf life of celery and butternut squash at 5C. Similar improvement effects were shown by tea tree essential oil when applied on leek and squash, at 5C. These findings strongly suggest that propolis and tea tree essential oil have potential to be good preservatives improving microbiological and sensory quality of celery, leek and squash.Practical ApplicationsThe industry of fresh‐cut produce confronts new challenges such as the development of technologies that allows the maintenance of fresh produce quality and extends its shelf life to reach more distant markets, ensuring the safety of products to protect the health of consumers. Thus, the development of natural food preservatives in the field of fresh produce responds to consumer demands of healthy and natural products. The findings reported in this work strongly suggest that propolis and tea tree essential oil have potential to be good preservatives improving microbiological and sensory quality of celery, leek and squash.
Cognitive Status According to Homocysteine and B‐Group Vitamins in Elderly Adults
Authors: Bonetti Francesco , Brombo Gloria , Magon Stefania , Zuliani Giovanni 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the association between hyperhomocysteinemia and cognitive function, taking into account the effect of B group vitamin (BGV) deficiency.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingMemory Clinic, S. Anna University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.ParticipantsElderly individuals (≥65) (N = 318; 44 normal cognition, 127 with cognitive impairment, 147 with dementia) divided into four groups according to plasma homocysteine (high vs normal) and BGV (normal vs deficit) levels.MeasurementsCognitive, clinical, biochemical, functional, and neuroimaging parameters were evaluated.ResultsHyperhomocysteinemia (>15 μmol/L) was associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive and functional impairment and dementia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.98, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–3.48), independent of BGV status and other confounders. Participants with hyperhomocysteinemia with normal BGV status had the worst functional status and the highest prevalence of dementia (high homocysteine/normal BGV vs normal homocysteine/normal BGV: OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 1.65–6.21). Homocysteine levels were correlated negatively with folate and vitamin B12 levels and glomerular filtration rate and positively with free thyroxine and uric acid levels (model coefficient of determination = 0.43).ConclusionHyperhomocysteinemia was associated with worse cognitive and functional status and dementia independently of BGV levels. Approximately half of participants with hyperhomocysteinemia had normal BGV levels, suggesting that other unmeasured factors might be associated with high homocysteine levels.
Healthcare Proxy Awareness of Suspected Infections in Nursing Home Residents with Advanced Dementia
Authors: Givens Jane L. , Spinella Sara , Ankuda Claire K. , D'Agata Erika , Shaffer Michele L. , Habtemariam Daniel , Mitchell Susan L. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesTo determine healthcare proxy involvement in decision‐making regarding infections in individuals with advanced dementia.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingThirty‐five Boston‐area nursing homes (NHs).ParticipantsNH residents with advanced dementia and their proxies (N = 362).MeasurementsCharts were abstracted monthly (up to 12 months) for documentation of suspected infections and provider–proxy discussions for each episode. Proxies were interviewed within 8 weeks of the infection to determine their awareness and decision‐making involvement. Factors associated with proxy awareness and discussion documentation were identified.ResultsThere were 496 suspected infections; proxies were reached for interview for 395 (80%). Proxy–provider discussions were documented for 207 (52%) episodes, yet proxies were aware of only 156 (39%). Proxies participated in decision‐making for 89 (57%) episodes of which they were aware. Proxy awareness was associated with antimicrobial use (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.94–6.05), hospital transfer (AOR = 3.00, 95% CI = 1.19–7.53), infection within 30 days of death (AOR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.54–7.18), and fewer days between infection and study interview (AOR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.63–4.51). Discussion documentation was associated with the resident residing in a dementia special care unit (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.04–2.80), the resident not on hospice (AOR = 3.25, 95% CI = 1.31–8.02), more provider visits (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.07–2.75), proxy visits of more than 7 h/wk (AOR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.02–3.67), and episode within 30 days of death (AOR = 3.99, 95% CI = 1.98–8.02).ConclusionProxies are unaware of and do not participate in decision‐making for most suspected infections that NH residents with advanced dementia experience. Proxy awareness of episodes and documentation of provider–proxy discussions are not congruent.
Discovering the mechanisms underlying serotonin (5‐HT)2A and 5‐HT2C receptor regulation following nicotine withdrawal in rats
Authors: Zaniewska Magdalena , Alenina Natalia , Wydra Karolina , Fröhler Sebastian , Kuśmider Maciej , McCreary Andrew C. , Chen Wei , Bader Michael , Filip Małgorzata 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated that nicotine withdrawal produces depression‐like behavior and that serotonin (5‐HT)2A/2C receptor ligands modulate that mood‐like state. In the present study we aimed to identify the mechanisms (changes in radioligand binding, transcription or RNA‐editing) related to such a behavioral outcome. Rats received vehicle or nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, s.c.) for 5 days in home cages. Brain 5‐HT2A/2C receptors were analyzed on day 3 of nicotine withdrawal. Nicotine withdrawal increased [3H]ketanserin binding to 5‐HT2A receptors in the ventral tegmental area and ventral dentate gyrus, yet decreased binding in the nucleus accumbens shell. Reduction in [3H]mesulergine binding to 5‐HT2C receptors was seen in the ventral dentate gyrus. Profound decrease in the 5‐HT2A receptor transcript level was noted in the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area. Out of five 5‐HT2C receptor mRNA editing sites, deep sequencing data showed a reduction in editing at the E site and a trend toward reduction at the C site in the hippocampus. In the ventral tegmental area, a reduction for the frequency of CD 5‐HT2C receptor transcript was seen. These results show that the reduction in the 5‐HT2A receptor transcript level may be an auto‐regulatory response to the increased receptor density in the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area during nicotine withdrawal, while decreased 5‐HT2C receptor mRNA editing may explain the reduction in receptor labeling in the hippocampus.
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Serotonin (5‐HT)2A/2C receptor ligands alleviate depression‐like state in nicotine‐withdrawn rats. Here, we show that the reduction in 5‐HT2A receptor transcript level may be an auto‐regulatory response to the increased receptor number in the hippocampus and ventral tegmental area during nicotine withdrawal, while attenuated 5‐HT2C receptor mRNA editing in the hippocampus might explain reduced inverse agonist binding to 5‐HT2C receptor and suggest a shift toward a population of more active receptors. 5‐HT, serotonin; 5‐HT2AR, 5‐HT2A receptor; 5‐HT2CR, 5‐HT2C receptor.
Dynamic expression patterns of Pax6 during spermatogenesis in the mouse
Authors: Kimura Ryuichi , Yoshizaki Kaichi , Osumi Noriko 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSpermatogenesis is a series of complex processes to generate mature sperm, and various molecules play crucial roles in regulating these processes. Previous studies imply a possibility that a transcriptional factor Pax6, a key player of brain and sensory organ development, could be involved in spermatogenesis, but neither expression nor function of Pax6 in the adult testis has been examined yet. In the present study, we described for the first time Pax6 expression dynamics in the adult mouse testis. Using cell‐type‐specific markers, the expression of Pax6 was detected in 67.0% of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger (Plzf)‐positive type A spermatogonia. The expression of Pax6 was also observed in p63‐positive spermatocytes and round spermatids. We did not detect any expression of Pax6 in Sox9‐positive Sertoli cells or in elongated spermatids and mature sperm. High‐resolution analyses revealed that Pax6 formed a single dot‐like structure during mid‐phase of the pachytene spermatocyte. This dot‐like structure co‐localized with γH2A.X demarcating XY body, a domain in which X and Y chromosomes are silenced and compartmentalized. These results may suggest a novel role of Pax6 in spermatogenesis.
Portfolio Optimization Under Solvency II: Implicit Constraints Imposed by the Market Risk Standard Formula
Authors: Braun Alexander , Schmeiser Hato , Schreiber Florian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe optimize a life insurance company's asset allocation in the context of classical portfolio theory when the firm needs to adhere to the market risk capital requirements of Solvency II. The discussion starts with a brief review of the standard formula and the introduction of a parsimonious partial internal model. Subsequently, we estimate empirical risk–return profiles for the main asset classes held by European insurers and run a quadratic optimization program to derive nondominated frontiers with budget, short‐sale, and investment constraints. We then compute the capital charges under both solvency models and identify those efficient portfolio compositions that are permitted for an exogenously given amount of equity. Finally, we consider a systematically selected set of inefficient portfolios and check their admissibility, too. Our results show that the standard formula suffers from severe shortcomings that interfere with economically sensible asset management decisions. Therefore, the introduction of Solvency II in its current form is likely to have an adverse impact on certain parts of the European insurance sector.
Ridge augmentation using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor‐2 with biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating β‐tricalcium phosphate: a preclinical study in dogs
Authors: Hoshi S. , Akizuki T. , Matsuura T. , Ikawa T. , Kinoshita A. , Oda S. , Tabata Y. , Matsui M. , Izumi Y. 
Published: May 2015

Background and ObjectiveFibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) regulates the proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic cells, resulting in the promotion of bone formation. Biodegradable gelatin sponges incorporating β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) have been reported as a scaffold, which has the ability to control growth factor release, offering sufficient mechanical strength and efficient migration of mesenchymal cells. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the combined use of recombinant human FGF‐2 (rhFGF‐2) and gelatin/β‐TCP sponge on ridge augmentation in dogs.Material and MethodsSix male beagle dogs were used in this study. Twelve wk after tooth extraction, bilateral 10 × 5 mm (width × depth) saddle‐type defects were created 3 mm apart from the mesial side of the maxillary canine. At the experimental sites, the defects were filled with gelatin/β‐TCP sponge infiltrated with 0.3% rhFGF‐2, whereas gelatin/β‐TCP sponge infiltrated with saline was applied to the control sites. Eight wk after surgery, qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed.ResultsThere were no signs of clinical inflammation at 8 wk after surgery. Histometric measurements revealed that new bone height at the experimental sites (2.98 ± 0.65 mm) was significantly greater than that at the control sites (1.56 ± 0.66 mm; p = 0.004). The total tissue height was greater at the experimental sites (6.62 ± 0.66 mm) than that at the control sites (5.95 ± 0.74 mm), although there was no statistical significant difference (p = 0.051). Cast model measurements revealed that the residual defect height at the experimental sites (2.31 ± 0.50 mm) was significantly smaller than that at the control sites (3.51 ± 0.78 mm; p = 0.012).ConclusionThe combined use of rhFGF‐2 and gelatin/β‐TCP sponge promotes ridge augmentation in canine saddle‐type bone defects.
Rheological Characteristics and Gelation of Tofu Made from Ultra‐High‐Pressure Homogenized Soymilk
Authors: Huang Ying‐Chia , Kuo Meng‐I 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe effect of ultra‐high‐pressure homogenization (UHPH) on the rheological property and gelation of tofu was investigated. The results showed that proteins in soymilk could be properly denatured using 150 MPa UHPH as evidenced by the changes in protein surface hydrophobicity and sulfhydryl contents. The extent of protein denaturation increased with the number of homogenization cycle. The different gelation properties of the tofu prepared with UHPH soymilk and that prepared with heated soymilk led to distinct rheological property and microstructure of final products. UHPH may be considered a suitable nonthermal processing technique for manufacturing tofu.Practical ApplicationsTofu is a widely and commonly manufactured soy product in East Asia. However, the thermal process of soymilk during tofu making is time consuming. Ultra‐high‐pressure homogenization (UHPH) is a continuous, nonthermal processing technique. It has potential benefit for the food industry in producing better quality food products than conventional technologies. We observed that the tofu made by UHPH soymilk had the viscoelastic property and structure different from the tofu made by heated soymilk due to the particular gelation process. Therefore, application of UHPH in tofu making might be able to bring more innovative products to consumer with special quality.
The genetic structure of Nautilus pompilius populations surrounding Australia and the Philippines
Authors: Williams Rachel C. , Jackson Benjamin C. , Duvaux Ludovic , Dawson Deborah A. , Burke Terry , Sinclair William 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the distribution of genetic diversity in exploited species is fundamental to successful conservation. Genetic structure and the degree of gene flow among populations must be assessed to design appropriate strategies to prevent the loss of distinct populations. The cephalopod Nautilus pompilius is fished unsustainably in the Philippines for the ornamental shell trade and has limited legislative protection, despite the species' recent dramatic decline in the region. Here, we use 14 microsatellite markers to evaluate the population structure of N. pompilius around Australia and the Philippines. Despite their relative geographical proximity, Great Barrier Reef individuals are genetically isolated from Osprey Reef and Shark Reef in the Coral Sea (FST = 0.312, 0.229, respectively). Conversely, despite the larger geographical distances between the Philippines and west Australian reefs, samples display a small degree of genetic structure (FST = 0.015). Demographic scenarios modelled using approximate Bayesian computation analysis indicate that this limited divergence is not due to contemporary gene flow between the Philippines and west Australia. Instead, present‐day genetic similarity can be explained by very limited genetic drift that has occurred due to large average effective population sizes that persisted at both locations following their separation. The lack of connectivity among populations suggests that immigrants from west Australia would not facilitate natural recolonization if Philippine populations were fished to extinction. These data help to rectify the paucity of information on the species' biology currently inhibiting their conservation classification. Understanding population structure can allow us to facilitate sustainable harvesting, thereby preserving the diversity of genetically distinct stocks.
TcPho91 is a contractile vacuole phosphate sodium symporter that regulates phosphate and polyphosphate metabolism in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Jimenez Veronica , Docampo Roberto 
Published: June 2015

SummaryWe have identified a phosphate transporter (TcPho91) localized to the bladder of the contractile vacuole complex (CVC) of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. TcPho91 has 12 transmembrane domains, an N‐terminal regulatory SPX (named after SYG1, Pho81 and XPR1) domain and an anion permease domain. Functional expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes followed by two‐electrode voltage clamp showed that TcPho91 is a low‐affinity transporter with a Km for Pi in the millimolar range, and sodium‐dependency. Epimastigotes overexpressing TcPho91‐green fluorescent protein have significantly higher levels of pyrophosphate (PPi) and short‐chain polyphosphate (polyP), suggesting accumulation of Pi in these cells. Moreover, when overexpressing parasites were maintained in a medium with low Pi, they grew at higher rates than control parasites. Only one allele of TcPho91 in the CL strain encodes for the complete open reading frame, while the other one is truncated encoding for only the N‐terminal domain. Taking advantage of this characteristic, knockdown experiments were performed resulting in cells with reduced growth rate as well as a reduction in PPi and short‐chain polyP levels. Our results indicate that TcPho91 is a phosphate sodium symporter involved in Pi homeostasis in T. cruzi.
Swa2, the yeast homolog of mammalian auxilin, is specifically required for the propagation of the prion variant [URE3‐1]
Authors: Troisi Elizabeth M. , Rockman Michael E. , Nguyen Phil P. , Oliver Emily E. , Hines Justin K. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryYeast prions require a core set of chaperone proteins including Sis1, Hsp70 and Hsp104 to generate new amyloid templates for stable propagation, yet emerging studies indicate that propagation of some prions requires additional chaperone activities, demonstrating chaperone specificity beyond the common amyloid requirements. To comprehensively assess such prion‐specific requirements for the propagation of the [URE3] prion variant [URE3‐1], we screened 12 yeast cytosolic J‐proteins, and here we report a novel role for the J‐protein Swa2/Aux1. Swa2 is the sole yeast homolog of the mammalian protein auxilin, which, like Swa2, functions in vesicle‐mediated endocytosis by disassembling the structural lattice formed by the protein clathrin. We found that, in addition to Sis1, [URE3‐1] is specifically dependent upon Swa2, but not on any of the 11 other J‐proteins. Further, we show that [URE3‐1] propagation requires both a functional J‐domain and the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain, but surprisingly does not require Swa2‐clathrin binding. Because the J‐domain of Swa2 can be replaced with the J‐domains of other proteins, our data strongly suggest that prion‐chaperone specificity arises from the Swa2 TPR domain and supports a model where Swa2 acts through Hsp70, most likely to provide additional access points for Hsp104 to promote prion template generation.
Optimum methodology for estimating baseline serum creatinine for the acute kidney injury classification
Authors: Thongprayoon Charat , Cheungpasitporn Wisit , Kittanamongkolchai Wonngarm , Srivali Narat , Ungprasert Patompong , Kashani Kianoush 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to investigate how varied methods of determining baseline serum creatinine (SCr) would affect acute kidney injury (AKI) diagnosis and prediction of 60 day mortality in critically ill patients following an episode of AKI.MethodsThis is a single‐centre retrospective study conducted at a tertiary referral hospital. All adult intensive care unit (ICU) patients between January and December 2011, who had at least one SCr values measured between 7 days and 180 days before hospital admission and during ICU stay, were analyzed. The baseline SCr was calculated using either the most recent (SCrmost recent) or the minimum (SCrmin) value of SCr measurement over the specified assessment period before hospital admission. AKI was defined based on KDIGO SCr definition. The primary outcome was 60 day mortality after ICU admission.ResultsA total of 4020 patients were included in the analysis. AKI was detected in 1204 (30.0%) using the SCrmin and 945 (23.5%) using the SCrmost recent (P < 0.001). Compared with patients without AKI regardless of baseline SCr methodology, the 60 day mortality risk of patients who developed AKI using the SCrmin and SCrmost recent was significantly increased (odds ratio (OR) = 3.74; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.98–4.70). Similarly, the risk of 60 day mortality in patients who met AKI criteria using the SCrmin but not the SCrmost recent was significant higher than in patients without AKI (OR = 2.04; 95% CI 1.36–3.00).ConclusionUsing the minimum value of preadmission SCr as a baseline kidney function not only can detect more AKI cases, but also provides the better predictive ability for 60 day mortality.
Visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome: evidence for involvement of serotonin metabolism – a preliminary study
Authors: Keszthelyi D. , Troost F. J. , Jonkers D. M. , van Eijk H. M. , Dekker J. , Buurman W. A. , Masclee A. A. M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundAltered serotonergic (5‐HT) metabolism and visceral perception have been associated with the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Aim of this preliminary study was to assess the effect of the direct precursor of 5‐HT, 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP), on systemic 5‐HT metabolites and visceral perception and to assess potential differential responses between IBS and controls.Methods15 IBS patients and 15 healthy volunteers participated in this randomized double‐blind placebo controlled study. Visceroperception was measured by rectal barostat. The 100 mg 5‐HTP or placebo was ingested orally. Serotonergic metabolites were assessed in platelet poor plasma.Key Results5‐HTP induces rectal allodynia in a significant number of healthy controls; IBS patients exhibit lowered pain thresholds in both placebo and 5‐HTP conditions. 5‐HTP induces rectal hyperalgesia in hypersensitive but not in non‐hypersensitive IBS patients. Administration of 5‐HTP significantly increased plasma 5‐HTP levels (p < 0.001), did not affect 5‐HT levels (p > 0.05), while levels of the main metabolite of 5‐HT, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid, increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both groups. The magnitude of these changes observed in 5‐HT metabolites was significantly greater in IBS patients.Conclusions & InferencesOral administration of 5‐HTP induced significant alterations in systemic 5‐HT metabolites that were accompanied by increased visceroperception of pain in controls and hypersensitive IBS patients. Changes in 5‐HT metabolism appear to be important factors involved in visceral hypersensitivity as the 5‐HTP‐induced pro‐nociceptive response was observed in all hypersensitive IBS patients and to a lesser magnitude in a significant number of healthy controls but in none of the non‐hypersensitive IBS patients.