bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volatile Generation in Bell Peppers during Frozen Storage and Thawing Using Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometry (SIFT‐MS)
Authors: Wampler Brendan , Barringer Sheryl A. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  To determine volatile formation during storage and thawing, whole, pureed, blanched, and raw green and red bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) were frozen quickly or slowly then stored at –18 °C for up to 7 mo, with and without SnCl2 addition during thawing. Headspace analysis was performed by a Selected Ion Flow Tube Mass Spectrometer (SIFT‐MS). After blanching, (Z)‐3‐hexenal had a large significant decrease in concentration since it is a heat labile compound while most other volatiles did not change in concentration. The freezing process increased volatile levels in the puree only. Slow freeze peppers had higher levels of some LOX generated volatiles during storage than quick freeze. During frozen storage of blanched samples (E)‐2‐hexenal, (Z and E)‐hexen‐1‐ol, and (E)‐2‐pentenal increased likely because of nonenzymatic autoxidation of fatty acids while other volatiles remained constant. In Raw Whole peppers, (Z)‐3‐hexenal, hexanal, and 2‐pentylfuran were generated during storage likely because the LOX enzyme is still active during frozen storage. However, blanched samples had higher concentrations of (E)‐2‐hexenal, (Z and E)‐hexen‐1‐ol, 1‐penten‐3‐one, and (E)‐2‐heptenal because of enzymatic destruction of these volatiles in the raw samples. The levels of many of the volatiles in the raw samples, including (Z)‐3‐hexenal, (E)‐2‐hexenal, (Z and E)‐hexen‐1‐ol, hexanal, (E)‐2‐pentenal, and 2‐pentylfuran, appeared to peak around 34 d after freezing. Pureed samples had significantly higher levels of volatiles than the whole samples, and volatiles peaked earlier. Green bell pepper volatile levels were always higher than red bell pepper. Significantly higher volatile formation occurred during thawing than it did during frozen storage.Practical Application:  Studying and monitoring the headspace volatiles with a SIFT‐MS can give information that will help manufacturers better understand how the volatiles in bell peppers change during frozen storage. This will give valuable information to processors on how to minimize volatile changes during storage of frozen peppers.
Nondestructive sampling of insect DNA from defensive secretion
Authors: DONALD H. M. , WOOD C. W. , BENOWITZ K. M. , JOHNSON R. A. , BRODIE E. D. , FORMICA V. A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractNondestructive techniques to obtain DNA from organisms can further genetic analyses such as estimating genetic diversity, dispersal and lifetime fitness, without permanently removing individuals from the population or removing body parts. Possible DNA sources for insects include frass, exuviae, and wing and leg clippings. However, these are not feasible approaches for organisms that cannot be removed from their natural environment for long periods or when adverse effects of tissue removal must be avoided. This study evaluated the impacts and efficacy of extracting haemolymph from a defensive secretion to obtain DNA for amplification of microsatellites using a nondestructive technique. A secretion containing haemolymph was obtained from Bolitotherus cornutus (the forked fungus beetle) by perturbation of the defensive gland with a capillary tube. A laboratory experiment demonstrated that the sampling methodology had no impact on mortality, reproductive success or gland expression. To evaluate the quality of DNA obtained in natural samples, haemolymph was collected from 187 individuals in the field and successfully genotyped at nine microsatellite loci for 95.7% of samples. These results indicate that haemolymph‐rich defensive secretions contain DNA and can be sampled without negative impacts on the health or fitness of individual insects.
Systemic analyses of immunophenotypes of peripheral T cells in non‐segmental vitiligo: implication of defective natural killer T cells
Authors: Zhou Li , Li Kai , Shi Yu‐Ling , Hamzavi Iltefat , Gao Tian‐Wen , Henderson Marsha , Huggins Richard H. , Agbai Oma , Mahmoud Bassel , Mi Xiaofan , Lim Henry W. , Mi Qing‐Sheng 
Published: May 2012

SummaryAlthough it is widely believed that non‐segmental vitiligo (NSV) results from the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes, a clear understanding of defects in immune tolerance, which mediate this uncontrolled self‐reactivity, is still lacking. In the present study, we systemically evaluated circulating regulatory T (Treg) cells, including CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Treg cells and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, as well as naïve and memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and their cytokine production, in a cohort of 43 progressive NSV patients with race‐, gender‐, and age‐matched healthy controls. We found that the general immunophenotypes of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the percentage of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs were comparable between NSV and healthy controls. However, percentages of peripheral iNKT cells were significantly decreased in NSV patients compared to that in healthy controls. Our data confirm the previous notion that the percentage of peripheral CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ Tregs remains unaltered in NSV and suggests the involvement of defective iNKT cells in the pathogenesis of NSV.
Knowledge and Practices of Pig Farmers Regarding Japanese Encephalitis in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Dhakal S. , Stephen C. , Ale A. , Joshi D. D. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryJapanese encephalitis (JE) is the single largest cause of viral encephalitis in the world and has been endemic in Nepal since the early 1980s. Since then, it has spread from its origins in lowland plains to the Kathmandu Valley as well as in hill and mountain districts. Pigs are amplifying hosts for the virus. The Nepal government has been encouraging the development of pig farming as a means of poverty alleviation. Whereas other countries have reduced JE through vaccination programmes and improvements in pig husbandry, these options are not economically possible in Nepal. The objective of this study was to examine the occupational risk of pig farmers in Nepal and to determine their level of knowledge and practice of JE prevention techniques. We surveyed 100 randomly selected pig farmers in the Kathmandu District and found that pig farmers were exposed to many JE risk factors including poverty and close proximity to pigs, rice paddy fields and water birds, which are the definitive hosts for the virus. Forty‐two percent of the farmers had heard of JE, 20% associated it with mosquito bites and 7% named pigs as risk factors. Few protective measures were taken. None of the farmers were vaccinated against JE nor were any pigs, despite an ongoing human vaccination campaign. This farming community had little ownership of land and limited education. JE education programmes must consider gender differences in access to public health information as there were an equal number of male and female farmers. We provide findings that can inform future JE education programmes for this vulnerable population.
Bacteraemia in Malawian neonates and young infants 2002–2007: a retrospective audit
Authors: Gwee Amanda , Coghlan Benjamin , Everett Dean , Chagoma Newton , Phiri Amos , Wilson Lorna , Molyneux Elizabeth 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo assess the causes of bacteraemia in young infants and susceptibility to first-line antibiotics (benzylpenicillin plus gentamicin) at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Malawi during 2002–2007.DesignRetrospective analysis of demographic and microbiological data using laboratory records.SettingQECH is Malawi's largest hospital with 7000 neonates admitted annually, 9% for septicaemia.PatientsAll infants aged 60 days or less admitted to QECH that had a blood culture taken over the 6-year period.Main outcome measures6754 blood cultures were taken. 3323 organisms were isolated: one-third were pathogens, two-thirds contaminants. Gram-positive organisms (53%) were more common than gram-negatives (47%). Four organisms made up half of all pathogens:Staphylococcus aureus(15.3%), group B streptococci (13.5%), non-typhoidal salmonellae (12.6%) andEscherichia coli(10.5%). Apart from non-typhoidal salmonellae andStreptococcus pneumoniae, most organisms were more common in the first week of life than later. Overall, 28% of isolates during 2002–2007 were resistant to first-line antibiotic, higher than observed during 1996–2001 (22%). Penicillin susceptibility fluctuated while gram-negative resistance to gentamicin increased from 17% to 27% over the study period.ConclusionsIn the QECH, pathogens causing young infant sepsis are an unusual mix of organisms seen in both developed and developing countries. Resistance to first-line antibiotics is higher than observed in most studies. Ongoing monitoring is needed and clinical outcome data would aid interpretation of findings. A high proportion of blood cultures were contaminated with skin flora—improved training and supervision of phlebotomists are needed to improve the utility of taking blood cultures.
Effect of bovine lactoferrin in a therapeutic hamster model of hepatic amoebiasis1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Ordaz-Pichardo Cynthia , León-Sicairos Nidia , Hernández-Ramírez Verónica Ivonne , Talamás-Rohana Patricia , de la Garza Mireya 
Published: May 2012

Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis, a disease that produces dysentery as a result of the perforation of the large intestine. This parasite often invades other organs, primarily the liver, leading to an amoebic liver abscess (ALA), which can cause death. Metronidazole is the drug of choice for the treatment of ALA; however, it produces toxic side effects in patients. Lactoferrin (Lf) is a glycoprotein of the innate immune response that sequesters iron in the mucosae. Lf possesses immune-regulatory properties, such as antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Moreover, the microbicidal activity of apoLf, which lacks bound iron, has been shown. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of bovine Lf (bLf) against ALA in a model of hepatic amoebiasis in hamsters. Interestingly, hamsters treated intragastrically with Lf (2.5 mg/100 g mass) over a period of 8 days showed no clinical signs of disease and ALA was effectively decreased, with only 0.63% detectable lesion, compared with 63% in untreated animals. Furthermore, liver function and blood cells approached normal levels among those receiving bLf treatment. These results suggest that bLf may aid in the therapy of amoebiasis, likely without producing undesirable effects in patients.
Production of human lactoferrin in animal milk1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Goldman I.L. , Georgieva S.G. , Gurskiy Ya.G. , Krasnov A.N. , Deykin A.V. , Popov A.N. , Ermolkevich T.G. , Budzevich A.I. , Chernousov A.D. , Sadchikova E.R. 
Published: May 2012

Genetic constructs containing the human lactoferrin (hLf) gene were created within a joint program of Russian and Belorussian scientists. Using these constructs, transgenic mice were bred (the maximum hLf concentration in their milk was 160 g/L), and transgenic goats were also generated (up to 10 g/L hLf in their milk). Experimental goatherds that produced hLf in their milk were also bred, and the recombinant hLf was found to be identical to the natural protein in its physical and chemical properties. These properties included electrophoretic mobility, isoelectric point, recognition by polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, circular dichroic spectra, interaction with natural ligands (DNA, lipopolysaccharides, and heparin), the binding of iron ions, the sequence of the 7 terminal amino acids, and its biological activity. The latter was assessed by the agglutination of Micrococcus luteus protoplasts, bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes , and fungicidal activity against Candida albicans . We also demonstrated a significant increase in the activity of antibiotics when used in combination with Lf.
Development and Characterization of a Novel CD19CherryLuciferase (CD19CL) Transgenic Mouse for the Preclinical Study of B-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Scotto Luigi , Kruithof-de Julio Marianna , Paoluzzi Luca , Kalac Matko , Marchi Enrica , Buitrago Jairo Baquero , Amengual Jennifer , Shen Michael M. , O'Connor Owen A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose: To generate a transgenic mouse that when crossed with spontaneous mouse models of lymphoma will allow for quantitative in vivo measurement of tumor burden over the entire spectrum of the disease and or response to therapy in a “disease” or lymphoma subtype-specific manner.Experimental Design: We developed a novel genetically engineered transgenic mouse using a CherryLuciferase fusion gene targeted to the CD19 locus to achieve B-cell–restricted fluorescent bioluminescent emission in transgenic mouse models of living mice. The use of a dual function protein enables one to link the in vivo analysis via bioluminescence imaging to cell discriminating ex vivo analyses via fluorescence emission.Results: The spatiotemporal tracking of B-cell lymphoma growth and the response of an established B-cell lymphoma to a drug known to induce remission was evaluated in a double transgenic animal obtained by crossing the CD19CherryLuciferase transgenic mouse to a mouse model of an aggressive B-cell lymphoma. The observations validated the use of the CD19CherryLuciferase transgenic mouse in the assessment of an active drug routinely used in the treatment of lymphoproliferative malignancies.Conclusions: The transgenic mouse described here is the first of its kind, intended to be used to hasten translational studies of novel agents in lymphoma, with the intent that understanding the relevant pharmacology before clinical study will accelerate successful development in clinical studies. Clin Cancer Res; 18(14); 3803–11. ©2012 AACR.
Serum Sex Steroids Depict a Nonlinear U-Shaped Association with High-Risk Prostate Cancer at Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Salonia Andrea , Abdollah Firas , Capitanio Umberto , Suardi Nazareno , Briganti Alberto , Gallina Andrea , Colombo Renzo , Ferrari Matteo , Castagna Giulia , Rigatti Patrizio , Montorsi Francesco 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose: To assess the association between preoperative serum total testosterone (tT), 17β-estradiol (E2), sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), and tT–E2 ratio values with high-risk prostate cancer (as defined by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network practice guidelines) at radical prostatectomy.Experimental Design: Serum E2, tT, and SHBG were dosed the day before surgery (7:00–11:00 am) in a cohort of 724 candidates to radical prostatectomy. Restricted cubic spline functions tested the association between predictors (i.e., model 1: age, body mass index, and serum tT, E2, and SHBG levels; model 2: tT–E2 values instead of tT and E2 levels) and high-risk prostate cancer.Results: Low-, intermediate-, or high-risk prostate cancer was found in 251 (34.7%), 318 (43.9%), and 155 (21.4%) patients, respectively. Patients in the high-risk class showed the lowest tT, E2, and tT–E2 ratio values (all P ≤ 0.02). At univariate analysis, only age, tT, E2, and tT–E2 ratio values were significantly associated with high-risk prostate cancer (all P ≤ 0.006). At multivariate analyses considering model 1 variables, age (P = 0.03), serum tT (all P &lt; 0.001), and E2 (all P ≤ 0.01) were associated with high-risk prostate cancer; only tT–E2 ratios achieved independent predictor status for high-risk prostate cancer (all P &lt; 0.001) when considering model 2. Both the lowest and the highest tT, E2, and tT–E2 values depicted a nonlinear U-shaped significant association with high-risk prostate cancer.Conclusions: These data showed that preoperative serum sex steroids are independent predictors of high-risk prostate cancer, depicting a nonlinear U-shaped association. Clin Cancer Res; 18(13); 3648–57. ©2012 AACR.
Rupture of the Device Landing Zone During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Pasic Miralem , Unbehaun Axel , Dreysse Stephan , Buz Semih , Drews Thorsten , Kukucka Marian , D'Ancona Giuseppe , Seifert Burkhardt , Hetzer Roland 
Published: May 2012

Background—
Iatrogenic damage of different structures of the aortic root, in the region of the so-called “device landing zone,” may occur during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). It is mostly considered difficult to treat or even untreatable.

Methods and Results—
We performed a retrospective analysis of the occurrence, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of iatrogenic rupture in the device landing zone in a series of 618 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI at our institution between April 2008 and October 2011. The incidence of rupture was 1% (6 patients). The correct diagnosis was established during TAVI procedures in 4 and postmortem in 2 patients. The major sign of the aortic rupture was apparent bleeding in 4 patients and failure of myocardial recovery after valve implantation in 1; it was asymptomatic in 1 patient. The iatrogenic rupture in the region of the device landing zone was treated surgically in 5 patients and only conservatively in the patient without symptoms. When the diagnosis was established correctly during TAVI, only 1 of 4 patients died (25%). The overall mortality rate was 50% (3 of 6 patients died).

Conclusions—
Rupture of different structures in the device landing zone during TAVI is a life-threatening complication that can be treated successfully if it is immediately recognized and adequately managed.
Prevalence and the Long-term Coronary Risks of Patients With Kawasaki Disease in a General Population <40 Years
Authors: Wu Mei-Hwan , Chen Hui-Chi , Yeh Shu-Jen , Lin Min-Tai , Huang Shin-Chung , Huang San-Kuei 
Published: May 2012

Background—
Patients with Kawasaki disease (kDa) may develop coronary arterial lesions and subsequent coronary events. The first reported case in Taiwan was in 1976, and the annual incidence from 2003 to 2006 was 69/100 000 children < 5 years. A population study from Taiwan, a country with a high incidence of kDa, national health insurance, and easily accessible medical care, would adequately reflect the long-term risk.

Methods and Results—

We retrieved the data of kDa patients from a national health insurance 2000 to 2010 database of Taiwan, a country with a child health index similar to those in the United States. The occurrence of coronary complications and interventions was identified by the respective
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
codes. The prevalence of kDa in the population < 40 years was 34.9/100 000 (male/female ratio, 1.47). Coronary complications occurred in 1254 patients (5.37%; male/female ratio, 2.19), with an average annual risk of 2.4% (2.7% for males and 2.0% for females). An acute myocardial infarction occurred in 19 patients (0.08%; 18 males and 1 female), of whom one third were aged between 10 and 15 years (median, 15.7 years; range, 0.7–36.7 years). A coronary intervention was performed by catheterization in 18 patients (all males) at a median age of 24.5 years and by surgery in 10 patients (male/female ratio, 4.0) at a median age of 21.7 years, with mortality at discharge being 0% and 25%, respectively.

Conclusions—
This study estimated the overall prevalence of kDa (≈1/2940) in a population < 40 years. They, particularly the males, carry long-term coronary risks from a young age. Risk stratification for a timely coronary intervention and risk modification are mandatory.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Wait-List Outcomes in Patients Listed for Heart Transplantation in the United States
Authors: Singh Tajinder P. , Almond Christopher S. , Taylor David O. , Milliren Carly E. , Graham Dionne A. 
Published: May 2012

Background—
Racial differences in long-term survival after heart transplant (HT) are well known. We sought to assess racial/ethnic differences in wait-list outcomes among patients listed for HT in the United States in the current era.

Methods and Results—

We compared wait-list and posttransplant in-hospital mortality among white, black, and Hispanic patients ≥18 years of age listed for their primary HT in the United States between July 2006 and September 2010. Of 10 377 patients analyzed, 71% were white, 21% were black, and 8% were Hispanic. Black and Hispanic patients were more likely to be listed with higher urgency (listing status 1A/1B) in comparison with white patients (
P
<0.001). Overall, 10.5% of white, 11.6% of black, and 13.4% of Hispanic candidates died on the wait-list or became too sick for a transplant within 1 year of listing. After adjusting for baseline risk factors, Hispanic patients were at higher risk of wait-list mortality (hazard ratio 1.51, 95% CI 1.23, 1.85) in comparison with white patients, but not black patients (hazard ratio 1.13, 95% CI 0.97, 1.31). In comparison with white HT recipients, posttransplant in-hospital mortality was higher in black recipients (odds ratio 1.53, 95% CI 1.15, 2.03) but was not different in Hispanic recipients (odds ratio 0.78, 95% CI 0.48, 1.29).

Conclusions—
Hispanic patients listed for HT in the United States appear to be at higher risk of dying on the wait-list or becoming too sick for a transplant in comparison with white patients. Black patients are not at higher risk of wait-list mortality, but they have higher early posttransplant mortality.
Upregulation of Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Microsomal Prostaglandin E
2
Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) in Wall of Ruptured Human Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Hasan David , Hashimoto Tomoki , Kung David , Macdonald R. Loch , Winn H. Richard , Heistad Donald 
Published: May 2012

Background and Purpose—

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Microsomal Prostaglandin E
2
Synthase-1 (mPGES-1) catalyze isomerization of the cyclooxygenase product PGH
2
into PGE
2
. Deletion of COX-2/mPGES-1 suppresses carotid artery atherogenesis and angiotensin II-induced aortic aneurysms formation, and attenuates neointimal hyperplasia after vascular injury in mice. The upregulation of COX-2/mPGES-1 in the wall of ruptured human cerebral aneurysms is not known.

Methods—
Ten patients with intracranial aneurysms (5 ruptured and 5 nonruptured) underwent microsurgical clipping. During the procedure, a segment of the aneurysm dome was resected and immunostained with monoclonal antibodies for COX-1, COX-2, and mPGES-1. A segment of the superficial temporal artery was also removed and immunostained with monoclonal antibodies for COX-1, COX-2, and mPGES-1.

Results—
All 10 aneurysm tissues stained positive for mPGES-1 monoclonal antibody. Expression of mPGES-1 was more abundant in ruptured aneurysm tissue than in nonruptured aneurysms, based on a semiquantitative grading. None of the superficial temporal artery specimens expressed mPGES-1. COX-2 was upregulated in the same distribution as was mPGES-1. COX-1 was present constitutively in all tissues.

Conclusions—
COX-2/mPGES-1 are expressed in the wall of human cerebral aneurysms and more abundantly so in ruptured aneurysms than in nonruptured. We speculate that the protective effect of aspirin against rupture of cerebral aneurysms may be mediated in part by inhibition of COX-2/mPGES-1.