bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface charge and conformational properties of phaseolin, the major globulin in red kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L): effect of pH
Authors: Yin Shou‐Wei , huang Ke‐Li , Tang Chuan‐He , Yang Xiao‐Quan , Wen Qi‐Biao , Qi Jun‐Ru 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe aim of this investigation was to explore the pH‐induced conformational changes of phaseolin using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The surface charges at the varying pH and ionic strength were also determined to probe the possible relationship between the surface charges of phaseolin and its conformation. The ζ‐potential of phaseolin decreased from 27.9 mV at pH 3.0 to –44 mV at pH 9.4, and the isoelectric point (iep) occurred at pH 4.21, which were comparable with the theoretical estimations derived from amino acid composition and pK values. The iep of phaseolin was independent of ionic strength, while the magnitude of ζ‐potential decreased as the ionic strength increased. The near‐UV CD, DSC and fluorescence spectra analyses indicated highly acidic and alkaline pH conditions induced the loss of tertiary conformation of phaseolin. The far‐UV CD spectra analysis confirmed pH‐shift led to the decreases in ordered secondary structure compositions. The present results suggested the loss of secondary and/or tertiary conformation of phaseolin as a result of the varying pattern in electrostatic interactions as pH shifted from 7.0 to acidic or alkalic pH.
Effects of potassium alum addition on physicochemical, pasting, thermal and gel texture properties of potato starch
Authors: Li Wenhao , Bai Yunfei , Zhang Qing , Hu Xiaosong , Shen Qun 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe study investigated the effects of the addition of different concentrations of potassium alum (PA, 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 g 100 g−1; w/w, on a starch weight basis) on the pasting, thermal, gel texture and other physicochemical properties of potato starch. The addition of PA resulted in a significant increase in solubility and a decrease in swelling power and light transmittance of stored pastes. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis demonstrated an increase in gelatinisation temperatures and gelatinisation enthalpy and a decrease in phase transition temperature range (ΔTr) with increasing PA concentration. Results of rapid visco‐analysis indicated that addition of PA decreased the peak, trough, breakdown, final and setback viscosities, but increased in peak time. Textural tests showed that the addition of PA retarded gel strength development during refrigerated storage. The high ionic strength and water‐binding capacities of Al3+, K+ and SO42− point to being the key factors for these observed changes.
Extraction of inulin from Burdock root (Arctium lappa) using high intensity ultrasound
Authors: Milani Elnaz , Koocheki Arash , Golimovahhed Q. Ali. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryBurdock root could be a source of inulin, but scarce studies about its extraction exist. To optimise conventional and ultrasound‐assisted extraction of inulin, various combinations were used. The independent variables for ultrasound extraction were sonication amplitude (20–100%), sonication temperature (20–60 °C) and sonication time (5–25 min) while for conventional extraction the following variables were water to solid ratio (5–15 v/w), temperature (40–90 °C) and time (5–40 min). For each response, a second‐order polynomial model was developed using multiple linear regression analysis. The use of high intensity ultrasound significantly improves the extraction of inulin contained within the body of Burdock root. It was shown that increasing the amplitude (from 20% to 85%) and extraction time increased the extraction yield; however, the effect of temperature was minor. Optimum extraction condition was found to be sonication time: 25 min, sonication amplitude 83.22% and temperature: 36.76 °C.
Microstructures of starch granule, starch digestibilities and predicted glycaemic index of common bean mutants in Taiwan
Authors: Chiou Shiow Ying , Chen Huei Juan , Jeng Toong Long , Sung Jih Min 
Published: May 2011

SummaryIn this study, the microstructure of starch granule and in vitro starch digestibility were compared in de‐coated seeds of common bean variety Hwachia and its NaN3‐induced mutants. Significant differences in starch granule size (between 17.92 and 27.00 μm), total starch content (between 436.5 and 456.8 mg per seed) and resistant starch content (between 51.6 and 203.3 mg per seed) were found among mutants. Both boiling and autoclaving decreased resistant starch content in processed common beans. Significant difference in predicted gylcaemic index (pGI) (between 48.82 and 64.55%) for processed beans also existed among mutants. However, 96 h of 4 °C storage increased resistant starch content in processed common beans, possibly resulted from starch retrogradation during storage. Mutants SA‐05, SA‐08 and SA‐31, which have smaller seed weight and lower pGI (average of 50.08%) compared to Hwachia (pGI of 57.05%), can be used to produce common bean based low GI dietary carbohydrate.
Cell division blockage: but this time by a surprisingly conserved protein
Authors: Hamoen Leendert W. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryActivation of DNA repair proteins is often accompanied by an arrest in cell division. Several proteins have been identified that regulate the division blockage associated with the SOS response. When Bacillus subtilis cells become genetically competent they also activate DNA repair proteins and stop dividing. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Briley et al., 2011 describe a new protein involved in this process. This protein, Maf, does not prevent FtsZ polymerization, but it inhibits synthesis of the division septum. What is fascinating about Maf is that it is conserved and can be found in all kingdoms of life.
Orthoglymma wangapeka gen.n., sp.n. (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini): a newly discovered relict from the Buller Terrane, north‐western South Island, New Zealand, corroborates a general pattern of Gondwanan endemism
Authors: LIEBHERR JAMES K. , MARRIS JOHN W. M. , EMBERSON ROWAN M. , SYRETT PAULINE , ROIG‐JUÑENT SERGIO 
Published: May 2011

Orthoglymma Liebherr, Marris, Emberson, Syrett & Roig‐Juñent gen.n. (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Broscini) is described to accommodate the single type species Orthoglymma wangapeka Liebherr, Marris, Emberson, Syrett & Roig‐Juñent sp.n., known from the Wangapeka Track, Kahurangi National Park, north‐western South Island, New Zealand. Orthoglymma wangapekasp.n. is analysed cladistically along with a comprehensive array of 42 other broscine generic terminals and four out‐group taxa, using information obtained from 73 morphological characters, and placed as adelphotaxon to the remainder of subtribe Nothobroscina, a clade distributed in New Zealand, southern South America and Australia. Based on fossil evidence for Carabidae, the occurrence of Orthoglymma wangapekasp.n. on the Buller Terrane, a geological feature once situated on the eastern margin of Gondwana, and early cladistic divergence of Orthoglymma from the remaining Nothobroscina, Orthoglymma wangapekasp.n. is interpreted as a Gondwanan relict. The New Zealand arthropod fauna is reviewed to identify other taxa in existence at the time of Cretaceous vicariance of New Zealand and Australia. These candidate Gondwanan taxa, all of which are specified using fossil data or molecular divergence‐based estimates, are analysed biogeographically. Where phylogenetic hypotheses are available, primordial distributions are optimized using event‐based, dispersal‐vicariance (DIVA) analysis. The hypothesized Gondwanan‐aged taxa demonstrate inordinate fidelity to the Gondwanan‐aged geological terranes that constitute the western portions of New Zealand, especially in the South Island. Persistence of these relicts through a hypothesized ‘Oligocene drowning’ event is the most parsimonious explanation for the concentration of Gondwanan relicts in the Nelson, Buller and Fiordland districts of the South Island. Geographic patterns of Gondwanan‐aged taxa are compared with distributions of taxa hypothesized to have colonized New Zealand across the Tasman Sea from Australia and New Caledonia, subsequent to Cretaceous vicariance. These post‐Gondwanan taxa exhibit very different patterns of distribution and diversification in New Zealand, including: (i) abundant endemism in Northland, and the islands and peninsulas of the North Island; (ii) species geographically restricted to areas underlain by the youngest Rakaia and Pahau geological terranes; and (iii) species exhibiting exceedingly widespread geographic distributions spanning geological terranes of disparate ages.
In relation to the world fauna the austral disjunct insect groups…form a very small fraction, and the pertinent species are, moreover, predominantly very small and inconspicuous creatures which makes it still more easy to overlook their great biogeographic importance.(Brundin, 1966: 458)
Oral vitamin A as an adjunct treatment for canine sebaceous adenitis
Authors: Lam Andrea T. H. , Affolter Verena K. , Outerbridge Catherine A. , Gericota Barbara , White Stephen D. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractMedical records of dogs with sebaceous adenitis diagnosed by histopathology over an 18‐year period were reviewed. From a total of 40 cases, 24 were treated with oral vitamin A. Dogs ranged from 9 months to 12 years of age at the time of disease onset. Purebred as well as mixed‐breed dogs were affected. Akitas represented approximately one‐third of the affected population. No sex predilections were observed. Vitamin A was administered for a minimum of 1 month. Doses varied from 380 to 2667 IU/kg/day, with a mean of 1037 IU/kg/day. Two dogs received oral vitamin A exclusively. Concurrent treatments included systemic antibiotics, systemic antifungal medications, fatty acid supplementation and various topical treatments. Of 24 dogs treated with vitamin A, three were lost to follow‐up. Twelve owners were satisfied with the overall appearance of their dogs, reporting ≥25% improvement in clinical signs, including level of pruritus, amount of scale, alopecia and overall coat quality, compared with pretreatment appearance. Three owners observed adequate initial improvement, with regression to pretreatment state within 6 months of starting treatment. Two owners reported 25–50% improvement in clinical signs while on oral vitamin A supplementation; however, changes were attributed to concurrent topical treatment. Six owners reported no improvement and discontinued oral administration of vitamin A within 7 months. No correlations could be made between vitamin A dosage and response to treatment; prognoses could not be made based on clinical and histopathological findings.
Prolactin level is significantly elevated in lesional skin of patients with psoriasis
Authors: El‐Khateeb Ekramy A. , Zuel‐Fakkar Nehal M. , Eid Safaa M. , Abdul‐Wahab Soha E. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Accumulating data point to a potential role of prolactin in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.Methods  We initiated a study including psoriasis patients (n = 15) and healthy volunteers (n = 15) as controls. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) score was evaluated, and prolactin levels in serum and blister fluid were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results  Prolactin levels were significantly (P < 0.01) elevated in blister fluid of psoriatic lesional skin. Correlations between PASI score and different serum prolactin levels in lesional and non‐lesional skin were insignificant. Significant positive correlations of prolactin level were observed between lesional and non‐lesional skin in psoriasis (P < 0.05) and between serum and clinically normal skin in both psoriasis and control subjects (P < 0.05).Conclusions  Locally produced prolactin may be involved in the pathogenesis of psoriatic lesions.
Parental attitudes towards head lice infestation in Greece
Authors: Doulgeraki Artemis , Valari Manthoula 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Pediculosis capitis constitutes a growing problem worldwide and is usually considered as an inconvenience. Parents often handle this infestation on their own initiative.Objective  We conducted a survey in order to depict the parental attitudes towards head lice infestation in Greece.Methods  Parents of children aged 3–14 years, attending a dermatology outpatient clinic at a children’s hospital, were given a questionnaire regarding head lice. Demographic data, management, and prevention strategies were included in the questionnaire.Results  Three‐hundred and seventy‐two complete questionnaires were analyzed (response rate: 89%). Pediculosis capitis was more prevalent in the age groups 3–5 years and 6–8 years. The percentage of parents of infested children who sought advice on treatment from the pharmacist was 73%, and only 15% consulted their doctor. Chemical agents to treat head lice were used by 59% of them, products containing natural oils by 38%, and wet combing in parallel was employed by 79% of them. Preventive measures were employed by 66% of the respondents, and 54% applied botanical and synthetic products commercially available for this purpose.Conclusion  There is a trend towards the use of natural oils for either prevention or treatment. More needs to be done to promote public education and rational use of either pediculicides or non‐pharmacological agents for pediculosis capitis infestation.
Cryoanalgesia for post‐herpetic neuralgia: a new treatment
Authors: Calandria Liliana 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe existent therapeutic options for post‐herpetic neuralgia (PHN) are varied, albeit not sufficiently effective. The aim of this study was to try a new treatment modality for PHN. A spray of liquid nitrogen (LN) was used in 47 patients suffering from PHN as a stimulator of a mechanism not yet completely understood. The LN spray was carefully applied (so as not to freeze the skin surface) along the diseased sensory nerve dermatome, at weekly sessions lasting for 30 seconds each, with a mean of three applications per patient. The area corresponding to the dermatomes affected by the herpes zoster satisfactorily attenuated the herpetic neuralgia in all patients. Before the sixth treatment session, good or excellent improvement was obtained in 94% of the study patients. Pain was eliminated with one session in nine patients (19%), and with two sessions in eight patients (17%). We conclude that this non‐freezing technique is absolutely safe and injury‐free, and is very efficient in calming PHN.
Successful treatment of argyria using a low‐fluence Q‐switched 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser
Authors: Han Tae Young , Chang Hee Sun , Lee Hyun Kyung , Son Sook‐Ja 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  Argyria is a rare skin disease caused by cutaneous deposits of silver granules as a result of exposure to silver substrates or ingestion of silver salt. This pigmentation change causes cosmetic problems, and there was previously no recognized effective treatments for argyria.Objective  To evaluate the treatment effect of a low‐fluence Q‐switched 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser on argyria.Subjects and Methods  Case report of a 49‐year‐old with a history of ingestion of a colloidal silver solution daily for approximately one year as a traditional remedy.Results  After seven sessions of treatment, the patient’s skin color returned to normal.Conclusion  A low‐fluence Q‐switched 1064‐nm Nd:YAG laser provided safe and effective treatment for the skin discoloration associated with argyria
Isolation of both Pseudozyma aphidis and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum from a mycetoma on the leg
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhu Lin‐yu , Xuan Xuan , Wu Ling‐jian , Zhou Tie‐li , Zhang Xue‐qi , Li Bing‐xu 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe describe a case of mycetoma which typified the classic presentation of the disease: a male farmer with affection of the lower limbs and a history of trauma. The patient presented with a swollen right lower limb showing multiple discharging sinuses for 25 years. Histopathologically, grains were found by HE stain, and clustered yeast‐like cells were observed by PAS stain. The distinctive ‘dot‐in‐circle’ sign was found through MRI. Besides Nocardia otitidiscaviarum, Pseudozyma aphidis was isolated from deep tissue culture, and the identification of the etiologic species was ascertained by DNA sequencing. Generally speaking, Nocardia otitidiscaviarum is an infrequent cause of mycetoma, and Pseudozyma species are usually isolated from plant material rather than clinical specimens. This is the first case of mycetoma from which both Nocardia otitidiscaviarum and Pseudozyma aphidis were isolated.
Epidural needle for recipient site preparation in hair restoration surgery
Authors: Zor Fatih , Kulahci Yalcin , Sever Celalettin , Bayram Yalcin , Benlier Erol , Bozkurt Mehmet 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackground  The mini‐ and micro‐grafting method is still one of the most current treatment methods for male pattern baldness and female androgenic alopecia. The preparation of the recipient area with 16G needle has been reported in the literature. However, during the insertion of grafts, the neighboring grafts tend to `pop out'. The study presents our experience in the hair implantation for recipient site preparation with 16G epidural needle.Methods  The 16G epidural needle was used during preparation of the recipient field in eight patients. Approximately 500 micrografts were grafted in each patient to reconstruct the anterior hairline.Results  During insertion of the micrografts, almost none of the previously inserted grafts tended to `pop out'. The anterior hairline of the patients was natural without obvious scarring. The mean follow‐up period of these patients was 1.5 years. The amount of graft survival was found to be satisfactory.Conclusion  According to the surgeon’s clinical observations, application of this technique was found to be easier than standard needle techniques. It can be used by inexperienced surgeons. Use of epidural needle for recipient hole preparation works well in reducing the popping out, and the curved fashion of the holes reduced the angle of the hair follicle.
Sexual selection and temporal phenotypic variation in a damselfly population
Authors: STEELE D. B. , SIEPIELSKI A. M. , McPEEK M. A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractTemporal variation in selection can be generated by temporal variation in either the fitness surface or phenotypic distributions around a static fitness surface, or both concurrently. Here, we use within‐ and between‐generation sampling of fitness surfaces and phenotypic distributions over 2 years to investigate the causes of temporal variation in the form of sexual selection on body size in the damselfly Enallagma aspersum. Within a year, when the average female body size differed substantially from the average male body size, male body size experienced directional selection. In contrast, when male and female size distributions overlapped, male body size experienced stabilizing selection when variances in body size were large, but no appreciable selection when the variances in body size were small. The causes of temporal variation in the form of selection can only be inferred by accounting for changes in both the fitness surface and changes in the distribution of phenotypes.
Nutrient profile and availability of co‐products from bioethanol processing
Authors: Azarfar A. , Jonker A. , Hettiarachchi‐Gamage I. K. , Yu P. 
Published: May 2011

SummaryBioethanol production in North America has led to the production of considerable quantities of different co‐products. Variation in nutrient profiles as well as nutrient availability among these co‐products may lead to the formulation of imbalanced diets that may adversely affect animal performance. This study aimed to compare three types of dried distiller’s grains with solubles [100% wheat DDGS (WDDGS); DDGS blend1 (BDDGS1, corn to wheat ratio 30:70); DDGS blend2 (BDDGS2, corn to wheat ratio 50:50)] and their different batches within DDGS type with regard to: (i) protein and carbohydrate sub‐fractions based on Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS); (ii) calculated energy values; and (iii) rumen degradation of dry matter (DDM), organic matter (DOM), crude protein (DCP), neutral detergent fibre (DNDF) and starch (Dstarch) at 36 and 72 h of ruminal incubations. Wheat DDGS had a lower intermediately (PB2, 136.4 vs. 187.4 g/kg DM) and a higher slowly degradable true protein (PB3, 142.2 vs.105.3 g/kg DM) than BDDGS1, but similar to those of BDDGS2. Sugar (CA4) was higher, whereas starch (PB1) and digestible fibre (PB3) were lower in WDDGS than in BDDGS1 and BDDGS2. All carbohydrate sub‐fractions determined differed significantly between the two batches of BDDGS2. The BDDGS2 had the highest calculated energy values (TDN, DE3×, ME3×, NEL3×, NEm and NEg) among the three DDGS types. The energy values were slightly different between the batches of the three DDGS types. At all incubation times, wheat DDGS had a significantly higher (p < 0.05) DDM, DOM, DCP and DNDF than both DDGS blends. Differences were observed between different batches within DDGS types with regard to in situ rumen degradation of DM, OM, CP, NDF and starch. In conclusion, differences were observed in protein and carbohydrate sub‐fractions and in situ ruminal degradation of DM, OM, CP, NDF and starch among the three DDGS types and different batches within DDGS type. This indicates that the nutrients supplied to ruminants may not only differ among different types of DDGS but it may also differ among different batches within DDGS type.
Central Injection of Exogenous IL‐1β in the Control Activities of Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis in Anestrous Ewes
Authors: Herman AP , Misztal T , Romanowicz K , Tomaszewska‐Zaremba D 
Published: May 2011

ContentsThis study was performed to determine the effect of intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of interleukin (IL)‐1β on the gene expression, translation and release of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and the GnRH receptor (GnRHR) gene expression in the hypothalamus of anestrous ewes. In the anterior pituitary gland (AP), the expression of genes encoding: GnRHR, β subunits of luteinizing hormone (LH) and folliculotropic hormone (FSH) was determined as well as the effect of IL‐1β on pituitary gonadotropins release. The relative mRNA level was determined by real‐time PCR, GnRH concentration in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was assayed by ELISA and the plasma concentration of LH and FSH were determined by radioimmunoassay. Our results showed that icv injection of IL‐1β (10 or 50 μg/animal) decreased the GnRH mRNA level in the pre‐optic area (POA) (35% and 40% respectively; p ≤ 0.01) and median eminence (ME) (75% and 70% respectively; p ≤ 0.01) and GnRHR gene expression in ME (55% and 50% respectively; p ≤ 0.01). A significant decrease in GnRHR mRNA level in the AP in the group treated with the 50 μg (60%; p ≤ 0.01) but not with the 10 μg dose was observed. The centrally administrated IL‐1β lowered also GnRH concentration in the CSF (60%; p ≤ 0.01) and reduced the intensity of GnRH translation in the POA (p ≤ 0.01). It was not found any effect of icv IL‐1β injection upon the release of LH and FSH. However, the central injection of IL‐1β strongly decreased the LHβ mRNA level (41% and 50%; p ≤ 0.01; respectively) and FSHβ mRNA in the case of the 50 μg dose (49%; p ≤ 0.01) in the pituitary of anestrous ewes. These results demonstrate that the central IL‐1β is an important modulator of the GnRH biosynthesis and release during immune/inflammatory challenge.