bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Skin Extracts from 2 Italian Table Grapes (Italia and Palieri) Inhibit Tissue Factor Expression by Human Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Milella Rosa Anna , Antonacci Donato , Crupi Pasquale , Incampo Francesca , Carrieri Cosimo , Semeraro Nicola , Colucci Mario 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Grape and its products such as red wine and grape juice have well‐known antithrombotic properties, which have been attributed to their high content in polyphenolic compounds. Most studies on the mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects, among which the suppression of tissue factor (TF) synthesis in blood mononuclear cells (MNC) and vascular endothelium is a prominent one, have been performed with purified polyphenols, while little is known about the effect of fresh grapes which contain a multitude of phytochemicals whose interaction may lead to different cell responses. In this study, we investigated the effect of grape skin extracts (GSEs) on TF expression in isolated blood MNC and in whole blood. Alcoholic extracts from skins of 2 grape varieties (Palieri and Italia) inhibited TF expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated MNC in a concentration‐dependent manner with ≥90% inhibition of TF activity and antigen at 6 μg/mL of gallic acid equivalents. Noteworthy, GSEs were also able to inhibit the appearance of TF in whole blood challenged with LPS. The 2 grape varieties displayed a fairly similar TF‐inhibiting capacity despite marked differences in phenolic profile. When selected purified polyphenols were tested, their ability to inhibit TF expression was markedly lower as compared to grape extracts, whereas a mixture of some representative polyphenols was much more efficient, supporting the occurrence of a synergistic effect. Given the key role of cell TF in thrombotic diseases, the inhibition of MNC‐mediated clotting activation, if confirmed by in vivo studies, might represent an important antithrombotic mechanism.Practical Application:  Our data indicate that the combination of different polyphenols, as in grape extracts, is much more efficient than the single constituents, a finding that might be useful as starting point for the development of new antithrombotic nutraceutics. In addition, our study validated a simple, inexpensive, and physiologically relevant in vitro method on whole blood that allows the evaluation of one of the most important antithrombotic activities of food and food‐derived products. The simplicity of the method makes it suitable also for screening purposes in large‐scale studies.
Effect of High Hydrostatic Pressure on Aeromonas hydrophila AH 191 Growth in Milk
Authors: Durães‐Carvalho Ricardo , Souza Ancelmo R. , Martins Luciano M. , Sprogis Adriane C. S. , Bispo Jose A. C. , Bonafe Carlos F. S. , Yano Tomomasa 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Exposure to high pressure is an efficient method of bacterial inactivation that is particularly important for reducing the microbial load present in foods. In this study, we examined the high pressure inactivation of Aeromonas hydrophila AH 191, a virulent strain that produces aerolysin, a cytotoxic, enterotoxic, and hemolytic toxin. High pressure treatment (250 MPa for 30 min at 25 °C in 0.1 M PBS, pH 7.4) of A. hydrophila grown in milk reduced bacterial viability by at least 9 orders of magnitude. Under these conditions, the enterotoxic, hemolytic, and cytotoxic activities of A. hydrophila culture supernatants were unaltered. These results indicate the need for caution in the use of high pressure for food processing since although truly toxigenic bacteria may be inactivated, their toxins may not be, thus posing a risk to human health. At higher pressure (350 MPa) the inactivation of bacteria was much more effective. Scanning electron microscopy showed a significant decrease in the number of bacteria after higher pressurization (350 MPa for 1 h) and transmission electron microscopy showed irregular shaped bacteria, suggestive of important cell wall and membrane damage, and cytoplasm condensation.Practical Application:  High pressure inactivates Aeromonas hydrophila efficiently but is enhanced when combined with moderate temperature (40 °C). The biological activities of toxins from this bacterium are unaltered under these conditions.
Rapid Determination of Sugar Level in Snack Products Using Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Ting , Rodriguez‐Saona Luis E. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Real‐time spectroscopic methods can provide a valuable window into food manufacturing to permit optimization of production rate, quality and safety. There is a need for cutting edge sensor technology directed at improving efficiency, throughput and reliability of critical processes. The aim of the research was to evaluate the feasibility of infrared systems combined with chemometric analysis to develop rapid methods for determination of sugars in cereal products. Samples were ground and spectra were collected using a mid‐infrared (MIR) spectrometer equipped with a triple‐bounce ZnSe MIRacle attenuated total reflectance accessory or Fourier transform near infrared (NIR) system equipped with a diffuse reflection‐integrating sphere. Sugar contents were determined using a reference HPLC method. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to create cross‐validated calibration models. The predictability of the models was evaluated on an independent set of samples and compared with reference techniques. MIR and NIR spectra showed characteristic absorption bands for sugars, and generated excellent PLSR models (sucrose: SEP < 1.7% and r > 0.96). Multivariate models accurately and precisely predicted sugar level in snacks allowing for rapid analysis. This simple technique allows for reliable prediction of quality parameters, and automation enabling food manufacturers for early corrective actions that will ultimately save time and money while establishing a uniform quality.Practical Application:  The U.S. snack food industry generates billions of dollars in revenue each year and vibrational spectroscopic methods combined with pattern recognition analysis could permit optimization of production rate, quality, and safety of many food products. This research showed that infrared spectroscopy is a powerful technique for near real‐time (approximately 1 min) assessment of sugar content in various cereal products.
Trans Fatty Acid Contents in Selected Dietary Fats in the Estonian Market
Authors: Meremäe Kadrin , Roasto Mati , Kuusik Sirje , Ots Meelis , Henno Merike 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  In response to public concern, this study assessed the fatty acid (FA) composition of blended spreads, margarines and shortenings in the Estonian retail market in 2011. Special attention was paid to the trans fatty acids (TFA) composition. The changes in these characteristics of selected dietary fats in the market over recent years are also presented. Twenty‐six edible fat brands, available in the Estonian retail market in 2011, were purchased and FA compositions were analyzed by chromatography. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were the dominant group of FAs for all blended spreads (49.6 to 65.8%), and for the majority of shortenings (from 21.1 to 54.6%). Cis monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were the dominant group of FAs for the majority of margarines, ranging from 25.3% to 50.5%. The total TFA for blended spreads varied from 1.18% to 9.08%, for margarines from 0.04% to 34.96% and for shortenings from 0.14% to 39.50%. Octadecenoic (C18:1) isomers were the main TFA found. Compared to 2008/2009, the industrially produced TFA (IP‐TFA) content in several of the dietary fat brands was much reduced in 2011. This voluntary reformulation was probably a response to consumer demand associated with a public health campaign directed against IP‐TFA in Estonian foods, and were mainly achieved by replacing TFA with SFA C12:0‐C16:0.Practical Application:  Present paper is directed toward public health related institutions and food industries producing foods with potentially high contents of trans fatty acids (TFA). According to the public concern TFA content in domestic blended spreads has declined significantly over the past 3 y in Estonia. The reduction in the TFA content was achieved by replacing TFA with saturated fatty acids (SFA) (C12:0‐C16:0). To shift food composition toward healthier product formulations, mandatory labeling of the sum of IP‐TFA and SFA (C12:0‐C16:0) was recommended.
The p53‐Dependent Expression of Frataxin Controls 5‐Aminolevulinic Acid‐Induced Accumulation of Protoporphyrin IX and Photo‐Damage in Cancerous Cells
Authors: Sawamoto Mari , Imai Takafumi , Umeda Mana , Fukuda Koji , Kataoka Takao , Taketani Shigeru 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMitochondrial frataxin is involved in various functions such as iron homeostasis, iron–sulfur cluster biogenesis, the protection from oxidative stress and apoptosis and acts as a tumor suppressor protein. We now show that the expression of frataxin is stimulated in a p53‐dependent manner and prove that frataxin is a direct p53 target gene by showing that the p53‐responsive element in the promoter of the mouse frataxin gene is bound by p53. The bacterial expression of human frataxin stimulated maturation of human ferrochelatase, which catalyzes the insertion of iron into protoporphyrin at the last step of heme biosynthesis. Overexpression of frataxin in human cancer A431 and HeLa cells lowered 5‐aminolevulinic acid(ALA)‐induced accumulation of protoporphyrin and induced resistance to ALA‐induced photo‐damage, whereas p53 silencing with siRNA in non tumor HEK293T cells down‐regulated the expression of frataxin and increased the accumulation of protoporphyrin. Thus, the decrease of the expression of frataxin unregulated by p53 in tumor cells enhances ALA‐induced photo‐damage, by down‐regulation of mitochondrial functions.
Pharmacogenetic selection of transplanted human hepatocytes in immunocompetent rats
Authors: Smolic Martina , Wu Catherine H , Madadi Shilpa , Gupta Nidhi , Smolic Robert , Coash Marcy , Smith Jeanette , Wu George Y 
Published: August 2012

ObjectiveTo introduce a genetic survival advantage for transplanted human hepatocytes over host cells in rats.MethodsGreen fluorescent protein (GFP) was introduced into Huh‐7 human hepatoma cells to create fluorescent GFP‐Huh‐7 cells. mRNA of CYP2E1, the enzyme that converts acetaminophen (APA) into hepatotoxic intermediates, was quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The effects of APA on GFP‐Huh‐7 and control Huh‐7 cells were determined in a cell culture. Immunological tolerance was induced by the injection of GFP‐Huh‐7 cells into fetal rats in utero. The GFP‐Huh‐7 cells were transplanted after birth of the rats into tolerant rats followed by APA treatment. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver histological data were obtained. GFP‐Huh‐7 cells were detected by quantitive PCR and microscopy.ResultsCYP2E1 mRNA levels in the GFP‐Huh‐7 cells were 2.7% of parental Huh‐7 cells. In 1 mmol/L APA, parental Huh‐7 cells decreased by 60% while GFP‐Huh‐7 cells increased to within 95% of untreated controls after 5 days. In rats in which GFP‐Huh‐7 cells were transplanted and treated with APA, serum ALT increased to a peak of 200 U/L on day 1 and returned to normal levels by day 3. Fluorescence microscopy of liver specimens from rats transplanted with GFP‐Huh‐7 cells showed substantial increases in GFP‐Huh‐7, but not Huh‐7 cells by day 7 after APA treatment. Real‐time PCR confirmed a 10‐fold increase of GFP mRNA in APA‐treated rats, but not in those without APA treatment.ConclusionsThe difference in CYP2E1 gene expression between GFP‐Huh‐7 and rat hepatocytes provides a convenient means for the enrichment of transplanted human cells in rat liver.
Simultaneous assay of activated platelet count and platelet‐activating capacity by P‐selectin detection using K2‐EDTA‐treated whole blood for antiplatelet agents
Authors: Okano K. , Araki M. , Mimura Y. , Nogaki H. , Ichihara K. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIntroductionIt is well recognized that examinations of activated platelets (aPLTs) and platelet‐activating capacity are very important to observe and prevent embolic diseases (events) such as ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Previously, we reported an appropriate measurement technique of aPLT for clinical assay. In this paper, we investigated stable conditions for measurement of activating capacity of platelets.MethodsBlood samples were taken from healthy volunteers using anticoagulants of 2K‐EDTA, sodium citrate and heparin, and platelets were stimulated with adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or collagen. We demonstrated platelet‐activating capacity by detection of scattering light, absorbance, microscopic observation, and P‐selectin (CD62P) expression. We also performed basic experiments in seven healthy volunteers to test the clinical application of these assays with monitoring aspirin therapy.ResultsWe judged that samples of whole blood with 2K‐EDTA were suitable for CD62P expression assay as functional assessments of platelet activity, because platelets treated with anticoagulants such as sodium citrate and heparin were extremely damaged after stimulation, and it was difficult to measure the CD62P expression by flow cytometry. For optimal results, samples should be tested within 1 h after the drawing of blood and stimulated with ADP or collagen for 10 min. The CD62P‐positive platelet value of blood from volunteers who had taken aspirin was decreased, and platelet activation was inhibited as well.ConclusionThe simultaneous assay of aPLT and platelet‐activating capacity by CD62P detection using whole blood treated with the K2‐EDTA anticoagulant was useful for the monitoring of antiplatelet drugs.
Two novel mutations in the 3′ untranslated region of the beta‐globin gene that are associated with the mild phenotype of beta thalassemia
Authors: Bilgen T. , Clark O. A. , Ozturk Z. , Akif Yesilipek M. , Keser I. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIntroductionThere are approximately 800 different genomic alterations of the β‐globin gene described in the human hemoglobin variant (HbVar) database. In this study, we have identified two novel putative mutations (HBB:c.*+108 A>G and HBB:c.*+132 C>T) in the 3′ untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the β‐globin gene and describe their clinical implications.MethodsFour patients from two unrelated families, all with hematological and clinical features associated with beta‐thalassemia (β‐thal), and their family members were included. The molecular diagnoses of the β‐globin gene mutations were performed by direct sequencing.ResultsA novel mutation, HBB:c.*+108 A>G, was found in combination with the IVS‐I‐110 G>A (HBB:c.93‐21 G>A) mutation in three siblings (two brothers and one sister) from one of the families involved in our study. Their mother was found to be a carrier for HBB:c.*+108 A>G with normal HbA2 levels. The other novel mutation, HBB:c.*+132 C>T, was found in combination with IVS‐I‐1 G>A (HBB:c.92 + 1G>A) in a 7‐year‐old boy diagnosed as β‐thal intermedia from the second family. His father and two brothers were all carriers of HBB:c.*+132 C>T with borderline HbA2 levels.ConclusionBased on the observed β‐thal intermedia phenotypes and the accompanying mutations, we conclude that these novel β‐globin gene 3′ UTR mutations are associated with the mild phenotype of β‐thal.
Evaluation of CytoDiff™ on cord blood WBC differential
Authors: Gac F. , Thibert J. B. , Le Berre C. , Le Priol J. , Semana G. , Fest T. , Roussel M. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryIntroductionAn umbilical cord blood bank was recently opened in our institution as an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells. Before inclusion of a cord blood in an international register, a WBC with differential is requested, among others. Currently, the reference method is the microscopic manual count, and we sought to evaluate the routine flow cytometric method (CytoDiff™) as an alternative.MethodsA total of 161 cord bloods were analyzed between November 2010 and February 2011. WBC differentials were determined for each sample, by (i) the cell counter (DxH800), (ii) a manual review, and (iii) the flow cytometry using the CytoDiff™ antibody cocktail.ResultsCorrelation coefficients between flow cytometry and microscopic count were satisfying for neutrophils, lymphocytes, and immature granulocytes and acceptable for eosinophils. On the other hand, we found lower correlation coefficient for basophils and monocytes. Monocytes' correlation was better when comparing flow cytometry with cell counter.ConclusionThe flow cytometric approach is suitable to realize cord blood WBC differential and allows for the identification of additional cell subsets.
Linking αMSH with PPARγ in B16‐F10 melanoma
Authors: Maresca Vittoria , Flori Enrica , Camera Emanuela , Bellei Barbara , Aspite Nicaela , Ludovici Matteo , Catricalà Caterina , Cardinali Giorgia , Picardo Mauro 
Published: August 2012

SummaryWe have discovered a new α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH)/peroxisome proliferator activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ) connection in B16‐F10 cells. Both PPAR‐γ up‐regulation and its induction as an active transcription factor were observed in response to α‐MSH. The α‐MSH/PPAR‐γ connection influenced both pigmentation and proliferation. The forskolin‐stimulated cAMP/PKA pathway was not able to induce either PPAR‐γ translocation into the nucleus or PPAR‐γ transcriptional activity. As the melanocortin‐1 receptor, the specific receptor for the α‐MSH, is a G‐protein coupled receptor, we wondered whether the phosphatidylinositol [PI(4,5)P2/PLCβ] signal pathway was involved in mediating the α‐MSH‐dependent PPAR‐γ activation. Employing inhibitors of PI(4,5)P2/PLCβ pathway, the results of our experiments suggested that this pathway was promoted by α‐MSH and that α‐MSH played a role in mediating PPAR‐γ activation. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that α‐MSH induces the PI(4,5)P2/PLCβ pathway, through analysis of the basic steps of the pathway. The α‐MSH effect on PPAR‐γ was independent of animal species and was not correlated with the physio‐pathological status.
A Case–Control Study of Risk Factors for Bovine Cysticercosis in Danish Cattle Herds
Authors: Calvo‐Artavia F. F. , Nielsen L. R. , Dahl J. , Clausen D. M. , Graumann A. M. , Alban L. 
Published: August 2012

SummaryBovine cysticercosis (BC) is a zoonotic, parasitic infection in cattle. Under the current EU meat inspection regulation, every single carcass from all bovines above 6 weeks of age is examined for BC. This method is costly and makes more sense in countries with higher number of BC‐infected animals than in countries with few lightly infected cases per year. The aim of the present case–control study was to quantify associations between potential herd‐level risk factors and BC in Danish cattle herds. Risk factors can be used in the design of a risk‐based meat inspection system targeted towards the animals with the highest risk of BC. Cases (n = 77) included herds that hosted at least one animal diagnosed with BC at meat inspection, from 2006 to 2010. Control herds (n = 231) consisted of randomly selected herds that had not hosted any animals diagnosed with BC between 2004 and 2010. The answers from a questionnaire and register data from the Danish Cattle Database were grouped into meaningful variables and used to investigate the risk factors for BC using a multivariable logistic regression model. Case herds were almost three times more likely than control herds to let all or most animals out grazing. Case herds were more than five times more likely than control herds to allow their animals access to risky water sources with sewage treatment plant effluent in proximity. Case herds were also more likely to share machinery or hire contractors than control herds. The risk decreased with increasing herd size probably because the larger herds generally tend to keep cattle indoors in Denmark. The results are useful to guide future data recording that can be supplied by the farmer as food chain information and then be used for differentiated meat inspection in low‐ and high‐risk groups, enabling development of risk‐based meat inspection systems.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Single and Multiple Oral Doses of Meloxicam in Adult Horses
Authors: Noble G. , Edwards S. , Lievaart J. , Pippia J. , Boston R. , Raidal S.L. 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundSafety of meloxicam, a potentNSAIDwith selectiveCOX‐2 inhibition, has not been evaluated in horses.ObjectivesTo evaluate pharmacokinetics and safety of single and repeated oral doses of meloxicam in adult horses.AnimalsForty‐nine healthy, university‐owned adult lightbreed horses.MethodsStudy conducted in 2 parts. Part I addressed pharmacokinetics of single oral dose meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg) in 16 horses. PartII, 33 horses were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups to assess prolonged administration (0.6 mg/kgPOq24h for 6 weeks, n = 7) or higher doses (1.8 mg/kg, n = 7, or 3.0 mg/kgPOq24h, n = 7) of meloxicam for 2 weeks, compared with control horses (placebo, n = 7, or phenylbutazone, 4.4 mg/kg q12h on day 1, 2.2 mg/kg q12h for 4 days, then 2.2 mg/kg q24h for 9 days, n = 5).ResultsMaximum plasma concentration following a single oral dose of meloxicam was 915.1 ± 116.9 ng/mL and elimination half‐life 10.2 ± 3.0 hours. Meloxicam (0.6 mg/kg, q24h, PO for 6 weeks) yielded plasma concentrations between 100 and 1000 ng/mL and was well tolerated by healthy adult horses. Administration of 3–5 times the recommended dose of meloxicam was associated with decreased total serum protein and albumin concentrations, gastrointestinal damage, renal damage, or bone marrow dyscrasia.PBZadministration was associated with the development right dorsal colitis, gastric ulceration, and protein losing enteropathy in 2 horses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceAdministration meloxicam at 0.6 mg/kg q24h was well tolerated for 6 weeks, without drug accumulation in plasma. Higher doses were associated with dose‐dependent adverse effects typical of class of drugs.
The Emergence of New Industries at the Regional Level in Spain: A Proximity Approach Based on Product Relatedness
Authors: Boschma Ron , Minondo Asier , Navarro Mikel 
Published: August 2012

abstractHow do regions diversify over time? Inspired by recent studies, we argue that regions diversify into industries that make use of capabilities in which regions are specialized. Since the spread of capabilities occurs through mechanisms that have a strong regional bias, we expect that capabilities that are available at the regional level play a larger role than do capabilities that are available at the country level for the development of new industries. To test this hypothesis, we analyze the emergence of new industries in 50 Spanish regions at the NUTS 3 level in the period 1988–2008. We calculate the capability‐distance between new export products and existing export products in Spanish regions and provide econometric evidence that regions tend to diversify into new industries that use similar capabilities as existing industries in these regions. We show that proximity to the regional industrial structure plays a much larger role in the emergence of new industries in regions than does proximity to the national industrial structure. This finding suggests that capabilities at the regional level enable the development of new industries.
Clinical trial of acupuncture in need of an appropriate intervention and adequate sample size
Authors: Zhang J , Xing D , Smith C 
Published: August 2012

Smith CA, Crowther CA, Petrucco O, Beilby J, Dent H.Acupuncture to treat primary dysmenorrhea in women: a randomized controlled trial.Evid Based Complement Altern Med 2010: 612464.
SheaFlex70: cosmetic marker effects rather than clinical outcome improvement
Authors: Chrubasik S 
Published: August 2012

Cheras PA, Myers SP, Paul‐Brent PA, Outerbridge KH, Nielsen GV.Randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial on the potential modes of action of SheaFlex70TM in osteoarthritis.Phytother Res 2010; 24: 1126–31.