bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Up-regulation of VEGF by Small Activator RNA in Human Corpus Cavernosum Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Chen Ruibao , Wang Tao , Rao Ke , Yang Jun , Zhang Shilin , Wang Shaogang , Liu Jihong , Ye Zhangqun 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIntroductionFunctional failure of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in corpus cavernosum contributes to erectile dysfunction (ED) in aging men. Given that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may improve the function of smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells through different mechanisms, it is thus expected that increasing the expression of VEGF may have beneficial effects on erectile function.AimThe aim of this article is to explore the possibility that VEGF can be induced by ribonucleic acid activation (RNAa) technology, and VEGF induction by RNAa has the potential of treating ED.MethodsPrimary human corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSMCs) were isolated and cultured in vitro. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin was detected by immunohistochemistry to identify CCSMCs. A previously identified VEGF promoter-targeted small activator RNA (saRNA, double-stranded [ds]VEGF-706) and a negative control dsRNA were chemically synthesized. Cultured human CCSMCs were transfected with the saRNAs. The expression of VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in transfected CCSMCs was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting assay, respectively. Immunofluorescent staining was also used to confirm VEGF protein expression in cultured CCSMCs.Main Outcome MeasureThe expression of VEGF was assessed by RT quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence assays.ResultsAfter transfection, RT quantitative PCR analysis showed that the expression of VEGF mRNA was significantly induced in dsVEGF-706 transfected cells compared with cells receiving control treatments (P &lt; 0.05). Consistent with mRNA induction, Western blotting and immunofluorescence analysis showed that VEGF protein expression was also induced by dsVEGF-706.ConclusionVEGF expression can be activated by RNAa in primary human CCSMCs, suggesting a potential application of RNAa-mediated VEGF activation for the treatment of ED.
Monitoring for and preventing the long‐term sequelae of bariatric surgery
Authors: Thomas Carol Michelle , Morritt Taub Leslie‐Faith 
Published: August 2011

AbstractPurpose: To present a case study of a patient with multiple comorbid diseases who undergoes bariatric surgery.Data sources: Recent clinical and research articles, bariatric professional society guidelines, and government sources were culled to provide recommendations for the care of the person who chooses bariatric surgery as the treatment for the comorbid conditions of obesity, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.Conclusions: As surgical management of obesity becomes more prevalent in an attempt to improve health‐related quality of life, reduce mortality, and address the comorbidities that are prevalent in this population, nurse practitioners (NPs) need to understand what long‐term management these patients will require.Implications for practice: NPs are primary care providers for patients with chronic diseases. It is likely that they will make referrals for this surgery and follow the patient after the procedure at some point. Knowledge of what the procedures involve, what changes to expect in the comorbid conditions, and what long‐term monitoring and treatment should take place in the care of these patients will provide these patients with optimal care.
Variability and context specificity of narwhal (Monodon monoceros) whistles and pulsed calls
Authors: Marcoux Marianne , Auger‐Méthé Marie , Humphries Murray M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe behavioral and environmental context of animal calls provides insights into their functions. Narwhals are a highly vocal species and, like other social cetaceans, rely on acoustic signals to communicate. We characterize and categorize narwhal whistles and pulsed calls, as well as investigate variation in these calls under different contexts (behavior, herd, and year) using recordings made during the month of August 2006–2008, in Koluktoo Bay (72°04′N, 80°32′W). We detected similarities among whistles but not pulsed calls that were produced under a similar behavioral context. Both whistles and pulsed calls recorded within the same herd were more similar than whistles and pulsed calls recorded within different herds. We did not find any type of whistle to be associated with a specific behavior although some acoustical features might be behavior specific. Both whistles and pulsed calls show properties that are consistent with the hypothesis that narwhals produce group‐ or individual‐specific calls.
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in multiple tissues of wild and captive harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) off the California coast
Authors: Germain Leslie R. , McCarthy Matthew D. , Koch Paul L. , Harvey James T. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractStable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios (δ13C and δ15N) of serum, red blood cells (RBC), muscle, and blubber were measured in captive and wild northeast Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) at three coastal California sites (San Francisco Bay, Tomales Bay, and Channel Islands). Trophic discrimination factors (ΔTissue‐Diet) were calculated for captive seals and then applied in wild counterparts in each habitat to estimate trophic position and feeding behavior. Trophic discrimination factors for δ15N of serum (+3.8‰), lipid‐extracted muscle (+1.6‰), and lipid‐blubber (+6.5‰) are proposed to determine trophic position. An offset between RBC and serum of +0.3‰ for δ13C and −0.6‰ for δ15N was observed, which is consistent with previous research. Specifically, weaner seals (<1 yr) had large offsets, suggesting strong trophic position shifts during this life stage. Isotopic values indicated an average trophic position of 3.6 at both San Francisco Bay and Tomales Bay and 4.2 at Channel Islands. Isotopic means were strongly dependent on age class and also suggested that mean diet composition varies considerably between all locations. Together, these data indicate that isotopic composition of blood fractions can be an effective approach to estimate trophic position and dietary behavior in wild pinnipeds.
Development of a Lateral Flow Immunoassay (LFA) Strip for the Rapid Detection of 1‐Aminohydantoin in Meat Samples
Authors: Tang Yong , Xu Xialing , Liu Xi , Huang Xiaoming , Chen Yaoqiang , Wang WuZhou , Xiang Junjian 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  Due to the potential toxic effects of the nitrofuran family of antibiotics, their use in animals in the food industry has raised health concerns. This study was aimed to develop a lateral flow assay (LFA) based on competitive format for the detection of 1‐aminohydantoin (AHD) in meat samples. The assay could be completed in 1 min and detected AHDs derivates (CPAHD) at 3 ng/mL, equivalent to 1.40 ng/mL of AHD, which was much lower than that reported in the literature by similar method. The antibody showed no cross‐reactivity with a panel of more than 10 nitrofuran analogs except for nitrofurantoin at a high concentration. The test strip was stable at room temperature for up to 8 wk or at 37 °C for 4 wk. Parallel analyses of meat samples with LFA and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) obtained data in good agreement. This developed gold nanoparticle based LFA had a good specificity, sensitivity, stability, and reliability. It was potentially suitable for on‐the‐spot large‐scale screening of meat samples, and even more other applications.Practical Application:  Nitrofurantoin is one of antibiotics of the nitrofuran family, which has been used not only to prevent and treat diseases, but also to promote growth in animals. However, concerning the carcinogenicity of the metabolite of nitrofurantoin (AHD), a new fast and convenient method for monitoring AHD should be established. We describe the development of a new test assay for rapid screening of meat samples.
Survival of Salmonella Typhi and Shigella dysenteriae in Dehydrated Infant Formula
Authors: Day James B. , Sharma Devang , Siddique Nusrat , Hao Yun‐Yun D. , Strain Errol A. , Blodgett Robert J. , Al‐Khaldi Sufian F. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  Powdered infant formula has previously been linked to the transmission of various bacterial pathogens in infants resulting in life‐threatening disease and death. Survival studies of 2 common foodborne pathogens, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Shigella dysenteriae, in powdered infant formula have not been previously studied despite the potentially devastating consequences from ingestion of these organisms, particularly by newborns, in case of a natural or deliberate contamination event. Therefore, to better predict the risk of S. Typhi and S. dysenteriae infection from consumption of infant formula, the present study was undertaken to determine survival of these microorganisms in dry infant formula under varying atmospheric conditions. A 2‐strain cocktail of S. Typhi and a 3‐strain cocktail of S. dysenteriae were stored for up to 12 wk in dehydrated infant formula in an ambient air or nitrogen atmosphere. Viable counts of S. Typhi at 12 wk in infant formula revealed a 2.9‐ and 1.69‐log decrease in ambient air and nitrogen atmosphere, respectively. Viable counts of S. dysenteriae at 12 wk in infant formula revealed a 0.81‐ and 0.42‐log decrease in ambient air and nitrogen atmosphere, respectively. These results show that S. Typhi and S. dysenteriae can remain viable for prolonged periods of time in powdered infant formula, and the presence of nitrogen enhances survival.Practical Application:   Our goal in this work was to study the survival of S. Typhi and S. dysenteriae in dehydrated storage conditions in infant formula. This interest is partially generated by the possibility of using these 2 microorganisms to deliberately contaminate the food supply. The outcome of this study will help us to have a better idea how to respond and react to the risk of deliberate food contamination.
Prolonging the Viability of Lactobacillus plantarum through the Addition of Prebiotics into the Medium
Authors: Altieri Clelia , Bevilacqua Antonio , Sinigaglia Milena 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  This article reports on the effects of prebiotics on the growth/death kinetics, metabolism, and biomass production by 2 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum (c19 and DSMZ 2601, isolated from table olives and purchased from a Public Collection, respectively). The research was divided into 3 different steps, in order to highlight the optimal combination for cell viability and experiments were performed under the conditions of an accelerated shelf life test; thus, 3 combinations were pointed out (fructooligosaccharides [FOS], 5 g/L; glucose + inulin, 2.5 + 2.5 g/L; glucose + FOS, 2.5 + 2.5 g/L). A sample containing only glucose was used as control. The results highlighted that the 3 combinations aforementioned prolonged cell viability over the time both under low and high inoculum conditions (3 and 9 log CFU/mL, respectively); however, FOS alone caused a reduction of biomass production, even if cell number was not affected by this compound. Therefore, as a final result of this research, the combination glucose + FOS could be proposed as a suitable mean to achieve an optimal production of biomass and prolong cell viability over the time.Practical Application:  Food producers require a prolonged viability of probiotic bacteria in functional foods; this goal is usually achieved by refrigeration. In this article, the prolongation of cell viability through the addition of prebiotics was proposed.
The Effect of Calcinated Calcium and Chlorine Treatments on Escherichia coli O157:H7 87–23 Population Reduction in Radish Sprouts
Authors: Fransisca Lilia , Zhou Bin , Park Heekyung , Feng Hao 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  The effect of calcinated calcium spray on Escherichia coli O157:H7 87–23 population reduction during radish sprout production was studied. Artificially inoculated radish seeds were soaked in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions (200 and 20000 ppm), rinsed in distilled water, and sprayed with water or a calcinated calcium solution during sprouting. Microbial plate count was obtained at each step of the process and germination rate was determined after 72 h of sprouting. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was done on treated seeds and sprouts to locate which parts were populated by the E. coli cells. The results showed that the active compound in the calcinated calcium was calcium oxide. The treatment of 200 ppm NaOCl soaking followed by 0.04% calcinated calcium spray resulted in no microbial growth after a 72‐h sprouting, while maintaining a high germination rate. The 0.4% calcinated calcium spray significantly reduced the germination rate and is therefore not recommended. Soaking the seeds in a 20000 ppm chlorine solution achieved the highest E. coli count reduction (1.65 log CFU/g). However, the E. coli cells that survived the 20000 ppm chlorine soak grew to 6 log CFU/g sprouts after a 72‐h sprouting, significantly higher than the initial count on the seeds. The SEM microimages showed that the bacteria were mostly located in the roots of the radish sprouts and all across the seed surface. The E. coli O157:H7 87–23 cells appeared to be located in biofilms or embedded into the radish sprout tissues during sprouting.Practical Application:  The seed sanitation treatment with 20000 ppm chlorine solution that is currently used by the sprout industry was once again found to be ineffective in eliminating inoculated pathogenic cells. More importantly, the remaining cells that have survived the chlorine wash would grow during sprouting to reach an alarmingly high cell concentration. The new observation of E. coli cells and sprout tissue interaction manifested as embedding of the cells in sprout tissues, if confirmed, will have a significant impact on the microbial safety intervention strategies used in the sprout industry. This research demonstrated the importance of eliminating all pathogens on the seeds before germination and sprouting.
Lipid and Cholesterol Oxidation in Chicken Meat Are Inhibited by Sage but Not by Garlic
Authors: Mariutti Lilian Regina Barros , Nogueira Gislaine Chrystina , Bragagnolo Neura 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  The effects of the addition of sage and garlic in chicken meat on lipid and cholesterol oxidation, having as prooxidant factors the addition of salt, thermal treatment, and frozen storage, were evaluated. The content of unsaturated fatty acids did not change in the presence of sage; on the contrary, with garlic, the content of these fatty acids decreased after cooking and storage. Hexanal and pentanal contents were lower in patties containing sage, and higher in those with garlic. The 7‐ketocholesterol was the cholesterol oxide found in higher amount in raw chicken on day 0, while the formation of 7β‐ and 7α‐hydroxycholesterol was verified only from day 30 on. Cooking and storage resulted in increase of total cholesterol oxides and decrease of α‐ and γ‐tocopherol. Sage was effective in controlling lipid and cholesterol oxidation, minimizing the prooxidant effects of salt, cooking, and storage. However, garlic presented no effect as antioxidant and accelerated lipid oxidation.Practical Application:  The addition of sage to chicken meat (0.1 g/100 g) is a good alternative to prevent and delay the formation of compounds derived from lipid oxidation that are responsible for off‐flavors and loss of nutritional quality during long‐term frozen storage. Care must be taken when using garlic to seasoning chicken meat products, such as hamburgers and meatballs, especially cooked or precooked due to its potential to promote lipid oxidation and consequently raising the risk of having the product rejected by the consumer.
Quality Assessment of Filtered Smoked Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares) Steaks
Authors: Pivarnik Lori F. , Faustman Cameron , Rossi Santiago , Suman Surendranath P. , Palmer Catherine , Richard Nicole L. , Ellis P. Christopher , DiLiberti Michael 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  Filtered smoke (FS) has been used to preserve taste, texture, and/or color in tuna and other fish species. This treatment is particularly important in color preservation during frozen storage. The objective of this study was to compare changes in the quality profiles of FS‐treated and untreated (UT) yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) steaks stored in 3 ways: room temperature (21 to 22 °C), refrigerated (4 to 5 °C), and iced (0 °C). FS and UT steaks were processed from the same lot of fish and analyzed for chemical, microbiological, lipid oxidation, color, and sensory profiles. Similar trends were seen for microbial proliferation and accumulation of apparent ammonia and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N) during the storage temperatures evaluated. Notable exception in quality profile was found in lipid oxidation which was, as expected, lower for treated samples at all storage temperatures for TBARS (P < 0.05) and lower or significantly (P < 0.05) lower for POV values. FS increased the initial redness value significantly (P < 0.05). Unlike UT product, there was no loss of color value concomitant with quality changes for FS‐treated tuna for all storage temperatures evaluated.Practical Application:  The overall goal of this project was to evaluate filtered smoked tuna steaks as to the impact on the overall quality profile. As a color‐stabilizing technology, it could mask deteriorating quality.
Moisture‐Induced Aggregation of Alpha‐Lactalbumin: Effects of Temperature, Cations, and pH
Authors: Liu Dasong , Zhou Peng , Liu Xiaoming , Labuza Theodore P. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  Alpha‐lactalbumin is an important dairy protein ingredient, and has been widely used in high‐protein foods such as infant formula and nutritional bars for its nutritional and functional properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the moisture‐induced aggregation of alpha‐lactalbumin in premixed protein dough model systems, and to illustrate the effects of temperature, cations, and pH on the progress of protein aggregation. Our results suggested that storage temperature was a critical factor for protein aggregation in model systems, and the formation of protein aggregates became faster with increases in storage temperature. Calcium significantly improved the thermal stability of alpha‐lactalbumin and slowed down the formation of protein aggregates. The increases in pH accelerated the aggregation of alpha‐lactalbumin. Our results also suggested that the formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds together with noncovalent interactions are the main mechanisms resulting in the moisture‐induced aggregation of alpha‐lactalbumin in model systems.Practical Application:  Alpha‐lactalbumin is an important dairy protein ingredient, and has been widely used in high‐protein foods such as infant formula and nutritional bars for its nutritional and functional properties. Our results suggested low storage temperature, the presence of calcium and low pH condition can make high‐protein food products containing alpha‐lactalbumin more stable.
Influence of Heating on the Polyphenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Grape Seed Flour
Authors: Ross Carolyn Felicity , Hoye, Jr Clifford , Fernandez‐Plotka Virginia Christina 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  The production of grape seed flour (GSF) from a waste product generated during winemaking, is of interest in product development applications due to its potential health benefits. However, before GSF can used in baking as a source of additional antioxidants, research on its heat stability is required. The overall objective of this study was to assess changes in phenolic content and antioxidant activity of GSF during heating. Merlot GSF was heated at 5 temperatures (120 to 240 °C) for 0 to 90 min. At each time/temperature combination, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavanoid content (TFC), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), 2,2 diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the extracts were determined. Specific polyphenolic compounds, including catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, and gallic acid were also measured. Results showed that when Merlot GSF was heated to ≥180 °C, significant decreases in the TPC and antioxidant activity, measured using FRAP, DPPH, and TEAC, were observed. Longer heating times also caused a reduction in antioxidant capability. Catechin and epicatechin content decreased with increasing heating temperature while gallocatechin and gallic acid content increased. Both catechin and epicatechin content had strong positive correlations (r > 0.91) with TPC and TFC, as well with FRAP and TEAC, suggesting that the GSF antioxidant activity is related to the presence of these particular compounds. Overall, while a decrease in antioxidant content was observed during heating, this occurred at higher baking temperatures. Thus GSF may be suitable for use as an ingredient in baked goods to bolster antioxidant content.Practical Application:  In order for Merlot grape seed flour (GSF) to be used in baking as a source of additional antioxidant compounds, the impact of heating on the polyphenolic compounds in the GSF needed to be examined. Thermal treatment of Merlot GSF caused significant decreases in the TPC, antioxidant power, and specific polyphenolic compounds when heated ≥180 °C. Thus while antioxidant content decreased with higher heating temperatures, this occurred at higher baking temperatures. Thus, GSF may be suitable for use as an ingredient in baked goods to bolster antioxidant content.
A Rapid LC/MS/MS Method for the Analysis of Nonvolatile Antiinflammatory Agents from Mentha spp.
Authors: Shen Diandian , Pan Min‐Hsiung , Wu Qing‐Li , Park Chung‐Heon , Juliani H. Rodolfo , Ho Chi‐Tang , Simon James E. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract:  Mints (Mentha spp.), aromatic crops grown largely for their essential oils, also are rich sources of nonvolatile antiinflammatory agents. Identification and quantitation of the constituents responsible for their antiinflammatory activity is challenging owing to the lack of suitable chromatographic methodology. In the present research, the simultaneous quantitation of antiinflammatory constituents rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid in mints was attained by using a unique tandem HPLC column system coupled with an electrospray ionization mass detection (MRM mode). The ion mode optimization for rosmarinic acid under negative and triterpenoid acids under positive was achieved by setting 2 time segments in a single run where the polarity mode was switched from negative (0 to 10 min) to positive (10 to 40 min). For the investigated concentration ranges of antiinflammatory agents in mints, good linearities (r2≥ 0.998) were obtained for each calibration curve. Validation of precision and accuracy for this method showed that intra‐ and inter‐day repeatabilities for all analytes were less than 5.51%, and the recoveries varied from 97.8% to 99.3%. The developed LC/MS/MS assay provides a suitable quality control method for the determination of antiinflammatory constituents in Mentha spp. There is a wide range of diversity in the natural product composition for these acids across the Mentha germplasm collection evaluated. The presence of these antiinflammatory acids in post‐distilled mints shows that value‐added nutraceutical enriched products can be developed with proper processing and recovery systems in addition to the distillation and capture of the valuable volatile essential oils.Practical Application:  Results from this research would benefit both commercial farmers growing mint for essential oil and those in the food industry where value‐added phytopharmaceutical enriched products can be developed with proper processing, quality control, and recovery systems during mint essential oil distillation.