bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postharvest Hardness and Color Evolution of White Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Mohapatra Debabandya , Bira Zuberi M. , Kerry Joe P. , Frías Jesús M. , Rodrigues Fernanda A. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  The quality evaluation of mushrooms was studied by storing fresh white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) for 6 to 8 d, at various controlled temperature conditions (3.5 to 15 °C) and measuring the instrumental textural hardness and color of the mushroom cap for different product batches. A nonlinear mixed effect Weibull model was used to describe mushroom cap texture and color kinetics during storage considering the batch variability into account. Storage temperature was found to play a significant role in controlling texture and color degradation. On lowering storage temperature (i) the extent of the final browning extent in the mushroom after storage was reduced and (ii) the rate textural hardness losses was slowed down. A linear dependence of the final browning index with temperature was found. An Arrhenius type relationship was found to exist between the temperature of storage and storage time with respect to textural hardness. The average batch energy of activation was calculated to be 207 ± 42kJ/mol in a temperature range of 3.5 to 20 °C.Practical Application: This article evaluates how temperature abuse affects mushroom texture and color, applying methods that allow for the consideration of the natural product variability that is inherent in mushrooms. Its results apply to mushroom producers, retail distribution, and supermarkets for effective storage management.
Effect of Nano‐Packing on Preservation Quality of Fresh Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv Fengxiang) during Storage at 4 °C
Authors: Yang F.M. , Li H.M. , Li F. , Xin Z.H. , Zhao L.Y. , Zheng Y.H. , Hu Q.H. 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  A novel nano‐packing material with lower relative humidity, oxygen transmission rate and high longitudinal strength was synthesized by blending polyethylene with nano‐powder (nano‐Ag, kaolin, anatase TiO2, rutile TiO2), and its effect on preservation quality of strawberry fruits (Fragaria ananassa Duch. cv Fengxiang) was investigated during storage at 4 °C. Results showed that nano‐packaging was able to maintain the sensory, physicochemical, and physiological quality of strawberry fruits at a higher level compared with the normal packing (polyethylene bags). After a 12‐d storage, decreases in the contents of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid of nano‐packing were significantly inhibited. Meanwhile, decay rate, anthocyanin, and malondialdehyde contents were decreased to 16.7%, 26.3 mg/100g, 66.3 μmol/g for nano‐packing and 26.8%, 31.9 mg/100g, 75.4 μmol/g for normal packing; polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and pyrogallol peroxidase (POD) activities were significantly lower in nano‐packing than the control. These data indicated that the nano‐packaging might provide an attractive alternative to improve preservation quality of the strawberry fruits during extended storage.Practical Application: Nano‐packing exhibited identified quality benefits applicable to the preservation of fresh strawberry. Furthermore, nano‐packing has the advantages of simple processing and feasibility to be industrialized in contrast with other storages. Thus, the utilization of nano‐packing will likely assist commercial producers and retailers in extending the shelf life of products over a broader range in the future.
Stabilizing Smoked Salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) Tissue after Extraction of Oil
Authors: Bower Cindy , Hietala Katie 
Published: February 2010

ABSTRACT:  Alaska salmon oils are rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and are highly valued by the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the tissue that remains after oil extraction does not have an established market. Discarded pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) tissues were preserved using a combination of smoke‐processing and acidification with lactic acid bacteria (LAB). All samples were analyzed for moisture, protein, ash, and lipid contents. Bacterial cell counts, pH, and lactic acid concentrations were recorded as a measure of LAB viability. Neither raw nor smoked salmon were free from spoilage during 60 d of storage. Only fermented samples successfully stabilized below pH 4.7, while retaining lactic acid concentrations over 15 g/L during storage. When smoked, fermented salmon head tissues were dried, the pH of the resulting high‐protein “cracker” was significantly lower than when crackers were prepared only from the smoked (but not fermented) salmon material. Both cracker varieties retained valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids. This research suggests that salmon‐head tissues discarded after oil extraction represent a good source of protein and high‐value fatty acids in a shelf‐stable form.Practical Application: Alaska salmon oils are rich in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and are highly valued by the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the tissue that remains after oil extraction does not have an established market. Material produced from salmon tissue discarded after oil extraction may represent a valuable resource for preparing high‐protein crackers and other fish‐based food products. In addition to providing a unique smoke‐flavoring, the smoked, fermented fish material may also impart antioxidant factors thereby extending the shelf life of the product.
Late presentation of esophageal cancer: Observations in a multiracial South–East Asian population
Authors: ABDULLAH Muhammad , KARIM Adil Abdel , GOH Khean‐Lee 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:  Esophageal cancer (ECA) is an important cancer in Malaysia. The aim of the study is to review the demographic data and clinical presentation of patients with ECA seen at the University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.METHODS:  Patients with histologically proven ECA were recruited for the study. Patients' case notes, endoscopy and operating theater records were reviewed. All cases were histologically confirmed.RESULTS:  A total of 143 patients with ECA was diagnosed between 1998 and 2003. The mean age of the patients was 63.1 ± 12.1 years with a male : female ratio of 1.8:1. Of these 50.3 percent were Indians, 32.9 percent, Chinese and 16.8 percent Malays. The overall hospital‐based prevalence rates per 100 000 admissions according to races were: Malay; 23.5, Chinese; 57.4 and Indian; 134.1. The location of the tumors was: upper; 16 (11.2%) middle; 52 (36.4%) and lower; 75 (52.4%). The histological type of ECA were: squamous cell carcinomas; 113 (79.0%) and adenocarcinomas; 30 (21.0%). The ECA stage at diagnosis, was: II; 18 (12.6%), III; 23 (16.1%) and IV; 102 (71.3%). Only 24 (16.8%) patients underwent surgery and13 (9.1%) were considered curative. Overall 114 (79.7%) patients underwent palliative endoscopic stenting and six (4.2%) were given other palliative therapy including radiotherapy.CONCLUSIONS:  Squamous cell cancer was the predominant type. ECA presents late in our patients and only a minority of patients underwent curative surgery.
Initial study of microRNA expression profiles of colonic cancer without lymph node metastasis
Authors: WANG Ying Xin , ZHANG Xiao Yan , ZHANG Bao Feng , YANG Chang Qing , CHEN Xi Mei , GAO Heng Jun 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:  To investigate the difference of microRNA expression profiles between colonic cancer without lymph node metastasis and the para‐cancerous control, to identify the specific microRNA associated with the cancer and to predict the carcinogenetic mechanism of microRNA on the basis of these results.METHODS:  The microRNA (miRNA) were extracted and isolated from six specimens, including colonic cancerous and para‐cancerous ones, all of which were confirmed to be without lymph node metastasis. Agilent microRNA microarrays consisting of 723 probes were used for screening the expression differences of microRNA. Data were analyzed using feature extraction software. The expression level of differentially expressed microRNA using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) was validated.RESULTS:  A total of 14 miRNAs were found to be associated with colonic cancer, in which the expression of miR‐106b, miR‐135b, miR‐18a, miR‐18b, miR‐196b, miR‐19a, miR‐224, miR‐335, miR‐424, miR‐20a*, miR‐301b and miR‐374a were up‐regulated and the expression of miR‐378 and miR‐378* were downregulated in colonic cancer tissues, compared with the para‐cancerous control. The expression level of miR‐18a and miR‐135b were validated in accordance with the results of RT‐PCR.CONCLUSION:  The miRNAs are differentially expressed between colonic tumor tissues and para‐cancerous tissues. Many of these miRNAs are expected to participate in the process of multiple tumorigenesis. These miRNAs could play an important role in the carcinogenesis of colon. These results provide new insights in human colorectal cancer genesis.
SIRT3 reduces lipid accumulation via AMPK activation in human hepatic cells
Authors: SHI Tong , FAN Guo Quan , XIAO Shu Dong 
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE:  Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) is a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+‐dependent protein deacetylase localized on mitochondria and regulates the adaptive thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. This study aims to investigate the role of SIRT3 in hepatic lipid accumulation, and whether the activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is required.METHODS:  A retroviral system was used for overexpressing of SIRT3 in HepG2 cells, whereas a lentivirus‐mediated vector encoding SIRT3 small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to infect these cells for knocking down endogenous SIRT3 expression. The cells were treated with oleate to induce lipid accumulation and Nile red staining was used to assess the number of lipid droplets in HepG2 cells. The AMPK signaling pathway was facilitated with the administrating of isoproterenol and an immunoblot analysis was performed to assess the phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase (ACC). Compound C was adopted to inhibit AMPK activity.RESULTS:  The number of lipid droplets in HepG2 cells overexpressing SIRT3 was significantly lower than that in the control cells (P < 0.05). SIRT3‐infected cells exhibited significantly more phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC (P < 0.05), which was reversed by the treatment of compound C, an inhibitor of AMPK. Knocking down SIRT3 downregulated phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC by 60–80% (P < 0.05) and promoted lipid accumulation. The activation of AMPK by SIRT3 was dependent on SIRT3 deacetylase activity.CONCLUSION:  SIRT3 reduces lipid accumulation via AMPK activation in human hepatic cells.
Endoscopic surgical skill qualification system in Japan: Five years of experience in the gastrointestinal field
Authors: Kimura T , Mori T , Konishi F , Kitajima M 
Published: February 2010

AbstractIntroduction: To reduce the complications of endoscopic surgery, the Japan Society for Endoscopic Surgery formed a committee that established the Endoscopic Surgical Skill Qualification System (ESSQS). Here we report on the methods employed and results obtained with the ESSQS over five years in the field of gastrointestinal surgery.Methods: The first ESSQS review was performed in 2004, and examinations have been conducted once a year since then. Applicants must submit a list of patients on whom they have performed surgery (including complications) and an unedited video showing one of the relevant surgical procedures. To assess the applicants' videos, the judging committee prepared “common criteria” (60 points) and “procedure‐specific criteria” (40 points). Assessment of videos was done independently by two judges, and the applicant passed the test if both judges assigned a score of 70 points or more.Results: There have been 1369 applicants, and 641 (46.8%) have been successful. The main problem with this system has been a relatively low rate of agreement between the two judges (κ value: 0.29–0.40). However, the incidence of complications is significantly lower in patients treated by successful applicants (4.3±6.8%) than in those treated by failed applicants (5.6±8.4%) (P=0.0096).Conclusion: Although the ESSQS could be further improved, this system promotes training and decreases complications.
Diversity and distribution of the prokaryotic community in near-surface permafrost sediments in the Tianshan Mountains, China
Authors: Yang Daqun , Wang Jianhui , Bai Yu , Xu Shijian , An Lizhe 
Published: February 2010

The community structures and diversity of bacteria and archaea were investigated at 4 depths (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 m) in permafrost sediments in the Tianshan Mountains, using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of 16S rRNA gene amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Phylogenetic analysis of the dominant bands sequenced revealed the presence of rich diversity of bacteria, which could be related to the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Chloroflexi. The Proteobacteria, consisting of the α, β, γ, and ε subdivisions, were clearly the dominant group at all depths studied. Archaeal diversity was relatively low and archaeal 16S rRNA gene sequences were grouped into 3 phylogenetic clusters within the 2 kingdoms Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. Within the Euryarchaeota, methanogen-related group II was most abundant at shallow depth (1.5 m), whereas halobacterium-related group I dominated at greater depths. The low-temperature Crenarchaeota group was detected only at 2.5 and 3.0 m. Specific-depth distribution of methanogen-related Euryarchaeota group II and denitrifying bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas dominated at 1.5 m depth, accompanied by a distinct peak in the ratio of NH4-N to NO3/NO2-N, implying the potential capacity of these organisms in near-surface permafrost to release the greenhouse gases N2O and CH4.
Pyomelanin is produced by Shewanella algae BrY and affected by exogenous iron
Authors: Turick Charles E. , Caccavo Frank , Tisa Louis S. 
Published: February 2010

Melanin production by Shewanella algae BrY occurred during late- and (or) post-exponential growth in lactate basal salts liquid medium supplemented with tyrosine or phenylalanine. The antioxidant ascorbate inhibited melanin production but not production of the melanin precursor homogentisic acid. In the absence of ascorbate, melanin production was inhibited by the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitor sulcotrione and by concentrations of Fe ≥ 0.38 mmol·L–1. These data support the hypothesis that pigment production by S. algae BrY was a result of the conversion of tyrosine or phenylalanine to homogentisic acid, which was excreted, auto-oxidized, and self-polymerized to form pyomelanin. Pyomelanin production by S. algae BrY may play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of Fe in the environment.
Does Kirk's Theorem Hold for Multivalued Nonexpansive Mappings?
Authors: Domínguez Benavides T , Gavira B 
Published: February 2010

AbstractFixed Point Theory for multivalued mappings has many useful applications in Applied Sciences, in particular, in Game Theory and Mathematical Economics. Thus, it is natural to try of extending the known fixed point results for single-valued mappings to the setting of multivalued mappings. Some theorems of existence of fixed points of single-valued mappings have already been extended to the multivalued case. However, many other questions remain still open, for instance, the possibility of extending the well-known Kirk's Theorem, that is: do Banach spaces with weak normal structure have the fixed point property (FPP) for multivalued nonexpansive mappings? There are many properties of Banach spaces which imply weak normal structure and consequently the FPP for single-valued mappings (for example, uniform convexity, nearly uniform convexity, uniform smoothness,…). Thus, it is natural to consider the following problem: do these properties also imply the FPP for multivalued mappings? In this way, some partial answers to the problem of extending Kirk's Theorem have appeared, proving that those properties imply the existence of fixed point for multivalued nonexpansive mappings. Here we present the main known results and current research directions in this subject. This paper can be considered as a survey, but some new results are also shown.
Increased Risk of Colon Cancer Associated with a Genetic Polymorphism of SMAD7
Authors: Slattery Martha L. , Herrick Jennifer , Curtin Karen , Samowitz Wade , Wolff Roger K. , Caan Bette J. , Duggan David , Potter John D. , Peters Ulrike 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified SMAD7 on 8q21 as being associated with colorectal cancer. We evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the SMAD7 gene, including rs4939827, rs12953717, and rs4464148, previously identified from GWAS in a large population-based case-control study of colon cancer. We observed that rs12953717 was associated with a statistically significant increased risk of colon cancer [odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.13–1.68; P linear trend &lt; 0.01] for the TT genotype compared with the CC genotype, whereas the CC genotype of the rs4939827 SNP was inversely associated with colon cancer (0.77; 95% CI, 0.64–0.93) relative to the TT genotype. There were no significant differences in association for either of these polymorphisms when stratified by age, tumor site, sex, or family history. The odds ratios between SMAD7 and colon cancer among individuals reporting recent aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use was 0.60 (95% CI, 0.43–0.85) for the CC genotype of the rs4939827 polymorphism and 1.69 (95% CI, 1.20–2.38) for the TT genotype of the rs1295371 polymorphism. This result compares to odds ratios of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.68–1.09) for rs4939827 and 1.22 (95% CI, 0.96–1.56) among individuals who did not use aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. An assessment of SMAD7 genotypes with tumor markers did not reveal any significant differences by KRAS2, TP53, CpG island methylator phenotype, or microsatellite instability status. No significant associations were observed for the rs4464148 SNP or other SNPs evaluated in the SMAD7. These results corroborate the findings of GWAS in colon cancer pointing to SMAD7 and reinforce interest in SNPs in this gene. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1479–85
Cell Surface Tetraspanin Tspan8 Contributes to Molecular Pathways of Exosome-Induced Endothelial Cell Activation
Authors: Nazarenko Irina , Rana Sanyukta , Baumann Alexandra , McAlear Jessica , Hellwig Andrea , Trendelenburg Michael , Lochnit Günter , Preissner Klaus T. , Zöller Margot 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes containing the tetraspanin Tspan8 can efficiently induce angiogenesis in tumors and tumor-free tissues. However, little information exists on exosome–endothelial cell (EC) interactions or the proangiogenic role of tetraspanins, which are a constitutive component of exosomes. In this study, we used a rat adenocarcinoma model (AS-Tspan8) to explore the effects of exosomal Tspan8 on angiogenesis. Tspan8 contributed to a selective recruitment of proteins and mRNA into exosomes, including CD106 and CD49d, which were implicated in exosome-EC binding and EC internalization. We found that EC internalized Tspan8-CD49d complex–containing exosomes. Exosome uptake induced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–independent regulation of several angiogenesis-related genes, including von Willebrand factor, Tspan8, chemokines CXCL5 and MIF, chemokine receptor CCR1, and, together with VEGF, VEGF receptor 2. EC uptake of Tspan8-CD49d complex–containing exosomes was accompanied by enhanced EC proliferation, migration, sprouting, and maturation of EC progenitors. Unraveling these new pathways of exosome-initiated EC regulation could provide new options for therapeutic interference with tumor-induced angiogenesis. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1668–78
Inflammatory Processes Triggered by Helicobacter pylori Infection Cause Aberrant DNA Methylation in Gastric Epithelial Cells
Authors: Niwa Tohru , Tsukamoto Tetsuya , Toyoda Takeshi , Mori Akiko , Tanaka Harunari , Maekita Takao , Ichinose Masao , Tatematsu Masae , Ushijima Toshikazu 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Altered patterns of DNA methylation associated with Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection of gastric epithelial cells are thought to contribute to gastric cancer risk. However, it is unclear whether this increased risk reflects an infection-associated inflammatory response or the infection itself. In this study, we sought to clarify mechanisms in a gerbil model of gastric cancer where we showed that HP infection is causally involved in induction of aberrant DNA methylation. By genome-wide screening, CpG islands that were aberrantly methylated in gerbil gastric cancer cell lines were isolated, and 10 islands were shown to be specifically methylated only in gastric mucosae infected with HP. By temporal analysis, methylation levels in gastric epithelial cells started to increase at 5 to 10 weeks after infection and reached high levels by 50 weeks. When HP was eradicated, methylation levels markedly decreased 10 and 20 weeks later, but they remained higher than those in gerbils that were not infected by HP. Expression levels of several inflammation-related genes (CXCL2, IL-1β, NOS2, and TNF-α) paralleled the temporal changes of methylation levels. Significantly suppressing inflammation with the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporin A did not affect colonization by HP but blocked the induction of altered DNA methylation. Our findings argue that DNA methylation alterations that occur in gastric mucosae after HP infection are composed of transient components and permanent components, and that it is the infection-associated inflammatory response, rather than HP itself, which is responsible for inducing the altered DNA methylation. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1430–40
Downregulation of Rap1GAP through Epigenetic Silencing and Loss of Heterozygosity Promotes Invasion and Progression of Thyroid Tumors
Authors: Zuo Hui , Gandhi Manoj , Edreira Martin M. , Hochbaum Daniel , Nimgaonkar Vishwajit L. , Zhang Ping , DiPaola James , Evdokimova Viktoria , Altschuler Daniel L. , Nikiforov Yuri E. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine malignancy, encompassing tumors with various levels of invasive growth and aggressiveness. Rap1GAP, a Rap1 GTPase-activating protein, inhibits the RAS superfamily protein Rap1 by facilitating hydrolysis of GTP to GDP. In this study, we analyzed 197 thyroid tumor samples and showed that Rap1GAP was frequently lost or downregulated in various types of tumors, particularly in the most invasive and aggressive forms of thyroid cancer. The downregulation was due to promoter hypermethylation and/or loss of heterozygosity, found in the majority of thyroid tumors. Treatment with demethylating agent 5-aza-deoxycytidine and/or histone deacetylation inhibitor trichostatin A induced gene reexpression in thyroid cells. A genetic polymorphism, Y609C, was seen in 7% of thyroid tumors but was not related to gene downregulation. Loss of Rap1GAP expression correlated with tumor invasiveness but not with specific mutations activating the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Rap1GAP downregulation was required in vitro for cell migration and Matrigel invasion. Recovery of Rap1GAP expression inhibited thyroid cell proliferation and colony formation. Overall, our findings indicate that epigenetic or genetic loss of Rap1GAP is very common in thyroid cancer, where these events are sufficient to promote cell proliferation and invasion. Cancer Res; 70(4); 1389–97