bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tomato juice decreases LDL cholesterol levels and increases LDL resistance to oxidation
Authors: Silaste Marja-Leena , Alfthan Georg , Aro Antti , Antero Kesäniemi Y. , Hörkkö Sohvi 
Published: July 2007

High dietary intakes of tomato products are often associated with a reduced risk of CVD, but the atheroprotective mechanisms have not been established. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increased dietary intake of tomato products on plasma lipids and LDL oxidation. The diet intervention included a baseline period, a 3-week low tomato diet (no tomato products allowed) and a 3-week high tomato diet (400 ml tomato juice and 30 mg tomato ketchup daily). Twenty-one healthy study subjects participated in the study. Total cholesterol concentration was reduced by 5·9 (sd10) % (P = 0·002) and LDL cholesterol concentration by 12·9 (sd17·0) % (P = 0·0002) with the high tomato diet compared to the low tomato diet. The changes in total and LDL cholesterol concentrations correlated significantly with the changes in serum lycopene (r0·56,P = 0·009;r0·60,P = 0·004, total and LDL, respectively), β-carotene (r0·58,P = 0·005;r0·70,P < 0·001) and γ-carotene concentrations (r0·64,P = 0·002;r0·64,P = 0·002). The level of circulating LDL to resist formation of oxidized phospholipids increased 13 % (P = 0·02) in response to the high tomato diet. In conclusion, a high dietary intake of tomato products had atheroprotective effects, it significantly reduced LDL cholesterol levels, and increased LDL resistance to oxidation in healthy normocholesterolaemic adults. These atheroprotective features associated with changes in serum lycopene, β-carotene and γ-carotene levels.
Anti-ageing effect of a lactococcal strain: analysis using senescence-accelerated mice
Authors: Kimoto-Nira Hiromi , Suzuki Chise , Kobayashi Miho , Sasaki Keisuke , Kurisaki Jun-ichi , Mizumachi Koko 
Published: July 2007

The effects of oral administration of a lactococcal strain on physiological changes associated with ageing were investigated using senescence-accelerated mice (SAM). SAM develop normally, but then show an early onset and irreversible advancement of senescence. SAMP6 is a SAM strain that develops osteoporosis with ageing. Oral administration of heat-killedLactococcus lactissubsp.cremorisH61 (strain H61) to aged SAMP6 mice was associated with reduced bone density loss, a suppression of incidence of skin ulcers and reduced hair loss, compared with controls. Spleen cells from mice fed strain H61 produced more interferon-γ and IL-12 than those from control mice, suggesting that administration of strain H61 altered immune responses. The numbers of viable cells ofBifidobacteriumsp.,Bacteroidessp. andEnterococcussp. in faeces were similar for mice fed the strain H61 and control diets, but counts forStaphylococcussp. were significantly lower (P < 0·05) in mice fed strain H61. Mice fed strain H61 had similar serum concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances as in controls, indicating a lack of effect on lipid peroxidation status. Administration of living cells of strain H61 or fermented milk containing strain H61 was also associated with a suppression of incidence of skin ulcers and reduced hair loss. These results indicate that oral administration of strain H61 has the potential to suppress some of the manifestations associated with ageing.
Differential expression and secretion of α1-acid glycoprotein in bovine milk
Authors: Ceciliani Fabrizio , Pocacqua Vanessa , Lecchi Cristina , Fortin Riccardo , Rebucci Raffaella , Avallone Giancarlo , Bronzo Valerio , Cheli Federica , Sartorelli Paola 
Published: July 2007

α1-Acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a lipocalin that is produced mainly by the liver and secreted into plasma in response to infections and injuries. In this study, we evaluated AGP isoforms that can be detected in bovine milk. We found that milk-AGP content is made up of at least two isoform groups, a low MW group (44 kDa) that is produced in the mammary gland (MG-AGP), and a higher MW group (55–70 kDa), that is produced by somatic cells (SC-AGP). Identical SC-AGP isoforms can be found both in milk and blood PMN cells. Analysis of the mammary tissue cDNA showed that the sequence of the MG-AGP isoform is identical to that of plasma AGP. Each group contains several proteins with different MWs and different isoelectric points, as shown by 2D-electrophoresis. The glycosylation patterns of these isoforms were analysed by means of specific lectin binding, to evaluate the degree of sialylation, fucosylation and branching. The MG-AGP glycan pattern was identical to plasma AGP produced by the liver. Several differences were detected, however, between plasma and SC-AGP isoforms, the most evident being the strong degree of fucosylation and the elevated number of di-antennary glycans in SC-AGP. Immunohistochemistry showed that AGP is found in all tissues that make up the mammary gland, but that it is most likely produced for the main part by the alveoli.
Screening and enumeration of lactic acid bacteria in milk using three different culture media in Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count plates and conventional pour plate methodology
Authors: Ortolani Maria BT , Viçosa Gabriela N , Beloti Vanerli , Nero Luís A 
Published: July 2007

This study aimed to compare Petrifilm™ Aerobic Count (AC) plates and the conventional pour plate methodology using de Mann-Rogosa-Sharpe (MRS), Kang-Fung (KF) and Kang-Fung-Sol (KFS) culture media for screening and enumeration of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in milk. Suspensions of 10 LAB species in reconstituted powder skim milk and 30 raw milk samples, without experimental inoculation, were tested. For selective enumeration, all samples were previously diluted in MRS, KF and KFS broths and then plated in Petrifilm™ AC and conventional pour plate methodology, using the same culture media with added agar. All plates were incubated at 37°C for 48 h in anaerobic conditions. Differences in the counts were observed only for raw milk samples using KFS in conventional methodology, when compared with the counts obtained from MRS and KF (P⩽0·05). The results showed excellent correlation indexes between both methodologies using the three culture media for LAB suspensions (r=0·97 for MRS, KF and KFS). For raw milk samples, the correlation indexes were excellent (r=0·97, for MRS) and good (r=0·84 for KF, and r=0·82 for KFS), showing some interference in Petrifilm™ AC when supplements were added, especially lactic acid. These results indicate the possibility of using Petrifilm™ AC plates for enumeration of LAB in milk, even with the use of selective supplements.
Evaluation of cholesterol content and impact on antigen exposure in the outer lipid bilayer of adult schistosomes
Authors: TALLIMA H. , HAMADA M. , EL RIDI R. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYDeveloping and adultSchistosoma mansoniandS. haematobiumintact worms do not bind specific antibodies, likely because of structural and biochemical modifications of the outer lipid bilayer. We have estimated the amount of cholesterol in the apical membrane of adult schistosomes via extraction with the membrane-impermeable, cholesterol-binding drug, methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MBCD), followed by filipin staining of the worms, and evaluation of the amount of cholesterol released in the medium by a commercially available, enzymatic colorimetric assay. Positive correlations between amount of released cholesterol, MBCD concentration, and worm number and age provided evidence for the sensitivity and validity of the newly developed method. Treatment with 40 mmMBCD for 2 h at 37°C led to total loss of cholesterol from the worm outer membrane, as assessed by filipin staining, and the released cholesterol values were used to estimate the amount of cholesterol per worm and per an approximate surface area unit. Additionally, total depletion of outer membrane cholesterol was associated with exposure of surface membrane antigens to specific antibody binding in 50% and 70% ofS. haematobiumandS. mansoniworms, respectively. These findings together suggest that cholesterol is an essential, but not the sole, factor in sequestration of surface membrane antigens in schistosomes.
Adaptations to environmental extremes by multicellular organisms
Authors: Islam Mohammed Riajul , Schulze-Makuch Dirk 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMicrobes, particularly Archaea, are well-known for their superb adaptation to extreme environments. However, amazing adaptations to extreme stresses do not only occur in microbes, but also in many multicellular organisms. Examples include tardigrades and their capability to survive freezing to near absolute zero, the Pompeii worm withstanding temperatures of up to 105°C, the Crucian carp remaining active in anoxic conditions for several months, and resurrection plants, which can survive near-complete desiccation. Here, we review some of the cryptobiotic strategies and adaptations exhibited in multicellular organisms, and point out their relevance to astrobiology.
Atrial tachycardia induces remodelling of muscarinic receptors and their coupled potassium currents in canine left atrial and pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes
Authors: Yeh Y‐H , Qi X , Shiroshita‐Takeshita A , Liu J , Maguy A , Chartier D , Hebert T , Wang Z , Nattel S 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:Both parasympathetic tone and atrial tachycardia (AT) remodelling of ion channels play important roles in atrial fibrillation (AF) pathophysiology. Different muscarinic cholinergic receptor (mAChR) subtypes (M2, M3, M4) in atrial cardiomyocytes are coupled to distinct K+‐currents (calledIKM2,IKM3,IKM4, respectively). Pulmonary veins (PVs) are important in AF and differential cholinergic current responses are a potential underlying mechanism. This study investigated AT‐induced remodelling of mAChR subtypes and K+‐currents in left‐atrial (LA) and PV cardiomyocytes.Experimental approach:Receptor expression was assayed by western blot.IKM2,IKM3andIKM4were recorded with whole‐cell patch‐clamp in LA and PV cardiomyocytes of nonpaced control dogs and dogs after 7 days of AT‐pacing (400 bpm).Key results:Current densities ofIKM2,IKM3andIKM4were significantly reduced by AT‐pacing in LA and PV cardiomyocytes. PV cardiomyocyte current–voltage relations were similar to LA for all three cholinergic currents, both in control and AT remodelling. Membrane‐protein expression levels corresponding to M2, M3and M4subtypes were decreased significantly (by about 50%) after AT pacing. Agonist concentration–response relations for all three currents were unaffected by AT pacing.Conclusions and implications:AT downregulated all three mAChR‐coupled K+‐current subtypes, along with corresponding mAChR protein expression. These changes in cholinergic receptor‐coupled function may play a role in AF pathophysiology. Cholinergic receptor‐coupled K+‐currents in PV cardiomyocytes were similar to those in LA under control and AT‐pacing conditions, suggesting that differential cholinergic current properties do not explain the role of PVs in AF.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 1021–1032; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707376; published online 9 July 2007
The contribution of cyclooxygenase‐2 to endocannabinoid metabolism and action
Authors: Fowler C J 
Published: July 2007

The development of sensitive analytical methods for measurement of endocannabinoids, their metabolites, and related lipids, has underlined the complexity of the endocannabinoid system. A case can be made for an ‘endocannabinoid soup’ (akin to the inflammatory soup) whereby the net effect of a pathological state and/or a pharmacological intervention on this system is the result not only of changes in endocannabinoid levels but also of their metabolites and related compounds that affect their function. With respect to the metabolism of anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, the main hydrolytic enzymes involved are fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol lipase. However, other pathways can come into play when these are blocked. Cyclooxygenase‐2 derived metabolites of anandamide and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol have a number of properties, including effects upon cell viability, contraction of the cat iris sphincter (an effect mediated by a novel receptor), mobilization of calcium and modulation of synaptic transmission. Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory agents, whose primary mode of action is the inhibition of cyclooxygenase, can also interact with the endocannabinoid system bothin vitroandin vivo. Other enzymes, such as the lipoxygenase and cytochrome P450 oxidative enzymes, can also metabolize endocannabinoids and produce biologically active compounds. It is concluded that sensitive analytical methods, which allow for measurement of endocannabinoids and related lipids, should provide vital information as to the importance of these alternative metabolic pathways when the primary hydrolytic endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes are inhibited.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)152, 594–601; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707379; published online 9 July 2007
Kaurane diterpenes protect against apoptosis and inhibition of phagocytosis in activated macrophages
Authors: de las Heras B , Hortelano S , Girón N , Bermejo P , Rodríguez B , Boscá L 
Published: July 2007

Background and purpose:The kaurane diterpenes foliol and linearol are inhibitors of the activation of nuclear factor κB, a transcription factor involved in the inflammatory response. Effects of these diterpenes on apoptosis and phagocytosis have been analysed in cultured peritoneal macrophages and in the mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7.Experimental approach:Macrophages were maintained in culture and activated with pro‐inflammatory stimuli in the absence or presence of diterpenes. Apoptosis and the phagocytosis in these cells under these conditions were determined.Key results:Incubation of macrophages with a mixture of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) induced apoptosis through a NO‐dependent pathway, an effect significantly inhibited by foliol and linearol in the low μM range, without cytotoxic effects. Apoptosis in macrophages induced by NO donors was also inhibited. The diterpenes prevented apoptosis through a mechanism compatible with the inhibition of caspase‐3 activation, release of cytochrome c to the cytosol and p53 overexpression, as well as an alteration in the levels of proteins of the Bcl‐2 family, in particular, the levels of Bax. Cleavage of poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase, a well‐established caspase substrate, was reduced by these diterpenes. Treatment of cells with foliol and linearol decreased phagocytosis of zymosan bioparticles by RAW 264.7 cells and to a greater extent by peritoneal macrophages.Conclusions and implications:Both diterpenes protected macrophages from apoptosis and inhibited phagocytosis, resulting in a paradoxical control of macrophage function, as viability was prolonged but inflammatory and phagocytic functions were impaired.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 249–255; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707382
Confucian Theology: Three Models
Authors: Huang Yong 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIf there are still disagreements about whether Confucianism is a religion, there seems to be a consensus that Confucianism does not have a theology. In this article, I attempt to show that there are at least three models of serious god‐talks in the Confucian tradition: (i) heaven is discussed in the Confucian classics ofBook of Documents,Books of Poetry, andAnalectsas something transcendent of the world, similar to Christian God in crucial aspects; (ii) heaven is discussed among contemporary Confucians, represented by Xiong Shili, Mou Zongsan, and Tu Weiming, as something ‘immanently transcendent’, the ultimate reality immanent in the world to transcend the world; and (iii) heaven is discussed by neo‐Confucians, particularly the Cheng brothers of the Song dynasty, as the wonderful life‐givingactivitytranscending the world within the world.
Linguistic Contributions to the Advancement of Racial Justice Within and Beyond the African Diaspora
Authors: Baugh John 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAs a rule, linguistic diversity has little to do with racial diversity. However, studies in Africa, Europe, and North and South America have documented that standard and nonstandard dialects are often divided along socially and racially stratified lines. Results in this discussion grow from studies of linguistic profiling in France, South Africa, and the USA regarding the devaluation of Black Speech. Studies of housing discrimination against Blacks and Latinos in the USA, along with preliminary analyses of linguistic attitudes throughout the African diaspora, reveal that employment, education, housing, and access to other goods and services may be influenced by linguistic stereotypes. Here we explore various interdisciplinary controversies that are closely intertwined, with primary emphasis on the USA, where studies in linguistic profiling are most advanced. Experiments that build upon Lambert's classical matched guise technique explore various demographic characteristics that listeners attribute to someone based on the sound of his or her voice, such as during a telephone conversation. These experiments are linked directly with attempts to advance racial justice in education, law, health care and economic transactions, along with corresponding policy implications.
Bringing the learning organisation to your workplace
Authors: Skinner Howard 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The article describes an educational intervention designed for a traditional primary health care team. The intervention consisted of a series of educational exercises designed to enhance team member self efficacy and provide experience of a variety of effective shared learning strategies. The primary health care team were then given the opportunity to apply this new knowledge and skills to designing their own teaching sessions as part of a practice teaching competition. The evaluative framework and feedback from the participants demonstrating achievement of the learning outcomes are then described.
Ureteric colic: new trends in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Masarani M , Dinneen M 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
The diagnostic approach to ureteric colic has changed due to the introduction of new radiological imaging such as non-contrast CT. The role of intravenous urography, which is regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis of ureteric colic, is being challenged by CT, which has become the first-line investigation in a number of centres. The management of ureteric colic has also changed. The role of medical treatment has expanded beyond symptomatic control to attempt to target some of the factors in stone retention and thereby improve the likelihood of spontaneous stone expulsion.
Primary care management of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome referred to surgeons: are non-operative interventions effectively utilised?
Authors: Burke Frank D , Bradley Mary J , Sinha Shiladitya , Wilgis E F Shaw , Dubin Norman H 
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Aim
To investigate the non-operative primary care management (splintage, task modification advice, steroid injections and oral medications) of carpal tunnel syndrome before patients were referred to a hand surgeon for decompression.

Design and setting
Preoperative data were obtained on age, gender, body mass index, employment, symptom duration, and preoperative clinical stage for patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression (263 in the USA, 227 in the UK).

Results
Primary care physicians made relatively poor use of beneficial treatment options with the exception of splintage in the US (73% of cases compared with 22.8% in the UK). Steroid injections were used in only 22.6% (US) and 9.8% (UK) of cases. Task modification advice was almost never given. Oral medication was employed in 18.8% of US cases and 8.9% of UK cases.

Conclusions
This study analyses the non-operative modalities available and suggests that there is scope for more effective use of non-operative treatment before referral for carpal tunnel decompression.
Bird flu: if or when? Planning for the next pandemic
Authors: Sellwood Chloe , Asgari-Jirhandeh Nima , Salimee Sultan 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
Avian influenza or “bird flu” is causing increasing concern across the world as experts prepare for the possible occurrence of the next human influenza pandemic. Only influenza A has ever been shown to have the capacity to cause pandemics. Currently A/H5N1, a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus, is of particular concern. Outbreaks of this disease in birds, especially domestic poultry, have been detected across Southeast Asia at regular intervals since 2003, and have now affected parts of Africa and Europe. Many unaffected countries across the world are preparing for the possible arrival of HPAI A/H5N1 in wild birds and poultry within their territories. All such countries need to prepare for the rare possibility of a small number of human cases of HPAI A/H5N1, imported through foreign travel. Although it is by no means certain that HPAI A/H5N1 will be the source of the next pandemic, many countries are also preparing for the inevitable occurrence of human pandemic influenza.
Online educational tools developed by Heart improve the knowledge and skills of hospital doctors in cardiology
Authors: Walsh Kieran , Rafiq Isma , Hall Roger 
Published: July 2007

Abstract
We conducted this study to find out if online learning packages in cardiology enabled users to increase their knowledge and skills. We also looked at how acceptable users found these packages. The journal Heart in association with BMJ Learning produced a series of modules on common cardiology problems. The modules involved a pre-test, a number of interactive cases and a post-test. A total of 1786 users completed these modules. Doing the modules enabled users to improve their score from the pre-test to the post-test by a significant amount (p&lt;0.001). Feedback to the modules was very positive.
Studies of Phase Stability and Microstructure in the Ta-C System
Authors: DiPietro Steve , Wuchina E. , Opeka Mark M. , Buesking Kent , Matson Larry , Spain Jack 
Published: July 2007

This study focused on the processing and characterization of materials in the Ta-C system, focusing primarily on the phase composition, microstructure, and flexure strength. Hot isostatic pressing of tantalum and carbon mixtures at T=1800- 2100C at pressures up to 210 MPa produced dense ceramics with TaC and Ta2C as the primary phases. XRD results show that the Ta2C phase forms when the carbon content in the powder mixture falls below TaC0.70. SEM characterization shows that the TaC phase has an equiaxed morphology, while the Ta2C phase has an elongated platelet morphology.	The phase content also had a major effect on the mechanical behavior of the materials as well. While both materials show purely elastic stress-strain behavior at room temperature (with Ta2C having higher flex strength), the Ta2C showed some rollover of the stress-strain curve at elevated temperatures, indicating more ductile behavior than TaC.
The Oxidation of 1-Propanol by CuO
Authors: DeVore Tom , Peretich Michael 
Published: July 2007

The kinetics for the oxidation of 1-propanol by unsupported copper (II) oxide were measured at temperatures less than 700 K using flow kinetics. This oxidation produced propanal initially. The reaction order in 1-propanol changed from 2 to 1 at a temperature of ~ 515 K.	The averaged values for the apparent activation energy for the production of propanal were 130 + 8 kJ mol-1 at temperatures below 515 K and 25 + 10 kJ/ mole at temperatures above 515 K. The Arrhenius pre- exponential factors (A) for the low and high temperature regions were 2 x 1013 min-1and 144 min-1 respectively.	A mechanism that can explain the observed kinetics has been developed and is presented. Catalytic combustion of the 1- propanol to produce carbon dioxide was the only reaction observed at temperatures over 585 K