bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Canarium zeylanicum seed oil: an edible oil with beneficial qualities
Authors: Seneviratne Kapila N. , Kotuwegedara Roshan T. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe quality parameters, fatty acid composition, phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of the seed oil of Canarium zeylanicum were determined. The results indicate that the seed oil of Canarium zeylanicum is an excellent source of essential fatty acids which contains C18:2 (49.35 ± 0.35%) and C18:3 (19.09 ± 0.01%). The total phenol contents of the seed oil and the seed hull of Canarium zeylanicum were 66 ± 6 and 2014 ± 14 mg kg−1respectively. The identified phenolic acids in the methanolic extracts of seed oil include 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and ellagic acid. Diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrasyl radical scavenging activity, inhibition of deoxyribose degradation and the reducing power of the methanolic extracts of seed oil and seed hull of Canarium zeylanicum are comparable with those of butylated hydroxytoluene solutions.
LC‐MS method development to evaluate major triterpenes in skins and cuticular waxes of grape berries
Authors: Orbán Norbert , Kozák Imre Olivér , Drávucz Mónika , Kiss Attila 
Published: March 2009

SummaryPredominant triterpenes (free oleanolic acid, β‐sitosterol and β‐sitosterol‐3‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside) in skin and cuticular wax of grape berries have been analysed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐APCI‐MS). The validity of the developed method was established by determining linearity, recovery, precision, accuracy, limit of detection and quantification. Detection limits were in the range of 0.12–0.25 mg L−1, and linearity values ranged up to 105 mg L−1. The repeatability of the method was good. High variability was found among the measured grape varieties based on triterpene content, quantitites of oleanolic acid of cuticular wax ranged from 31.53 mg kg−1 to 162.01 mg kg−1 of the twelve analysed samples. The highest sitosterol content was measured in the sample ‘Othello’ (73.12 mg kg−1), while maximum sitosterol glucoside content was also found in ‘Othello’ variety (13.68 mg kg−1). The results showed that the study on triterpenes could be an informative tool to characterise grape varieties.
Functional properties of isolated porcine blood proteins
Authors: Álvarez Carlos , Bances Margarita , Rendueles Manuel , Díaz Mario 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe isolated proteins contained in the blood from slaughterhouses could be recovered and used to improve the functional and nutritional properties of food products. In this work some functional properties, namely solubility, emulsifying capacity, gelling and foaming capacity have been tested for different protein fractions of porcine blood. The blood proteins studied were globins (α, β and γ), albumin and fibrinogen and the whole plasma from the plasmatic fraction, and haemoglobin and globin obtained from the haemoglobin by a chemical method from the cellular fraction. The effect of pH and protein concentration on functional properties was determined. Results indicate that blood proteins present good functional properties specially solubility, gellation and emulsifying capacities that could make blood protein useful as food additives in the formulation of food products.
Losses of vitamin C from fresh strawberries in a commercial supply chain
Authors: Russell L. F. , LeBlanc D. I. , McRae K. B. , Ryan D. A. J. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryFresh strawberries were evaluated through a commercial supply chain, from harvest to immediately prior to retail display. These samples were compared with controls that were refrigerated immediately after harvest and kept at a constant temperature for the same period of time. Temperature data were collected throughout all stages of the supply chain. Moisture and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) contents were determined at selected points of the supply chain using recognised methodology. Significant differences were found in the vitamin C concentrations of fresh strawberries at various stages of the supply chain but not in their moisture content. The ascorbic acid concentration decreased with time spent in the supply chain in all trials but the absolute vitamin C content differed from trial to trial. This result indicates that both pre‐ and post‐harvest factors influence the vitamin C content of fresh strawberries available to consumers on the retail market.
Quality of applesauces processed by pulsed electric fields and HTST pasteurisation†
Authors: Jin Z. T. , Zhang H. Q. , Li S. Q. , Kim M. , Dunne C. P. , Yang T. , Wright A. O. , Venter‐Gains J. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryA pilot plant scale continuous flow pulsed electric field (PEF) and high temperature short time (HTST) processing system was integrated with an aseptic packaging machine. Fuji applesauce and blueberry applesauce were processed with PEF followed by HTST pasteurisation (PEF + HTST). PEF + HTST processed Fuji applesauce from fresh Fuji apples demonstrated high and stable sensory scores during 9 months storage at 27 °C, and had comparative sensory quality with Meal Read‐to‐Eat (MRE) and commercial applesauce products stored at 4 °C. PEF + HTST processed blueberry applesauce from pre‐pasteurised materials had lower sensory scores than PEF + HTST processed Fuji applesauce and was significantly less stable during the storage at 27 °C. PEF + HTST processed applesauces had aerobic count and mould and yeast count of <10 cfu mL−1 during storage. Electrical conductivity, pH and °Brix, were not significantly changed throughout storage time (P > 0.05).
Partial purification and characterisation of banana [Musa (AAA Group) ‘Gros Michel’] polyphenol oxidase
Authors: Chaisakdanugull Chitsuda , Theerakulkait Chockchai 
Published: March 2009

SummaryPolyphenol oxidase (PPO) from pulp of banana [Musa (AAA Group) ‘Gros Michel’] was extracted and precipitated with 80% saturated ammonium sulphate followed by conventional column chromatography on Sephacryl S‐200 HR and fast protein liquid chromatography on Mono Q column. The lyophilised PPO obtained from Sephacryl S‐200 HR column was used for characterisation and inhibition studies. The partially purified PPO obtained from the Mono Q column exhibited at least three isoenzymes. The banana PPO had optimum pH for activity at 7 and it was stable around the same pH. Only 48% of initial enzyme activity was lost after heating at 70 °C for 30 min. The enzyme was completely inhibited by 2 mm sodium metabisulphite, 2 mm l‐cysteine, 4 mm ascorbic acid, and 100 mm 4‐hexylresorcinol. The Km and Vmax of banana PPO for dopamine were 2.08 mm and 0.124 mm min−1 respectively.
Determination of the calorific value of gum arabic in rats using modified versions of the growth bioassay and the digestibility assay
Authors: Smith Chris J. , Menzies Alan R. , Williams Peter A. , Phillips Glyn O. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe calorific values of gum arabic (GA), cellulose (Solka Floc) and sucrose were measured in a rat model using modifications to the growth assay and energy balance procedures simultaneously. Although the two procedures gave consistent results for cellulose (Solka Floc) and sucrose, i.e. 0 and >3.5 kcal g−1, respectively, contradictory results were obtained for GA. The growth assay procedure indicated that GA had zero calorific value while the energy balance procedure indicated a value of 3.1 kcal g−1. Similar results have been reported by other researchers using the two different techniques separately. Results of this type have led to confusion as to the actual calorific value of GA. The anomalous results for GA may be explained in terms of losses resulting from processes which provide no calories for the rat, for example bacterial fermentations in the caecum. Other sources of loss may also have a role. We have proposed that the calorific value of zero as determined using the growth assay is the correct value in the context of the nutritive value of GA.
Volatile compounds from the fruiting bodies of three Hygrophorus mushroom species from Northern Greece
Authors: Ouzouni Paraskevi K. , Koller Wolf‐Dietrich , Badeka Anastasia V. , Riganakos Kyriakos A. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe volatile composition of the wild edible mushroom species Hygrophorus chrysodon, Hygrophorus eburneus and Hygrophorus russocoriaceus was analysed by headspace‐solid phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Forty‐five volatile compounds were detected, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, esters and terpenes. The most abundant compounds in the three species were 3‐methyl butanal, hexanal, p‐cymene, 3‐octanone, 1‐octen‐3‐one, 3‐octanol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol and benzoic acid methyl ester. The concentration of eight‐carbon (C8) compounds relative to the total volatiles varied widely ranging from 24.14% to 61.41% among the three species. Finally, the presence of sesquiterpenes only in Hygrophorus russocoriaceus, confirms the characteristic distinctive cedar odour of this species.
How does the pitch and pattern of a signal affect auditory arousal thresholds?
Authors: BRUCK DOROTHY , BALL MICHELLE , THOMAS IAN , ROUILLARD VINCENT 
Published: March 2009

SummaryHow arousal thresholds vary with different sounds is a critical issue for emergency awakenings, especially as sleepers are dying in fires despite having a working smoke alarm. Previous research shows that the current high‐pitched (3000+ Hz) smoke alarm signal is significantly less effective than an alternative signal, the 520 Hz square wave, in all populations tested. However, as the number of sounds tested has been small further research is needed. Here we measured auditory arousal thresholds (AATs) across signals with a range of characteristics to determine the most effective waking signal. Thirty‐nine young adults participated over three nights. In Part A, nine signals were presented in stage 4 sleep with ascending decibel levels. Signals were short beeps in the low‐ to mid‐frequency range with different spectral complexities: square waves, pure tones, whoops and white noise. Part B manipulated temporal patterns, inserting silences of 0, 10 and 21 s after each 12 s of beeps. It was found that the low‐frequency (400 and 520 Hz) square waves yielded significantly lower AATs than the alternatives. A trend was found across the three temporal manipulations, with a 10 s intervening silence showing some advantage. These findings support earlier research indicating that the best sound for awakening from deep sleep is a low‐frequency square wave. It is argued that the signal with the lowest response threshold when awake may be the same as the most arousing signal when asleep, especially where the sleeper processes the signal as meaningful.
Sleep and time course of consolidation of visual discrimination skills in patients with narcolepsy–cataplexy
Authors: CIPOLLI CARLO , CAMPANA GIANLUCA , CAMPI CLAUDIO , MATTAROZZI KATIA , MAZZETTI MICHELA , TUOZZI GIOVANNI , VANDI STEFANO , VIGNATELLI LUCA , PLAZZI GIUSEPPE 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe level of procedural skills improves in normal individuals when the acquisition is followed by a period of sleep rather than wake. If sleep plays an important role in the consolidation process the advantage it provides should be reduced or delayed when its organization is altered, as in patients with chronic sleep disorders. To test this prediction in patients with narcolepsy–cataplexy (NC), who usually have a more fragmented organization of sleep than normals, we compared the initial, intermediate and delayed level of consolidation of visual skills. Twenty‐two drug‐naive NC patients and 22 individually‐matched controls underwent training at a texture discrimination task (TDT) and were re‐tested on the next morning (after a night spent in laboratory with polysomnography) and after another six nights (spent at home). TDT performance was worse in patients than controls at training and at both retrieval sessions and the time course of consolidation was different in NC patients (who improved mainly from next‐day to 7th‐day retrieval session) compared with controls. Moreover, the less‐improving patients at next‐day retrieval had a wider disorganization of sleep, probably because of an episode of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep at sleep onset REM, on post‐training night more frequently than more‐improving patients. These findings suggest that the time course of the consolidation process of procedural skills may be widely influenced by the characteristics of sleep organization (varying night‐by‐night much more in NC patients than controls) during post‐training night.
Multi‐proxy geoarchaeological study redefines understanding of the paleocoastlines and ancient harbours of Liman Tepe (Iskele, Turkey)
Authors: Goodman Beverly N. , Reinhardt Eduard G. , Dey Hendrik W. , Boyce Joseph I. , Schwarcz Henry P. , Sahoğlu Vasif , Erkanal Hayat , Artzy Michal 
Published: March 2009

AbstractDetermining the position of Liman Tepe's (ancient `Clazomenae') archaeological features relative to the coastline is important for understanding their intended function and reconstructing the character of Aegean maritime activities and sea‐based trade. Previous attempts at reconstructing harbour locations at Liman Tepe relied on extrapolating paleoenvironments based on modern surface topography. In light of this, samples from a sediment coring survey and terrestrial and underwater archaeological excavations were analysed using multi‐proxy geoarchaeological methods to determine paleoenvironmental facies. Micropaleontological (foraminifera), sedimentological (grain‐size analysis) and geochemical (δ13C/δ18O) analyses resulted in the reconstruction of the coastal paleogeomorphology, including the presence and absence of ancient harbouring areas. Neither of the previous coastal reconstructions was supported by the new results. Instead, two separate harbouring areas were recognized, one coincident with the Early Bronze Age (4800–3900 years bp) and a second during the archaic and classical periods (c. 2800–2400 years bp). These results emphasize the necessity for multi‐proxy geoarchaeological studies when approaching coastal archaeological sites as a means to reconstruct paleocoastal geomorphology and understand ancient maritime development better.
HLA‐G polymorphism and in vitro fertilization failure in a Polish population
Authors: Sipak‐Szmigiel O. , Cybulski C. , Wokołorczyk D. , Lubiński J. , Kurzawa R. , Bączkowski T. , Radwan M. , Radwan P. , Ronin‐Walknowska E. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTo investigate whether human leukocyte antigen‐G (HLA‐G) gene polymorphism is associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure, we sequenced exons 2–4 of the HLA‐G gene in 50 couples with three or more IVFs (including 10 couples with five or more IVFs) and 58 control fertile couples from a Polish population. Of the 10 different HLA‐G alleles identified in our study subjects, neither allele was found to be associated with IVF. We also genotyped 50 couples with IVF and 71 control couples for the −725C>G variant in the promoter region and the 14 bp insertion or deletion polymorphism in the 3′ untranslated region of the HLA‐G gene. The frequency of −725GG or GC genotype in women with IVF and in control fertile women was similar [26% vs 25.3%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.0; P = 1.0]. The 14 bp ins/ins or ins/del genotype was more common in women with IVF than in control women (76.9% vs 59.1%; OR 2.4; P = 0.03), but the difference was not significant after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. The frequency of the ins/ins or ins/del genotype was particularly high (90%) in women who experienced five or more IVFs (OR = 6.2; P = 0.08), but again, the excess was not statistically significant, possibly because of small sample sizes. These results are in line with functional studies that show lower levels of HLA‐G mRNA and protein related to the HLA‐G allele including the 14 bp sequence and suggest that the insertion allele may be associated with an increased risk of IVF.
HLA‐B51 and haplotypic diversity of B‐Cw associations: implications for matching in unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Bettens F. , Nicoloso de Faveri G. , Tiercy J.‐M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn unrelated hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐C locus incompatibilities occur frequently and are associated with increased risk of posttransplant complications. Because HLA‐B51 is associated with a high rate of Cw disparities, we performed a comprehensive four‐digit typing analysis of 140 ABCDRB1 B51 genotypes proven by pedigree analysis and 311 unrelated donors selected for 75 B51‐positive patients. In addition, 145 A1/Ax‐B8/B51‐DR3/DRx donors were HLA typed at a high‐resolution level and tested for three microsatellite (Msat) polymorphisms located in the HLA class I and III regions. Based on these data sets, 182 different ABCDR haplotypes with 14 different B‐Cw associations were detected. Rates of Cw mismatches were shown to be highly correlated with the ABDRB1 haplotypes. We have computed 21 B51 haplotypes that disclose a high probability of HLA‐C allele matching and 30 haplotypes with a low (<25%) probability. The HLA‐C allele frequency profiles were quite different in these two groups, with a more heterogeneous distribution in the low matching probability group. HLA‐Cw*1502 was inversely correlated with the likelihood to identify a Cw‐mismatched donor: it was present in 61% of the high vs 18% of the low probability group (P < 0.0001). The analysis of three Msats in the class I and III regions showed a higher allelic diversity in B51‐positive haplotypes compared with the conserved A1‐B8‐DR3 haplotype. HLA‐B51 haplotypes therefore exhibit a high diversity at the level of B‐Cw associations and of non‐HLA polymorphisms in the class I and III regions. Such heterogeneity negatively impacts on overall matching in HSCT.
Autoimmune disease association signals in CIITA and KIAA0350 are not involved in celiac disease susceptibility
Authors: Dema B. , Martínez A. , Fernández‐Arquero M. , Maluenda C. , Polanco I. , Figueredo M. Ángeles , De La Concha E. G. , Urcelay E. , Núñez C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractCeliac disease (CD) is a multifactorial disease characterized by intestinal inflammation after gluten exposure in genetically susceptible individuals. A strong influence of certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles (those coding the HLA‐DQ2 and DQ8 heterodimers) is well established, but they cannot explain the overall genetic risk. CIITA could be a good candidate gene for CD because it is mainly transcriptionally regulated, and it encodes the master regulator of major histocompatibilty complex class II gene transcription. CIITA is located in 16p13, a region also containing KIAA0350 (CLEC16A), associated with two autoimmune diseases in genome‐wide association studies. We aimed at studying the involvement of polymorphisms in CIITA and KIAA0350 in CD susceptibility, with special attention to evaluate the possible presence of more than one risk factor in the region. We performed a case–control study with 607 CD patients and up to 794 healthy controls, all Spaniards. All samples were genotyped for five single nucleotide polymorphisms: rs3087456 (−168A/G) and rs4774 in CIITA and rs7203459, rs6498169 and rs2903692 in KIAA0350. No significant results were obtained when comparing genotypic, allelic or haplotypic frequencies between patients and controls. Our results seem to discard the influence in CD susceptibility of CIITA and KIAA0350 markers previously associated with other autoimmune diseases.
A real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay for the rapid identification of the autoimmune disease‐associated allele HLA‐DQB1*0602
Authors: Gersuk V. H. , Nepom G. T. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractMany autoimmune diseases share a genetic association with the presence or absence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQB1*0602, including type I diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and narcolepsy. High‐resolution HLA typing to determine the presence of this allele is cumbersome and expensive by currently available techniques. We present a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the identification of HLA‐DQB1*0602, using sequence‐specific primers and probes, that provides rapid and sensitive identification of this allele, involves minimal hands‐on time, and provides major cost savings compared with existing methods. The assay allows the simultaneous determination of both the presence and the number of copies of this allele. Because there is no post‐PCR handling, the risk of contamination is avoided. We have validated the assay using 44 blinded and 32 unblinded samples, previously typed by standard techniques, which were identified with 100% accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. Furthermore, using a narcolepsy cohort of 722 subjects, we demonstrated the robustness of the assay to analyze DNA isolated from buccal swabs, demonstrating the applicability of this assay as a suitable approach for population‐based studies.
Simulated parents: Developing paediatric trainees’ skills in giving bad news
Authors: Gough Jenny K , Frydenberg Alexis R , Donath Susan K , Marks Michael M 
Published: March 2009

Aim:  In curriculum documents for medicine in undergraduate, post‐graduate and continuing professional development, there is now a focus on communication skills. The challenges are to place communication skills in the crowded curriculum and then to construct and sustain a programme that uses an evidence‐based approach to the teaching and learning of communication skills. For 6 years, we have conducted a programme that involves simulated parents supporting junior medical staff to refine their skills in communication, particularly in giving parents bad news. The aim of our study was to obtain a better understanding of the trainees' experiences of the programme.Methods:  Nine junior residents individually worked through two scenarios and received feedback from the simulated parent. They gave bad news to a simulated parent/actor who then gave feedback. A recording of the simulation was provided for discussion with a designated colleague at an arranged time. The tapes were then separately appraised by two independent raters – another actor and a paediatrician. Brief written reports and conducted semi‐structured interviews provided more insights into the trainees’ experience of the simulation. Other participating medical/medical education staff were interviewed about the simulation programme.Results:  Five themes emerged from the qualitative data: timeliness, emotional safety, the complexity of communication, practical usefulness and the challenge of effecting change. In addition, the ratings of the videos helped to clarify those ‘parent‐centred’ communication skills that trainees may neglect in difficult conversations: ‘ask about support’, ‘encourage the parent to ask questions’ and ‘repeat key messages’.Conclusion:  The evaluation highlighted the value of an early‐career experiential programme to highlight the importance of communication skills in post‐graduate paediatrics practice.