bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterisation of oregano water extracts and their effect on the quality characteristics of cooked pork
Authors: Damašius Jonas , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas , Rovira Jordi , González Javier , González Lucia , Vinauskienė Rimantė 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe present study characterises oregano water extracts and reports their effects on the shelf life and quality characteristics of cooked pork. Some changes in oregano extract taking place during its thermal treatment were observed. The main volatile compound in the unheated and heated extracts was carvacrol; however, the second major constituent in the unheated extract β‐caryophyllene was absent in the heated one. Colour changes during heating were characterised by an International Commission on Illumination (CIE L a b) method. The heated extract better scavenged 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl radicals, most likely owing to the formation of stronger radical‐scavenging derivatives during thermal treatment. The effect of oregano extracts on the shelf life and colour characteristics of stored meat samples in most cases was not significant; however, sensory assessment clearly showed that the addition of extracts had some negative influence on meat flavour and colour.
Physical properties of biopolymers containing natamycin and rosemary extract
Authors: Türe Hasan , Eroğlu Erdal , Özen Banu , Soyer Ferda 
Published: January 2009

SummaryAntifungal biopolymers were prepared by incorporating natamycin (NA) and NA + rosemary extract (RE) into wheat gluten (WG) and methyl cellulose (MC) films. Interaction between antimicrobial agents and biopolymers was determined with mid‐infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water vapour permeability and mechanical properties of these films were also measured. Mid‐infrared spectroscopy did not indicate any interaction. SEM observations showed that NA crystallises at high concentrations in biopolymers. There were no significant changes in water vapour permeabilities of biopolymers containing active agents at P < 0.05. While NA incorporation did not result in any changes in mechanical properties of WG films a reduction in tensile strength was observed for MC films containing high concentration of NA. In general, active agent incorporation into WG and MC films did not result in any considerable changes in their physical properties that could affect their application.
The effect of ethephon and clone on physical characteristics and sensory quality of Crimson Seedless table grapes after 1 month storage
Authors: Jayasena Vijay , Cameron Ian 
Published: January 2009

SummaryColour is one of the most important quality parameters of table grapes. Ethephon can be applied to improve the colour of table grapes. Trials were conducted in Western Australia to investigate the effect of ethephon on low berry colour and other quality parameters of two new clones (306 and 314) of Crimson Seedless table grapes developed in Western Australia. The ethephon effect was studied in comparison with clone 5560, which was the standard clone imported from California. The grape clones were established at two locations in Western Australia having different types of soil and environmental conditions. Ethephon was applied (300 ppm Ethrel®) to improve the colour development. Physical measurements demonstrated that clones 306 and 314 were better than the imported standard clone in terms of berry weight, length and width. Sensory evaluation by 70 panellists revealed that clone 314 with ethephon application received significantly higher sensory scores for sweetness, crispness, flavour and overall acceptability compared with the standard clone. The acidity level was higher in clone 314 than the standard clone at the same °Brix level and had a positive effect on flavour and overall acceptability. Ethephon treatment reduced the berry crispness in the standard clone and clone 306 but had no effect on the crispness of clone 314.
Textural properties of mango soy fortified probiotic yoghurt: optimisation of inoculum level of yoghurt and probiotic culture
Authors: Kaur Harbinder , Mishra Hari Niwas , Kumar Pradyuman 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe effect of yoghurt bacteria and probiotic culture on the textural characteristics of mango soy fortified probiotic yoghurt (MSFPY) is studied. The TA‐XT2 Texture Analyser was used to measure the textural characteristics of MSFPY prepared from blends containing varying proportions of yoghurt bacteria [Streptococcus thermophilus (ST), Lactobacillus bulgaricus (LB)] and probiotic culture [Bifidobacterium bifidus (BB), Lactobacillus acidophilus(LA)]. MSFPY samples were prepared by using blends of 78.3% toned milk, 14.5% soy milk and 7.2% mango pulp. Texture profile data were used to develop regression models for dependent variables – hardness, cohesiveness, adhesiveness, springiness and gumminess. The optimisation of culture addition was done by comparing the yoghurt with the MSFY as control sample (ST and LB at 2%, 1:1) The mean optimum culture addition rate of –1.43 (0.79%) ST, –1.51 (0.75%) LB, –1.43 (0.79%) BB and –1.10 (0.95%) LA is recommended for yielding an acceptable and good quality of MSFPY.
Prolonging microbial shelf life of foods through the use of natural compounds and non‐thermal approaches – a review
Authors: Corbo Maria Rosaria , Bevilacqua Antonio , Campaniello Daniela , D’Amato Daniela , Speranza Barbara , Sinigaglia Milena 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThis paper proposes a review of some alternative approaches for food stabilisation and shelf life prolonging (based on the use of natural compounds and/or non‐thermal techniques). After a brief description of food structure implication on the way of using the alternative approaches, two paragraphs summarise the topics of natural molecules (essential oils, lysozyme, lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase system, fatty acids, chitosan) and non‐thermal approaches (high hydrostatic and homogenisation pressures, pulsed electric fields, high power ultrasound and irradiation). Finally, the last sections deal with the use of combined hurdles (along with the proposal of three possible modes of action of a multi‐target preservation), the mathematical approaches for shelf life evaluating and some critical issues to be addressed in the future for a real scaling up of the proposed techniques.
Prejunctional effects of angiotensin II and bradykinin in the heart and blood vessels
Authors: Moura D. , Pinheiro H. , Paiva M. Q. , Guimaraes S. 
Published: January 2009

Summary1Angiotensin and bradykinin facilitate the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerve terminals and cause positive inotropy in rat isolated atria and ventricles. The effect of bradykinin was enhanced by the ACE inhibitor, ramiprilat.2The facilitated release of noradrenaline in rat ventricle by bradykinin was blocked by the β2‐receptor antagonist HOE‐140. This response is also reduced by removing the endocardium, suggesting the release of a mediator from the endocardium.3The facilitated noradrenaline release by angiotensin II and bradykinin was blocked by the angiotensin receptor antagonist saralasin to the same extent. In contrast, losartan caused only minor blockade in a range of vascular and cardiac tissues. This suggests that angiotensin and bradykinin exert these responses by interacting with a prejunctional receptor different from the established AT1subtype.4These results suggest that bradykinin mediates facilitation of noradrenaline release via the local release of angiotensin onto an atypical AT1receptor.
The human desipramine‐sensitive noradrenaline transporter and the importance of defined amino acids for its function
Authors: Bönisch H. , Runkel F. , Roubert C , Giros B. , Brüss M. 
Published: January 2009

Summary1This article gives a short overview of the physiology, pharmacology and the molecular biology of the human Na+/CI‐‐dependent noradrenaline transporter (hNAT) and its gene.2Furthermore, naturally occurring variants of the hNAT are described and new results obtained through site‐directed mutagenesis of the hNAT are presented, which increase our understanding about structural domains and amino acids critically involved in substrate, cosubstrate and inhibitor binding to the hNAT.
Involvement of cAMP and β‐adrenoceptors in the relaxing effect elicited by flavonoids on rat uterine smooth muscle
Authors: Revuelta M. P. , Hidalgo A. , Cantabrana B. 
Published: January 2009

Summary1The effect of the flavonoids genistein (3–100 μM), kaempferol (3–60 μM) and quercetin (1–100 μM) on KCI (60 mM)‐induced tonic contraction in rat smooth muscle was assayed. In the same way, the modification of these effects in the presence of an inhibitor of protein kinase (PKA) (Rp‐cAMPS), an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (papaverine) and β‐adrenoreceptor blocking agents (propranolol and atenolol) was studied.2The flavonoids totally relaxed the KCI‐induced tonic contraction (IC50: genistein 20.2 ± 2.0 μM,n= 11; kaempferol 10.1 ± 1.6 μM,n= 8; quercetin 13.2 ± 1.2 μM,n= 8).3The incubation with Rp‐cAMPS (10 and 100 μM) 30 min prior to KCI shifted the dose‐response curve of the flavonoids to the right, increasing their IC50up to 27.8 ± 3.8 and 31.9 ± 7.3 μM, respectively, for genistein; 24.7 ± 0.2 and 19.6 ± 4.9 μM, respectively, for kaempferol; 18.8 ± 2.2 and 18.4 ± 1.5 μM, respectively, for quercetin.4Papaverine (3–100 μM) also relaxed the contraction induced by KCI and this effect was significantly displaced to the right with Rp‐cAMPS (10 μM) (IC5012.1 ± 2.2 vs. 16.5 ± 3.1 μM). Papaverine (3 μM) added to the organ bath 15 min before the contractile agent increased the relaxing effect of the flavonoids and significantly decreased their IC50(genistein 20.2 ± 2.0 vs. 9.8 ± 1.4 μM; kaempferol 10.1 ± 1.6 vs. 6.6 ± 0.7 μM; quercetin 13.2 ± 1.2 vs. 7.8 ± 1.4 μM).5The incubation with atenolol (10 μM) did not alter the relaxing effect of the flavonoids. In the same experimental conditions, propranolol (10 μM) did not modify the effect of genistein and kaempferol, but shifted the response curve of quercetin significantly to the right (13.2 ± 1.2 vs. 17.7 ± 3.4 μM).6The results suggest that genistein, kaempferol and quercetin produced the relaxation of uterine smooth muscle by increasing intracellular cAMP. β‐Adrenoceptors could also be involved in the effect of quercetin.
Clinical consequences of hospital variation in use of oral anticoagulant therapy after first‐time admission for atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hansen M. L. , Gadsbøll N. , Rasmussen S. , Gislason G. H. , Folke F. , Andersen S. S. , Schramm T. K. , Sørensen R. , Fosbøl E. L. , Abildstrøm S. Z. , Madsen M. , Poulsen H. E. , Køber L. , Torp‐Pedersen C. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract.Objective.  To analyse how hospital factors influence the use of oral anticoagulants (OAC) in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients and address the clinical consequences of hospital variation in OAC use.Design and subjects.  By linkage of nationwide Danish administrative registers we conducted an observational study including all patients with a first‐time hospitalization for AF between 1995 and 2004 as well as prescription claims for OAC. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate hospital factors associated with prescription of OAC therapy. Cox proportional‐hazard models were used to estimate the risk of re‐hospitalization for thromboembolism and haemorrhagic stroke with respect to discharge from a low, intermediate, or high OAC use hospital.Results.  Overall 40 133 (37%) out of 108 504 patients received OAC; ranging from 17% to 50% between the hospitals with the lowest and highest OAC use, respectively. Cardiology departments had the highest use of OAC, but neither tertiary university hospitals nor high volume hospitals had higher OAC use than local community hospitals and low volume hospitals. Risk of a thromboembolic event was significantly increased amongst patients from hospitals with a low OAC use (hazard ratio 1.16, confidence interval 1.10–1.22). Notably, higher OAC use was not associated with a higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke.Conclusion.  In Denmark between 1995 and 2004, there was a major hospital variation in AF patients receiving OAC, and consequently, more thromboembolic events were observed amongst patients from low OAC use hospitals. Our study emphasizes the need for a continued vigilance on implementation of international AF management guidelines.
Genetic analysis of acd6‐1 reveals complex defense networks and leads to identification of novel defense genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Hua , Salimian Sasan , Gamelin Emily , Wang Guoying , Fedorowski Jennifer , LaCourse William , Greenberg Jean T. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryPathogen infection leads to the activation of defense signaling networks in plants. To study these networks and the relationships between their components, we introduced various defense mutations into acd6‐1, a constitutive gain‐of‐function Arabidopsis mutant that is highly disease resistant. acd6‐1 plants show spontaneous cell death, reduced stature, and accumulate high levels of camalexin (an anti‐fungal compound) and salicylic acid (SA; a signaling molecule). Disruption of several defense genes revealed that in acd6‐1, SA levels/signaling were positively correlated with the degree of disease resistance and defense gene expression. Salicylic acid also modulates the severity of cell death. However, accumulation of camalexin in acd6‐1 is largely unaffected by reducing the level of SA. In addition, acd6‐1 shows ethylene‐ and jasmonic acid‐mediated signaling that is antagonized and therefore masked by the presence of SA. Mutant analysis revealed a new relationship between the signaling components NPR1 and PAD4 and also indicated that multiple defense pathways were required for phenotypes conferred by acd6‐1. In addition, our data confirmed that the size of acd6‐1 was inversely correlated with SA levels/signaling. We exploited this unique feature of acd6‐1 to identify two genes disrupted in acd6‐1 suppressor (sup) mutants: one encodes a known SA biosynthetic component (SID2) and the other encodes an uncharacterized putative metalloprotease (At5g20660). Taken together, acd6‐1 is a powerful tool not only for dissecting defense regulatory networks but also for discovering novel defense genes.
Two Arabidopsis AGC kinases are critical for the polarized growth of pollen tubes
Authors: Zhang Yan , He Junmin , McCormick Sheila 
Published: January 2009

SummaryReproduction of flowering plants requires the growth of pollen tubes to deliver immotile sperm for fertilization. Pollen tube growth resembles that of polarized metazoan cells, in that some molecular mechanisms underlying cell polarization and growth are evolutionarily conserved, including the functions of Rho GTPases and the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. However, a role for AGC kinases, crucial signaling mediators in polarized metazoan cells, has yet to be shown in pollen tubes. Here we demonstrate that two Arabidopsis AGC kinases are critical for polarized growth of pollen tubes. AGC1.5 and AGC1.7 are pollen‐specific genes expressed during late developmental stages. Pollen tubes of single mutants had no detectable phenotypes during in vitro or in vivo germination, whereas those of double mutants were wider and twisted, due to frequent changes of growth trajectory in vitro. Pollen tubes of the double mutant also had reduced growth and were probably compromised in response to guidance cues in vivo. In the agc1.5 background, downregulation of AGC1.7 using an antisense construct phenocopied the growth defect of double mutant pollen tubes, providing additional support for a redundant function of AGC1.5/1.7 in pollen tube growth. Using the actin marker mouse Talin, we show that pollen tubes of double mutants had relatively unaffected longitudinal actin cables but had ectopic filamentous actin, indicating disturbed control of polarity. Our results demonstrate that AGC1.5 and AGC1.7 are critical components of the internal machinery of the pollen tube leading to polarized growth of pollen tubes.
Weed biology serves practical weed management
Authors: VAN ACKER R C 
Published: January 2009

SummaryWeed science is an applied science that serves practical weed management. Traditionally, effective weed management has been dependent upon farmers gaining knowledge of the characteristics of the weeds they were managing. The advent of herbicides has not made this knowledge‐based approach redundant and problems, including herbicide resistant weeds, have made weed biology studies necessary even in the herbicide era. Weed populations continue to evolve and weed problems persist, sustaining a requirement for effective management strategies. In this paper, we exhibit several approaches to linking weed biology studies to practical weed management. These approaches demonstrate both the value of and synergy between an in‐depth knowledge of weed biology and weed management practices to provide practical solutions in the field.
Resting energy expenditure in manic episode
Authors: Caliyurt Okan , Altiay Gundeniz 
Published: January 2009

Objective:  We aimed to assess the resting energy expenditure in bipolar I disorder, manic episode patients.Method:  Forty‐two bipolar I disorder, manic episode patients that were treated in the inpatient psychiatry clinic of Trakya University Hospital and had met the necessary study criteria were included along with 27 controls. DSM‐IV criteria and the Bech‐Rafaelsen Mania Rating Scale were used to evaluate patients’ diagnosis and severity of the manic episodes. The indirect calorimetry device was used to measure resting energy expenditure values.Results:  Resting energy expenditure values of manic patients were found to be higher than those of the controls. Controls showed significant correlations between body mass index and resting energy expenditure, but manic patients did not exhibit similar correlations. There was also no relation between Bech‐Rafaelsen Mania Rating Scale scores and resting energy expenditure values in manic patients.Conclusions:  We found significantly increased resting energy expenditure values in bipolar I disorder, manic episode patients. These findings suggest a possible clinical use of resting energy expenditure for evaluation of bipolar I disorder manic episode and also suggest resting energy expenditure as a possible biological marker.
Polarity at illness onset in bipolar I disorder and clinical course of illness
Authors: Forty Liz , Jones Lisa , Jones Ian , Smith Daniel J , Caesar Sian , Fraser Christine , Gordon‐Smith Katherine , Hyde Sally , Craddock Nick 
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  Studies have suggested that episode polarity at illness onset in bipolar disorder may be predictive of some aspects of lifetime clinical characteristics. We here examine this possibility in a large, well‐characterized sample of patients with bipolar I disorder.Methods:  We assessed polarity at onset in patients with bipolar I disorder (N = 553) recruited as part of our ongoing studies of affective disorders. Lifetime clinical characteristics of illness were compared in patients who had a depressive episode at first illness onset (n = 343) and patients who had a manic episode at first illness onset (n = 210).Results:  Several lifetime clinical features differed between patients according to the polarity of their onset episode of illness. A logistic regression analysis showed that the lifetime clinical features significantly associated with a depressive episode at illness onset in our sample were: an earlier age at illness onset; a predominantly depressive polarity during the lifetime; more frequent and more severe depressive episodes; and less prominent lifetime psychotic features.Conclusions:  Knowledge of pole of onset may help the clinician in providing prognostic information and management advice to an individual with bipolar disorder.
Conceptualizing impulsivity and risk taking in bipolar disorder: importance of history of alcohol abuse
Authors: Kathleen Holmes M , Bearden Carrie E , Barguil Marcela , Fonseca Manoela , Serap Monkul E , Nery Fabiano G , Soares Jair C , Mintz Jim , Glahn David C 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Elevated levels of impulsivity and increased risk taking are thought to be core features of both bipolar disorder (BD) and addictive disorders. Given the high rates of comorbid alcohol abuse in BD, alcohol addiction may exacerbate impulsive behavior and risk‐taking propensity in BD. Here we examine multiple dimensions of impulsivity and risk taking, using cognitive tasks and self‐report measures, in BD patients with and without a history of alcohol abuse.Methods:  Thirty‐one BD subjects with a prior history of alcohol abuse or dependence (BD‐A), 24 BD subjects with no history of alcohol abuse/dependence (BD‐N), and 25 healthy control subjects (HC) were assessed with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) and the computerized Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART).Results:  Both BD groups scored significantly higher than controls on the BIS. In contrast, only the BD‐A group showed impaired performance on the BART. BD‐A subjects popped significantly more balloons than the BD‐N and HC groups. In addition, subjects in the BD‐A group failed to adjust their performance after popping balloons. Severity of mood symptomatology was not associated with performance on either task.Discussion:  The current study supports a primary role of prior alcohol abuse in risk‐taking propensity among patients with bipolar disorder. In addition, findings suggest that impulsivity and risky behavior, as operationalized by self‐report and experimental cognitive probes, respectively, are separable constructs that tap distinct aspects of the bipolar phenotype.
Characterizing impulsivity in mania
Authors: Strakowski Stephen M , Fleck David E , DelBello Melissa P , Adler Caleb M , Shear Paula K , McElroy Susan L , Keck Paul E , Moss Quinton , Cerullo Michael A , Kotwal Renu , Arndt Stephan 
Published: January 2009

Objective:  To determine whether specific aspects of impulsivity (response disinhibition, inability to delay gratification, inattention) differ between healthy and bipolar manic subjects, and whether these aspects of impulsivity were associated with each other and severity of affective symptoms.Methods:  Performance of 70 bipolar I manic or mixed patients was compared to that of 34 healthy subjects on three tasks specifically designed to study response inhibition, ability to delay gratification, and attention; namely, a stop signal task, a delayed reward task, and a continuous performance task, respectively. Correlations among tasks and with symptom ratings were also performed.Results:  Bipolar subjects demonstrated significant deficits on all three tasks as compared to healthy subjects. Performance on the three tasks was largely independent. Task performance was not significantly associated with the severity of affective symptom ratings. However, measures of response inhibition and attention were sensitive to medication effects. Differences in the delayed reward task were independent of medication effects or symptom ratings. During the delayed reward task, although bipolar patients made their choices more slowly than healthy subjects, they were significantly more likely to choose a smaller, but more quickly obtained reward. Moreover, performance on this task was not associated with performance on the other impulsivity measures. Manic patients showed more impulsive responding than mixed patients.Conclusions:  Bipolar I manic patients demonstrate deficits on tests of various aspects of impulsivity as compared to healthy subjects. Some of these differences between groups may be mediated by medication effects. Findings suggested that inability to delay gratification (i.e., delayed reward task) was not simply a result of the speed of decision making or inattention, but rather that it reflected differences between bipolar and healthy subjects in the valuation of reward relative to delay.