bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of blanching, drying and extraction processes on the antioxidant activity of yam (Dioscorea alata)
Authors: Chung Yun‐Chin , Chiang Been‐Huang , Wei Ji‐Hung , Wang Chien‐Kuo , Chen Pei‐Chun , Hsu Cheng‐Kuang 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe effects of blanching, drying and extraction processes on the antioxidant activities of one kind of Taiwanese yam peel, Darsan (Dioscorea alata), were investigated. The antioxidant measurements included total phenolic content, reducing power and α ,α‐diphenyl‐β‐pricryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity. The 50% ethanolic, hot water and water extracts from the peel all had much higher antioxidant activities than those extracts from the flesh. Among three extraction methods, 50% ethanolic extraction resulted in the highest antioxidant activities in the peel, while hot water extraction was more appropriate for the flesh. Blanching by immersing the peel in 85 °C water for 30 s caused significant reductions in the antioxidant activities of all the extracts from the peel. Generally speaking, freeze‐dried peel maintained higher antioxidant activities than hot air‐dried peel.
Antioxidant properties of methanolic extracts from different parts of Sclerocarya birrea
Authors: Mariod Abdalbasit A. , Matthäus Bertrand , Hussein Ismail H. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe methanolic extracts from Sclerocarya birrea leaves (SCL), roots (SCR), barks (SCB), and kernel oil cake (SCK) were examined for radical scavenging capacities and antioxidant activities. The total phenolics of the extracts was determined spectrophotometrically according to the Folin‐Ciocalteau method using gallic acid as standard solution. The total phenolic compounds were found as 304.5, 367.5, 593, 148.0 and 258.0 mg g‐1 of dry product, respectively. The extracts of SCL, SCR, SCB and SCK were markedly effective in inhibiting the oxidation of linoleic acid and subsequent bleaching of β‐carotene in comparison with the control. Based on oxidation of β‐carotene/linoleic acid, the SCK extract is the most effective followed by SCR, SCL and SCB extract. The antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl) method revealed that the SCK extract had the highest antioxidant activity on DPPH free radicals followed by SCB, SCR and SCL extracts. The effect of different extracts on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil at 70 °C was tested in the dark and compared with BHA. The oil peroxide values (PVs) were generally lower with the addition of extract in comparison to a control.
A novel method for the determination of sodium chloride in salted fish
Authors: Zhang Yinliang , Xia Wenshui 
Published: April 2008

SummaryA novel, simple and reliable spectrophotometric method to determine sodium chloride in salted fish was developed and validated. The method was based on the reaction of chloride with silver nitrate and the determination of turbidity of silver chloride formed. The absorbance was measured at 385 nm. The method was tested under various conditions, and we confirmed an optimal operation with 2 mL 1:4 (v/v) nitric acid, 2 mL 1.5 g L−1 gelatin, 5 mL 0.5% silver nitrate in a total volume of 50 mL, mixed and heated at 60 °C for 10 min. The range of linearity and the detection limit were 0.4–24 mg L−1 and 0.2 mg L−1, respectively. The relative standard deviations and the recovery were 0.83% to 2.87% and 93.74% to 103.6%, respectively. The accuracy of this method was comparable with Volhard method, and it was cheap and successfully applied to determine sodium chloride in salted fish.
Physico‐chemical and acceptability of rabadi (a fermented soya flour product) as affected by cooking and fermentation time
Authors: Gupta Vineeta , Nagar Ranjana 
Published: April 2008

SummaryVarious food‐processing techniques like malting, roasting, soaking, germination, fermentation, etc. are known to enhance nutritive value and acceptability of different food products. The present study deals with the biochemical analysis and acceptability tests of soya flour rabadi, which was made by fermentation before and after cooking at different time intervals. There was a trend towards increase in moisture, ash, total carbohydrate, calcium, total soluble sugars, reducing sugars, non‐reducing sugars, amylase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase enzymatic activities and titrable acidity, whereras a trend towards decrease was found in crude protein, fat, fibre, energy, starch, total phenols and glutamate pyruvate transaminase enzyme activity. Major biochemical changes occurred after 8 h fermentation. In sensory evaluation also, samples fermented for 4 and 8 h after cooking got higher scores than all other samples.
Type IV pili: e pluribus unum?
Authors: Pelicic Vladimir 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe widespread role of pili as colonization factors in pathogens has long been recognized in Gram‐negative bacteria and more recently in Gram‐positive bacteria, making the study of these hair‐like filaments a perennial hot topic for research. No other pili are found in as many or as diverse bacteria as type IV pili. This is likely a consequence of their ancient origin and unique ability to promote multiple and strikingly different phenotypes such as attachment to surfaces, aggregation, uptake of DNA during transformation, motility, etc. Two decades of investigations in several model species have shed some light on the structure of these filaments and the molecular basis of some of the properties they confer. Moreover, recent discoveries have led to a better knowledge of the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms of type IV pili biogenesis. This brings us a few steps closer to understanding how these filaments are produced, but leaves us wondering whether (as in the famous motto that inspired the title) out of the many models studied will emerge one unifying mechanism.
The type III secretion system tip complex and translocon
Authors: Mueller C. A. , Broz P. , Cornelis G. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe type III secretion machinery of Gram‐negative bacteria, also known as the injectisome or needle complex, is composed of a basal body spanning both bacterial membranes and the periplasm, and an external needle protruding from the bacterial surface. A set of three proteins, two hydrophobic and one hydrophilic, are required to allow translocation of proteins from the bacterium to the host cell cytoplasm. These proteins are involved in the formation of a translocation pore, the translocon, in the host cell membrane. Exciting progress has recently been made on the interaction between the translocators and the injectisome needle and the assembly of the translocon in the host cell membrane. As expected, the two hydrophobic translocators insert into the target cell membrane. Unexpectedly, the third, hydrophilic translocator, forms a complex on the distal end of the injectisome needle, the tip complex, and serves as an assembly platform for the two hydrophobic translocators.
Autoimmune Markers in Lymphoid Malignancies
Authors: Sjöberg K. , Roth E. B. , Gustavsson L. , Jönsson C. , Simán H. , Henriksson G. , Stenberg P. , Lindblom A. , Svensson P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractChronic immune stimulation such as Helicobacter pylori (hp) infection, Sjögren’s syndrome or coeliac disease may initiate non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The opposite (appearance of autoimmunity) has also been reported. The aim of this study was to describe the pattern of these immune markers in patients with lymphoid malignancies. Sera from 96 patients with NHL (median age 72, range 38–88, F/M 41/55) were analysed with ELISA to determine the frequency of antibodies against guinea pig (gp) and human recombinant (hr) transglutaminase type 2 (Tg2), and hr factor XIII subunit a* (part of the Tg‐family), extractable nuclear antigen (ENA), and hp. As hp antibodies decrease in younger age cohorts a sex‐ and age‐matched control group of 768 persons was used. The control population for transglutaminase antibodies consisted of 59 blood donors, (median 42 years, range 19–65) was analysed with a commercial kit. Gp‐Tg2‐IgG positivity was documented in 72% and hr‐Tg2‐IgG positivity in 15% (5% positive controls for both; P < 0.001 and ns, respectively). For IgA 3% had gp‐Tg2 and 4% hr‐Tg2 (5% in controls: ns for both). Anti‐FXIII‐IgA positivity was found in 22% (5% in controls; P = 0.03). Unspecific anti‐ENA‐IgG positivity was found in 24% (P < 0.001), while only 2% had specific ENA autoantibodies. Moreover, 36% were positive for anti‐hp‐IgG, while controls were positive in 54% (P < 0.001). The frequency of unspecific autoantibodies was increased. No differences could be noted in specific autoantibodies (hr‐Tg2‐IgA). In contrast, fewer than expected were anti‐hp‐positive. A defective immune response, similar to that in autoimmune diseases, could contribute to the pathogenesis of lymphoid malignancies.
Effect of Veillonella parvula on the antimicrobial resistance and gene expression of Streptococcus mutans grown in a dual‐species biofilm
Authors: Luppens S. B. I. , Kara D. , Bandounas L. , Jonker M. J. , Wittink F. R. A. , Bruning O. , Breit T. M. , Ten Cate J. M. , Crielaard W. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Our previous studies showed that Streptococcus mutans and Veillonella parvula dual‐species biofilms have a different acid production profile and a higher resistance to chlorhexidine than their single‐species counterparts. The aim of the current study was to test whether the susceptibility of S. mutans grown in the presence of V. parvula is also decreased when it is exposed to various other antimicrobials. Furthermore, the aim was to identify other changes in the physiology of S. mutans when V. parvula was present using transcriptomics.Methods:  Susceptibility to antimicrobials was assessed in killing experiments. Transcript levels in S. mutans were measured with the help of S. mutans microarrays.Results:  When V. parvula was present, S. mutans showed an increase in survival after exposure to various antimicrobials. Furthermore, this co‐existence altered the physiology of S. mutans. The expression of genes coding for proteins involved in amino acid synthesis, the signal recognition particle‐translocation pathway, purine metabolism, intracellular polysaccharide synthesis, and protein synthesis all changed.Conclusion:  Growing in a biofilm together with a non‐pathogenic bacterium like V. parvula changes the physiology of S. mutans, and gives this bacterium an advantage in surviving antimicrobial treatment. Thus, the study of pathogens implicated in polymicrobial diseases, such as caries and periodontitis, should be focused more on multispecies biofilms. In addition, the testing of susceptibility to currently used and new antimicrobials should be performed on a multispecies microbial community rather than with single pathogens.
Lack of Toll‐like receptor 4 decreases lipopolysaccharide‐induced bone resorption in C3H/HeJ mice in vivo
Authors: Nakamura H. , Fukusaki Y. , Yoshimura A. , Shiraishi C. , Kishimoto M. , Kaneko T. , Hara Y. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Few in vivo studies have demonstrated whether Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is indispensable for lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced bone resorption and little is known about the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression induced by LPS under conditions of lack of TLR4.Methods:  We compared bone resorption histomorphometrically in C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice that were repeatedly injected with Actinobacillus actionmycetemcomitans LPS into their gingiva every 48 h. RANKL‐, interleukin‐1β‐ and OPG‐positive cells in the connective tissue were also compared immunohistochemically.Results:  Bone resorption in C3H/HeJ mice in the fourth, seventh, and tenth injection groups was significantly less than that C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The number of RANKL‐positive cells in C3H/HeJ mice in the 10th injection group was significantly smaller than that in C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The numbers of interleukin‐1β‐positive cells in C3H/HeJ mice in the seventh and tenth injection groups were significantly decreased compared with those in C3H/HeN mice (P < 0.05). The numbers of OPG‐positive cells in C3H/HeN and C3H/HeJ mice gradually increased, but there was no significant difference between the two strains of mice.Conclusion:  TLR4 is indispensable for LPS‐induced bone resorption in vivo.
Influences of starch and sucrose on Streptococcus mutans biofilms
Authors: Duarte S. , Klein M. I. , Aires C. P. , Cury J. A. , Bowen W. H. , Koo H. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  The combination of starch and sucrose has been shown to be potentially more cariogenic than either alone. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of starch and sucrose, alone or in combinations, on formation, polysaccharide composition, gene expression, and acidogenicity of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.Methods:  S. mutans UA159 biofilms were formed on saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite (sHA) discs in batch culture for 5 days in the presence of 1% (weight/volume) starch, 1% sucrose, 1% starch plus 1% sucrose, 1% starch plus 0.5% fructose plus 0.5% glucose, or 1% sucrose plus 1% glucose.Results:  Amylase activity from sHA disks was detected up to 48 h, thereby increasing the availability of reducing sugars and acidogenicity in the early stages of biofilm development. S. mutans grown in the presence of sucrose alone or in combinations formed well‐defined and tightly adherent biofilms comprised of mostly water‐insoluble polysaccharides (INS); in contrast, the presence of starch or starch + glucose + fructose resulted in little biofilm formation with minimal amounts of INS. However, the combination of starch + sucrose produced biofilms with more biomass and acidogenicity, and a higher content of INS than those grown in sucrose or sucrose + glucose (P < 0.05). The INS extracted from biofilms formed in the presence of starch + sucrose displayed a higher percentage of 3‐linked branching (3,4‐, 3,6‐, and 3,4,6‐linked glucose) compared to those from biofilms grown in sucrose or sucrose + glucose. Furthermore, biofilms grown in starch + sucrose expressed significantly higher levels of gtfB messenger RNA than sucrose‐grown or sucrose + glucose‐grown biofilms (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  The combination of starch and sucrose has profound effects not only on the composition and structure of the polysaccharide matrix but also on gene expression of S. mutans within biofilms, which may enhance the cariogenic potential of dental biofilms.
An acute injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide modulates the OPG/RANKL system and interleukin‐6 in an ovariectomized mouse model
Authors: Lu H.‐K. , Yeh K.‐C. , Wu M.‐F. , Li C.‐L. , Tseng C.‐C. 
Published: April 2008

Background/aims:  In the present study, we attempted to develop a simulated model to explore the causal effects of periodontal pathogens on skeletal homeostasis in postmenopausal osteoporosis.Methods:  Fifty‐three female adult ICR mice were randomly assigned to an experimental group (ovariectomized) or a control group. A single injection of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (P. gingivalis‐LPS, ATCC 33277) or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (E. coli‐LPS) was administered intraperitoneally 4 weeks after an ovariectomy. Concentrations of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and the receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) in serum were subsequently analyzed using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  Under stimulation with P. gingivalis‐LPS or E. coli‐LPS, the concentration of OPG rose in both groups. The serum level of RANKL showed a decreasing trend 24 h after the injection in both groups. After injection of P. gingivalis‐LPS in both the experimental and control animals, the OPG : RANKL ratio increased 24 h after the booster (22.26–620.99, P < 0.05). The serum level of IL‐6 in the experimental group significantly increased 1–6 h after administration of E. coli‐LPS and 1–3 h after administration of P. gingivalis‐LPS (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  A single booster injection of P. gingivalis‐LPS induced short‐term changes in OPG, RANKL, and IL‐6 serum levels in this ovariectomized mouse model.
Effect of glucose on Treponema denticola cell behavior
Authors: Ruby J. D. , Lux R. , Shi W. , Charon N. W. , Dasanayake A. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Treponema denticola inhabits the oral subgingival environment and is part of a proteolytic benzoyl‐dl‐arginine‐naphthylamide‐positive ‘red complex’ associated with active periodontal disease. Spirochetes have a unique form of chemotactic motility that may contribute to their virulence. Chemotaxis is essential for efficient nutrient‐directed translocation.Methods:  We examined the effect of glucose on T. denticola cell velocity, expression of periplasmic flagella proteins, and chemotaxis, e.g. translocation into capillary tubes.Results:  The presence of glucose did not significantly effect T. denticola cell velocity in high viscosity conditions nor did it alter periplasmic flagella protein expression. The addition of glucose to capillary tubes resulted in greater numbers of T. denticola cells in tubes containing glucose. A non‐motile mutant did not migrate into capillary tubes containing glucose.Conclusion:  These results are consistent with a chemotactic response to glucose that is motility dependent.
Molecular and enzymatic characterization of βC‐S lyase in Streptococcus constellatus
Authors: Yoshida Y. , Ito S. , Sasaki T. , Kishi M. , Kurota M. , Suwabe A. , Kunimatsu K. , Kato H. 
Published: April 2008

Background/aims:  Streptococcus anginosus and Streptococcus constellatus are frequently isolated from dental abscesses and other suppurative lesions. We previously reported that βC‐S lyase from a strain of S. anginosus produced significantly more hydrogen sulfide than βC‐S lyases from other streptococci. The purpose of this study was to establish the molecular and enzymatic features of the βC‐S lyase in S. constellatus and to elucidate whether this unique capacity is common to many strains of S. constellatus and S. anginosus.Methods:  The capacity of crude extract to produce hydrogen sulfide was evaluated among 16 strains of S. constellatus, S. anginosus, and Streptococcus gordonii. The lcd gene encoding βC‐S lyase was cloned from the genomic DNA of each strain to compare the deduced amino acid sequences. The recombinant βC‐S lyases of three representative strains were purified and characterized.Results:  Incubation of crude extracts from all strains of S. constellatus and S. anginosus with l‐cysteine resulted in the production of a large amount of hydrogen sulfide. The primary sequence of βC‐S lyase was very similar among strains of S. constellatus and S. anginosus. The kinetic properties of the βC‐S lyases purified from S. constellatus resembled those for βC‐S lyases purified from S. anginosus. In contrast, the βC‐S lyases of S. constellatus and S. gordonii differed in terms of their hydrogen sulfide production, with the former producing much more.Conclusion:  A high level of hydrogen sulfide production, which appears to be a common feature in both S. constellatus and S. anginosus, may be associated with their abscess formation.
Purification of bacteriocin LS1 produced by human oral isolate Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1
Authors: Busarcevic M. , Kojic M. , Dalgalarrondo M. , Chobert J.‐M. , Haertlé T. , Topisirovic L. 
Published: April 2008

Introduction:  Lactobacillus salivarius BGHO1, a human oral isolate with antagonistic activity against growth of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus flavus, and Salmonella enteritidis, probably produces more than one proteinaceous antimicrobial substance. The objective of this study was the purification of a bacteriocin, named LS1, produced by L. salivarius BGHO1.Methods:  A simple and fast procedure for bacteriocin purification was developed, consisting of reverse‐phase chromatography of the ammonium sulfate precipitate of cell‐free culture supernatant by fast protein liquid chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, followed by tricine sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), with the subsequent extraction of bacteriocin from the gel.Results:  The supernatant of L. salivarius BGHO1 culture retained its antimicrobial activity after boiling in a water bath for 15 min. Its antimicrobial activity was also maintained even after treatment for 20 min at 121°C in an autoclave. Bacteriocin LS1 was purified to homogeneity. The molecular mass of bacteriocin LS1 was estimated to be approximately 10 kDa, based on tricine SDS‐PAGE. During purification, another compound with antimicrobial activity, produced by L. salivarius BGHO1, was detected. The molecular mass of this compound was estimated to be approximately 5 kDa, based on tricine SDS‐PAGE.Conclusion:  Our results imply that LS1 is most probably a new bacteriocin, different from previously described bacteriocins produced by L. salivarius strains. The purification of bacteriocin LS1 enabled the further characterization of LS1 on both the molecular and genetic levels.
Differences in outcome of DSM‐IV bipolar I and II disorders
Authors: Mantere Outi , Suominen Kirsi , Valtonen Hanna M , Arvilommi Petri , Leppämäki Sami , Melartin Tarja , Isometsä Erkki 
Published: April 2008

Objectives:  To investigate whether the course of bipolar disorder (BD) type II is more depressive than that of BD I, and, if so, to explore the underlying factors that cause this difference.Methods:  In a prospective, naturalistic study of 191 secondary care psychiatric in‐ and outpatients diagnosed in an acute phase of BD I or II, 160 patients (85.1%) were followed for 18 months. Using a life chart, the exact timing of symptom states in follow‐up was examined. Differences between BD I (n = 75) and II (n = 85) in duration of index phase and episode, time to full remission and recurrence, and time in any mood episode were investigated.Results:  Patients with BD II spent a higher proportion of time ill (47.5% versus 37.7%; p = 0.02) and in depressive symptom states (58.0% versus 41.7%; p = 0.003) than BD I patients. This was a result of the higher proportion (61.7% versus 48.6%; p = 0.03) and mean number (1.69 versus 1.11; p = 0.006) of depressive illness phases in BD II, rather than of differences in the duration of depressive phases. Type of index phase strongly predicted the outcome. In linear regression models, both BD II and type of index phase predicted more time spent in depressive symptom states.Conclusions:  In medium‐term follow‐up, BD II patients spend about 40% more time in depressive symptom states than BD I patients because a higher proportion of BD II patients have depressive phases and the frequency of these is higher. Differences in type of index phase may markedly confound differences in outcome between BD I and II.