bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Annexin V binding to plasma membrane predicts the quality of human cryopreserved spermatozoa
Authors: Sion Benoît , Janny Laurent , Boucher Daniel , Grizard Genevieve 
Published: December 2004

SummaryCryopreservation‐induced stress may result in membrane injury with consequent decrease of sperm motility and fertilizing capacity. This study has investigated the relationship between human spermatozoa tolerance to cryopreservation and the loss of plasma membrane asymmetry, especially translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner to the outer leaflet.The prospective study was performed on semen samples from 31 men. Conventional characteristics of 20 semen were analysed, before and after cryopreservation as well as externalization of PS assessed by annexin V‐staining in combination with the propidium iodide which stains dead cells. The fertilizing capacity was evaluated by a zona free hamster egg penetration test in 11 freeze/thaw spermatozoa samples. The percentages of vital annexin V‐negative and annexin V‐positive spermatozoa in post‐thaw samples were significantly lower than in pre‐freeze ones (10 ± 3 vs. 25 ± 5% and 22 ± 3 vs. 34 ± 4% respectively), while the percentages of dead spermatozoa annexin V‐negative and annexin V‐positive had increased (42 ± 4 vs. 23 ± 4% and 23 ± 4 vs. 16 ± 2% respectively). The percentages of progressive and total motile spermatozoa were significantly correlated with the percentage of vital annexin V‐negative spermatozoa before as well as after cryopreservation. Furthermore, recovery of motile spermatozoa after freeze/thaw was strongly correlated (p < 0.002) with the proportion of vital annexin V‐negative spermatozoa in fresh semen.The percentage of penetration of zona‐free hamster eggs was correlated (p < 0.02) with the percentage of live annexin V‐negative cryopreserved spermatozoa capacitated for 3 h. These findings provide evidence that annexinV‐binding staining in combination with PI brings additional information to predict the outcome of cryopreserved ejaculated sperm and may be used as a novel and reliable marker to study the freeze/thaw process.
Effect of various doses of palm vitamin E and tocopherol on aspirin‐ induced gastric lesions in rats
Authors: Jaarin Kamsiah , Gapor M.T. , Nafeeza M.I. , Fauzee A.M. 
Published: December 2004

Summary.This study examined the effects of vitamin E on the prevention of aspirin‐induced gastric lesions. The study was divided into two phases. Phase 1 determined the effects of various doses of palm vitamin E on the factors affecting mucosal integrity. Thirty‐two male rats of the Sprague‐Dawley strain (200–250 g) were randomly divided into four groups. Group I was fed a normal diet (control), Groups II, III and IV were fed a diet supplemented with palm vitamin E in a dose of 60 mg/kg food, 100 mg/kg food and 150 mg/kg food, respectively. The rats were killed after 4 weeks of feeding for the determination of gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), acid and mucus content. There was a significant decrease in gastric MDA and gastric acid in all the palm vitamin E supplemented groups compared to control. However, these doses of palm vitamin E had no significant effect on gastric mucus. The phase 2 study determined the effect of multiple doses of palm vitamin E and tocopherol on the prevention of aspirin‐induced gastric lesions. Fifty rats of the same weight and strain were randomized into seven groups. Group I was fed a normal diet; groups II to IV were fed with a palm vitamin E enriched diet in doses of 60 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg/kg food, respectively; groups V to VII were fed with a tocopherol‐enriched diet in doses of 20 mg, 30 mg and 50 mg/kg food, respectively. After 4 weeks of feeding with the respective diets the rats were challenged with a single intra‐gastric dose of 400 mg/kg body weight aspirin suspended in propylene glycol. The rats were killed 6 h post‐aspirin exposure for the determination of gastric lesion index and gastric parameters as mentioned in the phase I study. The gastric lesions index was significantly lower in all the vitamin E groups compared to control. The lowest ulcer index was observed in the groups that received 100 mg of palm vitamin E and 30 mg tocopherol in the diet. However, there was no significant difference in ulcer indices between palm vitamin E and tocopherol‐treated groups. The lower ulcer index was only accompanied by lower gastric MDA content. We conclude that both palm vitamin E in doses of 60 mg, 100 mg and 150 mg/kg food as well as tocopherol in doses of 20 mg, 30 mg and 50 mg/kg food are equally effective in preventing aspirin‐induced gastric lesions. The most probable mechanism is through their ability in limiting the lipid peroxidation that is involved in aspirin‐induced gastric lesions.
Studies on the haemotoxicity of chloramphenicol succinate in the Dunkin Hartley guinea pig
Authors: Turton J.a. , Andrews C.m. , Havard A.c. , Williams T.c. 
Published: December 2004

Summary.In man, chloramphenicol (CAP), induces two major haemotoxic effects. First, a reversible, dose‐related reticulocytopenia and anaemia developing during treatment. Second, a non‐dose‐related aplastic anaemia (AA), developing weeks after treatment, is often irreversible and fatal. In previous studies, we developed a mouse model of the reversible reticulocytopenia/anaemia using CAP succinate (CAPS); attempts to induce AA in the mouse with CAPS were unsuccessful; in the rat, CAPS induced only minimal haemotoxicity. We therefore wished to investigate haematological changes caused by CAPS in a third rodent, particularly in relation to the induction of significant ‘late stage’ bone marrow depression (AA). Female guinea pigs were gavaged with CAPS in three experiments. In a dose ranging study, CAPS (at 2500 and 3500 mg/kg) was administered daily for 9 days, and blood examined at 1 day post dosing. CAPS induced increased erythrocyte values (an apparent haemoconcentration effect), and reduced reticulocytes and femoral marrow nucleated cell counts (FNCC). In a second experiment, CAPS was given at 333, 666 and 1000 mg/kg (13 days); haematological changes were compared with results from the initial study, with evidence of dose‐related effects. In a final experiment, CAPS was administered (825 mg/kg, 16 days) and blood studied at 1, 12, 28 and 63 days post dosing. At day 1, erythrocyte values were decreased (NS), and reticulocytes and FNCC were reduced; the marrow was hypocellular with erythroid depletion. At 12 and 28 days, values returned towards the normal range. At 63 days, parameters were normal. Thus, CAPS (825 mg/kg for 16 days) induced changes comparable to the reversible bone marrow depression seen in man; but there was no evidence of ‘late stage’ (i.e. at 63 days) marrow depression, as would be seen in a developing or overt marrow aplasia (AA). The guinea pig (like the mouse) is a model for the early events, but is not a good model for CAP‐induced AA in man.
A new model of busulphan‐induced chronic bone marrow aplasia in the female BALB/c mouse
Authors: Gibson Frances M. , Michael Andrews C. , Diamanti Paraskevi , Rizzo Sian , Macharia George , Gordon‐Smith Edward C. , Williams Thomas , Turton John 
Published: December 2004

Summary.Aplastic anaemia (AA) is characterized by hypocellular marrow, pancytopenia, and risk of severe anaemia, haemorrhage and infection. AA is often idiopathic, but frequently occurs after exposure to drugs/chemicals. However, the pathogenesis of AA is not clearly understood, and there are no convenient animal models of drug‐induced AA. We have evaluated regimens of busulphan (BU) administration in the mouse to produce a model of chronic bone marrow aplasia showing features of human AA. Mice were given 8 doses of BU at 0, 5.25 and 10.50 mg/kg over 23 days; marrow and blood samples were examined at 1, 19, 49, 91 and 112 days after dosing. At day 1 post dosing, in mice treated at 10.50 mg/kg, nucleated marrow cells, CFU‐GM and Erythroid‐CFU were reduced. Similarly, peripheral blood erythrocytes, leucocytes, platelets and reticulocytes were reduced. At day 19 and 49 post dosing, there was a trend for parameters to return towards normal. However, at day 91 and 112 post dosing, values remained significantly depressed, with a stabilized chronic bone marrow aplasia. At day 91 and 112 post dosing, marrow cell counts, CFU‐GM and Erythroid‐CFU were decreased; marrow nucleated cell apoptosis and c‐kit+ cell apoptosis were increased; peripheral blood erythrocyte, leucocyte, and platelet counts were reduced. We conclude that this is a model of chronic bone marrow aplasia which has many interesting features of AA. The model is convenient to use and has potential in several areas, particularly for investigations on mechanisms of AA pathogenesis in man.
Aluminium administration is associated with enhanced hepatic oxidant stress that may be offset by dietary vitamin E in the rat
Authors: Abubakar M. G. , Taylor A. , Ferns G. A. A. 
Published: December 2004

Summary.It has been proposed that aluminium toxicity may be mediated, at least in part, by free radical generation. We have investigated the effects of aluminium lactate administration on indices of hepatic oxidant stress, and the consequences of concomitant dietary vitamin E, in male albino Wistar rats. Aluminium lactate was administered for 4 weeks, by ip injection at 10 mg aluminium/kg body weight. Groups of animals received a chow diet containing 0, 5, 15, or 20 mg vitamin E/g of food. A control group of rats received a normal chow diet, without being injected with aluminium. The rats were killed after 4 weeks, and blood and liver tissue removed for the measurement of aluminium and markers of oxidative stress. Plasma and liver aluminium levels were increased in all groups of animals receiving aluminium lactate (P < 0.01), although these levels were significantly reduced in rats receiving concomitant vitamin E (P < 0.05). Aluminium treatment was associated with significantly increased levels of hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P < 0.01) that were attenuated by concomitant vitamin E (P < 0.05). Hepatic catalase and reduced glutathione levels were both reduced in animals treated with aluminium (P < 0.05).
The role of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger in the hydrolysis of hazelnut fat
Authors: Sarıyar Leyla , Heperkan Dilek 
Published: December 2004

SummaryHydrolysis of hazelnut fat by moulds such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger has been investigated. The activity of mould lipases was determined by measuring triacylglycerol (TAG), free fatty acid (FFA) and partial glyceride contents of hazelnut at different times in varying relative humidity (RH) levels and at 30 °C. TAG decomposition and FFA formation caused by A. flavus lipases started earlier than that caused by A. niger lipases and the results were not affected by r.h. FFA formation was higher using A. flavus lipases than A. niger lipases at 80 and 85% r.h. but not at 90% r.h. FFA levels increased with increasing r.h. and reached 62% after 28 days of storage at 90% r.h. using A. flavus lipases. An increase in the r.h. from 80 to 85% did not affect the TAG decomposition by A. niger lipases. FFA was 91% using A. niger lipases at 90% r.h. Water addition to the hazelnuts increased the rate and amount of hydrolysis of TAG by both A. flavus and A. niger. During storage some partial glycerides were also formed.
Changes in the fatty acid composition of vegetable oils in model doughs submitted to conventional or microwave heating
Authors: Caponio Francesco , Pasqualone Antonella , Gomes Tommaso 
Published: December 2004

SummaryAn experimental investigation ascertained the variation of the contents of saturated, unsaturated and polyenoic fatty acids, as well as of the trans‐isomers of unsaturated fatty acids, in different vegetable oils (virgin olive oil, refined sunflower, refined peanut) submitted to either conventional or microwave heating. The results obtained showed that heat treatment causes a worsening of the nutritional quality of the fatty fraction. As a consequence, the contents of unsaturated and polyenoic fatty acids decreased, with greater variations in the oils heated by microwave than by a conventional oven, while the saturated fatty acid contents did not change substantially. The heat treatments also caused an increase in the trans‐isomers of unsaturated fatty acids and this was more evident after microwave treatment.
Cheddar whey processing and source: I. Effect on composition and functional properties of whey protein concentrates1
Authors: Ji T. , Haque Z. U. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryCheddar whey (RW), from either a Jersey (J) or a mixed herd (M), was used to observe the effect of source (WSr) on the composition and functionality of whey products. To observe the effect of whey processing, J‐ and M‐RW were dehydrated by four processes (WPr): (i) UF and vacuum‐evaporation (VE) followed by lactose crystallization (C) and spray‐drying (SD); (ii) VE followed by C and SD; (iii) UF and VE followed by SD without C and (iv) UF followed by SD without C. Moisture, crude fat, ash, calcium and crude protein were analysed. The emulsifying activity index (EAI), emulsion stability (ES), thermostability, oil‐holding capacity and solubility (SO) were determined. Both WPr and WSr affected these properties of whey and whey protein concentrate (WPC). Mean EAIs of J‐ and M‐RW were similar but significantly increased by UFVECSD and UFVESD treatment, respectively, to 171 and 174 m2 g−1 for J, and to 107 and 143 m2 g−1 for M. The ES of RW and pasteurized whey was significantly different based on WSr. Jersey whey showed better SO than M whey. Thermostability of WPCs was significantly increased when VE was a component of WPr. The J‐whey apparently had higher ash content, although this was decreased by UF treatment, calcium content was significantly increased. Moisture content of WPC was also WPr dependent, being more than twice higher for UF‐treated WPC compared to VE‐treated WPC. Though both parameters influenced powder functionality, WPr appeared to have a dominant affect in terms of SO and TS, and appeared crucial for EAI and ES.
Cheddar whey processing and source: II. Effect on non‐fat ice cream and yoghurt1
Authors: Haque Z. U. , Ji T. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryCheddar whey obtained from milk from either a Jersey (J) or a mixed (M) herd was used to observe the effect of whey source (WSr) and whey processing (WPr) on dairy product quality. These were (i) ultrafiltered, vacuum‐evaporated and spray‐dried after lactose crystallization (UFVECSD) and (ii) vacuum‐evaporated and spray‐dried after lactose crystallization (VECSD). These were used to replace non‐fat dry milk (NDM) in vanilla‐flavoured non‐fat yoghurt and non‐fat ice cream at 20, 60, 80 and 90% (w/w solids). Physicochemical and sensory properties of products were assessed on days 1, 15 and 30. In yoghurt, regardless of WSr, pH and titrable acidity were similar in treatments compared to control. All whey protein concentrates (WPCs) decreased apparent viscosity and syneresis. Conversely, penetration increased with increased WPC usage. All, except 20% VECSD, detrimentally affected texture. Syneresis was improved by both WSr and WPr but was better improved by WPr; UFVECSD was the best with regard to syneresis reduction. Yoghurt flavour appeared WSr dependent with J‐WPCs improving it most. On the contrary, texture appeared WPr dependent with all VECSDs markedly improving this parameter. In non‐fat ice cream, all WPCs decreased mix pH and increased centrifugal drainage. Jersey VECSD decreased apparent viscosity at >60% usage. Both UFVECSDs at 60% usage level improved melting resistance. Body and texture were improved by all VECSDs showing significant influence of WPr. Data indicated that both WSr and WPr impacted different attributes of dairy product quality.
Water vapour transmission in chocolate
Authors: Antunes Antonio C. B. , de Avellar Isa G. J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryDiffusion is shown not to be the only phenomenon responsible for water vapour transmission in chocolate. Another phenomenon, due to the gravitation drift of the water absorbed by the chocolate, can be observed and evaluated by analysing the published experimental data on the water vapour transmission rate in chocolate. A theoretical model that permits the determination of the contribution from gravitation drift to moisture transmission is presented as a working hypothesis. This model is shown to give a good fit to a particular set of data from the literature.
Characterization of milk by analysis of its terpene fractions
Authors: Fernandez Christine , Astier Catherine , Rock Edmond , Coulon Jean‐Baptiste , Berdagué Jean‐Louis 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThirty‐five representative samples of milk from either a highland area of France (Auvergne region) or a lowland area of France (Brittany region) were collected in spring and summer (grazing periods), and in winter (stabling period). The monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes extracted from the milk fat were semi‐quantified by dynamic headspace–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (DHS‐GC‐MS). Milk samples were classified by factorial discriminant analysis. Milk collected in the Auvergne highland area was richer in sesquiterpenes than that collected in the Brittany lowland area. All the samples were correctly classified according to their geographical origin irrespective of seasonal herd management pattern. These findings show that the assay of terpene compounds can provide useful fingerprints for the characterization of dairy produce according to geographical area and production conditions.
Palynological, physico‐chemical and colour characterization of Moroccan honeys. II. Orange (Citrus sp.) honey
Authors: Terrab Anass , Díez Maria J. , Heredia Francisco J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe palynological, physico‐chemical and chromatic properties of twelve samples of Moroccan orange honeys were measured. A minimum of 10% of Citrus sp. pollen is considered enough to consider a honey as unifloral. These honeys are poor in pollen grains (PG) – eleven of the twelve samples show less than 20 000 PG per 10 g of honey. The presence of Eucalyptus, Plantago, Anthemis arvensis, Sinapis arvensis, Olea europaea, Acacia and Quercus pollen allows the differentiation of these honeys from those with a different geographical origin. From the physico‐chemical point of view, the honeys present a low level of sucrose, ash and minerals content, and medium–high values for the water content, electrical conductivity, free acidity and maltose. Melezitose is not present in any samples. As for the chromatic parameters, the luminance (Y), along with the lightness (L*) and chroma showed very low values.
Palynological, physico‐chemical and colour characterization of Moroccan honeys: I. River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh) honey
Authors: Terrab Anass , Díez Maria Josefa , Heredia Francisco José 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe melissopalynological, physico‐chemical and colour characteristics of Eucalyptus honeys from Morocco were studied. It is generally accepted that a minimum content of 70% of Eucalyptus pollen is necessary to classify an Eucalyptus honey as unifloral. Twenty‐eight physico‐chemical and five colour parameters were measured, including the content of sugars and minerals, proline, water content, pH, acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural, diastase activity, ash, electrical conductivity, colour coordinates (L*, a*, b*), chroma (C*ab) and hue angle (hab). Pollen analysis was included, and samples contained a mean of six pollen types (range 2–12). The majority of the samples (75%) contained more than 90%Eucalyptus pollen. The presence of Quercus, Plantago and Thymelaea pollen allows the differentiation of these honeys from those with a different geographical origin. Physico‐chemical analysis showed that there was a low percentage of sucrose ( = 0.01%) and trisaccharides. Mineral analysis showed a low percentage of Mg ( = 25.99 ppm) and K ( = 205 ppm), while electrical conductivity ( = 721 μS cm−1) and diastase activity ( = 39.05 °Gothe) showed medium‐high values. The colour parameters lightness (L*) and chroma (C*ab) showed relatively low values.
Physical and sensory characteristics of sugar cookies containing mixtures of wheat, fonio (Digitaria exilis) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flours
Authors: McWatters Kay H. , Ouedraogo Jean B. , Resurreccion Anna V. A. , Hung Yen‐C. , Phillips R. Dixon 
Published: December 2004

SummaryWhite fonio (Digitaria exilis) and California blackeye cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flours were used in sugar cookie preparation. Formulations were: (1) 100% wheat, (2) 50% wheat/50% fonio, (3) 50% wheat/50% cowpea, (4) 33% wheat/33% fonio/33% cowpea, (5) 25% wheat/75% fonio, (6) 25% wheat/50% fonio/25% cowpea, (7) 75% fonio/25% cowpea and (8) 50% fonio/50% cowpea. The 100% wheat cookies had the greatest spread ratio (5.86) and the 75% wheat/25% cowpea the least (4.39). The 50% fonio/50% cowpea cookies required the most force (720.3 N) to shear and the 50% wheat/50% fonio the least (399.4 N). The 100% wheat and the 50% wheat/50% cowpea cookies had the lightest colour and the 25% wheat/75% fonio the darkest. Sensory panel assessments of appearance, colour and texture were not affected by component flours. Cookies containing 100% wheat or 50% wheat /50% fonio received the highest hedonic ratings for flavour (7.1 and 6.7, respectively) and overall acceptability (6.9 and 6.5, respectively). All other formulations were unacceptable.
Breeding biology and success of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus in the eastern Pyrenees
Authors: Margalida Antoni , Garcia Diego , Bertran JOAN , Heredia Rafael 
Published: December 2004

We present data from an extensive study of Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus breeding biology in the Pyrenees from 1992 to 1999. Average laying date was 6 January (range 11 December to 12 February, n = 69) with no significant differences between years. Eighty per cent of clutches were of two eggs (n = 20) and average incubation was 54 days (range 52–56, n = 14). Hatching occurred on average between 21 February and 3 March (range 5 February–7 April) and the first and last chicks fledged in 21–27 May and 20 July, respectively. The average chick age at fledging was 123 days (range 103–133, n = 20). Bearded Vulture density increased significantly during the study period. Breeding success and productivity declined apparently as a consequence of the increase in the percentage of breeding failures during incubation and chick rearing, most during the hatching period. The factors that may determine breeding failure and the decline in breeding performance are analysed and management recommendations for more effective conservation measures are discussed.
Autumn migration and wintering areas of Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus nesting on the Kola Peninsula, northern Russia
Authors: Ganusevich Sergei A. , Maechtle Thomas L. , Seegar William S. , Yates Michael A. , McGrady Michael J. , Fuller Mark , Schueck Linda , Dayton Jim , Henny Charles J. 
Published: December 2004

Four female Peregrine Falcons Falco peregrinus breeding on the Kola Peninsula, Russia, were fitted with satellite‐received transmitters in 1994. Their breeding home ranges averaged 1175 (sd = ±714) km2, and overlapped considerably. All left their breeding grounds in September and migrated generally south‐west along the Baltic Sea. The mean travel rate for three falcons was 190 km/day. Two Falcons wintered on the coasts of France and in southern Spain, which were, respectively, 2909 and 4262 km from their breeding sites. Data on migration routes suggested that Falcons took a near‐direct route to the wintering areas. No prolonged stopovers were apparent. The 90% minimum convex polygon winter range of a bird that migrated to Spain encompassed 213 km2 (n = 54). The area of the 50% minimum convex polygon was 21.5 km2 (n = 29). Data from this study agree with others from North America that show that Falcons breeding in a single area do not necessarily follow the same migratory path southward and do not necessarily use the same wintering grounds.