Consumption of a novel dietary formula of plant sterol esters of canola oil fatty acids, in a canola oil matrix containing 1,3-diacylglycerol, reduces oxidative stress in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

The antiatherogenic properties of a novel dietary formula (PS-CO) of plant sterol esters of fatty acids, produced by enzymatic interesterification of plant sterols with canola oil (CO), in a CO matrix containing 1,3-diacylglycerol, were evaluated in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. PS-CO consumption strongly tended to lower total plasma cholesterol levels by 21%, compared to the placebo group. Blood triglycerides were reduced by 38% and 36% compared to CO and placebo-fed mice, respectively. Serum lipid peroxide levels were lowered following PS-CO administration by 62% and 63%, compared to CO and placebo administration, respectively. Unlike CO supplementation, PS-CO consumption preserved serum paraoxonase (PON1) activity. Mouse peritoneal macrophages from PS-CO-fed mice exhibited reduced cellular uptake of oxidized-LDL compared to those from placebo-fed mice and demonstrated a tendency toward a decreased capability to release superoxide anions. These findings indicate that PS-CO supplementation is beneficial in reducing serum lipid levels, and serum and macrophage oxidative stress, thus contributing to the reduction in atherogenic risk factors.     

Rheological characterization of a novel functional food: tomato juice with soy germ

The rheological properties of tomato juice containing 1.5% soy germ were compared to plain tomato juice with and without soy protein isolate. This novel product was developed to provide a delivery system of carotenoids, soy protein, and significant isoflavone content without compromising the perceived juice characteristics of tomato product. Rheological tests depicted physical gel characteristics for all three products. Dynamic tests as a function of temperature showed that the stability and the compatibility between tomato juice and soy germ were higher as compared to soy protein isolate. The hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between pectin and protein in the tomato soy protein isolate system were weakened as the temperature was increased. In the case of tomato juice with soy germ, the viscosity did not change during heating. The addition of soy germ increased the viscosity of tomato juice reinforcing the entire system without major qualitative effects on the rheological properties of plain tomato juice.     

Pesticide resistance via transposition-mediated adaptive gene truncation in Drosophila

To study adaptation, it is essential to identify multiple adaptive mutations and to characterize their molecular, phenotypic, selective, and ecological consequences. Here we describe a genomic screen for adaptive insertions of transposable elements in Drosophila. Using a pilot application of this screen, we have identified an adaptive transposable element insertion, which truncates a gene and apparently generates a functional protein in the process. The insertion of this transposable element confers increased resistance to an organophosphate pesticide and has spread in D. melanogaster recently.     

Elucidating the roles of ethanol fermentation metabolism in causing off-flavors in mandarins

To elucidate the roles of ethanol fermentation metabolism in causing off-flavors, 'Mor' mandarins were exposed to anaerobic atmospheres for 0, 2, 4, 7, and 10 days to gradually increase juice ethanol and acetaldehyde levels through enhanced fermentation. Exposure to anaerobic atmosphere caused progressive decline in fruit sensory quality, from nearly "good" to "very bad", because of decreased typical mandarin flavor and increased sensation of 'musty' and 'ethanol' off-flavors. GC-MS analysis revealed significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in the contents of 12 aroma volatiles, including the ethanol fermentation metabolites ethanol and acetaldehyde, and several fatty acid and amino acid catabolism derivates, 7 of which were ethyl esters, which suggests that they were esterification products of ethanol and acyl-CoA's derived from fatty acid and amino acid catabolism. These de novo synthesized anaerobiosis-regulated ethyl esters impart 'pungent', 'ethereal', 'waxy', 'musty', and 'fruity' notes. Overall, these results suggest that besides the direct effects of ethanol and acetaldehyde, downstream ethanol esterification products may also be involved in causing off-flavor sensation in mandarins.     

Isoflavone profile and biological activity of soy bread

The present study examines the ability of isoflavone extracts from whole soy bread and two soy bread fractions, crumb and crust, to modulate the proliferation of human prostate cancer PC-3 cells. Total isoflavone content in the two fractions of soy bread were similar (3.17 micromol/g dry basis). However, their conjugate patterns were altered. Both fractions of soy bread contained a similar level of isoflavone aglycones ( approximately 24%). Low concentrations of soy bread extracts increased PC-3 cell proliferation as much as 47% compared to untreated control. This proliferative effect in cell growth was reduced at higher extract concentration. Soy bread crust extract (10 mg/mL) reduced PC-3 cell proliferation by 15% compared to untreated control. Interestingly, wheat bread extracts increased cell proliferation at all concentrations tested. Although extracts from both breads possessed biological activity, only soy bread crust extract reduced PC-3 cell proliferation. This observation may be related to the presence of soy in this bread.     

Successful treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome in 2 dogs

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was diagnosed in 2 dogs with acute dyspnea. Short-term positive pressure ventilation and intense critical and nursing care were provided. Both dogs improved and were discharged. Few reports describe successful recovery from ARDS. Due to advances in positive pressure ventilation and improvement in the supportive care of critically ill veterinary patients, the prognosis for ARDS may improve.     

Improvement in the fracture toughness (Mode I) of laminated glass fabric composites through air-jet texturing

Delamination is the most common failure mode in laminated composites due to the reduced strength in the through-the-thickness direction. Air-jet texturing was used to provide more surface contact between the fibres and the resin by producing bulk and loops in the yarn. The development and characterization of core-and-effect textured glass yarns and the effect of texturing on the mechanical properties of laminated composites were presented in the previous papers. This paper describes the effect of texturing on the inter-laminar fracture toughness (Mode I) of glass laminated composites. The composites of twill weave fabrics were developed from both the textured and non-textured yarn and fracture toughness is tested in warp and weft directions. Significant improvement was observed in the Mode I fracture toughness of the composites after texturing. The bulkier, loopy structure of the textured yarn provided more surface contact between the fibre and the resin and significantly improved the bonding strength.     

Naltrexone does not affect isoflurane minimum alveolar concentration in cats

ObjectiveTo test whether naltrexone, an opioid receptor antagonist, affects the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in cats, a species that is relatively resistant to the general anesthetic sparing effects of most opioids.Study designRandomized, crossover, placebo-controlled, blinded experimental design.AnimalsSix healthy adult cats weighing 4.9 ± 0.7 kg.MethodsThe cats were studied twice. In the first study, baseline isoflurane MAC was measured in duplicate. The drug (saline control or 0.6 mg kg^?1 naltrexone) was administered IV every 40–60 minutes, and isoflurane MAC was re-measured. In the second study, cats received the second drug treatment using identical methods 2 weeks later.ResultsIsoflurane MAC was 2.03 ± 0.12% and was unchanged from baseline following saline or naltrexone administration.Conclusion and clinical relevanceMinimum alveolar concentration was unaffected by naltrexone. Because MAC in cats is unaffected by at least some mu-opioid agonists and antagonists, spinal neurons that are directly modulated by mu-opioid receptors in this species cannot be the neuroanatomic sites responsible for immobility from inhaled anesthetics.