Mode comparison study on willingness to buy and willingness to pay for organic foods: paper-and-pencil versus computerized questionnaire

This contribution looks into the survey mode effect using a randomized trial comparing data from paper-and-pencil and computerized web questionnaire concerning the willingness to buy (WTB) and the willingness to pay (WTP) for two food products certified as organic. A survey questionnaire was filled in by 110 university students for each mode in thermal comfort lab conditions. The design enables to study measurement variance specifically attributable to the mode of questionnaire completion (i.e. mode effect) and presentation of products (i.e. stimulus effect). While the two questionnaires were as similar as possible, the paper-and-pencil version involved the actual presentation of a tetra pack package of organic orange juice of 750 ml and a paper package of organic spaghetti of 500 g, but the computerized version involved their video projection. As regards the difference in substantive results, the prospective consumers “subjects” seemed to be more willing to buy the organic orange juice when presented live than presented on video embedded in the computerized questionnaire, while only women were willing to pay more for orange juice for the paper-and-pencil mode. No difference was found for the organic spaghetti product. As regards the response quality, in contrast to previous studies respondents wrote fewer words to the open-ended question in the computerized than in the paper-and-pencil version of the questionnaire. In addition, the study shows that using video clips as replacement for physical product presentations when measuring WTB and WTP as important concepts in consumer preference research needs further testing and evaluation as respondents may not react to them in the same way.     

Development of hydrogels,oleogels, and bigels as local drug delivery systems for periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of gum and tissues that surround and support the teeth. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used in the treatment of periodontitis to ease swelling and inflammation. One approach of treating periodontitis is loading the NSAIDs in local drug delivery systems. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the local delivery of the NSAIDs model drug ibuprofen to treat periodontitis using different types of gel formulations (hydrogel, oleogel, and bigel). Gel formulations were characterized in terms of their rheological properties (flow behavior, viscoelastic, and bioadhesive properties) using a controlled-stress rheometer. The in vitro drug release of ibuprofen from gel formulations was investigated using Franz diffusion cells. Gels exhibited more solid-like (elastic) behavior. The viscosity and viscoelastic properties were in the order of oleogel?>?bigel?>?hydrogel, respectively. In bioadhesion study, mucin dispersion/plain ibuprofen-hydrogel mixture showed a frequency-dependent interaction of ΔG’?=??31 and ΔG’?=?+?53?Pa at 1 and 10?rad/s, respectively. A strong positive interaction (ΔG’?=?+?6000 and +130,667?Pa at 1 and 10?rad/s, respectively) was found in mucin dispersion/plain ibuprofen–oleogel mixture. The extent of the negative interaction increased in mucin dispersion/plain ibuprofen-bigel mixture (ΔG’?=??59,000 and ?79,375?Pa at 1 and 10?rad/s, respectively). After 6?h, ibuprofen release from hydrogel, oleogel, and bigel was 59.5?±?2.2, 80.6?±?3.9, and 94.6?±?3.2%, respectively. Results showed that the rheological and bioadhesive properties and in vitro drug release were influenced by the type of gel formulations.     

Inhibition of Clostridium tyrobutyricum by Streptococcus macedonicus ACA-DC 198 under conditions mimicking Kasseri cheese production and ripening

Three fermentations in skim milk were used to study the effectiveness of the bacteriocin-producing Streptococcus macedonicus ACA-DC 198 strain to inhibit Clostridium tyrobutyricum LMG 1285T spore outgrowth under conditions prevailing during Kasseri cheese production and ripening. In fermentation A, Clostridium spores were used solely; in fermentation B, S. macedonicus ACA-DC 198 and Clostridium spores were used; in fermentation C, a commercial starter culture and Clostridium spores were used. The temperature program applied was similar to that of Kasseri cheese production and ripening. The presence of macedocin, the bacteriocin produced by S. macedonicus ACA-DC 198, was confirmed in fermentation B. The results showed that macedocin was able to inhibit the outgrowth of Clostridium spores, since significantly higher inhibition in spore outgrowth was detected in fermentation B than in fermentation C.     

Arab and Israeli counseling trainees: A comparison of ethnically homogeneous and heterogeneous groups.

The study compared Arab and Jewish trainees in ethnically homogeneous and heterogeneous groups, in 1 counselor training program in Israel. The 60 participants were divided into 4 conditions: Jewish trainees in homogeneous and heterogeneous groups (n=15 in each), and Arab trainees in homogeneous and heterogeneous groups (n=15 in each). Functioning in the group was measured through group climate (engagement, conflict, and avoidance), group intimacy, self-disclosure, and regret of disclosure. Results indicated cultural differences only on self-disclosure, with Arabs scoring lower than Jews on several dimensions. Group composition differences were mainly indicated on the climate measure, with higher scores in the heterogeneous group on conflict and avoidance, and lower scores on regret of feeling exposure. Culture-by-group interactions were found for engagement, self-disclosure, and regret after disclosure about self, with Arabs in heterogeneous groups scoring higher on the first 2 and lower on the third. These results recommend placing Arab trainees in heterogeneous groups. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Transgenic Chicks Expressing Interferon-Inducible Transmembrane Protein 1 (IFITM1) Restrict Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Influenza Viruses

Mammalian cells utilize a wide spectrum of pathways to antagonize the viral replication. These pathways are typically regulated by antiviral proteins and can be constitutively expressed but also exacerbated by interferon induction. A myriad of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) have been identified in mounting broad-spectrum antiviral responses. Members of the interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) family of proteins are unique among these ISGs due to their ability to prevent virus entry through the lipid bilayer into the cell. In the current study, we generated transgenic chickens that constitutively and stably expressed chicken IFITM1 (chIFITM1) using the avian sarcoma-leukosis virus (RCAS)-based gene transfer system. The challenged transgenic chicks with clinical dose 10⁴ egg infective dose 50 (EID₅₀) of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) subtype H5N1 (clade 2.2.1.2) showed 100% protection and significant infection tolerance. Although challenged transgenic chicks displayed 60% protection against challenge with the sub-lethal dose (EID₅₀ 10⁵), the transgenic chicks showed delayed clinical symptoms, reduced virus shedding, and reduced histopathologic alterations compared to non-transgenic challenged control chickens. These finding indicate that the sterile defense against H5N1 HPAIV offered by the stable expression of chIFITM1 is inadequate; however, the clinical outcome can be substantially ameliorated. In conclusion, chIFITM proteins can inhibit influenza virus replication that can infect various host species and could be a crucial barrier against zoonotic infections.     

Nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with simvastatin: effect of PEG/glycerides on characterization,stability, cellular uptake efficiency and in vitro cytotoxicity

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of PEG/glycerides of different HLB; oleoyl macrogol-6-glycerides (Labrafil^® M 1944 CS) and caprylocaproylmacrogol-8-glycerides (Labrasol^®), compared to Labrafac lipophile^® as PEG-free glyceride in the preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). PEG/glycerides are suggested to perform a dual function; as the oily component, and as the PEG-containing substrate required for producing the PEGylated carriers without physical or chemical synthesis.

Methods: Lipid nanocarriers were loaded with simvastatin (SV) as a promising anticancer drug. An optimization study of NLC fabrication variables was first conducted. The effect of lyophilization was investigated using cryoprotectants of various types and concentrations. The prepared NLCs were characterized in terms of particle size (PS), size distribution (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), drug entrapment, in vitro drug release, morphology and drug–excipient interactions. The influence of glycerides?±?PEG on the cytotoxicity of SV was evaluated on MCF-7 breast cancer cells, in addition to the cellular uptake of fluorescent blank NLCs.

Results: The alteration between different oil types had a significant impact on PS, ZP and drug release. Both sucrose and trehalose showed the lowest increase in PS and PDI of the reconstituted lyophilized NLCs. The in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies indicated that SV showed the highest antitumor effect on MCF-7 cancer cells when loaded into Labrasol^® NLCs demonstrating a high cellular uptake as well.

Conclusion: The study confirms the applicability of PEG/glycerides in the development of NLCs. Encapsulating SV in Labrasol^®-containing NLC could enhance the antitumor effect of the drug.     

Development and assessment of stable formulations containing two herbal antimicrobials: Allium sativum L. and Eruca sativa miller seed oils

Abstract

Context: Garlic oil and Eruca oil have been reported to have excellent antimicrobial activity. However, the exact knowledge of their required hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (rHLB) values to facilitate their emulsification are still not reported in the literature.

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine rHLB values of Garlic and Eruca oils to formulate an elegant stable cream formulation enriched with both oils.

Materials and methods: Emulsions of both oils were prepared by the bottle method using water, Tween 80 and Span 80. Formulated emulsions were evaluated for creaming index (CI), droplet size, and turbidity to determine rHLB. Utilizing determined rHLB, creams were formulated using a combination of two surfactants, Span 60:Brij 58 (1:2.333) at three different concentrations (2, 4, and 6%).

Results: rHLB of Garlic oil and Eruca oil was determined to be 7.92?±?0.27 and 9.76?±?0.32, respectively. Stable cream (F1) developed with 2% surfactant blend showed elegant rheological properties, the best antimicrobial activity against Staphyococcus aureus ATCC29737, Escherichia coli ATCC25299 S. aureus (MRSA), Malassezia fufur AUMC No. 5173 with no skin irritation. In addition, its texture parameters and pH were found to be consistent over 12 months at 25?±?1?°C and 60% relative humidity.

Discussion: The lowest CI, smallest droplet size, and highest turbidity were obtained at the optimum surfactant concentration in the prepared emulsions. Increasing surfactant blend concentration in cream formulations leads to increasing viscosity and consequently decreasing antimicrobial activity.

Conclusion: Determination of the rHLB of Garlic and Eruca oils allows the ease of preparation of stable, consistent, and non-irritant cream.     

Purification of Bacillus licheniformis Lipase and its Application as an Additive in Detergent for Destaining

In this study, we aimed to optimize the nutritional and environmental conditions for the production of a novel lipase (LBL) from Bacillus licheniformis (GenBank accession no. MT118724). This strain was characterized by morphological and biochemical assays and Sanger sequencing of 16S rDNA. The crude lipolytic activity reached a maximum level 7.5 U mL⁻¹ at 40 °C and pH 8.0 using olive oil as substrate. Additionally, the crude enzyme maintained 100% of its initial activity after incubation for 1 h at 50 °C and pH 9.0. It is mandatory to note that LBL lipase displayed appreciable stability over a wide pH range and extreme temperatures. After purification, the optimal lipolytic activity was observed at pH 8.0 and 40 °C. LBL was shown to be a monomeric protein with an estimated molecular weight of 40 kDa. This novel lipase exhibited high stability and excellent compatibility compared to lipase extracted from Thermomyces lanuginosa (Lipolase® from Novozymes, Denmark) toward various detergents. Washing performance analysis revealed that it efficiently removes tomato sauce stain from cotton cloth. All these interesting enzymatic properties favor this new lipase as a potent candidate for applications in detergent formulations.     

Enzymatic Incorporation of Modified Purine Nucleotides in DNA

A series of nucleotide analogues, with a hypoxanthine base moiety (8‐aminohypoxanthine, 1‐methyl‐8‐aminohypoxanthine, and 8‐oxohypoxanthine), together with 5‐methylisocytosine were tested as potential pairing partners of N⁸‐glycosylated nucleotides with an 8‐azaguanine or 8‐aza‐9‐deazaguanine base moiety by using DNA polymerases (incorporation studies). The best results were obtained with the 5‐methylisocytosine nucleotide followed by the 1‐methyl‐8‐aminohypoxanthine nucleotide. The experiments demonstrated that small differences in the structure (8‐azaguanine versus 8‐aza‐9‐deazaguanine) might lead to significant differences in recognition efficiency and selectivity, base pairing by Hoogsteen recognition at the polymerase level is possible, 8‐aza‐9‐deazaguanine represents a self‐complementary base pair, and a correlation exists between in vitro incorporation studies and in vivo recognition by natural bases in Escherichia coli, but this recognition is not absolute (exceptions were observed).