Estradiol Favors the Formation of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (20:5n-3) and n-3 Docosapentaenoic Acid (22:5n-3) from Alpha-Linolenic Acid (18:3n-3) in SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Whether neurosteroids regulate the synthesis of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in brain cells is unknown. We examined the influence of 17-β-estradiol (E2) on the capacity of SH-SY5Y cells supplemented with α-linolenic acid (ALA), to produce eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Cells were incubated for 24 or 72 h with ALA added alone or in combination with E2 (ALA + E2). Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography of ethanolamine glycerophospholipids (EtnGpl) and phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). Incubation for 24 h with ALA alone increased EPA and DPA in EtnGpl, by 330 and 430% compared to controls (P < 0.001) and DHA by only 10% (P < 0.05). Although DHA increased by 30% (P < 0.001) in ALA + E2-treated cells, the difference between the ALA and ALA + E2 treatments were not significant after 24 h (Anova-1, Fisher’s test). After 72 h, EPA, DPA and DHA further increased in EtnGpl and PtdCho of cells supplemented with ALA or ALA + E2. Incubation for 72 h with ALA + E2 specifically increased EPA (+34% in EtnGpl, P < 0.001) and DPA (+15%, P < 0.001) compared to ALA alone. Thus, SH-SY5Y cells produced membrane EPA, DPA and DHA from supplemental ALA. The formation of DHA was limited, even in the presence of E2. E2 significantly favored EPA and DPA production in cells grown for 72 h. Enhanced synthesis of ALA-elongation products in neuroblastoma cells treated with E2 supports the hypothesis that neurosteroids could modulate the metabolism of PUFA.     

Simple approach for the plasma treatment of polymeric membranes and investigation of the aging effect

The modification of the surface characteristics after treatment with plasma in polymeric materials, such as the aging phenomenon, calls the attention of research in the area of nonthermal plasma technology. In this work, a direct treatment with dielectric-barrier discharge plasma was used on the surfaces of ultrafiltration membranes. The measurements of the contact angle with water, attenuated total reflectance accessory, zeta potential, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy-MEV were performed on the surfaces to verify changes after plasma treatment and to understand the occurrence and timing of the plasma aging effect. In the analysis of the membrane performance, hydraulic permeation and protein retention tests were performed. The results showed an improvement in wettability and hydrophilic properties in the post-treated membranes. The study of reversibility/aging of the post-plasma surface is important for research that deals with the modification of polymeric membranes. Changes in surface morphology, topography and wettability of the membranes were observed up to seven days after treatment, with a tendency to return to the initial characteristics of the membranes.     

Review of Comprendre et soigner la crise suicidaire.

Reviews the book, Comprendre et soigner la crise suicidaire by Laurent Morasz et Fran?ois Danet (2008).This work examines a psychodynamic theoretical approach focused on the suicide crisis clinic and the “caregiver/cared for” relationship by illustrating different clinical examples representing individuals at various stages of the suicide process. The value and strength of this book lie in the rich and interesting clinical experience it brings forward; there is no attempt to distinguish between “objective” and “more subjective psychodynamic” approaches. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Treating intimate partner violence among substance-abusing dyads: The effect of couples therapy.

This study examined whether participation in couples therapy, compared with individual therapy, had a differential effect on the day-to-day relationship between substance use and occurrences of intimate partner violence (IPV) among married or cohabiting substance-abusing men. Patients (N = 207) were randomly assigned to either partner-involved behavioral couples therapy (BCT; included non-substance-abusing female partners in conjoint sessions) or individual-based treatment (IBT; male partners only). Couples in BCT reported lower levels of IPV and substance use at a 12-month posttreatment follow-up compared with couples with male partners in IBT. Moreover, treatment assignment was a significant moderator of the day-to-day relationship between substance use and IPV. Likelihood of nonsevere and severe male-to-female partner violence on days of male partners’ substance use was lower among couples who received BCT compared with IBT. These findings indicate couples therapy may play an important role in the treatment of IPV among substance-abusing couples. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Partial coalescence as a tool to control sensory perception of emulsions

This study evaluates the role of partial coalescence of whey protein-stabilized emulsions on sensory perception. The selection of fats was restricted to vegetable fats that are essentially melted at oral temperatures. The sensitivity to partial coalescence was controlled by a variation in the fat melting curve and by addition of unsaturated monoglyceride. Most fat-related sensory attributes appear to be well-correlated to an increase in viscosity and coalescence in the mouth due to partial coalescence. Moreover, it was found that in-mouth aeration induces extra coalescence, which increases the perception of fat-related sensory attributes significantly.     

Inhibition by Lactobacillus sakei of other species in the flora of vacuum packaged raw meats during prolonged storage

The abilities of five Lactobacillus sakei strains and one Lactococcus lactis strain to retain inhibitory activity against several target organisms in the flora of product during 12 weeks storage of vacuum-packaged lamb and beef was investigated. L. sakei strains were generally found capable of developing dominant populations on both beef and lamb. L. lactis 75 grew poorly on lamb did not inhibit co-inoculated Brochothrix thermosphacta. Lamb inoculated with the Sakacin-A producer L. sakei Lb706 had lower Listeria monocytogenes populations than lamb inoculated with a bacteriocin-negative variant. In beef packs inoculated with Clostridium estertheticum spores and L. sakei strain 27, 44 or 63, the development of blown-pack spoilage was delayed by up to one week. Campylobacter jejuni inoculated onto beef was recovered from fewer packs when it was co-inoculated with 3000 CFU cm⁻² of L. sakei strain 27, 44 or 63. Observed inhibition did not always correlate with inhibition observed in earlier media-based studies, supporting the view that functionality identified using simple media-based screening methods may not be replicated in the complex environment of stored foods, and vice-versa. These findings further define a set of L. sakei strains with potential for the extended bio-preservation of minimally processed fresh beef and lamb.     

Atomic force microscopy study of the antimicrobial activity of aqueous garlic versus ampicillin against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND: In this study the effects of ampicillin and aqueous garlic extract on Escherichia coli (ATCC 9637) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) were compared. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to study the possible mechanisms of membrane disruption. RESULTS: Ampicillin disrupted the cell membrane of E. coli, inducing pores and cell leakage. Aqueous garlic extract also induced leakage from the cell membrane in E. coli, but no pores were observed. The trend in Young's modulus for E. coli was E_native ≈ E_age > E_amp. In contrast, S. aureus incubated with low ampicillin (≤50µg mL^?1) and garlic (≤50 mg mL^?1) concentrations showed no significant changes in surface morphology compared with the untreated bacterium. The trend in Young's modulus for S. aureus was E_native ≈ E_age ≈ E_amp. CONCLUSION: The trend E_native ≈ E_age for E. coli and S. aureus supports the hypothesis that the compounds in garlic show intracellular activity. This proof‐of‐concept study of the aqueous crude isolate of garlic points to the feasibility of further AFM investigations to compare the antimicrobial properties of various pure thiosulfinate isolates found in garlic. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Application of Selected Natural Antimicrobial Formulations for the Control of Food Pathogens in Fresh-Cut Cauliflower

In recent years, research on biopolymer based-coating containing natural antimicrobial agents is developing significantly. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial efficiency of six formulations containing pre-selected natural antimicrobial compounds against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O 157：H7, Salmonella typhimurium, the total bacteria and total yeasts and molds in cauliflower. Each formulation was subjected to a sensory test in parallel to microbiological analysis and the efficiency during storage at 5 ℃ was evaluated for the two best formulations, based on their ability to eliminate the target microorganisms. Both formulations were able to reduce all pathogens and total flora below detectable levels after 24 h of storage at 5 ℃. Using washing or spraying treatments, the two formulations were able to reduce Listeria to undetectable levels for 3 d. This efficiency was extended to 7 d when the formulations were incorporated into an edible coating. Washing treatment with the two formulations was also able to limit the growth of yeast and molds at levels lower than 2 log, for more than 7 d. The population of E. coli was reduced to below the detection limit during 14 d of storage, after washing treatment with the two formulations. The spraying treatment of cauliflower with the formulations allowed the use of very small amounts of antimicrobials while maintaining a fairly good efficiency, greatly reducing the potential costs of implementing this method in the industry. Future research may focus on development of nanoemulsion of antimicrobial formulations based on the developed antimicrobial formulations in this study to improve the better coating efficiency.