AIMS β-Sitosterol has become a popular cholesterol-lowering functional food product worldwide. β-Sitosterol can be oxidized to β-sitosterol oxidation products (SOPs) during food processing. Little is known about the impact of SOPs and β-sitosterol on the functionality of arteries. This study investigated the effects of SOPs and β-sitosterol on vasorelaxation and the possible cellular mechanisms...

To ensure the microbiological quality, consumer safety and organoleptic properties of cosmetic products, manufacturers need to comply with defined standards using several preservatives and disinfectants. A drawback regarding the use of these preservatives is the possibility of generating cross-insusceptibility to other disinfectants or preservatives, as well as cross resistance to antibiotics. ...

Short tandem repeat (STR) loci in the human genome can be used for individual identification (1). Simultaneous PCR-amplification and size determination at several STR loci is desirable in order to: (i) increase the information gained when only very small amounts of template DNA are available, (ii) maximise throughput of samples and (iii) minimise costs. One means of increasing the number of loc...

This paper examines the relationship between intra-industry trade in intermediate products, pollution and increasing returns. We develop a two-country model in which production occurs in two stages, final and intermediate good production. Intermediate goods are produced under monopolistic competition and final good production exhibits increasing returns with respect to the number of varieties o...

Cases of contaminated nonsterile products have been reported in increasing numbers. Often, these contaminated products are associated with the presence of objectionable microorganisms. The major contaminants of nonsterile pharmaceutical products and ingredients are bacteria, yeasts, and molds. The combination of parts 1 and 2 of this series of articles provides a thorough examination of microbi...

It is becoming more challenging to achieve very high reliability for products made with advanced technologies (90nm and smaller). [International Technology Semiconductor Roadmap, 2002] There are a variety of reasons for this trend--a brief summary is included below. This trend will force IC manufacturers to adopt new test and stress methods and to improve product reliability using system archit...

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Gluten is the protein component in wheat, rye and barley. Recent advances have increased our understanding of the molecular basis for this disorder. In the last 10 years, cutting edge scientific developments in this disease have led to the formulation of new concept...

AIM To develop a method for enhanced polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product detection. METHODS During the PCR, the double-stranded product is generated with fluorescent dye on one strand, and biotin on the other strand. The product is captured on the streptavidin-coated plates with high efficiency (IPCRp). Washing of the all unamplified compounds, including dye-labeled unincorporated primers...