bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eversion of third eyelid and its correction using microsurgery
Authors: Hadzi-Milic Milan
Published: October 2011

Eversion of the third eyelid - EPT, is a condition when the third eyelid rolls back, actually of its margin anteriorally. It occurs almost exclusively in big dog breeds such as the German shepherd, doga, St. Bernard, Newfoundalnder, retrievers, and English bulldogs. Congenital or acquired weakness of the PT cartilage is considered as the main reason for the incidence of EPT. The clinical picture is diverse and it most often depends on the intensity, duration and possible complications. The most prominent sign is a certain degree of EPT. Therapy is based on careful submucous excision of the deformed cartilage, with optional stitching of the conjunctive. The most frequent complication is a repeated eversion of the eyelid, as well as protrusion of the PT gland. The prognosis is good if the preoperative and operative procedure are carried out as required, and the eyelid is not too long. .
Adding zeolite 'minazel-plus' in feeding Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) and its influence on morphometrical characteristics
Authors: Obradovic Sasa , Vukasinovic Marija , Sekler Milanko , Rajkovic Miodrag , Kosanovic Nada
Published: October 2011

The influence of natural zeolite was analyzed, as a food additive applied in a concentration of 0,8% on morphometrical characteristics and basic production index of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) breeding. By analyzing the obtained results it is found that the presence of zeolite in the trout food has a positive effect with a statistical significance (p<0,05 ) on all analyzed morphometrical indexes of the fish growth rate, on their final body weight, total body length, body length and height, as well as their growth. Including zeolite in the trout mixture had a stimulative effect on the accomplished results of the basic production index of the condition factor (CF), the coefficient of total growth (CTG) and production index (PI) in comparison with the Co-group of fish that are fed without adding zeolite to food.
Diagnostics of anterior eye segment in cats and dogs
Authors: Hadzi-Milic Milan
Published: October 2011

Diagnostics of the anterior segment of the eye present the most frequent diagnostics implemented in ophthalmology and by most veterinary practicians as well. This paper presents the complete diagnostics in the most concise form possible. The procedure with animals is presented first, followed by the equipment, and then anamnesis. The following diagnostic methods are presented: examination in a lighted room which include an examination from a distance, taking a smear, the Schirmer tear test (STT), an examination from close by, examination in a dark room which comprises the elementary examinations, such as the use of focal lighting and examination using a direct ophthalmoscope, and special examination in a dark room, such as biomicroscopy, gonioscopy and keratoscopy. Additional examination methods are also included.
Natural enemies of fish as cause of economic losses in fish ponds
Authors: Markovic Maja , Palic Ksenija
Published: October 2011

The presence of natural enemies of fish can result in huge economic damage to fish ponds. Direct damages result from the fact that ichthyophagous bird species are capable of eating large quantities of fish in a short time interval, or can cause mechanical injuries to fish which later on become ideal places for the development of secondary infections. In the surviving fish, depending on the depth of the lesions, the healing process takes place either by regeneration or substitution. More serious, bigger damaged areas heal with a scar that can lead to the deforming of parts of the body, and consumers find such fish, which are generally used for human consumption, repellent. According to Schaperclaus, birds can cause even more than 60% losses in carp breeding ponds, in particular in objects where carp fry are maintained. Indirect damages occur when the bird organs are inhabited by larvae or other forms of parasites, which reach the water through feces, and later become fish pathogens through transitory hosts.
Significance of coagulase-positive staphylococci for microbiological food safety
Authors: Katic Vera
Published: October 2011

Staphylococcal foodborne intoxication, in which major symptoms are vomiting and diarrhoea, occurs after ingestion of thermostable staphylococcal enterotoxins produced in food by enterotoxigenic strains of coagulase-positive staphylococci. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are normally not or only slightly inactivated during food processing, storage, distribution or during the preparation of the food in the kitchen. Therefore, if enterotoxigenic staphylococci are able to grow in food to more then 105 - 106 cfu/g/ml before they are killed there is still a risk of intoxication with consumption. The legislation of the Republic of Serbia lays down criteria for coagulase- positive staphylococci in food. However, the number of coagulase-positive staphylococci may not always be a good indicator of the presence of staphylococal enterotoxins, and the number of cells may have already decreased although the product still contains enterotoxins. The microbiological criteria for coagulase-positive staphylococci and/or staphylococcal enterotoxins in food are essential and useful to protect public health.
Control of Listeria monocytogenes in food production plants
Authors: Dimitrijevic Mirjana , Karabasil Nedjeljko , Kilibarda Natasa , Teodorovic Vlado , Baltic Milan
Published: October 2011

L. monocytogenes has been established in different plants for the production of food, including dairy plants, abattoirs, plants for the processing of fish, as well as those for the production of ready-to-eat (RTE) food and this fact is being considered as the primary mechanism of food contamination with this bacteria. There is also the factor of numerous and diverse contaminated production equipment, because it has certain parts that are inaccessible for the necessary cleaning and disinfection. The temperature, position, as well as the material of the work surface are also linked to the contamination of plants with this bacteria. Investigations carried out so far have helped toward the better understanding of the manner and time of contamination of food items in the course of the production process, but there are still unresolved problems, including most certainly the biggest one - the adherence of bacteria and the creation of a biofilm, when the bacteria is in that condition more resistant to so-called stress factors which are usually used in the food industry for the purpose of decontamination of the surfaces with which foods come into contact. The control of L. monocytogenes in food production plants is possible primarily by using an integrated programme, compatible with the systems Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) and Good Hygiene Practice (GHP), necessary in the production of food that is safe for the consumer. Essentially, the control measures that can contribute to reducing the incidence of findings of L.monocytogenes in the finished product, as well as the reducing of the level of contamination with this bacteria are linked, on the one hand, with hygiene procedures in the production process, and, on the other, with the applied technological procedures.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors and Bone Fractures
Authors: Monami Matteo , Dicembrini Ilaria , Antenore Alessandro , Mannucci Edoardo
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE

Thiazolidinediones and insulin are associated with a higher risk of fractures in type 2 diabetic patients. Incretin hormones increase bone density in experimental models, but the effect of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on bone fractures has not been reported so far.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A meta-analysis was performed including all randomized clinical trials with a duration of at least 24 weeks, enrolling patients with type 2 diabetes, comparing DPP-4 inhibitors with placebo or active drugs.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight trials enrolling 11,880 and 9,175 patients for DPP-4 inhibitors and comparators, respectively, were included, reporting 63 fractures. DPP-4 inhibitors, compared with placebo or other treatments, were associated with a reduced risk of fractures (Mantel–Haenszel odds ratio [MH-OR] 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.99, P = 0.045), even after the exclusion of comparisons with thiazolidinediones or sulfonylureas (MH-OR 0.56, 0.33–0.93, P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis suggests that treatment with DPP-4 inhibitors could be associated with a reduced risk of bone fractures.
Effects of acepromazine maleate or morphine on tear production before, during, and after sevoflurane anesthesia in dogs
Authors: Mouney Meredith C. , Accola Peter J. , Cremer Jeannette , Shepard Molly K. , Rodriguez Guarin Carolina , Hofmeister Erik H.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To investigate the effects of acepromazine maleate and morphine on aqueous tear production before, during, and after sevoflurane anesthesia in dogs.

Animals—6 mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—In a Latin square study design, dogs underwent IM administration of morphine (1 mg/kg), acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg), or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.05 mL/kg), followed by induction and maintenance of anesthesia with sevoflurane for 30 minutes. The protocol was repeated until all dogs had received all treatments, with a minimum of 7 days between anesthetic episodes. Aqueous tear production was measured via Schirmer tear test I before treatment (baseline); before anesthetic induction; 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes after anesthetic induction; immediately once dogs recovered from anesthesia; and 2 and 10 hours after recovery.

Results—Aqueous tear production for all treatments was significantly lower 10, 20, and 30 minutes (but not 5 minutes) after anesthetic induction than at baseline, before anesthetic induction, at recovery, and 2 and 10 hours after recovery. Aqueous tear production was significantly higher after saline solution administration than after morphine administration at the preinduction measurement point and 2 hours after recovery. No other differences were detected among the 3 treatments.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Aqueous tear production after anesthesia did not differ significantly from baseline values after any treatment following 30 minutes of sevoflurane anesthesia, suggesting premedication with morphine or acepromazine does not contribute to a decrease in lacrimation in these circumstances.
Selected cardiopulmonary values and baroreceptor reflex in conscious green iguanas (Iguana iguana)
Authors: Hernandez Sonia M. , Schumacher Juergen , Lewis Stephen J. , Odoi Agricola , Divers Stephen J.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To determine selected cardiopulmonary values and baroreceptor response in conscious green iguanas (Iguana iguana) and to evaluate the use of blood gas analysis and pulse oximetry in this species.

Animals—15 healthy juvenile green iguanas.

Procedures—Baseline cardiopulmonary values were determined in 15 conscious iguanas breathing room air. Effects of 100% O2 inspiration were also measured (n = 6), and the baroreceptor reflex was characterized by exponential sigmoidal curve fitting analysis.

Results—Conscious iguanas had a mean ± SD resting heart rate of 52 ± 8 beats/min, respiratory rate of 28 ± 6 breaths/min, and systolic, mean, and diastolic arterial blood pressures of 69 ± 10 mm Hg, 62 ± 12 mm Hg, and 56 ± 13 mm Hg, respectively. Mean arterial pH at 37°C was 7.29 ± 0.11, Pao2 was 81 ± 10 mm Hg, and Paco2 was 42 ± 9 mm Hg; corrected for a body temperature of 30°C, mean arterial pH at 37°C was 7.382 ±0.12, Pao2 was 54 ± 15 mm Hg, and Paco2 was 32 ± 7 mm Hg. Inspiration of 100% O2 did not change heart and respiratory rates but increased Pao2 to 486 ± 105 mm Hg (corrected value, 437 ± 96 mm Hg). A baroreceptor reflex was evident, with mean heart rates ranging from 30 ± 3 beats/min to 63 ± 5 beats/min and mean arterial blood pressures ranging from 42 ± 3 mm Hg to 58 ± 3 mm Hg.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—This study provided needed information on cardiopulmonary values in healthy green iguanas, the application and limitation of arterial and venous blood gas analysis, and the accuracy of pulse oximetry.
Serologic response to Mannheimia haemolytica in calves concurrently inoculated with inactivated or modified-live preparations of M haemolytica and viral combination vaccines containing modified-live bovine herpesvirus type 1
Authors: Cortese Victor S. , Seeger Jon T. , Stokka Gerald S. , Hunsaker Breck D. , Lardy Gregory P. , Weigel Daniel J. , Brumbaugh Gordon W.
Published: October 2011

Objective—To assess the serologic response of calves to inactivated and modified-live (ML) Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) preparations given alone and concurrently with combination viral vaccines containing ML bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1).

Animals—642 calves seronegative for BHV-1.

Procedures—In experiment 1, 192 calves received 1 of 3 MH preparations alone or concurrently received 1 of 3 MH preparations and 1 of 4 combination viral vaccines. In experiment 2, 450 calves received 1 of 4 MH preparations alone or concurrently received 1 of 4 MH preparations and 1 of 5 combination viral vaccines. Pretreatment and posttreatment blood samples were processed to obtain serum, which was analyzed to detect concentrations of antibodies against MH leukotoxin and BHV-1.

Results—In experiment 1, antibody titers against MH leukotoxin in calves receiving MH and ML virus vaccine appeared decreased, albeit nonsignificantly, compared with titers for calves receiving MH preparations alone. In experiment 2, all groups (except for 1) concurrently receiving an MH preparation and viral vaccine had a significant decrease in antibodies against MH leukotoxin. In both experiments, there was a significant decrease in the number of calves responding to MH leukotoxin when ML viral vaccine was coadministered.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Coadministration of ML BHV-1 and MH preparations interfered with the serologic response to MH leukotoxin in calves seronegative for BHV-1. Serologic response to MH leukotoxin may be substantially improved in seronegative calves when MH vaccination is delayed until after calves have received a dose of ML BHV-1 vaccine.
Approximations of the partial derivatives by averaging
Authors: Dalík Josef
Published: October 2011

A straightforward generalization of a classical method of averaging is presented and its essential characteristics are discussed. The method constructs high-order approximations of the l-th partial derivatives of smooth functions u in inner vertices a of conformal simplicial triangulations T of bounded polytopic domains in ℝd for arbitrary d ≥ 2. For any k ≥ l ≥ 1, it uses the interpolants of u in the polynomial Lagrange finite element spaces of degree k on the simplices with vertex a only. The high-order accuracy of the resulting approximations is proved to be a consequence of a certain hypothesis and it is illustrated numerically. The method of averaging studied in [Dalík J., Averaging of directional derivatives in vertices of nonobtuse regular triangulations, Numer. Math., 2010, 116(4), 619–644] provides a solution of this problem in the case d = 2, k = l = 1.
The variational iteration method for solving n-th order fuzzy differential equations
Authors: Jafari Hossein , Saeidy Mohammad , Baleanu Dumitru
Published: October 2011

The variational iteration method (VIM) proposed by Ji-Huan He is a new analytical method for solving linear and nonlinear equations. In this paper, the variational iteration method has been applied in solving nth-order fuzzy linear differential equations with fuzzy initial conditions. This method is illustrated by solving several examples.
Analyzing selected risk factors for the development of kidney cancer
Authors: Kollárová Helena , Azeem-Skřejpková Kateřina , Tomášková Hana , Horáková Dagmar , Magnusková Silvie , Janout Vladimír
Published: October 2011

The aim of this study was to determine influence of selected lifestyle factors on kidney cancer. The study brings data from two centres of international multicentric hospital-based analytical observational case-control studies. Data were obtained from a group of 300 patients newly diagnosed with kidney cancer (ICD-O-2 code C64) and 335 controls from two centres in the Czech Republic. Results showed that smoking increased OR to 1.09 (95% CI 0.77–1.55) and 1.06 (95% CI 0.73–1.52), but the results were not statistically significant. Obesity (BMI⩾30) created adjusted OR 1.71 (95% CI 1.11–2.66) and 1.44 (95% CI 0.91–2.28), showing a minor, statistically insignificant, effect of obesity on the development of kidney cancer. For hypertension, adjusted OR was 1.73 (95% CI 1.25–2.40), suggesting a minor to moderate effect of hypertension on kidney cancer. The analysis results showed a positive association between hereditary predisposition and the development of kidney cancer with an OR of 1.97 (95% CI 1.41–2.76) and 1.97 (95% CI 1.40–2.77) depending on the model of adjustment. The reasons for the high incidence of kidney cancer are not fully understood. Genetic polymorphisms, together with other lifestyle and environmental factors, are likely to contribute to various rates of kidney cancer incidence throughout the world.
A reburning process using sewage sludge-derived syngas
Authors: Werle Sebastian
Published: October 2011

The motivation for this work was to define the reburning potential of sewage sludge (SS) gasification gas (syngas). A numerical simulation of the co-combustion process of syngas in a hard coal-fired boiler was made. All calculations were performed using the Chemkin program and a plug-flow reactor model was used. The calculations were modelled using the GRI-Mech 3.0 mechanism. The highest conversions for nitric oxide (NO) were obtained at temperatures of approximately 1000 K to 1200 K. The highest reduction efficiency was achieved when the molar flow-ratio of the syngas was 15 %. The combustion of hard coal with sewage sludge-derived syngas reduces NO emissions and the amount of coal needed to produce electricity and heat. Furthermore, advanced reburning, a more complex process, achieved an efficiency of up to 80 %. Calculations show that the syngas thus analysed can provide better results.
The epilithon of a cooling tower of the power plant at Bełchatów, Poland
Authors: Hindák František , Wołowski Konrad , Hindáková Alica
Published: October 2011

We studied the diversity of the photosynthetic microscopic epilithon overgrowing the concrete walls of a cooling tower of the power plant at Bełchatów, central Poland. Epilithon samples were collected from the open upper part of concrete walls of a cooling tower in March 2006 and examined in labs as dried material in September 2006, and again in March 2011. The aerophytic assemblages were strongly dominated by a nostocalean cyanobacterium, Scytonema myochrous C. Agardh ex Bornet et Flahault. Other cyanobacteria and algae occurred very sporadically and in low abundance. The trichome morphology of S. myochrous growing directly on the tower differs considerably from that of lab-cultured ones. Trichomes from field material were very long, conspicuously sheathed and dark brown, with relatively sparse ramification and with cylindrical cells and heterocytes. Trichomes cultivated in the laboratory were shorter and thicker, with thin, hyaline sheaths which were not layered; they were frequently ramified, and the cells and heterocytes were discoid. Besides Scytonema myochrous, the first revitalized cyanobacteria growing in laboratory conditions included Nostoc sp., Leptolyngbya gracillima (Zopf ex Hansgirg) Anagnostidis et Komárek, and Gloeothece rupestris (Lyngbye) Bornet in Witrock et Nordstedt.
The role of lakes in inflow of water and biogenic substances in the polish part of the southern Baltic Sea
Authors: Jańczak Jerzy , Niemirycz Elżbieta
Published: October 2011

Polish rivers, which make up 20% of the Baltic Sea’s catchment area, transport a load of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds into the sea. Theoretically, this load should be strongly correlated with the amount of water flowing in those rivers. However, this is not the case, especially in terms of the phosphorus compounds, since most of them come from point source pollution. The outflow load is also significantly influenced by nonpoint source pollution from farmland, which is very difficult to quantify. About 50% of nitrogen and 30% of phosphorus appear to come from nonpoint source pollution. It is important to realize that the load from nonpoint source pollution also includes the load of phosphorus and nitrogen transformed by lakes. Only recently, however, has this issue been mentioned in the specialist literature. In Polish studies on lake balance this remains a marginal issue. A limited number of observations indicate that lakes are capable of both limiting and increasing the load (mainly from the bottom sediments). This article presents some data on this issue which suggest that the roles of lakes in the transformation of the load of biogenic substances may be significant, but diverse.
‘Incessant toil and hands innumerable’: Mining and Poetry in the Northeast of England
Authors: Keegan Bridget
Published: October 2011

In this essay, Keegan begins with a broad discussion of the representation of miners and mining in British poetry prior to 1900. She then offers an overview of poetry written specifically by miners. The essay focuses on two poets, both lead miners in the northeast of England in the second half of the nineteenth century, and both of whose works speak to the cultural and economic impact of rural diaspora. For Thomas Blackah (1828–95) and Richard Watson (1833–91), their unique poetic identities are bound up in their particular dale with its particular dialect. While any poet's intentions in writing are many, both clearly see poetry as preserving and affirming declining communities and celebrating and conserving the natural environment that is a defining feature of that community. Their poetry highlights the distinctive language and the natural environment of their native northeastern regions, and these elements define how they conceive of themselves as artists. Blackah's and Watson's poetry depicts a rootedness in the landscape that exists in tension with the displacements caused by changing industrial and economic conditions.
Estimating the Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient for Aliphatic Organic Compounds Using Semi-Empirical Electrotopological Index
Authors: Souza Erica Silva , Zaramello Laize , Kuhnen Carlos Alberto , Junkes Berenice da Silva , Yunes Rosendo Augusto , Heinzen Vilma Edite Fonseca
Published: October 2011

A new possibility for estimating the octanol/water coefficient (log P) was investigated using only one descriptor, the semi-empirical electrotopological index (ISET). The predictability of four octanol/water partition coefficient (log P) calculation models was compared using a set of 131 aliphatic organic compounds from five different classes. Log P values were calculated employing atomic-contribution methods, as in the Ghose/Crippen approach and its later refinement, AlogP; using fragmental methods through the ClogP method; and employing an approach considering the whole molecule using topological indices with the MlogP method. The efficiency and the applicability of the ISET in terms of calculating log P were demonstrated through good statistical quality (r > 0.99; s < 0.18), high internal stability and good predictive ability for an external group of compounds in the same order as the widely used models based on the fragmental method, ClogP, and the atomic contribution method, AlogP, which are among the most used methods of predicting log P.
Isolation and Characterization of 11 New Microsatellite Loci in Erigeron breviscapus (Asteraceae), an Important Chinese Traditional Herb
Authors: Li Xiang , Song Kexian , Yang Junbo , Yi Tingshuang
Published: October 2011

Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz. (Asteraceae) is a species endemic to southwestern China and an important traditional Chinese herb for cardiovascular and cerebral vessel diseases. Applying a modified biotin-streptavidin capture method, 11 microsatellite loci were discovered. Polymorphism of each locus was assessed in 24 individuals collected from five wild populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 7, with an average of 4.273. The observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosities varied from 0.250 to 0.958 and from 0.337 to 0.786, respectively. Over half of these loci were successfully amplified in two congeneric species. The developed microsatellite markers will be useful for future population genetics and conservation studies, as well as accurate identification of different varieties.
Important Determinants for Fucoidan Bioactivity: A Critical Review of Structure-Function Relations and Extraction Methods for Fucose-Containing Sulfated Polysaccharides from Brown Seaweeds
Authors: Ale Marcel Tutor , Mikkelsen Jørn D. , Meyer Anne S.
Published: October 2011

Seaweeds—or marine macroalgae—notably brown seaweeds in the class Phaeophyceae, contain fucoidan. Fucoidan designates a group of certain fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides (FCSPs) that have a backbone built of (1→3)-linked α-l-fucopyranosyl or of alternating (1→3)- and (1→4)-linked α-l-fucopyranosyl residues, but also include sulfated galactofucans with backbones built of (1→6)-β-d-galacto- and/or (1→2)-β-d-mannopyranosyl units with fucose or fuco-oligosaccharide branching, and/or glucuronic acid, xylose or glucose substitutions. These FCSPs offer several potentially beneficial bioactive functions for humans. The bioactive properties may vary depending on the source of seaweed, the compositional and structural traits, the content (charge density), distribution, and bonding of the sulfate substitutions, and the purity of the FCSP product. The preservation of the structural integrity of the FCSP molecules essentially depends on the extraction methodology which has a crucial, but partly overlooked, significance for obtaining the relevant structural features required for specific biological activities and for elucidating structure-function relations. The aim of this review is to provide information on the most recent developments in the chemistry of fucoidan/FCSPs emphasizing the significance of different extraction techniques for the structural composition and biological activity with particular focus on sulfate groups.
Autotoxicity and Allelopathy of 3,4-Dihydroxyacetophenone Isolated from Picea schrenkiana Needles
Authors: Ruan Xiao , Li Zhao-Hui , Wang Qiang , Pan Cun-De , Jiang De-An , Wang G. Geoff
Published: October 2011

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the diethyl ether fraction of a water extract of Picea schrenkiana needles led to the isolation of the phenolic compound 3,4-dihydroxy- acetophenone (DHAP). The allelopathic effects of DHAP were evaluated under laboratory conditions on P. schrenkiana, rice (Oryza sativa L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), radish (Raphanus sativus L.), lettuce (Latuca sativa L.), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and mung bean (Phaseolus radiatus L.). DHAP significantly inhibited seed germination and seedling growth of P. schrenkiana at concentrations of 2.5 mM and 0.5 mM (p < 0.05). Soil analysis revealed that P. schrenkiana forest soils contained exceptionally high DHAP concentrations (mean = 0.51 ± 0.03 mg/g dry soil), sufﬁcient to inhibit natural P. schrenkiana recruitment. DHAP also exhibited strong allelopathic potential. It significantly inhibited wheat and lettuce seed germination at concentrations of 1 mM and 0.5 mM (p < 0.05). The active compound also completely inhibited root growth of the six test species at high concentrations. Our results suggest a dual role of DHAP, both as an allelochemical and as an autotoxicant. The potential for a single plant needle-leached compound to inﬂuence both inter- and intra-speciﬁc interactions emphasized the complex effects that plant secondary metabolites might have on plant population and community structure.
Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Antiviral Agents
Authors: Galdiero Stefania , Falanga Annarita , Vitiello Mariateresa , Cantisani Marco , Marra Veronica , Galdiero Massimiliano
Published: October 2011

Virus infections pose significant global health challenges, especially in view of the fact that the emergence of resistant viral strains and the adverse side effects associated with prolonged use continue to slow down the application of effective antiviral therapies. This makes imperative the need for the development of safe and potent alternatives to conventional antiviral drugs. In the present scenario, nanoscale materials have emerged as novel antiviral agents for the possibilities offered by their unique chemical and physical properties. Silver nanoparticles have mainly been studied for their antimicrobial potential against bacteria, but have also proven to be active against several types of viruses including human imunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and monkey pox virus. The use of metal nanoparticles provides an interesting opportunity for novel antiviral therapies. Since metals may attack a broad range of targets in the virus there is a lower possibility to develop resistance as compared to conventional antivirals. The present review focuses on the development of methods for the production of silver nanoparticles and on their use as antiviral therapeutics against pathogenic viruses.
Recombination in Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: González-Candelas Fernando , López-Labrador F. Xavier , Bracho María Alma
Published: October 2011

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a Flavivirus with a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome of about 9,600 nucleotides. It is a major cause of liver disease, infecting almost 200 million people all over the world. Similarly to most RNA viruses, HCV displays very high levels of genetic diversity which have been used to differentiate six major genotypes and about 80 subtypes. Although the different genotypes and subtypes share basic biological and pathogenic features they differ in clinical outcomes, response to treatment and epidemiology. The first HCV recombinant strain, in which different genome segments derived from parentals of different genotypes, was described in St. Petersburg (Russia) in 2002. Since then, there have been only a few more than a dozen reports including descriptions of HCV recombinants at all levels: between genotypes, between subtypes of the same genotype and even between strains of the same subtype. Here, we review the literature considering the reasons underlying the difficulties for unequivocally establishing recombination in this virus along with the analytical methods necessary to do it. Finally, we analyze the potential consequences, especially in clinical practice, of HCV recombination in light of the coming new therapeutic approaches against this virus.
Personality and Motivation Matter in Touring Holidays: A Preliminary Investigation Into Heterogeneity Among Touring Travelers
Authors: Gountas John , Dolnicar Sara , Gountas Sandra
Published: October 2011

Touring travelers represent a significant market in Australia and are expected to play an even larger role in the future. Yet, to date, they are viewed and treated like one large homogeneous market. The aim of the present study was to question this assumption and investigate whether
distinct segments exist among touring travelers. Results, based on an empirical study of 430 Australian travelers, indicate that at least two distinct segments can be constructed which differ in travel motivations, sociodemographics, and personality characteristics. These findings can be used
to segment and harvest the market of tourist travelers through the development of targeted products and marketing messages.
The Nature of Tourism Studies
Authors: Reis Arianne C. , Shelton Eric
Published: October 2011

Nature-based tourism activities are highly modulated by how Nature has been constructed in modern Western societies. The way we have come to perceive what is "other-than-human" impacts on how we engage with, and experience, a location, a place, or a tourism space that is based on/around
the natural world. This review discusses how this construct has been formulated by different social scientists and philosophers, and how these constructions impact on nature-based tourism experiences in contemporary societies. In this review article, Reis and Shelton argue that in order to
advance and refine our understandings of nature-based tourism practices, tourism scholars need to acknowledge, or, better, explore, how the different meanings attached to "nature," or the different "natures" constructed by societies, intervene and sometimes dictate tourism practices and experiences.
Likewise, practices and experiences in tourism management/development provide an ever-changing context of human–nature relationships that highlight the worldmaking agency of tourism. Here, Reis and Shelton conclude by inviting scholars in Tourism Studies/Tourism Sciences to incorporate
notions of embodiment, interagentivity, and indigenous perspectives, among others, into their discussions and analysis of nature-based tourism.
Nonconservative current-induced forces: A physical interpretation
Authors: Todorov Tchavdar N , Dundas Daniel , Paxton Anthony T , Horsfield Andrew P
Published: October 2011

We give a physical interpretation of the recently demonstrated nonconservative nature of interatomic forces in current-carrying nanostructures. We start from the analytical expression for the curl of these forces, and evaluate it for a point defect in a current-carrying system. We obtain a general definition of the capacity of electrical current flow to exert a nonconservative force, and thus do net work around closed paths, by a formal noninvasive test procedure. Second, we show that the gain in atomic kinetic energy over time, generated by nonconservative current-induced forces, is equivalent to the uncompensated stimulated emission of directional phonons. This connection with electron–phonon interactions quantifies explicitly the intuitive notion that nonconservative forces work by angular momentum transfer.
RESEARCH ON THE ROLE OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS THE WAY OF DEVELOPING THE ECONOMIC SECTOR IN LITHUANIA / STATYBOS SEKTORIAUS, KAIP LIETUVOS ŪKIO ŠAKOS, VAIDMUO IR PLĖTROS TYRIMAS
Authors: Peleckis Kęstutis , Peleckienė Valentina
Published: October 2011

One of the most important stages in the construction process is selecting the right contractor considering the smallest price that may raise many doubts. The cheapest option may be uneconomi­cal in view of a failure of technical quality and assessment of building lifetime. The article reviews literature and worldwide used practice to establish the most important factors of contrac­tor’s competitiveness. The paper also determines the main factors of the competitiveness of roofing contractors and evaluates qual­ity as a competitive advantage of the companies having influence on other factors of competitiveness. In conclusion; important proposals for assessing the competitiveness of the contractor and recommendations for future research are provided.

Santrauka

Vienas svarbiausių statybos proceso etapų – parinkti tinkamą rangovą. Rangovo pasirinkimas pagal mažiausią kai­ną kelia daug abejonių. Pigiausias pasirinkimas gali būti neekonomiškas, atsižvelgiant į nepakankamą pagamintos produkcijos techninę kokybę ir įvertinant statybos objekto gyvavimo trukmę. Norint išsiaiškinti svarbiausius rangovo konkurencingumo veiksnius, buvo atlikta pasaulinės literatūros ir praktikos apžvalga. Straipsnyje nustatyti pagrindiniai įmonių, klojančių prilydo­mąsias stogų medžiagas, konkurencingumo veiksniai. Įvertinta kokybės, kaip įmonės konkurencinio pranašumo, įtaka kitiems jos konkurencingumo veiksniams. Pateikti siūlymai rangovo konkurencingumui vertinti, taip pat būsimų tyrimų pasiūlymai.
CREATING A SUITABLE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AT THE INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION CONSIDERING THE NEEDS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES / AUKŠTŲJŲ MOKYKLŲ FIZINĖS APLINKOS PRITAIKYMAS NEĮGALIŲJŲ REIKMĖMS
Authors: Pilipavičiūtė Dalė , Ambrasas Gintautas
Published: October 2011

The main purpose of this work is to develop a model for meas­uring the suitability of a physical environment at the institu­tions of higher education considering the needs of students with disabilities. The article examines the progress in this field under regulations made by the system of indicators and carried out expert survey employing the ranking method. To establish the significance of the developed programs, the importance of calculated indicators and their groups has been determined thus making a model for evaluating the physical environment suitable for the needs of students with disabilities at any institution of higher education in Lithuania.

Santrauka

Darbo esmė – sudaryti modelį, pagal kurį būtų galima įvertinti bet kurią aukštąją mokyklą: ar jos fizinė aplinka pritaikyta neįgaliesiems. Straipsnyje apžvelgti šioje srityje nuveikti darbai. Pagal reglamento (LRS 2001) reikalavimus suda­ryta rodiklių sistema ir, atlikus ekspertų apklausą rangavimo metodu, nustatytas jų reikšmingumas. Apskaičiuotas rodiklių ir jų grupių reikšmingumas. Sudarytas modelis, pagal kurį galima vertinti bet kurios aukštosios mokyklos fizinės aplinkos pritaiky­mą neįgalių studentų poreikiams.
A DISCOURSE ON RESEARCH INTO CUSTOMER LOYALTY / VARTOTOJŲ LOJALUMO TYRIMŲ DISKURSAS
Authors: Vilkaitė Neringa , Daukševičiūtė Irena
Published: October 2011

The problems of customer loyalty are frequently discussed due to the growing importance of customer loyalty in Lithuania and foreign countries. In consequence, the primary purpose of this article was to identify the problems and primary trends of similar surveys. In order to fulfil this task, the author applied the method of content analysis.
The accomplished survey has presented that customer loyalty problems are more intensively analyzed in foreign periodic academic journals than in Lithuanian. It was also estimated that the authors, as well as the chosen problems in these articles were mediating during the period from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010. It can be stated that in Lithuania, for the most part, customer loyalty surveys are accomplished in mobile com­munications, cosmetics and perfumery, tourism and accommoda­tion sectors. In contrast, in foreign countries, customer loyalty is commonly analyzed in financial services, tourism sectors, etc.

Santrauka

Didėjant vartotojų lojalumo svarbai Lietuvoje ir užsienio šalyse, šios problemos gvildenamos vis aktyviau. Todėl straipsnyje siekiama atskleisti vartotojų lojalumo tyrimų problematiką bei pagrindines tendencijas Lietuvoje ir užsienio šalyse. Siekiant įgyvendinti tikslą, buvo taikytas turinio analizės metodas. Atlikto tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad vartotojų lojalumo problemos užsienio šalių mokslo žurnaluose analizuojamos intensyviau negu Lietuvos. Nustatyta, kad nagrinėtu laikotarpiu (2006 m. sausio 1 d. – 2010 m. gruodžio 31 d.) keičiantis mokslininkams, analizavusiems vartotojų lojalumo problemas, kito ir tyrinėtos problemos. Vartotojų lojalumo tyrimams Lietuvoje dažniausiai pasirenkami turizmo ir apgyvendinimo paslaugų, mobiliųjų telekomunikacijų, kosmetikos ir parfumerijos, o užsienio šalyse – finansinių paslaugų, turizmo ir apgyvendinimo paslaugų sektoriai.
Anti-Hdv Immunoglobulin M Testing in Hepatitis Delta Revisited: Correlations with Disease Activity and Response to Pegylated Interferon-α2A Treatment
Authors: Mederacke Ingmar , Yurdaydin Cihan , Dalekos George N , Bremer Birgit , Erhardt Andreas , Cakaloglu Yilmaz , Yalcin Kendal , Gurel Selim , Zeuzem Stefan , Zachou Kalliopi , Bozkaya Hakan , Dienes Hans Peter , Manns Michael P , Wedemeyer Heiner ,   Hep-Net/International Delta Hepatitis Study Group
Published: October 2011

Background

The role of anti-HDV immunoglobulin M (IgM) testing in patients receiving pegylated interferon-α therapy for hepatitis delta is unknown. We performed anti-HDV IgM testing in a well defined cohort of HDV-infected patients who were treated with pegylated interferon-α2a plus adefovir, or either drug alone.

Methods

Sera from 33 HDV-RNA-positive patients from the international HIDIT-1 trial were available for anti-HDV IgM testing (ETI-DELTA-IGMK-2 assay, DiaSorin, Saluggia, Italy) before therapy, at treatment weeks 24 and 48, and at 24 weeks after the end of treatment.

Results

Anti-HDV IgM tested positive in 31 out of the 33 patients (94%) prior to treatment. HDV IgM levels correlated with histological inflammatory activity ( r=0.51, P<0.01) and were higher in patients with alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels above the median ( P<0.05). Quantitative anti-HDV IgM values declined in patients responding to antiviral therapy, however anti-HDV IgM remained positive after treatment in the majority of virological responders.

Conclusions

We suggest that anti-HDV IgM testing might give additional useful information to determine disease activity in hepatitis delta and to predict treatment response to antiviral therapy with type I interferons. However, determination of anti-HDV IgM can not substitute HDV RNA testing, which remains the primary virological marker for response to therapy.
Pleconaril Revisited: Clinical Course of Chronic Enteroviral Meningoencephalitis after Treatment Correlates with In Vitro Susceptibility
Authors: Wildenbeest Joanne G , van den Broek Peterhans J , Benschop Kimberley SM , Koen Gerrit , Wierenga Peter C , Vossen Ann CTM , Kuijpers Taco W , Wolthers Katja C
Published: October 2011

Background

Human enteroviruses (HEVs) can cause severe infections, especially in patients with a deficient humoral immune response, such as X-linked agammaglobulinemia. In this patient group, chronic enteroviral meningitis (CEMA) is feared because of extensive morbidity and high fatality rate. Treatment options consist of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), with various outcomes. Pleconaril is an antiviral agent with in vitro activity against HEVs that has been used in the treatment of HEV infections.

Methods

The efficacy of pleconaril and IVIG against HEV isolated from the patients was assessed in vitro in two patients with CEMA.

Results

Echovirus 11 was found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of case 1. Treatment with high-dose IVIG and pleconaril did not provide any clinical improvement and HEV PCR in CSF remained positive. Case 2 (echovirus 13 positive in CSF) was also treated with IVIG and pleconaril. The patient recovered completely and HEV PCR in CSF became negative. Recent IVIG batches contained low titres of neutralizing antibodies against the patient strains. Echovirus 11 (case 1) was resistant to pleconaril in vitro, whereas echovirus 13 (case 2) was susceptible, in accordance with virological response after treatment and subsequent clinical results.

Conclusions

This is the first report that evaluates efficacy of antiviral treatment in CEMA patients in relation to in vitro susceptibility of clinical virus isolates. Since pleconaril is no longer available for compassionate use we strongly propagate that new drugs should be developed against these potential life threatening HEV infections.
A comprehensive survey on the occurrence of mycotoxins in maize dried distillers' grain and solubles sourced worldwide
Authors: Rodrigues I. , Chin L.
Published: October 2011

As cereal and protein sources suffer a price increase worldwide, the use of alternative ingredients in feeds has
become increasingly appealing to the animal industry. Dried distillers' grain and solubles (DDGS) have been one
of the ingredients which demand has dramatically increased over the last few years. In fact, the supply of maize
DDGS is expected to increase to about 38.6 mmt by 2019-2020. The presence of mycotoxins in these by-products
has been a matter of concern raised by their ubiquitous use. A rule of thumb typically used in the field is that the
concentration of mycotoxins in the final by-product is about three times higher than that of the original raw material,
which may be scientifically backed up by the fact that the remaining portions within the by-product are those which
had a higher concentration of mycotoxins (outer portions of the grain). This paper is the outcome of a five-year
study during which a total of 409 maize DDGS samples sourced worldwide were analysed for the mycotoxins of
major importance which cause the great negative impacts in animal performance and health: aflatoxins (a sum of
aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2), zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, a sum fumonisins B1 and B2 and ochratoxin A. From the
total of samples tested, only 2% of the analysed DDGS showed contamination levels below the limit of detection
(negative samples). 6% of samples had the presence of 1 mycotoxin only and the majority (92% of the samples) was
contaminated with 2 or more mycotoxins.
The Use of Watermarking in Stereo Imaging
Authors: Coltuc Dinu
Published: October 2011

The manipulation and processing of stereo image sequences demand higher costs in memory storage, transmission bandwidth, and computational complexity than of monoscopic images. This chapter investigates scenarios for cost reduction by using reversible watermarking. The basic principle is to embed some data by reversible watermarking instead of either computing or storing/transmitting it. Storage and/or bandwidth are reduced by embedding into one frame of a stereo pair the information needed to recover the other frame. Computational complexity is reduced by embedding the disparity map. The cost of extracting the embedded disparity map is considerably lower than the one of computing it. Experimental results are provided.
A Microfluidic Platform for Multi-Antigen Immunofluorescence Assays
Authors: Zhang Bao Yue , Song Hui Xue , Chen Tan , Wang Zhan Hui
Published: October 2011

Traditional cell-based assays such as cell immunoassay that utilizes plastic (chamber slides, dishes, microtiter plates), Magnetic bead, enzyme-linked immunsorbent assays (ELISA) [1], FACS cell sorting is labor intensive, time consuming, and requires a large numbers of cells or reagents. In this report, a microfluidic device integrated with cell culture, washing, fixation, and antigen-antibody reaction is presented for high-throughput immunoassay. Using this microfluidic device, each assay can be performed on a small number of cells and nanolitre or picolitre of reagents, this is particularly beneficial for rare or expensive cell types such as stem cells, or flow sorted cell populations. The capability of the microfluidic device was demonstrated for seeding human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) in chambers and detecting the expression of surface markers (CD34, CD44, CD45, CD73, CD105, HLA-DR) by immunofluorescence assay.
Preparation and Properties of Nanocomposite of Poly(L-Lactide) and Surface Grafted Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Luo Bing Hong , Yang Jing , Hsu Chung En , Zhao Jian Hao , Zhou Chang Ren
Published: October 2011

nanocomposites of poly (L-lactide) (PLLA) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) or surface grafted hydroxyapatite (g-HAP) were prepared by ultrafines hot-pressing method, and the properties were investigated by polarized optical microscopy (POM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical test and cell culture. Results showed that the PLLA segment grafted onto the HAP surface played a positive role on improving the interfacial compatibility between the g-HAP and the PLLA matrix. Compared with the HAP/PLLA composites, the bending strength and bending modulus of the g-HAP/PLLA composites were obviously enhanced, which was proportional to the nHAP:nL-LA ratio. The result of POM showed that the g-HAP particles acted as an effective heterogeneous nucleating agent in the g-HAP/PLLA composite. Fibroblasts culture indicated that the g-HAP/PLLA composites had better cytocompatibility than PLLA and HAP/PLLA composites. Hence, g-HAP/PLLA composites will be a promising material for bone tissue engineering.