bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B Virus Acquisition and Pathogenesis in Childhood: Host Genetic Determinants
Authors: Chatzidaki V , Kouroumalis E , Galanakis E
Published: November 2010

The clinical course of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection varies from spontaneous recovery to chronic persistent infection leading to severe liver injury. Mounting evidence has recently highlighted the influence of host genotype in the complex interplay between viral and host factors. Studies in adults have suggested the existence of a genetic predisposition to HBV infection secondary to certain defects in the host response. These defects include opsonic deficiency, compromised antigen processing and presentation by human leucocyte antigen variations, attenuated T‐ and B‐cell response, impaired cytokine and chemokine release, and production of receptors for several pertinent factors such as vitamin D and estrogen. By contrast, little is known about the genetic factors involved in the susceptibility to HBV transmission in early childhood. Herein, we review the literature regarding the association between host genetics and susceptibility to primary HBV infection, and we discuss the prospects of investigation in this field. A better understanding of HBV infection immunopathogenesis in the critical period of infancy may allow the development of optimal and innovative prevention and treatment.
Heat and moisture exchangers and breathing system filters: their use in anaesthesia and intensive care.  Part 2 – practical use, including problems, and their use with paediatric patients
Authors: Wilkes A. R.
Published: November 2010

Heat and moisture exchangers and breathing system filters are intended to replace the normal warming, humidifying and filtering functions of the upper airways. The first part of this review considered the history, principles of operation and efficiency of these devices. The aim of this part of the review is to summarise recent guidelines on the use of these devices and outline the problems that can occur. In particular, the effect of these devices on gas analysis, dead space, resistance to gas flow and blockage of the breathing system is considered. In children, it is important to consider the addition of dead space and resistance to gas flow. A body weight of 2.5 kg is probably the lower weight limit for use with heat and moisture exchangers, and 3 kg for filters. The resistance to gas flow of a heat‐ and moisture‐exchanging filter added to a Mapleson F breathing system can cause a delay in the induction of anaesthesia.
The diagnostic and molecular characteristics of malignant mesothelioma and ovarian/peritoneal serous carcinoma
Authors: Davidson B.
Published: November 2010

B. Davidson

The diagnostic and molecular characteristics of malignant mesothelioma and ovarian/peritoneal serous carcinoma

Malignant mesothelioma and ovarian/peritoneal serous carcinoma are two of the most common tumours affecting the serosal cavities. Unlike other malignant tumours diagnosed at this anatomical site, such as lung and breast carcinoma, malignant mesothelioma and serous carcinoma share a common histogenesis, may be difficult to differentiate morphologically, and co‐express many of the diagnostic markers used by cytopathologists in effusion diagnosis. Selected markers have nevertheless shown sufficient sensitivity and specificity to differentiate serous carcinoma from malignant mesothelioma effectively. Recently, our group applied high throughput technology to the identification of new markers that may aid in differentiating these two cancer types and validated several of these markers in follow‐up studies. This review will present current data regarding the diagnostic and biological aspects of malignant mesothelioma and ovarian/peritoneal serous carcinoma.
Central England's journey through time: the geological evolution of Warwickshire
Authors: Radley Jonathan D.
Published: November 2010

The central English county of Warwickshire has been shaped by a 600 million‐year history of deposition, erosion, tectonism, continental drift, environmental change and biological evolution. The Neoproterozoic and Lower Palaeozoic rocks indicate island arc accretion, marine transgression and subduction‐related intrusive igneous activity. Upper Palaeozoic through to Triassic times witnessed mainly continental environments, as central England drifted north across the equator. Late Triassic marine transgression led to deposition of richly fossiliferous Jurassic sediments. The bedrock geology shows evidence for the influence of deep‐seated structural lineaments within the central English basement. Influenced by these structures, the modern landscape has been shaped largely by Palaeogene and Neogene uplift and erosion, further alteration by Quaternary erosion and weathering, and glacial and fluvial deposition.
Methods to assess the validity of the interRAI Acute Care: a framework to guide clinimetric testing
Authors: Wellens Nathalie I. H. , Milisen Koen , Flamaing Johan , Moons Philip
Published: November 2010

The objective was to present an overview of methods to examine the validity of the minimum data set of the interRAI Acute Care (interRAI AC). Because of the multidimensional character of this comprehensive geriatric assessment tool, clinimetric testing of the interRAI AC can be more complex than that of one‐dimensional instruments. Thus to facilitate testing of the interRAI AC, we translated this complexity into a structured methodological framework that outlines procedures to assess various lines of evidence. Our framework combined traditional clinimetric techniques and the standards of psychological testing. For each line of evidence, examples of hypotheses and research questions were summarized. Future clinimetric testing can use these guidelines as a basis to obtain and provide a wide and diverse body of evidence.
A personal approach to person‐centred paediatric care
Authors: Appleyard William J.
Published: November 2010

Respecting children in their own right as individual ‘persons’ improves their care and their well‐being. Better educational progress by each child is achieved. This in turn improves the economic potential for the nation. Each child has physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Early attunement between the parent and the child is crucial and an approach that integrates all the elements that affect the child as a person has been found to be effective in promoting positive health outcomes.
Effectiveness of a medical education intervention to treat hypertension in primary care
Authors: Martínez‐Valverde Silvia , Castro‐Ríos Angélica , Pérez‐Cuevas Ricardo , Klunder‐Klunder Miguel , Salinas‐Escudero Guillermo , Reyes‐Morales Hortensia
Published: November 2010

Background and objectives  In Mexico, hypertension is among the top five causes for visits to primary care clinics; its complications are among the main causes of emergency and hospital care. The present study reports the effectiveness of a continuing medical education (CME) intervention to improve appropriate care for hypertension, on blood pressure control of hypertensive patients in primary care clinics.

Methods  A secondary data analysis was carried out using data of hypertensive patients treated by family doctors who participated in the CME intervention. The evaluation was designed as a pre‐/post‐intervention study with control group in six primary care clinics. The effect of the CME intervention was analysed using multiple logistic regression modelling in which the dependent variable was uncontrolled blood pressure in the post‐intervention patient measurement.

Results  After the CME intervention, the net reduction of uncontrolled blood pressure between stages in the intervention group was 10.3%. The model results were that being treated by a family doctor who participated in the CME intervention reduced by 53% the probability of lack of control of blood pressure; receiving dietary recommendations reduced 57% the probability of uncontrolled blood pressure. Having uncontrolled blood pressure at the baseline stage increased the probability of lack of control in 166%, and per each unit of increase in body mass index the lack of control increased 7%.

Conclusions  CME intervention improved the medical decision‐making process to manage hypertension, thus increasing the probability of hypertensive patients to have blood pressure under control.
Concordance of hospital‐based cancer registry data with a clinicians' database for breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Mingji , Higashi Takahiro , Nishimoto Hiroshi , Kinoshita Takayuki , Sobue Tomotaka
Published: November 2010

Objective  Reliable information is essential to both clinical and policy decision making. We aimed to shed lights on the similarity and differences between a hospital‐based cancer registry with a clinicians' database for breast cancer by comparing the registered data on the same year.

Methods  We performed a head‐to‐head comparison of breast cancer cases extracted from the hospital‐based cancer registry and the clinicians' database maintained by the Division of Breast Surgery at the National Cancer Center Hospital in 2004.

Results  The hospital‐based cancer registry reported 827 cases of newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in 2004, while the clinicians' database contained 366 surgically treated cases from 2004. Of these, 276 cases overlapped. Presence or absence of treatment modality was discordant in 15% for radiation therapy, 19% for chemotherapy, and 24% for hormone therapy between the two data sets. Furthermore, the recorded disease pathology was discordant in 13% for pathology and 28% for staging, with 22% for T‐stage, 7% for N‐stage, 7% for M‐stage.

Conclusions  Although information contained in hospital‐based cancer registry and clinicians' database are generally accurate, some important differences were revealed as a result of varying interpretations of clinical information. Analyses of these data sets must be made with attention to details such as eligible patients, registered treatment, and timing of registration.
Setting up a respiratory trials unit
Authors: RAHMAN Najib M. , DOBSON Melissa , DAVIES Robert J.O.
Published: November 2010

Clinical trials are an essential in advancing our knowledge and treatment of patients with respiratory disease. Conducting well‐designed clinical studies which accurately and reliably answer important clinical questions is challenging. The expertise required to deliver such studies is increasingly concentrated in clinical trials units. This article will describe some of the challenges associated with clinical studies and the methods and personnel involved in a clinical trials unit.
Impulse oscillometry in preschool children and association with body mass index
Authors: KALHOFF Hermann , BREIDENBACH Renate , SMITH Hans‐Juergen , MAREK Wolfgang
Published: November 2010

Background and objective:  The use of the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) allows differentiated lung function testing with a minimum of cooperation at normal tidal breathing. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to assess the association of body mass (overweight and obese) with oscillometric parameters in preschool children.

Methods:  A preschool medical check of 518 children (age 6.01 ± 0.25 years) included IOS recordings of airway resistance and lung reactance (MasterScreen IOS, CareFusion, Höchberg, Germany). Measured values of respiratory resistance (R5) and reactance (X5) at 5 Hz were correlated with BMI. In addition, data were compared with recently published reference equations.

Results:  In this young age group of 241 boys and 277 girls there was no significant association between oscillometric parameters and BMI. When compared with current IOS reference values of healthy subjects the relationship of R5 (109 ± 25%) and X5 (105.5 ± 35%) suggested mildly elevated peripheral resistance in this unselected group of preschool children.

Conclusions:  IOS is ideally suited to obtain measurements of respiratory function in preschool children. At the age of 6 years, standard oscillometric values do not indicate impaired respiratory function associated with increased BMI.
A hypothesis to phenotype COPD exacerbations by aetiology
Authors: MacDONALD Martin , BEASLEY Richard W. , IRVING Louis , BARDIN Philip G.
Published: November 2010

COPD exacerbations have traditionally been defined on the basis of symptoms or health‐care utilization without specific reference to the suspected aetiology. Consequently, the term ‘exacerbation’ has been used to include all patients experiencing an acute deterioration of symptoms associated with COPD. However, exacerbations are known to result from a variety of causes and do not necessarily constitute an equivalent event in the same patient, between different patients or between individual research studies. We therefore hypothesize that phenotyping exacerbations by aetiology may identify exacerbation subgroups, clarify benefits of therapeutic intervention in the subgroups and overall improve clinical care. An acronym is proposed to facilitate phenotyping COPD exacerbations.
Managers' roles in the professional growth of Iranian clinical nurses
Authors: Rahimaghaee Flora , Nayeri Nahid Dehghan , Mohammadi Eesa
Published: November 2010

Any progressive organization should consider investing in its clinical nurses' professional growth if it desires to survive and succeed in offering care. Managers play a significant role in facilitating clinical nurses' professional growth. A content analysis study was conducted with 20 clinical nurses and managers in Iran in order to describe how they experienced managers' roles in relation to their professional growth. They believed that managers played two major roles in their professional growth process: motivating and inhibiting. From the participants' point of view, managers, through supporting, encouraging, and valuing staff and creating opportunities for learning, played a facilitating role in their professional growth. But, whenever the staff did not receive this support, they became discouraged and did not make any progress. The results can be used to improve management and, consequently, to enhance the professional growth of staff.
Evolution of urological imaging
Authors: Bueschen Anton J , Lockhart Mark E
Published: November 2010

The evolution of urological imaging has had a major impact on the diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases since the discovery of the X‐ray by Roentgen in 1895. Early developments included plain films of the abdomen, retrograde urographic techniques, development of contrast media, excretory urography, renal mass puncture, renal angiography, cystography and nuclear medicine procedures. These procedures led to the maturation of the specialties of diagnostic radiology and urology, and the development of the subspecialties of pediatric urology and urological radiology during the first seven decades of the 20th century. Subsequently, many imaging advances have occurred leading to changes in diagnosis and management of urological patients. Ultrasound and cross‐sectional imaging technologies (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) are increasingly applied in urological evaluation, treatment and surveillance. Current developments include dual energy computed tomography, positron emission tomography computed tomography, renal donor and renal transplant imaging, prostate magnetic resonance imaging, and microbubble contrast enhanced ultrasound. Imaging advances will continue. It is the responsibility of all physicians to assess the advantages of new developments while weighing those advantages against the additional radiation exposure and the costs associated with new procedures.
CARBON DIOXIDE SUBMUCOSAL INJECTION CUSHION: AN INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE IN ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION
Authors: Uraoka Toshio , Kawahara Yoshiro , Ohara Nobuya , Kato Jun , Hori Keisuke , Okada Hiroyuki , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can successfully resect large lesions en bloc, but it requires a satisfactory submucosal (sm) injection agent for proper safety and efficacy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of carbon dioxide (CO2) as an ESD sm injection agent.

Methods:  In vitro study using porcine stomachs compared CO2 with normal saline (NS) and sodium hyaluronic acid (SHA) solution, both of which are currently used to provide long‐lasting sm elevation during ESD. Histopathological examination assessed differences between CO2 and NS sm cushions. ESD were then carried out in vivo in the stomach and rectum of a live pig using CO2 sm injection.

Results:  CO2 sm elevation was significantly longer lasting than either NS or SHA (P < 0.001). Histopathology revealed no mucosal layer tissue damage, and dissection of honeycomb‐like fibrous connective tissue in the CO2 sm cushion. Creating and maintaining a CO2 sm cushion of sufficient elevation combined with partial physical dissection of the sm layer was achieved, followed by complete endoscopic dissection of the sm layer with all ESD, resulting in successful en‐bloc resections having a mean specimen size of 24.3 mm within 15 min.

Conclusion:  Safety and efficacy of CO2 as a satisfactory sm injection agent during ESD was successfully demonstrated in these preliminary studies, warranting further investigation of this innovative technique.
ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR SUBMUCOSAL INVASIVE GASTRIC CANCER AND CURABILITY CRITERIA
Authors: Hoteya Shu , Yamashita Satoshi , Kikuchi Daisuke , Nakamura Masanori , Fujimoto Ai , Matsui Akira , Nishida Noriko , Mitani Toshihumi , Kuroki Yuichiro , Iizuka Toshiro , Yahagi Naohisa
Published: November 2010

Aims:  The aims of the present study were to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) as curative treatment for node‐negative submucosal invasive early gastric cancer (EGC) and to consider further expansion of the curability criteria for submucosal invasive EGC.

Methods:  A total of 977 EGC in 855 patients treated by ESD were enrolled. They were divided into intramucosal cancer (M); minimally submucosal invasive cancer (<500 µm from the muscularis mucosa) (SM1); and deeper submucosal invasive cancer (>500 µm from the muscularis mucosa) (SM2). The technical feasibility of ESD for SM1 and M were compared, and the clinical prognosis of SM1 was evaluated. Furthermore, the volume of carcinoma invading to the submucosal layer, which we called the SM volume index, was calculated virtually to analyze its correlation with lymphatic‐vascular invasion.

Results:  There were no statistical differences in technical outcomes and complications between M and SM1. Curative resection rates were significantly better in M than in SM1 (M, 92.6%; SM1, 63.8%). No local recurrences and distant metastases were found in 48 SM1 patients declared to have undergone curative resections. Most cases (72.0%) with successful ESD but non‐curative resection exceeded 30 mm in maximum size, and no local recurrences and metastases were found in these patients. The SM volume index of these cases was comparatively small.

Conclusion:  The technical and theoretical validity of ESD for SM1 was validated. The possibility of further expansion of the curability criteria for submucosal invasive cancers was suggested by the evaluation of the SM volume index.
Age‐associated changes of appetite‐regulating peptides
Authors: Akimoto Saeko , Miyasaka Kyoko
Published: November 2010

Aging is associated with a progressive decrease in appetite and food intake. The reasons for the decline in food intake are multifactorial, and relate to both peripheral and central mechanisms. Current studies about the regulation of food intake suggest that there are many central mediators that control the appetite. To determine the mechanism of age‐associated decrease in appetite and food intake, we focused on the age‐associated changes of the suppressing and stimulatory effect of some appetite‐regulating peptides. At first, we examined cholecystokinin (CCK), one of the typical appetite‐suppressing factors. Although sensitivity to CCK is enhanced in old animals, the mechanism underlying this effect has not been elucidated. Next, we focused on the appetite‐stimulating peptides, orexin‐A, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and ghrelin, which are known to play a critical role in food intake. To determine the age‐associated decrease in appetite and food intake, we compared the stimulatory effect of intracerebroventricular administration of orexin‐A, NPY and ghrelin. We report the studies of the age‐associated changes of appetite‐regulating peptides in this review. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2010; 10 (Suppl. 1): S107–S119.
Young children attribute normativity to novel actions without pedagogy or normative language
Authors: Schmidt Marco F.H. , Rakoczy Hannes , Tomasello Michael
Published: November 2010

Young children interpret some acts performed by adults as normatively governed, that is, as capable of being performed either rightly or wrongly. In previous experiments, children have made this interpretation when adults introduced them to novel acts with normative language (e.g. ‘this is the way it goes’), along with pedagogical cues signaling culturally important information, and with social‐pragmatic marking that this action is a token of a familiar type. In the current experiment, we exposed children to novel actions with no normative language, and we systematically varied pedagogical and social‐pragmatic cues in an attempt to identify which of them, if either, would lead children to normative interpretations. We found that young 3‐year‐old children inferred normativity without any normative language and without any pedagogical cues. The only cue they used was adult social‐pragmatic marking of the action as familiar, as if it were a token of a well‐known type (as opposed to performing it, as if inventing it on the spot). These results suggest that – in the absence of explicit normative language – young children interpret adult actions as normatively governed based mainly on the intentionality (perhaps signaling conventionality) with which they are performed.
Evolution of Education Premiums in Cambodia: 1997–2007
Authors: Lall Ashish , Sakellariou Chris
Published: November 2010

This paper evaluates education premiums in Cambodia over the past decade using data from the 1997, 2003–2004 and 2007 Socio‐economic Surveys of Households. The Cambodian labor market has undergone a transformation over the past decade. In 1997, the earnings of workers employed for wages exhibited limited association with education and skills. The picture was dramatically different by 2003 and more so by 2007. The profitability of education had increased sharply, especially for women. There is evidence that the human capital model is now applicable to both men and women, resulting in a wider distribution of earnings. Instrumental variables estimates of the return to an additional year of schooling for male wage earners are found to be higher than the corresponding OLS estimates, but only in the private sector.
Defending Conditional Excluded Middle
Authors: Williams J. Robert G.
Published: November 2010

Lewis (1973) gave a short argument against conditional excluded middle, based on his treatment of ‘might’ counterfactuals. Bennett (2003), with much of the recent literature, gives an alternative take on ‘might’ counterfactuals. But Bennett claims the might‐argument against CEM still goes through. This turns on a specific claim I call Bennett’s Hypothesis. I argue that independently of issues to do with the proper analysis of might‐counterfactuals, Bennett’s Hypothesis is inconsistent with CEM. But Bennett’s Hypothesis is independently objectionable, so we should resolve this tension by dropping the Hypothesis, not by dropping CEM.
ATTENTION AND MENTAL PAINT1
Authors: Block Ned
Published: November 2010

Much of recent philosophy of perception is oriented towards accounting for the phenomenal character of perception—what it is like to perceive—in a non‐mentalistic way—that is, without appealing to mental objects or mental qualities. In opposition to such views, I claim that the phenomenal character of perception of a red round object cannot be explained by or reduced to direct awareness of the object, its redness and roundness—or representation of such objects and qualities. Qualities of perception that are not captured by what one is directly aware of or by representational content are instances of what Gilbert Harman has called “mental paint” (Block, 1990;Harman, 1990). The claim of this paper is that empirical facts about attention point in the direction of mental paint. The argument starts with the claim (later modified) that when one moves one's attention around a scene while keeping one's eyes fixed, the phenomenology of perception can change in ways that do not reflect which qualities of objects one is directly aware of or the way the world is represented to be. These changes in the phenomenology of perception cannot be accounted for in terms of awareness of or representation of the focus of attention because they manifest themselves in experience as differences in apparent contrast, apparent color saturation, apparent size, apparent speed, apparent time of occurrence and other appearances. There is a way of coping with these phenomena in terms of vague contents, but vague contents cannot save direct realism or representationism because the kind of vagueness required clashes wth the phenomenology itself.
The Effect of Regulation on Insurance Pricing: The Case of Germany
Authors: Berry‐Stölzle Thomas R. , Born Patricia
Published: November 2010

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of policy form regulation on the unit price of insurance and determinants of premium changes using the 1994 deregulation of the German property–liability market as a natural experiment. Our result show that policy form regulation did not increase prices above competitive levels. Factors influencing premium changes are significantly different for the two time periods, pre‐ and post‐deregulation, indicating that regulation affects insurance pricing. Focusing on highly competitive lines after deregulation, we find a significant price decrease, and this decrease is offset by higher prices in the remaining other lines.
Sentinel node micrometastases in breast cancer: Clinical outcome
Authors: KIHARA Stephen M , GIBLETT Neil A , MCNEIL Catriona , CREA Paul
Published: November 2010

Aim:  The sentinel lymph node biopsy has steadily replaced axillary lymph node dissection for staging clinically node‐negative breast cancer. This study assesses surgical and adjuvant practice in relation to micrometastases and isolated tumor cells found on biopsy in a single surgeon cohort.

Methods:  Clinicopathological characteristics were collated from 700 breast cancer patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsies between 1999 and 2007. The status and details of the node biopsies, continuing treatment and adverse outcomes were reported. Patient details at the time of diagnosis were entered into Adjuvant! online to look at likely prognosis. For both isolated tumor cells and micrometastases, data input was conducted twice, once as node‐negative and again as node‐positive, thus providing two predicted benefit data series.

Results:  A total of 665 women were eligible for inclusion, 67 with micrometastases and 20 with isolated tumor cells. Overall 33 patients developed recurrence with nine breast‐cancer related deaths. Women with isolated tumor cells or micrometastases were more likely to receive adjuvant radiotherapy to the axilla compared with women with node‐negative disease. Compared to those with isolated tumor cells, a higher number of women with micrometastases received systemic chemotherapy despite similar predicted benefits. Individual comparisons showed significantly higher rates of recurrence in women with isolated tumor cells than in node‐negative disease (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  The biological behavior of early breast cancer with isolated tumor cells on sentinel node biopsy is similar to both micrometastases and macrometastases, i.e. they behave in a node‐positive fashion. This is an early indication that these patients should be treated with more aggressive adjuvant therapy.
SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE AS A POTENTIAL INTERVENTION FOR GROUND PORK DECONTAMINATION
Authors: BAE YUN YOUNG , KIM NAM HEE , KIM KYOUNG HEON , KIM BYOUNG CHUL , RHEE MIN SUK
Published: November 2010

Ground meat has been frequently implicated as a vehicle of pathogenic bacteria. Once microorganisms contaminating the surfaces are embedded within the comminuted meat, they become difficult to inactivate due to the clumpy structure. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of decontaminating ground pork with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC–CO2) treatment at various conditions (temperatures: 40, 45C; pressures: 100, 120, 140 bar; and treatment times: 20, 30, 40 min). The reduction of microorganisms in ground pork ranged from 1.66 to 2.42 log cfu/g (total mesophilic plate counts, 1.66; Listeria monocytogenes, 2.42; and Salmonella Typhimurium, 2.21 log cfu/g) following SC–CO2 treatment at 45C and 140 bar for 40 min. Even though solid foods were generally difficult to control with SC–CO2, our results indicate that it can be used to reduce the levels of microbes in ground pork through rapid diffusion. Thus, SC–CO2 can be suggested as helpful and novel devices for improving the microbiological safety of comminuted meat products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The SC–CO2 treatment may contribute to reduce the microbial load of pathogenic bacteria contaminated deeply within ground meat in processed meat industries. It can be applied to inactivate bacterial cells of foodborne pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and other spoiling bacteria, mostly mesophilic bacteria in comminuted meats. The major reason why it is useful especially for meat products is that it can be used at relatively mild condition than heat treatment rarely affecting meat quality. It can penetrate deep into a clumpy structure of ground meat depending on its physical property without toxicity. It is expected that SC–CO2 can be used to sterile ground pork in combination with other antimicrobial co‐solvents to develop microbiological safety of meat products.
THE POTENTIAL OF CHRYSEOBACTERIUM SPECIES TO PRODUCE BIOGENIC AMINES
Authors: MIELMANN ANNCHEN , HUGO CELIA J. , JOOSTE PIET JOHANNES
Published: November 2010

The food spoilage potential of the genus Chryseobacterium has not been studied in equal detail than the taxonomy of this genus. The ability of seven Chryseobacterium species to produce biogenic amines (BAs) at different temperatures and sodium chloride concentrations, was investigated by using a modified Niven medium. Temperatures at and below 15C and 25C seemed to have a definite inhibitory effect on the production of BAs in some Chryseobacterium species. Salt concentrations in excess of 4% would be needed to prevent amine production of Chryseobacterium species in food products. Chryseobacterium species have therefore the ability to decarboxylate some precursors of BAs, making them important spoilage bacteria in dairy food products.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The determination of biogenic amines (BAs) is important not only from the point of view of their toxicity (symptoms such as headache, fever and vomiting may occur) but also because they can be used as indicators of the degree of freshness or spoilage of food. The ability of Chryseobacterium spp. to produce BAs, at low temperatures, is of great significance to the dairy and other food industries, because of the typical off‐flavors and putrid odors that are produced. Refrigerated products could cause amine poisoning if they were contaminated with amine‐producing bacteria, e.g., Chryseobacterium spp.. A previous study found that the content of BAs increases even during storage at +4C. It must be taken note of that most amines are heat‐stable and only partially destroyed in 3 h at 102C or 90 min at 116C. These findings stress the importance of the hygienic production and handling of food products and maintenance of the cold chain throughout production and distribution.
INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE AND MODIFIED ATMOSPHERE ON THE MICROBIAL PROFILE OF PACKED GEMLIK DRY‐SALTED OLIVES
Authors: DEĞIRMENCIOĞLU NURCAN
Published: November 2010

The effect of a chlorine wash on microbial growth in packed (vacuum and MAP), dry‐salted olives of the Gemlik variety stored at 4C and 20C was studied for 7 months. The study was based on microbiological changes occurring in dry‐salted olive samples during their shelf life. The microbiota were comprised of total viable bacteria, LAB and yeasts, mold, Enterobacteria and Pseudomonads. At 4 and 20C, the population of yeasts increased steadily in control samples during the shelf‐life period (with and without chlorine exposure). At 20C, neither of the packaging methods was effective in suppressing total viable and LAB growth. The count of TYM increased in the MAP samples after the third month at 20C; therefore, different combinations of chlorine and CO2 and N2 (or combinations of chlorine with only CO2 or N2) can be used to control yeast–mold growth. The combination of a 35% CO2 and 65% N2 (with a 10‐ppm chlorine wash) at 4C was the most effective at controlling the growth of total viable, LAB and TYM. No Enterobacteria and Pseudomonads were detected since the high salt content is not favorable for their growth.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

MAP has been used for several years for preserving fresh fruits and vegetables. The use of MAP for the storage of fruits and vegetables at a low temperature is more effective than vacuum packaging alone for preventing the growth of microorganisms due to its bacteriostatic effects. Better results can be obtained if MAP is supported with a low‐concentration antimicrobial agent (chlorine). In future research, combinations of CO2 and N2 at various concentrations in the packaging should be evaluated to determine their ability to increase microbiological quality, especially to control yeast–mold growth in packaged olives.
Alcohol and lactation: An updated systematic review
Authors: GIGLIA Roslyn C.
Published: November 2010

Aim:  The aim of this paper is to provide a critical review of the most recent literature from 2005 onwards, on the effect of alcohol intake during lactation on the hormonal control of lactogenesis; breastmilk alcohol concentration; the breastfeeding infant, and on the breastfeeding outcomes of the mother and infant dyad. An update on public policy guiding alcohol consumption during lactation nationally and internationally is explored.

Methods:  The databases PubMed, CINAHL, Proquest Health and Medical Complete, ScienceDirect, Medline and ISI Web of Knowledge were searched from 2005 onwards.

Results:  Alcohol inhibits the role of oxytocin in breastfeeding women, resulting in an increased time to milk ejection and a decrease in total breastmilk yield. Breastfeeding women are less likely to consume alcohol at high‐risk levels, and drinking at these levels is associated with the early cessation of breastfeeding. A higher level of education and a higher income level are the characteristics of the maternal drinker during lactation.

Conclusion:  Available public health policy in Australia provides direction for breastfeeding mothers who choose to drink alcohol during this important stage of infant development.
Crunching the numbers: The affordability of nutritious food for New Zealand children
Authors: HOPGOOD Timothy , ASHER Innes , WALL Clare R. , GRANT Cameron C. , STEWART Joanna , MUIMUIHEATA Soana , EXETER Daniel
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Good nutrition is vital to a growing child's health and development. It is unclear if New Zealand families are able to afford to provide meals that meet national nutritional guidelines for their children. The aim of the present study was to calculate the cost of meal plans, which include New Zealand European and Tongan food preferences and meet New Zealand national nutrition guidelines for children in three age groups (3–5, 5–10 and 13–14 years) in different regions of Auckland.

Methods:  Meal plan exemplars from New Zealand national Food and Nutrition Guidelines were used to define both the European plan and the Tongan plan for each age group. Meal ingredient prices were measured in shops in January 2008 within seven randomly chosen, ‘most deprived’ (decile 10) areas and seven ‘least deprived areas’ (decile 1) in the Auckland region.

Results:  The average annual cost of food for one child was, in New Zealand Dollars, $1472 (3–5 year old) to $4411 per year (13–14 year old) from supermarket pricings only. The Tongan adolescent ($3188) and 3–5 year olds' plans ($1665) were cheaper than their European equivalents ($4282, $1759, respectively). No difference was demonstrated between most and least deprived areas (P= 0.91). Large volume options were usually cheaper than small volume options.

Conclusion:  Providing diets for children that are nutritionally appropriate requires on average 33% of the child‐related component of New Zealand Government provisions for low socioeconomic families in 2007. New Zealand should consider further strategies to make children's meals more affordable for low‐income families.
Participant characteristics and reach of a commercial web‐based weight loss program
Authors: NEVE Melinda J. , MORGAN Philip J. , COLLINS Clare E.
Published: November 2010

Aim:  To describe the characteristics of participants who enrolled in a commercial web‐based weight loss program (SP Health Weight Loss Platform), and assess the reach of the program.

Methods:  Participants were enrolled from 15 August 2007 to 31 May 2008. An enrolment survey captured self‐reported data for demographic, anthropometric and eating and exercise behaviours. The target population was defined as any Australian aged 18–75 years, with a body mass index of ≥22, who was using a commercial program to lose or maintain weight and had access to the Internet. The proportion of the target population reached and representativeness were determined from available population data.

Results:  The 11 341 participants were predominantly obese middle‐aged women, of higher socioeconomic status, from major cities within Australia. Men (n = 1531) had a significantly higher mean body mass index, poorer eating and activity habits, and different reasons for eating and attempting weight loss than women (P < 0.05). Obese participants had a significantly higher mean age and were more likely to be from low socioeconomic and rural areas (P < 0.05). Approximately 1.6% of the potential target group enrolled in the program (2.0% women and 0.6% men). The highest participation rate was among obese 25‐ to 35‐year‐olds. This was true overall (7.7% total), as well as for both sexes (9.0% women and 4.6% men).

Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates that web‐based weight loss programs have the ability to reach a large number of individuals at risk of weight‐related morbidity, including ‘hard‐to‐reach’ groups such as men and younger clients.
Is energy density a useful concept for understanding and preventing obesity?
Authors: SHRAPNEL Bill
Published: November 2010

Aim:  Short‐term studies suggest that dietary energy density may be an important factor for understanding and preventing obesity. This review reassesses this concept in the light of recent prospective cohort studies and randomised controlled trials.

Methods:  A computerised search was conducted of English language papers on Medline. Additional articles were identified by searching references in relevant papers.

Results:  Six long‐term prospective cohort studies do not consistently support an association between dietary energy density and changes in body weight over time. The largest study finds no relation and the results of other studies are mixed. In three randomised controlled trials, advice to follow low energy density diets ad libitum induces modest, short‐term weight loss but has minimal effect in the long term. Weight loss trials employing reduced energy, low energy density diets may be effective for losing body weight over 6 months, the degree of weight loss being comparable to that achieved with other reduced energy diets. The pattern of weight change observed in ad libitum feeding studies suggests adaption to a change in energy density with an increase in the weight of food consumed. This challenges the fundamental assumption of the energy density hypothesis that the weight of food consumed each day is a constant and instead suggests that the body tends to prioritise energy intake in the long term.

Conclusions:  Despite its intuitive appeal, dietary energy density appears to be of limited use for understanding obesity or preventing its development.
New Potent Bisubstrate Inhibitors of Histone Acetyltransferase p300: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Kwie Franciane Ho A , Briet Martine , Soupaya David , Hoffmann Pascal , Maturano Marie , Rodriguez Frédéric , Blonski Casimir , Lherbet Christian , Baudoin‐Dehoux Cécile
Published: November 2010

Bisubstrate‐type compound Lys‐CoA has been shown to inhibit the p300 histone acetyl transferase activity efficiently and may constitute a lead compound for a novel class of anticancer therapeutics. Based on this strategy, we synthesized a series of CoA derivatives and evaluated these molecules for their activity as p300 histone acetyltransferases inhibitor. The best activity was obtained with compound 3 bearing a C‐5 spacing linker that connects the CoA moiety to a tert‐butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) group. Based on docking simulations, this inhibitor exhibits favorable interactions with two binding areas, namely pockets P1 and P2, within the active site.
Constitutional Culture in Japan and the Philippines: Success and Failure in Post‐War Constitutional Choice
Authors: Wenzel Nikolai G.
Published: November 2010

A country's constitutional order will have a strong impact on political stability and economic performance. In order for a formal constitution to stick, it must match the underlying constitutional culture. If the two are slightly mismatched, compromise will follow, in the form of constitutional change. If the two are radically mismatched, the informal (culture) will reject the formal (parchment), and with it, constitutionalism itself. This paper uses the case of post‐war constitutional choice in Japan and the Philippines to illustrate the theory. Both countries adopted similar, US‐influenced constitutions, under Allied military occupation. The Japanese constitution matched the underlying constitutional culture and stuck, leading to stability and growth. The Filipino constitution, on the other hand, did not match the underlying culture, and was rejected, leading to dictatorship and economic stagnation.
Fast synaptic transmission in the goldfish CNS mediated by multiple nicotinic receptors
Authors: Grove Charlotte L. , Szabo Theresa M. , McIntosh J. Michael , Do Samantha C. , Waldeck Robert F. , Faber Donald S.
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

Usually nicotinic receptors in the central nervous system only influence the strength of a signal between neurons. At a few critical connections, for instance some of those involved in the flight response, nicotinic receptors not only modulate the signal, they actually determine whether a signal is conveyed or not. We show at one of the few such connections accessible for study, up to three different nicotinic receptor subtypes mediate the signal. The subtypes appear to be clustered in separate locations. Depending on the number and combination of the subtypes present the signal can range from short to long duration and from low to high amplitude. This provides a critical connection with a built‐in plasticity and may enable it to adapt to a changing environment.
Visualization of glutamate as a volume transmitter
Authors: Okubo Yohei , Iino Masamitsu
Published: November 2010

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Although glutamate mediates synaptically confined point‐to‐point transmission, it has been suggested that under certain conditions glutamate may escape from the synaptic cleft (glutamate spillover), accumulate in the extrasynaptic space, and mediate volume transmission to regulate important brain functions. However, the inability to directly measure glutamate dynamics around active synapses has limited our understanding of glutamatergic volume transmission. The recent development of a family of fluorescent glutamate indicators has enabled the visualization of extrasynaptic glutamate dynamics in brain tissues. In this topical review, we examine glutamate as a volume transmitter based on novel results of glutamate imaging in the brain.
High‐resolution simultaneous voltage and Ca2+ imaging
Authors: Vogt Kaspar E. , Gerharz Stephan , Graham Jeremy , Canepari Marco
Published: November 2010

Abstract  Combining voltage and Ca2+ imaging allows the correlation of electrical and chemical activity at sub‐cellular level. Here we describe a novel apparatus designed to obtain simultaneous voltage and Ca2+ measurements with single‐trial resolution from sites as small as a few microns. These measurements can be obtained with negligible optical cross‐talk between the two signals and negligible photo‐damage of the preparation. The capability of the technique was assessed recording either from individual neurons in brain slices or from networks of cultured neurons. The present achievements open the gate to many novel physiological investigations requiring simultaneous measurement of voltage and Ca2+ signals.
Lack of muscle recovery after immobilization in old rats does not result from a defect in normalization of the ubiquitin–proteasome and the caspase‐dependent apoptotic pathways
Authors: Magne Hugues , Savary‐Auzeloux Isabelle , Vazeille Emilie , Claustre Agnès , Attaix Didier , Anne Listrat , Véronique Santé‐Lhoutellier , Philippe Gatellier , Dardevet Dominique , Combaret Lydie
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

Immobilization periods increase with age because of decreased mobility and/or because of increased pathological episodes that require bed‐rest. Then, sarcopaenia might be partially explained by an impaired recovery of skeletal muscle mass after a catabolic state due to an imbalance of muscle protein metabolism, apoptosis and cellular regeneration. Mechanisms involved during muscle recovery have been little studied and in elderly they remain almost unknown. We show, in rats, that a short immobilization period during ageing initiated muscle atrophy that was indeed not recovered after 40 days. Immobilization was associated with an activation of both the ubiquitin–proteasome and the mitochondria‐associated apoptotic pathways and the inflammatory and redox processes, and a decrease of cellular regeneration. We show that the lack of muscle recovery during ageing is not due to a defect in proteolysis or apoptosis down‐regulation. These observations lead us to hypothesize that muscle protein synthesis activation after immobilization was altered during ageing.
Postural activation of the human medial gastrocnemius muscle: are the muscle units spatially localised?
Authors: Vieira Taian M. M. , Loram Ian D. , Muceli Silvia , Merletti Roberto , Farina Dario
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summary

In the medial gastrocnemius muscle of cats, the longitudinal size (3–4 cm) of the territory of motor units is large (∼60%) relative to the muscle length. In the human medial gastrocnemius, the size of motor unit territories is unknown. By comparing intramuscular and surface electromyograms we show that, when subjects stand at ease, the motor units active in the medial gastrocnemius have small territories. They extend no longer than 4 cm and no less than 1 cm along the longitudinal axis (∼25 cm long) of the muscle. Physiologically, the small territories of motor units give the nervous system a mechanism for the independent activation of sub‐volumes of the medial gastrocnemius muscle.