bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of oilseed storage proteins on aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Mellon Jay E. , Cotty Peter J.
Published: May 2007

Potential involvement of seed storage proteins in susceptibility to aflatoxin contamination was assessed with in vitro tests. Initially, two oilseed storage proteins [cottonseed storage protein (CSP) and zein] were compared with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and collagen. Supplementation of a complete defined medium with either oilseed storage protein resulted in significantly more aflatoxin production by Aspergillus flavus than supplementation with either BSA or collagen. Little or no aflatoxin was produced when either BSA, CSP, or zein was employed (at 0.5%) as both the sole carbon and the sole nitrogen source. Media with collagen (0.5%) as the sole nitrogen and carbon source supported aflatoxin production similar to the complete defined medium. Although lower than levels observed with defined medium, aflatoxin production increased with both increasing CSP concentration (0 to 2.0%) and increasing zein concentration (0 to 6.0%) when these proteins served as both the sole carbon and sole nitrogen source. Denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and protease activity assays indicated that fungal acquisition of protein carbon was probably via hydrolysis mediated by the 35 kD metalloprotease of A. flavus. Media lacking nitrogen but containing sucrose (5.0%) and supplemented with either zein (1.7%) or CSP (2.0%) supported three‐ to eightfold more aflatoxin production than the complete defined medium. The results suggest seed storage proteins, when present with an accessible carbon source, may predispose oilseed crops to support production of high levels of aflatoxins by A. flavus during seed infection.
Production of specific‐structured lipids by enzymatic interesterification: Elucidation of Acyl migration by response surface design
Authors: Xu X. , Skands A. R. H. , Høy C. ‐E. , Mu H. , Balchen S. , Adler‐Nissen J.
Published: May 2007

Production of specific‐structured lipids (SSL) by lipase‐catalyzed interesterification has been attracting more and more attention recently. However, it was found that acyl migration occurs during the reaction and causes the production of by‐products. In this paper, the elucidation of acyl migration by response surface design was carried out in the Lipozyme IM (Rhizomucor miehei)‐catalyzed interesterification between rapeseed oil and capric acid in solvent‐free media. A five‐factor response surface design was used to evaluate the influence of five major factors and their relationships. The five factors, water content, reaction temperature, enzyme load, reaction time and substrate ratio, were varied at three levels together with two star points. All parameters besides substrate ratio had strong positive influences on acyl migration, and reaction temperature was most significant. The contour plots clearly show the interactions between the parameters. The migration rates of different fatty acids were also compared from three different sets of experiments during the lipase‐catalyzed reaction. The best‐fitting quadratic response surface model was determined by regression and backward elimination. The coefficients of determination (R2) of the model were 0.996 and 0.981 for Q2 value. The results show that the fitted quadratic model satisfactorily expresses acyl migration for the enzymatic interesterification in the batch reactor used.
Solvent‐free glycerolysis catalyzed by acetone powder of Nigella sativa seed lipase
Authors: El Naciye , Dandik Levent , Aksoy H. Ayşe
Published: May 2007

The solvent‐free glycerolysis of used sunflower oil catalyzed by acetone powder of Nigella sativa seeds was investigated. The highest partial acylglycerols yield was obtained at 60°C. The glycerolysis reactions, conducted at molar ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 of oil to glycerol keeping the acetone powder content at 30% based on oil weight and the temperature at 60°C, approached equilibrium after 2 h. The highest partial acylglycerol content of the products was 66% (1:1 molar ratio) and 60% (2:1 molar ratio).
Identification and estimation of tocotrienols in the annatto lipid fraction by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Frega N. , Mozzon M. , Bocci F.
Published: May 2007

The lipid fraction of annatto (Bixa orellana L.) seeds was extracted with a Soxhlet apparatus with n‐hexane and isolated by thin‐layer chromatography. The fatty‐soluble antioxidant fraction contained only tocotrienols, mainly δ‐tocotrienol, but no tocopherols. The presence of tocotrienols was confirmed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The quantities of δ‐tocotrienol were 140–147 mg/100 g dry seeds and 5.2–5.5% wt/wt of lipid extract, determined by gas chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Currently no vegetable species seems to contain comparable concentrations of δ‐tocotrienol.
Esterification kinetics of long‐chain fatty acids and fatty alcohols with a surfactant‐coated lipase in n‐hexane
Authors: Basheer Sobhi , Cogan Uri , Nakajima Mitsutoshi
Published: May 2007

The esterification reaction kinetics of long‐chain fatty acids and fatty alcohols catalyzed with a surfactant‐coated lipase in a microaqueous n‐hexane system were studied. The biocatalytic complex, surfactant‐lipase adduct, showed 40 times the activity after a reaction time of 5 h compared to the unmodified lipase in the same reaction system. Various factors that may affect the activity of the modified lipase were studied, such as the influence of substrate fatty acid chainlength, water content, and temperature. By varying the concentration of each of the two substrates while keeping that of the other substrate constant, it was found that the esterification reaction follows Michaelis‐Menten kinetics. The surfactant‐enzyme complex kinetic parameters were determined with respect to both substrates. It was suggested that the kinetics of the lipase‐catalyzed esterification reaction model follow a Ping‐Pong Bi Bi mechanism with no substrate or product inhibition.
Bioconversion of oleic acid to a series of keto‐hydroxy and dihydroxy acids by Bacillus species NRRL BD‐447: Identification of 7‐hydroxy‐16‐oxo‐9‐cis‐octadecenoic acid
Authors: Lanser A. C.
Published: May 2007

Fifty‐eight strains of eight Bacillus species were selected from the ARS Culture Collection to investigate their ability to bioconvert oleic acid to unique hydroxy or keto derivative. Addition of 0.5% oleic acid substrate to a whole‐cell culture of Bacillus strain NRRL BD‐447 produced mixtures of mono‐, di‐, and trisubstituted compounds. These products appear to contain combinations of keto and hydroxy groups. One of the major products was isolated by high‐performance liquid chromatography and its structure was determined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance to be 7‐hydroxy‐16‐oxo‐9‐cis‐octadecenoic acid.
Stabilization of water‐in‐oil emulsions by submicrocrystalline α‐form fat particles
Authors: Garti N. , Binyamin H. , Aserin A.
Published: May 2007

The results presented in this study confirm previous knowledge and stress the need for both hydrophobic emulsifiers and submicronial fat particles to stabilize water‐in‐vegetable oil emulsions. It was demonstrated that polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) is superior to glycerol monooleate and/or lecithin, but is incapable of stabilizing these fluid emulsions for sufficient storage periods. Fluid emulsions, unlike margarine, exhibit high droplet mobility and are susceptible to flocculation and coalescence. It was also demonstrated that submicronial α‐form crystals of hydrogenated fat can be obtained in the oil phase by the flash‐cooling process. The crystals are homogeneously almost mono‐dispersed and exhibit insufficient stability against flocculation and phase separation. The use of an emulsifier (PGPR) in the fat crystallization process was very helpful in decreasing the aggregation and flocculation processes. The α‐form (mixed with β′‐form) submicronial crystals can stabilize water‐in‐oil emulsions only in the presence of food emulsifiers, provided the concentration of tristearin is limited to 1.0–2.0 wt% (to prevent phase separation and high viscosity) and the PGPR is added at sufficient concentrations (PGPR/tristearin ratio of 2.0 or more). Ideally stable (for over 6–8 wk) fluid emulsions can be formed in systems composed of fat submicrocrystalline hydrophilic particles and food‐grade emulsifiers. These water‐in‐oil emulsions can serve as the basic preparation for any food‐grade water‐in‐oil‐in‐water double emulsion.
Determination of sorbitan tristearate in vegetable oils and fats
Authors: Thyssen Karen , Andersen Karsten Stig
Published: May 2007

A new method for analysis of Sorbitan Tristearate (STS) in vegetable oils and fats has been developed. The method is based on isolation and hydrolysis of STS compounds in a silica cartridge. The polyalcohols are eluted from the silica cartridge and the final separation and quantitation are done by high‐performance liquid chromatography and refractive index detection. Linearity, precision, and recovery satisfy general demands on quantitative methods. The detection limit and the quantitation limit are well below the concentrations normally used to attain functional effects of STS in vegetable oils and fats.
Electrospray mass spectrometry for characterizing polyglycerols and the effects of adduct ion and cone voltage
Authors: Crowther Molly W. , O’Connell Terrence R. , Carter Stephen P.
Published: May 2007

Polyglycerol intermediates have been characterized by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI). Linear and cyclic components from n=2–23 in a sample of decaglycerol, for example, have been resolved in the second dimension or mass axis. Molecular weight (MW) distributions for tri‐, hexa‐, and decaglycerol products have been analyzed as a function of cone voltage and adduct ion (H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, and NH4+). A different combination is required to obtain a reliable MW distribution for each polyglycerol intermediate. The best distribution obtained by ESI/MS is determined by comparing the calculated hydroxyl number and cyclic content to that obtained by wet chemistry and gas chromatography, respectively. Once ESI/MS conditions are established, the distribution can be used, for the first time in polyglycerol analysis, to calculate important parameters such as number average MW, weight average MW, polydispersity, % cyclics, hydroxyl number, wt% above n=6, etc.
An improved reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography method for separation of fatty acid methyl esters
Authors: Marquardt T. C. , Wilson R. F.
Published: May 2007

Resolution of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) by thin‐layer chromatography often is complicated by co‐migration of certain acyl‐isomers in heterogeneous mixtures. However, a novel reversed‐phase thin‐layer chromatography method which employs 10% (wt/vol) silver nitrate in a mobile phase containing acetonitrile/1,4‐dioxane/acetic acid (80:20:1, vol/vol/vol) allows one‐dimensional resolution of a wide range of acyl‐methyl esters. This innovation enables improved separation of saturated FAME ranging from C12 to C22, and geometric isomers of C14 to C22 unsaturated FAME by thin‐layer chromatography.
Characterization of membrane‐bound lipase from a thermophilic Rhizopus oryzae isolated from palm oil mill effluent
Authors: Razak C. N. A. , Musani R. , Basri M. , Salleh A. B.
Published: May 2007

The characteristics of the membrane‐bound lipase from a thermophilic Rhizopus oryzae were studied. The pH and temperature optima for lipase activity were at 7.0 and 37°C, respectively. The enzyme was stable and acidic conditions, retaining more than 80% of its initial activity at pH 4.0 after 30 min incubation. It was stable up to 50°C with 70% of initial activity retained after 3 h incubation. The enzyme is 1,3 specific and exhibits substrate preference. Monoacid triglyceride substrates were hydrolyzed better than methyl esters, polyoxysorbitan and sorbitan substrates.
Enzymatic synthesis of wax esters from rapeseed fatty acid methyl esters and a fatty alcohol
Authors: Hallberg Marianne Lilja , Wang Daobin , Härröd Magnus
Published: May 2007

Wax esters were transesterified from fatty acid methyl esters of rapeseed and a fatty alcohol (1‐hexadecanol, 16:0). The amounts of both the substrates were fixed to 0.1 mmol and an immobilized enzyme, Lipozyme, was used as catalyst. The experiment was performed following a statistic central composite design with five variables. The enzyme/lipid ratio was varied between 0.3–0.9 of the substrate weight and the enzyme was equilibrated to different water activities varying from 0.11 to 0.44. A temperature range of 50–80°C was investigated and the reaction time lasted up to 40 min. A solvent, isooctane, constituted 0–30% of the substrate weight. The first experimental series was performed in small closed test tubes. In the second series the caps of the test tubes were off to evaporate the methanol produced during the reaction. The highest initial reaction rate was 9.6 gwax esters/genzyme · h. It appeared when: the enzyme/lipid ratio was low, 0.3, the temperature was high, 80°C; no isooctane was present; and the water activity was below 0.11. The initial reaction rate was independent of the caps on the test tubes. With the large amount of enzyme the yield of wax esters was above 70% after 10 min in both experimental series. In the reaction with caps, the reaction reached equilibrium at 83% after 20 min at 80°C. However, without caps the continuous evaporation of methanol increased the equilibrium constantly, and after 40 min at 80°C a yield of 90% was reached.
Fatty acid composition of two new pepper varieties (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Jaranda and Jariza). Effect of drying process and nutritional aspects
Authors: Pérez‐Gálvez Antonio , Garrido‐Fernández Juan , Mínguez‐Mosquera Ma.Isabel , Lozano‐Ruiz Mercedes , Montero‐de‐Espinosa Vicente
Published: May 2007

Composition in fatty acids of the pericarp and seeds of two new pepper fruits (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Jaranda and Jariza) and the effects of different processing stages on the fatty acid composition of these tissues and of paprika are shown. In the pericarp the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), linoleic and linolenic, both in the same proportion, are the major acids; in the seed, linoleic is in a very high concentration as compared to in the pericarp. In the pericarp, a storage zone of carotenoid pigments, linolenic acid does not participate in the carotenoid esterification process. From the different lipid patterns, nutritional aspects are deduced. In the drying step the concentrations of constituent fatty acids are constant in the seed, while in the pericarp there is a net increase in the total content of fatty acids.
Dehydration of glycerine‐water mixtures by pervaporation
Authors: Burshe M. C. , Sawant S. B. , Pangarkar V. G.
Published: May 2007

Dehydration of glycerine‐water mixtures by pervaporation (PV) was studied with Nafion® (NA), cellulose triacetate (CA), polyimide, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. PES membrane yielded the highest selectivity (6580) and CPVC membrane yielded the lowest selectivity (1552) at 5% by weight of water in the feed and 30°C. The NA membrane yielded the highest permeation flux (0.2–1.45 kg/m2h) of water over the entire water concentration range. Energy of activation of permeation for water was in the range of 7–15 kJ/mol, being highest for CPVC and lowest for CA. Comparison of PV and vapor liquid equilibrium data showed that the former gave better results, particularly for concentrating glycerine above 90 wt%.
Mechanical oil expression from extruded soybean samples
Authors: Bargale P. C. , Ford R. J. , Sosulski F. W. , Wulfsohn D. , Irudayaraj J.
Published: May 2007

Soybean is generally recognized as a source of edible and industrial oil, and the deoiled meal is seen as a source of protein in animal feed. In recent years, however, more interest has been directed toward using soy meal as a protein source for human consumption. Extrusion‐expelling of soybean provides an opportunity in this direction. The main focus of this study was to maximize the oil recovery from extruded soybean processed using three different kinds of extruders and processing conditions. These extruded samples were later pressed uniaxially in a specifically designed test‐cell and the oil recovery was recorded over time. The effects of process variables, including applied pressure, pressing temperature and sample height, were investigated. Results indicated that over 90% of the available oil could be recovered from pressing of extruded soy samples. The information generated is likely to be useful in interpreting the effect of process variables and extruding equipment for pretreatment of soybean for subsequent mechanical oil expression.
Reinvestigation of the polymethylene‐interrupted 18:2 and 20:2 acids of Ginkgo biloba seed lipids
Authors: Wolff Robert L. , Christie William W. , Marpeau Anne M.
Published: May 2007

The fatty acid composition of Ginkgo biloba seed lipids was reinvestigated with particular emphasis on the polymethylene‐interrupted octadecadienoic and eicosadienoic acids. Analysis of the picolinyl esters and 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline derivatives by capillary gas‐liquid chromatography on a highly polar cyanopropyl polysiloxane stationary phase coupled with mass spectrometry revealed the presence of three such acids, with the structures 5,9–18:2, 5,11–18:2, and 5,11–20:2. This indicated that in G. biloba seeds, cis‐vaccenic (11–18:1) acid may be a substrate for the Δ5‐desaturase characteristic of gymnosperms. The 5,11‐18:2 acid was not limited to G. biloba, as it may occur in a few other species. The 5,11‐20:2 acid is a common component of the seed lipids from almost all gymnosperm species analyzed so far.
Spinel-anthophyllite rocks of the Kokchetav massif (northern Kazakhstan)
Authors: Selyatitskiy A.Yu.
Published: May 2007

Spinel-anthophyllite rocks that may be classified as ultrabasic low-Ca spinel amphibolites have been first discovered in the Kokchetav collision zone (northern Kazakhstan). They outcrop 2 km west of Enbek-Berlyk Village among schists and quartzites and are closely associated with spinel harzburgites and garnet pyroxenites. The main hosted minerals are spinel (hercynite) and anthophyllite. The rocks bear magnetite-hornblende-spinel-anthophyllite pseudomorphs with rounded and polygonal sections, which might have been resulted from the replacement of garnet grains. The prismatic anthophyllite crystals and scarce olivine relics contain elongate parallel spinel inclusions resembling spinel-olivine syntactic intergrowths in the Enbek-Berlyk spinel harzburgites. The spinel-anthophyllite rocks are similar to the associated spinel harzburgites in CaO, MnO, SiO2, and Al2O3 contents but are richer in FeO and poorer in MgO (F = FeO/(FeO + MgO) = 57% against 35% in the harzburgites). Geological, mineralogical, and geochemical data suggest that the spinel-anthophyllite rocks formed during the isochemical contact metamorphism of garnet-bearing spinel harzburgites, which contained more FeO and less MgO than garnet-free harzburgites of the same area. Variations in FeO and MgO contents in both types of harzburgites seem to be due to different chemical compositions of the chlorite protoliths of these rocks.
Petroleum potential of reservoirs at the Paleozoic-Mesozoic boundary in West Siberia: seismogeological criteria (example of the Chuzik-Chizhapka regional oil-gas accumulation)
Authors: Kontorovich V.A.
Published: May 2007

The study aims at developing petroleum potential criteria for reservoirs at the Paleozoic-Mesozoic boundary in West Siberia, by the example of the Chuzik-Chizhapka regional oil and gas accumulation in the Parabel District (Tomsk Region).

Oil and gas accumulations in formations of the Paleozoic-Mesozoic boundary were discovered in the Archa, Urman, Gerasimovka, Kalinovoe, North Kalinovoe, Tambai, Ostanino, North Ostanino, and other fields within the Chuzik-Chizhapka zone. Hydrocarbons are hosted by reservoirs of different lithologies and ages, including Devonian and Carboniferous organic, dolomite, and siliceous limestones and argillaceous-siliceous rocks.

Synthetic interpretation of seismic profiling and log data was used to model the geological structure of the Chuzik-Chizhapka regional accumulation, to develop potential criteria for reservoirs of the Paleozoic basement and weathering zone, and to suggest methods for detection of complex traps in upper Paleozoic strata.
Density inhomogeneity of the lithosphere in the southeastern periphery of the North Asian craton
Authors: Petrishchevsky A.M.
Published: May 2007

The study addresses the space distribution of lithospheric density contrasts in 3D and 2D surface (spherical) sources of gravity anomalies to depths of 120 km below the geoid surface and their relationship with shallow deformation and Archean, Early Paleozoic, and Late Mesozoic geodynamic environments. The lithospheric section in northeastern Transbaikalia and the Upper Amur region includes two layers of low-density gradients attendant with low seismic velocities and low electrical resistivity. The lower layer at depths of 80–120 km is attributed to an asthenospheric upwarp that extends beneath the North Asian craton from the Emuershan volcanic belt and the Songliao basin. The concentric pattern of density contrasts in the middle and lower crust beneath the Upper Amur region may be produced by the activity of the Aldan-Zeya plume, which spatially correlates with the geometry of the asthenospheric upwarp as well as with the regional seismicity field, magnetic and heat flow anomalies, and stresses caused by large earthquakes and recent vertical crustal movements. The relationship between shallow and deep structures in the crust and upper mantle bears signature of horizontal displacement (subduction) of the lower crust of the Baikal-Vitim and Amur superterranes beneath the North Asian craton.
Critical Care Care Plans
Authors: Pawlowski Jacqueline
Published: May 2007

Critical Care Care Plans By Nancy M. Holloway, 1988, 331 pp $26.95 paperback
Analysis and Evaluation of Conceptual Models of Nursing
Authors: Roth Rosemary A.
Published: May 2007

Analysis and Evaluation of Conceptual Models of Nursing, second ed. By Jacqueline Fawcett 1989, 392 pp $27 clothbound
Surgical Infectious Diseases
Authors: Hennessy Juliette
Published: May 2007

Surgical Infectious Diseases, second ed. Edited by Richard J. Howard, Richard L. Simmons 1988, 913 pp $159 clothbound
Health Assessment in Nursing
Authors: Hennessy Juliette
Published: May 2007

Health Assessment in Nursing By Patricia G. Morton 1989, 681 pp $39.95 clothbound
Surgical and Conservative Foot Care
Authors: Aiello Deborah H.
Published: May 2007

Surgical and Conservative Foot Care By R. Luke Bordelon 1988, 185 pp $49.95 clothbound
Measurement of Nursing Outcomes Volume 1: Measuring Client Outcomes
Authors: Latz Paula A.
Published: May 2007

Measurement of Nursing Outcomes Volume 1: Measuring Client Outcomes Edited by Carolyn F. Waltz, Ora L. Strickland 1988, 570 pp $58.95 ($98 for set of two volumes) clothbound
Measurement of Nursing Outcomes Volume 2: Measuring Nursing Performance
Authors: Latz Paula A.
Published: May 2007

Measurement of Nursing Outcomes Volume 2: Measuring Nursing Performance Edited by Ora L. Strickland, Carolyn F. Waltz 1988, 498 pp $56.95 ($98 for set of two volumes) clothbound
Surgical Care.
Authors: OWEN CHARLOTTE H.
Published: May 2007

Surgical Care. Springhouse Corp, 1111 Bethlehem Pike, Springhouse, PA 19477, 1986, 183 pp, $11.95 paperback.
Increased plant sterol and stanol levels in brain of Watanabe rabbits fed rapeseed oil derived plant sterol or stanol esters
Authors: Fricke Christiane B. , Schrøder Malene , Poulsen Morten , von Bergmann Klaus , Wester Ingmar , Knudsen Ib , Mortensen Alicja , Lütjohann Dieter
Published: May 2007

Foods containing plant sterol or stanol esters can be beneficial in lowering LDL-cholesterol concentration, a major risk factor for CVD. The present study examined whether high dietary intake of rapeseed oil (RSO) derived plant sterol and stanol esters is associated with increased levels of these components in brain tissue of homozygous and heterozygous Watanabe rabbits, an animal model for familial hypercholesterolemia. Homozygous animals received either a standard diet, RSO stanol or RSO sterol ester while heterozygous animals were additionally fed with 2 g cholesterol/kg to the respective diet form for 120 d (n9 for each group). Concentrations of cholesterol, its precursor lathosterol, plant sterols and stanols in brain and additionally in liver and plasma were determined by highly sensitive GC–MS. High-dose intake of RSO derived plant sterols and stanols resulted in increased levels of these components in plasma and liver. In brain a limited uptake of plant sterols and stanols was proven, indicating that these compounds passed the blood–brain barrier and may be retained in the brain tissue of Watanabe rabbits. Plant stanol ester feeding lowered plant sterol levels in brain, liver, and plasma. Cholesterol synthesis in brain, indicated by lathosterol, a local surrogate cholesterol synthesis marker, does not seem to be affected by plant sterol or stanol ester feeding. We conclude that high dose intake of plant sterol and stanol esters in Watanabe rabbits results in elevated concentrations of these components not only in the periphery but also in the central nervous system.
EDUCATION FOR EXPECTANT FATHERS IN WORKPLACES IN TURKEY
Authors: SAHIP YUSUF , MOLZAN TURAN JANET
Published: May 2007

Worldwide, there is increasing recognition that if family and reproductive health programmes are to be successful, the involvement of men is essential. As part of the problem, men also have to be seen as part of the solution. The reality is that in many countries, including Turkey, men generally do not accompany their partners to health facilities for family planning, antenatal and postnatal services and are not expected to attend the labour or birth of their child. Workplace programmes are a potential strategy for meeting the reproductive health education needs of men in industrial cities such as Istanbul. This intervention study was developed to test the feasibility and effects of expanding a special programme for expectant fathers to large workplaces in Istanbul, with the aim of improving the health of Turkish families during the pregnancy, birth and newborn periods. The findings indicate that it is possible to train workplace physicians in Istanbul to conduct regular educational programmes for expectant fathers on reproductive health, and that such programmes may have beneficial effects, especially in the areas of pregnancy nutrition, exclusive breast-feeding, and support behaviours. Considering the difficulty of getting men to attend hospital or clinic-based educational programmes in large urban areas, bringing such training programmes to men at their places of work has the potential to be an important strategy. Given that large workplaces in Turkey already have full-time physicians charged with the duty of health education for employees, this is also a feasible strategy.
STUDYING HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOURS: COLLECTING RELIABLE DATA, CONDUCTING COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: SHAIKH BABAR T. , HARAN DAVID , HATCHER JUANITA , IQBAL AZAM SYED
Published: May 2007

There is certainly a growing need to justify the significance of studying health-seeking behaviours for designing advocacy campaigns, lobbying for a policy shift and convincing donors to invest in priority areas. Moreover, policymakers need to be encouraged to design evidence-based policies that take into account information relating to health-promoting, -seeking and -utilization behaviour and the factors determining these behaviours. This paper primarily covers the ‘methodology’ used in the study of health-seeking behaviours and determinants of health services utilization in a predominantly rural district of Pakistan. The paper substantiates that this methodology is comprehensive and reliable, and there is potential for replicating this in similar settings. The approach of Kroeger in his research on the study of health-seeking behaviours, particularly in developing countries, provides the most holistic framework for examining, analysing and interpreting factors and determinants of health-seeking behaviours and health services utilization in developing countries. This study endeavoured to validate Kroeger’s framework in a Pakistani setting, exploring all the factors listed through mixed method research, and qualitative supplemented by representative quantitative enquiry. This approach has also helped in understanding the inter-relationship of various factors and drivers of health-seeking behaviours from all angles.
Quality of life after surgery for benign disease of the parotid gland
Authors: Erkan A N , Yavuz H , Ozer C , Ozer F , Ozluoglu L
Published: May 2007

Objective:

To evaluate quality of life after surgery for benign neoplastic disease of the parotid gland.

Patients and methods:

A quality of life questionnaire, which was created from the Hebrew version of the University of Washington Quality of Life prototype, was applied to 55 patients who underwent surgery for benign neoplastic parotid disease. All patients were examined in Baskent University Adana Teaching and Medical Research Center, where all except 10 subjects (who responded by phone) completed the quality of life questionnaire.

Results:

The highest overall score was 96.3 indicating no salivary fistula. Only one patient complained of salivary secretion through the wound scar. The lowest overall score was 59.5 indicating loss of sensation. Although no post-surgical pain was reported by 32 (58 per cent) patients, 16 (29 per cent) patients reported a post-surgical change in their appearance. Scarring and surgical site depression were reported by 26 (47 per cent) and 17 patients (30 per cent), respectively. Facial nerve impairment was reported by seven patients (13 per cent) during the early post-operative period; these patients recovered from that impairment. The only significant statistical correlations were noted between general health and gender, and between post-surgical pain and gender. There was not any statistical correlation between all data and age, tumour type and education level.

Conclusion:

The general status of patients who have undergone surgery for a benign parotid neoplasm can be assessed with a quality of life questionnaire. Patients' post-surgical quality of life can be improved by the correct choice of surgical approach and reconstructive method.
Is there an association between blood group O and epistaxis?
Authors: Reddy V M , Daniel M , Bright E , Broad S R , Moir A A
Published: May 2007

Introduction:

Blood group O is associated with lower expression of von Willebrand factor suggesting a relative bleeding tendency. A lower admission rate for epistaxis among Asians compared with Caucasians has also been noted, with one explanation being higher prevalence of blood group O among Caucasians. This study investigates whether blood group O is over-represented in patients admitted with epistaxis.

Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted, using computerised hospital in-patient and blood bank databases to identify Caucasians admitted with epistaxis between January 2000 and December 2005 inclusive. The control group consisted of 500 consecutive patients who had a primary total hip arthroplasty and 500 consecutive patients who gave birth within the delivery suite.

Results:

1261 Caucasians admitted with epistaxis were identified. Among epistaxis patients, 50.44 per cent were blood group O but among the control group this was 45.10 per cent (chi-square testp = 0.008).

Conclusion:

Blood group O appears over-represented in Caucasian patients admitted with epistaxis, compared with the control population, raising the possibility that blood group O is a risk factor for epistaxis.
Matthew 7.21–23: Further Evidence of its Anti-Pauline Perspective
Authors: SIM DAVID C.
Published: May 2007

The redactional pericope in Matt 7.21–23, in which Jesus the final judge condemns certain false Christians, can and should be viewed as an anti-Pauline text. Those rejected by the Matthean Jesus are none other than Paul and those of his circle. This identification is indicated not only by their description as workers of lawlessness, but also by their defence that they are true Christians because they prophesy, work miracles and perform exorcisms in the name of Jesus. These charismatic activities were clearly associated with Paul and/or his churches.
Common Ground? The Role of Galatians 2.16 in Paul's Argument
Authors: SCOTT IAN W.
Published: May 2007

Several scholars have argued that Paul's statements about ‘justification’ in Gal 2.16 are intended to serve as common ground with his Galatian opponents. Yet Paul seems to argue polemically for the same idea in 2.21. Moreover, the structure of Paul's diatribal rhetoric in 2.16–21 suggests that Paul thought his statements in 2.16 would be controversial. When we observe that Paul continues to argue through chs. 3 and 4 for this same understanding of ‘justification’, it becomes clear that the Apostle expected his views in 2.16 to meet stiff resistance in Galatia.
Geschlecht und Kommunikation im ärztlichen Setting – eine Übersicht
Authors: Zemp Stutz  , Ceschi
Published: May 2007

Das Gespräch ist ein wichtiger Teil der ärztlichen Tätigkeit. Je besser die Arzt-Patienten-Kommunikation, desto besser sind der Informationsaustausch, die Patientenzufriedenheit, die Compliance und der Symptomverlauf, und desto seltener sind Fehldiagnosen. Geschlechtsunterschiede in Sprachverhalten und Sprachgebrauch zeigen sich auf ärztlicher Seite für die Art und den Inhalt von Fragen, den Informationsaustausch, den Aufbau einer partnerschaftlichen Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung, das sozio-emotionale Gesprächsverhalten wie auch hinsichtlich der Gesprächs- bzw. Konsultationsdauer. Auf Patientenseite bestehen Geschlechtsunterschiede in der Bereitschaft, Gesundheitsbelange zu thematisieren, im Gesundheitserleben und in der Art und Variabilität der Symptombeschreibung. Auch die Geschlechterkonstellation beeinflusst den Gesprächsinhalt und die Gesprächsinteraktion. Die Einführung eines «second gender thought» darüber, ob das Geschlecht der Patienten oder eigene Geschlechtervorstellungen bei Diagnose und Therapie eine Rolle gespielt haben könnten, würde erlauben, deren Einfluss bei Interpretationsvorgängen zugänglich zu machen.
Früherkennung schizophrener Psychosen bei Männern und Frauen
Authors: Riecher-Rössler
Published: May 2007

Die Früherkennung und Frühbehandlung von schizophrenen Psychosen ist von entscheidender Bedeutung zur weiteren Verbesserung des Verlaufs dieser bisher häufig chronisch verlaufenden und zur Frühberentung führenden Erkrankungen. Frauen erkranken im Durchschnitt etwa 4–5 Jahre später als Männer, oft noch nach dem 40. Lebensjahr. Diese «Spätschizophrenien», die bei Frauen immerhin etwa 20% aller Schizophrenien ausmachen, sollten nicht übersehen werden. Prodromi und andere Vorboten der Erkrankung sind bei Frauen ganz ähnlich wie bei Männern, auch die Verzögerung von Diagnostik und Therapie zeigt keine Geschlechtsunterschiede. Durch die Tatsache, dass Frauen im Mittel erst in höherem Alter erkranken als Männer, sind sie in ihren verschiedenen sozialen Rollen schon besser etabliert. Allerdings besteht offensichtlich die Gefahr, dass bei Frauen die berufliche Integration vernachlässigt wird. Früherkennung, Frühintervention und Frührehabilitation sollten aus den genannten Gründen immer auch geschlechtersensibel sein.
Gibt es Zusammenhänge von Lebensqualität/Gesundheitszustand und Krankheitsaktivität resp. Krankheitsschädigung bei SLE-Patienten? Resultate einer Kohortenstudie eines Schweizer Rheumatologen
Authors: Marx  , Mörgeli  , Büchi  , Stoll
Published: May 2007

Zielsetzung: Untersuchung der Zusammenhänge von Lebensqualität/Gesundheitszustand und Krankheitsaktivität, Schädigung, Alter resp. Krankheitsdauer bei Patienten mit Systemischem Lupus erythematosus (SLE) einer Kohorte eines Schweizer Rheumatologen. Patienten und Methode: Querschnittsuntersuchung bei 38 Patienten, welche die Klassifikationskriterien für Systemischen Lupus Erythematosus erfüllten. Die Patienten konsultierten eine rheumatologische Praxis in der Schweiz zwischen Januar 2002 und Dezember 2004. Das letzte Patienten-Assessment dieses Zeitraumes wurde verwendet. Das Assessment umfasste neben dem Erheben demographischer Daten die Messung der Krankheitsaktivität mittels dem BILAG-System (BILAG), der Schädigung mittels SLICC/ACR-Damage-Index (SDI) und des Gesundheitszustandes. Letzterer wurde mittels dem Patienten-Fragebogen Medical Outcome Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36) erhoben. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt nahmen 36 Frauen und 2 Männer an der Untersuchung teil (medianes Alter: 43 Jahre, mediane Krankheitsdauer: 11 Jahre). Dabei zeigte sich, dass vermehrte Krankheitsaktivität (totaler BILAG-Score) signifikant mit verminderter körperlicher Gesundheit korreliert. Grössere krankheitsbedingte Organschädigung (totaler SDI-Score) erwies sich als signifikant mit eingeschränkter Rollenerfüllung aufgrund psychischer Faktoren assoziiert. Alter und Krankheitsdauer zeigten in dieser Studie keine signifikanten Korrelationen mit dem Gesundheitszustand. Schlussfolgerung: Die vorliegende Querschnittsunteruchung basiert auf dem international in Studien gebräuchlichen Assessment von SLE-Patienten. Der gefundene signifikante Zusammenhang zwischen vermehrter Krankheitsaktivität und verminderter körperlicher Gesundheit dürfte kausal sein und unterstreicht die Wichtigkeit der optimalen therapeutischen Beeinflussung der Krankheitsaktivität.
Was ist Burnout?
Authors: Brühlmann
Published: May 2007

Immer mehr wird heutzutage über Burnout gesprochen. Wie früher bei der Neurasthenie soll ein durch Berufsstress bedingtes und nicht stigmatisierendes Beschwerdebild umschrieben werden. Burnout ist allerdings weder eine psychiatrische Diagnose, noch ein klar abgegrenztes wissenschaftliches Konzept. Die Beschwerden umfassen in erster Linie emotionale Erschöpfung, Verhaltensänderungen am Arbeitsplatz und Abnahme der Leistungsfähigkeit. Bei den Ursachen spielen neben dem chronischen Arbeitsstress eine biographisch bedingte Vulnerabilität und das allgemeine Sinndefizit in unserer Gesellschaft eine Rolle. Prävention und Behandlung konzentrieren sich auf die Verbesserung der individuellen Stressbewältigungsfertigkeiten, Optimierung der Arbeitsplatzsituation, Einplanung von mehr Erholungszeiten und tiefergehende Haltungs- und Lebensstilveränderungen. Dies wird erreicht mittels verhaltenstherapeutisch-edukativen Lernprozessen, analytisch orientierten Psychotherapien, Pharmakotherapie und umfassenden Behandlungen in Kliniken.
Nächtliche Schweissausbrüche und Dyspnoe bei Tetraplegie
Authors: Welti  , Keller
Published: May 2007

Ein 44-Jähriger Patient mit einer inkompletten Tetraplegie leidet an nächtlichem Schwitzen und Inappetenz mit Schluckstörungen sowie initermittierender Dyspnoe. Ein Troponin-positives Koronarsyndrom wird diagnostiziert bei einer schweren koronaren 3-Asterkrankung. Es wird die Indikation zur koronaren Bypassoperation gestellt, zusätzlich eine rhythmologische Abklärung und Evaluation einer ICD-Implantation vorgeschlagen. Die koronarere Herzkrankheit ist bei den Tetra- und Paraplegiker gleich häufig anzutreffen wie bei den Nichtbehinderten. Vor allem die verminderte körperliche Aktivität, reduzierte kardiale Fitness und der erhöhte körperliche Fettgehalt führen zu frühzeitig vermindertem HDL -Cholesterin und einem erhöhten Gesamtcholesterin. Daneben ist ebenfalls häufig eine diabetogene Stoffwechsellage vorhanden. Infolge fehlender klassischer Symptome wie der Angina pectoris ist bei entsprechenden kardialen Risikofaktoren eine Abklärung mittels Myokardperfusionsszintigraphie (MPS) oder Stressechokardiographie in Betracht zu ziehen.
Glacier winds in the Rongbuk Valley, north of Mount Everest: 1. Meteorological modeling with remote sensing data
Authors: Song Yu , Zhu Tong , Cai Xuhui , Lin Weili , Kang Ling
Published: May 2007

Persistent glacier winds blowing from noon to midnight in summer are present in the Rongbuk Valley, north of Mount Everest, with a maximum speed of 10 m s−1 and a vertical thickness as high as 1 km. These glacier winds may bring upper level atmosphere ozone to the surface, having a significant impact on the atmospheric environment. Such phenomena may be typical of the Tibetan Plateau, where most high mountains are covered by snow or glacier ice throughout the year. The Advanced Regional Prediction Model was used to simulate the down‐valley flows, using realistic topography but neglecting synoptic winds. The modeling results agree well with the observations obtained in June 2002, revealing that the glacier winds are thermal flows primarily driven by the along‐valley temperature gradient between the colder air over the glacier surface and the warmer air over surface areas covered by rock debris, which maintains air advection along the Rongbuk Valley. Downslope winds over the glacier slopes, especially from the western valley side, and the West Rongbuk Glacier, were forced by their inertia farther down into the valley and would intensify the glacier winds. The narrowing of the Rongbuk Valley could also speed up the glacier winds. Sensitivity tests showed that the detailed distribution of the Rongbuk Glacier, delineated by data from the Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus on Landsat 7, plays an important role in glacier winds development. The glacier winds could be much weaker in winter when the area is completely snow covered.
Analysis of the 2001 lava flow eruption of Mt. Etna from three‐dimensional mapping
Authors: Coltelli M. , Proietti C. , Branca S. , Marsella M. , Andronico D. , Lodato L.
Published: May 2007

The 2001 Etna eruption was characterized by a complex temporal evolution with the opening of seven eruptive fissures, each feeding different lava flows. This work describes a method adopted to obtain the three‐dimensional geometry of the whole lava flow field and for the reconstruction, based on topographic data, of the temporal evolution of the largest lava flow emitted from a vent located at 2100 m a.s.l. Preeruption and posteruption Digital Elevation Models (DEM) were extracted from vector contour maps. Comparison of the two DEMs and analysis of posteruption orthophotos allowed us to estimate flow area, thickness, and bulk volume. Additionally, the two‐dimensional temporal evolution of the 2100 flow was precisely reconstructed by means of maps compiled during the eruption. These data, together with estimates of flow thickness, allowed us to evaluate emitted lava volumes and in turn the average volumetric flow rates The analysis performed in this paper provided, a total lava bulk volume of 40.1 × 106 m3 for the whole lava flow field, most of which emitted from the 2100 vent (21.4 × 106 m3). The derived effusion rate trend shows an initial period of waxing flow followed by a longer period of waning flow. This is in agreement not only with the few available effusion rate measurements performed during the eruption, but also with the theoretical model of Wadge (1981) for the temporal variation in discharge during the tapping of a pressurized source.
Modeling sand wave characteristics on the Belgian Continental Shelf and in the Calais‐Dover Strait
Authors: Cherlet J. , Besio G. , Blondeaux P. , van Lancker V. , Verfaillie E. , Vittori G.
Published: May 2007

The capability of the model of Besio et al. (2006) to predict the main geometrical characteristics (crest orientation, wavelength,…) of tidal sand waves is tested by comparing the theoretical predictions with field data. In particular the field observations carried out by Mouchet (1990) and Van Lancker et al. (2005) along the continental shelf of Belgium are used. Additional comparisons are carried out against the field measurements described by Le Bot (2001) and Le Bot and Trenteseaux (2004) which were carried out in an adjacent region. Attention is focused on the prediction of the wavelength of the bottom forms. Indeed, the capability of a linear stability analysis to predict the occurrence of sand waves has been already tested by Hulscher and van den Brink (2001) and more recently by van der Veen et al. (2006). The obtained results show that the theoretical predictions fairly agree with field observations even though some of the comparisons suggest that the accuracy of the predictions depends on the accurate evaluation of the local current and sediment characteristics.
Genomic plasticity in prokaryotes: the case of the square haloarchaeon
Authors: Cuadros-Orellana Sara , Martin-Cuadrado Ana-Belen , Legault Boris , D'Auria Giuseppe , Zhaxybayeva Olga , Papke R Thane , Rodriguez-Valera Francisco
Published: May 2007

The variability in genome content among closely related strains of prokaryotes has been one of the most remarkable discoveries of genomics. One way to approach the description of this so-called pan-genome is to compare one reference strain genome with metagenomic sequences from the environment. We have applied this approach to one extreme aquatic habitat, saturated brines in a solar saltern. The genome of Haloquadratum walsbyi strain DSM 16790 was compared to an environmental metagenome obtained from the exact site of its isolation. This approach revealed that some regions of the strain genome were scarcely represented in the metagenome. Here we have analyzed these genomic islands (GI) in the genome of DSM 16790 and compared them with the complete sequence of some fosmids from the environmental library. Two of the islands, GI 2 and GI 4, overlapped with two large guanine and cytosine (GC)-rich regions that showed evidence of high variability through mobile elements. GI 3 seemed to be a phage or phage-remnant acquired by the reference genome, but not present in most environmental lineages. Most differential gene content was related to small molecule transport and detection, probably reflecting adaptation to different pools of organic nutrients. GI 1 did not possess traces of mobile elements and had normal GC content. This island contained the main cluster of cell envelope glycoproteins and the variability found was different from the other GIs. Rather than containing different genes it consisted of homologs with low similarity. This variation might reflect a phage evasion strategy.
Public computer surfaces are reservoirs for methicillin-resistant staphylococci
Authors: Kassem Issmat I , Sigler Von , Esseili Malak A
Published: May 2007

The role of computer keyboards used by students of a metropolitan university as reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci was determined. Putative methicillin (oxacillin)-resistant staphylococci isolates were identified from keyboard swabs following a combination of biochemical and genetic analyses. Of 24 keyboards surveyed, 17 were contaminated with staphylococci that grew in the presence of oxacillin (2 mg l−1). Methicillin (oxacillin)-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), -S. epidermidis (MRSE) and -S. hominis (MRSH) were present on two, five and two keyboards, respectively, while all three staphylococci co-contaminated one keyboard. Furthermore, these were found to be part of a greater community of oxacillin-resistant bacteria. Combined with the broad user base common to public computers, the presence of antibiotic-resistant staphylococci on keyboard surfaces might impact the transmission and prevalence of pathogens throughout the community.
Field-induced and polymer-stabilized two-dimensional cholesteric liquid crystal gratings
Authors: Kang Shin-Woong , Chien Liang-Chy
Published: May 2007

The authors experimentally demonstrate an electrically switchable gratings based on polymer-stabilized, field-induced two-dimensional square-lattice pattern of a cholesteric liquid crystal. A dependence of the two-dimensional diffraction patterns with the magnitude of applied voltage is observed for before and after the polymer stabilization. The diffraction efficiency reaches 84% calculated for the zero order light intensity at the applied voltage of 0.23V∕μm for a 10μm thick sample.