bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of the efficacy of chicken egg yolk antibodies (IgY) generated against Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: Revathy J. , Karthika S. , Sentila R. , Michael A. 
Published: October 2013

SynopsisAcne vulgaris driven by multiple factors appears in almost two‐third of the population. Increased resistance of the bacterium to antibiotics and cost‐effective treatments have made us resort to alternative therapy.ObjectiveA novel method of targeting acne‐causing bacterium Propionibacterium acnes with polyclonal chicken egg yolk antibodies was studied.MethodsAnti‐Propionibacterium acnes antibodies were generated in white leghorn chickens by immunizing with antigen. The antibodies extracted from the egg yolk by polyethylene glycol method were subjected to the analysis. The antibody binding activity was evaluated by indirect ELISA. Further, inhibition efficiency of the antibodies was tested by growth inhibition assay, and biofilm inhibition was assessed by adherence test.ResultsTitration of antibodies determined by ELISA was found to 0.323 after the first booster dose. The qualitative test for the determination of the binding activity revealed significant reduction in the colonies.ConclusionThe results suggest that the egg yolk antibodies obtained from white leghorn chickens after immunization with the antigen may present as an alternative treatment option.
Effect of Binder Content on the Erosive Wear of Ti(C,N)‐Based Cermet in SiO2 Particle‐Containing Simulated Seawater
Authors: Guo Zhixing , Xiong Ji , Wan Weicai , Dong Guangbiao , Yang Mei 
Published: October 2013

Erosion of Ti(C,N)‐10 wt% Mo2C‐15 wt% Ni/Co cermet of different Ni/Co in artificial seawater containing 5 wt% SiO2 was investigated. Pure Ni‐bonded cermet exhibited the largest wear rate of 35.7*10−3 mm3/h, which decreased to 17.7*10−3 mm3/h with the substitution of 30% Ni by Co. Further decrease of Ni/Co ratio resulted in the improvement of erosion resistance. Pure Co binder resulted in the increase hardness from 92.0 to 92.5 HRA and transverse rupture strength from 1510 to 1650 MPa. The erosion resistance was slightly worse due to an increasing hardness and brittleness of the binder phases, but the hard phases still kept the as‐prepared morphology.
Microstructure Evolution of Alumina/Alumina Joint Bonded by Boron Oxide–Alumina Nonmetal Powder Interlayer
Authors: Cao Jian , Li Chun , Song Xiaoguo , Feng Jicai , Lin Xingtao 
Published: October 2013

Alumina was successfully joined to itself in air environment by B2O3 + Al2O3 powder mixture as the interlayer to synthesize aluminum borate whiskers in the joint. The microstructure evolution was analyzed by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The possible mechanism of microstructure evolution was also discussed. The effects of parameters such as heating cycles and temperature on the microstructure as well as the 3‐point flexural strength of the joint were investigated. It was found that heating the specimen for several heating cycles instead of holding at a constant temperature for a long time can eliminate the voids among the whiskers to achieve a dense microstructure, and the phenomenon that higher temperatures can accelerate the reaction was also observed. The highest strength of the joint reaches 90.29MPa with the heating temperature of 800°C after four heating cycles.
Enhanced inactivation of pectin methyl esterase in orange juice using modified supercritical carbon dioxide treatment
Authors: Iftikhar Tehreema , Wagner Michael E. , Rizvi Syed S. H. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe aim of the study is to quantify the effect of ethanol addition and exposure surface on the inactivation of pectin methyl esterase (PME), a juice clarifying enzyme, in orange juice using supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2). Addition of ethanol to the SC‐CO2 at 2% (v/v) caused greater inactivation than SC‐CO2 alone, with a maximum reduction of PME activity of 97% at 30 MPa and 40 °C for 60 min. As the surface area to volume ratio was increased, the rate of inactivation of PME increased. Analysis of first‐order reaction kinetic data revealed that D values were greatly influenced by ethanol addition and agitation. With the addition of 2% ethanol, the D value reduced by half, that is, 56 min from 109 min. With impeller agitation of the sample at 1100 ± 100 rpm, the D value for PME was further reduced to 43 and 30 min without and with ethanol, respectively. The activity of PME treated with SC‐CO2 remained unchanged after 14 days of storage at 4 °C. Treatment did not significantly change pH or colour, but did significantly increase the cloud values of the juice, resulting in a cloud stabilised juice with similar qualities to fresh juice.
Referee assignment in the Chilean football league using integer programming and patterns
Authors: Alarcón Fernando , Durán Guillermo , Guajardo Mario 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis article uses integer linear programming to address the referee assignment problem in the First Division of the Chilean professional football league. The proposed approach considers balance in the number of matches each referee must officiate, the frequency of each referee being assigned to a given team, the distance each referee must travel over the course of a season, and the appropriate pairings of referee experience or skill category with the importance of the matches. Two methodologies are studied, one traditional and the other a pattern‐based formulation inspired by the home‐away patterns for scheduling season match calendars. Both methodologies are tested in real‐world and experimental instances, reporting results that improve significantly on the manual assignments. The pattern‐based formulation attains major reductions in execution times, solving real instances to optimality in just a few seconds, while the traditional one takes anywhere from several minutes to more than an hour.
Local flap therapy for the treatment of pressure sore wounds
Authors: Wettstein Reto , Tremp Mathias , Baumberger Michael , Schaefer Dirk J , Kalbermatten Daniel F 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyse the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary cooperation between conservative and surgical disciplines for the treatment of pressure sores (PS). From January 2004 to December 2005, a single‐centre study was performed with paraplegic and tetraplegic patients presenting with PS grades III–V. Outcome measures were defect size, grade, method of reconstruction, complication and recurrence rate as well as average length of hospitalisation. A total of 119 patients aged 22–84 years with totally 170 PS were included. The most common PS were located in the ischial region (47%), followed by the sacral (18%), trochanteric (11%), foot (9%) and the malleolar (8%) regions. Defect sizes ranged between 4 and 255 cm2. Grade IV was the most common PS (68%), followed by grade III (30%) and grade V (2%) PS. For wound closure, fasciocutaneous flaps were used most frequently (71%), followed by skin grafts (10%) and myocutaneous flaps (7%). Postoperative follow‐up ranged between 6 and 38 months. The overall complication and recurrence rate was 26% and 11%, respectively. If no complication occurred, the average duration of hospitalisation stay after the first debridement was 98 ± 62 days. In conclusion, our treatment concept is reliable, effective and results in a low recurrence rate. The complication rate, even though favourable when compared with the literature, still needs to be improved.
Relationship between activity of daily living and asteatosis in the lower legs among elderly residents in long‐term care institutions: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nakagami Gojiro , Kimura Nao , Takehara Kimie , Nakamura Tetsuro , Kawashima Makoto , Tsunemi Yuichiro , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis cross‐sectional observational study investigated the relationship between the level of activities of daily living (ADL) and asteatosis in the lower legs among elderly residents. We enrolled 173 residents from a long‐term care health facility and two special nursing homes for elderly persons in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Oshima Island, Japan. The level of ADL was measured by the Barthel Index. The relationship between the Barthel Index total score and the presence of asteatosis in the lower legs diagnosed by a dermatologist was analysed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Among the residents, 79·2% had asteatosis in their lower legs. An increase of 1 point in the Barthel Index total score was significantly associated with a decreased probability of lower leg asteatosis after adjusting for age, sex and the type of institution (adjusted odds ratio = 0·982; 95% confidence interval: 0·966–0·998). A higher level of ADL is associated with a lower probability of having asteatosis in the lower legs among residents in long‐term care institutions. Nurses should pay specific attention to residents with limited ADL for initiating preventive care for asteatosis.
MH II‐DAB gene expression in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes) after infection with the ciliate parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis
Authors: Yu H , Yan Q G , Wang Z B , Lu Y J , Xu M J , Li H , Zhu X Q 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella (Valenciennes), is one of the most extensively aquacultured freshwater fish in China. However, because of the lack of effective control measures and the high‐density culture environment, considerable economic losses are caused by infection of C. idella with the parasitic ciliate, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The major histocompatibility (MH) DAB gene belongs to antigen‐presented genes in the class II genomic region, which is associated with parasite resistance. To understand the relationship of the DAB gene with I. multifiliis infection in grass carp, the expression profiles of MH II‐DAB were studied in tissues using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results showed that expression of the MH II‐DAB gene was up‐regulated in head kidney after I. multifiliis infection, and the expression peak appeared earlier in the study (case) group than in the control group. The obvious up‐regulation peak of MH II‐DAB gene was found at days 2 and 4 in skin; at 12 h to day 4 in spleen; at 12 h and days 1 and 6 in gill; and at day 10 in blood, whereas the MH II‐DAB gene was down‐regulated in liver and intestines after I. multifiliis infection. These results have implications for better understanding C. idella resistance to I. multifiliis infection.
Comforting the Parents by Administering Neuromuscular Blockers to the Dying Child: A Conflict Between Ethics and Law?
Authors: den Hartogh Govert 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWhen the decision has been made to stop treatment of a newborn child with a bad prognosis, the child usually dies in a short time. Sometimes, however, gasping occurs, and although it is usually thought that this is not a sign of suffering, the parents can hardly fail to interpret it as such. Could that be a reason to administer muscle relaxants to the child? It would not harm the child and may greatly benefit the parents. So it seems the humane thing to do.Legally, however, the action would count as killing, and the prohibition of killing normally implies a denial of the authority to decide on exceptions, which should be understood as a protection of public trust.I discuss three ways of arguing why the law, nevertheless, should allow for an exception in this case. The discussion identifies and describes this kind of conflict, and shows how to evaluate proposals for solving it, using a particularly clear exemplary case by way of illustration.
Outcomes and Feasibility of a Manualized Cognitive‐Behavioral Skills Building Intervention: Group COPE for Depressed and Anxious Adolescents in School Settings
Authors: Mazurek Melnyk Bernadette , Kelly Stephanie , Lusk Pamela 
Published: October 2013

ProblemDespite the increasing prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in adolescents, less than 25% of affected teens receive any treatment.MethodsA preexperimental one‐group pre‐ and posttest pilot study design with 4‐week follow‐up was used to assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of the COPE (Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) brief‐focused manualized seven‐session cognitive‐behavioral skills building group intervention delivered in two high schools to 16 adolescents referred by a school‐based nurse practitioner for depression or elevated anxiety symptoms.FindingsAdolescents reported significant decreases in depression and anxiety on the Beck Youth Inventory as well as increases in personal beliefs about managing negative emotions. Evaluations indicated that the group COPE intervention was a positive experience for the teens.ConclusionsCOPE is a promising brief‐focused cognitive behavioral therapy‐based intervention that can be delivered effectively to teens in school settings using a group format.
Moderate and severe periodontitis are independent risk factors associated with low cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary non‐smoking men aged between 45 and 65 years
Authors: Eberhard Jörg , Stiesch Meike , Kerling Arno , Bara Christoph , Eulert Christine , Hilfiker‐Kleiner Denise , Hilfiker Andres , Budde Eva , Bauersachs Johann , Kück Momme , Haverich Axel , Melk Anette , Tegtbur Uwe 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo investigate the association between periodontal disease severity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in a cross‐sectional study of sedentary men.Materials & MethodsSeventy‐two healthy men (45–65 years) who did not join any sport activity and had a preferentially sitting working position were recruited. Periodontal status was recorded and CRF was measured by peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during exercise testing on a cycle ergometer. Physical activity was assessed by a validated questionnaire and data were transformed to metabolic equivalent of task scores. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to investigate associations.ResultsDifferences between VO2peak levels in subjects with no or mild, moderate or severe periodontitis were statistically significant (p = 0.026). Individuals with low VO2peak values showed high BMI scores, high concentrations of high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein, low levels of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, and used more glucocorticoids compared to individuals with high VO2peak levels. Multivariate regression analysis showed that high age (p = 0.090), high BMI scores (p < 0.001), low levels of physical activity (p = 0.031) and moderate (p = 0.087), respectively, severe periodontitis (p = 0.033) were significantly associated with low VO2peak levels.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that moderate and severe periodontitis were independently associated with low levels of CRF in sedentary men aged between 45 and 65 years.
Cloning and expression of a surface immunogenic protein in Streptococcus dysgalactiae isolated from fish and its application in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to diagnose S. dysgalactiae infections in fish
Authors: Nishiki I , Minami T , Itami T , Yoshida T 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLancefield group C Streptococcus dysgalactiae (GCSD) causes severe necrotic lesions in the caudal peduncle in the genus Seriola farmed in Japan. To develop a sero‐diagnostic method for GCSD infection in farmed fish, we attempted to identify a surface immunogenic protein that induces an antibody after infection with GCSD by immunoblot analysis using sera collected from infected fish. A protein obtained from sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) extracts of GCSD was identified as S. dysgalactiae surface immunogenic protein (Sd‐Sip). Sd‐Sip exhibited more than 94% homology with a surface antigen or a hypothetical protein from S. dysgalactiae mammalian isolates at the nucleotide sequence level. Expression of the recombinant Sd‐Sip (rSd‐Sip) was confirmed by immunoblot analysis, that is, its reactivity to GCSD‐infected sera. Antibody detection ELISA using rSd‐Sip and their usefulness for diagnosis of GCSD infection were examined. GCSD‐infected sera collected from farmed amberjack, Seriola dumerili (Risso), showed strong reaction with immobilized rSd‐Sip. Meanwhile, sera immunized by other pathogenic bacteria of fish were showed ELISA values similar to those of non‐infected sera. These results of this study suggest that the antibody detection ELISA using rSd‐Sip is an effective diagnostic method for GCSD infection in fish.
Intensification of Starch Processing Using Apparatus with Couette–Taylor Flow
Authors: Hubacz Robert , Ohmura Naoto , Dluska Ewa 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCouette–Taylor flow (CTF), which is characterized by the presence of Taylor vortices, ensures effective mixing, fast heat transfer and improved rheological properties of starch slurry. Therefore, this type of flow can be expected to provide favorable conditions for starch processing. In order to check how to intensify the process, starch gelatinization has been studied experimentally and using computer simulation in two CTF apparatuses of different volumes. The results show that, when the volume of apparatus was small, high value of degree of starch gelatinization could be achieved at relatively low temperature or at relatively low rotor rotation frequency. The increase in the apparatus volume ensures higher rate of gelatinized starch production and the reduction in dissipation of mechanical energy connected with rotor rotation, however, it also amplifies the detrimental inlet and gravitation effects. To overcome both of these negative effects, the increase in the rotor frequency is required.Practical ApplicationStarch gelatinization is a process frequently encountered in food industry, e.g., food sterilization or starch hydrolysis. Therefore, a new way of starch processing could be interesting in the context of growing consumer interest in natural food. It is expected that CTF apparatus could enable to process much more concentrated starch slurry than a jet cooker or coil heater typically used in industrial setting. Starch granules should also be less damaged during treatment in CTF apparatus than in an extruder. The results presented in this paper are relevant for process intensification and scale‐up of starch gelatinization in CTF apparatus and will be extended to simultaneous starch gelatinization with enzymatic hydrolysis in the future work.
Improvement in Shelf Life and Safety of Pasteurized Palm Sap (Borassus flabellifer Linn.) by the Addition of Nisin
Authors: Naknean Phisut 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe objective of this study was to improve the quality and safety of pasteurized palm sap by the addition of various concentrations of nisin. The pasteurization condition was 75C for 10 min as considered from no growth of pathogens was detected while the concentrations of nisin in the range of 0–40 IU/mL were selected for addition in palm sap as considered from sensory evaluation. The initial pH of pasteurized palm sap was 6.6 and the addition of nisin caused a decrease in the pH to 6.2, 6.0, 5.8 and 5.6 for the samples added 10, 20, 30 and 40 IU/mL, respectively. The initial polyphenol oxidase activity decreased by approximately 55 and 76% for the sample without nisin added and the sample added 40 IU/mL nisin, respectively, from the original value measured in fresh palm sap while the initial invertase activity was not affected by nisin. During storage, the loss of sucrose, polyphenol content, DPPH‐RSA and the increment in browning intensity were minimized by nisin treatment, particularly at 30–40 IU/mL. The combination of pasteurization with the addition of nisin (30 IU/mL) and low temperature storage could preserve palm sap for 10 weeks whereas the control sample was spoiled within 2 weeks.Practical ApplicationsThe sale of pasteurized palm sap is a common practice in Thailand and its consumption has increased over the past years. However, pasteurized palm sap has a short shelf life (approximately 1–2 weeks). In order to control the growth of spoilage microorganisms, the use of natural antimicrobial preservatives has been preferred in the food industry. For this purpose, nisin was preferred in this study. Although there are many reports on the use of nisin to prolong the shelf life of food, research on the utilization of nisin in palm sap is limited. According to the results, the addition of nisin could reduce the pasteurization temperature and time. In addition, the use of nisin (30 IU/mL) significantly reduced spoilage microorganism counts and extended the refrigerated shelf life of pasteurized palm sap for at least 10 weeks. Therefore, the safety of pasteurized palm sap during storage could be improved by the addition of nisin. This result may be a practical application for the producer because of the short shelf life of this product.
The contribution of the HIV specialist nurse to HIV care: a scoping review
Authors: Tunnicliff Sarah A , Piercy Hilary , Bowman Christine A , Hughes Charlie , Goyder Elizabeth C 
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectivesTo systematically identify and critically examine the evidence of the contribution of the HIV nurse specialist to provision of HIV care in the UK and other developed countries.BackgroundThe HIV clinical nurse specialist role has evolved over the past two decades in response to changes in two areas of HIV care: first, changes in the treatment and care of those with HIV and second, changes and development in advanced nursing practice. The challenges facing HIV care require the development of innovative services including a greater contribution of HIV specialist nurses. A review of current evidence is required to inform developments.DesignA review.MethodsA broad search strategy was used to search electronic databases. Grey literature was accessed through a variety of approaches. Preference was given to UK literature with inclusion of international publications from other developed countries where relevant.ResultsFourteen articles were included. Four themes were identified: the diversity of the clinical role; a knowledge and skills framework for HIV nursing practice; the education and training role of the HIV nurse specialist; and the effectiveness of the HIV nurse specialist. The findings mainly focus on the clinical aspects of the role with little evidence concerning other aspects. There is limited evidence to indicate clinical effectiveness.ConclusionsHIV care is facing substantial challenges, and there is a clear need to develop effective and efficient services, including expanding the contribution of HIV nurse specialists. Such developments need to occur within a framework that optimises nursing contribution and measures their impact on HIV care. This review provides a baseline to inform such developments.Relevance to clinical practiceThis review of the literature details current understanding of the role of HIV specialist nurses and the contribution that they make to HIV care.
Exercise in children with common congenital heart lesions: Balancing benefits with risks
Authors: Halliday Melanie , Selvadurai Hiran , Sherwood Megan , Fitzgerald Dominic A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChildren with corrected common congenital heart lesions are often withheld from regular exercise by their parents. While there are some modest risks with exercise, they should be seen in perspective, and the life‐long benefits of regular exercise on general health, mood and well‐being should be emphasised.
Managing snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea in childhood
Authors: Fitzgerald Nicholas M , Fitzgerald Dominic A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractSnoring assessment and its differentiation from obstructive sleep apnoea are difficult based upon a parent history and physical examination of the size of the tonsils. Not only is the presence of obstructive sleep apnoea important to diagnose, but confirming its severity is the key determinant in prioritising treatment in a resource‐limited setting. This review provides current knowledge on the utility of common diagnostic tests, results of treatment options available and implications of treatment and unrecognised or untreated obstructive sleep apnoea.