bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatopancreas and Gonad Quality of Chinese Mitten Crabs Fattened with Natural and Formulated Diets
Authors: Shao Luchang , Wang Chun , He Jie , Wu Xugan , Cheng Yongxu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAfter 42 days of feeding on either a Huayi formulated diet (HY) or trash fish (TF), the hepatopancreas and gonad quality of the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis were compared. The hepatosomatic index (HSI), gonadosomatic index (GSI) and proximate composition of both genders were similar. There were no significant differences in the total collagen content in the hepatopancreas between both dietary treatments, but collagen content was dramatically higher in the ovaries compared to the testes. Diets had no significant effect on the free amino acid content (FAA) of the hepatopancreas and gonads, but gender significantly affected the contents of certain amino acids. Compared to females, the hepatopancreas and gonads of males had significantly higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ΣLcPUFA), omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Σn‐3PUFA) content as well as DHA/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), n‐3/n‐6‐values.Practical ApplicationsTrash fish (TF), which are considered as standard food for fattening Eriocheir sinensis in China, have many disadvantages: they vary greatly in nutritional quality, decay rapidly and are not convenient to store over long periods. Thus, alternate supplies of cost‐efficient, easily‐modified and practical diets are highly preferred. To our knowledge, no study exists that has used formulated diets to find their effects on the product quality of the hepatopancreas and gonads on a commercial scale. The current study showed that the formulated diet could completely replace TF in fattening mitten crab without affecting hepatopancreas or gonad quality, and could provide an answer to the controversy over the use of formulated diets or TF for crab farmers. Various indices in this study also suggested that the hepatopancreas and gonads could be beneficial for human health and would be suitable for processing into different crab products.
Chemical, Functional and Sensory Properties of Carob Juice
Authors: Rababah Taha M. , Al‐u'datt Muhammad , Ereifej Khalil , Almajwal Ali , Al‐Mahasneh Majdi , Brewer Susan , Alsheyab Fawzi , Yang Wade 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe chemical, functional and sensory properties of carob juice compared with grape juice were evaluated. Composition results showed that carob pods contained high concentrations of carbohydrate and phytochemicals, moderate amounts of proteins and fiber, and low amounts of fat and ash. Phytochemical results showed that carob particle and powder juices had significantly higher total phenolic (19.8 and 20.3 mg gallic acid equivalent [GAE]/g, respectively) and tannin (4.3 and 4.5 mg catechin equivalents [CE]/g, respectively) contents than grape juice (6.2 mg GAE/g and 0.43 mg CE/g), while grape juice was higher in IC50 (10.8 mg/mL) than carob particles and powder juices (9.1 and 9.4 mg/mL, respectively). Descriptive results showed minor differences between grape and carob juices. In terms of consumer evaluation, the carob juices were similar to grape juice despite small differences especially in carob particle juice. Although carob juice is not traditionally considered as grape juice, it was found to be of acceptable overall quality.Practical ApplicationsCarob is produced by the evergreen sclerophyllous trees (Ceratonia siliqua L.), which are considered typical plants of Mediterranean countries. World production is estimated at about 315,000 tons per year. The carob pods are rich in carbohydrates, polyphenolic compounds, and antioxidant and free radical‐scavenging compounds and contain low amounts of insoluble dietary fibers, protein, minerals and lipids. Nowadays, the primary uses of the pods are as animal feed. For humans, carob pods have been used primarily in traditional foods such as confectioneries, beverages, bread or pasta in a few countries in the Mediterranean region because of their low price. Carob pods could be expected to produce high‐quality juice, which is acceptable to consumers with potential functional food impact. Thus, the present investigation evaluates the functional and sensory properties of newly developed carob juice.
Comparison of Cost‐Effectiveness of Vitamin D Screening with That of Universal Supplementation in Preventing Falls in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lee Richard H. , Weber Thomas , Colón‐Emeric Cathleen 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesTo compare the cost‐effectiveness of population screening for vitamin D insufficiency with that of universal vitamin D supplementation in community‐dwelling older adults.DesignA Markov decision model simulating follow‐up over a 36‐month period. Published data were used to estimate values for the model, including costs (measured in 2011 U.S. dollars), utilities (measured in quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs)), and probabilities.SettingDecision analysis simulation from a societal perspective.ParticipantsHypothetical cohort of community‐dwelling women and men aged 65 to 80.MeasurementsNet monetary benefit (NMB) was calculated by subtracting the incremental cost of the strategy from the product of incremental QALYs and willingness‐to‐pay threshold. A higher NMB indicates greater cost‐effectiveness.ResultsIn women aged 65 to 80, population screening was slightly more cost‐effective than universal supplementation, with an incremental NMB of $224 compared with $189 (P < .001). Population screening in men was also more cost‐effective than universal supplementation (incremental NMB $298 vs $260, P < .001). Results differed according to age group. In those aged 65, population screening had cost‐effectiveness similar to that of universal supplementation in women ($59 vs $71) and men ($114 vs $120), whereas in those aged 80, population screening was substantially more cost‐effective than universal supplementation in women ($563 vs $428) and men ($703 vs $571).ConclusionPopulation screening and universal supplementation for vitamin D insufficiency are cost‐effective strategies in community‐dwelling older women and men. In the oldest old, population screening may be more cost‐effective than universal supplementation.
Nutritional screening of elderly patients: a health improvement approach to practice
Authors: Farrer K. , Donaldson E. , Blackett B. , Lloyd H. , Forde C. , Melia D. , Lal S. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIntroductionAlmost 60% of elderly care in‐patients are at risk of malnutrition. Malnourished patients have poorer clinical outcomes and this is a key factor with respect to prolonging the length of stay. Since 2003, the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) has been advocated as a method for identifying these at‐risk patients. Screening should take place on admission; however, the Trust has set a stretch target of aiming to document the score accurately within 6 h of admission.MethodsThree ‘care of the elderly’ wards participated in the project. Each month, the timeliness (within 6 h of admission) and accuracy (compared to a dietician assessment) of the MUST scores on the wards were reviewed. Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles were used to rapidly test changes in the ward areas. Tests included a study day, one‐to‐one ward‐based nutrition training, a focus on the use of alternative anthropometric measurements, the development of a training pack and the identification of the challenges for undertaking accurate and timely assessments.ResultsBaseline data identified that a MUST was documented in <60% of patients within 6 h of admission and that only 70% were accurate. After implementation of the change package, all the wards achieved an improvement and documented MUST within 6 h of admission; one ward achieved 90% accuracy in the scores.ConclusionsWard teams receiving training and monthly feedback of their results creates ownership, momentum and maintains enthusiasm for striving to reach stretch targets. The team continues to work on improving accurate nutritional screening across the Trust by using quality improvement methodologies.
ON THE POPULATION DENSITY DISTRIBUTION ACROSS SPACE: A PROBABILISTIC APPROACH
Authors: Epifani Ilenia , Nicolini Rosella 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWorking within a Bayesian parametric framework, we develop a novel approach to studying the distribution of regional population density across space. By exploiting the Gamma distribution, we are able to introduce heterogeneity across space without incurring ana prioridefinition of territorial units. Our contribution also permits the inclusion of an approximation of individual preferences as a further driving force in location choices. We perform an empirical application to the case of Massachusetts. Our results demonstrate that a subjective measure of distance performs well in replicating the population distribution across Massachusetts.
Continuity in care trajectories of older chronically ill patients in a battlefield of competing rationales
Authors: Kjerholt Mette , Wagner Lis , Delmar Charlotte , Clemensen Jane , Lindhardt Tove 
Published: April 2013

BackgroundContinuity is crucial when caring for older chronically ill patients. Research has shown that the integration of patients' own perspectives on their situation is of utmost importance for continuity and quality of care. Studies have, however, demonstrated a number of problems with health professionals' communication concerning older patients, leading to lack of continuity and integration of the patient perspective in care and treatment. In spite of these problems being well investigated, they continue to prevail.ObjectivesTo examine conditions for continuity and integration of the patient perspective in older, chronically ill patients' care as reflected in nursing staff's communication about the patients.DesignExplorative Participatory Action Research (PAR).SettingAn acute, general medical ward at a Danish university hospital.ParticipantsHospital and municipality nurses (n = 29). Nursing records (n = 12).MethodField studies: observations, interviews, nursing records audits and logs. Data were subject to manifest and latent content analysis.ResultsParticipants were aware of the importance of ensuring continuity, a comprehensive approach and integration of the patient perspective in care trajectories of older, chronically ill patients. Although they adhered to these ideals, they rarely pursued them in practice. Hindering factors were: organisational values, episodic focus on patients and lack of time. They felt caught in a value conflict between nursing professional values and system values, which caused a feeling of powerlessness, maintaining status quo in their clinical practice.ConclusionThe prevailing episodic focus and the competing rationales on the ward constituted a barrier to continuity and integration of the patient perspective in a comprehensive way.Implications for practiceIn order to change actual practice management and staff must demand and act on a practice based on professional nursing values, for instance by using PAR due to the empowered and innovative processes involved.
Multiple Sluicing in English?
Authors: Lasnik Howard 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSeveral cases have been discovered where syntactic violations seem to be “repaired” by sluicing. One such case is repair of island violations, first observed by Ross (1969). Another is situations in which a normally obligatory movement fails to apply and the derivation is seemingly salvaged by ellipsis. Another potential instance of repair by ellipsis involves cases where an element moves although it should not have, but the violation is seemingly ameliorated by sluicing. That type is the focus of this article. In particular, English does not generally allow multiplewh‐movement, but under some circumstances it seems to allow multiple sluicing. I explore the properties of this apparent multiple sluicing in English and argue instead for a rightward movement account of the secondwh‐expression, especially based on “Right Roof” effects and on a constraint on P‐stranding.
An approach to estimate Lower Jurassic seawater oxygen‐isotope composition using δ18O and Mg/Ca ratios of belemnite calcites (Early Pliensbachian, northern Spain)
Authors: Armendáriz Maider , Rosales Idoia , Bádenas Beatriz , Piñuela Laura , Aurell Marc , García‐Ramos José Carlos 
Published: April 2013

AbstractPalaeotemperature estimates from the oxygen‐isotope compositions of belemnites have been hampered by not knowing ancient seawater isotope compositions well enough. We have tackled this problem using Mg/Ca as a proxy for temperature and here, we present a ~2 Ma record of paired Mg/Ca and δ18O measurements of Jurassic (Early Pliensbachian) belemnites from the Asturian basin as a palaeo‐proxy of seawater oxygen‐isotope composition. From the combined use of the two approaches, we suggest a δ18Ow composition of about −0.1‰ for the Jamesoni–Ibex zones. This value may have been increased by about 0.6‰ during the Davoei Zone due to the effect of waters with a different δ18Ow composition. These findings illustrate the inaccuracy of using a globally homogeneous ice‐free value of δ18Ow = −1‰ for δ18Ocarb‐based palaeotemperature reconstructions. Our data suggest that previous palaeotemperatures calculated in the region from δ18O values of belemnites may have been underestimated as the seawater oxygen isotopic composition could have been higher.
Novel
erm
(T)-Carrying Multiresistance Plasmids from Porcine and Human Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 That Also Harbor Cadmium and Copper Resistance Determinants
Authors: Gómez-Sanz Elena , Kadlec Kristina , Feßler Andrea T. , Zarazaga Myriam , Torres Carmen , Schwarz Stefan 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

This study describes three novel
erm
(T)-carrying multiresistance plasmids that also harbor cadmium and copper resistance determinants. The plasmids, designated pUR1902, pUR2940, and pUR2941, were obtained from porcine and human methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) of the clonal lineage ST398. In addition to the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS
B
) resistance gene
erm
(T), all three plasmids also carry the tetracycline resistance gene
tet
(L). Furthermore, plasmid pUR2940 harbors the trimethoprim resistance gene
dfrK
and the MLS
B
resistance gene
erm
(C), while plasmids pUR1902 and pUR2941 possess the kanamycin/neomycin resistance gene
aadD
. Sequence analysis of approximately 18.1 kb of the
erm
(T)-flanking region from pUR1902, 20.0 kb from pUR2940, and 20.8 kb from pUR2941 revealed the presence of several copies of the recently described insertion sequence IS
Sau10
, which is probably involved in the evolution of the respective plasmids. All plasmids carried a functional cadmium resistance operon with the genes
cadD
and
cadX
, in addition to the multicopper oxidase gene
mco
and the ATPase copper transport gene
copA
, which are involved in copper resistance. The comparative analysis of
S. aureus
RN4220 and the three
S. aureus
RN4220 transformants carrying plasmid pUR1902, pUR2940, or pUR2941 revealed an 8-fold increase in CdSO
4
and a 2-fold increase in CuSO
4
MICs. The emergence of multidrug resistance plasmids that also carry heavy metal resistance genes is alarming and requires further surveillance. The colocalization of antimicrobial resistance genes and genes that confer resistance to heavy metals may facilitate their persistence, coselection, and dissemination.
The Staphylococcus aureus Thiol/Oxidative Stress Global Regulator Spx Controls
trfA
, a Gene Implicated in Cell Wall Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Jousselin Ambre , Kelley William L. , Barras Christine , Lew Daniel P. , Renzoni Adriana 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

S. aureus
combats cell wall antibiotic stress by altered gene expression mediated by various environmental signal sensors. In this study, we examined the transcriptional regulation of
trfA
, a gene related to
mecA
of
Bacillus subtilis
encoding an adaptor protein implicated in multiple roles, notably, proteolysis and genetic competence. Despite strong sequence similarity to
B. subtilis
mecA
, the function of
S. aureus
trfA
remains largely unexplored; however, its deletion leads to almost complete loss of resistance to oxacillin and glycopeptide antibiotics in glycopeptide-intermediate
S. aureus
(GISA) derivatives of methicillin-susceptible or methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) clinical or laboratory isolates. Northern blot analysis and 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) mapping revealed that
trfA
was expressed monocistronically by three promoters. Cell wall-active antibiotic exposure led to both increased
trfA
transcription and enhanced steady-state TrfA levels.
trfA
promoter regulation was not dependent upon the cell wall stress sentinel VraSR and other sensory stress systems, such as GraRS, WalkRK, Stk1/Stp1, and SigB. Notably, we discovered that the global oxidative-stress regulator Spx controlled
trfA
transcription. This finding was also confirmed using a strain with enhanced Spx levels resulting from a defect in
yjbH
, encoding a Spx-interacting protein governing Spx proteolytic degradation. A cohort of clinical GISA strains revealed significant steady-state upregulation of
trfA
compared to corresponding susceptible parental strains, further supporting a role for
trfA
in antibiotic resistance. These data provide strong evidence for a link between cell wall antibiotic stress and evoked responses mediated by an oxidative-stress sensor.
Potential Factors for Inadequate Voriconazole Plasma Concentrations in Intensive Care Unit Patients and Patients with Hematological Malignancies
Authors: Hoenigl Martin , Duettmann Wiebke , Raggam Reinhard B. , Seeber Katharina , Troppan Katharina , Fruhwald Sonja , Prueller Florian , Wagner Jasmin , Valentin Thomas , Zollner-Schwetz Ines , Wölfler Albert , Krause Robert 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
Voriconazole plasma concentrations (VPCs) vary widely, and concentrations outside the therapeutic range are associated with either worse outcome in invasive aspergillosis (IA) or increased toxicity. The primary goal of this cohort study conducted in a real-life setting was to identify potential factors associated with inadequate VPCs in ICU patients and patients with hematological malignancies. Within a period of 12 months, trough VPCs were obtained and analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography, and the adequate range was defined as 1.5 to 5.5 mg/liter. VPCs of <1.5 mg/liter were defined as low, whereas VPCs of >5.5 mg/liter were defined as potentially toxic. A total of 221 trough VPCs were obtained in 61 patients receiving voriconazole, and 124/221 VPCs (56%) were found to be low. Multivariate analysis revealed that low VPCs were significantly associated with clinical failure of voriconazole, prophylactic use, younger age, underlying hematological malignancy, concomitant proton pump inhibitor (PPI) (pantoprazole was used in 88% of the patients), and absence of side effects. Low VPCs remained an independent predictor of clinical failure of voriconazole. The defined adequate range was reached in 79/221 (36%) VPCs. In 18 samples (8%), potentially toxic levels were measured. Multivariate analysis revealed higher body mass index (BMI), absence of hematological malignancy, therapeutic application, and diarrhea as factors associated with potentially toxic VPCs. Neurotoxic adverse events occurred in six patients and were mostly associated with VPCs in the upper quartile of our defined adequate range. In conclusion, potential factors like younger age, prophylaxis, underlying hematological malignancy, BMI, and concomitant PPI should be considered within the algorithm of voriconazole treatment.
Molecular Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Clinical Candida Species Isolated from Tunisian Hospitals
Authors: Eddouzi Jamel , Parker Josie E. , Vale-Silva Luis A. , Coste Alix , Ischer Françoise , Kelly Steve , Manai Mohamed , Sanglard Dominique 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTAntifungal resistance ofCandidaspecies is a clinical problem in the management of diseases caused by these pathogens. In this study we identified from a collection of 423 clinical samples taken from Tunisian hospitals two clinicalCandidaspecies (Candida albicansJEY355 andCandida tropicalisJEY162) with decreased susceptibility to azoles and polyenes. For JEY355, the fluconazole (FLC) MIC was 8 μg/ml. Azole resistance inC. albicansJEY355 was mainly caused by overexpression of a multidrug efflux pump of the major facilitator superfamily, Mdr1. The regulator of Mdr1,MRR1, contained a yet-unknown gain-of-function mutation (V877F) causingMDR1overexpression. TheC. tropicalisJEY162 isolate demonstrated cross-resistance between FLC (MIC > 128 μg/ml), voriconazole (MIC > 16 μg/ml), and amphotericin B (MIC > 32 μg/ml). Sterol analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry revealed that ergosterol was undetectable in JEY162 and that it accumulated 14α-methyl fecosterol, thus indicating a perturbation in the function of at least two main ergosterol biosynthesis proteins (Erg11 and Erg3). Sequence analyses ofC. tropicalis ERG11(CtERG11) andCtERG3from JEY162 revealed a deletion of 132 nucleotides and a single amino acid substitution (S258F), respectively. These two alleles were demonstrated to be nonfunctional and thus are consistent with previous studies showing thatERG11mutants can only survive in combination with otherERG3mutations.CtERG3andCtERG11wild-type alleles were replaced by the defective genes in a wild-typeC. tropicalisstrain, resulting in a drug resistance phenotype identical to that of JEY162. This genetic evidence demonstrated thatCtERG3andCtERG11mutations participated in drug resistance. During reconstitution of the drug resistance inC. tropicalis, a strain was obtained harboring only defectiveCterg11allele and containing as a major sterol the toxic metabolite 14α-methyl-ergosta-8,24(28)-dien-3α,6β-diol, suggesting thatERG3was still functional. This strain therefore challenged the current belief thatERG11mutations cannot be viable unless accompanied by compensatory mutations. In conclusion, this study, in addition to identifying a novelMRR1mutation inC. albicans, constitutes the first report on a clinicalC. tropicaliswith defective activity of sterol 14α-demethylase and sterol Δ5,6-desaturase leading to azole-polyene cross-resistance.