bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Safety Aspect of Enterococcus Italicus GGN10 Strain Isolated from Tunisian Bovine Raw Milk
Authors: Gaaloul Necima , Ben Braiek Olfa , Berjeaud Jean Marc , Arthur TIMOTHY , Cavera Veronica L. , Chikindas Michael L. , Hani Khaled , Ghrairi Taoufik 
Published: July 2014

AbstractScreening of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Tunisian raw bovine milk has resulted in the isolation of an Enterococcus italicus strain designated as GGN10, which has demonstrated a bacteriocin‐like activity against Listeria spp. Antibacterial activity in the culture supernatant was lost after treatment with proteolytic enzymes, whereas it was stable over a wide range of pH (2–10). The treatment of extracellular extract of this strain at 100C did not cause loss of antimicrobial activity. The bacteriocin yield reached a maximum of 67,677.1 AU/mL at the beginning of the exponential growth phase and remained stable during 24 h of incubation. Amplification of bacteriocin genes revealed entA and entB genes present in GGN10. In addition, this result was confirmed by the bacteriocin's reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography purification and mass spectrometry analysis. This is the first report on enterocins A and B production by this newly isolated strain. Safety elucidation and antibiotics susceptibility of E. italicus GGN10 was conducted using polymerase chain reaction analysis. No commonly associated pathogenicity islands were identified. An enzymatic study revealed GGN10 as a high producer of acid phosphatase and aminopeptidase, which are important features in flavor and texture development during fermentation. Thus, E. italicus GGN10 produces antimicrobial substances and other biologically active substances of importance for food preservation.Practical ApplicationsThe potential advantages of discovering new lactic acid bacteria strains offer new possibilities in terms of food application, which may have potent socioeconomic applications. Studies on the local microflora in raw milk contribute to the understanding of both the environment and how selected wild strains can be used with fermented foods. In this study, the strain Enterococcus italicus GGN10 isolated from raw milk was identified as a means of providing a powerful tool for inhibiting pathogenic organisms such as Listeria monocytogenes in dairy foods.
Development and Validation of a Predictive Model for the Growth of Salmonella enterica in Chicken Meat
Authors: Zhou Kang , Zhong Kaicheng , Long Chao , Han Xinfeng , Liu Shuliang 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe growth of Salmonella in chicken meat at different temperatures and water activities was studied. The DMFit software (Institute of Food Reseach, Norwich, UK), based on the Baranyi model, was used to fit growth curves and obtain growth parameters. When temperature or water activity increased, the maximum growth rate increased and the lag time decreased. The developed secondary model was validated by published reports and 422 data from ComBase, which suggest that the model could be used to safely predict the growth of Salmonella in chicken. In this study, the correlation between growth parameters and growth conditions was also investigated using unified and separated models. These models were validated using a different Salmonella strain, isolated from chicken meat, and also with independent data from literatures and ComBase. The values of accuracy and bias factor are 0.99, 1.22 for unified model, and 0.98 and 1.08 for separated model, which suggested the predictions of the models were in a safe and acceptable range. The evaluation suggested robustness of the models and the statistical results of the models show goodness‐of‐fit.Practical ApplicationsThere is no significant difference between unified and separated models, so the data tested in laboratory media could be easily used in real food after the mathematical process using unified model. This is important in predictive microbiology, as it can be readily used to control the potential hazard in food and maintain food safety.
Effect of Temperature on the Growth and Ochratoxin A Production of the Aspergillus section Nigri Members Isolated from Dried Figs
Authors: Mutlu‐Ingok Aysegul , Karbancioglu‐GUler Funda 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of temperature and incubation time on the growth and ochratoxin A production of three isolates of Aspergillus carbonarius and one Aspergillus niger agg. isolate obtained from dried figs. Optimum growth for all isolates were at 30C while minimum lag phase durations for A. carbonarius isolates were at 25C and for A. niger agg. at 30C. For ochratoxin A (OTA) production, lower optimum temperature values were determined for Aspergillus section Nigri members in comparison to growth temperature. Optimum OTA production was observed at 15–20C and 25C by A. carbonarius and A. niger agg., respectively. Significant amounts of OTA could be accumulated after 3 or 5 days of incubation depending on the isolates. Temperature significantly influenced the growth rate and the extension of lag phase and OTA production of all tested isolates (P < 0.05), whereas incubation time was only significant for OTA production by A. niger agg.Practical ApplicationsThis study contributes to a better understanding of the effect of temperature and incubation time on ochratoxin A (OTA) production of the Aspergillus section Nigri isolated from dried figs. Our results indicated that Aspergillus section Nigri members isolated from dried figs are able to grow and produce OTA in a wide range of temperature (15–40C), and also A. carbonarius may be the main source of OTA in dried figs because of their higher OTA production capacities. Only 3 or 5 days of incubation were required for OTA accumulation, so the length of drying and storage processes could provide sufficient time for the growth and accumulation of OTA in dried figs. Our results may help develop management strategies and drying methods at constant temperature to reduce OTA contamination on dried figs.
Plasma proteins in the acquired denture pellicle enhance substrate surface free energy and Candida albicans phospholipase and proteinase activities
Authors: Custodio William , Silva Wander J. , Paes Leme Adriana F. , Cury Jaime A. , Del Bel Cury Altair A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe objective of the present study was to determine if blood plasma proteins could change the proteome of the acquired denture pellicle by label‐free quantitative proteomics. As pellicle proteome modulates the interaction between substrates and Candida cells, we investigated its effect on the surface free energy (SFE) of the coated resin and on Candida albicans phospholipase and aspartyl proteinase activities.MethodsPoly(methylmethacrylate) discs were exposed to saliva (control) or saliva enriched with blood plasma (experimental group). The pellicle proteome was analyzed by mass spectrometry coupled with liquid chromatography. SFE was determined by acid‐base technique. After biofilm formation, phospholipase and proteinase activities were determined accordingly to classic plate methods. Data were analyzed by two‐way anova and Tukey test (P < 0.05).Resultsα‐Amylase, cystatins, mucins, and host‐immune system proteins were the main proteins identified in the control group. Fibrinogen and albumin were observed only in the experimental group. Coated discs of the experimental group presented an increased SFE (P < 0.05). For both enzymes tested, the experimental group showed higher proteolytic activity (P < 0.001).ConclusionBlood plasma changes the proteome of the acquired denture pellicle, increasing surface free energy and the activity of Candida albicans phospholipase and aspartyl proteinase.
Validation of the Malay version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and the prevalence of dental anxiety in a Malaysian population
Authors: Sitheeque Mohaideen , Massoud Moustafa , Yahya Suzana , Humphris Gerry 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aims of the present study were to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malay version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and to determine the prevalence of dental anxiety and associated factors in a Malaysian population.MethodsA Malay‐language questionnaire with questions to elicit demographic and dental care‐related information, and the Malay version of the MDAS, were administered to 455 patients at the dental outpatient clinics of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Factor analysis and internal consistency statistics were generated. A test–retest of the questionnaire was performed with 30 participants.ResultsCronbach's alpha was 0.854, indicating good internal consistency. Factor analysis yielded results showing good validity. Approximately 3.5% of the participants expressed the highest levels of anxiety. Dental anxiety was significantly higher among females than males. Age correlated inversely with dental anxiety. Individuals seeking dental care only if a problem appeared had significantly more anxiety than regular attendees. Patients who postponed treatment because of fear had significantly higher anxiety levels than those who delayed treatment for other reasons. Past adverse dental experience exacerbated dental anxiety.ConclusionThe Malay version of the MDAS had good reliability and validity. Anxiety levels found in the Malaysians studied were comparable to participants from other countries.
Adhesive bonding to pulp chamber dentin after different irrigation regimens
Authors: Nagpal Rajni , Manuja Naveen , Pandit Inder Kumar 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to determine the effect of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and NaOCl irrigation on the microleakage and interfacial morphology of adhesives bonded to pulp chamber dentin.MethodsThe pulp chamber roof of 72 extracted permanent molars was removed. Samples were equally divided into six groups. Pulp chamber dentin was bonded with either Adper Easy One (group 1), Adper Prompt L‐Pop (group 2), or Adper Single Bond 2 (Group 3), after irrigation with either normal saline (groups 1a, 2a, 3a) or 17% EDTA and 5.25% NaOCl (groups 1b, 2b, 3b). Composite resin restorations were placed in the pulp chamber. Ten samples per group were subjected to microleakage test and scanning electron microscopic analysis was done in two samples from each group. Data were statistically analyzed using Mann–Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests at a significance level of P < 0.05.ResultsEDTA and NaOCl irrigation of the pulp chamber significantly reduced microleakage in Adper Easy One. However, it had no significant effect on the microleakage of Adper Prompt L‐Pop and Adper Single Bond 2.ConclusionsEDTA and NaOCl irrigation of the pulp chamber was not deleterious to the bonding of any of the adhesives tested. While this irrigation regimen had no significant effect on the microleakage of Adper Prompt L‐Pop and Adper Single Bond 2, it significantly reduced the microleakage scores in Adper Easy One.
Nerve growth factor inhibits osmotic swelling of rat retinal glial (Müller) and bipolar cells by inducing glial cytokine release
Authors: Garcia Tarcyane Barata , Pannicke Thomas , Vogler Stefanie , Berk Benjamin‐Andreas , Grosche Antje , Wiedemann Peter , Seeger Johannes , Reichenbach Andreas , Herculano Anderson Manoel , Bringmann Andreas 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOsmotic swelling of neurons and glial cells contributes to the development of retinal edema and neurodegeneration. We show that nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibits the swelling of glial (Müller) and bipolar cells in rat retinal slices induced by barium‐containing hypoosmotic solution. NGF also reduced Müller and bipolar cell swelling in the post‐ischemic retina. On the other hand, NGF prevented the swelling of freshly isolated Müller cells, but not of isolated bipolar cells, suggesting that NGF induces a release of factors from Müller cells that inhibit bipolar cell swelling in retinal slices. The inhibitory effect of NGF on Müller cell swelling was mediated by activation of TrkA (the receptor tyrosine kinase A), but not p75NTR, and was prevented by blockers of metabotropic glutamate, P2Y1, adenosine A1, and fibroblast growth factor receptors. Basic fibroblast growth factor fully inhibited the swelling of freshly isolated Müller cells, but only partially the swelling of isolated bipolar cells. In addition, glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and transforming growth factor‐β1, but not epidermal growth factor and platelet‐derived growth factor, reduced the swelling of bipolar cells. Both Müller and bipolar cells displayed TrkA immunoreactivity, while Müller cells were also immunostained for p75NTR and NGF. The data suggest that the neuroprotective effect of NGF in the retina is in part mediated by prevention of the cytotoxic glial and bipolar cell swelling.
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Cytotoxic cell swelling contributes to retinal neurodegeneration. Nerve growth factor (NGF) inhibits the osmotic swelling of glial cells by acting at TrkA, release of bFGF, and opening of K+ and Cl− channels. The NGF‐induced glial release of cytokines like bFGF inhibits the osmotic swelling of bipolar cells, suggesting that the neuroprotective effect of NGF is in part mediated by prevention of cytotoxic cell swelling.
“Sexplorando”: Sexual Practices and Condom Use among an Internet-Based Sample of Men and Women in Puerto Rico
Authors: Rodriguez-Diaz Carlos E. , Collazo Erika , Dodge Brian , Roman-Rivera Aixa , Candelaria-Rosa Exa , Colon-Colon Marcilyn , Herbenick Debby 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Despite the wealth of literature addressing sexual practices and condom use among men and women, very little data are available among Hispanic/Latino populations and in the Caribbean Region. This study adds to the existing literature on sexual practices and condom use in Puerto Rico (PR) and provides comparisons based on sex given the need for more current information on the sexual characteristics and condom use rates among understudied populations.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the rates of sexual practices and condom use among adults, aged 21–49, in PR.

Methods
We report the prevalence of lifetime and recent (past 3 months) sexual practices by sex, as event-level condom use rates, and condom familiarity and accessibility in an online-based sample of adult men and women in PR.

Main Outcome Measures
The main variables assessed include sociodemographic characteristics, solo and partnered sexual practices, and condom use frequencies, as well as familiarity and accessibility to male and female condoms.

Results
Overall, 93% of the sample reported having been sexually active (engaged in oral, vaginal, and/or anal sex) in their lifetime and 78% reported sexual practices in the past 3 months. As in other studies Hispanic/Latino populations, reported rates of anal intercourse (AI) among both men and women were relatively high. Overall, a greater proportion of men reported condom use during all sexual practices (41% vaginal intercourse (VI); 65% receptive AI; 46% insertive AI) than women (22% VI; 18% AI).

Conclusions
These findings provide current sexual practice and condom use frequency rates that can aid in the understanding of the particular sexual health needs of Hispanic/Latino populations as well as of other groups in the Caribbean. It also serves for the development of future studies and sexual health promotion programs, including comprehensive sexual health care.
The Impossibility of Capitalist Instantaneous Production
Authors: Park Man‐Seop 
Published: July 2014

AbstractMany recent production/growth models use a property, which we call the ‘Hicksian Case’, that, in instantaneous production, interest accruing to a non‐durable input (an input used up in an instant) is negligible over the unit period of production (an instant of time). No proper proof of the Hicksian Case has been put forward in the literature. We provide a rigorous proof of the case. Then, following the same logic as is used for the proof, we demonstrate that instantaneous production is logically impossible in a ‘no‐nonsense’ capitalist economy.
Savanna fire and the origins of the ‘underground forests’ of Africa
Authors: Maurin Olivier , Davies T. Jonathan , Burrows John E. , Daru Barnabas H. , Yessoufou Kowiyou , Muasya A. Muthama , van der Bank Michelle , Bond William J. 
Published: July 2014

Summary

The origin of fire‐adapted lineages is a long‐standing question in ecology. Although phylogeny can provide a significant contribution to the ongoing debate, its use has been precluded by the lack of comprehensive DNA data. Here, we focus on the ‘underground trees’ (=geoxyles) of southern Africa, one of the most distinctive growth forms characteristic of fire‐prone savannas.

We placed geoxyles within the most comprehensive dated phylogeny for the regional flora comprising over 1400 woody species. Using this phylogeny, we tested whether African geoxyles evolved concomitantly with those of the South American cerrado and used their phylogenetic position to date the appearance of humid savannas.

We found multiple independent origins of the geoxyle life‐form mostly from the Pliocene, a period consistent with the origin of cerrado, with the majority of divergences occurring within the last 2 million yr. When contrasted with their tree relatives, geoxyles occur in regions characterized by higher rainfall and greater fire frequency.

Our results indicate that the geoxylic growth form may have evolved in response to the interactive effects of frequent fires and high precipitation. As such, geoxyles may be regarded as markers of fire‐maintained savannas occurring in climates suitable for forests.
What Really Divides Northern and Southern Europe?
Authors: TASSINARI FABRIZIO 
Published: July 2014

Historically, liberal democracy was born as a means to curb the power of kings and tyrants through mechanisms that would ensure accountability and consent of the governed. A system of checks and balances—two legislative chambers, executive and independent courts—were instituted to ensure power did not become too concentrated.Today's highly diverse, mass consumer societies, however, have presented another set of challenges. Power is so diffused governance is becoming ineffective. The short‐term mentality of voters and the lobbying of special interests undermine the ability of democracies to focus on the long‐term and the common interest. Because there are more checks than balances, gridlock has supplanted consensus.In this section, we compare Chinese and Western systems on their ability to deliver good governance. The editors of the Economist magazine put the debate in historical context.
Post‐Party Democracy Can Restore the Rule of the Many Over Money
Authors: BERGGRUEN NICOLAS , GARDELS NATHAN 
Published: July 2014

Historically, liberal democracy was born as a means to curb the power of kings and tyrants through mechanisms that would ensure accountability and consent of the governed. A system of checks and balances—two legislative chambers, executive and independent courts—were instituted to ensure power did not become too concentrated.Today's highly diverse, mass consumer societies, however, have presented another set of challenges. Power is so diffused governance is becoming ineffective. The short‐term mentality of voters and the lobbying of special interests undermine the ability of democracies to focus on the long‐term and the common interest. Because there are more checks than balances, gridlock has supplanted consensus.In this section, we compare Chinese and Western systems on their ability to deliver good governance. The editors of the Economist magazine put the debate in historical context.
Validation of two models for self‐incompatibility in autotetraploid perennial ryegrass using high resolution melting‐based markers
Authors: Arias Aguirre Andrea , Studer Bruno , Do Canto Javier , Frei Ursula , Lübberstedt Thomas 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPerennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) displays a two‐locus gametophytic self‐incompatibility (SI) system that remains intact at the tetraploid level. Two models are plausible for SI in autotetraploids. In Model I: both alleles at the S locus and both at the Z locus in diploid pollen matching the female genotype results in incompatibility. In Model II: only one allele at S and one at Z locus in diploid pollen matching the female results in incompatibility. The goals were to determine which of the models best explains SI in our autotetraploid ryegrass population and to evaluate the efficiency of high‐resolution melting (HRM) genotyping for discriminating different iso‐allelic genotypes. The progeny of a cross between two autotetraploids was characterized with three HRM‐based markers co‐segregating with Z. Segregation ratios were used to make inferences about the mode of action of the SI system. The observed segregation differed significantly (P < 0.001) from the expected under Model I, but not from the expected under Model II (P = 0.463). Thus, Model II explains SI in this population, and HRM is an efficient tool to distinguish different iso‐allelic genotypic classes.
Household use of insecticide consumer products in a dengue‐endemic area in México
Authors: Loroño‐Pino María Alba , Chan‐Dzul Yamili N. , Zapata‐Gil Rocio , Carrillo‐Solís Claudia , Uitz‐Mena Ana , García‐Rejón Julián E. , Keefe Thomas J. , Beaty Barry J. , Eisen Lars 
Published: July 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the household use of insecticide consumer products to kill mosquitoes and other insect pests, as well as the expenditures for using these products, in a dengue‐endemic area of México.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to 441 households in Mérida City and other communities in Yucatán to assess household use of insecticide consumer products.ResultsA total of 86.6% of surveyed households took action to kill insect pests with consumer products. The most commonly used product types were insecticide aerosol spray cans (73.6%), electric plug‐in insecticide emitters (37.4%) and mosquito coils (28.3%). Mosquitoes were targeted by 89.7% of households using insecticide aerosol spray cans and >99% of households using electric plug‐in insecticide emitters or mosquito coils. Products were used daily or every 2 days in most of the households for insecticide aerosol spray cans (61.4%), electric plug‐in insecticide emitters (76.2%) and mosquito coils (82.1%). For all products used to kill insect pests, the median annual estimated expenditure per household that took action was 408 Mexican pesos ($MXN), which corresponded to approximately 31 $US. These numbers are suggestive of an annual market in excess of 75 million $MXN (>5.7 million $US) for Mérida City alone.ConclusionMosquitoes threaten human health and are major nuisances in homes in the study area in México. Households were found to have taken vigorous action to kill mosquitoes and other insect pests and spent substantial amounts of money on insecticide consumer products.
Imports, Exports and the Firm Product Scope: Evidence From Turkey
Authors: Lo Turco Alessia , Maggioni Daniela 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBy exploiting an original firm‐product level dataset for Turkish manufacturing, ‐way trading on firm product scope and innovation in a multiple treatment setting. Our evidence points at the prominent role of exporting, while no effect is found for importing only. Nonetheless, we corroborate existing evidence on the virtuous nexus between the two international activities and add to the literature by showing that joint firm involvement in exporting and importing fosters product innovation and quality upgrading.