bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiological, Biochemical and Textural Characteristics of a Tunisian Dry Fermented Poultry Meat Sausage Inoculated With Selected Starter Cultures
Authors: El Adab Sabrine , Essid Ines , Hassouna Mnasser 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe effect of selected starter cultures (Lactobacillus sakei + Staphylococcus carnosus or L. sakei + S. carnosus + Staphylococcus xylosus) on microbiological, biochemical and textural characteristics of a traditional Tunisian dry fermented poultry meat sausage was investigated. The microbial results showed that lactic acid bacteria and coagulase negative staphylococci represent the two predominant microflora in all stages of ripening. Moreover, the acidifying activity of L. sakei improved the hygienic quality of fermented sausages by reducing the Enterobacteriaceae counts. The moisture content and water activity of control and inoculated sausages decreased in all stages of ripening. Proteolysis and lipolysis were observed both in control and in inoculated sausages. Finally, textural parameters of sausages were not affected by the use of selective starters.Practical ApplicationsPoultry meat products provide a suitable environment for proliferation of meat spoilage microorganisms. The increase in resistance of food spoilage microorganisms to current preservatives, the consumer's demand for safe and minimally processed foods and the hazards associated with the use of high doses of chemical preservatives have led to the need for finding safer alternatives in food preservation. Consumers have also become more critical about the use of synthetic additives to preserve food or enhance characteristics such as color and flavor. Hence, there is a growing trend toward minimally processed foods. As a consequence, bacterial antagonism has received considerable attention in food preservation. Nowadays, the need for safe products with standard and desirable technological properties has resulted in the use of starter cultures for the production of the dry fermented sausages to control the fermentation and ripening process, inhibit the growth of undesirable microorganisms and extend the shelf life of the product.
Elevated fecal M2‐pyruvate kinase in children with cystic fibrosis: A clue to the increased risk of intestinal malignancy in adulthood?
Authors: Pang Tamara , Leach Steven T , Katz Tamarah , Jaffe Adam , Day Andrew S , Ooi Chee Y 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground and AimAdult patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have an increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies. We hypothesized that increased intestinal cell turnover beginning in childhood may explain the increased risk of malignancy in early adulthood. Therefore, we aimed to measure fecal M2‐pyruvate kinase (M2‐PK), a biomarker of intestinal cell turnover, in children with CF. To assess whether the increased cell turnover is secondary to intestinal inflammation, the secondary aims were to measure fecal calprotectin and evaluate its association with fecal M2‐PK.MethodsFecal samples, for M2‐PK and calprotectin measurements, were prospectively collected from children with CF and healthy controls (HC).ResultsThirty‐three children with CF (mean [standard deviation] 7.3 [3.8] years old; 29 pancreatic insufficient [PI]) were enrolled and compared with 33 age‐matched HC. Fecal M2‐PK in CF patients (median [interquartile range, IQR]: 4.7 [1.5–9.7]) was greater than HC (1.0 [1.0–1.0] U/mL; P < 0.0001), and higher in PI (median [IQR]: 5.1 [1.8–13.7]) than pancreatic sufficient patients (1.0 [1.0–1.0] U/mL; P = 0.002). Fecal calprotectin was significantly elevated in CF than HC (median [IQR] 61.3 [43.8–143.8] vs 19.5 [19.5–35.1] mg/kg; P < 0.0001). However, there was no correlation between fecal M2‐PK and fecal calprotectin levels among subjects with CF (r = 0.29; P = 0.1).ConclusionIncreased intestinal cell turnover is present in children with PI CF. The lack of relationship between fecal M2‐PK and calprotectin suggests that contributing factor(s) other than inflammation may be present.
Sleep‐Disordered Breathing and Functional Decline in Older Women
Authors: Spira Adam P. , Stone Katie L. , Rebok George W. , Punjabi Naresh M. , Redline Susan , Ancoli‐Israel Sonia , Yaffe Kristine 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the association between sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) and decline in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and mobility in older women.DesignProspective cohort.SettingMinneapolis and Pittsburgh sites of the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures, participants' homes.ParticipantsWomen with a mean age ± standard deviation of 82.3 ± 3.2 (N = 302).MeasurementsParticipants completed a single night of unattended polysomnography and provided data regarding difficulty with IADLs and mobility. They repeated IADL and mobility measures 5.0 ± 0.7 years later.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, obesity, Mini‐Mental State Examination score, depressive symptoms, history of hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and number of IADL impairments at baseline, women with an apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) of 15 or greater at baseline had more than twice the odds of an increase in number of IADL difficulties (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–4.53) and of incident IADL difficulty (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.00–5.92), of women with an AHI less than 5. There was no association between AHI and mobility difficulty. Women in the middle and highest tertiles of oxygen desaturation index had more than double the odds as those in the lowest tertile of an increase in number of IADL difficulties (middle tertile aOR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.38–5.04, highest tertile aOR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.13–4.17) and approximately three times the odds of incident IADL difficulty (middle tertile aOR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.27–6.36, highest tertile aOR = 3.07, 95% CI = 1.31–7.18). Neither sleep fragmentation nor sleep duration was associated with IADL outcomes.ConclusionSDB and associated hypoxemia are risk factors for functional decline in older women. Research is needed to determine whether treatment of SDB prevents functional decline.
Surgical management of a traumatic dislocation of the sternum in an English bulldog
Authors: Serra C. I. , Soler C. , Moratalla V. , Sifre V. , Redondo J. I. 
Published: November 2014

A nine‐year‐old English bulldog presented with an acute history of dyspnoea, tachycardia and discomfort localising to the ventral thorax following a fall down the stairs that morning. After the dog was stabilised, thoracic radiographs revealed a luxation of the third and fourth sternebrae with dorsal displacement of the caudal segment. The sternum was reduced and stabilised with a contoured 12‐hole 3 · 5‐mm dynamic compression plate applied to the ventral surface of the sternum.The dog's initial recovery was rapid, cardiorespiratory parameters returning to normal in the first 24 hours. For 2 weeks postoperatively the dog exhibited difficulty in rising from a prone position. After this time there was a full recovery. Clinical examination at 8 months postoperatively did not reveal any abnormalities. Telephone follow‐up was performed at 18 months and no complications or cardiorespiratory compromise were reported. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of a traumatic dislocation of the sternum and its management in the dog.
Influence of Naftopidil on Plasma Monoamine Levels and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: KADEKAWA Katsumi , SUGAYA Kimio , MUKOYAMA Hideki , SAKUMOTO Misao , SHIMABUKURO Hiroichi , SHIMABUKURO Syuichi , MATAYOSHI Yukihide , ONAGA Tomohiro , ASHITOMI Katsuhiro , NISHIJIMA Saori 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo clarify the influence of naftopidil, an α1D/A‐adrenergic receptor antagonist, on the autonomic nervous system, we examined the relation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the plasma monoamine levels before and after naftopidil treatment in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.MethodsA total of 43 patients with BPH were studied. The frequency of urination, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) index, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and plasma monoamine levels (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin) were evaluated before and after naftopidil treatment.ResultsNaftopidil significantly improved urinary frequency in daytime and nighttime, IPSS, QOL index and OABSS in all patients, and decreased the plasma adrenaline level at 8 weeks. When the patients were divided into two groups based on the median adrenaline level (40.5 pg/mL) before treatment, urinary frequency in daytime and/or nighttime, incomplete emptying and poor flow in the IPSS, and the QOL index were significantly improved in the high adrenaline (HA) group, but not in the low adrenaline (LA) group. The pretreatment plasma serotonin level was significantly lower in the HA group than in the LA group, but it increased gradually after the start of treatment until there was no difference between the groups.ConclusionsThe modulation of plasma adrenaline and serotonin levels by naftopidil in patients with increased sympathetic activity contributed to improvement of LUTS associated with BPH, in addition to its antagonistic effects of α1D/A‐adrenergic receptor on the detrusor and prostatic urethral smooth muscle, the urothelium, and the central nervous system.
Krogh‐Cylinder and Infinite‐Domain Models for Washout of an Inert Diffusible Solute from Tissue
Authors: Secomb Timothy W. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveModels based on the Krogh‐cylinder concept are developed to analyze the washout from tissue by blood flow of an inert diffusible solute that permeates blood vessel walls. During the late phase of washout, the outflowing solute concentration decays exponentially with time. This washout decay rate is predicted for a range of conditions.MethodsA single capillary is assumed to lie on the axis of a cylindrical tissue region. In the classic “Krogh‐cylinder” approach, a no‐flux boundary condition is applied on the outside of the cylinder. An alternative “infinite‐domain” approach is proposed that allows for solute exchange across the boundary, but with zero net exchange. Both models are analyzed, using finite‐element and analytical methods.ResultsThe washout decay rate depends on blood flow rate, tissue diffusivity and vessel permeability of solute, and assumed boundary conditions. At low blood flow rates, the washout rate can exceed the value for a single well‐mixed compartment. The infinite‐domain approach predicts slower washout decay rates than the Krogh‐cylinder approach.ConclusionsThe infinite‐domain approach overcomes a significant limitation of the Krogh‐cylinder approach, while retaining its simplicity. It provides a basis for developing methods to deduce transport properties of inert solutes from observations of washout decay rates.
Haemostaseome-associated SNPs: has the thrombotic phenotype a greater influence than ethnicity?
Authors: Labrouche Sylvie , Hubert Christophe , Bauduer Frédéric , Freyburger Geneviève 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe Genetic Markers for Thrombosis (GMT) study compared the relative influence of ethnicity and thrombotic phenotype regarding the distribution of SNPs implicated in haemostasis pathophysiology (“haemostaseome”). We assessed 384 SNPs in three groups, each of 480 subjects: 1) general population of Aquitaine region (Southwestern France) used as control; 2) patients with venous thromboembolism from the same area; and 3) autochthonous Basques, a genetic isolate, who demonstrate unusual characteristics regarding the coagulation system. This study sought to evaluate i) the value of looking for a large number of genes in order to identify new genetic markers of thrombosis, ii) the value of investigating low risk factors and potential preferential associations, iii) the impact of ethnicity on the characterisation of markers for thrombosis. We did not detect any previously unrecognised SNP significantly associated with thrombosis risk or any preferential associations of low-risk factors in patients with thrombosis. The sum of ϰ2 values for our 110 significant SNPs demonstrated a smaller genetic distance between patients and controls (321 cumulated ϰ2 value) than between Basques and controls (1,570 cumulated ϰ2 value). Hence, our study confirms the genetic particularity of Basques especially regarding a significantly lower expression of the non-O blood group (p< 0.0004). This is mitigated by a higher prevalence of factor II Leiden (p< 0.02) while factor V Leiden prevalence does not differ. Numerous other differences covering a wide range of proteins of the haemostaseome may result in an overall different genetic risk for venous thromboembolism.
Characterisation of patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia and identification of 17 novel mutations
Authors: Sandrock-Lang Kirstin , Oldenburg Johannes , Wiegering Verena , Halimeh Susan , Santoso Sentot , Kurnik Karin , Fischer Lars , Tsakiris Dimitrios A. , Sigl-Kraetzig Michael , Brand Brigitte , Bührlen Martina , Kraetzer Katharina , Deeg Niklas , Hund Martin , Busse Eileen , Kahle Anja , Zieger Barbara 
Published: November 2014

SummaryGlanzmann thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder characterised by quantitative and/or qualitative defects of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa complex, also called integrin αIIbβ3. αIIbβ3 is well known as a platelet fibrinogen receptor and mediates platelet aggregation, firm adhesion, and spreading. This study describes the molecular genetic analyses of 19 patients with GT who were diagnosed on the basis of clinical parameters and platelet analyses. The patients’ bleeding signs include epistaxis, mucocutaneous bleeding, haematomas, petechiae, gastrointestinal bleeding, and menorrhagia. Homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in ITGA2B or ITGB3 were identified as causing GT by sequencing of genomic DNA. All exons including exon/intron boundaries of both genes were analysed. In a patient with an intronic mutation, splicing of mRNA was analysed using reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR of platelet-derived RNA. In short, 16 of 19 patients revealed 27 different mutations (ITGA2B: n=17, ITGB3: n=10). Seventeen of these mutations have not been published to date. Mutations in ITGA2B or ITGB3 were identified as causing GT in 16 patients. We detected a total of 27 mutations in ITGA2B and ITGB3 including 17 novel missense, nonsense, frameshift and splice site mutations. In addition, three patients revealed no molecular genetic anomalies in ITGA2B or ITGB3 that could explain the suspected diagnosis of GT. We assume that these patients may harbour defects in a regulatory element affecting the transcription of these genes, or other proteins may exist that are important for activating the αIIbβ3 complex that may be affected.
Low-molecular-weight heparin to prevent postpartum venous thromboembolism
Authors: Phillips Penny , Kahn Susan R. , James Andra H. , Konkle Barbara A. , Rodger Marc A. ,   for the PROSPER Investigators
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is elevated in the postpartum period. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) reduces the risk of VTE in many settings but is costly, inconvenient and increases bleeding. Randomised controlled trials (RCT) are required to determine if LMWH prophylaxis provides a clinical benefit in high-risk postpartum women. We sought to determine if a placebo-controlled RCT was feasible. We conducted a multi-national, double-blind pilot RCT in “high risk” postpartum women comparing 21 days of prophylactic dose LMWH to identical saline placebo injections. The primary pilot outcome was mean number of recruited women per centre per month. The planned primary outcome for the full trial was symptomatic objectively confirmed VTE or asymptomatic proximal deep-vein thrombosis diagnosed by a screening bilateral leg vein ultrasound at day 21. In six centres, a total of 1,346 potentially eligible women were approached to participate; 968 were ineligible, leaving 378 (31.5%) eligible patients. Of these, only 25 (6.6%) were randomised at a rate of 0.7 per centre per month. The primary reasons for declining participation were to avoid study injections and being too overwhelmed to participate in research. None of the participants had a VTE during follow-up. In conclusion, despite an adequate number of eligible participants, our double-blind RCT design was not feasible due to a very low consent rate. Other experimental approaches may be necessary to generate evidence in this important area of research.
Interleukin-10 protects against atherosclerosis by modulating multiple atherogenic macrophage function
Authors: Han Xinbing , Boisvert William 
Published: November 2014

SummaryAtherosclerosis is primarily a disorder of lipid metabolism, but there is also a prominent chronic inflammatory component that drives the atherosclerotic lesion progression in the artery wall. During hyperlipidaemic conditions, there is a rapid influx of circulating monocytes into the atherosclerosis-prone areas of the arterial intima. These infiltrated monocytes differentiate into macrophages and take up the atherogenic lipoproteins in the intima of the vessel wall that have been modified within the lesion environment. Interleukin (IL)-10 is a prototypic anti-inflammatory cytokine made primarily by the macrophages and Th2 subtype T lymphocytes. In terms of atherosclerosis its major roles include inhibition of macrophage activation as well as inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase, pro-inflammatory cytokines and cyclooxygenase- 2 expression in lipid-loaded and activated macrophage foam cells. Recent discoveries suggest another important role of IL-10 in atherosclerosis: its ability to alter lipid metabolism in macrophages. The current review will highlight the present knowledge on multiple ways in which IL-10 mediates atherosclerosis. As macrophages play a critical role in all stages of atherosclerosis, the review will concentrate on how IL-10 regulates the activities of macrophages that are especially important in the development of atherosclerosis.
Relative growth and sexual maturity of the pandalid shrimp Plesionika izumiae (Decapoda, Caridea) in Kagoshima Bay, southern Japan
Authors: Ahamed F. , Ahamed F. , Ohtomi J. 
Published: November 2014

The pandalid shrimp Plesionika izumiae Omori, 1971 is widely distributed in the west Pacific region. This is a relatively common shrimp in the coastal waters of Japan, except off northern Honshu and Hokkaido, and it is commercially important for small-scale bottom seine fishery. The relative growth of secondary sexual characters (appendix masculina for the male and abdomen width for the female) of P. izumiae was studied in Kagoshima Bay, southern Japan, from December 2009 to November 2011. The length of the appendix masculina was measured for males, while abdomen width near the second pleopod was measured for females. The relationships between carapace length and the observed secondary sexual characters were studied using the least squares method. The appendix masculina showed positive allometric growth in relation to carapace length (CL), showing discontinuities at 7.3 mm CL. The width of the female abdomen showed positive allometric growth with CL, while indicating a discontinuity at 8.6 mm carapace length. The observed discontinuities in the growth rate of secondary sexual characters of P. izumiae might be attributed to sexual maturation.
Operator P-class functions
Authors: Bakherad Mojtaba , Abbas Hassane , Mourad Bassam , Sal Moslehian Mohammad 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
We introduce and investigate the notion of an operator P-class function. We show that every nonnegative operator convex function is of operator P-class, but the converse is not true in general. We present some Jensen type operator inequalities involving P-class functions and some Hermite-Hadamard inequalities for operator P-class functions.

MSC:47A63, 47A60, 26D15.
Graphene nanoribbon field-effect transistor at high bias
Authors: Ghadiry Mahdiar , Ismail Razali , Saeidmanesh Mehdi , Khaledian Mohsen , Manaf Asrulnizam Abd 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Combination of high-mean free path and scaling ability makes graphene nanoribbon (GNR) attractive for application of field-effect transistors and subject of intense research. Here, we study its behaviour at high bias near and after electrical breakdown. Theoretical modelling, Monte Carlo simulation, and experimental approaches are used to calculate net generation rate, ionization coefficient, current, and finally breakdown voltage (BV). It is seen that a typical GNR field-effect transistor's (GNRFET) breakdown voltage is in the range of 0.5 to 3 V for different channel lengths, and compared with silicon similar counterparts, it is less. Furthermore, the likely mechanism of breakdown is studied.
LTC4 synthase polymorphism modifies efficacy of botanical seed oil combination in asthma
Authors: Kazani Shamsah , Arm Jonathan P , Boyce Joshua , Chhay Heng , Dutile Stefanie , Wechsler Michael E , Govindarajulu Usha , Ivester Priscilla , Ainsworth Hannah C , Sergeant Susan , Chilton Floyd H , Israel Elliot 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBotanical seed oils reduce the generation of leukotrienes in patients with asthma.Our objective was to determine the efficacy of a botanical seed oil combination against airflow obstruction in asthma, and to determine the pharmacogenomic effect of the leukotriene C4synthase (LTC4S) polymorphism A-444C.We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial in mild to moderate asthmatics to determine the change in FEV1after 6 weeks of therapy with borage and echium seed oils versus corn oil placebo. We also examined the effect of the variant LTC4S -444C allele on the change in lung function.We did not identify a difference in FEV1in the study cohort as a whole (n = 28), nor in the group of A homozygotes. In the C allele carriers (n = 9), FEV1improved by 3% after treatment with borage and echium seed oils and declined by 4% after placebo corn oil (p = 0.02). All 9 C allele carriers demonstrated an improvement in their FEV1on active treatment compared to placebo as compared to only 7 out of 19 A allele homozygotes (p = 0.007). We observed transient differences inex vivoleukotriene generation from circulating basophils and granulocytes. We did not observe significant differences in urinary LTE4levels.We conclude that compared to corn oil, a combination of borage and echium seed oils improves airflow obstruction in mild to moderate asthmatics who carry the variant allele in the LTC4S gene (A-444C). Botanical oil supplementation may have therapeutic potential in asthma if used in a personalized manner.Trial registration:This trial was registered athttp://www.clinicaltrials.govas NCT00806442.
Portfolio Choice with Illiquid Assets
Authors: Ang Andrew , Papanikolaou Dimitris , Westerfield Mark M. 
Published: November 2014

We present a model of optimal allocation to liquid and illiquid assets, where illiquidity risk results from the restriction that an asset cannot be traded for intervals of uncertain duration. Illiquidity risk leads to increased and state-dependent risk aversion and reduces the allocation to both liquid and illiquid risky assets. Uncertainty about the length of the illiquidity interval, as opposed to a deterministic nontrading interval, is a primary determinant of the cost of illiquidity. We allow market liquidity to vary from “normal” periods, when all assets are fully liquid, to “illiquidity crises,” when some assets can only be traded infrequently. The possibility of a liquidity crisis leads to limited arbitrage in normal times. Investors are willing to forgo 2% of their wealth to hedge against illiquidity crises occurring once every 10 years. This paper was accepted by Itay Goldstein, finance.