bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathophysiological changes associated with dietary melamine and cyanuric acid toxicity in red tilapia
Authors: Phromkunthong W , Choochuay P , Kiron V , Nuntapong N , Boonyaratpalin M 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study examined the adverse effects of feed‐delivered melamine (MEL) and cyanuric acid (CYA) in red tilapia. Diet 1 (without MEL and CYA), diets 2–4 (with MEL and CYA at 2.5, 5 and 7.5 g kg−1 diet, respectively) and diets 5 and 6 (with either MEL or CYA at 10 g kg−1 diet) were examined. MEL alone lowered both growth and FCR (P < 0.05), and CYA alone reduced the FCR of tilapia. Protein efficiency ratio and apparent net utilization of fish on diets 2–6 were poor (P < 0.05). The renal tubules of fish ingested MEL‐CYA combination had melamine–cyanurate crystals. On the other hand, diets with only one chemical did not induce such crystals. MEL and CYA in whole body, fillet or viscera reflected their dietary inclusion levels. The levels of Hsp70 were increased in the liver of fish that ingested MEL and CYA, in combination or singly (P < 0.05). However, in the kidney, such an increase was visible only in the fish that received diet 4 (P < 0.05). Combination of MEL and CYA at inclusion levels > 5 g kg−1 diet induced the activity of catalase in liver and the activity of glutathione peroxidase in liver and kidneys. Therefore, these adulterants should not be included in fish feeds.
Assessing the Salinity Effects on Mineral Composition and Nutritional Quality of Green and Red “Baby” Lettuce
Authors: Neocleous D. , Koukounaras A. , Siomos A.S. , Vasilakakis M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe work focuses on the responses of two baby lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars (green “Paris Island” and red “Sanguine”) to different NaCl solutions (0, 5, 10 and 20 mM). Plant mineral composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Cl and Na) and nutritional quality (nitrates, ascorbic acid, phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity) were determined. Salinity was found to be able to reduce the concentration of K; while, it was able to enhance Zn and Cu concentrations in baby leaves of both cultivars. Salinity was even able to decrease Ca concentration in green lettuce, and to increase the concentrations of Fe, Mn and B in red lettuce. Moreover, salinity was connected to the accumulation of Cl and Na in baby leaves. However, the use of saline waters enhanced health‐beneficial phenolic compounds in baby leaves in some instances.Practical ApplicationsIn recent years, baby vegetables are becoming more and more popular as they are easy to prepare for the market (fast food, ready‐to‐eat salads), with a low degree of injury, as in the case of fresh‐cut vegetables. Salinity is one of the most important factors limiting yield of several horticultural crops worldwide. Although lettuce is considered moderately sensitive to salinity, literature reveals that salinity is connected with biosynthesis of nutritional compounds. The present study may serve as a tool to better understand baby lettuce mineral nutrition and the consequent management of fertilizers, which is of value in the baby vegetable production industry and is critical in improving yield and quality. In addition, enhancement of phenolic compounds, induced by salinity in some instances, may be of importance in a diet rich in antioxidants.
Physicochemical Properties of Blends of Palm Mid‐Fraction, Palm Stearin and Olive Oil
Authors: Ramli Nazaruddin , Said Mamot , Mizan Abu Bakar Aftar , Tan Yen‐Nee , Ayob Mohd Khan 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWith increasing consumer awareness of risks associated with a high‐fat‐intake diet, the market for reduced calorie fats has been expanding. Ten different ratios of ternary blends of palm mid‐fraction (PMF), palm stearin (POs) and olive oil (OO) were formulated. The solid fat content of all blends at 37C was in the range of 0.00–24.88%, slip melting points ranged from 0.3 to 53.4C, free fatty acid ranged from 0.14 to 0.34% and iodine value ranged from 35.15 to 87.69%. Fatty acid composition analysis demonstrated that all blends were high in palmitic (12.35–59.95%) and oleic (27.27–71.62%) acids. Higher melting enthalpy was shown by blends with higher degree of saturation. Ternary blends of OO with PMF and POs may be suitable for producing shortening and cocoa butter substitutes with better characteristics than individual oils and fats.Practical ApplicationsTo fulfill the increasing demand for low‐calorie and healthy foods, many studies have been done with a new oil or fat blend with better nutritional value and reduced calories. Oil blending is a common technique practiced and it is cheaper and involves minimum production of by‐products, which are potentially hazardous to health. Blending of palm mid‐fraction (PMF), palm stearin (POs) and olive oil was shown to produce an alternative oil source with better physicochemical properties and nutritional value. The ternary oil/fat blend was found to exhibit better oxidative stability and may be suitable as a cocoa butter substitute.
Microbial Reduction and Quality of Stored Date Fruits Treated by Electrolyzed Water
Authors: Bessi H. , Debbabi H. , Grissa K. , Bellagha S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAnolyte is an environmentally safe oxidizing solution that can be used as a biocidal agent. In this work, anolyte water effect (pH 7–7.5; oxidation‐reduction potential 800–850 mV) was studied as an ecologically safe alternative for disinfecting dates. Dates were dipped in anolyte/water solutions at three concentrations (1, 3 and 5%) and for various exposure times (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4 min). Total bacterial flora and yeast and molds counts reductions were determined after each treatment. Microbial analysis after treatment showed up to 99.5% reduction of the total count of mesophilic bacteria, and completely eliminated yeast and molds from dates. Tests of optimum condition showed no effect on acidity, sucrose, reducing sugars and moisture content. In addition, sensory evaluation based on a triangle test showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) between treated and fresh dates after 6 months of storage, for the following descriptors: taste, odor, texture and color.Practical ApplicationsDeglet Nour date is well‐known for its unique taste, its particular aroma, its golden‐yellow color and its nutritional value. In Tunisia, this variety is of higher market value and is the highest‐valued variety on international markets. Tunisia is currently the 10th world producer and the lead exporter of Deglet Nour dates. However, handlers often encounter quality problems (microbiological and physicochemical) which are enhanced by the long‐storage period. Anolyte combines washing, disinfecting and sterilizing agent features and it degrades spontaneously. The aim of this study was to ensure a better conservation of dates using anolyte solution, to reduce initial bacterial populations and proliferation during storage and thus increase the shelf life of a better quality product.
Fundal pressure during the second stage of labor in a tertiary obstetric center: A prospective analysis
Authors: Moiety Fady M. Shawky , Azzam Amal Z. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo ascertain whether uterine fundal pressure should have a role in the management of the second stage of labor and to determine its prevalence, benefits and adverse maternal–fetal outcomes.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study set in a tertiary teaching and research obstetric hospital. A total of 8097 women in labor between 37 and 42 gestational weeks with a singleton cephalic presentation were enrolled. Subjects were subdivided into two groups: fundal pressure group (n = 1974 women) and control group (n = 6123 women). The primary outcome measure was the duration of the second stage. The secondary outcome measures were maternal outcomes (immediate or delayed) and neonatal outcomes.ResultsThe prevalence of fundal pressure in our center was 24.38%. Fundal pressure maneuver significantly shortened the duration of the second stage among primiparous women, increased the risk of severe perineal laceration and admission to neonatal intensive care unit in comparison to the non‐fundal group. Delayed maternal outcomes showed significant increase in dyspareunia and de novo stress urinary incontinence in the fundal pressure group.ConclusionAlthough fundal pressure maneuver shortens the duration of the second stage of labor among primiparous women, it should not be used except when indicated, and under strict guidelines owing to its adverse maternal and fetal outcomes.
Attitudes toward cervical cancer screening among women receiving human papillomavirus vaccination in a university‐hospital‐based community: Interim 2‐year follow‐up results
Authors: Miyagi Etsuko , Sukegawa Akiko , Motoki Yoko , Kaneko Tetsuji , Maruyama Yasuyo , Asai‐Sato Mikiko , Numazaki Reiko , Mizushima Shunsaku , Hirahara Fumiki 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimThis study investigated the status of cervical cancer screening among women in a university hospital‐based community who received catch‐up human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations as a basic element of our community‐based cervical cancer prevention advocacy.MethodsSelf‐administered questionnaires were distributed to 173 women working or studying in the community at their first HPV vaccination in 2010, at the third vaccination, and 2 years later. Their demographics and attitudes toward the Pap test were analyzed.ResultsThe median age of the participants was 27.5 years and 88.2% were sexually active. Before the first vaccination, 38.5% (57/148) of the screening targets had never had a Pap test. Among the women who completed the third vaccination, Pap test experiences within the recent 2 years increased from 45.3% (63/139) at the first vaccination to 71.2% (99/137) at the third vaccination, and 67.5% (54/80) 2 years later. In 45.3% of the screening targets who had never had a Pap test at the time of their first HPV vaccination, their first Pap test was followed by their vaccination.ConclusionsHaving biennial Pap tests in accordance with the Japanese national cancer screening guideline was shown to be difficult even for the women in the medical community; however, education about the Pap test and the efficacy of HPV vaccination in providing opportunistic screening encouraged them to have their first or suspended Pap test. Our interim data suggest the need for urgently changing the cervical cancer prevention strategy for young adult women who are excluded from the national HPV vaccine program.
Lender Exposure and Effort in the Syndicated Loan Market
Authors: Mora Nada 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis article tests for asymmetric information problems between the lead arranger and the participants in a lending syndicate. One problem comes from adverse selection, whereby the lead has a private informational advantage over participants. A second problem comes from moral hazard, whereby the lead puts less effort in monitoring when it retains a smaller loan share. Applying an instrumental variables strategy using lending limits, borrower performance is improved by increasing the lead's share. The focus is on separating moral hazard from adverse selection and the results are consistently indicative of monitoring. First, the lead's share is more important for revocable credit lines than for fully funded term facilities. Second, a lead with greater liquidity risk reduces its share resulting in worse borrower performance, but its liquidity risk does not affect the quality of credits it chooses to syndicate in the first place. Third, covenants are paired with a higher lead share, and the sensitivity between share and borrower ex post performance is greater on loans with more covenants.
The Value of Investing in Enterprise Risk Management
Authors: Grace Martin F. , Leverty J. Tyler , Phillips Richard D. , Shimpi Prakash 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTPrior studies show that enterprise risk management improves firm performance. This article investigates which aspects of enterprise risk management add value. We find that the use of economic capital models and dedicated risk managers improve operating performance. Requiring the dedicated risk manager report to the board of directors or to the chief executive officer (CEO) also increases value. The following combination of enterprise risk management initiatives yields the greatest increase in firm value: a simple economic capital model, a dedicated risk manager that is a cross‐functional committee, and requiring the risk manager report to the board or CEO.
Selective Intestinal Cobalamin Malabsorption with Proteinuria (Imerslund‐Gräsbeck Syndrome) in Juvenile Beagles
Authors: Fyfe J.C. , Hemker S.L. , Venta P.J. , Stebbing B. , Giger U. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundSelective intestinal cobalamin malabsorption with mild proteinuria (Imerslund‐Gräsbeck syndrome; I‐GS), is an autosomal recessive disorder of dogs caused by mutations in AMN or CUBN that disrupt cubam function and which can present as a medical emergency.ObjectivesTo describe the clinical, metabolic, and genetic bases of I‐GS in Beagles.AnimalsFour cobalamin‐deficient and 43 clinically normal Beagles and 5 dogs of other breeds.MethodsClinical description and candidate gene genetic study. Urinary organic acid and protein excretion were determined by gas‐chromatography and SDS‐PAGE, respectively. Renal cubilin protein expression was assessed on immunoblots. Mutation discovery was carried out by PCR amplification and DNA sequencing of exons with flanking splice sites and cDNA of CUBN and AMN. Genotyping was performed by restriction enzyme digestion of PCR amplicons.ResultsJuvenile‐affected Beagles exhibited failure to thrive, dyshematopoiesis with neutropenia, serum cobalamin deficiency, methylmalonic aciduria, hyperammonemia, and proteinuria. Affected dogs' kidneys lacked detectable cubilin protein. All affected dogs were homozygous for a single‐base deletion in CUBN exon 8 (CUBN c.786delC), predicting a translational frameshift, and the 2 parents tested were heterozygous.ConclusionsThe CUBN mutation in juvenile I‐GS Beagles causes a more severe cobalamin malabsorption than in Border Collies with a different CUBN defect, but is similar to I‐GS caused by AMN mutations in Giant Schnauzers and Australian Shepherds. Awareness of the disorder and breed predispositions to I‐GS is crucial to precisely diagnose and promptly treat hereditary cobalamin malabsorption and to prevent disease in those dogs at risk in future generations.
Cats with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal Small Cell Lymphoma Have Low Serum Concentrations of 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Lalor S. , Schwartz A.M. , Titmarsh H. , Reed N. , Tasker S. , Boland L. , Berry J. , Gunn‐Moore D. , Mellanby R.J. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal small cell lymphoma (ISCL) are common diseases in cats. The prevalence of alterations in the serum concentrations of fat soluble vitamins, such as vitamin D, in cats with IBD and ISCL is unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to measure serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) concentrations in cats with IBD or ISCL. Serum 25(OH)D also was measured in healthy cats, and in hospitalized ill cats with nongastrointestinal diseases.AnimalsEighty‐four cats were included in the study: 23 in the healthy group, 41 in the hospitalized ill group, and 20 in the IBD/ISCL group.MethodsRetrospective study. Serum samples for vitamin D analysis were frozen at −20°C until serum 25(OH)D was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).ResultsAlthough there was overlap in serum 25(OH)D concentrations among the 3 groups, serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly lower in the cats with IBD or ISCL compared to healthy cats (P < .0001) and hospitalized ill cats (P = .014). In the IBD/ISCL group, there was a significant moderate positive correlation between serum albumin and 25(OH)D concentrations (r = 0.58, P = .018).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThe median serum concentration of 25(OH)D was significantly lower in cats with IBD/ISCL than in healthy cats and in hospitalized ill cats. Additional studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of hypovitaminosis D in cats with gastrointestinal diseases, to define the best management strategy to treat this complication, and to investigate its potential prognostic implications.
Influence of light intensity, water volume and density in tadpoles raised in mesocosm experiments
Authors: Kehr A. I. , Schaefer E. F. , Duré M. I. , Gómez V. I. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe ability of an organism to produce different phenotypes under different environmental conditions is a common adaptation in nature. Biotic factors like competition, community structure and predation can influence the survival and time to metamorphosis in amphibians. However, abiotic factors such as the hydroperiod and light intensity can be as important as biotic ones. We examine the influence of abiotic (light, hydroperiod) and biotic (density) factors on the morphology, growth and development ofArgenteohyla siemersi pedersenitadpoles. Our main goal was to determine whether the morphology, growth and development vary in relation to changes in water volume, light intensity and number of conspecifics. The experiment was conducted under mesocosm conditions. We used a randomized block design with a factorial combination of two densities of tadpoles, two volumes of water and two light intensity conditions. The main findings were as follows: (1) Tadpole morphology was significantly affected by density and water volume but not by light intensity. Tadpoles maintained at low density increased their tail length and tail depth, tadpoles exposed to low volumes of water increased their tail length and tail muscle depth; (2) The growth rate and development rate of tadpoles were significantly affected by the effects of volume of water and density. Tadpoles maintained at low densities and low volume of water showed a significant increase in growth and development rate; (3) The growth and development rates of tadpoles were significantly affected by the effect of light intensity. Tadpoles exposed to lower light intensity showed an increase in their growth and development rates.
Evaluating combat in ornithischian dinosaurs
Authors: Farke A. A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOrnithischia, a diverse clade of herbivorous dinosaurs, has numerous members with structures hypothesized to function in combat. These include the horned ceratopsids, dome‐headed pachycephalosaurs, spike‐thumbed iguanodonts, tail‐clubbed ankylosaurs and spiked stegosaurs, among others. Three main lines of evidence support such inferences: (1) analogy with modern animals; (2) biomechanical analysis and simulation; and (3) paleopathology. The most solid inferences utilize multiple pieces of evidence, although this is hampered by a limited understanding of combat in modern animals.
Localized Structural Damage Detection: A Change Point Analysis
Authors: Nigro M. B. , Pakzad S. N. , Dorvash S. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMany current damage detection techniques rely on the skill and experience of a trained inspector and also require a priori knowledge about the structure's properties. However, this study presents adaptation of several change point analysis techniques for their performance in civil engineering damage detection. Literature shows different statistical approaches which are developed for detection of changes in observations for different applications including structural damage detection. However, despite their importance in damage detection, control charts and statistical frameworks are not properly utilized in this area. On the other hand, most of the existing change point analysis techniques were originally developed for applications in the stock market or industrial engineering processes; utilizing them in structural damage detection needs adjustments and verification. Therefore, in this article several change point detection methods are evaluated and adjusted for a damage detection scheme. The effectiveness of features from a statistics based local damage detection algorithm called Influenced Coefficient Based Damage Detection Algorithm (IDDA) is expanded for a more complex structural system. The statistics used in this study include the univariate Cumulative Sum, Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA), Mean Square Error (MSE), and multivariate Mahalanobis distances, and Fisher Criterion. They are used to make control charts that detect and localize the damage by correlating locations of a sensor network with the damage features. A Modified MSE statistic, called ModMSE statistic, is introduced to remove the sensitivity of the MSE statistic to the variance of a data set. The effectiveness of each statistic is analyzed.
A poly‐γ‐d‐glutamic acid depolymerase that degrades the protective capsule of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Negus David , Taylor Peter W. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryA mixed culture of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Pusillimonas noertemanii, obtained by soil enrichment, elaborated an enzyme (EnvD) which rapidly hydrolysed poly‐γ‐d‐glutamic acid (PDGA), the constituent of the anti‐phagocytic capsule conferring virulence on Bacillus anthracis. The EnvD gene is carried on the P. noertemanii genome but co‐culture is required for the elaboration of PDGA depolymerase activity. EnvD showed strong sequence homology to dienelactone hydrolases from other Gram‐negative bacteria, possessed no general protease activity but cleaved γ‐links in both d‐ and l‐glutamic acid‐containing polymers. The stability at 37°C was markedly superior to that of CapD, a γ‐glutamyltranspeptidase with PDGA depolymerase activity. Recombinant EnvD was recovered from inclusion bodies in soluble form from an Escherichia coli expression vector and the enzyme stripped the PDGA capsule from the surface of B. anthracis Pasteur within 5 min. We conclude from this in vitro study that rEnvD shows promise as a potential therapeutic for the treatment of anthrax.
Children's lived experiences of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Manookian Arpi , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht , Asadi Monireh 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAlthough hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is a valuable treatment in many life‐threatening pediatric disorders, a large number of children who receive hematopoietic stem cell transplantation are faced with a variety of physical and psychological problems throughout this process. In this study, we explored the lived experiences of these children during their treatment to provide a better understanding of their main concerns, emotions, and expectations. The participants were six children, aged between 6 and 17 years, who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Data were collected through individual, in‐depth, and semistructured interviews. Using interpretive phenomenological analysis, the findings revealed that the children experienced “transplantation rejoicing” in this “difficult passage”, which was associated with “deepening of family ties”. Awareness of these experiences, feelings, and concerns can help in the development of more professional interventions to provide children with holistic care during their hospitalization.