bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowing the status
Authors: Al Kaabi Ahmed , Al Mazrouei Alyazi , Al Hamadi Salma , Al Yousuf Mariam , Taylor Eunice 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to provide an overview of the methods used, and results found, during an in-depth investigation into the status of food safety management systems in eight types of Abu Dhabi businesses. It is the second article in a Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes theme issue presenting a comprehensive government strategy for improving food safety management standards across the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research process gathered quantitative and qualitative data from industry visits, surveys, interviews, document analysis, focus groups and stakeholder workshops.

Findings
– Standards varied across the industry, with distinct characteristics and patterns across the eight groups. Systems were most likely to be found to be in place within hotels. However, there were some issues with validation, documentation and particularly certification. In other sectors, there were lower levels of food safety management with some additional specific challenges. The baseline data identified, along with regulatory requirements based on international best practice, provided a detailed road map for outcomes to be achieved in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Originality/value
– The article brings together a theoretical and practical discussion of food safety standards within the hospitality industry, with a unique insight into a practical application in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.
Setting the standard
Authors: Al Yousuf Mariam , Bin Salem Samara , Abdi Ali Bashir , Saleib Morad , Juwaihan Hasan , Taylor Eunice 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This article aims to outline the process of developing Codes of Practice and their content and assessment for eight hospitality industry sub-sectors in Abu Dhabi. This is the third article in a Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes theme issue presenting a comprehensive government strategy for improving food safety management standards across the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research process gathered quantitative and qualitative data from industry visits, surveys, interviews, document analysis, focus groups and stakeholder workshops.

Findings
– Standards varied across the industry, with distinct characteristics and patterns across the eight groups. Systems were most likely to be found to be in place within hotels. However, there were some issues with validation, documentation and particularly certification. In other sectors, there were lower levels of food safety management with some additional specific challenges. The baseline data identified, along with regulatory requirements based on international best practice, provided a detailed roadmap for outcomes to be achieved in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Originality/value
– The article brings together a theoretical and practical discussion of food safety standards within the hospitality industry, with a unique insight into a practical application in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.
An industry perspective
Authors: Taylor Joanne , Garat Jean Pierre , Simreen Samer , Sarieddine Ghida 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to outline the food safety roles and responsibilities within the industry that play an important role in the success of government initiatives, demonstrated using a new model of Food Safety Culture Excellence. It is the sixth article in a Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes theme issue presenting a comprehensive government strategy for improving food safety management standards across the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– A case study is used to demonstrate the impact of auditing the 16 dimensions of Food Safety Culture Excellence in practice. The business selected was the first in Abu Dhabi to achieve regulatory compliance for HACCP-based food safety management, and the first to conduct a Food Safety Culture Excellence audit in the United Arab Emirates.

Findings
– This article demonstrates how the concept of food safety culture works in practice, using the Food Safety Culture Excellence Model with four categories and 16 dimensions. It demonstrates how the auditing of culture within a business can highlight strengths and weaknesses and facilitate continual improvement.

Originality/value
– The article represents the first published model of Food Safety Culture Excellence, an extensively researched and tested model developed by Taylor Shannon International Ltd. and launched in conjunction with Campden BRI in 2014. It also demonstrates the first audit of the model in practice.
Developing a solution for small businesses
Authors: Al Khaja Mariam , Al Muhairi Mouza , Al Yousuf Mariam , Al Mazrouei Alyazi , Ali Mostafa Ibrahim , Taylor Eunice 
Published: January 2015

Purpose
– This paper aims to describe the process of developing, implementing and evaluating an innovative solution to enhance food safety and promote Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point-based food safety management techniques in small independent restaurants. It is the fifth article in a Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes theme issue presenting a comprehensive government strategy for improving food safety management standards across the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach
– This article outlines the essential design principles that were established by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority for creating a food safety management system (FSMS) for independent restaurants, following international benchmarking and extensive in-depth local research. It charts the process of designing and approving the documents and records that make up the system, and identifies a methodology for implementation and evaluation.

Findings
– Salamt Zadna, the FSMS developed, conveys risk-based food safety requirements through photographs communicating simple, practical steps. It minimises record-keeping with a picture-based diary and has an implementation strategy involving inspector support, after an extensive period of capacity building.

Originality/value
– The article demonstrates an effective model for creating an FSMS for small businesses, along with the main components required and their impact on industry. It also includes details of a phased implementation strategy for achieving success in practice, utilising trained government inspectors. It will be of value to practitioners, researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.
Natural habitat does not mediate vertebrate seed predation as an ecosystem dis‐service to agriculture
Authors: Schäckermann Jessica , Mandelik Yael , Weiss Noam , von Wehrden Henrik , Klein Alexandra‐Maria 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Spillover of beneficial organisms from natural habitats to croplands can improve agro‐ecosystem services, but wildlife can also negatively influence agricultural production. When managing agricultural landscapes to conserve biodiversity, we need to understand whether the availability of natural habitats increases ecosystem dis‐services such as vertebrate seed predation to avoid risking higher costs than benefits.

We studied whether vertebrates and their impact in crop seed predation are related to the percentage of natural (chaparral) and semi‐natural habitat (planted forest with native and exotic trees) in an agricultural landscape of Israel. We selected 20 almond and 20 sunflower study sites within a landscape with varying percentages of natural (0–61%) and semi‐natural (0–70%) habitats within a 1000 m radius of their surroundings. We observed birds, trapped rodents (in almond), counted seeds and noted feeding marks to obtain seed predation rates, at each site. Within the almond crops, we physically excluded birds, rodents and both to determine their relative and combined influence on seed predation.

Neither vertebrate abundance nor species richness was influenced by the percentage of natural habitat. However, bird species richness increased with increasing percentage of semi‐natural habitat.

Seed predation across both crops was not influenced by natural or semi‐natural habitat but increased significantly with increasing abundance and species richness of birds. This was also reflected by the exclusions of birds, vertebrates and both to the almond crop, leading to lowest seed predation when both groups were excluded.

Synthesis and applications. Natural or semi‐natural habitat did not influence the agro‐ecosystem dis‐service of seed predation by birds and rodents. Policymakers should consider promoting agri‐environment schemes that include the conservation of natural habitats and the management of semi‐natural habitats adjacent to cropland to enhance agro‐ecosystem services meditated by beneficial organisms such as natural pest enemies and pollinators without fearing increased vertebrate seed predation. In order to provide more detailed management recommendations tackling the reduction of vertebrate dis‐services, their feeding behaviour, metabolic needs, behaviour patterns and local abundances should be taken into account.
A D, D‐carboxypeptidase is required for Vibrio cholerae halotolerance
Authors: Möll Andrea , Dörr Tobias , Alvarez Laura , Davis Brigid M. , Cava Felipe , Waldor Matthew K. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe biological roles of low molecular weight penicillin‐binding proteins (LMW PBP) have been difficult to discern in Gram‐negative organisms. In Escherichia coli, mutants lacking these proteins often have no phenotype, and cells lacking all seven LMW PBPs remain viable. In contrast, we report here that Vibrio cholerae lacking DacA‐1, a PBP5 homologue, displays slow growth, aberrant morphology and altered peptidoglycan (PG) homeostasis in Luria–Bertani (LB) medium, as well as a profound plating defect. DacA‐1 alone among V. cholerae's LMW PBPs is critical for bacterial growth; mutants lacking the related protein DacA‐2 and/or homologues of PBP4 or PBP7 displayed normal growth and morphology. Remarkably, the growth and morphology of the dacA‐1 mutant were unimpaired in LB media containing reduced concentrations of NaCl (100 mM or less), and also within suckling mice, a model host for the study of cholera pathogenesis. Peptidoglycan from the dacA‐1 mutant contained elevated pentapeptide levels in standard and low salt media, and comparative analyses suggest that DacA‐1 is V. cholerae's principal DD‐carboxypeptidase. The basis for the dacA‐1 mutant's halosensitivity is unknown; nonetheless, the mutant's survival in biochemically uncharacterized environments (such as the suckling mouse intestine) can be used as a reporter of low Na+ content.
Contribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi of sedges to soil aggregation along an altitudinal alpine grassland gradient on theTibetanPlateau
Authors: Li Xiaoliang , Zhang Junling , Gai Jingping , Cai Xiaobu , Christie Peter , Li Xiaolin 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in sedges on theTibetanPlateau remains largely unexplored, and their contribution to soil aggregation can be important in understanding the ecological function ofAMFin alpine ecosystems. Roots ofKobresia pygmaea C.B.Clarke andCarex pseudofoetida Kük. in alpineKobresiapastures along an elevational transect (4149–5033 m) on MountMila were analysed forAMFdiversity. A structural equation model was built to explore the contribution of biotic factors to soil aggregation. Sedges harboured abundantAMFcommunities covering seven families and some operational taxonomic units are habitat specific. The two plant species hosted similarAMFcommunities at most altitudes. The relative abundance of the two sedges contributed largely to soil macroaggregates, followed by extraradical mycorrhizal hyphae (EMH) and total glomalin‐related soil protein (T‐GRSP). The influence of plant richness was mainly due to its indirect influence onT‐GRSPandEMH. There was a strong positive correlation betweenGRSPand soil total carbon and nitrogen. Our results indicate that mycorrhization might not be a major trait leading to niche differentiation of the two co‐occurring sedge species. However,AMFcontribute to soil aggregation and thus may have the potential to greatly influenceCandNcycling in alpine grasslands.
Spontaneous regression of non‐small cell lung cancer that progressed after multiple chemotherapies: A case report
Authors: Chung Chaeuk , Park Dong Il , Kim Sun Young , Kim Ju Ock , Jung Sung Soo , Park Hee Sun , Moon Jae Young , Kim Sung Min , Cho Min Ji , Jung Sang Ok , Lee Choong Sik , Lee Jeong Eun 
Published: January 2015

AbstractSpontaneous regression (SR) of cancer is defined as a complete or partial, temporary or permanent disappearance of all or at least some relevant parameters of malignant disease with inadequate or no treatment. SR of cancer is an extremely rare phenomenon. We report a case of a 67‐year‐old man who experienced SR of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which progressed after fifth‐line chemotherapy and regressed after chemotherapy ceased. Surprisingly, the primary tumor size continued to decrease for more than 13 months and his general condition markedly improved after discontinuation of the chemotherapy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SR in a patient with NSCLC that was not responsive to a fifth round of chemotherapy.
Periodontopathogen levels following the use of an Er:YAG laser in the treatment of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Milne TJ , Coates DE , Leichter JW , Soo L , Williams SM , Seymour GJ , Cullinan MP 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory periodontal diseases are initiated by microbial biofilms. The reduction of the biofilm is important in the management of the disease. This study compares periodontopathogen levels following the treatment of chronic periodontitis using Er:YAG laser (ERL) debridement and mechanical scaling and root planing (SRP).MethodsUsing a split‐mouth design, two quadrants were randomly allocated for treatment. Two hundred and fifty‐two subgingival plaque samples were collected from 21 patients, before treatment (baseline) and at 6 and 12 weeks post‐therapy. Multiplex qPCR was used to determine relative levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythensis (Tf), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa).ResultsTf and Pg were significantly reduced post‐treatment for both ERL and SRP. ERL treatment resulted in a reduction of Td at 12 weeks. Following SRP treatment Aa was significantly reduced at 12 weeks. No statistically significant difference was seen when treatments were compared at 6 and 12 weeks.ConclusionsA comparable reduction in the level of the four periodontal pathogens assayed was achieved with Er:YAG laser debridement and mechanical scaling and root planing.
Epidemiology of chronic rhinosinusitis: results from a cross‐sectional survey in seven Chinese cities
Authors: Shi J.B. , Fu Q. L. , Zhang H. , Cheng L. , Wang Y. J. , Zhu D. D. , Lv W. , Liu S. X. , Li P. Z. , Ou C. Q. , Xu G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundChronic sinusitis (CRS) is a common otorhinolaryngologic disease that is frequently encountered in everyday practice, but there is a lack of precise data regarding the prevalence of CRS in developing countries. We performed a national investigation in China to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CRS.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional investigation in 2012. A stratified four‐stage sampling method was used to select participants randomly from seven cities in mainland China. All participants were interviewed face‐to‐face via a standardized questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between smoking and sinusitis after adjusting for socio‐demographic factors.ResultsThis study included a total of 10 636 respondents from seven cities. The overall prevalence of CRS was 8.0% and ranged from 4.8% to 9.7% in seven centres. Chronic sinusitis affected approximately 107 million people in mainland China. Chronic sinusitis was particularly prevalent among people with specific medical conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and gout. The prevalence was slightly higher among males (8.79%) than females (7.28%) (P = 0.004), and the prevalence varied by age group, ethnicity and marital status and education (P < 0.05), but not by household per capita income or living space (P > 0.05). Both second‐hand tobacco smoke and active smoking were independent risk factors for CRS (P = 0.001).ConclusionsChronic sinusitis is an important public health problem in China. Our study provides important information for the assessment of the economic burden of CRS and the development and promotion of public health policies associated with CRS particularly in developing countries.
Sputum periostin in patients with different severe asthma phenotypes
Authors: Bobolea I. , Barranco P. , Del Pozo V. , Romero D. , Sanz V. , López‐Carrasco V. , Canabal J. , Villasante C. , Quirce S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying inflammatory phenotypes is relevant in severe uncontrolled asthma. The aim of this study was to identify the different clinical, inflammatory, functional, and molecular phenotypes in patients with severe asthma and to investigate the potential role of sputum periostin as a biomarker of severe asthma phenotypes.Patients and methodsSputum induction was performed in 62 patients diagnosed with severe asthma. Skin prick testing, lung function tests, exhaled nitric oxide, hematimetry, and total serum IgE were performed. Periostin was measured in sputum supernatants.ResultsPatients with asthma were phenotyped and 80% had late‐onset asthma, 50% had fixed airflow obstruction, and 66% showed a Th2‐high phenotype. With respect to inflammatory phenotypes, 71% were eosinophilic and 25% mixed granulocytic. Periostin levels were higher in patients with fixed as compared to variable airflow limitation (69.76 vs 43.84 pg/ml, P < 0.05) and in patients with eosinophilic as compared to mixed granulocytic phenotype (61.58 vs 37.31 pg/ml, P < 0.05). There was an inverse correlation between postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC and periostin levels (−0.276, P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrates the utility of periostin in phenotyping severe asthma. Periostin levels in sputum are associated with persistent airflow limitation in asthma patients with airway eosinophilia despite treatment with high‐dose inhaled corticosteroids.
Combined treatment with bexarotene and rosuvastatin reduces angiotensin‐II‐induced abdominal aortic aneurysm in apoE−/− mice and angiogenesis
Authors: Escudero P , Navarro A , Ferrando C , Furio E , Gonzalez‐Navarro H , Juez M , Sanz M J , Piqueras L 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative vascular disease associated with angiogenesis. Bexarotene is a retinoid X receptor (RXR) ligand with anti‐angiogenic activity. Statins also exert anti‐angiogenic activity and activate PPARs. Because RXR ligands form permissive heterodimers with PPARs and a single anti‐angiogenic drug may not be sufficient to combat the wide array of angiogenic factors produced during AAA, we evaluated the effect of combined low doses of bexarotene and rosuvastatin in a mouse model of AAA.Experimental ApproachThe effect of the combined treatment was investigated in a murine model of angiotensin II‐induced AAA in apoE−/− mice. This combination therapy was also evaluated in in vivo (Matrigel plug assay) and in vitro (endothelial cell differentiation assay) models of angiogenesis as well as the underlying mechanisms involved.Key ResultsCo‐treatment with bexarotene plus rosuvastatin reduced aneurysm formation, inflammation and neovascularization compared with each single treatment. In HUVEC, the combination of suboptimal concentrations of bexarotene and rosuvastatin inhibited angiotensin II‐induced morphogenesis, proliferation and migration. These effects were accompanied by diminished production of pro‐angiogenic chemokines (CXCL1, CCL2 or CCL5) and VEGF, and seemed to be mediated by RXRα/PPARα and RXRα/PPARγ activation. This combined therapy reduced the activation of members of the downstream PI3K pathway (Akt/mTOR and p70S6K1) in vivo and in vitro.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe combination of RXR agonists with statins at low doses synergistically interferes with the signalling pathways that modulate inflammation and angiogenesis and may constitute a new and safer therapeutic treatment for the control of AAA.
Characterization of zofenoprilat as an inducer of functional angiogenesis through increased H2S availability
Authors: Terzuoli E , Monti M , Vellecco V , Bucci M , Cirino G , Ziche M , Morbidelli L 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeHydrogen sulfide (H2S), an endogenous volatile mediator with pleiotropic functions, promotes vasorelaxation, exerts anti‐inflammatory actions and regulates angiogenesis. Previously, the SH‐containing angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), zofenopril, was identified as being effective in preserving endothelial function and inducing angiogenesis among ACEIs. Based on the H2S donor property of its active metabolite zofenoprilat, the objective of this study was to evaluate whether zofenoprilat‐induced angiogenesis was due to increased H2S availability.Experimental ApproachHUVECs were used for in vitro studies of angiogenesis, whereas the Matrigel plug assay was used for in vivo assessments.Key ResultsZofenoprilat‐treated HUVECs showed an increase in all functional features of the angiogenic process in vitro. As zofenoprilat induced the expression of CSE (cystathionine‐γ‐lyase) and the continuous production of H2S, CSE inhibition or silencing blocked the ability of zofenoprilat to induce angiogenesis, both in vitro and in vivo. The molecular mechanisms underlying H2S/zofenoprilat‐induced angiogenesis were dependent on Akt, eNOS and ERK1/2 cascades. ATP‐sensitive potassium (KATP) channels, the molecular target that mediates part of the vascular functions of H2S, were shown to be involved in the upstream activation of Akt and ERK1/2. Moreover, the up‐regulation of fibroblast growth factor‐2 was dependent on CSE‐derived H2S response to H2S and KATP activation.Conclusions and ImplicationsZofenoprilat induced a constant production of H2S that stimulated the angiogenic process through a KATP channel/Akt/eNOS/ERK1/2 pathway. Thus, zofenopril can be considered as a pro‐angiogenic drug acting through H2S release and production, useful in cardiovascular pathologies where vascular functions need to be re‐established and functional angiogenesis induced.