bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Traditional Fermented Foods of North African Countries: Technology and Food Safety Challenges With Regard to Microbiological Risks
Authors: Benkerroum Noreddine 
Published: January 2013

AbstractNorth African countries have a rich tradition in food technology, and many traditional foods of animal or plant origin are still widely consumed and highly appreciated. In fact, these foods play an important role in the economy and food security in these countries. Yet, they are still mainly prepared at the household level under poor sanitary conditions and marketed through informal routes. They thus remain beyond any official control for their compliance to national regulatory standards. Therefore, their consumption is anticipated to put the public health at risk, although such risk has never been estimated on a scientific basis due to the lack of consumption patterns, epidemiological data, and appropriate surveillance programs. The scarcity of scientific studies on the incidence of hazards in this specific category of foods adds to the difficulties in conducting scientifically sound risk assessment or profiling studies. This review provides a brief description of technologies of the most popular traditional foods of animal and plant origin in North Africa and discusses the potential microbiological risks associated with their consumption and the food safety challenges that they raise. The review also aims to draw the attention of stakeholders including decision makers in North African countries to the imperious need to assess or profile the health risks associated with their consumption, and consequently, take the necessary measures to reduce such risks. A tentative risk profiling of selected traditional North African foods is presented using as a template the “risk categorization model for food retail/food service establishments” developed by Health Canada.
Relationship between flat foot condition and gait pattern alterations in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Galli M. , Cimolin V. , Pau M. , Costici P. , Albertini G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with Down syndrome (DS) one of the most common abnormalities is flat foot which can interfere significantly with normal daily activities, such as gait. The aim of this study was to quantitatively assess the relationship between the flat foot and the gait alterations in DS children.MethodTwenty‐nine patients with DS and 15 non‐affected subjects were assessed using 3D Gait Analysis, using an optoelectronic system, force platforms and video recording. The degree of flat foot was assessed using the arch index and kinematic and kinetic parameters were identified and calculated from 3D Gait Analysis for each study participant.ResultsData showed that ankle plantarflexion moment and ankle power during terminal stance were significant to differentiate the patients with and without flat feet: their peak values were significantly lower for the patients with flat foot. In addition, the research for correlation demonstrated that the higher the arch index value, the lower the peak of ankle moment and of the generated ankle power during terminal stance and the minimum of absorbed ankle power.ConclusionsChildren with flat foot displayed a less functional gait pattern in terms of ankle kinetics than children without flat foot, suggesting that the presence of flat foot may lead to a weaker efficient walking. Then, the increasing flat foot tended to result in lower push‐off ability, leading a less functional walking.
Accuracy and Reliability of Methods to Measure Marginal Adaptation of Crowns and FDPs: A Literature Review
Authors: Nawafleh Noor A. , Mack Florian , Evans Jane , Mackay John , Hatamleh Muhanad M. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeTo review methods used to investigate marginal adaptation of crowns and fixed dental prostheses (FDPs), and to discuss testing variables employed and their influence on results.MethodsOnline libraries including PubMed, Scopus, and Ovid were searched for articles evaluating the marginal adaptation of crowns and FDPs using a combination of the keywords: “marginal accuracy,” “marginal fit,” “marginal gap,” “marginal discrepancy,” “fitting accuracy,” “crown,” and “FPD.” Peer‐reviewed publications in English in the period 1970 to December 2011 were collected, evaluated by their abstract, and included if they met the inclusion criteria. The criteria involved studies evaluating marginal adaptation of crowns and FDPs through clear experimental protocols. Exclusion criteria involved longitudinal prospective and retrospective clinical evaluations, studies using subjective tactile sensation, and other predefined criteria.ResultsA total of 277 papers were identified; only 183 met the inclusion criteria. Direct view technique was used by 47.5% of the articles followed by cross‐sectioning (23.5%), and impression replica (20.2%) techniques. The marginal gap values reported by these techniques varied among individual crown systems and across different systems because of variations in study type (in vivo vs. in vitro), sample size and measurements per specimen, finish line design, and stage at which the marginal gap was measured.ConclusionThere was a substantial lack of consensus relating to marginal adaptation of various crown systems due to differences in testing methods and experimental protocols employed. Direct view technique was the most commonly used method of reproducible results. Also, conducting an experimental set‐up of testing a minimum of 30 specimens at 50 measurements per specimen should produce reliable results. Additionally, using a combination of two measurement methods can be useful in verification of results.
Crocin, a dietary colorant mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicity by modulating antioxidant status and inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Jnaneshwari Sadashivaiah , Hemshekhar Mahadevappa , Santhosh Martin Sebastin , Sunitha Kabburahalli , Thushara Rammohan , Thirunavukkarasu Chinnasamy , Kemparaju Kempaiah , Girish Kesturu Subbaiah 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objectives
This study investigated the protective efficacy of crocin against hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in Wistar rats.

Methods
The experimental rats were treated with crocin orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg for 6 consecutive days after the administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of CP (150 mg/kg). The ameliorative effect of crocin on organ toxicity was studied by evaluating oxidative stress enzymes, inflammatory cytokines and histological sections.

Key Findings
A single intraperitoneal CP injection significantly elevated endogenous reactive oxygen species and oxidation of lipids and proteins, which are the hallmarks of oxidative damage in liver and serum. In consequence, the primary defensive reduced glutathione, total thiol and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase, were significantly reduced. In addition, liver and serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase along with acid and alkaline phosphatase were considerably increased. Oral administration of crocin significantly rejuvenated all the above altered markers to almost normal state. The protective efficacy of crocin was further supported by the histological assessment and restoration of CP-induced inflammatory cytokines and enzyme levels compared with the control drug.

Conclusion
The results obtained suggest the protective nature of crocin against CP-induced oxidative damage/inflammation and organ toxicity.
An interdisciplinary momentary confluence of events model to explain, minimize, and prevent pediatric patient falls and fall‐related injuries
Authors: Ryan‐Wenger Nancy A. , Dufek Janet S. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractPurposeThis article reviews theoretical, empirical, and clinical evidence to support the hypothesis that pediatric patient fall episodes are rarely predictable; rather, falls and fall‐related injuries occur during the momentary convergence of child, parent, and caregiver human factors, and environmental, biomechanical, and system factors.ConclusionsWe propose an interdisciplinary pediatric fall and injury prevention model to guide future research toward interventions to prevent or minimize pediatric patient falls and injuries.Practice ImplicationsWhen falls and near miss falls occur, nurses’ detailed descriptions of each model component are critical to discovery of more effective pediatric fall and injury prevention methods.
Toll‐like receptor 2‐mediated modulation of growth and functions of regulatory T cells by oral streptococci
Authors: Saeki A. , Segawa T. , Abe T. , Sugiyama M. , Arimoto T. , Hara H. , Hasebe A. , Ohtani M. , Tanizume N. , Ohuchi M. , Kataoka H. , Kawanami M. , Yokoyama A. , Shibata K. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThis study was designed to determine whether oral streptococci modulate the growth and functions of regulatory T cells. Heat‐killed cells of wild‐type strains of Streptococcus gordonii and Streptococcus mutans induced the Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR2) ‐mediated nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation, but their lipoprotein‐deficient strains did not. Stimulation with these streptococci resulted in a significant increase in the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in splenocytes derived from both TLR2+/+ and TLR2−/− mice, but the level of increase in TLR2+/+ splenocytes was stronger than that in TLR2−/− splenocytes. Both strains of S. gordonii enhanced the proliferation of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells isolated from TLR2+/+ mice at the same level as those from TLR2−/− mice in an interleukin‐2‐independent manner. However, wild‐type and lipoprotein‐deficient strains of both streptococci did not enhance the suppressive activity of the isolated regulatory T cells in vitro, but rather inhibited it. TLR ligands also inhibited the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. Inhibition of the suppressive activity was recovered by the addition of anti‐IL‐6 antibody. Pretreatment of antigen‐presenting cells with the NF‐κB inhibitor BAY11‐7082 enhanced the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. These results suggested that interleukin‐6 produced by antigen‐presenting cells inhibits the suppressive activity of the regulatory T cells. Wild‐type strain, but not lipoprotein‐deficient strain, of S. gordonii reduced the frequency of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the acute infection model, whereas both strains of S. gordonii increased it in the chronic infection model mice. Hence, this study suggests that oral streptococci are capable of modulating the growth and functions of regulatory T cells in vitro and in vivo.
Genetic linkage between male sterility and non‐spiny trait in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)
Authors: Kammili Anjani 
Published: January 2013

AbstractGenetic male sterility (GMS) exists naturally in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). In the existing safflower GMS lines, sterile and fertile plants are distinguishable at flowering. This causes delay in fertile plants rouging and reduction in hybrid purity. In this investigation, a cross between a spiny GMS parent 13‐137 and a spiny non‐GMS parent ‘A1’ was effected. One sib cross, SC‐67, producing non‐parental‐type non‐spiny sterile and spiny fertile plants in F3 was advanced to F9 through sib crossing between non‐spiny sterile and spiny fertile plants. Mendelian digenic segregation was not observed for non‐spiny trait and male sterility. The results revealed strong linkage between these traits. The linkage was confirmed in F2 generations of crosses between a non‐spiny marker‐linked GMS line (MGMS) and five elite lines. Male sterility–linked non‐spiny trait could distinguish sterile and fertile plants at elongation stage. The MGMS would be useful in production of pure F1 hybrid seed and development of elite populations.
The needs of informal caregivers of elderly people living at home: an integrative review
Authors: Silva Alcione Leite , Teixeira Helena Jorge , Teixeira Maria João Cardoso , Freitas Susana 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundOver the past years, researchers have developed studies about informal caregivers who care for the elderly living at home. Meeting these needs can help these professionals to provide more appropriate care.AimTo explore and define the current status of published literature related to the needs of informal caregivers who care for the elderly living at home.MethodThis study follows an integrative literature review using Whittemore and Knafl's method. Given the lack of higher‐level evidence on this area of study, this method was considered to be the most appropriate to explore and define the current status of the available literature, which comes from a variety of scientific sources, and diverse methodologies. The literature research was performed using eleven electronic databases. The search was developed during the months of December 2010 and February 2011 and updated from March to April 2011. Studies written in English, Portuguese and Spanish were included. A total of 14 articles met the criteria in this review. Data were extracted from primary studies using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods.ResultsThe literature review showed a shortcoming of studies about the needs of caregivers of the elderly at home. It also identified a lack of high‐quality scientific evidence in this area. From the literature available, four core themes were generated to reflect the literature: information and training, professional support, effective communication and legal and financial support.ConclusionThis integrative review offers important insight into the needs of informal caregivers, specifically for the elderly. The inclusive nature of integrative review method enabled us to provide a good understanding of underlying issues on the needs of informal caregivers. Challenges for the future are to broaden and enhance the scope of research in this area to provide effective support to intervention projects, services and care to informal caregivers.
Identification of Novel Inhibitors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication by
In Silico
Screening Targeting Cyclin T1/Tat Interaction
Authors: Hamasaki Takayuki , Okamoto Mika , Baba Masanori 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) transcription is essential for viral replication and the only step for viral genome amplification. Cyclin T1 (CycT1) interacts with HIV-1 Tat and transactivation-responsive (TAR) RNA, leading to the activation of viral transcription through the hyperphosphorylation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). Thus, the CycT1/Tat/TAR RNA interaction represents a novel target for inhibition of HIV-1 replication. In this study, we conducted
in silico
screening of compounds targeting the CycT1/Tat/TAR RNA complex and found that two structurally related compounds (C1 and C2) had high docking scores for a model of the complex. These compounds proved inhibitory to HIV-1 replication in tumor necrosis factor alpha-stimulated chronically infected cells. In addition, C3, a derivative of C1 and C2, was found to be a more potent inhibitor of HIV-1 replication in chronically infected cells. C3 also inhibited HIV-1 replication in acutely infected cells. The compound could suppress Tat-mediated HIV-1 long terminal repeat-driven gene expression and phosphorylation of RNAPII through inhibition of Tat binding to CycT1. Furthermore, the docking pose of C3 was defined by analyses for its
in silico
docking energy and
in vitro
antiviral activity, which indicates that C3 interacts with Tat-binding amino acids of CycT1. Thus, a series of compounds described herein are novel inhibitors of HIV-1 transcription through inhibition of CycT1/Tat interaction.
A Staphylococcus xylosus Isolate with a New
mecC
Allotype
Authors: Harrison Ewan M. , Paterson Gavin K. , Holden Matthew T. G. , Morgan Fiona J. E. , Larsen Anders Rhod , Petersen Andreas , Leroy Sabine , De Vliegher Sarne , Perreten Vincent , Fox Lawrence K. , Lam Theo J. G. M. , Sampimon Otlis C. , Zadoks Ruth N. , Peacock Sharon J. , Parkhill Julian , Holmes Mark A. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Recently, a novel variant of
mecA
known as
mecC
(
mecA
LGA251
) was identified in
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates from both humans and animals. In this study, we identified a
Staphylococcus xylosus
isolate that harbors a new allotype of the
mecC
gene,
mecC1
. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that
mecC1
forms part of a class E
mec
complex (
mecI-mecR1-mecC1-blaZ
) located at the
orfX
locus as part of a likely staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
element (SCC
mec
) remnant, which also contains a number of other genes present on the type XI SCC
mec
.
Combination Treatment with Hepatitis C Virus Protease and NS5A Inhibitors Is Effective against Recombinant Genotype 1a, 2a, and 3a Viruses
Authors: Gottwein Judith M. , Jensen Sanne B. , Li Yi-Ping , Ghanem Lubna , Scheel Troels K. H. , Serre Stéphanie B. N. , Mikkelsen Lotte , Bukh Jens 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

With the development of directly acting antivirals, hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy entered a new era. However, rapid selection of resistance mutations necessitates combination therapy. To study combination therapy in infectious culture systems, we aimed at developing HCV semi-full-length (semi-FL) recombinants relying only on the JFH1 NS3 helicase, NS5B, and the 3′ untranslated region. With identified adaptive mutations, semi-FL recombinants of genotypes(isolates) 1a(TN) and 3a(S52) produced supernatant infectivity titers of ∼4 log
10
focus-forming units/ml in Huh7.5 cells. Genotype 1a(TN) adaptive mutations allowed generation of 1a(H77) semi-FL virus. Concentration-response profiles revealed the higher efficacy of the NS3 protease inhibitor asunaprevir (BMS-650032) and the NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir (BMS-790052) against 1a(TN and H77) than 3a(S52) viruses. Asunaprevir had intermediate efficacy against previously developed 2a recombinants J6/JFH1 and J6cc. Daclatasvir had intermediate efficacy against J6/JFH1, while low sensitivity was confirmed against J6cc. Using a cross-titration scheme, infected cultures were treated until viral escape or on-treatment virologic suppression occurred. Compared to single-drug treatment, combination treatment with relatively low concentrations of asunaprevir and daclatasvir suppressed infection with all five recombinants. Escaped viruses primarily had substitutions at amino acids in the NS3 protease and NS5A domain I reported to be genotype 1 resistance mutations. Inhibitors showed synergism at drug concentrations reported
in vivo
. In summary, semi-FL HCV recombinants, including the most advanced reported genotype 3a infectious culture system, permitted genotype-specific analysis of combination treatment in the context of the complete viral life cycle. Despite differential sensitivity to lead compound NS3 protease and NS5A inhibitors, genotype 1a, 2a, and 3a viruses were suppressed by combination treatment with relatively low concentrations.
Biomass Conversion Inhibitors Furfural and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Induce Formation of Messenger RNP Granules and Attenuate Translation Activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Iwaki Aya , Kawai Takao , Yamamoto Yosuke , Izawa Shingo 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACT

Various forms of stress can cause an attenuation of bulk translation activity and the accumulation of nontranslating mRNAs into cytoplasmic messenger RNP (mRNP) granules termed processing bodies (P-bodies) and stress granules (SGs) in eukaryotic cells. Furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), derived from lignocellulosic biomass, inhibit yeast growth and fermentation as stressors. Since there is no report regarding their effects on the formation of cytoplasmic mRNP granules, here we investigated whether furfural and HMF cause the assembly of yeast P-bodies and SGs accompanied by translational repression. We found that furfural and HMF cause the attenuation of bulk translation activity and the assembly of cytoplasmic mRNP granules in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. Notably, a combination of furfural and HMF induced the remarkable repression of translation initiation and SG formation. These findings provide new information about the physiological effects of furfural and HMF on yeast cells, and also suggest the potential usefulness of cytoplasmic mRNP granules as a warning sign or index of the deterioration of cellular physiological status in the fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates.
Molecular Characterization of “Candidatus Parilichlamydia carangidicola,” a Novel Chlamydia-Like Epitheliocystis Agent in Yellowtail Kingfish, Seriola lalandi (Valenciennes), and the Proposal of a New Family, “Candidatus Parilichlamydiaceae” fam. nov. (Order Chlamydiales)
Authors: Stride M. C. , Polkinghorne A. , Miller T. L. , Groff J. M. , LaPatra S. E. , Nowak B. F. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThree cohorts of farmed yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) from South Australia were examined forChlamydia-like organisms associated with epitheliocystis. To characterize the bacteria, 38 gill samples were processed for histopathology, electron microscopy, and 16S rRNA amplification, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. Microscopically, the presence of membrane-enclosed cysts was observed within the gill lamellae. Also observed was hyperplasia of the epithelial cells with cytoplasmic vacuolization and fusion of the gill lamellae. Transmission electron microscopy revealed morphological features of the reticulate and intermediate bodies typical of members of the orderChlamydiales. A novel 1,393-bp 16S chlamydial rRNA sequence was amplified from gill DNA extracted from fish in all cohorts over a 3-year period that corresponded to the 16S rRNA sequence amplified directly from laser-dissected cysts. This sequence was only 87% similar to the reported “CandidatusPiscichlamydia salmonis” (AY462244) from Atlantic salmon and Arctic charr. Phylogenetic analysis of this sequence against 35ChlamydiaandChlamydia-like bacteria revealed that this novel bacterium belongs to an undescribed family lineage in the orderChlamydiales. Based on these observations, we propose this bacterium of yellowtail kingfish be known as “CandidatusParilichlamydia carangidicola” and that the new family be known as “CandidatusParilichlamydiaceae.”
Bacterial Cytochrome P450 System Catabolizing the Fusarium Toxin Deoxynivalenol
Authors: Ito Michihiro , Sato Ikuo , Ishizaka Masumi , Yoshida Shin-ichiro , Koitabashi Motoo , Yoshida Shigenobu , Tsushima Seiya 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTDeoxynivalenol (DON) is a natural toxin of fungi that causeFusariumhead blight disease of wheat and other small-grain cereals. DON accumulates in infected grains and promotes the spread of the infection on wheat, posing serious problems to grain production. The elucidation of DON-catabolic genes and enzymes in DON-degrading microbes will provide new approaches to decrease DON contamination. Here, we report a cytochrome P450 system capable of catabolizing DON inSphingomonassp. strain KSM1, a DON-utilizing bacterium newly isolated from lake water. The P450 geneddnAwas cloned through an activity-based screening of a KSM1 genomic library. The genes of its redox partner candidates (flavin adenine dinucleotide [FAD]-dependent ferredoxin reductase and mitochondrial-type [2Fe-2S] ferredoxin) were not found adjacent toddnA; the redox partner candidates were further cloned separately based on conserved motifs. The DON-catabolic activity was reconstitutedin vitroin an electron transfer chain comprising the three enzymes and NADH, with a catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of 6.4 mM−1s−1. The reaction product was identified as 16-hydroxy-deoxynivalenol. A bioassay using wheat seedlings revealed that the hydroxylation dramatically reduced the toxicity of DON to wheat. The enzyme system showed similar catalytic efficiencies toward nivalenol and 3-acetyl deoxynivalenol, toxins that frequently cooccur with DON. These findings identify an enzyme system that catabolizes DON, leading to reduced phytotoxicity to wheat.