bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Hurricane Dean (2007) on Game Species of the Selva Maya, Mexico
Authors: Ramírez‐Barajas Pablo J. , Islebe Gerald A. , Calmé Sophie 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe assessed the effects of a high‐intensity hurricane on the abundance of nine game species in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. We sampled 370 km of linear transects in the 3 yr before the hurricane (i.e., 2003–2005), and 315 km in 3 yr after the hurricane (2008–2010). Relative track abundances of all species declined by two‐thirds of their prehurricane values. Abundances of Central American agouti Dasyprocta punctata, white‐tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus, paca Cuniculus paca, and Great Curassow Crax rubra declined significantly after the hurricane swept the area. Relative track abundances showed a negative, but nonsignificant trend for Ocellated Turkey Meleagris ocellata, white‐nosed coati Nasua narica, brocket deer Mazama sp., and collared peccary Pecari tajacu. Only nine‐banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus showed a significant increase in abundance. Strictly frugivore and habitat specialist species were more affected than omnivores and habitat generalist species. These latter characteristics, or their combination, seemed advantageous to withstand the stress of habitat disturbance. The trend of posthurricane recovery was incipient for affected species, and it was significant for five species after the impact. Overall, most frugivores and habitat specialists did not reach their prehurricane relative track abundances, and Great Curassow showed no recovery trend. The future expectation of increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes might have severe effects on such species.
SOURCE DIVERSITY OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII INFECTION DURING MEAL PREPARATION
Authors: EL‐TRAS WAEL F. , TAYEL AHMED A. , EL‐KADY NEVEIN N. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTPotential sources of Toxoplasma gondii infection, as a foodborne zoonotic disease, and suggested control strategies, were investigated. Samples of fresh buffalo meat (FBM) and imported frozen buffalo meat (IFBM), raw vegetables (RVs) and irrigation water (IW) were examined for the presence of T. gondii infective stages. Serum samples from housewives, regarding their gloves usage, were serologically inspected for T. gondii antibodies. The prevalence of T. gondii tissue cysts in FBM and IFBM were 15.4 and 0%, respectively. FBM had an increased risk of 18.60 times than IFBM. The prevalence of T. gondii tissue cysts in RV and IW were 13 and 16.7%, with 0.78 times increased relative risk, respectively. The total antibodies were significantly differed between nonglove users and glove users, with seropositivities of 31 and 10.3%, respectively. Soaking of RV in water at 65C or in vinegar solution at 45C for 1 min was an effective treatment for complete elimination of the contaminant T. gondii oocysts.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSMeat products processed from imported frozen buffalo meat could be regarded as safe for toxoplasmosis transmission in Egypt. Freezing of fresh meat at −20C prior to processing could be advised as a protective technique for inactivating potential Toxoplasma cysts. Wearing of protective gloves is recommended for housewives' protection from T. gondii transmission during meal preparation. Raw vegetables (RVs) could be considered as potential sources for toxoplasmosis transmission. RV soaking in water at 65C or in vinegar solution at 45C for 1 min is highly suggested for inactivating the sporulated oocysts of T. gondii.
Influenza viruses in Thailand: 7 years of sentinel surveillance data, 2004–2010
Authors: Chittaganpitch Malinee , Supawat Krongkaew , Olsen Sonja J. , Waicharoen Sunthareeya , Patthamadilok Sirima , Yingyong Thitipong , Brammer Lynnette , Epperson Scott P. , Akrasewi Passakorn , Sawanpanyalert Pathom 
Published: November 2011

Please cite this paper as: Chittaganpitch et al. (2012) Influenza viruses in Thailand: 7 years of sentinel surveillance data, 2004–2010. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(4), 276–283.Background  The re‐emergence of avian influenza A (H5N1) in 2004 and the pandemic of influenza A (H1N1) in 2009 highlight the need for routine surveillance systems to monitor influenza viruses, particularly in Southeast Asia where H5N1 is endemic in poultry. In 2004, the Thai National Institute of Health, in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, established influenza sentinel surveillance throughout Thailand.Objectives  To review routine epidemiologic and virologic surveillance for influenza viruses for public health action.Methods  Throat swabs from persons with influenza‐like illness and severe acute respiratory illness were collected at 11 sentinel sites during 2004–2010. Influenza viruses were identified using the standard protocol for polymerase chain reaction. Viruses were cultured and identified by immunofluorescence assay; strains were identified by hemagglutination inhibition assay. Data were analyzed to describe frequency, seasonality, and distribution of circulating strains.Results  Of the 19 457 throat swabs, 3967 (20%) were positive for influenza viruses: 2663 (67%) were influenza A and able to be subtyped [21% H1N1, 25% H3N2, 21% pandemic (pdm) H1N1] and 1304 (33%) were influenza B. During 2009–2010, the surveillance system detected three waves of pdm H1N1. Influenza annually presents two peaks, a major peak during the rainy season (June–August) and a minor peak in winter (October–February).Conclusions  These data suggest that March–April may be the most appropriate months for seasonal influenza vaccination in Thailand. This system provides a robust profile of the epidemiology of influenza viruses in Thailand and has proven useful for public health planning.
Varying the Temperature of the Liquid Used for High‐Pressure Processing of Prerigor Pork: Effects on Fresh Pork Quality, Myofibrillar Protein Solubility, and Frankfurter Textural Properties
Authors: Souza C.M. , Boler D.D. , Clark D.L. , Kutzler L.W. , Holmer S.F. , Summerfield J.W. , Cannon J.E. , Smit N.R. , McKeith F.K. , Killefer J. 
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  The objective was to evaluate high‐pressure processing (HPP) with varying liquid (water) temperatures on pork quality and textural properties of frankfurters. HPP pressurization liquid temperatures were 15.5 °C (HPP Low) and 29.4 °C (HPP Med). Analyses were conducted using paired boneless loins and paired boneless hams. Loins were evaluated for pH, purge loss, objective color, subjective color, firmness; and changes in color after a bloom period. Eight independent batches (2 batches each of HPP Low, paired untreated, HPP Med, and paired untreated) of frankfurters were manufactured from the outside portion of the ham and the knuckle. Both HPP treatments resulted in higher (P < 0.05) ultimate pH and less (P < 0.05) purge loss of the loin. Loin tenderness was not different among either HPP treatment temperature groups when compared to untreated controls except HPP Med chops were more tender (P = 0.02) than untreated controls. Salt‐soluble protein extractability of inside ham muscles was lower (P < 0.05) for both HPP treatment levels when compared to untreated controls, but was not different between the 2 HPP treatment levels. Textural properties of frankfurters were not different for either HPP treatment group when compared to its respective untreated control for any parameter except springiness. HPP Low frankfurters had lower (P = 0.10) springiness values than untreated controls. Fracturability of HPP Med samples was lower (P = 0.12) than untreated controls. Overall, HPP caused higher ultimate pH and increased water‐holding capacity, but did not affect tenderness of fresh meat or textural properties of frankfurters.Practical Application:  HPP can be used on prerigor pork as means to improve fresh pork quality. Loins from HPP‐treated pork sides had higher ultimate pH values and less package purge loss. Tenderness values were not affected positively or negatively by HPP treatment. The high pH and water‐holding capabilities of treated samples have positive implications for further processing applications. Frankfurter textural properties suggest emulsified products can be made with pressurized pork without sacrifice to the textural profile.
Miniaturized extinction culturing is the preferred strategy for rapid isolation of fast‐growing methane‐oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Hoefman Sven , van der Ha David , De Vos Paul , Boon Nico , Heylen Kim 
Published: November 2011

SummaryMethane‐oxidizing bacteria (MOB) have a large potential as a microbial sink for the greenhouse gas methane as well as for biotechnological purposes. However, their application in biotechnology has so far been hampered, in part due to the relative slow growth rate of the available strains. To enable the availability of novel strains, this study compares the isolation of MOB by conventional dilution plating with miniaturized extinction culturing, both performed after an initial enrichment step. The extinction approach rendered 22 MOB isolates from four environmental samples, while no MOB could be isolated by plating. In most cases, extinction culturing immediately yielded MOB monocultures making laborious purification redundant. Both type I (Methylomonas spp.) and type II (Methylosinus sp.) MOB were isolated. The isolated methanotrophic diversity represented at least 11 different strains and several novel species based on 16S rRNA gene sequence dissimilarity. These strains possessed the particulate (100%) and soluble (64%) methane monooxygenase gene. Also, 73% of the strains could be linked to a highly active fast‐growing mixed MOB community. In conclusion, miniaturized extinction culturing was more efficient in rapidly isolating numerous MOB requiring little effort and fewer materials, compared with the more widely applied plating procedure. This miniaturized approach allowed straightforward isolation and could be very useful for subsequent screening of desired characteristics, in view of their future biotechnological potential.
The incidence of dental caries in children and adolescents who have cerebral palsy and are participating in a dental program in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira de Camargo Marcela Aparecida , Frias Antonio Carlos , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to describe the incidence of caries among children and adolescents who have cerebral palsy. The authors conducted baseline and follow‐up dental examinations of 118 children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in a specialized healthcare unit in São Paulo, Brazil. Family care‐givers completed a questionnaire that provided socioeconomic and behavioral information. The analysis used multivari‐ate Poisson regression models adjusted for age.More than half (52.5%) of the subjects had at least one permanent or deciduous tooth affected by new caries during the longitudinal assessment (2004–2008). The incidence of caries was associated with the baseline prevalence of caries (incidence ratio = 1.92), a higher frequency of sugar intake (IR = 1.56), and having at least one sibling (IR = 1.64). Participants whose family care‐givers had more education had a significantly lower incidence (IR = 0.68).The factors associated with a higher incidence of caries are similar to those in the general population. This evidence can potentially be used to develop an effective oral health promotion program for these patients.
The involvement of Iowa dentists in hospice care
Authors: Wilwert Monica M. , Watkins Catherine A. , Ettinger Ronald L. , Cowen Howard J. , Qian Fang 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe relationships between dentist characteristics and professional education with involvement of Iowa dentists in hospice care were investigated. Using the 1999 Iowa Health Professional database, a survey requesting information regarding involvement in and training for care of hospice patients was mailed to all licensed dentists (N = 1,210). Two mailings yielded a 54.6% response rate. Of the 638 dentist respondents, the mean age was 47, 86% were male, 88% general dentists, and 295 (46%) reported providing some treatment for hospice patients. At least one dentist reported providing hospice patient care in 72 of Iowa's 99 counties. About 90% of dentists treating hospice patients were general practitioners.Males were more likely to provide treatment (p < 0.0313). Neither dentist age nor years in practice were significant predictors. Dentists were more likely to treat hospice patients in the office (IO, 40%). The most prevalent treatments were denture relines (31% IO; 71% OO), examinations (16% IO; 68% OO), and emergency treatment (12.5% IO; 53% OO). More than 86% of surveyed dentists indicated that their professional education did not adequately train them to meet the clinical, psychosocial, communication, or spiritual needs of hospice patients.
Living with facial disfigurement—strategies for individuals and care management
Authors: Bergendal Birgitta , Ahlborg Bitte , Knudsen Elisabet , Marcusson Agneta , Nyberg Jill , Wallenius Elisabeth , Gustafsson‐Bonnier Kristina 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTIndividuals and families affected by craniofacial disorders have expressed dissatisfaction with their experiences in the healthcare system, with day care, and in school situations. To capture their views, focus group encounters were done in a group of young individuals with these disorders and in a group of parents whose children were affected. The aim was to synthesize their attitudes and experiences into improved strategies for parents, teenagers, and professionals in the healthcare system. Their views were compiled into a document that emphasizes the responsibilities of persons with craniofacial disorders and their parents to actively seek information on diagnosis and treatment options and to participate in decisions on therapy.The conclusion was that it is not lack of specific knowledge but rather a lack of implementation of existing recommendations that makes living with facial disfigurement difficult for many individuals and their families.
Improvement of mouth opening for a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: a case report
Authors: Braga Júlia Maria , Silva Maria Fernanda Andrade Marques , Silva Luis Cândido Pinto da , Seraidarian Paulo Isaías , Cruz Roberval de Almeida 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe aim of this article is to describe the care of a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and to provide dentists with a guide for how to safely care for patients with FOP. Treatment improved the patient's limited mouth opening.FOP is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital malformation of the fingers and toes by heterotopic ossification progressiva of the connective tissue. This ossification causes a limitation in osteoradicular mobility, mainly affecting the spine, shoulders, hips, and peripheral joints. The disease can manifest from pregnancy until adulthood, with no greater prevalence associated with race or gender. Although rare, the disease can be easily identified by its clinical features, and diagnosis can be confirmed by a radiographic examination. There is no known effective treatment for this disease. All therapeutic treatment must be conservative to avoid any condition that may cause heterotopic ossification.Guidelines to prevent new ossifications are important for patients with FOP. Dental professionals should be cautious in planning treatment, avoiding anesthesia, especially in the mandible, to prevent ankylosis of the temporo‐mandibular joints. The prevention of dental caries is essential to avoid the need for more invasive treatment.
Pitfalls of tungsten multileaf collimator in proton beam therapy
Authors: Moskvin Vadim , Cheng Chee‐Wai , Das Indra J. 
Published: November 2011

Purpose:Particle beam therapy is associated with significant startup and operational cost. Multileaf collimator (MLC) provides an attractive option to improve the efficiency and reduce the treatment cost. A direct transfer of the MLC technology from external beam radiation therapy is intuitively straightforward to proton therapy. However, activation, neutron production, and the associated secondary cancer risk in proton beam should be an important consideration which is evaluated.Methods:Monte Carlo simulation with FLUKA particle transport code was applied in this study for a number of treatment models. The authors have performed a detailed study of the neutron generation, ambient dose equivalent [H*(10)], and activation of a typical tungsten MLC and compared with those obtained from a brass aperture used in a typical proton therapy system. Brass aperture and tungsten MLC were modeled by absorber blocks in this study, representing worst‐case scenario of a fully closed collimator.Results:With a tungsten MLC, the secondary neutron dose to the patient is at least 1.5 times higher than that from a brass aperture. The H*(10) from a tungsten MLC at 10 cm downstream is about 22.3 mSv/Gy delivered to water phantom by noncollimated 200 MeV beam of 20 cm diameter compared to 14 mSv/Gy for the brass aperture. For a 30‐fraction treatment course, the activity per unit volume in brass aperture reaches 5.3 × 104 Bq cm−3 at the end of the last treatment. The activity in brass decreases by a factor of 380 after 24 h, additional 6.2 times after 40 days of cooling, and is reduced to background level after 1 yr. Initial activity in tungsten after 30 days of treating 30 patients per day is about 3.4 times higher than in brass that decreases only by a factor of 2 after 40 days and accumulates to 1.2 × 106 Bq cm−3 after a full year of operation. The daily utilization of the MLC leads to buildup of activity with time. The overall activity continues to increase due to 179Ta with a half‐life of 1.82 yr and thus require prolonged storage for activity cooling. The H*(10) near the patient side of the tungsten block is about 100 μSv/h and is 27 times higher at the upstream side of the block. This would lead to an accumulated dose for therapists in a year that may exceed occupational maximum permissible dose (50 mSv/yr). The value of H*(10) at the upstream surface of the tungsten block is about 220 times higher than that of the brass.Conclusions:MLC is an efficient way for beam shaping and overall cost reduction device in proton therapy. However, based on this study, tungsten seems to be not an optimal material for MLC in proton beam therapy. Usage of tungsten MLC in clinic may create unnecessary risks associated with the secondary neutrons and induced radioactivity for patients and staff depending on the patient load. A careful selection of material for manufacturing of an optimal MLC for proton therapy is thus desired.
The Nonstructural Protein NSs Induces a Variable Antibody Response in Domestic Ruminants Naturally Infected with Rift Valley Fever Virus
Authors: Fernandez José-Carlos , Billecocq Agnès , Durand Jean Paul , Cêtre-Sossah Catherine , Cardinale Eric , Marianneau Philippe , Pépin Michel , Tordo Noël , Bouloy Michèle 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonosis in Africa which has spread to Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and Comoros. RVF virus (RVFV) (
Bunyaviridae
family,
Phlebovirus
genus) causes a wide range of symptoms in humans, from benign fever to fatal hemorrhagic fever. Ruminants are severely affected by the disease, which leads to a high rate of mortality in young animals and to abortions and teratogenesis in pregnant females. Diagnostic tests include virus isolation and genome or antibody detection. During RVFV infection, the nucleoprotein encapsidating the tripartite RNA genome is expressed in large amounts and raises a robust antibody response, while the envelope glycoproteins elicit neutralizing antibodies which play a major role in protection. Much less is known about the antigenicity/immunogenicity of the nonstructural protein NSs, which is a major virulence factor. Here we have developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) enabling detection of low levels of NSs-specific antibodies in naturally infected or vaccinated ruminants. Detection of the NSs antibodies was validated by Western blotting. Altogether, our data showed that the NSs antibodies were detected in only 55% of animals naturally infected by RVFV, indicating that NSs does not induce a consistently high immune response. These results are discussed in light of differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) tests distinguishing naturally infected animals and those vaccinated with NSs-defective vaccines.
Vaccines Displaying Mycobacterial Proteins on Biopolyester Beads Stimulate Cellular Immunity and Induce Protection against Tuberculosis
Authors: Parlane Natalie A. , Grage Katrin , Mifune Jun , Basaraba Randall J. , Wedlock D. Neil , Rehm Bernd H. A. , Buddle Bryce M. 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACT

New improved vaccines are needed for control of both bovine and human tuberculosis. Tuberculosis protein vaccines have advantages with regard to safety and ease of manufacture, but efficacy against tuberculosis has been difficult to achieve. Protective cellular immune responses can be preferentially induced when antigens are displayed on small particles. In this study,
Escherichia coli
and
Lactococcus lactis
were engineered to produce spherical polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) inclusions which displayed a fusion protein of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, antigen 85A (Ag85A)–early secreted antigenic target 6-kDa protein (ESAT-6).
L. lactis
was chosen as a possible production host due its extensive use in the food industry and reduced risk of lipopolysaccharide contamination. Mice were vaccinated with PHB bead vaccines with or without displaying Ag85A–ESAT-6, recombinant Ag85A–ESAT-6, or
M. bovis
BCG. Separate groups of mice were used to measure immune responses and assess protection against an aerosol
M. bovis
challenge. Increased amounts of antigen-specific gamma interferon, interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were produced from splenocytes postvaccination, but no or minimal IL-4, IL-5, or IL-10 was produced, indicating Th1- and Th17-biased T cell responses. Decreased lung bacterial counts and less extensive foci of inflammation were observed in lungs of mice receiving BCG or PHB bead vaccines displaying Ag85A–ESAT-6 produced in either
E. coli
or
L. lactis
compared to those observed in the lungs of phosphate-buffered saline-treated control mice. No differences between those receiving wild-type PHB beads and those receiving recombinant Ag85A–ESAT-6 were observed. This versatile particulate vaccine delivery system incorporates a relatively simple production process using safe bacteria, and the results show that it is an effective delivery system for a tuberculosis protein vaccine.