bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of pulsed electric field on colloidal properties and storage stability of carrot juice
Authors: Chen Chen , Zhao Wei , Yang Ruijin , Zhang Sha 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe effects of pulsed electric fields (PEF) and high‐temperature short time (HTST) on the colloidal properties of carrot juice initially after PEF processing and throughout storage period were studied. Compared with HTST treatments, PEF treatments have less effect on the colloidal properties, such as cloud stability, zeta potential, viscosity and particle size distribution (PSD). Pectin methyl esterase (PME) could influence the colloidal properties of carrot juice by de‐esterification of the pectin. In the present work, PME activity was reduced significantly as electric‐field strength (from 15 to 30 kV cm−1) and treatment time (from 100 to 800 μs) increased. The results also showed that the emergency of a new peak in PSD of samples occurred when the electric intensity exceeded 30 kV cm−1. Images of transmission electron microscopy showed that particles slightly gathered after PEF treatment. However, under HTST treated, these smaller particles aggregated into net‐like structures that further gathered larger particles. At the micro level, both PEF treated (30 kV cm−1, 800μs) and HTST treated kept good stability for more than 1 month.
The preparation of chitosan nanoparticles by wet media milling
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhang Jiali , Xia Wenshui 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThree different molecular weights of chitosan were pulverised to nanoparticles by wet media milling. The effects of the milling on properties of chitosan, such as viscosity average molecular weight (Mv), ash content, the degree of deacetylation (DD), particle size, chemical structure, colour, swelling power and apparent viscosity, were investigated. Our results showed that high (578.3 kDa), medium (181.6 kDa) and low (66.3 kDa) molecular weight chitosan with particle size of 342.7, 358.1 and 346.2 μm were milled to nanometre range after 1, 1.5 and 2.5 h of milling, respectively. After 5 h of milling, the particle sizes of the three samples were decreased to 543.8, 366.6 and 308.4 nm, respectively. Chitosan did not show significant increase in ash contents after milling. The milling decreased the Mv of chitosan, but did not change DD and the chemical structure. The suspension of chitosan nanoparticles was of cream‐white colour. The swelling powder and apparent viscosity of chitosan increased after the milling treatment.
Evaluation of spray drying conditions on properties of microencapsulated oregano essential oil
Authors: Alvarenga Botrel Diego , Vilela Borges Soraia , Victória de Barros Fernandes Regiane , Dantas Viana Arianne , Maria Gomes da Costa Joyce , Reginaldo Marques Gerson 
Published: July 2012

SummaryResponse surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate variations in powder characteristics with respect to spray drying operating parameters including both feed rates (L min−1) and inlet temperatures (°C). Inlet temperatures around 180 °C provided the lowest values for moisture. Powder recovery was significantly affected (P < 0.10) by inlet air temperature and feed rate, where a raise in inlet temperature and feed rate resulted in higher powder recovery. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed for water activity, solubility and hygroscopicity between treatments. Regarding oil retention, the results showed a significant (P < 0.05) interaction between the two studied factors. A tendency for higher values of oil retention was observed when using combinations of high inlet temperatures/low feed rates and low inlet temperatures/high feed rates. Particle size distribution averaged 2.0, 8.1 and 18.3 μm for D10, D50 and D90, respectively. The morphology of particles showed no cracks in most capsules. The results indicate that high temperature (185 °C) and moderated feed rate (0.63 L min−1) are the best spray drying conditions.
A Rasch analysis of nurses’ ethical sensitivity to the norms of the code of conduct
Authors: González‐de Paz Luis , Kostov Belchin , Sisó‐Almirall Antoni , Zabalegui‐Yárnoz Adela 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To develop an instrument to measure nurses’ ethical sensitivity and, secondarily, to use this instrument to compare nurses’ ethical sensitivity between groups.Background.  Professional codes of conduct are widely accepted guidelines. However, their efficacy in daily nursing practice and influence on ethical sensitivity is controversial.Design.  A descriptive cross‐sectional study was conducted.Participants.  One hundred and forty‐three registered nurses from Barcelona (Spain) participated in the study, of whom 45·83% were working in primary health care and 53·84% in hospital wards.Methods.  A specifically designed confidential, self‐administered questionnaire assessing ethical sensitivity was developed. Knowledge of the nursing code and data on ethical sensitivity were summarised, with the quality of the questionnaire assessed using Rasch analysis.Results.  Item on knowledge of the code showed that one‐third of nurses knew the contents of the code and two‐thirds had limited knowledge. To fit the Rasch model, it was necessary to rescore the rating scale from five to three categories. Residual principal components analysis confirmed the unidimensionality of the scale. Three items of the questionnaire presented fit problems with the Rasch model. Although nurses generally have high ethical sensitivity to their code of conduct, differences were found according to years of professional practice, place of work and knowledge of the code (p < 0·05).Conclusions.  The questionnaire showed acceptable psychometric properties to achieve the proposed objective. Nurses’ ethical sensitivity to the norms of the code was high. However, many factors might influence the degree of ethical sensitivity. Further research to measure ethical sensitivity using invariant measures such as Rasch units would be valuable.Relevance to clinical practice.  Other factors, such as assertiveness or courage, should be considered to improve ethical sensitivity to the code of conduct. Rigorous measurement studies and analysis in applied ethics are needed to assess ethical performance in practice.
An action research study to explore the nature of the nurse consultant role in the care of children and young people
Authors: Gregorowski Anna , Brennan Eileen , Chapman Susan , Gibson Faith , Khair Kate , May Lindy , Lindsay‐Waters Anne 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  An action research study was undertaken to explore the development of the nurse consultant role when caring for children and young people.Background  Five nurse consultants in different areas of specialist care in a tertiary paediatric hospital undertook the study when implementing the new role of nurse consultant into the hospital.Methods.  Action research meetings took place over a year. The nurse consultants then collated and analysed data using thematic analysis during the second year. A research fellow facilitated meetings, carried out participant observation, and coordinated the action research project.Results.  Data analysis revealed 22 subthemes grouped into four overarching themes: shaping the role; shaping child‐centred care through consultancy; taking responsibility for practice; and leadership. These roles and their ease and complexity within the nurse consultant role are examined in further detail in this paper. Balancing the four key components in a newly developing role was initially complex and required support. Over time the nurse consultants developed the necessary skills to perform fully in all areas. A major challenge was developing the research role, a key function of the nurse consultant role. By the end of the study, all nurse consultants were actively embarking upon their own research either in preparation for or as part of Doctoral studies.Conclusions and relevance to clinical practice.  While there are many similarities with nurse consultants in adult practice, one major difference was the nurse consultant role in supporting families when caring for children and young people. This meant having a three‐way communication style: with the family, the child/young person, and other healthcare professionals. This communication style was observed by the research fellow in participant observation of the nurse consultants undertaking clinical care and is described further in the analysis of the role.
Chronic pain and the family: the experience of the partners of people living with chronic pain
Authors: West Caryn , Usher Kim , Foster Kim , Stewart Lee 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of chronic pain on the partner and family of a person with chronic pain.Background.  Chronic pain impacts not only on the individual but also their partner and/or other family members. Families of people with chronic pain have reported feeling powerless, alienated, emotionally distressed, and isolated. These impacts have affected their relationship with the person with chronic pain.Design.  An interpretive qualitative design using in‐depth interviews and thematic analysis was undertaken.Methods.  Purposive sampling and in‐depth interviewing were undertaken to develop a rich description of the experience.Results.  Findings indicate the impact of chronic pain on the family is extensive, resulting in physical, social, and emotional changes. Four themes were revealed: (1) Family loss, (2) Life changes, (3) Emotional impact of pain, and (4) Future plans.Conclusion.  This study reinforces and expands current knowledge regarding the impact of chronic pain on partners and families. Understanding this phenomenon opens opportunities for nurses and other health workers to develop and implement strategies to better support partners/families in the future.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can help reduce the negative impact of pain by including families in assessment, education, referral and treatment processes, and by offering support and education to partners/families.
Foot health and self‐care activities of older people in home care
Authors: Stolt Minna , Suhonen Riitta , Puukka Pauli , Viitanen Matti , Voutilainen Päivi , Leino‐Kilpi Helena 
Published: July 2012

Aims and objectives.  To assess the foot health of older people and their self‐care activities in home care. The ultimate goal is to prevent foot problems in older people and to develop the assessment skills of nurses working in home care.Background.  Foot health problems are one reason why older people seek home care services. These problems are prevalent in older people, and they can impair performance of daily activities and threaten functional ability. However, studies in this field have concentrated on foot problems related to specific diseases. Non‐disease‐related research on foot health from the preventative perspective is lacking.Design.  A descriptive explorative design was used.Methods.  The foot health of older people was assessed by visiting home nurses with the Foot Health Assessment Instrument, and older people’s foot self‐care activities were evaluated with the Foot Self‐Care Activities Structured Interview in 2010. The data were analysed statistically.Results.  Older people in home care have multiple foot health problems. The most prevalent problems were oedema, dry skin, thickened and discoloured toenails and hallux valgus. Caring for one’s feet was a problem for many older people.Conclusions.  Older people’s foot health needs to be assessed regularly to recognise foot health and self‐care problems. Health care professionals have a vital role in preventing, recognising and caring for foot health in older people.Relevance to clinical practice.  The foot health of older people needs to be improved by supporting older people in foot self‐care and developing preventive nursing interventions. Regular foot health assessments and their documentation are crucial in preventing serious foot problems in older people. Moreover, multiprofessional collaboration is important to promote foot health in older people.
An initial evaluation of a family‐based approach to weight management in adolescents attending a community weight management group
Authors: Avery A. , Pallister C. , Allan J. , Stubbs J. , Lavin J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackground:  Family‐based approaches are recommended for the prevention and management of childhood obesity. Given the large numbers of obese children, scalable practical solutions are required. The present study evaluated a family‐based national programme that aimed to empower adolescents to adopt healthier lifestyles.Methods:  Group facilitators supporting more than six young members (11–15 years) participated in the study. A questionnaire was designed to determine the characteristics of the adult attending with the adolescent, any health professional recommendations given and the young member’s integration within traditional adult weight management groups. Data on measured height and weight [and calculated body mass index (BMI)], sex and attendance were collated from member’s records.Results:  Questionnaires were completed by 22 facilitators (15% response rate), representing data for 128 young members with complete weight data available for 106. All members had a joining BMI > 91st centile, with 68% >98th centile. The mean (SD) number of weeks attended was 12.5 (8.1), with 19% (20) having attended for more than 20 weeks with 62% still attending. A mean (SD) BMI Z‐score change of 2.49 (0.72) to 2.27 (0.74) was achieved (P < 0.001). The relationship of the adult supporter to the young member was varied, with 62% either already members or joining alongside their daughter/son. Limited guidance was provided by health professionals before or during attendance. Facilitators were comfortable about the age mix within groups.Conclusions:  The community weight management organisation studied takes a family‐based approach and successfully supports young members to manage their weight.
Role of Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ and NOP Receptors in the Response to Acute and Repeated Restraint Stress in Rats
Authors: Delaney G. , Dawe K. L. , Hogan R. , Hunjan T. , Roper J. , Hazell G. , Lolait S. J. , Fulford A. J. 
Published: July 2012

Central nociceptin/orphanin FQ (N/OFQ)‐expressing neurones are abundantly expressed in the hypothalamus and limbic system and are implicated in the regulation of activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis (HPA) and stress responses. We investigated the role of the endogenous N/OFQ receptor (NOP) system using the nonpeptidic NOP antagonist, JTC‐801 [N‐(4‐amino‐2‐methylquinolin‐6‐yl)‐2‐(4‐ethylphenoxy‐methyl)benzamide monohydrochloride], during the HPA axis response to acute physical/psychological stress (60 min of restraint). Although i.v. JTC‐801 (0.05 mg/kg in 100 μl) had no significant effect on restraint‐induced plasma corticosterone release at 30 or 60 min post‐injection, i.v. JTC‐801 (0.05 mg/kg in 100 μl) in quiescent rats significantly increased basal plasma corticosterone at the 30‐min time‐point compared to i.v. vehicle (1% dimethysulphoxide in sterile saline). Central injection of JTC‐801 i.c.v. was associated with increased Fos expression in the parvocellular paraventricular nucleus 90 min after infusion compared to vehicle control. These findings contrast to the effects of i.c.v. UFP‐101, a NOP antagonist that we have previously shown to have no effect on HPA activity in quiescent rats. To determine whether restraint stress was associated with compensatory changes in N/OFQ precursor (ppN/OFQ) or NOP receptor mRNAs, in a separate study, we undertook reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation analysis of ppN/OFQ and NOP transcripts in the brains of male Sprague–Dawley rats. In support of an endogenous role for central N/OFQ in psychological stress, we found that acute restraint significantly decreased preproN/OFQ transcript expression in the hippocampus 2 h after stress compared to unstressed controls. PpN/OFQ mRNA was also reduced in the mediodorsal forebrain 4 h after stress. NOP mRNA was reduced in the hypothalamus 2 h after restraint and at 4 h in mediodorsal forebrain and hippocampus. In situ hybridisation analysis showed that acute restraint significantly decreased ppNN/OFQ in the central amygdala, with significantly increased expression in bed nucleus and reticular thalamus associated with repeated restraint. There was a strong trend for reduced NOP mRNA in the bed nucleus of acute and repeated restraint groups, although there were no other significant changes seen. Although the exact mechanisms require elucidation, the findings obtained in the present study provide evidence indicating that the endogenous N/OFQ system is involved in both acute and chronic restraint stress responses. In summary, our findings confirm the significant role of endogenous NOP receptors and tonic N/OFQ function in the response to the psychological stress of restraint.
Stress vulnerability and the effects of moderate daily stress on sleep polysomnography and subjective sleepiness
Authors: PETERSEN HELENA , KECKLUND GÖRAN , D'ONOFRIO PAOLO , NILSSON JENS , ÅKERSTEDT TORBJÖRN 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to investigate if and how sleep physiology is affected by naturally occurring high work stress and identify individual differences in the response of sleep to stress. Probable upcoming stress levels were estimated through weekly web questionnaire ratings. Based on the modified FIRST‐scale (Ford insomnia response to stress) participants were grouped into high (n = 9) or low (n = 19) sensitivity to stress related sleep disturbances (Drake et al., 2004). Sleep was recorded in 28 teachers with polysomnography, sleep diaries and actigraphs during one high stress and one low stress condition in the participants home. EEG showed a decrease in sleep efficiency during the high stress condition. Significant interactions between group and condition were seen for REM sleep, arousals and stage transitions. The sensitive group had an increase in arousals and stage transitions during the high stress condition and a decrease in REM, whereas the opposite was seen in the resilient group. Diary ratings during the high stress condition showed higher bedtime stress and lower ratings on the awakening index (insufficient sleep and difficulties awakening). Ratings also showed lower cognitive function and preoccupation with work thoughts in the evening. KSS ratings of sleepiness increased during stress for the sensitive group. Saliva samples of cortisol showed no effect of stress. It was concluded that moderate daily stress is associated with a moderate negative effect on sleep sleep efficiency and fragmentation. A slightly stronger effect was seen in the sensitive group.
Novel insights into the emergence of pathogens: the case of chestnut blight
Authors: GRÜNWALD NIKLAUS J. 
Published: July 2012

Exotic, invasive pathogens have emerged repeatedly and continue to emerge to threaten the world’s forests. Ecosystem structure and function can be permanently changed when keystone tree species such as the American chestnut (Castanea dentata) are eliminated from a whole range by disease. The fungal ascomycete pathogen Cryphonectria parasitica is responsible for causing chestnut blight. Once the pathogen was introduced into the Eastern US, where chestnuts were predominant, chestnuts were all but eliminated. This pathogen is currently causing extensive damage in Europe. A study in this issue of Molecular Ecology sheds new light on the pattern and process of emergence of this devastating plant pathogen (Dutech et al. 2012). The authors used microsatellite markers to investigate the evolutionary history of C. parasitica populations introduced into North America and Europe. To infer sources of migrants and the migration events, the authors included putative source populations endemic to China and Japan, inferred potentially unsampled populations and conducted a multivariate population genetic and complex ABC analysis. Cryphonectria parasitica emerges as an example of an introduced pathogen with limited genotypic diversity and some admixture in the invaded ranges, yet repeated invasions into different areas of Europe and the United States. This work sheds new light on the emergence of C. parasitica providing compelling evidence that this pathogen emerged by repeated migration and occasional admixture.
The unusual mycobacterial chaperonins: evidence for in vivo oligomerization and specialization of function
Authors: Fan MingQi , Rao Tara , Zacco Elsa , Ahmed M. Tabish , Shukla Anshuman , Ojha Anil , Freeke Joanna , Robinson Carol V. , Benesch Justin L. , Lund Peter A. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryThe pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis expresses two chaperonins, one (Cpn60.1) dispensable and one (Cpn60.2) essential. These proteins have been reported not to form oligomers despite the fact that oligomerization of chaperonins is regarded as essential for their function. We show here that the Cpn60.2 homologue from Mycobacterium smegmatis also fails to oligomerize under standard conditions. However, we also show that the Cpn60.2 proteins from both organisms can replace the essential groEL gene of Escherichia coli, and that they can function with E. coli GroES cochaperonin, as well as with their cognate cochaperonin proteins, strongly implying that they form oligomers in vivo. We show that the Cpn60.1 proteins, but not the Cpn60.2 proteins, can complement for loss of the M. smegmatis cpn60.1 gene. We investigated the oligomerization of the Cpn60.2 proteins using analytical ultracentrifugation and mass spectroscopy. Both form monomers under standard conditions, but they form higher order oligomers in the presence of kosmotropes and ADP or ATP. Under these conditions, their ATPase activity is significantly enhanced. We conclude that the essential mycobacterial chaperonins, while unstable compared to many other bacterial chaperonins, do act as oligomers in vivo, and that there has been specialization of function of the mycobacterial chaperonins following gene duplication.
The highly dynamic CRISPR1 system of Streptococcus agalactiae controls the diversity of its mobilome
Authors: Lopez‐Sanchez Maria‐José , Sauvage Elisabeth , Da Cunha Violette , Clermont Dominique , Ratsima Hariniaina Elisoa , Gonzalez‐Zorn Bruno , Poyart Claire , Rosinski‐Chupin Isabelle , Glaser Philippe 
Published: July 2012

SummaryClustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) confer immunity against mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in prokaryotes. Streptococcus agalactiae, a leading cause of neonatal infections contains in its genome two CRISPR/Cas systems. We show that type 1‐C CRISPR2 is present in few strains but type 2‐A CRISPR1 is ubiquitous. Comparative sequence analysis of the CRISPR1 spacer content of 351 S. agalactiae strains revealed that it is extremely diverse due to the acquisition of new spacers, spacer duplications and spacer deletions that witness the dynamics of this system. The spacer content profile mirrors the S. agalactiae population structure. Transfer of a conjugative transposon targeted by CRISPR1 selected for spacer rearrangements, suggesting that deletions and duplications pre‐exist in the population. The comparison of protospacers located within MGE or the core genome and protospacer‐associated motif‐shuffling demonstrated that the GG motif is sufficient to discriminate self and non‐self and for spacer selection and integration. Strikingly more than 40% of the 949 different CRISPR1 spacers identified target MGEs found in S. agalactiae genomes. We thus propose that the S. agalactiae type II‐A CRISPR1/Cas system modulates the cohabitation of the species with its mobilome, as such contributing to the diversity of MGEs in the population.