bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE AND TYPING OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES STRAINS IN RETAIL VACUUM‐PACKED COLD‐SMOKED SALMON IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Authors: DASS SAPNA CHITLAPILLY , CUMMINS ENDA J. , ABU‐GHANNAM NISSREEN 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThe prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in five brands (A, B, C, D and E) of vacuum‐packed pre‐sliced cold‐smoked salmon (n = 120) marketed in different retail outlets in the Republic of Ireland was investigated. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes in the cold‐smoked salmon was 21.6%. The L. monocytogenes strains isolated from the prevalence studies were typed by using Multi‐Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis; this method confirmed the type division among the L. monocytogenes isolates. A minimum spanning tree showed that isolates from brand A clustered together. Few isolates from brand B, C, D and E showed genetic similarities, while others were spread throughout the cladogram. The genetic distinction among subtypes may be processor‐specific, while the similarities among the subtypes support the hypothesis of well‐adapted clones of L. monocytogenes in the fish industry. The results highlight the need for food safety control at both pre‐processing and processing stages, as there is no bactericidal process involved to eliminate any pathogen during the processing of cold‐smoked salmon.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study highlights the use of the Multi‐Locus Variable number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) strategy for subtyping L. monocytogenes strains. Genomic profiles of 61 L. monocytogenes strains were compared following isolation as part of a prevalence study for vacuum‐packed cold‐smoked salmon in Ireland. From a food safety perspective, it is important to integrate the population genetics, evolutionary and epidemiological characteristics to trace the origin and spread of bacterial disease. MLVA is a polymerase chain reaction‐based method that uses the genetic relationship amongst the isolates, thus population and evolutionary characteristics can be inferred. Based on the MLVA analysis, the results highlighted the grouping of the isolates, which were genetically similar. The study points the importance of pre‐processing and processing safety control management from a risk minimization perspective. In addition to distinguishing subtypes, MLVA has the added advantage of being relatively faster and cheaper when compared to other subtyping methods.
EFFICACY OF SLIGHTLY ACIDIC ELECTROLYZED WATER (SAEW) FOR REDUCING MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION ON FRESH‐CUT CILANTRO
Authors: HAO JIANXIONG , LIU HAIJIE , LIU RUI , DALAI WUYUN , ZHAO RUIPING , CHEN TIANPENG , LI LITE 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThe efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) for reducing microbial contamination on fresh‐cut cilantro was investigated in this study. The impacts of SAEW on the microbes of cilantro samples inoculated with two kinds of bacteria (Escherichia coli O78 and Bacillus subtilis 1.1849) were evaluated in comparison with NaClO solution and acidic electrolyzed water (AEW). Dipping with AEW, SAEW and NaClO solutions for 5 min resulted in a reduction in populations of E. coli O78 from 6.38 to 4.93, 3.89 and 4.88 log10 cfu/g and in populations of B. subtilis from 6.52 to 5.02, 4.98, 4.63 log10 cfu/g, respectively, The similar results were found that the populations on cilantro inoculated the mixture of two microbes of E. coli O78 treated with AEW, SAEW and NaClO solutions decreased to 4.15, 3.99, 5.10 log10 cfu/g, respectively, and the populations of B. subtili on cilantro decreased to 5.08,4.97,4.82 log10 cfu/g, respectively. The efficacies of SAEW wash in reducing natural micro flora on fresh‐cut cilantro were studied. The results showed SAEW had strong disinfection ability to reduce the microbe population of fresh‐cut cilantro and could be an alternative of AEW and NaClO solutions.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThere has been an increasing demand for fresh‐cut vegetables in recent years. However, fresh‐cut products are susceptible to the foodborne pathogens, which result in the shortness of the shelf life and threaten the people's health. Many methods have been developed to reduce the microbial contamination on fresh‐cut cilantro such as chlorinated water rinsing, ionizing radiation, ozone water wash, acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) and so on. In an attempt to find a better method to replace AEW and NaClO solutions, efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) for reducing microbial contamination on fresh‐cut cilantro was investigated in this study, The results showed SAEW had strong disinfection ability to reduce the microbe population of fresh‐cut cilantro and could be an alternative of AEW and NaClO solutions in practical applications.
THERMAL SANITIZING IN A COMMERCIAL DISHWASHING MACHINE
Authors: NICOLELLA CRISTIANO , CASINI BEATRICE , ROSSI FRANCESCO , CHERICONI ALESSIO , PARDINI GIANLUCA 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an experimental investigation on the thermal sanitization of food contact surfaces in a pilot dishwashing machine. The reduction of counts for Escherichia coli inoculated on clean glass surfaces was assayed in several tests performed under different conditions of temperature and duration of the washing cycles. The main aim of the measurements was to establish the relationship between operating conditions and sanitizing performance. The experimental results show that reduction of microbial counts clearly increases with the volume of water used for rinsing. On the other hand, the effect of the rinsing water temperature is less remarkable. It is inferred from these results that the reduction of microbial counts on food contact surfaces is mainly due to the mechanical elution of water jets rather than to thermal inactivation. The experimental results are analyzed using available kinetic data for reference organisms. The kinetic analysis confirms that the thermal effect is not sufficient to obtain a significant reduction of microbial counts on food contact surfaces under typical conditions of temperature and washing cycle length.PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONSUnsanitized food contact surfaces can be a direct or indirect source of foodborne illness, as pathogens can be transferred to food from crockery and utensils that are not properly sanitized. Improper cleaning and sanitizing of food contact surfaces is the factor most commonly related to the occurrence of foodborne illness risk in hospital, schools and restaurants. In this work, the effect of the operating conditions on the inactivation of reference microorganism (Escherichia coli) was experimentally investigated in a dishwashing machine. The experimental results on the logarithmic reduction on food contact surfaces under different conditions of temperature and contact time show that the microbial reduction in the washing machine is mainly due to the mechanical effect of elution of water jets rather than temperature. The results of this investigation can be used to determine the optimal operating conditions for the washing machine, resulting in the minimum requirement of energy and water.
CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOFILM FORMATION BY SELECTED FOODBORNE PATHOGENS
Authors: XU HUA , LEE HYEON‐YONG , AHN JUHEE 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTStrains of Listeria monocytogenes, Serratia liquefaciens, Shigella boydii, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, and Bacillus cereus were used to evaluate bacterial biofilm‐forming ability in trypticase soy broth (TSB; pH 6 and pH 7) at 37C. The biofilm development was determined by using the crystal violet method and the degree of biofilm formation was expressed as the specific biofilm formation (SBF) index. Among all strains tested, L. monocytogenes and S. liquefaciens formed strong biofilms in half‐strength TSB (pH 6), showing 2.79 and 3.85 of SBF indices, respectively. The numbers of adhered L. monocytogenes and S. liquefaciens increased to 7.57 and 7.91 cfu/slide, respectively, after 36 h. The increase in the biofilm formation of L. monocytogenes and S. liquefaciens was shown in the scanning electron microscopy micrographs. The protein profile differences were observed between biofilms and planktonic cells, suggesting that biofilm‐specific protein expression is involved in the biofilm development.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSince the biofilm formation has been a major concern to the food processors and medical devices, it is worthwhile to characterize the biofilm formation of foodborne pathogens under food processing‐related stress conditions. The results suggest that foodborne pathogens have distinctive patterns of biofilm formation. Therefore, it might be useful information to better understand the mechanism of biofilm formation in different environmental conditions and evaluate the infectivity and pathogenicity of biofilm‐forming foodborne pathogens.
MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY AND PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROORGANISMS ISOLATED FROM ENTERAL FEEDING, FOOD HANDLERS AND ENVIRONMENTS OF TWO PUBLIC BRAZILIAN HOSPITALS
Authors: BORGES LIANA JAYME , CAMPOS MARIA RAQUEL HIDALGO , ANDRÉ MARIA CLÁUDIA DANTAS PORFÍRIO BORGES , SERAFINI ÁLVARO BISOL 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThis work aimed to evaluate the microbiological conditions of enteral feeding, water, powder module and personnel samples obtained from two public hospitals in Goiânia/GO, Brazil. The Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated were submitted to antibiogram for phenotypic characterization. The S. aureus strains isolated were grouped into six phenotypic profiles (A–F). There was no correlation among strains isolated from diet and handlers samples. The E. coli strains were grouped into four phenotypic profiles (A–D). The E. coli phenotypes A and C showed the same susceptibility profile for microorganisms isolated from handlers and diets, suggesting a relationship among those isolates. Seven S. aureus and 12 E. coli isolates were resistant to two or more antibiotics. The diets presented unsatisfactory sanitary‐hygienic conditions in the hospitals evaluated because 47 samples (58.8%) from the first hospital and 30 samples (37.5%) from the second hospital were above the limits established by Brazilian legislation.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSEnteral nutrition is a very important mechanism to provide support to health‐compromised patients, so the microbiological quality of this product is essential to guarantee its safety. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring the enteral diet microbiological quality and the factors associated with its contamination. The study highlights the use of antibiogram as an instrument to correlate strains in order to help the identification of the probable origin of final product contamination.
Nutritional management of patients undergoing major upper gastrointestinal surgery: A survey of current practice in Australia
Authors: CAREY Sharon , HE Ling , FERRIE Suzie 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to survey current nutrition practice in Australian hospitals for the management of patients undergoing major upper gastrointestinal surgery, and to compare this with best practice, as it currently appears in the literature.Methods:  A literature review was conducted to obtain current recommendations for the nutritional management of patients undergoing major upper gastrointestinal surgery. A survey was constructed to investigate whether these recommendations are being followed. Dietitians from tertiary‐referral public and private hospitals across Australia were contacted by telephone and invited to respond to the survey questions.Results:  Forty‐two hospitals were contacted and 34 dietitians responded to the survey questions. Sixty‐three percent of dietitians reported minimal or no preoperative assessment of surgical patients, but 50% stated that they recommended immunonutrition when they did have preoperative contact, the majority following established dosage recommendations. Postoperative enteral nutrition support is not standard practice, being used routinely in only 30% of hospitals surveyed. Nutrition is usually recommenced on postoperative day 2 or 3. Post‐discharge follow up was provided by 35% of dietitians surveyed.Conclusion:  Current recommendations in all aspects of nutrition are not being followed and there is great scope for improvement in managing patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. Best practice guidelines and a shift in service provision to include better outpatient support for such a patient group is required.
How do dietitians treat symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease in adults?
Authors: NOWAK Madeleine , BÜTTNER Petra , HARRISON Simone , MCCUTCHAN Cynthia 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAim:  The aim of the present study was to examine dietitians' use of lifestyle measures in the management of symptoms of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (reflux).Methods:  Questionnaire data were collected by mail from dietitians on the 2001 register of Australian Accredited Practicing Dietitians (dietitians) via the Dietitians Association of Australia mailing system. Bivariate statistical tests were used to assess relationships.Results:  The response rate was 65.8% (n = 798) with 699 working in positions where they consulted patients. Of those, 56.7% did not usually see patients who presented specifically for reflux, while 30.6% saw 1–2 such patients and 12.4% saw ≥3 such patients/month. Many dietitians who conducted patient consultations saw ≥1 per month who mentioned reflux during a consultation for another condition, with 24.3% seeing >5/month. These dietitians made the following lifestyle recommendations to reduce reflux symptoms: reduce weight if overweight (92.87%), avoid eating before lying down (94.8%), elevate the head of the bed (78.6%), avoid alcohol (73.7%), avoid spicy food (77.3%) and eat a diet low in fat (79.7%). Additionally, 60.5% made further recommendations ranging from avoiding large meals, caffeine, smoking, carbonated beverages and known precipitants, to increasing protein intake and considering food sensitivity. The number of lifestyle changes that the participants recommended to their patients with reflux was positively related to the number of changes they considered effective in reducing reflux symptoms (r = 0.56; P < 0.001; n = 651).Conclusion:  The majority of dietitians recommended lifestyle modifications as treatment for reflux symptoms despite the current lack of evidence. A thorough investigation of the efficacy of this treatment appears warranted.
Respiratory health effects of volcanic ash with special reference to Iceland. A review
Authors: Gudmundsson Gunnar 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  Volcano eruptions occur around the world and can have an impact on health in many ways both locally and on a global scale as a result of airborne dispersion of gases and ash or as impact on climate. In this review, a recent volcanic eruption in Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland is described and its effects on aviation around the globe and on respiratory health in those exposed to the volcanic ash in Iceland. Also, the effects of a large volcano eruption in Iceland in 1789 are described that also had effect on a global scale by causing air pollution.Methods and Results:  The available studies reviewed here suggest that the acute and chronic health effects of volcanic ash depend on particle size (how much respirable), mineralogical composition (crystalline silica content) and the physico‐chemical properties of the surfaces of ash particles. These can vary between volcanoes and even between eruptions, making comparison difficult. Acute respiratory symptoms suggesting asthma and bronchitis have been well described. Exacerbations of pre‐existing lung and heart disease are common after inhalation of volcanic ash. Limited information is available on increase in mortality from recent eruptions but historical evidence is well described. No long‐term effects on lung function have been found after exposure to volcanic ash. There are concerns for the long‐term risks of silicosis from chronic exposure to volcanic ash but no cases have been described.Conclusion:  Acute respiratory symptoms after exposure to volcanic ash are well described but no long‐term effects have been found.Please cite this paper as: Gudmundsson G. Respiratory health effects of volcanic ash with special reference to Iceland. A review. Clin Respir J 2011; 5: 2–9.
Switching from Brand‐Name to Generic Psychotropic Medications: A Literature Review
Authors: Desmarais Julie Eve , Beauclair Linda , Margolese Howard C. 
Published: November 2010

SUMMARYGeneric medications do not undergo the rigorous approval process required of original medications. Their effectiveness and safety is expected to be equal to that of their more expensive counterparts. However, several case reports and studies describe clinical deterioration and decreased tolerability with generic substitution. Pubmed was searched from January 1, 1974 to March 1, 2010. The MeSH term “generic, drugs” was combined with “anticonvulsants,”“mood stabilizers,”“lithium,”“antidepressants,”“antipsychotics,”“anxiolytics,” and “benzodiazepines.” Additional articles were obtained by searching the bibliographies of relevant references. Articles in English, French, or Spanish were considered if they discussed clinical equivalence of generic and brand‐name medications, generic substitution, or issues about effectiveness, tolerability, compliance, or economics encountered with generics. Clinical deterioration, adverse effects, and changes in pharmacokinetics are described with generic substitution of several anticonvulsants/mood stabilizers (carbamazepine, valproate, lamotrigine, gabapentin, topiramate, lithium), antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline, venlafaxine, mirtazapine, bupropion), antipsychotics (risperidone, clozapine), and anxiolytics (clonazepam, alprazolam). Generics do not always lead to the anticipated monetary savings and also raise compliance issues. Although the review is limited by publication bias and heterogeneity of the studies in the literature, we believe there is enough concern to advise generic switching on an individual basis with close monitoring throughout the transition. Health professionals should be aware of the stakes around generic substitution especially when health economics promote universal use of generics.
On the measurement of circulating antioxidant capacity and the nightmare of uric acid
Authors: Costantini David 
Published: November 2010

Summary 1. In recent years, evolutionary ecologists have become increasingly interested in antioxidants and oxidative stress. Information on redox systems can provide new insights into our understanding of life‐history variation and animal responses to environmental stressors. 2. A common approach of ecological studies to the study of antioxidant capacity of animals has been measurement of the total antioxidant capacity of serum or plasma. Some of these studies have suggested that most of the antioxidant capacity measured in plasma is made up of uric acid and, therefore, estimates of antioxidant capacity should be corrected for the concentration of uric acid. 3. Here, I show that (i) the correlation between plasma concentration of uric acid and plasma antioxidant capacity is method dependent and (ii) different assays for the quantification of circulating antioxidant capacity can provide information on different components of the antioxidant machinery. 4. To determine whether measurements of antioxidant capacity need to be corrected for the uric acid concentration in the sample, it is therefore important to take into account the biochemical properties of the assay used.
Cholinergic modulation amplifies the intrinsic oscillatory properties of CA1 hippocampal cholecystokinin‐positive interneurons
Authors: Cea‐del Rio Christian A. , Lawrence J. Josh , Erdelyi Ferenc , Szabo Gabor , McBain Chris J. 
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summaryIn the mammalian hippocampus, the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) promotes learning and memory storage. During sensory processing and learning, large ACh‐dependent electrical oscillatory events are observed, which involve the synchronization of both inhibitory and excitatory neural circuits. While the actions of ACh are known on excitatory hippocampal circuits, its actions on specific inhibitory circuits are poorly understood. We show that two types of cholecystokinin‐positive local circuit inhibitory interneuron, the so‐called ‘basket cells’ and ‘Schaffer collateral‐associated’ cells, which innervate separately the cell body and dendritic regions of principal cells, are modulated similarly by cholinergic receptor activation. In both cell types activation of their muscarinic receptors triggers a general increase of excitability and intrinsic oscillatory activity, and a more efficient engagement to slow network oscillations. Knowledge of how cholinergic neuromodulation acts on neurochemically identical but morphologically distinct inhibitory interneurons will allow us to understand the role played by this important neuromodulator during hippocampal‐dependent tasks in vivo.
Residues R282 and D341 act as electrostatic gates in the proton‐dependent oligopeptide transporter PepT1
Authors: Bossi Elena , Renna Maria Daniela , Sangaletti Rachele , D’Antoni Francesca , Cherubino Francesca , Kottra Gabor , Peres Antonio 
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summaryThe oligopeptide transporter PepT1 is a protein found in the membrane of the cells of the intestinal walls, and represents the main route through which proteic nutrients are absorbed by the organism. Along the polypeptidic chain of this protein, two oppositely charged amino acids, an arginine in position 282 and an aspartate in position 341 of the sequence, have been hypothesised to form a barrier in the absorption pathway. In this paper we show that appropriate mutations of these amino acids change the properties of PepT1 in a way that confirms that these parts of the protein indeed act as an electrostatic gate in the transport process. The identification of the structural basis of the functional mechanism of this transporter is important because, in addition to its role in nutrient uptake, PepT1 represents a major pathway for the absorption of several therapeutic drugs.
In Silico
Screening, Structure-Activity Relationship, and Biologic Evaluation of Selective Pteridine Reductase Inhibitors Targeting Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Kumar Pranav , Tyagi Sargam , Pathak Richa , Batra Sanjay , Singh Prashant , Singh Neeloo 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

In this study we utilized the concept of rational drug design to identify novel compounds with optimal selectivity, efficacy and safety, which would bind to the target enzyme pteridine reductase 1 (PTR1) in
Leishmania
parasites. Twelve compounds afforded from Baylis-Hillman chemistry were docked by using the QUANTUM program into the active site of
Leishmania donovani
PTR1 homology model. The biological activity for these compounds was estimated in green fluorescent protein-transfected
L. donovani
promastigotes, and the most potential analogue was further investigated in intracellular amastigotes. Structure-activity relationship based on homology model drawn on our recombinant enzyme was substantiated by recombinant enzyme inhibition assay and growth of the cell culture. Flow cytometry results indicated that 7-(4-chlorobenzyl)-3-methyl-4-(4-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-3,4,6,7,8,9-hexahydro-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-one (compound 7) was 10 times more active on
L. donovani
amastigotes (50% inhibitory concentration [IC
50
] = 3 μM) than on promastigotes (IC
50
= 29 μM). Compound 7 exhibited a

K
i

value of 0.72 μM in a recombinant enzyme inhibition assay. We discovered that novel pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-2-one systems generated from the allyl amines afforded from the Baylis-Hillman acetates could have potential as a valuable pharmacological tool against the neglected disease visceral leishmaniasis.