bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute splenic complications and implications of splenectomy in hemoglobin SC disease
Authors: Subbannan Karthi , Ustun Celalettin , Natarajan Kavita , Clair Betsy , Daitch Lisa , Fields Sabine , Kutlar Ferdane , Kutlar Abdullah 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSplenectomy indications and outcome were evaluated in 124 adults with hemoglobin SC disease (Hb SC). Twelve patients (9.6%) required splenectomy. There was a significant difference between the splenectomy group and the non‐splenectomy group, respectively, regarding Hb levels (median 7.2 g/dL vs. 12.5 g/dL, P < 0.0001), platelet counts (median 146 × 106/L vs. 275 × 106/L, P = 0.031), palpable spleen rate (66% vs. 16%, P = 0.0003%), acute chest syndrome frequency (75% vs. 12%P = 0.0004) and cholecystectomy rate (66% vs. 13%, P = 0.0004). No significant morbidity or mortality occurred postsplenectomy. There is a subgroup of Hb SC patients requiring splenectomy, in which splenectomy is effective. Although it appears to be safe regarding short‐term complications of surgery, long‐term adverse effects such as infections have to be evaluated cautiously.
Rhesus macaque blastocysts resulting from intracytoplasmic sperm injection of vacuum‐dried spermatozoa*
Authors: Meyers Stuart A. , Li Ming‐Wen , Enders Allen C. , Overstreet James W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground  Sperm desiccation is an attractive approach for sperm preservation. In this study, we examined the feasibility and efficiency of intracytoplasmic sperm injection using vacuum‐dried rhesus macaque sperm in CZB medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum.Methods  A total of 109 MII oocytes were injected with 69 fresh ejaculated sperm and 40 vacuum‐dried sperm.Results  Cleavage occurred in 97% of oocytes injected with fresh, motile sperm and in 88% of oocytes injected with vacuum‐dried sperm. Of the cleaved oocytes, 68% fresh sperm‐injected oocytes and 74% of dried sperm‐injected oocytes developed to the compact morula stage. Blastocyst development was comparable between fresh‐injected (16%) and vacuum‐dried‐injected (17%) oocytes. Differences between treatment groups were not significant. Transmission electron microscopic observation of the blastocysts indicated no detectable differences between fresh sperm and dried sperm‐derived embryos.Conclusions  We conclude that vacuum‐dried rhesus macaque sperm are capable of inducing fertilization and development of pre‐implantation embryos when sperm were dried under vacuum and microinjected into normal viable oocytes.
Emodin Inhibits Voltage‐Dependent Potassium Current in Guinea Pig Gallbladder Smooth Muscle
Authors: Wu Zhi‐Xuan , Yu Bao‐Ping , Xu Long , Xia Hong 
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Emodin is known to prompt bile secretion in gallbladder and to be used in the treatment of cholesterol stones. We studied the effects of emodin on the contraction of gallbladder smooth muscle and voltage‐dependent K+ current in gallbladder smooth muscle cells. Gallbladder muscle strips were obtained from adult guinea pigs and the resting tension was recorded. Gallbladder smooth muscle cells were isolated by enzymatic digestion, and K+ current was recorded by the whole‐cell patch clamp method. Emodin increased the resting tension of gallbladder smooth muscle strips and inhibited voltage‐dependent K+ current in a dose‐dependent manner. When 10 µM emodin was applied to gallbladder smooth muscle cells for 3–6 min., the amplitude of voltage‐dependent K+ current was decreased by 31.5 ± 0.5% at +40 mV, and this inhibitory effect mostly recovered after washout. The steady‐state inactivation curves were shifted in a hyperpolarizing direction by emodin. In the presence of the protein kinase C inhibitors staurosporine and chelerythrine, the effect of emodin on voltage‐dependent K+ current was significantly attenuated. In conclusion, emodin promotes gallbladder contraction, mainly by inhibiting voltage‐dependent K+ current via the protein kinase C pathway. These findings provide theoretical foundation for the application of emodin in gallbladder motility disorders.
INHIBITION OF FOODBORNE PATHOGENS AND SPOILING BACTERIA BY ESSENTIAL OIL AND EXTRACTS OF ERIGERON RAMOSUS (WALT.) B.S.P.
Authors: RAHMAN ATIQUR , KANG SUN CHUL 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT The antibacterial potential of essential oil and methanolic extracts of Erigeron ramosus (Walt.) B.S.P. was evaluated. Thirty‐one components representing 95.3% of the total oil were identified, of which β‐caryophyllene (24.0%), α‐humulene (14.5%), 1,8‐cineole (9.0%), eugenol (7.2%), globulol (7.1%), caryophyllene oxide (5.2%), δ‐cadinene (5.0%), α‐copaene (4.9%) and widdrol (2.0%) were the major components. The antibacterial activity of essential oil and methanolic extracts of E. ramosus was determined in vitro using the agar diffusion method and minimum inhibitory concentration determination test against 14 (seven gram‐positive and seven gram‐negative) foodborne bacteria. The essential oil (5 µL/mL, corresponding to 1,000 ppm/disc), methanol extract and its different organic subfractions (7.5 µL/mL, corresponding to 1500 ppm/disc) of E. ramosus displayed a great potential of antibacterial activity against all gram‐positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538 and KCTC 1916), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19116, ATCC 19118, ATCC 19166 and ATCC 15313) and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and four gram‐negative bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa KCTC 2004, Enterobacter aerogenes KCTC 2190 and Escherichia coli (0157:H7 ATCC 43888 and ATCC 8739). The zones of inhibition of different concentrations of essential oil and methanolic extracts against the tested bacteria were found in the range of 10.1∼22.3 mm, and MIC values were recorded between 62.5 and 500 µg/mL.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe use of essential oil and organic extracts of Erigeron ramosus (Walt.) B.S.P. as antibacterial agents will be suitable for applications on the food industry as natural preservatives or flavoring to control foodborne pathogens. They can be used as growth inhibitors of Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, some important foodborne pathogens and spoiling bacteria. The main reason for their suitability is their natural origin, which consumers find comforting and which is beneficial for the environment, and the very low risk that pathogens will develop resistance to the mixture of components that make up the oil and extracts with their apparent diversity of antibacterial mechanisms. These beneficial characteristics could increase food safety and shelf life.
GENERATION OF BIOLUMINESCENT MORGANELLA MORGANII AND ITS POTENTIAL USAGE IN DETERMINATION OF GROWTH LIMITS AND HISTAMINE PRODUCTION
Authors: ZAREI MEHDI , HOSSEINI ARSALAN , SHEKARFOROUSH S. SHAHRAM 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT A mini‐Tn5 promoter probe carrying the intact lux operon of Photorhabdus luminescens (pUT mini‐Tn5 luxCDABE) which allowed measurement of light output without the addition of exogenous substrate was constructed. It was used to create a pool of chromosomally lux‐marked strains of Morganella morganii. Also plasmid‐mediated expression of bioluminescence in M. morganii was assessed using plasmid pT7‐3 luxCDABE. No significant differences in growth and histamine formation characteristics of the lux‐marked strains and wild type M. morganii strain were observed. Luminescent strain of M. morganii was used in experiments in which the correlation between light output, viable cell count and histamine formation was assessed. During the exponential growth phase, a positive linear correlation was observed between these three parameters in trypticase soy broth‐histidine medium at 37C. It was demonstrated that expression of bioluminescence had not had a significant effect upon both growth rate and histamine production. Thus, the measurement of bioluminescence was found to be a simple, fast and reliable method for determination of viable cell count and histamine content.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSConstructing predictive models in microbiology requires a large number of data on desired factors. Commonly used traditional methods of counting viable cells and measuring histamine, e.g., to model the growth limits of M. morganii as a function of different intrinsic and extrinsic factors, are time consuming and laborious, and require a lot of laboratory space and materials. According to the results of this research, measurement of bioluminescence is a simple, fast and reliable method for the determination of viable cell count and histamine content during the exponential growth phase. Thus, it can be used as a labor‐ and material‐saving selective data capture method for constructing predictive models in many different areas.
PERCENT MOISTURE AND SEED COAT CHARACTERISTICS OF ALFALFA SEEDS AFTER ARTIFICIAL INOCULATION
Authors: RAJKOWSKI KATHLEEN T. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT Naturally contaminated seeds have low pathogen levels. Most reports on sanitizing efficacy used artificially inoculated seeds. There is no standard procedure for artificially inoculating seeds with bacteria pathogens. This study compared 15 published inoculation procedures as they impact the percent moisture of alfalfa seeds. The percent moisture after drying was similar for the 15 procedures, verifying that the inoculation method had no effect. Using white and ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent light at 360 nm, the physical characteristics of different alfalfa varieties' seed coats were examined. Exposed cotyledon fluoresced under the UV light, making viewing of wrinkled, broken and cracked seed coats easier. The effects of wetting and drying on broken or cracked seed coats were photographed. During inoculation, cracks or breaks in the seed coats became more pronounced and curled away from the cotyledon; thus, bacteria cells in the inocula became trapped in the cracks or under the seed coat. Upon drying, the seed coat did not return to the original position. Condition of the seeds used for artificial inoculation would therefore be expected to impact the result of a decontamination procedure. Examination of seed lots using the UV fluorescent light could potentially be used to remove the cracked and wrinkled seeds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSVegetable sprouts can be a vehicle for foodborne illnesses, and seeds are considered the source of contamination. Naturally contaminated seeds have low pathogen levels. Reports on the efficacy of sanitizers used artificially inoculated seeds. There is no standard procedure for artificially inoculating seeds, and different inoculation methods were reported. We compared the impact of 15 different procedures on the percent moisture of alfalfa seeds from one lot. The percent moisture after drying was similar for the various procedures. Using white and UV fluorescent light at 360 nm, we examined the physical characteristics of seed coats. Exposed cotyledon fluoresced under the UV light. During inoculation, broken seed coats curled away from the cotyledon, which did not return to the original condition on drying, allowing bacteria to become trapped. The original condition of the seeds used for artificial inoculation would therefore be expected to impact the result of a decontamination procedure.
FATE OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES IN CARRA CHEESE DURING MANUFACTURE AND RIPENING
Authors: DURMAZ H. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT Carra cheese produced from raw milk is a traditional cheese that contains mostly black cumin (Nigella sativa) and is produced in the Southeastern provinces of Turkey. This study was carried out to evaluate the growth and survival of Listeria monocytogenes during manufacture and ripening of Carra cheese. For this purpose, Carra cheese was produced with raw cow's milk inoculated to contain 2.97 log cfu/mL of L. monocytogenes (serovar 4b). Cheese was ripened through storing in an earthenware jug underground for 90 days. Enumeration of L. monocytogenes was made by surface‐plating on Oxford agar. The number of L. monocytogenes increased during manufacture and reached 4.89 log cfu/g at the first day of ripening, while it decreased to 4.19 log cfu/g during the first 15 days of ripening and remained constant throughout the rest of the ripening period. The results indicated that L. monocytogenes in Carra cheese manufactured with raw milk was able to survive for 90 days of ripening despite low pH and the presence of a high number of lactic acid bacteria. Thus, Listeria‐contaminated Carra cheese could cause serious illness if consumed by susceptible individuals.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSBehaviour of L. monocytogenes during manufacture and ripening of different types of cheese in several countries should be studied in order to determine the exact risk that this food represents to food safety. Considering the processing method (it was prepared with raw milk) of Carra cheese and that artisan practices may still be applied under potentially poor hygienic conditions in small dairies, there is a potential for L. monocytogenes in the cheese at the time of consumption. Therefore, this study was undertaken to describe what might be expected if Carra cheese is manufactured from contaminated raw milk. In Carra cheese, the pathogen might survive after ripening for 90 days. Therefore, we think that individuals should be consuming Carra cheese with caution. Otherwise, Listeria‐contaminated Carra cheese may cause serious and mortal illnesses, even outbreaks, in humans.
AUTOCHTHONOUS MICROBIOTA OF RAW MILK WITH ANTAGONISTIC ACTIVITY AGAINST LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS
Authors: NERO L.A. , MATTOS M.R. , BELOTI V. , BARROS M.A.F. , ORTOLANI M.B.T. , FRANCO B.D.G.M. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to detect and identify the autochthonous microbiota of raw milk with antagonistic activity on Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Enteritidis. Three hundred sixty colonies isolated from 15 raw milk samples were tested for antagonistic activity for L. monocytogenes and S. Enteritidis using the “spot‐on‐the‐lawn” method. The colonies detected as antagonistic were identified using API 20 Strep. Two types of inhibition were observed: total, characterized by the formation of a well‐defined halo around the colony, and partial, with the formation of a diffused halo. Ninety‐one (25.3%) colonies presented antagonistic activity for L. monocytogenes and 33 (9.2%) for S. Enteritidis. Most of the antagonistic cultures were lactic acid bacteria, mainly Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis and Enterococcus faecium. The results indicate that microorganisms in the natural microbiota of raw milk may play an important role in the inhibition of key pathogens in dairy products.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis article is an initial study from our group concerning the antagonistic activity of the autochthonous microbiota from raw milk. This activity can explain the low frequency of some pathogens in this food, and these findings were the basis for our current studies concerning the characterization of this activity. For the period of 2006–2008, our group received funds from the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, Brazil, and the Foundation of Scientific Support from Minas Gerais state, Brazil, for this complete study, aiming to describe the antagonistic microorganisms (phenotypic and genotypic), their antimicrobial productions (identification, characterization and potential) and purification. This article has the importance of supporting similar studies concerning this phenomenon, and proves the necessity of future studies for isolation and characterization of autochthonous microorganisms in milk, with antimicrobial activity, for subsequent utilization in the dairy industry, improving food safety.
ACID AND THERMAL RESISTANCE OF A SALMONELLA ENTERITIDIS STRAIN INVOLVED IN SEVERAL FOODBORNE OUTBREAKS
Authors: MALHEIROS P.S. , BRANDELLI A. , NOREÑA C.P.Z. , TONDO E.C. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT Acid and thermal resistances of a Salmonella enteritidis strain involved in several foodborne outbreaks in southern Brazil were compared with other two Salmonella serovars. Strains were cultivated in Nutrient Broth supplemented with 1% glucose for acid adaptation, and then cells were exposed to different pH and temperatures. Survivors were enumerated and cellular proteins were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). S. enteritidis presented better acid adaptation than S. typhimurium and S. bredeney after exposure to pH 3.5 and 4.0, but all serovars demonstrated a similar behavior at pH 4.5. At 52C, nonadapted and acid‐adapted S. bredeney presented enhanced survivor rates when compared to the other serovars, although acid adaptation protected S. enteritidis. At 56C and 60C, nonadapted and acid‐adapted S. enteritidis was more thermally resistant than other serovars. Differences in protein profiles of nonadapted and acid‐adapted cells of all serovars were observed by SDS‐PAGE. S. enteritidis demonstrated greater acid adaptation and thermal resistance after acid adaptation than other serovars.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThese results could be related to the frequent involvement of this strain with salmonellosis in southern Brazil. Information on the thermal resistance of pathogenic microorganisms is an important step toward the optimization of the thermal processing of foods. Underestimation of thermal resistance increases the risk that a sufficient portion of an initial pathogen population may persist after thermal treatments, which could result in a foodborne outbreak.
THE AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION OF FIG FRUITS IN AYDIN CITY (TURKEY)
Authors: ISMAN B. , BIYIK H. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT The mold flora of 50 dried fig samples consumed in Turkey was examined and the aflatoxigenic ones were determined. Among 127 fungi isolated, 74 were Aspergillus, 24 were Trichoderma, 16 were Fusarium and 13 were Acremonium. Of the isolates, 17 were aflatoxigenic and four of them were capable to produce aflatoxin, three of which were characterized as A. flavus and one as A. parasiticus. Aflatoxin production of four strains was confirmed by high pressure liquid chromotography. The effect of UV irradiation on mold count and aflatoxin quantity was also tested. It was found that UV irradiation led to a decrease in the mold count and aflatoxin quantity.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSStudies have shown that the concentration of aflatoxins may exceed the determined limits in dried figs. Its presence can be a potential threat to the health of consumers. Dried figs are one of the major agricultural export products of Turkey (Senyuva et al. 2005). The effects of UV irradiation on mold flora of dried figs and aflatoxins have been examined. The Aspergillus flavus and parasiticus agar (AFPA) medium is used for detection of aflatoxigenic species, and coconut agar medium (CAM) is used to detect the aflatoxin‐producing ability of aflatoxigenic strains. It was found that the reproduction of the molds in dried figs, consequently the aflatoxigenic mold strains, can be depressed by UV irradiation. It was found that increasing time of UV irradiation led to a decrease in the mold count in dried figs. In addition, a UV irradiation applied for 90 min, was found to decrease the aflatoxin quantity in dried figs in an amount of 25%. Because of inexpensiveness and easiness of the application it was concluded that the UV irradiation can be used as a practical application.
‘Getting your Life Back on Track after Stroke’: A Phase II Multi-Centered, Single-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial of the Stroke Self-Management Program Vs. the Stanford Chronic Condition Self-Management Program or Standard Care in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Battersby M. , Hoffmann S. , Cadilhac D. , Osborne R. , Lalor E. , Lindley R. 
Published: April 2009

Background Self-management is seen as a primary mechanism to support the optimization of care for people with chronic diseases such as symptomatic vascular disease. There are no established and evidence-based stroke-specific chronic disease self-management programs. Our aim is to evaluate whether a stroke-specific program is safe and feasible as part of a Phase II randomized-controlled clinical trial. Methods Stroke survivors are recruited from a variety of sources including: hospital stroke services, local paper advertisements. Stroke South Australia newsletter (volunteer peer support organization), Divisions of General Practice, and community service providers across Adelaide, South Australia. Subjects are invited to participate in a multi-center, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Eligible participants are randomized to either; standard care, standard care plus a six week generic chronic condition self-management group education program, or, standard care plus an eight week stroke specific self-management education group program. Interventions are conducted after discharge from hospital. Participants are assessed at baseline, immediate post intervention and six months. Study Outcomes The primary outcome measures determine study feasibility and safety, measuring, recruitment, participation, compliance and adverse events. Secondary outcomes include: positive and active engagement in life measured by the Health Education Impact Questionnaire, improvements in quality of life measured by the Assessment of Quality of Life instrument, improvements in mood measured by the Irritability, Depression and Anxiety Scale, health resource utilization measured by a participant held diary and safety. Conclusion The results of this study will determine whether a definitive Phase III efficacy trial is justified.
Long-Term Prognosis of Chinese Patients with A Lacunar Infarct Associated with Small Vessel Disease: A Five-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Mok Vincent C. T. , Lau Alexander Y. L. , Wong Adrian , Lam Wynnie W. M. , Chan Anne , Leung Howan , Wong Edward , Soo Yannie , Leung Thomas , Wong Lawrence K. S. 
Published: April 2009

Rationale Lacunar infarct associated with small vessel disease is a common stroke subtype in China and has a favorable short-term prognosis. Data on its long-term prognosis among Chinese patients are lacking. Aims We aimed to study its long-term prognosis and predictors for poor outcomes. Design We followed up to 75 consecutive Chinese stroke patients who had a lacunar infarct for a period of 5 years. Clinical outcomes with respect to mortality and recurrent stroke were noted. We evaluated baseline clinical and imaging predictors for such outcomes using the Cox regression analysis. Study Outcomes Sixteen (21·3%) patients died and 12 (16%) patients had recurrent stroke during follow-up. Twenty-one (28%) patients had combined events of either death and/or recurrent stroke. Univariate Cox regression analysis showed that age, literacy, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, incident stroke/transient ischemic attack, and white matter lesion volume predicted survival, while, age, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale, systolic blood pressure, hyperhomocysteinemia, silent lacunes, microbleeds, and white matter lesion volume predicted recurrent stroke. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (HR 1·25, 95% CI 1·05–1·48) and white matter lesion volume (HR 1·46, 95% CI 1·11–1·92) predicted combined events of mortality and/or recurrent stroke after age adjustment. Conclusion Approximately one in four patients either died and/or had recurrent stroke within 5 years after a lacunar infarct. Age, stroke severity, and volume of white matter lesion predict a poor long-term prognosis.