bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of obesity as an independent risk factor for medically attended laboratory‐confirmed influenza
Authors: Coleman Laura A. , Waring Stephen C. , Irving Stephanie A. , Vandermause Mary , Shay David K. , Belongia Edward A. 
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Coleman et al. (2013) Evaluation of obesity as an independent risk factor for medically attended laboratory‐confirmed influenza. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(2) 160–167.Background  The relationship between obesity and susceptibility to influenza infection in humans is unclear. Morbidly obese people were at an increased risk of complications from 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza [A(H1N1)pdm09].Objective  The goal of this study was to determine whether medically attended, laboratory‐confirmed influenza is independently associated with obesity in adults with acute respiratory illness.Patients/Methods  Adults ≥20 years with a medical encounter for acute respiratory illness were recruited from a population cohort during the 2007–2008 (n = 903), 2008–2009 (n = 869), and 2009 pandemic (n = 851) season. Nasopharyngeal swabs were tested for influenza by real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using data from the electronic medical record. Logistic regression evaluated the association between influenza and obesity, adjusting for gender, vaccination, age, and high‐risk medical condition.Results  Influenza was detected in 50% of patients in 2007–2008, 15% in 2008–2009, and 14% during the 2009 pandemic. Predominant seasonal viruses in this population were A/H3N2 in 2007–2008, and A/H1N1 and B in 2008–2009. Mean (±SD) BMI was 30·58 (±7·31) in patients with influenza and 30·93 (±7·55) in test‐negative controls during all seasons. Mean BMI of patients with influenza did not vary by season. After adjusting for confounders, neither obesity nor extreme obesity were associated with influenza by season or for all years combined (OR 0·95: 95% CI 0·75, 1·20 and 1·10: 0·80, 1·52, respectively, for obesity and extreme obesity, all years).Conclusions  Obesity was not associated with medically attended influenza among adults with acute respiratory illness in this population.
Pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infection among 2009 Hajj Pilgrims from Southern Iran: a real‐time RT‐PCR‐based study
Authors: Ziyaeyan Mazyar , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Jamalidoust Marziyeh , Moeini Mahsa , Pouladfar Gholam R. , Pourabbas Bahman , Namayandeh Mandana , Moghadami Mohsen , Bagheri‐Lankarani Kamran , Mokhtari‐Azad Talat 
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Ziyaeyan et al. (2012) Pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1 infection among 2009 Hajj Pilgrims from Southern Iran: a real‐time RT‐PCR‐based study. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e80–e84.Background  Hajj is a mass gathering undertaken annually in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The 2009 Hajj coincided with both the pandemic influenza A/H1N1 2009 (A(H1N1)pdm09) and seasonal types of influenza A viruses. The interaction between pandemic influenza and Hajj could cause both a high level of mortality among the pilgrims and the spread of infection in their respective countries upon their return home.Objective  The present study attempted to determine the point prevalence of A(H1N1)pdm09 among returning Iranian pilgrims, most of whom had been vaccinated for seasonal influenza but not A(H1N1)pdm09.Methods  Pharyngeal swabs were collected from 305 pilgrims arriving at the airport in Shiraz, Iran. RNA was extracted from the samples and A(H1N1)pdm09 and other seasonal influenza A viruses were detected using TaqMan real‐time PCR. For A(H1N1)pdm09‐positive samples, the sensitivity to oseltamivir was also evaluated.Results  Subjects included 132 (43·3%) men and 173 (56·7%) women, ranging in age from 24 to 65 years. The A(H1N1)pdm09 virus was detected in five (1·6%) pilgrims and other influenza A viruses in eight (2·6%). All the A(H1N1)pdm09 were sensitive to oseltamivir.Conclusions  Only five cases were found to be positive for A(H1N1)pdm09, and it seems unlikely that the arrival of infected pilgrims to their homelands would cause an outbreak of a new wave of infection there. Thus, the low morbidity and mortality rates among the pilgrims could be attributed to the characteristics of A(H1N1)pdm09, which causes morbidity and mortality in a way similar to the seasonal influenza infections, absence of high‐risk individuals among the Iranian pilgrims, and the instructions given to them about contact and hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette.
Changes in Selected Physical Property and Enzyme Activity of Rice and Barley Koji during Fermentation and Storage
Authors: Bechman Allison , Phillips Robert D. , Chen Jinru 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Koji are solid‐state fermentation products made by inoculating steamed grains with the spores of fungi, particularly Aspergillus spp. This research was undertaken to identify the fermentation and storage conditions optimal for the production and maintenance of selected hydrolytic enzymes, such as α‐amlyase and protease, in koji. Steamed rice and barley were inoculated with 2 × 10 11Aspergillus oryzae spores per kilogram of grains and fermented for 118 h in a growth chamber at 28 to 32 °C with controlled relative humidities. Samples were drawn periodically during fermentation and storage at –20, 4, or 32 °C, and α‐amylase and protease activity, mold counts, aw, moisture contents, and pH of collected samples were determined. It was observed that the aw, moisture contents, and pH of the koji were influenced by the duration of fermentation and temperature of storage. The α‐amylase activity of both koji increased as the populations of A. oryzae increased during the exponential growth phase. The enzyme activity of barley koji was significantly higher than that of rice koji, reaching a peak activity of 211.87 or 116.57 U at 46 and 58 h, respectively, into the fermentation process. The enzyme activity in both products started to decrease once the mold culture entered the stationary growth phase. The protease activities of both koji were low and remained relatively stable during fermentation and storage. These results suggest that rice and barley koji can be used as sources of α‐amylase and desired enzyme activity can be achieved by controlling the fermentation and storage conditions.Practical Application:  Amylases and proteases are 2 important hydrolytic enzymes. In the food industry, these enzymes are used to break down starches and proteins while reducing the viscosity of foods. Although amylases and proteases are found in plants and animals, commercial enzymes are often produced using bacteria or molds through solid state fermentation, which is designed to use natural microbial process to produce enzymes in a controlled environment. A properly produced and maintained koji with a high hydrolytic enzyme activity can serve as an important source of the enzymes for the food industry.
Translocation and Cross‐Contamination of E. coli O157 in Beef Eye‐of‐Round Subprimal Cuts Processed with High‐Pressure Needleless Injection
Authors: Jefferies Laura K. , Hansen Conly L. , Steele Frost M. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  High‐pressure needleless injection (HPNI) is an emerging enhancing process where small‐diameter, high‐velocity bursts of liquid penetrate soft foods at pressures up to 69 MPa. The incidence and depth of translocated surface‐inoculated E. coli O157 in HPNI‐processed beef eye‐of‐round subprimal cuts was determined. HPNI translocated E. coli O157 from the surface to the interior of the eye‐of‐round subprimal cuts with incidence of 40% (± 7%), 25% (± 8%), and 25% (± 8)% for subprimals that had been surface‐inoculated with a 4‐strain cocktail at 0.5, 1, and 2 log10 CFU/cm2, respectively. The run‐off water was collected and found to contain 2, 2, and 3 log10 CFU/mL E. coli O157. The runoff was reused for HPNI of additional subprimals, and this resulted in a cross‐contamination incidence of 83% (± 4%), 60% (± 15%), and 37% (± 6)%. Incidence of translocation and cross‐contamination was similar at 0 to 1, 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 8 cm below the inoculated surface. Results indicate that surface microbiota on beef will be carried to the interior of HPNI‐processed beef by initial translocation from the surface with the injected fluid and by cross‐contamination with recycled fluid.Practical Application:  This research has practical relevance for the beef enhancement process called high‐pressure needleless injection. The process's effect on surface bacteria on beef was studied.
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Various Solvent Extracts from Impatiens balsamina L. Stems
Authors: Su Bu‐Li , Zeng Rong , Chen Jin‐Yin , Chen Chu‐Ying , Guo Juan‐Hua , Huang Chang‐Gan 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  The antioxidant and antimicrobial activities as well as the quantity of phenolic substances of Impatiens balsamina L. stem extracts obtained with various solvent were determined in this study. All of the extracts possessed moderate antioxidant potential in the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and reducing power assays. Antimicrobial activity was estimated using the cylinder‐plate and agar dilution methods against four bacterial and six fungal strains. The extracts showed good antimicrobial activity especially antifungal activity against all of the tested microorganisms. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents ranged from 2.88 to 13.63 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dried extract and 0.98 to 7.87 mg quercetin equivalents/g dried extract, respectively. The results presented here indicate that the I. balsamina stem extracts have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and are therefore a potential source of antioxidant and antimicrobial agents for the food and pharmaceutical industries.Practical Application:  Our work indicates that the I. balsamina stem may be a good candidate as natural antioxidant and antimicrobial agents. It can be applied in food industry for preservation.
Optimization of Cold‐Adapted Lysozyme Production from the Psychrophilic Yeast Debaryomyces hansenii Using Statistical Experimental Methods
Authors: Wang Quanfu , Hou Yanhua , Yan Peisheng 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Statistical experimental designs were employed to optimize culture conditions for cold‐adapted lysozyme production of a psychrophilic yeast Debaryomyces hansenii. In the first step of optimization using Plackett‐Burman design (PBD), peptone, glucose, temperature, and NaCl were identified as significant variables that affected lysozyme production, the formula was further optimized using a four factor central composite design (CCD) to understand their interaction and to determine their optimal levels. A quadratic model was developed and validated. Compared to the initial level (18.8 U/mL), the maximum lysozyme production (65.8 U/mL) observed was approximately increased by 3.5‐fold under the optimized conditions.Practical Application:  Cold‐adapted lysozymes production was first optimized using statistical experimental methods. A 3.5‐fold enhancement of microbial lysozyme was gained after optimization. Such an improved production will facilitate the application of microbial lysozyme. Thus, D. hansenii lysozyme may be a good and new resource for the industrial production of cold‐adapted lysozymes.
Stability of the Physical Properties of Plasticized Edible Films from Squid (Todarodes pacificus) Mantle Muscle during Storage
Authors: Leerahawong Akasith , Tanaka Munehiko , Okazaki Emiko , Osako Kazufumi 
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Edible films from squid mantle muscle plasticized with different plasticizers were stored at 25 °C, 50% RH before the determination of physical properties. The results showed that tensile strength significantly increased (P < 0.05) upon the storage time, especially for the film plasticized with glucose, while there was no significant change (P≥ 0.05) in elongation at break of all plasticized films. Water vapor permeability of glucose‐plasticized film significantly decreased (P < 0.05) during storage, while there was only a slight change in those with glycerol, sorbitol, and fructose. Redness and yellowness of the films became significantly higher (P < 0.05) during storage, especially for the films plasticized with fructose and glucose. SDS‐PAGE and protein solubility in SDS solution showed a possibility of protein aggregation throughout the storage. From these results, it is suggested that the changes in physical properties of the films were caused by the progress of Maillard reaction.Practical Application:  In this study, squid mantle muscle was used as an edible film‐forming material. By mixing with Na‐citrate, squid mantle muscle possessed the ability to form transparent films with an excellent UV barrier property. Glycerol was found to be the most effective and stable plasticizer for the films. Edible films represent an option for the utilization of discarded squid during the fishing process.
The Low Level Laser Therapy Effect on the Remodeling of Bone Extracellular Matrix
Authors: de Souza Merli Luiz Antonio , de Medeiros Valquíria Pereira , Toma Leny , Reginato Rejane Daniele , Katchburian Eduardo , Nader Helena B. , Faloppa Flavio 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used as an option to accelerate the regeneration of bone tissue. In this study, both femurs of male Wistar rats (30 animals) were injured with a drill and the effect of LLLT using a laser diode (100 mW at 660 nm) in the bone matrix on the left paw measured. LLLT effect on the healing bone tissue matrix was evaluated by a combination of immunohistochemical histomorphometry, confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and isolation and characterization of glycosaminoglycans. Histomorphometric analysis showed that LLLT increased bone matrix and showing more organized. Alcian Blue and PAS staining seems to suggest differential glycosaminoglycans and glycoproteins. The data showed increased expression of chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, after reduction as the LLLT and mature bone, resembling the expression of osteonectin and biglycan. The difference in expression of siblings (DMP‐1, OPN and BSP) is in accordance with the repair accelerated bone formation after the application of LLLT as compared with control. The expression of osteonectin and osteocalcin supports their role in bone mineralization protein, indicating that LLLT accelerates this process. The overall data show that LLLT bone changes dynamic array, shortening the time period involved in the bone repair.
A Method to Evaluate Mode Effects on the Mean and Variance of a Continuous Variable in Mixed‐Mode Surveys
Authors: Vannieuwenhuyze Jorre T. A. , Loosveldt Geert , Molenberghs Geert 
Published: May 2012

RésuméLes enquêtes à mode de collecte mixte, dans lesquelles le choix du mode de réponse est laissé aux personnes interrogées, sont de plus en plus répandues. Cette possibilité du choix du mode de réponse peut induire une confusion entre deux sortes d'effets : les effets de sélection et les effets de mesure. L'estimation séparée de ces deux effets est impossible à partir des seules données d'une enquête à mode de collecte mixte. Dans cet article, nous montrons comment la même estimation devient possible à partir d'une comparaison entre les résultats d'une enquête à mode de collecte mixte et ceux d'un enquête à mode de collecte unique basées sur le même questionnaire. La méthode que nous proposons permet d'estimer l'effet du mode de réponse sur la moyenne et la variance d'une variable de réponse continue. Elle est illustrée par l'estimation des effets du mode de réponse sur six questions relatives aux opinions vis‐à‐vis des enquêtes.
The presence and role of bacterial quorum sensing in activated sludge
Authors: Chong Grace , Kimyon Onder , Rice Scott A. , Kjelleberg Staffan , Manefield Mike 
Published: May 2012

SummaryActivated sludge used for wastewater treatment globally is composed of a high‐density microbial community of great biotechnological significance. In this study the presence and purpose of quorum sensing via N‐acylated‐l‐homoserine lactones (AHLs) in activated sludge was explored. The presence of N‐heptanoyl‐l‐homoserine lactone in organic extracts of sludge was demonstrated along with activation of a LuxR‐based AHL monitor strain deployed in sludge, indicating AHL‐mediated gene expression is active in sludge flocculates but not in the bulk aqueous phase. Bacterial isolates from activated sludge were screened for AHL production and expression of phenotypes commonly but not exclusively regulated by AHL‐mediated gene transcription. N‐acylated‐l‐homoserine lactone and exoenzyme production were frequently observed among the isolates. N‐acylated‐l‐homoserine lactone addition to sludge upregulated chitinase activity and an AHL‐ and chitinase‐producing isolate closely related to Aeromonas hydrophila was shown to respond to AHL addition with upregulation of chitinase activity. N‐acylated‐l‐homoserine lactones produced by this strain were identified and genes ahyI/R and chiA, encoding AHL production and response and chitinase activity respectively, were sequenced. These experiments provide insight into the relationship between AHL‐mediated gene expression and exoenzyme activity in activated sludge and may ultimately create opportunities to improve sludge performance.
Anthropologists as Cognitive Scientists
Authors: Astuti Rita , Bloch Maurice 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAnthropology combines two quite different enterprises: the ethnographic study of particular people in particular places and the theorizing about the human species. As such, anthropology is part of cognitive science in that it contributes to the unitary theoretical aim of understanding and explaining the behavior of the animal species Homo sapiens. This article draws on our own research experience to illustrate that cooperation between anthropology and the other sub‐disciplines of cognitive science is possible and fruitful, but it must proceed from the recognition of anthropology’s unique epistemology and methodology.
Cognitive Anthropological Fieldwork
Authors: Le Guen Olivier 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn their introduction, Beller et al. point to important issues regarding the problematic interaction of anthropology and cognitive sciences (CS). I address some of these issues in stressing first some limitations of the current state of the fields of anthropology and CS. In the second half of this article, using data from studies I have been conducting among the Yucatec Mayas (Mexico), I present some concrete cases where anthropological and CS methods and approaches are complementary. Finally, I propose some solutions to find common ground and ways to improve cross‐disciplinary collaboration.
Detection and Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus in Domestic Pigs of Different Ages in Portugal
Authors: Berto A. , Mesquita J. R. , Hakze‐van der Honing R. , Nascimento M. S. J. , van der Poel W. H. M. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThis study represents the primary hepatitis E virus (HEV) surveillance in domestic pigs in Portugal, five pig farms were investigated in 5 different Portuguese regions, ten faecal samples were collected at four different stages of the production. All faecal samples were tested for hepatitis E virus by real‐time RT‐PCR. At least one sample from each farms of all age groups tested positive for HEV. The prevalence in the pig herds varied from 10% to 30% and the mean prevalence was 32% in weaners, 20% in growers, 32% in fatteners and 4% in adult dry sows. Phylogenetic analysis of the detected HEV sequences indicated that the circulating virus strains belong under the genotype 3.
Condensation of homomorphism spaces
Authors: Lux Klaus , Neunhöffer Max , Noeske Felix 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe present an efficient algorithm for the condensation of homomorphism spaces. This provides an improvement over the known tensor condensation method which is essentially due to a better choice of bases. We explain the theory behind this approach and describe the implementation in detail. Finally, we give timings to compare with previous methods.
Using a Team Structure for Student-Assisted Facilitation of Laboratories in an Introductory Allied Health Microbiology Course
Authors: Sanchez David Jesse , Miranda Daniel 
Published: May 2012

As many instructors have noted, it is challenging to lead a successful microbiology laboratory, especially for students without sufficient prerequisite training such as in pre-allied health/nursing classes. In the community college setting, this is compounded by the lack of adequate resources, especially teaching assistants or others, to help individual students during a laboratory experience. In addition, there is much transition in the student population of the college so asking students who have completed a class to help in this setting is often impractical.
To modify our system to allow students to more easily ask questions and get feedback, we designed a student facilitator system. This system allowed each student to be a leader of the team for a particular laboratory experience. Each student was individually trained to be supportive of the team as a whole. This program is useful in that it can be applied to any class-based laboratory setting to provide better student team interactions than if there were no facilitator.
Protective effects of lactoferrin chimera and bovine lactoferrin in a mouse model of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Flores-Villaseñor Héctor , Canizalez-Román Adrian , Velazquez-Roman Jorge , Nazmi Kamran , Bolscher Jan G.M. , Leon-Sicairos Nidia 
Published: May 2012

Mice orally infected with enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) O157:H7 were used to evaluate the activity of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) and the synthetic peptide LFchimera. Groups of BALB/c mice inoculated intragastrically with EHEC O157:H7 showed chronic intestinal infection with the pathogen that persisted over 6 days and resulted in a high mortality rate (90%). LFchimera and kanamycin significantly decreased (40%) this mortality rate (P = 0.028). On the other hand, although mice administered with bLF showed an important reduction in mortality (50%), this was not statistically significant (P = 0.070). In infected and untreated mice, severe tubular necrosis, glomerular lesions, and moderate intratubular hyaline casts were found in the kidney. However, in the bLF and LFchimera groups we found a reduction in the damage and a substantial decrease in the bacterial concentration excreted in feces 48 h after infection. Furthermore, sepsis caused by EHEC was reduced by the treatments, evidenced by the fact that bacteria were not detected in the kidney or liver 72 h after infection. The results suggest the bLF and LFchimera could have potential as therapeutics in EHEC infections.