bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity of Citrus Essential Oils against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. and Effects on Beef Subprimal Cuts under Refrigeration
Authors: Pittman Curtis I. , Pendleton Sean , Bisha Bledar , O’Bryan Corliss A. , Belk Keith E. , Goodridge Lawrence , Crandall Philip G. , Ricke Steven C. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. are bacterial pathogens often associated with beef, and cause many cases of foodborne illness each year in the United States. During beef slaughter and processing, these bacteria may spread from the hide or intestines to the carcass. The objective of this research was to investigate the use of naturally occurring compounds citrus essential oils (CEOs) extracted from orange peel to reduce or eliminate these pathogens at the chilling stage of processing, or during fabrication. Brisket flats (used to simulate beef subprimals) were spot inoculated with approximately 6 log of surrogate generic E. coli cocktail (previously shown to be identical in growth and survival parameters to E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp.). Following drying, CEOs were applied by spraying at concentrations of 3% and 6% to the surface of different pieces of meat. Treatments were applied using a custom built spray cabinet at 2.07 bar and applied at a rate of 3.79 L/min to replicate commercial practices. The CEOs significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the concentration of E. coli on the brisket flats in comparison to inoculated no spray or water sprayed controls over a period of 90 d, while causing an initial reduction of approximately 1.4 log units. Total aerobic bacteria and psychrotrophic counts were also reduced on uninoculated briskets following treatment. These results indicate that 3% cold‐pressed terpeneless Valencia orange oil could be used as an additional intervention against E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. at the refrigerated storage stage of processing.Practical Application:  CEOs are natural compounds that have been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). They can be used to control Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 on beef carcasses at the chilling stage.
Extrusion and Characterization of Thermoplastic Starch Sheets from “Macho” Banana
Authors: Alanís‐López P. , Pérez‐González J. , Rendón‐Villalobos R. , Jiménez‐Pérez A. , Solorza‐Feria J. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Starch isolated from macho banana was oxidized by using 2.5% and 3.5% (w/w) of sodium hypochlorite. Native and oxidized starches with glycerol were processed using a conical twin screw extruder to obtain thermoplastic laminates or sheets, which were partially characterized. Oxidized banana starches presented higher moisture and total starch but lower ash, protein, lipids, and apparent amylose content than the native starch. Micrographs of sheets from oxidized starches showed wrinkles and cavities presumably caused by the plasticizer, but with less free glycerol and unplasticized starch granules than those from native starch. Sheets from oxidized starch showed a notorious increase in all thermal parameters (To, Tp, and ΔH), mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and elasticity), and solubility. Banana starch X‐ray diffraction patterns corresponded to a mixture of the A‐ and B‐type polymorphs, with apparently slightly higher crystallinity in oxidized specimens than in native starch. A similar trend was observed in the corresponding sheets.Practical Application:  Due to the pollution problem caused by the conventional plastics, there has been a renewed interest in biodegradable sheets, because they may have the potential to replace conventional packaging materials. Banana starch might be an interesting raw material to be used as edible sheet, coating or in food packaging, and preservation, because it is biodegradable, cheap, innocuous, and abundant.
Microbial Safety and Consumer Acceptability of High‐Pressure Processed Hard Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)
Authors: Narwankar Shalaka P. , Flimlin George E. , Schaffner Donald W. , Tepper Beverly J. , Karwe Mukund V. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Littleneck hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) harvested from New Jersey coastal waters in the United States were high‐pressure processed (HPP) in their shells using a 10 L high‐pressure processing unit. A response surface (RS) methodology approach was used to optimize the pressure and time parameters for microbial inactivation caused by the high‐pressure application. The total surviving microbial load in the hard clams was enumerated after processing at each experimental condition. The results indicated that log reduction in total plate count (TPC) due to high‐pressure processing of hard clams was primarily a function of pressure. Pressure of at least 480 MPa was needed to achieve 1‐log reduction in TPC in hard clams harvested from special restricted waters. In a parallel study, a panel of 60 regular raw clams consumers tasted both raw and processed hard clams that were harvested from approved waters and HPP at 310 MPa for 3 min. The consumers showed equal preference for processed and raw hard clams. Two subgroups of hard clam consumers were revealed; 1 group preferred the plumpness of the HPP clam and the other group preferred aroma of the unprocessed clam. Thus, plumpness and aroma may influence consumer acceptance of HPP hard clams.Practical Application:  High‐pressure processing has gained momentum as a processing technique that aids in retention of fresh appearance in foods. It holds promise as a method to process premium value food products while retaining quality attributes. Quantification of its impact on safety and consumer acceptance is critical for its acceptance and use in the food industry.
Improvement of Gel Strength and Melting Point of Fish Gelatin by Addition of Coenhancers Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Koli Jayappa M. , Basu Subrata , Nayak Binay B. , Kannuchamy Nagalakshmi , Gudipati Venkateshwarlu 
Published: July 2011

Abstract:  Fish gelatin is a potential alternative to mammalian gelatin. However, poor gel strength and low melting point limit its applications. The study was aimed at improving these properties by adding coenhancers in the range obtained from response surface methodology (RSM) by using Box–Behnken design. Three different coenhancers, MgSO4, sucrose, and transglutaminase were used as the independent variables for improving the gel strength and melting point of gelatin extracted from Tiger‐toothed croaker (Otolithes ruber). Addition of coenhancers at different combinations resulted gel strength and melting point in the range of 150.5 to 240.5 g and 19.5 to 22.5 °C, respectively. The optimal concentrations of coenhancers for predicted maximum gel strength (242.8 g) obtained by RSM were 0.23 M MgSO4, 12.60% sucrose (w/v), and 5.92 mg/g transglutaminase and for predicted maximum melting point (22.57 °C), the values were 0.24M MgSO4, 10.44% sucrose (w/v), and 5.72 mg/g transglutaminase. By addition of coenhancers at these optimal concentrations in verification experiments, the gel strength and melting point were improved from 170 to 240.89 g and 20.3 to 22.7 °C, respectively. These experimental values agreed well with the predicted values demonstrating the fitness of the models. Results from the present study clearly revealed that the addition of coenhancers at a particular combination can improve the gel strength and melting point of fish gelatin to enhance its range of applications.Practical Application:  There is a growing interest in the use of fish gelatin as an alternative to mammalian gelatin. However, poor gel strength and low melting point of fish gelatin have limited its commercial applications. The gel strength and melting point of fish gelatin can be increased by incorporation of coenhancers such as magnesium sulphate, sucrose, and transglutaminase. Results of this work help to produce the fish gelatin suitable for wide range of applications in the food industry.
Social cognition deficits and the ‘ultra high risk’ for psychosis population: a review of literature
Authors: Thompson Andrew D. , Bartholomeusz Cali , Yung Alison R. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim: A number of risk factors for developing a psychotic disorder have been investigated in the ‘ultra high risk’ (UHR) population, including neurocognitive abilities, social functioning and, more recently, social cognition. We aimed to review the literature on social cognition in the UHR population.Methods: Literature was restricted to English articles and identified using Pubmed, Medline, PsychINFO and CINAHLplus, as well as the reference lists of published studies and reviews. Search terms included social cognition, theory of mind, emotion recognition, attributional style, social knowledge, social perception, ‘at risk mental state’, psychosis prodrome ‘clinical high risk’ and ‘ultra high risk’. Inclusion criteria were an outcome measure of a social cognition task and an UHR population defined by a structured validated instrument.Results: Seven original research articles met the inclusion criteria, one of which was a conference abstract. One of the two studies that assessed theory of mind, two of the four studies that assessed emotion recognition and both the two studies that assessed social perception/knowledge found significant deficits in UHR patients. The single study that assessed attributional bias also reported differences in UHR patients compared with healthy controls.Conclusions: There is limited published literature on social cognitive performance in the UHR population. Despite this, deficits in certain social cognitive abilities do appear to be present, but further research with more reliable cross‐cultural measures is needed. The characterization of social cognitive deficits in the UHR populations may aid in the identification of potential markers for development of a subsequent psychotic disorder, as well as targets for early intervention.
Modified anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy – a pilot study
Authors: Pasupathy S. , Yuvaraj V. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAim:  A pilot study was done with 15 patients who underwent a modified anterior maxillary segmental osteotomy (AMO) surgical procedure in our hospital, and various advantages of this technique were appraised with emphasis on the vitality of teeth in the osteotomy segment evaluated after surgery.Materials and methods:  A total of 15 patients who underwent the modified technique were included in the study. One patient who had non‐vital discoloured anterior teeth was excluded and the remaining 14 were included in the study. The vitality of all the six anterior maxillary teeth was done through thermal pulp testing after 1 week and 3 months post‐operatively, and recorded.Results:  The vitality test done 1 week post‐surgically showed that all six anterior teeth responded immediately within 2 s in 12 patients with thermal stimulus; in two patients, the left maxillary canines were not responsive. The same test done after 3 months showed, in one of the affected two patients, an immediate response was regained in the left canine.Conclusion:  The modified technique is a versatile and less time‐consuming method when compared to the conventional AMO procedures. The vitality of teeth were least affected when this technique is used and the nasal changes were also negligible.
In vitro antimicrobial effects of commercially available mouth‐wetting agents
Authors: Güneri Pelin , Alpöz Esin , Epstein Joel B. , Çankaya Hülya , Ates Mustafa 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT Products have been developed to provide palliation for persons with dry mouth. In addition to mouth‐wetting agents, some products incorporate antimicrobial constituents with the goal of improving oral microbial defenses. The aim of this in vitro study was to investigate the potential antimicrobial and antifungal effects of two commercially available saliva substitutes on Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans by using the agar‐well diffusion method. Antimicrobial activity as measured by the size of the inhibition zone growth for S. mutans and L. acidophilus was observed only with Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse® and BioXtra® gel. The zone of inhibition of Biotene Dry Mouth Oral Rinse was larger than that of BioXtra gel (p= 0.00, p < 0.01). No anticandidal effect was seen with any of the test products. The pH of the preparations, the variations between the amount of active ingredients within the products, and the potential antimicrobial effects of inactive ingredients should be investigated to determine the factors that impacted microbial inhibition.
Topical treatment for 1 week with latanoprost but not diclofenac reduces the diameter of dilated retinal arterioles in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and mild retinopathy
Authors: Tilma Kathrine Kleis , Bek Toke 
Published: July 2011

Abstract.Purpose:  Diabetic retinopathy is characterised by morphological lesions secondary to retinal vascular impairment, and it is assumed that changes in the diameter regulation of retinal arterioles are involved in the disease pathogenesis. It has previously been shown that prostaglandin F2α can constrict retinal arterioles in vitro. In the present study, we investigated whether a similar effect could be achieved by topical administration in diabetic patients with dilated retinal arterioles and retinopathy.Methods:  Twenty‐two type 1 diabetic patients with mild retinopathy and twenty‐four matched normal controls were randomized to topical treatment with the prostaglandin F2α agonist latanoprost twice daily for 1 week, followed by similar treatment with the cyclo‐oxygenase inhibitor diclofenac, or to receive the two medications in the reverse order. The Dynamic Vessel Analyzer was used to assess the effect of the interventions on the resting diameter of retinal vessels and on the diameter response of retinal arterioles to increased blood pressure (BP) induced by isometric exercise and flicker stimulation.Results:  Latanoprost reduced the resting diameter of retinal arterioles significantly in patients with diabetes (p = 0.01), but had no effect on normal persons. Diclofenac had no effect on the resting diameter of arterioles in either of the groups. The diameter responses to increased BP and flicker stimulation were not significantly changed by any of the treatments.Conclusion:  Long‐term prospective studies are needed to study the effect of topical treatment with latanoprost on the consequences of retinal hyperperfusion in retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy.
Combination Angiotensin Converting Enzyme and Direct Renin Inhibition in Heart Failure following Experimental Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Connelly K.A. , Advani A. , Advani S. , Zhang Y. , Thai K. , Thomas S. , Krum H. , Kelly D.J. , Gilbert R.E. 
Published: July 2011

SUMMARYAims: Diminishing the activity of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) plays a pivotal role in the treatment of heart failure. In addition to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor blockers, direct renin inhibition has emerged as a potential adjunctive treatment to conventional RAS blockade. We sought to determine the effectiveness of this strategy after myocardial infarction (MI) in the setting of preexisting hypertension, a common premorbid condition in patients with ischemic heart disease.Methods and Results: Ten‐week‐old female heterozygous hypertensive (mRen‐2)27 transgenic rats (Ren‐2), were randomized to one of five groups (n = 8 per group); sham, MI, MI + aliskiren, MI + lisinopril and MI + combination lisinopril and aliskiren. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography and in vivo cardiac catheterization. Untreated MI animals developed heart failure with hypotension, dilation, reduced ejection fraction (EF), and raised left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Treatment with single agent treatment had only modest effect on cardiac function though combination therapy was associated with significant improvements in EF and LVEDP when compared to untreated MI animals (P < 0.05). Histologic analysis demonstrated increase extracellular matrix deposition and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in the noninfarct region of all MI groups when compared with sham operated animals (P < 0.05) that was reduced by ACE inhibitor monotherapy and combination treatment but not by aliskiren alone.Conclusion: In a hypertensive rat model that underwent experimental MI, EF, and LVEDP, key functional indices of heart failure, were improved by treatment with combination ACE and direct renin inhibition when compared with either agent used alone.
Predictors of weight loss maintenance and attrition during a 6‐month dietary intervention period: results from the DiOGenes study
Authors: Handjieva‐Darlenska T. , Handjiev Sv. , Larsen T. M. , van Baak M. A. , Lindroos A. , Papadaki A. , Pfeiffer A. F. H. , Martinez J. A. , Kunesova M. , Holst C. , Saris W. H. M. , Astrup A. 
Published: July 2011

SummaryThere is a need to develop tools to predict individual weight loss maintenance and attrition prognosis. We aimed to identify predictors of weight loss maintenance outcome and attrition in subjects from eight European countries in the DiOGenes project. A total of 932 overweight/obese subjects (body mass index: 27–42 kg m−2) were enrolled in an 8‐week low‐calorie diet (LCD). The 776 subjects (83%) who achieved at least 8% reduction in their initial body weight were randomized into five dietary arms varying in protein content and glycemic index for a 6‐month weight maintenance period. Baseline characteristics, weight loss at weeks 1, 3 and 8 of LCD were assessed as predictors of weight loss maintenance and attrition using multivariate regression and correlation models. The multivariate model showed that the 6‐month weight loss maintenance was predicted by: 7.889 − 0.343 × weight loss at week 3 + 1.505 × weight loss at week 8 + 2.422 × gender (0 = male and 1 = female gender) (R2 = 51%, P = 0.0001). A greater weight loss at week 8 was associated with a lower attrition during the subsequent 6‐month dietary intervention period (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.88–0.97, P = 0.001). Furthermore, the men showed an increased likelihood for attrition during the dietary intervention period (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.07–2.20, P = 0.02). A greater weight loss during 8 weeks of LCD and female gender predict better 6‐month weight maintenance of weight loss, whereas the baseline characteristics did not predict outcome. Attrition could be strongly predicted by gender and weight loss during LCD.
The patterns of outpatient off-label carbamazepine use and the potential impact of regulatory labelling process in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Chi-Feng , Chang Po-Ying , Lu Pei-Yu , Huang Weng-Foung 
Published: July 2011

Abstract

Background
Carbamazepine has been associated with severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (ADR). It is important for patients with these ADRs under off-label prescriptions are not eligible for drug injury relief in Taiwan. We conducted a study to depict the demography and possible factors related to the off-label carbamazepine use in Taiwan. We also explored the policy influence of carbamazepine use.

Methods
We used the dataset of one million randomly-sampled insured persons in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for 2002 and 2006 to conduct a cross-sectional study. With the use of a computerized clinical information system, carbamazepine prescriptions were categorized into five groups (A, B, C, D and E) according to these indications: Group A, B were defined as on-label use; group C, D and E were defined as various levels of off-label use, depending on the strength of support from the literature. A logistic regression model was conducted to find the factors related to off-label use.

Results
Based on the one million representative samples, 6305 and 5703 patients received 31 146 and 27 579 carbamazepine prescriptions in 2002 and 2006 respectively. In both years, nearly 43% of total prescriptions were related to on-label uses. Prescriptions from primary clinics and departments of internal medicine and psychiatry, the physician's age, and the patient's age were factors associated with higher risk of off-label carbamazepine use.

Conclusions
Our study echoes the highly prevalent off-label use of carbamazepine in Taiwan and adds to the rare research on this subject in the East Asian population. The carbamazepine relabelling in 2004 did not change either prescription patterns or factors related to off-label use.
Tracking migratory songbirds: accuracy of light‐level loggers (geolocators) in forest habitats
Authors: Fudickar Adam M. , Wikelski Martin , Partecke Jesko 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. Tracking return migrations in songbirds has been impossible until recently when miniaturization of light‐level loggers enabled observation of the first complete round trip. Although geolocators are extensively used on animals at sea, little is known about how accurate geolocators are for tracking terrestrial or forest‐dwelling migrants.2. To test the accuracy of geolocators for tracking migratory songbirds living in forested habitat, we calibrated geolocators to a source population located in central Europe and collected location estimates based on the source population calibration from stationary geolocators deployed over an 800 km NE to SW gradient in Western Europe. Additionally, we fit non‐migratory songbirds (European blackbirds, Turdus merula) with geolocators for 12 months to compare known locations of individuals with locations estimated by geolocators.3. We found an average error ±95% CI of 201 ± 43 km in latitude for stationary geolocators in forest habitat. Longitude error was considerably lower (12 ± 03 km). The most accurate geolocator was on average 23 km off target, the worst was on average 390 km off.4. The winter latitude estimate error for geolocators deployed on sedentary birds was on average (±95% CI) 143 ± 62 km when geolocators were calibrated during the breeding season and 132 ± 75 km when they were calibrated during the winter. Longitude error for geolocators deployed on birds was on average (±95% CI) 50 ± 34 km.5. Although we found error most likely due to seasonal changes in habitat and behaviour, our results indicate that geolocators can be used to reliably track long‐distance forest‐dwelling migrants. We also found that the low degree of error for longitude estimates attained from geolocators makes this technology suitable for identifying relatively short‐distance movements in longitude.