bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of association between HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 alleles and the development of SARS: a cohort of 95 SARS‐recovered individuals in a population of Guangdong, southern China
Authors: Xiong P. , Zeng X. , Song M. S. , Jia S. W. , Zhong M. H. , Xiao L. L. , Lan W. , Cai C. , Wu X. W. , Gong F. L. , Wang W. 
Published: September 2010

SummarySevere acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), caused by infection with a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV), was the first major novel infectious disease at the beginning of the 21st century, with China especially affected. SARS was characterized by high infectivity, morbidity and mortality, and the confined pattern of the disease spreading among the countries of South‐East and East Asia suggested the existence of susceptible factor(s) in these populations. Studies in the populations of Hong Kong and Taiwan showed an association of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms with the development and/or severity of SARS, respectively. The aim of the present study was to define the genotypic patterns of HLA‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 loci in SARS patients and a co‐resident population of Guangdong province, southern China, where the first SARS case was reported. The samples comprised 95 cases of recovered SARS patients and 403 unrelated healthy controls. HLA ‐A, ‐B and ‐DRB1 alleles were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. The severity of the disease was assessed according to the history of lung infiltration, usage of assisted ventilation and occurrence of lymphocytopenia. Although the allelic frequencies of A23, A34, B60, DRB1*12 in the SARS group were slightly higher, and A33, ‐B58 and ‐B61 were lower than in the controls, no statistical significance was found when the Pc value was considered. Similarly, no association of HLA alleles with the severity of the disease was detected. Thus, variations in the major histocompatibility complex are unlikely to have contributed significantly to either the susceptibility or the severity of SARS in the population of Guangdong.
Perceptions of food hygiene risk in a group of Tamil food handlers living in the UK
Authors: Howard Michael , Wignarajah Keerthana 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIn this study, two groups of people were asked about their perceptions of the public health risks associated with poor food hygiene practices. One group consisted of commercial food handlers (n = 60) who had undergone food hygiene training; the other group consisted of people (n = 60) who only handled food at home. Data were gathered using a self‐completed questionnaire based upon those parameters commonly believed to determine public perceptions of risk. It was found that general awareness of the risk of food‐borne disease was elevated in the commercial food handlers and optimistic bias was reduced. These two factors might be expected to militate towards positive food hygiene behaviour. However, the respondents also reported a marked increase in their perception of the degree of control available concerning their vulnerability and the vulnerability of others to food‐borne disease. This increase in perceived control would be expected to reduce their overall perception of the importance of the risk of food‐borne disease. The relevance of the two potentially conflicting outcomes of training, described previously, is discussed.
DISSOLVING STOCK DISCRETENESS WITH SATELLITE TRACKING: BOWHEAD WHALES IN BAFFIN BAY
Authors: Heide‐JØrgensen M. P. , Laidre K. L. , Jensen M. V. , Dueck L. , Postma L. D. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNine bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) were instrumented with satellite transmitters in West Greenland in May 2002 and 2003. Transmitters were either encased in steel cans or imbedded in floats attached to wires. Transmitters mounted in steel cans had a high initial failure rate, yet those that were successful provided tracking durations up to seven months. Float tags had a low initial failure rate and initially provided large numbers of positions; however, they had deployment durations of only 2–33 d. All tracked whales departed from West Greenland and headed northwest towards Lancaster Sound in the end of May. Three tags with long tracking durations (197–217 d) recorded movements of whales (1 ♂, 2 ♀) into December in 2002 and 2003. All of these individuals remained within the Canadian High Arctic or along the east coast of Baffin Island in summer and early fall. By the end of October, all three whales moved rapidly south along the east coast of Baffin Island and entered Hudson Strait, an apparent wintering ground for the population. One of the whales did not visit Isabella Bay on east Baffin Island, the locality used for abundance estimation from photographic reidentification of individuals. The movements of whales tagged in this study raise critical questions about the assumed stock discreteness of bowhead whales in Foxe Basin, Hudson Strait, and Davis Strait and indicate current estimates of abundance are negatively biased.
DIETARY AND SEASONAL INFLUENCES ON BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND HEMATOLOGY IN CAPTIVE HARBOR SEALS
Authors: Trumble Stephen J. , Castellini Michael A. , Mau Tamara L. , Castellini Judith M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIt has become increasingly important to understand the relationship between dietary intake and blood chemistry and hematological profiles in pinniped populations, especially where nutritional stress has been implicated in population declines. Blood chemistry and hematology reference ranges have been commonly reported for both free‐ranging and captive harbor seals, but seasonal and dietary fluctuations are limited to only a few studies. We quantified changes in plasma metabolites and hematology values in captive harbor seals on different diets over two years. Of 29 blood chemistry and hematology variables examined in captive harbor seals, ALT, AST, GGT, creatinine, and BUN:creatinine were influenced by diet. BUN, Na+, Cl−, Hct, and Hb were influenced by season. Diet did not affect hematology variables. While these data were collected on captive animals, we assume seasonal and dietary influences would be comparable in free‐ranging seals. According to this study, controlling for season during sampling becomes important when assessing blood chemistry values as an index of foraging status or health.
Molecular Epidemiology of Microorganisms Isolated from Food Workers and Enteral Feeding of Public Hospitals
Authors: Borges Liana J. , Campos Maria Raquel H. , Cardoso Juliana L. , André Maria Cláudia D.P.B. , Serafini Álvaro B. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  This study aimed to compare strains of Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli isolated from food workers and enteral diet samples obtained from 2 public hospitals (H1/H2) in Goiania, Goias, Brazil, by the means of antibiogram and pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). In the H1, strains of S. aureus were present in 2 enteral diet samples and in 13 food worker swabs. Strains of E. coli were found in an enteral diet sample from H1 and in 2 enteral diet samples from H2 and in 6 food worker swabs in the H1 and in 12 food worker swabs from H2. According to the antibiogram, the 6 susceptibility profiles (A to F) of 15 S. aureus strains colonizing personnel and enteral feeding did not allow the identification of the probable source of diet contamination. All 20 E. coli strains isolated from the H1 and H2 were grouped in 4 phenotypic profiles (A to D). The phenotypes A (H1) and C (H2) showed the same profile for microorganisms isolated from handlers and diets, suggesting more phenotypic similarity among these samples. PFGE genotyping showed that S. aureus isolates from diets were related to a single strain isolated from a food worker suggesting that in this case the reason for the diet contamination may be a result of food handling. The food worker appears to be the most probable source of E. coli contamination for enteral feeding from H2. This fact emphasizes on the food workers as a risk of bacterial transmission for the diets and that the diet chain production must be controlled.Practical Application:  The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring the enteral diet microbiological quality and the factors associated to its contamination. The study highlights the use of molecular biology as an instrument to correlate strains to determine the origin of the final product contamination.
Microscopic Quantification of Cell Integrity in Raw and Processed Onion Parenchyma Cells
Authors: Gonzalez M.E. , Jernstedt J.A. , Slaughter D.C. , Barrett D.M. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  A cell viability assessment method based computer vision analysis of the uptake of neutral red dye was used to quantify cell membrane integrity in raw and processed parenchyma cells of onion tissues. The presence of stained vacuoles was used as an indicator of tonoplast membrane integrity and photomicrographs were acquired for microscopic image analysis and cell integrity quantification. Two different image analysis methods, involving the analysis of the saturation and green components of RGB (red, green, blue) images, were compared to the conventional cell count method. Use of the saturation component of RGB images allowed for the visualization and quantification of viable and inviable cells as well as extracellular air spaces. The combination of neutral red uptake, as visualization by light field microscopy, and saturation image analysis, allowed for quantitative determination of the effects of high pressure processing on onion cell integrity.Practical Application:  Preservation of vegetable tissues may involve heating or other methods that result in the loss of tissue integrity and potentially quality deterioration. In this study, we stained unprocessed and processed onion tissues with neutral red dye and then used a microscope and a computer imaging program to quantify how many cells were intact or ruptured.
Effect of Organic Poultry Purchase Frequency on Consumer Attitudes Toward Organic Poultry Meat
Authors: Van Loo Ellen , Caputo Vincenzina , Nayga, Jr. Rodolfo M. , Meullenet Jean‐Francois , Crandall Philip G. , Ricke Steven C. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  Because of the growing consumers' interest in organic meat, consumers’ (N= 976) attitude toward organic meat was evaluated. Most respondents (59%) occasionally purchased organic chicken. To determine the organic chicken consumer profile, the organic chicken consumption frequencies of different demographic groups were compared. The results show dependence on age (P= 0.039) and ethnicity (P= 0.015). Older respondents as well as respondents who identified themselves as Caucasians tended to buy organic chicken more frequently. However, many other socio‐demographic factors were not correlated with organic chicken consumption: gender (P= 0.185), education (P= 0.235), household income (0.867), living with partner or not (P= 0.235), and number of children (P= 0.883). Taste was identified as the most important meat quality attribute (perceived as [very] important by 94% of the respondents). Other important meat quality criteria were: general appearance, overall health, price, nutritional value, and containing no medical residues. “Organically produced” appeared to not be that important compared with other criteria. When respondents bought organic chicken more often, the importance of most of the meat quality attributes shifted to higher levels of importance, except for the price where an adverse effect was shown. The main motivation factors to buy organic chicken were the perception that organic chicken has fewer residues (pesticides, hormones, antibiotics), is safer, and healthier. The high price for organic meats was the strongest limiting factor for organic meat purchases followed by poor availability. Approximately 41% of the non‐buyers and 30% of the occasional buyers perceived organic meat as not or hardly likely to be available in their supermarket.Practical Application:  This study obtained a better knowledge of consumers' attitudes and perception of organic chicken as well as the effect of various demographics on the likelihood of buying organic chicken. For marketing purposes of organic meats, it helps to know which attributes consumers perceive as important, where the consumer purchases organic chicken, and what the perceived availability of organic chicken is. Additionally, the motivation and deterrent factors are described indicating why the consumer does or does not purchase organic chicken. This information can be valuable to help promoting organic meats to the consumers.
Les enseignements tirés de l'expérience politique de l'étranger en matière de réforme des systèmes de santé: le cas des groupes homogènes de malades
Authors: Schmid Achim , Götze Ralf 
Published: September 2010

RésuméL'observation des différentes convergences en matière de politiques et de la diffusion transnationale des idées, des connaissances et des politiques conduit à se poser des questions quant à la façon dont les pays peuvent tirer parti de ce qui se fait à l'étranger. Nous examinerons dans cet article le rôle des enseignements tirés de l'expérience étrangère en ce qui concerne les groupes homogènes de malades (GHM). Nous étudierons le champ d'application de cet instrument politique et nous analyserons sa mise en œuvre dans trois pays qui l'ont récemment adopté: l'Allemagne, la Suisse et les Pays‐Bas. Ces trois cas montrent que l'application des GHM a nécessité des études approfondies, une coopération avec les parties prenantes et un ajustement aux besoins spécifiques de chacun des pays concernés. Les pays ont tiré des enseignements de l'expérience étrangère, mais ce n'est qu'après l'instauration d'un cadre réglementaire pour la concurrence entre les caisses maladie que les GHM peuvent vraiment commencer à bénéficier d'une certaine attention au niveau politique. Alors que l'Allemagne et la Suisse se sont inspirées de modèles de GHM étrangers, les Pays‐Bas ont mis au point un système différent de classification des patients en fonction de la répartition des cas traités.
Charges for Oral Health Care During a Period of Economic Growth in the US: 1987‐96
Authors: Chattopadhyay Amit , Slade Gary D. , Shugars Daniel A. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract Objectives: This study aimed to provide estimates of amounts charged for dental care during 1996 for the US adult population and its major sociodemographic subgroups, and to evaluate whether charges had increased since 1987. Methods: We used data from the 1996 Medical Expenditures Panel Survey and report results for 12,931 adults aged 19‐64 years. For comparison with previously published charges, we converted 1987 charges to their 1996 “constant dollar” value to control for inflation. Data were analyzed using SUDAAN and the results can be generalized to the US adult population. Results: In 1996, 43.) percent (95% CI=42.7%, 44.6%) of the US population incurred dental cart charges, which did not differ significantly from the 1987 estimate of 44.5 percent In 1996, mean per capita charge for dental care was $182 (95% CI=$171, $192) which did not differ significantly from the inflation‐adjusted 1987 estimate of $174 The average charge per patient who incurred charges in 1996 was $416 (95/, CI=$394, $438), which was only 7 percent greater than the inflation‐adjusted 1987 estimate of $389 (P=.08). Sociodemographic variations were observed in per capita charges, but were less apparent in mean charge per patient who incurred charges. Conclusions: During a period when economic growth and other market forces were expected to increase delivery of dental services, there was little or no change in percentage of US adults incurring charges or in mean per capita charges. The booming US economy did not raise dental charges significantly and did not increase utilization of dental care services.
Oral Cancer Examinations Among Adults at High Risk: Findings from the 1998 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Macek Mark D. , Reid Britt C. , Yellowitz Janet A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjectives: Cigarette smoking and alcohol use are risk factors for oral and pharyngeal cancer. Recommendations for periodic oral cancer examinations highlight the importance of examining high‐risk smokers and alcohol users. This investigation assessed whether cigarette smoking and alcohol use were associated with receipt of an oral cancer examination. Methods: The cross‐sectional 1998 National Health Interview Survey was used. Covariates included age, sex, race/ethnicity, poverty status, and geographic region. Weighted bivariate and multivariate analyses were stratified by dentition status and limited to adults aged >40years. Results: Regardless of dentition status, current smokers werenomore likely to have received an examination than were never smokers. The associations between alcohol use and receipt of an examination were mixed, and were generally more favorable among those who had a dental visit in the last year. Dentate current and former alcohol users were more likely than abstainers to have received an examination. There was no statistically significant association between alcohol use and receipt of an oral cancer examination among edentulous adults. Conclusions: Practitioners should improve the provision rates of oral cancer examinations in accordance with published guidelines, especially among current smokers and edentulous alcohol users who have not been to the dentist in the last year. Recommendations for improvement are presented.
Enamel Fluorosis Prevalence after a 7‐year Interruption in Water Fluoridation in Jaú, São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Buzalaf Manila A. R. , de Almeida Beatriz S. , Olympic Kelly P. K. , Cardoso Vanessa E. da S. , Peres Sílvia H. de C. S. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT Objectives: This paper analyzes the impact of a 7‐year interruption in water fluoridation on the prevalence of enamel fluorosis in Jaú, state of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods: Fluorosis prevalence (TF index) was evaluated in permanent maxillary central incisors of children (9–14 years old) that were 36 (n=81; cohort ‐36), 27 (n=81; cohort ‐27), and 18 months old (± 1 month; n=89; cohort—18) in October 1991, when the break started, and 18 months old (± 1 month; n=70; cohort 18) after that date. Children brushed their teeth prior to examination, which was conducted under natural light by three calibrated examiners (agreement 87.8–93.8%, kappa 0.72–0.85). Results: The fluorosis prevalence (TF≥1) was 7.41 percent, 3.70 percent, 7.87 percent, and 18.57 percent, respectively, for cohorts ‐36, ‐27, ‐18, and 18. The difference between cohort 18 and the other groups was statistically significant (Kruskall‐Wallis test, P=.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that the fluoridated water is not an important risk factor for enamel fluorosis, since the prevalence of enamel fluorosis was low in the cohorts ‐36, ‐27, and ‐18 when fluoridated water was used. [J Public Health Dent 2004;64(4):205–8].
Past and Present Geographic Location as Oral Health Markers Among Older Adults
Authors: Adut Rina , Mann Jonathan , Sgan‐Cohen Harold D. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study evaluated the association between oral health status of community‐dwelling elderly adults visiting day health centers in Israel and geographic living location. Methods: Oral status was assessed through clinical examination, with additional data obtained using a questionnaire addressing demographic characteristics, dental utilization, and perceived oral health needs. Results: A representative sample of 338 subjects was examined. Fifty‐four percent of the sample was edentulous. Higher rates of edentulism were found among subjects living in urban areas compared to subjects living in rural areas (P <.01). More edentate subjects were found among European immigrants than among immigrants from North Africa or subjects born in Israel (P <.01). Among dentate subjects, the mean number of remaining teeth was 10.4. The mean periodontal loss of attachment was 5.8 mm. Less than 10 percent had mean attachment loss < 4 mm. Among subjects living in rural areas, mean attachment loss was higher than among those living in urban areas (P /.05). The mean DF score was 1.9. Forty‐seven percent had at least one tooth with untreated caries. Subjects living in urban areas tended to utilize dental services more than subjects living in rural areas (P <.01). Conclusion: Results indicate that present (urban or rural) and past (country of origin) geographic location represented a significant oral health risk marker. The implementation of a comprehensive program for this target population was clearly indicated.
Deposition of Potash‐Magnesium Salts in the Qarhan Playa, Qaidam Basin
Authors: Bihao Wu , Zhenghao Duan , Yuhua Guan , Wei Lian 
Published: September 2010

Abstract The Qarhan potash‐magnesium salt deposit, which consists from east to west of four playa districts, namely Huobuxun, Qarhan, Dabuxun and Bieletan, may be divided from bottom to top into three salt beds (S1 S2 and S3), with potash salts mainly occurring in S3 The paper lays emphasis on the evolutionary history of the deposition of Salt Bed S3 and the modes of formation of potash salts in the Qarhan playa.The analysis of the data obtained from more than 170 boreholes and the geochemical studies on bromine, magnesium and calcium reveal the existence of four concentration stages and three dilution stages during the formation of the Upper Salt Bed S3. In the process of concentration, evaporation of brine and precipitation of salt minerals dominated, which obeyed the regularity indicated by the phase diagram of the quaternary system Mg‐Na‐K/Cl−H2O. In the dilution stages, however, mixing of brines, dissolution of salts (especially the playa) and mechanical clastic deposition played the leading role. The prerequisite for mixing in the Qarhan salt deposit lies in that chloride type brine of the northeastern part coexists with magnesium sulfate type brine of the southwestern part in the same salt lake. The appearance of bassanite has verified the process of mixing. The dissolution refers to the partial dissolution of the salt beds originally deposited. Particularly in the last dilution process, approximately 200 km2 of the playa north of the Tuanjie Lake had been dissolved before a new‐born lake took form.Solid potash salts were formed in three ways: (1) The surficial brine of the Dabuxun lake coexistent with the playa had an intercompensational relationship with the intercrystalline brine in the playa. As a result, K+ ions were collected into the lake, and layered carnallite precipitated from lake brine during the seasons of evaporation, which was accelerated by the action of wind. (2) Disseminated potash‐magnesium salts were formed by further concentration of intercrystalline brine. (3) Dissolution and reformation of the playa resulted in the formation of a new‐born salt lake, in the drying of which brine collected the potash‐magnesium salts originally dispersed over the playa into local low‐lying areas, forming finally stratoid potash‐magnesium salts.