bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PROCESSING OF PEACH NECTAR BY PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS WITH RESPECT TO PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND MICROBIAL INACTIVATION
Authors: ALTUNTAŞ JULIDE , AKDEMIR EVRENDILEK GULSUN , SANGUN MUSTAFA K. , ZHANG HOWARD Q. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTApplicability of pulsed electric fields (PEFs) to process peach nectar as a function of electric field strength and treatment time with respect to microbial inactivation and measurement of physical and chemical properties of peach nectar was evaluated. No significant difference was detected in terms of pH, °Brix, titration acidity (TA), conductivity, color (L*, a* and b*), nonenzymatic browning index (NBI), metal ion concentration, ascorbic acid content and beta carotene concentration between control and PEF‐treated peach nectar samples (P > 0.05). On the other hand, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Erwinia carotowora, Pseudomonas syringae, Botrytis cinerea and Penicillum expansum were significantly inactivated (P ≤ 0.05). PEF can successfully be applied to peach nectar with significant amount of microbial inactivation without a significant adverse effect on physical and chemical properties.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSPulsed electric field (PEF) processing, considered a novel technology, posses a significant potential to achieve nonthermal (cold) pasteurization and/or sterilization of liquid materials, especially fruit juices. This study was performed to determine potential use of PEF to process peach nectar based on the measurement of changes in physical and chemical properties as well as in microbial inactivation. PEF processing significantly inactivated inoculated microorganisms without adverse effects on both physical and chemical properties. Based on the results, it can be concluded that PEF technology can successfully be applied pasteurization of peach nectar.
Economic analysis model for inpatient parenteral nutrition: A pilot study
Authors: POOLE Rosalind , GILLANDERS Lyn , PLANK Lindsay , MCILROY Kerry , DAVOREN Hugh , PARRY Bryan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim:  Parenteral nutrition is a high‐cost but essential support service in contemporary health care, yet no model exists to determine the total cost. This study aimed to create a cost analysis model identifying both direct and indirect costs of parenteral nutrition inpatient care.Methods:  A health economics analysis model was constructed and used to create an audit tool for measuring parenteral nutrition costs in seven predefined categories. This tool was piloted on a cohort of 21 consecutive patients commencing parenteral nutrition at a large city hospital between March and April 2008. These patients were prospectively audited for a maximum 12 days or until parenteral nutrition cessation (192 patient days). Costs and adherence to evidence‐based guidelines were compared across the seven categories and between patient subgroups determined by ward locality upon commencement.Results:  The mean total cost for all parenteral nutrition patients was $1579(NZD)/day, of which non‐parenteral hospital costs comprised 85%. For patients treated solely outside the intensive care unit, cost was $1045 per day, of which 24% was directly attributed to provision of parenteral nutrition. Formula accounted for nearly two‐thirds (63%) of parenteral nutrition direct costs and 8.5% of that prescribed was wasted. Return to oral or enteral nutrition was achieved in 57% patients within 12 days of commencing parenteral nutrition.Conclusions:  Direct costs involved in providing parenteral nutrition appear to be less than previously reported, and represent a relatively small proportion of the total cost of care. This cost category analysis may have application in measuring and comparing parenteral nutrition service delivery in other institutions.
Assessment of typical food portion sizes consumed among Australian adults
Authors: RANGAN Anna M. , SCHINDELER Suzanne , HECTOR Debra J. , GILL Tim P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim: To document the typical portion sizes of commonly consumed foods as reported by adults in the 1995 National Nutrition Survey, and to compare these data with existing information on serving sizes used in Australia.Methods: Portion sizes of foods were defined as total amounts of food consumed per eating occasion, using estimated food portion weight data from the 1995 National Nutrition Survey. Age‐ and sex‐specific median (typical) and interquartile ranges were produced for the most commonly consumed foods for Australian adults. These were compared with other data on weighed food records, sample servings as used in the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating and ‘unspecified’ serves as used in nutritional analysis software.Results: Typical portion sizes for many commonly consumed foods varied significantly by age and sex of the consumer, with larger portion sizes being consumed by men, and by younger adults. Portion size differences between sex were not consistent across food types; therefore, a fixed ratio cannot be applied to all food types. Typical portion sizes estimated from the National Nutrition Survey were similar to median portion sizes obtained from weighed food records for many foods but were not similar to the generic sample servings and ‘unspecified’ serves.Conclusions: The significant age and sex differences in portion sizes consumed indicate the need for age‐ and sex‐specific portion sizes in dietary analysis. Portion size research has particular relevance to the current revision of the dietary guidelines, core food groups and the development of a new food guide in Australia.
Dietary guidance for older Australians
Authors: TRUSWELL A. Stewart 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAim:  This paper reviews the literature on dietary guidance for older Australians.Methods:  The components of the 1999 National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians are reviewed in conjunction with the current literature.Results:  Advice on a healthy diet for older people from different professionals can sometimes seem to be looking in opposite directions in terms of amount and types of food to recommend. Appropriate nutritional guidance should be determined by the stage of ageing, not by chronological age. For those in the third age—older but still active—advice should be somewhat modified from the dietary guidelines for younger adults. For example, maintaining muscles and bones become more important than keeping a low body mass index.Conclusions:  The 1999 National Health and Medical Research Council Dietary Guidelines for Older Australians provide a sensible framework for considering recent evidence. In old people who are frail and losing weight, the ‘fourth age’, our main concern should be to prevent (further) malnutrition. The popular dietary rules of low calories, sugar, fat and salt no longer apply.
The Controversy Over Natural Channel Design: Substantive Explanations and Potential Avenues for Resolution1
Authors: Lave Rebecca 
Published: December 2009

Lave, Rebecca, 2009. The Controversy Over Natural Channel Design: Substantive Explanations and Potential Avenues for Resolution.Journal of the American Water Resources Association(JAWRA) 45(6):1519‐1532.Abstract: The controversy over Natural Channel Design (NCD) has perplexed, and sometimes paralyzed, the stream restoration community in the United States for more than a decade. Despite the high level of energy expended by participants on both sides, the content of the discussion has not advanced significantly. The two sides seem to be talking past each other, rather than engaging in constructive conversation. This paper attempts to start that conversation. Based on five years of primarily social science research, this paper explains the key components of the NCD approach, evaluates a number of the most common objections raised by its critics, offers a brief explanation for the widespread use of NCD, and concludes with suggestions about how to bring the controversy to a close.
North Africa and Europe: energy partnership
Authors: Bahgat Gawdat 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe European Union (EU) is heavily dependent on Russia to meet its vast and growing demand for oil and gas supplies. In the last several years, because of disagreements between Russia and Ukraine, natural gas supplies to Europe had been interrupted. This interruption has highlighted the EU's over‐dependence on its large neighbour. Given Russia's massive hydrocarbon resources and geographical proximity, the EU–Russia interdependence is likely to endure for many years. Still, in order to reduce Brussels' energy vulnerability, the EU has sought to initiate and consolidate cooperation with major oil‐ and gas‐producing regions. This paper examines the emerging energy partnership between the EU and North Africa (Algeria, Egypt and Libya). The growing cooperation between the two sides is likely to improve Europe's energy security.
Theoretical explanations for asymmetric relationships between gasoline and crude oil prices with focus on the US market
Authors: Honarvar Afshin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAsymmetric movements of gasoline and crude oil prices have been the focus of many studies since 1990s. Recent volatile crude oil prices in the global market have reignited interest in the link between gasoline and crude oil prices. Asymmetry between gasoline and crude oil prices is defined as the process of non‐symmetric response of gasoline prices to changes in crude oil prices. This study presents a survey of papers which address various aspects and explanations of asymmetry between gasoline and crude oil prices. The studies in this literature cover different stages of the market between retail gasoline and crude oil. Although the different studies employ different methodologies to uncover asymmetry, the reliability of some of the methods has been questioned. Several explanations are offered for asymmetry like retailer's market power, asymmetric role of inventories, consumer search costs and so on. With the exception of market power explanation, the explanations are compatible with competitive market hypothesis. The review, highlights inconsistencies between economic theories and employed models, and identifies importance of distinguishing between margin and pass‐through rate in future investigation.
Seroprevalences to Viral Pathogens in Free-Ranging and Captive Cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) on Namibian Farmland
Authors: Thalwitzer Susanne , Wachter Bettina , Robert Nadia , Wibbelt Gudrun , Müller Thomas , Lonzer Johann , Meli Marina L. , Bay Gert , Hofer Heribert , Lutz Hans 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTCheetah populations are diminishing rapidly in their natural habitat. One reason for their decline is thought to be a high susceptibility to (infectious) diseases because cheetahs in zoos suffer from high disease-induced mortality. Data on the health status of free-ranging cheetahs are scarce, and little is known about their exposure and susceptibility to infectious diseases. We determined seroprevalences to nine key viruses (feline herpesvirus 1, feline calicivirus, feline parvovirus, feline coronavirus, canine distemper virus, feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV], puma lentivirus, feline leukemia virus, and rabies virus) in 68 free-ranging cheetahs on east-central Namibian farmland, 24 nonvaccinated Namibian captive cheetahs, and several other wild carnivore species and conducted necropsies of cheetahs and other wild carnivores. Eight of 11 other wild carnivores were seropositive for at least one of the viruses, including the first record of an FIV-like infection in a wild felid west of the Kalahari, the caracal (Felis caracal). Seroprevalences of the free-ranging cheetahs were below 5% for all nine viruses, which is significantly lower than seroprevalences in nonvaccinated captive cheetahs and those for five of seven viruses in previously studied free-ranging cheetahs from north-central Namibia (L. Munson, L. Marker, E. Dubovi, J. A. Spencer, J. F. Evermann, and S. J. O'Brien, J. Wildl. Dis.40:23-31, 2004). There was no clinical or pathological evidence of infectious diseases in living or dead cheetahs. The results suggest that while free-ranging wild carnivores may be a source of pathogens, the distribution of seroprevalences across studies mirrored local human population density and factors associated with human habitation, probably reflecting contact opportunities with (nonvaccinated) domestic and feral cats and dogs. They also suggest that Namibian cheetahs respond effectively to viral challenges, encouraging consistent and sustainable conservation efforts.
Effector Functions of Camelid Heavy-Chain Antibodies in Immunity to West Nile Virus
Authors: Daley L. P. , Kutzler M. A. , Bennett B. W. , Smith M. C. , Glaser A. L. , Appleton J. A. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThree classes of IgG have been described for camelids. IgG1 has a conventional four-chain structure, while IgG2 and IgG3 do not incorporate light chains. The structures and antigen-binding affinities of the so-called heavy-chain classes have been studied in detail; however, their regulation and effector functions are largely undefined. The aim of this study was to examine the participation of conventional and heavy-chain IgG antibodies in the camelid immune defense directed against West Nile virus (WNV). We found that natural infection or vaccination with killed WNV induced IgG1 and IgG3. Vaccination also induced IgG1 and IgG3; IgG2 was produced during the anamnestic response to vaccination. When purified IgGs were tested in plaque-reduction neutralization titer (PRNT) tests, IgG3 demonstrated PRNT activities comparable to those of conventional IgG1. In contrast, IgG2 demonstrated only suboptimal activity at the highest concentrations tested. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that macrophages bound IgG1, IgG2, and IgG3. Furthermore, subneutralizing concentrations of all three isotypes enhanced WNV infection of cultured macrophages. Our results document distinctions in regulation and function between camelid heavy-chain isotypes. The reduced size and distinct structure of IgG3 did not negatively impact its capacity to neutralize virus. In contrast, IgG2 appeared to be less efficient in neutralization. This information advances our understanding of these unusual antibodies in ways that can be applied in the development of effective vaccines for camelids.
Multilocus Sequence Analysis for Typing
Leptospira interrogans
and
Leptospira kirschneri
Authors: Leon Albertine , Pronost Stéphane , Fortier Guillaume , Andre-Fontaine Geneviève , Leclercq Roland 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Fifty-three strains belonging to the pathogenic species
Leptospira interrogans
and
Leptospira kirschneri
were analyzed by multilocus sequence analysis. The species formed two distinct branches. In the
L. interrogans
branch, the phylogenetic tree clustered the strains into three subgroups. Genogroups and serogroups were superimposed but not strictly.
Emergence of a New Multidrug-Resistant Serotype X Variant in an Epidemic Clone of
Shigella flexneri
Authors: Ye Changyun , Lan Ruiting , Xia Shengli , Zhang Jin , Sun Qiangzheng , Zhang Shaomin , Jing Huaiqi , Wang Lei , Li Zhenjun , Zhou Zhemin , Zhao Ailan , Cui Zhigang , Cao Jingjing , Jin Dong , Huang Lili , Wang Yiting , Luo Xia , Bai Xuemei , Wang Yan , Wang Ping , Xu Qiang , Xu Jianguo 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Shigella
spp. are the causative agent of shigellosis with
S
higella flexneri
serotype 2a being the most prevalent in developing countries. Epidemiological surveillance in China found that a new serotype of
S. flexneri
appeared in 2001 and replaced serotype 2a in 2003 as the most prevalent serotype in Henan Province. The new serotype also became the dominant serotype in 7 of the 10 other provinces under surveillance in China by 2007. The serotype was identified as a variant of serotype X. It differs from serotype X by agglutination to the monovalent anti-IV type antiserum and the group antigen-specific monoclonal antibody MASF IV-I. Genome sequencing of a serotype X variant isolate, 2002017, showed that it acquired a
Shigella
serotype conversion island, also as an SfX bacteriophage, containing
gtr
genes for type X-specific glucosylation. Multilocus sequence typing of 15 genes from 37 serotype X variant isolates and 69 isolates of eight other serotypes, 1a, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5b, X, and Y, found that all belong to a new sequence type (ST), ST91. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed 154 pulse types with 655
S. flexneri
isolates analyzed and identified 57 serotype switching events. The data suggest that
S. flexneri
epidemics in China have been caused by a single epidemic clone, ST91, with frequent serotype switching to evade infection-induced immunity to serotypes to which the population was exposed previously. The clone has also acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. These findings underscore the challenges to the current vaccine development and control strategies for shigellosis.
Identification of a New Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Strain That Cannot Be Assigned to Any Known
spa
Type
Authors: Reischauer Maria , Bernkopf Marie , Webersinke Christine 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

spa
typing is a method used in molecular typing of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA). Due to the lack of an amplification product in one of 55 MRSA cases, a new PCR setup, which allows an indicative description of a previously unknown type, was performed.
Clinical and Microbial Characteristics of Invasive
Streptococcus pyogenes
Disease in New Caledonia, a Region in Oceania with a High Incidence of Acute Rheumatic Fever
Authors: Le Hello S. , Doloy A. , Baumann F. , Roques N. , Coudene P. , Rouchon B. , Lacassin F. , Bouvet A. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

New Caledonia is an archipelago in the South Pacific with a high prevalence of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Conducted in 2006, this study aimed at characterizing clinical manifestations and microbial features of isolates obtained from invasive
Streptococcus pyogenes
disease. Clinical and demographic data were collected prospectively. Isolates were biotyped, T typed,
emm
sequenced, and tested for antibiotic susceptibility. Detection of the
speA
,
speB
,
speC
, and
ssa
genes was also carried out. The estimated annual incidence of invasive
S. pyogenes
disease in 2006 was high at 38 cases/100,000 inhabitants in New Caledonia. Invasive isolates were obtained from 90 patients with necrotizing fasciitis (41 cases), bacteremia with no identified focus (12 cases), myositis (10 cases), septic arthritis (9 cases), erysipelas (8 cases), postpartum infection (4 cases), myelitis and osteomyelitis (3 cases), severe pneumonia (2 cases), and endocarditis (1 case). The most frequent associated comorbidities were skin lesions (71%) and obesity (29%). Thirty-one different
emm
types were identified, and the following six accounted for 54% of the isolates:
emm
15 (15.5%),
emm
92 (12.2%),
emm
106 (8.9%),
emm
74 (6.7%),
emm
89 (5.6%), and
emm
109 (5.6%). The
speA
,
speC
, and
ssa
genes were expressed at different frequencies in the various
emm
types. The first epidemiological study of invasive
S
.
pyogenes
disease in New Caledonia highlights that
emm
type distribution is particular and should be taken into account in the development of an appropriate vaccine. These findings support the prevention of pyoderma and other cutaneous lesions in order to limit the development of both invasive disease and poststreptococcal sequelae in the South Pacific.
Rapid Identification of Bacteria in Positive Blood Culture Broths by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Stevenson Lindsay G. , Drake Steven K. , Murray Patrick R. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry is a rapid, accurate method for identifying bacteria and fungi recovered on agar culture media. We report herein a method for the direct identification of bacteria in positive blood culture broths by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. A total of 212 positive cultures were examined, representing 32 genera and 60 species or groups. The identification of bacterial isolates by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was compared with biochemical testing, and discrepancies were resolved by gene sequencing. No identification (spectral score of <1.7) was obtained for 42 (19.8%) of the isolates, due most commonly to insufficient numbers of bacteria in the blood culture broth. Of the bacteria with a spectral score of ≥1.7, 162 (95.3%) of 170 isolates were correctly identified. All 8 isolates of
Streptococcus mitis
were misidentified as being
Streptococcus pneumoniae
isolates. This method provides a rapid, accurate, definitive identification of bacteria within 1 h of detection in positive blood cultures with the caveat that the identification of
S. pneumoniae
would have to be confirmed by an alternative test.
Depletion of Virion-Associated Divalent Cations Induces Parvovirus Minute Virus of Mice To Eject Its Genome in a 3′-to-5′ Direction from an Otherwise Intact Viral Particle
Authors: Cotmore Susan F. , Hafenstein Susan , Tattersall Peter 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACT

We describe a structural rearrangement that can occur in parvovirus minute virus of mice (MVMp) virions following prolonged exposure to buffers containing 0.5 mM EDTA. Such particles remain stable at 4°C but undergo a conformational shift upon heating to 37°C at pH 7.2 that leads to the ejection of much of the viral genome in a 3′-to-5′ direction, leaving the DNA tightly associated with the otherwise intact capsid. This rearrangement can be prevented by the addition of 1 mM CaCl
2
or MgCl
2
prior to incubation at 37°C, suggesting that readily accessible divalent cation binding sites in the particle are critical for genome retention. Uncoating was not seen following the incubation of virions at pH 5.5 and 37°C or at pH 7.2 and 37°C in particles with subgenomic DNA, suggesting that pressure exerted by the full-length genome may influence this process. Uncoated genomes support complementary-strand synthesis by T7 DNA polymerase, but synthesis aborts upstream of the right-hand end, which remains capsid associated. We conclude that viral genomes are positioned so that their 3′ termini and coding sequences can be released from intact particles at physiological temperatures by a limited conformational rearrangement. In the presence of divalent cations, incremental heating between 45°C and 65°C induces structural transitions that first lead to the extrusion of VP1 N termini, followed by genome exposure. However, in cation-depleted virions, the sequence of these shifts is blurred. Moreover, cation-depleted particles that have been induced to eject their genomes at 37°C continue to sequester their VP1 N termini within the intact capsid, suggesting that these two extrusion events represent separable processes.