bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microalgal and cyanobacterial cell extracts for use as natural antibacterial additives against food pathogens
Authors: Catarina Guedes Ana , Barbosa Catarina R. , Amaro Helena M. , Pereira Cláudia I. , Xavier Malcata Francisco 
Published: March 2011

SummaryIntra‐ and extracellular extracts of thirteen cyanobacteria and twelve microalgae were screened for their activity against a few of the most relevant food‐borne pathogens – viz. Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Strain M2‐1 of Scenedesmus obliquus was the microalga that exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, except against Salmonella sp. Although cyanobacteria possessed in general wider antibacterial spectra than microalgae, the former have also been associated with toxin production – and may thus be less useful in food formulation. Nostoc sp. was particularly effective against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, whereas Gloeothece sp. stood out because of its capacity to inhibit all food pathogens tested. Typically, the intracellular extracts were more powerful than their extracellular counterparts; and those with antibacterial features were found to possess high contents of long chain fatty acids – some of which are well‐known for their antibacterial activities.
Application of tristimulus colorimetry to evaluate colour changes during the ripening of Colombian guava (Psidium guajavaL.) varieties with different carotenoid pattern
Authors: González Ivonne Alejandra , Osorio Coralia , Meléndez‐Martínez Antonio Jesús , González‐Miret Maria Lourdes , Heredia Francisco José 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThe pigment composition of three Colombian guava varieties,Regional roja,Regional blanca, andPalmira ICA‐1,in unripe, turning and full ripe maturity stages was studied. Lycopene was identified as the major carotenoid ofRegional rojaandPalmira ICA‐1(18.25 and 28.07 mg kg−1fruit, respectively in full ripe fruits) although a small amount of lutein was also found in the two varieties. β‐Carotene was only found inPalmira ICA‐1, whilst no detectable levels of carotenoids were found in the white‐fleshed guava (Regional blanca). A good correlation between the total carotenoid content and the colour parameters of guava peel was found, such that theRegional rojaandRegional blancavarieties could be discerned by colour coordinates. The most remarkable differences were found when comparing the pulp colour.
Suitability for minimal processing of non‐melting clingstone peaches
Authors: González‐Buesa Jaime , Arias Esther , Salvador María L. , Oria Rosa , Ferrer‐Mairal Ana 
Published: March 2011

SummaryClingstone non‐melting peach cultivars (Prunus persica L. Batsch) are used primarily for canning, but their processing as fresh‐cut products is also of interest. Four clingstone peach cultivars (‘Andross’, ‘Babygold 8′, ‘Calante’ and ‘Romea’) were evaluated for their suitability for minimal processing (washing, peeling and slicing) followed by storage for 9 days at 4 °C in a modified atmosphere using microperforated films. Romea cultivar, which has low polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activity, proved to be the most suitable cultivar for minimal processing, given its lower degree of browning as well as the results from a sensory evaluation. Maturity indicators varied slightly during storage at a different degree depending on cultivars. We have found that PPO activity and browning potential are adequate indicators for surface browning in fresh‐cut non‐melting peaches.
Effectiveness of polyethylene covers versus carbomer drops (Viscotears®) to prevent dry eye syndrome in the critically ill
Authors: Kocaçal Güler Elem , Eşer İsmet , Eğrilmez Sait 
Published: March 2011

Aim.  The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the polyethylene covers versus carbomer eye drops to prevent dry eye syndrome in intensive care unit patients.Background.  Concerns about eye care for critically ill patients remain an issue. Few studies have focused on the effect of polyethylene covers and eye drops. In addition, there are no studies comparing polyethylene covers and carbomer eye drops for critically ill patients.Design.  A prospective, randomised and contralateral eye study was conducted.Methods.  The study took place in an intensive care unit in 2007. Thirty‐six eyes of 18 patients, who were under mechanical ventilation or unconscious for more than 24 hours in the intensive care unit, were studied. After examining the eyes of the patients with the Schirmer 1 test and fluorescein dye test, suitable patients were included in the study. One eye of the patient was randomly covered with a polyethylene cover every 12 hours, and carbomer drops were instilled on the other eye every six hours. All eyes were checked for an ocular surface abnormality by the same ophthalmologist everyday. The study interventions were continued until a defect was detected or for five days. Patients with a defect detected completed the study and were recorded as positive for the primary endpoint.Results.  Carbomer drop was effective in prophylaxis of dry eye syndrome in only three of 18 patients, whereas polyethylene cover showed greater effect in 18 of 18 eyes at the end of the study (SD 0·3835, Z = −3·873, p < 0·001). A negative effect of greater rima palpebra in the resting position was observed in the efficacy of carbomer drop (r = −0·476, p < 0·05).Conclusion.  This study suggests that a polyethylene cover is significantly effective in prevention of dry eye syndrome in intensive care patients. As an eye care intervention, the effectiveness of polyethylene cover should be supported by further studies.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study, which is an initial step in preventing dry eye syndrome in critically ill patients, also offers a new and effective eye care method in these patients.
BacM, an N‐terminally processed bactofilin of Myxococcus xanthus, is crucial for proper cell shape
Authors: Koch Matthias K. , McHugh Colleen A. , Hoiczyk Egbert 
Published: March 2011

SummaryBactofilins are fibre‐forming bacterial cytoskeletal proteins. Here, we report the structural and biochemical characterization of MXAN_7475 (BacM), one of the four bactofilins of Myxococcus xanthus. Absence of BacM leads to a characteristic ‘crooked’ cell morphology and an increased sensitivity to antibiotics targeting cell wall biosynthesis. The absence of the other three bactofilins MXAN_4637–4635 (BacN‐P) has no obvious phenotype. In M. xanthus, BacM exists as a 150‐amino‐acid full‐length version and as a version cleaved before Ser28. In the cell, native BacM forms 3 nm wide fibres, which assemble into bundles forming helix‐like cytoplasmic cables throughout the cell, and in a subset of cells additionally a polarly arranged lateral rod‐like structure. Isolated fibres consist almost completely of the N‐terminally truncated version, suggesting that the proteolytic cleavage occurs before or during fibre formation. Fusion of BacM to mCherry perturbs BacM function and cellular fibre arrangement, resulting for example in the formation of one prominent polar corkscrew‐like structure per cell. Immunofluorescence staining of BacM and MreB shows that their cellular distributions are not matching. Taken together, these data suggest that rod‐shaped bacteria like M. xanthus use bactofilin fibres to achieve and maintain their characteristic cell morphology and cell wall stability.
Expression of the α‐thionin gene from barley in tobacco confers enhanced resistance to bacterial pathogens
Authors: Carmona Maria José , Molina Antonio , Fernández José Antonio , López‐Fando Juan José , García‐Olmedo Francisco 
Published: March 2011

SummaryThionins are cysteine‐rich, 5 kDa polypeptides which are toxic to plant pathogens in vitro. Expression of the gene encoding α‐thionin from barley endosperm, under the 35S promoter from cauliflower mosaic virus, conferred to transgenic tobacco enhanced resistance to the bacterial plant pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 153 and P. syringae pv. syringae. The barley α‐thionin gene, which has two introns, was correctly spliced in tobacco. The α‐thionin in transgenic plants had the expected mobility in the gradient, when separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography, reacted with monospecific antibodies and showed the expected antibiotic properties in vitro.
Venous ulcer: clinical characteristics and risk factors
Authors: Abbade Luciana P. F. , Lastória Sidnei , de Almeida Rollo Hamilton 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground  Lower limb venous ulceration ranks among the 10 most common medical problems in Western countries and has significant socioeconomic impact. The aim of this study was to identify the risk factors for unhealed, recurrent, and large ulcers and to characterize patients with active or recently healed venous ulcers.Methods  We identified 97 patients and assessed 103 ulcerated limbs in 90 patients. All patients underwent clinical examination, arterial and venous system evaluation, ankle‐brachial index determination, and ultrasound of the affected limb. Clinical characteristics included age, gender, race, ulcer duration, time since first episode, history of recurrence, localization of ulcer, ulcer area, eczema, ochre dermatitis, lipodermatosclerosis, pain, body mass index, and medical history data. Risk factors were identified by univariate analysis and estimated odds ratios.Results  We assessed 90 patients (103 limbs) with active or healed venous leg ulcers, of whom 84.4% were Caucasian and 68.9% were female. Mean age was 56.0 ± 13.3 years. Ulcers had remained unhealed for <1 year in 40.7%. Lipodermatosclerosis, lower limb hyperpigmentation, edema, and eczema were seen in 96.7%, 95.6%, 94.4%, and 51.1% of patients, respectively. Pain was a frequent symptom in 74.4%. Body mass index was assessed in 85 patients: 30.6% were slightly, 36.5% moderately, and 7% severely obese. Patient age >60 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.0), extensive lipodermatosclerosis (OR 8.7), and previous history of ulceration (OR 19.9) were risk factors for unhealed ulcers. Time since first ulcer episode ≥2 years (OR 29.2) and incompetence of venous systems (OR 1.6) were risk factors for recurrence.Conclusions  Longstanding and large ulcers and recurrences are the main problems encountered by venous ulcer patients. Severe lipodermatosclerosis, previous ulcer history, and time since first ulcer episode ≥2 years are significant risk factors.
Risk factors for late‐onset cytomegalovirus disease in donor seropositive/recipient seronegative kidney transplant recipients who receive antiviral prophylaxis
Authors: Boudreault A.A. , Xie H. , Rakita R.M. , Scott J.D. , Davis C.L. , Boeckh M. , Limaye A.P. 
Published: March 2011

A.A. Boudreault, H. Xie, R.M. Rakita, J.D. Scott, C.L. Davis, M. Boeckh, A.P. Limaye. Risk factors for late‐onset cytomegalovirus disease in donor seropositive/recipient seronegative kidney transplant recipients who receive antiviral prophylaxis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 244–249. All rights reservedBackground. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease occurs frequently after cessation of antiviral prophylaxis in CMV‐seronegative kidney transplant recipients from seropositive donors (D+R−), and the risk factors are incompletely defined.Method. We retrospectively assessed the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors for CMV disease in a cohort of D+R− kidney transplant recipients who received antiviral prophylaxis at a single US transplant center using descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards models.Results. CMV disease developed in 29 of 113 (26%) D+R− patients at a median of 185 days (interquartile range 116–231 days) post transplant, including CMV syndrome (66%) and tissue invasive disease (34%). The incidence of CMV disease was higher in patients who underwent re‐transplantation (57% vs. 24%) and this factor was independently associated with a higher risk of CMV disease in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio, 4.02; 95% confidence interval, 1.3–13; P=0.016). Other demographic and transplant variables were not independently associated with a risk of late‐onset CMV disease.Conclusions. Despite a comprehensive analysis of patient and transplant variables, only re‐transplantation was identified as a risk factor for CMV disease in D+R− kidney transplant recipients who received antiviral prophylaxis, but had limited clinical predictive value. The development of novel laboratory markers to identify patients at greatest risk for CMV disease should be a priority for future studies.
Attitudes of Japanese psychiatrists toward forensic mental health as revealed by a national survey
Authors: Haraguchi Tadashi , Fujisaki Mihisa , Shiina Akihiro , Igarashi Yoshito , Okamura Naoe , Fukami Goro , Shiraishi Tetsuya , Nakazato Michiko , Iyo Masaomi 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  In Japan, a new comprehensive forensic mental health service was established and enforced in 2005. However, the shortage of psychiatrists dedicated to this service is a problem. Therefore, we investigated the attitudes of general psychiatrists in Japan toward this field in order to develop measures for dealing with this issue.Methods:  Questionnaires were sent to 3205 psychiatric facilities in Japan in January 2007. The questions explored the experience of the respondents with forensic evaluations; the respondents' recognition of, experience with, and attitude toward the Medical Treatment and Supervision (MTS) Act; and attitudes toward forensic mental health in general.Results:  The data of 1770 respondents were analyzed in this study. Three main findings were obtained: psychiatrists generally had little experience with criminal responsibility evaluations, and a small percentage of psychiatrists tended to have conducted the majority of these evaluations; although psychiatrists widely recognized the enactment of the MTS Act, they were not sufficiently familiar with the details of the MTS Act; and in spite of a reluctance to address forensic mental health issues, the respondents harbored a general interest in these topics.Conclusions:  Despite a general interest, general psychiatrists in Japan tend to possess insufficient knowledge of this subspecialty and lack experience in and opportunities to work in this subspecialty. The reluctance of psychiatrists to work in forensic mental health might be partly responsible for this situation. These results suggest that the enrichment of education systems for forensic psychiatry is necessary for the development of forensic psychiatry in Japan.
Oral administration of glycine increases extracellular serotonin but not dopamine in the prefrontal cortex of rats
Authors: Bannai Makoto , Kawai Nobuhiro , Nagao Kenji , Nakano Sayako , Matsuzawa Daisuke , Shimizu Eiji 
Published: March 2011

Aim:  Glycine, one of the non‐essential amino acids, has been reported to be effective in reducing negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Recently, we found that glycine improves subjective sleep quality in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of oral glycine administration on endogenous 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of living rats.Methods:  Microdialysis probes were inserted stereotaxically into the rat prefrontal cortex. Cortical levels of 5‐HT and dopamine were measured following oral administration of 1 or 2 g/kg glycine, 2 g/kg d‐serine, or 2 g/kg L‐serine.Results:  Both glycine and d‐serine significantly increased extracellular 5‐HT levels for 10 min, whereas dopamine levels remained unchanged. L‐serine, in contrast, had no significant effects on 5‐HT levels.Conclusions:  It is possible that the increase in 5‐HT in response to glycine and d‐serine was mediated by N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors. The transient increase in 5‐HT in the PFC might be associated with the alleviation of negative symptoms in patients with schizophrenia and the amelioration of sleep quality in patients with insomnia.
Diabetes inpatients: a case of lose, lose, lose. Is it time to use a ‘diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost’ to assess the impact of diabetes?
Authors: Simmons D. , Wenzel H. 
Published: March 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1123–1130 (2011)AbstractAims  The UK National Health Service in England pays for inpatients using a formula (‘tariff’). The appropriateness of the tariff for people with diabetes is unknown. We have compared the tariff paid and costs for inpatients with/without diabetes and tested the concept of a ‘diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost’.Methods  This was a cross‐sectional, retrospective 12‐month audit in a single teaching hospital assessing mortality, bed days per annum and ‘diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost’ (i.e. the proportion of costs for all patients with diabetes in excess of that paid for comparable patients without diabetes).Results  There were 64 829 inpatient admissions, with 4864 of those coded as having diabetes; 12.9% was estimated to be the number of patients having diabetes but not coded. People with diabetes occupied 13.9% of all bed days and were 18.1% (1.3–37.8%) more likely to die (age adjusted). The mean bed days per annum were greatest among those with (vs. without) diabetes (men 10.9 ± 17.0 vs. 6.3 ± 12.8; women 11.4 ± 19.4 vs. 5.9 ± 11.6; P < 0.001). The greatest excess admission rates were among those aged 25–64 years. The annual mean tariff was greater for those with diabetes (5380 ± 8740) than those without diabetes (3706 ± 6221) (P < 0.001). The overall cost was even higher among those with diabetes: 5835 ± 11 246 vs. 3567 ± 7238 (P < 0.001). The diabetes‐attributable hospitalization cost was 46.5% (9 125 085). An HbA1c > 10.0% (> 86 mmol/mol) was associated with excess hospitalization.Conclusions  Those with diabetes cost more and are more likely to die when inpatients. The tariff paid for diabetes is high, but in this centre less than the actual costs. Approaches known to reduce hospitalization are urgently required.
Towards a Social Theory of Agency
Authors: Wiseman Robert M. , Cuevas‐Rodríguez Gloria , Gomez‐Mejia Luis R. 
Published: March 2011

abstractWe challenge critics of agency theory who suggest that agency theory's value does not extend outside a narrow context dominated by egocentric agents seeking only to maximize wealth at the expense of the principal. Instead, we argue that agency theory's flexibility allows for its application to a variety of non‐traditional settings where the key elements of agency theory, such as self‐interest, information asymmetry, and the mechanisms used to control agency costs can vary beyond the narrow assumptions implied in traditional agency‐based research. We suggest that extending agency theory to diverse settings using a deductive approach can be accomplished by formally recognizing and incorporating the institutional context surrounding principal–agent (P–A) relations into agency‐based models. Thus, criticisms that agency theory fails to acknowledge the social context in which P–A relations occur provides not a barrier but an opportunity for extending our understanding of P–A relations to a variety of diverse contexts.
Tourism and Development: A Recent Phenomenon Built on Old (Institutional) Roots?
Authors: Brau Rinaldo , Di Liberto Adriana , Pigliaru Francesco 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIs tourism an opportunity for lagging countries inthe elusive quest for growth(Easterly, 2002)? Recent empirical evidence suggests that the answer is a cautious yes. Aggregate cross‐country data show that tourism specialisation is likely to be associated with higher per capita GDP growth rates than those observed in industrialised countries. However, this evidence ignores the importance of institutional quality and results are likely to be biased by omitted variable problems. In this paper we frame our starting question within the general debate about the importance of good/bad institutions as fundamental determinants of economic growth (Acemoglu et al., 2001) and ask whether previous positive results of tourism on growth are in fact driven by the presence of growth‐enhancing institutions. Our empirical analysis exploits newly available datasets and controls the robustness of previous results on growth and tourism in the presence of several institutional quality variables. By means of descriptive statistics and some simple cross‐country regressions we confirm that the quality of institutions is important for growth. Yet our results strongly suggest that the weight of tourism in an economy is an independent and robust predictor of higher‐than‐average growth.
Migrainous infarction: a Nordic multicenter study
Authors: Laurell K. , Artto V. , Bendtsen L. , Hagen K. , Kallela M. , Meyer E. Laudon , Putaala J. , Tronvik E. , Zwart J.‐A. , Linde M. 
Published: March 2011

Background and purpose:  Migrainous infarction (MI), i.e. an ischemic stroke developing during an attack of migraine with aura is rare and the knowledge of its clinical characteristics is limited. Previous case series using the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) included <10 cases which make conclusions less valid. This study aimed to describe characteristics and outcome of MI in a larger sample.Methods:  We analyzed demographic data, risk factors, migraine medication, stroke localization, symptoms, and outcome in a sample of 33 patients with MI according to second edition of the ICHD criteria collected from seven Nordic headache clinics.Results:  Amongst 33 patients with MI, there were 20 (61%) women and 13 (39%) men with the median age for stroke of 39 (range 19–76) years. Traditional risk factors for stroke were rare compared with Scandinavian young ischemic stroke populations. During the acute phase, 12 (36%) patients used ergotamines or triptans. Stroke was located in the posterior circulation in 27 (82%) patients and cerebellum was involved in 7 (21%). Except in two patients with brainstem infarctions, the outcome was favorable with total recovery or limited residual symptoms.Conclusions:  The prevalence of traditional risk factors was low and the infarctions were predominantly located in posterior circulation territory, supporting theories of migraine specific mechanisms. The outcome was in general favorable.
Polymorphisms of DNA Repair and Xenobiotic Genes Predispose to CpG Island Methylation in Non‐Neoplastic Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Tahara Tomomitsu , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nakamura Masakatsu , Okubo Masaaki , Yamashita Hiromi , Yoshioka Daisuke , Yonemura Joh , Ishizuka Takamitsu , Hirata Ichiro , Arisawa Tomiyasu 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBackground:  Genetic factors, related to DNA repair or xenobiotic pathways might confer different degrees of susceptibility to gastric carcinogenesis. CpG island hyper methylation (CIHM) is a major event in gastric carcinogenesis. We evaluated the association between XRCC1, GSTP1, GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms with CIHM status in non‐neoplastic gastric mucosa.Methods:  XRCC1 Arg399Gln, and Arg194Trp, GSTP1 Ile104Val, and GSTT1, GSTM1 null polymorphisms were genotyped in 415 cancer free subjects, in relation to four candidate CpG (p14, p16, DAP‐kinase and CDH1) loci, assessed by Methylation‐Specific‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (MSP). CIHM high was defined as two or more CpG islands methylated.Results:  Significant association between XRCC1 codon 399 Gln/Gln genotype and reduced susceptibility to CIHM of DAP‐kinase (adjusted OR = 0.30, 95%CI = 0.13–0.71, p = .0055) and CIHM high (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.19–0.97, p = .04). XRCC1 codon 399 Gin/Gln genotype also presented lower number of CIHM when compared with both Arg/Gln, and Arg/Arg + Arg/Gln genotypes (p = .02, .046, respectively) When subjects were divided according to age (>50 and <50), an association was found between GSTM1 null genotype and increased susceptibility to CIHM high in the 50 years and older generations (OR = 1.63, 95%CI = 1.01–2.62, p = .045).Conclusion:  XRCC1 codon 399 Gln/Gln genotype is associated with reduced susceptibility to CIHM especially DAP‐kinase. GSTM1 null genotype may increase the susceptibility to CIHM especially in older patients. Genetic factors, related to DNA repair or xenobiotic pathways may have a role in CIHM‐related gastric carcinogenesis.