bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND MICROSTRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CELERY SEED SPENT RESIDUE AND INFLUENCE OF ITS ADDITION ON QUALITY OF BISCUITS
Authors: SOWBHAGYA H.B. , MAHADEVAMMA S. , INDRANI D. , SRINIVAS P. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTCelery seed had a total dietary fiber (TDF), 56.0%; insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), 49.0%; soluble dietary fiber (SDF), 7.0%, while celery spent residue (CSR) after oil and oleoresin extraction contained 61% TDF, 53.5% IDF, 7.5% SDF, 19% protein, 7.9% starch and 5% fat. The hydration properties of fiber increased with decrease in particle size of CSR. The CSR exhibited 6.8 g/g water‐holding capacity, 6.0 g/g water‐retention capacity and 5.2 mL/g swelling capacity. Scanning electron microscopic studies revealed that IDF of CSR had coiled rod type structure with a rugged surface, while SDF had an uneven porous surface. Use of CSR decreased the spread ratio and increased the hardness of biscuits. Addition of CSR above 7.5% adversely affected the taste and texture of biscuits. Use of sodium stearoyl‐2‐lactylate significantly improved the overall quality of biscuits with 7.5% CSR. Incorporation of 7.5% CSR resulted in 7.8% dietary fiber as against 3.5% in control biscuits.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe possibility of utilizing celery spent residue (CSR), a by‐product from spice industry to enrich the nutritional characteristics of biscuits in terms of dietary fiber, protein and minerals, was studied. Results of the study indicated the possibility of utilizing the CSR up to 7.5% without affecting the texture and quality of the biscuits. Addition of an emulsifier improved the quality of the biscuits containing 7.5% CSR. The results of the study reported in this paper will have a practical application in bakery industries and will provide an effective way for the utilization of the spice industry waste. CSR also has potential as a source of dietary fiber in other food formulations.
Community‐based participatory research and American Indian/Alaska Native nurse practitioners: A partnership to promote adolescent health
Authors: Katz Janet R. , Martinez Teressa , Paul Robbie 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Purpose: To make recommendations for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) nurse practitioners (NPs) and university partners who are partnering on community‐based participatory (CBPR) research projects. An example of a CBPR study using focus groups to assess an important adolescent health problem is used to illustrate opportunities and challenges for AI/AN NPs. Data sources: Thirteen focus groups were held with 95 participants on the reservation where the AI/AN NP was a member and working. Results indicated that a majority of the community represented in the focus groups were concerned about substance abuse among its youth. Conclusions: The NP faced several challenges, including remembering emotional events recounted during focus groups differently than participants. This necessitated debriefing and a recommendation to carefully form policies and procedures before collecting data to anticipate such events. By far, the benefit of the NP's involvement was her ability to identify key members for focus groups, to assist in tribal council meetings, and to schedule meetings. Implications for practice: CBPR research partnerships are enhanced by NPs that are members of the community. CBPR partnerships present opportunities for NPs and university faculty to work on relevant community problems together.
Hypertension among the uninsured: Tensions and challenges
Authors: Schlomann Pam , Virgin Sheila , Schmitke Joan , Patros Sheila 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Purpose: To explore the experience of living with hypertension (HTN) in uninsured Southern, Appalachian adults who receive care in a nurse practitioner‐run clinic. Data sources: Focus groups with 16 clients. Conclusions: Living with hypertension encompassed living with many tensions and challenges. It was described by five organizing themes, each of which involved two basic themes held in tension. The organizing themes were: (a) centrality of HTN; (b) controllability of HTN; (c) visibility of HTN, (d) accessibility and quality of health care; and (e) existential reality. Implications for practice: Interventions are needed to help clients deal with the tensions and challenges; these include a greater focus on partnering with clients, individual and group educational activities, and developing community partnerships.
Probiotics for prevention of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile‐associated disease in hospitalized adults—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Avadhani Amita , Miley Helen 
Published: April 2011

Abstract Purpose: A serious complication associated with the use of most antibiotics is antibiotic‐associated diarrhea (AAD). The purpose of this article is to report findings from a meta‐analysis of available studies on adult hospitalized populations to evaluate efficacy of probiotics for prevention of AAD and Clostridium difficile‐associated disease (CDAD). Data sources: A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted to identify all relevant studies on probiotic efficacy for prevention of AAD and CDAD. Data synthesis was done using MAStARI software from the Joanna Briggs Institute (University of Adelaide, Australia). Conclusions: AAD affects one in five people on antibiotics. Risk factors for the development of AAD include the use of broad‐spectrum antibiotics and host factors such as age, health status, hospitalization status, and exposure to nosocomial pathogens. About a third of AAD cases have CDAD. Meta‐analysis showed that administration of probiotics led to a statistically significant relative risk reduction of 44% for AAD and 71% for CDAD. Implications for practice: Extended hospital stays, readmissions, and higher hospital costs are just some of the consequences of ADD and CDAD. Strategies currently used include discontinuing or changing the inciting antibiotic, restricting high‐risk antibiotics, and encouraging the use of antibiotics based on sensitivity reports. Healthcare spending, morbidity, and mortality can potentially be reduced considerably by reducing the occurrence of ADD and CDAD by administering prophylaxis with probiotics concurrently with antibiotics.
Intussusceptive angiogenesis: pillars against the blood flow
Authors: Styp‐Rekowska B. , Hlushchuk R. , Pries A. R. , Djonov V. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAdaptation of vascular networks to functional demands needs vessel growth, vessel regression and vascular remodelling. Biomechanical forces resulting from blood flow play a key role in these processes. It is well‐known that metabolic stimuli, mechanical forces and flow patterns can affect gene expression and remodelling of vascular networks in different ways. For instance, in the sprouting type of angiogenesis related to hypoxia, there is no blood flow in the rising capillary sprout. In contrast, it has been shown that an increase of wall shear stress initiates the splitting type of angiogenesis in skeletal muscle. Otherwise, during development, both sprouting and intussusception act in parallel in building the vascular network, although with differences in spatiotemporal distribution. Thereby, in addition to regulatory molecules, flow dynamics support the patterning and remodelling of the rising vascular tree. Herewith, we present an overview of angiogenic processes with respect to intussusceptive angiogenesis as related to local haemodynamics.
Domain shuffling and module engineering of Listeria phage endolysins for enhanced lytic activity and binding affinity
Authors: Schmelcher Mathias , Tchang Vincent S. , Loessner Martin J. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryBacteriophage endolysins are peptidoglycan hydrolases employed by the virus to lyse the host at the end of its multiplication phase. They have found many uses in biotechnology; not only as antimicrobials, but also for the development of novel diagnostic tools for rapid detection of pathogenic bacteria. These enzymes generally show a modular organization, consisting of N‐terminal enzymatically active domains (EADs) and C‐terminal cell wall‐binding domains (CBDs) which specifically target the enzymes to their substrate in the bacterial cell envelope. In this work, we used individual functional modules of Listeria phage endolysins to create fusion proteins with novel and optimized properties for labelling and lysis of Listeria cells. Chimaeras consisting of individual EAD and CBD modules from PlyPSA and Ply118 endolysins with different binding specificity and catalytic activity showed swapped properties. EAD118–CBDPSA fusion proteins exhibited up to threefold higher lytic activity than the parental endolysins. Recombineering different CBD domains targeting various Listeria cell surfaces into novel heterologous tandem proteins provided them with extended recognition and binding properties, as demonstrated by fluorescent GFP‐tagged CBD fusions. It was also possible to combine the binding specificities of different single CBDs in heterologous tandem CBD constructs such as CBD500‐P35 and CBDP35‐500, which were then able to recognize the majority of Listeria strains. Duplication of CBD500 increased the equilibrium cell wall binding affinity by approximately 50‐fold, and the enzyme featuring tandem CBD modules showed increased activity at higher ionic strength. Our results demonstrate that modular engineering of endolysins is a powerful approach for the rational design and optimization of desired functional properties of these proteins.
Bacteriophages and genetic mobilization in sewage and faecally polluted environments
Authors: Muniesa Maite , Imamovic Lejla , Jofre Juan 
Published: April 2011

SummaryBacteriophages are one of the most abundant entities on the planet and are present in high concentrations within humans and animals, mostly in the gut. Phages that infect intestinal bacteria are released by defecation and remain free in extra‐intestinal environments, where they usually persist for longer than their bacterial hosts. Recent studies indicate that a large amount of the genetic information in bacterial genomes and in natural environments is of phage origin. In addition, metagenomic analysis reveals that a substantial number of bacterial genes are present in viral DNA in different environments. These facts support the belief that phages can play a significant role in horizontal gene transfer between bacteria. Bacteriophages are known to transfer genes by generalized and specialized transduction and indeed there are some examples of phages found in the environment carrying and transducing genes of bacterial origin. A successful transduction in the environment requires certain conditions, e.g. phage and bacterial numbers need to exceed certain threshold concentrations, the bacteria need to exist in an infection‐competent physiological state, and lastly, the physical conditions in the environment (pH, temperature, etc. of the supporting matrix) have to be suitable for phage infection. All three factors are reviewed here, and the available information suggests: (i) that the number of intestinal bacteria and phages in faecally contaminated environments guarantees bacteria–phage encounters, (ii) that transduction to intestinal bacteria in the environment is probable, and (iii) that transduction is more frequent than previously thought. Therefore, we suggest that phage‐mediated horizontal transfer between intestinal bacteria, or between intestinal and autochthonous bacteria in extra‐intestinal environments, might take place and that its relevance for the emergence of new bacterial strains and potential pathogens should not be ignored.
Amphiphilic polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol nanoparticles as a controlled release system for poorly water-soluble drugs: physicochemical characterization
Authors: Gao Xiujun , Zhang Xinge , Zhang Xuejiao , Wang Yanxia , Sun Lei , Li Chaoxing 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Quercetin was applied as a model drug to evaluate the potential application of amphiphilic polylactic acid-hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG-PLA) nanoparticles as carriers for poorly water-soluble drugs.

Methods
The drug delivery systems were characterized by dynamic light scattering, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and so forth.

Key findings
The results showed the particle sizes ranged from 205.3 to 433.3 nm with low polydispersity index. XRD and FTIR demonstrated that the crystal of the drug was converted to an amorphous state in the matrices and formed intermolecular interaction with carriers. The drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading could reach 91.8% and 21.0%, respectively. Cell viability assay suggested the nanoparticles had good cytocompatibility. The in-vitro drug release profiles showed a sustained quercetin release up to 192 h, indicating the suitability of nanoparticles in sustained drug release. Furthermore, the influence of many factors on release profiles could also be evaluated for the potential of using nanoparticles as controlled release systems.

Conclusions
This system may be of clinical importance in both stabilizing and delivering hydrophobic drugs for the treatment of many diseases.
In-vivo evaluation of prolonged release bilayer tablets of anti-Parkinson drugs in Göttingen minipigs
Authors: Sousa e Silva José Paulo , Lobo José S , Bonifácio Maria J , Machado Rita , Falcão Amílcar , Soares-da-Silva Patrício 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Objectives
Patients with Parkinson's disease can benefit from controlled released levodopa dosage forms since there is a clear clinical advantage in obtaining sustained plasma concentrations. The purpose of this study was to obtain a tablet that prolonged the release of levodopa.

Methods
A novel bilayer tablet, consisting of an immediate release layer containing nebicapone (100 mg) and an erosion-matrix type prolonged release layer containing levodopa (100 mg) and carbidopa (25 mg) was developed (LCN PR). A pharmacokinetic study in Göttingen minipigs was performed to evaluate this formulation.

Key findings
LCN PR tablets prolonged the in-vitro release of levodopa in HCl 0.1 m for more than 3 h. In-vivo plasma levodopa levels peaked at a later time point with LCN PR tablets as compared with that obtained with Sinemet 100/25 (2.7 vs 0.5 h). Nebicapone increased the maximum plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration–time curve values for levodopa.

Conclusions
The results obtained suggested that LCN PR tablets may have decreased the number of tablets and daily intake in the treatment of patients with Parkinson's disease.
What do community pharmacists think about undertaking screening and brief interventions with problem drinkers? Results of a qualitative study in New Zealand and England
Authors: Horsfield Emma , Sheridan Janie , Anderson Claire 
Published: April 2011

Abstract

Objective
Problem drinking is an increasing concern to many governments worldwide including those of England and New Zealand. Screening and brief intervention (SBI) is effective at reducing alcohol consumption and preventing escalation of hazardous drinking patterns into harmful drinking or dependence. Community pharmacy has been suggested as a potential site from which to provide readily accessible SBI services. This paper explores the views of 40 pharmacists on the prospect of providing SBI for alcohol health promotion purposes, focusing particularly upon potential barriers and incentives to provision of these services. The aim was to explore the views of community pharmacists toward the development of SBI for risky drinkers through semi-structured interviews.

Methods
Qualitative, tape-recorded interviews conducted with 22 English pharmacists and 18 New Zealand pharmacists. Data collection continued until theme saturation occurred. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed.

Key findings
Pharmacists considered there was a place for alcohol health promotion in community pharmacy. However, not all participants were positive about this potential new role and some expressed apprehension about implementing SBI services due to concerns about offending or alienating customers. Other barriers included lack of experience and confidence, problems faced with other health promotion initiatives, time, privacy and remuneration. Other pharmacists were more positive, seeing potential in terms of remaining competitive. Facilitators included a public health campaign to raise awareness of problem drinking, having appropriate screening tools available and training for pharmacists.

Conclusion
There appears to be potential for alcohol SBI services in community pharmacy, and interventions designed to reduce barriers and enhance incentivisation need to be implemented and evaluated.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Activities of E-101 Solution against Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from U.S. Military Personnel
Authors: Denys G. A. , Davis J. C. , O'Hanley P. D. , Stephens J. T. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the
in vitro
and
in vivo
activity of a novel topical myeloperoxidase-mediated antimicrobial, E-101 solution, against 5 multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates recovered from wounded American soldiers. Time-kill studies demonstrated rapid bactericidal activity against all
A. baumannii
strains tested in the presence of 3% blood. The
in vitro
bactericidal activity of E-101 solution against
A. baumannii
strains was confirmed in a full-thickness excision rat model. Additional
in vivo
studies appear warranted.
Disulfide-Mediated Oligomer Formation in Borrelia burgdorferi Outer Surface Protein C, a Critical Virulence Factor and Potential Lyme Disease Vaccine Candidate
Authors: Earnhart Christopher G. , Rhodes DeLacy V. L. , Marconi Richard T. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTBorrelia burgdorferiOspC is an outer membrane lipoprotein required for the establishment of infection in mammals. Due to its universal distribution amongB. burgdorferisensu lato strains and high antigenicity, it is being explored for the development of a next-generation Lyme disease vaccine. An understanding of the surface presentation of OspC will facilitate efforts to maximize its potential as a vaccine candidate. OspC forms homodimers at the cell surface, and it has been hypothesized that it may also form oligomeric arrays. Here, we employ site-directed mutagenesis to test the hypothesis that interdimeric disulfide bonds at cysteine 130 (C130) mediate oligomerization.B. burgdorferiB31ospCwas replaced with a C130A substitution mutant to yield strain B31::ospC(C130A). Recombinant protein was also generated. Disulfide-bond-dependent oligomer formation was demonstrated and determined to be dependent on C130. Oligomerization was not required forin vivofunction, as B31::ospC(C130A) retained infectivity and disseminated normally. The total IgG response and the induced isotype pattern were similar between mice infected with untransformed B31 and those infected with the B31::ospC(C130A) strain. These data indicate that the immune response to OspC is not significantly altered by formation of OspC oligomers, a finding that has significant implications in Lyme disease vaccine design.
Virulence Gene Pool Detected in Bovine Group C Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae Isolates by Use of a Group A S. pyogenes Virulence Microarray
Authors: Rato Márcia G. , Nerlich Andreas , Bergmann René , Bexiga Ricardo , Nunes Sandro F. , Vilela Cristina L. , Santos-Sanches Ilda , Chhatwal Gursharan S. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

A custom-designed microarray containing 220 virulence genes of
Streptococcus pyogenes
(group A
Streptococcus
[GAS]) was used to test group C
Streptococcus dysgalactiae
subsp.
dysgalactiae
(GCS) field strains causing bovine mastitis and group C or group G
Streptococcus dysgalactiae
subsp.
equisimilis
(GCS/GGS) isolates from human infections, with the latter being used for comparative purposes, for the presence of virulence genes. All bovine and all human isolates carried a fraction of the 220 genes (23% and 39%, respectively). The virulence genes encoding streptolysin S, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, the plasminogen-binding M-like protein PAM, and the collagen-like protein SclB were detected in the majority of both bovine and human isolates (94 to 100%). Virulence factors, usually carried by human beta-hemolytic streptococcal pathogens, such as streptokinase, laminin-binding protein, and the C5a peptidase precursor, were detected in all human isolates but not in bovine isolates. Additionally, GAS bacteriophage-associated virulence genes encoding superantigens, DNase, and/or streptodornase were detected in bovine isolates (72%) but not in the human isolates. Determinants located in non-bacteriophage-related mobile elements, such as the gene encoding R28, were detected in all bovine and human isolates. Several virulence genes, including genes of bacteriophage origin, were shown to be expressed by reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR). Phylogenetic analysis of superantigen gene sequences revealed a high level (>98%) of identity among genes of bovine GCS, of the horse pathogen
Streptococcus equi
subsp.
equi
, and of the human pathogen GAS. Our findings indicate that alpha-hemolytic bovine GCS, an important mastitis pathogen and considered to be a nonhuman pathogen, carries important virulence factors responsible for virulence and pathogenesis in humans.
Persistent Carriage and Infection by Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli ST405 Producing NDM-1 Carbapenemase: Report on the First Italian Cases
Authors: D'Andrea Marco Maria , Venturelli Claudia , Giani Tommaso , Arena Fabio , Conte Viola , Bresciani Paola , Rumpianesi Fabio , Pantosti Annalisa , Narni Franco , Rossolini Gian Maria 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

We report on the first detection of the NDM-1 carbapenemase in Italy, in
Escherichia coli
isolated in October 2009. Prolonged colonization and relapsing infection by NDM-1-positive
E. coli
were observed in a patient (index case) with an indirect epidemiological link with areas of endemicity. Transient colonization was apparently observed in another patient linked with the index case.
Molecular Characterization of Drug-Resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Isolates Circulating in China by Multilocus PCR and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wang Feifei , Massire Christian , Li Haijing , Cummins Lendell L. , Li Feng , Jin Jialin , Fan Xiaoping , Wang Sen , Shao Lingyun , Zhang Shu , Meng Shufang , Wu Jing , Lu Chanyi , Blyn Lawrence B. , Sampath Rangarajan , Ecker David J. , Zhang Wenhong , Tang Yi-Wei 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

We used multilocus PCR and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS) to determine the genotype and drug resistance profiles for 96
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
isolates circulating in regions of high and low tuberculosis (TB) endemicity in China. The dominant principal genetic group (PGG) circulating in China was PGG1, and drug-resistant gene mutations were more diversified in the region of low rather than high TB endemicity.
Evaluation of a Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Diagnosis of
Clostridium difficile
Infections
Authors: Lalande Valérie , Barrault Laurence , Wadel Sophie , Eckert Catherine , Petit Jean-Claude , Barbut Frédéric 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACT

A new assay (
illumi
gene
C. difficile
; Meridian Bioscience), based on the original loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay, was evaluated with 472 unformed stools from patients suspected of
Clostridium difficile
infection. Compared to the toxigenic culture, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 91.8, 99.1, 91.8, and 99.1% for the
illumi
gene
C. difficile
assay and 69.4, 100, 100, and 96.6% for the cytotoxicity assay, respectively.