bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TT virus prevalence, viral loads and genotypic variability in saliva from healthy Japanese children
Authors: Naganuma Masako , Tominaga Norio , Miyamura Tsunetake , Soda Atsushi , Moriuchi Masako , Moriuchi Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: TT virus (TTV) is genetically variable and widespread without apparent pathogenicity; however, its epidemiological features in children were not fully understood, partly because blood sampling is often unacceptable for healthy children. We therefore used saliva specimens to investigate epidemiology of TTV infection in early childhood.Methods: Saliva samples were collected from 83 1‐month‐old, 110 4‐month‐old and 49 42‐month‐old children. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and saliva samples were obtained in pairs from 19 healthy adults aged 40 ± 7 years. TTV DNA was detected and quantified by real‐time PCR and classified into five genogroups (G1–G5) by a series of PCRs using genogroup‐specific primer pairs.Results: TTV DNA was detected in 6, 34 and 90% of children aged 1, 4 and 42 months, respectively, and in 84% of adults. Comparable levels of TTV DNA were detected in pairs of saliva and PBMC. TTV loads in saliva were much higher in children than in adults. G3 was the most common genogroup in all age groups. The second most prevalent was G4 at 1–4 months of age and G1 thereafter.Conclusion: The prevalence of TTV infection reached a plateau at or before 42 months; however, somehow different epidemiologic features were observed among genogroups.
Fatty acid deficiency profile in children with food allergy managed with elimination diets
Authors: Aldámiz‐Echevarría Luis , Bilbao Agurtzane , Andrade Fernando , Elorz Javier , Prieto José Angel , Rodríguez‐Soriano Juan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: To evaluate plasma fatty acid (FA) composition of children with food allergy undergoing elimination diets that avoided the offending antigens.Methods: Twenty‐five children (14 male, 11 female) aged 3.8 ± 1.6 years (range 2–7 years) affected of multiple food allergy and managed with elimination diets participated in a cross‐sectional study. Results of plasma fatty acids were compared with data obtained in 61 healthy children.Results: The patients had significantly lower values for plasma content in total polyunsaturated fatty acids, ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and long‐chain ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.001) and particularly, in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (20:5ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (22:6ω3) (p < 0.001). Moreover, all established indices (essential fatty acid [EFA] index ((ω3 +ω6)/(ω7 +ω9)) (p < 0.001) and sufficiency of docosahexaenoic acid index (C22:6ω3/C22:5ω6) (p < 0.001)) confirmed the presence of EFA deficiency.Conclusion: Children with food allergy managed with restricted intake of foods such as milk, egg, fish and vegetables are at risk of developing a deficiency in EFA and particularly in ω3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are especially necessary for adequate growth, neurological development and cardiovascular health.
Malignant hypertension in a child with phakomatosis pigmentovascularis type II b
Authors: Kanaheswari Y , Hamzaini AH , Wong SW , Zulfiqar A 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPhakomatosis pigmentovascularis (PPV) is a rare congenital syndrome characterized predominantly by cutaneous vascular malformations and pigmentary naevi. The most frequently reported form, Type II b, is associated with systemic involvement. Sturge–Weber Syndrome (SWS) with concomitant glaucoma, Klippel–Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) and naevus of Ota have been frequently described, but there have only been two case reports with asymptomatic renal anomalies.Conclusion: We report the first case of PPV associated with SWS and naevus of Ota presenting with malignant hypertension secondary to bilateral renal artery stenosis. This case raises the possibility that the phakomatoses are not distinct entities but a spectrum of overlapping neurocutaneous, vascular and renal features.
Critical heart defects—the diagnostic challenge
Authors: Meberg Alf 
Published: July 2008

AbstractInfants with potenitally life threatening congenital heart defects (CHDs) are discharged from hospital after birth with the condition unrecognized. Improved prenatal ultrasound imaging and universal pulse oximetry screening of babies in nurseries are strategies that probably most would contribute to avoid such defects to be missed.Conclusion: In general combining first day of life pulse oximetry, clinical examination and echocardiography before discharge in suspect cases is a rational strategy for early postnatal detection of heart defects. Universal echocardiography screening of newborns may be too resource consuming to be cost‐effective.
Optimal level of physical activity in children with chronic lung diseases
Authors: Sritippayawan Suchada , Harnruthakorn Chanthana , Deerojanawong Jitladda , Samransamruajkit Rujipat , Prapphal Nuanchan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractAim: To determine the optimal level of physical activity and its relationship with disease severity in children with chronic lung diseases (CLD).Methods: Pulmonary function and exercise tests were compared between 18 CLD children (aged 13.5 ± 2.4 years, 33% male) and 18 healthy controls without any history of lung diseases (age and sex matched).Results: CLD children had lower forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV)1, forced expiratory flow rate between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF)25–75% and total lung capacity (TLC) and higher residual volume (RV)/TLC ratio than controls (77.3 ± 22.6 vs. 97.9 ± 12.5%pred; p = 0.002, 74.3 ± 17.6 vs. 104.0 ± 12.6%pred; p < 0.001, 49.9 ± 23.1 vs. 75.6 ± 18.6%pred; p < 0.001, 82.8 ± 18.6 vs. 95.6 ± 9.8%pred; p = 0.04, 30.8 ± 10.2 vs. 24.4 ± 5.9%; p = 0.04, respectively). Oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (AT) and optimal level of physical activity (metabolic equivalents [METs] at AT) were not different between the two groups and between mild and moderate to severe CLD. However, when the exercise was continued beyond the AT, CLD children demonstrated poorer exercise performance than normal controls.Conclusion: Children with CLD demonstrated the same level of optimal physical activity as normal children despite their lower lung function. The optimal level of physical activity was not related to disease severity. The exercise test and exercise should not be performed beyond the AT by the CLD children. Proper exercise test should be done to determine their optimal exercise activity.
Improving communicable disease outbreak preparedness in residential aged care facilities using an interventional interview strategy
Authors: Eastwood Keith , Osbourn Maggi , Francis Lynn , Merritt Tony , Nicholas Craig , Cashman Patrick , Durrheim David , Wiggers John 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To improve the capacity of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) to respond to communicable disease outbreaks. Methods:  Three computer‐assisted telephone interviews were conducted with RACFs. The first survey gathered baseline information. Outbreak prevention resources were then offered to address identified weaknesses. Subsequent surveys enabled the facilities’ progress to be monitored. Before the third survey, RACFs were sent a personalised scorecard documenting their standing against 19 readiness criteria. Results:  RACFs reporting an outbreak management plan increased from 58 to 98%, and facilities reporting 16 or more of the 19 readiness criteria rose from 24 to 43% (P < 0.0006) at the second interview and 73% at the third interview (P < 0.0001).Conclusions:   The strategy resulted in a significant improvement in reported outbreak readiness.
Dementia severity and on‐road assessment: Briefly revisited
Authors: Berndt Angela , Clark Michael , May Esther 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Drivers with dementia should cease driving if unsafe. This report aims to add to the evidence concerning use of global dementia severity as an indicator of driving performance. Method:  One hundred and fifteen drivers were assessed via standardised on‐road assessment. Descriptive and comparative statistics analysed age and global dementia severity of the drivers against the on‐road assessment outcome. Results:  On‐road assessment outcomes conformed to previous clinical guidelines in outer limits of dementia severity. Drivers with negligible dementia passed the assessment, those with moderate dementia failed. The pass or fail outcomes for drivers with very mild and mild dementia were equivocal. Conclusion:  This study supports previous recommendations of cessation or continued driving for those in outer margins of dementia severity. Use of severity levels for driving recommendations, in the absence of on‐road assessment, risks either continued unsafe driving or premature cessation for individual drivers with very mild or mild dementia.
Individual differences in South Australian general practitioners’ knowledge, procedures and opinions of the assessment of older drivers
Authors: Wilson Leah R , Kirby Neil H 
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Investigate individual differences in general practitioners’ (GP) knowledge, procedures and opinions of older driver assessments. Methods:  Ninety‐nine South Australian GPs completed a survey on their knowledge, procedures and opinions concerning fitness to drive assessments in older people. Results:  Most GPs were well informed about older driver legislation and used appropriate medical assessments when considering fitness to drive. However, there was much less consistency in the assessment of relevant cognitive abilities. Most GPs believed that there was a need for more transport and support services for older drivers when they ceased driving. Demographic and qualitative information helped explain some differences in both GPs’ practice and opinions concerning the assessment of older drivers. Conclusions:  Measures should ensure that GPs have accurate knowledge of legislation concerning older drivers; appropriate tests of driving‐related cognitive abilities are available; and transport and support options for those older individuals who are no longer fit to drive are considered.
The very massive binary NGC 3603-A1
Authors: Schnurr O. , Casoli J. , Chené A.-N. , Moffat A. F. J. , St-Louis N. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Using Very Large Telescope/Spectrograph for INtegral Field Observation in the Near-Infrared (VLT/SINFONI), we have obtained repeated adaptive-optics assisted, near-infrared spectroscopy of the three central WN6ha stars in the core of the very young (∼1 Myr), massive and dense Galactic cluster NGC 3603. One of these stars, NGC 3603-A1, is a known 3.77 d, double-eclipsing binary, while another one, NGC 3603-C, is one of the brightest X-ray sources among all known Galactic WR stars, which usually is a strong indication for binarity. Our study reveals that star C is indeed an 8.9-d binary, although only the WN6ha component is visible in our spectra; therefore, we temporarily classify star C as an SB1 system. A1, on the other hand, is found to consist of two emission-line stars of similar, but not necessarily of identical spectral type, which can be followed over most the orbit. Using radial velocities for both components and the previously known inclination angle of the system, we are able to derive absolute masses for both stars in A1. We find M1 = (116 ± 31) M⊙ for the primary and M2 = (89 ± 16) M⊙ for the secondary component of A1. While uncertainties are large, A1 is intrinsically half a magnitude brighter than WR20a, the current record holder with 83 and 82 M⊙, respectively; therefore, it is likely that the primary in A1 is indeed the most massive star weighed so far.
The three faces of Ωm: testing gravity with low- and high-redshift SNe Ia surveys
Authors: Abate Alexandra , Lahav Ofer 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Peculiar velocities of galaxies hosting Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) generate a significant systematic effect in deriving the dark energy equation of state w, at level of a few per cent. Here, we illustrate how the peculiar velocity effect in SNe Ia data can be turned from a ‘systematic’ into a probe of cosmological parameters. We assume a flat Λcold dark matter model (w = −1) and use low- and high-redshift SNe Ia data to derive simultaneously three distinct estimates of the matter density Ωm which appear in the problem: from the geometry, from the dynamics and from the shape of the matter power spectrum. We find that each of the three Ωm's agrees with the canonical value Ωm = 0.25 to within 1σ, for reasonably assumed fluctuation amplitude and Hubble parameter. This is consistent with the standard cosmological scenario for both the geometry and the growth of structure. For fixed Ωm = 0.25 for all three Ωm's, we constrain γ= 0.72 ± 0.21 in the growth factor of Ωm(z)γ, so we cannot currently distinguish between standard Einstein gravity and predictions from some modified gravity models. Future surveys of thousands of SNe Ia, or inclusion of peculiar velocity data, could significantly improve the above tests.
PAIRED PREFERENCE “PLACEBO” TESTS WITH “IDENTICAL” STIMULI: DOES INTRODUCING GRADED PREFERENCE RESPONSES AFFECT THE FREQUENCY OF “NO PREFERENCE” RESPONSES?
Authors: VILLEGAS‐RUIZ XADENI , ANGULO OFELIA , O'MAHONY MICHAEL 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT In the “placebo” control condition for paired preference testing, “identical” stimuli are presented to consumers to determine the frequency of preference and “no preference” responses induced by the hidden demand characteristics of the testing condition. As a control for bias, induced by such hidden demand characteristics, these frequencies can be compared with the actual preference frequencies of the nonidentical test stimuli to be assessed for preference. It was hypothesized that the introduction of graded preference response options might reduce the frequency of “no preference” responses in the placebo condition. Using identical yogurt stimuli with related‐sample (single‐group) and independent‐sample (multigroup) designs, this hypothesis was not confirmed. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe “placebo” condition in paired preference testing provides a way to control the tendency of consumers to give false preference. The statistical analysis can be improved by finding a protocol that maximizes the proportion of “no preference” responses in the placebo condition. This can be done by increasing the number of response options that imply no preference. Yet, there is sometimes a desire to increase the number of preference options by using graded responses for preference strength. Does this alter the dynamics of the ever‐important placebo condition by reducing the number of “no preference” responses? This project found that any effect was minimal.
SIMPLIFIED LEXICON TO DESCRIBE FLAVOR CHARACTERISTICS OF WESTERN EUROPEAN CHEESES
Authors: TALAVERA‐BIANCHI MARTIN , CHAMBERS DELORES H. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT Many researchers have developed useful lexicons to describe flavor characteristics of different cheeses. The objectives of this study were to determine if the terminology established in previous studies was adequate to evaluate a wide range of European cheeses, and to determine if a simplified “general” lexicon can be developed for the description of cheese. A descriptive panel evaluated the flavor of 65 western European cheeses that varied in region produced, milk source, maturation time and processing method. The panel reviewed previously published cheese attributes, definitions and references prior to beginning the testing. During testing, the panel detected and added new descriptors and eliminated terms which did not appear in any of the cheeses. Data inspection, in addition to factor analysis, suggests that 25 attributes are needed to explain the common flavor characteristics found in cheese. However, 19 additional attributes may be used occasionally to describe targeted specific flavor characteristics. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe flavor of cheese, an increasingly popular food, is critical to producers and consumers. A large number of sensory descriptors can be used to describe flavor characteristics of cheese. The research indicates a lexicon with a reduced number of terms that can be used to describe most general flavor characteristics. Other characteristics are needed occasionally to describe specific characteristics of some cheeses.
THE USE OF SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL SCALING TO DEFINE THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL REPRESENTATION OF ODORS
Authors: DALTON PAMELA , MAUTE CHRISTOPHER , OSHIDA AKIKO , HIKICHI SATOSHI , IZUMI YU 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT The mental representation elicited by smelling an odor often consists of multiple sensory and affective dimensions; however, the richness of this elaboration is difficult to capture using methods to rate the intensity of these factors in isolation. Attempts to use language descriptors for olfactory experience have also been shown to be rather limited; among nonspecialists, there is no universally accepted system for describing odors, leading to greater reliance on specific item associations. In this study, we explored the utility of semantic differential (SD) scaling for illustrating the various dimensions of olfactory experience. Three hundred volunteers rated 30 distinct odorants using 50 semantic differential scale adjectives. Three factors emerged from the analysis (based on 17 adjective pairs) accounting for 53% of the variance, and corresponding to the evaluation, potency and activity dimensions identified for other stimulus types. SD scaling appears to be a viable method for identifying the multiple dimensions of mental representation evoked when smelling an odorant, and may prove a useful tool for both consumer and basic research alike. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSAlthough numerous methods of classifying odors have been developed, little agreement has been achieved on the dimensions that are useful to both basic and consumer research. The identification of a set of semantic differential adjectives that are relevant to olfactory experience can become a useful tool for classifying the qualitative and affective bases on which odorants differ. In particular, the degree to which odorants evoke multidimensional representations from other sensory modalities (visual, auditory, somatosensory or gustatory) can be usefully applied in the arena of product development both within and across cultures.
EVALUATION OF THE FLAVOR QUALITY OF PEPPER (PIPER NIGRUM L.) CULTIVARS BY GC–MS, ELECTRONIC NOSE AND SENSORY ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES
Authors: MAMATHA B.S. , PRAKASH M. , NAGARAJAN S. , BHAT K.K. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is an extensively used spice, which has a characteristic flavor and pungency. The properties of spices such as flavor, color, pungency, etc., vary among cultivars and varieties. It is in this context that pepper cultivars namely, Panniyur 1, Balankotta, Panniyur 5 and one commercial sample were examined for flavor and odor profile using sensory, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and electronic nose (E‐nose) analyses. The flavor profile of pepper powder dispersed in cornstarch gruel clearly differentiated Balankotta samples from the other three samples; green mango‐like, turmeric‐like and earthy notes were higher in Balankotta samples, while the other samples had higher scores for pepper‐like, pungent, spicy and lingering herbaceous. The flavor profile of the essential oils of pepper samples showed a higher intensity of pepper‐like note in Panniyur 1, Panniyur 5 and commercial sample, and turmeric‐like and green mango‐like characterized Balankotta. The odor profile of the essential oils further supported the flavor profile data. Orthonasal olfaction (odor profile) provided more descriptive odor characteristics for pepper powder than pepper essential oil. The orthonasal and retronasal olfaction (flavor profile) showed an opposite trend when the flavor profile of pepper essential oil samples was carried out in a starch‐based carrier; retronasal olfaction was more effective than the orthonasal. GC, GC–MS analysis and E‐nose aroma pattern complemented the sensory flavor profiling results. The GC–MS of Balankotta pepper samples was different from Panniyur 1, Panniyur 5 and the commercial sample, showing higher content of p‐cymene. The E‐nose pattern matching further supported the sensory and instrumental data.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe results of this study provided a protocol for the quality evaluation of spices, in terms of sensory quality and aroma pattern as determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Introducing the electronic nose technique for the rapid evaluation of spice aroma, as well as characterization of spices, was an added information. The results of this study gave the odor description of major compounds present in pepper essential oil and the regional variations in odor profiles, which can help in designing spice blends with specific flavor profiles.
EFFECTIVENESS OF PALATE CLEANSERS FOR EVALUATING SOURNESS
Authors: VICKERS ZATA , MORRIS ERIN E. , SAVARIA MÉLANIE 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to compare four palate cleansing strategies (crackers, carrots, water and nothing) for their effectiveness in evaluating the sourness of a fruit‐flavored beverage. Forty panelists rated the sourness intensity of five orange drink samples that varied in citric acid content. Each subject participated in four sessions, one for each palate cleanser. As expected, sourness increased with increasing citric acid content. There were no significant differences between any of the palate cleansers for the discrimination among the sourness levels. Sourness neither increased (buildup) nor decreased (adaptation) during the session with any of the palate cleansing strategies. Using carrots or water provided similar discrimination to crackers, but the panelists rated the sourness higher after using carrots or water as a palate cleanser than after using the cracker. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSPalate cleansers are widely used during sensory evaluation of foods. We suspect that part of the reason people use them is because they lower the intensity of residual flavors, leading people to believe the flavors have been removed from their mouth. Our results show that residual cleansers can produce changes in the flavor of subsequently tasted products. Because the nature and extent of these changes will logically depend on the specific product and the specific palate cleansing strategy, experiments need to be conducted to provide these measures.
SENSORY ANALYSIS OF RED WINES: DISCRIMINATION BY ADAPTIVE FUZZY PARTITION
Authors: PICLIN NADÈGE , PINTORE MARCO , LANZA CARMELA MARIA , SCACCO ANTONIO , GUCCIONE SALVATORE , GIURATO LAURA , CHRÉTIEN JACQUES R. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT Classification models were established on a set of sensory profiles associated with red wine samples bottled from three vintages. These profiles were defined by eight assessors charged, for all wine samples, to assign to each of 17 sensory descriptors a note ranged from 1.0 to 9.0, with two assessments for each judge. A new and innovative method called adaptive fuzzy partition (AFP), derived from fuzzy logic (FL) concepts, was tested on the same data set. FL is particularly suitable to classify sensory analysis data sets, as it can represent the “fuzziness” linked to an expert's subjectivity in the characterization of wine sensory profiles. More precisely, after subdividing the 48 sensory profiles into training and test sets, the AFP method predicted correctly 75% of the test assessments. These very encouraging preliminary results show the proposed methods are worth investigating more thoroughly, testing large and diverse wine data sets. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSA new and innovative method called adaptive fuzzy partition, derived from fuzzy logic (FL) concepts, is presented. FL is particularly suitable to classify sensory analysis data sets, as it can represent the “fuzziness” linked to an expert's subjectivity in the characterization of wine sensory profiles.