bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness of psoriasis therapy with etanercept in Germany
Authors: Heinen‐Kammerer Tatjana , Daniel Dietmar , Stratmann Lioba , Rychlik Reinhard , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning 
Published: August 2007

Summary Background: We estimated the cost‐effectiveness of intermittent therapy with etanercept in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque‐type psoriasis in comparison to non‐systemic therapy in Germany. Patients and Methods: We performed a cost‐utility analysis using the endpoint costs per quality‐adjusted life year gained (costs/QALY). For this purpose, we adapted a UK‐based Markov model by means of resource use data that we derived from a German cost study. Efficacy data, information on frequency of adverse events and changes in quality of life were derived from three pooled clinical trials. We extrapolated the further course of the disease and its treatment over a 10 year course. Results: For patients with an initial Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) > 10 and a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) > 10 the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for etanercept compared to non‐systemic therapy was 45,491 €/QALY. For patients with PASI and DLQI > 15 costs/QALY were 32,058 € and among patients with severe plaque psoriasis (DLQI and PASI > 20) 18,154 € . Conclusions: According to internationally accepted levels of cost‐effectiveness thresholds, the intermittent treatment of (moderate to) severe plaque‐type psoriasis with etanercept is a cost‐effective measure within the German healthcare system.
Prospective evaluation of cognitive function in patients with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: RUZICH Michelle , RYAN Brigid , OWEN Cathy , DELAHUNTY Anne , STUART‐HARRIS Robin 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAim:  To assess cognitive function prospectively in women with early breast cancer before, during and after the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy.Methods:  Between May 2000 and November 2001, 35 assessable patients were entered into the study. Thirty‐one received oral cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil (CMF) and four received epirubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by CMF ((cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and 5‐fluorouracil)). Testing consisted of the completion of a battery of neuropsychological and psychological inventories and was performed prior to chemotherapy and repeated after 3 (n = 31) and 6 months (n = 30) of chemotherapy and also 6 months after the completion of chemotherapy (n = 27).Results:  Prior to chemotherapy a proportion of the patients already exhibited some evidence of impairment of cognitive function. However, on completion of chemotherapy, the neuropsychological scores for short‐term verbal memory and verbal learning were significantly lower than prior to, or 6 months after chemotherapy. In all other domains, cognitive function either remained constant or even appeared to improve. Symptom scales showed that fatigue, nausea and vomiting, constipation and diarrhea were worst half way through the chemotherapy. Quality of life scales indicated that functioning was best after completion of chemotherapy.Conclusion:  Patients with early breast cancer may have impaired cognitive function before chemotherapy. Although transient deteriorations in verbal memory and verbal learning were observed on completion of chemotherapy, overall, cognitive function did not decline. It is likely that practice effects influenced our findings.
Effect of vitamin E on chemotherapy‐induced mucositis and neutropenia in leukemic patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation
Authors: GHOREISHI Zohreh , SHIDFAR Farzad , IRAVANI Masoud , ESFAHANI Ali , GHAVAMZADEH Ardeshir 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAim:  This study was conducted to investigate the effect of oral vitamin E on mucositis and neutropenia in patients with leukemia.Methods:  This was a randomized double‐blind placebo controlled clinical trial of 60 patients with leukemia (acute lymphoblastic, acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic myelogenous leukemia) who were consecutive recipients of allogenic bone marrow transplantation (BMT), randomly assigned to receive 400 mg vitamin E twice daily (supplemented group) or placebo (control). The incidence and severity of mucositis and the mean duration of neutropenia were compared.Results:  The mean duration of neutropenia and the incidence of the mucositis between the two groups was the same (P = 1.0). The difference between the placebo group and mucositis grade 1 (P = 0.31), grade 2 (P = 0.25), grade 3 (P = 0.93) and grade 4 (P = 0.32) was not statistically significant. Moreover the variables of age, sex, BMI and underlying disease had no effect.Conclusion:  In this study supplementation with oral vitamin E had no effect on mucositis and neutropenia in patients with leukemia who were recipients of allogenic BMT. More interventional trials are warranted.
Coordinate confusion in conformal cosmology
Authors: Lewis Geraint F. , Francis Matthew J. , Barnes Luke A. , James J. Berian 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
A straightforward interpretation of standard Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) cosmologies is that objects move apart because of the expansion of space, and that sufficiently distant galaxies must be receding at velocities exceeding the speed of light. Recently, however, it has been suggested that a simple transformation into conformal coordinates can remove superluminal recession velocities, and hence the concept of the expansion of space should be abandoned. This work demonstrates that such conformal transformations do not eliminate superluminal recession velocities for open or flat matter-only FLRW cosmologies, and all possess superluminal expansion. Hence the attack on the concept of the expansion of space based on this is poorly founded. This work concludes by emphasizing that the expansion of space is perfectly valid in the general relativistic framework; however, asking the question of whether space really expands is a futile exercise.
J0316+4328: a probable ‘asymmetric double’ lens
Authors: Boyce E. R. , Myers S. T. , Browne I. W. A. , Stroman W. J. , Jackson N. J. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract
We report a probable gravitational lens J0316+4328, one of 19 candidate asymmetric double lenses (two images at a high flux density ratio) from CLASS. Observations with the Very Large Array (VLA), MERLIN and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) imply that J0316+4328 is a lens with high confidence. It has two images separated by 0.40 arcsec, with 6-GHz flux densities of 62 mJy and 3.2 mJy. The flux density ratio of ∼19 (constant over the frequency range 6–22 GHz) is the largest for any two-image gravitational lens. High-resolution optical imaging and deeper VLBI maps should confirm the lensing interpretation and provide inputs to detailed lens models. The unique configuration will give strong constraints on the lens galaxy's mass profile.
GLUTEN QUALITY PREDICTION AND CORRELATION STUDIES IN SPRING WHEATS
Authors: PASHA IMRAN , ANJUM FAQIR MUHAMMAD , BUTT MASOOD SADIQ , SULTAN JAVED IQBAL 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Gluten, “cohesive, viscoelastic, proteinaceous material prepared as a by‐product of the starch isolation from wheat flour” and the storage and dough‐forming protein of wheat flour, is the key to the unique ability of wheat to suit the production of leavened products. Wet gluten was only affected by wheat varieties, while dry gluten was affected by wheat varieties, crop years and their interaction. The wet and dry gluten ranged 8.0–43.13% and 2.58–14.55%, respectively, and were positively correlated with Zeleny value, sodium dodecyl sulfate sedimentation value and falling number. The gluten content was higher in Pavon, SA 42 and Faisalabad 85, while Zeleny value was higher in GA 02 and C 518, resulting in better gluten quality. Zeleny value was negatively correlated with crude protein content (r = –0.1857*). The lowest amount of wet and dry gluten was detected in Triticale and durum wheats as compared to common wheats. Zeleny value and sedimentation value may be used as indicators of gluten content and quality while working on wheats. The information thus collected will be valuable for cereal chemists and wheat breeders for improvements in their future breeding programs.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis research work will be a breakthrough and helpful for wheat breeders, growers, millers and bakers for their intended uses as every consumer demand specific wheat quality characteristics for their end products.
EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND PACKAGING FILM ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF FRESH‐CUT SWEET POTATOES
Authors: ERTURK ELIF , PICHA DAVID H. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Fresh‐cut sweet potato slices were packaged in low (PD900), medium (PD961) and high permeability (PD941) film bags and stored at 2 or 8C for 14 days. Weight loss of slices stored at 8C was twofold greater than at 2C. Weight loss was significantly higher in slices packaged with PD941 film bags than other film bags. The type of packaging bag did not significantly affect the carbohydrate composition or nutritional content of the slices during storage. Dry matter and alcohol‐insoluble solids (AIS) and mineral content decreased, but fructose, sucrose, total sugar and total carotenoid content increased during storage. The increases in sugars and decrease in AIS content were higher at 8C than at 2C. Glucose and crude protein content was not affected by storage temperature and duration and film bag type. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS“The demand for fresh‐cut sweet potato products is significantly increasing in the U.S., in both retail and foodservice markets. Consumers are placing increasing importance on the nutritional quality of food products in making their purchasing decisions. Therefore, the information pertaining to the composition of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes is of commercial importance. This manuscript also provides practical information on the appropriate semi‐permeable polymeric film bag and holding temperature for optimum fresh‐cut sweet potato quality. The use of optimum modified atmosphere packaging material and maintenance of proper storage temperature is critical in influencing edible quality and nutritional composition of fresh‐cut sweet potatoes. Commercial foodservice firms targeting fresh‐cut sweet potatoes as a convenience food will potentially benefit from the information in this manuscript.”
SHELF LIFE OF MEAT FROM PODOLIAN YOUNG BULLS IN RELATION TO THE AGING METHOD
Authors: BRAGHIERI A. , GIROLAMI A. , CIFUNI G.F. , RIVIEZZI A.M. , PACELLI C. , NAPOLITANO F. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT In order to achieve an adequate level of tenderness while reducing chilling and technological losses, the effect of two aging methods (on the carcass or under vacuum packaging) on the shelf life (5‐day retail display) of meat from eight Podolian young bulls (16–18 months old) was assessed. Most of the recorded variables were not affected by the interaction aging method × time of display (P > 0.05). These results indicate that the shelf life of meat from Podolian cattle was not influenced by the aging method. In both aging methods, redness a* increased after 1 day of display and subsequently decreased (P < 0.001). Lipid oxidation and total aerobic mesophilic count increased significantly during retail display (P < 0.001). We concluded that vacuum packaging may be conveniently used for the maturation of primal cuts from Podolian carcasses to save energy and space, and prevent chilling and technological losses.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe aging under vacuum of individual bovine primal cuts can save energy and space as well as prevent chilling and technological losses generally occurring when meat is aged on carcass. This method had no negative effects on meat shelf life. Thus, it may be conveniently used to apply sufficiently extended maturation periods to the meat, which are needed to increase tenderness to a level, which is not prejudicial to product acceptability.
WAVELENGTH SELECTION FOR PREDICTING PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF APPLE FRUIT BASED ON NEAR‐INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY
Authors: QING Z. , JI B. , ZUDE M. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Instrumental evaluation tools for fruit quality monitoring are important in the production and postharvest processes as well as in marketing. In the present study, near‐infrared spectroscopy (600–1,100 nm) was applied to study the correlation with fruit soluble solid content (SSC ), fruit flesh firmness and water content of apples (cv. “Fuji”). Genetic algorithm and correlation coefficient (r) method were used to select the most sensitive wavelength combinations, and partial least squares regression analysis was applied to calibrate fruit quality parameter. The validation of models based on the most sensitive wavelengths gave good predictions with an r value of 0.94 and a standard error of cross validation (SECV) of 0.85°Brix for SSC; r = 0.89 and SECV = 7.54 N/cm2 for firmness; and r = 0.96 and SECV = 0.92% for water content. The reduced data set of sensitive wavelengths were found feasible for predicting internal fruit quality.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSSoluble solid content, firmness and water content are important quality attributes of apples. A nondestructive measurement technique will be valuable for monitoring and sorting apple fruit so that high quality, uniform fresh products can be delivered to the marketplace. In the present study, fruit analyses using the entire near‐infrared fruit spectra or a reduced data set of sensitive wavelengths were compared. The results demonstrate that the selected combinations of sensitive wavelengths were feasible for measuring apple quality properties. The recent research findings provide researchers and instrumentation engineers with information on the performance of different methods to select appropriate wavelengths for reducing the amount of data, e.g., in developing portable or online sensing systems.
“DELICIOUS PILAFA” APPLE DENSITY CHANGES AS A QUALITY INDEX OF MASS LOSS DEGRADATION DURING STORAGE
Authors: MITROPOULOS D. , LAMBRINOS G. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Since many years, the mass density of many agricultural products has been used as a quality‐sorting criterion, and automatic machines have been developed for that purpose. According to the literature, apple flesh density seems to be related to flesh stiffness, but this behavior is not common among all cultivars. However, there is a lack of information on the evolution of apple density during storage. This study aims to investigate changes of “Delicious Pilafa” apple density during storage. Fruits have been preserved at 0, 10 and 16C. Experiments have been repeated for three successive storage periods. Linear equations between density and mass loss have been developed for two ranges of storage temperatures, 0–10C and 10–16C. Moreover, an efficient multifactor linear equation that relates density to storage time and mass loss has also been calculated. “Delicious Pilafa” apples are characterized by a high mass loss rate during storage. Thus, the relationships developed in this study could be useful for quality assessment of stored fruits according to their mass loss. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSMass loss of “Delicious pilafa” apple during storage can be estimated via fruit density and storage time using the developed equations that refers to a variety of storage conditions. Fruit density can be easily measured as well as storage time can be accurately estimated at a certain moment of storage.Such mass loss correlation is important for “Delicious pilafa” apples, characterized from high mass loss rates during storage and thus this prediction procedure could be very useful as an objective quality criterion during storage.Equations that relate mass loss and storage time with fruit density could be also useful for the estimation of fruit's volume. This is particularly important for respiration rate measurements, where fruits volume is required. Using such relations the estimation of volume is feasible only with weighting and without immersing fruits in water that could affect respiration activity and favor spoilage development.
CHANGES IN APPARENT VISCOSITY AND VITAMIN C RETENTION DURING THERMAL TREATMENT OF BUTTERNUT SQUASH (CUCURBITA MOSCHATA DUCH) PULP: EFFECT OF RIPENING STAGE
Authors: ROURA S.I. , DEL VALLE C.E. , AGUERO L. , DAVIDOVICH L.A. 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT The effects that ripening stage have on the apparent viscosity and ascorbic acid retention in squash pulp exposed at cooking process were analyzed. Total soluble solids contents were taken as indicative of ripening degree. In the raw material, water contents ranged from 79 to 96%, but no significant differences were observed among samples grouped as unripe, ripe and overripe. The ascorbic acid contents of pulp increase with increases in soluble solids contents. Pulp from unripe and ripe squash had similar apparent viscosity values; however, lower viscosity values were obtained in pulp from overripe squash. During heat treatment, significant changes in the apparent viscosity values of pulp from unripe and ripe squash were observed. Heat penetration properties of squash pulp indicate correlation between the inverse slope of the straight portion in the heat penetration curves on a semilog plot (fh) and thermal diffusivity values (α) with dry matter content, but no correlation was found with squash maturity degree. High ascorbic acid retention (82%) in pulp held for 30 min at 95C was found independently of squash maturation degree.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSKnowing the rheological behaviour and the ascorbic acid retention of butternut squash pulp during cooking process could be used as a valuable information previously to make decisions for use this crop as a food supply.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND NUTRACEUTICAL ANALYSIS TO ENHANCE THE VALUE OF DRIED FRUIT
Authors: THRELFALL RENEE , MORRIS JUSTIN , MEULLENET JEAN‐FRANCOIS 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACT Value‐added fruit products suitable for production by small‐scale farmers and processors were developed and evaluated. Apples, blueberries, peaches and strawberries from local growers were processed into a dried fruit product. The total phenolics, total anthocyanins and oxygen radical absorbing capacity (ORAC) were determined. Drying the fruit concentrated total phenolics, total anthocyanins and ORAC levels as compared to fresh fruit. The nutraceutical components of the blueberries, peaches and strawberries of the local dried fruit were higher than those of commercial dried fruit purchased at a natural food store. The dried fruit from both the local and commercial fruits was used to create a fruit pie filling for consumer evaluation. Consumer acceptance of fruit pie filling from dried fruit grown locally and dried commercial fruits was evaluated using a 9‐point verbal hedonic scale and a 5‐point Just About Right scale. In terms of consumer evaluation, the pie fillings made from local dried fruits were either better or at parity with those from commercial products. In addition to the nutraceutical benefits, the pie fillings were consumer acceptable products that could represent an avenue for small‐scale farmers to add value to surplus fruit. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSComplete utilization of fruit crops is a key component to the success of small farm operations. Excess fruit crops can be dried (or processed in other manners) and used to create many value‐added products. Increased consumer awareness of healthy food products provides a niche market for these fruit products. In this research, the nutraceutical benefits of fresh and dried apples, blueberries, peaches and strawberries were investigated and the consumer overall acceptance of a pie filling produced from these dried fruit was shown.
AN ASSESSMENT OF AFLATOXIN B1 IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF A RICE GROWING COMMUNITY AND ASSOCIATED CANCER RISK
Authors: FRENCH JOHN A. , CECH IRINA 
Published: August 2007

A study to assess possible exposure to carcinogenic metabolites (aflatoxins) from a mold Aspergillus flavus has been conducted in a rice producing area of Brazoria County, Texas. One hundred samples of unmilled rice were analyzed by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) for the amount of aflatoxin produced by the mold during rice growth and storage. Two well water samples and two rice elevator dust samples were also checked for possible aflatoxin content. The cancer mortality rates (gastrointestinal and urinary tracts cancers) in the rice‐growing and nonrice‐growing areas of the same county were compared.No aflatoxin was detected by TLC methods in rice, rice dusts or water samples. When extracts of rice dusts were checked for mutagenesis by the Ames Salmonella assay as a supplement to the TLC analysis, the results suggested that these dusts might have contained mutagenic material. This observation notwithstanding, we found no evidence that the rice produced in the studied part of the Gulf Coast had a problem of aflatoxin contamination. Also, cancer mortality rates for two major organ systems were not found to differ for rice‐producing and nonrice‐producing areas of rural Brazoria County.
Effect of Lipid Source and Concentration on Somatic Growth of Juvenile Green Sea Urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis
Authors: Kennedy Edward J. , Robinson Shawn M. C. , Parsons G. Jay , Castell John D. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract Supplying juvenile sea urchins with an abundant supply of resources and essential nutrients for growth will facilitate somatic growth and, hence, improve the success of the sea urchin aquaculture industry. Lipids are essential in physical processes such as membrane production and are a concentrated source of energy. This study, using prepared diets, tested the effects of lipid sources containing different major fatty acids (i.e., n‐3 and/or n‐6) (Part 1) and lipid concentration (i.e., 1, 3, 7, and 10%) (Part 2) on the somatic (i.e., test or shell) growth of two size cohorts (7.0‐ and 15.3‐mm average initial test diameter [TD]) of juvenile green sea urchins, Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis. The growth of the sea urchins fed prepared diets was compared to the growth of sea urchins fed a kelp reference diet, Laminaria longicruris. After both feeding trials, the kelp‐fed sea urchins had superior test growth and were more similar in physical appearance to wild sea urchins (i.e., test color, spine length, and gonad color). The sea urchins fed the prepared diets had pale test color, short, stubby spines, and large, pale‐colored gonads compared to wild sea urchins. The smaller cohort of sea urchins grew at a faster rate, but growth patterns for both cohorts were similar. The juveniles fed the prepared diets (in both feeding trials) had high initial growth rates that decreased after approximately 100 d compared to the kelp‐fed juveniles. Differences in test growth were not shown to be affected by sea urchin size (i.e., similar results for both cohorts) or by differences in dietary lipid sources (i.e., the presence of n‐3 and/or n‐6 fatty acids). However, the sea urchins fed diets with lower lipid concentration (≤3%) had larger average TDs than those fed diets with higher lipid concentrations (≥7%). Differences in test growth and physical appearance among those fed the prepared diets and kelp may have been because of nutritional deficiencies in the prepared diets.