bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of residual vanadyl ions on the spectroscopic analysis of humic acids: a multivariate approach
Authors: Novotny E. H. , Knicker H. , Martin‐Neto L. , Azeredo R. B. V. , Hayes M. H. B. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryIn a study of the vanadyl (VO2+)‐humic acids system, the residual vanadyl ion suppressed fluorescence and specific electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and NMR signals. In the case of NMR, the proton rotating frame relaxation times (T1ρH) indicate that this suppression is due to an inefficient H‐C cross polarization, which is a consequence of a shortening of T1ρH. Principal components analysis (PCA) facilitated the isolation of the effect of the VO2+ ion and indicated that the organic free radical signal was due to at least two paramagnetic centres and that the VO2+ ion preferentially suppressed the species whose electronic density is delocalized over O atoms (greater g‐factor). Additionally, the newly obtained variables (principal components – PC) indicated that, as the result of the more intense tillage a relative increase occurred in the accumulation of: (i) recalcitrant structures; (ii) lignin and long‐chain alkyl structures; and (iii) organic free radicals with smaller g‐factors.
Biological traits of stream macroinvertebrates from a semi‐arid catchment: patterns along complex environmental gradients
Authors: DÍAZ ANDRÉS MELLADO , ALONSO MARIA LUISA SUÁREZ , GUTIÉRREZ MARIA ROSARIO VIDAL‐ABARCA 
Published: November 2007

Summary1. The relationships between biological traits of macroinvertebrates and environmental characteristics were investigated in streams with contrasting physical, chemical or landscape level attributes. We used an ordination technique, RLQ analysis, which links an environmental table (R) with traits table (Q) through an abundance table (L) to investigate the relationship between habitat characteristics and biological traits.2. A major environmental axis explaining the distribution of species and their distinctive biological features was obtained. This axis included variables of anthropogenic pressure (agricultural and urban uses) and natural variability (climatic and geologic) that are strongly intercorrelated in the study area, with a clear spatial component.3. The attributes of species from frequently disturbed systems (small size, multivoltinism, diapause, ovoviviparity, etc.) were associated with semi‐arid areas whereas traits common in more stable and favourable environments (large body size, semi‐voltinism, isolated eggs, etc.) were found in upland forested areas.4. The natural climatic variation was proposed as a disturbance axis of a theoretical habitat templet (driven by the intense hydrological disturbances typical of semi‐arid streams), while anthropogenic pressure (mainly intensive agriculture) and high salinity, a natural consequence of geology, was proposed as an adversity axis. Different life‐histories associated with contrasting environmental features were superimposed in this habitat templet.5. The ecological–evolutionary scenario in which stream macroinvertebrates have evolved and by which their communities are organized, is closely linked to disturbance, environmental harshness and human pressure.
Neuropilin‐1 expression identifies a subset of regulatory T cells in human lymph nodes that is modulated by preoperative chemoradiation therapy in cervical cancer
Authors: Battaglia Alessandra , Buzzonetti Alexia , Monego Giovanni , Peri Laura , Ferrandina Gabriella , Fanfani Francesco , Scambia Giovanni , Fattorossi Andrea 
Published: November 2007

SummaryWe examined the phenotype and function of CD4+ T cells expressing the semaphorin III receptor neuropilin‐1 (Nrp1) in human lymph nodes and peripheral blood. In lymph nodes, Nrp1 identified a small regulatory CD4+ CD25high T‐cell subpopulation (Nrp1+ Treg) that expressed higher levels of Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) message and protein than Nrp1− Treg, and various molecular markers of activated Treg, i.e. CD45RO, human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR and glucocorticoid‐induced tumour necrosis factor receptor (GITR). Similarly to conventional Treg, Nrp1+ Treg proliferated poorly in vitro, and exerted contact‐dependent in vitro suppression of T‐cell proliferation and cytokine secretion. However, Nrp1+ Treg were more efficient than Nrp1− Treg at inducing suppression. Nrp1 was also expressed on a small subpopulation of CD25int and CD25− CD4+ T cells that expressed more Foxp3, CD45RO, HLA‐DR and GITR than their Nrp1− counterparts. In contrast, in peripheral blood Nrp1 identified a minor CD4+ T‐cell subset that did not display the phenotypic features of Treg lacking Foxp3 expression and marginally expressing CD25. Hence, the function of Nrp1+ CD4+ T cells seemingly depends on their anatomical location. In a previous report, we proposed that Treg may curb the anti‐tumour T‐cell response in cervical cancer. We show here that Treg and Nrp1+ Treg levels dropped in the tumour‐draining lymph nodes of patients with cervical cancer following preoperative chemoradiotherapy in a direct relationship with the reduction of tumour mass, suggesting that suppressor cell elimination facilitated the generation of T cells mediating the destruction of the neoplastic cells left behind after cytotoxic therapy.
Effects of complement regulators bound to Escherichia coli K1 and Group B Streptococcus on the interaction with host cells
Authors: Maruvada Ravi , Blom Anna M. , Prasadarao Nemani V. 
Published: November 2007

Summary Escherichia coli K1 and Group B Streptococcus (GBS) are the most common bacteria that cause meningitis during the neonatal period. Complement, the first line of defence in the host, acts on these bacteria to opsonize with various components of complement for subsequent presentation to phagocytes. To counteract these opsonization effects, E. coli and GBS bind to the complement regulators C4 binding protein and Factor H, respectively. Nonetheless, the deposition of complement components on these two bacteria from neonatal serum and their effect on the host cell interaction is unclear. Here we demonstrated that the deposition of complement proteins from adult serum prevented the invasion of E. coli into human brain microvascular endothelial cells, whereas the invasion of GBS was enhanced. In contrast, treatment with cord serum had no effect on the invasion of both these bacteria. We also examined the effect of the deposited complement proteins on phagocytosis using THP‐1 cells and THP‐1 cells differentiated into macrophages. Escherichia coli treated with adult serum neither attached nor entered these cells, whereas GBS was phagocytosed and survived efficiently. We further demonstrate that the inhibitory effect of complement proteins is the result of the bound complement inhibitors C4b‐binding protein, in the case of E. coli, and Factor H, in the case of GBS. Taken together, these results suggest that E. coli and GBS utilize contrasting mechanisms of complement‐mediated interactions with their target cells for successful establishment of disease.
Wheat, barley and oat waste: a comparative and critical presentation of methods and potential uses of treated waste
Authors: Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. , Tserkezou Persefoni 
Published: November 2007

SummaryWheat waste stands for one of the most important cereals both in view of its nutritive value and its high waste volume, although the latter is not considered among the most polluting source of wastes. However, it is of great importance to optimise the conversion of wheat, barley and oat waste into useful materials such as biomass, biogas/biofuel, animal feed and composting. Advantages and disadvantages and effectiveness per method (incineration, combustion, composting) are summarised by means of six comprehensive tables and six figures. It appears that the method with the greatest potential is the one aiming at conversion of wheat waste into biomass or biogas in view of the energy problems and the extended pollution of the environment due to release of carbon dioxide.
Quality assessment of whole and gutted sardines (Sardina pilchardus) stored in ice
Authors: Erkan Nuray , Özden Özkan 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe quality and shelf life of whole ungutted and gutted sardines (Sardina pilchardus) stored in ice were studied. The changes in the fish were investigated by sensory assessments, chemical analyses and microbiological analyses. The sensory scores of uneviscerated and gutted sardines stored in ice at +4 °C were 7 days. The chemical indicators of spoilage, total volatile basic nitrogen and trimethylamine values of gutted sardine increased very slowly, whereas for whole ungutted samples higher values were obtained reaching a final value of 15.03–29.23 mg per 100 g and 2.36–4.16 mg per 100 g, respectively (day 9). Peroxide and thiobarbituric acid values remained lower for whole ungutted sardine samples until day 9 of storage, whereas for gutted fish were higher. The level of histamine exceeded the legal limit in whole ungutted sardine after 7 days of storage in ice, during which sardines were rejected by the sensory panel. Mesophilic aerobic bacteria count, H2S‐producing bacteria, sulphide reducing anaerobe Clostridias, Enterobacteriaceae count of whole ungutted sardine samples are higher than gutted sardine samples during the storage. Psychrotrophic bacteria counts of the two groups were not different. The limits of microbiological data were not exceeded throughout the storage in both the groups’ samples.
Production, purification and thermal characterisation of invertase from a newly isolated Fusarium sp. under solid‐state fermentation
Authors: Shaheen Iram , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Ashraf Tallat 
Published: November 2007

SummaryProduction of invertase employing a newly isolated Fusarium sp. under solid‐state fermentation was optimised. Different process parameters were optimised. The maximum enzyme activity under optimum conditions was 47.23 ± 2.12 U gds−1 with nitrogen additives. The enzyme was purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, diethylaminoethyl cellulose ion‐exchange chromatography and Sephadex gel filtration. This protocol gave 20.25‐fold purification and 5.53% recovery. The optimum pH and temperature for activity were 5.0 and 50 °C. The Km and Vmax values for the enzyme were 8.33 mm and 21.48 μmol min−1, respectively. A detailed kinetic study of thermal inactivation has been carried out. Enthalpy of activation (ΔH*) decreased when entropy (ΔS*) of activation increased at higher temperatures. Moreover, free energy of denaturation (ΔG*) increased at higher temperature making the enzyme thermally stable. A possible explanation for the thermal inactivation of invertase at higher temperatures is also discussed.
Glucoamylases production of Aspergillus niger in solid state fermentation using a continuous counter‐current reactor
Authors: Varzakas Theodoros H. , Roussos Sevastianos , Arvanitoyannis Ioannis S. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThis work presents the continuous production of fungal biomass and glucoamylase by solid state fermentation (SSF) in a counter‐current reactor adapted for this purpose. Pre‐germinated conidia of Aspergillus niger were used as an inoculum, and sugarcane bagasse, embedded with a nutritive solution, was the solid support. The solids residence time distribution (RTD) was carried out by feeding one impule of blue‐coloured humidified bagasse and its RTD was fixed at 20 h. This study demonstrated that the values of the measured parameters (pH, moisture, biomass, glucoamylases production) were similar to those reported for batch SSF using the same solid support and micro‐organism. A marked increase in biomass occurred from the progressive compartment (from compartment 1 to 9) into the reactor and the enzyme production was important (40 IU g−1 dry exit solids). No mycelium damage or sporulation was observed by microscopy analysis. The above results confirmed that the continuous production of enzymes by SSF under no sterile conditions was successful. Inoculation with pre‐germinated conidia shortened the processing time and allowed control of the age of the mycelium in each compartment. Aeration was accomplished by natural convection and moisture content had to be controlled. This process can be applied to the continuous production of fungal biomass and metabolites in SSF with industrial applications using environmental‐friendly biotechnology.
On humans and wildlife in Mediterranean islands
Authors: Blondel Jacques 
Published: November 2007

AbstractAim  To investigate the effects of human‐induced landscape changes in Mediterranean islands on the ecological and evolutionary responses of bird communities and populations. The combination of mass extinction of large mammals and massive deforestation by humans was hypothesized to produce new selection regimes to which organisms were likely to respond. Habitat selection and niche breadth have been investigated at the scale of species, and phenotypic variation at the scale of local populations.Location  The study was carried out along habitat gradients and in habitat mosaics at different spatial scales on the island of Corsica and in areas of similar size and structure in continental France.Methods  Two sets of gradients have been used for investigating habitat selection and niche breadth: gradients of altitude, and gradients of vegetation structure. Population studies focused on the blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus. Large samples of breeding attempts by this species in 10 habitats provided detailed data on phenotypic variation of fitness‐related traits both on Corsica and on the mainland.Results  The extent of niche space used by birds differed substantially depending on which habitat gradient was considered. Many species have been found to contract their habitat niche along the elevation gradient on Corsica compared with the mainland, whereas all species in the vegetation gradient broadened their niche on the island. Breeding patterns of the blue tit differed considerably depending on whether they settle in deciduous oaks (Quercus humilis) or in evergreen sclerophyllous oaks (Quercus ilex). Phenotypic variation of breeding traits was much higher on the island, where more populations were correctly timed for the best breeding period than on the mainland, a pattern that is likely to result from lower dispersal of organisms on the island.Main conclusions  The differences in observed niche breadth between the two series of habitat gradients is explained both by the species‐specific ecology of the species and the human‐induced environmental history of Corsica. Large‐scale landscape changes provided new opportunities for island colonization by non‐forest species, which are isolated as small, ‘fugitive’ local populations. In both gradients, forest species that are typical components of the Corsican bird fauna definitely expanded their niche and occupied a wider range of habitats on Corsica than on the mainland. At the population scale, landscapes included habitat patches with contrasted selection regimes, which resulted in high phenotypic variation for many fitness‐related traits. Reduced dispersal of birds on the island resulted in a much higher degree of local differentiation on Corsica than on the mainland.
Staphylococcus aureus: a review of the literature
Authors: GOULD DINAH , CHAMBERLAINE ANGELA 
Published: November 2007

Summary

Staphylococcus aureus has a long association with nosocomial infection. Problems date from the 1950s, although methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) did not emerge until the following decade.
Initially the pathogenicity of antibiotic‐resistant strains was underestimated, and is still sometimes questioned, but today most authorities consider MRSA a serious threat, especially given current preoccupation with cost‐effectiveness within the health service: nosocomial infection is associated with increased expenditure and may be regarded as a hallmark of indifferent nursing and medical care.
This review documents the emergence of MRSA and recognition of the ensuing problems throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, with suggestions for nursing activities which could contribute towards improved control.
Lessons learnt during outbreaks are seen to be of value, but there is also a need for staff at ward level to review routine practice continually so that awareness of activities likely to result in cross‐infection is maintained. The use of protective clothing emerges as less important than handwashing, which may be periodically audited to maintain standards.
A hermeneutic analysis of the lived experiences of associate nurses
Authors: SELLARN SUZANNE , MACLEOD JOAN 
Published: November 2007

Summary

In order to understand better the role of associate nurse in the primary nursing model, narratives from associate nurses were analysed using hermeneutic approach.
Major themes in the narratives included: connecting with patients, collaborating with other nurses, and making decisions.
Associate nurses were found to define their practice as ‘primary’ in terms of their contributions to patient care and being a responsible professional.
A better understanding of the associate role in clinical practice can enhance patient care and professional relationships.
Further research into the philosophical nature of primary nursing is suggested.
Improving stroke care through action research
Authors: GIBBON BERNARD , LITTLE VICKI 
Published: November 2007

Summary

Stroke accounts for ∼20% of beds occupied on general medical wards yet nurses felt inadequately prepared to participate fully in the interdisciplinary approach to stroke rehabilitation.
An action research project was established to improve stroke care and rehabilitation in a general medical ward.
Results indicate a correlation between knowledge and attitudes: the greater the nurse's understanding the more positive the nurse is towards nursing involvement in rehabilitation.
It was concluded that nurses have a vital part to play in the rehabilitation of stroke patients and that their contribution can be enhanced through greater understanding.
Further research is needed to determine the effects of greater nursing involvement in terms of quality of patient recovery and length of patient stay.
Standardized assessment for elderly people (SAFE) — a feasibility study in district nursing
Authors: ROSS FIONA M. , BOWER PETER 
Published: November 2007

Summary

Current policy requires systematic and comprehensive assessment of elderly people. Few standardized tools exist for assessment.
This paper is in two parts. First it reports on the SAFE assessment measures agreed by a multidisciplinary working party initiated by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Geriatrics Society in 1992.
The second part reports the findings of a feasibility study of SAFE in district nursing practice. The outcomes examined were the proportion of patients with completed assessments, the time taken to carry out the assessments, acceptability to the patient, carer and district nurse, and the training required.
The findings show that SAFE is a practical and acceptable set of instruments in the assessment of elderly people by district nurses, but that further refinement is desirable.
The description of levels in nursing degrees: an illustration and analysis of the variations
Authors: JAMES CHRIS , REDFERN LIZ 
Published: November 2007

Summary

This study has analysed the level descriptors of Higher Award degree programmes offered by a random sample of 15 colleges of nursing and midwifery in England.
The analysis revealed a wide variation in the way each level (1, 2, 3 and M) had been denned.
The variation occurred in a range of different ways. The main categories of variation were: the style of the descriptor; the features denned by the descriptor; the use of descriptors in the cognitive domain; the use of dimensions of professional knowledge and practice such as autonomy and reflective practice; and progression between the levels.
The context of the study is described and the implications of the study and possible ways forward are discussed.
The experiences of Chinese family members of terminally ill patients – a qualitative study
Authors: Wong Ming‐San , Chan Sally Wai‐Chi 
Published: November 2007

Aim.  To describe and understand the experiences of Chinese family members of terminally ill patients during the end of life process in a palliative care unit.Background.  Palliative care aims to provide care to dying patients and their family members. Skillful interventions are necessary to help family members cope with the impending death of the patient and maintain their emotional equilibrium. Hence, it is important to understand the experiences of family members of palliative care.Design.  A phenomenological study was conducted. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews. We interviewed a purposive sample of 20 family members of terminally ill patients in a palliative care unit in Hong Kong. The data were analysed following Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology.Results.  Family members experienced anticipatory grief, with reactions that included anger, unease, sadness and helplessness. This was particularly acute when the patient was first admitted to the palliative care unit. However, the family members quickly accepted the reality and committed themselves to the care of the patient, seeking informational and emotional support from the nurses. The families wanted to be assured that the patient had been offered good care and suffered no pain. It was considered important to be with the patient during the dying process.Conclusion.  This study demonstrated that Chinese family members were committed to the care of the patients in the palliative care unit. Cultural beliefs played a part in influencing family emotions and concerns.Relevance to clinical practice.  This study offers a direction for family interventions that acknowledge the reactions of family members to the admission of a patient to a palliative care unit. It highlights that families need active informational and emotional support from nurses.
Parents’ and nurses’ attitudes to family‐centred care: an Irish perspective
Authors: Hughes Mary 
Published: November 2007

Aims and objectives.  To examine the attitudes of parents and nurses to the model of care delivery on an in‐patient children's unit in a regional general hospital.Background.  A review of the literature uncovered research studies relevant to the area under investigation, in addition to many discussion articles.Method.  This descriptive survey of parents’ and nurses’ attitudes regarding the implementation and practice of a partnership approach to care was undertaken in 2003 on a children's unit in an Irish regional general hospital. The survey consisted of a self‐designed questionnaire, which was posted to the sample. The scoring system for the questionnaire format was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 11.0). The sample consisted of parents (n = 100) and nursing staff (n = 44) from the children's unit.Results.  the findings did not suggest major differences between the attitudes of the two groups on the care delivery on the unit. The outcomes of the study showed that, while both parents and nurses viewed family‐centred care as appropriate, there were differences between what parents and nurses saw as their roles on the unit. Both groups acknowledged the overall philosophy of care and commented on the actual application of a family‐centred, partnership approach to care in practice on the unit.Conclusions.  Both groups agreed that there was a need for improvement of the facilities for resident parents on the unit.Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of the research could act as a catalyst for change and development of the service and service providers. It is hoped that it will also contribute to the improved satisfaction of the service provided to sick children and their families by parents and by the nurses who provide the care.