bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutations in FLVCR2 associated with Fowler syndrome and survival beyond infancy
Authors: Kvarnung M. , Taylan F. , Nilsson D. , Albåge M. , Nordenskjöld M. , Anderlid B.M. , Nordgren A. , Syk Lundberg E.
Published: February 2015

Proliferative vasculopathy and hydranencephaly‐hydrocephaly syndrome (PVHH, OMIM 225790), also known as Fowler syndrome, is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, caused by mutations in FLVCR2. Hallmarks of the syndrome are glomerular vasculopathy in the central nervous system, severe hydrocephaly, hypokinesia and arthrogryphosis. The disorder is considered prenatally lethal. We report the first patients, a brother and a sister, with Fowler syndrome and survival beyond infancy. The patients present a phenotype of severe intellectual and neurologic disability with seizures, absence of functional movements, and no means of communication. Imaging of the brain showed calcifications, profound ventriculomegaly with only a thin edging of the cerebral cortex and hypoplastic cerebellum. Investigation with whole‐exome sequencing (WES) revealed, in both patients, a homozygous pathogenic mutation in FLVCR2, c.1289C>T, compatible with a diagnosis of Fowler syndrome. The results highlight the power of combining WES with a thorough clinical examination in order to identify disease‐causing mutations in patients whose clinical presentation differs from previously described cases. Specifically, the findings demonstrate that Fowler syndrome is a diagnosis to consider, not only prenatally but also in severely affected children with gross ventriculomegaly on brain imaging.
Evaluating Response to High‐Dose 13.3 mg/24 h Rivastigmine Patch in Patients with Severe Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Farlow Martin R. , Sadowsky Carl H. , Velting Drew M. , Meng Xiangyi , Islam M. Zahur
Published: February 2015

Aims

To identify factors predicting improvement/stabilization on the Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study–Clinical Global Impression of Change (ADCS‐CGIC) and investigate whether early treatment responses can predict long‐term outcomes, during a trial of 13.3 mg/24 h versus 4.6 mg/24 h rivastigmine patch in patients with severe Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

Logistic regression was used to relate Week 24 ADCS‐CGIC score to potential baseline predictors. Additional analyses based on receiver‐operating characteristic curves were performed using Week 8/16 ADCS‐CGIC scores to predict response (13.3 mg/24 h patch) at Week 24. ADCS‐CGIC score of (1) 1–3 = “improvement,” (2) 1–4 = “improvement or no change”.

Results

“Treatment” (13.3 mg/24 h patch) and increased age were significant predictors of “improvement” (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively), and “treatment” (P = 0.001), increased age (P = 0.002), and prior AD treatment (P = 0.03) for “improvement or no change”. At Week 8 and 16, ADCS‐CGIC scores of 4 and 5 were optimal thresholds in predicting “improvement,” and “improvement or no change,” respectively, at Week 24.

Conclusions

A significant therapeutic effect of high‐dose rivastigmine patch on ADCS‐CGIC response was observed. The 13.3 mg/24 h patch was identified as a predictor of “improvement” or “improvement or no change”. Patients with minimal worsening/improvement/no change after treatment initiation may be more likely to respond following long‐term therapy.
Opportunities and Challenges: Stem Cell‐Based Therapy for the Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Tang Yao‐Hui , Ma Yuan‐Yuan , Zhang Zhi‐Jun , Wang Yong‐Ting , Yang Guo‐Yuan
Published: February 2015

Stem cell‐based therapy for ischemic stroke has been widely explored in animal models and provides strong evidence of benefits. In this review, we summarize the types of stem cells, various delivery routes, and tracking tools for stem cell therapy of ischemic stroke. MSCs, EPCs, and NSCs are the most explored cell types for ischemic stroke treatment. Although the mechanisms of stem cell‐based therapies are not fully understood, the most possible functions of the transplanted cells are releasing growth factors and regulating microenvironment through paracrine mechanism. Clinical application of stem cell‐based therapy is still in its infancy. The next decade of stem cell research in stroke field needs to focus on combining different stem cells and different imaging modalities to fully explore the potential of this therapeutic avenue: from bench to bedside and vice versa.
Transcription factor STOX1 regulates proliferation of inner ear epithelial cells via the AKT pathway
Authors: Nie Xiaowei , Zhang Kaiqing , Wang Li , Ou Guangshuo , Zhu He , Gao Wei‐Qiang
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Storkhead box 1 (STOX1) belongs to the forkhead family of transcription factors, and is reported to be involved in apoptosis of Caenorhabditis elegans. However, up to now the precise role of STOX1 in mammalian epithelial development has not been established. Here, we report that it plays an important role in regulation of proliferation of inner ear epithelial cells.

Materials and methods

Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription‐PCR assays were used to determine expression pattern of STOX1 in the mouse inner ear. Furthermore, its overexpression and knockdown effects on mouse inner ear epithelial cells were studied using RT‐PCR, immunofluorescence, MTT assay, BrdU labelling and western blotting.

Results

Storkhead box 1 was selectively expressed in epithelial cells, but not in stromal cells of the inner ear. Its over‐expression enhanced cell proliferation and sphere formation, however, STOX1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and sphere formation in purified utricular epithelial cells in culture. Consistently, several cell cycle regulatory genes such as for PCNA, cyclin A and cyclin E, were up‐regulated by STOX1 over‐expression. Furthermore, biochemical analyses indicated that proliferation‐promoting effects induced by STOX1 were mediated via phosphorylation of AKT in these cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, we demonstrate that STOX1 is a novel stimulatory factor for inner ear epithelial cell proliferation and might be an important target to be considered in regeneration or repair of inner ear epithelium.
The Allocation of German Aid: Self‐interest and Government Ideology
Authors: Dreher Axel , Nunnenkamp Peter , Schmaljohann Maya
Published: February 2015

We investigate the importance of geo‐strategic and commercial motives for the allocation of German aid to 138 countries over the 1973–2010 period. We find that geo‐strategic and commercial motives matter. When we relate them to the political color of the German government in general, and the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Federal Foreign Office in particular, we find their importance to be at least as strong under the socialist leadership. Socialist leadership decreases the amount of aid commitments, controlled for other factors.
CEO Tenure and Entrepreneurial Orientation within Family and Nonfamily Firms
Authors: Boling J. Ruben , Pieper Torsten M. , Covin Jeffrey G.
Published: February 2015

The current research investigates how entrepreneurial orientation changes during a chief executive officer (CEO)'s tenure in family and nonfamily firms. Based on secondary data collected from 210 firms representing five industries, the results show an inverse U–shaped relationship between CEO tenure and entrepreneurial orientation, consistent with the executive life cycle literature. Moreover, in family firms the shape of the inverse U is less pronounced and the level of entrepreneurial orientation peaks considerably later in the CEO's tenure when compared with nonfamily firms.
Cryptococcus gattii urease as a virulence factor and the relevance of enzymatic activity in cryptococcosis pathogenesis
Authors: Feder Vanessa , Kmetzsch Lívia , Staats Charley Christian , Vidal‐Figueiredo Natalia , Ligabue‐Braun Rodrigo , Carlini Célia Regina , Vainstein Marilene Henning
Published: February 2015

Ureases (EC 3.5.1.5) are Ni2+‐dependent metalloenzymes produced by plants, fungi and bacteria that hydrolyze urea to produce ammonia and CO2. The insertion of nickel atoms into the apo‐urease is better characterized in bacteria, and requires at least three accessory proteins: UreD, UreF, and UreG. Our group has demonstrated that ureases possess ureolytic activity‐independent biological properties that could contribute to the pathogenicity of urease‐producing microorganisms. The presence of urease in pathogenic bacteria strongly correlates with pathogenesis in some human diseases. Some medically important fungi also produce urease, including Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii. C. gattii is an etiological agent of cryptococcosis, most often affecting immunocompetent individuals. The cryptococcal urease might play an important role in pathogenesis. It has been proposed that ammonia produced via urease action might damage the host endothelium, which would enable yeast transmigration towards the central nervous system. To analyze the role of urease as a virulence factor in C. gattii, we constructed knockout mutants for the structural urease‐coding gene URE1 and for genes that code the accessory proteins Ure4 and Ure6. All knockout mutants showed reduced multiplication within macrophages. In intranasally infected mice, the ure1Δ (lacking urease protein) and ure4Δ (enzymatically inactive apo‐urease) mutants caused reduced blood burdens and a delayed time of death, whereas the ure6Δ (enzymatically inactive apo‐urease) mutant showed time and dose dependency with regard to fungal burden. Our results suggest that C. gattii urease plays an important role in virulence, in part possibly through enzyme activity‐independent mechanism(s).
Comparisons of isotopic niche widths of some invasive and indigenous fauna in a South African river
Authors: Hill Jaclyn M. , Jones Roy W. , Hill Martin P. , Weyl Olaf L. F.
Published: February 2015

Biological invasions threaten ecosystem integrity and biodiversity, with numerous adverse implications for native flora and fauna. Established populations of two notorious freshwater invaders, the snail Tarebia granifera and the fish Pterygoplichthys disjunctivus, have been reported on three continents and are frequently predicted to be in direct competition with native species for dietary resources.

Using comparisons of species' isotopic niche widths and stable isotope community metrics, we investigated whether the diets of the invasive T. granifera and P. disjunctivus overlapped with those of native species in a highly invaded river. We also attempted to resolve diet composition for both species, providing some insight into the original pathway of invasion in the Nseleni River, South Africa.

Stable isotope metrics of the invasive species were similar to or consistently mid‐range in comparison with their native counterparts, with the exception of markedly more uneven spread in isotopic space relative to indigenous species. Dietary overlap between the invasive P. disjunctivus and native fish was low, with the majority of shared food resources having overlaps of <0.26. The invasive T. granifera showed effectively no overlap with the native planorbid snail. However, there was a high degree of overlap between the two invasive species (˜0.86).

Bayesian mixing models indicated that detrital mangrove Barringtonia racemosa leaves contributed the largest proportion to P. disjunctivus diet (0.12–0.58), while the diet of T. granifera was more variable with high proportions of detrital Eichhornia crassipes (0.24–0.60) and Azolla filiculoides (0.09–0.33) as well as detrital Barringtonia racemosa leaves (0.00–0.30).

Overall, although the invasive T. granifera and P. disjunctivus were not in direct competition for dietary resources with native species in the Nseleni River system, their spread in isotopic space suggests they are likely to restrict energy available to higher consumers in the food web. Establishment of these invasive populations in the Nseleni River is thus probably driven by access to resources unexploited or unavailable to native residents.
Using Grain‐Size Distribution Methods for Estimation of Air Permeability
Authors: Wang Tiejun , Huang Yuanyang , Chen Xunhong , Chen Xi
Published: February 2015

Knowledge of air permeability (ka) at dry conditions is critical for the use of air flow models in porous media; however, it is usually difficult and time consuming to measure ka at dry conditions. It is thus desirable to estimate ka at dry conditions from other readily obtainable properties. In this study, the feasibility of using information derived from grain‐size distributions (GSDs) for estimating ka at dry conditions was examined. Fourteen GSD‐based equations originally developed for estimating saturated hydraulic conductivity were tested using ka measured at dry conditions in both undisturbed and disturbed river sediment samples. On average, the estimated ka from all the equations, except for the method of Slichter, differed by less than ± 4 times from the measured ka for both undisturbed and disturbed groups. In particular, for the two sediment groups, the results given by the methods of Terzaghi and Hazen‐modified were comparable to the measured ka. In addition, two methods (e.g., Barr and Beyer) for the undisturbed samples and one method (e.g., Hazen‐original) for the undisturbed samples were also able to produce comparable ka estimates. Moreover, after adjusting the values of the coefficient C in the GSD‐based equations, the estimation of ka was significantly improved with the differences between the measured and estimated ka less than ±4% on average (except for the method of Barr). As demonstrated by this study, GSD‐based equations may provide a promising and efficient way to estimate ka at dry conditions.
Increased aortic intimal proliferation due to MasR deletion in vitro
Authors: Alsaadon Hiba , Kruzliak Peter , Smardencas Arthur , Hayes Alan , Bader Michael , Angus Peter , Herath Chandana , Zulli Anthony
Published: February 2015

A growing body of evidence suggests that the vascular actions of Ang‐(1‐7) appear to involve increased production of nitric oxide (NO), an important vasodilator, through the activation of MasR, thus indicating the involvement of the MasR in preventing endothelial dysfunction. However, it is unknown whether the MasR could be involved in the progression of the next step in atherosclerosis, neo‐intimal formation. To determine whether the deletion of the MasR is involved in the development of intimal thickening in an in vitro model. Mice [three background controls (C57Bl/6) and 3 MasR (−/−)] were killed and the aortas excised and cleaned of connective tissue and cut into 3 mm rings. Rings were placed in an organ culture medium for 5 weeks, embedded in paraffin, cut at 5 μm and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome. In addition, aortic reactivity was measured in organ baths. After 5 weeks of culture, the intima:media ratio increased in the aortas from MasR (−/−) mice compared to the control group by 4.5‐fold (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference in nuclei area count (cell proliferation) between the MasR (−/−) mice and control group was observed (0.87 ± 0.29% vs. 0.94 ± 0.18%, respectively, P = ns). Functional studies showed only a minor vasoconstrictive and full vasodilative response. This study shows that the deletion of the MasR causes marked increase in the aortic intima:media ratio, which is not due to generalized cellular proliferation. These results provide a functional role for the MasR in atherogenesis.
Puff pastry and trends in fat reduction: an update
Authors: Wickramarachchi Kanchana S. , Sissons Mike J. , Cauvain Stanley P.
Published: February 2015

Puff pastry is a popular nonleavened pastry product with unique textural properties. Puff pastry is processed from laminated dough, comprising alternating and discrete layers of dough and fat. Puff pastry quality can vary substantially depending on the raw material quality and production processes. The high fat content of commercial puff pastry usually containing significant amounts of saturated and trans fats, which are known to be associated with potential health risks, has led to increased demand for lower fat baked products. This review discusses the puff pastry production process and factors affecting puff pastry quality together with strategies to reduce total fat content and improving the fat composition in puff pastries.
Effectiveness and knowledge, attitudes and practices of seasonal influenza vaccine in primary healthcare settings in South Africa, 2010–2013
Authors: McAnerney Johanna M. , Walaza Sibongile , Cohen Adam L. , Tempia Stefano , Buys Amelia , Venter Marietjie , Blumberg Lucille , Duque Jazmin , Cohen Cheryl
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) and coverage data for sub‐Saharan Africa are scarce. Using a test‐negative case–control design, we estimated influenza VE annually among individuals with influenza‐like illness presenting to an outpatient sentinel surveillance programme in South Africa from 2010 to 2013. A knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) influenza vaccine survey of programme clinicians was conducted in 2013.

Sample

In total, 9420 patients were enrolled in surveillance of whom 5344 (56.7%) were included in the VE analysis: 2678 (50.1%) were classified as controls (influenza test‐negative) and 2666 (49.9%) as cases (influenza test‐positive).

Results

Mean annual influenza vaccine coverage among controls was 4.5% for the four years. Annual VE estimates adjusted for age, underlying medical conditions and seasonality for 2010‐2013 were 54.2% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.4–78.6%), 57.1% (95% CI: 15.5–78.2%), 38.4% (95% CI: −71.7–78.1%) and 87.2% (95% CI: 67.2–95.0%), respectively. The KAP survey showed that >90% of clinicians were familiar with the indications for and the benefits of influenza vaccination.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the vaccine was significantly protective in 2010, 2011 and 2013, but not in 2012 when the circulating A(H3N2) strain showed genetic drift. Vaccine coverage was low despite good clinician knowledge of vaccination indications. Further studies are needed to investigate the reason for the low uptake of influenza vaccine.
Hitting a moving target: a process model of information systems control change
Authors: Cram W. Alec , Brohman M. Kathryn , Gallupe R. Brent
Published: February 2015

Controls are widely regarded as a key factor in driving high performing organisational processes. However, because of ongoing changes within information systems (IS) processes, control modifications are commonly required in order to maintain performance levels. Although past research recognises the ongoing benefits derived from successful control changes, there is a limited understanding of the actual steps taken by organisations, particularly with regard to avoiding negative performance implications such as process delays or employee resistance. This research draws on empirical data from six case studies to propose a new process model that depicts the interconnected steps involved in control changes. Our findings suggest that the sources of IS control change may be more diverse than most past research suggests and that control changes within non‐project‐oriented processes (e.g. enterprise architecture) present additional challenges in comparison to project‐oriented processes (e.g. systems development). Insights from this research can aid practitioners in streamlining control changes as a means to improve effectiveness, whilst also contributing to research by uncovering an enhanced understanding of why and how control changes are made in IS processes.
The Disarticulated Movement: Barriers to Maya Mobilization in Post-Conflict Guatemala
Authors: Vogt Manuel
Published: February 2015

Over the last decades, indigenous movements have propelled the political empowerment of historically marginalized groups in Latin America. The Maya struggle for ethnic equality in Guatemala, however, since its reawakening during the peace process, has reached an impasse. Based on field research consisting of dozens of elite interviews, this article analyzes the patterns of and obstacles to present-day Maya mobilization. It combines movement-internal and -external factors in an overarching theoretical argument about indigenous movements' capacity to construct strong collective voices. In the Guatemalan case, organizational sectorization, the lack of elite consensus on key substantive issues, and unclear alliance strategies compromise the effectiveness of horizontal voice among Maya organizations. These problems are exacerbated by the lasting effects of the country's unique history of violence and state strategies of divide and rule, preventing the emergence of a strong vertical voice capable of challenging the Guatemalan state.
Intergovernmental Politics of Fiscal Balance in a Federal Democracy: The Experience of Brazil, 1996–2005
Authors: Kemahlioglu Ozge
Published: February 2015

Irresponsible fiscal behavior by subnational units is a concern for federal or decentralized systems, especially in the developing world. States' expenditures in Brazil have been no different. Still, spending varies considerably among the Brazilian states, even after controlling for their financial resources. This article provides a political explanation for the variation in current spending, focusing on intergovernmental political relationships. It argues that credit claiming for pork distributed in a state plays a crucial role and that governors elevate state spending in order to make up for their loss in political credit from the pork distributed by the president. Analyzing data from the period 1996–2005, it finds that expenditures decrease as the relative number of federal deputies from the state governor's party increases compared to the number of deputies from the president's governing coalition when the national agenda encourages federal pork distribution in the states.
Gender Gaps in Civic and Political Participation in Latin America
Authors: Espinal Rosario , Zhao Shanyang
Published: February 2015

This article examines whether there is gender segmentation in civic participation in Latin America, and whether such segmentation is related to gender differences in political participation. Confirming the findings of other studies, this analysis indicates that there is gender segmentation in civic associational activities, and that men are more involved than women in political activities, except for voting. Among those involved in civic activities, however, women attend meetings more often than men or about equally in all types of activities under consideration, except for sports and recreational pursuits. This highlights the need to differentiate between type and intensity of civic participation and provides empirical evidence that Latin American women have strong community ties through a variety of organizations. The regression analysis shows that civic engagement has a positive effect on political participation but that the magnitude of that effect varies by gender depending on the activity.
A review of the issues and challenges involved in using participant‐produced photographs in nursing research
Authors: Balmer Claire , Griffiths Frances , Dunn Janet
Published: February 2015

Aims

To discuss the issues and challenges that may occur when using participant‐produced photographs in nursing research.

Background

The place of visual representation in society is increasingly being recognized and there is a growing discussion on the advantages of implementing visual methods, such as photography, in health and illness research. Integrating photographs has much potential for both nurse researchers and participants but it remains a novel method of gathering qualitative data and many aspects have had little consideration in the nursing and medical literature. This paper presents a discussion of some of the issues that may arise when using photographs as data. It draws on examples of the insights and experiences we had when we asked study participants to produce photographs to complement their interviews designed to explore their experience of living after cancer.

Design

Discussion paper

Data sources

This paper is based on our own experiences and supported by literature and theory.

Implications for nursing

Disseminating this research has prompted much interest from nurses and clinical staff. This paper should highlight some of the factors that may need to be addressed before employing such a novel method, thus ensuring the research process is positive and the outcome relevant for all parties.

Conclusion

Examples are used here to illustrate practical, ethical and philosophical issues around the research plan, creating and interpreting photographic data, confidentiality and copyright and analysing and disseminating photographs produced for research.
Water pipe smoking and dermatologic consequences
Authors: Wollina U.
Published: February 2015

Water pipe smoking is a recently growing addiction worldwide. It has become popular in Africa and the Western World and enfaces a renaissance in Middle East and Asia. The smoking technique leads to a different exposure to potential hazardous compounds compared to cigarette or classical pipe smoking. The common assumption that water pipe smoking is less dangerous to health is not substantiated by scientific data. Non‐tobacco‐based preparations reduce the exposure to nicotine but may contain equal or even higher concentrations of other toxic compounds. The medical literature on adverse effect of water pipe smoking on skin and oral mucosa is reviewed but future research is a demand.
Constructing and pre‐testing an instrument to assess smoking cessation services within the Brazilian public health system
Authors: Casado Letícia , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos
Published: February 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Assessing public health interventions is crucial for the development of public policies. Currently, there is no instrument to assess the inputs, activities and short‐term outcomes of the smoking cessation programme in the Brazilian public health system. This study reports the development of a questionnaire for that purpose and assesses its suitability.

Methods

A multidimensional self‐administered questionnaire was constructed. Questions were compiled from three Brazilian governmental acts that define the standards and requirements for smoking cessation services. A panel of experts familiar with tobacco control programmes reviewed the instrument. A pre‐test was conducted to assess its suitability, with 18 health professionals working in eight different multidisciplinary teams, which treat smokers in two different Brazilian cities. Descriptive statistics were computed. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 21; IBM, São Paulo, Brazil). This study was approved by the Committee on Ethics and Research of the Brazilian National Cancer Institute.

Results

A self‐administered multidimensional questionnaire comprising 30 questions was developed in Portuguese. The instrument had a high level of acceptance, and was considered clear and covering all parameters necessary to assess the treatment for smoking cessation by 100% of the pre‐test participants. The mean time spent to complete the questionnaire varied between 15 and 30 minutes.

Conclusion

An understandable and easy‐to‐use questionnaire was developed with suitable content and it was well accepted by health professionals. Pre‐testing provided a substantial enhancement of the questionnaire, minimizing difficulties in understanding the questions and perfecting the response options. This instrument will contribute to the process of assessing smoking cessation services.
Causation in evidence‐based medicine: in reply to Kerry et al.
Authors: Strand Anders , Parkkinen Veli‐Pekka
Published: February 2015

Kerry et al. criticize our discussion of causal knowledge in evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and our assessment of the relevance of their dispositionalist ontology for EBM. Three issues need to be addressed in response: (1) problems concerning transfer of causal knowledge across heterogeneous contexts; (2) how predictions about the effects of individual treatments based on population‐level evidence from RCTs are fallible; and (3) the relevance of ontological theories like dispositionalism for EBM.
A comparison of the Beers and STOPP criteria for identifying the use of potentially inappropriate medications among elderly patients in primary care
Authors: Oliveira Márcio Galvão , Amorim Welma Wildes , de Jesus Sandra Rêgo , Heine Jacqueline Miranda , Coqueiro Hérica Lima , Passos Luiz Carlos Santana
Published: February 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Explicit criteria for evaluating the appropriateness of medication use among the elderly have been extensively employed in several countries. The aim of the current study was to assess and characterize the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) according to the Screening Tool of Older People's Prescriptions (STOPP) criteria and compare these data with the 2012 Beers criteria.

Methods

A prospective survey of the medications used by elderly patients was performed. A total of 142 participants were randomly selected via systematic sampling. The Beers and STOPP criteria were applied to evaluate the use of PIMs among the sample. All of the medications included in these criteria were assessed for their availability in Brazil. The prevalence of PIMs was chosen as an occurrence measure and compared among the exposure group using the prevalence ratio (PR) as a measure of association.

Results

The prevalence of PIM use in the sample was 33.8% according to the STOPP criteria and 51.8% using the 2012 Beers criteria. The most prevalent PIMs according to the Beers criteria were short‐acting nifedipine (17.4%) and glyburide (11.9%); according to the STOPP criteria, they were acetylsalicylic acid (32.9%), clonazepam (10.1%) and diclofenac (6.3%). The use of four or more drugs (polypharmacy) was associated with a higher prevalence of PIM use (PR = 3.11, 95% CIs = 1.65–5.85).

Conclusions

The 2012 Beers criteria identified more PIMs than the STOPP criteria. This difference highlights the need to develop national criteria.
High‐Pressure Enhanced Infusion: Influence of Process Parameters
Authors: Mahadevan S. , Nitin N. , Salvi D. , Karwe M.V.
Published: February 2015

High‐pressure processing (HPP) has been shown to enhance infusion of small‐size molecules into foods primarily because of cell membrane rupture. The enhanced infusion has been previously explained using increased effective diffusivity, which does not elucidate the actual mass transport mechanisms. This study evaluates and explains the role of transport processes and the influence of process parameters on enhanced infusion of antioxidants by HPP. Frozen‐thawed cranberries were infused with quercetin. A greater amount of quercetin (three times) was infused faster (18 times) in cranberries after HPP (100 MPa–551 MPa at 22C) compared with those infused at ambient conditions. While freeze‐thawing process ruptured cell membranes in cranberries, measured as cell permeability, there was no additional cell rupture after HPP. A similar degree of measured cell permeability before (0.48 ± 0.01) and after HPP (0.48 ± 0.04), and observed enhanced infusion under high‐pressure suggest that cell membrane permeabilization may not be the only cause for high–pressure‐assisted infusion.

Practical Applications

Conventional diffusion‐based mass transport methods currently used in the food industry are slow processes. In order to accelerate the process, this research investigates (1) the potential of high‐pressure processing (HPP) to enhance and accelerate infusion in cranberries and (2) the mechanisms operative during high–pressure‐assisted infusion. The present study was focused on understanding influence of process variables on extent of infusion and cell permeability. HPP significantly enhanced and accelerated infusion of quercetin in cranberries. Additionally, the commonly accepted explanation of cell permeabilization being the only cause for enhanced infusion under high pressure was not found to be operative in the current system of study. The success of this research can highlight the potential of HPP as an alternative technology that will be useful to the food industry to develop a broad class of nutrient infused food products.
Variable Retort Temperature Profiles for Canned Papaya Puree
Authors: Avila‐Gaxiola Evangelina , Delgado‐Vargas Francisco , Zazueta‐Niebla Jorge , López‐Angulo Gabriela , Vega‐García Misael , Caro‐Corrales Jose
Published: February 2015

Constant retort temperature (CRT) processes for thermally treated foods are usually time‐consuming and have drastic impact on food quality. Variable retort temperature (VRT) processes may decrease the processing time and may retain better the food nutritional quality. Five isolethal profiles (one CRT and four VRT) for preparing papaya puree (pH 3.8) were designed using pectin methyl esterase as the target enzyme for thermal processing, and their effect on the puree quality was evaluated. The objective was to compare these profiles based on processing time, vitamin C retention, consistency index and color. The VRT isolethal profiles reduced the processing time up to 33.3% compared with CRT, whereas vitamin C, consistency index and chroma were retained up to 65, 71 and 89%, respectively, compared with fresh puree. The best resulting treatment was a VRT upstairs profile (75C/19 min, 80C/8.5 min, 90C/10.7 min and 6C/20.8 min). The results show that the use of VRT profiles allows retaining the nutritional quality of canned papaya puree.

Practical Applications

This research explored the use of variable retort temperature to increase product quality and improve processing time in canning of papaya puree. In an upstairs profile, 65% of vitamin C was retained compared with fresh product. The results would be useful for canning of conduction‐heated foods.
Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.): Chemical and Physical Changes under Different Aging Conditions
Authors: Holowaty Santiago A. , Trela Valeria , Thea Ana E. , Scipioni Griselda P. , Schmalko Miguel E.
Published: February 2015

The variation of different physicochemical parameters related to yerba maté quality (caffeine, water extract, total polyphenol content, color parameters and antioxidant activity) was studied in yerba maté samples obtained by three different aging methods: (1) natural aging (NA); (2) temperature‐controlled aging (TCA); and (3) humidity‐ and temperature‐controlled aging (HTCA). Adsorption isotherms at low temperatures (20, 30, 40 and 50C) were also determined. Water extract and color parameters (L and a) increased significantly during aging in the three methods studied (P < 0.05). The results also showed that during NA the polyphenol content of yerba maté diminished (P < 0.05), while caffeine remained constant (P > 0.05). The antioxidant activities of yerba maté obtained by NA and HTCA were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the antioxidant activity of yerba maté without aging and the yerba maté obtained by TCA. These variations were explained by 0, 1 and 2 kinetic order equations. Kinetic rate constants were higher in the HTCA than in the TCA, and these values were higher than in the NA according to temperature decrease. Experimental data of equilibrium moisture content at different temperatures showed good fitting (P < 0.05) with the three models tested (GAB, Halsey and Henderson). No significant differences were found either with temperature or with the materials obtained using different aging methods. Although the results obtained demonstrate that different aging methods originate similar products, HTCA method is better because it provides a yerba maté with higher total polyphenol content.

Practical Applications

Aging is one stage in yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) processing. There are three methods commonly used to age yerba maté in industry, in which different air conditions (temperature and humidity) are employed. Sensorial analysis, usually carried out by expert tasters, is commonly used to control the aging method and the degree of aging of yerba maté. These tests are subjective and suffer from inconsistency and inaccuracy, so it is necessary to develop objective methods to identify the yerba maté quality, chemically or physically. This work evaluates the variation of different physicochemical parameters during the aging stage of yerba maté in order to differentiate the products obtained using the three aging methods. Data were fitted to different kinetic equations in order to predict the degree of aging and the time necessary to reach the end point.
High Pressure‐Enhanced Infusion in Fresh and Frozen‐Thawed Cranberries: A Comparative Study
Authors: Mahadevan S. , Salvi D. , Karwe M. V.
Published: February 2015

High‐pressure processing (HPP) has been shown to enhance and accelerate infusion of molecules compared with osmosis‐driven diffusion. The primary cause for enhanced HPP infusion is attributed to cell membrane permeabilization. This study tests the validity of this commonly accepted mechanism by conducting HPP (100 MPa–551 MPa) infusion of quercetin into cranberries. Two systems used in this study were fresh cranberries, cells of which are intact, and frozen‐thawed cranberries, cells of which are permeabilized during freeze‐thaw process. Results showed that while fresh and frozen‐thawed cranberries had similar cell membrane permeability after HPP, twice as much quercetin was infused into fresh cranberries as compared with frozen‐thawed cranberries. If cell membrane permeability were the only cause of infusion, the amount of quercetin infused into cranberries in both systems should have been same. These results suggest that enhanced infusion caused by HPP is not just caused by cell permeabilization alone.

Practical Applications

Conventional diffusion based mass transport methods, currently used in the food industry for infusion, are slow processes. In order to accelerate the mass transport, this research investigated the potential of HPP to enhance and accelerate infusion in cranberries. The present study was focused on the comparison of infusion during HPP using fresh cranberries, cells of which were intact and frozen‐thawed cranberries, cells of which were permeabilized (with ruptured cell membranes) by freeze‐thaw process. Results showing increased infusion in fresh cranberries and similar cell permeability in both fresh and frozen‐thawed cranberries suggested that enhanced infusion during HPP was not caused only by cell permeabilization. This research opens new avenues for investigating additional mass transport mechanisms occurring during HPP, which will help develop accurate predictive mass transport models for HPP infusion processes.
Variation in Bioactive Compounds and Quality Parameters in Different Modified Atmosphere Packaging during Postharvest Storage of Traditional Leafy Vegetables (Amaranthus cruentus L and Solanum Retroflexum)
Authors: Mampholo Mmakatane B , Sivakumar Dharini , Van Rensburg Jansen
Published: February 2015

Amaranthus cruentus L and Solanum retroflexum are popular traditional leafy vegetables produced for urban fresh produce markets. In this study, four types of bi‐orientated polypropylene packaging (BOPP), BOPP03, BOPP04, BOPP05 and BOPP06, with different perforations were tested on retention of quality parameters (weight loss, leaf yellowing, color L*, C*, h°), decay, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, bioactive compounds (carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total phenolic compounds), antioxidant scavenging activity and sensory properties at 10C at 2‐day intervals up to 14 days. The BOPP films without perforation or BOPP film with two macroperforation (two 2 mm holes) and unpacked leaves were included for comparison. The BOPP05 packaging retained the green color of the leaves (higher h°) and the overall appearance; maintained the chlorophyll content, bioactive compounds and antioxidant scavenging activity; and maintained the leaves, thereby being marketable for up to 8 days for A. cruentus and for 10 days for S. retroflexum at 10C. The BOPP05 packaging maintained 4.3% O2 and 7.3% CO2 for A. cruentus leaves and 5.6% O2 and 6.7% CO2 for S. reflexum at the equilibrium steady state on the eighth and the 10th day, respectively, at 10C.

Practical Applications

The highly perishable nature of Amaranthus cruentus L and Solanum retroflexum leaves limits their storage, distribution and marketing. Loss of quality and bioactive compounds in traditional leafy vegetables A. cruentus L and S. scrabum during marketing can be reduced by using bi‐orientated polypropylene (BOPP)05 modified atmosphere packaging. Therefore, the BOPP05 packaging can be recommended to extend the shelf life of A. cruentus L and S. scrabum leaves. This approach can be adopted to commercialize the underutilized vegetables A. cruentus L and S. scrabum that are rich in bioactive compounds.
Flood management in cities of developing countries: the example of Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Egbinola C.N. , Olaniran H.D. , Amanambu A.C.
Published: February 2015

Flooding, a common environmental hazard worldwide has, in recent times, increased as a result of climate change, with the effect felt more by the poor in developing countries. In Nigeria, as in most developing countries, flooding has been linked to natural causes, urbanisation and poor management practices. It has resulted to loss of lives, income, property damage and spread of diseases. The recurrent incidences of flooding and associated risks in cities of developing countries have necessitated a review of the approaches to flood risk management in Nigeria. This paper takes a look at the incidence of flooding in Ibadan, a major city in Nigeria. It examines its causes, effects and the effectiveness of the flood management options. The study found that even with daunting challenges of financial constraints, mismanagement, lack of continuity in governance and policy, and small‐scale flood management remedies, such as proper waste management, dredging, clearing of channels and bridge throughway, have proven effective in the management of flood risks. The study recommends an intensification of non‐structural strategies of flood management.
Assessment of flood damage behaviour in connection with large‐scale climate indices
Authors: Ozger M.
Published: February 2015

Flood damage assessment is a necessary tool in the planning of flood‐prone areas. There are several factors affecting the flood damages. It is not easy to detect these effective factors by classical methods. In this study, correlation coefficient and cross wavelet analysis are used to look for a possible connection between flood losses and large‐scale climate indices. Some strong connections suggest that sea surface temperature anomalies influence the general characteristic of flood damage distribution across the United States. Time‐series analyses of flood damage data reveal that there is an upward trend in the flood losses. This apparent trend can be related to increase in population. Also, an autoregressive model and a regression model are proposed on the predictability of flood damages. It is shown that model errors stay within the acceptable error limits.
An operational model of a reservoir system simulation for real‐time flood control in the Han River Basin
Authors: Lee S. , Kang T. , Lee K.S.
Published: February 2015

An operational model of a reservoir system simulation was developed for real‐time flood control in the Han River Basin, Korea. The developed simulation model jointly operates the four flood control dams. The reservoir system operation model decides or alters a control point and the target river for flood control according to the dam state defined by the two levels of the dam: the maximum forecasted reservoir level and the restricted water level in the flood season. In addition, the model switches the release objectives corresponding to the flood stages, which are normal hydropower release, maximum hydropower release, and spillway release. The reservoir system operation model determines flood releases by reflecting two major concepts: the model pursues reservoir balance at the end of a joint operation and the channel capacity on a downstream control point may limit the release amount from an upstream dam. The application of the model to two historical flood events showed that the channel capacity may limit dam releases and thus may contribute to the reduction of peak discharge on the downstream control point. The model has been operationally used for flood control in the Han River Basin.
Quantitative Analysis of Fish Microbiological Quality Using Electronic Tongue Coupled with Nonlinear Pattern Recognition Algorithms
Authors: Han Fangkai , Huang Xingyi , Teye Ernest , Gu Haiyang
Published: February 2015

The objective of this study was to establish quantitative evaluation models for fish microbiological quality analysis based on electronic tongue technique coupled with nonlinear pattern recognition algorithms. Crucian carp stored at 4C were used. A commercial electronic tongue system was employed. The total viable counts (TVCs) of fish samples were measured by the classical microbiological plating method. Partial least square regression, support vector regression (SVR) and back propagation neural network (BP‐NN) were applied comparatively to predict TVC values. The multivariate regression models were evaluated by the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) and the correlation coefficient in prediction set (Rpre). Results revealed that the performance of BP‐NN model was superior to that of PLS model and SVR model. The RMSEP and Rpre of the BP‐NN model for TVC prediction were 0.211 ln colony‐forming unit (cfu)/g and 0.993, respectively. This study showed that electronic tongue together with BP‐NN model could be a reliable technique for the detection of fish microbiological quality.

Practical Applications

Fish is a highly perishable commodity after harvesting and postmortem as a consequence of microbial breakdown mechanisms. Total viable count (TVC) method is the most widely used microbiological indicator for the evaluation of fish microbiological quality. However, the conventional analytical methods for the determination of TVC are cumbersome and time wasting. This work provides a practical and efficient way for rapid, accurate and convenient determination of TVC in fish using electronic tongue combined with regression algorithms to address these limitations.
Neuroimaging in Sensory Neuronopathy
Authors: Casseb Raphael Fernandes , Martinez Alberto Rolim Muro , de Paiva Jean Levi Ribeiro , França Marcondes Cavalcante
Published: February 2015

Sensory neuronopathies (SN) are a group of disorders characterized by primary damage to the dorsal root ganglia neurons. Clinical features include multifocal areas of hypoaesthesia, pain, dysautonomia, and sensory ataxia, which is the major source of disability. Diagnosis relies upon clinical assessment and nerve conductions studies, but sometimes it is difficult to distinguish SN from similar conditions, such as axonal polyneuropathies and some myelopathies. In this scenario, underdiagnosis is certainly an important issue for SN patients and additional diagnostic tools are needed. MRI is able to evaluate the dorsal columns of the spinal cord and has proven useful in the workup of SN patients. Although T2 weighted hyperintensity restricted to the posterior fasciculi without contrast enhancement is the typical finding, additional abnormalities have been recently reported. The aim of this review is to gather available information on neuroimaging findings of SN, discuss their clinical correlates and the potential impact of novel MRI‐based techniques.