bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
City-Wide Drug Testing using Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Banta-Green Caleb , Field Jennifer
Published: June 2011

Drug users do not want to be identified and do not want to reply to surveys. So how do you find out how many of them there are? The answer lies below the city streets. Caleb Banta-Green and Jennifer Field delve deep.
The Sapiential Dimension of Theology according to St. Thomas
Authors: Morrissey Paul
Published: June 2011

In the wake of the (almost) universal rejection of neo-Thomism after the Second Vatican Council it was normal to view St. Thomas's theology within the prism of certain stereotypes. A particularly favoured generalisation said that in Thomas's theology Aristotle had trumped the Bible turning theology away from its principle source and power. In recent years however there has been a renewal in what this paper argues is a more holistic reading of St. Thomas focussing especially on his sapiential understanding of theology. Names synonymous with this renewal are Torrell, Emery, Pinckaers, Cessario, and Levering. It is the purpose of this paper to highlight the source of this more sapiential reading of St. Thomas by discussing four key dimensions of his understanding of theology: 1) what Thomas means by wisdom 2) the contemplative nature of theology 3) the unitive nature of theology 4) the importance of prayer and holiness for theology.
Anselm's Argument: On the Unity of Thinking and Being
Authors: Sultana Mark
Published: June 2011

In this article, I argue that at the root of the ‘ontological’ argument lies the notion that the idea of God is truth: in the idea of God, the meaning of the concept and the reality of the Being actually converge; the idea of God is God. After looking at a number of thinkers whose philosophical method is reminiscent of Anselm's I conclude that, while Anselm did not furnish a conclusive proof of the necessary existence of God, his argument shows how the question of the existence of God is one and the same with the question of the intelligibility and coherence of God and with the question of the intelligibility and coherence of reality.
TRADE UNION RENEWAL AND LABOR TRANSNATIONALISM IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE CASE OF SATAWU
Authors: McCallum Jamie K.
Published: June 2011

This article links labor transnationalism with local union revitalization. Through an in‐depth case study, it describes the renewal of the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union as a result of its participation in a global union campaign. This effort first expanded formal rights for workers through the establishment of an International Framework Agreement, which then promoted deeper mobilization from below. I conclude that global unionism can inspire local renewal processes, and that strategies which guarantee the formal rights of workers are effective when used in tandem with local mobilization‐based strategies.
TEMPORARY MIGRANT WORKERS AND LABOR ORGANIZATION
Authors: Holgate Jane
Published: June 2011

This paper discusses the growth in temporary migration and the implications this has for labor organization. The issues of migrant are at the same time personal, political and economic, creating new geographies of employment and new social networks. These are just some of the factors that labor unions need to consider when figuring out strategies to bring these workers into their organizations.
AFTER THE IMMIGRATION RAID: EVALUATING THE CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS IN NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS
Authors: Juravich Tom , Williams Corinn
Published: June 2011

In March 2007, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a major raid at a military contractor in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The largest ICE workplace raid at the time, over 350 immigrant workers were taken into custody, Many of the detainees had small children that ICE had not anticipated. In the wake of the ICE raid, individuals and a number of formal and ad hoc organizations stepped in to provide assistance to the detainees and their families. This article evaluates the organizational support for the detained workers and their families in New Bedford after the ICE raid, based on extended interviews with 28 key participants. We argue that the initial community response was successful due to the presence of local organizations that had a history of working with immigrants, a strong base of volunteers involved in many aspects of the campaign, and because of the foundational role the immigrant community itself played in the response to the raid. In the long run the impact of the raid is more complicated. The raid has left immigrants in New Bedford struggling to find decent work to support their families. The majority of funds raised were earmarked for short‐term aid to children or general advocacy and policy work. Few funds were designated for local immigrant rights organizations to continue their advocacy or to support ongoing community organizing in immigrant communities. We also discuss the unintended consequences of the campaign that focused almost exclusively on the children of detainees.
WORKPLACE SOCIAL SUPPORT AND WORK–FAMILY CONFLICT: A META‐ANALYSIS CLARIFYING THE INFLUENCE OF GENERAL AND WORK–FAMILY‐SPECIFIC SUPERVISOR AND ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORT
Authors: KOSSEK ELLEN ERNST , PICHLER SHAUN , BODNER TODD , HAMMER LESLIE B.
Published: June 2011

This article uses meta‐analysis to develop a model integrating research on relationships between employee perceptions of general and work–family‐specific supervisor and organizational support and work–family conflict. Drawing on 115 samples from 85 studies comprising 72,507 employees, we compared the relative influence of 4 types of workplace social support to work–family conflict: perceived organizational support (POS); supervisor support; perceived organizational work–family support, also known as family‐supportive organizational perceptions (FSOP); and supervisor work–family support. Results show work–family‐specific constructs of supervisor support and organization support are more strongly related to work–family conflict than general supervisor support and organization support, respectively. We then test a mediation model assessing the effects of all measures at once and show positive perceptions of general and work–family‐specific supervisor indirectly relate to work–family conflict via organizational work–family support. These results demonstrate that work–family‐specific support plays a central role in individuals’ work–family conflict experiences.
EXERCISES AND DIMENSIONS ARE THE CURRENCY OF ASSESSMENT CENTERS
Authors: HOFFMAN BRIAN J. , MELCHERS KLAUS G. , BLAIR CARRIE A. , KLEINMANN MARTIN , LADD ROBERT T.
Published: June 2011

A novel assessment center (AC) structure that models broad dimension factors, exercise factors, and a general performance factor is proposed and supported in 4 independent samples of AC ratings. Consistent with prior research, the variance attributable to dimension and exercise factors varied widely across ACs. To investigate the construct validity of these empirically supported components of AC ratings, the nomological network of broad dimensions, exercises, and general performance was examined. Results supported the criterion‐related validity of broad dimensions and exercises as predictors of effectiveness and success criteria as well as the incremental validity of broad dimensions beyond exercises and general performance. Finally, the relationships between individual differences and AC factors supported the construct validity of broad dimension factors and provide initial insight as to the meaning of exercise specific variance and general AC performance.
THE PRACTICAL INTELLIGENCE OF ENTREPRENEURS: ANTECEDENTS AND A LINK WITH NEW VENTURE GROWTH
Authors: BAUM J. ROBERT , BIRD BARBARA JEAN , SINGH SHEETAL
Published: June 2011

We draw upon cognitive psychology and social cognition theories to develop a model of practical intelligence, its antecedents, and its role in the early growth phase of entrepreneurship. The model was tested through interviews with 22 printing industry CEOs and responses from 283 founders of early‐stage printing and graphics businesses. Related venture and industry experience and 2 learning orientations interacted to predict practical intelligence. In turn, practical intelligence interacted with growth goals to predict higher venture growth across 4 years.
PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL AND EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: A LATENT GROWTH MODELING APPROACH
Authors: PETERSON SUZANNE J. , LUTHANS FRED , AVOLIO BRUCE J. , WALUMBWA FRED O. , ZHANG ZHEN
Published: June 2011

The positive core construct of psychological capital (consisting of efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience) has been conceptually and empirically demonstrated to be related to employee performance. However, much of this work has relied on cross‐sectional designs to examine these relationships. This study utilizes longitudinal data from a large financial service organization (N= 179 financial advisory‐type employees) to examine within‐individual change in psychological capital over time and if this change relates to their change in performance. Latent growth modeling analyses revealed statistically significant within‐individual change in psychological capital over time, and that this change in psychological capital was related to change in 2 types of performance outcomes (supervisor‐rated performance and financial performance, i.e., individual sales revenue). Moreover, results of an exploratory cross‐lagged panel analysis suggested a causal relationship such that prior psychological capital leads to subsequent performance rather than vice versa. Taken together, these results highlight the impact employees’ psychological capital may have on their subjectively and objectively measured performance over time and offer evidence‐based practical guidelines for human resource selection, development, and performance management.
BEYOND PERSONALITY TRAITS: A STUDY OF PERSONALITY STATES AND SITUATIONAL CONTINGENCIES IN CUSTOMER SERVICE JOBS
Authors: HUANG JASON L. , RYAN ANN MARIE
Published: June 2011

Although the interactionist approach has been applied to understanding situational influences on the expression of personality at work, examination of within‐person variation in personality trait expression in the workplace is lacking. Using experience sampling methodology, this study examined the moment‐to‐moment influences of situational characteristics on personality states (i.e., situational contingencies) during social interactions on 56 customer service employees over 10 days at work. At the within‐individual level, state Conscientiousness was associated with the immediacy of the task, and state Extraversion and Agreeableness were associated with the friendliness of the other party in the interaction. At the between‐individual level, self‐monitoring did not moderate the associations between situational characteristics and personality states but predicted the mean level of state Conscientiousness at work over and above trait Conscientiousness. Contrary to expectations, the relationship between state Extraversion and friendliness was weaker in customized service jobs than in noncustomized ones.
Auxin‐Oxylipin Crosstalk: Relationship of AntagonistsF
Authors: Hoffmann Maik , Hentrich Mathias , Pollmann Stephan
Published: June 2011

Stephan Pollmann (Corresponding author)

Phytohormones regulate a wide array of developmental processes throughout the life cycle of plants. Herein, the various plant hormones may interact additively, synergistically, or antagonistically. By their cooperation they create a delicate regulatory network whose net output largely depends on the action of specific phytohormone combinations rather than on the independent activities of separate hormones. While most classical studies of plant hormonal control have focused mainly on the action of single hormones or on the synergistic interaction of hormones in regulating various developmental processes, recent work is beginning to shed light on the crosstalk of nominally antagonistic plant hormones, such as gibberellins and auxins with oxylipins or abscisic acid. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of how two of the first sight antagonistic plant hormones, i.e. auxins and oxylipins, interact in controlling plant responses and development.
Over‐expression of WOX1 Leads to Defects in Meristem Development and Polyamine Homeostasis in ArabidopsisF
Authors: Zhang Yanxia , Wu Renhong , Qin Genji , Chen Zhangliang , Gu Hongya , Qu Li‐Jia
Published: June 2011

In plants, the meristem has to maintain a separate population of pluripotent cells that serve two main tasks, i.e., self‐maintenance and organ initiation, which are separated spatially in meristem. Prior to our study, WUS and WUS‐like WOX genes had been reported as essential for the development of the SAM. In this study, the consequences of gain of WOX1 function are described. Here we report the identification of an Arabidopsis gain‐of‐function mutant wox1‐D, in which the expression level of the WOX1 (WUSCHEL HOMEOBOX 1) was elevated and subtle defects in meristem development were observed. The wox1‐D mutant phenotype is dwarfed and slightly bushy, with a smaller shoot apex. The wox1‐D mutant also produced small and dark green leaves, and exhibited a failure in anther dehiscence and male sterility. Molecular evidences showed that the transcription of the stem cell marker gene CLV3 was down‐regulated in the meristem of wox1‐D but accumulated in the other regions, i.e., in the root‐hypocotyl junction and at the sites for lateral root initiation. The fact that the organ size and cell size in leaves of wox1‐D are smaller than those in wild type suggests that cell expansion is possibly affected in order to have partially retarded the development of lateral organs, possibly through alteration of CLV3 expression pattern in the meristem. An S‐adenosylmethionine decarboxylase (SAMDC) protein, SAMDC1, was found able to interact with WOX1 by yeast two‐hybrid and pull‐down assays in vitro. HPLC analysis revealed a significant reduction of polyamine content in wox1‐D. Our results suggest that WOX1 plays an important role in meristem development in Arabidopsis, possibly via regulation of SAMDC activity and polyamine homeostasis, and/or by regulating CLV3 expression.
Slovenian Renal Replacement Therapy Registry: Excerpts from the 2008 Annual Report
Authors: Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Gubenšek Jakob , Arnol Miha
Published: June 2011

This report provides a summary of the 2008 Slovenian Renal Replacement Therapy Registry Annual Report. Data on renal replacement therapy (RRT) were obtained from 20 dialysis centers and one transplant center, referring 31 December 2008, with 100% response rate to individual patient questionnaires. Slovenia has a population of approximately two million. The total number of patients treated by RRT was 1967, i.e. 968 per million of population (pmp), a 3.7% increase compared to 2007. In total, 1343 (68.3%) were treated by hemodialysis, 105 (5.3%) by peritoneal dialysis, and 519 (26.4%) had a functioning kidney graft. A total of 235 incident patients, 116 pmp (at day one), started RRT: their median age was 67 years, 61.8% were men, and 28% were diabetics. Regarding hemodialysis patients, 77% were dialyzed in hospital and 23% in private centers, 48% were treated with on‐line hemodiafiltration and 74% with ultrapure dialysis fluid. The median weekly duration of hemodialysis was 13.5 hours, median dry body weight 68 kg, mean blood flow 283 ± 51 mL/min, and 9.2% were dialyzed using a single‐needle mode. Vascular access was provided by a native arteriovenous fistula in 82%, a polytetrafluoroethylene graft in 6%, and a catheter in 12%. The crude death rate was 12.4% in dialysis patients, 1.4% in transplant recipients, and 9.4% in all RRT patients (both dialysis and transplant, incident patients at day 1 included). The longest survival on RRT is 38 years (with hemodialysis only). Slovenia has been a member of Eurotransplant since 2000; 52 kidney transplantations were performed in 2008, all from deceased donors.
Treatment of Anemia With Epoetin in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Bren Andrej , Arnol Miha , Kandus Aljoša , Varl Janez , Oblak Manca , Lindič Jelka , Pajek Jernej , Knap Bojan , Kovač Damjan , Mlinšek Gregor , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and efficacy of renal anemia treated with epoetin in maintenance kidney transplant recipients in Slovenia. By the end of 2009, 107 out of 537 patients (19.9%) had been treated with epoetin. A cohort of 49 patients (45.8%) were analyzed in detail: 11 patients received epoetin alfa, 18 epoetin beta, 10 darbepoetin alfa, and 10 patients received methoxy polyethylene glycol‐epoetin beta. The median epoetin dose was 0.36 µg/kg body weight per week. The median serum laboratory parameters were as follows: hemoglobin 120 g/L, hematocrit 0.36, ferritin 332 ng/mL, transferrin saturation 34%, serum creatinine 145 µmol/L, serum albumin 41 g/L, intact parathyroid hormone 79 ng/L, and C‐reactive protein 3 mg/L. We concluded that the prevalence of renal anemia in kidney transplant recipients treated with epoetin was approximately 20%, and laboratory parameters suggested that the treatment of renal anemia in this study cohort was optimal.
Forty‐Eight‐Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Carotid‐Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ekart Robert , Bernhardt Matej , Balon Breda Pečovnik , Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Radovan
Published: June 2011

Carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is an important predictor of cardiovascular events in the general population and also in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In the general population, cfPWV is strongly associated with age and blood pressure (BP). The best timing and method of BP measurement in HD patients is uncertain. Ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) have been used to better define the relationship between BP, target organ damage, and outcomes in HD patients. The aim of this study was to determine the possible association between cfPWV, cardiovascular risk factors, single BP measurements, and 48‐hour ABPM in chronic HD patients. Thirty‐three HD patients (22 men, 11 women) were included. After the end of the mid‐week HD session, BP was measured, arterial stiffness was estimated by cfPWV, and 48‐hour ABPM was performed. The mean systolic and diastolic BP readings before cfPWV measurement were 136/79 mm Hg, and the mean 48‐hour systolic and diastolic BP readings were 131/76 mm Hg. The mean and range of the cfPWV measurements were 8.31 ± 2.35 m/s and 5.18–16.53 m/s, respectively. Using regression analysis, no association between cfPWV and BP before PWV measurements was found. A statistically significant correlation between cfPWV and 48‐hour systolic and diastolic ABPM was found. Using multiple regression analysis (including age, sex, smoking, diabetes, body mass index, total cholesterol, low‐ and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, C‐reactive protein, albumin, phosphorus, calcium, and iPTH) 48‐hour systolic (P < 0.001) and diastolic ABPM (P < 0.005) still remain significantly associated with cfPWV. Only 48‐hour ABPM was associated with cfPWV in HD patients in our study. We found no relationship between cfPWV and other cardiovascular risk factors.
Long‐Term Citrate Anticoagulation in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Gubenšek Jakob , Kovač Janko , Benedik Miha , Marn‐Pernat Andreja , Knap Bojan , Ponikvar Rafael , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka
Published: June 2011

In some cases, long‐term (>3 months) citrate anticoagulation is needed in maintenance hemodialysis patients due to a persistent bleeding risk. In this retrospective observational study, we present our experience and assess its safety and effects on mineral and bone disorder parameters. Sixteen patients (mean age 67 ± 15 years) were treated with long‐term citrate anticoagulation. The indications were: recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in nine patients, heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia, retroperitoneal hematoma, chronic subdural hematoma, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, vascular malformations in the brain in one patient, and others in two patients. Metabolic complications and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were analyzed. Citrate anticoagulation was performed for 4 months to 6.3 years (median 12 months). Ionized calcium was stable during the procedures; hypocalcemia (<0.9 mmol/L) was rare (2.1% of procedures), and there was one case of severe symptomatic hypocalcemia. There were no clinically significant acid–base disturbances and no clotting problems. In the short term (1–3 months after starting citrate), the iPTH increased in 73% of patients (from 325 ± 310 to 591 ± 793 pg/L, P = 0.11, N = 11). In the long term (1–2 years), an increase in iPTH was observed in 3/6 patients. The time period (before/after starting citrate) was a significant predictor of iPTH using main‐effects anova (P < 0.001). To conclude, long‐term citrate anticoagulation in chronic hemodialysis patients is safe. Mild hypocalcemia during dialysis with citrate anticoagulation may contribute to a short‐ and long‐term increase in iPTH in these patients. Further studies on long‐term citrate anticoagulation are necessary.
Citrate Anticoagulation During Post‐Dilution Hemodiafiltration With a High Cut‐Off (Theralite) Membrane
Authors: Kovač Janko , Gubenšek Jakob , Pernat Andreja Marn , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Kersnič Boštjan , Pretnar Jože , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: June 2011

Citrate anticoagulation has not yet been described for hemodiafiltration (HDF) with high cut‐off (HCO) membranes, which can be used in the treatment of cast nephropathy secondary to multiple myeloma. A 57‐year‐old male patient with multiple myeloma and acute renal failure was treated with HDF using a HCO membrane (Theralite) each or every other day. Due to thrombocytopenia, citrate anticoagulation was done for the first 7 h, and anticoagulant‐free HDF was performed for the last hour to avoid citrate accumulation. Magnesium, phosphate, and albumin were measured after 3, 6, and 8 h, and were replaced as necessary. Thirty‐two post‐dilution HDF procedures (8 h each, infusate 24 L) were performed with blood flow at 300–330 mL/h; sodium citrate 4% was infused at 300 mL/h and 1 mol/L calcium chloride was infused at a mean rate of 14.6 ± 1.1 mL/h. Calcium‐free dialysate/infusate was used. Ionized calcium was stable (1.10 ± 0.06 before and 1.08 ± 0.06 mmol/L after HDF). Magnesium was stable (0.67 ± 0.12 before and 0.68 ± 0.05 mmol/L after HDF), with an average 390 ± 180 mg per procedure, substituted orally. There was no metabolic alkalosis or hypernatremia after the procedures, and no significant clotting was noted. The total/ionized calcium ratio (1.87 ± 0.22 before vs. 1.56 ± 0.20 after 6 h) and the corrected/ionized calcium ratio (2.02 ± 0.21 before vs. 1.88 ± 0.27 after 6 h) decreased during HDF, indicating no citrate accumulation. Citrate anticoagulation was effectively performed during 8 h of HCO membrane HDF. There were no side effects of citrate anticoagulation, nor were any signs of citrate accumulation noted.
Detection of Dialysis Access Induced Limb Ischemia by Infrared Thermography in Children
Authors: Novljan Gregor , Rus Rina R , Koren‐Jeverica Anja , Avčin Tadej , Ponikvar Rafael , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka
Published: June 2011

High arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) blood flow may impair distal limb perfusion and cause irreversible ischemic damage. Since tissue temperature reflects blood perfusion, we tried to assess distal blood flow using an infrared camera. We examined all 12 patients with an AV fistula in our dialysis unit. Seven were pediatric patients aged 11.0–18.9 years (mean 14.9 years) and five were adults aged 26.9–62.1 years (mean 38.6 years). Infrared thermal imaging (thermography) of their hands was performed after the completion of their regular dialysis sessions. In each patient, the spot temperature of each fingertip on both hands was assessed separately, with three measurements being performed for each measuring point. The mean spot temperature of all fingertips was calculated for each hand and the results compared. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) indicated distal perfusion insufficiency. Perfusion of the hands was also assessed by inspecting the visualized temperature distribution on the thermal image. Finally, we compared the results to the clinical findings in relevant patients. In 8/12 patients (66.7%), the mean spot temperature of the fingertips was statistically significantly lower on the fistula side (P < 0.05). Only 4/12 patients (33.3%) had clinical symptoms, and all were detected by thermography. Abnormal findings were more frequent in elderly patients. Although we realize that the diagnosis of steal syndrome is primarily clinical, thermography might be a safe, noninvasive, cheap tool for the timely detection of children at risk of developing symptoms of hand ischemia.
Surgical Thrombectomy of Thrombosed Arteriovenous Grafts by Interventional Nephrologists
Authors: Ponikvar Rafael , Premru Vladimir , Kersnič Boštjan
Published: June 2011

The aim of our retrospective study was to present the success of surgical thrombectomy in acutely thrombosed, arteriovenous (AV), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. Patients from hemodialysis centers in Slovenia were admitted to our dialysis center after acute thrombosis of their AV graft to undergo surgical thrombectomy under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. In 55 chronic hemodialysis patients, of whom 26 were men (47.3%), with a mean age of 63 ± 13 years (range 35–84 years), and diabetes mellitus in 11 patients (20%), 59 ePTFE AV grafts thrombosed. A total of 129 thrombectomies were performed, on average 2.2 ± 2.1 per graft (range 1–13). Primary patency (defined as the time from AV graft creation to first thrombosis) was 638 ± 633 days (range 10–2586, median 418 days), secondary patency (defined as the time from first thrombectomy to abandonment) was 451 ± 472 days (range 0–1994, median 305 days), and cumulative patency (defined as the time from creation to abandonment) was 1089 ± 685 days (range 25–3020, median 1031 days). In 46 (78%) of the AV grafts, the first thrombectomy was successful. The secondary patency rates after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 76%, 66%, 54%, 14%, and 14%, respectively (13/59 unsuccessfully thrombectomized grafts were excluded). Cumulative patency after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 88.1%, 67.8%, 44.7%, 27.1%, and 16.9%, respectively. In conclusion, surgical thrombectomy after thrombosis of an AV graft in the arm or thigh, performed by interventional nephrologists and followed, if required, by angioplasty, significantly prolonged the patency of the majority of thrombosed AV grafts.
Two Single‐Lumen Noncuffed Catheters in the Jugular Vein as Long‐Term Vascular Access: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Kovač Janko , Premru Vladimir , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael
Published: June 2011

Two single‐lumen, noncuffed catheters in the same jugular vein have been used as preferred vascular access in our hemodialysis (HD) and apheresis patients in past years. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical outcome of such a vascular access and the reasons for catheter removal. In 129 adult patients, aged 69 ± 13 years, 56% males, treated by HD (121 patients) or apheresis (8 patients), two single lumen, pre‐curved 8 Fr catheters (Medcomp, Harleysville, PA, USA) inserted into the same jugular vein were used as vascular access between January 2009 and April 2010. The catheters were inserted into the left jugular vein in 21 patients, and into the right jugular vein in 108 patients. A 30% solution of trisodium‐citrate was used as a locking solution, and 2% mupirocin ointment was routinely applied to the exit site. The catheters were removed in 86 patients after 1–288 days, median 17.5 days. In 74 patients, there was either no need for further dialysis or an arteriovenous fistula was constructed (17 patients). In 10 patients, wire exchange was performed for correction of a displaced functional catheter (after 6–201 days), and in only two patients the catheters were removed due to infection on days 10 and 184. The longest period of a catheter functioning without intervention was 387 days. Fifteen patients died with functional catheters left in place (duration 1–387 days). In four patients, the catheters were still functional at the time of analysis (duration 198–268 days). Another nine patients were transferred to other dialysis centers (after they had been followed up at our center lasting for 1–63 days), with no data on their outcome after transfer. Fifteen patients were lost to follow up after insertion. Two single‐lumen, noncuffed catheters in the same jugular vein, locked with 30% citrate, seem to be a safe and long lasting method of vascular access for hemodialysis and apheresis in some patients, but further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical outcome of this type of vascular access.
EFFECTS OF GLUTEN POWDER ON THE QUALITY OF WHEAT FLOUR SPAGHETTI COOKED IN DISTILLED OR SALTED WATER
Authors: MAJZOOBI MAHSA , OSTOVAN RAHELEH , FARAHNAKY ASGAR
Published: June 2011

To improve the quality of spaghetti produced from low protein wheat flour, gluten powder was added at 0.5, 1.5 and 3% (w/w). These samples were cooked in distilled or salted water (2% NaCl). The results showed that addition of gluten reduced cooking loss and increased water absorption. These parameters increased further when salt was added to the cooking water. With increasing the gluten powder, the color of the dried and cooked samples became darker and more yellow. Addition of salt reduced the lightness, while it increased the yellowness of the samples. Increasing the gluten level decreased the adhesiveness, while it increased the cohesiveness, elasticity and breaking strength of the cooked samples. A positive correlation between adhesiveness and cooking loss was found (R2 = 0.94) while other textural parameters had negative correlation with cooking loss (R2 = 0.99). According to the taste panel, a sample containing 3% gluten powder cooked in salted water was recognized as the best.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This study shows an easy and applicable method of improving the quality of pasta made from low protein wheat flour using gluten powder. Different aspects of pasta quality including cooking, textural and sensory attributes were considered in this study. Hence, the findings may be useful for pasta producers in some parts of the world where ordinary wheat flour is the most available type of flour for pasta production.
Sewers as a Source and Sink of Chlorinated‐Solvent Groundwater Contamination, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina
Authors: Vroblesky Don A. , Petkewich Matthew D. , Lowery Mark A. , Landmeyer James E.
Published: June 2011

Groundwater contamination by tetrachloroethene and its dechlorination products is present in two partially intermingled plumes in the surficial aquifer near a former dry‐cleaning facility at Site 45, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. The northern plume originates from the vicinity of former above‐ground storage tanks. Free‐phase tetrachloroethene from activities in this area entered the groundwater. The southern plume originates at a nearby, new dry‐cleaning facility, but probably was the result of contamination released to the aquifer from a leaking sanitary sewer line from the former dry‐cleaning facility. Discharge of dissolved groundwater contamination is primarily to leaking storm sewers below the water table. The strong influence of sanitary sewers on source distribution and of storm sewers on plume orientation and discharge at this site indicates that groundwater‐contamination investigators should consider the potential influence of sewer systems at their sites.
Facilitating patients' dietary change: A review of dietitians' correspondence practices with general practitioners
Authors: CANT Robyn , POMEROY Sylvia
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Dietitian and general practitioner collaboration in the nutrition care of a patient is important to assist patients to achieve their nutrition goals. This paper aims to review the published literature on dietitians' correspondence practices with recipient general practitioners regarding nutrition interventions recommended to patients.

Methods:  A literature search was conducted of publications from 1995 to December 2009. Key words were used to search the electronic databases Medline, CINAHL Plus, ProQuest, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Twenty papers that addressed this topic were selected by two authors for inclusion in the review.

Results:  There is evidence that dietitians often fail to provide general practitioners with formalised correspondence that describes dietitians' nutrition interventions with patients. Doctors report they lack patient information via dietitians' correspondence. Information about nutrition care of hospital patients often remains within hospital records. Doctors prefer standardised letter formats with content presented succinctly. The letter should include a nutrition diagnosis, agreed goals, a plan for ongoing dietetic visits and instructions for a general practitioner's supportive actions.

Conclusion:  Dietitians need skill in drafting reports or letters useful for general practitioners by selecting content of value to doctors and using a suitable style. Implementation of shared electronic records in Australia will facilitate information transfer to help realise collaborative patient care. Further investigations of dietitian–general practitioner correspondence are warranted to determine best practice.
Eating environment in the aged‐care residential setting in New Zealand: Promoters and barriers to achieving optimum nutrition. Observations of the foodservice, menu and meals
Authors: CHISHOLM Alexandra , JENSEN Julian , FIELD Penelope
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To investigate the foodservice, menu and meals in the aged‐care residential setting to identify promoters and barriers to achieving optimum nutrition.

Method:  An observational study conducted by the University of Otago Dietetic Training Programme. Rest home dietitians around New Zealand identified a final convenience sample of 50 facilities. Ten final‐year student dietitians each spent two days in their designated rest homes, administering a 19‐item questionnaire to ascertain practices relating to staffing, dining environment, menu, meals, snacks, feeding assistance, fluids, special diets, nutrition care, medications, nutrition policy and access to sunlight. Observations describing foodservice and meal‐related activities only are reported in this paper.

Results:  Most rest homes had the ability to provide for the needs of residents. Ninety per cent of facilities offered menu cycles of at least four weeks long. Potential barriers to meeting needs were inadequate amounts of protein‐rich food for numbers served and lack of perceived choice in menus and meal service. Lack of foodservice staff training and poor uptake of training opportunities contributed to these barriers.

Conclusions:  This is the first such study conducted in New Zealand. Results should be of interest to the Ministry of Health and district health boards that are charged with the responsibility to ensure that meals in long‐term care facilities meet the nutritional needs of this potentially vulnerable population. Shortcomings identified in the present study require a multidisciplinary approach that should include district health boards, auditing agencies, aged‐care organisations, training providers and dietitians.
Comparison of reported nutrients and serve size between private label products and branded products in Australian supermarkets
Authors: CLEANTHOUS Xenia , MACKINTOSH Anne‐Marie , ANDERSON Susan
Published: June 2011

Aim:  To compare the reported content of key nutrients related to cardiovascular health (energy, total fat, saturated fat and sodium) between Private Label and Branded products for various food categories in Australian supermarkets, using Nutrition Information Panel data. Reported serve size was also assessed.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional study using selected Nutrition Information Panel data collected during 2006–2008 for 25 food categories, across 10 Australian supermarkets. Collected data included serve size and nutrients per 100 g: energy, total fat, saturated fat and sodium. Differences between Private Label versus Branded products were assessed using independent samples t‐test.

Results:  Data were collected for 3204 products; Private Label products accounted for 26% (n = 824). Serve size was significantly different between Private Label and Branded for seven categories. Total and saturated fat for Private Label products was significantly greater (than Branded) for five and seven categories, respectively. Sodium was significantly different between Private Label and Branded for seven categories, with no consistency in direction.

Conclusion:  Differences between Branded and Private Label products were food category specific. The present study provides a first‐time comparison of a comprehensive sample of Branded versus Private Label products, across multiple food categories, in Australia with respect to nutrients related to cardiovascular health. It also provides insight into serve size differences, and may be used as a baseline for future comparisons of nutritional content and serve sizes between Branded and Private Label products, and to monitor the impact of potential new food product developments and reformulations.
nutritionDay: An Australian hospital's participation in international benchmarking on malnutrition
Authors: BAUER Judith , BANNISTER Melanie , CROWHURST Robyn , DENMEADE Sharyn L. , HORSLEY Pamela , MCDONALD Cameron , MARTINEAU Judy , WILLER Fiona , ASH Susan
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Malnutrition is a significant issue for hospitals worldwide. This project examined malnutrition prevalence and associated factors including meal consumption in an Australian hospital.

Methods:  The cross‐sectional study was undertaken at a private hospital in Brisbane, Australia, for ‘nutritionDay in Europe’ 2009. Nutritional status (subjective global assessment), demographic, medical condition and intake data were collected from 147 inpatients across five medical specialties.

Results:  The present study found 19.7% (29) of patients were malnourished (17.7% mild to moderately malnourished, 2% severely malnourished). Unintentional weight loss was reported by 39.5% of patients (58) and 49% of patients (72) reported eating less than normal. There were 41.5% of patients (61) who reported not having their usual appetite, with 46.3% (68) eating half or less of a hospital meal. The likelihood of being malnourished increased 4.0 times (CI 1.4–11.6, P= 0.01) for patients who ate less than normal during the previous week and 15 times (CI 4.2–53.5, P < 0.001) for those patients who reported eating less than one quarter to nearly nothing. The likelihood of being malnourished increased 2.9 (CI 1.1–7.6, P= 0.026) and 4.8 (CI 1.6–14.3, P= 0.005) times for patients consuming less than half of breakfast and dinner respectively. Binary logistic regression modelling found a malnutrition screening tool score of ≥2 and average meal consumption of 50% or less were predictors of malnutrition.

Conclusions:  The present study provides evidence of the increased likelihood of malnutrition in relation to decreased meal consumption and provides insights for future interventions in the acute care setting.
Towards risk‐based water resources planning in England and Wales under a changing climate
Authors: Hall J. W. , Watts G. , Keil M. , de Vial L. , Street R. , Conlan K. , O'Connell P. E. , Beven K. J. , Kilsby C. G.
Published: June 2011

The publication of the UKCP09 climate change projections for the United Kingdom provides the opportunity for more rigorous inclusion of climate change uncertainty in water resources planning. We set out how the current approach to incorporating climate change and other uncertainties in water resources planning may be updated to incorporate the UKCP09 projections. In an uncertain future, the frequency with which customers will experience water shortages cannot be predicted for sure, so a water company cannot predict definitely whether it will or will not fulfil its Level of Service commitments. We therefore go on to propose that the probability of failing to meet Level of Service (for given populations of customers) provides an appropriate metric of risk, which conveniently summarises the uncertainties associated with supply and demand, including climate change uncertainties. We sketch out how this risk metric can be calculated based upon simulation modelling of the water resource system.
Pale Neurites, Premature α‐Synuclein Aggregates with Centripetal Extension from Axon Collaterals
Authors: Kanazawa Toshiro , Adachi Eijiro , Orimo Satoshi , Nakamura Ayako , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Uchihara Toshiki
Published: June 2011

Progressive aggregation of α‐synuclein (αS) from pale bodies (PBs) and extension from Lewy neurites (LNs) are candidate mechanisms for Lewy body (LB) formation. To identify how aggregation of αS is related to its extension along neurites, 60‐µm‐thick brainstem sections of Parkinson disease (PD) patients were prepared for three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of αS‐positive neurites with neurofilament (NF) and thiazin red (TR), a fluorochrome with an affinity to solid aggregates. This demonstrated 3D layering of αS surrounded by NF with the aggregates probed by TR in the center, corresponding to the eosinophilic core of mature LBs. This eosinophilic/TR‐positive profile, characteristically absent in PBs, premature counterpart of LBs, was similarly absent in some LNs. We would like to refer these premature LNs as “pale neurites” (PNs). Their premature nature was evidenced by 3D fluoroprofiling with quantum dots (QDs) and subsequent electron microscopic identification (3D‐oriented immunoelectron microscopy) as loosely packed αS (QDs)‐positive filaments. Quantification of LNs, frequently extended around branching axons, demonstrated that LNs are initiated at axon collaterals to extend centripetally into proximal segments. This branching‐oriented extension of αS is related to its selective predisposition to systems with highly divergent axons, preferentially affected in PD, which may explain barely somatotopic manifestations of PD.
Gain and Loss of Extracellular Molecules in Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis and Polymyositis—A Proteomics‐Based Study
Authors: Doppler Kathrin , Lindner Alfred , Schütz Wolfgang , Schütz Monika , Bornemann Antje
Published: June 2011

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) contains non‐necrotic myofibers that are surrounded and/or invaded by inflammatory cells. In this study we aimed to identify selective molecules that are present at this site. Myofibers of four biopsies of sIBM that were surrounded and/or invaded by inflammatory cells were microdissected, pooled and profiled by proteomic studies using mass spectrometry. Normal skeletal muscle tissue served as control. Based on the table of proteins that were detected in sIBM only, we selected nine extracellular matrix molecules and validated the results performing immunofluorescence. Seven out of nine proteins that were detected in sIBM by mass spectrometry showed different immunohistochemical results in myositis and normal controls. Of these, the small leucine‐rich repeat proteins proline arginine‐rich end leucine‐rich repeat protein (PRELP) and biglycan were deposited precisely at myofibers surrounded and/or invaded by inflammatory cells both in sIBM and polymyositis. The basement membrane (BM) molecules merosin, perlecan, nidogen‐2 and collagen IV were variably destroyed or increased at these sites. P component, which ensheathed all myofibers in normal controls, was absent from invaded myofibers. Similar to BM remodeling, the specific deposition of PRELP and biglycan may represent a mechanism to defend against immune attack. Loss of P component may affect the anchorage of the myofiber in the endomysium.
Enhanced Melanin Fluorescence by Stepwise Three‐photon Excitation
Authors: Kerimo Josef , Rajadhyaksha Milind , DiMarzio Charles A.
Published: June 2011

The fluorescence of eumelanin (from Sepia officinalis and black human hair) was activated and enhanced by almost three orders of magnitude by exposure to near‐infrared radiation. No activation or enhanced emission was observed when the samples were heated up to 100°C. The near‐infrared irradiation caused obvious changes to the eumelanin and could be seen by fluorescence and bright field imaging. The area of enhanced emission appeared to originate from a region with changes in the morphology of the eumelanin’s granule and increased with exposure time. At least two different components with enhanced fluorescence were activated and could be distinguished by their excitation properties. One component could be excited efficiently with wavelengths in the visible region and exhibited linear absorption dependence with respect to the laser power level. The second component could be excited efficiently using near‐infrared wavelengths by a nonlinear process and exhibited a third‐order dependence on the excitation. The third‐order dependence is explained by a step‐wise excited‐state absorption process since the same third‐order dependence was present when either continuous wave or femtosecond pulsed laser, with similar average‐power levels, was used.
Roles of Porphyrin and Iron Metabolisms in the δ‐Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA)‐induced Accumulation of Protoporphyrin and Photodamage of Tumor Cells
Authors: Ohgari Yoshiko , Miyata Yoshinobu , Miyagi Taeko , Gotoh Saki , Ohta Takano , Kataoka Takao , Furuyama Kazumichi , Taketani Shigeru
Published: June 2011

δ‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐induced porphyrin accumulation is widely used in the treatment of cancer, as photodynamic therapy. To clarify the mechanisms of the tumor‐preferential accumulation of protoporphyrin, we examined the effect of the expression of heme‐biosynthetic and ‐degradative enzymes on the ALA‐induced accumulation of protoporphyrin as well as photodamage. The transient expression of heme‐biosynthetic enzymes in HeLa cells caused variations of the ALA‐induced accumulation of protoporphyrin. When ALA‐treated cells were exposed to white light, the extent of photodamage of the cells was dependent on the accumulation of protoporphyrin. The decrease of the accumulation of protoporphyrin was observed in the cells treated with inducers of heme oxygenase (HO)‐1. The ALA‐dependent accumulation of protoporphyrin was decreased in HeLa cells by transfection with HO‐1 and HO‐2 cDNA. Conversely, knockdown of HO‐1/‐2 with siRNAs enhanced the ALA‐induced protoporphyrin accumulation and photodamage. The ALA effect was decreased with HeLa cells expressing mitoferrin‐2, a mitochondrial iron transporter, whereas it was enhanced by the mitoferrin‐2 siRNA transfection. These results indicated that not only the production of porphyrin intermediates but also the reuse of iron from heme and mitochondrial iron utilization control the ALA‐induced accumulation of protoporphyrin in cancerous cells.