bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current laboratory practices in the diagnosis and management of haemophilia: a global assessment
Authors: Kitchen S. , Signer‐Romero K. , Key N. S.
Published: February 2015

Haemophilia management is complicated by the extreme variability in laboratory practices. Lack of consistency or comparability in testing makes it difficult to establish diagnostic criteria or disease severity, and complicates response assessment. A global survey was conducted to document current practices. A 35‐min survey was completed by 30 laboratory scientists in each of seven countries (France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK, USA; 210 in total); results were weighted by average country testing volume in haemophilia. Eighty‐three per cent of participants reported participation in a Quality Assurance scheme. Ninety per cent reported using clotting tests in haemophilia A and 88% in haemophilia B (55% and 53% frequent use respectively). Sixty‐eight per cent reported chromogenic assays were used in haemophilia A, with only 23% reporting frequent use, compared to only 11% reporting any use in haemophilia B. Twenty‐nine separate activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) reagents were reported for haemophilia A and 27 aPTT reagents were reported for haemophilia B, with one‐quarter or less obtaining reagents or kits from any single manufacturer. Fifty‐four per cent run a calibration curve with every factor VIII (FVIII) assay. The mean number of plasma dilutions varied from 2 to 4 for FVIII assays and from 1 to 3 for FIX assays. Results indicate very low consistency in materials and practices used to test for factor activity in haemophilia. A number of responses suggest that some laboratory scientists' understanding of best practices or guidelines in haemophilia could be improved. More education and broader understanding is recommended regarding assay types, assay components, test material and instrument features and capabilities.
Recalcitrant tumor of the fifth metacarpal bone in a hemodialyzed patient
Authors: Reichert Paweł , Gołębiowski Tomasz , Kowalski Przemysław , Gosk Jerzy
Published: February 2015

The article presents a case report about a 38‐year‐old hemodialyzed woman who presented to our department with a painful, expansile, lytic bone lesion of the fifth metacarpal epiphysis. The lesion was resected and replaced by corticocancellous bone graft. At 3 months, imaging suggested signs of graft resorption and local recurrence which necessitated repeat excision and grafting. Because of secondary parathyroidism subsequent subtotal parathyroidectomy was performed. This procedure leads to appropriate bone remodeling by 8 weeks postoperatively, and recurrence has not been observed at 2 years of follow up.
Acupuncture for Migraine Prevention
Authors: Da Silva Arnaldo Neves
Published: February 2015

Background

Migraine is a complex and multifactorial brain disorder affecting approximately 18% of women and 5% of men in the United States, costing billions of dollars annually in direct and indirect healthcare costs and school and work absenteeism and presenteeism. Until this date, there have been no medications that were designed with the specific purpose to decrease the number of migraine attacks, which prompts a search for alternative interventions that could be valuable, such as acupuncture.

Methods

Acupuncture origins from ancient China and encompasses procedures that basically involve stimulation of anatomical points of the body.

Results

This manuscript reviews large and well‐designed trials of acupuncture for migraine prevention and also the effectiveness of acupuncture when tried against proven migraine preventative medications.

Conclusion

Acupuncture seems to be at least as effective as conventional drug preventative therapy for migraine and is safe, long lasting, and cost‐effective. It is a complex intervention that may prompt lifestyle changes that could be valuable in patients' recovery.
Relationship between protein characteristics and film‐forming properties of kidney bean, field pea and amaranth protein isolates
Authors: Shevkani Khetan , Singh Narpinder
Published: February 2015

This study was undertaken to evaluate physicochemical (colour, protein content, ash content and zeta potential), structural (size exclusion chromatography and thermal properties) and film‐forming properties of kidney bean, field pea and amaranth protein isolates (KBPI, FPPI and AMPI, respectively). Protein content, ash content, zeta potential and denaturation temperature of the isolates ranged from 83.9 to 91.4%, 2.9 to 4.5%, −37.3 to −44.2 mV and 85.5 to 96.2 °C, respectively. Size exclusion chromatography revealed that globulins were prominent proteins in KBPI and FPPI, while AMPI contained both globulins and albumins as major fractions. FPPI showed the highest L* value (88.1), surface charge (zeta potential = –44.2 mV) and protein solubility (80.0–94.2%). Films were prepared from heated (90 °C for 20 min) and unheated protein dispersions of pH 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 and evaluated for colour, opacity, tensile strength (TS), water‐solubilised matter (WSM) and water vapour permeability (WVP). FPPI films showed the most desirable properties in terms of the highest L* (87.5–90.5), TS (12.6–37.2 MPa) and the lowest opacity (7.1–8.4 A600/mm). FT‐IR spectroscopic analysis of the films revealed that alkaline pH and heat treatment unfolded protein molecules. Alkaline pH reduced opacity, while heat treatment improved TS and water resistance (decreased WSM and WVP) of protein films, which varied with the protein isolates.
Adoption of preventive behaviors in response to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic: a multiethnic perspective
Authors: SteelFisher Gillian K. , Blendon Robert J. , Kang Minah , Ward Johanna R. M. , Kahn Emily B. , Maddox Kathryn E.W. , Lubell Keri M. , Tucker Myra , Ben‐Porath Eran N.
Published: February 2015

Background

As public health leaders prepare for possible future influenza pandemics, the rapid spread of 2009 H1N1 influenza highlights the need to focus on measures the public can adopt to help slow disease transmission. Such measures may relate to hygiene (e.g., hand washing), social distancing (e.g., avoiding places where many people gather), and pharmaceutical interventions (e.g., vaccination). Given the disproportionate impact of public health emergencies on minority communities in the United States, it is important to understand whether there are differences in acceptance across racial/ethnic groups that could lead to targeted and more effective policies and communications.

Objectives

This study explores racial/ethnic differences in the adoption of preventive behaviors during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.

Patients/Methods

Data are from a national telephone poll conducted March 17 to April 11, 2010, among a representative sample of 1123 white, 330 African American, 317 Hispanic, 268 Asian, and 262 American Indian/Alaska Native adults in the USA.

Results

People in at least one racial/ethnic minority group were more likely than whites to adopt several behaviors related to hygiene, social distancing, and healthcare access, including increased hand washing and talking with a healthcare provider (P‐values <0·05). Exceptions included avoiding others with influenza‐like illnesses and receiving 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccinations. After we controlled the data for socioeconomic status, demographic factors, healthcare access, and illness‐ and vaccine‐related attitudes, nearly all racial/ethnic differences in behaviors persisted.

Conclusions

Minority groups appear to be receptive to several preventive behaviors, but barriers to vaccination are more pervasive.
Phase Stability in Nanocrystals: A Predictive Diagram for Yttria–Zirconia
Authors: Drazin John W. , Castro Ricardo H. R.
Published: February 2015

Predicting the polymorphic stability of nanocrystals entails taking into account the thermodynamic effects from solid–vapor interfaces. With recent advances in microcalorimetry, it is finally possible to obtain reliable surface energy data which allow building of predictive diagrams, such as the usual phase diagrams for bulk crystals, for nanocrystals. Yttria doped zirconia (YZ) is currently utilized in a variety of applications; making it one of the most studied oxide systems to date. However, the polymorphism of nanocrystalline YZ (nYZ) is much less understood as compared to its bulk counterpart, and the stability conditions of cubic, tetragonal, monoclinic, and amorphous polymorphs at the nanoscale is so far only empirically defined. In this work, we present a new predictive nanoscale phase diagram for nYZ using unprecedented data on surface energies and bulk enthalpies acquired by microcalorimetry. The phase diagram shows the stable zirconia polymorph as a function of the composition and size. This is a useful tool and an important and novel advancement to relatively untouched bulk phase diagrams, which holds the key for reliable materials' design.
A Dialectic of Disinterested and Immersive Aesthetics: Santiniketan Art Education and Labour Translated
Authors: Gall David A.
Published: February 2015

This article argues for art education's potential to transform mundane work, mindful of the steep challenges of the aesthetic and mundane dialectic. Those challenges, magnified in the context of capitalism and industrialism, confronted twentieth‐century Indian artist educators Rabindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose, but also confront twenty‐first‐century art educators. Tagore created Visva‐Bharati University to counteract the excessive materialism of modernism, recognising diversity and the immanence of the transcendent in humanity. Tagore's aesthetics, though deeply relational, nevertheless regard the mundane as essentially irredeemable. It is in Visva‐Bharati's environment, however, that Nandalal Bose was able to conceive an aesthetic, developed from Yogic ideas of immanence and Far Eastern aesthetics, which envisioned the transformation of the mundane through creative activity.
Attitudes and Practices that Shape Children's Drawing Behaviour in Mainstream and Performing Arts Schools
Authors: Burkitt Esther , Lowry Ruth
Published: February 2015

Previous research shows that key parties involved in children's drawing perceive the value and benefits of art and drawing very differently. However such research has been restricted to the examination of children attending mainstream schooling across the UK. The present study therefore compared the views and practices of key parties involved in mainstream and performing arts educational contexts. Teachers and children were interviewed and parents completed a postal survey. Some 225 children, 115 of their teachers and 176 of their parents and carers formed the mainstream school group whilst 180 children, 42 of their teachers and 145 of their parents and carers formed the performing arts school group. Main findings indicated that pupils', parents' and teachers' views about the benefits, and how to support drawing behaviour at school and at home, varied across contrasting educational contexts. In particular, pupils attending arts‐based schools and their teachers valued expressivity over technical support, pupils reported enjoying drawing more, had higher self efficacy and foresaw engaging in the activity beyond their school years more than their mainstream counterparts. The results suggest that mainstream educational contexts could foster drawing behaviour and the related emotional benefits to a greater extent.
Stacked species distribution models and macroecological models provide congruent projections of avian species richness under climate change
Authors: Distler Trisha , Schuetz Justin G. , Velásquez‐Tibatá Jorge , Langham Gary M.
Published: February 2015

Aim

Using survey data for North American birds, we assess how well historical patterns of species richness are explained by stacked species distribution models and macroecological models. We then describe the degree to which projections of future species richness differ, employing both modelling approaches across multiple emissions scenarios.

Location

USA and Canada.

Methods

We use Audubon Christmas Bird Count and North American Breeding Bird Survey data to estimate current and future species richness of birds using two distinct approaches. In the first, we model richness by stacking predictions from individual species distribution models. In the second, we model richness directly, ignoring the contributions of specific taxa to richness estimates.

Results

The two modelling approaches show similar accuracies when validated with historical observations, particularly winter observations, and result in similar patterns of richness when projected onto current and future climate spaces. Patterns of projected change in species richness differed markedly between winter and summer seasons regardless of modelling approach. Our models suggest that bird species richness in winter will increase or remain stable across much of North America. In contrast, species richness in summer is projected to decrease over much of North America, except part of northern Canada, suggesting that climate may constrain many breeding bird species and communities in the future.

Main conclusions

Stacked species distribution models and macroecological models produce similar estimates of current and future species richness for each of two seasons despite being built on different concepts of community assembly. Our results suggest that, although the mechanisms that shape geographical variation in biodiversity remain uncertain, these limitations do not impede our ability to predict patterns of species richness at broad scales. Congruence of species richness projections across modelling approaches is encouraging for conservation planning efforts that focus on retaining biodiversity into the future.
Evolution of codfishes (Teleostei: Gadinae) in geographical and ecological space: evidence that physiological limits drove diversification of subarctic fishes
Authors: Owens Hannah L.
Published: February 2015

Aim

To develop a holistic biogeographical history of codfishes in the subfamily Gadinae based on historical relationships, ecological niche, and evolution of physiological tolerances. Two alternative diversification scenarios were tested in two co‐distributed, Northern Hemisphere clades: (1) clade ancestors were temperate, and environmental niche has been conserved over evolutionary time, implying that speciation was driven by vicariance associated with ice sheet formation; and (2) clade ancestors were Arctic, and species convergently adapted to temperate environmental conditions, implying that speciation was driven by repeated adaption to temperate environments.

Location

Northern Hemisphere Arctic and subarctic oceans.

Methods

Fifty‐five new sequences of four genes from 23 tissue samples were combined with 10 GenBank sequences to generate a time‐calibrated phylogenetic hypothesis. Combining the phylogeny with information on species' ecological niche tolerances inferred from correlational models, I reconstructed ancestral environmental tolerances of each of the focal clades. These results were combined with Bayesian area‐based biogeographical analysis and regional palaeoclimatic history to develop a holistic biogeographical history of Gadinae.

Results

Of 18 environmental variables describing species' tolerances to salinity, temperature, sea ice concentration, and mixed layer depth, only mean, maximum and minimum sea bottom temperature, and mean and minimum sea surface temperature showed phylogenetic signal across Gadinae. Both ecological niche and geographical distributions of gadine fishes are largely conservative, but two clades contain both Pacific and Atlantic species. Focal clade divergence time estimates suggest a Pliocene origin for both, with further Pleistocene divergence.

Main conclusions

Reconstructed ancestral environmental tolerances of crown cods and tomcods support a temperate origin of both groups. The timing of diversification of these two clades and the intolerance of temperate species to sea ice suggest that cyclical Arctic ice formation drove divergence. Future sea ice reduction may have dramatic consequences for distributions and persistence of commercially important species when currently allopatric temperate species come into secondary contact.
How to Become Central in an Informal Social Network: An Investigation of the Antecedents to Network Centrality in an Environmental SCM Initiative
Authors: Wichmann Barbara K. , Carter Craig R. , Kaufmann Lutz
Published: February 2015

Environmental supply chain management (SCM) initiatives often evolve as informal, grassroots efforts that are driven by policy entrepreneurs at lower management levels in an organization. These individuals usually are not in positions of power or authority to convince others to support the initiative. They thus rely on central positions in informal networks to gain access to and influence over other employees to be better able to sell these initiatives. This study examines how individuals arrive at positions of centrality within the networks surrounding environmental SCM initiatives. Linking social network theory and social capital theory with findings from the organizational behavior and environmental arena, the study investigates how an individual's proactive personality and commitment profile—affective, normative, and continuance commitment—might affect network centrality through the mediating role of championing behavior. Investigating the implementation of an environmental SCM initiative at a multinational enterprise, the authors identified a 90‐actor social network surrounding the initiative. The results provide evidence that championing behavior fully mediates the relationship between commitment and network centrality and to a lesser extent between proactive personality and network centrality. These findings suggest that championing behavior can enable an actor to become more central in social networks. Further, the results indicate that in an environmental SCM context, engendering the right type of commitment is a much more important driver of championing behavior than the proactive personalities of individual actors. This finding suggests that even employees who do not have proactive personalities can champion environmental initiatives and become central within the informal networks that surround these initiatives, if they strongly desire to support the initiative and believe that the initiative will lead to positive change.
Sleep Blood Pressure Self‐Measured at Home as a Novel Determinant of Organ Damage: Japan Morning Surge Home Blood Pressure (J‐HOP) Study
Authors: Kario Kazuomi , Hoshide Satoshi , Haimoto Hajime , Yamagiwa Kayo , Uchiba Kiyoshi , Nagasaka Shoichiro , Yano Yuichiro , Eguchi Kazuo , Matsui Yoshio , Shimizu Motohiro , Ishikawa Joji , Ishikawa Shizukiyo ,   the J‐HOP study group
Published: February 2015

To study whether sleep blood pressure (BP) self‐measured at home is associated with organ damage, the authors analyzed the data of 2562 participants in the J‐HOP study who self‐measured sleep BP using a home BP monitoring (HBPM) device, three times during sleep (2 am, 3 am, 4 am), as well as the home morning and evening BPs. The mean sleep home systolic BPs (SBPs) were all correlated with urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), maximum carotid intima‐media thickness, and plasma N‐terminal pro‐hormone pro–brain‐type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) (all P<.001). After controlling for clinic SBP and home morning and evening SBPs, associations of home sleep SBP with UACR, LVMI, and baPWV remained significant (all P<.008). Even in patients with home morning BP <135/85 mm Hg, 27% exhibited masked nocturnal hypertension with home sleep SBP ≥120 mm Hg and had higher UACR and NTproBNP. Masked nocturnal hypertension, which is associated with advanced organ damage, remains unrecognized by conventional HBPM.
Significance of tumour cell HLA‐G5/‐G6 isoform expression in discrimination for adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma in lung cancer patients
Authors: Yan Wei‐Hua , Liu Di , Lu Hai‐Yan , Li Ying‐Ying , Zhang Xia , Lin Aifen
Published: February 2015

Human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐G has seven isoforms, of which HLA‐G1‐G4 are membrane‐bound and HLA‐G5‐G7 are soluble. Previous studies reinforced HLA‐G expression was strongly related to poor prognosis in different types of cancers. Among these studies, the monoclonal antibody (mAb) 4H84 was used which detects all HLA‐G isoform heavy chain; unfortunately, leaves the specific types of isoforms expressed in lesions undistinguished and its clinical significance needs to be clarified. To explore clinical significance of lesion soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G) in non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC), mAb 5A6G7 recognizing HLA‐G5/‐G6 molecules was used. Tumour cell sHLA‐G expression in 131 primary NSCLC lesions (66 squamous cell carcinoma, 55 adenocarcinoma and 10 adenosquamous carcinoma) were analysed with immunohistochemistry. Data showed that sHLA‐G expression was observed in 34.0% (45/131) of the NSCLC lesions, which was unrelated to patient age, sex, lymph nodal status, tumour–node–metastasis stage and patient survival. However, tumour cell sHLA‐G expression in lesions was predominately observed in adenocarcinoma lesions (73.0%, 40/55) which was significantly higher than that in squamous cell carcinoma (6.0%, 4/66) and adenosquamous carcinoma lesions (10.0%, 1/10, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for lesion sHLA‐G was 0.833 (95% CI: 0.754–0.912, P < 0.001) for adenocarcinoma versus squamous cell carcinoma. Our findings for the first time showed that tumour cell sHLA‐G was predominately expressed in lung adenocarcinoma, which could be a useful biomarker to discriminate adenocarcinoma from squamous cell carcinoma in NSCLC patients.
Experimental early pathogenesis of Streptococcus agalactiae infection in red tilapia Oreochromis spp.
Authors: Iregui C A , Comas J , Vásquez G M , Verján N
Published: February 2015

Streptococcus agalactiae causes a severe systemic disease in fish, and the routes of entry are still ill‐defined. To address this issue, two groups of 33 red tilapia Oreochromis spp. each of 10 g were orally infected with S. agalactiae (n = 30), and by immersion (n = 30), six individuals were control‐uninfected fish. Three tilapias were killed at each time point from 30 min to 96 h post‐inoculation (pi); controls were killed at 96 h. Samples from most tissues were examined by haematoxylin–eosin (H&E), indirect immunoperoxidase (IPI) and periodic acid‐Schiff; only intestine from fish infected by gavage was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. The results of both experiments suggest that the main entry site of S. agalactiae in tilapia is the gastrointestinal epithelium; mucus seems to play an important defensive role, and environmental conditions may be an important predisposing factor for the infection.
Effects of Loma morhua (Microsporidia) infection on the cardiorespiratory performance of Atlantic cod Gadus morhua (L).
Authors: Powell M D , Gamperl A K
Published: February 2015

The microsporidian Loma morhua infects Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the wild and in culture and results in the formation of xenomas within the gill filaments, heart and spleen. Given the importance of the two former organs to metabolic capacity and thermal tolerance, the cardiorespiratory performance of cod with a naturally acquired infection of Loma was measured during an acute temperature increase (2 °C h−1) from 10 °C to the fish's critical thermal maximum (CTMax). In addition, oxygen consumption and swimming performance were measured during two successive critical swimming speed (Ucrit) tests at 10 °C. While Loma infection had a negative impact on cod cardiac function at warm temperatures, and on metabolic capacity in both the CTMax and Ucrit tests (i.e. a reduction of 30–40%), it appears that the Atlantic cod can largely compensate for these Loma‐induced cardiorespiratory limitations. For example, (i) CTMax (21.0 ± 0.3 °C) and Ucrit (~1.75 BL s−1) were very comparable to those reported in previous studies using uninfected fish from the same founder population; and (ii) our data suggest that tissue oxygen extraction, and potentially the capacity for anaerobic metabolism, is enhanced in fish infected with this microsporidian.
Genetic characterization of salmonid alphavirus in Norway
Authors: Hjortaas M J , Bang Jensen B , Taksdal T , Olsen A B , Lillehaug A , Trettenes E , Sindre H
Published: February 2015

Pancreas disease (PD), caused by salmonid alphavirus subtype 3 (SAV3), emerged in Norwegian aquaculture in the 1980s and is now endemic along the south‐western coast. In 2011, the first cases of PD caused by marine salmonid alphavirus subtype 2 (SAV2) were reported. This subtype has spread rapidly among the fish farms outside the PD‐endemic zone and is responsible for disease outbreaks at an increasing numbers of sites. To describe the geographical distribution of salmonid alphavirus (SAV), and to assess the time and site of introduction of marine SAV2 to Norway, an extensive genetic characterization including more than 200 SAV‐positive samples from 157 Norwegian marine production sites collected from May 2007 to December 2012 was executed. The first samples positive for marine SAV2 originated from Romsdal, in June 2010. Sequence analysis of the E2 gene revealed that all marine SAV2 included in this study were nearly identical, suggesting a single introduction into Norwegian aquaculture. Further, this study provides evidence of a separate geographical distribution of two subtypes in Norway. SAV3 is present in south‐western Norway, and marine SAV2 circulates in north‐western and Mid‐Norway, a geographical area which since 2010 constitutes the endemic zone for marine SAV2.
Design of a Test Rig for Cleaning Studies and Evaluation of Laboratory‐Scale Experiments Using Pink Guava Puree as a Fouling Deposit Model
Authors: Khalid Nurul Izzah , Nordin Norbismi , Abdul Aziz Nuraini , Ab. Aziz Norashikin , Taip Farah Saleena , Anuar Mohd. Shamsul
Published: February 2015

A cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) test rig is commonly used to investigate the cleanability of food apparatus. The main focus of this work was to design a laboratory‐scale cleaning test rig that operates at a fluid velocity of up to 2 m/s (Re = 2.5 × 105) and that is capable of withstanding contact with detergents and disinfectants at temperatures from 20 to 70C. The design followed the standard design of a recirculating water tunnel that includes a test section. Computational fluid dynamic simulation was performed to find the minimum entry length to obtain fully developed flow at the test section. Cleanability of a flat stainless steel plate was investigated using pink guava puree as a physical fouling deposit model. The CIP process only considered the alkaline cleaning stage at cleaning condition of 0–2.0 wt % NaOH, 35–70C and 0.6–1.5 m/s. In general, removal of fouling deposit increased with increasing chemical concentration, temperature and velocity. These findings may be used to improve the CIP for real conditions in the food industry.

Practical Applications

Cleaning‐in‐place (CIP) process is a routine technique in food manufacturing industries to clean the surface of food process equipment and piping from fouling deposits and food residues from previous batch production. There is no standard CIP process that was formulated for all food industries. Short CIP process is favorable to food industries as food industries incur downtime when cleaning is performed. Thorough investigation of CIP performance on different fouling deposits is a must to obtain effective cleaning, and the rig enables this investigation to be carried out economically. Hence, this paper presents an innovative laboratory‐scale cleaning test rig for fouling cleaning research. This rig was designed to closely mimic typical industry flow environment in food piping and has the capability to perform visual inspection. This rig can be used to find an economical CIP process of any food fouling deposits before any formulated process is being implemented at industry levels.
Quality of Dough and Bread Prepared with Sea Salt or Sodium Chloride
Authors: Simsek Senay , Martinez Maribel Ovando
Published: February 2015

Bread is commonly prepared with salt and, currently, high sodium intake is being regulated because of its negative health effects. Hence, low‐sodium sea salt was investigated as a sodium reduction strategy for bread formulation. Various levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) and sea salt were used in a bread formulation. NaCl reduced water absorption of the dough as compared with sea salt. Resistance to extension decreased with the use of sea salt; however, extensibility was higher when compared with bread prepared with NaCl. Loaf volume decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in bread with NaCl. Also, crust color became darker with the increase of sea salt, most likely because of the presence of metal ions (potassium and magnesium) in sea salt. Free sugar content in whole bread, crumb and crust portions were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in breads prepared with sea salt than those prepared with NaCl. Overall, sea salt did not affect bread‐making quality, but bread with 0.5% sea salt presented the best quality parameters. These results encourage us to investigate the effects of potassium and magnesium present in sea salt on the structure of gluten proteins, starch behavior and development of color through Maillard reactions.

Practical Applications

High sodium intake is a major health concern. However, elimination or replacement of sodium has considerable effects on the organoleptic and functional properties of bakery products. Salt is a key ingredient in bread baking and these implications must be taken into consideration when reformulating for sodium reduction. This study evaluates the functional effects of a low‐sodium sea salt for use in bread.
Development of a Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay Based on lmo0460 Sequence for Detection of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Liu Zhanmin , Zhu Jiachao , Xia Xueying , Wang Lin , Yang Cuiyun , Li Xiaohong
Published: February 2015

Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) based on lmo0460 sequence in genome of Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) was designed for detection of L. monocytogenes, which is an important foodborne kind of pathogenic bacteria causing human and animal disease. The primers set for lmo0460 sequence encoding membrane‐associated lipoprotein consist of four specific primers targeting six regions on specific fragment. The LAMP assay could be optimized and the optimum condition was in 50 min at 63°C. Amplification products were visualized by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Sensitivity of the LAMP assay for detection of L. monocytogenes in pure cultures was 1.7 cfu per reaction. The LAMP assay was 147‐fold higher sensitive than that of the conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (251 cfu/reaction). Fifty chicken samples were detected for L. monocytogenes in the method, and the accuracy of LAMP was shown to be 100% when compared with culture biotechnical, while the PCR assay failed to detect L. monocytogenes in one of the positive samples. It is shown that LAMP assay based on lmo0460 sequence can be a highly sensitive, efficient and easy‐to‐perform useful detection tool for L. monocytogenes and will be a potential useful and powerful tool for detection foodborne pathogens.

Practical Applications

L. monocytogenes contamination in chicken samples has been reported. In developing countries, such as China, the LAMP assay is a suitable, useful tool for rapid detection of L. monocytogenes in food because it is more cost‐effective, simple and high sensitive than PCR.
Antibacterial Properties of Nutmeg Oil in Pork and Its Possible Mechanism
Authors: Cui Haiying , Zhang Xuejing , Zhou Hui , Zhao Chengting , Xiao Zhihong , Lin Lin , Li Changzhu
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study is to investigate the antibacterial characteristics and mechanisms of nutmeg oil. In this paper, 54 chemical compositions of nutmeg oil were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The major volatile components of nutmeg oil were sabinene (39.12%) and alpha‐pinene (11.96%). In addition, nutmeg oil showed significant antibacterial activity, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericide concentration of seven pathogens are 0.05 and 0.1%, respectively, and the nutmeg oil also had a significant effect on inhibiting the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphyloccocus aureus in phosphate buffer saline and pork. Subsequently, in order to reveal the possible antibacterial mechanisms of nutmeg oil against pathogens, the damage of cell membrane was observed by scanning electron microscopy, the loss of 260 nm absorbing material was tested by ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and the cellular adenosine triphosphate concentrations were measured by the Surface Hygiene Test Kit. Finally, the decrease of nucleic acid was evaluated by inverted fluorescence microscope. These results indicated that the antibacterial mechanisms of the nutmeg oil against bacteria might be interpreted as disrupting cell membrane and inhibiting synthesis of DNA.

Practical Applications

As a natural and safe antibacterial agent, nutmeg oil exhibited good antimicrobial activity against a wide range of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. Meanwhile, the antimicrobial activity of nutmeg oil has been proved on pork. Based on the results, we believe that nutmeg oil can be applied in meat storage and preservation.
Polymorphism G1359A of the cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1): allelic frequencies and influence on cardiovascular risk factors in a multicentre study of Castilla‐Leon
Authors: de Luis D. A. , Ballesteros M. , Lopez Guzman A. , Ruiz E. , Muñoz C. , Penacho M. A. , Iglesias P. , Maldonado A. , San Martin L. , Izaola O. , Delgado M.
Published: February 2015

Background

A polymorphism (1359 G/A) of the CNR1 gene was reported as a common polymorphism in Caucasian populations and was related to cardiovascular risk factors. The present study aimed to investigate the allelic distribution of polymorphism (G1359A) of the CB1 receptor gene in a geographical area of Spain (Community of Castilla y Leon) and to evaluate the influence of this polymorphism on obesity anthropometric parameters and cardiovascular risk factors in the fasted state in obese patients.

Methods

A population of 341 obese subjects was analysed. Tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance measurement, blood pressure measurement, a serial assessment of nutritional intake with 3 days of written food records and a biochemical analysis were all performed.

Results

One hundred and seventy‐seven patients (51.9%) had the genotype G1359G (wild‐type group) and 164 (48.1%) patients were A carriers: G1359A (136 patients; 39.9%) or A1359A (28 patients; 8.2%) (mutant type group). The Health Area of Palencia had a lower frequency of wild‐type genotype and G allelic frequency than all the other Health Areas. Segovia and Burgos Areas had a higher frequency of wild‐type genotype and G allelic frequency than the other Health Areas. High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was higher in the mutant type group and blood tryglicerides were lower in the same group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the novel finding of the present study is the association of the mutant type group G1359A and A1359A with a better lipid profile (triglycerides and HDL cholesterol) than the wild‐type group. The frequencies of this polymorphism are different among Health Areas of Castilla y Leon (Spain).
Direct estimation of austenitic grain dimensions in heat affected zones of a martensitic steel from EBSD images
Authors: ALTENDORF H. , FAESSEL M. , JEULIN D. , LATOURTE F.
Published: February 2015

In the context of automated analyses of electron‐backscattered‐diffraction images, we present in this paper a novel method to automatically extract morphological properties of prior austenitic grains in martensitic steels based on raw crystallographic orientation maps. This quantification includes the estimation of the mean chord length in specific directions, with in addition the reconstruction of the mean shape of austenitic grains inducing anisotropic shape properties. The approach is based on the morphological measure of covariance on a decision curve of grain fidelity per disorientation angle. These efforts have been motivated by the need of realistic microstructures to perform micromechanical studies of grain boundary localized damage phenomenons in steels, one example being the type IV fracture phenomenon occurring in welded joints of grade P91/P92 steel. This failure is attributed to a change of the microstructure due to thermal gradients arising during the welding process. To precisely capture the relationships between microstructural changes and mechanical fields localization in a polycrystalline aggregate, we first need to achieve a reasonable stochastic model of its microstructure, which relies on a detailed knowledge of the microstructural morphology. As martensitic steels possess multiscale microstructures composed of prior austenitic grains, packets and laths, a relevant modelling strategy has to be proposed to account for the observed hierarchies. With this objective, this paper focuses on the larger scale entities present in the microstructure, namely, the austenitic grains.
Thomas Willis, a pioneer in translational research in anatomy (on the 350th anniversary ofCerebri anatome)
Authors: Arráez‐Aybar Luis‐Alfonso , Navia‐Álvarez Pedro , Fuentes‐Redondo Talia , Bueno‐López José‐L.
Published: February 2015

The year 2014 marked the 350th anniversary of the publication in London ofCerebri anatome,a ground‐breaking work of neuroscience heavily influenced by the political and cultural context of Baroque Europe and mid‐17th century England. This article aims to review the work of the English physician and anatomist Thomas Willis, specifically with regard to the contents of hisCerebri anatome. Willis's academic and professional career was influenced by the turbulent period of the English Civil War during which he studied medicine. Willis went from chemistry to dissection arguably because of his need to justify the body‐brain‐soul relationship. As a result, he became a fellow of a select club of eminent experimentalists, and afterward was a Fellow of the Royal Society. Later on, he went to London, leaving the academic life to dedicate himself fully to the profession of medicine. As a physician, Willis did not base his practice on aphorisms but on a ‘bench to bedside’ approach to medicine, while studying neuroanatomy – covering embryology, comparative anatomy and pathological anatomy – as a basis for the comprehension of neurological pathology. He developed innovative anatomical methods for the preservation and dissection of the brain, injection of coloured substances and illustration of his findings. InCerebri anatome, Willis recognized the cerebral cortex as the substrate of cognition. He also claimed that the painful stimuli came from the meninges, but not from the brain itself. He explained for the first time the pathological and functional meaning of the brain's circular arterial anastomosis, which is named after him. He also specified some features of the cranial origin of the sympathetic nerves and coined the term ‘neurologie’.Cerebri anatomemarked the transition between the mediaeval and modern notions of brain function, and thus it is considered a cornerstone of clinical and comparative anatomy of the nervous system. The new contributions and methods employed by Willis justify his place as a father of neurology and a pioneer of translational research.
Tooth counts through growth in diapsid reptiles: implications for interpreting individual and size‐related variation in the fossil record
Authors: Brown Caleb Marshall , VanBuren Collin S. , Larson Derek W. , Brink Kirstin S. , Campione Nicolás E. , Vavrek Matthew J. , Evans David C.
Published: February 2015

Tooth counts are commonly recorded in fossil diapsid reptiles and have been used for taxonomic and phylogenetic purposes under the assumption that differences in the number of teeth are largely explained by interspecific variation. Although phylogeny is almost certainly one of the greatest factors influencing tooth count, the relative role of intraspecific variation is difficult, and often impossible, to test in the fossil record given the sample sizes available to palaeontologists and, as such, is best investigated using extant models. Intraspecific variation (largely manifested as size‐related or ontogenetic variation) in tooth counts has been examined in extant squamates (lizards and snakes) but is poorly understood in archosaurs (crocodylians and dinosaurs). Here, we document tooth count variation in two species of extant crocodylians (Alligator mississippiensis and Crocodylus porosus) as well as a large varanid lizard (Varanus komodoensis). We test the hypothesis that variation in tooth count is driven primarily by growth and thus predict significant correlations between tooth count and size, as well as differences in the frequency of deviation from the modal tooth count in the premaxilla, maxilla, and dentary. In addition to tooth counts, we also document tooth allometry in each species and compare these results with tooth count change through growth. Results reveal no correlation of tooth count with size in any element of any species examined here, with the exception of the premaxilla of C. porosus, which shows the loss of one tooth position. Based on the taxa examined here, we reject the hypothesis, as it is evident that variation in tooth count is not always significantly correlated with growth. However, growth trajectories of smaller reptilian taxa show increases in tooth counts and, although current samples are small, suggest potential correlates between tooth count trajectories and adult size. Nevertheless, interspecific variation in growth patterns underscores the importance of considering and understanding growth when constructing taxonomic and phylogenetic characters, in particular for fossil taxa where ontogenetic patterns are difficult to reconstruct.
Risk factor‐related lifestyle habits of hospital‐admitted stroke patients – an exploratory study
Authors: Oikarinen Anne , Engblom Janne , Kääriäinen Maria , Kyngäs Helvi
Published: February 2015

Aims and objectives

To describe and explain the lifestyle habits of hospital‐admitted stroke patients by identifying relationships between the different lifestyle habits and by examining associations between them and clinical measurements.

Background

Stroke is associated with several risk factors that are closely intertwined. However, lifestyle factors have profound effects on its incidence. It has been shown that healthy lifestyle habits are associated with a reduced stroke risk both in combination and independently.

Design

A cross‐sectional, exploratory study.

Methods

Data were collected from stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients (n = 150) in an acute neurology unit in Finland between January 2010 and October 2011 using the Lifestyle Instrument. Data analysis was performed by cross‐tabulation of variables, factor analysis, analysis of variance and logistic regression.

Results

Patients with a mean age of 56·5 participated. Based on their body mass index, most were overweight (43·2%) or obese (31·8%). Their waist circumference levels indicated significant health problems in most cases (70%). Their mean glucose (5·6 mmol/l) and blood pressure (149·9/86·7 mmHg) levels were also above the guideline values. The participants had diverse risk factor‐related lifestyle habits. There were several statistically significant differences between the different lifestyle habits and most of the clinical data were at least partly explained by the lifestyle habits.

Conclusions

The participants in this study had many lifestyle habits that are associated with stroke risk factors, exposing them to an elevated risk of a new stroke in the future.

Relevance to clinical practice

It is an important obligation for nursing staff courageously to bring up the lifestyle habits at the hospital phase and point out that there is a relationship between them and stroke incidence and that secondary stroke can be prevented or made less likely by adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Safety of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in a Hospital With Visiting On‐Site Cardiac Surgery
Authors: GAFOOR SAMEER , SIROTINA MARGARITA , DOSS MIRKO , FRANKE JENNIFER , PIAYDA KERSTIN , LAM SIMON , BERTOG STEFAN , VASKELYTE LAURA , HOFMANN ILONA , SIEVERT HORST
Published: February 2015

Objectives

To describe the feasibility and safety of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with a visiting on‐site cardiac surgery program for surgical back‐up.

Background

Both European and American guidelines recommend institutional cardiac surgery back‐up for TAVI. However, the conversion to cardiac surgery is very rare, many complications of TAVI can be managed by catheter techniques and a visiting team can also provide surgical stand‐by. Therefore, the need for institutional cardiac surgery (by a surgeon who routinely performs conventional surgical valve replacement at the institution performing TAVI) has been questioned.

Methods

A retrospective review of consecutive TAVI cases with visiting on‐site cardiac surgery was performed. Key demographic, echocardiographic, and procedural data were collected prospectively.

Results

A total of 97 patients (81.9 ± 6.3 years) with high‐risk criteria (log Euroscore 21.6 ± 14.4, chronic renal failure 39.2%, severe systolic dysfunction 24.7%) underwent TAVI with visiting on‐site cardiac surgery at our institution. Local anesthesia with or without conscious sedation was used in 94.8% of patients. Procedural technical success was 100%, with 2 episodes of tamponade (both treated with pericardiocentesis) and a 16.5% vascular complication rate (all treated conservatively or percutaneously). Thirty‐day mortality was 3.1%, with 5.2% rate of stroke and 8.2% rate of major bleeding. There were no conversions to surgery.

Conclusions

TAVI can be done safely in the setting of a hospital with visiting on‐site cardiac surgery. This requires careful patient selection, experienced operators and surgeons in experienced centers with well‐established criteria and processes of care. In this setting, it may be an option for hospitals without institutional cardiac surgery. (J Interven Cardiol 2015;28:76–81)