bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of bread‐making process factors on Australian sweet lupin‐wheat bread quality characteristics
Authors: Villarino Casiana Blanca , Jayasena Vijay , Coorey Ranil , Chakrabarti‐Bell Sumana , Johnson Stuart
Published: July 2014

Factorial experimental design was used to investigate the effects of: sponge proofing time (min), sponge and dough mixing time (min), final proofing time (min), final proofing temperature (°C) and baking time (min) on Australian sweet lupin‐wheat bread physical attributes. Factorial models show that bread specific volume was positively associated with sponge and dough mixing time (P = 0.01) and baking time (P = 0.02). Crumb area was positively associated (P = 0.01) with sponge and dough mixing time. Final proofing time positively influenced cell wall thickness (P < 0.01) and cell diameter (P < 0.01) but negatively affected number of cells (P < 0.01). Cell diameter was positively associated with baking time (P = 0.04), whilst number of cells was negatively influenced by sponge and dough mixing time (P = 0.01). Instrumental springiness was positively associated with sponge and dough mixing time (P = 0.02). Sponge and dough mixing and baking times were the two most significant process parameters affecting the bread physical quality and hence should be optimised.
Optimisation and modelling green bean's ultrasound blanching
Authors: Yolmeh Mahmoud , Najafzadeh Mahmoud
Published: July 2014

Using of ultrasound in food processing is a novel and interesting technique, which is often complementary to classical methods. This study reports on the ultrasound blanching (USB) of green bean. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to study the effect of process variables on the USB. Three independent variables including temperature (50–90 °C), time (45–225 s) and duty cycle (0.2–0.8 s) were examined. The optimal USB conditions were obtained with a temperature of 90 °C, USB time of 58.27 s and duty cycle of 0.79 s. At these conditions, the residual peroxidase activity (RPA) determined as 9.64% and the vitamin C loss as 8.92%. The experimental values under optimal condition were in good consistent with the predicted values. According to the results, the USB process is more efficient process and as well as less damage to the product compared to the conventional blanching method.
The Reconciliation of Art and Psychology
Authors: Freeman Tyler E.
Published: July 2014

The disciplines of art and experimental psychology share a number of interesting areas of overlap which are unknown and/or unconsidered by many. This purpose of this article is to elucidate topics that are of interest to both artists and psychologists in an attempt to encourage interdisciplinary collaborations. It is only on rare occasions that artists and psychologists engage in collaborative research efforts, however; here I discuss a number of topics in psychology (e.g. attention, expertise, object perception and mental representations) that would be of interest to both disciplines. The concepts that are often taught in the art studio can provide unique insight into perceptual processes that play a role in the creation and evaluation of art. However, collaborative research efforts are necessary better to understand these perceptual processes. Thus, the product of collaborative research in such areas can inform art education and psychology to mutual benefit. This article discusses topics of interest for art and psychology and poses possible research questions that can be investigated via artist–psychologist collaborations.
Development of Art Appreciation in 11–14 year‐old Students
Authors: Duh Matjaž , Zupančič Tomaž , Čagran Branka
Published: July 2014

Modern art curricula derive from the assumption that visual arts education can be of a high quality only if productive and receptive artistic activities are implemented. In art education practice, we are able to follow incentives for artistic expression but pay less attention to developing art appreciation that is based on developing as subtle perceptions of artwork as possible. Students have few opportunities to observe, enjoy and understand artwork. This discussion presents the results of a study that monitored the development of art appreciation abilities of 11–14 year‐old students in Slovenian compulsory education. The level of art appreciation abilities is rather average and more developed with older students and girls. There were no statistically significant differences with regard to school stratum.
Korean Artists in Transcultural Spaces: Constructing New National Identities
Authors: Park Jeong‐Ae
Published: July 2014

This article reports research on New York‐based Korean artists' dynamic processes of identity‐shaping and the implications that these processes have for art education. The study uses postcolonial theories that illuminate the dialectical process of hybrid cultural production in the global dimension. The artists' identities narrated elucidate the recognition of difference with others; this identification emerges as the artists simultaneously escape from and discover their Korean identities. The artists' childhood experiences and memories work as reflective thinking in their different context, and because of their search for an individual identity, Korean culture is an important factor in their art making. When their identity formation and practice are in constant negotiation with difference, this results in learning and translating from others. They assume an ‘open universalism’ necessary to communicate at an international level, and as a consequence these artists' identity formation always involves the process of a doubling and dividing of reflections of existing Korean identities as well as the building of new ones. In this dualistic state, the artists' multiple identities remain heterogeneous, composed of contradictory factors that are revealed in the artists' hybrid artworks.
Larval mortality and development for rotation‐resistant and rotation‐susceptible populations of western corn rootworm on Bt corn
Authors: Tinsley N. A. , Spencer J. L. , Estes R. E. , Prasifka J. R. , Schrader P. M. , French B. W. , Gray M. E.
Published: July 2014

The western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, is one of the most economically important insect pests threatening the production of corn, Zea mays (L.), in the United States. Throughout its history, this insect has displayed considerable adaptability by overcoming a variety of pest management tactics, including the cultural practice of annual crop rotation. Since first reported in Illinois in the late 1980s, populations of the rotation‐resistant western corn rootworm have spread over a wide area of the eastern Corn Belt. Currently, little information is available concerning the interaction of rotation resistance with the use of genetically modified corn expressing insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt), a popular tactic for preventing larval injury and its associated yield loss. The goal of this greenhouse experiment was to determine whether rotation‐resistant and rotation‐susceptible western corn rootworm larvae differ with respect to survival or development when exposed to single‐ or dual‐toxin (pyramided) Bt corn. Individual corn plants were infested with 225 near‐hatch eggs at the V5 (five leaf collar) growth stage. Larvae developed undisturbed on the root systems for 17 days, after which they were recovered using Berlese–Tullgren funnels. Surviving larvae were counted to estimate mortality, and head capsule widths were measured to assess development. Rotation‐resistant and rotation‐susceptible larvae had statistically similar mean levels of mortality and head capsule widths when exposed to both single‐toxin (Cry3Bb1 or Cry34/35Ab1) and pyramided (Cry3Bb1+ Cry34/35Ab1) Bt corn, suggesting that these two populations do not differ with respect to survival or development when exposed to Bt corn. Additionally, the statistically similar mean levels of mortality for larvae exposed to single‐toxin and pyramided Bt corn suggest that pyramided Bt hybrids containing the Cry3Bb1 and Cry34/35Ab1 toxins do not result in additive mortality for western corn rootworm larvae. Implications for management of this economically important pest are discussed.
The Effect of Enzyme‐Assisted Maceration on Bioactivity, Quality and Yield of Essential Oil from Waste Carrot (Daucus carota) Seeds
Authors: Śmigielski Krzysztof B. , Majewska Małgorzata , Kunicka‐Styczyńska Alina , Szczęsna‐Antczak Mirosława , Gruska Radosław , Stańczyk Łukasz
Published: July 2014

The effect of an enzyme preparation derived from the nonpathogenic filamentous fungus Mucor circinelloides on the bioactivity, quality and yield of essential oil from waste carrot seeds (Daucus carota) was investigated. The Taguchi method was applied to determine the levels of input factors ensuring the greatest efficiency of hydrodistillation (pH 4.9–5.0; 4.0 g enzyme preparation/100 g of seeds; time – 6.0 h). Under these conditions, the oil yield increased by approximately 30%. The main constituent compounds of the oil are: carotol (34.6%), sabinene (8.0%), alpha‐pinene (6.4%) and daucol (4.3%). Essential oil obtained from enzyme‐pretreated carrot seeds has the same antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida sp., Aspergillus niger and Penicillium expansum as that from the control sample.

Practical Applications

The proposed innovative method of preparation of plant material prior to hydrodistillation leads to an increase in essential oil extraction efficiency by about 30%, and thus enables better exploitation of the potential of the plant. The proposed method may be implemented on an industrial scale, thanks to tools of computational statistics that allow one to determine the optimum technological parameters of the process. Developed in this way, the technology is environmentally friendly and provides significant economic benefits.
Self‐perceived oral health and periodontal parameters in chronic periodontitis patients with and without rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Javed Fawad , Ahmed Hameeda Bashir , Mehmood Abid , Mikami Toshinari , Malmstrom Hans , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: July 2014

Aim

It is hypothesized that self‐perceived oral health and periodontal status are worse in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to CP patients without RA. The aim of the present study was to assess self‐perceived oral health and periodontal parameters in CP patients with and without RA.

Methods

Fifty CP patients with RA and 50 CP patients without RA were included. Information regarding sociodemographic characteristics and self‐perceived oral symptoms were collected using a questionnaire. Periodontal parameters (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, number of missing teeth, and marginal bone loss) were recorded.

Results

There was no significant difference in socioeconomic status, education status, self‐perceived oral symptoms, and periodontal parameters among CP patients with and without RA.

Conclusions

Self‐perceived oral health and periodontal parameters are mainly governed by the intensity of CP, and the role of RA in this context seems to be rather secondary.
Stimulatory role of the chemokine CCL2 in the migration and peptide expression of embryonic hypothalamic neurons
Authors: Poon Kinning , Ho Hui T. , Barson Jessica R. , Leibowitz Sarah F.
Published: July 2014

Neuroinflammation is a feedback mechanism against infection, with recent studies suggesting a neuromodulatory role. The chemokine, (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2), and its receptor, (C‐C motif) receptor type 2 (CCR2), affect neuromodulation and migration in response to damage. Although CCL2 co‐localizes with neuropeptides in the hypothalamus that control voluntary behavior, the function of CCL2/CCR2 is unknown. This led us to consider the possibility that CCL2 acting through CCR2, under natural conditions, may affect the migration and peptide levels of hypothalamic neurons that control voluntary behavior. This study used primary embryonic hypothalamic neurons to examine the effect of CCL2 on migratory behavior and on levels of the peptides, enkephalin (ENK) and galanin. Treatment with CCL2 led to a significant, dose‐dependent increase in the number of migrated neurons and an increase in the velocity and distance traveled. CCL2 also significantly increased the number of ENK‐expressing and CCR2/ENK co‐expressing neurons and the percentage of neurons that contain higher levels of ENK. Lastly, CCL2 produced a dose‐dependent increase in expression of ENK and galanin. These results provide evidence for a stimulatory effect of CCL2 on embryonic hypothalamic neurons involving changes in migratory behavior, expression, and synthesis of neuropeptides that function in controlling behavior.

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Our results demonstrate that the chemokine, CCL2, functions through its receptor, CCR2, to stimulate the migration and expression of the orexigenic peptides, enkephalin (ENK) and galanin (GAL), in developing embryonic hypothalamic neurons that are important for controlling ingestive behavior. This evidence reveals broad effects of CCL2 in the developing hypothalamus, showing this chemokine system to be tightly linked to the hypothalamic peptide neurons.
Limb bone morphology, bone strength, and cursoriality in lagomorphs
Authors: Young Jesse W. , Danczak Robert , Russo Gabrielle A. , Fellmann Connie D.
Published: July 2014

The primary aim of this study is to broadly evaluate the relationship between cursoriality (i.e. anatomical and physiological specialization for running) and limb bone morphology in lagomorphs. Relative to most previous studies of cursoriality, our focus on a size‐restricted, taxonomically narrow group of mammals permits us to evaluate the degree to which ‘cursorial specialization’ affects locomotor anatomy independently of broader allometric and phylogenetic trends that might obscure such a relationship. We collected linear morphometrics and μCTdata on 737 limb bones covering three lagomorph species that differ in degree of cursoriality: pikas (Ochotona princeps, non‐cursorial), jackrabbits (Lepus californicus, highly cursorial), and rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani, level of cursoriality intermediate between pikas and jackrabbits). We evaluated two hypotheses: cursoriality should be associated with (i) lower limb joint mechanical advantage (i.e. high ‘displacement advantage’, permitting more cursorial species to cycle their limbs more quickly) and (ii) longer, more gracile limb bones, particularly at the distal segments (as a means of decreasing rotational inertia). As predicted, highly cursorial jackrabbits are typically marked by the lowest mechanical advantage and the longest distal segments, non‐cursorial pikas display the highest mechanical advantage and the shortest distal segments, and rabbits generally display intermediate values for these variables. Variation in long bone robusticity followed a proximodistal gradient. Whereas proximal limb bone robusticity declined with cursoriality, distal limb bone robusticity generally remained constant across the three species. The association between long, structurally gracile limb bones and decreased maximal bending strength suggests that the more cursorial lagomorphs compromise proximal limb bone integrity to improve locomotor economy. In contrast, the integrity of distal limb bones is maintained with increasing cursoriality, suggesting that the safety factor takes priority over locomotor economy in those regions of the postcranial skeleton that experience higher loading during locomotion. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that cursoriality is associated with a common suite of morphological adaptations across a range of body sizes and radiations.
CHINA'S SERVICE TRADE
Authors: Chen Hejing , Whalley John
Published: July 2014

This paper assesses the performance of China's service trade over recent decades by summarizing and presenting data on its size, growth rate, sectoral composition, comparative advantage, and degree of openness. The evidence based on comparative analysis suggests that despite China's high growth rate, the development of China's service trade lags behind its merchandise trade. With a policy environment adjusted in China's 12th 5‐Year Plan, a growing significance of China's service trade to both China and the global economy is likely under the prospective development strategy. China's service trade has already had large impacts on China's economic growth, employment, and technology diffusion. We suggest that even more major impacts will follow in the years to come and that there are implications for global trade, FDI, and labor migration.
Immunohistochemical study on localization of serotonin immunoreactive cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the European catfish (Silurus glanis, L.)
Authors: Köprücü S. , Yaman M.
Published: July 2014

In this study, it was aimed to identify the distribution of serotonin immunoreactive cells within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of European catfish (Silurus glanis). For this purpose, the tissue samples were taken from the stomach (cardia, fundus and pylorus region) and intestine (anterior, middle and posterior region). They were examined by applying the avidin‐biotin‐immunoperoxidase method. The serotonin containing immunoreactive cells are presented in all regions of the GIT. It was determined to be localized generally in different distribution within the stomachs and intestines of S. glanis. It was found that the most intensive regions of immunoreactive cells were the cardia stomach and posterior of intestine.
Effects of age and zinc supplementation on transport properties in the jejunum of piglets
Authors: Gefeller E. M. , Martens H. , Aschenbach J. R. , Klingspor S. , Twardziok S. , Wrede P. , Pieper R. , Lodemann U.
Published: July 2014

Zinc is effective in the prevention and treatment of post‐weaning diarrhoea and in promoting piglet growth. Its effects on the absorption of nutrients and the secretory capacity of the intestinal epithelium are controversial. We investigated the effects of age, dietary pharmacological zinc supplementation and acute zinc exposure in vitro on small‐intestinal transport properties of weaned piglets. We further examined whether the effect of zinc on secretory responses depended on the pathway by which chloride secretion is activated. A total of 96 piglets were weaned at 26 days of age and allocated to diets containing three different levels of zinc oxide (50, 150 and 2500 ppm). At the age of 32, 39, 46 and 53 days, piglets were killed, and isolated epithelia from the mid‐jejunum were used for intestinal transport studies in conventional Ussing chambers, with 23 μm ZnSO4 being added to the serosal side for testing acute effects. Absorptive transport was stimulated by mucosal addition of d‐glucose or l‐glutamine. Secretion was activated by serosal addition of prostaglandin E2, carbachol or by mucosal application of Escherichia coli heat‐stable enterotoxin (Stp). Jejunal transport properties showed significant age‐dependent alterations (p < 0.03). Both absorptive and secretory responses were highest in the youngest piglets (32 d). The dietary zinc supplementation had no significant influence on jejunal absorptive and secretory responses. However, the pre‐treatment of epithelia with ZnSO4 in vitro led to a small but significant decrease in both absorptive and secretory capacities (p < 0.05), with an exception for carbachol (p = 0.07). The results showed that, in piglets, chronic supplementation with zinc did not sustainably influence the jejunal transport properties in the post‐weaning phase. Because transport properties are influenced by the addition of zinc in vitro, we suggest that possible epithelial effects of zinc depend on the acute presence of this ion.
Gingival bleeding on probing: relationship to change in periodontal pocket depth and effect of sodium hypochlorite oral rinse
Authors: Gonzalez S. , Cohen C. L. , Galván M. , Alonaizan F. A. , Rich S. K. , Slots J.
Published: July 2014

Background and Objective

This study evaluated the potential of gingival bleeding on probing to serve as a predictor of future periodontal breakdown. It also assessed the ability of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite twice‐a‐week oral rinse to convert periodontal pockets showing bleeding on probing to nonbleeding sites.

Material and Methods

The study was performed as a randomized, single‐blinded, clinical trial in parallel groups. Seven periodontitis patients rinsed twice‐weekly for 3 mo with 15 mL of a fresh solution of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite, and five periodontitis patients rinsed with water. The 12 study patients received no subgingival or supragingival scaling. Clorox® Regular‐Bleach was the source of sodium hypochlorite. At baseline and 3‐mo visits, gingival bleeding was assessed within 30 s after probing to full pocket depth using an approximate force of 0.75 N.

Results

A total of 470 (38%) of 1230 periodontal pockets in the bleach‐rinse group revealed bleeding on probing at the initial visit but not at the 3‐mo visit; only 71 (9%) of 828 pockets in the control group became bleeding‐negative during the study (p < 0.001). Bleeding on probing in 4‐ to 7‐mm‐deep pockets decreased by 53% in the bleach‐rinse group but increased by 6% in the water‐rinse group (p < 0.001). Ninety‐seven pockets showed depth increases of ≥ 2 mm after 3 mo: 60 (62%) of those pockets exhibited bleeding on probing at both the initial and the 3‐mo visits; 24 (25%) bled at only one of the two visits; and 13 (13%) never demonstrated gingival bleeding (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Persistent gingival bleeding on probing was associated with an increased risk for periodontal breakdown, and the absence of gingival bleeding seemed to be a useful, although not perfect, indicator of disease stability. Twice‐weekly oral rinsing with dilute bleach (0.25% sodium hypochlorite) produced a significant reduction in bleeding on probing, even in deep unscaled pockets. Sodium hypochlorite constitutes a valuable antiseptic in periodontal self‐care.
Efficacy of continuous positive airway pressure treatment on 5‐year survival in patients with ischaemic stroke and obstructive sleep apnea: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Parra Olga , Sánchez‐Armengol Ángeles , Capote Francisco , Bonnin Marc , Arboix Adrià , Campos‐Rodríguez Francisco , Pérez‐Ronchel José , Durán‐Cantolla Joaquín , Martínez‐Null Cristina , de la Peña Mónica , Jiménez Maria Carmen , Masa Fernando , Casadon Ignacio , Alonso Maria Luz , Macarrón José L.
Published: July 2014

The main purpose of the present analysis is to assess the influence of introducing early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) treatment on cardiovascular recurrences and mortality in patients with a first‐ever ischaemic stroke and moderate–severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) with an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) ≥20 events h−1 during a 5‐year follow‐up. Patients received conventional treatment for stroke and were assigned randomly to the nCPAP group (n = 71) or the control group (n = 69). Cardiovascular events and mortality were registered for all patients. Survival and cardiovascular event‐free survival analysis were performed after 5‐year follow‐up using the Kaplan–Meier test. Patients in the nCPAP group had significantly higher cardiovascular survival than the control group (100 versus 89.9%, log‐rank test 5.887; P = 0.015) However, and also despite a positive tendency, there were no significant differences in the cardiovascular event‐free survival at 68 months between the nCPAP and control groups (89.5 versus 75.4%, log‐rank test 3.565; P = 0.059). Early nCPAP therapy has a positive effect on long‐term survival in ischaemic stroke patients and moderate–severe OSA.
Opening the Window on Comprehensible Pronunciation After 19 Years: A Workplace Training Study
Authors: Derwing Tracey M. , Munro Murray J. , Foote Jennifer A. , Waugh Erin , Fleming Jason
Published: July 2014

We present the outcomes of a pronunciation training program conducted in a workplace setting with second language speakers who had lived in an English‐speaking environment for an average of 19 years. The research questions concerned whether improvement would occur in the learners’ perception of certain segments and prosody; in the comprehensibility, accentedness, and fluency of their productions as judged by listeners; and in their speech intelligibility. Despite seemingly stable speech patterns, pre‐ and postintervention tests demonstrated significant improvement in perception and in comprehensibility and intelligibility. However, no difference was noted in fluency, and accent was perceived to be stronger in one posttest. Thus the pronunciation instruction was effective, even in putatively fossilized individuals. This study contributes to research showing the partial independence of accent and other speech dimensions.
Partisan Effects of Legislative Term Limits
Authors: Hall Andrew B.
Published: July 2014

Term limits remain a popular policy reform and have generated a great deal of scholarship as a result. Although many predicted that term limits would benefit the Republican party, the literature finds no marked partisan effects, possibly because termed‐out legislators have largely been replaced by copartisans. This article demonstrates that term limits have indeed had partisan effects—just not on electoral outcomes. Term limits have caused a significant reallocation of institutional power from Democrats to Republicans (as measured by contributions from access‐oriented interest groups), in large part because they have removed more senior Democrats than Republicans. The partisan effects of term limits therefore point to the institutional value of seniority.
“The Same Thing in a Different Box”: Similarity and Difference in Pharmaceutical Sex Hormone Consumption and Marketing
Authors: Sanabria Emilia
Published: July 2014

The contraceptive pill has given way to a multitude of products, kinds of packaging, and modes of administration. This article draws on work on the pharmaceutical copy, extending the analysis to differentiating between forms of administration for contraceptive medicines as well as between brand‐name drugs, generics, and similares, as they are known in Brazil. It explores how Brazilian prescribers and users—within the divergent structural constraints afforded by private and public health—apprehend and negotiate distinctions between the drugs available to them. This ethnographic account of hormone use reveals new fault lines through which the pharmakon exerts its influence. The attention that industry places on pharmacodynamics as it produces new products from similar compounds suggests that pharmaceutical effects are at once symbolic and real. The article concludes with a reflection on the future of the generic form in a field increasingly crowded by branded copies.
Unraveling the contribution of ectoenzymes to myeloma life and survival in the bone marrow niche
Authors: Quarona Valeria , Ferri Valentina , Chillemi Antonella , Bolzoni Marina , Mancini Cristina , Zaccarello Gianluca , Roato Ilaria , Morandi Fabio , Marimpietri Danilo , Faccani Giuliano , Martella Eugenia , Pistoia Vito , Giuliani Nicola , Horenstein Alberto L. , Malavasi Fabio
Published: July 2014

The bone marrow provides a protected environment for generating a vast array of cell types. Bones are thus a dynamic source of structural components and soluble factors used either locally or at a distance from their site of production. We discuss the role of ectoenzymes in the bone niche where human myeloma grows. Selected ectoenzymes have been tested for their ability to promote production of substrates involved in signaling, synthesis of growth factors and hormones, and modulation of the immune response. Because of the difficulty of simultaneously tracking all these activities, we narrow our focus to events potentially influencing synthesis of adenosine (ADO), an important regulator of multiple biological functions, including local immunological tolerance. Our working hypothesis, to be discussed and partially tested herein, is that CD38, and likely BST1/CD157—both NAD+‐consuming enzymes, are active in the myeloma niche and lead a discontinuous chain of ectoenzymes whose final products are exploited by the neoplastic plasma cell as part of its local survival strategy. Coadjuvant ectoenzymes include PC‐1/CD203a, CD39, and CD73, which control the production of ADO. Results discussed here and from ongoing experiments indicate that the myeloma niche hosts the canonical, as well as alternative, pathways of ADO generation. Other possibilities are presented and discussed.
Applying the Intervention Mapping protocol to develop a kindergarten‐based, family‐involved intervention to increase European preschool children's physical activity levels: the ToyBox‐study
Authors: De Craemer M. , De Decker E. , De Bourdeaudhuij I. , Verloigne M. , Duvinage K. , Koletzko B. , Ibrügger S. , Kreichauf S. , Grammatikaki E. , Moreno L. , Iotova V. , Socha P. , Szott K. , Manios Y. , Cardon G. ,   ToyBox‐study group
Published: July 2014

Although sufficient physical activity is beneficial for preschoolers' health, activity levels in most preschoolers are low. As preschoolers spend a considerable amount of time at home and at kindergarten, interventions should target both environments to increase their activity levels. The aim of the current paper was to describe the six different steps of the Intervention Mapping protocol towards the systematic development and implementation of the physical activity component of the ToyBox‐intervention. This intervention is a kindergarten‐based, family‐involved intervention implemented across six European countries. Based on the results of literature reviews and focus groups with parents/caregivers and kindergarten teachers, matrices of change objectives were created. Then, theory‐based methods and practical strategies were selected to develop intervention materials at three different levels: (i) individual level (preschoolers); (ii) interpersonal level (parents/caregivers) and (iii) organizational level (teachers). This resulted in a standardized intervention with room for local and cultural adaptations in each participating country. Although the Intervention Mapping protocol is a time‐consuming process, using this systematic approach may lead to an increase in intervention effectiveness. The presented matrices of change objectives are useful for future programme planners to develop and implement an intervention based on the Intervention Mapping protocol to increase physical activity levels in preschoolers.
Blood transfusion in patients treated with surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Ahmed Zulfiqar , Danielson Logan , Albeiruti Rashad , Thomas Ronald , Klein Michael
Published: July 2014

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common surgical emergency in premature infants and has high morbidity and mortality. Intraoperative treatment with fluid and transfusions may be difficult.

Objectives

We evaluated risk factors for patients who needed transfusion with packed red blood cells during surgery for necrotizing enterocolitis with bowel resection.

Methods

Retrospective medical and anesthetic record review of 206 patients who had necrotizing enterocolitis during 10 years at a pediatric referral center.

Results

In the 206 patients who had necrotizing enterocolitis, 88 patients (43%) had exploratory laparotomy, 67 with bowel resection. Of these, 50 needed transfusion of packed red blood cells in comparison with 17 who did not. Upon univariate analyses, patients who received packed red blood cells during surgery had significantly longer mean duration of surgery, lower preoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, higher postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, more platelet transfusions, and greater estimated blood loss than patients who did not receive packed red blood cells during surgery. A binary logistic regression procedure revealed that the need for preoperative hemoglobin was found to be a significant risk factor for transfusion of packed red blood cells (odds ratio = 0.55; 95%CI = 0.36–0.84; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients having necrotizing enterocolitis with bowel resection are more likely to need preoperative transfusion with packed red blood cells, which may be more necessary when surgery is longer, preoperative hematocrit is lower, and estimated blood loss is higher.
Noninvasive cardiac output monitoring using bioreactance‐based technique in pediatric patients with or without ventricular septal defect during anesthesia: in comparison with echocardiography
Authors: Sun Ying , Wu Chi , Wu Jun‐Zheng , Wang Shan‐Shan , Bai Jie , Zhu Ming , Zhang Yu‐Qi , Zhang Ma‐Zhong
Published: July 2014

Background

We evaluated the use of bioreactance‐based noninvasive cardiac output (CO) monitoring technique (NICOM™, CONICOM) in pediatric patients with or without ventricular septal defect (VSD) during anesthesia induction to determine its agreement with the measurements assessed by echocardiography (echo, COECHO).

Methods

Twenty‐eight pediatric patients with normal heart anatomy (group NHA) and 32 with isolated ventricular septal defects (group VSD) were included in this study. The cardiac output was measured simultaneously in minute‐by‐minute using NICOM and echo (Simpson's rule) during anesthesia induction and intubation. Linear regression and revised Bland–Altman analyses were performed to evaluate the agreement by comparing the paired CO results. The mean percent error ((COECHO–CONICOM)/COECHO × 100%) was used to assess the impact of congenital heart disease on the agreement.

Results

The measurements of CO by NICOM and echo techniques were highly correlated in group NHA (γ = 0.96, P < 0.005) and VSD (γ = 0.84, P < 0.005). The mean bias (COECHO – CONICOM) between the two methods was 0.03 and 0.31 l·min−1 with the limits of agreement (LOA) −0.29 to +0.35 l·min−1 and −0.44 to +1.05 l·min−1, which include 96.9% (31/32) and 89.3% (25/28) of all patients' different data in group NHA and VSD, respectively. The median percent errors were significantly lower at all time points in group NHA than those in group VSD (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

In children without heart defects, the CO measured by NICOM shows a good agreement with the echo during anesthesia induction. The NICOM technique underestimates echo although a strong correlation exists between two methods in children with ventricular septal defect.
Clinical Spectrum of Capillary Malformation–Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome Presenting to a Pediatric Dermatology Practice: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Weitz Nicole A. , Lauren Christine T. , Behr Gerald G. , Wu June K. , Kandel Jessica J. , Meyers Philip M. , Sultan Sally , Anyane‐Yeboa Kwame , Morel Kimberly D. , Garzon Maria C.
Published: July 2014

Capillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation syndrome (CM‐AVM) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by RASA1 mutations. The prevalence and phenotypic spectrum are unknown. Evaluation of patients with multiple CMs is challenging because associated AVMs can be life threatening. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of children presenting with features of CM‐AVM to an academic pediatric dermatology practice. After institutional review board approval was received, a retrospective chart review was performed of patients presenting between 2009 and 2012 with features of CM‐AVM. We report nine cases. Presenting symptoms ranged from extensive vascular stains and cardiac failure to CMs noted incidentally during routine skin examination. All demonstrated multiple CMs, two had Parkes Weber syndrome, and two had multiple infantile hemangiomas. Seven patients had family histories of multiple CMs; three had family histories of large, atypical CMs. Six had personal or family histories of AVMs. Genetic evaluation was recommended for all and was pursued by six families; four RASA1 mutations were identified, including one de novo. Consultations with neurology, cardiology, and orthopedics were recommended. Most patients (89%) have not required treatment to date. CM‐AVM is an underrecognized condition with a wide clinical spectrum that often presents in childhood. Further evaluation may be indicated in patients with multiple CMs. This study is limited by its small and retrospective nature.
An Atypical Case of Bullous Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a 16‐Year‐Old Boy
Authors: Christodoulou George , Powell Mathieu , Nguyen Van‐Hung , Watters Kevin , Jafarian Fatemeh
Published: July 2014

Bullous systemic lupus erythematosus (BSLE) is a rare autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease with a female predominance characterized as an acute vesicobullous eruption in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Here we report a case of BSLE in a 16‐year‐old boy that does not adhere to the criteria originally established and suggest a new outlook on this condition.
Validation and Application of a Model of Oxygen Consumption and Diffusion During Photodynamic Therapy In Vitro
Authors: Weston Mark A. , Patterson Michael S.
Published: July 2014

The photophysical parameters for the photosensitizer Pd(II) meso‐Tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl) porphine (PdT790) acquired in a previous study were incorporated into the PDT oxygen diffusion models for cell suspensions and cell monolayers. The time‐dependent phosphorescence signals generated by the diffusion models are shown to match signals previously measured by M.A.W. and M.S.P. when reasonable physical and photophysical parameters are used. Simulations were performed to investigate the effects of metabolic and photodynamic oxygen consumption rates on the PDT dose in each of the treatment geometries. It was found that in cell suspensions of <1 million cells per mL, PDT should not be inhibited by hypoxia if the photodynamic consumption rate is <1 mm s−1. For cell monolayers the optimal photodynamic oxygen consumption rate was found to depend on the metabolic rate of oxygen consumption. If cells remained well oxygenated in the absence of PDT, then maximum PDT dose was delivered with the lowest practical photodynamic oxygen consumption rate. Simulations of PDT treatments for multicell tumor spheroids showed that large anoxic cores develop within the spheroids and, as a consequence, less PDT dose is delivered in comparison with similar treatments in cell suspensions and cell monolayers.
Modal Persistence and Modal Travel
Authors: Miller Kristie , Duncan Michael
Published: July 2014

We argue that there is an interesting modal analogue of temporal persistence, namely modal persistence, and an interesting modal analogue of time travel, namely modal travel. We explicate each of these notions and then argue that there are plausible conditions under which some ordinary objects modally persist. We go on to consider whether it is plausible that any modally persistent objects also modally travel.
Degree of extraversion and physiological responses to physical pain and sadness
Authors: Park Mi‐Sook , Lee Kyung Hwa , Sohn Sunju , Eom Jin‐Sup , Sohn Jin‐Hun
Published: July 2014

Extraversion is a personality frequently discussed as one of the strongest and most consistent factors that relates to individual subjective wellbeing. The goal of this study was to better understand how people with varying degrees of extraversion psychologically and physiologically respond differently to unpleasant circumstances. Emotional responses (e.g., levels of intensity, valence, and arousal) were assessed in determining the sensitivity level to negative stimuli that were specifically designed to provoke physical pain and sadness emotion. Physiological changes (e.g., heart rate (HR), blood volume pulse (BVP), and respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)) were also measured during pain and sadness to observe sympathetic and parasympathetic activities. Our results showed that the degree of extraversion was associated with less unpleasant responses to sadness, less HR responses to both pain and sadness, and greater RSA responses to sadness. The findings suggest that the lower HR reactivity to painful and sad situations and greater RSA reactivity to sad situations in extraversion could be possibly due to increased parasympathetic activity. Additionally, enhanced parasympathetic activity to negative situations may explain an important mechanism underlying the positive connection between extraversion and subjective wellbeing.
Do static stress changes of a moderate‐magnitude earthquake significantly modify the regional seismic hazard? Hints from the L'Aquila 2009 normal‐faulting earthquake (Mw 6.3, central Italy)
Authors: Pace Bruno , Bocchini Gian Maria , Boncio Paolo
Published: July 2014

We investigated the Coulomb stress changes in the active faults surrounding a moderate‐magnitude normal‐faulting earthquake (2009 L'Aquila, Mw 6.3) and the associated variations in the expected ground motion on regional probabilistic seismic hazard maps. We show that the static stress variations can locally increase the seismic hazard by modifying the expected mean recurrence time on neighbouring faults by up to ~290 years, with associated variations in the probability of occurrence of the maximum expected earthquake of up to ~2%. Our findings suggest that the increase in seismic hazard on neighbouring faults following moderate‐magnitude earthquakes is probably not sufficient to necessitate systematic upgrades of regional probabilistic seismic hazard maps, but must be considered to better address and schedule strategies for local‐scale mitigation of seismic risk.
Rapidly growing non‐tuberculous mycobacterial infection in a renal transplant patient after alemtuzumab induction
Authors: Hazara A.M. , Edey M. , Roy A. , Bhandari S.
Published: July 2014

Renal transplant recipients are at high risk of developing opportunistic infections particularly in the first 6 months after transplantation. Organisms causing such infections include rapidly growing non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). Lymphocytes have a central role in combating mycobacterial infections. The use of lymphocyte‐depleting agents, such as alemtuzumab, in the renal transplant population has increased in recent years. A case of multifocal osteomyelitis caused by one of the NTM, Mycobacterium chelonae, in a renal transplant recipient, after alemtuzumab induction, is presented.
Encephalitis caused by human herpesvirus‐6B in pancreas‐after‐kidney transplantation
Authors: Yamamoto T. , Watarai Y. , Goto N. , Horikoshi Y. , Yamada S. , Yasui K. , Tsujita M. , Hiramitsu T. , Narumi S. , Katayama A. , Uchida K. , Kobayashi T.
Published: July 2014

Human herpesvirus‐6 (HHV‐6) is a common pathogen among children, classically presenting with fever and rash that resolves without specific therapy. HHV‐6 can be reactivated in the immunosuppressed patient. After bone marrow and solid organ transplantation, HHV‐6 has been linked to various clinical syndromes, including undifferentiated febrile illness, encephalitis, myelitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, and bone marrow suppression. However, HHV‐6 encephalitis after pancreatic transplant has rarely been reported. Early diagnosis and treatment of HHV‐6 encephalitis may be important for affected patients. We report the case of a 53‐year‐old pancreas‐after‐kidney transplant recipient who initially presented with high fever and confusion 3 weeks after operation. We managed to save the patient's life and preserve the pancreas graft function. We also review previously reported cases of HHV‐6B encephalitis in solid organ transplant recipients.
Improving malaria treatment and prevention in India by aiding district managers to manage their programmes with local information: a trial assessing the impact of Lot Quality Assurance Sampling on programme outcomes
Authors: Valadez Joseph J. , Devkota Baburam , Pradhan Madan Mohan , Meherda Pramod , Sonal G. S. , Dhariwal Akshay , Davis Rosemary
Published: July 2014

Objectives

This paper reports the first trial of Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) assessing associations between access to LQAS data and subsequent improvements in district programming. This trial concerns India's approach to addressing an increase in malaria‐attributable deaths by training community health workers to diagnose, treat and prevent malaria, while using LQAS to monitor sub‐district performance and make programme improvements.

Methods

The Ministry of Health introduced LQAS into four matched high malaria burden districts (Annual Parasite Incidence >5) (N > 5 million). In each sub‐district, we sampled four populations in three 6‐monthly surveys: households, children <5 years, people with fever in the last 2 weeks and community health workers. In three districts, trained local staff collected, analysed and used data for programme management; in one control district, non‐local staff collected data and did not disseminate results. For eight indicators, we calculated the change in proportion from survey one to three and used a Difference‐in‐Differences test to compare the relative change between intervention and control districts.

Results

Coverage increased from survey one to three for 24 of 32 comparisons. Difference‐in‐Differences tests revealed that intervention districts exhibited significantly greater change in four of six vertical strategies (insecticide treated bed‐nets and indoor residual spraying), one of six treatment‐seeking behaviours and four of 12 health worker capacity indicators. The control district displayed greater improvement than two intervention districts for one health worker capacity indicator. One district with poor management did not improve.

Conclusions

In this study, LQAS results appeared to support district managers to increase coverage in underperforming areas, especially for vertical strategies in the presence of diligent managers.
A systematic study of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the A4GALT gene suggests a molecular genetic basis for the P1/P2 blood groups
Authors: Lai Yin‐Ju , Wu Wan‐Yi , Yang Chen‐Ming , Yang Li‐Rong , Chu Chen‐Chung , Chan Yung‐Syu , Lin Marie , Yu Lung‐Chih
Published: July 2014

Background

The molecular mechanism for the formation of the P1/P2 blood groups remains unsolved. It has been shown that the P1/P2 polymorphism is connected to the different A4GALT gene expression levels in P1 and P2 red blood cells.

Study Design and Methods

The present investigation conducted a pilot investigation that involved the detailed and stepwise screening of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the A4GALT gene, followed by a larger‐scale association study. The transcription‐inducing activity by the different genotypes of SNPs was analyzed using reporter assays.

Results

A total of 416 different SNP sites in the A4GALT genes from four P1 and four P2 individuals were analyzed in the pilot investigation, and 11 SNP sites, distributed in the A4GALT Intron 1 region, exhibited an association with the P1/P2 phenotypes. In the follow‐up association study, the genotypes at the 11 SNPs of a total of 338 individuals across four different ethnic populations were determined, and the results show that two SNPs, rs2143918 and rs5751348, are consistently associated with the P1/P2 phenotypes. Reporter assays demonstrated significantly higher transcription‐inducing activity by the SNPs bearing the P1‐allele genotype than by the SNPs bearing the P2‐allele genotype and that the difference in transcriptional activity was determined by the different genotypes at SNP rs5751348.

Conclusion

The results of this investigation demonstrate a consistent association of A4GALT SNPs rs2143918 and rs5751348 with the P1/P2 phenotypes and suggest that SNP rs5751348 may lead to allelic variations in A4GALT gene expression and consequently leads to the formation of the P1/P2 phenotypes.