bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudoscardovia radai sp. nov., a representative of the family Bifidobacteriaceae isolated from the digestive tract of a wild pig (Sus scrofa scrofa)
Authors: Killer J. , Havlík J. , Bunešová V. , Vlková E. , Benada O.
Published: May 2014

The presence of bifidobacteria and representatives of the new genus Pseudoscardovia within the family

Bifidobacteriaceae

in the digestive tract of wild pigs was reported recently. Results based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis of a new fructose-6-phosphate phosphoketolase-positive bacterial isolate, strain DPVI-TET3T, originating from the small intestine of a wild pig revealed a relationship to Pseudoscardovia suis DPTE4T (96.8 % sequence similarity). Phylogenetic and comparative analyses based on 16S rRNA, hsp60, xfp, fusA, tuf and rpoC partial gene sequences confirmed the relationship of the novel bacterial strain to P. suis DPTE4T in comparison with other bifidobacterial species occurring in the digestive tract of domestic and wild pigs. Differences in utilization of various substrates, production of enzymes, cell morphology, peptidoglycan structure and profiles of cellular fatty acids and polar lipids between strain DPVI-TET3T and P. suis DPTE4T allow the establishment of a novel species, for which the name Pseudoscardovia radai sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is strain DPVI-TET3T ( = CCM 7943T = DSM 24742T).
Engineering the internal cavity of neuroglobin demonstrates the role of the haem-sliding mechanism
Authors: Avella G. , Ardiccioni C. , Scaglione A. , Moschetti T. , Rondinelli C. , Montemiglio L. C. , Savino C. , Giuffrè A. , Brunori M. , Vallone B.
Published: May 2014

Neuroglobin is a member of the globin family involved in neuroprotection; it is primarily expressed in the brain and retina of vertebrates. Neuroglobin belongs to the heterogeneous group of hexacoordinate globins that have evolved in animals, plants and bacteria, endowed with the capability of reversible intramolecular coordination, allowing the binding of small gaseous ligands (O2, NO and CO). In a unique fashion among haemoproteins, ligand-binding events in neuroglobin are dependent on the sliding of the haem itself within a preformed internal cavity, as revealed by the crystal structure of its CO-bound derivative. Point mutants of the neuroglobin internal cavity have been engineered and their functional and structural characterization shows that hindering the haem displacement leads to a decrease in CO affinity, whereas reducing the cavity volume without interfering with haem sliding has negligible functional effects.
An improved method for calibrating time-of-flight Laue single-crystal neutron diffractometers
Authors: Bull Craig L. , Johnson Michael W. , Hamidov Hayrullo , Komatsu Kazuki , Guthrie Malcolm , Gutmann Matthias J. , Loveday John S. , Nelmes Richard J.
Published: May 2014

A robust and comprehensive method for determining the orientation matrix of a single-crystal sample using the neutron Laue time-of-flight (TOF) technique is described. The new method enables the measurement of the unit-cell parameters with an uncertainty in the range 0.015–0.06%, depending upon the crystal symmetry and the number of reflections measured. The improved technique also facilitates the location and integration of weak reflections, which are often more difficult to discern amongst the increased background at higher energies. The technique uses a mathematical model of the relative positions of all the detector pixels of the instrument, together with a methodology that establishes a reproducible reference frame and a method for determining the parameters of the instrument detector model. Since all neutron TOF instruments require precise detector calibration for their effective use, it is possible that the method described here may be of use on other instruments where the detector calibration cannot be determined by other means.
XRDUA: crystalline phase distribution maps by two-dimensional scanning and tomographic (micro) X-ray powder diffraction
Authors: De Nolf Wout , Vanmeert Frederik , Janssens Koen
Published: May 2014

Imaging of crystalline phase distributions in heterogeneous materials, either plane projected or in virtual cross sections of the object under investigation, can be achieved by scanning X-ray powder diffraction employing X-ray micro beams and X-ray-sensitive area detectors. Software exists to convert the two-dimensional powder diffraction patterns that are recorded by these detectors to one-dimensional diffractograms, which may be analysed by the broad variety of powder diffraction software developed by the crystallography community. However, employing these tools for the construction of crystalline phase distribution maps proves to be very difficult, especially when employing micro-focused X-ray beams, as most diffraction software tools have mainly been developed having structure solution in mind and are not suitable for phase imaging purposes.XRDUAhas been developed to facilitate the execution of the complete sequence of data reduction and interpretation steps required to convert large sequences of powder diffraction patterns into a limited set of crystalline phase maps in an integrated fashion.
Yell: a computer program for diffuse scattering analysisviathree-dimensional delta pair distribution function refinement
Authors: Simonov A. , Weber T. , Steurer W.
Published: May 2014

Yell, a program for routine refinement of disorder models against single-crystal diffuse scattering data, is presented. The analysis is based on the three-dimensional delta pair distribution function (3D-ΔPDF) method, which provides direct access to interatomic correlations in real crystal structures. Substitutional, displacive and size-effect disorder models are covered. The input file format supports flexible usage of arithmetic expressions for constraining dependent parameter values. The program is designed to be run on desktop computers. By using an efficient fast-Fourier-transform-based diffuse scattering calculation algorithm, full least-square refinements of medium complexity disorder models may be performed within minutes or hours, even if the experimental diffuse scattering is represented by large and fine-sampled reciprocal space volumes. The program is written in C++ and the source code is distributed under the GPL licence. Binary distributions are currently available for Mac and Windows operating systems.
A new view on crystal harvesting
Authors: Luft Joseph R. , Grant Thomas D. , Wolfley Jennifer R. , Snell Edward H.
Published: May 2014

X-ray crystallography typically requires the mounting of crystals, which can make the sample difficult to manipulate when it is small and the microscope objective is close to the crystallization plate. By simply moving the objective to the bottom of a clear crystallization plate (inverting the normal view), crystals were able to be manipulated and harvested from wells having a 0.9 mm diameter and 5.0 mm depth. The mounting system enabled the structural solution of the 187 amino acid N-terminal domain ofSaccharomyces cerevisiaeglutaminyl-tRNA synthetase from crystals that appeared during high-throughput screening but proved recalcitrant to scale-up and optimization. While not a general mounting solution, the simple expedient of removing the objective lens from the area where manipulation and harvesting occur greatly facilitates the manual, or even automated, process.
Strategies for full structure solution of intermetallic compounds using precession electron diffraction zonal data
Authors: Samuha Shmuel , Krimer Yaakov , Meshi Louisa
Published: May 2014

Owing to the individuality of intermetallic compounds, they are regarded as a special class of materials. As such, there is a need to develop a step-by-step methodology for solution of their structure. The current paper adapts the methodology of structure solution from precession electron diffraction (PED) zonal data for intermetallics. The optimization of PED parameters for structure determination was achieved through the development of the atomic model of a well known Mg17Al12(β) intermetallic phase. It was concluded that the PED acquisition parameters, the number of unique reflections and the quality of the merging process are the most important parameters that directly influence the correctness of a structure solution. The proposed methodology was applied to the structure solution of a highly complex new Mg48Al36Ag16phase, which was recently revealed in the Mg–Al–Ag system. The final atomic model consisted of 152 atoms in the unit cell, distributed over 23 unique atomic positions. The correctness of the atomic model was verified by the reasonability of the interatomic distances and coordination polyhedra formed. It was found that the experimental model of Φ-Al17.1Mg53.4Zn29.5can be assigned as a structure type for the Mg48Al36Ag16phase. The Δ value, which measures the similarity between two structures, was calculated as 0.040.
Threshold effects in pricing of high-involvement services
Authors: C. Larson Alexander , L. Reicher Rita , William Johnsen David
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to test for price threshold effects in the demand for high-involvement services for small businesses.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a stated preference choice-based conjoint study of small business telecommunications demand. Using survey data, individual-level parameter estimates for a demand model are achieved via the Hierarchical Bayes method of estimation.

Findings

– For demand for small business telecommunications services, the authors find very strong positive impacts of nine-ending and zero-ending prices on the demand for a common bundle of telecommunications services (wired telephone service, broadband internet, and cellular telephone service), even at prices so high a shift in the left-most digit does not occur.

Practical implications

– The advertising, brand, or product manager or statistician who assumes threshold effects are not extant in high-involvement service demand may find conventional demand estimation methods lead to erroneous conclusions and less effective pricing strategies.

Originality/value

– In the statistical literature on price-ending effects on product demand, most products for which demand is modelled are low-involvement consumer products priced at less than ten monetary units per unit of product. There is a lacuna in this price-ending effects literature regarding small businesses and high-involvement services offered at three-digit prices via monthly subscription. This research indicates that testing for threshold effects should be de rigeur in the methodology of demand estimation for telecommunications or other high-involvement services.
The effect of product category on consumer brand relationships
Authors: Fetscherin Marc , Boulanger Michèle , Gonçalves Filho Cid , Quiroga Souki Gustavo
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the effect of product category on consumer brand relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a total of 800 consumers, respondents evaluated their relationship with their favorite brand in one of the four product categories studied (soft drink, mobile phone, shoes, cars). EFA, subsequent CFA, SEM and ANOVA were used to assess these relationships and the product category effect.

Findings

– The authors find that brand love positively influences brand loyalty and both, influence positively WOM and purchase intention. Looking at the directionality of these relationships, the results show no product category differences. However, the authors found significant differences in terms of their intensity and their effect on the explanation power of the brand outcome variables WOM and purchase intention.

Research limitations/implications

– The survey was conducted in Brazil and future research should assess the same product categories in other cultural settings as well as consider other product categories to assess the external validity of these results.

Practical implications

– This paper demonstrates that consumer brand relationships are not product category specific. However, certain product categories tend to have more intense relationships than other product categories.

Originality/value

– Despite the importance of the product category effect in the branding literature, this study shows that consumer brand relationship theory can be applied to different product categories. This suggests, the product category is less important in the study design than the unit of analysis which requires to be consumer's favorite brands.
Social standing and quality labels – what influences parental decision-making?
Authors: Faupel Ulya , Haselhoff Vanessa , Ziesak Miriam , H. Holzmüller Hartmut
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– Altering eating habits are leading to an increase in child obesity rates, especially in lower social class. One possible prevention activity is the implementation of a quality label for children's food. Therefore, this paper seeks to investigate parents' food choice criteria in light of social standing to deduce the possible impact of such a quality label.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 15 qualitative interviews were conducted with parents of different social class. Topics discussed were general diets, grocery shopping behaviour and attitudes towards food quality labels.

Findings

– Results indicate that parents have similar choice criteria independent of their social class, e.g. quality, price, brand and children's preferences. Nutrition panels and quality labels are not of highest importance. Nonetheless, a need for information exists and their involvement in child nutrition seems to determine the possible impact of quality labels.

Research limitations/implications

– The qualitative methodology can be seen as a limitation of the study. The influence of involvement has to be further analysed.

Originality/value

– Some research on the influence of quality labels in general and on family decision-making when shopping for food and with regard to differences in social class does exist. This study contributes to existing research by combining these research streams.
Evidence‐Based Practice Competence: A Concept Analysis
Authors: Laibhen‐Parkes Natasha
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To report an analysis of the concept of evidence‐based practice competence for nurses using Walker and Avant's (2011) eight‐step, iterative concept analysis process as a guide.

Data Sources

CumulativeIndex toNursing andAlliedHealthLiterature,PubMed,OVID,PsycINFO, andSociologicalAbstracts were searched.

Data Synthesis

References were read and analyzed according to associated meanings, usages, attributes, antecedents, consequences, and empirical referents.

Conclusion

An operational definition for the concept was developed.

Implications for Nursing Practice

A clear and operational definition of evidence‐based practice competence will help guide nurses at all levels of experience to use the best available evidence for improving the quality of care and maximizing patient outcomes.
Using a Nursing Theory or a Model in Nursing PhD Dissertations: A Qualitative Study From Turkey
Authors: Mete Samiye , Gokçe İsbir Gozde
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to reveal experiences of nursing students and their advisors using theories and models in their PhD dissertations.

Methods

The study adopted a descriptive qualitative approach. This study was performed with 10 PhD candidates and their five advisors from nursing faculty.

Results

The results of the study were categorized into four. These are reasons for using a theory/model in a PhD dissertation, reasons for preferring a given model, causes of difficulties in using models in PhD dissertations, and facilitating factors of using theories and models in PhD of dissertations.

Conclusions

It was also reported to contribute to the methodology of research and professional development of the students and advisors.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the i‐gel® vs laryngeal mask airway in children
Authors: Choi G. J. , Kang H. , Baek C. W. , Jung Y. H. , Woo Y. C. , Cha Y. J.
Published: May 2014

We systematically reviewed randomised controlled trials of the i‐gel® vs different types of laryngeal mask airway in children. We included nine studies. There was no evidence for differences in: rate of insertion at first attempt; insertion time; ease of insertion; or gastric tube insertion. The mean (95% CI) oropharyngeal leak pressure was 3.29 (2.25–4.34) cmH2O higher with the i‐gel, p < 0.00001. The relative rate (95% CI) of a good fibreoptic view through the i‐gel was 1.10 (1.01–1.19), p = 0.02. There were no significant differences in the rates of complications, except for blood on the airway, relative rate with the i‐gel 0.46 (0.23–0.91), p = 0.02. We concluded that the clinical performance of the i‐gel and LMA was similar, except for three outcomes that favoured the i‐gel.
The inhibition of proactive interference among adults with Internet gaming disorder
Authors: Ko Chih‐Hung , Wang Peng‐Wei , Liu Tai‐Ling , Yen Cheng‐Fang , Chen Cheng‐Sheng , Yen Ju‐Yu
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Cognitive control plays a pivotal role in the mechanism of addictive behavior. The aim of the study was to evaluate the deficit in inhibition of proactive interference of Internet gaming disorder (IGD) using a directed forgetting task among young adults.

Methods

A total of 64 participants with IGD and 69 controls were recruited on a university campus. They completed the directed forgetting task for online gaming words and neutral words.

Results

The results demonstrated that the IGD group had a poorer performance on the directed forgetting task, and this represented a deficit in inhibition of proactive interference. They also had a higher tendency to remember online gaming words rather than neutral words in comparison with the control group. This demonstrated memory bias toward online gaming words.

Discussion

These results suggested that more attention should be paid to deficits in inhibition of proactive interference and memory bias toward gaming content when treating subjects with IGD. Furthermore, it is essential and practical to prevent exposure to online gaming‐related cues when endeavoring to control online gaming behavior.
Pharmacogenetics, Plasma Concentrations, Clinical Signs and EEG During Propofol Treatment
Authors: Khan Muhammad Suleman , Zetterlund Eva‐Lena , Gréen Henrik , Oscarsson Anna , Zackrisson Anna‐Lena , Svanborg Eva , Lindholm Maj‐Lis , Persson Harald , Eintrei Christina
Published: May 2014

A variety of techniques have been developed to monitor the depth of anaesthesia. Propofol's pharmacokinetics and response vary greatly, which might be explained by genetic polymorphisms. We investigated the impact of genetic variations on dosage, anaesthetic depth and recovery after total intravenous anaesthesia with propofol. A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study. The plasma concentration of propofol during anaesthesia was measured using high‐performance liquid chromatography. EEG was monitored during the surgical procedure as a measure of anaesthetic depth. Pyrosequencing was used to determine genetic polymorphisms in CYP2B6, CYP2C9, the UGTIA9‐promotor and the GABRE gene. The correlation between genotype and to plasma concentration at the time of loss of consciousness (LOC), the total induction dose, the time to anaesthesia, eye opening and clearance were investigated. EEG monitoring showed that the majority of the patients had not reached a sufficient level of anaesthetic depth (subdelta) at the time of loss of consciousness despite a high induction dose of propofol. Patients with UGT1A9‐331C/T had a higher propofol clearance than those without (p = 0.03) and required a higher induction dose (p = 0.03). The patients with UGT1A9‐1818T/C required a longer time to LOC (p = 0.03). The patients with CYP2C9*2 had a higher concentration of propofol at the time of LOC (p = 0.02). The polymorphisms in the metabolizing enzymes and the receptor could not explain the large variation seen in the pharmacokinetics of propofol and the clinical response seen. At LOC, the patients showed a large difference in EEG pattern.
Effect of naltrexone on neuropathic pain in mice locally transfected with the mutant μ‐opioid receptor gene in spinal cord
Authors: Kao Jen‐Hsin , Gao Man‐Jun , Yang Pao‐Pao , Law Ping‐Yee , Loh Horace H , Tao Pao‐Luh
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose

Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone and naltrexone, exhibit agonistic properties at the mutated μ receptor, MOR‐S196ACSTA. In our previous study, systemic naloxone (10 mg·kg−1, s.c.) elicited antinociceptive effect without the induction of tolerance, dependence or rewarding effect in mice 2 weeks after intrathecal administration of double‐stranded adeno‐associated virus‐MOR‐S196ACSTA‐eGFP. Here, we have investigated if this antinociceptive paradigm would be effective in a mouse model of neuropathic pain.

Experimental Approach

Spinal nerves were ligated in male C57BL/6 mice 3 or 4 weeks after intrathecal injection of the lentivirus encoding the construct of MOR‐S196ACSTA‐eGFP (LV‐MOR‐S196ACSTA). Anti‐allodynic effects of daily s.c.injections of saline, naltrexone (10 mg·kg−1) or morphine (10 mg·kg−1) were assessed by the von Frey test. After 14 days of treatment with saline, naltrexone or morphine, signs of natural withdrawal were measured at 22 and 46 h after the last injection. To determine the rewarding effects induced by morphine or naltrexone, the conditioned place preference test was carried out.

Key Results

Anti‐allodynic effects, as measured by von Frey test, increased after naltrexone or morphine treatment in mice transfected with LV‐MOR‐S196ACSTA in the spinal cord. Cessation of treatment with morphine, but not naltrexone, induced natural withdrawal and rewarding effects.

Conclusions and Implications

Systemic injection of naltrexone after the expression of a mutant μ opioid receptor, MOR‐S196ACSTA, in the spinal cord may have therapeutic potential for chronic neuropathic pain, without the development of dependence or addiction.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Does stapled anopexy for bleeding haemorrhoids cure associated anaemia?
Authors: Hidalgo‐Grau L. A. , Llorca‐Cardeñosa S. , Heredia‐Budó A. , Estrada‐Ferrer Ò. , Del Bas‐Rubia M. , García‐Torralbo E. M. , Suñol‐Sala X.
Published: May 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of stapled anopexy (SA) in patients with chronic bleeding haemorrhoids and secondary anaemia.

Method

Our department performed 340 SA procedure per patient for haemorrhoids between January 1999 and December 2011. Fifty (14.7%) of these patients (25 male patients and 25 female patients) had anaemia (haemoglobin concentration < 13 g/dl in male patients and < 12 g/dl in female patients) secondary to chronic haemorrhoidal bleeding. Patients with colorectal bleeding and anaemia not caused by haemorrhoids were excluded. The mean (SD) age was 56.4 (13.9) years and the mean (SD) haemoglobin concentration was 9.2 (1.6) g/dl for male patients and 10.4 (1.2) g/dl for female patients. Five (10%) patients with anaemia had Grade II, 22 (44%) had Grade III and 23 (46%) had Grade IV haemorrhoids. The median (range) duration of postoperative follow‐up was six (1–12) years.

Results

None of the patients required early postoperative admission or experienced early or late complications related to SA. The procedure was successful (normal haemoglobin concentration and no bleeding at 6 months postsurgery) in 45 (90%) patients. Of the five (10%) patients in whom SA was ineffective, one had Grade II, three had Grade III and one had Grade IV haemorrhoids. All these patients underwent Milligan–Morgan haemorrhoidectomy 3 months after SA.

Conclusion

SA is an effective treatment for patients with bleeding haemorrhoids and subsequent anaemia. In our experience, the success rate was satisfactory and there were no serious complications.
The risk of recurrent IgA nephropathy in a steroid‐free protocol and other modifying immunosuppression
Authors: Von Visger J. R. , Gunay Y. , Andreoni K. A. , Bhatt U. Y. , Nori U. S. , Pesavento T. E. , Elkhammas E. A. , Winters H. A. , Nadasdy T. , Singh N.
Published: May 2014

Recurrent glomerulonephritis is an important cause of kidney allograft failure. The effect of immunosuppression on recurrent IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is unclear. We analyzed the impact of steroids and other immunosuppression on the risk of recurrent IgAN post‐kidney transplantation. Between June 1989 and November 2008, 3311 kidney transplants were performed at our center. IgAN was the primary disease in 124 patients; of these, 75 (60.5%) patients received steroid‐based immunosuppression (15 undergoing late steroid withdrawal), and 49 (39.5%) were maintained on steroid‐free immunosuppression. Recurrent IgAN was diagnosed in 27 of 124 (22%) patients in clinically indicated kidney allograft biopsies over a median follow‐up of 6.86 ± 5.4 yr. On cox proportional hazards model multivariate analysis, the hazard risk (HR) of IgAN recurrence was significantly higher in patients managed with steroid‐free (HR 8.59: 3.03, 24.38, p < 0.001) and sirolimus‐based (HR = 3.00:1.16, 7.75, p = 0.024) immunosuppression without antilymphocyte globulin induction (HR = 4.5: 1.77, 11.73, p = 0.002). Mycophenolate use was associated with a lower risk (HR = 0.42: 0.19, 0.95, p = 0.036), whereas cyclosporine did not have a significant impact on the risk of IgAN recurrence (p = 0.61). These results warrant future prospective studies regarding the role of steroids and other immunosuppression drugs in reducing recurrence of IgAN and other glomerulonephritis post‐transplant.
Depletion and Capture: Revisiting “The Source of Water Derived from Wells”
Authors: Konikow L.F. , Leake S.A.
Published: May 2014

A natural consequence of groundwater withdrawals is the removal of water from subsurface storage, but the overall rates and magnitude of groundwater depletion and capture relative to groundwater withdrawals (extraction or pumpage) have not previously been well characterized. This study assesses the partitioning of long‐term cumulative withdrawal volumes into fractions derived from storage depletion and capture, where capture includes both increases in recharge and decreases in discharge. Numerical simulation of a hypothetical groundwater basin is used to further illustrate some of Theis' (1940) principles, particularly when capture is constrained by insufficient available water. Most prior studies of depletion and capture have assumed that capture is unconstrained through boundary conditions that yield linear responses. Examination of real systems indicates that capture and depletion fractions are highly variable in time and space. For a large sample of long‐developed groundwater systems, the depletion fraction averages about 0.15 and the capture fraction averages about 0.85 based on cumulative volumes. Higher depletion fractions tend to occur in more arid regions, but the variation is high and the correlation coefficient between average annual precipitation and depletion fraction for individual systems is only 0.40. Because 85% of long‐term pumpage is derived from capture in these real systems, capture must be recognized as a critical factor in assessing water budgets, groundwater storage depletion, and sustainability of groundwater development. Most capture translates into streamflow depletion, so it can detrimentally impact ecosystems.
A Hierarchical Bayesian Model Averaging Framework for Groundwater Prediction under Uncertainty
Authors: Chitsazan Nima , Tsai Frank T.‐C.
Published: May 2014

Groundwater prediction models are subjected to various sources of uncertainty. This study introduces a hierarchical Bayesian model averaging (HBMA) method to segregate and prioritize sources of uncertainty in a hierarchical structure and conductBMAfor concentration prediction. ABMAtree of models is developed to understand the impact of individual sources of uncertainty and uncertainty propagation to model predictions.HBMAevaluates the relative importance of different modeling propositions at each level in theBMAtree of model weights. TheHBMAmethod is applied to chloride concentration prediction for the “1,500‐foot” sand of the Baton Rouge area, Louisiana from 2005 to 2029. The groundwater head data from 1990 to 2004 is used for model calibration. Four sources of uncertainty are considered and resulted in 180 flow and transport models for concentration prediction. The results show that prediction variances of concentration from uncertain model elements are much higher than the prediction variance from uncertain model parameters. TheHBMAmethod is able to quantify the contributions of individual sources of uncertainty to the total uncertainty.
Assessing patients' and caregivers' perspectives on stability of factor VIII products for haemophilia A: a web‐based study in the United States and Canada
Authors: DiBenedetti D. B. , Coles T. M. , Sharma T. , Pericleous L. , Kulkarni R.
Published: May 2014

Haemophilia A is a rare inherited bleeding disorder characterized by an inability of the blood to clot normally. Patients can experience spontaneous or trauma‐induced joint and soft tissue bleeding and must keep coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) accessible at all times; thus, FVIII product storage and stability are critical. Our primary objective was to assess haemophilia A patients' and caregivers' experiences and preferences with FVIII product storage and stability. A secondary objective was to evaluate the use of the social media site Facebook in recruitment. In this cross‐sectional study, 145 English‐speaking adult patients and caregivers of children with haemophilia A were recruited through two state‐based haemophilia organizations in the United States (US) and one national organization in Canada for a web‐based survey assessing demographics and FVIII product ordering, usage, and storage practices. Of the 101 individuals who completed the survey, 60% resided in Canada; 57% were recruited through Facebook. Caregivers and patients responded similarly to questions about ordering practices and product usage, with some distinction between groups in storage practices. Two‐thirds of participants noted challenges with storing FVIII products, especially storage away from home. More than half preferred storing FVIII products at room temperature vs. in the refrigerator for long periods of time. FVIII product accessibility, usage and storage affect disease management. Results support the need for more convenient and accessible FVIII products for patients in daily life and while travelling. In addition, the use of social media has potential value in recruiting this population.
Effect of hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion on overt idiopathic chronic inflammation in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A multicenter longitudinal study
Authors: Borrelli Silvio , Minutolo Roberto , De Nicola Luca , De Simone Emanuele , De Simone Walter , Zito Bruno , Guastaferro Pasquale , Nigro Filippo , Iulianiello Giuseppe , Credendino Olga , Bassi Antonio , Leone Luigi , Capuano Maria , Auricchio Maria Rita , Conte Giuseppe
Published: May 2014

Chronic inflammation is widely diffuse in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients and is associated with poor survival. Hemodiafiltration with endogenous reinfusion (HFR) is a dialysis technique, highly biocompatible, able to adsorb proinflammatory cytokines and to decrease amino acids and antioxidants loss. These features could be helpful in MHD patients affected by idiopathic chronic inflammation, but this issue remains to be elucidated. We performed a multicenter longitudinal study to assess the effect of the switching from bicarbonate HD to HFR in patients with serum C‐reactive Protein (CRP) > 5 mg/L coupled with albumin <4.0 g/dL in the last 6 months. We enrolled 24/176 (14%) patients, of which 20 patients were assessed at 4 months and 18 completed the study. We excluded 11 patients with evident causes of inflammation. At baseline, serum levels of CRP (18.7[7.0–39.4] mg/L) and albumin (3.5[3.3–3.7] g/dL) were significantly correlated (r = −0.49; P = 0.028). The effect on CRP and albumin was almost evident in the first 4 months and remained stable until to eighth month. A strict correlation (R = −0.49; 0.040) between percentage change of CRP (−35%) and albumin (+14%) after 8 months of HFR. These effects were associated with the reduction of IL‐6, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α and the increment of pre‐albumin and leptin, whereas the serum levels of Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) remained unchanged. In MHD patients affected by idiopathic chronic inflammation the switching from BHD to HFR is associated with improvement of inflammation. Whether these favorable effects may modify the outcomes of these high‐risk patients needs to be confirmed by studies ad hoc.
Acidic pH weakens the microhardness and microstructure of three tricalcium silicate materials
Authors: Wang Z. , Ma J. , Shen Y. , Haapasalo M.
Published: May 2014

Aim

To investigate the microhardness and microstructural features of three tricalcium silicate materials: mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Endosequence Root Repair Material Putty (ERRM Putty) and Endosequence Root Repair Material Paste (ERRM Paste), after exposure to a range of acidic environments in comparison with intermediate restorative material (IRM).

Methodology

Endosequence Root Repair Material Putty (Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA), ERRM Paste (Brasseler, Savannah, GA, USA), MTA (ProRoot; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Johnson City, TN, USA) and IRM (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE, USA) were set in cylindrical rubber moulds as four groups containing twenty specimens each. Fifteen specimens per each material were randomly distributed into three groups (n = 5) to be exposed to butyric acid buffered at three different pH levels (5.4, 6.4 and 7.4) for 7 days. The remaining five specimens were exposed to distilled water as a control group. The surface microhardness after exposure either to acid or to water was measured after 7‐days at 37 °C. The morphology of the internal microstructure was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Two‐way univariate analysis of variance (anova) was applied to evaluate the Vickers microhardness value (VHN).

Results

The microhardness values of the materials were significantly higher in the neutral environment of butyric acid at pH 7.4 compared to those in the acidic condition of pH 5.4 for all groups (P < 0.001). MTA, ERRM Putty and ERRM Paste had higher microhardness values than IRM at all pH levels (P < 0.001). Specimens exposed to distilled water displayed significantly higher microhardness values than those values obtained in the presence of butyric acid buffered to all pH levels (P < 0.001). A more porous microstructure was observed following exposure to butyric acid at pH 5.4 than at pH 7.4. Several types of crystalline structures were formed by recrystallization, especially at pH 7.4 in all groups except for IRM.

Conclusions

The microhardness values of ERRM Putty, ERRM Paste and MTA were reduced in an acidic environment, which resulted in these materials having more porous and less crystalline microstructures. MTA seems the most suitable material for application to an area of inflammation where a low pH value may exist.
Sepsis affects most routine and cell population data (CPD) obtained using the Sysmex XN‐2000 blood cell analyzer: neutrophil‐related CPD NE‐SFL and NE‐WY provide useful information for detecting sepsis
Authors: Park S. H. , Park C.‐J. , Lee B.‐R. , Nam K.‐S. , Kim M.‐J. , Han M.‐Y. , Kim Y. J. , Cho Y.‐U. , Jang S.
Published: May 2014

Introduction

The Sysmex XN‐2000 analyzer can assess 36 routine and 57 cell population data (CPD) items. In this study, we evaluated these items as sepsis biomarkers.

Methods

We enrolled 280 normal control (NC) and 130 sepsis patients. The sepsis patients were classified as uncomplicated or complicated sepsis. Routine and CPD items were determined, and the results were compared at between the NC and sepsis groups, uncomplicated and complicated sepsis groups, and survivors and nonsurvivors.

Results

For the detection of sepsis, CPD items NE‐SFL [defined as the fluorescent light intensity of the neutrophil area on the WDF (white blood cell differential) scattergram] and NE‐WY (defined as the fluorescent light distribution width of the neutrophil area on the WDF scattergram) showed comparative or higher AUC of 0.909 and 0.905, respectively, when compared with routine items such as hematocrit, hemoglobin, RBC, RDW, immature granulocytes count, lymphocytes count, and neutrophils count. For the discrimination of sepsis severity, only platelet‐related items showed higher AUC (0.723 – 0.748) than lactic acid (0.695). For the prediction of 28‐day mortality, only CV and SD of RDW showed higher AUC (0.766 and 0.732 each) than lactic acid (0.712).

Conclusions

Sepsis patients demonstrated significant changes in routine and CPD items related to RBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets when compared to NCs. Increase in CPD items NE‐SFL and NE‐WY, which may indicate neutrophil immaturity or activation, could be useful for the detection of sepsis patients, in conjunction with currently used surrogate sepsis biomarkers. However, these items did not efficiently contribute to the discrimination of sepsis severity or predict mortality.
Tracheal rupture related to endotracheal intubation after thyroid surgery: a case report and systematic review
Authors: Xu Xiaohan , Xing Na , Chang Yanzi , Du Yingying , Li Zhisong , Wang Zhongyu , Yan Jie , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2014

Tracheobronchial rupture is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of endotracheal intubation. The most likely cause of tracheal injury is massive overinflation of the endotracheal tube cuff and pre‐existing tracheal wall weakness. We review the relevant literature and predisposing factors contributing to this complication. Only articles that reported at least the demographic data (age and sex), the treatment performed and the outcome were included. Papers that did not detail these variables were excluded. We also focus on a case of tracheal laceration after tracheal intubation in a patient with severe thyroid carcinoma. This patient received surgical repair and recovered uneventfully. Two hundred and eight studies that reported cases or case series were selected for analysis. Most of the reported cases (57·2%) showed an uneventful recovery after surgical therapy. The overall mortality was 19·2% (40 patients). Our patient too recovered without any serious complication. Careful prevention, early detection and proper treatment of the problem are necessary when tracheal rupture occurs. The morbidity and mortality associated with tracheal injury mandate a high level of suspicion and expedient management.
Systematic review of instruments for measuring nurses' knowledge, skills and attitudes for evidence‐based practice
Authors: Leung Kat , Trevena Lyndal , Waters Donna
Published: May 2014

Aim

To identify, appraise and describe the characteristics of instruments for measuring evidence‐based knowledge, skills and/or attitudes in nursing practice.

Background

Evidence‐based practice has been proposed for optimal patient care for more than three decades, yet competence in evidence‐based practice knowledge and skills among nurse clinicians remains difficult to measure. There is a need to identify well‐validated and reliable instruments for assessing competence for evidence‐based practice in nursing.

Design

Psychometric systematic review.

Data Sources

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, CDSR, All EBM reviews and PsycInfo databases were searched from 1960–April 2013; with no language restrictions applied.

Review Methods

Using pre‐determined inclusion criteria, three reviewers independently identified studies for full‐text review, extracting data and grading instrument validity using a Psychometric Grading Framework.

Results

Of 91 studies identified for full‐text review, 59 met the inclusion criteria representing 24 different instruments. The Psychometric Grading Framework determined that only two instruments had adequate validity – the Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire measuring knowledge, skills and attitudes and another un‐named instrument measuring only EBP knowledge and attitudes. Instruments used in another nine studies were graded as having ‘weak’ validity and instruments in the remaining 24 studies were graded as ‘very weak’.

Conclusion

The Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire was assessed as having the highest validity and was the most practical instrument to use. However, the Evidence Based Practice Questionnaire relies totally on self‐report rather than direct measurement of competence suggesting a need for a performance‐based instrument for measuring evidence‐based knowledge, skills and attitudes in nursing.
Parents as the start of the solution: a social marketing approach to understanding triggers and barriers to entering a childhood weight management service
Authors: Gillespie J. , Midmore C. , Hoeflich J. , Ness C. , Ballard P. , Stewart L.
Published: May 2014

Background

Childhood obesity is a sensitive subject and barriers exist with respect to accessing weight management programmes. Social marketing insight gathering provides an opportunity to understand behaviours and address these challenges. This project gained insight into the views of parents/carers on triggers and barriers to entering a childhood weight management service.

Methods

Participants were identified from the public using marketing recruitment. Four focus groups were conducted with parents of school aged children (n = 27) by an experienced interviewer. Twenty two mothers, three fathers and two grandmothers participated, with half describing their child as overweight. Groups discussed health behaviours; attitudes to health messages and weight issues; and motivations, benefits and barriers with respect to accessing weight management services. Discussions were taped and transcribed. Themes were identified using framework analysis of content matrix data analysis.

Results

Participants were aware of healthy lifestyle messages, although the ability to implement these was variable. Triggers to seeking help included bullying, health concerns and inability to participate in school activities. Barriers included feeling a lack of control, desire to avoid conflict and no proven case that weight was a problem. Parents wished to be given information regarding their child's weight by a trusted person. The Internet and word of mouth were identified as methods of recruitment into a weight management service, with a focus on fitness, fun and friendliness and being free‐of‐charge.

Conclusions

Insight gathering can be used to establish parental/carer opinion regarding engaging in childhood weight management services. A fun, friendly programme that is free of charge appealed to parents. Local community involvement around normalising child weight issues may boost referrals into child healthy weight interventions.
Identification of Genes Expressed Differentially in Grapefruit Infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in the Late Stage of Disease
Authors: Gholampour Hosein , Ghayeb Zamharir Maryam , Karimi Jaber , Farrokhi Naser , Alizadeh Ali , Taheri Peyman
Published: May 2014

Citrus greening or Huanglongbing (HLB), a destructive disease of citrus worldwide, was reported from south of Iran in 2007. The molecular basis of compatibility and disease development in this system is poorly understood. We have carried out a cDNA‐AFLP analysis to analyse gene expression of grapefruit infected by Candidatus Leiberibacter asiaticus in the late infection stage. We have applied a cDNA‐AFLP approach on grafted infected grapefruit trees at the representing symptoms stage in susceptible host. Selective amplifications with 10 primer combinations allowed the visualization of approximately 24 transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs) in the leaves of graft‐inoculated trees, which were differentially expressed. We sequenced 14 fragments, which were identified as grapefruit transcripts after homology searching, whereas 12 were not homologous to sequences in NCBI databases. Many grapefruit genes spanning almost all functional categories were upregulated during infection, especially genes involved in ATP synthesize, cytochrome P450 synthesize, isoflavone 2'‐hydroxylase, zeaxanthin epoxidase, cellulose synthase, DNA repair protein, aconitate hydratase 2 and citrus tristeza virus resistance gene. This study provides the first global catalogue of grapefruit genes expressed during inoculation, together with their functional annotations. This will help to elucidate the molecular basis of the resistance process and identify genes and chemicals that could help to inhibit the pathogen.
Gastric dilatation and volvulus in a brachycephalic dog with hiatal hernia
Authors: Aslanian M. E. , Sharp C. R. , Garneau M. S.
Published: May 2014

A brachycephalic dog was presented with an acute onset of retching and abdominal discomfort. The dog had a chronic history of stertor and exercise intolerance suggestive of brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome. Radiographs were consistent with a TypeIIhiatal hernia. The dog was referred and within hours of admission became acutely painful and developed tympanic abdominal distension. A right lateral abdominal radiograph confirmed gastric dilatation and volvulus with herniation of the pylorus through the hiatus. An emergency exploratory coeliotomy was performed, during which the stomach was derotated, and an incisional gastropexy, herniorrhaphy and splenectomy were performed. A staphylectomy was performed immediately following the exploratory coeliotomy. The dog recovered uneventfully. Gastric dilatation and volvulus is a potentially life‐threatening complication that can occur in dogs with TypeIIhiatal hernia and should be considered a surgical emergency.
Light propagation in burrows of subterranean rodents: tunnel system architecture but not photoreceptor sensitivity limits light sensation range
Authors: Kott O. , Moritz R. E. , Šumbera R. , Burda H. , Němec P.
Published: May 2014

About 300 species of mammals have adapted to the dark underground ecotope. Despite a long history of underground existence, many strictly subterranean species have retained structurally normal eyes possessing the capability of image‐forming vision. Moreover, their retinae often feature high cone proportions, an indication of conserved photopic (daylight) vision. Although it has been suggested that low acuity vision plays an important role in predator avoidance, not a single attempt to measure light conditions in burrows has been made so far. Here, we report the first measurements of light propagation in an illuminated artificial tunnel and in experimentally opened burrows ofAnsell's mole‐rat,Fukomys anselliin its natural habitat. Only about 0.2–2.5% of the ambient visible light entered the opened burrow. Light intensity attenuated quickly and reached mesopic light levels (at which both cones and rods contribute to vision) within a few centimetres from the burrow opening; scotopic light levels (at which only rods operate) were estimated to be reached at one to a few metres from the opening. Thus, although cones may hypothetically contribute to vision for up to a few metres, they play an indispensable role only in the immediate vicinity of a breach, where rods are fully saturated. Rod‐mediated light sensation in straight tunnels seems to be possible over distances much longer than 100 m, implying that it is the burrow architecture (tortuosity and branching) what limits light sensation under natural conditions. These findings clearly show that light propagating within a breached burrow may serve as a reliable cue providing information about the site of potential predation risk. Both rods and cones contribute to this signalling. The fact that blue light propagated much less efficiently than longer wavelength light suggests that the short‐wave‐sensitive opsin dominance in theAfrican mole‐rats represents a non‐adaptive feature that seems to be associated with arrested cone development.