bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The management of suspected scaphoid fractures in English hospitals: a national survey
Authors: Smith Jason E. , House Robyn H. , Gallagher Jessica , Phillips Alistair
Published: November 2014

Background

Wrist injuries are common, and there is often diagnostic uncertainty following normal initial radiographs when there is ongoing clinical suspicion of a scaphoid fracture.

The aims of this study were to define the problem in our hospital, and to identify current practice relating to the management of patients with clinically suspected scaphoid injury across hospitals in England.

Methods

A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients presenting to our Emergency Department with a wrist injury, over a 12-month period.

A cross-sectional survey of all hospitals in NHS England was then undertaken, using a web-based questionnaire. The results of the survey were analysed in Microsoft Excel to provide descriptive data only.

Results

Of 2367 patients presenting to our Emergency Department with a wrist injury, 420 (17.7%) were followed up due to ongoing clinical suspicion of a scaphoid injury.

From the 141 acute hospital Trusts in NHS England, survey responses were received from 116 (82% response rate).

Symptomatic patients undergo repeat radiograph in 68.0% of hospitals before second line imaging. This is performed using MRI in 63.9%, computed tomography in 27.0% or isotope bone scan in 9.0%.

Secondary imaging is carried out between 10 days and 4 weeks following the initial injury in 86.8% of trusts.

Conclusion

This is still considerable variability in the way these patients are managed in England. Further work needs to be undertaken to establish the most appropriate way to manage patients with wrist injuries with ongoing clinical suspicion of scaphoid fracture.
On the hyperelastic softening and elastic instabilities in graphene
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Parks David M.
Published: November 2014

Elastic material instabilities are precursors to failure in defect-free graphene single crystals. Elastic instabilities originate from softening in the material response (decay of tangent moduli) induced by dilatant mechanical deformation. Here, we characterize the softening in the constitutive response of graphene within the framework of hyperelasticity based on symmetry-invariants of the two-dimensional logarithmic strain tensor
E
(0)
. The use of symmetry-invariants provides significant functional simplification in representation of the strain energy function of graphene;
ab initio
calculations of deformation energy are well-fit using half the number of elastic constants of previous formulations. For a set of large homogeneous deformations comprising uniaxial stretch/stress along the armchair and the zigzag directions, and equi-biaxial tension, stress values predicted by the model compare well with those directly calculated from
ab initio
solutions. Using acoustic tensor analysis, we show that the constitutive model accurately captures elastic stability limits for a number of biaxial deformation modes, providing results that compare well with independent phonon calculations carried out using linear response density functional perturbation theory. In the case of equi-biaxial deformation, an elastic shearing instability is identified which occurs prior to the configuration of maximum true stress. Potential implications of the present results on the interpretation of limiting deformations achieved in nanoindentation experiments are briefly noted.
Identification of ideal size and drivers for consumer acceptability of apple
Authors: Jung Hee-Yeon , Kim Sang-Sook
Published: November 2014

The physicochemical characteristics and consumer perceptions of two Fuji cultivars (Fuji and Royal Fuji) with six different size groups (3D: 30~39, 4D: 40~49, 5D: 50~59, 6D: 60~69, 7D: 70~79, and 8D: 80~89 apples/15 kg) were investigated to identify the ideal size and the drivers of consumer acceptability of apples. For the physicochemical characteristics, the weight, volume, specific volume, L, a, and b colors, hardness, pH, acidity, and brix of apples were measured. A total of 100 consumers were asked to mark the intensity of the characteristics (size, redness, glossiness, surface roughness, apple odor, apple flavor, sweetness, sourness, hardness, crunchiness, and toughness) to determine the ideal characteristics of apples before they were asked to taste the apple products. The consumers evaluated the apple samples in terms of their appearance, odor, flavor, texture, and overall acceptability; the consumers’ intent to purchase such apples and willingness to pay for them; and the intensity of the aforementioned characteristics. Compared to the ideal characteristics of apples, the actual apple samples were rated low in their apple odor, apple flavor, acidity, sweetness, hardness, and crispness. The ideal size of the apples was between 4D and 5D. Their overall acceptability was highly affected by their flavor, followed by their texture, odor, and appearance. The acceptability of the appearance was highly correlated with the glossiness (r = 0.80), volume, weight, redness (r = 0.73), and size (r = 0.72). The consumer acceptability of the apples increased with the decreased pH and the increased Brix, hardness, and color b values of the peeled apples. The apple flavor, sweetness, hardness, crispiness, juiciness, and toughness during mastication were noted as sensory drivers of consumer acceptability.
Physicochemical of burdock (Arctium lappa L) tea depending on steaming and roasting treatment
Authors: Kwon Yu-Ri , Youn Kwang-Sup
Published: November 2014

To evaluate the processing adaptability of burdock (Arctium lappa L) tea, the physicochemical properties of burdock tea treated with steaming and roasting were investigated. The tea treatments included hot-air drying after roasting (HDR, drying at 60°C for 6 hr), steaming after hot-air drying (SHD, steaming at 100°C for 10 min), and steaming and then hot-air drying followed by roasting (SHDR, roasting at 250°C for 3 min). The physicochemical properties, antioxidant activities, and sensory properties of the HDR, SHD, and SHDR teas were measured in hot water, and the tea was extracted from each sample. The color values of lightness (L) and yellowness (b) were lower in the HDR and SHDR teas, and the total sugar content of the SHDR tea was significantly higher than that of the other teas. The ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging abilities of the SHDR tea with a 500 mg% concentration were significantly higher than those of the SHD tea. In the sensory evaluation, the SHDR tea was ranked significantly higher than the other samples as to its color, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability. The results suggest that SHDR can be applied to burdock tea to achieve high quality and functionality.
Phytochemical compounds and quality characteristics of Aster scaber Thunb. in response to blanching conditions and treatment with solutes
Authors: Kim Jae-Won , Youn Kwang-Sup
Published: November 2014

The quality characteristics of blanched Aster scaber with the blanching condition and various solutes (non-treated, NT; soluble Ca, SC; sodium bicarbonate, SB; and magnesium sulfate, MS) were evaluated with different blanching times and solutes. The blanching process decreased the total polyphenolics, ascorbic acid contents, hardness, and cutting strength of the leaves. As for the pectinesterase and polygalacturonase, the blanching process increased their inhibitory activities, and more than 90% of them were inactivated in all the samples that were blanched. For the total counts and the number of coliform groups, the number of total aerobes at 5.92-log CFU/g before the blanching process was reduced to the approximately 2-3 log scale, and the coliform group was not detected after the blanching. The blanching also significantly decreased the total chlorophyll a and b ratios. The sensory characteristics of the Aster scaber according to the test group showed that the leaves blanched for 3 min were the most highly evaluated in terms of their overall acceptability. The phenolic compound, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents tended to increase from before their blanching, and the Ca/Cb ratio was higher in the SC. These results showed that SC and MS treatment had greater effects on the quality characteristics and the pigmentation.
Development of recipe for promoting consumption of Haetsun sprouts and their nutrient evaluation
Authors: Jang Hye-Lim , Kim Na-Hyung , Im Hee-Jin , Park Chu-Ja , Woo Sang-Cheul , Yoon Kyung-Young
Published: November 2014

This study was designed to develop dish recipes using Heatsun sprouts to improve the sprouts’ utilization and consumption. We created four kinds of dishes with Heatsun sprouts, including Acanthopanacis cortex, Kalopanax pictus, Aralia elata, and Cedrela sinensis, and analyzed their sensory properties and nutrients. In the sensory evaluation, the overall preference for all the dishes was scored higher than 3.0, Unnaumsun-dakgoginaengchae had the highest score (4.48) among the dishes. Unnamusun-dakgoginaengchae contained higher values of protein; vitamin A, E, and B6; and folic acid than the recommended dietary allowances (RDAs). The recipe for Dureupgokgammuchim was created to reduce the bitterness and the astringent taste of Aralia elata, and it was rich in vitamin C, E, and B6, as well as in folic acid and iron. Ogapisunkkonchijolim was cooked to reduce the fishy smell of a saury with the addition of Acanthopanacis cortex. It contained 1.5 times the protein RDAs, and high levels of antioxidant vitamins, including vitamin A, C, and E. Chamjugmandu was made by the mixing tofu and various vegetables without adding meat. It had the highest calorie count among the dishes, and its vitamin A, C, and E contents were higher than the corresponding RDAs.
Antiviral activity of methanol extract from Ephedra sinica Stapf
Authors: Lee Doseung , Lee Dong-Sun
Published: November 2014

Ephedra sinica Stapf, known as a medicinal plant, inhibited not only syncytium formation, but also trafficking of viral glycoprotein, hemagglutinin-neuramidase (HN) to the cell-surface. Trafficking of viral glycoprotein to the surface of infected-cells results in syncytium formation in Newcastle disease virus (NDV)-infected baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells. Viral glycoprotein in the infected-cell is processed within the endoplasmic reticulum during routing into surface. The processing of viral glycoprotein like a N-linked oligosaccharide trimming by α-glucosidase in cell is necessary for virus infection. Methanol extracts showed inhibitory activities (IC50 15 μg/mL) against α -glucosidase. This suggested that E. sinica extracts inhibited the cell-surface expression of NDV-HN glycoprotein without significantly affecting HN glycoprotein synthesis in NDV-infected BHK cells.
Effects of sulfiting on the indigenous yeast flora and physicochemical properties during the fermentation of Campbell Early wine
Authors: Lee Je-Bong , Kim Jin-Hee , Yeo Soo-Hwan , Park Heui-Dong
Published: November 2014

Campbell Early grapes were spontaneously fermented with and without sulfiting to investigate the effect of sulfiting on the fermentation characteristics and physicochemical properties of Campbell Early wine. During the fermentation, the increase in the alcohol and the decrease in the soluble solid contents were faster without sulfiting, as was the increase in the yeast viable counts compared to those with sulfiting. However, the final alcohol and soluble solid contents reached similar levels with and without sulfiting. The PCR-RFLP analysis of the yeast in the ITS I-5.8S-ITS II region revealed that the increase in the S. cerevisiae was faster in the initial fermentation stage and reached a slightly higher level in the late stage with sulfiting than without sulfiting. The wine prepared after the fermentation with sulfiting showed higher malic and tartaric acid contents, as well as methanol, acetaldehyde, and n-propanol contents, than the wine prepared without sulfiting. The ethyl acetate content of the wine without sulfiting was 375.5 mg/L, which was 5.3 times higher than that (70.5 mg/L) with sulfiting. In the sensory evaluation, the wine without sulfiting obtained higher scores in flavor and overall preference than that with sulfiting.
Demographic inference using genetic data from a single individual: separating population size variation from population structure
Authors: Olivier Mazet , Willy Rodríguez Valcarce , Lounès Chikhi
Published: November 2014

The rapid development of sequencing technologies represents new opportunities for population genetics research. It is expected that genomic data will increase our ability to reconstruct the history of populations. While this increase in genetic information will likely help biologists and anthropologists to reconstruct the demographic history of populations, it also represents new challenges. Recent work has shown that structured populations generate signals of population size change. As a consequence it is often difficult to determine whether demographic events such as expansions or contractions (bottlenecks) inferred from genetic data are real or due to the fact that populations are structured in nature. Given that few inferential methods allow us to account for that structure, and that genomic data will necessarily increase the precision of parameter estimates, it is important to develop new approaches. In the present study we analyse two demographic models. The first is a model of instantaneous population size change whereas the second is the classical symmetric island model. We (i) re-derive the distribution of coalescence times under the two models for a sample of size two, (ii) use a maximum likelihood approach to estimate the parameters of these models (iii) validate this estimation procedure under a wide array of parameter combinations, (iv) implement and validate a model choice procedure by using a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Altogether we show that it is possible to estimate parameters under several models and perform efficient model choice using genetic data from a single diploid individual.
β-Arm flexibility of HU fromStaphylococcus aureusdictates the DNA-binding and recognition mechanism
Authors: Kim Do-Hee , Im Hookang , Jee Jun-Goo , Jang Sun-Bok , Yoon Hye-Jin , Kwon Ae-Ran , Kang Sung-Min , Lee Bong-Jin
Published: November 2014

HU, one of the major nucleoid-associated proteins, interacts with the minor groove of DNA in a nonspecific manner to induce DNA bending or to stabilize bent DNA. In this study, crystal structures are reported for both free HU fromStaphylococcus aureusMu50 (SHU) and SHU bound to 21-mer dsDNA. The structures, in combination with electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements and molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations, elucidate the overall and residue-specific changes in SHU upon recognizing and binding to DNA. Firstly, structural comparison showed the flexible nature of the β-sheets of the DNA-binding domain and that the β-arms bend inwards upon complex formation, whereas the other portions are nearly unaltered. Secondly, it was found that the disruption and formation of salt bridges accompanies DNA binding. Thirdly, residue-specific free-energy analyses using the MM-PBSA method with MD simulation data suggested that the successive basic residues in the β-arms play a central role in recognizing and binding to DNA, which was confirmed by the EMSA and ITC analyses. Moreover, residue Arg55 resides in the hinge region of the flexible β-arms, exhibiting a remarkable role in their flexible nature. Fourthly, EMSAs with various DNAs revealed that SHU prefers deformable DNA. Taken together, these data suggest residue-specific roles in local shape and base readouts, which are primarily mediated by the flexible β-arms consisting of residues 50–80.
Crystal structure of methyl 1-methyl-3,5-diphenyl-7-tosyl-3,6,7,11b-tetrahydropyrazolo[4′,3′:5,6]pyrano[3,4-c]quinoline-5a(5H)-carboxylate
Authors: Nadendla Eswar Kumar , Jagadeesan G. , Kannan D. , Bakthadoss Mannickam , Gunasekaran K.
Published: November 2014

In the title compound, C35H31N3O5S, the piperidine ring adopts an envelope conformation, with the methine C atom as the flap, and the pyran ring adopts a sofa conformation. The mean planes of these two rings are almost normal to one another, making a dihedral angle of 85.96 (5)°. The two phenyl rings, one attached to the pyrazole ring and the other to the pyran ring, are inclined to one another by 65.41 (11)°. They are inclined to the mean planes of the rings to which they are attached by 12.59 (11) and 70.09 (9)°, respectively. There is an intramolecular C—H...π interaction involving the tosylate methyl group and the phenyl ring attached to the pyrazole ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming ribbons parallel to (10-2). The ribbons are linked by slipped parallel π–π interactions involving inversion-related pyrazole rings [inter-centroid distance = 3.672 (2) Å], forming slabs parallel to (001). A preliminary report of this structure has been published [Bakthadosset al.(2014).Eur. J. Org. Chem.pp. 1505–1513].
Crystal structure of 3-amino-1-propylpyridinium bromide
Authors: Venkatesan P. , Rajakannan V. , Thamotharan S.
Published: November 2014

The title molecular salt, C8H13N2+·Br−, crystallizes with two independent 3-aminopyridinium cations and two bromide anions in the asymmetric unit (Z′ = 2). In the pyridine ring, the N atom is alkylated by a propyl group. The dihedral angle between the mean planes of the pyridinium ring and the propyl group is 84.84 (2)° in cationA, whereas the corresponding angle is 89.23 (2)° in cationB. In the crystal, the anions and cations are linkedviaN—H...Br and C—H...Br hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [100].
Crystal structure of dimethyl 3,3′-[(3-fluorophenyl)methylene]bis(1H-indole-2-carboxylate)
Authors: Lu Xin-Hua , Sun Hong-Shun , Hu Jin
Published: November 2014

In the title compound, C27H21FN2O4, the mean planes of the two indole ring systems (r.m.s. deviations = 0.0166 and 0.0086 Å) are approximately perpendicular to one another, making a dihedral angle of 87.8 (5)°; the fluorobenzene ring is twisted with respect to the mean planes of the two indole ring systems at 82.7 (5) and 85.5 (3)°. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into the inversion dimers, which are further linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds into supramolecular chains propagating along theb-axis direction. Weak C—H...π interactions are observed between neighbouring chains.
Crystal structure of 1-(piperidin-1-yl)butane-1,3-dione
Authors: Schwierz Markus , Görls Helmar , Imhof Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

In the title compound, C9H15NO2, the piperidine ring exhibits a chair conformation. The butanedione subunit exhibits a conformation with the ketone C atom in an eclipsed position with respect to the amide carbonyl group. In the crystal, a two-dimensional layered arrangement is formed by hydrogen bonds of the C—H...O type between the methyl group and the exocyclic methylene unit as donor sites and the amide carbonyl O atom as the acceptor of a bifurcated hydrogen bond. These layers are oriented parallel to theabplane.
MAP_CHANNELS: a computation tool to aid in the visualization and characterization of solvent channels in macromolecular crystals
Authors: Juers Douglas H. , Ruffin Jon
Published: November 2014

A computation tool is described that facilitates visualization and characterization of solvent channels or pores within macromolecular crystals. A scalar field mapping the shortest distance to protein surfaces is calculated on a grid covering the unit cell and is written as a map file. The map provides a multiscale representation of the solvent channels, which when viewed in standard macromolecular crystallographic software packages gives an intuitive sense of the solvent channel architecture. The map is analysed to yield descriptors of the topology and the morphology of the solvent channels, including bottleneck radii, tortuosity, width variation and anisotropy.
SHADE3server: a streamlined approach to estimate H-atom anisotropic displacement parameters using periodicab initiocalculations or experimental information
Authors: Madsen Anders Østergaard , Hoser Anna A.
Published: November 2014

A major update of theSHADEserver (http://shade.ki.ku.dk) is presented. In addition to all of the previous options for estimating H-atom anisotropic displacement parameters (ADPs) that were offered bySHADE2, the newest version offers two new methods. The first method combines the original translation–libration–screw analysis with input from periodicab initiocalculations. The second method allows the user to input experimental information from spectroscopic measurements or from neutron diffraction experiments on related structures and utilize this information to evaluate ADPs of H atoms. Tools are provided to set up theab initiocalculations and to derive the internal motion from the calculations. The new server was tested on a range of compounds where neutron diffraction data were available. In most cases, the results are significantly better than previous estimates, and for strong hydrogen bonds in proton sponges, theab initiocalculations become crucial.
Reconstruction of crystal shapes by X-ray nanodiffraction from three-dimensional superlattices
Authors: Meduňa Mojmír , Falub Claudiu V. , Isa Fabio , Chrastina Daniel , Kreiliger Thomas , Isella Giovanni , von Känel Hans
Published: November 2014

Quantitative nondestructive imaging of structural properties of semiconductor layer stacks at the nanoscale is essential for tailoring the device characteristics of many low-dimensional quantum structures, such as ultrafast transistors, solid state lasers and detectors. Here it is shown that scanning nanodiffraction of synchrotron X-ray radiation can unravel the three-dimensional structure of epitaxial crystals containing a periodic superlattice underneath their faceted surface. By mapping reciprocal space in all three dimensions, the superlattice period is determined across the various crystal facets and the very high crystalline quality of the structures is demonstrated. It is shown that the presence of the superlattice allows the reconstruction of the crystal shape without the need of any structural model.
Phase identification and structure determination from multiphase crystalline powder samples by rotation electron diffraction
Authors: Yun Yifeng , Wan Wei , Rabbani Faiz , Su Jie , Xu Hongyi , Hovmöller Sven , Johnsson Mats , Zou Xiaodong
Published: November 2014

Phase identification and structure characterization are important in synthetic and materials science. It is difficult to characterize the individual phases from multiphase crystalline powder samples, especially if some of the phases are unknown. This problem can be solved by combining rotation electron diffraction (RED) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). Four phases were identified on the same transmission electron microscopy grid from a multiphase sample in the Ni–Se–O–Cl system, and their structures were solved from the RED data. Phase 1 (NiSeO3) was found in the Inorganic Crystal Structure Database using the information from RED. Phase 2 (Ni3Se4O10Cl2) is an unknown compound, but it is isostructural to Co3Se4O10Cl2, which was recently solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Phase 3 (Ni5Se6O16Cl4H2) and Phase 4 (Ni5Se4O12Cl2) are new compounds. The fact that there are at least four different compounds in the as-synthesized material explains why the phase identification and structure determination could not be done by PXRD alone. The RED method makes phase identification from such multiphase powder samples much easier than would be the case using powder X-ray diffraction. The RED method also makes structure determination of submicrometre-sized crystals from multiphase samples possible.
Membrane proteins, detergents and crystals: what is the state of the art?
Authors: Loll Patrick J.
Published: November 2014

At the time when the first membrane-protein crystal structure was determined, crystallization of these molecules was widely perceived as extremely arduous. Today, that perception has changed drastically, and the process is regarded as routine (or nearly so). On the occasion of the International Year of Crystallography 2014, this review presents a snapshot of the current state of the art, with an emphasis on the role of detergents in this process. A survey of membrane-protein crystal structures published since 2012 reveals that the direct crystallization of protein–detergent complexes remains the dominant methodology; in addition, lipidic mesophases have proven immensely useful, particularly in specific niches, and bicelles, while perhaps undervalued, have provided important contributions as well. Evolving trends include the addition of lipids to protein–detergent complexes and the gradual incorporation of new detergents into the standard repertoire. Stability has emerged as a critical parameter controlling how a membrane protein behaves in the presence of detergent, and efforts to enhance stability are discussed. Finally, although discovery-based screening approaches continue to dwarf mechanistic efforts to unravel crystallization, recent technical advances offer hope that future experiments might incorporate the rational manipulation of crystallization behaviors.
Levelling aeromagnetic survey data without the need for tie‐lines
Authors: White* James C. , Beamish David
Published: November 2014

A new methodology that levels airborne magnetic data without orthogonal tie‐lines is presented in this study. The technique utilizes the low‐wavenumber content of the flight‐line data to construct a smooth representation of the regional field at a scale appropriate to the line lengths of the survey. Levelling errors are then calculated between the raw flight‐line data and the derived regional field through a least squares approach. Minimizing the magnitude of the error, with a first‐degree error function, results in significant improvements to the unlevelled data. The technique is tested and demonstrated using three recent airborne surveys.
Applications of nanoliposomes in cheese technology
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Mahmoudzadeh Maryam , Atefi Mohsen , Khosravi‐Darani Kianoush , Mozafari M R
Published: November 2014

Among microencapsulation techniques used in food production, nanoliposomes are known to be one of the most interesting methods for the encapsulation of flavours, essential oils, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, micro‐organisms, redox agents, colourants, antioxidants and antimicrobials. Research has also been conducted on possible applications of nanoliposomes in cheese production by the encapsulation of ferrous glycinate, ferrous sulphate, antioxidants, nisin, β‐galactosidase and cheese‐ripening enzymes. In this article, nanoliposome application in cheese production has been reviewed under three main themes, namely (i) acceleration of cheese ripening, (ii) fortification of cheese with vitamins and minerals and (iii) increasing shelf life of cheese products. Various aspects of nanoliposome application in cheese technology including currently available preparation methods, efficiency of nanoliposomal enzymes, their effects on the acceleration of cheese ripening as well as rheological and chemical properties of the cheese curd are discussed.
Facial Tissue Depths in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Starbuck John M. , Ghoneima Ahmed , Kula Katherine
Published: November 2014

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a craniofacial malformation affecting more than seven million people worldwide that results in defects of the hard palate, teeth, maxilla, nasal spine and floor, and maxillodental asymmetry. CLP facial soft‐tissue depth (FSTD) values have never been published. The purpose of this research is to report CLP FSTD values and compare them to previously published FSTD values for normal children. Thirty‐eight FSTDs were measured on cone beam computed tomography images of CLP children (n = 86; 7–17 years). MANOVA and ANOVA tests determined whether cleft type, age, sex, and bone graft surgical status affect tissue depths. Both cleft type (unilateral/bilateral) and age influence FSTDs. CLP FSTDs exhibit patterns of variation that differ from normal children, particularly around the oronasal regions of the face. These differences should be taken into account when facial reconstructions of children with CLP are created.
Barriers and enablers to applying for the Dietitians Association of Australia Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian credential: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Gifford Janelle , Snell Robynne
Published: November 2014

Aim

The present study aimed to identify barriers and enablers to applying for the Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian (AdvAPD) credential as well as problems with the application process.

Methods

Eleven Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) and nine AdvAPDs were recruited to participate by telephone in focus groups or in one‐on‐one interviews via the weekly national Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) e‐alert and advertisement at the 2012 National Conference. Semistructured interview schedules were used to guide the groups and interviews which were recorded via the DAA conferencing facility and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Themes were identified using qualitative analysis software.

Results

Barriers to applying for the AdvAPD credential included the onerousness of the process, busy‐ness/finding the time, and having competing priorities, while working with colleagues, receiving recognition and having an AdvAPD mentor were predominant enablers. Problems identified with the application process included the difficulty in completing specific parts of the application, particularly the research and management/supervision components, and the assessment/definition of advanced practice itself. Suggested improvements included the use of technology in submission, and provision of a range of examples for reference.

Conclusions

APDs wishing to apply for the AdvAPD credential are encouraged to apply key findings such as engaging a mentor, working with colleagues and seeking successful application examples as strategies within their plan. The broader results will inform the review of the performance criteria and evidence examples currently available to AdvAPD applicants and support development of additional tools to assist the application process.
Increase of peripheral T regulatory cells during remission induction with cyclophosphamide in active systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Tselios Konstantinos , Sarantopoulos Alexandros , Gkougkourelas Ioannis , Papagianni Aikaterini , Boura Panagiota
Published: November 2014

Background

Cyclophosphamide efficacy in lupus nephritis (LN) and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) is probably mediated by a non‐specific ablation of reactive lymphocytes. However, little is known in regard to its effect on T regulatory cells (Tregs) in such patients, which was the aim of this study.

Patients and Methods

Ten Caucasian lupus patients were included, six with LN classes IV–V (mean age 33.8 ± 8.8 years) and four with NPSLE (mean age 35.5 ± 8.8 years, clinical manifestations: 1/4 acute confusional state, 1/4 psychosis, 2/4 refractory seizures). Cyclophosphamide was administered at monthly pulses (500 mg/m2/month for 6 months); doses of other administered drugs, including steroids, remained stable or lower. CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ Tregs were assessed by flow‐cytometry at baseline and before every subsequent pulse and 3–6 months after the final pulse. Disease activity was assessed by SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).

Results

In LN patients, Tregs were significantly increased even after the fourth pulse (0.54 ± 0.20% vs. 1.24 ± 0.29%, P < 0.001). Likewise, in NPSLE, Tregs were significantly expanded after the fourth pulse (0.57 ± 0.23% vs. 1.41 ± 0.28%, P < 0.001). SLEDAI was significantly reduced in all patients.

Conclusions

Cyclophosphamide pulse therapy was associated with a significant increase of the CD4+CD25highFOXP3+ Tregs in patients with active LN and NPSLE. This effect is probably indirect and may partially explain the beneficial role of cyclophosphamide in such cases.
Prognostic impact of the TP53 rs1625895 polymorphism in DLBCL patients
Authors: Voropaeva Elena N. , Voevoda Mikhail I. , Pospelova Tatiana I. , Maksimov Vladimir N.
Published: November 2014

This study aimed to clarify the association between the TP53 rs1625895 polymorphism and the efficiency of R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisolone) therapy in 106 patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). All patients received six to eight courses of R‐CHOP therapy as a first‐line treatment. The rs1625895 polymorphism was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The G/G genotype of the TP53 rs1625895 polymorphism was shown to be associated with a high probability of R‐CHOP therapy failure in DLBCL patients according to the probability of remission as well as 5‐year overall and relapse‐free survivals.
Absorption of the Wolffian duct and duplicated ureter by the urogenital sinus: morphological study using human fetuses and embryos
Authors: Naito Michiko , Hinata Nobuyuki , Rodriguez‐Vazquez Jose Francisco , Murakami Gen , Aizawa Shin , Fujisawa Masato
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To describe the embryological origin of the duplicated ureter and to investigate whether the urogenital sinus absorbs not only the Wolffian duct (WD) but also the ureter.

Materials and Methods

During studies using sections of human fetuses (45 specimens), we incidentally found a specific type of ureteric duplication (at ~7 weeks) in which two unilateral ureters joined at the vesico‐ureteric junction, apparently representing a morphology arising at an intermediate stage between complete and partial ureteric duplication. The existing literature lacks any photographic representation of early development of the vesico‐ureteric junction, and we therefore studied horizontal sections of 10 human embryos (at ~5–6 weeks' gestation) in which the ureter did not join the urogenital sinus (future bladder) but instead joined the WD (future vas deferens).

Results

The sinus consistently showed a reversed Y‐shape, the arms of which extended posteriorly to receive the WD. When absorption of the duct into the sinus wall reached the distal end of the ureter, the arm‐like parts appeared to enlarge posteriorly for further involvement of the duct, with little or no incorporation of the ureter; therefore, the future trigone of the bladder might develop from these arm‐like parts of the sinus posterior wall. Consequently, in the case of ureteric duplication included in the present study, it is considered that the ureters would probably have merged with the WD at closely adjacent sites.

Conclusion

The present study represents the first photographic illustration of the early development of the human vesico‐ureteric junction.
Gut T cell receptor-γδ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes are activated selectively by cholera toxin to break oral tolerance in mice
Authors: Frossard C P , Asigbetse K E , Burger D , Eigenmann P A
Published: November 2014

The gut immune system is usually tolerant to harmless foreign antigens such as food proteins. However, tolerance breakdown may occur and lead to food allergy. To study mechanisms underlying food allergy, animal models have been developed in mice by using cholera toxin (CT) to break tolerance. In this study, we identify T cell receptor (TCR)-γδ+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) as major targets of CT to break tolerance to food allergens. TCR-γδ+ IEL-enriched cell populations isolated from mice fed with CT and transferred to naive mice hamper tolerization to the food allergen β-lactoglobulin (BLG) in recipient mice which produce anti-BLG immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 antibodies. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of TCR-γδ+ cells from CT-fed mice triggers the production of anti-CT IgG1 antibodies in recipient mice that were never exposed to CT, suggesting antigen-presenting cell (APC)-like functions of TCR-γδ+ IELs. In contrast to TCR-αβ+ cells, TCR-γδ+ IELs bind and internalize CT both in vitro and in vivo. CT-activated TCR-γδ+ IELs express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, CD80 and CD86 demonstrating an APC phenotype. CT-activated TCR-γδ+ IELs migrate to the lamina propria, where they produce interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-17. These results provide in-vivo evidence for a major role of TCR-γδ+ IELs in the modulation of oral tolerance in the pathogenesis of food allergy.
Pleiotropic Role of PPARγ in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Intricate System Involving Nrf2, RXR, and NF‐κB
Authors: Zhao Xiu‐Rong , Gonzales Nicole , Aronowski Jaroslaw
Published: November 2014

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke involving formation of hematoma within brain parenchyma, which accounts for 8–15% of all strokes in Western societies and 20–30% among Asian populations, and has a 1‐year mortality rate >50%. The high mortality and severe morbidity make ICH a major public health problem. Only a few evidence‐based targeted treatments are used for ICH management, and interventions focus primarily on supportive care and comorbidity prevention. Even in patients who survive the ictus, extravasated blood (including plasma components) and subsequent intrahematoma hemolytic products trigger a series of adverse events within the brain parenchyma, leading to secondary brain injury, edema and severe neurological deficits or death. Although the hematoma in humans gradually resolves within months, full restoration of neurological function can be slow and often incomplete, leaving survivors with devastating neurological deficits. During past years, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) transcription factor and its agonists received recognition as important players in regulating not only glucose and lipid metabolism (which underlies its therapeutic effect in type 2 diabetes mellitus), and more recently, as an instrumental pleiotropic regulator of antiinflammation, antioxidative regulation, and phagocyte‐mediated cleanup processes. PPARγ agonists have emerged as potential therapeutic target for stroke. The use of PPARγ as a therapeutic target appears to have particularly strong compatibility toward pathogenic components of ICH. In addition to its direct genomic effect, PPARγ may interact with transcription factor, NF‐κB, which may underlie many aspects of the antiinflammatory effect of PPARγ. Furthermore, PPARγ appears to regulate expression of Nrf2, another transcription factor and master regulator of detoxification and antioxidative regulation. Finally, the synergistic costimulation of PPARγ and retinoid X receptor, RXR, may play an additional role in the therapeutic modulation of PPARγ function. In this article, we outline the main components of the role of PPARγ in ICH pathogenesis.
Crystal Energy Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Feng Xiang , Ma Meiyi , Yu Huiqun
Published: November 2014

Nature has always been a muse for those who dream in art or science. As it goes, optimization algorithms inspired by nature have been widely used to solve various scientific and engineering problems because of their intelligence and simplicity. As a novel nature‐inspired algorithm, the crystal energy optimizer (CEO) is proposed in this article. The proposed CEO is motivated by the following general observation on lake freezing in nature: the dynamics of crystals have possession of parallelism, openness, local interactivity, and self‐organization. It stimulates us to extend a crystal dynamic model in physics to a generalized crystal energy optimizer for traveling salesman problems, so as to exploit the advantages of crystal dynamic system and to realize the aforementioned purposes. The proposed CEO has these advantages: (1) it has the ability to perform large‐scale distributed parallel optimization; (2) it can converge and avoid local optimum; and (3) it is flexible and easy to adapt to a wide range of optimization problems.
Elevated immune monitoring early after cardiac transplantation is associated with increased plaque progression by intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Cheng Richard , Azarbal Babak , Yung Aaron , Chang David H. , Patel Jignesh K. , Kobashigawa Jon A.
Published: November 2014

Background

Immune monitoring (IM) has not been shown to be associated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV).

Methods

Maximal intimal area, average percent stenosis, plaque volume, and maximal intimal thickness (MIT) were measured for matched baseline and one‐yr IVUS segments in a blinded fashion. Patients were divided into quartiles by IM scores and outcomes compared. Optimal IM cutoff was determined.

Results

IM assays were measured at 63.7 ± 16.4 d after transplantation in fifty patients. Progression of maximal intimal area (p = 0.005), average percent stenosis (p < 0.001), plaque volume (p = 0.005), and MIT (p = 0.001) were increased across the quartiles. An optimal IM assay cutoff of 406.0 ng ATP/mL demonstrated a sensitivity of 66.7% and specificity of 94.3% for predicting rapid progression of MIT ≥ 0.5 mm. Mean IM scores for Group 1 vs. Group 2 were 176.4 ± 102.2 and 616.3 ± 239.5 ngATP/mL, respectively. Rapid progression of MIT ≥ 0.5 mm occurred in 5/38 patients (13.2%) in Group 1 vs. 10/12 patients (83.3%) in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The risk ratio for rapid progression with elevated IM was 11.7 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated early IM scores are associated with progression of CAV by IVUS. These findings suggest the potential of IM for tailoring of immunosuppressive regimens to minimize the progression of CAV in high‐risk patients.
Treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection in renal transplant patients: a clinical practice survey
Authors: Burton Stephanie A. , Amir Naaseha , Asbury Alaina , Lange Alex , Hardinger Karen L.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Preferences for the testing and treatment of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) in renal transplant patients vary among programs and individual practitioners. The description of these preferences and identification of commonalities can contribute to creating a standard of care.

Methods

A survey was distributed through the Transplant Listserv of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) and via email to members of the American Society of Transplantation Community of Pharmacy (AST CoP), collected, and analyzed.

Results

Most clinicians (26/28) test for donor‐specific antibodies (DSAs) when evaluating a patient with possible AMR. Treatments for AMR varied widely among responding clinicians and included intravenous immune globulin (IVIG, n = 25), plasmapheresis (n = 24), rituximab (n = 8), bortezomib (n = 4), rabbit antithymocyte globulin (n = 2), and eculizumab (n = 1). Weight‐based dosing of IVIG averaged 1.8 g/kg total dose. Six centers use rituximab as initial therapy, while two use rituximab if other therapy fails. Four centers use bortezomib as initial therapy, while two centers use it for severe/persistent AMR. One center uses eculizumab as initial therapy and one center uses it for severe AMR.

Conclusion

Methods for the detection of AMR are similar, yet treatment of AMR varies widely. Most centers utilize DSA for detection and a combination of IVIG and plasmapheresis for treatment.
How communities' perceptions of disasters influence disaster response: managing landslides on Mount Elgon, Uganda
Authors: Misanya Doreen , Øyhus Arne Olav
Published: November 2014

The aim of this paper is to assess the role of people's perception in disaster management. It is based on a study carried out along the slopes of Mount Elgon in Eastern Uganda. People living in the study area have experienced a number of landslides, but the landslide in 2010 had the most far‐reaching effects on community livelihoods and resulted in a major setback to development efforts in the area. Experiences of landslides have enabled the local people to develop a number of interpretations of the causes and effects of the phenomena. The study revealed that community members did not share uniform perceptions. Whereas some members advanced technical or physical explanations for the 2010 disaster, others believed that some form of divine power was behind it. Strengthening social networks and integrating communities' perceptions in intervention mechanisms were identified as possible ways of managing future landslide disasters.
Youth participation in disaster risk reduction through science clubs in the Philippines
Authors: Fernandez Glenn , Shaw Rajib
Published: November 2014

With the UN‐led celebration of the International Year of Youth from August 2010 to August 2011 there has been a renewed interest in young people and the vital role they can play in important issues, such as disaster risk reduction (DRR). This study aims to examine the potential of science clubs as a vehicle for youth participation in DRR in the Philippines. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 658 science club members from different provinces of the Philippines participated in the survey. The result of the survey is used to explain how the major barriers to youth participation in DRR can be overcome. Through science clubs, the youth can become a link between their school, home and community and can contribute to spreading knowledge about disaster prevention, preparedness and response learned inside and outside the classroom.
Stress and inflammatory biomarkers and symptoms are associated with bioimpedance measures
Authors: Tsigos Constantine , Stefanaki Charikleia , Lambrou George I. , Boschiero Dario , Chrousos George P.
Published: November 2014

Background

This large cross‐sectional, multi‐centre study evaluated the association of body composition measurements by a novel dual frequency bioimpedance device (BIA‐ACC) with chronic stress/inflammation biomarkers and the presence of medically unexplained symptoms (MUS).

Materials and methods

Participants were adult Caucasians of both sexes and included 10 416 lean subjects with no MUS (Group A), 58 710 lean subjects with MUS (Group B) and 30 445 overweight/obese subjects with no MUS and excessive fat mass (FM) (Group C).

Results

Total body extracellular water (ECW) was higher, while intracellular water (ICW) was lower in Group B than both other groups (P < 0·01). Group A had significantly lower FM and higher skeletal mass (SK) and phase angle (PA) than Group B and lower circulating high sensitivity (hs) CRP levels than both other groups. hsCRP was higher in Group C than Group A though (P < 0·01). Salivary cortisol in Group B was lower in the morning and higher in the evening than both other groups (P < 0·001), indicating circadian rhythm obliteration or reversal in this group. ECW correlated positively with serum hsCRP and 8 p.m. salivary cortisol, but negatively with 8 a.m. salivary cortisol, while PA correlated positively with 8 a.m. and negatively with 8 p.m. salivary cortisol and serum hsCRP. Both 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. salivary cortisol and serum hsCRP were associated with the presence of MUS and BIA‐ACC measurements, including ECW, ICW, FM, SK and PA.

Conclusions

MUS is an index of chronic stress and inflammation and BIA‐ACC may provide a useful, bloodless and rapid tool in the clinical setting, distinguishing patients with chronic stress/inflammation from healthy subjects and monitoring their response to treatment.