bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive representations of peripheral neuropathy and self‐reported foot‐care behaviour of people at high risk of diabetes‐related foot complications
Authors: Perrin B. M. , Swerissen H. , Payne C. B. , Skinner T. C.
Published: July 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the cognitive representations of peripheral neuropathy and self‐reported foot‐care behaviour in an Australian sample of people with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was undertaken with 121 participants with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Cognitive representations of peripheral neuropathy were measured by the Patients' Interpretation of Neuropathy questionnaire and two aspects of self‐foot‐care behaviour were measured using a self‐report questionnaire. Hierarchical cluster analysis using the average linkage method was used to identify distinct illness schemata related to peripheral neuropathy.

Results

Three clusters of participants were identified who exhibited distinct illness schemata related to peripheral neuropathy. One cluster had more misperceptions about the nature of peripheral neuropathy, one cluster was generally realistic about the nature of their condition and the final cluster was uncertain about their condition. The cluster with high misperceptions of their condition undertook more potentially damaging foot‐care behaviours than the other clusters (F = 4.98; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

People with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy have different illness schemata that may influence health‐related behaviour. Education aimed at improving foot‐care behaviour and foot‐health outcomes should be tailored to specific illness schemata related to peripheral neuropathy.
Lymphoma and myeloma cells are highly sensitive to growth arrest and apoptosis induced by artesunate
Authors: Holien Toril , Olsen Oddrun E. , Misund Kristine , Hella Hanne , Waage Anders , Rø Torstein B. , Sundan Anders
Published: July 2013

Objectives

The use of new drugs has improved the treatment of multiple myeloma and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Nevertheless, over time many patients relapse and develop resistance to treatment, and efforts are needed to overcome drug resistance. The widely used malaria drug artesunate has been reported to have antitumor activity, and we aimed to test the effects of artesunate on a panel of myeloma and lymphoma cells.

Methods

Myeloma and DLBCL cell lines were treated with artesunate in vitro. The effects of artesunate treatment were evaluated using ATP content measurements for proliferation and annexin V/propidium iodide labeling for apoptosis. Western blotting was used to look for artesunate‐induced protein changes. In addition, we measured artesunate effects on patient myeloma cells in the presence of bone marrow stromal cells.

Results

Artesunate treatment efficiently inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in cell lines. Apoptosis was induced concomitantly with downregulation of MYC and anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family proteins, as well as with cleavage of caspase‐3. The IC50 values of artesunate in cell lines varied between 0.3 and 16.6 μm. Furthermore, some primary myeloma cells were also sensitive to artesunate at doses around 10 μm. Concentrations of this order are pharmacologically relevant as they can be obtained in plasma after intravenous administration of artesunate for malaria treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that artesunate is a potential drug for treatment of multiple myeloma and DLBCL at doses of the same order as currently in use for treatment of malaria without serious adverse effects.
Role of glutamate receptors in the dorsal reticular nucleus in formalin‐induced secondary allodynia
Authors: Ambriz‐Tututi Mónica , Palomero‐Rivero Marcela , Ramirez‐López Fernanda , Millán‐Aldaco Diana , Drucker‐Colín and René
Published: July 2013

The role of glutamate receptors present in the medullary dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt) in the formalin test and formalin‐induced secondary nociception was studied in rats. Secondary mechanical allodynia was assessed with von Frey filaments applied to the rat's hindpaw, and secondary thermal hyperalgesia was evaluated with the tail‐immersion test. The selective glutamate receptor antagonists MK801 (N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist), 6‐cyano‐7‐nitroquinoxaline‐2,3‐dione (CNQX) (AMPA/KA receptor antagonist) and A841720 (metabotropic glutamate 1 receptor antagonist) were injected into the DRt before or 6 days after formalin injection in the rat. In the formalin test, the three antagonists significantly reduced the number of flinches in both phases of the test. DRt microinjection of MK801 or A841720, but not of CNQX, reduced both secondary nociceptive behaviors. Moreover, pre‐treatment with the three antagonists injected into the DRt prevented the development of secondary mechanical allodynia and secondary thermal hyperalgesia. Similarly, in these rats, the number of c‐Fos‐like immunoreactive neurons were markedly reduced in both the superficial and deep lamina of the dorsal horn. Our findings support the role of DRt as a pain facilitator in acute and chronic pain states, and suggest a key role of glutamate receptors during the development and maintenance of formalin‐induced secondary allodynia.
Challenges of proper placebo control for non‐invasive brain stimulation in clinical and experimental applications
Authors: Davis Nick J. , Gold Edward , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Bracewell R. Martyn
Published: July 2013

A range of techniques are now available for modulating the activity of the brain in healthy people and people with neurological conditions. These techniques, including transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial current stimulation (tCS, which includes direct and alternating current), create magnetic or electrical fields that cross the intact skull and affect neural processing in brain areas near to the scalp location where the stimulation is delivered. TMS and tCS have proved to be valuable tools in behavioural neuroscience laboratories, where causal involvement of specific brain areas in specific tasks can be shown. In clinical neuroscience, the techniques offer the promise of correcting abnormal activity, such as when a stroke leaves a brain area underactive. As the use of brain stimulation becomes more commonplace in laboratories and clinics, we discuss the safety and ethical issues inherent in using the techniques with human participants, and we suggest how to balance scientific integrity with the safety of the participant.
The complex relationship between the light‐entrainable and methamphetamine‐sensitive circadian oscillators: evidence from behavioral studies of Period‐mutant mice
Authors: Pendergast Julie S. , Niswender Kevin D. , Yamazaki Shin
Published: July 2013

The methamphetamine‐sensitive circadian oscillator (MASCO) is an enigmatic circadian clock whose output is observed during continuous consumption of low‐dose methamphetamine. The MASCO rhythm persists when the light‐entrainable pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is lesioned, but the anatomical location of MASCO is unknown. We recently found that the period of the MASCO rhythm is unusually short (21 h) in mice with disruption of all three paralogs of the canonical clock gene, Period. In this study, we investigated the contribution of each Period paralog to timekeeping in MASCO. We measured wheel‐running activity rhythms in intact and SCN‐lesioned Per1‐, 2‐ and 3‐mutant mice administered methamphetamine, and found that none of the mice displayed a short (21‐h) period, demonstrating that no single Period gene is responsible for the short‐period MASCO rhythm of Per1−/−/Per2−/−/Per3−/− mice. We also found that the periods of activity rhythms in constant darkness were lengthened by methamphetamine treatment in intact wild‐type, Per1−/− and Per3−/− mice but not Per2−/− mice, and Per2−/− mice had two distinct activity rhythms upon release to constant light. These data suggest that the SCN and MASCO are not coupled in Per2−/− mice. The MASCO rhythm in Per1−/−/Per2−/− mice in constant darkness alternated between a short (22‐h) and a long (27‐h) period. This pattern could result from two coupled oscillators that are not synchronised to each other, or from a single oscillator displaying birhythmicity. Finally, we propose a working model of the in vivo relationship between MASCO and the SCN that poses testable hypotheses for future studies.
Environmental reverberation affects processing of sound intensity in right temporal cortex
Authors: Altmann Christian F. , Ono Kentaro , Callan Akiko , Matsuhashi Masao , Mima Tatsuya , Fukuyama Hidenao
Published: July 2013

Although sound reverberation is considered a nuisance variable in most studies investigating auditory processing, it can serve as a cue for loudness constancy, a phenomenon describing constant loudness perception in spite of changing sound source distance. In this study, we manipulated room reverberation characteristics to test their effect on psychophysical loudness constancy and we tested with magnetoencephalography on human subjects for neural responses reflecting loudness constancy. Psychophysically, we found that loudness constancy was present in strong, but not weak, reverberation conditions. In contrast, the dependence of sound distance judgment on actual distance was similar across conditions. We observed brain activity reflecting behavioral loudness constancy, i.e. inverse scaling of the evoked magnetic fields with distance for weak reverberation but constant responses across distance for strong reverberation from ~210 to 270 ms after stimulus onset. Distributed magnetoencephalography source reconstruction revealed underlying neural generators within the right middle temporal and right inferior anterior temporal lobe. Our data suggest a dissociation of loudness constancy and distance perception, implying a direct usage of reverberation cues for constructing constant loudness across distance. Furthermore, our magnetoencephalography data suggest involvement of auditory association areas in the right middle and right inferior anterior temporal cortex in this process.
Climatic stress increases forest fire severity across the westernUnitedStates
Authors: van Mantgem Phillip J. , Nesmith Jonathan C. B. , Keifer MaryBeth , Knapp Eric E. , Flint Alan , Flint Lorriane
Published: July 2013

Pervasive warming can lead to chronic stress on forest trees, which may contribute to mortality resulting from fire‐caused injuries. Longitudinal analyses of forest plots from across the westernUSshow that high pre‐fire climatic water deficit was related to increased post‐fire tree mortality probabilities. This relationship between climate and fire was present after accounting for fire defences and injuries, and appeared to influence the effects of crown and stem injuries. Climate and fire interactions did not vary substantially across geographical regions, major genera and tree sizes. Our findings support recent physiological evidence showing that both drought and heating from fire can impair xylem conductivity. Warming trends have been linked to increasing probabilities of severe fire weather and fire spread; our results suggest that warming may also increase forest fire severity (the number of trees killed) independent of fire intensity (the amount of heat released during a fire).
Restoration of indigenous dominance in exotic grassland by the establishment of juvenile Microlaena stipoides plants
Authors: Dodd Mike , Burns Bruce
Published: July 2013

Two experiments were conducted to determine the establishment success of reintroducing Microlaena stipoides (pātītī, weeping rice grass) into existing high‐fertility grassland on the volcanic cones of the Auckland Isthmus. The first experiment monitored the survival and development of juveniles planted in a factorial design including two planting densities, two slope classes and two aspects across three cones. Plant survival during establishment was consistently over 90%. Maximum M. stipoides cover after 2 years (>80%) was achieved on north‐facing steep slopes (>25°) at the greater planting density (40 plants/m2). However, results were particularly idiosyncratic to specific cone/topographical combinations. The second experiment, on a flat site on one cone, monitored the survival and development of juveniles planted across four post‐planting treatments designed to suppress resident vegetation recovery. Plant survival after 6 months was relatively low (50%), and none of the treatments achieved greater than 5% cover of M. stipoides after 1 year. The chosen post‐planting treatments were unable to suppress vigorous recovery of competitive exotic grasses on a moist fertile site. Overall, juvenile planting was shown to be a potentially successful method of Microlaena establishment and could restore indigenous dominance to exotic grassland in this environment, but individual site factors and the high cost of establishment must be considered.
Neuropsychological outcomes in epilepsy surgery patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis and good preoperative memory function
Authors: Baxendale Sallie , Thompson Pamela J. , Sander Josemir W.
Published: July 2013

We examined postoperative changes in the memory function of 68 people with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) who underwent epilepsy surgery and had no previous clinical memory impairments. One in four with right HS (RHS) and one in five with left HS (LHS) in our sample of 323 people with unilateral HS performed within normal limits on memory tests that are sensitive to hippocampal pathology in group studies. People with intact memory function prior to surgery were significantly younger and had higher IQs than those with memory impairments. The majority of those with intact memory functions prior to surgery had significant postoperative declines on the memory measures at the 1‐year follow‐up and no longer functioned within the average range. People with RHS and left LHS were equally at risk of a postoperative decline. Postoperative deterioration was not related to seizure outcome. A higher IQ appears to protect against postoperative memory decline in this group. This finding does not support the notion that intact memory function in people with unilateral HS represents a migration of memory function to the contralateral structures, and thus protection from surgical insult. People with good preoperative memory function in the context of unilateral HS should therefore be counseled regarding the likelihood of a significant postoperative decline in memory function following a temporal lobe resection.
Validation of aChinese version of the Quality of Well‐Being Scale–Self‐Administered (QWB‐SA) in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Gao Lan , Xia Li , Pan Song‐Qing , Xiong Tao , Li Shu‐Chuen
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Generic preference‐basedhealth‐relatedquality oflife (HRQoL) instruments are increasingly used to estimate thequality‐adjustedlifeyears (QALYs) in cost‐effectiveness/utility studies. However, no such tool has been used and validated in epilepsy patients inChina. This study was conducted to validate a generic preference‐basedHRQoLinstrument, namely theQuality ofWell‐Being Scale–Self‐Administered (QWB‐SA) inChinese patients with epilepsy.

Methods

Accepted translation procedures were followed to develop theChineseQWB‐SA. An epilepsy group (adults with established diagnosis of epilepsy) and a control group (adults without manifested cognitive problems) were recruited between July and October, 2012, from two tertiary hospitals inChina. After giving informed consent, each subject completed both theQWB‐SAand theEuroQol (EQ‐5D) as well as provided sociodemographic data. Construct validity was examined by six (convergent) and two (discriminative) a priori hypotheses. Sensitivity was compared by ability to differentiate epilepsy‐specific variable‐based subgroups. Agreement between theQWB‐SAandEQ‐5Dwas assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) andBland‐Altman plot.

Key Findings

One hundred forty‐four epilepsy patients and 323 control subjects were enrolled, respectively. The utility medians (interquartile range,IQR) for theQWB‐SAandEQ‐5Dwere 0.673 (0.172), 0.848 (0.275) for epilepsy group and 0.775 (0.258), 1.000 (0.152) for control group, respectively. The difference in utilities between the two measures were significant (p < 0.0001). Construct validity was demonstrated by six a priori hypotheses. In addition, theQWB‐SAwas able to discriminate across different seizure frequency and antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment subgroups. Agreement between theQWB‐SAandEQ‐5Dwas demonstrated byICC(0.725). Finally, the multiple linear regression analysis indicated that group and theEQ‐VAShad influences on the utility difference of these two measures, whereas seizure frequency and number ofAEDs were predictors ofHRQoLas measured by theQWB‐SA.

Significance

TheQWB‐SAis a valid and sensitiveHRQoLmeasure inChinese patients with epilepsy. Compared to theEQ‐5D, theQWB‐SAshowed superiority in coverage of health dimensions, sensitivity, and ceiling effects. However, future study is still needed to ascertain its responsiveness.
What do we know about Private Family Firms? A Meta–Analytical Review
Authors: Carney Michael , Van Essen Marc , Gedajlovic Eric R. , Heugens Pursey P.M.A.R.
Published: July 2013

The universe of family firms is heterogeneous, and findings gleaned from publicly listed firms may not apply to the ubiquitous, but less frequently studied, privately held family firm (PFF). As PFFs are insulated from capital market pressures, owner–managers have greater latitude in setting strategic goals, which may result in different strategic choices and performance outcomes. By employing meta–analytical techniques on 48 studies conducted in nine countries, we synthesize prior PFF research. We show that PFFs prefer more conservative strategies, but contrary to received wisdom, this risk aversion does not hurt their performance. We conclude with an agenda for future research.
“Bouncing Back” from a Loss: Entrepreneurial Orientation, Emotions, and Failure Narratives
Authors: Wolfe Marcus T. , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: July 2013

In this study, we explore how failure in the form of the first lost game of the college football season for a team influences specific content within the narratives constructed regarding that loss and how those narratives are associated with subsequent performance. Building on theoretical perspectives regarding sports management, entrepreneurial orientation (EO), emotions, and the use of narratives for sensemaking, we develop and test an EO–related sports management model of failure narratives. Using computer–aided text analysis of transcripts from head coaches’ press conferences directly following their team's first loss of the season as well as regression analysis, we found that the narrative's EO content has a U–shaped relationship with subsequent (i.e., next game) performance. Additionally, negative emotional content had a similar U–shaped relationship with subsequent performance. Finally, positive emotional content exhibited an inverse U–shaped relationship with subsequent performance. We discuss the implications of these results on the literatures regarding EO, emotions, and sports management as well as possible avenues for future research.
Global characterization of signalling networks associated with tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Browne Brigid C. , Hochgräfe Falko , Wu Jianmin , Millar Ewan K. A. , Barraclough Jane , Stone Andrew , McCloy Rachael A. , Lee Christine S. , Roberts Caroline , Ali Naveid A. , Boulghourjian Alice , Schmich Fabian , Linding Rune , Farrow Lynn , Gee Julia M. W. , Nicholson Robert I. , O'Toole Sandra A. , Sutherland Robert L. , Musgrove Elizabeth A. , Butt Alison J. , Daly Roger J.
Published: July 2013

Acquired resistance to the anti‐estrogen tamoxifen remains a significant challenge in breast cancer management. In this study, we used an integrative approach to characterize global protein expression and tyrosine phosphorylation events in tamoxifen‐resistant MCF7 breast cancer cells (TamR) compared with parental controls. Quantitative mass spectrometry and computational approaches were combined to identify perturbed signalling networks, and candidate regulatory proteins were functionally interrogated by siRNA‐mediated knockdown. Network analysis revealed that cellular metabolism was perturbed in TamR cells, together with pathways enriched for proteins associated with growth factor, cell–cell and cell matrix‐initiated signalling. Consistent with known roles for Ras/MAPK and PI3‐kinase signalling in tamoxifen resistance, tyrosine‐phosphorylated MAPK1, SHC1 and PIK3R2 were elevated in TamR cells. Phosphorylation of the tyrosine kinase Yes and expression of the actin‐binding protein myristoylated alanine‐rich C‐kinase substrate (MARCKS) were increased two‐ and eightfold in TamR cells respectively, and these proteins were selected for further analysis. Knockdown of either protein in TamR cells had no effect on anti‐estrogen sensitivity, but significantly decreased cell motility. MARCKS expression was significantly higher in breast cancer cell lines than normal mammary epithelial cells and in ER‐negative versus ER‐positive breast cancer cell lines. In primary breast cancers, cytoplasmic MARCKS staining was significantly higher in basal‐like and HER2 cancers than in luminal cancers, and was independently predictive of poor survival in multivariate analyses of the whole cohort (P < 0.0001) and in ER‐positive patients (P = 0.0005). These findings provide network‐level insights into the molecular alterations associated with the tamoxifen‐resistant phenotype, and identify MARCKS as a potential biomarker of therapeutic responsiveness that may assist in stratification of patients for optimal therapy.
Theory of Critical Distances versus Gradient Mechanics in modelling the transition from the short to long crack regime at the fatigue limit
Authors: Susmel L. , Askes H. , Bennett T. , Taylor D.
Published: July 2013

Examination of the state of the art shows that over the last three decades, much work has been carried out to formalise specific methods suitable for accurately modelling the transition from the short to long crack regime, the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) offering a suitable alternative to those methods based on the linear elastic fracture mechanics concepts. The TCD takes as a starting point the assumption that the propagation of fatigue cracks occurs when an effective stress range, depending on a material characteristic length, exceeds the material plain fatigue limit. Adopting a similar philosophy, gradient mechanics (GM) postulates that the relevant linear elastic stress fields can be determined by directly incorporating the material length scale into the stress analysis itself. The most remarkable feature of GM is that singular stress fields are smoothened. Thus, a finite value of the crack tip stress is obtained even if the constitutive law is linear elastic. In the present investigation then, after establishing an explicit theoretical link between the material intrinsic lengths calculated according to the TCD and GM, respectively, it is shown, through numerous experimental results taken from the literature, that the smoothened linear elastic crack tip stresses are successful in modelling the transition from the short to long crack region.
A large QTL for fear and anxiety mapped using an F2 cross can be dissected into multiple smaller QTLs
Authors: Parker C. C. , Sokoloff G. , Leung E. , Kirkpatrick S. L. , Palmer A. A.
Published: July 2013

Using chromosome substitution strains (CSS), we previously identified a large quantitative trait locus (QTL) for conditioned fear (CF) on mouse chromosome 10. Here, we used an F2 cross between CSS‐10 and C57BL/6J (B6) to localize that QTL to distal chromosome 10. That QTL accounted for all the difference between CSS‐10 and B6. We then produced congenic strains to fine‐map that interval. We identified two congenic strains that captured some or all the QTL. The larger congenic strain (Line 1: 122.387121–129.068 Mb; build 37) appeared to account for all the difference between CSS‐10 and B6. The smaller congenic strain (Line 2: 127.277–129.068 Mb) was intermediate between CSS‐10 and B6. We used haplotype mapping followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction to identify one gene that was differentially expressed in both lines relative to B6 (Rnf41) and one that was differentially expressed between only Line 1 and B6 (Shmt2). These cis‐eQTLs may cause the behavioral QTLs; however, further studies are required to validate these candidate genes. More generally, our observation that a large QTL mapped using CSS and F2 crosses can be dissected into multiple smaller QTLs shows a weaknesses of two‐stage approaches that seek to use coarse mapping to identify large regions followed by fine‐mapping. Indeed, additional dissection of these congenic strains might result in further subdivision of these QTL regions. Despite these limitations, we have successfully fine‐mapped two QTLs to small regions and identified putative candidate genes, showing that the congenic approach can be effective for fine‐mapping QTLs.
Influence of boron in organic red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) seed production
Authors: Stoltz E. , Wallenhammar A‐C.
Published: July 2013

The effect of boron (B) on flower development, nectar production, seed yield and germination in organic red clover was investigated in soils with <1 mg B kg−1. Different techniques for application of a liquid B product were studied in four field experiments in 2009–2011. The treatments were as follows: control (no B); three rates of B application to the soil at sowing; and three rates of B as foliar application in the harvest year. The effects of B application varied between the fields and included increased seed yield, seed weight of fifty inflorescences (IFs), number of florets IF−1 and nectar volume IF−1. The greatest effects on seed yield were found in treatments with low B rates. Boron application increased seed B concentration in only one experiment and had no effect on shoot B concentration. The percentage of seeds with normal germination increased with increasing seed B concentration (R2 = 0·73). Seed weight of fifty IFs and number of IFs m−2 increased with increasing shoot B concentration. Boron is therefore an important element for red clover seed production. Further knowledge on improving the B uptake of red clover plants is required to improve seed yield and quality.
Erythrocyte folate status and serum iron levels in patients undergoing hemodialysis
Authors: Palabiyik Saziye Sezin , Baydar Terken , Cetinkaya Ramazan , Dolgun Anil Barak , Sahin Gönül
Published: July 2013

The present study was aimed to evaluate erythrocyte folate and the iron levels in diabetes and hypertension patients treated with/without hemodialysis. The effects of erythropoietin and iron treatment as well as vitamin supplementation on measured parameters were considered. The 67 controls consisted of healthy subjects (n = 22), hypertensive subjects (n = 22), and diabetic subjects (n = 23) without any renal disorder. According to primary renal disorders, the patients undergoing hemodialysis (n = 68) were classified into four groups as diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, reflux nephropathy or interstitial nephritis, and renal insufficiency depending on other causative factors. The mean value of erythrocyte folate levels of all patients undergoing hemodialysis was higher than the healthy control group (P < 0.05). Erythrocyte folate levels in hypertensive and diabetic nephropathy patients were higher than their own hypertensive or diabetic controls and also healthy controls (both, P < 0.05). Serum iron levels of all subgroups in hemodialysis patients were found to be similar with healthy controls (all, P > 0.05). The only significance observed within the subgroups was between diabetic controls and diabetic nephropathy patients (P < 0.05). None of the treatment or supplementation of erythropoietin, iron and vitamin affected erythrocyte folate levels (all, P > 0.05). The increase in erythrocyte folate status of patients with end stage renal diseases might be the result of sum or individual effects of causative factors such as renal pathology, compensation mechanism against renal anemia, or routine folate supplementation.
Learning experiences of oral hygiene students in the clinical environment
Authors: Gordon NA
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To determine how students used daily and term‐based clinical assessment tools, students' experience of clinical teaching and clinical assessment.

Methods

This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study. The study population included final‐year Degree in Oral Health (BOH) students (n = 34). Data were collected by means of a self‐administered questionnaire using open‐ and closed‐ended questions.

Results

The response rate was 85% (n = 29). Respondents reported that term‐based assessment tools were more useful than daily assessment tools in preparing for clinical sessions, in guiding their patient management and as a reflection of their competence. Factors influencing student experiences include authentic learning opportunities such as performing a variety of procedures, patient appreciation and positive reinforcement from supervisors; consistent and appropriate feedback on their performance, feedback in the presence of a patient; supervisor qualities of being patient, respectful, non‐threatening and being positive role models; and organizational aspects such as punctuality and availability of supervisors. Inconsistencies were found in student experiences in terms of the quality of feedback received. Assessment experiences include inconsistency between supervisors and not being informed of assessment scores. Regular verbal feedback or being appraised of their assessment scores was reported more frequently for term‐based assessment (77%) than for daily assessment (27%).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that a blueprint defining assessment as a means to drive student learning is inadequate. A more comprehensive approach encompassing all the parameters that impact the learning process may be more useful.
The effect of flow rate and agitation technique on irrigant extrusion ex vivo
Authors: Boutsioukis C. , Psimma Z. , Kastrinakis E.
Published: July 2013

Aim

To evaluate (i) the effect of irrigant flow rate, needle type, needle insertion depth and apical constriction diameter and (ii) the effect of ultrasonic, sonic and manual dynamic agitation on irrigant extrusion using a recently introduced method.

Methodology

Thirty‐two human teeth with a straight root canal were prepared to size 35, 0.06 taper and assigned to group A or B. The apical constriction diameter was 0.15–0.25 mm. Specimens were mounted on a plastic vial filled with distilled water to simulate a periapical lesion. A point‐conductivity probe was used to determine the volume of irrigant extruded into the vial. Within group A, NaOCl was delivered at 0.14 or 0.26 mL s−1 by an open‐ended or a closed‐ended needle at 1 or 3 mm short of working length (WL). In group B, NaOCl was agitated at high or low power either by an ultrasonically or sonically oscillating instrument inserted at 1 or 3 mm short of WL or by manual push–pull strokes of a gutta‐percha cone. Results were analysed by repeated‐measures anovas, at 0.05 significance.

Results

An increase in the flow rate resulted in increased extrusion (P < 0.001). The open‐ended needle extruded significantly more irrigant than the closed‐ended (P < 0.001). Extrusion decreased as needles moved away from WL (P < 0.001). The effect of apical constriction diameter was not significant (P > 0.454). Manual dynamic agitation extruded significantly more irrigant than sonic and ultrasonic agitation (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Irrigant flow rate, needle type and insertion depth and agitation technique had a significant effect on extrusion.
Connecting the linguist to industry and public institutions
Authors: Janicki Karol
Published: July 2013

This study aimed at disclosing language‐related problems lay people may have in a selection of professional contexts. The study also measured the level of concern over these problems and inquired about solutions to them. Eleven Norwegian companies/institutions participated in the study. This study has used ‘structured interview’ as the method. Interviews with two representatives of the management and two lower level employees of the same company have been conducted. The main finding was that understanding customers and colleagues (and being understood by them) was the main problem for most of the institutions. The study intends to strengthen the connection between what professional linguists do and what the lay language user feels we should do to solve real‐life language problems.
Is cooking dead? The state of Home Economics Food and Nutrition education in a Canadian province
Authors: Slater Joyce
Published: July 2013

High population rates of obesity and nutrition‐related chronic diseases warrant an examination of the role of food and nutrition education in health promotion. Using a mixed‐methods approach, this study explored student enrolment trends in, and perceptions of, Home Economics Food and Nutrition education in a Canadian province. Enrolment in Home Economics Food and Nutrition courses for grades 7–12 was examined from 2000 to 2010 using administrative data. Perceptions of Home Economics Food and Nutrition education by home economics teachers and superintendents were investigated through in‐depth interviews using a grounded theory approach. Results revealed that, although enrolment, including boys, increased slightly over the study period, the majority of children do not take Home Economics Food and Nutrition classes. Further, enrolment decreased significantly from grades 7 (45.77%) to 12 (7.61%). Home Economics Food and Nutrition education faces significant challenges to its future viability. These include: many school administrators, non‐home economics teachers and some parents do not value Home Economics Food and Nutrition education; Home Economics Food and Nutrition education is seen as less valuable than math and science for future career planning; outdated curriculum and teaching infrastructure; reduced numbers of new home economics teachers; decreasing student food knowledge and skills; and changing social norms regarding food and eating (increased use of convenience foods across population groups, a youth ‘fast food culture’ and fewer family meals). Results also indicated that Home Economics Food and Nutrition education is seen as critically important for youth, given that one third of Canadian children are now overweight or obese, fast and highly processed foods make up an increasing proportion of Canadians' diets, and there are increasing dilemmas being faced with food production and food safety. These results signal a growing tension between societal trends towards technological solutions in education and everyday living, and the growing acknowledgement of the externalities associated with these trends including poor health and environmental impacts. Consequently, evidence‐based food and nutrition education that is relevant for today's food environment and busy lifestyles is warranted to improve the health of current and future generations. This should be based on a comprehensive food and nutrition framework including functional, interactive and critical ‘food literacy’. Policy measures are urgently required to ensure all youth have access to food literacy education.
Physicochemical and antioxidative properties of Korean nanopowdered white ginseng
Authors: Lee Su‐Bin , Yoo Sanghun , Ganesan Palanivel , Kwak Hae‐Soo
Published: July 2013

This study was carried out to investigate physicochemical and antioxidative properties of Korean nano white ginseng powder. The particle size of nanopowdered ginseng (NPG) was in the range from 600 to 1000 nm which was significantly smaller than the regular powdered ginseng (PG) which was in the range from 300 to 500 μm. Carbohydrate content was found to be significantly higher in NPG than PG (P < 0.05). Higher L value of NPG was mostly due to the higher light‐scattering effect of bright ginseng powder. In oil‐holding capacity, NPG was significantly higher than PG (P < 0.05). Total polyphenol content was not significantly different between NPG and PG, and it was in the range of 52.5% (P > 0.05). However, DPPH and ABTS studies showed that NPG has higher antioxidative properties than PG. In overall, NPG showed much higher antioxidative properties compared with PG. Thus, NPG enhances the functional value of Korean white ginseng powder.
Effect of simulated gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of cooked cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) varieties
Authors: Hachibamba Twambo , Dykes Linda , Awika Joseph , Minnaar Amanda , Duodu Kwaku G.
Published: July 2013

Consumption of diets rich in phenolic compounds has been associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases. The effect of cooking and simulated gastrointestinal digestion on phenolic compounds and antioxidant properties of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) types was determined. Phenolic acids, flavan‐3‐ols and flavonols were the main groups of phenolic compounds identified. Cooking and simulated enzyme digestion of the cooked cowpea samples rendered some phenolics less extractable (possibly by promoting binding with other food components) or more extractable (possibly by release of bound forms). Total phenolic contents and radical scavenging properties of the cowpeas were reduced upon cooking, but increased upon simulated enzyme digestion. Cowpea extracts inhibited human LDL oxidation at a concentration of 2 mg mL−1 possibly due to their phenolic content. Phenolic compounds in cowpea can potentially protect against cardiovascular diseases for which LDL oxidation is a risk factor.
Contributions of phenolics and added vitamin C to the antioxidant capacity of pomegranate and grape juices: synergism and antagonism among constituents
Authors: Bolling Bradley W. , Chen Ya‐Yen , Chen C‐Y. Oliver
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of sugar, organic acid, neutral phenol, and anthocyanin fractions and added ascorbic acid to grape and pomegranate‐nectarine juice total phenol, oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) values. Neutral phenol and anthocyanin fractions contributed ≥75% of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) for both juices. Intrinsic synergy and antagonism among the fractionated constituents occurred inconsistently in each assay. Sugars and organic acids antagonised pomegranate juice neutral phenols and anthocyanins in the DPPH assay by 50% and the grape juice ORAC value by 21%, but were synergistic to the grape juice FRAP value. The added ascorbic acid was dose‐dependently synergistic with pomegranate and grape juice total phenol, DPPH and FRAP assays, but less so in the ORAC assay. Thus, the interactions between grape and pomegranate juice constituents determine TAC and total phenol values, and synergy in these assays could not be attributed solely to polyphenols.
Grape seed removal: effect on phenolics, chromatic and organoleptic characteristics of red wine
Authors: Bautista‐Ortín Ana B. , Busse‐Valverde Naiara , López‐Roca Jose M. , Gil‐Muñoz Rocío , Gómez‐Plaza Encarna
Published: July 2013

Winemakers are interested in wines with low bitterness and astringency, and therefore, there is a preference for a higher presence of skin proanthocyanidins in wines. However, the information regarding the effect of reducing or eliminating seed proanthocyanidins from the must or fermenting wine on the characteristics of finished wines is scarce. For this reason, we elaborated a wine using Monastrell grapes from which the seeds had been removed and compared it with a control wine (CW) made from intact grapes. The anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin concentration and profile, and the chromatic and sensory characteristics were studied. The absence of seed proanthocyanidins did not affect anthocyanin concentration, although the proanthocyanidin concentration was 40% lower than in the CW. The copigmentation (CA) study showed that both wines had a similar extent of CA phenomena although colour intensity was higher when seed proanthocyanidins were present. The panellist evaluated the wines elaborated without seeds as being fruitier, less astringent and with an overall higher quality.
Molecular approaches to transfusion medicine in Polynesians and Maori in New Zealand
Authors: Edinur H. A. , Dunn P. P. J. , Lea R. A. , Chambers G. K.
Published: July 2013

In recent years, with the application of genotyping technology, there has been a substantial increase in the number of reported blood group alleles. This survey was designed to evaluate new molecular blood group genotyping methods and compile reference blood group data sets for Polynesian and Maori subjects. Subsequent analyses of these results were used to calculate probability of random match, to trace Polynesian ancestry and migration patterns and to reveal past and present episodes of genetic admixture. Genomic DNA samples from Maori and Polynesian subjects were drawn from the Victoria University of Wellington DNA Bank and genotyped using combination of commercial PCR‐SSP kits, hybridization SNP assay services or sequence‐based typing. This survey also involves compilation of serological ABO and Rhesus blood group data from RakaiPaaka Iwi tribal members for comparison with those generated during our molecular blood group study. We observed perfect consistency between results obtained from all molecular methods for blood group genotyping. The A, O, DCcEe, DCCee, MNs, K−k+, Jk(a+b−), Jk(a+b+), Fy(a+b−), Fy(a+b+), Di(a+b−), Co(a+b−) and Do(a−b+) were predominant blood group phenotypes in both Polynesians and Maori. Overall, our survey data show only small differences in distributions of blood group phenotypes between Polynesian and Maori groups and their subgroups. These differences might be associated with selection, population history and gene flow from Europeans. In each case, we estimate that patients with certain blood groups have a very low probability of an exact phenotypic match, even if the patients were randomly transfused with blood from donors of their own ethnicity. The best way to avoid haemolytic transfusion reaction in such cases is to perform a pretransfusion cross‐match and recruit increased numbers of donors with rare phenotype profiles. The conclusion of this study is that application of molecular method covering as many known variants as possible may help to improve the accuracy blood group genotyping and potentially conserve the routine requirements of transfusion centres.
HLA class III genes involvement in Kawasaki disease: a case–control study in Caucasian population
Authors: Maggioli Elisa , Boiocchi Chiara , Zorzetto Michele , Mannarino Savina , Bossi Grazia , Cuccia Mariaclara
Published: July 2013

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, multisystemic, febrile vasculitis of unknown aetiology, which affects young children mainly under 5 years of age. The clinical variability has until now prevented to decrypt KD aetiological factors. Recently, the importance of genetics and the pivotal role of the immune system have emerged. To investigate in this direction, genomic DNA from 74 Caucasian KD cases and 440 healthy controls has been analysed to characterize functional polymorphisms of relevant HLA class III genes: AGER ‐429 and ‐374, TNF ‐857, ‐308 and ‐238, HSPA1A +190, HSPA1B +1267 and HSPA1L +2437. Allele, genotype and haplotype frequencies were therefore compared with the chi‐squared test and Fisher's exact test. Our data showed significant deviations between patients with Kawasaki disease and controls concerning the TNF ‐308 polymorphism genotype (GG: P = 0.0449) and allele (G,A: P = 0.0433) and ‐238 polymorphism genotype frequencies (AA: P = 0.0351). Moreover, we found differences concerning the HSPA1A +190 polymorphism (GC: P = 0.0317) and the HSPA1L +2437 polymorphism (TT: P = 0.0072; TC: P = 0.0250; T: P = 0.0037; C: P = 0.0037). The calculation of TNF ‐238 and HSPA1L haplotype frequencies also pointed out a statistically significant decrease in patients of CG haplotype (P = 0.0001), which could have a role in protecting from the inflammatory processes that characterize the disease progression. The results obtained point to a possible involvement of the entire HLA class III region in KD susceptibility.
Health and well‐being among physicians
Authors: Alsuwaida A. , AlSharidi A. , AlAnazi N. , AlGhamdi M. , AlMeshal M. , AlJaser R. , AlAnazi R. , Alkhalaf A.
Published: July 2013

Background and Aim

Physicians' attitudes towards disease prevention are crucial. The purposes of this study are to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and adherence to international preventive screening programmes by a group of physicians.

Methods

Online and paper format questionnaires were completed by a sample of 650 physicians from November 2010 to March 2011. The collected data included the main components of screening programmes, which are recommended in international guidelines.

Results

The data show that 30.5% of male physicians currently smoke, 19.4 % are obese, 15.2% have hypertension, 38% are physically inactive and 10.9% have diabetes. Nearly all (95%) of the female participants and most (83%) of the male participants older than 45 years had never had a colonoscopy. Of the male physicians older than 55 years, 36.4% had never had prostate‐specific antigen testing, and only 10.9% had undergone a digital rectal examination. Among the female physicians, 27.4% were obese, and 42% had never had a mammogram.

Conclusion

The prevalence of behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular disease is high among physicians. A substantial percentage of the practising physicians did not adhere to the age‐specified preventive screening measures recommended in international guidelines.
Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws and its relevance to children – a review
Authors: Christou Joanna , Johnson Adele R. , Hodgson Tim A.
Published: July 2013

Bisphosphonate‐related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) has been detailed extensively in adults, but to date, there have been no similar cases in children. Members of the dental team may treat children prescribed bisphosphonate therapy often for management of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). There is uncertainty as to how best treat this patient group. This review explores the background of bisphosphonates, indications for their prescription in children, adverse effects with special emphasis on BRONJ, and protocols available to guide dental management.
The dermatological consequences of obesity
Authors: Tobin Anne‐Marie , Ahern Tomas , Rogers Sarah , Collins Paul , O’Shea Donal , Kirby Brian
Published: July 2013

Obesity is emerging as a global epidemic with at least 300 million people thought to be obese worldwide. This has implications for health professionals including dermatologists. Recent interest has focused on the role of obesity in psoriasis, but obesity is implicated in many dermatoses. Perhaps most worrying is emerging data which suggest that obesity may constitute a risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Its rising incidence ensures that obesity‐related skin disease will represent an increasing proportion of dermatologists’ work load. In this article, we review dermatoses associated with obesity and review the epidemiology and treatment for obesity.