bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the Sensory Characteristics of Mango Cultivars during the Production of Mango Purée and Sorbet
Authors: Ledeker Christie N. , Chambers Delores H. , Chambers IV Edgar , Adhikari Koushik
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The effects of processing on the flavor and texture properties of 4 mango cultivars available in the U.S. were studied. Descriptive panelists evaluated fresh mango, mango purée, and mango sorbet prepared from each cultivar. Purées were made by pulverizing mango flesh, passing it through a china cap, and heating it to 85 °C for 15 s. To prepare the sorbets, purées were diluted with water (1:1), sucrose was added to increase the total soluble solids (TSS) to 32 ± 2 °Brix, and bases were frozen in a batch‐type ice cream freezer. Processing fresh mangoes into mango purée generally decreased fruity character and mango identity and led to the appearance of a cooked note. Many of the flavor distinctions among cultivars carried over from fresh to purée samples, but much of the texture variation was lost. Thermal processing had differing effects on the flavor of the cultivars, and therefore, results suggest that mango cultivars for purées should be selected based on properties after thermal treatment. Processing purées into sorbets minimized flavor variation among cultivars, although Tommy Atkins sorbet was relatively high in green and green‐viney character and low in caramelized flavor compared to the other cultivars in sorbet. Based on the current study only very distinct flavor properties of mango cultivars may carry over to sorbets.

Practical Application:  Findings from the present study will help mango purée and sorbet manufacturers select appropriate cultivars for their products by understanding the transformation that mango undergoes as it is processed into mango purée and subsequently to mango sorbet.
Threshold Detection of Boar Taint Chemicals Using Parasitic Wasps
Authors: Olson Dawn , Wäckers Felix , Haugen John‐Erik
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Surgical castration has been long used to prevent consumers from experiencing taint in meat from male pigs, which is a large problem in the pig husbandry industry. Due to obvious animal welfare issues, the EU now wants an alternative for castration, suggesting an urgent need for novel methods of boar taint detection. As boar taint is only a problem when taint chemicals exceed a well‐defined threshold, detection methods should be concentration‐specific. The wasp, Microplitis croceipes’ ability to learn and respond to particular concentrations of the boar taint compounds, skatole, androstenone, and indole was tested. Also tested was the wasps’ ability to discriminate between known concentrations of indole, skatole, and androstenone in real boar fat samples at room temperature. Wasps were trained using associative learning by providing food‐deprived wasps with sucrose–water in the presence of specific odor concentrations. Trained wasps’ responses were tested to a range of concentrations of 3 compounds. Wasps showed unidirectional generalization of learned concentration responses, whereby the direction of concentration generalization was shown to be chemical‐dependent. Through both positive (sucrose) and negative feeding experiences (water only) with varying compound concentrations, the wasps can also be conditioned to respond to concentrations exceeding a defined threshold, and they were successful in reporting low, medium, and high concentrations of indole, skatole, and androstenone in boar fat at room temperature. The need for threshold detection rather than simple detection of absence/presence applies to many food quality issues, including the detection of spoilage or pest damage in crops or stored foods.

Practical Application:  An inexpensive and reliable means of detecting boar tainted pork at slaughter to avoid tainted meat on the market and dissatisfied consumers.
The Sweetness Concentration‐Response of R,R‐Monatin, a Naturally Occurring High‐Potency Sweetener
Authors: Fry John C. , Yurttas Nese , Biermann Kari L. , Lindley Michael G. , Goulson Melanie J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Monatin, known by the common and usual name arruva, is a zero‐calorie, high‐potency sweetener naturally occurring in the plant Sclerochiton ilicifolius A.Meeuse. The sweetness concentration‐response (C‐R) behavior of the most potent isomer (R,R‐) in room‐temperature (21 °C) water was determined using two‐alternative forced choice discrimination tests with a minimum of 69 tasters. Results were processed by a method previously published to obtain isosweet concentrations of sucrose for 8 monatin concentrations up to 240 mg/L. These were used to construct a C‐R plot. The equation for the resultant hyperbolic curve relating sucrose equivalent (SE,%) to monatin concentration ([monatin], mg/L) was SE = 26.7 ×[monatin]/(69.6 +[monatin]). R,R‐monatin has a potency above 3000 at 5% sucrose equivalent, making it one of the most potently sweet naturally occurring substances known.

Practical Application:  Monatin is a naturally occurring, zero‐calorie, high‐potency sweetener. We have measured the sweetness of monatin over a range of concentrations. This information will help developers of zero‐, low‐ and reduced‐calorie products formulate with monatin.
Analysis of Phenolic Composition of Noble Muscadine (Vitis rotundifolia) by HPLC‐MS and the Relationship to Its Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: You Qi , Chen Feng , Wang Xi , Sharp Julia L. , You Yuru
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Phenolic compounds and anthocyanins in muscadines have attracted much attention due to their diverse biological activities. With bioassays of antioxidant activities in terms of total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), total procyanidin content (TPA), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of different parts of the Noble muscadine, the butanol (BuOH) extract of the muscadine skin showed the highest TPC (317.91 ± 1.83 mg GAE/100 g FW), which might be ascribed to its high TAC of 227.06 ± 1.29 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW). The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract of the muscadine seed contained the highest TPA (55.30 ± 0.63 mg CE/100 g FW). Correlation analyses demonstrated a significant linear relationship of TPC and TAC compared to their ORAC and FRAP values within the range of R2 from 0.9283 to 0.9936, which suggested that phenolics and anthocyanins in the extracts contributed significantly to their antioxidant potential. Nineteen individual phenolics and 5 anthocyanins were identified by HPLC‐MS, which indicated different chemical profiles of anthocyanins and other phenolics in the muscadine extracts.

Practical Application:  The paper has provided rich information of bioactive phytochemical profiles in different solvent extracts and their correlation with the antioxidant activity in the muscadine that is a very special regional fruit in U.S. Its high content of phenolic compounds demonstrates that muscadine could be beneficial to human health.
Rejection Thresholds in Solid Chocolate‐Flavored Compound Coating
Authors: Harwood Meriel L. , Ziegler Gregory R. , Hayes John E.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Classical detection thresholds do not predict liking, as they focus on the presence or absence of a sensation. Recently however, Prescott and colleagues described a new method, the rejection threshold, where a series of forced choice preference tasks are used to generate a dose‐response function to determine hedonically acceptable concentrations. That is, how much is too much? To date, this approach has been used exclusively in liquid foods. Here, we determined group rejection thresholds in solid chocolate‐flavored compound coating for bitterness. The influences of self‐identified preferences for milk or dark chocolate, as well as eating style (chewers compared to melters) on rejection thresholds were investigated. Stimuli included milk chocolate‐flavored compound coating spiked with increasing amounts of sucrose octaacetate, a bitter and generally recognized as safe additive. Paired preference tests (blank compared to spike) were used to determine the proportion of the group that preferred the blank. Across pairs, spiked samples were presented in ascending concentration. We were able to quantify and compare differences between 2 self‐identified market segments. The rejection threshold for the dark chocolate preferring group was significantly higher than the milk chocolate preferring group (P= 0.01). Conversely, eating style did not affect group rejection thresholds (P= 0.14), although this may reflect the amount of chocolate given to participants. Additionally, there was no association between chocolate preference and eating style (P= 0.36). Present work supports the contention that this method can be used to examine preferences within specific market segments and potentially individual differences as they relate to ingestive behavior.

Practical Application:  This work makes use of the rejection threshold method to study market segmentation, extending its use to solid foods. We believe this method has broad applicability to the sensory specialist and product developer by providing a process to identify how much is too much when formulating products, even in the context of specific market segments. We illustrate this in solid chocolate‐flavored compound coating, identifying substantial differences in the amount of acceptable bitterness in those who prefer milk chocolate compared to dark chocolate. This method provides a direct means to answer the question of how much is too much.
Composition of Sugars, Organic Acids, and Total Phenolics in 25 Wild or Cultivated Berry Species
Authors: Mikulic‐Petkovsek Maja , Schmitzer Valentina , Slatnar Ana , Stampar Franci , Veberic Robert
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Sugars, organic acids, and total phenolic content in fruit of 25 wild and cultivated berry species were identified and quantified with high‐performance liquid chromatograph. The composition of sugars, organic acids, and total phenolic compounds in various species of Vaccinium, Rubus, Ribes, and Fragaria genus was evaluated. Additonally, total phenolics of less known berry species of the Morus, Amelanchier, Sorbus, Sambucus, Rosa, Lycium, Actinidia, and Aronia genus were determined in wild growing as well as in cultivated fruits. Significant differences in the concentration of sugars and organic acids were detected among the berry species. Glucose and fructose were the most abundant sugars in berry fruits and the major organic acids were malic and citric acid. However, in kiwi fruit, sucrose represented as much as 71.9% of total sugars. Sorbitol has been detected and quantified in chokeberry, rowanberry, and eastern shadbush fruit. The highest content of total analyzed sugars was determined in rowanberry fruit, followed by dog rose, eastern shadbush, hardy kiwifruit, American cranberry, chokeberry, and jostaberry fruit. Rowanberry stands out as the fruit with the highest content of total analyzed organic acids, followed by jostaberry, lingonberry, red gooseberry, hardy kiwifruit, and black currant. The berries of white gooseberry, black currant, red currant, and white currant had the lowest sugar/organic acid ratio and were thus perceptively the sourest species analyzed. On the other hand, the species with highest sugar/organic acid ratio were goji berry, eastern shadbush, black mulberry, and wild grown blackberry. The highest amounts of total phenols were quantified in chokeberry fruit. Wild strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry had 2‐ to 5‐fold more total phenolics compared to cultivated plants.

Practical Application:  The fruit of analyzed berry species contained different levels of sugars, organic acids, and total phenolics. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that wild grown species generally contain more phenolics than cultivated ones. This information is interesting for nutritionists as well as berry growers and breeders who can promote the cultivation of species and new cultivars with higher phenolic content.
Photoisomerization of trans‐2‐[4′‐(Dimethylamino)styryl]benzothiazole
Authors: Mishra Anasuya , Thangamani Arumugam , Chatterjee Soumya , Chipem Francis A. S. , Krishnamoorthy Govindarajan
Published: August 2012

Photoreaction of trans‐2‐[4′‐(dimethylamino)styryl]benzothiazole (t‐DMASBT) under direct irradiation has been investigated in dioxane, chloroform, methanol and glycerol to understand the mechanism of photoisomerization. Contrary to an earlier report, isomerization takes place in all these solvents including glycerol. The results show that restriction on photoisomerization leads to the increase in fluorescence quantum yield in glycerol. The results are consistent with the theoretically simulated potential energy surface reported earlier using time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. DFT calculations on cis isomers under isolated condition have suggested that cis‐B conformer is more stable than cis‐A conformer due to hydrogen‐bonding interaction. In the ground state, cis‐DMASBT is predominantly present as cis‐B. The fluorescence spectra of the irradiated t‐DMASBT suggested that photoisomerization follows not the adiabatic path as proposed by Saha et al., but the nonadiabatic path.
Concentration Dependence of Vitamin C in Combinations with Vitamin E and Zeaxanthin on Light‐Induced Toxicity to Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells
Authors: Różanowska Małgorzata , Bakker Linda , Boulton Michael E. , Różanowski Bartosz
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of increasing concentration of ascorbate alone and in combinations with α‐tocopherol and zeaxanthin on phototoxicity to the retinal pigment epithelium. ARPE‐19 cells were exposed to rose bengal and visible light in the presence and absence of antioxidants. Toxicity was quantified by an assay of cell‐reductive activity. A 20 min exposure to visible light and photosensitizer decreased cell viability to ca 42%. Lipophilic antioxidants increased viabilities to ca 70%, 61% and 75% for α‐tocopherol, zeaxanthin and their combination, respectively. Cell viabilities were ca 70%, 56% and 5% after exposures in the presence of 0.35, 0.7 and 1.4 mm ascorbate, respectively. A 45 min exposure increased cell death to ca 74% and >95% in the absence and presence of ascorbate, respectively. In the presence of ascorbate, zeaxanthin did not significantly affect phototoxicity. α‐Tocopherol and its combination with zeaxanthin enhanced protective effects of ascorbate, but did not prevent from ascorbate‐mediated deleterious effects. In conclusion, there is a narrow range of concentrations and exposure times where ascorbate exerts photoprotective effects, exceeding which leads to ascorbate‐mediated increase in photocytotoxicity. Vitamin E and its combination with zeaxanthin can enhance protective effects of ascorbate, but do not ameliorate its deleterious effects.
Photodynamic Effects of Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine‐Loaded Polymeric Micelles in Human Nasopharynx KB Carcinoma Cells
Authors: García Vior María C. , Marino Julieta , Roguin Leonor P. , Sosnik Alejandro , Awruch Josefina
Published: August 2012

A major difficulty in photodynamic therapy is the poor solubility of the photosensitizer (PS) under physiological conditions which correlates with low bioavailability. PS aggregation leads to a decrease in the photodynamic efficiency and a more limited activity in vitro and in vivo. To improve the aqueous solubility and reduce the aggregation of 2,9(10),16(17),23(24)‐tetrakis[(2‐dimethylamino)ethylsulfanyl]phthal‐ocyaninatozinc(II) (Pc9), the encapsulation into four poloxamine polymeric micelles (T304, T904, T1107 and T1307) displaying a broad spectrum of molecular weight and hydrophilic–lipophilic balance was investigated. The aqueous solubility of Pc9 was increased up to 30 times. Morphological evaluation showed the formation of Pc9‐loaded spherical micelles in the nanosize range. UV/Vis and fluorescence studies indicated that Pc9 is less aggregated upon encapsulation in comparison with Pc9 in water–DMSO 2% and remained photostable. Pc9‐loaded micelles generated singlet molecular oxygen in high yields. Photocytotoxicity assays using human nasopharynx KB carcinoma cells confirmed that the encapsulation of Pc9 in T1107 and T1307 increases its photocytotoxicity by 10 times in comparison with the free form in water–DMSO. In addition, Pc9 incorporated into cells was mainly localized in lysosomes.
Severity of Peripheral Arterial Disease is Associated With Aortic Pressure Augmentation and Subendocardial Viability Ratio
Authors: Mosimann Kathrin , Jacomella Vincenzo , Thalhammer Christoph , Meier Thomas O. , Kohler Malcolm , Amann‐Vesti Beatrice , Husmann Marc
Published: August 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 14:855–860. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality that correlates with peripheral perfusion impairment as assessed by the ankle‐brachial arterial pressure index (ABI). Furthermore, PAD is associated with arterial stiffness and elevated aortic augmentation index (AIx). The purpose of this study was to investigate whether ABI impairment correlates with AIx and subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR), a measure of cardiac perfusion during diastole. AIx and SEVR were assessed by radial applanation tonometry in 65 patients with stable PAD (Rutherford stage I–III) at a tertiary referral center. AIx corrected for heart rate and SEVR were tested in a multivariate linear and logistic regression model to determine the association with ABI. Mean ABI was 0.8±0.2, AIx 31%±7%, and SEVR 141%±26%. Multiple linear regression with AIx as a dependent variable revealed that AIx was significantly negatively associated with ABI (β=−11.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], −18.6 to −4.5; P=.002). Other variables that were associated with AIx were diastolic blood pressure (β=0.2; 95% CI, 0.1–0.4; P<.001), height (β=−46.2; 95% CI, −62.9 to −29.4; P<.001), body mass index (β=−0.4; 95% CI, −0.8 to −0.1; P=.023), and smoking (β=3.6; 95% CI, 0.6–6.6; P=.019). Multiple regression with SEVR as a dependent variable showed a significant correlation with ABI (β=33.2; 95% CI, 2.3–64.1; P=.036). Severity of lower limb perfusion impairment is related to central aortic pressure augmentation and to subendocardial viability ratio. This may be a potential pathophysiologic link that impacts cardiac prognosis in patients with PAD.
Screening for bipolar disorder in adolescents with the Mood Disorder Questionnaire – Adolescent version (MDQ‐A) and the Child Bipolar Questionnaire (CBQ)
Authors: Miguez Melissa , Weber Béatrice , Debbané Martin , Balanzin Dario , Gex‐Fabry Marianne , Raiola Fulvia , Barbe Rémy P. , Vital Bennour Marylène , Ansermet François , Eliez Stephan , Aubry Jean‐Michel
Published: August 2012

Aim

Screening instruments for bipolar disorders (BDs) in children and adolescents have been developed recently. The present study examined performances of the French versions of the Mood Disorder Questionnaire – Adolescent version (MDQ‐A) and Child Bipolar Questionnaire (CBQ) in a sample of in‐ and outpatients.

Methods

Seventy‐six adolescents (age 13–18) and parents first completed the MDQ‐A (adolescent and parent versions) and CBQ screening instruments. About 3 weeks later, they had a diagnostic interview with the Kiddie‐Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia – Present and Lifetime (K‐SADS‐PL), and the adolescent MDQ‐A self‐report was completed a second time.

Results

Eight of 76 patients (10.5%) met K‐SADS‐PL diagnostic criteria for BD. Test–retest reliability of the adolescent MDQ‐A self‐report was moderate (kappa = 0.66), whereas agreement between adolescent and parent reports was poor (kappa = 0.07). Sensitivity and specificity of the MDQ‐A with respect to K‐SADS‐PL were 75.0% and 57.4% for the adolescent version, and 87.5% and 63.2% for the parent version. Corresponding figures were 50.0% and 73.5% for the CBQ. All three screening instruments had low positive predictive values (17.1% for the MDQ‐A adolescent version; 21.9% for the MDQ‐A parent version; 18.2% for the CBQ), whereas negative predictive values were higher than 90%.

Conclusions

The present study points to modest performances of the MDQ‐A and CBQ to detect BDs in adolescents, with diagnostic criteria for BD being unmet for a majority of patients who screened positive.
Childhood trauma and premorbid adjustment among individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis and normal control subjects
Authors: Tikka Maria , Luutonen Sinikka , Ilonen Tuula , Tuominen Lauri , Kotimäki Mika , Hankala Juha , Salokangas Raimo K.R.
Published: August 2012

Aim

Traumatic childhood experiences are associated with psychotic illness and are frequently reported in patients at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. Moreover, deteriorating premorbid functioning from childhood, and through adolescence, is related to greater severity of overall symptomatology and poorer outcomes in patients with psychosis. We studied the prevalence of traumatic childhood experiences and premorbid adjustment and their association with each other in patients at CHR for psychosis and normal control subjects (NCSs).

Methods

A total of 20 CHR patients for psychosis and 30 NCSs aged 14 to 35 participated in the present study. The CHR patients were identified as prodromal to psychosis using the Structured Interview for Prodromal Syndromes/Scale of Prodromal Symptoms. Premorbid adjustment was assessed by using the premorbid adjustment scale (PAS), and self‐reported childhood trauma was assessed with the Trauma and Distress Scale (TADS).

Results

In CHR patients, TADS and PAS scores were higher than in NCSs. In CHR patients, TADS correlated significantly with the PAS general section and observably, but not significantly, with adolescence and adulthood sections.

Conclusion

CHR patients reported more childhood trauma experiences and poorer premorbid adjustment than NCSs. In CHR patients, traumatic childhood experiences are associated with poor general premorbid adjustment.
AlleleRetain: a program to assess management options for conserving allelic diversity in small, isolated populations
Authors: Weiser E. L. , Grueber C. E. , Jamieson I. G.
Published: August 2012

Preserving genetic health is an important aspect of species conservation. Allelic diversity is particularly important to conserve, as it provides capacity for adaptation and thus enables long‐term population viability. Allele retention is difficult to predict beyond one generation for real populations with complex demography and life‐history traits, so we developed a computer model to simulate allele retention in small populations. AlleleRetain is an individual‐based model implemented in r and can be applied to assess management options for conserving allelic diversity in small populations of animals with overlapping generations. AlleleRetain remedies the limitations of similar existing software, and its source code is freely available for further modification. AlleleRetain and its supporting materials can be downloaded from https://sites.google.com/site/alleleretain/ or CRAN (http://cran.r-project.org).
Parental Involvement, Pressure, and Support in Youth Sport: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Lindstrom Bremer Karin
Published: August 2012

The aim of this literature review is to describe and critique what is known about relations between parents and their athlete children in contemporary research. Athlete families are prevalent and in need of research based in family systems theory. I describe a typology of underinvolved, moderately involved, and overinvolved parents. I found themes of parental involvement, pressure, support, and family‐level issues. I conclude with suggestions for guiding research on sports parenting with family systems theory.
Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Contained within a Polyetheretherketone Cage with and without Plating for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Mobbs Ralph Jasper , Chau Anthony MT , Durmush Deniz
Published: August 2012

Objective

To evaluate the properties of a combination bone graft consisting of biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage in one‐ and two‐level surgery.

Methods

Over a 12‐month time period, a prospective single surgeon series of 75 patients were included in the study and 58 patients selected based on adequate data points. From these 58 patients, 32 were supplemented with anterior plate fixation and 26 patients without plating. Duration of clinical follow‐up was a mean of 12.4 months (range, 6–26 months) in the Plated Group and 10.5 months (range, 6–21 months) in the Non‐Plated Group.

Results

A 100% fusion rate with nil graft related complications was achieved in the Plated group compared with 96.2% fusion and 11.5% subsidence rates reported in the Non‐Plated group. Patients in both groups experienced statistically significant improvement in pain and functional outcomes compared to their pre‐operative status; however, there was no significant difference in outcome between the Plated and Non‐Plated Groups.

Conclusions

Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramic contained within a PEEK cage is an effective implant for use in anterior cervical surgery with high fusion rates and good clinical outcome.
Value of Bone Scan Imaging in Determining Painful Vertebrae of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Patients With Contraindications to MRI
Authors: Tang Zhi‐bing , Lei Zhang , Yang Hui‐lin , Chen Kang‐wu
Published: August 2012

Objective

To assess the value of bone scan imaging in determining painful vertebrae of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) patients with contraindications to MRI.

Methods

Twenty‐three OVCFs patients with contraindications to MRI, diagnosed and treated in our hospital between December 2007 and November 2010, were enrolled in this retrospective study. There were 18 females and five males, aged from 57 to 87 years, with a mean age of 69.5 years. All patients underwent X‐ray, CT scans examinations and bone scan to determine painful vertebrae. After the painful vertebra was defined, percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) was performed. Efficacy of PKP was assessed with visual analog (VAS) pain scale and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively, postoperatively and during final follow‐up assessments.

Results

The painful vertebrae shown on radiological films did not accord with those found based on bone scan imaging, with a high rate of incongruent findings (27.3%, 9/33). Radiological films showed 33 vertebrae with fractures, but only 26 vertebrae (22 patients) were selected as painful vertebrae for PKP based on bone scan imaging. There were statistically significant differences in mean VAS and ODI between the preoperative and the postoperative assessments; no significant differences were observed between postoperative and final follow‐up assessments.

Conclusions

For the OVCFs patients with contraindications to MRI, bone scan imaging could be used to determine painful vertebrae, which is an effective method.
Current Application of β‐tricalcium Phosphate Composites in Orthopaedics
Authors: Liu Bin , Lun Deng‐xing
Published: August 2012

Presently, bioceramic materials have been extensively used in spinal surgery as bone grafts; however, there are some limitations for bioceramic materials. Calcium sulfate is rapidly absorbed in vivo, the degradation of which often occurs prior to the formation of new bones. Hydroxyapatite (HA) is hardly absorbed, which blocks the formation of new bones and remodeling, and results in poor local stability or permanent stress concentration. Only β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) is relatively balanced between scaffold absorption and bone formation. And it is a good biodegradable ceramic material that could supply a large quantity of calcium ion and sulfate ion as well as scaffold structure for bone regeneration. However, the problem of single β‐TCP is lack of osteoinductivity and osteogenicity, which restricts its application. Therefore β‐TCP composite materials have been used in the field of orthopaedics in recent decades, which fully use excellent properties of other bone repairing materials, such as biodegradability, osteoinductivity, osteogenicity and osteoconductivity. These materials make up for the deficiencies of single β‐TCP and endow β‐TCP with more biological and physical properties.
Management of Neglected Elbow Dislocations in a Setting with Low Clinical Resources
Authors: Islam Md Somirul , Jahangir Jabed , Manzur Rakib Mohammad , Chowdury AHM Asgar Ali , Tripura Nayan , das Ajoy
Published: August 2012

Objective

To investigate the effect of open reduction operative treatment in neglected elbow dislocation.

Methods

Between January 2009 and October 2010, 13 patients (mean, 27 years, nine men and four women) with old unreduced posterior dislocation of the elbow were treated by open reduction and removal of fibrous tissue between distal humerus and ulna with Kirschner wire fixation with or without triceps lengthening in our hospital.

Results

The patients were followed up for a mean of 18 (range, 14–22) months. The mean operating time was 69.53 (range, 56–90) min. Mean operative blood loss 361.53 mL (range, 300–450 mL), mean tourniquet time 51.92 min (range, 46–70 min). According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index at the final follow‐up, 11 patients had satisfactory outcomes (six excellent, five good) and two patients had unsatisfactory outcomes (one fair and one poor). The mean score was 87. Nine patients had no pain, two had mild pain during repetitive elbow movements or weight lifting, and two had moderate pain. The mean pain score was 38 (range, 15–45). At the final follow‐up, two patients had signs of instability; the mean score was 15. Seven achieved a flexion range of 105° to 130°, two achieved 100°, two achieved 95°, one achieved 80°, and one 60°.

Conclusion

Operative treatment of late‐presenting, unreduced elbow dislocation is effective in restoring the joint to a painless, stable and functional limb.
Relationship of Surgical Accuracy and Clinical Outcomes in Charitè Lumbar Disc Replacement
Authors: Jones Christopher W , Smitham Peter , Walsh William R
Published: August 2012

Objective

To retrospectively assess the clinical and functional outcomes of a group of patients receiving Charitè lumbar disc replacement and to compare those outcomes to the corresponding surgical technical accuracy.

Methods

A retrospective study of all patients treated over a 3‐year period was undertaken. Objective pain scores were quantified from 1 to 10. Short Form 36‐Health Survey (SF‐36v2) scores were compared to Australian population norms. Surgical placements were radiographically classified. Heterotopic ossification, disc height restoration and angle‐defined instability were assessed using established protocols.

Results

Twenty‐five patients were identified with three patients lost to follow‐up. Average follow‐up was 34 months. Ideal surgical placement was achieved in five (33%) single‐level and three (37.5%) dual‐level disc replacements. Sub‐optimal surgical placement was seen in nine (60%) single‐level and five (62.5%) dual‐level disc replacements. Poor surgical placement was observed in a single‐level disc replacement. All patients demonstrated a reduction in objective pain score (P < 0.05). SF‐36v2 outcomes were superior in single‐level compared to dual‐level and ideal compared to sub‐optimal replacements (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The hypothesis that ideal surgical placements are associated with improved clinical and functional outcomes in total lumbar disc replacement was confirmed.
Clinical and microbiologic effects of commercially available gel and powder containing Acacia arabica on gingivitis
Authors: Pradeep AR , Agarwal E , Bajaj P , Naik SB , Shanbhag N , Uma SR
Published: August 2012

Background:  There is a need for an anti‐plaque agent that can be used on a daily basis without the side effects of antibacterial chemicals such as chlorhexidine. The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of commercially available gel and powder containing Acacia arabica in subjects with gingivitis.

Methods:  One hundred and twenty subjects with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into four groups: Group 1 – placebo group; Group 2 –Acacia arabica gel group; Group 3 –Acacia arabica powder group; and Group 4 – 1% chlorhexidine gel group. Microbial counts of plaque samples, the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Microbial counts of plaque samples were evaluated at all visits.

Results:  Acacia arabica gel and powder showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo. This improvement was comparable to 1% chlorhexidine gel. The difference between gel and powder with regard to clinical and microbiological parameters was not found to be significant at any time interval.

Conclusions:  Both Acacia arabica gel and powder may be useful herbal formulations for chemical plaque control in subjects with gingivitis.
Outpatient Health Care Utilization of Suicide Decedents in Their Last Year of Life
Authors: Liu Hui‐Li , Chen Lih‐Hwa , Huang Shiuh‐Ming
Published: August 2012

The characteristics of health care utilization during the last year of life by Taiwanese who died by suicide were analyzed. The degree of health services utilization was evaluated by extracting the data of National Health Insurance (NHI) outpatient cohort records in 2006. A total of 4,406 fatal suicide cases were matched with the 17,587,901 subjects in the NHI beneficiary registry file. Rate of visit of the suicide decedents for all NHI outpatient services during their last year before death was 85%, and that for mental disorders service only was 30.2%. Average number of visits per person‐year of the suicide decedents was 24.5 visits per year, two times higher than that of the survivors. The average numbers of visits (ANV) of male suicide decedents who used the mental disorders services was increased 6.8 times compared to that for all survivors. The increase in female decedents, in contrast, was 2.7 times. The increase in ANV for 15–24 age group was 14.6 times, significantly higher than that for the other age groups (<4 times). Effective prediction or prevention of potential suicides through increased awareness and surveillance of medical care resource utilization is possible, especially for male and young adult patients under mental disorder health care.
Biomechanical properties of novel biodegradable poly ε‐caprolactone–chitosan scaffolds
Authors: Thuaksuban Nuttawut , Nuntanaranont Thongchai , Suttapreyasri Srisurang , Pattanachot Wachirapan , Sutin Kanyarat , Cheung Lim Kwong
Published: August 2012

Aim

To investigate the biomechanical properties of poly ε‐caprolactone (PCL)–chitosan (CS) scaffolds fabricated by the melt stretching and multilayer deposition technique.

Methods

The PCL–CS scaffolds containing CS at 0% (pure PCL), 10%, and 20% by weight were prepared. For the monolayer scaffolds, shear and blending tests simulating the reconstruction of orbital floor defects (situation A) and mandibular defects (situation B) were conducted. For the 3‐D scaffolds, compression tests of their superior and lateral aspects were done.

Results

For the monolayer scaffolds, the pure PCL group had remarkably lower shear strength than the other groups (P > 0.05). In situation A, all groups withstood the forces without any significant difference. In situation B, the pure PCL group could withstand the forces remarkably lower than those of the other group (P < 0.05). The 3‐D scaffolds of all groups could withstand compressive forces directed towards their superior aspects. However, they could not withstand the forces directed towards their lateral aspects at the limited strain.

Conclusions

The monolayer scaffolds were suitable for reconstruction of the orbital floor and mandibular defects under light load‐bearing conditions. The 3‐D scaffolds could be used in the high load bearing‐areas only if the forces were directed at their superior aspects.
Ventricular response during lungeing exercise in horses with lone atrial fibrillation
Authors: Verheyen T. , Decloedt A. , van der Vekens N. , Sys S. , De Clercq D. , van Loon G.
Published: August 2012

Reasons for performing the study

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most important dysrhythmia affecting performance in horses and has been associated with incoordination, collapse and sudden death. Limited information is available on ventricular response during exercise in horses with lone AF.

Objectives

To investigate ventricular response in horses with lone AF during a standardised lungeing exercise test.

Methods

A modified base‐apex electrocardiogram was recorded at rest and during a standardised lungeing exercise test from 43 horses diagnosed with lone AF. During the test horses walked for 7 min, trotted for 10 min, cantered for 4 min, galloped for 1 min and recovered for 7 min.

Results

Individual average heart rate during walk ranged from 42 to 175 beats/min, during trot from 89 to 207 beats/min, during canter from 141 to 269 beats/min, and during gallop from 191 to 311 beats/min. Individual beat‐to‐beat maximal heart rate ranged from 248 to 492 beats/min. Ventricular premature depolarisations were present in 81% of the horses: at rest (16%), during exercise (69%), and during recovery (2%). In 33% of the horses, broad QRS complexes with R‐on‐T morphology were found.

Conclusions

Exercising horses with lone AF frequently develop disproportionate tachycardia. In addition, QRS broadening and even R‐on‐T morphology is frequently found. QRS broadening may originate from ventricular ectopic foci or from aberrant intraventricular conduction, for example due to bundle branch block. This might explain the high number of complexes currently classified as ventricular premature depolarisations.

Potential relevance

Prevalence of QRS broadening and especially R‐on‐T was very high in horses with AF and was found at low levels of exercise. These dysrhythmias are considered risk factors for the development of ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation and they might explain signs of weakness, collapse or sudden death that have been reported in horses with AF.
Undergraduate pharmacy students’ perceptions of research in general and attitudes towards pharmacy practice research
Authors: Kritikos Vicky S , Carter Steven , Moles Rebekah J , Krass Ines
Published: August 2012

Objectives

To investigate pharmacy students’ perceptions of research in general and attitudes towards pharmacy practice research (PPR) at each stage of the undergraduate programme and determine any relationship between perceptions and attitudes, and to validate a measure of attitudes towards PPR in an Australian cohort of pharmacy students.

Methods

A 23-item survey was administered to all students enrolled in each year of the 4-year pharmacy undergraduate programme, University of Sydney, Australia. Perceptions of research in general were measured with four items on a five-point semantic-differential scale and attitudes towards PPR with19 items on a five-point Likert scale.

Key findings

In total 853 students responded to the survey (83% response rate). While students perceived research to be necessary, they found it difficult and were divided in their interests in pursuing research. Attitudes towards PPR were assessed within five identified domains: ‘role of PPR in the curriculum’, ‘engaging in PPR activities’, ‘confidence to do PPR’, ‘faculty involvement of students in PPR’ and ‘role of PPR in the profession’. Most participants agreed that PPR played an important part in the profession and curriculum but almost half of the cohort lacked confidence to undertake PPR, with very few holding positive attitudes towards all five domains. The PPR instrument was found to be valid and reliable. There were significant differences in perceptions and attitudes at various stages of the degree.

Conclusions

Future research should investigate changes in perceptions and attitudes in a single cohort over the 4-year degree, explore factors influencing attitudes and identify strategies for stimulating research interest.
Performance of matrix‐assisted laser desorption‐time of flight mass spectrometry for identification of clinical yeast isolates
Authors: Rosenvinge Flemming S. , Dzajic Esad , Knudsen Elisa , Malig Sanne , Andersen Line B. , Løvig Annette , Arendrup Maiken C. , Jensen Thøger G. , Gahrn‐Hansen Bente , Kemp Michael
Published: August 2012

Accurate and fast yeast identification is important when treating patients with invasive fungal disease as susceptibility to antifungal agents is highly species related. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS) provides a powerful tool with a clear potential to improve current diagnostic practice. Two MALDI‐TOF‐MS‐systems (BioTyper/Bruker and Saramis/AXIMA) were evaluated using: (i) A collection of 102 archived, well characterised yeast isolates representing 14 different species and (ii) Prospectively collected isolates obtained from clinical samples at two participating laboratories. Of the 102 archived isolates, 81 (79%) and 92 (90%) were correctly identified by Saramis/AXIMA and BioTyper/Bruker respectively. Saramis/AXIMA was unable to separate Candida albicans, C. africana and C. dubliniensis in 13 of 32 isolates. After manual interpretation of the mass spectra output, all 13 isolates were correctly identified, resulting in an overall identification performance of 92%. No misidentifications occurred with the two systems. Of the routine isolates one laboratory identified 99/99 (100%) and 90/99 (91%) to species level by Saramis/Axima and conventional identification, respectively, whereas the other laboratory identified 83/98 (85%) to species level by both BioTyper/Bruker and conventional identification. Both MALDI‐TOF‐MS systems are fast, have built‐in databases that cover the majority of clinically relevant Candida species, and have an accuracy that outperforms our conventional identification systems.
Vagal sensory innervation of the gastric sling muscle and antral wall: implications for gastro‐esophageal reflux disease?
Authors: Powley T. L. , Gilbert J. M. , Baronowsky E. A. , Billingsley C. N. , Martin F. N. , Phillips R. J.
Published: August 2012

Background  The gastric sling muscle has not been investigated for possible sensory innervation, in spite of the key roles the structure plays in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) function and gastric physiology. Thus, the present experiment used tracing techniques to label vagal afferents and survey their projections in the lesser curvature.

Methods  Sprague–Dawley rats received injections of dextran biotin into the nodose ganglia. Fourteen days postinjection, animals were euthanized and their stomachs were processed to visualize the vagal afferent innervation. In different cases, neurons, muscle cells, or interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) were counterstained.

Key Results  The sling muscle is innervated throughout its length by vagal afferent intramuscular arrays (IMAs) associated with ICC. In addition, the distal antral attachment site of the sling muscle is innervated by a novel vagal afferent terminal specialization, an antral web ending. The muscle wall of the distal antrum is also innervated by conventional IMAs and intraganglionic laminar endings, the two types of mechanoreceptors found throughout stomach smooth muscle.

Conclusions & Inferences  The innervation of sling muscle by IMAs, putative stretch receptors, suggests that sling sensory feedback may generate vago‐vagal or other reflexes with vagal afferent limbs. The restricted distribution of afferent web endings near the antral attachments of sling fibers suggests the possibility of specialized mechanoreceptor functions linking antral and pyloric activity to the operation of the LES. Dysfunctional sling afferents could generate LES motor disturbances, or normative compensatory sensory feedback from the muscle could compromise therapies targeting only effectors.
Am I the Only One This Supervisor is Laughing at? Effects of Aggressive Humor on Employee Strain and Addictive Behaviors
Authors: Huo Yuanyuan , Lam Wing , Chen Ziguang
Published: August 2012

Prior literature on humor primarily documents its positive effects on employees’ attitudes and behaviors, though increasing research on aggressive humor suggests some conflicting viewpoints. This paper proposes a model based on social comparison and attribution theories to examine the influence of supervisors’ aggressive humor on employees’ strain and addictive behaviors. The tests of the research model entailed a 2‐wave study with 243 frontline employees from 4 manufacturing companies of a group corporation in China. The results showed that supervisors’ aggressive humor with employees related positively to employees’ strain. This positive association became stronger when the supervisors did not use aggressive humor with the peers of the focal employees. Employees’ strain mediated the interactive effects of supervisors’ aggressive humor with the focal employees and those with their peers on employees’ addictive behaviors (e.g., problematic use of Internet, alcohol, and tobacco). As well as having practical implications, this study offers theoretical insights for research into humor, leadership, and addictive behaviors.
Complex fault structure interactions of crustal shear zones revealed by seismic anisotropy: an example in the eastern betic cordillera (Spain)
Authors: Buontempo Luisa , Wuestefeld Andreas
Published: August 2012

Terra Nova, 25, 57–64, 2013

Characterizing the interaction of a fault with its surroundings is vital to fully understand the tectonic processes involved and predict future behaviour. Regional and local stress orientations affect different fracture length scales, manifested by numerous associated fault, fracture and crack structures. We use seismic anisotropy to constrain the dominant orientation of aligned rupture planes of various length scales. In particular, we study shear‐wave splitting of regional seismic events in Trans‐Alboran Shear Zone (TASZ), south‐east Spain. The TASZ consists of three major left‐lateral strike‐slip faults and numerous secondary strike‐slip and thrust faults. The observed orientations for S‐waves vary from roughly N–S in the northern segment of TASZ, to E–W in the centre, to NNW–SSE and NNE–SSW in the south. We show that the strikes of fast polarizations reflect both structural and lithological differences, indicating complex interactions of principal and secondary faults within the crust to accommodating tectonic stresses.
No Serologic Evidence for Zoonotic Canine Respiratory Coronavirus Infections among Immunocompetent Adults
Authors: Krueger W. S. , Heil G. L. , Gray G. C.
Published: August 2012

Zoonotic diseases continue to emerge and threaten both human and animal health. Overcrowded shelters and breeding kennels create the perfect environment for amplified infectious disease transmission among dogs and present a critical opportunity for zoonotic pathogens to emerge and infect people who work in close contact with dogs. Coronaviruses’ widespread prevalence, extensive host range, various disease manifestations and increased frequency of recombination events all underline their potential for interspecies transmission (Methods Mol. Biol. 2008, 454, 43). The objectives of this study were to determine whether people with occupational contact with dogs were more likely to have antibodies against canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV) compared to persons with no dog exposure. A seroepidemiological cohort study was completed, for which 302 canine‐exposed and 99 non‐canine‐exposed study subjects enrolled in the study by providing a serum sample and completing a self‐administered questionnaire. A competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect human antibodies against CRCoV while controlling for cross‐reacting antibodies against the human coronavirus OC43. All study subjects were negative for antibodies against CRCoV by this competitive ELISA. This study supports the premise that humans are not at risk for CRCoV infections; however, infrequent cross‐species transmission of CRCoV cannot be ruled out.