bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chelate Bonding Mechanism in a Novel Magnesium Phosphate Bone Cement
Authors: Christel Theresa , Christ Susanne , Barralet Jake E. , Groll Jürgen , Gbureck Uwe
Published: January 2015

A novel approach to harden magnesium phosphate cements was tested using phytic acid (C6H18O24P6) solutions as chelation agent. In addition to complex formation, a cementitious dissolution and precipitation reaction led to the formation of newberyite (MgHPO4·3H2O) as the hydrated form of the farringtonite [Mg3(PO4)2] raw powder. The set cements showed good mechanical properties (up to 65 MPa in compression) displaying a doubling of the compressive strength of conventional newberyite forming cements despite of a significantly lower degree of cement conversion. An increasing phytic acid concentration from 10% to 30% had a retarding effect on the setting time (11–16 min), decreased the pH close to acidic conditions (pH = 5–4) and increased the maximum setting temperature (26°C–31°C), but none of these factors reached critical values. The presented strategy was successful in fabricating a good workable, novel mineral biocement with promising characteristics for biomedical applications.
Durability of Pulmonary Vein Isolation with Cryoballoon Ablation: Results from the Sustained PV Isolation with Arctic Front Advance (SUPIR) Study
Authors: REDDY VIVEK Y. , SEDIVA LUCIE , PETRU JAN , SKODA JAN , CHOVANEC MILAN , CHITOVOVA ZITA , DI STEFANO PAOLA , RUBIN ETHEL , DUKKIPATI SRINIVAS , NEUZIL PETR
Published: January 2015

Durability of Pulmonary Vein Isolation with Cryoballoon Ablation

Introduction

Pulmonary vein (PV) reconnection remains the most important cause of AF recurrence after AF ablation. The second‐generation cryoballoon catheter's ability to achieve durable PV isolation was assessed in a prospective nonrandomized clinical trial.

Methods and Results

PV isolation was performed by 4‐minute ablations. Following verification of electrical isolation by a multielectrode mapping catheter, 1 additional lesion per PV was applied. Esophageal temperatures were monitored and all patients underwent postprocedure esophageal endoscopy. All patients underwent a second PV remapping procedure at ∼3 months to assess for PVI durability. Eighty‐four (100%) veins were acutely isolated using only the 28 mm cryoballoon in 21 consecutive PAF patients with 2.2 ± 0.6 cryoapplications per vein, with the majority (83%) occurring after a single freeze. One patient presented with hematemesis and an esophageal ulceration that was treated conservatively; there were no episodes of esophageal fistula or phrenic nerve palsy. At 3.4 (2.9–4.1) months postablation, 68/75 veins (91%) remained electrically isolated; all PVs remained durably isolated in 79% of patients. Two patients accounted for 5 of 7 reconducting veins. The most common site for reconnection was the inferior aspect of the RIPV (3/7 reconnections). Reconnected veins had poorer occlusion at the index ablation procedure than veins that maintained chronic isolation (occlusion grade 2.9 ± 0.7 vs. 3.4 ± 0.7, P = 0.001). Clinical AF recurrence was detected in 2 patients (11%) at follow‐up.

Conclusions

The improved thermodynamic characteristics of the second‐generation cryoballoon led to a high rate of both single‐shot PVI and chronic lesion durability. This high rate of durable PV isolation is anticipated to translate to improved clinical outcome.
Evaluation of a topical herbal patch for soft tissue wound healing: an animal study
Authors: Chaushu Liat , Weinreb Miron , Beitlitum Ilan , Moses Ofer , Nemcovsky Carlos E.
Published: January 2015

Aim

This study evaluated the effects of a topical herbal patch (PerioPatch®) for gingival wound healing in a rat model.

Materials and Methods

A mid‐crestal incision was performed on each side of the edentulous anterior maxilla in 48, 6‐month‐old, Wistar rats. Full‐thickness flaps were raised, repositioned and sutured. Four experimental groups were established: herbal patch, placebo patch, no patch and no patch and no surgery. Patches were placed immediately after surgery and replaced every 12 h for the following 3 days. Half of the animals were killed after 5 and the remaining ones after 12 days. Tissue blocks were retrieved and processed for histological and immunohistochemical evaluation. Epithelial gap, collagen contents, amount of macrophages, cellular proliferation and vascular contents were evaluated in the central incision area. Statistical analysis consisted of two‐way anova.

Results

The herbal patch group presented the smallest epithelial gap at 12 days, the highest collagen content both at 5 and 12 days, a larger number of proliferating cells at day 5 and more numerous blood vessels at day 12. Macrophage number was similar in all groups.

Conclusion

Herbal patch improved wound healing in this animal model.
A toll‐like receptor 3 homologue that is up‐regulated by poly I:C and DNA virus in turbot Scophthalmus maximus
Authors: Hu G.‐B. , Li X.‐P. , Liu D.‐H. , Liu Q.‐M. , Zhang S.‐C.
Published: January 2015

In this study, the gene and promoter sequences of turbot Scophthalmus maximus (Sm) toll‐like receptor 3 (Tlr3) were cloned and its mRNA tissue distribution and gene expression in response to polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) and turbot reddish body iridovirus (TRBIV) challenges were studied in vivo. The smtlr3 gene spans over 4·4 kb with a structure of five exons–four introns and encodes a peptide of 916 amino acids. The putative protein shares the highest sequence identity of 52·8–78·5% with fish Tlr3 and contains a signal peptide sequence, 13 leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) motifs, a transmembrane region and a toll/interleukin‐1 receptor (TIR) domain. Phylogenetic analysis grouped it with other teleost Tlr3s. A number of transcription factor binding sites were identified in the 1538 bp 5′ flanking region of smtlr3, including interferon‐stimulated response element (ISRE) and those for interferon regulatory factors (IRF) and signal transducer and activator of transcriptions (STATs) smtlr3 transcripts were expressed ubiquitously with higher levels in the head kidney, heart and digestion organs. They were up‐regulated by both poly I:C and TRBIV in immune and non‐immune organs, but most strongly in the head kidney. Finally, the smtlr3 exhibited a two‐wave induced expression during a five day time course when exposure of S. maximus to poly I:C. These findings provide insights into the role of SmTlr3 in antiviral response.
Effect of Natural Antioxidants and Lipid Model System on Lipid Oxidation
Authors: Schevey Christian T. , Brewer M. Susan
Published: January 2015

Antioxidant effects of natural antioxidants were evaluated by direct analysis and three high‐lipid model systems. The direct analysis assays compared three antioxidant extracts (pomegranate, grape seed and selenium), a synthetic antioxidant (butylated hydroxyanisole) and three natural antioxidant controls (d,l‐α‐tocopherol, ascorbic acid and gallic acid). Evaluation compared reducing power determined by Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and ferricyanide method, free radical scavenging of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Results indicated that pomegranate and grape seed extracts had better antioxidant efficacy than the synthetic antioxidant. Model systems were constructed in triplicate of three commercial lipid (canola oil, lard and ground beef); samples were subject to an antioxidant treatment (pomegranate extract, grape seed extract, dietary selenium from yeast, butylated hydroxyanisole or no treatment) and chemically evaluated (thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances and diene conjugation) over 9 days. Butylated hydroxyanisole was the most potent antioxidant. The canola oil matrix found no difference in antioxidant treatment under descriptive analysis by a trained panel.

Practical Applications

Antioxidant food additives are of great importance to the food industry, with many consumers showing a preference for “natural” food additives in the ingredient line. Phenolic compounds, such as those found in pomegranates and grapes, may be particularly useful in the food industry through retarding lipid oxidation. The use of ground beef, lard and oil model systems to study lipid oxidation (or antioxidant capacity by retarding lipid oxidation) is common, but time consuming. Direct analysis and chemical assays that measure oxidative end products can be fast, reliable and less costly that descriptive analysis panels. However, Qualitative Descriptive Analysis (QDA) is commonly used to denote the complete experience that consumer may undergo. Furthermore, evaluating antioxidant efficacy on sight and smell is integral when dealing with products that contain a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, as consumers interact with both aspects during point of purchase.
The Team Approach to Home‐Based Primary Care: Restructuring Care to Meet Individual, Program, and System Needs
Authors: Reckrey Jennifer M. , Soriano Theresa A. , Hernandez Cameron R. , DeCherrie Linda V. , Chavez Silvia , Zhang Meng , Ornstein Katherine
Published: January 2015

Team‐based models of care are an important way to meet the complex medical and psychosocial needs of the homebound. As part of a quality improvement project to address individual, program, and system needs, a portion of a large, physician‐led academic home‐based primary care practice was restructured into a team‐based model. With support from an office‐based nurse practitioner, a dedicated social worker, and a dedicated administrative assistant, physicians were able to care for a larger number of patients. Hospitalizations, readmissions, and patient satisfaction remained the same while physician panel size increased and physician satisfaction improved. The Team Approach is an innovative way to improve interdisciplinary, team‐based care through practice restructuring and serves as an example of how other practices can approach the complex task of caring for the homebound.
Rationales that Providers and Family Members Cited for the Use of Antipsychotic Medications in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia
Authors: Bonner Alice F. , Field Terry S. , Lemay Celeste A. , Mazor Kathleen M. , Andersen Daniel A. , Compher Christina J. , Tjia Jennifer , Gurwitz Jerry H.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To describe the rationales that providers and family members cite for the use of antipsychotic medications in people with dementia living in nursing homes (NHs).

Design

Qualitative, descriptive study.

Setting

Twenty‐six medium‐sized and large facilities in five Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regions.

Participants

Individuals diagnosed with dementia who received an antipsychotic medication.

Measurements

Data were collected from medical record abstraction and interviews with prescribers, administrators, direct care providers, and family members. Textual data from medical record abstraction and responses to open‐ended interview questions were analyzed using directed content analysis techniques. A coding scheme was developed, and coded reasons for antipsychotic prescribing were summarized across all sources.

Results

Major categories of reasons for use of antipsychotic medications in the 204 NH residents in the study sample were behavioral (n = 171), psychiatric (n = 159), emotional states (n = 105), and cognitive diagnoses or symptoms (n = 114). The most common behavioral reasons identified were verbal (n = 91) and physical (n = 85) aggression. For the psychiatric category, psychosis (n = 95) was most frequently described. Anger (n = 93) and sadness (n = 20) were the most common emotional states cited.

Conclusion

The rationale for use of antipsychotic drug therapy frequently relates to a wide variety of indications for which these drugs are not approved and for which evidence of efficacy is lacking. These findings have implications for clinical practice and policy.
Testing the Initial Efficacy of a Mailed Screening and Brief Feedback Intervention to Reduce At‐Risk Drinking in Middle‐Aged and Older Adults: The Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Study
Authors: Kuerbis Alexis N. , Yuan Stanley E. , Borok Jenna , LeFevre Peter M. , Kim Gloria S. , Lum Daryl , Ramirez Karina D. , Liao Diana H. , Moore Alison A.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To determine the initial efficacy of a mailed screening and brief intervention to reduce at‐risk drinking in persons aged 50 and older.

Design

Pilot randomized controlled trial.

Setting

University of California at Los Angeles Department of Medicine Community Offices and Primary Care Network.

Participants

Individuals aged 50 and older who were identified as at‐risk drinkers according to the Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Tool (CARET) (N = 86).

Intervention

Participants were assigned randomly to receive personalized mailed feedback outlining their specific risks associated with alcohol use, an educational booklet on alcohol and aging, and the National Institutes of Health Rethinking Drinking: Alcohol and Your Health booklet (intervention group) or nothing (control group).

Measurements

Alcohol‐related assessments at baseline and 3 months; CARET‐assessed at‐risk drinking, number of risks, and types of risks.

Results

At 3 months, fewer intervention group participants than controls were at‐risk drinkers (66% vs 88%), binge drinking (45% vs 68%), using alcohol with a medical or psychiatric condition (3% vs 17%), or having symptoms of such a condition (29% vs 49%).

Conclusion

A brief mailed intervention may be an effective approach to intervening with at‐risk drinkers aged 50 and older.
Respiratory Symptoms, Spirometric Respiratory Impairment, and Respiratory Disease in Middle‐Aged and Older Persons
Authors: Marcus Brian S. , McAvay Gail , Gill Thomas M. , Vaz Fragoso Carlos A.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To evaluate whether a novel definition of spirometric respiratory impairment from the Global Lung Initiative (GLI) is strongly associated with respiratory symptoms and, in turn, frequently establishes symptomatic respiratory disease.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Participants

Community‐dwelling individuals aged 40 to 80 (N = 7,115).

Measurements

GLI‐defined spirometric respiratory impairment (airflow obstruction and restrictive pattern), dyspnea on exertion (DOE), chronic bronchitis (CB), and wheezing.

Results

Prevalence rates were 12.7% for airflow obstruction, 6.2% for restrictive pattern, 28.6% for DOE, 12.6% for CB, and 12.9% for wheezing. Airflow obstruction was associated with DOE (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.42–2.02), CB (aOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.62–2.29), and wheezing (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI = 2.08–3.00), and restrictive pattern was associated with DOE (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.36–2.25), CB (aOR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.08–1.78), and wheezing (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.15–2.04). Nonetheless, among participants who had airflow obstruction and restrictive pattern, only a minority had DOE (38.6% and 45.5%), CB (23.3% and 15.9%), and wheezing (24.4% and 19.1%), yielding a positive predictive value (PPV) of only 53% for any respiratory symptom in the setting of any spirometric respiratory impairment. In addition, most participants who had DOE (73.0%), CB (67.8%), and wheezing (66.8%) did not have airflow obstruction or restrictive pattern, yielding a PPV of only 26% for any spirometric respiratory impairment in the setting of any respiratory symptom. The results differed only modestly when stratified according to age (40–64 vs 65–80).

Conclusion

GLI‐defined spirometric respiratory impairment increased the likelihood of respiratory symptoms but was nonetheless a poor predictor of respiratory symptoms. Similarly, respiratory symptoms were poor predictors of GLI‐defined spirometric respiratory impairment. Hence, a comprehensive assessment is needed when evaluating respiratory symptoms, even in the presence of spirometric respiratory impairment.
Preliminary Data from Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders, a Patient‐Directed, Team‐Based Intervention to Improve Physical Function and Decrease Nursing Home Utilization: The First 100 Individuals to Complete a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Project
Authors: Szanton Sarah L. , Wolff Jennifer L. , Leff Bruce , Roberts Laken , Thorpe Roland J. , Tanner Elizabeth K. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Xue Qian‐Li , Guralnik Jack , Bishai David , Gitlin Laura N.
Published: January 2015

Current medical models frequently overlook functional limitations and the home environment even though they partially determine healthcare usage and quality of life. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Innovation Center funds projects that have potential to affect the “triple aim,” a framework for decreasing costs while improving health and quality of life. This article presents preliminary data from Community Aging in Place, Advancing Better Living for Elders (CAPABLE), a model funded by the CMS Innovation Center and designed to overcome the functional and home environmental barriers of older adults. CAPABLE is a patient‐directed, team‐based intervention comprising an occupational therapist, a registered nurse, and a handyman to decrease hospitalization and nursing home usage of community‐dwelling older adults with functional limitations who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Activity of daily living limitations improved in 79% of the first 100 people who completed the intervention. Preliminary findings of this novel intervention may have implications for other older adults with functional limitations.
Characterization and molecular cloning of a serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (OsSHM1) in rice
Authors: Wang Dekai , Liu Heqin , Li Sujuan , Zhai Guowei , Shao Jianfeng , Tao Yuezhi
Published: January 2015

Serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) is important for one carbon metabolism and photorespiration in higher plants for its participation in plant growth and development, and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. A rice serine hydroxymethyltransferase gene, OsSHM1, an ortholog of Arabidopsis SHM1, was isolated using map‐based cloning. The osshm1 mutant had chlorotic lesions and a considerably smaller, lethal phenotype under natural ambient CO2 concentrations, but could be restored to wild type with normal growth under elevated CO2 levels (0.5% CO2), showing a typical photorespiratory phenotype. The data from antioxidant enzymes activity measurement suggested that osshm1 was subjected to significant oxidative stress. Also, OsSHM1 was expressed in all organs tested (root, culm, leaf, and young panicle) but predominantly in leaves. OsSHM1 protein is localized to the mitochondria. Our study suggested that molecular function of the OsSHM1 gene is conserved in rice and Arabidopsis.
A general method for assaying homo‐ and hetero‐transglycanase activities that act on plant cell‐wall polysaccharides
Authors: Franková Lenka , Fry Stephen C.
Published: January 2015

Transglycanases (endotransglycosylases) cleave a polysaccharide (donor‐substrate) in mid‐chain, and then transfer a portion onto another poly‐ or oligosaccharide (acceptor‐substrate). Such enzymes contribute to plant cell‐wall assembly and/or re‐structuring. We sought a general method for revealing novel homo‐ and hetero‐transglycanases, applicable to diverse polysaccharides and oligosaccharides, separating transglycanase‐generated 3H‐polysaccharides from unreacted 3H‐oligosaccharides—the former immobilized (on filter‐paper, silica‐gel or glass‐fiber), the latter eluted. On filter‐paper, certain polysaccharides [e.g. (1→3, 1→4)‐β‐d‐glucans] remained satisfactorily adsorbed when water‐washed; others (e.g. pectins) were partially lost. Many oligosaccharides (e.g. arabinan‐, galactan‐, xyloglucan‐based) were successfully eluted in appropriate solvents, but others (e.g. [3H]xylohexaitol, [3H]mannohexaitol [3H]cellohexaitol) remained immobile. On silica‐gel, all 3H‐oligosaccharides left an immobile ‘ghost’ spot (contaminating any 3H‐polysaccharides), which was diminished but not prevented by additives e.g. sucrose or Triton X‐100. The best stratum was glass‐fiber (GF), onto which the reaction‐mixture was dried then washed in 75% ethanol. Washing led to minimal loss or lateral migration of 3H‐polysaccharides if conducted by slow percolation of acidified ethanol. The effectiveness of GF‐blotting was well demonstrated for Chara vulgaris trans‐β‐mannanase. In conclusion, our novel GF‐blotting technique efficiently frees transglycanase‐generated 3H‐polysaccharides from unreacted 3H‐oligosaccharides, enabling high‐throughput screening of multiple postulated transglycanase activities utilising chemically diverse donor‐ and acceptor‐substrates.
Therapeutic Alliance and Retention inBriefStrategicFamilyTherapy: A Mixed‐Methods Study
Authors: Sheehan Alyson H. , Friedlander Myrna L.
Published: January 2015

We explored how the therapeutic alliance contributed to retention inBriefStrategicFamilyTherapy by analyzing videotapes of eight‐first sessions in which four therapists worked with one family that stayed in treatment and one family that dropped out. Although behavioral exchange patterns between clients and therapists did not differ by retention status, positive therapist alliance‐related behavior followed negative client alliance behavior somewhat more frequently in the retained cases. In the qualitative aspect of the study, four family therapy experts each viewed two randomly assigned sessions and commented on their quality without knowing the families’ retention status. A qualitative analysis of the audiotaped commentaries revealed 18 alliance‐related themes that were more characteristic of either the retained or the nonretained cases.
White matter changes in familial Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Li X. , Westman E. , Ståhlbom A. K. , Thordardottir S. , Almkvist O. , Blennow K. , Wahlund L.‐O. , Graff C.
Published: January 2015

Background

Familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD) resulting from gene mutations in PSEN1, PSEN2 and APP is associated with changes in the brain.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate changes in grey matter (GM), white matter (WM) and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in FAD.

Subjects

Ten mutation carriers (MCs) with three different mutations in PSEN1 and APP and 20 noncarriers (NCs) were included in the study. Three MCs were symptomatic and seven were presymptomatic (pre‐MCs).

Methods

Whole‐brain GM volume as well as fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) using voxel‐based morphometry and tract‐based spatial statistics analyses, respectively, were compared between MCs and NCs. FA and MD maps were obtained from diffusion tensor imaging.

Results

A significant increase in MD was found in the left inferior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum and bilateral superior longitudinal fasciculus in pre‐MCs compared with NCs. After inclusion of the three symptomatic MCs in the analysis, the regions became wider. The mean MD of these regions showed significant negative correlation with the CSF level of Aβ42, and positive correlations with P‐tau181p and T‐tau. No differences were observed in GM volume and FA between the groups.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that FAD gene mutations affect WM diffusivity before changes in GM volume can be detected. The WM changes observed were related to changes in the CSF, with similar patterns previously observed in sporadic Alzheimer's disease.
Oral innate immunity in HIV infection in HAART era
Authors: Nittayananta Wipawee , Tao Renchuan , Jiang Lanlan , Peng Yuanyuan , Huang Yuxiao
Published: January 2015

Oral innate immunity, an important component in host defense and immune surveillance in the oral cavity, plays a crucial role in the regulation of oral health. As part of the innate immune system, epithelial cells lining oral mucosal surfaces not only provide a physical barrier but also produce different antimicrobial peptides, including human β‐defensins (hBDs), secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), and various cytokines. These innate immune mediators help in maintaining oral homeostasis. When they are impaired either by local or systemic causes, various oral infections and malignancies may be developed. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and other co‐infections appear to have both direct and indirect effects on systemic and local innate immunity leading to the development of oral opportunistic infections and malignancies. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the standard treatment of HIV infection, contributed to a global reduction of HIV‐associated oral lesions. However, prolonged use of HAART may lead to adverse effects on the oral innate immunity resulting in the relapse of oral lesions. This review article focused on the roles of oral innate immunity in HIV infection in HAART era. The following five key questions were addressed: (i) What are the roles of oral innate immunity in health and disease?, (ii) What are the effects of HIV infection on oral innate immunity?, (iii) What are the roles of oral innate immunity against other co‐infections?, (iv) What are the effects of HAART on oral innate immunity?, and (v) Is oral innate immunity enhanced by HAART?
Evaluation of the association of polymorphisms in EYA1, environmental factors, and non‐syndromic orofacial clefts in Western Han Chinese
Authors: Zeng Ni , Wu Jun , Zhu Wen‐Chao , Shi Bing , Jia Zhong‐Lin
Published: January 2015

Background

Non‐syndromic orofacial clefts (NSOCs) are complex disease involving genetic triggers, environmental factors, and their interplay. Recent studies demonstrated that EYA1, a member of eye absent gene family, might contribute to NSOCs.

Methods

We investigated three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and eight environmental factors (multivitamin, folic acid and calcium supplementation history, maternal alcohol consumption, common cold history, maternal smoking and environmental tobacco smoke in the first trimester, and paternal smoking in the 3 months before pregnancy) among 294 case–parent trios and 183 individual controls in western Han Chinese to evaluate the relationship between EYA1, environmental factors, and NSOCs. To be better known the gene's role in the etiology of NSOCs, we performed statistical analysis in different aspects including the linkage disequilibrium test, transmission disequilibrium test, haplotype analysis, multiple logistic regression analysis, and conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results

Allele C at rs3779748 showed an over‐transmission in NSCL/P trios (P = 0.03), and genotype A/A at rs10094908 was under‐transmitted among NSCL/P trios (P = 0.03), whereas over‐transmitted among NSCPO trios (P = 0.02). The haplotype GC of rs10094908–rs3779748 was over‐transmitted among NSCL/P trios (P = 0.05) and NSCPO trios (P = 0.05), respectively. Maternal common cold history, environmental tobacco smoke, and maternal alcohol consumption during the first trimester of pregnancy were risk factors for NSOCs, while calcium supplementation during the first trimester showed a protective effect. No evidence of interactions between EYA1 and environmental factors was found.

Conclusions

These results revealed an association between EYA1, some environmental factors, and NSOCs in western Han Chinese.
Sensory Lexicon of Pomelo Fruit over Various Cultivars and Fresh‐Cut Storage
Authors: Rosales Czarina Kristine , Suwonsichon Suntaree
Published: January 2015

A lexicon consisting of 30 sensory attributes was developed by a highly trained descriptive panel to describe aroma, flavor and texture characteristics of pomelo cultivars popularly cultivated and consumed in Thailand. Pomelo samples were precut, placed on styrofoam trays, overwrapped with polyethylene film and stored at 5C and 85% relative humidity for up to 7 days. Results showed that the attributes were able to describe great variation in aroma, flavor and texture characteristics among pomelo samples. Principal component analysis grouped the attributes into five key dimensions that explained 77.5% of total variability. Attributes such as citrus identity, pomelo identity, viney, floral, overall sweet, overall sour, hardness, firmness, moisture release, chewiness and fibrous explained differences among cultivars as well as changes occurring during fresh‐cut storage of some cultivars. While attributes such as orange peel, bitter, astringent and particles differentiated cultivars among each other.

Practical Applications

Consumption market for fresh‐cut pomelo is steadily expanding, especially in European countries. There are a number of pomelo cultivars and those cultivars vary greatly in aroma, flavor and texture. This research provided information on how sensory characteristics differed among pomelo cultivars and how those characteristics changed during fresh‐cut storage. This information could be useful for pomelo exporters in selecting cultivars that will be successful in their target markets. It is also useful for retailers in knowing the approximate storage duration of the precut pomelo fruits without detrimental quality changes. These results are the first to define sensory characteristics of pomelos and the lexicon could be used for future research on pomelo.
Urethroplasty Using Diverticular Tissue for Hypospadias
Authors: MITSUKAWA Nobuyuki , KUBOTA Yoshitaka , AKITA Shinsuke , HASEGAWA Masakazu , SAIGA Atsuomi , SATOH Kaneshige
Published: January 2015

Case

The patient was a 3‐year‐old with hypospadias. Urethroplasty was performed as a two‐stage procedure, but a severe urethral stricture occurred due to a postoperative infection and the patient was virtually in urinary retention. An emergency cystostomy was performed, and thereafter urethral reconstruction was performed. A large urethral diverticulum had formed in the scrotum. The inner wall of the diverticulum was found to be completely epithelialized and well vascularized. Therefore, it was elevated as a skin flap and a neourethra was reconstructed up to the glans region using the diverticular tissue.

Outcome

Postoperative complications were not observed, and micturition was satisfactory.

Conclusion

A urethral diverticulum is one of the often encountered complications of hypospadias surgery. However, there are only a few literature reports related to the treatment of urethral diverticulum. In addition, there are almost no reports on reconstructions using urethral diverticular tissue. In this report, we describe such a treatment experience.
Vascular Inward Rectifier K+ Channels as External K+ Sensors in the Control of Cerebral Blood Flow
Authors: Longden Thomas A. , Nelson Mark T.
Published: January 2015

For decades it has been known that external K+ ions are rapid and potent vasodilators that increase CBF. Recent studies have implicated the local release of K+ from astrocytic endfeet—which encase the entirety of the parenchymal vasculature—in the dynamic regulation of local CBF during NVC. It has been proposed that the activation of KIR channels in the vascular wall by external K+ is a central component of these hyperemic responses; however, a number of significant gaps in our knowledge remain. Here, we explore the concept that vascular KIR channels are the major extracellular K+ sensors in the control of CBF. We propose that K+ is an ideal mediator of NVC, and discuss KIR channels as effectors that produce rapid hyperpolarization and robust vasodilation of cerebral arterioles. We provide evidence that KIR channels, of the KIR2 subtype in particular, are present in both the endothelial and SM cells of parenchymal arterioles and propose that this dual positioning of KIR2 channels increases the robustness of the vasodilation to external K+, enables the endothelium to be actively engaged in NVC, and permits electrical signaling through the endothelial syncytium to promote upstream vasodilation to modulate CBF.
Polyneuritis and refractory headache overlap with synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome
Authors: Matsuzono Kosuke , Hishikawa Nozomi , Ohta Yasuyuki , Yamashita Toru , Deguchi Kentaro , Abe Koji
Published: January 2015

The primary clinical manifestations of synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome are skin lesions and osteitis. We describe a 53‐year‐old woman patient suffering from overlapping refractory headache and polyneuritis (cranial nerves I, II and VII). She complained of headaches, which recurred every month, followed by bilateral anosmia and left vision loss approximately 1 year later. Prednisolone therapy improved her symptoms; however, her refractory headache, pain in the right shoulder and left hip joint, and rash recurred 1 year after prednisolone withdrawal. Also, the patient presented with left sensorineural deafness and extensive acne on her body, and bone scintigraphy and bone biopsy showed synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome. After treatment, her symptoms improved without recurrence. Although synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis syndrome induced by polyneuritis is rare, it should be considered when clinicians encounter patients presenting with headache and polyneuritis of unknown cause.
Serial magnetic resonance imaging and single‐photon emission computed tomography findings in a patient with heat stroke
Authors: Nakano Yumiko , Manabe Yasuhiro , Hattori Mizuho , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Narai Hisashi , Omori Nobuhiko , Takeyama Takahisa , Abe Koji
Published: January 2015

We report on serial changes in magnetic resonance imaging and single‐photon emission computed tomography in a patient with heat stroke. A 66‐year‐old man was admitted for unconsciousness with hyperthermia. He presented with dysarthria and truncal ataxia. Axial diffusion‐weighted imaging showed marked hyperintensity in the vermis and cerebellar hemisphere with a decrease of the apparent diffusion coefficient. Follow‐up magnetic resonance imaging at 165 days after onset showed slowly progressing cerebellar atrophy. Follow‐up single‐photon emission computed tomography at 8 months after onset showed progressing hypoperfusion in the diffuse cerebellar cortex. He became alert, but dysarthria and truncal ataxia persisted. These findings show that cytotoxic edema leads to delayed irreversible neuronal damage in the cerebellum. Our patient demonstrated that heat stroke causes irreversible neuronal damage, especially in the cerebellum.
Pacemaker Remote Monitoring in the Pediatric Population: Is It A Real Solution?
Authors: LEONI LOIRA , PADALINO MASSIMO , BIFFANTI ROBERTA , FERRETTO SONIA , VETTOR GIULIA , CORRADO DOMENICO , STELLIN GIOVANNI , MILANESI ORNELLA , ILICETO SABINO
Published: January 2015

Background

Clinical utility of remote monitoring of implantable cardiac devices has been previously demonstrated in several trials in the adult population. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of remote monitoring in a pediatric population undergoing pacemakers implantation.

Methods

The study population included 73 consecutive pediatric patients who received an implantable pacemaker. The remote device check was programmed for every 3 months and all patients had a yearly out‐patient visit. Data on device‐related events, hospitalization, and other clinical information were collected during remote checks and out‐patient visits.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 18 ± 10 months, 470 remote transmissions were collected and analyzed. Two deaths were reported. Eight transmissions (1.7%) triggered an urgent out‐patient visit. Twenty percent of transmissions reported evidence of significant clinical or technical events. All young patients and their families were very satisfied when using remote monitoring to replace out‐patient visits.

Conclusions

The ease in use, together with satisfaction and acceptance of remote monitoring in pediatric patients, brought very good results. The remote management of our pediatric population was safe and remote monitoring adequately replaced the periodic out‐patient device checks without compromising patient safety.
Impact of elimination diets on growth and nutritional status in children with multiple food allergies
Authors: Berry Melissa J. , Adams Jennifer , Voutilainen Helena , Feustel Paul J. , Celestin Jocelyn , Järvinen Kirsi M.
Published: January 2015

Background

Impairment of growth has been reported in food‐allergic children. It is not known whether this is related to the extent of food allergies. We sought to compare growth, nutritional status, and nutrient intake in children with food allergy either avoiding cow's milk or avoiding cow's milk and wheat, which are staples of the diet in young children.

Methods

Infants and young children with challenge‐proven allergy were recruited to this prospective study. They were strictly avoiding their allergic food triggers, either cow's milk, or cow's milk and wheat. They were counseled by a dietitian specialized in food allergies on food avoidance diets and nutritionally adequate supplementation at regular intervals. A 3‐day food diary was kept. Children's height, weight, and laboratory data for nutritional parameters were monitored at 8‐month intervals.

Results

A total of 18 patients avoiding milk and 28 patients avoiding milk and wheat were evaluated at an average of 12, 21, and 28 months of age. During the follow‐up, the markers of nutritional status, nutrient intake or height for age, and weight for height were comparable between the two groups, although the means for anthropometric measures were below the average for age in both groups.

Conclusions

The extent of food elimination diet has no impact on growth or nutritional status of food‐allergic children, when diet is adequately supplemented. Close physician and dietitian follow‐up are essential for food‐allergic children when avoiding one or more foods, which are staples of the diet.
Vulnerability to cavitation differs between current‐year and older xylem: non‐destructive observation with a compact magnetic resonance imaging system of two deciduous diffuse‐porous species
Authors: Fukuda Kenji , Kawaguchi Daichi , Aihara Tomo , Ogasa Mayumi Y. , Miki Naoko H. , Haishi Tomoyuki , Umebayashi Toshihiro
Published: January 2015

Development of xylem embolism during water stress in two diffuse‐porous hardwoods,Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) andJapanese white birch (Betula platyphyllavar.japonica), was observed non‐destructively under a compact magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system in addition to conventional quantitation of hydraulic vulnerability to cavitation from excised stem segments. Distribution of white and dark areas inMRimages corresponded well to the distribution of water‐filled/embolized vessels observed by cryo‐scanning electron microscopy in both species. Water‐filled vessels were observed inMRimages as white areas inKatsura and as white dots inJapanese white birch, respectively, and embolisms could be detected as a change to dark areas. The increase in the relative embolized area (REA: %) in the cross‐sectional area of total xylem during water stress, which was estimated from the binarizedMRimages, was consistent with the hydraulic vulnerability curves of these species. From the non‐destructiveMRIobservations, cavitation induced by water stress was shown to develop earlier in 1‐ or 2‐year‐old xylem than in the current‐year xylem in both species; that is, the vulnerability to cavitation differs between vessels in the current‐year xylem and those in older annual rings.
Sprint mechanics in world‐class athletes: a new insight into the limits of human locomotion
Authors: Rabita G. , Dorel S. , Slawinski J. , Sàez‐de‐Villarreal E. , Couturier A. , Samozino P. , Morin J‐B.
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study was to characterize the mechanics of maximal running sprint acceleration in high‐level athletes. Four elite (100‐m best time 9.95–10.29 s) and five sub‐elite (10.40–10.60 s) sprinters performed seven sprints in overground conditions. A single virtual 40‐m sprint was reconstructed and kinetics parameters were calculated for each step using a force platform system and video analyses. Anteroposterior force (FY), power (PY), and the ratio of the horizontal force component to the resultant (total) force (RF, which reflects the orientation of the resultant ground reaction force for each support phase) were computed as a function of velocity (V). FY‐V, RF‐V, and PY‐V relationships were well described by significant linear (mean R2 of 0.892 ± 0.049 and 0.950 ± 0.023) and quadratic (mean R2 = 0.732 ± 0.114) models, respectively. The current study allows a better understanding of the mechanics of the sprint acceleration notably by modeling the relationships between the forward velocity and the main mechanical key variables of the sprint. As these findings partly concern world‐class sprinters tested in overground conditions, they give new insights into some aspects of the biomechanical limits of human locomotion.
Inclusion of upland crops in rice‐based rotations affects chemical properties of clay soil
Authors: linh T. B. , Sleutel S. , Elsacker S. V. , Guong V. T. , Khoa L. V. , Cornelis W. M.
Published: January 2015

In the Mekong Delta, alluvial clay soils have been used intensively over many generations for rice monoculture. Currently, farmers are confronted by problems of declining land productivity. Rotations comprising rice and upland crops can increase soil quality, but appropriate cropping systems for paddy soils have received relatively little attention. We therefore established a multiyear field experiment to evaluate the long‐term effects of cropping systems with different rotations on soil chemical quality. Systems laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications were as follows: (i) traditional rice monoculture with three rice crops per year (R‐R‐R), (ii) rotation with two rice crops and maize (R‐M‐R), (iii) rotation with two rice crops and mung bean (R‐Mb‐R) and (iv) rotation with one rice crop and two upland crops – mung bean and maize (R‐Mb‐M). We hypothesized that systems with rotations of upland crops and their temporary beds improve chemical quality of paddy rice soil. Soil chemical parameters were determined to better understand and evaluate the sustainability of the cropping systems. Results showed an improvement in soil chemical quality for cropping systems with rotations of rice and mung bean or maize grown on temporary beds (R‐M‐R, R‐Mb‐R and R‐Mb‐M), particularly the content of soil organic carbon and a presumed hydrolysable labile carbon fraction compared with rice monoculture. Less pronounced improvements in EC, CEC and total acidity were also found with inclusion of upland crops. Cropping systems of rice with upland crops improved rice grain and straw yield in subsequent season in contrast with rice monoculture.
Sofosbuvir and simeprevir combination therapy in the setting of liver transplantation and hemodialysis
Authors: Perumpail R.B. , Wong R.J. , Ha L.D. , Pham E.A. , Wang U. , Luong H. , Kumari R. , Daugherty T.J. , Higgins J.P. , Younossi Z.M. , Kim W.R. , Glenn J.S. , Ahmed A.
Published: January 2015

We report safety, tolerability, and 12‐week sustained virologic response with half‐standard dose sofosbuvir and standard‐dose simeprevir combination therapy in a hepatitis C virus genotype 1a‐infected liver transplant recipient on hemodialysis – uncharted territory for sofosbuvir‐based therapy. The patient was a non‐responder to prior treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. Sofosbuvir efficacy was maintained despite pill‐splitting and administration of half‐standard dose, 200 mg per day. No drug–drug interactions were noted with tacrolimus‐based immunosuppression. Laboratory tests remained stable or improved during therapy. Our observation, if reproduced in a larger study, may lead to significant improvement in clinical outcomes and cost savings in this patient population.
Low immunogenicity of quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Wyplosz B. , Derradji O. , Hong E. , François H. , Durrbach A. , Duclos‐Vallée J.‐C. , Samuel D. , Escaut L. , Launay O. , Vittecoq D. , Taha M.K.
Published: January 2015

Immunization against meningococcal disease is recommended for solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients at high risk for meningococcal disease or travelling to an endemic country. However, the immunogenicity of meningococcal vaccines has not been studied in this population. We analyzed the immune response of quadrivalent (against Neisseria meningitidis serogroups A, C, Y, and W) polysaccharidic non‐conjugate and conjugate meningococcal vaccines in kidney‐ and liver‐transplant patients using bactericidal assays against the targeted serogroups. Upon vaccination with a non‐conjugate (n = 5) or a conjugate vaccine (n = 10), respectively, 40% and 50% of patients were able to mount an immune response, achieving at least the threshold correlated with protection defined as human serum bactericidal antibody titers of ≥4. Responders showed only partial and low responses (titers ≤64), thus predicting a rapid decline in bactericidal response. Only 1 patient developed a booster response to preexisting immunity. Our data argue for the need of additional measures for SOT recipients, when they are at risk of meningococcal disease.
Physicians' adherence to acute coronary syndrome prescribing guidelines in Vietnamese hospital practice: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nguyen Thang , Nguyen Thao H. , Pham Hoa T. K. , Nguyen Thu T. A. , Huynh Khoa M. , Vo Phuong T. B. , Pham Tam T. , Taxis Katja
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To determine the extent of physicians' adherence to prescribing guidelines for acute coronary syndrome in Vietnamese hospitals.

Methods

Retrospective cross‐sectional study of medical records of all patients with ACS admitted to two public hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from January to December 2013. Percentages of eligible patients receiving guideline‐recommended medications were determined. Factors associated with non‐adherence were identified using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Overall, 711 medical records were reviewed and 284 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria (mean age 64 years; 69.4% male). Of those patients eligible for treatment, aspirin was prescribed for 97.9% at arrival and 96.3% at discharge; dual antiplatelet therapy was prescribed for 92.3% at arrival and 91.7% at discharge; loading doses were prescribed for 79.5% (aspirin) and 55.8% (clopidogrel); beta blockers were prescribed for 58.7% at arrival and 76.7% at discharge; angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) were prescribed for 89.1% at arrival or discharge; and statins were prescribed for 94.1% at arrival and 90.7% at discharge. Patients undergoing an invasive procedure were more likely to receive guideline‐recommended medications at discharge: dual antiplatelet therapy (OR 3.77; 95% CI 1.23–11.52), beta blocker (OR 3.95; 95% CI 1.86–8.40) and ACEI/ARB (OR 4.01; 95% CI 1.30–12.41). Ninety of the excluded patients were discharged without completing treatment.

Conclusions

In general, physicians closely adhered to ACS prescribing guidelines in Vietnamese hospital practice. Prescribing of beta blockers and clopidogrel loading doses was probably suboptimal. Why patients do not complete treatment needs to be investigated.