bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined effect of coffee ingestion and repeated bouts of low‐intensity exercise on fat oxidation
Authors: Kurobe Kazumichi , Nakao Saori , Nishiwaki Masato , Matsumoto Naoyuki
Published: July 2015

We investigated the effect of the combination of coffee ingestion and repeated bouts of low‐intensity exercise on fat oxidation. Subjects were seven young, healthy male adults. They performed four trials: a single 30‐min bout of exercise following ingestion of plain hot water (WS) or coffee (CS); a trial with three 10‐min bouts of exercise separated by 10‐min periods of rest following ingestion of plain hot water (WR) or coffee (CR). The coffee contained 5 mg kg−1 of caffeine. All trials were performed on a cycle ergometer at 40% maximal oxygen uptake for each subject an hour after beverage ingestion. Oxygen uptake in the CS and CR trials was higher compared with the WS and WR trials at 90 min after exercise (P<0·05). Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) in the CS and CR trials was decreased during the whole recovery period compared with baseline (P<0·05), whereas no significant decreases were observed in either the WS or WR trials. Moreover, RER was significantly lower at 30 min after exercise in the CR trial than in either the WS or WR trials (P<0·05 each). Similarly, it is notable that fat oxidation rate in the CR trial was significantly higher at 30 min after exercise compared to that in the WS and WR trials (P<0·05). These results suggest that the combination of coffee intake and repeated bouts of low‐intensity exercise enhances fat oxidation in the period after exercise.
Late‐onset Epstein–Barr virus‐related disease in acute leukemia patients after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is associated with impaired early recovery of T and B lymphocytes
Authors: Liu Jiangying , Yan Chenhua , Zhang Chunli , Xu Lanping , Liu Yanrong , Huang Xiaojun
Published: July 2015

Epstein–Barr virus‐related disease (EBVD) is a serious clinical complication in patients who have undergone haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haploHSCT). Some recipients develop EBVD relatively late after haploHSCT, and most of these patients suffer a poor outcome. This retrospective cohort study characterized the early adaptive immune recovery of patients with acute leukemia presenting with EBVD more than 100 d after haploHSCT. Patients with acute leukemia who received haploHSCT and developed EBVD 100 d later (n = 8) were compared with a matched control group without EBVD (n = 24) with regard to peripheral WBC, lymphocytes, and neutrophils (at 30, 60, and 90 d) and recoveries of B and T lymphocytes (at 30 and 90 d, via immunophenotyping/flow cytometry). Ninety days after haploHSCT, the median values of WBCs and lymphocytes, and the recoveries of CD19+ B cells and CD4+, CD8+, and CD4+CD45RO+ T cells, were significantly lower in patients who developed EBVD, relative to the control group. These results suggest a significant association between deficient early recovery of B and T lymphocytes and the development of late‐onset EBVD after haploHSCT. Our observation could facilitate clinical intervention and the improvement of overall survival of patients undergoing haploHSCT.
Identification of β integrin‐like‐ and fibronectin‐like proteins in the bivalve mollusk Mytilus trossulus
Authors: Dyachuk Vyacheslav A. , Maiorova Maria A. , Odintsova Nelly A.
Published: July 2015

Integrins play a key role in the intermediation and coordination between cells and extracellular matrix components. In this study, we first determined the presence of the β integrin‐like protein and its presumptive ligand, fibronectin‐like protein, during development and in some adult tissues of the bivalve mollusc Mytilus trossulus. We found that β integrin‐like protein expression correlated with the development and differentiation of the digestive system in larvae. Besides the presence of β integrin‐like protein in the digestive epithelial larval cells, this protein was detected in the hemocytes and some adult tissues of M. trossulus. The fibronectin‐like protein was detected firstly at the blastula stage and later, the FN‐LP‐immunoreactive cells were scattered in the trochophore larvae. The fibronectin‐like protein was not expressed in the β integrin‐positive cells of either the veliger stage larvae or the adult mussel tissues and the primary hemocyte cell culture. Despite the β integrin‐ and fibronectin‐like proteins being expressed in different cell types of mussel larvae, we do not exclude the possibility of direct interaction between these two proteins during M. trossulus development or in adult tissues.
Surprises in the 3′‐end: ‘U’ can decide too!
Authors: Viegas Sandra C. , Silva Inês J. , Apura Patricia , Matos Rute G. , Arraiano Cecilia M.
Published: July 2015

RNA molecules are subjected to post‐transcriptional modifications that might determine their maturation, activity, localization and stability. These alterations can occur within the RNA molecule or at its 5′‐ or 3′‐ extremities, and are essential for gene regulation and proper function of the RNA. One major type of modification is the 3′‐end addition of nontemplated nucleotides. Polyadenylation is the most well studied type of 3′‐RNA modification, both in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. The importance of 3′‐oligouridylation has recently gained attention through the discovery of several types of uridylated‐RNAs, by the existence of enzymes that specifically add poly(U) tails and others that preferentially degrade these tails. Namely, Dis3L2 is a 3′–5′ exoribonuclease from the RNase II/RNB family that has been shown to act preferentially on oligo(U)‐tailed transcripts. Our understanding of this process is still at the beginning, but it is already known to interfere in the regulation of diverse RNA species in most eukaryotes. Now that we are aware of the prevalence of RNA uridylation and the techniques available to globally evaluate the 3′‐terminome, we can expect to make rapid progress in determining the extent of terminal oligouridylation in different RNA populations and unravel its impact on RNA decay mechanisms. Here, we sum up what is known about 3′‐RNA modification in the different cellular compartments of eukaryotic cells, the conserved enzymes that perform this 3′‐end modification and the effectors that are selectively activated by this process.
Mapping the SUMOylated landscape
Authors: Eifler Karolin , Vertegaal Alfred C.O.
Published: July 2015

SUMOylation is a post‐translational modification that regulates a multitude of cellular processes, including replication, cell‐cycle progression, protein transport and the DNA damage response. Similar to ubiquitin, SUMO (small ubiquitin‐like modifier) is covalently attached to target proteins in a reversible process via an enzymatic cascade. SUMOylation is essential for nearly all eukaryotic organisms, and deregulation of the SUMO system is associated with human diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, it is of great interest to understand the regulation and dynamics of this post‐translational modification. Within the last decade, mass spectrometry analyses of SUMO proteomes have overcome several obstacles, greatly expanding the number of known SUMO target proteins. In this review, we briefly outline the basic concepts of the SUMO system, and discuss the potential of proteomic approaches to decipher SUMOylation patterns in order to understand the role of SUMO in health and disease.
Sustainable consumption in Vietnam: an explorative study among the urban middle class
Authors: de Koning Jotte Ilbine Jozine Charlotte , Crul Marcel Rudolphus Maria , Wever Renee , Brezet Johannes Cornelis
Published: July 2015

The middle class of Vietnam is growing and so is their consumption, especially in urban areas. This is due to the effects of rapid economic growth, industrialization and increasing wealth in combination with a young, growing population. This paper aims to understand current consumption patterns and consumption categories that can provide a start for sustainable lifestyles among the Vietnamese middle class.

Data was collected in the capital Hanoi, in the north of Vietnam. The current level of awareness, knowledge and attitude was explored on five specific consumption topics: energy, transport, water, waste, and food. A combination of quantitative and qualitative data was collected: 5 focus groups, 5 in‐depth interviews and a survey among 158 Vietnamese urban middle class consumers. The results are discussed according to the MOA model that explains behaviour as a function of three components: Motivation, Opportunity and Ability.

The research concludes that awareness and knowledge of the urban middle class in Vietnam on sustainable consumption is generally low. However, the motivation to live healthy lifestyles and protect the planet for their future generations is rather high. In order to support more sustainable lifestyles, the awareness of environmental issues needs to be increased; knowledge needs to be made available and accessible (ability); and role models need to set an example for the urban middle class of Vietnam.

Furthermore, health in combination with food is the most important reason for people to pursue a sustainable lifestyle (motivation) and the need to change was expressed. However, a general distrust towards business and governmental actors was also found. Therefore, opportunities for bottom‐up initiatives for sustainable food consumption must be explored in the future. This could support in engaging the middle class of Vietnam in sustainable lifestyles.
Longevity insurance annuities: China adopts a benefit innovation from the past
Authors: Chen Tianhong , Turner John A.
Published: July 2015

Longevity insurance annuities are deferred annuities that begin payment at advanced older ages, such as at age 80. Such annuities would benefit some older retirees who have drawn down their savings, but the private sector has problems in providing them. Originally, social insurance old‐age benefits programmes in some countries were structured as longevity insurance programmes, with 50 per cent or less of those entering the workforce surviving to receive the benefits. Over time, however, as life expectancy has improved, the benefits these programmes provide have slowly transformed into benefits that most people entering the workforce ultimately receive. This article argues that the reintroduction of longevity insurance benefits as part of social insurance old‐age benefit programmes could be an important policy innovation, in particular because this benefit is generally not provided by the private sector. China has introduced longevity insurance benefits as part of its social insurance system, offering a model for other countries, particularly those providing modest social insurance old‐age benefits.
Little cash to large households: Cash transfers and children's care in disadvantaged families inGhana
Authors: Roelen Keetie , Chettri Helen Karki , Delap Emily
Published: July 2015

Social protection is widely considered to have a positive effect on children, including supporting improvements in nutritional, educational and health outcomes. Much less is known, however, about the impact of interventions on children's care. This article considers the impact of a social cash transfer targeted at poor households –Ghana's Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme – on child well‐being, quality of care and preventing children's separation from their parents as perceived by programme and non‐programme beneficiaries in a context of vulnerability, large households and widespread informal kinship care. Findings suggest that cash transfers can improve both material and non‐material aspects of well‐being and contribute to the quality of care and have the potential to prevent children's separation from their parents. At the same time, not all children appear to benefit equally, with non‐biological children being disadvantaged. The combination of large household sizes with programme design and implementation challenges, including low transfer amounts, a cap on the maximum number of eligible household members and poor sensitization and follow‐up, undermine the positive role that cash transfers can play.
Convergence or divergence? How the financial crisis affected European pensioners
Authors: Grech Aaron G.
Published: July 2015

The Member States of the European Union entered the financial crisis with very different pension systems. Although the use of standard adequacy measures suggest small impacts from the crisis, alternative measures based on pension wealth estimates indicate stronger effects. While the largest continental systems were left relatively unscathed by the crisis, Mediterranean systems were cut back significantly. This should lead to considerable convergence in system generosity across countries. Despite the cuts, state pensions in the stressed economies should still be generous enough to keep the majority of pensioners out of relative poverty, but this depends on a relatively quick turnaround in labour market performance in these countries.
Factors facilitating or hampering nurses identification of stroke in emergency calls
Authors: Berglund Annika , Heikkilä Kristiina , Bohm Katarina , Schenck‐Gustafsson Karin , von Euler Mia
Published: July 2015

Aims

To explore the factors that facilitate or hamper identification of stroke in emergency calls concerning patients with stroke who have fallen or been in a lying position.

Background

Early identification of stroke in emergency calls is vital but can be complicated as the patients may be unable to express themselves and the callers generally are bystanders. In a previous study, we found presentation of fall or the patient being in a lying position to be the major problem in 66% of emergency calls concerning, but not dispatched as acute stroke.

Design

A qualitative study using interpretive phenomenology.

Methods

Analysis of transcribed emergency calls concerning 29 patients with stroke diagnoses at hospital discharge, in 2011 and presented with fall/lying position.

Findings

Patients' ability to express themselves, callers' knowledge of the patient and of stroke, first call‐takers' and nurses' authority, nurses' coaching and nurses' expertise skills facilitated or hindered the identification of stroke. Certain aspects are adjustable, but some are determined by the situation or on callers' and patients' abilities and thus difficult to change. Nurses' expertise skills were the only theme found to have a decisive effect of the identification of stroke on its own.

Conclusion

To increase identification of stroke in emergency calls concerning stroke, the first call‐takers' and nurses' action, competence and awareness of obstacles are crucial and if strengthened would likely increase the identification of stroke in emergency calls. In complicated cases, nurses' expertise skills seem essential for identification of stroke.
Seafarers or castaways: ecological traits associated with rafting dispersal in tropical reef fishes
Authors: Luiz Osmar J. , Allen Andrew P. , Robertson D. Ross , Floeter Sergio R. , Madin Joshua S.
Published: July 2015

Aim

Rafting with natural flotsam is an important mechanism of long‐distance oceanic dispersal for many near‐shore marine organisms. Identifying the species‐level traits associated with this behaviour would aid in understanding and predicting a species' capacity for dispersal between isolated areas of benthic habitat.

Location

The tropical and subtropical Atlantic.

Methods

We assessed the relationships between species‐level traits (habitat use, position in water column, diet, body size, schooling activity) and rafting behaviour among 985 species of reef fish using generalized linear mixed‐effect modelling. To assess whether the relationships between rafting behaviour and species traits were mediated by raft type, our analysis included interactions between raft type and our predictor variables.

Results

The following species‐level traits are positively associated with rafting for reef fishes: (1) position in water column above reef substratum, which indicates a species' dependency on the substratum; (2) schooling behaviour, a trait linked to predation avoidance; (3) large adult size, which may be associated with enhanced survivorship and growth of rafting juveniles; and (4) broad habitat use, which may facilitate use of atypical habitats, including flotsam. Some correlations varied depending on the type of flotsam – broad habitat use is only positively correlated with the use of seaweed rafts, which may resemble patches of benthic macroalgal and seagrass beds that the reef fishes often use as ancillary habitat. In contrast, schooling behaviour is only positively correlated with rafting among logs and similar objects, perhaps because they represent poor refuges from predation.

Main conclusions

A species' propensity to use rafts is associated with specific ecological traits, some of which are contingent on characteristics of the raft. Thus, our findings suggest that increasing amounts of man‐made flotsam entering the ocean may differentially influence future rafting opportunities among tropical reef fishes, depending on their traits, which may have important implications for their biogeographical distributions.
Novel Technique to Prevent Phrenic Nerve Injury During Pulmonary Vein Isolation Using Preprocedural Imaging
Authors: ROKA ATTILA , HEIST E. KEVIN , REFAAT MARWAN , RUSKIN JEREMY , MANSOUR MOUSSA
Published: July 2015

Prevention of Phrenic Injury Using Imaging

Introduction

Phrenic nerve (PN) injury is one of the major complications of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI). Pace mapping for PN capture is routinely used to identify areas with high risk for injury along the anterior border of the right pulmonary veins (PVs). Our aim was to evaluate the feasibility of using preprocedural imaging to identify areas where no PN capture is possible along the anterior border of the right PVs, thus avoiding the need for pace mapping during PVI.

Methods and Results

It was hypothesized that PN capture along the anterior border of the right PVs does not occur in the area where the right and left atria overlap. Three‐dimensional segmentation of both atria was performed on preprocedural magnetic resonance and computed tomography angiograms in 40 patients before undergoing PVI. The area of overlap between the right and left atria was delineated. Image registration was performed during the procedure. Using pacing, regions with and without PN capture were marked along the anterior border of the right PVs. A total of 361 points were tested for PN stimulation (9 ± 4 points/patient). PN capture occurred in 97 out of the 189 points (51%) in the area with no overlap between the right and left atria. No PN capture occurred in the area of overlap (172 points, P< 0.001).

Conclusion

Delineation of the area of overlap between the right and left atria derived from preprocedural imaging reliably identifies regions where PN pace capture does not occur. Testing for PN stimulation before ablation may not be necessary in these regions.
Fragments of Tenebrio molitor cadherin enhance Cry3Aa toxicity for the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)
Authors: Moustafa M. A. M. , Vlasák J. , Sehnal F.
Published: July 2015

Bacillus thuringiensis crystalline (Cry) proteins are highly toxic to a wide range of insect pests, but some species resist their action. This is true for many economically important beetles, including stored product pests, such as Tribolium castaneum. In this article, we show that the susceptibility of T. castaneum larvae to natural as well as to a recombinant Cry3Aa‐type toxin, applied in the diet, is enhanced by supplementing the diet with recombinant fragments of Tenebrio molitor cadherin; Cry toxin‐binding sites occur in several cadherin repeats (CR). In our study, we used the toxin‐binding region CRtb, which represents a substantial part of the repeat CR12‐MPED (membrane‐proximal extracellular domain). CRtb and CR12‐MPED consistently increased Cry3Aa toxicity. This synergistic effect occured at diverse mass ratios between the toxin and the cadherin fragments, suggesting that optimal ratios can be found. In our 6‐week‐long assay with T. castaneum, we achieved mortality of up to 96.6% with toxin concentration 30 μg/g. Cadherin fragments CR11 and CR9‐11 elicited small and diverse effects that require further analysis.
Separation of Sulfoether Compounds in Garlic Oil by Integrated Membrane Technologies
Authors: Xiao Huan , Zhong Zhaoxiang , Low Ze‐Xian , Huang Yao , Sun Yun , Yao Zhong
Published: July 2015

This study investigated an integrated process to separate sulfoether compounds from garlic oil. The garlic oil was pretreated by vapor distillation and the oil–water mixture was treated with the combination of ceramic membrane microfiltration (MF) and poly(dimethylsiloxane)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composite membrane pervaporation (PV). The optimum operating conditions with respect to sulfoether compounds' recovery were determined to be 1.8% feed concentration, 30C and 0.10 MPa for ceramic membrane MF; and 40C, 5 h, 0.24 MPa and 0.32 L/min for PV. It was found that the emulsified oil was effectively separated by ceramic MF membranes, and the rejection rates of diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) were 91.11, 99.8 and 100%, respectively. In the subsequent process, PV membrane was used to recover the dissolved oil. PV membrane had a good enrichment effect on DAS and DADS in the penetrant permeate fluid, with separation factors of 6.31 and 5.45, respectively. Compared with oil–water mixture by vapor distillation, the yield of garlic oil is 99.6%. This study showed that MF and PV processes were attractive technologies for the recovery of garlic sulfoether compounds as they yield good separation and operate under mild conditions.

Practical Applications

Researchers have reported that active components of garlic have beneficial effect on human's health; in particular, the sulfoether compounds of garlic oil. However, the development of process technology and high value‐added products of garlic is lacking. The present study provides an integrated process to separate sulfoether compounds from garlic oil. The results indicated that microfiltration and pervaporation processes were effective technologies for the recovery of garlic sulfoether compounds. These processes should be taken as good examples for extraction of plant essential oil and the treatment of oily wastewater generated by the industry to achieve oil–water separation.
Performance of UV Pasteurization with Quartz Glass Sleeve on Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Activity of Pineapple Juice
Authors: Mansor Atikah , Shamsudin Rosnah , Mohd Adzahan Noranizan , Hamidon Mohd Nizar
Published: July 2015

Quartz glass has characteristics of high purity, high thermal resistance, high resistivity and high dielectric strength. Currently, majority of research in this area is discussing about the UV reactor equipped by a quartz glass sleeve. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of quartz glass sleeve on the physicochemical properties and microbial activity of pineapple fruit juice during storage. UV‐C radiation is one of the nonthermal technologies that have been introduced in the food industry. UV‐C has the advantage of no known toxic or significant nontoxic by‐products formed during treatment. The UV reactor that is enclosed by quartz glass can maintain the quality of pineapple juice in terms of color (L* value, chroma and hue angle), total soluble solids, pH and ascorbic acid content. All of the physicochemical properties of pineapple juice underwent significant changes with storage time. Moreover, the UV reactor that is enclosed by quartz glass is able to extend the shelf life of juice for up to 5 weeks and achieve a 5 log reduction of Salmonella typhimurium in the juice after treatment.

Practical Applications

Quartz glass or fused quartz is widely used in thermophysical measurements for calibration and verification of thermal devices. Quartz glass was permeable for wavelength less than 350 nm. Therefore, the UV‐C radiation was able to transmit through the quartz glass. Quartz glass was installed in UV reactor to avoid direct contact of the surface of the lamp with the treated juice. Quartz glass is used to minimize the heat from the UV lamp being exposed to the juice.
Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance and Serotype Distribution of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Raw Milk and Dairy Products
Authors: Kevenk Tahsin Onur , Terzi Gulel Goknur
Published: July 2015

The objectives of study were to assess presence of Listeria monocytogenes, perform serotyping and investigate antibiotic resistance in raw milk and dairy products. A total of 210 milk and dairy products including white (n = 20) and kashar cheese (n = 20), ice cream (n = 20), butter (n = 20), cokelek (n = 10), kuymak (n = 10) and farm cheese (n = 10) were obtained from Samsun, Turkey. All samples were analyzed using an immunomagnetic separation‐based culture technique and strains of L. monocytogenes were confirmed by presence of hlyA and iap genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). L. monocytogenes was identified in 5 of 100 (5%) milk samples, serotyped as 4b and 1/2b, and in 9 of 110 (8.2%) dairy products, serotyped as 1/2a, 1/2b and 1/2c. However, L. monocytogenes was not identified from butter, kashar and ice cream samples. The antibiotic susceptibility against ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, penicillin G, oxytetracycline, tetracycline and vancomycin was assessed by disc diffusion method. It was found that 15.3% of isolates were resistant to at least one drug and 36.5% were multidrug resistant. Among isolates, resistance to tetracycline was most commonly encountered (34.6%), followed by resistance to chloramphenicol (25%) and penicillin G (23%). In conclusion, our data also indicate that consuming raw and unpasteurised milk and dairy products could pose a risk of listeriosis in humans.

Practical Applications

Although there are plenty of studies about the incidence of L. monocytogenes in raw milk and dairy products in Turkey, our study is the first one in Samsun (Middle Black Sea) Region about Listeria in milk and dairy products. Also in our study, we characterized some virulence genes and serotype distribution of L. monocytogenes by PCR. Finally, we performed antibiotic resistance tests of isolates to see possible public health threats because of using overabundant antibiotics. If we analyze all these work to see the potential risk assessments in this region, our study could be a leading study in near future.
A comparative study of educational provision for children with neurogenetic syndromes: parent and teacher survey
Authors: Reilly C. , Senior J. , Murtagh L.
Published: July 2015

Background

A number of neurogenetic syndromes have a high association with special educational needs including fragile X syndrome (FXS), Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), Williams syndrome (WS) and Velo‐Cardio‐Facial syndrome (VCFS). There is a paucity of research on educational provision for children affected by these syndromes.

Method

Parents (n = 381) and teachers (n = 204) of school‐aged children with one of the four syndromes in the UK and Ireland were surveyed in a range of areas concerning the child's educational provision. Areas surveyed included school placement, views on the needs of children with the syndromes, desired changes to current provision and perceived teacher knowledge.

Results

School placement in mainstream settings decreased with age in all of the syndromes. Males with the syndromes were more likely to be in specialised educational settings with the exception of WS. Teachers reported limited input on initial or subsequent training for all of the syndromes. The majority of teachers did not view the needs of children with syndromes as different from other children with intellectual disability (ID) although there were significant differences between the syndromes. Changes deemed necessary to provision by parents and teachers differed between the syndromes indicating the existence of perceptions of syndrome specific needs. The lowest perceived level of teacher knowledge was in the VCFS group.

Conclusion

The majority of teachers of children with neurogenetic syndromes report limited knowledge of the syndromes, but also a lack of belief that the children's needs are different from the majority of children with ID. Differences between the syndromes in some areas of provision suggest that a child's syndrome does impact on educational provision in some areas.
Expression of myogenic regulatory factors in chicken embryos during somite and limb development
Authors: Mok Gi Fay , Mohammed Rabeea Hazim , Sweetman Dylan
Published: July 2015

The expression of the myogenic regulatory factors (MRFs), Myf5, MyoD, myogenin (Mgn) and MRF4 have been analysed during the development of chicken embryo somites and limbs. In somites, Myf5 is expressed first in somites and paraxial mesoderm at HH stage 9 followed by MyoD at HH stage 12, and Mgn and MRF4 at HH stage 14. In older somites, Myf5 and MyoD are also expressed in the ventrally extending myotome prior to Mgn and MRF4 expression. In limb muscles a similar temporal sequence is observed with Myf5 expression detected first in forelimbs at HH stage 22, MyoD at HH stage 23, Mgn at HH stage 24 and MRF4 at HH stage 30. This report describes the precise time of onset of expression of each MRF in somites and limbs during chicken embryo development, and provides a detailed comparative timeline of MRF expression in different embryonic muscle groups.
Cerebrospinal fluid drainage through the diploic and spinal epidural veins
Authors: Tsutsumi Satoshi , Ogino Ikuko , Miyajima Masakazu , Ito Masanori , Arai Hajime , Yasumoto Yukimasa
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the function of the cranial diploic and spinal epidural veins as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage pathways by measuring lipocalin‐type prostaglandin D synthase (PGDS) and cystatin C (CysC) dissolved in the blood of these veins. This was a prospective study involving 51 consecutive patients, 31 males and 20 females, who underwent 41 cranial and 10 spinal surgeries. Intraoperatively, peripheral venous blood and diploic venous blood, or peripheral venous blood and spinal epidural venous blood samples were simultaneously collected and immediately centrifuged. For all samples, dissolved albumin (for reference), PGDS and CysC were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The diploic vein/peripheral vein ratios in five cranial locations and epidural vein/peripheral vein ratios were calculated and statistically evaluated for the three biomarkers. For PGDS, the diploic vein/peripheral vein ratio was significantly increased in the frontal (P = 0.011), temporal (P = 0.028), parietal (P = 0.046) and skull base (P = 0.039), while it did not reach statistical significance for CysC. For patients older than 45 years, the diploic vein/peripheral vein ratio for PGDS was significantly decreased in the frontal region (P = 0.028), and the epidural vein/peripheral vein ratio for CysC was significantly decreased (P = 0.014). These results show that the diploic veins constitute CSF drainage pathways with heterogeneous functional intensity at different cranial locations. Compared with the diploic veins, spinal epidural veins seem to drain less CSF. The cranial diploic and spinal epidural veins may jointly function as an alternative, age‐related trans‐dural CSF drainage system.
Older people in the emergency department: a literature review
Authors: Šteinmiller Jekaterina , Routasalo Pirkko , Suominen Tarja
Published: July 2015

Background

Emergency departments (EDs) play a unique role in healthcare systems throughout the world by providing acute interventions for older patients with acute/emergency and multiple health problems. The aim of this review was to identify studies that focused on older patients admitted to EDs and to determine the reasons for the visits.

Design and methods

The literature review was based on a comprehensive search of electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were original research written in English; published 2002–2012; focused on older people; reasons for ED visit; and factors that affect the discharge process and those associated with a repeat ED visit. Other literature reviews and studies unrelated to the ED context, and studies examining patients aged ≥65 years, were excluded. Content analysis was performed. Twenty‐five studies were identified and critically evaluated.

Results

The highest proportion of older people visited the ED because of multiple health conditions. The reasons for the visits were cardiovascular, mental health, musculoskeletal and abdominal conditions; adverse drug reactions; dermatological, neurological and respiratory conditions; poor health status; accidents; and the influence of time factors such as time of day, week or season. Factors that affected the discharge process were unresolved problems, health risk identification, aftercare instructions, medication prescribed at discharge and patient's residence before ED admission. Factors associated with repeat ED visits were sociodemographic characteristics, social problems, health problems, need for systematic health assessment, healthcare service use and inadequacy of care provided.

Conclusions

The current review showed that older people are the main population visiting EDs; important factors required for planning and providing nursing care for older people in EDs were identified. More research is needed to determine how EDs support older people and their families.

Implications for practice

The findings of the current review identified that older people visit ED quite often because of different reasons. Discharge process and repeat visits may be influenced by various factors. To ensure quality nursing care in ED nurses need to be aware why do older people visit the ED, what factors may influence discharge and what factors are associated with repeat ED visits.
Developmental risk factors in Vietnamese preschool‐age children: Cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Duc Nguyen Huu Chau
Published: July 2015

Background

Early childhood development (ECD) strongly influences children's basic learning, school success, economic participation, social citizenry and health. Although some risk factors related to childhood development are documented, further exploration is necessary considering various sociodemographic, nutritional, and psychosocial factors. This study investigated factors affecting ECD in Vietnamese preschoolers.

Methods

We used data from the representative, cross‐sectional round of the Vietnam Multiple Indicator Clusters Survey 2011. Early Childhood Development Index questionnaires were administered to mothers of all children aged 36–59 months in the household (n = 1459). Descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression were used in the analysis.

Results

In Vietnam, 17.2% of children did not reach their full developmental potential within the first 5 years. Children who had been breast‐fed (AOR, 2.78; 95%CI: 1.28–6.02), attended preschool (AOR, 1.75; 95%CI: 1.28–2.39), were of major ethnicity (AOR, 2.41; 95%CI: 1.55–3.74), had a mother with secondary or higher education (AOR, 1.69; 95%CI: 1.19–2.38) and had relatives who engaged with them in four or more activities that promote learning (AOR, 1.55; 95%CI: 1.13–2.14) were more likely to have a normal developmental trajectory. Furthermore, children who experienced physical punishment and stunting were 0.69‐fold (95%CI: 0.51–0.95) and 0.71‐fold (95%CI: 0.51–0.98) less likely to be on track for ECD, respectively.

Conclusions

The risk factors associated with delayed ECD were low level of maternal education; family ethnicity; lack of preschool attendance; relatives who did not engage with them in learning; physical punishment; not being breast‐fed; and stunting.
Low‐ versus high‐flow oxygen delivery systems in children with lower respiratory infection
Authors: Uygur Pinar , Oktem Sedat , Boran Perran , Tutar Engin , Tokuc Gulnur
Published: July 2015

Background

Delivery of supplemental oxygen is the initial vital management of hypoxemic acute lower respiratory infection (HALRI). Oxygen delivery systems include low‐flow and high‐flow devices. In high‐flow devices such as the Venturi mask, a constant mixture of oxygen is delivered. As a result, increased rate of breathing does not affect the concentration of oxygen delivered. In this study, we compared the efficacy of oxygen masks and Venturi masks in the management of hypoxemia in pediatric patients.

Methods

A total of 65 children, aged 3–36 months, diagnosed with HALRI, were enrolled. Patients were allocated into groups, via simple alternate randomization, to receive oxygen through an oxygen mask or through a Venturi mask. Respiratory rate, heart rate, retraction, blood gas parameters, oxygen saturation, length of hospitalization, and oxygenation were recorded before and after oxygen treatment.

Results

After 24 h of treatment, respiratory rate was significantly lower among patients in the Venturi mask group compared with the oxygen mask group. Duration of supplemental oxygen and length of hospitalization were significantly lower in the Venturi mask group compared with the oxygen mask group.

Conclusion

In both groups, there was marked improvement in all measured parameters following introduction of supplemental oxygen. Oxygen was delivered more efficiently, however, by high‐flow systems. The Venturi mask may decrease the total duration of oxygen usage time as well as the length of hospitalization among young children with HALRI through rapid symptom resolution.
Wittgenstein on Set Theory and the Enormously Big
Authors: Dawson Ryan
Published: July 2015

Wittgenstein's conception of infinity can be seen as continuing the tradition of the potential infinite that begins with Aristotle. Transfinite cardinals in set theory might seem to render the potential infinite defunct with the actual infinite now given mathematical legitimacy. But Wittgenstein's remarks on set theory argue that the philosophical notion of the actual infinite remains philosophical and is not given a mathematical status as a result of set theory. The philosophical notion of the actual infinite is not to be found in the mathematics of set theory, only in a certain associated philosophy – what Wittgenstein calls a certain kind of “prose”.
The Role of Sexual Health Professionals in Developing a Shared Concept of Risky Sexual Behavior as it Relates to HIV Transmission
Authors: Brawner Bridgette M. , Alexander Kamila A. , Fannin Ehriel F. , Baker Jillian L. , Davis Zupenda M.
Published: July 2015

“Risky sexual behavior” accounts for the majority of new HIV infections regardless of gender, age, geographic location, or ethnicity. The phrase, however, refers to a relatively nebulous concept that hampers development of effective sexual health communication strategies. The purpose of this paper was to propose development of a shared conceptual understanding of “risky sexual behavior.” We reviewed multidisciplinary HIV/AIDS literature to identify definitions of risky sexual behavior. Both the linguistic components and the social mechanisms that contribute to the concept of risky sexual behaviors were noted. Risky sexual behavior was often defined in a subjective manner in the literature, even in the scientific research. We urge a paradigm shift to focus on explicit behaviors and the social context of those behaviors in determining HIV risk. We also propose a new definition that reduces individual biases and promotes a broader discussion of the degree of sexual risk across a diversity of behavioral contexts. Sexual health professionals can strengthen practice and research initiatives by operating from a concise working definition of risky sexual behavior that is broadly transferable and expands beyond a traditional focus on identity‐based groups.
A lethal intracranial Rosai‐Dorfman disease of the brainstem diagnosed at autopsy
Authors: Imada Hiroki , Sakatani Takashi , Sawada Mikio , Matsuura Tohru , Fukushima Noriyoshi , Nakano Imaharu
Published: July 2015

Rosai‐Dorfman disease (RDD) is a benign histiocytic proliferative disorder characterized by the accumulation of histiocytes in lymph nodes and various other organs. RDD seldom involves the central nervous system, and cases of purely intracranial RDD are particularly rare. We report a case of purely intracranial RDD involving the brainstem that was diagnosed at autopsy. A 68‐year‐old woman visited our hospital because of visual disturbances and loss of energy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an obscure mass in the brainstem. Despite exhaustive work‐ups, the etiology of the intracranial mass remained unclear. The patient died of respiratory depression, and an autopsy was performed for pathological investigation. Macroscopically, a pink pale mass 2.5 cm in diameter was found in the brainstem, with no attachment to the dura. Histologically, it was composed of histiocytic cells with incorporation of small lymphocytes (emperipolesis). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the cells were positive for CD68 and S100 and negative for CD1a, consistent with a diagnosis of RDD. Purely intracranial RDD is extremely rare and considered benign. To date, nine cases (including ours) have been reported. To our knowledge, this is the first case of intracranial RDD with autopsy. Although generally considered benign, RDD involving the brainstem might be lethal.
Low incidence of MYC/BCL2 double‐hit in Burkitt lymphoma
Authors: Yoshida Maki , Ichikawa Ayako , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Kiyasu Junichi , Kimura Yoshizo , Niino Daisuke , Ohshima Koichi
Published: July 2015

Translocations involving MYC are highly characteristic for Burkitt lymphoma (BL). BCL2 expression has also been found previously in about 10 to 20% of BL cases, and BCL2 translocation is a major mechanism for the deregulation of BCL2 expression in non‐Hodgkin lymphomas. However, we know little about the incidence of MYC/BCL2 double‐hit (DH) in BL. We examined BL cases to determine how frequently they contained BCL2 translocations in combination with MYC translocations using fluorescence in situ hybridization. We also determined the effect of BCL2 expression on clinical outcomes of BL. BCL2 translocations were detected in 3.5% (2/57 cases) of the cases, and BCL2 expression was detected in 33%. Two cases with BCL2 translocation also showed BCL2 expression. The incidence of BCL2 expression was significantly higher in patients 16 years of age and older (46%) than in patients under 16 years of age (6%). Among patients 16 years of age and older, we did not detect significant differences in overall survival with respect to BCL2 expression status. In conclusion, BCL2 translocation is a rare cytogenetic abnormality in BL, and BL probably accounts for only a small fraction of MYC/BCL2 DH lymphomas. BCL2 expression in BL is probably not associated with BCL2 translocations.
Prediction of hematopoietic stem cell yield after mobilization with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor in healthy unrelated donors
Authors: Teipel Raphael , Schetelig Johannes , Kramer Michael , Schmidt Helmuth , Schmidt Alexander H. , Thiede Christian , Oelschlägel Uta , Kroschinsky Frank , Bornhäuser Martin , Ehninger Gerhard , Hölig Kristina
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The collection of hematopoietic stem cells from the peripheral blood of healthy donors has been established as a highly efficient method. Nevertheless, some donors have a moderate or poor chance of harvest success with standard mobilization regimens.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed data from 7216 unrelated healthy donors, who underwent granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor mobilization and consecutive leukapheresis for allogeneic stem cell transplantation. We tested different donor variables of potential influence and established a statistical model for prediction of upfront mobilization capacity and harvest success. In addition, we calculated the likelihood of a successful harvest dependent on predicted preapheresis CD34+ count and recipient weight.

RESULTS

Female sex, older age, smoking, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, higher relative lymphocyte count, and higher large unstained cell count at baseline were negatively correlated with the CD34+ cell count on Day +5 (p < 0.0001). In contrast, higher platelet count, higher body mass index, higher absolute lymphocyte count, and higher relative monocyte count at baseline showed a positive correlation with the CD34+ count on Day +5 (p < 0.0001). Using a model built on these factors, we could significantly improve the prediction of harvest success compared to a basic model.

CONCLUSION

The model allows the identification of female donors who eventually have a significant risk of harvest failure if requested to donate for recipients with a high body weight.
Erythrocyte and Biochemical Abnormalities as Diagnostic Markers in Dogs With Hemangiosarcoma Related Hemoabdomen
Authors: Wong Richard W. , Gonsalves Mishka N. , Huber Michael L. , Rich Lon , Strom Adam
Published: July 2015

Objective

To investigate: 1) acanthocytosis and presence of acanthocytes in peritoneal fluid as a diagnostic marker for hemangiosarcoma (HSA) in dogs with non‐traumatic hemoabdomen; and 2) the association between other erythrocyte, biochemical, and hematologic abnormalities as a mean of differentiating HSA from other disease.

Study Design

Prospective double‐blinded cohort study.

Animals

Dogs (n = 40) with non‐traumatic hemoabdomen.

Methods

Dogs diagnosed with hemoabdomen (January 2012 to May 2013) had cytologic evaluation of abdominal effusion and peripheral blood smears. Peripheral blood CBC, PT, and aPTT, as well as blood and effusion acanthocytes, keratocytes, schistocytes, lactate, glucose, PCV, and TP results were compared using the paired t‐test or Fisher's exact test. Based on histologic confirmation of HSA, dogs were divided into 2 groups (HSA, non‐HSA) and variables compared.

Results

There was no significant difference in erythrocyte morphology in abdominal effusion or peripheral blood between dogs with HSA or non‐HSA related hemoabdomen. Platelet concentration and peripheral blood PCV were significantly lower in the HSA group.

Conclusions

A reliable preoperative biochemical or cytologic test to differentiate between HSA and non‐HSA related hemoabdomen was not identified.
Experimental and Numerical Evaluation of Thickness Reduction in Steel Plate Heat Exchangers
Authors: Onal O. , Bal B. , Canadinc D. , Akdari E.
Published: July 2015

A multiscale modeling approach was utilized to predict thickness reduction in steel plate heat exchangers (PHEs) utilized in combi boilers. The roles of texture and microstructure were successfully accounted for by properly coupling crystal plasticity and finite element analysis (FEA). In particular, crystal plasticity was employed to determine the proper multiaxial hardening rule to describe the material flow during the forming of PHEs, which was then implemented into the finite element (FE) metal-forming simulations. The current findings show that reliable thickness distribution predictions can be made with appropriate coupling of crystal plasticity and FEA in metal forming. Furthermore, the multiscale modeling approach presented herein constitutes an important guideline for the design of new PHEs with improved thermomechanical performance and reduced manufacturing costs.