bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reproductive careers of Thoroughbred broodmares before and after surgical correction of ≥360 degree large colon volvulus
Authors: Leahy E. R. , Holcombe S. J. , Hackett E. S. , Scoggin C. F. , Embertson R. M.
Published: August 2017

Background

Limited data exist describing broodmare longevity and reproductive efficiency after surgical correction of ≥360 degree large colon volvulus (° LCV).

Objectives

Compare career duration and foals delivered for broodmares before and after ≥360°LCVsurgery.

Study design

Retrospective case series.

Methods

Broodmares registered with The Jockey Club that had surgical correction of ≥360°LCVand survived to hospital discharge at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2015 were included. Information was collected from the hospital's medical data base and The Jockey Club produce records about the mares’ reproductive careers. Data were evaluated using parametric and nonparametric tests, P≤0.05.

Results

Mares that were bred but never foaled prior to surgery (n = 19) had shorter careers (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]), 4.4 ± 4.5 years, and fewer foals, 3.1 ± 3.3, compared with mares that delivered ≥1 foal before surgery (n = 565), 10.4 ± 4.5 years and 7.4 ± 3.4 foals, respectively, P<0.001. Broodmares that delivered foals before surgery produced more foals in the years before surgery, 4.8 ± 3.0, than after surgery, 2.6 ± 2.4, P<0.001, and had longer breeding careers, 5.9 ± 3.8 vs. 4.5 ± 3.3 years before compared with after surgery, P<0.001. No significant differences in career length or number of foals delivered were detected for mares with a single compared with multipleLCVsurgeries. Mares that were 3–11 years old at the time of surgery had significantly more foals after surgery compared with mares ≥12 years old, P<0.001, as expected.

Main limitations

Retrospective collection of data.

Conclusions

Broodmares had productive careers following surgery for ≥360°LCVthat were largely influenced by the mares’ age at the time of surgery.
Aerobic uterine isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility in mares with post‐partum metritis
Authors: Ferrer M. S. , Palomares R.
Published: August 2017

Background

The potential for life‐threatening complications of metritis requires prompt initiation of antimicrobial treatment, often before microbiological test results are reported. However, published studies to guide first‐line antibiotic selection are scarce.

Objectives

To report the most frequent bacterial species, antimicrobial susceptibility and prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) in cases of equine metritis.

Study design

Retrospective analysis of uterine bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST) results from mares with metritis.

Methods

Data from uterine culture and AST from 45 mares and 88 bacterial isolates were analysed. The frequency of single and mixed infections, bacterial species and susceptibility to antimicrobials was reported.

Results

Mixed growth (62.2% mares) was more frequent than pure growth. The most commonly isolated bacterial species was Escherichia coli (30.7%) and mares with mixed growth most commonly grew a combination of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria (65.5%). Gentamicin with penicillin was an appropriate choice for 65.1% of the mares. Trimethoprim/sulfonamide was effective in only 48.8% of the mares. Effective antimicrobial therapy was provided by the combination of penicillin with amikacin (90.7%) or with enrofloxacin (81.4%). Some organisms were also sensitive to tetracyclines, cephalosporins and chloramphenicol. MDR was more frequent in Gram‐negative (85.4%) than Gram‐positive bacteria (23.5%).

Main limitations

Low number of bacteria, limited number of veterinary specific interpretive criteria for equine metritis.

Conclusions

Mixed infections were common in equine metritis. Gram‐negative bacteria and enterococci were often associated with resistance to the most frequently used antimicrobials. Potentiated sulfonamides are not an appropriate first choice for mares with metritis. While the combination of penicillin and gentamicin may be an appropriate first‐line treatment for some mares, use of amikacin or enrofloxacin instead of gentamicin may be preferential.
Mapping the interactome of HPV E6 and E7 oncoproteins with the ubiquitin‐proteasome system
Authors: Poirson Juline , Biquand Elise , Straub Marie‐Laure , Cassonnet Patricia , Nominé Yves , Jones Louis , van der Werf Sylvie , Travé Gilles , Zanier Katia , Jacob Yves , Demeret Caroline , Masson Murielle
Published: August 2017

Protein ubiquitination and its reverse reaction, deubiquitination, regulate protein stability, protein binding activity, and their subcellular localization. These reactions are catalyzed by the enzymes E1, E2, and E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs). The Ub‐proteasome system (UPS) is targeted by viruses for the sake of their replication and to escape host immune response. To identify novel partners of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E6 and E7 proteins, we assembled and screened a library of 590 cDNAs related to the UPS by using the Gaussia princeps luciferase protein complementation assay. HPV16 E6 was found to bind to the homology to E6AP C terminus‐type Ub ligase (E6AP), three really interesting new gene (RING)‐type Ub ligases (MGRN1, LNX3, LNX4), and the DUB Ub‐specific protease 15 (USP15). Except for E6AP, the binding of UPS factors did not require the LxxLL‐binding pocket of HPV16 E6. LNX3 bound preferentially to all high‐risk mucosal HPV E6 tested, whereas LNX4 bound specifically to HPV16 E6. HPV16 E7 was found to bind to several broad‐complex tramtrack and bric‐a‐brac domain‐containing proteins (such as TNFAIP1/KCTD13) that are potential substrate adaptors of Cullin 3‐RING Ub ligases, to RING‐type Ub ligases implicated in innate immunity (RNF135, TRIM32, TRAF2, TRAF5), to the substrate adaptor DCAF15 of Cullin 4‐RING Ub ligase and to some DUBs (USP29, USP33). The binding to UPS factors did not require the LxCxE motif but rather the C‐terminal region of HPV16 E7 protein. The identified UPS factors interacted with most of E7 proteins across different HPV types. This study establishes a strategy for the rapid identification of interactions between host or pathogen proteins and the human ubiquitination system.
Designing pro‐composite truss layout for load‐bearing aircraft structures
Authors: Shanygin A. , Dubovikov E. , Fomin V. , Mareskin I. , Zichenkov M.
Published: August 2017

The frame (truss) layout based on the hybrid metal‐composite rod elements is proposed for weight saving of the primary aircraft structures. It is proposed to provide the durability of rod elements by protection system against impacts and environment. The algorithm of designing the structure with frame layout has been developed on the basis of 2‐level approach. Fast strength analysis methods based on automated numerical models have been developed. The results of comparative weight estimations of frame and conventional wing box structure of prospective civil aircraft are presented.
Student's tutorial on bloom hypotheses in the context of phytoplankton annual cycles
Authors: Behrenfeld Michael J. , Boss Emmanuel S.
Published: August 2017

Phytoplankton blooms are elements in repeating annual cycles of phytoplankton biomass and they have significant ecological and biogeochemical consequences. Temporal changes in phytoplankton biomass are governed by complex predator–prey interactions and physically driven variations in upper water column growth conditions (light, nutrient, and temperature). Understanding these dependencies is fundamental to assess future change in bloom frequency, duration, and magnitude and thus represents a quintessential challenge in global change biology. A variety of contrasting hypotheses have emerged in the literature to explain phytoplankton blooms, but over time the basic tenets of these hypotheses have become unclear. Here, we provide a “tutorial” on the development of these concepts and the fundamental elements distinguishing each hypothesis. The intent of this tutorial is to provide a useful background and set of tools for reading the bloom literature and to give some suggestions for future studies. Our tutorial is written for “students” at all stages of their career. We hope it is equally useful and interesting to those with only a cursory interest in blooms as those deeply immersed in the challenge of understanding the temporal dynamics of phytoplankton biomass and predicting its future change.
Energy democracy: Mapping the debate on energy alternatives
Authors: Becker Sören , Naumann Matthias
Published: August 2017

Energy is an emerging topic of interest in human geography, and so is the study of alternative approaches to energy provision and governance. These alternatives are often considered manifestations of energy democracy, a notion that has become prominent in energy‐related activism. This paper connects alternative approaches towards novel, sustainable, and more democratic forms of energy provision to develop a typology of the practices and politics of energy democracy. Energy democracy refers to political calls for and the institutionalisation of more participatory forms of energy provision and governance. The typology encompasses alternative approaches to energy provision and governance from the Global North and South, including instances of local autonomy in decentralised systems, urban struggles over public or cooperative ownership of energy utilities, and national approaches to energy sovereignty as alternatives to extractivist development. By drawing together this wide range of empirical examples, energy democracy could overcome both localist and euro‐centric perspectives and provide an orientation for movements seeking to develop more just and sustainable energy systems around the world.
Association of physical activity with a systolic blood pressure difference between arms in older people
Authors: Sato Koichi , Sugiura Tomonori , Ohte Nobuyuki , Dohi Yasuaki
Published: August 2017

Aim

A increase in interarm systolic blood pressure difference (IASBPD) is believed to lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disease and to be a predictor of future cardiovascular events. The purpose of the present study was to test the hypothesis that an increased IASBPD is associated with reduced physical activity in older people.

Methods

Older people who used a geriatric health services facility (n = 147, mean age 83.3 years) were enrolled. The prevalence of IASBPD in individuals with different levels of physical activity and factors that have a crucial effect on IASBPD were investigated. The study participants were divided into three groups according to their physical activity; ambulant persons (group A), wheelchair users (group B) and bedridden persons (group C). Blood pressure around the both brachiums was simultaneously measured using two automated devices. An IASBPD of ≥10 mmHg was considered to be significant IASBPD.

Results

The median IASBPD was 4.5 mmHg in the present study participants, and 28 participants (19.0%) had an IASBPD ≥10 mmHg. The IASBPD in group C was greater than that in group A or B. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that physical activity was the independent predictor of IASBPD after adjustment for possible factors. Furthermore, a logistic regression analysis with the end‐point of significant IASBPD showed that physical activity is an independent predictor of significant IASBPD.

Conclusions

Physical activity simply assessed by moving ability can predict IASBPD in older individuals. In older people, reduced physical activity might indicate the progression of silent or clinical atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 95–100.
Comparison of stroke volume measurements during hemodialysis using bioimpedance cardiography and echocardiography
Authors: Germain Michael J. , Joubert Jyovani , O'Grady Daniel , Nathanson Brian H. , Chait Yossi , Levin Nathan W.
Published: August 2017

Background: Fluid management remains a major challenge of hemodialysis (HD) care, with serious implications for morbidity and mortality. Intradialytic fluid management is typically guided by blood pressure, an indirect resultant of hemodynamics status. Direct measurements of hemodynamic parameters may improve cardiovascular outcomes by providing rational bases for intervention. We compare stroke volume (SV) measurements using a noninvasive, regional biompedance cardiography device (NiCaS) with Doppler echocardiography (Echo) in HD setting.

Methods: Stroke volumes were simultaneously measured using the devices in 17 patients receiving maintenance HD. Measurements were made during 2 weekly HD treatments, and twice within each HD treatment during the first and last hour of each treatment, for a total of 64 SV measurements. Agreement between devices was assessed using linear regression, a Pearson's correlation coefficient, and a Bland‐Altman plot all adjusted for repeated measures within patients.

Results: Echo and NiCaS SV mean and 95% CIs were 58.0 (50.1, 65.8) and 56.7 (49.4, 64.0) mL, respectively. NiCaS SV correlated strongly with Echo SV during the first and last hours of treatments (r = 0.93, P < 0.001 and r = 0.92, P < 0.001, respectively). Linear regression of NiCaS on Echo showed a slope of 0.97, 95% CI (0.91, 1.02) which did not differ from 1, P = 0.20. A Bland‐Altman plot and 4‐Quadrant plot confirmed that the 2 methods produced comparable measurements.

Conclusion: NiCaS SV measurements are similar to and strongly correlated with Echo SV measurements. This suggests that noninvasive NiCaS technology may be a practical method for measuring SV during HD.
Occupational propensity for training in a late industrial society: evidence from Russia
Authors: Anikin Vasiliy A.
Published: August 2017

What factors best explain the low incidence of skills training in a late industrial society like Russia? This research undertakes a multilevel analysis of the role of occupational structure in the probability of training. The explanatory power of occupation‐specific determinants and skills polarization are evaluated, using a representative 2012 sample from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey. Applying a two‐level Bayesian logistic regression model, we show that the incidence of training in Russia is significantly contextualized within the structure of occupations and the inequalities between them. The study shows that extremely high wage gaps within managerial class jobs can discourage training, an unusual finding. Markets accumulating interchangeable and disposable labour best explain the low incidence of training: workers within generic labour are less likely to develop their skills formally, except in urban markets. Although we did not find strong evidence of skills polarization, Russians are yet to live in a knowledge economy.
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Smoking, and Cancer in a Longitudinal Population Study
Authors: Cullen K. J. , Stevens D. P. , Frost Margaret A. , Mackay I. R.
Published: August 2017

In 1969, the prevalence of raised levels (5 ng/ml of serum) of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was estimated in 2372 persons aged 40 years and over in Busselton, Western Australia. There were raised levels of CEA in 73 subjects (3%). The prevalence increased progressively with age in both non‐smokers and smokers, with a higher rate of prevalence at all ages in smokers, and a peak of 11% in smokers aged 65–74 years. Among non‐smokers, the prevalence was similar in both men and women (1%); in smokers there was a stepwise rise in prevalence with increasing tobacco consumption. Subsequently, levels of CEA of 5 ng/ml or over tended to disappear from the sera in a greater proportion of the non/ex‐smokers than of smokers.

In the following five years, “CEA‐associated” cancer occurred in nine of 73 subjects (13%) with raised levels of CEA compared with 25 in 2299 (1%) in those with normal CEA levels. This association was independent of the confounding effects of age, sex, and smoking habit. The five year data on 2372 subjects have confirmed that CEA screening of healthy Busselton subjects has identified a group at future risk of developing “CEA‐associated” cancers, in addition to drawing attention to the presence of existing cancers.
Myocardial Infarction in Wegener's Granulomatosis
Authors: Gatenby P. A. , Lytton D. G. , Bulteau V. G. , O'Reilly B. , Basten A.
Published: August 2017

A case is described of a 28‐year‐old man who presented with a picture of classical Wegener's granulomatosis; and who, in the absence of fulminating renal or respiratory disease died from myocardial infarction. Other reports of cardiac involvement are discussed and compared with the picture presented by this patient.
An Unusual Case of Local Gigantism
Authors: Samantaray S. K.
Published: August 2017

A 38‐year‐old female with an unusual degree of gigantism of the left leg is described. There was no other known association. Angiogram did not reveal any abnormality. The patient refused surgical intervention.
Validation of the Korean Parental Depression Literacy Scale
Authors: Jeong Yoo Mi , Hughes Tonda L. , McCreary Linda , Johnson Timothy P. , Park Chang , Choi Heeseung
Published: August 2017

The aim of the present study was to validate the Korean American Parental Depression Literacy Scale (Parental D‐Lit Scale), which was modified from Griffith's Depression Literacy Scale based on expert reviews, individual and focus group interviews, and a cross‐sectional, self‐administered survey. Survey participants included Korean American mothers (n = 107, 74.8%) and fathers (n = 36, 25.2%) of adolescent children. We examined reliability and validity using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and correlational and comparison analyses. The scale showed moderate reliability and validity (α = 0.72) and content validity (scale‐level content validity index = 0.875). EFA resulted in a three‐factor model, and CFA showed a close fit to the data (root mean square error of approximation = 0.056). Reliability indices indicated that total scale scores were more useful for examining depression literacy than subscale scores. Criterion validity was supported by statistically‐significant correlations in the expected direction between depression literacy and other theoretically‐related constructs, including attitudes towards mental health‐care services (+), depression stigma (−), recognition of depression (+), and acculturation (+). The Parental D‐Lit Scale scores showed statistically‐significant mean differences between parents who identified depression in a vignette (mean = 18.3, standard deviation (SD) = 2.9) and those who did not (mean = 16.8, SD = 4.0), indicating the discriminant validity of the scale. The Parental D‐Lit Scale shows promise for use by psychiatric/mental health nurses in assessing the effectiveness of educational and clinical interventions. Additional research should employ larger samples in various regions of the USA.
Patient safety on psychiatric wards: A cross‐sectional, multilevel study of factors influencing nurses' willingness to share power and responsibility with patients
Authors: Vandewalle Joeri , Malfait Simon , Eeckloo Kristof , Colman Roos , Beeckman Dimitri , Verhaeghe Sofie , Van Hecke Ann
Published: August 2017

The World Health Organization highlights the need for more patient participation in patient safety. In mental health care, psychiatric nurses are in a frontline position to support this evolution. The aim of the present study was to investigate the demographic and contextual factors that influence the willingness of psychiatric nurses to share power and responsibility with patients concerning patient safety. The patient participation culture tool for inpatient psychiatric wards was completed by 705 nurses employed in 173 psychiatric wards within 37 hospitals. Multilevel modelling was used to analyse the self‐reported data. The acceptance of a role wherein nurses share power and responsibility with patients concerning patient safety is influenced by the nurses' sex, age, perceived competence, perceived support, and type of ward. To support nurses in fulfilling their role in patient participation, patient participation‐specific basic and continuing education should be provided. Managers and supervisors should recognize and fulfil their facilitating role in patient participation by offering support to nurses. Special attention is needed for young nurses and nurses on closed psychiatric wards, because these particular groups report being less willing to accept a new role. Ward characteristics that restrict patient participation should be challenged so that these become more patient participation stimulating. More research is needed to explore the willingness and ability of psychiatric nurses to engage in collaborative safety management with patients who have specific conditions, such as suicidal ideation and emotional harm.
Patriotism, organizational commitment and nurses’ intention to report for work in emergencies
Authors: Kagan I. , Itzhaki M. , Melnikov S.
Published: August 2017

Aim

To examine the influence of nurses’ patriotism and organizational commitment on their intention to report for work in a national emergency, in Israel.

Background

Healthcare systems need to forecast the number of staff likely to report for work in emergencies and mass casualty events.

Introduction

Patriotism and nurses’ commitment to work are factors that prompt nurses to leave their families and report for duty, even knowing that they are putting themselves in danger. However, patriotism as a variable that might affect nurses’ intention to report for work in emergencies has not been investigated.

Methods

A descriptive, cross‐sectional survey was used with a convenience sample of 152 registered nurses. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients and t‐tests were used to analyse the data. To examine the unique contribution of the independent variables to the explanation of the dependent variable – intention to report to work in emergency – multiple regression analysis was performed.

Results

Significant positive correlations were found between age, seniority and research variables (organizational commitment, patriotism and intention to report for emergency work). Patriotism differed by gender, ethnicity and religion. Patriotism and gender explained 23% of the variance regarding intention to report for emergency duty, with patriotism playing a major role.

Discussion

Patriotism has religious and cultural dimensions. Cultural differences explain the discrepancy in organizational commitment between Israeli‐born nurses and immigrants.

Conclusion and implications for nursing policy

Emergency training drills for nurses should feature discussions on universal ethical principles in emergency planning, preparedness and responses. The willingness of ethnic/religious minorities and immigrants to report for work in a national emergency should be taken into consideration in healthcare system disaster planning, so as to lessen the impact of disparate patriotism.
The Hall Technique and conventional restorative treatment in New Zealand children's primary oral health care – clinical outcomes at two years
Authors: Boyd Dorothy H , Page Lyndie Foster , Thomson W Murray
Published: August 2017

Background

New Zealand children's oral health care is mostly provided in primary care oral health clinics. Little is known about treatment outcomes.

Hypothesis/Aim

To investigate different treatment outcomes of primary molar carious lesions in a sample of children in primary care.

Design

Quasi‐experimental study of 180 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children. Each child had one carious primary molar treated by a dental therapist with a plastic restorative material (PRM) or a pre‐formed stainless steel crown placed with the Hall Technique (HT). After 2 years, restorative outcomes were categorised as success, minor failure, or major failure. Data were analysed using Chi‐square tests.

Results

A total of 147 (82%) children were followed up; mean follow‐up period 25 months (range: 21–35 months). Failure was observed significantly more in the PRM group (32%) than the HT group (6%). When baseline carious lesions were radiographically deep with marginal ridge breakdown (MRB), there was a higher proportion of major failures than when they were shallow without MRB (33% and 1%, respectively; P < 0.001). Among the deep lesions, those treated with the HT showed better success than PRM.

Conclusions

There was a much higher success rate in the children treated with HT than PRM. Deep carious lesions responded better to HT than PRM.
Porcelain stoneware consolidation by flash sintering
Authors: Biesuz Mattia , Abate Woinshet D. , Sglavo Vincenzo M.
Published: August 2017

Porcelain stoneware was consolidated by flash sintering under DC polarization using current densities in the range 4‐20 mA/mm2. The results show the applicability of this innovative sintering technology to a material whose densification occurs by vitrification, thus allowing to extend the possible application field of flash sintering to traditional ceramics. Using appropriate current density, the flash‐ sintered samples are dense, homogeneous, and well‐vitrified. XRD and microstructural analysis points out the formation of primary mullite while secondary mullite is only sporadically observed. In addition, comparison between flash sintering and fast firing shows that the densification obtained in the selected ceramic system via the former route cannot be reproduced just by a rapid heating process.
Clearance in vulvar lichen sclerosus: a realistic treatment endpoint or a chimera?
Authors: Borghi A. , Virgili A. , Minghetti S. , Toni G. , Corazza M.
Published: August 2017

Background

According to the current guidelines, the aim of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) treatment was to improve symptoms and signs, not to cure.

Objective

To assess (i) the rate of patients with VLS who achieved complete clearance of symptoms or objective features, or both, with a 12‐week pharmacological treatment and (ii) the predictive value of therapeutic response to the demographic and clinical features.

Methods

We retrospectively included patients with VLS who had undergone any topical treatment for 12 weeks; demographics, history, VLS‐related symptoms and objective features recorded at baseline and on completion of treatment were collected and elaborated. The primary study endpoint was to assess the rate of patients achieving complete clearance of global subjective score (GSS), or in global objective score (GOS), and in both scores.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐six patients were included; 24 (12.2%) were asymptomatic at baseline, and nine (4.6%) dropped out. After treatment, 78 patients (47.3%) achieved GSS = 0, 40 (21.4%) achieved GOS = 0, and 23 (13.9%) achieved complete clearance of both symptoms and signs. Lower symptom scores at baseline and shorter disease duration were associated with the achievement of symptom clearance at the end of the treatment. Earlier disease onset, diagnosis and beginning of study treatment as well as lower baseline GOS were significantly associated with complete recovery of VLS signs and clearance of both symptoms and signs.

Conclusion

A relevant part of patients who undergo a 12‐week topical treatment is not completely cured of VLS. It may be hypothesized that these patients, in spite of a significant improvement, may still have substantial residual disease and, as a result, its effect on their quality of life.
A continuous usability evaluation of an electronic medication administration record application
Authors: Vicente Oliveros Noelia , Gramage Caro Teresa , Pérez Menéndez‐Conde Covadonga , Álvarez‐Diaz Ana María , Martín‐Aragón Álvarez Sagrario , Bermejo Vicedo Teresa , Delgado Silveira Eva
Published: August 2017

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The complexity of an electronic medication administration record (eMAR) has been underestimated by most designers in the past. Usability issues, such as poorly designed user application flow in eMAR, are therefore of vital importance, since they can have a negative impact on nursing activities and result in poor outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usability of an eMAR application during its development.

Methods

A usability evaluation was conducted during the development of the eMAR application. Two usability methods were used: a heuristic evaluation complemented by usability testing. Each eMAR application version provided by the vendor was evaluated by 2 hospital pharmacists, who applied the heuristic method. They reviewed the eMAR tasks, detected usability problems and their heuristic violations, and rated the severity of the usability problems. Usability testing was used to assess the final application version by observing how 3 nurses interacted with the application.

Results

Thirty‐four versions were assessed before the eMAR application was considered usable. During the heuristic evaluation, the usability problems decreased from 46 unique usability problems in version 1 (V1) to 9 in version 34 (V34). In V1, usability problems were categorized into 154 heuristic violations, which decreased to 27 in V34. The average severity rating also decreased from major usability problem (2.96) to no problem (0.23). During usability testing, the 3 nurses did not encounter new usability problems.

Conclusion

A thorough heuristic evaluation is a good method for obtaining a usable eMAR application. This evaluation points key areas for improvement and decreases usability problems and their severity.
Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails
Authors: Hexsel Doris , Zague Vivian , Schunck Michael , Siega Carolina , Camozzato Fernanda O , Oesser Steffen
Published: August 2017

Background

Brittle nail syndrome is a common problem among women and refers to nails that exhibit surface roughness, raggedness, and peeling.

Aim

The goal of this study was to investigate whether daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides alleviates the symptoms of brittle nails and improves nail growth rate.

Methods

In this open‐label, single‐center trial, 25 participants took 2.5 g of specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP, VERISOL®) once daily for 24 weeks followed by a 4‐week off‐therapy period. Nail growth rate and the frequency of cracked and/or chipped nails as well as an evaluation of symptoms and global clinical improvement score of brittle nails were assessed by a physician during treatment and 4 weeks after discontinuation.

Results

Bioactive collagen peptides treatment promoted an increase of 12% nail growth rate and a decrease of 42% in the frequency of broken nails. Additionally, 64% of participants achieved a global clinical improvement in brittle nails, and 88% of participants experienced an improvement 4 weeks post‐treatment. The majority of participants (80%) agreed that the use of BCP improved their nails' appearance, and were completely satisfied with the performance of the treatment.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the daily ingestion of BCP increased nail growth and improved brittle nails in conjunction with a notable decrease in the frequency of broken nails.
Utilizing intravascular ultrasound imaging prior to treatment of severely calcified coronary lesions with orbital atherectomy: An ORBIT II sub‐analysis
Authors: Shlofmitz Evan , Martinsen Brad , Lee Michael , Généreux Philippe , Behrens Ann , Kumar Gautam , Puma Joseph , Shlofmitz Richard , Chambers Jeffrey
Published: August 2017

Objectives

We sought to assess the clinical outcomes when intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) was used prior to orbital atherectomy treatment (OA) versus angiography alone for lesion assessment.

Background

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severely calcified lesions is associated with high rates of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). IVUS provides additional diagnostic information to optimize PCI.

Methods

ORBIT II was a single‐arm study of 443 patients with de novo, severely calcified coronary lesions treated with OA before stent placement. Patients with IVUS imaging prior to OA (N = 35) were compared to patients without IVUS imaging for initial lesion assessment (N = 405). In this post‐hoc sub‐analysis procedural outcomes and the 3‐year MACE rate were evaluated.

Results

The rates of severe angiographic complications were low in patients with and without IVUS imaging prior to OA. There was a significant reduction in the number of stents used in patients with IVUS imaging prior to OA (1.0 ± 0.2 vs 1.3 ± 0.6; P = 0.006) and increased post‐OA mean minimal lumen diameter (MLD) (1.6 ± 0.6 mm vs 1.2 ± 0.5 mm; P < 0.001). The 3‐year MACE rate was similar in both groups (IVUS: 14.3% vs No IVUS: 24.2%; P = 0.26).

Conclusions

There were significantly fewer stents placed, increased post‐OA MLD, and similar 3‐year MACE outcomes in patients with IVUS assessment of the degree of lesion calcification prior to OA as compared to patients with angiographic assessment of the degree of lesion calcification. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal integration of intravascular imaging with OA.
Spatial distribution of US employment in an urban efficiency wage setting
Authors: Giménez‐Nadal José Ignacio , Molina José Alberto , Velilla Jorge
Published: August 2017

We analyze whether efficiency wages operate in urban labor markets, within the framework proposed by Ross and Zenou, in which shirking at work and leisure are assumed to be substitutes. We use unique data from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) that allow us to analyze the relationships between leisure, shirking, commuting, employment, and earnings. We confirm that shirking and leisure are substitutes, and present an estimate of this relationship, representing the only empirical test of the relationship between a worker's time endowment and shirking at work. Our findings point to the existence of efficiency wages in labor markets.
Comparison of a descriptive analysis and instrumental measurements (electronic nose and electronic tongue) for the sensory profiling of Korean fermented soybean paste (doenjang)
Authors: Jung Hee Yeon , Kwak Han Sub , Kim Mi Jeong , Kim Yoonsook , Kim Kwang‐Ok , Kim Sang Sook
Published: August 2017

The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using an electronic nose (e‐nose) and electronic tongue (e‐tongue) in the sensory profiling of doenjang, a fermented soybean paste. The descriptive analysis of doenjang by trained panelists was compared with that assessed using the e‐nose and e‐tongue. Eighteen aroma/taste/flavor attributes developed by trained panels from 14 doenjang samples were compared with the results from e‐nose and e‐tongue measurements. The e‐nose detected 11 volatile compounds, while the e‐tongue measured the intensities of 5 basic tastes. The correlation between the descriptive results and instrument measurements (e‐nose and e‐tongue) demonstrated that the e‐nose results were not correlated with most of the odors and flavors of doenjang, whereas the e‐tongue was effective in estimating taste intensities for sweetness (r = .798), umami (r = .821), and saltiness (r = .786). However, low correlations between the results from a trained panel and from the e‐tongue were found for sourness and bitterness.

Practical applications

The use of instruments to measure volatile compounds and taste attributes may not reflect the overall sensory characteristics of food products. The results of an e‐nose and e‐tongue test were not correlated with the sensory attributes identified by the trained panel. These findings may be due to interaction effects among volatile compounds and/or tastes and also might not fully consider the threshold of each volatile compound. Therefore, it is necessary to account for discrepancies between current technologies for mechanical sensory measurements and human perception studies in the evaluation of food products that have complex odor/tastes/flavors.
Growing Suburbs, Relocating Churches: The Suburbanization of Protestant Churches in the Chicago Region, 1925–1990
Authors: Miller Brian J.
Published: August 2017

This study examines the locations of Protestant churches in the Chicago region between 1925 and 1990 based on data from the Church Federation of Greater Chicago. The analysis adds two insights to existing explanations of white flight and the corresponding suburbanization of churches: suburbanization patterns were not the same across Protestant groups and churches moving to the suburbs were adding to churches already present in those communities. As the percentage of suburban Protestant churches in the Chicago region started increasing after 1925, the new suburban locations were influenced by settlement patterns in the Chicago region—first along railroad lines and then in between with new sites easier to access by automobile—in addition to racial changes in Chicago neighborhoods and the ethnic composition of denominations. Suggestions for further research include examining the suburbanization of religious groups in more metropolitan regions (particularly beyond the North), comparing the discussions about moving to the suburbs across denominations and congregations, and considering how religious congregations have helped shape suburban communities.
Subtractive phage display selection for screening and identification of peptide sequences with potential use in serodiagnosis of paracoccidioidomycosis caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Portes L. da Silva , Kioshima E.S. , de Camargo Z.P. , Batista W.L. , Xander P.
Published: August 2017

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic granulomatous disease endemic in Latin America whose aetiologic agents are the thermodimorphic fungi Paracoccidioides brasiliensis and Paracoccidioides lutzii. Despite technological advances, some problems have been reported for the fungal antigens used for serological diagnosis, and inconsistencies among laboratories have been reported. The use of synthetic peptides in the serological diagnosis of infectious diseases has proved to be a valuable strategy because in some cases, the reactions are more specific and sensitive. In this study, we used a subtractive selection with a phage display library against purified polyclonal antibodies for negative and positive PCM sera caused by P. brasiliensis. The binding phages were sequenced and tested in a binding assay to evaluate its interaction with sera from normal individuals and PCM patients. Synthetic peptides derived from these phage clones were tested in a serological assay, and we observed a significant recognition of LP15 by sera from PCM patients infected with P. brasiliensis. Our results demonstrated that subtractive phage display selection may be useful for identifying new epitopes that can be applied to the serodiagnosis of PCM caused by P. brasiliensis.

Significance and Impact of the Study

Currently, there is no standardized method for the preparation of paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) antigens, which has resulted in differences in the antigens used for serological diagnosis. Here, we report a procedure that uses subtractive phage display selection to select and identify new epitopes for the serodiagnosis of PCM caused by Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. A synthetic peptide obtained using this methodology was successfully recognized by sera from PCM patients, thus demonstrating its potential use for improving the serodiagnosis of this mycosis. The development of synthetic peptides for the serodiagnosis of PCM could be a promising alternative for the better standardization of diagnoses among laboratories.
Steatosis severity affects the diagnostic performances of noninvasive fibrosis tests in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Joo Sae Kyung , Kim Won , Kim Donghee , Kim Jung Ho , Oh Sohee , Lee Kook Lae , Chang Mee Soo , Jung Yong Jin , So Young Ho , Lee Myoung Seok , Bae Jeong Mo , Kim Byeong Gwan
Published: August 2017

Background & Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a wide spectrum of heterogeneous metabolic subtypes. This study compared the diagnostic performances of noninvasive fibrosis tests in predicting advanced fibrosis among patients with NAFLD and examined the effects of the subgroups on their diagnostic performances.

Methods

Three hundred fifteen patients with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were prospectively enrolled. Acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) was performed to obtain liver stiffness measurements (LSMs). The aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR), aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis 4 index (FIB‐4), NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and BARD score were calculated. The diagnostic performances of noninvasive fibrosis tests were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC).

Results

Fibrosis 4 index (FIB‐4) showed the highest AUROC for advanced fibrosis (0.866; 95% CI, 0.811‐0.922). AUROC subgroup analyses were performed to assess the effects of the subgroups on diagnostic performance. For patients with advanced fibrosis, the APRI, BARD, FIB‐4 and NFS AUROCs were significantly different among the radiological steatosis grades. Additionally, the AUROC of ARFI tended to decrease with increasing radiological steatosis severity. FIB‐4 and NFS showed significantly lower AUROCs for advanced fibrosis in obese NAFLD than in nonobese NAFLD (P = .002 and P < .001 respectively). However, only radiological steatosis severity was independently associated with advanced fibrosis in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Steatosis severity may affect the diagnostic performances of noninvasive fibrosis tests in patients with NAFLD. The application of different tools should be tailored for various NAFLD subgroups to optimize noninvasive fibrosis assessments.
Carbonyl reduction by YmfI in Bacillus subtilis prevents accumulation of an inhibitory EF‐P modification state
Authors: Hummels Katherine R. , Witzky Anne , Rajkovic Andrei , Tollerson Rodney , Jones Lisa A. , Ibba Michael , Kearns Daniel B.
Published: August 2017

Translation elongation factor P (EF‐P) in Bacillus subtilis is required for a form of surface migration called swarming motility. Furthermore, B. subtilis EF‐P is post‐translationally modified with a 5‐aminopentanol group but the pathway necessary for the synthesis and ligation of the modification is unknown. Here we determine that the protein YmfI catalyzes the reduction of EF‐P‐5 aminopentanone to EF‐P‐5 aminopentanol. In the absence of YmfI, accumulation of 5‐aminopentanonated EF‐P is inhibitory to swarming motility. Suppressor mutations that enhanced swarming in the absence of YmfI were found at two positions on EF‐P, including one that changed the conserved modification site (Lys 32) and abolished post‐translational modification. Thus, while modification of EF‐P is thought to be essential for EF‐P activity, here we show that in some cases it can be dispensable. YmfI is the first protein identified in the pathway leading to EF‐P modification in B. subtilis, and B. subtilis encodes the first EF‐P ortholog that retains function in the absence of modification.
Medicine is not health care, food is health care: plant metabolic engineering, diet and human health
Authors: Martin Cathie , Li Jie
Published: August 2017

Plants make substantial contributions to our health through our diets, providing macronutrients for energy and growth as well as essential vitamins and phytonutrients that protect us from chronic diseases. Imbalances in our food can lead to deficiency diseases or obesity and associated metabolic disorders, increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Nutritional security is now a global challenge which can be addressed, at least in part, through plant metabolic engineering for nutritional improvement of foods that are accessible to and eaten by many. We review the progress that has been made in nutritional enhancement of foods, both improvements through breeding and through biotechnology and the engineering principles on which increased phytonutrient levels are based. We also consider the evidence, where available, that such foods do enhance health and protect against chronic diseases.

Contents

Summary
699

I.
Introduction
699

II.
The two faces of nutritional enhancement
700

III.
Biofortification to address deficiency diseases
700

IV.
How successful has metabolic engineering been in biofortification?
706

V.
Improving the concentrations of phytonutrients in foods
707

VI.
Conclusions
714

Acknowledgements
714

References
714
Antiobesity effects of resveratrol: which tissues are involved?
Authors: Fernández‐Quintela Alfredo , Milton‐Laskibar Iñaki , González Marcela , Portillo Maria P.
Published: August 2017

The prevalence of obesity has been increasing in recent decades and is reaching epidemic proportions. The current options for overweight and obesity management are energy restriction and physical activity. However, compliance with these treatments is frequently poor and less successful than expected. Therefore, the scientific community is interested in active biomolecules, which may be useful in body weight management. Among them, resveratrol (3,5,4′‐trihydroxy‐trans‐stilbene) has generated great interest as an antiobesity agent. The focus of this report is the mechanisms of action of resveratrol on several tissues (i.e., white and brown adipose tissues, liver, and skeletal muscle). Resveratrol blunts fat accumulation through decreasing adipogenesis and/or de novo lipogenesis in white adipose tissue. The effects on lipolysis are controversial. Regarding brown adipose tissue, resveratrol increases the capacity for adaptive thermogenesis. As far as liver and skeletal muscle is concerned, resveratrol increases lipid oxidation in both tissues. Therefore, in rodents, there is a general consensus concerning the effect of resveratrol on reducing body fat accumulation. By contrast, in humans, the studies are scarce, and no clear antiobesity action has been revealed so far.
Does ultrasound guidance add accuracy to continuous caudal‐epidural catheter placements in neonates and infants?
Authors: Ponde Vrushali C. , Bedekar Vinit V. , Desai Ankit P. , Puranik Kiran A.
Published: August 2017

Background

Caudo‐lumbar and caudo‐thoracic epidural anesthesia is an established technique that carries a low risk of dural puncture or spinal cord trauma in infants. Traditionally catheter advancement is based on external measurements. However, malpositioning of catheters are known to occur. We hypothesized that caudal‐epidural catheters inserted under real‐time ultrasound guidance may be more accurate than the accuracy of the measurements traditionally used for their placement.

Methods

We studied 25 patients, aged 2 days to 5 months, posted for abdominal or thoracic surgery, receiving general anesthesia followed by caudo‐epidural continuous block. External measurement defined as the distance from the caudal space and the surgically congruent vertebral level was measured in centimeters with the back gently flexed. Subsequently, a caudo‐epidural block was performed in the same position. The epidural catheter insertion was followed under real‐time ultrasound guidance till the predetermined vertebral level was reached. The actual length placed under real‐time ultrasound scan was defined as the actual length. The high‐frequency probe was placed longitudinal and paramedian to the spine. The vertebral level was determined by identifying the lumbosacral junction in longitudinal saggital view and counting the vertebrae up from L5. The catheter length at the skin was compared with the length recorded by external measurement.

Results

The actual length placed under real‐time ultrasound scan were consistently longer than the external distance between the caudal space and selected vertebral level. The mean values of ultrasound were higher than the mean values of external measurement with a difference of 4.28 cm. Accuracy was not affected by age or affected by the selected vertebral level in the age group we studied.

Conclusion

We conclude that catheters placed under ultrasound guidance are more accurate than the traditional method developed before the advent of ultrasound in young infants.