bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent cytotoxic T lymphocyte expansions after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: kinetics, clinical impact and absence of STAT3 mutations
Authors: Muñoz‐Ballester Julia , Chen‐Liang Tzu H. , Hurtado Ana M. , Heras Inmaculada , de Arriba Felipe , García‐Malo María D. , Iniesta Pastora , Lozano María L. , Nieto José B. , Ortuño Francisco J. , Osma María del M. , Padilla José , Teruel‐Montoya Raúl , Vicente Vicente , Castilla‐Llorente Cristina , Jerez Andrés
Published: January 2016

Peripheral expansion of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) derived from the graft in the initial stages of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) immune recovery is a well‐known physiological event. The description of symptomatic large granular lymphocyte leukaemia in this setting may generate uncertainty, mostly in those cases in which the CTL expansion (CTLe) persists beyond the early transplantation period. We aimed to assess the nature of CTLe during the post‐alloHSCT period in 154 adult patients with a long‐term surveillance. We studied the longitudinal kinetics of those expansions, their relationship to clinical events, and their phenotypic and molecular features, including recently reported CTL leukaemia‐STAT3 mutations. Persistent relative CTLe cases are frequent (49%), related with thymoglobulin prophylaxis (P ≤ 0·001), acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD, P = 0·02), and reduced intensity conditioning (P = 0·04). Absolute CTLe are scarce (9%) and related to chronic GVHD. T cell receptor rearrangement was reported as clonal and oligoclonal in the majority of patients with CTLe. The absence of STAT3 mutations and the CD8/CD4 declining longitudinal kinetics in the late period supports its benign nature, expressed clinically by the null detrimental impact of these expansions on post‐transplant outcome and/or serious infectious events.
Concurrent detection of targeted copy number variants and mutations using a myeloid malignancy next generation sequencing panel allows comprehensive genetic analysis using a single testing strategy
Authors: Shen Wei , Szankasi Philippe , Sederberg Maria , Schumacher Jonathan , Frizzell Kimberly A. , Gee Elaine P. , Patel Jay L. , South Sarah T. , Xu Xinjie , Kelley Todd W.
Published: January 2016

Currently, comprehensive genetic testing of myeloid malignancies requires multiple testing strategies with high costs. Somatic mutations can be detected by next generation sequencing (NGS) but copy number variants (CNVs) require cytogenetic methods including karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybidization and microarray. Here, we evaluated a new method for CNV detection using read depth data derived from a targeted NGS mutation panel. In a cohort of 270 samples, we detected pathogenic mutations in 208 samples and targeted CNVs in 68 cases. The most frequent CNVs were 7q deletion including LUC7L2 and EZH2, TP53 deletion, ETV6 deletion, gain of RAD21 on 8q, and 5q deletion, including NSD1 and NPM1. We were also able to detect exon‐level duplications, including so‐called KMT2A (MLL) partial tandem duplication, in 9 cases. In the 63 cases that were negative for mutations, targeted CNVs were observed in 4 cases. Targeted CNV detection by NGS had very high concordance with single nucleotide polymorphism microarray, the current gold standard. We found that ETV6 deletion was strongly associated with TP53 alterations and 7q deletion was associated with mutations in TP53, KRAS and IDH1. This proof‐of‐concept study demonstrates the feasibility of using the same NGS data to simultaneously detect both somatic mutations and targeted CNVs.
Technological change, occupational tasks and declining immigrant outcomes: Implications for earnings and income inequality in Canada
Authors: Warman Casey , Worswick Christopher
Published: January 2016

The earnings and occupational task requirements of immigrants to Canada are analyzed. The growing education levels of immigrants in the 1990s have not led to a large improvement in earnings as one might expect if growing computerization and the resulting technological change was leading to a rising return to non‐routine cognitive skills and a greater wage return to university education. Controlling for education, we find a pronounced cross‐arrival cohort decline in earnings that coincided with cross‐cohort declines in cognitive occupational task requirements and cross‐cohort increases in manual occupational task requirements. The immigrant earnings outcomes had only a small effect on overall Canadian earnings inequality.
Are Horses Like Zebras, or Vice Versa? Children's Sensitivity to the Asymmetries of Directional Comparisons
Authors: Chestnut Eleanor K. , Markman Ellen M.
Published: January 2016

Adults exhibit strong preferences when framing symmetrical relations. Adults prefer, for example, “A zebra is like a horse” to “A horse is like a zebra,” and “The bicycle is near the building” to “The building is near the bicycle.” This is because directional syntax requires more typical or prominent items (i.e., reference points) to be placed in the complement position. Three experiments with children ages 4–8 (N = 181) explored whether children share this sensitivity to directional syntax. Children of this age showed an incipient preference for framing reference points as complements. Stating, “Girls do math as well as boys,” which frames boys as the reference point for girls, may therefore actually teach children that boys set the standard.
The Role of Supply Chain Agility in Achieving Supply Chain Fit
Authors: Gligor David M.
Published: January 2016

The main purpose of this research was to build on Fisher's (1997) seminal article. First, it expands on the Fisher framework by empirically establishing the link between the firm's environmental characteristics and the firm's level of supply chain fit (SCF). The results indicate a negative relationship between environmental uncertainty and SCF indicating that, as the level of environmental uncertainty increases it becomes increasingly challenging to match a product's supply and demand characteristics with its supply chain design characteristics. Second, the key contribution of this research is the introduction of supply chain agility as a capability that helps mitigate the negative relationship between aspects of environmental uncertainty and SCF. Finally, this research contributes to theory development and managerial practice by exploring the complex relationship between SCF, supply chain agility, and financial performance. Developing high levels of supply chain agility and SCF requires deployment of resources for the focal firm. This manuscript provides a better understanding of how such expenditures can generate financial benefits for organizations.
Household evacuation characteristics in American Samoa during the 2009 Samoa Islands tsunami
Authors: Apatu Emma J.I. , Gregg Chris E. , Wood Nathan J. , Wang Liang
Published: January 2016

Tsunamis represent significant threats to human life and development in coastal communities. This quantitative study examines the influence of household characteristics on evacuation actions taken by 211 respondents in American Samoa who were at their homes during the 29 September 2009 Mw 8.1 Samoa Islands earthquake and tsunami disaster. Multiple logistic regression analysis of survey data was used to examine the association between evacuation and various household factors. Findings show that increases in distance to shoreline were associated with a slightly decreased likelihood of evacuation, whereas households reporting higher income had an increased probability of evacuation. The response in American Samoa was an effective one, with only 34 fatalities in a tsunami that reached shore in as little as 15 minutes. Consequently, future research should implement more qualitative study designs to identify event and cultural specific determinants of household evacuation behaviour to local tsunamis.
Dissecting etiologies of posterior circulation stroke
Authors: Amlie‐Lefond Catherine
Published: January 2016

This commentary is on the original article by McCrea et al. on pages 63–69 of this issue.
Factors associated with outcome in 94 hospitalised foals diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy
Authors: Lyle‐Dugas J. , Giguère S. , Mallicote M. F. , Mackay R. J. , Sanchez L. C.
Published: January 2016

Reasons for performing study

Neonatal encephalopathy is the most common neurological abnormality identified in neonatal foals, but its clinical course has been rarely characterised.

Objectives

To describe factors associated with nonsurvival in a population of foals diagnosed with neonatal encephalopathy.

Study design

Retrospective cross‐sectional clinical study.

Methods

Cases were selected from equine neonatal (≤14 days of age) admissions between 1996 and 2007. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify clinical parameters, laboratory variables and therapeutic interventions associated with nonsurvival.

Results

A total of 94 foals were included in the study. Median age at admission was 12 h (range 0–96 h). The most frequently identified clinical signs included abnormal udder seeking (59%), abnormal suckle (55%), inability to stand (42%), abnormal gastrointestinal motility (37%), abnormal consciousness (34%) and seizure activity (22%). Overall, 75 (79.8%) foals survived to be discharged from the hospital and 19 foals died or were subjected to euthanasia. Variables significantly associated with nonsurvival in the multivariable model were serum total calcium concentration, serum activity of alkaline phosphatase, recumbency, number of concurrent diseases, and use of vasopressors/inotropes. The model correctly classified 92.0% of cases.

Conclusions

Overall survival was good and similar to previous reports. Vasopressors/inotropes were the only therapeutic intervention associated with nonsurvival, suggesting that persistent hypotension is associated with nonsurvival in the current population. Foals with concurrent disease, high total calcium and low alkaline phosphatase at admission, and that were recumbent or required treatment with vasopressors/inotropes during hospitalisation, were significantly less likely to survive.
Echocardiographic measurements of right heart size and function in healthy horses
Authors: Decloedt A. , De Clercq D. , Ven Sofie S. , Van Der Vekens N. , Sys S. , Broux B. , van Loon G.
Published: January 2016

Reasons for performing study

Right ventricular (RV) function is scarcely described in horses.

Objectives

To establish reliable echocardiographic measurements of right heart size and function in horses.

Study design

Descriptive study in healthy horses.

Methods

Ten healthy untrained adult trotter horses underwent repeated echocardiography performed by 2 sonographers from right and left parasternal standard and nonstandard views. Nonstandard views included a right parasternal view focused on the right atrium, left parasternal long‐axis pulmonary artery view, left parasternal long‐axis view focused on the right ventricle including anatomical M‐mode of tricuspid annular motion and left parasternal pulsed wave Doppler recording of pulmonary flow. During off‐line analysis, 2 observers performed two‐dimensional, M‐mode, pulsed wave Doppler, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and two‐dimensional speckle tracking (2DST) measurements of RV size and function. Acquisition and measurement variability were assessed by calculating coefficients of variation (CV) from one‐way repeated measures analyses of variance. The degree of variability was classified as low (CV<15%), moderate (CV 15–25%) or high (CV>25%).

Results

Most two‐dimensional and M‐mode measurements of RV, right atrial and pulmonary artery size showed low variability. The two‐dimensional, M‐mode and pulsed wave Doppler measurements of RV function showed a low to moderate variability. Right ventricular functional measurements by 2DST showed low variability, except for segmental strain rate. Right ventricular functional measurements by TDI showed a low to high variability, with a lower variability for timing than for peak measurements and a lower variability for velocity compared with deformation measurements.

Conclusions

Right heart size and function can be assessed with low variability in horses.
Changes in maternal androgens and oestrogens in mares with experimentally‐induced ascending placentitis
Authors: Canisso I. F. , Ball B. A. , Esteller‐Vico A. , Williams N. M. , Squires E. L. , Troedsson M. H.
Published: January 2016

Reasons for performing study

While advanced stages of ascending placentitis can be diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography and clinical signs, early stages can be missed. Thus, additional tools could enhance assessment of placental health.

Objectives

To characterise peripheral dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S) and testosterone concentrations in mares carrying normal pregnancies (Study 1) and compare plasma concentrations of DHEA‐S, testosterone, oestradiol 17‐β (oestradiol) and oestrone sulphate (OES) in mares with or without placentitis (Study 2).

Study design

Longitudinal cohort study of healthy mares (Study 1) and controlled experiment (Study 2).

Methods

In Study 1, mares had serum samples collected from 100 days of gestation to term. In Study 2, pregnant mares (260–280 days gestation) were assigned to a control group or a group with placentitis. Placentitis was induced via intracervical inoculation of Streptococcus equi ssp. zooepidemicus. Blood was collected at inoculation/commencement for control mares (day = 0) and daily for 12 days post inoculation (DPI) or until abortion. Steroid concentrations were determined by immunoassays. Concentrations of steroids in Study 2 were also evaluated relative to days from abortion (DFA ‐8 days to 0).

Results

In Study 1, DHEA‐S peaked by 180 days gestation, while testosterone concentrations were progressively increased from Days 100 to 180 with a plateau until ~240 days and a progressive decline until 290 days of gestation. In Study 2, concentrations of DHEA‐S and testosterone were not significantly different between groups. There were significant effects of time (oestradiol P = 0.0008, OES P = 0.01) and time‐by‐group interactions (oestradiol P<0.001, OES P<0.0001) for oestrogen concentrations. For mares with experimental placentitis, concentrations of oestradiol were significantly reduced at ‐6, ‐2, ‐1 and 0 DFA, while OES concentrations were significantly reduced on the day before abortion (0 DFA).

Conclusions

Testosterone and DHEA‐S were increased and varied through pregnancy. Oestrogens but not androgens decreased significantly in mares with experimentally‐induced ascending placentitis.
Trust and Control in Network Relations: A Study of a Public Sector Setting
Authors: Kastberg Gustaf
Published: January 2016

This study contributes to the literature by addressing the role of trust and control in public sector settings in which several organizations cooperate; its aim is to advance the understanding of trust and control in relations in which several parties are involved. The empirical study presented is a longitudinal case study of the relationships between organizational units within a municipality and a shared service center (SSC) that provides IT and administrative services. The main finding is that, compared to actors in previous studies of dyadic relationships in the private sector, actors in network relations seem to consider trust a risky option. It is less tempting to rely on a certain party when that party in turn is entangled with other parties. This situation causes a more intensive use of formal control. Another result is that increased trust between two parties might lead to more emphasis on formal control by a third party.
Changes in the Public Accounts Committee of a Less Developed Democratic Country: A Field Study
Authors: Khan Sajjad Hossain , Hoque Zahirul
Published: January 2016

This paper complements prior studies on the public accounts committees (PACs) by considering the notions of ‘agency’ and ‘structure’ of institutional theory in tandem in understanding the changes in structures and activities of the PAC of a less‐developed democratic country – Bangladesh. While prior studies examined ‘external’ institutional pressures on the development and operation of the PAC in various settings, the role of internal and external institutional agents in this context has not been their primary focus. Our empirical evidence from a qualitative field study indicates that over the past two decades, Bangladesh's PAC underwent significant changes to its internal governance structures and administrative processes. While these changes were indirectly driven by pressures from international donor agencies, PAC members and the national audit office played a key role as institutional agents in initiating and institutionalising the changes in PAC governance and operation.
A Modified Soil Moisture Model for Two‐Layer Soil
Authors: Zhu Yonghua , Lü Haishen , Horton Robert , Yu Zhongbo , Ouyang Fen
Published: January 2016

There can be marked variations in soil hydraulic properties in a soil vertical profile from the soil surface to the base of the root zone. Many existing two‐layer soil moisture (TLSM) models cannot well describe typical stratified soil profiles. A modified TLSM model is presented in this study. The modified model results and those from two existing models are compared with field observations. The modified TLSM model had the best agreement with the field observations. In both the surface layer and the root zone layer, the root mean square errors of soil moisture estimated by the modified model were smaller than those for the other models. The parameters in the modified TLSM model are relatively easy to determine. The modified TLSM model offers clear advantages over current TLSM models.
Achievements, challenges and unmet needs for haemophilia patients with inhibitors
Authors: Dargaud Y. , Pavlova A. , Lacroix‐Desmazes S. , Fischer K. , Soucie M. , Claeyssens S. , Scott D.w. , d'Oiron R. , Lavigne‐Lissalde G. , Kenet G. , Escuriola Ettingshausen C. , Borel‐Derlon A. , Lambert T. , Pasta G. , Négrier C.
Published: January 2016

Over the past 20 years, there have been many advances in haemophilia treatment that have allowed patients to take greater control of their disease. However, the development of factor VIII (FVIII) inhibitors is the greatest complication of the disease and a challenge in the treatment of haemophilia making management of bleeding episodes difficult and surgical procedures very challenging. A meeting to discuss the unmet needs of haemophilia patients with inhibitors was held in Paris on 20 November 2014. Topics discussed were genetic and non‐genetic risk factors for the development of inhibitors, immunological aspects of inhibitor development, FVIII products and inhibitor development, generation and functional properties of engineered antigen‐specific T regulatory cells, suppression of immune responses to FVIII, prophylaxis in haemophilia patients with inhibitors, epitope mapping of FVIII inhibitors, current controversies in immune tolerance induction therapy, surgery in haemophilia patients with inhibitors and future perspectives for the treatment of haemophilia patients with inhibitors. A summary of the key points discussed is presented in this paper.
Modelling Clustered Heterogeneity: Fixed Effects, Random Effects and Mixtures
Authors: Tutz Gerhard , Oelker Margret‐Ruth
Published: January 2016

Although each statistical unit on which measurements are taken is unique, typically there is not enough information available to account totally for its uniqueness. Therefore, heterogeneity among units has to be limited by structural assumptions. One classical approach is to use random effects models, which assume that heterogeneity can be described by distributional assumptions. However, inference may depend on the assumed mixing distribution, and it is assumed that the random effects and the observed covariates are independent. An alternative considered here is fixed effect models, which let each unit has its own parameter. They are quite flexible but suffer from the large number of parameters. The structural assumption made here is that there are clusters of units that share the same effects. It is shown how clusters can be identified by tailored regularised estimators. Moreover, it is shown that the regularised estimates compete well with estimates for the random effects model, even if the latter is the data generating model. They dominate if clusters are present.
Gingivitis and salivary osmolality in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Santos Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues , Ferreira Maria Cristina Duarte , Guaré Renata Oliveira , Diniz Michele Baffi , Rösing Cassiano Kuchenbecker , Rodrigues Jonas Almeida , Duarte Danilo Antonio
Published: January 2016

Aim

To investigate the influence of salivary osmolality on the occurrence of gingivitis in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Design

A total of 82 children with spastic CP were included in this cross‐sectional study. Oral motor performance and gingival conditions were evaluated. Unstimulated saliva was collected using cotton swabs, and salivary osmolality was measured using a freezing point depression osmometer. Spearman's coefficient, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

Strong correlation (r > 0.7) was determined among salivary osmolality, salivary flow rate, visible plaque, dental calculus, and the occurrence of gingivitis. The area under the ROC to predict the influence of salivary osmolality on the occurrence of gingivitis was 0.88 (95% CI 0.81–0.96; P < 0.001). The cutoff value of 84.5 for salivary osmolality presented good sensitivity and specificity, both higher than 77%. The proportion of children presenting salivary osmolality ≤84.5 mOsm/kgH2O and gingivitis was 22.5%, whereas for the group presenting osmolality >84.5 mOsm/kgH2O, the proportion of children with gingivitis was 77.5%. Salivary osmolality above 84.5 increased the likelihood of gingivitis fivefold, whereas each additional 0.1 mL of salivary flow reduced the likelihood of gingivitis by 97%.

Conclusion

Gingivitis occurs more frequently in children with CP showing increased values of salivary osmolality.
Chemical Vapor Deposition Synthesis Carbon Nanosheet–Coated Zirconium Diboride Particles for Improved Fracture Toughness
Authors: An Yumin , Han Jiecai , Han Wenbo , Zhao Guangdong , Xu Baosheng , Jin Kunfeng , Zhang Xinghong
Published: January 2016

Carbon nanosheet–coated micron zirconium diboride particles were achieved by an atmospheric chemical vapor deposition in the presence of methane gas without catalyst. The microstructures and carbon structure for the novel particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the growth process of hybrid particles was analyzed by thermodynamic theory. The results showed that zirconium diboride particles were coated by carbon nanosheets uniformly. The carbon nanosheets/zirconium diboride particles were employed to fabricate ceramic composite using spark plasma sintering process. The fracture toughness of the composite was improved up to 5.9 MPa·m0.5 with only 0.9 wt% of carbon nanosheets, which was 40.9% higher than that of the composite without carbon nanosheets. The toughening mechanisms were mainly known as carbon nanosheets crack bridging and pulling out which lead to the formation of crack deflection in the novel composite.
Transmission electron microscope evidence of telocytes in canine dura mater
Authors: Xu Ting , Lu Shanshan , Zhang Hongqi
Published: January 2016

Telocytes (TCs) are a novel type of interstitial cells present in a wide variety of organs and tissues (www.telocytes.com). Telocytes are identified morphologically by a small cell body and specific long prolongations (telopodes) alternating thin segments (podomers) with dilations (podoms). The presence of TCs in rat meninges has been identified in previous research. We here present further evidence that TCs existed in canine dura mater, closed to capillary and surrounded by a great deal of collagen fibres under transmission electron microscope.
Inhibition of pre‐existing natural periodontitis in non‐human primates by a locally administered peptide inhibitor of complement C3
Authors: Maekawa Tomoki , Briones Ruel A. , Resuello Ranillo R.G. , Tuplano Joel V. , Hajishengallis Evlambia , Kajikawa Tetsuhiro , Koutsogiannaki Sophia , Garcia Cristina A.G. , Ricklin Daniel , Lambris John D. , Hajishengallis George
Published: January 2016

Aim

Human periodontitis is associated with overactivation of complement, which is triggered by different mechanisms converging on C3, the central hub of the system. We assessed whether the C3 inhibitor Cp40 inhibits naturally occurring periodontitis in non‐human primates (NHPs).

Materials and Methods

Non‐human primates with chronic periodontitis were intra‐gingivally injected with Cp40 either once (5 animals) or three times (10 animals) weekly for 6 weeks followed by a 6‐week follow‐up period. Clinical periodontal examinations and collection of gingival crevicular fluid and biopsies of gingiva and bone were performed at baseline and during the study. A one‐way repeated‐measures anova was used for data analysis.

Results

Whether administered once or three times weekly, Cp40 caused a significant reduction in clinical indices that measure periodontal inflammation (gingival index and bleeding on probing), tissue destruction (probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level) or tooth mobility. These clinical changes were associated with significantly reduced levels of pro‐inflammatory mediators and decreased numbers of osteoclasts in bone biopsies. The protective effects of Cp40 persisted, albeit at reduced efficacy, for at least 6 weeks following drug discontinuation.

Conclusion

Cp40 inhibits pre‐existing chronic periodontal inflammation and osteoclastogenesis in NHPs, suggesting a novel adjunctive anti‐inflammatory therapy for treating human periodontitis.
Diet‐tissue discrimination factors (Δ13C and Δ15N) and turnover rate in somatic tissues of a neotropical detritivorous fish on C3 and C4 diets
Authors: Sacramento P. A. , Manetta G. I. , Benedito E.
Published: January 2016

In this study, diet‐tissue discrimination factors and turnover rates were determined from the somatic tissues of a detritivorous fish Prochilodus lineatus. The carbon (Δ13C) and nitrogen (Δ15N) diet‐tissue discrimination factors varied for all feed rations with a range of Δ13C values between −1·9 and 3·6‰ and Δ15N between 3·3 and 5·7‰. Carbon turnover rate in the blood was 23·1 days for the C3 ration and 34·7 days for the C4 ration, in the liver was 9·9 days under the C3 ration and nitrogen turnover rate was the same (23·1 days) in the liver for both C4 and C3–C4 rations, and 13·9 days in the muscle for C3–C4 ration.
Comparative Analysis of Physical and Chemical Properties of Biodegradable Edible Films of Various Compositions
Authors: Dyshlyuk Lyubov , Babich Olga , Belovа Daria , Prosekov Alexander
Published: January 2016

Chemically synthesized polymeric films are widely used for packaging in the food industry, because they are easily and inexpensively produced from uniform raw materials and are both flexible and durable. A serious disadvantage of these films is that they are not biodegradable. The growth of environmental concerns over nonbiodegradable petrochemical‐based plastics raised interest in the use of biodegradable alternatives, originating from renewable sources. In this regard, the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of the biodegradable films of different composition are analyzed: gelatin‐based, cornstarch and carrageenan. The films were synthesized according to the existing technologies and the following characteristics were analyzed: film thickness, mechanical properties, integral light transmission coefficient and degradation of these films in biological mediums, chemical resistance of the films and their thermal properties.

Practical Applications

Through the experimental data the dependences for the prediction of physical–chemical, mechanical, optical and thermal properties of biodegradable films made of vegetable polysaccharides were obtained. The new biodegradable edible materials based on specially selected combinations of plant polysaccharides were created, which will be used in the production of edible packaging materials for foodstuffs or capsule shells for targeted delivery of biologically active substances in medicine. The detection of degradation patterns of biodegradable films based on plant polysaccharides was performed in different parts of the gastrointestinal tract, which can be used in the development of edible packaging materials for the food industry or capsule shells for targeted drug delivery in medicine. The optical behavior patterns of biodegradable edible films based on plant polysaccharides in the ultraviolet and visible regions of the spectrum were established with a view to provide subsequent creation of packaging materials for the food industry for long‐term storage of products.
Antimicrobial Activity of Marjoram (Origanum Majorana) Essential Oil Against the Multidrug‐Resistant Salmonella Enterica Serovar Schwarzengrund Inoculated in Vegetables from Organic Farming
Authors: Walker Jaqueline Fronza , Santos Palloma de Souza , Schmidt Cleber Alberto , Bittencourt Thereza Cristina Calmon de , Guimarães Alaíse Gil
Published: January 2016

Antimicrobial efficacy of the marjoram essential oil (MEO) on organic vegetables inoculated with 4 log/cfu Salmonella enterica serovar Schwarzengrund was evaluated. Previously inoculated samples of smooth lettuce (Lactuva sativa), kale (Brassica oleracea) and arugula (Eruca sativa) were immersed, separately, in three MEO solutions (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5%) for 1 and 2 min. Control groups with sterile phosphate‐buffered saline and sodium hypochlorite (250 ppm) solution were also used. The enumeration of Salmonella was performed for 3 consecutive days, and the essential oil yielded an average reduction in microbial load, ranging from 2.12–3.31 log/cfu, in all samples, against 1.86 − 2.81 log/cfu obtained by the traditional disinfection method with hypochlorite solution. In lettuce samples, the 0.5% MEO concentration showed similar efficacy to the hypochlorite control. The same concentration of essential oil tested in kale and arugula showed significant antimicrobial activity when compared to the same control. Sensory and affective tests showed good acceptability of the MEO flavor on lettuce leaves. According to this experimental model, this oil has promising antimicrobial activity against Salmonella enterica serovar Schwarzengrund and may be used to reduce or replace sodium hypochlorite during the disinfection process of vegetables.

Practical Applications

The marjoram essential oil at 0.5% concentration showed potential application in the disinfection process of vegetables for human consumption. Its disinfection capacity against a high concentration of multidrug‐resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Schwarzengrund was similar or even better than the sodium hypochlorite solution commonly used to remove or reduce the microbial load of fresh vegetables or similar foods.
Research on Gene Mobility and Gene Flow Between Genetically Modified Mon 15985 Cotton and Pleurotus Ostreatus
Authors: Shang Ying , Yan Yan , Xu Wentao , Tian Wenying , Huang Kunlun
Published: January 2016

The possibilities of gene mobility and gene flow between Pleurotus ostreatus and its culture medium transgenic cotton were determined. The results showed that P. ostreatus cultivated in the medium with transgenic cottonseed hulls grew more slowly for approximately 5 days than in the medium without transgenic component. But there was no significant difference in the yield after 240 days. Exogenous genes of the GM cottonseed hulls were successfully detected in the DNA of P. ostreatus, however, they could not be detected at the RNA level. The growth of P. ostreatus was delayed by transgenic cotton, and it could accept foreign genes during the cultivation process from 60 to 240 days. Whereas, the foreign genes did not integrated into the P. ostreatus genome, which possibly due to these genes were unstable or the necessary conditions or substances required for gene flow were not present.

Practical Applications

This work has been systematically studied the gene mobility and gene flow between Pleurotus ostreatus and its culture medium transgenic cotton were determined. The growth states of the P. ostreatus between the transgenic cottonseed hulls and control group were observed. An efficient DNA extraction method of P. ostreatus was discussed, after determining of the DNA concentration, purity and digestion ability, the optimized magnetic DNA purification system was chosen as the best method, which can be applied in many aspects related to the DNA extraction of mushroom. The exogenous genes of transgenic cotton were detection from DNA and RNA of P. ostreatus. Through PCR amplification, the exogenous genes were detected in the DNA, but not in the RNA, which meant the exogenous genes did not integrate into the genome of the mushroom. The results in this study can further bring certain reference value of the use of the GM crops residues.
Metabolic factors affect the occurrence of colorectal neoplasm on surveillance colonoscopies
Authors: So Hoonsub , Han Seungbong , Park Hye Won , Kim Eun Hee , Lee Ji Young , Lee Ho‐Su , Chang Hye‐Sook , Kim Hong‐Kyu , Choe Jaewon , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Myung Seung‐Jae , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Byeon Jeong‐Sik
Published: January 2016

Background and Aim:

Although metabolic factors such as obesity and hyperlipidemia were reported to be associated with high prevalence of colorectal neoplasm (CRN), their influence on the occurrence of CRN at surveillance colonoscopy has not been clarified. The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between metabolic factors and the risk of CRN at the time of surveillance colonoscopy.

Methods:

We reviewed the medical records of 1792 asymptomatic subjects (average 52.1 years, 1233 male) who underwent screening and follow‐up surveillance colonoscopies. Fasting glucose level, fasting insulin level, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profile, high sensitivity C‐reactive protein, and colonoscopic findings at the time of baseline screening were analyzed to find any associations with the occurrence of CRN at the time of surveillance colonoscopy.

Results:

The median interval between screening and surveillance colonoscopies was 3.34 years. The 3‐ and 5‐year cumulative CRN incidences were 22.3% and 54.8%, respectively. Several metabolic factors such as hypertension, waist circumference, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HbA1c, and triglyceride were associated with the occurrence of CRN in univariate analysis. Age, current alcohol drinker status, and high‐risk colonoscopy findings at baseline remained independent risk factors for CRN occurrence in multivariate analysis. High waist circumference was also an independent risk factor (hazard ratio 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Metabolic factors, especially waist circumference, affect CRN occurrence at the time of surveillance colonoscopy. The surveillance colonoscopy interval may be optimized based on metabolic factors and screening colonoscopy findings.
Maize ZmVPP5 is a truncated Vacuole H+‐PPase that confers hypersensitivity to salt stress
Authors: Sun Xiaoliang , Qi Weiwei , Yue Yihong , Ling Huiling , Wang Gang , Song Rentao
Published: January 2016

In plants, Vacuole H+‐PPases (VPPs) are important proton pumps and encoded by multiple genes. In addition to full‐length VPPs, several truncated forms are expressed, but their biological functions are unknown. In this study, we functionally characterized maize vacuole H+‐PPase 5 (ZmVPP5), a truncated VPP in the maize genome. Although ZmVPP5 shares high sequence similarity with ZmVPP1, ZmVPP5 lacks the complete structure of the conserved proton transport and the inorganic pyrophosphatase‐related domain. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that ZmVPP5 might be derived from an incomplete gene duplication event. ZmVPP5 is expressed in multiple tissues, and ZmVPP5 was detected in the plasma membrane, vacuole membrane and nuclei of maize cells. The overexpression of ZmVPP5 in yeast cells caused a hypersensitivity to salt stress. Transgenic maize lines with overexpressed ZmVPP5 also exhibited the salt hypersensitivity phenotype. A yeast two‐hybrid analysis identified the ZmBag6‐like protein as a putative ZmVPP5‐interacting protein. The results of bimolecular luminescence complementation (BiLC) assay suggest an interaction between ZmBag6‐like protein and ZmVPP5 in vivo. Overall, this study suggests that ZmVPP5 might act as a VPP antagonist and participate in the cellular response to salt stress. Our study of ZmVPP5 has expanded the understanding of the origin and functions of truncated forms of plant VPPs.
White mica 40Ar/39Ar age spectra and the timing of multiple episodes of high‐P metamorphic mineral growth in the Cycladic eclogite–blueschist belt, Syros, Aegean Sea, Greece
Authors: Lister G. S. , Forster M. A.
Published: January 2016

New geochronology from Syros in the Cycladic eclogite–blueschist belt, Aegean Sea, Greece, shows that 40Ar/39Ar geochronology consistently dates microstructural events in metamorphic rocks. We demonstrate that the age spectra depend on microstructure in a predictable and systematic way. Ages can be inferred by applying the method of asymptotes and limits to data from the step‐heating experiments. The results are consistent with previously published estimates for the timing of a sequence of distinct and discrete episodes of high‐P metamorphic mineral growth observed regionally across this belt. Arrhenius plots from these experiments imply that phengitic white mica is highly retentive of argon, and therefore (if these data can be extrapolated to the natural environment) the ages can be interpreted as recording the timing of episodic deformation and metamorphism. Porphyroblastic growth begins: (i) for omphacite–jadeite–eclogite facies parageneses at c. 53 Ma; and (ii) for garnet–glaucophane facies parageneses at c. 47 Ma. The Kini Shear Zone started as an extensional post‐epidote–albite‐transitional–blueschist facies shear zone that had completed operation by c. 31 Ma. The scatter in ages is due to the effect of deformation, recrystallization and multiple growth events in shear zones that continued operating for 3–6 million years from the start of each episode.
Cultural adaptation and analysis of the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Spiritual Distress Scale
Authors: Simão Talita Prado , Lopes Chaves Erika de Cássia , Campos de Carvalho Emília , Nogueira Denismar Alves , Carvalho Camila Csizmar , Ku Ya‐Li , Iunes Denise Hollanda
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

To culturally adapt and test the psychometric properties of the Brazilian version of the Spiritual Distress Scale.

Background

In Brazil, there is currently a lack of validated instruments that assess the spiritual dimension, which includes the spiritual distress phenomenon that can be experienced at different moments in a person's life. This can include times when a person is affected by a disease such as cancer, which occurs suddenly and causes significant life changes.

Design

Methodological and cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Cultural adaptation of the Spiritual Distress Scale was performed using translation and back‐translation stages, evaluation of cultural equivalence, committee review and pretesting. An interview using the Brazilian version of the scale was conducted with 170 patients in a cancer treatment unit of a charitable general hospital (not state funded). The following psychometric properties were evaluated: construct validity (divergence and factor analysis) and internal consistency/reliability (Cronbach's α and Kappa).

Results

Reliability analysis in the intra‐ and inter‐rater phase showed that more than half of the items had Kappa values > 0·75. A correlation between the Spiritual Well‐Being Scale and the Spiritual Distress Scale was found. Overall, the Spiritual Distress Scale showed a Cronbach's α of 0·87, with three of its four domains showing significant parameters.

Conclusion

The Brazilian version of the Spiritual Distress Scale proved to be a reliable, valid and efficient instrument that is capable of assessing spiritual distress. The Brazilian Spiritual Distress Scale presented reliability and validity parameters that correspond to the original English version of the scale.

Relevance to clinical practice

The existence of an internationally validated instrument that assesses spiritual distress will assist healthcare professionals and researchers in recognising this phenomenon in clinical practice.
Rethinking the intensive care environment: considering nature in nursing practice
Authors: Minton Claire , Batten Lesley
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

With consideration of an environmental concept, this paper explores evidence related to the negative impacts of the intensive care unit environment on patient outcomes and explores the potential counteracting benefits of ‘nature‐based’ nursing interventions as a way to improve care outcomes.

Background

The impact of the environment in which a patient is nursed has long been recognised as one determinant in patient outcomes. Whilst the contemporary intensive care unit environment contains many features that support the provision of the intensive therapies the patient requires, it can also be detrimental, especially for long‐stay patients.

Design

This narrative review considers theoretical and evidence‐based literature that supports the adoption of nature‐based nursing interventions in intensive care units.

Methods

Research and theoretical literature from a diverse range of disciplines including nursing, medicine, psychology, architecture and environmental science were considered in relation to patient outcomes and intensive care nursing practice.

Conclusion

There are many nature‐based interventions that intensive care unit nurses can implement into their nursing practice to counteract environmental stressors. These interventions can also improve the environment for patients’ families and nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

Intensive care unit nurses must actively consider and manage the environment in which nursing occurs to facilitate the best patient outcomes.
The impact of an integrated nursing handover system on nurses' satisfaction and work practices
Authors: Johnson Maree , Sanchez Paula , Zheng Catherine
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

This study examined the impact of an Integrated Nursing Handover System – structured content, a minimum data set and an electronic module within the patient clinical information system – on nurses' satisfaction with handover and changes to practice.

Background

Poor transfer of patient information between clinicians at handover has been associated with adverse patient outcomes.

Design

A mixed methods pre‐post evaluative approach was used.

Methods

The Integrated Nursing Handover System was introduced and evaluated within an Australian hospital. Changes to nurses' satisfaction were measured using the modified Bradley Clinical Handover Survey (n = 40 pre, n = 80 post). Three focus groups with clinicians (2) and mangers and educators (1) examined changes to clinical practice. The location of handover was observed.

Results

Nurses' satisfaction with handover was improved. A two stage approach to handover emerged: nurses received handover of all patients within meeting rooms followed by handover delivered at the bedside. Major categories identified through content analysis included: implementation and the transition, work practice changes and bedside handover, accessible and standardised patient information, accountability for information transfer and a central repository of patient information.

Conclusion

An integrated system has been implemented with positive outcomes of: improved nurse satisfaction with handover, nurses being informed about all patients, enhanced patient transfers and improved patient information for all health professionals. Further research into the potential use of stored patient handover data for research is recommended.

Relevance to clinical practice

This comprehensive system of nursing handover represents the first integrated system of this nature ever reported in the nursing and health literature. This integrated nursing handover system has been successfully implemented resulting in delivery of more comprehensive, logical and standardised patient information at handover.
Factors associated with medication adherence in patients living with cirrhosis
Authors: Polis Suzanne , Zang Ling , Mainali Bhawana , Pons Rachel , Pavendranathan Gokulan , Zekry Amany , Fernandez Ritin
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectives

Medication adherence in people with cirrhosis is largely unknown. This study aims to determine adherence patterns and factors associated with adherence in patients with cirrhosis.

Background

Prescribed medications are a pivotal component in the clinical management of cirrhosis with potential to retard disease progression and reduce complication risks. Medication adherence is necessary to optimise health outcomes. Understanding why medications are missed may help to develop strategies and inform nursing practice.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

Participants (n = 29) diagnosed with cirrhosis attending a tertiary hospital consented to complete a self‐reported survey. Demographic information, adherence to medications, patient knowledge and quality of life data were collected, collated, checked and analysed using spss version 21.

Results

Less than half of the 28 patients who completed the adherence questionnaire (n = 13, 46%) reported that they had never missed medication. Being forgetful, being away from home and falling asleep contributed to nonadherence. Having less abdominal symptoms, less fatigue and increased emotional well‐being were significantly associated with patients never missing medications.

Conclusions

To our knowledge this is the first published study to describe adherent behaviour and the reasons medications are missed in this population. The percentage of nonadherent participants is of concern considering the potential morbidity risk that is associated with missed medications and rebound symptoms of cirrhosis. Strategies to improve and sustain adherence levels are required including enhanced adherence counselling offered to patients who are deteriorating or experience periodic exacerbation of symptoms.

Relevance to clinical practice

Study findings have the potential to change clinical practice especially the way nurses target motivational adherence counselling, key treatment messages, education and adherence monitoring. The results presented here provide a basis for developing adherence strategies and nursing management plans to improve adherence and health outcomes in people with cirrhosis.