bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Field test of sub‐basalt hydrocarbon exploration with marine controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric data
Authors: Hoversten G. Michael , Myer David , Key Kerry , Alumbaugh David , Hermann Oliver , Hobbet Randall
Published: June 2015

The recent use of marine electromagnetic technology for exploration geophysics has primarily focused on applying the controlled source electromagnetic method for hydrocarbon mapping. However, this technology also has potential for structural mapping applications, particularly when the relative higher frequency controlled source electromagnetic data are combined with the lower frequencies of naturally occurring magnetotelluric data. This paper reports on an extensive test using data from 84 marine controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric stations for imaging volcanic sections and underlying sediments on a 128‐km‐long profile. The profile extends across the trough between the Faroe and Shetland Islands in the North Sea. Here, we focus on how 2.5D inversion can best recover the volcanic and sedimentary sections. A synthetic test carried out with 3D anisotropic model responses shows that vertically transverse isotropy 2.5D inversion using controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric data provides the most accurate prediction of the resistivity in both volcanic and sedimentary sections. We find the 2.5D inversion works well despite moderate 3D structure in the synthetic model. Triaxial inversion using the combination of controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric data provided a constant resistivity contour that most closely matched the true base of the volcanic flows. For the field survey data, triaxial inversion of controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric data provides the best overall tie to well logs with vertically transverse isotropy inversion of controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric data a close second. Vertical transverse isotropy inversion of controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric data provided the best interpreted base of the volcanic horizon when compared with our best seismic interpretation. The structural boundaries estimated by the 20‐Ω·m contour of the vertical resistivity obtained by vertical transverse isotropy inversion of controlled source electromagnetic and magnetotelluric data gives a maximum geometric location error of 11% with a mean error of 1.2% compared with the interpreted base of the volcanic horizon. Both the model study and field data interpretation indicate that marine electromagnetic technology has the potential to discriminate between low‐resistivity prospective siliciclastic sediments and higher resistivity non‐prospective volcaniclastic sediments beneath the volcanic section.
The continuing violence towards disabled people
Authors: Capewell Carmel , Ralph Sue , Bonnett Liz
Published: June 2015

Western society places high value on physical beauty and grace of movement, and tends to shun those who do not have these qualities. Disability hate crime highlights the modern form of this violence. This paper uses the high‐profile case of Fiona Pilkington to examine how disability hate crime can be dismissed until it results in tragic consequences. Newspapers play a key part in shaping the public's interpretation of disability. An examination of the reports of the coroner's enquiry into the deaths of Fiona and Francesca Pilkington through a qualitative content analysis questions how much progress has been made in reducing the marginalisation of disabled people.
Energy Requirements for Alternative Food Processing Technologies—Principles, Assumptions, and Evaluation of Efficiency
Authors: Rodriguez‐Gonzalez Oscar , Buckow Roman , Koutchma Tatiana , Balasubramaniam V. M.
Published: June 2015

Alternative food preservation technologies include substitutes to heating methods that may have benefits that include reduction of energy consumption. High‐pressure processing (HPP), membrane filtration (MF), pulsed electric fields (PEF), and ultraviolet radiation (UV) are examples of alternative preservation technologies of growing commercial interest. As unit operations these technologies operate in 4 modes of energy transfer: momentum, heat, electromagnetic, or photon transfer. The objectives of this review were: (1) to examine the fundamentals of energy requirements of 4 alternative food processing technologies such as HPP, MF, PEF, UV, and conventional high‐temperature short‐time (HTST) processing, (2) to establish a basis for comparison of energy consumption between or within technologies, and (3) to evaluate specific energy requirements for the 5 technologies to achieve required safety performance in apple juice. Three levels of energy evaluation for each technology including internal energy, applied energy, and consumed energy were reviewed. The comparison of the specific energy for the 5 technologies was based on information published in scientific papers where the inactivation of Escherichia coli in apple juice was explored. Based on the analysis of energy consumption of these technologies it was concluded that MF and UV have the potential to consume less specific energy than HTST, PEF, and HPP. Differences in energy consumption within each group of technologies were also observed and these could be attributed to differences in the systems. The differences in energy consumption within each group of technologies illustrate that there is potential of improvement in most technologies.
Enhanced E/Z Isomerization of (All‐E)‐lycopene by Employing Iron(III) Chloride as a Catalyst
Authors: Honda Masaki , Kawana Takahiro , Takehara Munenori , Inoue Yoshinori
Published: June 2015

Catalytic isomerization of (all‐E)‐lycopene to Z‐isomers using iron(III) chloride was investigated and optimized under various conditions of solvents, concentrations of iron(III) chloride, and reaction temperatures. The total contents of Z‐isomers converted were higher in the order of CH2Cl2 (78.4%) > benzene (61.4%) > acetone (51.5%) > ethyl acetate (50.8%) at 20 °C for 3 h using 1.0 × 10−3 mg/mL iron(III) chloride for 0.1 mg/mL (all‐E)‐lycopene. However, the decomposition of lycopene was markedly accelerated in CH2Cl2: the remaining lycopene after the reaction for 3 h and 12 h was only 79.4% and 47.5%, respectively. As the concentration of catalyst increased in acetone, the Z‐isomerization ratio of lycopene increased to more than 80%, followed by rapid degradation of lycopene to undetectable levels using >4.0 × 10−3 mg/mL iron(III) chloride with the above concentration of (all‐E)‐lycopene. Finally, greater isomerization (79.9%) was attained at 60 °C in acetone for 3 h in the presence of 1.0 × 10−3 mg/mL iron(III) chloride, largely without decomposition of lycopene (remaining ratio of total amount of lycopene isomers after the reaction, 96.5%). As iron(III) chloride has found general use as a food additive for iron fortification and acetone is also widely used in the food field, this method can be applied to the food and beverage processing industry.
Ga‐68 octreotate PET/CT and Tc‐99m heat‐denatured red blood cell SPECT/CT imaging of an intrapancreatic accessory spleen
Authors: Barber Thomas W , Dixon Andrew , Smith Marty , Yap Kenneth S K , Kalff Victor
Published: June 2015

Intrapancreatic accessory spleens are relatively uncommon and can be difficult to distinguish from neuroendocrine tumours on CT, MRI and somatostatin receptor scintigraphy. We present the case of a 26‐year‐old woman with an incidentally diagnosed pancreatic lesion confirmed to be an intrapancreatic accessory spleen on Tc‐99m heat‐denatured red blood cell single photon emission computed tomography/CT.
Anticoagulant therapy and its impact on dental patients: a review
Authors: Thean D , Alberghini M
Published: June 2015

Several new oral anticoagulants have been studied in the past decade, and have now started to enter the market. These drugs are reported to be as effective as, or more effective than, warfarin. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has approved dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban. The use of these newer anticoagulants is likely to increase in time, and it is important for dentists to have a sound understanding of the mechanisms of action, reversal strategies, and management guidelines for patients taking oral anticoagulants. This article discusses the process of coagulation, available anticoagulants and their monitoring and reversal, and provides clinical advice on the management of patients on anticoagulants who require dental treatment.
New medical diagnoses and length of stay of acutely unwell older patients: Implications for funding models
Authors: Basic David , Khoo Angela
Published: June 2015

Aim

To examine the relationship between newly made medical diagnoses and length of stay (LOS) of acutely unwell older patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients admitted under the care of four geriatricians were randomly allocated to a model development sample (n =937) or a model validation sample (n =855). Cox regression was used to modelLOS. Variables considered for inclusion in the development model were established risk factors forLOSand univariate predictors from our dataset. Variables selected in the development sample were tested in the validation sample.

Results

A median of five new medical diagnoses were made during a medianLOSof 10 days. New diagnoses predicted an increased LOS (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.88–0.92). Other significant predictors of increased LOS in both samples were malnutrition and frailty.

Conclusions

Identification of new medical diagnoses may have implications for Diagnosis Related Groups‐based funding models and may improve the care of older people.
Population pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir in non‐pregnant and pregnant women
Authors: Pillai Venkateswaran C. , Han Kelong , Beigi Richard H. , Hankins Gary D. , Clark Shannon , Hebert Mary F. , Easterling Thomas R. , Zajicek Anne , Ren Zhaoxia , Caritis Steve N. , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: June 2015

Aims

Physiological changes in pregnancy are expected to alter the pharmacokinetics of various drugs. The objective of this study was to evaluate systematically the pharmacokinetics of oseltamivir (OS), a drug used in the treatment of influenza during pregnancy.

Methods

A multicentre steady‐state pharmacokinetic study of OS was performed in 35 non‐pregnant and 29 pregnant women. Plasma concentration–time profiles were analyzed using both non‐compartmental and population pharmacokinetic modelling (pop PK) and simulation approaches. A one compartment population pharmacokinetic model with first order absorption and elimination adequately described the pharmacokinetics of OS.

Results

The systemic exposure of oseltamivir carboxylate (OC, active metabolite of OS) was reduced approximately 30 (19–36)% (P < 0.001) in pregnant women. Pregnancy significantly (P < 0.001) influenced the clearance (CL/F) and volume of distribution (V/F) of OC. Both non‐compartmental and population pharmacokinetic approaches documented approximately 45 (23–62)% increase in clearance (CL/F) of OC during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Based on the decrease in exposure of the active metabolite, the currently recommended doses of OS may need to be increased modestly in pregnant women in order to achieve comparable exposure with that of non‐pregnant women.
Movement observation to identify ataxia: how well do experts agree?
Authors: Musselman Kristin E
Published: June 2015

This commentary is on the original article by Lawerman et al. on pages 70–76 of this issue.
Geographic variation in the ecological effects of extinction of Australia's Pleistocene megafauna
Authors: Johnson Chris N. , Rule Susan , Haberle Simon G. , Kershaw A. Peter , McKenzie G. Merna , Brook Barry W.
Published: June 2015

Recent studies suggest that extinction of Pleistocene megafauna had large impacts on the structure and functioning of ecosystems, including increased fire and shifts in vegetation state. We argue that the ecological effects of mega‐herbivore extinction are likely to have varied geographically, and might have been reduced in environments of low productivity. We tested this at Caledonia Fen, a cool, high‐elevation site in southeast Australia with a palynological record reaching back approximately 140 ka. The dung fungus Sporormiella indicated that large herbivores were present through most of the early part of the last glacial cycle, but declined abruptly between 50–40 ka and did not recover. This event corresponds with evidence for continent‐wide extinction of Australia's Pleistocene megafauna at that time. An earlier episode of low Sporormiella occurrence coincided with evidence of raised water levels in the fen. Changes in wetland conditions can alter the accumulation of Sporormiella, but there was no such change when Sporormiella counts fell in the period 50–40 ka. We found no evidence that the decline in Sporormiella triggered increased fire or a change in vegetation, which remained a low grass/shrub steppe. This contrasts with a warmer and more humid site, Lynch's Crater in northeast Australia, where decline of dung fungi was followed by increased fire and transition from mixed sclerophyll forest and rainforest to uniform sclerophyll forest. Our results suggest that the magnitude of ecological responses to Pleistocene megafaunal extinction varied geographically, under the control of regional climates.
Metacommunity speciation models and their implications for diversification theory
Authors: Hubert Nicolas , Calcagno Vincent , Etienne Rampal S. , Mouquet Nicolas
Published: June 2015

The emergence of new frameworks combining evolutionary and ecological dynamics in communities opens new perspectives on the study of speciation. By acknowledging the relative contribution of local and regional dynamics in shaping the complexity of ecological communities, metacommunity theory sheds a new light on the mechanisms underlying the emergence of species. Three integrative frameworks have been proposed, involving neutral dynamics, niche theory, and life history trade‐offs respectively. Here, we review these frameworks of metacommunity theory to emphasise that: (1) studies on speciation and community ecology have converged towards similar general principles by acknowledging the central role of dispersal in metacommunities dynamics, (2) considering the conditions of emergence and maintenance of new species in communities has given rise to new models of speciation embedded in the metacommunity theory, (3) studies of diversification have shifted from relating phylogenetic patterns to landscapes spatial and ecological characteristics towards integrative approaches that explicitly consider speciation in a mechanistic ecological framework. We highlight several challenges, in particular the need for a better integration of the eco‐evolutionary consequences of dispersal and the need to increase our understanding on the relative rates of evolutionary and ecological changes in communities.
Lack of host specificity leads to independent assortment of dipterocarps and ectomycorrhizal fungi across a soil fertility gradient
Authors: Peay Kabir G. , Russo Sabrina E. , McGuire Krista L. , Lim Zhenyu , Chan Ju Ping , Tan Sylvester , Davies Stuart J.
Published: June 2015

Plants interact with a diversity of microorganisms, and there is often concordance in their community structures. Because most community‐level studies are observational, it is unclear if such concordance arises because of host specificity, in which microorganisms or plants limit each other's occurrence. Using a reciprocal transplant experiment, we tested the hypothesis that host specificity between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi determines patterns of tree and fungal soil specialisation. Seedlings of 13 dipterocarp species with contrasting soil specialisations were seeded into plots crossing soil type and canopy openness. Ectomycorrhizal colonists were identified by DNA sequencing. After 2.5 years, we found no evidence of host specificity. Rather, soil environment was the primary determinant of ectomycorrhizal diversity and composition on seedlings. Despite their close symbiosis, our results show that ectomycorrhizal fungi and tree communities in this Bornean rain forest assemble independently of host‐specific interactions, raising questions about how mutualism shapes the realised niche.
Movement asymmetry in working polo horses
Authors: Pfau T. , Parkes R. S. , Burden E. R. , Bell N. , Fairhurst H. , Witte T. H.
Published: June 2015

Reasons for performing study

The high, repetitive demands imposed on polo horses in training and competition may predispose them to musculoskeletal injuries and lameness.

Objectives

To quantify movement symmetry and lameness in a population of polo horses, and to investigate the existence of a relationship with age.

Study design

Convenience sampled cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Sixty polo horses were equipped with inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to the poll, and between thetubera sacrale. Six movement symmetry measures were calculated for vertical head and pelvic displacement during in‐hand trot and compared with values for perfect symmetry, compared between left and right limb lame horses, and compared with published thresholds for lameness. Regression lines were calculated as a function of age of horse.

Results

Based on 2 different sets of published asymmetry thresholds 52–53% of the horses were quantified with head movement asymmetry and 27–50% with pelvic movement asymmetry resulting in 60–67% of horses being classified with movement asymmetry outside published guideline values for either the forelimbs, hindlimbs or both. Neither forelimb nor hindlimb asymmetries were preferentially left or right sided, with directional asymmetry values across all horses not different from perfect symmetry and absolute values not different between left and right lame horses (P values >0.6 for all forelimb symmetry measures and >0.2 for all hindlimb symmetry measures). None of the symmetry parameters increased or decreased significantly with age.

Conclusions

A large proportion of polo horses show gait asymmetries consistent with previously defined thresholds for lameness. These do not appear to be lateralised or associated with age.
Should anti‐inhibitor coagulant complex and tranexamic acid be used concomitantly?
Authors: Valentino L. A. , Holme P. A.
Published: June 2015

Inhibitor development in haemophilia patients is challenging especially when undergoing surgical procedures. The development of an inhibitor precludes using factor VIII (FVIII) therapy thereby requiring a bypassing agent (BPA) for surgical bleeding prophylaxis if the FVIII inhibitor titre >5 BU. Concomitant use of anti‐inhibitor coagulant complex (AICC) and tranexamic acid has been reported in the literature as a beneficial treatment for this population. Anti‐inhibitor coagulant complex is known to cause an increase in thrombin generation and tranexamic acid inhibits fibrinolysis. Hence, the combined used of AICC and tranexamic acid has been limited due to safety concerns over possibilities of increased risk of thrombotic events and disseminated intravascular coagulation. However, the rationale for concomitant therapy is to obtain a potential synergistic effect and to increase clot stability. We conducted a literature review of past studies and individual case reports of concomitant use of AICC and tranexamic acid, which was extensively used during dental procedures. Evidence also exists for concomitant use of the combined therapy in orthopaedic procedures, control of gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis and cerebral haemorrhages. Some patients who received the combined therapy had failed monotherapy with a single BPA prior to combined therapy. There were no reports of thrombotic complications related to the concomitant therapy and haemostasis was achieved in all cases. Anti‐inhibitor coagulant complex and tranexamic acid therapy was found to be safe, well‐tolerated and effective therapy in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. Additional randomized controlled studies should be performed to confirm these findings.
Ectopic expression of N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase V accelerates hepatic triglyceride synthesis
Authors: Kamada Yoshihiro , Ebisutani Yusuke , Kida Sachiho , Mizutani Kayo , Akita Maaya , Yamamoto Akiko , Fujii Hironobu , Sobajima Tomoaki , Terao Naoko , Takamatsu Shinji , Yoshida Yuichi , Takehara Tetsuo , Miyoshi Eiji
Published: June 2015

Aim

Glycosylation changes induce various types of biological phenomena in human diseases. N‐Acetylglucosaminyltransferase V (GnT‐V) is one of the most important glycosyltransferases involved in cancer biology. Recently, many researchers have challenged studies of lipid metabolism in cancer. To elucidate the relationships between cancer and lipid metabolism more precisely, we investigated the effects of GnT‐V on lipid metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effects of aberrant glycosylation by GnT‐V on hepatic triglyceride production.

Methods

We compared lipid metabolism in GnT‐V transgenic (Tg) mice with that of wild‐type (WT) mice fed with normal chow or a choline‐deficient amino acid‐defined (CDAA) diet in vivo. HepG2 cells and GnT‐V transfectants of Hep3B cells were used in an in vitro study.

Results

Serum triglyceride levels and hepatic very low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion in Tg mice were significantly elevated compared with that of WT mice. Hepatic lipogenic genes (Lxrα, Srebp1, Fas and Acc) and VLDL secretion‐related gene (Mttp1) were significantly higher in Tg mice. Expression of these genes was also significantly higher in GnT‐V transfectants than in mock cells. Knockdown of GnT‐V decreased, while both epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor‐β1 stimulation increased LXRα gene expression in HepG2 cells. Finally, we found that the blockade of VLDL secretion by CDAA diet induced massive hepatic steatosis in Tg mice.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that enhancement of hepatic GnT‐V activity accelerates triglyceride synthesis and VLDL secretion. Glycosylation modification by GnT‐V regulation could be a novel target for a therapeutic approach to lipid metabolism.
Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver (RECICL) (2015 Revised version)
Authors: Kudo Masatoshi , Ueshima Kazuomi , Kubo Shoji , Sakamoto Michiie , Tanaka Masatoshi , Ikai Iwao , Furuse Junji , Murakami Takamichi , Kadoya Masumi , Kokudo Norihiro ,   for the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan
Published: June 2015

The Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) is inappropriate to assess the direct effects of treatment on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by locoregional therapies such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). Therefore, establishment of response evaluation criteria solely devoted to HCC is needed urgently in clinical practice as well as in clinical trials of HCC treatment, such as molecular‐targeted therapies, which cause necrosis of the tumor. The Response Evaluation Criteria in Cancer of the Liver (RECICL) was revised in 2015 by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan based on the 2009 version of RECICL, which was commonly used in Japan. Major revised points of the RECICL 2015 is to define the target lesions of two lesions per organ or three lesions per liver, up to a maximum of five lesions. The second revised point is that setting the timing at which the overall treatment response has been changed. The third point is that the definition of treatment effect 1 has been changed to more than 50% tumor enlargement, excluding the area of necrosis after treatment. Overall evaluation of treatment response has been amended to make it possible to evaluate the overall response including extrahepatic lesions by systemic therapy, which is similar to RECIST or modified RECIST. We hope this new treatment response criteria, RECICL, proposed by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan will benefit HCC treatment response evaluation in the setting of daily clinical practice and clinical trials, not only in Japan, but also internationally.
Association between histopathological features of dysplasia in oral leukoplakia and loss of heterozygosity
Authors: Fonseca‐Silva Thiago , Diniz Marina G , de Sousa Sílvia F , Gomez Ricardo S , Gomes Carolina C
Published: June 2015

Aims

Oral leukoplakia (OL) dysplasia is graded on the basis of architectural and cytological features, and grade does not correlate well with malignant transformation. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) profiles have been validated as risk predictors of OL malignant transformation. We aimed to assess whether the histological parameters used to grade dysplasia show different LOH profiles.

Methods and results

Areas of epithelial dysplasia of 29 OL samples were microdissected, and LOH was assessed by use of a panel of 11 microsatellite markers located on chromosomes 3, 9, 11, and 17. Dysplasia was graded, and the cytological and architectural parameters were scored. Dysplasia was graded as mild in 18 samples, moderate in nine, and severe in two. The moderate/severe dysplasias and the mild dysplasias did not show different frequencies of allelic loss. Irregular epithelial stratification was associated with LOH at marker D3S1234 (3p14.2). In addition, the presence of drop‐shaped rete ridges and premature keratinization in single cells showed associations with LOH at D9S162 (9p22) and P53 (17p13.1), respectively.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that architectural and cellular changes in OL have different LOH patterns.
Glioneuronal tumours with features of rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumours of the fourth ventricle and dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumours: a report of three cases
Authors: Chen Shi‐Yun , Wang Wei , Wang Lei‐Ming , Lin Qing‐Tang , Zhao Guo‐Guang , Xu Geng , Lu De‐Hong , Piao Yue‐Shan
Published: June 2015

Aims

To study three atypical glioneuronal tumours (GNTs), in order to shed light on the clinical and pathological features of this diverse tumour group.

Methods and results

Clinical and neuropathological data for each case were retrospectively reviewed. Case 1 involved a 17‐year‐old boy with left leg movement difficulty. A mass lesion in the basal ganglia was detected radiologically; histopathological features included neurocytic/perivascular rosettes and a pilocytic astrocytoma component. Case 2 involved a 33‐year‐old man with intractable epilepsy. His left parietal lobe contained a cyst‐like mass, resembling dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour and rosette‐forming glioneuronal tumour of the fourth ventricle microscopically. Case 3 involved a 21‐year‐old woman with a mass lesion in the mesencephalic tegmentum extending to the third and fourth ventricles and the suprasellar region. The lesion contained perivascular/neurocytic rosettes and an oligodendroglioma‐like component. None of the tumours expressed an isocitrate dehydrogenase I mutation of the R132H type or contained a 1p/19q deletion, a BRAFV600E mutation, or KIAA1549–BRAF fusion.

Conclusions

We describe three GNTs with atypical histopathology and locations. Additional cases and molecular studies are needed to better understand the biological nature of GNTs and to refine their classification system.
The effectiveness of online teaching in an advanced Spanish language course
Authors: Enkin Elizabeth , Mejías‐Bikandi Errapel
Published: June 2015

Studies on the effectiveness of online language teaching have generally centered on basic or intermediate language courses. The present study examines the effectiveness of an advanced‐level online Spanish grammar course. Two sections of the course are compared: one is offered face‐to‐face, and the other is offered fully online. The goals are both to measure students' achievement in the two sections, and to better understand specific challenges faced by online teaching. The study shows that there was significant improvement (learning) in the online section, and that learning is indeed comparable to that shown in the face‐to‐face section. However, we identify and discuss one specific challenge faced by an online format: the different nature of the interaction between the learner and the learning environment.
Effects of Internal Audit Quality on the Severity and Persistence of Controls Deficiencies
Authors: Mazza Tatiana , Azzali Stefano
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study is to test the effects of internal audit quality on the severity and persistence of the internal controls deficiencies (ICD). Internal audit quality is investigated through the internal audit process, internal audit input and types of ICD. The paper extends previous findings on ICD severity and ICD persistence. Using private data collected with questionnaires and performing logistic regressions, we find that the improvement of planning – scoping and testing – monitoring quality and competences – independence reduces ICD severity, decreasing significant deficiencies and material weaknesses, and reduces persistence of ICD over time. We also find that revenues are the most severe type of ICD, while human resources and period end accounts are the most persistent.
Recent advances in polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Owen C. E. , Buchanan R. R. C. , Hoi A.
Published: June 2015

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown cause characterised by the subacute onset of shoulder and pelvic girdle pain, and early morning stiffness in men and women over the age of 50 years. Due to the lack of a gold standard investigation, diagnosis is based on a clinical construct and laboratory evidence of inflammation. Heterogeneity in the clinical presentation and disease course of PMR has long been recognised. Aside from the evolution of alternative diagnoses, such as late‐onset rheumatoid arthritis, concomitant giant cell arteritis is also recognised in 16–21% of cases. In 2012, revised classification criteria were released by the European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology in order to identify a more homogeneous population upon which future studies could be based. In this article, we aim to provide an updated perspective on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of PMR, with particular focus on imaging modalities, such as ultrasound and whole body positron emission tomography/computed tomography, which have advanced our current understanding of this disease. Future treatment directions, based on recognition of the key cytokines involved in PMR, will also be explored.
Appropriate use of echocardiography in an Australian regional centre
Authors: Al‐Kaisey A. , Jones E. , Nadurata V. , Farouque O. , De Silva D. , Ramchand J.
Published: June 2015

Background

The 2011 Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) were developed by the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) to provide guidance for referring physicians in response to growing concerns about unnecessary transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) requests. When applied in multiple centres overseas, the rate of inappropriate referrals was as high as 22%.

Aim

To assess the applicability of, and the level of adherence to the 2011 AUC in an Australian regional hospital where the AUC have not been tested systematically.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1000 inpatient and outpatient TTE referrals was conducted between January 2014 and June 2014 at Bendigo Hospital, a major regional referral hospital.

Results

Ninety‐eight percent of the TTE referrals were classifiable. The most common indication for ordering TTE was to evaluate symptoms potentially related to a cardiac aetiology. Of the classifiable referrals, 77% were appropriate, 20.3% were inappropriate and 2.7% were uncertain. The most common inappropriate indications were routine surveillance of the left ventricular (LV) function in stable chronic cardiac conditions and routine perioperative evaluation of the LV function with no symptoms or signs of cardiovascular disease. Inappropriate referrals were significantly more frequent in outpatients compared with inpatients (24.4% vs 9.6%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides a novel insight into the ordering of TTEs in regional Australia. In this study, one in five referrals had an inappropriate indication and could be avoided. This may have significant implications for healthcare resources in regional centres, and strategies to reduce inappropriate echocardiography ordering need to be implemented.
Prevalence of mood disturbance in Australian adults with chronic spinal cord injury
Authors: Migliorini C. , Sinclair A. , Brown D. , Tonge B. , New P.
Published: June 2015

Background

There is little understanding of the prevalence of mental health issues in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) after they leave rehabilitation or how mental health issues can alter over time.

Aim

The aims were to (i) determine the prevalence of mood disturbance in adults with chronic SCI living in the community, (ii) ascertain whether the prevalence of mood disturbance had changed since a previous study in 2004–2005 and (iii) establish whether people with chronic SCI remain vulnerable to mood disturbance, irrespective of time since injury.

Methods

Prospective, open‐cohort case series. Participants were 573 community‐based adults with a chronic SCI. The depression, anxiety and stress scale – short version was used. Analyses included simple descriptors, Chi‐squared and repeated measures t‐tests.

Results

Nearly half of participants (n = 263/573; 46%) reported symptoms indicating mood disturbance, which was similar to the level found in the previous study. While the presence of mood disturbance persisted in 23% of adults (n = 26) and 46 (41%) were in the ‘below threshold’ category, just over a third of the adults who participated in both studies (n = 111) experienced a change (n = 21, 19% mood disturbance resolved and n = 18, 16% mood disturbance developed).

Conclusion

Both resilience and change are common. At no time after SCI is the risk of mental health problems considered reduced or even stable. These results highlight the importance of regular mental health reviews even in those who have previously displayed good resilience.
Effects of Turmeric Treatment and Smoking Duration on the Shelf Life of Ready‐to‐Cook Fillets from Sutchi Catfish during Chill Storage
Authors: Pankyamma Viji , Somarajan Tanuja , Ninan George , Kuttanppilly Velayudhanelayodam Lalitha , Abubacker Aliyamveettil Zynudheen , Puthanpurackal Kizhakkathil Binsi
Published: June 2015

Effects of smoking duration as well as turmeric treatment on the quality characteristics of ready‐to‐cook sutchi catfish fillets during chill storage were evaluated. One lot of fillet portions was dip treated in 2% turmeric solution (w/v) and smoked at 60C for 1 h. Another lot was dip treated in 2% turmeric solution (w/v) and smoked at 60C for 2 h. Significant reductions in the free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values were observed in samples treated with turmeric and smoked for 1 h (T1) and 2 h (T2) compared to their respective control samples (C1 and C2) during storage at 4C. Smoking for 2 h has significantly reduced FFA formation, but increased PV and TBARS of both control and treated samples during storage. Highest total volatile base‐nitrogen content was observed in C1 followed by C2 samples. The textural parameters showed a decreasing trend in all the samples over the storage period. Higher hardness values were observed in C2 and T2 samples compared to C1 and T1 samples. The sensory scores were found to be higher for the treated samples, among which T2 samples showed the highest overall acceptability score. The results of the present study revealed a shelf life of 7, 14, 17 and 21 days for C1, T1, C2 and T2 samples, respectively, during chill storage.

Practical Applications

Although synthetic additives are widely used in fish processing industry to control the process of lipid oxidation as well as microbial growth, the present trend is to decrease their use because of the growing concern about the safety of such chemical additives. In recent years, fish processing sector is giving more emphasis on the use of natural preservatives such as spices and its derivatives for improving the stability and shelf life of fish and fish products. The present study gives an account of the effects of turmeric treatment on the quality characteristics of a value‐added smoked fish product during refrigerated storage. Turmeric treatment along with extended smoking is found to be effective in delaying the spoilage process during storage. The findings of the study could be used among the processors to decide upon the appropriate preprocessing protocol for improving the quality of the product to get better profitability as well as consumer satisfaction at the retail markets.
Mechanically‐ v. diffusion‐controlled metamorphic microstructure: a symplectite example from Rhodope Metamorphic Complex (Greece)
Authors: Moulas E. , Tajčmanová L. , Vrijmoed J. C. , Podladchikov Y.
Published: June 2015

Gradients in chemical potential are the driving force for chemical diffusion and their spatial distribution is thus essential to investigate equilibrium in metamorphic rocks. At high temperatures (>650 °C), where chemical diffusion is relatively fast, the development and preservation of compositional zoning in minerals can be controlled by mechanically maintained pressure variations. Therefore, the dependence of chemical potentials on pressure plays an important role in correct interpretations of rock microstructures. Distinguishing between pressure‐controlled chemical zoning and zoning reflecting chemical diffusion is a challenge. To tackle this challenge, we investigate a symplectitic microstructure around kyanite in an amphibolitized eclogite from the Rhodope Metamorphic Complex (Greece). The sample recrystallized at high temperatures (~720 °C) and low pressures (<1 GPa) during which kyanite was replaced by fine‐grained symplectites of sapphirine, spinel, plagioclase and corundum. The plagioclase rim around kyanite shows a cusp‐shaped chemical zoning of calcium along the grain boundaries. The results from combined phase equilibria and diffusion modelling show that the cusp‐like shapes were developed by fast grain boundary diffusion at constant pressure after the relaxation of grain‐scale pressure variations across the plagioclase rim. The results illustrate an example where petrographic observations help to distinguish between mechanically‐ and diffusion‐controlled chemical zoning.
Masked hypertension in extremely preterm adolescents
Authors: Centra Johanna C , Roberts Gehan , Opie Gillian , Cheong Jeanie , Doyle Lex W ,   Victorian Infant Collaborative Study Group
Published: June 2015

Aim

Extremely preterm (EPT, born <28 weeks gestation) or extremely low birthweight (ELBW, birthweight <1000 g) individuals are at increased risk of high blood pressure (BP) and cardiovascular disease. We compared office BP measurements with 24‐h ambulatory BP measurement (ABP) in EPT/ELBW individuals at age 18 years and term controls, and determined the sensitivity and specificity of office BP in predicting masked hypertension (24‐h ABP measurements > 130/80).

Methods

All EPT/ELBW individuals and matched term control adolescents born in Victoria, Australia, between 1991 and 1992 were recruited. A subset of this cohort was seen at 18 years, and researchers blinded to birth status measured office BP and ABP. We established the office BP thresholds that had the highest sensitivity and specificity in predicting masked hypertension.

Results

EPT/ELBW (N = 120) individuals had higher mean BP measurements at 18 years, compared with controls (N = 71). Although there were no significant differences in rates of high BP between groups, high proportions of both EPT/ELBW (43.3%) and term control (36.6%) participants met criteria for masked systolic hypertension. In EPT/ELBW individuals, office systolic BP measurement of ≥122.5 mmHg predicted masked systolic hypertension (sensitivity 79%, specificity 74%). Office diastolic BP measurement of ≥75.5 mmHg predicted masked diastolic hypertension (sensitivity 77%, specificity, 77%).

Conclusions

At age 18 years, EPT/ELBW individuals have higher systolic and diastolic BP, compared with controls. Office BP may be an adequate screen for masked hypertension in EPT/ELBW survivors, but further research is needed to identify accurate ABP thresholds for masked hypertension for young Australians.
Efficacy of antiviral prophylaxis in HBsAg‐negative, anti‐HBc positive patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Yoo Jeong‐Ju , Cho Eun Ju , Cho Young Youn , Lee Minjong , Lee Dong Hyeon , Cho Yuri , Lee Jeong‐Hoon , Yu Su Jong , Yoon Sung‐Soo , Yoon Jung‐Hwan , Kim Yoon Jun
Published: June 2015

Background & Aims

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation can occur in persons who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)‐negative but hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) positive, especially following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). However, evidence supporting the routine use of prophylactic antiviral agents for such patients is scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the frequency of HBV reactivation between prophylactic and non‐prophylactic groups in patients who underwent HSCT.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 315 HBsAg‐negative, anti‐HBc positive patients who received autologous or allogenic stem cell transplantation from January 2008 to December 2013. Patients were categorized into prophylactic and non‐prophylactic groups. The primary endpoint was the incidence of HBV reactivation.

Results

Median follow‐up duration was 21.4 months. Antiviral prophylaxis was not given to 219 patients, and 96 received prophylaxis. The median duration of prophylaxis was 7.0 months. HBV reactivated in 12 patients (prophylactic group, 4; non‐prophylactic group, 8). The median time to reactivation was 20.5 months after starting chemotherapy. All patients who reactivated were promptly and successfully treated with rescue antiviral agents. The risk of reactivation did not differ between prophylactic and non‐prophylactic groups (P = 0.061) but was increased significantly by the allogenic type of HSCT and the loss of recipient's antibodies against HBsAg (anti‐HBs).

Conclusions

Short‐term antiviral prophylaxis appears insufficient to decrease the risk of HBV reactivation. Therefore, either prophylaxis longer than 24 months or careful monitoring of HBV DNA combined with on‐demand antiviral treatment may prove more effective than the routine short‐term prophylaxis given to these patients.
Automatic Morphologic Analysis of Quasi‐Periodic Masonry Walls from LiDAR
Authors: Riveiro Belén , Lourenço Paulo B. , Oliveira Daniel V. , González‐Jorge Higinio , Arias Pedro
Published: June 2015

This article presents a novel segmentation algorithm that allows the automatic segmentation of masonry blocks from a 3D point cloud acquired with LiDAR technology, for both stationary and mobile devices. The point cloud segmentation algorithm is based on a 2.5D approach that creates images based on the intensity attribute of LiDAR systems. Image processing algorithms based on an improvement of the marked‐controlled watershed was successfully used to produce the automatic segmentation of the point cloud in the 3D space isolating each individual stone block. Finally, morphologic analysis in two case studies has been carried out. The morphologic analysis provides information about the assemblage of masonry pieces, which is valuable for the structural evaluation of masonry buildings.
Surface hydrolysis of sphingomyelin by the outer membrane protein Rv0888 supports replication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages
Authors: Speer Alexander , Sun Jim , Danilchanka Olga , Meikle Virginia , Rowland Jennifer L. , Walter Kerstin , Buck Bradford R. , Pavlenok Mikhail , Hölscher Christoph , Ehrt Sabine , Niederweis Michael
Published: June 2015

Sphingomyelinases secreted by pathogenic bacteria play important roles in host–pathogen interactions ranging from interfering with phagocytosis and oxidative burst to iron acquisition. This study shows that the Mtb protein Rv0888 possesses potent sphingomyelinase activity cleaving sphingomyelin, a major lipid in eukaryotic cells, into ceramide and phosphocholine, which are then utilized by Mtb as carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus sources, respectively. An Mtb rv0888 deletion mutant did not grow on sphingomyelin as a sole carbon source anymore and replicated poorly in macrophages indicating that Mtb utilizes sphingomyelin during infection. Rv0888 is an unusual membrane protein with a surface‐exposed C‐terminal sphingomyelinase domain and a putative N‐terminal channel domain that mediated glucose and phosphocholine uptake across the outer membrane in an M. smegmatis porin mutant. Hence, we propose to name Rv0888 as SpmT (sphingomyelinase of Mycobacterium tuberculosis). Erythrocyte membranes contain up to 27% sphingomyelin. The finding that Rv0888 accounts for half of Mtb's hemolytic activity is consistent with its sphingomyelinase activity and the observation that Rv0888 levels are increased in the presence of erythrocytes and sphingomyelin by 5‐ and 100‐fold, respectively. Thus, Rv0888 is a novel outer membrane protein that enables Mtb to utilize sphingomyelin as a source of several essential nutrients during intracellular growth.
Learning the ABC of oral fungal drug resistance
Authors: Cannon R.D. , Holmes A.R.
Published: June 2015

ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) proteins are ubiquitous in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They are involved in energy‐dependent transport of molecules across membranes. ABC proteins are often promiscuous transporters that can translocate a variety of substrates. In oral fungi, especially in Candida species, they have been implicated as major contributors to the high‐level azole resistance of clinical isolates from infections that do not respond to drug therapy. Although this is predominantly due to efflux of azoles from the cells, ABC proteins can contribute to fungal drug resistance in other ways as well. Cells in biofilms are notoriously resistant to antifungal agents. ABC proteins can contribute to this resistance through the efflux of drugs. Biofilms are complex communities of myriad microorganisms which, to survive in such a milieu, need to communicate with, and respond to, other microorganisms and their products. ABC proteins are involved in the secretion of fungal mating factors and quorum sensing molecules. These molecules affect biofilm structure and behavior that can result in increased drug resistance. Hence, ABC proteins make multiple contributions to oral fungal drug resistance through a variety of responses to environmental signals.
Resistance to Fusarium crown rot in wheat and barley: a review
Authors: Liu Chunji , Ogbonnaya Francis C.
Published: June 2015

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is becoming a major disease in many parts of the cereal‐growing regions worldwide. Significant QTL conferring FCR resistance have been reported on 13 of the 21 possible hexaploid wheat chromosomes in wheat and on three of the seven chromosomes in barley. Available results show that host resistance to FCR is not pathogen species‐specific, that resistance QTL have strong additive effect and that both plant height and growth rate affect FCR severity. Further, different loci seem to be responsible for resistances to FCR and Fusarium head blight although both diseases can be caused by the same Fusarium pathogens. Although marker‐assisted selection for FCR resistance has been initiated, the available markers are all derived from QTL mapping, which provides only limited resolution. Further work has to be conducted in developing diagnostic markers before significant progress can be made in deploying marker‐assisted selection as a routine tool to accelerate and improve FCR in breeding programmes.