bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Transfer Deficit: Contextual Mismatch, Proactive Interference, and Working Memory Affect Toddlers’ Video‐Based Transfer
Authors: Choi Koeun , Kirkorian Heather L. , Pempek Tiffany A.
Published: April 2017

Researchers tested the impact of contextual mismatch, proactive interference, and working memory (WM) on toddlers’ transfer across contexts. Forty‐two toddlers (27–34 months) completed four object‐retrieval trials, requiring memory updating on Trials 2–4. Participants watched hiding events on a tablet computer. Search performance was tested using another tablet (match) or a felt board (mismatch). WM was assessed. On earlier search trials, WM predicted transfer in both conditions, and toddlers in the match condition outperformed those in the mismatch condition; however, the benefit of contextual match and WM decreased over trials. Contextual match apparently increased proactive interference on later trials. Findings are interpreted within existing accounts of the transfer deficit, and a combined account is proposed.
From Autonomy to Divinity: The Cultural Socialization of Moral Reasoning in an Evangelical Christian Community
Authors: DiBianca Fasoli Allison
Published: April 2017

This study examined moral reasoning in parent–child conversations within a U.S. evangelical Christian community. The goal was to identify social‐communicative processes that may promote the development of Divinity in children's moral reasoning. Sixteen parent–child dyads (6–9 years old) discussed hypothetical moral vignettes about failures to help peers in need. Analyses revealed that Divinity typically co‐occurred with Autonomy in these conversations and that such co‐occurrences typically happened through three distinct social‐communicative processes, labeled “align,” “scaffold,” and “counter.” Findings are used to explain the shifting priority of Autonomy and Divinity over the life course among members of evangelical Christian faiths that previous research has documented. More broadly, findings highlight socialization processes through which children can rationalize their developing moral outlooks in culturally distinct ways.
Whole exome sequencing identified a novel single base pair insertion mutation in the EYS gene in a six generation family with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Hashmi Jamil Amjad , Albarry Maan Abdullah , Almatrafi Ahmed M. , Albalawi Alia M. , Mahmood Amer , Basit Sulman
Published: April 2017

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of inherited progressive retinal dystrophies (RD) and is characterized by photoreceptor degeneration. RP is clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder. More than 70 genes are known and, thus, identification of causative genes and mutations in known genes is challenging. This study was designed to identify the underlying genetic defect in a large extended Saudi family with multiple RP affected members. Fundus photography, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and visual field perimetry were performed for affected individuals. Whole exome sequencing was used to detect the underlying genetic defect in a large family with 12 affected individuals showing autosomal recessive isolated RP. WES data analysis identified a novel insertion mutation in the EYS (eyes shut homolog) gene (c.910_911insT; p.Trp304LeufsTer8). Sanger sequencing validates the variant discovered through exome in all 12 affected individuals and showed that this mutation is segregating with RP phenotype in an autosomal recessive manner in 51 individuals of the family tested here. Our study expands the mutation spectrum of EYS gene in RP patients and extends the body of evidence that supports the importance of EYS gene in eye development.
Role of monocyte tissue factor on patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Deng Chaosheng , Wu Shuang , Zhang Lina , Yang Minxia , Lin Qichang , Xie Qiang , Ding Haibo , Lian Ningfang , Gao Shaoyong , Huang Yunjian , Jin Yongxu
Published: April 2017

Background

To examine the expression of D‐dimer, fibrinogen (FIB), leukocyte, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and tissue factor (TF) released from monocyte in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with or without venous thromboembolism (VTE) and analyse the correlation, to explore the possible mechanisms.

Methods

Seventy‐two patients confirmed the diagnosis of lung cancer, among whom 10 with VTE were enrolled into the study from November 2012 to January 2014 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University and 30 healthy subjects were also enrolled as the control group. Ficoll and Percoll density gradient centrifugation separated of peripheral blood monocyte. Monocyte TF mRNA expression was detected using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results

There were significant differences in different stages of the cancer (P < .05) and no significance among the histopathologic types (P > .05) for the expression of monocyte TF mRNA in NSCLC patients, its expression was significantly higher in cancer with lymph node metastasis than those without lymph node metastasis (P < .01). Meanwhile, in NSCLC patients with VTE, the expression of monocyte TF mRNA was significantly higher than that in patients without VTE (P < .01). Difference of the survival curves between the low monocyte TF mRNA expression and the high monocyte TF mRNA expression was significant (Log‐rank x2 = 4.923, P < .05).

Conclusions

Monocyte TF may be a relevant source of TF‐mediated thrombogenicity in NSCLC patients and may be associated with prognosis in NSCLC.
Pulmonary hypertension associated with combined fibrosing mediastinitis and bronchial anthracofibrosis: A retrospective analysis in a single Chinese hospital
Authors: Xu Yan , Xu Wenbing , Liu Yongjian , Tian Xinlun , Xu Kaifeng , Shi Juhong , Wang Mengzhao , Cai Baiqiang , Peng Min
Published: April 2017

Introduction

Both fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) and bronchial anthracofibrosis (BAF) are unique diseases. The combined appearance of FM and BAF is extremely rare.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical features of patients with coexisting FM and BAF.

Method

Between January 2003 and December 2015, a total of eight patients were diagnosed at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital as having combined FM and BAF. The clinical presentations, radiographic features and bronchoscopic findings of the eight patients were reviewed.

Results

The patients were five women and three men with a median age of 64 years (range 56‐86 years). Symptoms included dyspnea (eight patients), cough (seven patients), chest pain (two patients), hemoptysis (two patients) and so on. Chest CT of all eight patients showed mediastinal soft‐tissue lesions, with multiple narrowed or obliterated lobar or segmental bronchi and arteries. Bronchoscopy showed that all of the patients had multiple stenoses of lobar or segmental bronchi with anthracotic pigmentation on the mucosa. Echocardiography showed that all of the patients had elevated pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (median 81 mm Hg, range 51‐107 mm Hg). Each of the eight patients had a history of exposure to, or infection with, tuberculosis, although there was no evidence of active disease. All of the eight patients had long‐term exposure to indoor coal or biomass fuel smoke.

Conclusions

FM can coexist with BAF, characterized by prominent pulmonary hypertension. The possible etiological factors are tuberculosis and coal or biomass fuel exposure.
Endoscopic treatment of intraductal pancreatic stent fragmentation
Authors: Jagielski Mateusz , Smoczyński Marian , Jabłońska Anna , Adrych Krystian
Published: April 2017

Background and Aim

Complications of endoscopic treatment are reported more and more often as a result of popularization of pancreatic endotherapy. Our study presents the results of treatment in patients with intraductal pancreatic stent fragmentation diagnosed during endotherapy of chronic pancreatitis.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 2496 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures which were carried out in 607 patients at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit of the University Clinical Center in Gdansk.

Results

In the course of pancreatic endotherapy, intraductal pancreatic stent fragmentation was stated during 33 of 2496 (0.013%) procedures in 33 of 607 (5.44%) patients with chronic pancreatitis. In 33 patients, there were 46 intraductal fragments of broken stents. Most patients were asymptomatic. In 31/33 patients, fragments of broken stents were removed from the pancreatic duct endoscopically. In the case of two patients, endoscopic management was ineffective and they were treated surgically. Altogether, 44/46 stent fragments were removed endoscopically. Most fragments of pancreatic stents were removed during the first endoscopic procedure. One fragment of a broken stent was retrieved with polypectomy snare and four with Dormia basket. The remaining fragments of broken pancreatic stents were removed with rat‐tooth forceps.

Conclusions

Intraductal fragmentation of pancreatic stent is a rare complication of pancreatic endotherapy and it often has an asymptomatic course. Most fragments of broken pancreatic stents can be removed endoscopically from the pancreatic duct with an acceptable complication rate.
The killer shrimp, Dikerogammarus villosus, invading European Alpine Lakes: A single main source but independent founder events with an overall loss of genetic diversity
Authors: Rewicz Tomasz , Wattier Remi , Rigaud Thierry , Grabowski Michał , Mamos Tomasz , Bącela‐Spychalska Karolina
Published: April 2017

The effects of biological invasions are generally more detrimental in isolated ecosystems than in the interconnected ones and freshwater lakes appear to be particularly fragile. The Ponto‐Caspian freshwater amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus (Pontogammaridae), also known as the killer shrimp, is a highly invasive species that can have significant ecological impacts on receiving ecosystems. It has colonised most of the European main inland waterbodies, including at least 12 lakes in the Alps – an area of high conservational priority and, at the same time, heavily affected by anthropogenic changes. Particularly, overland translocations of boats among tourist centres may have contributed to colonisation of Alpine lakes by D. villosus.

We aimed to answer the following questions: Which of the two genetically differentiated populations invading continental lowland Europe has contributed to colonisation of the Alpine lakes? Is it possible to detect independent founder events in different regions of the Alps and/or secondary spread among European Alpine lakes? Have the lacustrine populations suffered any reduction in genetic variation during colonisation? Twelve populations from the Alpine lakes were genotyped for a portion of mtDNA (COI and 16S) and for seven nuclear microsatellite loci. A wide range of methods was used to analyse the data, including haplotype network, Bayesian clustering and demography tests.

Our results show that the lowland western route (Danube‐Rhine waterway) of the killer shrimp invasion was the source for introduction to European Alpine lakes. Unlike invasive populations in the main lowland rivers, most of the Alpine populations suffered bottleneck and had significantly lower genetic diversity compared to their source population along the western route. We found clear patterns of genetic structure, revealing multiple independent lake colonisations followed by secondary spread between lakes. An overland transport of D. villosus with tourist boats is probably the major spreading vector to and among Alpine lakes. Implementing safety programmes such as the ‘check, clean, and dry’ procedures may stop or slow down spreading of D. villosus among the Alpine lakes, and prevent additional long distance transport.
Mechanistic modelling for predicting the effects of restoration, invasion and pollution on benthic macroinvertebrate communities in rivers
Authors: Paillex Amael , Reichert Peter , Lorenz Armin W. , Schuwirth Nele
Published: April 2017

Habitat destruction, biological invasions and water quality deterioration are serious threats to native communities and can lead to modifications in community composition and structure, and in ecosystem function.

To predict the consequences of river restoration, biological invasions and water quality change in the taxonomic composition of macroinvertebrate communities in rivers, we extended the mechanistic model Streambugs, which describes growth, respiration and death of interacting taxa under given environmental conditions.

The model parameterised with prior knowledge on macroinvertebrate traits had already a reasonable explanatory power for data from restored and unrestored sites in two Swiss rivers. As anticipated, the explanatory power of the model was increased further by incorporation of learning from observations through Bayesian inference. The predictive application of the model to changes in water quality and invasions by alien species indicated the importance of integrative planning of management measures: although invasive species are predicted to be able to colonise restored and unrestored sites and replace native species, both invasion of alien species and subsequent exclusion of native taxa is predicted to be reduced when water quality improves.

The unavoidable simplification in the mathematical description of complex interactions in the macroinvertebrate community results in predictions that are uncertain. Our modelling techniques make the best attempt to quantify this uncertainty. Despite the uncertainty that always calls for more research, this study makes a considerable step towards improving our understanding of community structure and supporting river management through mechanistic, predictive modelling of macroinvertebrate communities in rivers under changing environmental conditions.
The role of the environment on the genetic divergence between two Boa imperator lineages
Authors: Suárez‐Atilano Marco , Rojas‐Soto Octavio , Parra Juan L. , Vázquez‐Domínguez Ella
Published: April 2017

Aim

A fundamental problem in evolutionary biology has been understanding the role of environmental factors in the process of genetic diversification. Our main goal was to define the ecological niches of two Boa imperator lineages, in order to assess if environmental drivers could be associated with the divergence and genetic variation between them. We quantified the environmental niches at two evolutionary and geographical scales: regional‐historical (lineages) and local‐ecological (individuals within lineages).

Location

Neotropical region of Mexico and mainland Central America.

Methods

We performed ecological niche modelling (ENM) methods by defining the accessibility area per B. imperator lineage, based on their geographic ranges, to analyse ecological and geographical distributions. We applied statistics of niche overlap, interpredictability, equivalency and similarity. We tested the niche‐centrality hypothesis within lineages by evaluating the relationship between genetic metrics and the distance to ecological and geographical centroids.

Results

Temperature seasonality, precipitation and elevation were the most informative environmental variables (GARP and MaxEnt). Ecological interprediction and niche similarity and equivalency tests revealed a dynamic process of niche evolution, where the niches of the two lineages are not identical but still showed a signature of niche conservatism. Correlation analyses between genetic variability and structure showed negative correlations with distance to ecological and geographical centroids at the local level.

Main conclusions

Our results support the role of environmental variables as significant and highly accurate predictors of lineage distribution and divergence, in agreement with the boa's evolutionary history. The niches of the two lineages are not identical, sharing environmental niche space but not all ecological variables. A historically more recent signal of genetic structure within lineages was evident, where the quality of the ecological niche further influences genetic distribution patterns within populations. Our results illustrate how ENM may validate evolutionary patterns from a biogeographical and phylogeographical framework.
Radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Electrical modification suggesting transmurality is faster achieved with remote magnetic catheter in comparison with contact force use
Authors: Bun Sok‐Sithikun , Ayari Anis , Latcu Decebal Gabriel , Errahmouni Abdelkarim , Saoudi Nadir
Published: April 2017

Background

Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) and contact force (CF) sensing catheters are available technologies for radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Our purpose was to compare time to electrogram (EGM) modification suggesting transmural lesions between RMN and CF‐guided AF ablation.

Methods and results

A total of 1,008 RF applications were analyzed in 21 patients undergoing RMN (n = 11) or CF‐guided ablation (n = 10) for paroxysmal AF. All procedures were performed in sinus rhythm during general anesthesia. Time to EGM modification was measured until transmurality criteria were fulfilled: (1) complete disappearance of R if initial QR morphology; (2) diminution > 75% of R if initial QRS morphology; (3) complete disappearance of R’ of initial RSR’ morphology. Impedance drop as well as force time integral (FTI) were also assessed for each application.

Mean CF at the beginning of each RF application in the CF group was 11 ± 2 g and mean FTI per application was 488 ± 163 gs. Time to EGM modification was significantly shorter in the RMN group (4.52 ± 0.1 seconds vs. 5.6 ± 0.09 seconds; P < 0.00001). There was no significant difference between other procedural parameters.

Conclusion

Remote magnetic AF ablation is associated with faster EGM modification suggesting transmurality than optimized CF and FTI‐guided catheter ablation.
Catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation is associated with a reduction in health care resource utilization
Authors: Samuel Michelle , Avgil Tsadok Meytal , Joza Jacqueline , Behlouli Hassan , Verma Atul , Essebag Vidal , Pilote Louise
Published: April 2017

Background

Catheter ablation (CA) is superior to antiarrhythmic therapy at reducing recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF); however, there are limited data regarding whether this decrease translates into a reduction in health care resource utilization.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of AF ablation on long‐term health care resource utilization.

Methods

A population‐based cohort was constructed to include patients who underwent CA for AF in Quebec, Canada, between April 2005 and March 2011. Resource utilization was evaluated 24 months pre‐ and postindex CA procedure.

Results

In a cohort of 1,556 patients, resource utilization increased progressively over the 24‐month period leading to index CA (P for trend <0.05 for hospitalizations, ER visits, outpatient visits, cardioversions, and echocardiograms). After index CA, all‐cause hospitalizations, hospitalizations for AF, ER visits, cardioversions, and echocardiograms were reduced 12 months post‐CA compared to 12 months prior (all‐cause hospitalizations 0.8–0.6 per patient per year; hospitalizations for AF 0.4–0.3; ER visits 2.9–1.8; cardioversions 0.5–0.2; echocardiograms 0.8–0.5; P < 0.05 for all trends). Resource utilization continued to decline at 24 months post‐CA (vs. 12 months prior) for all‐cause hospitalizations (0.4), cardioversions (0.1), and echocardiograms (0.3) (per patient year; P < 0.05 for all trends).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the pattern of increasing health care resource utilization preceding CA for AF reverses after CA to lower than preablation levels up to 24 months post‐CA.
Impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health, nutrition and wellbeing of mankind: A call for global action
Authors: Tonetti Maurizio S. , Jepsen Søren , Jin Lijian , Otomo‐Corgel Joan
Published: April 2017

Background

The global burden of periodontal diseases remains high. Population growth trends, changes in risk factors and improved tooth retention will increase the socio‐economic burden of periodontitis that is responsible for 3.5 million years lived with disability, 54 billion USD/year in lost productivity and a major portion of the 442 billion USD/year cost for oral diseases.

Methods

In the context of the Milan World Exhibition 2015 “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” a green paper was developed and offered for global consultation by the European Federation of Periodontology. The final draft was endorsed by professional organizations around the world and is presented to stakeholders as a call for global action.

Results

Specific actions for the public, policymakers, educators and professional organizations have been identified in the areas of prevention, detection and care. These actions align public interest and knowledge, need for self‐care, professional intervention and policies to the best scientific evidence to proactively promote periodontal health and effectively manage the global burden of periodontal diseases, in accordance with WHO/UN priorities and strategies for tackling common non‐communicable diseases via the Common Risk Factor Approach.

Conclusions

A strong and coherent body of evidence allows identification of actionable preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to effectively promote periodontal health and general wellbeing, and better manage the socio‐economic consequences. Action requires consideration of the specific national scenarios.
Reformulations of well‐known active ingredients in the topical treatment of psoriasis vulgaris can improve clinical outcomes for patients
Authors: Iversen L. , Dauden E. , Segaert S. , Freeman K. , Magina S. , Rigopoulos D. , Thaci D.
Published: April 2017

Although the majority of patients with psoriasis vulgaris are treated exclusively with topical therapies, research to develop more effective topical therapies that are associated with higher patient satisfaction has lagged behind the development of systemic agents. The aim of this literature review was to determine whether there is documented evidence that applying an innovative approach to improving the formulation of active ingredients commonly used in the topical treatment of psoriasis can have a positive effect on clinical outcomes and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). The Embase and PubMed databases were searched for articles published between 2001 and 2016 that made direct head‐to‐head comparisons of different formulations of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), focusing on clinical outcomes and PROs. In total, 22 publications on APIs or API combinations met the eligibility criteria (19 head‐to‐head clinical trials, one pooled analysis, one health‐economic modelling study and one systematic review). Significant clinical benefit associated with the use of a reformulated API over an older formulation was reported in three trials of clobetasol propionate, one trial of calcipotriol, three trials of betamethasone and five trials/pooled analyses of calcipotriol/calcipotriene + betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) formulations. Significantly improved PROs associated with the use of a reformulated API over an older formulation were reported in three trials of clobetasol propionate, one trial of betamethasone valerate and two trials of Cal/BD formulations. These results demonstrate that the innovative reformulation of APIs used in the treatment of psoriasis can produce therapies that attain significantly improved clinical outcomes and PROs. This suggests that improvement in topical therapy for psoriasis need not only to be achieved by the identification of new targets and the development of new APIs, but that improvement in the vehicle used to deliver existing APIs has the potential to result in significant clinical and patient benefits.
Prognostic risk factors of first recurrence in patients with primary stages I–II cutaneous malignant melanoma – from the population‐based Swedish melanoma register
Authors: Lyth J. , Falk M. , Maroti M. , Eriksson H. , Ingvar C.
Published: April 2017

Background

Prognostic factors in patients with localized primary cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) are well described. However, prognostic factors for recurrence are less documented.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify prognostic risk factors for first recurrence in patients with localized stages I‐II CMM using population‐based data.

Methods

This study included 1437 CMM patients registered in one region of Sweden during 1999–2012 follow‐up through 31 December 2012. To identify first recurrence of CMM disease, data from a care data warehouse, the pathology and radiology department registries were used. Patients were also followed through a census register and the national Cause of Death Register.

Results

The 5‐ and 10‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were 85.7% and 81.2%, respectively. The most common site of first recurrence was regional lymph node metastasis closely followed by distant metastasis. After adjusting for all prognostic factors, women had 50% lower risk of recurrence than men (HR = 0.5, 95% CI 0.4–0.7) and patients ≥70 had higher risk compared to patients 55–69 years (HR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.5). Other significant prognostic factors for risk of recurrence were tumour thickness, presence of ulceration, Clark's level of invasion and histogenetic type.

Conclusion

Tumour thickness was found to be the predominant risk factor for recurrence. The prognostic factors for recurrence coincided with prognostic factors for CMM death. The most common site of first recurrence in stages I‐II CMM is regional lymph node (42.8%) closely followed by distant metastases (37.6%), a fact which has to be taken into consideration when choosing follow‐up strategies.
Do outdoor workers know their risk of NMSC? Perceptions, beliefs and preventive behaviour among farmers, roofers and gardeners
Authors: Zink A. , Wurstbauer D. , Rotter M. , Wildner M. , Biedermann T.
Published: April 2017

Background

Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) was officially recognized in 2015 as an occupational disease for outdoor workers in Germany. Together with the enormous socioeconomic impact of NMSC, this has led to the continuous demand of evidence‐based prevention. However, studies assessing the perceptions and beliefs along with risk behaviour of outdoor workers as an essential prerequisite for prevention are rare.

Objective

To assess perceptions, beliefs, barriers, risk and preventive behaviours towards non‐melanoma skin cancer among different outdoor groups as a basis for the development of sustainable prevention programmes.

Patients and Methods

Cross‐sectional study among outdoor workers of three different occupational groups (farmer, gardener, roofer) using a 20‐question online survey on NMSC awareness, risk and preventive behaviours.

Results

Between March and April 2016, 353 outdoor workers participated in the study. Of these, 153 (43.4%) reported never to use sunscreen during work. Wearing headgear and long pants were the most common sun protection measures. Poor use of sunscreen was more likely in males and farmers. A low perceived skin cancer risk was significantly associated with poor use of sunscreen, long‐sleeved shirts, sunglasses and headgear.

Conclusions

Despite great evidence on NMSC risk in outdoor professions throughout the literature, high‐risk groups in fact are not yet aware of the topic. Sustainable target group‐oriented awareness prevention programmes are needed to lower the immense burden of NMSC.
A new species of Chrysobrycon (Characiformes, Characidae, Stevardiinae) from the Amazon River basin in Colombia, with a new diagnostic characteristic for the genus
Authors: Vanegas‐Ríos J. A. , Urbano‐Bonilla A.
Published: April 2017

Chrysobrycon mojicai sp. nov. is described from forest streams that are part of the Amazon River basin in Colombia. It is distinguished from all congeners by having most of the maxillary teeth with distal tips lateroventrally curved (v. teeth straight along their lengths) and a greater number of dentary teeth (20–27 v. 11–19, except in Chrysobrycon yoliae). The posterior margin of the ventral process of the quadrate does not reach the vertical through the posterior margin of the symplectic and these features differentiate C. mojicai from Chrysobrycon myersi and C. yoliae (v. posterior margin of ventral process of quadrate reaching vertical through posterior margin of symplectic). In species of Chrysobrycon, the frontals are extensively contacting each other along the midline, resulting in an absent frontal fontanel and a reduced parietal fontanel. This extensive contact between the frontals modifying the fontanels is a condition rarely found within the Stevardiinae and hence is proposed as an additional diagnostic characteristic for the genus. An updated identification key for all Chrysobrycon species is provided.
Influence of vacuum drying temperature on: Physico‐chemical composition and antioxidant properties of murta berries
Authors: López Jéssica , Vega‐Gálvez Antonio , Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina , Chiou Bor‐Sen , Uribe Elsa , Quispe‐Fuentes Issis
Published: April 2017

Murta (Ugni molinae T.) berries were vacuum dried at a constant pressure of 15 kPa. The effects of processing temperatures (50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 °C) on the physico‐chemical characteristics, the phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the antioxidant activity and the sugar and β‐carotene contents of the fruit were evaluated. The dried samples had lower protein contents than the fresh sample. Also, drying temperatures significantly affected the phenolic compounds. The antioxidant activity decreased in value after vacuum drying at each temperature. Fructose was the predominant sugar, followed by sucrose and glucose. Overall, sugar contents were affected by drying temperatures, especially at 50 °C with a noticeable sucrose content decrease. However, β‐carotene contents showed significant increases in value with an increase in temperature. These results indicated that vacuum drying might be a good alternative for dried murta production. Dried murta could be an important source of bioactive compounds.

Practical applications

Murta berries are rich in phenolic compounds having antioxidant activity and beneficial potential effects on human health. Drying is widely used in the fruit processing industry. This process has proven to be a good alternative for preservation of many fruits and vegetables. The obtained results provide the necessary vacuum drying conditions to stand out the nutritional value of murta berries. Thus, we believe that our findings can contribute to obtain the best process that retains the nutritional quality of murta berries.
Development and application of the loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid detection of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in food
Authors: Hong Joonbae
Published: April 2017

A loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for rapid detection of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens in food is developed and evaluated in this study. Six primers were designed to recognize the cpa gene of C. perfringens. A panel of 45 bacterial strains, including 15 C. perfringens and 30 other strains, were included in this study to evaluate and optimize the LAMP assay. The specificity of the LAMP assay was 100%. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay for the detection of C. perfringens in food was 10 CFU/ml. Different methods of extracting DNA from artificially contaminated food, such as boiling, NaOH treatment, and the use of magnetic beads, were evaluated. The established LAMP assay was used to analyze C. perfringens in various food samples. The magnetic bead‐based method was a useful tool for extracting genomic DNA from 14 foods contaminated by C. perfringens. All 15 foods contaminated by C. perfringens were identified as positive.

Practical Applications

The traditional method for detecting Clostridium perfringens in foods involves the use of a bioassay that is laborious and time‐consuming. The LAMP assay is a useful and powerful tool for the rapid detection of C. perfringens, and, undoubtedly, the efficiency, technical simplicity, and cost‐effectiveness of the LAMP assay will have broad applications in bacteriological detection of enterotoxigenic C. perfringens.
Disordered eating patterns in coeliac disease: a framework analysis
Authors: Satherley R.‐M. , Higgs S. , Howard R.
Published: April 2017

Objective

The need for dietary‐management in coeliac disease may lead to the development of disordered eating patterns. A theoretical model of disordered eating has been proposed to explain disordered eating in coeliac disease. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of typical and disordered eating in coeliac disease to gain a greater understanding of these processes and explore specific pathways within this model.

Methods

We interviewed 21 individuals with coeliac disease, recruited from a previous database, about their experiences with food and food environments. Information about disordered eating status was assessed via questionnaire. The interviews were analysed qualitatively using Framework analysis, which was underpinned by the theoretical model of disordered eating in coeliac disease.

Results

Experiences differed between participants scoring high on measures of disordered eating and those who scored low (typical eaters). Participants scoring high on measures of disordered eating were concerned about the consequences of their gluten‐free diet on body image and they described eating patterns similar to binge/restrict cycles. Typical eaters reported being able to integrate their dietary self‐management into their daily lives; however, general concerns around food and cross‐contamination were associated with a restriction in food intake.

Conclusions

Coeliac disease has a varied impact on eating patterns. The need to follow a gluten‐free diet and to be vigilant around food has to be balanced with concerns around food availability and cross‐contamination which have the potential to contribute towards disordered eating attitudes and behaviours. The findings suggest that the theoretical model of disordered eating provides an adequate explanation of disordered eating patterns in coeliac disease.
Time‐lapse lab‐based x‐ray nano‐CT study of corrosion damage
Authors: BRADLEY R.S. , LIU Y. , BURNETT T.L. , ZHOU X. , LYON S.B. , WITHERS P.J. , GHOLINIA A. , HASHIMOTO T. , GRAHAM D. , GIBBON S.R. , HORNBERGER B.
Published: April 2017

An experimental protocol (workflow) has been developed for time‐lapse x‐ray nanotomography (nano‐CT) imaging of environmentally driven morphological changes to materials. Two case studies are presented. First, the leaching of nanoparticle corrosion inhibitor pigment from a polymer coating was followed over 14 days, while in the second case the corrosion damage to an AA2099 aluminium alloy was imaged over 12 hours. The protocol includes several novel aspects relevant to nano‐CT with the use of a combination of x‐ray absorption and phase contrast data to provide enhanced morphological and composition information, and hence reveal the best information to provide new insights into the changes of different phases over time. For the pigmented polymer coating containing nominally strontium aluminium polyphosphate, the strontium‐rich components within the materials are observed to leach extensively whereas the aluminium‐rich components are more resistant to dissolution. In the case of AA2099 it is found that the initial grain boundary corrosion is driven by the presence of copper‐rich phases and is then followed by the corrosion of grains of specific orientation.
Automatic diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis from Pap smear images
Authors: MOMENZADEH M. , SEHHATI M. , MEHRI DEHNAVI A. , TALEBI A. , RABBANI H.
Published: April 2017

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is the most common genital infections that are seen every day in clinics. This infection is due to excessive growth of Candida that are normally present in the vagina in small numbers. Diagnosis of VVC is routinely done by direct microscopy of Pap smear samples and searching for the Candida in the Pap smear glass slides. This manual method is subjective, time consuming, labour‐intensive and tedious. This study presents a computer‐aided diagnostic (CAD) method to improve human diagnosis of VVC. The proposed CAD method reduces the diagnostic time and also can be worked as a second objective opinion for pathologists. Our main objective is detection and extraction of mycelium and conidium of Candida fungus from microscopic images of Pap smear samples. In this regard, the proposed method is composed of three main phases, namely preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction and classification. At the first phase, bottom‐hat filtering is used for elimination of the cervical cells and separating the background. Then decorrelation stretching and colour K‐means clustering are used for Candida segmentation. Finally the extracted features used by a decision tree classifier to detect Candida from other parts of smear. The proposed method was evaluated on 200 Pap smear images and showed specificity of 99.83% and 99.62% and sensitivity of 92.18% and 94.53% for detection of mycelium and conidium, respectively.
Visual memory uniquely predicts anhedonia in schizophrenia but not bipolar disorder
Authors: Bodapati Anjuli S. , Jenkins Lisanne M. , Sharma Rajiv P. , Rosen Cherise
Published: April 2017

Objective

Deficits in memory have been suggested as an influential mechanism of anhedonia, because while pleasant experiences may be enjoyed in‐the‐moment, the cognitive processes involved in reporting anticipated or remembered enjoyable experiences is thought to be impaired. This study will determine whether any aspects of memory, including visual memory, verbal memory or working memory, are significantly predictive of anhedonia in a sample of schizophrenia, psychotic bipolar disorder and healthy controls.

Methods

The study included 38 individuals with schizophrenia, 19 individuals with bipolar disorder with psychosis, and 43 age‐matched healthy controls. All participants completed a self‐report social and physical anhedonia questionnaire along with a cognitive screening battery, which assessed the domains of attention/vigilance, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, and reasoning and problem‐solving.

Results

Anhedonia scores were regressed onto domain scores to determine which areas of cognition uniquely predicted level of anhedonia in each group. For the schizophrenia group, physical anhedonia was significantly predicted by worse visual memory performance. The regression models did not find significant cognitive predictors of physical or social anhedonia in the bipolar disorder or control groups.

Conclusions

This study found a significant relationship between visual memory and physical anhedonia in schizophrenia patients that was not present in a sample of psychotic bipolar patients or healthy controls, adding to an accumulating body of evidence that visual memory is related to anhedonia in schizophrenia. This relationship may be explained by underlying abnormalities in the orbitofrontal cortex in schizophrenia.
Impella 2.5 initiated prior to unprotected left main PCI in acute myocardial infarction complicated by cardiogenic shock improves early survival
Authors: Meraj Perwaiz M. , Doshi Rajkumar , Schreiber Theodore , Maini Brijeshwar , O'Neill William W.
Published: April 2017

Objectives

To assess post‐procedural outcomes when Impella 2.5 percutaneous left ventricular assist device (pLVAD) support is initiated either prior to or after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on unprotected left main coronary artery (ULMCA) culprit lesion in the context of acute myocardial infarction cardiogenic shock (AMICS).

Background

Initiation of Impella 2.5 pLVAD prior to PCI is associated with significant survival benefit in the setting of AMICS. Outcomes of those presenting with a ULMCA culprit lesion in this setting have not been well characterized.

Methods

Thirty‐six consecutive patients in the cVAD Registry supported with Impella 2.5 pLVAD for AMICS who underwent PCI on ULMCA culprit lesion were included in our multicenter study.

Results

The average age was 69.8 ± 14.2 years, 77.8% were male, 72.7% were in CS at admission, 44.4% sustained one or multiple cardiac arrests, and 30.6% had anoxic brain injury. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the Pre‐PCI group (n = 20) and Post‐PCI group (n = 16). Non‐ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and greater coronary disease burden were significantly more frequent in the Pre‐PCI group but they had significantly better survival to discharge (55.0% vs 18.8%, P = 0.041). Kaplan‐Meier 30‐day survival analysis showed very poor survival in Post‐PCI group (48.1% vs 12.5%, Log‐Rank P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Initiation of Impella 2.5 pLVAD prior to as compared with after PCI of ULMCA for AMICS culprit lesion is associated with significant early survival. As previously described, patients supported after PCI appear to have very poor survival at 30 days.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound and Elastography Imaging of the Neonatal Brain: A Review
Authors: Bailey Christopher , Huisman Thierry A.G.M. , de Jong Robert M. , Hwang Misun
Published: April 2017

Neonates presenting with neurologic symptoms require rapid, noninvasive imaging with high spatial resolution and tissue contrast. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently the most sensitive and specific imaging modality for evaluation of neurological pathology. This modality does come with several challenges in the neonatal population, namely, the need to transport a possibly critically sick neonate to the MRI suite and the necessity of the neonate to remain still for a significant length of time, occasionally requiring sedation. Cranial ultrasound has provided radiologists and clinicians with an invaluable imaging modality that allows of rapid, bedside point of care evaluation without ionizing radiation. The major drawback of cranial ultrasound is its lower sensitivity and specificity for subtle/early lesions. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and elastography have the potential to improve sensitivity and specificity for a variety of neuropathology but also expand the indications for cranial ultrasound. Goal of this paper is to present and discuss CEUS and elastography for neonatal brain imaging.
Radiographic and ultrasonographic findings of the spleen and abdominal lymph nodes in healthy domestic ferrets
Authors: Suran J. N. , Latney L. V. , Wyre N. R.
Published: April 2017

Objective

To describe the radiographic and ultrasonographic characteristics of the spleen and abdominal lymph nodes in clinically healthy ferrets.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐five clinically healthy ferrets were prospectively recruited for this cross‐sectional study. Three‐view whole body radiographs and abdominal ultrasonography were performed on awake (23 out of 55) or sedated (32 out of 55) ferrets. On radiographs splenic and abdominal lymph node visibility was assessed. Splenic thickness and echogenicity and lymph node length, thickness, echogenicity, number and presence of cyst‐like changes were recorded.

Results

The spleen was radiographically detectable in all ferrets. On ultrasound the spleen was hyperechoic to the liver (55 out of 55) and mildly hyperechoic (28 out of 55), isoechoic (15 out of 55) or mildly hypoechoic (12 out of 55) to the renal cortices. Mean splenic thickness was 11.80 ±0.34 mm. Lymph nodes were radiographically discernible in 28 out of 55 ferrets and included caudal mesenteric and sublumbar nodes. An average of 9 ±2 lymph nodes (mean± standard deviation; mode 10) were identified in each ferret using ultrasound. A single large jejunal lymph node was identified in all ferrets and had a mean thickness of 5.28 ± 1.66 mm. For other lymph nodes the mean thickness measurements plus one standard deviation were less than 4.4 mm (95% confidence interval: ≤ 3.72 mm).

Clinical Significance

The information provided in this study may act as a baseline for evaluation of the spleen and lymph nodes in ferrets.
Sensory and rheological characteristics of thickened liquids differing concentrations of a xanthan gum‐based thickener
Authors: Kim Hyeri , Hwang Han‐Im , Song Ki‐Won , Lee Jeehyun
Published: April 2017

The objectives of this study were to develop and compare sensory characteristics of beverages and soups thickened with different concentrations of a xanthan gum‐based thickener, and to examine, using rheological measurement, whether the viscosity of the thickened liquids conformed to the recommendations of the National Dysphagia Diet (NDD) Task Force. Beverages tested included water, apple juice, orange juice, soymilk, and Yakult. The thickening agent was added to samples at concentrations of 1, 2, or 3%. Addition of the thickening agent had a significant effect on the appearance, texture, and starchy flavor, which were evaluated by descriptive sensory evaluation. The reference standards of viscosity used in sensory descriptive analysis could be useful to practitioners who have to make dysphagia diets and need to learn to make them properly. In rheological measurement, viscosity of thickened liquids in stationary state would be perceived as higher compared to that while swallowing, because of the shear thinning property. This could lead to noncompliance of the medical advice or malnutrition. It is necessary to determine optimal proportion of xanthan gum‐based thickener or uncover alternatives, which have shear thinning properties lower than those of xanthan gum, for the acceptance of dysphagia patients. There was no pudding‐like viscosity as classified by NDD, when prepared following instructions. Future studies should include higher concentrations of thickener to find out the concentration of the thickener resulting in pudding‐like viscosity as recommended by NDD.

Practical applications

When a manufacturer modifies or develops a xanthan gum‐based thickener, findings from this study can be utilized to understand sensory and rheological characteristics of thickened liquid. For practitioners who have to make dysphagia diets, the reference standards of viscosity used in sensory descriptive analysis could be helpful for deciding the viscosity level of thickened liquids based only on visual evaluation. This study suggests manufacturers should provide clear direction for viscosity range and thickener concentration. Medical doctors should pay close attention to the risk of aspiration when prescribing pudding‐like viscosity. Dietitians should understand the variability in achieving different levels of viscosity and should educate preparers who are responsible for making dysphagia meals.