bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complications following Incident Stroke Resulting in Readmissions: An Analysis of Data from Three Scottish Health Surveys
Authors: Ponomarev Dmitry , Miller Claire , Govan Lindsay , Haig Caroline , Wu Olivia , Langhorne Peter
Published: November 2013

Background and aims

Stroke is widely recognized as the major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United Kingdom. We analyzed the data obtained from the three consecutive Scottish Health Surveys and the Scottish Morbidity records, with the aim of identifying risk factors for, and timing of, common poststroke complications.

Methods

There were 19434 individuals sampled during three Scottish Health Surveys in 1995, 1998, and 2001. For these individuals their morbidity and mortality outcomes were obtained in 2007. Incident stroke prevalence, risk factors for a range of poststroke complications, and average times until such complications in the sample were established.

Results

Of the total of 168 incident stroke admissions (0·86% of the survey), 16·1% people died during incident stroke hospitalization. Of the remaining 141 stroke survivors, 75·2% were rehospitalized at least once. The most frequent reason for readmission after stroke was a cardiovascular complication (28·6%), median time until event 1412 days, followed by infection (17·3%, median 1591 days). The risk of cardiovascular readmission was higher in those with ‘poor’ self-assessed health (odds ratio 7·70; 95% confidence interval 1·64–43·27), smokers (odds ratio 4·24; 95% confidence interval 1·11–21·59), and doubled with every five years increase in age (odds ratio 1·97; 95% confidence interval 1·46–2·65). ‘Poor’ self-assessed health increased chance of readmission for infection (odds ratio 14·11; 95% confidence interval 2·27–276·56).

Conclusions

Cardiovascular events and infections are the most frequent poststroke complications resulting in readmissions. The time period until event provides a possibility to focus monitoring on those people at risk of readmission and introduce preventative measures, thereby reducing readmission-associated costs.
Occlusion Site Does Not Impact Outcome in Patients with Carotid Stroke Undergoing Endovascular Reperfusion
Authors: Leker Ronen R. , Eichel Roni , Keigler Galina , Gomori John M. , Cohen Jose E.
Published: November 2013

Background

It remains unclear whether occlusion site impacts outcome in patients with acute carotid artery occlusions.

Methods

Patients with acute carotid artery occlusion that underwent endovascular reperfusion treatments were prospectively enrolled. Patients with extracranial carotid bifurcation occlusions were compared with those with intracranial carotid-T-occlusions. Collected data included demographics, risk factor profile, and procedure-related variables. Neurological deficits were studied with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and outcome was studied with the modified Rankin Score at day 90 after stroke and dichotomized into favorable (≤2) or unfavorable (>3). Recanalization status was studied with the thrombolysis in cerebral infarction scale.

Results

We included 51 patients (33 with extracranial bifurcation occlusion and 18 with intracranial T-occlusion). Patients with T lesions were significantly older (median 74 versus 56 years, P = 0·02), more frequently had atrial fibrillation (61% versus 18%; P = 0·005) and cardioembolism (78% versus 21% P = 0·001), smoked less often (6% versus 42%; P = 0·01), and less often required stent implantation (11% versus 48%; P = 0·015). However, neurological severity, other procedure and peri-procedure-related variables including recanalization rates and percentages of symptomatic hemorrhages did not differ between the groups. Mortality rates (24% versus 23%) and chances for favorable outcomes (33% versus 24%) did not significantly differ. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, occlusion location was not a significant modifier of outcome.

Conclusions

Despite differences in stroke risk factors and treatments used between patients with extracranial bifurcation and intracranial T-occlusions, lesion location in itself does not influence outcome in patients with acute carotid artery occlusion treated with endovascular reperfusion.
Management of Fever, Hyperglycemia, and Swallowing Dysfunction following Hospital Admission for Acute Stroke in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Drury Peta , Levi Christopher , McInnes Elizabeth , Hardy Jennifer , Ward Jeanette , Grimshaw Jeremy M. , Este Catherine D' , Dale Simeon , McElduff Patrick , Cheung N Wah , Quinn Clare , Griffiths Rhonda , Evans Malcolm , Cadilhac Dominique , Middleton Sandy
Published: November 2013

Background

Fever, hyperglycemia, and swallow dysfunction poststroke are associated with significantly worse outcomes. We report treatment and monitoring practices for these three items from a cohort of acute stroke patients prior to randomization in the Quality in Acute Stroke Care trial.

Method

Retrospective medical record audits were undertaken for prospective patients from 19 stroke units. For the first three-days following stroke, we recorded all temperature readings and administration of paracetamol for fever (≥37.5°C) and all glucose readings and administration of insulin for hyperglycemia (>11 mmol/L). We also recorded swallow screening and assessment during the first 24 h of admission.

Results

Data for 718 (98%) patients were available; 138 (19%) had four hourly or more temperature readings and 204 patients (29%) had a fever, with 44 (22%) receiving paracetamol. A quarter of patients ( n = 102/412, 25%) had six hourly or more glucose readings and 23% (95/412) had hyperglycemia, with 31% (29/95) of these treated with insulin. The majority of patients received a swallow assessment ( n = 562, 78%) by a speech pathologist in the first instance rather than a swallow screen by a nonspeech pathologist ( n = 156, 22%). Of those who passed a screen ( n = 108 of 156, 69%), 68% ( n = 73) were reassessed by a speech pathologist and 97% ( n = 71) were reconfirmed to be able to swallow safely.

Conclusions

Our results showed that acute stroke patients were: undermonitored and undertreated for fever and hyperglycemia; and underscreened for swallowing dysfunction and unnecessarily reassessed by a speech pathologist, indicating the need for urgent behavior change.
Differential Effects of Paracrine Factors on the Survival of Cells of the Neurovascular Unit during Oxygen Glucose Deprivation
Authors: Redzic Zoran B. , Rabie Tamer , Sutherland Brad A. , Buchan Alastair M.
Published: November 2013

Background

Disruption of the neurovascular unit following cerebral ischemia affects protetive function of the blood-brain barrier, thus contributing to vasogenic edema and hemorrhagic transformation.

Aims

This study explored the effects of mediators released from neurovascular unit cells on death of brain endothelial cells, astrocytes, pericytes, and microglia during oxygen glucose deprivation.

Methods

Rat primary cell cultures were exposed either to oxygen glucose deprivation or control conditions. Cell death and released angiogenic factors were assessed from media collected from cultures. For some experiments, astrocyte-conditioned media, pericyte-conditioned media, and microglia-conditioned media, collected from the corresponding cell culture after six-hour oxygen glucose deprivation, were added to the media during oxygen glucose deprivation incubations.

Results

Brain endothelial cells were more susceptible to death following oxygen glucose deprivation than other neurovascular unit cells. Neither astrocyte-conditioned media nor vascular endothelial growth factor165 were protective for pericytes or brain endothelial cells during oxygen glucose deprivation. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antagonist significantly reduced cell death of brain endothelial cells treated with astrocyte-conditioned media or vascular endothelial growth factor165. Pericyte-conditioned media were protective for brain endothelial cells and microglia, but this was not mediated by pericyte-released angiopoietin 1. Soluble angiopoietin 1/angiopoietin 2 receptor Tie2 was protective for brain endothelial cells. Microglia-conditioned media were protective for astrocytes and brain endothelial cells, possibly through transforming growth factor β1 or interleukin 6.

Conclusion

Microglia-derived signaling molecules, but not angiogenic factors, were protective for neurovascular unit cells during oxygen glucose deprivation. This finding could identify a potential therapeutic target for ischemic stroke.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Study to Investigate Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits with Intra-Arterial Therapy (EXTEND-IA)
Authors: Campbell Bruce C. V. , Mitchell Peter J. , Yan Bernard , Parsons Mark W. , Christensen Søren , Churilov Leonid , Dowling Richard J. , Dewey Helen , Brooks Mark , Miteff Ferdinand , Levi Christopher , Krause Martin , Harrington Timothy J. , Faulder Kenneth C. , Steinfort Brendan S. , Kleinig Timothy , Scroop Rebecca , Chryssidis Steve , Barber Alan , Hope Ayton , Moriarty Maurice , McGuinness Ben , Wong Andrew A. , Coulthard Alan , Wijeratne Tissa , Lee Andrew , Jannes Jim , Leyden James , Phan Thanh G. , Chong Winston , Holt Michael E. , Chandra Ronil V. , Bladin Christopher F. , Badve Monica , Rice Henry , de Villiers Laetitia , Ma Henry , Desmond Patricia M. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Davis Stephen M.
Published: November 2013

Background and Hypothesis

Thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator is proven to reduce disability when given within 4.5 h of ischemic stroke onset. However, tissue plasminogen activator only succeeds in recanalizing large vessel arterial occlusion in a minority of patients. We hypothesized that anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients, selected with ‘dual target’ vessel occlusion and evidence of salvageable brain using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging ‘mismatch’ within 4.5 h of onset, would have improved reperfusion and early neurological improvement when treated with intra-arterial clot retrieval after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator compared with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator alone.

Study Design

EXTEND-IA is an investigator-initiated, phase II, multicenter prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoint study. Ischemic stroke patients receiving standard 0.9 mg/kg intravenous tissue plasminogen activator within 4.5 h of stroke onset who have good prestroke functional status (modified Rankin Scale <2, no upper age limit) will undergo multimodal computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Patients who also meet dual target imaging criteria: vessel occlusion (internal carotid or middle cerebral artery) and mismatch (perfusion lesion: ischemic core mismatch ratio >1.2, absolute mismatch >10 ml, ischemic core volume <70 ml) will be randomized to either clot retrieval with the Solitaire FR device after full dose intravenous tissue plasminogen activator, or tissue plasminogen activator alone.

Study Outcomes

The coprimary outcome measure will be reperfusion at 24 h and favorable clinical response (reduction in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale by ≥8 points or reaching 0–1) at day 3. Secondary outcomes include modified Rankin Scale at day 90, death, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.
A Score Based on Age and DWI Volume Predicts Poor Outcome following Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Liggins John T. P. , Yoo Albert J. , Mishra Nishant K. , Wheeler Hayley M. , Straka Matus , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M. , Chaudhry Zeshan A. , Kemp Stephanie , Mlynash Michael , Bammer Roland , Albers Gregory W. , Lansberg Maarten G.
Published: November 2013

Background and Aims

The Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy score predicts poor functional outcome following endovascular treatment for acute ischemic stroke based on clinical variables. The present study sought to (a) create a predictive scoring system that included a neuroimaging variable and (b) determine if the scoring systems predict the clinical response to reperfusion.

Methods

Separate datasets were used to derive ( n = 110 from the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution 2 study) and validate ( n= 125 from Massachusetts General Hospital) scoring systems that predict poor functional outcome, defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 4–6 at 90 days.

Results Age

( P < 0·001; β = 0·087) and diffusion-weighted imaging volume ( P= 0·023; β = 0·025) were the independent predictors of poor functional outcome. The Stanford Age and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging score was created based on the patient's age (0–3 points) and diffusion-weighted imaging lesion volume (0–1 points). The percentage of patients with a poor functional outcome increased significantly with the number of points on the Stanford Age and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging score ( P < 0·01 for trend). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the Stanford Age and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging score was 0·82 in the derivation dataset. In the validation cohort, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0·69 for the Stanford Age and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging score and 0·66 for the Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy score ( P = 0·45 for the difference). Reperfusion, but not the interactions between the prediction scores and reperfusion, were predictors of outcome ( P > 0·5).

Conclusions

The Stanford Age and Diffusion-Weighted Imaging and Houston Intra-Arterial Therapy scores can be used to predict poor functional outcome following endovascular therapy with good accuracy. However, these scores do not predict the clinical response to reperfusion. This limits their utility as tools to select patients for acute stroke interventions.
Replantation of avulsed primary teeth: a systematic review
Authors: Martins‐Júnior Paulo Antônio , Franco Felipe Augusto da Silva , de Barcelos Ramon Valério , Marques Leandro Silva , Ramos‐Jorge Maria Letícia
Published: November 2013

Background

There is little evidence regarding the risks and benefits of replantation of avulsed primary teeth.

Aim

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the replantation of avulsed primary teeth, analysing the risks and benefits to help guide dentists regarding the best clinical decision‐making in such cases.

Design

The Medline/Pubmed, LILACS, and SciELO databases were searched for articles published in English, Portuguese, German or Spanish on the replantation of avulsed primary teeth in dental journals dating from the inception of the databases through to May 2013.

Results

Among the 891 papers identified in the search, nineteen fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All 19 studies were case reports involving a total of 41 replanted primary teeth. No negative consequences to either the primary tooth or permanent successor were observed in 15 cases. Among the other 26 cases, there were negative consequences to only the replanted primary tooth in 16 cases, only the permanent successor in three cases and both the replanted primary tooth and permanent successor in seven cases.

Conclusion

There is a lack of high‐quality studies that can help guide clinicians regarding the best approach in cases of primary tooth avulsion.
An evidence synthesis approach to estimating the incidence of seasonal influenza in the Netherlands
Authors: McDonald Scott A. , Presanis Anne M. , De Angelis Daniela , van der Hoek Wim , Hooiveld Mariette , Donker Gé , Kretzschmar Mirjam E.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To estimate, using Bayesian evidence synthesis, the age‐group‐specific annual incidence of symptomatic infection with seasonal influenza in the Netherlands over the period 2005–2007.

Methods

The Netherlands population and age group distribution for 2006 defined the base population. The number of influenza‐like illness (ILI) cases was estimated from sentinel surveillance data and adjusted for underascertainment using the estimated proportion of ILI cases that do not consult a general practitioner. The estimated number of symptomatic influenza (SI) cases was based on indirect evidence from the surveillance of ILI cases and the proportions of laboratory‐confirmed influenza cases in the 2004/5, 2005/6 and 2006/7 respiratory years. In scenario analysis, the number of SI cases prevented by increasing vaccination uptake within the 65 +  age group was estimated.

Results

The overall symptomatic infection attack rate (SIAR) over the period 2005–2007 was estimated at 2·5% (95% credible interval [CI]: 2·1–3·2%); 410 200 SI cases (95% CI: 338 500–518 600) were estimated to occur annually. Age‐group‐specific SIARs were estimated for <5 years at 4·9% (2·1–13·7%), for 5–14 years at 3·0% (2·0–4·7%), for 15–44 years at 2·6% (2·1–3·2%), for 45–64 years at 1·9% (1·4–2·5%) and for 65 +  years at 1·7% (1·0–3·0%). Under assumed vaccination uptake increases of 5% and 15%, 1970 and 5310 SI cases would be averted.

Conclusions

By synthesising the available information on seasonal influenza and ILI from diverse sources, the annual extent of symptomatic infection can be derived. These estimates are useful for assessing the burden of seasonal influenza and for guiding vaccination policy.
Detection of enterovirus 68 in serum from pediatric patients with pneumonia and their clinical outcomes
Authors: Imamura Tadatsugu , Suzuki Akira , Lupisan Socorro , Kamigaki Taro , Okamoto Michiko , Roy Chandra Nath , Olveda Remigio , Oshitani Hitoshi
Published: November 2013

Enterovirus 68 (EV68) infection occasionally manifests with fatal outcomes. However, detection of EV68 in serum and its clinical outcomes are yet to be determined. In this study, we retrospectively tested stored serum samples collected from pediatric pneumonia patients whose nasopharyngeal specimens were positive for EV68. Of total 28 nasopharyngeal sample‐positive patients, EV68 was detected in serum samples among 12 (43%) patients aged between 1 and 4 years. Our results suggest that EV68 can cause viremia by which the virus may exhibit systemic manifestations.
The Political Origins of English Private Law
Authors: Priel Dan
Published: November 2013

The article seeks to explain the emergence of the view that English law contains a fundamental divide between public and private law. I propose to explain the divide, not as a conceptual distinction, grounded in the internal rationality of law, but as a response to the potential problem of political legitimacy arising from the fact that in the domain of private law courts are constantly engaged in making substantive law. That by itself shows that the divide between public and private law is politically motivated, but I further argue that the prevailing view of law among proponents of the divide revives Dicey's conception of the common law within the narrower domain of private law. Since Dicey's views are widely believed to be motivated by his political views, if I am right, this lends support to the conclusion that the views of defenders of the divide are grounded in similar political positions.
Identifying Points of Contact and Engagement Between Legal and Environmental Education
Authors: Holder Jane
Published: November 2013

This article explores the shaping and possibly reforming potential of ideas about sustainability in legal education by drawing up a scale of environmental education theories, arranged according to their propensity to transform radically university education. The article offers a critical analysis of current individualist strategies aimed at developing students' environmental skills, in particular that these hamper opportunities for universities to develop a broader and more creative agenda of social change. Applying ideas about how environmental education communities of practice develop, this article identifies some pockets of activity seeking to integrate ideas of sustainability into the law curriculum, including via environmental law and teaching Wild Law or Earth Jurisprudence. These issues form part of an on‐going debate about how well law students are being prepared for work in highly challenging social, environmental, and financial circumstances, against the backdrop of a broader question about ‘what are universities for?’
The Influence of Personal Values on Legal Judgments
Authors: Cahill‐O'Callaghan Rachel J.
Published: November 2013

The non‐legal factors that influence judicial decisions have been the subject of extensive debate. Theoretical and empirical work has focused on factors including political ideology, activism, attitudes, and demographics. Personal values are related to these factors and are central to decision making. The study described in this article translated theories and techniques from psychological research to examine the role of personal values in judicial decision making. A novel method of assessment of value expression in legal opinions revealed a different pattern of values expressed in the majority and minority opinions of a case that divided the Supreme Court. An empirical study of legal academics extended this analysis and highlighted the significant influence of personal values on legal decisions. The value:decision paradigm provides a new framework to analyse judicial decision making, judicial division, and judicial discretion and has significant implications for judicial diversity.
Temporal patterns of arrival from migration as a response to competition for breeding space
Authors: Sirot Etienne , Touzalin Frédéric
Published: November 2013

Birds arriving from spring migration have higher chances of securing a territory if they reach the breeding area before their companions. However, an early arrival may compromise their chances of surviving until reproduction begins. Here, we study how evolutionarily stable responses to these opposite constraints may shape patterns of arrival in a population of migratory birds, with the help of a simple evolutionary algorithm. We show that, initially, an increasing level of competition for breeding territories generates a massive peak of early arrivals. However, when the level of competition becomes very high, the temporal distribution of arrivals may take different shapes, depending on the modalities of competition. If individuals trying to usurp territories have relatively high chances of success, a second peak of arrival emerges at the very end of the arrival period. Birds arrive then in two successive waves. By contrast, if these chances are low, a single early peak of arrival is still present. Many individuals do however continuously arrive afterwards, at a regular and increasing tempo, until reproduction begins. The prior residence effect, that rules competition between resident birds and their challengers, is thus expected to influence the whole distribution of arrival dates on breeding grounds. This distribution will, in turn, affect the ability of the population to respond to changing environmental conditions.
Melanin‐based coloration covaries with fluctuating asymmetry, nutritional state and physiological stress response in common snipe
Authors: Minias Piotr , Kaczmarek Krzysztof , Włodarczyk Radosław , Janiszewski Tomasz
Published: November 2013

Adaptative significance of melanin‐based coloration in birds remains poorly recognized. It has been suggested that genes responsible for melanin synthesis may have pleiotropic effect on several physiological and behavioural functions, including immune defence. For this reason, we could expect that the expression of melanin‐based plumage coloration should covary with different condition‐related phenotypic traits via regulation of pathogen/parasite resistance. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis in common snipe Gallinago gallinago, a species that exhibits conspicuous variation in the black eumelanism of underwing plumage. The study was conducted in central Poland, where common snipe were captured during autumn migration. We found that after accounting for the effects of age, sex and date of capture, underwing coloration correlated with nutritional state of snipes, as more extensively melanised individuals had higher plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total protein and albumin. Dark underwing coloration was also associated with lower heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio, suggesting better resistance of eumelanic individuals to physiological stress. Finally, adult males with darker underwings had lower asymmetry in wing shape (wingtip convexity), which indicated their higher developmental stability. In conclusion, melanin‐based coloration may be considered an honest indicator of phenotypic quality in common snipe.
Endozoochory largely outweighs epizoochory in migrating passerines
Authors: Costa José M. , Ramos Jaime A. , da Silva Luís P. , Timoteo Sérgio , Araújo Pedro M. , Felgueiras Marcial S. , Rosa António , Matos Cláudia , Encarnação Paulo , Tenreiro Paulo Q. , Heleno Ruben H.
Published: November 2013

Fruits and seeds are critical food sources for many European passerines during the autumn migration, which in turn contribute to disperse seeds either internally, i.e. after ingestion (endozoochory), or externally, when seeds adhere to the body surface (epizoochory). Despite the recognized importance of birds as seed dispersers, the vast majority of studies focused on endozoochory while the external transport of seeds is frequently invoked as being potentially important, but remains largely unexplored. This is particularly important during the post‐breeding migration of passerines, the most ubiquitous and diverse movement of potential seed carriers across Europe and into Africa, which coincides with the fruiting peak of many plant species (August–October). Our aim was to evaluate the role of migrating birds as potential long‐distance seed dispersers, and comparing the prevalence of epizoochory and endozoochory during post‐breeding migration. We sampled 926 wild birds in nine locations in Portugal, and retrieved 1833 seeds of 19 plant species dispersed internally and only three seeds externally attached to three birds (Serinus serinus, Locustella naevia and Turdus merula), showing an endozoochory prevalence 85 times higher than that of epizoochory. Migrating and non‐migrating passerines dispersed seeds equally. While two of the seeds transported externally had specific adaptations to epizoochory, namely spines (Torilis arvensis) and hooks (Galium aparine), the third is a large seed from a fleshy‐fruited plant, Frangula alnus (i.e. typical endozoochorous syndrome). These seeds were found on bird species with different diets, but similar behaviour (ground foragers) and in similar habitats (open agro‐ecosystems). Our results highlight the strong role of migrating passerines as potentially long‐distance seed dispersers and show that, at least in the autumn, the prevalence of epizoochory is several orders of magnitude lower than that of endozoochory.
Editorial: Translational research in practice
Authors: O'Connor Tom
Published: November 2013

Readers will now be familiar with the notion of ‘translational research’. According to its generally acknowledged progenitor, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US, this is a kind of research agenda focused on translating or applying the research findings from basic/preclinical studies to human studies and perhaps most especially treatment trials; and, the translation of clinical research findings to the community so that evidence‐based best practice is adopted.
Effect of treatment of chum salmon Oncorhynchus keta (Walbaum) eggs with 1,3;1,6‐β‐D‐glucans on their development and susceptibility to Saprolegnia infection
Authors: Kiseleva M , Balabanova L , Elyakova L , Rasskazov V , Zvyagintseva T
Published: November 2013

The effects of six 1,3;1,6‐β‐D‐glucooligo‐ and polysaccharides with different structures (ranging from 1 to 10 kDa in molecular mass and containing 10–25% of β‐1,6‐linked glucose residues) from brown algae, Saccharina cichorioides, on development of the chum salmon, Oncorhynchus keta (Walbaum), were evaluated. Exposure of chum salmon eggs to 1,3;1,6‐β‐D‐glucans with a molecular mass of more than 2 kDa increased the survival of embryos and juveniles and their resistance to Saprolegnia infection by up to 2.5‐fold, leading to a weight gain in juveniles of 40–55% compared with The control chum salmons. The 1,3;1,6‐β‐D‐glucans with molecular mass of 6–8 kDa and used at a at concentration of 0.5 mg mL−1 rendered the best stimulative effect.
Comparison of the Contents of Bioactive Compounds and Quality Parameters in Selected Mango Cultivars
Authors: Sellamuthu Periyar Selvam , Denoya Gabriela Inés , Sivakumar Dharini , Polenta Gustavo Alberto , Soundy Puffy
Published: November 2013

Mango cultivars Tommy Atkins, Zill, Peach, Sabre, Rosa and Phiva were analyzed for their quality parameters (fruit weight, flesh color chroma, L, h0, total soluble solid [TSS]/titratable acidity [TA], firmness), bioactive compounds (total phenols, carotenoids, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. Cv. Sabre showed highest total phenolic content (76.43 mg gallic acid/100 g FW), carotenoids (9.90 mg/100 g of FW), ascorbic acid content (69.71 mg/100 g of FW) and antioxidant activity (1.2 mg of gallic acid/g of FW), whereas cv. Peach mango contained lower bioactive compounds. Multivariate principal component analysis analysis showed higher concentration of bioactive compounds in cv. Sabre mango, whereas cv. Tommy Atkins was firm and heavier. Cv. Rosa and Phiva were moderately rich in bioactive compounds and lower in fruit weight and firmness, whereas cv. Peach was higher in TSS/ TA. The PPO activity was higher in cvs. Rosa and Zill.

Practical Applications

The variability in the quality parameters and bioactive components in five different mango cultivars was investigated. The results of this study provide valuable information to growers, distributors and consumers in selecting cultivars that are rich in bioactive components to consume as fresh fruit. Different cultivars were also identified for specific processing operations based on their quality parameters.
Changes of Nutritional and Physical Quality Characteristics during Storage of Osmotic Pretreated Apple before Hot Air Drying and Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Aktas T. , Ulger P. , Daglioglu F. , Hasturk F.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this research was to increase the application of different osmotic dehydration solutions to decrease the drying time, and decrease the loss of quality after drying and during storage of apples. Sucrose and trehalose solutions with 20 and 50 Brix concentrations were applied. Drying experiments were performed at 50, 60 and 70C using a hot air dryer. Changes in color, water activity, vitamin C, dry matter, total phenol content and mechanical properties were determined with 3‐month intervals. Trehalose pretreatments, especially with 50 Brix concentration, generally decreased the drying time. Trehalose pretreatment with 20 Brix had better effects on quality characteristics. Texture of the samples pretreated using 50 Brix sucrose and trehalose stayed more stable just after drying. Lowest change in puncture force was found in 50 Brix trehalose‐treated samples even after 12 months. Samples pretreated using 20 Brix trehalose had the higher preference by the panelists.

Practical Applications

Apple drying is rather important because of large production capacity in the world. For reducing quality losses and the cost, osmotic pretreatments and then using cabin or tunnel dryers, which are based on hot air circulating, have been widely used. Usually sucrose, dextrin, glucose have been used for osmotic dehydration implementations to fruits like apple, kiwi and mango, until now. Sucrose implementation is the most successful for fruits and therefore it has widest usage in fruit processing. But there are many disadvantages of using sucrose like caramelization and changes in flavor and viscosity. Our previous research showed that trehalose has rather good effects to improve the quality of dried vegetables such as carrot and potato. The results of this research can also serve as a valuable resource to further researches for utilization of alternative osmotic materials such as trehalose similar to our research to decrease negative effects of drying process.
Numerical simulation of potential inundation in a coastal zone
Authors: Chen C.‐N. , Tsai C.‐H. , Wu M.‐H. , Tsai C.‐T.
Published: November 2013

In this study, the physiographic inundation model that comprehensively accounts for the physical process of overland flow due to heavy rainfall and typhoon‐induced storm surge was applied to describe potential inundation in a coastal zone. A comparative study was first conducted to validate the model; the simulated results excellently agree with the field measurement concerning inundated depth and area during Typhoons Haitang and Kalmaegi. The model was then applied to calculate the corresponding potential inundation, inundated area, and inundated risk in a flood‐prone coastal zone under design rainfall of seven return periods (2‐year, 5‐year, 10‐year, 20‐year, 50‐year, 100‐year, and 200‐year) and the given hydrograph of storm surge. The simulated result indicates that 7.59% of the study area is under flooding when the return period is 2‐year and the ratio increases to 10.16% when the return period is 200‐year. Moreover, the ratio of the inundated area where the inundated depth is greater than 1 m to the total inundated area increases with an increase in the return period. It can be also found that more severe inundation arises in the lagoon and estuary together with both sides of tidal reach of rivers which also have higher inundated depth and risk.
Multistep‐ahead flood forecasts by neuro‐fuzzy networks with effective rainfall–run‐off patterns
Authors: Chang F.J. , Chiang Y.M. , Ho Y.H.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study is to construct a multistep‐ahead flood forecasting model based on the precise information of the rainfall‐runoff process in a watershed during typhoon events through neuro‐fuzzy networks. To achieve this goal, the nonparametric Kendall trend test was implemented for identifying appropriate rainfall lag times, and then the multistep‐ahead flood forecasting was carried out by the adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)‐based hydrological models with different input combinations. Hydrological data collected during 13 typhoon events in the Shihmen Reservoir watershed of Taiwan were used to train and validate the forecasting models. Results reveal that rainfall and inflow had similar patterns with a time shift of 5 up to 7 h, and the ANFIS‐based model with inputs that involved effective time‐delayed rainfall identified by the Kendall trend test performed better than the other comparative models. Results demonstrate that accurate inflow forecasts can be achieved up to a lead time of 5 h, which is very valuable information on real‐time reservoir operation for flood control.
Isolation, Identification and Virulence Gene Profiling of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Retail Doner Kebabs, Iran
Authors: Hosseini Hedayat , Jamshidi Abdollah , Basssami Mohammad Reza , Khaksar Ramin , Zeynali Tayebe , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Khanzadi Saeid
Published: November 2013

Most illnesses caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 have been associated with eating undercooked, contaminated meat. In this study, a number of 200 cooked beef doner kebab samples from different restaurants across cities of Tehran and Mashhad were analyzed. After enrichment, selective plating and biochemical tests, the DNA from suspected colonies were extracted. Three multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays to confirm the isolates as E. coli O157:H7 and the presence of virulence factors were performed. Specific primers for cH7 and rfbO157 genes in the first and for stx1 and stx2 genes in the second m‐PCR were used. The third m‐PCR performed using specific primers for eaeA and EhlyA genes. From 25 nonsorbitol‐fermenting isolates, 21 isolates confirmed as E. coli O157:H7. The results of third m‐PCR showed 12 isolates harboring the EhlyA gene, three isolates the eaeA gene and three isolates harboring both the EhlyA and eaeA genes.

Practical Applications

The presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cooked beef doner kebabs could be considered a serious public health hazard. These three multiplex PCR assay are a suitable method for rapid identification of E. coli O157:H7 virulence genes.
Identification of novel human kinases that suppress hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Lee A. , Liu S. , Wang T.
Published: November 2013

The human kinome includes between 500 and 600 known kinases and open reading frames (ORFs) that play key roles in regulating many cellular processes. Past studies adopting loss‐of‐function approaches have identified some kinases whose activities are required for hepatitis C virus (HCV) life cycle. Here, by screening a retroviral cDNA library of 192 active human kinases, we found that three of them, namely cyclin‐dependent kinases regulatory subunit 1 (CKS1B), mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 5 (MAP2K5) and protein kinase C and casein kinase substrate in neurons 1 (PACSIN1), potently suppressed HCV infection. The expression of these kinases did not induce the production of type I interferon (IFN) and interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs); instead, they inhibited HCV at postentry stages. Specifically, CKS1B and MAP2K5 significantly inhibited viral RNA replication. PACSIN1, by contrast, inhibited HCV infection by decreasing the level of HCV p7. Altogether, the identification of human protein kinases that exert an anti‐HCV activity highlighted the potential of combating HCV infection by activating specific kinase‐mediated pathways, offering an alternative strategy of treatment.
New insights in the ϕ29 terminal protein DNA‐binding and host nucleoid localization functions
Authors: Holguera Isabel , Redrejo‐Rodríguez Modesto , Salas Margarita , Muñoz‐Espín Daniel
Published: November 2013

Protein‐primed DNA replication constitutes a strategy to initiate viral DNA synthesis in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Although the main function of viral terminal proteins (TPs) is to provide a free hydroxyl group to start initiation of DNA replication, there are compelling evidences that TPs can also play other biological roles. In the case of Bacillus subtilis bacteriophage ϕ29, the N‐terminal domain of the TP organizes viral DNA replication at the bacterial nucleoid being essential for an efficient phage DNA replication, and it contains a nuclear localization signal (NLS) that is functional in eukaryotes. Here we provide information about the structural properties of the ϕ29 TP N‐terminal domain, which possesses sequence‐independent DNA‐binding capacity, and dissect the amino acid residues important for its biological function. By mutating all the basic residues of the TP N‐terminal domain we identify the amino acids responsible for its interaction with the B. subtilis genome, establishing a correlation between the capacity of DNA‐binding and nucleoid localization of the protein. Significantly, these residues are important to recruit the DNA polymerase at the bacterial nucleoid and, subsequently, for an efficient phage DNA replication.
Dermatophytosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum mimicking syphilid: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Tan Yongfang , Lin Liangbao , Feng Peiying , Lai Wei
Published: November 2013

A 56‐year‐old man who was under chemotherapy presented with a 2‐week history of erythema on the left palm, soles, glans penis and the foreskin with no itching and pain. Initially syphilid was suspected. However, both toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) and treponema pallidum particle agglutination assay (TPPA) were negative. Microscopy showed hyphae in all sites and skin culture revealed Trichophyton rubrum infection, consistent with the diagnosis of tinea infection. He was cured with oral terbinafine for 2 weeks. We report here a case of tinea incognito caused by T. rubrum mimicking syphilid and review the literature.
Investigating the predictive validity of an emergency department mental health triage tool
Authors: Sands Natisha , Elsom Stephen , Berk Michael , Hosking Jennifer , Prematunga Roshani , Gerdtz Marie
Published: November 2013

Emergency department mental health triage is a complex clinical task for which the evidence base is minimal. Research in the past decade has consistently identified issues associated with the accuracy and consistency of mental health triage assessment. In this study, we investigated the predictive validity of the clinical descriptors in the Victorian Emergency Department Mental Health Triage Tool. Using a naturalistic, retrospective study design, an audit of the emergency department triage database was undertaken on 12 months of continuous data for all mental health presentations (n = 1718). The main outcome measure was urgency categorization. The study findings indicate that triage nurses can accurately identify the urgency of mental health presentations using defined clinical criteria. A significant finding was that patients with acute psychotic symptoms were more likely to be triaged as high urgency (code 2); however, the Australasian Triage Scale, in use in all Australian and many international emergency departments, provides no mental health‐specific descriptors in high‐urgency categories (1 and 2).
RuBPCase activase (RCA) mediates growth–defense trade‐offs: silencing RCA redirects jasmonic acid (JA) flux from JA‐isoleucine to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) to attenuate induced defense responses in Nicotiana attenuata
Authors: Mitra Sirsha , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: November 2013

RuBPCase activase (RCA), an abundant photosynthetic protein, is strongly down‐regulated in response to Manduca sexta's oral secretion (OS) in Nicotiana attenuata. RCA‐silenced plants are impaired not only in photosynthetic capacity and growth, but also in jasmonic acid‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) signaling, and herbivore resistance mediated by JA‐Ile‐dependent defense traits. These responses are consistent with a resource‐based growth–defense trade‐off.

As JA + Ile supplementation of OS restored wild‐type (WT) levels of JA‐Ile, defenses and resistance to M. sexta, but OS supplemented individually with JA or Ile did not, the JA‐Ile deficiency of RCA‐silenced plants could not be attributed to lower JA or Ile pools or JAR4/6 conjugating activity. Similar levels of JA‐Ile derivatives after OS elicitation indicated unaltered JA‐Ile turnover, and lower levels of other JA conjugates ruled out competition from other conjugation reactions. RCA‐silenced plants accumulated more methyl jasmonate (MeJA) after OS elicitation, which corresponded to increased jasmonate methyltransferase (JMT) activity.

RCA silencing phenocopies JMT overexpression, wherein elevated JMT activity redirects OS‐elicited JA flux towards inactive MeJA, creating a JA sink which depletes JA‐Ile and its associated defense responses.

Hence, RCA plays an additional non‐photosynthetic role in attenuating JA‐mediated defenses and their associated costs, potentially allowing plants to anticipate resource‐based constraints on growth before they actually occur.
The grapevine flagellin receptor VvFLS2 differentially recognizes flagellin‐derived epitopes from the endophytic growth‐promoting bacterium Burkholderia phytofirmans and plant pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Trdá Lucie , Fernandez Olivier , Boutrot Freddy , Héloir Marie‐Claire , Kelloniemi Jani , Daire Xavier , Adrian Marielle , Clément Christophe , Zipfel Cyril , Dorey Stéphan , Poinssot Benoit
Published: November 2013

The role of flagellin perception in the context of plant beneficial bacteria still remains unclear. Here, we characterized the flagellin sensing system flg22–FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2) in grapevine, and analyzed the flagellin perception in the interaction with the endophytic plant growth‐promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) Burkholderia phytofirmans.

The functionality of the grapevine FLS2 receptor, VvFLS2, was demonstrated by complementation assays in the Arabidopsis thaliana fls2 mutant, which restored flg22‐induced H2O2 production and growth inhibition. Using synthetic flg22 peptides from different bacterial origins, we compared recognition specificities between VvFLS2 and AtFLS2.

In grapevine, flg22‐triggered immune responses are conserved and led to partial resistance against Botrytis cinerea. Unlike flg22 peptides derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Xanthomonas campestris, flg22 peptide derived from B. phytofirmans triggered only a small oxidative burst, weak and transient defense gene induction and no growth inhibition in grapevine. Although, in Arabidopsis, all the flg22 epitopes exhibited similar biological activities, the expression of VvFLS2 into the fls2 background conferred differential flg22 responses characteristic for grapevine.

These results demonstrate that VvFLS2 differentially recognizes flg22 from different bacteria, and suggest that flagellin from the beneficial PGPR B. phytofirmans has evolved to evade this grapevine immune recognition system.
The price of corporate professionalisation: analysing the corporate capture of professions in theUK
Authors: Paton Steve , Hodgson Damian , Muzio Daniel
Published: November 2013

Recent debates on the organisation of expert labour focus upon either the growing dominance of managerialism over traditional professions or the unwillingness/inability of new expert occupations to professionalise. Such arguments frequently disregard expert occupations that continue to deliberately pursue professionalisation to improve their status and influence in organisations and wider society, and therefore overlook the consequences of contemporary professionalisation for expert labour. Here we critically examine one ‘corporate profession’, project management in theUK, which has pursued ‘corporate professionalisation’ by renegotiating relationships with the state, individual members and private corporations, with some degree of success. Combining documentary analysis and interviews with professional association officials and practising project managers, this article analyses the pressures behind the corporate professionalisation strategies of this expert occupation, assessing the impact of moves towards a new model of corporate professionalism that marginalises the interests of professionals while embracing employer agendas.
Managing work–life boundaries with information and communication technologies: the case of independent contractors
Authors: Sayah Shiva
Published: November 2013

In the light of the increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICTs), it is important to gain a better understanding of their influence on work–life boundaries. This study examines how individuals manage their work–life boundaries by using ICTs. The findings of a qualitative study with independent contractors show that individuals actively use multiple ICT‐mediated tactics to shape their temporal, spatial and psychological work–life boundaries. Furthermore, findings suggest that individuals cannot simply be classified as ‘integrators’ or ‘segmentors’, as they may have diverse preferences with regard to both the dimension (temporal, spatial or psychological) and direction (work‐to‐life or life‐to‐work) of boundary permeability. A framework that takes account of these aspects is derived based on the empirical results.