bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 promoter methylation in cigarette smoke extract-induced emphysema
Authors: Zeng Huihui , Shi Zhihui , Kong Xianglong , Chen Yan , Zhang Hongliang , Peng Hong , Luo Hong , Chen Ping
Published: February 2016

Abnormal apoptotic events play an important role in the pathogenesis of emphysema. The B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family proteins are essential and critical regulators of apoptosis. We determined whether the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 play a role in the cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced emphysema. Furthermore, given the involvement of epigenetics in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, we hypothesized that the deregulation of Bcl-2 might be caused by gene methylation. The emphysema in BALB/C mice was established by intraperitoneally injection of CSE. 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (AZA; a demethylation reagent) and phosphate-buffered saline were also administered intraperitoneally as CSE. TUNEL assay was used to assess apoptotic index of pulmonary cells. The methylation status of CpG dinucleotides within the Bcl-2 promoter was observed in all groups by bisulfite sequencing PCR. Pulmonary expression of Bcl-2, Bax, and cytochrome C were measured after four weeks of treatment. The apoptotic index of pulmonary cells in CSE injection group was much higher than control ((25.88 ± 7.55)% vs. (6.28 ± 2.96)%). Compared to control mice, decreased expression of Bcl-2 and high methylation of Bcl-2 promoter was observed in CSE injected mice (0.88 ± 0.08 vs. 0.49 ± 0.11, (3.82 ± 1.34)% vs. (35.68 ± 5.99)%, P < 0.01).CSE treatment induced lung cell apoptosis and decreased lung function. AZA treatment increased Bcl-2 expression with Bcl-2 promoter demethylation. AZA also alleviated the lung cell apoptosis and function failure caused by CSE treatment. The decreased expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 might account for the increased apoptosis in CSE induced-emphysema. Apparently, epigenetic alternation played a role in this deregulation of Bcl-2 expression, and it might support the involvement of epigenetic events in the pathogenesis of emphysema.
Designing Colorectal Cancer Screening Decision Support
Authors: Militello Laura G. , Saleem Jason J. , Borders Morgan R. , Sushereba Christen E. , Haverkamp Donald , Wolf Steven P. , Doebbeling Bradley N.
Published: February 2016

Adoption of clinical decision support has been limited. Important barriers include an emphasis on algorithmic approaches to decision support that do not align well with clinical work flow and human decision strategies, and the expense and challenge of developing, implementing, and refining decision support features in existing electronic health records (EHRs). We applied decision-centered design to create a modular software application to support physicians in managing and tracking colorectal cancer screening. Using decision-centered design facilitates a thorough understanding of cognitive support requirements from an end user perspective as a foundation for design. In this project, we used an iterative design process, including ethnographic observation and cognitive task analysis, to move from an initial design concept to a working modular software application called the Screening & Surveillance App. The beta version is tailored to work with the Veterans Health Administration’s EHR Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Primary care providers using the beta version Screening & Surveillance App more accurately answered questions about patients and found relevant information more quickly compared to those using CPRS alone. Primary care providers also reported reduced mental effort and rated the Screening & Surveillance App positively for usability.
ADEPT, a dynamic next generation sequencing data error-detection program with trimming
Authors: Feng Shihai , Lo Chien-Chi , Li Po-E , Chain Patrick S. G.
Published: February 2016

Background

Illumina is the most widely used next generation sequencing technology and produces millions of short reads that contain errors. These sequencing errors constitute a major problem in applications such as de novo genome assembly, metagenomics analysis and single nucleotide polymorphism discovery.

Results

In this study, we present ADEPT, a dynamic error detection method, based on the quality scores of each nucleotide and its neighboring nucleotides, together with their positions within the read and compares this to the position-specific quality score distribution of all bases within the sequencing run. This method greatly improves upon other available methods in terms of the true positive rate of error discovery without affecting the false positive rate, particularly within the middle of reads.

Conclusions

ADEPT is the only tool to date that dynamically assesses errors within reads by comparing position-specific and neighboring base quality scores with the distribution of quality scores for the dataset being analyzed. The result is a method that is less prone to position-dependent under-prediction, which is one of the most prominent issues in error prediction. The outcome is that ADEPT improves upon prior efforts in identifying true errors, primarily within the middle of reads, while reducing the false positive rate.
To develop a regional ICU mortality prediction model during the first 24 h of ICU admission utilizing MODS and NEMS with six other independent variables from the Critical Care Information System (CCIS) Ontario, Canada
Authors: Kao Raymond , Priestap Fran , Donner Allan
Published: February 2016

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) scoring systems or prediction models evolved to meet the desire of clinical and administrative leaders to assess the quality of care provided by their ICUs. The Critical Care Information System (CCIS) is province-wide data information for all Ontario, Canada level 3 and level 2 ICUs collected for this purpose. With the dataset, we developed a multivariable logistic regression ICU mortality prediction model during the first 24 h of ICU admission utilizing the explanatory variables including the two validated scores, Multiple Organs Dysfunctional Score (MODS) and Nine Equivalents Nursing Manpower Use Score (NEMS) followed by the variables age, sex, readmission to the ICU during the same hospital stay, admission diagnosis, source of admission, and the modified Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) collected through the hospital health records.

Methods

This study is a single-center retrospective cohort review of 8822 records from the Critical Care Trauma Centre (CCTC) and Medical-Surgical Intensive Care Unit (MSICU) of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), Ontario, Canada between 1 Jan 2009 to 30 Nov 2012. Multivariable logistic regression on training dataset (n = 4321) was used to develop the model and validate by bootstrapping method on the testing dataset (n = 4501). Discrimination, calibration, and overall model performance were also assessed.

Results

The predictors significantly associated with ICU mortality included: age (p < 0.001), source of admission (p < 0.0001), ICU admitting diagnosis (p < 0.0001), MODS (p < 0.0001), and NEMS (p < 0.0001). The variables sex and modified CCI were not significantly associated with ICU mortality. The training dataset for the developed model has good discriminating ability between patients with high risk and those with low risk of mortality (c-statistic 0.787). The Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test has a strong correlation between the observed and expected ICU mortality (χ2 = 5.48; p > 0.31). The overall optimism of the estimation between the training and testing data set ΔAUC = 0.003, indicating a stable prediction model.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that CCIS data available after the first 24 h of ICU admission at LHSC can be used to create a robust mortality prediction model with acceptable fit statistic and internal validity for valid benchmarking and monitoring ICU performance.
Genome sequences of Knoxdaviesia capensis and K. proteae (Fungi: Ascomycota) from Protea trees in South Africa
Authors: Aylward Janneke , Steenkamp Emma T. , Dreyer Léanne L. , Roets Francois , Wingfield Brenda D. , Wingfield Michael J.
Published: February 2016

Two closely related ophiostomatoid fungi, Knoxdaviesia capensis and K. proteae, inhabit the fruiting structures of certain Protea species indigenous to southern Africa. Although K. capensis occurs in several Protea hosts, K. proteae is confined to P. repens. In this study, the genomes of K. capensis CBS139037 and K. proteae CBS140089 are determined. The genome of K. capensis consists of 35,537,816 bp assembled into 29 scaffolds and 7940 predicted protein-coding genes of which 6192 (77.98 %) could be functionally classified. K. proteae has a similar genome size of 35,489,142 bp that is comprised of 133 scaffolds. A total of 8173 protein-coding genes were predicted for K. proteae and 6093 (74.55 %) of these have functional annotations. The GC-content of both genomes is 52.8 %.
Experimental Study on Lateral Strength Evaluation of Unreinforced Masonry-Infilled RC Frame
Authors: Jin Kiwoong , Choi Ho , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: February 2016

In this study, RC frames with unreinforced masonry (URM) infill for typical school buildings in Korea are experimentally investigated to evaluate their seismic performance. For this purpose, one-bay, one-fourth scale specimens, with unreinforced concrete block (CB) infill having different boundary conditions due to beam rigidity, are tested under in-plane cyclic loading, using a distinctive measurement scheme consisting of three-axis strain gauges attached to all CB units. In this paper, the diagonal strut mechanism of CB infill including its main strut angle, average compressive strain, and equivalent strut width is discussed using principal compressive strains on CB units. The lateral strength carried by CB infill and RC frame from the overall response of the specimens is also explained, based on the compressive stress acting on the infill and the curvature distribution along RC members during the test.
Taxpayer Confusion: Evidence from the Child Tax Credit
Authors: Feldman Naomi E. , Katuš čÁk Peter , Kawano Laura
Published: February 2016

We develop an empirical test for whether households understand or misperceive their marginal tax rate. Our identifying variation comes from the loss of the Child Tax Credit when a child turns 17. Using this age discontinuity, we find that despite this tax liability increase being lump-sum and predictable, households reduce their reported wage income upon discovering they have lost the credit. This finding suggests that households misinterpret at least part of this tax liability change as an increase in their marginal tax rate. This evidence supports the hypothesis that tax complexity can cause confusion and leads to unintended behavioral responses. (JEL D12, D14, H24, H31)
The Determinants and Welfare Implications of US Workers' Diverging Location Choices by Skill: 1980–2000
Authors: Diamond Rebecca
Published: February 2016

From 1980 to 2000, the rise in the US college/high school graduate wage gap coincided with increased geographic sorting as college graduates concentrated in high wage, high rent cities. This paper estimates a structural spatial equilibrium model to determine causes and welfare consequences of this increased skill sorting. While local labor demand changes fundamentally caused the increased skill sorting, it was further fueled by endogenous increases in amenities within higher skill cities. Changes in cities' wages, rents, and endogenous amenities increased inequality between high school and college graduates by more than suggested by the increase in the college wage gap alone. (JEL D31, I26, J24, J31, J61, R23)
How Do Electricity Shortages Affect Industry? Evidence from India
Authors: Allcott Hunt , Collard-Wexler Allan , O'Connell Stephen D.
Published: February 2016

We estimate the effects of electricity shortages on Indian manufacturers, instrumenting with supply shifts from hydroelectric power availability. We estimate that India's average reported level of shortages reduces the average plant's revenues and producer surplus by 5 to 10 percent, but average productivity losses are significantly smaller because most inputs can be stored during outages. Shortages distort the plant size distribution, as there are significant economies of scale in generator costs and shortages more severely affect plants without generators. Simulations show that offering interruptible retail electricity contracts could substantially reduce the impacts of shortages. (JEL D24, L60, L94, O13, O14, Q41)
Dictating the Risk: Experimental Evidence on Giving in Risky Environments: Reply
Authors: Brock J. Michelle , Lange Andreas , Ozbay Erkut Y.
Published: February 2016

In Brock, Lange, and Ozbay (2013), we experimentally investigate social preferences under risk. One of our conclusions is that a social preference model incorporating both ex ante and ex post fairness concerns may best describe behavior. Krawczyk and Le Lec (2016 ) argue that ex ante comparisons alone may account for our data. We address their points in this reply. (JEL C72, D63, D64, D81)
Genetics and Therapeutics in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis: the Past, Present and Future
Authors: Sifuentes-Dominguez Luis , Patel Ashish S.
Published: February 2016

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and remitting disease with significant phenotypic and genotypic variability. Though more common in adults, UC is being increasingly diagnosed in childhood. The subsequent lifelong course of disease results in challenges for the patient and physician. Currently, there is no medical cure for UC. Even though surgical removal of the colon can be curative, complications including infertility in females make colectomy an option often considered only when the disease presents with life-threatening complications or when medical management fails. One of the greatest challenges the clinician faces in the care of patients with UC is the inability to predict at diagnosis which patient is going to respond to a specific therapy or will eventually require surgery. This therapeutic conundrum frames the discussion to follow, specifically the concept of individualized or personalized treatment strategies based on genetic risk factors. As we move to therapeutics, we will elucidate traditional approaches and discuss known and novel agents. As we look to the future, we can expect increasing integrated approaches using several scientific disciplines to inform how genetic interactions shape and mold the pathogenesis and therapeutics of UC.
Methods of conducting a service audit at the regional level
Authors: Платонова Наталья , Platonova Natalya , Вапнярская Ольга , Vapnyarskaya Olga
Published: February 2016

This article continues the series of publications of authors, in which they presented a description of the conceptual

basis of auditing service, its methodological foundations, recommendations for the standardization and separate

objects and processes. The article presents the description of a new approach to the application of the concept and

methodology service audit. Previously the audit service was viewed solely as a method of monitoring the adequacy, service quality and its conformity with the needs of the target consumer groups, designed for individual enterprises

and their associations. Developing the service audit issues, the authors propose opportunities in research at the mesolevel

(at the regional level). Methodology service audit was used in the project to study service within the boundaries

of one of the tourist destinations in Russia. The difference is in the fact that the method of service audits, including

secret shopper method, was applied to a diverse set of objects constituting the regional tourism infrastructure. This

methodological tool was the same for all objects, which required a determination common to a variety of enterprises of

the conditions and elements of service of tourists. This approach allowed creating a unified database of the obtained

primary information, and later conducting a comparative study. The article presents some results of using the service

audit methods, data and conclusions regarding the completeness and quality of the tourism service destination,

obtained with its help. The results of the service audit of the regional tourism infrastructure describe the quality of

service in such elements of the tourist infrastructure, as hotels and other accommodation facilities, catering facilities,

objects and means of entertainment, objects of cognitive, business, medical, sports and other purposes. The authors

also presented a brief description of the methodology of used approach. Experience showed that such a project has all

the advantages of using the method of mystery shopping, including relatively low cost, the shortening of studies, etc.

the Conclusions resulting from the project were of interest to investors and regional tourism administrations.
Actual problems of development of tourism infrastructure of armenia and russia
Authors: Федулин Александр , Fedulin Aleksandr
Published: February 2016

The article describes the main provisions of the report of the rector of Russian State University of Tourism and Service, A. A. Fedulin on the Fourth Russian-Armenian interregional forum. The article reveals the vision of prospects of development of tourist infrastructure as promising areas of cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia. Tourism is a tool for exploring historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of the Republic of Armenia, which awaken high tourist interest. Tourism is an integral element of Russian-Armenian trade-economic and humanitarian cooperation. The author proposes solutions for the strengthening tourist exchanges between the countries and takes into account the current social and economic conditions and development trends of tourist flow. Also he makes the proposals to build a unified tourism space between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia in the framework of the provisions of the strategy of development of cooperation of States-participants of CIS in the field of tourism for the period up to 2020. There are presented perspectives of expansion of the tourist flow of Russians in the Republic of Armenia in the result of the work on simplification of tourist formalities. The author gives the estimation of the factors limiting accessibility of the tourist product of the Republic of Armenia. As the result, there are proposals on integration in tourism information space of Russia and the promotion of tourism potential of the Republic of Armenia. In this regard, he makes the hypothesis about expediency of use of various channels and ways to increase awareness of tourism products and brands of the Republic of Armenia in Russia. Based on the experience of scientific-research developments of the University, the author shows the possible areas of cooperation, including conducting joint projects on development of tourist complex of the Republic of Armenia, as well as in the field of training and retraining of personnel for tourist industry and infrastructure.
‘Here may we se a merveyl one’: Miracles and the Psalter in the N-Town ‘Marriage of Mary and Joseph’
Authors: Napolitano Frank M
Published: February 2016

A major theme of the N-Town ‘Marriage of Mary and Joseph’ is its characters’ ability to interpret religious truths by interacting with scripture or witnessing miracles. Mary’s reading of her psalter at the play’s ending comments upon the episode in which the miraculous ‘flowering wand’ identifies Joseph as Mary’s future husband. The play privileges scripture reading as a method of attaining knowledge as the psalter’s salvific power supplants the miracle of the flowering branch as a source of virtue and mercy; yet the play also affirms images like the wand flowering and Mary reading as devotional icons.
‘I will keep and character that name’: Dramatis Personae Lists in Early Modern Manuscript Plays
Authors: Pangallo Matteo A.
Published: February 2016

W.W. Greg’s claim that manuscript plays containing character lists were intended for publication (print or manuscript) and not playhouse use fails to account for all of the evidence in surviving manuscripts. Instead, as this essay demonstrates, a more significant variable in the inclusion of character lists in manuscript plays is the writer’s professional or amateur status. This article argues that amateur playwrights, influenced by their experiences as readers of printed plays, were more likely than professionals to include the 'readerly' device of a dramatis personae list in their manuscript plays, even in the case of playhouse manuscripts.

 
Search for Information on Multiple Products
Authors: Ke T. Tony , Shen Zuo-Jun Max , Villas-Boas J. Miguel
Published: February 2016

We develop a framework for continuous search for information on a choice set of multiple alternatives and apply it to consumer search in a product market. When a consumer considers purchasing a product in a product category, the consumer can gather information sequentially on several products. At each moment, the consumer can choose which product to gather more information on and whether to stop gathering information and purchase one of the products or to exit the market with no purchase. Given costly information gathering, consumers end up not gathering complete information on all the products and need to make decisions under imperfect information. Under the assumption of constant informativeness of search, we solve for the optimal search, switch, and purchase or exit behavior in such a setting, which is characterized by an optimal consideration set and a purchase threshold structure. This paper shows that a product is only considered for search or purchase if it has a sufficiently high expected utility. Given multiple products in the consumer’s consideration set, the consumer only stops searching for information and purchases a product if the difference between the expected utilities of the top two products is greater than some threshold. Comparative statics show that negative information correlation among products widens the purchase threshold, and so does an increase in the number of the choices. Under our rational consumer model, we show that choice overload can occur when consumers search or evaluate multiple alternatives before making a purchase decision. We also find that it is optimal for a monopolistic seller of multiple products to facilitate information search for low-valuation consumers and obfuscate information for those with high valuations.

This paper was accepted by Eric Anderson, marketing.
Person–Organization Fit and Incentives: A Causal Test
Authors: Andersson Ola , Huysentruyt Marieke , Miettinen Topi , Stephan Ute
Published: February 2016

We investigate the effects of organizational culture and personal values on performance under individual and team contest incentives. We develop a model of regard for others and in-group favoritism that predicts interaction effects between organizational values and personal values in contest games. These predictions are tested in a computerized lab experiment with exogenous control of both organizational values and incentives. In line with our theoretical model, we find that prosocial (proself)-orientated subjects exert more (less) effort in team contests in the primed prosocial organizational values condition, relative to the neutrally primed baseline condition. Further, when the prosocial organizational values are combined with individual contest incentives, prosocial subjects no longer outperform their proself counterparts. These findings provide, to our knowledge, a first, affirmative, causal test of person–organization fit theory. They also suggest the importance of a “triple-fit” between personal preferences, organizational values, and incentive mechanisms for prosocially orientated individuals.

This paper was accepted by John List, behavioral economics.
Can Contracts Signal Social Norms? Experimental Evidence
Authors: Danilov Anastasia , Sliwka Dirk
Published: February 2016

We investigate whether incentive schemes signal social norms and thus affect behavior beyond their direct economic consequences. A one-shot principal–agent experiment is studied where prior to contract choice principals are informed about the past actions of other agents and thus have more information about norms of behavior. Compared with a setting in which principals are uninformed, agents exert substantially higher effort under a fixed wage contract when they are aware that an informed principal chose this contract. The informed principal’s choice apparently signals a norm not to exploit trust, which leads to more trustworthy behavior. This mechanism’s robustness is explored in further experiments.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2336 .

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
The Disciplinary Effects of Proxy Contests
Authors: Fos Vyacheslav
Published: February 2016

Using a manually collected data set of all proxy contests from 1994 through 2012, I show that proxy contests play an important role in hostile corporate governance. Target shareholders benefit from proxy contests: the average abnormal returns reach 6.5% around proxy contest announcements. Proxy contests that address firms’ business strategies and undervaluation are most beneficial for shareholders. By contrast, proxy contests that aim at changing capital structure and governance do not lead to higher firm values. Relative to matching firms, future targets are smaller, they have higher stock liquidity, higher institutional and activist ownership, lower leverage and market valuation, and higher investments. Whereas most of these characteristics predict proxy contests in time series, prior to proxy contests, targets also experience poor stock performance, decreases in investments, increases in cash reserves and payouts to shareholders, and increases in management’s entrenchment. These changes in corporate policies are consistent with targets’ attempts to affect the probability of a proxy contest.

This paper was accepted by Amit Seru, finance.
Formal Enforcement Actions and Bank Behavior
Authors: Delis Manthos D. , Staikouras Panagiotis K. , Tsoumas Chris
Published: February 2016

Employing a unique data set for the period 2000–2010, this paper examines the impact of formal enforcement actions targeting the core of the banks’ financial safety and soundness in terms of bank capital, risk, and performance. We find that, on average, these actions reduce both the risk-weighted assets and the nonperforming loans ratios of punished banks, but there is no increase in the level of regulatory capital. These effects are less powerful during the postcrisis period, suggesting that banks’ scope to improve their safety and soundness condition in crisis periods is much more limited. We also find, albeit with some limitations, that the timing of formal enforcement actions is important: the more the actions are deferred relative to the continuous deterioration of the banks’ financial condition, the more limited their impact on the risk-based capital ratio, while actions taken earlier help banks to improve their financial soundness.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2015.2343 .

This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
A political pedagogy
Authors: Moss Peter
Published: February 2016

What is your image of the child? What is your perception of Loris Malaguzzi and the schools of Reggio Emilia? Here, Peter Moss reflects on the life, work and influence of one the great early years pioneers.
Emergence and literacy
Authors: Siraj-Blatchford John , Brock Lynnette
Published: February 2016

This is the last article in a three-part series that aims to re-examine how we understand children's repeated behaviours; this month, we look at ‘emergence’ and the foundation stage curriculum.
Qualified intervention
Authors: Weal Wendy
Published: February 2016

A Level 4 Certificate – Working with Children, Individuals and Families – has just been launched to provide training for anyone working ‘around’ families, to reflect changing roles and experiences.
Get the best reception
Authors: Kiely Teresa
Published: February 2016

How can children learn through planned purposeful play and observation-based assessments? Here, we identify inclusion needs and how to support developing parent partnership programmes.
Funding promise to fall short
Authors: Leitch Neil
Published: February 2016

There are still many details left to be announced regarding the much heralded funding increase for the ‘free’ entitlement, but what is clear already is that, for many, they will still make a loss on each child.
Flourishing language
Authors: Leeper Marion
Published: February 2016

This is the last in our series of articles that has been following one child's individual journey toward the complex skills of making meaning out of sounds and expressions, that will form the basis of early words.
Gravity of the situation
Authors: Hammond Paula
Published: February 2016

Physical activity is intrinsically linked to healthy development in young children and what better way to encourage them to get moving then to link exercise to familiar stories and nursery Rhymes.
Developing a stoma care training programme through a unique university–industry collaboration
Authors: Harrison Penny , Howlett Kate
Published: February 2016

Specialist post–registration modules/education are a commodity valued by all registered nurses. Opportunities for specialist modules in stoma care have not traditionally been widely available and accessible to stoma care nurses. This reflective account discusses the benefits and challenges of setting up a new educational and practical module for stoma care nurses. A collaborative approach between an established UK ostomy manufacturing company and a university-based school of nursing based in the East Midlands was used to develop the module. It has now run successfully for 5 cohorts, with a 100% attendance rate and 100% completion by students.
Short break and emergency respite care: what options for young people with life-limiting conditions?
Authors: Mitchell Tracy K , Knighting Katherine , O'Brien Mary R , Jack Barbara A
Published: February 2016

Background:

Service providers face difficult decisions about how best to develop services for the increasing numbers of young people with life-limiting conditions who require palliative care.

Objective:

To explore alternative short break and emergency respite care options to children's hospice care.

Methods:

A two-phase evaluation with young people, families and professionals. Phase 1: qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus groups (n=53). Phase 2: mixed-method survey (n=82), qualitative findings only.

Results:

There were few, or no, appropriate short break and emergency respite care alternatives when children's hospice care was not available that can meet the need of young people with life-limiting conditions, creating anxiety for children's hospice users and those leaving the service as a result of reaching transition age or through no longer meeting the children's hospice eligibility criteria.

Conclusion:

Access to appropriate short break and emergency respite care is required to prevent lifelong negative consequences for young people with life-limiting conditions, their family and society. Research is undoubtedly required to explore the impact and outcomes of children's hospice discharge for young people and their family. Particular attention should be paid to the lack of services for an increasing population making the transition from children's hospices.
Circumstances surrounding deaths from the perspective of bereaved Honduran families
Authors: Stone Arianna , LaMotta Cara P , Baudino Marissa N , Akard Terrah Foster , Gilmer Mary Jo
Published: February 2016

Purpose:

This qualitative study examined how bereaved individuals from Honduras responded to deaths of loved ones, particularly through exploring circumstances surrounding deaths and various coping strategies.

Methods:

With the help of a translator, bereaved family members in Honduras were interviewed using a semi-structured format. The interactions were audio-recorded and later translated and transcribed.

Results:

Some 60% of individuals spent time with other family members during their loved one's end of life and 22.5% of grieving individuals took solace in spirituality or religious practices and connecting with God. Some 40% wanted to speak with others through support groups. When individuals spoke about remembering the deceased, both comforting and discomforting effects were expressed.

Conclusions:

Further research is needed to learn more about coping strategies in various cultures and support mechanisms that health professionals can use or suggest when working with bereaved individuals.
Evaluating a pilot paediatric hospice-at-home service: a literature review
Authors: Hillis Rowan , Ling Julie , Quinn Claire , Brenner Maria
Published: February 2016

Background:

This literature review aims to offer practitioners an overview of the key components involved in designing the evaluation of a paediatric hospice-at-home pilot that will assess the effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the programme. The literature was reviewed in two stages: the first examined existing literature in the area of paediatric palliative care. The second looked at the wider field of adult palliative care to gain further insights into evaluation tool design. The findings are presented as a conceptual model to highlight each component of the pilot development stage as identified for evaluation purposes, emphasising their role and impact on the resultant delivery of integrated care. The clarity and transparency of this model offers a comprehensive overview of the evaluation process to all involved in the pilot.
Research roundup
Authors: Costello John
Published: February 2016

Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
Deterministic Risk Assessment of Trichothecenes Type A Mycotoxin Through Cereal Intake for Koreans
Authors: Paek Ockjin , Yun Seok Il
Published: February 2016

This research was conducted to estimate the dietary exposure of trichothescene type A mycotoxins (T-2 and HT-2 toxin) and to assess the related risk for the Korean populations from the intake of cereals. The deterministic approach was used to estimate the dietary exposure. The amounts of trichothescene type A mycotoxins in 115 samples of cereals were determined by LC-MS/MS. The levels of trichothescene type A mycotoxins (T-2 and HT-2 toxin) in cereals ranged from: N.D.-37.10 ug/kg for T-2 toxin and N.D.-5.43 μg/kg for HT-2 toxin. The mean and 95th percentile for exposure to the dietary sum of trichothescene type A mycotoxins were 0.57 ng/kg b.w/day (LB), 1.39 ng/kg b.w/day (MB), 2.20 ng/kg b.w/day (UB), and 11.06 ng/kg b.w/day (LB), 13.95 ng/kg b.w/day (MB), 16.87 ng/kg b.w/day (UB) corresponding to 0.57 to 2.20% of the Total Dietary Intake (TDI) for the mean exposure and 11.06 to 16.87% of TDI for the 95th percentile exposure. Therefore, the overall exposure level of trichothescene type A mycotoxins for Koreans from cereal intake is unlikely to cause concerns to human health.
Effects of Hulless Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) Cultivar on the Quality of Pan-breads from Barley and Wheat Flour Blends
Authors: Choi Induck , Lee Mi-Ja , Kim Kyung-Ho , Kim Wook-Han
Published: February 2016

Six hulless barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) cultivar, including 3 normal, 2 waxy, and 1 colored-waxy, was used to substitute 20% of wheat flour for pan-bread making. Replacing 20% barley flour significantly increased β-glucan content, which ranged in 0.98-1.36% for normal, 1.65-1.67% for waxy, and 1.50% for colored-waxy barley, which are all higher than wheat flour (0.14%). Pasting viscosity of barley flour blends varied by barley type and cultivar, presenting that barley cv. Dapung (DP) had the highest peak viscosity of 170.1 RVU, whereas the lowest value was 80.2 RVU in “Jasujeongchal (JSJC)”. Substitution of barley flour decreased the Hm and H’m value during dough fermentation and estimated a reduction of bread qualities compared to wheat bread. Bread loaf volume varied by barley type and cultivar, showing a slight decrease in loaf volume, but increase in crumb firmness compared to wheat bread. Among barley cultivars, DP barley showed high bread loaf volume (691.7 cm3 /g) with lower firmness (11.8 N). In contrast, bread made from JSJC barley flour had the lowest bread-making qualities probably due to bran layer inclusion. It appeared that barley type influenced more than barley cultivars although the mean values of all quality parameters slightly varied by barley cultivar. Results indicated that the inclusion of barley flour for bread-making could provide an elevated intake of β-glucan, which had health benefits by increasing dietary fiber content.
Quality Changes of Retort Pouched Curry Sauce by Various Sterilization and Storage Conditions
Authors: Park Song-Bae , Chung Ha-Yull , Koo Bon-Yeol
Published: February 2016

Quality changes of retort pouched curry sauces were studied under various sterilization and storage conditions. The retort pouched curry sauces sterilized at 110°C for 30 min and stored at 37°C showed the lowest sensory qualities among the tested samples. Meanwhile, when the sample was sterilized at 101°C for 60 min and stored at 4°C, the quality changes of the sauces were not significant during 30 days of storage. The taste sensing results of curry sauces showed that there were not a lot of changes in flavor when stored at 4°C while the sauces stored at 37°C showed increases in bitterness and sourness which eventually caused degradation of total quality. Sensory evaluation results of the samples stored at 4°C (4.3 points) and at 37°C (3.5 points) also coincided with the taste sensing results. Conclusively, it is desirable to sterilize the retort pouched curry sauce at 101°C for 60 min and to store at 4°C until consumption (if possible, within 30 days). Further, the acid value (1.01) and pH (3.88) of curry sauces were found to be used as quality change indices for references.
Preparation of Nanopowder Consisting of Angelica gigas Nakai Flower Extract and Anionic Nanoclay
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyun , Kim Hyoung-Jun , Choi Ae-Jin , Choi Hyun-Jin , Bae Yeoung-Seuk , Oh Jae-Min
Published: February 2016

We have hybridized Angelic gigas Nakai flower extract (AGNF) and two-dimensional layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanomaterials through reversible dehydration-hydration in order to obtain the nanopowder of natural extract. The Angelica gigas Nakai flower was treated with methanol to extract carbohydrate, polyphenol, and flavonoid components. LDH with an uniform size of 250 nm was prepared by hydrothermal method and calcined at 400°C to obtain layered double oxide (LDO) precursor. For hybridization, AGNF in 40% methanol was reacted with LDO powder at various AGNF/LDO weight ratios: 0.15, 0.30, 0.85, and 1.70. The hybrids were obtained in fine powder which had enhanced hydrophilicity and water dispersity compared with dried AGNF. The X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic results revealed that the house-of-cards structure of nanomaterials could encapsulate AGNF moiety inside their cavity. Quantitative analyses using UV-Vis spectra exhibited that the content of AGNF in hybrid increased upon AGNF/LDO ratio in reactant increased. According to 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, AGNF/LDO showed higher antioxidant activity compared with an equivalent amount of AGNF itself.
Improvement of Orange Juice Preservation by Dynamic High-Pressure Processing
Authors: Won Jin Seong , Min Sea Cheol
Published: February 2016

Effects of dynamic high-pressure (DHP) treatments with and without integration with heating on microbial stability, vitamin C concentration, color, sugar content, and pH of orange juice were studied and compared with those of the conventional thermal treatment. Freshly squeezed orange juice was heated at 90°C for 1 min or DHP-treated at 205 MPa and 20, 50, 60, or 70°C. The DHP treatment at 20°C without heating and the treatment at 50°C inactivated indigenous mesophilic aerobic microorganisms in orange juice by 4.2 and >7 log CFU/mL, respectively. The DHPtreated juice exhibited brighter color and higher vitamin C concentration and sugar content than the thermally treated juice, regardless of integration with heating. The DHP-treated juice demonstrated brighter color and higher sugar contents than untreated juice and thermally treated juice during storage at 4°C for 63 days. The results have demonstrated the potential of applying DHP treatments to pasteurize orange juice with increasing brightness and sugar content of the juice.
Physicochemical Properties of High-amylose Rice Varieties
Authors: Sim Eun-Yeong , Chung Shin-Kyo , Cho Jun-Hyun , Woo Koan Sik , Park Hye Young , Kim Hyun-Joo , Oh Se-Gwan , Kim Wook-Han
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to determine the physico-chemical properties in the high-amylose rice varieties. The rice flours were analyzed by RVA, DSC, HPAEC, resistant starch kit, SEM, spectrophotometer, etc. According to the RVA measurement of rice flours, the pasting temperature of Dodamssal was higher than those of the others. The proportion of amylopectin short chains (DP 6-12) of the Dodamssal was significantly lower than that of the others. The contents of amylose and resistant starch in the high-amylose rice flours ranged from 19.03% to 38.71% and from 0.6% to 12.39%, respectively. In SEM images, starch granules within Ilmibyeo, Mimyeon, Saegoami rice flours displayed polyhedrons different from those (relatively spherical morphology) of Dodamssal rice flour. According to the DSC results of rice flours, there were significant differences in the onset, peak temperatures of the endothermic peak. Gelatinization enthalpy was 4.52-6.3 J/g, with the lowest change in Dodamssal rice flour
Identification of an Alkalophilic Bacterium Producing an Alkaline Protease from Soil
Authors: Lee Hyungjae , Yoo Ji-Seung , Park Young-Seo , Bai Dong-Hoon
Published: February 2016

An alkalophilic microorganism, strain DK1122 producing an alkaline protease was identified. DK1122 was isolated from soil collected in central Korea. The strain DK1122 was Gram-positive, 0.7×2-4 μm in size, and its colony was yellowish white, The strain DK1122 was found to be spore-forming, catalase positive, oxidase positive, caseinolytic, and reduce nitrate to nitrite. The protease was produced aerobically on Horikoshi I agar medium (pH 9.0) with 1% (w/v) skim milk at 40°C for 24 h. Through 16S rRNA gene partial sequencing, the strain DK1122 had the 99.7% sequence similarity to 16S rRNA gene sequence of Bacillus pseudofirmus. Based on the biochemical and physiological properties as well as phylogenetic analysis, the isolated strain was named as Bacillus sp. DK1122. It is expected that Bacillus sp. DK1122 may be a promising candidate for a proudcer of an alkaline protease applicable to the food and detergent industries.
Identification of New Sequence Types for Multilocus Sequence Typing of Pediococcus pentosaceus
Authors: Lee Sulhee , Park Young-Seo
Published: February 2016

The genus Pediococcus belongs to the lactic acid bacteria and includes 15 species which are used in the food industry as both starter and probiotic cultures. The importance of Pediococcus spp. is due to their use as starter cultures in fermented meat as well as to their presence as the natural microbiota in vegetables. The availability of P. pentosaceus in the food industry increases the need for reliable molecular techniques for strain identification. To date, the reliable molecular methods for definite identification at strain level of microorganisms used in food industry has not been developed. Molecular identification based on suitable marker genes could be a promising alternative to conventional molecular typing methods such as ribotyping. In this study, the applicability of seven housekeeping genes gyrB, pyc, pgm, leuS, glnA, and dalR in combination with the pgi gene in multilocus sequence typing of P. pentosaceus was assessed. Sequencing and comparative analysis of sequence data were performed on 6 strains isolated from various vegetables. In addition to 17 sequence types, two new sequence types were identified and these fortified sequence types and seven marker genes allowed for a clear differentiation of the strains analyzed, indicating their applicability in molecular typing.
Chaperone use amongst UK urological surgeons – an evaluation of current practice and opinion
Authors: Modgil V , Barratt R , Summerton DJ , Muneer A
Published: February 2016

Introduction

Intimate examinations are routinely performed by urologists as part of clinical practice. To protect patients and doctors, the General Medical Council offers guidance on the use of chaperones for intimate examinations. We assessed the opinions and use of chaperones amongst members of the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS).

Methods

An online questionnaire comprising 12 questions on the use of chaperones in clinical practice was sent to all full, trainee and speciality doctor members of BAUS.

Results

The questionnaire had a response rate of 26% (n=331). The majority of respondents were consultant urologists, comprising 78.8% (n=261), with a wide range of years of experience. Of the respondents, 38.9% were not aware of the GMC guidance on chaperones. While 72.5% always used a chaperone., 22.9% never use a chaperone when the patient was of the same sex. Chaperones were most commonly used for intimate examinations (64.6%), and for examinations involving members of the opposite sex (77.3%). A majority of respondents felt that chaperones protect both the patient (77.3%), and the doctor (96.6%). However, 42.5% did not feel that using a chaperone assists the doctor’s examination, and some (17.2%) participants felt that chaperones were unnecessary.

Conclusions

This study shows considerable variability amongst urologists in their use of chaperones. A significant proportion of respondents were not aware of the GMC guidelines and did not regularly use a chaperone during an intimate examination. In addition, practice appears to be gender biased. Further study and education is suggested.
Effectiveness of a care bundle to reduce surgical site infections in patients having open colorectal surgery
Authors: Tanner J , Kiernan M , Hilliam R , Davey S , Collins E , Wood T , Ball J , Leaper D
Published: February 2016

Introduction

In 2010 a care bundle was introduced by the Department of Health (DH) to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in England. To date, use of the care bundle has not been evaluated despite incorporating interventions with resource implications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the DH SSI care bundle in open colorectal surgery.

Methods

A prospective cohort design was used at two teaching hospitals in England. The baseline group consisted of 127 consecutive patients having colorectal surgery during a 6-month period while the intervention group comprised 166 patients in the subsequent 6 months. SSI and care bundle compliance data were collected using dedicated surveillance staff.

Results

Just under a quarter (24%) of the patients in the baseline group developed a SSI compared with just over a quarter (28%) in the care bundle group (p>0.05). However, compliance rates with individual interventions, both before and after the implementation of the bundle, were similar. Interestingly, in only 19% of cases was there compliance with the total care bundle. The single intervention that showed an associated reduction in SSI was preoperative warming (p=0.032).

Conclusions

The DH care bundle did not reduce SSIs after open colorectal surgery. Despite this, it is not possible to state that the bundle is ineffective as compliance rates before and after bundle implementation were similar. All studies evaluating the effectiveness of care bundles must include data for compliance with interventions both before and after implementation of the care bundle; poor compliance may be one of the reasons for the lower than expected reduction of SSIs.