bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of silica on the ZnS nanoparticles for stable and sustainable antibacterial application
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Jain Anita , Panwar Sanjay , Sharma Indu , Jeon Hee Chang , Kang Tae Won , Choubey Ravi Kant 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSilica‐capped Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles were synthesized for the use as stable and long‐term antibacterial agents because silica is a very important component in food packaging applications for moisture absorption in tune with its property of biocompatibility and water solubility. The variation in morphological and optical properties of core‐shell nanostructures was studied by changing the concentration of silica in a core‐shell combination. The structural and morphological properties of silica‐capped ZnS have been observed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies, respectively. Uncapped ZnS nanoparticles with particle size of 2‐4 nm in a highly agglomerated state have been observed from TEM, which shows that they can be used only for short‐term antibacterial action despite its excellent zone of inhibition (antibiotic sensitivity). However, ZnS/SiO2 core‐shell nanostructures are highly monodisperse in nature and the particle size increases up to 5‐8 nm with increase in silica concentration. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirms the formation of silica capping on the ZnS surface. The inhibition of defect‐related emission by silica capping in energy‐resolved photoluminescence studies also shows the formation of very stable ZnS nanoparticles. To study the antibacterial properties of the pure and silica‐capped ZnS nanostructure the agar‐well diffusion method was employed against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The obtained results indicate that pure ZnS shows excellent antibacterial action but it can last only for few days.
Characteristics of extruded cereal snacks enriched by an addition of freeze‐dried red and purple potatoes
Authors: Gumul Dorota , Ziobro Rafał , Korus Jarosław , Kruczek Marek , Árvay Július 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to analyze polyphenolic compounds and carotenoids present in maize extrudates with different share (5; 15 and 25%) of freeze‐dried red and purple potatoes of varieties—Magenta Love (red variety) and Blue Star (purple variety), and to determine their antioxidant capacity, and indicate which of the above varieties would be more favorable for enrichment of maize snacks with health‐promoting compounds. Moreover, the analysis of basic nutrients and physical properties of extrudates with the share of freeze‐dried red/purple potatoes was done. High level of bioactive polyphenols in freeze‐dried red and purple potatoes allowed the production of innovative maize snacks with elevated antioxidant potential. The best results were obtained with 25% levels of freeze‐dried Magenta Love potatoes in the extrudates. Such addition also allowed maintenance of physical properties of extrudates and improvement of nutritional value and pro‐health value.Practical applicationsExtrusion is a continuous, comprehensive and efficient industrial technology. The process is increasingly being used in food technology, as it gives the opportunity to obtain products of the profiled nutritional and dietary quality. Red and purple potatoes are rich in bioactive compounds from the group of polyphenols, which could improve quality and pro‐health value of extruded products. It seems that their use for the manufacture of extruded maize snacks could enrich these products in bioactive components, and on the other hand extend the portfolio of gluten‐free products available for patients with celiac disease.
Molecular processes in iron and zinc homeostasis and their modulation for biofortification in rice
Authors: Kawakami Yuta , Bhullar Navreet K. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMore than a billion people suffer from iron or zinc deficiencies globally. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) iron and zinc biofortification; i.e., intrinsic iron and zinc enrichment of rice grains, is considered the most effective way to tackle these deficiencies. However, rice iron biofortification, by means of conventional breeding, proves difficult due to lack of sufficient genetic variation. Meanwhile, genetic engineering has led to a significant increase in the iron concentration along with zinc concentration in rice grains. The design of impactful genetic engineering biofortification strategies relies upon vast scientific knowledge of precise functions of different genes involved in iron and zinc uptake, translocation and storage. In this review, we present an overview of molecular processes controlling iron and zinc homeostasis in rice. Further, the genetic engineering approaches adopted so far to increase the iron and zinc concentrations in polished rice grains are discussed in detail, highlighting the limitations and/or success of individual strategies. Recent insight suggests that a few genetic engineering strategies are commonly utilized for elevating iron and zinc concentrations in different genetic backgrounds, and thus, it is of great importance to accumulate scientific evidence for diverse genetic engineering strategies to expand the pool of options for biofortifying farmer‐preferred cultivars.
Femoral Neuropathy Following Transfemoral Neuroendovascular Procedures. An Analysis of a Prospective Registry
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Babar Sehar , Kherani Danish , Saleem Muhammad A. , Qi Laura , Wallery Shawn S. , Raja Faisal M. 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAlthough femoral neuropathy is recognized as an adverse consequence following transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures, no reliable estimates are available. We analyzed data from a prospective registry to ascertain the frequency and characteristics of femoral neuropathy following transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures.METHODSConsecutive patients who underwent neuroendovascular procedures through the transfemoral route were included. Detailed assessment was performed if any patient reported occurrence of sensory or motor symptoms in the femoral or lower extremity region including neurological examination (sensory/motor deficits) and femoral region ultrasound.RESULTSFemoral neuropathy was diagnosed following 4 of 270 neurovascular procedures with an occurrence rate of 1.5% (95% confidence intervals = .4‐3.7%). The symptoms were exclusively sensory without any motor involvement. The femoral neuropathy appeared to involve anterior femoral cutaneous nerves in all and medial cutaneous branches in 2 patients, and more than one nerve distribution in 1 patient in whom lateral cutaneous nerve appeared to be involved. All patients reported resolution of symptoms within a period ranging from 1 week to 2 months. No local hematoma or arterial pseudoaneurysm was identified at femoral region ultrasound.CONCLUSIONSFemoral neuropathy is a rare occurrence following transfemoral neuroendovascular procedures and it usually occurs with pure sensory manifestations with complete resolution.
Ultrasound, Clinical, and Electrophysiological Findings in Persistent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios , Barmpalios Georgios , Ntasiou Panagiota , Lakkos Thomas , Venouziou Aaron 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEWe present the clinical, electrophysiological, and nerve ultrasound findings in cases of persistent carpal tunnel syndrome (PCTS).METHODSEighteen PCTS patients underwent evaluation with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTSQ), electrophysiology, and nerve ultrasound with a mean of 3.5 months (SD ± 1.4) after open surgery.RESULTSPCTS patients showed a mean symptom severity scale score of 3.1 (SD ± 1.1) and functional severity scale score of 3.2 (SD ± 0.9) in BCTSQ. Nerve conduction studies revealed axonal affection of the median nerve in 13/18 patients, ultrasound showed disturbed echogenicity in all patients, a pathological wrist to forearm ratio in 16/18 patients, and cross‐sectional area enlargement of the median nerve at the distal wrist crease in 12/18 patients. Ultrasound documented scar tissue formation (in 12/18 patients), incomplete release of retinaculum flexorum (in 4/18 patients), and neuroma of the median nerve (in 2/18 patients) as PCTS cause.CONCLUSIONOur data show significant functional disability, axonal nerve damage, and scar tissue formation as common PCTS causes.
The Erosion of FAPE for Students with LD
Authors: Calhoon Mary Beth , Berkeley Sheri , Scanlon David 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHow schoolsfulfill Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) requirements has evolved. Decades of general and special education reforms have led to dramatic increases in expectations for students in special education to be included in the general education classroom and curriculum and to achieve to the same high standards as their general education peers. Students with learning disabilities (LD) in particular are impacted by these reforms. The notion of their individually‐appropriate education has been slowly eroded as limitations in special education practices and the goals of education reform have been responded to. As special education intentions and practices advance, stakeholders have a responsibility to protect the FAPE of students with LD, to ensure meeting these students’ individualized learning needs.
Comparison of space‐plant versus sward plot selection in thickspike wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus)
Authors: Robins Joseph G. , Jensen Kevin B. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThickspike wheatgrass (Elymus lanceolatus [Scribn. & J.G. Sm.] Gould) is an important native perennial grass species used for rangeland revegetation in North America. Plant breeding efforts relying on space‐plant evaluations have resulted in limited improvement in this species. The purpose of this study was to characterize the performance of thickspike wheatgrass half‐sib families under space‐plant and sward plot evaluations, estimate the correlation between measured traits in both evaluation settings, and determine the validity of selecting thickspike wheatgrass for rangeland revegetation in the nontarget environment space‐plant plots. The study included 50 thickspike wheatgrass half‐sib families and five commercial cultivars and experimental populations which were evaluated over 3 years in space‐plant and sward plot evaluations at a field site in Box Elder County, Utah, USA. Collected data included stand percentage, flag leaf height, and herbage dry mass. Narrow‐sense heritability estimates were low to moderate (h2 < 0.60) and Spearman and genetic correlation estimates among traits were also generally low to moderate. Overall, there was little evidence to suggest the use space‐plant evaluations in thickspike wheatgrass improvement programmes.
Living libraries: Nurse integration in interprofessional homeless health care team
Authors: Mariano Melanie A. , Harmon Monica J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundDespite an increase in national health care service utilization, entry into the health care system remains inequitable. This disparity in health care access disproportionately affects those experiencing homelessness. Because the homeless population faces significant financial and nonfinancial barriers, health care system engagement with these individuals must be reconsidered.ObjectiveThis article will describe the piloting of an interprofessional model within an urban library to address barriers to health care access that homeless individuals face.DesignThe library's unique status as a community hub presents an opportunity for partnership in addressing this population's health care access issues. This community‐based model is the first recorded to utilize three distinct professions—nursing, social work, and library science—in a public library.Results and ConclusionsThe implementation of this pilot project resulted in a high retention rate of referrals to community health services for those unstably housed and facilitated a system of warm transfers. Although opportunities to improve generalizability exist, this initiative sets the stage for discussion around co‐location of health and social services in a nontraditional community‐based setting to achieve equitable access to health care.
Genome‐wide identification and expression analysis reveal the potential function of ethylene responsive factor gene family in response to Botrytis cinerea infection and ovule development in grapes (Vitis vinifera L.)
Authors: Zhu Y. , Li Y. , Zhang S. , Zhang X. , Yao J. , Luo Q. , Sun F. , Wang X. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

The prevention of Botrytis cinerea infection and the study of grape seedlessness are very important for grape industries. Finding correlated regulatory genes is an important approach towards understanding their molecular mechanisms.

Ethylene responsive factor (ERF) gene family play critical roles in defence networks and the growth of plants. To date, no large‐scale study of the ERF proteins associated with pathogen defence and ovule development has been performed in grape (Vitis vinifera L.). In the present study, we identified 113 ERF genes (VvERF) and named them based on their chromosome locations. The ERF genes could be divided into 11 groups based on a multiple sequence alignment and a phylogenetic comparison with homologues from Arabidopsis thaliana. Synteny analysis and Ka/Ks ratio calculation suggested that segmental and tandem duplications contributed to the expansion of the ERF gene family. The evolutionary relationships between the VvERF genes were investigated by exon–intron structure characterisation, and an analysis of the cis‐acting regulatory elements in their promoters suggested potential regulation after stress or hormone treatments.

Expression profiling after infection with the fungus, B. cinerea, indicated that ERF genes function in responses to pathogen attack. In addition, the expression levels of most ERF genes were much higher during ovule development in seedless grapes, suggesting a role in ovule abortion related to seedlessness.

Taken together, these results indicate that VvERF proteins are involved in responses to Botrytis cinerea infection and in grape ovule development. This information may help guide strategies to improve grape production.
Training and match volume and injury in adolescents playing multiple contact team sports: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Hartwig Timothy B. , Gabbett Tim J. , Naughton Geraldine , Duncan Craig , Harries Simon , Perry Nicholas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTraining and competition loads have emerged as valuable injury risk factors but very few studies have explored injury outcomes in adolescent athletes. The aims of this study were to describe injuries and to explore the relationship between training and match load volumes and injury in adolescent athletes participating in multiple contact team sports. One hundred and three male youth rugby athletes aged 14‐16 years from 8 rugby union teams were prospectively monitored during a season for weekly training and match volumes and injuries. The relationship between volume and injury was explored by comparing the weekly volume in the week prior to an injury vs weeks without injury. There were 83 time‐loss injuries in 58 athletes (62%). Overall injury incidence was 18.5 per 1000 player‐hours. Mean weekly injury prevalence was 27% (95% CI 25‐30). Average weekly volume was 5.4 (2.2) hours comprising 1.4 (1) match hours and 4 (2.6) training hours. Compared with weeks without injury, weeks prior to an injury had higher match volumes (110 [57] min vs 83 [59] min, P < 0.001). Poisson regression demonstrated that match volume was a predictor of injury with an odds ratio of 1.41 (P = 0.001). The contribution of match volumes to injury risk and the relatively high injury burden in these athletes may be profound. Very high match volumes are unlikely to be in the best interests of young athletes and could be avoided with a systematic approach to load management and athlete development.
CONSTANS delays Arabidopsis flowering under short days
Authors: Luccioni Laura , Krzymuski Martín , Sánchez‐Lamas Maximiliano , Karayekov Elizabeth , Cerdán Pablo D. , Casal Jorge J. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryLong days (LD) promote flowering of Arabidopsis thaliana compared with short days (SD) by activating the photoperiodic pathway. Here we show that growth under very‐SD (3 h) or darkness (on sucrose) also accelerates flowering on a biological scale, indicating that SD actively repress flowering compared with very‐SD. CONSTANS (CO) repressed flowering under SD, and the early flowering of co under SD required FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT). FT was expressed at a basal level in the leaves under SD, but these levels were not enhanced in co. This indicates that the action of CO in A. thaliana is not the mirror image of the action of its homologue in rice. In the apex, CO enhanced the expression of TERMINAL FLOWER 1 (TFL1) around the time when FT expression is important to promote flowering. Under SD, the tfl1 mutation was epistatic to co and in turn ft was epistatic to tfl1. These observations are consistent with the long‐standing but not demonstrated model where CO can inhibit FT induction of flowering by affecting TFL1 expression.
Corneal neurotisation by great auricular nerve transfer and scleral-corneal tunnel incisions for neurotrophic keratopathy
Authors: Jowett Nate , Pineda II Roberto 
Published: November 2018

Background/AimsMedical management of neurotrophickeratopathy is challenging and costly. Supra-orbital nerve transfer to thecornea has proven effective for management of keratopathy, but yieldsconsiderable donor site morbidity. Herein, a novel technique for reinnervationof the anaesthetic cornea is presented and early results characterised.MethodsSensory fibres of the ipsilateral greatauricular nerve were directed via an interposition graft to the anteriorcorneal stroma using scleral-corneal tunnel incisions in two patients withgrade III neurotrophic keratopathy.ResultsImprovements in visual acuity, cornealpachymetry, corneal esthesiometry, and corneal neurotisation as assessed by invivo confocal microscopy were observed within nine months of surgery in bothpatients.ConclusionCorneal neurotisation by interposition grafttransfer of great auricular nerve fibres via scleral-corneal tunnel incisionsappears effective in the management of neurotrophic keratopathy.
Foveal microstructure and visual outcomes of myopic macular hole surgery with or without the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique
Authors: Hu Xu-Ting , Pan Qin-Tuo , Zheng Jing-Wei , Zhang Zong-Duan 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of the inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique on the macular hole (MH) closure and foveal microstructure recovery of patients with highly myopic MH.MethodsPars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade with the inverted ILM flap technique (19 eyes) or with the ILM peeling technique (21 eyes) were performed in patients with highly myopic MH with or without retinal detachment. The rate of MH closure and retinal reattachment, the reconstructive anatomical change of the foveal microstructure and the best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) of the two groups were compared.ResultsThe anatomic closure rate was statistically significantly higher in the inverted group (100%) than in the peeling group (66.7%; p=0.009). All eyes with MH retinal detachment had successful retinal reattachment in these two groups. However, the rate of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) (p=0.020), as well as gliosis (p=0.049) in macular area, detected by OCT, was significantly greater in the inverted group than in the peeling group. The postoperative BCVA was significantly better in the eyes with ELM, EZ (p=0.031) and gliosis (p=0.008), but without hyperreflective foci (p=0.001).ConclusionsThese findings demonstrate that the inverted ILM flap technique has better efficacy than the ILM peeling technique for patients with myopic MH in closure rate, foveal microstructure and postoperative BCVA.
Content analysis of 50 clinical negligence claims involving test results management systems in general practice
Authors: Baylis Diane , Price Julie , Bowie Paul 
Published: November 2018

Background and aimsLaboratory test results management systems are a complex safety issue in primary care settings worldwide. Related failures lead to avoidable patient harm, medicolegal action, patient complaints and additional workload to problem solve identified issues. We aimed to review and learn from 50 clinical negligence cases involving system failures related to the management of test results.MethodsThe Medical Protection Society database was searched and a convenience sample of 50 claims identified from a 3-year period covering 2014–2016. A content analysis of documentation was undertaken to quantify and theme data, aided by a Risk Assessment Matrix and the Yorkshire Contributory Factors Framework. Quantitative data were subjected to simple descriptive statistical analysis.Results14/50 cases (28%) involved a delay in diagnosis or treatment of a patient with cancer. 15 cases were judged to be ‘never events’ (30%) and 85 distinct system issues were identified. Just under half of cases involved a failure to notify patients of an abnormal test result (n=24, 48%), while 18 cases (36%) involved a test result not being actioned by a doctor. The most frequently occurring contributory factors (n=30, 60%) were related to local working conditions, for example, unclear professional responsibilities with regards to test result review or follow-up or lack of patient care continuity.ConclusionThis small study highlights why test result management systems fail and contribute to future litigation, providing new insights in this area. Most claims involved avoidable harm to patients and preventable organisational risks. The findings point to the inadequate design of practice systems and the need for proactive strategies to improve the management of test results in order to reduce patient harm.
Lumbar stabilisation exercises versus back endurance-resistance exercise training in athletes with chronic low back pain: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nowotny Alexandre Henrique , Calderon Mariene Guizeline , de Souza Pablo Albuquerque , Aguiar Andreo Fernando , Léonard Guillaume , Alves Bruno Mazziotti Oliveira , Amorim Cesar Ferreira , da Silva Rubens Alexandre 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) is an important disorder in athletes that may negatively affect their performance in competitions. The literature usually recommends physiotherapy based on exercises for back pain management in athletes. Recent evidence suggests that interventions based on lumbar muscle stabilisation exercises (LMSE) and back endurance-resistance exercises (BERE) may improve back pain and function performance. However, it is still unclear which type of exercise is more effective for the treatment of CLBP in athletes.ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of LMSE versus BERE in athletes with CLBP.DesignThe study is a 2-arm, prospectively registered, randomised controlled trial.SettingThe physical therapy clinical and biomechanics laboratory of the UNOPAR University.Participants32 male athletes with CLBP, age between 18 and 40 years old, recruited from the local community.InterventionAn 8-week intervention programme will be carried out with LMSE s versus BERE.MeasurementsTrunk neuromuscular patterns during balance tasks (unipodal and over a ball) using electromyography and force platform parameters, pain, disability, fear and avoidance will be assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline and at follow-up after 8 weeks of intervention period.LimitationsThe absence of blinding intervention and the exclusion of female athletes, seated sports and swimmers will affect the internal and external validity of the study.ConclusionsThe results of this study will elucidate which of these two interventions promote better results in trunk neuromuscular pattern, back pain and function in male athletes with CLBP.