bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Current practices of dietitians in the assessment and management of malnutrition in elderly patients
Authors: Demeny Dallas , Jukic Katherine , Dawson Beryl , O'Leary Fiona 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThis study aimed to determine the strategies used by dietitians to assess, treat and monitor elderly patients diagnosed with, or at increased risk of, malnutrition and to compare these with evidence‐based guidelines and the current literature.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to members of the Dietitians Association of Australia (DAA) working in an inpatient/outpatient facility or private practice/consultancy. Dietitians working with elderly people (≥65 years old) were invited to participate. The survey was informed by DAA's evidence‐based guidelines and was pre‐tested. Responses of dietitians were analysed by years of experience, service setting and approaches taken to assess and manage malnutrition.ResultsOne hundred sixty surveys were returned. Fourteen per cent of respondents worked in services that had no malnutrition policies. A Subjective Global Assessment tool was used by 59% of respondents and 95% recommended oral nutrition supplements when malnutrition or risk of malnutrition was diagnosed. Eighty‐three per cent focused on increasing both energy and protein intake; however, 64% of respondents did not consider the nature of the protein source and only 62% discussed sarcopenia. Patients at risk of malnutrition were monitored slightly less frequently than those with diagnosed malnutrition.ConclusionsRespondents generally use practices that align with current assessment and treatment practice guidelines and use validated assessment tools; however, at sites where no policies exist, protocols are needed. Treatment protocols exist in less than 50% of workplaces, suggesting that specific malnutrition treatment guidelines for the elderly may be needed.
Are dietetics educators' attitudes to assessment a barrier to expanding placement opportunities? Results of a Delphi study
Authors: Palermo Claire , Capra Sandra , Beck Eleanor J. , Ash Susan , Jolly Brian , Truby Helen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimAssessment of entry‐level health professionals is complex, especially in the work‐based setting, placing additional pressures on these learning environments. The present study aims to gain understanding and ideally consensus regarding the setting for assessment of all elements of competence for entry‐level dietitians across Australia.MethodsSeventy‐five experienced academic and practitioner assessors were invited to participate in an online Delphi survey. The 166 entry‐level performance criteria of the competency standards for dietitians formed the basis of the questions in the survey, with rating on which ones could be assessed in the practice setting, those which could be assessed in a classroom/university setting and which could be assessed in either setting. Forty‐three of 75 invited assessors responded to the first round of the Delphi. A second modified survey was sent to the 43 participants with 34 responding.ResultsConsensus was achieved for the assessment setting for 86 (52%) of the performance criteria after two rounds of surveying. The majority of these performance criteria achieved consensus at round one (n = 44) and were deemed to be best assessed in the practice setting (n = 55). This study highlighted the perspectives of assessors and their preference for the work‐based setting for assessment.ConclusionsTo reduce the focus on work‐based settings as the only place for competence‐based assessment of health professionals, there is a need to support individual and organisational change through challenging existing norms around assessment.
Uptake of nutrition informatics in Australia compared with the USA
Authors: Maunder Kirsty , Walton Karen , Williams Peter , Ferguson Maree , Beck Eleanor , Ayres Elaine , Hoggle Lindsey 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo determine the method and extent of health information technology (HIT) utilisation, roles in relation to HIT in the workplace and perceived barriers and benefits of HIT by dietitians in Australia and provide a comparison with dietitians in the USA.MethodsA survey adapted from the 2011 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy) was utilised and circulated electronically to Dietitians Association of Australia members and advertised through a professional nutrition website in 2013. The survey encompassed 25 questions on computer access and use, data sources, experience using HIT, organisational involvement and perceived barriers and benefits to HIT. Descriptive statistics, independent t‐tests, chi‐square tests and z‐tests were computed to investigate and compare responses from the 2013 Australian and 2011 Academy surveys.ResultsThe survey completion rate represented 14.5% of Dietitians Association of Australia members (747) and 5% of Academy members (3342). The Australian and Academy respondents reported similar high levels of comfort using technology, awareness of workplace HIT benefits (such as enhanced time management and improved ability to access data) and low levels of organisational involvement. However, there were a significantly greater number of Academy organisations utilising electronic health records (P < 0.05), and significantly more Academy respondents (55%) reported ‘no barriers’ to using HIT compared with Australians (37%) (P < 0.05).ConclusionsEducational programmes will be central to ensuring dietitians are equipped with technology and information management skills required to be involved in and make informed decisions about dietetic‐related HIT projects as these will soon be fundamental to dietetic practice.
Elevated autoantibodies against interleukin‐17F correlate with disease activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yang Lin , Bai Li , Wei Feifei , Liu Yuan , Sun Lin , Wang Wenming , Liu Xiangyuan , Wang Yongfu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo investigate the presence of autoantibodies (aAbs) against interleukin (IL)‐17A andIL‐17F and observe whether anti‐IL‐17A orIL‐17FaAbs are associated with disease activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (ERA).MethodsAt present, 60 patients withERA, 72 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and 61 healthy controls (HC) have been included in a database. Clinical assessment and laboratory data were recorded. We detected the titer ofaAbs againstIL‐17A andIL‐17F using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and analyzed the correlation of theseaAbs in patients with ERA.ResultsOur results showed that the levels ofaAbs againstIL‐17A andIL‐17F were significantly higher inERA OAandHC(P < 0.0001). The level ofaAbs againstIL‐17F was correlated with Disease Activity Score‐28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (P = 0.0457) andESRalone (P = 0.0032) in patients withERA. In addition, in theERAgroup, the level of C‐reactive protein and rheumatoid factor immunoglobulin M was lower in patients withaAbs againstIL‐17F than patients withoutaAbs (P = 0.0247;P = 0.0439). No significant correlation was observed between the clinical characteristics and level ofaAbs againstIL‐17A in patients withERAexceptESR(P = 0.0239).ConclusionsElevatedaAbs againstIL‐17F correlate with disease activity in patients withERA. This evidence suggests that anti‐IL‐17FaAbs may have a protective role in the pathogenesis of ERA.
Faecal cortisol metabolites to assess stress in wildlife: evaluation of a field method in free‐ranging chamois
Authors: Hadinger Ulrike , Haymerle Agnes , Knauer Felix , Schwarzenberger Franz , Walzer Chris 
Published: June 2015

Summary

Non‐invasive faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) analysis is a well‐established tool to quantify stress in captive and free‐ranging species. While the method has great potential, its suitability in field studies might be limited when faecal samples from unknown individuals are used. Possible factors affecting final results and thus jeopardizing correct data interpretation are individual and sex‐specific variation, storage conditions and uneven distribution of metabolites in the faeces.

We tested these factors on a population of free‐ranging Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra in the Austrian Alps. Faecal samples (n = 183) were analysed with an established enzyme immunoassay (EIA). To further validate the assay for FCM in chamois, a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was performed. Sex‐specific differences in metabolite excretion were evaluated. Effects of storage length and temperature on FCM were tested with two experiments. The distribution of metabolites in the faeces was determined by the analysis of subsamples of single faecal samples. Potential individual effects on FCM levels and individually variable reactions to stressful events were evaluated with a simulation experiment.

Patterns of immunoreactive peaks after HPLC separation were similar for different faecal samples, except in one sample of a male. In the stability tests, storage time at ambient temperature prior to freezing and the individual were the most important variables in modulating FCM. Concentrations within single samples varied significantly between pellets. Analysis of faecal samples collected from June to October showed a highly significant seasonal trend (P < 0·001) and a considerable variance of FCM levels within the population. Simulations confirmed that individual reactions to stressors in terms of varying gradients and FCM levels can explain the observed FCM patterns.

Using FCM to assess adrenocortical function requires measuring extensively metabolized products of glucocorticoids, whose excretion and detection in faeces depend on several environmental, endogenous and methodological factors. In free‐ranging wildlife, these factors and the intrinsic individual differences in FCM excretion generate systemic noise and substantially distort final results. Therefore, sampling of unknown individuals inevitably jeopardizes meaningful interpretation of data, if the above named factors are not taken into consideration.
Survey of dental clinic patients: smoking and preferences for cessation support
Authors: Ford PJ , Tran P , Cockburn N , Keen B , Kavanagh DJ , Gartner C 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundSmoking cessation interventions delivered by dental practitioners can be as effective as those delivered by general medical practitioners. However, concern that addressing smoking may cause offence to their patients is a reason cited by dental practitioners for not regularly addressing patient smoking behaviours, despite believing they should play a role in smoking cessation. This study aimed to elicit the smoking behaviour and smoking cessation preferences of dental patients to determine if these concerns accurately reflect patient attitudes.MethodsWe surveyed 726 adult dental patients attending The University of Queensland's School of Dentistry dental clinics, Brisbane Dental Hospital and four private dental practices in South‐East Queensland.ResultsMost (80%) current daily smokers had tried to quit smoking. Smokers and non‐smokers both agreed that dentists should screen for smoking behaviour and are qualified to offer smoking cessation advice (99% and 96% respectively). Almost all participants (96%) said they would be comfortable with their dentist asking about their smoking and that if their smoking was affecting their oral health their dentist should advise them to quit.ConclusionsPatients are receptive to dental practitioners inquiring about smoking behaviour and offering advice on quitting. Smoking patients showed considerable motivation and interest in quitting smoking, particularly in the context of health problems related to smoking being identified. These results should encourage dentists to raise the issue with their patients.
Nonreceipt of antenatal magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide 2010–2013
Authors: Siwicki Kasia , Bain Emily , Bubner Tanya , Ashwood Pat , Middleton Philippa , Crowther Caroline A. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundAustralian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines, endorsed by the NHMRC in 2010, recommend administration of antenatal magnesium sulphate to women at risk of imminent preterm birth at less than 30 weeks' gestation to reduce the risk of their very preterm babies dying or having cerebral palsy. The purpose of the ongoing Working to Improve Survival and Health for babies born very preterm (WISH) implementation project is to monitor and improve the uptake of this neuroprotective therapy across Australia and New Zealand.AimsTo quantify and explore reasons for nonreceipt of antenatal magnesium sulphate at the Women's and Children's Hospital, in Adelaide, South Australia.Materials and MethodsData from the case records of women who gave birth between 23+0 and 29+6 weeks' gestation from 2010 to mid‐2013 were reviewed to determine the proportion of eligible mothers not receiving antenatal magnesium sulphate and to explore reason(s) for nonreceipt over this time period.ResultsThere was a reduction in the proportion of eligible mothers not receiving antenatal magnesium sulphate from 2010 (69.7%) to 2011 (26.9%), which was maintained in 2012 and 2013 (22.5%). In 2012–2013, nonreceipt was predominantly associated with immediately imminent (advanced labour, rapid progression of labour) or indicated emergent birth (actual or suspected maternal or fetal compromise).ConclusionsUse of antenatal magnesium sulphate at the Women's and Children's Hospital is now predominantly in‐line with the binational guideline recommendations. Ongoing education and enhanced familiarity with procedures may facilitate timely administration in the context of some precipitous or immediately imminent births.
Photopatch testing in Bogota (Colombia): 2011–2013
Authors: Valbuena Mesa Martha C. , Hoyos Jiménez Elsa V. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackgroundPhotopatch tests are used to diagnose photoallergic contact dermatitis and identify the causal agents. The frequencies of positive results and associated allergens vary by country; therefore, it is necessary to know the information specific to each country.ObjectiveTo establish the frequency of positive photopatch test results, and their relevance, in patients with suspected photoallergic contact dermatitis in a national dermatology centre located in Bogota, Colombia.Materials and methodsOne hundred patients investigated for possible photoallergic contact dermatitis were enrolled in the study. They were photopatch tested with a selected group of allergens, and occluded for 48 hours; the duplicate right‐hand panel was irradiated with 5 J/cm2 ultraviolet (UV)A. The readings were performed on day (D)2, D4, and D6, in accordance with the guidelines of the ICDRG, and the relevance was evaluated with the COADEX system.ResultsThere were a total of 20 photopatch reactions in 15 patients, 95% of which were caused by UV filters, most frequently benzophenone‐3 (55%). Eight of the positive reactions (53.3%) appeared on D6.ConclusionsUV filters continue to be the most common causes of photoallergic contact dermatitis in our patients. Readings up to D6 (96 h after irradiation) are important to identify delayed positive reactions.
Short and frequent skin contact with nickel
Authors: Erfani Behnaz , Lidén Carola , Midander Klara 
Published: June 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe existing EU nickel restriction does not sufficiently protect the population from skin exposure to nickel. Better understanding is needed of the extent to which short and frequent contact with nickel‐releasing items contributes to nickel deposition on skin.ObjectivesTo quantify nickel skin exposure from short and frequent contact with nickel‐releasing materials.Materials/methodsSequences of short contact events were assessed in (i) touch tests for measurement of nickel skin dose, (ii) wipe tests to similarly quantify the nickel release during a touch, and (iii) immersion tests in artificial sweat, for nickel‐containing alloys and pure nickel.ResultsNickel skin doses from a single touch were 0.024–4.7 µg/cm2 for all materials. Touching or wiping five untouched surfaces resulted in more accumulated nickel than five repeated touches of the same surface. The released amounts of nickel were generally lower at immersion, but increased with the number of repeated immersion periods.ConclusionsNickel skin doses were quantified after one single touch for all study materials. Touch tests, and potentially wipe tests as a proxy for skin dose measurements, are preferred to immersion tests for the assessment of short and frequent skin contact with nickel.
Identification of novel Fgf enhancers and their role in dental evolution
Authors: Tapaltsyan Vagan , Charles Cyril , Hu Jianxin , Mindell David , Ahituv Nadav , Wilson Gregory M. , Black Brian L. , Viriot Laurent , Klein Ophir D. 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYMammalian dental morphology is under strong evolutionary pressure because of its importance for mastication and diet. While the mechanisms underlying tooth development have been widely studied in model organisms, the role of genetic regulatory elements in patterning the different elements of the occlusal surface and crown height across species is not well understood. Previous studies showed that Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) genes are important regulators of tooth development that influence morphological variation. We hypothesized that inter‐specific variation in rodent dental morphology could be governed by nucleotide variation in genetic regulatory elements that modulate the spatial and temporal expression of the genes encoding FGF signaling molecules. In this study, we compared the variation in dental morphology across nine taxa of rodents to the variation in sequences of non‐coding evolutionary conserved regions (ECRs) of Fgf3, 4, 8, 9, and 10. We correlated the variation in molar tooth cusp shape and the evolution of high molar crowns (hypsodonty) to the patterns of sequence variation in two ECRs, Fgf10ECR3, and Fgf9ECR1, respectively. By conducting luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays, we determined that these ECRs could function as enhancers. These data suggest that emergence of hypsodonty and occlusal cusp patterning may have happened through the evolutionary changes in enhancers, such as Fgf9ECR1 and Fgf10ECR3, which affected the expression of major signaling molecules involved in tooth development.
The most‐cited articles in dental, oral, and maxillofacial traumatology during 64 years
Authors: Jafarzadeh Hamid , Sarraf Shirazi Alireza , Andersson Lars 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackground and aimCitation analysis helps to identify the research trends within a research field and helps to identify the most frequently occurring parameters. The aim of this study was to identify the 100 most‐cited articles in the field of dental, oral, and maxillofacial traumatology over the past 64 years.Material and methodsA comprehensive list of the most‐cited articles in dental, oral, and maxillofacial trauma was compiled using ‘All Databases’ section of the ISI Web of Knowledge. Related articles were considered to be those articles in which part or all of the experiment or study was related to dental and/or oral and maxillofacial trauma. In case reports, if a part of a treatment plan was related to the topic, that article was considered to be relevant. The characteristics analyzed included number of citations, authors, journals, institution, country of origin, publication year, article type, study material, and topic.ResultsThe number of citations for each article ranged from 69 to 229. The journal Dental Traumatology was the most represented, followed by the journal Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Of the 100 articles, 83% were original articles, 15% were review articles, and 2% were case report/case series. Therapy and prognosis‐related topics were the most common topics. Most articles came from institutions in the United States, followed by the Scandinavian countries. University Hospital of Copenhagen was the source of the highest number (34) of the most‐cited articles; the same author wrote or co‐wrote 22 of the 100 most‐cited articles.ConclusionThe list of most‐cited articles in the field of dental, oral, and maxillofacial traumatology gives a good scientometric picture of trauma research in the world. A large number of the most‐cited articles are mainly from the field of dental traumatology and originate from a few research teams.
Analysis of elderly patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: aggressive therapy is a reasonable approach for ‘unfit’ patients classified by comprehensive geriatric assessment
Authors: Yoshida Masahiro , Nakao Takafumi , Horiuchi Mirei , Ueda Hideya , Hagihara Kiyoyuki , Kanashima Hiroshi , Inoue Takeshi , Sakamoto Erina , Hirai Manabu , Koh Hideo , Nakane Takahiko , Hino Masayuki , Yamane Takahisa 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe treatment strategy for diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in elderly patients is problematic. Although several researchers have reported the effectiveness of comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and the futility of curative treatment in ‘unfit’ patients with DLBCL, these propositions are not firmly established.Patients and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis using a database. Patients with DLBCL were eligible if ≧ 60 yr old. CGA stratification was performed using medical records.ResultsOne hundred and 35 patients were identified. Anthracycline‐based chemotherapy with curative intent was performed in 115 (85%) patients. According to CGA, 82 (61%) patients were classified as ‘fit’. Their 1‐yr overall survival (OS) was significantly better than that of ‘unfit’ patients [91.3% vs. 53.8%, P < 0.001]. Patients classified as ‘unfit’ treated with curative intent had a significantly better 1‐yr OS when compared with those receiving palliative measures [66.1% vs. 19.0%, P < 0.001].ConclusionsCGA is an effective tool for predicting outcomes in older patients with DLBCL. The patients treated with curative intent had significantly better outcomes compared with those receiving palliation, irrespective of CGA stratification. Curative treatment should be considered even for ‘unfit’ patients.
Unstructural biology of the dengue virus proteins
Authors: Meng Fanchi , Badierah Reaid A. , Almehdar Hussein A. , Redwan Elrashdy M. , Kurgan Lukasz , Uversky Vladimir N. 
Published: June 2015

In this study, we used a wide spectrum of bioinformatics techniques to evaluate the extent of intrinsic disorder in the complete proteomes of genotypes of four human dengue virus (DENV), to analyze the peculiarities of disorder distribution within individual DENV proteins, and to establish potential roles for the structural disorder with respect to their functions. We show that several proteins (ER, E, 1, 2A and 4A) are predicted to be mostly ordered, whereas four proteins (C, 2k, NS3 and NS5) are expected to have high disorder levels. The profiles of disorder propensities are similar across the four genotypes, except for the NS5 protein. Cleavage sites are depleted in polymorphic sites, and have a high propensity for disorder, especially relative to neighboring residues. Disordered regions are highly polymorphic in type 1 DENV but have a relatively low number of polymorphic sites in the type 4 virus. There is a high density of polymorphisms in proteins 2A and 4A, which are depleted in disorder. Thus, a high density of polymorphism is not unique to disordered regions. Analysis of disorder/function association showed that the predominant function of the disordered regions in the DENV proteins is protein–protein interaction and binding of nucleic acids, metals and other small molecules. These regions are also associated with phosphorylation, which may regulate their function.