bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Renewable cellulose source: isolation and characterisation of cellulose from rice stubble residues
Authors: Rodsamran Pattrathip , Sothornvit Rungsinee 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe substantial amount of agricultural waste associated with rice stubble is a critical issue in Thailand as it still contains a high amount of cellulose. Thus, the conditions for cellulose isolation from Thai rice stubble were developed. It was found that cellulose at a higher NaOH concentration (10%) or higher isolation temperature provided a higher whiteness index (WI) value and α‐cellulose content after 3 h of isolation process. Extraction using 10% NaOH at 55 °C for 3 h was determined as optimum conditions for the isolation of cellulose from rice stubble. The removal of most hemicelluloses and lignin was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The yield, WI value and α‐cellulose content of rice stubble cellulose were 30.67%, 75.69% and 90.05%, respectively. Cellulose from rice stubble is suitable for use as fibre or for the synthesis of cellulose derivatives that are widely used in food and pharmaceutical products.
Noninvasive sensing of thermal treatments of Japanese seafood products using imaging spectroscopy
Authors: ElMasry Gamal , Nakauchi Shigeki 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe potential of imaging spectroscopy for noncontact sensing of thermal treatments experienced on Japanese kamaboko was investigated. Samples were thermally treated at 100, 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200 °C to core temperatures of 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80 °C and then promptly cooled and imaged in the short‐wave near infrared spectral range of 900–2500 nm. Partial least square (PLS) regression models were developed using the whole spectral range as well as using the most important wavelengths to predict the core temperature (TC) and thermal history (TH) yielding a reasonable level of accuracy of ( = 0.86 and RMSEP = 3.9 °C) and ( = 0.83 and RMSEP = 0.29 min), respectively. Moreover, a stepwise linear discriminant analysis (LDA) model was developed for identifying samples whose core temperatures reached a threshold of 65 °C. The LDA model yielded overall classification accuracy of 93.75% in both calibration and validation sets. The resulting discrimination function was then applied in a pixel‐wise manner to produce understandable classification maps to exhibit the difference among samples with high accuracy.
Association analysis of −416 G>C polymorphism of T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐1 gene with asthma in Iran
Authors: Shirzade H. , Meshkat R. , Ganjalikhani‐Hakemi M. , Mosayebian A. , Ghasemi R. , Deress F. , Parchami barjui S. , Sadri M. , Salehi R. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryTIM (T‐cell immunoglobulin (Ig) and mucin domain)‐1, one of the members of TIM family, expresses on Th2 cells and promotes the production of Th2 signature cytokines. This can increase a series of responses in these cells which could be one of the causes of asthma or asthma‐related phenotypes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a TIM‐1 promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), −416 G>C, is associated with asthma in Iranian population. In this case–control study, existence of the −416 G>C polymorphism was assessed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) in 300 patients with asthma (97 atopic, 203 nonatopic) and 309 healthy volunteers. Additionally, the relationship between these polymorphism genotypes and total serum IgE levels in this Iranian population was evaluated. We discovered a significant association between the −416 G>C polymorphism and atopic asthma susceptibility in the population, but this SNP showed no connection with nonatopic asthma (P < 0.05). However, our results showed significant relation between this polymorphism and serum IgE level (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that −416 G>C polymorphism in TIM‐1 gene could be a predisposing factor for atopic asthma in Iranian population, and CC genotype of this SNP can be associated with increased level of IgE in patients with asthma in the same population.
Detection of chromosomal translocations in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) leukemic specimens by digital expression profiling
Authors: Liew M. , Mao R. , Wittwer C. T. , Salama M. E. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryIntroductionDetection of chromosomal translocations in formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) leukemic samples is important for confirmation of histopathological findings, classification, prognostication, and therapeutic decisions. Herein, we aim to determine whether digital expression profiling could detect chromosomal translocations in FFPE leukemic samples identified by RT‐PCR, FISH, and/or karyotyping.MethodsRNA was extracted from 28 FFPE bone marrow specimens from 19 patients diagnosed with leukemia. Eight patients were translocation t(9;22) positive, three inv(16)/t(16/16) positive, five translocation t(15;17) positive, and one translocation t(8;21) positive. Two patients (four specimens) were normal. The extracted RNA was hybridized to DNA reporter probes overnight at 65 °C, followed by purification of the labeled translocations. Six hundred fields of view were counted to enumerate the number of translocations.ResultsDigital expression profiling had 100% concordance with RT‐PCR, FISH, or karyotyping analysis in the two normal individuals, eight translocation t(9;22) samples, five translocation t(15;17) samples, and one translocation t(8;21) sample. None of the inv(16) positive samples were detected. Digital expression profiling detected translocations with 0.014 p190 allelic burden.ConclusionDigital expression profiling can be used to measure translocation t(9;22), t(15;17), and t(8;21) in FFPE samples and is useful when a confirmatory test from a FFPE sample is necessary.
Police and mental health clinician partnership in response to mental health crisis: A qualitative study
Authors: McKenna Brian , Furness Trentham , Oakes Jane , Brown Steve 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPolice officers as first responders to acute mental health crisis in the community, commonly transport people in mental health crisis to a hospital emergency department. However, emergency departments are not the optimal environments to provide assessment and care to those experiencing mental health crises. In 2012, the Northern Police and Clinician Emergency Response (NPACER) team combining police and mental health clinicians was created to reduce behavioural escalation and provide better outcomes for people with mental health needs through diversion to appropriate mental health and community services. The aim of this study was to describe the perceptions of major stakeholders on the ability of the team to reduce behavioural escalation and improve the service utilization of people in mental health crisis. Responses of a purposive sample of 17 people (carer or consumer advisors, mental health or emergency department staff, and police or ambulance officers) who had knowledge of, or had interfaced with, the NPACER were thematically analyzed after one‐to‐one semistructured interviews. Themes emerged about the challenge created by a stand‐alone police response, with the collaborative strengths of the NPACER (communication, information sharing, and knowledge/skill development) seen as the solution. Themes on improvements in service utilization were revealed at the point of community contact, in police stations, transition through the emergency department, and admission to acute inpatient units. The NPACER enabled emergency department diversion, direct access to inpatient mental health services, reduced police officer ‘down‐time’, improved interagency collaboration and knowledge transfer, and improvements in service utilization and transition.
Risk factors associated with intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers in the park‐bench position: a retrospective study
Authors: Yoshimura Mine , Iizaka Shinji , Kohno Michihiro , Nagata Osamu , Yamasaki Takashi , Mae Tomoko , Haruyama Naoko , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPatients undergoing surgery in the park‐bench position are at high risk of developing intraoperatively acquired pressure ulcers (IAPUs). The purpose was to examine retrospectively risk factors associated with IAPUs in the park‐bench position. This study was conducted at a general hospital during the period of September 2010 to September 2012. Twenty‐one potential risk factors were evaluated using data obtained from the hospital database. IAPUs developed in 30 of 277 patients (11%). Perspiration was statistically found to be independently associated with IAPUs [OR 3·09, 95% confidence interval (Cl) 1.07–8·58, P = 0·037]. A length of surgery of more than 6 hours was identified to be likely associated with IAPUs (OR 2·64, 95% Cl 0·84–9·08, P = 0·095) compared with less than 6 hours. Furthermore, there was an interaction between the length of surgery and the core temperature; that is, when the length of surgery was more than 6 hours, a core temperature of more than 38·1°C at the end of surgery had a higher odds ratio (8·45, 95% Cl 3·04–27·46, P < 0·001) than that at a lower core temperature (3·20, 95% Cl 1·23–8·78, P = 0·017). These results suggest that perspiration and core temperature are preventable causative factors of pressure ulcers, even under conditions of prolonged surgery in the park‐bench position.
Silver‐based wound dressings reduce bacterial burden and promote wound healing
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hsin , Hsu Wei‐Shan , Chung Wan‐Yu , Ko Tse‐Hao , Lin Jui‐Hsiang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractVarious types of wound dressings have been designed for different purposes and functions. Controlling bacterial burden in a wound during the early phase is important for successful wound repair. Once bacterial burden is under control, the active promotion of wound healing is another important factor for efficient wound healing. This study investigated the potential of three silver‐containing dressings, namely KoCarbonAg®, Aquacel® Ag and Acticoat 7, in reducing bacterial survival and promoting wound healing. The ability of these dressings to block the entry of bacteria from external environment and retain intrinsic bacteria was studied in vitro. In addition, the study used a rat model to compare the healing efficiencies of the three dressings and investigate the quantity of collagen synthesis in vivo. In vitro results indicated that the silver‐containing dressings prevented bacterial growth in wounds by blocking the entry of external bacteria and by retaining the bacteria in the dressing. In vivo study indicated that reduction in bacterial burden accelerated wound healing. Wounds treated by the silver‐containing dressings showed better healing than those treated with gauze. Moreover, KoCarbonAg® further accelerated wound healing by promoting collagen synthesis and arrangement.
Are patient–nurse relationships in breast cancer linked to adult attachment style?
Authors: Harding Rachel , Beesley Helen , Holcombe Christopher , Fisher Jean , Salmon Peter 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimsThe aim of this study was to ascertain if patients with breast cancer who have positive attachment models of ‘self’ and ‘other’ perceive higher levels of support from nurses than do patients with negative attachment models.BackgroundAttachment models of ‘self’ and ‘other’ develop in childhood and affect relationships throughout life. People with negative attachment models tend to perceive themselves as unworthy of receiving support and to perceive others as incapable or unwilling to offer support. Attachment processes are activated when individuals feel threatened and seek support from those close to them. Breast cancer may represent such a threat and relationships between patients with breast cancer and nurses may therefore be influenced by patients' attachment models.DesignA between‐subjects cross‐sectional design was used. Explanatory variables were indicators of patients' attachment models. Response variables were patient ratings of nurse support. Covariates were patient age and patient distress levels.MethodOne hundred and fifty‐three patients with breast cancer, diagnosed 1‐3 years previously, were recruited when attending follow‐up oncology appointments over 51 weeks in 2010–2011. Participants completed questionnaires assessing attachment models, distress and perceived support, from the nurse who was available to support them through their cancer. The hypotheses were tested by logistic regression analysis.ResultsPatients with more positive models of ‘self’ perceived more support from nurses.ConclusionsPatients' perceptions of nurses when being treated for breast cancer are influenced by patients' own models of attachment. Knowledge of this would help nurses further to individualize the emotional support they give patients.
Inter‐Arm Blood Pressure Difference in Hospitalized Elderly Patients Is Not Associated With Excess Mortality
Authors: Weiss Avraham , Grossman Alon , Beloosesky Yichayaou , Koren‐Morag Nira , Green Hefziba , Grossman Ehud 
Published: June 2015

Inter‐arm blood pressure difference (IAD) has been found to be associated with cardiovascular mortality. Its clinical significance and association with mortality in the elderly is not well defined. This study evaluated the association of IAD with mortality in a cohort of hospitalized elderly individuals. Blood pressure (BP) was measured simultaneously in both arms in elderly individuals (older than 65 years) hospitalized in a geriatric ward from October 2012 to July 2014. During the study period, 445 patients, mostly women (54.8%) with a mean age of 85±5 years, were recruited. Systolic and diastolic IAD were >10 mm Hg in 102 (22.9%) and 76 (17.1%) patients, respectively. Patients were followed for an average of 342±201 days. During follow‐up, 102 patients (22.9%) died. Mortality was not associated with systolic or diastolic IAD. It is therefore questionable whether BP should be routinely measured in both arms in the elderly.
Effects of the DASH Diet and Walking on Blood Pressure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Paula Tatiana P. , Viana Luciana V. , Neto Alessandra T. Z. , Leitão Cristiane B. , Gross Jorge L. , Azevedo Mirela J. 
Published: June 2015

Data on the potential beneficial effects of combining diet and exercise on blood pressure (BP) are still scarce. A 4‐week randomized controlled clinical trial was undertaken in 40 hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) in office and daytime ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM). Patients were assigned to follow a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet associated with advice to increase walking using a pedometer (intervention group) or a diet based on the American Diabetes Association recommendations (control group). The lifestyle intervention caused a greater ABPM (mm Hg) reduction in systolic 24‐hour, diastolic 24‐hour, nighttime systolic, daytime systolic, and daytime diastolic measurements than observed in the control group. In the intervention group there was a decrease in urinary sodium and an increase in urinary potassium, plasma aldosterone, and the number of steps per day (P<.05). The DASH diet and increased walking were associated with clinically significant reductions in ABPM values in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.
Effectiveness of emergency measures for flood prevention
Authors: Lendering K.T. , Jonkman S.N. , Kok M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEmergency measures, such as sandbags, are often used during flood events to prevent breaches in flood defences. However, there is limited insight into their contribution to flood prevention. This paper describes a method to determine the reliability of a system of flood defences including emergency measures. The reliability of the emergency measure depends on the completion of three events: ‘Detection’, ‘placement’ and ‘construction’. Both detection and placement can fail due to human error or insufficient time; construction can fail due to structural failure. The method was applied to a case study in the Netherlands, in which the reliability of a flood defence system including emergency measures was determined. We found that emergency measures can increase the reliability with a factor 1.5–4, depending on the considered failure mode of the dike. Failure of detection and placement, and the underlying human reliability, had the highest contribution to the failure probability. Emergency measures proved to be cost effective, but are still less cost effective as traditional reinforcements. They could play a role as an interim solution to reduce flood risk.
Toward an Overall Analytical Framework for the Integrated Sustainability Assessment of the Production and Supply of Raw Materials and Primary Energy Carriers
Authors: Dewulf Jo , Mancini Lucia , Blengini Gian Andrea , Sala Serenella , Latunussa Cynthia , Pennington David 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe sustainable production and supply of raw materials (“nonenergy raw materials”) and primary energy carriers (“energy raw materials”) is a core element of many policies. The natural resource base for their production and supply, and the access thereto, are limited. Moreover, raw material supply is high on environmental and social impact agendas as well. A broad, quantitative framework that supports decision makers is recommended so as to make use of raw materials and primary energy carriers more sustainably. First, this article proposes a holistic classification of raw materials and primary energy carriers. This is an essential prerequisite for developing an integrated sustainability assessment framework (ISAF). Indeed, frequently, only a subset of raw materials and primary energy carriers are considered in terms of their source, sector, or final application. Here, 85 raw materials and 30 primary energy carriers overall are identified and grouped into seven and five subgroups, respectively. Next, this article proposes a quantitative ISAF for the production and supply of raw materials and primary energy carriers, covering all the sustainability pillars. With the goal of comprehensiveness, the proposed ISAF integrates sustainability issues that have been covered and modeled in quite different quantitative frameworks: ecosystem services; classical life cycle assessment (LCA); social LCA; resource criticality assessment; and particular international concerns (e.g., conflict minerals assessment). The resulting four areas of concerns (i.e., environmental, technical, economic, and social/societal) are grouped into ten specific sustainability concerns. Finally, these concerns are quantified through 15 indicators, enabling the quantitative sustainability assessment of the production and supply of raw materials and primary energy carriers.
Final Energy Requirements of Steam for Use in Environmental Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Nieuwlaar Evert , Roes Alexander L. , Patel Martin K. 
Published: June 2015

SummarySteam is an important utility that is required in nearly all industrial process chains and hence needs to be modeled in life cycle assessment studies. Industrial steam systems are often very complex, with different steam flows varying in pressure and temperature and being transported over different distances. This should be accounted for when calculating the energy requirements related to steam supply. In this article, we constructed a generic model that allows estimating final energy requirements (i.e., gate‐to‐gate energy required to generate the steam) of various types of single‐fuel steam systems without turbines (i.e., open and closed cycles) with or without flash steam and expressed per tonne (t) of steam supplied to a process (before heat exchange) or per gigajoule (GJ) heat delivered within the process (after heat exchange, i.e., as useful energy). The model focuses on steam provided for covering process heat requirements and hence excludes cogeneration schemes with steam turbines. Based on the final energy requirements estimated with our generic model, primary energy requirements and environmental impacts can be calculated for various circumstances. Depending on the conditions chosen, final energy requirements for natural gas–fueled systems, as estimated in this study, are 2.71 to 3.44 GJ/t produced steam or 1.33 to 1.78 GJ/GJ delivered heat.
Nursing educator perspectives of overseas qualified nurses' intercultural clinical communication: barriers, enablers and engagement strategies
Authors: Philip Susan , Manias Elizabeth , Woodward‐Kron Robyn 
Published: June 2015

Aims and objectivesTo understand the intercultural communication experiences and associated communication training needs of overseas qualified nurses in the Australian healthcare system from the unique perspectives of nurse educators teaching in accredited bridging programmes.BackgroundOverseas qualified nurses are an integral part of the nursing workforce in migration destination countries. Communication training needs are more complex when there are cultural, ethnic and language differences between nurses, other health professionals and patients.DesignA qualitative, exploratory research design using semi‐structured interviews.MethodsAll (nine) organisations involved in conducting the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency approved preregistration bridging programmes for overseas qualified nurses within the state of Victoria, Australia, were involved in the study. Participants were 12 nurse educators employed in these organisations. Thematic analysis was undertaken.ResultsThree macro themes emerged about the overseas qualified nurses' intercultural communication: (1) pre‐existing barriers and enablers to intercultural communication, for example, nurses' reluctance to engage in communicative strategies that build rapport with patients, (2) transitional behaviours and impact on communication, including maintenance of perceived cultural hierarchies between health professionals and (3) development of communicative competence, including expanding one's repertoire of conversational gambits.ConclusionsThe findings point to the domains and causes of communication challenges facing overseas qualified nurses in new healthcare settings as well as strategies that the nurse educators and nurses can adopt. Communication cannot be merely regarded as a skill that can be taught in a didactic programme. Comprehensive understanding is needed about the sociocultural dimensions of these nurses' orientation, which can impact on how they communicate in their new healthcare settings.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings can act as triggers for discussion with overseas qualified nurses and other health professionals to raise awareness about the aspects of intercultural communication and to debate alternative viewpoints and explanations. They can also inform changes in the structure and content of the bridging programmes.