bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Dialysis Access Induced Limb Ischemia by Infrared Thermography in Children
Authors: Novljan Gregor , Rus Rina R , Koren‐Jeverica Anja , Avčin Tadej , Ponikvar Rafael , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka 
Published: June 2011

AbstractHigh arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula) blood flow may impair distal limb perfusion and cause irreversible ischemic damage. Since tissue temperature reflects blood perfusion, we tried to assess distal blood flow using an infrared camera. We examined all 12 patients with an AV fistula in our dialysis unit. Seven were pediatric patients aged 11.0–18.9 years (mean 14.9 years) and five were adults aged 26.9–62.1 years (mean 38.6 years). Infrared thermal imaging (thermography) of their hands was performed after the completion of their regular dialysis sessions. In each patient, the spot temperature of each fingertip on both hands was assessed separately, with three measurements being performed for each measuring point. The mean spot temperature of all fingertips was calculated for each hand and the results compared. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) indicated distal perfusion insufficiency. Perfusion of the hands was also assessed by inspecting the visualized temperature distribution on the thermal image. Finally, we compared the results to the clinical findings in relevant patients. In 8/12 patients (66.7%), the mean spot temperature of the fingertips was statistically significantly lower on the fistula side (P < 0.05). Only 4/12 patients (33.3%) had clinical symptoms, and all were detected by thermography. Abnormal findings were more frequent in elderly patients. Although we realize that the diagnosis of steal syndrome is primarily clinical, thermography might be a safe, noninvasive, cheap tool for the timely detection of children at risk of developing symptoms of hand ischemia.
Surgical Thrombectomy of Thrombosed Arteriovenous Grafts by Interventional Nephrologists
Authors: Ponikvar Rafael , Premru Vladimir , Kersnič Boštjan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe aim of our retrospective study was to present the success of surgical thrombectomy in acutely thrombosed, arteriovenous (AV), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts. Patients from hemodialysis centers in Slovenia were admitted to our dialysis center after acute thrombosis of their AV graft to undergo surgical thrombectomy under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. In 55 chronic hemodialysis patients, of whom 26 were men (47.3%), with a mean age of 63 ± 13 years (range 35–84 years), and diabetes mellitus in 11 patients (20%), 59 ePTFE AV grafts thrombosed. A total of 129 thrombectomies were performed, on average 2.2 ± 2.1 per graft (range 1–13). Primary patency (defined as the time from AV graft creation to first thrombosis) was 638 ± 633 days (range 10–2586, median 418 days), secondary patency (defined as the time from first thrombectomy to abandonment) was 451 ± 472 days (range 0–1994, median 305 days), and cumulative patency (defined as the time from creation to abandonment) was 1089 ± 685 days (range 25–3020, median 1031 days). In 46 (78%) of the AV grafts, the first thrombectomy was successful. The secondary patency rates after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years were 76%, 66%, 54%, 14%, and 14%, respectively (13/59 unsuccessfully thrombectomized grafts were excluded). Cumulative patency after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 88.1%, 67.8%, 44.7%, 27.1%, and 16.9%, respectively. In conclusion, surgical thrombectomy after thrombosis of an AV graft in the arm or thigh, performed by interventional nephrologists and followed, if required, by angioplasty, significantly prolonged the patency of the majority of thrombosed AV grafts.
Two Single‐Lumen Noncuffed Catheters in the Jugular Vein as Long‐Term Vascular Access: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Kovač Janko , Premru Vladimir , Buturović‐Ponikvar Jadranka , Ponikvar Rafael 
Published: June 2011

AbstractTwo single‐lumen, noncuffed catheters in the same jugular vein have been used as preferred vascular access in our hemodialysis (HD) and apheresis patients in past years. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the clinical outcome of such a vascular access and the reasons for catheter removal. In 129 adult patients, aged 69 ± 13 years, 56% males, treated by HD (121 patients) or apheresis (8 patients), two single lumen, pre‐curved 8 Fr catheters (Medcomp, Harleysville, PA, USA) inserted into the same jugular vein were used as vascular access between January 2009 and April 2010. The catheters were inserted into the left jugular vein in 21 patients, and into the right jugular vein in 108 patients. A 30% solution of trisodium‐citrate was used as a locking solution, and 2% mupirocin ointment was routinely applied to the exit site. The catheters were removed in 86 patients after 1–288 days, median 17.5 days. In 74 patients, there was either no need for further dialysis or an arteriovenous fistula was constructed (17 patients). In 10 patients, wire exchange was performed for correction of a displaced functional catheter (after 6–201 days), and in only two patients the catheters were removed due to infection on days 10 and 184. The longest period of a catheter functioning without intervention was 387 days. Fifteen patients died with functional catheters left in place (duration 1–387 days). In four patients, the catheters were still functional at the time of analysis (duration 198–268 days). Another nine patients were transferred to other dialysis centers (after they had been followed up at our center lasting for 1–63 days), with no data on their outcome after transfer. Fifteen patients were lost to follow up after insertion. Two single‐lumen, noncuffed catheters in the same jugular vein, locked with 30% citrate, seem to be a safe and long lasting method of vascular access for hemodialysis and apheresis in some patients, but further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the clinical outcome of this type of vascular access.
EFFECTS OF GLUTEN POWDER ON THE QUALITY OF WHEAT FLOUR SPAGHETTI COOKED IN DISTILLED OR SALTED WATER
Authors: MAJZOOBI MAHSA , OSTOVAN RAHELEH , FARAHNAKY ASGAR 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTTo improve the quality of spaghetti produced from low protein wheat flour, gluten powder was added at 0.5, 1.5 and 3% (w/w). These samples were cooked in distilled or salted water (2% NaCl). The results showed that addition of gluten reduced cooking loss and increased water absorption. These parameters increased further when salt was added to the cooking water. With increasing the gluten powder, the color of the dried and cooked samples became darker and more yellow. Addition of salt reduced the lightness, while it increased the yellowness of the samples. Increasing the gluten level decreased the adhesiveness, while it increased the cohesiveness, elasticity and breaking strength of the cooked samples. A positive correlation between adhesiveness and cooking loss was found (R2 = 0.94) while other textural parameters had negative correlation with cooking loss (R2 = 0.99). According to the taste panel, a sample containing 3% gluten powder cooked in salted water was recognized as the best.PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThis study shows an easy and applicable method of improving the quality of pasta made from low protein wheat flour using gluten powder. Different aspects of pasta quality including cooking, textural and sensory attributes were considered in this study. Hence, the findings may be useful for pasta producers in some parts of the world where ordinary wheat flour is the most available type of flour for pasta production.
Facilitating patients' dietary change: A review of dietitians' correspondence practices with general practitioners
Authors: CANT Robyn , POMEROY Sylvia 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim:  Dietitian and general practitioner collaboration in the nutrition care of a patient is important to assist patients to achieve their nutrition goals. This paper aims to review the published literature on dietitians' correspondence practices with recipient general practitioners regarding nutrition interventions recommended to patients.Methods:  A literature search was conducted of publications from 1995 to December 2009. Key words were used to search the electronic databases Medline, CINAHL Plus, ProQuest, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Twenty papers that addressed this topic were selected by two authors for inclusion in the review.Results:  There is evidence that dietitians often fail to provide general practitioners with formalised correspondence that describes dietitians' nutrition interventions with patients. Doctors report they lack patient information via dietitians' correspondence. Information about nutrition care of hospital patients often remains within hospital records. Doctors prefer standardised letter formats with content presented succinctly. The letter should include a nutrition diagnosis, agreed goals, a plan for ongoing dietetic visits and instructions for a general practitioner's supportive actions.Conclusion:  Dietitians need skill in drafting reports or letters useful for general practitioners by selecting content of value to doctors and using a suitable style. Implementation of shared electronic records in Australia will facilitate information transfer to help realise collaborative patient care. Further investigations of dietitian–general practitioner correspondence are warranted to determine best practice.
Eating environment in the aged‐care residential setting in New Zealand: Promoters and barriers to achieving optimum nutrition. Observations of the foodservice, menu and meals
Authors: CHISHOLM Alexandra , JENSEN Julian , FIELD Penelope 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim:  To investigate the foodservice, menu and meals in the aged‐care residential setting to identify promoters and barriers to achieving optimum nutrition.Method:  An observational study conducted by the University of Otago Dietetic Training Programme. Rest home dietitians around New Zealand identified a final convenience sample of 50 facilities. Ten final‐year student dietitians each spent two days in their designated rest homes, administering a 19‐item questionnaire to ascertain practices relating to staffing, dining environment, menu, meals, snacks, feeding assistance, fluids, special diets, nutrition care, medications, nutrition policy and access to sunlight. Observations describing foodservice and meal‐related activities only are reported in this paper.Results:  Most rest homes had the ability to provide for the needs of residents. Ninety per cent of facilities offered menu cycles of at least four weeks long. Potential barriers to meeting needs were inadequate amounts of protein‐rich food for numbers served and lack of perceived choice in menus and meal service. Lack of foodservice staff training and poor uptake of training opportunities contributed to these barriers.Conclusions:  This is the first such study conducted in New Zealand. Results should be of interest to the Ministry of Health and district health boards that are charged with the responsibility to ensure that meals in long‐term care facilities meet the nutritional needs of this potentially vulnerable population. Shortcomings identified in the present study require a multidisciplinary approach that should include district health boards, auditing agencies, aged‐care organisations, training providers and dietitians.
Comparison of reported nutrients and serve size between private label products and branded products in Australian supermarkets
Authors: CLEANTHOUS Xenia , MACKINTOSH Anne‐Marie , ANDERSON Susan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim:  To compare the reported content of key nutrients related to cardiovascular health (energy, total fat, saturated fat and sodium) between Private Label and Branded products for various food categories in Australian supermarkets, using Nutrition Information Panel data. Reported serve size was also assessed.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study using selected Nutrition Information Panel data collected during 2006–2008 for 25 food categories, across 10 Australian supermarkets. Collected data included serve size and nutrients per 100 g: energy, total fat, saturated fat and sodium. Differences between Private Label versus Branded products were assessed using independent samples t‐test.Results:  Data were collected for 3204 products; Private Label products accounted for 26% (n = 824). Serve size was significantly different between Private Label and Branded for seven categories. Total and saturated fat for Private Label products was significantly greater (than Branded) for five and seven categories, respectively. Sodium was significantly different between Private Label and Branded for seven categories, with no consistency in direction.Conclusion:  Differences between Branded and Private Label products were food category specific. The present study provides a first‐time comparison of a comprehensive sample of Branded versus Private Label products, across multiple food categories, in Australia with respect to nutrients related to cardiovascular health. It also provides insight into serve size differences, and may be used as a baseline for future comparisons of nutritional content and serve sizes between Branded and Private Label products, and to monitor the impact of potential new food product developments and reformulations.
nutritionDay: An Australian hospital's participation in international benchmarking on malnutrition
Authors: BAUER Judith , BANNISTER Melanie , CROWHURST Robyn , DENMEADE Sharyn L. , HORSLEY Pamela , MCDONALD Cameron , MARTINEAU Judy , WILLER Fiona , ASH Susan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAim:  Malnutrition is a significant issue for hospitals worldwide. This project examined malnutrition prevalence and associated factors including meal consumption in an Australian hospital.Methods:  The cross‐sectional study was undertaken at a private hospital in Brisbane, Australia, for ‘nutritionDay in Europe’ 2009. Nutritional status (subjective global assessment), demographic, medical condition and intake data were collected from 147 inpatients across five medical specialties.Results:  The present study found 19.7% (29) of patients were malnourished (17.7% mild to moderately malnourished, 2% severely malnourished). Unintentional weight loss was reported by 39.5% of patients (58) and 49% of patients (72) reported eating less than normal. There were 41.5% of patients (61) who reported not having their usual appetite, with 46.3% (68) eating half or less of a hospital meal. The likelihood of being malnourished increased 4.0 times (CI 1.4–11.6, P= 0.01) for patients who ate less than normal during the previous week and 15 times (CI 4.2–53.5, P < 0.001) for those patients who reported eating less than one quarter to nearly nothing. The likelihood of being malnourished increased 2.9 (CI 1.1–7.6, P= 0.026) and 4.8 (CI 1.6–14.3, P= 0.005) times for patients consuming less than half of breakfast and dinner respectively. Binary logistic regression modelling found a malnutrition screening tool score of ≥2 and average meal consumption of 50% or less were predictors of malnutrition.Conclusions:  The present study provides evidence of the increased likelihood of malnutrition in relation to decreased meal consumption and provides insights for future interventions in the acute care setting.
Towards risk‐based water resources planning in England and Wales under a changing climate
Authors: Hall J. W. , Watts G. , Keil M. , de Vial L. , Street R. , Conlan K. , O'Connell P. E. , Beven K. J. , Kilsby C. G. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe publication of the UKCP09 climate change projections for the United Kingdom provides the opportunity for more rigorous inclusion of climate change uncertainty in water resources planning. We set out how the current approach to incorporating climate change and other uncertainties in water resources planning may be updated to incorporate the UKCP09 projections. In an uncertain future, the frequency with which customers will experience water shortages cannot be predicted for sure, so a water company cannot predict definitely whether it will or will not fulfil its Level of Service commitments. We therefore go on to propose that the probability of failing to meet Level of Service (for given populations of customers) provides an appropriate metric of risk, which conveniently summarises the uncertainties associated with supply and demand, including climate change uncertainties. We sketch out how this risk metric can be calculated based upon simulation modelling of the water resource system.
Pale Neurites, Premature α‐Synuclein Aggregates with Centripetal Extension from Axon Collaterals
Authors: Kanazawa Toshiro , Adachi Eijiro , Orimo Satoshi , Nakamura Ayako , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Uchihara Toshiki 
Published: June 2011

AbstractProgressive aggregation of α‐synuclein (αS) from pale bodies (PBs) and extension from Lewy neurites (LNs) are candidate mechanisms for Lewy body (LB) formation. To identify how aggregation of αS is related to its extension along neurites, 60‐µm‐thick brainstem sections of Parkinson disease (PD) patients were prepared for three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of αS‐positive neurites with neurofilament (NF) and thiazin red (TR), a fluorochrome with an affinity to solid aggregates. This demonstrated 3D layering of αS surrounded by NF with the aggregates probed by TR in the center, corresponding to the eosinophilic core of mature LBs. This eosinophilic/TR‐positive profile, characteristically absent in PBs, premature counterpart of LBs, was similarly absent in some LNs. We would like to refer these premature LNs as “pale neurites” (PNs). Their premature nature was evidenced by 3D fluoroprofiling with quantum dots (QDs) and subsequent electron microscopic identification (3D‐oriented immunoelectron microscopy) as loosely packed αS (QDs)‐positive filaments. Quantification of LNs, frequently extended around branching axons, demonstrated that LNs are initiated at axon collaterals to extend centripetally into proximal segments. This branching‐oriented extension of αS is related to its selective predisposition to systems with highly divergent axons, preferentially affected in PD, which may explain barely somatotopic manifestations of PD.
Gain and Loss of Extracellular Molecules in Sporadic Inclusion Body Myositis and Polymyositis—A Proteomics‐Based Study
Authors: Doppler Kathrin , Lindner Alfred , Schütz Wolfgang , Schütz Monika , Bornemann Antje 
Published: June 2011

AbstractSporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) contains non‐necrotic myofibers that are surrounded and/or invaded by inflammatory cells. In this study we aimed to identify selective molecules that are present at this site. Myofibers of four biopsies of sIBM that were surrounded and/or invaded by inflammatory cells were microdissected, pooled and profiled by proteomic studies using mass spectrometry. Normal skeletal muscle tissue served as control. Based on the table of proteins that were detected in sIBM only, we selected nine extracellular matrix molecules and validated the results performing immunofluorescence. Seven out of nine proteins that were detected in sIBM by mass spectrometry showed different immunohistochemical results in myositis and normal controls. Of these, the small leucine‐rich repeat proteins proline arginine‐rich end leucine‐rich repeat protein (PRELP) and biglycan were deposited precisely at myofibers surrounded and/or invaded by inflammatory cells both in sIBM and polymyositis. The basement membrane (BM) molecules merosin, perlecan, nidogen‐2 and collagen IV were variably destroyed or increased at these sites. P component, which ensheathed all myofibers in normal controls, was absent from invaded myofibers. Similar to BM remodeling, the specific deposition of PRELP and biglycan may represent a mechanism to defend against immune attack. Loss of P component may affect the anchorage of the myofiber in the endomysium.
Enhanced Melanin Fluorescence by Stepwise Three‐photon Excitation
Authors: Kerimo Josef , Rajadhyaksha Milind , DiMarzio Charles A. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe fluorescence of eumelanin (from Sepia officinalis and black human hair) was activated and enhanced by almost three orders of magnitude by exposure to near‐infrared radiation. No activation or enhanced emission was observed when the samples were heated up to 100°C. The near‐infrared irradiation caused obvious changes to the eumelanin and could be seen by fluorescence and bright field imaging. The area of enhanced emission appeared to originate from a region with changes in the morphology of the eumelanin’s granule and increased with exposure time. At least two different components with enhanced fluorescence were activated and could be distinguished by their excitation properties. One component could be excited efficiently with wavelengths in the visible region and exhibited linear absorption dependence with respect to the laser power level. The second component could be excited efficiently using near‐infrared wavelengths by a nonlinear process and exhibited a third‐order dependence on the excitation. The third‐order dependence is explained by a step‐wise excited‐state absorption process since the same third‐order dependence was present when either continuous wave or femtosecond pulsed laser, with similar average‐power levels, was used.
Roles of Porphyrin and Iron Metabolisms in the δ‐Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA)‐induced Accumulation of Protoporphyrin and Photodamage of Tumor Cells
Authors: Ohgari Yoshiko , Miyata Yoshinobu , Miyagi Taeko , Gotoh Saki , Ohta Takano , Kataoka Takao , Furuyama Kazumichi , Taketani Shigeru 
Published: June 2011

Abstractδ‐Aminolevulinic acid (ALA)‐induced porphyrin accumulation is widely used in the treatment of cancer, as photodynamic therapy. To clarify the mechanisms of the tumor‐preferential accumulation of protoporphyrin, we examined the effect of the expression of heme‐biosynthetic and ‐degradative enzymes on the ALA‐induced accumulation of protoporphyrin as well as photodamage. The transient expression of heme‐biosynthetic enzymes in HeLa cells caused variations of the ALA‐induced accumulation of protoporphyrin. When ALA‐treated cells were exposed to white light, the extent of photodamage of the cells was dependent on the accumulation of protoporphyrin. The decrease of the accumulation of protoporphyrin was observed in the cells treated with inducers of heme oxygenase (HO)‐1. The ALA‐dependent accumulation of protoporphyrin was decreased in HeLa cells by transfection with HO‐1 and HO‐2 cDNA. Conversely, knockdown of HO‐1/‐2 with siRNAs enhanced the ALA‐induced protoporphyrin accumulation and photodamage. The ALA effect was decreased with HeLa cells expressing mitoferrin‐2, a mitochondrial iron transporter, whereas it was enhanced by the mitoferrin‐2 siRNA transfection. These results indicated that not only the production of porphyrin intermediates but also the reuse of iron from heme and mitochondrial iron utilization control the ALA‐induced accumulation of protoporphyrin in cancerous cells.