bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resilience and resistance in sagebrush ecosystems are associated with seasonal soil temperature and water availability
Authors: Roundy Bruce A. , Chambers Jeanne C. , Pyke David A. , Miller Richard F. , Tausch Robin J. , Schupp Eugene W. , Rau Ben , Gruell Trevor 
Published: September 2018

AbstractInvasion and dominance of exotic grasses and increased fire frequency threaten native ecosystems worldwide. In the Great Basin region of the western United States, woody and herbaceous fuel treatments are implemented to decrease the effects of wildfire and increase sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystem resilience to disturbance and resistance to exotic annual grasses. High cover of the exotic annual cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) after treatments increases fine fuels, which in turn increases the risk of passing over a biotic threshold to a state of increased wildfire frequency and conversion to cheatgrass dominance. Sagebrush ecosystem resilience to wildfire and resistance to cheatgrass depend on climatic conditions and abundance of perennial herbaceous species that compete with cheatgrass. In this study, we used longer‐term data to evaluate the relationships among soil climate conditions, perennial herbaceous cover, and cheatgrass cover following fuel management treatments across the environmental gradients that characterize sagebrush ecosystems in the Great Basin. We examined the effects of woody and herbaceous fuel treatments on soil temperature, soil water availability (13–30 and 50 cm depths), and native and exotic plant cover on six sagebrush sites lacking piñon (Pinus spp.) or juniper (Juniperus spp.) tree expansion and 11 sagebrush sites with tree expansion. Both prescribed fire and mechanical treatments increased soil water availability on woodland sites and perennial herbaceous cover on some woodland and sagebrush sites. Prescribed fire also slightly increased soil temperatures and especially increased cheatgrass cover compared to no treatment and mechanical treatments on most sites. Non‐metric dimensional scaling ordination and decision tree partition analysis indicated that sites with warmer late springs and warmer and wetter falls had higher cover of cheatgrass. Sites with wetter winters and early springs (March–April) had higher cover of perennial herbs. Our findings suggest that site resistance to cheatgrass after fire and fuel control treatments decreases with a warmer and drier climate. This emphasizes the need for management actions to maintain and enhance perennial herb cover, such as implementing appropriate grazing management, and revegetating sites that have low abundance of perennial herbs in conjunction with fuel control treatments.
The relationship between hearing loss in older adults and depression over 12 years: Findings from the Three‐City prospective cohort study
Authors: Cosh Suzanne , Carriere Isabelle , Daien Vincent , Amieva Helene , Tzourio Christophe , Delcourt Cecile , Helmer Catherine ,   the Sense‐Cog Consortium
Published: September 2018

ObjectiveThe present study aims to examine the longitudinal relationship between hearing loss (HL) with depression in older adults over 12 years of follow‐up.MethodEight thousand three hundred forty‐four French community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and above participated in the Three‐City prospective population‐based study. Baseline relationships between self‐reported mild and severe HL with depression—assessed by both the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview and by the Centre for Epidemiology Studies Depression scale—were explored using logistic regression analyses. Logistic mixed models assessed whether baseline HL was associated with incident depression diagnosis or symptom onset over 12 years in those who were depression‐free at baseline.ResultsAt baseline, mild and severe HL were associated with depression symptoms as assessed by the CESD (OR = 1.29, 95% CIs 1.14‐1.47; OR = 1.51, 95% CIs 1.22‐1.87; respectively), although only mild HL was significantly related to major depression diagnosis (OR = 1.51, 95% CIs 1.07‐2.12). Over 12 years, mild and severe HL were associated with incident depression as assessed by the CESD in those without depression at baseline (OR = 1.36, 95% CIs 1.15‐1.61; OR = 1.69, 95% CIs 1.15‐2.30; respectively), but was not associated with a major depression diagnosis.ConclusionsBoth mild and severe thresholds of HL are associated with depression symptoms over time, but not with incident diagnosis of major depression. Improved and ongoing detection of subthreshold depression amongst older adults with HL may improve quality of life for this population.
Factors affecting withdrawal and donation attrition in the brains for dementia research cohort
Authors: Costello Helen , Hayes Gillian M. , Francis Paul T. 
Published: September 2018

ObjectivesTo measure two forms of attrition in a cohort of volunteer brain donors: Withdrawal during life and non‐donation at death. To test whether cognitive impairment independently predicts attrition.MethodAttrition rates were calculated for all registered participants and for all brain donors who had completed a baseline and follow‐up assessment of cognition, health, and lifestyle. Attrition reasons were described, and attrition rates were compared by gender, age group, and cognitive status. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the factors which independently predicted during life and at death.ResultsA total of 3276 brain donors registered and 2307 (70.4%) remained in the cohort. Attrition rate overall was 5.9% for withdrawal and 13.8% for donation. Family disagreement and the brain bank not being informed of participant death were the most common reasons for withdrawal and donation attrition. Withdrawal was associated with having cognitive impairment (OR 2.0 95% CI 1.1‐3.5), increased age (OR 3.1 95% CI 1.4‐6.9), and lower education (OR 1.8 95% CI 1.2‐2.8). Participants exhibiting cognitive decline between assessments were more likely to withdraw (OR 4.9 95% CI 1.7‐13.6). Participants living alone were almost twice as likely to die without donating (OR 1.9 95% CI 1.1‐3.3).ConclusionsAttrition rates were relatively low, and consistent with other studies cognitive impairment, increased age, and less education predicted study withdrawal. Deaths of participants living alone were less likely to result in donation. Tailored, regular retention practices aimed at resolving family disagreement regarding donation decisions are required.
Functionalization at C(1) of the Dihydroazulene/Vinylheptafulvene Photo‐/Thermoswitch – Establishing Structure−Property Relationship
Authors: Andersen Dianna , Drøhse Kilde Martin , Kadziola Anders , Cacciarini Martina , Brøndsted Nielsen Mogens 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe optical and switching properties of the dihydroazulene/vinylheptafulvene (DHA/VHF) photo‐/thermoswitch can be finely tuned by substituent groups at specific positions. While the kinetics of the thermal ring closure of VHF into DHA have previously been shown to follow systematic trends in regard to the electron‐withdrawing/donating character of substituents at DHA positions C(2), C(3), and C(7) (Hammett correlations), no such correlation has so far been established for a selection of compounds with different substituents at C(1). Functionalization at this position is at the same time known to have the strongest impact on the VHF‐to‐DHA conversion rate. Here we show that introduction of a benzothiazole ring at C(1) of DHA (corresponding to the vinyl position of VHF) with various electron‐withdrawing/donating groups provides VHFs whose rates of ring closure follow a Hammett correlation – the more electron‐withdrawing substituent on the benzothiazole, the faster ring closure reaction.
The need for planning training among public health officers in Cape Verde
Authors: Ferrinho Paulo , da Luz Lima Mendonça Maria , Delgado António Pedro 
Published: September 2018

SummaryCape Verde is a small island developing state (SIDS). The health sector is guided by strategic and programmatic documents of the Ministry of Health.The objective of this paper is to understand the planning capacity and experience of its Public Health Officers.A questionnaire was applied to 27 Cape Verdean public health officers in order to collect data on participation in health sector planning: 17 were returned and analyzed.This study identifies a youthful, medically trained, but poorly differentiated, public health cadre, without the technical competences to plan the changes needed for the health sector. Planning initiatives were preceded by short technical planning training initiatives, but these did not consolidate a planning culture or contribute to a sustainable capacity to respond to the planning needs of the country. The respondents seemed at a loss to specify planning tools and techniques used in the planning exercises in which they partook. SIDS are considered vulnerable to political interference in the implementation of policy processes but that did not seem to be the case in Cape Verde. Planning was perceived as values driven, strengthening the perception that the values that drive the finality of planning are important determinants of the final plan.
Is Taiwan's National Health Insurance a perfect system? Problems related to health care utilization of the aboriginal population in rural townships
Authors: Lee Yi‐Ting , Lee Yen‐Han , Kaplan Warren A. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryNational Health Insurance (NHI) was implemented in Taiwan in 1995, and has significantly increased coverage to 99% of the population. The implementation of NHI has had large impacts on health disparities. Despite that, the NHI faces multiple challenges, including the condition of “coverage without access” among the Taiwanese aboriginal population, mostly residing in mountainous townships and experiencing lower socioeconomic status, decreased health outcomes, and limited access to adequate high‐quality health care services. This paper summarizes the persistent health gap and the differences in health care utilization and health outcomes between the aboriginal population in rural townships and urban populations in Taiwan. Mountainous townships face challenges including lack of access to high‐quality health care services and limited medical resources. Further policy recommendations and current progress are highlighted and discussed.
Physical Activity Modulates the Overexpression of the Inflammatory miR‐146a‐5p in Obese Patients
Authors: Russo Angelo , Bartolini Desireé , Mensà Emanuela , Torquato Pierangelo , Albertini Maria Cristina , Olivieri Fabiola , Testa Roberto , Rossi Sara , Piroddi Marta , Cruciani Gabriele , De Feo Pierpaolo , Galli Francesco 
Published: September 2018

AbstractsSpecific microRNAs (miRs), including the “angio‐miR‐126” and the “inflamma‐miR‐146a‐5p,” have been proposed as biomarkers and even therapeutic targets of obesity‐associated metabolic diseases. Physical activity, a key measure of prevention for obesity and its complications, is reported to influence the expression of these miRs. In this study, we investigate whether a physical activity program proven to improve metabolic parameters in obese patients can correct the circulating levels of these miRs. Plasma miR‐126 and miR‐146a‐5p were measured in a cohort of obese patients (n = 31, 16F + 15M) before and after the 3‐month physical activity program of the CURIAMO trial (registration number for clinical trials: ACTRN12611000255987) and in 37 lean controls (24F + 13M). miR‐146a‐5p, but not miR‐126, was significantly increased in obese patients as compared with lean controls and decreased in approximately two‐thirds of the participants post‐intervention with a response that positively correlated with pre‐intervention levels of this miR. Waist circumference, the inflammatory cytokine IL‐8 and lipid parameters, principally total cholesterol, showed the strongest correlation with both the baseline levels and post‐intervention correction of miR‐146a‐5p. Post‐hoc analysis of experimental data supports the use of miR‐146a‐5p as a biomarker and predictor of the clinical response to physical activity in obese patients. Furthermore, miR‐146a‐5p expression was confirmed to increase together with that of the inflammatory genes TLR4, NF‐κB, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in LPS‐stimulated human mononuclear leukocytes. In conclusion, the inflamma‐miR‐146a‐5p can serve as a personalized predictor of clinical outcome in obese patients entering physical activity weight‐reduction programs. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(10):1012–1022, 2018
Estimating within‐cluster spillover effects using a cluster randomization with application to knowledge diffusion in rural India
Authors: Alik‐Lagrange Arthur , Ravallion Martin 
Published: September 2018

SummarySpillover effects within randomized clusters pose a challenge for identifying impacts of an individualized treatment. The paper proposes a solution. Longitudinal and intra‐household observations are combined in estimating the direct knowledge gain from watching an info‐movie in rural India, while randomized village assignment identifies knowledge sharing. Simulations on synthetic data and econometric tests provide support for the estimation method. We find evidence of information sharing, but far less so for disadvantaged groups, such as illiterate and lower‐caste individuals; these groups rely more on actually seeing the movie. Our results are consistent with sizeable biases in ordinary least squares, matching or instrumental variable impact estimators that ignore within‐cluster spillovers.
TeamSTEPPS®: An evidence‐based approach to reduce clinical errors threatening safety in outpatient settings: An integrative review
Authors: Parker Antay L. , Forsythe Lydia L. , Kohlmorgen Ingrid K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this integrative review of literature was to investigate and evaluate feasibility and potential for success of TeamSTEPPS® implementation, the influence of TeamSTEPPS for Office‐Based Care on the clinical error rate in a private outpatient clinic, and influence of TeamSTEPPS for Office‐Based Care on patient satisfaction.BackgroundPatient safety remains a top priority for all health care providers in all clinical settings. Despite multiple varied efforts, clinical errors directly attributed to communication are consistently at the top of the list of root causes, although improvement strategies such as Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) have been implemented, there is insufficient data reported measuring the influence of this intervention on patient safety, clinical errors related to communication, and patient satisfaction.Search StrategyA systematic search of the electronic databases MEDLINE Complete, CINAHL Complete, Embase, and Science Direct was conducted to seek literature that reported the effectiveness of the TeamSTEPPS tool to reduce clinical errors, improve communication, and increase patient satisfaction. Nineteen studies met inclusion criteria. Levels of evidence for each study was determined using the 2009 American Association of Critical Care Nursing (AACN) levels.ConclusionsThe present review is consistent with marked improvement in communication, decrease in clinical error rates, and improvement in patient satisfaction. There is a significant need for evaluation of the impact of this validated toolkit from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to maintain a sustainable health care environment for all stakeholders. As a result of this integrative review, a quality improvement project related to both the primary and secondary end points is in progress.
Granzyme B induced by Rv0140 antigen discriminates latently infected from active tuberculosis individuals
Authors: Ouni Rym , Gharsalli Houda , Dirix Violette , Braiek Amani , Sendi Nadia , Jarraya Afifa , Douik El Gharbi Leila , Barbouche Mohamed-Ridha , Benabdessalem Chaouki 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Nearly two billion people are latently infected with Mtb (LTBI). Detection of LTBI with high risk to develop active tuberculosis (aTB) is considered the cornerstone to control the disease. The current challenge is to identify markers that better classify LTBI versus aTB. It has been previously shown that Rv0140, a reactivation-associated antigen of Mtb, induces significantly higher IFN-γ production in LTBI individuals as compared to aTB patients. Herein, we show that Rv0140 induces high granzyme B level by PBMCs derived from LTBI (n = 34) as compared to aTB (n = 18). Receiving operator characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the capacity of Rv0140 to discriminate between LTBI and aTB by measuring IFN-γ and granzyme B secretion. Our results show that, in response to Rv0140, granzyme B seems to allow better discrimination of LTBI from aTB with areas under the curve (AUC) of 0.88 (95% CI 0.79–0.98) as compared to IFN-γ with AUC of 0.85 (95% CI 0.74–0.96) even though CI overlap. Intracellular staining (ICS) experiments and the use of anti-MHC I antibody showed that granzyme B is mainly produced by CD8+ T cells in response to Rv0140. Thus, we propose granzyme B as a host marker to help identify LTBI individuals.
Rv0140-induced Granzyme B biomarker discriminates TB infection status
Effects of Gadodiamide and Gadoteric Acid on Rat Kidneys: A Comparative Study
Authors: Celiker Fatma Beyazal , Tumkaya Levent , Mercantepe Tolga , Beyazal Mehmet , Turan Arzu , Beyazal Polat Hatice , Suzan Zehra Topal , Inecikli Mehmet Fatih , Akyildiz Kerimali , Yilmaz Adnan 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundGadolinium‐based contrast agents are complex chelates to provide contrast in NRI. However, recent studies have highlighted the deposition of free Gd+3 ion in various tissues.PurposeTo evaluate the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes on rat kidney tissue following both macrocyclic (gadoteric acid) and linear (gadodiamide) agents under the hypothesis that gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCA) lead to toxic, free Gd+3 accumulation in tissues.Study TypeThe local Animal Care Committee approved the prospective animal study.Animal ModelThirty‐two healthy Sprague–Dawley male rats were administered 2 mmol/kg gadodiamide and gadoteric acid for the first 4 days for 5 weeks. Group 1 received no drug (control, n = 8) and Group 2 (n = 8) was administered 0.1 ml/kg saline. Group 3 was administered 0.1 mmol/kg gadodiamide and Group 4 (n = 8) was administered 2 mmol/kg gadoteric acid.AssessmentBiochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical changes in testis kidney tissue were evaluated at the end of 10 weeks.Statistical TestsDifferences between groups were analyzed using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test followed by one‐way analysis of variance and the Tamhane test, also followed by Turkey's HSD test.ResultsGadolinium increased serum urea, Ca+2, and Caspase‐3 positive tubular cell number. Larger Bowman capsules shrank proximal and distal tubules were revealed in the gadodiamide and gadoteric acid groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Histopathologic examination showed significantly more interstitial fibrosis, amyloid deposits, and vasocongestion in the gadodiamide group than the gadoteric acid and control groups, while the gadoteric acid group demonstrated significantly more leukocytic infiltration with atrophied proximal and distal tubules than the gadodiamide and control groups (P < 0.05).Data ConclusionGBCA administration causes significant histopathologic changes in kidney tissue. This study advocates additional investigation to assess the in vivo safety of GBCAs.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:382–389.
Wheat nutrition and growth as affected by humic acid‐phosphate interaction
Authors: Rosa Sara Dantas , Silva Carlos Alberto , Maluf Henrique José Guimarães Moreira 
Published: September 2018

AbstractLow‐grade phosphate rock correctly combined with humic acid (HA) has the capacity of single superphosphate (SS) in supplying P to growing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The aim of this study was to evaluate wheat dry matter, macro‐ and micronutrients accumulated in wheat shoot, and the P availability in a Typic Hapludox (Oxisol) under the following humic acid carbon (C‐HA) concentrations: 0, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mg kg−1, which were combined with two P sources, Araxá phosphate rock (APR) and SS. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions. Firstly, soil samples were incubated with combinations of C‐HA concentrations and P sources for 15 d; after that, wheat was grown in the pots for 43 d. Shoot dry matter (SDM), root dry matter (RDM), total dry matter (TDM), macro‐ and micronutrient uptake, and soil resin‐P were determined. Addition of C‐HA increased RDM growth in soils treated with APR and SS, and improved SDM growth under APR. Accumulation of P, S, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn increased in wheat shoots grown in soils treated with APR combined with C‐HA concentrations. The addition of 50 mg kg−1 of C‐HA and APR increased RDM and macro‐ and micronutrient uptake and promoted greater production of SDM in comparison to biomass produced in soil not treated with HA. After wheat cultivation, resin‐P contents in soil with APR decreased over C‐HA concentrations, which is evidence of adequate supply of P to wheat by APR. The right combination of HA and APR leads to wheat growth and nutrient uptake equivalent to those found for SS.
Contrasting yield responses to phosphorus applications on mineral and organic soils from extensively managed grasslands: Implications for P management in high ecological status catchments
Authors: González Jiménez José L. , Healy Mark G. , Roberts William M. , Daly Karen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPhosphorus (P) loss from grassland production is one of the main causes affecting high status water bodies in Europe. Soils with a high content in organic matter (OM), even if extensively managed, are particularly vulnerable to P losses due to their poor P sorption capacities, and can affect the water quality of high status catchments if the dynamics of applied P in these soils is not well understood. The aim of this study was to assess dry matter yield, herbage P content, and P use efficiency in six soils deficient in P and ranging in OM content from 8.7% to 76.4% in a pot experiment under increasing P applications using the Mitscherlich equation. Of the six soils investigated, there was a better response in dry matter yield and greater P use efficiency in the soils with greater OM content than the mineral soils. The Mitscherlich model described grass response precisely in organic soils due to the higher plant availability of applied P as a consequence of the poor P sorption capacities of these soils. Despite the higher availability of applied P for plants in organic soils, the P requirements to meet the threshold herbage P content for dietary P supply to ruminants were still very high, which may pose a risk of P loss to the environment if P fertiliser is applied based on recommendations obtained from plant analysis. These results indicate that P fertilisation of organic soils in sensitive catchments poses a potentially high risk of P transfer to water bodies.