bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A near infrared index to assess effects of soil texture and organic carbon content on soil water content
Authors: Soltani I. , Fouad Y. , Michot D. , Bréger P. , Dubois R. , Cudennec C. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryCharacterization of soil hydrodynamic properties is important for assessing the soil water regime. Ex situ measurements are costly and time consuming. Reflectance spectroscopy can rapidly estimate several soil properties, including soil water content (SWC). Here, we evaluated the ability of visible (vis) and near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to assess the effects of soil texture and soil organic carbon (SOC) content on SWC. Thirteen undisturbed soil surface blocks were sampled in 2014 across the Brittany region, western France. Textural classes ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam texture, and SOC content ranged from 8.12 g kg−1 to 62.3 g kg−1. Aggregates of 3–4‐cm width and 5–6‐cm height were extracted and set at 10 matric potentials from saturation to permanent wilting point (1585 kPa). At given pressure heads, soil samples were scanned in triplicate to acquire reflectance spectra between 350 and 2500 nm. Spectra were converted into continuum removal and we focused on the absorption band near 1920 nm, which is linked to combination vibrations of water. We defined a new index based on the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the absorption feature near 1920 nm. Results showed a linear relation between this NIR index and the volumetric SWC (R2 > 0.9) for every soil aggregate. The slope and the intercept of the line were correlated well with soil texture and SOC content. Results indicated that the parameters of this linear relation offer a new way to study SWC and water retention properties of soils in relation to their physical properties.Highlights
We used vis–NIR spectroscopy to assess effects of texture and SOC content on soil water content.
Formulated a new spectral index based on absorption feature of water near 1920 nm.
Linear relation between SWC and NIR index; its parameters are related to texture and SOC content.
Vis–NIR spectroscopy can be relevant to assess effects of texture and SOC content on SWC.
Cognitive disorders in normal pressure hydrocephalus with initial parkinsonism in comparison with de novo Parkinson's disease
Authors: Picascia M. , Pozzi N. G. , Todisco M. , Minafra B. , Sinforiani E. , Zangaglia R. , Ceravolo R. , Pacchetti C. 
Published: August 2018

Background and purposeThe clinical differentiation between parkinsonism in idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and Parkinson's disease (PD) remains challenging in the initial phase. Whether an early cognitive profiling might support the differential diagnosis of early iNPH and PD was addressed.MethodsNeuropsychological tests of 40 iNPH subjects with early symptoms resembling parkinsonism were retrospectively evaluated together with 47 de novoPD patients (dnPD). Only neuropsychological tests performed within 1 year from the first motor symptom were included. The cognitive spectrum of iNPH and dnPD was also compared with a sample of 70 normal controls.ResultsA clear difference in the cognitive profile of iNPH, dnPD patients and normal controls was shown. 65% of iNPH subjects showed a diffuse cognitive impairment, including memory, visuospatial abilities, fronto‐executive functioning and attention, whereas only 25.5% of the dnPD patients presented an executive dysfunction. 35% of iNPH and 74.5% of PD patients performed within the normal range (P < 0.05).ConclusionSubjects with iNPH showed an early and diffuse alteration of cognition with respect to dnPD patients. Performing a prompt and accurate neuropsychological evaluation might support the differential diagnosis of these two conditions of parkinsonism.
Management of chronic foot lameness with 2% ammonium chloride on the palmar digital nerves
Authors: Dau S. L. , Azevedo M. S. , de La Corte F. D. , Brass K. E. , Ceni F. , Cantareli C. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis case series describes the analgesic effect of 2% ammonium chloride (2% AC) in horses with chronic foot pain. Ten horses with foot pain related to chronic laminitis (n = 1), bruised sole (n = 1), distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ; n = 1), podotrochlear apparatus (PA; n = 4) and PA associated with DIPJ (PA + DIPJ; n = 3) received perineural injections with 3 mL of 2% AC on the palmar digital nerves. A Five horses with pain related to PA + DIPJ (n = 3), PA (n = 1) and DIPJ (n = 1) were treated with saline as control. The analgesic effect was evaluated as lameness improvement (LI) rate (%) using a body‐mounted inertial sensor system, and was assessed at 5, 12, 19, 35, 47 and 62 days after treatment. Horses treated with 2% AC demonstrated a mean LI rate above 50% from Day 12 (63% ± 26) to Day 62 (65% ± 26). Control horses has a overall LI of 28% (± 23%) and a LI above 50% was evidenced in horses with PA + DIPJ (n = 2) and PA pain (n = 1) at different times. Horses with PA pain presented higher LI rates (72% ± 23) than that presented by horses with PA + DIPJ (51% ± 9) or DIPJ (51% ± 19). Horses with severe radiographic lesions of the navicular bone and DIPJ had the lowest LI rates after treatment. The 2% AC is a useful treatment to be included in the clinical management of chronic foot pain involving the podotrochlear apparatus with mild radiographic lesions.
MAP4 regulates Tctex‐1 and promotes the migration of epidermal cells in hypoxia
Authors: Chen Xin , Zhou Xin , Shi Xiaohua , Xia Xin , Zhang Yiming , Fan Dongli 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAfter acute wound formation, the oxygen supply is reduced, which results in the formation of an acute hypoxic microenvironment; whether this hypoxic microenvironment enhances epidermal cell migration and the underlying regulatory molecular mechanism of this effect are unclear. In this study, HaCaT cells were maintained under hypoxic (1% oxygen) or normoxic conditions. Methods including immunofluorescence staining, wound scratch assays, transwell assays, Western blotting and high‐ and low‐expression lentiviral vector transfection were utilized to observe the changes in cell migration, microtubule dynamics and the expression levels of microtubule‐associated protein (MAP) 4 and the light chain protein DYNLT1 (Tctex‐1). The possible mechanisms were studied and discussed. The results showed that epidermal cell migration was enhanced during early hypoxia. Further experiments revealed that MAP4 regulates microtubule dynamics and promotes epidermal cell migration through Tctex‐1. MAP4 and Tctex‐1 play important roles in regulating the migration of epidermal cells under hypoxia. This evidence will provide a basis for further revealing the cellular and molecular mechanisms of local wound hypoxia and for promoting wound healing.
Functional characterization of the extranasal OR2A4/7 expressed in human melanocytes
Authors: Wojcik Sebastian , Weidinger Daniel , Ständer Sonja , Luger Thomas , Hatt Hanns , Jovancevic Nikolina 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOlfactory receptors (ORs) were first described as specialized chemoreceptors in the nasal epithelium. In the last two decades, ORs have also been detected to be functionally expressed and active in different nonolfactory tissues of the human body, because they used to react to specific odour stimuli. In this study, we conducted a characterization of the extranasal OR2A4/7 expressed in primary human melanocytes and sections of the human skin. OR2A4/7 expression could be demonstrated at the transcript and protein level. We uncovered elevated intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ levels accompanied by elevated p38 and reduced p42/44 MAPK phosphorylation following odourant (cyclohexyl salicylate; CHS) stimulation of melanocytes. These results were associated with enhanced melanin biosynthesis in conjunction with the growth inhibition and differentiation of melanocytes. Our findings highlight the participation of OR2A4/7 in human primary melanocyte physiology and suggest an alternate mechanism that regulates melanogenesis.
Prevalence and outcomes of accidental hypothermia among elderly patients in Japan: Data from the J‐Point registry
Authors: Morita Sachiko , Matsuyama Tasuku , Ehara Naoki , Miyamae Nobuhiro , Okada Yohei , Jo Takaaki , Sumida Yasuyuki , Okada Nobunaga , Watanabe Makoto , Nozawa Masahiro , Tsuruoka Ayumu , Fujimoto Yoshihiro , Okumura Yoshiki , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Hayashi Yasuyuki 
Published: August 2018

AimWe aimed to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of accidental hypothermia (AH) among elderly patients in Japan.MethodsThis was a multicenter chart review study of patients with AH (Japanese accidental hypothermia network registry; J‐Point registry) that included patients with a body temperature ≤35 °C and those aged ≥18 years who visited the emergency department of 12 institutions in Japan from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2016. The patients were classified into three groups: adult (aged 18–64 years), young‐old (aged 65–79 years) and old‐old (aged ≥80 years). The association between each age category and in‐hospital mortality from AH was examined through a multivariable logistic regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 572 patients were registered in the J‐Point registry database, of which 537 were included. The proportion of individuals who developed AH in an indoor setting was higher in the old‐old group than in the adult group (86.9% [226/260] vs 61.1% [87/113]). The in‐hospital mortality rates of the adult, young‐old and old‐old groups were 15.0% (17/113), 21.3% (35/164) and 30.4% (79/260), respectively. In the multivariable analysis, the in‐hospital mortality rate was higher in the young‐old and old‐old groups than in the adult group (young‐old vs adult, adjusted odds ratio: 2.31 and 95% confidence interval 1.16–4.64; old‐old vs adult, adjusted odds ratio: 2.91 and 95% confidence interval 1.41–6.02).ConclusionsApproximately 80% of patients with AH were aged ≥65 years. The in‐hospital mortality rate of patients aged ≥65 years was significantly higher than that of those aged <65 years. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 1427–1432.
Changes in the amount of sleep and daytime sleepiness: A follow‐up study of schoolchildren from ages 10 to 15 years
Authors: Gustafsson Marja‐Liisa , Laaksonen Camilla , Salanterä Sanna , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Aromaa Minna 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimThis study examines the amount of sleep and daytime sleepiness, and how these change in a follow‐up cohort study of school‐aged children.MethodsA total of 1351 schoolchildren (aged 10) and their parents were invited to participate in the study and were studied again at ages 12 and 15 years. A survey put forth by the Health Behaviour of Schoolchildren research network was used.ResultsThe amount of sleep during weekdays dropped significantly from age 10 to 15. At weekends, the amount of sleep increased significantly. During weekdays, the proportion of children reporting having slept enough dropped from 71% at age 10 to 19% at age 15. Frequent daytime sleepiness occurred in 13% of children at age 10 and increased to 24% at the age of 15.ConclusionsIt is essential to promote adequate amount of sleep and prevent daytime sleepiness in children growing from age 10 to 15 years. Nurses and other health care professionals should systematically assess and promote healthy sleeping habits while caring for children between these ages.
Hospitalisation rates and characteristics for adult and childhood immunoglobulin A vasculitis in Western Australia
Authors: Nossent Johannes , Raymond Warren , Keen Helen , Inderjeeth Charles , Preen David B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundImmunoglobulin A vasculitis (IgAV) is a systemic small‐vessel vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Although commonest in children, onset in adulthood is not unusual.AimAs Australian data are lacking, we investigated longitudinal hospitalisation rates and characteristics for both adult and paediatric IgAV patients in Western Australia (WA).MethodsData were extracted from a state‐wide register for all first hospital contacts in WA between 1980 and 2015 for patients with a primary diagnosis of IgAV. Paediatric cases were defined as those <20 years and compared with adult cases for admission rates per 100 000, demographics, complications, length of stay (LOS) and readmission rates.ResultsThe study cohort included 476 children (median age 5 years; interquartile range (IQR) 3–7) and 144 adults (median age 50 years; IQR 36–77). Childhood admission rates declined from 3.85 to 0.31 over time (P < 0.001) but age at admission and LOS remained unchanged. For adults, admission rates declined from 0.40 to 0.17 (P = 0.02) while age at admission (43 vs 63 years, P = 0.01) and LOS (5 vs 9 days, P = 0.02) increased. More adults had renal (11.8 vs 1.3%, P < 0.01), intestinal (3.5 vs 0.8%, P = 0.04) and infectious (14.6% vs 5.3%, P < 0.01) complications. Readmission was more frequent in childhood cases (23.1% vs 7.6%, P < 0.05) occurring mostly within 30 days of discharge.ConclusionHospitalisation rates for adults with IgAV now nearly equal those in children as adult IgAV leads to more complications. The sharp decline in childhood IgAV admissions suggests that confidence to manage children with IgAV outside the hospital setting has increased.
Missed opportunities for earlier diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection among adults presenting to Auckland District Health Board hospital services
Authors: Hopkins Chris , Reid Murray , Gilmour Judy , Werder Suzanne , Briggs Simon 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackgroundEarlier diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection improves health outcomes and reduces transmission. In New Zealand, half of new HIV diagnoses between 2005 and 2010 had a cluster of differentiation 4 count below 350 cells/mm3. HIV screening is already offered in antenatal settings in New Zealand, but not universally in hospital settings.AimsTo assess the impact of missed opportunities to diagnose HIV infection in adults presenting to hospital services at Auckland District Health Board (ADHB).MethodsRetrospective cohort analysis of all new diagnoses of HIV infection in adults aged 15–64 years residing within the ADHB catchment area over a 7‐year period. Those who had contact with hospital services prior to diagnosis, but within their estimated window of undiagnosed infection, were compared with those without such contact.ResultsOf 201 newly diagnosed patients, 68 had prior hospital contact within their estimated window of HIV infection, 68% of whom were men who have sex with men. These patients could potentially have been diagnosed earlier by a median of 12 months (range 1–84). Missed opportunity visits occurred across a wide range of hospital services, and included visits for conditions that indicated risk for, or actual, HIV infection. Thirteen patients had HIV‐associated illnesses at the time of diagnosis that could have been prevented if diagnosed earlier.ConclusionOur current risk‐based HIV screening strategy commonly results in late diagnosis, negative health impacts and possibly avoidable transmissions. Further study is warranted to model the feasibility and potential impact of universal HIV screening at ADHB.
Constructing continuities in virtual work environments: A multiple case study of two firms with differing degrees of virtuality
Authors: Asatiani Aleksandre , Penttinen Esko 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we study how continuities are constructed in virtual work environments by comparing two firms with differing degrees of virtuality. Using Organizational Discontinuity Theory and drawing on a qualitative study of two accounting firms operating in Finland, we observe virtual work discontinuities in the two firms and identify constructed continuities. We find that in constructing continuities, virtual organizations need to balance rigid and flexible approaches regarding governance structure, the role of technology, communication management, and workflow management. Our main contributions are an empirical application of Organizational Discontinuity Theory to the comparison of virtual work environments and a set of propositions regarding how firms approach continuity construction in different virtuality contexts.
A novel metaheuristic approach for collaborative learning group formation
Authors: Lambić Dragan , Lazović Bojana , Djenić Aleksandar , Marić Miroslav 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, a new approach for the formation of four‐member collaborative learning groups is presented. Group formation is presented by the mathematical optimization problem. Based on the proposed approach and the variable neighbourhood search (VNS) algorithm, the application that solves the presented problem and provides the appropriate division into groups is created. The proposed approach considers the scores of a pretest, interpersonal relationships, and prosocial behaviour/openness skill of students. In order to validate our approach, an experiment was designed with 108 first‐year university students of Belgrade Business School—Higher Educational Institution for Applied Studies. Experimental and control groups were divided into four‐member groups. The experimental group was divided by using the proposed method and the control group by student selection and random selection. Multilevel analysis is used to determine whether there is a significant difference in learning outcomes between the two groups. The experimental results showed that students from the experimental group achieved significantly higher success than the students from the control group. In addition, computational results obtained with the proposed VNS algorithms are compared and verified with the results obtained by random (Monte Carlo) method.
Nicotine induces endothelial dysfunction and promotes atherosclerosis via GTPCH1
Authors: Li Jingyuan , Liu Shangming , Cao Guangqing , Sun Yuanyuan , Chen Weiqian , Dong Fajin , Xu Jinfeng , Zhang Cheng , Zhang Wencheng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSmoking is a major preventable risk factor for atherosclerosis. However, the causative link between cigarette smoke and atherosclerosis remains to be established. The objective of this study is to characterize the role of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GTPCH1), the rate‐limiting enzyme for de novo tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) synthesis, in the smoking‐accelerated atherosclerosis and the mechanism involved. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with nicotine, a major component of cigarette smoke, which reduced the mRNA and protein levels of GTPCH1 and led to endothelial dysfunction. GTPCH1 overexpression or sepiapterin could attenuate nicotine‐reduced nitric oxide and ‐increased reactive oxygen species levels. Mechanistically, human antigen R (HuR) bound with the adenylateuridylate‐rich elements of the GTPCH1 3′ untranslated region and increased its stability; nicotine inhibited HuR translocation from the nucleus to cytosol, which downregulated GTPCH1. In vivo, nicotine induced endothelial dysfunction and promoted atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mice, which were attenuated by GTPCH1 overexpression or BH4 supplement. Our findings may provide a novel and promising approach to atherosclerosis treatment.
Sirtuin3 protects aged human mesenchymal stem cells against oxidative stress and enhances efficacy of cell therapy for ischaemic heart diseases
Authors: Zhang Dong‐Yang , Zhang Chun‐Feng , Fu Bi‐Cheng , Sun Lu , Wang Xue‐Qing , Chen Wei , Liu Wei , Liu Kai‐Yu , Du Guo‐Qing , Ma Chong‐Yi , Jiang Shu‐Lin , Li Ren‐Ke , Tian Hai 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSirtuin3 (SIRT3) is associated with oxidative stress and lifespan. However, the possible mechanisms underlying its influence are unknown. We hypothesized that SIRT3 increases the antioxidant capacity of aged cells and improves the efficacy of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) therapy for ischaemic heart diseases in aged patients. In vitro, the antioxidant capacity of old hMSCs (O‐hMSCs) was increased after SIRT3 overexpression using a gene transfection technique, while the antioxidant capacity of young hMSCs (Y‐hMSCs) was decreased by SIRT3 silencing. The levels of forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) in the nucleus, and antioxidant enzymes Mn‐superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT) increased in SIRT3‐overexpressed O‐hMSCs while they decreased in SIRT3‐silenced Y‐hMSCs after oxidative stress. Following myocardial infarction in adult rats in vivo, infarct size decreased and cardiac function was significantly enhanced after cell transplantation with SIRT3 overexpressed O‐hMSCs. The number of apoptotic cells decreased and the survival rate of transplanted cells increased following SIRT3 overexpression in O‐hMSCs. SIRT3 protects aged hMSCs against oxidative stress by positively regulating antioxidant enzymes (MnSOD and CAT) via increasing the expression of FoxO3a in the nucleus. The efficacy of aged hMSC transplantation therapy for ischaemic heart diseases can be improved by SIRT3 overexpression.
The effectiveness of fishery net dips: Advice for the improvement of biosecurity measures
Authors: Tidbury Hannah J. , Joiner Claire L. , Rimmer Georgina S. E. , Potter Holly V. , Taylor Nick G. H. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDisease poses a major threat to aquaculture and commercial and recreational fisheries globally. Biosecurity measures have been implemented; however, empirical evidence of their efficacy in situ is lacking. Here, we present the results from a study conducted to examine the effectiveness of disinfectant net dips. Samples were collected from disinfectant net dips at 25 recreational fisheries in south‐west England and assessed to determine (a) the level of bacterial contamination and (b) the reduction in titre of a target virus (infectious pancreatic necrosis virus, IPNV) following a contact time of 2 and 5 min. In addition, the study examined the reduction in target virus titre following exposure to laboratory prepared Virkon®, representing “clean,” “dirty” and “diluted and dirty” conditions, for 2 and 5 min. Bacterial contamination was high in 64% of disinfectant samples, and, 76% of disinfectant samples did not effectively reduce the target virus titre in 2 or 5 min. Virus titre was successfully reduced following exposure to laboratory prepared Virkon® for 2 or 5 min, although dilution and contamination reduced the effectiveness. These results suggest that disinfectant net dips may not be working effectively on a high proportion of fishery sites. We provide recommendations for improving biosecurity.