bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geographical distribution patterns of Carcharocles megalodon over time reveal clues about extinction mechanisms
Authors: Pimiento Catalina , MacFadden Bruce J. , Clements Christopher F. , Varela Sara , Jaramillo Carlos , Velez‐Juarbe Jorge , Silliman Brian R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimGiven its catastrophic consequences, the extinction of apex predators has long been of interest to modern ecology. Despite major declines, no present‐day species of marine apex predator has yet become extinct. Because of their vulnerability, understanding the mechanisms leading to their extinction in the past could provide insight into the natural factors that interact with human threats to drive their loss. We studied the geographical distribution patterns of the extinct macro‐predatory shark Carcharocles megalodon in order to elucidate its pathway to extinction.LocationWorld‐wide from the Miocene to the Pliocene (c. 23–2.6 Ma).MethodsA meta‐analysis of C. megalodon occurrence records was performed using the Paleobiology Database as a platform. The data were binned into geological time slices, and the circular home range around each data point was mapped in reconstructions made in GPlates. We then quantitatively assessed the species' geographical range and global abundance over time, and the relationship between distribution and climate.ResultsThe pathway to extinction of C. megalodon probably started in the late Miocene with a decrease in its global abundance. This decrease was then followed by a decline in its geographical range during the Pliocene. Although the extinction of C. megalodon has been attributed to climate change, we found no evidence of direct effects of global temperature. Instead, we found that the collapse in geographical distribution coincided mainly with a drop in the diversity of filter‐feeding whales and the appearance of new competitors (large predatory whales and the great white shark).Main conclusionsThis research represents the first study of the distributional trends of an extinct, cosmopolitan apex predator in deep‐time. Our results suggest that biotic factors, and not direct temperature limitations, were probably the primary drivers of the extinction of the largest marine apex predators that ever lived.
Natural killer cells regulate Th1/Treg and Th17/Treg balance in chlamydial lung infection
Authors: Li Jing , Dong Xiaojing , Zhao Lei , Wang Xiao , Wang Yan , Yang Xi , Wang Hong , Zhao Weiming 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cell is an important component in innate immunity, playing a critical role in bridging innate and adaptive immunity by modulating the function of other immune cells including T cells. In this study, we focused on the role of NK cells in regulating Th1/Treg and Th17/Treg balance during chlamydial lung infection. We found that NK cell‐depleted mice showed decreased Th1 and Th17 cells, which was correlated with reduced interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐12, IL‐17 and IL‐22 production as well as T‐bet and receptor‐related orphan receptor gamma t expression compared with mice treated with the isotype control antibody. In contrast, NK cell depletion significantly increased Treg in cell number and related transcription factor (Foxp3) expression. The opposite trends of changes of Th1/Th17 and Treg led to significant reduction in the Th1/Treg and Th17/Treg ratios. The data implicate that NK cells play an important role in host defence against chlamydial lung infection, mainly through maintaining Th1/Treg and Th17/Treg balance.
Potential future risk of errors in medication administration recording
Authors: Vicente Oliveros Noelia , Pérez Menendez‐Conde Covadonga , Gramage Caro Teresa , Álvarez Díaz Ana María , Vélez‐Díaz‐Pallarés Manuel , Montero Errasquín Beatriz , Nieto Gómez Gema , Rodríguez Cubilot Teresa , Martín‐Aragón Álvarez Sagrario , Bermejo Vicedo Teresa , Delgado Silveira Eva 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe aim of this study is to adapt and assess the interrater reliability of a potential future risk matrix for medication errors in medication administration recording (ME‐MAR).MethodsThe study was carried out in a teaching hospital. It was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a consensus method was used in order to adapt the potential future risk matrix published by the National Patient Safety and Otero et al. to the ME‐MAR. The consensus method consisted in a nominal group formed by four pharmacists. In the second phase, a multidisciplinary group of experts in patient safety assessed the reliability of the adapted matrix. Five raters evaluated 100 ME‐MAR. Its reliability was evaluated using the kappa statistic.ResultsIn the first phase, two meetings were necessary until consensus was reached to adapt the potential future risk matrix to the ME‐MAR. For this purpose, the two following categories were defined: likelihood of ME‐MAR's recurrence and most likely consequences of ME‐MAR. The definition of each grade of likelihood of recurrence was based on the incidence of ME‐MAR from an unpublished study carried out in our hospital. In order to determine the most likely consequences of ME‐MAR, a two‐dimensional matrix was designed, with severity per type of ME‐MAR on one axis and the class of medication on the other. In the second phase, the reliability of the matrix was tested. The overall interrater agreement for the five raters was substantial at 0.68 (Confidence interval 95% 0.60–0.76).ConclusionThe adapted matrix of potential future risk to ME‐MAR is reliable and can serve as a guide for future studies.
Kinetics of Texture Change of Bamboo Shoots During Pickling Process
Authors: Zhang Fusheng , Zheng Jiong , Zhong Jinfeng , Chen Guangjing , Kan Jianquan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEffects of pickling conditions including salt concentration, pickling temperature, blanching time and CaCl2 concentration on texture change kinetics of bamboo shoots were investigated during pickling process. The results showed that salt concentration, pickling temperature, blanching time and CaCl2 concentration can affect the hardness of pickled bamboo shoots significantly. The hardness changes of bamboo shoots during pickling conform to the first‐order kinetic model. According to the improved first‐order kinetic classical equation, a modified kinetic model for the texture changes of bamboo shoots during pickling was established. All samples were suitably fitted with the kinetic model (R² > 0.9836), indicating that texture changes of bamboo shoots under different pickling conditions can be described and predicted by the established model equation. These research results can provide references for texture quality control of pickled bamboo shoots and other vegetables.Practical ApplicationsTexture is an important evaluation factor of pickled vegetables and a key determinant of consumers' satisfaction to products. Effect of pickling conditions on vegetable texture during pickling is significant to control texture quality. In this study, texture changes of bamboo shoots under different pickling conditions were described and predicted through a modified kinetic model of hardness changes. Research results could provide references for texture quality control of pickled bamboo shoots and other vegetables, as well as improvement of pickling technique.
Diverticular disease and additional comorbidities associated with increased risk of dementia
Authors: Peng Yen‐Chun , Lin Cheng‐Li , Yeh Hong‐Zen , Tung Chun‐Fang , Chang Chi‐Sen , Kao Chia‐Hung 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimColonic diverticular disease may cause a chronic systemic effect, but its role in the development of dementia remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential increased risk for dementia in colonic diverticular disease.MethodsWe conducted a population‐based cohort study using data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 66 377 sex‐matched, age‐matched, and index year‐matched (1:4) pairs of patients with colonic diverticular disease and 265 508 patients without colonic diverticular disease, who served as controls, were selected from all potential participants aged 20 years or older in the database. Each subject was individually tracked from 2000 to 2011 to identify incident cases of dementia. Cox proportional hazards regression was employed to calculate the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between colonic diverticular disease and dementia.ResultsThere were 1057 dementia cases in the diverticular disease cohort during the follow‐up period of 315 171 person‐years; the overall incidence rate of dementia differed from that of the control group (3.35 vs 2.43 per 1000 person‐years, P < 0.001). The adjusted hazard ratio for dementia was 1.24 (95% confidence interval 1.15–1.33) for diverticular disease patients after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities.ConclusionsColonic diverticular disease may be associated with increased risk for dementia.
Prevalence and associated features of depression in women with Rett syndrome
Authors: Hryniewiecka‐Jaworska A. , Foden E. , Kerr M. , Felce D. , Clarke A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about depression among women with Rett syndrome (RTT) despite recent advances in knowledge about RTT. In this study, we aimed to establish the prevalence of depression among women with RTT as identified by a screening telephone interview and to explore the clinical factors associated with this.MethodsThe study employed the cross‐sectional analysis of data from telephone interviews with carers of 56 women with RTT, using validated questionnaires for assessing mental health problems, challenging behaviour and RTT severity.ResultsScores on the mental health assessment reached the affective/neurotic threshold in eight cases (14.3%). No significant differences were found between those reaching the threshold and those who did not in terms of severity of RTT phenotype, health problems or social circumstances. There was a significant association between screening identified depression and higher lethargy and social withdrawal.ConclusionsScreening identified depression was found among a sizeable minority of women with RTT. Further investigation is needed to establish a clinically validated prevalence of depression among this group and to identify behavioural features that would lead to prompt psychiatric assessment.
Effects of local heat application before intravenous catheter insertion in chemotherapy patients
Authors: Biyik Bayram Sule , Caliskan Nurcan 
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectivesTo characterise the effects of local heat application on the ease of subsequent intravenous catheter insertion.BackgroundIntravenous catheter insertion is a challenging procedure for both nurses and chemotherapy patients. The local application of heat to the area before intravenous catheter insertion may decrease these difficulties by increasing venous distension and visibility.DesignThis study was an open label experimental study involving intervention and control groups.MethodsPatients receiving chemotherapy were divided into intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 40) groups. For patients in the intervention group, a digital moist heating pad was applied to the arm prepared for catheter insertion for 10 minutes in addition to routine care. No additional preparation procedure beyond routine care was performed for control patients. Data were collected using a data collection form and evaluated using chi square, Fisher's exact chi square, Student's t, Mann–Whitney U, Wilcoxon and Pearson correlation tests.ResultsLocal application of heat decreased patients' pain (p = 0·011), increased the rate of successful catheter placement at first attempt (p = 0·004), decreased the catheterisation procedure time (p = 0·001) and decreased nurse‐perceived difficulty during catheter placement (p = 0·001).ConclusionsLocal application of heat before the catheterisation procedure is suggested for patients receiving chemotherapy, particularly in cases where visibility of the veins is poor and intravenous catheter insertion is difficult.Relevance to clinical practiceLocal application of heat results in vasodilation, and thus intravenous catheter insertion becomes easier. Our findings have important implications for nurses who care for chemotherapy patients. The inclusion of local heat application before catheterisation as a preparation step is suitable to be implemented by nurses in other hospitals and clinics where chemotherapy is provided.
Intentional rounding: facilitators, benefits and barriers
Authors: Flowers Kelli , Wright Kylie , Langdon Rachel , McIlwrath Maureen , Wainwright Craig , Johnson Maree 
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectivesTo describe the implementation, practice and sustainability of Intentional Rounding (IR) within two diverse settings (aged care and maternity).BackgroundThe profile of patients in hospitals has changed over time, generally being more severe, placing heavy demands on nurses' time. Routine non‐urgent care is often provided only when there is time. IR has been found to increase both patient and staff satisfaction, also resulting in improved patient outcomes such as reduced falls and call bell use. IR is also used as a time management tool for safe and reliable provision of routine care.MethodsThis descriptive qualitative research study comprised of three focus groups in a metropolitan hospital.ResultsFifteen nurses participated in three focus groups. Seven main themes emerged from the thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts: implementation and maintenance, how IR works, roles and responsibilities, context and environment, benefits, barriers and legal issues.ConclusionIR was quickly incorporated into normal practice, with clinicians being able to describe the main concepts and practices. IR was seen as a management tool, facilitating accountability and continuity of management support being essential for sustainability. Clinicians reported increases in patient and staff satisfaction, and the opportunity to provide patient education. While patient type and acuity, ward layout and staff experience affected the practice of IR, the principles of IR are robust enough to allow for differences in the ward specialty and patient type. However, care must be taken when implementing IR to reduce the risk of alienating experienced staff. Incorporation of IR charts into the patient health care record is recommended.Relevance to clinical practiceEngaging all staff, encouraging ownership and stability of management are key factors in the successful implementation and maintenance of IR. IR is flexible and robust enough to accommodate different patient types and acuity.
Early skin‐to‐skin contact for healthy full‐term infants after vaginal and caesarean delivery: a qualitative study on clinician perspectives
Authors: Koopman Inez , Callaghan‐Koru Jennifer A. , Alaofin Oluwatope , Argani Cynthia H. , Farzin Azadeh 
Published: March 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study aims to provide insight into key factors from a clinician's perspective that influence uninterrupted early skin‐to‐skin contact after vaginal and caesarean delivery of healthy full‐term infants.BackgroundEarly skin‐to‐skin contact of healthy full‐term infants ideally begins immediately after birth and continues for the first hour or the first breastfeed as recommended by the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. However, adoption of early skin‐to‐skin contact is low in many settings and the barriers that hinder its universal use are not well understood.DesignAn exploratory qualitative research design using semi‐structured interviews.MethodsEleven clinicians were interviewed, including five registered nurses and one medical doctor from the obstetrics and gynaecology unit as well as four registered nurses and one medical doctor from the neonatal intensive care unit. Core topics that were discussed included perceptions on early skin‐to‐skin contact and facilitating factors and barriers to early skin‐to‐skin contact after vaginal and caesarean delivery. Interview sessions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. A coding framework was developed from which subthemes emerged. The overall themes were adopted from Lee et al.'s thematic framework to categorise factors into institutional, familial‐level and implementation factors.FindingsCritical institutional factors included inadequate staffing and education of clinicians on early skin‐to‐skin contact. On a familial level, parental education and motivation were identified as important factors. Barriers to implementation included the absence of a clinical algorithm and unclear definitions for eligible mothers and infants.ConclusionsVarious facilitating factors and barriers to early skin‐to‐skin contact of healthy full‐term infants born via vaginal and caesarean delivery were identified.Relevance to clinical practiceAddressing these factors can help to provide a better understanding of clinician perspectives on early skin‐to‐skin contact and help guide its implementation as standard of care for healthy full‐term infants.
Consumer‐Led Development of Novel Sea‐Buckthorn Based Beverages
Authors: Geertsen Julie Leth , Allesen‐Holm Bodil H. , Giacalone Davide 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn the context of a growing interest toward foods of local origin, this research explored consumer perceptions of novel sea‐buckthorn‐based beverages (SBBs), developed by combining sea‐buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries in combination with other locally sourced ingredients.Specifically, the aims of the present study were to test how newly developed SBBs were perceived compared to a selected market reference, and to determine their acceptability with a representative sample of the Danish consumer population. Using a combination of consumer‐friendly product profiling methods, we investigated which product attributes were associated with different ingredient combinations. Promising prototypes were tested in a larger study where consumers (N = 200) reported hedonic response and appropriateness of use for the SBBs. Results showed that the developed SBBs were generally well liked, but were perceived as appropriate for fewer usages than the existing ones, suggesting that consumers may find it hard to envisage how to incorporate novel SBBs in their existing dietary habits. Consumer demographics and psychographics did not significantly affect product acceptance, indicating that sensory characteristics were the most important drivers of consumer preferences within this product category.Practical ApplicationsThis study offers new insights into consumers’ perception of novel food products of local origin. A key issue with such ingredients is that they have unique sensory properties which are unfamiliar to many consumers. We suggest evidence‐based directions for product development and identify potential barriers to adoption that food producers should be aware of. Methodologically, this study shows a stepwise approach to consumer‐driven product development that effectively differentiated between the products and identified most promising prototypes, and could, therefore, be beneficially applied to support product development efforts among small and medium‐sized local producers.
New treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV): scope for preventing liver disease and HCV transmission in England
Authors: Harris R. J. , Martin N. K. , Rand E. , Mandal S. , Mutimer D. , Vickerman P. , Ramsay M. E. , De Angelis D. , Hickman M. , Harris H.E. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryNew direct‐acting antivirals have the potential to transform the hepatitis C (HCV) treatment landscape, with rates of sustained viral response in excess of 90%. As these new agents are expensive, an important question is whether to focus on minimizing the consequences of severe liver disease, or reducing transmission via ‘treatment as prevention’. A back‐calculation model was used to estimate the impact of treatment of mild, moderate and compensated cirrhosis on incident cases ofHCV‐related end‐stage liver disease/hepatocellular carcinoma (ESLD/HCC). In addition, a dynamic model was used to determine the impact on incidence and prevalence of chronic infection in people who inject drugs (PWID), the main risk group in England. Treating 3500 cirrhotics per year was predicted to reduceESLD/HCCincidence from 1100 (95% CrI 970–1240) cases per year in 2015 to 630 (95% CrI 530–770) in 2020, around half that currently expected, although treating moderate‐stage disease will also be needed to sustain this reduction. Treating mild‐stagePWIDwas required to make a substantial impact on transmission: with 2500 treated per year, chronic prevalence/annual incidence inPWIDwas reduced from 34%/4.8% in 2015 to 11%/1.4% in 2030. There was little overlap between the two goals: treating mild stage had virtually no impact onESLD/HCCwithin 15 years, but the long timescale of liver disease means relatively fewPWIDreach cirrhosis before cessation of injecting. Strategies focussing on treating advanced disease have the potential for dramatic reductions in severe morbidity, but virtually no preventative impact.
Lipid disorder and intrahepatic renin–angiotensin system activation synergistically contribute to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Wu Yu , Ma Kun L. , Zhang Yang , Wen Yi , Wang Gui H. , Hu Ze B. , Liu Liang , Lu Jian , Chen Pei P. , Ruan Xiong Z. , Liu Bi C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the possible synergistic effects of lipid disorder with renin–angiotensin system (RAS) activation in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsApolipoprotein E gene‐knockout mice, angiotensin II (Ang II) type 1 receptor (AT1) gene‐knockout mice and human hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2) were used for experiments. Lipid accumulation was examined by Filipin staining and intracellular cholesterol quantitative assay. The gene and protein expression of molecules involved in RAS and low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) pathway was examined by real‐time PCR, immunofluorescent staining and Western blot.ResultsThere was significantly increased expression of RAS components and extracellular matrix (ECM) in livers of high‐fat‐diet‐fed apolipoprotein E gene‐knockout mice compared with controls. Upregulation of RAS components was positively associated with increased plasma levels of lipid profile. The in vitro study further confirmed that cholesterol loading increased supernatant renin activity and Ang II level of HepG2 cells, accompanied by increased ECM production that was positively associated with increased expression of intracellular RAS components. Interestingly, Ang II treatment increased lipid accumulation in livers of C57BL/6 mice and HepG2 cells. Furthermore, Ang II treatment increased gene and protein expression of sterol regulatory element–binding protein (SREBP) cleavage activating protein (SCAP), SREBP‐2 and LDLr, which were mediated by enhanced SCAP/SREBP‐2 complex translocation from endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi. However, LDLr pathway was accordingly downregulated in livers of AT1 gene‐knockout C57BL/6 mice or in HepG2 cells treated by telmisartan.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that lipid disorder and intrahepatic RAS activation synergistically accelerate NAFLD progression.