bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment with rhDNase in patients with cystic fibrosis alters in-vitro CHIT-1 activity of isolated leucocytes
Authors: Weckmann M , Schultheiss C , Hollaender A , Bobis I , Rupp J , Kopp M V 
Published: June 2016

Summary
Recent data suggest a possible relationship between cystic fibrosis (CF) pharmacotherapy, Aspergillus fumigatus colonization (AC) and/or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). The aim of this study was to determine if anti-fungal defence mechanisms are influenced by CF pharmacotherapy, i.e. if (1) neutrophils form CF and non-CF donors differ in their ability to produce chitotriosidase (CHIT-1); (2) if incubation of isolated neutrophils with azithromycin, salbutamol, prednisolone or rhDNase might influence the CHIT-1 activity; and (3) if NETosis and neutrophil killing efficiency is influenced by rhDNase. Neutrophils were isolated from the blood of CF patients (n = 19; mean age 26·8 years or healthy, non-CF donors (n = 20; 38·7 years) and stimulated with phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA), azithromycin, salbutamol, prednisolone or rhDNase. CHIT-1 enzyme activity was measured with a fluorescent substrate. NETosis was induced by PMA and neutrophil killing efficiency was assessed by a hyphae recovery assay. Neutrophil CHIT-1 activity was comparable in the presence or absence of PMA stimulation in both CF and non-CF donors. PMA stimulation and preincubation with rhDNase increased CHIT-1 activity in culture supernatants from non-CF and CF donors. However, this increase was significant in non-CF donors but not in CF patients (P &lt; 0·05). RhDNase reduced the number of NETs in PMA-stimulated neutrophils and decreased the killing efficiency of leucocytes in our in-vitro model. Azithromycin, salbutamol or prednisolone had no effect on CHIT-1 activity. Stimulation of isolated leucocytes with PMA and treatment with rhDNase interfered with anti-fungal defence mechanisms. However, the impact of our findings for treatment in CF patients needs to be proved in a clinical cohort.
Five challenges to reconcile agricultural land use and forest ecosystem services in Southeast Asia
Authors: Carrasco L.R. , Papworth S.K. , Reed J. , Symes W.S. , Ickowitz A. , Clements T. , Peh K.S.‐H. , Sunderland T. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSoutheast Asia possesses the highest rates of tropical deforestation globally and exceptional levels of species richness and endemism. Many countries in the region are also recognized for their food insecurity and poverty, making the reconciliation of agricultural production and forest conservation a particular priority. This reconciliation requires recognition of the trade‐offs between competing land‐use values and the subsequent incorporation of this information into policy making. To date, such reconciliation has been relatively unsuccessful across much of Southeast Asia. We propose an ecosystem services (ES) value‐internalization framework that identifies the key challenges to such reconciliation. These challenges include lack of accessible ES valuation techniques; limited knowledge of the links between forests, food security, and human well‐being; weak demand and political will for the integration of ES in economic activities and environmental regulation; a disconnect between decision makers and ES valuation; and lack of transparent discussion platforms where stakeholders can work toward consensus on negotiated land‐use management decisions. Key research priorities to overcome these challenges are developing easy‐to‐use ES valuation techniques; quantifying links between forests and well‐being that go beyond economic values; understanding factors that prevent the incorporation of ES into markets, regulations, and environmental certification schemes; understanding how to integrate ES valuation into policy making processes, and determining how to reduce corruption and power plays in land‐use planning processes.
The mechanical defence advantage of small seeds
Authors: Fricke Evan C. , Wright S. Joseph 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSeed size and toughness affect seed predators, and size‐dependent investment in mechanical defence could affect relationships between seed size and predation. We tested how seed toughness and mechanical defence traits (tissue density and protective tissue content) are related to seed size among tropical forest species. Absolute toughness increased with seed size. However, smaller seeds had higher specific toughness both within and among species, with the smallest seeds requiring over 2000 times more energy per gram to break than the largest seeds. Investment in mechanical defence traits varied widely but independently of the toughness‐mass allometry. Instead, a physical scaling relationship confers a toughness advantage on small seeds independent of selection on defence traits and without a direct cost. This scaling relationship may contribute to seed size diversity by decreasing fitness differences among large and small seeds. Allometric scaling of toughness reconciles predictions and conflicting empirical relationships between seed size and predation.
Efficiency evaluation of sustainable water management using the HF‐TODIM method
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Xu Zeshui 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWith the development of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and modernization, water resources have been facing a series of increasingly severe problems in China, especially in urban areas. However, the absence of an effective, scientific evaluation method may lead to a lack of awareness of sustainable water usage. Thus, this paper focuses on performance analysis for regional sustainable water use in China. First, the sustainable water management (SWM) efficiency is defined, and then, six indicators are selected to construct an evaluation index system. Given that experts are usually not completely rational in practice, we need to take the effect of the experts’ nonrationality into consideration when evaluating the SWM efficiency. In view of the indicators’ uncertainty and fuzziness, and the experts’ nonrationality, the hesitant fuzzy TODIM (HF‐TODIM; TODIM is an acronym in Portuguese for interactive multicriteria decision making) method, which can capture the influence of the experts’ psychological factors on the evaluation results, is used to evaluate the SWM efficiency. Furthermore, the assessment method is applied to some sample regions in Tuojiang River Basin. Based on the calculated results, some findings and implications for the SWM efficiency in the sample regions are analyzed. Finally, the applied results using the proposed method are compared with the results derived using the HF‐TOPSIS (hesitant fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution in hesitant fuzzy environment) method. Through the comparative analysis, we conclude that the HF‐TOPSIS method does not take the experts’ psychological factors into consideration, but the HF‐TODIM method can avoid this issue and is very useful for the evaluation of the regional SWM efficiency.
Effect of Therapeutic Ionizing Radiation on Implantable Electronic Devices: Systematic Review and Practical Guidance
Authors: TAJSTRA MATEUSZ , GADULA‐GACEK ELZBIETA , BUCHTA PIOTR , BLAMEK SLAWOMIR , GASIOR MARIUSZ , KOSIUK JEDRZEJ 
Published: June 2016

Systematic Review and Practical GuidanceCardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) have been in use for over 50 years and their therapeutic value is undisputable. With the rapidly aging population, it is estimated that the number of CIEDs will grow dramatically over the next 2 decades. Given these predictions, the topic of management of concomitant conditions associated with older age becomes more relevant than ever. In particular, the number of patients with an implanted CIED diagnosed with cancer is expected to rise by about 70%, from 14 million in 2012 to 22 million within the next 2 decades. Treatment of most of these tumors and tumor metastases requires radiation therapy. However, the necessary high doses of radiation can potentially interact with the function, longevity, and integrity of the CIEDs and/or cause harm to the patient. The impact of an absence of clear therapeutic guidelines for oncology patients with CIEDs who should undergo radiation therapy is vast; and due to the fear of possible complications related to device failure, many of these patients may not be treated adequately to their needs, which can strongly affect their prognosis.This article summarizes the available data on the management of patients with CIEDs undergoing radiotherapy. It systematically presents possible causes and consequences of direct and scattered radiation on CIEDs, highlights possible complications that may occur during this kind of treatment, and provides practical guidance for this challenging real life clinical setting.
A method for collecting eggs of Pseudocapillaria tomentosa (Nematoda: Capillariidae) from zebrafish Danio rerio and efficacy of heat and chlorine for killing the nematode's eggs
Authors: Martins M L , Watral V , Rodrigues‐Soares J P , Kent M L 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPseudocapillaria tomentosa is a common pathogen of zebrafish (Danio rerio) in research facilities. We developed a method to collect and concentrate the nematode eggs using a modified sugar centrifugation method and documented their normal development. Embryonating stages with blastomere formation followed by elongation of the embryo prior to larva formation cumulated in developed larvae inside the eggs and hatching after 5–10 day. We then evaluated the efficacy of heat and chlorine to kill them based on a larva development assay. Eggs were exposed to 40, 50, 60 °C for 30 min and 1 h. Chlorine treatment was performed at 100, 250, 500, 1000, 3000 and 6000 ppm for 10 min. Samples exposed to 40 °C for 30 min or 1 h showed incidences of larvated eggs similar to controls. In contrast, no larvation occurred with eggs exposed to either 50 or 60 °C for 30 min or 1 h. Remarkably, in repeated assays, samples exposed to low doses of chlorine (100, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm for 10 min) showed significantly higher incidence of larvation than controls. Eggs treated with 3000 ppm for 10 min did not develop larvae, and no eggs were found after 6000 ppm treatment.
Atlantic salmon infected with salmon lice are more susceptible to new lice infections
Authors: Ugelvik M S , Mo T , Mennerat A , Skorping A 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAggregation is commonly observed for macroparasites, but its adaptive value remains unclear. Heavy infestations intensities may lead to a decrease in some fitness‐related traits of parasites (e.g. parasite fecundity or survival). However, to a dioecious parasite, increased aggregation could also increase the chance of finding individuals of the opposite sex. In a laboratory experiment, we tested if previous experience with salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) affected susceptibility of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to later exposure to the same parasite species. We found that currently infected fish got higher intensities of new lice than naive fish. This suggests that hosts already carrying parasites are more susceptible to new lice infections. For this dioecious parasite, such positive density dependence might be adaptive, ensuring successful reproduction under conditions of low lice densities by increasing the probability of both sexes infecting the same host.
The accuracy of dietary recall of infant feeding and food allergen data
Authors: van Zyl Z. , Maslin K. , Dean T. , Blaauw R. , Venter C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundResearch investigating the association of infant dietary factors with later health outcomes often relies on maternal recall. It is unclear what the effect of recall bias is on the accuracy of the information obtained. The present study aimed to determine the extent of recall bias on the accuracy of infant feeding and food allergen data collected 10 years later.MethodsMothers were recruited from a prospective birth cohort from the Isle of Wight. When their child was 10 years of age (2011/2012), mothers were requested to complete a retrospective infant feeding questionnaire asking the same questions as those solicited in 2001/2002.ResultsIn total, 125 mothers participated. There was substantial agreement for recollection of any breastfeeding (κ = 0.79) and the duration of breastfeeding from 10 years earlier (r = 0.84). Some 94% of mothers recalled accurately that their child had received formula milk. The exact age at which formula milk was first given was reliably answered (r = 0.63). The brand of formula milk was poorly recalled. Recall of age of introduction of solid food was not reliable (r = 0.16). The age of introduction of peanuts was the only food allergen that was recalled accurately (86%).ConclusionsThe present study highlights the importance of maternal recall bias of infant feeding practices over 10 years. Recall related to breastfeeding and formula feeding were reliable, whereas recalls related to age of introduction of solid or allergenic foods, apart from peanut, were not. Caution should be applied when interpreting studies relying on dietary recall.
Mutation analysis of GLDC, AMT and GCSH in cataract captive‐bred vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops)
Authors: Chauke Chesa G. , Magwebu Zandisiwe E. , Sharma Jyoti R. , Arieff Zainunisha , Seier Jürgen V. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundNon‐ketotic hyperglycinaemia (NKH) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of glycine metabolism characterized by accumulation of glycine in body fluids and various neurological symptoms.MethodsThis study describes the first screening of NKH in cataract captive‐bred vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus aethiops). Glycine dehydrogenase (GLDC), aminomethyltransferase (AMT) and glycine cleavage system H protein (GCSH) were prioritized.ResultsMutation analysis of the complete coding sequence of GLDC and AMT revealed six novel single‐base substitutions, of which three were non‐synonymous missense and three were silent nucleotide changes.ConclusionAlthough deleterious effects of the three amino acid substitutions were not evaluated, one substitution of GLDC gene (S44R) could be disease‐causing because of its drastic amino acid change, affecting amino acids conserved in different primate species. This study confirms the diagnosis of NKH for the first time in vervet monkeys with cataracts.
Factors affecting difficult peripheral intravenous cannulation in adults: a prospective observational study
Authors: Piredda Michela , Biagioli Valentina , Barrella Beatrice , Carpisassi Ilaria , Ghinelli Roberta , Giannarelli Diana , De Marinis Maria Grazia 
Published: June 2016

Aims and ObjectivesThis study aimed to identify risk factors for difficult intravenous cannulation in relation to characteristics of patients, healthcare providers and devices in adult patients accessing a radiology service.BackgroundEarly recognition of patients at risk for difficult peripheral intravenous catheterisation is important to adopt strategies able to increase the likelihood of success in intravenous cannulation, as well as to critically evaluate the use of alternative administration routes or venous devices.DesignA prospective observational study was conducted in the radiology service of an Italian university hospital from January to August 2013.MethodsThirteen nurses observed 763 patients during intravenous insertion (53% were female, the mean age was 63 years and 65% had a diagnosis of cancer). For each patient, nurses collected data about potential predictors of difficult intravenous cannulation, which was defined as a procedure lasting more than one minute. Data included characteristics of patient, cannula required, venepuncture performed and operator(s) involved. Logistic regression was performed as univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsThe intravenous insertion time ranged from 45 seconds to 125 minutes. Overall, variables identified as significant independent predictors were chemotherapy received via peripheral cannula (OR = 1·42), veins with many valves (OR = 3·67), fragility (OR = 3·29), visibility (OR = 0·87) and palpability (OR = 0·79) as perceived by nurses.ConclusionsAlthough many risk factors were identified, the overall success rate was very high, suggesting that nurses’ attention during cannulation protected at‐risk patients from multiple attempts. Multicentre studies should further investigate risk factors across different radiology services and clinical settings.Relevance to clinical practiceThese results can help nurses to recognise risk factors for difficult intravenous access and pay appropriate attention when attempting a venepuncture to preserve patients’ peripheral veins.
Mismatched expectations? Experiences of nurses in a low‐income country working with visiting nurses from high‐income countries
Authors: Tjoflåt Ingrid , Melissa Theodotha John , Mduma Estomih , Hansen Britt Sætre , Søreide Eldar 
Published: June 2016

Aim and objectivesTo describe how nurses in a rural hospital in a low‐income country experience working with visiting nurses from high‐income countries.BackgroundNurses in low‐income countries work with visiting nurses from high‐income countries in various health projects. However, there is a paucity of studies examining how nurses in low‐income countries experience working with nurses from such different backgrounds.DesignThis study is descriptive, explorative and qualitative.MethodsThe data were collected from 10 semi‐structured interviews in 2015 and were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The study was conducted with ward nurses in a rural hospital in Tanzania, a sub‐Saharan African country characterised as low‐income country.FindingsThe data analysis revealed two themes related to the local nurses’ experiences of working with visiting nurses from high‐income countries: (1) To do it our way and (2) Different expectations, benefits and limitations.ConclusionThe findings strongly indicate that the local nurses expected foreign nurses to follow the local system and work under supervision. The local nurses appreciated opportunities to learn from working and sharing knowledge with foreign nurses, but simultaneously expressed that the gained knowledge should be adapted and implemented according to their local health system.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings can inform nurses, humanitarian organisations, hospitals and universities working in international collaborations.
A holistic approach to age estimation in refugee children
Authors: Sypek Scott A , Benson Jill , Spanner Kate A , Williams Jan L 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimMany refugee children arriving in Australia have an inaccurately documented date of birth (DOB). A medical assessment of a child's age is often requested when there is a concern that their documented DOB is incorrect. This study's aim was to assess the accuracy a holistic age assessment tool (AAT) in estimating the age of refugee children newly settled in Australia.MethodsA holistic AAT that combines medical and non‐medical approaches was used to estimate the ages of 60 refugee children with a known DOB. The tool used four components to assess age: an oral narrative, developmental assessment, anthropometric measures and pubertal assessment. Assessors were blinded to the true age of the child. Correlation coefficients for the actual and estimated age were calculated for the tool overall and individual components.ResultsThe correlation coefficient between the actual and estimated age from the AAT was very strong at 0.9802 (boys 0.9748, girls 0.9876). The oral narrative component of the tool performed best (R = 0.9603). Overall, 86.7% of age estimates were within 1 year of the true age. The range of differences was −1.43 to 3.92 years with a standard deviation of 0.77 years (9.24 months).ConclusionsThe AAT is a holistic, simple and safe instrument that can be used to estimate age in refugee children with results comparable with radiological methods currently used.
Opportunistic adolescent health assessment in the child protection unit
Authors: Hawkrigg Sharon , Smith LeAnne , Johnson Alice , Kennedy Andrew , Payne Donald 
Published: June 2016

AimAdolescent health assessments are recommended to identify health‐risk behaviours. Adolescents who experience maltreatment are more likely to engage in such behaviours. This study (i) describes the frequency of health‐risk behaviours amongst adolescents attending a hospital‐based child protection unit (CPU) and (ii) determines whether use of a health assessment questionnaire increases the identification of these behaviours.MethodsA retrospective audit was performed of case notes of adolescents (aged ≥ 12 years) presenting to the CPU over 5 years (2007–2011). Data regarding health‐risk behaviours were extracted. In 2012, following the introduction of a standardised HEADSS‐based four‐page questionnaire, health‐risk data were collected prospectively over 18 months. The proportion of subjects reporting health‐risk behaviours, before and after questionnaire introduction, was analysed.ResultsTwo hundred fifty‐eight subjects, median age 13 (range 12–18) years, 78% female, were included in the pre‐questionnaire period; and 85 subjects, median age 14 (range 12–17) years, 86% female, were included following introduction of the questionnaire. Questionnaire use was associated with an increase in the frequency of health‐risk behaviours identified in the following domains: Education (odds ratio 4.48 [confidence interval 2.56–7.96] P < 0.001), Activities (16.18 [6.70–42.74] P < 0.001), Drugs/alcohol (4.00 [2.23–7.16] P < 0.001) and Suicidality (8.27 [4.59–14.92] P < 0.001). Participants reported higher rates of health‐risk behaviours than the national population.ConclusionAdolescents attending a hospital‐based CPU report high rates of health‐risk behaviours. A standardised questionnaire results in increased identification of such behaviours.
Patient response to sleep apnea screening in a dental practice
Authors: Dillow Kristin , Essick Gregory , Sanders Anne , Sheats Rose , Brame Jennifer 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis study investigated patient response to a recommendation for physician evaluation following screening for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in a dental practice.MethodsIn a community‐based dental practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, 119 patients were recruited by nonprobability purposive sampling and administered both a validated subjective (STOP questionnaire) and objective (pulse oximeter) screening instrument for OSA. Patients who screened high‐risk for OSA on either instrument were recommended to consult their physician within three months. All patients were contacted via telephone after three months to determine if they had consulted a physician regarding their screening results. Multivariate log‐binomial models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95 percent confidence limits (95% CL) for physician consultation according to OSA risk, adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsOverall, 18.5 percent of patients screened high‐risk on the STOP questionnaire alone, 26.1 percent on pulse oximetry alone, and 31.9 percent on both instruments. Follow‐up of 111 subjects (93.3%) found that 40 (47.1%) of those high‐risk for OSA on one or both instruments sought physician evaluation. Patients who screened high‐risk on pulse oximetry were 2.55 times as likely to seek physician evaluation compared with those who screened low‐risk on both instruments (PR = 2.55, 95% CL: 1.02, 6.37). Screening high‐risk on the STOP questionnaire did not significantly increase the likelihood of physician evaluation.ConclusionsNearly, half of dental patients who screen high‐risk for OSA may be responsive to a recommendation to seek physician evaluation.