bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In‐stream structure alters density‐dependent fish effects in stream ecosystems
Authors: Gary Kaitlen P. , Hargrave Chad W. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe independent effects of in‐stream structure (ISS) and fish foraging on stream properties have been well documented, but few studies have explored the interactive effects of ISS and fishes on streams. Herein, we tested the independent and interactive effects of ISS and a generalist fish (Blacktail shiner, Cyprinella venusta) on suspended organic matter (SOM), benthic algae, invertebrate density and fish growth using experimental mesocosms. We found that Blacktail shiner foraging affected all of the ecosystem properties; however, in some cases, the fish effects differed between mesocosms with and without ISS. Specifically, mesocosms with ISS provided greater surface area for invertebrate colonisation and enhanced food resources for Blacktail shiner. As a result, benthic foraging by Blacktail shiner was reduced in these mesocosms. The reduced benthic foraging in turn enhanced benthic algae and benthic invertebrates via a bottom‐up, nutrient excretion pathway. The ISS‐dependent effects of fish on these stream properties, however, were only evident at low and intermediate fish densities (1 and 2 fish·m−2 respectively). This was likely because at the highest fish density (4 fish·m−2) intense fish foraging overrode any mediating effects of ISS. Furthermore, fish growth decreased with fish density because of intraspecific competition, but this negative effect on growth was reduced in mesocosms with ISS because of the increased forage base. However, the positive effect on fish growth was weak and only marginally significant. Our data suggest that fish‐mediated effects on streams are context dependent, changing with microhabitat availability (e.g. ISS) and density of the fish population.
Creatine kinase enzyme level correlates positively with serum creatinine and lean body mass, and is a prognostic factor for survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Rafiq M. K. , Lee E. , Bradburn M. , McDermott C. J. , Shaw P. J. 
Published: March 2016

Background and purposeAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative condition for which there is no single diagnostic test or biomarker. The level of the creatine kinase (CK) enzyme in serum may be mild to moderately elevated in some patients withALS, the precise cause of which and its behaviour with disease progression is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of monitoringCKserially during theALSdisease trajectory and to determine whetherCKlevels mirror disease progression.MethodsThis was a prospective observational cohort study, using the clinical database of the olesoxime (TRO19622) investigational medicinal product trial.ResultsThe baselineCKwas raised in 52% of the trial participants with the mean CK ± SD being 257 ± 239 U/l. The meanCKwas significantly higher in male participants than in female participants (P< 0.001) and amongst participants with limb onsetALScompared to participants with bulbar onsetALS(P< 0.001). There was no significant difference in theCKlevels between upper limb and lower limb onset disease (P= 0.746). TheCKlevel co‐related positively with serum creatinine and estimated lean body mass but there was no relationship betweenCKand muscle scores and limb function. A higherCKlogwas associated with significantly better survival, even when adjusted for prognostic co‐variants (P= 0.013).ConclusionsThe serumCKlevel seems to be an independent prognostic factor for survival inALS. The cellular mechanism ofCKenzyme suggests that it may be upregulated to provide energy in the face of metabolic stress inALS.
The Interdependence of Relationships with Adult Children and Spouses
Authors: Lee Jeong Eun , Zarit Steven H. , Rovine Michael J. , Birditt Kira , Fingerman Karen L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractResearchers have documented the interrelatedness of parent–child and marital relationships during the early parenting years, but little is known about how these two family subsystems are associated once children reach adulthood. The authors of the current study addressed this gap by examining parents' relationships with their adult children and their marital satisfaction using an actor–partner interdependence model. Participants included 197 married other‐sex couples (N = 394 individuals; range: 40–69 years of age) who had a child over age 18 years. A spillover effect was found among fathers, indicating that parent–child relationship quality was positively associated with marital satisfaction, but the same was not found for mothers. Interestingly, a negative crossover effect was also found, meaning that more negative relationship quality between mothers and their adult children was associated with lower marital satisfaction on the part of the father. These findings suggest that the interdependence between parent–child and marital relationships persist once children reach adulthood.
IFNL4 polymorphism effects on outcome of simeprevir, peginterferon, and ribavirin therapy for older patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Mori Nami , Imamura Michio , Kawakami Yoshiiku , Nagaoki Yuko , Kawaoka Tomokazu , Tsuge Masataka , Hiramatsu Akira , Hayes C. Nelson , Aikata Hiroshi , Miki Daiki , Ochi Hidenori , Honda Yohji , Takaki Shintaro , Tsuji Keiji , Chayama Kazuaki ,   Hiroshima Liver Study Group
Published: March 2016

AimOlder patients with chronic hepatitis C have a lower virological response to interferon (IFN)‐based treatments compared to younger patients. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the IFN‐λ‐4 (IFNL4) gene has a potent predictive effect on treatment response to IFN‐based treatments. The efficacy of simeprevir (SMV) plus pegylated‐IFN (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin therapy and the predictive value of IFNL4 on the outcome of therapy for older patients have not been addressed.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study included 234 consecutive Japanese patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C. We assessed the predictive factors for sustained virological response (SVR) to SMV, PEG‐IFN, and ribavirin triple therapy in 170 younger (<70 years) and 64 older (≥70 years) patients. IFNL4 polymorphism ss469415590 was analyzed by Invader assay.ResultsThe SVR rate for older patients was similar to that for younger patients (63.9% and 72.0%, respectively). The SVR rate for the IFNL4 TT/TT group was significantly higher than the IFNL4 TT/ΔG or ΔG/ΔG group both in younger (93.6% and 46.1%, respectively, P < 0.01) and older patients (84.4% and 33.3%, respectively, P < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, IFNL4 TT/TT genotype, response to previous treatment and IFNL4 TT/TT genotype were identified as independent predictive factors for SVR in older and younger patients, respectively. Decrease in hemoglobin level was similar between the two groups.ConclusionThe virological response to SMV triple therapy in older patients was similar to that of younger patients. Analysis of IFNL4 polymorphisms is a valuable predictor in both younger and older patients.
Garden greenery and the health of older people in residential care facilities: a multi‐level cross‐sectional study
Authors: Dahlkvist Eva , Hartig Terry , Nilsson Annika , Högberg Hans , Skovdahl Kirsti , Engström Maria 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimsTo test the relationship between greenery in gardens at residential facilities for older people and the self‐perceived health of residents, mediated by experiences of being away and fascination when in the garden and the frequency of visitation there. To examine how these indirect effects vary with the number of physical barriers to visiting the garden.BackgroundMany older people in residential facilities suffer from complex health problems. Access to a green outdoor environment may enable psychological distance, engage effortless attention, encourage more frequent visitation and promote resident health.DesignA multi‐level, cross‐sectional, correlational design.MethodsQuestionnaires were administered June–August, 2011 to convenience samples of residents at 72 facilities for older people with complex healthcare needs. One to 10 eligible residents were sampled during self‐motivated garden visits at each facility (n = 290). They reported on their garden experiences and health. Facility staff reported on objective garden characteristics and barriers to access. A serial mediation model was tested with multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsThe total indirect effect of greenery on self‐perceived health was positive and significant. Garden greenery appears to affect health by enhancing a sense of being away, affording possibilities to experience the outdoor environment as interesting and encouraging visitation. Among residents in homes with multiple barriers, only fascination mediated the relationship between greenery and self‐perceived health.ConclusionAmple greenery in outdoor space at residential facilities for older people appears to promote experiences of being away and fascination, more frequent visitation and better health.
Simulated environments with animated agents: effects on visual attention, emotion, performance, and perception
Authors: Romero‐Hall E. , Watson G. S. , Adcock A. , Bliss J. , Adams Tufts K. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis research assessed how emotive animated agents in a simulation‐based training affect the performance outcomes and perceptions of the individuals interacting in real time with the training application. A total of 56 participants consented to complete the study. The material for this investigation included a nursing simulation in which participants interacted with three animated agents. The results of this investigation indicated that both experienced and novice participants focused more visual attention time on the body of the animated agent than the other defined areas of interest in the simulated environment. The results also indicated that novice participants conveyed more neutral facial expressions during the interaction with the animated agents than experience participants. The results of the simulation performance scores indicated that novice participants achieved higher simulation performance scores on the simulation task than experienced participants. Lastly, the results of the agent persona instrument showed that experienced and novice participants perceived the animated agents as facilitators of learning, credible, human‐like and engaging.
Experimental Investigation of the Efficiency of Heat Pump Drying System with Full Air Recirculation
Authors: Zlatanović Ivan , Komatina Mirko , Antonijević Dragi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe paper presents results of an experimental investigation of convective drying of apples “var. Idared,” potatoes “var. Désirée” and bananas “var. Grand Nein,” in full recirculation laboratory‐scale dryer. The experiments were conducted with cube‐shaped apple samples (side length 10 and 13 mm), potato chips (slice thickness 2 and 3 mm) and banana cylinders (slice thickness 6 and 7 mm), without pre‐treatment. The drying experiment was conducted at fully controlled air temperature (35–45–55°C), relative humidity (10–20–30%) and air velocity (1–1.5–2 m/s). Results are discussed through their comparison with other heat pump drying system scenarios in order to find the most efficient one. The efficiency of the heat pump drying (HPD) system was analyzed using the several indicators: specific moisture extraction rate (SMER), specific energy consumption (SEC), heat pump dryer efficiency (HPDE) and moisture extraction rate (MER). The average values of the full air recirculation HPD system efficiency indicators were obtained in range: SMERHP = 0.030–1.317 kg/kWh, SMERHPD = 0.047–0.651 kg/kWh, SEC = 0.211–9.358 MJ/kg, HPDE = 0.426–20.7 MJ/kg and MER = 1.362–17.194 kWh/kg. The results were evaluated in order to provide better information about the benefits of full air recirculation usage in HPD systems in regards to the other similar dryer configurations.Practical ApplicationsThis study uses full air recirculation to provide better control of the main drying parameters and to minimize impact of the surroundings. The novelty of this study lies in the fact that RH of the drying air was precisely controlled during all experiments. The evaluation of the relevance of full air recirculation HPD system is rare in literature and therefore the present study is directed toward quantification of influence of HPD system configuration on drying process efficiency. Dependence of several energy efficiency indicators of HPD system performance: SMER, SEC, HPDE and MER on HPD system air recirculation rate were investigated. The results were evaluated in order to provide better information about the benefits of full air recirculation usage in HPD systems in regards to the other similar dryer configurations.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Salmonella SPP. and Salmonella Typhimurium in Broiler Carcasses Wings and Liver
Authors: Goncuoglu Muammer , Ormanci F. Seda Bilir , Uludag Murat , Cil Guzin Iplikcioglu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Salmonella spp. from broiler carcasses, wings and liver samples by immunomagnetic separation based cultivation technique, to verify the isolates as Salmonella spp. by the detection of oriC gene by PCR, to identify the isolates using malic acid dehydrogenase and DT104 specific primers as S. Typhimurium and S. Typhimurium DT104. Also to determine the two important virulence genes, virulence plasmid (spvC) and invasion (invA) for molecular characterization, to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates. For this purpose, 110 broiler carcasses, 110 broiler wings and 110 broiler liver samples with a total number of 330 were analyzed. Ninety six (29.1%) of the samples were detected as contaminated with Salmonella spp. According to the results 11 isolates (11.4%) were identified as S. Typhimurium. None of these serotypes were determined as specific phage type DT104. InvA gene was detected from all the (100.0%) Salmonella isolates and 14 isolates (14.6%) were detected as positive for spvC gene. Eighty‐three isolates (86.4%) were resistant to at least 5, 70 isolates (72.9 %) resistant to at least 7 and 36 isolates (37.5%) were resistant to at least 9 antibiotic.Practical ApplicationThis work is significant because Salmonella is still an important public health problem all around the world. This study would provide some data about the incidence of S. Typhimurium and S. Typhimurium DT104 in chicken meat and parts and the antibiotic resistance of the isolates in Turkey. Besides, the method used in study and the parts chosen for analysis would be a model for the other researchers who are thinking to study in this area.
The impact of caring for an adult with intellectual disability and psychiatric comorbidity on carer stress and psychological distress
Authors: Dawson F. , Shanahan S. , Fitzsimons E. , O'Malley G. , Mac Giollabhui N. , Bramham J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundGiven that carers of individuals with intellectual disability (ID) and carers of individuals with psychiatric disorders experience elevated levels of stress and psychological distress, carers of individuals with both ID and a comorbid psychiatric disorder are potentially at even greater risk for psychological difficulties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological well‐being of carers of adults with a dual diagnosis compared with carers of adults with intellectual disability alone.MethodFour‐hundred and forty‐two questionnaires were sent to four community services and seventy‐five family carers of adults with intellectual disability responded. Psychological well‐being of carers was assessed using the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress – Friedrich edition (QRS‐F) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Comorbid psychopathology for their family member with ID was assessed using the Reiss Screen for Maladaptive Behaviour (RSMB).ResultsTwenty‐four percent of the individuals with ID were reported to have comorbid psychopathology. Between‐group analyses compared carers of people with ID and comorbid psychopathology to carers of people with ID alone. Regression analyses examined the relationship between psychopathology and other care‐related variables to carer stress and psychological distress. Carers of people with ID and comorbid psychopathology were found to have significantly higher levels of stress and psychological distress than carers of people with ID alone. Autism was found to be the only significant predictor of both stress and psychological distress among measures of psychopathology.ConclusionsAdditional comorbid psychopathology in individuals with intellectual disability has a significant impact on their carers’ psychological well‐being.
The impact of behavioural executive functioning and intelligence on math abilities in children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Dekker M.C. , Ziermans T.B. , Swaab H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the role of behavioural executive functioning (EF) skills and level of intelligence (IQ) on math abilities in children with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities.MethodTeachers of 63 children attending a school for special education (age: 10 to 13 years; IQ: 50 to 85) filled out a Behaviour Rating Inventory for Executive Function for each student. Furthermore, students took a standardised national composite math test and a specific math test on measurement and time problems. Information on level of intelligence was gathered through school records. Multiple regression analyses were performed to test direct, moderating and mediating effects of EF and IQ on math performance.ResultsBehavioural problems with working memory and flexibility had a direct negative effect on math outcome, while concurrently, level of intelligence had a positive effect. The effect of IQ on math skills was moderated by problems with inhibition: in children with a clinical level of inhibition problems, there was no effect of level of intelligence on math performance.ConclusionsFindings suggest that in students with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities and math difficulties, it is important to address their strengths and weaknesses with respect to EF and adjust instruction and remedial intervention accordingly.
miR‐186 in Alzheimer's disease: a big hope for a small RNA?
Authors: Ben Halima Saoussen , Siegel Gabriele , Rajendran Lawrence 
Published: March 2016

imageThis Editorial highlights a study by Kim et al. in the current issue of Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors demonstrate that miR‐186 is a potent negative regulator of BACE1 and might be one of the molecular links between advanced brain aging and the increased risk for Alzheimer disease.Read the highlighted article ‘miR‐186 is decreased in aged brain and suppresses BACE1 expression’ on page 436.
Posterodorsal Medial Amygdala Mediates Tail‐Pinch Induced Food Intake in Female Rats
Authors: Hu M. H. , Bashir Z. , Li X. F. , O'Byrne K. T. 
Published: March 2016

Comfort eating during periods of stress is a common phenomenon observed in both animals and humans. However, the underlying mechanisms of stress‐induced food intake remain elusive. The amygdala plays a central role in higher‐order emotional processing and the posterodorsal subnucleus of the medial amygdala (MePD), in particular, is involved in food intake. Extra‐hypothalamic corticotrophin‐releasing factor (CRF) is well recognised for mediating behavioural responses to stress. To explore the possible role of amygdala CRF receptor activation in stress‐induced food intake, we evaluated whether a stressor such as tail‐pinch, which reliably induces food intake, would fail to do so in animals bearing bilateral neurotoxic lesions of the MePD. Our results showed that ibotenic acid induced lesions of the MePD markedly reduced tail‐pinch induced food intake in ovariectomised, 17β‐oestradiol replaced rats. In addition, intra‐MePD (right side only) administration of CRF (0.002 or 0.02 ng) via chronically implanted cannulae resulted in a dose‐dependent increase in food intake, although higher doses of 0.2 and 2 ng CRF had less effect, producing a bell shaped curve. Furthermore, intra‐MePD (bilateral) administration of the CRF receptor antagonist, astressin (0.3 μg per side) effectively blocked tail‐pinch induced food intake. These data suggest that the MePD is involved in stress‐induced food intake and that the amygdala CRF system may be a mediator of comfort eating.
Influence of different fixation protocols on the preservation and dimensions of cardiac tissue
Authors: Hołda Mateusz K. , Klimek‐Piotrowska Wiesława , Koziej Mateusz , Piątek Katarzyna , Hołda Jakub 
Published: March 2016

AbstractRecent extensive progress in invasive cardiac procedures has triggered a wave of dozens of heart morphometric anatomical studies that are carried out largely using autopsied samples fixed in formaldehyde solution prior to observations and measurements. In reality, very little is known about changes in heart tissue dimensions during fixation. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate how fixation affects the dimensions of cardiac tissue, and if different types and concentrations of reagents affect this phenomenon. A total of 40 pig heart samples were investigated, and seven different measuring sites were permanently marked in every heart prior to fixation. Four study groups (n = 10 each) were assembled that differed only in concentration and the type of fixative: (i) 2% formaldehyde solution; (ii) 4% formaldehyde solution (formalin); (iii) 10% formaldehyde solution; (iv) alcoholic formalin. The samples were measured before and after fixation at the following time points: 24 h, 72 h and 168 h. It was found that different fixatives significantly affected different parameters. Almost all of the heart dimensions that were measured stabilized after 24 h; later changes were statistically insignificant in the point‐to‐point comparison. Change in the length of the interatrial septum surface was not altered significantly in any of the fixatives after 24 h of preservation. It was found that 10% formaldehyde increased the thickness of muscular tissue only after 24 h; this thickening was reduced after 72 h and was insignificant at 168 h. Other heart parameters in this group do not present significant changes over the entire fixation time duration. In conclusion, the 10% formaldehyde phosphate‐buffered solution appeared to be the best fixative among the fixatives that were studied for cardiac morphometric purposes; this solution caused the smallest changes in tissue dimensions. Measurements should be obtained at least after 1 week of preservation when most parameters exhibit the smallest changes compared with the non‐preserved samples.