bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pilot Randomized Study of a Gratitude Journaling Intervention on Heart Rate Variability and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients With Stage B Heart Failure
Authors: Redwine Laura S. , Henry Brook L. , Pung Meredith A. , Wilson Kathleen , Chinh Kelly , Knight Brian , Jain Shamini , Rutledge Thomas , Greenberg Barry , Maisel Alan , Mills Paul J. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Objective
Stage B, asymptomatic heart failure (HF) presents a therapeutic window for attenuating disease progression and development of HF symptoms, and improving quality of life. Gratitude, the practice of appreciating positive life features, is highly related to quality of life, leading to development of promising clinical interventions. However, few gratitude studies have investigated objective measures of physical health; most relied on self-report measures. We conducted a pilot study in Stage B HF patients to examine whether gratitude journaling improved biomarkers related to HF prognosis.

Methods
Patients (n = 70; mean [standard deviation] age = 66.2 [7.6] years) were randomized to an 8-week gratitude journaling intervention or treatment as usual. Baseline (T1) assessments included the six-item Gratitude Questionnaire, resting heart rate variability (HRV), and an inflammatory biomarker index. At T2 (midintervention), the six-item Gratitude Questionnaire was measured. At T3 (postintervention), T1 measures were repeated but also included a gratitude journaling task.

Results
The gratitude intervention was associated with improved trait gratitude scores (F = 6.0, p = .017, η
2 = 0.10), reduced inflammatory biomarker index score over time (F = 9.7, p = .004, η
2 = 0.21), and increased parasympathetic HRV responses during the gratitude journaling task (F = 4.2, p = .036, η
2 = 0.15), compared with treatment as usual. However, there were no resting preintervention to postintervention group differences in HRV (p values > .10).

Conclusions
Gratitude journaling may improve biomarkers related to HF morbidity, such as reduced inflammation; large-scale studies with active control conditions are needed to confirm these findings.

Trial Registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01615094
Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale: Initial Validation in Three Clinical Trials
Authors: Kroenke Kurt , Wu Jingwei , Yu Zhangsheng , Bair Matthew J. , Kean Jacob , Stump Timothy , Monahan Patrick O. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Objective
We examine the reliability and validity of the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS)—which combines the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire depression scale and seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale—as a composite measure of depression and anxiety.

Methods
Baseline data from 896 patients enrolled in two primary-care based trials of chronic pain and one oncology-practice–based trial of depression and pain were analyzed. The internal reliability, standard error of measurement, and convergent, construct, and factor structure validity, as well as sensitivity to change of the PHQ-ADS were examined.

Results
The PHQ-ADS demonstrated high internal reliability (Cronbach α values of .8 to .9) in all three trials. PHQ-ADS scores can range from 0 to 48 (with higher scores indicating more severe depression/anxiety), and the estimated standard error of measurement was approximately 3 to 4 points. The PHQ-ADS showed strong convergent (most correlations, 0.7–0.8 range) and construct (most correlations, 0.4–0.6 range) validity when examining its association with other mental health, quality of life, and disability measures. PHQ-ADS cutpoints of 10, 20, and 30 indicated mild, moderate, and severe levels of depression/anxiety, respectively. Bifactor analysis showed sufficient unidimensionality of the PHQ-ADS score. PHQ-ADS change scores at 3 months differentiated (p < .0001) between individuals classified as worse, stable, or improved by a reference measure, providing preliminary evidence for sensitivity to change.

Conclusions
The PHQ-ADS may be a reliable and valid composite measure of depression and anxiety which, if validated in other populations, could be useful as a single measure for jointly assessing two of the most common psychological conditions in clinical practice and research.

Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00926588 (SCOPE); NCT00386243 (ESCAPE); NCT00313573 (INCPAD).
Molecular diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Robert-Gangneux Florence , Belaz Sorya 
Published: May 2016

Purpose of review
Toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients is associated with a high mortality rate. Molecular techniques are important tools to diagnose acute disease in immunocompromised patients, but there are various methods with variable efficiency. Some of them have been validated for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis, but the impact of their use has not been evaluated in immunocompromised patients.

Recent findings
Toxoplasmosis is of increasing importance in non-HIV immunocompromised patients. In addition, the picture of disease shows greater severity in South America, both in immunocompetent study participants and in congenitally infected infants. These epidemiological differences could influence the sensitivity of diagnostic methods. This review analyzes recent data on molecular diagnosis and compares them with older ones, in light of progress gained in molecular techniques and of recent epidemiological findings. Most recent studies were conducted in South America and used PCR targeting the B1 gene. PCR on blood could allow diagnosing a significant proportion of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis in Brazil.

Summary
Quantitative PCR methods with specific probes should be used to improve sensitivity and warrant specificity. Performance of quantitative PCR targeting the repeated 529 bp sequence for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients needs evaluation in field studies in South America and in western countries.
Maize OXIDATIVE STRESS2 Homologs Enhance Cadmium Tolerance in Arabidopsis through Activation of a Putative SAM-Dependent Methyltransferase Gene
Authors: He Lilong , Ma Xiaoling , Li Zhenzhen , Jiao Zhengli , Li Yongqing , Ow David W. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Previously the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) zinc finger protein OXIDATIVE STRESS2 (AtOXS2) and four OXS2-like (AtO2L) family members were described to play a role in stress tolerance and stress escape. For stress escape, SOC1 was a target of AtOXS2. However, for stress tolerance, the downstream targets were not identified. We cloned two OXS2 homolog genes from sweet corn, ZmOXS2b and ZmO2L1. Both genes are transiently inducible by Cd treatment. When expressed in Arabidopsis, each enhances tolerance against cadmium. Further analysis showed that ZmOXS2b and ZmO2L1 proteins enhance Cd tolerance in Arabidopsis by activating at least one target gene, that encoding a putative S-adenosyl-l-Met-dependent methyltransferase superfamily protein (AT5G37990), which we named CIMT1. This activation involves the in vivo interaction with a segment of the CIMT1 promoter that contains a BOXS2 motif previously identified as the binding element for AtOXS2. More importantly, CIMT1 is induced by Cd treatment, and overexpression of this gene alone was sufficient to enhance Cd tolerance in Arabidopsis. The connection of ZmOXS2b and ZmO2L1 to Arabidopsis CIMT1 suggests a similar network may exist in maize (Zea mays) and may provide a clue to possibly using a CIMT1 maize homolog to engineer stress tolerance in a major crop.
Exploratory trial of a school-based alcohol prevention intervention with a family component
Authors: Segrott Jeremy , Rothwell Heather , Pignatelli Ilaria , Playle Rebecca , Hewitt Gillian , Huang Chao , Murphy Simon , Hickman Matthew , Reed Hayley , Moore Laurence 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– Involvement of parents/carers may increase effectiveness of primary school-based alcohol-misuse prevention projects through strengthening family-based protective factors, but rates of parental engagement are typically low. This paper reports findings from an exploratory trial of a school-based prevention intervention – Kids, Adults Together (KAT), based on the Social Development Model, which aimed to promote pro-social family communication in order to prevent alcohol misuse, and incorporated strategies to engage parents/carers. The purpose of this paper is to assess the feasibility and value of conducting an effectiveness trial of KAT.

Design/methodology/approach
– The study was a parallel-group cluster randomised exploratory trial with an embedded process evaluation. The study took place in south Wales, UK, and involved nine primary schools, 367 pupils in Years 5/6 (aged 9-11 years) and their parents/carers and teachers. Questionnaires were completed by pupils at baseline and four month follow-up, and by parents at six month follow-up.

Findings
– Overall KAT was delivered with good fidelity, but two of five intervention schools withdrew from the study without completing implementation. In total, 50 per cent of eligible parents participated in the intervention, and KAT had good acceptability among pupils, parents and teachers. However, a number of “progression to effectiveness trial” criteria were not met. Intermediate outcomes on family communication (hypothesised to prevent alcohol misuse) showed insufficient evidence of an intervention effect. Difficulties were encountered in identifying age appropriate outcome measures for primary school-age children, particularly in relation to family communication processes. The study was unable to find comprehensive methodological guidance on exploratory trials.

Research limitations/implications
– It would not be appropriate to conduct an effectiveness trial as key progression criteria relating to intervention and trial feasibility were not met. There is a need for new measures of family communication which are suitable for primary school-age children, and more guidance on the design and conduct of exploratory/feasibility trials.

Originality/value
– KAT achieved high rates of parental involvement, and its theoretical framework and processes could be adapted by other interventions which experience difficulties with recruitment of parents/carers.
Uncovering paradoxes from physicians’ experiences of patient-centered ward-round
Authors: Bååthe Fredrik , Ahlborg Jr Gunnar , Edgren Lars , Lagström Annica , Nilsson Kerstin 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to uncover paradoxes emerging from physicians’ experiences of a patient-centered and team-based ward round, in an internal medicine department.

Design/methodology/approach
Abductive reasoning relates empirical material to complex responsive processes theory in a dialectical process to further understandings.

Findings
This paper found the response from physicians, to a patient-centered and team-based ward round, related to whether the new demands challenged or confirmed individual physician’s professional identity. Two empirically divergent perspectives on enacting the role of physician during ward round emerged: We-perspective and I-perspective, based on where the physician’s professional identity was centered. Physicians with more of an I-perspective experienced challenges with the new round, while physicians with more of a We-perspective experienced alignment with their professional identity and embraced the new round. When identity is challenged, anxiety is aroused, and if anxiety is not catered to, then resistance is likely to follow and changes are likely to be hampered.

Practical implications
For change processes affecting physicians’ professional identity, it is important for managers and change leaders to acknowledge paradox and find a balance between new knowledge that needs to be learnt and who the physician is becoming in this new procedure.

Originality/value
This paper provides increased understanding about how physicians’ professional identity is interacting with a patient-centered ward round. It adds to the knowledge about developing health care in line with recent societal requests and with sustainable physician engagement.
Synthetic p55 tandem DNA vaccine against Pneumocystiscarinii in rats
Authors: Fan Hua , Guo Jiu‐Ying , Ma Su‐Li , Zhang Nan , An Chun‐Li 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTPneumocystis spp. are opportunistic fungal pathogens that are closely associated with severe pneumonia and pulmonary complications in patients with impaired immunity. In this study, the antigenic epitopes of the gene encoding the 55 kDa antigen fragment of Pneumocystis (p55), which may play an important role in Pneumocystis pneumonia, were analyzed. A gene containing tandem variants of the p55 antigen was synthesized and named the tandem antigen gene (TAG). TAG's potential as a DNA vaccine was assessed in immunosuppressed rats. Immunization with p55‐TAG DNA vaccine significantly reduced both the pathogen burden and lung–weight to body–weight ratios. Additionally, p55‐TAG vaccination in immunosuppressed rats elicited both cell‐mediated and humoral immunity.
Replication, effect sizes and identifying the biological impacts of pesticides on bees under field conditions
Authors: Woodcock Ben A. , Heard Matthew S. , Jitlal Mark S. , Rundlöf Maj , Bullock James M. , Shore Richard F. , Pywell Richard F. 
Published: May 2016

Summary

Honeybees have world‐wide importance as crop pollinators. To ensure their persistence in agricultural systems, statistically robust field trials of plant protection products are vital.

We consider the implications of regulations from the European Food Safety Authority that require the detection of a 7% effect size change in bee colony sizes under field conditions.

Based on a power analysis, we argue that the necessary levels of replication (68 replicates) may pose practical constraints to field testing.

Policy implications. Regulatory studies benefit from data sources collated over a range of spatial scales, from laboratory to landscapes. Basing effect size thresholds solely on expert judgement, as has been done, may be inappropriate. Rather, definition through experimental or simulation studies that assess the biological consequences of changes in colony size for bee populations is required. This has implications for regulatory bodies outside the European Union.
Debt Covenant Violations, Firm Financial Distress, and Auditor Actions
Authors: Bhaskar Lori Shefchik , Krishnan Gopal V. , Yu Wei 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe conduct a comprehensive study on the associations between debt covenant violations (“violations”) and auditor actions for financially distressed and nondistressed firms. Our study is motivated by a lack of research on the consequences of violations resulting from auditors' actions. We find that firms with violations have significantly higher audit fees, a greater likelihood of receiving a going‐concern opinion, and a greater likelihood of experiencing an auditor resignation. Importantly, the positive associations hold for all types of firms, including financially nondistressed firms. In fact, we find that, after controlling for other financial information, the relation between violations and an increased likelihood of a going‐concern opinion is stronger for nondistressed versus distressed firms. Our evidence is consistent with belief‐revision research in auditing that finds auditors react more strongly to information that is inconsistent with their prior beliefs. This study provides further evidence on the indirect yet significant consequences of covenant violations on firms resulting from auditor actions.
Absorptive Capacity and Ambidexterity in R&D: Linking Technology Alliance Diversity and Firm Innovation
Authors: Lucena Abel , Roper Stephen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study is to examine how firms realize the benefits associated with a diverse range of technology alliances. We propose and test the hypothesis that firms’ knowledge combinative capabilities mediate the relationship between technology alliance diversity and innovation. Using panel data for Spanish manufacturing companies during the period 2004–2011, we provide evidence that firms’ absorptive capacity and ambidexterity in R&D serve as mediating mechanisms between technology alliance diversity and innovative performance. Our study advances the literature on technology alliances by showing how firms use their portfolios of technology alliances to form their combinative capabilities, and subsequently, to enhance innovation outcomes.
Emergence of white pine needle damage in the northeastern United States is associated with changes in pathogen pressure in response to climate change
Authors: Wyka Stephen A. , Smith Cheryl , Munck Isabel A. , Rock Barrett N. , Ziniti Beth L. , Broders Kirk 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe defoliation of the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) across the northeastern United States is an escalating concern threatening the ecological health of northern forests and economic vitality of the region's lumber industry. First documented in the spring of 2010 affecting 24 328 hectares in the state of Maine, white pine needle damage (WPND) has continued to spread and is now well established in all New England states. While causal agents ofWPNDare known, current research is lacking in both sampling distribution and the specific environmental factor(s) that affect the development and spread of this disease complex. This study aims to construct a more detailed distribution map of the four primary causal agents within the region, as well as utilize long‐termWPNDmonitoring plots and data collected from land‐based weather stations to develop a climatic model to predict the severity of defoliation events in the proceeding year. Sampling results showed a greater distribution ofWPNDthan previously reported.WPNDwas generally found in forest stands that compromised >50% eastern white pine by basal area. No single species, nor a specific combination of species had a dominating presence in particular states or regions, thus supporting the disease complex theory thatWPNDis neither caused by an individual species nor by a specific combination of species. In addition, regional weather data confirmed the trend of increasing temperature and precipitation observed in this region with the previous year's May, June, and July rainfall being the best predictor of defoliation events in the following year. Climatic models were developed to aid land managers in predicting disease severity and accordingly adjust their management decisions. Our results clearly demonstrate the role changing climate patterns have on the health of eastern white pine in the northeastern United States.
Long‐term climate impacts on breeding bird phenology in Pennsylvania,USA
Authors: McDermott Molly E. , DeGroote Lucas W. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractClimate change is influencing bird phenology worldwide, but we still lack information on how many species are responding over long temporal periods. We assessed how climate affected passerine reproductive timing and productivity at a constant effort mist‐netting station in western Pennsylvania using a model comparison approach. Several lines of evidence point to the sensitivity of 21 breeding passerines to climate change over five decades. The trends for temperature and precipitation over 53 years were slightly positive due to intraseasonal variation, with the greatest temperature increases and precipitation declines in early spring. Regardless of broodedness, migration distance, or breeding season, 13 species hatched young earlier over time with most advancing >3 days per decade. Warm springs were associated with earlier captures of juveniles for 14 species, ranging from 1‐ to 3‐day advancement for every 1 °C increase. This timing was less likely to be influenced by spring precipitation; nevertheless, higher rainfall was usually associated with later appearance of juveniles and breeding condition in females. Temperature and precipitation were positively related to productivity for seven and eleven species, respectively, with negative relations evident for six and eight species. We found that birds fledged young earlier with increasing spring temperatures, potentially benefiting some multibrooded species. Indeed, some extended the duration of breeding in these warm years. Yet, a few species fledged fewer juveniles in warmer and wetter seasons, indicating that expected future increases could be detrimental to locally breeding populations. Although there were no clear relationships between life history traits and breeding phenology, species‐specific responses to climate found in our study provide novel insights into phenological flexibility in songbirds. Our research underscores the value of long‐term monitoring studies and the importance of continuing constant effort sampling in the face of climate change.
Physicochemical parameters, bioactive compounds and microbial quality of sonicated pear juice
Authors: Saeeduddin Muhammad , Abid Muhammad , Jabbar Saqib , Hu Bing , Hashim Malik Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Ammar , Xie Minhao , Wu Tao , Zeng Xiaoxiong 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThis study was carried out to investigate the effect of sonication on physicochemical parameters and microorganisms of pear juice. Ultrasound processing of fresh pear juice was done at fixed amplitude [70% (500 W) and frequency (25 kHz) for 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min at 25 °C. Total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity and Ca and Mn remained stable, while the cloud value, ascorbic acid, total phenols, total flavonoids, total antioxidant capacity, sugar contents and Na, K, Fe and Mg showed a significant increase. Decreases in microbial population and P and Cu were also observed. It may be inferred that ultrasound processing for 60 min exhibited optimum results in terms of physicochemical and microbial quality.
Does Data Collection Device Affect Sensory Descriptive Analysis Results?
Authors: Fisher C.M. , King S.K. , Castura J.C. , Findlay C.J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine if data capture device type had a significant influence on sensory descriptive analysis results. 12 trained assessors evaluated 4 snack bar products in triplicate on each of three devices (iPod, iPad, external monitor). Four‐way univariate analysis of variance detected no significant product by device interaction in 19 of 20 attributes. Products were ranked in a similar manner with regards to attribute intensity on all devices. Both Principal Component Analysis and Generalized Procrustes Analysis multivariate configurations showed very similar arrangements for all products and devices. The input device is identified as a potential factor in the trend toward lower absolute scale values with increasing screen sizes.Practical ApplicationsThe computerized devices that are available for sensory data collection have changed over the years. Research facilities often compare historical data to newly obtained data sets; however, the question remains: can data be compared when different data collection devices were used? This study determined that descriptive analysis test results are comparable if data are collected on an iPod, an iPad and a laptop with a monitor display.